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Support for health plan members and Medicare beneficiaries impacted by COVID-19 ›
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Advisory: Please help us limit exposure. Learn more about COVID-19 and where to go if you have concerns.
By Providence Health Team
The call came in early October. My friend had been admitted to a hospital in Nashville for congestive heart failure. He'd turned 40 only months before – it didn't seem possible.
By all accounts, Dave Tough was in good health. He ran and worked out at the gym on a regular basis, didn't smoke, and drank alcohol in moderation. But I'd known him to be a "workaholic." As an associate professor of audio engineering at Belmont University, composer, and a working musician, Dave rarely let himself rest. Plus, his wife had filed for divorce just months before. Was it possible that stress caused his heart to fail?
When Dave checked into the emergency room, his heart was beating wildly. It wasn't unusual for him to have a fast heartbeat – he'd been feeling anxious for months. But for the two weeks prior to going to the ER, he'd also had shortness of breath, was sweating more, and had gained weight he couldn't seem to shed.
Dave was experiencing the classic symptoms of heart failure, but he didn't believe it. He'd survived non-Hodgkin lymphoma nine years earlier. After chemotherapy, he'd worn a heart monitor for a week. The results showed his heart was healthy.
Providence cardiologist Lori Tam, M.D., says symptoms of heart failure, like the ones Dave experienced, can sneak up. Maybe a 30-minute run on the treadmill starts to feels like a marathon, or lying down to sleep becomes difficult because of shortness of breath.
It's easy to ignore symptoms that cause gradual changes in the body, but Dr. Tam says that's a mistake. "It's important to be aware."
When Dave told me he had heart failure, I assumed that his heart had actually stopped beating. But that wasn't correct. Congestive heart failure is not cardiac arrest, which is when the heart malfunctions and stops.
Dave's heart was beating quickly, but it wasn't pumping well enough to keep up with his body's demand for oxygen-rich blood. A normal heart pumps 50- to 70-percent of the total amount of blood in the left ventricle with each heartbeat.
Dave's heart was only pumping between 10- and 15-percent. His heart was both severely damaged and irreparable. He needed a left ventricular assist device, or LVAD, to help keep his heart pumping, but that would be a temporary fix. For the long-term, Dave needed a new heart.
In some cases, genetics cause abnormal scar tissue in the heart, while some viruses can have a similar affect. Hypothyroidism can cause slow heart rate, a rise in cholesterol, and an increase in fluid around the heart.
Unhealthy lifestyle choices also wreak havoc. Too much alcohol, smoking, and illicit drug use can cause damage to the heart and arteries. Lack of exercise, obesity, and an unhealthy diet – one high in saturated fats, trans fat and cholesterol – have all been linked to heart disease.
It's not clear what caused Dave's heart failure. He wonders if his busy lifestyle contributed. Or maybe he had broken heart syndrome.
Turns out, broken heart syndrome is a real condition.
"Broken heart syndrome is also known as takotsubo cardiomyopathy, or stress cardiomyopathy," Dr. Tam explains. "It's usually a passing form of congestive heart failure. It's often triggered by severe emotional distress that temporarily stuns the heart, and causes decreased heart pumping function and congestive heart failure." As Dr. Tam explains, it tends to have a good prognosis for complete recovery. "Especially if treated with appropriate medications," she adds.
Whatever the cause, Dave believes he brushed aside the signs for too long.
To say Dave is lucky is an understatement. Within a month of being admitted to the hospital, he received a heart transplant. Two weeks later, he was taking walks around his neighborhood.
He tells me he feels like a new man. He can breathe deep and walk up the stairs in his house without stopping. And his heartbeat is returning to a regular pace. He says he's calmer – more "Zen-like." Perhaps it's his new life perspective, or maybe it's because his heart isn't racing anymore. He still has a long way to go in his recovery, but his outlook is overwhelmingly positive.
"If you notice a difference in how much you can do, have shortness of breath or swelling, or experience unexpected weight gain, make sure you see a provider early," says Dr. Tam.
She adds that everyone should try to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including at least 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise, 5 days per week.
"Also, eat a well-balanced diet," she adds, "and especially avoid excessive sodium. It can cause congestive heart failure patients to retain fluid, and will worsen their symptoms."
The most common signs of heart failure include:
If you've noticed these signs, or are worried about your heart, talk to a health care provider right away. It's never too early.


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subset: commoncrawl


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Hey Lovelies!
It's a sad fact: Most people think your days of eating out after weight loss surgery (or just if you're trying to live a healthier lifestyle) are over .Done-zo. Finished.
It doesn't have to be that way!!!
Since I first decided to have WLS back in the beginning of 2011, I was determined to figure out how my old life and my new body could live in harmony.
When it came to the idea of eating out, it never occurred to me that I'd have to stop altogether. I was more worried about the fact that I'd most likely end up wasting mass amounts of food if I ate out frequently. My personal favorite weight loss blogger, Shelly, over at The World According to Eggface is a genius when it comes to what she calls re-purposing her leftovers. I could easily do this, but frankly, I'm a little too lazy!
There are a few simple things to keep in mind when it comes to eating out.
1. Plan your attack!
Technology is amazing! You can check out a restaurants reviews, read a menu, find directions to get there, and so much more. A few minutes before or during the car ride to the restaurant is all you need to set yourself up for sit-in success! I like to use Yelp.com to check out different options in the immediate area, and after finding one that has high reviews and decent prices, I click through to the menu on the link typically provided.
Whether you're keeping it low-carb, low-cal, low-fat, or just treating yourself on your "Reward Day," this is a fabulous resource! See what local connoisseurs highly recommend and adapt it to your needs! Sometimes, I'll find myself craving a burger or tacos…and I'll indulge! I order tacos and dump all the filling in a bowl with my favorite red sauce, and it's heaven. Order a perfect turkey burger and get it wrapped in lettuce or with no bun period. You'd be surprised how much something tastes like heaven, even if you eliminate the part you used to live for!
2. Avoid Fast Food
I totally said it. You gotta understand, even before I had WLS, I couldn't really handle a lot of fast food. Sure, I'd get a craving for Taco Bell and binge my brains out, but I couldn't STAND the way it made me feel! I REFUSE to eat at McDonald's…so you won't find any tips for that here. Luckily, places like Taco Bell have gotten creative and adapted their menus with healthier options, but I still prefer to just keep my distance. If you're in the market for fast food, here are some suggestions from Shelly's blog that I find useful. My personal choices at the "fine dining establishments" are noted in italics next to hers. 🙂
In & Out Burger: "Protein-style"
Single Cheeseburger with grilled onions (Protein style = wrapped in lettuce
instead of a bun)
Taco Bell, Del Taco: Order of Pintos & Cheese/refried beans with a scoop of meat or
chicken added
El Pollo Loco:
Grilled Chicken Breast (single piece – they are huge) or $1 side salad minus
tortilla strips & the $1 Chicken Taco El Carbon. I discard the tortilla and
dump the chicken on the salad. Great meal for $2. I go for the small Chicken Tortilla Soup.
McDonald's: Premium Caesar Salad with Grilled
Chicken, no dressing (ask for salsa packets)
Carl's Jr: Cranberry, Apple, Walnut Grilled
Chicken Salad (ax the walnuts if you are sensitive to sugars they are glazed) or
they will wrap any of their burgers in lettuce. Just ask for the "Lettuce Wrap"
Sbarro: Side of Meatballs
or Sausage with Sauce
Jack in the Box: Denver Breakfast bowl
minus the hashbrowns & white cheese sauce, Southwest Chicken Bowl or
Teriyaki Chicken Bowl minus rice
Subway, Submarina, Quiznos: They will turn any of the subs into salads. Watch the
dressings, ax the croutons/breadsticks/flat breads. I like Quiznos soup
Starbucks: Egg White Whole
Wheat Feta Wrap, Oatmeal, Protein Plate giveaway the date bread, Soy Lattes. I personally go for the Grilled Chicken and Hummus Bento Box, Protein Bento Box, or a fruit and yogurt parfait (the raspberry and peach is REALLY good)
Jamba Juice:
Oatmeal with banana. I typically get a kids sized smoothie from the new kids menu, and a CherryAlmond oatmeal if I am really hungry. Or, I'll go ahead and get a 16oz fruit and veggies smoothie!
Chipotle: Burrito
Bowl minus rice (this will feed an Army)
Baja Fresh: Tortilla Soup (minus tortilla
Chick-fil-A: Chargrilled
& Fruit Salad (newly discovered), Kid's Meal Grilled Chicken Nuggets with
fruit salad and water.
Rubio's: You can have grilled fish on any
of their salads. Ask for dressing on the side or better yet use salsa.
Diners, IHOP, Denny's: Scrambled
Eggs with Cheese is my standard. If they have turkey sausage even better. I typically look for the "lighter side menus" at all these restaurants and get the egg whites or one egg, turkey sausage, and fruit! I fight the urge to order pancakes or hash browns by eating bites of Sean's!
3. Caring is Sharing
It's the simplest trick in my book! Opt for things like your favorite Chinese place in the neighborhood, and share single entrees family style. We are inclined to order so much takeout, but you'd be surprised how much food (unnecessary calorie-laden food) it is! Whether you're housing new, smaller stomach, or just trying to cut back and eat better….sharing is foolproof! Sean and I will get Broccoli and Beef, Won Ton Soup and by the time we finish the soup and the entrée comes, we hardly eat any steamed rice! Ask for options like brown rice or extra veggies to kick your healthy into overdrive, and NEVER, EVER feel like it's tacky to share. It's your money…and it's your stomach! The Chinese restaurant won't pay for your funeral!
Or for those Girls' Nights? Try family style food. I went out with the girls to a Tapas Bar and we shared 3-5 small plates and a pitcher of sangria…and it was perfect! For Alex's Bachelorette party, we went to The Melting Pot, a trendy fondue restaurant and shared a bunch of food. It was just enough for each person without being overwhelming, and we all got to try different menu items.
4. Order from the Kids Menu or Happy Hour Menu
My favorite fast and lazy "I got off work so late and I'm not cooking" meal? A 4 piece chicken nugget kids meal from Chik-fil-A with a fruit cup instead of fries, and a diet lemonade. If I'm really feeling dangerous, I'll order regular lemonade. I know…such a rebel!! You can do this with places like Chipotle, Panera, Noodles and Company, etc. Not only do I have a "fast food" meal that doesn't make me feel all lethargic and disgusting…I spent less money and ate waaaayyyy less calories than I would have would a regular combo or Value Meal. Winning! My other go-to? My friend Katrina and I have monthly Happy Hour dates to catch up, and usually end up at The Elephant Bar! Elephant Bar, Pei Wei, and PF Changs are awesome because they have these healthy and delicious chicken lettuce wraps! Low-cal, low-carb, tons of protein, and enough for two people, and just $5 during Happy Hour!!
The most important thing you can take away with you from any "dining out" experience?
Your leftovers! There was a time where I felt guilty leaving any food on my plate. And I'm not one for leftovers, historically (I've gotten much better in the last 7 or 8 years, now that I pay for groceries!), but I'd rather eat just enough to be satisfied, and take the rest home. Sometimes I give it to a homeless person on the street. Sometimes I let Alex and Josh know they're up for grabs in the fridge. Sometimes I give it to Sean's mom for her lunch at work the next day. It doesn't matter what you do…just don't stuff yourself once you're done eating. It's time we stopped letting food be more than just nourishment! It doesn't need to rule your emotions or comfort you…just needs to sustain you until the next meal!
That's all for now, but I hope I have given you something to work with the next time you head out for a meal on the town!
Sound off! Leave me a comment and tell me what YOUR favorite tip(s) are for eating out when you're trying to eat healthier?
'Til Next Time!


