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Faster. Longer.
Endurance racing has a lot in common with open-wheel racing. But it's totally different.
Nonetheless when two famous sportsmen decide to create an endurance racing team, they turned to Tech1 Racing (T1R) and its racing science.
Olivier Panis, former Formula One driver (Winner of the Monaco Grand Prix in 1996) and Fabien Barthez, former goalkeeper for France (World Champion in 1998 and European Champion in 2000) have launched the Panis Barthez Competition (PBC) endurance team at the end of 2015 to compete in the European Le Mans Series (ELMS) and the mighty 24 hours of Le Mans. To manage the logistic and technical sides of the team they chose to work with Sarah & Simon Abadie and their men who have one of the greatest racing experience in France.
The Panis Barthez Competition project has one clear ambition: help and support young drivers coming from junior racing series to step-up the motorsport ladder and reach the top of endurance racing. Given the strong experience of Tech1 Racing in scouting and developing young drivers the merge between T1R and PBC was obvious. The work of the team paid off right from the start as young french driver Timothé Buret earned the Jean Rondeau prize during the 2016 24 hours of Le Mans, prize awarded to the best young french hope of the competition.
For Panis Barthez Competition, Tech1 Racing provides one technical director, 4 engineers, 10 mechanics splitted on the two cars of the team: a Ligier JSP3 (LMP3) and a Ligier JSP217 (LMP2).
To learn more about the Panis Barthez Competition team, please visit their website and social media:
If you have any racing project and need capable hands to take care of it, contact us.
We are always ready for challenges.


text: Afghan security officers escort two alleged ISIL members in Nangarhar province, Afghanistan [EPA] We will bury ISIL in Afghanistan. This was the stark warning from Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, speaking to the BBC in Davos last weekend. After welcoming the United States administration's decision to give full authority to the US military to target ISIL affiliated groups in Afghanistan, Ghani says Daesh has "confronted the wrong people and they need to know the consequences". But are these the words of a defiant leader, or is Ghani now simply an embattled president desperately trying to justify a never-ending war, led by the US, in Afghanistan? And after 15 years of an aimless and failed war against a mythical enemy, why should Afghans allow another US war to take place, this time with a new enemy, the so-called "Islamic State", in Afghanistan? Powers aim to draw Taliban into Afghan peace talks The extension of the current unfruitful "war on terror" taking place in Afghan homes and villages will only make the US a country on a perpetual war footing, but not one that attempts to defuse conflicts and in turn improves security, stabilising Afghanistan and indeed the region. Rules of engagement In May 2015, in an opinion piece for Al Jazeera, I wrote: "Never mind the assurances, the US is determined to prolong its war and its presence in Afghanistan, and ISIL is preparing the ground for it." Just last week, US President Barack Obama's administration loosened its rules of engagement for US troops in Afghanistan and the new authorisation places ISIL in the "same category as Al-Qaeda" in the country. US forces can now "kill ISIL [militants] in Afghanistan just for wearing the T-shirt or waving their flag". READ MORE: The US is needed to battle terror in Afghanistan The change comes as the Pentagon earlier stated that "the existence of other extremist groups in Afghanistan, such as ISIL-Khorasan Province, which could develop an interest in attacking US persons, allies and interests, requires a US presence in the region that can continue to monitor and address threats, even as the US builds an Afghan capability to deter terrorist exploitation of Afghan territory." ISIL fighters at an undisclosed location in Kunar province, Afghanistan [EPA] The report adds that ISIL in Afghanistan is fighting "for the establishment of a safe haven" and it has "successfully seized pockets of terrain" in the country. But I quiz the US military leadership on the hows and whys of ISIL's progress in Afghanistan. How has ISIL, a non-indigenous force, progressed in Afghanistan under the "close watch" of the US? Who are its militants and how and where do they get their support from? How did ISIL make headway in Afghanistan? Official US statements on the topic are riddled with contradictions. On February 12, 2015, speaking before the Senate Armed Services Committee, General John F Campbell, the top US commander in Afghanistan, stated: "We are keeping our eye on the potential emergence of the Islamic State." Nascent threat How has ISIL, a non-indigenous force, progressed in Afghanistan under the 'close watch' of the US? Later, he affirmed that ISIL remains one of his "priority intelligence requirements" and its threat is "nascent". In June 2015, the Pentagon asserted that it "closely watches ISIL" in Afghanistan. In their messages, the US military sources were describing ISIL's activities as "limited recruiting efforts" and its affiliates were named "rebranded" Taliban. In the US, the leadership described ISIL as being in its "exploratory phase" and downplayed its presence in Afghanistan. So it has come as a great surprise to many to see the Afghan president exploit fears of ISIL in the country, laying the groundwork for the extension of US military presence and ongoing operations. On the national and international stages, Ghani called "Daesh [ISIL] terrorism version 6" and "windows 7.0", comparing it to Al-Qaeda, as described by him, "Windows 1.0". In July 2015, he even went as far as proposing Afghanistan be used as a "regional hub" in the fight against ISIL by the US, after meeting with the US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in Kabul. READ MORE: Dead or alive, Mullah Omar will not matter Meanwhile, between July and December 2015, unimaginable atrocities were committed by cold-blooded terrorists coming from the FATA region (belonging to the Pakistan's state-sponsored terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba) on the Afghans, mainly in the eastern part of the country, under the name and black flag of ISIL. Non-indigenous force Afghans perceive ISIL as a non-indigenous force and the terrorist activities taking place under its name as part of a foreign intelligence design, spreading from neighbouring Pakistan into their country. Afghan parliamentarians continue to blame the US and the Afghan national unity government for not curbing ISIL activities in the country. First deputy of the Lower House of the Parliament, Zahir Qadir accused Ghani's government of "inaction" and "backing Daesh [ISIL]" in the eastern province of Nangarhar. Residents of the province and Afghan senators claimed that ISIL militants are being "dropped" by "unidentified helicopters" at night in their areas. All this further increases suspicions about Washington's objectives and motives in Afghanistan and, of course, for the region. In order to counter the growing threat of terrorism in Afghanistan, Russia, Iran and China now "seek unlikely alliance" with the Taliban as they see "interests objectively coincide". This begs the question, with the presence of some 9,800 US troops and several thousand NATO military personnel in Afghanistan, how did ISIL, a non-native force, make such headway in the country within a year? Is this a failure on the part of the US military and should they be held accountable for ISIL's progress? Finally, why should Afghans now take more US bombs for it? The US must embrace the protection of Afghan lives, and this should be central to its war policy in the country. Alongside Russia, China, India and Iran, Washington should commit to building cooperative diplomatic and political solutions to maintain security and peace. Or else, perpetual US military operations within Afghanistan will not be a game changer in achieving security and defeating terrorism; rather they will form a policy of invasion, occupation and empire. Aimal Faizi is an Afghan journalist and former spokesperson for former Afghan President Hamid Karzai from 2011-2014. The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeera's editorial policy. SOURCE: Al Jazeera ABOUT THE AUTHOR Aimal FaiziAimal Faizi is an Afghan journalist and former spokesperson for former Afghan President Hamid Karzai from 2011-2014. @ AimalFaizi Asia Afghanistan

subset: commoncrawl


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Natixis' figure of the day: €200M
In the asset management sphere, in 2014, Mirova, Natixis' asset management group and affiliate of Natixis Asset Management dedicated to SRI, launched the EUROFIDEME 3 fund with a €200 million target volume.
Eurofideme is the third specialist fund of Mirova assisting European institutional groups to invest in project companies with renewable energy assets, mainly in the wind
and photovoltaic space. The fund aims to raise 200 million euros and generate a net TRI of 9 to 10% (1). It rounds off the Fideme (2002) and Eurofideme 2 (2008) funds which are fully invested.
The investment strategy is based on developing long-term partnerships with industrial companies by co-investing and providing support during the construction and operational stages. Once the infrastructure projects have been running for several years, the fund will exit the projects and sell them on to industrial or financial players.
(1) the target TRI is neither guaranteed, nor a contractual commitment
Mirova, the Responsible Investment division of Natixis Asset Management
Mirova develops a new global approach to responsible investments and creative long-term value-creating solutions. This approach has three aspects: connection between finance and real economy by investing in innovative business models, creation of value by identifying sustainable assets that deliver long-term performance, and finally, responsibility and commitment by being actively involved in the improvement of company, sector and finance practices.


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(Giveaway Closed) Find your art. Follow your heart. Artisoo.com
Rae Abigael J. Caacbay is a young creative who went through a quarter life crisis by the end of 2016. Though she's still lost, she keeps on moving forward anyway as a ballerina, visual artist, lifestyle blogger, and a BS Interior Design graduate based in the Philippines.
10 comments:
My fav one is the fishing boatReplyDelete
Keep in touch
great post dear!!ReplyDelete
what about follow each other ??
let me know if you start and i will follow back :)
have a great day!!
xoxo from Spain
- AnonymousMay 16, 2014 at 8:25 PM
i like the San Giorgio Maggiore At DuskReplyDelete
Lovely paintings, thanks for sharing!ReplyDelete
cool paintingsReplyDelete
Fishing boat is the one I like the best but I must say they all look really niceReplyDelete
I didn't knew this site, I'll give a look soon, everythings looks lovely!ReplyDelete
Amazing paintings :)ReplyDelete
awww very lovely paintings, love the cup of silver ginger!ReplyDelete
Visit my blog: www.sarahrizaga.blogspot.com
Such pretty paintings! I think my favorite is 'San Giorgio Maggiore At Dusk'. The colors are just so breathtaking together. (but I might be biased since dusk is my second favorite time of day, dawn being my absolute favorite!) Really though, pretty much anything by Claude Oscar Monet is beautiful.ReplyDelete
The Girly Gamer
Hello! I'm Rae. A ballet dancer and visual artist pursuing a career in Interior Design. This is my virtual sanctuary for interior design adventures, fashion experiments, art expressions, life on stage, and self-preservation.


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I recently finished two pieces for a show called Vestiges at Gauntlet Gallery in San Francisco. The show is curated by the talented Scott Listfield, and I'm honored to be included in the small group of friends he's selected.
The first piece is titled Sero Venientibus Ossa 1, latin for "To the late are left the bones". Magpies harvest an offering of smokey quartz, in memory of other feathers, from the antlers of a fallow deer. Here are some progress shots and the final piece, which is 24″x36″ in oil and enamel on wood.
The second piece for the show is, predictably enough, called Sero Venientibus Ossa 2, and shows the gaze of a barn owl under a life-cycle mandala of bone and fern. The finished piece is 16×20″ in oil paint and gold enamel on wood.
Please contact Gauntlet Gallery if you're interested in either of these pieces.


