text:
Digital DNA
While the rest of us surf the Internet, Russell Deaton explores ways to store its contents in a drop of liquid.
Deaton, professor of computer science and computer engineering, along with his University of Arkansas College of Engineering collaborators Steve Tung and Jin-Woo Kim, and Junghuei Chen, a biochemist from the University of Delaware, is investigating methods of storing biological and non-biological information in a memory made of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) molecules.
Essentially, they're developing a DNA computer.
The group is in the third year of a three-year, $699,000 grant from the National Science Foundation. Deaton admits the concept is on the edge, but the more he explains it, the more natural the whole idea seems.
"Engineers build tools to help humans do math and solve problems, and a computer is just another tool that we've built and programmed to perform complex computations," he said. "We've always used natural materials to build these tools. For example, an abacus was built out of wood. And a computer is made of silicon, which is the primary component of the earth's crust. In our case, we're building a tool out of material that just happens to be biological."
Further expanding computer technology, Leonard Adleman, often called the inventor of DNA computing, published the first article connecting DNA and computations in the journal Science in 1994. "To build a computer, only two things are really necessary; a method of storing information and a few simple operations for acting on that information," he wrote.
So eventually instead of laptops we'll carry test tubes, right?
Wrong, according to Deaton. "DNA computers probably won't ever replace solid-state computers, which are faster, more reliable and more predictable," he said. "But you might use DNA as a device to store an enormous amount of data. For example, you might be able to carry around the entire IRS database."
Great, let's go. Can't wait to buy the newest gadget; a DNA memory device.
Slow down, techster, they're not going to be at Best Buy for a while. "Consider what we know about physics today, and we're Newton with his apple," Deaton said, shaking his head. "Modern electricity? We're Ben Franklin with a kite. Cars? We're not even Henry Ford, we're inventing the wheel.
"It's a little frustrating, but how often do you get the chance to play a part in the founding of a whole new field?"
A New Twist on the Double Helix
Why are roughly 100 to 150 researchers in the world establishing the field of DNA computing at all? What's the lure? Most important, what's in it for us, the impatient computing public?
The most pressing reason to search for alternative methods of processing information is the sheer volume of the information we're processing. "Humans produce about 1018 bytes of information every year, which completely boggles my mind," said Deaton. "That includes books, newspapers, magazines, Web sites, blogs; you name it. We have to find better ways to deal with this information avalanche; to store it, search it and retrieve it."
And DNA computing promises the potential of much better ways to do exactly that.
The Power of Density
The possibility of storing vast amounts of data in a small space is probably the most alluring benefit of DNA computing. Think of how much information is stored in the individual DNA of every human. After all, you're unique, just like the other six billion people on the planet.
So how much non-biological data might be stored? "One DNA sequence might represent one byte of information," said Deaton. "You can store potentially an exabyte (1018) of information in a drop of water. The sheer density of what you can store is exciting, to say the least."
Adleman puts it another way when he writes, "One gram of DNA, which when dry would occupy a volume of approximately one cubic centimeter, can store as much information as approximately one trillion CDs."
Indeed, the entire contents of the Internet actually could be stored in a drop of water.
The Power of Energy
With great technological marvels have come great demands on the electrical supply. DNA computing offers the hope of a remarkably energy efficient machine, more than a million times more efficient than a PC.
Adleman writes that in principle, one joule is sufficient for approximately 2 x 1019 ligation operations using DNA. Existing supercomputers now execute, at most, 109 operations per joule.
The Power of Endurance
Remember the last crime show you watched? The detectives probably used a tiny strand of hair or even an old sample of DNA to crack the case.
"Scientists like to say that DNA is robust," said Tung, assistant professor of mechanical engineering. "You can extract it from old bones and still test it. That toughness makes it very appealing from a materials standpoint."
The Power of Parallel Processing
Atraditional computer stores information as sequences of zeros and ones in memory, then manipulates that information with the operations available on the processor chip. Because most electronic computers operate on a sequential basis, they essentially perform tasks one at a time, albeit very quickly. DNA computers, however, offer a much more intriguing reality: massively parallel processing.
In the cell, DNA is biochemically modified by a variety of enzymes, tiny protein machines that read and process DNA, manipulating it on the molecular level. Some enzymes, for example, cut DNA, and others paste it back together. Other enzymes function as copiers or repair units. We can now perform many of these cellular functions in the test tube. And in the test tube, these enzymes can work on many DNA molecules simultaneously.
Which means DNA strands can produce billions of potential answers simultaneously, making DNA computers incredibly well-suited for solving problems that require searching for solutions among a massive number of possibilities.
Imagine searching the Internet with one click, looking based on content instead of address. The research group also is exploring massive DNA memories that store and search information based upon meaning, or semantics.
"The operations on DNA molecules occur in parallel, so searching and retrieving data based upon both content as well as context is possible," said Chen, associate professor of biochemistry at the University of Delaware.
Memories with Meaning
A human DNA molecule is about a meter long and a twenty-millionth meter wide, or the width of 20 hydrogen atoms. The famous double helix shape is like a twisted ladder, and each rung is made up of four nucleotides adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C) or guanine (G). The DNA code is then expressed in combinations of those letters.
By mapping data onto sequences of nucleotides, information is stored in DNA. That information can then be retrieved by placing the Watson-Crick complement in the test tube. The Watson-Crick complement which replaces A with T and G with C then matches with the sequence representing the information you want. This base-pairing, template-matching reaction, which pairs up Watson-Crick complementary sequences, is called DNA hybridization.
"The DNA molecules are floating around and they want to pair up," said Deaton. "Our goal is to make those DNA sequences have meaning. We could build a DNA dictionary of words to create a library of DNA sequences that would store information. Then we'd use the base-pairing mechanism to do a search."
If the team can create a library of sequences that's controllable, predictable and well-behaved, then instead of conducting an Internet search by address, you could eventually conduct an Internet search by both context and content.
Take these two sentences:
"I sat on the bank of the river."
"I cashed my check at the bank."
They could be stored in DNA by having each word represented by a DNA sequence. For example, "bank" could be "AGATGC," and "river" could be "CCGTGA." In the test tube, these DNA words could be combined into one molecule representing the sentence. So all sentences with the word "bank" could be retrieved by hybridizing with its complement "TCTACG."
But you may have noticed the word "bank" has two different meanings in these sentences. Which meaning is which is determined by the context, or the other words in the sentence. "We can search for the first sentence and extract out all banks associated with checks, for example," said Deaton. "Or use the other context and retrieve banks associated with rivers by biochemically searching for molecules that contain the relevant DNA sequences."
So DNA memory doesn't work like the memory in your typical desktop computer, which stores information at specific addresses. Information is instead retrieved by content, or the DNA sequences that represent the information.
Of course, the DNA sequences that are used have to be designed to allow reliable and error-free information processing. "It always comes down to a word design problem," Deaton said. "In DNA computing, things that are not a problem for biologists are definitely a problem for us," he said. "Like achieving the required level of control and reliability over what's going on in the test tube."
Molecular Mathematics
Enter Jin-Woo Kim, assistant professor of biological engineering, who looks for the solution within solutions.
"I implement computation in the test tube given many different assumptions and conditions," he said. "Writing code is a prediction. I simulate and verify that prediction under real biological conditions."
That verification is vital because, unlike genetic DNA, the biotic DNA used for computing does not contain enzymes to automatically correct mistakes. "Each sequence might contain thousands of A-T-C-G base pairs," said Kim. "One change in one base pair makes the entire outcome totally different."
Ensuring that the information in the DNA solution is absolutely correct is simply the starting point of Kim's work. "How can we see what's going on in the test tube?" asks Kim.
The current method, gel electrophoresis, involves placing a solution of heterogenous DNA molecules on one end of a slab of gel and applying a current. The negatively-charged DNA molecules move toward the anode. Because shorter strands move quicker than longer ones, the DNA is separated by length. Using fluorescent dyes, a chemical wash and ultraviolet light, you can see bands in the gel where the DNA molecules of different lengths have come to rest.
Kim also uses microarray technology, which involves putting a DNA sample on a slide, then adding another, using a chemical wash and then a high-resolution scanner to determine what's happening. But this method has many disadvantages, as well.
"It requires a very sophisticated, expensive and large machine," said Kim.
Kim, working with Tung and Deaton, is trying to discover a way to detect the DNA reaction in real-time. "We're working on a highly-sensitive, electrically-addressable, real-time, DNA-based carbon nanotube-wire sensor. Within five years, we'll have something that we can use."
Molecular Mechanics
Steve Tung, assistant professor of mechanical engineering, spends his days building nanomachines and making them work. "My part of this research is building a platform for a DNA computer to operate," he said. In other words, he's developing a nanomachine to retrieve the information the other researchers are storing and searching.
How big is a nanomachine, anyway?
If you can spare one, pull a hair from your head (hey, no one ever said science didn't hurt). A nanometer is about a thousandth of the width of your hair, or one billionth of a meter. Put another popular way, if we measured the earth in nanometers instead of meters, it would fit in a shot glass.
"A nanotube generally has a diameter ranging from one to tens of nanometers, and its length is of the order of one micrometer," said Tung. "An exact size depends on the individual nanotube."
Weird things happen with materials that small.
"Conventional methods just don't work at that level," said Tung. "Materials with certain properties take on totally different characteristics. For example, we can't predict how molecules will align themselves, how they'll react with other molecules or whether they'll stick together."
This stickiness issue is quite, well, sticky. "The smaller the size, the more things stick together," Tung explains. "Think of a golf ball on your car. If you drive away, it will come off. But think of particles of dust on your car. They stick to it.
"As it is, DNA exists in a mixture or in suspension and it's hard to manipulate. We're working on chemically binding the DNA onto the carbon nanotubes," said Tung. "The simplest way to explain our device is that we use the change in electronic properties of nanotubes to monitor the behavior of DNA. First, we record the electronic properties of 'bare' nanotubes. Then, we attach single-stranded DNA to the nanotubes and record any change in the electronic properties of the nanotubes. Finally, we attach 'matching' single-stranded DNAs to the hybridized DNAs that are on the nanotubes and record the electronic properties again. Based on these results, we can build a hybrid nanotube/DNA device and use it to detect the presence of matching DNAs in a medium by monitoring the electronic properties of the nanotubes."
Whew. But one wonders a rather basic question: How do you engineer a machine too tiny to see without a microscope?
So far, there are basically two processes. The "top down" methods take a larger piece of material and make it smaller. The "bottom up" techniques involve building the material atom by atom. The two approaches carry over to mixing molecules. "You can mix it as is, which is like putting marbles in milk and stirring," said Tung. "Or you can be more precise and direct heat to change the direction of the polymers."
But why use carbon nanotubes?
"Carbon is inert and it's solid," said Tung. "It's the vanilla of all the elements. You can change it to strawberry or tutti-frutti or rocky road.
"In the '80s, the computer revolution hit the world. In the '90s, the Internet changed everything," said Tung. "I believe the groundbreaking technology in 10 years could be carbon nanotubes."
Complex Simplicity
"Wouldn't it be neat to design a computer out of a living thing?" thought Deaton as an undergrad in biology class. His interest was renewed after he read Adleman's groundbreaking article as a professor. A recent $100,000 NSF grant, with Kim and John Lusth, associate professor, computer science and computer engineering, will help him pass along that interest to undergraduate students in the College of Engineering at the University of Arkansas.
"Undergraduate programming texts are pretty dry," said Deaton. "I think most students would be more excited to learn those basic skills while doing work for DNA computing."
As amazing as the concept of DNA computing is, Kim remains most amazed by the elegance of DNA itself. "Here is the basis for our bodies, the basis for everything; the source of life itself," said Kim. "Yet the material is so simple. And there is so much potential and so many more mysteries."
Exploring those mysteries excites Tung, who sees a bit of irony in his work. "Whatever we do, we're trying to mimic nature, but on a much smaller scale. So you can't predict what's going to happen in the lab. And not knowing is the fun of research."
Research as fun? Most definitely, according to Deaton, who has an undergraduate degree in English and advanced degrees in electrical engineering. "I'm learning new things every day, which are not necessarily in my area of expertise. And I told myself that if I was going to be in academia, I was going to make sure that I would work on something that was challenging and fun. DNA computing is fun."


