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An instrumental leader in the resurgence of the Angelo State men's basketball program, Cinco Boone has been promoted to head coach following the resignation of Chris Beard who accepted the same position at the University of Arkansas-Little Rock.
Boone, who helped guide the Rams to a 47-15 record over the past two seasons as the associate head coach, becomes the sixth head coach in ASU's basketball history and takes the reins of a program which advanced to last year's NCAA Division II Sweet 16.
"I am beyond ecstatic to become the next head men's basketball coach at Angelo State University," Boone said. "I want to thank Dr. Brian May and Sean Johnson for the opportunity to coach at such an outstanding institution that has had so many outstanding coaches in the past. We are looking to build upon the success that we've had here at ASU in the past two seasons. Our vision is to help our student-athletes be successful on and off the court, assist them in getting their diplomas and then propel them to successful careers in whatever they might choose to do while also competing for championships."
Boone, 31, arrived at ASU with prior coaching experience at the Division I, Division II, junior college and high school levels, including working as Beard's assistant coach at McMurry University during the 2012-13 season which followed two seasons as an assistant at Stephen F. Austin. He has prior head coaching experience at Jacksonville College and was a graduate assistant at Hardin Simmons University and an assistant Portales High School (New Mexico).
Angelo State is coming off a 28-6 overall record and advanced to the NCAA Division II Sweet 16 for the first time in program history during the 2014-15 season with Boone serving as the associate head coach. ASU led the nation by outscoring opponents by an average of 20.3 points per game this season and finished third in the nation with a 52.8 field-goal percentage and were fifth in total assists (588) and with its 39.3 defensive field-goal percentage.
"While it is difficult to have lost Coach Beard, we have a great situation because we are elevating someone that was critical to our success in Coach Boone," said ASU Director of Athletics Sean Johnson. "He helped develop the blueprint that has made Ram basketball successful and he will continue that success and build on it in his own way. Coach Boone brought a tremendous amount of experience to ASU as our associate head coach and is a perfect fit for us as our next head coach."
The Rams established multiple program records last season, including recording the most wins in a season (28), winning 16 straight games, scoring 2,860 points, owning a 52.8 field-goal percentage and winning four postseason games. ASU finished the season averaging 84.1 points per game which was the 16th most points per game in the nation and the most in the region and conference. Along with team success, Chris Jones and Demario Mayfield earned NABC and Daktronics South Central honors to go along with being named to the Lone Star Conference first-team and Marsell Holden was an LSC honorable mention selection after leading the conference in 3-pointers. Additionally, Thomas Brandsma earned LSC All-Academic honors for his work on the court and in the classroom as a Finance major.
Boone helped lead a program-resurgence in 2013-14 with the Rams finishing with a 19-9 overall record after not having a winning season in the previous three seasons. ASU went 11-2 at the Junell Center during the season and won its first postseason game since the 2001 season. With Boone as an assistant, the program won 12 more games than the previous season after starting the season with a 10-0 record. He was promoted from assistant coach to associate head coach following his first season with the Rams.
Prior to Angelo State, Boone assisted Beard in guiding McMurry's basketball team through its first year as a NCAA Division II program and led the War Hawks to a 19-10 overall record and to the regional final of the National Christian College Athletic Association national tournament.
A Portales, New Mexico native, Boone earned his bachelor's degree from Eastern New Mexico University in Mathematics after graduating from Portales High School. His first coaching position came at his high school alma mater where he was the assistant varsity coach from 2003-06. Boone began his collegiate coaching career as a graduate assistant at Hardin Simmons University during the 2006-07 season. At HSU, he was the primary assistant and head recruiter along with attending graduate school and teaching two Physical Assessment and Conditioning courses. He earned his graduate degree in Sports Recreation and Management in 2008.
His experience in Abilene led to the opportunity to coach at Jacksonville College in East Texas. At JC, Boone started as an assistant coach before taking over as head coach for the 2009-10 season. As the head coach, JC was a Region XIV qualifier and won its opening postseason game. His team also knocked off two nationally top-10 teams. From Jacksonville College, Boone accepted an assistant coach's position at Stephen F. Austin in Nacogdoches. An SFA assistant for Danny Kaspar, who is now the head coach at Texas State, Boone's responsibilities included recruiting, scouting, on-floor coaching and academic supervision. He helped lead the Lumberjacks to two Southland Conference tournament appearances.
Boone and his wife, Michelle, have been married for two years. Michelle will graduate from the Texas Tech University School of Law in May.
"We will recruit student-athletes who are passionate about the game of basketball and that are serious about obtaining their degrees," Boone said. "Combined with their talent, our staff will value high character, unselfish, tough, and competitive kids and we look forward to winning a lot of ballgames with these types of players. Our practices will be geared towards each player fulfilling their roles, being great teammates, and competing at a high level. Our teams will defend and rebound, as that will be a staple to our success and a point of emphasis at all times, and offensively, we will give our players freedom to make plays within their range of talent. We cannot wait to get started and my family and I are extremely excited to remain in the Ram family and San Angelo community."
Statements on Cinco Boone
Danny Kaspar, Texas State University Head Coach
"Cinco was a very productive and industrious worker as an assistant coach for me. He has great knowledge of the game and relates well to young men. He can recruit and will put great effort in bringing Angelo State to the top of the Lone Star Conference."
Kelvin Sampson, University of Houston Head Coach
"I have always been impressed with Cinco's enthusiasm. He is an extremely dedicated young coach and has nothing but a bright future ahead. I predict great things for Cinco and his Angelo State program."
Greg Young, UT-Arlington Associate Head Coach
"Cinco Boone is a tremendous hire for the next Head Men's Basketball Coach at Angelo State University. What he and Chris Beard and their staff/players did this season was remarkable. I have had the privilege of knowing Cinco since my days coaching at Eastern New Mexico back in the early 1990's. He was a camper at our camps and later became one of the toughest, most competitive high school players in that region. I hired Cinco as my assistant at Jacksonville College and had the pleasure of working with him for two seasons (2007-2009). He helped put together two great recruiting classes that enabled us to be a nationally ranked Junior College program his second year and win 24 games. The thing that stands out the most about Coach Boone is his tireless work ethic, compassion for the student-athletes on and off the floor, and his ability to make everyone around him feel good about themselves. Cinco will continue to be a tremendous ambassador for Angelo State University and the city of San Angelo."
Dr. Brian May, Angelo State University President
"I believe that Cinco Boone is one of the best recruiters in all of Division II and that he is a perfect fit to be our next head coach. I have nothing but confidence that Cinco will be very successful in leading our basketball program into the future."
Sean Johnson, Angelo State University Director of Athletics
"He helped develop the blueprint that has made Ram basketball successful and he will continue that success and build on it in his own way. Coach Boone brought a tremendous amount of experience to ASU as our associate head coach and is a perfect fit for us as our next head coach."


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The 50 Best Mother's Day Gifts On Amazon
Moms do so much for everyone else — so when it comes time to spoil them, you can't go wrong with a creative gift they'd never think of on their own. Because let's face it, they'd just tell you "I don't need a thing" anyway. But you're in luck, because I have found the best mother's day gifts on Amazon and my list includes a random, but thoughtful selection of products that will appeal to any mom's beauty-loving, adventure-seeking, and comfort-appreciating side.
And whether you're shopping for Mother's Day or your mom, step-mom, or mother-in-law's birthday — or just want to give mom a token of appreciation for being so amazing, this list of 50 genius gifts has something that will appeal to every mom. And, yes, that even includes the mom who has everything under the sun.
Moms who appreciate a day at the spa will love the green tea retinol night cream, hydrating eye masks, and essential oil diffuser on this list. If you've got an adventurous mom, try out a scarf neck pillow that's all sorts of comfy cozy for travel. And foodie moms are in luck: genius products like a battery-operated salt and pepper grinder with adjustable coarseness levels and a cute bear that prevents brown sugar are all great finds.
Treat your mom to a clever gift for any occasion — even if they insist on nothing at all.
1. This Digital Frame That Plays A Slideshow Of Heart-Warming Photos
Give the gift that keeps giving — treasured memories. This digital photo frame can play favorite photos via a repeat slideshow. Insert a USB flash drive or SD card with the photos of choice into the frame and it does the rest. The frame also has a built-in clock and calendar.
2. A Powerful Pink Clay Mask For Clearer, Brighter Skin
Absorb any and all impurities and excess sebum — and keep skin smooth and clear with this powerful pink clay mask. The vegan mask is made with kaolin clay, fruit extracts, and vitamin E. Reviewers — including those with sensitive skin — rave about how soft this mask makes skin feel.
3. These Soothing Under Eye Masks That De-Puff Tired Eyes
Tired eyes won't know what hit them — these soothing hydrogel eye masks de-puff and help erase dark circles so that you look like you've gotten a solid eight hours of sleep (even when you've only had five). The masks stay on well and are made with effective natural ingredients like grape seed oil and cucumber fruit extract.