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In Excel Value Stream Map we saw how a complex process could be Value-Stream-Mapped using Excel. We saw the importance of mapping feedback loops such as test-repair loops because they often become the bottleneck for the complete process. In this situation not all items flow along all branches so we need to calculate the % flowing along each branch. This enabled us to calculate the cycle for each workstation based on the staffing. Finally we were able to calculate the ideal staffing to balance the line: insure no workstation cycle is above the average inter-arrival time (takt time). This we did using Solver.
Value Stream Map: Still Picture Vs Process Dynamic Behavior
Mapping the current process with a VSM is a good starting point to understand how the process behaves but this instant picture of the process may not be representative of its behavior in the long run.
To further analyse the process behavior we need variation data on its critical parameters such as:
- Inter arrival time
- Process times
- First Pass Yields
Download this VSM simulator example: Value Stream Map and Modeling
A value stream map is not complete without Work-In-Process (WIP) between process steps data. The problem with WIP data is that it typically varies widely along time so a snap shot of the moment we visit the line may be very misleading. Rather than collect WIP data from the line in our VSM Simulator WIP before each workstation (column Q) is calculated each hour:
New WIP = Previous WIP + Items processed by previous step – Items processed by this step
Items processed (column R) are calculated each hour based on Average time (K), Time Standard deviation (L) and Staffing (M) taking into account the constraint of enough WIP in the previous step.
Gemba data collection to estimate process standard deviations
We need to measure inter arrival times and process times for each process step. To do that we take 10 measurements of each in Gemba and calculate the average and standard deviation:
We assume that process times follow a normal distribution:
Process times: Normal distribution with averages (K) and standard deviations (L)
On the other hand looking at the Inter-arrival times we notice that the standard deviation is greater than its average and the shape of the distribution is telling us that it is closer to an exponential distribution so we will use this assumption in our simulation:
Inter arrival time distribution: Exponential with average K3
We now enter these averages and standard deviations in columns K and L of our simulator.
Lead time and capacity utilization
Lead Time in column T, for each process step, is the average time it takes for an item to be processed in that step including the waiting time due to the WIP in front of it.
Capacity utilization in column U is the average % time the workstation has been operating since the start of simulation based on its theoretical capacity.
WIP (Q) and Capacity Utilization (U) are shown on bar charts on the right:
Total products received and returned
Elapsed hours simulated are in B2. Products received for repair, products repaired and products returned without repair are shown in column A:
Overall process parameters
Total values for columns K to U are shown in row 1:
K1 represents the average Value Add Time per product
M1 is the total staffing in the line
P1 is the maximum value of all cycle times: it corresponds to the line bottleneck capacity. P1 should be ≤ K3 (Takt)
Q1 is the total WIP in the line.
Received (A3) = WIP (Q1) + Repaired (A13) + Returned without repair (A8)
T1 is the Total Lead Time (hours): The average lead time seen by the customer (not including the customer contribution)
U1 is the overall line capacity utilization.
The Value add to total time rate can be calculated:
Value Add Time / TOTAL Time = K1 / (T1 x 60)
To run the simulator:
Press F9 to simulate 1 hour. Keep pressing to run several hours. The counter in B2 shows the elapsed simulator hours.
To start simulation with an empty line: press Ctrl key + r. This will reset all line WIPs to zero.
Evolution graphs
In the tab Evolución you can see how all Process and WIP values evolve along each hour in the main steps as well as the evolution of total Lead Time:
During the first hours, when the line is empty, there is no waiting time along the process so the total lead time is basically equal to the value add time (one hour). As queues start building up as shown in the WIP chart, waiting time starts to increase in all workstations and that causes the total lead time to increase to a value of 12 hours, where it seems to stabilize. This means that if we take a snap shot of the line in hour 7 basically all lead time is value add. On the other hand if we look at the line in hour 22, when stability seems to be reached, lead time is 12 times value add time: NVA/ VA = 11. Non value add time is made up of all the waiting taking place in front of each workstation.
We can see that, although the average inter-arrival time is 5 min (12 items per hour), 3 arrivals of more than 30 items each have collapsed receiving causing an accumulation of 80 items at reception which has eventually been absorbed by the line.
This is a typical case where most of the variability comes from the customer inter arrival times as seen in the process chart.
Tracking this evolution you can discover unexpected bottlenecks caused by variability that may need to be reinforced with additional staff. We can also estimate the total lead time we can commit to customers. In this case if the process is stable that would be 12 hours minimum.
These are some of the effects we can detect in our simulation:
- Accumulation of WIP in front of a workstation due to insufficient staffing
- Low capacity utilization due to excess staffing
- Accumulation of WIP in front of the repair station due to low first-pass-yield in test (N11)
- Accumulation of WIP in reception (Q4) due to arrivals above plan
- High overall lead time due to excess total WIP in the line
- Test first pass yield below plan which would create a bottleneck both in the test and repair stations
- Highly unbalanced line as shown by large differences in capacity utilization
- Proportion of products under warranty different to plan: it would require line re-balancing
Test First Pass Yield drop simulation
We want to find out what would be the effect of a drop in test First Pass Yield from the planned figure of 80% to 70%
Looking at the evolution we see a WIP build up first in repair and later on in test:
Looking at the cycle time of both Functional Test and Repair we notice that they have increased from 5 to 5.4, therefore they have become the bottleneck for the total process.
In a situation like this we would analyse the failing items to look for the root cause of their failures to correct it. But on the mean time, if we need to continue the process, we will need additional test and repair capacity (increase test and repair staffing).
You can see Test & Repair Loop simulation in https://polyhedrika.com/2-uncategorised/23-test-repair-loop
- A static Value Stream Map is a good start to understand how the process behaves
- Feedback loops such as test-repair loops are an essential part of the process so they should be included in the VSM
- A snap shot of the WIP situation along the line may not be representative of the normal operation
- If the WIP situation is not typical the NVA calculation will not be correct
- The VSM simulator provides a deeper understanding of the process behavior and it enables what-if studies to optimize the process
- Simulation helps us understand some of the failure mechanisms caused by variability so we can act on the root cause to make real improvements
You can see some additional process variation effects in https://polyhedrika.com/2-uncategorised/12-process-simulation-2


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I have some odd allergies. One of them is ginger from the Zingiberaceae family. I have a slight reaction to cardamom, in the same family, but for some unknown reason I do not react to turmeric. Turmeric is a beautiful root vegetable that is commonly used as a seasoning in curries and other Indian cuisine. Personally, I enjoy putting a bit of turmeric onto my popcorn for a sweet creamy flavor.
So many people are using turmeric for their health these days because it is an excellent antiinflammatory herb. As a general rule of thumb, any herbs, spices, or foods that are bright in color are high in antioxidant molecules. The vibrant orange color of turmeric is just that. Curcumin, the antiinflammatory molecule of turmeric, lends it the orange color and associated antiinflammatory properties.
The wonderful medicinal benefits of turmeric are not limited to reducing inflammation through the whole body. Turmeric is also an incredible antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal herb. The most stunning of these is it's antiviral properties. Most conventional antiviral medications are damaging to the body in addition to the virus. Turmeric provides a number of different antiviral activities on a wide variety of viruses tested including HIV, HPV, and influenza (doi: 10.1155/2014/186864).
Turmeric's activities stretch beyond these to supporting a variety of digestive upsets, renal challenges, cardiovascular struggles, and more. How then do we get this herb into our diet on a daily basis and in the quantities needed for the benefits. One common thing is to take capsules. Turmeric is a food herb so much higher quantities are needed for the effects and that number of capsules can start to weigh on the digestive system. I already mentioned putting turmeric on my popcorn and I actually think that is a excellent way. I can easily put a whole tablespoon of turmeric powder into my popcorn bowl that I munch on through the day for my healthy snack.
Here are some other ideas of foods you can mix your turmeric into for your daily dose:
- Yogurt/Sour Cream as a veggie dip
- As a spice on spaghetti squash
- On potatoes, pasta, or just about any carbohydrate
- Mixed with coconut milk and thickened for it's own super simply curry like sauce
- Scrambled in eggs
- Added to home baked bread (fun for halloween time)
The possibilities are endless! Let us know in the comments what you do to add turmeric into your foods and be sure to share pictures! If you are interested in working with turmeric or other herbs for your personal health and wellness, consider a consultation with one of The Dancing Herbalist's Practitioners.