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Matthew Schlomer
Renee Skerik
INTERLOCHEN, Mich.—The Interlochen Arts Academy Band is leading a commissioning consortium of nearly 10 national universities in the creation of a new viola concerto written by famed composer James Syler. The work will premiere in the fall of 2016.
The idea to commission a new work for viola began in 2015, when the Interlochen Arts Academy Band performed Mr. Syler's "Storyville." Afterward, through several discussions on his work and artistic process between Syler, Interlochen Band Director Matthew Schlomer and Syler's longtime friend Renee Skerik, Instructor of Viola at Interlochen, the conversation turned to creating a new concerto expressly for viola.
"I was thrilled with the idea," Schlomer said. "Creating a new work like this is especially exciting for viola and wind ensemble because both are hungry for new repertoire."
Once the idea solidified, Schlomer worked to include as many universities as possible in on the project. "I immediately began contacting colleagues from across the country," he said, "and they were just as fascinated with the concept as I was."
Schlomer and his colleagues formed a consortium to contribute to the commission. As a part of the consortium, each university will have one year to perform the work following Interlochen's premiere. Some of the schools involved include University of Georgia, University of Wisconsin, University of North Carolina-Greensboro, University of Texas at San Antonio, University of Texas, Kingsley, and the University of North Carolina. Other schools are currently in negotiation to join the group.
Skerik is eager to perform the commissioned work by her friend Syler. In comparison with many existing works for viola, the new concerto is to be much more considerable and significant in its size and complexity. "Composing new works is essential for a living art form to flourish," said Skerik, "and this will be a substantial work, roughly 15 minutes in length. I am beyond thrilled to be a part of this project with Jim and Matt. This concerto, without a doubt, will be a wonderful and important addition to the viola concerto repertoire."
In addition to providing new repertoire for the musical landscape, this collaboration has great value to Interlochen itself. "This commission puts Interlochen on the map as an institution at the forefront of the artistic community," Schlomer said. "This will be an important piece in the wind ensemble repertoire and for solo viola repertoire."
James Syler's compositions have been noted for their lyricism and drama, and have included orchestral, wind ensemble, choral and chamber forms. His works have been said to communicate and resonate with diverse audiences.
"It is an honor to be working with Mr. Syler and Ms. Skerik on a project that will expand the wind ensemble and viola repertoire in a profound way," Schlomer said. "I am eager to discover what Mr. Syler creates this summer."


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make a mountain
make a mountainand pitch a tent
n. to have a morning erection that raises the covers; to have an erection that makes a bulge in one's clothing; to get an erection. Bobby makes a mountain almost every morning. When I was in the hospital, I was afraid I would pitch a tent in the morning.


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On behalf of the International Christian Assembly of God, Schiller Park, Illinois we welcome you to our website specially prepared to provide guidance for your spiritual growth.
Our God is a God of mercy and everlasting love. God has a good plan for you.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
He will never leave you nor will he ever forsake you. Stop fretting and start trusting, stay delighted and stand firm. He will grant you the desires of your heart.
Once again, thank you for taking the time to visit us online.
Malayalam Service - 9:30 am to 11:15 am
English Service - 11:15 am to 12:30 pm


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Soufriere ExperienceCastries St. Lucia
Board your speedboat on the beach and cruise down the west coast of the island to Soufriere before heading further south to Anse L'Irvogne. Along the way you'll be able to marvel at the majestic twin peaks of the Pitons, a UNESCO world heritage site, before docking at the Soufriere Harbor. Then we'll switch up the transportation and start a relaxing drive through Soufriere to the famous drive in volcano. Here you can take a therapeutic dip in the mineral mud bath before heading to the Toraille Waterfall . Enjoy a freshly prepared creole buffet lunch before returning to the boat for the homeward journey; we'll make a quick stop at Anse Cochon for snorkeling and swimming on the way, before a final stop at the beautiful Marigot Bay.
Tour Highlights
- Capturing views of Gros & Petite Piton
- Taking a dip into the mud bath
- Cooling off in a relaxing dip at the Toraille Waterfall
- Snorkelling off the coast of Anse Cochon
- Visiting the beautiful Marigot Bay
- Read about some of our top tours in St. Lucia
Important Information
- Confirmation will be sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability and minimum tour requirements
- Tour duration is not inclusive of travel time to tour location
- All tours are weather permitting
- Age & Weight restrictions may apply
- Need More Information? Check our FAQs and Terms of Usage
6:30 hours approx.
Minimum Age: 18 year(s)
Days of Operation & Tour Time(s):
Monday:09:00 AM
Tuesday:09:00 AM
Wednesday:09:00 AM
Thursday:09:00 AM
Friday:09:00 AM
Sunday:09:00 AM
What to Bring:
- Change of Clothes
- Towel
- Cash
- Sunscreen
- Water Shoes
- Insect Repellent
Additional Information
- Not accessible for the physically challenged


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Gall Bladder Removal Surgery
Cholecystectomy is commonly performed to treat the gallstones that cause pain and inflammation in the gallbladder, pancreas, and bile ducts, due to the blockage in the flow of bile. We at AB Hospitals have specialized doctors to perform the surgery effectively and that too at an affordable price.
Gallbladder Removal Surgery is usually recommended in the following conditions:
Gallstones in the gallbladder
Gallstones in the bile duct
Inflammation of the gallbladder
Inflammation of the pancreas
Frequently Asked Questions
What are gallstones?
Gallstones are hard particles that develop in the gallbladder, which is a small organ located below the liver. Gallstones range in size, from a grain of sand to a golf ball. The gallstones in the gallbladder may be either small or large.
What are the types of gallstones?
There are two types of gallstones, which include:
Cholesterol stones: These stones are yellowish green in color. This is the most common type of gallstone, accounting for about 80% of the gallstones.
Pigment stone: These stones are smaller when compared to cholesterol stones and are also darker in color. It is made up of bilirubin.
What are the symptoms of gallstones?
The gallstones are formed due to an imbalance in the production of bile or cholesterol. Excess production of either cholesterol or bilirubin or low production of bile salts may cause the formation of gallstones.
Also, gallstones may be formed when the gallbladder fails to empty the bile present in it as the accumulation of bile in the gallbladder may increase the bile concentration which causes theformation of stones.
What causes gallstones?
There are two types of gallstones. They are symptomatic gallstones and asymptomatic
Symptomatic Gallstones
The most common symptom of gallstones is pain that is experienced in the upper right portion of the abdomen. The person may develop pain when foods rich in fat, such as fried foods are consumed.
There are also a few other symptoms people with gall stones may experience. They are: Vomiting, Nausea, Indigestion,Diarrhea, Burping, Dark colored urine, Clay colored fecal matter, Abdominal pain
The above mentioned symptoms are also known as biliary colic.
Asymptomatic Gallstones
In some cases, the gallstones do not cause any pain. The pain occurs only when the gallstones block the flow of bile from the gallbladder. In such cases, the gallstones are discovered while performing an x-ray or during an abdominal surgery.
What is a Cholecystectomy?
Cholecystectomy is a surgical procedure performed for the removal of gallbladder. We have the best surgeons to perform the gallbladder removal surgery at our centre in Gurgaon at an affordable price.
How long does it take for the patient to recover from a cholecystectomy?
In a laparoscopic surgery for removal of gallbladder, the patient is discharged the same day and it takes about 10 days for the person to completely recover.
Do all insurances cover cholecystectomy?
Yes, all insurances cover cholecystectomy.
How is the AB Hospital Surgery Center different from other specialty, sub-specialty and super-specialty hospitals?
It is technically advanced than other surgical centers.
AB offer high quality care with well-defined SOPs.
At AB Hospitals, surgeries done are at a low cost.
At AB hospital, the hospitalization days are less as compared to other hospitals.
AB Hospitals offer paperless services which helps to ascertain unmatchable services without the need of personal intervention of medical staff.
AB hospital offers fixed costs for every surgery, taking care of all the costs incurred during your procedure.


text: What do I do if my kids are stressed? Kary Valdes works with children to help them manage their stress and worry. She has over 20 years experience working and educating children on ways to have mastery and control over their stress and worry. Kary sees clients in Nashville, TN and surrounding areas. www.ParentTalkWithKary.com


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November 8, 2018, All Day
November 8, 2018, 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM @ Deer Creek Elementary
No appointment needed. We accept most insurances. With insurance the shot is covered at 100%...there is no copay. If you are not covered by insurance please call 719-836-4161 as there are other options. No one is turned away.