text:
The Black Stump Durif Shiraz 2018
South Eastern Australia
Forbidden Planet (1956)
Taking the name of this wine as delicious inspiration, join the crew of Cruiser C-57D to a distant planet in MGM's landmark science fiction film. A scientist, Dr. Morbius (played by Walter Pidgeon), and his daughter are all that's left of a previous mission from earth – along with their witty robot servant Robby – and Leslie Nielsen's Commander Adams arrives to discover the planet's dark secrets.
You know a wine's special if customers call the winery demanding more. That's the devotion The Black Stump inspires. From Alan Kennett, one of an elite few to win the Jimmy Watson Trophy (Australia's premier wine prize), its name references the mythical Outback landmark (on the label) tied to the Aussie saying 'beyond the black stump,' or, 'middle of nowhere.' Inky Durif and berry-packed Shiraz used to grow in remote vineyards across South Eastern Australia, so it fits – though this wine's chocolatey, sun-baked, black-fruit flavors are anything but distant in the glass. With a long history of huge international acclaim, it's sure to impress your guests (especially when served with hearty beef dishes).
The Black Stump is a fitting name, as the grapes Alan (below) favors for the blend are grown in hard-to-reach vineyards across South Eastern Australia. This is serious wine territory, as almost half of all the wine in the country is crushed right here. Luckily, Alan knows just where to look for the good stuff ...
Famed for its power, structure, and mocha-tinged, black-fruit character, Durif is "the grape that takes no prisoners" (Tim Atkin, MW). Known as Syrah in France, peppery, berry-packed Shiraz takes on a richer, sun-drenched character in Australia. As Alan says, when you blend Durif with Shiraz "magical things happen." Together, they turbo-charge each other to make an irresistible style.
The Black Stump's spicy blackberry and plummy flavors pair perfectly with juicy red meats. Try braised beef short ribs (the more sauce the better), char-grilled New York strip, or gourmet burgers (beef or bison). It's also delicious with hearty pastas (with or without meat), stews, or firm cheeses. A versatile, crowd-pleasing red for sure.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
"It's important for us to remember the great things that God has done for us. Often we become consumed with our daily struggles and forget all that that Lord has done."
*The Wild Goose is a series produced, in its entirety, by Fr. Dave Pivonka, TOR and 4PM media.
Segment 14 - The Spirit Remembers
View series introduction here.
View study guide introduction here.


text:
At Advanced Vetcare, we are passionate about your pets' health. We provide surgery, medicine and 24 hour veterinary emergency and critical care services to ensure that your furry kids are always looked after.
Our Services
At Advanced Vetcare, we provide consultations in oncology (cancer), orthopedics, soft tissue surgery, diagnostic imaging (x- ray and ultrasound), behaviour, dentistry and critical care.
Meet our Team
Our team of veterinarians and veterinary support staff are passionate about attending to your pet's health needs.
Our Location
18 Jalan Pari Burong
Picardy Gardens
Singapore 488684
(Shophouses along Upper Changi Road)


text:
General Question
What's the difference between an indoor flood light and an outdoor flood light?
Asked by evanchaney (34) August 3rd, 2008 from iPhone
I need a 65w flood for the light above my garage. The grocery store only carries indoor floods. What's the difference? Weathering? Power consumption/brightness?
Observing members: 0 Composing members: 0
4 Answers
Adina1968 (2747)"Great Answer" (0) Flag as… ¶
augustlan (47701)"Great Answer" (0) Flag as… ¶
marinelife (62435)"Great Answer" (0) Flag as… ¶
bodyhead (5520)"Great Answer" (0) Flag as… ¶
Answer this question
This question is in the General Section. Responses must be helpful and on-topic.
Wow! You've got 847 knowledge matches!Want to see them? Join Fluther!


text:
Massachusetts has enacted new child support guidelines as of August 1, 2013 and they shall be applied to all child support orders and judgments entered after the effective date. There shall be a rebuttable presumption that these guidelines apply in all cases establishing or modifying a child support order.
In establishing these guidelines, due consideration has been given to the following principles:
1) to minimize the economic impact on the child's standard of living;
2) to promote joint parental responsibility for child support in proportion to, or as a percentage of, income;
3) to meet the child's survival needs in the first instance, but to the extent either parent enjoys a higher standard of living, to entitle the child to enjoy that higher standard;
4) to protect a subsistence level of income of parents at the low end of the income range whether or not they are on public assistance;
5) to recognize that the parents should bear any additional expenses resulting from the maintenance of two
separate households instead of one,since it is not the child's decision that the parents divorce, separate, or otherwise live separately.
6) to recognize the non-monetary contributions and extent of involvement of both parents;
7) to recognize the monetary and/or in-kind contributions of both parents in addition to the child support order;
8) to promote consistency in the setting of child support orders at all income levels whenever appropriate;
9) to recognize the importance,availability, and cost of health insurance coverage for the child;
10) to allow for orders and wage assignments that can be adjusted as income increases or decreases; and
11) to minimize problems of proof for the parties and to streamline administration for the courts.
Support Calculations
Child support is typically determined based on a variety of factors that are unique to each set of parents. Some of these factors include:
- Rate of pay of the Payor
- Rate of pay of the Recipient
- Child care paid
- Health and dental insurance paid
- Other prior support obligations
- Number of children
Some support obligations are paid directly to the Recipient, some through wage garnishment, while others require the payer to pay the appropriate amount directly to the Massachusetts Department of Revenue, or DOR.
Failure to Pay
Once you have a support order, it is your responsibility to make sure it is paid. If a payor fails to make the appropriate payments, action may be taken against him or her. Some of the potential consequences for failure to pay include but are not limited to:
- interest and penalties imposed by DOR
- Lien on real estate or personal property
- Seizure of financial assets
- Suspension of your driver's license
- Interception of tax returns
- imposition of a jail sentence
- payment of attorney's fees and costs
The exact consequences may vary depending on the amount you are behind and various other factors.
Support Modifications
Changes in circumstances can allow you to request for a child support modification, just like many other areas of family law. If you have changed jobs or been fired and have an increase or decrease in income, you may qualify for a support modification. It is always best to talk to a lawyer before filing for a modification to ensure you meet the guidelines for changing the order. Modifications are typically granted when there has been a substantial and material change in circumstances.
Child support is a necessary aspect when it comes to caring for children after divorce or the separation of the parents. When it is ordered, it is important for both parents to understand the reasons and follow through with the order to protect the best interest of the children involved.


text:
KAESER KOMPRESSOREN System Shanghai Co. Ltd.
No. 3500 JinDu Road, Xin Zhuang, Industry Zone, MinHang District
201108 Shanghai
Telephone: +86 21-544 22 666
Hotline: +86 139 0195 5199
Fax: +86 21-544 25 566
Product range
With service centers nationwide and our 24-hour emergency parts guarantee, Kaeser customers can rely on the best after-sales support in the industry.
From global corporations to intelligent trades businesses; from food production to aerospace: Our customers benefit day in, day out, from the quality, safety, and cost efficiency that a Kaeser compressed air supply brings.
Learn about our development from a machine shop to one of the world's most successful manufacturers of compressed air systems.
Cookies help us to provide our services. By using our services, you agree to our use of cookies. You can find out more about cookies by clicking on the following link. Find out more about cookies.Allow all cookies


text:
People often afraid of their health issues and try to take necessary precautions to overcome such issues. Nowadays most of them are becoming busy in their daily life and are neglecting the healthy diet and other physical activities. Especially people need to take care of their health after the age of forty as the body undergoes many physical and mental changes. They should concentrate on their diet and other activities. The doctors have been suggesting having enough physical activities like walking, jogging, and physical exercises so that they can maintain their body fit and strong.
Especially the elders have been suffering from the common health issues like diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, sciatica, and stones in the kidneys and gallbladder etc. Many new advanced procedures are available with which people can have the treatment and can get immediate relief from the suffering. ESWL Melbourne is the best procedure for removing the stones in the kidneys. Multiple ways are available for treating the stones in the organs. But it can depend on the health condition of the patient and also the size of the stones. In the shock wave lithotripsy system, the removal of stones is possible without an incision, and the patient can recover in no time. In the lithotripsy procedure, they break the stones in the kidneys into tiny pieces and ureter is the device that helps to pass the stone dust into the urine. It is one of the active and efficient procedures for removing the small stones. But in case of large stones, such methods are not applicable. They use to perform various other processes for removing large stones. Sometimes people can suffer from severe pain because of these stones.
Other than these issues elder people undergo various other health issues. They should have regular health checkups so that they cannot face any problems further. In most of the hospitals, many specialist doctors are available relating to various departments. The professional urologist, cardiologists, oncologists and many other experienced and expert doctors are providing their services to the needy people. Most of the hospitals are also maintaining their websites and are offering the essential online services to the people. Those who have been suffering from various health issues need to approach the concern doctors immediately and should be able to adopt the preventive measures. It can help them in avoiding the risk and can try to reduce the problem. Food can play the crucial role in maintaining the health. These days' people cannot find time in carrying out the physical activities. The healthy diet with enough exercises like walking can help the people to remain fit and healthy. Especially the senior citizens should concentrate on their health and have to implement the essential preventive measures to avoid the health issues.