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Sarawak Food Guide is a culinary journey to discover the variety of mouth-watering cuisine found in Sarawak, be it local delights or traditional cuisine. You can taste them either at the hawker centre, coffee shop or even restaurants.
Being a multi-racial communities, Sarawak has variety of ethnic influenced cuisine and different cooking styles. These are some of the popular hawker foods, local delights and traditional cuisine of Sarawak.
You can find numerous little stalls at open air markets, food courts and street corner, providing ample opportunity to experience the taste of Sarawak popular hawker's food. These are some of the most-sought local delights;
Sarawak laksa which is essentially vermicelli rice noodles (bee-hoon) is served with thick shrimp-based broth, generous amount of crunchy beans sprouts, few boiled prawns and garnished with shredded chicken and slivers of egg omelette. A thick spicy sambal paste with some lime juice added to the flavour.
Kolok Mee is an ever popular dish for breakfast, lunch and even dinner. This dish of light yellow egg noodle is served with lard, slices barbecued meats and minced meat. You can get Halal version from Malay stall.
Kueh Chap contains a combination of kueh, pork meat, skin, internal organs, deep fired taufu and special herbs, making it a unique dish. Kueh in this dish is referred to the much wider or uncut version of the flat noodles.
Mee Jawa is blanched yellow noodles served with shredded chickens, bean sprouts, potato, hard -boiled egg and slice tofu, topped with delicious tomato based rich gravy and a slice of lime for extra kick. Some would like it with Satay, chucks of marinated chicken or beef on skewers which are grilled over a charcoal fire.
Kampua mee is dish of dry noodles served with slices of barbecued meat and a bowl of soup. You can also choice to have it either plain, with soy sauce or with chilli sauce or both. It is a popular dish in Sibu Town.
These are just a fraction of Sarawak hawker's food, there are much more.
Sarawak also has its own local delights, among them are;
Midin is wild jungle fern. There are few ways to cook this vegetable. Popular style is hot and spicy, fried with shrimp paste and chilli, others would preferred to cooked with anchovies, garlic or some even with salted fish.
Bamboo clam is commonly cooked in a mild curry or steamed in Chinese white wine, could also be cook with Sarawak Black pepper. This dish is available at some of the seafood restaurant in Kuching.
Stir-fried Cangkuk manis with egg is also available at many hawker stall and coffee shop in Sarawak. It is taken with rice and other dishes.
Other Sarawak Local delights are Kacang Ma, Kuching Orh Jien and Ding Bian Hu.
The natives of Sarawak have also added colour and variety Sarawak's gastronomical offerings. Each community has their own unique and delicious dishes. Among the popular dishes are;
The Umai, a raw fish salad. Thin silvers of raw fresh fish combined with thinly sliced onions, chilli, salt and lemon juice. This dish is traditionally a standard lunch meal for the Melanau Fishermen. You can also use fresh prawns for this dish.
Sago Grub or Sago Worms are Bettle Larvae with are taken from fallen sago palm and cooking into delicious dishes depending on once choice, either deep fried, BBQ or cook in bamboo.
Spicy flavour Sarawak Bubur Pedas (Spicy Porridge) consist of various spices such as turmeric, lemongrass, galangal, chillies, ginger, coconut and shallots. It is a popular dish during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.
The Manok Pansoh or Chicken cook in bamboo is a must try dish in Sarawak. The cut chicken pieces, lemongrass and tapioca leaves are stuffed into bamboo and cooked over an open fire. This seals in the flavour, resulting in the succulent and juicy tender chicken with gravy hinting of lemongrass and bamboo. This dish is popular among the Iban and the Bidayuh Community.
Beside the hawker's food, local delights and traditional cuisines, Sarawak also has delightful desserts, home-brewed rice wine and others delicacies. Among them are;
Tuak is a home-brewed rice wine. There are available at some of the Pub and Bar in town. Visitors to the Iban Longhouse are normally welcome with a glass of tuak. The sweet fragrance of the brew is highly deceiving as the drink is a potent alcoholic drink.
Sarawak Kek Lapis or layered cake is a popular during festive session in Sarawak. They come in different style and flavour. It is also a must buy item by visitors to Sarawak.
Beside the above, there are the Tabaloi, guang Bing, bird nest, Sarawak's black pepper, Bario Rice, Salted Ikan Terubok and also the Dabai Fruit.
The information on Sarawak Food guide is for general information only. The information here may differ from what you have experienced and enjoyed.
Click Sarawak Food Guide back to Sarawak Dining.
I am sure you have a wonderful and memorable experience while in Sarawak which you would like to share with fellow visitor and in return they too will share theirs. I can't wait to hear about your Sarawak Vacation experience and funny moment. Thank you in advance for sharing.


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Cream Of Celery Soup - Tasty Tuesday!
It's cold in Chicago now. Our beautiful days of sunshine and 70s are gone. It's no longer easy, comfortable, or even possible to go outside without a coat. In my mind, we've officially entered Soup Season. Earlier this week, I made my Roasted Butternut Squash Soup, and it was good. Last night, I did a new one, and it was awesomely yummy and again perfectly healthy.
Interestingly, my Cream of Celery Soup doesn't require any cream or milk. And since I was in the process of doing a 14 day gluten free challenge, I was happy to make this gluten free, too. Potato does an amazing job of making a beautiful thick texture and a creamy taste. I've used this technique before with my potato and corn chowder that has barely any milk in it. It feels wrong calling it "cream of" when there's no cream or milk, but this is exactly what it tastes like.
And this soup was good. Even my husband who doesn't like celery ate it, and Little Miss kept taking spoonfuls from my bowl after she finished hers. That's a good sign, right?
Cream of Celery Soup
6 good size celery stalks (about a pound, but my digital scale broke, so I'm guesstimating)
1 medium baking potato
2 T oil or butter
1 medium onion
2 cloves garlic
3/4 c dry wine
4 c chicken stock (or vegetable stock to make vegan)
1/2 t nutmeg
salt and pepper to taste
Chop your celery into small pieces. I cut my stalks in half lengthwise (after washing them well) and then chopped them into 1/2 inch pieces or so. In a heavy soup pan, heat the oil (or butter). Add the celery and cook over medium low heat. Stir, then chop the onion after peeling it. The onion should be about the same size as the celery. Add the onion to the pot and continue to cook.
Cut the potato into similar small chunks. Personally, I like keeping the potato skin on, so I don't peel it. If you feel differently, go ahead and peel it. You want these smaller than you normally would so that they cook more quickly in the soup.
Smash the garlic and remove the skins. Add the smashed garlic to the onions and celery and cook for a few more minutes, stirring periodically. You want to cook it until the onion is fairly translucent but before it truly caramelizes. At this point, add the wine, and cook it down until the wine has reduced by about half.
Add the potato after the wine has reduced, which will only take a few minutes. Then add the chicken stock - adding the potato first means you don't get splashes of stock. I'm always thinking, and no, I didn't learn that one the hard way, why? Add the nutmeg, and stir once.
Bring this to a boil (cover it to bring it to a boil more quickly, then remove the cover once it boils), then turn it down to a simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes when the potatoes are soft but not mushy.
Use your immersion blender - still my favorite kitchen gadget - to puree the soup. If you don't have an immersion blender, you can use your regular blender. You'll puree it in batches. Don't fill your blender more than one-third full of a hot liquid, and be sure to use a kitchen towel to hold the lid on. You don't want the pressure from blending hot liquid to case the top to fly off and spray scalding liquid, so be careful (see, this is why I love my immersion blender - it reduces danger, and it's useful).
Add salt and pepper to taste, and serve immediately. This is fantastic, even for me who doesn't like celery. It's a light, fresh and slightly sweet flavor that is a perfect fall dinner. Because this is such a light soup, it may work better as part of a meal rather than the entire entree.
Enjoy this and more with Blessed With Grace and Tempt My Tummy Tuesday. Rachel from A Southern Fairytale has an awesome Mouthwatering Monday linkup that I participate in, too.


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Woopra – Live Analytics for your Web Site
March 30, 2008
At WordCamp Dallas yesterday, John Pozadzides (of One Man's Blog) gave us a sneak peak at Woopra — the hottest Web Analytics tool I've seen in a very long time.
Read more
Comparing Site Statistics
December 13, 2005
I recently had a site owner who was puzzled over the different numbers he was receiving from two different statistics packages. It's no wonder he was confused — the fact is that no stats software can be compared with any other to any significant degree of accuracy.


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Four Seasons Of Mother Earth: Autumn Scotch Ale (2016)
Brewed by: Mother Earth Brew Co.
Beer Classification and Specs
- Style: Ale
- Variation: Scotch, Barrel Aged
- Seasonal: Autumn
Notes: Third of four bottles in the 2016 Four Seasons of Mother Earth series.
Brewer's Notes and Ingredients
Scotch Ales are the holy grail of the big-beer category. Our BA Autumn offering is laid down in wet oak bourbon whiskey casks to absorb rich tannins and deep color. Dark crystal malts are selected to impart distinct notes of caramel, raisins, and Creme Brûlée. The addition of U.K. Noble Hops round out the flavor with a balanced earthy bitterness.
Hops: U.K. Noble
Malts: Crystal
Additional: Bourbon barrel aged
More Mother Earth Four Seasons Autumn Images
First Impressions
Artwork: Using orange, teal, and earthy pastel colors, a tree changing to fall colors is positioned inside the flowing locks of Mother Earth's hair..
Color: Light brown with a slight reddish hue..
Aroma: Caramel and bourbon.
The Tasting
Arrived in: 22oz. Bottle
Served in: Snifter
The year is almost over, and so is our look at the Four Seasons of Mother Earth series from Mother Earth Brew Co. Each release has been barrel aged, with a Barleywine in Spring, and a Belgian Blonde in wine barrels for summer. Now we're onto the Autumn release, which is a Scotch Ale aged in bourbon barrels.
The Scotch Ale style, aka Wee Heavy, is a strong ale known for its sturdy malt backbone, and sweeter caramel and toffee flavors. One thing we will say about this beer is the scotch ale profile and bourbon paired fantastically, easily making this the best bottle of the series thus far.
Autumn Scotch Ale was brown in color, but when the light caught it just right some reddish hues appeared. We poured hard, and got a finger and a half of cream colored head that bubbled up in the snifter. Its topper reduced to a thin covering after a few sips with some patchy lacing.
If you enjoy bourbon and/or whiskey, don't miss out on this beer! Its aroma was a knockout, and perfect marriage of the malty ale characteristics and bourbon notes. Was it malty sweet caramel goodness from the beer blended with the bourbon aromatics, or mostly whiskey with some bready malts underneath? Either way, everybody wins…
Scotch ales are bold, rich, and malty, but of course resting in the bourbon barrels thinned this one out a bit. Its medium plus body made it easy to drink, but Mother Earth Autumn Ale still retained a syrupy mouthfeel. Barrel aged stouts can weigh you down quick, but this beer did not bring on any fatigue.
We love it when a beer matches its aroma to what you experience on the palate, and Autumn Scotch Ale did exactly that. Although some bourbon notes were apparent, it was characteristically "scotch ale" for most of the way. There was delicious toffee and maltiness up front, followed by a bourbony finish that was just enough.
The bourbon made its presence known, but did not get too loud or overstay its welcome. The whiskey notes built on the sweet profile of the beer, with some caramel of its own, and an added hint of booziness. This big warming beer hid its 11% all too well.
Final Score: 4/5
Barrel aged beers should not drink this easy! Four Seasons Of Mother Earth Autumn Scotch Ale offered big notes of sweet caramel, along with a noticeable, yet subdued amount of bourbon. An ideal fall release — not too heavy, but still warms you up!


