text:
Thursday, February 26, 2015
Addictive self-destruction
What makes addictive policies self-destructive is that they are based on self-fulfilling prophecies: they bring about, or increase, the evils that they are supposed to combat. I first discovered this pattern writing my dissertation, which became the book, Economic Diplomacy and the Origins of the Second World War. (It is the only one of my books, at right, not still in print, but Princeton University Press is going to make an e-book available some time this year.) Hitler based his plans for expansion on the idea that Germany could not afford to depend upon world trade and needed the territory necessary feed itself. As soon as he took power, he began rearming to prepare the conquer the territory he thought Germany needed in Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union. Rearmament took resources away from export industries and increased demands for imports--making it that much harder for Germany to meet its needs through world trade. That is why Goebbels, in 1935, had to announce that "we can do without butter, but we must have guns"--because there was no butter to be had in German groceries, since there was no foreign currency to import it. As I showed, the Germans found quick fixes in the late 1930s by trading grain imports from Eastern European states for arms, but their problems were compounded by 1939 by acute shortages of labor. When the war began they immediately put Polish and then French prisoners to work, and made enormous use of forced labor throughout the war. They still however had no chance in their war with three powers with vastly superior resources: Britain, the USSR, and the United States. In the postwar period the Germans have learned their lesson and depend proudly on their extraordinary skill at manufacturing industrial exports.
The US's disastrous addiction began, of course, with 9/11. President Bush immediately announced that this proved that terrorists all over the world threatened the United States, and that they, and any governments that sponsored them, had to be eliminated. As a matter of fact, the 9/11 Commission report showed how hard it was for Al Queda to get the necessary personnel (only 20 men) into the US to perpetrate that attack in in a relatively relaxed security climate, and it is really no surprise that no one has ever managed to pull off anything remotely similar again. In the United States, in Britain, and in France, a tiny number of local Muslim terrorists have managed to pull off a few outrages, but that is all, and frankly, it is unrealistic to think that we can stamp those out. Bush decided, of course, to overthrow the governments of Afghanistan and Iraq, confident that he could replace them with pro-American democracies that would deal with any terrorist threat. That was the disastrous mistake that we shall apparently be living with for much of the 21st century.
The intervention in Afghanistan initially drove the Taliban out of power, but they have grown much stronger since both inside of Afghanistan and, more critically, within Pakistan. The case of Iraq is much worse. There were no Al Queda terrorists in Iraq in 2003. Saddam Hussein would never have allowed them to operate. But when Saddam was overthrown and the US helped create a new, Shi'ite dominated government, a new Al Queda in Iraq took root among the Sunni population. General Petraeus's surge and the opening up of good relationships with Sunni tribal leaders quieted things down late in the last decade, but as excellent reporting by Dexter Filkins in The New Yorker has shown, the Shi'ite government threw those gains away within a few years by repressing the Sunnis. Thus, last year, they welcomed ISIS into their territory--and ISIS is a direct descendant of Al Queda in Iraq. Meanwhile, the United States responded to the Sunni revolt against President Assad in Syria by demanding that he step down, rather than working for some kind of settlement. ISIS has become the strongest force within the Sunni rebels as well.
Last year, ISIS decided to behead several American captives that the US government had (rightly) refused to ransom on camera. That vaulted them to the foreground of our radar screen, and President Obama declared all-out war on them. It seems incredible to me that no one seems to understand that this is exactly what ISIS wanted: to be seen as the spearpoint of Islam, particularly Sunni Islam, in the struggle against the United States in the Middle East. It would have made far more sense to make one retaliatory strike, and to advise all Americans, in the strongest terms, to stay out of war zones in Syria and Iraq to avoid being kidnapped and murdered. (Such a declaration is obviously a logical corollary to the no-ransom policy, with which, once again, I agree.) Now we are trying to do in Iraq what we tried to do in Vietnam in 1962-4 and 1972-3: to use air power to buck up allied Iraqi forces in an attempt to retake the territory that has been lost. The problem, of course, is that those forces are Shi'ite forces who are very likely to commit atrocities and alienate the population once again if they do retake Mosul and other territories. Meanwhile, ISIS is getting stronger in Libya and even in the Sinai peninsula and on the Egyptian side of the Libyan border.
The leaders and the people of the Middle East must solve the problems of the Middle East. The process will be long and very bloody, and their solutions may not reflect western values. But there is no evidence that the United States can do anything but make things worse by intervening militarily. At home, a new war will escalate the federal deficit once again. Because the economy is now improving, it may well create pressure for a draft, since it will be very difficult to refill the ranks of infantry and armor units with new enlistees. It will divert attention from increasingly serious problems in Europe. And worst of all--if recent history is any guide, and I believe it is--it will create more chaos.
We are on this path, as I have said here again and again, because both Republican and Democratic foreign policy specialists have a neo-Hegelian world view and assume that American values are destined to prevail. Our higher education system, increasingly intolerant of any views other than its own, contributes to this as well. Politically Republicans once again see a muscular foreign policy as an asset. And the pro-Israeli lobby is delighted to have gotten America into an even larger endless war than the one Israel is fighting, since it inevitably relieves such pressure as still remains upon the Israeli government to make peace. The Republicans will also probably line up against any nuclear deal with Iran, setting the stage for a confrontation with Iran if a Republican President is elected. Jon Stewart, in his inimitable way, addresses the problem of repeating one's self beginning at about the 8 minute mark of this clip.
We are dealing today with chaos in regions that western powers ruled only very briefly, if at all. The British and French mandates in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Jordan and Palestine lasted only a few decades. The Ottoman Empire, which ruled them effectively for centuries, is not about to be reconstituted, and a renewed western imperialism to secure and administer these areas is simply out of the question, not least because their population has grown so much. A coalition of Sunni and Shi'ite governments could, one hopes, defeat ISIS, although the process would be a brutal one. Yet it is not clear that critical governments such as the Turks and the Saudis want ISIS destroyed--at least not yet.
I have no idea where, and how, all this will end. I do not believe in the possibility of a good outcome. I know that some others hold these views, but there does not seem to be much that we can do. Nor, sadly, does there seem to be any real statesmanship within the Arab world prepared to cope with what it faces.
3 comments:
- Energyflow said...
Great analysis. Interesting taking apart just the financial and trade flows of ww2 germany. Basically flawed industrial policy. However today they overstepped bounds again. Addiction is self destructive. They had to have whole cake for themselves. Eurozone destroys ability of other countries to defend production against german efficiency through devaluation. Nobody in europe can outdo the germans in efficiency, technology and to effectively colonize them industrially-factory buyouts, exports-(while parallel chinese imports reduces textile productions in italy for example)is callous. This will end same way as 3rd reich, catastrophe, less blood of course, but bad feelings.
Gulf States are paying cash to ISIS then building walls around their territories. They want an end game with their shia, particularly Persian, nemesis. Israel seems bent on ridding
world of minority shiism, making persian cultural genocide as well and ISIs is good opportunity to eliminate budding humanist modernist tendencies from Islam so that a tribal pre-islamic monster barbarian creed comes about which simply kills for pleasure. USA thinks to utilize it at will against Assad, or Iran, like an attack dog on a leash.Bombings are punishments. Feeedings come from turkish, gulf states. But like Al Quaeda and Taliban monsters take on an own life spreading anywhere a muslim has ever set foot, eventually to US barracks. The Russians, Chinese, Indians, Africans, European cities will end up with worst damage. America has an ocean or two to shield it from every mistake. Like a kid playing with matches in all the neigbours houses and running home each time they burn down. Pre-industrial colonialism needed a softer touch. All the unemploye young men of levant, paris banlieues, london will slip over to play real killer games, as a sort of super safari. This is spanish civil war for shia vs. Sunni on steroids.
Russia won't let Syria fall so actually the situation gets complicated and it explains washington's double dealings and distractionsin Ukraine, comparatively new going on. This is the sort of feedback mechanism that once let loose gets out of hand. There are too many threads to control every eventuality, which is why people say 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it'. They overthrew mossadegh in 53 under ike, carter got the bill. We tricked russia into invading afghanistan then funded bin laden who became our enemy. Russia's collapse was bin laden's due but we tried to humiliate them, rub their nose in their loss with nato expansion, now ukraine 2nd iraq. With germany we made friends. This current US leadership is cruisin for a bruisin.
- Bozon said...
Great rolling commentary.
Few in this country would have the wisdom to take such advice were they to see it.
Many thanks.
- Rupert Chapman said...
This is the comment which I added when posting this on my Facebook page: 'This is the most realistic assessment of the situation in the Middle East that I have seen. It isn't optimistic, and it doesn't suggest either quick or easy solutions. That, of course, is why it IS realistic. It also shows what history is about, that is, helping us to cope with the future by understanding the past.'


