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Strawberry shortcake
Yesterday was my birthday. Now the thing about loving to bake and having a birthday is that you sometimes end up making your own birthday cake. I'm totally okay with that. If my mom isn't nearby to make me this cake, then I've got no problem choosing something delicious and baking it myself. And this year, the farmers' market and I teamed up for one amazing strawberry shortcake. And I do mean a-ma-zing.
This is, by far, the best strawberry shortcake I've ever eaten. We ate it for dinner! Truly, cause you can do what you want on your birthday, right? And really, all the food groups were represented: fruit = strawberries; whipped cream = dairy; protein and grain = King Arthur white whole wheat flour. You with me? Booyah!
{one year ago: apple bread}
Recipe: Sky-High Strawberry Shortcake
(adapted from Sky High: Irresistible Triple-Layer Cakes by Alisa Huntsman and Peter Wynne)
5 Tbsp. unsalted butter, at room temperature
3/4 c. plus 2 Tbsp. granulated sugar, divided
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
2 eggs
1 1/2 c. cake flour *(I wanted to use King Arthur white whole wheat flour, so I found this substitution at Joy of Baking: 3/4 c. all-purpose flour + 2 Tbsp. cornstarch = 1 c. cake flour. Perfection.)
2 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
2/3 c. buttermilk
1 1/2 c. heavy cream
Fresh strawberries; cleaned, hulled, and sliced
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease the bottoms and sides of two 9″ cake pans. Line the bottom of each with a round of waxed paper or parchment paper and grease again. Set aside.
In a large mixer bowl, cream the butter, 3/4 c. of the sugar, and the vanilla with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, scraping bowl after each addition.
Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk, in 2 or 3 additions. Dived batter between cake pans. Bake cakes for 13-15 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow pans to cool on wire rack for 5 minutes. Invert cakes onto racks and cool completely.
In a large chilled bowl with chilled beaters, whip the cream with the remaining 2 Tbsp. of sugar. Place one cake on serving plate. Top with half of your hulled and sliced berries and half of your whipped cream. Add second cake and repeat with berries and whipped cream.
May 22, 2010 12:37 am
Happy birthday! If I had you in person I'd sing you the Jamaican version.
The cake looks beautiful and I'm sure it tastes wonderful.
That's the thing about my own birthday–I love birthday cake, but I refuse to buy one for myself. Which means I usually get nothing : (
grandy permalinkMay 22, 2010 4:37 am
Wow! It really looks beautiful! Candle and all. Wish I could have been there. You were in such a hurry I didn't get to tell you your story. :) But then you know it by heart….
May 22, 2010 12:01 pm
Downright gorgeous! One of the prettiest cakes I've ever seen. Happy birthday!


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The pulley ratio is an important consideration in selecting an alternator pulley, since it is used to determine the proper outer diameter. The pulley ratio is the ratio between the outer diameters of the engine drive pulley and the alternator pulley.
A pulley with the desired ratio will drive the alternator fast enough at engine idle to charge the electrical system slightly, yet will not drive the alternator too fast (over speed) at the upper end of the engine speed range. In general, pulley ratios of about 2:1 to 3:1 provide good charging system performance and assure longer service life of the alternator bearings.
For passenger cars, approximateley a 2:1 pulley ratio is typical. This pulley ratio provides about 5 to 10 amperes output at idle while limiting alternator RPM at the upper end of the engine speed range. The top speed of the 5" frame alternator should not exceed approximately 8000 maximum continuous RPM.
For heavy-duty diesel engines, a 3:1 pulley ratio can be used since these engines are governed so as not to exceed 2100 RPM. The top speed of the 6 1/2" frame alternators should be limited to approximately 5000 to 6000 maximum continuous RPM.
For heavy-duty gasoline engines (trucks) governed to the 3200 to 3600 RPM range, a pulley ratio of slightly less than 3:1 can be used.
To determine the appropriate outer diameter for the alternator pulley (dimension A in pulley charts), first select the pulley ratio appropriate for the application as outlined in the previous section. Then compute the outer diameter from the following formula. (Note: Use the first number of the ratio for this computation.) The table below lists the ratios for some representative combinations of drive and alternator pulleys.
After the pulley outer diameter is computed, determine the shaft bore diameter, belt size and pulley dimensions as indicated in the diagram on page 2. Then refer to the pulley selection charts and select the appropriate pulley.

subset: commoncrawl


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Totem Onelove Group in conjunction with Aly & Fila present 'Future Sound of Egypt 400'. The legendary Aly & Fila will be bringing with them an array of fresh talent to deliver a memorable evening of trance for the FSOE400 broadcast. Joining them will be Photographer, ReOrder and Standerwick presents Sky Patrol, Ferry Tayle, Fady & Mina, Ahmed Romel and Bjorn Akesson vs Mohamed Ragab.
Aly & Fila's radio show 'Future Sound of Egypt' has become an iconic trance radio show across the world, showcasing to hundreds of thousands of listeners each week, the latest releases and mixes from the world of trance. In 2014, the 350th episode of the show was celebrated, with multiple celebration events held across the globe for the broadcast. This year, the Egyptian duo celebrate their 400th episode of the show with a special event in Melbourne on August 8th.
More information including the lineup and ticket prices can be found from below.
Line Up
Ahmed Romel
Aly & Fila
Bjorn Akesson vs Mohamed Ragab
Fady & Mina
Ferry Tayle
Reorder & Standerwick
Tickets can be purchased from TicketMaster.
Related Links


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Do you ever have those rare moments of clarity in the midst of the hustle and bustle of everyday life? Where a word from a friend or a chorus in a song hits you in such a way that causes you to do some serious self reflection?
This happened to me recently as I was driving around town running errands and listening to my pastor's latest sermon titled Unmask Your Fear. Truthfully, even as I listened, my mind was preoccupied- lost in my own thoughts. But suddenly he said something that caught my attention and then I was laser focused. He stated that "Fear is False Expectations Appearing Real". He went on to add that most of the fears and worries that our brains create, never come to pass. They are false.
And this hit home for me because my preoccupied mind (before being interrupted by this nugget of truth) was mulling over lots of "what-if's" and worries. These weren't even "what-ifs" or worries that were actual realities or something to concern myself with. It was me fretting over negative thoughts and my own imagination.
What about you???
Does your mind do this too? You over analyze situations, opportunities, decisions, conversations and relationships? You worry about what will or what could happen? You imagine bad situations and how you might deal with them if they happened? Do these worries or fears ever keep you nestled in the safe zone of life? Do they ever detract from your ability to rest at night? Do these worries keep you from taking risks or doing things outside your comfort zone? Do they prevent you from doing things that you feel you don't have control over? Do these negative thoughts inhibit you from trying new things or diving into something you don't know how to do?
This is a regular internal battle for me and this truth hit me hard. You see, I'm an optimist. I'm a half glass full kind of gal. A keep on the sunny side of life person. And that's the person that everyone around me sees. It's the person that they interact with. The Kim that listens to them, encourages them and helps them see the good in their situation.
And as I self reflected in the car that day, several things became crystal clear to me.
I'm missing life's wonders while being preoccupied by life's what if's.
I've missed many life adventures because I'd rather stay safe in the realm of what I know.
But people who always play it safe never experience the joy, freedom or peace found in new adventures. They are confined by their mind's own boundaries, limitations that are all deeply rooted in fear.
THE Ravine of death…
As a kid, I remember my friend had a deep creek bed that ran through it in her back yard. To my 10 year old imagination that ditch was a ravine- 6 feet wide and 10 feet deep even though it wasn't even close. I can remember a time when we decided to go to the next street over by cutting through her backyard. To get there we all had to get across it.
Before I knew it all my friends were running full throttle toward the ravine and jumping over it effortlessly. In fact some kids even used a swing rope to gracefully fly through the air like Tarzan and land softly on the other side. But me? I had a good start, but then my brain kicked in while I was running toward that gapping crack in the earth. And when I reached the edge I stopped. I couldn't do it. My brain told me it was impossible for me and that I would fall in and surely break my arm or leg.
And as I looked up from that advance before me, all my friends were running ahead, leaving me behind stuck in my fear, all alone. I couldn't blame them. Their minds had no doubt they could get over it. And so they went on to the fun ahead and I. stayed. stuck.
Not much has changed…
Truthfully I'm 32 years old and not much has changed. I stay on the safe side of the ravine of life. I don't take risks until risks come into my life without permission and then I have to deal with them. I regularly watch as my friends or colleagues run ahead and I get left stuck on the other side of my fears.
So my quest lately has been to call that fear out for what it is. To stop my thought life in its tracts, to pull back and say, "Why not?" Or push them out of my mind and say, "No that's not the way this will play out." To make the optimist on the outside take over the thought life on the inside.
It's just fiction…
Lately my 4 year old has been learning about authors, illustrators and books in preschool. The other day he was watching a movie where the puppies talked to one another. As I was making some popcorn on the stove his little voice chimed in from the living room, "Mommy, dogs can't talk in real life right? So this must be fiction?" And I replied, "Yes son, it's very good that you can tell what's real and what's not real. You are correct- that is fiction."
If my 4 year old can get it, so can I. Much of my worry is simply fiction. It's not real life. If you are struggling with a similar battle, I encourage you today to remember that much of what you worry about will never even come to pass. So don't waste another minute my friend… you have too much life to live for today.
Do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?"
Luke 12:22-26
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The afternoon mail just arrived, and in it was a postcard from Alaska.
Says my mate, getting ready to start one of his several-times-a-day anti-Republican rants, "If that's Sarah Palin asking for contributions, she can just shove it where the sun don't shine." (Yes, there is a downside to having two self-employed people in the house all day, every day: It's nonstop Rant-O-Palooza here, and it'll stay that way until after the November election.)
"Honey, wait," I reply. "It's from our friends Don and Lisa. Remember? They're vacationing in Alaska." (And as Democrats in Palin country, they had to remain undercover at all times.)
Poor mate. His reason for ranting was just taken right out from under him. Ah, well. He'll have plenty more reasons tonight, when we watch the presidential candidates debate.
Alaska Sarah Palin Republicans debate EditorMom
Friday, September 26, 2008
If We're Talking Alaska, It Must Be About Palin
Posted by Katharine O'Moore-Klopf at 12:52 PM
2 comments:
- libhom said...
All the corruption in the Alaska GOP seems to be shifting the state purple, or even blue.
- September 26, 2008 9:00 PM
I doubt if Republicans are antagonistic toward Democrats in Palin country. The opposite may be true, however, as Republicans dislike name-calling and confrontation.
- October 01, 2008 5:32 PM
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text: OverviewNew features, up-to-date political news and analysis and a great low price make AMERICAN GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS TODAY: BRIEF EDITION, 2010-2011 a top seller. The text works to show how easily and effectively students can participate in the political process. Praised for its balanced coverage, the book examines all the key concepts of American government, while providing exciting student-oriented features that focus on active citizenship.


