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Breathe Culturewhere beautiful mistakes thrive
Archive for life through a lens
Life through a lens
Recently I joined a group on Flickr called "Life through a lens". With just over 1,000 members and over 6,000 photos, it is an active community that has already drawn me right in. The basic premise of the group is to obtain real and meaningful comments on your photos instead of the simple "good job" or "nice shot" comments you get in most other groups. You post a photo of your own to the group, and then you comment on the previous 5 ahead of yours. Simple!The first photo I added was, I had taken quite a few shots in this place and wanted some feedback about this shot. If you follow this link, you will be taken to my site where you can read the wonderful comments left by some really talented people."kate mellersh" "batedbreath" and "word artist" were definitely the most helpful and gave great constructive criticism. What more can you ask for?The second photo that I added to the group was one that I loved, but had noticed was overlooked compared to some of my others. I took this photo while doing a surf tour in Australia, and the comments it received were just as insightful. Some top ones being from, "J-Fish", "alessandra.j", and "Edwin Dalorzo". It does mean a lot to get these comments, and then look at the photos of the person commenting because I find in this group, everyone is top notch! One other thing to really appreciate is the admins of the group take the time to recognize members of the group who do their part, above and beyond what is asked for in the group rules.There is a "Golden Lens Club" where members are recognized for their contributions. If that doesn't make you feel good, I don't know what will.


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Price: $7.50
Quantity: 1 available
Book Condition: Good
Softcover, reprint edition, 232gms, 232 pages.This is a classic work on our environmental crisis that reviews the progress made and ground lost in the fight to save the earth. Book is in good condition with minor general wear and tear. There is a small pen mark on the inside front page. There is some curling to the front cover, otherwise no other pre-loved markings.
Title: End of Nature, The
Categories: Environment/Nature, Science,
Edition: Reprint
Publisher: New York, USA, Anchor Books: 1999
ISBN Number: 0385416040
ISBN Number 13: 9780385416047
Binding: Soft Cover
Book Condition: Good
Jacket Condition: Not Applicable
Size: 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall
Item: 1.00 Item
Seller ID: 001608
Keywords: NATURE, GREENHOUSE EFFECT, ENVIRONMENT, SCIENCE,

subset: commoncrawl


text: Mock Assessment Centre In 'Lecture Reports' Law in the City 2014?Mock Assessment CentreWhat is Your Career Strategy?Animals and Animal WelfareBanking Law in PracticeCareers Lecture: To be or not to be... a lawyerInteractive Commerical and Company Law SessionLegal Interview HotseatMaking a Good ImpressionPlanes, Boats and the Law Back to 'Careers' Tuesday 16th December 2015 Report by Rebecca Tatlow, CEPLER Correspondent It is very difficult to stop yourself from being nervous before an Assessment Centre. Mostly because it matters so much but partly because they are very difficult to practise without help - group exercises are tricky to simulate on your own. This is what made the Career's Network and CEPLER's Mock Assessment Centre, which took place in the week after the semester ended last year, so important to attend and so helpful. There was effort made by everyone involved to ensure that the experience was authentic. Therefore, it was a slightly apprehensive, though well-dressed, group of students who arrived, ready to be watched by a group of external assessors, solicitors and members of graduate recruitment who had kindly given up their time to make sure we had an accurate and beneficial experience.All aspects of potential assessments, from the written and group exercises to networking lunches and breaks, were included. Moreover, after each session there was personal and nearly instantaneous feedback which you could use to chart your progress throughout the day. This was particularly useful since potential feedback from a law firm after a genuine assessment day is often delayed, making it harder to identify areas of improvement. All the students who attended found this feedback extremely constructive and found that it made the day more about self-improvement than self-flagellation (surprisingly voluntarily undertaking assessments during the vacation is not always at the top of people's to do list). I would definitely recommend the experience to anyone who is thinking of applying for a role where an assessment day forms part of the process or indeed anyone who is interested in how they are perceived by others. It was a fascinating and highly useful day. I still fully expect to be nervous before attending future assessment days but, having been through the experience once, I have confidence that I will present the best version of myself possible.


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Blueberry Pudding Cake
Easy, quick, and yummy!! Very cobbler-like! Great with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Blueberry Pudding Cake
2 c blueberries
1 t cinnamon
1 T lemon juice
1 c flour
1 1/2 c sugar, separated
1 t baking powder
1/2 c milk
3 T butter, melted
1/2 t vanilla
1 T cornstarch
1 c boiling water
Toss the blueberries, lemon juice and cinnamon together, and place in an 8x8 greased baking dish.
Combine the flour, 3/4 c of sugar, and baking powder and mix thoroughly. Add the milk, butter, and vanilla and mix gently until just combined (I mix them all together in my liquid measuring cup first then add to the dry ingredients). Spoon the batter over the blueberries.
Mix the remaining 3/4 c sugar and cornstarch. Sprinkle over the batter. Pour boiling water (yes, really) over the entire cake.
Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until the cake tester comes out clean. Let it cool slightly, but it's awfully good when it's still mildly warm.