text:
The NHS Forth Valley Nurses Choir was born from an idea for Nurses Day which a couple of us put to our Director of Nursing, Professor Angela Wallace – she thought it was a great idea.
It didn't happen immediately for various reasons including having someone to lead a Choir – so as a challenge she made it one of my objectives! It took ages to find someone to lead the Choir, however after some time and through a colleague (who is also a member of the choir), we found the lovely Phillip Todd.
He comes with a wealth of experience, as an actor, film editor, an award winning mod singer, and graduate of the Royal Conservatoire….. The Military Wives have Gareth Malone, but WE got the amazing Phil.
And so the Choir formed in September 2014.
By Christmas that year, we had sung for the Friends of the Hospital, the Health Board at the end of their meeting just before Christmas and the Patient Public Panel at their 10th Anniversary Celebration.
In addition we sang in the wards of one of our Community Hospitals. What a lovely heart-warming experience that was! In the dementia ward in particular, the patients sang along with the choir, every word they sang and their families were so delighted. We as nurses were all pretty emotional about that!
Funny story…..We had been asked to sing for the NHS Forth Valley Board Members at the end of their meeting, just before Christmas. The hospital capacity had been challenging. I am usually in charge of the music. I use my personal iPhone to play the music via blue tooth through speakers – so in general I stand at the front and at the end of the row.
As I am no technician I hold the iPod in my hand so I can start and stop the music etc. At the end of the singing for the Board Members, a very senior Doctor came up to me and said well done Rita, How is capacity – what's happening? as she looked to my phone in my hand? I looked at her puzzled? Then realised that she thought I had been texting back and fore – dishing out orders or something – as we were singing!! I mean really?? I explained nicely that it was the music I was in charge of! How I wish I was that smart!
We are very lucky to occasionally be able sing the Atrium of our lovely new hospital and as we do so we gather money for various charities, usually one which a choir member has nominated.
One year later in September 2015 we were nominated by members of the public for a Staff Award in the Volunteers category……. WE WON! What a great achievement that has been for us [pictured].
The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) asked us to entertain them at their Reps Conference in October 2015 in Edinburgh. We were to sing 7 songs. We were extremely nervous about that I guess, having a fear that it would not go down well. Fear not! Our singing went down a storm. The audience (all nurses) know how to enjoy themselves. You just have to picture a scene of a sea of people standing at the back their mobile phones in hand with the torch switched on and them swaying back a fore – it was so funny but gave the choir a good feeling. They gave us a standing ovation!
Christmas time was very busy for us. We were asked to be part of a Christmas concert for charity. Some of our local doctors and nurses were heading out to Tanzania to man a ship called the Voyage of Hope and they needs funds – I guess that was our real first big audience. It was a truly exhilarating experience for the Choir. The feedback we got was tremendous and gave us a real boost in confidence.
The Nursing Standard got to hear about the Nurses Choir and came to meet with us and arranged a photographer to come along to take photos as we were singing in the Hospital Atrium one day. They wrote "Forth Valley Nurses' Choir is making a name for itself by singing at hospitals and charity events. Their audiences – including people with dementia – experience emotional release during the songs, while the nurses benefit from the camaraderie and wellbeing associated with singing in a choir" We made the front cover of the Christmas Edition of the Nursing Standard. Wow!
2016 has seen us grow and grow. While continuing to recruit more members we continued to sing different songs together. The Choir is made up of many fields of nursing, all designations of nurses and in true nurse style have developed a fantastic team where everyone works together, something I personally, am proud of nurses for. We wear uniform in public and we are proud to be nurses and represent nursing.
This year has seen us take parproud to be nurses and represent nursingt in the opening Ceremony of the Royal College of Nursing Congress – a HUGE event for nursing. We are proud to have been asked. During the ceremony our Nurse Director, Professor Angela Wallace, was given a tremendous award of a Fellowship of the Royal College of Nursing in recognition of her work for nursing. Another proud moment for us, the Nurses Choir and for her to be honoured…… we were present woop wooping! A great day for NHS Forth Valley Nurses.
We also were asked by the RCN to represent nursing as well as sing at the Scottish Government State Opening of Parliament celebrations. Some of got to wear old-style uniforms dating back to the early 20th century. It was a thrilling day being part of the procession down the Royal Mile as well as getting to do what we love…. SINGING.
We are having our summer break right now but are due to start back in early September with already a charity concert booked at the end of September….. I wonder what the rest of 2016/2017 will bring for us?
© Rita Ciccu-Moore and Lynne Paterson, NHS Forth Valley
2 September 2016
You can view the Choir singing here:

subset: commoncrawl


text:
For travel apparel manufacturer and web-only retailer ScotteVest Inc., which has been selling on the web for 10 years, providing answers to customers' questions is a top priority.
That's why nine months ago, the company, which makes and sells clothing outfitted with specialized pockets for cameras, iPads and mobile phones, launched a proactive online chat feature with technology from LiveChat Software SA.
"In our market, because our sole focus is sales on the Internet, it is essential that our customers feel comfortable getting in touch with us," says ScotteVest founder and CEO Scott Jordan. "There are a lot of companies out there that don't even provide a phone number, but we are different in that even sometimes I, as the CEO, will even get on the live chats with our customers. They are tickled and say, 'Scottie, is it really you?'"
Here's how the technology works: Imagine that a shopper has been on the site for a relatively long time, and is lingering in a certain section—for instance, the sizing page, which Jordan says is a critical decision point for customers. The live chat technology might trigger a conversation with that online shopper. Even just lingering on the home page results in a pop-up live chat box, complete with a cartoon representation of a square-jawed man in semi-rugged travel apparel.
Eventually, the retailer could use search terms to trigger live chats. A shopper who visits the ScotteVest site after searching for "outdoor vests" might receive a message that says, "I see you are looking for outdoor vests. May I help you find one?"
ScotteVest began offering live chat several months ago, and now the retailer engages in 160 chats per week, 25% of which result in a sale. "If we didn't have LiveChat, those 25% may not have purchased," Jordan says. The retailer has realized other gains, too, he adds, from being able to discuss with shoppers such issues as shipping costs and sizing. "Our return rate is only 11%, when traditionally it's around 25% or more for apparel retailers," he says. "LiveChat is a big reason for that."
At least 40% of ScotteVest's customers are repeat customers and sales have grown 100% per year in each of the last two years. The retailer expects to match that pace in 2011.
Live chat is gaining in popularity, according to a recent E-tailing Group study sponsored by Bold Software LLC, a live chat vendor. 58% of U.S. consumers say they've interacted with an e-retailer using live chat, up from 54% last year. And 20% of consumers say live chat is their preferred way to interact with an online merchant.
LiveChat's software starts at $36 per month for a single agent.Favorite


text:
In 1814 we took a little tripThanks to a link from Kevin at the Smallest Minority for tipping me off to the building problem with the Mississippi. It seems we're building to the biggest flood stage since 1927, almost a century.
along with Colonel Jackson down the mighty Mississip.
We took a little bacon and we took a little beans
And we caught the bloody British in the town of New Orleans
Did you catch the stuff about the levees being blown to save the town of Cairo, Illinois? That's just the start.
But the real threat posed by this historic, gathering flood may well lie several hundred miles to the south, where the Mississippi crosses the Louisiana border. There, as the Corps well knows but dare not discuss, this historic flood threatens to overwhelm one of the frailest defenses industrial humanity has offered to preserve its profits from the immutable processes of nature. This flood has the potential to be a mortal blow to the economy of the United States, and outside the Corp of Engineers virtually no one knows why.From a second source:
The river is forecast to crest at 53.5 feet on May 18 at Vicksburg, Miss., a key gauge. That is the highest river stage recorded at Vicksburg since the catastrophic flooding of 1927 when the river reached 56.6 feet and would have kept on rising if levees hadn't given way, causing massive flooding and killing hundreds. After that calamity, the nation undertook an aggressive $13 billion plan to build levees and floodways that would avert such a scale of flooding again.Unfortunately, those folks at Bird's Point were sold out by a law in 1928.
Yet it has always been the plan of the Corps, which bears responsibility for "managing" and "taming" the mightiest American river, to use Bird's Point as a floodway in an emergency. The plan is sanctioned by the 1928 Flood Control Act.So while I feel bad for those folks, I believe this would have shown up in the survey or deed search that has to be done before a mortgage is granted. It's like building on the beach around here. You might not get wiped out by a hurricane this year, or next year, or for as long as you want to live there. But sooner or later it will happen. Just a matter of time.
The little known Old River Control Structures (bottom center), a frail line of defense between the raging Mississippi River (top) and a total dislocation of the US economy, by way of the Atchafalaya River (bottom).


text:
The following ECMAScript proposal is at stage 3: "Trailing commas in function parameter lists and calls" by Jeff Morrison. This blog post explains it.
For information on stages and ECMAScript 2016, consult the post "What's in ECMAScript 2016 (ES7)?".
Trailing commas in object literals and Array literals
Trailing commas are ignored in object literals:
let obj = { first: 'Jane', last: 'Doe', };
And they are also ignored in Array literals:
let arr = [ 'red', 'green', 'blue', ]; console.log(arr.length); // 3
Why is that useful? There are two benefits.
First, rearranging items is simpler, because you don't have to add and remove commas if the last item changes its position.
Second, it helps version control systems with tracking what actually changed. For example, going from:
[ 'foo' ]
[ 'foo', 'bar' ]
leads to both the line with
'foo' and the line with
'bar' being marked as changed, even though the only real change is the latter line being added.
Proposal: allow trailing commas in parameter definitions and function calls
Given the benefits of optional and ignored trailing commas, the proposed feature is to bring them to parameter definitions and function calls.
For example, the following function declaration causes a SyntaxError in ECMAScript 6, but would be legal with the proposal:
function foo( param1, param2, ) {}
Similarly, the proposal would make this invocation of
foo() syntactically legal:
foo( 'abc', 'def', );
Source:: 2ality


