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In a new study in Science, researchers from Karolinska Institutet, Umeå University, Åbo Akademi University, and the University of Turku show for the first time that working-memory training is associated with an increased release of the neurotransmitter dopamine in specific brain regions.
"Working-memory training resulted in increased dopamine release in the caudate, a region located below the neocortex, in which the dopaminergic influx is particularly large", says Lars Bäckman, Professor at Karolinska Institutet, and one of the scientists behind the study. "This observation demonstrates the importance of dopamine for improving working-memory performance."
In the study, 10 young Finnish men were trained in updating working memory for five weeks by means of a letter-memory task. The participants were presented with 7 to 15 letters during 45 minutes three times per week on a screen that was turned off after presentation. The task was to remember the last four letters in the sequence in correct order. (The training programme can be found on-line, see link further down)
Compared to a control group that did not receive any training, the trained group showed a gradual improvement of working-memory performance. Results from a PET scan demonstrated an increased release of dopamine in the caudate after training. In addition, dopamine release was seen during the letter-memory task also before training; this release increased markedly after training.
Further, improvements after training were demonstrated in an untrained task that also requires updating.
"These findings suggest that the training improved working memory generally", says Professor Lars Nyberg at Umeå University.
The study emanates from a collaborative project among the Swedish medical university Karolinska Institutet, Umeå Center for Functional Brain Imaging (UFBI) at Umeå University, Sweden, Åbo Akademi University, and University of Turku, both in Finland, within a 'Nordic Center of Excellence in Cognitive Control'.
Effects of working-memory training on striatal dopamine release
Professor of the Psychology of Aging Lars Bäckman
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Professor of Neuroscience Lars Nyberg
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Seven Inches of Minnesota Music: Sukpatch, "Ides"
Believe it or not, kids, there once was a time before random shuffle and mash-up remixes where music tended to stay in its distinct categories and within specific genre contours. Typically people liked one kind of music or another, and that was about it.
The Beastie Boys and Beck's fast folk of the early '90s eventually gave the idea of sample-based cross pollinating some steam, but it was 4-track bedroom lo-fi "Casiocore" artists like Land of the Loops and Minneapolis's Sukpatch who really put it all in a blender and ultimately created something totally new and unique.[jump]
As Twin Cities transplants in 1995, Sukpatch -- then the trio of Stephen Hermann, Steve Cruze and Chris Heidman -- all came to town and caught everyone off guard, releasing a handful of 7-inches on a variety of labels including Seattle's Slabco, London's Moshi Moshi and Japan's Motorway Records while ultimately landing a deal with the Beastie's Grand Royal.
Still calling Minneapolis home, where he cuts commercials and runs a small record label as Squirrel on the Moon production house, Heidman breaks down the band's genesis. "We started off in Colorado," he says. "They were really into the Dead and I was from Iowa and was so insecure I sort of just played along. The first question they asked me was 'So how many hours do you have?,' referring to their bootleg collections."
"We started as a guitar band but we always used beats because none of us could play drums for shit. Getting beats going and playing guitars to that became our thing and then at one point we sold all our guitars and got pocket MS-1 samplers and turntables."
Like every college kid in those days, they'd get turned onto De La Soul and A Tribe Called Quest and discovered their love for hip hop. "It was the beginning days of quirky tracks like Timbaland was producing for SWV, the beats he was using were unbelievable and stuff like 'The Return of the Mack' by Mark Morrison and all these terrible R&B songs that had these outrageous beat productions," Heidman explains, unpacking the influences that would define Sukpatch.
With a growing following on college radio and lo-fi tape collectors very much into Sukpatch's original sound of multi-layered samples and hushed vocals, the band started getting offers from all over the place.
Leading up to the release of "Ides" on Japanese Motorway Records, Heidman talks about how Sukpatch started blazing a trail for themselves.
"We were putting out tapes on Slabco and they were getting around and Japanese kids were just eating it up," he says. "This guy from Japan sent me a letter from out of nowhere and said he wanted to put it out and we were like 'My god this is the biggest deal ever!' We sent him the songs and a year later we had this single."
At their new home in Minneapolis, Sukpatch set up camp as graduate students in Art at the University of Minnesota. "Our first day at the U, Stephen Hermann went into this broom closet next to where Guy Baldwin would teach his clay class and there was this plastic sheeting over this Tascam analog half-inch 8-track just sitting there that had never been used," Heidman says. "They were like go ahead and take it home so we recorded everything for like three years on that and once we graduated we brought it back. Then we switched to A-Dat tapes because that became the thing."
"Hermann made the cover. He always had these 1950's craft magazines laying around and we used the rub on gothic font letters but it actually turned a lot of people off because they thought we were a metal band." Heidman laughs. "'Broken Facility' might have a Rusted Root or some hippy band sample on it. Stephen would go home for the summer and he'd go to like 10 Grateful Dead shows and sampling all this stuff and not tell us."
Eventually Hermann would leave the group and they'd continued on as a duo. Preferring Cruze's voice to his own, Heidman wanted to focus more on production and making beats. "Steve Cruze and I would sample the most obscure stuff we could find. On 'Ides' it's a bunch of cut ups from weird Southern dirtbag rock albums."
Signing with Grand Royal, Sukpatch would release one EP with the esteemed label in 1999, Tie Down that Shiny Wave. When the time came to put out a full length that was going to bring the band to the next level, the label unfortunately went kaput. Finally, the band would have one more record out on their own in 2006 before going their separate ways.
Chris Heidman still does music with Ultrachorus and works with bands like Total Babe and Howler on his Squirrel on the Moon label. "Steve Hermann now is in New York doing studio production for commercials. Steve Cruze is in Ohio, he's married. He's got high def TV and works on music of his own. We actually plan on doing another batch of songs together as Sukpatch some time very soon."
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subset: commoncrawl


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Iraqi forces enter center of Fallujah, retake govt compound from IS – state TV
"The counter-terrorism service and the rapid response forces have retaken the government compound in the center of Fallujah," AFP cited Lieutenant General Abdulwahab al-Saadi, the operation's overall commander, as saying.
"The liberation of the government compound, which is the main landmark in the city, symbolizes the restoration of the state's authority," said Iraq's federal police chief, Raed Shaker Jawdat.
The offensive to push the IS terrorists out of the city was launched four weeks ago.
Iraqi troops entered downtown Fallujah at about 6 a.m. local time (0300 GMT) following an intense firefight with Islamic State militants and air support provided by both the US-led anti-ISIS coalition and the Iraqi Air Force, Special Forces Commander Haidar al-Obeidi told The Associated Press.
Iraqi forces are now fighting for the central hospital which is located nearby.
A significant part of the city remains under the control of Islamic extremists.
Fallujah refugees say forced to join #ISIS in exchange for food https://t.co/UIqhbiFuFdpic.twitter.com/gqkghk9CCI— RT (@RT_com) June 7, 2016
The government complex in Fallujah includes a number of buildings, among them municipality offices, a police station and other buildings, mostly torched by the terrorists.
The location has been rigged with explosive devises and Iraqi engineers are now clearing the area of explosive devices.
The government troops are pursuing retreating extremists in the buildings immediately adjacent to the city's downtown, and are currently besieging IS fighters in the nearby central hospital, al-Obeidi said.
The police force is advancing along Baghdad Street, Fallujah's principal east-west road running through the city.
The terrorists have been using Fallujah as the major location to produce handmade explosive devices and car bombs.
Once Fallujah is fully free of Islamic State fighters, the Iraqi government aims to concentrate on launching an offensive against terrorist-controlled Mosul, the country's second-largest city.


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We are looking for individuals who can exercise sound judgement on property conditions, who are technology savvy and can work efficiently.
You will likely have a strong maintenance or handypersons background or worked in previous building or carpentry roles in the past and looking for a little but of a change.
This role will require you to utilize your many attributes, including:
- exceptional people skills, as you will interact with tenants from all walks of life
- your ability to exercise sound grading judgement quickly and efficiently
- time management skills, as you will need to ensure you are calling on each property within the pre-designated timeslot and completing each inspection within the allocated timeframe
To be successful in this role, you will have;
- experience with ipad and data collection software
- proven experience in a role where you have successfully managed your own time and workload
- the ability to deal with people from all walks of life
- exclusive access to a warranted, registered, insured and reliable vehicle that you will be able to utilize for work purposes
- full access to a working mobile phone
This role will suit someone who enjoys a little handyman or maintenance work and is looking for a flexible working week. You will be self-sufficient with the initiative to troubleshoot on the spot and enjoy talking with people from all walks of life.
You will be rewarded with a very competitive pay rate and mileage reimbursement. Flights and airfares will also be fully paid for your full training and induction (up to 3 days). All Inspectors will also be given the opportunity for permanent employment with our client.
We are screening applicants immediately, call Hana Solomon on 021833017 for a confidential discussion!