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That said, I'm looking to take a few commissions for next weekend's WizardWorld Austin convention. I'm thinking I'll take 15-20 of them. I've never taken pre-orders before, but I figure I'd give it a shot. Details below!
The Art: 9x12, pencil, inks and watercolor (occasionally gouache).
The Price: $100 for busts/headshot of one character, $150 for full figure one character.
The Pickup: Sunday, Oct. 28, last day of the con. If you need it earlier, we can talk about it.
For Requests: Email email@example.com, and I'll be getting back to you before the con. I'll need the following info in the email....
Your Name: (Obviously.)
Character Request: (If you say "Something CHEW-related" or "Whatever ya want!", I will love you. FOREVER.)
Cell #: (So I can reach you at the show for pickup.)
For these pre-orders, I'm asking that payments are made through PayPal prior to the show. I may take more commissions at the show, if I get done with these early.
Below are examples of commissions from recent shows.
So yeah, if you're interested, hit me up. If this works out, I'll probably do it for all future shows.
OH, and I dunno if I've ever mentioned it here, but if anyone's interested in buying original CHEW art, hit RobGuilloryStore.com. It's just that easy. TONS of stuff from previous issues there.


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Mickey Lamantia "ml750"
Mickey Lamantia is an American Country Singer/Songwriter from Cranston, Rhode Island. His style of music falls within the subgenre of Outlaw Country and he is considered a traditional country purist both lyrically and musically. He has been a Rhode Island state correctional officer for 20 years and has two children with his wife, Amanda. He is the youngest of five children and is known for using his perspective as a prison guard to pen many of his songs. Coming from bluecollar, Christian roots, Lamantia's father worked heavy equipment construction and while his mother opted to sty home with the children, not working until they were older.
Mickey knew early on he wanted to be a musician. His parents listened to Loretta Lynn, George Jones, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash and Boxcar Willie. His uncle, Leroy, played in Honkey Tonks around New England and Lamantia would be invited to sit in sometimes as a teenager. In 1992, he was heard singing a Randy Travis song at a karaoke bar and was asked to open four shows in New England for Willie Nelson at just 22 years of age.
In 2015, Lamantia began hosting one of the first shows on the monster site, Facebook, entitled Whiskey Wednesdays. The show is sponsored by Sons of Liberty Whiskey Co., and averages 10,000 to 20,000 views each week. Lamantia is an efficient user of social media to promote his work, often doing spontaneous videos or halftime shows on his page during football games. His most recent album, Every Bad Habit debuted at #10 on the ITunes Album Chart, a phenomenal feat for an independent artist. In 2017, Lamantia opened for Mickey Gilley at The Cowboy Palace in Nashville. He also played The Tumbleweed music festival in Kansas City with country legends Billy Joe Shaver and Jamey Johnson.
by Bylle Breaux firstname.lastname@example.com


