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Image from Rob St John's Emergent Landscapes site
Painting actual shapes 'with lichen' felt rather odd, distantly related to topiary or making pictures out of bedding plants. The beautiful abstract patterns it makes on stone (like the Temple of Apollo at Stourhead) are beyond our control. The way lichen colonised those road signs, symbols of the way way we order and structure landscape, in Patrick Keiller's Robinson in Ruins, was a reminder that nothing can stand outside time. As I mentioned here recently, Musō Soseki's fourteenth century garden Saihō-ji eventually became famous for its mosses after a period when it fell into disrepair. Painting my tile, I wondered whether the lichen would ever really grow (particularly if it was placed somewhere in the middle of the cairn), and if the sculpture would remain in the landscape long enough to evolve into something new, and also whether people would still know what it was in decades to come. I thought about sculpture parks filling up and future curators only retaining works by the most famous artists; perhaps though, as with cemeteries, it will be the mixture of the remembered and forgotten that our descendents will value.
The dates on graves can be used as convenient information for studying the proliferation of lichen species. Lichen has also been used to try to date ancient petroglyphs. Rob mentioned reading about some Australian rock art that now actually only exists as lichen, where the ancient organic pigment has slowly been colonised. I liked this story because we normally think of cave paintings as threatened by mould and lichen, especially once exposed to visitors. This came up during a gallery talk with literary geographer Amy Cutler, in which there was lots to say about time and landscape, relational aesthetics and the way this work is connected with the new architecture at Tate Modern. They could have spent a long time on the fascinating topic of cairns. Rob referred to the problem of 'ego cairns', built by visitors to national parks which can add to problems of erosion. The cairn we were contributing to is not designed to blend naturally into the woods - the intention is to embed within it, in addition to the reel of tape, some red perspex tiles. This was a reminder of the difficulties in deciding how low-impact environmental art needs to be and whether it has to acknowledge the artificial in order to seem authentic.


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Siri, the popular and often mocked iPhone 4S assistant, will soon add a few more languages to her repertoire. Though she currently speaks English, French and German, the folks over at Apple say she's working on Spanish, Italian, Chinese, Korean and Japanese.
These languages are set to debut sometime in 2012. Once available, they should be found in the iPhone's settings. No word on whether she's mastered the Scottish accent yet, or how accurate her language skills will be if, say, a non-native speaker tried to talk to Siri in Spanish.

subset: commoncrawl


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Ski the Fish
That is the slogan for the Whitefish Mountain Resort in Whitefish, Montana. But their slogan should more appropriately be "Ski the White", as in (humungous dumps of) white snow and (vertigo inducing) whiteout. Our large (121 people) ski group spent last week at the resort, housed in 3 separate condo buildings. It took us a little over 11 hours to make the bus trip from Edmonton to the mountain, including a couple of coffee breaks, lunch, passport check at the border and a food shopping stop in the town of Whitefish. I find that the anticipation of the upcoming week of skiing seems to distort time, lengthening every trip to the point where even seniors revert to the patience of 5-year olds (Are we there yet??). But we finally got there and what a time it was!
Most of the group had not been to Whitefish before, or even skied in the U.S. for that matter, so it was an experience that we were all looking forward to. I was one of the four volunteer tour hosts for this club trip, which entailed handling all the fine detail organization of the trip. As this was our largest trip ever, as well as our first international trip, the planning was intensive and time-consuming. But, gratifyingly, everything worked out fine and there were no big problems over the course of the week.
Ah, the course of the week. We arrived Sunday night in a snowstorm. Interestingly, it wasn't snowing in Whitefish, a short 10 km away. But it was dumping on the mountain and it pretty well didn't let up for the next 3.5 days. After a very nice welcome reception put on gratis by the resort, we all returned to our rooms and prepared for the days ahead. Two of the condo buildings, Morning Eagle and Kintla, were steps away from Lift 3 – ski-in, ski-out at it's best. The other condo, Edelweiss, just required a short walk across the street to get to the lift.
We awoke Monday morning to 13 cm fresh snow and a shroud of fog. What with the depth of the snow, the limited visibility, and an unfamiliar hill, the day was a challenge for most of us. Of course, the people who were proficient in skiing powder were in their glory and couldn't wipe the smiles off their faces.
Whitefish refers to the consistency of their massive dumps of snow coating the slopes as "light cream". Personally, I would label it heavy cream, especially after it has been churned repeatedly by hordes of skiers. Maybe even Greek yoghurt. Whatever, as the day went on it got harder and harder to ski with any semblance of prowess or elegance. Not that anyone would mistake me for a polished skier but by the end of the day I was reverting to stem-christie turns and lots of breaks. No top-to-bottom non-stop runs under these conditions!
By 3pm, I and the rest of my ski buddies were wiped. Even though the lifts were open to 4, my legs were jelly and we headed back to our rooms. After a visit to the Bierstube, a pub across the street from the condo, and some supper, I was out like a light by 9:15. I don't think I have ever been that exhausted by a day of skiing. And I had 3 more days to go!
Tuesday brought more of the same – about 10 cm more snow, fog and temps close to 0C. The fog drifted around, opening up sucker holes then closing in even more densely. The summit of the mountain was always in fog but visibility on the back (North) side runs seemed to be a touch better than on the front side. It was another day of ski-by-braille and lots of breaks.
With the limited visibility on the front side, finding our route back to the lodge from the summit was a challenge. The run we chose, Inspiration – a blue (intermediate) run, looked ok on the map but had us all grouped within 20 feet of each other so that no one would get lost. The run traverses a narrow ridge with drop offs on both sides to black (difficult) runs. And when I say drop off I mean just that! Poles with orange reflectors were placed about 100 feet apart in the centre of the ridge to guide skiers in the fog but they proved to be waay too far apart. It was an expedition venturing from one to the other, stretching the crew out so that someone was always visible.
After we successfully, albeit slowly, made our way back to the lodge, a hot tub and beer were in order! A bunch of us took the free SNOW bus down into Whitefish for supper at the Bulldog, a pub with – umm – atmosphere. Cheap beer ($CDN at par!) and good pub grub. A fun way to end the day.
Wednesday – more snow and more fog – but the temperature, barely at freezing to start the day, steadily rose. By 10 a.m. the flakes were big and very wet.
It never turned to rain but the wet flakes were extremely efficient at drenching everybody. A BIG bonus in most of the condos was an insuite washer and dryer and they were well used drying ski pants, long johns, jackets, mitts and any other sopping item. Although many people had the common sense to call it a day, one of my room mates and I went out for a few more runs after lunch. We took Chair 1 to the summit, decided the fog was ridiculous and took the most direct blue route down (Toni Matt). Mistake. Skiing was like pushing wet cement and it probably took us an hour to make it down, exhausted and soaked again.
At least we had the excuse that the Club supper was at an early 5 p.m. and we had to dry out and rest up before the big do. No, we weren't wimps – we were just good planners!
Thursday held the weather that everyone was waiting for. It started off foggy (what a surprise) but by noon it had lifted to reveal what the runs that we had been skiing all week really looked like. Some of the people who had skied Inspiration in the dense fog maybe would have preferred not to see how narrow that ridge was but the views from the top were lovely. To take advantage of the visibility, a lot of people didn't even stop for morning coffee – just a break for lunch and back at it for the rest of the day. It was another exhausting day, but in a good and happy way.
The snow at Whitefish was the most plentiful that we have ever dealt with on a Club tour but, overall, I thought it was great. I have never skied in anything that deep, let alone for 4 days running, and it was quite an exhausting experience. The place is noted for fog but I would like to return anyway. I've got to learn how to ski that stuff somehow!


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Women's Planet - 5. Back to the Slavery School
"Steven should be able to keep an average speed of 5 miles per hour, even fully loaded," Danielle's mother said, "but you'd better persuade Monica to take her own rickshaw."
"It's impossible, Mum. You know she's a few months younger than me and doesn't have her own slave yet," Danielle replied. "It was even a miracle that she could borrow her sister's for an entire afternoon in the countryside. This time we're talking about two weeks! We need to share Steven."
"Ok, honey. But listen to me: you'll leave very soon in the morning, because it's a 30 mile trip and I want you to arrive before sunset. And I'll send Steven to his instructor for a couple of days beforehand, just to be sure that he's in perfect condition to face that long journey."
"No, Mum… please! I hate being without him! And how am I supposed to go to school?"
"You'll take the bus, like you did before owning him. It's just for a couple of days. And this is the only way I will allow you to have this trip to the shore. No discussions."
She eventually had to accept her Mum's decision. Steven had Danielle sitting on his back and heard the entire conversation. He was expected to run more than a marathon in hot weather, while pulling the girls and their luggage to Danielle's family beach house, and then of course he had to constantly serve both the girls for two weeks before carrying them back home. Fair enough, he could endure that. But he felt like coming back to Hell when overstepping the gateway of the slavery school.
He had spent many years of his life there, attending a hard training program and suffering every kind of abuse. He had lived with one aim: completing the school and starting a new life with his Goddess.
Danielle's family had purchased him when he was young, and since then her mother had visited the school about once a year to watch the progress of her investment. So Steven had grown up conscious of his own destiny. He had been lucky: other slaves were bought when older (so they were used with even less care by the instructors), and the unsold ones were purchased en bloc by the public transport company.
Slaves received a generic athletic training and were brainwashed into believing in female superiority. First they learned how to serve a woman in the house: feet worship, human chair, etc. Then equestrian activities became a primary part of the training. Instructors were all adult women but they had various weights, appropriate for the different training stages. Slaves usually changed instructor every 12 months, but Steven was stronger and more willing than average: he reached the last stage in advance, so he spent almost two years serving the heaviest and most inflexible instructor of the school: Grace. She was a tall 160 lb blonde woman, known for her passion for leather clothing and her large collection of whips. Being ridden by her was an endless torture, and stories about slaves ridden down to death were narrated in the dormitories. But Steven appeared able to endure, and that hard training brought excellent results: Grace won many races and set some endurance records in her weight category, before delivering her favorite apprentice to his legitimate owner.
Now Danielle's mother was asking for a special maintenance session. Slaves usually attended an update course every 6 months: it lasted a full week-end and ended with a complete evaluation, which could include suggestions about lifestyle and nutrition of the slave. This time, the purpose was just to check on Steven's ability to tolerate a long trip, and letting Danielle's mother feel confident about it.
Grace found Steven in perfect conditions. "Well, after two months you still look great," she whispered in his ear, "You must have found a demanding but gentle owner, I guess!" Yet she required one entire week to complete the task and she asked for the pay of two instructors: Steven was going to be trained as a two-seat chair, and to cover hundreds of miles with a fully loaded rickshaw. Grace planned a descending program, so that training was going to be harder on the first days with a final taper: this way Steven could go back to Danielle's place in excellent conditions.
"Oh slave, I missed you so much!" Danielle exclaimed one week later. She spent the following days using him with no breaks, ignoring her mother's suggestions to save his strength for the trip.
On the established day, Monica arrived at Danielle's house with her mother at sunrise. The girls kissed each other, while Steven loaded all the luggage in the back of the rickshaw (asking himself what they were going to do with all those clothes!)
The young slave got on his knees and elbows, allowing the girls to step on his back and take a seat on the cart, then he took his position. They were so excited! Those two weeks were going to be unforgettable. "Danielle, remember to save the slave's energy. Don't start too fast!" her mother said. "Sure, don't worry Mum. I'm gonna miss you!" she replied smiling, and swiftly whipped Steven's back to get a quick start.


