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A little more than two years ago, while considering whether to buy a 2012 Fiat 500, I told the sales rep I'd owned two Fiats in the 1970s, and they were a blast to drive, but utterly unreliable. (The Italian automaker withdrew from the U.S. market in the 1980s, as did France's Renault and, for the most part, England's British Leyland, though I think the Brits may have continued to market their iconic Range Rover brand on this side of the pond).
In any event, Fiat returned to the American road in 2012, and my only real concern, I told the rep, was reliability. He assured me that the Italians, like most other European manufacturers, had made great strides over the years, and that their products seemed to be on par with the American brands. Fiat backed up this claim with a four-year, 50,000 warranty (up from the usual 3/36), and also offered free roadside assistance and some other goodies for the first three years. I figured, I'll take a chance; if I have too many problems with the car, I'll sell or trade it after the warranty runs out of gas and the repairs start costing me money, instead of just time and inconvenience.
Well, so far--knock wood--the car has performed flawlessly. No problems whatsoever, not so much as a burned-out light bulb. Consumer Reports, based on customer surveys, rates the 500's reliability as "average," which may not be up to the standards of the Japanese brands, but it's way ahead of Fiat's 1970s products.
Then I started receiving sales pitches in the mail for warranty extensions on the car. Fiat wants me to buy more years and more miles of protection, even though I'm barely half-way into the free guarantee that came with the car. (My mileage, at 20,000, is way below the limit, so that's not a consideration in this case).
Here's where it gets interesting. As a lure for purchasing the extra protection, the company explains how costly it can be to repair or replace major components of the car without said warranty. "The service charge for one repair could easily cover the cost" of the extended warranty, the brochure states. (Via an asterisk, they explain in ultra-fine print, "Actual costs vary by vehicle, repair and dealer.")
OK, so how much could repairs to my Fiat 500 set me back without this vaunted warranty extension? The engine could clip me $4,727, I'm told. The transmission, $3,800. The steering gear, $1,091 (I'm not sure how they come up with that specific a figure, given the asterisk info, but this is a sales pitch, obviously). The radiator -- get this -- $705.
Seven hundred and five bucks for the radiator? Woa! "Audio" is listed at $886 (I assume that's for complete replacement of the top-of-the-line system, which I don't have, but still), the fuel pump is set at $555, and the alternator would cost $443 to repair or replace (almost nobody repairs these engine components any more, so most of these estimates likely specify replacement).
Wow! It would cost an estimated $12,207 to replace these components on a car that cost $18,100 brand-new. Granted, that includes the engine, but still--I better buy the extended warranty, right?
The warranty costs (they offer several levels and time periods) are not specified in the brochures (I've received two so far). But the dealership tried to sell me an exension even before I bought the car, and I remember it being very pricey. Besides, the sales rep assured me about the quality of the product, right?
I just thought this was an interesting contrast in sales pitches between the car itself, and the warranty extension. It's not surprising; in fact, it's perfectly understandable. However, I'm not sure that touting the HIGH cost of replacement parts is a great strategy for long-term viability in the marketplace, whether it be for automobiles or dishwashers, or anything else.
I like my little car, and I wish Fiat well in their return to the American road. They're now offering a larger model here that could sell more briskly than the tiny 500, a specialty model that's not really intended to compete with the likes of Corolla, Civic or Sentra.
But if I were a Fiat marketing guy, I'd be hitting the brakes on advertising the high cost of replacement parts.
buy American you communist


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Fratellos Riverfront Restaurant
We dined outside and it was wonderful. I'm sure our waiter got his steps in for the day!
Good place to eat. Wonderful view and atmosphere.
Amazing food and staff as always. This place always delivers!
Ambience was incredible. We order steaks which was served in a maple juice with vegetables. Look more like a pot roast rather than grilled steaks. Steaks were good not won't order again.
Excellent food & service. We will definitely be back again.
Great all around. Great food, great service and great atmosphere!
Great ambiance, super delicious food and great prices! Just wished there were more of a variety on the menu.
Great place for dinner. The view of the dam is an unusual backdrop for a fancy dinner. I had the steak and scallops and they were awesome. Very friendly staff that was happy to help with our special requests
Stop here every time I am in Appleton. Love everything about this place.
We had a group of 22. Alex provided excellent service. Everyone enjoyed their meal.
Food was delicious at a reasonable price, atmosphere was pleasant, service was good.
Very small portions and bland food. My wife had one of their brunch skillets and she had to coat it with salt and sauce to taste anything. I had the walleye and recieved 1 piece of walleye, 2 small red potatoes, and 8 green beans. The potatoes and beans had no seasoning, but the fish was alright. We had ordered a cheese curd that was greasy and undercooked, not worth the 12 bucks we paid for those dozen or so curds. The dessert selection looked store-bought, we had the lemon cake and it was alright. Overall, we paid 70 dollars for lunch and a few drinks, and went and ate at perkins afterwards. The service was par, though the atmosphere was comfortable and impressive. We won't be returning to Fratellos, not even for the overpriced drinks. Steer clear of this date disaster, you'll pay way to much and wonder if you ate anything at all.
We had excellent service, short wait for food and great Food
Unique, historic, outstanding venue. Very friendly accommodating staff and great food. Always been satisfied every time I go there. Highly recommend it.
Food was delicious but room temperature at best steak was not cooked as I asked
Me and my Husband went on Valentine's day and everything was perfect. Our server was amazing as well. Definitely will be going back.
Great view tasty food just the way we wanted made with not to crazy of an up charge
Beautiful spot on the river near the locks. Food was exceptional & staff efficient &friendly even on a busy Valentines night.
Food and our server were amazing!!! Perfect Valentine's Day dinner
It was very nice. Very good atmosphere right on the water. We watched the river and had great drinks and conversation
Awesome dinning experience
A beautiful space with wonderful service, and a great menu with lots variety.
We arrived early and allowed time for a drink and appetizer both of which were delicious! Our waiter was fantastic, very kind and always greeted us with a smile every time he came to our table. Our meals were very good and my husband and I both commented on how flavorful everything was! We would definitely Eat here again
I would try it again. We ordered a $130 bottle of wine and our entire meal was brought out within 5 minutes of ordering. We didn't have time to enjoy salads or a glass of wine before dinner was served. The sirloin was Corey and chewy, the mashed potatoes were cold. The asparagus was very good and the potatoes had a good flavor, just cold. Didn't understand that since the meals were served so quickly. Scallops were delicious. Server was polite.
Would like to try again, everyone has a bad night. Hoping next time is better.
Food was very good.The prices were a little high,though. Atmosphere and being by the water was amazing! We would come back when in the area again! Service was also great!
We had a party of 9. The venue was very accommodating and everyone's food was delicious.
The food was good, but not great. Steaks were prepared a bit overdone. (ordered medium and received medium well). the steaks were also not as tender as I would have expected.
my wife was very cold the entire evening - granted they sat us by the huge window and it was 15 degrees out, but she wore her coat and scarf the entire time and staff didn't notice.
Wait staff was very pleasant and did a great job getting orders taken and keeping beverages filled, etc.
New year's eve
NYE dinner. Food was very good. Very few complaints. The only things I would change are - the tables were oddly low, especially compared to the chair height, it was uncomfortable, especially for two tall people. Also, the plate sizes were small for what was being served. My boyfriend ordered filet and it was on a rectangular plate that didn't provide much space for cutting a steak and not knocking something into the table.
Neither of these would prevent us from eating there in the future, we will just ask to eat at the bar.
We always having a great service and amazing food.
Beautiful place inside with a nice view on the water.
Thank you guys so much!
Family Christmas brunch. We
LOVE Fratellos. Two of our children were servers there back in the day.
Good service, good food, nice ambiance. Overall good experience.
We were hit $$ pretty heavily for a special order/change to menu item.
Very cool space— my food wasn't great, but maybe I made a poor choice. Burrito Black Bean Bowl.
We wanted to sit by the windows to look out at the river but it was freezing and there was cold air blowing right on us. The ambiance is very nice and is a great place to bring guests. Normally, we enjoy our food but this last visit the food was not good. There were 5 of us and I don't think anyone would have ordered food there again due to the price and food not being very tasty.
Group of 10- good food, good portions. Service was a bit stressed with large groups that night, but nothing too major.
Beautiful atmosphere and tasty food. Great service and management team. Always easy to make a reservation.
Birthday-loved the sparklers in the cupcakes.
We came in on the Sunday night of a snowstorm but it didn't stop us from making our reservation! Carissa & Staff made us feel very welcome and we able to get a lovely table next to the window overlooking the water! Food was delicious and our Date night was a success!
Had a wonderful anniversary dinner. They were kind enough to provide us a table by the window as requested and our waiter was excellent (sorry I can't recall his name). Our meals were very good as well. Overall a five star experience!
OpenTable ダイナー272名によるFratellos Riverfront Restaurantの評価は4.5☆です。


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Product Description
We've all been told as far back as we can remember that exercise is one of the biggest keys to a long and healthy life. This is true, but only if it's being done in healthy ways. In his second book, Bobby explains in detail how many of todays exercise programs and instruction is causing much more harm than good. With chapters titled "Pumping Irony", "Muscle or Madness", and "Built in America; a failing joint effort", Bobby clearly exposes the many harmful and painful side effects caused by abusing the body with exercise.