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Cincinnati Art Museum, Cincinnati
Get your little ones excited for art with this 30 minute class in the Rosenthal Education Center. Young artists will hear art-themed stories, sing songs and explore the world around them through sensory activities.
Categories: Art, Classes, Crafts, Museum Events, Storytimes Ages: 13 – 24 Months, 2 – 3 Years, 4 – 5 Years


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Exercise is wonderful for pregnant women. It reduces inflammation (I'm talking about those swollen ankles), improves sleep and digestion, reduces constipation and back pain, boosts energy and mood, helps relieve muscle pain, helps keep weight healthy, and gets the muscles limber for the stress of childbirth.
That's why as little as 30-minutes a day of gentle exercise can be very beneficial for pregnant women and for baby too. The following types of exercise are perfectly safe and encouraged for pregnant women…
1. Swimming
Swimming is one of the most therapeutic and safe types of exercise for expectant moms. Why? Due to the reduced gravity affect of water, pregnant women can take advantage of buoyancy for cardiovascular exercise. So try some laps in the pool at your own pace, and enjoy the feeling of lightness in the water that will help you shed any extra pregnancy pounds.


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Looking to take your Chamber involvement to the next level? Join a committee! Committees are a great way to broaden your network of contacts while learning about issues that impact your business and your community. Deepen your involvement by participating in the committee that best suits your goals and interests. Time commitments vary by committee and the extent of your involvement. Most meet once a month. Participation is free and available to all employees of member businesses and organizations.
*Indicates that application is necessary
Not sure which committee is right for you? Contact email@example.com or (703) 525-2400 to discuss which committee to join.
Ambassador Committee*
Chair: Rick Reinsch, Digital Recollections
Staff liaison: Mike Rosenow
The Ambassador Committee encourages participation in the Chamber by contacting new members. The goal of the committee is to strengthen the Chamber membership by making every member feel welcome at Chamber events and encouraging them to become involved. The Ambassador Committee is by application only after one year of membership; if interested, please contact Mike Rosenow.
Community Action Committee
Chair: Linda Kelleher, Culpepper Garden
Staff liaison: Olivia McKay
The Community Action Committee raises the business community's awareness of nonprofit organizations and focuses its efforts and energies in addressing those needs by connecting the Chamber's business and nonprofit members. A major project is coordinating the Chamber's annual event designed to give back to the community, Volunteer Arlington Day. The committee also hosts quarterly nonprofit forums.
Education & Workforce Development Committee
Chair: David Remick, Alexandria/Arlington Regional Workforce Council
Staff liaison: Andrea Aiello
The Education and Workforce Development Committee works to foster relationships between education and business to meet the 21st-century workforce development challenges. The committee meets to discuss strategies that will prepare Arlington students for a career, continued education, or citizenship, and then advises the Chamber on those strategies. The overall goal of this committee is to enhance Arlington's ability to keep and attract talent and to help businesses grow and prosper.
Government Affairs & Economic Development Committee
Co-Chairs: Brian Gordon, AOBA, and Tad Lunger, Schulman Rogers
Staff liaison: Scott Pedowitz
The Government Affairs & Economic Development Committee advances ideas, policies, and legislation that strengthen businesses and the broader economic environment. Chamber members stay informed on emerging local, regional, and state public policy issues by interacting with the government officials who speak at committee meetings. The committee drafts the Chamber's annual Public Policy Positions for consideration and approval by the Board of Directors.
Hotel General Managers Committee
Chair: Chris Raines, Holiday Inn Rosslyn
Staff liaison: Scott Pedowitz
The Hotel General Managers Committee keeps abreast of issues impacting the travel industry. The committee is also the venue for hoteliers to interface with the Arlington County Visitor Service to provide support and input on the best use of public marketing dollars to promote Arlington tourism. The committee identifies issues within the hospitality industry, and works to solve them with the full Chamber's support. Meetings exclusive to general managers of Chamber member hotels, are quarterly, and are typically hosted by a committee member.
Membership Development Committee*
Chair: David Dockendorff, M&T Bank
Staff liaison: Mike Rosenow
The Membership Development Committee actively seeks new members and follows up with prospects. The goal is to strengthen the Chamber membership by talking with those whom they know and are interested in the Chamber. Actively participates in monthly Chamber networking events.
Membership Engagement Committee*
Chair: Jasmine Gould, Strategic Consulting Partners
Staff liaison: Andrea Aiello
The Membership Engagement Committee serves as a resource to all Arlington Chamber of Commerce members by connecting with them, communicating engagement opportunities, and working with each member to identify which opportunities best fit their objectives by helping them to determine ways to maximize their membership. Committee members provide an annual touch point for each member, ensuring that the member has a resource to help them connect with the Chamber opportunities that will best align with their objectives.
Sustainability Committee
Chair: John Gallagher, Energesco Mechanical LLC
Staff liaison: Mike Rosenow
The Sustainability Committee has a primary goal to raise overall awareness of conservation and total sustainability within the County by creating a platform within the business community for those whom exemplify this passion. The committee also tracks all green initiatives proposed by Arlington County, or taking place within the County, allowing the business community to contribute their approval, comments and/or concerns.
Gala Committee
Co-chairs: Tina Walker, BAE Systems and Cindy Martin Yeatts, Neighborhood Real Estate
The Gala Committee goes behind the scenes to make the Chamber's largest event of the year, the Annual Arlington Business Gala, a success. Members of this committee have the opportunity to connect with fellow members, show their support for the Chamber, and leave their footprint on Arlington's Best Night Out.


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"NEVS and the Receivers of the Saab Automobile bankruptcy estate today signed a purchase agreement which covers the main assets of Saab Automobile AB, Saab Automobile Powertrain AB and Saab Automobile Tools AB," NEVS and Saab bankruptcy administrators said in a joint statement that did not specify the purchase sum.
NEVS, which is 51pc owned by Hong Kong-based alternative energy specialist National Modern Energy Holdings and 49pc owned by Japanese investment firm Sun Investment, was "established for the purpose of acquiring the assets of the Saab Automobile bankruptcy estate", according to the statement.
The company explained that it planned to create a new model based on the current Saab 9-3, "which will be modified for electric drive using advanced EV [electric vehicle] technology from Japan".
The car should hit the market at the end of 2013 or beginning of 2014, it said.
"NEVS aims to become a leading manufacturer of electric vehicles," it said, adding that production would continue at Saab's factory in Trollhaettan in southwestern Sweden.
Saab filed for bankruptcy on December 19. It was already on the brink of bankruptcy when GM sold it in early 2010 to Dutch company Swedish Automobile (SWAN) - at the time called Spyker - for $400m (£257m).
Bankruptcy administrators said in April that Saab had assets to cover only just over a third of its debt of 13bn kronor (£1.2bn).
"The sale to NEVS is our most important action to realise the assets of the estate," Anne-Marie Pouteaux, one of the Saab administrators said in Wednesday's statement, adding "we are very pleased today, having reached this agreement."
Meanwhile, France is looking at a request by auto giant Renault to help the struggling domestic and European car market with measures similar to those taken in 2008-2009, the government has said.
"This request has not been made officially to the government but this request has reached the government. We're looking at it," Minister of Industrial Renewal Armand Montebourg told journalists.
Renault number two Carlos Tavares said on Tuesday that the first months of 2012 were "particularly worrying" for the sector and that the government should help.


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I had been looking for such improvement for Firefox tab. This add-on is very useful for those who using Firefox browser. It shows a popup on tabs and enables you to preview and navigate tab contents through popup in real time. It work like a mini browser, you can click the links or buttons directly in preview while loading your content in current tab. Thumbs Up!!
Download TabScope
For non Firefox user, it's time to replace your browser with Firefox.


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Picture 2
Kimberly Gould's Picture Choice: Both
Title: Clearing the Air
Trevor sat at the trailhead, completely unimpressed with the vista before him. He was probably the only one. Visitors of all sorts were gaping at the majesty of the mountains, the nearness to wilderness, the chance of spotting wildlife. A group of Asians were invisible behind the constant flashing of their cameras.
Trevor took another drag on his cigarette and looked over his shoulder into the backseat of his van. There he had a dry change of women's clothes, a six-pack of beer and a bag a fast food take out. He tried not to look too closely at the couple saying goodbye to their family as they set out down the trail. It didn't matter that other people used this trail system, there was only one person he wanted to see.
She was late, but one couldn't time these things perfectly. She would come today and he would be here to welcome her. However, as one cigarette turned into six, his patience began to wear thin. He ate the lunch and packed up to zip into town and buy another. When he came back, she was leaning on one of the cars left parked while their owners explored the mountains ahead.
She held a stub between her fingers and waggled it at him. "Smoking? Really? I thought you'd given that up."
"Not mine," Trevor lied, hitting the button to open the side door.
"Your tracks are right here," she told him, stripping in the back while he watched with appreciation in the rearview. Her khaki river pants were caked in mud and her boots were worse. The t-shirt that hadn't seemed adequate when she left a week ago was patchy white with crusted sweat. She peeled it all off to reveal a dingy sports bra, that went in the pile with the t-shirt and a pair of underwear that her mother would never want seen had Jessie been in an accident.
"Not mine," he lied again.
Jessie pulled the clean shirt over her head, skipping the bra, and didn't bother with pants over her panties before digging into the burger and fries.
"Damn, that's good," she mumbled. "Now get me somewhere I can crack open one of these."
She clinked glass beer bottles together.
"You got it." He pulled away while she searched for her clean pants.
"You trying to get me fined for indecent exposure?" she asked when her search turned up empty.
"No, you're decent. More than decent." Trevor examined her legs closely, toned, bronze, straight and long. They were perfect.
Jessie reached past him into the chair to tug her pants free from under him.
"I wish you could have come with me," she complained as she climbed out of the van toward a picnic table.
It took a few more minutes for the ramp to lower and Trevor to roll up to the table, taking a beer gratefully. "Yeah, maybe next decade," he complained.
"No, next month. They've finished the Chester loop. It's not paved, but it's near enough. We just need to get your some all-terrain tires.
Trevor scoffed, choking on his beer. "I think I'll need a damn lot more than that."
Jessie grumbled and refused to let him stay in the dumps. "Yeah, you'll need me." She leaned over and kissed him, popping a french fry in his mouth after.
Trevor sight and did his best not to dream.
Like what you just read? Have a question or concern? Leave a note for the author! We appreciate your feedback!
Kimberly Gould is the author of Cargon: Honour and Privilege, and it's sequel Duty and Sacrifice. She can be found most places as Kimmydonn, including Kimmydonn.com


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The Hangout Music Festival is one of the largest music festivals in the country and you are a loyal attendee! The bands have been announced! Whether you're coming to see Travis Scott, The Lumineers, Khalid, Vampire Weekend or Cardi B, you'll want to have your plans set so you are in the heart of the action! Remember, the quicker you book, the closer you'll stay!
Beachfront and Festival central locations will be gone before you know it! You can save 3% off 4 nights, 5% off 5 nights and 7% off 6 nights or more! Book online today or call 888.781.2403 now to reserve your favorite spot close to the sounds.
You'll be ahead of the game!
Offer Valid: Nov 29, 2018 - Dec 24, 2018
RESTRICTIONS: Subject to availability, restrictions apply. Rates subject to change without notice. New reservations only. Not valid on monthly stays and hotels.