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Best Holiday Travel Tips For Navigating a Busy Airport
It's that time of the year again folks — the holiday travel season. A time ridden with inclement weather, first time travelers, screaming children, and trying to get along with the other side of the family. For some, it's an easy 10 minute car ride to see your loved ones on the other side of town. For others, it's a day long journey of flights, Ubers, and finding the closest fast-food joint with options that resemble a semi-health conscious choice.
Aren't the holidays just wonderful? Maybe I exaggerated a bit, but some people really do have travel stories that would rival even the best Stephen King plot. Consider yourself blessed if all you have is a short car ride, as for all those going through the airport, here's a lot of information that may make your journey a bit easier.
Regulations and Procedures to Remember
For first time travelers, or those that only travel for the holidays, there are some rules you will want to know or at least brush up your knowledge on them.
3–1–1 Rule
This applies to carry-on bags only. You are allowed up to 3 individual containers, that are 3.4oz (100ml) or smaller that fit in 1 quart-sized resealable bag. These may go in your carry and through checkpoint security. This applies to liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes.
Source: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/liquids-rule
Any container larger than 3.4oz (100ml), regardless of the amount inside of them, must go in a checked bag.
Exemptions to this rule are for medically necessary liquids, medications, or creams, which in most cases will usually be allowed in your carry-on. Just be sure to bring them in their marked prescription container. Additionally, formula, breast milk, or juice needed for infant nourishment is also typically exempt. Check out this link for medications, and this link for child nourishment for more information.
Locks and searching luggage
TSA-Approved locks are marked by the red square, like the one seen on this lock. | Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Travel_Sentry_Lock.jpg
As you probably know, TSA screens all bags and its contents as you're going through the checkpoint and when your bag gets checked in. In some instances, these screenings alert TSA a manual check may need to be done. Any bag is subject to being searched and if you have a non-TSA-approved lock, it will have to be cut off.
Using a lock is a good idea to help secure your belongings, but just be sure to use a TSA-approved lock. These locks can be opened without knowing the combination/having the consumer key, as TSA has a universal master key that allows them to open it without having to break it.
Random searches
I'm speaking more from personal experiences and what's realistically going to happen, rather than what TSA says, in this section. Remember that you are being watched from the second you enter airport property, and potentially prior to that as well. At any time you may be searched as part of a security measure, but it will most likely happen while approaching the checkpoint, or during the checkpoint.
Your hands may be dusted for bomb-making materials (so don't go to the shooting range before the airport), you may be patted down after going through the scanner, and you may be further inspected, especially if you're traveling alone on a 1-way flight and fit a specific demographic.
First, and foremost, if you do get searched or questioned more than what looks like everyone else is, don't get offended, and don't take it personally. They're just doing their job.
If you're a 40-year-old white male, traveling with your wife and 2 young kids, you're probably not going to get stopped. However, if you're a young 20-something male, of some foreign descent, and are flying with a 1-way ticket, you're probably going to get stopped.
It's happened to me several times. Yeah it might be unjustified or seem unfair, but life isn't fair and rarely will it ever be.
The guy on the right does look super suspicious, I'd stop him too…
Getting scanned
As mentioned earlier, when going through a checkpoint, you will have to go through the full body scanner. Don't get self-conscious; all it checks is to see if there is anything around your body that you're trying to hide. It's very good at finding these types of things, so don't try to hide anything and remove everything from your pockets before getting in it.
Just another quick story, there's a pair of golf shorts that I used to always wear when traveling. They had a side pocket in an odd spot, for the scorecard. For whatever reason, this pocket always set off the scanner and I always received a quick pat down to make sure there was nothing in there.
Weight and size of luggage
Carry-on luggage is limited to a certain size, however that's typically up to the airline and the employees scanning you through the gate. Even if your luggage does fit, according to the specs online, the gate attendant has the final say.
I've never had a problem carrying your standard size duffel bag, or with any of the luggage on this list. These are all generally well-known luggage brands and most flight crews use TravelPro as their own carry-on, so there's never a problem with any of these bags.
Related Article: Best Carry-On Luggage for Domestic Travel
For your carry-on luggage, you generally won't have to worry about a weight limit, unless you're carrying a bag of bricks. Seriously, if you're just packing clothes, don't even worry about it.
Going through checkpoints
My best advice for getting through the TSA checkpoint breaks down into 3 key points.
1. Get there early
2. Wear comfortable clothes.
3. Have everything 'checkpoint ready'.
It's really that simple. Do these 3 things and you won't have to worry about missing your flight, getting stuck in an obnoxiously long line, etc.
Getting there early is pretty self-explanatory, but how early? The rule of thumb is generally 2 hours for a domestic flight, and 3 hours for an international flight. BUT — that's for the rest of the year, when there's not an entire neighborhood trying to get through 2 lines. My advice is to add an extra hour, or just as early as possible. This is the busiest time of the year and the closer you get to Thanksgiving or Christmas, the longer it's going to take. Get. There. Early.
Apart from just comfortable clothes in general, wear shoes that are easily removable and avoid a belt, hat, or any accessories. Keep it simple — shorts, t shirt and shoes. For me as a 20-something year old male, I travel in workout shorts, a t-shirt, and a pair of shoes — without the laces tied. Not like with the strings going everywhere, but really loose so they just slip on and off. I do this any time I'm wearing them casually, but the extra benefit at the airport is I can remove them and get them back on quickly.
You'll be lucky if you see an airport checkpoint this empty. | Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Security_in_Wilmington_International_Airport.jpg
To me, 'checkpoint ready' means that everything that has to be removed, is ready to be removed quickly (like my shoes), and if for some reason my bag does need to be searched, the likely culprit is sitting on top, aka electronics. Luckily my backpack allows for me to easily remove laptop, but all other electronics that are "bigger than a cellphone" as I'm always told, need to also be removed.
So if you plan on bringing a digital camera or any other electronics, pack them where they can easily be removed when going through security.
Space Saving Tips
Use space saver bags if you have a lot of clothes
These things are lifesaver for travel, moving, general storage and more. You can pick them up at harbor freight or on Amazon for less than $10. Some are vacuum seal, while others you can roll to remove the air. These are great if you plan on doing some shopping while on vacation too.
Pack a smaller suitcase inside a larger one if you plan on shopping
If you have an extra suitcase and don't mind checking a bag, pack all of your clothes inside the smaller one and then place carry on that in the larger one. That way on your way back, you can take out the carry on and pack the larger one to be checked with all of the extra items.
Ship items ahead of time
This works well especially if you want to bring items that may not be easy to get through security, are difficult to lug around, or just aren't worth the hassle. Golf clubs are a good example of this, but if you plan on packing a lot of clothes you won't wear while traveling, $15 to ship them to your destination is easier and cheaper than checking a bag in.
Best Travel Products
Best Carry-on Luggage — Domestic Travel
Best Carry-on Luggage — International Travel
Time Saving Tips
I can't promise how well these tips will work during the holidays, but they're worth giving a shot.
Get behind business people, avoid families
Look for the guy in a suit and avoid the couple that has 3 kids trailing behind all on those stupid child leashes. You know exactly who I'm talking about because one kid is going to get scared of the scanner, the other will try messing with the x-ray machine, and the last one is getting dragged along the floor since he doesn't want to walk.
Seriously, if you're a parent with this, you look ridiculous. | Source: Jim Simonson https://www.flickr.com/photos/rocketjim54/40253649
Also, when looking for shortest line, you'll be better off going towards your left. People have a natural tendency to go right when given 2 directions, so you might find there are less people in far-left lanes than the right. Again, look for the business travelers, since they know the drill.
Wear easily removable shoes, have laptops ready to remove
As mentioned earlier, travel as light as possible with what you wear. Wear shoes that are easily removable, have your electronics 'checkpoint' ready, and avoid wearing a belt or jacket if possible.
Flight essentials bag
This is a great tip, especially if you have kids. Keep all of your in-flight essentials in one place, like a front pocket. Personally, I keep my wallet, portable phone charger, boarding pass (also on my phone), snacks, and any items I might want to access during the flight in the front pocket of my backpack. For kids, it's a good idea to pack wet wipes, tissues, pacifiers, etc.
Sign up for TSA PreCheck
TSA Precheck is a program that allows you to go through the "pre-approved" line at checkpoint. TSA PreCheck is an expedited security program that allows you to go through the checkpoint without removing shoes, liquids/gels from your carry on, laptop, jacket, or belt. Not to mention you probably won't get stuck behind family with the unruly children.
You will have to apply online and then do a 10-minute in person appointment that involves a background check and fingerprinting. The cost is $85 per person and is valid for 5 years. Some major credit cards will reimburse this for free.
Get there early
It should go without saying, but the easiest way to avoid missing a flight or having to rush to your terminal is to get there early. The closer it gets to the holidays, the more time you will want to give to yourself. Again, the rule of thumb for domestic flights is 2 hours before boarding, and 3 hours for international flights. I would add an hour during the holidays just to be extra safe.
Use plastic bag to hold your phone for video
No screen on the seat in front of you? No problem save your neck and throw a Ziploc bag in your carry on. Place your phone in the bag and pinch the bag between the fold out table and locking mechanism for makeshift screen.
Bring an empty plastic water bottle, not a reusable one
If you bring a reusable water bottle it may get confiscated at the checkpoint. Yes TSA has said you can bring an empty, reusable one, but I've watched coworkers get theirs confiscated by TSA for whatever reason. Dumb, I know, but a plastic one will get the job done just fine and you can crush it if need be to save space.
Use twist ties, binder clip, or velcro to keep cords from getting tangled
Everyone hates tangled cords. If you haven't figured out a good way to keep them organized, a little twist tie, binder clip, or small piece of velcro can help you out.
Use a plastic grocery bag or trash bag for shoes
My runner and workout friends will appreciate this one. Pack your workout shoes, or any shoes that may get dirty, in a grocery or trash bag to separate them from the rest of the clothes in your suitcase.
Better airplane food is at the to-go station
Hate airplane food? It'll cost you a bit more, but either eat at one of restaurants before your flight boards or get an order to-go to bring on the plane. Just don't be that jerk that has to get the fishiest smelling dish and stink up the plane.
Another important note, if you have a special dietary need (ex. Vegan), specify that when ordering your tickets online. Don't tell your flight attendant when you're already on the plane, they may not have anything available.
Bring a plastic shopping bag, or ask for one
If you need a little extra space, consider getting a shopping bag from one of the stores in the airport terminal. While some gate employees may say something, most won't, at least with what I've seen. They'll just think it's just some snacks you purchased and at the most you may be asked to place it in your personal item.
Use your hotel size personal care products — or empty them and fill them with your own stuff
I'm one of those people that will take all the little freebies that comes in a hotel room, soaps, shampoos, conditioner, hand towels, pillows, the TV, etc. Okay I'm just kidding with the pillows, but seriously, the soaps and shampoos come in handy, as well as the bottles themselves. If you don't like the shampoo in the bottle, just empty it out and refill it with your preferred brand.
Keeping Track of Your Luggage (and kids)
Smart Luggage Tag
A simple item, well worth the investment and will probably work better than any of the expensive trackers. I wrote an article on smart luggage tags here.
Proximity Sensors
Useful if you want to locate your checked luggage at the carousel a little faster. These are mainly used for household items like keys or a purse and connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth. I'd like to make a recommendation — don't get a Tile and do your research. Once the battery dies, the thing is useless and you have to purchase another one. It might worth checking out Cube instead.
Wristbands for kids
Simple but effective. A reusable child safety ID bracelet with your contact info inside. Less than $10 and it makes it easy for someone security or whoever to get in contact with you if you and your child get separated.
Avoid TrakDot
Just don't do it. Another product I recommend against, and it's one of the top results for "luggage tracker" on Amazon. I explain it in this video below — but their system is basically defunct and they've never bothered to update it.
For Women
I don't know a whole lot about tips for women, since I'm a guy, but I saw these online and thought they'd be worth sharing.
Use a lighter nail polish shade
Since your nail polish is susceptible to getting scratched up, blah blah recommends using a lighter shade since it's less likely to show vs. a bolder color like red.
Use contact case with expensive creams to save space
I'm not sure how much money your average women spends on makeup, but I'd bet it's somewhere close to how much money I spend on my hobbies like guns or videography. If that's the case, those cremes, foundations, and whatever else I'm sure get expensive and they don't make travel size versions of these. So, to travel with smaller amounts, use a contact lens case to bring just enough for your trip.
Best apps to have for Holiday Travel
Your airline's app
If you have a smartphone, download your airline's app and put your boarding pass on it.
Funny story, during my first trip for work, I damn near lost my paper boarding go through security. They told me to empty out all my pockets and while rushing through to not hold up the people behind me, I left my boarding pass in the tray. Panicked, I went back to the checkpoint and luckily a very nice TSA employee was able to find it. That was the first and last time I didn't put my boarding pass on my phone.
The second reason for this is if your flight does get delayed/cancelled, it will allow you reschedule and switch flights quickly. While travelling to Phoenix, I ended up getting stuck in Dallas Fort Worth. Flight was delayed by 4 hours already and it didn't look like we were going anywhere. Lo and behold I was able to see the next flight after ours out of Dallas to Phoenix was also cancelled, so I was prepared to set up camp for the night.
Luckily, American Airlines did put me in a hotel, for about 6 hours before I had to be back for the flight leaving that morning. Funny enough, the same thing happened on the way back and I was able to quickly reroute my trip from Phoenix to Chicago to Evansville, rather than Phoenix to Dallas to Evansville. I love traveling….
Hotel Tonight
If your flight gets delayed or cancelled and the airline won't put you in a hotel, it's your choice whether you want to sleep at the airport or in a bed. This app will help you find some good, last-minute deals so your wallet won't be hurting as bad.
Some families do interesting things during the holidays. Some might go skiing, some might go surfing, and who knows what everyone else does. Packing for these types of activities is a little bit more difficult to do, so PackPoint helps to alleviate that struggle.
Is your bladder the size of a pea? This app is for you. It'll help you locate the nearest bathroom and give you a rating of its cleanliness. Clean = Sit! Dirty = Squat!
Uber / Lyft
If you've never used Uber or Lyft, it's time to get in the 21st century. Download it now and take one to your local Walmart. Trust me, it's revolutionary, and breaks every rule your parents ever said about not getting into cars with strangers.
Great for bigger cities, this app will give you a breakdown of the all the public transportation, their routes and the fastest way to get to your destination.
Google Translate
Traveling internationally? This app makes it easy to scan over something like a stop sign and see what it says in your native language.
Mobile Passport
This app is authorized by the U.S. Customs and Board Protection and allows you to setup a profile that can allow you to quickly move through the paperwork necessary to allow you back in the United States. Check it out in the app store, or see their website here.
Bonus: Places I've Pooped
Use it every time you have to go #2. Keep track of every location you've said a prayer to the porcelain god and jot dot your thoughts in the app's notes. Who knows, you might have a million dollar idea just waiting to get written down.
General Tips for Travel
Don't put meds in the same bottle
I've seen some sites recommend doing this to save space. Don't do this, for one some meds to can react negatively with others, causing them to melt or otherwise become unusable. Secondly, you're probably going to get stuck at the security checkpoint since they have no idea what your meds are even if it's just advil and aspirin. Keep your meds in their marked containers!
Have someone take you to the airport
Self-explanatory here, parking fees can get expensive. You're better off getting a friend, relative, or Uber to the airport to save on cash .
Call your bank
Some cards block certain states because they're sources of high fraud. Be sure to call your bank before leaving and let them know you will be traveling and where your card needs to be 'unlocked'. Be sure to include any states where you might have a layover too.
Pack a copy of your itinerary
If for some reason your bag gets lost and the tag on the outside gets lost, employees may search the inside for contact info. If they find your itinerary with your contact info, the likelihood of getting your luggage back increases dramatically.
Originally published at Brian M. Fischer.