text:
US biotech firm Allerca says it has managed to selectively breed them by reducing a certain type of protein that triggers allergic reactions.You can buy one of these kittens here.
The cats will not cause the red eyes, sneezing and even asthma that some cat allergy sufferers experience, except in the most acute cases.
...It tested huge numbers of cats trying to find the tiny fraction which do not carry the glycoprotein Fel d1 - contained in its saliva, fur and skin - which produces allergies.
Those cats were then used to breed the hypoallergenic cats.
The company's Steve May told the BBC that it is a natural, if time consuming method.
"This is a natural gene divergence within the cat DNA - one out of 50,000 cats will have this natural divergence," he said.
"So candidates, natural divergent cats were found and then bred so there is really no modification of the gene."
Monday, September 25, 2006
Hypoallergenic cats go on sale
People who are allergic to cats can now have them as pets thanks to a US biotech firm. It has created specially-bred hypoallergenic cats and they are on sale now at US$3950 per kitten. From BBC:
Posted by I.Z. Reloaded at 4:54 PM
1 comment:
To what degree exactly did they reduce the allergenic gene? Unfortunately they can't even tell that! What they CAN tell precisely is that their cat costs 3950 USD, that's where they are surprisingly precise. A gene knockout done properly would have been more precise, but also much more work and would have required showing exactly that and what they really deleted, but that obviously requires personnel that would probably prefer to do more interesting work.
- 26.9.06
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 3.0 Singapore License.


text:
Category Archives: guitar
The Guitar Hanger in fact does
Music Radar found a clever thing: the "Guitar Hanger", which lets you hang up your axe in the closet. (You could also put a guitar in it.) According to the manufacturer's site, it's only available from a few retailers at … Continue reading
For Sale: Speedboat in the shape of a guitar
Comissioned by singer Josh Pyke, this guitar-shaped boat is on sale. From Undercover News: The extraordinary guitar-shaped boat built for the Josh Pyke video `Make You Happy` is going to be auctioned for charity. Maton guitars created the SS Maton … Continue reading
Line 6 POD Studio USB interfaces for guitar players (and their guitars)
Line 6, makers of a variety of virtual amplifier modelers and other nifty hardware for guitarists, is pushing out a new like of interfaces called the "POD Studio", all of which support high quality audio input over USB. The main … Continue reading
RKS Gig Stand, a folding guitar caddy
Although they appear to be slowly going off the market, the "RKS Gig Stand" looks like a nice bit of folding plastic for guitar players. The whole thing closes shut and then collapses on itself when not in use, making … Continue reading
N-Tune In-Guitar Tuner
Guitar tuners are a dime a dozen, including ones with little motors that physically turn the pegs to Gibson's fully automatic "Robot guitars." Separate tuners are difficult to find when you're on stage, however, and the Robot guitar, while interesting, … Continue reading
Metasonix "Fucking Fucker" G-1000 Tube Amp
My musical ability is such that I make even the finest sonic gear sound like a fox caught in a solids compactor at the local treatment plant, but if I could make sweet musics, gear from Metasonix would be my … Continue reading
Blackbird Rider Acoustic Carbon Fiber Guitar
The Rider Acoustic from Blackbird Guitars uses carbon fiber instead of wood to create a lightweight guitar that they claim sounds as good as a traditional, full-sized acoustic. It's certainly striking. (And in a good way, unlike so many out-there … Continue reading
Video: Guitar-Activated Vibrator
When NOTCOT got both a simple plug-in amplifier and a vibrator that is controlled by an audio input delivered on the same day, naturally they had to rig them all together, creating a double set of sex toys that vibrate … Continue reading
Gibson Robot Guitar Official
More details are out about the Gibson Powertune line of self-tuning guitars—for one, they're now being peculiarly branded as "Robot" guitars. Whatever the name, I think we can all agree the new paint job is quite attractive. I'll never have … Continue reading


text:
Mason Greenwood & Bukayo Saka: Who are the teenagers scoring for Man Utd & Arsenal?
It was a night when "dreams came true" for two emerging English talents.
Manchester United and Arsenal struggled for large parts of their respective Europa League openers, but by the end two teenagers announced themselves on the senior stage.
First, 18-year-old academy graduate Bukayo Saka scored his first senior goal, and set-up Arsenal's other two, to help the Gunners beat Eintracht Frankfurt.
Then, 17-year-old Mason Greenwood, who has come through the United youth ranks, rescued Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side from a frustrating draw against Astana with his first goal for the club.
So who are they? What records have they broken and what are people saying about their futures?
'Greenwood will be a United starter for years to come'
Manchester United are keen to tie Greenwood down to a new contract.
Greenwood signed a professional contract last year but celebrates his 18th birthday on 1 October and United are hopeful of being able to mark the occasion with a lucrative new deal.
"We are always in talks with the boys about how we see the future. Mason is one we want to keep with us," said Solskjaer.
There are few better places for a Manchester United academy graduate to score their first goal than in front of the Stretford End.
United had been kept out by Kazakh side Astana for 73 minutes on Thursday before Greenwood cleverly cut on to his right foot and finished through the goalkeeper's legs.
In doing so, the striker became United's youngest scorer in Europe and the first player born in the 2000s to score for the club.
Greenwood made his United debut in last season's Champions League last-16 tie against Paris St-Germain, featured heavily in pre-season and came off the bench in the Reds' first four Premier League games this season.
Last season, he scored 26 goals in 30 games across United's youth, reserve and senior teams and made his England Under-21 debut earlier this month.
Solskjaer has said Greenwood's progress reminds him of United legend Ryan Giggs while his fellow United striker Marcus Rashford says his natural abilities are "frightening".
After Greenwood's match-winning performance against Astana, former Manchester United and England striker Michael Owen told BT Sport: "I really like Mason Greenwood and not just because of tonight.
"I've seen him many times in the youth team and he is a proper, proper player. He could be a Man Utd starter for years to come. I think he will be."
'He looked better than Pepe'
Saka was making just his fifth senior start as part of an inexperienced Arsenal forward line, alongside fellow academy graduates Emile Smith Rowe, Joe Willock and striker Pierre Emerick Aubameyang, but was the Gunners' most impressive player in a tough game in Germany.
The winger set up Willock for the Arsenal's opening goal, smashed in the second in the 85th minute, and teed up Aubameyang two minutes later.
He was a threat throughout with his pace and trickery on the left flank and the teenager's goal made him Arsenal's youngest scorer in Europe since Aaron Ramsey in October 2008.
Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown said Saka looked more impressive than the Gunners' record signing Nicholas Pepe who joined this summer for £72m.
"They toiled away trying to get young players in and they have found one in Saka," Keown said on BT Sport.
"You think of the way Pepe is playing at the moment and they paid £72m for him, and this kid looks better than him tonight."
Saka, born in London in 2001, was given his senior debut in last season's Europa League and scored five times and made eight assists in 20 games for the reserve side last season.
He has made eight appearances for England's Under-19s and has scored three times and set up another two.
'A dream come true' – what they said
Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka: "I'm so happy to score for Arsenal, it's a dream come true – I have been dreaming of this moment since I was a kid.
"I just want to keep working hard to make sure I can feel this feeling again."
Shades of Van Persie – what you said on #bbcfootball
Richard Berry: The way Greenwood moves reminds me a lot of Van Persie.
Stuart Mitchell: Greenwood is the best striker to come through the united academy in years, he will have a better goal scoring career than Rashford.
Emil, Stroud: I've been watching Mason Greenwood play for the youth team for years. The kids got bags of talent, a real star for the future.
Adam Salter: Saka has grown and grown and grown in this game. Looked nervous at the beginning, but that goal caps a brilliant performance. Easily the Man of the Match.
Fred, Hampshire: Two assists and a goal, looks like Saka may be knocking at the door after all.


text:
|More progress!
|Even more progress!
|This part of the beading is finished.
I just need to add a few more things on the back.
In addition to beading, I put a few more finishing touches on previously "complete" pieces. I put bobby pins on the inside of the headpiece so that I can wear it without the pins showing, and I put small orange feathers on the arm bands. I was debating whether or not to use the orange feathers for a long time, but I really love the way they look.
I also did a few test-runs of makeup I'm thinking of using for this cosplay, and ultimately, I decided to simplify my makeup a lot. So I wasted money on three pairs of false eyelashes, whoops! I'm kicking myself over it, but I'm not going to over-complicate a perfectly good makeup just because I'm cheap. Speaking of being cheap, I still have to buy more makeup because what I've been using for test runs is super low-quality.