text:
The Case
Austin v. Kroger Texas, L.P., 465 S.W.3d 193 (Tex. 2015).
Kroger, a non-subscriber to the Texas Workers' Compensation plan, was the employer of Plaintiff, Randy Austin. In the process of power-washing the condenser units on the store's roof, an oily spill leaked into the store's restrooms. Austin was tasked with cleaning up these spills.
Traditionally, Kroger usually provides "Spill Magic" to employees, "The product is supposed to reduce the likelihood of a slip-and-fall by 25%." Id. at 198. However, no Spill Magic was available on the day of the incident. Utilizing a mop and "wet floor" signs, Austin first cleaned the women's bathroom before beginning to clean the men's. Upon completing approximately a third of the cleaning in the men's room, Austin slipped and fell, sustaining a fractured femur and dislocated hip. His injuries required nine months of hospitalization, six surgeries, and resulted in Austin's left leg being two inches shorter than his right.
Austin filed suit against Kroger in state court, alleging negligence, gross negligence, and premises liability. Kroger removed the case to federal district court, which granted Kroger's Motion for Summary Judgment and dismissed all of Austin's claims with prejudice. The Court's ruling was based primarily on Austin's subjective awareness of the dangers associated with the spill.
On appeal by Austin, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed in part, but reversed and remanded to the district court to consider whether an employer's mere failure to provide a "necessary instrumentality" supported an ordinary negligence claim. In affirming the lower court's ruling, the Fifth Circuit decided an employer's duty to provide a safe work place was unclear when an employee was aware of the risks and hazards.
Outside of the employment context, a landowner has a defense to an invitee's premise liability claims if the invitee is aware of the dangerous condition. However, a non-subscribing employer is barred from the assertion that an employee was contributorily negligent or that the employee assumed the risk of harm.
The Fifth Circuit certified the following question to the Supreme Court of Texas:
"Under 406.033(a)(1)-(3) of the Texas Labor Code, can an employee recover against a non-subscribing employer for an injury caused by a premises defect of which he was fully aware but that his job duties required remedy? Alternatively, does the employee's awareness of the defect eliminate the employer's duty to maintain a safe workplace?" [Emphasis added]
The Court's Analysis
Kroger argued that Austin's awareness of the risks, as admitted by Austin, removed Kroger's duty to warn or to protect Austin from those risks.
Austin responded by arguing that his awareness of the dangerous condition did not affect Kroger's legal duty to warn.
The Supreme Court found that an employer needs to warn only of concealed hazards of which the employer is aware, or reasonably should be aware, but the employee is not.
The Court concluded that:
(1) employers owe employees the same premises liability duty that other landowners owe to invitees;
(2) generally, the premises liability duty requires a landowner to make safe or warn of concealed dangers that the landowner is aware of or should be aware of but the invitee is not; and
(3) there is no duty to warn against open and obvious dangers.
A landowner may satisfy these duties by either making the premises safe or providing an adequate warning. The policy supporting this rule is based on the belief that the landowner is in the best position to discover the dangers. Conversely, the invitee is in a better position when the condition is open and obvious or the invitee knows of the condition.
The Court applied the following limited exceptions to preserve the duty to warn against open and obvious dangers, contrary to the general rule:
(1) criminal activity of third parties foreseeable by lessor; and
(2) necessary use of unreasonably dangerous premises and independent of the invitee's recognition and appreciation of the dangers, invitee is unable to take precautions that reduce the risks involved.
Regarding the first exception, dangers foreseeably stemming from third parties' criminal conduct may provide liability for inviter's, regardless of the invitee's knowledge of the risks. See Timberwalk Apartments, Partner, Inc. v. Cain, 972 S.W.2d 749 (Tex. 1998). An invitee's knowledge of such a condition does not remove the land owner's duty to take reasonable steps to make the premises safe, even though proportional liability is assessed based on the invitee's knowledge.
The second exception is best understood in application. The Court cites Parker v. Highland Park, Inc., which involved a lessee descending a dark and narrow stairwell who, upon recognition of the dangers presented by the lack of lighting, took mitigating steps by utilizing a flashlight to illuminate the area. See Parker v. Highland Park, Inc., 565 S.W.2d 514 (Tex. 1978). Despite these precautionary steps, the stairwells layout included several platforms as well as a sharp turn, lessee's memory did not account for this and thus injury resulted. The lessee recovered in Parker because the Supreme Court of Texas held the lessor was negligent failing to maintain adequate lighting in the stairwell, regardless of the lessee's subjective choice to walk down the stairs.
The "no-duty" rule is still a valid defense to a non-subscriber case. The rule provides that an employer does not have a duty to warn or protect against dangers that are open and obvious or known to the employee. Texas does not have an exception to this rule in situations where an employer instructed the employee to perform a task that is dangerous because, as an "employment-at-will" state, an employee always has the option to decline to perform an assigned task and incur the consequences of that decision. If an employee performs a task having the same character as their regular duties and cannot prove the work is unusually precarious, the employer is not liable for injuries the employee sustains while performing those tasks.


text:
Since my heart is golden, I've got sense to hold in,
Tempted just to make an ugly scene. No, I'm not as proper.
-Carried Away-Passion Pit
This Day isn't exactly what I had in mind. Basically, I am not amused with almost everything that is happening today.So, I am writing this post just to keep myself from doing more damage. And me being angry/spewing nasty words is not exactly a good example of being a good christian.
I have to get my dress which I an going to wear on the weekend refitted. Because the original dress was way too big around the armhole area, I had it refitted and altered, but the tailor did a measly job that resulted in me wasting money and the dress was still ill fitting and now stained with coffee. Que horror!
I am going to another tailor to get it altered again.
Things are not exactly going as planned at work too. but yeah, I can manage. I am just disappointed.
So, the ear phones are out. Will drown out everything else for now.


text:
For immediate release: December 19, 2007
Jiles Reappointed to Board of Dallas Fed's Houston Branch
DALLAS—The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas has reappointed Jodie L. Jiles to the Dallas Fed's Houston Branch board of directors. He will serve a three-year term beginning January 1, 2008.
Jiles was first appointed to the Houston Branch board in 2005.
Jiles is managing director of RBC Capital Markets in Houston. He has been in the municipal finance business for more than 20 years with various Wall Street, regional and minority firms.
He serves on the Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital boards and the University of Texas Health Science Center Development Board. He is a board member of both the Center for Reform of School Systems and the Charter Schools Policy Institute.
Jiles was appointed by Texas Gov. Rick Perry to the Texas Tax Reform Commission. He previously served as chairman of the Greater Houston Partnership and on the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
He received a bachelor's degree in accounting from Texas Southern University and a master's degree in professional accountancy from the University of Texas at Austin.
The Houston Branch board consists of seven members, four appointed by the Dallas Fed board and three by the Federal Reserve Board of Governors in Washington, D.C.
For more information on the Dallas Fed, visit www.dallasfed.org.
Media contact:
James Hoard
Phone: (214) 922-5307
e-mail: email@example.com


text:
The Best TeacherPosted in Business, Motivational, Relationships, Spiritual
Life is filled with teachers. Some of them are great and some of them are (to put it politely) terrible. The real question here is: which ones do YOU learn from?
These are just a few of the teachers I have met and some of what I learned:
- Strengths and weaknesses. Know them in yourself first and foremost. Know your weaknesses, but work on your strengths.
- Past experience. Learn from your mistakes. If you don't, you simply get to retake the test.
- Pain and suffering. This is one of the greatest teachers I have had. It has a way of focusing my mind and heart towards God like nothing else.
- Success. I learned that it is about relationships and not things.
- Failure. Failing does not make us a failure. It simply points us in a different direction. We only become a failure if we refuse to learn the lessons.
- Love. This is the greatest teacher I have had by far. Learning to love God first and with all my heart, and then to love others in the way that God loves them puts things in perspective.
- Fear. This is a terrible teacher and yet one I have learned from time and time again. If I don't face my fears, they become my reality and I miss the blessings God intended for me.
- Peace. I love this teacher. Shalom is at the core of my foundation. When I am faced with the storms of life, I find my Shalom in the Prince of Peace.
- War. If there is anything I have learned from history is that if we don't learn from it, then we are doomed to repeat it. While war is sometimes the only way to confront evil, I always pray for peace.
- Worry. This teacher has taught me what a waste it is to worry. Nothing good comes from it. Nothing!
- Self-esteem. I have learned that I have to know and respect myself. If I have no self-esteem and don't believe in myself, why should I expect anyone else to?
- Pride and humility. I learned that pride is repulsive to all except the one who has it, and humility is embraced by all except the ones who abuse it.
- Time. This is a great teacher in that we all have the same amount of it. It is what we do with it that becomes the teacher.
- Dogs. I love dogs. They teach me all the time to love and live life in the moment. Enjoy the simple things. Stick your head out the window…preferably when you are not driving. LOL.
- Kids. Great wisdom is found in the things that kids say and do. They have a simplicity and innocence that I love being around.
- Control. I realize I control very little when all is said and done. I have to simply do my best and have faith in God through the test.
- Change. It is inevitable. I can't change that. Another thing we can't change is other people. People will resist if they see you are trying to change them.
- Judging others. This is a terrible teacher and many are hurt by this one. If we just focus on getting the beam out of our own eyes, we have our hands full.
- Money. Love God and people. Use money. Never get the two confused.
- Jesus. He was and is the ultimate teacher. He sums up everything above. He taught using parables and often answered questions with a question forcing people to think deeper. He taught servant leadership, sacrifice, empathy, encouragement, obedience, humility, kindness and justice. He modeled the ability to live without fear, how to live a life full of faith, and ultimately…how to love.
I have found the greatest teachers are simply the ones I have learned from, and I meet them every day.
Dan Skognes


text:
When I self-published my first two books I had a hard time getting them read and reviewed. I found that I was not alone in this predicament. In fact, there are millions of self-published authors who are writing and self-publishing millions of books each year (literally). Obviously, these books vary in quality. Some frankly, do not deserve to be read and reviewed. But many of them do. I suspect there are many self-published authors like myself, who put a lot of time, effort and some amount of money into getting their books into final form and available for public consumption.
The general wisdom holds that a written review on Amazon or some other platform will make it more likely a book will sell. I am not sure how valid this wisdom is. But even if the dream of making a little money from a book is dead, a written review from another person who has read the book can provide the author with a small degree of validation for the work he or she put into it. That is something.
Of course, it is no small task for someone to read and review a book. Doing so requires hours of reading and some amount of time thinking about what they have read and additional time actually writing a review. On the other hand, there is a population of millions of self-published authors who want their books read and reviewed. In other words, they are motivated to get their books reviewed.
My question is, why not get this population of self-published authors to read and review each other's books? The obvious problem is that when two people read and review each other's books there will be pressure to provide a falsely positive review. However, what if there were a way for this population to get together to read and review each other's books in a non-binary way?
This is why I created the 100% Free website www.binderreview.com
Basically, what Binderreview is designed to do is match authors together in a non-reciprocal manner. Author A will review Author B and Author B will review Author C, etc. This way there is no undue pressure to write a review that is not 100% honest.
To be honest, I am not sure that this service can work. I hired a web developer to create this website for me. I am not sure they fully understood my concept and I am not 100% satisfied with the job they did. It is live now but I have not yet been able to get many people to use it. This is why it is free. I would like to have people use it and give me feedback on their experience and how it can be made better. I also want to build up a critical mass of users necessary for it to function the way it was designed. Maybe I will keep it free forever. I'm not sure – this is all new to me.
So please, any self-published author who is looking to get his or her book reviewed (and is willing to read and review someone else's book) please try www.binderreview.com. It is completely free and you have nothing to loose monetarily speaking. I only ask that you give me feedback on your experience.


