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November 30, 2009
German Thrashers EXUMER have been confirmed to appear at next year's MRF Festival in Oberhausen / Germany on April 4, 2010. The festival features some of the most influential cult Thrash and Power Metal bands from the 1980s, hailing from Germany, Canada and the USA. On the heels of the success of the Chris Withchunter tribute show in Oberhausen / Germany this past April, co-organizers Death Squad Promotion, who manage EXUMER and SODOM among others, put together the Metropole Ruhr Festival to continue to celebrate traditional Thrash and Power Metal from around the world. The festival's billing thus far is as follows: EURE ERBEN (ex-DARKNESS, GER), FAILED PERFECTION (GER), WITCHBURNER (GER), OMEN (USA), SAVAGE GRACE (USA), ANGEL DUST (GER), EXUMER (GER), LIVING DEATH (GER), EXCITER (CAN) and others TBA. EXUMER will also play their Italian live debut on April 10, 2010 and there are additional European live appearances planned in Norway, Poland, Germany and Austria. For more information go to: www.myspace.com/exumerwakingthefire or www.exumer1985.com
November 28, 2009
Brazil's INCRUST will support Paul Speckmann's MASTER at their gig in Salvador on January 17, 2010. Other acts on the bill will be AFTER DEATH (UK) and PREDATOR (BRA). The new INCRUST album will feature two more tracks than originally planned and the release is scheduled for March / April, 2010. Blood Harvest Records will release the vinyl version in Europe, while the US version will be released on CD by Ibex Moon Records again. www.myspace.com/incrust66
Brazil's REVIOLENCE (formed out of the ashes of the old Brazilian Thrash band Panzer) just signed with Marquee Records for the release of their new CD "Modern Beast". The album features 13 tracks and was produced by Mauro Juliany from Sound Up Studio. The band's line-up consists of new singer Rod Starscream, Guilherme Spilack (guitars), Mauricio Cliff (bass, ex-Panzer and Mystic - the Brazilian band from Kreator's Frank Godzik) and Edson Graseffi (drums, ex-Panzer). For more information check out www.reviolencemetal.com or www.myspace.com/reviolence
November 27, 2009
American Black / Death Metal band EXTERMINATION ANGEL is now offering their debut recording "Demo 2009 - Advancement Into Obscurity", limited to 100 full-color, hand-numbered copies on hi-bias cassette tape for $6 U.S. (ppd. worldwide). The track list includes 'Looting The Holy Coffers', 'Weaponized Evil' and 'Whirlwind Killing Spree'. Inquiries can be made through the band's website: www.myspace.com/exterminationangel
ACHERON just finished their videoclip of 'I Am Heathen', a track from their 2009 album "The Final Conflict: Last Days Of God". You can check it out here. "The Final Conflict" has just been released in the US by Ibex Moon Records.Merchandise will be available early 2010.
IMMOLATION have been confirmed to perform on NEUROTIC DEATHFEST 2010. Other acts confirmed for Neurotic Deathfest are: ABYSMAL TORMENT, ANTIGAMA, AS YOU DROWN, DAWN OF AZAZEL, HOUR OF PENANCE and THE END OF ALL REASON. The ticket sale will commence on December 5, 2010. Find all information about pricing and how to acquire tickets through one of the many ticket outlets rght here. More information on the festival can be found on www.neuroticdeathfest.com.
November 26, 2009
GRAVEHAMMER from Sweden have just signed with Detest Records from Belgium. The band is currently recording new songs which will appear on a 7" to be released in 2010. More news and samples are to be found on www.detestrecords.com and www.myspace.com/gravehammerswe
2009 saw the band's 20th birthday and it also turned out to be a difficult year for DESASTER. After the cancelation of the Ostrava Festival and the show in Finland and the chaos prior to the 20 years - party gig (date, boat etc.), the band now had to cancel their appearance at this year's edition of Metal Forces Festival in Lörrach / Germany. On their trip to Rome last weekend Sataniac had an accident and injured his knee. A cruciate rupture has meanwhile been diagnosed. At the moment he can't move at all and so it's impossible for him to enter the stage. The band feels really sorry for being unable to play in Lörrach and hopes to catch up on the show next year. For the show in Bamberg DESASTER have recruited their good friend Samme, the singer from the Swedish band Orcvius. The new DESASTER website will be re-launched soon. New merchandise, like zipped sweat jackets, longsleeves, zipped girly hoodies, sweaters as well as the 20 years box is still available. Check out www.total-desaster.com
November 24, 2009
"Human Decay", the second demo by Swedish old school Death Metallers ENTRAILS, is finished and ready to be shipped on December 04, 2009. It will be released in a strictly limited edition of only 50 original CD-R copies that are numbered 1-50. Those 50 copies can only be bought directly from the band. The price is: 80 Sek Sweden / 10 Euro Europe / 12 Euro Rest of the world (ppd. everywhere). You can already pre-order a copy now by sending an email to email@example.com. A reply mail from ENTRAILS will let you know how to complete the purchase. The tracklist of "Human Decay" reads like this: 'Dust To Dust' (Intro), 'Blood Red', 'Euthanasia', 'Evil Terror', 'Total Death', 'Human Decay' and 'Casket Garden' (DISMEMBER cover). For more info on the band go to: www.myspace.com/entrailsreborn
Norwegian Black Metallers DEN SAAKALDTE have been signed by Pulverised Records. The band was founded by main songwriter / guitarist Sykelig (ex - Gorgoroth session guitar player) and also features Mikael Sykelig (ex - GORGOROTH) on guitars, Niklas "Kvarforth" Olsson (SHINING, SKITLIV) on vocals, Tor Risdal "Seidemann" Stavenes (1349, PANTHEON I) on bass and Jormungand (DØDHEIMSGARD) on synth and effects. The band recently announced a line-up change in the ranks, with drummer Jarle "Uruz" Byberg (ex-Shining, ex-Urgehal) leaving the band. Further details on the replacement of the new drummer will be made soon. DEN SAAKALDTE previously released their debut "Øl, Mørke Og Depresjon" (which translates to "Beer, Darkness And Depression") and also in early 2009 the depressive full-length effort "All Hail Pessimism", that eventually instituted the band a lot of positive rave reviews and exceptional attention worldwide. DEN SAAKALDTE's forthcoming album and first with Pulverised Records, will be entitled as "Kapittel II: Faen I Helvete", scheduled for release Fall of 2010. In other DEN SAAKALDTE-related news, the band will be part of the "Skandinavisk Pessimisme Omringer Europa Tour" touring alongside Troll and Sargeist from March 2010 onwards. DEN SAAKALDTE will also make their appearance in the next year's edition of the "Kings Of Black Metal Festival 2010" happening on 10th of April 2010 and "Barther Metal Open Air 2010" on 20th of August 2010. Last but not least, the re-release of "Øl, Mørke Og Depresjon" on digipak CD and gatefold LP and also the "All Hail Pessimism" on limited gatefold double LP are soon to be released. For more info go to www.myspace.com/densaakaldte
November 23, 2009
DÉTENTE have announce the addition of Tiina Teal as the band's new vocalist. Here's the offcial statement from the band: "Originally starting out behind the kit as a drummer, Tiina has been singing and screaming for the last 10 years. Having influences ranging from Jarboe to Nina Simone as well as Strapping Young Lad's Devin Townsend, she's collaborated with various musicians and bands in Los Angeles and won 'Best Anti-War Band' with her metal group, Burn The Empire. We have already put down 4 of the 9 new tracks with her and can tell you that both old and new supporters of the band will be blown away by her and the new tracks. Check back at www.detenterna.com and www.myspace.com/detenterna in the next few weeks for a sneak preview. "Decline" is coming along very well, taking longer than expected but it will be worth it; we should have an official street date announcement mid December. We want to thank Ann Boleyn for her help with the DÉTENTE reunion shows; it was great working with her and we wish her the best in everything she does."
November 22, 2009
Italy's MORTUARY DRAPE have released a new double LP entitled "Secret Sudaria". It is strictly limited to 100 copies in white vinyl and comes with a special leather cover. Enclosed with the vinyl will be a very special metal pendant charm carrying The Drape insignia. You can check out more pics here. For ordering information contact firstname.lastname@example.com
November 19, 2009
ACHERON will be unveiling their new music video for the song 'I Am Heathen' (featured on their new album "The Final Conflict: Last Days Of God") on www.youtube.com this Saturday, November 21, 2009. It will also be posted on their official mypage page at www.myspace.com/acheron. This is the first professionally filmed music video the band has done in their 20 plus years of existence. Band frontman Vincent Crowley explains the concept behind the video: "The video is about embracing the life of being a Heathen. Many people struggle with what is wrong or right, good or evil. When they go against the norm, the guilt eats away at them. Heathens don't have negative feeling about embracing their true nature. Temptation doesn't weaken us because in the end we control it! Lots of the symbolism in the video shows just that." ACHERON filmed this video with Werner Videos Services and was directed by Aaron Werner. The video features the band line-up of Vincent Crowley, Kyle Severn, Max Otworth, Ash Thomas and special appearances by actress Madison Riley. This video will be featured on a free promotional DVD put out by the band. The DVD is over 90 minutes long and will contain the 'I Am Heathen' music video, an in depth band video documentary on "Making Final Conflict" (rare footage), video footage from their 2008 "December Damnation" mini-tour in Brazil and the complete "Satanic Supremacy" 3 song demo. This DVD is being given out for free to people who are buying the new "The Final Conflict: Last Days Of God" CD from the band or Ibex Moon Records. ACHERON will also be doing a dvd / video release show in Columbus, Ohio, on December 4, 2009. The show will be at The Summit, 2210 Summit St, Columbus, OH, with the bands DEAD SEA, INFERNAL DEATH and CARDIAC ARREST.
November 17, 2009
In 2010, Vic Records will release "Certain Corpses Never Decay", a compilation of the two EXPULSION demos "Cerebral Cessation" and "Veiled In The Mists Of Mystery", together with an unreleased 7" and a compilation-only track. EXPULSION is, however, not reunited. www.myspace.com/expulsionswe
Ukrainian Black Metallers BALFOR were recently invited to appear at the "Global East Festival" promotional party, which was held at the Bingo Club in Kiev, Ukraine on November 06, 2009. Manowar bass-player Joey Demaio was one of the special guests at the party, together with BALFOR and Ukrainian Power Metallers Conquest. The Global East Festival 2010 will be held on September 03 and 04, 2010 with Manowar being the headlining act. Other bands confirmed so far are Rotting Christ, Cemetary Of Scream and Preternatural. www.myspace.com/balforhorde
Dutch blackened Death / Thrash Metallers ONHEIL are celebrating their 10-year anniversary this month. Its members have been musically active longer but it was November 1999 when ONHEIL as a band name was chosen. The only original member Amok briefly comments: "Especially the first 7 years have been one chaotic hellride. Where bands usually grow and get more professional, we cared more about the alcohol, the women and the metalparties. Good times, but a bit too self-destructive hehe. But fuck, the band survived it all, got back on track in 2007 and now we are more focused than ever!" To celebrate the "10 years of ONHEIL" the band has launched a contest in which a price will be given away for each year of their existence. The first 9 winners will receive a signed copy of their latest work, "Razor" which has been released last May by German Record label Cyclone Empire. Besides the album, the tenth winner will receive a "Razor" T-Shirt or Girlie and a cool full discography package which includes: the "The Threat" mini CD from 2003, the "We Hebben De Hel Gezien" full-length demo CD from 2002 and a newly created copy of their "Sterf" demo CD from 1999 (all of these releases have been officially sold out for many years and are well sought-after items by metal collectors). Competing is easy: Email your answer to this question to email@example.com: "To which album were you listening 10 years ago?" From the answers that are sent in, ONHEIL's band members will choose their personal favorites and, from those, 10 winners will randomly be picked. The band already likes to add that SLIPKNOT, WILL SMITH and BRITNEY SPEARS will NOT be among the winning answers. Metalheads can send in their emails until the 31st of January 2010. ONHEIL's video for 'As Hope Dies' shows a lot of footage that was filmed during the last 10 years. You can watch it here.
MIGHTIEST have just started working on new songs for a brand new album likely to be released sometime in the first half of 2010. The band is also booked for their first gig in 7 years. On October 16, 2010 they will be playing in Stuttgart at the Club Zentral together with the likes of DESASTER, NOCTURNAL and HELLISH CROSSFIRE.
GLORIA MORTI is entering the studio to record their third full length album. The recordings of the album will be carried out in the same fashion as the last album "Eryx" by Juho Räihä in SoundSpiral studios. The recordings will start on November 21, 2009. There will be a studio diary online which will keep you up to date about the recording process. The working title of the album is "Anthems Of Annihilation" and it will contain ten tracks of the most diverse and crushing Gloria Morti material to date. "Anthems Of Annihilation" is a concept album about mankind making an irreversible mistake in trying to overcome all of its biggest problems. The storyline borders from a war between men and machines to the slavery and exploitation of a whole generation. The lyrical theme takes a stance on current problems and is a reminder of the stupidity of man. Some working titles of the tracks: 'The Solution Called War', 'Awakening Of A Discordant Machine', 'Infiltration', 'Swallowed By Defeat' and 'Obey'. Besides that the band revealed that Jenni Kemppainen is no longer a part of Gloria Morti. The keyboard arrangements on "Anthems Of Annihilation" will be written and performed by their long time friend Lars Eikind (Producer on "Lifestream Corrosion", additional keyboard arrangements on "Eryx").
November 14, 2009
Bestial Invasion Records is a new label based in the Scottish Highlands and focused on releasing traditional Thrash / Death / Black / Speed / Heavy Metal. The first releases on the label will be DUNGEÖNHAMMER (FRA) / RUST (SWE) split 7"EP, SKULL FIST (CAN) CD, RIOTOR (CAN) LP. More info at www.myspace.com/bestialinvasionrecords