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56 F.3d 476 (3rd Cir. 1995), 94-2189, Glenmede Trust Co. v. Thompson
|Docket Nº:
|56 F.3d 476
|Party Name:
|GLENMEDE TRUST COMPANY; Pepper, Hamilton & Scheetz, Petitioners, v. B. Ray THOMPSON, Jr.; Juanne J. Thompson; Catherine V. Thompson; Adella S. Thompson; B. Ray Thompson, III; Sarah Thompson Tarver; Rebekah L. Thompson; B. Ray Thompson, Jr., as Trustee of Five Thompson Family Trusts; Juanne J. Thompson, as Trustee of Five Thompson Family Trusts; Dal
|Case Date:
|May 23, 1995
|United States Courts of Appeals, Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
Page 476
Argued March 29, 1995.
Page 477
[Copyrighted Material Omitted]
Page 478
William A. Slaughter, Alan J. Davis, Esquire (argued), Ballard, Spahr, Andrews & Ingersoll, Philadelphia, PA, for petitioner Glenmede Trust Co.
William T. Hangley, (argued), Sara M. Staman, Hangley, Aronchick, Segal & Pudlin, Philadelphia, PA, for petitioner Pepper, Hamilton & Scheetz.
Michael C. Spencer, (argued), Milberg, Weiss, Bershad, Hynes & Lerach, New York City, James J. Binns, James J. Binns, P.A., Philadelphia, PA, for respondents.
Before: MANSMANN, COWEN and LEWIS, Circuit Judges.
MANSMANN, Circuit Judge.
Before us is a Petition for Writ of Mandamus filed by a law firm and its client, a trust company which is a defendant in the underlying diversity action involving claims for breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, breach of contract and negligence, arising from the trust company's role in a stock repurchase transaction. They jointly seek a writ directing the district court to vacate and reverse its orders compelling the law firm to comply with a subpoena duces tecum requesting its file relating to all work it performed for the client regarding the repurchase transaction.
They also seek a writ directing the district court to vacate and reverse its order denying their request for a protective order to enforce the umbrella of confidentiality established by a confidentiality agreement stipulated to by the parties to the underlying dispute, but which was never embodied in an order of the district court. In that regard, the specific issue we must decide is whether general allegations of embarrassment and injury to professional reputations and client relationships satisfies the "good cause" requirement for the issuance of an umbrella protective order pursuant to our recent decision in Pansy v. Borough of Stroudsburg, 23 F.3d 772 (3d Cir.1994). The law firm and its client assert that they will be unable to rectify the harm to their reputations and client relationships if the law firm's privileged documents are publicly disseminated.
We find that although they have established that there are no alternative avenues of appeal for these discovery orders, the law firm and the client trust company have failed to establish their clear and indisputable right to the writ. They failed to establish "good cause" for the protection of all of the law firm's file documents pursuant to the confidentiality
Page 479
agreement. Nor have they demonstrated that the district court erred in determining that the scope of the client's waiver of the attorney-client privilege, by injecting the client's reliance on advice of counsel as an issue in the underlying action, extended to the entire transaction, including back-up documents.
Accordingly, we decline to issue the requested writs.
Glenmede Trust Company ("Glenmede") is a Pennsylvania trust company that serves as the trustee for several charitable trusts, including the Pew Charitable Trusts. 1 Glenmede also serves as a trustee for a number of private trusts and acts as an investment advisor pursuant to a written contract for other clients. B. Ray Thompson, Jr., several members of his family 2 and the trustees 3 of five trusts established by B. Ray Thompson, Sr. for the benefit of his five grandchildren (collectively "the Thompson Family") were investment advisory clients of Glenmede. Prior to September 11, 1990, both the Pew Charitable Trusts and the Thompson family held substantial shares of Oryx Energy Company stock; the Pew family's Oryx holdings totalled in excess of 25 million shares and the Thompson family's Oryx holdings totalled approximately 2.9 million shares. In mid-1990, Glenmede broached, with Oryx management, the subject of a direct buy-back of Oryx shares held by the Pew Charitable Trusts. Oryx was willing to repurchase a maximum of 18 million shares at a premium price per share but requested that buy-back discussions be kept confidential. Given the limitations on the buy-back, Glenmede consulted its counsel, Pepper, Hamilton & Scheetz, as to whether the Oryx transaction could be extended to include Glenmede's private trust and investment advisory clients. 4
Pepper Hamilton issued an Opinion Letter dated September 6, 1990 advising Glenmede that the buy-back transaction could not be structured to include private clients of Glenmede as to do so may violate Internal Revenue Code prohibitions on private foundations. 5 Pepper Hamilton further advised Glenmede that it could not notify its private clients of the buy-back negotiations between Oryx and Glenmede acting in its capacity as trustee of the Pew Charitable Trusts. On September 11, 1990, Oryx repurchased through Glenmede 18 million of its common shares held by the Pew Charitable Trusts and converted the remaining 7.3 million common shares held by the Pew Charitable Trusts to convertible preferred shares. Allegedly, based on the Opinion Letter from Pepper Hamilton, Glenmede excluded its private clients with holdings of Oryx stock from the buy-back transaction.
In September of 1992, the Thompson family brought an action against Glenmede, its parent Glenmede Corporation, a number of Glenmede officers and directors and the Chairman and CEO of Oryx, who was dismissed from this action, asserting, inter alia, claims for breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, breach of contract, and negligence, all allegedly arising from Glenmede's role in the September 11, 1990 buy-back transaction, in which Oryx repurchased 18 million of its shares from Glenmede as trustee of the Pew Charitable Trusts. Glenmede raised as its
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Fourteenth affirmative defense to these charges that it "was advised by counsel that it was legally precluded by Internal Revenue Code prohibitions from including Oryx shares held by other accounts in the repurchase transaction."
Glenmede concedes that the impact of placing at issue its reliance on advice of counsel was a waiver of the attorney-client privilege limited to the subject matter placed at issue. Glenmede admitted only to a waiver of the attorney-client privilege relating to the subject matter of the Opinion Letter, which it submits is broader than tax advice which is the primary subject of the Opinion Letter, but narrower than the totality of the advice rendered regarding the buy-back transaction. 6 In accordance with its position, Glenmede produced the Pepper Hamilton Opinion Letter and a draft Opinion Letter in response to discovery requests served by the Thompson family.
In response to the Thompson family's concern regarding the production of financial records, the parties stipulated to a "Confidentiality Order" restricting the disclosure of documents to be produced and establishing measures to maintain confidentiality pending an appeal from final judgment. As evidenced by the terms of the confidentiality agreement, the parties contemplated the wholesale adoption of that agreement by the district court. Although it was filed with the district court for approval, it was never endorsed in an order of court. Nevertheless, the parties complied with its terms, including the filing of pleadings under seal.
On July 30, 1993, the Thompson family served a subpoena duces tecum on Pepper Hamilton, requesting its entire file concerning services performed for Glenmede in connection with the buy-back transaction. Pepper Hamilton and Glenmede objected to the production of Pepper Hamilton's file on the basis of the attorney-client privilege. On October 18, 1993, the Thompson family filed a motion to compel the production of the file, arguing that Glenmede waived the attorney-client privilege because it raised reliance on advice of counsel pertaining to the buy-back transaction as an affirmative defense to the Thompson family's claims. The Thompson family further contended that Glenmede's concern regarding the production of Pepper Hamilton's file was unwarranted given the protection afforded by the confidentiality agreement to which the parties stipulated.
By Memorandum and Order dated December 14, 1993, the district court granted the Thompson family's motion to compel, concluding that Glenmede waived its attorney-client privilege concerning all communications, whether written or oral, to or from counsel, regarding the buy-back transaction. The district court ordered that Pepper Hamilton produce its entire file for services performed on behalf of Glenmede pertaining to the buy-back transaction, including all back-up documents to the Opinion Letter. Glenmede and Pepper Hamilton moved for reconsideration of that Memorandum and Order, challenging the district court's conclusion that their invocation of the defense of reliance on advice of counsel resulted in a waiver of the attorney-client privilege encompassing all services Pepper Hamilton performed in connection with the buy-back transaction. 7 Glenmede asserted that its waiver was limited to tax advice embodied in the Opinion Letter. By Memorandum and Order dated April 8, 1994, the district court rejected Glenmede's motion for reconsideration on the basis that the Opinion Letter discussed a number of issues in addition to tax...
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Monday, 14 February 2011
A Valentine Table Runner
3 comments:
I love being your first follower. Welcome to blog land and your runner is just stunning. Well, it will be fun getting to know you.ReplyDelete
Thanks Micki I am glad you like it. I thought I should take the plunge I have been reading blogs for a couple of months now and thought it was about time I gave it a try. Thanks for being my 1st follower.ReplyDelete
Welcome, welcome!!! Your runner is just wonderful. Love the look of your blog.ReplyDelete
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I had my appointment today with my Cardiologist to go over the holter monitor I had to wear for two weeks and about the irregular heart beat that was picked up (Atrial Fibrillation). He explained everything to me and advised me to speak to my PCP about this so that my PCP can give me a referral (to be seen in the department I work in), probably put me on Warfarin, and have me follow up with the referral within a week or less. I was lucky enough that a spot was available tomorrow. I just wanted to get everything started before I have to go back to work next week Friday. I'm not ready however according to the Benefits Specialist who has our documented FMLA hours used replied to my email letting me know that as of May 2nd (when I return to work), I will not have FMLA anymore. I sent him another email just to re-confirm that but instead of asking for that, I asked him if I would be at zero or if I was already in the negative. I really don't know how this happened since he gave me my FMLA unused balance over the phone before I submitted my TDI forms. When looking at my calculations, I thought I was safe to say that I had two weeks saved up that I would need to last me until mid November when I would need to get the FMLA re-certified.
I'm really not that thrilled about Coumadin, especially at my age. I don't need to take a medication that is very important to manage as you don't want your blood to clot nor do you want it to be too thin (especially if you fall and get a gash and start bleeding out). I remember reading someone else's blog that also has an AFib and on Coumadin medication. If you have this, could you please tell me more about your story. Is it going to make my Lupus worse? Did you notice any more or worsening symptoms after you started the medication? Did you experience any crazy, notable, or merely something you had never experienced before while on Coumadin? I have done some research on it after I received the initial call from my Cardiologist's nurse but most of it is "textbook" and because I have Lupus, I now know better than to listen to only what the textbook says. Especially since Lupus manifests itself differently in every individual at different levels. And sometimes the textbooks do not mention everything you may experience and Lupus is never predictable anyway.
I liken Lupus to a hurricane. It comes full force at you, devastating every thing that stands in It's way (any organ, tissue, one's nervous system, joints), anything and everything it so whimsically chooses. And since everything that I have mentioned are a part of "me," and possibly "you," we are essentially under a vicious attack at times. After the first round getting my Lupus and Membranous Glomerulonephritis under control, I was doing much better in comparison to what I had at that time come to terms with as my newly defined "life." I was eventually told by my Rheumatologist and Nephrologist that I was in remission yet I still had to take a few medications (nothing heavy duty) and all of the symptoms of the disease didn't go away. However looking back, it was good to still be able to go to work and not have to call in, not needing FMLA for years, and it was no longer necessary at that time to take any of those extra prescriptions that made me feel like I had a "pharmacy" in my kitchen cabinet. Many times back when I was going through my first major Lupus flare, I often wondered if the side effects from the medication was even worth taking it. The pills were supposed to basically slow down the progression of a disease that had no cure and also had the potential to lead to more diseases that have no cure. The Prednisone was the worst for me and as I lie there in bed back then, I just wanted to hurl those pills into the trash. My quality of life was nothing, I felt like I was dying inside, not only physically but mentally and spiritually. I felt like "the living dead." But finally the hurricane "passed through" and my Lupus ended up retreating for quite a while, I naively believed that I was in the clear forever and just had to deal with different pains (ranging from "tolerable" to "severely cruel and intolerable"), to nausea, exhaustion, etc. It's crazy how sometimes it takes me a while to name all of the different symptoms I have due to Lupus since I've lived with it for so long now. I don't remember life without all of these restrictions and limitations. After being weaned off all the medication except for the few, it felt like the hurricane was finally over. I was able to do more than I could in months. But just like a hurricane, I have found that it was the eye of the hurricane I was living in while I was in remission. As soon as the eye had passed, the worst part of the storm was quickly approaching to destroy more than it previously did.
I'm not sure if I've said this before but I really don't like people to ask me how I'm doing. I have gotten tired of saying, "Ok," "better than usual," "Eh," "better in some ways, worse in others," etc. I am through trying to explain to everyone what it's like to have Lupus and exactly how I am feeling that day. Who wants to hear a "list of complaints" anyway? Isn't that what it seems to come down to if you have never experienced anything other than good health, maybe bronchitis or a severe cold at some point in your life? Today a handful of people asked me how I was doing, I tried to avoid as many people as I could. My nurse at the Cardiologist's office knows me and asked me how I felt. Can you believe that she asked me that same question about five times? So I had to find five different answers, or I guess I could've used the same one as she was not listening to my very brief answers. It was very irritating at the very least. I'm not excited at all, more so a little afraid and disappointed that I have to start Coumadin. Sometimes I want to get a Girl Scout sash and make illness, procedures, and surgery badges. Mines would almost be full by now. A useless and morbid thought, yet if I get one more diagnosis I am going to scream. Someone asked me the other day if I had Diabetes and my answer was, "Not yet."


