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6 Major Fannie Mae Guideline Updates in 2017
Home Loans Easier?
In an aggressive move to make qualifying for a Conventional home loan easier, Fannie Mae recently announced updates to it's Desktop Underwriting (DU) automated underwriting system that will do just that.
Over the weekend of July 29th, 2017, Fannie Mae will update DU.
These changes are all focused on loosening up guidelines, as opposed to the more restrictive changes we've become accustomed to over the past 10 years.
Find the Right Lender. Find the Right Loan. Get Help Now!
For many years after the great real estate and mortgage crash of 2007 we experienced one restrictive tightening of underwriting guidelines after another.
More recently, it seems like the winds of change have shifted, and are now blessing home owners and home buyers alike with more realistic home loan financing options that are more reflective of the recovery trends in today's economy.
In addition to the recent reversal on Student Loan guidelines, the update of DU to version 10.1 includes 5 additional changes that will surely encourage more people to consider looking into a Conventional home loan.
Find the Right Lender. Find the Right Loan. Get Help Now!
Major Fannie Mae Qualifying Changes
This is an unprecedented update that includes many consumer centric improvements to the way that Fannie Mae approves conventional home loan applications.
Let's take a look at the top changes that will immediately increase the number of applicants that will receive a loan approval from Fannie Mae.
1. Maximum Debt to Income Ratios Increased
Debt to Income Ratios increased from 45% to 50%. I wrote about this last week. After the crash of 2007, Fannie Mae reduced the maximum qualifying guidelines to 45%.
Find the Right Lender. Find the Right Loan. Get Help Now!
Along with the more restrictive 45% guideline, an exception could be granted up to 50% loan to value with compensating factors. In my experience, these compensating factors usually included having significant savings, a minimum of 20% down payment (or equity for homeowners), and a higher credit score.
With the DU 10.1 update, Fannie Mae will remove the compensating factors requirement and allow home loan applicants to qualify with debt to income ratios up to 50%.
This is a major move that will allow many more people to afford to buy or refinance in 2017.
2. Disputed Tradelines
Another victim of the excessive tightening on the credit assessment of home loan applicants during the "lean years" of underwriting restriction was the way that DU looks at disputed items on your credit report.
Find the Right Lender. Find the Right Loan. Get Help Now!
The previous guideline required that all disputed items must be removed from the credit report prior to receiving final approval.
With the 10.1 update, DU may now issue an Approve/Eligible decision with disputed tradelines on the credit report. If you receive an approval with disputed tradelines, no further documentation will be required, and the disputed item will not be required to be removed.
3. ARM LTV Ratios
Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARM) are an incredible tool for borrowers that know that they will be selling or refinancing within a specific period of time.
An ARM mortgage is typically fixed for a period of 5,7 or 10 years and then turns into an adjustable mortgage after that. The interest rates on an adjustable mortgage is almost always much lower than a fixed rate mortgage.
Find the Right Lender. Find the Right Loan. Get Help Now!
The biggest challenge with using an ARM mortgage in the past was that they were very restrictive in terms of loan to value.
Wit the 10.1 update, ARM loan to value ratios have been updated to mimic those of fixed rate mortgages. This means you can now use a 5/1 ARM up to 95% loan to value when buying a home using a Fannie Mae conventional home loan.
4. Self Employment Income Documentation
The plight of the self employed is an arduous one if you're trying to get approved for a home loan.
Stated income loans that were originally intended to help self employed home loan borrowers were used and abused and a primary target when it all came crashing down.
Find the Right Lender. Find the Right Loan. Get Help Now!
The result has been that self employed borrowers are left will few options, and the options that are available are expensive.
With the 10.1 update, Fannie Mae has taken steps to help the self employed by relaxing income documentation requirements across the board.
The biggest change being that DU is more likely to only require the most recent one year's tax returns to document your income. This is a major change from the previous "averaging the last 2 years" requirement that has been in place for years now.
As a self employed person, if you've had a good year, you have a much better chance of qualifying for a home loan with a Fannie Mae conventional loan in 2017.
5. Property Inspection Waivers
This has been a long time coming. Before the crash, if the value of your home as stated on your loan application was "realistic", it was possible that Fannie Mae would not require you to pay for an appraisal when financing your home.
As home values plummeted during the desperate years of the mortgage and real estate crash, this option was nowhere to be found.
Well, it's back. I've actually had recent success with receiving a property inspection waiver from DU and can attest to the expanded availability of this benefit.
With the 10.1 DU update, we should see even more property inspection waivers when a borrower has good credit, and equity in the home.
It is unlikely that you will receive a property inspection waiver with less than 25% equity in your home, and the opportunity to not have to pay for an appraisal is now more likely in this scenario.
6. Treatment of Timeshares
Certain timeshare installment loans are reported in the credit report data as mortgage-related.
In DU Version 10.0, these agreements would be considered a mortgage and the appropriate mortgage delinquency requirements are applied. DU Version 10.1 will treat all timeshare loans as installment loans.
What does this mean to you? If you had a foreclosure on a timeshare, there are no longer any waiting periods before you're eligible to buy using a Fannie Mae conventional loan!
This is a pretty big update that while it does not affect the majority of borrowers, it resolves a relatively unclear guideline that caused much confusion around defaulted timeshare loans.
Getting Your Questions Answered
All lenders are not created equal. Most of the readers that find this site because they've been researching solutions to challenges, and have been told 10 different things by 10 different loan officers.
We've created this resource to help you sift through the endless opinions and articles that may, or may not directly answer your question correctly.
There are several ways to ask questions, and get expert opinions on this website.
- Submit a Question: On the bottom of this page, you'll see a prompt that allows you to ask questions. These questions come directly to me and are answered very quickly.
- Leave a Comment: Below every article is the option to leave a comment or question. We see these comments and questions in real-time and the always answered, usually pretty quickly.
In addition to researching your questions and providing you with expert advice, I can also introduce you to a lender friend that I know has experience with your specific situation and can help.
About the Author
Leave a Question or Comment About this Topic
If I have a 120 mortgage late back in 10/14 can I get a conventional mortgage? I am being told I have to wait 4 years.
do we need to obtain a letter from the individual authorizing 100% usage of assets if they are not on the laon
I have a loan with Chase but modified my loan,at that time my loan was$I,313.00 I am up to $1,579.50 which each year it keeps going up I try talking to them but get no where can you help? Please
Just read your posting about the Fannie Mae guideline changes. That all sounds good, but is it headed towards creating a new bubble, with another catastrophic bust? I for one will stay with a fixed interest loan.
I have a question regarding student loans and conventional mortgages. I have a relative that has been paying my student loans for me for the past 2+ years, if I show documentation through my bank account, can my student loan payment be excluded from my DTI credit ratio?


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These are the last days of autumn in Skopje but it feels like winter to me. They say that day after tomorrow it will go pretty cold, possibly bellow zero. As we walk through the center of town this evening, the fresh and chilly air we breathe is still autumn air, but it smells like winter to me. And somehow the sky reminds me of snow.
Little bit later we find ourselves in a mexican restaurant. It has the word amigo in it's name. Of course it's mexican. It's not full and the atmosphere is nice. The food is tasty. The waiters friendly. The menus cool. The cactuses on the tables interesting. The guy behind the bar shaking the coktails amusing.
And before long Nathan is already charming the young couple at the next table stealing smiles with his playful eyes. People come to him and make funny faces, they smile and talk to him. They tell him how cute he is. Later he gets a free tour of the restaurant by possibly the owner of the place and gets a little gift. A banana. And two small packets of sugar.
These days wherever I go with him we steal smiles. For a second we make people smile. Well, he does. And I just happen to be there enjoying the moment. Enjoying the little magic of a baby smiling. Enjoying the smile on peoples face. In the midst of a dark and distressed world, full with sad and misunderstood people we steal smiles. We have a little mission of stealing smiles. And when that happens it gives me hope somehow. It makes me feel that things can be better. That the world can be a better place. Through the smile of a baby.
p.s. You can see our "We steal smiles" gallery on facebook. take care.

subset: commoncrawl


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Buttle's has been identified by the Financial Times as one of Europe's fastest-growing companies.
The company has been included in the FT 1000: the 1000 companies in Europe that have achieved the highest percentage growth in revenues between 2012 and 2015.
Through research in company databases and other public sources, the FT identified tens of thousands of independent companies in Europe as potential candidates for the FT 1000 ranking. To be included in the list of Europe's fastest growing companies, a company had to demonstrate primarily organic revenue growth between 2012 and 2015.
Last year, Buttle's was included in the FT's "1,000 Companies to Inspire Britain", featuring UK-based companies with turnover of between £6m and £250m which had most outperformed the average growth in their sector.
William Naylor, managing director of Buttle's, said: "For the second year running, our growth has been reported by the Financial Times. This trend continued in 2016, which wasn't included in the report, and hasn't let up during the first quarter of 2017.
"With Brexit on the horizon, we're proud to be flying the flag in Europe as the only UK builders' merchant to be included in the report."


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Here we go again with some more mini food!
Earlier this week I made cranberry orange curd, and boy was it delicious! I found myself sneaking spoonfuls of it when I wanted something sweet to eat. I decided there had to be a better way to put this curd to use other than eating it off of a spoon. I then remembered I had made some desserts this past summer using Athens Mini Fillo Shells. I love these things! They are perfect for appetizers and desserts. They would be just the thing to hold some of my cranberry orange curd.
That my friends is how the Mini Cranberry Orange Meringue Tarts were created. What could be better than a little handheld dessert that you can carry around with you and eat in two bites?
To make these tarts extra special I knew I had to make meringue to go on top of them. I don't know about you but I love meringue! I not only love the sweet airy flavor of it, but I love making it as well. There is something so satisfying about whipping egg whites until they triple in size and become shiny and thick. The first time my husband saw me whip two egg whites into meringue he couldn't get over how they changed into a pillowy cloud of deliciousness. My second favorite thing about making meringue is that I get to use my blowtorch. Who doesn't love using a blowtorch! It makes me feel strong and powerful as I brown the tops of my Mini Cranberry Orange Meringue Tarts….I know, I know, this is a little strange.
The nice thing about these tarts is how amazingly easy they are to make. Once you have the curd made, the only things left to do are scoop it into the shells and make your meringue. This dessert is nice and light and would be perfect served at Thanksgiving after you are beyond stuffed, but still need a little something sweet. I don't know about you, but I always need a little something sweet to end the day!
Yields 15 Mini Cranberry Orange Meringue Tarts 10 minPrep Time 3 minCook Time 13 minTotal Time Ingredients Instructions Notes These tarts are best served immediately so that the phyllo cups stay crisp and the meringue doesn't become watery.
Yields 15 Mini Cranberry Orange Meringue Tarts
10 minPrep Time
3 minCook Time
13 minTotal Time
These tarts are best served immediately so that the phyllo cups stay crisp and the meringue doesn't become watery.