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by Calculated Risk on 10/31/2011 12:45:00 PM
Monday, October 31, 2011
Restaurant Performance Index increased in September
From the National Restaurant Association: Restaurant Performance Index Rose Above 100 in September, as Sales and Traffic Levels Improved
Buoyed by stronger same-store sales and customer traffic levels, the National Restaurant Association's Restaurant Performance Index (RPI) topped the 100 mark in September for the first time in three months. The RPI – a monthly composite index that tracks the health of and outlook for the U.S. restaurant industry – stood at 100.1 in September, up 0.7 percent from August and its highest level since June. In addition, September represented the first time in three months that the RPI stood above 100, the level above which signifies expansion in the index of key industry indicators.Click on graph for larger image.
"The September increase in the Restaurant Performance Index was fueled by improvements in the same-store sales and customer traffic indicators," said Hudson Riehle, senior vice president of the Research and Knowledge Group for the Association. "Among the forward-looking indicators, restaurant operators are more optimistic about sales growth in the months ahead, while their outlook for the overall economy remains cloudy."
Restaurant operators reported stronger same-store sales in September. ... Restaurant operators also bounced back from a sluggish August performance to report net positive customer traffic levels in September.
The index increased to 100.1 in September (abpve 100 indicates expansion).
Unfortunately the data for this index only goes back to 2002.
Last month I wrote: "August was an especially weak economic month following the debt ceiling debate, and it will be interesting to see if these indicators show some rebound in September and October." This is a small rebound, but this suggests the recent dip might have been partially due to the default threat.
Posted by Calculated Risk on 10/31/2011 12:45:00 PM


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Learn about making a great website, and the process is much easier. For the most part, a lot of what you see on today's internet has been created through a web page design software program. Keep reading for excellent ideas on choosing the best design options for your website.
It's not the 90's anymore, so stay away from using frames. Back then, they were the height of technology, but technology has moved on. Frame-based designs cause readers to have trouble bookmarking your site, and scrolling can also prove burdensome. You have much better options with which to help visitors go through the site.
Keep your page sizes to a minimum. Every Internet user does not have lighting fast speeds. If your site takes too long to load, you may lose visitors. If a user has to wait for each page to download, they may leave your site altogether.
It is essential to test the pages in your website to be certain they look as they should on every different browser; a successful site needs to display correctly in all browsers. Even though your website may display perfectly on Internet Explorer, this doesn't mean that it will look the same on Chrome, Safari, or Firefox. Before uploading your site, give each page a look in each of the more popular web browsers.
To help you design a nice looking website, purchase one of the many web design programs that are on the market today. These programs are user-friendly and will help you create great websites really quick. Having an attractive site is crucial for drawing in traffic.
Buy web design software to help you build a nice site. This type of software is a lifesaver and extremely easy to use. Before long you will be designing some eye-catching sites to add to your portfolio. If your site doesn't look nice, you won't get many visitors to it.
Build a feedback-gathering mechanism into a website to gather visitors' opinions. This way, if something is missing or they don't understand how to use your page, you can fix it accordingly. If a visitor feel involved, he or she will want to see your website again.
Always keep your load times under 10 seconds. You want your site to load quickly on the browser of whoever is visiting your page. Most online users crave instant gratification, so your success relies on providing it.
Do not allow pop-up windows on your site. The average user finds pop-up windows to be an annoying distraction, rather than something useful. If customers see these popups and get frustrated, they may not come back to your site.
Keep the front page of your site simple. People scanning websites glance quickly at each site they see, so of you front page is simple enough and shows them what they desire, then they are likely to stay. Be descriptive, but try to do so in just a few words.
The file types that you utilize for your website's graphics directly affect file sizes which in turn affect how quickly your website loads. Generally you are better off using GIFs or JPEGs for your graphics. PNG and BMP may work better for graphic creation, nut they usually have larger files sizes. Try converting images files to smaller sizes to make sure everyone that visits your site has a good experience.
The beginning web designer can use Photoshop to make their website look great. These programs make it easier to create professional, attractive content for websites. Building a site from scratch can be overwhelming for amateur designers, so take advantage of design tools and programs that can do some of the heavy lifting for you.
If you have a number of website ideas in mind, it is wise to purchase a domain name right away. Come up with something inventive, something that people will remember. However, reserve it right away, because these names go fast. Surprisingly, many people may have the same idea as each other. We are all stimulated by the same media and social events.
It does not matter how you have designed your website; you have to make sure that every file has a small file size. The smaller the size of each of your files, the quicker your pages will load. Of course, having your website load quickly is the best scenario for visitors. Remember that not all people who visit your site will have a high-speed connection to the Internet. Perform tests on your website to make sure that it loads fast, even when a dial-up connection is used.
Text Editor
Consider visitors when constructing your site. Do you know what the user's needs are? Factors of note are usability, accessibility, user experience and interaction. These are vital considerations you must take into account. Always look at things through the eyes or screen of the viewer.
Development platforms build the code for you, however, they really are not as dependable as a regular text editor. The idea behind platform is that you are responsible for designing site features, then just paste in the generated code. It makes things simple, but it can create some bulky, messy code. To make things more error-free, working the old fashioned way, via a text editor, is the smarter approach.
Try making navigation as clear and easy as possible. Navigation links are very important for any site and controls how much time a visitor spends on your site. Navigation must be simple and clear to better the user experience.
Practice each step of website creation until you have it down pat. This is important so that you will understand well how each step fits into the bigger picture and becomes easier for you to handle. You don't want to move deep into your site's design and realize too late that you don't understand something important.
Utilize conditional loading and CSS pages when you are building your site. Doing this will make it easier to test and maintain your website. You want to have an easy time making changes and doing the inevitable maintenance you'll need on your site in the future.
Start investing in books and resources that help you learn to be successful with your website development. Begin with books that teach to your skill level, and progress from there. It is important to learn quickly, but you should ensure that you are not skipping any vital information!
Resist the urge to use pop-ups ads on your site. A big part of web design is definitely integrating PPC ads to earn a few bucks, but having ads that pop-up and obstruct your visitors' view is just annoying. It will end up driving visitors away instead of getting them to read and click. Keep the ads you do use simple; you don't need crazy pop-ups.
You really should have a dedicated space set aside, where you can design websites and manage your own site. Remove distractions and set up your work station in a way that allows you to jump into work quickly, and accomplish tasks efficiently. Your tools should be easy to access, and you should organize your work space to concentrate on your design.
Hosting your own site is a bad idea, even if you've got the money to do it. Even if you create the basic design yourself, do not fall into the trap of spending the inordinate amounts of time necessary to host it yourself.
You may come across many different tips and designs to suit your needs, so be selective and creative while in the design phase. Develop your own designs and features, as well as improving upon ones that you have seen on other sites. By taking this particular step, you have helped maximize all your hard work in website design.
Photoshop is a well-known editing program that is important to learn about in order to have successful website designs. Dreamweaver is less well known, but is another program you should look into.
There should be a tagline for each page in your site, that is clear and easy to understand. This slogan should be prominently displayed near the top of the page and be in bold text, so that visitors can't miss it. The tagline itself is for informative purposes. It should quickly define the current page or its purpose, if you will. This can easily make or break a visit to the site.
Keep the curiosity of your visitor in mind. Don't disrupt the natural flow of his or her exploration of your site. Don't push surveys in their face that they have to continue to keep using your site. Forcing viewers to complete surveys or follow links will almost always ruins your website's reputation.
Never be forceful in the direction a viewer wants to take. Don't push surveys in their face that they have to continue to keep using your site. While you may make a little bit of money off of these annoying interruptions in the short run, you are more likely to lose a viewer permanently.
Don't write above the reading level of most of your visitors. Not all users will be well educated, and some may actually be beginning readers. To build an audience, your visitors need to be able to comprehend the information you're publishing.
Open Source Software
Keep in mind that not everyone visiting your website will have a fast Internet speed. For example, converting your videos at 5,000 kb/s may be too fast for a user's connection to handle. These people will have to wait for a long time to watch the video, and the video may freeze frequently while waiting for more data to load.
Remember — website creation doesn't need to cost a lot. Every expensive tool has an affordable counterpart that works just as well. You can do many of the same things with open source software as can be accomplished with expensive software, and open source software is completely free! Utilizing open source software can help you save a significant amount of money.
A visual sitemap should be made so that you are able organize your next steps in an effective manner. The use of a visual sitemap will allow you to see how things are developing. You can also find places that require improvement or maintenance. There isn't a substitute for a concise, clear visual map of your project.
This helps with your design process, since you learn as you work. Learn one aspect of website design, and then move on to the next. This could lengthen the time it takes to build your initial site, but you'll learn how to expertly crank them out by the time you're done.
Consider duplicating code you already have to create new pages for your site. Rather than making a fresh HTML code for each page that you have, simply copy the most important part of the code, change it in certain places, and save it under a new file name. Having this master copy to work from will speed up the process of designing each new page!
It is very important to always consider what types of security the website has. SSL certificates go a long with for security. Additionally, you should consult your website host and look for security features that will be offered with your package.
Avoid using Flash applications when designing your website. Flash may seem high-tech and splashy, but it might cause a visitor's computer to load slowly and lag. Don't forget that some tablet PCs and mobile phones do not have Flash enabled, which could also ruin a site visitor's experience, causing them to avoid your site.
A visual sitemap can help you with advanced planning. It gives you an overview of exactly what your site's structure is. Going from here, you are going to be able to identify if any areas are going to need improvement, or if you neglected an area. There is no substitute for a clear visual of the project.
Do your best to set aside slots of time for each day that are strictly dedicated to working on your website. Don't be too stingy with your time though. A decent number of hours need to be set aside for this work, not just 15 minutes haphazardly. Focusing on your web design efforts means putting in research and effort. However, this will pay off by helping you commit what you have learned to memory.
Website Development
Draw up plans that detail exactly how you want your webpages to look like to your visitors. Show your family and friends your sketches to get their feedback, so you can get a sense of others' opinions of your site.
As previously stated, web design has many aspects like finding a program to make it easier. When you follow simple rules and instructions, you can really do well with website development. Use the tips provided here to improve your understanding of website development tools and techniques.
Maintain some hunger and desire for new web design ideas and information to stay on top of your game. Every aspect of technology is evolving rapidly, and if you fail to keep up, your website will suffer. There are many blogs out there to keep you updated.