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The more this LDNnudetech calendar debate goes on, the more I'm just laughing inside. Laughing because people can get really uptight about the silliest of things and generally laughing because people assume they know more than others and feel the need to pontificate and/or judge because of it. The Evening Standard is behind it and so is the Telegraph. If you don't know what I'm talking about, it's simple; 24 successful, hardworking men and women in the London tech scene have posed nude (naughty bits covered) for a calendar, of which there will only be 5000 copies made. All of the proceeds will then be going towards Take Heart India; a youth-run charity that has IT-based projects in India for blind and disabled students.
The main point of argument some seem to keep having is that people, especially women, don't need to be taking off their clothes in order to make a point or raise money for charity. They need to use their brains, obviously. However, on the same vein, it appears it's completely acceptable for men to do whatever they like. This argument has never and will never ring true for me for the simple fact that if you look around you, sex, in some form or other, is everywhere. Why are people still so outraged about this? I would've thought that, by now, it was quite clear to see that we actually quite like nudity and naked flesh — and that we're not living in the 1950s! Both men and women can, and like to, look good naked. And, we like looking at them.
Recently, Eileen Burbridge (@eileentso) ranted, second-guessed herself (a lot!) and raved about why it was so bad for this calendar to occur, especially for the ladies involved. That if they pose for this calendar and take off all their clothes, they are somehow undermining their talents as professionals in the tech industry. Surely, if this were the case, then nobody would be jumping on the so-called nude bandwagon at all? If it were that bad it wouldn't happen, no? If Eileen were to rule the world then I'd shudder to think what life would look like through her eyes. In a society where we spend so much time working, stressing and finding new ways to wage war on our neighbours and fellow countries, aren't we allowed to have a little fun anymore? This project is about helping people; it's as simple as that. It just appears as if she has personal issues with removing clothing and thus has let loose on a teeny tiny project which has the simple end outcome of wanting to raise money for a good cause.
A little more recently than that, Sian Meades made a very good point about women who choose to take off their clothes and do so because they want to. This argument brings home the idea that women are in control of their bodies, their lives, their careers and hence, their destiny. I'd honestly much prefer to see this way of thinking, to be quite frank. Given that women can (and do do) whatever they want, whenever they want to nowadays without any interference or pressure from menfolk, why do we still have the mind frame that men still control us? If Eileen herself, who appears to be a very successful lady, has a problem with taking off her clothes and thinks that it's demeaning to do so, then fair enough — she shouldn't do it. But, I really don't think she's got as far as she has in life by thinking that men control the world. So, the view that they somehow control us is a little outdated, to say the least.
If you're successful and professional in your day-to-day activities and actually happen to think you also look good aesthetically, does that automatically make you evil? I can look around me and decide which people I find attractive and do the same for those I don't. I don't judge them anymore or less because of the way they look (unless I plan to date them, then 'looking good' is definitely something I take into consideration). The same goes for looking in the mirror; it's up to me to decide whether or not what I'm looking at is worthwhile and whether or not I would like others to see it, whole or clothed. Just take a look around you and see people in positions of power, authority and/or of certain influence. Chances are that they're hardworking and gorgeous to boot. Because that's how we prefer it as a society. Naked/nude/semi-clothed people are everywhere. But, is that necessarily a bad thing?
A very amusing post by Chief Silicon Stiletto (@huddlesuz), Zuzanna Pasierbinska-Wilson, goes into why she would actually really like to get naked. Her top ten reasons of why she's happy to get naked are an honest and humorous take on the entire idea and go very far in reminding us ladies why it's important we remember to have a laugh and not take things so seriously. Another brilliant mind that has been supportive of the entire idea is Tech Fluff's Hermione Way (@hermioneway). She has a splendid way to see life and I believe she's successful because she's a barrel of laughs and she works every hour she possibly can. She reminds you how to enjoy your days, and a little more than that, she isn't a stranger to building her career. And, if you've ever worked with her, you'd know how professional she actually is — and the same goes for the other ladies mentioned.
Does the fact Hermione Way's decided to strip off naked make her any less of a successful entrepreneur? In all honesty, it doesn't. Because if it did, I'm fairly sure she wouldn't do it. All of the ladies I've drawn attention to in this post are hardworking and successful. Some would like to remove their clothes and some would not. They all have two things in common though; they're ladies and they're all shaped differently. If they don't care about that, then why do the Eileens of the world care?
So many people are caught up in the fact that once upon a time women weren't allowed to work, vote or were simply used as sexual objects. Concerning the first two, it'd really be a helpful idea for people to see we are well past those times. With regards to the latter, times have changed and society has evolved. Women now do things because they choose to, not because they are told to. In fact, so much so, that it's probably a good idea to see that Playgirl didn't exist for no apparent reason. It was a big f*ck you to the male world — whereby it portrayed men in the same light as women… and because the men chose to.
Some have commented that this is simply an ego trip for those involved. I think it's probably best to realise here that a good proportion of the people involved in this project were put forward. I also ask again, why is a (controlled) ego trip bad thing? It's not a crime to want to show yourself off to the world if you happen to think your body is a worthwhile endeavour (clothed or unclothed). The entire fabric of society is based around aesthetic features — we strive to make things "look good" and everyday more and more products (so, not even relating to people here) are released which do just that. If you happen to realise that looking good is part of your day's adventures and make an effort with your appearance, does that automatically make you a spawn of the devil? People are now so caught up in how easy it is to offend others that they're afraid to say what they feel — and if that's "I look damn good today!", then so be it. If you now start destroying people's right to express themselves personally, as well as verbally, we're going to end up with a society that isn't allowed to do anything at all. And, it isn't hard to look around you around the world to see what happens to societies with that culture in place.
My main problem with the entire debate is that people are forgetting the end outcome. Charities are there to help those around you. I'm not even going to use the term "less fortunate" because I feel that's demeaning in itself. People around the world survive with whatever they have. I support this project whole-heartedly for a number of reasons (and should probably point out that I'm not in it). Perhaps it's because I am a woman in the tech industry? Or maybe it's also because I'm an actress and have no qualms about taking my kit off? Or maybe it's because I personally know some of the people involved (and nominated) and support their cause without question? Or maybe the reason I care so much about this project is because it supports a cause which happens to be in my mother country?
Whatever my reason, you are in no position to judge me (or those involved); be it one, none or all of those reasons. What would be really cool, though, is if tonight, you take off all your clothes, look in the mirror and be proud of what you see.
UPDATE: The calendar photos have been taken and you can now pre-order your London Nude Tech Calendar from Firebox.com with all proceeds going to charity. You can read a recent article about this over at the London Evening Standard which also includes a sneak peek preview of one of the calendar photos in question, that of Hermione Way naked with just a microphone!
Testing out for a bio section for Serena Obhrai where you can find more about her work as well as keeping up to date with her by following her on Twitter as @Sweena


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Treasure Hill, Squatters' Colony, Taipei
When Chiang Kai-shek fled China in 1949, he brought with him two million refugees, many of whom were soldiers. Needless to say, housing was an issue. Some of the more resourceful engineered home invasions around the island. Their descendants still live in these homes. Chiang's pay policy for soldiers was based on a 30/70 principle. 30% came in hard cash. For the other 70%, KMT soldiers were expected to forage (rob the locals). Others took over schools and hospitals, where they burnt banisters, desks and books for heat. Most however squatted wherever they could.
Treasure Hill has been around for 60 years. At one time, it was a machine gun embankment to "protect" Southeastern Taipei from surprise attacks by the Communists. The soldiers who manned the guns settled in behind. Today, the guns are gone, but a hundred or so old KMT soldiers and kin are still living in the colony. Every now and then, there is talk of reviving the spot. For example, Ma Ing-jiou, Taipei's last mayor, talked of turning it into an Artists' Market in 2004. The press came (including the NY Times), the place was splashed with a new coat of paint and lit up with lights. Speeches were given. Politicians smiled and shook the vets hands for photo-ops.
Today, most of the Ma hoopla has fizzled out. The old soldiers come and go. Sometimes they pop their heads out of the windows for a look. Life has returned to normal.
Posted by Patrick Cowsill at 22:26 2 comments Links to this post
Taiwanese Nazis
A group of students from Taiwan has caused uproar by founding an avowedly Nazi organisation and boasting that it is inspired by Adolf Hitler. The National Socialism Association was set up by Lahn Chao, a master's student from the National Chengchi University in the capital, Taipei, and 19 others. Its website is a call to arms to rejuvenate the island's politics, end democracy and retake mainland China for the nationalist cause, and bears a symbol in black, red and white loosely based on the swastika flag. It makes few concrete political promises, though website forums contain a large number of links to apparently pornographic websites and online games.
The admiration for Nazism and Hitler the group professes is unlikely to be based on antisemitism, as there has been historically very little Jewish presence in Taiwan.
Mr Chao, who is studying political science, said he was not hostile to Jews but was interested in fostering nationalism and was in favour of limits on the numbers of foreign workers coming to Taiwan.
"I think we have to work hard to restore traditional Chinese values like Confucianism," he said.
"We want to study Hitler's good points, not study his massacres," said another founder member, Yue Shu-ya.
Is this Lahn Chao guy on dope? Taiwan has always played host to "numbers of foreign workers." It would be nowhere without them. The original foreign workers coming to Taiwan, the Chinese in the 17th Century (who were transported here on Dutch ships), worked hard to make this country prosperous.
Posted by Patrick Cowsill at 15:02 0 comments Links to this post
The New Taiwanese
According to my dad: "It's a strange feeling when a child is born. You've never seen this person before, but you're going to know it for the rest of your life--and watch it develop from pure potential into a fully elaborated human being. Get ready for a ride."
Ahleena was born April 12th at 3:45am. And she has elaborated herself from the get-go: "Where's mom? I want to feed. Not later, but right now. Do you hear?" This pic is of her at one hour old - fresh out of the oven. I went to work a day and a half later. When I got back to the hospital, my wife was resting on the bed, exhausted but looking like a goddess. She had just got finished 13 straight hours of feeding! She said:
"Every time I try to put her back in her box, she starts to cry."
Shufang gave birth after 15 hours of labor. At 12:00am, the nurse told me that it would be at least 12 hours more. I wandered out into the lounge, looking for a place to crash. A middle-aged guy was sprawled out on the sofa, with the TV cranked and his bare feet up on the armrest, so I returned to the labor room. A couple of hours later, the nurse said things were speeding up. Maybe it would be another five hours, depending on my wife's strength. I returned to the lounge. The TV was off, but the same guy with the bare feet was letting off chainsaw snores, so I resettled in the labor room. The next thing I knew, the nurse was dressing me in hospital civvies: hat, mask, smock and flip flops. "Where's Dr. Lee?" I asked.
"I'm right behind you."
"Where's my wife?" They took me into the delivery room and she was already pushing Ahleena out into this world.
My dad's got it right: What a ride.
Posted by Patrick Cowsill at 18:02 17 comments Links to this post
China Gonna Push Sudan?
Posted by Patrick Cowsill at 14:04 9 comments Links to this post
My Friend Mandy Went to Kaohsiung
Mandy's Peter Rabbit also went to Kaohsiung. He has "real buttons" on his cardigan. There is a velcro function, that allows Peter to eat the carrot.
Posted by Patrick Cowsill at 13:17 3 comments Links to this post
Where's Wang?
Either today or yesterday was the 32nd anniversary of Chiang Kai-shek's passing. It coincides with Tomb Sweeping Day (April 6), a national holiday in Taiwan. On this day, Taiwanese tidy up the graves of their ancestors, burn ghost money, ghost cars, ghost credit cards, pictures of sexy young women, etc. These items can be used on the other side.
I was watching the local news. There was a report on some yahoos gathering down at Chiang Kai-shek, er..., I mean Taiwan Democracy, Memorial Hall to commemorate his passing. Unlike most people in Taiwan, these guys are actually sad to see Chiang gone. The usual gang was on hand, Ma Ing-jieu, James Soong, Lien Chan, basically anyone whose dad got a plum position once Chiang had had the Taiwanese individual holding the post dumped in a river or buried in the bush. They were making political speeches, like it would endear them to the local population. Talk about dumb.
Then a reporter interviewed a spectator. The spectator started by asking "Where's Wang Jyng Ping?!" It was an interesting point. After all, Wang is the only native Taiwanese in serious contention for the upcoming KMT leadership primary. I missed most of what the man said after that because my wife got pissed and started talking, especially when the spectator shouted: "Wang is disrespecting Chiang, the Republic of China's [Taiwan's] hero!"
Where is Wang? I often wonder about this guy. Is it possible that he's another Lee Tung-hui in the making? He's gonna kiss ass for as long as necessary and then, once he has the reins, he's gonna do something very unKMTish, like advocate democracy or cooperation with the opposition party when national interests are at stake? Either way, it must be pretty tough having to tag around after someone like Lien Chan.
Posted by Patrick Cowsill at 12:50 2 comments Links to this post