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Aruvam teaser gives a toast of Goosebumps and chills
With scorching heat baking skins all over the places, here's something that offers sumptuous chills. Siddarth-Catherine Tresa starrer "Aruvam" teaser had its launch through filmmaker Venkat Prabhu is witnessing stupendous reception. It's been an unending season of horror flicks, but the short and crisp teaser of this film assures that it's so unique in all aspects. Indeed, it creates an instantaneous excitement to know what this film could be all about. "Remaining tight-lipped for the moment is the only option as even a smallest hint about it would become a spoiler," says smile brimmed filmmaker Sai Sekhar. However, he assures saying, "It's acceptable that horror films have become an integral part of every Friday, but 'Aruvam' will proves its significance with a complete shift into unexplored zone of this genre. It is a horror film laced with action, romance and entertainment, which we as a team believe that it would get ticked across the rural and urban groups. Significantly, it holds a theme that has a societal connection and will impart some thoughtful reflections on audiences as well." Briefing about the significance of title 'Aruvom', Sai Sekar adds, "Aruvam (Apparition) is the opposite term to 'Body' and as the title implies, the central theme of the film is based on supernatural elements."
Talking about the cast and crew, Sai Sekhar says, "Siddarth is purely awesome and his nuance performances kept everyone on the sets awestricken. Catherine Tresa had to perform some tough scenes, which I initially thought would be difficult, but she exerted a great job. Satish, Kabir Duhan Singh, Madhusudhana Rao, Stunt Silva, Poster Nandakumar, Satish, Aadukalam Narain, Kumaravel and Mayilsamy have added more substance to the film."
SS Thaman (Music), N.K. Ekambaram (Cinematography), Praveen KL (Editing), G Durairaj (Art) and Stunt Silva (Action) form the technical crew of this film, produced by R. Ravindran of Trident Arts.


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'Batman: Arkham Knight' Trailer Shows Gotham in Chaos (Video)
Gotham City is under siege, and only one man can save it — or can he? As the new gameplay trailer for Rocksteady's Batman: Arkham Knight shows, there's at least one man who believes that "there is no savior — no more hope, no more Batman."
The gameplay trailer follows March's launch trailer for the third and final installment of the Batman: Arkham series, showing the Dark Knight in action against goons while the Scarecrow promises that "Gotham falls [and] a city of fear rises!"
Heat Vision breakdown
STORY: Rocksteady Releases Amazing 'Batman: Arkham Knight' Trailer (Video)
Also seen in the trailer are Two-Face, Commissioner Gordon — looking appropriately downtrodden as his city collapses into crime-ridden chaos — and, in a nod to old-time fans, Barbara Gordon in her Oracle incarnation. As with the first trailer, the results look more like a particularly well-done animated movie (or, at times, a live-action one) rather than a video game. Maybe the Rocksteady team should work on a feature or two next.
Batman: Arkham Knight is scheduled for release this fall, and available for preorder now.
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by Graeme McMillan
by Graeme McMillan


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I made this invitation for my soon-to-be daughter-in-law. She wanted pink camouflage and Winnie The Pooh, so here is what I came up with.
The base of the invitation is white cardstock, and it is an A2 size card (4 1/4″ x 5 1/2″). I then added a light pink layer that measures 4″ x 5 1/4″. The next layer is the pink camouflage cardstock that measures 3 3/4″ x 5″. Baby Shower is from the New Arrival Cricut cartridge.It was cut at 2″ using the Shadow feature. (When you see the screenshot of my Gypsy, please disregard the Baby Shower in the upper left corner of the screen. When I cut this, some of the letters were so thin, they tore. That is why I used the Shadow feature for this.) I cut Winnie The Pooh from the Pooh Font Set Cricut cartridge, and he was cut at 2 1/2″.
For the inside of the invitation, the camouflage layer is 4″ x 5 1/4″ and the light pink layer is 3 3/4″ x 5″. I bought the stamp at Michael's and used the Close To My Heart Archival Black Ink Pad for the stamping.
All solid cardstock is Recollections and I bought the pink camouflage paper from Stampin' Station.
Here is the screenshot of my Gypsy.
My future daughter-in-law and her Mom loved the way the invitations turned out. I'm thrilled they liked it.
Thanks for letting my share my creation with you! I hope you will come visit my blog at http://happyscrapper.blogspot.com
Designed by: Brenda Halstead
Cricut Machines & Tools Used: Cricut Expression 2 Anniversary Edition and Gypsy
Cricut Cartridges Used: New Arrival and Pooh Font Set
Other Supplies Used: CTMH Stamp Pad, Wooden Stamp from Michaels


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24 November 2016
Vanilla Berry Scone Stack & Tea...
7 comments:
This looks delicious! I can't wait to try it!ReplyDelete
I definately will save this for later use (6 months later...)ReplyDelete
look at those strawberries! I want some, tooReplyDeleteReplies
I'm so lucky to be able to grow organic strawberries in my garden. :)Delete
Congratulations! Your post was my feature pick from my Commenters at #ThursdayFavoriteThings this week. Visit me on Wednesday evening and to see your feature and pick up your badge! All hosts choose their own features so be sure to return to my blog. I invite you to leave more links to be shared and commented upon.ReplyDelete
Tracey, those look lovely ... it would make a great addition to a all girls brunch with your friends ... I'll have to give them a try when strawberry seasons hits xoReplyDelete
Carla aka Mrs R @ SimplifyLifeWithMrsR.com
Strawberries are the best!! That's great that they are in season where you live. They look scrumptious. Thanks for sharing the recipe for the vanilla scones.ReplyDelete


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The sport of bowls was first played in Australia by enthusiastic Englishmen who arrived in the colony bringing their bowls with them.
The first game on record was played in January 1845 between two English migrants, Fred Lipscombe and T. Burgess, on a green at Lipscombe's Beach Tavern in Hobart.
Following English tradition, bowling greens were laid out adjacent to hotels.
The first official club opened at William Turner's Bowling Green Hotel in Fitzroy Place, Hobart, in October 1846.
The first interclub competition began in 1867 between Melbourne, Fitzroy, Prahan, St Kilda, Ballarat, and West Melbourne clubs, who played under a new set of rules governing team competitions. Victoria won the first inter-colonial game against NSW in Sydney in April 1880.
That same year in May, the NSW Bowling Association was formed, and the Victorian Bowling Association two months later.
In 1911, Bowls Australia, originally known as the Australian Bowling Council, was formed at conference of state delegates in Melbourne, paving the way for standardisation of the rules and other aspects of the game.
The first Australian Championships under the new body were held in 1912, and the first Australian representative side played in New Zealand in 1914.
In 1928, the Australian Bowls Council became affiliated with the International Bowling Board, now known as World Bowls Inc.
Australian Representatives
• Former and current Australian men's representative caps
Life members
1996 – Perry Norman Cunico
2004 – John Dobbie
2007 – Geoff Provest
2015 – Betty Collins OAM
2018 – Brian Marsland OAM
Presidents of Bowls Australia (following unification in 2001)
2002 – 2003: John McDougall OAM
2004 – 2005: Beryl Brennan
2006 – 2010: Brian Marsland OAM
2010 – 2012: Joe Aarons OAM
2012 – 2015: Des Skinner
2015 – 2017: Nigel Smith
2017 – current: Darryl Clout
• Past Presidents of the Australian Bowls Council and Australian Women's Bowling Council (prior to the formation of Bowls Australia)
Hall of Fame members
Pre '49 General
Alfred Alley*, VIC
John Monro*, VIC
John Young*, NSW
Pre '49 Athlete
Charles McNeill*, NSW
1950-74 General
W Jack Spear*, VIC
Keith Wilson*, VIC
Naomi Wolinksi*, NSW
1950-74 Athlete
Glyn Bosisto MBE*, VIC
Errol Bungey OAM, SA
John Dobbie*, VIC
Connie Hicks OAM*, WA
Dot Jenkinson*, VIC
Mary Ormsby OAM, SA
Barry Salter*, NSW
Donald Woolnough OAM*, VIC
1975-99 General
Catherine (Mimi) Frost OAM*, NSW
Charles Frost*, NSW
1975-99 Athlete
Cameron Curtis, NSW
Robbie Dobbins, QLD
Roma Dunn, WA
Audrey Hefford*, SA
Rex Johnston OAM, NSW
Dennis Katunarich, WA
Robert (Bob) King, NSW
Norma Massey OAM, VIC
Mavis Meadowcroft*, VIC
Robert Middleton OAM, VIC
Robert Parrella OAM, QLD
Keith Poole* MBE, QLD
Dorothy Roche OAM, NSW
Peter Rheuben*, NSW
Merle Richardson OAM, NSW
Alf Sandercock*, SA
Ian Schuback OAM, QLD
Daphne Shaw, NSW
John Snell OAM, VIC
Steve Srhoy, WA
Margaret Sumner OAM, VIC
Ken Williams OAM*, ACT
Ken Woods, ACT
Greeta Fahey, QLD
2000-10 General
Beryl Brennan, WA
Betty Collins OAM, VIC
Arnold O'Brien OAM, VIC
2000-10 Athlete
Lynsey Armitage, QLD
Steve Glasson OAM, NSW
Kelvin Kerkow OAM, QLD
Karen Murphy, NSW
Wayne Turley OAM, NSW
Leif Selby, NSW
Mark Casey, QLD
Glyn Bosisto MBE*, VIC
Rex Johnston OAM, NSW
Kelvin Kerkow OAM, QLD
* Deceased


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TROY, Ohio – A committee of Troy City Council will recommend an increase in the administrative fee for the city to mow noxious weeds. The finance committee has agreed to recommend a flat administrative fee of $100.
The city currently has a 20 percent administrative fee attached to the mowing bill when the city has to have a property mowed due to failure to maintain noxious weeds. The fee is $28 per hour, making the administrative fee $5.60, which does not cover the costs of inspections, contractor notifications and billing.
Click here for the full article.