4. An Essential Oil Balm That Helps You Relax And Relieves Anxiety
The next time there's a stress-inducing situation, stop and apply this essential oil balm to pulse points on wrists and neck. The soothing scent can help alleviate anxiety and may even help you sleep better. It has essential oil combinations with rosemary, lavender, ylang ylang, and more.
5. The No-Drama Manual Chopper That Makes Food Prep A Breeze
The best gadgets in the kitchen aren't always the tech-heavy ones. This simple manual chopper couldn't be easier to operate: pull on the lever and instantly chop veggies and fruits. It's also one of the most effective food prep tools to own, and it's great for foods like guacamole and salsa.
6. A Unique Foam Roller Water Bottle For Intense Workouts
Everyone needs two things after an intense workout or run: plenty of water and relief for aching muscles. This two-in-one foam roller bottle provides both: it holds up to 27 ounces of water in a quality stainless steel vessel and features a therapeutic foam roller exterior. Choose among eight colors and prints.
7. An Aromatherapy Mist For Linen & Fresher Rooms
Fill every room in the home with soothing scents by simply spraying this natural aromatherapy mist everywhere — from linen and clothing to furniture. The natural mist is made from essential oils and is safe on fabrics and skin. It comes in seven scents — this one being a blend of lemongrass and jasmine to act as an instant mood booster.
8. A Brightly Colored Yoga Kit With Every Accessory You'll Need
This complete yoga kit comes with every accessory needed to get your downward dog on. The set comes in four fun colors and includes two yoga blocks, a large microfiber towel and a smaller one, one yoga strap, and one pair of non-slip yoga socks. Grab a kit and a mat and it's all you need.
9. This 10-Piece Cheese Board Set For The Best Party Ever
The next time you host a party, wow guests with this cheese board set, which includes four cheese knives with sweet ceramic handles, four stainless steel cheese forks, and a ceramic bowl. The board itself is made from quality bamboo and is spacious, with grooves for crackers and breads.
10. An Essential Oil Diffuser With Color-Changing Lights
It looks like a work of art and is so functional, anyone will want to use this essential oil diffuser every day. Fill the diffuser with water and a few drops of a soothing oil like lavender or eucalyptus, then program it to rotate among seven color-changing LED lights.
11. This Time-Saving Hair Tool That Dries And Styles Hair
This multi-tasking hair drying brush and styler saves major time on hectic mornings. The round brush has two heat settings with a cool option, nylon and tufted bristles that detangle hair, and the ability to create major volume without the need for a second heated hair tool.
12. The Cordless Electric Kettle That Makes Water Boil In A Flash
Boil water in minutes with this cordless electric kettle, which is perfect for brewing tea or cooking oatmeal or pasta in a flash. The kettle has a helpful LED indicator light and shuts off automatically after 30 seconds for safety purposes.
13. These Gel Toe Separators That Reduce Foot Pain
Keep feet flexible and pain-free with the help of these wearable gel toe separators. The gels straighten the toes and provide relief from bunions, plantar fasciitis, and other painful foot conditions. They're also great for yoga practice, too.
14. The Ultimate Salad Container For Better Portable Lunches
There's no better way to pack a salad for work than in this bento box lunch container. The tiered container features a bowl for salad, a tray with compartments for various toppings, a 3-ounce sauce container, an airtight lid, a salad fork, and a utensil cover.
15. This Wine Glass Tumbler With A Secure Lid For On-The-Go Vino
This triple-insulated wine glass tumbler can hold up to half a bottle of wine and will keep it the perfect temperature, making it an ideal picnic and on-the-go accessory. The 14-ounce stainless steel tumbler comes with a leak-proof lid and is available in more than 20 colors.
16. The Essential Oils Starter Kit With Six Popular Scents
Whether you're brand new to essential oils or looking to build up a collection, these are the six most popular and essential oils you need to keep on hand. This soothing collection includes lemongrass, peppermint, orange, lavender, eucalyptus, and tea tree oil.
17. An Invigorating Makeup Setting Spray With Green Tea Extract
Hydrating and totally refreshing, this makeup setting spray is made with antioxidant-rich green tea extract and will set foundation and powder in place, helping makeup last for hours. But it's also the perfect pick-me-up spray that can be used throughout the day to freshen the complexion.
18. This Sweet Bear That Keeps Brown Sugar From Clumping
The number one problem with keeping brown sugar around the house for too long is that it hardens and clumps up fast. This adorable brown sugar bear is made from fired clay, is safe in food, and will keep brown sugar and other spices fresh and moist. Soak the bear in water for 20 minutes and place it in a spice container.
19. A Handheld Milk Frother For Fun Drinks
Whip up lattes and cappuccinos at home with this handheld milk frother, a stainless steel tool that runs on batteries and will take ordinary milk and turn it into an extraordinary beverage. The frother is simple to operate, has an on and off button, and comes complete with sturdy whisk — one that can be used directly in any cup or mug.
20. The Best-Selling Book To Keep Lists And Stay Productive
Become more productive, satisfied, and happy by tracking goals and gratitude in this best-selling journal that also functions as a motivational book. It has 52 lists to complete each week to discover, remember, and revel in the things in life that add positivity.
21. This Handcrafted Soap Made With Nine Natural, Nourishing Ingredients
There's nothing better than a product with identifiable natural ingredients (but it's also pretty rare). This handmade soap was crafted in the Pacific Northwest and contains nine amazing ingredients that cleanse, hydrate, and nourish skin: coconut oil, olive oil, palm oil, castor oil, rosemary, carrot juice, lavender, geranium, and grapefruit oil. You won't find a single chemical or synthetic fragrance in this soap, which is perfect for sensitive skin.
22. The Mess-Free Belgian Waffle Maker For A Better Breakfast
Waffles are absolutely the key to a better Sunday breakfast — but most waffle makers look so intimidating (and messy). This Belgian waffle maker is the no-mess option for more relaxing weekend. It has a non-stick surface and pocket sides that catch any batter drips: plus, it comes in red or silver and doubles as a panini and biscuit maker.
23. An Air Purifier With Three Speed Settings That's As Quiet As A Mouse
Set this personal air purifier to run at any time, and in any room — including at night in the bedroom — and it will clean and purify the air without making a ton of noise. This quiet option features three speed settings and a HEPA filter that locks in dust and dirt, making it the perfect compact purifier for anyone with allergies.
24. The French Press Coffee Maker With A Built-In Thermometer For The Perfect Brew
A French press coffee maker delivers a delicious brew, but the temperature can sometimes be off, which is enough to ruin a good cup. Save coffee for good by switching to this stainless steel French press coffee maker, which has a built-in thermometer that lets you know when the temperature is just right. This insulated gadget also keeps coffee hotter for longer than glass coffee makers.
25. This Miniature Storage Organizer That Attaches To A Car Vent
Any product that can free the car of clutter is one worth owning — and this mini car organizer is way up there in terms of its helpfulness. Attach the catch-all organizer to any air vent and use it to store a phone, keys, cards, mints, and more.
26. A Cooling Rose Water Facial Toner That Calms Red Skin
When skin's feeling parched and sensitive, help it heal with this natural rose facial toner, a soothing and cool mist that you can use throughout the day. The formula is also infused with green tea, aloe, and hydrating hyaluronic acid.
27. An Oil That Nourishes Cuticles And Is Infused With Flowers
Not only is this oil absolutely beautiful, it's really nourishing as well. This cuticle oil is infused with real flowers and essential oils and will soften skin, prevent hangnails, and makes hands look and feel smooth and healthy. It comes in 12 scents, including Apple Blossom and Cherry.
28. The Multi-Purpose Drying Rack That Rolls Out Over The Sink To Save Space
Not only does this genius roll-up drying rack fit perfectly over most sinks, freeing up major counter space, but it's much more than just a one-trick pony. The stainless steel rack to dry dishes, of course, but it also functions as a colander for washing produce — and a helpful defrosting rack that keeps meat off of the counter.
29. This Hot Pink Mermaid Tea That's Fun AF To Drink
This unique tea takes the beverage to a whole new level — because it steeps to an outrageously fun hot pink color. The tea is made with berries and hibiscus and comes in a variety of other fun shades and flavors like Twilight Blend, which has edible silver metallic flakes.
30. A Miniature Fireplace For Toasty Toes Anywhere
Take this electric miniature fireplace to the chilliest corners of any room or office, plug it in, and stay warm and toasty. The fireplace has two heat settings, a fan option, and a realistic looking 3-D flame that provides a comforting view.