text: Aim & Scope In the IEEE Transactions on Automatic Control, the IEEE Control Systems Society publishes high-quality papers on the theory, design, and applications of control engineering. General Information Two types of contributions are regularly considered: Full Papers Presentation of significant research, development, or application of control concepts Technical Notes and Correspondence Brief technical notes, comments on published areas or established control topics, corrections to papers and notes published in the Transactions In addition, special papers (tutorials, surveys, and perspectives on the theory and applications of control systems topics) are solicited. Authors are urged to contact one of the Senior Editors before submitting such papers. Submitted manuscripts must be typewritten in English. All submitted manuscripts should be as concise as possible. We require a double-column version for both Full Papers and Technical Notes at the time of submission. The standard Full Paper is 12 pages, (including bios and photos), but authors are allowed 4 extra pages over the 12 pages for Full Papers, with a $125.00 fee for each extra page. The standard Technical Note is 6 pages, but authors are allowed 2 extra pages over the 6 pages for Technical Notes, with a $125.00 fee for each extra page. Authors are asked to submit a single-column, double-spaced version of their paper as well, under Supplementary material. Note that the single-column format is requested on behalf of the reviewers for the ease of reviewing. Full Papers of length exceeding 16-pages, 2-column, single-spaced, typed pages (including figures) will not be considered. Technical Notes and Correspondence of length exceeding 8 pages, 2-column, or single-spaced format will not be considered. Graphical Abstract Description and Specifications To enhance the appearance of your article on IEEEXplore®, a Graphical Abstract can be displayed along with the traditional text. The Graphical Abstract should provide a clear, visual summary of your articles' findings by means of an image, animation, video, or audio clip. Submission of a manuscript signifies that it has been neither copyrighted, published, nor submitted or accepted for publication elsewhere. Editor-in-Chief Alessandro Astolfi Imperial College London United Kingdom Email Editorial Board View the Editor(s)