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|Золото и серебро - на взгляд поэта, железо и хлеб - на взгляд философа - вот что цивилизовало людей и погубило человеческий род. - Ж.-Ж. Руссо
RFE/RL NEWSLINE Vol 3, No. 56, Part II, 22 March 1999
________________________________________________________ RFE/RL NEWSLINE Vol 3, No. 56, Part II, 22 March 1999 A daily report of developments in Eastern and Southeastern Europe, Russia, the Caucasus and Central Asia prepared by the staff of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. This is Part II, a compilation of news concerning Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe. Part I covers Russia, Transcaucasia and Central Asia and is distributed simultaneously as a second document. Back issues of RFE/RL NewsLine and the OMRI Daily Digest are online at RFE/RL's Web site: http://www.rferl.org/newsline xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Headlines, Part II * LUKASHENKA SAYS GOVERNMENT CANNOT HALT PRICE HIKES * MILOSEVIC TO MEET WITH HOLBROOKE * SERBIAN FORCES LAUNCH MAJOR OFFENSIVE End Note: A DISASTER THAT DIDN'T HAPPEN xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx EAST-CENTRAL EUROPE KUCHMA URGES DEMOCRATIC FORCES TO UNITE... Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma addressed the nationwide forum of democratic forces Zlahoda [Concord] in Kyiv on 19 March, urging those formations to unite in order to support Ukraine's independent statehood and economic reforms. "All of us must make a choice between statehood and amorphousness, between reforms and a retreat [from them], between democracy and anarchy or totalitarianism," the 20 March "Uryadovyy kuryer" quoted him as saying. The initiative to form Zlahoda came from Prime Minister Valeriy Pustovoytenko in an attempt to enlist wider support for Kuchma's re-election bid (see "RFE/RL Newsline," 19 January 1999). JM ...MEETS WITH ISRAEL'S NETANYAHU. The Ukrainian president met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Kyiv on 21 March to discuss bilateral relations. "Ukraine supports Israeli efforts in the peaceful settlement of the Palestinian problem," Kuchma commented after the meeting. Kuchma added that Ukraine needs Israeli investments, while Netanyahu confirmed the interest of Israeli businessmen in investing in Ukraine's large enterprises. JM UKRAINE RATIFIES NUCLEAR COOPERATION DEAL WITH U.S. The Supreme Council on 19 March ratified an agreement with the U.S. on civilian cooperation in nuclear energy. The 1998 agreement will allow Ukraine to import U.S. nuclear materials and much-needed technology to revamp its nuclear industry. It was signed after Ukraine pledged to give up building turbines for Iran's nuclear power plant in Bushehr. JM LUKASHENKA SAYS GOVERNMENT CANNOT HALT PRICE HIKES. "Owing to various objective reasons, the authorities cannot put a stop to price increases in the country," Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka told a cabinet meeting on 19 March. He explained that price hikes are largely caused by inflation in "neighboring countries" from which Belarus buys raw materials for domestic production. He also blamed the hikes on "enormous charges" by some Belarusian "monopolist" producers as well as by trade intermediaries. "There are ridiculous [instances] of selling Belarusian products on the domestic market at prices higher than those for exports," Belarusian Television quoted Lukashenka as saying. JM OSCE MINSK MISSION DENIES PROPOSING TALKS BETWEEN AUTHORITIES, OPPOSITION. Hanspeter Kleiner, deputy head of the OSCE Minsk group, has denied that his mission proposed talks between President Alyaksandr Lukashenka and four opposition figures, as some Belarusian media reported last week (see "RFE/RL Newsline," 18 March 1999). JM ESTONIA'S LAAR NAMED PREMIER-DESIGNATE. As widely expected, President Lennart Meri has nominated Mart Laar, chairman of the Fatherland Union and former prime minister, to form the next government, Baltic agencies reported on 19 March. Earlier, the right-wing alliance of the Fatherland Union, the Moderates, and the Reform Party, which have a total of 53 seats in the 101-strong parliament, had selected Laar as their choice for premier. The 38-year-old Laar, who was prime minister from 1992-1994, is credited with having put Estonia on the road to economic reform. He was removed from office in a no confidence vote amid accusations that, among other things, he had lied about the sale of rubles to Chechnya. He later admitted to that lie, saying he had been afraid the withdrawal of Russian troops from Estonia might have been delayed had the rubles deal come to light. JC LATVIA'S JEWS ANGRY AT SYNAGOGUE BOMBING INSINUATION. Leaders of Latvia's Jewish community responded angrily to Director of the Office for the Protection of the Constitution Lainis Kamaldins's suggestion that Latvian Jews may have been involved in the 1998 bombing of their Riga synagogue. Kamaldins told BNS on 18 March that there were several leads in the investigation into the bombing, one of which "lead to believe that the Jewish community itself was involved in organizing the blast." Jewish leaders denounced Kamaldins's statement as unsubstantiated. Kamaldins, whose term in office ends next month, later issued a statement saying his office has no information suggesting that any member of Latvia's Jewish community was involved in the organization or realization of the bombing, "Diena" reported on 19 March. Parliamentary speaker Janis Straume of the rightist Fatherland and Freedom party rejected calls for Kamaldins's resignation, saying his statements did not "considerably harm" Latvia's interests or its international image. JC RUSSIA EXPRESSES CONCERN OVER DESECRATED SOVIET SOLDIERS' GRAVES IN LITHUANIA. The Russian Embassy in Vilnius has voiced its concern over "recurrent acts of vandalism against the graves of former Soviet servicemen in Lithuania," BNS reported on 19 March. In a note to the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry, the embassy drew attention to the desecration of Soviet soldiers' graves in the town of Kruopiai, in northern Lithuania, one week earlier. Vandals removed two plaques from a memorial and overturned some 40 tombstones. The embassy urged the Lithuanian authorities to punish those responsible. JC POLISH FARMERS PROTEST GOVERNMENT AGRICULTURAL POLICIES. Some 30,000 farmers rallied in Warsaw on 21 March to demand higher prices for farm produce, larger government subsidies for agriculture, and limits on food imports, Polish media reported. Peasant Party (PSL) leader Jaroslaw Kalinowski called for a "Pact for the Countryside" that would lay down an agricultural policy to be pursued irrespective of which parties are in power. The demonstrators said government agricultural policies are "destroying Polish villages and agriculture." They also demanded the ouster of liberal Finance Minister Leszek Balcerowicz, whom farmers blame for their plight. Balcerowicz said the previous day the agricultural sector is suffering on account of insufficient privatization, largely thanks to the PSL. "The smaller the PSL's influence in the countryside, the better for the fortunes of residents in those areas," PAP quoted Balcerowicz as saying. JM POLAND REDUCES MILITARY SERVICE TO 12 MONTHS. The parliament on 19 March passed a law shortening the compulsory military service term from 15 months to 12 months. At the same time, the law made it more difficult to avoid military service. Students exempted from service will have to prove regularly that they are still studying, while the sole providers for families and farmers who run their own farms will no longer be automatically exempt, as is the case now. JM HAVEL SUPPORTS REFERENDUM ON EU MEMBERSHIP. President Vaclav Havel on 19 March said he supports the idea of holding a referendum on the country's joining the EU. Havel was responding to a statement by Vaclav Klaus, chairman of the opposition Civic Democratic Party (ODS), who noted that the ODS will support such a referendum but is "categorically opposed" to the government's intention to place European legislation above that of the Czech Republic and to delete the constitutional provision saying the country is "a sovereign state." Premier Milos Zeman said his Social Democratic Party (CSSD) supports both a referendum and amending the constitution to give EU law precedence over Czech law. The possibility of deleting the "sovereignty provision" from the basic law was recently mentioned by Deputy Premier Pavel Rychetsky. CTK reported. MS CZECH MINISTER WILL NOT SEEK RE-ELECTION TO PARTY POST. Finance Minister Ivo Svoboda on 20 March said he will not seek re-election as CSSD deputy chairman in charge of the party's financial affairs at the party's April national congress, CTK and Reuters reported. Svoboda, who said he is leaving for "personal reasons," has been linked by the media to improper financial activities both within the CSSD and in connection with his membership on the board of a loss-making company in northern Bohemia. Premier Zeman told Czech Radio that Svoboda still has his full support and will remain in the cabinet as finance minister. MS SLOVAK PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS TO BE HELD IN MAY. Parliamentary chairman Jozef Migas on 19 March announced that Slovakia's direct presidential elections will be held on 15 May. Candidates must be nominated by 9 April, AP reported. Parliamentary spokeswoman Elena Zatkova told Reuters that a run-off will be held on 29 May if no candidate wins more than 50 percent in the first round. In other news, Christian Democratic Movement (KDH) leader Jan Carnogursky told journalists on 20 March that the KDH Council has rejected a proposal that the party unite with the other four members of the ruling Slovak Democratic Coalition (SDK). Carnogursky said the electoral law must be changed to allow party alliances and the SDK must become an alliance of independent political formations, CTK reported. MS SOUTHEASTERN EUROPE MILOSEVIC TO MEET WITH HOLBROOKE... U.S. special envoy Richard Holbrooke discussed the Kosova crisis with NATO Secretary-General Javier Solana, British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook, French Foreign Minister Hubert Vedrine, and German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer in Brussels on 22 March. Holbrooke is slated to meet Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic in Belgrade later that day. On 21 March in Washington, Secretary of State Madeleine Albright said "Holbrooke will emphasize to President Milosevic that NATO airstrikes against [Serbian targets] are being prepared. [The envoy] will make clear that Milosevic faces a stark choice: to halt aggression against the Kosovar Albanians and accept an interim settlement with a NATO-led implementation force or bear the full responsibility of NATO military action." PM ...RECEIVES WARNING FROM WESTERN LEADERS. President Bill Clinton said in Washington on 19 March that "if we and our allies do not have the will to act, there will be more massacres. In dealing with aggressors in the Balkans, hesitation is a license to kill. But action and resolve can stop armies and save lives." Over the weekend, Cook, German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, U.S. National Security Adviser Sandy Berger, and several other Western leaders publicly warned Milosevic that time is rapidly running out for him to accept the Rambouillet accords. Unnamed NATO officials said in Brussels on 21 March that the alliance will be able to launch air strikes against Serbia "within hours" of NATO leaders' deciding to do so. Italian Foreign Minister Lamberto Dini added the same day that matters will "come to an end" by 23 March. PM SERBIA PREPARES FOR WAR... General Nebojsa Pavkovic, who commands the Third Army in the region that includes Kosova, inspected border defense units and anti-aircraft batteries on 21 March, RFE/RL's South Slavic Service reported. He stressed that the military are taking "all possible measures to prevent foreign troops from entering our territory." Broadcasts on state-run television also emphasized that the military are prepared for any eventuality. PM ...BUT MONTENEGRO WANTS NO PART OF IT. Meanwhile, President Milo Djukanovic told a political rally in Podgorica on 19 March that Milosevic is prepared "to go to the end" over Kosova in order to preserve his power, RFE/RL's South Slavic Service reported. Djukanovic added that Milosevic has "usurped control" over all key federal institutions, including the army. The Montenegrin president called on Montenegrin officers not to take part in a conflict on Milosevic's behalf and stressed that only a truly Yugoslav army is welcome on Montenegrin territory. PM OSCE WITHDRAWS MONITORS FROM KOSOVA. Some 1,400 OSCE civilian monitors left Kosova on 20 March. Serbian border police invalidated their visas as they left. The previous day, Norwegian Foreign Minister Knut Vollebaek, who currently holds the rotating OSCE chair, had announced in Oslo that the monitors would leave Yugoslavia immediately. PM SERBIAN FORCES LAUNCH MAJOR OFFENSIVE. Following the departure of the monitors on 20 March, Serbian forces launched an offensive in the Mitrovica, Vushtrri, and Drenica regions to the west of Prishtina. "Serbs in white coveralls and black ski masks drove thousands" of Kosovar civilians from Skenderaj "in a classic ethnic- cleansing operation not seen since the Bosnian war," Reuters reported. A grinning Serbian soldier said to journalists: "See what we're doing? When are the Americans coming?" Elsewhere, Serbian forces closed to civilian traffic the road connecting Prishtina and Podujeva. On 21 March, Serbian sources said that unidentified persons shot dead four Serbian policemen in Prishtina. Following the reported killings, Serbian forces set up checkpoints