text:
Alastair Rickard
Here is a footnote to the recent series of three columns on RickardsRead.com offering some tips on cruising.
Captain Paul Von Knorring , a 20 year Finnish veteran of the Norwegian Cruise Line ship Dawn, recently related this anecdote from his time as commander of Norwegian's Sun.
The Norwegian Line's record frequent cruiser was (when Captain Von Knorring knew her) an 82 year old woman who, after she retired, made 327 cruises with Norwegian. This is not as amazing as it first seems since she literally lived on the cruise ship.
She started out cruising on Norwegian's first liner, the Norway (formerly the French transatlantic liner SS France purchased by Norwegian in 1979). She switched to the Norwegian Sun when the Norway went out of service. She even had her name on her stateroom door.
Captain Von Knorring said the only time she lived off the Sun during his time as its first officer was when the ship went into drydock for several weeks and she was not allowed to remain on board during this period. She apparently chose to make a Norwegian Cruise ship her permanent retirement home regardless of where it cruised.
During cruises most lines hold cocktail parties and the like for their 'frequent cruisers'. It is common on such occasions for the captain or cruise director (knowing the answers full well before they start) to poll the assembled guests about how many had cruised with the line 30 times or 50 times, etc etc. It is not unusual to have couples present with 60+ cruises.
This octogenerian was in a class by herself.
On March 26,2012, the television columnist and critic for the Globe and Mail of Toronto, John Doyle, wrote a column not only lauding the superiority of today's television programming but arguing further that today's television drama had become superior to the novel as a cultural form. This seemed to me to be an argument bordering on the risible. In response I wrote the following letter to the editor of the Globe.
John Doyle is one of my favourite columnists. His views about television are mostly well-founded but occasionally they are overwhelmed by an excessive use of hyperbole.
His column today ("The novel made the modern world, but good television is superior to the printed word", March 26) presents a respectable argument for the case the column heading encapsulates. However to argue that a relatively few televison dramas produced for a handful of mainly American cable networks like HBO are somehow representative of what televison today brings into the home is simply silly.
Even a jog through a program guide for the channels most Canadians can access is to see the preponderance of televison hours taken up with the broadcast of stuff as vacuous as the programming that was available to us in the "pre-cable era" to which Mr. Doyle refers.
H.L. Mencken observed decades ago that television is like a steak: a medium rarely well done. The arrival since then of a small proportion of television drama that is excellent has not changed that picture nor, for that matter, has the novel thereby been eclipsed.
In conversation recently I was asked a question the person posing it did not realize was a trick question: who was the last British monarch to fight in battle?
The answer, if the question means a monarch who was king at the time of his active service, is King George II (1683-1760). He led British troops against the French in 1743 at Dettingen, a battle in the War of the Austrian Succession (1740-1748).
However the correct answer, if the question actually refers to any active service undertaken by a British monarch during his lifetime, is King George VI (1895-1952), our present Queen's father. On May 31, 1916 Prince Albert, as he then was, took part as a junior officer serving in the Royal Navy's HMS Collingwood in the First World War's Battle of Jutland off the North Sea coast of Denmark against the German high seas fleet. The future king left the Collingwood's sick bay and manned a gun turret throughout the naval battle, the largest during W.W.I. In fact the Battle of Jutland was the largest sea battle in naval warfare history before or since in terms of the numbers of battleships and battle cruisers engaged.
If the questioner had asked who was the member of the British Royal Family to see active service most recently, many who follow the news would know that the answer is the Queen's grandson, Prince Harry. As a junior officer he has seen active service with his regiment, the Blues & Royals, in Afghanistan.
The last member of the Royal Family to see battle prior to Prince Harry was his uncle Prince Andrew, the Duke of York. He flew a helicopter in various engagements during the Falklands War in 1983.
email: firstname.lastname@example.com
blog: www.RickardsRead.com
to set a "Google Alert" for new columns as they are posted on RickardsRead.com, go to:


text:
You're the boss. It's your business, so you can do what you want, right? Well, technically, yes, as long as it's not violating any laws. But just because you can do something, it doesn't mean you should do something. Here are 5 things you need to stop doing, even though they are legal.
1. Conducting the background check after bringing someone on board. This seems to be more and more popular. Don't bother about that pesky paperwork; just get someone started. After all, time is money, right? In the past week, I've received two emails from people who accepted new jobs, started those new jobs, and then got fired within the week because they didn't pass the reference check. Talk about wasting time and money. You do have to pay those people for working, so no money saved.
2. Forcing people to resign. You may think you're being nice in giving an employee the option to resign, by demanding that she write a resignation letter. Just stop it. If the person deserves to be fired for cause, fire her. If it's a layoff, or a generic poor-performance termination, or you just don't like the person, you can give the option of resigning, but honestly, just terminate the person, and don't fight unemployment. Recruiters don't look fondly on people who resigned without a new job lined up anyway. You're not helping, and you're a cheapskate who is trying to get out of a bump in unemployment costs.
3. Paying new hires significantly more than your long-term, loyal staff. It's totally true that it's easier to keep an employee than it is to coax someone to leave a job and come to work for you. And it's also true that market rates change, and that it's not required that you have all staff members doing the same job making exactly the same amount of money. After all, people bring different skills and experiences and expertise. However, when you need to offer the new guy $10,000 more than your loyal, long-term, hard-working, high performer is making, that's a sign that you should give your long-term employee a big raise. Don't treat current staff poorly because you can.
4. Giving false performance appraisals. I don't mean that you're forging or plagiarizing performance appraisals (although using the copy-paste method in which all your employees get the same "feedback" needs to stop as well). I mean reviews in which you rate someone highly and tell the person she's doing great, and then three months later, you want to fire her and blame "performance." Someone who was a star three months previously deserves help. If you want to fire her so that you can hire your cousin, say that. If you want to fire her because you've hired a new manager who hates this person, consider why on earth you are getting rid of a trusted employee over a new person who has the maturity of a seventh grader. If it truly is a performance issue, why did you say your employee was doing great a few months ago? Be honest. Always.
5. Refusing to give copies of documents. If you stand behind what you've said in that writeup of your employee, why won't you give the employee a copy of the document? If you demand a signature "right now!" when the employee says she would like to talk to her attorney first, you are a sleazy, slimy boss. If the document won't stand up to legal scrutiny, you shouldn't be asking for a signature.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Unfortunately, I am no longer able to continue working on BGM or provide support for it on a reasonable basis. I am simply too busy trying to keep up with real life and I don't have time for it anymore. Besides that, I am no longer an active member of the Game Maker Community or YoYo Games, and no longer use Game Maker, so it doesn't make sense to continue to develop anymore.
I had a fun time working on it and providing what help I could offer, but the time has come for me to move on. Sorry, everybody, but that's the way it has to be...
- Brad Harms (a.k.a. The Music Guy)
What is BGM?
It is an extremely simplistic front-end to Un4seen.com's BASS.DLL that acts as a bridge between BASS and Game Maker.
In other words, it is a system that uses Game Maker's functionality to use external DLL files as a means to improve Game Maker's music-playing abillities.
In other other words, BGM lets you play all sorts of tracked music formats like MOD, IT and XM in your Game Maker games.
Feature List
* Extremely simple interface
* Total amount of data added to your game is less than 200kb
* Support for MOD, XM, S3M, IT, MTM, UMX, MO3 (see below), WAV, AIFF, MP3, MP2, MP1 and OGG.
* Supports un4sen.com's hybrid compressed-tracked format, MO3.
* Uses the latest version of BASS.DLL (which is 2.3 at the time of this writing)
* Play, play looped, pause, stop
* Quick Play - This allows you to easily load and play a song simply by passing it's filename, then automatically stop and unload it when you're done.
* Can use whatever output format you want
* File- and Internet-Streaming for sampled formats
* Load and play as many songs as your system can handle (quite a few, usually)
* Volume, panning, and playback speed control
* Access to many module attributes, such as sample/instrument/channel volumes, pan seperation, etc.
* You can refer to loaded songs via the ID given when they were loaded OR by giving the filename of the song
* Lots of automatic error handling (which can be turned off if you want)
* the list goes on -- See the manual (included in the download) for more details.
Known Bugs
* The function bgm_SetLibDir() has been deprecated because it doesn't work correctly and there doesn't seem to be a way to fix it.
* The functions bgm_GetPos() and bgm_GetLen() don't work on non-streamed samples; they always return 4294967295. However, the functions work fine for streamed samples and modules.
Update History
(updates above 2.0.1 beta can be found on the website)
2.0.1 beta -
* Updated to BASS.DLL 2.3
* You can now choose what output format you want
* File- and Internet-Streaming now supported for sampled formats
* New API (backwards compatibility has been preserved, however)
* It is now possible to load multiple songs at a time
* Volume, panning, frequency can now be changed for each individual song
* Many module attributes (instrument volume, bpm, pan seperation, ...) can now be both set and retrieved
* You can refer to loaded songs via the ID given when they were loaded OR by giving the filename of the song.
* Lots of automatic error handling
1.0a -
* Example .gm6 now lets you load WAVs and also lets you change to a different file after playback begins.
* Now it can REALLY play MP3s, although it takes a minute for them to load.
Edited by The Music Guy, 23 January 2008 - 05:01 AM.


text:
Several readers commented on wanting to know about the Black Bean Pie I was making for my OAMC bash. It's not anything too fancy. The South Beach/Zone people would probably tell me it's high in carbs. Blah, blah, blah. I think there's a fair amount of protein, and I don't see how it's terribly different from a bean burrito. Plus, it's pretty inexpensive to make.
Anyway, I like it, especially if I've got some yummy salsa and sour cream on hand.
Recipe: Black Bean and Cheese Pie
- 1 Tablespoon oil
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped or crushed
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 bell peppers, red or green, seeded and chopped
- 2 cans black beans, drained
- 1 bunch cilantro leaves, chopped
- juice of 1 lime OR half a lemon
- 2 fresh jalapeno peppers, chopped
- salt to taste
- dash crushed red pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- dash cumin
- 1 double-crust pie crust
- 1/2 pound grated sharp cheddar, divided
- 1 Tablespoon milk
- Garnish: avocado slices, sour cream, additional cilantro, salsa
- In large skillet, heat oil and sauté garlic and onion until translucent. Add peppers and sauté over medium heat about 10 minutes. Add black beans, cilantro, lime juice, jalapeno peppers, and seasonings to taste. Simmer over medium heat until bubbly. In pie plate over bottom crust, spoon half of bean mixture and half of cheese. Layer with remainder of bean mixture, cheese, and top crust. Cool, cover, label, and freeze.
- To serve: (Do not defrost.) Vent top crust and brush with milk. Bake for 15 minutes at 450°, then 40 minutes to one hour at 375°. Cool slightly before serving. Serve with avocado slices, sour cream, cilantro, and salsa.
- If you want to skip the freezer part: Bake at 375° for about one hour or until filling is hot and bubbly.