November 13, 2009
THE GROTESQUERY is the name of the second cooperation between Kam Lee and Rogga Johansson after BONE GNAWER. Kam and Rogga had several talks about creating a new band that would base its lyrical on stories by H.P. Lovecraft, Ambrose Bierce and Edgar Allan Poe and music highly influenced by the brutal style of early 90s Death Metal bands, with a touch of the avantgarde and an unorthodox and experimental feel. The band's line-up is completed by bass player Johan Berglund (THIS HAVEN) and drummer Brynjar Helgeton (LIKLUKT). Their debut album will be called "Tales Of The Coffin Born" and is scheduled to be released on January 22, 2010 via Cyclone Empire. For more information check out www.myspace.com/thegrotesquery
"The Ones I Condemn", the new album by Canadian Thrashers SACRIFICE, will be released in Europe on January 22, 2010 through Cyclone Empire Records. The digipak edition also has one exclusive bonustrack. Here's the complete tracklist: 'We Will Prevail', 'The Ones I Condemn', 'Give Me Justice', 'The Great Wall', 'Tetragrammaton', 'Atrocity', 'Hiroshima', 'The Devil's Martyr' feat. Jed Simon (ZIMMERS HOLE, STRAPPING YOUNG LAD) and Dave Hewson (SLAUGHTER, STRAPPADO), 'Ultimate Power Corrupts' and 'Desolation Alive'. Bonus tracks will be: 'The Devil's Martyr' (Rob's vocals), 'Burned At The Stake' (re-recording 2009), 'The Entity' (re-recording 2009), 'Forever Enslaved' (Live 2007), 'Necronomicon' (Live 2007) and 'Soldiers Of Misfortune' (Live 2007, exclusive European bonus track). For more info go to www.myspace.com/sacrificecanada
After just having re-released the classic NIRVANA 2002 recordings on CD Relapse Records will also re-release "World Without God", the debut full length by Finnish Death Metal masters CONVULSE on CD. It will be out on January 19, 2010 and also feature the band's demo and possible live tracks.
The tape version of the new ASCENDED EP "Temple Of Dark Offerings" will be out on November 25 through Detest Records. The label will also release a 12" version of the first KRYPTS demo "Open The Crypt" in co-operation with Me Saco Un Ojo Records (UK) within one and half months. MIASMAL's first 7" EP is to be released through both companies in early 2010 as well. At the end of 2009 / early 2010 Detest Records will release PUTRID's second demo tape. Furthermore a bunch of STENCH OF DECAY shirts will be available within one month. Some copies of STENCH OF DECAY's 12" version of their second demo are still available from Detest Records and Me Saco Un Ojo Records. More info about the future of Detest Records is to be found on www.detestrecords.com
November 12, 2009
"The Depths Of Inhumanity", the debut full-length of Ventura, California's FATALIST will be released on November 23, 2009 via Ibex Moon Records. It is the band's follow up to 2007's (and now sold out) "Loss" demo. Guitarist / vocalist Neil Burkdoll had this to say about the recording: "Well, three years in the making; it has been a long ass time. Our album "The Depths Of Inhumanity" is finally going to see the light of day on Nov 23, 2009. It is 11 songs of old school Death Metal that we hope you guys enjoy. We really tried to make each song stand alone from the others and have their own identity. We are happy as hell that the album is coming out on Ibex Moon as well. We really felt that we would fit nicely on the Ibex Moon roster and it was a great day when John agreed to talk to us about an album deal. Things went really smooth with the label and we hope to work with them again in the future."
HOD bassist Derrick Rivers will leave the band to focus his efforts on battling cancer. Vocalist Beer Reebs shares the following information about Rivers, as well as other HOD happenings: "Our original bassist Dirty Derrick has been battling cancer and thus far has been successful. However, he was recently informed that it had come back in his liver and possibly his lungs and will begin treatment for it again within a few weeks. He's decided in the interest of his health, that he will be hanging up the bass to focus on taking care of himself. Although the band hates to see him go we all completely understand and support his decision to do so. His last performance with HOD will be this Saturday, November 14th, at The Goregrowler's Ball 3 in San Antonio, TX at The Rock Bottom Tattoo Bar. Taking Dirty Derek's place on the bludgeoning four strings will be Trans Am from the Austin, TX based Grindcore band, Pleasant Valley. His first live performance with HOD will be Saturday December 5th at Downtown Music in Littlerock, AR with Deadbird and Vore. In other HOD news, I'm pleased to announce that the band is four songs into the second full length album and follow up to "Serpent". It is scheduled for recording in early 2010 and set to be recorded at Raging Steel Fury Studios in Austin, TX by Ignitor / Agony Column guitarist Stuart "Batlord" Lawrence. It is set to be mixed and mastered at Sweden's Necromorbus Studios and released by Ibex Moon Records. Finally, 2010 also has some heavy show activity coming up. We have shows lined up with bands like Gravehill, Godless Rising, Blaspherian and legendary crossover band D.R.I., to name a few."
This just came in from ACHERON vocalist / bassist Vincent Crowley: "ACHERON has just returned from a long weekend with three shows in the Midwest. This was the first time ACHERON has ever played Chicago, Madison and Milwaukee (with the exception of Milwaukee Metal Fest).These three days of pure aggressive, satanic Death Metal were to support our upcoming November 23rd U.S. release of "The Final Conflict: Last Days Of God" on Ibex Moon Records. We would like to send out unholy praises to The Firewalk Group in Milwaukee, Viva La Muerte Productions in Chicago, and The NYDM for saving the show in Madison (no thanks to local douche bag Tom for almost fucking up the show). A big hails to Cardiac Arrest for supporting us this weekend, as well as all the bands that played and all the true Metal supporters."
November 11, 2009
Konqueror Records is looking for a label willing to re-release the self-titled CD by Italy's old school Death Metallers ERODED on a one time limited pressing vinyl edition. Interested companies can contact Konqueror Records for further details through www.myspace.com/konquerorrecords
November 10, 2009
After years of unavailability, SACRED REICH's third album "Independent" will finally be reissued via Displeased Records in the Spring of 2010. It comes completely remastered with a fresh new lay-out and will include the following 5 bonus tracks: 'A Question', 'Let's Have A War' (FEAR cover), 'Who's To Blame' (all three taken from the "A Question" EP), 'Big Picture' (MDC cover, taken from the "Open Book" EP) and 'Crawling' (radio edit, from the "Crawling" EP).
Germany's LIFELESS have inked a deal with Ibex Moon Records for the release of the band's sophomore effort and follow up to "Beyond The Threshold Of Death". Vocalist / guitarist Marc Niederhagemann had this to say about the signing to one of the world's premier traditional Death Metal labels: "The reason for us signing with Ibex Moon Records is the fact that it is an up and coming label and we are an up and coming band. The match is perfect for both sides and we want to give it our best. Further, John McEntee gave a very fair offer for a band in our position. We are glad to get this chance and looking forward for to continuing this good working relationship." The as yet untitled new album will be released in early 2010. There are also plans for a worldwide re-release of "Beyond The Threshold Of Death" through Ibex Moon Records.
Hungarian Thrashers MORBID CARNAGE will be one of the opening acts for blackened Death Metallers Morbosidad, on November 17, 2009 at the Blue Hole Club, Budapest. Also joining as support bands will be Hungarian Death Metal Metallers Age Of Agony and Drünken Bastards.
November 06, 2009
Pulverised Records welcomes MORBUS CHRON, one of the rawest young talents worshipping this particular old style of pure Death Metal. Strictly sticking to the tradition of demo cassette tapes, MORBUS CHRON previously released a self-titled 4-track demo tape, which attracted favorable responses everywhere. MORBUS CHRON is now preparing to enter the studio, for what will become their debut full-length album. Pulverised Records label manager Roy Yeo comments: "I was amazed by MORBUS CHRON when I first heard them, it was almost unbelievable that the band is so young and they could capture the essence of the old Death Metal style. Influences like Autopsy and early Entombed are easily spotted in the songs, but there is just a certain fire and enthusiasm coming from MORBUS CHRON that cannot be described and we are very much looking forward to the debut album!" States MORBUS CHRON lead singer / guitar player Robert "Robba" Andersson: "We're as excited as we are when robbing graves! Feels fucking great! Like opening a can of ravioli, but even better dude. What can we say? It'll sound disgusting and putrid with just a tiny dose of groovyness. New songs are on the way and it sounds like Autop... Ehm, Morbus! If you're into the old way, you're into our way. Total fuckin' Death!" In other MORBUS CHRON-related news, the band will make their appearance at the upcoming "Resurrected In Festering Slime Festival", happening at the legendary Kafé 44 from the 6th - 7th November 2009. For more info check out our tourdates section or go to www.myspace.com/morbuschronband
Australian Metallers BE'LAKOR have inked a deal with Italy's Kolony Records for the European release of their 2nd album "Stone's Reach". The release of the album will be November 30, 2009. BE'LAKOR has recently ventured across Australia for the first time, taking in performances in Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane and Sydney. According to the label the band's style can be described as "melancholic and epic melodic Death Metal done in right Scandinavian fashion". The album track listing reads like this: 'Venator', 'From Scythe To Sceptre', 'Outlive The Hand', 'Sun's Delusion', 'Held In Hollows', 'Husks', 'Aspect' and 'Countless Skies'. For further information: www.myspace.com/belakor
November 03, 2009
Hungary's MORBID CARNAGE have been signed by Pulverised Records. The band recently completed their first full-length album "Night Assassins", which features seven songs of 80s style old school Thrash Metal. No definite release date has been set yet, but will be announced soon. Pulverised Records A&R Manager Calvin states: "MORBID CARNAGE definitely know their Thrash Metal; all the necessary ingredients to make a good old-fashioned Thrash song work effectively and the overall vibe on "Night Assassins" is just totally immense. This is a straight-forward, no-holds-barred pure onslaught of retro-Thrash at its finest!" Two brand new songs entitled 'Warlust' and 'Night Assassins', taken from the album, can be heard on MORBID CARNAGE's official myspace page www.myspace.com/morbidcarnage
November 02, 2009
CHAOS MAGAZINE # 15 is finally out, featuring in-depth interviews with HATE ETERNAL, RESURRECTION, SINISTER, VADER, BEHEMOTH, EXMORTEM, VACANT COFFIN, BOOK OF BLACK EARTH, MACHETAZO, DARKNESS BY OATH, AMON AMARTH, EVOCATION, SEANCE, THE UGLY, UNANIMATED, THE CROWN as well as a huge Rogga Johansson-special including individual interviews with (almost) all of his past, present and future bands such as PAGANIZER, RIBSPREADER, CARVE, DEMIURG, THOSE WHO BRING THE TORTURE, BONE GNAWER (feat. Kam Lee of MASSACRE) or PUTREVORE (feat. Dave Rotten of AVULSED). A detailed label report on the up-and-coming PULVERISED RECORDS from Singapore and approximately 666 reviews, a free "True Black Metal Memory" as well as a full-coloured front cover artwork by KILLUSTRATIONS complete the picture. 80 A4 pages, pro-printed on high-quality paper, available for EUR 5,00 (Germany), EUR 6,00 (Europe) or USD 9,00 (rest of the world) from: CHAOS MAGAZINE, P.O. Box 70 20, 72734 Reutlingen, Germany, firstname.lastname@example.com, www.chaosmagazine.de
ASSASSIN will headline the True Thrash Fest 2010 in Osaka, Japan on March 27 and 28, 2010, on both days. Other confirmed bands are AT WAR (USA) and WARPATH (UK). Some Japanese bands will also play. More info at www.rockstakk.com/index2.html or www.myspace.com/rockstakkrecords
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Kings Arena Deal Dead in Sacramento, Again
Back on April 13, 2012, the Maloof brothers reneged their contributions for their new arena at the Downtown Sacramento Railyards after the Arena deal seemed ready to go in February. After the arena deal was reneged, Sacramento's Mayor Kevin Johnson declared the end of a relationship with the Maloofs after fighting to keep the Kings from moving to Anaheim in April of 2011.
As of now, the Kings are going to play the 2012-2013 season with many questions to be answered by the end of the year.
With the Maloofs reportedly over $200 million in debt from the NBA and City of Sacramento combined and no support for relocations to Anaheim, there has been raising questions on whether they were going to sell the team.
According to Joe Maloof after the drafting of Thomas Robinson 5th overall pick from Kansas:
"We're not going anywhere. We're not moving. We're not selling. We're going to fix our team-that's what we're going to do."
But can Thomas Robinson really turn this franchise around with a very low payroll and a young team? Recently Tyreke Evans has been rumored to be on the trading block with the Kings not having the money to extend his contract. As long as the Maloofs are stuck with Power Balance Pavilion, it looks like the Kings are going to be stuck in the draft with a very limited ability to sign any players in the free agent market.
Kevin Johnson's "Plan B" to build the new arena has been declared dead as of July 3, 2012. The second option for a new arena for the Sacramento Kings or any other professional sports tenant-never really took shape, Johnson stated "The city and arena operator AEG have concluded that the financial model is not viable for the region without an anchor sports tenant.
What does this mean?
With two plans failed for the new arena, the Maloofs financially strapped and an ineffective arena still sitting….don't the Maloofs eventually have to sell?
From Seattle's perspective, this should be looked at as an opportunity for potential relocation to bring back an NBA team toSeattle. It is crucial that the Seattle City council and King County council approves the arena deal because if the arena deal is in place, this is another step towards the arena. If the arena deal fails then it is back to square one and we could be in the long hall for any hopes to bring back the NBA and NHL.