text: I found this extremely inrinestetg because I've had a dream where my boyfriends friend that has died from an overdose was talking to me in a dream about my boyfriend and to make sure I made sure my boyfriend knew that his friend was always with him. I have never met this man yet I knew exactly who it was. I woke up in tears and could not get the dream out of my mind for weeks. Also I have been wondering for years why the number 3:33 come up in my life everywhere, I brought it up to my grandmother and she also sees the number everywhere. Does this number signify anything?


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Over the last 12 months, Asterope has seen increasing momentum among both dealers and online retailers for its premium instrument and XLR cable products, the company announced at Summer NAMM in Nashville. Dealers across the US, as well as online retailers, including Musician's Friend, Amazon, Sweetwater and SamAsh.com, have added Asterope to their product portfolios over the last year.
The momentum is the result of a variety of initiatives the company has undertaken to broaden its distribution base, including:
The successful rollout of its worldwide retail distribution agreement with Fishman
A 70-city dealer tour, which included face-to-face meetings with the company's founder and president, Dariush Rad, accompanied by a personal demonstration of Asterope's breakthrough audio cable technology
Initiating of the next phase of its global branding campaign featuring a host of renowned artists, engineers and producers, designed to support its existing products as well as its expansion into the professional audio market.
Dealers are choosing Asterope products not only because of the value they bring to the dealers and their customers, but also the exceptional sonic characteristics that Asterope products provide. The company's growing brand acceptance among industry professionals, and the outstanding quality of its products – which are made in the USA – are also helping drive the company's success.
"We are delighted with the growing momentum among the dealer base," said Dariush Rad. "Having personally met with dealers across the country, I've learned a lot about their goals for their businesses and their challenges, especially with regard to the ever-changing dynamics in the industry's channel base. As a product manufacturer, we are constantly striving to provide outstanding products with excellent dealer terms, supported by progressive marketing programs, so as we continue to grow, both the company and our distribution partners will be successful."
Asterope's technology platform, which is the result of years of research and development, is applicable across a wide variety of product solutions. In the coming months, Asterope plans to expand beyond the music instrument and XLR markets by developing various OEM, Pro Audio and consumer solutions.
"Our technology platform provides tremendous improvements in audio performance whether applied to music instruments, amplifier solutions, speakers, monitors or other applications. We are excited to be moving into the next phase of our product development," said Rad.


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Have you ever wondered what you'd look like as LEGO ? If you didn't know my website before, chances are you've probably landed here googling "LEGO Mosaic". I got my LEGO Mosaic, at Leicester Square Store in London. I thought it would be fun, to share my experience of the LEGO Mosaic.
I headed into the LEGO store and went up stairs. The Mosaic maker is beside the tills. I went to the tills and asked if I could buy the LEGO Mosaic and paid.
I then went over to the Mosaic Maker. There was no one waiting, so it was nice not feeling rushed or awkward getting my photo. There was a worker watching it. She was really nice and said it takes 3 photos, but she could reset it as many times as I wanted. It's set the same as a passport machine, except they have a little LEGO figure where the camera is. It looks funny, like the little LEGO man is taking your photo. The first set of photos I done 3 different poses. I didn't think it looked like "me". The second set of photos, I was more happier with. The worker offered to reset it again, but I didn't want to risk it incase I didn't get as good photo.
I clicked the photo I liked. It gave me options to filter it. The photo looked different each filter, I clicked on. I opted for the original photo, although am not sure how how LEGO has my face gray and I have a lighter colour forehead ? Haha. Also I have 1 black LEGO on my lip.
It was fun doing the LEGO Mosaic. It's not something you can do everyday. It costs £99.99 for the LEGO Mosaic. It is expensive for what it is, but I think when it's something you can't get somewhere it's worth the money.


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Rihanna Holds Drake's Hand After Flying To London For His Final Show — Pic
These two are inseparable, and seem to be ready to come out as a couple! Rihanna flew to London from NY to support Drake on his tour and the two were spotted getting cozy and showing PDA after a date night on March 27!
We're so excited to see that Rihanna and Drake are finally showing off their sexy romance! RiRi headed to London to be with him while he wrapped up the UK leg of his tour. To celebrate its success, the pair headed to dinner on March 27, followed by a late night at the London club, Tramp!
Rihanna & Drake Hold Hands On Sexy Date Night
The pair were spotted meeting at Novikov, a restaurant in Mayfair, London where they had a romantic dinner. However, they didn't end their date night there — they went to Tramp for the third night in a row and didn't leave until 4:30 AM, MailOnline reports.However, it wasn't all secret — the cameras caught them on their way out when they settled into the backset of their car. Rihanna was holding Drake's hand, resting it on his lap! So cute and romantic.
Rihanna 'Happy' With Being 'Exclusive' With Drake
RiRi has been completely supportive of Drake while he's been in London on his Would You Like a Tour show. She went to the first few shows, then headed back to NY. However, she flew back to London on March 24, and has been by his side ever since! "She's happy. That's the best way to describe her current feelings and her life," a source close to the singer told HollywoodLife.com exclusively. "She got what she wanted from him, to really be cool and exclusive with one another. She's not smothering him. He wants her to be there with him, you know, supporting him at his shows. But when it's all over and Drake's not on stage, he wants to wind down and be with her and her only. He's said that to her time and time again and that's what they're doing." Do you think they make a cute couple, HollywoodLifers? Let us know! — Emily Longeretta Follow @EmilyLongeretta


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Building San Antonio: Imagining San Antonio's future
Can you imagine a San Antonio that's fit, walkable and surrounded by beautiful architecture? Maybe it's time to start.
Imagine San Antonio in 30 years, when the population has doubled ...
Imagine a city that is bustling with activity, where many people live downtown and call it "home" because of its vibrancy and convenience to cultural amenities, shopping and work. Greenbelts crisscross the city and are used by large populations who ride their bikes to work. Freeway construction has stopped, as most people live within walking distance of a transit stop and choose to take bus or rail to work. Compact neighborhoods have sprung up along transit routes, increasing property values and tax revenues and offsetting the cost of the transit system. Development is focused in the central city, suburban sprawl has stopped, and tax revenue has been invested in inner-city utility systems, creating a more efficient infrastructure and reduced property tax rates.
Imagine a city where housing costs and commuting times are lower, allowing more family time and involvement in childhood education, which is now the highest public priority. The University of Texas at San Antonio has become a Tier One university. Trade schools have expanded to train new workers, and an educated, skilled workforce has attracted new businesses to "The City That Works." Unemployment is at an all-time low.
Imagine a city where most houses are arranged in pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods and back up to greenbelts where children can play. Small-scale grocery stores, restaurants and offices are located within the same building or within easy walking distance of each home. Buildings are sustainable and energy efficient, and because of alternative power systems on most buildings, electricity is being returned to the grid, rather than consumed. CPS has shut down all coal-fired power plants, and the air is cleaner than that of many generations. The city has adopted a rigorous recycling program. Stores no longer offer plastic bags.
Imagine a city where citizens realize that good design makes good economic sense. They understand that an attractive community draws new residents, jobs and investment. Only high-quality buildings intended to last at least 50 years with a zero carbon footprint are constructed. Teams of famous international and local architects have designed public buildings. Tourists flock to San Antonio to see not only the Alamo, the River Walk and other historic buildings, but modern, cutting-edge architecture that still respects the rich San Antonio heritage. Public art is common and budgeted in all public projects. San Antonio is the "Paris of America," with more museums than any U.S. city of its size.
Imagine a city that is one of the fittest in America. Residents have embraced the city's new "Fit for Life" program. Corporations recognize that healthy people require less health care, which results in higher productivity and lower medical costs, and have created incentives for healthy lifestyles for their employees. Grocery stores now emphasize healthy, low-cost alternatives to processed food. Fast food restaurants have adopted organic menus. Cycling, high-intensity workouts, yoga and other healthy activities are popular throughout the city, and recreation choices abound.
Imagine a San Antonio that has become a truly "livable community" - a city that dreamed big and achieved excellence.
San Antonio may not look just like this by 2040, but how can we develop this dream? It takes vision, leadership, and a common purpose. We can, as a community, collectively imagine a better San Antonio. We already have strong political, business, and citizen leadership. Our challenge is to combine all interests - transportation, housing, infrastructure, green space, education, zoning, design, preservation, health, and sustainability - into a unified plan for a "livable" San Antonio - for our families, our neighbors, and our future generations.
Bob Wise, AIA, is the newly elected president of AIA San Antonio for 2010. He is an architect with Parsons.