text:
Good Doctor
"Good Doctor" – is a full-color newspaper of advices and recipes that help you not only to preserve your health but also to improve it.
The people`s paper that is unlike other papers since it is based on the proven stories of our readers and consultations of highly-qualified specialists.
The best doctors of the country cooperate with the editorial board of the "Good Doctor", commenting on the articles and answering the letters of the readers.
The special section "Pension" – provides the detailed information on pension accounting and payment, social welfare payment and other state payments.
Advertising in "Good Doctor" – is a perfect opportunity to easily and efficiently attract attention of the readership that is interested in traditional medicine and cares about its health and the health of its family.
Publication frequency: 2x per month
Circulation, copies: 189 000
Format: 210 х 297 mm
Volume: 48 pages
Target audience: 349 600


text:
Library school students are eligible to join both the American Library Association (ALA) and the Vermont Library Association (VLA) at one low price of $38.00 a year for up to five years. Join both state and national library associations and get connected to your future. Joint student members are full members of both associations, and receive all the benefits accorded to student members in each association.
For ALA it includes: 6 issues of American Libraries magazine, weekly e-delivery of AL Direct, bi-monthly Student Direct, discounts on ALA and Division conferences, 10% discounts on ALA Editions and Graphics, access to ALA scholarships, grants and travel opportunities.
For VLA it includes: 4 issues of VLA News e-newsletter, discounts on VLA events and conferences, 20% off tuition at Drexel, eligibility for scholarships, access to the Vermont Library Substitute Pool and mentors, and voting in VLA elections.
For more information: ALA Student Membership: Your Questions Answered
Eligibility –
- new member to both organizations
- full or part-time students in a traditional or distance program of study or certification in MLS/MLIS, NCATE, or LTA programs
How to Sign Up –
- Fill out the VLA Membership Form
- Pay and fill out the brief ALA/Vermont Joint Student Membership Form
Questions –
VLA Questions: email Helen Linda at firstname.lastname@example.com
ALA Questions: email Don Wood at firstname.lastname@example.com


text:
Shadows are half-corporeal entities, able to alter their solid nature at a whim.
A long time ago, before the Titans came to the Elemental world, there was an age of magic and wonder that no mortal will know again. During this age, many magical feats were accomplished that truly puts in perspective how futile the magic controlled today is.
When magicians speak of those times, they speak of three events in particular that demonstrate the power then wielded that is now lost. The first of these was caused by Aman, who they said created the moon itself. The second of these is an object that was created that possessed infinite wonder and could not be described by any other words. The last of these, by Ul'rath, was the creation of the shadow people.
Ul'rath was a young magician, and although powerful in his own rights, he was very much at a loss when he became smitten by a girl from the neighboring kingdom. Day and night he would court her, singing ballads, showing off magical feats, or in any way possible trying to get her attention. The girl was not easily swayed, and most agree she treated him unfairly by stringing him along for her amusement when she had no intention of marrying him.
Although it was normal at the time that daughters were wed off, the kingdom the girl lived in had some laws that put all the power in the hands of the women. The laws said that any girl to be married had to question the manhood of any suitor and she would do so by proposing an act or a quest that the man had to accomplish. Of course, it doesn't take a genius to figure out that if the girl was interested in the man, the task was often as simple as throwing a rock or drinking a cup of ale. If the girl really did not like the man, an impossible task was set.
Eventually, Ul'rath had manipulated the girl's father into promising the girl to him, and thus the girl's only choice was to use the law to question his manhood and turn him away. Alas the girl was living in a world she did not understand. She asked for Ul'rath to give her his shadow as a token of his affection, to the mirth of all onlookers. The girl's father laughed but Ul'rath set his mind to the task and one week later arranged for the demonstration. At noon that day, Ul'rath poured all his magical power into achieving this goal and he succeeded in pulling his shadow from the ground.
But the shadow was more than something Ul'rath could give away. It was a real, living entity, a corporeal two-dimensional being that had been forced into three dimensions by the magic of its maker. Thus, the Shadows were created.
The story of Ul'rath ends there, although it is known that the girl eventually married him and that he lived all his days without his shadow.
Many things are questioned when discussing the shadows. Are all shadows sentient? Or do they gain sentience when "created"? What is a shadow really, if it is not the darkness left behind by light that is stopped by something? How do the shadows multiply, as they have been doing since their creation?
The shadows will speak only rarely and under duress as to the truth of such questions. They explain that they existed as two-dimensional beings, and that to explain what they remember before their making would be impossible. "Imagine", they say, "a world with no color – no light, no dark, no other combination of the spectrum. Then a man asks you to describe the color blue. That is what it means to understand the before and after of a Shadow." The first shadow made by Ul'rath, that calls itself Rud, was asked the same question and famously pointed to the sky and shouted – "Blue! Blue! Blue!". Thus, the Shadows are tolerated as they seem to not recall anything that happened to them before their making – their "making" being when they were torn from the two-dimensional existence into a corporeal form. As to how precisely they are made, that is mostly unknown, although Rud and many other shadows have become quite adept magicians themselves and ever since the Shadows first appeared as a race, the shadows of some people have gone missing, never to return.
The Shadows themselves appear to have a physical form, and they can of course affect things around them like any normal man. But they are not always solid and a person can see through them most of the time. When attacked, they can grow less solid and thus avoid many wounds they would normally take. They wear special shadowforged armor that consists completely out of non-living shadows. This shadow armor mimics the real armor worn by other races. Strangely, shadows use "normal" weapons and shields, although exactly why that is has never been clarified.


text:
An Apple Pie is an Apple Pie
There was a mini apple festival of sorts in my own kitchen last weekend, too, when I brought home a large bag of Stayman apples that had been picked at a local orchard. I had never used Stayman apples for baking, always preferring Granny Smiths as my tried-and-true favorite.
After hearing good things from locals about the Staymans, I figured it was time I given them a try.
My plan was to make an apple crisp, which I tend to favor over pies, not just because they're faster and easier to make, but, compared to a double crust pie, they seem almost healthy with their nearly virtuous oat and nut topping. But Jon wanted a "real" pie (I think the crust is his favorite part of a pie).
We finally agreed on a compromise pie: it would have a regular crust on the bottom and a "crisp" topping on top (recipe below). Served warm with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream, it was apple pie heaven and really didn't feel like much of a compromise to either of us. As the photo shows, there was enough ingredients left to make a little "taster" tart in addition to the pie.
As for the Stayman apples, they worked out just fine, but I plan to stick with my Granny Smiths — I think they have more flavor and a better texture. Sorry, Staymans!
Apple Compromise Pie
1 (9-inch) pie shell, unbaked
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup light brown sugar
3 tablespoons vegan margarine
2/3 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts
5 or 6 Stayman (or Granny Smith!) apples
1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Cover the rim of the pie crust with foil and prebake the crust for 12 minutes. Remove from the oven, take the foil off the crust and set aside.
2. For the topping: in a bowl, combine the flour and brown sugar. Cut in the margarine until crumbly. Add the oats and walnuts and mix well. Set aside.
3. Peel and core the apples. Cut them into very thin slices and place them in a bowl. Add the sugar and cinnamon and toss to coat.
4. Spread the apple mixture evenly into the crust. Sprinkle the topping mixture on top of the apples. Bake until the apples are tender, about 45 minutes.
5. If the crust edges start to get too brown before the pie is done baking, cover the edges with foil.