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Celebrating the power of music to unite us all – this year's initiative brings together remarkable supporters and superstars for a good cause.
First Initiative Foundation (FIF) held a memorable fundraising gala to benefit music in the community and celebrate music that makes the world go round. Supported by patrons, donors and international star members, the evening was filled with music. From the supporting artists who collaborated to give a truly spectacular evening of performances to the announcement of a special FIF charitable CD recording by Eason Chan, Renée Fleming, and Lang Lang, music took the spotlight.
Guests enjoyed a "12 star" Michelin dinner by 3 Star chefs Umberto Bombana, Alvin Leung, Chan Yan Tak, and Julien Tongourian. A fabulous charity auction rounded out the evening as patrons bid on a curated selection of unique lots to benefit FIF.


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There used to be a blog out there called "Six Months of Settled." The idea behind the title is that as Foreign Service Officers, between arriving at a post and getting past culture shock and really settling in until you are bidding again and then mentally moving on, you get to feel settled in a country for about six months.
It is fairly true, but I feel like I have gotten more than that out of Tallinn.
Living here is easy and pleasant. There is so little of what you need to live comfortably that you can't obtain really easily here that it makes it easy to just snuggle in quickly like I do with my flannel sheets (because it does get cold!).
I have loved my time here. I love my job, my staff, and this whole place. So I have postponed mentally moving on because I like it so much here. Through the bidding process and getting assigned to my onward post, I never checked out of Estonia.
And I am still not ready to leave, but as I approach my last five months in Tallinn, I admit I am beginning to feel unsettled. And it makes me sad.
On the Myers-Briggs scale, I am an ENTJ. And I think it is the J part that really REALLY likes to plan. I love lists. I love having a schedule. I love thinking about what I am doing next and organizing it in my head and on paper.
I have already started the process of getting my orders, already registered for training, already made plane reservations for us and the pets, already gotten a welcome cable from Kosovo. And while I have avoiding breaking out the pen and paper so far, in my head, I am already making lists.
What do I need to remember to put in my suitcase? Should I start packing it now (NO!)
What should I put in my UAB? Should I set it aside in one of the rooms we seldom use (again, NO!).
Maybe I should just start my inventory. (Okay, maybe).
I am even making lists of things I want to do to our new place in Maryland and things I will want to put into our consumables shipment to Kosovo (dog food, cat food, bird food...and diet Mt. Dew).
One list I should make, but won't, is places I should visit before I leave.
I figure, if I miss something I wanted to see, I will just have to come back.
And I will want to come back. Because I don't want to leave.
Monday, February 24, 2014
1 comment:
- Nomads By Nature said...
It is an interesting form of mental yoga, being completely in the present yet aware of the required motions needed to move closer to an end and a new beginning. We have been able to go back to one of our posts and still love just being there. It feels like home every time we step foot in country. I hope you get lots of opportunities to make it back.
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Must. Resist. Posting. Another supercut. Fuck it… Wayne's World! Wayne's World! Party time! Excellent! Fresh this week: Here's a movie supercut of short clips wherein the name of said movie is name-checked. This one's serving up 110 titles in 159 seconds. Kapow pow!
Best part? The corny mentions of long sequels in sequence are pretty hilarious. Also, the accidental poetry of these sound bites mashing up in your head. White men can't jump on the waterfront. Mortal combat is coming to dinner, that's who. Fun.
Also, it's James Champan's second one. The first hit is below. This follow-up was culled from suggestions from the Internet. Aw, he listened!


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Wojciech Jachna - trumpet
Ksawery Wójciński - double bass
Night Talks
By Adam Baruch
This is a "live in a studio" recording of spontaneously composed Improvised Music performed by two prominent Polish Jazz musicians: trumpeter Wojciech Jachna and bassist Ksawery Wójciński. The album presents eleven pieces "carved out" from the music recorded during a night session, hence the album's title.
I have been following the development of Wojciech Jachna for over a decade now, closely watching his recordings and inviting him to play at the concerts I organize simply for the reason that he is a symbol of the new generation of the Polish Jazz scene and a wonderful person: immensely talented, always searching, unconventional, open minded and above all modest and unpretentious. Such qualities are very rarely found in one individual, which makes Jachna a true phenomenon.
Jachna can be a bit timid when playing with musicians he is not familiar with, and therefore it is very constructive that he and Wójciński played together before this session was recorded. Consequently there is no timidity or hesitation here whatsoever and these two musicians play as if they played together for ages.
Wójciński is a wonderful bassist and even if I criticized severely his solo album a while ago it does not mean that I don't admire his talent and virtuosity. On this album he not only serves as a part of the duo but assumes the role of "master of ceremonies", gently pushing the music forward and suggesting the next move, with Jachna responding swiftly and amicably. His arco work is absolutely stunning here.
The music is lyrical and melancholic, developing slowly and delicately moment after moment. Obviously nobody is in a rush to just make a statement, and the long lasting tones little by little evolve spontaneously. Although Jachna is obviously the "leading" voice here, it is nevertheless a duo album from beginning to end and the contributions are simply inseparable. After listening to the album a few times it definitely emerges as one of the best Polish Jazz albums released so far this year. Another "Art of the Duo" masterpiece of international scale!


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Doctor acquitted of inappropriate touching on flight
A U.S. judge has acquitted a Pakistani physician of allegations that he inappropriately touched a girl seated next to him on an American Airlines flight from New York City to Chicago.
The judge returned the not guilty verdicts in Muhammad Asif Chaudhry's case on all counts Monday after a two-day bench trial in Chicago.
The 57-year-old's defense lawyer, Andrea Gambino, said Tuesday that Chaudhry was relieved and eager to resume his life in Pakistan. Prosecutors' spokesman Joseph Fitzpatrick declined comment.
Prosecutors alleged Chaudhry moved from his assigned seat to one near the Iowa girl. She was traveling in July on the airline's unaccompanied-minor program.
In her Monday decision, Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman said prosecutors hadn't proven the two counts of abusive sexual contact with a child between 12 and 16.


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…to say goodbye.
So I just simply cannot keep up with this blog. It pains me a bit to say it and to officially be done with it, but with three jobs and three other blogs, I just can't devote enough time to this one.
For now, you can follow me on Twitter, check out my personal blog, my photo/story blog (updates coming soon–seriously, I've been crazy busy!) or follow the online book club that I started with my sister (who currently lives in Germany).
All the best!


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Daniel Pfeffer wrote:With insecure or incompetent younger bosses, I can see how this would be a living hell.
Nand32 wrote:Been there?
Nand32 wrote:If yes, did that ever matter to you?
Nand32 wrote:Been there?
If yes, did that ever matter to you?
Jacquers wrote:I'm the oldest coder in the office at 36.
delete this;
General News Suggestion Question Bug Answer Joke Praise Rant Admin
Use Ctrl+Left/Right to switch messages, Ctrl+Up/Down to switch threads, Ctrl+Shift+Left/Right to switch pages.


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Undigested Noodles in Intestine
Other Versions
1. Operation of intestine due to unchewed noodles
2. Surgery to clean Noodles
Warning: Graphic videos in this article. Viewer discretion advised.
Few graphic, disturbing videos seen often online purport to show a medical surgery of human intestine to remove lumps of undigested noodles from inside, warning consumers of the same. The videos are genuine, but what are shown removing from the intestine are not undigested, unchewed noodles or spaghetti, they are Intestinal worms/parasites.
As you can see in the second, similar video, the doctors are actually performing one such medical operational procedure, cutting open the infected human intestine and removing the Intestinal worms/parasites (not noodles as they appear). The first video was also shared by a YouTube user Siddharth Sharma in August 2016 with the actual description saying 'Deadliest intestinal parasites, removed by operation.'
Intestinal Parasites
According to University of Maryland Medical Center website umm.edu, intestinal parasites are mainly of two types, Helminths and Protozoa. Helminths like Tapeworms, Pinworms, and Roundworms are worms with many cells. In their adult form, the helminths cannot multiply in the human body. On the other hand, Protozoa have only one cell, can multiply inside the human body, and can allow the development of serious infections. These intestinal parasites are usually transmitted to humans when they come in contact with infected faeces, like through contaminated soil, food or water.
So the warning that the videos show operation removing undigested/unchewed noodles from human intestine is a hoax.
Hoax or Fact:
Related Stories:
Insects, Bacteria and Fungus Found in Yippee Noodles
Maggi Noodles Contain Pork and Animal Derived Flavour Enhancer
Cooking Maggi in Wrong way is Very Dangerous for Health
Magical Healing through Spiritual Psychic Surgery