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Ken Ryan, known affectionately as the "King of Kensington" in his North Burnaby neighborhood began a small community outreach program some years ago which operated out of Cliff Avenue United Church. Ken was unfailingly generous of his time and served his community until his unfortunate passing.
With the support of the church board, and ministry team leader Teresa Rasquinha , the Ryan's Rainbow Outreach was created to work alongside the pre-existing Friday morning Cob's Bread Outreach Ministry, led by Lynn Field.
Collecting food and cash donations weekly, the group assists the most vulnerable in the community to make ends meet on an ongoing basis, and organizes Christmas hampers for families during the holiday season. More hands are ALWAYS needed and appreciated!! Annual tax-receipts are issued through the Cliff Ave Church office for all financial donations exceeding $20.
For more information, to make a donation or if you would like to volunteer your time to the Ryan's Rainbow Emergency Food Outreach program, please email the church office at [email protected] or call Teresa directly at 604-761-4357 (HELP).
Emergency Foodbank hours: THURSDAYS from 11 am - 2 pm (or by appointment)


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Orthoses, Upper Limb, Wrist-Hand-Finger
Definition : Upper-limb orthoses encompassing the wrist, hand, and fingers that are designed to immobilize, stabilize, and support the wrist joint, hand, one or more fingers and/or the thumb. They provide motion control, total immobilization, and/or support. These orthoses may consist of a variety of devices intended for immobilization or static or dynamic therapy, or, less frequently, for functional use. These orthoses typically include both dorsal and palmar (volar) adjustable solid stays attached along the hand and fingers and permit appropriate positioning of the wrist, fingers, and thumb. Wrist-hand-finger orthoses are used mainly for immobilization during rehabilitation after surgery (e.g., arthroplasty surgery) and/or for therapeutic purposes.
Entry Terms : "Wrist-Hand-Finger Orthoses"
UMDC code : 28727


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All About Beer Magazine's podcasts bring you some of the most exciting voices in beer today, and keep you updated on all that's happening in the world of beer.
Learn more about these podcasts and sign-up for updates below.
All About Beer Magazine: After Two Beers with John Holl
Join All About Beer editor John Holl as he interviews brewers and other engaging beer experts for in-depth conversations that go beyond the usual talking points. After Two Beers starts after a few rounds at the bar, because that's when the good stuff comes out.
Beervana with Alworth and Emerson
Join beer writer Jeff Alworth and Oregon State University economics professor Patrick Emerson as they delve into the art, culture, history, economics, and business of beer and brewing.
You can find these podcasts on our site here, as well as on SoundCloud, iTunes and Stitcher.
Want to be notified as soon as a new episode drops? Sign up using the form below and we'll send these podcasts straight to your inbox as soon as they're published.


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How can dementia change relationships?
In the previous step we heard from Gill how her relationship with her husband has changed since he developed dementia with Lewy bodies. In this article, we discuss some of the reasons that relationships change, and some ways in which couples can be supported.
This article is written by Dr Susie Henley, Clinical Psychologist (Dementia Research Centre, UCL Institute of Neurology)
Quality of relationships
We know from what patients and families tell us that a dementia diagnosis can have a huge impact on relationships in the family, especially for couples. Research backs this up, and also shows that there is a tendency for the "carer" partner to experience a bigger drop in the quality of their relationship, than the person with dementia does – so both perceive the change in relationship slightly differently as well. There are likely to be many reasons for this: some are to do with the symptoms of dementia, for example couples sometimes say they can't chat about family events any more if one of them can't remember the details; or the carer can't ask the person with dementia for advice any more because they don't understand the issues.
A shift in roles
Sometimes the changes are more to do with the shift in family roles that can happen, for example the carer partner becoming tired and stressed as they take on more day-to-day responsibilities that the other person used to do, and the person with dementia being aware that their role has changed and that they don't hold the same place in the family any more. A very common theme is that the person with dementia doesn't seem to be the same any more, and it is understandable that this sense of loss can have a huge impact on the relationship.
Counselling and support
There are several places to go to for support if this happens. Some couples find talking to a counsellor helpful and there are organisations that specialise in working with couples, such as Relate (nationwide), and Tavistock Relationships (in London). The TR has recently piloted a talking therapy specifically designed to help couples where one of the couple has dementia. It can be helpful to have a third person to listen to both points of view and help balance things a bit more. However there will be situations where the person with dementia may not be able to understand or take part in counselling. In this case sometimes the carer partner may still find it helpful to talk to a professional about how they are feeling.
Talking things through
Many carers recognise feelings like anger, frustration and resentment at their partner and then feel guilty for having these feelings. Being able to tell someone outside the family that they feel like this, and talking through ideas for managing these feelings can be very helpful. Finding a carers' group can also be useful, particularly so that people can hear from others that they are not the only ones to be going through this experience.
Other relationships
It is important to remember that a couple is just one relationship within the family. Dementia can affect all sorts of relationships, including with children, siblings and older parents. There is much less research about this but there are some resources, particularly aimed at children, to help them understand dementia and how it might affect their parent or grandparent. Understandably family members can try to "protect" each other from how they are feeling, but in general research shows that if families are able to talk about the dementia with each other this can help them cope better.
Having read about these issues, how much do they reflect your experience of changing relationships, and how do you think we can all support couples and families as they deal with the challenges that a diagnosis of dementia brings?


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Sleeping is must for every one to get comfortable feel and beating stress and tensions. So if you want to live healthy and active then you should concern on your sleeping and must take at least 7 to 8 hours sleep daily.
As we mentioned some better sleeping tips in our last article here in this post we write some more better sleeping tips in Urdu for you.
Better Sleeping Tips
By adopting these simple sleeping tips you can easily refresh your mind and body from daily work stress and tiredness as well as take the comfortable and healthy good night's sleep.
Tips # 1
Don't drink coffee and tea while you are going to bed because there effects leave in your body for several hours and can disturb your sleep.
When you drink these drinks continuously that increase the urine production in body and you can't get sleep properly.
Tips # 2
Your living or sleeping room will be comfortable and clean. Put you room temperature at normal if your room is too much hot or cool then in this state you didn't get proper sleep.
Tips # 3
Don't put computer, TV and other electronics equipment's in your sleeping room because these devices effect your sleeping. It is more better if you put your office work out of your sleeping room.
Tips # 4
Do daily exercises, convenient extremism, sloth and laziness effect the sleep. Walk daily for 20 to 25 minutes and doing that it will sweat from your body. Sweat opens the closed pores and you get the comfortable and easy sleep at once when you go to your bed.
Tips # 5
You should go to your bed when you fall in sleep and didn't go down on bed if you haven't feel the sleep. Only go to bed for sleeping if you feel sleep.
Tips # 6
Try to go to bed for sleeping as soon as possible and awake in morning early this is good for your mental and body health. Take Deep breath in fresh air and done jogging in morning if possible.


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Study links park distance and exercise levels
COLUMBIA- The Missouri Department of Park and Recreation shared a study linking people who live near parks with higher rates of exercise. The American Journal of Public Health reported the study. It found a link between people who live near recreational facilities and their level of exercise.
The objective of the study was to evaluate "the effects fo providing new high-quality, traffic-free routes for walking and cycling on overall levels of walking, cycling and physical activity."
Researchers found that the distance from the park did have an impact on the how frequently people nearby exercised.
Researchers surveyed nearly 2,000 particiapnts in three United Kingdom cities. They gave additional questionares after the construction of the new recreational infrastructure in their area.
After the second follow up, there was evidence of an increased activity level for those residents as compared to those who lived farther away. The effects were larger for residents without a car.
According to Columbia Parks and Recreation there are 75 outdoor parks in Columbia . Five of the parks are being developed.
Richard King lives near John A. Stewart Park. He said that the park is like an extension of his front lawn. King also said he believes that the parks are a great asset to the community.
King said having a park across the street was really important to him, especially when his now-grown children were younger. "I discovered this neighborhood thirty years ago... and this is my last home right here I never want to move," said King.
A frequent runner and biker, King said he enjoys using all the different ammenities at the parks. "When its to hot to run we will jump on our bikes and bike over to Stephens Lake Park and swim in the lake then finish up the day with another bike back to our houses," said King.
He in paticular praised Stephens Lake Park and said he believes that it has become a valuable part of the community. A resident of the city since 1975 King has seen a great deal of change within the city he said. "I can remember when the city was purchasing that park... It is one of the greatest things the city has ever done," said King.


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Soldier Bible DECK OF CARDS
I love this song and wanted to share it with ever one.
These are 2 video of the song
of this one. One by Red Sovine And the other by Hank Williams. I enjoy both of these. Couldn't chose which one i wanted so here is both of them.
During the North African Campagne,
a bunch of soldier boys had been on a long hike,
and they arrived in a little town callled Casino.
The next morning, being Sunday,several of the boys went to church.
A Sargent commanded the boys in church,
and after the chaplain had read the prayer,
the text was taken up next.
Those of the boys who had a prayer books took them out,
but, this one boyhad only a deck of cards,
and so he spread them out.
The Sargent saw the cards and said, "Soldier, put away those cards".
After the services were over, the soldier was taken prisoner,
and brought before the Provost Marshall.
The marshall said " Sergeant, why have you brought this man here?"
"For playing cards in church Sir."
"And what have you to say for yourself Son?"
"Much, Sir," replied the soldier.
The marshall said, " I hope so, for if not,
I shall punish you more than any man was ever punished."
The soldier said, "Sir, I have been on the march for about six days,
I have neither Bible nor prayerbook, but I hope to satisfy you, Sir,
with the purity of my intentions."
And with that, the boy started his story.
"You see sir, when I look at the Ace,
it reminds me that there is but one God,
and the deuce, reminds me that the bible is divided
into two parts, the old and the new testament.
When I see the trey, I think of the Father, Son, and the Holy Ghost.
And when I see the four,I think of the four Evangelists who preached
the Gospel There was Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
And when I see the five, it reminds me of the five wise virgins
who trimmed their lamps, there were ten of them,
Five were wise and were saved, five were foolish,
and were shut out.
When I see the six, it reminds me that in six days,
God made this great Heaven and Earth.
When I see the seven, it reminds me that on the seventh day,
God rested from His great work.
And when I see the eight, I think of the eight rightous persons
God saved when he destroyed this Earth.
There was Noah, his wife, their three sons, and their wives.
And when I see the nine, I think of the lepers our Saviour cleansed,
and, nine out of the ten, didn't even thank him.
When I see the ten, I think of the ten commandments,
God handed down to Moses on a table of stone.
When I see the king, it reminds me that there is but one King of Heaven,
God Almighty.
And when I see the Queen, I think of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
Who is Queen of Heaven, and the Jack of Knaves is the Devil.
When I count the number of spots in a deck of cards,
I find 365, the number of days in a year.
There are 52 cards, the number of weeks in a year.
There are four suits, the number of weeks in a month.
There are twelve picture cards, the number of months in a year.
There are thirteen tricks, the number of weeks in a quarter.
So, you see Sir, my pack of cards serves me as a Bible,
an Almanac, and a prayerbook.
And Friends, the story is true, I know,
I was that soldier.
Please leave comments down below
You can contact me on


