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6-8 green peppers (small ones work best for more pepper flavor)
4 lbs ground meat mixture (a mixture of ground beef and ground pork)
¾ cup long grain rice (do not use instant)
1 onion
1 Teaspoon minced garlic from jar or 3-4 cloves chopped fine.
2 cans of diced tomatoes -14.5 oz size. Can use plain or seasoned. If you like your food spicy you can use the fire-roasted diced tomatoes.
Salt, pepper to taste
1 Tablespoon paprika
small can of diced green chilies (optional)
Small amount of oil
Large roasting pan (I prefer to use the blue speckled with lid-it gives the peppers a darker color when roasted)
In a sauce pan large enough to brown all the meat, first dice and sauté onion and garlic in small amount of oil until translucent. Add rice to onion mixture and mix well so rice gets coated with the oil and onion flavor. Add 1 and 1/5 cans of the diced tomatoes to this mixture. Continue sautéing for a few minutes and then remove to a side dish.
In same pan brown the beef and pork. You want it to be ground loosely in small pieces. Can use a potato masher as it browns to achieve this. Spoon out meat to side dish and drain excess grease. Return meat, onion mixture, salt, pepper and paprika to pan. Continue to break up meat if there are still large chunks. If everyone in the family likes spicy food, a few tablespoons or small can of green chilies can be added to the meat mixture.
While the meat is browning prepare the green peppers. Wash, slice off tops and scoop out seeds and membranes. Dice the tops into small pieces which you can add to the meat mixture for more flavor and color. Put a thin layer of meat mixture in bottom of roasting pan. Stuff each pepper with meat mixture and lay each pepper on it's side in pan. Put excess meat in-between peppers or on top. Add the other ½ can of diced tomatoes on top. Add water to pan, about ¼ of the way up.
Bake covered at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Then turn peppers carefully so as not to spill filling but so other side of pepper is facing up. If all the water has been absorbed, you might want to add a little more.
Bake another 30 minutes with lid.
Remove lid and continue baking for about 20 minutes to darken the skin of the pepper. Peppers can be rotated once again during this time. (Some people par-boil the peppers to remove the skin but I have never done this. For those who prefer not to eat the skin, it can be easily peeled off when it is charred from the roasting.
Serving at table. Spoon out a pepper and add some of the loose meat beside it. A nice garnish is crumbled
Feta cheese sprinkled over it or red pepper flakes for extra seasoning.