text:
Category Archives: john carradine
David Carradine Found Dead
Award winning actor, producer and musician David Carradine was found dead today in his hotel room in Bangkok. He was on site filming an unnamed movie. It appears to be suicide by hanging. Carradine was 72.
He was one of the sons of actor John Carradine, and probably best known as Caine in the 1970s TV series "Kung Fu." He was a god to us kids on the playground at that time, and doubly so when we became aware of his other work especially as Frankenstein in the original Death Race. David Carradine was the Man.
Despite drug and alcohol issues and a seeming disappearance from the public consciousness, he never stopped working. He was always involved in one project or another. He returned to cult status however in the title role of Quentin Tarantino's epic Kill Bill. We have truly lost a legend, and he'll be missed.


text:
Personalised Valentine Sign
Wooden handmade sign with red bow and wire hanger. INTERIOR DECORATION ONLY. The Message in Picture is an example only. Please enter your complete message as you wish it to appear.
Please enter your Personalised details of up to 15 words in the box provided.
PS1011 14cm high (5½ inch) not inc hanger £16.50 each
Have this item gift boxed for that perfect present. Click here to view our gift wrapping page.
Personalised Valentine Sign
- Brand: PERSONALISED
- Product Code: PS1011
- Availability: In Stock


text:
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Khichuri aar Ilish macher bhaja(Hilsa fish fry)
However as temperatures dropped drastically in this part of India.Today it rained heavily with cold breeze blowing high ,can we escape khichuri magic ,No we cant .
Luckily our local fish markets are loaded with fresh supply of Ilish mach from Padma (Ganges in Bangladesh) also .So what could be better than eating Khichuri and Ilish mach Bhaja .
Ilish (Hilsa) fish is a Bengalis culinary delight .There is Ilish macher bhappa,paturi and a simple fish fry .This fish is high in fat content ,fish fat infact is good for health .They have unique taste and flavor .
While Bengali cooking is mainly of pairing the ingredients like Monger Dal and Begun Bhaja ,Bhetki macher jhaal aar phulkopir torkari ,Khichuri and Ilish (Hilsa) fish fry is another combination no one can resist .
Khichuri is a wholesome meal itself.This is just perfect food for toddlers also ,as this comprises essential carbohydrates (Rice) and proteins(Lentils).You can try other lentils also, like my mother who uses masoor+Toor (arhar dal) to make khichuri .She adds little bit of tomatoes also ,for that extra zing in Khichuri.
This is our version of Khichuri .
Khichuri aar Ilish mach bhaja(Khichuri and Hilsa Fish Fry )
Serves for 4-5 people easily
Rice -1 cup
Mong dal /small yellow lentil-1- 1 ½ cup
Peas -1/2 cup
Cauliflower –broken into big florets 8-10 pieces
Onion -1 medium size chopped
Garlic 2 cloves
Ginger -1/2 inch chopped finely
1-2 tej patta
1-2 dry whole red pepper
1tsp of turmeric powder
1tsp of salt
Pinch of sugar
1tsp of ghee for flavoring (optional)
1 tsp of garam masala (optional)
2-4 tbs of oil for frying
How to Proceed
1 In a kadai/saucepan slighltly roast mong dal till golden brown ,You will get a fine smell of roasted mong dal also .Stop and take out in a vessel ,clean it thoroughly under tap water .Repeat the cleaning step 2-3 times till you get a clear image of the dal soaked in water ,this help to cook dal efficiently .Wash and rinse rice also in the same manner.
2 In a large heavy bottom pan ,we call dekchi in Bengali ,add water upto the half ,add dal and cook for 4-5 mints ,at this time if you see white froth forming ,with the help of spatula gently lift all and discard .
3 Now add turmeric powder ,salt and sugar .Add rice also. Let it simmer for another 10-12 mints .
4 Meanwhile in a frying pan add oil and let it heat up properly .Fry the cauliflower florets till little bit of brown at low.(Before frying cauliflowers make sure they are properly dried and there is no trace of water on them For that matter cut and clean them before cooking them, otherwise while frying, oil will splutter that makes cooking them difficult)
5 Now take the cauliflowers out ,add little more oil ,Add cumin seeds, tej patta,ginger and garlic ,whole red pepper ,fry for 1-2 mints and then add onions .Fry onions till brown .Stop and check the gravy that is cooking .
6 If you find rice and lentil are evenly mixed you can add the above fried masala .Take out 2-3 grains of rice and dal and if you can mash them easily ,your khichuri is soon to be ready.Add cauliflowers and peas and let it simmer for another 5-7 mints .
7 Stop and cover the khichuri , at this step ,if you feel there is not enough gravy in the khichuri ,add little water , by heating the water in a separate vessel .For me Khichuri with extra gravy is always welcome because that gives you the real pleasure of eating it .
8 Meanwhile clean Fish and marinade them with turmeric powder and salt .Fry them till brown and crisp .Check this post about fish fry and Fish Curry.You will require little less oil for frying them as they release oil while frying them a lot .
Take out in serving plates ,eat and enjoy this winter .
Happy Cooking
14 comments:
I had tasted hilsa fry in my friends place. loved it. I make bengali fish curry with mustard seeds and green chiles, but with tilapia fish. lovely looking thali.ReplyDelete
Hi..first time passing by and I am amazed at your collections of recipes..all are looking so delicious..and saw that you are blogging from India. Do let me know if you would be interested to be part ofReplyDelete
Arusuvai Friendship chain. Drop me a mail at firstname.lastname@example.com
we call that dish shorse battar jhaal,it tastes very yumm.thanks .
welcome here ,and thanks for coming here.
hugs and smiles
Hi Jaya, thanks for visiting my blog. I've heard a lot about ilish, never tasted it, though. I also hear it's an endangered breed, is that right?ReplyDelete
- Anonymous12:56 AM, February 07, 2008
Hello I just entered before I have to leave to the airport, it's been very nice to meet you, if you want here is the site I told you about where I type some stuff and make good money (I work from home): here it isReplyDelete
ilish has become bit rare now these days ,small ilish is litteraly banned in fish markets ,although they are still sold thro back windows ,thats really saddening ..thats why they are also sold on high prices ...
anyways its good to hear from you..
Barb ,
thanks for coming here ,let me check it...
hugs and smiles
Hi jaya,ReplyDelete
This's Niya. Thanks for visiting my blogspot & comment.
We're great lovers of ''Bongla food'.When we were Agartala for 3 years we used to fly via Kolkota.Agartala also follows Bongla cuisine.Our favourite foods're ''patori maach, boil illish [ hilsa with coconut- mastard paste cook in pressure cooker], Bainguni baajja, Alur- potol jhol, tharkari, chennar payesh, muri gonta [ rice cooked with fish head] and luchi - alu.Please do write Bengali recipes.
Have a nice day,
Take care of your baby[ Is she naughty ?]
Regards to all
u can check muri ghonto,alo dom recipes here ,ihave already posted about it ..i will be coming up with more bengali recipes..hang on with me..enjoy staying here ..
so u live in agartala...
mine lil one is very naughty LOL.
hugs and smiles
sorry to bother you again...but did you get a chance to check out that link...do check it and let me know...thanks...sorry to pester you so!..:D..I hope you don't mindReplyDelete
wow, this is my favorite comfort food. I am drooling at the delicious ilish macch bhaja :)ReplyDelete
- Anonymous9:55 PM, March 08, 2008
Nice to see ilish mach bvhaja. But It should be with bhuna khichuri not labda. Ilish mach bhaja with sona mung bhuna khichudi and bhuna goshta is a delicacy in bangladesh in bengali new year. Dont forget to add raw onion and green chilli.
- Anonymous9:58 PM, March 08, 2008
Wow! Ilish mach bhaja with sona mung bhuna khichuri and bhuna gosht is a delicacy during bengali new year in bangladesh. Dont forget
to add raw onion and green chillis!!!
Wow!! This is my favorite food....Khichuri aar Ilish mach bhaja. I am drooling at the delicious ilish macch bhaja :) It is a favorite during those rainy days.ReplyDelete
Thanks dude...keep them coming.ReplyDelete
Thank you for taking out some time from your busy schedule to post here.Please Do not spam this space.


text:
Sorry, you have been blocked from accessing this page.
FIRST, please try clicking here to go to the OnlineBookClub.org Homepage. If the homepage loads fine for you, then it usually means whatever other specific page you were trying to view is private, and you don't have access to that specific other page.
IF the OnlineBookClub.org Homepage gives you this same error, then that means you are being blocked by our firewall. Please contact the webmaster, Scott Hughes, about this using one of the mediums below:
Sorry for any inconvenience!