text:
I've had bad nights sleep and here I am awake at 3am. I'm feeling grotty and then my head fills with emotion and questions and then the tears start. Suddenly I realize what is wrong…..
Yesterday I went out on a day trip to Chatsworth House. Having looked round the house and grounds we stopped to settle for a drink and sandwich from one of the many cafes on site. I was with a group of gluten eaters who were all able to settle down and eat something. Looking at the salads available they were dressed with various dressings mostly dairy based so out of the question for me. The sandwiches were wheat based, the snacks sugar induced. This aspect of the day trip further elevating the bane of having so many stupid and annoying food intolerances. No wheat, no gluten, no dairy, no soya and no sugar!!!!!
Feeling lonely
For the first time in a long time, I really felt out of place. As I watched the others eat their meals, drink their soft drinks or coffee or tea I found myself feeling quite a lone in a group of people. (This feeling of being alone wasn't due to the way the group made me feel, instead it was down to my feelings and reaction to the situation I found myself in.)
Now when I think about it, I think I've felt like this for quite a while. Alone I mean… In a world full of people who can eat almost anything, it can be hard for the many individuals that don't have that ability. I used to be able to tolerate pretty much any food. I never had any major issues until 6 or so years ago. Now though, I find myself fearful of food and some drinks. How sad does that sound?
I find that most of my day is made up of thinking about being unable to eat food. So whilst sat I found myself looking at the floor or playing with my bottle of water. I do this a lot now when I'm in an environment where I can't control my food. I didn't want anyone feeling sorry for me and after being offered a bite of everyone's sandwich (most comments combined with you can eat this, it has vegetables in it.) (Don't get me wrong, they meant well and it's just that they weren't aware of what eating gluten and wheat free meant so I let them off.) J
So at times like this, I look down at the ground and I can't help but feel sorry for myself and all that I'm ever thinking at this point is…. I can't wait to get home and sort myself out some suitable food that I can eat. Something that won't debilitate me and ruin the rest of my day. I'm not a moaner or negative person at heart so when I hit that point, you know it's me having a very bad day.
Lunch Time
I recently realized that I haven't eaten in the afternoon, at lunchtime for months. My fear is of how the food will make my body react and how the rest of my day will then pan out. You see first thing in the morning, I can tolerate my toast so I have that. (I used to have smoothies made with berries, but now I'm scared of making and drinking it cause it makes my body swell up.) Eating food at lunch I started to notice a pattern whereby I'd start feeling ill and the neuropathic pain in my body would get worse. This meant I spent the rest of the day thinking and feeling the pain and beating myself up. The day would continue with fear and general unhappiness, joined with the fact that I was nowhere near my bed where I could lie and rest under my duvet so that I could just take it easy and not have to move. If I was at my desk at lunch then coping became difficult as the neuropathic pain took over all the feeling in my body. Silent tears would enter my eyes that I'd have to wipe away in secret and I did not like that, so no lunch became my unorthodox motto. Don't get me wrong, I didn't want this to be the case, but if eating lunch at work made you unable to carry out your job as you should, then why do it? Now oddly enough I am yet to find the perfect meal at this time of the day that won't affect me. I've tried more toast but I hate lack of variety in my diet so I opt out and mostly due to my food limits, the option I have planned for the evening meal during my rest time, would mean lack of variety if I had it at lunch. Plus there are many things that I take some chances with in my evening meals such as tomatoes (which I use in my sauces) that would mean if I had it at lunch, I'd be sure to feel unwell. Sad but true and fact is fact I can cope with it at home as I'm in my home and there I feel my most safe as I can then relax and take time out to A) deal with the reaction which is mostly neuropathic pain, tiredness, lathery and bloating and B) Go to bed and rest up for the 4 to 6 hours that I know I will sleep which will in turn provide me with the ability to get up and start my new day the day after.
Eating Out
When I'm invited out for a meal, at first I'm full of joy and then reality sets in, I'm full of dread and fear with what will I eat, how will I feel? All running through my mind. I use gabapentin for neuropathic pain and all I can think is how much I hate the fact that I'll more than likely have to take more than my daily quota to get me through the meal out. Then there's the how on earth I will feel once I'm home after being out. Normally it's straight to bed. I mean I can't plan a typical night out. For example a meal and a few drinks. This is because normally if I eat out, something will trigger the nerve pains I suffer from and all hell breaks loose in my body. Or if I'm going out, the many hours prior in that day can't be food induced. Now when I say food induced, I mean breakfast is ok but no lunch because of how I may feel which in turn could mean the inability to go out.
Another sad thing I've noticed is that so much of my time now is spent in my bed. Mostly because I've eaten and when I say I've eaten, this is just a meal that any other person would take for granted. Unlike once upon a time, my meals are not extravagant or full of variety. I eat what I eat pretty much every day. The same old foods with not much difference in them. The thought of trying new foods fill me with fear and dread. I'm fascinated at the fact that food makes me feel this way. I'm even more fascinated that so many other people feel the same way and not many medical or health professionals acknowledge or realize this. I mean I know for a fact that I'm lacking in so many of my essential vitamins and minerals (due to a lack of diverse foods) but what do I do? Where can I seek help and advice? As much as you may be able to help others and give information and advice, sometimes you just want someone to help you and guide you. I'm looking for that now but sadly, most of that help is coming from reading information on the web, others experiences, blogs and discussions then just putting it all together and trying to come up with your own answers. Like anyone else, I too want help and information from someone like a specialist. I guess more than anything, I would love it if someone would acknowledge how this affects both myself and so many individuals all around the world. How sad to say that the food I need so badly in my life, that gives me energy and life can also bring such fear and negativity into my life.
Writing this and bringing these thoughts out into the open is filling me with pure WANT. A want to make a change and stop myself and others having to go through these thoughts and feelings. I'm not quite sure how, but I'll keep thinking and I know that the answers will come to me. I'd love to hear from others too ….
- Who have similar feelings about food?
- How do you cope?
- What help have you received?
- Where do you seek help and advice?
- What do you think would help you if it existed?
Find out more at www.foodsyoucan.co.uk, follow on twitter @foodsyoucan or visit on Facebook www.facebook.com/FoodsYouCan


text:
How to Make Decorations for a Hawaiian Luau
The tropics beckon, and you're nowhere near a good surf beach. Throw a Hawaiian luau party as a consolation prize and let your decor temporarily transport you to Waikiki. In the basement or in the backyard, the scents of pineapple and vanilla, the hot tropical colors, the kitsch that makes the decor -- all of it adds up to a memorable event filled with impossible hula moves, spicy and savory snacks, flip-flops, grass skirts and maybe a battered surfboard parked against a wall or a tree.
Wind one large hula hoop and two smaller hoops with colored string lights and hang them on the wall behind the main buffet table.
Make a large wreath to hang inside the big hoop from brightly colored flip-flops, glued tightly around a raffia wreath form. Glue the sandals, alternating heel and toe toward the center of the wreath and fanning them out a bit. Add glued-on artificial flowers to the thongs for more color and hang the wreath from a loop of twisted twine.
Make two smaller wreaths to hang inside the small hoops by sticking opened paper umbrellas into polystyrene foam wreaths, completely covering the wreath forms. Hang the paper umbrella wreaths from loops of twisted florist's wire.
Cover the buffet table with a green or turquoise crepe party tablecloth. Then staple or tape grass hula skirts, opened into panels, along the edge of the table on three sides. Push the table against the wall under the decorated hoops and wreaths.
Cut circles of tropical flower-patterned fabric and drape them over small bistro tables ringing the party space. Anchor the cloths to the table with a piece of double-stick tape in the center of the table.
Place a glass hurricane over a pillar candle in the center of each bistro table. Drop a few glow necklaces over the hurricane so they tangle around its base. Break the seal to make the necklaces light just before the party when you light the candles. Add a bobble-head Hawaiian hula dancer to the centerpiece, flanked by cut fake or real hibiscus blooms.
Drape an artificial lei over the back of each party chair at the tables -- one for each guest.
String colored paper lantern lights crisscross over the ceiling for an indoor party. For a backyard luau, set tiki torches around the party space and light them just before the guests arrive.
Fill the buffet table with platters for Hawaiian party foods, creating a centerpiece of a hollowed-out watermelon filled with a tropical fruit or papaya, avocado and starfruit salad, lightly tossed in Hawaiian vanilla vinaigrette. Add platters of shrimp and pineapple skewers, mini-pork and pineapple buns, and other Hawaiian themed foods. Fill both ends of the table with real coconuts, tops cut off to expose the holes for colorful flexible straws.
Set the tone with traditional Hawaiian music and Elvis, tuck a Frangipani bloom behind your ear and bust some hula moves.
Things Needed
- Hula hoops
- Colored light strings
- Polystyrene foam and raffia wreath forms
- Florists' wire
- Twine
- Glue gun
- Artificial hibiscus and other tropical flowers
- Paper drinks umbrellas
- Crepe party tablecloth
- Grass hula skirts
- Staple gun
- Flowered fabric
- Scissors
- Double-stick tape
- Glass hurricanes
- Pillar candles
- Glow necklaces
- Bobble-head hula dolls
- Flower leis
- Cut flowers (optional)
- Paper lantern light strings (optional)
- Tiki torches (optional)
- Hawaiian party foods
- Hollowed half-watermelon
- Coconut shell drinks with colored straws
- Hawaiian music
- Limit tiki torches to outdoor events and take appropriate fire safety precautions.
- A fire pit and a suckling pig will turn your casual backyard do into a substantial special-occasion luau.
- Hire a hula instructor to break the ice and get guests up out of their chairs.
Photo Credits
- Jupiterimages/liquidlibrary/Getty Images


text:
SEOUL -- Hyoyeon, a Girls' Generation member, released a short teaser clip Friday for "Sober", her DJ debut song.
The 28-year-old has hinted at her debut as an EDM (electronic dance music) DJ, using her stage name "DJ HYO". Hyoyeon's debut song, scheduled for release on April 18, will feature Ummet Ozcan, a famous Dutch-Turkish DJ.


text:
Error message received from system Error while reading filter description for true
Ran in to a problem a bit weird with few info on it on the web.
It's seems like a bug in KDEprint
If ever you notice you can't print from any KDE apps anymore and encounter the following error message:
Tought I would share.
Thanks, i've been pulling my hair out.
My pleasure
|All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:41 PM.


text:
On attempting to play .aac audio files in Quod Libet (I expect the application used for playback is not the issue here) I am seeing the below error:
"No Gstreamer element found to handle media format. Media format: MPEG-2 AAC decoder."
I have so far attempted the below to install the below via apt-get install:
libfdk-aac-dev -> not helped
aacparse -> not found
voaacenc -> not found
libavcodec-extra -> not helped
aac-enc -> not helped
libfaad2-dev -> no intallation candidate
And followed the below steps from https://wiki.debian.org/MultimediaCodecs:
# Type these commands for amd64 machines.
wget http://www.deb-multimedia.org/pool/non- ... _amd64.deb
dpkg -i w64codecs_20071007-dmo2_amd64.deb
Which did not help either.
How do I get .aac files playing on Debian Stretch?
EDIT: Bollocks, typo in the subject