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A power cut caused disruption at the Ascot peace services.
Advent, 1918
My dear friends,
It is with the most profound relief that I am able this year to address to you the Advent letter with the good hope of restored peace. We must feel that Advent has taken on a new meaning for us. It has been in a very real sense that Christ has come to the world. We make a mistake if we relegate the word Advent to His Final Coming. We have watched amazed these last few months a foretaste of the judgment of Christ falling upon a nation which would have none of Him. Whatever causes writers of History may attribute to the dramatic collapse of our enemies, those of us who believe in the immediate Rule of Christ over the world he won for Himself will see in that collapse His judgment at work. It was in truth an Advent, a foretaste of what the Final Advent must mean.
But the Advent of Jesus is not just to destroy, it is to build anew. There lies before us a period of intense activity where without His Guidance our efforts can so easily go in the wrong channels. I say with the utmost deep conviction that man unaided is not sufficient for this opportunity. We must aid our statesmen by our prayers. Here at All Souls' we shall begin Advent with the daily Eucharist restored to the Parish.
Our thanksgiving services were marked by a real heartfelt thankfulness on the part of our people. Both morning and evening we paid our debt of honour to all who have served their country on active service, and pleaded for the peace and joy of those who had shown the greatest love which man can show. In the morning the congregation with choir and wardens made a pilgrimage to the Shrine, and in the evening to the Rolls of Honour in the Church. In both cases the simple act of respect and honour proved deeply affecting and impressive. It was greatly appreciated by those who have beloved names on our rolls. An upsetting incident occurred in the failure in the morning of the electric current which put the organ out of commission in the midst of a hymn. The choir, however, rose well to the occasion, and went on as steady as rocks supported by the congregation who sang with a heartiness we have never heard before. Fortunately, our practice piano was standing in the church, and Mr Fowles was able to keep the choir well supported till the current was restored. It was nevertheless a great day and one which no one will ever forget. The Church had touched the need of the people.
A generous benefaction of £100 has been given to the Parish by Mr F A Keating in memory of his son.
The victory was marked by the gift of a large St George's Cross Banner to the Church by Lady Radnor. It waved bravely over the Church on Thanksgiving Day. It will enable us to express ourselves on great occasions in the future. It is a great addition to the Tower, and helped to hide its unfinished appearance.
South Ascot Parochial Magazine, December 1918 (D/P186/28A/18)


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Securities. Bulls rejoiced at the stock-market's unexpected spurt of strength.
Banks. In Chicago, bankers foresaw a merger of the two "biggest" institutions, forming the second largest bank in the U. S. (see p. 32).
Siam abruptly substituted, as a monetary unit, the baht for the tical. Traders wrestled, last week, with the baht; tcher-vontzi (Russian); lei (Rumanian); zloty (Polish); escudo (Portuguese); quetzal (Guatemalan).
Rails. Southern Pacific announced, last week, election of able Hale Holden, now president of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy. to be Chairman of the Executive Committee of Southern Pacific. Railroader Holden has won bright fame as chief lieutenant of astute Arthur...


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Bethany over at realVerse comments on Josh Wolf's situation:
"This episode was produced by realVerse for Hotair.com. It focuses on Josh Wolf, a video blogger recently jailed in San Francisco."Jay Dedman sent a comment in, but it hasn't shown up yet on their blog, so I'm posting it here:
"It'd be good if you linked back to our orginal video that you areThey posted a link to Jay and Ryanne's video, but Jay's comment is still not up.
using. It's licensed under Creative Commons non-commercial
This full video also helps put your editorialization in clearer perspective.
Josh says he did not record any crime. He has offered to let the judge scan the tape, but the judge refuses.
The reason Josh refuses to turn in the tape is so the Government cannot use it to make a database of protestors. Don't think it
–http://tinyurl.com/73vx [ Sacbee.com ]
-- use http://bugmenot.com for a username/password
Regardless of what political side you're on, we should all agree that journalists are not agents of the government. If people feel that a journalist's raw tapes and notes can be used against them...who would then trust a journalist? Government then squashes the media's ability to cover stories.
There's a great right wing/left wing debate that happened here:
Please pretty woman...let's discuss the facts. A mouthpiece is boring."


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Overhead Performance Report
This content was COPIED from BrainMass.com - View the original, and get the already-completed solution here!
Preparing an Overhead Performance Report
Several years ago, Edwards Inc. developed a comprehensive budgeting system for profit planning and control purposes. The line supervisors have been very happy with the system and with the reports being prepared on their performance, but both middle and upper management have expressed considerable dissatisfaction with the information being generated by the system. A typical manufacturing overhead performance report for a recent period follows:
Edwards Inc.
Overhead Performance Report - Machining Department
For the Quarter Ended June 30
Actual Budget Variance
Machine-hours..................................... 20,000 24,000
Variable overhead costs:
Indirect materials............................... $15,200 $16,800 $1,600 F
Rework............................................ 4,200 4,800 600 F
Utilities............................................ 34,200 36,000 1,800 F
Machine setup.................................. 9,400 9,600 200 F
Total variable overhead cost.................... 63,000 67,200 4,200 F
Fixed overhead costs:
Maintenance..................................... 64,300 65,000 700 F
Inspection........................................ 54,000 54,000 0
Total fixed overhead cost........................ 118,300 119,000 700 F
Total overhead cost............................... $181,300 $186,200 $4,900 F
After receiving a copy of this overhead performance report, the supervisor of the Machining Department stated, "These reports are super. It makes me feel really good to see how well things are going in my department. I can't understand why those people upstairs complain so much."
The budget data above are for the original planned level of activity for the quarter.
1. The company's vice president is uneasy about the performance reports being prepared and would like you to evaluate their usefulness to the company.
2. What changes, if any, should be made in the overhead performance report to give better insight into how well the supervisor is controlling costs?
3. Prepare a new overhead performance report for the quarter, incorporating any changes you suggested in (2) above. (Include both the variable and the fixed costs in your report.)
Solution Preview
Please see the attached file
1. The company's vice president is uneasy about the performance reports being prepared and would like you to evaluate their usefulness to the company.
The reports are not useful. The reason is that the report compares a static budget with the actual when the level of activity has changed. The static budget is 24,000 hours while the actual is 20,000 hours. The costs which vary with hours would be different and should not be compared with the cost at 24,000 hours. That is the reason that variable costs are favorable. The fixed costs should be compared with actual fixed costs.
2. What changes, if any, should be made in ...
Solution Summary
The solution explains how to prepare an overhead performance report.


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Our client is recruiting for a HCPC registered Occupational Therapist to join their Neurology team, within a fantastic private care centre based in East Sussex. The post is available to start as soon as possible, offering full-time hours for an ongoing period.
You will be treating patients who have progressive/non-progressive conditions by carrying out comprehensive assessments and liaising with other healthcare professionals to provide a high-quality service to all users.
It is essential that all applying candidates have previous neuro rehabilitation experience, to be considered for the role.
Duties within this role will include:
To be considered for this role you must:
Why Pulse?
*terms and conditions apply
Not for you but know the ideal candidate?
If you are registered with Pulse and recommend a friend to us, you can earn £300 per recommendation, once they have worked over 200 hours*.
Pulse is an employment agency/employment business (as defined by the Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations 2003) and is acting on behalf of its client in relation to this vacancy.


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Tag: Money
In this tag we have "Money" as category in relation to all things Money featured on this website. All articles tagged as such will be listed below in chronological order.
Money as in currency that drives the world's economy; typically used for the exchange of good or services. Information related in any way to money will be listed under this tag.
Disclaimer: Our writing staff is professional in their respective fields that abide by copyright laws and adhere to information based of facts only. We do not support any intentional misinformation distribution.
Among our website content, we have a lot more useful information that is tagged accordingly; so, feel free to look around as we intend to keep quality of information at the most respected quality level.
On behalf of CosmicNovo.com we thank you for stopping by and hope you will cherish your experience with us. Thank you.


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Mercedes GLA-Class 2014 > Rear Camera Kit
- Brand: CarComs
- Product Code: CC-GLA-4.5-RVC
In Stock
- 1 Year Warranty
- Easy Returns
Recommended Add Ons
Optional Installation Package
You are being offered an installation at an additional cost. If you select the installation option then this product will be professionally Installed at your home or workplace anywhere in the UK by our own network of accredited engineers. You will be contacted by a member of our installation booking team after you have placed an order.
Mercedes Camera Kit
An integrated high-quality rear view camera kit, designed to work with your factory Comand Navigation (NTG4.5) / Audio 20 with Navibox preinstallation. Just like the factory camera kit you will get moving guide lines when turning the steering and also while maintaining the factory fitted front/rear sensors, will give you a new overlaid image on the rear image. A discreet universal camera is fitted near the boot grab handle and with its unique Sony CCD lens the resulting image on the factory Mercedes screen is fantastic and in many cases better than the factory rear camera option.
This kit has been specially designed with the manufacturer and has been perfected to work fully integrated with the Mercedes system. Please do not be fooled by cheaper alternatives which claim to utilise the Mercedes system, but you lose factory rear parking display or you have to buy separate screens etc. Our kit maintains all of the factory options as standard. No programming or coding required after the kit has been installed, as we have had the kit manufactured in such a way that all the software is built into it.
Parts List:
- Universal Sony CCD Lens Camera
- Drill Bits for Camera
- Complete Wiring Loom
- Interface Box
- *Installation is optional via the dropdown"
|Refer to the compatibility section to check your vehicle variant is supported.
|Year From
|Year To
|GLA Class
Audio 20 (NTG 4.5)
Comand (NTG 4.5)
|See Note(s) Below
NOTE 1: Audio 20 with Navibox
If you are unsure about the suitability of this product please contact us via the ask a question link at the top of this page or telephone us and we will gladly assist you.
|Car information and entertainment systems can be complex networks, so we always recommends that you have your installation carried out by a qualified installer. If you wish Car Communications to carry out the installation at an address of your choice anywhere in the UK please select from addons above before adding to cart. During the checkout you will be asked your preferred date(s) and time for the installation.
Our products are professionally installed at your home or workplace anywhere in the UK by our own network of accredited engineers.
|Product Class
|Product Type
|Reversing Camera


