text:
Welcome to Alpha Signs. We are one of the best known nameplate, decal and sign companies in Ireland. We produce Asset Tags, Industrial Nameplates, Award Plaques, ISO Safety Labels, Architectural Lettering, Corporate Signs & Pumpskins. The company was founded in 1993 and have more than 50 years experience in the delivery of our products and services.
For more about what we do, take a video tour of our factory below!
Alpha Sign Nameplate and Decal Co Ltd offer a wide range of products related to the current Covid-19 outbreak.Read More »
Alpha can provide fixed asset tags in a variety of materials, with or without barcodes,Read More »
Alpha signs is a specialist manufacturer of high quality plaques that cater for all requirements and price ranges.Read More »
Tiger Floor Markings are available in lengths of 1000 x 50 mm.Read More »
QR Codes or Quick Response Codes and other 2 Dimensional codes are expected to achieve widespread use in the near future and for good reason.Read More »
Resin domed "Bubble " badges are suitable for outdoor use . They are made using Polyurethane resin with Acrylic adhesive for fixing. They are available in almost any shape and colour.Read More »
Corporate Signs, Professional Plaques, Window Lettering. Choice of material depends on the building and the corporate/ company.Read More »
Nameplates Rating Plates, CE Plates made in Anodically printed Aluminium from 0.3mm up to 2mm thick.Read More »
Our catalogue contains 48 different hazard I.D. labels without text. Four sizes, vertical or horizontal configuration.Read More »
Durable outdoor custom designed signage for local requirements. Indicating tourist sights and routes.Read More »
We offer poster and information display frames in a variety of standard sizes.Read More »
Name badges can include a logo and company name as well as the Individual's name.Read More »
We provide a full corporate architectural sign service from individual letters, sign board signs, brass plates, modular slatz systems, glass look signs.Read More »
Internally or externally lit metal or plastic letters made to order. Most typefaces are available. Materials offered include Brass, Bronze, Stainless Steel and Cooper. We offer halo effect illumination using led lighting if required.Read More »
Give new life to dented scratched tea/coffee flasks with our self adhesive pumpskins, die cut to the shape of your flask.Read More »


text:
Leave a lasting legacy, remember the United Way of St. Francois County in your will or estate plan.
Planned giving is one way you and your family can help support the St. Francois County community through the United Way. It creates a lasting legacy that can help people for years to come. Planned giving simply means planning to make a future contribution – for example a deferred gift such as a bequest in a will.
Gifts can take many forms, from specific cash bequests to gifts in kind (real estate, securities and other tangible property) or life insurance policies.
Whether you are writing a new will or updating an old one, it is easy to include the United Way of St. Francois County and leave a legacy for your community. Once you are satisfied that your loved ones are taken care of, you could consider making a charitable bequest to strengthen and sustain the community you have helped to build.
For more information talk to your financial and legal advisors about the best options for you and your estate.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
The movie is awesome. First local film that entirely shot on green screen, the same technology used in Avatar. First thing that I like about the movie is the story. It is very pinoy, common pinoy story and yunng mga character na matatagpuan mo sa typical na pinoy family.
Monday, 29 October 2012
Monday, 15 October 2012
Official Finalists For Cinema One Originals 2012
The 3 Films That Received 2 Million Pesos Grant:
Directed by Auraeus Solito
Cast: Alessandra de Rossi / Assunta de Rossi / Mon Confiado
Synopsis: A tale of two half sisters both in love with a man who can't hear or talk to
them, proof that love can communicate even in silence. The sequel/ prequel
to "Busong" is also based on Palawan legends.
Directed by Richard Somes
Cast: Erich Gonzales / Maria Isabel Lopez
Synopsis: About an innocent woman from the province who comes to Manila to look for
her missing sister. Her journey to the city unravels horrible truths.
Directed by Adolfo Alix, Jr.
Synopsis: A film about a typical Filipino mother in a non-stereotypical kind of
profession,living a dark shadowy life in Manila's underground. She
leads a group of professional criminals in the province.
Movie Review : This Guy's In Love With U Mare
The movie was funny and intellegently done, not the usual slapstic comedy that Wenn Deramas did
with the previous films. I appreciated the opening credits that is was done in a creative manner something new that they use animation and signages and it is something different for the comedy movie. The movie was feel good even the theme song , it takes your emotion into high level.
with the previous films. I appreciated the opening credits that is was done in a creative manner something new that they use animation and signages and it is something different for the comedy movie. The movie was feel good even the theme song , it takes your emotion into high level.
Tuesday, 9 October 2012
It's Pinoy Movies Every Week This October!
Saturday, 6 October 2012
Movie Review : Of All The Things
The movie is good ,so-so lang ang movie sa akin, not the best of Joyce Bernal love story, siguro kasi binagay din sa age nina Aga and Regine kaya binawas bawasan ang mga kilig scenes sa movie.If there is something that I can commend on the movie is yung acting ni Regine sa movie , she is a natural comedian, very witty, effortless , natural acting, siya ang nagpaganda at nagbigay ng buhay sa movie na ito. Well simple lang yung story its about life after failing in board exam so medyo nakarelate din ako lalo na doon sa part ng mga experience of taking a licensure exam.
Movie Review: Kumpare
I was lucky to be invited sa sa Blogger's Night of Kumpare na nagsilbing advance screening na din ng movie. So we are the first people to watch the film after it was X- Rated by the MTRCB. I can say na napakatapang ng pelikula sa pagpapakita ng maselan na bahagi ng katawan ng kalalakihan. It was shown in a creative manner tipong may artistic value. Madaming mga shocking na eksena na pelikula na first time ko pa lang makita sa isang gay sexy flick. Isa na rito ay ang glory hole na pinagsaluhan nina Miko Pasamonte and Glen de Luna nashock talaga ako doon grabe. I would like to commend the cinematorgraphy and production design ng movie.
Friday, 5 October 2012
Thursday, 4 October 2012
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)


text:
Monday, January 16, 2006
Celtic Banner SAL and All The Stash is Here!
Sorry you didn't get your promised progress report last night! I was just soo tired, I couldn't be bothered to get the camera out. Honestly, I didn't get too much done, a short length of the border that's it. I'm starting to worry that perhaps I left too much fabric at the top? I hope not!!!
And here is the results of my Christmas Holiday madness shopping!
I bought : Mirabilia's Christmas Elf Fairy, M Designs Letters E&F, How to Cube It (by Elegant stitch), Christmas Ornaments and The Flat Fold (by Judy O'Dell). My last stash purchase won't be here for a couple of weeks, and that's my Christmas Elf Fairy Fabric!!
My first model is off in the mail today! I've got a very slow start on the second, I think this one may actually stitch up faster??? Though it is the same over-all size. I can't wait to get this finished. I need to get an ornament for January stitched and I have my partners for the February Blahs Exchange over at Needle and Thread BB so I have two treat bags to get stitched up!
Tonight I had a good chat on the phone with one of the designers I stitch for, she's asked me how my stitching schedule looks like for February/March. I've told her its all clear (it always is for her!!!) and I even got my choice of assignment! It sounds pretty darned cool too, right up my alley. I can't wait to see what she's come up with this time!
Tomorrow night, I won't get much stitching done, its Guild night. For a change I'm actually taking part in one of the program classes, a beaded brooch.
Well I think its time to pack it in for the night.
13 comments:
Nice stash enhancements there, Dani! I bet I can guess which designer you were talking with. ;) Can't wait to see what her clever mind comes up with next, nor can I wait to see you bring it to life. :)
- 11:19 pm
- Von said...
Dani, you made some wonderful choices there :)
I love those M Designs alphabet letters! Just did the W for my DD and it turned out beautiful!
- 11:33 pm
- Anne S said...
I think, like Jenna, I could probably guess the designer too ... from a selfish point of view I don't like it when you guys do model and exchange stitching - I have to wait too long to see it ;) LOL. Seriously, though, looking forward to whatever the mystery project is :) Your CB is coming along well - though that border would have my eyes boggling by now!
- 12:35 am
- Alison said...
Great work on Celtic Banner. I did the border as I went... Are you bored silly stitching it all at once?
- 5:05 am
- Kucki68 said...
I love the M design letters. I am actually doing a heart by her that was in an American magazine. Slow going as I am stitching it on black. Should really pick it up again as brother's b-day is in April.
- 5:53 am
- Rosemary said...
I am totally DYING for the Christmas Elf Fairy now, thanks! lol
Rosemary, who has Celtic Banner in her stash and is trying to ignore that fact.
- 11:31 am
- Running Kiwi said...
Oh, lovely stash! Amazing how a little bit of stash can brighten your day :)
Celtic Banner is growing too - that border would have driven me nuts by now!
- 2:48 pm
- Carol said...
Your Celtic Sampler is getting huge now - you must be starting to feel some satisfaction, at last!! (I hope you do, you deserve it!)
Your stash pile looks yummy! Very cool!
- 5:53 pm
- Katrina said...
wahoo Dani, great new stash there! Look forward to seeing you start the Christmas Elf Fairy (getting very tempted by your talk and seeing Lisa's lovely recent finish!!)
- 7:33 pm
- Bastet said...
Celtic Banner is comming along nicely..though part of that maybe that it's on my wish list somewhere, so I get to "stitch" it with you. Lovely stash you bought.
- 10:13 pm
That project seems huge...happy Stitching Dani. Ann
- 7:42 am
I think I can guess which designer you are talking about too ;-), but then again, it pays off to be a regular blog reader of yours ;-)) Ann.
- 7:43 am
- Sylvie said...
I'm doing the Celtic Banner too. I can't wait to finish the border...
- 5:16 am


