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Amazing Grace
November 21, 2008
I envy people who haven't read A Fine Balance. Rohinton Mistry, the author, has got this kind of magic, the god-given gift of literature that only a handful of writers, dead or alive, possess.
For those who haven't read it, the book, published in 1995, tells the struggle of two Untouchables, Omprakash and Maneck, who have left their village and the persecutions endured by their peers to find a better life in Bombay. Their destinies become intertwined with Dina's, a widow from a relativilegy privileged background, for whom they work. The story is set during the Emergency (1975-1977), a time of great turmoil in India during which Prime Minister Indira Gandhi led controversial policies.
The Untouchables' struggle is nothing new here, quite a redundant topic to be honest. But the way it is depicted in A Fine Balance is brilliantly bereft of pathos hence all the more gripping.
As for Mistry's take on the Emergency (a brutal and dark period), it is pure genius. He finely sews his opinion (very anti-Indira Gandhi, even though he never mentions her name) into the canvas of the story. It is never a pamphlet, never angry, never patronizing. It is so cleverly done you don't even notice it. He just needs to tell you how a government helicopter supposed to drop rose petals on a field of (paid) supporters to the Prime Minister accidentally dropped the ballot on a cow and kills it. Mistry drops these lines like as many little bombs.
His brilliance lies in his ability to infuse misery with grace. Omprakash and Maneck's struggles are truly heartbreaking, full of humiliation, hunger, deaths and betrayal. It never really gets better for them but still, it is written with such amazing grace and knowledge that I never felt suffocated.
Did I like it so much because I live in India and am therefore used to such topics as caste and poverty ?
But I think I liked it so much because one the things I cherish most, one of the principles I will endeavour to live by and one of the qualities I most admire in prose, thoughts and style is : grace. And grace is what Rohinton Mistry, one of the great writers of today, possesses and creates.


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Gospel singer, actor, director and producer, Deitrick Haddon, has finally decided to come clean about his divorce from ex-wife Damita. According to his recent Facebook post, the singer says the cause of the split was adultery on Damita's behalf with chart-toppping singer Isaac Carree, formerly of the group Men of Standard. Deitrick claims he revealed this information because he was tired of being blamed for causing the divorce after recently announcing his new engagement and child. Nonetheless, no word on the situation has been released from either Damita or Isaac. Our prayers go out to Isaac's wife who accompanied him over the weekend at the 28th Annual Stellar Awards Ceremony.
Read Deitrick's Facebook post below to hear his side of the story. Let us know what you think of this situation in the comment section below.
My objective in this personal message to my supporters is to set the record straight on why I divorced my ex-wife, to clear my daughter's and fiancé's name, and to give you the truth. I'm not here to throw anyone under the bus, but I refuse to remain silent while people slander my name because the other parties involved are refusing to speak up for me and about their involvement in this matter. I regret having to continue to speak on this but you all need to know the truth from my perspective.
It does not feel good when people make comments saying that I left my wife for a younger woman and a baby!! It's simply not the truth & the truth is recorded in heaven! Heaven keeps good records & i have no reason to lie!!! I met the young lady when i moved to L.A a broken mess & God used her to keep me from committing suicide twice!! I do admit that she did get pregnant before my divorce was final as my divorce carried on for over a year. However an abortion was not an option for me so I covered her & she covered me while we both repented of our sins & submit to spiritual leadership. As a sign of humility & accountability, I have not preached on any platform in any church for one year!! I've paid my penalty for my sin!!
I understand that my ex-wife wants to keep quiet & she has that right but to allow people to think this way about me while she remain Quiet is not cool when I was a good husband, not perfect but a good husband & friend to her for years!! I take full responsibility for my actions but I WILL NOT take responsibility for the cause of my actions. I don't expect Damita to be bold enough to go public because people will take your transparency & rub it in your face & even Christians who are called to restore & forgive will be ready to throw stones at her for something that God has forgiven her for & is in her past. Unfortunately, we happen to live in a religious community that preach forgiveness but when the opportunity presents itself to show it they just don't do it!!!
However, I do expect Isaac Carree to stand up and be man enough to own his mistakes & give his fans the truth they deserve to know. I appreciate your new song 'Clean this house", you know I've always been a fan of yours since day one & I've never done anything to hurt you but you left one sin out of your song that would have set the record straight & solidified my healing process & that is adultery! I hate to see you walk in deception when it's unnecessary. Yes I have forgiven you but I want to see you be the true man that God is calling for all us to be. The Gospel community & church has had enough deception. Let's come clean in 2013. I forgive you & I love you bro but it's time to be real.
For those that are small minded & will say that I may be jealous of Isaac. That is incorrect, I have always shown my support to him & I celebrate the gifts that God has blessed us with in the Kingdom. However, I have kept quiet & covered him for 2 years since I found out & it wasn't easy to watch the man that broke up my home run around singing on stages as if he had done nothing devastating to a his fellow brother in the Gospel!! I have moved on… God has blessed me with a baby that has in many ways neutralized the enemies darts that have been thrown against me. Please let it go down in the books that I did not leave Damita for a younger woman, that is not just not the truth!!
Isaac the ball is in your court & no longer in mine. I sincerely wish you the best but it's time for us to be real if we're gonna spread this Gospel. Anything other than that is unnecessary hypocrisy!! I don't need an apology but your fans deserve an apology for the damage that have been caused by your actions!!
I truly apologize for the damage all this has & will cause the Gospel community & the church. I never dreamed in a million years that I would be part of such foolishness but I'm determined to never bring this kind of shame to the body of Christ again!!"

subset: commoncrawl


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How Aretha Franklin made 'Respect' a feminist anthem
It may be the most rousing feminist anthem ever, but Respect - the song that made Aretha Franklin the "Queen of Soul" - was actually written about a man demanding a break from his wife.
Franklin's genius was to turn the song - and the traditional values it espoused - on their head by some deft changes to the lyrics and by adding the stirring "R - E - S - P - E - C - T" chorus.
In so doing, she made Otis Redding's 1965 lament of an exhausted working man demanding some slack from his woman into a rallying call for downtrodden African American women.
Rolling Stone magazine put her version in the top five greatest songs of all time, saying Franklin was a "woman calling an end to the exhaustion and sacrifice of a raw deal with scorching sexual authority."
And even Redding - who wrote other such timeless classics like Dock of the Bay and Try a Little Tenderness - acknowledged within months of Franklin's recording that the song belonged to her.
His biographer Mark Ribowsky said that at the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival in California, Redding joked to the crowd, saying: "This next song is a song that a girl took away from me."
Five months later, the "King of Soul" died in a plane crash aged just 26.
Franklin was an almost unknown gospel singer from Detroit when she went into the studio to record Respect with her sisters Erma and Carolyn.
WATCH | Aretha Franklin performing her song Respect
She speeded the song up and cooked up the provocative high-tempo "Sock it to me" refrain, producer Jerry Wexler later recalled in his autobiography, Rhythm and the Blues: A Life in American Music.
"The fervour in Aretha's voice demanded that respect," he wrote.
But American musicologist Professor Victoria Malawey said that Franklin's take on the song was far more than a jazzed up cover version.
She insisted that Franklin changed "the song so radically... that I would argue she re-authored it.
"It was not just her altering of the lyrics, or changing the point of view of the song from a male one to that of a woman, she also gave it an entirely new energy and soul," the pop music specialist added.
Malawey, chair of music at Macalester College in Minneapolis-Saint Paul, credits Franklin with turning the song into an anthem for both the feminist and civil rights movement in the late 1960s.
"Not only did she add the R-E-S-P-E-C-T chorus, but her remaking of the song gives it a whole different empowerment message, both sexually and politically.
Her remaking of the song gives it a whole different empowerment message, both sexually and politicallyAmerican musicologist Professor Victoria Malawey
"In my opinion, the extent of her re-authoring grants her status as owner of the song, and makes it a whole new sonic experience. That is why multiple social movements have claimed Franklin's 'Respect' as theirs" over the past half-century, she said.
The hit won Franklin the first two of her 18 Grammy awards, and went on to feature in more than 30 major films including Platoon, The Blues Brothers, Mystic Pizza and Forrest Gump.
Malawey said that Franklin, the daughter of a Baptist minister, always denied that there were sexual overtones to the lyrics she added.
But Wexler begged to differ. "More respect also involved sexual attention of the highest order. What else would 'Sock it to me' mean?" he said.
Others who knew her said she was drawing from her tumultuous marriage at the time.
"Whatever the intention, people have taken a definite female sexual empowerment message from the song," Malawey said.
"There is a long tradition of black female performers allowing for a variety of meanings from their lyrics to assert their sexuality. You see this right down to Beyoncé."
But Malawey said it was Franklin's "voice, and the power and soul she gives the song, which has inspired and empowered so many people.
"It is something beyond lyrics or the melody that really moves us and that is all to do with Aretha Franklin's own vocal delivery. That is what has made the song so powerful, so lasting and so relevant today."


