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Today, VMware has released the following new security advisory:
VMSA-2017-0014 – VMware NSX-V Edge updates address OSPF Protocol LSA DoS
The advisory documents a hard to exploit denial of service vulnerability in the implementation of the OSPF protocol in NSX-V Edge (CVE-2017-4920). This issue is present due to incorrect handling of link-state advertisements (LSA). NSX-V Edge 6.2.8 and NSX-V Edge 6.3.3 address the issue.
We would like to thank Adi Sosnovich, Orna Grumberg and Gabi Nakibly for reporting this issue to us.
Please sign up to the Security-Announce mailing list to receive new and updated VMware Security Advisories.
Customers should review the security advisory and direct any questions to VMware Support.


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Yesterday we found out that G4 is closing up shop on the geek appeal by cancelling Attack of The Show and X-Play. A lot of people are sad by hearing such news. But the shape of both show now compared to their heyday is much sadder to look at.
When you look at both shows, there wasn't much to either of them, even in their prime. Attack of the Show pretty much covers geek culture overall while X-Play focused on video game news and reviews. You know the stuff most people look up online. It's very hard to sell a TV show if it IGN or Geek & Sundry can makes that show obsolete. (One G4 personality also does work for IGN and another was featured on Geek & Sundry. Go figure.)
With Olivia Munn leaving AOTS and Adam Sessler leaving X-Play, there is very little reason left to watch either show. Of course you have Morgan Webb. But not every game would spend 30 minutes including commercials for obvious reasons.
Attack of the Show and X-Play are beyond outdated in today's era and G4 needs to swap them out for something that gets them better ratings. But don't worry. There's MUCH better stuff online.

subset: commoncrawl


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Topic: What if Roger Moore was the first Bond, instead of Connery?
As some may know, Roger Moore was in some degree of contention by Cubby Broccoli in the early 60s when they were trying to find an actor for the 007 film series. Obviously, he didn't win out, but was on a shortlist of some sorts by the producers. What if, instead of appearing for the Saint for the first time on October 4th, 1962, the following day he appeared in the first James Bond film, Dr. No, October 5th, 1962?
What would the ramifications be on the Bond films, especially if Moore did play it somewhat straight like Connery? Would he still be a sex symbol like Connery?


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Hello! I'm Stacey!
For 4 years after finishing high school I studied a Bachelor of Photography at Griffith University's Queensland College of Art. I majored in Photojournalism which is where I discovered my love of working with people and documenting their stories.
I'm such a sentimental person so capturing special memories for others just makes my heart happy. I simply love what I do.
Family is a huge part of my life. I'm a daughter, granddaughter, little sister, sister-in-law and aunty (to two very adorable, very cheeky ratbags).
Chocolate, travelling, bingeing netflix, wearing bright colours and rainy days are some of my favourite things.
I'd love to get to know more about you and the people you love!
Get in touch


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Dear Rep. King, Let's Meet to Discuss Muslim Americans Efforts to Combat Radicalization
January 7, 2011
Leading up to officially taking the helm of the House Homeland Security Committee this week, Rep. Peter King (R-NY) has stirred up national attention and heated emotions around his stated plans to hold hearings about the "radicalization of the American Muslim community and homegrown terrorism."
There is no doubt we as a nation are continuously facing threats to our national security, which has led civic groups and federal agencies to work hand in hand to ensure our collective safety. King's proposed hearings – as they are currently being framed – would do little to solve the problem and would instead create an ugly political circus.
A hearing on radicalization is not a new concept. Sen. Joe Lieberman and Rep. Jane Harmon have both held such hearings in recent years and featured mainstream Muslim American voices as witnesses, including from MPAC. No one is arguing against further hearings on the issue of radicalization, but it is the purpose of the hearings, as described by King, that causes serious concern.
In an opinion column in Newsday, King wrote, "Federal and local law enforcement officials throughout the country told me they received little or - in most cases - no cooperation from Muslim leaders and imams." King ignores the documented reality that Muslim American communities have been instrumental in ensuring the safety of our nation. In fact, MPAC found that seven of the last 10 plots since 9/11 have been foiled with the assistance of Muslim American community members and leaders.
In the wise words of the New York Times editorial printed last week, "Mr. King, a New York Republican, is no stranger to bluster, but his sweeping slur on Muslim citizens is unacceptable… We hope that if Mr. King insists on going ahead, he at least calls a true cross section of law enforcement officials, who, we are sure, will rebut that hype."
In reality, numerous high level officials have recognized the contributions Muslim Americans have made in keeping our country safe. From former Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff to Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism John Brennan, many have commended the Muslim Americans for their constant support and integral role in keeping our nation safe.
In July, FBI Director Robert Mueller testified to the Senate Judiciary Committee that "there are segments in the Muslim community who do not necessarily want the relationship (with the FBI) to work out, but ever since Sept. 12, 2001, we've reached out to the Muslim community, and if you talk to leaders in that community, you will find that relationships are very good."
Sadly, King has a history of pointing fingers and peddling false statistics that paint the Muslim American community with a broad brush. "There are too many mosques in this country," King told Politico in 2007. "There are too many people who are sympathetic to radical Islam. We should be looking at them more carefully and finding out how we can infiltrate them." He has also claimed, without any proof, that 85 percent of American mosques are led by extremists, saying "this is an enemy living among us." However, King has failed to provide a reliable source for the statistics and wild claims he throws out about the Muslim American community. Such sweeping generalizations about communities we need to engage, not alienate, is a reckless and dangerous approach for a decision-maker heading the homeland security committee.
Rather than pointing fingers or chasing a red herring, we believe it is important we work together to guarantee the safety of our country. This is why we at MPAC call for a meeting with King to discuss his initiatives, the proposed hearings, and the efforts of the Muslim American community in fighting radicalization. We certainly hope that Congressman King is serious enough about wanting to fight radicalization that he will take us up on this request in the coming days and weeks.
- Empowering American Muslim Voices
- Tackling Violent Extremism in America
- An Interview with Chris Seiple
- 114th Congress: Deliver or Disappoint?
- Jerusalem: More Divided Than Ever
- New DoJ Guidance Unacceptable
New DoJ Guidance Unacceptable
December 11, 2014
Jerusalem: More Divided Than Ever
November 21, 2014
114th Congress: Deliver or Disappoint?
November 13, 2014
An Interview with Chris Seiple
October 30, 2014
No documents found.
one-time or monthly donation.


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So just who is this remarkable guy? He calls himself The Beastly Beaman. What a great name! Let see what books he has read and liked:
The Mortality Doctrine Series (The Rule of Thoughts, The Eye of Minds, The Game of Lives) The Rule of Thoughts is about a young boy named Michel. The book is based in the future where virtual reality is so advanced that you can go to a dimension called the Sleep, which is basically life, but when you die you are sent back to the "Wake"; aka actual life. Anyway, Michel is sent down The Path, created by a rouge tangent (artificial intelligence), Kaine to test him. At the end, he learns that HE is actually a tangent and Kaine's program The Mortality Doctrine puts him into the body of a human. Book 2, The Eye of Minds Is Michel's journey in a human body. He learns that the Jackson Porter (the humans mind he replaced) has a girlfriend named Gabby. He finds his friends Bryson And Sarah and they undertake an adventure to the VNS (VirtNetSecurity) where Agent Weber give them a device called The Lance. It is a complex program that can be used to take down Kaine, But it actually wrecks havoc on...(He ran out of space--IGC)
I would like to send in the Inheritance Cycle Its four books long, and a lot happens in each book, so its to hard to give a summery of each book. I will do my best though to give a summery of the whole series, and not give away a lot like I did in the Mortality Doctrine review. Hope I get four points! Eragon, Eldest, Brisinger, Inheritance Eragon, a young farm boy is gifted when he finds a beautiful stone in a mountain range. He learns it is actually a dragon egg, and the dragon Saphira hatches for him. They undertake an adventure to kill the Ra-Zac, a race of insect like beings who killed his adopted father, Garrow. How ever he is captured and taken prisoner by a shade, a power being controlled by spirits. He finds and elf and together they go to the Varden, and organization sworn to take down the evil king Galbatorix. The Varden gathers power along with Eragon and together they launch and an epic campaign to take him down. You'll have to read to find out the outcome.
Thanks, Beastly! Or should we call you Beaman? Or just BB? (If you had told us about 8 books instead of 7, we could have called you BB-8!! Ah, hahahahaha!!) I've never heard of The Mortality Doctrine books before and they sound interesting. A lot of boys have loved the Eragon books--and it's good to see that they still do! I've always meant to read those and maybe I should put them on my TBR list for 2018. Anyway, since you have told us about seven books, you get a total of seven points. That puts you out front with a big lead. Good work!
But don't let that discourage all you other reader guys. We are still in the early innings of this game and the story of baseball, especially the World Series, is full of teams that came from behind to win. Why, last year's World Series of Reading Contest was decided by a boy who sent in a last-minute review that scored enough points to let him come from behind and win. Don't forget that last Monday's post included a list of books that are worth two, three, four and even five points.
So, come on, guys, wind up and pitch a few more over the plate! All the world wants to know what guys are reading--and what better place to let them know than the World Series of Reading Contest!


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The Orendorff Building is now open to the public;
Please use the 6th street entrance.
All other buildings still closed to the public.
Get updates at NWC COVID-19; We are open digitally, so please call or email us.
POWELL, Wyo. — The Northwest College Jazz Band and Studio Singers will present their annual Jazz Showcase at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 15, in the Nelson Performing Arts Center. This performance will highlight much of the music performed by these groups on their recent tour of Southwest Wyoming.
The Studio Singers, directed by Craig Olson, offer a lineup featuring several numbers including "This Can't Be Love" by Rogers and Hart, "Dream with the Angels" by Michelle Weir and "Splanky" by Neal Hefti.
The Northwest Jazz Band I, directed by Neil Hansen, will offer up "Hullabaloo," a New Orleans style composition by Alan Baylock, "The Way I Feel About You" by Doc Severinsen and Tommy Newsom, and "Gaining on You" by Gordon Goodwin.
The concert will close with the Studio Singers joining the Jazz Band on Louis Prima's famous swing tune "Jump, Jive and Wail."
Admission is free.