31. An Adjustable Foot Hammock That Takes Pain And Pressure Off Of Feet
Make any work environment as comfortable as possible with the help of this adjustable foot hammock, which is designed from tough cotton canvas and can hold up to 110 pounds of pressure (which makes it perfect for resting your legs, just don't stand on it). The hammock is lightweight, portable, and simple to install (buckle it to two ends of your table or desk).
32. These Wireless Bluetooth Headphones With A No-Slip Neck Rest
These comfortable wireless Bluetooth headphones have a neck rest that prevent them from slipping off, even when running and working out. With a waterproof design and amazing battery that provides 10 hours of continuous play, these are the affordable headphones you need in your busy, active life. They come in rose gold or black.
33. This Pocket Printer That Turns Photos Into Stickers
Print photos from your phone in less than 30 seconds with this pocket printer, which prints onto a special ink-less type of paper called Sticker Paper. Not only is there the instant gratification from seeing photos come alive, but you can even peel off the adhesive film and turn a picture into a sticker.
34. A Soft Fleece Neck Pillow That Offers Major Support
This ultra-soft neck pillow is really comfortable — and it also provides major support and will even keep the neck from experiencing that dreaded droop when you fall asleep, making it perfect for that dreaded middle seat. Attach the pillow to luggage or a backpack and wear it like a scarf: it will support the head in any position. It comes in grey, black, red, and coral.
35. A Retinol Night Cream That's Gentle Enough For Sensitive Skin
Retinol creams are effective at improving the texture and health of skin, but they can also be harsh and drying. This night cream offers something truly different — a gentle retinol formula infused with nourishing green tea, ginseng, and hyaluronic acid that's ideal for sensitive skin and will hydrate and repair the complexion without causing it to peel.
36. The Sonic Facial Cleansing Brush That Removes Makeup And Dirt Fast
Give pores the royal cleansing treatment without scrubbing skin so hard that you actually irritate it. This portable cleansing brush runs on battery and delivers an effective sonic cleansing treatment using gentle silicone bristles. The waterproof brush comes in seven shades, turns off after one minute, and is completely rechargeable.
37. A Thoughtful Salt Gift Box With Extreme Flavors
There's so much more to salt then just — well, salt. As this salt gift box proves, extreme flavors like Arctic Thyme and Lava Salt can turn food prep into a science experiment. The box comes with four sustainable sea salts that are infused with Icelandic herbs. It's great as a finishing salt and for cocktails, too.
38. The Ultimate Mortar Set For Homemade Guac And More
Whip up a fresh batch of guacamole or salsa in minutes with this natural mortar and pestle set, made from long-lasting granite. Use the set to mash and grind your own spices and delicious foods — and it even comes with a bonus avocado slicer to make the whole process go way faster.
39. An Infusion Water Bottle That Adds A Fruity Kick To Water
Give plain water a fruity or minty kick by simply adding things like citrus, mint, cucumber, or berries to this infusion water bottle and letting the bottle do all the work. This bottle comes in two sizes — 24 or 32 ounces — as well as seven colors. Made from shatterproof Tritan glass with a leak-proof lid, it's perfect for hikes and runs.
40. A Bluetooth Shower Speaker With A Built-In Microphone
Turn a shower or pool into your own personal DJ booth with this waterproof Bluetooth shower speaker. It even has a built-in microphone for taking and making phone calls and an impressive battery that provides 12 to 14 hours of continuous music and play. One reviewer writes: "This speaker has gorgeous sound, with fairly sharp highs and deep, clear lows (for a single all-in-one speaker). Even better, the separate volume and track control buttons (which I couldn't find on ANY other shower speaker) work as they're supposed to."
41. These Red Wine Peeling Pads For A Brighter Complexion
Red wine can do wonders for your skin — and these exfoliating peeling pads are proof of it. The Korean beauty pads that are infused with wine remove dead skin cells, soften skin, and improve the texture of your complexion. And the fact that they smell like a grape dream doesn't hurt one bit.
42. A Battery-Operated Salt And Pepper Grinder Set With Different Coarseness Settings
Shaking your spices is old school — but this battery-operated salt and pepper grinder set provides an amazingly modern way to jazz up meals. Adjust the coarseness of your spice to fine or coarse and, with one touch of a button, season your dish to complete perfection. These grinders even feature LED lights that shine a spotlight on food to prevent over-seasoning meals.
43. An Exfoliating Scalp Treatment That Strengthens Hair
The first step toward achieving healthier hair is to address the scalp — something this exfoliating scalp treatment does with natural ingredients like Dead Sea salt and lavender. This vegan hair mask is free of silicone, parabens, and mineral oil and one reviewer swears it "Cleans the scalp thoroughly and makes it feel fresh."
44. These Stink-Free Silicone Sponges That Have A No-Slip Hand Strap
Ordinary sponges become smelly and disposable pretty fast — but these antibacterial silicone sponges are resistant to mold and mildew — and can even be tossed in your dishwasher for a quick cleaning. The sponges (which come in a pack of two) have gentle but effective scrubbing bristles that are safe on counters, floors, walls, and cookware: and they feature a hand strap that prevents them from slipping off while you're cleaning.
45. An Affordable Boar Bristle Paddle Brush For Detangling And Adding Major Shine
Talk about getting a quality hair brush at an affordable price — this boar bristle paddle brush has soft nylon pins that detangle and add shine and smoothness to all hair types. The wooden brush is extremely soothing on your scalp, promotes better circulation, and comes with its own carrying case for travel.
46. The Smart Plug That Lets You Control Electronics From Your Phone
It no longer matters if you forget to turn off the lamp before leaving your home — as long as appliances and lights are operating via this smart plug, you can control them via an app on your smartphone. The miniature outlet, which comes in a four pack, also works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT.
47. A Natural Melatonin Sleep Aid That You Apply As A Cream
Instead of popping a melatonin tablet, this natural melatonin cream can be applied to your wrists to help you fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night. Each pump provides 3 milligrams of melatonin and one reviewer writes: "This cream does what it says it will. I put a small amount on the inside of my wrist just before bedtime. I go to sleep within 30 minutes. I stay asleep and wake up not being groggy."
48. This Daily Planner And Gratitude Journal To Keep On Top Of Goals
Stay on top of your daily, weekly, and monthly duties and goals — without losing sight of the bigger picture — with the help of this super popular Panda Planner. The quarter-year planner provides plenty of space to jot down your priorities, short and long-term goals, and even the things that bring gratitude.
49. A Five-Piece Body Brush Set For Healthier, Smoother Skin
Find out why so many beauty and wellness enthusiasts are in love with dry brushing — an exfoliating treatment that helps detox the body and boost blood circulation for healthier-looking skin. This five-piece set includes a boar bristle facial brush, a body brush with a detachable long bamboo handle, and two interchangeable heads for exfoliation and detox purposes.
50. This Magical Wand That Removes Headache-Causing Sulfites From Wine
Imagine enjoying wine without worrying about the headache the next morning. That's the magic behind this wine wand, which removes histamines and sulfites from red, white, and rosé wines. Simply swirl the portable, disposable wand inside of a glass of wine for three minutes — and it removes headache-causing additive like magic.
Bustle may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was created independently from Bustle's editorial and sales departments.

subset: commoncrawl


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The Facts Matter: Investments in your community
TransLink invests in your community. Just like the title says!
Since 2012, TransLink has invested $145 million in transit, road and cycling improvements in every community across the region.
TransLink commits funding to municipalities to operate, maintain and rehabilitate the 2,300 km of the Major Road Network (MRN).
The funds go toward necessary work, including street cleaning and snow removal, maintaining streetlights, traffic signals and signs, patching potholes and pavement rehabilitation.
Each municipality receives an amount that corresponds to the amount of MRN roads in its area.
TransLink also has a cost sharing program to contribute up to 50% of eligible capital costs to upgrade roads on the MRN and bicycle infrastructure in the Metro Vancouver region.
Head to The Facts Matter page to find out more ways TransLink has has invested in your community.
You can also read all about it here in the coming weeks as well as on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by following the #TheFactsMatter hashtag.
Author: Adrienne Coling
4 Comments
By christophe, April 27, 2015 @ 11:36 am
I see that the North Shore remains an afterthought to TransLink. I votes YES and don't regret it. But it would be nice if North Van got its fair share from TransLink. How about a third crossing or a widened Lions Gate bridge? How about rapid transit from Park Royal to Park and Tilford? A little bit more Seabus is not going to cut it anymore.
By christophe, April 28, 2015 @ 9:53 am
Then I guess the issue is, as someone else pointed out on Twitter, why are are there so few major roads on the North Shore in the MRN?
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About This Condition
Living with cerebral palsy poses difficult physical challenges. One of these challenges is severe spasticity, which can get in the way of daily activities. Fortunately, there are therapies that can minimise severe spasticity in some individuals.
Cerebral palsy is a movement and posture disorder resulting from an injury or defect to the developing brain (brain damage).