text:
By Teachers, For Teachers
For the 30 million student athletes in America, sports can be an excellent way for students to build relationships, stay in shape and learn valuable skills about teamwork.
But school sports aren't always fun and games. With scholarship hopes, parental pressures and an ultra-competitive atmosphere, some student athletes may begin to crumble under the pressure.
How much should ride on throwing a ball in a basket, hitting a home run or running fast?
In many ways, high school sports have evolved into a high stakes game that puts student athletes under a tremendous amount of pressure. It may start in little league with over-eager dads and coaches lightheartedly inspiring kids' major league dreams, but it doesn't always end there. Student athletes don't want to let down their parents, their teammates, their school, or with high profile sports, their town.
These pressures are coming at a time when most high schoolers' confidence and self-image are in question. Children and teens want to live up to the potential that their parents see in them. They also want to ease the burden of college tuition. Earning an athletic scholarship would fulfill both of those goals.
According to The Sports Scholarship Handbook, only 1 in 50 high school athletes receive athletic scholarships. Consider the pressure to be that one along with those from school work, other activities and social lives; that is a lot for a teenager to handle.
The drive to win, to be the very best, can inspire greatness in children and adults alike, but that winner-take-all mentality can also set unrealistic expectations. It is this kind of mindset that can sap the fun out of sports.
Rather than create these pressure-filled pastimes, shouldn't we use high school sports to foster well-rounded young adults?
Physical Dangers
In order to be successful in high school sports these days, students are required to commit to one sport and play on club teams all year.
When athletes play one sport day-in, day-out all year round, they put themselves in danger of damaging joints, tearing muscles, or causing stress fractures due to the constant repetitive movements. Despite these dangers, coaches continue to warn students that they risk their roster spot and any college hopes by playing multiple sports.
A recent study demonstrates the alarming increase in these repetitive stress injuries. The study tracked the number of "Tommy John" surgeries, procedures done on pitchers to repair damaged elbow ligaments, and was completed by the American Sports Medicine Institute, Andrews Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Center, in Birmingham, Alabama.
Ironically, playing multiple sports can help athletes to be in better physical shape, develop multiple muscle groups, and keep them from burning out on their chosen sport.
Detavius Mason agrees in his article for The Guilford Orthopedic and Sports Medical Center titled "Age of Specialization: One Sport Vs. Multiple Sports."
He ends with advice to parents and coaches:
In extreme examples, some sports can endanger an athlete's general health. Whether students are trying make weight for wrestling, stay slim for dance or bulk up for football, sports can trigger some dangerous eating and exercise habits.
The Out-Crowd
High school sports can also create an "in crowd" mentality that excludes those who don't make the cut.
Let's face it, not all kids are athletic superstars. Does that mean they don't love the game and want to be a part of the team? Does that mean they should miss out on the social and physical benefits of organized sports? Though some kids stay involved as managers or fans, well-organized recreational options are few and far between.
These exclusions also extend beyond general skill level. With club sports being an unofficial requirement to make many high school teams, underprivileged students are put at a distinct disadvantage because they cannot afford membership fees and travel expenses that club teams require. When try-outs come around, coaches are more likely to favor club players that they've seen play for years over unknowns who have only practiced on the playground.
John Cochran, a parent from Newton, Mass., argues that all students should have the chance to play high school sports regardless of skill level.
The Solution
My goal is not to ban high school sports, but to return sports to their original purpose: fun. If we can change the general outlook on these sports – letting kids play multiple sports, refocusing on recreation instead of cutthroat competition, and creating a fair playing field for all would-be athletes – then high schoolers can really go out and play.
What is your take on extreme high school sports? Share in the comments section!


text:
It's so simple,
you think: All you need to do, when looking for
property, is to check out all the websites, such
as Realtor.com, Trulia,
and Zillow,
input your search parameters, and contact the
listing brokers that come up.
You follow the protocol, you talk to dozens of
real estate agents, and if you are lucky, you may
just hit a good one .
Good Luck! -- You will need it!
Almost everyone likes to think they are experts
at real estate. Many will say, "It's just a
matter of common sense," but the truth is
that many of the people in real estate sales do
not have that much experience, and are flying by
the seat of their pants, hoping to land a fat
commission every once in a while. So you cannot
be sure the agent you end up with will always be
acting in your best interest.
Real estate is a tough business, and it takes
many years of practical experience to chart the
best course across this sea of uncertainty; It is
not just a matter of pointing your "ship of
discovery" in a certain direction, and
forging ahead. All sorts of unseen factors play
into every situation -- the depressed real estate
market and all the complications that has
introduced; the changing moods of frustrated
sellers; "functional obsolescence;"
deferred maintenance of property; and the tough
standards mortgage lenders now have to live by,
just to name but a few.
In truth, if you are to
avoid a great deal of frustration, you need to
find an experienced Buyer-Broker to guide you;
Someone with a reputation for integrity, and a
long history of proven success.
Just as an old salt knows
the ocean currents, the way the wind blows, and
how to navigate by the stars, our savvy real
estate agents, guided by a Principal Broker with
45 years in the business, have learned, from
training, and experience, how to handle the many
challenges that will surely confront you. That is
why you need the security, peace of mind, and
protection you receive with the guidance of a
Realtor like Arthur Lee of Red Rock -- a captain
that really "knows the ropes."
We strongly
recommend that you retain one of our savvy agents
as a Buyer-Broker, to do all the difficult
leg-work involved in setting up your property
search; Someone who will best represent yourinterests
throughout the search. It will cost you nothing,
will likely provide you with more property
choices, and will turn the process into a fun
Talk to us, and we will fully explain the choices
before you!


text:
Requires a Hue Bridge
Experience the comfort of your lights turning on automatically when you arrive and turning off when you leave. Unpack your car, enter your house, all with the comfort of the right light. Just set the Hue app to Home or Away mode to switch on all your lights, or let geolocation do it for you, all without touching a button. It's as easy as that.
Light up your outdoors and see what's going on outside. By connecting your outdoor lights with the Hue Bridge you can control them in any way you like. With our indoor remote control options such as the Philips Hue app or using your voice (Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit or Google Assistant) you can control your outdoor lights. You can set light schedules to mimic your presence. Control your outdoor lighting from the comfort of your home or from any other location.
Enjoy longer evenings outside, finish yard work or just bring the garbage outside after sunset. Have your Philips Hue lights turn on automatically by setting schedules or use sunset /sunrise routine. And of course, you can also turn off or dim your lights this way. You╞ll never again have to worry whether you've left any lights on.
Experience guaranteed smooth dimming with Philips Hue. Not too bright. Not too dark. Just right. To dim the lights, you don't need any wiring, an electrician or installation.
Connect your Philips Hue lights with the Bridge and start discovering the endless possibilities. Control your lights from your smartphone or tablet via the Philips Hue app, or add the indoor switches to your system to change your lights. Set timers, notifications, alarms, and more for the full Philips Hue experience. Philips Hue even works with Amazon Alexa, Apple Homekit and the Google Assistant to allow you to control your lights with your voice.
Connect your Philips Hue lights with the Bridge to control your lights from your smart phone or tablet via the Philips Hue app. Or control your Philips Hue lights with the Philips Hue dimmer indoor switch for on/off and dimming functionalities.
This LED bulb is wirelessly controllable if you connect it to the Philips Hue bridge for smart control or to the Philips Hue dimmer switch.
This product is only dimmable if connected to the Philips Hue bridge or to a Philips Hue compatible device


text:
The engine inside the heavy duty, full metal chassis of the Blofeld delivers the same fat and rich sound that so many Waldorf users worldwide love when they play their Pulse, Q, Q+, Micro Q, Microwave, Microwave II/XT, or even the flagship Wave. ...
In a pic Sander posted to Twitter you can see his Waldorf Blofeld Desktop Synth Module. In a Music Radar article he says, "Quite a good little synth. It's not as fat as some of my others but has some really classic detuned-type sounds."more
In this photo that Mord Fustang posted on his Facebook, the Waldorf Blofeld Module Synthesizer is in the very front of the shot. The shape and color of the unit differentiates it from the full-fledged synthesizer model with the keyboard.more
Waldorf's Blofeld synthesizer can be seen in this video of Noah "40" Shebib working in the studio at 01:33 .more
A Waldorf Blofeld Synth can be seen on Ulrich's desk at 1:50 in this interview with *Future Music Magazine*.more
We see him use the Waldorf Blofeld Black Module in this video at around 0:59 seconds.more
Case & Point's Facebook photo displays the Waldorf Blofeld Module Synth: "Diving into this guy today in the studio"more
Can be seen nexto to the screenmore
Etienne de Crécy - We, Computers Live Studio Sessionmore
In this photo posted by Paula on her facebook page, one can see a Waldorf Blofeld sitting in front of her to the right.more
Waldorf blofeld used to make sound environments and soundscapes for your music.more
In this Picture you can see the Blofeld on his deskmore
Logic Bomb temporary studio, Blofeld synth on the left.more
the real waldorf sound, seems heavily underratedmore
Pic from live shot a few years ago. Dual Slim Phattys and dual Blofelds were primary external sound sourcesmore
Biofeld can be seen in the studio pan.more
At 0:19 in the ?? feat. ??? Music Video, the Waldorf Blofeld can bee seen.more
Can be seen being used in this live stream performance by Oranssi Pazuzu in 2020more
The engine inside the heavy duty, full metal chassis of the Blofeld delivers the same fat and rich sound that so many Waldorf users worldwide love when they play their Pulse, Q, Q+, Micro Q, Microwave, Microwave II/XT, or even the flagship Wave.
Yes, you've heard it right. The Blofeld is not only capable of producing these warm, organic analog sounds known from the Q synthesizer line, it also sports a wavetable engine like its predecessors with "Wave" in their names. This unique synthesis system is based upon the revolutionary PPG Wave synthesizers of the early 80s. So when you listen to the Blofeld for the first time, you will instantly recognize those edgy, hard-hitting and bell-like timbres that have been an integral part of so many world hits from the PPG era on, and become increasingly popular once more.
In fact it is amazing to realize that nowadays this complex technology fits into such a slim and elegant device. And for a price no-one would have imagined a couple of years ago.
As a successor of the microwave range it is a a step into the right direction. VA and wavetable synthesis, you can even get an option to load samples (but it hurts loading samples over midi) and even create own wavetables. It is a decent piece of gear with a nice interface to program it. The built in effects are okayish and it could have a digital output, but otherwise it is a good sounding, complex, solid built polyphonic synth.
Absolutely love it, the appegiator especially. Great deep sounds and i dig the metal knobs! Also cool how you can customize and create sounds, and it has a nice display..
This thing has the most intricate/deep sounding textures I have ever been able to create. From natural "real-world" sounds to crazy wave-tables
I love the filters and the wave tables and the free vst editor compliments it perfectly for studio use. All I have to do is turn it on and record when im ready with live tweaking and everything. Very Powerful and crisp for making sounds and simple enough to understand and use efficiently.
a virtual synth with a great sound, virtual synthesis.
Great sound, great possibilties, very flexible modulation matrix, but not enough knobs and access at same time. Don´t really like zapping thru menus at all without an editor. I love to import my own wavetables and samples. The filter, especially the ppg like can reproduce moog like sounds. And it does not really sound digital.
My favourite to play freeze-pads
This synth is capable of a wide variety of sounds and is an incredible studio synth. While the device has been laid out so to avoid too much menu diving (most features can be reached within 1 or 2 button/knob combinations) creating sounds from scratch can still be daunting and difficult. With that said, the presets are incredible and offer a good starting point.