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Somewhere between falling and flying… there is a girl.
Iris has a secret. She lost her memory eight years ago and never told a living soul. After an asthma attack one night she finds out that her dreams of a strange house on a snowy island may be a memory resurfacing but the more she learns about the past the more she realizes the life she has been living is a lie. As the façade her father has built starts to crumble around her she will have to decide which means more to her; the truth or her life.
KINDLE | NOOK | iBookstore | Smashwords | PDF
Sounds good right?
Oh but it was!
Let me see if I can sum it up for you so that you can move on to the next part of the post. Yes, yes....I am aware that I am breaking my usual protocol of rambling on and on and well, you get the point but there are TWO more parts to this tour stop and I want to make sure you don't get lost in my subtext. Anywho...
This book, this book....this wonderfully awesome first book in the SOCIETY OF FEATHERS series (the sequel to which is planned for October 2013....wait 2013?! Egads that's a ways off!) really knows how to get the party started. Now, don't get the wrong idea, there's no cake and balloons, in fact there's a lot more hiding and secrets and revelations in the making, but it IS a party in the fact that everything comes together so nicely from such a unique idea. I've honestly never read a novel where a human's soul was part bird. Sound odd? Not really...once you get to the explanations and get to them they do, eventually. Hey, events have to unfold in order for revelations to be made...even those they had no intentions of revealing until a MUCH later date. It was really interesting to see how they worked together (the two sides of their soul) and the limitations that they each had while together and apart. Aside from the story lines originality, you also have some incredible characters. My favorite was actually Iris....and Falcon. Okay, so I'm cheating, I chose TWO but I could have kept selecting more because they all have something unique, something special to add. Back to my favorites....I value Falcon for his pure heart despite its tainted beginnings...and Iris, sweet innocent Iris has so much untapped strength within that once unleashed I can't imagine where it might take it. Might also explain what happens in the little excerpt of Book 2....
Moving on....the only part I found difficult was connecting the dots on who's who throughout the story as additional characters were added from Iris' past; lotsa names, lotsa history. The cool part though is that you get reintroduced to them all (thanks to a tragedy that occurs...the not so cool part and OH SO SAD!) while learning exactly why they were valued as friends and family from someone who knew them well. I can't say much more without spoiling it for you but suffice it to say that the mysteries will keep you guessing, the characters will keep you connected emotionally and the story line will have you flying high (pun totally intended). It's a breath of fresh air and a change of pace from the norm in YA right now; definitely a book I'll be recommending to YA readers of all ages.
Now, let's move on to the next part of the post, shall we? How's about that excerpt I mentioned earlier to tempt your reading taste buds even further? ^_^ Your wish is my command. Ready, set….READ!
When they made it to the house, Falcon felt like he was going to drop in the doorway but he kept moving toward the stairs. Slowly, one step at a time, he made it to the top. When he finally got Iris to a bed, he nearly fell onto it and Diana had to stop Iris from rolling off his back in the wrong direction.
"Go change out of your clothes and find something old of Roger's. I will take care of her. If we let either of you get too cold I won't be able to save you," Diana said, looking from Falcon to Iris.
"Why would you save me?" Falcon was now willing to speak since Iris was safely laying on the bed in Diana's care. He ignored the fact that his words sounded so strange from all the shivering. He knew she would save and protect Iris, even if she hadn't known who he had been to her family, but she could have had Joseph be the one to help her. She could have just left Falcon to his own devices.
"You love her whether you are her mate or not. I should have learned more before telling her about who you were. I didn't even think about that. Well, you're here now. Roger wouldn't have let you be here unless he had known you. Unless she had too. You know she doesn't remember, don't you? We thought she did but...she just doesn't. I just...I panicked. We have been waiting for Caleb to discover the secret and send an assassin or a vulture and I was terrified that day had come."
"I know," Falcon said quietly; he was fading fast. Crawling to his feet, he searched for clothes while Diana started hooking Iris up to the machinery for her asthma. Falcon had almost forgotten it would be harder for her because of her affliction. Her body wouldn't know what side of the soul to listen to while she was healing. The Stryx inside of her would be subjected to her bad health and have to feel it on its own, while the normal half of her soul came back to life. It would be unnatural since asthma was never a part of the Stryx soul's form...whatever that form might be.


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Mundos Diferentes, Episodes 1-8
Produced by high school students at the Austin School of Film
Student filmmakers will be present for a Q&A session after the screening
"Hey baby, qué pasó?" A totally different take on the bi-cultural teenage world of sex, drugs, and Tejano rock 'n' roll, that's what's up. Produced entirely by high school students at the Austin School of Film, MUNDOS DIFERENTES is a telenovela that reflects the true-to-life highs and lows of life, love, and loss as seen through the eyes of a quartet of young Latinos in a modern American high school in Austin, Texas. Maria, Alejandra, Christina, and Alex face daily challenges not only of teen life but also specific cross-cultural conflicts: a forgotten sister left behind, a young fugitive fleeing the grim specter of cartel violence, forbidden loves, and buried pasts that are not, perhaps, as deeply interred as they would like.
Presented in cooperation with the Austin School of Film.
Saturday, April 26 - 10:00 AM
at the MACC
Free admission


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High school upperclassmen spend hours perfecting their college essay, securing recommendations, and taking the SATs as many times as needed. But the admissions process doesn't end there—now, more than ever, students are putting an extreme amount of effort into Advanced Placement classes in an attempt to boost their transcript and get a head-start on college credit. Advanced Placement, known more familiarly as AP, is a program created by the CollegeBoard to "help thousands of students achieve their college dreams each year."
Easy? As Pie
On the surface, the AP process seems simple. Students register for more rigorous high school classes that will give them a more impressive transcript, and often a GPA increase as well. At the end of the school year, students sit for an AP exam. Weeks later, students receive a letter in the mail telling them their score ranging on a scale from one to five. Depending on the college or university, a student's score can potentially grant them college credit and even propel them past introductory classes.
Also Problematic
For many students, however, there are barriers that make this process difficult, and sometimes impossible. While there are high school counselors and college admissions representatives all over the country who believe the AP is a necessity, there are others who believe the program is deeply flawed. Elizabeth Stone of Campanile College Counseling noticed these flaws when her oldest daughter, who had been accepted to Stanford, came home asking for $400 to pay for her AP exams. The catch? Stanford wasn't going to accept any of the scores.
At first Stone refused to pay, which sent her daughter into hysterics, because students in San Mateo Unified High School District were required to take AP exams for any AP courses they took. "My daughter's school was going to remove AP designation from her transcript if she didn't take the exam," Stone said. When her daughter's school wouldn't comply, Stone paid the exam fees and then fought to have the requirement to take AP exams removed from their local district—and succeeded in getting the policy changed both in San Mateo and San Francisco. Stone noted that requiring public school students in California to take AP exams goes against a law that prohibits charging students a fee to take a public school class.
Addressing the Predicament
In Texas, the rules vary slightly. Director of Guidance, College & Career Readiness at Hays Consolidated School District Charlotte Winkelmann said while the requirement has not been completely abolished, they have worked hard to make sure students are not put in a predicament like Stone's daughter was.
"Two years ago, we required everyone to take exams, and then we stepped back and looked at that a little deeper, and encouraged them to take the exams." Winkelmann said. "If they're enrolled in several AP courses, they are not required to take exams."
If students are only taking one or two APs, however, they are required to take those exams. Winkelmann said this change in requirements has not resulted in less students taking AP exams. "We had no students back off from taking the exams, we thought we would, but they all wanted to still take the exams."
Additional Players
Stone's complaints with the AP process do not end there. She believes a major reason why APs are flawed is due to the role high schools play in the process. "I see so much abuse," Stone said. "Schools alter scores on a student's transcript based on exam grades."
Stone explained a scenario where two students can be enrolled in the same AP class and have the same grade at the end of the year, but receive different scores on the exam. If one student scores a 3, a teacher can alter that student's course grade, making it lower than the student who scored a 4.
"There's no uniformity, it makes a high school transcript impossible to know what the course grade is," Stone said, noting that teachers can use the AP exam as the final exam for the course, despite never reading or scoring the exams themselves. She also pointed out that some high schools remove AP designation completely if a student does not take the exam, and sometimes change the course to reflect something different on the student's transcript–such as changing it from an AP course to an Honor's course.
Adequately Prepared?
Stone said this stigma of not being college-worthy unless you take AP courses is one of the biggest problems that exists with APs. "What they continue to tell kids is taking an AP exam proves you're capable of doing college level work—that's a terrible message," Stone said. She said this stigma of not being college-worthy unless you take AP courses is one of the biggest problems that exists with APs. Winkelmann disagrees, and does not believe this stigma is as prevalent as Stone does. "In our district, I don't see that that's a stigma at all because they can mix dual credit with APs, they don't have to take all APs," Winkelmann said.
Winkelmann also noted her district's decision to allow underclassmen to enroll in AP courses, to prevent the issue of overloading on classes, which Stone believes is an issue that has resulted from the stigma. "Students are able to spread those out in their four years," Winkelmann said. They don't have to wait until junior or senior year to take an AP." Winkelmann said her school district's decision to allow open enrollment at any grade level is precisely the reason why the AP process has gone so smoothly in recent years. "We begin doing their four-year plans in middle school and we talk about the rigor involved," she said. "What I hear from students is they overwhelmingly feel they're prepared for college."
Stone received different feedback from many of the students she works with. One such student turned down an Ivy League school, saying that he was too burnt out by AP courses and was afraid college courses at an Ivy League school would be just as stressful.
Accruing Payments
While there are many types of people who can be disadvantaged by the AP's programs, Stone says students at low-income schools are particularly affected. Stone says these students don't receive proper preparation, and often times can't afford the exams fees. The College Board charges $93, but schools are allowed to charge more, according to Stone, whose district now charges $125 per exam. 49% of the students in Winkelmann's district are considered low-income, and she said this hasn't been a problem. She said schools are usually helpful in terms of granting fee waivers and helping students, but Stone isn't convinced.
"It's not only taking the exam—you have to pay to send your score to the college—and it doesn't end there," Stone said. "The CollegeBoard charges you $10 to suppress reports you don't want to send." She's right—it costs $15 for each score report sent to colleges, and if students want to hold back scores from exams they did poorly on, it's $10 on top of that. "Many students don't send any scores at all because of the cost," Stone said.
Winkelmann believes the benefits of AP courses outweigh any negative aspects. "There's more room for bringing in those interactive activities, and it can really enhance that high school course. It's really more of an interaction," Winkelmann said. "The College Board is working really hard. They opened up a whole new world for opportunities." Despite noticing many flaws with the AP system, Stone doesn't believe the entire AP program should be done away with.
Instead, she thinks students need to be better informed of the repercussions that can come with enrolling in a course. "I'm not saying toss out the entire system, there are just many, many issues," Stone said. Her advice for students looking to enroll in AP classes? Don't be pressured into taking the exams. "My younger daughter took seven AP classes, and only one exam, and got into Stanford," she said.
It's important for high school students to realize that some colleges and universities accept AP courses as a replacement for college courses, some grant students with college credit, and some don't accept AP scores at all.
Here is a list of some schools that do accept AP scores. For a complete list, visit the College Board's website.
Schools that Offer College Credit
Boston Architectural College
Columbia College
DigiPen Institute of Technology
Florida International University
Florida SouthWestern State College
Johnson and Wales
Northampton Community College
University of Houston – Clear Lake
University of Idaho
Webster University Leiden
Schools that Offer College Credit and Placement into Higher-Level Courses
Armstrong State University
Bentley University
Caldwell University
Champlain College
Christopher Newport University
Dean College
Eastern Washington University
Fashion Institute of Technology
Gannon University
Georgian Court University
Hofstra University
Holy Names University
Idaho State University
John Cabot University
Kansas Wesleyan
Landmark College
Lawrence Technological University
Manhattanville College
Marymount California University
Miami Dade College
Morgan State University
Niagara County Community College
North Carolina State University
Pace University
Purdue University
Rutgers University Newark
Sam Houston State University
St. Thomas University
Stephen F. Austin State University
Suffolk University
Syracuse University
Texas Tech University
University of British Columbia
University of Tampa
University of Texas at San Antonio
UC Riverside
UC Santa Barbara
UC Davis
United States Air Force Academy
United States Naval Academy
University of Advancing Technology
University of Akron
University of Alberta
University of Bridgeport
University of Houston
University of New England
University of North Texas
University of Notre Dame
University of San Diego
University of Texas at Arlington
University of Vermont
University of Wisconsin-Stout
Virginia State University