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The Orphanage remake gains director
The English language remake of The Orphanage has found a director, and this remake has some interesting pedigree behind it, including the new director.
The original film, El Orfanato, was written by Sergio G. Sánchez and directed by Juan Antonio Bayona, neither of whom will be involved in the remake. However Guillermo del Toro, a producer from the first film, has written this remake script.
Hopefully that doesn't mean we're going to see more fantastical creatures in the script, but that there's been a careful adaptation of the strong parts of the script and the addition of some harder twists and surprises. It certainly suggests that there's going to be a more powerful story.
He wrote the script along with Larry Fessenden, more known for his acting work, but neither will be directing, instead that role, according to Variety through Coming Soon, goes to Mark Pellington.
Pellington has a couple of directing credits to his name which are quite interesting, ignoring the music work from U2 3D to The Best of INXS, he also carries The Mothman Prophecies and Arlington Road, and while you might think that The Mothman Prophecies isn't the best of films, it does deliver some strong moments, and Arlington Road? Well that's a superb thriller that, the first time you see it, does deliver some great moments, and after that still entertains.
It could be an interesting choice for the film, and if he brings with him what he did with those two previous films then we could be in for a good remake of El Orfanato, especially with that script co-written by Guillermo del Toro.


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Linklaters acts for Eni on its acquisition from ADNOC of a 20% equity interest in ADNOC Refining in Abu Dhabi
Linklaters acted for Eni on its agreement to acquire from ADNOC a 20% equity interest in ADNOC Refining. The agreed terms for the 20% equity interest acquired by Eni include a cash price of approximately US$3.3 billion (based on an enterprise value of US$3.9 billion for Eni's share). As part of the transaction, Eni also agreed to establish a trading joint venture with the same shareholding interests as ADNOC Refining.
The deal is one of the largest ever refinery transactions and reflects the scale, quality, and growth potential of ADNOC Refining's assets, coupled with an advantageous location from which to supply markets in Africa, Asia and Europe.
The Linklaters team was jointly led by partners Mark Russell (London) and Nicholas Edwards (Abu Dhabi).


text: If you have walked through the One Fat Frog warehouse, you've probably noticed our Renato pizza oven. Why? For starters, because it's a 6,000-pound behemoth and equipment of that magnitude is hard to overlook. Or maybe you noticed it because it's one of the most stylish pieces of equipment that the Frog has – or… Read More


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Walmart has started their Cyber Monday sale!
They will be continuing some of their Black Friday deals as well as adding new ones! Some of our favorites are below! We fully expect Amazon and Walmart to be price matching each other throughout the day and we'll be updating the Hot Deals Roundup with the best deals from the sale when it goes live!
Some of the BEST deals:
- Google Home Mini + $25 Shopping Offer - $29.00
- littleBits Star Wars Droid Inventor Kit - $79.00
- Barbie Hello Dreamhouse - $199.97
- Bounce Pro 12' Trampoline with Flash Light Zone and Enclosure - $130.00
- EastPoint Sports Easy Setup Fold 'N Store Table Tennis Table (15mm Top) - $117.00
Thanks for Visiting and Happy Shopping!


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Having grown up in a patriarchal community, I revel in strong displays of female power. Imagine my delight then to discover the prospect of history being made as Professor Amina Wadud becomes the first woman to lead a mixed-gender congregation in the UK. Wadud, who led a mixed Friday prayer in New York three years ago, performed the service at a conference on Islam and feminism held at Oxford's Wolfson College today.
Of course, not all Muslims will greet the news with delight. Controversy is brewing among traditionalists with some claiming that the service flouted the laws of Islam.
Mokhtar Badri, vice-president of the Muslim Association of Britain, is quoted by the BBC as saying:
With all respect to sister Amina, prayer is something we perform in accordance to the teachings of our Lord… Women can lead prayers before other women but for this very specific point, in this situation before a congregation of men and women, a man must lead.
Like many things in Islam, the "ruling" is merely an interpretation made by men, which has no real backing in the Qur'an. IslamOnline, which runs an "Ask a scholar" service, states that "There is a consensus among Muslim jurists that a woman is not allowed to lead men in a mosque or congregation." However, it fails to cite a specific ruling directly supporting its claim, and even admits that the Prophet Muhammad asked a woman to lead her family in prayer.
The international support network, Women Living Under Muslim Laws, explores the matter in more depth and concludes that women are indeed permitted to lead mixed-gender prayer. A sensible and objective person would reach the same conclusion having examined the evidence, so why is there so much resistance?
It boils down to the fact that many Muslim men are sexist. Some argue that Islam lends credence to sexism, but I believe Islam can indeed coexist with a society based on equality. We cannot change the words of the Qur'an, but we can change the men who follow those words.
Instead of tempering the verses of the Qur'an with good judgment, some men use them as a vehicle for controlling women. The fact that Islam allows room for this type of behaviour is a problem, yes, but rampant sexism is more a product of patriarchal ideology than religion itself. Men can practice Islam and treat women as equals – the two are not mutually exclusive.
Women like Wadud challenge the status quo. They force Muslims to question their actions and examine the evidence upon which they base their beliefs.
It could be argued that Wadud's actions are divisive. Libyan leader Muammar Gadafy has said that challenging male authority in this way "creates millions of bin Ladens".
I will concede that smaller, practical, changes like the new marriage contract may be more effective in cementing reform, but we do need women like Wadud who are willing to take dramatic action and face protest in order to change established practices.
Dr Taj Hargey, chair of the Muslim Educational Centre of Oxford and one of the organisers of the mixed-gender service, points out that "People thought it was a bad idea to give women the vote. When Emmeline Pankhurst chained herself to the railings in protest there was uproar, but things move on."
Maybe Islam is stuck in the past, but if we can't modernise the religion, we must modernise its men. And women like Wadud who deal in deeds, not words, can do exactly that.


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Courtney Love performing at the Alexander Wang party. From PatrickMcMullan.com.
At first it looked as if the Fashion Week party scene was going to be dull and duller. That's definitely not been the case. Buckle up, kids, it was one very wild weekend—and the Marc Jacobs party (we've heard reports of people offering cash to get on the guest list) hasn't even happened yet.The reverie started on Friday night at the Pop-magazine-sponsored dinner at the home of Larry Gagosian. If you weren't on the guest list, then consider yourself not on the A list, because only the crème de la crème of New York society was invited to the party. Hosted by Dasha Zhukova, Olympia Scarry, Shala Monroque, and teeny-tiny 13-year-old blogger Tavi (in a custom Rodarte dress), the event drew Hollywood stars (Sofia Coppola, Mary-Kate Olsen), musicians (Björk, Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale), artists (Jeff Koons, Cindy Sherman, Richard Prince, Matthew Barney), fashion-world people (Margherita Missoni, Jack McCullough and Lazaro Hernandez, Tory Burch, Cecilia Dean), socialites and muses (Allison Sarofim, Lauren Santo Domingo, Daphne Guinness), and children of famous people (Julia Restoin Roitfeld, Vladimir Restoin Roitfeld, Barbara Bush). As if the company weren't good enough, guests took home Kiehl's tote bags with Pop logos by Damien Hirst and bows designed by Tavi with Confettisystem.
< ulclass="slideshow">

Guests at the Larry Gagosian party included Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale. The pair also sat in Roger Federer's box (with Vogue's Anna Wintour) during his U.S. Open match against Novak Djokovic on Sunday afternoon. Photograph by Hannah Thomson.
[#image: /photos/56cda6a3a0125ee03f19cace]|||sophiacoppolalgparty.jpg|||Sofia Coppola and Rachel Feinstein. Photograph by Hannah Thomson.
[#image: /photos/56cda6a2c3c1e512485b6ba3]|||daphneguinnesslgparty.jpg|| Daphne Guinness, Lazaro Hernandez, and Derek Blasberg.
[#image: /photos/56cda6a3c3c1e512485b6ba5]|||tavilgparty.jpg|||A Rodarte-clad Tavi (remember when Fabiola Beracasa discovered the little blogger?) and Dasha Zhukova, the host of the event and editor-in-chief of Pop. Photograph by Hannah Thomson.
[#image: /photos/56cda6a3a0125ee03f19cad0]|||laurensantodomingolgparty.jpg|||Lauren Santo Domingo and André Saravia. Photograph by Hannah Thomson.
[#image: /photos/56cda6a274aa723d5e3bff49]|||bjorklgparty.jpg|||Nelle Hooper and Björk. Photograph by Hannah Thomson.
[#image: /photos/56cda6a374aa723d5e3bff51]|||sashaandjacklgparty.jpg|||Sasha Pivovarova and Jack McCullough. Photograph by Hannah Thomson. Also on Friday night: a Bing-sponsored party at the Standard Hotel celebrated the Rachel Zoe Project with guests Rachel Zoe herself and Rodger Berman; Molly Sims; Eva Amurri; André Balazs; Lorenzo Martone (Marc Jacobs's other half), designers Georgina Chapman, Rachel Roy, Chris Benz, and Brian Atwood; Missoni ambassador Margherita Missoni; socialites Tinsley Mortimer, Fabiola Beracasa, and Byrdie Bell; as well as hosts Andrew Saffir and Daniel Benedict (who just launched a new candle collection for W Hotels at the Bryant Park Tents today). Elsewhere on the island on Friday, Jay-Z marked the eighth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks with a concert to benefit the New York Police and Fire Widows and Children's Benefit Fund. The rapper was joined onstage by Beyoncé, Mary J. Blige, Kanye West, Rihanna, Diddy, and Santigold. Rolling Stone writer Touré described the diverse crowd as "'hood, prep, white, black, working class, trust fund rich." Meanwhile, after the VMA awards on Sunday night, Jay-Z hosted an Asics-sponsored party at the 40/40 club that was attended by the likes of Rihanna and Justin Timberlake. (The other VMA after-party location was 1Oak, where Jude Law, Lady Gaga, and others hung out.) The only place on the planet to be on Saturday night was the christening of the Standard Hotel's 18th-floor Boom Boom Room, where the partying continued well after-hours. It's no wonder this throwdown was one of the best that New York has seen in a long, long time—check out who was there: Madonna and Jesus Luz; Jude Law; Lindsay Lohan; Jon "Living on a Prayer" Bon Jovi; Jared Leto; Josh Hartnett; Courtney Love; socialites Allison Sarofim, Daphne Guinness (wearing platform shoes without a heel), Tinsley Mortimer, and Lauren Santo Domingo (with her man Andres); scandalous socialite Ali Wise; party promoter Brent Bolthouse; budding photog Nick Bismarck (who might be teaching Kate Middleton the New York City ropes); Rachel Zoe; Rain Phoenix; Cecilia Dean; Lola Schnabel; Luigi Tadini; Amanda Hearst; Nacho Figueras; Nicky Hilton; photographer Terry Richardson; Tory Burch; Vito Schnabel; and Yigal Azrouël. < ulclass="slideshow">
[#image: /photos/56cda6a3a0125ee03f19cad4]|||jesuzmadonastandard.jpg|||Jesus Luz and Madonna. From PatrickMcMullan.com.
[#image: /photos/56cda6a3c3c1e512485b6bb1]|||lohanandrestandard.jpg|||Lindsay Lohan and André Balazs. From PatrickMcMullan.com.
[#image: /photos/56cda6a374aa723d5e3bff54]|||daphneguinnessstadnard.jpg|||Daphne Guinness. From PatrickMcMullan.com.
[#image: /photos/56cda6a3c3c1e512485b6baf]|||judelawbonjovistandard.jpg|||Jude Law and Jon Bon Jovi. From PatrickMcMullan.com.
On Sunday night, the Standard's Boom Boom Room saw even more action during the Purple-magazine Fashion Week party sponsored by Audemars Piguet. Among those who attended: Lindsay Lohan, Kings of Leon, Mary-Kate Olsen and her boy-toy artist, Nate Lowman, Jared Leto, Terry Richardson, Sean Penn, Chloë Sevigny, Lily Donaldson, Dree Hemingway, Peaches Geldof, Carine Roitfeld, and Stavros Niarchos.
Then, last night, New York socialites suffered a shock to the system when they were forced to wait in—gasp—a line stretching down the block to get into Alexander Wang's wildly over-attended Saturday-night after-party at a Chelsea gas station. The lucky people who got into the party were Courtney Love, Anna Wintour's daughter Bee Shaffer, Nick Brown, Brent Bolthouse, Gareth Pugh, Jamie Burke, Jared Leto, Lily Donaldson, Nick Bismark, Nur Khan, Perry Farrell, Santigold, Spank Rock, and Theodora Richards.
And all this went down in just 48 hours.