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Bottom line: Pizza for brunch works at Pulino's on the Lower East Side.
- Get a brunch pizza (funghi & eggs or spinaci are delicious options)
- Check out the bathroom!
Food: The brunch menu covers all bases - from traditional eggs and granola dishes to a variety of pizza options. I would definitely recommend the pizza, here are some highlights:
- Funghi & eggs pizza: Topped with eggs, mushrooms, pancetta, mascarpone + grana - probably my favorite of the pizzas, almost like eating a thin omelet on delicious pizza crust!
- Spinaci pizza: With eggs, spinach, mozzarella, mascarpone + grana, a great vegetarian option.
- Pancetta affumicata: Covered in eggs, bacon, crème fraîche + caramelized onions - definitely the most flavorful with a smokey, sweet and savory blend.
Atmosphere: Loved the whiskey bottle-lined walls throughout the restaurant (where did they get all those bottles... and who drank them?) The LES restaurant has a lofty feel with high ceilings, yet also feels a bit like an old school diner with white tiles and booths against the walls. Great service and overall very good atmosphere.
Pulino's: 282 Bowery, 212.226.1996
Saturday & Sunday brunch: 10:00AM - 4:30PM


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Chick Corea
STARmeterSEE RANK
Up 55,383 this week
Chick Corea was born Armando Anthony Cores on June 12, 1941, in Chelsea, Massachussetts, USA. He began studying piano at the age of four. He started professional career with Cab Calloway, then continued with the bands of Mongo Santamaria, trumpeter Blue Mitchell, flutist Herbie Mann and saxophonist Stan Getz. Chick Corea made his recording debut ... See full bio »
Born:in Chelsea, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
More at IMDbPro » Contact Info: View agent, publicist, legal on IMDbPro