subset: commoncrawl


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Lamaze Leads The Way: The Trusted Source of Childbirth Education/
For 55 years, Lamaze International has been the leading provider of evidence-based education programs that prepare childbirth educators to teach with skill and confidence. The Lamaze childbirth education certification is the only childbirth educator program that has passed rigorous standards set by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). The Lamaze certification program has been designed to meet the highest professional standards, with quality education offerings that help candidates develop as skilled, trusted LCCE educators.
I worked a labor and delivery nurse for 6 years before becoming a childbirth educator and doula. However, that alone didn't make me a professional educator. In order to become certified through Lamaze as a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator (LCCE), I had to first attend a 2-day seminar. The seminars are not cheap, and they're usually not nearby – making them even more of an investment. I drove to Raleigh, NC and stayed in a hotel for 3 nights to attend the seminar that led me on the path of certification.
In my seminar were people from all walks of life, but I was (surprisingly!) the only nurse! I couldn't believe it. All these other people who had NO prior medical knowledge – very limited history on anatomy, maybe no formal knowledge of physiology, and most people in the class had extremely limited knowledge on labor and birth. My advantage to having medical experience was further made clear when we did a "medical lingo" activity. Do you know a "ctx" is? How about a toco? Do you know what pit stands for? (Contraction(s), uterine monitor and Pitocin.) So, yes, it is definitely advantageous for you to take a childbirth class, but even more so to take a class from someone who has a lot of real-world knowledge and experience.
After my seminar was complete, I had a mentor observe me teach a class. Afterward, I was permitted to sign up for the certification exam. It is only offered twice a year and has around 150 questions. I sat in a little closet (literally) with a desk, a chair, and the computer in front of me. Talk about stressful! A few weeks later, I was notified that I had passed the test, and I was officially a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator.
Now, to maintain my certification, every 3 years, I must submit 25 hours of approved continuing education, as well as make another monetary investment. (This is on top of the 30 hours and monetary investment I have to submit every two years to maintain my nursing license!) Lamaze does an awesome job of offering a lot of those hours through various seminars and workshops. The courses I take must relate to one of the seven Lamaze Childbirth Educator Competencies:
Competency 1: Promotes the childbearing experience as a normal, natural, and healthy process which profoundly affects women and their families.
Competency 2: Assists women and their families to discover and to use strategies to facilitate normal, natural, and healthy pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, and early parenting.
Competency 3: Helps women and their families to understand how complications and interventions influence the normal course of pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and early postpartum.
Competency 4: Provides information and support that encourages attachment between babies and their families.
Competency 5: Assists women and their families to make informed decisions for childbearing.
Competency 6: Acts as an advocate to promote, support, and protect natural, safe and healthy birth.
Competency 7: Designs, teaches, and evaluates a course in Lamaze preparation that increases a woman's confidence and ability to give birth.
Don't take childbirth education too lightly!
As your educator, I LOVE teaching you everything I possibly can about pregnancy and birth. I do it because it is my passion! I chose Lamaze because around the world, it is a well-known and trusted name in childbirth for the past 55 years. Lamaze International stays up-to-date on all the current research and recommendations, and I pass all of this on to my students.
Knowledge is power but only if you know how to apply it to your situation. I'll show you how to so this and maximize your chances of a having a comfortable and relaxed birthday party. Schedule a private childbirth lesson in your home or register for our one-day group class - only 2 class dates remain in 2015.