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External speaker issues with volume increase
Here is a weird one for you. The external speaker on my iPhone 5 began to exhibit a static like crackle when any sound came through it that quickly turned into it not working at all. Read a bunch on this issue online and tried all the recommended fixes to no avail. After much research, I determined that replacing the headphone jack was probably the solution. I have ton's of experience working on small scale electronics, soldering, etc. so after purchasing a new headphone/lightning jack hardware from ifix it and installing it via the helpful guide, success! Speaker worked and I was so happy. But upon moving the volume level up past the 3/4 level, speaker crackles and stops working and won't work again even after system reset and lowering the volume. Take it apart again, make sure all the connections are seated properly, put it back together and speakers work but cut out again if I move past 3/4 level. Any ideas on what could be causing this? Repeated this procedure a total of 3 times with exact same result. I'm careful to use a grounding wrist strap when working on things and am truly baffled.
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text: According to the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), while Medium Sized Businesses (MSBs), classed as those with a turnover of between £10 and £100 million, account for less than two per cent of UK firms, they contribute 23 per cent of revenue and 16 per cent of jobs. What's more, Deloitte also reports the contribution of the 50 fastest-growing MSBs is increasing rapidly, boosting headcounts by 54 per cent in the past four years and expanding 73 times faster than the average UK company. Despite this impressive performance, experts suggest MSBs could have an even more prominent role to play within the UK economy if given the correct conditions for success in overseas markets. "Mid-sized businesses have the potential to be economic powerhouses for the UK economy, creating jobs and growth for all regions of the UK," confirms UK trade and investment minister Lord Livingston. However, business secretary Vince Cable has pointed to a historic lack of options for medium-sized firms looking to raise finance. Commenting at the government's Business is Great launch back in November, Cable reflected: "We know there is a genuine problem with finance for small companies, but the real difficulty is with the British 'Mittelstand'. In Germany they have ready access to all types of sources of funding but in the UK they don't. It's very difficult because they're not big enough for the stock market and they've run out of family and friends; people who will fund a start-up." Livingston also concedes that export strategies must place a greater emphasis on supporting this thriving group of firms, which the CBI has labelled the, 'forgotten army'. " What we've not done so well is medium-sized companies with revenues of between £20m and £200m," states Livingston, continuing, "Their success is dependent on expanding beyond domestic markets so we will be making personal contact with all mid-sized businesses to find out what we can do to help them go up a gear and compete with the best the rest of the world has to offer." Andrew Graham, behind successful Blackburn-based wallpaper manufacturer Graham and Brown, agrees with this strategy, telling the Lancashire Telegraph, "If we want to avoid becoming a bit-part player we need to back the winners who have the best chance of creating more jobs and growth. We have to look at which businesses have the most potential to grow." In fact, the CBI estimates that MSBs could deliver an additional £20 to £50 billion to the UK economy through capitalising on international trade, though currently only 17 per cent of these firms export, compared to 25 per cent in Germany. Attempting to change this situation, Livingston has promised to personally write to 8,900 UK MSBs offering tailored trade advice from UKTI, and a government scheme has been set up to pair postgraduate language students with businesses to help them overcome language and cultural trade barriers. With this renewed support drive in place, Aldermore hopes to see Britain's MSBs achieving their growth goals and the UK enhancing its competitive standing on the international stage. The content published on this website is intended to provide information only. The reader should seek advice from experts on the subject matter and independently verify the accuracy and relevance of any information provided here before relying upon it or using it for any reason. You can view our terms and conditions here.


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Building a Private Cloud: Are We There Yet?
by Tom Bittman | February 17, 2009 | 4 Comments
My last blog entry caused quite a ruckus. While the term "private cloud" has been in use for at least a year, there are still semantic, moral and religious issues with the term. I respect the issues, but I have also found the anti-private-cloud zealots to be a minority. In the past week alone, I met with fifteen different companies (vendors and users), and most of the conversations revolved around the private cloud concept. All of the vendors are embracing the term (no surprise). More importantly, the users were also embracing the term, the concept, and the strategy.
So how do you know you've arrived? What is different from a private cloud versus a well-run IT organization?
I can think of four fundamental attributes:
- Services-oriented. The IT organization sells services, and the IT customer only deals with IT through service offerings (self-service).
- Variable Pricing. Based on usage. The IT organization maximizes technology sharing and automation for efficiency.
- Elasticity. Customers deploy/grow/shrink/retire services quickly. IT is architected to ensure fluid scaling on demand.
- Independence. The IT organization could move a service to the public cloud by flipping a switch. Likewise, the IT organization could choose to open their services to external customers easily. I even talked to a company today interested in take their services "public" sometime in the future.
There are probably many more, but I think this captures the essence. What am I missing?
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Category: cloud future-of-infrastructure
Tags: cloud-computing elasticity future-of-infrastructure private-cloud
Thoughts on Building a Private Cloud: Are We There Yet?
The actual problem lies in your (and other private cloud evangelists') definition of service. It is done for convenience to suit the agenda of enterprise users. I don't believe in the idea of private clouds because in my view, the cloud computing should include the utility nature of computing like electricity distribution. Your definition of service doesn't include the cost advantage offered by the actual cloud computing definition of service. In the actual sense, the idea of private clouds doesn't make any sense. But I am not religious about the usage of the term. If "private clouds" is the path which enterprises will take to embrace "public clouds" eventually, so be it. Let us use the term to keep enterprise community subscribed to the concept of Cloud Computing. With further technological evolution and building up of trust in terms of security and common sense regulations, the enterprises are bound to adapt "public clouds". Those who resist will eventually lose out. Till that day comes, let the usage of the term "private clouds" be in vogue. Let us not fight over these trivial semantics. Instead, let us debate on issues that could move this field further. My 2 cents.
Does the federal government still generate their own power? They did at some point but the grid took over virtually overnight and an entire industry around selling, servicing and fueling generators vanished.
The same will happen with cloud computing (probably quicker than your average person might think) and then we'll get back to calling it "computing" again, only it will look vastly different just as it did with the advent of "personal computing".
In answer to your question, we don't have variable pricing in The Cloud (we arguably should and probably will eventually) and it's pretty optional. CapEx moves to OpEx (and is greatly reduced in the process) so the same should be true here, at least for the "end users". Not having to deploy infrastructure, human resources, etc. and having a very low barrier to entry (e.g. web based provisioning console) is important here.
Delivery via web and/or web services is important in terms of device and location independence (really tcp/443 should be the only open port but much of what people are branding "private cloud" is just an evolution of virtualisation).
Performance, reliability and scalability could probably fall under the "elasticity" moniker. Performance should be monitored and consistent. Reliability should be high[er] via redundant systems and sites. Scalability should be seamless and seemingly infinite (e.g. on-demand requests should be satisfied in almost real-time).
There's probably others but in any case "private cloud" PoCs/pilots tend to have one or more public components (even if just something like messaging & web security and/or email) so the term "hybrid cloud" is usually more suitable – it's what I tend to use to (usually successfully) sidestep the whole debate. Rather than tell clients "private cloud is just like public cloud, only better!" I'm fairly candid about the pros and cons of each.
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Tags: Cerulean, downtown, first friday, hood river, Sparkling Creations
Tag Archives: Cerulean
Oh, yeah, baby, Cerulean brings more wine tasting downtown29 May
This is fun. We've got four wine tasting rooms downtown, serving five wines. And by First Friday (June 4), we should have a fifth wine tasting room, right across the courtyard from Doppio.
Pat Graham and Jeff Miller, partners behind the new Cerulean Wines label, have leased about 600 square feet from Brad Perron, owner of the Wells Fargo Bank building at 3rd and Oak — also home to Columbia Gorge Title and Zella Shoes.
They were hoping to get open by this (Memorial Day) weekend, but you know how that goes. They're hauling home refrigeration and working to build a bar and dial in the decor details.
Sip on in for a taste on your First Friday travels.
Wrap your lips around Cerulean, too5 Mar
The Biz Buzzer loves wine. More to the point, the Biz Buzzer loves local wine.
Ten years ago, we couldn't say that. Along the way, first for The Oregonian, later for the Gorge Guide, and through the process of building a wine list at the late, great Viento restaurant in Bingen, and after that, in concert with my lovely frau for Nora's Table, the Buzzer has been amazed to watch the growth not only in the number of local labels, but in the quality of what they produce.
Welcome a new one, Cerulean. My neighbor, Pat Graham, is a principal in this new entry, a partner in the vineyard on Underwood mountain that produces some of the grape. Brian McCormick, who does great work for his family's Memaloose label, contributes his talents to the juice.
Pat sampled us a Tempranillo the other day. Yum. Look for it, buy it, drink it. In his words, here's what's coming down:
"We have the 25 acres of grapes … and any surplus of grapes has gone into our wine making. We made wine at Carlton Wine Studio in 2007. But just recently bottled a 2008 harvest Tempranillo. We have about 80 cases of that left. … We have another 800 cases including Gewertz, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay that we have to bottle and label at the end of April."
The only question unanswered by this proliferation of fermented grape juice is, who's going to drink it all? The Buzzer is doing his part fo address that situation. Now, if you'd just do yours.


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ANC payments worth €200 million to commence next week
The Department of Agriculture has confirmed that payment under the ANC (Areas of Natural Constraint) Scheme to 95,000 farmers will commence early next week, according to IFA (Irish Farmers' Association) Deputy President Richard Kennedy.
Speaking on the matter, Kennedy said: "This payment is worth more than €200 million to farmers. It is vital at this time, particularly given the very difficult weather conditions over the past month."
Kennedy noted that paying out next week for the ANC is in line with the Charter of Farmers' Rights and the IFA expects the maximum to be paid out at this stage.
Kennedy added that payments under GLAS (Green Low-Carbon, Agri-Environment Scheme) and other schemes should also come along in November/December.
Direct payments worth €1.7 billion are due to farmers between now and the end of the year.
The IFA has said it will be demanding that all schemes are paid on time, and there is no repeat of the GLAS problems of earlier this year.
In other IFA news, Joe Healy is set to stay on as the President of the Irish Farmers' Association (IFA), having returned unopposed in the IFA elections.
Being the only nominee when the nominations closed for the position of president, Healy will begin his second term in January 2018.
Healy's reappointment comes as the IFA's National Returning Officer, Jer Bergin, announced that nominations have closed for the positions of president, deputy president and regional chairmen – for which elections take place every two years.
The IFA's Deputy President, Richard Kennedy, was also returned unopposed following the announcement.
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KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Homer Patchin, a 107-year-old World War II veteran, was laid to rest on Wednesday morning in Kansas City. His only daughter, Donna Schrieber, said her father led a full life.
"He was friendly; he would talk to anyone," she said.
Patchin served in the Navy during WWII, but almost didn't make the cut. Born in 1905, Patchin at 37 was too old too enlist. However, his sister made some changes to his birth date in the family Bible, so Patchin thought he was two years younger.
"She wanted to be the younger, so she put her age younger, so that's what made daddy two years younger," Schrieber said.
Patchin was a gunner on a warship. One time at sea a kamikaze pilot rammed his plane into the side of Patchin's ship.
"He had so many stories to tell, and it was wonderful for him to be in the Navy," Schrieber said.
Patchin's wife passed away 20 years ago, but family members say he flirted with all the women at the nursing home and was in good health until the past year. Patchin was also known for having a deep love for his family.
Family members believe at the time of Patchin's death, he was the oldest American World War II veteran.
He leaves behind a legacy, including one daughter, three grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.