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Author: Michelle Hodkin.
Pages: 452.
Published: March 1st 2012 by Simon Pulse UK
Sort: Part one of 'Mara Dyer'
Source: I won a copy from Judith @ Paperiot.
Mara Dyer doesn't think life can get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there. It can. She believes there must be more to the accident she can't remember that killed her friends and left her mysteriously unharmed. There is. She doesn't believe that after everything she's been through, she can fall in love. She's wrong.Juhina @ Maji bookshelf. I'm so happy I finally took the time to read this book, because it was good! I'm not completely in love, but definitely interested enough for the next book.
"I've already learned Parseltongue. What else is there?"
The story is pretty interesting. Mara just woke up in the hospital. She was in an accident and three of her friends are now death. Mara has no memories about what happened and things are about to get weird. Her family moves to another town and Mara keeps seeing things that aren't there. Her hallucinations are taking over and she even gets nightmares of moments before the accident. In the mean time, she befriends the popular hot guy Noah Shaw - and therefor makes some enemies. Noah has a strange interest for her and she can't shake of the feeling that something is wrong with her.
The first thing I noticed is the engaging writing-style. There is no doubt about it: Michelle is a gifted author. This book hooked me from the start and wouldn't let me go, even when something happened I normally don't like.
"No," I said, louder this time. "I mean asscrown. The crown on top of the asshat that covers the asshole of the assclown. The very zenith in the hierarchy of asses," I said, as though I was reading from a dictionary of modern profanity.
In the beginning, it's all about Mara and her strange hallucinations. I loved how creepy they were and what influence they had on her. I was just as confused as she was - I couldn't wait to find out what was going on. I also liked her. She felt realistic, feeling smothered by her protective mother and worried by her dreams. When she meets Noah, the story gets a romance focus. In most books, that would turn me off. I wasn't a fan of it here either, but there was something intriguing about Noah.
He sometimes bordered on the line of becoming an asscrown, but he wasn't so bad overall. It was good that Michelle gave him more of a story, but it was also pretty cliched. Not to mention some awkward scenes, like where Noah suddenly models for her art class and takes of his shirt so everyone can gawk at him. We get it, you are gorgeous.
The thing is, Mara is warned about Noah by her first friend Jamie (who I very much liked, so I missed his presence in most parts of the books.) Her initial reactions to Noah are sarcastic replies (loved it!) but she soon turns into a sappy girl. Instead of focusing on her real problems, she is only fixated by Noah and her 'hard to get' game. I could use less of this romance and more focus on the mystery.


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Stashing away money in a 401(k) plan is a great way to save for your retirement. However, even though it's your money in the account, you're not always allowed to take the money and run whenever you want. If you're over 59 1/2, you're good to go because you can take withdrawals without penalty any time. But, if you're under 59 1/2, the only time you can close out your account is after you've left the company. Unless you qualify for an exception, you'll also owe a 10 percent early withdrawal penalty on top of the income taxes. Even if you can get the money out, the second half of the battle is reporting it on your taxes.
Obtain a distribution request form from your 401(k) plan administrator. Often the plans will make them available online so you can just download a copy and print it out.
Complete the distribution request form and submit it to your 401(k) plan administrator. You'll need to include your name, account number, amount to be withdrawn and how you want to be paid, such as by check or by having the money directly deposited into another account. When you distribute the entire amount, that closes your account. If you're married, your plan might also require your spouse to sign the form.
Report the distribution as a taxable pension and annuity payment on your Form 1040 or 1040A tax return. The payment goes on line 12b of Form 1040A or 16b of Form 1040 and is counted toward your taxable income for the year.
Report the federal income tax withholding, found in box 4 of your Form 1099-R, on your federal income tax return, either line 36 of Form 1040A or line 62 of Form 1040. Your financial institution is required to withhold at least 20 percent of the payout for taxes.
Complete Form 5329 if you're under 59 1/2 when you take the distribution to figure the early withdrawal penalty or report your exception. For 401(k) plans, exceptions include permanent disability, medical expenses exceeding 10 percent of your AGI, and distributions related to a qualified domestic relations order. Otherwise, you'll be shipping an extra 10 percent of the distribution to the IRS.
If you've left your employer, you can roll the money into a traditional IRA to preserve the tax-sheltered growth of the assets and avoid paying the 10 percent early withdrawal penalty. However, any future distributions from the traditional IRA will be hit with income taxes and, if you're under 59 1/2 and don't qualify for an exception, the 10 percent early withdrawal penalty.
- Internal Revenue Service: General Distribution Rules
- Internal Revenue Service: Topic 558 - Additional Tax on Early Distributions from Retirement Plans, Other Than IRAs
- Internal Revenue Service: Retirement Topics - Rollovers of Retirement Plan Distributions
- Internal Revenue Service: Topic 502 -- Medical and Dental Expenses
Photo Credits
- Digital Vision./Digital Vision/Getty Images


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I also call it "Baba Ganoush a la Campagne"
Time: under 45 min.
Price: very "cost effective"
Type: vegan
A great vegan recipe, Baba Ganoush is often overlooked because of the double process. First you need to fry the eggplants, then peel them and prepare the recipe then there's the smell and the smoke.
Well, I found a shortcut, and the result is as yummy as you've tasted it. It also avoids the smoke and doesn't bother anyone with the nasty smell. The only smell in my recipe serves as appetizer. Here it is:
– 2-3 medium sized eggplants
– 2-3 onions
– salt
– olive oil (or other oil of your choice)
Optional: (add 5 min. to preparation time)
– the squeezed juice of 1/2 a lemon
– a clover of parsley
– 2-3 egg yolks from boiled eggs – but then it isn't vegan anymore
You will also need:
– a peeling knife or a plain kitchen all-purpose knife
– a chopping tray
– a non-stick frying pan and wooden spatula/spoon
– a strainer and a bowl
– a mixer
– bread and a plate for serving
1. Wash the eggplants and peel them of the dark skin. Move fast, but don't chop your fingers. The white flesh will get a darker color if you take too long, but keep the lemon juice at hand, it helps against this natural process of oxidation.
2. Chop the peeled eggplants into sugar cube-sized pieces or smaller. If you didn't add the lemon juice in step 1, now is the time to do it.
3. Put a spoon of olive oil in the frying pan on the cooking stove and add the chopped eggplants. Don't put them all in one session. Only cover the bottom of the pan and leave the rest for a second session.
4. Add more oil if they ask for it and keep stirring with the wooden spatula so as none of the pieces gets over fried. This should last several minutes, until the eggplants lose some steam, they shrink a little and become tender and slightly dark-green.
5. Put the fried eggplant pieces in the strainer and above a bowl and leave it there because you've got another round of chopped eggplant to fry.
6. Repeat steps 3 to 5.
7. Once you've fried all your eggplants, peel the onions and cut them in 6 or 8. Don't bother to chop them by hand. Here's what the mixer is for.
ADVICE: To avoid the dreaded "onion tears" you can either take a mouthfull of cold water and keep it in your mouth throughout the peeling/cutting process or chew gum and breathe through your mouth.
8. Divide the onions and fried chopped eggplants into equal portions to fit into your mixer, because you want the onions spread throughout the entire salad.
9. Put the onions close to the blade, then the chopped eggplants, add salt to taste. Also, if you want to add the egg yolks, cut them in 4 and put them closer to the blade as well. Mix well.
10. Repeat the mixing process if your mixer doesn't accommodate the entire quantity in one session.
11. It should be mildly warm, but it's ready for serving. Arrange the salad onto a plate, ornate with a clover of parsley and serve with crusty bread.