text:
Omega-3 fatty acids are a healthy type of fat that is found in a variety of foods. Some people choose to supplement omega-3 fatty acids by taking fish oils as well. The reason that omega-3 fatty acids have become so popular in recent years is that they provide a plethora of nutritional benefits. The Mayo Clinic explains that omega-3 fatty acids, which contain the compounds DHA and EPA, can reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. They can also reduce high blood pressure and lower triglyceride levels in the body. Taking a fish oil supplement is not necessary to get omega-3 fatty acids, since it is found in foods that you can eat every day.
Step 1
Eat walnuts for an afternoon snack every day. The World's Healthiest Foods website states that walnuts are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, with about 2.3 grams or 50 percent of an adult's daily recommended intake of omega-3 fatty acids per quarter cup. It is important not to over-eat nuts, since they are high in calories. Yet, eating a handful or a quarter of a cup of walnuts a day is a good way to boost your omega-3 fatty acid intake. Try measuring walnuts ahead of time and putting them into individual baggies so you have them with you in the car or at work.
Step 2
Another good source of omega-3 fatty acids is olive oil, states the Mayo Clinic. Use olive oil when using cooking methods like stir-frying and sautéing foods. Just like nuts, it is important not to over-use olive oil, since it is dense in calories. Yet, if you already use butter or a different type of oil in cooking, replacing it with olive oil will add minimal calories while increasing your omega-3 fatty acid intake.
Step 3
Stir in crushed flax seeds into your yogurt or oatmeal a few times a week. Flax seeds are small, crunchy seeds that are full of omega-3 fatty acids. They can be purchased in almost any health food store. When eaten alone, they taste nutty, but when used in other foods like yogurt or oatmeal, they are practically tasteless. If you prefer, you can also blend the seeds into smoothies a few mornings each week.
Step 4
Replace a dinner containing meat once a week with a meal that has fish or shellfish. The World's Healthiest Foods website states that there are about 2.1 g of omega-3 fatty acids in 4 ounces of salmon and 1.1 g in 4 ounces of scallops. Meats like beef and chicken do not contain omega-3 fatty acids. Make a habit of trying "Meatless Mondays" using seafood to replace land meats.
Things You'll Need
Nuts like Walnuts
Olive Oil
Flax Seeds
Fatty Fish like Salmon


text:
Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) August 15, 2014
Some 30,000 people filled Yonge-Dundas Square in the heart of Toronto July 15 for the celebration of the 8th annual YD|TO—Youth Day Toronto 2014.
The festival provides the opportunity for youth to showcase their work—from music and dance to art, photography, fashions and film—and to share their ideas through information booths and live presentations to tens of thousands of youth at a time.
For the 8th year running, Youth for Human Rights (YHR) Toronto participated in the festival with a presentation from the stage and a human rights information booth. Visitors to the booth were invited to spin a "human rights wheel of fortune" divided into 30 sections—one for each of the articles of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). The wheel would stop spinning and a volunteer would play the video that corresponds to the UDHR article designated by that number.
Although the United Nations adopted the UDHR 65 years ago, visitors to the booth were often surprised to learn what it covered. "They had no idea they possessed these rights," said one of the volunteers.
Throughout the afternoon, volunteers in their dark blue Youth for Human Rights T-shirts moved through the crowd, collecting signatures on human rights petitions calling on the government to mandate human rights education in schools and to enforce the provisions of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Scientologists on five continents engage in collaborative efforts with government agencies and nongovernmental organizations to bring about broad-scale awareness and implementation of the 1948 United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the world's premier human rights document.
The Church of Scientology has published a new brochure, Voice for Humanity—Real Help, Real Results, to meet requests for more information about the humanitarian programs it supports.
Based on decades of experience, these programs effectively curb drug abuse, instill tolerance, raise awareness of human rights and uplift morality across whole populations. They are founded on the proposition that education is the cornerstone of change. They acknowledge that only when truly informed can individuals make lasting and transformative decisions to live drug-free, ethical, respectful lives in harmony with their loved ones and neighbors.
To learn more, visit http://www.Scientology.org/how-we-help/voice-for-humanity.
Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard wrote, "Human rights must be made a fact, not an idealistic dream," and the Scientology religion is based on the principles of human rights. The Code of a Scientologist calls on all members of the religion to dedicate themselves "to support true humanitarian endeavors in the fields of human rights."


text:
Revise Me is the ideal solution if you already have the contents you need but have doubts about their correctness and accuracy (in terms of grammar and spelling), consistency, style and tone of voice.
I will help you find any weaknesses in your texts and improve them to reach your goals.
Buying Revise Me, you will have:
- your style and tone of voice assessed, to understand whether they are appropriate for your brand or there is something to improve/change;
- your contents organized in terms of priority and relevance, adding or removing information if necessary;
- your texts revised as far as readability and formatting are concerned.
How does it work?
First, I will send you an email asking some questions about your expectations, your goals, your job and the reason why you think you need my help.
Then, we will schedule a Skype call where we will speak about your texts, any area of improvement and any further doubts you may have.
Finally, I will send you a summary of our conversation and a detailed report with some tips.
How much it is?
Revise Me includes 1.30 h Skype Call, a pre-call assessment of your contents and a post-call summary with detailed report. It costs 80 €.
To buy Revise Me, you can click on the button below (payment via PayPal). If you prefer another payment option, contact me and I will send you my bank account details.
Buy Revise Me


text:
10 Matching Annotations
- Apr 2019
www.theplayerstribune.com www.theplayerstribune.com
Two concepts that I've been thinking about a lot lately are guilt and responsibility. When it comes to racism in America, I think that guilt and responsibility tend to be seen as more or less the same thing. But I'm beginning to understand how there's a real difference. As white people, are we guilty for the sins of our forefathers? No, I don't think so. But are we responsible for them? Yes, I believe we are.
- Jul 2018
www.newyorker.com www.newyorker.com
For all the paranoid American theories of being "red-pilled," of awakening into a many-tentacled liberal/feminist/Jewish conspiracy, the most corrosive force, the ectoplasm infusing itself invisibly through media and culture and politics, is white supremacy.
listen, don't center yourself, get educated, think about your responses and what role they play
DiAngelo sets aside a whole chapter for the self-indulgent tears of white women, so distraught at the country's legacy of racist terrorism that they force people of color to drink from the firehose of their feelings about it.
"The most effective adaptation of racism over time," DiAngelo claims, "is the idea that racism is conscious bias held by mean people." This "good/bad binary," positing a world of evil racists and compassionate non-racists, is itself a racist construct, eliding systemic injustice and imbuing racism with such shattering moral meaning that white people, especially progressives, cannot bear to face their collusion in it. (Pause on that, white reader. You may have subconsciously developed your strong negative feelings about racism in order to escape having to help dismantle it.)
DiAngelo addresses her book mostly to white people, and she reserves her harshest criticism for white liberals like herself (and like me), whom she sees as refusing to acknowledge their own participation in racist systems. "I believe," she writes, "that white progressives cause the most daily damage to people of color." Not only do these people fail to see their complicity, but they take a self-serving approach to ongoing anti-racism efforts: "To the degree that white progressives think we have arrived, we will put our energy into making sure that others see us as having arrived."
And the expectation of "white solidarity"—white people will forbear from correcting each other's racial missteps, to preserve the peace—makes genuine allyship elusive. White fragility holds racism in place.
DiAngelo attempts to explicate the phenomenon of white people's paper-thin skin. She argues that our largely segregated society is set up to insulate whites from racial discomfort, so that they fall to pieces at the first application of stress—such as, for instance, when someone suggests that "flesh-toned" may not be an appropriate name for a beige crayon. Unused to unpleasantness (more than unused to it—racial hierarchies tell white people that they are entitled to peace and deference), they lack the "racial stamina" to engage in difficult conversations. This leads them to respond to "racial triggers"—the show "Dear White People," the term "wypipo"—with "emotions such as anger, fear and guilt," DiAngelo writes, "and behaviors such as argumentation, silence, and withdrawal from the stress-inducing situation."
In more than twenty years of running diversity-training and cultural-competency workshops for American companies, the academic and educator Robin DiAngelo has noticed that white people are sensationally, histrionically bad at discussing racism. Like waves on sand, their reactions form predictable patterns: they will insist that they "were taught to treat everyone the same," that they are "color-blind," that they "don't care if you are pink, purple, or polka-dotted." They will point to friends and family members of color, a history of civil-rights activism, or a more "salient" issue, such as class or gender. They will shout and bluster. They will cry. In 2011, DiAngelo coined the term "white fragility" to describe the disbelieving defensiveness that white people exhibit when their ideas about race and racism are challenged—and particularly when they feel implicated in white supremacy. Why, she wondered, did her feedback prompt such resistance, as if the mention of racism were more offensive than the fact or practice of it?
- solutions?
- sociology
- race
- answers?
- racist terrorism
- racism
- women
- white fragility
- white solidarity
- red pilled
- power
- white supremacy
- progressives
- Jul 2015
www.rawstory.com www.rawstory.com
The petition complains that the Confederate flag was removed because it offended black people through its historic association with slavery and white supremacy, and laughably asserts that the African-American Monument, designed by sculptor Ed Dwight, provokes the same outrage for whites.
white fragility in a nutshell