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Clayton Overcomes Addiction, Homelessness to Earn UM Degree
Dedication and hard work helps grandfather turn his life around while helping others
OXFORD, Miss. – In 2008, Ricky Clayton was in his early 50s, lost in the throes of a life-threatening painkiller addiction and homeless in Memphis.
Substance abuse had been with him like a shadow for more than 30 years. In 2005, his brother died alone from a heroin overdose in a Burger King bathroom. Clayton, who was himself hopelessly addicted to dilaudid, a powerful opioid prescription painkiller, also took methadone or heroin, both readily available opioids that helped him avoid the painful symptoms of drug withdrawal when he didn't have dilaudid. Continue reading this story here…


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The megaregions of Europe, from The Rise of the Mega Region (PDF), a paper by Richard Florida, Tim Gulden, and Charlotta Mellander.
Accoring to the authors:
Europe's largest mega-region is the enormous economic composite spanning Amsterdam-Rotterdam, Ruhr-Cologne, Brussels-Antwerp, and Lille. Housing 59.2 million people and producing nearly $1.5 trillion in economic output, this megaregion's production exceeds Canada's and as well as China's or Italy's. Next in size is the British mega-region stretching from London through Leeds, Manchester, Liverpool and into Birmingham. This mega-region is home to 50 million people and responsible for $1.2 trillion in economic output. The Italian mega-region stretching from Milan through Rome to Turin is a leading center for fashion and industrial design. 48 million people produce some $1 trillion in output, making it the 3rd largest economic conglomerate in Europe and the 7th largest in the world. In Germany, the mega-region encompassing Stuttgart, Frankfurt, and Mannheim is home to 23 million people. To the west is Greater Paris, a mega-region of 14.7 million people accountable for $380 billion in LRP. The bi-national Euro-Sunbelt mega-region (rank 11), which stretches from Barcelona into Marseille and then Lyon, claims some 25 million people who produce $610 billion in LRP. Vienna-pest ($180 billion in LRP), Prague ($150 billion LRP), Lisbon ($110 LRP), Scotland's Glas-burgh ($110 LRP), Madrid ($100 billion LRP) and Berlin ($100 billion LRP) round out the list of Europe's mega-regions.
They make the interesting observation that though the European megaregions are comparable in size to those in North America, they are anchored by urban cores that actually tend to be smaller (with the exceptions of Paris and London). So the megaregional designation seems especially pertinent to the conurbations of Europe.
Can I just say, though, that compared to "Cascadia" and the "Texas Triangle," some of these megaregions' names are a bit lacking? I mean, "Am-Brus-Twerp" sounds like some exotic sort of polyp. How's about we change that to "Teutonia," or "The Land of the Very Tall Industrialists" or something? The strikingly uninspired "Lon-Leed-Chester" could be changed to "Teatown." "Rome-Milan-Turin" would sound much better if it were called "Berlusconi's Funland" (or alternately, "Italy"). And while we're at it, why don't we just go ahead and change Berlin's name to "Jelly Doughnut."


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That of course was enough, but not for my black cloud. Nope, my personal black cloud dumps on me even after it has covered me from head to foot. You see, now the side door needs replacement. A year or a couple of years back, the door jamb cracked, right at the bottom hinge. Good old Stanley Doors, they used the softest wood I have ever seen for a door frame. Well once it cracked, the crack found its way right through the screw holes of the hinge. The screws wobbled and flexed, and ate those screw holes bigger and bigger until now they will not hold at all. I had some contractors who were here for other work, over the past 2 years, look at it. They told me the same thing, it would cost as much or more than getting a whole new door installed to fix it. So now I am off to Lowes to look for a steel door, with steel frame - no more wood, unless they have some with hardwood frames. My best guesstimate is at least another $500 to replace the door.
There I was a few weeks back thinking I would be buying us a new barbecue grill, a nice one, a stainless steel one, for this season - since the old one is literally rusting through and falling apart. I guess that just isn't gonna happen any time soon. As a matter of fact, it looks as if my annual road trip with Brendan may be off this year, or certainly curtailed what with all these unexpected expenses and the cost of gasoline. He is graduating high school, his prom is tomorrow, and I thought for sure we would have a special road trip this year. Maybe we can get away with a camping trip within a hundred miles or so of home. That shouldn't be too expensive, I mean what is a couple of hundred bucks added onto about $3,700 of unexpected expenses in a month. Yikes I hope nothing else goes wrong with this gosh darned money pit or we may not be able to eat except for every other day!
If anything else goes wrong I seriously may have to consider selling some of the boomers; and heck I don't have that many to sell in the first place. I would sure miss em if I have to resort to that. Then again, if gold peaks near a grand per ounce, I do have a 14K white gold college ring I can sell, and one other small gold nugget ring I would be happy to get rid of. Maybe I could get a few hundred for both of them. Other than that, there isn't a thing in my house worth all that much. Heck, I just thought, I may have to stay on my job more than another year if things keep going down financially, that is a truly scary thought, but at least I have a job. Oh well, enough b-ing and moaning; I am off to Lowes to go door shopping to see how much I have to add to the approximately.
In the meantime if any of you can think of any legitimate and reasonable ways for me to earn some quick cash - let me know.
All the best,
Glenn B


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We at Bahrain Customs are committed to provided a quality service to all of our customers. It is one of our core objectives to meet and try to exceed our customer's expectations.
We realize that from time to time lapses may occur in the quality of our service and that our customers have the right to complain. We view these complaints as an opportunity to gain valuable feedback and improve our services.
We aim to address all complaints responsibly and in an efficient, effective, confidential and fair manner.
You may submit your complaints and feedback using the complaints form below:


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Win two tickets to see The Balconies and Sweet Thing at The Mod Club on Friday, March 25, 2011.
The Mod Club in Toronto, ON
Friday, March 25, 2011
Doors at 7:00pm, All-Ages
The Balconies are opening for Sweet Thing this Friday. Do I really need to convince you that this is going to be an awesome show? Please don't say "Yes, convince me," and instead just say "Oh my god, I think I just peed my pants a little." And then enter this contest, because not only could you win tickets to the show, you could also win a t-shirt and a CD from The Balconies. That'd be a pretty sweet thing, wouldn't it?
Sticky Magazine has two prize packs to give away, each consists of two tickets, a t-shirt, and a CD. You can enter up to three times, once for each entry method (repeating any single entry method does not increase your odds):
- Follow Sticky Magazine on Twitter and tweet the following message exactly as it appears below (do not retweet someone else's tweet):
WIN tickets to The Balconies/Sweet Thing for Mar 25. To enter, follow @StickyMagazine and tweet. See: http://bit.ly/sticky47
- Go to Sticky Magazine on Facebook and click the "Like" button (if you haven't already). Then add a comment to the photo of The Balconies in the "Contests" photo album.
- Send an email to firstname.lastname@example.com with "The Courtyard" in the subject. Include your full name in the body of the email.
Contest is open to All-Ages. You must be available to pick up the tickets in person on the evening of the concert, picture ID may be required. Contest closes Thursday, March 24 at 11:00pm and the winner will be notified Twitter Direct Message, Facebook Message, or email within about 24 hours.


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This blog post of mine is a continuation of my previous blog post about the sad state of Delhi parties vs milongas in Argentina. Disclaimer: This is absolutely no attempt to hard sell tango or milonga.
Here I am stating pure facts and history and co relating it to the existing scenario. Delhites/ Indians would understand some of the terminology used better.
First diving into some history of Argentina. Between 1890 and 1910 there was a large influx of immigrants into Buenos Aires who were mainly from Spain and Italy but included Jews, Germans, Irish and Russians. They all brought with them their customs and traditions. Buenos Aires became a melting pot of all these cultures and it is from there that tango was born.
Relate this to present scenario in Delhi or Mumbai or any other big city of India. Immigrants, specially labor class people are coming in search of jobs. Delhi, has become cosmopolitan. It has varied people from different backgrounds and they are bringing in their own traditions, customs, music, dances etc.
In Buenos Aires, it started out as a form of music whose roots were in Cuban habanera, Andalusian tango, Italian canzonetta, and Polish music. All these forms were mixed and a unique style of music was born. The first time the dance appeared was a form of challenge dance done only by men. The dance was used as a way to compete with the other guys to woo the pretty women and see who was not only the most dominant and powerful but the most creative and skilled as well. There was a big difference between ratio of men and women. There were more men because lots of labor class men had immigrated. The dance was the best means to woo the pretty Argentine woman.
Now relate this to present Delhi scenario. If you are a Delhite, you go to a night club or social to party, there are so many men. All ogling at some pretty woman. Everyone wants to get that pretty girl but no one has the courage to. Girls wear shortest possible clothes with tallest possible pumps to get some attention. They giggle unnecessarily, get drunk, shake their booty. When the music is played, everyone pretends to dance, What they exactly do is, stand on the spot, one or both hands up in air, and they bounce their shoulder up and down like some bhangra move or just shake or jiggle. They have a drink in hand, they look here or there, either to see who is looking at them or to check someone out. At the end, they come back either frustrated alone or they get a hooker who was there to be picked up.
What if people learnt tango? The socials would become so much more happening. They say, people play golf because there is excellent networking during a game of golf. The kind of networking that can happen during a milonga is incredible.
Here you artistically hug and embrace, dance with the prettiest women and have all the opportunity to sit and chit chat with others. Tango becomes a close knit community.
The benefits of tango/ milonga
Good partying
Good dancing
Good networking
People automatically groom so well. There is no need of finishing school.
You get a high/ zen/ relaxation, without any alcohol etc.
What more could you ask for?
Why are Delhites just "despos"? All it takes is lessons of tango to be good in milonga and then get all the benefits that are described above.