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i was very different in the recent past. one major change…compassion.
i always say how "time flies." and it does. when i was twenty, i never thought i would be 30. or 35. or 36 (next month). it just never crossed my mind. i figured i'd be in my twenties forever. i never looked into the future with truthful eyes. i was going to be young for the duration of my life. i went about my business as if nothing could harm me or touch me or kill me. I lived behind a very thick smoke screen. i ignored the sadness i recognize today in the world. i paid no attention to the inconceivable. if it didn't affect me first hand, i didn't care. and i didn't care cause i refused to acknowledge anything that my heart couldn't tolerate with ease. im not proud of that, but it is the truth. and today i speak the truth. sadly, i know now that i was living my life with very little compassion. for myself or for any other living being or species on earth. i didn't understand that at the time.
my eyes really started to open just over a year ago. it started with getting sober. eliminating the heavy drinking from my life. forcing me to face reality head on. all of it. 35 years of dirty build up had to be taken on. challenged. dissected. acknowledged. and dealt with. it took a lot of forgiveness towards myself, and others. it took, and will continue to take, many amends and apologies for my past behavior. and that is okay. it's all part of the process. and through this process i have found compassion.
compassion. a small word with a massive impact on life.
:sympathetic consciousness of others' distress together with a desire to alleviate it.
if someone says something unkind to me or is inconsiderate, etc. i am better at not taking it personally than i was before. in the past, i would obsess over what they did or said for hours or days on end. today i can accept, usually, that whatever they did or said to me most likely doesn't have anything to do with me personally…but rather it is something born from their own issue/s. maybe they are having a bad day. or maybe someone said something that hurt their ego and they are taking it out on me. whatever it might be, i try hard to not take it personally today. instead i'll have compassion for them and whatever they might be going through. and then i let it go. theoretically. like i said, i am no saint. but most of the time i can act with compassion today.
if someone is hurting. i have compassion. if i am hurting, i have compassion. i try to be kind. to you, and to all living species on earth. i feel now. and it is best to feel good about myself, then to feel bad. and i feel good when i live in compassion.
compassionate living is something i now strive for. i've taken it further than with just humans and human contact. i want to live compassionately towards all living species on earth. as i mentioned earlier in this post, back in my younger years i lived in a thick fog. i refused to recognize the inconceivable that is around me. and there is a lot of it in our world. this includes the cruelty and lack of compassion that is thrown upon the animals on our planet. i chose to bear witness to the truth nearly a year ago, and by doing so, i had no choice but to change my ways. my heart wouldn't allow me to turn away any longer. and so i became a vegan. i refuse to be a consumer of meat and dairy products, knowing what i know today. this also includes non-food products that are tested on animals. i can no longer take part in any of that. i simply can't do it. it's compassion. and i have it today. i suppose i always had it, i just didn't know to what degree. with the choice of becoming vegan and showing compassion towards all animals, i've gotten to know a side of myself that was once hidden. and i like this side a lot. it just feels…right.
no, im not perfect at the game of life, but i am certainly better at it today then i was last year and the years prior. i still have many faults. and insecurities. and i make huge mistakes. i still have a dark side i can fall into. i can loose my compassionate side at times. i can take things personally. if i didn't then i wouldn't be able to call myself human. but i now recognize these characteristics when they present themselves. i can move past those barriers faster. continuing to better myself in the process. it's progress not perfection.
i've visited my darkest demons through this journey. and continue to. and let me tell you, my skin has thickened in the process. my heart has grown. my voice has been found. and my personality has escaped its own personal jail… and continues to make itself known. i am present. finally.
sobriety and my truth has brought me far.
far from what i once was, but not yet what i am going to be.
what a journey.
incase you are interested, below are websites that have helped open my eyes and helped me make my choice to become a vegan:


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Victoria is one of Canada's best places for spotting whales, but until we managed to see any, we first had to learn how to tell the difference between orcas, floating logs, seals, porpoises and our fevered imaginations.
There are numerous companies that can take you out for a few hours to see the many species of whales that frequent the waters around the British Columbia capital. Our choice was Prince of Whales, an outfit with a good reputatation that has been taking tourists out to spot cetaceans for years.
We were the first boat out of the scenic Victoria Harbour that morning. The sky was blue and the sea was calm. Everyone aboard was excited with the possibility of spotting whales, especially the powerful orcas, the black and white killer whales that are symbolic of British Columbia.
We were all wrapped up in bulky, orange survival suits in case someone is dumped into the frigid water. It also helps keep you warm as it can get cold out on the water, especially when the open boat is motoring along at high speed. They also provide gloves and tuques to keep you warm.
Our affable guide explained that he had seen at least two whales offshore from his house that morning and knew where they would be. He promised we'd have no difficulty finding them. He piloted our boat with confidence to the spot where he thought they would be. We dodged floating fog banks that drifted along the water, threatening to engulf us in their cool mist.
Passengers would call out that they saw something, hoping that it was a sign of a whale. No, sorry, that's just the whitecap on a wave, said our skipper. What about that white object, someone asked. No, that's a log, he replied.
I see something, someone shouted. Indeed they did, but that was merely a sea lion.
Our guide eventually came to the spot where he thought he had spotted the whales earlier that day, but found nothing. He changed direction a few times, but was still having no success. He called his wife on his mobile phone asking for her help. She said she saw the orcas plain as day in her binoculars, but we saw nothing.
Someone spotted something! Wait, that's a porpoise. Not quite a whale, but at least it was a whale-like animal. we were getting closer.
Finally, after much straining to spot something, one of the passengers called out, pointing to the unmistakable sight of an orca coming to the surface, it's towering dorsal fin cutting through the waves and the plume of water spouting out of its blowhole.
Our guide swung the boat around and brought us closer. There was not just one orca there, but there were at least five. He recognized two of them as being resident whales. He confirmed their identities from his catalog of orcas which had been identified by the unique white markings on their backs. One was a mother and the other was her son. The others were likely transient whales who were just passing through.
It was exciting to get that close to such massive animals. For several minutes we'd shadow the pod as it came up for air, admiring the whales and trying our best to photograph them as they rose in and out of the water. Eventually, they'd dive down deep to hunt and we'd lose track of them. A short while later, the group would re-emerge some distance from us and our boat would head out in their direction and we would follow them and continue shadowing them.
Our guide was on the radio with other tourist boats to report the pod and it wasn't long before other craft were visible on the horizon. That was the signal for us to depart. It was better to have fewer vessels in the vicinity of the whales.
Our trip continued past Race Rocks lighthouse, perched upon an island ringed with jagged rocks. It was certainly a pretty sight on a calm, sunny day like the one we were enjoying, but was doubtless a place that frightened early mariners during stormy weather.
The rocks are actually a protected marine area and we got to enjoy the sight of seals and sea lions sunning themselves. A dominant male sea lion lay upon the highest, most desirable rock when, as if on cue for the tourists, another sea lion hauled his bulk up to the peak to bellow at the king and challenge for the coveted spot. After some sumo-style bumping, the challenger pushed the champion from the top and claimed the prize.
Show over, we headed back in the direction of Victoria at high speed. Along the way, we spotted a dark, whale-like shape in the distance. It seemed much too big to be a whale. As we got closer, it was soon apparent that it was no whale, but, in fact, a submarine. The Royal Canadian Navy has a base nearby and one of its few subs was cruising around. Blue whales may be endangered, but spotting Canadian subs might even be rarer.
It wasn't long before we found our way back to the Victoria harbour, admiring the sight of the ivy-covered buildings that line the waterside as we approached and the colourful, fluttering banners from the many sailboats docked there. Our tour was only three hours, but we had not only seen the whales we came to see, but a whole lot more.
As its name imples, the Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour is a brief walk from the harbourfront and the comfortable rooms have gorgeous views of the water. The hotel offers just about every amenity you might require. (marriottvictoria.com)
Catalano Restaurant: This Mediterranean restaurant fuses the best of Italian and Spanish cuisine and is served in an elegant and relaxing setting. (catalanorestaurant.com)
Fire and Water Fish and Chop House: Located in the Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour, this fine restaurant serves up meals inspired by ingredients from Vancouver Island. If you're just looking for a place to relax, be sure to enjoy the city's temperate climate on the restaurant's patio.
The author was the guest of Tourism Victoria


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'Teen Mom 2' Jenelle Evans Won't Face Jail Time For Fight, Attorney Says! Exclusive!
Jenelle now has three criminal cases in court — but because she doesn't have any prior convictions, she won't be going to jail for the video beat-down of Britany Truett!
The attorney for Teen Mom 2 star Jenelle Evans tells HollyBaby.com exclusively that she won't face jail even after her arrest on March 27 for being caught on video beating up her former friend Britany Truett!
"No jail time due to her record," Jenelle's attorney Dustin Sullivan confirms to us. That's as of now. With her latest arrest, Jenelle has three open court cases in North Carolina!
The Brunswick County District Attorney's office says, Jenelle, 19, and the two other girls involved, Britany, 19, and Brittany Nichole Maggard, 18, have all been charged with misdemeanor simple affray — causing a public disturbance — on the March 22 brawl in Sunset Harbor. Britany also filed her own complaint against Jenelle and Brittany, accusing them of assault.
All three are expected to appear in court on April 26. Prosecutors say that each could face between 30-60 days in jail if they have prior convictions — but if they don't have priors, the judge can only put them on probation.
When asked for further details about Jenelle's most recent run-in, Elected District Attorney for Brunswick County John David said: "We have an ethical obligation as prosecutors not to speak about the facts of a pending matter."
So how would this effect Jenelle, who's already battling two other criminal cases in court? Her attorney assures us that she won't be locked up for this incident.
Jenelle will be in court on April 14 for a hearing in charges of possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana and breaking and entering. At that session, the case can get dismissed, sent to trial or entered into deferred prosecution. If Jenelle does go to trial for those charges and is found guilty, she could be facing up to 260 days of jail time. But her attorney says that she won't get the full amount of time.
"That is for someone who had five or more convictions in their lifetime," he explained to us back in January. "She has zero, so she's not looking at anything near that [time]."
On Feb. 9, Jenelle's former friend Jaelanie Salas had Jenelle served with misdemeanor criminal summonses accusing her of breaking and entering, injury to real property, second-degree trespass and making a harassing phone call.
Jenelle now has three different criminal cases to fight So much for focusing on getting her life back on track so that she can get custody back of her 1-year-old son Jace!