text:
Chinese New Year in Malaysia and Singapore is never complete if one don't go for 'lou sang'. It's been kind of a tradition for the Chinese in the Straits here. My first 'lou sang' started almost 11 days before Chinese New Year. Thanks to the good people from Malaysian Airlines (MAS) to flew me and 24 other more famous bloggers.
I came to Mum's Place in Damansara Perdana after my cooking workshop stint. Here again I met one of my team mate in the cooking workshop, Babe KL. Meeting her two times in a day. I met her hubby and son too. Nice and friendly bunch.
Before the dinner start. Wai Fong from MAS gave us a short briefing. Thanks for the invitation.
Let the feast begin. The first dish, is of course 'yee sang'. BabeKL and family, John, Cindy, KampungBoyCityGal and I toss and toss and toss. That's lou sang. Salmon is used as the raw fish ingredient. The sauce is quite sourish which is very appetizing but a bit too sourish for my taste. Still it taste good.
Rating: 3.5/5
After tossing, I went around taking pictures of other tables.
Next up is fried otak-otak. Personally I prefer steamed otak-otak but this one is not too bad. Goes very well with the marinated onion and cili padi (bird eye chili) dip. It's kind of spicy so if you can't take hot stuff, you might want to skip the dip.
Rating: 3.5/5
Fried Otak-otak
Stir fried vegetable (I think it is potato leaf) is next. Very fresh and not overcooked. Taste is normal.
Rating: 3/5
Then comes the prawn with butter & garlic. This prawn dish is marvelous and the prawn is fresh and springy. The sauce is quite addictive too. I cleaned out the sauce from the prawn only then I eat the meat lol. A must order when coming to mum's place.
Rating: 4/5
Prawn with butter & garlic.
Devil Curry, a very famous Peranakan dish. Very flavourful yet not too spicy for me. Goes very well with white rice.
Rating: 4/5
As Peranakan food also have some Portuguese influence in it, this Portuguese Beef Slice must be it. I like the way they put in the tao pok (dried tofu) too. The tao pok can suck in the juice from the beef and become very flavourful. The beef is well marinated and very tender.
Rating: 4/5
The Asam Pedas Jehanak (fish cook in asam and chili) seems to be a popular dish here because my friend ordered this too the second time I came for dinner here during CNY. I gravy is not too bad but I found it too bland. Not sour and spicy enough. Another good dish to go with rice though.
Rating: 3/5
Asam Pedas Jenahak
After devouring all the main, Wai Fong offer us to order dessert too. So, while waiting for the dessert, us bloggers of course will camwhore.
Joyce and I were wearing flower theme that night.
Suanie too is wearing plants. lol
Wingz, Red Mummy and Sultan Muzzafar were there too.
Here comes the dessert.
Forgot who's Thai Sago Water Chestnut dessert.
I ordered red bean cendol. The cendol is very pandan-ish and the red bean paste has a very nice texture. A little bit too sweet for my taste, nevertheless a very nice dessert.
Rating: 3.5/5
Lastly everyone went home with goodies from MAS. Air tickets to Hong Kong! I wished. Well still the goodies are very festive. Pineapple tart, a diary and a pen drive bracelet.
Thank you once again MAS for the delicious dinner.
P.S. Andy Lau dine here before too. Here's the proof. Picture from hanging on the wall.
Mum's Place
31-1, 33-1, 35-1, 37-1 & 39-1
Jalan PJU 8/5A
Bandar Damansara Perdana,
47820 Petaling Jaya.
Tel : 03 - 7727 8443
Other Ppl's View:
Babe in KL
Sultan Muzaffar
Red Mummy
Huai Bin