Cerebral palsy can be caused by brain injury during intrauterine life or at birth. It can also be acquired after birth. In this case, cerebral palsy is usually caused by brain damage in the first few months or years of life.
Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of cerebral palsy. However, it's important to know that these risk factors will not necessarily result in the disease.
These risk factors are usually present:
Risk factors for cerebral palsy include:1
Early signs of cerebral palsy usually appear before a child is 18 months old. Infants with cerebral palsy are frequently slow to reach developmental milestones, such as learning to roll over, sit, crawl, smile, or walk. Parents are often the first to suspect that their infant is not developing motor skills normally.1
Symptoms that can accompany cerebral palsy include:
Cerebral palsy ranges from mild to severe. Physical signs of cerebral palsy include weakness and floppiness of muscles, or spasticity and rigidity. In some cases, neurological disorders (such as mental retardation or seizures) also occur in children with cerebral palsy.2
Cerebral palsy is usually diagnosed early in life. Your doctor will review your medical and family history and perform a physical evaluation. In addition to checking for the typical symptoms, the doctor may perform specialised tests to help diagnose the condition. Your doctor can help distinguish normal variation in development resulting from a developmental disorder.
Spasticity is caused by damage or injury to the part of the central nervous system (the brain or spinal cord) that controls voluntary movement. This damage disrupts important signals between the nervous system and muscles, creating an imbalance that increases muscle activity or spasms.
Spasticity can make one's movement, posture, and balance difficult. It may affect a person's ability to move one or more limbs, or to move one side of the body. Sometimes spasticity is so severe that it gets in the way of daily activities, sleep patterns, and care giving. In certain situations, this loss of control can be dangerous for the individual.
UCP Research and Educational Foundation. Cerebral Palsy Facts and Figures. Available at: www.ucp.org. Accessed January 11, 2008.
Mayo Clinic. Nervous System. Cerebral Palsy. Available at: www.mayoclinic.com. Accessed January 13, 2008.
This website is intended to be educational and is not to be used as a diagnostic tool. It is not intended to replace the information provided to you by your healthcare providers and does not constitute medical advice. The information may not be directly applicable for your individual clinical circumstance. Please talk with your doctor about diagnosis and treatment information.


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By Khmobb
This was originally just a little project that I was working on, based on the 'Physics Car example' that came with Construct 2. I decided to turn it into a game and post it here. Hope you enjoy!Make an AMAZING show the likes no one has ever seen before! The audience will go (very) wild as you perform dazzling hoops, loops, (and bloops. That happens too). But some evil-minded carjackers will try at all costs to pop your tires and stop the show! The show's faithful janitor will clear a


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Dry – Normal – Combination – Oily – Blemished
This very light serum absorbs quickly into skin while it delivers 5% Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) to your skin. The application of topical Niacinamide has been shown to increase ceramide and free fatty acid levels, prevent skin from losing water content and stimulate microcirculation in the skin. Niacinamide is an active form of Vitamin B3 that increases the rate of skin exfoliation, increases hydration and moisture barrier repair. Niacinamide stimulates collagen synthesis and also helps to improve hyperpigmentation. Niacinamide inhibits the melanosome transfer in the skin which interrupts the hyperpigmentation process.
Ingredients: Aloe barbadensis (Organic Aloe Vera) Juice, Kosher Vegetable Glycerin, Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Simmondsia chinensis (Organic Jojoba) Oil, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Cetyl Palmitate, Sorbitan Palmitate, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sorbic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid), Xanthan Gum (Polysaccharide gum), Citric Acid


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A monolayer of HeLa cells was irradiated with an HeNe laser (632.8 nm, 100 J m −2 , 10 s) and the amount of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) was measured by the luceferase bioluminescent assay technique at different times (5–45 min) after irradiation. The amount of ATP in the log phase of cultured cells remained at the control level ((0.79 ± 0.09) × 10 −15 mol per cell) during the first 15 min after irradiation; it then increased sharply and, after reaching a maximum (170.8%) 20 min after irradiation, decreased slowly to the control level. The ability of monochromatic red light to induce an increase in the cellular ATP level was found to depend on the growth phase of the culture, being insignificant in the lag phase of cultured cells, increasing in the log phase of cultured cells and reaching a maximum (about 190%) in cells at the late logarithmic and early plateau phase.
Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology – Elsevier
Published: Mar 1, 1995
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In today's growing fitna, the hypocrites placed great stress on Tauheed, Shirk and Bid'ah, where they quote & misinterpret ayah from Quran and ahadees, and deviates the believers and innocent minds away from the path of truth.
Under the pretext of the "righteous people" and posing as only they understand the true concepts of Tauheed and are the true propagators of Tauheed, and by rejecting the earlier scholars and the pious, they have confused the flocks of innocent minds on the very issues of Tauheed, Emaan, etc. Unsuspecting Muslims have fallen prey to such persons with the result that they themselves doubt their own beliefs. So it is necessary for every followers of Ahle-sunnah to understand the meaning tauheed and shirk.
The hypocrites have misinterpreted meaning of Elah(Eligible/Qualified to be worshipped). In this day and age "ELAH" is generally said to be One who possesses the Knowledge of the Unseen, One who is Haazir and Naazir, One who gives children, One who grants you Shifa (cure) from sickness, One who gives assistance, One who listens from a distance and one who sees from a distance, etc. Such classification is done deliberately so as to label the general public, who belief that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Peace be upon him) and the elite Awliya possess such qualities, as Mushriks. The Munafiqeen say that such belief is certainly Shirk because one has put the creation in par with the Creator Allah Azza-wa-Jal'.
The Munafiqeen stress that the pre-Islamic pagan Arabs held the same belief regarding their idols, who said that their "god" had the knowledge of Ghaib and rendered assistance when needed and called upon. The Munafiqeen say that the Muslims have also attributed these qualities to the Prophets (Peace be upon them) and to the Awliya similar to the Mushrikeen of Arabia. Thus, they say, Sunnis have entangled themselves in Shirk.
This allegation is totally baseless. It is a result of corrupt beliefs and ignorance. The meaning of Elah is certainly not as advocated by the objectors nor is the concept of Divinity based on such qualities.
The holy Quran very clearly answers the differences between Sunnis and false allegations on the believers, where it is mentioned that these qualities have been bestowed to prophets. If these qualities are used to judge as divinity then we will be compelled to accept thousands as divine/Elah (Allah AJ forbid!).
The given below are few proofs through holy Quran on the bestowed powers to holy prophets and angels, and clarifying the believes of the so called Mushriks.
1. Knowledge of the Unseen:
The Holy Quran informs us about Sayyiduna Esa (Peace be upon him) when he addressed his Ummah, saying:
"And I declare to you whatever you eat and whatever you store in your houses."[Surah Ale Imran: 3:49]
It meant that whatever they had eaten in the houses – within four walls – and whatever they had preserved there in was well known to the Prophet of Allah.
This Knowledge of the Unseen does not end here. Its chain of information goes a long way. Seeds are planted in the soil. It germinates, bares fruits and grains. Every grain and fruit has the name of the consumer written on it. Nabi Esa (Peace be upon him) knows those fruits and grains and of the people who will eat them. Now imagine how extensive and comprehensive the knowledge Almighty Allahsubhanahu Tala' has bestowed on Nabi Esa (Peace be upon him). If Divinity was based on the knowledge of Ghaib then how does the Holy Quran classify Nabi Esa (Peace be upon him). Will he be classified as Elah?
2. Control Over the Elements of the World:
If Divinity is based on control over the elements of the world, namely air, water, sun and the moon, then by the virtue of the teachings of the Holy Quran, we are compelled to accept Sayyiduna Sulayman (Peace be upon him) as "Elah". With regards to his authority, the Holy Quran states:
"Then we subjected the wind to him that it moved by his command softly wherever he desired". (As-Saad 38:36)
"And for Sulayman We made subservient the violent wind that it blew at his command". (Al-Ambiya 21:18)
It is understood that whether it a gale or a breeze, whether it is a wind that blows easterly, westerly, southerly, or northerly, they are all under the command of Sayyiduna Nabi Sulayman (Peace be upon him).. It is apparent that it is the wind that moves the clouds and clouds in turn bring rain. Rain in turn nourishes the ground, which in turn nurtures vegetation and growth of all creatures on earth. Existence on the earth depends upon water on earth. By the virtue of this cycle, Almighty Allah AJ has entrusted this power to His Prophet, Sayyiduna Sulayman (Peace be upon him). So, in light of this Divine rule, Sayyiduna Nabi Sulayman (Peace be upon him) is to be regarded as "Elah" too! (Allah AJ forbid!)