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Christianity and Vodou in Haiti (Part 3) (En Kreyol e Angle)
Christianity and Vodou in Haiti (Part 3) (En Kreyol e Angle)
Christianity and Vodou in Haiti (Part 3) (En Kreyol e Angle)
Here's my new article that just got published in Theology Today:
"Redefining cultural, national, and religious identity: The Christian–Vodouist dialogue?" Theology Today, 2016, Vol. 73(3) 241–262
Let me know what you think.
This essay examines the work of two prominent progressive Haitian Theologians: Laënnec Hurbon, a Catholic Theologian and former Priest, and Jean Fils-Aimé, a Protestant Theologian and former Pastor in Montreal, and their interaction with the Vodou religion. Both thinkers have written prolifically about the three major religious expressions in Haiti and the enduring religious conflict between Protestantism, Catholicism, and Vodou in the Caribbean nation. The history of relations between Christianity—both Protestant and Catholic—and Vodou in Haiti is marked by a high degree of combativeness, hostility, and discomfort. To resolve the religious tension between Haitian Vodou and Haitian Christianity, Hurbon has suggested a frank ecumenical dialogue between Vodou, Catholicism, and Protestantism, and carefully demonstrated the legitimation of Vodou in the Haitian experience and life. In the same line of thought, Fils-Aimé has recommended an inter-religious dialogue between the two religious traditions, and brilliantly argued for the inculturation of the Vodou faith in Haitian Protestantism and culture. Through their work, both thinkers continue to campaign for more religious tolerance, pluralism, and religious inclusivism in Haitian society. I am suggesting that the Catholic theologian Laënnec Hurbon in his classic work Dieu dans le vaudou haı¨tien (1972) has inaugurated what we phrase the Christian–Vodouist compromissory tradition. Following the footsteps of Hurbon, Fils-Aimé in his controversial and learned work Vodou, je me souviens, published in 2007, has done for Haitian Protestantism what Hurbon has achieved for Haitian Catholicism—pushing forward the idea of the inculturation of Vodou culture and practices in Protestant Christianity in Haiti—within the framework of a Protestant– Vodouist compromissory tradition.
Between History and Myth: Three Perspectives on the Role of Religion in Haiti's National History and the Haitian Revolution
Generally, there are three main interpretations of Haiti's national history and the watershed historical moment of the Haitian Revolution (1791-1804), in which the dynamics between religion, myth, and history became a scholarly and intellectual investigation and curiosity. The three perspectives of the unfolding events leading to the Haitian Revolution and the successful birth of the Haitian state and concurrently the ultimate abolition of slavery in Saint-Domingue include the Protestant version of Haitian History, the Vodouist version of Haitian History, and the Secular (non-theistic) version of the Haitian History. The goal of this short essay is to briefly recapitulate these three ideological approaches, and to articulate an alternative view.
First, the Protestant (Christian) version of Haitian history states that in August 14, 1791, a group of enslaved Africans gathered in a secret Vodou meeting at Bois Caiman (a little place outside of the city of Cap-Haitien, Haiti, and about two to three miles from the entrance gate of Plaine du Nord), sacrificed a pig as part of their religious-Vodou ritual, and dedicated the country of Haiti to the Devil so they could be free from the tyranny of slavery and French colonization. Protestant Haitian Christians have interpreted this historic meeting as a demonic pact. From that point on, Haiti has been cursed because of that (1) historical pact their African ancestors made with the Devil, and (2) that the Vodou religion to which Haitian ancestors committed themselves is an evil religion. Consequently, many Haitian Christians and Church leaders, both in Haiti and the Haitian diaspora, equate Vodou with devil worshipping and directly associated the Afro-Haitian religion with stricken-poverty characterized Haiti's contemporary society and the plight of the majority of Haitian population. Vodou does not truly liberate people; rather, it keeps its adherents in in profound spiritual bondage and material poverty.
Second, the Vodouist perspective of Haitian history argues that in August 14, 1791, a group of enslaved Africans, many of whom were Vodou priests and Vodouizan, gathered in a secret Vodou meeting in a plantation plain called Bois Caiman, made a pact among themselves—not with the Devil as the Protestants claim—and swore to be free or die. Vodouizan also contend that most of the military leaders and commanders of the Haitian Revolution (1791-1803) were also Vodou priests who not only mobilized the rancorous enslaved population to freedom and independence, they provided encouragement, spiritual comfort, and eventually led Haiti to become the first independent Black-Republic in the Western world. As a result, in the Vodouist interpretation of the Haitian history, the Vodou religion is interpreted as the catalyst that empowered the slaves toward freedom out of slavery and independence from French colonialism. Vodou is both Haiti's (ancestral) spiritual and cultural heritage which all Haitians should promote and preserve. People in this tradition also maintain that Vodou is the religion of the Haitian majority, and it is the faith that sustains the Haitian people from the beginning to the present.
Finally, the Secular (non-theistic) version of Haitian History affirms that Bois Caiman is a fabrication and national myth in Haitian History. It never happened because there were no contemporary eyewitness accounts that attested to the historical credibility and accuracy of that nocturnal meeting, and that it is difficult to know exactly what really transpired in the night of August 14, 1791, if it even happened. The written accounts of the historic night should be understood as pseudo historiographies which were written many years after the actual event took place by travel writers and historians who fabricated the story of the Bois Caiman event. These written accounts should be seen as embroidered accounts of an acceptable national myth. The alternative idea advanced by proponents of this school of thought is that generous number (about 30 to 40 %?) of the African slaves, who were transported to the Saint-Domingue island in the period of the Haitian Revolution—that is at the end of eighteenth century—came from the kingdom of Kongo; they were prominent soldiers and men of war who possessed incredible military skills and strategies, and knew how to win a war. The success of the Haitian Revolution of 1804 can only be attributed to African military genius—not to religious piety or dependence to a Supreme Being/God.
Toward a More Inclusive Interpretation of Haitian History: An Alternative View
Both Protestant and Vodouist interpretations of Haiti's national History and the Haitian Revolution acknowledge the theistic or divine element of Haitian History. The non-theistic secular interpretation rejects the doctrine of divine providence in human history because, in a sense, it contradicts the critical nature and study of human history and the clear delineation between observable historical facts and myth-making/fiction. The Vodouist version of Haitian history champions ancestral cultural traditions and practices, and see Africa as the center piece of Haitian cultural and religious identity. By contrast, the Protestant version of Haitian history undermines the ancestral religious traditions and spirituality of the Haitian people because it contradicts Christian morality and the belief in the only Triune God. In fact, the Protestant narrative attests that when an individual is converted to the Christian faith, his/her national identity and racial identity do not matter anymore because in Christ, God is creating one race, one people, and one collective Christian identity. Protestant Haitian Christians also stress that Jesus is the substance of Haitian identity because in him, God is also creating a new Haiti in contemporary Haitian society. Vodou is the antithesis of Christianity. Haitian Protestant Christians unapologetically affirm that Christianity is the only true religion of the living God and the true religion of human liberation. Finally, the Protestant perspective maintains the idea that Haiti is cursed because at its beginning, the founders failed to dedicate the country to God, but did so to the Devil.
Beyond the explored three multiple viewpoints of Haitian history, as highlighted in the aforementioned paragraphs, the Islamic version of Haitian history and the Haitian Revolution has been neglected by both Haitian and Haitianist historians and thinkers. Recent studies on the Haitian Revolution and the religious culture of the Africans in the time of the Haitian Revolution have demonstrated the Islamic element of the Haitian Revolution, and the fact of Islamic piety in the colonial life in Saint-Domingue. However, the Islamic interpretation of the Haitian history is not a new perspective; proponents of this school of thought maintain that a large number of the enslaved population at Saint-Domingue and iconic leaders of the pre-revolutionary era (i.e. Francois Makandal) and the Haitian Revolution (i.e. Dutty Boukman) were fervent adherents (i.e. Fatima) to Islam. Some of these slaves came from countries that had enjoyed an incredibly Islamic influence and political rule and peace such as Senegal (i.e. the Askia dynasty of Sudan), Ghana (i.e.The Mossi Empire of modern-day Ghana), Nigeria (i.e. the Bornu Empire), etc. In contemporary Haitian society, the Islamic perspective of the Haitian Revolution has attracted a new cadre of Haitian intellectuals who rejected both the Vodouist and Christian interpretations of Haiti's national history and the Haitian Revolution. This attitude is also due to a reinterpretation of Haitian history in the light of the Islamic past of the Caribbean nation, and that Islam continues to spread progressively its wings in various parts of the country.
In all of the four perspectives discussed above, there's a high level of hermeneutical exaggeration of Haitian history, the historical data, and the Haitian Revolution, which is presented to us as "historical certainty." The individuals who prefer a religious interpretation of Haiti's national history and the Haitian Revolution emphasize the importance of their own religion in the success of the unfolding events of the Haitian Revolution and the triumph of human freedom, and human rights and dignity in global history. They also accentuate the functional role of religion in the process of social and political transformation, and the reversal of human oppression and political tyranny. It is impossible for the champions of this view to conceive the human experience and human history without the divine imprint and God's direct intervention in gearing human actions and modifying certain historical events toward his desired goal in the best interest and good of all people. On the other hand, the secular approach of the Haitian Revolution counters the theistic thesis.
In addition, first of all, the Africans who gathered in the night of August 14, 1791 to plan their freedom and independence from white rule and the labyrinth of slavery did not make a pact with the devil. It is an "evangelistic strategy" that right-wing Haitian Protestants promulgated to win converts and create collective fear among the Haitian people. The Protestant Haitian narrative seeks to foster a new national consciousness in the Caribbean nation in order that Protestant Haitian Christianity might win Haiti for Christ and transform Haiti into a (Protestant) Christian nation. (Interestingly, from the founding moment of the new Haitian state, in the first Haiti's Constitution, Catholic Christianity was declared the official religion of the Haitian state; technically, Haiti began as a Christian nation—not by individual confession or commitment to the Christian faith and values—but for political expediency and affiliation with the so-called "Christian nations" in the Western world). White American and European missionaries created this tragic narrative to demonize the Vodou religion, disvalue the African element of the Haitian culture, and Christianize and westernize the Haitian people. Haitian Protestant Christians unashamedly believe this discourse; they even own it and now boldly proclaim this peculiar narrative about the ambivalent role of religion and history in Haitian history. This attitude is such a terrible strategy to proselytize people to Protestant Christianity. There are more effective and biblical ways to win the "lost Haitian soul" for the Kingdom of God and its Christ. We reject the Protestant interpretation of Haitian history; it is pseudo-history. Haitian Christians do not have to lie about or exaggerate the religious history of Haiti to magnify God and validate the truthfulness of the Gospel message to their fellow Haitians. God is bigger than human history and religion, which we have created.
Secondly, the meeting that took place in Bois Caiman in August 14, 1791, was not strictly a "religious gathering;" rather, it was a "political meeting" that was inspired by various religious forces: African traditional religions, Christianity, and Islam. The summit did happen although it is impossible to demarcate with accuracy the precise historical elements and details of this historic event. This is where history and fiction meets.
Finally, we should embrace a more inclusive interpretation of Haiti's national history and the Haitian Revolution, which would affirm the remarkable contributions of both enslaved and free African Christians, Muslims, and African Vodouists to the freedom and independence of the Haitian people from colonial bondage, political totalitarianism, and the institution of slavery. The faith of the Africans who were brought to Saint-Domingue was not monolithic nor have the Africans subscribed to a homogeneous interpretation of religion. A lot of countries, which Haitian ancestors came from, were already Islamized and Christianized—such as Kongo, Gabon, Angola, Senegal, Sudan, Ghana, Nigeria, etc. The enslaved population that was compulsorily transported to the island of Saint-Domingue to work in the New World's agricultural plantation system were ethnically, linguistically, and religiously diverse. They were fervent Christians, Muslims, and Vodouists. Some were even non-religious for since the beginning of creation and time men and women have challenged the social construct of religion and even rebelled against God their Creator.
*To learn more about this important topic, I recommend two important articles: "The Rhetoric of Prayer: Dutty Boukman, The Discourse of "Freedom from Below," and the Politics of God," Journal of Race, Ethnicity, and Religion 2:9 (June 2011):1-33, and "Redefining cultural, national, and religious identity: The Christian–Vodouist dialogue?" Theology Today, 2016, Vol. 73(3) 241–262
Link to the first essay (PDF document):
Link to the second essay (PDF document):
Hello, Friends: Attached are the discounted flyers and order forms for both books: Vodou in Haitian Memory: The Idea and Representation of Vodou in Haitian Imagination (Lexington Books, May 2016) by Celucien L. Joseph and Nixon Cleophat, and Vodou in the Haitian Experience: A Black Atlantic Perspective (Lexington Books, May 2016) by Celucien L. Joseph and Nixon Cleophat.
With this flyer and order form , you can purchase both texts at a substantial discounted price. Click on the individual link below to download the form. It is in the PDF format.
Please circulate widely!
Joseph & Cleophat Vodou in the Haitian Experience International Flyer2
Joseph & Cleophat Vodou in Haitian Memory International Flyer1
Hello, Friends: Please allow me to share my two new books with you, which are published by Lexington Books (2016). Dr. Nixon Cleophat and I edited both volumes on Haitian Vodou: Vodou in the Haitian Experience: A Black Atlantic Perspective , and Vodou in Haitian Memory: The Idea and Representation of Vodou in Haitian Imagination. Both texts can be ordered on the publisher's website, amazon.com, or any online bookstore.
One glaring lacuna in studies of Haitian Vodou is the scarcity of works exploring the connection between the religion and its main roots, traditional Yoruba religion. Discussions of Vodou very often seem to present the religion in vacuo, as a sui generis phenomenon that arose in Saint-Domingue and evolved in Haiti, with no antecedents. What is sorely needed then is more comparative studies of Haitian Vodou that would examine its connections to traditional Yoruba religion and thus illuminate certain aspects of its mythology, belief system, practices, and rituals. This book seeks to bridge these gaps.
Vodou in the Haitian Experience studies comparatively the connections and relationships between Vodou and African traditional religions such as Yoruba religion and Egyptian religion. Such studies might enhance our understanding of the religion, and the connections between Africa and its Diaspora through shared religious patterns and practices. The general reader should be mindful of the transnational and transcultural perspectives of Vodou, as well as the cultural, socio-economic, and political context which gave birth to different visions and ideas of Vodou.
The chapters in this collection tell a story about the dynamics of the Vodou faith and the rich ways Vodou has molded the Haitian narrative and psyche. The contributors of this book examine this constructed narrative from a multicultural voice that engages critically the discipline of ethnomusicology, drama, performance, art, anthropology, ethnography, economics, literature, intellectual history, philosophy, psychology, sociology, religion, and theology. Vodou is also studied from multiple theoretical approaches including queer, feminist theory, critical race theory, Marxism, postcolonial criticism, postmodernism, and psychoanalysis.
Ann E. Mazzocca
Second-Generation Haitian Dyaspora
Kantara Souffrant
Barbara Lewis
Charlotte Hammond
Part II. Vodou and African Traditional Religions
Patrick Delices
Bronwyn Mills
Patricia Marie-Emmanuelle Donatien
Tammie Jenkins
Patricia Scheu (Mambo Vye Zo Komande LaMenfo)
The "Recent African Single-Origin Hypothesis" and the Comparison of World Religions
Benjamin Hebblethwaite and Michel Weber
Throughout Haitian history—from 17th century colonial Saint-Domingue to 21st century postcolonial Haiti—arguably, the Afro-Haitian religion of Vodou has been represented as an "unsettling faith" and a "cultural paradox," as expressed in various forms and modes of Haitian thought and life including literature, history, law, politics, painting, music, and art. Competing voices and conflicting ideas of Vodou have emerged from each of these cultural symbols and intellectual expressions. The Vodouist discourse has not only pervaded every aspect of the Haitian life and experience, it has defined the Haitian cosmology and worldview. Further, the Vodou faith has had a momentous impact on the evolution of Haitian intellectual, aesthetic, and literary imagination; comparatively, Vodou has shaped Haitian social ethics, sexual and gender identity, and theological discourse such as in the intellectual works and poetic imagination of Jean Price-Mars, Dantes Bellegarde, Jacques Roumain, Jacques Stephen Alexis, etc. Similarly, Vodou has shaped the discourse on the intersections of memory, trauma, history, collective redemption, and Haitian diasporic identity in Haitian women's writings such as in the fiction of Edwidge Danticat, Myriam Chancy, etc.
The chapters in this collection tell a story about the dynamics of the Vodou faith and the rich ways Vodou has molded the Haitian narrative and psyche. The contributors of this book examine this constructed narrative from a multicultural voice that engages critically the discipline of ethnomusicology, drama, performance, art, anthropology, ethnography, economics, literature, intellectual history, philosophy, psychology, sociology, religion, and theology. Vodou is also studied from multiple theoretical approaches including queer, feminist theory, critical race theory, Marxism, postcolonial criticism, postmodernism, and psychoanalysis.
Table of Contents
Part I: Vodou, Modernity, Resistance, and Haitian Cultural Identity and Nationalism
Chapter One: James Theodore Holly, Fabre Geffrard, and the Construction of a "Civilized' Haiti"
Brandon R. Byrd
Chapter Two: Oath To Our Ancestors: The Flag of Haiti is Rooted in Vodou
Patrick Delices
Part II. Vodou, Vodouphobia, and Haitian Male Intellectuals and Cultural Critics
Chapter Three: The Role of Vodou in the Religious Philosophy of Jean Price-Mars
Celucien L. Joseph
Chapter Four: Jacques Stephen Alexis, Haitian Vodou and Medicine: Between Cure and Care
Shallum Pierre
Part III. Vodou, Christian Theology, and Collective Redemption
Chapter Five: Haitian Vodou: The Ethics of Social Sin & the Praxis of Liberation
Nixon S. Cleophat
Chapter Six: Vodouphobia and Afrophobic Discourse in Haitian Thought: An Analysis of Dantès Bellegarde's Religious Sensibility
Celucien L. Joseph
Chapter Seven: Haitian Vodou, a Politico-Realist Theology of Survival: Resistance in the Face of Colonial Violence and Social Suffering
Nixon S. Cleophat
Part IV. Vodou, Memory, Trauma, and Haitian Women Intellectuals and Cultural Critics
Chapter Eight: Vodou Symbolism and "Poto Mitan:" Women in Edwidge Danticat's Work
Myriam Moïse
Chapter Nine: Writing from lòt bò dlo: Vodou Aesthetics and Poetics in Edwidge Danticat and Myriam Chancy
Anne Brüske and Wiebke Beushausen
Chapter Ten: The Economics of Vodou: Haitian Women, Entrepreneurship, and Empowerment
Crystal Andrea Felima