text:
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — Pulling out of the garage in Arden Hills, WCCO Radio rode along with Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) spokesperson Kent Barnard Monday as he started his job as a plow driver.
"We generally win, anytime anyone tangles with us, unless it's a semi," he said.
The trucks will be out en force when the snow starts again Monday night.
Related: Another Winter Wallop For Parts Of Minnesota
"The most difficult part [of driving a plow] is the traffic and the unpredictable maneuvers the cars make," he said.
Barnard says cars will often take chances, trying to get past the plows.
"Other trucks on the road though are very respectful of us, because they know what it's like to drive a bigger vehicle and maneuver through the traffic," he said.
This time of year is not so bad, Barnard says, because the temperatures on the surface of the roads are rather warm..
But one scene is never easy: rush hour.
"Rush hour — during a snow storm with ice underneath — that's nightmare," he said.
By the time the snow ends, some places could see a foot of new snow.
You must log in to post a comment.


text:
Published by Avon on March 29th 2016
Purchase: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo
There are bad boys and then there are the men of Devil's Rock….
Some men come with a built-in warning label. Knox Callaghan is one of them. Danger radiates from every lean, muscled inch of him, and his deep blue eyes seem to see right through to Briar Davis's most secret fantasies. But there's one major problem: Briar is a nurse volunteering at the local prison, and Knox is an inmate who should be off-limits in every way.
Knox feels it too—a shocking animal magnetism that drives him to risk his own life to protect Briar's. Paroled at last, he tries to resist her. She's too innocent, too sweet, and she has no idea what Knox is capable of. But a single touch can lead to a kiss—and a taste…until the only crime is denying what feels so right…
~~Reviewed by Monique~~
Sophie Jordan completely blew me away with ALL CHAINED UP! Ms. Jordan is one of my favourite authors, and ALL CHAINED UP is as far from her delicate historical fiction as it can get, and at least as fabulous! Briar Davis, in hope of advancing her nursing career accompanies her boss, who is filling in for the recently retired doctor who takes care of the prisoners at Devil's Rock penitentiary. One particular inmate, Knox Callaghan, makes a lasting impression on Briar in more ways than one: he seems extremely dangerous, and yet she finds herself inexplicably drawn to him. And Knox cannot deny the attraction he feels for the pretty nurse. He has been in prison for eight years, along with his brother North, and when an unfortunate incident happens at the prison, he demonstrates what sort of man he is.
This is Sophie Jordan at her very best, and showing a side we've never seen before. ALL CHAINED UP so exciting, I had to restrain myself in order not to fangirl all over the place while writing this review. From the very first words, I was completely immersed in the book, and feeling the rush of adrenaline as I read. I must say I'm a bit surprised at how well the romance worked out, given that the hero is a convict, but trust Sophie Jordan to make everything entirely plausible: there is not one little thing that is out of place, nothing is contrived or over the top. ALL CHAINED UP feels like the real deal, devoid of clichés and warmed-over drivel. The characters are especially well-drawn, the romance absolutely believable; I really cared for those characters, and not only Knox and Briar. The writing is perfectly suited to the style, the dialogues are spot-on, the story is superb, and the sex scenes are sizzling. ALL CHAINED UP and Devil's Rock is as exciting as it gets! Sophie Jordan has given us another proof of her extraordinary versatility: ALL CHAINED UP is the first instalment in her new series Devil's Rock, which has all the makings of a huge hit!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book.


text:
144-Audio review
Cast: Shiva, Ashok Selvan,Oviya,Sruthi Ramakrishnan Music: Sean Roldan Lyrics: Sean Roldan,Vivek Kabilan,Bharathi Ganesan Direction: G.Manikandan
Cast: Shiva, Ashok Selvan,Oviya,Sruthi Ramakrishnan Music: Sean Roldan Lyrics: Sean Roldan,Vivek Kabilan,Bharathi Ganesan Direction: G.Manikandan
Cast: Anushka,Arya,Sonal Chauhan Music: Maragadha Mani Direction: Prakash Kovelamudi Album Analysis: Inji Idupazhagi Singers: Neeti Mohan, Noel Sean, Prakash Raj, Rahul
Vedalam is one of the most awaited movies of the year starring Ajith Kumar, Shruti Haasan and Lakshmi Menon in the lead roles. �Rockstar� Anirudh has composed the songs for this Siva directorial.
Naanum Rowdy Dhaan is an upcoming action film starring Vijay Sethupathi and Nayanthara in lead roles. The film directed by Vignesh Shivan is produced by Dhanush�s Wunderbar Films and music is composed by Anirudh Ravichander.
Leon James who makes the noticeable debut in the multi-composer album Kanchana 2 and he scored music for the sequel of super hit Ko. Let's check out whether Leon manages to make an impression with his full-fledged solo album or not.
Masss is an upcoming action entertainer starring Suriya, Premgi, Nayanthara and Pranitha Subhash in lead roles. The film is directed by Venkat Prabhu and music is composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja.
OK Kanmani is one of the most anticipated releases this season with the legendary combination of Mani Ratnam, A.R.Rahman and P.C.Sreeram hitting the screens after long time. The film stars two extremely talented Malayalam actors Dulquer Salman and Nitya Menon in lead roles. Download Oh Kadhal Kanmani (2015) Mp3 Songs Online Kaara Attakkaara Singers: Aaryan […]
Madras is an upcoming film starring Karthi and Catherine Teresa in the lead. The project is helmed by Pa. Ranjith whose earlier effort was Attakathi. Music for the film is by Santhosh Narayanan. Madras Singers: Hariharasudhan, Meenkashi Iyer Lyrics: Kabilan The track is set on unique arrangements of percussions and instrumental fills that represent the […]
Yaan is an upcoming action entertainer starring Jiiva and Thulasi Nair in the lead. The film will mark the directional debut of popular cinematographer Ravi K. Chandran under the production of RS Infotainment. Music is by Harris Jayaraj.
Comedy is an all time favourite genre for everyone. But adding thriller to it is a bold initiative, as the two.contradicting streams should be carried with apt precision such that it keeps the audience engaged. Now that is a lot of responsibly on debutante Saravana Rajan. Jai and Swathi are teaming up again after their […]
Saivam is an upcoming experimental film by Director Vijay starring Nasser, Sara Arjun and Suresh in lead roles. The director continues his association with G.V.Prakash Kumar. Prominent singer Unnikrishnan�s daughter Uthara makes her film debut through this album.
Naan Sigappu Manithan has director Thiru teaming up with Vishal for the third time, after Samar and Theeradha Vilayattu Pillai. Lakshmi Menon and Iniya are playing important roles. GV Prakash is the music director.
STR's long in the making Vaalu is written and directed by Vijay Chandar and features Hansika in the lead with Santhanam and VTV Ganesh playing key supporting roles. Music is by Thaman and the album contains five songs.
Velaiyilla Pattathari is an upcoming film starring Dhanush and Amala Paul in the lead roles. The film is directed by debutant Velraj and the music is composed by the talented Anirudh Ravichander. �It is incidentally the 25th�film for actor Dhanush. Here is an exclusive audio review of the album:
Director Kalyanakrishan�s Bhooloham features Jayam Ravi as a boxer with Trisha playing his pair. Srikanth Deva contributes 6 songs to this Aascar Films produced project.


text:
Requiem Display
Unprecedented is the word most fitting the description of this display as we discuss the content directly with the happy couple to determine whether they want more aerial impact, greater intensity or a display that gradually builds and ends with a New Year's Eve style finale! Once again this display is fired from a lap top computer for that pin point timing and impact.
The finale to this display is barrel rolled and just seems to keep coming with 3 inch, 4 inch, 5 inch and 6 inch shells filling the night time sky to say that this display is a crowd pleaser is an understatement, please enquire to find out more.
£2,199.00 plus VAT
We will travel to any location within the mainland UK. The price above is based on us traveling within the northwest. Any additional travel expenses will be agreed with you before your booking is completed - there will be no hidden extras. Please note that due to product availability on the day, materials and colours may be subject to change but wont affect the overall impact of the display.