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The Twilight ZoneThe Hitch-Hiker - Season 1, Episode 16 - 22 Jan. 1960 - A young woman driving cross country becomes frantic when she keeps passing the same man on the side of the road. No matter how fast she drives the man is always up ahead, hitching her for a ride.
Back to the The Twilight Zone Library
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By Sean Kennedy (@PhillyFastBreak)
Sixers just keep w1nn1ng. #ClimbOn pic.twitter.com/40oy8NJpDo
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) April 4, 2018
Philadelphia 121, Brooklyn 95 – Box Score
On a day the Sixers honored the past with the unveiling of a Dr. J. statue, we were once again reminded how bright the present is for the franchise. Even with the entire starting frontcourt sidelined for the second straight game (Joel Embiid is basically a cyclops at the moment and Dario Saric is out until Friday with elbow cellulitis), Philadelphia still demolished Brooklyn to extend the team's NBA-best winning streak to 11 games.
It's the longest win streak for the Sixers since 1990, back when Charles Barkley was the Mound Round of Rebound and not yelling about a turtle rat. They're not even sweating any of these games out, having won 9 straight by double digits, the longest such streak in the NBA this season. No one on the team was forced to play more than 28 minutes, a huge bonus considering the Sixers will be right back in action tonight in Detroit.
Facing a 25-win Brooklyn team that only appeared to be going through the motions at this point in the season, there was no shortage of standout performances. Ben Simmons was a victim of the team's success yet again, missing out on a triple-double by sitting out the entire fourth quarter and finishing with 15 points, 12 rebounds, and 6 assists. A silver lining of Embiid being out is that it's chipping away significantly at the "Simmons was only being propped up by Embiid" narrative. The club is still winning, with Simmons leading the way solo, bolstering his case for Rookie of the Year over Donovan Mitchell. I liked Ben's unselfish reasoning for why the award would mean something to him:
Simmons on the ROTY race: "I feel like I would be winning it for Dario and Jo, for their year."
— Kyle Neubeck (@KyleNeubeck) April 4, 2018
Meanwhile, Robert Covington terrorized the Nets defensively, ending his abbreviated evening with 4 steals and 3 blocks. He also knocked down 4 threes for 12 points, as he and J.J. Redick (game-high 19 points on 8-15 shooting) provided Simmons with ample support on the perimeter.
In a blowout contest, easily the most intriguing storyline of the night involved Markelle Fultz. For the first time since his return, we got to see Fultz and Simmons share the court, as the pair played about 3 minutes of game action together in the third quarter, outscoring Brooklyn 11-10. I thought the duo did a good job trading off as lead ball handler, and the offense never seemed bogged down, even with the spacing concerns. I would want to see it against an opponent with a glimmer of interest in playing defense though.
Fultz recorded 10 points and 3 assists on the game, looking the most aggressive we've seen him this season. Time and time again, he attacked the basket like he was John Wick and someone stole his dog. The shooting isn't there (his one free throw attempt was pretty ugly), but Fultz is still finding a way to help the team.
.@MarkelleF gettin' crafty. pic.twitter.com/2bQKCpeLQm
— x – Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) April 4, 2018
As an added bonus, although Cleveland won, Denver was able to take care of business at home against Indiana. The Sixers now have a 1.5-game lead over the Pacers for home court advantage in the first round of the playoffs. Philadelphia will look to avoid a letdown against the Pistons tonight before the huge game against Cleveland Friday, easily the most important game remaining this regular season.
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Aren't these Bollywood stars feeling the Mumbai heat?
From leather jackets to boots, some celebs don't give a hoot about the weather when it comes to dressing up
There's winter and there's the pleasantly cool climate that Mumbaikars choose to call winter. Ask anyone who has braved the cold in north India and you'd get a smirk when you quiz him or her about Mumbai's 'winter'. One doesn't even need to check the weather report to know that in spite of it being the end of November, the city's temperatures have barely dipped. But lovers of cool that we are, we seem to want to celebrate the nip in the air at night (the days still have us breaking into a sweat but we want to ignore that).
What's interesting then is how Bollywood chooses to (pun intended) throw caution to the winds. If some of tinseltown's celeb outings are any indication, our actors seem to be living in a climate bubble of their own, and aren't checking the weather before choosing their attire. What else can possibly explain their decision to tog out in jackets, hooded jackets, trench coats, shawls and boots? There's no doubt that they make for great fashion statements, but it seems they are out of touch with reality.
We bring you some instances where Bollywood has indulged in sartorial blunders, thanks to their love for winter wear.
Full marks for the oversized tote for its functionality, but we don't know what purpose Alia Bhatt's knee-high boots and a leather jacket serve. If she steps out in Mumbai's sweltering heat, she'll know what we are talking about
It's rare to see Abhay Deol without a jacket, coat or waistcoat irrespective of the weather. His girlfriend, Preeti Desai, is no exception. Check out those high boots. Looks like she's off on a hunting trip
Imran Khan is looking dapper but the blazer is again a no-no in Mumbai's weather
Sidharth Malhotra seems to be missing the cool climes of Delhi. Only that could be the reason why he opted to wear a blazer in the city's humid weather
Kalki Koechlin's floral jacket is pretty but out of place. Time to rethink on the practicality of your ensemble, Ms Koechlin?
Soha Ali Khan could have rocked this look with sheer tights, but she took things too far by wearing tights under a skirt and teaming them with boots
Anushka Sharma is showing off her casual, cool avatar, but truth be told, it is an effort down the drain. The boots are clearly unwarranted
It wouldn't be wrong to say that Huma Qureshi's trench coat looks great except that wearing it in our city just doesn't make sense
Ranbir Kapoor loves his leather jackets and caps but this avatar makes it seem like he is in Eskimo land
While we might scoff at our stars for sporting clothes that seem out of place, let's admit that we do ape their style. Here are a few tips from designers on how to look fashionable and yet, stay cool
this season:
>> Fashion designer Delna Poonawalla thinks that one can still opt for layering. She says, "A cotton-printed jacket is great for Mumbai weather. It can be worn with a plain tee or fitted jeans. Metallic or embellished bolero jackets in cool fabrics are a great option for evening wear and can uplift even a simple outfit."
>> One of the accessories that can be sported with flair in Mumbai is scarves. Fashion designer Anjalee Kapoor states, "People should be open to draping scarves in colours such as parrot green, neon or hot pink. One needn't stick to black, blue and grey." Poonawalla also endorses this. She says, "A linen cotton and silk mix would also do; they can be worn by women of all ages. An edgy print, like skulls or a funky animal print, can help make a style statement even when you're conservatively dressed otherwise."
>> A suitable fabric is key in a city like Mumbai. Couturier Nachiket Barve explains, "A light fabric — even a blend — would be ideal. A wool acrylic blend can be sported in a chilly evening. Even neoprene is a good bet."
>> While some of us love the 'Hunterwali' look that boots give, let's admit that we wouldn't be able to wear them for more than half an hour in the city. Don't fret, there are better options. Designer Nisha Sainani tells us, "Instead of boots, girls can wear brogues that look semi-formal and very chic. Flat ballerinas also look great with leggings."
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Nifty Genius - Truman Flap Pocket Plaid Shirt
Nifty Genius
The Truman Flap Pocket Shirt has the same great fit as all Truman shirts, but with a more casual vibe. The Japanese cotton plaid used in this shirt has a super soft hand and pale beachy tones, making it a cool and comfortable style for those lazy days. Featuring two five point flap patch chest pockets, and finished with engraved 4 hole buttons, this shirt offers the highest level of detail, comfort, and quality. Details include an Italian Plum embroidered collar button hole, and select buttons sewn on with contrast Italian Plum thread. Sustainable Ultrasuede® labels and trim add a luxurious visual and tactile aesthetic to every piece.
- Color: Yellow plaid
- Japanese cotton plaid
- Double flap patch chest pockets
- Ultrasuede® labels and trim
Fabric Content:
- 100% Cotton Body & 100% Ultrasuede® Trim
More from this collection


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Welcome to Ebony Office Interiors LLC
It is about the right furniture, for the right person, for the right task . . .
We sincerely hope that you will benefit from the selection of posture and work place furnishing that we offer. We can help you achieve your furniture goals and objectives on time and within budget. Our goal is to provide you with a healthy solution that results in improved productivity.
For more information please select the links on the left ... in our Resource Center.
It is about maintaining and cleaning the furniture to ensure a healthy work environment . . .
Additionally, we strive to assist you in keeping your office environment healthy, safe and productive through our Furniture Conditioning and Furniture Maintenance programs. Our UV cleaning process will rid your office furniture of allergens and other harmful elements that potentially degrade the overall health of your office environment


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Tom Snee, Office of Strategic Communication, 319-384-0010 (office), 319-541-8434 (cell)
Weston book urges new approach to environmental law
Weston book urges new approach to environmental law
Weston book urges new approach to environmental law
Burns Weston, emeritus professor of law at the University of Iowa College of Law, has co-authored a book that urges policy makers to take a new approach to environmental law.
The book, Green Governance: Ecological Survival, Human Rights and the Law of the Commons, calls for a change in how humans relate to the natural environment. Rather than seeing it as its own separate realm, Weston proposes a method of environmental protection based on broader notions of economics and human rights, and on commons-based governance.
The book was co-authored by David Bollier, a senior fellow at the Norman Lear Center at the USC Annenberg School for Communication and co-founder of the Commons Strategy Group. It was published by Cambridge University Press and more information is available at www.cambridge.org/us/knowledge/isbn/item6975799/?site_locale=en_US.


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We Told You So: New Legal Challenge to L.A.'s Latest Billboard Ban Cites Permits Issued For Signs in Defiance of City Attorney's Advice
Three weeks after the City Attorney told City Council members that issuing permits for six off-site advertising signs in downtown's L.A. Live area could jeopardize the no-exceptions sign ban approved by the council in August, a lawsuit in federal court has cited those permits among a number of reasons the ban should be declared unconstitutional.
The challenge comes as part of a lawsuit filed earlier this year seeking to bar the city from forcing the removal of a multi-story supergraphic sign on the historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. The sign was put up last year without a permit by a company called In Plain Sight Media, but the Nov. 5 filing claims the sign has "vested rights" because the company "incurred substantial liabilities and performed substantial work and complied with the City's requirements for issuance of a building permit" prior to the City Council's passage of the sign ban on Aug. 7.
That ban exempted signs if permits had been issued prior to the effective date of the ordinance, and if substantial work on the sign structure had been performed. At the contentious Oct. 23 meeting, members of the City Attorney's staff warned that allowing the signs on the freeway-facing façade of L.A. Live's Regal Cinemas even though permits hadn't been issued before passage of the ordinance could jeopardize the blanket ban on off-site and supergraphic signs. In heated exchanges, a number of council members claimed that they never intended to block off-site signage at that project and others that had previously received entitlements from the City Planning Commission, the Community Redevelopment Agency, and other government agencies.
The court filing cites the Oct. 23 action of the City Council in directing the building department to issue permits for the six signs which have now been installed, advertising such products as Toyota and Coca-Cola. It further states, "… Plaintiff City has already violated equal protection by supporting exceptions to the New Ordinance to allow issuance of building permits for off-site signage for certain projects after the effective date of the New Ordinance prior to a legal determination of whether that project has vested rights to the signage."
Chief Deputy City Attorney William Carter urged the City Council not to issue the permits until a ruling could be obtained from the federal court judge who is handling most of the 20-plus lawsuits involving the city's sign regulations. Carter said he had invited lawyers representing AEG, the owner of L.A. Live, to join city attorneys in a meeting with the judge to discuss the issue, but that they had declined.
At the City Council meeting, AEG president Tim Leiweke complained of threats made by City Attorney Carmen Trutanich, and said he would not "negotiate with a bully." See video clips below of the Carter and Leiweke speaking at the meeting. Also, a clip of the attorney for the company suing the city in the Roosevelt Hotel case telling the City Council at the Aug. 7 meeting why she believes the sign ban is unconstitutional.Dennis Hathaway