3. Curing the Sick
In the Holy Quran, it is stated that Sayyiduna Nabi Yusuf (Peace be upon him) inquired from his brothers about the welfare of his father, Sayyiduna Nabi Yaqoob (Peace be upon him). They informed him that due to excessive crying in remembrance of him he had lost his eyesight. Sayyiduna Nabi Yusuf (Peace be upon him) heard this sad news and said to his brothers:
"Take my shirt and place it on the face of my father and his eyesight will be restored" (Surah Yusuf, 12:93).
When his brothers touched the eyes of Yaqub (Peace be upon him) with the shirt, he regained his eyesight through the divine will. The Qur'an says:
"So when the bearer of the good news came, he cast the shirt over Yaqub' s face and forthwith he regained clear sight". (Surah Yusuf, 12:93).
Sayyiduna Nabi Esa (Peace be upon him) once said in the same verse mentioned section 1 above:
"and I heal him who was born blind, and the leper, and I revive the dead, by Allah's command";.[Surah Ale Imran: 3:49]
Nabi Esa (Peace be upon him) states that he cures the sick and gives life to the dead. Are these not the qualities of Almighty Allah Subahanahu Wa Tala' which the Holy Quran mentions , where prophet Ibrahim (Peace be upon him) gave news to his father and his people by command of Allah?
"And when I fall ill, so it is He (Allah) Who heals me." [Surah Shua`ra 26:80]
"It is He (Allah) Who gives life, and causes death, and to Him you (all) shall retur" (Surah Yunus 10:56)
Nevertheless, by the above Ayah we are given to understand that Almighty Allah AJ has blessed His special servants with the power to cure the sick and to raise the dead.
And not to forget the incident of Sayyiduna Ebraheem (Peace be upon him) mentioned in the Holy Quran wherein we are told about the four birds, which were slaughtered. Their meat were minced and mixed together. Thereafter, the Glorious Prophet u called out to them individually. Each one of the birds became alive as they were before they were slaughtered. The Holy Quran says:
"Then he called on to them and they became alive". (Surah Baqarah 2:260)
In spite of all these blessed powers a servant remains as a servant and Allah Subahanahu wa Tala' remains Allah Subahanahu wa Tala'. A servant can never be on par with Allah Subahanahu wa Tala' nor can he be associated with Allah Subahanahu wa Tala'. His Divine powers will always manifest from the bodies of His beloved servants. From the above incidents, in no way will Sayyiduna Nabi Esa, Yusuf, Ayyub and Sulayman (Peace be upon them) became Elah. They are and will always remain the beloved servants of the Glorious Allah Subahanahu wa Tala'.
4. Granting Children
The Holy Quran tells us that Sayyiduna Jibreel (Peace be upon him) went to Sayyiduna Maryam (Peace be upon her) at a time when she was preparing to make Ghusal at a concealed spot. When he appeared in a human form, it shocked her to see a foreign man. The Angel (Peace be upon him) confronted her by saying:
"I am a messenger of your Lord I have come to give you a pure son". [Surah Maryam 19:19]
How was this possible because the Munafiqeen say that only Allah AJ can give a son? Is the Angel committing Shirk or is the Holy Quran contradicting itself? No certainly not! The Munafiqeen are confusing this issue because they Quote this Ayah of the Holy Quran:
"He gives a son to whom He ordains and He gives a daughter to whom He ordains". [Surah Shoora 42:49]
The Holy Quran uses the word (to give) for Allah Subahanahu wa tala' and the same word for the Angel Jibreel. The words are the same. The meaning is the same but Allah Subahanahu wa tala' does not become Jibreel and nor does Jibreel become Allah. So if Divinity is based on giving a son then we will be compelled to accept Jibreel as "Elah".
5. To Listen and See From a Distance:
The Holy Quran speaks about Sayyiduna Sulayman (peace be upon him). Once he approached the home of the ants. An ant said to its fellow ants:
"Oh Ants! Turn your holes or else you will be trampled by Sulayman (peace be upon him) and his army who will not be aware of you". (Surah Naml 27:18)
Sayyiduna Sulayman (peace be upon him) heard these words of the ant and smiled. The Holy Quran testifies to this:
"Nabi Sulayman (peace be upon him) laughs at the comment of the ant". (Surah Naml 27:19)
The Mufassareen state that Sayyiduna Sulayman (peace be upon him). heard the speech of the ant from three miles away. Imagine how loud the speech of an ant is when you put it close to your ear. Then too you will not be able to hear it. But the Prophet of Allah subhanahu wa tala heard its words from a distance of three miles! In this scientific period, no instrument could be invented to hear the sound of an ant. So if the Munafiqeen base Divinity on the concept of hearing from a distance without any device, then Allah AJ forbid! Nabi Sulayman (peace be upon him) is considered to be "Elah".??
In another incident, the Holy Quran speaks about Sayyiduna Nabi Yusuf (peace be upon him). Zulaikah took Nabi Yusuf (peace be upon him) into a secret room which was protected by seven doors inter-linking one chamber to another. She then locked the secret chamber and tried to seduce the Prophet of Allah (peace be upon him). This incident was taking place in Egypt but his father, Sayyiduna Nabi Yaqoob (peace be upon him) who as in Kin'aan (Syria) was fully aware of the situation and immediately came to his rescue. The Quran testifies to this in these words:
And no doubt the woman desired him and he would have also desired her if he would not have seen the proof(burhan) of his Lord. (Sura Yusuf 12:24)
What was that proof which Nabi Yusuf (peace be upon him) saw and which assisted him in this serious situation?
Nabi Yaqoob (peace be upon him) who appeared in front of him and led him away from the intentions of Zulaikah. Pay attention to the word, which means "to see" and which refers to Burhaan (proof) that the Nabi (peace be upon him) saw. It does not refer to a proof that he felt or heard of. He saw the Burhaan of Allah AJ i.e. the Prophet of Allah Nabi Yaqoob (peace be upon him) who came to his assistance. So the Quran speaks of the Burhaan he saw. [The 'burhan' (proof) mentioned in the ayat al-karima of Surat Yusuf (If Yusuf had not seen Allah's burhan…) is, almost by unanimity, the visual appearance of Yaqub ('alaihi 's-salam) to him. (tafseer -ibn katheer)]
Imagine the powers of Nabi Yaqoob (peace be upon him), who witnessed this incident from a far away country, which was taking place in a super secret chamber hidden from the vision of everyone. He observed and intercepted this happening in the darkness of this chamber and instantly came to assist his son.
The Holy Quran informs us of another incident concerning Nabi Yaqoob (peace be upon him).
When the caravan departed from Egypt (with the shirt of Nabi Yusuf, peace be upon him) their father (Nabi Yaqoob peace be upon him) said in Kin'aan
"No doubt I find the fragrance of Yusuf." (Sura Yusuf 12:94)
One should calculate the distance between Egypt and Syria and from the power of perception of Nabi Yaqoob (peace be upon him), who smelt the fragrance of the shirt of his son in Egypt from a distance country like Syria. So if Divinity is based on hearing, seeing and smelling from a distance, then Nabi Yaqoob and Nabi Sulayman (peace be upon them) will also be categorized as "Elah".?? (Allah AJ forbid).
6. Haazir and Naazir:
If Divinity is based on being present everywhere at the same time, then let alone one or two, we will be compelled to accept thousands of Elahs. (Allah AJ forbid!) When Nabi Sulayman (peace be upon them) was informed of the throne of Bilqees, he ordered for the retrieval of this throne. Bear in mind that Nabi Sulayman (peace be upon them) was in Palestine and Bilqees' throne was secured in a security tight chamber with constant guard in far away Yemen. The Holy Quran explains how this throne was retrieved, in the following words:
He said, I would bring the throne of Bilqees to you before the blink of your eye. [Surah al-Naml 27:40]
Allahu Akbar! Remember that Asif Barkhiyya neither went to nor saw the city of Sabah in Yemen. He also did not see the palace and throne of Bilqees[Queen Shiba]. Yet, he sat at the same spot in Palestine and before the blink of the eye he brought this huge and heavy throne from Sabah to the presence of Nabi Sulayman (peace be upon them). This is the power of Haazir and Naazir of a Wali of Bani Isra'eel.
In another instance the Holy Quran states:
The Angel of Death gives you death that is appointed upon you. [Surah Sajdah 32:11]
The Holy Quran further states:
And our Angels give death to them. [Ana`am 6:61]
These Angels refer to the assistants of the Angel of Death. Imagine how busy are these Angels who remove the souls of millions of creatures around the world at a specific time. They execute this duty with absolute precision and never falter. This entire world and every spot in it are always in their vision as a dot in the center of the palm. They also recognize creatures on earth and follow them wherever they are to remove their souls on the designated time.
The Holy Quran also mention the presence of Iblees:
That Iblees along with an entire group observes you from a spot where you cannot see them. [Aa`raf 7:27]
From this injunction, we are given to understand that these cursed devils are granted so much power by Allah AJ to mislead, that they can see the entire creation at once at any given time. They are also aware of the intentions in the hearts of the people. It is for this reason that when a person intends to do any good, the devil immediately comes to mislead him. This is the power of Haazir and Naazir granted by Allah AJ to the cursed Shaytaan.