text:
You can use the page up and page down keys to easily skip through sections of this website or you can skip directly to the content now.
Your privacy is important to us. AGCO has therefore recently updated its privacy policy to give you a better understanding of the types of personal data we collect from you and how we use it. We recommend you to take a moment to read the updated policy available on http://www.agcocorp.com/privacy.html
Dealer locator
Contact Us
Ground Care & Small Holder
Vineyards & Fruit
Hay and Forage
MF 400 Xtra
60-89 kW
Efficiency & Economy
Farm Management
AGCO Parts
AGCO Service
AGCO Shop
Buy & Win
The New MF 8700 S Series is aimed at customers looking for a New touch of high horsepower and a precision farming tractor with inspired design and optimized efficiency.
The New MF 8700 S with its powerful new styling is designed to captivate you from the start. The NEW MF light bar and iconic MF triple triangle logo is at the heart of the 'S' effect distinctive styling, the full embodiment of MF's power, design and engineering quality.
* @1950 rpm | ** @1500 rpm
For a virtual 360° view of this product simply click the interactive image on the right and spin the product to the angle you would like to see.
Combined services to increase our customers' profit
and efficiency
The moment a Massey Ferguson machine is delivered, one of our primary missions begins; providing YOU, our customers with the necessary support and services to carry out your operations efficiently and with minimum downtime. Under MF Services we provide our customers with a "one stop shop" for all existing and future services to keep their business on track and the equipment up and running. Spanning regular maintenance, extended warranty, technical support and connected services, MF Services ensures that each machine operating hour is a success and gives the freedom to focus fully on the core business of farming.
Find out more about this product by downloading the relevant brochure from the list below.
Interested in finding out more about this product? Find your nearest dealer and get in touch today.
Alternatively, you can use our Dealer locator to search by dealer name.


text:
If you've made it here, you're either (a) curious about my coaching services or (b) know you're interested and are looking for details. Either way, enjoy poking around. You can check out the origin story of my coaching practice on Medium and lots of my other thoughts about productivity on my blog. Don't hesitate to send me questions!
P.S. — Thanks to Zach P. for asking for this info and prompting me to make this page. Also thanks to Brooke and Abraham for adding fuel to the flame.
Intro Package (3 sessions)
Each session is 90-120 minutes and can be in person, by phone, or by video. The average amount of time between each session is about 4 weeks.
1: Scratching the surface
This session is largely about surfacing your current reality. I'll ask lots of questions and you'll do lots of talking. I'll ask you things about how your day-to-day life and where (and how) you want to be in the future. In the process, I'll share a little bit about what I see and we'll identify a 1-3 areas to work on.
2: Digging in
After having some time (2-8 weeks) to run with those areas we picked out, we'll check in about how things went! Based on that and things I heard in the first session, I'll share more tips, tools, and theory about how to work towards personal change. We'll tweak your list of experiments and then set our sights on session 3.
3: Learning from experiments
In this session, we'll review how the 2nd round of experiments went. Then, having done two loops of experimentation, we'll reflect on how you **actually** change (or don't!). After thinking through that, we'll brainstorm how to incorporate those lessons to support other changes you want to make. I'll also ask you for a little feedback on the whole process.
Other Offerings
Tune up / Check in
If you've done the Intro package, we can do a 60 minute tune up/check in at any time (schedules allowing, of course). These are helpful if you want a intermediate level of support working through a specific block or barrier in your change processes.
Personal Systems Consult
If we've never worked together before, but you're not interested in the Intro package, this could be for you. In a single 2-hour session, I'll assess how your personal systems work and how you think about them. Then I'll share a bunch of relevant theory, tips, and tools. I'll also put together a list of resources for you to dig into.
Experimental Offerings
These are offerings that I'm starting to experiment with. Until I get them fine tuned, pricing is negotiable. Help me help other folks (and yourself) by trying these out with me!
Annual Retreat
Check out 2020 Vision if you're interested in joining me in person for some deep annual reflection and planning. You're also welcome to see what I've done for the last few years of my annual reflection retreats on my blog.
Cohort Coaching
Interested in the Intro Package but want to come with a buddy (or 2 or 3)? I'm testing out how to support groups of 2-4 people to go through a series of 3 sessions together. There's less attention on each individual, but having a built-in support structure and other people to learn with/from can be worth the tradeoff.
H/T to DCC at Infinite Growth for this cohort idea.
A Note about Pricing
I'm really interested in making this work available to everyone. I'm also committed to getting compensated what I think the work is worth. So that said, I'm happy to talk and figure out how to make it work. Check out my sliding scale rate sheet here. I also love bartering and am especially excited to barter outputs that come up in the process.
For example, one person I worked with wanted to do more pottery. So one of their experiments was to set aside specific blocks time for making pottery. In the end, instead of money, they gave me some of the work they produced. Not only was the output a driver of spending the time on the pottery, it also made them more confident about their pottery!
I love working out arrangements like this. Partial trades are on the table, too. I take payment in cash, via PayPal or Venmo , and am happy to structure a payment plan that works for you.


text:
Views: 137
Though it seems there's an extensive discussion about capital punishment already elsewhere (haven't read it yet), I figure I may as well add here that I throw in my lot with those who say that capital punishment should be "banned" as you put it. I had to give a little persuasive speech about this last semester in fact, however everything I touched on was exclusively relevant to the United States.
I really think that the emotional conviction to hang on to the death penalty is flimsy and falls flat in light of the facts. To this day I haven't found one good reason for keeping capital punishment in the United States.
I am all for the death penalty, actually. I think they need to use it more and stop overcrowding our prisons. There are a whole slew of people I would use it on, and these include child rapists and others who commit crimes against children. Repeat sex offenders? Gone. Murderers? Gone.
Of course, this would be based on conclusive evidence. I would give them 1 appeal. No reason to keep them hanging out.
Consider the fact that the justice system is flawed; many cases are decided by arbitrary factors such as race or economic status of the defendant. Innocent people have been put on death row and later had to be exonerated because the system by which the death penalty is issued is not altogether impartial.
Note that even an "efficient" system of issuing the death penalty, that is to say, a system in which most or all of those who are issued the death penalty actually receive it (see Texas), does not prove by executing all of those who are accused that every defendant was necessarily guilty. Texas especially is a hotbed of injustice. 1 in 4 people on death row in Texas were represented by state provided attorneys (almost no defendants in capital cases can afford their own attorneys) who were later reprimanded, suspended, or even banned from practicing law by the State Bar due to malpractice. What does that tell you?
I think it's a common misconception that prison is awesome. To be fair, I've never been to one. So it might be :P
I don't know that its AWESOME, but you cannot deny the fact that prisoners are afforded more rights/privileges than a good portion of our law abiding citizens.
I have never been in either, but know plenty of people who have and most come out like it was no big deal. Prison SHOULD be a big deal.
Much of our prison overcrowding comes from potheads and other drug offenses.
I'm in favor of the death penalty in matters where the continued existence of someone would pose a likely danger to the rest of society. Murderers, for example, pose a continued risk to society and, imo, have no redeeming factor that can outweigh their danger to others. When you have cancer cells, you don't "rehabilitate" them, you destroy them.
Though, to be fair, I concede the point that innocent people would be at risk in the current system where arbitrary things such as economic class can swing a trial against someone. While I do think the death penalty should be used, I think it should perhaps be used less than it is and that imposing such a penalty should require a higher standard than even the usual "beyond a reasonable doubt."
Of course, I would not at all be opposed to abolishing the death penalty IF we actually HAD a successful means of rehabilitating criminals. Currently, we do not.
To use your own analogy, yes you destroy cancer cells, but sometimes this is to the severe detriment of non-cancerous, healthy parts of the body. Example: chemotherapy may kill cancer, but also poses a significant risk to the health of the patient. Similarly, The death penalty is damn expensive, and does not offer enough for what it costs us taxpayers.
Cases in which the death penalty is sought after cost on average between 1 to 3 million, with some cases reaching 7 million dollars. Cases in which death penalty is not sought after (and life imprisonment is reached) cost taxpayers 500,000 dollars on average. Also, the costs of death penalty cases are not only larger, but they are immediate. On the other hand, costs of giving a criminal life imprisonment are smaller and spread out over the life of the criminal (40 yrs on average), making them significantly easier for the taxpayer to swallow.
One interesting thing that people rarely take into consideration is that 82% of cases in which the death penalty is sought after result in life imprisonment anyway. This means that many cases rack up exorbitant costs involved with and death penalty cases but still ultimately result in the added costs of a life sentence.
Unconvinced that we're paying too much for keeping the death penalty? Look up New Jersey. Between 1983 and 2010, taxpayers in NJ paid 253 million dollars in taxes for capital punishment cases. Guess what? Nobody has been executed in that whole time in the state of New Jersey. That money could've helped prevent crime by going to hospitals, police stations, or other public services.
I am all for the death penalty as well. Many people think that it is inhumane but what these people do is inhumane. They deserve the death penalty if they do a crime of that magnitude. And anyways have you seen the men and women who are on death row? Most of them are heartless killers who just have the urge to kill and have no thought behind it? Do u want those kind of people out on the streets?


text: The present study documents ten urban transport initiatives / projects undertaken or are being undertaken in ten cities of India. It covers four Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) projects of Ahmedabad, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Visakhapatnam, Jaipur; five modern city bus services of Jalandhar, Jabalpur, Surat, Vadodara and Jalgaon; and multilevel underground parking project of Kolkata. Apart from Jaipur Public Transport (through BRT and modern city bus service) project, the remaining are Public-Private Partnership (PPP) based projects. For each, the study documents description of the project including situation before implementation of the initiative, factors of success, budgetary implications, performance and impacts of the project. Besides, it also identifies challenges/constraints, lessons learnt and finally provide suggestions.