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2017 will mark a few changes in the Elite Redfish Tournament Series the major one being a 2 division series with plans to expand to 3 divisions in 2018. The East vs West format will pit some of the very best anglers in the country against one another in the only professional head to head, man vs man redfish tournament series in the nation.
The pros fishing the east and or west division will have to compete in just 3 events with limited travel if they want to be one of the few (top 10) from each division to make the Classic Championship. Once there, another first for the Elite Series, a NO ENTRY FEE Championship for the qualifiers with the top prize being a 22′ Skeeter Boat, Yamaha Outboard and McClain tandem axle trailer.
Another change coming in 2017 is lower entry fees. Just $5,500.00 to enter a 3 tournament division. This marks the lowest entry fees that the Elite Series has offered since it's inception 3 years ago and in 2017 anglers can work, guide or practice on tournament waters without off limits restrictions. However, as in previous years, anglers will have to locate, catch and keep their own fish without outside help or information from anyone not registered to compete in the event and division 14 days prior to the first day of official practice. As of Monday the week of the event anglers can only practice with immediate family members, sponsors that are not guides, professional anglers or anyone considered experts, by the tour that are not competitors paid and competing in the same event. Read more on rules/procedures here.
Finally, the top 10 point getters from the East will do battle against the top 10 point getters from the West at the NO ENTRY FEE Championship. And at this made for TV Championship, for the first time ever, they will do so in 2 round Match Play format followed by a 1 round shoot out for the Super 6. The top 10 from each division will be seated according to their seasonal points finish and much like a basketball tournament will do so 1 vs 10, 2 vs 9, etc.. 10 pros matched in 5 single elimination events, except for one angler.
The angler with the heaviest day 1 bag that happens to lose his/her match will get a 2nd chance and will re enter the event as part of day 2's match play going against the match 1 winner. After the 5 matches have been paired to 3 in the east and the west, the winner of each of those 3 matches on day 2 will move on to day 3 and the Super 6. Day 3 will find each of the Super 6 heading out with their cameramen and in search of the heaviest limit of redfish they can catch.
This single day's weight (day 3) will determine the place of finish for each of the Super 6 and while just 6 will be competing on day 3, 4 of the 6 anglers from day 2's matches with the heaviest losing bags will also cut a check, doubling the total spots paid over 2015 and 2016 to 10. There is a lot of change coming in 2017 to the Elite Redfish Series, new sponsors, new formats, new stops and more. However, one thing that will not change is the professional production of the events and The Elite Series commitment to providing it's pros with the highest amount of exposure, integrity and professional representation anywhere in professional redfishing today.
We invite you to email email@example.com with any questions or comments.


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Five Things to Consider When Buying a Riser Recliner Chair
A riser recliner chair is a motorised chair that enables a person to recline to a more comfortable position or raise them to a standing position at the touch of a button. They can be a huge help with posture management and for the assisted relief of back pain and other orthopaedic conditions as well as aiding with independence.
Rise and Recline Ltd. chairs are manufactured with a wealth of different styles and options available. But with so much choice, how can you be sure you're getting the right riser recliner chair for you? In this article are some of the things that should be considered and discussed with your retailer before you buy your Rise and Recline Ltd. chair.
Dual or Single motor?
This is the term that is often used to describe the function of the chair. Quite simply it refers to the number of motors within the chair and therefore the functions available. A dual motor chair allows the user to have full and independent control of the back and footrest, whereas a single motor will recline to a comfortable position and then lift to a near standing position in one function. Before deciding on your chair it's worth considering which feature you'll benefit from the most.
Made to measure?
In order to maintain correct posture and a comfortable sitting position the dimensions of your chair are vitally important. If your feet don't rest flat on the floor it can lead to increased pressure on your legs. Similarly, if the headrest is too high or too low it can lead to shoulder, neck or back problems. It's recommended that you sit in the chair before you buy it and make sure that you are able to sit comfortably with your feet flat on the floor. Here at Rise and Recline Ltd. we manufacture chairs to your exact measurements so we can endeavour to assist in ensuring that the chair will provide you with a sitting position that's right for you.
Where is the chair going to go?
Because of the operation of a riser recliner chair they can take up a lot more space than a regular armchair. Therefore you need to consider the amount of space you're going to need in your home to accommodate the chair of your choice. If, however, you're short on space there are other options available. Wall hugger options ensure that the chair functions in a reduced space, without spreading out behind, thereby utilising the best use of the space available. Many of Rise and Recline Ltd. styles are available with these features.
Does the fabric match your current furniture?
It might seem trivial but the last thing you want is to take delivery of your nice new riser recliner chair only to discover that it doesn't match the furniture you already have in your home. With so many fabric options to choose from – literally thousands from Rise & Recline Ltd. – there's no reason you can't get an exact or at least very close match. It's a good idea to take a picture of your current living room furniture and take it with you when you order your chair.
Accessories & Extras
Before you buy your chair you should always check the accessories available to you. Many chairs can be built with massage or heat options that can provide extra relaxation and pain relief. Rise & Recline Ltd. chairs have a wide range of additional options so be sure to check these with your retailer before ordering.
And of course, if you still have questions you can always discuss them with your nearest Rise and Recline retailer or by contacting us directly.
Selection of riser recliner chairs


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Anti-aging? Yes, We Have No Bananas.
On a whimsical note, I can't get enough of those top ten lists of foods we should eat to jump start our personal anti-aging campaign. Maybe given global aging population trend reports, there could be some great investment opportunities to help offset those retirement plan deficits. Perhaps the future is in bananas according to a


text: Tom Speirs 2787 Posted May 14, 2018 My third and final attempt at switching to SlimDX from Managed Direct X. We basically had to lose full screen exclusive mode for this but even without this everything still runs much smoother in the front end. FPS is perfect for me and the new video framework also runs much smoother with this now. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites


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Our condos at Beacher's Lodge are privately owned and rented out by the owners at significantly discounted rates. This website contains all the information you need to know about our oceanfront condo rentals as well as a St. Augustine Visitor's Guide and a list of local Crescent Beach amenities. Be sure to check out our current deals if you are looking for a great last-minute getaway!
Beacher's Lodge is located on tropical Anastasia Island just south of the city of St. Augustine on Highway A1A. Landscaped by Mother Nature, the gently swaying sea oats on the dunes make this the perfect beach. There is nothing as relaxing as the ocean breeze. The wide, soft sandy beaches will be sure to delight your senses. However, Florida is so much more than just a beach.
The Intercoastal Waterway is located directly across A1A, allowing a fantastic view of fishermen, passing boats, waterfowl, and oyster beds. Anastasia Island is a water lover's dream — boat and fish to your heart's content! Quaint and historic St. Augustine is mere minutes away. Park your car downtown and explore the nation's oldest city! You'll find St. Augustine a delightful place to visit. There you will find Old Town, shopping opportunities galore on St. George Street, the Bridge of Lions, the Castillo de San Marcos Fort, Flagler College, and so much more.
Set your own pace — swim, bicycle, drive your car, or simply stroll the expanse of breath-taking miles of soft sand before returning to the comfort of your oceanfront condo. Choose a stay of a few days or several weeks or months for the best time of your life. Once you've been to our condos at Beacher's, we're sure you will want to return again and again…


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Anurag Agrawal is a professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and the Department of Entomology at Cornell University. He lives in Ithaca, New York. His latest book, Monarchs and Milkweed, is available now.
It's peak season for milkweed and the village of insects that make milkweed its home. In my book on Monarchs and Milkweed, I devote an entire chapter to these diverse and fascinating other milkweed insects. Below are photos from two days last week (July 6 and 7th), one set from my front yard and the other from Shawangunk National Grassland Preserve, both in NY State. All but two of the 11 specialized milkweed herbivores was seen on these four species of milkweed. Do you know which two species are missing?


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STRIPE MALI PILLOW l.
sold out
STRIPE MALI PILLOW l.
Stripe: 14 x 14 inches.
These pillows are made with antique textiles from Mali.
Colors range from indigo to cool grays and whites. Beautiful patches add character that makes them really unique.
The inserts are 100% cotton, filled with feathers and down, one size bigger then the pillow cover for comfort and softness.
Care: Our pillows are made with antique fabrics, o pillow fights...
Washing instructions: dry clean recommended.
Add To Cart


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September 2018
August 2018
June 8 2018
September 23 2017
I just came across an early paining of mine that was sold by the LISA SETTE Gallery, Phoenix. The article is on the Architectural, Interiors & Design website DEZEEN. When you have a chance, please check it out.
September 1 2017
I'm excited to announce my new association with CIRCA GALLERY, Minneapolis MN.
CIRCA GALLERY has provided expert art advisory and guidance for over 25 years to designers, architects, corporations and collectors alike. Their staff is well able to assist you whether you're just beginning to collect work or continuing to build a collection.
The gallery is located in the North Loop warehouse district at 210 N First Street, Minneapolis MN. For more information please visit their web site at www.circagallery.org
GATHERING THE FRAGMENTS 2017, Mixed Media on Panel, 24 X 45 X 1.5
August 2017
I'm pleased to announce the release of a new series of paintings. With this body of work I wanted to reveal the essential elements within a landscape - to create a very focused narrative by observing the foundational forms, structures and motions within the landscape.
Technically I had to transition from my traditional oil on canvas process to materials that allowed for a more physically manipulated surface. So instead of canvas, these works works are on panel which allows for the etching and gauging that form the lines or narrative. Using panel also allowed me to sand and manipulate the surface in ways canvas would never permit. Acrylic paints, gesso, Bondo & modeling paste were all used in the creation of these works.
July 2017
TRANSCENDING THE MEDIUM, Cumbrerland Gallery Nashville TN
Cumberland Gallery will kick off the summer with TRANSCENDING THE MEDIUM, the first of two group exhibition this season. From July15th through August 123th, the focus is on six artist who have overcome the challenge of working with different types of medium using their idiosyncratic vocabulary and signature style. Brad Durham, Kurt Kemp, Bob Nugent, Andrew Saftel, Marko Spalatin and Andrew Winn, each present one large unique piece alongside a grouping of smaller works on paper, ai.e. a portfolio of prints, a series of drawings or a book of etchings. While showcasing the contrast in size, technique and material, the work remains continuous, instantly recognizable and fundamental to the artist's oeuvre.
March 2017
In January 2017 I started a series of landscape "drawings" The simple intention was 2 fold - to do 2 a day and experiment with materials for one month. Of those 60 works, these are the ones that survived. Each was created on vellum using acrylic paints, inks & gesso
UNTITLED 3651 - 3570 2017, Mixed Media on Vellum, sizes vary
September 2016
February 2016


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Germany's biggest bank, Deutsche Bank, prepared the ground for regulatory action in the Libor rigging scandal by admitting that a "limited number" of its staff had been involved.
As Swiss bank UBS insisted it was not at the centre of the interest rate debacle, Deutsche said "action had been taken accordingly" against those staff found to have been involved. UBS, as the first bank to reveal the existence of investigations into Libor, is receiving leniency for co-operating with inquiries.
Deutsche's supervisory board head Paul Achleitner insisted in a letter to staff that "no current or former member of the management board had any inappropriate involvement".
Deutsche's admission follows a warning by Royal Bank of Scotland that it too expects to be drawn into the Libor debacle in the wake of the £290m fine slapped on Barclays. Barclays refused to comment on reports that its offices in Milan had been raided in connection with the investigations.
Deutsche's new co-chief executive Anshu Jain used to run the investment banking operations of the bank, but the internal probe has cleared him of any involvement. Jain yesterday announced plans to cut 1,900 jobs – largely outside Germany – and clean up the culture of banking. Bonuses are to come down and codes of "personal conduct" are being reviewed.