text:
Effective December 15, 2015
These Terms of Use (The "terms of use") govern use of the websites and services (the "services") of FanFunded, LLC, a Delaware corporation (together with its affiliates, "Launchpad"), in addition to any supplemental terms applicable to any particular features, content and functionality of the services, which such supplemental terms are incorporated by reference into the terms of use. By using the services, Users agree to be bound by these terms of use, our Privacy Policy, all applicable laws and all conditions or policies referenced here (collectively, the "Terms"). FanFunded may amend the terms at any time by posting a revised version of the terms on our services. Access to or continued use of the services after the effective date of the revised terms constitutes your acceptance of the revised terms.
In these terms, we refer to those raising funds as "creators" and to their fundraising projects as "projects." We refer to those contributing funds as "fans" and to the funds they contribute as "contributions." Creators, fans and other visitors to the services are referred to collectively as "users."
Launchpad is an online fan funding venue for people and entities seeking to raise funds for their own projects and to contribute to the projects of others. Creators can offer gifts or rewards in the form of tangible items or intangible services (collectively, "Rewards") to fans. Rewards are not offered for sale. Launchpad makes no representations about the quality, safety, morality or legality of any Project, reward or contribution or the truth or accuracy of user content (as defined below) posted on the services. Launchpad does not represent that creators will deliver rewards or that contributions will be used as described in the project. Users use the services at their own risk.
Users under 18 years of age are not eligible to use the services without consent. Users between the ages of 13 and 17, can use the services with the consent and supervision of a parent or legal guardian who is at least 18 years old, provided such parent or legal guardian also agrees to be bound by the terms and agrees to be responsible for such use of the services. Users suspended from using the services are not eligible to use the services. Launchpad reserves the right to refuse use of the services to anyone and to reject, cancel, interrupt, remove or suspend any project, contribution, or the services at any time for any reason without liability.
Creators are not permitted to create a Project to raise funds for illegal activities, to cause harm to people or property, or to scam others. If the Project is claiming to do the impossible or it's just plain phony, don't post it. Users must comply with all applicable laws and regulations in connection with their Projects, including offering rewards and using contributions. Creators shall not make any false or misleading statements in connection with their Projects.
Creators are not permitted to offer or provide any of the following as a Reward:
Launchpad is not a place for hatred, abuse, discrimination, disrespect, profanity, meanness, harassment, or spam.
Do not:
Launchpad reserves the right to remove Projects and terminate User Accounts for such activities.
Launchpad reserves the right to cancel any contribution to any project, at any time and for any reasonable cause. We have the right to reject, interrupt, remove, or suspend any project at any time and for any reason. Launchpad is not liable for any damages as a result of any of these actions, and it is our policy not to comment on the reasons for any such action.
Creators are legally bound to perform on any promise and/or commitment to fans (including delivering any rewards). If a creator is unable to perform on any promise and/or commitment to fans, the creator will work with the fans to reach a mutually satisfactory resolution, which may include the issuance of a refund of contributions by the creator. Launchpad is under no obligation to become involved in disputes between creators and fans, or Users and any third party. In the event of any dispute, such as a creator's alleged failure to comply with the terms or alleged failure in fulfillment of a Reward, we may provide the creator's contact information to the Fan so that the two parties may resolve their dispute.
All information submitted in connection with a user account on the services (each, a "User Account") must be accurate and truthful. Users agree to notify Launchpad immediately if their User Account has been used without authorization or there has been any other breach of security of the User Account. Each User also agrees to provide additional information Launchpad may reasonably request and to answer truthfully and completely any questions Launchpad might ask you in order to verify such User's identity. Launchpad can cancel accounts or decline to offer our Services at any time. Launchpad can change eligibility criteria at any time.
Launchpad grants each user a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable license to use the services subject to such User's eligibility and continued compliance with the terms.
Creators are permitted to offer rewards to fans. Creators are legally bound to perform on any promise and/or commitment to fans (including delivering any rewards). Creators will respond promptly and truthfully to all questions posed to them by Launchpad or any Fan. If any creator is unable to fulfill any of its commitments to fans (including delivering any rewards), the creator will work with the fans to reach a mutually satisfactory resolution, which may include refunding their contributions. Creators will comply with all applicable laws and regulations in the use of contributions and delivery of rewards. Creators are responsible for collecting and remitting any taxes on contributions, and any taxes due in connection with rewards. Launchpad may attempt to verify the identity and other information provided to us by creators, and we may delay, withhold, reverse or refund any contributions or other amounts without notice or liability in the event we are unable to verify any such information to our satisfaction.
Fans are solely responsible for asking questions and investigating creators and projects to the extent they feel is necessary before making a contribution. All contributions are made voluntarily and at the sole discretion and risk of the Fan. Launchpad does not guarantee that contributions will be used as promised, that creators will deliver rewards, or that the Project will achieve its goals. Launchpad does not endorse, guarantee, make representations, or provide warranties for or about the quality, safety, morality or legality of any project, reward or contribution, or the truth or accuracy of user content posted on the services. Fans are solely responsible for determining how to treat theircontributions and receipt of any rewards for tax purposes. If a contribution is returned to a Fan, the associated rewards, if any, shall be canceled.
Setting up an account on the services is free. We do not charge our service fees to fans. Unless otherwise expressely indicated on the services, we do charge our service fees to creators as a portion of the contributions they raise (the "Service Fees"). By using the services Users agree to our Service Fees listed here Fees. Changes to service fees are effective after we post notice of the changes on the services. Updated service fees are applied to projects launched after the notice is posted.
Contributions, including the service fees portion thereof, are not refundable. If a creator is unable to perform on any promise and/or commitment to fans (including delivering any rewards), the creator will work with the fans to reach a mutually satisfactory resolution, which may include the issuance of a refund of contributions by the creator.
Taxing authorities may classify funds raised on the services as taxable income to the creator and any beneficiary who will receive funds directly from the applicable project. Launchpad will ask for the tax identification number (TIN) of creators and any beneficiaries so that we may report taxable income to the relevant taxing authorities. Launchpad will provide creators with a tax document if required by the relevant taxing authorities.
While using the services, Users may post photos, videos, text, graphics, logos artwork and other audio or visual materials (collectively, "User Content"). Users grant Launchpad a perpetual, non-exclusive, royalty-free, transferable, sublicensable, worldwide license to use, publicly display, publicly perform, store, reproduce, modify, create derivative works, and distribute user content of any user on or in connection with the services and our related marketing and promotional activities. As between users and Launchpad, Users continue to hold all ownership interest in their user content. Each User represents and warrants that its user content and our use of such user content will not infringe any third party's intellectual property rights, proprietary rights, privacy rights, confidentiality, rights of publicity or otherwise violate these terms or applicable law.
Creators may not offer any contest, competition, giveaway, sweepstakes or similar activity (each, a "Promotion") on the services without Launchpad's prior written permission (which may be granted or withheld by Launchpad in its sole and absolute discretion). Creators may request permission from Launchpad by sending an email to email@example.com. Subject to and upon any such permission, each creator offering any promotion further acknowledges and agrees that: (a) such creator shall be solely responsible for all facets of each such promotion; (b) such promotion does not require any contribution or other payment of any amount as the sole method of entry into such promotion; and (c) the official rules for such promotion shall include clear and conspicuous language to the effect that: (i) Launchpad does not sponsor, endorse or administer the promotion; (ii) each participant or entrant in the promotion releases Launchpad from any and all liability; and (iii) all questions concerning the promotion must be directed to the creator and not to Launchpad.
The services may contain links to third-party websites, advertisers, or services that are not owned or controlled by Launchpad. Access to or use of third-party sites or services are at each user's own risk. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, Launchpad is not responsible for any loss or damage of any sort relating to User dealings with these third-party sites or services. We encourage users to be aware of when they leave the services, and to read the terms and conditions and privacy policy of any third-party website or service that they visit.
If a creator's project is based in the United States and raises over $100,000 in U.S. dollars through credit card transactions, such a creator is a "sub-merchant" under our merchant services agreement with Vantiv LLC, and hereby agrees to the terms of Vantiv's merchant services agreement for sub-merchants. Creators that accept PayPal and fans that use PayPal in connection with a project acknowledge and agree to comply with PayPal's crowdfunding and acceptable use policies. In all cases, standard credit card or other third party processing Fees apply in addition to any Service Fees. We are not responsible for the performance of any third party credit card processing or third party payment services.
Each User agrees to defend, indemnify and hold harmless Launchpad, its subsidiaries and affiliated companies, and their officers, directors, employees, contractors and agents from and against any and all claims, causes of action, damages, obligations, losses, liabilities, costs or debt, and expenses (including attorneys' fees and costs) and all amounts paid in settlement arising from or relating to use of the services, breach of these terms or violation of any laws. Launchpad may assume the exclusive defense and control of any matter for which users have agreed to indemnify Launchpad and each user agrees to assist and cooperate with Launchpad in the defense or settlement of any such matters.
Launchpad has no fiduciary duty to any user. THE SERVICES ARE PROVIDED ON AN "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" BASIS WITHOUT ANY WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, NONINFRINGEMENT OR COURSE OF PERFORMANCE. USE OF THE SERVICES IS AT USER'S OWN RISK.
For users in a jurisdiction that requires a specific statement regarding waiver and release then the following applies. For example, New York residents must, as a condition of this agreement, waive the applicability of New York Civil Code Section 1542 for unknown claims which states: "A GENERAL RELEASE DOES NOT EXTEND TO CLAIMS WHICH THE CREDITOR DOES NOT KNOW OR SUSPECT TO EXIST IN HIS OR HER FAVOR AT THE TIME OF EXECUTING THE RELEASE, WHICH IF KNOWN BY HIM OR HER MUST HAVE MATERIALLY AFFECTED HIS OR HER SETTLEMENT WITH THE DEBTOR." Each User hereby waives this section of the New York Civil Code and any similar provision in law, regulation or code that has the same effect or intent as the foregoing release.
Launchpad (INCLUDING ITS AFFILIATES, DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, SUBCONTRACTORS OR LICENSORS) IS NOT LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, PUNITIVE, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES OR, IN ANY EVENT, FOR DAMAGES EXCEEDING THE LESSER OF ONE HUNDRED U.S. DOLLARS ($100.00) OR THE FEES PAID TO Launchpad FOR THE TRANSACTION FROM WHICH THE CAUSE OF ACTION AROSE. THIS LIMITATION OF LIABILITY SECTION APPLIES WHETHER THE ALLEGED LIABILITY IS BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT, NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY, OR ANY OTHER BASIS, EVEN IF Launchpad HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE AND TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW IN THE APPLICABLE JURISDICTION.
For jurisdictions that do not allow Launchpad to limit its liability: Notwithstanding any provision of the terms, for users in a jurisdiction that has provisions specific to waiver or liability that conflict with the foregoing, then Launchpad's liability is limited to the smallest extent possible by law. Specifically, in those jurisdictions not allowed, Launchpad does not disclaim liability for: (a) death or personal injury caused by its negligence or that of any of its officers, employees or agents; or (b) fraudulent misrepresentation or intentional misconduct; or (c) any liability which it is not lawful to exclude either now or in the future.
The terms, and any rights and licenses granted hereunder, may not be transferred or assigned by any user, but may be assigned by Launchpad without restriction or consent.
Termination may result in the forfeiture and destruction of all information associated with any user's account. Users may terminate their account by following the instructions on the services, but Launchpad may retain the user account information after termination in accordance with regulatory, accounting, and legal compliance procedures. All provisions of the terms, that by their nature should survive termination, shall survive termination, including, without limitation, ownership provisions, warranty disclaimers, indemnity and limitations of liability.
Users agree that: (a) the services shall be deemed solely based in New York (the principal place of business and corporate headquarters of Launchpad); and (b) the services shall be deemed a passive one that does not give rise to personal jurisdiction over Launchpad, either specific or general, in jurisdictions other than New York. This agreement shall be governed by the laws of the state of New York, without respect to its conflict of laws principles.
Each user agrees that any and all disputes or claims that have arisen or may arise between such user and Launchpad relating in any way to or arising out of this or previous versions of the terms or your use of or access to the services shall be resolved exclusively through final and binding arbitration, rather than in court, except that such user may assert claims in small claims court, if such user claims qualify. The Federal Arbitration Act governs the interpretation and enforcement of this agreement to arbitrate. There is no judge or jury in arbitration, and court review of an arbitration award is limited. However, an arbitrator can award on an individual basis the same damages and relief as a court (including injunctive and declaratory relief or statutory damages), and must follow the provisions of the terms as a court would. To begin an arbitration proceeding, a user must send a letter requesting arbitration and describing the claim to our registered agent, Corporation Service Company, 2710 Gateway Oaks Drive, Suite 150N, New York, New York 95833-3502. The arbitration will be conducted by the American Arbitration Association (AAA) under its rules, including the AAA's Supplementary Procedures for Consumer-Related Disputes. The AAA's rules are available at www.adr.org or by calling 1-800-778-7879. Payment of all filing, administration and arbitrator fees will be governed by the AAA's rules. Launchpad will reimburse those fees for claims totaling less than $10,000 unless the arbitrator determines the claims are frivolous. A user may choose to have the arbitration conducted by telephone, based on written submissions, or in person in the county where such user lives or at another mutually agreed location. Users agree that any dispute resolution proceedings will be conducted only on an individual basis and not in a class, consolidated or representative action. If for any reason a claim proceeds in court rather than in arbitration, such user waive any right to a jury trial. User and Launchpad also both agree that either may bring suit in court to enjoin infringement or other misuse of intellectual property rights. If for any reason, a claim proceeds in court rather than in arbitration, the dispute shall be exclusively brought in a court of competent jurisdiction located in the city and county of New York, New York. Subject to the arbitration provisions set forth above, the successful party in any dispute will be entitled to receive from the unsuccessful party all of its reasonable attorneys' fees, cost, and disbursements.
Creators and other users should be aware that many states impose charitable fund solicitation laws to guide direct or indirect fund solicitation activities in those states. While provisions vary state to state, these state laws typically include registration and reporting requirements. Launchpad merely provides a technology platform to allow creators to connect with fans. Users who access or use the services do so at their own volition and are entirely responsible for compliance with applicable law.
Launchpad makes no representations, warranties or other assertions as to the potential tax deductible status of any contribution by a fan to a charitable cause or to a project whose purported recipient is a recognized 501(c)(3) or other tax -advantaged organization under the Internal Revenue Code. The listing of an organization via the services does not necessarily mean that the organization has been deemed— or remains currently deemed—a charitable or tax-advantaged organization by the Internal Revenue Service.
In the event of a conflict between these the English language version of the terms and any foreign language translation versions thereof, the English language version of the terms shall govern and control. All disputes, claims and causes of action (and related proceedings) will be communicated in English. Unless otherwise explicitly stated, all materials found on the services are solely directed to individuals, companies, or other entities located in the U.S.
Users agree to comply with all laws, restrictions and regulations relating to the export of products and information. For purposes of the U.S. Export Administration Act ("Export Laws"), each user states that such User is: (a) not a citizen, or otherwise located within, an embargoed nation (including without limitation the Office of Foreign Assets Control ("OFAC") comprehensively embargoed countries of Iran, Syria, Cuba, North Korea and Sudan and certain Specially Designated Nationals listed by OFAC as updated from time to time and (b) not otherwise prohibited under the Export Laws from receiving such products and information. Funds may be frozen and/or turned over to the applicable governmental enforcement agency if a Project is deemed to be in violation of Export Laws.
We will cooperate with law enforcement authorities as required by law. We will cooperate with law enforcement agencies in any investigation of alleged illegal activity regarding the use of the services when requested.
Users agree Launchpad may provide notifications to such user via email, written or hard copy notice, or through conspicuous posting of such notice on our website. Users may opt out of certain means of notification or to receive certain notifications.
Consistent with our culture of open innovation, we are always pleased to hear from our user community and welcome comments or suggestions to improve the services. However, to avoid future misunderstandings when new products, services and features developed internally by Launchpad might be similar or even identical to a submission received by Launchpad, the following policy applies to all third party user submissions to Launchpad of ideas, comments, suggestions, proposals or materials: (a) all submissions shall be considered non-confidential and non-proprietary; (b) Launchpad will have no obligation concerning the submission, contractual or otherwise (including, without limitation, confidentiality); (c) Launchpad will not be liable for any use or disclosure of any submission; and (d) Launchpad shall be entitled to unrestricted use of the submission for any purpose whatsoever, commercial or otherwise, without compensation to the third party submitting User.
These terms are the entire agreement between each user and Launchpad regarding its subject matter. If any provision of these terms are deemed invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the invalidity of such provision shall not affect the validity of the remaining provisions of this agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect. Launchpad's failure to assert any right or provision under this agreement shall not constitute a waiver of such right or provision.
Payment processing services for International Creators on Launchpad are provided by Stripe and are subject to the Stripe Connected Account Agreement, which includes the Stripe Terms of Service (collectively, the "Stripe Services Agreement"). By agreeing to these terms or continuing to operate as a Creator on Launchpad, you agree to be bound by the Stripe Services Agreement, as the same may be modified by Stripe from time to time. As a condition of Launchpad enabling payment processing services through Stripe, you agree to provide Launchpad accurate and complete information about you and your business, and you authorize Launchpad to share it and transaction information related to your use of the payment processing services provided by Stripe.
Launchpad may alter the terms at any time, so please review them frequently. If a material change is made, Launchpad may notify users in the services, by email, by means of a notice on the services, or other places we think appropriate. A "material change" will be determined at Launchpad's sole discretion, in good faith, and using common sense and reasonable judgment.
If any User believes that its copyrighted work has been copied in a way that constitutes copyright infringement under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998 (the "DMCA") or that any user content infringes such User's intellectual property rights and is accessible the services, please notify Launchpad's Legal Department at firstname.lastname@example.com. "Infringement" means the unauthorized or not permitted use of copyrighted material or other intellectual property rights. For such complaint to be valid, the user (the "Complainant") must provide the following information in writing (the "Notice of Infringement"):
The above information must be submitted to the Launchpad DMCA agent ("the DMCA Agent") by mail and email to the following addresses:
FanFunded, LLC Attention: DMCA agent 12 W 87th st 4C New York,NY 10024 Email: email@example.com
If any user (the "Respondent") believes that its material has been removed or disabled by mistake or misidentification, such Respondent may file a written counter-notice (the "Counter Notice") with the DMCA Agent, including the following information within five business days from receipt of the Notice of Infringement:
Upon receipt of the Counter-Notice by the DMCA Agent, a copy of the Counter-Notice may be sent to the complainant informing the complainant that Launchpad, at its discretion, may replace the removed material or cease disabling it in not less than ten, nor more than 14, business days following receipt of the Counter-Notice, unless the DMCA Agent receives written notice from the complainant that the complainant has filed an action seeking a court order to restrain the respondent from engaging in infringing activity relating to the unauthorized use of the material on the service.
Launchpad WILL TAKE NO ACTION UPON ANY FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE INFORMATION OR OTHERWISE FOLLOW THE PROCESS OUTLINED ABOVE.
In accordance with the DMCA and other applicable laws, Launchpad has adopted a policy of terminating, in appropriate circumstances and at Launchpad's sole discretion, repeat infringers.
FanFunded, LLC 12 W 87th st 4C New York, NY 10024 email@example.com Attention: Legal Department