on roads leading into and out of the provincial capital. One unidentified Serb told the news agency: "If [armed conflict] is starting in Prishtina, it's going to be very dangerous for everyone." PM ALBANIA WANTS NATO HELP AFTER BORDER INCIDENT. Foreign Minister Paskal Milo on 21 March asked the Tirana ambassadors of NATO countries to give "immediate support to improve our military infrastructure and our ability to handle any humanitarian emergency." He demanded an urgent meeting of the NATO Council and Albanian diplomats, AP reported. Milo also urged international organizations such as the OSCE to "increase the number of their monitors on our northern border so that there are eyewitnesses in case of further Serb provocations." His appeal came one day after a reported gun battle between Albanian forces and about 30 Yugoslav soldiers who had entered Albanian territory at Lugu i Zi, near Tropoja. The exchange lasted at least 50 minutes, "Shekulli" reported. FS UCK LEADERS CALL FOR NATO ACTION... In Tirana on 20 March, several leaders of the Kosova Liberation Army's (UCK) delegation to the Paris peace talks called for swift NATO action against Yugoslavia. UCK spokesman Jakup Krasniqi said that Serbian forces have mounted a large-scale offensive against ethnic Albanian civilians with the aim of driving them from Kosova. He added that "today, the whole of Kosova is at war. This fighting that follows our signing of the final agreement obliges the international community and NATO to intervene against this fascist and barbaric machine," Reuters reported. The following day a delegation member told the Kosova Information Center that the UCK leaders will delay a planned visit to the U.S. because of the "grave situation" in Kosova. FS ...BUT HAVE DIFFICULTIES GOING HOME. Following the collapse of peace talks in Paris on 19 March, the UCK leaders traveled to Tirana with the rest of the ethnic Albanian delegation. Delegation member Rame Buja told Reuters that the UCK representatives do not feel that it is safe for them to return to Kosova after the withdrawal of OSCE monitors. Serbian authorities have issued arrest warrants against most of the UCK members in the delegation. Buja, however, stressed that the UCK leaders plan to go home at a later point. Non-UCK members of the delegation continued on to Skopje. FS MACEDONIAN MINISTER SAYS NO ATTACKS FROM HIS COUNTRY. Foreign Minister Aleksandar Dimitrov said in Skopje on 21 March that his government will "not allow a [NATO] attack to be conducted from Macedonia. We don't want to see the conflict spread into our territory," AP quoted him as saying. Elsewhere, Deputy Foreign Minister Boris Trajkovski said that a "unit" of Yugoslav soldiers crossed into Macedonia the previous day. Although Macedonian soldiers told them to leave immediately, the Yugoslavs did not do so until "several hours" later. Officials of the Macedonian Foreign Ministry then summoned the Yugoslav ambassador over the incident, but he refused to accept Skopje's official protest, RFE/RL's South Slavic Service reported. PM WILL THE HAGUE TRIBUNAL INDICT CROATIAN GENERALS? Unnamed employees or former employees of the Hague-based war crimes tribunal told "The New York Times" of 21 March that the court has prepared a 150-page study of Croatia's Operation Storm in the Krajina region in the late summer of 1995. The study reportedly concludes that "during and in the 100 days following the military offensive, at least 150 Serb civilians were summarily executed, and many hundreds disappeared." The report adds that Generals Mirko Norac, Ante Gotovina, and Ivan Cermak may be indicted in the future for their involvement in "ethnic cleansing." Court spokesmen told the daily that the tribunal is investigating the source of the leak. PM BOSNIAN SERB POLITICAL CONFUSION CONTINUES. Officials of the Bosnian Serb branch of the Serbian Radical Party said in Banja Luka on 20 March that Prime Minister Milorad Dodik had "no authority" to state in Vienna the previous day that the Bosnian Serbs will accept international mediator Roberts Owen's decision on Brcko (see "RFE/RL Newsline," 16 March 1999). PM BALKAN FOREIGN MINISTERS URGE BELGRADE TO SIGN PEACE DEAL. After meeting in Bucharest on 19 March, the foreign ministers of Bulgaria, Greece, Macedonia, Romania, and Turkey issued a joint statement calling on Serbia to sign the Kosova peace agreement and expressing support for the deployment of an international force in the region, RFE/RL's Bucharest bureau reported. Serbia and Albania declined to attend the meeting. MS ROMANIAN LEADERS BACK NATO OVER KOSOVA. In a statement released in 21 March following talks with Premier Radu Vasile and Foreign Minister Andrei Plesu, President Emil Constantinescu said NATO intervention in Kosova is "necessary and legitimate" if the international community's efforts to achieve a peaceful solution fail. Defense Minster Victor Babiuc said two days earlier that Romania "will be on NATO's side," will allow NATO planes to overfly its territory, and is ready to dispatch "a medical unit and peace-keepers," RFE/RL's Bucharest bureau reported. In other news, President Bill Clinton, in a letter to Constantinescu made public on 19 March, expressed support for Romania's political and economic reforms and urged that Bucharest speed up its reform process. Clinton assured Constantinescu that the April Washington summit "will offer aspiring candidates a clear way and a package of practical programs to help them become full NATO members," AP reported. MS MOLDOVAN MINISTERS ACCUSED OF CORRUPTION. Iurie Rosca, leader of the Christian Democratic Popular Front (FPCD), on 19 March accused four members of Ion Sturza's cabinet of "corruption and incompetence." The four are Agriculture Minister Valeriu Bulgari, Defense Minister Valeriu Pasat, Finance Minister Anatol Arapu, and Minister of State Vladimir Filat, RFE/RL's Chisinau bureau reported. All are members of the For a Democratic and Prosperous Moldova Bloc (PMPD). The FPCD had objected to their being re-appointed to the cabinet. Rosca said the Prosecutor General's Office is "a pit" where "any evidence on corruption [by government officials] is buried." MS CHISINAU ELECTORAL COUNCIL RULES AGAINST FPCD LEADER'S CANDIDACY. The Chisinau Electoral Council on 19 March ruled that neither Rosca nor parliamentary deputy Vasili Ivov can run for mayor in the 23 May local elections because the constitution prohibits the city head from simultaneously being a parliamentary deputy, Flux reported. The same day, the council registered outgoing Chisinau mayor Serafim Urecheanu as a candidate. Rosca responded that Urecheanu (whose appointment as premier was hindered by the FPCD) is "trying to eliminate his competitors." He said that he will appeal the decision in the Constitutional Court, adding that he will resign from the parliament if elected mayor. MS BULGARIAN DEFENSE COUNCIL APPROVES CUT IN ARMY SIZE. Deputy Defense Minister Velizar Shalamanov told state radio on 21 March that Bulgaria will cut its army within five years from 85,000 to 50,000 troops and will improve its funding, training, and equipment to bring it up to NATO standards, AP reported. The decision was reached at a meeting of the Defense Council on 19 March, BTA reported. MS END NOTE A DISASTER THAT DIDN'T HAPPEN By Paul Goble A march by veterans of the Latvian Waffen SS Legion held in Riga last week had been widely expected to trigger confrontations between ethnic Latvians and ethnic Russians in Latvia and lead to a deterioration of relations between Riga and Moscow. But those disastrous outcomes did not materialize. Not only did the march by 300 aging veterans of a German-organized unit that had fought advancing Soviet troops during World War II not lead to disturbances in Latvia itself; it also revealed some quite remarkable restraint at the official level in both the Latvian and Russian capitals. As a result, the prospects for inter-ethnic relations in Latvia have dramatically improved, while the possibility of better relations between Latvia and Russia has increased--a development few observers would have predicted only a month ago. There were some very good reasons for the earlier pessimism. One year ago, a march by Waffen SS veterans exacerbated tensions all round. There were clashes between the marchers and ethnic Russians in the Latvian capital. Several senior Latvian government officials took part in the demonstration. And the Russian government roundly condemned Riga for permitting what it called a manifestation of fascism. Even though the Latvian authorities dismissed the officials who took part, Riga appeared to have compounded its problems when the parliament voted to make 16 March an official day of remembrance for all those who fell in the service of Latvia, regardless of what uniform they wore. While supporters of this measure argued that such a memorial day was appropriate, opponents were deeply troubled. The latter argued that by choosing 16 March-- the anniversary of the Legion's first battle against Soviet troops, near Velikyy Luky in 1943--Riga appeared to be giving special preference to those Latvians who served in German uniforms rather than all Latvians. Consequently, many Latvians, ethnic Russians, and Moscow officials predicted that this year's commemoration would provoke an explosion. All were wrong. First, Latvian officials carefully distanced themselves from the demonstration. The Latvian government announced that no official would take part. President Guntis Ulmanis suggested that the date of such a memorial was wrong and should be changed. And both he and other senior officials chose to be out of town on the date of the march. Second, all press accounts suggest that the Latvian police acted with professionalism, discipline, and restraint. In contrast to their handling of some earlier demonstrations, the police behaved in a manner that suggested they were there to protect public order rather than to back any particular group. That, in turn, had the effect of reassuring many in the Latvian capital that they could now count on the police, regardless of their own ethnicity. And third, the predominantly ethnic Russian counterdemonstration called attention to a pattern many of the earlier doomsayers had missed. Local ethnic Russians who participated in it behaved with dignity. Only those with close ties to Moscow political groups appeared interested in provoking any real problems. The counterdemonstration which attracted ethnic Latvians as well as ethnic Russians was both peaceful and respectful. Speakers denounced the fact that the march was taking place but did not denounce Latvia as such--also a sharp contrast with some similar events in the past. The only disturbance came from a group of extreme Russian nationalists, both the Latvian and Russian media reported. They condemned Latvia in terms that questioned its right to national existence and even raised a portrait of Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin attached to balloons. So hostile and violent were the remarks of this group that others at the counterdemonstration denounced them in even sharper terms than they had criticized those who had taken part in the Waffen SS demonstration itself. Some in Moscow who had indicated they planned to be outraged by the Latvian demonstration continued to complain--but in remarkably mild terms. Roman Popkovich, the chairman of the Russian parliament's defense committee, said the Russian Duma "regrets and does not understand" Riga's sanctioning of the demonstration and believes Europe should understand that "Latvia is a country where human rights are not respected." But a statement by the Russian Foreign Ministry is perhaps more telling. While its spokesman, Vladimir Rakhmanin, said Moscow "will always denounce any attempts" to make national heroes of those who supported the German side in World War II or to revive fascism, he concluded with some surprisingly mild and conciliatory words. "Moscow has paid attention to the fact," he commented, "that the Latvian authorities have disassociated themselves from the commemorations." And he expressed the hope that "the next step will be made" by changing the date of the soldiers' memorial day in Latvia. If that happens, Rakhmanin said, "that will be the best proof of Latvia's genuine adherence to the course of integration of society and the country's merging with democratic Europe." Because Latvian leaders are now saying the same thing, the disaster that didn't happen may point to an even better outcome in the future. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Copyright (c) 1999 RFE/RL, Inc. 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Aqua Allegoria
The Collection of Fresh Fragrances
Indisponible -
Teazzurra belongs to the Aqua Allegoria collection, the first collection of intensely fresh fragrances in perfumery created in 1999.
On the strength of the Guerlain Perfumer's expertise dating back to the legendary Eau de Cologne Impériale in 1853, the Guerlain Perfumer creates each of the Aqua Allegoria with the freshness of a Cologne and the hold of a Guerlain perfume. The guiding thread of the collection is bergamot, a precious citrus fruit, "Calabrian green gold", the key ingredient in the Guerlinade.
Revive yourself with a green tea as the azure waters lap gently in the breeze. A moment of contemplation as you savour an energising and thirst-quenching elixir. Teazzurra is a relaxing and refreshing essence.
With its golden mesh, its pure, refined bottle is a tribute to the famous Bee bottle.
Relaxing, refreshing, unique.
Bergamot, jasmine, green tea accord
These Eaux de Toilette have the freshness of a Cologne, and the hold of a Guerlain perfume.
For each creation, the Guerlain Perfumer showcases one or two raw materials, drawing their originality from a unique alchemy with bergamot.