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How To Be a Good Girlfriend For Your Guy? 50 Must Know Tips
"Stand by your man,
Give him two arms to cling to,
And something warm to come home to,
Stand by your man,
And show the world you love him,
Keep giving all the love you can."
– Tammy Wynette
How to be the perfect girlfriend for your guy? There's more to it than just standing by your man, but the lyrics by songstress Tammy Wynette perfectly sum up what men look for in a girl: They want someone who's going to be there for them.
The problem is that it's never easy to know what else they want because guys have this thing where they very rarely talk about their feelings. They keep things bottled up and never tell us what they want us to do.
This can make it hard for you as you aim to be the best girlfriend ever. But it's okay because Beauty and Tips has got you covered. Let's take a look at…
50 Things you need to do to be the perfect girlfriend
Show Him That You Need Him
Nowadays, women are more independent than ever. Feminism has liberated us, more and more women are landing top-level jobs – and we don't really need men.
This is problematic because many of us still want men.
But the thing is, a guy isn't going to be drawn to you if you can't show him that there's a need he can fill.
Biologically guys are still the same. They want to play the role of provider, and they want to fill needs.
It's important that you show him that you're confident, ambitious and even independent to a degree – but it's also key that you show him that there's a need he can fill.
You can do this by letting him fix stuff for you. Show him that you still depend on him for certain things – ask him to help you write a business proposal, ask let him carry for the shopping from the car to the house for you. These are small things but they mean a lot of a man. If you can do everything by yourself, you're making his role totally redundant. And that isn't cool, and it won't help you with this relationship.
Be Spontaneous
Most people like some structure, but if you're a total control freak who refuses to do anything spontaneously, you'll struggle to keep hold of a guy.
Guys like to do things on the fly; they enjoy freedom and flexibility, and they don't want to be constrained by restrictions all the time. If you can't do something because you weren't given any prior warning, and if you constantly act like this, he'll seek adventure elsewhere.
Loosen up and be spontaneous. Be a little crazy if necessary. What's the worst that can happen?!
Give Him His Space
He loves spending time with you. He loves being with you and doing stuff with you.
But he also needs his own space, and he needs you to respect that.
Guys do guy stuff. They have beers with their buddies in the bar (and no girls are allowed). They go to sports games.
They like to spend time by themselves, too; they go fishing, they sit in their sheds and indulge in their hobbies.
If you impose too much on his space and are too demanding on his space, your guy won't be too happy at all. You won't be the perfect girlfriend – you'll be the worst!
Enjoy your own space and let him enjoy his. Spend time together but don't be afraid of spending time apart either.
Don't Be Insecure
We know this one is easier said than done. If you have a lot of insecurities and have always had them, it's very hard to just banish them.
The problem is that, if you can't at least keep them under control, it's going to end your relationship. They will manifest themselves in ways that create distance between you and your boyfriend. They'll eat away at you and chip away at your relationship.
Perfect girlfriends don't let their insecurities get the better of them. If they have them (and we all do), they control them.
Don't Judge Him
Guys aren't always the most self aware. They'll wear ridiculous clothes and do ridiculous things.
But as easy – and tempting – as it is to judge guys for what they do, this is the LAST thing you should do.
In his mind, the things he does are totally cool. They are his decisions and his mistakes to make.
If you judge him and tell him not to do stuff? It's going to annoy him and put distance between the two of you.
Be a non-judgemental person for him. Offer criticism and advice but don't judge.
Be Happy Around Him!
Imagine if he turns up to meet you one day and you have a sour face?
Imagine if he hangs out with you and all you can do is complain and whine?
And what if you're sad all the time?
Be happy!
Laugh with him, tell jokes and have a fun time. Make him want to see you again and again!
Support Him
As well as not being very self aware a lot of the time, guys often harbour pretty big ambitions and dreams.
Hey, sometimes they achieve their dreams and that's amazing, it really is.
But sometimes they don't – and sometimes you know they never will.
However, if you're in a relationship with a guy you HAVE to support his dreams, goals and ambitions.
Be his biggest cheerleader. Be the one on the sideline who's telling him he can do this. Pick him up when he's down, show him that you believe in him. He can't do anything without you – needs you by his side. Don't let him down.
Take an Interest In His Interests
Naturally, there will be things he's into that you either don't dig at all or don't have any knowledge about.
But instead or remaining ignorant or apathetic, show some interest in his interests.
Why? A guy doesn't need you to take up his passions and hobbies, but he wants to share them with you. Hobbies mean a lot to men and they want to take to their partners about them. Let him. Ask questions about his interests – take an interest.
Feed Him!
They say that the best way to a man's stomach.
But this surely isn't true, right?
Actually, it probably is.
In a man's eyes, if you can cook great meals, you're a keeper.
Look, men get hungry a lot. They eat a LOT.
They don't always have the time to cook themselves, and when they do try to cook, they usually burn something.
Which is why it's really great when a girl comes along who can not only cook, but who can cook amazingly well.
Heard the expression "hangry"? It refers to someone who's so hungry that they're now angry.
When guys eat good food, they feel AMAZING. And they have a lot of love for whoever cooked them that good food. Just make sure it's you, okay? Great.
Don't Possess Him
Yeah, he kinda is yours.
But that's not the same as him being your property.
If you try to possess him, he'll start to feel trapped and he'll want out.
To be the perfect girlfriend, you need to act like he's yours – but you mustn't possess him. It's a fine line but it's as simple as giving him his space and letting him live his life. Don't hem him in.
Get Along With His Friends
We know. The first time you met his friends, you didn't like them.
Maybe you darn well hated them. They drink, make crude jokes, watch sports and seem a bit lazy.
But hey they're his friends. They're his crew and the last thing he wants is a conflict between you and his friends.
Guys need their girls to get along with their friends, otherwise this just isn't going to work. Work hard to get to know his friends. If you really don't like them, just deal with them. But don't make this aspect of your relationship difficult because it could ultimately cost you.
Trust Him
True, trust has to be earned. But some girls literally never trust their men – even when their men haven't done anything to break the trust.
If your guy has never cheated on you, you need to show him that you trust him. This is VERY important. Without trust, a relationship just can't survive. You might not realise it, but your lack of trust will manifest itself in various ways via snide comments or bad habits that begin to get on his nerves.
You might say things like, "you've been seeing a lot of her recently," and while in your mind you just want some reassurance from him, he's going to think you don't trust him – and this can erode a relationship.
Show him you trust him. Don't be jealous. Let him do his thing, be positive and confident in yourself and what you bring to this relationship. Why would he want to look anywhere else when he has you?
Be Positive
Nobody wants a negative girlfriend who can't even bring herself to smile.
And your man certainly doesn't want that.
Negativity brings us down. It infects us and kills our spirit.
If you want to be the perfect girlfriend for your guy, you need to have a positive outlook.
Be a glass is half full person. Be optimistic about everything that you do. Smile, laugh, adopt a can-do attitude.
Be Sympathetic When He's Hungover
Admit it – you LOL'd.
We LOL'd when we wrote this and had to ask ourselves, "can we really include this?"
But you know what? We sure can!
Look, every now and then, a guy wants to go out drinking with his buddies. As long as he doesn't do it all the time, we think any girl should be totally cool with it.
The morning after the night before, he's going to be pretty tired and hungover.
Which means that, no, he probably won't be in the mood to go shopping with you.
And, no, he won't want to work on the bathroom today.
And, no, he won't want to see your mom.
He might not even want to spend much time with you. Instead, he'll probably want to curl up into a ball and just die.
So let him do that. Don't nag him, don't nudge him, don't berate him and don't complain to him about him. Just let him be.
And THAT'S what makes the perfect girlfriend, ladies.
Don't Speak Ill Of Him To Others
We can't for the life of us think why a woman would ever speak badly of her boyfriend to her friends. But it happens.
Will he ever find out? Maybe not. But how you act when he's not around matters just as much as how you act when he is around. If you've no integrity and don't mind bad mouthing him, you're not a perfect girlfriend.
Love Yourself
You know what he really wants you to do? He wants you to love yourself.
He doesn't want you to hate and berate yourself. He doesn't want you to obsess over your stomach, declare that no clothes look good on you, and refuse to leave the house because of how you look.
He doesn't want you to cry constantly about your looks, and he definitely doesn't want you to tell him repeatedly that you hate yourself.
It makes you feel lousy, it makes him feel lousy and it ruins the relationship.
So don't do it. To be the best girlfriend possible, present to him the best version of you possible. Love yourself and your relationship with your man will flower.
Don't Make Him Feel Jealous
We know you wouldn't cheat on him and maybe he knows it too.
But what you might not realise is that some of your behaviour might be causing him to feel jealous … and that's kinda not cool.
Flirting with other guys? Not cool.
Talking to other guys a lot online? Not cool.
Being really secretive over your phone and who you talk to? Not cool.
Got a "work husband"? NOT COOL.
For this to work, you need to be the perfect girlfriend. And to be the perfect girlfriend, you need to make sure that he has no reasons to feel jealous.
If he feels jealous without you doing anything to provoke it, that's his problems. But if you know that you're doing stuff that could upset him and make him jelly, you need to cut it out.
Surprise Him
We all know that girls love surprises, but did you know that guys love surprises, too?
Yup, they totally do!
Buy him an unexpected gift now and then. It doesn't have to be anything major – it could be a ticket to see his favourite team, or it could be a McDonald's meal that you picked up on the way home from work.
Each time you get him an awesome surprise, we can guarantee that he'll brag to his mates about you.
"Guys, I've got the best girlfriend EVER."
Compliment Him
We know guys who say that their girlfriends NEVER complimented them.
Weird, huh?
There are girls out there who – for whatever reason – keep their compliments to themselves. They might like something about a guy but they don't come out and say it.
And the one time they do shoot him a compliment is to say that his sweater looks good.
Really? Is that the best you've got?
During the first few weeks of dating, guys want to hear comments about how they look.
"You have great lips," or "I love your eyes," always go down well.
But once the two of you have settled into a cosy relationship, they want you to go into specifics. They want you to compliment their intangible qualities that essentially make them who they are.
For example you could say to your man that you love the way he protects you and looks after you. Or you could say that you love the way he picks you up when you feel down.
These are very specific compliments that will make him feel good about himself, as well as this relationship at large.
From now on, stop keeping those compliments locked up. Open your mouth, find something you love about him and let him know, girl! He WANTS to hear it.
Introduce Him To Your Male Friends
Got male friends? Got male friends you're actually kinda close to?
Then don't you think it's time that you introduced your boyfriend to your male friends?
Look, he knows you hang out with guys. You've told him.
But what he doesn't know is what goes on when you hang out with guys.
You come home from work and you talk to him about your day. You mention Kevin from HR who you have a laugh with.
To you, this is totally innocent. Sure, you have a laugh with Kevin from HR but you know that you'd never date him. You don't see him like that.
The problem is that your boyfriend has never met Kevin from HR and has no idea what he's really like. Is he ridiculously good looking, is he charming, is he trying to get into you?
So that your boyfriend doesn't start to get worried, paranoid or even jealous, the best thing to do is to let him meet your male friends. It will put his mind at rest and strengthen your relationship. Organise an evening out where you can all meet and let him see that your male friends are just that – friends you would never date.
Listen to Him When He's In a Bad Mood
Okay, we all know that guys can get into some pretty bad moods.
Sometimes, they get into some vicious moods.
But look, when your man isn't doing so well – perhaps he's had a fight with his best friend or had a bad day at the office – he doesn't need you to offer him solutions. He isn't looking for someone who has all the answers.
He just wants you to listen.
This can be hard to do for some women; we feel like it's our duty to intervene and offer our man some advice.
But he doesn't want that. He just wants you to smooth out his mood by giving him your ear.
Alternatively, instead of giving him advice, disrupt his patten of thought by taking him somewhere. Take his mind off things with a meal or a drive. Suggest that the two of you do something together. Be the perfect girlfriend.
Be On Time (ish)
There was an episode of the American sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond that perfectly illustrated how frustrated men get when their partners are always late.
Ray finally snaps when his wife is late once again for an important dinner. At the end of his wits, and firmly believing that she doesn't respect him, he drives off without her.
Of course, it's the wrong way to deal with the situation, and Ray probably got it wrong when he thought his wife's constant lateness meant she didn't care for him. But the fact is that our lateness can really get on a man's nerves.
Women take time to get ready. We know this and guys know this. But if you're constantly late for things – especially things that are important to him – you're not playing the rule of perfect girlfriend.
Try to be on time most of the time. If you must be late, try not to be more than 10 minutes late. He'll really appreciate it and you'll be moving up to the role of perfect girlfriend, yay!
Do Your Own Thing
It's real sweet when a woman takes an interest in a man's hobbies. He likes that. He wants you to show an interest in what he does.
It's not even so bad if you watch a game with him now and then, and even take a liking to one of his hobbies.
Things become an issue, though, when all of his hobbies become your hobbies – or when you no longer have any hobbies of your own.
Basically, you've decided that the two of you are One and that you have no life outside this relationship.
Cute? Nope. It's going to suffocate him.
A guy – any guy – wants his girl to do her own thing. He wants her to have her own life outside this relationship.
He wants her to have her own hobbies and her own interests.
The last thing he wants is for him to be pottering away with his hobby while you sit on the couch with your phone, huffing because you won't spend the time with him.
When he's busy doing his thing, make sure you're busy doing your thing – he'll love that.
Show Him Love
Show him love – lots of love. Hold him, cuddle him, hug him and embrace him.
Pick him up when he's down. Look after him when he's sick. Be nice to him, be kind to him and don't be intentionally mean to him.
Display your love, show your love and love him with all that you've got.
Let Him Watch His Sports
Some girls get really fussy about this one.
"You know, I'm glad he isn't into sports. I couldn't date someone who's into sports."
Er, he WAS into sports until you told him he couldn't watch them anymore!
The thing is that most guys love sports – it's probably something like 8 out of 10 guys.
Some guys love more than one sports; they'll watch soccer, basketball, cricket, golf … the works!
And his love of sports isn't something you should tamper with. Instead, you should just let him enjoy it.
Naturally, you don't want a boyfriend whose life is literally consumed by sports – that would be hell. If he watches a tad too much, just have a chat with him and tell him you'd like him to cut his obsession down.
Otherwise, don't nag him. Don't demand he has to go shopping with you or see your mother in law when the playoffs are on. Show him that you're willing to let him enjoy his sports. It'll make you the perfect girlfriend in his eyes.
Be Clear About Stuff
Oh, you hate mind games? We've got news for you – guys hate mind games, too.
They HATE it when you're vague about your feelings. They want clarity from you. Otherwise? This is a relationship that's too stressful for them. It's not what they need – and they might be inclined to look elsewhere.
That sounds harsh but guys want honesty. They want you to tell them EXACTLY what you're thinking. Don't make them guess. Don't "test" them by seeing how well they know you without you having to say something. Speak up and be clear about what you want and how you're feeling.
Look After Yourself
It's okay to pig out and eat junk now and then.
But it's not okay to let yourself go so that it looks as though you don't care about yourself anymore.
Keep in shape. Eat healthily. Look after your body and health for him.
Look Great When You Go Out With Him
Guys really appreciate it when their women make the effort to look great each time they go out together.
We don't mean that you should take the time to get dolled up to pop to the shops. But if you're going out – even if it's just to hang out with his friends – he wants you to look fabulous.
Guys want to show their women off. He loves you, you're beautiful and having you by his side makes him feel amazing. It makes him feel confident and awesome and he appreciates how much time it takes you to get yourself ready so that you look amazing each time you step out with him.
Aim For Equality
Sure, men like to take the lead. They like to play the role of protector and they want to be able to care for you and provide for you.
Men also like it when they earn the most money out of the two of you. It validates their role in this relationship.
At the same time, guys don't like to be taken for a ride. As much as they want to play their role, they want you to play your roles, too.
Equality is important in a relationship. Who should pay for dates? The guy will happily pay for the first one, but he'll be expecting you to be equally generous with your money.
Don't put all of this on him and make him put in all the effort. Aim for equality.
Be a Woman
This one sounds like it should be obvious, but in 2018 it sadly isn't.
Too many woman are focused on political correctness, rights and "overcoming the patriarchy" that they forget what it means to be a woman.
To be a woman means to know and use your femininity. This means looking nice, smelling nice. It means not cussing in public, not being vulgar and not giving into gossip. It means not being more drunk than him in public and causing a scene. It means be polite with your language, respectful with your dress and courteous with your manners.
It means carrying yourself with grace, taking care of yourself. It means being sensitive, well-spoken, compassionate, loving and caring.
Be the Best Girlfriend Ever Around His Parents
As well as impressing him with your perfect girlfriend act, you also need to impress his parents.
The best way to a man's heart (after his stomach) is through his parents. If you set a shining example in front of his mom and she falls in love with you, you're doing well.
Don't stop there – be a doll around his whole family! Make sure they love you, girl!
Don't Nag Him
We all try not to be the girlfriend who nags our man. We grew up with our mom who nagged our dad and we knew how much he hated it.
We told ourselves we're not going to nag our boyfriends. It's 2018 and nagging is old school.
Yet somehow, somewhere along the line, we started to nag. How did THAT happen?!
Nagging seems to be in the female DNA (it actually isn't) and it can ruin relationships. We don't like to do it, guys hate it – yet we still do it.
We could pin the blame on the man and say that if he actually did what we asked him to do the first time, there'd be no need to nag him.
However, this one is all on you. If you don't want to nag him but want him to do something, you'll need to change how you talk to him.
Don't order him to do something – ask him.
If he still hasn't done it – ask him kindly again but in a way that he'll respond.
Say something like, "If I do the laundry tonight, could you take care of that mess in the garage? It would be a massive help and then we could watch a movie together."
Nagging will just annoy him and make him not want to do something. You need to talk to him like he's a proper human being, ha!
Be Confident
Yes, a man wants to be around a woman who's sure of herself. He wants to be with a woman who's sure of her role in this relationship and who knows that she's the best thing for her man right now.
So display your confidence. Don't ruin this by constantly asking him if he still likes you. Present the best version of yourself to him. Be secure about yourself and this relationship. He'll LOVE that.
Don't Flirt With Others
Ever. If you do this, you're giving him a reason to be jealous, and you're also going to hurt him pretty badly.
For as long as you're with him, your flirting day are over.
Stroke His Ego
Girl, we all know about the male ego.
If you know about it, why aren't you stroking it yet?!
The male ego NEEDS to be stroked. Modern man literally can't cope unless he's told how awesome he is. He'll malfunction!
Tell him that you love his strength, his muscles, his hair, his smile. Boost his confidence every once in a while. Your relationship will definitely improve.
Give Him What He Wants and Needs
You can't really give him what he wants and needs until you know what these are. Find out what they are, and make damn sure you meet his requirements.
Don't Ask Lots of Questions
"So where have you been today?"
"What have you been up to?"
"Why didn't you do what I asked you to do?"
Asking him lots of questions is a lot like nagging him – and he hates it. He hates his every move being questioned, and this is a surefire way to land yourself in his bad books as The Bad Girlfriend.
Just quit the questions. Have some trust. You don't NEED to know his every move.
If he's going out with the boys, you don't need to know where he's going.
If he's an hour late coming home from a night with the boys, you don't need to ask him why.
Take it easy, be nice and chill and let him do his thing. Be confident in your role here and have trust in him. These two things will make your relationship so much easier and they'll improve your relationship hugely.
Help Him Out
We're sure there's been lots of times when he's helped you out. So are you going to return the favour and help him out? Or are you going to go missing?
When he needs help, be there for him. If he asks you to lend him a hand, lend it. Let him know that he can count on you when he needs it.
Quit Bringing up His Past Mistakes
Guys HATE this.
Let's imagine that you two had planned to go to a concert together. It was a band you both liked and you were looking forward to it.
Then he cancelled.
He didn't cancel because he was sick – he canceled because there was an important soccer game on that night that he HAD to see.
The thing is that he'd always told you this could happen (because of the playoffs or something, who knows?!), but you were still left reeling.
To you, it wasn't so much that it was unforgivable – it was more that you felt spurned. It felt like it was him showing you that he actually doesn't love you all that much
And so for the next few months and even years, you continue to bring it up.
"This is just like that time you cancelled on me for that concert!"
Sadly, girls are like this. We can't let go of things. We don't really want to do it, but we can't help reminding our men of the times they've stood us up or let us down. We want to punish them for their mistakes.
Guys don't like this and it doesn't make you a perfect girlfriend. They KNOW they made a mistake and they're going to try really hard to make sure it doesn't happen again. But they don't want you to constantly remind them of their mistakes. So don't do it.
Smell Amazing
Guys don't like to go shopping for perfumes, and they haven't got a clue what scent you're wearing today.
All they know is that they like it when their woman smells amazing. So smell amazing for him!
Do you have other tips on how to be a good girlfriend? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Stay happy!