text:
You may be surprised to hear, given that I have made about $58.62 gross over the past year from pursuing the altruistic goals described in my blog, radiocasts and books (not counting the mouse genetics book), that I signed up for an internet course that is basically about self-promotion. I'm pretty much surprised myself, especially as it cost quite a lot more than $58.62. On the good side, a lot of other people signed up, too, and so we got to electronically meet each other, which is very interesting.
Eth-noh-tec (www.Ethnohtec.org) is one of these nonprofit organizations, based in San Francisco. Eth-noh-tec's mission also happens to fit perfectly in my current Bare Bones Biology series that is about human communication. Or, just in case you didn't notice the trend, here is a rundown:
Bare Bones Biology 107 – Right, Left or Wrong (about the brain)
Bare Bones Biology 108 – Scientific Communication – across disciplines
Bare Bones Biology 109 – Communication
Bare Bones Biology 110 – Rituals
Bare Bones Biology 111 – Rituals again
Bare Bones Biology 112 – Thinking
Bare Bones Biology 113 – Thinking Compassion (and poetry)
Bare Bones Biology 114 – Great Aridness (about books)
Bare Bones Biology 115 – Story Telling (performance art)
Eth-noh-tec does not need introduction; because of what they do, they introduce themselves. Next week another sort of communication, the workshop, will be represented, and then we will pay attention to some people who attempt to report the true facts in a world that is now awash with commercial and political propaganda. As David Barsamian says: "It is the job of a good citizen to inform him/herself well enough to understand the difference between propaganda and reality." That is also the aim of FactFictionFancy.
For today, this is a nice little bit of performance art created just for BareBonesBiology, and so it's important to hear it. It's not meant to be a dry list of facts, but an experience that will help us to appreciate the realities expressed. So wait a couple of ticks after this is posted and then click on the link, or go to Bare Bones Biology and listen to the presentation.
Just in case you can't hear it for some reason, here is the transcript of Eth-noh-tec:
"Welcome. My name is Nancy Wang.
"My name is Robert Kikuchi-Yngojo. Together we're known as
"An Asian-American, kinetic storytelling nonprofit arts organization.
"We are in the business of telling stories. We dedicate ourselves to building cultural bridges that celebrate diversity and create compassionate communities, through stories that reveal our universal truths.
"Storytelling is an excellent mode of communication, and one in which we accomplish our mission. As we all know, communication is not always easy. We all have a lens through which we see, hear and feel the world around us. So any one of us might say one thing that is clear to ourselves, but the person we're talking to, it's not clear, and that's because we all have a lens through which we exist in this world.
"Then there is storytelling. Stories and folk tales, myths and legends, you know a story can cut right through some of that jumble by offering us understanding through metaphor, and a good plot, or a fascinating character.
"Storytelling creates empathic listening. If it's a good story, it will impart information on a level that our brains can get, despite our minds' lens and our minds' biases to reach and open our hearts.
"And so recently I wrote and performed the story of my Chinese ancestors, who, looking for a better life, traveled from China on a jumk boat, a Chinese sailboat, in 1850, to reach the shores of California. Well, they crashed into Carmel bay. Now compassion started immediately when they were rescued by a group of Rumsen Indians. And then later, when the Chinese looked around this pristine Monterey peninsula, they saw that there were no fishing boats in the Pacific Ocean, or in the bays. And so, they started the fishing industry in Monterey, which soon grew, and carved out California.
"However, if you were to visit Monterey today, you wouldn't even know that this history existed, because there's no evidence at all that 800 plus Chinese fishermen and their four fishing villages were ever there.
"Yet, the fishing industry continued to thrive there. There's just no Chinese doing it or profiting from it, because from the 1850s through the early 1940s, there was blatant anti-Chinese legislation and illegal acts of violence against the Chinese, by European settlers, most of whom arrived there after the Chinese. Villages were burned, purges took place, whole Chinese communities were marched out. Beatings and hangings took place.
"In short, ethnic cleansing. But, there were also those who helped the Chinese, though very few, but it made a huge difference in allowing for some peaceful, compassionate exchanges between the European and Chinese settlers.
"And without those exchanges, I might not be here today. The Chinese must have taken to heart those who saw them as people, not things, and who were kind, even friends, and this allowed them to live their lives. They were able to contribute their skills and ingenuity to America. So my story is an important story, and it provides a missing piece of the American historical landscape. And it also shows how not knowing one's story leaves too much room for stereotyping and prejudice, leading to misunderstandings and to violence.
"People of color have been an integral part of building this nation.
"People of color have been a part of and have built this nation just as much as the white population.
"Imagine this. A world without compassion; a world without empathy. Without this, the rise of racism, bigotry, genocide, and war could spell the total annihilation of humankind.
Hope for a compassionate world lies in waking up the heart. Waking up compassion and showing examples of compassion. Living a life of compassion. We do this through our art. The art of storytelling.
"Remember, one cannot hate another whose story we know.
"A story is the shortest distance between the brain and the heart.
"Without compassion, we're left with prejudices, intolerance, and distrust. So today, learn about someone you know nothing about.
"And tell a moving story to someone.
"Practice stepping into another situation.
"And if you want to know more about us, we're at http://www.Ethnohtec.org.
Bless you."
Bare Bones Biology 115 – More Story Telling
KEOS FM, 89.1, Bryan TX
A podcast of this post may be downloaded here
Or at http://www.BareBonesBiology.com
Recommended References and Trackbacks:
Filed under: bare bones biology, BBB Audio Transcripts | Tagged: Barsamian, citizenship, communication, compassion, distrust., empathy, Eth-noh-tec, facts, intolerance, myths, opinions, performance art, prejudice, propaganda, stories | Leave a comment »


text:
Against the backdrop of sweeping claims made by some about the nature of the Strasbourg judiciary, the website 'Full Fact' (details of which: here) has published a short document on the background and status of the Strasbourg bench, as of July 2015.
It makes some interesting reading, rebutting many of the 'tabloid like' claims that Strasbourg Judges are unqualified and inappropriate for judicial office. There are also some very useful links embedded within the piece.
Further details on 'electing Strasbourg judges' may be found on this website (here), as well as, of course, the Court's website and that of the Council of Europe.


text:
|Pockets of course!
To do the scallops, I drew out a template after testing spacing and size on my muslin. I then used carbon paper to trace sew lines onto the facings, so it was nice and easy to stitch up. I clipped the curves well then went for topstitching to make it all behave! There are two scallops on the skirt front, then I stitched up the rest of the front. Someone post a pic of a vintage pattern on the flickr group that used scallops in the same way, so I stole that idea!
So overall, as I'm sure you can gather, I am pretty pleased with my first sew for victory make! I think I'll try and make something a bit more authentic next year ;)
Thanks Baoxiu for the posing photos!


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Inverted channels on Mars contain a record of fluvial processes as well as of the subsequent geochemical processes that have modified the deposits over time. Williams et al. [2018] suggest that the channel deposits have become hardened relative to their surrounding sediments, presumably through cementation likely caused by near‐surface solute‐rich groundwater. This suggests an extension of aqueous processes beyond the period of widespread fluvial activity, perhaps through subsurface fluid flow or groundwater upwelling.
Citation: Williams, R. M. E., Moersch, J. E., & Fergason, R. L. [2018]. Thermophysical properties of Martian fluvial sinuous ridges: Inferences on "inverted channel" induration agent. Earth and Space Science, 5, 516–528. https://doi.org/10.1029/2018EA000402
—Benoît Pirenne, Editor, Earth and Space Science


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Wilmer Flores, the super-utility infielder?
The acquisitions of both Neil Walker and Asdrubal Cabrera have provided the Mets with an infield that has no shortage of options at several positions.
Certainly, the club has taken an indirect route to creating such depth, as it's moved their primary middle infielders in both Wilmer Flores and Ruben Tejada lower on the depth chart into roles more suitable for them, and could lead the Mets to consider moving Tejada in some manner before the start of the regular season.
But Flores has may have a more meaningful place on the roster thanks to his ability to play multiple positions on the infield.
Including first base.
And Terry Collins envisions Flores serving in that super-utility role on the infield.
"We've certainly got to go into spring training and give Wilmer a chance to play around the infield a little bit more, to put him at some different positions to where we can give guys days off," Collins said on Tuesday. "We're certainly aware that we've got to keep an eye on [David Wright] and his workload. We've got to make sure [Lucas Duda] is rested up. There's got to be some spots where you're going to need a bat."
One area Flores can provide strength in is against left-handed pitching. He posted a .955 OPS against left-handed pitching in 2015, and that can be valuable against tough left-handers and help protect the weaknesses of Walker (he posted a .575 OPS against left-handed pitching in 2015) and provide an insurance policy to Duda in the event he regresses against left-handed pitching in 2016.
Keeping Flores mobile on the infield will help protect against his own weaknesses as well, which lies primarily with his foot speed and overall range on the middle infield.
And there should be plenty of at-bats available for Flores in this role as well, which would theoretically increase their production at numerous infield positions from last season.
Flores broke his ankle playing in winter ball, but is expected to be fully recovered and ready for Spring Training.
If Flores is assigned the super-utility infield role, does this mean a reunion with Juan Uribe and Kelly Johnson are possible?
There doesn't seem to be an immediate fit for Johnson, although he would provide suitable depth from the left side on the bench. After all, the only left-handed hitter on the bench at the moment is Kirk Nieuwenhuis, so the Mets could certainly use another left-handed solution. However, he shouldn't be a terribly expensive investment for the Mets to make for that role – he made only $1.5 million in 2015 and would probably seek a modest raise in free agency.
As for Uribe, he can play second base and he's obviously still a very effective third baseman. He would probably be an upgrade over Flores as the backup third baseman to Wright, which is something the Mets should be considering as they strive to keep Wright healthy by limiting his exposure.
Certainly, investing in Uribe – and Johnson for that matter – might have a greater return than spending the projected $2.5-3 million on Tejada, who really doesn't have a role if Flores is going to serve in the role the Mets are now envisioning him to be in.
It remains to be seen if they pursue these avenues, now that Cabrera and Walker are in the fold, although Collins said the front office is still pursuing several backup solutions for the roster.
"I know that they're working to try to find some backup pieces that will help us out a little bit," he said.
4 Comments
Johnson plays horrible defense – terrible move if Mets bring him back.
Uribe is terrific mentor and great for the clubhouse, but he's slow and overweight. and doesn't belong at second base even though played there several games – and I might add, got hurt playing it.
His best position is third base and coming up big as pinch hitter. but we have no room for him. On five man bench we have two openings that must go for outfield in some fashion.
I like Wilmer, but I wish bloggers would be more careful throwing out statistics. Baron writes "One area Flores can provide strength in is against left-handed pitching. He posted a .955 OPS against left-handed pitching in 2015." However, in the previous 2 yrs Flores' OPS was 381 and 447, respectively. Was WF's 2015 numbers – which is incredibly high – the product of a small sample (100 ABs) or the reflection of a maturing player. We shall find out.
Uribe could be a match, but would command perhaps three times the salary of Johnson. The real danger is that The Captain will need long stretches of rest. If so, Uribe is the man. If it is just a matter of day games after night games, then Flores can certainly handle the hot corner. There is no reason Flores can't start four games a week (2 at 2B against southpaws, 1 at SS and 1 at 3B), and be a primary pinch hitter on the other days. That could amount to 450+ PA. However, if David needs two stints on the DL, Flores there for 2-3 weeks could prove somewhat fatal. Johnson is really a pinch-hitter at this point. Nieuwenhuis has far greater value due to excellent speed and defensive prowess at all three OF spots.
Joel Sherman pens a good piece today that every Mets fan should digest. He has a great line… "Buying a sofa that doesn't really fit your living room just to prove you will spend is unwise." He is referring to the call-to-arms by many pundits and fans to sign Cespedes, or other boppers like Justin Upton, just to prove a willingness to spend resources. Lagares is a real CF and Nieuwenhuis delivers the goods with his glove as well. And there are always ways to make adjustments during the last two weeks of July. Right now, lets spend a few dollars on a good bullpen arm like Matt Albers and quality lefty (there are several worth taking a shot at, but the Blevins signing was a step in the left direction).