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Helps you get everything right for submission
(Don't Forget to bring your documents to be reviewed !)
Intensive one-day workshop 12/13th March 2016
The workshop clearly explains and helps you to understand what the assessors will expect you to do, deliver and know for your final assessment interview. Jon Lever FRICS explain more below :
Benefits of attending the workshop
Understand what the assessors are expecting you to know and have done for each of your technical competencies
Understand how the mandatory competencies will be assessed
Understand how best to prepare for the final assessment
Understand how the final assessment will be structured and what to expect
Gain an appreciation of the Rules of Conduct and Professional Ethics and how they will be assessed
Experience how the assessors will ask competency, knowledge, experience, current affairs and rules of conduct and ethics questions


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Mother Of Twins, Lana Kuykendall, Fights Deadly Flesh-Eating Bacteria
Thirteen hours after giving birth to a healthy set of twins, a South Carolina woman was diagnosed with a rare flesh-eating infection. This is the second case of necrotizing fasciitis to make headlines this month.
On May 8th, just a few hours after being discharged from Emery University Hospital in Atlanta, Lana Kuykendall was admitted in to Greenville Memorial Hospital. According to NBC News, Friend Kayla Moon stated Kuykendall, "was having a lot of pain and noticed a spot on her leg."
Kuykendall's husband, Darren Kuykendall, stated that the 'spot' initially appeared as a red and black bruise about the size of a 3 by 5 index card; however, after a half hour it grew almost a quarter of an inch. Within hours the strange bruise grew to cover the back of her leg. Moon told reporters that, "(Kuykendall) kept getting worse in front of your eyes. She would just get worse and worse and worse. Every minute it was like she was going down."
Initially, the Kuykendall couple rushed to the hospital thinking that the spot was a blood clot. Within an hour Lana Kuykendall was diagnosed with the rare-flesh eating bacteria and was rushed into the surgery room. Kuykendall underwent four surgeries; doctors removed the infected flesh and believe to have stopped the spread of the bacteria with the help of antibiotics. No Limbs had to be removed during this process. Lana is currently in critical, but stable condition.
While it is not known what caused Kuykendall's infection, the case helps illuminate the signs and symptoms that tip of an infection. According to The National Necrotizing Fasciitis Organization, the infection often occurs in an arm or leg after a minor trauma or surgery. The group reports that Strep A is often responsible after minor traumas. However, the Aeromonas hydrophila is also known to trigger the infection, as was the case with Aimee Copeland.
The infection occurs when the bacteria enters the body and emits toxins that destroy the soft tissue, which becomes gangrenous and must be removed immediately. The initial symptoms consist of pain in the area of the trauma, flu-like symptoms, and red, swollen area of skin as well as the appearance of new wounds. If the infection remains untreated the person's blood pressure may decrease and they may go into septic shock.
The recent publicity surrounding Lana Kuykendall and Aimee Copeland has brought light to the deadly nature of necrotizing fasciitis. While typically portrayed in medical dramas, in reality the disease may infect anyone and the death toll is shockingly high. According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, there are about 10,000 to 15,000 cases of necrotizing fasciitis cases per year, with 2,000 to 3,000 deaths. Greater awareness must be brought to the cause as it poses a threat to people everywhere.


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Psychic Sterling Sinclair Auracature Tribute to Sexual Assault Survivors – "We Are Strong" November 14, 2014
Psychic Sterling Sinclair
"We Are Strong"
November 14, 2014
A few days ago, I publicly revealed that I and another student had been sexually assaulted by a teacher in high school. I was touched by the number of people who had kept their assaults quiet over the years. Many people began posting their stories of what happened to them. Some people made it public for the first time. So many of us have been hurt and have kept it buried over time. I dedicate this collection to all sexual assault survivors – past and present – publicly proclaimed or privately held – passed or living.
We are strong.
I send you my love, S


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The Naked 2 Palette: A Review and Comparison
"The most anticipated sequel of the decade. Naked2 has 12 pigment-rich, taupe and greige neutral eyeshadows, including FIVE NEW shades. Our palette proves once again, neutral is anything but boring, (and is downright sexy when worn Naked). Feast your eyes on our shades ranging from pale to deep, matte to sparkly. This collection lets you … Continue reading
New Year – Big Haul! (And Mini Reviews)
Hi guys! So today I'm doing a HUGE collective haul as I've been letting these things pile up over the past month or so. We've got stuff from Sephora, mark., Face Atelier (Haute Look), and Forever21. (I apologize for the delay in posting this video, I was having sign-in issues with Youtube, major FAIL!) Enjoy … Continue reading
Mark. Makeup Haul and Review
Recently, I decided to sign-up to become an Avon and mark. makeup rep to try and see if I could supplement my income. I went back and forth on the idea for a long time before deciding to dive-in. Professional makeup artists and selling makeup don't necessarily go hand-in-hand… I didn't want to feel as if … Continue reading
Review: Urban Decay – The NAKED Palette
"You can look great NAKED! This long, lean, seductive case is packed with TWELVE gorgeous neutrals. Shades range from delicate champagnes to dark, gritty gunmetal, and feature FIVE NEW shades with names like Darkhorse, Virgin and Buck. We've also included a range of textures: everything from glitter to shimmer to matte. The chocolaty velvet case … Continue reading


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Professional Rug & Carpet Cleaning Company Preston HA9
Does your office carpeting look all stained and dull? Probably it's time to replace it, but before you do that why not try out the cleaning services of 1st Carpet Cleaning Limited. which offers professional carpet cleaning for commercial and domestic properties as well to all people and businesses in Preston and the region.
The commercial and residential carpet cleaning services offered include: dry foam, steam carpet cleaning, stain and spot removal, hoovering and deodorizing at by far the most competitive rate. All of this is performed by very well trained and equipped cleaners who use only safe, green and very effective cleaning products and tools.
- Fully covered with insurance service
- Offered 365 days a year
- No deposit for booking, flexible payment options
- Vetted, skilled and friendly cleaners
- 24/7 customer care service
Contact us on 020 3404 5123 or send an online request for a quote right away, you will receive a quick, free and non-obligatory quote in two hours.
About 1st Carpet Cleaning Ltd.
We all know that the common rug cleaning provide you and your family with healthy and bacteria free environment. That`s why we work with the very best and modern methods and cleansing solutions:
- The most effective eco-friendly solutions
- Prochem™ licensed specialists
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If you have questions about our services Contact Us 020 3404 5123 our friendly employees will answer all of your concerns. Take good care of your wellness and your carpets and rugs with our professional services.
The Types of Materials Which Can Be Cleaned
- Acrylic Synthetic, Cotton, Wool
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Types of Rug Which Could Be Deep Cleaned
- Floor mats, Entrance mats, Logo mats
- Rubber mats, Industrial mats, Anti-fatigue mats
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Reserve your carpet cleaning service right now - it is easy, fast and demands no deposit!
Deep Carpet Cleaning Services Offered
The carpet or rug is examined closely and a good hoovering is performed. Any stains are pre-treated with the specified spot and stain removal products. The cleaners can successfully tackle some of the most common unsightly stains, including: oily stains, blood, wine, paint, tea, coffee, rust, vomit stains and moth damage.
Once the pre-treatment is over, the cleaners proceed with the deep carpet cleaning. This professional rug treatment will get rid of all dust, debris and residues and will kill of any germs, dust mites and other harmful microbes residing in your carpet. The types of deep cleaning are either the steam treatment or the gentler dry foam method. The shampoo carpet treatment is done with a professional hot water extraction machine and is a very effective deep cleaning method, but unfortunately is inappropriate for delicate carpets. Additional deodorizing can be done, upon request.
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The nearest tube station serving HA9 Prestonis North Wembley.