subset: commoncrawl


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May 17, 2016
Blyszak Eyewear
Posted in Fashion
We would like to introduce to you Blyszak, an ethically-sourced buffalo horn and metal eyewear brand by Andrew Blyszak. Originally intended for personal use, the brand launched last year as Blyszak found that the matte black design had a broad gender neutral appeal. The pieces...


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His Excellency Mr. Danilo Medina, President of the Dominican Republic
H. E. Danilo Medina Sánchez, President of the Dominican Republic was born on November 10, 1951 in Arroyo Cano a rural community in the southern Dominican province of San Juan. He is the oldest of eight children fathered by Juan Pablo Medina and Amelia Sanchez (deceased), small landowners in that district.
President Medina married in 1987 to psychologist Candida Montilla de Medina. They have built a beautiful family, also composed of three beloved daughters: Candy Sibely, Vanessa Daniela and Ana Paula, the youngest of the three.
His family environment, humble origins and great politicization that existed in his native San Juan, helped him to develop a keen social awareness and a commitment to deep change in the material conditions affecting his community and his own family.
From his early years as a student, his qualities as a receptive, dedicated and disciplined personality were reflected in his academic ability at PS "Francisco del Rosario Sanchez". These conditions allowed him to graduate from high school in Commercial Sciences, with the "Best Student" honor in the Liceo "Pedro Henríquez Ureña" in San Juan de la Maguana, obtaining the highest grades in his class.
He continued his career training at upper level studying Chemical Engineering at the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo (UASD), and Economics at the Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo (INTEC), where he also graduated with honors (Magna Cum Laude) in 1984.
The political career of Danilo Medina started at the Dominican Liberation Party (PLD) in 1973, along with his fellow comrades of the Socialist Democratic University Front (FUSD), supporting Professor Juan Bosch and his project of founding the PLD (Partido de la Liberacion Dominicana).
Later, in 1974, he participated actively in the creation of the Student Liberation Front (FEL), the new organization promoting the political orientations of Professor Bosch, performing multiple functions in the body politic: Deputy Secretary of organization, member of the Central Committee and the Political Committee. These positions of leadership were the recognition of his dedication, hard work and ability.
Practical, strong and enthusiastic, President Danilo Medina is a great servant to the nation, leading a variety of State agencies. As such, he was elected Congressman in 1986, 1990 and 1994. Additionally he was elected spokesman of the Group of the Party of Liberation Dominicana (PLD) in the National Congress in 1990-1994, and chairman of the Committee on Social and Provisional Affairs at the Latin American Parliament (PARLATINO).
Both in his public and private life, President Medina is of austere character, firm on principles, and flexibility in the application of the methods, and therefore in the exercise of their public responsibilities. When he has been in leadership positions in the PLD, he has been contrary to exclusions, expressing solidarity and being auspicious to all colleagues, whom he has supported and promoted.
His political career continued rising, showing in all positions his integrity, his strong character and his ability to be helpful to others, virtues that have given him the sympathy of the whole society and the respect of great international leaders.
He did a commendable job as Campaign leader for the 1994 elections, the last in which participated professor Juan Bosch as a candidate for President of the Dominican Republic, and then for the 1996 elections with the victory of Dr. Leonel Fernandez Reyna and the PLD.
In 2000, the party's base (PLD) chooses him as presidential candidate, and in the elections of 2004 he served as the Director of Strategy and Campaign Advisor of Dr. Leonel Fernández Reyna, President-elect for 2004-2008, playing a leading and instrumental role in these electoral victories.
On June 26, 2011, Danilo Medina was declared the winner of the primaries of the PLD. And on November 27, 2011 he announced that the then First Lady Margarita Cedeño de Fernandez would be his running mate as candidate for Vice President of the Dominican Republic.
Danilo Medina was elected Constitutional President of the Dominican Republic on May 20, 2012, receiving two million 323 thousand 463 votes, equivalent to 51.21% of the preference, assuming the first investiture of the nation on August 16, 2012 with the presence of more than 14 Presidents and chiefs of government as well as representatives from more than 70 countries
President Medina believes in a government that serves the people, offers equal opportunities for development and speaks truthfully, giving example of transparency and good governance, focused on values, ethics and honesty.