text:
Chris Michaud
Executive Summary
Executive Summary
- Real estate broker for 30+ years in 3 different states. An authority on real estate management and creating alternative business models.
- Co-author of: Easy Money and the Great Real Estate Ponzi Scheme (To be published in 2016)
- Experienced and licensed former trainer for real estate licensees in ME, NH and MA
- Counsels buyers, sellers, investors, lawyers and other professionals in real estate.
- Experienced real estate investor for both residential and land development property.
- Experienced private commercial lender.
- Experienced lobbying advocate at state and national level
- Passionate political observer and blog commentator
- Guest real estate speaker


text:
4 wireless network goals for schools
[Self-Test] Could Your Child Have an Executive Function Deficit?
I hear too many stories of teachers being left in tears
The Myth of the Brain/Body Dichotomy
Using Guided Relaxation in the Classroom
Here's What Betsy DeVos Said Wednesday On Capitol Hill
Qualified teachers are choosing not to teach in our schools — I am one of them
We must care for the teachers in our lives, helping them attend to the stress that comes with the job of caring for young people living in, often, adverse conditions. Finally, it is time to say thank you to teachers and celebrate their contributions to our communities the way we acknowledge, celebrate and compensate first responders, professional athletes, actors and pop stars.


text:
Vharazipi Debuts at Chimanimani Arts Festival
Sabhuku Vharazipi , a popular drama series produced by Ziya Cultural Arts Trust, will be the highlight of this year's edition of the Chimanimani Arts Festival scheduled to run from August 8 to 9 in the mountainous border town.The Masvingo-based group will complete the theatre programme with a performance of the drama series that features the hilarious characters – Sabuku Vharazipi and the dumb police officer VaMayaya among others.
The first series of Sabhuku Vharazipi went viral in 2013 with the hilarious drama winning the hearts of many.
The drama tells of Sabhuku Vharazipi, a corrupt headman who manipulates the distribution of food and other inputs in his area, to get what he wants, including women.
The headman abuses his position to seek sexual favours from women in the village as well as to gain political mileage.
More often than not, the storyline explores social issues, in which the cast converse in chikaranga which is common in Masvingo province.
That alone provides for comic moments in the series.
Though at times the protagonist Sabhuku Vharazipi uses slap stick humour in the series it is his use of the language that sends people into roaring laughter.
The other group on the theatre programme is Njube High School from Bulawayo which will perform a play called Let Them .
On the music side of things, superstar Oliver Tuku Mtukudzi will lead a line-up of musicians which includes BaShupi, Sniper Storm and Junior Bantan backed by House of Stone.
Also expected to rock the masses will be DJ Irie Lion.
This is not Tuku's first time to perform at the festival. He has been at the festival on a number of occasions where he thrilled the community.
One of the granddads of music, Tuku is still agile, loveable and most importantly his longevity in the music industry largely depends on the support from his fans – young and old who have been with him since he made that huge splash with Tuku Music.
His songs don't carry explicit political messages, but he makes it easy to read between the lines. A prolific artiste, he has released more than 60 albums in Zimbabwe.
Far more than a musician, Mtukudzi has been deeply involved in other art forms. He was featured in the film Jiti , the first film with an all-Zimbabwean cast and played a leading role in Neria , a feature film for which he also wrote and arranged the soundtrack.
He also wrote and directed the musical Was My Child , a production exploring the plight of street children in Zimbabwe's capital, Harare. Recently, he built a multi-million dollar Pakare Paye Art Centre in Norton that nurtures and develops young talents.
There is also a special feature on Saturday August 9 where musicians from Chimanimani among them Tsitsi amp The Eastern Gospel, Alek Muchayi amp Ngangu Band and Joshua Sako and the Radiation are billed to perform.
There will be film screenings courtesy of the Woman Film Makers of Zimbabwe and International Images Film Festival for Women. Films such as Nyaminyami Amajiabulozi , I want a Wedding Dress , Peretera Maneta – Spell My Name , Sharing Day , Kare Kare Zvako Mothers Day and Elelwani will be screened while workshops on script writing, filming and theatre will be conducted.
This year's edition of the Chimanimani Festival has made a milestone after it partnered with the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority for the first time. Some of the partners are European UnionCulture Fund Agreement, Women Film Makers of Zimbwe (WFOZ), Africad, Zimbabwe Theatre Association, Delta (Shumba Maheu) and Chibuku, Let Them Trust, Hala Chimanimani Hotel, Hala Selous Hotel, LineCrosser (Pastor Chimusoro), Chido Aertising and Chimanimani District Council.
Source : The Herald


text:
Oblure / Sweden
Oblure is the union between the words object and allure, which is the core of the brand – to make alluring objects. Our vision is to offer products with a great deal of character to a worldwide community of design lovers. Our goal is to create unique objects that intrigue and surprise the beholder. Oblure aim to lead the way forward with innovations and original products.


text:
Photographer's Note
There are bright colors so much that at first I couldn't believe my eyes when I came down from the airplane.
This is one of more than 700 cuts taken with using polarizing filter and film Velvia there.
I used strobe light by one half of a standard quantity for twinkle their vivid eyes.
But I think that I coudn't take sufficiently the color of Bora Bora.
Critiques | Translate
albiback (8751) 2004-02-11 13:45
Complicity with the people photographed is obvious, this photograph breathes the joy, color is perfect.
summersun (4978) 2005-02-15 10:44
beautiful smiles and colors. they look like friendly people.
Bournazel (0) 2010-12-24 3:27
it's always funny to read "france" above this kind of picture but that's right !! It's a part of my country that you know best as me !!!
Thanks for the heat
Have an happy end of the year
Photo Information
- Copyright: Hisashi Yuya (hispic) (9658)
- Genre: People
- Medium: Color
- Date Taken: 1992-09-25
- Categories: Daily Life
- Camera: Canon EOS 100QD, EF 20-35 F2.8L, RVP, LBA-2
- Exposure: f/8, 1/125 seconds
- Details: (Fill) Flash: Yes
- Photo Version: Original Version
- Theme(s): Tropical Islands, Your best preferred over 10000 in my gallery [view contributor(s)]
- Date Submitted: 2004-02-11 4:56


text:
"The End of Men", from The Atlantic
Earlier this year, women became the majority of the workforce for the first time in U.S. history. Most managers are now women too. And for every two men who get a college degree this year, three women will do the same. For years, women's progress has been cast as a struggle for equality. But what if equality isn't the end point? What if modern, postindustrial society is simply better suited to women? A report on the unprecedented role reversal now under way— and its vast cultural consequences
"Why We Need to Reimagine Masculinity", from Newsweek
To survive in a hostile world, guys need to embrace girly jobs and dirty diapers. Why it's time to reimagine masculinity at work and at home


text:
Close Window
esophageal cancer
(ee-SAH-fuh-JEE-ul KAN-ser)
Cancer that forms in tissues lining the esophagus (the muscular tube through which food passes from the throat to the stomach). Two types of esophageal cancer are squamous cell carcinoma (cancer that begins in flat cells lining the esophagus) and adenocarcinoma (cancer that begins in cells that make and release mucus and other fluids).
The esophagus and stomach are part of the upper gastrointestinal (digestive) system.