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I picked it up on the Friday evening and took it out into central London to set it up and give it a first try. Everyone says how good it feels in the hand, and it really does. Once I'd got used to some of the controls, and customized "My Menu" to have my usual items in there (like battery info) and added crop modes (Image Area) and custom setting A6 to turn on/off frame lines, I felt good to go.
|The Vulcan banks
The Shoreham airshow is not particularly taxing on a modern auto-focusing system, as there are mainly vintage prop aircraft on display, and even my D70 was (mostly) OK with them ☺. Nevertheless, I wanted to try out the new group AF.
The pictures I've put in this post were all taken with the 200-400mm f/4 VR II, except for the monochrome C-47 (24-120mm f/4). All hand held. Just processed through Lightroom 5.6 (except for the banking Vulcan, which had a little additional help from Topaz Clarity). All images were recorded RAW (14-bit NEF, with lossless compression).
|Moody Dakota: B&W with Silver Efex Pro 2
Slightly to my surprise, I found I was using the 1.2 crop a lot. Exiftool tells me that just about 50% of my selects were with the 1.2 crop. About 15% were in DX crop (which I'd expected to use for small aircraft at a distance, but fairly quickly discovered I didn't really need). The remaining 35% were in FX mode, which was great for anything on the ground or that was large and in flight.
Matrix metering seems very sensitive to any sky in the picture. It is clearly trying to protect highlights (good!) but I found myself dialing in more exposure compensation that usual – up to +1.67 stops for flying aircraft (not helped by the bright grey clouds during the afternoon), and the highlights were still not blown.
|F6F takes off. The Group area AF worked perfectly, following the a/c down the runway and not getting distracted by the background.
Focusing worked great. The 200-400 hunted only twice during the whole day (and I'm pretty sure that was due to user error). It locked nicely on to moving subjects and was not distracted by objects in the background. In fact, I don't think I got a single grossly out of focus image all day. Having said that, I was pushing the shutter speeds at some points to see if the extra pixels would be less sparing on my hand holding technique. My keeper rate always falls off precipitously with any camera below 1/100 when panning at about 400mm, but as it happened, I found I could get enough sharp pictures at 1/80 to get nicely blurred backgrounds on take off or landing. So, all good.
I'm still trying to work out the best processing in Lightroom. Camera Standard and Adobe Standard are very different profiles for the D810, and I'm still trying to decide how best to employ them. Lightroom also seems to have an odd interpretation of the White Balance data. I set the camera to 5560K fixed WB. Lightroom interprets this at about 5950K and adds a tint of -4. Not sure what's going on there, but not dissimilar to the way it treats my other Nikon images. Nevertheless, Lightroom handles the NEFs well, without much slowing down relative to D700 images.
I also stitched some panos. The image at the end is a three image stitch from FX (36MP) originals. For this, I exported full size 16-bit Tiffs from Lightroom and used the Batch Stitcher in PTGui. This produced a very good pano with no problem.
|RAF Display Typhon pulls vapour: from a 5 MP crop at ISO 800.
Anyhow, I don't think the pictures in this post will show much that is particularly informative, in the sense that at web resolution, they won't look much different to a D700 shot. However, the Typhoon shot is a 2841x1887px crop. That represents about 1/6 of the image area, so on a D700 would be a roughly 2MP image: that's not really enough to do much with, so that is one extra image I would have missed with the D700. And it was at ISO 800: not too shabby. I don't like cropping images on the D300 either at ISO 800, so a double win for the D810.
Anyhow, the real test is whether or not the prints look good. I'm going to try to get some images sent off for printing this weekend, so I'll post a follow up when I have them back.
|Two Mustangs and a Spitfire await departure. A three image stitch from FX (36MP) originals. Stitched in the PTGui Batch Stitcher, which handled this with no problem.


text: Jason Whatuira-Farrow joins the Drahtcast to talk about owning and breeding Drahthaars in New Zealand. We chat about the incredible abundance of hunting opportunities, VDD-NZ, Jason's Kennel (vom Weidenhain), and some of the issues faced when trying to get dogs to this island nation. I'll leave it at this – If you ever get the chance to go to New Zealand…Go!


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FEA Outsourcing
SV-TRANSEKSPO offers a full range of services in the field of foreign trade and international transport:
- Complete FEA Delivery management – negotiations with FEA suppliers, signing of contracts and transfer of goods to the clients within the Russian Federation
- Development of an optimal route for the delivery of goods
- Search for suppliers
- Preparation of tender documentation
- Collaboration with foreign partners
- Monitoring implementation of (FEA, RF) contract conditions
- Preparation of financial documentation (obtainment of bank guarantees, creation of transaction certificates, letters of credit) for payment of contracts
- Freight forwarding services
- Shipping route cargo tracking, supervision of freight handling, preparation of legal documentation and permits for customs clearance, cargo insurance, delivery of goods to the client's warehouse
- Preparation of documents required for the sale of goods within the Russian Federation
- Professional consultations - tax, customs & currency legislations, registration specifics of foreign trade transactions
We are distinguished by high qualifications, years of experience, informal attitude and individual approach to every client. Specialists of SV-TRANSEKSPO are fluent in several foreign languages, which give us the benefit of ensuring mutual understanding with our clients.
Our experts will assist you with the selection of goods, and provide you with advice on feasibility of the purchase & product competitiveness in the international market.
SV-TRANSEKSPO interacts with more than 200 suppliers from Europe, Australia, North America and Asia, and has extensive experience in delivering various types of products:
- HVAC equipment
- Industrial equipment
- Laundry and dry cleaning equipment
- Kitchen appliances
- Furniture and tableware
- Paintings, decor & design elements
- Hotel and SPA-zone equipment and supplies


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Storage 24 is not a terrible movie. It just isn't very good. It's entertaining enough if you happen to catch it on TV one day, but it's never as scary as it should be. It's still better than what we usually get for horror movies in January.
This has already been out for a while in the U.K., so if anyone has already seen it, tell us what you thought. If you haven't seen it yet, do you plan to? Even just to see Mickey again?
Warning: This trailer contains violent images and language that may not be safe for work.


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Price : Rp. 8.430.000,-
Product Highlights:
- Instant access to six essential sound categories – Piano, E-Piano, Organ, Strings, Brass, and Synth
- 440 impeccably voiced, ready-to-play, sounds created by Korg's renowned programmers
- Korg's latest EDS-i (Enhanced Definition Synthesis – integrated) sound technology
- Create and save up to 20 split and layered "Performances"– on the fly!
- Intuitive front panel layout with dedicated hardware controllers for frequently-used functions
- Nine dedicated knobs provide live control of the master modulation, reverb/delay, and EQ effects
- Free editing software allows the PS60 to run as a plug-in with your host DAW (AU, VST or RTAS)
- Great-feeling, responsive, semi-weighted 61-key Natural Touch keyboard
In designing the PS60, the needs of the on-stage musician remained front and center. Offering dedicated controls, an ample backlit display, and remarkable ease of use, the PS60 is a refreshing change. The intuitive, realtime controls – even the sounds themselves – were created with the performer in mind, and have been optimized for the unique challenges and immediacy of playing live. Lightweight, stylish and portable, the PS60 travels comfortably from home, to rehearsal, to center stage. The portability, ease of use, and hands-on interface make the PS60 the ideal instrument for the vocalist, guitarist, bass player, sax player – anyone who wishes to cover a few keyboard parts while expanding their audio arsenal.
- 61-key natural touch keyboard; Velocity sensing
- Performance, Performance Edit, Program Edit, Global
- EDS-i (Enhanced Definition Synthesis - integrated)
- 120 voices (120 oscillators) max, single mode; 60 voices (60 oscillators) max, double mode * The actual maximum polyphony will vary depending on oscillator settings such as stereo multisamples and velocity crossfading.
- 49 MB (when calculated as 16-bit linear data), 136 multisamples (including 7 stereo)
- User Performances: 20 performances; 15 Preload User Programs: 512 Programs; 440 Preload
- OSC = OSC1 (Single), OSC1+2 (Double): Stereo multisamples are supported; 4 velocity zones per oscillator, with switching, crossfades, and layers. Filters = Four types of filter routing (single, serial, parallel, 24 dB), Two multi-mode filters per voice (low pass, high pass, band pass, band reject Modulation = For each voice, two envelope generators (Filter & Amp); Two LFOs, two key, tracking generators (Filter & Amp); Two AMS mixers, In addition, pitch EG, common LFO, and two common key tracking generators
- 6 main timbres, 6 sub timbres; layer, split, and modifications to the program settings via the Tone parameters
- Allows control of external MIDI devices
- Insert Effects: Five processors, stereo input/output, 63 effect types Master Effects: Two processors, stereo input/output, 4 effect types per processor Effects types EQ: One processor, stereo input/output (3 bands) Effects types: Total of 71 types (select from 63 types for insert effects, 4 types for master effect 1, and four types for master effect 2)
- Modulation: Dynamic modulation, tempo sync delay, LFO
- 383 audition riffs
- Joystick: Joystick, LOCK button (Joystick lock function) Rotary speaker simulator: ORGAN SLOW/FAST button Performances: BANK, 1–5, STORE buttons Performance controls: Timbre selector (Timber ON button x 6, variation buttons x 12), EASY SETUP (6 knobs, EASY SETUP buttons (Volume, Pan, MOD send, REV/DLY send), SPLIT SETTING (SUB OFF/RECALL, LOWER, UPPER buttons), MODULATION (MODULATION button, RATE, DEPTH, FEEDBACK knobs), REVERB/DELAY (REVERB/DELAY button, RATE, DEPTH, FEEDBACK knobs), EQ (BASS, MID, TREBLE knobs)
- Display: 16 character x 2 line LCD (with backlight) Mode: PERFORMANCE EDIT, PROGRAM EDIT, GLOBAL buttons Value Controllers: Value knob, cursor/value UP/DOWN buttons, EXIT button Other: OCTAVE DOWN, UP buttons, TRANSPOSE -, + buttons, VOLUME knob, display contrast
- OUTPUT, L/MONO, R: 6.3 mm monaural phone jack (unbalanced), Output impedance= 1.1kOhm stereo; 550Ohm mono (L/Mono only), Maximum level= +10.0 dBu (Standard), Load impedance 10kOhm or greater Headphones: 3.5 mm stereo mini-phone jack, Output impedance= 33Ohm, Maximum level= 35 + 35 mW @33Ohm load
- DAMPER/PEDAL/SW jack x 1(half-damper supported); PEDAL/SW jack x 1
- 1 USB (TYPE B), USB-MIDI interface
- AC adapter power supply connector (DC 9V 1700mA), POWER switch
- 36.41" x 11.45" x 3.54"
- 10.14 lbs
- AC adapter, Easy start guide, Accessory disc (PS60 Parameter Guide (PDF), Owner's Manual (PDF), PS60 USB-MIDI Setup Guide (PDF), KORG USB-MIDI driver, PS60 Editor/Plug-In Editor etc.)
- XVP-10 Expression/Volume Pedal EXP-2 Foot Controller DS-1H Damper Pedal PS-1 Pedal Switch
- Computer: USB port required (a USB host controller made by Intel is recommended) Operating system: Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition / Professional / x64 Edition Service Pack 3 or later Microsoft Windows Vista Service Pack 2 or later(including 64-bit edition) Microsoft Windows 7 (including 64-bit edition)
- Computer: USB port required Operating system: Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later
- Computer: A computer that meets the operating requirements of Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7, and is equipped with a USB port CPU: Intel Pentium III / 1 GHz or better, Pentium D or Core Duo or better is recommended Memory: 512 MB or more (1 GB or more is recommended) Monitor: 1,024 x 768 pixels, 16-bit color or better Operating system: Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition/Professional Service Pack 3 or later Windows Vista Service Pack 2 or later Windows 7 However, only the standalone version will work on 64-bit editions of Windows 7 and Windows Vista Service Pack 2.
- CPU: Apple G4 800 MHz or better (Intel Mac is supported), G5 or Core Duo or better is recommended Memory: 512 MB or more (1 GB or more is recommended) Monitor: 1,024 x 768 pixels, 32,000 colors or better An Apple Macintosh computer that satisfies the operating requirements of Mac OS X and has a USB port Operating system: Mac OS X version 10.4.11 or later
Windows: VST, RTAS
Macintosh: VST, Audio Unit, RTAS
* PS60 Plug-In Editor must also satisfy the operating requirements of the host application.
Note: It is not possible to start up multiple instances of PS60 Editor or PS60 Plug-In Editor within an operating system. This means that it is not possible to use these editors to edit two or more PS60 units simultaneously.
*Specifications and features are subject to change without notice.
* Apple and Mac are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the US. and other countries.
* Windows7, Windows XP and Windows Vista are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and other counties.
* All other product and company names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.