text:
New Stampin Up In Colours
Well my big brown box of fabulous new goodies has arrived. Happy, happy , happy dance!
This is my first CASE from the new catalogue. When I saw this card, I just had to try to re-create it. I've used three of the fabulous 2013-2014 In Colours for this project, Pistachio Pudding, Crisp Cantaloupe and Baked Brown Sugar and I just love how these colours work together. Because I don't have the markers yet I did have to compromise a little but I think Pear Pizzazz works quite well.
This card is for a special someone and I'll be popping it in a parcel with a handmade gift that I've been working on for some time. I hope she likes it.
- Use your stamp-a-ma-jig to line up the stamp across the card.
- I've used my Pear Pizzazz marker and free-handed the lines, ovals, circles and a border around the stamps. Don't worry about perfection, here. It's meant to look hand-made remember.
- Using your trusty paper snips, trim around the edges.
Sneak Peeks:
- Welcome to the colour range Pistachio Pudding, Brown Sugar and Crisp Cantaloupe. Three of the new In Colours in the 2013-2014 Stampin Up Catalogue (available from 2 July).
- We also welcome back on oldie but a goodie, Pear Pizzazz (available from 2 July)
Stampin up Supplies:
Stamps: Memorable Moments (126682 clear), (132039 wood)
Card: Whisper White (106550), Pistachio Pudding (131299), Brown Sugar (131301), Crisp Cantaloupe (131303)
Ink: Pistachio Pudding (131177), Crisp Cantaloupe (131176), Midnight Muse (126860) and Pear Pizzzazz Marker (131180)
Fabulous Florishes: Whisper White Bakers Twine (124262), Rhinestones (119246)
Tools: Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack (118309), Elegant Butterfly Punch (127526) and Bitty Butterfly (129406), Paper Snips (103579), Stampin Trimmer (129722), Stamp-a-ma-jig (101049)
Adhesives: Stampin Dimensionals (104430), Glue Dots (103683), Snail (104332).
Want a copy of the new catalogue? Well you can pre-order yours now. Simply email me with your payment details ($9.95) and your copy will be sent to you directly from Stampin' Up from mid June. If you are an Inkydayz customer (ie you have ordered from me within the past 12 months), you will automatically receive yours FREE from mid June.
Want to become an Inkydayz customer? Simply place an order to the value of $50 or above in my online shop or book and host a party and you will automatically receive a FREE Stampin' Up! 2013-2014 Annual Catalog delivered to your door. You will receive your catalogue separately from your order from mid June. And don't forget to use this hostess code JVA64JTJ and you will go into the draw to win a $50 shopping spree!
I'm also happy to take orders by email to firstname.lastname@example.com.
Posted on June 8, 2013, in Birthday, Cards, Stampin Up and tagged 2013-2014 stampin up catalogue, 2013-2014 Stampin Up In Colours, Canberra Papercraft Supplies and Classes, Canberra Stampin Up Demonstrator, Inkydayz, Memorable Moments, On line Shopping, Stampin' Up!, Tania Willis. Bookmark the permalink. Leave a comment.


text:
It's very rare that I post deals here, but this is such a great deal that I had to share it.
Currently Prison Architect is 75% off on Steam, which means the prices is only $7.49! Which is a heck of a deal for this great game. The sale ends on September 2.
You can also buy the special versions, and get the Introversioner version that comes with the following 4 other games: Uplink, Darwinia, DEFCON and Multiwinia
I wrote a couple articles in the past about how much I've enjoyed this game, and so far I've sunk nearly 100 hours into it, and still having a blast.
The devs have also recently released the 2.0 version which came with alot of new features and bug fixes.
Link to Steam Store Page: http://store.steampowered.com/app/233450/


text:
ALFRED, N.Y. – The Keuka College Men's Basketball team lost on Tuesday night at Alfred University by the score of 87-74 in a non-conference game.
Keuka College (0-4) remains on the road next Wednesday as they travel to Morrisville State College on November 30 for their first North Eastern Athletic Conference game.
Sophomore Trevor Powell led Keuka College with a career-high 17 points. He also added six rebounds on the night. Greg Tyler added 16 points in the loss.
Keuka College held an early 12-10 lead five minutes into the game following a second-chance layup by Powell. A three-pointer by the Saxons gave Alfred the lead, one they would not relinquish. Alfred grew their lead to 10 points, 26-16 halfway through the first. A three by Powell late in the first made it a five-point game, 38-33, but Alfred responded, stretching their lead back to double-digits. Once again, Powell hit a three in the final minute of the half as Keuka came back to trail by only five, 45-40, at halftime.
Opening the second half, a layup by Powell narrowed the margin to three, 47-44, but the Saxons went on a run. The Wolves were held without a field goal for nearly five minutes as Alfred University went on a 15-2 run to take control of the game. The Saxons would lead by as many as 21 in the half and Keuka College was not able to narrow the deficit below 10 points as the Saxons defeated the Wolves 87-74.


text:
Author: Cora Cormack
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks
Publication Date: May 13th 2014
Genre(s): New Adult, Sports
Source: Library
Pages: 320
Add to Goodreads | Chapters | Amazon CA | B&N
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Cora Carmack follows up her trio of hits—Losing It, Faking It, and Finding It—with this thrilling first novel in an explosive series bursting with the Texas flavor, edge, and steamy romance of Friday Night Lights.
In Texas, two things are cherished above all else—football and gossip. My life has always been ruled by both. Dallas Cole loathes football. That's what happens when you spend your whole childhood coming in second to a sport. College is her time to step out of the bleachers, and put the playing field (and the players) in her past.
But life doesn't always go as planned. As if going to the same college as her football star ex wasn't bad enough, her father, a Texas high school coaching phenom, has decided to make the jump to college ball… as the new head coach at Rusk University. Dallas finds herself in the shadows of her father and football all over again.
Carson McClain is determined to go from second-string quarterback to the starting line-up. He needs the scholarship and the future that football provides. But when a beautiful redhead literally falls into his life, his focus is more than tested. It's obliterated. Dallas doesn't know Carson is on the team. Carson doesn't know that Dallas is his new coach's daughter. And neither of them know how to walk away from the attraction they feel.
I enjoyed this book. It isn't an all time favourite, but there's banter, and some solid romance and friendship. Cormack basically took almost every NA trope, crumpled it up, and chucked it out the window.
Dallas' relationship with the secondary characters, namely her father and best friend, Stella, sold this book for me. I adored the portrayal of Dallas' relationship with her father. It was imperfect, flawed, complicated, and strained, but it was gold. I'm so glad it didn't venture off into cliché territory. I hate it when novels either completely idolize or completely trash parents. Dallas' relation with her dad is a little devoid of any real connection, partly because of their own innate personalities, and partly because her father happens to be the coach's daughter. But despite this, it shows that Dallas and her dad really do love each other, but are just a little clueless as how to deal with it. I loved seeing them navigate the circumstances and bumps in their life, clumsily, but honestly. At the end of the day, Dallas loved her dad, and her dad loved her and that's what mattered.
This book passed the Bedchel test, hands down. I loved how Stella and Dallas were polar in their personalities, but had found this common ground that get could stand on. Stellar as everything Dallas needed her to be. She was the one who pushed Dallas, gave her endless stamps of approval, supported her, but also gave her a shaking down when she needed it.
And then there's Carson
QB of my dreams. Cormack knows her shit when it comes to romance, I will say this. I devoured every scene with Carson and Dallas in it. Their relationship was a delicious combination of banter, banter, banter, honesty, trust and support. They perfectly complemented each other, and most of all they helped each other grow throughout the book. The drama didn't veer into Crazyland, there weren't any pointless love triangles, and they each led a very full life that didn't involve each other.
They were very upfront with each other, which was a relief. I have a most burning hate for the Boy keeping things from the Girl for REASONS, or the Girl throwing everything out the windows because she heard something, or freaking out because the Boy didn't reply to her texts. Vice versa, obviously. Oh, and I mentioned there's banter, banter, banter right? Their text messages were to die for.
This was a very light, fun, funny read. I've read all the books published so far in the series and I highly recommend (most of) them for some A+ New Adult stuff.


text:
We had a fabulous session in the From Upset To Communication course yesterday.
One of the things a good course leader does regularly, is ask people the question what they are up to.
What are you up to? What is the purpose that makes it worth for you doing this course?
The purpose of communication
The purpose of communication is to make something happen through other people: more love, more money, more prestige, peace, sell more, make an agreement… the something is not defined. Lots of things.
But if you are not up to something, if you don't want to make anything happen through other people: this course is not for you.
Some people just want something, but cannot see that other people have anything to do with it. So they never learn communication. I have people like that in the experimental course.
If they will continue that, if they will not have anything to be up to: the course will not do anything for them.
But, of course, they are totally and utterly wrong: nothing worth doing, nothing worth accomplishing, nothing worth having can be done without other people… and if you still manage to do them, you'll get no enjoyment out of it.
Humans are social animals, and other people make life worth living. Bummer, for a lot of people. But this is how it is.
There are the people who go to the other extreme, and want love, fame, prestige, whatever, without doing anything worthwhile… The number of these deluded people is large too.
The number of the people who understand that you need other people both to accomplish and to enjoy the fruits of your labor, is small.
I suggested to my small group to take on the purpose: having, living a life worth living.
Why that? Because inside that simple definition everything that makes life worth living can be found.
It's like "good food" can be a millions of foods in billions of ways prepared… And yet everyone knows what good food is. No doubt about it.
And so is with a life worth living.
My "life worth living" will be different from yours.
For me, a life worth living is writing stuff that is worth reading, and doing stuff that is worth writing about. While I am well, and making a living. Where my stuff is read, and my "doing" has an echo…
For one of my participants, who is an artist, a life worth living is being able to sell her art is to come out of the vacuum and be heard, seen, through her art. I totally get that.
For another participant a life worth living is having a business where both his workers and his clients are in harmony with what he wants to accomplish… that is a life worth living. Life like an orchestra… beautiful.
You could have a purpose of learning something… like the art of living, and be able to turn around and help others learn it too… that would be a life worth living.
A life worth living always includes people… and with people comes the need for communication.
Everything can be resolved in communication, and every project can be moved forward, or hindered by communication or the lack of it.
In my work, all kinds of people come to me.
Some are happy with who they are and what they are accomplishing, or so they say, and they want me to confirm that.
They may be anywhere on the scale of consciousness, can be as low as 130-140… It surprises me… but if that is a life worth living for you, I am OK with that.
And most people who come to me don't feel they live a life worth living, and want to change it.
Most believe that having more money would change that, but that is rarely the case: money in excess creates a life not worth living.
Rare is the person who can do anything worthwhile while swimming in money.
Many believe that having someone to love would change their life of lack to a life worth living. I doubt that anyone can love someone who thinks that… because while you are pining for love, you likely don't do anything worthwhile.
One of the areas of life where I got sense knocked into me was love. The short report by Wallace D. Wallach saying those things about love, or what makes you "win and keep love" so counter intuitive. 1
And happiness… yesterday I was unusually giddy. And I surprised myself by smiling even in bed, before I fell asleep.
Yesterday I did, physically, things I had been unable to do for years: actually walk from store to store and be well. And then be with people and instead of looking at them as aliens, or mixing with them like sheep, I chose to be funny, and witty, much like a comic: I didn't miss any opportunity for a wisecrack.
And later I lead a class that promises to be groundbreaking for people who manage to see that they are up to something.
What a great day.
A life worth living has good days, bad days, and great days. And the totality of it is either a life worth living or not. You decide. No one else can say anything about it.
In a life worth living you conquer over yourself, you have a productive relationship with others, and you feel you are doing something worthwhile.
It's that simple.
If you don't need communication, your life is probably not worth living… And if this statement made you angry, stop and look at the life you are living.
PS: I still do the 67 steps (67 audios by Tai Lopez, that introduce principles, rules, distinctions from different authors he has read. The most valuable program I have ever done, and probably the least expensive as well. I have been doing it, continuously since February 2016, 15 months? 16 months? And I don't see any reason to stop. I am still getting immense value out of it, daily.)
Because of the nature of the program, you don't have to plan your self-development too carefully. You read every day, you add a new skill every couple of months, and practice it 10-30 minutes a day, you listen, you ponder, you map it on your life, you take the actions you promise… and every few months you look at your life in amazement: your life is moving at a steady pace towards a life worth living.
And you can see that you did it. It's not as much as what you learned, as what you can see now, and what you have done. Magical and miraculous.
I could not have done it better myself…
Obviously it is easier if you have a guide or coach or someone to share it with, regularly. This is what happens inside my Reclaim aka 67-step coaching program.
I am very careful who I take. Because I give hours of my time for a fragment of my normal fees… and my energy. If I don't see that it's worth for me, I don't do it.
PPS: You may think that a life worth living is easy… but an easy life is never worth living, because an easy life is void of growth. Any kind of growth.
Some of the lives most worth living were full of strife… like St John on the Cross, or Nelson Mandela.