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This is Part 2, Missed First Part ? Don't worry Click here
As you can see above after installing android on your usb pen drive go to you BIOS SETUP and configure Boot Priority Choose your Pen Drive as First Boot Priority after that save and exit. your pc will start and load file from your USB Pen drive not from your hard disk ! it will look like this :
Hit Enter Key . After few seconds it will look like this :
stop tracking your location
Note :- Kindly g+1 this post if you want more Cool updates.
So...Enjoy ... share it if you like it ..


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The PTT Thailand Open announced in their website late yesterday that Rafael Nadal has been forced to withdraw from the tournament due to injury.
Rafael Nadal with team mates Tommy Robredo and Feliciano Lopez at the Davis Cup semifinal last weekend.
This is the third time Nadal has pulled out from the tournament, the last two times were back in 2006 and 2007.
In the medical certificate provided to the tournament yesterday, Dr. Angel Ruiz Cotorro, Medical Services Chief for the Royal Spanish Tennis Federation said that Nadal was suffering from an acute rupture of his right abdominal muscle, which was confirmed by an ultrasound.
The doctor added that Nadal would require, "… medical treatment consisting of physiotherapy, rest, and medication …" for a period of two to three weeks.Nadal expressed his disappointment at not being able to participate in the PTT Thailand Open.
"I am very disappointed not to be able to play in Bangkok."(Via PTT Thailand Open website)
"I was looking forward to this tournament but the injury I have been suffering during the North American summer swing needs to be taken care of."
"I am really looking forward to playing next year in Thailand where I have a very loyal and big fan base."


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Bona-fide Torrance-based, non-profit groups may submit events to be included in the Torrance citywide calendar pending approval. The City of Torrance Citywide Calendar System Administrator (Office of Cable and Community Relations) is responsible for determining which events are appropriate for posting and then approving a calendar entry. The administrator also has the capability to submit the event to other calendars so that your event may be posted on more than one calendar if appropriate. Events must occur within Torrance city limits to be considered for inclusion and submitted within the categories already identified within the calendar. Upon submission, the following information should be included: How To Submit
I'M NOT RUNNING: A NEW PLAY BY DAVID HARE (The Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation: National Theatre Live Series)
- Date: 01/12/2020 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
- Location: James R. Armstrong Theatre
3330 Civic Center Drive
Torrance, California 90503
The Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation: National Theatre Live Series presents I'M NOT RUNNING: A NEW PLAY BY DAVID HARE in the James Armstrong Theatre, 3330 Civic Center Drive.
Tickets are $17.50. Call the Theatre Box Office at 310.781.7171. For more information access www.TorranceArts.org.
An explosive new political drama exploring personal choices and their public consequences. The cast includes Sian Brooke (BBC Sherlock, BBC Doctor Foster), Joshua McGuire (NT Live: Rozencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, About Time) and Alex Hassell (ITV Grantchester, BBC The Miniaturist).


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The Todd Engineering Titan CV series spraybooth is designed to fulfil the requirements for the refinishing of large commercial vehicles and other larger bespoke industrial and commercial processes.
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Regarding extraction; Titan spray booths can be configured as either rear extraction, single/twin side extraction or full downdraught. Internal dimensions can be made to any length, width or height, with various plant positions such as rear, side or roof-mounted options.
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- External Options Available


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Few things are better than fresh, homemade lemonade and it is very easy to add extra flavor to make it a little more interesting. Come spring when lilacs are in bloom, you can add this sweet, fragrant flower to your lemonade and it is very easy and extremely interesting.
This Lilac Lemonade recipe plays off of the basic lemonade recipe, which uses 2 parts water to 1 part each fresh lemon juice and simple syrup. The only difference here is that I've switched to a homemade lilac simple syrup (a full tutorial is linked in the recipe below) and the difference is amazing. Honestly, it surprised me how well it worked out and I almost like it better than regular lemonade.
The lilac gives the lemonade a dark floral background and the syrup turns the drink a soft pink-purple color that is fun and unique. This is would be a great spring project that could involve the entire family. I'm sure kids would love to forage for then prepare the lilacs for the syrup and they will enjoy the finished product as well. You will also find this drink (and any homemade lemonade, for that matter) is far more refreshing and healthier than any lemonade you buy at the store.
If you like, add some sparkle to this drink with a light soda. I would recommend ginger ale or club soda, though you could have fun experimenting with the unique flavors of a soda company like DRY Soda. Their lavender, rhubarb, even cucumber sodas might work surprisingly well here.
Lilacs come only once a year, so don't miss out on your opportunity to give this a try!
When lilacs are in bloom, make up a refreshing, sweet, and homemade Lilac Lemonade.
Photo © S&C Design Studios
- 1 part fresh lilac simple syrup
- 1 part fresh lemon juice
- 2 parts distilled water
- Lemon slice for garnish
- Pour the syrup, lemon juice, and water into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake well.
- Strain into a tall glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with a lemon slice.


text: Repurposing clothing is something I get excited about, and it's not only from sweaters. There are a lot of things you can do with an upcycled T SHIRT as well. How about a baby beanie? Baby and toddler clothes are so fun to make with upcycled t shirts because they don't require … [Read more...]


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If you are living your life exactly as planned then you're probably pretty boring! In fact you're probably a Chicken!
Ya I know you're supposed to set goals and measure your progress and all that – but every once in a while you just have to stop being so darn boring – and live on the edge!
- If your great passion in life is to live your life on a cautious path that will more or less just work out – does that get the most out of your life?
- If you have never experienced failure does that mean your life has been a success? Aren't failures and setbacks how we grow?
- Don't we learn to walk by falling down a bunch of times?
- Wrapping ourselves in bubble wrap and tip toeing our way across the finish line – is that how we succeed in life?
As parents what are we teaching our children when we say 'just go out there and have fun and you will get a beautiful participation ribbon no matter what the results are'! I'm all for doing stuff for the fun. In fact I believe we should try hard to only do things that we enjoy most of the time. But why do you need a participation ribbon for having fun? Isn't having fun fun enough? Kind of seems like all we are doing is encouraging mediocrity in that formula. Are we teaching a lack of appreciation which results in a lack of understanding of the true meaning of Gratitude. Does it teach that the only way we can appreciate something is if someone gives us a ribbon. Doesn't having a misunderstanding of the true meaning of Gratitude result in a life that is no fun. Always wanting more but never being Grateful for what you have achieved because you never got another ribbon. Does the ribbon attempt to fill the void that is left as a result of the lack of Gratitude for what is meaningful. The meaning of fun. The meaning of success.
If you are not applying yourself to your maximum God given talent. If you are not trying to excel at whatever you are Blessed with. Then that expresses a lack of Gratitude for the life that you have been given. If you aren't truly Grateful for the life that you are given how can you possibly be grateful for things of less importance than your own life, or in other peoples lives. Or other people's possessions. Things that are less important than your own life is pretty much everything else that evolves around your life. We should be encouraging Gratitude, not taking it away.
You are lying to yourself if you are not becoming the best possible you that you should be. Being the best you that you should be is what is expected from you when you were put on this earth. The initial expectation was never any less than that. Why would you allow that expectation to change?
Stop being a chicken and start experiencing new things. The first step is to make a commitment. Commit to something that you have never done before. Commit to something that someone else has done, or is doing, and you always wished that was you. Stop the excuses like 'I don't know enough about it' or 'I'm not good enough' or 'I can't afford it' or the worst excuse ever 'I don't have the time'. The unfortunate fact is you don't have the time not to experience life to the fullest.
If you live each day with fear in it then at some point you end the day where you began the start of the day – back in bed with your covers pulled up over your head.
Life is supposed to be a continuous hurdle race. The steps you take after each hurdle prepares you for the next hurdle. The difference between life and a hurdle race is that the distance between each hurdle and the height of each hurdle varies, unlike in a race. And we are each running a different length of race.
Is it best to stop and whine or take self-pity on ourselves every time we knock down a hurdle. Does that give us the momentum to make it over the next hurdle? Of course not. It does the complete opposite. Instead you get stopped in your tracks and hurry back to the start line so you can watch the others finish with their arms in the air. And as you stand there you wonder why you didn't get a ribbon.
This does not mean that you run through life in reckless abandonment. It means that you continuously challenging yourself to grow your well-being, your knowledge and your financial successes. Overcoming hurdles in each of these three areas of your life will reward you with a life that is a success. Success in the way that you measure it. The success that your life was meant to have.
Stop living your life exactly as planned. Stop flapping your wings and back peddling every time you come close to the next hurdle. Stop continually circling back to the start line because you were too chicken to jump the next hurdle.
Stop living your life exactly as planned.
And rest assured – your life will not be boring!