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Category: Prebiotics & Probiotics
Foods that contain prebiotic fiber
Where to Find Prebiotic Fiber Foods: And What Other Options Are Available? Prebiotic fiber foods can be very beneficial to our digestive system. There are various ways we can gain the benefits that prebiotics have to offer. In here, we will discuss the sources of prebiotics and what they can do to our gut. Prebiotics […] Read more
Non Dairy Probiotics
Looking for Non Dairy Probiotics? There Might Be a Better Option People who want to keep their digestive system healthy may be looking at probiotics for some help, although some may be particularly looking for non dairy probiotics. Those who have allergic reactions to dairy products are the most likely to belong to the latter. […] Read more
Acidophilus Probiotics
Understanding What Acidophilus Probiotics Can Do Acidophilus probiotics are naturally occurring bacteria found in the digestive system. It can also pertain to a type of probiotic nutritional supplement that contains the acidophilus specie, which is part of the Lactobacillus family of bacteria. What they can do Primarily, these good bacteria protect the stomach from […] Read more
Probiotics for Constipation in Toddlers
Safety Issues in Using Probiotics for Constipation in Toddlers For years now, adults have been using probiotics for constipation. In toddlers however, the issue may be more sensitive than it is for adults. For one, toddlers or kids are more likely to react negatively to new supplements or medications or even food. Before giving your […] Read more
Probiotics for Constipation in Children
Probiotics for Constipation in Children: Do They Really Work? The use of probiotics for constipation in children has garnered a lot of support from experts. A lot of studies have touted the benefits that probiotics can provide to the human digestive system. However, in the past few years, experts have found out that prebiotics may […] Read more
Prebiotics in Pregnancy
Prebiotics in Pregnancy: Nutritional Tips for a Healthy Baby Becoming more nutritionally conscious is one of the things that moms-to-be have in common, and prebiotics in pregnancy is one of the issues that are gaining ground when it comes to gestational health. But what are prebiotics and how do they help ensure a healthy pregnancy […] Read more
Compare Probiotics Drinks
Compare Probiotics Drinks: Which Are the Best? There are various reports that compare probiotics drinks. The thing is, each and every one of them offers some sort of benefits to the human body, particularly in relation to digestive health. However, there are other elements that can make these drinks even more effective. Probiotic drinks Probiotics […] Read more
Probiotics Lactose Intolerance
Probiotics Lactose Intolerance Connection: Is One Beneficial to the Other? There are many questions asked by people taking probiotics. Lactose intolerance concerns are just some of them. Can people with lactose intolerance take probiotics? Let us find out. Probiotics for digestive health Probiotics are live microorganisms that help keep the gut safe from bad […] Read more
When to Take Prebiotics
When to Take Prebiotics: Improving the Quality of Your Daily Life When to take prebiotics is one of the more common questions asked by those interested in these food ingredients. The right time depends on your convenience, but it is better if you have daily doses of these useful ingredients to keep you going and […] Read more
Uses of Prebiotics
The Many Uses of Prebiotics: How They Affect Our Daily Lives The uses of prebiotics are varied, but mostly, they are beneficial to our digestive systems and therefore, to our overall health. You might have heard of them before but may not be very clear of what they can do. If that is the case, […] Read more


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I ride on BSA mach 1 now. I am thinking of going a step ahead and decided to buy geared bicycle. After doing little bit of research... it seems that schwinn sportera out of budget... two options..
Firefox roadrunner
Rockrider 5.0
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Inspired by our recent trip to Hawaii, I make poke. And a meme. Ahi, pico de gallo, cucumber, avocado, wasabi, fresh ginger, sake, rice and a pinch of code.
Inspired by our recent trip to Hawaii, I make poke. And a meme. Ahi, pico de gallo, cucumber, avocado, wasabi, fresh ginger, sake, rice and a pinch of code.
Sight seen outside a storage facility in Ukiah, in Mendocino County in Northern California. Back in the day, the NorCal economy was based on logging, plus fishing on the coast, some fruit and nut farming and some sheep and cattle ranching. Now, it's vineyards in Marin, Sonoma and South Mendocino. Further north, Mendocino, Humboldt and Trinity counties comprise "the Emerald Triangle" – world-famous as a center of 420 culture, and prosperous due to an economy based on Marijuana cultivation.
What does THAT have to do with THIS photo? Let us translate. In the local jargon "This facility is used frequently as a training ground for law enforcement K-9 units" means "Don't store your inventory here." Word to the wise, no shit Sherlock and Duh! Enjoy your day and don't let the doggies getcha!
Posted in Crime, Dogs, Gardening, GAY GAZE: Visual Culture, Photos, Art, Comics, Film, Objects, etc..., iPhone, Mendocino County, Military, Northern California, Photography, Signage, Subcultures, Surveillance
Tagged 420, Culture, iPhone photography, K-9, Mendocino County, Signage, Ukiah
The Nylabone Galileo. For powerful chewers. Satisfies the natural urge to chew. That's what it says. Right there on the label. Sight seen at Petsco…where the pets go. Put this bone in his mouth. Woof!
Posted in Dogs, Food, iPhone, Photography, Signage, Strange News
Tagged Bone, Dog, Dog Toy, Gay, Nylabone, Pet, Phallic, Puppy
Film noir reference or latter-day hipster, Jam the Giant Poodle wears it well. The Stetson and the lipstick… Woof! More Jam here.
Jam the Giant Poodle digging on public poster art by Haunted Euth. From and/or for Beware Wolf music video with Hampton Beats. Sight seen on Polk Street in San Francisco. Woof!
Posted in ANIMALS: Human and otherwise..., Comics, Dogs, GAY GAZE: Visual Culture, Photos, Art, Comics, Film, Objects, etc..., iPhone, Music, Photography, San Francisco, Signage, Street Art, Grafitti, etc., Video
Tagged Art, Hampton Beats, Haunted Euth, iPhone photography, Jam, Polk Street, Poodle, Poster, San Francisco, Street Art, Video


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"[This book contains] everything that I have wanted to say and everything that I wish I knew that I had wanted to say. Richard Freeman once again proves that he is superhuman and yet knows everything about being human and knows how to teach us to draw out the nectar of life with this evolving art of yoga."—Rodney Yee
"At last, here is an exposé on the most vital and dynamic themes relevant to the yoga practice. Richard has the unique and entirely delightful ability to speak to the intricacies, the paradoxes, the depths and surfaces that belong to the yoga experience. What a great boon that Richard should hold up such a clear mirror for all of us on the yoga path today."—Tias Little
"Collectively, these essays form an insightful and oftentimes humorous introduction to the deeper aspects of yoga philosophy, suitable for both the neophyte and the seasoned practitioner. In addition to being quite original, imaginative, and at times almost whimsical, The Mirror of Yoga is also firmly grounded in references to, and excerpts from, those yogic texts most respected by all schools of practice."—Namarupa Magazine Online
"This thoughtful and beautifully written book . . . will take the average yogi to the next level."—New Age Retailer


text: Our current prices are shown before taxes and tariffs. Any Futures and Pre-Arrival orders may be subject to the collection of additional tariffs. Additional tariffs will be based on the date of importation. We will offer free storage in our professional wine cellar in Bordeaux in the event of any importation delays.


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As of January 1, 2016, Gapers Block has ceased publication. The site will remain up in archive form. Please visit Third Coast Review, a new site by several GB alumni.
✶ Thank you for your readership and contributions over the past 12-plus years. ✶
Friday, June 5
The Wilco frontman may be better at delivering the weather report than the rock and roll.
GB T-Shirt $12
I ✶ Chi T-Shirts $15


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Biography: Luis Valdenebro Montes was born in Seville on October 25, 1989.
He made his debut in public, August 15, 2009.
He took the alternative, the April 24, 2014, sharing the bill with Andy Cartagena and Diego Ventura.
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The political winds in favor of the US steel industry may be dying down, but the winds of two recent hurricanes — Harvey and Irma — may give the industry a boost.
"Sadly, the hurricanes might be what saves the steel market in the second half of 2017," said one American steel distributor. He reasoned that good old supply and demand may provide what politics has not.


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2005 Acura TL, PEARL WHITE, LOCAL, IMMACULATE CONDITION
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Dick Dale reigns across the decades as the undisputed king of the
surf guitar. In Dale's own words, "Real surfing music is
instrumental, characterized by heavy staccato picking on a Fender
Stratocaster guitar." Moreover, it's best played through a Fender
Showman Amp — a model built to spec for Dale by Leo Fender
himself. Igniting California's surfing cult with such regional hits
as "Let's Go Trip-pin'," "Surf Beat" and "Miserlou," Dale made
waves with his fat, edgy sound and aggressive, proto-metal attack.
"Miserlou," released in 1962, marked the first use of a Fender
reverb unit — creating an underwater sound with lots of echo
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revival when director Quentin Tarantino used it in the opening
scene of Pulp Fiction.