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The type of music you listen to can make or break your mood. With that in mind, it is important to buy the type of songs that reflect your interests and emotions. Here is five of the best-selling music of the year 2014.
Fifty Shades Of Grey (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Soundtrack to one of the most controversial movies of 2014, the Fifty Shades of Grey album is packed with great music from different genres. Most of the songs have got that love affair-like theme and the beats are sexy and romantic. Some of the most listened to songs included in this album is "I Put a Spell on You" by Annie Lennox, "Love Me Like You Do" by Ellie Goulding, "Crazy in Love" by Beyonce, and "Salted Wound" by Sia. It's a great music to play while you're preparing a dinner for two or while lounging with your special someone.
Thinking Out Loud
Ed Sheeran is one of the most listened to artists right now and "Thinking Out Loud" is one reason why. This ballad co-written by Sheeran is a type of song meant to be played for a wedding because of its witty profession of an undying love. It has topped the charts in several countries around the globe and is considered as a personal favorite by many listeners.
Uptown Funk
Mark Ronson is well-known for his funk music and in the song "Uptown Funk", he once again shows his talent and even got the luck to have Bruno Mars lend his voice. This upbeat song can make anyone dance and feel happy throughout the day. This song has garnered great reviews in different countries.
Shake It Off
This is the lead single released from Taylor Swift's 1989 album, which she announced was going to be pop, not the country pop music she was known for. While some got disappointed that she was changing genres, her song "Shake it Off" was becoming a favorite worldwide. Taylor said it was her way of telling haters that their criticisms do not affect her all.
All About That Bass
When Meghan Trainor released her first single as a music artist, everyone was singing along. The catchy beat and witty lyrics of the song caught the world's attention. The theme of the song is accepting who you are where, regardless if you are thin or fat, which is one of the issues the singers is tackling being a bit on the big side herself.
Currently, these songs can often be heard playing on the radio and in music channels. They are also one of the top songs being downloaded online. What tunes are you listening to at the moment? We would love to hear from you.


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|Rediff India Abroad Home | All the sections
The Rediff Special/ Salman Rushdie
'A creator of brave, brilliant, trapped women'
December 06, 2007
Salman Rushdie has written the new introduction to In Custody, which was later made into a film by Ismail Merchant, starring Shashi Kapoor and Om Puri [Images].
In the introduction, Rushdie talks of how In Custody reveals a new facet to Anita Desai, the writer. He also talks of her undeniable place in the world of literature.
Anita Desai is by now firmly established as the pre-eminent Indian novelist of her generation, and the writing mirrors the woman to a quite remarkable degree. When you first encounter it, the prose seems to whisper, to speak so softly as to risk going unheard, but as you bend your ear to listen, you hear many unexpected notes of wicked comedy, of sharp, even biting perceptions about her fellow men and women, and of a clear-sighted unsentimentality about human nature that is anything but frail. The voice takes hold of the reader, gently, irresistibly, and its strength and clarity soon come to seem like small miracles.
In an age when writers are often clumsily grouped together by ethnic origin, or language, or corralled into the ghettoes of ideology and gender, it is easy to forget the trans-national, trans-lingual, and indeed trans-sexual nature of all great literature, in whose frontierless landscape R K Narayan's Malgudi is in the same neighbourhood as William Faulkner's Yoknapatawpha County and Gabriel Garcia Marquez's Macondo, closer to those places, indeed, than to any place in India; and thanks to the translations commissioned by the Argentine publisher Victoria Ocampo, a generation of Latin American writers was reared on the works of Rabindranath Tagore.
When I think of Anita Desai, I see her most clearly as a figure standing, as an equal, beside Jane Austen, that other great Indian novelist, creator of brave, brilliant women trapped by conservative social mores into becoming mere husband-hunters, women who would be very recognizable to denizens of, for example, the Delhi of Clear Light of Day. And because, while she is wholly Indian, she is also half-European, I think of her in the company of other insider-outsiders such as the white Caribbean novelist Jean Rhys, author of Wide Sargasso Sea, or the half-Sikh, half-Hungarian painter Amrita Sher-Gil. Nor should Anita Desai be placed in exclusively female company. As In Custody makes plain, she has cared as much about, and been shaped as deeply by, the great (male) Urdu poets as by any woman's poems.
Until the publication of In Custody, one might have said that the subject of Anita Desai's fiction was solitude. Her most memorable early creations -- the old woman, Nanda Kaul, in Fire On The Mountain (a novel to which her daughter Kiran's The Inheritance of Loss owes an immense artistic debt), or Bim in Clear Light Of Day -- were isolated, singular figures. Those books themselves felt like private universes, illuminated by their author's perceptiveness, delicacy of language and sharp wit, but remaining, in a sense, as solitary, as separate, as their characters.
In Custody was, therefore, a novel of transformation for its author, a doubly remarkable piece of work because, in this magnificent book, Anita Desai chose to write not of solitude but of friendship, of the perils and responsibilities of joining oneself to others rather than holding oneself apart. And, at the same time, she wrote, for the first time, a very public fiction, shedding the reserve of the earlier books to take on such sensitive themes as the unease of minority communities in modern India, the new imperialism of the Hindi language, and the decay that, now even more than when the book was written, was and is all too tragically evident throughout the fissuring body of Indian society. The courage of the novel is considerable, and so is its prescience. The slow death of my mother tongue, Urdu, is much further advanced than it was 23 years ago, and much that was beautiful in the culture of Old Delhi has slipped away for ever.
The story contrasts the slow death of a false friendship and the painful birth of a true one. Deven, a lover of Urdu poetry who has been obliged to teach Hindi in a small-town college for financial reasons, is bullied by his boyhood chum Muras to go to Delhi and interview the great, ageing Urdu poet Nur Shahjehanabadi for Murad's rather ridiculous magazine. The relationship between the weak, unworldly Deven and the posturing bully Murad seems at first like something out of Narayan. But Narayan's meek characters usually stand for traditional India, while his bullies represent some aspect of the modern world. In Custody has no such allegorical intentions. Murad's appalling behaviour -- he all but ruins Deven while appearing to help, wasting money on a poor tape recorder for the interview, then arranging for an incompetent 'assistant' who completely fouls up the recording, and finally refusing to settle the bills arising from the event -- makes the fine, unsentimental point that our friends are as likely to destroy us as our enemies.
In the film Ismail Merchant made of In Custody, probably his finest effort as a director, the roles of Nur the poet and Deven the acolyte are sensitively played by two great actors, Shashi Kapoor and Om Puri. And yet, the film's casting does in part undermine the novel's vision. Nur's body 'had the density, the compactness of stone. It was large and heavy not on account of obesity or weight, but on account of age and experience,' Anita Desai writes. This was not exactly true of his movie incarnation, Shashi Kapoor, but the beauty of Kapoor's spoken Urdu did much to make up for the physical differences. The biggest problem in the film is that the age gap between Kapoor and Puri is not wide enough. The novel contrasts youth and experience; the film sets greatness against greenness, but by narrowing the generation gap it loses a dimension.
And the novel's emotional heart lies in this relationship. At first the young teacher's dream of the literary giant appears to have come true. Then, superbly, we are shown the great man's feet of clay: Nur beset by pigeons and by other, human, hangers-on; Nur gluttonous, Nur drunk, Nur vomiting on the floor. Here allegory perhaps is intended. 'How can there be Urdu poetry,' the poet asks rhetorically, 'when there is no Urdu language left?' And his decrepitude -- like the derelict condition of the once-grand ancestral home of Deven's fellow-lecturer, the Muslim Siddiqui -- is a figure of the decline of the language and culture for which he stands. The poet's very name, Nur, is ironic. His is a 'light' grown very dim indeed.
Once again, however, the point being made is not allegorical. The beauty of In Custody is that what seems to be a story of inevitable tragedies -- the tragicomedy of Deven's attempt to get his interview being the counterpoint to the more sombre tragedy of Nur's slide towards oblivion -- turns out to be a tale of triumph over these tragedies. At the very end, Deven, beset by crises, hounded by Nur's demands for money (for a cataract operation, for a pilgrimage to Mecca), understands that he has become the 'custodian' both of Nur's friendship and of his poetry,
and that meant he was the custodian of Nur's
Once Deven has understood this, the calamities of his life seem suddenly unimportant. 'He would run to meet them,' and he does.
The high exaltation of such a conclusion is saved from becoming merely lush by Anita Desai's wholly admirable dryness of manner. Her vision is unsparing. Urdu may be dying, and her novel may in part be a lament for that death, but nevertheless in the character of Siddiqui she shows us the worst side of Urdu/ Muslim culture -- its snobbishness, its eternal nostalgia for the lost glory of an early Empire. And, most significantly, we see while Deven may be willing to embrace his responsibilities to Nur, he utterly fails to do likewise with Nur's wife or his own. He feels too threatened by the former even to read her poetry, and is too careless of his own poor Sarla with her faded dreams of 'fan, phone, frigidaire' to build any sort of real relationship with her at all.
That Anita Desai has so brilliantly portrayed the world of male friendship in order to demonstrate how this, too, is a part of the process by which women are excluded from power over their own lives is a final, bitter irony behind what is an anguished, but not at all a bitter book.
Excerpted from In Custody by Anita Desai, with permission from the publishers, Random House India, Rs 295.
The Rediff Specials