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Omega 3 acids delay loss of neurons in old age
I recently found this article in the January issue of Neurology, or rather I was directed to this article by a Tweet!
A study by a team of scientists at the University of South Dakota have shown how people with higher levels of the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oils, and which many people take as supplements, may also have larger brain volumes in old age. It is known that as we age we lose neurons which can lead to age related diseases such as Alzheimer's. This study of 1,111 women shows that those who had the highest levels of omega-3 fatty acids also had a 2.7% larger volume in the hippocampus area of the brain. The hippocampus of the brain is vital for memory and so these patients with higher levels of omega-3 would, by extension, suffer less from age related memory problems.
Cellular chameleons from breast cancer cause brain tumours
City of Hope researchers in the USA have shown a causal link between breast cancer cells and the development of brain tumours.
Cancer cells which had been growing uncontrollably had been shown to travel to the brain, in the bloodstream, where they grow into tumours in the brain after crossing the blood-brain barrier.
It is understandable to think, like I did, that the body's immune system would simply destroy the cancer cells. However, the cancer cells masquerade as neurons in the brain to avoid detection. The cancer cells exploit the resources in the brain which allows them to proliferate.
What I find incredible about this study is that we are only starting to discover causal links between different cancers. Research such as this is not only scientifically interesting but can allow medical professionals to look for signs of brain tumours in breast cancer suffers and those who are in remission from cancer.
Leukaemia Sufferers May Benefit From Antipsychotic Drugs
Once again, during my (virtually ongoing) reading of various medical journals, websites and magazines I stumbled across this piece of medical news which I thought to be particularly noteworthy.
Sufferers of a notoriously difficult-to-treat form of leukaemia may benefit from a fifty year old antipsychotic medication if research using zebrafish is to be believed. Perphenazine works by turning on a cancer-supressing enzyme called (rather boringly) PP2A, which causes harmful malignant tumour cells to self-destruct. This type of leukaemia, abbreviated to T-ALL is more aggressive than other types of leukaemia and has quite a poor prognosis, half of adults diagnosed with this type of cancer succumb to it.
Obviously, one major side-effect of taking Perphenazine would be the psychotropic effect also caused by the drug. This study paves the way for a new drug which targets this specific enzyme to be developed, (minus the psychotropic effects).
What I personally find so fascinating is that we are still very early on in the fight against cancer and that every day unlikely medications, such as this one, prove to be effective treatments for cancer.
Could Vitamin D be the key to MS treatment?
Hello and welcome to my blog!
Yesterday a very interesting development in the fight against Multiple Sclerosis popped up on my Twitter feed.
A study led by the Harvard School of Public Health, USA has shown how vitamin D can be used in both the prediction of severity of MS and the treatment of the disease also. The researchers found how MS sufferers, especially early onset ones, could improve their outcomes by taking a vitamin D supplement. Levels of vitamin D in the blood were found to predict the severity of the disease and low levels were shown to quicken its progression.
Although this is not the first study on the effects of vitamin D on MS outcomes, it was the first to look at patients who had just started to develop MS symptoms and thus how levels of vitamin D could actually determine the severity of the disease. The study used data from 465 MS patients with early onset symptoms. Due to this the researchers were able to see how the levels of vitamin D affected the type and severity of the disease symptoms over a time period of five years.
Furthermore, they showed how MS sufferers who had normal levels of vitamin D had a vastly lower rate of brain lesions and a vastly lower rate of relapse, both at 57% lower than sufferers with low levels of vitamin D. This shows how levels of vitamin D directly affects how and how severely the disease manifests itself within a person. Therefore, we can see that vitamin D has a protective effect on the brain from the process that underpins MS.
Hopefully this will lead to a better and brighter future for MS sufferers. What I love about the results of this study is that the solution is so very simple and inexpensive. We already have the treatment which will vastly improve the lives of MS sufferers and it is easily accessible and inexpensive. This is not a study which will then lead to multiple other studies which will finally find a suitable drug, it is one that finds a solution which is very easy to implement. This is why I find this particular study heartening because I know the simple solution will help the 2.5 million MS sufferers worldwide against this horrible disease.
Link to the JAMA Neurology study: http://archneur.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=1815002
Reorganisation Of The Brain Happens Earlier In Females
Hello again! Another neurology post!
You may have thought that girls mature quicker during their teenage years and science may well have proven this to be true by peering into a range of subjects' brains. During the ages of four and forty the brain undergoes a huge streamlining process called preferential detachment. This process involves a huge reorganisation of the brain where white matter fibres are streamlined or to put it another way, cut back. However, the researchers from the universities of Newcastle, Glasgow and Seoul also found that precious long-distance connections which connect different nodules in the brain are preserved. These long-distance connections are so precious because they allow one to gain information from many different parts of the brain and to coalesce them into more useful information. For example, these long-distance connections may be used to link optical information gained from say a bird with acoustic information from the tweet it gives out which helps us to recognise, if we did not know what a bird looked like, what we are looking at.
The team from the trio of universities used 121 healthy test subjects and used diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to show how these neural pathways are being pruned. DTI was also used to create the beautiful multi-coloured images of the brain which showed the white matter tracts, you may have seen these images if you have ever looked at the research of the Human Brain Connectome Project. A method which differs slightly to DTI but uses the same basic principles is tremendously useful in the prevention of strokes and seeing blockages within the brain.
However, circling back from that rather tangental point. This study, which forms part of the Human Green Brain Project, goes on to show how the way in which the brain reorganises the brain is very selective and, as I have said, favours connections such as long distance connections. It also says that this change happens quicker in the female brain than in the male brain and thus maturity occurs quicker in females.
Again, this is a magnificent study which I find very interesting. The very notion that this already amazing organ reshuffles itself and dispenses of unneeded or inefficient pathways is mind-boggling.
Here's the link to the study itself: http://cercor.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2013/12/13/cercor.bht333.full Here's the link to the Human Green Brain Project: http://www.greenbrainproject.org


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Greetings Everyone,
Here is what's new in the musical world of Alam Khan.
First off, I will be heading to Philadelphia on Thursday for the debut of the Agama Festival at the Kimmel Center. I am very happy and honored to be joining Pandit Swapan Chaudhuri on stage and to have my brother Manik Khan accompanying us.
I am excited to announce that I will be composing the music for a new contemporary Kathak dance production which will premiere in 2021. The music will be a mixture of sound design, production, contemporary and traditional music for Sarod, Cello, Percussion and more.
My project "Between Worlds of Sound" formerly titled "Karuna Supreme" is nearing the finishing stages of creation. This project focuses on the sound of being multi-race and cultured, searching for ones own identity and embracing your unique between worlds of sound. BWOS involves myself as primary composer and Sarodist, Arjun Verma on Sitar and assistant composition, Jack Perla as western composer, Nilan Chaudhuri on percussion and the Del Sol String Quartet. Myself, Arjun, Nilan and Del Sol will all perform together at our premiere in 2021.
"Grand Tapestry" have almost completed our second album which we are excited about so stay tuned for release dates and more. We will be performing for the Asia Society in Houston, Texas on Oct. 25th.
Please take a look at my "Tour" section of the website to see upcoming performance dates.