text: Law Firm Practice Email This Page Overview Our Team Media Overview Our Team Media For several decades, the nation's top law firms and attorneys have turned to us for their most sensitive matters—when there is risk of reputational damage as a result of claims against the firm or the financial risks are significant. Clients rely on us to obtain favorable results and know us as the "lawyers' lawyers." Clients seek our advice in legal malpractice actions, sanctions motions, investigations and related matters. We have litigated in state and federal court and have successfully handled matters at trial and appeal, including arguing numerous cases before the New York Court of Appeals and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. In addition, law firms trust us to provide advice in connection with internal issues and disputes with other law firms. Simpson Thacher has a sterling reputation across a wide spectrum of legal practice areas, including banking and credit, capital markets, securities, mergers and acquisitions, real estate, tax, intellectual property and ERISA. Lawyers and law firms facing issues in these areas know that our depth of knowledge and skills in those practice areas will be critical to resolving disputes. "It is hard to argue with its place in the top tier of firms." – The Legal 500 2017 Related Practice Areas Crisis Management By Last Name Show All A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z By Category Clear All Solution Corporate Governance Crisis Management Leveraged Finance National Security and Regulatory Practice Privacy and Cybersecurity Private Equity Lifecycle Shareholder Activism Spin-offs Strategic Alternatives UP-C Structures Industry Business and Professional Services Consumer Products Defense Education Energy – Oil and Gas Energy – Power and Infrastructure Financial Services FinTech Healthcare Industrials and Manufacturing Insurance and Reinsurance Media and Entertainment Metals and Mining Real Estate REITs Retail Sovereign Entities Technology Telecommunications Transportation Practice Acquisition Finance Additional Firm Practices Antitrust and Trade Regulation Antitrust and Trade Regulation – M&A Asia Litigation Asset Management M&A Banking and Credit Bankruptcy Litigation Capital Markets Complex Commercial Litigation Corporate Corporate – M&A Debt Derivatives Environmental Equity and Equity Linked ERISA Litigation Executive Compensation and Employee Benefits Exempt Organizations False Advertising Litigation Financial Institutions Fund Finance Fund Finance Practice Funds Compliance, Regulatory and Investigations Government and Internal Investigations High Yield Initial Public Offerings Insurance and Reinsurance Intellectual Property Intellectual Property Litigation International Arbitration International Regulatory and Compliance Investment Funds Investment Grade Finance Labor and Employment Latin America Law Firm Practice Litigation Mergers and Acquisitions Mergers and Acquisitions Litigation Personal Planning Private Capital and Special Situations Private Equity Private Funds Product Liability and Mass Tort Project Finance Public Company Advisory Practice Real Estate Registered Funds Regulatory Advice Restructuring and Bankruptcy Securities Litigation Tax Whistleblower and False Claims Act Office Beijing Hong Kong Houston London Los Angeles New York Palo Alto São Paulo Tokyo Washington, D.C. Position Partner Of Counsel Senior Counsel Counsel Associate Not Yet Admitted Registered Foreign Lawyer Transaction Manager Senior Staff Attorney Administrative View Only Lawyers... View Only Administrative... Filter by: All Partners and Counsel Associates Administrative Close Team Related Practice Areas Related Client Solutions Related Industries Offices Close News & Events Publications In This Section Litigation Antitrust and Trade Regulation Asia Litigation Bankruptcy Litigation Complex Commercial Litigation ERISA Litigation False Advertising Litigation Funds Compliance, Regulatory and Investigations Government and Internal Investigations Insurance and Reinsurance Intellectual Property Litigation International Arbitration International Regulatory and Compliance Law Firm Practice Mergers and Acquisitions Litigation Product Liability and Mass Tort Securities Litigation Whistleblower and False Claims Act Spotlight on Simpson Thacher Named 2017 and 2019 Finance Litigation Department of the Year by NYLJ Read more > Spotlight on Law360 Profiles Simpson Thacher as a 2018 Banking Practice Group of the Year Read more > Spotlight on Securities and Insurance Litigation Practices Receive National Practice Group of the Year Read more >


text:
In this post we are going to discuss about relationship and how can we strengthen it. Generally , in the beginning of the new relationship many people complains that their partner is not cooperating with them i.e. they are having really hard time getting with each other. The truth is they themselves are unaware of the meaning of relationship. A couple is in relationship when they tend to understand each other and they both might have separate bodies but they do have one soul. Sometimes couples insist to change certain things about each other and while doing so they tend to have serious issues with each other and it finally leads to break up. Have you give n a thought why your relationship was unable to revolutionize or adapt according to each other?? The reason is that both the members of couple tend to think them as separate entities and this leads to generation of two ideologies. Even history is evident that whenever there is the arrival of separate ideologies great rift occurs between the communities.
The foremost reason for this drift is envy. Envy results from desire of power and authority in a relationship. We all might have heard that couples in relationship tend to say that they are in love . But ht e fact they are not. If there would have been love in between them the dominance will not be there. There will not be any respect of each other because respect is necessary when one of the person is superior. But in love both attain an equal status . This demand for dominance leads to envy and wherever is envy , love becomes to diminish over there. Even whenever there are fights between you it doesn't mean that your partner doesn't care for you. The beauty of relationship is that when your fight will be over you will realize and feel more compassion and love in your relationship. Your affection will grow even after the fight and you both will feel silly for your deeds. But don't get your fights convert into war.
So, what's the key to a successful relationship?? The foremost requirement is to be one soul with two bodies . Whenever your partner asks something think of it as your need instead of misinterpreting as their dominance. Synchronize your thoughts and keep envy outside the box. The best way will be to look your partner as your image itself.


text:
For parents, it is a huge concern when a teenager begins smoking weed. Many parents feel like they are out of control or do not know how to help their teenager stop the activity. Doing things like grounding the teenager or taking away privileges will unlikely convince anyone to stop smoking weed.
Teenagers are especially difficult to convince that they need to quit. They are young, experimenting, and naturally think they know everything, even if they really don't. Smoking weed may seem harmless to them or no cause for concern. It's also a social way for them to connect with people. While peer pressure is not always the case, they may just want to try it to be with the other friends or kids they know that are trying it.
Unfortunately, marijuana is often referred to as a gateway drug, meaning that people who begin using marijuana are likely to try more dangerous drugs that could be more addictive and put them at greater risk for dangerous behaviors and habits. Combining marijuana with other drugs such as alcohol or over the counter medications can be a very dangerous combination.
Here are Some Tips for Parents on How to Help Your Teenager Stop Smoking Weed:
1. Remain Calm: Losing your temper or ransacking the teenager's bedroom for any marijuana paraphernalia is not going to make your teenager quit smoking marijuana – it is only going to make them angry and cause them to learn ways to hide it better. It will make them less likely to stay open and honest with you and only turn them away. You do not want to lecture them or tell them all the risks and problems – they've had that in Health class.
2. Ask them a few questions: In a non-judgemental, non-confrontational way, ask them some questions – Why do you like being high? What are some other things you can do instead? Which of your friends are using weed? What do you do when you are high? You should also make sure that you tell your child this discussion in confidential and keep it confidential – as tempted as you may be, do not go call all of the parents of your child's friends immediately after your conversation. Make sure you do not answer the questions for your teenager – let them answer it.
3. Express Your Concern: It should be easy to explain to your teenager why you want them to stop smoking weed. You care about them, you do not want them to get hurt, lose control of their life, or make poor decisions. Be sure that you emphasize the importance of them not doing drugs or drinking while driving or riding in a car with someone who has.
Make sure they know they can call you in any kind of situation like that and you will ask no questions or get angry. This also helps build trust and openness with your child.
4. Offer Ways to Help Them Stop: It is relatively easy to quit smoking pot, especially for teenagers who may have only tried it a few times or are not at a point where they are smoking it several times a day every day. See our article on How to Stop Smoking Weed and help them meet new friends that are not involved in drugs or alcohol and do activities with them on a daily weekly basis that do not involve drugs or alcohol. You can exercise together, visit new places, go shopping, etc. etc. See our articles Things to Do That Don't Involve Alcohol or Drugs and Sober Party Theme Ideas for more inspiration. Offer to bring their non-drug using friends with you if that would make them more agreeable to go.
5. Don't Threaten Counseling: Drug experimentation is a normal part of a teenagers' life. It does not automatically mean your kid is crazy or has depression or other problems. However, if the drug use continues beyond your means of trying to help your teenager stop smoking weed and it seems as if other problems are ensuing, counseling is a very viable option. At any rate though, it should not be threatened. Counseling is a good thing. It helps you live life better and happier. If you do decide your teenager would benefit from counseling, let your child interview and choose the counselor. This will give them the feeling like they are in control and working with someone they like as opposed to someone they think is evil boring or stupid will make a much better difference.
6. Give Your Kid Some Excuses to stop smoking marijuana with friends: Many kids feel like they are out of place if they do not smoke or won't be socially accepted with their friends. Give them excuses to not hang out with friends – tell them they can tell their friends their stupid Mom or Dad won't let them and have started to drug test! Sometimes kids just need to know how to say no creatively.
7. Reward Them: Just about everyone responds better to positive reinforcement than negative reinforcement. If you catch your child doing responsible things or not using drugs, be sure you praise and reward them. You may even be able to work out some sort of bargain that if they go without smoking weed for x amount of time they will get y.
It's not easy as a parent when you think your child is smoking weed. Doing some of these steps can help your child be more confident in making decisions. It's not an easy job, but helping you teenager to stop smoking weed or becoming involved with drinking or more dangerous drugs just might save their life.


text:
30 Beautiful Photo Frames and Borders Photoshop Tutorials, Brushes and Actions
It is true that Photo Effects is perhaps the most popular Photoshop topic today. And it is also true that after we applied an effect to a photo, we are tempted to "wrap it up" like a gift.
Adding frames to photos is a way to enhance the image in an artistic way. This article is a selection of some beautiful frames, edges and borders Photoshop resources you can apply to your photo albums.
Ref : http://www.photoshoproadmap.com/Photoshop-blog/2009/01/03/30-beautiful-photo-frames-and-borders-photoshop-tutorials-brushes-and-actions/
Share |


text:
Who wants to marry Clo?
Ok guys, so who is up to it? 🙂 This is one of the reasons I love the internet so much – the wackier the idea – the better! It seems that a lot of the working holiday makers will do anything in their power to prolong their stay, or even to permanently immigrate to Australia.
Marrying an Australian citizen is one of the ways you can migrate and start a new life Down Under. It is not rare for backpackers to find their better half while traveling the Outback. On the other hand, there are a lot of people willing to marry a citizen only for the sake of becoming a citizen themselves. This is a common issue to every single immigration authority, not only Australia.
Not anyone can join the group on facebook.com, so potential candidates will undoubtedly go through a screening process, before they can have their shot.


text:
I found myself, dear reader, in a cruising park in Athens, at 11 o'clock on a Wednesday morning. This is not what I thought the opening sentence of this travel feature would be, but this was indeed our irst port of call on the Same Sex Tales of Athens walking tour.
It's easy to forget the rich LGBT+ history of Greece's capital city as you walk through streets crammed with relics from both Greek and Roman times. But this tour, one of the many offered by Big Olive Walks, reveals a city with a history of not just accepting same-sex love but celebrating it.
We spent the day with our guide Nicolas, who took us around crumbling ruins, each one revealing a hidden tale of gay love. A villa with a barely-there mosaic loor turned out to have belonged to Hadrian — yes, the one who built that wall. We heard the tragic story of his lover Antinous, who after a chance meeting with an oracle on a boating excursion up the Nile, tossed himself into the river to save Hadrian (we do not suggest you end your holiday the same way, however much you love your man). And we heard about how Hadrian commissioned a statue of his lover which was replicated so many times it became the second-most popular statue from the era — after those of Alexander the Great (let's not even start on her!)