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Meeting of the GTMO 5+5 experts
CETMO Prepares Ministerial Conference on Western Mediterranean Transport
- As the GTMO 5+5 Technical Secretariat, CETMO presided over the meeting of the group of experts, where it was agreed to hold the Ministerial Conference in December 2018
- The meeting was attended by experts from the Western Mediterranean countries' Ministries of Transport, as well as the Union for the Mediterranean and European Institute of the Mediterranean
The 25th Meeting of Experts of the GTMO 5+5 (Group of Transport Ministers of the Western Mediterranean) was held this week in Barcelona to prepare the Ministerial Conference scheduled for December in Mauritania, the country that will hold the next presidency of the GTMO 5+5. As the permanent GTMO 5+5 Technical Secretariat, CETMO was in charge of leading and coordinating the agenda of the Meeting of Experts.
The meeting was attended by transport experts from the ministries of the countries in the region, as well as the Secretariat of the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) and the European Institute of the Mediterranean (IEMed). This Meeting of Experts was very important because it will be the last one held before the Ministerial Conference.
The meeting addressed the initial logistics and operating details of the Ministerial Conference, which is scheduled for 12 December 2018 in Nouakchott, the Mauritanian capital. Transfer of the GTMO 5+5 Presidency from Portugal to Mauritania will take place at the Ministerial Conference.
One of the main objectives of the Meeting of Experts was to validate the report on the activities carried out during the Portuguese Presidency of the GTMO 5+5. This document will be presented at the 9th GTMO 5+5 Ministerial Conference in Mauritania. The report is structured around the work programme's four main lines of action for this period:
- Institutional cooperation
- The GTMO 5+5 multimodal network and analytical tools
- Priority projects of the GTMO 5+5 multimodal network
- Industry-specific actions
The complete presentation can be viewed on the CETMO website http://cetmo.org/en/data-centre/publications, in the GTMO 5+5 section, with the title "2018 - Report on GTMO 5+5 Activities 2014-2018 Period Portuguese Presidency".
The other important matter addressed at the Meeting of Experts was the proposal on the Statement of Conclusions of the GTMO 5+5 Ministerial Conference. This document will be adopted and signed by the Ministers of Transport of the countries in the region during the conference. The text defines the work programme of the Mauritanian Presidency for the next two years.
Activities jointly organized with IEMed in the run-up to the Ministerial Conference
In light of the upcoming GTMO 5+5 Ministerial Conference, CETMO and the European Institute of the Mediterranean are jointly organizing a seminar on transport and logistics in the Western Mediterranean.
The event will be held in Nouakchott on 10-11 December, in the run-up to the Ministerial Conference. The aim of the seminar will be to generate debate, within the framework of 5+5 Dialogue, on mechanisms and programmes for creating a multimodal network in the 5+5 region.
The objective of the Group of Transport Ministers of the Western Mediterranean (GTMO 5+5) is to promote transport cooperation in the Western Mediterranean and contribute to the Union for the Mediterranean. The members of the GTMO 5+5 are the Ministers of Transport of the countries in the region (Algeria, France, Italy, Libya, Malta, Mauritania, Morocco, Portugal, Spain and Tunisia). The Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport (DGMOVE) of the European Commission, the Secretariat General of the Arab Maghreb Union (AMU) and the Secretariat of the Union for the Mediterranean also participate as observers. CETMO performs the function of Technical Secretariat.
The GTMO 5+5 presidency rotates among the countries and is transferred at the Ministerial Conference every two years. A work programme is proposed and implemented by the Technical Secretariat and the Group of Experts, based on the conclusions of the Ministerial Conference. The Group of Experts is made up of the national coordinators of the ministries in charge of transport and meets twice a year to monitor implementation of the work programme.


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Dr. Robyn Reads Try and Stick With It and Interviews Author, Cheri Meiners
Dr. Robyn: We are focusing on the Powerful Word, Determination, this month. The students are learning how they can use determination in their lives everyday! What are some easy and interesting ways that parents can help their children learn determination?
Meiners: The 'Try and Stick with it' book includes several fun activities at the back for parents to do with their children, as well as 12 strategies that children can use to develop perseverance and determination (note, see video of Dr. Robyn reading the book above). Parents can also talk about people who have shown determination in overcoming a problem, or at developing a new skill. This can be done through reading biographies, or talking about people you know. You might also discuss scenarios that children typically face, such as those in the book, and talk about how it feels to accomplish something that you put your mind to.
Dr. Robyn: What made you decide to write the book?
Meiners: I started writing this series and this book, particularly, to help children see how a skill like determination is developed, and what the positive outcomes can be. The first books I wrote were for my own children, and I realized that other parents could benefit from having these character building skills taught visually and logically to a child. The books are written in the first person so that the child, through repetition, begins to understand and apply the principles internally.
There are two themes that I wanted to address in this book. The first is that we all need to have the flexibility, courage, and determination to try new things. The determination to try something new builds self-confidence, and is the starting point for future growth. And then, of course, it takes determination to continue in a challenging path—but it brings rewards to oneself and others.
Dr. Robyn: All the Powerful Words Member Schools are teaching the youngest students that determination is a "no quit-go-for-it attitude." We want children to learn the importance of seeing things through until they reach the end. In your view, why is it so important for children to learn to "stick with it."
Meiners: Everything that a person learns, knows and accomplishes comes from 'sticking with something' because all skills take time and practice to develop. A person who has practiced determination is also much stronger and able to handle adversity when faced with it. We all face problems and challenges, and determination can help in overcoming them. All the medical and technical advances and artistic works that we enjoy in our culture are the result of determined individuals. Each of us has something important to share with others, but those skills and our own character must be developed through perseverance and determination. When children 'stick with it', they also learn about themselves–what things they like to do, and what things they are good at. 'Sticking with it' will also help a child get along with others because other people will learn to trust and count on a person who has the determination to follow through with commitments.
Dr. Robyn: Sometimes it can be difficult for young children to see things through until they reach the end. For parents and teachers, it can be hard to watch their children cope with failure and rough spots along the way to success. How can parents help to support determination in their children when children are struggling?
Meiners: Giving praise and encouragement for children's efforts can motivate children to develop greater determination, and when used consistently is a powerful tool in shaping behavior. Also, be specific in pointing out the steps that they have already taken in reaching a particular goal, and let them know you believe in their ability to accomplish it.
Thank you!
Cheri J. Meiners, M.Ed., has her master's degree in elementary education and gifted education. A former first-grade teacher, she has taught education classes at Utah State University and has supervised student teachers. Cheri and her husband, David, have six children. They live in Laurel, Maryland.
Want to Read the Book Yourself? Here's how! Try and Stick With It (Learning to Get Along)
Filed under: children, Determination, Dr. Robyn Silverman, Powerful Words Info | Tagged: Cheri Meiners, children's book, Determination, Dr. Robyn Silverman, Free Spirit Publishing, Learning to Get Along, perseverance, Try and Stick with It |


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Gout - Causes & How to Minimise Attacks!
Author: Kaylee Dunbar Date Posted:19 April 2016
Gout was once referred to as the 'rich man's disease' or 'king's disease' because it is developed by overindulging in foods that were once considered to be of a luxurious nature, such as; seafood, organ meats and alcohol.
Interestingly enough the first occurrence of gout dates back to approximately 2500 years ago and it has been documented that many famous historians like Christopher Columbus, Alexander the Great, Charles Dickens and Leonardo Da Vinci all experienced gout.
Did you know that gout is a form of arthritis that causes a sudden onset of symptoms such as pain, tenderness, swelling and redness particularly in the big toe?
Let's take a look at the risk factors associated with the development of gout, what causes it and what we can do to minimise the occurrence of those nasty gout attacks!
What Causes Gout to Occur?
Gout occurs when the kidneys are unable to remove excess uric acid from the blood stream. This results in the formation of uric acid crystals that become deposited into the joints, tendons and kidneys. This causes the symptoms of gout and can be extremely debilitating and uncomfortable!
Risk factors associated with the development of gout:
- 1 in 4 people who have a family history of gout develop the disease themselves.
- Obesity.
- Excess consumption of alcohol.
- High purine diet.
- A joint injury.
- Being stationary for a long period of time can trigger a gout attack, for example after surgery or sudden illness.
Gout is also more commonly experienced by men between the ages of 40 to 50 and post menopausal women.
So what causes excess uric acid production?
- Hyperuricemia – A medical condition that causes excess uric acid to be produced in the bloodstream.
- Your dietary choices – Foods that are rich in purines: The body converts this chemical compound into uric acid.
The following foods and beverages contain high levels of purines and or fructose that can elevate uric acid levels:
|Soft Drinks
|Fruit Juices
|Organ Meats
|Red Meats
|Dried Legumes
High fructose fruits such as: NB: although fruits are rich in nutrients it is important to limit your intake of high fructose fruits.
Refined carbohydrates:
|*White bread
|*White pasta
|*Cereals (processed)
|*Potato chips
Yeast rich foods:
|*Fruit skins of plumbs and grapes
Anti-inflammatory foods that you may wish to include in your daily diet to minimise systemic inflammation and tissue damage associated with a gout attack include:
- Onions
- Garlic
- Cinnamon
- Turmeric
- Ginger
- Broelain found in pineapples
Good news!
There are ways which may help minimise future gout attacks! So follow these top tips:
Supplementation that may help lower uric acid levels.
- Reduce alcohol intake and avoid binge drinking – Alcohol contains high levels of purines that promote the production of uric acid.
- Consume a low purine diet – To keep uric acid concentrations in the blood stream to a minimal.
- Exercise regularly – Aim for 30 minutes of physical activity daily to maintain a healthy body weight.
- Avoid crash diets – If you want to reduce your body weight do it gradually because losing weight too quickly can increase uric acid levels in the body.
- Handle stress in a positive manner – Try to relieve stress by writing your thoughts in a journal, partaking in yoga, going for a walk on the beach or vising friends and family. This will help to avoid the consumption of comfort foods and beverages that may be problematic for the development of gout.
- Folic Acid – Helps to inhibit the enzyme that produces uric acid called xanthine oxidase.
- Celery seeds – Has an anti-inflammatory and diuretic action that may help to support kidney function to excrete excess uric acid from the blood stream.2
- Dandelion – Has a diuretic action that may help to support kidney function to excrete excess uric acid from the blood stream. Also has a high potassium content that offsets the loss of potassium due to this products diuretic affect.
- Sour Cherry juice or fresh cherries (1/2 cup or 10-12 cherries is equivalent to one serve), consume one to two servings of cherries each day – Contains a high antioxidant profile, able to reduce uric acid levels minimising the symptoms of gout.
- Vitamin C – Helps to lower uric acid levels in the blood stream.
|Written by Kaylee Dunbar
Kaylee has a Bachelor of Health Science in Naturopathy and an Advanced Diploma as a Pharmacy Technician. Her passion for natural medicine first began when she worked as a pharmacy technician and saw how many people were looking for more ways to support their health. This sparked her interest in learning how to support health using complementary medicine alongside orthodox medicine. Her main objective is to inspire and educate others about the benefits of natural medicine and how to apply it to everyday life.
Although Kaylee is passionate about natural medicine she does not mind a glass of red wine every now and again!Stay hydrated – Ensure that you maintain an adequate water intake to ensure that urine remains dilute to promote the excretion of excess uric acid from the blood stream.


