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Today is LEAP SECOND day. Don't ever say I didn't give you anything.
June 30, 2015
June 29, 2015
And now it's Summer
With baseball officially over, and the Fourth of July around the corner, I feel like our Summer can officially begin. While I don't want it to now get all over-scheduled, I also don't want to waste it. So here's my remainder of Summer bucket list:
- Spend an entire day at the beach
- Take C-man fishing
- Geocache
- Go see some Chinooks games
- Eat some more s'mores in the back yard
- Take some non-baseball photos (I've taken enough!)
- Organize my house
- Enjoy it
June 28, 2015
Extra innings
Over here in the land of tournament baseball, the A's played their last game of the season. They were up against the undefeated number 1 seeded team, and stayed alive into extra innings. It was another day of almost every team in the league standing around in disbelief, watching this little Cinderella team do something nobody thought they could. (And rooting heartily for them, because it would mean big things for the other top teams!)
C-man was unusually cold at the plate, which kind of sucked. But since he was pitched out (much to my happiness), he caught for all 7 innings in the heat. Hardly a ball passed by him, which was one of the big reasons the game stayed as surprisingly close as it did.
This team was by no means as talented as others he's been on. And having Beerman as head coach about killed me. (We're never doing that again!) But it was really great to see C-man have the opportunity to stand up as a leader on this team. He got to (deservedly) be the #4 hitter all season, and play the key positions on the field. Another season of character building. But the tears were smiles and giggles by the time they'd left the fields. Ahhh, to be 10 again.
And now, it's time to tend the gardens and enjoy the beer gardens and hang out with friends in the back yard. You know, until football season starts...
June 27, 2015
This week in baseball
It's tournament week over here in baseball land. The A's pulled out a dramatic one today. And by dramatic, this thing had everything - ahead, behind, controversial calls, a coach thrown out of the game (not ours), tears, cheers, a pickle (my fricking kid - he ended up being safe, thank goodness), and finally, a win on a passed ball steal home. C-man hit well, pitched decent enough, and helped his team make it happen.
And now, it's time to enjoy s'mores and a fire. Because tomorrow, they play the best team in the league. At least C-man is pitched out, so he will only catch or play short tomorrow. Man, that pitching takes a lot out of me...
June 26, 2015
Bee visiting
I took the day off to go see my bees. Plus, I'm sick of work, and needed the time off. Beyonce didn't take. She never laid any eggs, and the hive never got new bees. I'm thinking something is wrong with the hive itself - pesticides or something else that got tracked back. So I'm officially down to two hives.
Abigail, who I didn't see, had brood. She's getting honey bound (frames filled with honey so there's nowhere to lay eggs), so I added a honey super on top. And then there's Caroline, who I also didn't see. Her hive is slowly growing, and there were eggs and larva and capped brood, so she's been there within the last 3 days. It's growing much slower than I want, as she's still only in one brood box, but there are many more bees than there were two weeks ago.
So it's official - I am not a very good bee farmer. But it's still interesting, and they were quite gentle (if not irritated) still. AKA - no stings.
June 25, 2015
In black and white
This child has no frame of reference. No experience. No understanding. No comprehension. Zero.
Now, my child is incredibly privileged. He has never known not having. Our education decisions for him are between which private top-notch education he'll experience. When he struggles at the plate, he goes to a special batting session with a semi-pro coach. And if all goes according to plan, he'll make it to his fourth continent by age 11. And I was privileged. While I didn't have the range of experiences that he has now, it never occurred to me that I would or could be poor or uneducated or discriminated against.
So I struggle with this conversation. Partly, because I know how important it is that he understands what is happening - the futility of it, the unjustness of it, the uneducated unnecessaryness of racism and mob mentality putting yourself over another. But part of me wants to shield him from it all. Because if it makes sense to him, then that means he has a frame of reference - an experience or understanding of how it is possible.
In the midst of all of this, his incomprehension gave me hope that maybe... just maybe...
June 24, 2015
June 23, 2015
Penultimate regular season game
For the first time ever, I'm glad it's almost over.
June 22, 2015
Random crap on a Monday
- C-man's team played the team whose coaches are also the post-season tournament team coaches. You know, the ones who said he wasn't good enough to play, but a couple of 9 year olds were.
- He crushed the ball with a few monster hits. I think he may have had a little to prove.
- It was a really nice, but busy weekend. C-man got to play with his friend and teammate, which they've been organizing forever. And Fathers Day was nice.
- I never did get to my beehives. Depending on how the tournament play goes, I don't know how I'm going to get up there before the 4th if I don't take a vacation day Friday.
- Mmmm... vacation day on a Friday...