text:
Every Guts poker game falls under thhe same guidelines: after the cards are dealt, players decide if they are "in" or "out" of the game. Those players that call "out" have no further stakes in the hand. They are out of the game for now, letting those players that called "in" continue playing. Of those players who called "in", the one who has the best hand collects the pot. All other players who called "in" and did not have the best hand at the table must match the amount of money in the pot. Now, there is an equal or greater amount of money in the pot, even after the round has ended. So, the cards are picked up, shuffled, and the same game is dealt again, with players again deciding if they will go "in" or "out". This continues until only one player goes in…that player wins the pot and the game is over. Doing the math, if three people call "in", the amount of money in the pot will double…one person will win the money, while the other two match the pot. Guts games are characterized by this calling of "in" or "out" as well as the growing size of the pot, and the game being played and played until only one person calls "in" and wins. Note that, for this reason, Guts games are typically more expensive to play.
Guts poker games are the one type of gamee where the term "small stakes" is thrown out the window. People will often assume that *10-*30 will suffice for a night of playing Home poker, but a good game of Jacks and Piss will see the pot rise higher than a week's pay. For this reason, some people play with caps. Caps limit how big the pot can get and how much money a player can lose in one hand. For example, the dealer who calls the Guts poker game may determine that there is a five dollar cap on the game. What this means is that if the pot ever reaches more than five dollars, a player who wins it only claims five dollars of it, and a player who loses only pays five dollars. A cap means that no player can win or lose more than that amount of money. If, for example, there is six dollars in the pot and three players go in. The one of the three who wins, who would normally collect all six dollars, will collect only five of the six dollars in the pot. The two of the three who lose, who would normally pay all six dollars, will pay only five dollars into the pot. The advantage to this is that players do not lose their shirt, they only lose as much as the cap. The first disadvantage to this is that a lone player who goes "in" on a six dollar pot only claims five of it, and the game is redealt for the new one dollar pot (which goes against the Guts principle that when a single player goes "in", the game is over). This leads into the second disadvantage, which is that the game is played a lot longer, because a ten dollar pot, for example, will require at least two wins to clear it out, even if a single player goes "in" each time. The third disadvantage is that caps are supposed to be to players' benefit, whereas it normally encourages them to call "in" more, knowing they can lose no more than the pot's cap. I personally do not like caps. If a pot exceeds players' expectations, it is because of bad calls and bad luck, two things that are supposed to contribute to a bigger pot in Guts games.
The Kitty:
This is a blind hand dealt facce-down and not revealed to the table until the poker hand is over. If the particular guts poker games involves five cards being dealt to each player, then a five-card kitty is dealt as well, kept near the dealer, and only turned up at the end of the round. The purpose of the kitty is that those players who go "in" must not only beat the other players who have gone "in" but they must also beat the kitty's hand. It is the extra hand that belongs to the pot that nobody sees until the end of the round. The feature that this adds to the guts game is that if the kitty has the best hand at the table, everybody who went "in" loses and matches the pot. Now, the guts game ends when only one person goes "in"…and beats the kitty. The kitty does not get a draw but it is not rare to see the kitty beat everybody at the table. The main advantage of the kitty is to eliminate the dealer advantage. If everybody before the dealer calls "out", that dealer would normally win the game by default, calling "in" and having no other hands to beat. Now, that dealer would have to beat the kitty's hand in order to collect the pot. Otherwise, the pot is claimed by nobody and that dealer matches the pot. I favour kitties, especially in Guts games that involve a draw.
Coin Declare:
One way of calling "in" or "out" is by simply going in sequence after the dealer, starting with the player to the dealer's left and ending with the dealer himself. The disadvantage to this is that a player's decision is based on who called "in" or "out" before him, as opposed to all players declaring "in" or "out" at the same time. The coin declare is a method whereby all players declare at the same time. All players hide both hands and a chip (or coin) under the table, bringing up one closed hand over the table. If the player wants to go "in", then he has placed the chip in this hand to be dropped on the table. If the poker player wants to go "out", he has kept the chip in the hand that is not raised over the table. At the count of three, all players open their hands over the table. Those who drop the chip have declared themselves "in", the rest are "out". The purpose of this is so players cannot see who before them has called "in" or "out", instead all players are declaring their status at the same time, no turning back.
It's all Guts:
A Guts poker theme can be added to just about any Poker game, especially Draw games. The dealer simply states that the game (Snowmen and Hockey Sticks, for example) requires before the draw that each player declare "in" or "out". Those that are "out" are out of the game until it is redealt. Those that are "in" are allowed a draw (the betting round is optional) and of them, the one with the best hand collects the pot, the rest match it. When a Guts game involves a draw, the dealer must determine, when players match the pot, if they match the amount that it is there after there has been betting or the amount that was in there at the time they declared "in". For example, do players matching the pot of a Draw Guts game that starts at five dollars but sees an extra dollar of betting among those players who called "in" match the five dollar pot or the increased six dollar pot?
Everybody Ante:
This variation, which cann be added to any Guts poker game, holds that with each new round of the game, every player re-antes into the pot. Under normal rules, the pot will only increase in size when at least three players go in (the first collects the pot, the second matches the pot, and the third doubles the size of the pot). In Everybody Ante however, the pot increases at least by the size of every players' antes with each round. This variation is used primarily in Guts poker games that tend to end quickly, and require being spiced up. In addition, the dealer may also determine that the winner of the last round is not required to re-ante, but all other players must.
Best Hand Pays:
This variation, which cann be added to any Guts poker ame, holds that if no player enters the pot, then all players have to show their hands to the rest of the table. The player who has the best hand must ante for EVERYBODY before the game is redealt. The pot is now doubled in size. The variation is meant to 'punish' the player who had the best hand at the table and didn't enter the pot with it.


text:
I'm French/citizen of the world. I'm a free-lance photographer. And I love to tell stories. Ⓒmammodouyblogspot2009 ⒸThestoryteller2009
Sun, Where Art Thou?
I am spending a few more days in Paris since our son finally landed there from Los Angeles on his way to... (This is his story after all.)
He had been living in California for the past three years. He did land in Paris at the worst time ever... for him, not for me because I am very happy to get to spend some time with him after all those years he's been away... Five years actually. And before he flies away again to faraway lands as usual.
Ok, this is not a post about the loneliness of a mother because I do not feel lonely and I am pretty happy I have raised a son who is happy to live and travel all over the world.
No, this is a post about "the worst time ever". Why do I choose to use such a drastic stock phrase... The worst time ever!
Well, I was hoping that this year would be a lot like last year... No real winter except from time to time and only for the shortest time!
Swee'Pea landed in Roissy some time during the last week of November.
The weather had been so sunny and nice almost all the time for the longest time... even in Brussels. We had enjoyed a lot of wonderful rainbows in Brittany which meant that even though it rained from time to time, the sun did shine a lot!
The very week I was expecting my men to fly back from California, the nice and bearable Fall weather suddenly took a turn for the worse... Winter was there, everywhere... in Brussels and in Paris!
No snow but very ugly and distressful grey skies bringing a lot of cold weather and chilly winds all over France and Belgium.
Well, we are not living in California. What do you expect early December in Northern Europe? A miracle, I know.
I am so used to dreary weather that the only thing that bothers me is the shortening of the days...
I did know that Swee'Pea who has always hated wintry weather would have the hardest time to get adjusted to the Parisian December weather... But add wintertime to jetlag and you get quite an explosive mixture!
I have been staying with him and every day brings its share of surprises!
Which are not really surprises after all...
"I am so cold, mom. I am so cold!" Well, is 42°F to 50°F this cold?
Let me reassure you, we enjoy a rather mild temperature in the apartment after all. 50°F is outside!
(And then I made sure not to remind him that last week, his roommates had turned the air conditioning on in their house... I hate air conditioning! So cold!)
Yesterday was quite sunny, if I remember right. At least, we had rays of sun shining down on the building for quite a long time. We spent the whole day with the lights on though... When I pointed the sunbeams, he said: "But it is so cold, mom."
Great answer. The center light did substitute to summer sunny days, I imagine.
This morning, he left very early to go visit a friend in Germany. To go there, upon hearing that they had been having a lot of snow there, he packed part of his snowboarding equipment... not to go snowboarding but to make sure he'd be warm!
I did think we were having a problem there but tonight on my way out of the building, I met one of the neighbors...
The day had been cloudy alright but not this cold after all. The snow they had forecasted (safety-first principle) never really hit inner Paris. It rained instead and it was much less cold than anticipated.
I had been shopping earlier and I had felt much too warm in my down jacket...
"Watch out," said the neighbor on his way to the elevator. "It is awfully cold out there."
I smiled a warm thank you and refrained from telling him that I had been outside already and that it was not this "awfully cold". But it sure was dark and cloudy outside.
On my way to the bakery, I couldn't help thinking about the past week and this last remark. Actually what we need here is a bright sun shining over Paris. It will bring quite a chill, of course since we are getting close to mid-December. But it will be sunny outside.
We need light. I have heard so many people say again and again: "Oh, what a beautiful day..." It is actually freezing. It is really, really cold but the sky is blue and the sun is shining.
Winter is so much all about lack of sun and darkness after all and our ancestors spent so much time fearing this very gloom. "The sky is going to fall over our heads," they kept saying.
I may be wrong but I doubt that this complaint was heard during the summer months.
*Good Luck, and Good Night*
Posted by Mammodouy's Stories at 9:20 PM
Labels: All about Life, Rambling
2 comments:
- Nancy said...
Oh, I agree (and I'n pretty sure my mom will, too) that darkness is very gloomy! It makes winter much worse!
- December 7, 2012 at 9:45 PM
- Myrna said...
And I also agree about the air conditioning--totally don't like it!
I don't like it too hot or too cold, or too gloomy or too sunny...I like it JUST RIGHT. All the time. :o)
- December 8, 2012 at 3:59 AM
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