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Are we seeing the beginning of falling smartphone prices?
That's the question doing the rounds after news broke last week that U.S. mobile network operators and retailers are lowering the price of Blackberry's latest Z10 phone to as low as $49 with a service contract, from $199 four months earlier.
According to a research note from Macquarie, manufacturers of high-end smartphones may be forced to lower prices in the coming months, as the market nears saturation and users slow the pace of changing phones.
"We expect high-end smartphone demand to gradually plateau and price competition to intensify from the second half of 2013," analysts at the bank wrote in a report published late Thursday.
"High penetration rates in most developed countries and consumers' lengthening replacement cycles are causing a slowdown in sales growth of several leading smartphone brands," they said.
(Read More: Smartphone 'Saturation' Fears for Apple, Samsung)
With high-end smartphones likely to account for a smaller share of overall smartphone sales, this is also negative for companies operating in the supply chain, the bank warned, noting that component makers are already facing production cuts.


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On my Integrity Talk Radio show this past week I made the following comments as a tribute to the late Senator Edward (Ted) Kennedy:
How to Become a Great Fact-Checker… Fast!
The Integrity Warrior's Guide to Becoming a Great Fact-Checker… Fast!
You and I are being treated by too many people in politics and the media as though we're too stupid to develop an intelligent opinion unless we are spoon-fed predigested interpretations while being misled into believing these to be facts. This issue may well have become the biggest societal integrity deficit of our time.
On Integrity Talk Radio Thursday 27 August 2009
Who Picks Up After You?
… And Who Are You Picking Up After?
The Dysfunctional Dynamic Crippling the United States
A profoundly dysfunctional dynamic has been in the process of crippling our country during this first decade of the 21st century. And it is only gaining momentum in the world of politics, talk radio and internet blogs. This IntegrityWatch Blog post reveals the seven ingredient formula being used by unscrupulous ideologues from across the political and faith spectrums to manipulate you into supporting them and their ideology… while believing you are standing up for your own best interests and for what's best for our society.
Clashing on Cash for Clunkers
Now I'm really confused.
Change Your Diet…Eat for Life
Did you know that by simply changing your diet and lifestyle you can create radical changes:
•in your health,
•the health of your arteries,
•the quality of your life and…
•develop more confidence to become the master of your well-being?
On "Granny Killing," Euthanasia, the Right to Life & the Right to An Afterlife
According to Ceci Kennedy of the Washington Post, "a campaign on conservative talk radio, fueled by President Obama's calls to control exorbitant medical bills, has sparked fear among senior citizens that the health-care bill moving through Congress will lead to end-of-life 'rationing' and even 'euthanasia.'"


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Violin concerto : Australian postcards : for violin and orchestra
by Matthew Hindson (2001)
Also known as: Australian postcards
Score SampleView a sample of the score of this work
This sample is from the Violin with piano version of this work
Audio Sample
Performance by Sydney Youth Orchestra, Naoko Miyamoto, Tim Woods from the CD Violin concerto
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Violin concerto / Hindson ; Lara St. John, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sarah Ioannides
Library shelf no. CD 1977 [Available for loan]
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Score & Part
Violin concerto : Australian postcards, piano reduction / by Matthew Hindson
Version: This product features the Violin with piano version of this work
Library shelf no. 787.2/HIN 1 [Available for loan]
Display all products featuring this work (3 more)
Work Details
Year: 2001
Instrumentation: Piccolo, 2 flutes, 3 oboes, cor anglais, 2 clarinets in B flat, bass clarinet, 2 bassoons, contra-bassoon, 4 horns in F, 2 trumpets in C, 3 trombones, tuba, timpani, percussion (2 players), harp, strings.
Duration: 7 min.
Difficulty: Medium
Contents note: 1. Wind turbine at Kooragang Island -- Westaway -- 3. Grand Final day.
Commission note: Commissioned by Ars Musica Australis.. partly composed during the composer's time at the Peggy Glanville-Hicks House, Paddington NSW
First performance: by Sydney Youth Orchestra, Naoko Miyamoto, George Ellis — 27 Mar 01. Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, Penrith, NSW.
Program note: Matthew Hindson's "Violin Concerto"
by Matthew Hindson
Source: the score of this work
- Has as subject/About: New South Wales
- Has as subject/About: Tasmania
- Has as subject/About: Australian Identity
- In the form/style of: Concertos
Performances of this work
13 Nov 11: Barnum Hall, Santa Monica High School, CA USA. Featuring New West Symphony, Lara St John, Sarah Ioannides.
12 Nov 11: The Bank of America Performing Arts Center, Thosand Oaks, CA, USA . Featuring Lara St. John, Sarah Ioannides, New West Symphony.
11 Nov 11: Oxnard Performing Arts Center, CA, USA. Featuring New West Symphony, Sarah Ioannides, Lara St John.
19 Feb 2011: at Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra (Eastmann Theater). Featuring Lara St John, Sarah Ioannides, Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra.
17 Feb 2011: at Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra (Eastmann Theater). Featuring Lara St John, Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Sarah Ioannides.
11 Jul 01: Concert Hall, Musikhuset Esbjerg, Denmark.. Featuring Naoko Miyamoto, Sydney Youth Orchestra, Tim Woods.
27 Mar 01: Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, Penrith, NSW.. Featuring George Ellis, Naoko Miyamoto, Sydney Youth Orchestra.
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Study visas
All non-South African students, including students who will only be doing research and not attending classes, require Study Permits or an endorsed visitor's visa. Application should be lodged in your country of origin and you are advised to await the outcome BEFORE travelling to Stellenbosch.
If attending Stellenbosch University for less than three months (i.e. for research purposes) you will not need a study permit. However, you do need a Visitor's Visa with an endorsement / condition stating clearly the purpose of your visit.
Without this document you cannot be registered. Students with passports from countries that have been exempted from tourist visas are still obliged to apply for the Visitor's Visa with the special endorsement. If you enter the country without such an endorsement you may be requested to leave the country. Without such a document the University cannot register you.
Your application for a study permit must be lodged at your nearest South African representative (in your home country) and you may not enter South Africa without a valid study permit.
It is your responsibility to maintain its validity. Your study permit should stay valid in the passport for 30 days. Renewals should be applied for at least eight (8) weeks prior to the expiry date. Assistance and forms are available at the Postgraduate & International Office.
Nearest branches
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Information Office:
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A man was arrested for harassing a woman wearing a shirt with a Puerto Rican flag — and a police officer is being investigated for not intervening.
On Tuesday, the hashtag #MericaMax went viral regarding the harassment of a Chicago woman named Mia Irizarry, who was celebrating her 24th birthday in the Forest Preserves of Cook County, when a man started berating her about her shirt. The June incident, which the governor of Puerto Rico said "appalled, shocked, and disturbed" him, spread shock on social media.
"Why are you wearing that?" the man points to Irizarry in Facebook Live footage she captured, while repeatedly demanding to know her citizenship status.
Turning toward a policeman, who was standing several feet away, Irizarry said, "Officer, I'm renting this area and he's harassing me about this shirt that I'm wearing." She also instructed the man to move away from her.
When the policeman didn't respond, Irizarry says, "Officer, I feel highly uncomfortable. Can you please grab him?" to which he turns his head and walks in the opposite direction.
"As you can see, the police, he's not even grabbing him," Irizarry says to her viewers. "This guy's just walking up to me, he basically got in my face, damn near almost touched me."
The man again approaches Irizarry in a threatening manner while she begs him to stay away.
A man suddenly yells off camera, "Puerto Rico is an American state! They voted for your president!" while Irizarry's brother approaches the cop himself.
The officer appears to finally engage and Irizarry can be heard saying, "OK, well how come you're saying something when [my brother's] going up, but when he was coming up to me, you didn't do anything?"
While the man paces and shouts "Shut the f*** up!" Irizarry zooms in on the officer. "[He] did absolutely nothing," she says. "It says ICE on his car so he probably thinks I'm illegal…."
Finally, multiple police cars pull up, responding to a separate incident, and a female officer informs the man he's intoxicated. "Well, that's your judgment," he responds. She then warns him, "You don't come here harassing people. People have just as much right to be here as you and when you're drunk, you don't belong here."
Ironically, the initial officer wound up taking the official report from Irizarry, who pointed out that she asked for his assistance multiple times. The cop responded by calling the man a "big mouth."
"Well, I guess you just never know," replied Irizarry.
"Had he been a black man coming at a white woman, I swear he would have done something," Irizarry tells the camera at one point. People on Twitter called the officer "worthless" and noted that Puerto Rico is a United States commonwealth and its people American citizens. The incident was also called racist. Irizarry did not respond to Yahoo Lifestyle's request for comment.
Where can I get my Puerto Rico shirt? It seems to annoy the hell out of the Trump supporters, I want one. This man is ridiculous! The police officer should be reprimanded or fired.
— MockingJayMom (@MockingJayMom) July 9, 2018
Today a video surfaced of an undignified event in which a Puerto Rican woman was brutally harassed by a bigot while an officer did not interfere. I am appalled, shocked & disturbed by the officer's behavior https://t.co/F9L4ewt1Ac @DavidBegnaud @ACLU
— Ricardo Rossello (@ricardorossello) July 10, 2018
If she was blonde hair and blue eyed wearing a Puerto Rico shirt 1. she would not have even been bothered in THAT way 2. the police would have intervened
— Simone RC 🇺🇸🇨🇦💜 (@Simone_RC67) July 9, 2018
The Forest Preserves, which Yahoo Lifestyle could not reach for comment, tweeted that the officer had been reassigned to desk duty until an investigation is complete, and that the intoxicated man had been arrested for disorderly conduct and assault.
The investigation is ongoing and the officer involved has been assigned to desk duty pending the outcome. The intoxicated individual involved in the incident was arrested and charged with assault and disorderly conduct.
— Forest Preserves (@FPDCC) July 9, 2018
All people are welcome in the Forest Preserves of Cook County and no one should feel unsafe while visiting our preserves.
— Forest Preserves (@FPDCC) July 9, 2018
Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle:
- 'The View' co-host Sunny Hostin says a group of 'violent' kids called her the n-word
- 'Mourning While Black': Family, including dead woman, kicked out of church by priest
- Rodan + Fields fires woman dubbed 'Pool Patrol Paula' after alleged assault on black teens at pool
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day.