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Collective Kitchen & Bar A collection of good food, local craft beers, premium wines and specialty roasted espresso overlooking Cathedral Square, Brisbane CBD
We offer a wide range of custom function packages for 10 to 150 guests.
Please contact us to discuss your requirements.
369 Ann St Brisbane
Cnr. Ann and Wharf St
Open from 7am-4pm Monday, Tuesday & Thursday
7am-9pm Wednesday & Friday


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Tascomi's Building Control and Fire Management Solution has been designed alongside Local Authorities to meet the requirements of Building Control and Fire Service Application Management.
This innovative software includes the management of Commencement Notices, Fire Safety Certificates, Disability Access Certificates and other Premises related application types such as Premises Licensing. As a solution delivered through a fully hosted service, the system can be easily implemented across multiple locations without any local installation required.
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Tascomi has provided us with a Solution that really meets our needs, including; Fire Safety Certificates and other Premises-related applications. All information is gathered centrally, helping us improve our service and simplify report issuing. This system has been built by people who have listened to and understand what my staff need.
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Kate O'Keeffe, Staff Officer and Change Manager, Tipperary County Council
Regular software companies charge for extras on top of your regular subscription. With Tascomi's all inclusive contract, the pricing policy is consistent (no nasty upgrade spikes).


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One of the most difficult things for entrepreneurs who are at the very beginning of starting their business is trying to find, and build, an audience.
In the beginning, when your email list is barren or completely non-existent, and you're watching videos of people who have list of over 10,000, you may start wondering if you have what it takes to make it as an entrepreneur.
You don't even know how to get the first 100 people on your email list so the thought of getting 10,000 seems pretty impossible.
Don't worry, we've all been there.
No matter what platform you want to focus on, there are ways to get people interested in you as a person as well as the products and services you want to sell.
Here are five ways to find your audience and ultimately turn them into raving fans…and even friends.
Finding Your Audience
The very first step is finding your audience.
In order to do this you need to figure out where your ideal person would hang out.
If your perfect client is a 36 year old Stay-at-Home mom who lives in the suburbs of Chicago and loves watching Days of Our Lives you're probably not going to find them hanging out in a Dodgers forum on Reddit.
You may however find them in a Facebook group dedicated to people who love soap operas, stay at home mom support groups, or forums dedicated to homeschooling in Chicago.
Sit down for a few minutes and think about your absolutely perfect client.
One who would love working with you so much they'd want to refer you to all of their friends, family members, and complete strangers who happen to be within earshot.
Then, sit down and think long and hard about who they are as a person.
Get down to the finest detail – this is called creating a client avatar.
- Is it a man or woman?
- How old are they?
- Where do they live?
- How many kids do they have?
- What's their favorite movie, music, and tv show?
- What's their favorite color?
- Why do they need your product or service?
- What are the problems they're dealing with right now because they don't HAVE your product or service?
- How would it make them feel if they had your product or service and it resolved their issue?
You need to dig deep.
One of the reasons you do this is so you can narrow down where they might be hanging out.
That way, you can actually communicate with them and get even MORE information to help you win them over to your side.
How many times have you had people trying to sell you something you didn't want?
How did that make you feel?
I don't know about you, but most of us don't like or trust people trying to shove things we're not remotely interested in down our throat.
Do your homework, because there's absolutely no point wasting your time (or theirs) by running around trying to get people excited about your product in a place where nobody actually gives a crap.
The ideology of throwing pasta at a wall and seeing what sticks is not a good idea for growing your business.
It's actually the exact opposite.
You need to create a plan of attack. And in order to create that plan, you need to ensure you have data to base your decisions on.
Inspire Trust and Get Visible
Once you determine where your ideal clients are hanging out and you've joined these places (forums, groups, etc) entrepreneurs often make the mistake of immediately trying to pitch their products and services.
"Hi, I'm Sarah! If you're looking for Social Media Marketing advice, you can set up a free strategy call with me by clicking here..."
This is a horrible idea.
Let me repeat: This is a horrible idea!!
They don't even know who you are…
They don't know, like, or trust you; and these three things are IMPERATIVE if you want people to purchase anything from you now, or in the future.
No one wants to just hand their money over to some random strangers on the internet in hopes they MIGHT receive a product that MIGHT solve their problem.
You need to create value and be of service.
If you're hanging out in a Facebook group give tips and tricks, answer questions, show people that you're an authority WITHOUT asking them for anything in return.
Before anyone is going to invest in you, you need to prove your worth and show them you're someone they can listen to…someone they can TRUST.
In order to do that, you need to give, give, give.
Never be afraid of giving your best stuff away for free.
No one's going to recreate your product or services from bits and bobs of information you're throwing out there sporadically.
The more questions you answer, the more advice you give, the more people see you delivering day after day…The more they will invest in you.
A good rule of thumb is to follow the 80/20 rule. 80% free content to 20% paid.
That means for every 5 posts you send – 4 should be you providing value and only 1 of those should be you asking for something in return.
Speak with Your Ideal Clients
After you've shown up again and again and proven your value it's time to actually SPEAK with your ideal clients without the intention of selling them anything.
Your objective is to give more than you get. This will always get you much further along in any situation in life.
Reach out to people directly.
Tell them you are creating a new product and want to speak with people to see what they need.
No obligation, sales tactics, just PURE information.
You want to ask them questions that get deep into their head so you can understand the fears, pain, and desires of your clients.
You can do this by just flat-out asking questions in Facebook groups or on Twitter.
Do polls in certain places like on your Facebook pages, Facebook groups, Instagram, or Youtube videos.
Another great thing to consider are creating anonymous surveys using applications like Paperform, surveymonkey, or Google Forms.
Get Inside Your Ideal Client's Head!
Don't just ask generic questions either. You REALLY need to know what drives them.
You want to see what their problems are (usually called pain points) because once these problems become big enough THAT'S when someone will pay you to help solve them.
If you can discover the solution that tips them over the edge (and cause them to dip into their pocketbook) you'll have discovered the holy grail; and if you can successfully give them solutions again and again they'll become raving fans.
Turning Their Words into a Powerful Marketing Tool
One of the really great things about surveys and communicating directly with your clients is they'll basically give you the exact words you need to use in order to persuade them you can provide a solution to their problem.
Just think about what causes you go buy things…
Some product or service fills a great need you have, and you trust that they can deliver on their implicit promise to solve that need.
They got into your head and made you think they were a good solution.
When they actually provide that solution you go telling everyone how great it was and how happy you are now that your problem's been solved.
If you can get enough people to tell you their problems, feelings, and desires then you can replicate that wording and attract similar people to you.
This increases their satisfaction rate, because it significantly increases your chances of success when you're attracting similar people with similar issues to you and your products.
You can narrow your wording down more and more with each success.
Tailoring it to get as granular and specific as necessary to only attract people who are ideally suited to be satisfied with what you have to offer.
The problem for most new entrepreneurs is that they approach things from a non-objective place.
Thinking about THEIR needs and what THEY think their product will do.
That's not fair, because, unless we are our ideal clients we're really not inside their head.
There are things we take for granted and assume other people already know because we're too close to it all.
We tend to look at things from the perspective of someone trying to SELL a product or service…
But our client's look at things from the perspective of someone who actually NEEDS a product or service.


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How to Strip Ribbon Cableby David Lipscomb
Ribbon cable is effectively a series of small cables, collectively shrouded in a plastic jacket. This resulting flat cable still has the individual conductors accessible, which is useful when terminating the wires. Ribbon cable usually supplies power and/or data to hard drives, DVD drives and other hardware (such as video cards). Understanding how to strip ribbon cable is useful if you're repairing or replacing computer hardware.
Step 1
Snip approximately 1 inch of the jacketing in between the conductors, using the scissors. Take care to not nick the wire in the process.
Step 2
Separate the individual conductors from each other (maintaining the 1-inch gap) using the needle-nose pliers.
Insert each wire individually into the wire stripper, matching the gauge markings on the stripper to those on the cable's jacketing. You will probably use the smallest-gauge hole. Gently squeeze the handles of the stripper, and rotate 360 degrees around the wire until the stripper spins more easily. Pull straight back on the wire's insulation, exposing the bare wire. Repeat this process for each wire on the ribbon cable.
Photo Credits
- Ide computer cable image by Fatbob from Fotolia.com


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Welcome to the Open Forum, hosted by Kotaku's reader-run blog,TAY. Feel free to join in the topic discussion, talk about anything here, or check out the other articles on TAY,TAYClassic, and AniTAY. Is this is your first time on TAY? Then scope out this TAYTorial!
Hello peeps of TAY! How are all you fine people doing today?
I feel like all I've been doing this week is running around from place to place very poorly. I was almost late to work Tuesday, which is actually a very big deal at my job.
So what are you guys rushing around doing? Or what are you up to when you're not busy?
Or, you know, let's talk about anything! :)


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We're proud to announce the launch of our stunning, mobile friendly new website. With information on all of our Energy, Telecoms and Insurance savings and now our latest news section, it's really giving our customers all the details they would need to know about the Consumer Helper.
New Website
Thanks to the Benchmark Graphics team for all their work getting our new website live.


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See our frequently asked questions about what Our Driving School can offer you or contact us for more information.
New Driver Course Questions
Can I start the Beginners Driving Course without my G1?
Yes, you can start the course without it but must get your G1 licence before the in-car lessons portion of the course can be scheduled.
What should I do if I cannot make an in-car lesson?
Cancellations must be made 24 hours in advance to the in-car instructor. The instructor's contact information will provided to students or can be found on our Meet Our Team page.
Is there services for those with special needs?
We are happy to make accommodations and adjustments for students with special needs. Please contact our office to enquire about how we can help – 705-253-0929
Payment Questions
What forms of payment do you take?
We accept cash, cheque, debit, e-transfer, VISA and Mastercard in Canadian Dollars. Register and pay online or in person at our office.
What currency are your prices in?
All of our course fees are in Canadian Dollars and are subject to applicable Ontario taxes.
I have an Indian Status card. How do I register for a course to obtain my tax exemption?
All individuals eligible for tax exemption are asked to pay over the phone or in person at our office.
What is your refund policy?
Please see our refund policy page for information.
Do you still need answers? We welcome your questions! Call or email us and we will be happy to help!!