text:
Abigail Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 17 September 1795
Abigail Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams
Quincy Sepbr 17. 1795
my Dear Thomas
This very Day twelve month You lost sight of your native Land. Your Native Land is not I trust the less Dear to you, tho the account I must give you of some of its inhabitants will not tend to heighten your National Pride or vanity. A real American will remain Such under all circumstances, and in all Countries, but an Anglo American or a Frenchified American, is an unnatural Character, and they do our Country incredible Mischief.
The late Treaty between Great Britain and the United states, has excited all the Malovelence and awakened all the animosity of the Democratick Societies throughout the United States. tis Death to their hopes. it blast all their projected schemes of War. the sparks which lay smotherd during the negotiation of the Treaty, now burst forth with renewed vigor. the rekindled Flames are blown by the four winds of Heaven from one capital to an other, from Portsmouth in N hampshire to savannah in Georgia. Falshood and Faction have as usual united their forces, and poor mr Jay has sufferd a smithfield Martrydom, in most of the Capitals.1 Boys and the Rabble are the only Actors in these Scenes, but the fowl Stock from which they originate may be traced beyond the American shore.
The Presidents answer to the Town of Boston, appeard to stop the conflagration & to allay the turbelent passions of the people. Such was the universal confidence in his wisdom and integrity, but foreign influence, and private ambition, reard again their Heads and leveld their shafts at the Head and Heart of the President himself— possessing no political abilities, and despiseing and contemning the Voice of the people, their Aim is to render the President Suspected and to injure his Character and weaken the confidence of the people in him, but in this I trust they are deceived like Mount Atlas.2 the Billows will burst at his feet, Whilst firm unshaken and steady he persues one steady course of impartial Justice and Equity, permitting neither French or British insolence to insult our Country. where the Responsibility lies with him, this will appear by the late revocation of the British consuls Exequator at Rhode Island for transmitting an insolent and threatning Letter from the Captain of a British frigate to the Governour of that State.3
The News papers of from all parts of the states abound with publications upon the Treaty. Some able Writers have appeard in Defence. Camillus takes it up upon the Broadest basis—goes more particularly into its Merrits, and learnedly defends it. his vindication will Swell to a volm. his 13 Number has appeard and he has advanced only to the 4 or 5 article of the Treaty.— col Hamilton is the reputed Author. I will send this with some other pamphlets directly to England, where I prisume you will be when this reaches you—
it will be more agreable to you to pass the winter in England than in Holland I presume. Your Brother is directed there I am inform'd, and tho he must learn how illiberally the Treaty has been handled in America, he will not shrink from the Duty assignd him, tho he shares the abuse in common with the wiseest & best statesmen of our country.
I inclose to you the first part of the Echo. I did not observe a curtius, untill I had cut it off, so I send it, tho mutilated. Mr King is said to be the writer the Second part of the Echo I inclosed in a Letter to your Brother a week ago.4 I do not venture upon whole News papers because I cannot get a direct conveyance. the Eclogue has netled the Parties, and been the occasion of some Riots in Boston, such as breaking the windows where the Editor of the paper lives. Jarvis's hopefull Heir assaulted Paine on Sunday & beat him. Paine is blamed for not breaking his Bones, but Paine can write better than fight. Honestus […] Austin was obliged to come out in his own Chronical & declare publickly that he was an Enemy to Mobs, as they injured the cause of Liberty, and disturbed the peace of society.5
I ought to enumerate to you, and acknowledge the recept of your several Letters, that of 19 April I received at N York,6 and had the satisfaction of communicating it to several Friends, amongst whom was the late Secretary of the Treasury, who returnd it with many flattering compliments, upon the correct stile and Elegant composition, as well as the Judicious remarks and observations, at the same time plumeing himself upon his own penetration, having as he Said always predicted, that the young Gentleman was possessd of Genius and talents. these observation could not fail to gratify the fond heart of an affectionate Mother, who was conscious, that the letter, and writer meritted all that was bestowed. let it be a stimulous to you my Dear Thomas to improve and cultivate those talents, which will become more and more valuable, matured by Time judgment and experience, and which promise to your country future usefullness.
The next Letter was May 17 and containd your observations upon the fine Arts.7 as you View them oftner, you will find your taste for them increase
I always derive a pleasure at this Distance of Time from the recollection of many of the Paintings which I saw when abroad. Claud Laureigns Sun rising & sitting, allways delighted me, as well as the paintings of snyers fruit and Game.8 I found the wise Mans observations true, that the Eye was not satisfied by Seeing,9 and as shakespear said upon an other occasion
"increase of Appetite grew from what it fed on"10
I have almost come to the End of my paper without, assureing you of the Health of our Friends, and of their desire to be kindly rememberd to you
your affectionate Mother
A. Adams
RC (Adams Papers); endorsed: "Mrs: Adams / 17 September 1795 / 16 December Recd: / 29 June Ansd."
1. Various Democratic-Republican societies strongly opposed the Jay Treaty and organized protests against it, including burning copies of the treaty, effigies of John Jay, or both. In Savannah, Ga., effigies of John Jay and Sen. James Gunn were ritually carted through town, hanged, then burned. Another gathering of some 300 residents of Portsmouth, N.H., in September involved a parade and bonfire with the burning of effigies of Jay and the British secretary of state for foreign affairs, William Wyndham Grenville, Baron Grenville. Not all of the societies, however, objected so strongly; those in back-country areas were hopeful the treaty would finally allow for the restoration of western posts and the opening of trade with Canada (Sean Wilentz, The Rise of American Democracy: Jefferson to Lincoln, N.Y., 2005, p. 67–68; New York Argus, 8 Aug.; Todd Estes, The Jay Treaty Debate, Public Opinion, and the Evolution of Early American Political Culture, Amherst, Mass., 2006, p. 76–77).
2. In Greek mythology the Titan Atlas was responsible for holding up the world. Hercules agreed to take on that role if Atlas would help Hercules with one of his labors, and Atlas agreed. But after completing the task, Atlas refused to take back the burden; Hercules then tricked Atlas into doing so (Oxford Classical Dicy. description begins Simon Hornblower and Antony Spawforth, eds., The Oxford Classical Dictionary, 3d edn., New York, 1996. description ends ).
3. On 2 Aug. the British vice consul at Rhode Island, Thomas William Moore, forwarded to Gov. Arthur Fenner of Rhode Island a letter to Moore dated 31 July from Capt. Rodham Home, of the British ship Africa. Home demanded the return of all captured British sailors in the United States and that he and his men be permitted to land and restock. He further indicated that if any "officer or people whom I may send upon these just and lawful occasions; receive from any one individual … any affront or insult, I will immediately come in with his Majesty's ship under my command, and protect my own people." Fenner took offense at the "indeceny" of Home's letter, which he considered an "unprovoked and unprecedented insult to the State," and referred the matter to George Washington. In response, on 5 Sept. Washington revoked Moore's exequatur (Boston Courier, 22 Aug., 5, 16 Sept.).
4. The enclosure has not been found but was the first and second page of the Boston Federal Orrery, 20 Aug., which contained part 5 of Curtius on the front page and the first half of the Connecticut Wits' "Echo" No. 18 on the second page, with the first column of Curtius overlapping the first column of the poem. For AA's earlier comment to JQA on the "Echo," see her letter of 15 Sept., and note 9, above.
5. Thomas Paine, editor of the Boston Federal Orrery, published on 10 Sept. a piece entitled "The Lyars: A Political Eclogue— Altered to the Meridian of Boston." The poem purports a meeting between Edmond Genet, Dr. Charles Jarvis, and Benjamin Austin Jr., with each bragging as to who more successfully lies. Jarvis claims, "Loud from my tongue, how eloquently bold; / The bare-fac'd lye in full town-meeting told! / Which, void of meaning, meets no counter force, / And, thrice repeated, is believ'd of course," while Austin says, "Blest powers of falsehood, at whose shrine I bend, / Still is Honestus your colleague and friend; / A private slanderer still, a public scout, / In power a tyrant, and a rebel out!"
The poem sufficiently offended Samuel Jarvis, brother of Charles, that he physically assaulted Paine (Joseph T. Buckingham, Specimens of Newspaper Literature: With Personal Memoirs, Anecdotes, and Reminiscences, 2 vols., Boston, 1850, 2:238–239). Likewise, Austin responded with an open letter in the Boston Independent Chronicle, 14 Sept., claiming that the article "is so peculiarly abusive, that it demands an explicit reply." Austin continued, "The scurrility of the whole performance is such, that the author must be considered as the most abandoned wretch in society," and he demanded that the author identify himself. He also noted, "My political principles are founded on the basis of the Constitution. These I ever mean to support; mobs and riots are detestable, as they injure the cause of liberty, and destroy the personal happiness of the community."
6. Not found.
7. Not found.
8. Claude Lorrain (1604?–1682) was a French artist best known for his landscape paintings. He particularly favored scenes juxtaposing early morning and early evening. Frans Snyders (1579–1657), a Flemish painter, specialized in still lifes, frequently including fruit and game birds, sometimes contrasted against living animals (Oxford Art Online).
9. Ecclesiastes, 1:8.
10. Shakespeare, Hamlet, Act I, scene ii, lines 144–145.


text:
Cancer Drug May Be Able To Curb Cocaine Addiction
Cocaine addiction affects Americans around the world and is one of the most frequently used drugs in the U.S according to the Drug Abuse Warning Network used by hospital emergency departments. A recent study conducted in Wales at the Cardiff University suggests that a cancer drug available may be used in treating individuals with cocaine use disorders.
It is known from studying addiction that relapse in patients in recovery and obstacles to overcoming drug dependence rely heavily in the cravings and memories cues associated with drug use. When something such as a smell or memory is recalled of drug use it can cause cravings leading to relapse. The drug used in cancer trials and distributed from Pfizer, could treat the long-lasting memories and drug associated cues.
In a study using mice, the drug was able to prevent the cross over that occurs after recreation use into compulsive drug use. "We have demonstrated that a single administration of a trial drug from Pfizer can completely obliterate cocaine associated memories and significantly accelerate the end of drug seeking behavior in animals," said Professor Riccardo Brambilla from Cardiff University's School of Biosciences.
Even if Cancer Drug Isn't Effective, Studies Point to Effective Therapies
Cocaine produces the long-term brain alterations that encourage addiction in part by activating certain genes. Dr. Eric Nestler from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and Harvard Medical School along with his colleagues have shown that the drug achieves this activation in part through a process called chromatin remodeling. This new information could lead to developments in therapies for cocaine addiction which target reverse chromatin remodeling. Dr. Nestler says that this is already a major strategy for cancer therapy development and could be potential therapies for addiction recovery and treatment.
What Are the Signs and Dangers of Cocaine Addiction?
Cocaine; also known as blow, snow, flake, C, or coke, is most often sold on the street in the form of a white crystalline powder. Because of its color and consistency, it's easily diluted with sugar, cornstarch, talc, amphetamines, or local anesthetics such as procaine. Two types of cocaine are generally used – water soluble or water insoluble types – which allow the drug to be snorted, injected, or cooked to a rock form so it can be smoked. The term "crack" comes from the sound the substance makes as it is heated and smoked.
Cocaine usage ranges from occasional to extreme with varying usage patterns in-between. Regardless of how often or seldom used, there is no safe level of cocaine use. Even using this substance one time can result in such a high that it can cause cardiovascular failure, brain damage, seizures, stroke, or any other number or severe health conditions which can cause sudden death. Cocaine abuse effects are not physical, the substance rewards the dopamine sensors so the brain demands more on contact. However, the instant euphoria is often short-lived, often lasting a few minutes or an hour, so abusers want more and more and more.
Short-term effects of cocaine use include loss of appetite, rapid heart rate, insomnia, dilated pupils, tactile hallucinations, anxiety, and depression. Panic, convulsions, intense drug cravings, and instant death may also occur in higher or repeated doses. Long-term effects include permanent organ damage or failure, infection if injected, mucous membrane destruction, malnutrition and tooth decay. Risky behavior, mood disturbances, manic depression and psychosis, hallucinations, and sexual problems are common for abusers.
If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.