text: By David Siders email@example.com Published: Tuesday, Jul. 31, 2012 "Brown has not always been so critical of CEQA. He promoted environmental protections when he was governor before, from 1975 to 1983, and as state attorney general he used the law to pressure cities and counties to consider climate change in their long-range development plans. But as … Continue reading


text:
Cold weather is upon us, well cold weather for this area. We should be getting our winter formula paint in soon. The cold weather makes standard paint very brittle and even in the best of guns will break and ruin your day. Winter formula paint is designed to handle like standard paint but at colder temperatures.
This doesn't mean you can just leave your paint sitting outside and expect no issues. You will still need to keep your paint warm when you are not playing. There are several good ways to do this.
- Only buy paint as you use it. This allows the paint to stay in the booth where it is kept warm. Even using this you will still need to keep it warm while on your table.
- You can keep it in your vehicle. DO NOT run your car the entire time as you will probably run out of gas. But it will be out of the cold and wind.
- The best option we have found is to get a small cooler, the cheap foam ones work well too, tape the hand warmers inside of it and keep your paint in that. Not only will the cooler keep the heat in but it will keep the cold air out.
- Some people also like to wrap their hoppers in an old hat or something similar to try to keep the cold out. Not sure how well that works but can't hurt to try.
As always if you have questions please let us know. Let use know if you have any other tips or suggestions. We are always open to new ideas and knowledge. We do sell the handwarmers at the booth.


text:
Jessica Howe – Kinky Sex: The Secret to Long Term Desire – Free Download
Sorry, this promotion is finished!
Sorry, this promotion is finished!
Bad Boys - Interview with Female First
The Top 5 things I like about getting older - Romancing the Book
Katy Swann on Fifty Shades of Grey
Totally Bound goodreads Featured Author
Female First - Exclusive Interview with Katy
Beyond Romance - An Article by Katy
MS Romantic Reads - The Beauty of D/S
Butter-o-meter - What inspired The Ultimatum?
© 2020 Katy Swann. Theme: Ari by Elmastudio. Proudly powered by WordPress.


text:
When you wake up on Christmas morning, the last thing you would ever expect to be gift wrapped under the Christmas tree would be a pension. Having said that, if over the coming years you didn't fund towards a pension, then Christmases after retirement might be pretty much a non-event in terms of what lies beneath the tree not to mention the size of your turkey.
I guess the pension stigma still remains, in so much that funding for your retirement is way down the list of priorities. Many have yet to give any consideration to a pension, not to mention the on-going bad press surrounding the word 'pension'.
With employers continuing to close their final-salary schemes, both to current members as well as new joiners, the prospects for our pensions seem to become poorer almost every day. The general level of inflation-proofing that both public and private schemes offer looks set to get weaker not to mention the fact that the government wants us to work longer, and save more, to finance our retirement as our longevity continues to increase.
Talking of working longer, you could include such individuals as Sir Alex Ferguson, Mick Jagger and Bruce Forsyth but to name a few. A slightly different scenario here of course!
Living longer does of course put extra pressure on pension assets to produce the necessary income in the future. Meanwhile, the prospects for healthy returns from investment in shares, bonds and commercial property look as volatile as ever. You therefore have to ask yourself where is the 'joy' in any of this?
Pensions do bring some positives and yes these words really can go together. Let's not forget the Tax Incentives and the advent of Auto-Enrolment. Introduced as a new law by the Government, this makes it easier for people to save for their retirement with the requirement on all employers to enrol their workers into a qualifying workplace scheme if they are not already in one. A qualifying scheme can be a defined contribution (DC) scheme with a minimum contribution; or a defined benefit (DB) or hybrid scheme which meets certain conditions. At present, many workers fail to take up valuable pension benefits because they do not make an application to join their employer's scheme. Automatic enrolment should overcome this.
According to the Office for National Statistics the average life expectancy at birth is now just over 78 years for men and 82 years for women.
Without a pension though, the picture would be much, much bleaker and despite being out of pocket in the early years, the rewards of having a decent pension in place will result in a tree and turkey every Christmas. Why not buy one less present this year and purchase a pension instead?


text:
The Ten Best Comic Book Movies of the Decade
If the '80s were comic book movies' awkward childhood and the '90s its rebellious, hanging out withTank Girl teens, then the '00s was the decade when the genre finally grew up. Blockbusters like Spider-Man made superheroes the Kings of Hollywood, while indie gems like Ghost World proved that the genre could tell a multitude of stories. Check out the ten best movies of the decade. Collectively, they leave behind big shoes for the '10s to fill.
10. X2: X-Men United (2003)
While X-Men kicked off the decade in grand style, Bryan Singer's second outing is where the franchise really clicks. The casting and special effects fire on all cylinders, and the brief scenes of Wolverine's origin are far more effective than his recent solo outing. And darned if I don't tear up a little every time Jean Grey sacrifices herself. Sadly, this movie opened the door for Brett Ratner to ruin the series with X-Men: The Last Stand.
9. Watchmen (2009)
Watchmen is the far superior of Zack Snyder's comic book efforts (300 being a bit silly). A panel-for-panel adaptation of the comic, Watchmen dares to show superheroes doing decidedly un-heroic things. Jackie Earle Haley's Rorschach ranks with Hugh Jackman's Wolverine as one of the decade's best tough guy anti-heroes, while Billy Crudup makes you feel for a naked blue man. Dark and challenging, Watchmen will be the one we're still talking about next decade.
8. A History of Violence (2005)
David Cronenberg's gritty meditation on the nature of violence and family ties differs quite a bit from John Wagner and Vince Locke's solid graphic novel, but it's still a deeply layered and challenging work of art. The cast is flawless, with Viggo Mortensen creating a haunting portrayal of a man trying to escape his violent past and the underrated Maria Bello as the victimized wife. William Hurt is so good in his cameo, he even scored an Oscar nomination for it.
7. Ghost World (2001)
Terry Zwigoff's collaboration with artist Daniel Clowes is one of the decade's funniest and most moving comedies. (And as a satire of art school, it's also far stronger than Zwigoff's Art School Confidential.) The movie also adds something worthwhile to the Ghost World canon by boosting the role of Seymour, the melancholy record collector, who along with Thora Birch's Enid creates one of more offbeat and touching duos in recent history.
6. Spider-Man 2 (2004)
While I have a fondness for the first Spider-Man, most fans would agree the sequel gets everything right: The effects are better, the script is more emotional and Kirsten Dunst manages to be less annoying. Alfred Molina's Doc Ock is a well-developed villain with actual motivations, and you can't beat that climatic runaway train scene. Now hopefully the impending Spider-Man 4 can erase all memory of Peter Parker's Spider-Man 3 dance moves.
5. Road to Perdition (2002)
Sam Mendes' adaptation of this gritty period graphic novel has been somewhat forgotten in recent years. It's worth a second look for the gorgeous cinematography, tightly wound script and brilliant performances. Mendes brings the same keen eye for period detail that he did to the Oscar-nominated Revolutionary Road, while Tom Hanks turns in an understated performance as a mob enforcer desperate to protect his son. Plus, Paul Newman is wonderfully menacing in his final on-screen role.
4. Sin City (2005)
I can still remember the excitement of that first trailer, where Frank Miller and Robert Rodriguez achieved the near-impossible task of bringing Miller's stark, bloody crime saga to the big screen. The visuals astound and the eclectic cast (from Clive Owen to the late Brittany Murphy) is worthy of Pulp Fiction. And while The Wrestler officially launched him back into the big time, any true fan will tell you the tough but tender-hearted Marv was Mickey Rourke's real comeback.
3. American Splendor (2003)
How do you adapt an autobiographical comic book where the creator — lovable curmudgeon Harvey Pekar — inserts himself in every panel? You cast Pekar as himself (along with Paul Giamatti as his fictional counterpart) in this innovative quasi-documentary/scripted hybrid. Fiction blends into reality as the life of Pekar unfolds. Giamatti is hilarious (and moving in his monologue about finding other Harvey Pekars in the phone book), while 30 Rock's Judah Friedlander perfectly embodies the "genuine nerd" Toby Radloff.
2. Iron Man (2008)
By decade's end, comic book movies were more than little a dark. So it was refreshing to see a superhero flick that was fun without being brain-dead. Director Jon Favreau perfectly mixes laughs with real drama, and he gets an ace performance out of Robert Downey Jr. Oh, and there's also the little matter of the Nick Fury cameo, which announced that Marvel movie characters would finally exist in a shared universe, just like in the comics. For some, that was the movie moment of the decade.
1. The Dark Knight
What else? Christopher Nolan's epic drama forever changed the comic book movie landscape, (becoming the second highest grossing movie of all time in the process). Even without Heath Ledger's electrifying performance, the movie succeeds as both an action flick and an exploration of heroism in darkening times. It's the rare comic book movie that deserves to be considered a "classic," and one that joins The Godfather Part II and The Empire Strikes Back in the pantheon of sequels that far surpass the original. It's hard to believe this came from the same genre that once spawned Howard the Duck.
Got any other favorites to add? Let me know in the comments.
Nick Nadel writes for places like HBO and Asylum.com, and is the "geek" blogger for GuySpeak.com. Follow the Comic Book Movies column on Twitter for more superhero news and views.Read More