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Traveling with children has never been an easy task. Sometimes, travel is necessary, whether for family emergencies or moving houses, and other times it is just nice to be able to plan a family vacation without worrying about the stress of keeping everyone organized and happy.
Factor in diaper changes and surprise tantrums when you are mapping out your route to the airport. You never know what might happen when kids are involved, and arriving earlier is always better than running late.
Keep your child's favorite snacks on hand. This can help make the wait in line much less stressful, and it will keep your little ones tided over until food is served on the plane.
Diapers and Toiletries:
Make sure to pack enough diapers, tissues, wipes, and any other necessary toiletries. While en route, you want clean and happy kids in order for you to remain happy and stress-free. You should also pack along a change of clothes in case of any accidents.
If your children are on regular medication, it is necessary to pack it all, along with their prescriptions if you might need a refill during your trip. Also, don't forget to take along non-prescription medications you might need on a moment's notice, such as pain killers, nausea medication, and allergy medicine.
Include coloring books, washable markers, puzzles, and small toys in your child's handbag. This can make the trip go by a little faster. Also, if your child has a tablet, make sure it is fully charged and updated with offline kid-friendly apps and games.
Invest in a light-weight, portable baby stroller for babies and toddlers that might get tired or run away while walking around the airport. Another wise investment is a toddler leash, which, although it might not look appealing, will definitely come in handy.


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If you use chef to manage your infrastructure, you're in luck! We maintain a cookbook that makes it really easy to get up and running.
Using Berkshelf to manage your cookbooks? Depend on our cookbook like this:
cookbook "packagecloud"
If you're managing your cookbooks some other way, you can get our cookbook from community.opscode.com or github.
Once you have our cookbook installed, all you have to do to install this repo is add the following block to one of your recipes:
packagecloud_repo "intelstack/client" do type "deb" # or "rpm" or "gem" end


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Efficient Market Hypothesis(redirected from Efficient markets)
Efficient Market Hypothesis
States that all relevant information is fully and immediately reflected in a security's market price, thereby assuming that an investor will obtain an equilibrium rate of return. In other words, an investor should not expect to earn an abnormal return (above the market return) through either technical analysis or fundamental analysis. Three forms of efficient market hypothesis exist: weak form (stock prices reflect all past information in prices), semistrong form (stock prices reflect all past and current publicly available information), and strong form (stock prices reflect all relevant information, including information not yet disclosed to the general public, such as insider information).
Efficient Market Theory
A controversial model on how markets work. It states that the market efficiently deals with all information on a given security and reflects it in the price immediately. The model holds that technical analysis, fundamental analysis, and any speculative investing based on them are useless. The model has three forms: weak efficiency, which holds that technical analysis is ineffective, semi-strong efficiency, which holds that fundamental analysis is ineffective, and strong efficiency, which states that even insider information is immediately reflected in the security prices. Investors and academics disagree on how well the model works.


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Noha is passionate for civic engagement so she has been working in the civic society for the past 6 years between volunteering and paid jobs. She believes it is our responsibility to widen the chain of knowledge to achieve sustainable development. She sees that many of the contemporary challenges that are facing both her country and the world are either consequences or manifestations of the prevailing culture of violence and lack of citizenship in our societies. In that sense, she sees the culture of peace and citizenship as an approach to address many of these challenges and offer a wide array of alternatives for social, political and economic transformation in Egypt and in the world.
Noha believes that business has a responsibility toward the society, so she made an internship at Microsoft CSR. She studied International Business Masters in Sweden with major focus on Human Resources Management, Corporate social responsibility and Knowledge Management. One of Noha's important steps in the world of active participation is when she joined "Gerhart Center for Civic Engagement and Business Responsibility" at the American University in Egypt. Believing in collective intelligence, she contributed to the empowerment of diverse groups of youth by providing them with the needed civic education, practical tools, mentorship and community dialogue methodologies to become civically engaged. Also, they followed collective problem solving and through the program to influence the most pressing issues in her community such as gender inequality, migration, inter-religions and weakness of formal education.
She thinks traditional education schemes are not the most successful methods anymore. Methods like Open-space technology, world cafe, art of hosting and graphic facilitation proved their effectiveness around the world in sustainably sharing information and ideas and in empowering opinions and public groups. Thus, she finds simulation game is a strong learning tool, enable individuals to experience real conflict and different opinions and give them the space to react in accordance with the surrounding context risk free environment, make it visible as if its a real situation. It is effective way to shift people way of thinking from learning by doing.
Personal Focus
Corporate Social Responsibility, Contemporary organizational theories, Civic education and social sciences
Language skills
English, Arabic and little Swedish


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Last updated on August 2013
Surgery in Treating Patients With Neuroblastoma
Brief description of study
RATIONALE: Surgery may be an effective treatment for neuroblastoma. PURPOSE: This phase II trial is studying how well surgery works in treating patients with neuroblastoma.
Detailed Study Description
OBJECTIVES: - Evaluate the safety and efficacy of surgical treatment alone for stage II neuroblastoma without N-myc amplification (NMA). - Describe predictive factors of relapse and survival for stages I and II neuroblastoma without NMA treated by surgery alone. OUTLINE: Patients with localized resectable tumors undergo surgery. Postoperative evaluations are performed 30 days following surgery. Study patients with stage I (without N-myc amplification) tumors and trial patients with stage II tumors receive no further therapy. Study patients (except stage I patients) receive surgery and/or chemotherapy according to other protocols as necessary for disease progression or relapse. Patients are followed every 3 months for the first year, then every 4 and 6 months for the second and third year respectively, then yearly for 5 years. PROJECTED ACCRUAL: This study will accrue 140 stage II patients for the trial portion at a rate of 40 per year over 3.5 years. At least 70 more patients will be accrued for the study portion.
Clinical Study Identifier: NCT00003122


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- Sleeps: Array
- Pets: No
- internet: Yes
- changeover: Friday
Welcome to The Store House, a lovely little stone cottage set in a delightful village that benefits from being close by to all the attractions the North Wales coast has to offer, yet has a very quiet and rural feel to it. With sumptuous fabrics, carefully selected furniture and charming interior design schemes throughout, this warm and welcoming retreat is a fabulous base from which to explore North Wales. While the cottage boasts a fully equipped kitchen you may be hard pressed to turn away from the welcoming Queen's Head pub just across the road, which offers fabulous food and has won a number of accolades. For sunny days when you want to relax, The Store House also comes with its own private gated garden with seating area.
Llandudno, the Queen of Welsh Resorts, is just a five-minute drive away, as is the quieter Rhos on Sea in the opposite direction. In Llandudno you can wander the prom, explore the Great Orme, or even take in a show at Venue Cymru theatre, wonderfully sited on the seafront. Right from the doorstep you'll also find quiet lanes and country walks to explore - just what you might expect from a North Wales holiday break.
Bedrooms: 1 first floor bedroom with a zip link bed. This can be made into a king size double or a twin. There is also a day bed in the upstairs dressing room which can be made into a bed for a for an extra £50 please ask for details.
Bathroom: Groundfloor. loo, basin, bath, shower mixer over bath.
Kitchen: Small well equipped kitchen. electric cooker and hob, fridge/icebox, dishwasher, microwave.
Sitting Room: TV, video, gas fire, DVD Player, CD Player, comfy seating for 3 people.
Dining: There is a table in the kitchen which seats 3 people
Garden: Small enclosed lawn area at the front of the house, with table and chairs as well as a bench to sit at by the house.
Heating: Gas central heating and gas fire.
Parking: Ample parking available opposite the cottage in the car park of the Queen's Head.
Tariff & Availability
Customer Reviews ( 18)
- Great in winter
- Luxury
- Mountain Biking
- Restaurants
- Romantic
- Village
- Walking
- Walking distance to Pub
- Walking distance to Restaurant
- Zoo
- Bodnant Gardens within 15 mins
- Near a golf course
- Dining Area
- Fireplace
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Garden
- Gas Fire
- Heating
- Linen and towels provided
- Microwave
- Music system
- Parking
- Toaster
- Welcome pack provided
- Wifi
- Fridge/Freezer
- Highchair on request