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We get a great deal of questions about our site. Listed here are the most common, and our HOLLAresponses:
Question:Are you a bunch of crazed feminazis who hate men?
Answer: Actually, Hollaback! is a collective comprised of men and women who believe in building communities where everyone feels comfortable, safe, and respected. We were co-founded by three men (and four women), and today, one third of our board members are men. Many people, particularly men, are unaware of the frequency and severity of disrespect and intimidation that numerous folks, especially women, experience in public spaces on a daily basis. Hollaback! aims to expose and combat street harassment and provide an empowering forum.
Question: OK, but what exactly is street harassment?
Answer: Street harassment is a form of sexual harassment that takes place in public spaces. At its core is a power dynamic that constantly reminds historically subordinated groups (women and LGBTQ folks, for example) of their vulnerability to assault in public spaces. Further, it reinforces the ubiquitous sexual objectification of these groups in everyday life. At Hollaback!, we believe that what specifically counts as street harassment is determined by those who experience it. While there is always the classic, "Hey baby, nice tits!", there are many other forms that go unnoted. If you feel like you have been harassed, HOLLABACK!
Question: So let's say a man sees a woman he thinks is attractive and tells her so. Are you saying that makes him a harasser?
Answer: Some do not find comments such as "Hello, beautiful" or "Hey, gorgeous" offensive. Many do. Others may find them intimidating, intrusive, or just an annoying pain in the ass. Keep in mind that many women experience unsolicited comments, as well as violent verbal assault, from men in public spaces on a regular basis. As many as 25% of women are sexually assaulted before the age of 18. For them, street harassment can feel like ripping off a scab. Rather than deliberating the "gray areas" of street harassment, treat everyone you encounter with respect.
Question: I heard something about your position on antiracism. What's that about, and what does it have to do with street harassment?
Answer: Replacing sexism with racism is not a proper hollaback. Due in part to prevalent stereotypes of men of color as sexual predators or predisposed to violence, Hollaback! asks that contributors do not discuss the race of harassers or include other racialized commentary. If you feel that race is important to your story, please make sure its relevance is explained clearly and constructively in your post.
Initiatives combating various forms of sexual harassment and assault have continually struggled against the perpetuation of racist stereotypes, and in particular, the construction of men of color as sexual predators. There exist widespread fictions regarding who perpetrators are: the myth of racial minorities, particularly latino and black men, as prototypical rapists and as being more prone to violence is quite common. This stems in part from a tragic and violent history in which black men in the U.S. were commonly and unjustly accused of assaulting white women, and as such were lynched by mobs and "tried" in biased courts.
Because of the complexity of institutional and socially ingrained prejudices, Hollaback! prioritizes resisting both direct as well as unconscious and unintentional reinforcement of social hierarchies. Simultaneously, Hollaback! aims to highlight the interrelations between sexism, racism, and other forms of bias and violence.
Question: But isn't street harassment a cultural thing?
Answer: Street harassers occupy the full spectrum of class, race, and nationality. Sexual harassment, and street harassment specifically, is resisted by people around the globe: Hollaback! receives e-mails of support and solidarity from numerous countries and from every continent. To condense another's culture into vague assumptions about who and what they are is to generalize dangerously about a wide range of experiences and perspectives that exist within any one given culture.
Question: I want to hollaback and I don't have an iPhone or a Droid, help!
Answer: The iPhone and Droid apps are just one way to tell your story – but they aren't the only way. If you want to hollaback on the go from your cell phone, type the email address '[email protected]' in the field where the number usually goes. Tell us where you are, attach a photo if you like, and your text will go straight to our email. From there, we'll post it. Don't have a cell phone? You can still tell us your story on-line.
Question: Confronting street harassers can be dangerous. What about safety issues?
Answer: While everyone is vulnerable to stranger rape and sexual assault, studies show that those who are aware of their surroundings, walk with confidence and, if harassed, respond assertively, are less vulnerable. Nevertheless, direct confrontations with street harassers may prove extremely dangerous, particularly if you are alone or in an unpopulated space. While it is each individual's right to decide when, how, and if to hollaback, do keep issues of safety in mind. Upon deciding to photograph a harasser, you may consider doing so substantially after the initial encounter and from a distance, ensuring the harasser is unaware of your actions.
Question: Do I really need to take a picture of the turd?
Answer: The picture is about telling the story. We live in a world where the first public reaction to most reports of violence against women is doubt. A picture can help people see the world from your eyes. Over the year we've gotten pictures ranging from the street sign nearby, to your shoes, or to the skyline. For most folks, it's not about catching the turd—it's about having a badass response. That said, holla'ing back is not right for every situation. If you don't feel safe, don't do it.
Question: What should I do if I recognize a person or business in one of the photographs?
Answer: We definitely appreciate your enthusiasm, but we're on potentially shaky ground here. Hollabackers aren't police officers and we are no court of law. Our site is premised on the idea that women tell the truth, and in over five years we've never had anyone contact us and say "that's not me." We want to keep this site a safe, empowering space. If you think you know someone, email us at [email protected] and we'll reach out to the person who sent in the submission and see what she would like to do with your information. After all, it's her hollaback. Shouldn't she be the one who gets to make the call?
Question: Isn't street harassment the price you pay for living in a city?
Answer: No, local taxes are the price you pay for living in a city. We would love to see some portion of our local taxes go towards preventing street harassment, but alas, they don't. In fact, street harassment is not confined to urban areas. It occurs in shopping malls, cars, parking lots, public parks, airplanes, fast-food restaurants, gas stations, churches, and numerous other public spaces.
Question: If you show off your boobage, shouldn't you expect some compliments?
Answer: Sure, expect them, but don't accept them! Just because it happens doesn't mean it's okay. A compliment is not a compliment if it makes the recipient feel bad.
Question: Sure, but if "the harasser" were hot, wouldn't you like it?
Answer: This has nothing to do with sex, and everything to do with power.
Question: You're just a bunch of prudes, then?
Answer: Like we said, this has nothing to do with sex, and everything to do with power.
Disclaimer: Hollaback! is not responsible for the accuracy of individual postings. All views and positions expressed in posted submissions are those of individual contributors only.


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Semi-firm, goat's milk cheese. Washed rind, with hints of minerals, straw, strawberries, passionfruit, buttered toast, and toffee. Fudgy and chewy and approachable. It is washed in brine every week until it reaches the perfect texture and has a mouth-wateringly addictive quality. Perfect with crisp fruit, cured meats, and white wine. Pasteurized. 2.5 - 3lb. wheels
Winner, American Dairy Goat Cheese Competition 2013
The Iris is Sarah's favorite flower and the Greek goddess of the rainbow. Iris is a messenger who links the gods to humanity. We like that lovely image connecting our lovely cheese.


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Aldridge has 44 points following All-Star 'snub'
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) Sure, LaMarcus Aldridge was bummed he wasn't named an All-Star starter. But he wasn't nearly as upset as his teammates.
Or his mom.
"I think everybody around me was more upset than me," he said. "I came in tonight and Nico (teammate Nicolas Batum) was pretty fired up about it. And my mom was pretty heated about it.
"I think I definitely should have been a starter, but it's over now."
Aldridge let his game answer any skeptics Thursday night when he scored a career-high 44 points in Portland's 110-105 come-from-behind victory over the Denver Nuggets. He scored the final 15 points of the game, prompting chants of "M-V-P! M-V-P!" from the Portland fans.
His scoring outburst came just a few hours after the All-Star starters, based on fan voting, were announced. Aldridge came in fifth place in the West: The starting frontcourt includes Oklahoma City's Kevin Durant, the Clippers' Blake Griffin and Minnesota's Kevin Love.
Aldridge is already a two-time All-Star, having been selected the past two seasons as a reserve by the conference's coaches. The reserves for this season's game, set for Feb. 16 in New Orleans, will be announced on Jan. 30.
Wesley Matthews was among Aldridge's teammates who were miffed he didn't get recognized as a starter.
"His play speaks for itself and our record speaks on behalf of his play," Matthews said.
Mo Williams added: "He's without a doubt the best power forward in the league."
Even Blazers owner Paul Allen, who also owns the Super Bowl-bound Seattle Seahawks, weighed in on his 6-foot-11 forward.
"If you watch him out there, he's so engaged in the games," Allen said. "He's taken on more of a leadership role. I think it's evident in all aspects of his game."
Aldridge is having a career season to drive the surprising Trail Blazers, who missed the playoffs last year but have gone 32-11 so far this season, good for third place overall in the conference behind the Thunder and the Spurs. The Blazers are one win away from their total for all of last season.
Aldridge is averaging 24.7 points and 11.6 rebounds. He has scored at least 25 points in six straight games, and he has at least 20 points and 10 rebounds in seven straight, tying him with Love for an NBA season high.
The seven-game streak also matches Portland's franchise record, hit three times by Sidney Wicks.
He had 13 rebounds to go with his 44 points against the Nuggets. In the celebration afterward, Aldridge kept a tight hold on the game ball, and he took it with him off the court.
"He's tough," Denver coach Brian Shaw said. "He's been having those kind of games against everybody."
A seven-year NBA veteran, Aldridge was drafted out of Texas by Chicago with the second overall pick in the 2006 draft and immediately dealt to Portland. In his early years with the Blazers, the softspoken Dallas native was overshadowed by guard Brandon Roy, who was also in the 2006 draft class. Roy went on to become the league's Rookie of the Year and a three-time All-Star before knee problems cut short his career.
Before this season started, there were rumors that Aldridge wanted to be traded to a team that could contend. During fall camp, both Aldridge and general manager Neil Olshey tried to diffuse the reports.
More recently, there's been chatter that Aldridge is seeking an extension with the Blazers.
"As you guys know, at the appropriate time we'll consider all those options," Allen said.
On Saturday night, the Blazers will host Love and the Minnesota Timberwolves. Following the victory over Denver, Wesley Matthews was asked if perhaps Aldridge was making a statement with his play following the All-Star announcement.
"I think his statement is going to come on Saturday," Matthews teased about the anticipated Aldridge-Love matchup. "It's a good start, though."