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I met Dominic a couple of weeks ago out in front of Madison Square Garden in Penn Plaza.
He was visiting from Cologne, Germany, and was displaying an arm with tattoos:
Dominic has seven tattoos, most of which are based on traditional flash art.
We looked specifically at his gypsy tattoo, which Dominic says is especially poignant:
Why is this piece so meaningful? Dominic says his family once was very well-off ("blue-blooded"), but they lost their fortune. As a result, he feels a certain kinship to the tattoo.
The tattoo was created by Carlos at Fine Line Tattooing in Düsseldorf, Germany.
Thanks to Dominic for sharing his gypsy with us here on Tattoosday!


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welcome to the world
PROVAN — Darren and Natasha Provan are delighted to announce the birth of their son, Hudson Mitchell Provan. He was born Nov. 14, 2016 at Mount Nittany Medical Center. Hudson weighed 6 pounds, 14 ounces at 21 inches. He joins older brother Dillon and sister Sydnee.
STEIN — Chris and Katrina (Moon) Stein of Beech Creek are the proud parents of a daughter born on Nov. 20, 2016 at 9:48 a.m. at Geisinger Medical Center. Lara James Stein weighed 6 pounds, 11 ounces, and she joins her big sister, Ayla, at home. Grandparents are Keith and Shirley Stein of Mill Hall, Arnold Moon of Montoursville, and Jody Banks of Williamsport.
Great-grandparents are Ruth and the late Lee Stein of Bethel, Esther and the late Gene Chichester of New York, Carol and the late James Dukelow of Florida, and Jane and the late Gary Vance of Hughesville.


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City of London Investment Group (LON:CLIG) has published its interim report for 1H2017. With the headline figures having been announced in last month's trading statement, the report contains few surprises. As previously indicated, the movements in the dollar/sterling exchange rate have greatly increased most lines in the P&L. Gross revenue of £15.4m is 31% ahead of the 1H2016 figure. With more revenue earned in dollars than expenses, earnings have seen a bigger increase, by 64% to £4.27m.
Dividend: An unchanged interim dividend of 8p has been announced. A decision on the final dividend has been deferred until the end of the financial year, with the hope that the outlook for the following year will be clearer then.
Funds under management: Emerging markets, like many others, have had a good start to 2017 and at the end of February FUM had increased to $4.2bn. There was no further update on new business flows other than indicating there are prospects across the product range.
Valuation: The prospective P/E of 9.8 times is at a significant discount to the peer group. The historic yield of 6.4% is very attractive and should at the very least provide support for the shares in the current volatile markets. At current market levels we'd expect dividend cover to be restored in 2017.
Risks: To date, CLIG has not experienced the sort of outflows that some other emerging market fund managers have, aided by its good performance and strong client servicing. Further EM volatility may increase the risk of such outflows however.
Investment summary: City of London Investment Group has continued to show robust performance in challenging market conditions. The valuation remains reasonable. At current FUM and exchange rates, dividend cover will return to a comfortable position and investors can perhaps start thinking about future increases.


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USER EDITORbluecatcinema
This mystical, high-adventure series with choked full of current comedy references is based on the ancient mythical Xiaolin martial arts inspired by Chinese monks thousands of years ago. Omi, a young, gifted monk-in-training from the Xiaolin Temple, must show his fellow trainees - J-pop hipster girl Kimiko, flashy, street smart Brazilian Raimundo and Texas Kung Fu cowboy Clay - around the world to find and protect sacred ancient artifacts. These sacred objects with supernatural powers called the Shen-Gong-Wu are keys to controlling the powers of good and evil. These can only be captured after an extreme, gravity-defying, martial art-inspired "double dare" showdown occurs. Challenging the trainees is evil boy genius Jack Spicer and his custom-built robot army, along with the ancient witch Wuya - all competing for these objects in extreme Xiaolin Showdowns. It is a tight race - for the one who gathers all of the Shen-Gong-Wu will become an unstoppable force for good ... or evil! Let's go Xiaolin Showdown! Note: A Xiaolin Showdown starts after saying, "Gong Yi Tan Pai," which means "go" in Chinese. Character Guide Omi - An excitable, young monk-in-training who is the leader of the Xiaolin team. Omi is an orphan and has lived at the Xiaolin Temple his whole life. He sets his heart to finding the scattered pieces of the Shen-Gong-Wu, and will have a showdown with any enemy that gets in his way of doing so. Besides teaching his new students about the Shen-Gong-Wu pieces and martial arts, Omi will always learn something from them too. Special Technique: Tornado Strike. Kimiko - She is a rich and sometimes snotty girl. Born and raised in Tokyo, she has a very wealthy background, and sometimes likes to show off her valuables. However, she proves herself worthy when it comes to battle. She tells the others not to pick on Omi, and immediately befriends the young monk, sticking to his side at all times. Kimiko possesses the element of fire. Special Technique: Judallet Flip. Raimundo - He doesn't seem all that nice when we first meet him because he picks on Omi and has a little bit of a bully in him. He is more worried about what his new room looks like than finding the sacred Shen-Gong-Wu objects. However, this Brazilian circus star is helpful in battle as he shows what he can do to kick evil's butt. Raimundo possesses the element of wind. Special Technique: Typhoon Boom. Clay - A cowboy from Texas that knows a thing or two about Kung Fu. He is more loyal to Omi than the rest of the team. He uses his cowboy-like skills to fight in battle and teaches Omi, little by little, how to properly beat the bad guys. He has a steady approach when fighting in battle. Never in a hurry unless he's worried about finding the next Shen-Gong-Wu. Clay possesses the element of earth. Special Technique: Seismic Kick. Master Fung - He is Omi's teacher. He believes Omi will turn out to be a great monk, and, therefore, gave Omi a band of new students to teach and help find the ancient Shen-Gong-Wu objects before evil gets a chance to. He is also a mentor to the students, and often guides them in their travels. When Omi and the others are having trouble in their adventures, Master Fung always provides good lessons to help them in the right direction. Dojo Kanojo Cho - He may look four feet long, but Dojo is really a fourty foot long fire-breathing dragon! He is the Xiaolin Temple guardian and has been guarding the ancient Shen-Gong-Wu scroll for thousands of years. Dojo is also used for transportation to take Omi and his friends to the locations of the Shen-Gong-Wu pieces. He feels like he's been demoted from temple guardian to baby-sitter, though. He is Omi's guardian and is somewhat of a trainer to him during showdowns. He's also the only dragon that can sniff out the Shen-Gong-Wu to their exact location even when they're many miles away. Jack Spicer - The wannabe bad guy that dresses in goth clothing and is bent on world domination. He has a bad attitude, and will always chew out the people who don't agree with what he thinks is best. He stumbles upon the spirit of Wuya, the evil witch, who tells him that he needs to find the missing Shen-Gong-Wu objects before Omi and the rest do. If Jack can't take on Omi by himself, then he relies on his evil Jack-bot minions to help stop them. He is set on finding the missing objects so he can carry out his plans on ruling the world! Wuya - Once an evil witch, but was defeated by Grandmaster Dashi in the very first Xiaolin Showdown. As a result, she was cast into a wooden puzzlebox to be locked away in for 1500 years. Now, she's an evil spirit that can't take physical form and must enlist Jack to help find the missing objects. Wuya tells Jack what to do when he comes face-to-face with Omi and his team, but most of the time Jack just sends the robots to do his dirty work. Wuya needs all the Shen-Gong-Wu objects to return to physical form. Kids' WB Broadcast History November 1, 2003 - Current .... Saturdays, 9:30am Repeats August 16 - August 27, 2004 .... Monday - Friday, 3:00pm April 11, 2005 - Current .... Monday - Friday, 4:00pm September 2005 .... Monday - Friday, 3:30pm Special Presentations December 1-5, 2003 .... Monday - Friday, 3:00pm April 10, 2004 .... Saturday, 9:00am Awards & Nominations 2004 Annie Award - Outstanding Character Design in an Animated Television Production 2004 Daytime Emmy - Outstanding Achievement in Sound Editing 2004 Golden Reel Award - Best Sound Editing in Television Animation 2005 Golden Reel Award - Best Sound Editing in Television Animation for Dreamscape 2005 Daytime Emmy - Outstanding Sound Editing- Live Action or Animation Vote to have Xiaolin Showdown released on DVD at TVShowsonDVD.com.moreless
|S 3 : Ep 13
|Time After Time (2)
|Aired 5/13/06
|S 3 : Ep 12
|Time After Time (1)
|Aired 5/6/06
|S 3 : Ep 11
|Hannibal's Revenge
|Aired 2/25/06
|S 3 : Ep 10
|Wu Got the Power
|Aired 2/18/06
|S 3 : Ep 9
|Chucky Choo
|Aired 2/11/06
Tara Strong
Grey DeLisle
Kimiko Tohomiko
Jeff Bennett
Clay Bailey
Tom Kenny
Raimundo Pedrosa
Danny Cooksey (I)
Jack Spicer
S 3 : Ep 11
Aired 2/25/06
S 3 : Ep 10
Aired 2/18/06
S 3 : Ep 9
Aired 2/11/06
S 3 : Ep 8
Aired 11/26/05
Action & Adventure, Animation, Kids
ninjas are awesome, cool parents, battle for earth, Tweens, child hero