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76 Crafts To Make and Sell – Easy DIY Ideas for Cheap Things To Sell on Etsy, Online and for Craft Fairs. Make Money with These Homemade Crafts for Teens, Kids, Christmas, Summer, Mother's Day Gifts. | DIY Rope Bowl | diyjoy.com/crafts-to-make-and-sell is creative inspiration for us.
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It's easy to dismiss traditional methods of metalworking as primitive and crude in light of the incredible advances in materials processing techniques both on the industrial scale and at the level of the humble craftsman. However, now that environmental consciousness, reduction of the use of harmful chemicals, materials recycling, and other altruistic values have become fashionable, the methods of the ancient metal caster have once again become contemporary. The use of clay over resin bonded sand and natural oils and solutions over complex chemistries now give these methods an advantage over what was considered to be "advanced" techniques. My focus for this course is to investigate and experiment with methods of surface treatment and patination of cast metals used by ancient craftsmen and try to integrate those techniques into my own work.
The patterns I designed for myself are geometrically simple so I can focus on the surface of each piece. I molded two patterns out of wax and molded each in dung and clay. They were both cast in bronze.
Bronzes from Dung Molds
In keeping with attempts to use both contemporary and contemporary methods of making, I used 3D modeling (Rhinoceros 3.0) to design a sweep for the Japanese Sogata technique of making vessels. I enjoy the idea of using such a technologically sophisticated technique and traditional mode of making in tandem.
Sogata Mold and Rendering
My research into surface techniques has been fruitful. Not many sources look at surface treatment and patination of metals with a historical perspective, but I was able to get my hands on a copy of "Metal Plating and Patination: Cultural, Technical, and Historical Developments". The title says it all really. This is a must have book for anyone looking to do serious research on the topic, or a very good place to jump off from. From the articles in the text I was able to come to some broad conclusions regarding the nature of surface treatment in ancient times. The following is a dilution of the information I was able to glean from the above book.
- Metals were not often patinated deliberately in pre-classical times: By this I mean that the method of patination we are accustomed to today, with application of solutions that quickly alter to color of the metal, were not in use. The Romans were quite fond of polished bronze as a finish, though were well aware of the tendency of bronze to acquire a different color and surface with time. Many of the first hand accounts of techniques of the time come from Pliny the Elder, who details some techniques for protecting the surface of bronze. In western culture, it was only during the Renaissance that patination became a standard, and that was simply to imitate the state of Greek and Roman bronzes rather than to innovate new colorations. At that time, and long before, the natural color of bronze was considered to be black, so it was a very popular surface to emulate.
- Patinas were influenced primarily by metal chemistry, and not surface treatments: This detail was quite shocking for me to learn, as it seems counterintuitive, but realizing that the production of alloys in the first place was a craft lends credence to this. Nowadays, we buy industrially produced alloys, which, by nature of the industrial system, limits what is available to us. Ancient metal casters suffered no such restriction, and could pay for and request certain alloys to achieve the results they desired over time. Silver and gold were popular additions to copper alloys, as they would cause a purple-black patina to occur with the right chemistry. This is especially true with the Japanese, who pioneered still famous alloys like shakudo (a copper alloy with gold additions) and shibuichi (a copper alloy with up to 25% silver added). This brings me to my next point…
- Of all known cultures, the Japanese have the most prolific and well documented tradition in the coloring of metals: The pure range of colors they were able to achieve by changing the alloy chemistry is amazing and, counter to my comment earlier, they pioneered chemical surface treatments of all kinds. These techniques are still in use and produce rather stunning results.
My intention from this point forth is test select treatments from disparate cultures and document the results and the ingredients used. My creation process will be designed so that mass production is possible and I can move to the metal finishing process quickly. The next form up in line is a rams horn, which I'll take a mold of and make as many as I can. Stay tuned for more!


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3033 Wilshire, a brand new, 18-story luxury apartment in Koreatown offers elegant, designer-inspired finishes and stunning views. More
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Designed for urban enthusiasts and downtown insiders, OLiVE is the new artistic way to live and love DTLA. More
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This modern, luxurious apartment community located in The Grove, features unique amenities and stylish finishes. More
For more than 40 years, UDR has been committed to providing the best in upscale apartment living. Enjoy remarkable amenities, stylish finishes, premier resident services, and more.


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once upon a time…
It was cold and dark in the catacombs, quiet except for my own footsteps and the skittering of small creatures across the rough stone below. The walls were slightly damp, the smell of must strong. As I walked further into the shadows, cobwebs snagged at my face and I pulled them off. I looked down and saw the remains of what might have been an ancient mosaic floor. Black, red, and white tiles made up a design, but it was hard to tell what the picture might have been.
I did not like it here and wondered what Enchanteur expected me to find. What is this place? I whispered.
"It is the Slush Pile, where rejected stories go to die," said a small voice.
"Who – who are you?"
"I am a were-pen. See the shining point of light on that wall? That's me."
"You can speak?"
"I am a voice in your head, but you are not mad. It's a Lemurian magic. Call it your inner voice, the writer within, seeking expression."
"I knew writers were crazy; this confirms it," I admitted. "But we're mostly harmless. So if I have a talking were-pen as my guide, I guess that's OK."
The were pen bobbed in agreement. "It is a deep, dark magic, like bibbety-bobbity-boo. Toss some basil in the air, and presto-chango, we can advance the plot!"
It made a funny, clicky noise. I didn't know were-pens could snicker. "You're kind of sarcastic, aren't you?"
"I am *your* inner voice, afterall." The pen top clicked mischievously and I swear the were-pen was winking at me. "Call me 86."
"Let's recap, 86. I am talking to a were-pen in the dead stories file. So the contents of these catacombs are what, unpublished stories?"
"Not even that. They are half-finished stories. Plots that twisted and turned up their toes too early. Characters only half fleshed out. Mummified mixed metaphors. Paragraphs piled up like bodies for the charnel house. Adjectives tossed overboard. Ransacked rhymes. Transitions that never made it from one paragraph to the next. Half-done hooks. Wasted words. These are the stories of the damned, that have no voices, until a writer tells them."
"I thought this was a ladies' literary walking tour. Where's Enchanteur? What does this creepy place have to do with me?
The were pen swung above my head like an inky sword of Damocles. "Once upon a time…"
By Kerry Vincent © 2008


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Bob Harper Skinny Meals Contest – Win a signed copy of Skinny Meals.
One grand prize winner will receive a signed copy of Bod Harper's Skinny Meals and a Circulon Symmetry 11-piece cookware set. Two runners up will each win a signed copy of Bob Harper's Skinny Meals.... more ››
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This announcement is to make you aware of routine maintenance to our servers C3PO, Vader And Obiwan on these times:
START: Tuesday 17th March 2015 @ 2:00am
END : Tuesday 17th March 2015 @ 2:05am
What does this mean?
Our hosting partner who carries out maintenance to our servers on a regular basis, will be doing an upgrade at the specified time.
If you have any further questions then please contact our support department.


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From: Cannon, Robert [mailto:firstname.lastname@example.com]
Sent: Thursday, October 29, 2015 10:38 AM
Subject: 'Tarzan, The Musical' at CDO Theatre
Canyon del Oro High School Canyon Players
proudly presents
Tarzan, The Musical
Book by David Henry Hwang
Music and Lyrics by Phil Collins
Based on the story 'Tarzan of the Apes' by Edgar Rice Burroughs and the Disney Film 'Tarzan'
Thursday, November 5 at 7:00p
Also available, Dinner and a Show sponsored by CDO Culinary @5:30p. $16.00. Reservations by calling 696.5692.
Friday, November 6 at 10:00a
Sunday, November 8 at 2:00p
Tickets $8.00 available at the door or by reservation, 696.5692
Robert Cannon
Canyon del Oro High School
Fine Arts Dept. Chair
Theatre Director/Manager
Yearbook Advisor


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CTC Supplies, Inc. is Milwaukee's Largest Textile Recycler. We process and collect used and credential clothing, shoes and institutional rags.
Fundraising Host a clothing drive to help raise money for your organization.
Thrift Stores & Laundries We purchased non-usable clothing from thrift stores, as well as towels, sheets and other rag-outs from various laundries.
About Recycling Currently textiles make up 5% of the nation's landfills. Only 15% of all textiles are recycled. Help us increase that number.
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Xbox One: no plans for Kinect-less console bundle, says Nelson
Microsoft has confirmed that the Xbox One will not require a plugged-in Kinect sensor to function, but that it has no plans to release a Kinect-less console bundle as an alternative.
UPDATE: Over on this Reddit thread , Microsoft community chap Larry 'Major Nelson' Hyrb shot down rumours that the company is planning a Kinect-less Xbox One bundle.
He simply said, "We have no plans for that. We are 100 per cent all in on Kinect."
Thanks Eurogamer.
ORIGINAL STORY: Reiterating messaging from May, Microsoft's Marc Whitten told IGN that Xbox One users can disable Kinect entirely, and even unplug the sensor if they like.
"Like online, the console will still function if Kinect isn't plugged in, although you won't be able to use any feature or experience that explicitly uses the sensor," he said.
"You have the ability to completely turn the sensor off in your settings. When in this mode, the sensor is not collecting any information. Any functionality that relies on voice, video, gesture or more won't work. We still support using it for IR blasting in this mode.
"You can turn the sensor back on at any time through settings, and if you enter into a required Kinect experience (like Kinect Sports Rivals for instance), you'll get a message asking if you want to turn the sensor back on in order to continue."
Speaking to Kotaku, a Microsoft representative confirmed that games which use Kinect in a supplemental sense – for non-essential features like optional voice commands, for example – then users won't need to plug the sensor in to play them. However, you'll clearly sitll need it for games which use Kinect as a central gameplay feature, like Kinect Sports Rivals.
Asked whether there are plans to sell a Kinect-free Xbox One bundle, which would presumably enable a lower price, the representative said Kinect "is still an essential and integrated part of the Xbox One platform".
"By having it as a consistent part of every Xbox One, game and entertainment creators can build experiences that assume the availability of voice, gesture and natural sensing, leading to unrivaled ease of use, premium experiences and interactivity for consumers," the spokesperson said.
On NeoGAF, senior Microsoft PR executive Albert Penello reiterated that the platform holder still believes in Kinect.
"We aren't interested in splitting the development base. The more demos I've seen, the more I've used it – the more impressed I am. The team feels strongly about Kinect, and I hope we're able to prove that when you use it," he wrote.
"We also have a ton of privacy settings to allow people to turn off the camera, or microphones, or put it in a state just for 'Xbox On' and IR blasting – there will be a lot of user control for that.
"The thing we all understood, and hence this change, is that there are some scenarios where people just may not be comfortable. We wanted people to be 100% comfortable, so we allow the sensor to be unplugged."
Although Microsoft had mentioned the ability to turn off the camera before, many commenters are hailing the unplugging part as yet another policy reversal in response to consumer backlash.
Microsoft's U-turn on its used games-unfriendly but digital future-proof DRM policy was the first of a series of reversals.
It later went on to confirm self-publishing on the Xbox One, having previously acquired quite a poor reputation among indies.