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Two Views on the New Year from Across the Pond
January 6, 2017
In today's Outside the Box we'll continue with our traditional New Year's forecasting theme, but we'll look to a couple of European voices – or I guess, especially considering the Brexit vote, I should just call them English voices.
Ambrose Evans-Pritchard, writing in the London Telegraph, see a rather less optimistic 2017 than the one I'm hoping for, but we have to acknowledge that he may be correct. His title pretty much says it all: "Trump, interest rates and Chinese panic: Why euphoria could turn to a credit crunch in 2017"; and his view back across the pond at us has him seriously squinting:
Donald Trump's reflation rally will short-circuit. Rising borrowing costs will blow fuses across the world before fiscal stimulus arrives, if it in fact arrives.
By the end of 2017 it will be clear that nothing has changed for the better. Powerful deflationary forces retain an invisible grip over the global economy. Bond yields will ratchet up further and then come clattering down again – ultimately driving 10-year US yields below zero before the decade is over.
There are few 'shovel ready' projects for Trump's infrastructure blitz. The headline figures are imaginary. His plan will be whittled down by Congress.
And he goes on. Without attempting to issue any sort of a corrective to his pessimism about our chances this year – we are, after all trying hard to stay outside the box in this letter – I'll just move on to introduce you (and to re-introduce most of you) to our second… Continental voice, my good friend Niels Jensen of Absolute Return Partners in London. (Note: Niels was born in Denmark but has been in London in the money business for 25 years and is one of the most astute observers of markets that I know.)
Niels isn't particularly sanguine about 2017, either – you'd have to be a pretty foolish investor to be comfortable with the coming year – but he does lead off with what he variously terms "a flicker of good news," "a glimmer of hope," and "a twinkle of optimism." Take your pick. What it amounts to is that it appears the post-Great Recession collapse of "discorrelation" among risk assets that has so plagued us all is finally appearing to reverse! He points as evidence to a precipitous fall over the past six months in the correlation between the S&P Index and S&P sectors. Here, let me pluck a chart out of his piece and show you:
Nice, huh? And now back to the future bad news. You'll find quite a bit of overlap between Ambrose's and Niels's worries for 2017, but also some intriguing differences. So now, let me get out of their way and let them give the New Year their best shot. And I remain convinced that, however things develop in our political and economic spheres, we can all achieve some personal bests in 2017.
You have a great week, and in a few days I'll send my own 2017 forecast.
Your hopeful but watchful analyst,
John Mauldin, Editor
Outside the Box
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Trump, Interest Rates and Chinese Panic: Why Euphoria Could Turn to a Credit Crunch in 2017
By Ambrose Evans-Pritchard
Originally published in the London Telegraph, Jan. 2, 2017
The Trump effect is to accelerate capital outflows from China, increasing the risk of a painful reckoning this year.
Donald Trump's reflation rally will short-circuit. Rising borrowing costs will blow fuses across the world before fiscal stimulus arrives, if it in fact arrives.
By the end of 2017 it will be clear that nothing has changed for the better. Powerful deflationary forces retain an invisible grip over the global economy. Bond yields will ratchet up further and then come clattering down again – ultimately driving 10-year US yields below zero before the decade is over.
There are few 'shovel ready' projects for Trump's infrastructure blitz. The headline figures are imaginary. His plan will be whittled down by Congress.
This Gatsby mix is mostly self-defeating in economic terms. To the extent that there is any extra juice, it will be countered by the Fed at this late stage of the cycle. Tight money will push the dollar higher.
Once markets accept that Trump is not bluffing – that he really does intend to smash globalism – euphoria will give way to alarm. For now Wall Street remains drunk on wishful thinking. The longer the delusion lasts, the stronger the dollar, and the greater the trouble in Asia and Latin America.
The broad dollar index threatens to reach all time-highs in 2017, hammering vulnerable regions of the world. Credit: St Louis Federal Reserve
Such is the currency paradox. As the Fed's broad dollar index pushes towards an all-time high of 130, the mechanical effects will expose the Achilles Heel of an international system that has never been more dollarized – and never been more sensitive to US interest rates since the end of the Bretton Woods era.
King dollar will tighten the noose on emerging market debtors with $3.5 trillion of liabilities in US currency. It will force banks in Europe – through complex hedging contracts – to curtail offshore lending to the Pacific Rim, Turkey, Russia, Brazil, and South Africa. It will lead to a credit crunch in the developing world.
China moves to a different rhythm but it cannot hide from higher US rates. The imported squeeze will come just as the latest 18-month boomlet rolls over, a form of pro-cyclical tightening on a Chinese economy that has already reached credit exhaustion.
It is whispered – and always denied – that the US agreed last February in Shanghai to delay rate rises, buying time for the People's Bank to calm the yuan panic. The Fed retreat worked like a charm. Markets did indeed stop worrying about China. Global bourses rebounded.
Next time – and it is coming soon – there will be no such accord. The Trumpians want China to blow up, thinking they can handle the blow-back. They can't.
Draconian controls by the People's Bank will not be enough to stem capital flight. Nor will reserve losses blowing past $100bn a month in January. The nuclear risk through 2017 is that Beijing's 'weak yuan' mandarins will prevail. If they let the exchange rate go completely, the Asian currency storm that must inevitably follow will unleash a deflationary tsunami through the world. I think China will hold the line, but don't bet on it.
China's slowdown will kill the commodity rally stone dead. Saudi Arabia and Russia will find that output cuts agreed in Vienna are not enough to clear the oil glut this year, pushing off the desperately-awaited rebalancing into the distant future. Neither country can handle the implications of this. Riyadh will buckle before Moscow.
My New Year's piece last year spoke of sunlit uplands: "The economic sweet spot of 2016 before the reflation storm." I hoped the treacherous moment could be deferred until 2017. Unfortunately we are now almost there.
The tailwinds of global recovery are fading whatever equities purport to tell us. JP Morgan's 'Nowcast' measure of world growth was been slipping quietly for the last six weeks and is now down to an anemic 2.6pc, even before the China's credit curbs kick in and the Asian slowdown becomes obvious.
We have already enjoyed the $2 trillion consumer windfall of cheaper oil. Europe has already enjoyed austerity relief. The European Central Bank has already played its cards. On a flow basis the ECB will soon be tapering, and therefore tightening.
It will become clear again that Euroland has resolved nothing. The fatal pathologies – lack of fiscal union, lack of a banking union beyond the name, the one-side adjustment imposed on the South, Germany's unpunished current account surplus – have merely been veiled by QE and the Draghi Put.
None of the elections in Holland, France, or Italy will bring an anti-euro government to power, but they will come close enough to rattle nerves and drive the euro below dollar parity.
The parliamentary balance of power will shift, greatly weakening the ideological lockhold of the Maastricht elites and free movement purists. Alternative fur Deutschland will make it into the Bundestag. The centre-Right will harden everywhere to stop leakage to the populist fronts.
Brexit Britain will no longer stick out in quite the same way. It may even start to look like a liberal haven set against Europe's unanswered rage, and this will change the narrative. The threads will become confused, the pieties of Remain less certain, the Scottish temptation a little less alluring.
The UK economy will not perform any better than the eurozone in 2017, but it will not do any worse either, and those who talk of 'punishing' Britain in EU capitals will discover the asymmetry of political risk. The British can perhaps fall back on the Dunkirk spirit. Brussels can fall back on nothing.
The next global downturn will come before the G4 central banks have been able to replenish their ammunition, while the bar on New Deals or budgetary largesse is dauntingly high. World debt ratios are already 35 percentage points of GDP higher today than they were at the top of the last cycle in 2008. Emerging markets cannot come to the rescue as the did after the Lehman crash. They too are now mortgaged, and psychologically battered.
As polities fray, those nation states with an organic cultural unity and strong allegiance to sovereign institutions will fare best. Utopian constructions and brittle dictatorships have less margin.
Will we make it through 2017 before the reckoning hits? Probably, by the skin of our teeth.
Happy New Year.
Hiccup of the Year?
By Niels Jensen, January 3, 2017
Originally published here
"What the New Year brings to you will depend a great deal on what you bring to the New Year."
– Vern McLellan
The most outrageous predictions of 2017
Saxo Bank of Denmark (a bank I hold no grudges against, so don't assume I am on a mission here) have in recent years been high on entertainment value when publishing their now (in)famous list of Outrageous Predictions for the year to come, some of which are highly controversial. The 2017 list, which you can find here, contains the usual mix of more plausible predictions combined with some truly outrageous ones. Amongst their 2017 predictions, I find the following particularly thought-provoking:
1. The high yield default rate exceeds 25%.
2. Brexit never happens as the UK Bremains.
3. Italian banks are the best performing equity asset.
I am not into making outrageous predictions myself but, if I were, and given the fact that I have a rather wicked sense of humour, my outrageous prediction # 1 for 2017 would probably be for either David Cameron or Hilary Clinton to participate in the 2017 edition of BBC's flagship entertainment show Strictly Come Dancing. As Ed Balls just learned, that particular show provides an excellent platform to resurrect a fading political career (he probably got more votes for his dancing skills than he did in the last parliamentary elections, but that is an altogether different story). Having said that, only last month did I promise not to make fun of politicians anymore, so let's drop the ball right there.
Even if 2017 is not likely to be particularly high on entertainment value, it could certainly be high on drama, which makes this Absolute Return Letter particularly challenging. As you may recall from previous years, the January letter is always about the mine field laid out in front of us. What could cause 2017 to be a year to remember? What could possibly go horribly wrong? At this point in time, I see many potential problems. I have some concerns about the US. I see dark clouds gathering over Europe, and I see very slippery conditions in many emerging markets ('EM'). In other words, lots of markets around the world appear to be accident prone but for very different reasons, which I shall get back to in a moment.
A flicker of good news
However, before I go there, let me share with you a glimmer of hope; a twinkle of optimism that you don't find too often in the Absolute Return Letter. Not that I am a born pessimist – actually far from it. I just learned many moons ago that, when it comes to investing, good news is the last thing you should spend your energy and resources on. The secret to being a good investor is to focus on risk management and to be well prepared for bad news.
Long term readers of the Absolute Return Letter will know that I have always been of the opinion that we have never properly exited the global financial crisis (the 'GFC') of 2007-08. One of the conditions I have used to make my point is the high correlation between risk assets, and how life as an investment manager has become complicated as a result of that.
Prior to the GFC, you could fairly safely assume that diversification across a number of risk assets would dramatically reduce the overall volatility risk, but not anymore. The GFC changed how risk assets correlate with each other (chart 1), and when the correlation between risk assets approaches one, diversification does little to reduce the overall volatility risk.
Now the good news – it looks as if the correlation between risk assets – or at least between different types of equity risk – is finally coming down (chart 2). As you can see, the correlation between the S&P 500 and the average equity sector has fallen quite dramatically over the last six months. This is not the only dynamic that needs to change for me to become more optimistic, but it is an important one. Expect me to dig deeper on this topic at some point in 2017.
Growing nationalism
As we enter 2017, what should we worry most about? One factor appears to be standing out head and shoulders above everything else, and that is what is usually classified as growing nationalism. It forced the UK out of the EU, and it got Trump elected in the US, but I am not even convinced that the true driver is just growing nationalism.