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Designed with a low profile pyramid pattern and custom designed half waffle pattern that eliminates the inside corner where other grips would irritate the rider's hands. The Emig V2 grips are the perfect racers grips providing a Lock On grip system allowing you to change or replace grips in seconds without the need for any wire ties or glue. These grips deliver slip free performance under any conditions. Simple installation and removal without waiting for glue to dry allows for a fast and simple swap.
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It's been a long night. I've been tossing and turning. My mouth is dry; I need more water. I haven't gotten much sleep lately, so I know this morning is going to be rough.
The door unlocks, the light turns on.
I'm greeted by the start of a tea kettle for my French press coffee (which I basically need to live.) I'm definitely not a morning person. There's some friendly banter, and then it's time to get to work. We do my breathing treatments, I get in the shower (where I can sit and think about what kind of superpowers I'd find most useful.) We pick out my clothes, as I complain roughly 300 times how "dead" I am, threatening to fall asleep mid-task. They already know what I'm eating for breakfast, as I can't be bothered to be too spontaneous so early. I eat my eggs, get ready for work, and we're out the door.
As I sit in the passenger side of my minivan–radio blaring to wake me up–I become very aware of how grateful I am. As someone with a disability that impacts nearly every aspect of my life, my employees really are my arms and legs. They are my employees, but in this line of work, they are not just employees—they do so much more. These are the people that bring me coffee when I'm having a rough day. These are the people who help me pick out the perfect outfit when I have somewhere important to be, the people who wake me up in the morning, the people I choose to come home to. They're the reason I get to work (mostly) on time, the reason I can always be the friend, daughter, or sister I want to be, and the reason I can spontaneously get tacos on a Monday night when I'm feeling it, just like anyone else. They help me be the independent woman I want to be, and the fact that I can choose who helps me makes my life efficient–in my professional life and my personal life. I don't have to spend my days worrying about if I'll have care, or if the person helping me is qualified for my personal needs and preferences. I know because I thoughtfully picked them and taught them.
Because of the flexibility that the current long-term care programs provide, I can choose people who not only are capable, but are actually compatible with my life. I don't think anyone really understands how much my assistants are an extension of me, and who would want just anyone being such a close part of their life? I get to choose who sees me at my worst, at my best, and everywhere in-between. Not only do they help me get from point A to point B, they help me be who I want to be.
Right now, with the repeal and replacement of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), legislation is being proposed to introduce Medicaid block grants. These block grants could mean cuts to programs like the ones I use to live my day to day life, as well as many other programs that so many of us rely on. (To learn more about block grants and what it could mean for you, click here.) If you know me, you know I'm not one to get very loud about advocacy, but now is the time to act. Contact your representatives, share your voice, share your story. This isn't just about budgets and taxes, this is about humanity and the right–my right–to live my life how I want and need to. This isn't just a job, it's my life.


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The European Geoparks Network, formed in 2000, provides a regional membership and grouping of Geoparks in Europe. It currently consists of 54 European Geoparks members from 18 European countries. Since 2004 all the members of the European Geoparks Network are also members of the Global Network of Geoparks assisted by UNESCO. For further information on the European Geoparks Network visit the EGN website.
The Global Network of National Geoparks assisted by UNESCO provides a worldwide platform of active cooperation between experts and practitioners in geological heritage. It was formed in 2004 and currently comprises 90 national Geoparks in 27 Member States, including the UK, Australia, Austria, Brazil, China, Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Iran, Malaysia, Norway, Portugal, Romania, and Spain. For further information on the Global Network of National Geoparks assisted by UNESCO visit the GGN website.
GeoMôn Global Geopark is unique and comprises the entire island of Anglesey. It is important for its tectonics and the oldest fossils in Britain. It was accepted into the European Geopark Network in 2009 and in 2010 gained Global Geopark Network status (under the auspices of UNESCO). It is one of over 50 European members and is the second in Wales after Fforest Fawr Geopark. Members aim to promote and support sustainable tourism through geology and its landscapes, that it must help to conserve. It aims to achieve economic growth through geotourism, culture and heritage. Members meet twice annually and hold events during European Geopark Week at the end of May and first week of June.
Meet our other geoparks in Europe >>
Meet our other geoparks in the United Kingdom >>
Part 01
Setting the Scene: Some troublesome rocks >>
Part 02
The Work of Many: The Great Precambrian Debate >>
Part 03
Painting the Picture: A well-travelled Island >>
Part 04
Into modern times: The final part of the journey
Geology of Anglesey: A Journey Through Time


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January 8-11, 2017
…We finally made it to our next major destination, at least major in the desert, called Roy's Gasoline. They let us camp in the back of their property away from the public. We bought some snacks there and enjoyed some dinner. We also charged our phones and batteries. The next day we took it easy since it was Jonathan's birthday and they let us camp out for another night. During the day we went back to the gas station and charged more of our batteries since one of the battery bricks takes about several hours, but packs a good charge. There happened to be a random photo shoot going on at the gas station for some kind of motorcycle brand. They pretty much took up most of the property doing some shooting of people on some cool bikes. We got to talk to a lot of people who were a part of the project. While we were chilling in the gas station we met a guy who was from New Jersey who was camping out in the Mojave desert doing some photography. He let us use his computer to transfer some GoPro footage onto our hard drive. He was an awesome guy who was just traveling around enjoying some nature. We also got to talk to the gas station workers as well and minister and encourage some of them. One of the guys named Kevin, gave us some buffalo wings to take with us to our tents and the photography people also gave us some sandwiches to eat. It was much enjoyed. The next day we started our route to another gas station about 30 miles away. We walked about 9 miles and camped out. It was a pretty fascinating area. There was a crater that was a natural landmark in the less then nothing town we went through called Amboy. There was also a lot of volcanic black rock in the area. It was a sight to see. The following day some guys who were construction workers for the railroad stopped by and gave us water, just when we were running low. Another guy who was taking photos of the trains named, Matt gave us some hot food to cook on our camping stove for dinner later. He knew a lot about trains and gave us some historical facts about the railroad system back in the day of the west. All said in done we actually are really enjoying the desert.


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YLT Performance is a company based on accessibility and performance. As the Quebec representative for the sailing yachts company, Shanghai Fareasts Boats Co. Ltd, we strongly believe everyone should have the opportunity to take ownership of this authentic product. By presenting a new and thrilling way of enjoying sailing in Quebec, our mission is to make it affordable and accessible to the majority.
Indeed, we are only a gateway between the retailers and the customers, which gives us the opportunity to guarantee that your desires are being taken care of. However, given the demand for our products, it is important that orders be confirmed 2 to 3 months in advance, ensuring adequate build and delivery time.
It's our pleasure to be helping you satisfy your demands and we hope to see you on the water soon.
Ce diaporama nécessite JavaScript.


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In its bid to ensure that records are set straight, the House of Representatives, through a resolution, mandated its Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) to investigate issues surrounding kerosene supply, distribution and subsidy payment s from the year 2010 to 2013.
One of the tasks before the committee is the investigation of several allegations of fraud in the management of kerosene subsidy. The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation had stated that a large percentage of the $ 10.8 billion that the suspended Governor of the Central Bank, Lamido Sanusi claimed was unremitted to the CBN account was spent on kerosene subsidy.
The Committee, in its sitting on April 8 however claimed to have uncovered vessel discharge discrepancies of about 27, 000 metric tonnes of kerosene.
While the committee continues to beam its searchlights, a scandal with the Chairman, Hon Dakuku Peterside at its centre is building up and from Street Journal's findings, it may soon snowball into a big issue.
The chairman might soon become the subject of investigations as he has been accused of complicity in plans to frustrate the efforts of other members of the committee. It was alleged that the Chairman sourced for funds outside the House to run the committee, an action that is contrary to the laid down rules and precepts of the legislature. It was gathered that funds had not been released by the House for the use of the committee, meanwhile, the Chairman has been running the committee, and it has been alleged he has never failed to display high handedness in doing so. To some members, the committee is being run like the Chairman's private family business as he allegedly takes some decisions without consulting with his members, thereby causing disaffection among them.
He was also accused of hiring a consultant to investigate the management of kerosene subsidy, not only without being vested with the powers to do so but without recourse to the members of the committee. Checks revealed that if a consultant is to be hired in such situations, laid down rules have to be followed. It is also stipulated that it should be done with the consent of all members while the Speaker of the House should also be notified of the need and intention to hire a consultant.
Where such happens, it was gathered that the Speaker call for the invitation of consultants who must have shown interest in handling the job. The consultants would be screened and the best one for the job would be picked. In this case however, it was gathered that neither bids nor invitations were involved, the consultant was simply handpicked by the Chairman to do the job.
Findings also revealed that the consultant had been working for more than two months before he was introduced to members of the committee. The members were also shocked to hear that the consultant was hired at a nine digit figure. The disclosure of the consultant's wages almost led to an exchange of blows among members of the committee.
It was alleged that things turned awry when the consultant started going round to meet some marketers offering to help them remove their names from the list of those to be indicted in the probe.
The chairman's action has started generating feelings within the committee that he and the remaining members are working at cross purposes. Some have even alleged that he is either being sponsored or induced by external forces to jeopardize the ongoing investigation.
Questions are already pouring in concerning where he got the funds to run the affairs of the committee from when the House has not released funds. Questions are also being raised on why he decided to jettison due process and bypass the Speaker and the House in the hiring of a consultant.
Efforts to reach the Chairman via his mobile phone were unsuccessful as of the time of filing the report. At first, calls to his line were unanswered and the text message that was sent to his number was not replied. After a while, the response from the line was that calls to his number have been diverted.


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Atop Twin Peaks
Full title: Keadeen and Carrig
Creator / Author: David Herman, photos by Eoin Clarke
Item Type / Page count: Magazine Article / 3p
Journal Information: Walking World Ireland, Issue 57, pp. 20-22
When Published: Sept / Oct 2003
Publisher / Place of Publication: Athletic Promotions Ltd / Cherrywood House, Garville Drive, Garville Avenue, Rathgar, Dublin 6.
About: A short article which guides the walker to the top of the twin peaks of Keadeen and Carrig in West Wicklow. One feature of the walk is that the peaks "offer fine views of the plains of Kildare".
ID number(s): 0791-8801
Extra #1: Check Libraries Ireland for this publication.
Extra #2: Check OCLC WorldCat.org for this publication in libraries worldwide.
Extra #3: Includes map and three colour photographs.