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Massive Wireless Network Deployment in Shenzhen Delivers Fast and Reliable Wi-Fi Access Services to Millions of Users in One of China's Most Successful Economic Zones
SUNNVYALE, CA and BEIJING, CN – February 9, 2015 – Ruckus Wireless, Inc. (NYSE: RKUS) announced today a partnership with Shenzhen Topway Video Communication Co., Ltd. (Topway Video) to build and deploy a massive Smart Wi-Fi Municipal Area Network (MAN) across Shenzhen in the People's Republic of China (PRC). Shenzhen, China's fifth largest city with over 10 million people, is located in the south of Southern China's Guangdong Province, situated immediately north of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
Topway Video is the largest broadband service and multimedia content provider in Shenzhen. As of August 15, 2014, it had 1,117,300 cable digital TV user terminals, 470,000 HD interactive TV user terminals, and 217,600 cable broadband subscription users.
Tweet thisAs the first and one of its most successful Special Economic Zones (SEZs), established as part of China's "reform and opening" policy of 1979, Shenzhen is an important economic and financial center of China, as well as a center of high-tech R&D and manufacturing, and is home to many world-renowned enterprises.
The wireless deployment project in Shenzhen is part of the growing, global trend to create Smart cities using state-of-the-art communications technology that both improves municipal operations and services, and enhances the way of life for visitors and residents in urban environments.
Topway Video is deploying Ruckus ZoneFlex™ indoor and outdoor Smart Wi-Fi access points (APs) in major retail stores, restaurants, hospitals, public transport stations, neighborhood communities, public streets and many other indoor and outdoor public venues throughout Shenzhen.
The new Smart Wi-Fi infrastructure enables millions of Shenzhen residents and visitors access to free, high-performance Ruckus Smart Wi-Fi in public service areas such as hospital waiting areas and Shenzhen's high-speed railway station. In addition, subscribers to Topway Video's cable service will now have more reliable Wi-Fi access in public venues throughout Shenzhen via digital devices such as smartphones and tablets.
For carrier-class management, the Ruckus SmartCell™ Gateway (SCG) 200 WLAN controller seamlessly integrates Topway Video's Wi-Fi traffic into cellular operators' core networks, thereby providing multiple streaming solutions. Topway Video is also using the Ruckus SmartCell Insight (SCI) intelligent analysis platform to gather essential real-time analytics on the use of the Smart Wi-Fi infrastructure.
Topway Video selected Ruckus as their equipment supplier for the Shenzhen Topway wireless network project due to the success of Ruckus in deploying Wi-Fi across other cities around the world, including the use of advanced carrier-class Smart Wi-Fi technology that provides better signal strength, coverage, penetration into buildings at higher data rates and reliability. Ruckus Smart Wi-Fi automatically mitigates radio frequency (RF) interference within constantly changing environmental conditions.
Fu Dali, general manager of Topway Video's Broadband Division, explains, "Ruckus products can serve simultaneous video streams in high density environments, bringing Topway Video customers a high-speed wireless broadband experience wherever they go and allowing them to enjoy our content wherever they are. Finally, from an operational and management perspective, Ruckus SmartCell Insight brings a great level of convenience to our Wi-Fi management team. Making use of the intelligent analysis of big data for network usage it provides, we have increased the efficiency of our network service, and optimized our deployment plans, effectively reducing our capex and personal costs."
News Media Contact
Ruckus, Ruckus Wireless, SmartCell, and ZoneFlex are trademarks of Ruckus Wireless, Inc. in the United States and other countries. All other product or company names may be trademarks of their respective owners.


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How extraordinary are these winged Sophia Webster heels?! Of course they needed an outfit to wear them with…so you could leave the house 😉 This winter white and black heavy lace dress is a perfect match. It is cute, fresh, and super stylish. So easy to successfully accessorize. Play. Have fun! Look incredible.
A view from the penthouse ~ Avery


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Vascular Plants of the Gila Wilderness
Presented in Association with the
Western New Mexico University Department of Natural Sciences
Matelea producta
(Torrey) Woodson
(Texas Milkvine)
Family: Apocynaceae
Status: Native
Gonolobus productus
Vincetoxicum productum
(Torrey) Vail
Matelea producta is a viney perennial milkweed with heart-shaped leaves. The leaves are strongly white-veined. It has umbels of 3 to 5 greenish purple flowers. It is found at lower elevations.
Please click on an image for a larger file.
Matelea producta, photo Russ Kleinman & Richard Felger, Burro Mtns., Knight Peak, Oct. 6, 2007
Back to the Index


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Export 1 results:
Filters: Keyword is Meteorological instruments and Author is Francesco Longo [Clear All Filters]
"A framework for the 3-D cloud monitoring based on data stream generation and analysis", Proceedings of the 2015 IFIP/IEEE International Symposium on Integrated Network Management (IM), Ottawa, Canada, 11-15 May 2015, IEEE Computer Society, pp. 62-70, 2015.
"A smart city lighting case study on an OpenStack-powered infrastructure", Sensors, vol. 15, no. 7: MDPI AG, pp. 16314-16335, 2015.
"Stack4Things: Integrating IoT with OpenStack in a Smart City context", Proceedings of the 2014 International Conference on Smart Computing Workshops (SMARTCOMP Workshops), Hong Kong, China, 5 November 2014, IEEE Computer Society, pp. 21-28, 2014.


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Many military vets are familiar with the term KP or Kitchen Patrol. It's not much fun but basic work that has to be done to feed the masses. Clinical trials on the other hand offer days filled with PK or Pharmacokinetics. Yesterday, I had a PK day. According to Webster's, it means:
the study of the bodily absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of drugs.
What's all that mean in English or practical terms? This drug I am taking (ipi-145) is being investigated for safety and effectiveness in treating leukemias and lymphomas so the drug company has to compile a LOT of data to make decisions about it for future phase 2 & 3 trials and ultimately to request approval from the FDA to market and sell the drug for general use. The first day of every 28 day cycle in the clinical trial, I have to go to the clinic for what amounts to a 10-11 hour day. First I arrive for 7am where my vitals are checked and basic blood panels are run (CBC, Chemistry and a baseline (before dosing) trial drug level sample is collected). Assuming there are no negative indicators in those panels, the trial drug will be administered about 1-2 hours later which is followed by successive blood draws and 3 consecutive EKG tests at 30, 60,120,180,240,360 and 480 minutes following. All those blood samples are sent off to the drug company primarily for them to measure the blood (serum) level of the drug at those intervals.
Wasn't that exciting? No, not really but my goal in participating in this is 1. That I can regain my own health from CLL and 2. That I can help this new drug come to market so that others in the future may benefit from this research and not have suffer through toxic and often ineffective chemotherapies.
The moment that really made our day was seeing Barbara, the bread lady. Nothing helps break up a long day like being offered some yummy home made treats! 🙂


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(Androids story #1)
Xenodyne Automation had high hopes of making a killing with the Mark 2. The Mark 1 had been popular; close to seven million units had been sold. But the Mark 1 was a rudimentary android – a basic machine, physically strong, but slow, and ugly as a trashcan on legs. The Mark 2, on the other hand, was a true android. Twice as strong, and with noticeably faster reactions, it could be taught to carry out virtually any task. Covered in a new material indistinguishable from human skin, it looked almost human. As the advertising slogan said, 'The Age of the Android!' had finally arrived.
Reginald Pforsky was one of the first to buy a Mark 2 unit. Taking advantage of the time-limited offer of a generous trade-in, he drove his vintage Winnebago from his home in Madison Creek, Washington State to the factory in Portland Oregon to collect his purchase.
The round trip took 24 hours. When he got home, he booted up his new acquisition and introduced himself. "I'm Reginald Pforsky."
"Pleased to meet you, Reginald Pforsky," said the android. "My designation is Beta 25264."
"I shall call you Beta," said Pforsky, and he headed for the kitchen to put a kettle on.
Beta followed him. Gently, but firmly, she relieved Pforsky of the kettle. "Let me do that, Reginald Pforsky."
Pforsky was taken aback. His Mark 1 had obeyed his orders to the letter, but it had never done anything on its own initiative. He experienced a moment of anxiety, but when Beta demonstrated that she knew how to make a half-decent cup of coffee, all his worries evaporated.
"Milk and sugar, Reginald Pforsky?"
"A small drop of milk and one sugar. And call me Reggie."
In the days that followed, Beta proved that she could fulfill all the essential functions of a dutiful wife to the highest possible standards. Her voice was a little irritating, but he could switch that off whenever he wished. She was frugal, she never made any demands, and she laughed at all his jokes.
Pforsky was a happy man. He gave Beta unfettered access to every corner of the house and yard.
She took charge of running the household. First, she cleaned and tidied the whole house. When she stumbled across his collection of exotic magazines, there was a moment of confusion, but no embarrassment. Then she put him on a diet and rationed his beer intake. That could have been a redline issue for Pforsky, but he agreed to follow her regime, while keeping a secret stash in the Winnebago. Slowly, he began to get his figure back. Then one day, she asked him for the key to his gun locker...


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What is clean-tech innovation?
It is the rate by which clean technologies are delivered from inception to market. The direction and birth of such innovations is dependent on a certain technological past, embodied in distinct firms domiciled in specific regions of the world.
Our platform culls data from patent and finance databases around the world in real-time to give our clients an immediate and lucid picture of the clean-tech industry. We then employ our machine-learning, proprietary algorithm, to run diagnostics and analysis of the clean technology in question and within a desired time period (customized search optimization and data analytics).
Any product, company, or country can be mined for data. We clean, verify, analyze, and publish the results of these data for you.
Need analytics?
We've got you covered. Click to learn about our three different packages.