text:
Thursday, 21 January 2016
Who rocked the jacquard dress better?
The patchwork woven multicolored Jacquard dress was designed by Greyprojects. Zainab Balogun wore hers with a white shirt underneath, adding a twist to the outfit. Who rocked it better? Zainab or the model?
28 comments:
Zainab Balogun rocked it better!!!ReplyDeleteReplies
Zainab of course!ReplyDelete
Zainab of course!ReplyDelete
- Shirley uba21 January 2016 at 02:57
The zainab. Laura if I can make a suggestion, can you create a segment for most stylish reader of the week. People will send their picture and Instagram handle and anyone that's stylish will be featured on your blog. It will take your ratings up because people tend to like what will benefit them too. Your write-ups are amazing, you've really outdone yourself. I love how you bring a mix of tips and fashion news and don't promote negativity or talk bad about anyone no matter how they dressed. PS. I love you,biggest fan everrrrrReplyDeleteReplies
Model joor.....ReplyDelete
D model biko.ReplyDelete
Both of you looking nice. But Zainab you are awesome.ReplyDelete
zainab definitely wore it betterReplyDelete
Zainab. I can't decode that model face mbokReplyDelete
- Anonymous26 January 2016 at 07:16
Zainab wore it better for me and she looks beautiful on it.Earn money online upto 2500$ weekly guaranteed with very easy job online. check http://dollarson.com/?ref=621ReplyDelete


text:
If this is your first visit, be sure to
check out the FAQ by clicking the
link above. You may have to register
before you can post: click the register link above to proceed.
I was going to send you PM about a derogatory word GoldPhoneix used when he/she (it) posted a neg rep about me...but then I saw what he/she (it) called you in a neg rep.
HAHAHA....guess we got someone with a case of potty mouth here.
And I just realized your birthday is 10 days after mine! You're an Aries too!!!
Apok, you need to be on calendars.
HEY! That's an idea....how about putting together a calendar with ODN members' profile pics and/or avatars.
My God, I am SO clever, amazing, sexy....
Oh, wait, this is supposed to be about you.
My God, you are SO clever, amazing, sexy....
Apok, Apok, what can we say?
Our gratitude cannot be shown this way.
Odn creator, leader and wise one
Without ODN, what would we have done?
Send an Instant Message to Apokalupsis Using...
Need to validate email
Registered User
ODN Community Regular
Super Moderator


text:
Shipman & Goodwin represented Ceruzzi Properties in the second largest New York City real estate transaction recorded for the second week of July 2019, valued at $205 million.
Our Trusts & Estates practice has grown with the addition of Suzanne D. Kitchings and Edward (Ted) B. Potter, founders of the Old Lyme Connecticut firm of Kitchings & Potter LLC. Now with a new Old Lyme location, Shipman & Goodwin trusts and estates attorneys will be able to work with clients on the shoreline and in surrounding counties.
Shipman & Goodwin is proud to mark its centennial anniversary -- a milestone that signifies the firm's longstanding commitment both to its clients and community. To commemorate its 100-year legacy, the firm plans a series of special events, beginning with a pledge of $250,000 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford for its new facility.
The firm is participating in Mansfield Rule 3.0, a year-long certification process requiring law firms to affirmatively consider at least 30 percent women, minority, LGBTQ+ and disabled attorneys ("historically underrepresented lawyers") for significant governance roles, senior lateral openings, equity partner promotions, and formal client pitches and RFP responses.


text:
A surprise endorsement of Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell's "Educator Fairness Act" could be gone with the wind.
The Virginia Education Association, the state's largest public-sector labor union, announced that it supported proposals to evaluate teachers and dismiss "incompetent" instructors.
Apparently, other teacher unions didn't get the memo.
"The VEA rushed into a compromise with the governor that was unnecessary, and puts teacher's due-process protections at risk," Steve Greenburg, president of the Fairfax County Federation of Teachers, told Watchdog.org.
Greenburg asserted that the VEA "never consulted with their largest local in the state — the Fairfax Education Association — as they oppose the agreement as well."
Alleging that the VEA "hastily 'sold out' the teachers of Virginia," Greenburg predicted that union leaders "will receive some major pushback from their membership in the next few weeks."
Representatives from the Fairfax Education Association were not available for comment Tuesday afternoon.
But Terry Moe, a Stanford University-based expert in teacher unions, said, "The reality is that (unions) don't support reform."
"Their ideal would be no reform at all," Moe said.
"Just as business firms are in the business of making money, the unions are in the business of protecting jobs. This is the key to understanding them," Moe, who authored the book, "Special Interest: Teachers Unions and America's Public Schools," told Watchdog.org.
"They are opposed to holding teachers accountable for performance. They don't want teachers to be rigorously evaluated, especially based — even partly — on test scores. They don't want any teacher to lose a job simply because they aren't good in the classroom."
That said, Moe noted that "unions are in a difficult political environment these days."
"In Virginia, the political deck is stacked against them, and they probably knew in this instance that Gov. McDonnell was going to get his reform package whether they 'supported' it or not," he said.
Moe pointed to a Machiavellian scenario in which the 60,000-member VEA "could publicly support" McDonnell's plan, and, then, "behind the scenes, work with the governor's people to try to soften some of its provisions in return for their 'support.'"
VEA President Meg Gruber said in a statement:
"In consultation with our members across the state, we've been working with Gov. McDonnell, Secretary of Education Laura Fornash, and others to improve the teacher dismissal process so that it is efficient and fair.
"We have agreed with the governor on several proposed changes to existing law we believe meets this goal. We believe the VEA's involvement in the process has resulted in an improved bill, and Virginia's teachers have had a voice in laws that directly affect their profession."
Moe says it ain't over till it's over for the unions.
"The important thing for the rest of us to realize is that (VEA) 'support' is just a matter of strategy, not a reflection of their truly 'coming around' on teacher accountability," he said.
The American Federation of Teachers' affiliate in Fairfax already is poking holes in McDonnell's proposal, which cleared the House Education Committee on Monday.
Greenburg questioned the legislation's definition of "exceptional" teachers — "it makes us nervous," he said — and speculated that the proposed streamlined grievance process could be abused by school divisions.
"The language the VEA agreed to provides that the hearing officer is chosen by the school board. If this passes, removing an employee is simply a 'formality,' as the administration has control of all of the variables," he said.
Joy Pullmann, an education analyst at the Heartland Institute, a Chicago-based free-market think tank, said Greenburg's criticism is likely a truer reflection of union thought than the VEA's press release.
Pullman said Gruber's statement "makes me wonder what they're getting in return — and they're definitely getting something, because similar measures went down at their behest last year."
This year's legislation, House Bill 2151, carried by Delegate Richard "Dickie" Bell, R-Staunton, can be found here.
A Watchdog.org survey last fall found that only a minuscule percentage of instructors failed to earn "continuing contracts" — Virginia's version of tenure — after a three-year probationary period. The governor's proposal would extend that period to five years in most cases.


text:
Chic Halloween Card
SUPPLIES: Cardstock: (orange, white) Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: (Orange Brocade from Spellbound collection) Making Memories Rubber stamp: (Madeira) A Muse Artstamps Clear stamp: (happy Halloween from Spellbound set) Making Memories Pigment ink: (black) Tsukineko Chalk ink: (Tea Leaves) Tsukineko Accents: (bat die cut) Making Memories; (clear rhinestones) Heidi Swapp Fibers: (black tulle) Jo-Ann Stores Tools: (2" scalloped circle, 1 3/4" circle punches) Marvy Uchida Finished size: 5 1/2" x 4 1/4"
1 Make card from patterned paper.
2 Adhere strip of patterned paper.
3 Adhere rhinestones.
4 Stamp happy Halloween.
5 Tie on tulle.
6 Stamp Madeira on cardstock; punch and mat with punched cardstock circle.
7 Adhere bat to circles and adhere to card.
Ghoulies and Ghosties
Celebrate Halloween in style-whether it's cutesy, clever, or creepy creations you desire, you'll find something plenty of projects in the "Things That Go Bump in the Night" feature in our September/October 2009 issue.
For more information on supplies used in this project, click here to see our online Product Guide.
Appeared in:
|To comment on this article you must be logged in. Not a member?