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Navigating the New RDA Toolkit
Learning Objectives:
- How to log on to the new website
- Understanding the role of profiles in customizing different views of the RDA Toolkit
- Learn how to search for specific instructions without numbers
Target Audience:
Catalogers familiar with the old RDA Toolkit
Experience with working in old RDA Toolkit
Homework Expectations and Completion Requirements:
- One homework assignment reviewing concepts covered in session
- It is designed for individual participation; each individual must register.
Technical Requirements:
Visit BigBlueButton's detailed requirements page for in-depth information.
Session Duration:
This course consists of one 2-hour session.
Instructor: Bill Walker - firstname.lastname@example.com
Continuing Education Credit:
Contact Hours: 2
10:30 am - 12:30 pm CDT
United States
Email: email@example.com
|Amigos Member Individual Registration
|$ 95.00
|Non-member Individual Registration
|$ 155.00


text: (In the publishing business) the readers are the product, and the customers are the advertisers." – Dave WinerIt started with Path last week, and now we learned that Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare, Instagram, Foodspotting, Yelp, and Gowalla all either upload your contacts' phone numbers or email addresses to their servers for matching purposes.As the post on Venturebeat states:"Some of these applications perform this action without first requesting permission or informing you how long they plan to store this data. Foodspotting is the worst of the bunch, as it appears to transmit your data over an unencrypted HTTP connection (in plain text), making it even easier for mischievous parties to intercept." It's a sign of a major problem.Tulip Mania. Railway Mania. Poseidon Bubble. Japanese asset price bubble. Dot-com bubble. Rice bubble. Housing bubble. Bubbles after bubbles. After the housing bubble, one would think we'd have enough of bubbles for a long time to come. Think again.The dot-com crash had nothing to do with technology. It had everything to do with the business model used to pay for the technology, which was primarily either display advertising revenue or VC money advanced with the expectations of returns based on display advertising. Display Advertising was trackable, it would be more effective online than offline. The bubble burst, crazy valuations went away and the digital ad market boomed. Ad Networks, DSP's and exchanged drove down the value of ad impressions. CPM's went from $100 for premier placements to $10. And impression junk was and is still anywhere. Suddenly, new businesses that relied on advertising revenue to support their model had to pivot. Welcome to the age of user data.Massive assumptions are now being made based on revenue generated (or soon to be generated) by personally targeted advertising drawing on user data. Facebook has a business model but their valuation is based on future realization of user data. Twitter doesn't have a sustainable business model yet but it's worth billions of dollars.Often, companies don't even know what to do with this data, they just have it because one day it will rain gold. You can't open your computer without reading of the promises of Big Data. Your user data, goes the theory, allows ads to be specifically targeted to you. Should you buy a big bag of dog food, you will likely receive more ads for dog products, sometimes coupons. You'll be grouped in a segment with other "dog food buyers", your age and location will be determined, and a data model of you will be developed. A very simplistic one-dimensional model of you is living in some data warehouse and that's why you encounter all those online ads.The problem is not with the use of data to make decisions – the problem is with the simplistic one-dimensional use of data to make decisions. And the other problem with this assumption is that it believes in the rational consumers. Targeted advertising draws on the idea of our observed behavior presenting a coherent and realistic picture of our desires and needs. It doesn't.My spending behavior in 2010 bears no relation to my spending currently or in the future – economies change, circumstances change, tastes change, and opportunities change. More importantly, we are social beings, not rational beings. We are more driven by emotions and our clique than anything you can find in our brains.As we know, targeting works on a limited scale. It does lift metrics, it improves performance. But the user data dream that one day all served ads will be relevant and lead to immediate conversion is just that: a dream. I'm not trying to minimize the opportunities at the intersection of data and human behavior, as explained in "How companies learn your secrets." from the NY Times. I just don't believe the way to collect and use data right now will lead to a pot of gold.Tulips have value. Houses have value. Data has value. But the value is not as high as people tend to estimate while the user data bubble is expanding. It's highly questionable if even a small part of these valuations can be realized. At least, I haven't seen any evidence of that, yet.Nobody wants to hear things like that, when everybody is enjoying the user data ride. Just like nobody wanted to listen to Nouriel Roubini when he predicted the financial crisis. Nassim Taleb the "Black Swan". Or Dave Winer the end of the data bubble. But something is wrong here, very wrong.VCs spend billions of dollars investing in companies based on the user data model. They even tell kids to leave college early to participate in the gold rush. "You can be the next Mark Zuckerberg."They fund companies that need our personal data to succeed, just like the mortgage bundlers needed the junk mortgages to create fictitious AAA ratings. One day, when reality sets in and the fundamentals don't add up anymore, the bubble will burst. A lot of money will be lost. A lot of people will be hurt.Out of the ashes, new companies will spring up that have realistic expectations about the value of user data. And, who knows, even give us control over the data. Now, that's valuable. Correct, Doc Searls?Uwe Hook is the CEO and Co-Founder of BatesHook, Inc. (www.bateshook.com) and a veteran of the advertising and marketing industry with the goal of building connections between people and brands. Uwe can be reached at email@example.com all Uwe's MediaBizBloggers commentaries at Subversions.Check us out on Facebook at MediaBizBloggers.comFollow our Twitter updates @MediaBizBloggerThe opinions and points of view expressed in this commentary are exclusively the views of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of MediaBizBloggers.com management or associated bloggers. MediaBizBloggers is an open thought leadership platform and readers may share their comments and opinions in response to all commentaries.


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James Woodford – Sydney Morning Herald
NSW was down to one male spotted tree frog. Now they're back, writes James Woodford.
It is pitch black and we are up to our shins in the frigid waters of Bogong Creek in Kosciuszko National Park at an altitude of 1100 metres.
Amid the splashing of rapids Dr Dave Hunter, a threatened species officer with the Department of Environment and Climate Change, and Mike McFadden, a herpetologist at Taronga Zoo, are looking for sparkles the size of dewdrops. From the thick, tall forest of alpine ash beside the creek there is the call of an endangered yellow-bellied glider. Conversation is hard above the constant rush of water over boulders, following a summer of good rain.
Caught by the glow of our torches, a native fish called mountain galaxids can be seen swimming around crystal-clear pools. "An abundance of mountain galaxids indicates an absence of trout," Hunter says.
Trout are an enemy of frogs and native fish. The fact that the exotic fish – known to many scientists as foxes of the water – are not here is what helps to make Bogong Creek such a special place.
The rocks in the waterway are slippery and wild undergrowth makes the banks impenetrable.
"I've got one," says McFadden.
It is amazing that Hunter and McFadden saw these two pinpoints of light reflected in their small spotlights and even more incredible that they are there at all.
The pinpoints are the eyes of a spotted tree frog, perhaps the most endangered animal in New South Wales. Just a decade ago the species was represented in this creek by a lone male – the last survivor of an amphibian apocalypse. So dire were the prospects of the spotted tree frog in Bogong Creek that in 1998 the decision was taken to catch the last male and bring him into captivity at the Amphibian Research Centre near Melbourne, under the care of the centre's director, Gerry Marantelli. There the frog was mated with captured females from an endangered Victorian population at Wheeler Creek.
In spite of the desperate situation of that last male he was given the nickname Dirk Diggler, after the mythical porn star. Instead of Roller Girl, Dirk's partners are known as the Wheeler Girls.
Luckily both parties have lived up to their names.
"Dirk has got a lot to be proud of," McFadden says.
In the last two years the NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change and the Amphibian Research Centre in Melbourne have been able to release 600 of Dirk's offspring as year-old frogs.
Every few weeks over summer a party walks up the exact same stretch, following the same survey methods. The work is far removed from simply emptying a bucket of tadpoles back into Bogong Creek – strict protocols have been written and everything is done according to rigorous scientific rules.
Spotted tree frogs were discovered by accident in NSW in 1973 when Dr Hal Cogger, of the Australian Museum, stopped his car by Bogong Creek and found them basking in the sun. At that time the area was thick with the amphibians and catching them was easy.
Among herpetologists the find was a sensation and studies of the population were undertaken. But almost as soon as monitoring was started, the frog population declined disastrously. Scientists started to find sick and dying frogs but no one knew the cause of the catastrophe.
Hunter says it now seems almost certain that a fungus called chytrid is killing and infecting frogs worldwide. It is also now thought that humans may play a part in the spread of the pathogen. The population collapse is of particular concern to Hunter as he was part of those early surveys when he was an undergraduate.
HUNTER points to where he and McFadden have found the spotted tree frog. The creature is on a steep, downstream face of a boulder. But I cannot see anything.
The frogs are well camouflaged and amid the chaos of the wilderness stream the only way of finding them at night is by catching their reflected eyeshine. We move closer and it is not until the frog is almost close enough to touch that its body becomes visible.
Hunter gloves up to make sure there is no risk of spreading any kind of infection. He catches it and stretches out its toes. Because these captive-reared frogs are virtually identical to each other, scientists clip their toe joints so they can follow the life history of each released animal. The absence of a digit on the frog's feet correlates to a code which allows each specimen to be numbered.
"He is individual 1088," Hunter says. "He was released as a year-old animal in January '07. Now we are going to process him."
Frog 1088 weighs in at a wispy 4.18 grams and is measured before his toes, fingers, armpits and groin are swabbed. The swab sample will be sent to the CSIRO Animal Health Laboratory in Geelong to determine if he is infected with the chytrid fungus.
Their fear is that sending captive-bred frogs into the wild is like ordering soldiers out of a trench in front of an enemy machine gun post.
For endangered amphibians the captive breeding is just the first challenge. Sometimes very large aquarium populations can be established quickly. And that seems to be the case with the spotted tree frogs. A captive-breeding program, however, can only buy time. Eventually a species has to go out and face the worst Mother Nature can throw at it.
The spotted tree frog project is one of the few in the world where the early results have been so promising, Hunter says. "We are excited about this project because, so far, it has worked."
By the end of the evening Hunter and McFadden have found eight young frogs. It is nearly 11 pm by the time the scientists reach the end of the survey. As we clamber up the bank and onto the first clear, level land we have seen since dusk, McFadden says: "You have just seen a species that was extinct in NSW."