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The Not-So-Secret Seven. Writers and bloggers passionate about creativity - spilling the beans on writing, narrative, reading and more … Do join us and enjoy.
Monday, 24 June 2013
Do I know this place? by Mary Smith
Without a setting to provide the background and framework of our story, the characters would be living in some kind of a vacuum. No matter how well developed they are, there would be little to engage the interest of the reader as nothing very much can happen in a vacuum. If there is no place there is no story.
Even in a short story where a limited word count means only a few deft brush strokes may be used to describe the place, we still, as readers, want to know where the action is happening. Providing a strong sense of place adds depth to our writing.
Robert Louis Stevenson said we are creatures of our environment – which means we must make sure our characters are creatures of their environment. Jekyll and Hyde's Edinburgh is a good example, or think about how important the desert island is to the plot and the characters' behaviour in Golding's Lord of the Flies, or what Tara means to Scarlet O'Hara in Gone with the Wind.
I suppose, in many ways, the setting is another character to be created with as much care as the other people in the story. Place, whether it is a city, small town, a world in a far away galaxy or a prison cell, has to be as believable as our hero and heroine. If it is a real place, the task is easier – as long as you get the detail right because for sure if it is a real place someone will be ready to point out anything you get wrong.
The reverse happened to me when I visited a book group to discuss my novel No More Mulberries. It is set in Afghanistan but the places, other than the major cities, are fictional. I was taken aback when a member of the group arrived, armed with her world atlas, asking me to pinpoint on the map of Afghanistan the village of Sang-i-Sia. She was quite miffed when I explained it didn't actually exist!
While writing this and mulling over decisions about settings, I have realised one of the problems I'm facing right now is the setting (s) in the biography I'm struggling to write. I have a wonderful archive of material including letters but I don't really know what the interior of her house was like, or the inside of the laundry she operated. I need to remember the R L Stevenson comment and start sketching in details of my subject's surroundings.
I'm curious about how writers decide where their story is going to take place? Is it based on a real place you know well? Or, do you use a picture from a magazine – a lovely house, perhaps, and set your characters loose in it?
Sunday, 16 June 2013
Do I know her? by Jenny Harper
|'The Girl with a Pearl Earring'
by Johannes Vermeer,
via Wikimedia Commons
How do you create your characters? I find that sometimes they bounce into your head fully formed, but sometimes they evolve as your story evolves and you get to know them. Sometimes a character in a newspaper or magazine photograph begs to be written into your story – but sometimes you have to sit down and search for them.
I like using photographs as a stimulus and it's good to have them by you as you write, to remind you of that stubbly chin or that faraway look, or the eyes the colour of the sea in November.
Perhaps one single image can set off a complete idea for a novel. Think of Girl with a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier – she must have had a moment of blinding inspiration sitting in front of Vermeer's famous portrait. Interpreting the look on the face of the little serving girl and developing her imaginings into a full-length novel – how brilliant is that?
Film stars are a great source of inspiration, not so much because we use their personalities as the basis for characters (which of us really knows a film star?), but because of how they look.
Quite often, I find that characters and plot are inextricably linked. The story would not have been set in train at all, for example, if Joe hadn't been such a dozy guy that he completely forgot to bring flowers home on his first wedding anniversary/forgot to turn up for a crucial meeting/stepped out in front of a car and got himself run over because he was dreaming about Jane.
So far so good. But what happens when the character you're writing about is based on someone you know? Your mother-in-law, for example? Does that inhibit you or stimulate you? What will she say when she reads it?
I haven't actually tried this technique yet, but I'm assured by some very experienced writers that people never do recognise themselves – and if the character is bossy, or malicious, or greedy, or has some other negative trait, they are quite likely to 'recognise' the woman down the road! I'm really tempted to try it and see what happens.
Have you ever based your character of someone you know? And have there ever been repercussions? Do tell!
Saturday, 8 June 2013
Writing is, for the most part and for most writers, a solitary life. There are, of course, those who share offices with partners/friends but I'd bet my last ink cartridge that they are alone in their heads all the same. If we exchange ideas with someone else then it is not our sole work, in my humble opinion...:) But we do have to put in the lonesome hours. I often forget to eat when I'm deeply into something. Mugs of coffee go cold. It's only when I start to feel very uncomfortable that I realise I need the loo. All self-inflicted lonesomeness. I'm sure there are many of us who stop work-in-progress for a few minutes (hours??) to look at Facebook or Twitter or trawl the internet for interesting snippets of this or that. But it's not the same as seeing someone, is it? We don't hear things like, 'Oh, I do like that colour on you' or 'Mmmm, you smell nice, what's the perfume?' So, as good as Facebook and Twitter and the like are for social networking we do, I think, need the physical. I go for a walk most days - for at least half an hour, up hill and down dale, and at a fair lick. Often, a sticky plot patch will unstick while I'm catching my breath after a steep climb. Or I'll meet someone I know and pass the time of day. And get those above-mentioned compliments which are so good for the soul, are they not? Writing has, quite literally, opened up my world. I have been on two writers' workshop holidays. One in Italy and the other in Corfu. In Italy. June Tate, Angela Arney, and Kathryn Haig were the tutors and I learned such a lot from the experience - not least that I love insalata tricolore! On that course I met a young American girl (same age as my daughter)called April who has remained a dear friend, even though she has now moved to Australia with her husband. And here she is in her local newsagent in Perth, excited to find one of my stories in Woman's Weekly. I have used the little hilltop, walled, town we stayed in - Sarteano - in more than a few short stories, so well worth the journey. In Corfu I met someone whose face fellow novelpointsofview members will recognise. June Tate and Angela Arney were again the tutors, and Katie Fforde joined them this time, following Kathryn's untimely death. There was a young local girl on this course - she'd been a ballerina (and yes, she was called Angelina!)in Russia until injury forced her retirement - whose English was excellent. I'm sure I'll never forget the beautifully scenic if terrifyingly hairy ride when she took three of us to the north of the island for dinner with her family. Being a member of the Romantic Novelists' Association drags me away from my swivel chair and my desk piled high with notes and pots of paperclips and pens. I've attended two conferences but the old cloth ears problem means I don't benefit from it as much as I could. I've become good friends with many I've met at the conferences and also the RNA events held in London. And here I am with Margaret James and Jane Bidder (aka Sophie King and Janey Fraser) when we did a presentation at Exeter Library. So, we do have to keep a balance, I think. But it's not all jollies.....the sun is shining, I have work to do, so I'm going to have to close the curtains and revert to that lonely writer in her garret.....for a little while:)
Sunday, 2 June 2013
Why Do We Read? by Gill Stewart
The idea for this blog came from Linda's recent post For Whom Do You Write? which got me pondering on all sorts of fascinating topics such as the value of enjoyment, snobbery in literature, books versus films, to name but a few!
I realised that a lot of my thoughts came back to the question Why Do We Read? Not why should we read, but why do we? I came up with the following list of reasons:
1) For enjoyment. This is purely to be entertained, to pass the time in a fun way.
2) For experience or self-improvement. I put this in because I couldn't find a better explanation for why I read poetry. Sometimes I don't even enjoy reading it, but a good poem gives you a glimpse of something different, something new. This isn't the same as 3), where something definite is gained.
3) To gain information. I also separate this from 4) below as here I mean information for information's sake, because it is something that interests us and we want to know it with no particular end purpose in mind.
4) To acquire knowledge for a particular purpose, e.g. reading for work or to pass an exam.
5) For the sake of appearance or status. This might seem an odd reason for reading (it is to me!) but I'm sure we're all familiar with the person who 'only reads a book if it has been on the Booker list' or buys a certain type of book in order to leave it artfully lying around the house.
These categories are neither exhaustive nor mutually exclusive. I read Christina Courtenay's Trade Winds (above) mostly for enjoyment, but I also derived pleasure from learning about places and customs I was unfamiliar with (eighteenth century Sweden is fascinating). I am currently reading Virgil's Aeneid (yes, still, it's taking a long time!) for a whole variety of reasons including a desire to understand Latin so as to better understand English, for the story, for the poetry and for the exam that I'll be sitting the week after next.
This great and varied enjoyment is the main reason I would want my children (in fact, all children) to read, and to love reading. Why, then, do schools insist on introducing young people to books via 'classics'? School may well be the only way into reading for children from non-reading homes . How is a self-consciously clever or literary book going to teach them to enjoy reading? It may, if it is a good story, but so many of the books currently pushed in schools are not.
Take Lord of the Flies for instance. It is a book that is interesting, that explores various themes and is extremely well-written – but is it enjoyable? If we want children to think about the psychology of groups and the causes of violence there are other ways to get them to do this, without making it an exercise in putting them off books for ever.
Spies by Michael Frayn is another case in point. Again, it is written by someone who is a craftsman of the English language, but it is very contrived, setting up mysteries to be solved, introducing themes that are clearly there purely so they can be discussed and written about. Books like this win prizes, presented by literary, adult writers to other literary, adult writers. They are not what I would choose to give to a young person in the hope of imbuing them with a lifelong love of reading.
The Harry Potter series, on the other hand, is widely denigrated by the writing establishment (despite the early books winning the 'Smarties' Children's Book Prize 3 years in a row – voted for by children). They say it is too accessible that the language is clumsy and not challenging. Yes, but it is brilliant entertainment! It is a story that makes the child enter an imaginary world where their own imagination still has to do so much of the work (think of the Hogwarts you saw in your mind's eye when reading versus the Hogwarts that is presented to us fully-formed on the cinema screen). It teaches empathy, explores the battle of good and evil, not to mention masses of magic, a lot of adventure and a little romance.
I think what I am trying to say is that there are many reasons for reading, all valid in their own way. But if we put children off reading before they even start, they are missing out on so much: on the enjoyment of a good book, on the incredible amount of knowledge that is out there. Reading has been likened to a conversation with people you've never met and maybe never will, who perhaps died centuries ago, but their thoughts and discoveries and stories are still there for us to access. But only if we are not put off reading!
Why do you read? And how do you think we can get others to read more – if indeed you think we should?
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