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Feb. and March Sourdough Workshops…..
I am looking forward to a new year of workshops, starting soon with sourdough. Already the Feb. sourdough workshop is full.
For my March sourdough workshop go straight to the booking sheet for dates and to add your email address. Click here for more info. on my sourdough workshops.
Amazing value for $45
Why not organise a sourdough workshops for your birthday (or other special celebration), or for someone else's? I am happy to fit in with your required dates. You arrange 7 people to come, and the birthday person (8th) comes for free!
Cultured Butter
Making of French style cultured butter will be included in the February sourdough workshop and future workshops, as long as local Two Cow or Ashgrove cream are available in the 2 litre size.
Makes the most amazing butter. A special treat .
New Season's Everything!
Fresh supplies are flooding in from organic farmers and makers in Tasmania and the rest of Australia to fill my shelves with the freshest possible ingredients. You will never have to check dates on my supplies as I am more passionate about using freshly milled and made ingredients than you are!
GaSP Home Shop open from this Thursday,
January 29th
GaSP home shop opening times:
Thursday afternoons 2pm – 6pm
+ Friday mornings 9am – 12 noon
+ by request
4 Winns Rd., Cygnet
By request means that you are welcome to ring me or send me an email to arrange an alternative time to suit you.
Next Cygnet Market, this Sunday, February 1st
Fresh, stone-milling and your health
Everyone wants to be healthy. My mother is 92 and has been going to the same market for 90 years. She has no ailments at all. I recently went with her, when I was in Adelaide, and could hardly keep up! My brother and niece came too…. 3 generations shopping at the same market; nice. Here she is in this photo, buying organic and local produce only (she has all the answers for why you MUST!) from the Adelaide Central Market.
If you go to the trouble of growing, buying, cooking and eating fresh, organic food, why on earth would you then go and eat grains, flours, nuts and seeds that are not fresh? It all comes down to advertising. It is impossible for supermarkets to have freshly milled goods and fresh nuts and seeds on their shelves so they concentrate on advertising fresh fruit and vegetables and hope you don't care about the.rest.
I only sell flours that are freshly milled. You can be assured that I am not popular with my suppliers for my refusal to accept goods milled months beforehand! I also only sell fresh nuts and seeds and am constantly ordering small amounts to ensure that my customers and I are eating the freshest ingredients possible.
Stone Milling
In the third century B.C., rotary grindstones powered by animals, and small rotary hand mills called querns, replaced stone or wooden mortars and pestles for the grinding of grains. Querns are still used in rural areas of the Middle East, Far East, and parts of Africa.
There are several advantages to stone-ground flour. The endosperm, bran, and germ remain in their natural, original proportions. Because the stones grind slowly, the germ is not exposed to excessive temperatures. Heat causes the fat from the germ portion to oxidize and become rancid and much of the vitamins to be destroyed. Rancidity is carcinogenic.This is one reason that I do not use a vitamix or thermomix, which cut rather than grind the grain and do so at high speed which causes heat.
21st Century Milling
A very sophisticated process is employed for the commercial milling of grain these days. Cleaning is accomplished by means of separators, aspirators, scourers, magnets, and washer-stones. The grain is tempered or conditioned in water to toughen the bran to reduce fragmentation when it is removed, and to obtain a moisture content resulting in particles of the desired size.
During the milling process, steel rollers crush the grain, and the flour released from the endosperm is separated by sifters into different grades or streams, according to fineness. Each of these has different mineral and protein contents, and may be recombined later to form a variety of flours to be sold for diverse baking purposes. The bran and germ, which make up about 28% of the grain, are totally removed in this process. They are used in the production of animal feeds as -well as by pharmaceutical laboratories for making diet supplements. For approximately 20 nutrients, there is an average loss of 70-80% in refined and enriched flour. Its consumption clearly places the body at a disadvantage, casting a burden on the rest of the diet.
Another concern with commercial flour is the possibility that it has been irradiated, which may cause more nutrient losses, the formation of radiolytes, and radioactivity in the food itself. Irradiated grains will not sprout and are devoid of life.
The flours I sell have had none of this processing. They are simply produced by stone-grinding of organic, non-irradiated grains. The 85% light wheat flour and the sifted spelt flour are then simply sifted to remove some of the coarsest bran.
Human Health and Fresh Milling
Only whole grain, stone-ground flour is sure to contain the grain components in their original proportions and to include the germ. The way the stones grind distributes the germ oil evenly and without exposing it to excess heat, so rancidity does not develop as quickly as it would were it ground by steel roller-mills.
Also, most research recommends storing freshly ground flour for no longer than two weeks, because rancidity becomes evident, and many flour components undergo chemical changes, when exposed to oxygen, increased humidity, high temperature, and light, and decreasing their availability to the body. After several months rancidity has caused carcinogenic amounts of rancidity, no matter how well the flour is stored and a reduction of some nutrients of up to 80%.
Home Milling
If you would like to mill your own grains I have access to 2 mills; one a manual, stone mill, with a drill attachment option, the other electric but not a stone mill. You can read about them here. Let me know if you would like to order one and I will get the best price I can for you. I have a hand one which I use to coarsely mill oats for my breakfast.
If you wish to hand grind the grains I sell at my Pantry shop, you are welcome to use it as I have it permanently bolted to a bench in my kitchen. You will get a pleasant workout for your upper body and core muscles while you do it, at no extra charge 🙂
My Favourite Hamburgers (with zucchini)
500gr mince
185 gr grated zuccini
1 small onion , finely chopped
1 tsp soy sauce
1 tsp ginger
1 egg yolk
Mix all together, shape into flat burgers and fry.
Assemble into rolls with mayo, lettuce, tomato and barbecue sauce.
Products and Prices online
You can always find up-date (mostly!!) GaSP products and prices on the products page of the website.


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While the west focuses its energies on the war in Afghanistan, its neighbour and key ally in the war on terror is sliding towards a financial and security breakdown. Pakistan's economy despite experiencing decent growth in recent years is in serious trouble and it has submitted a request to the IMF for emergency funding. Its currency is in free fall, inflation has rocketed and according to Nawaz Sharif, it is going through the worst crisis in its history. Pakistan is a nuclear power and its descent into lawlessness would be a disaster for the rest of the world especially if the heavily armed tribal areas of the north decided to take matters completely into their own hands or openly forged alliances with the Taleban and Al Qai'da militants in the country.
Contrast Pakistan's predicament with India's which despite its religious tensions and social difficulties has economically powered ahead not just of Pakistan but many countries in the west. Its growth forecast has been revised down to a still formidable 7.5% for 2008 and despite facing economic difficulties in recent months; it is still in an envious position compared to Pakistan.
While the unwelcome challenge for Pakistan is to try and stabilise its economy and deal with increased militancy, India faces a different set of challenges such as dealing with the concerns of poverty for many of its citizens and the growing gap between the rich and the poor. Both countries gained their independence at the same time and while India has enjoyed democratic governance, Pakistan has been ruled by military personnel for a large part of its history. It is difficult to predict when and how Pakistan will get out of the current mess but what it must not do is revert to type and return to military rule which would see it fall further behind her more powerful and prosperous neighbour.


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The Mood Game - How to use the player's affective state in a shoot'em up avoiding frustration and boredom
Mensch und Computer 2019 - Tagungsband
In this demo paper, we present a shoot'em up game similar to Space Invaders called the "Mood Game" that incorporates players' affective state into the game mechanics in order to enhance the gaming experience and avoid undesired emotions like frustration and boredom. By tracking emotions through facial expressions combined ...
SentiBooks: Enhancing Audiobooks via Affective Computing and Smart Light Bulbs
Mensch und Computer 2019 - Tagungsband
We present SentiBooks, a smartphone application to enhance the audiobook listening experience via affective computing and smart light bulbs. Users can connect to Philips Hue Light Bulbs with a smartphone app while listening to an audiobook. The app analyzes the emotional expression of the narrator of the audiobook using ...


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I've been bothered by intrusive thoughts lately and they are not your run-of-the-mill brain farts. They're the kind of thoughts that when it crossed you it will make you go ''What the f*ck was that about?'', ''Oh, gross'' or just plain ''No.'' pair that with anxiety and you got yourself one hell of a horror ride.
Fortunately, they do go away, and your logical sense, and maybe even your sense of humor will rise above this distressing thoughts.
Mine started when I was about to go to sleep, I remember that I was feeling pretty tense already and one thought popped into my head ''I think I'm going crazy''. My body immediately responded with an increased heart rate and further anxious thinking about going nuts. I went downstairs to see who I could talk to and expected it to be my brother as he is a night owl. I told him what was happening.
Unfortunately my brother is very skilled at being a douche to me and told me scoffed at me and ignored me. From then on the intrusive thoughts have varied from afraid of bieng Schizophrenic, Suicidal, Incestuous, Murderous, and Ridiculous. Now, I would like to elaborate what triggered them so we can see how what anxiety does to you, how it blows everything out of proportion
The Schizophrenic fear I acquired when I was studying for the Psychometrician Licensure Exam (I passed by the way), and the topics involved abnormal psychology, so there we go.
The Suicidal fear is given, I am aware of my current vulnerability given that I had a history of depression and suicidal ideation.
The Incest fear, I got this when I was watching the movie ''The Dreamers'' which has a semi-incestuous theme, since I was still pissed at my brother for being a douch, I was horrified at the incest and so intrusive thoughts of my incest wth bro ensued. Which is really gross.
The Murderous fear, I had a brief intrusive thought with me wanting to hurt or kill my family, but thinking about it now makes me sad.
The Ridiculous fear, most recently I had the fear of my mom or my family finding out that I don't believe in God. I was afraid that she will blame me for my Panic Anxiety because I don't believe in him and that is the cause of my suffering, that I am being punished for my atheism.
With respect to those with religious beliefs.
I was so scared that I tried to pray but it just made it worse cause believing in a god is just as ridiculous as my fears.
I've known about Schizophrenia before but I only got scared of it now, I've been suicidal before but I only got scared I would do it now, I've known my brother for as long as I remember but I only got scared of incest now. I've entertained the thought of hurting my family when I was angry but I only got scared of it now. I have been an atheist for three years now but I only got scared about it now.
The facts are, I am not a Schizophrenic, I am not suicidal anymore and I want to live, I am not sexually attracted to my brother, I don't want to kill or hurt my family, I love them, and I wouldn't want to hurt them even if I didnt love them, and I dont believe in God.
It's tough having this problem. It helps when I'm able to verbalize these thoughts and feelings, take them apart and separate the me from the anxiety. Of course, that's easier said than done, especially when you are currently experiencing the intrusive thoughts, leading to a panic attack.
The last time this happened to me (a couple or so hours ago) I was drunk with fear, unable to think straight. Trying my hardest to ignore, supress, and laugh off the intrusive, irrational, anxiety-induced thoughts.
It lasted throughout the day and it ended up with my heart rate reaching 121 per minute, I just let the feelings come through and breathed into a paper bag until, gradually, I felt better.
It ends, and I continue living.