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Living in the Breach
The Second Life of Art: Selected Essays of Eugenio Montale
Literary traffic between Italy and America has always been fitful. The greatness and complexity of Dante have proven, in a sense, a liability. After all, who can undertake to read Italian literature without first knowing Dante? It is partly because of Dante that Petrarch and Leopardi are so little known, and that the Italian masters of our century—Montale, Ungaretti, Saba, and Quasimodo in poetry, Pavese, Gadda, and Svevo in fiction—have been more heard of than read. Translators have worked hard, but in spite of their efforts the graft has not taken well.
But we have more to blame than just the stature of Dante. There is also the arrogant view of Italy as the small country where ruins are eternal and the president's name changes every few months. The accumulations of the past once represented wisdom, and wisdom, in turn, was power; but now it is the opposite: traditions and ancient patterns are seen as dead weight. The brutal eruptions of history have shouldered them to the side.
The reader of Eugenio Montale's essays will have to rid himself of this preconception, for they are the speech of a supremely civilized man, a cosmopolitan in the old sense, a poet and thinker for whom writing was for more than fifty years an intense vocation. What might once have been just an important collection of literary essays has taken on the symbolic aspect of a last stand. Montale carried on the European cultural tradition until he died in September 1981, while that culture eroded around him.
Montale was born in 1896 in Genoa. He died at eighty-four in Milan, roughly a hundred miles away. Though he traveled widely in his time, he remained wholly Italian, bound to his region, his time, and, most of all, to his craft. Montale was one of the fortunate artists who discover their gift early and never relinquish it. After 1925, when he published Ossi di seppia, the work that changed modern Italian poetry, his stubborn presence exerted its influence on Italian letters. He weathered two world wars and the fascist interregnum without ever compromising his liberal humanism. The slow, patient work continued. He published few volumes of poetry, but each was a major event; he wrote hundreds of essays and feuilletons. During his years as literary critic for Milan's Corriere della Sera, 1946 to 1973, he published several pieces a week. But in spite of this large oeuvre, he remains an incalculable figure, hard to place. His private life, his emotional sources, were kept hidden. In his poetry he practiced an aesthetic of reserve that kept his most intimate thoughts away from gossip; antecedents and connecting threads were sketched, suggested, but never explained. His prose, on the other hand, is civilized, ironic, in certain places warm or humorous, but nearly always public. We see both the emotional and the intellectual sides of his sensibility in his work, but the private man remains remote.
Still Montale was not playing a sly game. From time to…
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What do Cameron, Jennifer, Gwyneth, and Kate all have in common? A lot, it turns out. There are exceptions, of course. But for a certain set of Hollywood A-listers, the paragon of afternoon snacks is a dozen or so almonds. Always.
About the Almond Board of California
Almonds from California are a natural, wholesome and quality food. The Almond Board of California promotes almonds through its research-based approach to all aspects of marketing, farming and production on behalf of the more than 7,600 almond growers and processors in California, many of whom are multi-generational family operations. Established in 1950 and based in Modesto, California, the Almond Board of California is a non-profit organisation that administers a grower-enacted Federal Marketing Order under the supervision of the United States Department of Agriculture. For more information on the Almond Board of California or almonds, visit Almonds.co.uk or check out California Almonds on Facebook and the California Almonds blog.


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As of November 11, 2012, the PSUPedia and its affiliated wikis have made the transition to read-only mode. While edits can no longer be made, we hope you will continue to enjoy the data collected by the community for years to come!
Event missions
From The PSUPedia
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Event missions are unique, limited-time missions available only during special events. They can encompass any of the other mission types, such as free, co-op or item exchange missions.
GUARDIANS Chronicle 5
GUARDIANS Trial
GUARDIANS Chronicle 4
Operation Urban Defense
5th Anniversary Thanks Festa
GUARDIANS Chronicle 3
Maximum Attack Infinity
GUARDIANS Chronicle 2
- Chronicles HQ 2
- Charged Puzzle
- Record of Assault
- Roar of Flames
- Mission Launch Post (1-4 players)
- Mission Launch Post (1-6 players)
Ragol Memorial Festa
- The Doctor's Request
- Forest Fire Swirl
- Like a Dream
- Event Mission Standby
- 4P Mission Standby
- 6P Mission Standby
4th Anniversary Thanks Festa
GUARDIANS Chronicle
Maximum Attack X
The Great Arms Race
Spring Event
Absolute Zero
- Absolute Zero
- Defrosting Guide
- Frozen Flowers
- Frigid Challenge
- Ice Crystal Exchange
- Hit the Counter!
- Mission Launch Post
Maximum Attack G+
Autumn Event
Summer Event
Shred the Darkness
- Shred the Darkness
- Roar of Flames
- The Big Push
- The 4th System
- The Magashi Plan
- Dark Crystal Seeker
- Hit the Counter!
Winter Mission Carnival
- Carnival Lounge
- Charged Puzzle
- Crystal Central
- World of Illusion α
- World of Illusion β
- Panther Blitz
- Thunderburst Duel
- Protectors' Choice


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|pan full of apple chunks (photo by jhy)
pan with a tight lid
sharp knife
potato masher or strong fork
This is actually my preferred method of making applesauce. Since almost all the apples I use are free, low-quality apples, I would have to do a lot of trimming anyway, and I think it's just easier to peel and core them as well. The food mill is a lot of mess (in my opinion).
Peel, core, and remove bad spots from the apples. There is no set amount- it makes no difference, but you wouldn't want to fill a pan to the very top. You need some expansion and stirring space for cooking.
Place the apple chunks (I cut apples into quarters if small, or eighths if larger) in the pan, and add just a skim of water to the pan. Really, just a tiny bit. In this 6-quart saucepan I used maybe a quarter-cup of water. This is just enough to get the juices to start flowing in the apples with out burning.
Put the cover on the pan and place over the lowest heat possible. Check in about 5 minutes. Remove the cover, and the apples should have started creating their own liquid. At this point you can raise the heat a little bit, but keep it no higher than medium. Leave the lid off, and continue cooking until the apples are soft. Stir occasionally to redistribute the apples at the top down into the liquid.
When the apples are soft- usually in 5-10 minutes, use a potato masher to turn them into sauce. You can leave it as chunky as you like.
|homemade applesauce- this batch is quite chunky (photo by jhy)
The flavor of the applesauce will depend on the variety of apples used. It's up to you- sweet or tart- or just whatever you can get! Sweeten to taste and/or add a dash or cinnamon or nutmeg.


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Do you also raise your eyes to the heavens every time you hear the familiar buzz sound of overwhelming helicopter? Have you ever wanted to have first-hand experience of climbing upward toward blue sky or have the chance to stop in the air and admire the beauty that lies deep below you?
Flying a helicopter is a different feeling than a flight – you feel adrenaline, your heart beats with an unbelievable speed, and it completely surrounds you with a feeling of freedom. Would you like to try it out? So do not wait and come to experience it!
Unique simulator
Full motion helicopter simulator with virtual reality headset.
Experience as a gift
A great opportunity to give a flight on the simulator as a gift.
3D visualization
As a part of the experience is the new Oculus Rift CV1, which makes the flight more authentic.
Not only for pilots
Suitable not only for fans of flying.
We are located right in the center of Prague in air conditioned premises.
We will be happy to arrange a teambuilding event for you.
What you most often ask us about.
How to book a term?
– The term of the experience must be always booked at least 2 days in advance via online form
Can someone accompany me?
The space around the simulator allows you to bring up to 3 people who can freely take photos and shoot videos. There are also seats in aviation style.
How long does the experience last?
According to the chosen variant – 45, 60 or 90 minutes + instruction according to the client's experience (usually 5-20 minutes).
Is the pilot's age on the simulator somehow limited?
Due to the nature and amount of data included in the pre-flight preparation, as well as the ergonomics of the cockpit, the recommended age for our pilots is 12 years. Upon appointment, younger candidates may also fly. We have no age limit, but the pilots must be able to climb into the cockpit as well as climb down at the end of the flight.
Is shooting and filming allowed?
Of course yes and for no additional fees. You can take pictures inside or outside the cockpit.
How can I buy a flight on the simulator?
You can buy a flight in the form of a voucher through our website in section BUY THE EXPERIENCE. Vouchers are sent by e-mail or by mail, or they can be picked up in person. In all variants, delivery is free of charge.
What is the validity of the vouchers?
Vouchers purchased from us are valid for 12 months. However, the validity period may vary if an experience has been purchased with one of our partners.
I can fly the simulator on my computer at home, can't I?
At present, computer simulators are available on the computers to the general public. However, no matter how good the software is, flying with a helicopter using a plastic joystick and keyboard do not give you full satisfaction and joy of flying. Sit in a real cockpit of a helicopter that is missing just the rotor overhead. With us, simulation becomes a reality!
What are your cancellation terms?
If you require to change your booking, you may do so up to 24 hours prior to your booking date and time. Cancelling your booking within the 24 period will invalidate your flight voucher and you will not be entitled to any refund.
Does the simulator move?
Yes, thanks to three engines.
Do I need to have some pilot skills?
No, everything will be explained to you by the instructor during the initial briefing. During the experience, he will follow your flight and recommend or remind you of the necessary operations to control the helicopter. Most clients do not have any experience with helicopter control (not even computer simulation), so there's no need to worry about it.
How closely resembles the actual simulator control to real helicopter?
Our simulator is a copy of the helicopter cockpit. It is actually made directly from the parts of the CH7 Kompress ultra-light helicopter.
Can I fly with VR glasses even though I wear dioptric ones?
Yes, we have a set for classic dioptric glasses. But with contact lenses, you will get a better effect (they will not push your glasses and you will have a better view).
Visits of the simulator are based on prior reservation via online form.
+420 704 777 699
contact form:


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International aerosol propellant market is anticipated to witness a gentle growth over the forecast period on account of its high increasing usage in aerosol sprays. Auto Elevate Tools: Used to access the beneath-carriage of the car for cleaning and repair purposes. In brief, automobile engineering brings ample job alternatives for the scholars. With the correct automotive diagnostics and upkeep procedures in partnership with a reliable professional auto service store, these car repair procedures shall be saved at cheap frequencies. We've got constructed and installed Mum or dad Information Level programs in more than 15 councils across the UK and hundreds of different programs into automotive dealerships and different functions.
You could find out extra information about Automotive Tools and Tools just like the efficiency and rating supplied by auto service centres on completely different web sites. I attempted both roller sponges and paint brushes and prefered the brush end to the orange-peel impact of the sponge curler. Speaking at the information conference, Mexico's Financial system Minister Ildefonso Guajardo said the funding had arrived at a crucial moment for Mexico, which has said it needs to diversify its exports to other markets outdoors of the United States.
The report, titled Automotive Direct Injection Programs assesses the expansion of the Automotive Direct Injection Techniques market and estimates the valuation of the general market by the top of the forecast interval. Spraying with a coat of paint will spotlight any imperfections which can then be rectified. According to a report by Automotive Mission Plan 2006-2016, the automotive industry is expected to require an additional 25 million workforce by 2016 in manufacturing and downstream/ upstream actions. Generally, although, these fakes are packaged as originals and are bought to unwitting automotive outlets who resell them with out understanding any better.
Automotive contact display screen control methods market is segmented on the idea of application and type. One of the ways to minimize the need for expensive auto repair and truck restore is regular preventive maintenance. I'm 24 years old and was finding out my bachelors in engineering in the USA but had to drop out. Google employed trade veteran Andy Warburton in July to head the car engineering staff, in accordance with his Linkedin profile. With adjustments to the know-how and the amount of computer systems and programming utilized in vehicles, however, this has develop into much more troublesome.
Coining expertise is predicted to witness vital development, rising at a CAGR of over 3% from 2016 to 2024. Contact it to a floor on the body or an engine bolt and it ought to gentle up. Take the test light and touch it to the ability feed wire in the connector that you simply disconnected from the relay. For most people, although, discovering a reputable locksmith will not be something that can simply simply be executed. The report analyzes the entire value chain of the Automotive Direct Injection Programs market and forecasts the market dimension and income to be generated by each of the segments.


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The ambient background pack has been designed to enhance the aesthetic value of your website without drawing attention away from your content. The pack includes a total of 20 premade color variations ready for use on any website (provided in jpeg format) and comes with the original, easy to use / customise .psd file.
All backgrounds have been created at 2500×1200 and have smooth faded borders to prevent cut off problems on high resolution screens.


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I'm sharing. My dear, dear friend, Sylvia, sent this to me and I thought I would pass it on to you. Think about it and chew on it...
This is what was sent in whole:
This came to me from a dear friend and prayer warrior in Arizona - not only is she a strong Christian, but she has been involved in presidential campaigns back as far as Ronald Regan (maybe even before then - that's how long I have know her) - this is not some 'Internet circulating' e-mail - it is from Elizabeth's own heart and well worth our heeding as Christians.
From: ELIZABETH ROHN-NELSON
Subject: Prayer can move mountains, why not Obama?
Being dismayed recently when a family member of mine said to me with great resignation that Obama will take the presidency. These words came from someone who in the past has been a great prayer warrior.
What is happening was my question??? Why are we Christians settling and not issuing a battle cry and falling to our knees and taking our country back?
We allow ourselves to be stripped of the right to pray at school functions and in school, we have the 10 commandments removed from government places and are told we cannot pray in school, all the while providing public prayer places for Muslims. What in the world is going on and why are we being apathetic?
Why aren't we praying? Our God is a mighty God who is waiting patiently for us to raise our voices to heaven to stop the tide of the anti-Christ actions in our world today. Now we find we have a charismatic candidate for president who does not respect our flag and refuses to wear one on his lapel except when it becomes politically expedient and whose own wife and pastor that he loves profess to have strong anti-white feelings, and we sit back and say 'it is a given, we can do nothing.'
There has never been a time in 2000 years that we can do nothing, never a time that we must sit back and allow the evil in men's and women's hearts to take over our world. We should be very afraid because our apathy is leading us to perdition.
It is time for all Christian Americans to raise the battle cry and take our nation back. Maybe McCain on his own cannot defeat Obama, but our God can and He will if we take to our knees in prayer and raise a mighty cry to the heavens to 'Save us O Lord.' We have the power to change the course of this election and to keep a man as suspect as Barak Obama from leading our country to who knows where with his message of 'change' - a change which I fear will be away from our Christian ideals and away from Christ and further away from one nation under God.
We are great at passing stories and pictures around the internet, but where are our prayers and prayer warriors praying to stop this tide of Barak Obama? God parted the red sea, Jesus raised himself from the dead, and we can bring our country back to its Christian roots and stop the move to the rise of Muslims in our country. We can stop our country from being 'under Allah,' but we must begin to pray, to pray as if our country and our lives depended on it, because they do. We can stop all these atrocities against God's commands that have taken root in our country through something as simple as sincere prayer, a call to God to deliver us, to forgive us our sins of apathy and to protect us from the evil that is upon us.
Okay prayer warriors, here is your challenge, start those prayer chains. Get the spiritual power working on our behalf and stop Barak Obama the proper way, by calling on our God to save us from the deception that charismatic preaching is using to lead us on the wrong path. Stop those who would take God out of our country and our government. Raise up good men to lead us and protect us.
George Bush is being buffeted because he has fought a holy war against the evils that attack us and we should not be surprised because a prophet is not honored in his own country. But we should not rest on our laurels and allow ourselves to be taken further off the path of Christianity and to have God removed from our presence in our schools, courts, government and businesses. Invite God into the fray. Ask that His power rest upon us and give us the victory. Ask him to raise up a mighty army to defend us and to protect our country as he did in days of old. Let us be victorious beginning NOW. The battle is His but we must call on Him without ceasing and unite our voices and hearts in prayer and fasting.
Please pass this around to all people of prayer that you know and maybe, just maybe a more eloquent person of prayer will write something better and more inspiring and even the rocks will shout that Jesus is Lord and our Mighty God is with us, bringing the victory for us and ultimately for Him. 'Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.'
I Thess 5:16-18 ...Continuous Prayer is the answer to this attack on the USA.... Please pray the Will of God will prevail through our continuous prayers to HIM...
Remember Prayer Can... Move Mountains
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Something to think about and chew on...
I'm sharing. My dear, dear friend, Sylvia, sent this to me and I thought I would pass it on to you. Think about it and chew on it...


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MarsFest to take place in Death Valley next month
Death Valley National Park will host MarsFest to explore and celebrate the extremes of Earth, officials said in a press release.
Death Valley National Park will host MarsFest to explore and celebrate the extremes of Earth, officials said in a press release.
The events will take place March 11-12 and will feature field trips, an expo, children's programming and a lecture series.
Scientists from NASA's Ames Research Center, Jet Propulsion Lab, and Planetary Science Institute, along with the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence Institute will be on hand to share their information about their fascinating research and its relationship to Death Valley, a press release said.
For decades, space scientists have come to the park to conduct research and instrument testing at planetary analog research sites—places with conditions similar to those found on other planets. Scientists will be leading field trips to some of these analog sites, including Badwater, Ubehebe Crater, and Mesquite Sand Dunes, according to the press release.
The MarsFest expo offers visitors the opportunity to talk with park rangers and scientists one-on-one while participating in hands-on demonstrations, such as viewing the sun through a special eye-protecting telescope, and operating a model Mars rover.
The event is free and open to the public. It is sponsored by the Death Valley Natural History Association, the SETI Institute, NASA and the National Park Service.
For more information and a schedule of events, visit the Death Valley Natural History Association website.
Contact reporter Daria Sokolova at email@example.com. On Twitter: @dariasokolova77


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Afternoon Tea is Quintessentially British
Posted on July 29, 2015 by Anglo Education Services
There is little as quintessentially British as afternoon tea. Often this is taken in the form of a cream tea with scones, clotted cream and strawberry preserve. Although it isn't clear where the cream tea originates from, it is a tradition of the South-west of … Continue reading →
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British Summertime is Full of Festivals
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When thinking of british summertime what springs to mind is rain, crowded beaches, strawberries and cream, wimbledon, Pims, and music festivals. Come rain or shine, whether in a park or field, when the summer months hit the Brits love a … Continue reading →
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