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Simple skillet vegetables and rice, my new favorite comfort food/
I love simple. I love flavorful. I love comfort foods.
And this recipe is all three.
Over the weekend my mother-in-law was in town. Jason and I were cooking her dinner when I was coming up with a side dish.
Jason said, why don't you cook this rice and add in the carrots and celery in the fridge... Umm... he's a genius.
So this is what we did. And this is what you'll need:
1 cup uncooked rice or one box Uncle Ben's Rice Pilaf (we used the rice pilaf)
2 large carrots, cut into bite sized pieces
4 large pieces of celery, diced
1/2 a large white onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tsp dried dill (see how I dry mine here.)
1 bay leaf
salt and pepper
Cook your rice according to packet directions. In a skillet warm some olive oil and add in your carrots and celery.
Add in your dill and bay leaf.
Once that has cooked for about five or ten minutes add in your onion and garlic. Cook until the onion is clear.
Mix your cooked rice into the skillet.
Here are some more options:
You can use brown rice cooked in broth.
You could also add in some leftover chicken for a complete meal.
It is so good and budget friendly, I did the math and the entire meal (adding in leftover chicken) cost us around $3.25.
That is dinner for a family of four for less than $5!
What is your favorite comfort food?


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Bungy Jumping introduced in MaltaMonday, July 18, 2011, 14:26
Bungy jumping has come to Malta for summer and will be available afternoons until September at the Splash and Fun Park.
Considered as an extreme sport, bungy jumping was brought to Malta on the personal initiative of Liam Mangion, who teamed up with a Dutch crew who have been operating in the industry for the past 25 years.
Participants, who have to weigh more than 45 kilogrammes, will be able to experience a 50-metre jump from a tower crane into a 3.3m deep Professional Diving Pool. Those under 18 will require their parents' permission.
The sport will be available daily between 3 and 11 p.m. For Bookings or any other info. Contact Liam on 99252626.


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Driven by the slogan of AIC (Passionate about moderation), I would like to share this very interesting article on Moderate Muslims Vs. Extremism in
By Jay Tolson
But it's even worse than that, Gomaa suggests. The West is aiding the most reactionary elements, the Salafis and Wahhabis, "out of political necessity," he says, alluding to
Rising from the conference table after a long discussion of his views about Islam and the contemporary world, the 55-year-old Gomaa cuts a stately figure in his Al-Azhar University scholar's garb, a dark caftan covering his white, ankle-length djellaba and a white and red cap atop his roundish head. As the grand mufti, Gomaa heads the Dar al Ifta (literally, the house of fatwas), a government agency charged with issuing nonbinding religious legal opinions on any question, large or small, that might come up in the life of a faithful Muslim. Part scholar and theologian, part jurist and administrator, he is a completely busy man—not least because his office issues some 5,000 fatwas a week, including both the official ones that he himself crafts on important issues and the more routine ones handled via phone and Internet by a dozen or so subordinate muftis. When not overseeing this operation, the sheik also appears on radio and television, participates in conferences, sometimes preaches and teaches (including at nearby Al-Ahzar University, Sunni Islam's foremost seat of learning, where he was once a student and professor), and gives speeches abroad, mostly in the cause of promoting his broad-minded, pragmatic, and, he insists, traditionalist understanding of Islam and sharia law.
Ever since Osama bin Laden's minions committed their murderous acts, western politicians and commentators have asked the same questions repeatedly: "Where are the voices of moderate Islam?" Yet the West—including, more specifically, the
Western official ineptitude aside, a more urgent question remains unanswered: What influence do moderates such as Gomaa—and particularly those coming from the traditional learned class, or ulema—have within the vast community of Muslim believers? While Gomaa himself voices concerns about the rise of Islamic extremism in the West, he marshals a raft of statistics to support his view that respect for traditionalism is large and growing in the core of the Muslim world. These include a massive growth in the demand for fatwas issued by his office, a mushrooming of secondary feeder schools for the traditionalist
But other observers, including prominent Egyptian journalists and intellectuals, are far more skeptical about the impact of the mufti and other ulema, even within
Adapting. One thing is absolutely clear, though: Gomaa's unshakable confidence—repeated as often by his protégés as by him—that the inherent moderation and pragmatism of traditionalist Islam make it far superior to anything proposed by puritanical Salafists or Wahhabis or utopia-minded Islamists. Through the centuries and across cultures and continents, Islam spread and flourished, they all say, precisely because the principles of sharia were applied and interpreted in light of changing reality. Apart from supporting bedrock principles of the faith as set forth in the Koran and the hadith (the authoritative accounts of the words and deeds of the Prophet), Islamic jurists sought to make the lives of Muslims easier, not more difficult, through their realistic application of religious law. As Gomaa sees it, what the best Muslim jurists have always done is to focus on the intent of sharia to foster faithfulness, dignity, intellectual growth, and other core values. Called al makased, this method of seeking to apply the law through an understanding of its purposes is at the core of Gomaa's scholarship and jurisprudence and is being spread by his scores of students and followers.
But there have always been in Islam, as in other religions, the terrible simplifiers, the puritans who, like the 18th-century Arabian cleric Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab, claim not only to streamline the faith but to return it to basic principles. Often called Salafists, such Muslims in more recent times have also presented themselves as modernizers and reformists. The more political among them, the Islamists, have additionally sought to make Islam into a political program to replace secular forms of government.
Tossing out centuries of reasoned reflection upon the meaning of sharia and discounting the importance of most schools of jurisprudence, these puritans reduce the law to selected passages from the Koran and the hadith and, as the traditionalists see it, distort the intent of sharia by taking the chaff for the wheat. "Their fast-food jurisprudence has led to great intolerance," says Suhaib Webb, a 36-year-old American convert to Islam who came to
Since being appointed grand mufti by Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak in 2003, Gomaa has demonstrated that realism in scores of rulings on matters that have profound implications for the lives of Muslims. In a country where female genital mutilation is still widely practiced in the name of religion, Gomaa declared it un-Islamic and wrong. He has ruled that Muslims should not be punished for leaving the faith. Citing conflicting opinions from different religious sources, he has declared that there is no definitive edict against playing or performing music. He has said it is permissible, with some restrictions, for Muslim financial institutions to charge interest on loans. He has ruled unequivocally that women may serve as judges and hold political office. He has been equally bold in saying there should be no Islamic political parties, on the grounds that they create divisions between Muslims—a view that makes officials of
Even as Al-Azhar-trained scholars go, Gomaa is a sheik with a difference. A practical and worldly man, he received his first university degree in commerce. Having memorized the Koran on his own, he entered Al-Azhar without going through the rigorous preparation of its high school system. After completing the highest degree in 1988, he taught law there, wrote some 25 books, and revived the old Islamic practice of informal "knowledge circles" at the university's historic mosque. In these circles, as well as in the packed Q&A sessions that he introduced at the famous Sultan Hassan Mosque, where he delivered Friday sermons, Gomaa took on all who tried to simplify or distort the faith without knowledge of its traditions.
Still, his renown did not reach far beyond
Loyal following. Another person who paid attention, and who then went on to promote the mufti's style of orthodoxy, is Moez Masoud, a 30-year-old advertising executive who, between writing and producing commercials, has become a highly successful Muslim televangelist. From his first satellite broadcast in 2002 through last fall's 20-part series The Right Way, Masoud has built a loyal following among young Muslims whose lives share many features of his own. Educated in American schools throughout the
Crediting his education and a fairly strong religious upbringing for arming him against the emotionally seductive appeals of the extremists, he says his big breakthrough was coming upon an audio lecture by Gomaa, then still a professor at Al-Azhar. Before long, Masoud was attending the sheik's knowledge circles and memorizing the Koran on his own. He became a committed Muslim in 1996, four years before taking to the air to bring his understanding of traditional Islam to issues like dating, drinking, homosexuality, and the pressures of living in a fast-paced, materialistic world. "The traditional voice was not dominant back then," Masoud says over tea in his sparely decorated
But the voices of skepticism are not to be dismissed. One is Khairy Ramadan, a prominent editor and columnist at Al-Ahram and Al-Masry Al-Youm as well as a widely regarded talk-show fixture. "The mufti has enlightened views and great fatwas," he says, "but the people receive them with hesitation because they feel they come from the establishment." Like the mufti, Ramadan believes the West ignores the enlightened strain of Islam that still runs strong in the Middle East, but he insists that the biggest inducement to extremism is not a shortage of moderate clerics or respect for traditional jurisprudence but the economic and social inequalities arising out of a lack of democracy—a condition that, in his view, America cynically condones.
Equally wary is the popular novelist Alaa Al Aswany, author of the Arabic-language bestseller The Yacoubian Building. Addressing a small gathering at the office of an Egyptian opposition party, he is unsparing about the role of
But Abdullah Schleifer, a former journalist and emeritus professor of media studies at