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Where to Play Whaddayaknow? Trivia in Chicago
Looking for a Chicago trivia night? Chicago's Whaddayaknow? triva is always FREE to play. With great prizes every week, there is no better way to spend an evening than getting some good food and drink while teaming up with your friends to put all that useless knowledge you have to good use!


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Article from the 2015-04-09, of Sabrina Pflüger
Which currency would you like to shop in at connox.com?
The design scene meets in Milan from the 14th to the 19th of April. Newcomers and established design brands are presenting new trends and products. What can we expect from the design fair and which events shouldn't be missed? Find the answers in our fair-preview.
Tom Dixon knows how to present products timelessly, like no other does. Thereby the manufacturer also knows that design is only good if it is sold.
"The design entrepreneur of today can't only focus on goof design of objects, but he must also concentrate on the communication, the contextualisation and the commercialization of his ides", explained Dixon.
In the event of the Salone del Mobile 2015, one of the internationally most important furniture fairs, the designer Tom Dixon therefore created a temporary presentation room in the abandoned theatre Casa dell'Opera Nazionale Balilla in the heard of Milan, for design novelties to be presented with style.
The new Wingback Chair by Dixon and the Melt lamps are going to be seen there, which emerged in cooperation with the Swedish design trio Front . The lamps are Dixon-typically made of chrome or copper and they can't only be observed on the fair, but bought immediately. Moreover a light show and a vip lounge highlight Tom Dixon's time on the exhibition grounds. We expect high class design and entertainment.
Where: Casa dell'Opera Nazionale Balilla, Via Pietro Mascagni, 6, Milan, 15th until 19th April
The 1955 designed chair HC88 only existed as prototype until today by Hans J. Wegner, it was produced for the first time by Carl Hansen & Søn last year in the event of the 100th birthday of the designer.
The wooden chair which reminds us of bull's horns with its special backrest, appears with new shine. The new colours of the CH88 Collection come from the original colours assortment of Hans J. Wegner, including two schemes: one range of opaque tones in red-brown, orange-red and petrol-green and a second range of classic and timeless tones in white, grey and black. Moreover it is possible to order the frame out of steel or chrome material. The new frames colours manifest the versatility of the CH88 and its value as modern classic piece together.
Where: Hall 05 - Stand D 04
Alessi also has an anniversary to be celebrated. One of the most famous objects of the manufacturer, the Juciy Salif by Philippe Starck celebrates its 25th birthday and it is presented in two special editions: cast aluminium with matt white ceramic coating and in a limited edition of 299 pieces in elegantly cast bronze, in the event of the birthday. The edition in matt white emphasizes the cultural status of the press as timeless classic whereby the bronze edition emphasizes the sculptural and the contrasting which surrounds the Juicy-Salif since it was first presented. The special edition of the classic juice sculpture is presented by Alessi as a new collector's piece to all Starck fans.
The presentation of the special editions is accompanied by a new exhibition in the Milan Flagship-Store, where visitors are invited to celebrate the Juicy Salif and an oversized edition of the juice sculpture.
Where: Milano Flagship Store Alessi, Via Manzoni 14-16
We also expect novelties of the duo Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec , who designed the "Belleville" Collection for Vitra, including versatile chair and table designs. An exciting material mix for inside and outside.
Kartell expands the assortment with eight different room scents for a new "Kartell-Experience".
For those of you who can't get to Milan this time, the pretty fair novelties will soon also be presented in our shop gallery.
Salone Internazionale del Mobile | Euroluce | SaloneUfficio | Salone del Complemento d'Arredo | SaloneSatellite
Article from the 2015-04-09, of Sabrina Pflüger


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eTitle Insurance Agency Offers These Services :
Buy / Sell Transactions
eTitle Insurance Agency facilitates real estate closings for sellers and homebuyers. The identification and elimination of title risks is critical to a successful sale of real estate and the key to avoiding unmarketable title and future claims.
Our role in the sale of real estate usually begins with a title insurance quote or when a property is listed for sale. We help sellers and their agents identify and gather important information like plat maps, restrictive covenants (CCR's), easements and other property information which is used to prepare important seller disclosures, preliminary title report and list the requirements necessary to correctly transfer the legal ownership of the property.
Refinance and Home Equity Loans
Lenders greatly benefit from the insurance and services that Etitle Insurance Agency provides to them. If you are refinancing your home loan to benefit from a lower rate and payment, a shorter term, or to pull cash out for home improvements, your lender will likely require a title company be involved with the closing.
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We provide title information and products to lenders, attorneys, and investors from all 29 counties in the State of Utah. Please contact our foreclosure division to initiate a non-foreclosure proceeding or to obtain other foreclosure information, including pertinent title documents
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Title Report Only
When someone wants to know the condition of title of a specific parcel land without requesting escrow services or a title insurance policy a title report is prepared. The cost for this service varies based on the complexity of the title search and the time it takes to prepare and type the report.


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Wednesday, August 24, 2011
The Plan for Georgia's Heart...
So on Sept 12th she will go in for surgery. Via catheter they are going to try to open up the pulmonary valve some more in hope that it will function better and cause there to be less resistance. I am so glad after a whole year that we finally have some answers and hopefully a soluntion!!! But, at the same time I feel sick to my stomach about anyone doing anything in the heart of my tiny little girl.
Thanks so much for you prayers!
9 comments:
- Susan A said...
halleluyah, I am so glad that it could be the exact problem what is causing all the episodes! ouch poor Georgia about the surgery, I will pray that it goes smoothly and successful and for His hand to be upon the surgeon and Georgia, guided by His wisdom. And peace for mommy too, comfort.
Thank you for keeping us updated.
- August 24, 2011 at 9:59 PM
- Chrissie said...
Praying, praying, praying...and trusting the One that made her :)
- August 24, 2011 at 10:22 PM
- Renee said...
It is good news that they have ound the problem...it is good news that they want to fix it...and it is darn scary to have them work on her heart of course...WIll keep all of you in prayer, Shannon. You are on my daily list along with the prayers of many many others...Jesus loves sweet Georgia and will always do what is best for her. Just look at the family she was given!
- August 25, 2011 at 6:14 AM
- Tara Anderson said...
Praying for ALL of you! I wouldn't like the thought of anyone...no matter how well trained...messing around in my baby's heart either. Though I'm sure that time will come. *Sigh* I'm glad that you were FINALLY able to get a good handle on the situation and it looks like repair is possible, though!
- August 25, 2011 at 6:20 AM
- Valerie and Jeff said...
Sept 12th is SO soon! Oh my! I will be praying for you all and that this would bring relief to Georgia's pain!
So glad that there are some answers and hope for clearer days in the near future. Hugs!
- August 25, 2011 at 6:25 AM
- Melody Lietzau said...
We will be praying for this surgery. I'm praying that when the doctors go in they are stunned with how great things are. The Lord has the power to heal and I pray he does. She is a fighter just like our little heart baby. I know the emotions you will be feeling on that day and the days leading up to the surgery so I will pray for comfort and the Lords peace.
- August 25, 2011 at 1:59 PM
- Cara said...
I'll be praying for miss Georgia!!
- August 25, 2011 at 5:48 PM
- Gretchen said...
Praying for that sweet girl. Praying that this indeed is the answer that you have been looking for.
- August 26, 2011 at 5:14 AM
- TanyaLea said...
It's SO good to finally have an explanation and a plan of action though. But I don't even wanna think about being in your shoes come Sept... I know it's hard. Yet, we KNOW that God will working through those surgeons hands and that they will simply be a vessel that He Himself is working through! Praying His angels guard over her and for God's mighty hedge of protection over that tender little heart! Love you all and KNOW you remain in our prayers!!
(((BIG Hugs!)))
- August 26, 2011 at 9:49 PM