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It is a very good initiative you took Pops.
I only played BS3 in French to check the translation so can only compare with that one.
I also agree that while a good part of the translation seems...
Type: Posts; User: Troll
It is a very good initiative you took Pops.
I only played BS3 in French to check the translation so can only compare with that one.
I also agree that while a good part of the translation seems...
Welcome to the team Andy !
Also, now that you're in, you are forbidden to shave your beard until BS3 release :D.
You can taste the science.
Doug Cockle is certain to be your pivotal force, so use him as best as you can as rewards as well. Personalised messages from him sound great.
Maybe take a look at kickstarters, past and current, in...
Don't worry, you didn't come at all like an ass (not my main language either). What you did was real proper criticism.
You seem actually much more forgiving than me with your approach about "with...
A mighty beard obviously, and then an axe !
Pretty improving transposition from game to text. I tip my hat to you.
I rarely come by the forums those days, but strangely whenever I come by, good news are always fresh.
And this, is great news :)
Edit : too much ranting.
On that note, I was wondering if anyone in the world of The Banner Saga ever braided their beards. I have only seen Varl with straight beards. At most they quite nicely...
Damned, I'm jealous :p
Thanks for this great digest...it was delicious.
Unfortunately, it makes the wait harder than it was.
cheesecake could
of lust
render unthinking
mushroom spores
the new
Been playing and finishing Call of Cthulhu : Dark Corners of the Earth, and playing Arx Fatalis right now so it's not really true :p.
CoC is a great game, but without a walkthrough it can be a huge...
The craftsmen
scabbard crafting
but by
swords were
in damascus
Vikings, experts at sqashing spammers.
followed by
The wonderful sausage was shivering and quivering because of The Deadpool. While Haggis was cooking


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The latest high fashion collaboration for Swedish retailer H&M, sees the London-based designer Erdem bring romance and ultra-feminine womenswear to centre stage.
With less than a month until ERDEM x H&M hits stores – it officially drops on November 2nd – the just-released lookbook will undoubtedly propel the romantic lace, evening dresses and regal refinements into street style's most sought after.
The images, created by acclaimed photographer Michal Pudelka, instill a nostalgic and whimsical worldliness to the ultra-feminine yet unequivocally powerful pieces and were shot at the same country house where the short film for the collaboration was produced.
Designer Erdem Moralıoğlu is a believer in the power of beauty, exploring historical references and personal narratives in every piece he makes. For ERDEM x H&M, he's reflected and reinterpreted the design themes from some of his most celebrated collections, playing with the prints, textiles and delicate craftsmanship that have made his name.
Of the collection, he says: "I am so happy to collaborate with H&M, and to explore my work on a whole new scale including a menswear collection which I have never done before."
Each year, the H&M designer collaboration is a highly-anticipated event and has become more than just a clothing collection, with the designers themselves collaborating with other creative minds to bring the story to life through short films, campaign imagery and well-known brand ambassadors. This year, Erdem tapped film director Baz Luhrmann to shoot the short film, and says of the partnership: "It's such a thrill to work with Baz Luhrmann, one of the most important storytellers of our time."
"For me fashion is always about more than just clothing, it is a form of expression – a stand alone art form. I am excited to be collaborating with ERDEM and H&M to reveal the story of this unique collection," Luhrmann adds.
Following on from previous H&M collaborations with Kenzo (2016), Balmain (2015) and Alexander Wang (2014), Erdem will be a return to feminine, delicate details.
"From the moment we started talking with Erdem about the collaboration, I was captured by his vision. For ERDEM x H&M he has created an enchanting world full of beauty, delicacy and rich details. These are special pieces you will want to wear forever," says Ann-Sofie Johansson, H&M's creative advisor.
ERDEM x H&M launches in store and online at hm.com on November 2.


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REHEARSAL Tuesdays 7:15-9:15 pm
7878 Brighton Rd.
Brighton, MI 48116
Thank you for registering for our 2020 Winter/Spring season. Before you complete this registration you must have either participated in Chorale in the past or completed your voice placement with Director, Kelli Falls. If you need to schedule your voice placement please contact Kelli at firstname.lastname@example.com or 517.414.3178


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An experimental Face Texture Converter launched via Content Paradise
F_Verbaas last edited by F_Verbaas
You can get it here
Let me say clearly in advance this is not a finished product. It is not even a work in progress because I may not be able to progress with it in the public space.
It is the result of an experiment I carried out. I think the result is encouraging and may be useful to others so I provide it 'as it is', with no guarantee or waranty whatsoever, including but not limited to converting face textures from V4/M4 to PE. It is offered for your persusal as you see fit.
I will be happy to see it applied and even more happy to see you all share suggestions and improved versions and I may or may not contribute to all that.
Please read the information in the 'description' carefully.
Content Paradise is the only platform Smith Micro provides to share this sort of stuff. I realize I may be stepping across limits by using it for this. Up side is it offers a way to inform you about any updates.
F_Verbaas last edited by
Due to some inexplicable logic of CP after an update there are now two copies of the file FTC270718-2.zip in the download and I have no permission to remove one.
They are identical. You only need one copy.
I requested support to remove the redundant one.
wimvdb Poser Ambassadors last edited by
Thank you!
This is my first try and I am impressed.
I mapped Cally from Mihrelle onto PE within a few minutes.
Definitely worth investigating.
chk2033 last edited by
Much appreciated F_Verbaas
johndoe641 last edited by
Wow, that is seriously cool! I've never seen something like that inside of Poser... I have the old Texture Converter that was on DAZ years ago and I also have Texture Transformer and both of those are multi-step external programs but this looks like something Poser would actually have out of the box! Nicely done.
adp last edited by
@F_Verbaas It's a pain in the as to register and download. Mutch to complicated procedure to download something for free. Why the hell is it required to ask for all the data? I assume most people will enter garbage, as I did.
I'm impressed. Why don't you tell about how it works?
fverbaas last edited by fverbaas
@wimvdb ; @chk2033 ; @johndoe641 ; @adp
Thank you. Response much appreciated.
@adp sorry about procedures. These are Content Paradise's not mine. I keep all my stuff there and discussions are here on this forum. That is how I keep it manageable, have direct access to my stuff, and should I decide to put stuff up for money, I get the best cut available on he market.
Well spotted that workings are not in the document. I simply forgot. I will add a paragaph on that later today.
@adp said in An experimental Face Texture Converter launched via Content Paradise:
@F_Verbaas It's a pain in the as to register and download. Mutch to complicated procedure to download something for free. Why the hell is it required to ask for all the data? I assume most people will enter garbage, as I did.
I'm impressed. Why don't you tell about how it works?
I'm not trying to derail the thread, and if you want to start another thread to discuss it further, I'm more than happy to do so, but I find this attitude puzzling. I get hit with it all the time and all I'm doing is just providing a link to free stuff in my directory. But sometimes the website provider requires people they allow to download stuff from their site for free to register for the privilege. Content Paradise, DAZ, Hivewire, Renderosity , CGBytes and even ShareCG usually require people to have an account at their store to download anything from their site. They are not there to provide free stuff for people. It is a courtesy that they provide for the registered users of their site. and always remember, you don't HAVE download the product. No one is forcing you to join.
If you really want to discuss this further. As you can see this is a point of contention for me, so let me know and I will start that new thread. I'd really love to hear other views on this topic.
F_Verbaas last edited by
As promised I just updated the description and added a section to explain 'how it works'.
adp last edited by
@F_Verbaas Thanks!
I started another thread so as not to derail this thread and after just a few posts, it's gone. What the hell happened?
Ghostman Poser Ambassadors last edited by
@eclark1849 Good question. Would be nice to know what was so offensive with it for them to take it down.
@Ghostman There's not even a "This Topic Deleted" Ghost title left. ?????
@F_Verbaas can you confirm that the only changes are to the Content Paradise product description and nothing in the download has changed? I can't see anything in the download itself which explains how the product is to be used.
@F_Verbaas OK, found the Sway on Content Paradise, got myself logged into my Office365 account (which I'd finally renewed after my subsciption expired last month, GRRR!), clicked on the Share to open it online, clicked on the "..." and exported it to PDF, and now I can view the missing documentation offline. Yay! (This may not be as easy for others as it wasn't for me)
fverbaas last edited by fverbaas
Confirmed. The download was not changed. The way to use it is described in the description document embedded on the CP site. This is a practical consideration for this experimental 'product' to keep description up to date without having to resort to product changes.
(Am I the only user who would love to see programmable buttons, or even just hyperlinks in texts on the parameter window)
@fverbaas thanks, I knew that. I was just frustrated that, yet again, Microsoft doesn't have a macOS equivalent App to their windows Sway app. I know everything is vapourising into the Cloud now and in the future, but my internet is sufficiently frequently unreliable, that I will not willingly give up access to downloading information by relying on the "always-on" status for my internet connection.
I still mourn the day MS unplugged Entourage for Mac and forced us all to use the lesser featured Outlook. [Hums, "The day the music died"]
fverbaas last edited by
I intend to make a pdf version once things have settled down a bit. (both re. the FTC and in private life)
anomalaus last edited by anomalaus
@fverbaas now that I have had a chance to peruse the documentation (couldn't actually play with it since I'm stuck in render-hell), I see that this is a necessary extension to the texture baking techniques (fixed camera parameters for minimum distortion of UV projected textures plugged into ambient) I'd been using (from following other forum discussions) to shortcut render times for complex procedural textures by baking them.
It had not occurred to me that physically transforming the projection surface would be a more accessible technique for UV transformation for most users than playing with math nodes in the material room. Well done with realising this, both conceptually and in implementation!
This will allow user tweaks to UV-remapping textures of figures they
ownhave purchased (like move a tattoo, resize makeup, or create supernumerary papillae, though those could be done simply in a decent, layered texture editor) directly within Poser. Just saving a particular scene setup will serve as a permanent template for similar conversions between the same pair of figures, by just exchanging the source textures. [Mind=Blown!]
@eclark1849 said in An experimental Face Texture Converter launched via Content Paradise:
I started another thread so as not to derail this thread and after just a few posts, it's gone. What the hell happened?
Maybe I should start the thread over???