As you may recall, national income is ultimately shared between capital and labour, and I think capital has belittled labour for too long by taking an ever larger share of national income. Frustrated by the stagnation in living standards, the man on the street wants something to change. The decision to vote for Brexit (or Trump) was a plea for change, as much as it was a sign of growing nationalism. When your own living standards are under pressure, the last thing you want is an army of immigrants to come in and put you under even more pressure.
Stagnating economic growth and low – or even negative – real wage growth has created a deep level of dissatisfaction that the electorate chose to use politically, and the Brexiters (and Trump) took advantage in spades.
For the first time in 150 years, the average Brit is now facing falling real wages (chart 3). That the low or negative growth in wages is driven by entirely different factors and have nothing whatsoever to do with Brussels is being conveniently ignored.
Meanwhile, the political leadership in the UK is facing a very tricky year, with the real opposition to the ruling Conservative Party coming not from the Labour Party but from inside its own ranks. The Brexiters want Theresa May to act now, even if all logic would suggest that the country may be better off counting to 10 before any moves are made.
As 2017 progresses, we face important elections in the Netherlands, Germany and France. The Dutch will kick it all off on the 15th March with the extreme right-wing leader of the Freedom Party, Geert Wilders, currently in pole position. On the 23rd April, the French will be asked to choose their next president. If no outright winner is found in the first round, a run-off between the top two will be held on the 7th May. German general elections will follow in the autumn. The date hasn't been set yet, but German law prescribes the 2017 elections to take place in either September or October.
Radical forces in all three countries are on the roll and, given what happened in the UK and the US last year, and what happened in Berlin just before Christmas, nothing should be taken for granted.
As far as nationalism is concerned, we are also about to learn whether Trump walks like he talks, and we are saddled with a certain Mr. Putin in Russia, who clearly knows how to take advantage of rising nationalistic sentiment. All in all, 2017 could shape up to be a most interesting year.
The (over)valuation of US equities
That said, growing nationalism and the implications of negative real wage growth are by no means the only things we should worry about as we enter 2017. In the US, equities are very expensive irrespective of how they are valued (charts 4 a-b). Investors have ignored fundamentals in recent years and instead focused on the liquidity provided by the Fed through QE and other means of monetary policy.
This has created equity valuations in the US that almost certainly will come back and bite investors in the derriere at some point. The only question is whether it is going to happen this year or ...?
Take chart 4a (price/EBITDA). When acquisitions are made, most companies are acquired at valuations well below 10x EBITDA. If the average company in the S&P 500 now trades at 11x EBITDA, interesting M&A deals are likely to be few and far between. Companies on the acquisition trail simply cannot justify to pay 12x, 13x or even 14x EBITDA for their acquisition target, removing an important pillar for higher equity prices.
Chart 4a also confirms a point I have made in previous Absolute Return Letters, i.e. that US equities are very expensive on a cash earnings (EBITDA) basis. Many US companies 'mislead' investors by reporting solid EPS numbers (by buying back their own shares), but chart 4a tells a very different story.
Europe's colourful menu of challenges
Let's return to Europe for a minute or two, as there is an entire menu of potential problems to choose from. The constitutional crisis in the EU could worsen dramatically if either the Netherlands, France or Germany were to choose the 'wrong' leader later this year. Putin, who is clearly on a roll at present, could quite possibly upset the cards even further – in particular if the new leadership is relatively inexperienced.
In Italy, the banking crisis is an accident waiting to happen. Most Italian banks are seriously undercapitalised and will need many billions of euros of new equity capital. However, under European law, equity investors must take the first hit before the government steps in, but how that will all unfold in Italy, only time can tell.
Given the size of the Italian economy compared to the Greek one, you shouldn't be overly surprised if the Italian banking crisis were to create bigger problems for the Eurozone than Greece ever did. My alter ego (the more sinister side) would even assign a meaningful probability to the entire euro currency system collapsing, with the member countries forced to re-introduce their original currencies. This would require for the Italian banking crisis to escalate further, and for either the Netherlands, France or Germany to exit the Eurozone. It is certainly not my core scenario, but it is not as far-fetched as some investors believe it is.
Brexit could also cause considerable damage to the European economy in 2017. Cocky British newspaper editors have left people with the impression that Brexit means nothing; it was all a storm in a teacup, they say, conveniently ignoring the fact that the ramifications of Brexit are yet to be felt. A hard Brexit will certainly be bad for the British economy, but little will change until people begin to lose their jobs.
That said, a hard Brexit is likely to be even worse for the rest of the EU than it will be for the UK (as the EU is a net exporter of goods and services to the UK). I am not entirely convinced, though, that the full impact will be felt in 2017. These negotiations could take a long time – certainly longer than the couple of years that appears to be the consensus.
Rising leverage across emerging markets
My next worry is the rising indebtedness across emerging markets combined with weak EM currencies. Overall debt levels, in developed market ('DM') countries as well as in EM countries, are much higher today than they were when the GFC nearly took us all down in 2007-08 (chart 5). Although I am also worried about debt levels in DM countries, I think the risks associated with excessive debt are higher in EM countries than they are in DM countries, and that has to do with the implications of FX movements.
EM non-financial corporates have continued to accumulate debt as if there is no tomorrow (chart 6). As DM interest rates continued to fall, those corporates increasingly switched to borrowing in US dollars. Given the recent strength of the US dollar – in particular when measured against EM currencies – that decision has been a spectacular own goal. What appeared to be very cheap borrowing costs turned out to be anything but. USD 890 billion of EM bonds and syndicated loans (an all-time high) are coming due in 2017 with almost 30% of that denominated in US dollars.
Weakening EM currencies vs. USD has been akin to a significant rise in interest rates for EM borrowers, and the possibility of a high profile accident or two should not be disregarded. I am not close enough to the EM corporate sector to tell you exactly how bad it is, but I am told it is pretty bad out there.
The high price of low interest rates
I have written extensively already about the consequences of very low interest rates for insurance companies, pension funds, local authorities, and therefore ultimately governments and shall not repeat myself. Suffice to say that, should rates stay this low, it is only a question of time before somebody noteworthy blows up right in front of us.
So far, all these very exposed entities have been able to extend and pretend, but it won't last. As long-term readers of the Absolute Return Letter will know, I expect interest rates to stay low for a very long time to come – particularly in Europe. It is possible that US interest rates will go through a cyclical upswing over the next year or two, but the longer term (structural) trend is still down – unless our political leaders take drastic action (see what could be done in the December Absolute Return Letter here).
Consequently, somebody will almost certainly default. It is only a question of who and when. Obviously there are the explicit defaults, and there are the implicit ones. Increasing the retirement age meaningfully, and implementing a mandatory conversion from defined benefit plans to defined contribution plans with a built-in haircut would translate into an implicit default, but before the unions bark too loudly, they'd better realise what the alternative is.
Local authorities in the US are at the very front of the bankruptcy queue. Take the state of Illinois with over $200 billion of pension liabilities, much of which is unfunded. I am not saying that the state of Illinois will go bankrupt. If I went through the books of every single US state, I am sure I could find a few that are in an even worse condition. That said, the 1% rise in municipal bond yields since July (chart 7) could turn out to be not the buying opportunity that many argue it is, but still a great shorting opportunity despite the recent rise in yields, should the situation be as bad as I suspect it is.
Other possible hiccups
I think I will stop here. I could list quite a few other candidates for hiccup of the year 2017, but those that I have mentioned above are the ones I believe are most likely to do meaningful damage in the year to come, should they unfold.
I haven't mentioned the fact that the current economic cycle is getting very long in the tooth. The last recession ended in early 2009 and the next one will undoubtedly commence not too long from now. Could it possibly happen in 2017? I don't know, and I don't think anybody else does either, despite the fact that about 1⁄2 million commentators claim they do.
GDP growth projections for 2017 follow an almost perfect normal distribution, suggesting to me that few economists have a very clear idea what sort of conditions 2017 is likely to bring (chart 8). If I were a betting man I would bet against a recession in 2017, though, as almost everyone does in chart 8. There seems to be a great deal of momentum in both the US and the EU economy at present, and I see nothing to change that in the short term.
However, the Fed could quite possibly ignite the next recession, should it be necessary to tighten more in 2017 than they have already indicated. Based solely on US domestic data, they should probably have tightened a great deal more than they actually did in 2016, but weak data elsewhere kept them sitting on their hands – most likely because they didn't want the US dollar to appreciate too much. That could potentially force them to tighten more than they would like in 2017. An increasingly capacity-constrained US economy could lead to rising inflationary pressures, but that is more likely to be an issue for 2018 than for 2017, I suspect.
Neither have I mentioned China at all, but China could certainly blow up. After all, the credit bubble appears to be bigger in China than anywhere else. How that will all pan out I don't know, but I have learned over the years that normal rules do not apply in China. Despite what the rulers want us all to believe, it is most definitely not a proper market economy; hence applying normal logic doesn't work as far as China is concerned. Investing in China is about knowing the right people and little else. In our part of the world you would most likely go to jail if you applied that investment technique, but not in China – at least not so far.
Summing it all up
The combination of Brexit and Trump has generated significant momentum for nationalistic forces worldwide, and one would be foolish to conclude that the worst is over. I certainly expect at least one of the forthcoming elections in Europe to deliver an outcome that will create further problems for project EU, but don't assume that I am bearish on the euro for that reason.
Yes, low economic growth across the EU will almost certainly lead to further USD appreciation vs. EUR, but a complete collapse of the euro currency system – or at least a reconfiguration (the latter of which I think is the more likely outcome) – will not necessarily cause the euro to weaken. It will all depend on how the crisis is handled.
The timing of the forthcoming weakening of US equities (which I consider a given) will to a substantial degree depend on when the US economy goes into reverse and, as I said earlier, that is more likely to materialise in 2018, but it could certainly happen as early as 2017.
Some sort of emerging market crisis driven by a combination of high USD- denominated debt and weak EM currencies is my prime candidate for hiccup of the year, but it is not entirely clear what the implications will be for developed markets – sort of depends on where it happens and to what degree DM banks are implicated. Generally speaking, though, DM banks are only modestly involved in emerging markets these days; hence an EM crisis doesn't necessarily imply that we all get sucked in.
What to do in practice
You would be forgiven for thinking that, from an investment point-of-view, the not insignificant risks laid out in front of us makes it virtually impossible to construct a portfolio that is likely to generate an attractive return in 2017, but nothing could be further from the truth.
Firstly, remember what I said earlier. I usually focus on the negative aspects when investing; hence my writing also has a negative bias. That is not the same as saying that I am always bearish, and I am most definitely not particularly bearish going into 2017.
Secondly, given the risk factors mentioned above, I would emphasise alpha risk over beta risk at this (late) point in the economic cycle. There are indeed many ways that can be accomplished, and that is precisely what next month's Absolute Return Letter will be about. This month's letter is already too long, so all I will do for now is to wish you a very successful 2017.
Niels C. Jensen
3 January 2017