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Today's guest on the Gazalaplooza Author Spotlight is Todd Moss, who has brought along with him his brand new international political thriller, The Golden Hour. We could rattle on and on about what a gripping novel Moss' new book is, but then we'd just be following in the treads of scores of rave reviews preceding our own recommendation. We might instead impress upon you our guest's extraordinary resumé, brimming with global treks and experiences (i.e., gigs at a Washington D.C. think tank, the U.S. State Department, the World Bank, Georgetown University, and the London School of Economics) that imbue The Golden Hour with the hearty flavors only someone who's "been there, and done that" can whip up for your appreciative literary palate. Read The Golden Hour, and you'll soon see how 100 desperately dangerous hours in Mali will rivet you in ways you'll remember long after you've finished devouring this book.
Given Moss' quarter century of professional and educational adventures in Africa, you might be excused for thinking of the Spotlight's infamous klieg light army will have unremarkable effects on our guest. Perhaps, but we all know there's only one way to find out for sure. Moss is sitting comfortably in our hard wooden chair, seemingly unperturbed by the blinding blaze. Let's get this Spotlight underway.
Gazala: In my omnipotence, I've sentenced you to be stranded alone on a desert island for offenses best left unnamed. In my beneficence, I've decided to allow you a limited amount of reading material to make your stay a little less bleak than it would otherwise be. I'll spot you your religious text of preference, and the collected works of William Shakespeare. In addition to those, name the one fiction book, and the one nonfiction book, you'd choose to take with you, and tell why you choose them.
Moss: For fiction, I'd probably pick Michael Chabon's Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay. It's an epic, funny, and intimately human story that I could read again and again. Nonfiction is tougher. I'd probably choose Henry Kissinger's tome Diplomacy, a window into political history and the role of persuasion and raw power. And can I trade Shakespeare for the collected works of J.D. Salinger? (Ed.—Sure, we're fairly laissez-faire about reading lists with Salinger on them.)
Gazala: Your new book is an excellent and gripping international political thriller titled The Golden Hour. The novel tells how Judd Ryker, chief of the State Department's new experimental Crisis Reaction Unit, rises to the formidable challenges of restoring the unjustly deposed president of Mali, rescuing an American senator's kidnapped daughter, and protecting the American embassy in Timbuktu from a terrorist attack, and doing it all in less than 100 hours. I've read it. I enjoyed it immensely, and recommend it highly. Shockingly enough, however, from time to time my bare recommendation doesn't always motivate a book's potential reader to become a book's actual reader. Tell us something about The Golden Hour, and why its potential reader should make the leap and become its actual reader.
Moss: Thanks, Richard. The Golden Hour is supposed to be a fun thriller. I read thrillers on the beach to relax and get away, so that was my main goal. However, I also wanted to share a more serious experience: We seem to read every day in the newspapers about some crisis around the world (tyranny in Syria, Ebola in West Africa, terrorism in Yemen) where the U.S. Government is expected to respond. I lived this first hand as a senior State Department official working for Secretary Condoleezza Rice. In the novel, I wanted to take readers right inside the White House Situation Room or into the sealed classified rooms in the corners of U.S. Embassies to hear the conversations about what our government should do. I wanted to give people some insight into how and why decisions are made that so often seem wrong or misguided. That's going on every single day.
Gazala: What are books for?
Moss: Above all, pleasure.
Gazala: W. Somerset Maugham said, "There are three rules for writing the novel. Unfortunately, no one knows what they are." Do you agree, or disagree, and why?
Moss: When I wrote my first novel, I had no idea what I was doing. I wrote the second one using a wholly different process. I'm now working on the third, and still not sure which approach is best. The only rule I think that applies to all novels: you have to sit in the chair and just do it.
Gazala: You'll pardon me -- I've a sudden and unforeseen crisis requiring my immediate reaction. Ask yourself a question, and answer it.
Moss: Why'd I set a modern thriller in a place few people know? The plot was original inspired by a real coup in Mauritania, but I set The Golden Hour in Mali because I thought everyone has heard of Timbuktu. (Yes, it's a real city in northern Mali!) I also wanted to share some of my love for Africa, a place I've worked on professionally for 25 years. I caught the "Africa Bug" as a college student in Zimbabwe and haven't looked back.
I hoped setting my story about American foreign policy in a country like Mali might help make that part of the world a bit more accessible to readers, and also highlight how Americans and Africans are being drawn closer together than ever before. Our economies are increasingly tied as Africa becomes an important growth market for American companies. Many people don't yet realize that Africa is booming. And our own national security is intimately linked as terrorism and international crime become greater threats. That's why our military is more and more involved in places like Somalia or the Sahara Desert. The continent seems far away for many people, but this is changing quickly.
The old cliché from countless songs, poems and books is Timbuktu's mysterious glimmer is always half a world away from wherever you happen to be, as in, "Darling, I'd follow you all the way to Timbuktu if you asked me to." Not so right now, friends. The Golden Hour's mysterious glimmer is as close as a mere Amazon click. So much for never taking you anywhere fun, right?


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Welcome to WebmasterWorld Guest from 22.214.171.124
Forum Moderators: open
Google's Zeitgeist [google.com] gives ideas for trends and very popular keywords. The Google Adwords Keywords Suggestions [adwords.google.com] tool is probably more useful to you.
I have used the overture suggestion tool and wordtracker .com but these do not specify google results.
It's probably not what you wanted to hear but i think you are to late if the pages are allready built. You should check words and phrases before you start to build or optimize a site. Then you'll know which are the most important words.
I prefer to run test campaigns with the real keywords and phrases i allready optimized the pages for. These words ARE relevant and by running a test i get a pretty good picture about how many searches are done per day and how good their performance is. I also learn which pages/topics are worth to expand or to rework. Better than with any suggestion tool.


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+44 (0)1937 832921
Many companies say that their most important asset is people. We actually mean it. The knowledge, skills and dedication of all our personnel set us apart and make us dependable and memorable partners.
We've worked hard to assemble and retain a winning team. We recruit on ability, integrity, initiative, enthusiasm and shared values. The result is a strong core of experience continuously refreshed by new ideas and innovative thinking. We also set a high value on communication skills, as they are often central to both your satisfaction and ours.
To keep us at the leading edge we invest in continuous training to improve our knowledge of all relevant technologies. We also sponsor apprenticeship and graduate training programmes to ensure the future of our exceptional workforce.
If you require a username & password, please contact us
Lambert Engineering Ltd Station Estate, Tadcaster, North Yorkshire LS24 9SG UK
T: +44 (0)1937 832921 F: +44 (0)1937 835604 E: firstname.lastname@example.com


text:
Scott Sinclair tells Swansea he will not sign a new deal
- From the section Football
Swansea winger Scott Sinclair is refusing to sign a new contract at the Liberty Stadium.
The 23-year-old's current deal runs out at the end of the season and he is being linked with a move to Manchester City.
The Team GB player has informed Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins of his decision.
"I have spoken to Scott and he confirmed what he said to the chairman, that he won't sign a new contract," said manager Michael Laudrup.
"But he is here now and that's what important for me."
Sinclair came on a substitute and scored Swansea's fifth goal in their 5-0 victory at QPR on Saturday.
Laudrup accepts he may lose Sinclair before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.
"You never know what will happen tomorrow or the day after but there is no point arguing about it, we have to get on with it," said Laudrup. "Until 31 August anything can happen.
"Of course there is interest from a big club in Scott.
The Swans have also completed the signing of Arsenal's 21-year-old defender Kyle Bartley on a three-year deal.


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In Transition from your Current Space
When move-out and move-in dates are not aligned or not sure what your future office space needs will be, Beavercreek Office Suites provides short term lease options to give you flexibility as these decisions are being made. We offer month to month plans that suit any transitional time frame.
We have served companies who
-Experienced longer than expected build out
-Professionals on a short-term project
- Companies who have experienced a building disaster and need to relocate until a solution is in place
-Companies who need less or more efficient space to accomplish their objectives.
Managing change and transition doesn't need to be daunting. At Beavercreek Office Suites we provide space, all furniture, telephone, internet, a full-time support staff, copy, scan, fax, Six Conference rooms, flexible terms, and One-Line billing to make your transition seamless. You won't have to miss a beat as You take care of business and We take care of you!