text:
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
We can choose our gender, apparently, but not our parents
According to them Storm will decide his/her gender in the fullness of time and it is unfair, presumably, of them or us to impose a gender upon him/her.
What a load of hooey - the poor little tyke is having his parents idiotic views imposed upon him/her which is bound to be far more psychologically damaging than being bought up as what he/she really is ie a boy or a girl.
10 comment(s):
- Lucia Maria said...
Interesting that both parents are on the communist end of the political spectrum.
It's very cruel to the children to do what they are doing. I once knew a woman who allowed her boy to decide when he would cut his hair (he hadn't at that point, he was 3) and when he would wash his hair (also didn't want to do that). We once went out together browsing in some shops. At the National Geographic shop, he picked up something delicate which he shouldn't have been holding, and rather than demanding he give the thing to her like I would have done, she spend 15 minutes negotiating with him. I couldn't believe it, and older son, who was 3 as well at the time, couldn't believe it.
- 9:31 AM, May 25, 2011
- Hoolian said...
Would be funny if it wasn't really depressing
- 9:35 AM, May 25, 2011
- Lucia Maria said...
Actually, after my last post, I can see that this is yet another aspect of the sexual revolution where parents impose their weird sexual confusion upon their children. That comment, by the Dad, where he talks about what dangles between the legs says it all, really, if that is what he thinks gender is.
- 10:25 AM, May 25, 2011
- Psycho Milt said...
If there are any children out there who aren't having their parents' idiotic views imposed on them, I expect they're orphans...
- 11:49 AM, May 25, 2011
- Andrei said...
This doesn't worry you Milt?
Socializing a child to be confused as to which group(s) he/she belongs in.
- 12:23 PM, May 25, 2011
- Matthew said...
I guess PM you are of course exempt from your comment; or you're an idiot like the rest of us; or no one's an idiot for imposing their views on their children.
- 2:08 PM, May 25, 2011
- Psycho Milt said...
This doesn't worry you Milt?
I think it's pretty stupid, yes. But I think lots of things other parents do are stupid, and no doubt the feeling's reciprocated. In this case, they may want to pretend their kid doesn't have a sex, but physical reality cares not.
I guess PM you are of course exempt from your comment;
My children are certainly not orphans, I assure you.
- 3:57 PM, May 25, 2011
Andrei said...
This doesn't worry you Milt?
Socializing a child to be confused as to which group(s) he/she belongs in.
Andrei,it doesn't worry me half as much as the parents who decide which group a child should be in by labelling them with the parent's religion, long before their critical faculties have developed.
- 8:24 PM, May 25, 2011
So leftrightout presumably you would also be against forcing a child to learn say mathematics before their critical faculties are developed. And how pray tell, does a child develop its critical faculties without been taught? Furthermore the knowledge of God is of vital - eternal - significance.
- 10:04 AM, May 28, 2011
No, not at all, because when I child asks a question in mathematics, there is an answer and a solution that can be demonstrated, that the child can work out for themsleves and use to make future solutions. There is no argument that 1+1 = 2. And when the child is ready for higher mathematics, where ther can be some doubt, they will also have developed critical thinking skills.
Religion, however, seeks to impose itself as the only solution and forbids any experimenting to see if 1+1 really does = 2.
If you are so sure your religion is the right one, why not let your child come to that conclusion themselves, after investigating other possible religion?
- 11:54 AM, May 28, 2011
Post a Comment
Please be respectful. Foul language and personal attacks may get your comment deleted without warning. Contact us if your comment doesn't appear - the spam filter may have grabbed it.


text:
A dominating performance in a blowout win that pushed Collin Klein to the forefront of the Heisman discussion has also earned the Kansas State quarterback a prestigious national honor.
The Walter Camp Foundation announced late Sunday morning that Klein has been named as its FBS National Offensive Player of the Week.
In the 55-14 win over West Virginia, Klein accounted for seven touchdowns — three passing, four receiving — and threw for a career-high 323 yards. He also completed 90.5 percent of his 21 pass attempts in the lethally efficient performance.
Per KSU, the win over the Mountaineers was the No. 4 Wildcats' school-record fourth straight road win over a ranked opponent.
On the other side of the ball, LSU linebacker Kevin Minter claimed National Defensive Player of the Week honors. In the No. 6 Tigers' 24-19 win over No. 20 Texas A&M, Minter was credited with 12 tackles, two quarterback hurries. one sack, one interception and one pass defensed.
Below is the year-to-date list of weekly 2012 Camp honorees:
Week 1: West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith, Alabama cornerback Dee Milliner
Week 2: Louisiana-Monroe quarterback Kolton Browning, Georgia linebacker Jarvis Jones
Week 3: Stanford running back Stepfan Taylor, Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o
Week 4: Nevada running back Stefphon Jefferson, Western Michigan linebacker Desmond Bozeman
Week 5: West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith, Penn State linebacker Michael Mauti
Week 6: Florida running back Mike Gillislee, Oregon State cornerback Jordan Poyer
Week 7: Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel, Rutgers linebacker Khaseem Greene
Week 8: Kansas State quarterback Collin Klein, LSU linebacker Kevin Minter


text:
Kahn Design has made an aesthetic kit for one of the most capable off-road models, Land Rover Defender. After all the hard work, this new Land Rover Defender is even more masculine, while the interior has been radically transformed. Caution. These photos might produce love at first sight!
Already considered one of the uncrowned kings of the offroad, Land Rover Defender does not need aesthetic improvements in order to demonstrate its rough, masculine and aggressive character. In addition, its fairly advanced age does not make him a tuners favorite so that's why the number of tuning kits for the Albion's offroader is quite low.
However, there are tuners who fail to emphasize the appearance of the British brand model using aesthetic packages and truly special techniques. This is the case of Kahn Design, which turned a classic Land Rover Defender into a model with both increased off-road capability and with the elegance and sportiness of the interior.
Land Rover Defender 2013
Elegance and sportiness in a Land Rover Defender? That's what I said too. But then I saw pictures of Land Rover Defender's interior. Sport seats front and rear with lateral support made of nappa and Alcantara leather, sewn with contrasting silver and red thread. The board, the ceiling and the center console are also covered with fine leather and Harris Tweet's textile inserts.
If that's not enough, Land Rover Defender by Kahn Design has aluminum pedals, piano black inlays on the dashboard, red tachometer signed by Kahn Design and red belts.
All to create a completely different atmosphere from what usually has the rather "Spartan" Defender. Here are the official photos offered by Kahn Design. You can use them even as a wallpaper as this new model of Land Rover Defender looks better than ever before!
Land Rover Defender Wallpapers
If the inside makes you feel pampered, the outside is more masculine than the serial version. The series tires has been changed with some dedicated strictly off-road and the wings, extended with integrated air intakes, are standing out. There is an additional metal shield which, aesthetically speaking, worth the money, plus other minor changes signed by Kahn Design for the new Land Rover Defender.


text:
Should Hardware OEM's Be Picking Linux Distribution Winners ?
Do we want a defacto standard to emerge from the upcoming, or to put it more accurately, the on going capitalist, competitive, GNU/Linux distribution Poker games ? Should marketing prowess, mergers, acquisitions, or having loads of cash when getting to the game table be the determining factors in what is considered software excellence ? Do we want, or should we even tolerate a defacto standard GNU/Linux distribution emerging simply because hardware OEM's choose to back one Distribution over others for pre-installation ? A defacto standard community based (non commercial) operating system core that all of the various Distributions then built upon might be desirable and a great thing for compatibility, but we should diligently strive to get, then preserve, a choice of GNU/Linux Distributions available for pre-install by all computer hardware OEM's. A standardized method of achieving this goal should be devised, adopted, then strictly adhered to.
Discussed in this article are some possible avenues and methods for forestalling the emergence of a defacto standard GNU/Linux Distribution while also increasing GNU/Linux' mind and market shares.
|Topic Starter
|Last Post
|Yeah, but more simply...
|Oct 12, 2004 1:53 PM
You cannot post until you login.