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ezFET Lite custom PCB
Texas Instruments has a range of 16 bit microcontrollers, the MSP430. To program these requires waht they call a Flash Emulation Tool (FET). Thankfully all their affordable development kits contain a small stripped down FET, know as the ezFET Lite. TI has open sourced this design and provide both the firmware and the schematics. I was given a tag-connect cable as a giveaway through the 43oh, MSP430 community forum. I decided to create a custom PCB to connect directly to the tag-connect cable.


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Volume 21, Issue 3, Fall 2003
Gating Idaho's Risky Mines
The Idaho Panhandle National Forest, with assistance from Bat Conservation International and others, has been installing bat-friendly gates on scores of hazardous, abandoned mines scattered across the region. The long-running effort was recently featured on National Public Radio's All Things Considered program.
The area contains an estimated 1,000 old mines, ranging in size from short, simple shafts to miles of underground passageways, and some of them have proven a dangerous attraction for visitors, says U.S. Forest Service geologist Jeff Johnson. An order forbidding access to the mines without a formal permit had limited effect, he said.
The Panhandle National Forest instituted a program several years ago to remove access to the abandoned mines, focusing first on those that are most dangerous or accessible. This past summer, BCI's Faith Watkins helped University of New Mexico researcher Rick Sherwin survey many of the mines for current or potential use by bats to determine which should be gated rather than back-filled.
At least 380 of the mines were potentially accessible to the public, and about 145 have been closed – 83 of them with gates that keep people out while giving unimpeded access to bats. The special focus is on protecting Townsend's big-eared bats (Corynorhinus townsendii), although at least seven other species use Idaho mines and will also benefit.


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Cholpon-Ata - the main resort town of Issyk-Kul region.
The city's population is small - about 11 thousand peoples, but the presence of a large number of tourist objectc attracts thousands of tourists, especially in summer months.
The town, located on the shore of Lake Issyk-Kul, is famous for its beautiful beaches of white, fine sand and incredibly clear water.
In Cholpon-Ata located a number of holiday homes, guest houses, comfortable hotels and motels, where you can receive treatment for various ailments.
City landmarks worthy of attention is a historical and cultural museum with collections devoted to the history of the area, nomadic culture and epic Manas, avenue Rappoport of poplars a 5 km long, and a monument to the modern history - the cultural center Ruh Ordo atmosphere that combines five world religions: Judaism, Buddhism, Catholicism, Orthodoxy and Islam.


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|Samadhi House Floggers (photo by Serafina Samadhi)
Yes, regardless of any of those "minor details", I could get a kick out of flogging you, your sister, your brother, your Father or Mother, if your children are of age to consent, and they wished to feel the touch of my lash, I'd enjoy giving it to them too.
Now, before anyone gets concerned for the welfare of their parents, siblings, or children, I should point out that my wild and wanton flogging desires are always kept under complete control. I'm hardly some kind of psychopathic serial flogger, as I can literally count the number of individuals who have felt the bite of my lash on my two hands, with perhaps a finger, or even two to spare.
In order to earn a flogging here at Samadhi House, you've got to request it, and I actually prefer to hear at least a little sincere begging. Not to worry though, they really are worth all the trouble, as my array of floggers can produce most any sensation, from mild to wild . . .
Not only am I an aficionado of the fine art of flogging, I'm also a collector of fine floggers for practicing my art. What I can't count on my two hands is the number of floggers in my collection. The current home for my floggers, a converted DVD case, is pictured above, albeit a bit blurred.
I have decided to become more dedicated in making posts sharing my BDSM tool collection. Through the years, I've amassed a pretty amazing array of implements, and it seems that it's high time I shared my many blessings, at least vicariously, with you my dear reader.
Please note that I very deliberately avoid calling any part of my collection "toys", as this isn't child's play. While the term "play" or "playing" may be commonly used to refer to BDSM scenes in other circles, that's not how Serafina or I refer to our activities.
We don't "play" BDSM . . . We live it . . .
And that's the real reason your families are safe from my lash. Serafina knows my many talents as a dominant, as her Master, quite intimately. She very much enjoys my attentions, even when the sensations I create are more extreme, and she's not exactly itching to share. (Not that I blame her.)
Perhaps someday, if the time arrived where we found an individual desiring to submit to us both, in service and in love, a slave to serve us both, to share together as Master and Mistress; such a reward might be worthy of the price paid in sharing her Master. Meaning - unless you or your family are applying for that slave position at Samadhi House, I can assure you, my dear reader, that everyone else is quite safe.
So, the only way I can really share my flogger collection (not to mention all my other lovely tools) is to give you a virtual tour here, at our web home. I'm not going to write reviews in the standard sense, as I won't be talking about packaging or my ordering experience, I just can't be bothered with so much of the other BS that's common in toy reviews I keep encountering these days.
But as is typical with men, I'm willing to talk about my tools. Entire TV shows have been based around that concept, careers made . . .
Well, my name's not Tim, and my sidekick's name is Serafina not Al. I can also promise to always endeavor to avoid parroting copyrighted show names too closely, as a sign of respect (cough cough) . . .
With that said, nothing changes the universality of gender stereotyping that continually reassures me that guys are always happy to talk about our tools.
Meaning, I have to ask . . .
"If I show you mine, will you show me yours?"
|Samadhi House - Bookshelf Display (photo by Serafina Samadhi)


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I Need You To Say Something Profound
This song contains samples of myself and my oldest son. I turned on the MicroTrack II and said to him, "I need you to say something profound." His immediate reply is just as you hear it. I thought, that'll do. I already had a rough instrumental version of the track completed in Ableton Live. I just laid the sample out and tweaked the pitch a bit. Done. I wish they were all as easy as this one was.
Kurt Lorenz - I need you to say something profound by kurtlorenz


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We're easy to find!
From the M4, exit at junction 28. At the roundabout, take the A48 signposted St. Mellons/Castleton (do not take the A48 Newport exit).
Turn right at the first set of lights, then at the next roundabout take the first left.
You'll see the Holiday Inn Express Hotel on your left. At the next roundabout take the third exit, follow the road straight into our car park. Easy!
Integra Creative Solutions
Integra House
Vaughan Court
Celtic Springs
South Wales
t: +44 (0)1633 653070
e: email@example.com
*Mandatory Field. By submitting your details, you are indicating your consent to receiving emails from us, unless you have ticked the box above to indicate your objection to receiving these messages.


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It's mid/late summer, which can mean only one thing – It's watermelon carving time! Watermelons are plentiful and usually inexpensive this time of year, so you've got plenty of material to work with. Will you carve some kind of fruit basket? An animal? A funny character? Something ornate and artistic? The sky's the limit!
If you're ready to carve right away, or if you've already carved something contest-worthy, you're in luck: The Watermelon Board's annual watermelon carving contest is going on right now and you can enter from now through 11:59 p.m. EST on August 3. The categories are Most Elegant Carving, Best Fruit Basket Carving, Best Animal Carving, Funniest Carving, and Star-Spangled Carving. Just don't forget that you need a picture of your watermelon carving PLUS a picture of you with your carving (to prove that you're the one who carved it).
Spoiler alert: We're entering our BayMelon (WaterMax?) carving from Big Hero 6. This lovable guy is pretty easy to create – it's just a little time-consuming because you have to patiently carve off the whole green layer.
To make this carving, we used one big and one small watermelon and carved off the green layers of both. Then we carved a bowl-shaped indentation in top of the large watermelon so that the small one could rest there comfortably (give credit to our youngest kid for this idea.) To get the rose in his hand, we first cut out the outline of fingers. Then we made a small cut separating the white layer from the red layer so that we could slide the rose under his white "fingers" and he could grip it.
Looking for more watermelon carving inspiration? Check out our watermelon carving Pinterest board for some great carvings!