text:
December 2012
Gabrielle Wenham has become a member of the Civil Litigation group and James Granby joins the Chancery and Commercial team. Gabrielle, who was a Lord Justice Holker Scholar at Gray's Inn, specialises in personal injury and credit hire. Before pupillage she worke...Read more
Kenderik Horne and Lawrence McDonald have been appointed by the Attorney General to serve on the Regional Panel of Junior Counsel to the Crown. Mr Horne, head of the Employment Group at Chambers, and Mr McDonald of the Chancery and Commercial group will serve on...Read more


text:
Filipino-American Stella Abrera, prima ballerina for the American Ballet Theatre, will perform with the top eight dancers of the company at the Maybank stage, Bonifacio Global City on April 5, 6 and 7.
The three nights of dance, music and art are for the benefit of the dance scholarship program of CENTEX (Center of Excellence in Public Education), a subsidiary of the Ayala Foundation.
Abrera, who made her Manila debut in 2014 in Ballet Philippines' production of "Giselle," will be joined onstage by Isabella Boylston, Blaine Hoven, Roman Zhurbin, Gillian Murphy, Jose Sebastian, Catherine Hurlin, Arron Scott and Joowon Ahn.
The show, titled "An Intimate Evening with Stella Abrera and the American Ballet Stars," will feature music from history's greatest composers.
Isabella Boylston, an ABT principal since 2014 and soloist since 2011, and Blaine Hoven, a recipient of the 2008 Princess Grace Award as well as the prestigious Chris Hellman Dance Award, take on John Philip Sousa's Stars & Stripes (pas de deux).
Roman Zhurbin, a Russian ballet dancer who trained under Michelle Mathesius, Joey Smith, Michele Benash and Eddie Shelman, joins Abrera to perform the concerto by Dmitri Shostakovich.
Johan Strauss II's Bier Halle comes to life through the powerful artistry of Gillian Murphy and Jose Sebastian.
Murphy was awarded the Prix de Lausanne Espoir, as well as the Princess Grace Foundation Award.
Sebastian started his professional dance career at age eight. He trained under Fabrice Herrult and Olga Kostritzky.
In another number, Abrera performs with Korean ballet dancer Joo Woon Anh, who began his formal training in 2006 at Y.J. Ballet People Academy and Sun Hwa Art School. Abrera and Anh will perform a romantic excerpt from Romeo and Juliet as choreographed by Sir Kenneth MacMillan.
Catherine Hurlin, the 2007 Youth American Grand Prix NYC Final's Hope Awardee, and Arron Scott, a soloist since 2015 and an ABT dancer since 2003, are featured in Flames of Paris. This will be followed by "On the Water" with Gillian Murphy and Blaine Hoven.
For the finale, the talented roster of award-winning dancers gathers for a tribute to Don Quixote. They will be joined by Steps scholars from the CENTEX Scholarship Dance Program.
"We're so grateful and honored to perform for Filipino audiences, and we cannot wait to share with you the special numbers we have lined up for you for the two evenings," said Abrera. "We do invite everyone to celebrate arts, culture and the love of ballet."
An Intimate Evening with Stella Abrera and American Ballet Stars is co-presented by Ayala Group of Companies and Patek Philippe with the support of The Aivee Group, Distinqt and Nespresso. The shows are co-sponsored by Ayala Corp., Ayala Land Inc., Bank of the Philippine Islands, Globe Telecom, AirSWIFT, Raffles Makati, Seda Hotels, El Nido Resorts and Steps Dance Studio.
Tickets to the April 5 and 6 shows are sold out but you can still catch this once-in-a-lifetime ballet event on April 7.
For more information, visit ayalafoundation.org.


text:
North America, Canada, British Columbia, Howser Peak, North Face, Bugaboos
Publication Year: 1961.
Howser Peak, North Face, Bugaboos. Eric Bjornstad joined me to climb this seldom visited Bugaboo peak in late July. We crossed a bergschrund below and to the right of a giant, menacing ice cliff, then headed up a 50° snow finger between the ice and a rock face on the right. Several close avalanches, together with very unstable snow, gave us such a scare that we moved onto the rock face. This proved a dubious choice as the rock was so rotten that we dared not rope up as the mere action of the rope sent rocks down. We reached the top of this with relief and found firm snow for step-kicking leading up at 50° for 300 feet to the summit snow-field.
Edward Cooper


text: Incat Tasmania Pty Ltd and Revolution Design Pty Ltd are pleased to announce they have been awarded one of three US multi-million dollar design contracts by the US Department of Defense. The Tasmanian based companies are part of an internat ional consortium responding to the United States Department of Defense (DoD) acquisition program for the Joint High Speed Vessel (JHSV). The JHSV program brings together United States Navy, Army, Marines, and SOCOM to pursue a multi-use platform. The consortium is led by Incat's United States partner, Louisiana-based Bollinger Shipyards, Inc., and includes Australia's Incat and Revolution Design, Incat Chairman Robert Clifford explained. The Australian Incat-built High Speed Vessels, HSV-X1 Joint Venture, TSV-1X Spearhead and HSV-2 Swift, have already been employed by the DoD for experimentation and demonstration of high speed vessel technologies as well as for logistics support. These craft have been used to support operations in the Global War on Terrorism and during Operation Iraqi Freedom. They have been deployed to the Horn of Africa, Persian Gulf and Southeast Asia. Additionally, HSV-2 Swift supported relief operations in Indonesia and in the Gulf Coast region following hurricane Katrina. In both cases, Swift's high speed and shallow draught combined to make it an ideal platform for the delivery of relief supplies and support of other platforms operating in the area. During operations following Katrina, Swift was able to access ports inaccessible to other ships in the logistics force, and therefore played a critical role in the early delivery of supplies. The Australian Navy has also experienced the benefits of Tasmanian-designed vessels, operating the Incat 86 metre Wave Piercing Catamaran HMAS Jervis Bay during the East Timor crisis. The JHSV is a new generation, multi-use platform capable of transporting troops and their equipment, supporting humanitarian relief efforts, the ability to operate in shallow waters and can reach speed in access of 35 knots fully loaded. The Incat 112 metre, which forms the base of the consortium's submission, is the largest catamaran ever built in Australia. Already proven in commercial service it provides unparalled seakeeping and comfort even on rough open sea routes. Power is supplied by four diesel engines, each rated 9000 kW at 1000 rpm and consuming.


text:
The following entries are submissions by International Science Drama Competition (ISDC) 2018 participants from Kuo Chuan Presbyterian Primary School & Nanyang Girls' High School on their memorable journey with Science Centre Singapore and participating in ISDC2018 overseas.
Written by Lin Jingxi on behalf of the Nanyang Girls' High School, Submitted by Eng Sheng, Science Educator, Life Sciences
The International Science Drama Competition was a truly memorable experience for me. Not only did I learn much more about science through the process of rehearsals and the performances, I also understood more about myself and my fellow theatre club members. It was only after the competition that I realised how much I had gained from the entire experience, and I would not trade them for anything in the world.
Drama and Science
The competition opened up a new perspective of science. In the past, I merely thought of science as the facts written in my textbook that I had to memorise, or the boring processes of the things around me. The idea of associating drama with science, and making use of it as a form of education and pure entertainment appeared ridiculous, especially because they were two completely different disciplines. Yet, as we began our journey of research, writing the script, rehearsing and performing, I realised that they worked peculiarly well together to present a cohesive presentation. It was only then that I began to associate science with the different things happening around me — be it the reason why I would fall down when I tilted over at a large angle, or what would happen if I took in excessive carbohydrates during dinner. Science is such an important part of our lives, yet we don't focus on its importance but treat it as a mere subject. I was grateful that the competition educated me on this.
I also saw a new side of those that participated in the competition. When we first started out, it felt more like we were individuals working hard to present a story. It was through bonding and tough rehearsals, that our small group began to grow more united. In KL, we faced quite a number of problems — not having proper chairs, not using the mics because of the quality of the sound, the stage size, and more. However, we faced issues, we tried to overcome them together, even if it meant giving in on our part, instead of quietly sulking in a corner. When we chose not to use the clip-on mics, we worked together to resolve the issue of not being loud enough by standing in new positions. When the chairs we got were a little larger in size than our original ones, we dealt with the problem by rearranging ourselves. Regardless of the kinds of problem that was thrown at us, we resolved them efficiently. This was only made possible because the entire team shared a common goal, and was willing to work hard towards it. It was also because we received help from those around us, be it the Science Centre Singapore staff, our teachers, the teachers from the Primary Division, or the staff at the university in KL. Everyone made their own effort to do well individually, so when we came together as a group, everything ran smoothly. After the competition, I realised that we have grown to be stronger than we were before.
The trip
The trip we had in KL was also an amazing experience, thanks to the wonderful planning by both Science Centre Singapore, and the tour agency. Since we were not the ones that planned the trip, we simply followed the tour guide around to experience the different parts of KL. This made the trip a carefree and comfortable one, which was a great break from school. The trip also brought us together, allowing us to bond before the performance which increased our chemistry with each other. Therefore, I enjoyed myself.
The competition also allowed us to meet new people from different countries, with different acting styles and ideas. The other teams made use of colour, lights, music, dances, and songs to enhance their performance, and we found these tools particularly interesting. The experience of watching their performances, passing gifts, and interacting with them allowed us to understand them much better. We were also exposed to different performance styles, which gave us inspiration on the possibilities of the things we could be doing on stage too.
Although the results we got were definitely a huge plus, the most important thing to me was the entire experience of the competition. Planning, rehearsing, encountering challenges, overcoming them, performing, going through the competition, and travelling. These experiences will always remain as a beautiful memory to me because they taught me so much more about myself, and those around me.
Let's meet again in ISDC'19!