text:
Although Gunung Sibayak has been quiet for the last century, new steam vents and seismic activity indicate that the volcano is merely taking a break between eruptions.
Trekking Gunung Sibayak
The easiest and most popular trail for trekking up Gunung Sibayak starts about 10 minutes northwest of Berastagi just past the Sibayak Multinational Guesthouse; anyone in the vicinity can give directions.
Guides are available around Berastagi for between USD 45 - USD 60, however climbing Gunung Sibayak can not be done independently. Always team up with other trekkers, never hike alone. Unexpected weather changes and loose shale have caused falls - and fatalities - in the past.
Reaching Gunung Sibayak's summit via the easiest trail takes around three hours; the one-way hike is around four and a half miles.
Another option for summiting Gunung Sibayak is to take a bemo minibus to the hot springs at Semangat Gunung. The trail from the hot springs starts a little closer to the volcano. Although only a two-hour walk, the trail is extremely steep and has its share of leg-burning stairs. Many people choose to make a circuit of the trip, beginning in Berastagi and finishing with a dip in the hot springs before catching a ride back to town.
Trekking from Air Terjun Panorama
Travelers wanting to intensify the relatively easy trek to Gunung Sibayak can begin at Air Terjun Panorama - a waterfall around three miles outside of Berastagi.
Starting the trek here requires at least five hours to the summit, including a sweltering hike through the dense jungle. The trail is not easy to follow; a local guide is required.
Although relatively straightforward, trekkers have actually perished while climbing Gunung Sibayak. The weather, affected by volcanoes in the area, can turn cool and misty with very little notice.
Proper trekking shoes are definitely required rather than the usual flip-flops. Start early, carry additional water, and always hike with a friend; volcano treks can produce dire outcomes when Murphy's Law hits!
When to Go
Gunung Sibayak is best enjoyed during Sumatra's dry season between June and August. If possible, plan your volcano climb for a weekday; Berastagi becomes particularly busy on weekends during the peak season and then so does the volcano.
Rate: USD 100/person/minimum 2 person
Rate including:
- Hotel pick up and transfer
- English speaking guide
- Entrance fee at the Park @USD 25/person
- Refreshment ( Mineral water )
Rate excluding:
- Alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks
- Tipping
- Donation
- Trekking pole and other equipments
View the embedded image gallery online at:


text:
Spring 2018 / 2019 / 2020
Survey Design
Seminar (two groups of around 20-25 students)
University of Amsterdam – Research Master level
Spring 2017
Survey Design
Seminar (around 15-20 students)
University of Amsterdam – Research Master level
Winter 2017
Research Workshop: Survey
Tutorial (two groups of around 25 students)
University of Amsterdam – Bachelor level
Autumn 2016
Methods of Communication Research and Statistics
Tutorial and practical training (around 25 students)
University of Amsterdam – Bachelor level
Spring 2016
Quantitative Methods in Social Sciences
Seminar (around 25 students)
University of Geneva – Bachelor level (in French)
Autumn 2015
International Political Economy
Tutorial/Seminar (around 150 students)
University of Geneva – Bachelor level
WORKSHOPS "INTRODUCTION TO LaTeX"
Since 2012 I offer regular workshops in the doctoral programme of Western Swiss universities (CUSO) and recently also at the Amsterdam School of Communication Research (ASCoR). The workshop, which I developed and set-up, is an introduction to the typesetting programme LaTeX. The purpose is to teach PhD students the use of the software for publishing articles, writing their thesis or any other kind of book. These workshops last one day (7 hours) and comprise around 15 persons. Due to consistently positive evaluations and satisfaction by the participants I was offered the possibility to teach regularly around 2 workshops per semester. In case you are interested to know more about the programme and/or the possibility to hold one such workshop at your university/company feel free to contact me.


text:
The Record: THE GRUFF TRADE EP
The Artists: VARIOUS
The Formats: SIX(ISH)-TRACK NUMBERED CD / DOWNLOAD
The Label: FIERCE PANDA
The Catalogue Number: NING 231
The Release Date: AUGUST 2ND 2010
The Tracklisting:
HATCHAM SOCIAL New York Girl
WILD PALMS Deep Dive (album version)
LA SHARK Mr Modern Man
FICTION To Stick To
NOT COOL Mattress Head
SEX BEET Stay
STILL CORNERS Endless Summer
The Story: It has been said before that fierce panda six-track compilation EPs are a bit like buses: you wait six years for one and then three turn up at once. Already 2010 has seen the release of the Zip It Up and Licensed To Drill EPs, and now comes the last of the trio, the Gruff Trade EP (which is named after the Gruffalo, not the Super Furry Animals singer). (Although as The Gruffalo is, in a way, a super furry animal itself it could get confusing).
Anyhoo years ago the panda office was rife with these beasties Ash, Green Day, The Bluetones, Jimmy Eat World, Supergrass and those darned Super Furry Animals were just some of the luminaries-to-be who appeared on double vinyl packages with titles like Mortal Wombat and Cutting Hedge and Screecher Comforts. And then the indie explosion exploded and in 2004 the six-track EP was gently put to bed beneath a makeshift duvet of newspapers carrying lurid pictures of Johnny Borrell stepping out with Kirsten Dunst and Pete Doherty falling out of a Jaguar.
But that was then and this is biff bang now! So the powers-that-be at Radio Wonderful have decided that guitar bands are obsolete and so the so-called indie boom is over and so once again the underground is working overtime. So February 2010 saw fierce panda pander to the New Pop generation (cf Hoodlums, The Heartbreaks, The Crookes et al) with the Zip It Up EP. And then in the spring the panda heard the thunder in the mountains being made by sonic baby boomers with names like White Belt Yellow Tag, Mabel Love and The Megaphonic Thrift and created the Licensed To Drill EP. And now?
And now comes the Gruff Trade EP. Much like the aforementioned releases this EP is going to be available on a mere 231 numbered DIY compact discs and download. Much like the aforementioned releases this EP started with a shortlist of six bands and ended up with a final list of seven, because we simply couldnt restrain ourselves. And most unlike the aforementioned releases Gruff Trade focuses on the mavericks of the metropolis, the craftily creative characters of the cockney manor. Some, such as Hatcham Social and Wild Palms, have already stuck their head above the pop parapet. Several of the other, younger outfits are still at that thrilling phase of their careers when a split 7¬ù single or a cassette-only EP are The Most Sensational Things which could ever happen to a band. Musically there may be little to connect these six(ish) bands together our friends eclectic, you could say - but spiritually they are linked by their cavalier ways with a fuzzed-up tune and a wonky melody. And of course for several of these bands the Gruff Trade EP is another notch on the bedpost of indie-tastic split releases currently filling the racks at ahem Gruff Trade East.
Consider that this EP, in a nod towards the youth of old East London, was once going to be called Jack The Riffer and thank your lucky stars. Then, when youve thanked your lucky stars come to our Gruff Trade launch party here:
Club Panda & Club Fandango present¦
WILD PALMS + NOT COOL + SEX BEET + STILL CORNERS + HATCHAM SOCIAL DJs
Thursday July 22nd 2010
@ The Lexington (96-98 Pentonville Road, London, N1 9JB)
7.30pm, £6 / £5 with flyer
HATCHAM SOCIAL are virtually stalwarts of the Gruff Trade world by virtue of a string of ace Postcard-flecked 7¬ù singles and the 2009 release of their lovingly welcomed You Dig The Tunnel, Ill Hide The Soil album (fierce panda). This track is a brand new recording which has never been released anywhere in the whole wide world.
WILD PALMS make great big epic 80s leftfield pop which is a bit like Pete Wylie fronting Wild Swans or something marginally hysterical and marvellously heroic like that. In the video for their Deep Dive single (One Little Indian) they do a lot of sitting around looking forlorn in launderettes, which we thought was so great we have released the album version of that single on this here EP.
LA SHARK have been rightly or wrongly construed as half-crazed funkoid playboys whose recent A Weapon single highlighted some sun-blasted melodic outbursts while squelching in all the right place and some of the wrong ones as well. As things should be.
FICTION make deceptively ramshackle C86 indiepop with a touch of exotic Tropicana, as evinced by current single Curiosity (Offset Recordings), the b-side of which is called Zebra Calling and why the heck not?
NOT COOL make chaotic post-post-grungepunk noises with shouting and hollering and sulky guitar solos and slam-happy drummings. They are exceedingly fond of communal split single releases, so they are in beamingly good company with Gruff Trade.
SEX BEET make fuzzed-up / dressed-down electro moshings which sound ?ìlike Jan & Dean being cremated onstage,¬ù according to the NME. Gruff Trade is about the seventh indie-mungous compilation release theyve appeared on this month, which is frankly excellent behaviour.
STILL CORNERS provide the calm before the sonic storm as they are delicate 60s dreamers who make music which is sensual and soft and a bit, yknow, snowy. File next to Stereolab and St Etienne. Quite literally.


text:
Each election year newly elected and reelected individuals will make decisions on issues that impact our members, our companies, our employees, our families, and our communities. The good news is that we can all have a say in these decisions by continuing to stay involved! Come back soon for tools and resources to help you stay informed.
By coming together, we can ensure a more prosperous tomorrow for our Petroleum Association of Wyoming and, more importantly, for our country.


text:
What to do when boys' war games get frightning.
When Scott was about six the Gulf War was on. He was going nuts about collecting military "vehicles" and GI Joe "action figures." (Do NOT call them dolls and cars, Mom!) Every night he'd line up his army just back a bit from our front door, ready for any invasion.
I realized that we were perhaps watching too many news stories on TV while he was still up, pretending he could care less about news TV, but listening and glancing anyway.
He was also noticing that his parents were worried but not doing anything in particular to save our home from eminent destruction! So his masculine hormones kicked in and he was going to do what he could do to rescue us. After all, he had no idea how far away the middle east was from California! Goodness knows what is going through little boys' heads since they now fear local terrorists, too!
Just be aware of this innate programming to protect in the psyche of young males, especially as the war in Iraq has commenced. There's enough military news now to get a little boy very worried. It is probably "cute" when they are rescuing snow-bound travelers with their toy heliocopters, but when they start insisting on weaponry to kill imaginary Iraqies, it can cease being cute and get sort of frightening.
Little boys love to learn how to rescue. You'll have no problem involving them in activities that involve first aid and rescue skills. (I'm not saying that girls won't either, I just have a boy who likes this stuff.) The American Red Cross and often your local fire department will have classes. If the classes are only for teens and adults, go learn the skills yourself and bring what you can home, scaling down to your smaller children. Get your kids involved in planning, organizing and how to use a first aid kit. Teach then how to safely use a camp stove and to cook canned food on it. I have some emergency resources for my city linked on my Emergency Preparedness page. You may wish to develop a page like this for your use or your town.
By Ann Zeise


text:
I made this door hanger using the Pumpkin Bitty image. I think he such a cutie! I colored him with my Spectrum Noir markers and all of the bits and pieces were cut on my Silhouette machine.
I was going to hang this on one of our doors with some candy in it, but then I remembered I have 5 kids and thought that would be a terrible idea! So it hangs empty instead. I might sneak little treat in there now and then for the kids though.
Mahalo Plenty!
kel, Mari & the rest of the KBD DT