text:
Three people have died and thousands are facing a miserable Christmas as a ferocious storm brought floods, power cuts and travel chaos to much of Britain.
Hurricane-force winds of up to 87 miles per hour swept the length of the country on Monday, and torrential downpours caused rivers to swell and flood. A man drowned in the Rothay River near Ambleside, Cumbria, after apparently being engulfed by the fast-flowing torrent while trying to rescue his dog.
The body of a woman was also pulled from a river in Bethesda, Gwynedd, in North Wales after she fell in. A motorist also died at Bolventor in Cornwall after a hailstorm caused three cars to collide on Sunday.
Engineers were battling to restore power to 5,000 homes in the South West last night after overhead power lines were damaged.
The Environment Agency warned that flooding was expected to affect much of the country overnight with 193 flood alerts, 29 flood warnings and one severe flood warning in place. The Met Office said the gales would continue to sweep north, with winds of up to 90mph expected across the north-west of England, Scotland and and Northern Ireland. Police in Cumbria said that attempts to rescue the man who fell into the Rothay River in Ambleside were hampered due to the weather.
The woman who died in a river at Nant Ffrancon, Bethesda, was found just 50 metres from her home.
Paul Smith, a spokesman for the Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue team, told BBC Wales: "It seems the woman had gone out to check the water supply to her house. A little while later her partner noticed she had gone and raised the alarm. The place she was found is just 50 metres from her house. It's a small stream that runs off the mountain – about half a metre wide and three quarters of a metre deep – but it was in full flow."
Meanwhile, flights, train services and ferries all suffered severe delays. Many train companies cancelled services and imposed reduced schedules. Speed restrictions on the lines due to the strong winds also brought further disruption with Virgin Trains cancelling 40 trains and Greater Anglia cancelling 50.
The heavy rain also brought delays on the roads with major routes such as the A1 and A35 suffering delays. The Tamar Bridge in Plymouth, between Devon and Cornwall, was closed to high-sided vehicles, motorbikes and caravans as was the QEII bridge at Dartford.
Airports in the South were also severely disrupted, with 30 flights from Heathrow being cancelled and delays of up to 20 hours reported. Southampton and Bristol Airports also were forced to cancel flights due to the high winds.
The disruption is expected to continue today. Virgin Trains, Chiltern Trains, Southeastern and Southern all warned passengers that were would be delays and some cancellations today. Robin Gisby, the managing director of operational services for Network Rail, said: "Our fundamental concern is to get everyone where they want to be for Christmas.
"I want to be very clear that our priority is running as many trains as we can safely, rather than worrying about hitting the timetable bang on."
Storms hit the pre-Christmas rush hour on the M25 (Christopher Pledger)
The strongest winds were seen in the west of the country initially, with gusts of up to 87mph hitting Capel Curig in Conwy, North Wales.
Western Power Distribution said it was drawing in additional staff to help restore power to 3,000 homes in Cornwall and 2,000 homes elsewhere in the South West after the winds brought down power lines.
A Met Office spokesman said snow storms were expected in parts of Scotland but the main risk was due to heavy rain. Up to 2.4 inches were expected to fall in Dartmoor, Devon, while driving winds were also expected to increase the flood risk in coastal areas.
Andy Page, Met Office chief forecaster, warned that the strongest winds were likely overnight. He said: "A rapidly deepening area of low pressure is developing to the west of Ireland and is forecast to pass just to the north west of the UK overnight and on Tuesday.
"This will bring stormy conditions to the UK with the strongest winds likely along coastlines exposed to the south on Monday night and for Northern Ireland, the North and north-west of Scotland on Tuesday. This brings the potential for possible disruption to transport because of the strong winds and also localised flooding in some areas."
On the last day of postal deliveries before Christmas, the Royal Mail said it was working "around the clock" to deliver post in time for Christmas.


text:
Hometown Holidays - Aurora's Canteen 2004, by Conceived and Written by Anthony P. Rodriguez & Ann-Carol Pence
Minimal Warm Fuzzies
Friday, December 17, 2004
As I make the rounds to all the annual Christmas shows, I have always made a point to go out to Duluth and see the Aurora show. They have always put one on with great production value and it is always fun - until this year. I was really disappointed in the Canteen this year because it felt like they weren't even trying. The biggest disappointment for me was the lack of imagination in the show this year. It was a hodgepodge of past hits from previous years which was very loosely tied together. I felt it lacked a sentimental thread to relate it all back together. Three themes were competing with each other this year. The USO, Whistle Stop Towns, and American Pop culture through television and the movies. Any one of these themes could have been developed into a full show. The way the show was put together this year, I felt as if I went and saw 3 different theme shows at Six Flags this year.
The set was definitely a step back from some of their earlier sets (Private Lives, 5 Guys Named Moe, Floyd Collins) This set looked like Fuddruckers at Christmas Time - basically the design was just to take everything from past shows out of the prop room and put them on the stage. And the use of the slide projector was distracting and the video montage during the second act seemed like laziness on their part. I could understand if it was to cover up a major costume change or set change, but when the cast came out after the 2 minute break, they were in the same costumes. The costumes were another disappointment. From a nostalgic point of view, it was fun to see costumes from past canteens (who can forget those plaid skirts?) But then opportunities were missed to get really creative with some costumes (The Wizard of Oz particularly stuck out poorly). And the choice of costumes were not always the most flattering to the actors as well.
The cast had some terrific talent that was sorely under used. These are all terrific performers, but I felt as if they just weren't having fun in the show. Jerrica Knight and Eric Catania both have beautiful voices, but I felt they were wasted on thankless goofy songs. Chris Skinner does stand out in his Freddy the Freeloader role, but looked bored most of the rest of the show. And with Russell Rhodes impressive dance bio - I was hoping for some spectacular dance breaks, but was sorely disappointed. Natalie Gray as always was sweet and spunky and in fine voice. My only criticism is that the choreography didn't make the non-dancers in the show look good. And the military numbers lacked crispness and were sloppy. Kimberly Bates as well was fine for the show. She is a beautiful girl and I expect to see bigger and better things from her soon. I was particularly pleased with some of the harmonies that AC Pence was able come up with for the show - not an easy task when you have 3 men with very similar voice types. As usual the vocal highlight of the show was the Andrew Sisters montage.
At this time of year, there are so many choices for holiday entertainment. Aurora seems to be relying on their season ticket subscribers to fill the seats at Christmas time. However, I noticed more than a few people reading their programs and checking their watches. For their sake, I hope that they put a little more effort into the future Canteens if they want to attract more folks to their theater. Their current patrons are getting up in years...
Hopefully this year is a glitch and they will be on track for the rest of the season.


text:
Monday, April 14, 2008
Phils can't finish sweep of Cubbies
We arrived at the ballpark yesterday for our Sunday matchup with the Phillies going for the sweep of the Chicago Cubs. The stage was set for the first sweep of the season. The Fightin's could have won this one, but through a combination of errors and miscues, the Phils failed to convert this game to the 'win' column.
We love our Sunday package because it allows us to get a nice Sunday afternoon of relaxation and watch baseball. Jamie Moyer did a fantastic job, he pitched very well. Jason Werth played center, I like the way he plays, although the ball that sailed over his head added to the miscues of the Phillies on the day. Chase Utley missed a great opportunity to blow the game open for the Phils with the bases loaded, and a costly throwing error on the day.
We trudge on though, and next up it's the Astros coming in Tuesday night for three games. So wrapping up the fourth series for the Phillies on the 2008 season, the Phils win the series 2-1. With 13 games into the season the Phils are 6-7 - they had the chance to go 7-6 but, they will seek to do better against the Astros.
Rich Baxter / Fightin Phils Blog
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


text:
London's National Gallery's Australia's Impressionists exhibition last until 26 Mar 2017. The exhibition shows the global scope of impressionism in the late nineteenth century and its leading picture (below, left) is Arthur Streeton's Ariadne. Is there some hidden characteristic in these pictures that means they can only be landscapes of Australia?
Above, right, is A Holiday at Mentone by Charles Conder, 1888.
Australia is the lowest, flattest, and oldest continental landmass on Earth, with a relatively stable geological history. It is situated in the middle of the tectonic plate, and therefore currently has no active volcanism.
The terrain is mostly a low plateau with deserts, rangelands and a fertile plain in the southeast. Tasmania and the Australian Alps do not contain any permanent icefields or glaciers, although they may have existed in the past.
Below is John Peter Russell's Les Terrasses de Monte Cassino. Geological forces such as tectonic uplift of mountain ranges or clashes between tectonic plates occurred mainly in Australia's early history, when it was still a part of Gondwanaland. Its highest peak is Mount Kosciuszko at 2,228 metres (7,310 ft), which is relatively low in comparison to the highest mountains on other continents. Erosion has heavily weathered Australia's surface.