text:
How to charge the Beats Pill 2 when staying in England
How to connect a British power outlet to a Beats Pill 2
Various frequencies and region codes can all cause confusion when planning on staying in another country, especially for the first time traveller. This page has been specifically written to stop travellers worrying if they can power the Beats Pill 2 when going to England.If you are going to travel to England these useful instructions show how to supply power to your Beats Pill 2 using their 230 volt 50Hz G Type power outlet, the Britons will use BS 1363 13 amp plugs for wall outlets. When you are visiting England from a different country check your Beats Pill 2 can be used with a 240v supply. If it was purchased from a country which uses a lower voltage such as 110v make sure the Beats Pill 2 is dual voltage (marked with a 100-240 volt notation) otherwise you may need to use an additional power converter to prevent the device from being damaged during charging.
The following instructions show you how to connect to Beats Pill 2.0 speakers to the British power outlet. Please note that this page refers to the Beats Pill 2.0 and not the original Beats Pill first generation, visit the Beats page on WikiConnections.org for the full range of Beats bluetooth speakers. Before connecting Beats Pill 2.0 speakers to any device we recommend downloading the latest Beats Pill 2.0 firmware update from the official Beats Pill support site [2] using the Update tool for Beats.
Charging a Beats Pill 2 in England
What is the best power charger for a Beats Pill 2 in England?
If travelling with more than your Beats Pill 2 and visiting multiple countries then the best international travel power adapter for England to buy is a multiple USB port charger which includes swappable plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. Because these chargers are supplied with interchangeable pins and handle 100 - 240 volts will mean you can travel to over 100 countries in Europe, Asia, North America and Africa just by changing the supplied heads over. If your model of Beats Pill 2 can support Fast Charge then you'll benefit from quicker charging times with one of these power chargers and compatibility with more power hungry devices like tablets.
Unlike other travel adapters this means you can charge multiple devices at once without needing to pack seperate power chargers or using up additional power outlets. By only needing to pack a single international USB travel charger will also keep the overall size and weight down, making it ideal to store in hand baggage. Due to their versatility these types of travel chargers can be used at home as well as abroad so when you're not travelling they can sit under your bedside table charging multiple tablets, phones and speakers with only a single plug socket.
We suggest searching for this type of versatile travel adapter online - the multipurpose power charger illustrated is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been successfully tested with multiple USB devices in numerous countries.
Alternative travel adapter for England
The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from around the world who only have USB devices such as the Beats Pill 2, however for those also wishing to use their domestic plugs the following power adapters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All 3 power adapters offer surge protection which can be necessary for visitors of counties with unreliable power grids. These travel converters come with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs covering both England and over 150 countries around the world:
- BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK travel converter has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the most popular compact option for travellers originating from North America going to England using 3 pinned type B US plug sockets.
- ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Likewise having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the travel adapter from Orico is also aimed at travellers from the US using type B plugs and is a more cost effective alternative to the BESTEK with one less AC outlet for almost half the price.
- BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has 2 AC outlets but offers a more generous 5 USB charging ports. This versatile power strip is compatible with both American plugs and popular plug types A, D,E/F, G, H, I, L and N making it suitable for a wide range of travellers from around the world visiting England. [7] [AD]
Powering a Beats Pill 2 with a British power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type G USB adapter
Using Type B Micro USB connector and a Type G power charger to power your Beats Pill 2 from a British power outlet.
- In order to charge the Beats Pill 2 from the British power outlet you'll need to use a Type G USB power adapter [5] and a USB 2.0 A Male to Micro B cable [6].
- Start the process by inserting the Type G USB power adapter in the British power outlet. You can identify this wall supply by 3 slots containing plastic shutters forming a triangular pattern for live, neutral and earth pins.
- Then connect one end of the type B USB cord into the power charger and the other end into the power in on a Beats Pill 2. The power in jack can be found at the rear of the speaker to the right of the Bluetooth light.
- Turn on the British power outlet.
- The USB jack will glow red while charging and turn green when fully charged. From a flat battery the charging time is around around three to four hours and the battery life after a complete charge is roughly seven hours. When you have reached 20 percent battery life the socket will turn red and it will need charging again soon.
See also
- What can I connect to a British power outlet?
- What can I connect to a Beats Pill 2?
- Can I charge my phone in Europe?
- Can I use my phone in Europe?
- Do I need a converter for my phone in Europe?
- Will my phone charger work in Europe?
- What are the dangers of using the wrong mobile phone charger in Europe?
- What do I need to charge my phone in Europe?
- How to call the US from Europe
- What plug sockets are used in Europe?
- Will my hairdryer work in Europe?
- Will my hair straighteners work in Europe?
- What is the cheapest airport to fly into in Europe?
- How to travel Europe by train
- How much is a Europass?
- Can I buy Rail Europe tickets at the station?
- Can I buy a rail pass in Europe?
- Can I buy Eurostar tickets on the station?
- Where can I buy Euros from?
- What denominations do Euros come in?
- Can I buy Euros at any bank?
- How do I convert dollars to Euros?
- Can I buy Euros with a credit card?
- Does Sweden use the Euro?
- Does the United Kingdom use the Euro?
- Does Denmark use the Euro?
- How long can an American stay in Europe for?
- Which countries are in the Schengen Area?
- What is the most spoken language in Europe?
- How many different languages are spoken in Europe?
- How many countries are there in Europe?
- What countries are in Eastern Europe?
- What countries are in Western Europe?
- What is Northern Europe?
- What countries are not in the European Union?
External links
We endeavour to ensure that links on this page are periodically checked and correct for suitability. This website may receive commissions for purchases made through links on this page. As an Amazon Associate WikiConnections earn from qualifying purchases. For more details please read the disclaimers page.
- Wikipedia - Wikipedia entry about England
- Beatsbydre - official Beats Pill support site
- iec.ch - Type G power outlet
- Beatsbydre - charging instructions for the Beats Pill 2
- Type G USB power adapter - A Type G USB charger has three thick rectangular blades in a triangular shape with the longer top blade acting as the earthing pin, priced at under £15.
- USB 2.0 A Male to Micro B cable - Used to connect USB devices which have a USB Mini-B port to computers, power supplies and other devices, costing around £5.
- 4 Port USB Wall Charger - A universal USB charger capable of charging up to 4 USB devices with swappable international adapters, priced at £10-£15.


text:
Steve Hetzel is assistant dean of business services for the UW Extended Campus division that serves as an advocate on behalf of adult students and incubates new programs and ideas in collaboration with all 26 campuses of the University of Wisconsin System.
Steve is an accomplished financial leader with extensive experience providing expert interpretations on all levels of financial activities, along with sound recommendations essential to managing all facets of financial operations and bringing innovative ideas to market. He has been an integral member of several key University of Wisconsin System initiatives: The Adult Student Initiative focused on increasing educational attainment among Wisconsin adults to the national average by providing online learning opportunities. Also geared toward adults, the UW Flexible Option, a first of its kind start-up venture, strengthens the connection between education and employment through self-paced, competency-based college options.
Additionally, Steve is adept at working collaboratively across the entire organization to connect accounting and finance with general operations and to bring about positive changes to the organization through educating and training employees, establishing policies and procedures, creating reliable accounting structures, and instituting transparent budgeting, forecasting, and reporting processes. He is also highly skilled at modeling financial data and creating forward-looking analytical models that have been used to assess organizational operations and ascertain the merits and risks of transactions, financial strategies, and investments in new programming endeavors.
Steve's experience includes working in public higher education and the private sector. He holds an M.B.A. with emphasis in Managerial Economics from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater and a B.S. in Accounting from Upper Iowa University. He is a Certified Public Accountant and Six Sigma Black Belt.


text:
Just a quick post. I bought these the day after Boxing Day:
Instagram [x]
Denim jacket from Sportsgirl
Floral bag from Colette
Brogues from Novo
Leaf clips from Equip
My parents also bought me a new phone! I love love love the packaging~ Also have 10GB worth of space for apps, which is beautiful *u* My Samsung S2 only allowed for 2GB and I didn't know I could move to storage space or something until like the day before it broke. TuT;;
Instagram [x]
Hope everyone had a good Christmas! Oh and just in case, have a happy new year!
Till next time~


text:
Asbestos is found in many older buildings in Perth and it can be very harmful to your health. However, while it is vital to have it removed, it is also extremely dangerous when disturbed. Because of this, asbestos removal requires a licensed professional who knows how to handle, positively identify and help you manage the hazards that it can present.
Safe asbestos removal & disposal eliminates the hazard forever – provided it is done with the best control procedures & by competent licensed operators.
The Safe Way of Asbestos Removal in Perth
Asbestos is harmful when inhaled and can lead to:
- Lung cancer
- Mesothelioma – cancer of the chest membranes
- Asbestosis – inflammation affecting the lungs
What to Do If You Identify Asbestos
If you have or suspect you have asbestos in your home, don't panic. The important thing to do is avoid contact with the asbestos. Do not step on, touch, or move asbestos roofing materials.
It's critically important to comply with all statutory requirements regarding the removal of asbestos. By law, you must report the presence of asbestos to your local council. Asbestos removal must be carried out by licensed removal professionals. Do NOT attempt to remove the asbestos yourself.
Call Air Roofing for Asbestos Removal
At Air Roofing, we are a team of licensed and compliant professionals that is able to safely remove asbestos from your home. Removing the asbestos will have an immediate impact on your home or commercial building, creating a safe and healthy environment, and increasing the value of your property.
We provide practical guidance to ensure that your asbestos removal is safe and we conduct removals in strict compliance with statutory requirements. Our team will take every step possible to minimise health risks caused by the presence of asbestos.