text:
Nje veshtrim i marredhenies midis Majkut dhe Salit gjate diteve te tyre ne Universitetin e Monstrave, kur ata nuk ishin domosdoshmerisht miqte me te mire.
Info English
A look at the relationship between Mike and Sulley during their days at Monsters University — when they weren't necessarily the best of friends.
IMDb 6.5/10 | Trailer | Download | Shiko ne Putlocker |


text:
Friday, May 20, 2011
Lily Pad Cards Lucy's Lovely Lines #2
The sponsor for the challenge is Lawn Fawn. Did you see their new releases? They are so cute! The stamp set that I used is Critter In The Forest. I adore the lovely animals in this set!
All the images are colored on PTI's Stamper's Select White cardstock with Copic markers. The grass is punched with this punch using two shades of green cardstock. The sentiment comes with the stamp set.
The clouds are cut using PTI's cloud dies and the edges are inked with tumbled glass distress ink.
That's all I have. Don't forget to check out what the other members of the Dream Team came up with for this sketch at Lily Pad Cards. Hope you can join us this week! =)
Have a beautiful day and thanks for stopping by!
cardstock, button: Papertrey Ink
stamps: Lawn Fawn
inks: Memento Tuxedo Black, Tim Holtz Distress Ink
punches: (Grass Edge) Martha Stewart, (Corner Chomper) We R Memory Keepers
Copics used:
trees: YG67, YG17, YG03, E59, E57, E55
fox: E19, E17, E15, E97, W1, W00, 0, C5, C3
mushrooms: E43, E42, E41, R27, R24, R22, W1, W00, 0
card size: 5" x 5"
27 comments:
- Exclusively by Mel said...
Hi Alice,
Oh I love your foxy card!!
Foxes are lovely amimals,well all animals are lovely to me.
We see foxes sometimes on the outskirts of your village.
Stunning colouring as always.
A joy to look at!!
Mel. xx
- May 20, 2011 at 6:25 AM
- yyam said...
Love love love! Awesome coloring and love the dimension! Too cute!
- May 20, 2011 at 6:58 AM
- Brenda said...
Hi Alice, I saw your card on Lily Pad! Wow! I have been eyeing this LF set for some time, actually, all of the critters, and now there is a new one, and I want to get at least one, and I think now I know which one! I am always inspired by the beautiful clouds you create in the background, I am pretty sure you did a tutorial once, so off to browse, again, through your lovely blog to try and find it!
- May 20, 2011 at 7:37 AM
- Niki Estes said...
Alice, this is so adorable! Beautiful coloring like always and I love all the dimension!
- May 20, 2011 at 7:59 AM
- Cassie_lu said...
beautiful use of the sketch and your coloring in amazing
- May 20, 2011 at 9:04 AM
- Flip-Flop Creations said...
Love the scene you created Alice! You took that sketch to a whole new level. ~jeni :)
- May 20, 2011 at 9:51 AM
- Carly said...
Good gosh girl this is amazing!!!
- May 20, 2011 at 10:53 AM
- Dotty Jo said...
Swoooningly gorgeous yet again! Jo x
- May 20, 2011 at 10:58 AM
- Courtney K said...
too cute Alice! love the dimension you created with the grass.
- May 20, 2011 at 11:07 AM
- Elizabeth Allan said...
Love, love, love all the layers Alice. Your blog is truly a "wonderland"!
- May 20, 2011 at 11:14 AM
- donna mikasa said...
Saw this on the Lily Pad blog and my jaw dropped! Of course my jaw always drops when I see your cards! Love the dimension and your fab coloring, always!!
- May 20, 2011 at 11:41 AM
- BabyBokChoy said...
This is so fun, love love the woodland theme, cute card :)
- May 20, 2011 at 12:41 PM
- scrapn_momof2 said...
LOVE THIS. Your foxy card is adorable. The layers, the scene you created the clouds...all too cute!
- May 20, 2011 at 12:53 PM
- Marion said...
Hi Alice, Love this card and cute fox. Great clouds in the background. Love the punced out grass, so realistic.
- May 20, 2011 at 1:29 PM
- Unknown said...
What a darling card!
- May 20, 2011 at 2:06 PM
- DustyPenny (Joy Ott) said...
Such a fun card, Alice! Your coloring is perfect.
- May 20, 2011 at 3:10 PM
- Mariana Grigsby said...
This card is fun!!!! This is one of my favorites LF sets! Love your coloring!
- May 20, 2011 at 5:44 PM
- Suzanne C said...
Fabulous! Love the layers of the images and of course the coloring is stunning!
- May 20, 2011 at 7:37 PM
- Anita Rex said...
Alice I love your card today! So clean and fun! And I love the grass! Pushed me over the edge to get the MFT grass die!
- May 20, 2011 at 9:35 PM
- Unknown said...
Awww what a cutie, everything is gorgeous here.. wish I saw that punch before I bought the die cut ...mine cuts also the bottom and hadn't realised that before. xx
- May 20, 2011 at 11:42 PM
- ChickieChirps said...
Alice this is just gorgeous! I love the way you have coloured the trees too!
- May 21, 2011 at 1:34 AM
- Maria Therese said...
Beautiful card hun!! Have a sweet weekend!
- May 21, 2011 at 1:37 AM
- 1LuvnMama said...
Awww Alice! Luv the cute little scene you created with the Lawn Fawn set! I feel like I'm right there in the woods surrounded by the wilderness! :)
Have a great weekend!
- May 21, 2011 at 1:44 AM
- Tasha said...
WOW this is adorable! Love the scene you created..those trees are fab and i love the sentiment in the clouds...fabulous design Alice
love tasha xx
- May 21, 2011 at 2:56 AM
- ~amy~ said...
- May 21, 2011 at 7:59 AM
- Tiffany Ervin said...
LOVE this card, the trees look so real!! I was going to pick up this set at my LSS the other day, but forgot to, thanks for the reminder! And, yes, I saw the new Lawn Fawn releases, too darn tempting!
- May 21, 2011 at 10:08 AM
- Beate said...
GORGEOUS coloring and scene you created! I LOVE coming to your blog and being inspired.
Hugs and smiles
- May 25, 2011 at 3:48 AM
Blog Archive
- ► 2019 (174)
- ► 2018 (83)
- ► 2017 (143)
- ► 2016 (209)
- ► 2015 (338)
- ► 2014 (197)
- ► 2013 (344)
- ► 2012 (375)
- Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps Challenge #45
- Perfection
- Lily Pad Cards Inspirational Challenge #2
- Friends Forever
- Bouquet & Containers
- Harriet the Hippo & Giddy Bugs
- Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps Challenge #44
- Back 2 School
- Cupcake and Citrus
- Lily Pad Cards Lucy's Lovely Lines #2
- Mo's Digital Pencil Monthly Blog Hop!
- Gordie the Giraffe & rejects
- Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps Challenge #43
- Chelsea & packaging
- The Craft's Meow Mid-Month Release Blog Hop
- Lily Pad Cards Embossing Challenge
- Sparkle Creations May Release Blog Hop
- Sparkle Creations May Release Sneak Peek
- Skater Ben
- Up, Up and Away! & peonies
- Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps Challenge #42
- Summer Fairy Finna
- Lily Pad Cards Kathy's Color Throw Down #2
- I Serenade You & super heros
- Mona the Seamstress & Swimmingly Yours
- Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps Challenge #41
- The Craft's Meow May Release Blog Hop
- ▼ May (27)
- ► 2010 (375)


text:
The Importance of Buying Flowers from Local Florists
Flowers are a great item to show to someone that you care. Flowers are good to be given as presents to your loved ones whatever occasions you may celebrating. The floral industry is now huge which makes it a multi-billion dollar business. In the past, you can only buy or order fresh flowers in your local shop. Anyone can now order or buy fresh flowers from online florists.
A lot of local florists nowadays got their very own websites wherein you are able to see as well as order flowers online, making it really great. The good thing about online flower shop is that even if you are just inside your house or perhaps office, you can still send flowers to your loved ones. This is very helpful most especially to those busy individuals who have no time to wander around local streets just to look for a good flower shop.
Whenever searching for your ideal local flower stores, you need to ensure that they have a site in order for you to just make orders online the next time you like to order. You can still avail the same services when you make orders online, the difference is that ordering online saves you much time and money and most of all, it is very convenient to do orders online. What you are going to do is to get their site and then purchase from their site. The website contains photos of numerous flowers available, their prices and many more. Just choose what flowers you like, provide the address where you want the flowers to be delivered, make online payments and then just wait for it. It is a hassle-free way of ordering your flowers for your loved ones or for any occasions.
The 10 Commandments of Shops And How Learn More
A good local flower shop should have a perfect website. You need to check if your local florist's website has all the good features to make them the best website. The first thing that you need to do is to see if there is a customer's feedback where feedback or comments regarding their products or services are written. An excellent website is a user-friendly website which means that all of the users can navigate through the site very easily.
What Has Changed Recently With Florists?
By choosing your local florist's online services, you'll not just have the best service but also a convenient one. Want a hassle-free means of ordering flowers? Then you have to try the online service of your local florist and enjoy the service. Make your loved one feel very special by sending them beautiful fresh flowers. You can do that by simply ordering your flower through the online portal of your local shops.
Copyright 2018 - Advance Fitness Theme


text:
this is my junior prom dress (vintage 1995, yo!)
its a short-sleeve shiny betsey johnson a-line floral photo print. i bought it in los angeles on a family trip and wore it to prom with fishnets, black patent mary-janes and black fingernails, my mom was apopleptic...recently it was calling to me from the shelf and so i wore it out the other night with plain old black wolfords and my dark red chloe laceups..this really is basically vintage now, how depressing is that?
miss world
Labels: i heart the 90s
3 comments:
- brendan donnelly said...
its all true. i've seen the prom photo.
- February 20, 2008 at 4:34 PM
- besos y fotos: the virtual sketchbook said...
dude, i just want you to know that i knew that was 90's betsey before i'd even scrolled all the way down!!i guess she was really my chloe/dries/lanvin of now, or my marc of 2 years ago.
my first was a shiny neon green spandex long sleeved crop top bought in '93-'94..
this common denominator volley continues.
o and it's not depressing, it's recycling.
p.s. love the lace ups.
- February 21, 2008 at 1:44 AM
- besos y fotos: the virtual sketchbook said...
also, i wanna see the prom foto!!
- February 21, 2008 at 1:44 AM
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