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U.S Military Bases Sustain War, Undermine Sovereignty and Threaten Public Health In "Host" NationsRead more
Peace Position #1: Reduce Military Spending, Invest at HomeRead more
Don't Ask the Pentagon Where Its Money Goes. It won't tell.
Won't Somebody Please Think of the War Profiteers?
Posted by CODEPINK StaffPosted by Sharon Miller, CODEPINK San Francisco internAs the 10th anniversary of the US-led invasion of Afghanistan...Read more
War is a waste
Posted by CODEPINK Staffby Sharon MillerWhat's your definition of "waste"?A recent bipartisan report revealed, among other things, that the amount...Read more
Enormous Cuts in Military Spending? Read the Fine Print
Posted by CODEPINK StaffBy Medea Benjamin and Charles DavisIn this age of austerity, all the politicians are talking about the...Read more
Advice Hillary Clinton Should, But Won't, Give to Economically-Strapped Greece
Posted by CODEPINK StaffBy Medea BenjaminWhen U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton visited Greece, she praised the Greek government's austerity...Read more
Posted by CODEPINK Staff A now infamous provision of the education bill No Child Left Behind required schools to provide...Read more


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Pac Xon
Pac Xon Info
Pac Xon is a fan game inspired by Pacman but it lets our little friend seek some revenge and claim back the board.
Unlike Pacman, where you need to avoid your enemies by running, in Pac Xon you need to fill in the screen by building walls. Filling the empty space captures the ghosts and once you get 75% filled up then you have completed the level.
However, if a ghost touches you then a life will be lost. They can also gnaw away at your good work when you are busy elsewhere. Keep an eye out for bonus items you can pickup both for points and special abilities.
Pac Xon is pretty cool and clever take on some classic characters.Autosaur updated this game on 11 Aug , 2015.
Our Pac Xon Review
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Are you tired of dated conference facilities, uninspiring breakout rooms with stale sandwiches and singular-wrapped mints, and an event organiser who, by the third eye-roll, is making you question whether your money was better spent elsewhere?
Wouldn't you rather an event on a sun-soaked island, snowy mountain peak, or wild jungle? At Club Med, we've reserved the best spots in the world's most beautiful locations. With 70 Sun and Snow Resorts worldwide, we have endless choices for your next meeting, event or incentive.
Stop settling and start organising the event you've been dreaming of. With a variety of accommodation, all-day gourmet dining, premium open bar, and endless activities, our all-inclusive packages guarantee stress-free planning.
Family reunion or big birthday celebration? What about a work conference, sport training, or wellness retreat? Planning your unique event has never been easier.
Discover the unlimited possibilities at Club Med through the highlights of our recent mega Meetings & Events famil below!
Plus, get the best rate for your group with our Limited Bali event offer: 5% off the best market rate + some further discounts as listed below.
exclusive events
participants from 10 countries
cocktails consumed
This November, the Club Med Meetings & Events team hosted the biggest famil event of the year with more than 100 whose-who in the MICE space from the APAC region.
Travel agents, professional conference organisers, media and direct clients from 10 different countries attended this 3-day trip to Club Med Bali to experience the ease of planning and executing meetings and events with Club Med.
In typical Club Med-style, it certainly wasn't 'all work and no play', as workshops in the newly renovated conference rooms and team building activities on the spacious lawn were blended with seaside yoga and exclusive cocktail parties under the stars.


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West Coast Adventures: Part II
If you missed Part I of our West Coast Adventures, you should go read that now. Seattle was the perfect mix of nature, beautiful architecture, delicious food and, of course, some rain. Our honeymoon continues with our first ever Amtrak trip from Seattle to Portland.
Taking the train was a fun alternative to flying, and the trip was only about four hours long. Plus, the views were amazing! I was only able to capture a few iPhone pics here, but you get the idea.
We were anxious to see what Portland and all its weirdness was all about and the Portlanders did not disappoint - our first Uber driver was the perfect Portland-y mix of funny, friendly, and weird. He provided the perfect welcome to the city. We pulled up to our first Airbnb, a charming house in the Alphabet District, and were excited to find that it matched the photos exactly. If you have never traveled using Airbnb, we highly suggest it. We felt comfy & cozy and fit in right with the locals.
We soon found out just how easy it was to get around this small, big city. We were right off of a main road, NW 23rd Ave, where we found a ton of cute shops and yummy restaurants. Within a 20 minute walk, we could be in the heart of downtown or climbing some hills to a serene wooded area. We loved exploring the neighborhood around our Airbnb, but we did have our hearts set on some specific destinations before arriving. Leading up to our honeymoon, we researched some must-see's and heard from several people where the fun was at in Portland.
Our first stop, McMenamins, was suggested to us by one of our 2016 couples who grew up in Oregon! We ordered a sample tray of their brews and an order of their Truffle Fries, which came with the most delicious dip we have ever had. Our bartender was super nice. He gave us a few more suggestions, some we have heard before and some new. We had planned on hitting up Voodoo Donuts the following morning, but he also convinced us to visit Pope House & M Bar. So we were off.
We absolutely loved the atmosphere in every place we went. Pope House is an old house turned bourbon bar, dimly lit and super chill. We tried a few bourbon drinks including a hot toddy and a brown derby (bourbon, fresh grapefruit and honey). This may very well be where I had my favorite dish of the whole honeymoon. The Pickled Block. I wasn't sure to expect. I thought maybe a variety of tasty pickles? Well, I wasn't totally wrong. The block arrived and I was surprised to see a variety of pickled vegetables. I'm talking asparagus, cauliflower, onions, pickles (obviously), radishes and even eggs & sausage! Let me tell you, I have a new obsession with all things pickled. It was delicious! I vow to return to the Pope House and order this appetizer again soon. And I highly suggest you all make your way out West purely for this reason. If not for the Pickled Block, perhaps you would enjoy the bourbon glazed chicken wings that Brooks ordered. Equally delicious. I promise.
Following the suggestions from our McMenamins bartender, we searched for the super secretive M Bar. Described to us as a barista by day, bar by night, lit strictly by candle light, super secretive, local bar. We had to find it. As we walked by the building, it looked closed. We looked closer and realized it was definitely what we were looking for. We walked into this tiny spot and all 7 of the guests turned to look at us. You could tell it was a 'locals spot' and it was pretty obvious we weren't familiar faces. This is not to say that they were rude, or unwelcoming, it was just clear that new people don't come here often. Despite the stares, we made our way to a seat. It turned out to be oddly romantic. We were the outsiders sitting in the dark listening to the chatter of the other patrons. It was a tasteful evening and a perfect start to exploring Portland. We were ready to call it a night when we passed a Trader Joe's and decided to get some snacks (I know, more food?...but how could we pass up Trader Joe's!?).
The next day, we were ready to explore further. As I mentioned before, we had heard about Voodoo Doughnuts being a must-taste spot. We also heard about the long lines that would surely greet us, but donuts are always worth the wait. Plus, we had to see if they compared to the delicious Holey Toledough donuts we had at our wedding! We were surprised by how short the line was and barely had enough time to browse the huge variety of craft donuts. I decided to go with an Oreo topped treat and Brooks chose the Fruit Loops. They were delicious and terribly fattening, but definitely worth it. However, we have to admit, Holey Toledough still ranks #1 on our donut loving hearts.
We had lunch at Rogue Brewery where we sampled some more delicious brews and explored the never-ending shelves of Powell's Bookstore. This is the largest new and used book store in the world with nine color-coded rooms and 3,500 different sections. WOW.
That afternoon, we took a walk up through Washington Park (working off those donuts) where we found the Oregon Holocaust Memorial. We took a quiet moment to read the quotes and stories engraved on the huge stone panels. The serenity of this place was truly enjoyable knowing that we were only minutes away from the busy streets of Portland. We ended the day with Bamboo Sushi, which was absolutely delicious and reasonably priced. I'm still not sure how or why we ate so much food, but we did. And we lived to tell about it.
Our last full day in Portland, a Saturday, was another day for adventure (and, of course, food). We had breakfast of vanilla lattes and delicious granola at Barista, which is definitely a must-return. For lunch, we had to check out the legendary food cart scene. Because who doesn't love food trucks? (And yes, there is a whole website dedicated to their food carts!) The options were endless and we had to walk around the block several times before making up our minds! We settled on some Chinese cuisine, then we headed to the famous Portland Saturday Market. We found several tented blocks full of talented artists, crafts and tons of gifts that we would have loved to take home with us (that dang 50 pound limit at the airport is killer). There was so much to see, hear and smell! The Portland Saturday Market is a great way to spend a weekend afternoon (it is open on Sunday, too!).
We spent the rest of the day walking through the city, seeing the sights and almost getting lost. We had lunch at Davis Street Tavern and checked out Ground Kontrol, a barcade, around the corner. More walking and exploring ended with an afternoon nap (give us a break, it's our honeymoon). We had dinner across the street at Fireside Grill and we relaxed into the evening anticipating the San Francisco adventure that was ahead.
Sunday, we hopped a plane to San Francisco. We have never experienced a city like this one. So much city packed into one area. So many different levels of elevation, we could barely wrap our heads around it. Next time your grandparents say they walked uphill to school both ways, ask them if they grew up in San Fran. Because that's what I imagine it is like. Keep an eye out for our San Francisco Adventures soon! In the meantime, here is the Pacific Ocean.