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Green Occupation:
43-5011.01 - Freight Forwarders
Green occupations will likely change as a result of the green economy. Green economy activities and technologies are increasing the demand for occupations, shaping the work and worker requirements needed for occupational performance, or generating new and emerging occupations.
This is a Green New & Emerging occupation — the impact of green economy activities and technologies is sufficient to create the need for unique work and worker requirements, which results in the generation of new occupations.
Freight forwarders work in the following green economy sectors:
- Transportation — This sector covers activities related to increasing efficiency and/or reducing environmental impact of various modes of transportation including trucking, mass transit, and freight rail.
They perform these tasks important to the green economy:
- Analyze shipping routes to determine how to minimize environmental impact.
- Arrange for transport, using a variety of modes, such as rail, short sea shipping, air, or roadways, to minimize carbon emissions or other environmental impacts.
- Consider environmental sustainability factors when determining merchandise packing methods.
- Determine efficient and cost-effective methods of moving goods from one location to another.
- Recommend shipping solutions to minimize cost or environmental impacts.
- Review the environmental records of freight carriers to inform shipping decisions.


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China – China – Here's a totally free list of Chinese postal codes and phone region codes. The oceanfront beach houses are the most recent luxury concept created exclusively for Excellence Oyster Bay and will impress guests with the most romantic views by sitting straight on the beach and mere methods from the water.
British Indian Ocean Territory: BBND 1ZZ Single code utilised for all addresses. China, People's Republic of (Mainland): 999999. As leaders in romance and luxury travel, the Excellence Group's experience and expertise are evident in each and every thoughtfully designed detail of Excellence Oyster Bay.
Åland: (AX-)99999 Note: Nation code: AX even though component of the Finnish postal code technique. An online retail retailer of Eco-friendly items is a viable enterprise choice for men and women who want to spend back to the society and earn for their livelihood.
It started as an data site which gave listings of restaurants around the city and more than time it grew more than time to turn into an finish-to-finish food service provider by starting delivery services from its associated restaurants to its buyers. Sanjay, a chef at Taj and Ranjan, a food technologist began this venture with the aim to offer fresh and wholesome food to their clients.
Sri Lanka: 99999 Incorporates Colombo postal districts, eg: Colombo 1 is "00100". Unlike the typical belief, that such business requires enormous investments, it can be started with a moderate investment but with higher commitment. Excellence Group Luxury Hotels and Resorts has been making higher expectancy within the travel business and hospitality variety.
He worked on the idea of cake decorating company and started working with one particular of his buddy who owns a cake shop. ZIPCodeDownload – ZIPCodeDownload – USA and Canadaian Postal Code data downloads and solutions. It all began …


text:
James Cameron says "Avatar 2" will focus on the ocean, feature other planets
Posted by Terri Schwartz on
James Cameron is finally opening up about "Avatar 2." After the global success of the first film, which ended up grossing over $2.7 billion worldwide, the "Terminator" director has remained notoriously tight-lipped about what he plans for the sequel. It will take place on Pandora, yes, and we will see Jake, Neytiri and likely Grace again, but beyond that he's been mum on the issue.
The flick isn't coming to theaters until December 2014, but Cameron finally opened up about the project in an interview with ABC's "Nightline." He admitted that the film is going to continue with the environmental messages that the first "Avatar" contained, this time with a shift in focus to the ocean ecosystem.
"I'm not going to become more strident. I'm not going to say, 'well, we got away with this much environmental content in the first movie, now there's double.' Because I think that would be a mistake. It has to be entertainment first and foremost," Cameron explained.
Pandora is similar in set-up to Earth in the sense that it is a largely blue planet. Cameron is attempting to bring to light the ways that humanity is making the oceans unsurvivable for many of its natural species, and is hoping to bring awareness to that environmental issue.
But that's not to say that Pandora is the only planet that is going to be in "Avatar 2" and "3," which he admitted he is writing back-to-back. Cameron said that there will be other planets in the film besides Pandora, and that the look at space will be "a cornucopia, a treat for the eyes."
"I think it's just a continuation of the same thing. I want people to feel that same sense of excitement about that world," Cameron said. "You know, the fictional Na'vi people and I want them to feel that excitement of discovery of a new world that they're going to see things that they haven't imagined. All that sort of the perk package of the first movie is still going to be there. And the themes will be there and be played out in a way that I think people can accept."
Are you excited about this concept for "Avatar 2"? Tell us what you think in the comments section below or on Facebook and Twitter.


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Auto Live Updates is an opt-in feature which allows others to see your position in real-time on a map or via email, Facebook or Twitter. To enable, go to Menu>Auto Live Updates
- Broadcast your position when skiing to let your friends know where you are on the mountain.
- If heading out for an extended hike, let a family member or friend watch your progress.
- If on a multi-vehicle road trip, use it to keep track of where the other vehicles are on the road.
Go to Menu>Auto Live Updates
– Touch the "Map" button in the left pane
– Enter a display name
– Choose how often you'd like your position updated (30s, 1min, 5min or 10min)
– Choose what radius you'd like to display your friends within (5mi, 25mi, 100mi or All).
– Choose to display your friends position updates from the last 15min, 1hr, 12hrs or 24hrs.
– Select a channel between 00000-99999
To broadcast your position to a map others can view from MotionX-GPS on their iPhone/iPad or from the web at http://gps.motionx.com/iphone/liveupdates/, select the Map option.
To share to Facebook, email or Twitter, select those options.
Flip the red master switch on and you're ready to go.
There are 100,000 possible channels to choose from, but to further reduce concerns over your privacy, you may elect to use a fictitious display name that only your family and friends will know. If you'd rather not share your position, turn Auto Live Updates off.


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40 km from Biela Farma
Kysuce and Orava, two regions which used to be connected by the forest railway. It was used for transporting precious material – wood. Its total length was up to 110 km but gradually it was made short and by 1969 totally abandoned and forgotten. Thanks to the conservationists, part of the railway was saved and registered and put on the list of the world cultural heritage of UNESCO. Today it is an atrraction for general public.


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Athena For Educators (Faculty Led)
While fashion trends come and go, seasons fade and hairstyles change, one thing that never loses its style or importance is the idea of giving back. Whether your passion is to find shelter for the homeless, befriend the elderly, rescue abandoned animals, or donate locks of your hair, there is always room for more love in the world. We at Athena do our best to put charitable giving at the center of our work and mission through our S.O.S. program. With three unique components, S.O.S uses a dynamic approach to help Athena Study Abroad fulfill our mission of giving back to the community and the world.
The first component of the S.O.S. program rewards those who have already made a commitment to service and volunteer efforts. Offering scholarships ranging from $250 to $8,000, Athena is happy to reward deserving recipients who are able to demonstrate themselves as proven, competent global citizens. Consistently impressed and proud of the hard work being done by our students, we encourage you all to continue the amazing work already being done.
In our home office of Columbus, Ohio, we do our best to give back to the greater Columbus area through staff volunteer days, where we volunteer our time with several different local organizations. We strive to set the example for our students by dedicating time to The Furniture Bank of Central Ohio, Mid-Ohio Foodbank, Gracehaven and many more.
Lastly, Athena has seven partnered charities to which Athena makes monetary donations on behalf of each of our students at the conclusion of every study abroad term. Students are able to read about each organization on our website and choose which charity or non-profit they connect with most, and then select the organization that they'd like to receive their Athena donation!
Athena Study Abroad believes wholeheartedly in the idea of giving back to the world. Whether it be on a local or global level, there is always love to give and work to be done. How will you make a difference this summer?
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text: Unimed Sdn Bhd Our Businesses Over the years we have gained the confidents and trust of Malaysian healthcare providers of public and private sectors with quality products and prompt services. Finish Dosage Formulation Leading marketer and distributor over 30 years of experience specializing in niche finished dosage formulations. We represent élite brand and internationally accredited principal companies. Medical Device Our new and improved Medical Devices Division composed supplies a wide array of medical devices products includes orthosis product, healthcare product, rapid test kits, drug of abuse test strip and nitriles examination gloves. Nutraceuticals Wide range of products of addition which provides medical or health benefits, encompassing prevention and treatment of diseases which covers all type of age group. Our Division KCK Pharmaceutical Industries Sdn. Bhd. Manufacturing facility, complies with regulation of the Malaysian Drug Authority and WHO-GMP standards. We primarily focuss on supplying to the needs of government hospital in Malaysia, as we specialise in oral liquid, oral solid, cream and ointment range of products. Read More SV Pharmachem Sdn. Bhd. We are a dynamic services provider for pharmaceutical raw material sourcing for veterinary drugs & food ingredients to cater to the needs of customers through our accredited (US-FDA, UK-MHRA, TGA and WHO-GMP) manufacturers or principle companies. Read More Trinity Pharmaceutical & Food Pvt. Ltd EXPORTER of Pharmaceutical active ingredients, Veterinary drugs and allied chemicals from India. Our focus is on regulatory compliance and zero tolerance to quality guidelines. Multiple stock points, own fleet services that facilitates international trade competitively. Read More Our Principle Companies Are Accredited and Comply with


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The Kurdistan Region's board of tourism on Friday stated that 145,000 tourists visited the autonomous region during the first two days of the Eid al-Fitr holiday.
The board, in its statement, mentioned that in the coming days, they would provide the complete number of tourists who visited the Kurdistan Region during Eid.
On Thursday evening, an ethnically Arab tourist drowned in Dukan Lake despite repeated warnings by local authorities regarding swimming in the area, a police source told Kurdistan 24.
Most tourists who visit the Kurdistan Region come from the central and southern provinces of Iraq, while others come from Iran and other countries.
The autonomous Kurdish Region has rich historical sites, plenty of tourist destinations, and provides security as well as warm hospitality. Additionally, its geographical location and environment ensure the region stands out from the rest of the country.
Over the past few years, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has looked for ways to diversify its revenue stream with a focus on the tourism sector.
In 2018, the Kurdistan Region recorded a 47 percent increase in the number of tourists compared to the year before, Newroz Mawlood, the KRG's Kurdistan Region's Minister of Municipalities and Tourism, previously told reporters.
"The number of tourists visiting the Kurdistan Region in 2018 reached 3,057,000," Mawlood said.
The number is also expected to increase in 2019 as the Kurdish tourism board aims to boost the sector by taking proper measures to attract visitors and facilitate travel.