text:
Here are just a few of the dozens of testimonials we've received from satisfied customers.
About a year ago my wife and I completed a major home landscaping project. After a few months of trying to do it ourselves we realized that properly maintaining our front and backyard landscape involved too much of our time so we decided to hire Landscape Solutions. We have been very pleased with the lawn maintenance work performed. The company owner, Brett Pieratt, is dependable, punctual, and provides quality service.
A few months ago we decided to make some additional enhancements to our home landscape. With Brett's suggestions/recommendations, we added sod, plants, edging, lighting, and mulch, which greatly improved the appearance of our home. My wife and I had become discouraged with the quality of service provided by other so-called professional landscapers/contractors whose work often had too many flaws. Unlike previous experiences with other landscapers, the work performed by Landscape Solutions exceeded our expectations. Landscape Solutions was a refreshing change with their excellent work attitude and customer service. Our friends and family have repeatedly complimented us on the new/improved look of our front and backyard area. We highly recommend them for regular lawn maintenance service and for landscape improvement projects.
Cathy and Nick Ortiz
Chula Vista
Hi Brett,
I just wanted to say a few words about our experience with your company a few weeks ago. Anita and I were extremely pleased with your services from start to finish. You started and finished exactly when you said you would ( a miracle for contractors) and you did exactly what you said you would do, not one bit less. We really appreciate that because as you know we have had a lot of work done here at our house, and it's rare to find a contractor who doesn't "forget" to do something that they said they would do. Everyone working with you was very courteous and respectful to our property as well. Our new lawn looks great! Everyone we know is saying how great it looks too, and we really appreciate all of the hard work that you did to get it looking this way. If in the future I can refer you to any friends of mine, I would refer them to you in a second and tell them to forget about anyone else.
Best regards,
Mike B
Pacific Beach
Simply unbelievable! My wife and I are extremely satisfied with our new front lawn. Our rental property was an absolute mess and to be honest we were embarrassed. Brett and his crew delivered as promised ….. on schedule and on budget.
Mr & Mrs Cook
Paraside Hills
Landscape Solutions is the only SOLUTION to your landscape dilemmas! For months I was trying to find a lawn service company who I could depend on to do a good job, to service my lawn on schedule, to easily communicate with (they have a website which most other landscapers don't, and calls are always answered and returned), and most importantly someone I could trust. The added bonus with Landscape Solutions is that they give very reasonable and fair quotes. Brett and his team fulfilled all these requirements. I am absolutely pleased with the work they are doing. My only regret is that I did not find these guys sooner! If you are not satisfied with your landscaper or in the process of looking for one; look no farther! Landscape Solutions is IT! They will take care of you!One last comment, my wife and I tried to lay down our own sod but at the very last minute felt it would be too much of a job to handle. I called Brett that night and told him we have the sod in my garage but couldn't complete the job. We were in a huge bind! The very NEXT morning his team came out and finished the job within a couple hours! That was awesome service!
Windingwalk Community
Me and my wife were looking for a landscaper to add some beauty to our plain old yard . We had gotten estimates from so many landscapers and found that it was so overpriced to get the job we wanted. I later contacted Landscape Solutions and they were totally reasonable and flexible. They worked with us to get exactly what we wanted and worked with the budget we had. They not only provided great service but also maintained the yard and educated us on landscape maintenance. I'd recommend these professionals to anyone. Thanks again for working with us and all your help for giving our backyard the new life it needed.
Glen P
San Diego
My house will soon be on the market, so I've been attending to all the details of fixing it up, inside and out. But I hadn't put much into the yard and it was sorely lacking "curb appeal". I needed a nice lush lawn, and I didn't have the time, energy or resources to do it myself. I searched online for options to have sod installed and was very fortunate to come across Landscape Solutions
I was pleasantly surprised to have a personal response (not one of those automated "thank-you-for-your-interest-we'll-get-back-to-you" messages) to my emailed request for information the very next day – on a weekend, no less! They were readily available, either by email or cell phone, to assess my needs, answer my questions, and work out the details of our little project. I am very appreciative of their professionalism and personable manner. And I'm especially indebted to their quick response and conscientious service. Landscape Solutions goes well beyond the routine to provide additional customer service and support. I'm thrilled to have a 30-day free lawn maintenance incorporated into the estimate provided for the sod – I know I can count on Landscape Solutions to keep that "curb appeal" present through the close of escrow! I recommend Landscape Solutions to anyone who desires professional lawn and landscaping services with a personal touch.
Chula Vista
We have two very active dogs and bought our home with dirt and weeds for a backyard. We called Landscape Solutions and were surprised with the prompt response. They provided a very reasonable estimate for cleaning up the back yard and giving things a new look.
They were courteous, prompt and worked around our schedules. Not only did they do an excellent job on the clean up, they gave us ideas on how to make our yard look better. They also made the extra effort to help us create the backyard we had envisioned. Now our new home is complete and looks better than we could have ever imagined. Our family and friends are jealous!
We would definitely recommend Landscape Solutions to anyone who wants friendly, professional lawn service at a reasonable cost.
Cassie and David
Chula Vista
Thank you for your quick response, the quality of your work, and the very reasonable price you charge for your services. What impressed me even more was that you took the time to explain to me why my repairs didn't work and how to do it correctly in the future so that I could learn from the experience. I will certainly recommend you to anyone who needs service on their sprinkler system..
Respectfully yours,
Kevin Schultz
Working with Landscape Solutions has been a joy. They were prompt and reliable and really seemed to enjoy their work. With a minimum of commotion – we had a new lawn in five days. They lived up to every promise they made and exceeded all our expectations with added touches. We were so happy with the results that we fired our old landscaper and hired them on for our weekly maintenance!
Bob and Beth Bauman
Chula Vista
Landscape Solutions did a wonderful job in fixing my yard. I moved into a townhome with dried-out, uneven grass. Thinking my yard was too small to hire someone to help me fix it up, I was reluctant to call. I finally gave in and called to get a quote. I got an estimate the next day. I was surprised at how affordable it'd be to do the work. The whole job was done in just two days. The end result is beautiful! Landscape Solutions treated my ridiculously small yard space no differently than if it was a nice, large yard. The service was wonderful. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for fantastic lawn care services. Thank you so much!
Maria Jones
Chula Vista
My husband and I are extremely excited about our new landscaping. All of our neighbors have stopped by to compliment our lawn. You guys were great through the entire job and were very accommodating to our changing needs. Thanks again for the great job that you have done. We have recommended Landscape Solutions to several of our neighbors!
Lisa and Chuck Kee
Dear Landscape Solutions,
Victoria and I are very pleased with the landscape installation you and your crew did. You were true to your word in every aspect. You and your crew were on time, did professional work and cleaned up when you were finished. Additionally, when contacted to perform some additional adjustments, again you were on time and completed the job in a professional like manner with the proper follow through.
Thanks JP Goyet


text:
the living art of storytelling in Massachusetts
March 9, 2014 from 6:30pm to 9:30pm – Doyle's Cafe Doyles 2013-2014 Season Sunday, March 9 , 2014 Semi-Finals Storyslam winners come together to compete for a spot in the Big Mouth Off. Hear the best stories of the season retold..they always get eve… Organized by Robin Maxfield | Type: story, slam, storytelling, doyles, season, v, semi, finals
July 17, 2013 at 11am to July 17, 2014 at 12pm – Porter Square Books Wednesday morning Story Hour with Doria Hughes! Free and open to all, primarily for ages 0-6 with caregivers. We are here every Wednesday from 11AM to noon, in the children's section of Porter Squa… Organized by Doria Hughes | Type: story, book, reading
March 9, 2014 from 2pm to 3pm – Old Meeting House Come join Andrea Lovett as portrays Lydia Parsons. She invites you to explores the streets and back roads of Lynfield Mass in 1918. She's a bit of a gossip and a whole lot of fun! This story was com… Organized by andrea lovett | Type: historical


text:
St Patrick drove the snakes out of Ireland.
I wonder if we could get him to stop by the House of Representatives? The Republicans just cut NPR's funding.
Kiss me! I'm Irate!
I like to listen to NPR in the studio when I paint. I am in rural New Hampshire where the hate talkers rule the airwaves 24/7 (Limbaugh, Hannity, ad nauseum). NPR saved my sanity.
Losing NPR really gets my "Irish up."


text:
As a culture, we are terrible at trusting God. Most of it is due to our conditioning. We have the means to take care of most things ourselves. We might pray about a situation, but ultimately we know we'll be the ones to fix it. When we lose a job, we pray about it, but when we get a new job we normally credit ourselves with our diligent work. Prayer was mostly lip service. In today's psalm, David trusts God in a dire situation. We can learn a lot from his depth of reliance on God.
Isaiah 10:1-11:16:
- 5-19 – God used Assyria to punish Israel when Assyria toppled Israel, but now God is speaking against them because they have overstepped their bounds and are going after Jerusalem.
- 20-23 – Though the Israelites in the Northern Kingdom were occupied by Assyria and only a few remained, they were able to have hope because God said they would eventually be able to return to relying on him.
- 24-27 – God assures Judah that they will not be overtaken by Assyria like Israel was.
- 1-16 – This is another Messianic prophecy. The root of Jesse refers to Jesse, David's father. Jesus was from David's line and thus part of Jesse's family. This passage refers to the great power and influence the Messiah would have.
2 Corinthians 12:11-21:
- 14-15 – Paul describes himself as a type of spiritual father to the Corinthians explaining that he was not trying to get anything from them. He was just trying to offer them salvation. His goal was to give to them, not take away.
- 20-21 – Paul was fearful that the Corinthians were not actually living faithfully and he would be confronted with a failure in his ministry.
Psalm 56:1-13:
- David, though faced with a life-threatening situation, is able to put his full trust in God. He makes a powerful statement saying, "what can flesh do to me?" He understands that God is in control no matter how scary circumstances look.
Proverbs 23:6-8:
- This is a warning against false kindness and false generosity.


text:
Highly narrative dance benefits greatly from collaboration with video artist Knight
Malashock Dance in "The Floating World"
When: 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, through April 23
Where: Copley Auditorium, San Diego Museum of Art, Balboa Park
Tickets: $12.50-$25; (800) 745-3000
Watching some dances, you can see a choreographer's mind at work, making small decisions that add up to a substantial whole. That's true of "The Floating World," which Malashock Dance premiered on Friday. John Malashock made one smart choice after another, and the 55-minute dance shimmers with beauty, complexity and wit.
For starters, Malashock invited video artist Tara Knight to collaborate on this piece, inspired by the San Diego Museum of Art's exhibition of Japanese Ukiyo-e woodblock prints. He and Knight decided to reflect the aesthetic of the prints (many from the 19th century) but also layer on a postmodern self-awareness.
Echoing Ukiyo-e, "The Floating World" focuses on theatrical artists and depicts a journey: that of a dance company on tour. But Malashock and Knight pierce the polished stage personas and reveal the tensions behind the scenes. The fourth wall is further dissolved by placing the audience on all four sides, with a video screen behind us on each side.
Though this is a highly narrative work, Malashock wisely keeps spoken text to a minimum, relying instead on juicy choreography performed by a tight ensemble (Michael Mizerany, Blythe Barton, Lara Binder, James Healey, Bradley Lundberg, Christine Marshall and Nicholas Strasburg).
In-performance segments feature quick, go-for-broke lifts to the urgent pulse of Zoe Keating's electronically layered cello music, another inspired choice. And Zandra Rhodes' costumes — wow! "Onstage," the dancers wear red, black and white tights and handkerchief tops, patterned to look like Japanese textiles. Similar patterns repeat on the jeans in offstage scenes.
Behind the scenes, Binder and Strasburg do a languid pas de deux, much of it on the floor, in the steamy "Hookup." The dancers hit the streets with coltish playfulness to let off steam, while the director (Mizerany) sits alone in his hotel room. Painfully not part of the gang, he tries to unwind but succumbs to compulsive pacing, hunched forward like Sherlock Holmes scanning the ground for clues.
Video is a tricky element to include in dance; moving images on huge screens can overshadow live dancers. Knight, however, offers a refreshingly humble — and brilliant — new take on how to place video in the service of dance. Her video "environments" are often still projections that place us in the dancers' world; for instance, two screens show the interior of a hotel room, while, as if through the windows, two others give us a high-rise cityscape at night.
Malashock has never had a collaborator as finely attuned to the floating, ephemeral nature of dance.