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I. Just Starting Up? (You'll need profits!)
Every dream can be realized with enough luck, perseverence...and this website!
While there's much information out there about "small business", there is very little about the special requirements of retail businesses.
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Unlimited access to time-saving online profit-planning calculator for retailers;
Empowering How-To Profit Kit, packed with explanatory articles, lively Co-Founders webinars, self-paced online training courses, glossary of retail financial terms. And yes, much more!
Think of it as sharpening your retail ProfitABILITY.
Be honest now. Can you answer a resounding "YES!" to all three of these questions?
1. Do I have the capacity to be in retail?
That is, talent, money, locations, merchandise, systems, people, business sense, etcetera?
2. Do I have the appetite to be in retail?
Owning a retail store, like any other business, demands desire, drive, ambition. Do you have that?
3. Do I have the stomach to be in retail?
Ahh, the true test.
Just like all other business owners, you must deal with uncertainties.
But, as a retailer, you must do all this as if in a goldfish bowl!
Do the Homework!
Work in a relevant retail store.
Sounds pretty basic, doesn't it? If you can't get a job in the kind of store you think you want to own, consider offering to work as an unpaid intern for 2 to 3 months. (Recognize that the owners will still have to train you, and of course, may regard you as competition as well.)
Work in any retail store in the neighborhood or mall you are considering for your store's location.
Your goal now is to see for yourself - firsthand! - the customers in that area.
Become a student of the "theater of retail".
Pay close attention to the design of all kinds of retail businesses. Spend time in stores and malls as an observant student, not just a shopper.
Then, go to a business library or online to learn more about store design and layout, visual merchandising, displays, fixtures, shopping bags, digital signage, and much more.
Know the heroes – and the has-beens – of your chosen retail segment.
Learn as much as you can about the greatest success stories of retailers in your chosen segment, as well as those who no longer are in business.
What drives the (continuing) success of the winners?
And what caused the demise of the others?
Go here for more info on the
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HOME | Just Starting Up? | "Small" Retailer? | Expanding Retailer | SPECIAL Access | DELUXE Access | Contact | SUBSCRIBE


text: I haven't done this yet. But it's worth my while to write this & worth yours to take note if you plan on visiting Portland. The Pacific Northwest is a rainy, hipster-esque, beautiful place. Portland is the heart of all those things. Here's where you need to go. For all you bookworms out there, Powell's … Continue reading Top 5 Places to Visit in Portland


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Sunday Scribblings: "I Just Don't Get It..."
The Thing About Trains
At first sight of the flashing red of the railroad crossing lights, my mother guns the Buick as if red suddenly meant haul ass instead of halt.
She grips the steering wheel, fingers in all the grooves and she's holding on tight. So tight, that her cuticles under the French manicure are drained, white as bone. She leans into the wheel, licks her lips and huffs breaths through flared nostrils.
We're barreling toward the intersection – I put a dampish hand on the dashboard as fear tingles up my spine - when the white-and-red crossbars drop and mom is forced to break hard. The Buick stops short, the brakes sending the hulk into waves, standing still.
She throws herself into the seat, lets out a whistle and releases herself from the seatbelt. She adjusts the cream cardigan sweater, picks off a fuzz ball, smoothes the fabric over her shoulders and turns to me and smiles, weakly.
The whistles from the diesel locomotive pierces the air; there's pressure, a downdraft as the four-engine head of the freight train begins its rhythmic rumble past us. I look up and the conductor gives me a wave, hits the whistle again, three short bursts, one long.
I turn back to my mother, who is busy transmogrifying.
Her button nose has elongated into a mash of scarred cartilage and ropy snot hangs from it, collects in the heavy mustache and beard that's she's developed. Her shiny black hair has fallen from where she tucks it behind her ears and it hangs gray and stiff. Her hands, once so delicate and white as to highlight the blue of her veins, still clutch the steering wheel. They've gone mannish, rough; tanned wrinkled digits, like grilled sausages. Her cracked nails are packed with dirt and grease and bushy hairs sprout from each knuckle. Her breasts are gone; the cardigan stretches over a gut that's being pressured by bottom half of the steering wheel.
The train rushes past, the engine's whistle begins to wane in the distance. The click of steel wheels on steel track hums in my ears; the heat is unbearable. My mother's scent of baby powder and lavender hand cream has been replaced by an oily odor of cooking fires, grain alcohol, hand-rolled cigarettes and the remains, the faint memory, of long-gone-past filling station soap-and-water bath.
I open my mouth, but the gag reflex is overwhelming; all I can mutter are gasping gacks that rack my shoulders.
"Oh, would you please relax?" she says, her sweet, lithe voice overlaid with that of a gravelly-voiced old man. "Be patient dear, this shall pass.
"Besides, that train's going way to fast to hop, anyway."
8 comments:
- Uncle E said...
Dude, if you were a chick I'd have to say you were suffering from the Electra complex!
That absinthe must have been some good shit!
- Tumblewords: said...
Wild stuff, here! Fun, but wild.
- Granny Smith said...
I don't get it... But I enjoyed it!
- Susan Helene Gottfried said...
That needed more time in your subconscious? Really?
Actually, I'd like more of these people, but something longer might ruin the rhythm you've got here. I'm just intrigued by these people.
- svojoh said...
I thought I was going to bust a gut laughing so hard at the beginning. That was excellent TO THE END! I felt so there! God, You need a vacation...
- Anonymous said...
LOVED it ... had a few of those moments myself ;)
- Tim said...
Enjoyed this quite a bit. Like how grounded in realism it is right up to the word "transmogrifying" and then goes all haywire. Kudos. If I may make a small suggestion, perhaps consider another title, thus not tipping your hand in the slightest about what's to come.
- ThomG said...
Tim, you are absolutely right. I just didn't know what to call it on Sunday. Consider it fixed.


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Making software or adapting existing applications to match the new Windows Vista look and feel is neither cheap nor easy. Drawing all the icons in strict accordance with Microsoft's guidelines for the latest version of Windows consumes time and money. However, there is a way to make the project quick, easy and very affordable. The way is stock icons.
Stock icons are not something new. They've existed for several years, and are being used by millions of businesses (and no, that it not an exaggeration). Compared to custom icons, you gain speed and save on your costs. You can always see what you are getting before paying for it. Finally, you have a choice between several sets, having the ability to buy just the perfect one.
Vista Toolbar Icons are offered as a royalty-free set of ready-made images to make your software look and feel exactly like Windows Vista. Drawn by experienced professionals, Vista Toolbar Icons are a matching library of icons sharing common gamma, colors, and style. Using graphics from Vista Toolbar Icons throughout the application creates a solid, consistent look while preserving the authentic Vista-inspired look.
Developed in strict accordance with Microsoft icon recommendations for Windows Vista, Vista Toolbar Icons will ensure that users of your software or Web sites are immediately comfortable with the concepts depicted by the icons. Including several hundred graphics, the library of Vista Toolbar Icons includes icons to represent the majority of objects and symbols employed in a typical Vista product. Supplied are Folder icon, Image icon, New icon, Web icon, Home icon, Search icon, Delete icons, Down icon, Edit icons, Copy icon, Exit icon, No icon, Yes icon, OK icon, Windows Mail icon, Up Folder icon, and User Folder icon among many of others.
Technically, the icons are provided in every possible size, color depth, and file format you are going to need to design a Windows application or a Web site. Sizes of 16×16, 24×24, 32×32, 48×48 and 256×256 pixels are included. The image set comes in 256 colors and True Color with alpha-channel. All icons are offered in ICO, PNG, GIF, and BMP file formats.
Vista Toolbar Icons are available for immediate preview and instant purchase at www.777icons.com.


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Google and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai's trip to Congress to answer questions from the House Judiciary Subcommittee on its digital advertising dominance is indicative…
Bridge Constructor Portal, Civ 6: this week's top mobile games
Welcome to Gearburn's Mobile Game Picks of the Week, a weekly series in which Hadlee takes a look at the latest, most entertaining, or time-consuming mobile games on portable screens.
It's been a long break, but we're back with a look at the world of mobile games again. And we've got a few big-hitting entries this week.
Our noteworthy picks include Civilization 6 and Bridge Constructor Portal. But scroll down for the full rundown!
Sid Meier's Civilization 6 (paid – iOS)
It's been available on PC since 2016, but December 2017 also saw Sid Meier's latest title come to Apple's mobile platform.
Civilization 6 is indeed the full game, offering the choice of 20 leaders to play with, identical gameplay to the PC version and local multiplayer.
The game is free for the first 60 turns, but you'll need to splash out R899 thereafter.
HQ Trivia (free – Android, iOS)
It's probably the biggest mobile sensation of the past month or two, so what's HQ Trivia all about?
The title brands itself as a "live trivia game show", literally taking place at set times. Miss the notification to play and you're a viewer instead. Simple stuff. But the kicker is that the game also dispenses real cash prizes to your PayPal account.
HQ Trivia is available on iOS and as a beta download for Android.
Bridge Constructor Portal (paid – Android, iOS)
Another title making waves in recent days is the latest addition to the Bridge Constructor franchise. Or is it the newest addition to the Portal series? Well, it's both.
Anyway, Bridge Constructor Portal mashes up the two franchises, as you use physics and portals to build all sorts of bridges and constructions. In fact, you've got 60 challenges to work through, giving you plenty of play-time.
Bridge Constructor Portal is R80 on Android and iOS.
Overwatch League (free – Android, iOS)
It's not a game at all, but we had to include the companion app for the new Overwatch league that's just kicked off.
The companion app delivers live streams, match schedules, standings, breaking news and match analysis. So pretty much like any major sports companion app then.
The Overwatch League app is a free download for Apple and Google-powered mobiles.