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Green Futures, and Greenpoint Residents, Alive and Well — The Hook-up (3/2)
This morning, students, teachers and local politicians and community members gathered to celebrate P.S. 34's brand new Green STEM Lab and Hydroponic Garden.
But it's not just plant life that's thriving in Greenpoint. A 46-year old Greenpoint resident was mistakenly declared dead by the Social Security Administration last fall, when in fact she is alive and well. She is in the midst of making the federal government aware of this fact. According to ABC news, the SSA will send out a letter informing her of her "resurrection" once they update their files.
And speaking of rising again: The New York State Department of Transportation has unveiled its plans for the next stage of construction of the New Kosciuszko Bridge. The DOT expects the final section of the span to be completed in 2019 or 2020. Continue reading


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May 2016
May has arrived and it feels like spring has finally sprung. Outdoor farmers' markets are getting started and we have local rhubarb and asparagus. Our rooftop garden is sprouting and our new bee hive is installed.
We picked up our bees from Westside Bee Boyz when it was 80 F and got them into their hive before the temperature plummeted to the 40s F. Thankfully it is warming back up and we have finally been able to check on them. Everything looks good, they have accepted their queen and have already begun building. As the temperature warms, they will begin exploring the neighborhood to search for flowers. It's exciting to think we will have honey soon! Feel free to look out the back window of the second floor to catch a glimpse of the bee hive on the west side of the roof.
May Happenings
May 2nd – James Beard Awards – Congratulations to all the nominees and winners!
May 8th – Mother's Day (be sure to order something special for mom!)
May 12th – Meet the Market RSVP here
What better way to celebrate the opening of the summer Green City Market than joining us at Floriole Cafe and Bakery for the summer's first Meet the Market! Meet the Market is a chance for everyone to learn more about the market, support its mission, find out how you can get involved and last but not least, enjoy some delicious eats and cocktails. We will be making sweet and savory small bites accompanied by Band of Bohemia Beer and a specialty cocktail from our friends at New Holland.
May 15th – Sunday Supper at Floriole (tickets here)
May 19th – Our House Pizza Dinner
Rachel Post will be back in the Floriole kitchen with her amazing pizza. The dinner will be a $30 three course prix-fixe with salad, choice of pizza and a Floriole dessert. Get tickets here.
May 30th – Memorial Day (open regular hours)
Last month we collaborated with Cellar Door Provisions on langue de chat cookies. The process proved to be fun and educational. We loved working with the CDP team and hope you will visit their shop and enjoy the beautiful food they are creating.
This month we are working with Anna Posey, the former pastry chef at The Publican and Publican Quality Meats. She and her husband, David Posey, will open Elske in late summer/fall. Anna chose to make a flødeboller with an almond shortbread base, honey fluff and dark chocolate coating. Wow! This is more than a cookie – it is a full dessert dressed up like a bonbon.
Bye Emily
Pastry chef Emily Spurlin is leaving Floriole to head up the pastry department at soon to open Bad Hunter. She has been an important force at Floriole that will be greatly missed.We hate to see her go but can't wait to see the great things she does and how she will contribute to making Chicago an even better pastry town. Be sure to keep an eye on her because she is incredibly talented and creative. Best of luck Emily and thanks for sharing your talent with Floriole!
In the neighborhood
This June 2-6, White Oak is hosting their next Chef in Residence Series dinner events featuring Chef Lucian Prellwitz and Chef Morgan Deeks. Hosting a collaborative cooking experience with Chef Tom Van Lente of White Oak, Prellwitz and Deeks will offer a special menu featuring French technique and Italian sensibilities while keeping in mind the American palate for guests to experience.


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India's Blue Revolution focuses government, private sector on upping fish production
With government focusing on undertaking a "blue revolution," India's fish production has increased by 19 percent over the last three years.
Radha Mohan Singh, the head of India's Ministry of Agriculture, which is also responsible for the fisheries sector, said the government's focus on using new technology for increasing fish production has been responsible for achieving the double-digit growth.
Speaking at the Aqua Goa Mega Fish Festival 2017, Singh said India's government had targeted fisheries for investment because they are a fast-growing sector providing nutrition and food security to a large portion of the country's population, in addition to providing income and employment to fishermen and fish farmers.
Under its new plan, India's government has created an umbrella scheme titled "Blue Revolution: Integrated Development and Management of Fisheries," funded with an initial budget outlay of INR 30 billion (USD 467 million, EUR 396 million).
The program will seek to improve training and capacity-building of fishers and fish-farmers, encourage species diversification and proper fish health management, and fortify the country's scientific research and the science community's advising of the private sector. Another separate focus of the Blue Revolution program has been to move traditional in-shore fishers into deep-sea fishing.
In the past decade, India has recorded an average annual growth of 14.8 percent in production of fish and fish products in the last decade, as compared to the global average of 7.5 percent in the last decade, Singh said. According to the ministry, India earned around USD 5.8 billion (EUR 4.9 billion) through exports of fish and fishery products during 2016-17 financial year.
Moving forward, India wants to grow every sector of its fisheries economy, with a specific focus on marine production, inland aquaculture, and mariculture.
Indian production from marine fisheries increased by 6.5 percent year-over-year in the 2016-17 financial year, and the growth rate of inland fisheries production went up by more than 26 percent, Singh said. Singh said the country was especially proud of its advances in prawn production and its new status as the largest producer and exporter of prawns in the world.
Another aspect of India's Blue Revolution is the goal of improving the income of the country's aquaculture workers and fishers. The government has set the goal of doubling all farmers' income by 2022, and Singh said the Blue Revolution program is set to play an important role in that effort.
Under the program, the government has begun providing coastal states with financial and technical support including training and capacity building for the development of mariculture initiatives, Singh said. In addition, the government is providing 50 percent financial assistance up to INR 4 million (USD 62,234, EUR 52,898) to the traditional fishers, to help them transition to deep-sea fishing vessels. The government estimates that equipping standard fishing vessels in India with modern technology to allow them to go deep-sea fishing costs approximately INR 8 million (USD 124,469, EUR 105,796) per vessel.
Moreover, the minister said that financial assistance for housing of fishermen has been increased from INR 75,000 (USD 991, EUR 1,168) to INR 120,000 (USD 1,869, EUR 1,586) in general states and INR 130,000 (USD 2,025, EUR 1,719) for the northeastern and hilly states under the Welfare Scheme for Fishermen.


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There are over 400 Nigerian African foodstuffs supermarket and Grocery store all over Europe including U.S, waiting for you to become their supplier monthly and make well over 100% in return from local foodstuff export market. Now look at it this way;
Recently,The EU ban 4 product from been export to any European continent ontill Jan 2016. 1)Sesame seeds, 2)Crayfish, 3)melon and one other one I can quite remember at this point of written this piece. There is a market for almost every kind
Foodstuff exports offer business opportunities. But only very few businessmen know about it. One of those who have taken advantage of this is Chukwuogo, who started as a wheel barrow food vendor at Oyinbo market, Lagos. Chukwuogo, also Chairman of Oyingbo Food


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Vietnam is a great country that has an abundance of small festivals and celebrations that's if you can witness them when you visit the country. Vietnamese celebrate their festive period differently. They sometimes have solemn gatherings by an altar or sometimes take it to a country wide celebration. Most of the celebrations in Vietnam highlight the countries interesting culture rather than being one big party. Nonetheless, visiting during these special occasions is an interesting experience for travelers and backpackers.
Here are the top 5 festivals you must not miss while in Vietnam
Tet or Tet nguyên dán
This is the most special and important day in Vietnam, Its is formally celebrated by farmers to thank the gods for the arrival of springs. Now the Tet festival has grown to be the official New Year celebration Vietnam which often last for three days, and is very similar to the way the Chinese celebrate their New Year. One of the memorable moments is the streets are donned with flowers, people decorate their homes, and families often get together to celebrate this special holiday.
Trung Nguyen: The Ghost Festival
This festival is the second largest festival in Vietnam, It usually falls on the 15th day of the seventh month but the celebrations are held anytime during the latter half of the month. Even if you're not religious, this celebration is celebrated, acknowledging the existence of good and evil. The local people believe that everyone has two souls, a spiritual soul and your material soul (Hon and Via). When your person dies, they believe that your soul is sent to either heaven or hell and is judged by ten justices, sending your soul to either heaven or hell.
Hoi An Lantern Festival
Hoi An's ancient town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site on Vietnam's central coast. Every month, when the full moon shines, fluorescent lights are switched off, roads are closed to traffic and the streets are illuminated with thousands of colourful lanterns. Backpackers are allowed to join in the festival and enjoy old games, delicious foods and sweet musics.
Chu Dong Tu Festival
This festival is named after the four immortal gods of Vietnamese pantheon. The festival takes place in Chu Dong Tu Temple in Da Hoa and Da Trach, near Vietnam's capital, Hanoi. dragon procession, martial arts competition, powerful lion dances and soulful Cheo are part of the rituals performed. The festival is celebrated for two days.
Hue Festival
This festival is celebrated to honors the social values of Vietnam's former capital city, Hue (Hanoi became the capital of Vietnam in 1976 after the North's victory in the Vietnam War). Enjoy the wide variety of poetry, exciting street art performances, colorful exhibitions, drum and percussion concerts, and historical films.
And here are some other memorable festivals you can go to during your stay in Vietnam
- Tay Son Festival – A Martial arts demonstrations in Tay Son District, plus garlanded elephants on parade
- Phat Dan – A lantern festival to commemorate Buddha's birth
- Lim Singing Festival – This is celebrated Two weeks after Tet
- Thanh Minh – Ancestral graves are cleaned and offerings of food, flowers and paper votive objects
Do Son Buffalo-fighting Festival – Held in Do Son village to fight with Buffalos