text:
Crucible Theatre Sheffield reopened with:
Ibsen: An Enemy of The People
There are two basic ways of looking at Ibsen's Dr Stockmann: the medical officer who discovers that the baths, on which a Norwegian spa's prosperity depends, are ruinously polluted. You can, as Arthur Miller did in his softened version, see him as an heroic idealist confronting small-town corruption. Or you can, as Christopher Hampton does in this far superior translation, portray him warts and all: as a mixture of instinctive truth-teller and wild extremist who, when his scientific findings are rejected by the town, famously argues "the minority is always right." The Guardian
DR. STOCKMANN: Should I let myself be beaten off the field by public opinion, and the compact majority, and such deviltry? No, thanks. Besides, what I want is so simple, so clear and straightforward. I only want to drive into the heads of these curs that the Liberals are the worst foes of free men; that party-programmes wring the necks of all young living truths; that considerations of expediency turn morality and righteousness upside down, until life is simply hideous.... I don't see any man free and brave enough to dare the Truth.... The strongest man is he who stands most alone. Ibsen


text:
$ 32.00
Beautiful message to inspire or be a reminder of strength! "She believed she could so she did" stamped on a pendant bangle!
Personalize this bangle. Add an initial by clicking HERE.
Lettering Style:
Color Options:
*Listing is for She Believed Bangle ONLY. Necklace sold separately.
**Please see our current packaging/shipping information HERE.


text:
Job Information
Deloitte Senior - Investment Management Tax - Private Equity/Wealth, Hedge Funds, Mutual Funds in Parsippany, New Jersey
Areyou looking to be a part of the largest growth area in the tax industry? Do you have experience serving clients inpartnership taxation, leading and mentoring teams, and advising on importanttax and business issues? If you re a leader who wants to develop and thrive inthe most strategic part of our tax practice and serve our largest clients, wehave an exciting opportunity for you as a Tax Senior on our growing team!
Whatyou ll do
As a Tax Senior youwill utilize your prior experience to provide tax compliance and advisoryservices to investment management clients. You will assist clients witheffective analysis, solution development, and implementation of clients taxobjectives. You will manage the client relationship by delivering tax advisoryservices to the client. Responsibilities will include:
Performing detail-level reviews of tax research, partnership workpapers, allocations, and tax filings
Coordinating and communicating with client contacts as required togather information to complete their tax returns.
Training, mentoring, and supervising new and experienced-level taxstaff, and attending required Deloitte Tax LLP and sector-specific trainings.
Preparing and leading client meetings on compliance and advisoryprojects related to tax planning opportunities, and the tax implications ofvarious transactions to the organization.
The team
Asthe global leader in providing professional services to the InvestmentManagement industry, Deloitte Tax LLP works with clients to address a range ofcritical issues brought on by regulatory changes, competition, globalization,advances in technology, and the changing demands of their investors/customers.Our US tax industry group is comprised of more than 1,400 partners, principals,and employees providing a spectrum of tax services to a broad range ofInvestment Management companies. Our financial services clients includeinvestment advisers and administrators from every sector of the industry,including hedge funds, private equity, investment partnerships, alternativeproducts, family offices, mutual funds, broker-dealers, banks, insurancecompanies, and other investment managers.
2 years experience providing tax planning services or preparing and reviewingclient work papers and income tax returns
2 years experience with investment management or partnership taxation
Experiencewith Subchapter K, partnership allocation methodologies, and the tax complianceprocess for investment partnerships
Bachelor sdegree in accounting, finance, or other business-related field
CPA certification if qualified to sit for theCPA; if not qualified, licensed attorney, enrolled agent, or other appropriatecertification (or in the process of, or willing to obtain)
Travel up to 25% (while 25% of travel is a requirement of the role, due to Covid-19, non-essential travel has been suspended until further notice.)
PreviousBig 4 or large firm experience
Knowledgeof fund accounting and general ledger accounting
Experienceworking in a fast-paced, team environment
How you ll grow
AtDeloitte, our professional development plan focuses on helping people at everylevel of their career to identify and use their strengths to do their best workevery day. From entry-level employees to senior leaders, we believe there salways room to learn. Weoffer opportunities to help sharpen skills in addition to hands-on experiencein the global, fast-changing business world. From on-the-job learning experiences to formal development programs atDeloitte University, our professionals have a variety of opportunities tocontinue to grow throughout their career. Explore Deloitte University, The Leadership Center. at https://zoomforth.com/s/deloitte/du#home
At Deloitte, we know that great people make agreat organization. We value our people and offer employees a broad range ofbenefits. Learn more about whatworking at Deloitte can mean for you. at http://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/pages/careers/articles/life-at-deloitte-benefits-and-rewards.html
Deloitte s culture
We take pride in ourculture and celebrate individuals by recognizing their uniqueness. As a commitment to our people , weoffer well-being programs and provide our professional s opportunities for support and flexibility to make daily choices that can help them to behealthy, centered, confident, and aware. This supportive culture helps enable our people to do their best workevery day. Learn more about Life at Deloitte.
Corporate citizenship
Deloitte is led by a purpose: to make an impactthat matters. This purpose defines who we are and extends to relationships withour clients, our people and our communities. Webelieve that business has the power to inspire and transform. We focus oneducation, giving, skill-based volunteerism, and leadership to help drivepositive social impact in our communities. Learn more aboutDeloitte s impact on the world. at http://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/pages/about-deloitte/articles/deloitte-corporate-citizenship.html
Recruiter tips
Wewant job seekers exploring opportunities at Deloitte to feel prepared andconfident. To help you with your interview, we suggest that you do yourresearch: know some background about the organization and the business areayou re applying to. Check out recruiting tipsfrom Deloitte professionals. at http://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/pages/careers/topics/recruiting-tips.html
Category: Tax
About Deloitte
As used in this document, Deloitte means Deloitte LLP and its subsidiaries. Please see www.deloitte.com/us/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of Deloitte LLP and its subsidiaries. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or protected veteran status, or any other legally protected basis, in accordance with applicable law.


text:
EMC's Annual Donations Continue to Help BC Children and Families
2015 marked the first full year in operation for the new 73 bedroom Ronald McDonald House. Thanks to the contributions of EMC and hundreds of other donors, families can stay in safe, welcoming, and comfortable accommodations while their child receives needed treatment; putting some joy and normalcy back in their lives.
We would like to thank our clients for giving us the opportunity to support this worthy cause. By getting people into better mortgages, EMC has had the privilege of donating a share of our profits to help children and parents under stress to experience the simple things in life: a home-cooked meal, a comfortable bed, and the opportunity to keep families together when it matters most.Posted on: January 11, 2016


text:
Join Deposit screenshot actual 16-03-18
Deposit min/max: $20 / $300000
Profit: 0.58-0.64% hourly for 180 hours
1.12-2.15% hourly for 96 hours
10-18% hourly for 24 hours
1.12-2.15% hourly for 96 hours
10-18% hourly for 24 hours
Withdrawal: instantly
Referral: 3-10%
Our investment: $100
daily payout: $13.92
User rating:
Our rating:
We invite everyone who is interested in stable earnings online and looking for direction of reliable passive income. Today, when the global financial market is experiencing a significant crisis, the first priority is to save personal funds and to make the right choice of a credible source of profit. Here comes the cooperation scheme provided by JoinDeposit.com, a company that offers highly remunerative investments through the use of methods of diversification and profitable trading on Forex and cryptocurrency exchanges.The team of JoinDeposit.com has developed a proprietary trading system that not only brings continuous profits with acceptable risk, but also is able to cover potential losses (up to 70%) due to the large stabilization fund.


text:
The Discovery of Gold in California
The California gold rush of 1849 has the distinction of being the first modern international gold rush. It is lesser known that gold had been discovered in California prior to the great rush. This article explores both the first significant gold discoveries in California, and the events surrounding James Marshall`s discovery of gold in 1848.
Mine Locations of the Chilson Brothers
From the May 15 1926 Arizona Mining Journal - the authentic history of the mining activities of the Chilson brothers who were active in the locating and developing of Arizona's mineral resources.
History of Arizona Gold Mining
Gold mining in Arizona did not start to any appreciable extent until after the acquisition of the territory by the United States from Mexico in 1848 and 1853.
The Gold Cañon Placer Mining Colony
Gold dust was discovered in the Carson Valley as early as 1848 by Mormons traveling to the gold fields of California. However, with seemingly better prospects on the other side of the Sierras, and with supplies dwindling after the long desert crossing from Salt Lake City, nobody stayed to work these placers until at least 1850. By 1851 a small and remote mining colony had formed and was known as the "Gold Cañon Placer Mining Colony", located roughly where the town of Dayton still is today.
Silver Lake Basin: A Mining Chronicle Part I
Silver Lake, which early settlers called Arrastra Lake, lies in a basin at the head of Arrastra Creek, four miles southeast of Silverton, Colorado, near the center of the Las Animas Mining District, in what was then part of La Plata County. Silver Lake Basin was one of the West's most isolated and difficult to access districts. This article explores the incredible feats of transport and engineering were required to make the mines of Silver Lake successful.
Silver Lake Basin: A Mining Chronicle Part II
Part two of the incredible account of Silver Lake Basin continues to explore development and subsequent decline of the basin's mines. The article also describes the state of Silver Lake Basin today, and includes details on how to visit the area.
History and Settlements of the Blue Mountains Gold Belt, Oregon 1900
While the gold fields in the southwestern part of Oregon were discovered about 1852, those of the Blue Mountains remained unknown until about ten years later.
History of the Elkhorn Mining District
The Elkhorn district was prospected early in the history of the State and numerous quartz locations were made in the years preceding 1870, but the district did not attract attention until the A. M. Holter lode became a producing mine.
The Los Burros District, Monterey County, California
The following notes concerning the metal prospects of the Los Burros district, in the southwestern part of Monterey County, California, are based on observations made during a visit of a few days to this section of the Santa Lucia Range in February, 1921.
The Mining Towns of California 1873
Tourists will naturally desire to visit some of the towns, where they can observe closely the various operations connected with gold-mining, which is such an important industry of California. This can be done by leaving the main line of railroad at any station in the mining-region and going a little way into the country. Indeed, on the main line of the Central Pacific are several towns, where almost the only occupation of the people is gold-digging.