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Short takes on Various books
No, I'm not dead yet. Nor have I given up this blog. You know how it is, I just got busy, blah blah blah. Plus with things a little stressful at work, it was hard to reapportion my time properly.
I think I might be back more or less for good now, though. Part of the problem is that I have to read these things before I talk about 'em to my satisfaction, and there's always the bother of trying to accumulate the books first, of course. Next up to bat is Ira Levin, for instance, but I'm having a hell of a time finding A KISS BEFORE DYING and THIS PERFECT DAY and even SLIVER. So far. I will, though. Stubborn cuss, I am.
(After Levin comes Wouk: THE CAINE MUTINY and YOUNGBLOOD HAWKE for sure, after that? Probably MARJORIE MORNINGSTAR and DON'T STOP THE CARNIVAL, unless somebody somewhere can really give me some persuasive reasons why I should read the WW 2 duology.)
What I plan to do is come in here from time to time in between the big stuff and do a short take thing on what I'm reading now. These are not meant to be the more serious considerations of an author's career ala the big stuff, frankly a lot of these authors I either already have opinions on or I don't have much new to say outside of the consensus.
John Buchan -- Well, I'm halfway through my Buchan period, and I've read all the Hannay novels (THE 39 STEPS; GREENMANTLE; MR. STANDFAST; THE THREE HOSTAGES). Amusingly I was reading the big Godine collection on the Philly subway one day when a gentleman in a rather ridiculous looking safari hat and butterfly-hunting shorts complemented me on my reading choice. That doesn't happen all the time, especially with guys who look like Pnin. Brothers in arms -- except I don't look like Pnin (ahem).
But anyway. My take on Buchan to date is that he had great ideas, and wrote great books, but rarely in the same breath. Of those four novels, the two most interesting to modern sensibilities are certainly THE 39 STEPS and THE THREE HOSTAGES. 39 is the origin of the "innocent man sucked up in a conspiracy not of his own making and has to go on the run for it", which is a clichéd trope in thriller fiction now but as far as I can tell Buchan invented it, and THREE, though far lesser-known nowadays, seems to me to be an early incarnation of the James Bond-style super villain, intent on taking over the world. (Yeah, I think that notion really begins with Moriarty, but after having read a lot of Fleming I really think the major influence on him, anyway, was Buchan. Note that Fleming's bad guys are all freaks in some basic sort of way -- the same hold true for the bad guy here. Also, while Moriarty is a super villain, he doesn't hold the same kind of apocalyptic ambitions that Buchan's and Fleming's do. Doyle's incarnation of this figure -- as seen by the popular fiction he probably read, ala Dumas and the like -- is semi-demonic, frankly, while Buchan's is, too, but in a more explicit political/global power sense.)
That said, those two books, while worthwhile, aren't as well-rounded or complete feeling as GREENMANTLE (which presages recurrent jihads troubling the West) or MR STANDFAST (I think probably Buchan's best Hannay novel considered as a novel, it marries the thriller form to a voyage of spiritual self-discovery while neatly presaging home front 'distrubances'; both of these books are extremely interesting to read in light of current events today.) Still, neither of these, as satisfying as they are, have the zip of 39 or THREE.
And so it goes. A very interesting writer, Buchan, I have more to read before I make a final pronouncement on him (PRESTER JOHN, JOHN MCNAB, WITCH WOOD, and maybe one or two others, I think.)
Alexandre Dumas -- This guy fascinates me in many many ways, I think he's as pure an example of a "writer" as you can pick, in fact, but one of the reasons he's so interesting -- and one of the reasons so much of his stuff is out of print in the states, alas -- is that his work is so inconsistent.
The Musketeer saga ebbs and flows like the tides -- I actually think the second volume, TWENTY YEARS LATER is the best in the series, the most put together as a whole, but taken as a series it starts high, peaks, hits intermittent notes with VICOMTE DE BRAGGELONE (inexplicably a favorite of Robert Louis Stevenson's), almost collapses with LOUISE DE LA VALLIERE -- then reaches it's fascinating, tragic peak with the majestic THE MAN IN THE IRON MASK, which unfortunately you really need the background of everything else in the series, yes, even the dreary LOUISE, to fully appreciate.
THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO similarly has passages which rank with some of the best sheer storytelling I've ever read, anywhere (this is in translation, too!) and passage of sheer unadulterated tedium. Yes, I understand Dumas was writing for serials and yeah, I understand how that would affect the work -- but so what? We need to see how Dumas reads now.
From what I can gather from dipping into other Dumas volumes, what seperates the lesser works from the Musketeer saga and COUNT is that they're even more inconsistent. Right now I'm reading CHICOT THE JESTER, the second volume of his "medieval" trilogy, and it seems to be holding up to the same level of quality of LA REINE MARGOT -- some passages of utmost jaw-dropping brilliance, some workmanlike passages, some hoohaw, some tedium.
What I'm trying to say, I guess, is that the system essentially worked with Dumas: I'll continue reading him because I'm a fan, but I'm convinced his best work is his most famous work. I do question why we're being graced with translations of minor Dumas efforts like THE WOMEN'S WAR and not, say, JOSEPH BALSALMO. Or even CHICOT THE JESTER.
(As a side note I also read Arturo Perez-Reverte's THE CLUB DUMAS, solely because I was interested in how he would work in the Dumas references. In fact the first third or so of this is really good, an inventive mystery/thriller with some Dumas appreciation and some spooky occult references worked in. The second half…not so much. Too much in contextual horseplay around, and I detect the smell of Umberto Eco in the corner. And he smells like a fat old man who just got up.)
William Marshall -- I am not a big fan of police procedural novels -- I don't really care much about the police per se, and am not really interested in either the details of their personal lives or the intricacies of "how crimes are really solved". I think that after you've read a few Ed McBain novels and maybe Wambaugh's THE BLACK MARBLE you've read basically the best this very limited subgenre has to offer.
The more interesting police procedural novelists are not really police procedural novelists either -- they don't care much about the intricacies of the form themselves. Georges Simenon's Maigret novels are "police procedurals" I guess, if you'd have to pigeonhole them, but essentially they're about "being French" -- the point is the snapshot of French life in various locales, not the "mystery". KC Constantine (who I suspect was heavily influenced by Simenon) is essentially doing the same thing -- albeit with him it's Rocksburg PA (a stand-in for Greensburg PA, a town I've actually been in a few times).
My all-time favorite police procedural novelist is William Marshall, whose Yellowthread Street series of books are pretty indescribable…imagine, though, maybe, a novel that uses the police procedural as a kind of springboard for metaphysical speculation. That's basically what they are, though even describing them as such seems to diminish them, to me. For one thing, they're immensely entertaining: very tricky novels with a legitimate mystery at their heart; careening back and forth from the most outrageous sort of slapstick to heart wrenching pathos.
There's usually an absurdity at their heart, too: in WAR MACHINE, the last one I read, ancient Japanese soldiers from WW2 emerge from underground in Hong Kong to finish off one last burst of violence. Just an eye-catching scenario on it's face, and what's better is that Marshall sells the absurdity. In FROGMOUTH a slaughter of animals at the zoo becomes one of the more heart wrenching tragedies I've ever read in the genre. In THIN AIR the seemingly inexplicable death of a vanful of people on a highway becomes a meditation on mortality and the inexplicability of fate itself.
Just great, great stuff. Grossly underrated writer -- much much better than most writers plowing this field, maybe because he doesn't really care all that much about police procedure. Track down any William Marshall book you can find and read it.
John D. Macdonald -- One of my pet peeves in the mystery genre is this strange notion that while Macdonald was best known for his Travis McGee books, his real achievement is his non-McGee novels. This pov is promulgated all over the place, and is basically the consensus: I would recommend Ed Gorman and Dean Koontz as especially good exponents of it.
I think it's a load of crap. Macdonald became famous for the McGee series because that's the best thing he ever did. He wrote a lot of non-McGee novels, and they're all over the map in terms of quality, but none of them, I assure you, hit the heights of, oh, THE DEEP BLUE GOODBYE, A DEADLY SHADE OF GOLD, PALE GREY FOR GUILT, or THE LONG LAVENDER LOOK.
Part of the reason was that Macdonald had real limitations as a writer -- the series format happily shut them out but outside of the series he was free to indulge them. Read enough Macdonald novels and you'll run into all the same characters -- I just finished MURDER IN THE WIND and it's as good an example as any: The Weak Man Who Puts Up a False Front of Machismo; The Failed Woman Redeemed by Sex; The Strong Man; The Strong Woman Who Will Subordinate Herself to the Strong Man; The Seemingly Low Class Wheeler Dealer Whose Sins Are Obvious; The Atavistic Throwback; The Slut Who's Almost Childlike. He also relies on the stock scenario of The Crisis that Throws These Disparate Characters Together ala Grand Hotel. That doesn't make the book bad, exactly, but it does make it rather pompous and not "good".
In these early "classic" period books MacDonald tended not to have much compassion for his characters, either. That irked me in WIND. In Macdonald's mind there's just winners and losers, and if you're not one you're the other, full stop. Only later did his vision seem to expand to include the failures -- later novels like A FLASH OF GREEN and ONE MORE SUNDAY are much more rounded, and the better for it.
And I think that's because of McGee. McGee taught him compassion, not the other way around. By restricting him to one viewpoint and one pov, McGee forced him to inculcate differentiating viewpoints and the ups and downs of life in a way that the other books simply didn't. Read a lot of Macdonald's non-McGee's and the constantly shifting povs start to seem neurotic, a case of a man not willing to really test his assumptions about people and see where they go. Or, maybe, a man with the end clear in sight, and no truth will obstruct him from that flow. Read a lot of McGees and you'll see that the requirement to stick to a single forced him to create -- hello! -- a genuinely real, felt life.
Look, there's no question that Macdonald will be remembered for the McGee books, full stop. There are good things to be found in the rest of the oeuvre -- and loads of puh, too. Thou hast been warned.