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(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. Reuters (Secular i.e. non-Catholic) 07/11/08; Catholic Culture 07/11/08)
Article By Marc Aupiais
Human organ transplants, can work miracles, but its never a miracle when someone else has been butchered for it. This is perhaps the message of Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, in openly and publicly, condemning the trade of human organs- whereby prisoners, children, socially not well off, and other persons are stripped of their organs while still alive, or killed for them- and countries profit off "organ-transplant" tourism.
The Pope openly supports the legitimate use of Organ transplants as life saving, but demands a cleaning up of the industry: people should not be seen as "therapeutic material"(Catholic Culture 07/11/08), but as human beings. Vital Organs must not be removed from living patients.
The church also believes in respecting the bodies of the dead.
Social Justice Family and Life News Service of the ~SACNS
Justice- and truth.
We must realize the importance of our fellows- and that human rights mean that it is not charity we give, by helping our fellow men- but rather justice.
We will keep you informed on some of the many issues pertaining Social Justice- in some attempt to use the truth to permiate the fog of suffering and politics!
We are Catholic in our perspective. We believe in human dignity!
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Vatican- Pope slams immoral trade of human organs- often based in killing adults and children alike to harvest- says there are huge benefits in moral
Posted by Marc Evan Aupiais at 2:33 AM
Labels: Organ Transplants, Pope Benedict XVI, Pope Speaks, Pro-life, Social Justice South Africa, Vatican
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Wednesday, October 2, 2013
What's Next!?!?!?!
Short Stories:
I'm hoping to do more of these. I find that I really enjoy the pure art of story telling and don't really care how long it is. I'm hoping to put a few out over the next 6 months, quite possibly in different genres. I have convinced my little brother, Michael Kirkpatrick (after years of harassment) to join me in literary abandon. We're hoping to put out two short stories (one from each of us) by Halloween. They will be horror for adults. Also, loving the whole holiday-themed idea (honestly, who didn't love the holiday editions of the Baby Sitter's Club and Sweet Valley High as a kid????), I am also hoping to write something for Christmas...maybe something in the chick-lit department? We'll see! I just love this part of indie-publishing...I can try whatever I want!
I'm plotting out a new novel now in hopes of participating in NaNoWriMo again. I'm super excited about this book, so I'm hoping that despite the fact I'm still taking a class, that I'll be able to make time every day to write 1,000 words at least. I may not 'win' NaNo, but at least I can get the ball rolling. I'm hoping to complete the book in roughly 3 months, with a Spring 2014 release. This book, currently titled Breed, is a science-fiction/dystopian for adults. Really, it would be appropriate for ages 15 and up, I would say, but it's definitely for more mature readers. Also, I think those that enjoyed the Into the Shadows Trilogy will appreciate Breed.
New Blood:
I have about 60 pages of New Blood written and it's almost at a place I could potentially end the story for now. I hope to take a look at it in December and evaluate what to do with it. It's a tough one, I never really intended to write a sequel to Bloody Little Secrets, but received many nice emails and comments from readers that wanted more of Vicky Hernandez. So it's possible I could put out New Blood as a shorter piece and then possibly expand on it with another short piece in the future. We'll see. I do love the characters as well.
More YA?:
I am definitely planning on writing more YA novels, I still have my beloved New Orleans piece that has about 60-70 pages to it that I have not finished. I really wanted to visit New Orleans before I wrote it and that keeps getting pushed back. I also hope to write another Grimmdale High Story as well. So I'll be keeping those on my radar. But I do enjoy writing YA so I don't see myself ever totally leaving the genre. I'll still be here even if I experiment with other genres!
I also hope to do some more blog posts, let me know if there are any specific topics you are interested in hearing about! More Adventures in Epublishing? More about the craft of writing? Let me know what you think!
6 comments:
More Adventures in Epubbing for sure!!ReplyDelete
Glad you're back! :)
- AnonymousDecember 5, 2013 at 11:31 AM
More adventures in Epublishing, definitely. I love reading about the process of writing and your monthly sales totals. It's very inspiring to those of us that aspire to epublish someday!ReplyDelete
I think my last commented got eaten because I got an error message. Trying again. :)ReplyDelete
Sounds like you have lots of writing on the horizon and in the works. Wishing you the best of luck with your writing.
Happy New Year!
Make your shopping memorable by getting best quality products at lowest price. Just log on to http://www.retailobiz.com to buy it now.ReplyDelete
Website is comprehensive as well as informative. I have enjoyed the visit. From www.retailobiz.com/products.asp?dcpid=gifts-store-valentines-giftsReplyDelete
Next is NOT the whorizontal, dear; next is Seventh-Heaven. Lemme fill-you-up withe avant-gardeness and wisdom necessary to achieve Utopia, girl...ReplyDelete
Wanna find-out the fax, Jak, in a wurld fulla MissKonceptions? Wanna wiseabove to help a 'Plethora Of Wurdz' which are look'n for a new home in your novelty?? Follow us...
Q: But [gulp] can anyone tell me the difference between K2 and IQ? A: Nthn. In Heaven, we gitt'm both for eternity HeeHee Need a few more thots, ideers, wild wurdz (whoa, Nelly! easy, girl) or ironclad iconoclasms?
VERBUM SAT SAPIENTI: As an ex-writer of the sassy, savvy, schizophenia we all go thro in this lifelong demise, I wanna help U.S. git past the ping-pong-politics, whorizontal more!ass! we're in (Latin: words to [the] wise)...
"This finite existence is only a test, son," God Almighty told me in my coma. "Far beyond thy earthly tempest is where you'll find tangible, corpulent eloquence". Lemme tella youse without d'New Joisey accent...
I actually saw Seventh-Heaven when we died: you couldn't GET! any moe curly, party-hardy-endorphins, extravagantly-surplus-lush Upstairs (in [the] end without end -Saint Augustine) when my o-so-beautifull, brilliant, bombastic girly passed-away due to those wry, sardonic satires.
"Those who are wise will shine as brightly as the expanse of the Heavens, and those who have instructed many in uprightousness as bright as stars for all eternity" -Daniel 12:3, NJB
Here's also what the prolific, exquisite GODy sed: 'the more you shall honor Me, the more I shall bless you' -the Infant Jesus of Prague.
Go gitt'm, girl. You're incredible. See you Upstairs. I won't be joining'm in the nasty Abyss where Isis prowls
PS Need summore unique, uncivilized, useless names? Lemme gonna gitcha started, brudda:
Oak Woods, Franky Sparks, Athena Noble, Autumn Rose, Faith Bishop, Dolly Martin, Willow Rhodes, Cocoa Major, Roman Stone, Bullwark Burnhart, Magnus Wilde, Kardiak Arrest, Will Wright, Goldy Silvers, Penelope Summers, Sophie Sharp, Violet Snow, Lizzy Roach, BoxxaRoxx, Aunty Dotey, Romero Stark, Zacharia Neptoo, Mercurio Morrissey, Fritz & Felix Franz, Victor Payne, Isabella Silverstein, Mercedes Kennedy, Redding Rust, Phoenix Martini, Ivy Squire, Sauer Wolfe, Yankee Cooky, -blessed b9 ...shake well B4 use!
God blessa youse
-Fr. Sarducci, ol SNL