Look at the sun, the moon and the stars in the sky. They observe the entire world all the time and prepare the gardens and fields, cleanse the earth and ripen the fruits and grains. If Divinity was based on being Haazir and Naazir then the exalted Angels, Malakal Maut (Angel of Death) and his assistants will all be "Elahs." Similarly, the cursed Shaytaan with his evil gang, the sun, the moon and the stars in the heavens will all be "Elahs". The idol worshippers have eight to ten "gods" but the Munafiqeen will end up with more gods than servants if they call these bestowed powers to define the divinity or Elah.
The Meaning of Elah and Divinity:
There is no doubt that it is a fundamental Islamic belief that the Sublime Allah AJ is Eternal, The All-Hearing, The All-Seeing, The Granter of Good, The Helper in Need, The Creator and The Owner of the Universe, The Curer of Sickness and The Comforter of Pain. But these are neither the primary factors that Divinity is dependent on nor the differentiating factor between Allah AJ and His servants. There is one fundamental factor that really differentiates between Allah AJ and servants whereby Allah AJ remains Allah AJ and the servant remains as the servant. Allah AJ or Elah. Elah is he who is Wealthy, magnificent and Independent, but a servant is always in need and dependent on someone, his status is that he is always in control of someone else. Elah is he who is totally Independent and Self-sufficient, He is the Wealthiest of all and carefree of everything. In Sura Ikhlaas, we are firstly informed of a unique status of Allah AJ.
"Allah is the independent and want free." (Perfect, does not require anything.) [Surah Ikhlas 112:2]
The next Ayah says:
He is Father to no one nor born of anyone. ["He has no offspring, nor is He born from anything." [Surah Ikhlas 112:3]
This Ayah clearly speaks of His Unique Independence because servant-ship and Prophet Hood is based on dependency.
Finally, Allah AJ declares:
And there is nothing similar/equal to Him. [Surah Ikhlas 112:4]
This is certainly so because everyone and everything is dependent on Allah AJ and exists due to Him and it is He who fulfils the needs of everyone. In other Ayahs Allah AJ says:
And Allah AJ is Carefree and Independent of the Universe. [Surah Al-Imran 3:97]
Allah AJ is Wealthy and Independent and you are poor and dependent. 35/15
Allah AJ is not in need of any assistance because of weakness and dependency. 17:111
Allah AJ did not create the skies and earth and get tired. 46 :34
These are the factors of differentiation where the servant remains a servant and Elah remains Elah.
The Holy Quran states that Allah AJ Sees and Hears and Allah AJ says man also sees and hears. Allah AJ is Alive and the servants are also alive. With all these similarities Allah AJ is Elah and human beings are His servants. This is because Allah AJ is Carefree and Independent while man is careless and totally dependent on Allah AJ to exist. It is
Allah AJ Who has entrusted the qualities to his servants and Allah AJ possesses the power to strip them of these qualities when and how he ordains.
An Objection of the Munafiqeen:
From the past arguments, the Munafiqeen can raise objections to further confuse things. They say that if the basis of Divinity is wealth and independence and servantship is based on need and dependency, that is Elah is always carefree and Abd (servant) is needy, then the Mushrikeen of Arabia would not have been Mushriks nor their "Elahs" (idols) false nor absurd.
This is so because the Holy Quran addresses their idols as "Elah" and condemns their worshippers as Mushriks because none of the Mushriks regarded their "Elah" as Ghani (wealthy) and independent. They believed that their deities were the servants of Allah AJ and dependent on him. The Holy Quran says that if you ask the Mushriks as to whom the skies and earth belongs to, they will say "Allah AJ." If you ask them who gives sustenance, they will say "Allah AJ." If you ask them who is the King and controller of the earth and skies, they will say "Allah the Almighty AJ," etc.
The Quraan it is evident to this fact that when the Mushrikeen of Arabia tied their Ehraam for Hajj or Umrah they read the following Talbiya:
Oh Allah AJ! You do not have any partners besides one and that partner is also your servant. With all this in mind, they still called their idols "Elah" and the Holy Quran also declared them as Mushriks. [Tafseer ibn kathir Juz 21, chapter 30 Ar-Room, ayah 28 -29]
We have to think about here: After all, what was that belief and what faith did the Kuffaar have with their idols that they regarded them as "Elah" and associates of Allah AJ. It was simply one common thing and that was they believed that idols possess the following Divine qualities:
a) They possess Ilme-Ghaib,
b) They are Haazir and Naazir,
c) They can see from a distance as they see from near,
d) They fulfil our needs and desires,
e) They hear our cries and come to our assistance, and
f) They give comfort to the disturbed and distressed.
The Kuffaar have become Mushriks due to the above beliefs because Divinity is based on these qualities. If one accepts that any servant or creation possess such qualities then one has accepted them as Allah AJ. Hence, the Mushrikeen have attributed such qualities to their deities and become Mushriks. The same is the condition of today's Muslims who attribute such qualities to Prophets and Awliya and say that the Prophets and Awliya are Elah.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This is the ultimate argument and objection of the Munafiqeen by which they accuse the general and majority of Muslim as Mushriks.
The foundation of Shirk is based on associating partners with Allah AJ. The Holy Quran confirms this:
Then the Kuffaar place servants in par to Allah AJ [Ana`am 6:1]
The Holy Quran further states that on the Day of Judgment, the Mushrikeen will tell their gods that they were greatly mistaken
Because we regarded you (idols) as the Lord of the Universe. [Shua`ra 26:98]
It is clear and understandable that the basis of Shirk is to regard anyone in par with Allah AJ. There are two reasons for regarding anyone as being in par to Allah AJ.
1) To elevate a servant to such heights that his status is raised to that of Allah AJ, that is to regard the servant as the possessor of Ilme Ghaib, being Haazir and Naazir, to grant all desires, to assist in time of crises, etc. as being his independent and personal powers.
2) To degrade the status of Allah AJ to that of a servant, that is to regard Allah AJ as equivalent to His creation. Furthermore, to believe that in certain things the servant is dependent on Allah AJ and likewise to believe that Allah AJ is dependent on His servant for some things.
The above two reasons are the basis of defining the divinity/Elah. These are the two basic concepts that the Kuffaar Arabs believed in that made them become Mushriks. Some of them believed that the Angels are the "daughters of Allah AJ," while others believed that the idols "are His sons." It is obvious that in the relation of father and son, one depends on the other and in relation to class and gender, both are equal. The pagans Arabs were Mushriks due to these beliefs and the Holy Quran has condemned such beliefs in numerous Ayahs.
Accordingly, the Quran states:
No one has given birth to Him and no one is born from Him, nor is anything like Him.[surah Iqlas]
The Quran further states:
Allah AJ has made no sons and no one is His partner and His King. (Surha Bani-Isra'eel 17:111)
And they have set up a relationship between Him and the Jinn. (Surha As-Saffat 31:158)
It was the general beliefs of the pagan Arabs that their idols were regarded as the servants of Allah AJ and Allah AJ is dependent on them. They believed that after the creation of this Duniya, Allah AJ got so tired and weak that He did not have any power and strength to run His affairs. They said that all idols and deities have taken control and now run the affairs of the world.
This belief is Shirk because it makes the status of the servant equivalent to that of Allah AJ and liken Allah AJ to be dependent on His servants and vice versa. There are numerous Ayahs that refute such beliefs. Allah AJ states:
No tiredness has come to Me in creating the world. [Surah Qaf 50:38]
Allah AJ created these things and did not get tired. [Surah Ahfaq 46:33]
And none is supporter of Him because of weakness. (Surah Bani-Isra'eel 17:111)
However, such beliefs of the Kuffaar are certainly Shirk. Some Kuffaar believed in two gods.
One is the god of good and the other the god of bad. They also named the god of good "Yezdaa" and the bad one "Ahirman". They also elevated some imaginary servants of these gods so high that they were also regarded as gods.
Alhamdullillah! No Muslim ever holds such absurd beliefs. If a Muslim believes that by the blessings and endowment of the Almighty Allah AJ entrusted on His special servants:
a) To possess the power of Ilme Ghaib,
b) To be Haazir and Naazir.
c) To grant assistance at times of need,
d) To hear to calls from both near and far,
e) To grant desires, etc.
It is neither Kufr nor Shirk. Similarly, the Kuffaar of Arabia were not condemned as Mushriks solely on the basis of such beliefs.
The fundamental bases of condemnation for becoming Mushriks was based on those absurd beliefs, which are presented above, as spoken by Allah AJ in the Holy Quran.