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Float field
EPrints 3 Reference: Directory Structure - Metadata Fields - Repository Configuration - XML Config Files - XML Export Format - EPrints data structure - Core API - Data Objects
Metadata Fields: Boolean - Compound - Multilang - Date - Time - Float - Int - Itemref - Pagerange - Set - Namedset - Subject - Text - Email - Longtext - Name - Url
- Metadata
- Float field
Stores a floating point number (may be negative). In 3.0 there is no way to search these values. They might as well be just strings, but they are stored as FLOAT in the database.
This field is used for the latitude and longitude built in fields in User Objects and EPrint Objects.
The usefulness of this field will be expanded in later versions of EPrints.
No extra properties.
Required Phrases
Float fields are stored in the database as
fieldname FLOAT


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Return to Transcripts main page
First Conclave Vote Produces No Pope; The Role of Women in the World
Aired March 13, 2013 - 04:00:00 ET
. CARL AZUZ, CNN ANCHOR: North America, South America, Europe - we are taking you all over in today`s show. And we are starting with a trip from one Washington landmark to another. Start at the White House. You know who lives there - this week he is heading over to the U.S. Capital building except for when they are invited to make a speech to Congress. It`s a trip that presidents don`t make too often. President Obama is making it three times this week: he went to Capitol Hill yesterday and he`s scheduled to go back today and tomorrow. He`s meeting with members of Congress, House and Senate, Democrats and Republicans, and he`s planning to talk about some of the big political issues facing the country: guns, immigration, the federal budget. Congress is getting ready to debate the budget, but if they want to pass one, members of the House and Senate and President Obama will all have to work together. Representative Paul Ryan, the Republican Chairman of the House Budget Committee announced his budget proposal yesterday. Senate Democrats are planning to announce theirs today, and President Obama could release his budget proposal in early April. Next up, we are heading across the Atlantic Ocean to Vatican City, the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. The head of that church is the pope. And the conclave to select the new pope started yesterday. 115 cardinals, other catholic leaders from around the world have gathered at the Vatican. Yesterday, they made their way into the Sistine Chapel, and then the doors were shut behind them. The cardinals stay in isolation during the voting process. (BEGIN VIDEOTAPE) TOM FOREMAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: As the cardinals come in, they will take a vow of secrecy. There will be no cell phones, no pagers, no newspapers, no messages to the outside of any sort, because it`s very important that they keep their considerations here private. Then, when it comes time for vote, each of the cardinals will get a piece of paper, which he will write upon, and say in effect , "This is my vote for the pope." He will fold his piece of paper twice, he will hold it over head and then walk right down the center aisle alone to the front where he will kneel at the altar for a moment, then he will drop his paper into a receptacle upon the altar. (END VIDEOTAPE) AZUZ: All right. This is how the results are announced. Black smoke from yesterday`s vote means the cardinals didn`t select the new pope. When one is elected, you`ll see white smoke. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Today`s first "Shoutout" goes out to Mr. Jackson`s classes at Yellow Springs High School in Yellow Springs, Ohio. The Falkland Islands are located off the coast of what continent. Here we go, is it Europe, North America, Antarctica or South America. You`ve got three seconds, go. The Falklands are in the Southern Atlantic Ocean off the coast of South America. That`s your answer and that`s your "Shoutout". (END VIDEO CLIP) AZUZ: The country that`s closest to the Falkland Islands is Argentina, but the Falklands are technically a British territory, and most of the people who live there want to keep it that way. Back in 1982, nearly 1000 people were killed when Argentina and the United Kingdom fought a war over who controlled these islands. The U.K won that conflict. This week, the Falkland Islands held a referendum. Citizens had the chance to vote on whether or not they wanted to keep their political status as British territory. The results were overwhelming: more than 99 percent of the people who cast ballots voted to keep the current status. Three people, not three percent - three people voted "No." It`s March and Women`s History Month is rolling along. Today, we are getting a sense of how women around the world are doing in fields like politics and business. What progress has been made, what areas still may need improvement. Atika Shubert breaks it down. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: There are approximately ... UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: 7 billion ... UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: ... people ... UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: ... in the world UNIDENTIFIED MALE: And about UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: 3.5 ... UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: ... billion UNIDENTIFIED GIRL: women and girls. ATIKA SHUBERT, CNN CORRESPONDENT: So, here are the good news. We earn more, we do more. We run countries and households alike. Our kids are healthier and so are we. But here is the bad news. An estimated 60 percent of the world`s hungry are female. More than 500 million do not know how to read or write. Seven out of ten have experienced physical or sexual violence. More than 600 million live in countries where getting beaten by your husband is not considered a crime. 117 countries have equal pay laws, but women are still paid 10 to 30 percent less than men. There are only 21 women CEOs in the Fortune 500, and less than 20 percent of the world`s political power is in the hands of women leaders. But here`s how things could be: if a mother can read, her child is 50 percent more likely to survive past the age of five. If women were paid the same as men, gross domestic product would be up between nine and 16 percent. And those Fortune 500 companies, the ones with the highest number of women board members were 53 percent more profitable than those with the fewest women. And after all that, consider this: women outlive men on an average of five to ten years. Ladies, the good news is in the end, we still get the last laugh. Atika Shubert, CNN, London. (END VIDEO CLIP) AZUZ: In the spirit of women`s history month, we want to know who your female role model is. If you`re already on Facebook, tell us at Facebook.com/CNNSTUDENTNEWS. Teachers, you can always sound off on the feedback page at cnnstudentnews.com. Look for that in the resources box and tell us what you think about today`s show. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Time for a "Shoutout Extra Credit." What is a malamute? If you think you know it, then shout it out. Is it a fish, blanket, dog or musical instrument? Put another three seconds on the blog and go. A malamute is a type of dog, one that`s often used to pull a sled through the snow. That`s your answer and that`s your "Shoutout Extra Credit." (END VIDEO CLIP) AZUZ: You probably know where we are going with this. The Iditarod, the last great race across the Alaskan wilderness began on March 2nd, and the first place musher was expected to reach the finish line either late last night or early this morning. The race is more than 1,150 miles. It crosses the southern Alaskan city of Anchorage to the coastal town of Nome. There are dozens of competitors, hundreds of sled dogs. A teacher who is racing this year first competed in 2011. This was her perspective then. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: All the way to Nome. (CHEERS) OK, guys, it`s go time. We`re here, buddies. UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Three, two, one! UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yeah! This is unbelievable! We`ve been on the trail for about an hour and a half. We left Skwentna this morning about sevenish. Right now we are heading to Brainie Pass (ph), and the dogs are looking pretty good. I did have to drop one dog back in Skwentna. Dropping the dog just means that you`re leaving them at the checkpoint for whatever reason that may be, whether it`s, you know, an injury, tiredness, soreness in a joint, but that`s what the vets are out there, and that`s why we`re, you know, trained to know what - how our dogs react to different situations. All right, Oh! It`s really cold today, probably I would say about 20 below. It`s supposed to get a lot colder. I will have to say, my most favorite thing so far on this is not only the scenery and the terrain and everything like that, but just meeting all the people in the villages, and the biggest thing that gets me, is how awesome these dogs are. When I think, you know, I can`t go anymore, they (inaudible) up, 110 percent, 150 percent, and they just keep on going. It`s about three in the morning, and we`re going to get ready here until leaving in the next couple of hours. By looking at my face you can see it`s a little bit swollen - windburned, sunburned. I`m really tired. (CHEERS) UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You`re now officially off the trail. UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yeah! (CHEERS AND APPLAUSE) UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Actually, I want to go another five, let`s go. (END VIDEOTAPE) AZUZ: All right. This is my favorite part of today`s show. You might think that eating a cookie or at least breaking one open is a pretty simple thing. That is, unless you make it incredibly complicated. Separating the cookie from the cream filling is not the kind of thing you should try at home, at least not when it`s being done with hatchets and power tools. These guys were contracted by the company that makes Oreos to invent replacements for the standard twist and scrape method. If you got a sweet tooth, it sounds like a challenge you can really sink your teeth into, unless it was too much pressure. We wouldn`t want anyone to suffer separation anxiety. There wasn`t a clear cut winner. I mean this Oreo challenge wasn`t all black and white. No one creamed the competition. Some ideas worked, others didn`t. I guess that`s just the way the cookie crumbles. Pun time, fun time, bye time. END


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The first actual gameplay for the Yakuza adaptation is finally revealed.
Posted By Alex Jackson | On 13th, Jan. 2018 Under News | Follow This Author @teh_jackson
Fans chomping at the bit for a peek at the Yakuza styled Fist of the North Star game coming to PS4 have just had their wishes granted by SEGA during a livestream with the General Director and Sega Chief Creative Officer Toshihiro Nagoshi and Producer Daisuke Sato.
Sato played a brief while of the very beginning of the game for the watching fans, and while the tutorial segments are certainly familiar to anyone who's touched the Yakuza series before, the Fist of the North Star specific elements such as Hokuto Shinken add a special spin.
There's no information on a western launch still, but it's likely to come sometime after the Japanese launch on March 8th. If you're the adventurous type, this same demo that was played in the video below will likely become available on the Japanese PlayStation Store sometime soon.
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As week two of the WNBA drought continues, Michelle and Becca take this episode of From the Cheap Seats to report on the latest from Russia's top teams, as well as some football talk. There's also a bit of baseball as the World Series gets under way.
Lauren Jackson, Diana Taurasi with Sue Bird of the Spartak
Also, Becca finds what is perhaps the strangest fantasy league in all of sports.
From the Cheap Seats: Episode 21
This is a vlog by fans for fans, so please leave plenty of comments, questions, rants and raves, or anything else that comes to mind. And check back next weekend for another episode!


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A curated source for everything entrepreneurial in your community.
Startup Week: Celebrating entrepreneurs is communities across the globe.
Start building your future in just 54 hours. Learn, Network, Startup.
Learn More
Startup Weekend Recife Organizer Shares "Words of Wisdom"
This post originally appeared on blog.up.co
Startup Weekend Edu Recife (Brazil) organizer, Gerson Ribeiro shared some "words of wisdom" for SWEDU participants:
1 - Right now Education is going thru a Global Revolution, and all the participants and organizers of SWEDU are active members in this international movement.
2 - All actions that happen inside the event will echo for the years to come. Like a rock in a lake. These small ideas will have impact in thousands of peoples lives. This is a great responsibility and a honor. Be proud :-)
3 - Think about the problem and come with solutions to that. But always start with the problem.
4 - Always remember there must be a solid business model behind your business. Your solution could be beautiful, but if there is no cash flow it will die soon.
5 - Have fun!!!
Gerson believes that the most important legacy we can give to our community is to empower it by teaching people how to be real entrepreneurs. Organizing an event is training people how to move out of the status quo, learning by doing, and making them realize that they can make great things happen in only 54 hours. He says that it's truly one of the most rewarding experience that he has ever had. He also believes that we will never be able to measure the everlasting and deep positive impact in our community that an event like this has.