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The Jefferson from first-time Homearama builder Sterling Homes won the People's Choice Award for Favorite Home as well as the Kid's Choice Favorite Home category. The 4,500-square-foot home was built in a classic 1920s style.
16 photos
The Jefferson from Sterling Homes won the People's Choice Award for Favorite Home and the… more
The second place home in both overall categories was the John Candle Estate from John Candle Homes, a companion company of Artisan Estate Homes.
To see all of the winners for each category in the home show, including Favorite Kitchen, Favorite Outdoor Living Space and Favorite Master Bathroom, click on the images above.
Three of the seven homes included in Homearama 2016 at the Oaks of West Chester have been sold. It was the 53rd time the event was held, and it returned this year after a hiatus in 2015.
To see a full slideshow of this year's Homearama, click here.
Homearama 2017 will travel to Warren County's Rivercrest community that overlooks the Little Miami River in Hamilton Township.
Originally published at http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/blog/2016/07/this-home-swept-homearama-s-2016-awards-photos.html


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20 Aug Living Walls Take Root in The Modern Shopping Experience
December 2012 – Phase 1
Shopping centers are "Alive" and expanding globally
The Avenues is Kuwait's most prestigious landmark to date and the country's largest shopping and leisure destination. A total of 5200 square feet, the Versa Wall is located in Grande Avenue district, one of the design districts in the shopping center. The first Versa Wall installation served as a design launching point to the incorporation of a further five phase follow up.
February 2018 – Phase 2
Retail centers leverage green walls to add a "wow factor" to the shopping experience
The design of much of the mall features five organic, flowing shapes and lends itself perfectly to the incorporation of living green wall elements. Green walls also improve the health of people since cleaner and more purified air circulates to carefully remove impurities and supply cleaner air to the environment. With high arching ceilings of glass that are pressurized to reduce heat transfer from the temperatures outside, the space allows for some of the most visually spectacular indoor green wall applications.The first Green Wall of this second phase is situated around the "Eye of the Avenues" an 18' high dome of glass fragmented into a set of triangular flat planes to the far end of the impressive Grand Avenue. The second and third green wall locations are in the brand new Grand Arcade, a new district that is of a more enclosed design compared to the open concept of the Grand Avenue.


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National Park - National - Honeymoon Holiday - National Clubs
National Budget - National Service - National Distribution - National Travel
Listen to Coronavirus Patient Zero
10 myths about entering international markets
Here are 10 misconceptions by companies about entering overseas markets. 1 If we make a better mousetrap, they will buy it. The question here is, do you think that factor alone is the necessary and sufficient condition to sell overseas? If it was always about quality, then why doesn't everyone always buy the best product? 2 English is the universal language, so we can simply sell in English. This speaks to several issues: Does everyone in the client organization speak, read and write English? Remember, decisions often are made on a consensus basis, and your marketing materials may travel quite a bit within the clients' firms and sit on many desks. 3 Our labor cost is too high to market our product overseas. This myth can be refuted with one statistic: Fifty-five percent of Japan's trade surplus with the United States comes from industries where their labor cost is higher than ours.
If labor cost was the deciding factor, then how on earth could Germany possibly sell anything abroad? 4 Our price is too high for overseas markets. Are you intending to compete only on price? Many commodities (oil, wheat, cement, corn) are price-sensitive, but the vast majority of international successes aren't. 5 Our skilled marketers can take on overseas markets. If we define marketing as awareness, understanding and belief, we need to ask: Do my marketing people know how to make overseas markets aware of the product? Do they know how to explain the products, attributes and benefits in terms that make sense to the locals? 6 Our in-house foreign nationals can sell to overseas markets. In one example, a U.
-based CEO told me his Chinese wife could negotiate with the Chinese government for market entry. My questions were: Is she a skilled negotiator? Does she understand the sales process? Does she have the motivation and energy to break into this difficult market? 7 Our local partners will handle all of the marketing. This idea of relinquishing market control while enjoying great success is rare. Most of the time, overseas partners will look toward the parent to help stimulate demand, deal with problems as they occur, get to know the distribution channels, offer subject matter expertise and show that the parent company has indeed invested in the market. 8 The customer expressed all of the buying signs, and even said "yes" to our proposal. Many firms overseas conduct their market research by posing as buyers. They conduct competitive intelligence the same way. Your banker will tell you that the sale is complete only when the money has been deposited into the bank. 9 We don't need to invest a lot; our Web site gives us a presence.
Actually, your Web site gives you a brochure, but no real place where businesses and consumers can get support, touch and feel your product, get to know your company and its staff, deal with returns, make product modifications and enable co-marketing agreements. 10 If it worked here (in the United States), it will work there. This speaks to local ethnocentrism. Success at home also can be a hindrance to overseas success. Arrogance and impatience are often byproducts of domestic success. Market conditions, buying conditions, business practices, negotiation tactics and product specifications all differ by market. So, how do you choose a market? With hundreds of variables to deal with, there is finally help. The Market Access Toolkit will help. The Market access toolkit is a collection of articles, spreadsheets, screening mechanisms, white papers, booklets and audio products, complied by experts in international market entry. It contains episodes from our radio show: "how to lose your shirt abroad.
" And with a money back guarantee, what do you have to lose? Use the market access toolkit to analyze and choose the correct market, and the correct way to enter it. www.marketaccesstoolkit.com.
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Poetry of Tony Afejuku and Niger Delta crusade – Part 2
Afejuku uses the poem, "A Leaping Flame" to expose the belief among the Itsekiri that their land was stolen by those who have high connection in government. The poem is dedicated to the memory of Pa J. O. S Ayomike, a frontline Itsekiri activist and historian who fought for the sovereignty of the Itsekiri nation. In the poem, the speaker re-echoes the words of Pa Ayomike: 'Nothing is final, he chants. No one shall see the end/Until the land-owners of Oeeri regain and retain their lands/Stolen along the corridors and in the beds of love'. Like several poems in Afejuku's collections, there is the lingering hope that one day the Itsekiri nation will regain their 'stolen' lands. A tone of resolute defiance runs through Afejuku's poems. It constitutes a point of equi-balance to what might otherwise have been a hopeless view of life.
In another poem, "Muscular Words" (ASOS 104-105) the persona condemns the injustice committed against the Itsekiri nation by some powerful forces in government in which they cede their land to the neighbouring Ijaw people. This situation, according to Afejuku, occurred because those in 'power treacherously entrench injustice' in order to 'hem the homeland' belonging to the Itsekiri. Consequently, this led to the invasion of the Itsekiri land by 'marauding wolves'. For this reason, the Itsekiri leaders 'vow to wipe away/The future' where violence, pain and servitude will become the norm in Itsekiri land which is already 'emerging out of the present' arrangement by the government. To the poet, injustice on the part of those in government contributes significantly to ethnic tension in the Niger Delta.
Apart from articulating the myriad problems confronting the Niger Delta region, Afejuku also makes some recommendations on how these can be resolved. In the poem, "Triumph over Ourselves" (AGOM, 27), the persona addresses the Niger Delta indigenes on the need to give peace a chance. They are encouraged to embrace peace so as to reduce carnage in the region: 'Let us live a life of peace, love and joy. Our race/Grows sick day by day. We must re-live or else/we die/Before our time; not a noble death but death of/misery'. In almost all his poems, Afejuku preaches peace as panacea to ethnic tension, marginalization, oppression and environmental degradation. Using speakers who advocate peace, Afejuku cautions the people against violence and actions which are inimical to the progress of the entire region.
Having seen the negative effects of violence in the region, Afejuku admonishes the people: 'Let us not make our world a place/where scoundrels reign: our hearts need our/vows' (27). The implication of this is that love and peaceful co-existence are critical to the survival of the Niger Delta. The speaker concludes that once love and peace are entrenched, the region will begin to prosper and experience development: 'Of the creeks and of the Delta and our losses will no more be – Let us re-live: our hearts need our vows' (27). To stop the 'losses' of lives and vital resources, the people must ensure that peace is given a chance.
Afejuku also champions love for the natural environment as well as love among Niger Delta ethnic nationalities as panacea to the egregious problems confronting the Niger Delta people. In "Father's Kingdom (III)" (AOOW, 52), Afejuku emphasises the power of love in a region enmeshed in acrimoniously internecine hostility. The persona suggests that 'Our earth', if shown love, ultimately 'shall know no dirtying, plundering and slaying again'. In a way, there is a hint at the essence of environmental preservation and protection. By paying closer attention to words like 'dirtying', 'plundering' and 'slaying', we get to understand the import of these words as they underscore their thematic relevance to environmental conservation and safety.
For example, the word 'dirtying' suggests environmental pollution particularly that caused by oil spillage. It is through oil spills that the rivers become dirty. As for 'plundering', the poet suggests the exploitation or the carting of crude oil away from the region and leaving it worse than they met it. The word 'plunder' connotes the insensitivity and mindless penchant for looting of the environment and its natural resources such as the forest trees, oil palm, rubber and other valuable products. Finally, the word 'slaying' evokes the sense of mindless murder and killings associated with both ethnic violence and the unsavoury militancy in the region. In effect, attention is drawn, through these words, to the much bloodshed that has characterised the Niger Delta for many years and this provides sufficient justification for the message of love. Consequently, the persona tells the people: 'The eyes of our earth/Shall kiss love/That balms and cures'. Love, in Afejuku's poetic imagination, functions as a healing balm that has the capacity to cure the several socio-political maladies wreaking havoc on Niger Delta.
Relying on the image of ornament, the poet conveys love as priceless jewellery which has the potentiality of enlivening the region. This is advocated in "Father's Kingdom (IV)" (53). According to the persona, there are three sets of jewellery that are invaluable if the beauty of the region is to be appreciated and these are:
… the ornaments of love
… the beads of faith
… the pendants of peace (AOOW, 53)
These priceless ornaments "Hang on the trees, the tree/Of fragrance/The mango tree/Of rainbow remedies'. The three sets of precious stones are 'love, faith and peace' and they are conceived as the remedies to the problems of the Niger Delta. This explains the persona's conclusion of the section thus:
And the fruits
Love, faith and peace (53)
The literary merit of Afejuku's poems resides in their quality of suggestiveness, and the real significance of all this is simply that Afejuku has an unusually keen eye – or rather, an astonishing ability to express diverse ideas through succinct language.
In another poem, "Elegy of the Butchered" (AOOW, 6-10), Afejuku articulates attitudinal change on the part of government and the Niger Delta people. The persona affirms the need to be positive-minded in an era of hopeless ruin: 'I sing a tale/of beauty and roses/or our land/a tale/of roses and beauty/or our land' (AOOW, 8). The speaker's decision to talk about 'roses and beauty', which symbolise the ideal world of peace and love among the people, is that he wants the Niger Delta people to give attention to those things that unite them rather than those which divide and destroy them. Accordingly, the speaker declares: 'Wombs of pain/masks of hope/Dances of daedal rhythms…/Shrink, recede, undescend' (AOOW, 9). This declaration is strengthened by the speaker's firm belief in hope.
The expression 'wombs of pain' refers to those whose actions are hurting the people through acts of violence. To these people, the speaker orders them to 'shrink', which presupposes a total halt to their nefarious activities. Also, the expression 'Masks of hope' draws attention to those who have lost hope and have abandoned the cause of the Niger Delta, the persona positively urges and encourages such people to be hopeful of the future. As for those whose actions are causing death, they are advised to stop the 'Dances of daedal rhythms'. Therefore, the speaker envisions a Niger Delta where 'wombs of pain' will 'vanish' just as 'masks of hope' and 'Dances of death' will cease to exist. Admittedly, the poet strives for the perfect union of language and subject matter, and is acutely aware of the contribution that each makes to the other. If he succeeds as an artist, it is because of the depth of connection that the writer is able to have with the reader, so that there is added force and vividness to the entire poetic enterprise.
Afejuku also predicts the emergence of a visionary leader as one of the ways to resolving the Niger Delta crisis. This point is made in the poem, "Passion Orchard" (1) (AOOW 12-20). According to the speaker, such a leader will usher in the process of development and progress: 'For the tainted/Legacy (orchard)/I'll join him who will/come again, whose/Advent we will celebrate/A-new with mango beer,/To cleanse and re-weed/Our orchard' (AOOW, 13). This leader will have on his agenda the cleansing as well as the re-weeding of the 'orchard'. The act of cleansing suggests the remediation and revamping of the Niger Delta soil and water bodies which years of oil spills have destroyed. There is urgent need for restoring the environment. As for re-weeding, this suggests re-building the lives and infrastructure destroyed in the region.
Finally, the poet also articulates the need for patriotism in order to protect the Niger Delta resources from those who threaten them: 'for fatherland and motherland/taxing us to undo land-thieves/Stealing, raping, killing, spoiling, burning/Our fronds, our creeks, our mangroves and all/Here we are guarding richly/Many nights now of rains of bullets!' (AOOW, 101). The persona calls on all Niger Deltan indigenes to be patriotic so as to be spurred into standing up in defence of their vast and valuable resources and against those 'stealing, raping, killing, spoiling, burning' the rich 'fronds', 'creeks' and the 'mangroves'.
It is apt to end this essay with an excerpt from one of Afejuku's unpublished poems, "Medals of Honour" (in a forthcoming collection), because of its direct relevance to the subject of this discourse, and that is that love in the Niger Delta is the way to sustaining peace and achieving development. The speaker in this poem is passionate about the tale of the Niger Delta as it represents the poet's message of hope encapsulated in justice, love and peace to bring sustainable development to the Niger Delta in particular and Nigeria in general: "Now the enthusiastic tale of our time/We tell with hearts of honour". Thus, the message is addressed to the Niger Delta youths (even the 'un-born') to embrace and show love:
Even to our yet un-born mangrove dwellers
From Warri rivers and beyond Warri rivers
We love with the love of love of lovers
Sharing love without boundaries and borders.
It is on the strength of love that peace can become meaningful.
It seems agreeable enough: all Niger Delta indigenes need safe environment, justice, love and peace to develop. Still, the exploitation of the flora and fauna resources, environmental degradation, ethnic tension and armed struggle remain problematic. As Afejuku's poems show, the Niger Delta region has been plundered and impoverished by hegemonic forces. Although the government has failed to resolve Niger Delta issues, the poet cautions against violence as a way of tackling the challenges of the region. The poet shows readers that peaceful co-existence, justice, love, patriotism and selfless leadership are viable options in solving Niger Delta problems.
They are the open sesame to enduring peace and development that will eternally benefit the people of the Niger Delta (and our country). Afejuku's marvellous poems treated here, in different overlapping guises, adumbrate this perspective and solution. Government at all levels should hearken to the voice of this eminent, patriotic Niger Delta poet of peaceful progress and innovative development. CONCLUDED
• Odia Clement Eloghosa is a Lecturer in the Department of English and Literature, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria. He teaches Poetry and his research interest is in Poetry, Oral Literature and Literary Criticism
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Cheap Plastic Oval Tub
Plastic Oval Tub with Handle 12.375″x9.375″x6.5″
These Plastic Oval Tubs are 12.375″ in length, 9.375″ in width and 6.5″ in Height.
These attractive colorful oval tubs are perfect storage solution for your daily usage household and office items.
Plastic Oval Tubs come with comfortable built in carrying handle.
There are 48 Oval Tubs in a Case.
This item is in our GENERAL MERCHANDISE warehouse in Chicago, IL.
We require a minimum order of $1000.00 to in this category.
Free shipping is available on orders of $2500.00 in this category (in the 48 contiguous United States).
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Free Delivery
A large Chinese bookcase in black with gold leaf edging. The beautiful gloss finish is complimented by gilt edging and antiqued metal work. A practical statement piece delivering stylish storage for any room, as a display case or large bookshelf.
Exceptional build quality throughout, crafted from poplar wood and plywood.
- The overall dimensions of the bookcase are H170 x W80 x D30 cm
- The bookcase has three fixed shelves, with each shelf height at 35cm
- A fixing kit is provided so this bookcase can be attached to the wall for safety
- This is a solidly constructed piece of furniture and no assembly is required
- Heavy duty packaging
Please note that colours may represent slightly differently on screens. Additionally, as many pieces of furniture are made from solid wood, they are all unique and colours between one piece and another may vary slightly.
For your peace of mind, the item in this collection is protected by our Sapphire 5 year manufacturer's warranty.
Please make sure the item fits through your door.