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Pavel Tchelitchew(1898-1957), Surrealist painter
Sitter in 2 portraits
Artist of 3 portraits
Pavel Tchelitchew was a Russian-born surrealist painter. He left Russia in 1920 and spent the years 1921 to 1923 in Berlin, where he had considerable success as a designer for the theatre and opera. Tchelitchew lived in Berlin from 1921 to 1923, and moved to Paris in 1923. Exhibiting at the Galerie Druet, he and his associates became known as the Neo-Romantics; he had his first one-man exhibition at the Claridge Gallery, London, in 1928. In 1934, Tchelitchew moved from Paris to New York City.
by Cecil Beaton
bromide print, 1930s
NPG x40378
Pavel Tchelitchew with his painting 'Phenomena' at Tooth's Gallery
by Reg Sayers, for Daily Herald
modern bromide print from original negative, 15 June 1938
NPG x135106
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CMPE Senior Projects Poster Presentation Session / Spring 2019
2020 Spring
CMPE Senior Projects (CmpE 491 and CmpE 492) Final reports are due 29 June, 2020, 23:59:59.999
2019 Fall
CMPE Senior Projects (CmpE 491 and CmpE 492) Final reports are due 2 January, 2020, 13:00.
CMPE Senior Projects (CmpE 491 and CmpE 492) Poster Sessions for 2019 Fall Semester will be held on 6 January, 2020 (all day).
2019 Spring
CMPE Senior Project Poster Session for 2019 Spring Semester is held on 16 May, 2019.
Award winning projects for the 2019 Spring semester are announced as follows:
First prize:
Student: Ahmet Faruk Çelimli
Project: "Designing an Autonomous Car Using a Simulation"
Advisor: Levent Akın
Students: Enis Simsar and Ömer Kırbıyık
Project: "Guess Who Wrote This, Human or Computer?"
Advisor: Suzan Üsküdarlı
Second prize:
Students: Erkam Ağralı and Samed Düzçay
Project: "Resource Sharing in Peer-to-Peer Systems"
Advisor: Cem Ersoy
Students: Atıf Emre Yüksel and Yaşar Alim Türkmen
Project: "Semantic Kernels and Deep Learning for Short Text Classification"
Advisor: Arzucan Özgür
Third prize:
Students: Emre Koç, Yusuf Kalaycı and Bekir Burak Aslan
Project: "A Course Pre-Registration System for Boğaziçi University"
Advisor: Can Özturan
Student: Uğurcan Arıkan
Project: "De/da/te/ta: Detecting Orthographic Errors Caused by Clitics in Turkish"
Advisor: Suzan Üsküdarlı


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VOWR is a radio station in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. The station is operated by the Wesley United Church of Canada and operates a mix of Christian radio programming and secular ...
St. John's, a city on Newfoundland island off Canada's Atlantic coast, is the capital of Newfoundland and Labrador province. Its harbour was settled by the British in the 1600s. Downtown is known for its colourful row houses. Above the city is Signal Hill with walking trails and the site of the first transatlantic wireless communication, Cabot Tower, which commemorates John Cabot's discovery of Newfoundland.
Newfoundland and Labrador form the most easterly province of Canada. On Newfoundland island, the Norse archaeological site L'Anse aux Meadows is the reputed settlement of Viking explorer Leif Erikson. Gros Morne National Park, on the Gulf of St Lawrence, has cliffs, waterfalls and glacial fjords. Southeastern capital city St. John?s is known for the 17th-century Signal Hill citadel, with a hillside walking trail.
Canada is a North American country stretching from the U.S. in the south to the Arctic Circle in the north. Major cities include massive Toronto, west coast film centre Vancouver, French-speaking Montréal and Québec City, and capital city Ottawa. Canada's vast swaths of wilderness include lake-filled Banff National Park in the Rocky Mountains. It's also home to Niagara Falls, a famous group of massive waterfalls. (V)


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Stars: 5 out of 5 (Nostalgia and fun over true thrills)
Pros: Great theming and plenty of fun.
Cons: New effects in third lift; little real thrills for thrill seekers
The Bottom Line:
This mild thrill ride does
Provide twists, turns, old west fun
Smile for everyone
This Here's Still the Wildest Ride in the Wilderness
With Disney theming is everything, and that definitely applies to this coaster. At any other park, it would be considered an okay attraction because it would just be steel beams holding up the track. Here, they have given us a runaway train car in the middle of wilderness spires. You can't see much of the track while waiting in line because much of it is hidden behind the mountain that has been recreated here.
When you board the ride, you are seated in rows of two with just a simple lap bar to hold you into place. That should tell you the real level of thrills you are about to have. There are three lifts with coaster sections in between. While you are careening around corners or going up the lifts, be sure to check for the little things Disney has added to the attraction. There's a waterfall you go through on the first lift (it parts for you so you don't get wet) and audio animatronic creatures on the second lift for example. You finish the ride by going by a western town. Listen for the dialogue and laugh at the signs in the windows.
After over a year closed for a major overhaul, Big Thunder has opened again in March of 2014. I got a chance to ride it last week, and it's still just as much fun as I remembered? Why was it closed for so long? For one thing, they laid in all new steel rails. I wouldn't have said the ride was rough before, but it is very smooth now. Heck, they should have done this to the
Matterhorn during its recent rehab. The also added bats during the dark part
right before the first lift, which is a great illusion.
Then there's the third lift. I have a feeling this change will be the most controversial change to the attraction. Before, while you were climbing, you saw the rock walls around you start to shake like from an earthquake or cave in. Now? A lantern accidentally sets off charges and the walls start to explode while you climb. This is all done with animation projected on the walls. There is supposed to be smoke that fills the chamber as you climb, but it wasn't working when I rode. I don't know if that would have helped or not, but overall I'm not impressed. While the projections are fun at the bottom, I grow tired of them by the time we reach the top. Furthermore, the entire point of this ride is the real stuff you are going by. This third lift obviously looks fake to me. I wish they'd kept the rocks that looked like they were about to fall on you, but I always loved that part of the ride. Heck, they still could have had the fuses on the bottom leading to those rocks at the top. Yep, in this case they should have left the ride alone.
All told, this ride lasts about 3 minutes and reaches maximum speeds of 35 miles per hour. It is disabled accessible (and they've added a nice new platform for that separate line), but you have to transfer to the ride's cars. Additionally, you have to be 40 inches tall to ride.
Of the roller coasters in the park, this is usually the least popular. I have a feeling that will change, at least for a while, with this rehab. Waits are often around 30 minutes or so, but again I expect these to climb, at least for a while. The ride does offer Disney FastPass if you want to come back for a shorter wait later.
As you might have figured out, this ride isn't high on thrills. However, it is still very fun and is perfect for introducing kids to roller coasters outside of kiddie coasters. It worked for me, obviously.
However, it can still move you around in the seats quite a bit. I've wound up scrunched on one side of the car with my riding partner as one or the other of us slid across the seat. It rarely happens, but it has.
My opinion on the enhanced features for the third lift might change as I ride it more and experience with it the smoke. However, it is a minor complaint over all. The heart of the ride – a fun roller coaster with great theming, remains. Now that it has reopened, I will be back to riding Big Thunder Mountain Railroad on every trip to


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The Bombay High Court on Thursday ordered the doctors on strike to resume their duties and give some time to the government for providing them proper security.
The High Court also ordered the state government to provide security at all government hospitals so that the doctors can work without fear.
The High Court ordered that no punitive action should be taken against the protesting doctors once they resume their duties.
The matter will be next heard after 15 days.
The High Court, also on March 21 ordered Maharashtra's resident doctors, to resume work immediately or face action by the management.
The HC has specifically said that the hospital management is free to initiate action and contempt proceedings against the doctors on strike.
The strike by Maharashtra's doctors, who are protesting a spate of assaults on colleagues by patients' relatives, entered the fourth day today even as nearly 2,000 of them got expulsion notice a day ago.
The agitators said patients are usually accompanied by a large number of relatives, which puts pressure on them. They have demanded adequate security measures and a pass system, where not more than two relatives will be allowed to remain with a patient inside the ward.
Meanwhile, thousands of patients have been left to suffer and bear inconvenience at public hospitals due to the protest.


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Today marks a proud moment for me – my tenth book goes live on Amazon!
A Moment of Darkness, Book Three of The Chronicles of Elizabeth Fairbairn.
Elizabeth fought with her father to save the coven with The Veil's help and succeeded. She secured the peace her coven desired but failed to find her own. Wesley and his family disappeared before the battle and left her feeling abandoned, broken. Her soul rages with emotions and magic she still hasn't mastered. Living in a world she barely understands, the one person who is there for her is the one she should stay away from.
Will the lure of the darkness be overcome or will she give in?
Goes live November 15th, pre-order eBook today https://amzn.to/2D4J4V2


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It's baby time! So many close friends and family are having babies, making babies and raising babies that we can hardly keep up! But it sure does make for some fun snuggling time with all the new additions.
A week is not complete with it…
New Orleans Greek Fest was this weekend, and my super cool husband drove me down just to get a gyro … and baklava … and french fries, even though we have about four Greek restaurants within a 2 mile radius of our house. It's just not the same and always brings back fun memories of my time in Greece. WORTH IT.
What I'm Loving Lately:
1. Canned pears topped with shaved almonds
2. Back support pillows (I'm THAT pregnant girl now)
3. Catching up on months worth of Modern Family and Happy Endings via DVR
4. Only a month until the BEACH!
5. Strawberry shortcake with an embarrassing amount of Cool Whip
6. Audrey's kicks and punches
7. Getting up early and feeling productive
8. My new sewing project list (blankets, onesies, headbands, oh my!)
9. My new Kindle Paperwhite
10. Coffee (half-caf people! well, most of the time…)
What I'm Cooking Lately:
1. Shepherd's Pie
2. Chicken Pesto Pizza
3. Shrimp Bread
4. Sloppy Joe's (ground beef + tomato paste + packet of Sloppy Joe mix)
5. Gazpacho
What I'm Listening To Lately:
1. Imagine Dragons
2. Sugarland Pandora Channel
3. Pink + Nate Reuss "Just Give Me A Reason"