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I'm attempting to PXE boot and completely rebuild a new server with an "Ubuntu 12.04 Server" image over the network using apt-mirror but I get multiple errors mid-way through the installation. I am able to successfully rebuild the same server with a physical CDROM (created using the very same files from the "ubuntu-12.04.2-server-amd64.iso" image) without issue, yet I have issues building over the network as it provides the following error messages just after it partitions the discs and begins the last big file transfer. As a result, I have not been able to get a successful server PXE built using my business' internal network (using the external repository works).
Error 1:
!! Install the base system
Debootstrap warning
Warning: Couldn't download package eject (ver 2.1.5+deb1+cvs20081104-9 arc amd64)
Error 2:
!! Install the base system
Debootstrap warning
Warning: Couldn't download package liblzma5 (ver 5.1.1alpha+20110809-3 arc amd64)
Error 3:
!! Install the base system
Debootstrap warning
Warning: Couldn't download package libstdc++6 (ver 4.6.3-1ubuntu5 arc amd64)
More similar errors appear but have been omitted for brevity...
Here's the last portion of the /var/log/syslog:
Jul 12 17:30:00 partman-lvm: Logical volume "swap_1" successfully removed
Jul 12 17:30:00 udevd[24071]: inotify_add_watch(6, /dev/dm-1, 10) failed: No such file or directory
Jul 12 17:30:00 partman-lvm: 0 logical volume(s) in volume group "coolservername" now active
Jul 12 17:30:00 partman-lvm: Volume group "coolservername" successfully removed
Jul 12 17:30:00 partman-lvm: Labels on physical volume "/dev/sda3" successfully wiped
Jul 12 17:30:02 partman-lvm: Physical volume "/dev/sda3" successfully created
Jul 12 17:30:02 partman-lvm: Volume group "coolservername" successfully created
Jul 12 17:30:02 partman-lvm: Logical volume "root" created
Jul 12 17:30:02 partman-lvm: Logical volume "swap_1" created
Jul 12 17:30:06 kernel: [ 184.508873] Adding 16695292k swap on /dev/mapper/coolservername-swap_1. Priority:-1 extents:1 across:16695292k
Jul 12 17:30:07 partman: mke2fs 1.42 (29-Nov-2011)
Jul 12 17:30:21 kernel: [ 199.286079] EXT4-fs (dm-0): mounted filesystem with ordered data mode. Opts: errors=remount-ro
Jul 12 17:30:22 apt-install: Queueing package e2fsprogs for later installation
Jul 12 17:30:22 main-menu[514]: (process:25003): /var/lib/partman/devices/=dev=sda
Jul 12 17:30:23 main-menu[514]: DEBUG: resolver (libnewt0.52): package doesn't exist (ignored)
Jul 12 17:30:23 main-menu[514]: DEBUG: resolver (ext2-modules): package doesn't exist (ignored)
Jul 12 17:30:23 main-menu[514]: INFO: Menu item 'bootstrap-base' selected
Jul 12 17:30:23 debconf-copydb: Cannot open question file /target/var/cache/debconf/config.dat: No such file or directory
Jul 12 17:30:23 debconf-copydb: Cannot open template file /target/var/cache/debconf/templates.dat: No such file or directory
Jul 12 17:30:23 base-installer: chroot: can't execute 'debconf-set-selections': No such file or directory
Jul 12 17:30:23 base-installer: warning: /usr/lib/base-installer.d/20console-setup returned error code 127
Jul 12 17:30:55 base-installer: error: exiting on error base-installer/debootstrap-failed
Jul 12 17:30:55 main-menu[514]: WARNING **: Configuring 'bootstrap-base' failed with error code 1
Jul 12 17:30:55 main-menu[514]: WARNING **: Menu item 'bootstrap-base' failed.
Jul 12 17:30:56 main-menu[514]: INFO: Modifying debconf priority limit from 'high' to 'medium'
Jul 12 17:30:56 debconf: Setting debconf/priority to medium
Jul 12 17:30:57 main-menu[514]: DEBUG: resolver (libnewt0.52): package doesn't exist (ignored)
Jul 12 17:30:57 main-menu[514]: DEBUG: resolver (ext2-modules): package doesn't exist (ignored)
Jul 12 17:30:59 main-menu[514]: INFO: Menu item 'save-logs' selected
I first implemented a DHCP/TFTP solution using pxelinux (https://help.ubuntu.com/community/PXEInstallServer) but have since moved to gpxelinux with syslinux to try to get this to work (plus it appears that the use of HTTP is faster than TFTP etc.). Still with no success I attempted to use a simple Kickstart file:
url --url http://10.16.25.80:4040/ubuntu/repository/
...along with a complete apt-mirror repository (as suggested here -> Unable to install 12.10 with PXE) with no improvement. I also tried using the "ubuntu-12.04.2-alternate-amd64.iso" image as well.
Server Hardware (the one I'm attempting to reimage)
- Dell PowerEdge R320
- 4 physical hard drives configured as hardware RAID 0 with one 4TB virtual drive.
About The Host Server (server used to build)
The hosting server is of similar hardware and was previously configured with Ubuntu Server 12.04 (precise) with Chef server 10.18.2 using the web-ui which uses merb for web services (HTTP). This server acts as the DHCP/HTTP/TFTP/APT-MIRROR host.
Installed DHCP
sudo apt-get install isc-dhcp-server
ddns-update-style none;
option domain-name "corp.com";
option domain-name-servers dns1.corp.com, dns2.corp.com;
default-lease-time 600;
max-lease-time 7200;
log-facility local7;
subnet 10.16.25.0 netmask 255.255.255.0 {
range 10.16.25.195 10.16.25.199;
option domain-name "corp.com";
option domain-name-servers 10.10.10.200, 10.10.10.201;
option routers 10.16.25.1;
option broadcast-address 10.16.25.254;
option ntp-servers 10.10.10.203;
default-lease-time 600;
max-lease-time 7200;
filename "gpxelinux.0";
Installed TFTP
sudo apt-get install tftpd-hpa
Installed SysLinux
sudo apt-get install syslinux
LABEL Server (Preseed/HTTP)
KERNEL http://10.16.25.80:4040/pxe/ubuntu/12.04/alternate-amd64/install/netboot/ubuntu-installer/amd64/linux
APPEND auto=true interface=eth0 hostname=coolservername url=http://10.16.25.80:4040/pxe/preseed/coolservername.seed initrd=http://10.16.25.80:4040/pxe/ubuntu/12.04/alternate-amd64/install/netboot/ubuntu-installer/amd64/initrd.gz --
Configured A Preseed File
The seed file is located at
# Language:
d-i debian-installer/language string en
# Country:
d-i debian-installer/country string US
# Detect keyboard layout?
d-i console-setup/ask_detect boolean false
# Country of origin for the keyboard:
d-i keyboard-configuration/layout select English (US)
# Keyboard layout:
d-i keyboard-configuration/variant select English (US)
# Domain name:
d-i netcfg/get_domain string corp.com
# Disable that annoying WEP key dialog.
d-i netcfg/wireless_wep string
# Configure the application repository mirror
d-i mirror/protocol string http
d-i mirror/country string manual
d-i mirror/http/hostname string 10.16.25.80:4040
d-i mirror/http/directory string /pxe/ubuntu/repository/
#d-i mirror/http/directory string /pxe/ubuntu/12.04/server-amd64/
#d-i mirror/http/directory string /pxe/ubuntu/12.04/alternate-amd64/
d-i mirror/http/proxy string
d-i mirror/suite string precise
# Create a normal user account
d-i passwd/user-fullname string A really cool default user
d-i passwd/username string coolusername
# Normal user's encrypted password (using an MD5 hash)
d-i passwd/user-password-crypted password 12345678901234567890123456789012
# Set to true to encrypt the first user's home directory
d-i user-setup/encrypt-home boolean false
# Only ask the UTC question if there are other operating systems installed.
d-i clock-setup/utc-auto boolean true
# Controls whether or not the hardware clock is set to UTC
d-i clock-setup/utc boolean true
# Time zone setup
d-i time/zone string US/Pacific
# Configure disk storage and partitions
d-i partman-auto/method string lvm
# If one of the disks that are going to be automatically partitioned
# contains an old LVM configuration, the user will normally receive a
# warning. This can be preseeded away...
d-i partman-lvm/device_remove_lvm boolean true
# The same applies to pre-existing software RAID array:
d-i partman-md/device_remove_md boolean true
# And the same goes for the confirmation to write the lvm partitions.
d-i partman-lvm/confirm boolean true
# For LVM partitioning, you can select how much of the volume group to use
# for logical volumes.
d-i partman-auto-lvm/guided_size string max
# You can choose one of the three predefined partitioning recipes:
# - atomic: all files in one partition
# - home: separate /home partition
# - multi: separate /home, /usr, /var, and /tmp partitions
d-i partman-auto/choose_recipe select atomic
# This makes partman automatically partition without confirmation, provided
# that you told it what to do using one of the methods above.
d-i partman-partitioning/confirm_write_new_label boolean true
d-i partman/choose_partition select finish
d-i partman/confirm boolean true
d-i partman/confirm_nooverwrite boolean true
# By default the installer requires that repositories be authenticated
# using a known gpg key. This setting can be used to disable that
# authentication. Warning: Insecure, not recommended.
d-i debian-installer/allow_unauthenticated boolean true
# Package selection - run this grep (from existing) to see list of available options
# "grep Task /usr/share/tasksel/ubuntu-tasks.desc"
tasksel tasksel/first multiselect server, standard
# Individual additional packages to install
d-i pkgsel/include string openssh-server
# Whether to upgrade packages after debootstrap.
# Allowed values: none, safe-upgrade, full-upgrade
d-i pkgsel/upgrade select full-upgrade
# Policy for applying updates. May be "none" (no automatic updates),
# "unattended-upgrades" (install security updates automatically), or
# "landscape" (manage system with Landscape).
d-i pkgsel/update-policy select none
# By default, the system's locate database will be updated after the
# installer has finished installing most packages. This may take a while, so
# if you don't want it, you can set this to "false" to turn it off.
d-i pkgsel/updatedb boolean true
# Only install basic language packs. Let tasksel ask about tasks.
d-i pkgsel/language-pack-patterns string
# No language support packages.
d-i pkgsel/install-language-support boolean false
# Verbose output and no boot splash screen.
d-i debian-installer/quiet boolean false
d-i debian-installer/splash boolean false
# This is fairly safe to set, it makes grub install automatically to the MBR
# if no other operating system is detected on the machine.
d-i grub-installer/only_debian boolean true
# This one makes grub-installer install to the MBR if it also finds some other
# OS, which is less safe as it might not be able to boot that other OS.
d-i grub-installer/with_other_os boolean true
# Wait for two seconds in grub
d-i grub-installer/timeout string 2
# This will prevent the installer from ejecting the CD during the reboot.
d-i cdrom-detect/eject boolean false
# Avoid that last message about the install being complete.
d-i finish-install/reboot_in_progress note
# Overwrite the server's network configuration file (/etc/network/interfaces)
d-i preseed/run string coolservername.sh
Installed apt-mirror
sudo apt-get install apt-mirror
set nthreads 20
set _tilde 0
deb http://us.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu precise main main/debian-installer restricted restricted/debian-installer universe universe/debian-installer multiverse multiverse/debian-installer
deb-amd64 http://us.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu precise main main/debian-installer restricted restricted/debian-installer universe universe/debian-installer multiverse multiverse/debian-installer
deb-i386 http://us.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu precise main main/debian-installer restricted restricted/debian-installer universe universe/debian-installer multiverse multiverse/debian-installer
deb http://us.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu precise-security main restricted universe multiverse
deb http://us.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu precise-updates main restricted universe multiverse
clean http://archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu
http://10.16.25.80:4040/pxe/ubuntu/repository is a symbolic link to the mirrored files at "/var/spool/apt-mirror/mirror/us.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/".
Any assistance would be greatly appreciated on getting past these errors and successfully helping the reimaging/rebuilding of this server as I've spent much time investigating and searching with no luck...
Many thanks in advance!!