text:
"A seamless and stirring mesh of talent...While this nearly all-acoustic set does feature some bluegrassy moments, the album defies easy categorization...All of it is held together by the sublimely soulful feeling that is a hallmark of Last Train Home." - Nick Cristiano, Philadelphia Inquirer
The self-titled release by this stellar band made up of members of the acclaimed East Nashville group Last Train Home (Eric Brace, Jim Gray, Martin Lynds), plus bluegrass legends Mike Auldridge and Jimmy Gaudreau. (You'll know Mike for his work as founding member of the Seldom Scene and Chesapeake, as well as his work with Emmylou Harris, Lyle Lovett and many more. Jimmy was in the Country Gentlemen, Spectrum, the Tony Rice Unit, the Emmylou Harris Band, and many more.)
They got together for fun up in Washington DC in 2002, and something clicked. They don't play out that often, but when they do it's magical. The Skylighters went into the studio in early 2006 to try to capture that magic, and they did just that. What came out of those sessions is this splendid assortment of songs. There's bluegrass, country, honky-tonk, western swing, country-rock, Tin Pan Alley, gospel, and (believe it or not) more. It's no use trying to pigeonhole these fellows. They crash through the roadblocks of musical genres with the accelerator floored.
Track List:
01: See What Love Can Do
02: My Baby's Gone
03: Close the Door Lightly
04: Last Train from Poor Valley
05: Bonaparte's Retreat
06: Nevertheless
07: Are You Missing Me
08: Maybe Tomorrow
09: Dear One
10: Carolina Star
11: Are You Wasting My Time
12: Guess My Heart Has a Mind of its Own
13: I Wish You Knew
14: Going Up Home to Live in Green Pastures


text:
Manchester, Vermont wine, painting, and canvas classes in Manchester BYOB
June 4, Sat, 1-3pm, "Fall at Mt. Equinox" Bridal Shower-Balance
$ 400.00
June 4, Sat, 1-3pm, "Fall at Mt. Equinox" Bridal Shower-Balance
This amateur wine, painting, and canvas class in Manchester features simple step-by-step instruction to help you create a stunning acrylic painting on a 16x20 stretched canvas. Paint outside the lines, no two paintings will be the same, we will help you create your vision!
Tickets: advanced, online sign-up only through our secure server.
Provided: all art materials and tools, art instruction, aprons
Allis State Park
Brookfield, VT


text:
The next time I ran across nude photos, we were visiting a friend in a remote, artistic community, the sort of town to have an eclectic and independent bookstore. That's where I encountered a coffee table book devoted to "Nudes." Big, bold and filled with hundreds of photos, I sat for a long time on the floor, mesmerized. Instinctively, I knew that these were okay to look at; these pictures were different. At the time, I couldn't explain why.
A few stolen viewings of pornographic films seen when I was a young adult left me feeling emotionally bereft. That my body responded with the motions of arousal when I saw what I saw only worsened my shame. Whether someone was titillated by what we saw, even if we were unwilling to admit to it, was the result of people being exploited. For this reason, I mostly avoided it, preferring my private flesh fantasies to watching others fuck for money.
It would take years to realize that for many women sexual desire came from regions several inches above our genitals, and that lubricating vaginas did not necessarily pulse in tempo with our brains and our hearts.
Naked Vs. Nude
For the sake of clarification, I define nudity as a state of intimacy and trust, free from implied or real subjugation, pretense and harm; to be naked, on the other hand, is to be stripped of respect, personal dignity and protection from the consequences, any consequences, of being viewed, objectified and used.
Accordingly, then, art elevates the nude—photographer, subject and viewer as well—so that we are left with a sense of awe and appreciation for the human form. It appeals to our higher mind.
Yes, it is evocative and quite often we may have a sexual response to it, but that is secondary to rendering us free from shame and embarrassment. Nudity sanctifies the human body, and is therefore art. Pornography exploits the human body, and is therefore not.
Porn For The Spirit?
Call me irreverent if you will, but I couldn't help but ask in trademark cheeky and serious form, just what would God/Goddess say about this new breed of porn? If a film could pass this muster, which from my open-minded, vanilla, heterosexual, man-loving feminist AND, perhaps most critical to this essay spiritual POV (don't we all just love labels?), then the whole pornographic kit-and-caboodle got way more intriguing.
Forgive me if it seems to the posse of porn-appreciating readers that I'm coming to these realizations social-eons behind the times. Trying to reconcile Spirituality and Porn in one essay is, quite mildly, impossible to do. This called for research; in this case actually watch some films and talking to the experts.
I reached out to Jennifer Lyon Bell, producer of Matinee (2010, Blue Artichoke Films), a movie she described as an "explicit erotic film" that tells the story of Daniel and Mariah, stage actors who surprise their critics and audience with real sexual heat in response to assessments that the show lacks passion.
Matinee has gotten significant press in Europe, and recently won "Best Short Narrative Film" at the CineKink/NYC Film Festival, "Best Short Film" at the Melbourne Underground Film Festival, and Honorable Mention at the Feminist Porn Awards in Toronto.
I asked Bell, was there a place where naughty could play nice on film and in soul?
"There are a couple of reasons that I think ethically-made alternative pornography, including my own, could be an enjoyable and positive experience for a religious couple," Bell explains. "Through the genuine respect that the lead characters, Daniel and Mariah, have for one another in the film, viewers glimpse the, 'kernel of light' at the center of every really transcendent sexual experience. You feel that the other person has truly seen you and that you have seen them, no matter how long you've actually known each other."
Bell posits that "in truly great sex, the idea of selfishness disappears because your partner's ecstasy becomes your own; you become more and more aroused by seeing them aroused. It's a purely generous feeling. I'd imagine that many people could find that these emotions and feelings reflect and buttress those they are trying to cultivate in their own marriages."
Daniel and Mariah disagree in Matinee
Says Bell, such couples watching Matinee might further be "drawn in by the interesting story and approachable characters, and relate to the film more like one they'd see in the cinema. By the time the sex scene starts gradually, they'd be able to enjoy it without being frozen by the embarrassment of realizing Aack! We're actually watching porn together. And then they might find themselves turned on as the scene grows more intense … I like the idea that, after Matinee is over, the couple might be torn between the desire to discuss the movie's plot and what 'really' happened, and the desire to turn off the film and make love immediately!"
"Does that mean we are in the midst of a creating a new sexual and spiritual film paradigm?" I asked.
"I hope I'm helping, in my own small way, to build that crucial cultural paradigm that delivers us from shame," Bell told me. "As a self-identified 'sex-positive feminist,' I believe that women's lives become more fulfilling when they can express themselves sexually without fear or shame … So many feel isolated because we're not sure if our fantasies or wishes are OK."
Bell's conclusion? That ethically created and female-centered "porn and erotica are creative tools that can help you enjoy an imaginative fantasy, without actually doing anything you find immoral or scary."
Will films such as Matinee convince the spiritual masses that feminist porn is a niche for them, too? There's no telling how a mainstream culture still conflicted about real-life sexuality will ultimately respond to real-life making love on film, but I see it as a possibility.
There's a scene at the end of the movie, after Mariah and Daniel have made love in which she's staring back at her reflection on the mirror, and I couldn't tell who was staring back: the lead actor, her film character, or the character she played in the story within the story. It really didn't matter—all three were smiling, fully satiated and satisfied, humanely glorified.
I wanted to shout, "You go, Girl!" but I had, um, more pressing things to attend to.


text:
The amazing thing about Christian belief is that, somehow, among the billions of possible planets, and the billions of people on this one, divided into innumerable sects and shades of belief — somehow, against all odds, my group got it right! Isn't that amazing? God could be gods, or no god; they could have four heads or five hooves, or could speak only in the language of Zoltran — but no! None of that! By a coincidence beyond "inconceivable," somehow, when it comes to God, I'm the one who wound up being completely right! about everything!
Nothing arrogant about that, right? I mean, obviously, this core belief is as good a reason as any to get mad at people — the ones who don't recognize my superiority, that is — and call them names, ridicule their claims to know more than I do, even kill them. Not that contemporary Christians would do any of that, or at least not the killing. That's medieval. That was when Christians had the power to do such things. They don't anymore, and they won't, and that's too bad — because, aside from the tortures and the murders and the bad science and all that, at least the Middle Ages did give people the Kingdom of God. Right?
And so the question at hand is, how can we get back to that? Because that's what God would want and, of course, he can't do these things without our help.
Well. I'm no authority, but I'd say the first thing to do is to make sure God stays in his place. So let's start with theology. The science of God! Gotta chuckle about that one. Theology tells us that God has to be a Trinity, even though the Bible itself doesn't say so, and nobody can make sense of that — because, without a Trinity of just the right configuration, certain Bible passages will contradict each other. And that's not acceptable because that would mean God wrote an imperfect Bible. Which, in turn, is not acceptable because it would mean that God didn't actually write it and/or that we should not treat it as a legal document, replete with numbering of chapters and verses that God, himself, forgot to add. Neither of those options is acceptable because, really, how can you ever hope to have a religion that completely departs from practicing its founder's most important message about the treatment of other people, if you don't have an infallible scripture with which to overrule him?
So, like I say, the first thing is to help God explain who he is (the Trinity, I mean), and help him provide that explanation in a form that we can lawyer into submission — because, rather pathetically (for an all-knowing deity), he failed to realize that we would need this, so as to have specific reasons for burning people at the stake. Frankly, there are a lot of things that God forgot to put into that Bible, starting with a list of the books that it should include, so that our forbears wouldn't have to spend centuries (continuing to the present) disagreeing about which books those should be, and also including an explanation of how the Bible can be the word of God when it says that, no, Jesus was the word of God.
The question posed by Ms. Olmstead is this: "To what extent are we called to flexibility and empathy in our doctrinal choices?" In other words, if the Bible says something, can we disregard it? For virtually all Christians in America, the answer is a resounding yes, if it happens to be something we don't wish to make part of our religion. There's that classic scene in The West Wing about that, but really we don't need TV for this: everyone knows we can come up with reasons not to stone people, regardless of what God's supposed laws might say. I mean, you have to keep the divinity in his place. He has his laws, and we have ours, right? Am I right?
Ms. Olmstead's title asks, "Where Should Christianity Draw a Line in the Sand?" Because you can only put up with so much guff from these people who (like oneself) selectively decline to treat the Bible as it does not ask to be treated. Because, as I say, by some unbelievable (and I do mean unbelievable) coincidence, when it comes to drawing lines in the sand, it's like Phil Collins says: Jesus, he knows me, and he knows I'm right!
* * * * *
This post was submitted as a comment on an article by Gracy Olmstead in The American Conservative (2018).