text:
SinnovaTek is a turn-key technology provider of food processing systems to manufacturers around the world delivered by a team of specialized engineers and food scientists experienced with advanced processing technologies. Our experience was gained through years of hands-on involvement with the development and commercialization of these technologies.
SinnovaTek is a complete solutions provider for the food processing industry. We work with startup companies aiming to get new products to market, as well as Fortune 100 companies looking to deploy new concepts with the latest technologies. Our talented team can take a product from ideation through full commercialization. We focus on natural, nutrient dense value-added products that push the boundaries of the existing market and provide the end consumer attributes of health and wellness that can be achieved through our technologies.
SinnovaTek's mission is to promote worldwide health and wellness by fostering the delivery of high quality, healthy foods through sustainable methods. We accomplish this through the development and commercialization of novel food processing technologies.
SinnovaTek became a Certified B Corporation in 2017. B Corps are a new type of company that use the power of business to solve social and environmental problems. SinnovaTek was certified by B Lab to meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. We've evaluated how our practices impact our employees, our community, the environment, and our customers.
SinnovaTek is an employee owned and customer driven company. We believe that our team is the key to our success and we seek out and retain those with the highest levels of talent and experience.


text: How do I get out of here? The great outdoors is right there in front of me. I go from one end to the next, but it appears that I can't leave this atrocious place. People are trying to get me in any way possible, as if I am an undesirable. The force field in front of me is limiting my escape from this room. My brain can't process this technology; it forbids me from leaving, yet I can walk on air. All of a sudden, everything blacks out, THUD! I squint my eyes one last time, and in a blur I see a person opening this "force field", scoops me up and throws me out. As I fall to my doom, I realize that all this time, it was just a glass window, separating a fly from the outside world, to freedom.


text:
Don't Dream it's Over (Neil Finn)
Solo acoustic version of the Crowded House hit from a Princess Diana tribute album. The opening chord (D?)
a happy accident and the rest followed nicely.
Intro - D? / Bm / G / F#
(D?) There is freedom within, (Bm) there is freedom without (G)
Try to catch the deluge in a paper (F#) cup
(D?) There's a battle ahead, (Bm) many battles are lost (G)
But you'll never see the end of the road while you're (F#) travelling with me
(G) Hey now, hey (A) now, don't (D) dream it's (Bm) over
Hey (G) now, hey (A) now, when the (D) world comes (Bm) in
They (G) come, they (A) come (D) to build a wall be-(Bm)-tween us (G)
We know they won't win G / / F#//
Now I'm towing my car, there's a hole in the roof
My possessions are causing me suspicion but there's no proof
In the paper today, tales of war and of waste
But you turn right over to the TV page
Now I'm walking again to the beat of a drum
And I'm counting the steps to the door of your heart
Only shadows ahead, barely clear in the roof
Get to know the feeling of liberation and release
(G) Hey now, hey (A) now, don't (Bm) dream
Hey (G) now, hey (A) now, when the (Bm) world comes in
They (G) come, they (A) come (Bm) to build a wall between us (G)
We know they won't win (G) (A) (Bm)
Don't ever let them win (G) (A) (Bm)
Don't ever let them win (G) (A) (Bm)
(G) Hey now, hey (A) now (Bm)
(G) (A) (Bm)
(G) Hey now hey (A).............ey
(D? arpeggio and hold) Now
D? Bm G F# A D
Submit corrections


text:
We numerically demonstrate a metamaterial with both negative ε and negative µ over an overlapping near-infrared wavelength range resulting in a low loss negative-index material. Parametric studies optimizing this negative index are presented. This structure can be easily fabricated with standard semiconductor processing techniques.
©2005 Optical Society of AmericaFull Article | PDF Article
OSA Recommended Articles
Do-Hoon Kwon, Douglas H. Werner, Alexander V. Kildishev, and Vladimir M. Shalaev
Opt. Express 15(4) 1647-1652 (2007)
Zahyun Ku, Jingyu Zhang, and S. R. J. Brueck
Opt. Express 17(8) 6782-6789 (2009)
Shuang Zhang, Wenjun Fan, Kevin J. Malloy, Steven R. J. Brueck, Nicolae C. Panoiu, and Richard M. Osgood
J. Opt. Soc. Am. B 23(3) 434-438 (2006)


text:
April 1594. William Moodie thinks he's in love with celebrated actor, Richard Brasyer. When Brasyer's playing company, Goldfox's Men, comes to town, William is only too willing to leave his country life for the opportunities of the theater and a life in London. Determined to become Richard's apprentice, William seeks to impress his mentor with his acting—and please him in bed.
Meanwhile, Richard struggles to escape his past as a spy and disentangle himself from the manipulations of his former master and ex-lover, Bennett Goldfox. Swearing off a relationship with his new apprentice proves difficult for Richard, as William uses all his youthful charms to seduce him. When Bennett's life is threatened, Richard is lured back into the game for one final mission, and he and William travel to Cambridge to hunt down a list of traitors to the Crown.
In the midst of danger and deception, Richard and William come to truly see each other, faults and all, and realize their feelings run deeper than either expected.
Dani's rating:
I wanted to love this book. After all, it's a historical set in Shakespeare's time about an experienced "player" and his new apprentice, a farm boy who fancies himself in love with the acclaimed actor.
This is a new author, and I can only praise the quality of the writing. The prose felt authentic, and the setting (the taverns, manners, and political intrigue of Elizabethan England) came alive. I can't fault the author's research or skill.
Richard tries to resist William's advances. William is only 20, and his cousin is Richard's dear friend and partner in the acting company the men carry. But William is struck with lust and wants to prove himself to Richard in any way he can.
Had the plot focused on Richard and William's budding relationship, I would have been a satisfied reader. But I felt like the relationship simmered on the back burner, with the spotlight going to Richard's love/hate relationship with his old master and former lover, Bennett.
Bennett is a fascinating character, finely sketched and nuanced. I loathed him as much as I adored him, and I could understand the hold he had on Richard. Nearly halfway through the story, Richard returns to Bennett and finds pleasure in his body, even as he pushes William away. Richard doesn't trust Bennett, but he becomes embroiled in Bennett's games and manipulations.
Nothing between the MCs feels settled until the last chapter, and even then the HEA is new and fragile. I expected more romance, more steam, more passion, and I didn't find it here.
Get the book:
An ARC of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Download links are provided as a courtesy and do not constitute an endorsement of or affiliation with the book, author, publisher, or website listed.
Don't join the book burners. Do not think you are going to conceal thoughts by concealing evidence that they ever existed.~Dwight D. Eisenhower
An ARC of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Download links are provided as a courtesy and do not constitute an endorsement of or affiliation with the book, author, publisher, or website listed.


text:
7209 Glendora Avenue
Dallas, TX 75230
Estimated payment ∕month**
Customize your monthly payment
Sq Ft
Exceptional 2007 custom-built traditional in the very desirable North Dallas 1960's neighborhood known as the Meadows. High quality workmanship, flooring, appliances, cabinetry, lighting and plumbing fixtures create a traditional elegance for both formal entertaining or a casual lifestyle. The Kitchen features a Commercial Gas Cooktop and Built-in Fridge. The huge Great Room with custom-built entertainment center overlooks the Diving Pool and very large landscaped back yard thru two double French Doors which open to a covered entertaining area. The downstairs Master Suite also overlooks the Pool. Upstairs is a private Second Master separated from two additional Bedrooms by a large Gameroom overlooking the Pool.
Additional Property Details
Homeowners Association (HOA)
Lot & Land
*Note: All room dimensions, including square footage data, are approximate and must be verified by the buyer.
The information contained herein is furnished by the owner to the best of his/her knowledge, but is subject to verification by the purchaser, and agent assumes no responsibility for the correctness thereof. The sale offering is made subject to errors, omissions, change of price, prior sale, or withdrawal without notice. In accordance with the Law, this property is offered without respect to race, color, creed, national origin, sex, familial status or disability. This is not intended to solicit property currently listed.
**Assumes 4.25% APR, 20% down payment, and conventional 30-year fixed rate first mortgage. Rates cited are for instructional purposes only; current rates are subject to change at any time without notice. You should not make any decisions based simply on the information provided. Additional required amounts such as taxes, insurance, home owner association dues, assessments, mortgage insurance premiums, flood insurance or other such required payments should also be considered. Contact your mortgage company for current rates and additional information.Listing Agent:Ralph Vanduzee
Broker:Ebby Halliday, REALTORS
Safety Rating
Commute to Work
School Districts
Results received from this calculator are designed for comparative purposes only, and accuracy is not guaranteed.
(877) 275-1762Alex.Parker@
PHMLoans.com Visit Our Website
When you decide to buy a home or refinance your mortgage, your search should start and end here. At Prosperity Home Mortgage, LLC, we strive to create an extraordinary customer experience through the efforts of knowledgeable and caring mortgage professionals where relationships are valued, and the focus is on treating every client as if they were the only client. Choose a lender you can trust to find the mortgage loan that best suits your needs.
5 Beds 3.1 Baths 2,902 Sq Ft
4 Beds 3 Baths 3,004 Sq Ft
4 Beds 3.1 Baths 2,874 Sq Ft
5 Beds 4 Baths 4,358 Sq FtNew!
3 Beds 4 Baths 1,914 Sq Ft
4 Beds 4 Baths 2,910 Sq Ft