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Adult Individual Therapy
I provide therapy for adults struggling with acute psychiatric illness &/ with problems of daily living &/ with relational problems. Individual therapy may be indicated if you are experiencing difficulties with (including but not limited to):
A wide range of disorders: mood, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, etc.
Relationship difficulties
Self-esteem difficulties
Somatic complaints
Difficulties adjusting to life changes
Postnatal depression/stress
Individuals pursuing personal growth self–exploration, increased self–insight
Parental guidance
Couples Therapy
I work with couples at various stages of their relationships (relationship counseling; premarital counseling; marital counseling) to address relationship difficulties. Some of the aims of Couples Therapy are to assist couples to achieve a greater understanding, awareness, empathy and connectedness. The results of which can be resolution of difficulties, individual growth and overall relationship growth. Couples Therapy can be effective in assisting couples experiencing (included but not limited to):
Communication difficulties
Maladaptive behavior patterns/ ways of relating to each other
Dissatisfaction in the relationship
Life stage transitions (the birth of a child, retirement etc.)
A need to improve the overall quality of the relationship


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Pride and Prejudice (SEN Schools)
Noooo I'm not reviewing the book, although I do love a bit of Mr Darcy.
Today was parents evening... should I say 'this evening was parents evening'... *shrugs* either way.
It was our first parents evening at Kyd's new special educational needs school. I am used to going along to these things at mainstream and them saying 'he needs to practice this and that and he needs to wear his hearing aids more.... blah blah blah'. Never anything bad just never really that insightful as we were always in contact anyway.
This was different.
This felt very strange, I was scared almost.
I have always had this slight prejudice against SEN schools so moving him over from mainstream was a huge deal and only came about because of near future changes in medical needs. I always knew they serve their purpose and were perfect for some but I was very much a 'mainstream is the way forward' kind of gal.
I know that sounds stupid, how can you be prejudice against a way of schooling, but when your child has special needs you don't just have to battle the post code lottery of schooling places, it's the decision to push for mainstream or stick to a special needs school. Then finding a mainstream school suitable and trying to battle getting your child statemented, which is even harder than you'd ever dream of.... the whole thing is a trial and error based thing too, you don't know unless you try and if you don't you always wander 'what if?'.
I think my prejudice comes from the fact they are called 'Special Schools' I HATE the word 'Special' it really grates me.
Controversially, I actually prefer the word different. Although 'Different Schools' doesn't have the same ring to it.... but he is different. He will always be different.... Just the same way WE are all different. I am not the same as you. You are not the same as me. We will never be the same as the next person... in the same way they will never be the same as their peers of the same disability..... are you still following?.... yes?...
Well 'Special', to me and so many other parents of children with several disabilities agree... is bloody patronising. I think to start with when it took over from words more likely to offend, it was a great way of describing people with different abilities and disabilities but now... it is over used, comes with an odd sympathetic tone in peoples voices when said and screams Political Correctness to me as people are scared to use any other word in case they offend... *shakes head*
I am part of a new 'un PC' generation of parent. Not in a rude way, a discriminative way or even an ignorant way... just a way that means I am not offended by many words others might be. Depending on the way they are said that is. If nastiness is the sentiment behind a word and used in a vile way then, yes, I am the first to bitch slap the offender verbally down off their high horse and shove them on the naughty step. BUT if they are genuinely using a word out of ignorance of the meaning and in a completely different context then why would I be upset?... it is after all, just a word.... and if I'm not upset as a parent... why should you be on my behalf?
I believe that the English language has changed over the course of my lifetime, words in which we used when I was Kyd's age are now slang for a completely different word. The meanings and feelings towards words are now completely different to the actual English Dictionary original meaning and when asked, most wouldn't be able to tell you the actual meaning to the word in the first place... if you get what I mean?! It is the same for many things not just words regarding SEN or words describing disabilities... just about everything has been taken over by random uses for quite normal words... which in turn is quite normal.
Anyway, when I was growing up, kids that went to 'Special Schools' went on the 'Sunshine Bus' and were mocked by the secondary school kids as they went passed, I, myself was guilty of this and the guilt about it haunts me everyday.
Kids are cruel. They will always be cruel... that is what has scared me the most about the future since Kyd was born.
When I placed him in a mainstream school I was adamant it would do more for the other children of the school in terms of educating them on Down Syndrome, as it would for Kyd to be there learning from them. Mainstream schools NEED to have SEN children at their schools to help battle ignorance to SEN children from an early age. I would hope that the kids that went to Kyd's 3 different mainstream schools will now think of Kyd when they see an SEN adult or child and remember all they learnt when playing with him in the playground, learning with him in the classroom and talking to him in the street....
That, right there, makes me proud.
What also makes me proud is that when discussing his BIG MOVE with his new teacher she said they were all so proud of him too. He has settled so well into the new routine and where he could have potentially buckled under the pressure of the change, he has leaped into his new school life and is now a huge part of the school... and we are only 4 or 5 weeks in. She said she is amazed by his abilities and that his handwriting was the best in the class...... Thank You Mrs Goddard, from George Palmer School, for all your endless work with him on his letter forming, handwriting and reading, it has paid off and he is now soaring ahead. You should be proud of yourself too, teachers like you don't come about that often and we are really lucky that you were there for Kyd when you were... and he misses you lots too.
Whilst we were in the parents evening the kids were allowed to use the sensory room as a creche. They had staff members in there to look after, not only the pupils, but the siblings too. As we walked in and were told they could go in there, Kyd held Rocky's hand and as he showed him to the sensory room he said...
'come on baby, this is MY school, you'll like it here...'
and as I walked away I had a lump in my throat, from that moment I knew that this meeting was going to go well, I always knew he would make me proud wherever he was...
Because he is different....
But in a better way than you or me.


text:
We only recommend products and services we wholeheartedly endorse. This post may contain special links through which we earn a small commission if you make a purchase (there is no additional cost to you). Thank you for supporting Trayer Wilderness with your purchases!
I love giving gifts to my loved ones, no matter what time of year it is. Most of the time, my gifts go straight to someone else's belly. 😉 Because I desire to keep things as traditional and simple as possible, to me there is nothing better than receiving a handmade or handcrafted gift. Even handwritten cards are becoming a thing of the past, but I think it is important to keep these traditions alive.
It warms my heart to craft something unique and special for someone, whether it be knitted, carved, painted, penciled, or baked. Each gift is made with special thought, care, and love wrapped into it. Baking, which has become something of an art in our home, is a wonderful way to give cookies, breads, or candies to your friends or family. I also keep an eye out for little trinkets at local antique stores or thrift stores that remind me of special people in my life, so I can add them along with handmade gift tags, to my gifts.
My most recent idea for gifting is to turn old flour sacks into gift bags filled with scrumptious goodies. As you can imagine, they were well-received, and fun to make as well! Recently, at an antique store, I found many old, small flour sacks at an unbelievable price. I bought them, washed them, and learned how to embroider a simple wildflower pattern onto them, coordinating the color of the flowers with the recipients' favorite colors. This gift has a piece of the past from a kitchen long ago, in addition to the tasty goodies inside. If only each bag could share the story of where it has already been.
My favorite foods to place inside the gift bags are maple roasted almonds, homemade apricot and cranberry granola, and our delicious hard honey candies.
So today, I'm sharing my honey candy recipe over at GNOWFGLINS. ♥


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By Dr Vikas Shah, Consultant Radiologist
In my previous article, I described what the pelvic floor is, what problems you may suffer from if your pelvic floor fails, and went through one of the main tests of the pelvic floor: a proctogram. This article focuses on some of the main findings in proctogram tests.
A rectocele (pronounced rek-tow-seal) is bulge of the front wall of the back passage (the rectum) into the back wall of the vagina. The typical symptoms that this causes are:
- feeling of a lump or fullness in the back of the vagina
- needing to press from inside the vagina to empty bowels
- feeling of stool being trapped and needing to go to the toilet repeatedly
The reasons for doing a proctogram when a rectocele is suspected are:
- to confirm there is a rectocele
- see how small or big it is
- look for other pelvic floor problems that may influence the choice of treatment, such as rectal prolapse, how far down the pelvic floor drops when straining and an enterocele (loops of small bowel dropping down low into the pelvis and pressing on the rectum)
This image is taken from the end of a proctogram test and shows a bulge at the front of the rectum (towards the left of the picture) which is the rectocele.
A rectal prolapse is suspected when people complain of a feeling of a lump coming out of the back passage (anus, and is the final stage of the process known as intussusception. The problem starts with the lining of the bowel becoming thicker and looser (rectal mucosal thickening) and starting to droop down. When the lining of the rectum droops into the anal canal (back passage), this is known as anal mucosal (or internal) intussusception. This by itself will not cause a feeling of a lump coming out but commonly makes people feel a fullness in their back passage even when they don't need to go to the toilet. Eventually, the whole thickness of the wall of the bowel droops down into the anal canal (recto-anal intussusception) and may end up drooping down all the way to the anal verge (the outside of the back passage, known as a full thickness external prolapse). Usually the prolapse will go back in by itself or with some gentle pressure but sometimes it can stay outside permanently. Note that the terms rectal prolapse and intussusception are used interchangeably and refer to the same process.
When someone describes symptoms of a prolapse, a proctogram test is done because sometimes it is difficult to see a prolapse in clinic. Not only can the proctogram test reveal the rectal prolapse but it can also show how small or big it is, and show other problems such as an enterocele or a rectocele. This video clip (from my YouTube channel shows the development of an external prolapse and an enterocele in a proctogram:
VIDEO OF PROLAPSE AND ENTEROCELE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muPrzCG-5iY&list=PLpJKYZP3PmmDUVAHDkF-U6kzm40QN9bnF&index=6
Please note that there is some confusing terminology about this on the Internet and even amongst hospital specialists. Some sites describe a rectocele as a rectal prolapse; technically speaking this is not a rectal prolapse. A rectocele is a weakening of either the front wall of the rectum or the back wall of the vagina, and the effect is a forward bulge of the rectum into the vagina. A rectal prolapse, strictly speaking, is the same process as intussusception, which is the telescoping of bowel into the adjacent bowel.
Arguably the most difficult (and controversial) diagnosis to make is anismus or anorectal dyssynergy. This disorder is defined by abnormal relaxation or failure of relaxation of one of the core pelvic floor muscles: puborectalis. This muscle forms a sling around the back of the lower part of the rectum, and is normally contracted (tense). When someone attempts to open their bowels, it should relax, and allow the angle between the rectum and anal canal to straighten. In anismus, there is either a failure of relaxation, or what is known as paradoxic contraction, i.e. the muscle tenses even more. This means that the angle between the rectum and anal canal doesn't straighten properly, and usually very little or none of the barium paste is expelled.
It is important to try to distinguish anismus from the effects of anxiety caused by the test. If someone feels anxious and tense, they may not be able to fully relax the muscle and the appearances then (wrongly) suggest anismus. The ways that this can be avoided include a full explanation of the test, time taken to go through any queries or concerns, a cohesive team of radiographers and radiologists, and most of all, showing empathy for the patient. We ask people to try to do something in a hospital room that they have difficulty doing in the privacy of their own home - go to the toilet. Therefore, it is an important part of the radiologist and radiographer's jobs to put the patient at ease to ensure that a false diagnosis of anismus is not reached.
Dr Vikas Shah
Consultant Radiologist in Leicester, UK