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His artistic practice is founded on a complex web of docu-fiction in which personal, historical and journalistic enquiries fuse with fictional narratives. In his work, Koester focuses on gaps and ambiguities in the writing and reading of history, its eccentric protagonists and its stories and myths.
A selection of more than twenty works from the last thirteen years shows up a quest for expressions of vanished histories of this sort, not only by way of physical locations, but equally by way of the immaterial dimensions of human existence. In works such as Nordenskiöld and the Ice Cap (1999-2000) and Message from Andrée (2005), for instance, he starts out from a literal geographic exploration of Greenland and the North Pole in order to rewrite the forgotten history of expeditions to these regions. In Morning of the Magicians (2005) and One+One+One (2006), Koester shows how his expedition to the remains of the 'Abbey of Thelema', a commune in Sicily led by the occultist Aleister Crowley, not only concentrated on physical remnants, but also delved into the history of the occult and shamanist rituals. The artist's preoccupation with the human body and its 'terra incognita', its subconscious, comes increasingly to the fore. In My Frontier is an Endless Wall of Points (2007), for instance, Koester explores the work that Henri Michaux did while under the influence of the drug mescaline, and in Tarantism (2008), by choreographing uncontrolled, compulsive movements, he examines the performative language of the human body and the knowledge that gestures can reveal in a state of trance. The human body is still at the heart of his latest work too. We can see them as personal interpretations of traditional spiritualist and shamanist rituals. Maybe One Must Begin with Some Particular Places (2012), for instance, is based on the experimental theatre that Jerzy Grotowski developed in the seventies, inspired by anthropological research in Mexico and elsewhere, and Of Spirits and Empty Spaces (2012) is built up around the writings of John Murray Spear, an American spiritual activist who, during the Industrial Revolution, organised sessions with the aim of developing a more user-friendly sewing machine by communicating with spirits. By making strategic use of editing, archiving and storytelling, Koester illuminates and complicates historiography. Films, photographic series and installations about pioneering expeditions, esoteric movements and psychedelic experiments form parallel storylines with one common factor: tracking along the boundary of the unknown.
EXPO GUIDE Download EXPO GUIDE


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Blockchain for oil and gas: a game-changer for black gold?
Could the cryptography technology that powers Bitcoin change the oil and gas sector?
First, a bit of blockground
A blockchain, also called a distributed ledger system, stores encrypted "blocks" of information across a network of connected, anonymous computers.
The network exists across many machines, and the "chain" made up of those blocks is "distributed" - not controlled centrally by any one authority.
New blocks are appended to the chain in a linear, chronological order and the blockchain can grow indefinitely.
Information is recorded permanently and synchronised across all machines in the chain and cannot be edited retroactively. Its architecture means it is "secure by design" and there is a publically-available, verifiable history of all past events.
The nature of blockchain makes it ideal for any kind of records management activity, and its reach is not purely limited to documents but any digital asset, from emails to video files.
Beyond bitcoin
Given its genesis in the world of the cryptocurrency, financial institutions have been among the first to explore the use of blockchain for their business needs.
R3, a consortium of major international banks, recently raised $107m to develop distributed ledger technology specifically-tailored to the needs of the financial sector.
However, banks are not the only firms that will benefit from the blockchain revolution. The oil and gas industry could also profit from the fundamentals of distributed ledger systems in a number of ways.
Blocks of paper barrels
The oil futures market is where oil changes hands in the digital or "paper" environment, to later be enacted in the physical world.
Bridging the gap between paper trades and the real-world movement of barrels is often a laborious task. The adoption of a blockchain system for payment could speed up the process significantly and cut costs at the same time.
Speaking to Reuters in October 2016, Marco Dunand, chief executive of Swiss-based Mercuria, said: "We're going to see a digital transformation of the oil and gas industry.
"You could see this type of market going to blockchain payments within the next 12 months…We think this could reduce costs, certainly on payments, by 30 per cent."
Improving cyber security
The oil and gas industry has been identified as one of the most vulnerable in global business, and major companies have suffered multiple, crippling cyber attacks in the past few years.
As blockchain is a synchronised and distributed system, there are multiple layers of checks that make it almost impervious to harm from hackers.
On the security benefits of blockchain, Obreahny O'Brien, business solution development leader for Blockchain and distributed infrastructure strategy at EY said: "Blockchain is a database and a network.
"It allows both data and value to be transferred via a distributed system that runs, records and compares multiple copies of secure, encrypted transactions in near real-time on multiple computers."
Enhancing compliance
Whether onshore or offshore, the oil and gas industry is heavily-regulated, with protocols deriving from multiple sources and covering everything from the environment to tax.
Data contained in a blockchain could be shared with regulators in real-time to maximise visibility and eliminate the fines meted out for non-compliance.
Collaborative interactions could also be improved through blockchain. Joint venture partnerships, which may involve several companies collaborating on the same project, are common within the oil and gas marketplace.
Bringing together disparate organisations for a limited amount of time, data sharing is a key constituent of these relationships, from which costly legal disputes can often arise.
The transparency of blockchain's data trail can allow stakeholders to view an entire project's history, potentially removing the contract conflicts that could lead to millions in litigation fees.
Oil-based digital currency
In addition to the improvements that blockchain could make to traditional oil and gas operations, some are looking to the world's most important commodity as a baseline for digital money.
Financial services company, R Fintech, has recently launched a digital currency that derives its value directly from the black gold.
From the Basque word meaning "chain", bilur is a cryptocurrency whose value is calculated daily based on the value of one ton (~6.5 barrels) of Brent crude oil.
Although there are no traders that are accepting bilur as a form of currency yet, the fact that it is pegged to a physical commodity may alleviate the concerns that many have with the volatility of cryptocurrencies.
In 2013, Bitcoin lost 77 per cent of its value in two days of trading, plunging from $266 to $78. Four years later, in May 2017, the value of a single bitcoin hit an all time high of $2,791.70.


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Transformation induced plasticity in ceramics
MetadataShow full item record
Transformation induced plasticity was investigated in a model ceramic. The effect upon toughness of the martensitic transformation from the cubic (paraelectric) to the tetragonal ( ferroelectric) phase in BaTiO3 was determined. The K1C fracture toughness, as measured by the hardness indentation technique, exhibits a maximum within a temperature range approximately 50°C above the stress-free transformation temperature. Unlike the martensitic transformation associated with partially stabilized zirconia, there is no volume change during the cubic-to-tetragonal phase change in BaTi03. In addition, no evidence of microcracking was observed. The enhanced toughness in the vicinity of the transition temperature was attributed to limited plasticity at crack tips provided by the transformation shear strains. The effective strains at the crack tips required to produce the observed fracture toughness values are consistent with transformation strains calculated using the phenomenological theory of martensite.
- Masters Theses [19736]


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Government spends over Rs 12 cr in 3yrs on investor awareness
Government of India has said that its prime focus has been investor awareness and protection activities and it has spent Rs 12.75 crore over past three fiscal years on it.
According to the reports, Ministry of Corporate Affairs had spent Rs 4.98 crore in 2011-12, Rs 4.35 crore and Rs 3.42 crore was incurred in 2010-11 and 2009-10 on investor protection activities.
In a written reply to Lok Sabha, Sachin Pilot, Corporate Affairs Minister said, "Investor awareness programmes are conducted by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs in association with the three professional institutes, namely, Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, Institute of Company Secretaries of India and Institute of Cost Accountants of India."
Additionally, he said the investors can also lodge their complaints/grievances in electronic form on the MCA-21 portal.
"A similar facility has also been provided by Securities and Exchange Board of India ( Sebi) on their website. Reserve Bank of India in association with banking codes and standards Board of India, carries out Outreach Programmes and Town Hall Events to educate its customers and create awareness on various banking activities," Pilot said.


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Attractions and distractions
Those on a group tour will probably be happy to have a guide around that speaks their language and can explain what they are looking at, as although everything has English and French captions, it's lacking a story to guide you through. Also, curatorial rigour may be lacking — a careful eye might detect some errors, such as the American military outfits passed off as French in one of the ... Read more about Dien Bien Phu Museum .
Save money, receive our latest updates and get the most out of your travels.
It was the last hill taken by the Viet Minh, marking the end of the battle, and was the scene of some of the most intense fighting, and loss of life. The hill was eventually blown up from underneath by the Vietnamese, so what's on display here is mostly a reconstruction, making it, by our reckoning, the world's largest, open-air, diorama in situ. Nevertheless, it does provide a vivid and ... Read more about A1 hill and Cemetery .
Just before crossing the bridge, on the right, there is a stone plaque in front of what is now just a weedy hole in the ground, but used to be the bunker of Chief Artillery Commander Pirot. As the story goes, the moment he heard the first shot from Vietnamese artillery in the nearby hills, he knew defeat was inevitable and committed suicide. Whether this was out of despair at the inevitable lose ... Read more about Muong Thang Bridge and the bunker of De Casties and Pirot .