Undoubtedly, Almighty Allah AJ personally possesses the qualities of hearing to calls, offering assistance, granting desires, giving children, curing the sick, etc. He has blessed some of His special servants with such qualities, a proof of which was given from the Ayah of the Holy Quran. With all these privileges and blessing, He remains as the independent Allah AJ and His special servants remain as dependant servants. When these qualities manifest from his beloved servants, it is not their personal power, but actually it is the original Power of Allah AJ through them.
The illustrious Sahaba also believed that Allah AJ has blessed His Beloved Rasool (peace be upon him) with the power to grant the desires of the Ummah and come to their assistance when called. Whenever the Sahaba committed a fault they humbled themselves in the sacred court of the Beloved Habeeb e and cried: Cleanse us, Oh Beloved Rasool of Allah.
Why should they not plead to him to be cleansed when Almighty Allah AJ states in the Holy Quran:
And My Beloved Rasool cleanses them and teaches them the Quran and wisdom. [A/I`mran 3:164]
Allah AJ again states:
Oh Beloved! Collect their charity and with it cleanse them both internally and externally, and plead (Dua) on their behalf, your Duas are tranquility to their hearts. [Surah Taubah 9:103]
We understood from the above Ayah that only the Holy Quran, Hadith, fasting and Salaah cannot thoroughly cleanse a substance until such time the sacred blessings and favours of the Beloved Habeeb (peace be upon him) does not aid you. The Holy Quran and Hadith Shareef are the "water and highly spiritual detergents". The blessing of the August Rasool (peace be upon him) is the "spiritual hand to activate the detergents". If you leave water and soap in a container without the hands to wash them, no clothes or body can be cleansed.
1. A blind Sahaba, Sayyiduna Uthmaan bin Haneef ra came and cried by the Habeeb (peace be upon him) for vision (eye-sight). It was granted to him.
2. Sayyiduna Qatada ra severely injured his eye in battle. He held the eyeball in his hand and requested the Habeeb (peace be upon him) to fix it. He fixed it and restored his eyesight to normal.
3. Sayyiduna Okasha ra kissed the seal of Prophethood on the Habeeb's (peace be upon him) back and was granted the surety of Jannah in this world.
4. Sayyiduna Jaabir ibne Abdullah's ra two sons tragically died on the day he invited the Habeeb (peace be upon him) for a meal to his house. Before eating food, the Habeeb (peace be upon him) asked for the children whose "dead" bodies were hidden in the house. The "dead" bodies were presented and the Habeeb (peace be upon him) raised them to life again.
5. A camel complained to the Habeeb (peace be upon him) of tyranny and oppression by its master. The Habeeb (peace be upon him) summoned the owner and sort freedom for the camel.
6. A captured deer sought security from the Habeeb (peace be upon him) and it was granted its wish.
7. The Habeeb (peace be upon him) initially used a dry date tree stump as a Mimbar in Masjidun-Nabawi. When the correct Mimbar was made, the stump was replaced by it. The dry stump cried like a baby, for being removed from the contact of the Sacred Body of the Habeeb (peace be upon him). It spoke like a human crying and protesting against the departure. The Habeeb (peace be upon him) spoke to it and comforted it as a mother comforts a child. The Habeeb (peace be upon him) asked it its desire and granted it was granted its desire. The stump rejoiced and stopped crying.
8. Sayyiduna Rabee'ah bin Kaab Aslami (peace be upon him) requested the Habeeb (peace be upon him) his company in Jannah and it was granted to him. In Sahih Muslim it is recorded:
Sayyiduna Rabee'ah t said: I request you your company in Jannah. (Sahih Muslim)
This was the standard of Emaan of the Sahaba. They did not request Emaan and virtuous amal, or good death and security from the dangers of the grave, or peace and tranquility on the Day of Judgment, or safely crossing over Pulsiraat (bridge) into Jannah. They requested the company of the Habeeb (peace be upon him), which encompasses and supercedes everything else.
The Sahaba taught us that no matter how much worship or devotion one can do, it is of no value if the Habeeb (peace be upon him) is displeased or if one is far away from his holy presence. The key to every success and gaining salvation is solely based on one's relation with the Habeeb (peace be upon him).
However, on the request of Sayyiduna Rabee'ah t the Beloved Habeeb (peace be upon him) did not say: "Rabee'ah! Jannah belong to Allah AJ, I cannot grant it to you or I do not have the authority or right in the matters of Allah AJ". Instead, the Glorious Prophet of Allah (peace be upon him) replied:
Your request is granted. Is there anything else you desire?
Sayyiduna Rabee'ah t said: This is all I desire.
This Sahih Hadith Shareef clearly declares that by the Ata (blessings) of Almighty Allah AJ, Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (peace be upon him) fulfills the desire of his followers. If by believing that by the Grace and Blessings of Allah AJ, the August Habeeb (peace be upon him) possesses Ilme Ghaib, fulfills the needs of his Ummah, and listens and responds to the calls of his followers as being Shirk, then all the Sahaba ra will be classified as Mushriks. (Allah AJ forbid!)
It is amazing that the Divinely-blessed powers of Ilme Ghaib, the granting of desires and giving assistance of the Noble Prophets of Allah (peace be upon him) is such a clear reality that even the Kuffaar of the era of respected Prophets (peace be upon him) confirm them. The Holy Quran informs us that whenever Fir'oun and his nation experienced any Azaab of Allah AJ, they ran to Sayyiduna Moosa (peace be upon him) and pleaded to him as follows:
(Oh Moosa!) This time if you remove this calamity from us, we will certainly bring Emaan on you and certainly send the Israelites with you. [Surah Aa`raf 7:134]
Neither Sayyiduna Moosa (peace be upon him) nor did Allah AJ refute their requests as Shirk. In fact, the Noble Prophet (peace be upon him) prayed for them and Allah AJ removed His I Azaab from them. After being saved by the Duas of the Prophet (peace be upon him), the ungrateful mischievous Israelites went against their word and did not bring Emaan. So Allah AJ sent another Azaab on them. This is what Allah AJ has to say about them:
Consequently whenever We lifted the punishment from them for a term which they must reach, they used to then turn away. [Surah Aa`raf 7:135]
The point to note here is, if the request of the Israelites to Nabi Moosa (peace be upon him) was Shirk, then the punishment and Azaab on them should have increased and not being lifted.
The qualities of Allah AJ are His personal powers and eternal, which exist with Him from eternity till eternity. On the contrary, the qualities found in His beloved servants are not personal but blessed and entrusted to them by Almighty Allah AJ. How can there then be any similarity in power between the Independent and the dependent? This factor is the fundamental difference between Divinity and servant-ship.
What a tragedy and shame! Some of today's Kalima reciters are more ignorant that the Kaafirs of those days.
Allah and his prophet knows best.


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Engrave a Black Hybrid ACM® with names, initials or message in the "Center" area. Select from the 4 type styles shown. Please allow up to 72 hours additional lead time.
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Wallets include 18 Interchangeable Icons Pads to label each button to your individual cards. 6 Icons are pre-installed and 12 more are found on the Red Storage Card shipped inside the wallet. Removable Moneyclip included. Clip is easily removed by gently prying out one of the clasping sides. Without the clip attached, the ACM® can be simply used as a cardholder, making it slimmer still.
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6 Reviews
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text: Double Trouble! I had these two cheeky but super adorable twin girls in yesterday… aren't they cute?If you are thinking about booking in for your own newborn session, its best to book while you are still pregnant to avoid missing out on a date! Newborn portraits are best when taken in the first two weeks after birth. However, if you've recently had your baby – contact me at firstname.lastname@example.com to work out the best session type for you.


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This article is from the archive of our partner .
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And finally, here is a 90-year-old woman successfully attempting a "double back-flip".
This article is from the archive of our partner The Wire.
We want to hear what you think about this article. Submit a letter to the editor or write to email@example.com.


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March 20, 2018
Board Meeting
Tuesday, March 20, 2018
Agenda and ReportsAgenda and Reports from March 20, 2018
Minutes of the Previous MeetingMinutes from February 15, 2018
Staying in touch with the TTC
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Self Administration Web Portal
The Metis portal allows full adminstration over all aspect of your account. All of the features that are listed below are managed from Metis.
The hosted telephony platform allows you to set up and manage conference call numbers that can be used by your business at any time from any destination (national or international). All conference calls are terminated within the UK but callers can connect from any landline, other voip network or mobile.
Hunt call groups
This allows you to manage and organise the way inbound calls are answered. This can be done in real time at any time. You can have plans based on date or time of day.
IVR (Interactive Voice Response)
By using pre recorded files that are uploaded to the Metis system and adding actions to the call profile based on these files, calls can be intelligently routed to the most appropriate destination. Used widely within the call centre industry IVR can assist in efficiency management within the business no matter what the size.
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Development of an online platform and an app that allows beekeepers to more efficiently maintain their intervention records and exchange know-how.