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Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Full Moon Dreamboard: The Full Buck Moon
As you likely know, what I am creating is a brand new website, and the launch is tomorrow! I'm treating it like a big opening night party and I do hope you'll come and celebrate this new venture with me, this new and beautiful home for Wishcasting and for our Full Moon Dreamboards.
As a part of the celebration, I'll be having giveaways and also offering a 1-day only special on Your Creative Spark. I'll post the address on Wednesday, and if you're on my newsletter list, you'll receive an email invitation with all of the details.
May this be a powerful month for us all! May all of your dreams come true.
11 comments:
- Melinda said...
well this month I am focusing on my masculine aspects and my strength, power, MUSCLES! I want to assert myself more in many areas of my life...show my strength and power...(while remaining a woman)and then be ready to receive!
- 7:22 a.m.
- meghan said...
as Jamie wishes for herself, I wish for her also!
I can't wait to see your website - I can't wait to see what ELSE you come up with!!!
LOVE xoxo
- 9:55 a.m.
- Tabitha the KnittingJourneyman said...
My heart is with you in your new enterprise...I cannot wait to see what it is! Good luck, darling. We all know it's going to be a roaring success!
- 11:58 a.m.
- Jenni said...
Excited & happy for you and this gorgeous transition you are in. The image of the elegant, powerful, elephant woman is holding true.
Such great joy to witness dreams coming to life.
- 5:37 p.m.
- Mjfontaine said...
I have been really busy but everything in time. This month I will be focusing on exercise and zen ... calming my mind and body. It is also my birthday month too so that will be quite busy.
I need calm before the crazy period of harvesting and storing comes in the autumn.
- 7:48 p.m.
- Hybrid J said...
Can't wait to see you new website ... :)
- 7:50 p.m.
- Lucy Ladham-Dyment said...
thanks for all your hard work. It is really amazing what people come up with.
- 9:23 p.m.
As Jamie wishes for herself, I wish for her also!
Jamie - your new website ROCKS!!!
It's l:30 am, but I'll be checking it out more thoroughly tomorrow!
Wishing you the best!
- 1:27 a.m.
- Mjfontaine said...
As Jamie wishes I wish for her also....I love the new website very clear, clean and creative. Welll done.
- 7:14 a.m.
- LMA said...
The theme of my dreamboard is letting go of fear. I hope you'll stop by and take a look.
As all of you wish for yourselves, I wish for you also. -- Linnea
- 7:44 a.m.
- Rebekah said...
I do hope everyone gets what they wish for, hope for, and dream of. Also, thank you for my introduction to dreamboards.
Mine's late this month, for which I apologize, but I decided to make it on my birthday and make it for a year instead of doing it on the full moon for just a month.
- 12:05 a.m.


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Dedicated to enduring quality, customer satisfaction, and timeless style, the Hitchcock-Butterfield Company grew out of a retail store operated by J. Frederic and Vera Cohen for more than four decades. This St. Louis, Missouri-based company offers a full range of products that are proudly designed and manufactured here in the USA. With many years of experience on their side, the innovative team at Hitchcock-Butterfield produces stylish, versatile accent pieces to reflect your unique tastes.
Synonymous with style and quality, the Hitchcock-Butterfield Company prides itself on creating mirrors of lasting value. From oval classics with ornate frames, to sleek, contemporary designs, the selection and variety of styles is amazing from Hitchcock-Butterfield.
Best of all, the company is based in Fenton, Missouri, and continues to proudly produce all of its mirrors right here in America. Have a look at our collection of Hitchcock-Butterfield mirrors and enjoy finding just the right accent for your home. Mirrors bring space, depth, and style to any area, and these particular mirrors are always a reflection of your good taste.
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It's nice to know that former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley has managed to keep up with her favorite television programs since stepping into her role as U.N. ambassador for the Trump administration. Much like our commander in chief, the best way to keep tabs on Haley's viewing habits is to check out her Twitter feed. A cursory trip down her social media accounts reveals that Haley has a taste for The Americans, the FX series about Russian spies posing as American travel agents. Only time will tell if Haley is merely a fan of the Cold War drama or doing research on how best to avoid a KGB invasion. —Dustin Waters
© 2020 Charleston City Paper


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Furniture Buying Secrets: How To Shop And Care For Your Furnishings
If you're thinking of getting new pieces of furniture, you need to learn some information before you get started. You need to understand what you are up against. Here is all the help you need. These ideas and insights are sure to benefit you as you look for furniture for your home.
When buying a sofa, look for one first that is built to last over time, then consider the comfort level of it. Springs will support cushions the best. Serpentine springs can work if durably constructed, but the hand-tied, eight-way springs are best. To find out the type of springs a sofa has, remove the cushions from the couch and press on the seat. Good springs are always firm and are also close together.
If you're looking for wood furniture, especially older furniture, inspect more than the outside. Open the drawers, look underneath and check the back too. In many cases, a visual inspection will provide you with a better picture of the condition than the outside surfaces. Many times the wood can tell you how good the furniture is constructed.
When getting furniture for outside, be sure that it's constructed well. Inspect every weld so you're sure that there aren't any welds that are weak. If you find any welds that don't look to strong, stay away from the furniture. Keep looking for outdoor furniture that will last.
Browse in local thrift stores. Maybe you've never ventured into one before, or it's been awhile. However, you can locate some fantastic furniture in these shops. You can often find nice smaller pieces, but once in a while, you may find a sofa that fits your needs.
Think about color choice when buying new furniture. Keep in mind that really bold colors are tough to match. Make sure that your larger furniture items are neutral colors. You can use smaller, less expensive pieces to add color or personality.
Look at the frame of any furniture that you want to buy. You want thicker wood, at least an inch or so. When the board is too thin, the sofa is likely to make squeaking noises. Sit on the couch you like to see if there are noises.
Any furniture you buy should be constructed from strong materials. Since you are making an investment, you will want to get as much out of it as you can. It is not cheap to buy furniture, so find pieces that will outlast the others. Making sure you stick with durable materials like hardwood or metal can ensure your piece lasts a long time.
Figure out when it's the best time to go furniture shopping. Key industry events can influence the best buying times for different types of furniture. Go online to find out more.
Knowledge is crucial when purchasing furniture. Armed with this information, you can now approach the task before you with confidence. Have a great time using this advice and hopefully your purchases will provide you with a great deal of enjoyment.…


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After fixing up the van we enjoyed a 'free day' in Banos. This consisted of a walk to the nearby village to try the highly recommended empanadas and to see the waterfalls.
After, we took a bus into the main town of Banos to find some hot springs which the area is famous for (and named after). However we got distracted by eating ice cream and then every darn place where you could soak up the hot springs was closed! We went home, disappointed, to the van and decided to try the trout farm next door where you fish your own trout and then have it prepared and cooked on site. But would you believe this was closed too! Maybe this was just not our day.
The next day we headed out pretty early and made it to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Cuenca. It's a cool colonial cobblestoned town. We've seen a few of these on our trip! It was a nice place to walk around and Christine even found a shop to try on a dress. No luck still and the search continues.
Peru was in our sights for the next day. This was an uneventful driving day except for the encounter with the Ecuadorian police who stopped us after observing us go over a double yellow line. Now this is after a long long time following many trucks going very slowly and being overtaken by many yahoo's unsafely. We just happened to peak around this truck and saw the truck drivers hand frantically waving us back. However, too late! We were stopped and told by an officers english friend he called on his mobile that we made a "very, very, very, very, very bad infraction". The fine was $150USD to be paid immediately to the officer. Well this did not go over well with us and we stated we had no money but would get some and pay at the police station or bank. He wasn't quite sure what to do and we said we could wait all day if necessary. You could see his little brain working but in the end he couldn't come up with anything and waved us on. No extra Easter money for him!
We got into Peru after a great and easy border crossing despite it being 1.5 hours to complete.
We headed to the beach, and the warmth! We ended up in Mancora staying in the parking garage at a hostal. We were surprised at what a touristy and surfers place it was. Christine enjoyed her first Pisco Sour, Peru's national drink, on the beach.
Chiclayo was our next destination and was a special stop as Christine's parents used to teach there 7 years ago and still had many connections. We met up with their good friend, Gladys, who does great things in the community with Centro Esperanza, an NGO.
She showed us around and then we were treated to lunch at the community Soup Kitchen where they are trying to help with the large problem of poverty and malnutrition of the young school children. Here the mother's volunteer and learn to cook healthy budget friendly meals while helping to feed part of the community.
The mother's and children prepared a great afternoon for us. There was singing and dancing and the highlight for the kids and adults, I think, was the tour of our van, Ginger! They all thought our trip was amazing and never knew it could be done. It was a great and insightful afternoon for us and them! A very worthwhile project.
We enjoyed spending more time with Gladys and her family and were overwhelmed by their hospitality. They hooked us up with a hotel room right downtown, helped us get a safe place for the van, fed us many delicious meals and were just the most wonderful hosts! We didn't want to leave but knew that we needed to stay on target if we wanted to get to Argentina before our time runs out. So we enjoyed one last lunch with Gladys, prepared by her sweet mother, and then hit the road.
We drove a few hours and made it to a beach area just north of Trujillo.
The next day we planned on a long days drive to get us back into the mountains and to the start of our next trek. We ignored the directions given by our GPS, as we could see a much shorter, and obviously quicker, route on the map, so we were taken by surprise when we realized that it was going to take 2 days of driving on our chosen crazy windy switchback road, averaging less than 25km/hr.
We decided at 5pm that the fog was so thick that we needed to find a roadside campsite. Not easy when the road is precariously hanging from the side of a mountain – but we did it.
The town we were headed for is at an elevation of 2,000m, so we were again greatly suprised when our 'shortcut' kept climbing to over 4,300m, and then found the roads even more scary on the descent.
Dave was an awesome driver though!
As we neared the bottom of the descent, and we could see the town in the distance we checked the GPS once again – the town was 7km away, but would take over 25km of roads to get there, it was that windy and switch-backed! We had almost made it to our town when we came to a washed out bridge. After checking out the signposted detour we found that bridge inadequate too.
After a bit of searching and checking with the locals we eventually found another option about 40 minutes away and crossed into the town of Caraz.
Not the quaintest of Peruvian towns but it's a jumping off point for the trek we want to start tomorrow. Wish us luck!


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04/04/2012: Estuary Gaels U13 (Kildysart, Clondegad, Lissycasey & Shannon Gaels) had their first outing last Wednesday in Kilimer and they beat Corca Boscain (Kilkee, Kilimer, O'Curry's & Kilrush). I do not have the breakdown of the score, but they won by 37 points to 19. Representing Kildysart was Luke McGrath, Ryan Casey, Aaron Slobody, Stephen Sheehan, Mikey Donnellan, Seamus Casey and Diarmuid O'Donnell.
Match Reports >