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Search the Community
Showing results for tags 'education'.
Found 11 results
Iron In Glaze? Absolute Beginner's Questions
Ves posted a topic in Clay and Glaze ChemistryHello there, I'm very new into Pottery and don't know much about glazes yet, well, don't know much about a lot to do with Pottery, to be honest. I've mainly worked with clay during art school for anatomical sculpture and recently acquired a kiln from a cousin. I have never fired a kiln before, but feel comfortable with the greenware (I thiiink that's unfired clay, right?) I'm not even sure of the model yet. I have 2 questions (to start with) for you: *Can you recommend a good book or resource (video, websites, etc) to help me, an absolute and complete beginner, learn how to safely work a kiln and find more info on glaze and glazing techniques? I am most drawn to Japanese Pottery styles, if that helps filter at all. *how long will it take to get good enough to make pottery like the attached images? I'm a very fast learner and am able to dedicate a large majority of time to this. I appreciate any and all assistance, and thank you for accepting me into the community! Cheers! Vesa
Clay College
Sputty posted a topic in Educational Approaches and Resources.
Ceramic Opportunities In Europe?
Dennison posted a topic in Educational Approaches and ResourcesHello, my name is Dennison and I am a recent BFA graduate from Eastern Michigan University. My studies were concentrated in sculpture, but I was primarily producing ceramics for use in social engagement and for making objects to use in short films. Currently I am traveling around Europe and working as a volunteer on different projects and farms, but I am extremely interested in pursuing a practice with ceramics. I am looking for some sort of opportunity such as an apprenticeship, assistantship, internship, or other studio/workshop help. I am not necessarily looking for a paid position, something volunteer related would be vauleable to me as well. Does anyone have any suggestions or ideas? Thanks for the help! Dennison
Ceramic Course. Help!
mrs_roger posted a topic in Educational Approaches and ResourcesGood day everyone! I`m from Russia and i`m looking for good long-term practical course about Ceramics in European University. I`ve studied ceramics for two years by my self, have a good portfolio,but I don`t have any degree. Could you please suggest good University in Europe , where I can get a grant or scolarship. Thank you, Maria
This is some information about that rare thing - a new film about ceramics We're been working on 'Out of the Tub' these past few years which will be premiering it in November in London. The film focuses on the life and work of the British Ceramist RJ 'Bob' Washington and sheds new light 20th century ceramics. Here's the trailer Enjoy.
I need to pick the collective genius of the CAD family on a concept for a Junior Cornerstone course for higher ed students. Briefly, cornerstone courses are team taught, interdisciplinary, and cross-curriculum. The courses are generally a full semester long and intended to challenge students to stretch beyond their particular major/minor area of study. Note: the institution is Belmont University with a strong music, music business, and entrepreneurial business programs. Here is the concept. A class/community of students would do research on the history of ceramic musical instruments, select instruments (i.e. (drum,flute, udu, rattle, water whistle, etc.) to construct, actually build/fire their ceramic instruments, compose a musical work using only their projects, and would either record their work or perform it publicly (or both). The rubric for the course would evaluate the research (writing), technical skill (building the ceramic instrument - recording the work), creativity (the instrument & the musical score), musical composition (the score), and the individual and/or collective recorded music. The likely textbook would be Barry Hall's From Mud to Music. My questions: Does this sound (no pun intended) like a fun/challenging course? What would you add to the course to make it more interesting? What challenges would you anticipate,particularly the ceramics process? Is there already a course syllabus that someone is using at another institution? Thanks all! Paul
My name is Kristofer Hammer and I am a student of Union College in the USA, and I am applying for the Watson fellowship. This would allow me to study internationally for a year, traveling from various countries for my personal project proposal. My desire is to study Ceramics and the production of ceramics across the globe and I am hoping to not only work alongside artists, but to see how the Clay comes from the earth and into a persons hands. I was hoping that this community would be willing/able in assisting me in my dream, and might be able to provide me with any contact details of artists or art institutions in varying international countires, who may speak with me. My current countries are vast and wide but I am heavily considering Germany, Italy, France, India, China, Nigeria, Egypt, Korea, and England. I hope to hear from this amazing community and thank you for everyones time and consideration! Sincerely, Kristofer Hammer http://www.watsonfellowship.org/site/what/what.html
Ceramic Certificate Programs
ango0211 posted a topic in Educational Approaches and ResourcesHi everyone, I am a fairly new potter. I've been taking weekly pottery classes at a community rec center for about a year now and it is growing to become a passion of mine that I want to explore further. Right now I work full time at an office job, but I am going to quit come Fall and hopefully look to explore the world of pottery more freely and deeply. My question is, do you know of any schools out West that offer certificate programs? I don't want a graduate degree or another undergrad degree. That is just too much money right now. What I have found are options for ceramic certificates at community colleges, particularly in Santa Fe, NM and Mendocino, CA. I like the community college option because I do not have a portfolio of any sort and I think applying to these programs would be relatively free of application stresses. On a side note, I also see this as an opportunity to live in a new place for a year or two (I live on the east coast) while becoming more serious about my pottery education. I'm relatively young so... I want to do this before it gets too "late!" Are there any other schools that I should know about? Thank you!
Playful Search For Beauty
Evelyne Schoenmann posted a topic in Aesthetic Approaches and PhilosophyMaybe you already know this statement of Eva Zeisel, maybe not. I just discovered the video and I was blown away! So much to learn from a humble but Grand Lady of Ceramics. The video is 18 minutes long but I recommend to take the time to listen to every minute she speaks. It's worth it! Imagine: she was 94 when she gave that statement on TED. She died at the age of 105, 2 years ago.... Although the translations and the title of the video are in German: don't leave the site. Eva speaks English throughout the talk. Enjoy. http://www.ted.com/talks/eva_zeisel_on_the_playful_search_for_beauty.html
Oaxaca, Mexic
bfeldman posted a topic in Educational Approaches and ResourcesDo you know any potters or ceramicists working in Oaxaca? My name is Ben Feldman and I am a student/potter at Colorado College. This summer, I would like to go to Oaxaca to study spanish and pottery. I have found a lot of really cool home stay/language immersion programs online, but I have been having much more difficulty finding potters in the area. I know they exist though! If you know any ceramicists in Oaxaca who would be willing to take on apprentice for a few hours a day, a few days a week, over the course of 6 weeks, please connect us! I would love to learn from a professional in some type of work-exchange or apprenticeship format. Best, -Ben firstname.lastname@example.com
Sept. 23 - Dec. 16, 2013 | Manchester, Nh | Open Studio With John Baymore
Guest posted a topic in Ceramic Events of InterestCome "pick my brains" in the ceramics studio on Monday evenings this fall/early winter at New Hampshire Institute of Art in Manchester, NH. The Open Studio format I've been doing for many years is basically like having a group of people all individually doing "Independent Study" approaches. This community education class is open to non-matriculated undergraduate or graduate students. (This class is not suitable for beginning students.) Ceramics Open Studio This course is the perfect opportunity for intermediate to advanced level ceramists to work independently with John Baymore on-hand for guidance. Students will receive personal help on the wheel and in handbuilding, glazing, and firing. Prerequisite: Fundamentals of Wheelworking or Fundamentals of Handbuilding, their equivalent, or permission of instructor. Limit: 12 MCER004/B Mon, Sept. 23 – Dec. 16 7 – 9:50 pm / 12 Weeks Amherst Building 001 Tuition: $264 / Studio Fee: $25 New Hampshire Institute of Art http://www.nhia.edu/community-education-home