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An association working in a remote village in rural Latvia, used RDP support to set up a wood and glass workshop thus creating new employment and income opportunities for the local people.
An ambitious young farmer used RDP support to create a new niche product and a touristic attraction out of his produce of mushrooms that were not suitable for the market.


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Here's a few daily quotes
I would advise any 17-year-old to surround yourself with people who listen to you, nod when you speak, and smile when you enter spaces. - Janet Mock
Social media is incredible: it creates a community that I'm really proud to be a part of, but it also creates illusions and a false reality, and it's difficult to grow up with that. - Ella Woodward
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I've been very bad about blogging lately. Twitter and Facebook have filled that need for the most part - Twitter in particular. I tend to think in sound bites, so Twitter gives me a way to poop those out to the world via a quick and easy method. Stringing full sentences together requires a level of attention that I don't frequently get as I bounce from server room, to conference room, to someone's desk, to my car. It's way easier to fire off a 140 character sound bite from my iPhone than sit at my computer and write a longer post like this one.
That having been said, I've also had a bit of a slump lately with my 'voice'. The last few nights I've tried to write, but I wind up sitting at the computer staring at a blank screen, not quite knowing what to say, or even worse, how to say it. I realize I may never come close to the alcohol-fueled ramblings of Warren Ellis, or have the tongue-in-cheek of David Burge, or the showbiz memories of Wil Wheaton. I don't know if I can approach the frenetic posts of Shawn Powers , or the overall down-to-earthiness of Crystal Edwards. But … I do have me. And the things that *I* am. I'm all of the following:
- Father to two awesome kids. They influence my way of thinking daily - even at 10 and 7, they give me a fresh look at the world.
- Husband to a great wife. She keeps me anchored and focused - otherwise I'd be flying off doing this and that and the other thing, and not staying on task. Kinda like now, but this blog post is a welcome quick diversion. :) Oh, and the love is nice too.
- Manager of a good team. Not to toot our own horn, but we do kick ass on a daily basis…
- "Virtual Editor" of Linux Journal. This means I don't actually do anything, but the simulation is REALLY cool. Seriously though, I toss in the occasional article, and I have half the Point/Counterpoint column with my bro Kyle Rankin.
- I'm a geek. I love tinkering with technology. Particularly laptops, mobile phones, and other connected gadgets. If it's running software, odds are I'll be interested in it.
- I'm a gearhead. I DIG cars, especially ones with lots of horsepower that are American made. That's why I drive the Yeti, a 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP. (Yes, I know it's a Holden import from Australia. It's got a Chevy engine and is a Pontiac. That's American enough for me. Shuddap. Besides, Aussies are just like upside down rednecks to me anyhow. Cousins, even.)
- I'm an American. I'm patriotic. This also means I tend to be socially libertarian and fiscally conservative. I'm left on some issues, and right on others. I also think we should walk softly and carry a big stick, and use that stick more often than we do. I think we need to clamp down on illegal immigration, and spend more money on our own country than we do on others. That's how I feel, deal with it. You're welcome to debate me, as I actually like that kind of thing - but don't resort to name calling. You aren't required to like me, but be courteous. There aren't enough manners in this world as it is.
So what can you expect from this blog in the next few months? I'm hoping to put more technical content on the Linux Journal site, and I'll have more personal content here. I've setup crossposting to Facebook, so all the Facebook folks will get my spam in their news feeds. :) You'll also see links I find interesting here now - they'll get summarized in a daily posting as things cross my RSS reader that I find intriguing.
In short, I'm going to be writing more - I hope - and with luck that voice of mine will get stronger and easier to speak in.
My name's Bill, and I approve this message.


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Dear everyone.
I recently sent a twitter, which said 'we need to love widely', to do this is 'to do justly, love, kindness, and walk humbly with your God'. The First response ('like')to this twitter was from the president of our Methodist conference, another came from one of our police officers responsible for 'social cohesion' in a part of our city which is extremely multiracial. The officer is a member of a different faith from my own!
Learning how to 'love widely' is crucial in rapidly changing times. All of us are being challenged to move on from where we were in our thoughts and actions, not least about our national life. I believe that if we do not 'love widely' we rapidly become a backwater in the world.
'To love widely', however, does mean that we have to seek out justice in the world for everybody. We need to be compassionate and kind to all kinds of people, and learn how to 'walk humbly with our God'. The person who first wrote these words was the Hebrew prophet Micah who lived several centuries before Christ, but he still has a very clear message for us today. Faiths are expressed in many different ways. How important it is that we walk humbly along the way we are convinced is the right way to follow.
We are facing many violent situations at the present time. Terrorism creates fear, but it can never put right anything that is evil in the world… But seeking the right things, and loving our neighbour's as ourselves, in other words, being truly compassionate, kind and fair, is a surer way, and the only way eventually to bring about peace and happiness for all people's.
Sincerely, David
Apologies for the long delay in sending this letter due to computer problems. At present the victims of terrorism and the terrible fire in the Grenfell Tower block are bound to be in our thoughts and prayers. We also remember those who are so valiantly helping.
Archive for June, 2017
June letter
Posted in Uncategorized on June 17, 2017| Leave a Comment »
Dear everyone.


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There are many types of listening devices available including hard wired, radio frequency, acoustic audio and optical bugs. Here we examine some of the most frequently used listening devices in the corporate espionage arena.
GSM Bugs
Perhaps the prolific listening device today, GSM bugs operate in exactly the same way as a mobile phone and a perpetrator can in effect, dial in and listen to a conversation from anywhere in the world!
A GSM bug can be a small black box that can be discreetly hidden in a room or it can be a purpose built device such as a mains adaptor, a power strip adaptor, a PC mouse or a phone charger for example. These are everyday objects that one would expect to find in an office, for example, but which could harbour a dangerous secret!
GSM bugs are readily available to buy online and from some high street shops and prices start from under £10.
Mobile Phones as Bugs
Mobile phones themselves can be used as bugging devices. They can be programmed not to vibrate, ring or show any outward signs that they are being called. They then auto-answer and the caller can listen in to conversation within the room.
This type of attack can either be done on a target phone which the perpetrator would then leave somewhere in the vicinity of the conversation they are targeting. Or it could be done illicitly by sending someone an email or text with an attachment which, once opened, would download the necessary software onto the target phone. The phone can then be controlled by the hacker who can then remotely switch it on and be listened to from any other mobile phone anywhere in world.
In addition, a report by Computerworld claims that some new Smartphone apps are using your phones microphone and camera to gather creepy data about you! A new class of app has emerged that uses the microphone built into your phone as a covert listening device. The apps try to alleviate privacy concerns by saying they only record sound patterns, not actual sounds or conversations. But in the end, the technology is there, and it's being used to some extent.
As a precaution you should take care when downloading apps as you could easily download malware and only download from your service providers website. And be cautious of using Wi-Fi connections. Unsecured networks could mean that someone else using that network could see what you're doing on your phone.
Even when a GSM function is disabled on a Smartphone, the in-built camera can still be used as an eavesdropping device. Smartphones can be used to record videos/photos, stealing product information prototypes etc. As it is virtually impossible to buy a mobile phone device without a camera this is a threat which should not be ignored.
Radio Frequency (RF) Transmitters
A Radio Frequency (RF) bug involves the placing of a radio transmitter in a room. One of the most infamous examples of the use of a RF bug is the "Great Seal Bug" story, when in 1952 a RF listening device was found in a carved wooden seal that had been presented to the US Embassy in Moscow and had hung in the Embassy since 1946.
RF bugs can be incredibly small and can be concealed in just about anything including skirting boards, picture frames, plugs etc. Relatively inexpensive and easy to use, these types of listening devices require no specialised receiving equipment.
Radio frequencies are given off by nearly all spying devices, and these radio frequencies can be detected with the proper equipment. Different types of bugs give off a large range of frequencies and specialist equipment is required to check the entire RF spectrum. Basic RF detectors, that can be purchased relatively cheaply, will only be able to detect limited frequencies and will give you a false sense of security, and so its always best to engage the services of the professional TSCM operative.
Phone Taps and Phone Bugs
Two terms which are often interchanged but in fact refer to two separate types of attack are Bug and Tap. The differences are:-
Tap or Wiretap
This is a device placed on the telephone system and is designed to intercept telephone conversations. I.e. if no call is in place then the tap is inactive.
A bug is used to listen to room conversation but may use the telephone/line as a facilitator of this. This type of attack means that all conversation in the area is susceptible to being overheard by the attacker and not just telephone calls.
Optical devices
Optical devices convert audio signals into transmitted light pulses which are then converted back to audio signals by a receiver. One example of this is the laser attack whereby a laser beam is projected onto a surface, such as a window, and the vibrations detected are converted into audio signals. Last attacks are difficult and expensive to conduct .