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Career Center
Courses and sparring that bring you closer to your dream career.
At our Career Centre, you'll get inspiration and sparring when you need to clarify and actualise your internship, job and career plans. From the start to the finish of your programme, you are welcome to come to the Career Centre for either individual counselling or courses for groups of students.
You'll get help with creating an overview of your internship and career opportunities as well as concrete tools to help you achieve your goals. We offer, among other things, courses in writing good applications and CVs – and we'll help you practice for internship and job interviews.


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Brighten up your home with our home accessories. Framed pictures, decorative accessories or clocks we've got something to match everyones tastes.
Decorate your home with our beautiful range of home
We take great pride and pleasure in selecting what you might like from our Home Accessories selection and we are constantly on the move seeking out new products that might appeal, with you in mind.
Take our mirrors for example such a simple wall adornment can easily transform a living space adding light and a focus of interest. Amongst the most sought after products in our home accessories range are the many and diverse hearts that we have on offer. From the simple Best mum in the world heart decoration to the more eclectic folk art hanging hearts rich with symbolism and meaning. These are both fantastic as gifts or as pieces with which to individualise your home with your own personal discernment. Create your own unique hangings or displays by using multiples of what we have on offer, making a statement so personal to you.On the subject of creating an individual living environment, take a look at our selection of pictures and wall art too. We go to great lengths to source new and individual pieces, frequenting shows and looking for fresh designers to expand our ranges. From our unusual butterfly pictures and more traditional pretty in pink prints through to quirky tea and cakes and funky beach huts we certainly have something for everyones taste.
As an addition to our framed pictures and wall art is our selection of photo frames, specially chosen for their variety and individuality. We offer the more simple classic moulded Cornish frames for that conventional feel to the more exuberant Happy, Love, and Smiles butterfly frames. If you are looking for something a little more traditional, look no further than our vintage collection with their old world look which sit easily alongside our distressed and rustic frames offering a perfect home for those treasured photographs recalling such fond memories.
Clocks have been a mainstay of ours for a long time and we pride ourselves on the range that we offer. Like our mirrors and pictures a clock can make a fantastic difference to a wall, transforming it instantly with eye catching individuality. Just take a look at what we have on offer and see what you can do to transform that tired old wall. In addition to our wall clocks we also present a selection of desk and mantle clocks that we believe would be worthy additions to any home.
A major part of our home accessories collection concerns table and kitchenware as we have always been keenly in favour in helping you create your own individual living space and our selection here is well worth a look to glean some ideas from. From jugs to coasters and place mats to condiment sets and cups and saucers, we can help. Unusual storage jars such as our candy shop glass jar is a prime example of a simple kitchen accessory that can make such a difference to one of the most important rooms in the home by showing a little imagination and flair. We also offer a fantastic selection of vintage storage tins evoking memories of days gone by when the smell of baking seemed to come from every kitchen in the land and mum was always in her apron.
Here at Listers we know how hard it can be to find individual, unusual items to make that truly personal statement in the home whilst not following trends or current fashions too slavishly. That is why we always aspire to be a little more imaginative and thoughtful in what we hope will appeal to our customers new and old helping you to create your own personal environment and style. From bookends to doorstops from bunting to candlesticks we sincerely hope that that we can help you stand out from the crowd and set you apart from High street fads.
22 Hills Lane
Shropshire SY1 1PU


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Book description
Enter the world of One Folgate Street and discover perfection . . . but can you pay the price?
For all fans of The Girl on the Train and Gone Girl comes this spellbinding Hitchcockian thriller which takes psychological suspense to the next level.
Jane stumbles on the rental opportunity of a lifetime: the chance to live in a beautiful ultra-minimalist house designed by an enigmatic architect, on condition she abides by a long list of exacting rules. After moving in, she discovers that a previous tenant, Emma, met a mysterious death there – and starts to wonder if her own story will be a re-run of the girl before. As twist after twist catches the reader off guard, Emma's past and Jane's present become inexorably entwined in this tense, page-turning portrayal of psychological obsession.
Firstly I have to say when I see a book that comes with the tag line "For all fans of The Girl on the Train and Gone Girl" I want to scream, nearly every psychological novel I pick up these days uses it, when will publishers come up with something more original? Oh and the bad book blogger that I am, I haven't read either of the books and nor do I intend to anytime soon! Ok that's my rant over! On with the review…..
Now normally when I am offered the chance to read a sampler for a book prior to publication it's normally a "no from me" but as The Girl Before keeps popping up all over social media I just thought I would take a quick look, big mistake! I could kick myself so absorbing was the sampler, I'm now desperate to read the whole book, in fact I would go as far as to say "I would sell my soul to the devil to get my hands on a copy"
The story is told by two narrators Jane who moves into the perfect house, or is it? There are so many rules and regulations some of which are bizarre to say the least, and then other chapters are told from Emma's POV whose mysterious death, becomes central to the plot. As the past and present become entwined you really can't help wondering where the plot is heading. One Folgate Street is not a place I would choose to live in that's for sure, but oh my what an intriguing and darkly disturbing place it is.
The Girl Before has certainly piqued my interest, from the opening chapter I was immediately drawn in. Full of intrigue and suspense, the sense of malice was overwhelming from the opening chapter. As I read more I became uneasy HERE was a book that I desperately wanted to read more of and I would have read the whole book in one sitting, if it had not been a damn sample! And to top it all the sample ends on the mother of all cliffhanger's.
So now I'm left feeling very frustrated I NEED to read the WHOLE book, but what I can tell you is The Girl Before is going to be a huge hit in 2017, it has all the elements I love in a psychological thriller mystery, suspense and bucketfuls of intrigue. As for me I'm off to sulk in a corner until I can read the COMPLETE book!
Hardcover: 448 pages
Publisher: Quercus (26 Jan. 2017)


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Earlier this month, World Wrestling Entertainment announced that it was rebranding itself as WWE, in order to better reflect its forays into film, TV, a planned network, and eventual world domination. So while certain expectations may form when that jagged "W" logo flashes across the screen—expectations that the movie will perhaps feature a veteran of the ring hurling someone through a bus windshield, or being put in charge of a group of children with hilarious but ultimately heartwarming results—That's What I Am is indubitably a product of the new, expanded WWE. It's a dogged family entertainment determined to teach lessons about tolerance and how it should be extended to everyone, even redheads, gay people, and kids with cooties. Though (spoiler alert!) no actual gay characters are featured in the movie. It hardly includes any wrestlers, either. Randy Orton only appears in a few scenes, and while he's the closest the film comes to having a villain, his dastardly ways are confined to registering a complaint with a school principal; he doesn't offer a single display of his signature Randy Orton Stomp.
Set in 1965, That's What I Am follows Chase Ellison through a year in middle school, as he pairs up on a school project with class outcast Alexander Walters, witnesses the unjust pillorying of his favorite teacher (Ed Harris), and gets his first kiss. With its nostalgia-infused voiceover narration, That's What I Am seems to be aiming for To Kill A Mockingbird by way of The Sandlot, but its story threads never entirely meet up or reach any kind of apogee. Ellison learns that while Walters is tall, has red hair, and likes to read books, he isn't a disgusting, horrible freak of nature. Meanwhile, Harris gets pushed out of his job for refusing to respond to accusations of homosexuality leveled at him by a student retaliating for an earlier punishment. A placard preceding the film's title card assures that it's "inspired by true events," but the note is unnecessary, given the limpness of the narrative arcs. Who would make up such an anticlimactic story? That's What I Am cries out for a figurative finishing move.


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In an area known for its quality ceramics production, you will find a renowned landmark pizzeria, as an open laboratory of research on the quality of ingredients and flour types. In addition to Pizza it has a list of quick main courses that are both healthy and genuine. Here we proudly present a place that is both lively and welcoming for your dining pleasure.
Seats up to 140 people.
Closed on mondays.