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The other day I came across an article in the New York Metro newspaper with a picture of plus size model Crystal Renn from the V magazine size issue, and it was titled, "But…Will it last!" The article explored the rise of the plus size model in 2009. It gave a vague timeline of the ups and downs of plus-size models from 2005- 2009, recapping some of the most historical plus size model moments, such as knit wear designer Mark Fast choosing three plus size models to walk in his spring show to Karl Lagerfeld's crazy rant about plus size women being "Fat mummies."
The writer Kenya Hunt (Metro World News In London) interviewed industry insider Gary Dakin (Crystal Renn's agent)
Excerpt from the article:
Since September, Gary Dakin, head of Ford Models Ford + Division, has also received more requests than usual for his models. Gary says: "We have seen spikes in interest. But this year has by far been the biggest one," he says.
According to the article: Dakin thinks that the term plus size is a huge part of the problem that prevented women like Renn and Atwell from booking jobs. He goes on to say, "We have got to get rid of this label. Women who are size 16 don't necessarily view themselves in the same category as women who are a size 28. If we eliminate the label, problem solved."
2) We need to eliminate the plus size label.
My question to you:
Do you think the plus size phenom is here to stay?


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Wrexham FC Defender Knight-Percival To Sign For Peterborough
Wrexham FC centre back Nat Knight-Percival will sign for Peterborough in the summer it has been revealed today.
Peterborough's interest in the player had been rumoured in the January transfer window when they are believed to have had a bid in the region of £100,000 turned down.
However, the club's director of football Barry Fry has today confirmed that Knight-Percival will sign for them on a free transfer in the summer when his contract at Wrexham runs up.
The 25 year old has impressed for the reds since making the transition from midfield to defence at the start of this season under Dean Saunders.
He has continued to develop under the stewardship of player-manager Andy Morrell and is understood to have impressed Peterborough manager and former Wrexham FC midfielder Darren Ferguson during Wrexham's FA Cup run this season.
Ferguson was present for the reds' FA Cup replay thriller against Brighton at the Racecourse which went all the way to penalties.
Knight-Percival has been a mainstay for Wrexham this season making 44 appearances in a squad which has kept more than 20 clean sheets. He has also chipped in with five goals.
Update 6pm
Wrexham FC's board of directors have released a statement expressing of their disappointment at comments made by Barry Fry regarding Knight-Percival.
"We have a strict policy that we do not speak publically about players who are under contract with another team. Sadly, we cannot control how other clubs conduct themselves in such situations," explained Dragons' CEO David Roberts.
Knight-Percival is in the final year of his contract and the former Histon centre-half is therefore fully entitled to speak with other clubs, despite the offer of a new deal from Wrexham.
"Nat has been an integral part of our success this term and it is only natural that clubs from higher divisions have been monitoring his progress," added Roberts.
"Indeed, we turned down a six-figure offer for him back in January because of our desire to win promotion back to The Football League.
"We fully understand why he has kept his options open and, if he does decide to move on, then it will be with everybody's best wishes.
"We know Nat is fully committed to seeing Wrexham achieve promotion this term and that he is determined to play a full part in ensuring that happens."
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Must Love Pekes is a blog for those who love Pekingese, their looks, their antics, their personalities. It is written by me, Linda, and I have been rescuing Pekingese for over 15 years. Lots of them have gone through our home. We have loved them all.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
5 comments:
- lady jicky said...
Miss Moi is so impressed with Mr Bijou that she wonders if he is free sometime for a hot date! Woof!
- May 7, 2011 at 7:31 AM
- Tracey said...
How very sweet. I am very impressed with Bijou!
- May 7, 2011 at 10:13 AM
- Karin said...
Bijou sure looks regal and I agree he does look like royalty. He has a very important job and knows it.
What a beautiful peke Bijou is!
- May 7, 2011 at 12:41 PM
- emilyp said...
He is gorgeous! So white and regal! I love seeing service dogs. It is amazing how much dogs can do for us, truly amazing.
- May 7, 2011 at 4:51 PM
- Nicky said...
Bijou was on duty at the picnic? He is a dedicated service member. I love his vest. Mr. Bijou, we commend you!!
- May 8, 2011 at 3:27 PM