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Beauty Blog: Mark. Makeup by Avon Philippines Review
Undeniably, Avon Philippines has always been a part of almost every Filipinos lives.
Back when I was in grade school, I remember when my sister brought home an Avon brochure which her classmate lent to her. We've always wanted to purchase those cute accessories which are being sold by them. Along with that, I remember choosing some colognes which I want to give away to my classmates for Christmas. Beyond any doubt, Avon Philippines was one of the brands we trust from then until now.
Just this month, Avon Philippines has launched their newest and I must say their boldest makeup line, Mark.
I'm so used to their other makeup lines, Avon True Color and Simply Pretty which predominantly creates simple and everyday looks. On the other hand, Mark Makeup was more on the fearless night makeup looks side. Inside the PR Box contains six Mark Makeup products such as the Nude Matte Pressed Powder, Perfect Brow Sculpting Pencil, Eye Impressionist 8-in-1 Wet & Dry Eyeshadow Palette, Big & Style Mascara, Dual Glow Cheek Color & Highlighter, and the Epic Lipstick.
I've decided to create a makeup look by using these products alone and with the intention of making it suitable for Filipinas, or at least for the weather in the Philippines. Making an epic mark doesn't necessarily mean dark eye makeup or red lips. You have the freedom to make your mark even with just a simple look. Here's how:
1. Nude Matte Pressed Powder
Shade: Light Medium | SPF 30
Skin type: Combination of oily and dry skin.
It comes with a sponge which I prefer than the puff sponge most compact powder has. I didn't apply anything on my face, not even a moisturizer or sunscreen before applying the Nude Matte Pressed Powder using the dry sponge provided. I don't like using a wet sponge which some people do. For a pressed powder, I'm pretty impressed with its coverage. It may not be as flawless as compared to using a liquid foundation but since I don't usually use one, this product is good enough for me. I particularly love its matte finish! ♥
When I used it in Japan a week ago where it's currently summer, I can't seem to remember a day when my face needed a powder retouch. I just used an oil-control film for my face, and that's it.
2. Perfect Brow Sculpting Pencil
Shade: Deep Brown
For my everyday look, I use a very light shade of brown eyebrow pencil and finish it with a darker shade of brown eyebrow powder which is also from Avon. As for the Perfect Brow Sculpting Pencil in Deep Brown, it's very pigmented which made me felt so overwhelmed when I created this look. As you can see on my swatch, it's very dark which is close to black already. However, with this look, I love how dark my brows were which complimented well with my light eye makeup and pink lipstick. It also gave me the "kilay goals" which we are all trying to achieve. And since I have partly thick and dark eyebrows, it made it seem more natural with this look.
I would also love to try the Soft Brown and Blonde eyebrow shades in the future. I think its waxy texture is what makes it very pigmented and lets the product stay all day long. But what lacks this eyebrow product is a spoolie which they would hopefully incorporate within the future.
3. Eye Impressionist 8-in-1 Wet & Dry Eyeshadow Palette
Variant: Smoky Nights
A year or even a few years back, I have learned that Avon's makeup products are cruelty-free and don't contain any lead. As a result, some of their products, particularly the eyeshadow palettes lacks pigmentation. Nonetheless, their eyeshadows are very workable and easy to blend. For this look, I used the dark and light orange shades which I love to use to create a fresh summer look.
This palette comes with a small mirror and an eyeshadow sponge applicator which most eyeshadow palette contains. In general, to be honest, I don't like how these applicators blend the product. In this photo below, I used the sponge applicator for my eyeshadow. I even tried my best to apply it well, but I only end up hurting my lids a bit by continually blending the product.
On the other hand, I used an eyeshadow brush for my eye makeup below.
The difference was very evident. However, I still love this palette especially these two orangey shades! ♥
If you're aiming for a different eye makeup, just choose from the darker shades from this palette and blend it well in your crease area. It depends on your preference on how you want to create your look and make your epic mark.
4. Big & Style Mascara
Shade: Black
When it comes to choosing my mascara, I always go for the waterproof ones. It doesn't smudge, especially in my lower lashline. I'm so grateful to have long and curly lashes which save me time from curling it. Despite being water resistant, this mascara is very easy to remove. It can be removed with water alone, but it's always best to use a makeup remover. I use this mascara for my everyday looks!
5. Dual Glow Cheek Color & Highlighter
Variant: Beach Babe
This contour and blush in one compact is absolutely genius. The cheek color gives me that bronzey summer glow. I don't think I'd be able to use a cheek color as dark as this shade for my everyday look. Nevertheless, it will always be my first option for a bronzed makeup look!
As for the highlighter, it isn't as blinding as I expected. No matter how much I generously sweep off my brush to the product, it just doesn't work. Well, at least I didn't end up looking oily after a few tries? Hihi.
6. Epic Lipstick
Shade: Blushing Beauty
It's refreshing to wear a shade of lipstick similar to what you used to wear. Back in college, it's either I'm wearing a pink lipstick or a red lipstick. The Blushing Beauty shade highly reminds me of the Tea Rose lippie shade which I always wear in my freshmen years in college. Before, I was a fan of matte lipsticks, but now I always go for the creamy ones such as the Epic Lipstick. It keeps my lips moisturized and not dry. It also has a built-in primer which makes it long lasting. I wish to try more of their shades!
As for my overall experience, I'm very much impressed as to how Avon strives to improve their products for years.
I highly commend Mark Makeup's packaging for its sleek yet bold look. I definitely see myself using them every day except for the Dual Glow Cheek Color & Highlighter which again is a bit dark for me to use with my everyday looks. If I were to rate them from 1 to 10, and 10 being the highest, I'll give them an 8. I'm pretty sure they'll continue working on with the improvements of not only with Mark products but with the rest of the Avon brands.
To those who are interested, visit them on their website or on their social media accounts:
Meanwhile, you can check out my previous posts too! ♥
Chroma Celloshine Color Hair Treatment (Click HERE)
Playing with neutrals and mustard (Click HERE)
Affordable places to eat in Aspen, Colorado, United States (Click HERE)
My dilemma as a blogger (Click HERE)
Beauty Bloggers at Sample Room Event (Click HERE)
Instagram: @airishabella | Facebook: @airishabellaa