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#GoingtoGaza – June 2015
Keeping a daily journal of my efforts to return to Gaza helps me retrace my steps. This pilgrimage certainly isn't easy and my gut tells me the path is just as important as the destination. For previous months, check out my blog posts: September 2014, October 2014,November 2014, December 2014, January 2015, February 2015,March 2015, April 2015 and May 2015. What follows are entries for the month of June 2015.
Day #273 – Communicating about hot button issues (religion, politics, Israel-Palestine) is so challenging. Rethinking my whole approach (especially after reading "The Righteous Mind" by Haidt). Going to write a book review today. Take away message—-we try to convince the "other" person with our rational arguments but the "other" person can't hear or appreciate rational arguments when his/her opinions originate from intuition. Likewise, our opinions very likely originate from intuition, followed by strategic reasoning. Haidt says that conservatives understand this, but liberals typically don't. #GoingtoGaza
Day #274 – Thinking electoral politics is for the birds!
Fact No. 1 – Palestinians haven't had an election in 9 years and the old farts in office don't seem eager to hold another.
Fact No. 2 – Israeli P.M. Netanyahu wins his election by warning Israelis that the "Arabs are coming to the polls in droves" thus proving Israel is a racist state.
Fact No. 3 – Millions of Palestinians living under occupation can't vote in Israeli elections despite the fact that Israel has so much control over their lives.
Fact No. 4 – Elections in Albuquerque and Bernalillo County, NM, USA run like clockwork but the elected officeholders prove like clockwork that they are corruptible or corrupted.
Fact No. 5 – My generation has screwed things up so royally that future generations will feel the full blunt force trauma of our actions, despite having no voice and no voting power.
I agree with Tracy Chapman — We're Talking About a Revolution.#GoingtoGaza
Day #275 – News from Gaza. Some militants in Gaza fired something (rockets?) into southern Israel today. No fatalities or damage reported. ISIS claimed responsibility. Hamas has been battling ISIS operatives in Gaza. Tonight Israel's jets scrambled; lots of noise and several air strikes were reported. No fatalities. I'm thinking of the young children who survived last summer's assault on Gaza that lasted 51 days. While Bruce Jenner commands too many soundbites and photo spreads documenting his "freedom to be himself/herself" — these Palestinian children have no freedoms and can't just be innocent kids. What a screwed up universe.#GoingtoGaza
Day #274 – Watching "activists" on FB and Twitter, I'm struck with our ineffectual communication skills. (I include myself.)
1) Some activists refuse to have an exchange with anyone who disagrees with them. "Unfriend" option is so childish.
2) Some activists prefer to lecture or "educate" but are clueless about what others think.
3) Some activists really believe that meaningful change can occur via social media alone, and it sounds like they are stuck on their divans.
Here's a book I hope activists will pick up. If we want to change the status quo, which I presume we all do, we have to understand the other side. The Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt (2012) #GoingtoGaza
Day #275 – On this day in 1967, Israel launched an attack against Egypt, known today as the Six Day War but to the Palestinians as the Naksah. I wonder how many of my American friends know about the attack on the USS Liberty on June 8, 1967. #GoingtoGaza
Day #276 – Here is a good account of the difficulties traveling across the Rafah Border from Egypt to Gaza, written in 3 parts. Part 1 – Part 2 – Part 3 Very discouraging! #GoingtoGaza
Days #277 – 278 – The U.S. Supreme Court ruled against the Zivotofsky family and said they will not get "Israel" marked as the place of birth on their son's passport. Kennedy's opinion said that the President has the sole responsibility for recognizing a sovereign nation. Time for Obama to recognize the State of Palestine.#GoingtoGaza
Day #279 – "Confirmation bias" … a new phrase that a psychologist-friend recently taught me. Confirmation bias is a tendency to search for or interpret information in a way that confirms one's preconceptions. I clearly see it among pro-Israeli activists, pro-Palestinian activists, and with greater scrutiny, I can now see it with myself. We want to find the "facts" to support our world view, and we disregard facts that may negate our world view. This is very interesting stuff…. #GoingtoGaza
Day #280 – Feeling very pleased that over 600 letters have been sent to members of Congress asking them to invite former President Carter to speak about his recent visit to Israel & Palestine. I'm planning to visit Capitol Hill with these signatures once we reach 1000+ letters. Check out the petition here. Add your signature! #GoingtoGaza
Day #281 – Netanyahu and his cabinet are doing everyone a favor by using blunt and vulgar language concerning their real intentions towards the Palestinians. Nothing new, of course, except that they aren't pretending to hide behind a veneer of reasonableness any longer. Obama is going to find it increasingly difficult to side with the Israelis or pretend to be a peace broker. #GoingtoGaza
Day #282 – Palestinians in Gaza may be blockaded and under Israel's lethal siege, but they are CONNECTED to the world. Case in point. Today the U.S. House of Representatives voted on the "Fast Track" bill which many Americans opposed. I waited for news about the vote. I sat in Baltimore about an hour from the Capitol listening to public radio and watching news sites for the results. Finally, my friend in Gaza half way around the world posted a message on Facebook with the good news! The Fast Track bill was defeated! Thank you Internet. Thank you social media! Thank you friends!
Day #283 – As much as I want to return to Gaza, this weekend I'm praying that my young friend in Gaza will exit the Rafah gates when they open for 3 days. He was accepted abroad to pursue graduate studies but Israel has treated him like a prisoner all of his life in Gaza. May Allah protect him in his travels! #GoingtoGaza
Day #284 – Al-hamdulillah! My young friend made it out of Gaza through the Rafah border crossing. He said there were many military checkpoints through the Sinai, and the place looked like a military zone with all of the tanks, etc. But his bus made it to the Cairo Airport. Now I'm saying prayers that he makes it on to a plane. I can't imagine what his family back home must be feeling.#GoingtoGaza
Day #285 – Lots happening this week. Yesterday Israel released its250-page report about its investigation of Operation Protective Edge last summer … as a preemptive move against the pending release of the UN Human Rights Council investigative report. This week marks the 8th anniversary of Israel's siege on Gaza. Ramadan begins Sundown on Wednesday, I think. Denny Cormier and my young Palestinian friend both left Gaza. #GoingtoGaza
Day #286 – What is the difference between me wearing my "Black Lives Matter" t-shirt and Rachel Dolezal changing her hair, eye color and skin pigment to look like she is African American? Answer: I'm not trying to be someone I'm not. I'm standing in solidarity with African Americans. I'm acknowledging the injustices. But I'm not pretending to step into their shoes and understand their life experience, their reality, their oppression. Same goes for the Palestinians. I won't pretend to stand in their shoes, but I wonder if some zealous activists have tried to cross that line. #GoingtoGaza
Day #287 – First day of Ramadan. I de-activated my Facebook page. Started listening to the audiobook The Haj by Leon Uris.#GoingtoGaza
Days #288-289 – Going cold turkey from Facebook might not be as hard as I thought. I'm checking Twitter more often and don't really miss the FB clutter. Today I submitted application for UN Human Rights Officer in Gaza. I really, really, really hope I'm selected. #GoingtoGaza
Day #290 – The closer one is to realizing his Personal Legend, the more the Personal Legend becomes his true reason for being. There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: fear of failure. The Alchemist #GoingtoGaza
Day #291 – Felt very good today to talk with Basya and, later, Jeremy. Connecting with family is the glue that keeps us all together! #GoingtoGaza
Day #292 – Spent the day reading the UN Human Rights Investigation into the war in Gaza last summer. Utterly devastating to read. I can't begin to imagine what it must have felt to live through it. #GoingtoGaza
Days #293-294 – Taking a month off of Facebook is a good thing. But I may have substituted one addiction for another. Now I find myself checking Twitter every few minutes. Uh-oh! Finished reading the UN's report on the Gaza 2014 war. Devastating words!#GoingtoGaza
Days #295 – 298 – Disconnected from Facebook is a really good thing. But it also feels good when friends from Gaza and NM reach out to me to find out if I'm OK because they're worried that I'm not on FB. #GoingtoGaza


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Ref Cast 90FS LC
A low cement, fused silica based castable of exceptional purity, high strength and very good dimensional stability. It has unique resistance to thermal shock and spalling, as well as to most acid slags.
- Chemistry : Alumina
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- Category : Monolithic
- Category : Low Cement Castable
- Installation Method : Casting
- Location : USA


text: Uncategorized Yamaha NS-AP7800 Slim Line Center Channel and Surround Speakers (Black) by yamahareviewed / May 31, 2017April 14, 2017 Our Review Rating: No description available. Reviews and Details No features available. Yamaha Rating: List Price: unavailable Sale Price: Too low to display. (Review as of 04/14/2017 09:20 UTC - Details) Engine Availability: unspecified out of 5 based on ratings. Uncategorized


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Address: 2126 2nd Ave NW
Cullman, Alabama 35058
Phone: (256) 734-1177
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
At Lee's Veterinary Hospital we provide care to all creatures great and small. From snakes and turtles to parrots to hamsters, our doctors are up to the task to keep them healthy. If you are a new owner of an "exotic" animal, please make an appointment with our doctors to learn the proper care so that you and your new companion can enjoy each other to the fullest. Lee's Veterinary Hospital provides the same services to these unique pets as they do to common household pets. You will receive not only information on how to care for your pet but also appropriate medicines and vaccines as well as surgeries that may be needed. Call Lee's Veterinary Hospital to set up an appointment if you are the proud owner of a unique yet lovable pet.


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On Wednesday, September 20, Colectivo will donate 50 percent of its coffee sales to aid victims of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.
According to Colectivo's Facebook page, coffee sales on "Relief Wednesday" made in person and online will both benefit relief efforts. Colectivo will donate proceeds to GlobalGiving's Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma Relief Funds. GlobalGiving, a crowdfunding site that connects people to nonprofits, says the funds will go toward emergency supplies such as food and water, as well as longer-term recovery efforts in the U.S. and Caribbean. At the time of this article's publication, GlobalGiving has raised $3.2 million out of its $5 million goal for Hurricane Harvey victims, and $877 thousand out of its $2 million goal for Hurricane Irma victims.
For a list of Colectivo's locations and hours, click here.


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UAMCC Board Minutes 1-15-12
The meeting was called to order at 7:02 p.m. by President Michael Tesarro with Treasurer John Orr and Secretary Randy Borio on the call. Also on the call were the incoming BOD members including Ron Musgraves, Doug Rucker, Chris Apple, Rob Carry, Charlie Soden, Guy Blackmon, and Bill Booze.
The minutes of the previous meeting were approved as submitted with a motin by Michael Tesarro, second by John Orr.
John gave a Treasurers report: There is $231.50 in the Wells Fargo account, and $7548.51 in the Pay-Pal account.
President Tesarro welcomed the new board members and encouraged them to move the organization forward in 2012, and to continue to advance the industry. He encouraged them to read our by-laws and Roberts Rules of Order to help conduct meeting in an efficient manner since with a full board it may get difficult to get through a meeting in a timely manner.
The subject of selling came up as one of our members would like to sell theirs or get a refund. This member took the certification course in Tampa and failed to pay at that time. They did pay in time to vote in the election but would now like a refund. Our By-Laws do not allow refunds at this time and the sale of a membership is not addressed anywhere. President elect Musgraves feels there should be some system in place for refunds of memberships in the case of hardship or someone leaving the industry. As this is not now permitted the issue was tabled for the new board to take up in the future.
President Tesarro was recognized by the incoming board for his service to the UAMCC. At this time the new board was seated.
Vice President Rucker asked for a copy of the treasurer's report and all passwords to be sent out to the new board. Treasurer Orr pointed out that all passwords should only go to the president but the treasurer's report could be emailed to the board.
With a motion by Michael Tesarro and a second by John Orr the meeting was adjourned at 7:22 p.m.


text: I was taught to play a variety of genres, which has been instilled in my style of play. For that reason I have put together a variety of mixes to showcase my passion. Here you will find current radio hits along with old school classics and some Spanish genres. If you would like to hear a certain mix of music please feel free to email me your ideas and I will try to get to them as soon as I can.