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Avenue of Art - Crossing Stories
A neighbourhood isn't just a physical environment, the architecture of our cities are nothing without the people who live in them. We imbue memory, stories and emotions in these places and share them with others in the telling of our day.
The newly created crossing on Southwark Street at the Menier building is a playful board game made up of words and pictograms which offer a starting point for an exploration of the surrounding locality. It is an invitation to wander the streets with your own memories and impressions, creating chance encounters with selected places and commissioned art works. Pick up a map and let yourself be guided through the area with these graphic narratives.
For more information visit: www.crossingstories.co.uk


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Cryptozoic and Warner Bros. Consumer Products Release
Mighty Meeples: DC Justice League Collection Tin
Iconic Hall of Justice League Tin Includes Seven DC Mighty Meeples Figures
Lake Forest, CA – January 13, 2017 – Cryptozoic Entertainment, leading creator of board games, trading cards, and collectibles, and Warner Bros. Consumer Products, on behalf of DC Entertainment, today announced the release of the Mighty Meeples: DC Justice League Collection Tin. The tin resembles the Hall of Justice, the iconic home of the Justice League, and provides a stylish home for the seven included Mighty Meeples figures, all depicting members of DC's Justice League. The 1-inch wooden figures can be collected for display or can replace pieces in any board game to upgrade the experience.
First appearing over 15 years ago, the "meeple"—short for "my people"—possesses a distinctive shape that has made it a popular choice for player pieces in a variety of games. Cryptozoic increases the fun with Mighty Meeples that are oversized (regular meeples are usually .75 inches) and showcase popular DC Justice League heroes Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, Green Lantern, Aquaman, and Martian Manhunter.
The Mighty Meeples: DC Justice League Collection Tin is sold for a suggested retail price of $14.99. Fans of DC's Justice League can show off the Hall of Justice tin and use it to store the included Mighty Meeples figures, which can be collected or used in board games. Starting this week, the tin will be available at hobby retailers nationwide.
Product Details:
- Tin resembles Justice League's iconic Hall of Justice
- Tin can store Mighty Meeples figures
- Includes seven 1-inch wooden Mighty Meeples figures that can be used in board games
For more information, see the Might Meeples: DC Comics Hall of Justice Collection product page.
About Cryptozoic
Since 2010, Cryptozoic Entertainment has been dedicated to the concept of "Fans First," striving to develop the most creative and sought-after products for pop culture enthusiasts worldwide. As an entertainment company with a diverse portfolio of licensed and original IPs, its catalog covers a broad spectrum of tabletop games and collectibles. The passionate team at Cryptozoic aims to inspire gamers and collectors all around the globe, while bringing fans together as part of the Cryptozoic community. Visit www.cryptozoic.com for more information about product releases, events, and news.
About Warner Bros. Consumer Products
Warner Bros. Consumer Products, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, is one of the leading licensing and retail merchandising organizations in the world.
About DC Entertainment
DC Entertainment, home to iconic brands DC (Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, The Flash, etc.), Vertigo (Sandman, Fables, etc.) and MAD, is the creative division charged with strategically integrating across Warner Bros. and Time Warner. DC Entertainment works in concert with many key Warner Bros. divisions to unleash its stories and characters across all media, including but not limited to film, television, consumer products, home entertainment, and interactive games. Publishing thousands of comic books, graphic novels and magazines each year, DC Entertainment is one of the largest English-language publishers of comics in the world.
Media Contact:
Cryptozoic.com - facebook.com/cryptozoic - twitter.com/cryptozoic
All DC characters and elements © & ™ DC Comics. (s17)
©2017 Cryptozoic Entertainment. | 25351 Commercentre Drive Suite 250 Lake Forest, CA 92630. All Rights Reserved.


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Celebrating the New Year doesn't have to be reserved for the last day of 2010.
NYC & Company, New York's official marketing and tourism organization, is kicking-off a series of local events all over the five boroughs on the days leading up to New Year's Eve. Check out these New Year's events that don't include shivering
for hours next to an inebriated tourist in the hopes of watching a shiny ball drop.
- New Year's Eve Wishing Well: For those who see the glass half-full, the Wishing Well invites people to record their wishes for 2011 on pieces of paper. All of the submitted wishes will then be collected and added to the confetti that falls over Times Square at midnight. The Wall is located at the Times Square Information Center on 717 7th Avenue.
- Good Riddance Day: And for the others who see the glass half-empty, the Times Square Alliance invites the public on Dec. 28 to say good riddance to the 2010 memory they wish they could forget. The Cintas Corporation will install a large mobile paper shredder to destroy the worst memories of 2010 so New Yorkers can start the New Year fresh.
- Hess Clydesdale Carriage Rides at the Bronx Zoo: From Dec. 26-31, the zoo will provide horse-drawn wagon rides from 11:30 am - 3:30 pm. You can find these rides at Astor Court for the low cost of $5.
- Staten Island Children's Museum: The museum is launching celebration festivities for youngsters on New Year's Eve, where kids are invited to paint their own noisemakers, hats and crowns. For more information, visit statenislandkids.org.
- Jamaica Performing Arts Center: If you're thinking of celebrating indoors, the Jamaica Performing Arts Center, housed in a renovated church, is the place to be. JPAC invites you to a night of champagne, food and party favors. For more information, visit jamaica-performingartscenter.org.
- Emerald Nuts Midnight Run: For New Yorkers who still have the running bug from the ING Marathon, New York Road Runners club invites you to a 4-mile race in Central Park. The race starts at midnight and will include fireworks, a laser-light show, dancing, and even a costume parade. Check out nyrr.org for more details.
- Grand Army Plaza: If you want to get the New Years Eve experience without heading to Times Square, Brooklyn is kicking off its own celebration at the Grand Army Plaza. Beginning at 11pm, the festivities will include live entertainment, hot refreshments and fireworks. For more information, log on to prospectpark.org.
For more information on these local New Year events, visit nycgo.com/holidays.


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The farm in the lower left corner is completely gone - not a shingle remains! See zoomed in below.
Same for the farm in the upper middle of the image - the old Doughart Farmstead (1928 Cummins Atlas shows Allan C. Doughart here; 1880 Meacham's Atlas show's Wm. Cole here with 62 acres) - not a shingle of that property remains. Below is a zoomed-in image of the farmstead. The house became famous for it's "No Picture Taking" sign and featured on the back cover of book, "A Day in the Life of Canada" published in 1984. The house was bought and moved to French River where it remained empty and in ruins for years. For a few years it was featured on the cover of the PEI Tourism's Arts & Heritage Trail guide. In 2016 it was destroyed by a "control burn".
The farm in the top left corner still has a house and barn remaining.
Below: my photos of the Doughart House taken in the summer of 2012.
Below: an outbuilding on the Doughart Farmstead.
Further up the road were a few old barns (see far left, third up) - they were burned for a scene in the "Emily of New Moon" TV series.
Below: the barns burned for Emily of New Moon TV Series.


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Tips for getting ready for preschool
THOUSANDS of children from around the country will take their first formal step on the education ladder through preschool start next week.
Irene Gunning, CEO of Irish Preschool Play Association (IPPA) which represents 50,000 families nationwide through its membership of crèches, preschools, after school and parent and toddler groups, has the following tips to get the children and the parents off to the best possible start.
According to Irene Gunning, "The preschool curriculum is a gentle stepping stone onto the education ladder, where children meet and make new friends, learn the importance of turn taking and sharing and most importantly build their own confidence and life skills through a child centred curriculum of activity and play. "
Parents should dig out that induction letter from their preschool manager with details about school bags, timetable, healthy lunches etc. and make sure they are organised in advance, so that nobody is unduly stressed on the first few days. Consider whether you walk or drive and decide in advance. Make sure the school-bag and lunch box you choose are easy to manage and think about the best clothes for your child to wear. It means clothes your child can play in, without fear of paint splashes and clothes that are easy to manage when visiting the toilet.
Talk to your child about preschool over the coming days but resist the temptation of hyping it up too much as the child might be totally underwhelmed with the reality. Refer to the teachers – who you've most likely already met - by their first names and tell your child about the other children, the toys, the painting, the play dough and the kind of activities you know that will interest them. Many children have already visited the preschool in advance of term start and remind them of that experience.
Explain to your child that you or another loved one will be dropping and collecting them from preschool and how that will work. Tell your child the two things you, or your minder, will do while they are at preschool to give the child a sense of the short time involved, like going to the bank and preparing lunch. It's not too long and not long too short – in fact just enough time to have fun before being collected!
Relax and don't fuss and let your child know that you're confident that they can manage. On reaching the door each morning, smile and treat teacher like a friend. Remember that your child is alert to the emotional messages you send out, so don't panic and don't let the child see you crying. If they do, explain that you are crying because this is a happy day.
If your child is fine going in on the first day, just walk away and don't look for problems where none exist. The majority of children will sail in, no problem.
If your child does cry going in, follow the lead of the teacher. Often children who come in the door crying are okay and laughing five minutes later.
Rest assured that if your child is not settling the teacher will contact you. Make sure to return for pick up on time as children can fret when they see other children leave before them.
Don't expect the teacher to give you detailed feedback in the first two weeks when the whole group is really settling in. If there is any problem teacher will let you know, otherwise no news is good news.
After the session, ask your child about the sand, the books, the toys and the other children. If your questions are specific, you'll get more information.
Finally, make sure you are not under time constraints in the first week of preschool. You've got to be prepared to stay and help them settle in – so make sure you have that flexibility. It is important that your child doesn't feel pressurised or hurried.