text:
Singles' Night at Tesco
People are dismissive - no one's heard of it. I keep schtum. Need to do a big shop anyway; got no plans Friday. It's on.
Head down about 8pm, a splash of Calvin Klein still soaking into my face, neck and crotch.
It's all a bit quiet. Probably doesn't liven up 'til the pubs chuck out.
An old couple with an empty trolley undertake me at the onions. What are they doing here? I grunt but the geriatrics are in a world of their own.
Potatoes - check; carrots - check; eggs - check.
Remember why you're here, la. Scan the pet food aisle for skirt - nothing.
A little guy in a big suit surveys dried fruits. He's overdone it with the clobber. No competition. Throw him a knowing wink. He looks perturbed.
Our male bonding is suddenly interrupted by a female presence. A pigtailed girl in a knitted cardie is skipping towards us.
"Hello, young lady," I say, hoping an attractive single mum is around the corner.
The child stops dead, looks me up and down, and scurries off at pace, almost colliding with an unseen trolley that swerves into view.
It's her mother - and she's from the Finest range. Tall, dark and, I note, a fan of prunes.
A white shirt hangs over black leggings; sunglasses sit like a tiara on her chest-length hair. Stylish without being dressy - definitely the right tone for a night like this.
Follow her down cooked meats. I'll strike up a convo about something she picks off the shelves - though our girl doesn't seem to be buying much.
Of course she's not buying much - she's here to find a man.
Stay 10 paces behind along cereals, where finally she brakes to collect some Shreddies. Time to move in.
I'm right on her tail when the child's lips begin to stir.
"Mummy, that man keeps staring at you."
Throw the shitbag an evil but she's already skipping away.
Mum looks over, arms folded across her liberal bust. A pitiful shake of the head accompanies three little words that still echo in my heart.
"Get a life."
With that she's away, and I'm left scarlet-faced with Tony the Tiger. Great.
Grab a packet of Pop Tarts, pretending to read the label while she rolls down frozen foods, up wines and spirits, into home goods and out of my life forever.
Scan the checkout staff. One hottie but she's got a queue.
"Would you like to come to this one?"
I hear the offer but don't look round - the voice is old and splintered.
Instead join the line for...Helen - that's what her badge says when I finally get to the front.
"Do you need some help with your packing?"
"I'm okay, thanks - as long as you don't go too fast."
The hottie smiles at my trademark quip. I'm in.
"Have you ever heard of it being singles' night here on a Friday?"
"No. Is that why you're here?"
Helen places a delicate hand over her mouth to hide a throaty snigger.
"I needed a big shop anyway."
"Of course."
Type my PIN too fast - trying to show off. Have to re-enter.
She eventually returns my card, a lipgloss smirk still etched beneath her studded nose.
"See you next Friday," she says as I scamper to the exit.
Wait 'til I see Eve.
42 comments:
- Blogger_babe32 said...
Your supermarket escapades are waaaaaay more successful than mine! Very funny...I think I need to go buy a cardie...
- September 27, 2009
- Hunter said...
Much like big guys in little suits, little guys in big suits are always funny.
Well done.
- September 27, 2009
Waaaaay coool. I have better luck at the laundret...
- September 27, 2009
- Robin Brown said...
A single friend's sister advised him to look for love in the aisles. Inevitably a series of unfortunate, vaguely tragic stories resulted.
In the end he met his wife-to-be on a website, which I assume was not tesco.com
- September 27, 2009
- plainolebob said...
man you and Clem have the same kinda luck, cept he goes to the laundramat. lol too funny
- September 27, 2009
- Charlene said...
That's brilliant! Now you have me waiting anxiously for next Friday on your behalf...
- September 27, 2009
- Kate said...
Tesco's as the new pick up joint - can't wait to read next weeks!
- September 28, 2009
- Banksy said...
Now the question is, if you have no joy at Tescos's will you lower yourself to Aldi or Netto???
Another superb blog!
- September 28, 2009
- Colin said...
Lol, Tesco...
I'll need to offer to do the shopping this friday :P
- September 28, 2009
- Kate said...
Do you have to adjust your shopping to make it more sexy? Champagne strawberries, candles and condoms? I mean nothing says unsexy quite like toilet bleach and chopped liver
- September 28, 2009
- Plentymorefishoutofwater said...
Good point Kate...maybe I should have got the pile cream from the chemist. Eek.
- September 28, 2009
Quite a laugh mate...better luck next time! "get a life"....what a funny line. I didn't think people were that rude in real life!
- September 29, 2009
- Innocent Owner Of Mad Cats said...
This brings back such memories. I'm still traumatized. :)
- September 29, 2009
- mo.stoneskin said...
This post was brilliant. I'm sad I haven't read you before. 'fan of prunes', pure class. Singles night at Tesco, perhaps not so classy.
- September 29, 2009
- Gabeli said...
Haha, you are hilarious...love the girl hunting escapades.
- September 30, 2009
- Plentymorefishoutofwater said...
Thanks for your comments guys, they mean a lot. Colin, fancy being my wing man at Morrisons on Friday? ;-)
- September 30, 2009
- ★ Hollie ★ said...
This blog was hilarious!! I love your writing style & humor.
Instead of the grocery store, next time you should try a bookstore!! Who knows~ you might find a hot (glasses wearing) librarian type...lol
I've only been blogging for 2 days, but I have read about 75 blogs & yours is BY FAR, the best!!!
You kept me reading from line 1 all the way to the end.
- September 30, 2009
- Andy said...
Definitely good for a laugh, having grown up in the Isle of Man and now living in Mozambique I miss the northern (scouse) humour!
- October 01, 2009
- Iellalouisa said...
This has cracked me up! You wanna get yourself down to my Tesco, you'd love it in there!!!
I;ve even posted a blog about it ha ha!
- October 02, 2009
You are hilarious! Wish you lived state side so I could introduce you to my buxom niece!
- October 02, 2009
You write well. Don't give up on meeting someone special at stores though. I met my husband in front of the mall! I say try again tonight!
- October 02, 2009
- Plentymorefishoutofwater said...
Oooh so there is still hope then Jan...and as for the buxom nice - bring it on.
- October 03, 2009
Im a little lost. Lotsa lingo here I didnt understand. Maybe its a location thing....
- October 03, 2009
- Me said...
Have you ever thought of writing a book? Because I would definitely read it..You really have a great writing style!
- October 03, 2009
- Charli :) said...
i'm going to have to say lol.
phonetically pronounced of course (:.
that is just shame dude,
but i'd have a word or two with "Eve"
Lovedd it (:
- October 04, 2009
- The Invisible Seductress said...
I am absolutely not "sniggerin" at you...I am "sniggerin" with you.
- October 04, 2009
Jimmy, it's just one fucking lol after the next with you.
- October 06, 2009
- Andy said...
is a 'no name brand' girlfriend cheaper than a regular one?!
- October 07, 2009
- clare @ the pretty walrus said...
this was hilarious... your blog is a hoot :)
- October 09, 2009
- Kitty Moore said...
erm, I have to ask. The CK on the crotch - not applied directly right? Cos that would sting (I imagine) or do you like that? But if you sprayed it over your pants then that would leave you with a stain type thing right over your man bits- which won't help your pulling technique.
- November 04, 2009
- Tina said...
Fish, how you'll miss these adventures when you find love...
- November 04, 2009
- T.M. Curzon-Manners said...
I wondered who that man was following me and my daughter...?
- November 05, 2009
- Moooooog35 said...
My cart full of adult underwear usually ends up being a deal-breaker.
- November 05, 2009
- plainolebob said...
- November 05, 2009
- Steve said...
Interesting story. I always had trouble meeting people in places like the library or the grocery store, unless I wasn't looking.
- November 09, 2009
u should see this [url=http://moourl.com/37lxu]must see.[/url]
just a bit help one more and i get pics unlocked
- January 02, 2010
- Jassy Onya'e said...
Wow, im glad I read this post. Funny I must say & the ending was perfect. The lady with the leggings and white shirt didn't have to be such a beezy. I would have smiled and then that would have been your que. Anyway the ending was good =]
- March 05, 2010
Hahahaha Blown out good style! Next time don't stare so much, little subtle glances do the trick. You'll end up being arrested for stalking!!
Elizabeth xx
- March 06, 2010
- Dating said...
Fish, how you'll miss these adventures when you find love...
- April 26, 2010
- Mary Jonson said...
Thanks! Nice article!
- March 01, 2012
- Brad Smith said...
Your exploits remind me of myself in my younger days - funny stuff!
- December 12, 2012
- tipsondating said...
Thanks for making the effort to talk about dating. I experience highly about it and really like studying more on this subject. I have been browsing online more than three hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like yours. It is pretty worth enough for me.
- November 19, 2013


text:
Our Mascot
Hello boys and girls, parents and grandparents and all loved ones of children at Dragon Club I'm George, George the Dragon - The Dragon Club mascot.
You may of heard about me before, I'm the friendly Dragon that likes to visit the children playing in Dragon Club.
I love visiting the children in Dragon Club - I have a great time! I really enjoy taking photographs so I make sure I get lots of photos with the children when we do activities.
I have a little brother called Mini George who plays with in Foundation and occasionally goes on trips with the children in Dragon Club.
It's been really nice meeting you all, why not have a look at my adventures with the children in my pictures below.
Much Happiness,
George the Dragon
See our Galleries from the links below;-


text:
While perusing TechquilaShots.com's feed earlier I came across Steve's latest post that truly resonates with me from the perspective of having self guilt as it relates to my productivity, creative flows, and abilities to focus for longer than a 30 second commercial interruption.
From about my late teen years into my mid-20's or so, I had the messed up notion that to be creative, truly original, a person couldn't simply "create" something unless that something didn't exist prior. Not sure where this originated in my, though none of my immediate family members were creative types, so there were definitely no role models around to steer those formative years.
After finally discontinuing the self inflicted mental abuse, I finally realized that I was in fact a very creative type. Remembering that collage of pandas I did when I was in the second grade really got my thinking right 😉
At the same time, realizing that my strengths lay in the a more structured arena vs. the painting, sculpting one, I simply started to focus where I was good, and in what I enjoyed doing. No one is going to mistakenly call me an "artist", and that's okay. I know where, and what I'm good at now. And knowing's half the battle.
Some of the things Steve discusses in his post, while almost sounding apologetic to his readers, definitely resonates with me, also. This is almost the identical "process" I go through in relation to getting ideas and generally being creative.
Here are a few thoughts I'd add to Steve's post:
- I think it's okay to stay focused wherever inspiration has you, and for as long as you have it.
- Just the same, if the creative gods have you popping in and out of a wide variety of niches, that's groovy too.
- I absorb a lot of reading as well. More when I am able to keep the television remote from mysteriously powering up its master. If I'm not reading with a yellow pad and pen standing by, I most assuredly miss out on ideas capture.
- One recent action that has freed up so much of my time and creative energies has been to cut back on my total number of magazine subscriptions. Doing it was relatively simple; I rarely subscribe to more than one year at a time for just this reason (well, it started out a financial one…
And if you haven't read Wired magazine in a couple of months, you should be ashamed of yourselves because it is just overflowing with creative fodder for the most multi-stomached of us out there. Of course, if you know you have a paid up subscription, and you are still not getting it, I'd check my snail mail carriers personal trash can on garbage pick up day. You never know!
In case you don't make it over to TechquilaShots web site (try not to cause yourself bodily damage to do so, but do get over there at some point between reading this and the time it takes you to make coffee), be sure to head over to TechCrunch to view this documentary.
Always Go Boldly!