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England | Scotland | Wales | Northern Ireland | Ireland
Get the latest NHS information and advice about coronavirus (COVID-19).
Check if you or your child has coronavirus symptoms
Find out about the main symptoms of coronavirus and what to do if you have them.
Self-isolation and treatment if you have coronavirus symptoms
Advice about staying at home (self-isolation) and treatment for you and anyone you live with.
Testing and tracing
Information about testing for coronavirus and what to do if you're contacted by the NHS Test and Trace service.
People at high risk
Advice for people at higher risk from coronavirus, including older people, people with health conditions and pregnant women.
Social distancing and changes to everyday life
Advice about avoiding close contact with other people (social distancing), looking after your wellbeing and using the NHS and other services during coronavirus.
GOV.UK: coronavirus – guidance and support
Government information and advice.
2nd Floor, RNHRD,Upper Borough Walls, Bath, BA1 1RLTel: 01225 336363
BGPERT Zoom Meetings
Most BGPERT session are run via Zoom and will be recorded and available after the meeting.
Some meetings are for BGPERT members only, but if you are not a member and interested in viewing any of these meeting please contact us on email@example.com
Please click here to view our Zoom instructions for members.
Date and Time
Title and Speaker
Link to Webinar
Tuesday 15th September 2020
9.00am - 1.00pm
RUH Respiratory Virtual Study Day
Further details to follow, please click here to see the 'save the date' letter from Dr Jay Suntharalingam.
With the RUH Respiratory Department
This meeting is free to attend for GPs and Practice Nurses. please contact firstname.lastname@example.com to receive the invitation.
Thursday 17th September 2020
Medicines Management for Primary Care
With Mrs Alex Goddard, Deputy Head of Medicines Optimisation, NHS BSW CCG
This meeting is open to BGPERT Members.
If you are not a member of BGPERT but would like to attend, please email the team firstname.lastname@example.com for more information.
Thursday 22nd October 2020
Evening - time TBC
Sleep is your superpower
With Dr Ashish Bhatia, GP, University Tutor and Founder of Really Well Being
Past webinars available on our resources page
These meetings are for BGPERT members only, please contact firstname.lastname@example.com to receive the log in information.
Palliative and End of Life Update
With Helen Meehan, Lead Nurse Palliative Care and End of Life, RUH and Ed Presswood, Palliative Consultant, RUH & Dorothy House
Care of the Elderly Update: Medical Management of COVID in the Community
With Dr Robin Fackrell
Domestic Violence & Abuse - How primary care might tackle the challenges faced by the COVID-19 pandemic With Dr Helen Pauli, GP and Clinical Lead for IRIS (Identification & Referral to Improve Safety)
"Getting to Grips with Dermoscopy" How dermoscopy can help you in primary care With Dr Sarah Woodrow
ENT in the face of COVID-19 With Mr Darren Pinder, Consultant ENT Surgeon, RUH
COVID-19: A Respiratory Update With Dr Vidan Masani, Consultant Respiratory Physician
"Back to Plaque!" Helping you diagnose & manage different causes of skin patches and plaques
With Dr Alex Banner, Specialist Registrar in Dermatology, RUH
Supported by Thornton & Ross firstname.lastname@example.com
Diabetes and COVID: What are the risks and how do we look after our patients?
With Dr Alexandra Ward, Consultant Endocrinologist, RUH Bath
Ophthalmology Update "A sight for sore eyes"
With Mr Rob Walters, Consultant Ophthalmologist
Colorectal and General Surgery - Impact of the pandemic and how Surgeons are planning for the future
With Mr Mike Williamson, General Surgery Consultant, RUH Bath
Supported by Ipsen email@example.com
The Mental Health Perspective on COVID-19
With Dr Liz Ewins, Consultant Psychiatrist, BaNES Early Intervention Team
Safeguarding Training with the Police: Covering Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking
With Sian Turner, National Advisor, National Crime Agency
Supported by BSW CCG
Neuropathy Know How
With Dr Nicola Giffin, Consultant Neurologist
Level 3 Safeguarding Education: Child Exploitation & County Lines
With Androulla Nicolau, Prevention Officer, Topaz Child Exploitation Team, Avon & Somerset Police
Primary Care Approach to Gender Dysphoria
With Dr Laura Hinchliffe, General Practitioner
Constipation kills and other cautionary tales
With Dr Helen Milbourn, Consultant Geriatrician, RUH
Acute Oncology - Cancer and Covid Update
With With Emma Girling, Specialist Nurse and Hannah Reed, SpR Medical Oncology
Supported by firstname.lastname@example.com
Helping patients navigate their journey and align their risks and values, in post Covid Primary Care
With Jonathan Berry, Strategy and Innovation Directorate, Personalised Care Group, NHS England & NHS Improvement
Dermatology Education: Hair and Scalp Disorders & an update on post-covid patient pathways at the RUH
With Dr Ruth Alexander, GPwSI, Bath Enhanced Medical Services & Dr Inma Mauri-Sole, Clinical Lead in Dermatology, RUH
Rheumatology in the COVID Era
With Dr William Tillett, Consultant Rheumatologist, RNHRD RUH Bath
Supported by Ipsen email@example.com
Contraceptive Opportunities arisen from the pandemic, to enhance Sexual and Reproductive Health in the future
With Dr Anne Lashford, Vice President of The Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare
BGPERT Face to Face Meetings
Please note our face to face meetings are postponed until further notice
June 2020
Dear Colleagues,
Given the social distancing measures enforced due to the COVID-19 pandemic, BGPERT face to face educational events have been currently been suspended and replaced with an online zoom webinar.
We recognise that this time of uncertainty affects everybody differently, the situation is changing rapidly and the health and safety of our colleagues and patients must be our first priority.
We also realise we need to offer education differently, so we will also be linking with other organisations for specific learning relating to the pandemic, and its impact and we will share this with you intermittently.
Stay safe.
The BGPERT Team
Other Events
If you would like to find out about events in Bristol, Swindon, Gloucester, Avon, Somerset, Weston please click here.
Most BGPERT meetings are available for sponsorship. When requesting meetings, can you please tell us if the product you will be promoting has been applied for, or is on BCAP formulary
For a current list of our upcoming events, please see our meetings tab. For further information and any enquiries regarding sponsorship please email Tina at firstname.lastname@example.com.
Setting up your own meeting
BGPERT organises approximately 60 events per year and plans its meetings up to six months in advance. To ensure that your meeting does not clash with any of these and maximise the attendance at your event, you may wish to consult the meetings tab, alternatively you can email us at BGPERT or phone 01225 336363.
If you want to set up and accredit your meeting with BGPERT, we can offer you the following support:
As the meeting organiser we ask you to do the following;
If would like any further information on setting up your own meeting, please contact BGPERT who will put you in contact with a BGPERT Educator to discuss your requirements and supply you with further information.
BGPERT offers a wide range of meetings in a variety of formats, lectures, workshops, small group work etc. An indicative outline of the topics covered is given below.
BGPERT organises its educational events to meet the learning needs of GPs as identified through appraisal, evaluation of events, liaison with consultants etc. Using this experience we can advise you on identifying robust educational objectives or learning outcomes for your meeting. This will enable you to apply for accreditation which gets you an official Severn School of Primary Care postgraduate education event quality kite-mark for your meeting, increasing its appeal to local GPs as they will be able to get Learning Credits for participating. (More on this later).
If you wish to obtain BGPERT accreditation and use the Severn School of Primary Care quality kite-mark, please complete the form, Application for BGPERT Educational Support & Accreditation, and email it to BGPERT to start the accreditation process. Once this has been completed, you will be required to complete our Accreditation Form.
If you are unsure how to start please email BGPERT, and we will get in touch to discuss your meeting. If you have never applied for accreditation before you may wish to start by contacting us so that we can advise early on in the process.
We regret that we cannot help with the promotion of non-accredited GP education events.
BGPERT organises approximately 60 events per year and plans its meetings up to six months in advance. We also work with a number of other education providers and so have information about their meetings. To ensure that your meeting does not clash with any of these, and so maximise the attendance at your event, you may wish to consult the BGPERT website meetings page. Alternatively you can email us at BGPERT, or phone 01225 336363.
BGPERT has a popular website and over 400 members. We can put your accredited meeting on our meetings page, and email an invitation, detailing the meeting, direct to all our members. This ensures coverage across the Bath area and beyond into Wiltshire and Somerset.
We can take bookings for your accredited event and provide you with a register of delegates booked through us, and where known, their place of work.
As an educational organisation, BGPERT understands the importance of evaluating educational events to inform the future programme, and of providing feedback to the speaker(s) for individual reflective learning. We do this through tailored evaluation and reflective learning forms.
For each accredited meeting attended BGPERT members can gain the appropriate number of Learning Credits, usually one Credit for an evening meeting, three for a half day meeting and six for a full study day. To achieve this all we ask is that you return a copy of the register to us after the event. This can be in hard copy to BGPERT, C/O BIRD, Second Floor, RNHRD, Upper Borough Walls, Bath BA1 1RL or emailed to BGPERT . BGPERT can also provide certificates of attendance. Please email BGPERT for further details.
As a charity run for the benefit of its members BGPERT charges for these services, further details can be obtained by contacting BGPERT or completing the attached Application for BGPERT Educational Support & Accreditation.
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St Pats U21's kicked of their championship campaign with a home game against Coolera.
St Pats advanced to the quarter final after a great second half performance.
St Pats will play away to Shamrock Gaels or Enniscrone in the quarter final on the weekend of 7th/8th of November.
Bord na nOg
St Pats Bord na nOg will hold a fundraiser on Saturday October 31st at the Community Centre at 2pm called the "Townland Challenge Obstacle Course".
Has your townland got what it takes ? prove it. Beat the clock and be townland champions.
Teams of four persons.Entry fee €20 per team.
Entry forms available from local shops & post offices. For further details contact Declan at 0877958138 or David at 0863165830.
Joker Jackpot
St Pats Joker Jackpot now stands @ €2500 as their was no winner in last Saturday draw.
Tickets available from all usual outlets.
Next draw takes place in the Beach Bar on Saturday 7th of November @ 10.15pm.
Winners in last draw were John Burns,Tomas Conlon,and Nessa Collery.
St Pats A.G.M will take place on Friday November 6th @ 9.15pm in the community centre.
All welcome to attend meeting.
Latest News >


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Office Business Systems (OBS), a family owned, local New Jersey based company, offers a highly efficient digital court room recording system that is easy to use, inexpensive to maintain, and high-tech.
Our eight-channel FTR Reporter lets the court administrator see a fast return on investment through savings on optical storage media.
Court systems often store recordings of trials and hearings in compact discs (CDs) that take up space and overtime drain a court's budget. Our system digitally stores the recordings saving space and money for the court.
Our county court recording system comes packed with features like:
• Search & retrieve all log sheets & recordings associated with a particular case at the touch of a button
• Quickly duplicate specific portions of recordings to CD or DVD
• Use "confidence monitoring" feature to ensure proper recording
• Instantly access any segment of testimony
• Built in alarm that alerts when there is an input malfunction
Our system is easy to use and requires very little maintenance. The FTR Reporter is easier than using a tape recorder to capture proceedings.
OBS, Lincoln Park, NJ based company, has been providing superior courts and municipal courts technological solutions since 1965. We pride ourselves in providing the best possible customer support in the industry.
Above are only some of the features and benefits fill the form on the right for a brochure that includes more details on our court recording system.


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This 2 minute video shows the design stages in the production of an illuminated amulet, The Madeleine Amulet. It also describes the conceptual foundations of the images I developed for the amulet.
Thursday, May 05, 2016
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Here you will find poetry from the upper and lower worlds, as well as colorful shards of prose. The tides will occasionally wash in some edgy poetics and scientific-spiritual musings, and if there's a storm out at sea, Zionist politics and a collectible rant or two.


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by Cecile
I have some thoughts on empathy I would like to share. I am not going to attempt to define it; the term has different meanings for different people, and people do not adapt their thoughts to dictionary definitions anyway.
However empathy is defined or seen, the widely held belief that autistic people lack empathy is still too common. And it leads to so many negative ideas: they lack empathy morphs into they do not care about other people's feelings, they are oblivious to others' feelings, they do not recognize that others have feelings and ideas that differ from their own, and even they only care about themselves.
What boggles the mind is that there are so many autistic people speaking out and contradicting these beliefs, and still people and professionals dealing with autistic people and their families hold on to these myths. Why? Is it unwillingness to admit that they might have been wrong all along? Is it that they cannot easily observe the empathy we say we have? Or can it be that too many people are still not willing to really listen to us?
I admit that there are times when I do seem to lack empathy. I do retreat and shut myself off from others' feelings. But this is a self- preservation tactic, not an inability to relate. Being exposed to emotions can be exhausting — and overwhelming, since I can have difficulty regulating my own response to emotion in others.
I recall a recent incident. I walked my daughter into school one morning and left as the bell rang. As I rounded a corner, I came upon a child furiously wiping away tears and trying to compose herself before entering the building. The encounter was unexpected for both of us; there were no barriers up between us. Just the emotion. We stared at each other for a moment, and then she ran into the school building. I ended up in my car in the parking lot, crying, gasping for breath, on the edge of having a panic attack. This shows that I have to protect myself; reactions such as these are very upsetting and many times probably out of proportion to the emotion perceived.
Sometimes the emotion in a situation is not that easy to read. People often hide their feelings behind a social mask. Couple that with my difficulty in reading people, and I am left with the confusing sense of something being wrong, but not knowing what it is. That causes discomfort and anxiety, making communication even more difficult than it already is. I find small talk and conversation very hard when there are undercurrents I can feel but do not understand. So someone may feel the need for empathy in a conversation, and I just become more and more withdrawn due to my confusion and frustration. This certainly may look like a lack of empathy.
One specific thing I cannot handle at all is a candid camera type of show. The intense discomfort I feel when I see someone being embarrassed or humiliated, even if only temporarily, is almost like pain. I remember the very first candid camera film I saw. I was about 8 years old, and we were shown the film in the school hall. The kids around me were laughing, and I felt just horrible. I remember crying and wanting to go home, and this upset stayed with me for weeks. As an adult I still find it painful, even while knowing that my reaction is over the top. I cannot separate myself from the embarrassment I see. I make it my own and feel awful.
I have read that many other autistic people feel the same way about these kinds of shows, which is reassuring in a way.
I have always thought I was alone in feeling these things.
About the Author: Cecile was diagnosed with Asperger's at age 40, and is a wife and mother. This piece first appeared on her blog, Gnus, wombats, and ducks, and is reprinted here by permission.