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LICE. I can guarantee that this one word just sent a good number of you into a panic, while others have frozen in terror with your shoulders
Friday the 13th
February 14, 2018
11 Horror Themed Valentine's Cards That Say: "Love Never Dies".Geek Life Movies & Series
Our family's Valentine's Day practice is probably not considered conventional. We set s a blazing fire in the fireplace, light the Christmas tree (because let's get real


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Wildfire ranger Dan Gorzeman directed a crew as it put out hotspots smouldering beneath the boreal forest northeast of Slave Lake, Alta., in August 2015.
But he wasn't on the ground. He was hundreds of metres above the blackened bush in a helicopter, staring at the screen of an infrared scanner.
"These scans show us where these ground fires are and we relay them on a map with co-ordinates," he said. read more >>


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Published Mar 14, 2014
Who watches your furry friend while you are out of town?
"Pet lovers beware! Shelly Ross talks up her service and leads you to believe she'll spend 30 minutes each day with your..."
via Local Girl
"…Pet lovers beware! Shelly Ross talks up her service and leads you to believe she'll spend 30 minutes each day with your kitty while you're away. In fa…"
"…Alicia is wonderful! My kitties love her and she loves them right back. I know they'll receive the best care from her when I'm away. She's trustworthy…"
"…I have been utilizing Ruff Ruff Pet Care's services for the past 4 years. My situation is a pretty unique one, as I not only am the mother to 4 dogs a…"
"…Woofgang's is our go-to doggie daycare for our boy, Raleigh! We even refer our dog walking clients to them for over-night stays. Wahoo!…"
"…Our petsitter Lucy is trying to win for Best Pet Sitting :) HIGHLY recommend her to anyone who needs their pets looked after!…"
"…This vote is for The Woof Gang's pet sitting services. (They walk dogs, too!) Wolfgang (the owner) is reliable, friendly, and runs a very profession…"
"…when animal planet finally creates a show called the "cat whisperer," jille will most definitely be the star!…"
"…Firstly, I am all for our animal companions, I'm the type of person who spends
their Moroccan vacation trying to care for stray cats and dogs, (not f…"
"…Lilly and her sister Lenora are the most conscientious and professional sitters we have used. We feel very comfortable and secure in leaving our pooc…"
"…I love Mishs!! She is so great with all the animals. And a wonderful person. I love leaving my dogs with her when I leave for vacation. It is nice to …"
"…Mother's Love has excellent service! They truly care about your pet and take the time to make a bond!! We ahve been using them for years and would nev…"
"…My dog loves Victoria! She gives Elwood the time, attention and love that I give him and that makes me feel really good about leaving him in her hands…"
"…Jan's Pet Sitting Service is amazing! Jan is a wonderful person who cares deeply about the animals she cares for and the families whom she helps. Ou…"
"…Joan watched our cats for 5 days last fall (2009). They were well cared for and when we returned it was as if we had just left for an hour or so. Be…"
"…They are all about your dog! Love them!…"
"…Owner France is amazing and makes you feel like you didn't leave. She even sends you pictures of your pets and leaves them toys. Highly recommended!…"
"…Every time we go out of town, Camp K-9 is the place where our dogs stay. We love being able to look in on the web cams any time of day. They have a …"
"…I love her. I called upon her while I was pet sitting in the area for a back up and she is amazing. Very personable and full of knowledge. You woul…"
"…Safe friendly atmosphere…"
"…Jen is extremely conscientious about giving our cats all the care they're used to when we're home. She's fully certified to dispense medications and p…"
The 2014 Bay Area A-List awards are based on more than 37,000 votes from local Bay Area-area experts.
See the full results →
Connect with Bay Area A-List
© CityVoter, Inc.


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Cheltenham Station
Cheltenham Station forms part of the Northern Sydney Freight Corridor Program, initiated by the Federal and NSW State Government, to improve capacity, reliability and safety. The project included the construction of six kilometers of new and upgraded track to separate freight from all-stop passenger trains and required a complete reconfiguration of Cheltenham Station.
Having opened in 1898, we aspired to embrace the rich history of the station and its unique location surrounded by green landscape. Our approach was to deliver an appropriately-scaled contemporary transport hub that engages with nature and creates a positive customer experience. The station is expressed as a series of smaller scale elements and is as visually permeable as possible.
An elevated concourse appears to float, separated from both the platform and canopies. The improvement in views into and out of the entry, and over the tracks and platforms, improves legibility and enhances safety through passive surveillance.
Where possible, the original buildings have been retained, with subtle differences in face brick expressing the evolution of the station over time. The platform canopy is simple and modular, allowing for an efficient structural solution, fast construction and value for money.
Importantly, Cheltenham Station is now an exciting destination for passengers, creating an experience that encourages the use of transport.
- Technical Information
- Cox Team


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Master of Arts in Symbergetic™ Change Management Theory
The Masters of Arts Degree is awarded to those students who complete the Certificate in Symbergetic™ Change Management Theory (10 credits, click here) and core knowledge areas in:
- Spiral Dynamics (leadership strategies for managing value systems) – there may be up to $100 in online testing costs
- Group Dynamics,
- Traditional Management Theory, and
- Epistemology.
Total Time to Completion (estimate): 1-1.5 years beyond the Certificate
– On Ground (optional, 0-6 days)
– Online (3-4 terms)
Total Credits: 20 (total for degree = 30)
Maximum Estimated Cost: This degree includes the Certificate in Symbergetic™ Change Management Theory ($6625) plus four additional online courses (4 x $2000) + up to $400 software access fees for a total of $6625 + $8400 = $15,025. (30 CREDITS)
Application and Enrollment documents are available online and our staff are available to guide you through the admissions process and your ongoing course of study. Feel free to contact us!
Working online ……
There is no software to buy or download. The majority of your writing, composing and spell checking will be done offline in programs such as Word. You create a flexible schedule, but must discuss your commitment with family and friends, reserving uninterrupted blocks of time for coursework in order to succeed. A minimum of 10-15 hours is required each week to excel in each course. Online dialogue is very self-directed in graduate study, and as rigorous as traditional programs.
There are both academic and technical prerequisites, as well as minimum equipment requirements. Please see the Certificate Program for further details regarding admission.
Be sure to explore our Library, use the online self-assessment tools and become familiar with utilizing electronic resources as you become a part of a global virtual community.
For further information …………
Click here for the Adizes Graduate School Catalog (Adobe Acrobat required), with details regarding all policies, including admission and expectations for participation and completion of the degree.
Course Descriptions
NOTE: Overseas students may be asked to utilize a professional English editor for their written work.
Epistemology – The Nature and Evolution of Knowledge: This course exposes participants to a full range of "ways of knowing" and their implications for organizational life. Both classical and contemporary theories of knowledge and their evolution are explored at the individual, cultural and societal levels. We will trace the roots of the modern western mind through the rationalist versus empiricist orientations to knowledge, the evolution of science and the rise of post-modernism. We will further examine the profound ways in which certain limited orientations to knowledge continue to pervade nearly every aspect of contemporary life. Informed by a deeper understanding of our own orientation to knowledge, we will examine the emerging phenomenon of the knowledge society and the unprecedented epistemological demands being placed on today's management together with their implications for contemporary management theory.
Group Dynamics – This course will focus on major theories, models and applications of group dynamics and processes. We will analyze evolutionary stages of groups, roles and conflict in group dynamics, and the appropriateness of various types of groups such as structured, unstructured, and open boundary. We will review theories of psychological processes in groups (transference, counter – transference, boundaries, etc.) and how to appropriately apply these processes. We will focus on the use of group dynamics in group psychotherapy, organizational change processes, team building workshops, etc. This course will also focus on the practical aspects of group dynamics such as defreezing exercises, starting and ending groups, developing group cohesiveness, encouraging appropriate risk taking, becoming an engaged group member, and becoming an effective group leader
Spiral Dynamics – is an evolutionary-based framework that constructs scaffolding for different theories of management, leadership, motivation, organizational design, communication, and social change. As such, this approach creates a framework for systems that are appropriate to the purposes of the organization. Based on the original work of the late Professor Clare W. Graves, this conceptual system examines eight levels of human existence, describes the new language of memetics as a way of understanding the awakening and migration of ideas and life forms, and offers a closely woven companion track to thinking in sequences and lifecycles. This final stage is entitled Meshwork's Solutions and it maps out specific strategies and tactics in the "meshing" of healthy systems. The course will examine the deep tributaries that produced this crossroads in development; analyze the research methodology that generated the theoretical statement; and will then move quickly into specific applications in the worlds of business, government, religion, education, politics, sports, media, and social transformation.
Traditional Management Theory – This course will cover management theory from a structuralist point of view. The course will include discussion regarding the process of planning and how to design systems of monitoring so that the plans are appropriately monitored and corrected if there are discrepancies.
Questions we will explore in this course:
- How to appropriately structure an organization
- How to appropriately staff an organization
- How to appropriately delegate authority
- How to appropriately decentralize an organization