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Posted by News Express | 2 September 2015 | 2,878 times
President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday vowed to strengthen his anti-corruption campaign in the country, noting that his administration would not spare anyone found guilty of corrupt practices.
He said this at the opening session of the 45th Annual Accountants Conference and 50th Anniversary celebration of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria tagged; 'ICAN: Building on a legacy of service.'
The president, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance, Mrs. Anastasia Nwaobia, vowed to step up his anti-corruption campaign through the re-invigoration of all anti-corruption agencies in the country.
He said that institutions such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission were key in his fight against corruption.
He said that the lack of prudence, transparency and honesty in the management of public resources had left Nigerians in a state of suffering and deprivation.
He called on the ICAN to assist his administration in reversing the trend by ensuring that the resources of government were duly accounted for with all sense of transparency.
"We are at the threshold of history where we must collectively take the destiny of the nation in our hands.
"As Nigerians, no one can love Nigeria like you and me. On our part, we will continue to lead by example, making efforts to live above board.
"As we strive to walk or talk, we will carry to its logical conclusions our initiative to overhaul the bureaucracy of the public sector in an effort to engender transparency and improve productivity in public governance.
"I assure you that persons found wanting will not be spared."
Buhari said with the huge number of resources at the country's disposal, it's citizens had no business being classified poor among comity of nations.
The president said his administration had commenced the process of rebuilding a better country for all through the enthronement of honesty in the management of public resources.
"As blessed as we are as a nation, Nigerians have no business being classified as poor.
"Yet, through the greed of some unpatriotic few, our commonwealth has been badly pillaged in the name of public service.
'Our ability as a nation to create wealth has increasingly been hampered by lack of prudence, transparency and honesty in the management of public resources by some of those entrusted with the duty of governance at all levels.
"This should not be allowed to continue. The nation ought and must leave the throes of poverty and underdevelopment. I do believe that as a people, we are naturally destined for greatness.'
While admitting that the battle for the enthronement of the right values would be difficult, his administration was committed to effecting a change in the nation's value system.
He expressed optimism that corruption would soon be a thing of the past. He reiterated his administration's commitment in changing Nigeria for the better.
Earlier, the President of ICAN, Mr. Samuel Deru, said that the nation's economy needed surgical and drastic reforms beyond the solution of privatisation of government companies.
These reforms, he added, should begin with plugging of all revenue leakages, revisiting and redefining priorities, slashing of cost of governance and investing more in capital ventures.
"In spite of the current challenges, as a body, we are persuaded that integrity and public interest as cherished virtues will continue to underlie good governance and economic prosperity.
"Accordingly, we will continue to defend these ideals, no matter the odds. To ensure this, we have set in motion strategies to re-engineer our processes in order to re-position the profession for greater value delivery."
Dere called on the government to make the budget cycle a subject of legislation, to enhance budgeting ethics and effective implementation processes. (NAN)
•Photo shows President Buhari
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Ranging from Paso Robles to the north and Solvang to the south, the Central Coast chapter includes 12 cities, a health care district, and a water authority. Spread across San Luis Obispo County and Northern Santa Barbara County our area offers the best in easy, coastal living. In addition to the fine quality of life, our economy is vibrant. Catering to small and medium-sized companies the growth trend is toward clean, high-tech businesses. Commercial space activities and the aerospace industry at Vandenberg Air Force Base represent a major economic force for the future. Tourism and leisure activities are our number one attractions. These attractions offer many great beach communities; fine wines and winery tours throughout the area; Hearst Castle to the north; a Danish community to the south; and, the award winning "Best Downtown" in San Luis Obispo.
The Central Coast chapter is keenly aware of our role in the development of the area's economy and quality of life. The Chapter meets bi-monthly a Rosa's Ristorante Italiano in Pismo Beach. Meetings are usually held on the 2nd Thursday, every other month. Our meetings feature a lively round-table discussion on issues, concerns, and occasionally, a presentation from a public speaker. Attendance at our meetings is exceptional with 80 to 85 percent member representation. We welcome our staff members at the meetings to promote CSMFO and enhance staff's understanding of the big picture.
The meeting feature discussions on a blend of technical and professional topics. I usually hear a number of comments from attendees about the usefulness of sharing information, concepts, and techniques. I encourage all Central Coast cities, special districts, and member agencies to attend the Chapter's meetings on a regular basis. It is a great way to keep current of hot issues, get answers to critical issues, and commiserate with your peers on tough items. The meetings dovetail exceptionally well with participation in the CSMFO e-mail group. If you are in the area stop by and say "Hi" and be sure to try our world famous Bar B Que.
Chapter Chair:
Brigitte Elke (City of San Luis Obispo)
Subscribe to the 10. Central Coast Chapter chapter mailing list.
Member Cities
- Arroyo Grande
- Atascadero
- Grover Beach
- Morro Bay
- Paso Robles
- Pismo Beach
- San Luis Obispo
- Buellton
- Goleta
- Guadalupe
- Lompoc
- Santa Maria
- Solvang


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Comcast Shifts To Usage-Based Pricing From Caps
Comcast said it will eliminate the 250-Gigabyte monthly broadband-usage limit on Xfinity
Internet, moving over time instead to a usage-based
pricing model that will provide at least 300 GB of data
usage before customers incur additional charges.
The cable operator is making the change after it was
criticized by competitors and public-interest groups for
allowing unlimited usage of its IP video-on-demand service
on Xbox 360, while applying usage of other Internetvideo
services to the cap.
Comcast will "replace our static 250-GB usage
threshold with more flexible data usage management
approaches that benefit consumers and support innovation
and that will continue to ensure that all of our
customers enjoy the best possible Internet experience
over our high-speed data service," Cathy Avgiris, Comcast's
executive vice president and general manager of
communications and data services, wrote in a blog post.
In the next few months, the MSO will test at least two
usage-based pricing approaches in different markets.
Comcast did not provide details about timing or locations.
Comcast's first new approach will offer a 300-GB
usage allotment for Internet Essentials, Economy and
Performance tiers, and with increasing data allotments
for each successive tier of high-speed data service (e.g.,
Blast and Extreme). Customers who use more can buy
access in increments, such as $10 for 50 GB.
The second approach will increase data-usage thresholds
for all tiers to 300 GB per month and also offer additional
gigabytes in increments (e.g., $10 per 50 GB).
With the changes, Comcast subscribers will be able
to access an "effectively unlimited amount of usage,
because they will be able to buy and use as much data
as they want," executive vice president David Cohen
said on a call with reporters last Thursday (May 17).
As far as the rationale for the change, Cohen said:
"It's a matter of messaging, rather than capacity. We
just didn't like the message we were sending to consumers,
that they had a static, 250-Gigabyte cap."
In markets where Comcast will not be trialing a
new data usage management approach, the company
will suspend enforcement of its current usage cap.
Comcast first introduced the 250-GB cap on all
broadband users in October 2008. According to the
MSO, the median monthly data usage among Comcast
subscribers is 8 to 10 GB.


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"You want to be an actor, huh. What's your name kid?"
"A carefully chosen name I see. But name alone won't make you a star you know."
"Who said I want to be an actor or a star? It's Superstar for me, Sir."
Another failed audition, and yet that self-pride never abandoned him.
"I don't think we can be together, Orli. We should split."
"Yeah, I understand baby, but I am trying."
"No. You are not. Anyways, am getting late. Bye."
Love deserted him as well, but he stood firm.
"This Orlando too will bloom someday," he smiled.
This 99 word fiction is shared with Blogging from A to Z April Challenge - O.


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Store Pickup/Hours
Shop our website and select Store Pickup during the checkout and your order will be ready within 24 hours. If you need it sooner just give us a phone call at 624-2765 and let us know when you will be stopping by. We will try and accomodate your needs.


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No News Is …
(OOC: Set during and just after the 1110 GEF. Written by Russ Phillips and Dorian Grey)
"Fionnuala?" Bríd was holding out a bag.
"Hmm?" Fionnuala yanked her attention back where it belonged. "Thank you, Bríd", she said, taking her purchase. Slightly embarrassed to have been caught so distracted, she walked quickly away.
No news from the Fayre, she thought. But it's only the first day. Relax, silly.
"…and may the blessings of Armengar be on us, and this night be passed in peace." Here, and…there, Fionnuala added mentally, as she finished the Evening Rite and stepped back from the altar.
Stop being stupid. There's a ritual of peace. He'll be fine. We'd have heard if there'd been casualties. He's fine. But how would we hear, with no transport circle…? Oh, for heavens' sake, woman, give it over! People don't die at the Fayre.
She walked along the busy street, barely noticing the people passing her, thinking back to Tamarus and the party for Celestial's birthday. Her brow furrowed. He's a bloody idiot sometimes. Then she remembered what he'd told her about Rysarius. He'd better not do anything like that again. Especially while I'm not there.
They should be back by now. She paced the little roof garden that was the High Priestess' private retreat. Why isn't there any news yet? Has something gone wrong? She forced herself to sit down. No, they probably couldn't get a ship immediately, that's all. Or maybe the wind was in the wrong direction. Lots of things can happen to delay ships. Perfectly ordinary things, that don't involve people being dead… She started pacing again, pausing at intervals to peer out to sea.
"Fionnuala? Fionnuala!"
"Sorry…what did you say?" Fionnuala tried to concentrate.
Molly eyed her knowingly. "You've been rightly distracted these past few days," she observed. "If it's that nice fellow you had to visit that you're pining after, I suggest you go find him and marry him." She grinned. "Then you'll be able to keep him under your eye."
Before Fionnuala could remonstrate there was a knock at the door, which opened a moment later to admit Marcus. "Letter for you, Lady Fionnuala, mam," he said, holding it out.
She just managed to keep from snatching it, but it was Molly who thanked the lad and gave him a couple of coppers, while Fionnuala quickly broke the seal and read faster than she ever had before.
"He's all right. Oh, thanks be!" She read again, more slowly. "Oh, bollocks!"