June 21, 2015
June 19, 2015
Fantastic Fridays
- C-man didn't make the post-season tournament team. He was so wrecked.
- Last night was improved with some baseball practice, the promise of a sleepover tonight, and ice cream.
- The neighbor kids are being awful, and C-man hasn't been playing with them lately. I can't say it makes me very sad. Especially when the parents try to justify it as, "Pre-teen behavior" with an eye roll.
- At least he has been loving Shark camp at Discovery World, and has made lots of friends.
- Speaking of friends, they're all chomping at the bit to get to University School camp next week.
- I'm so grateful he has such great summer experiences.
- Speaking of summer experiences, I'm going to go see my bees tomorrow and see if I need to combine two hives.
- I read today that beehives were in Israel at least 3000 years ago. Land of milk and honey wasn't a metaphor, apparently. Amazing.
- I think I'm going to audition for another role in a play. Auditions are in August, and the play is in September or October, I think.
- Enough time has passed, that it sounds fun again.
- I'm really looking forward to the weekend. Fridays are fantastic.
June 18, 2015
Thursday Thirteen Good Things
I haven't been the happiest lately. I've been mentally and emotionally down. Physically, the inflammation has been high. So it's time to think positively!
- C-man tried out for the post-season tournament team last night and slugged a giant hit to center field. We don't know if he will make the team (2 dozen kids tried out for 13 spots), but are very proud he tried.
- I've been tracking my DNA to my family tree to figure out which chromosomes have come down through which lines. Fairly fascinating. (Granny Bert is strong in this one...)
- I've downsized and rearranged my workspace, and it feels so much better. I've never been one for much clutter or disorganization at work, but this even feels nicer.
- The spa visits and comedy club tickets are purchased for the Pelot Women Take San Francisco trip in July.
- The spa informed me we can stay by the pool all day and order room service if we'd like. Ummm... maybe?
- Little League has been doing a photo contest this summer. It's with Canon, but that's okay. I've been submitting photos with their themes anyhow. I won't win, but it's always nice to have a purpose for the shots.
- This morning, C-man declared the camp counselors like him best. It's good to be noticed. And humble.
- I rounded up the medical bills this year and submitted them for FSA reimbursement. A broken finger and a bunch of PT really adds up! That'll be a really nice deposit later this week.
- Beerman has our Spring Break trip almost figured out. I'm giddy with excitement that it may actually happen. I may actually leave the country again. Ahhhh....
- The cabinet maker finally sent us our last two kitchen doors yesterday. Small miracles do happen!
- Beasley has a vet appointment today, so I get to bail out of work a bit early.
- There are only 3 games left of C-man's season. Usually, that makes me sad. But this year, I feel quite differently about it. It'll be a relief to be over.
- I'm on my third cup of coffee today, and it's amazing.
June 17, 2015
- C-man's post-season tryouts are tonight. They were postponed from Sunday due to weather.
- I've been finalizing the pieces of the girl's San Francisco trip. It's shaping up.
- I started watching Wild last night because I hadn't seen it and love Reese Witherspoon. Wow, that is a slow moving movie.
- C-man, meanwhile, was at Jurassic World with his friends. Ahhh, summertime fun.
- He also declared he has several new best friends from Shark camp. To be young and social...
- I'm going through Game of Thrones withdrawal. The finale mostly didn't shock me. It did, however, make me very sad. (FYI - I thought Mommy Stark was supposed to come back?)
- It's Father's Day this weekend. Right now it's calling for rain. So much for outdoor fun.
- I went to the gym yesterday and actually worked out by myself in the yoga studio, which I liked a lot.
- Until a guy showed up to do yoga and insisted on turning down the lights and doing this weird breathing thing. I left.
- I'm making it a goal to get to the gym at least 3 days a week now.
- My shoulder is still a mess. Thousands of dollars in PT that did nothing. What a waste.
- Maybe I should start growing my own pot like my own mother suggested. (Dear Homeland Security - I'm joking!)
June 16, 2015
Brain blob
I've been so disinterested lately. Exhausted, but not tired. Last night, the boys went to baseball practice, and I just sat in a chair and watched the cardinals and doves at the feeder. I don't think I had any thoughts. I was a complete blob - sitting, my body functioning, but the brain almost off. For 90 minutes. I don't think I've ever felt like this. And it doesn't seem to want to go away. I need my brain back! And my body, for that matter. Ack!
June 15, 2015
Time for Summer Fun
I've been feeling really discouraged lately. I know it's mostly first world problems, but I'm struggling with getting excited about much. I know I need to start exercising hard to try to make the pain and the brain fog dissipate, but that initial inertia and initial pain is such a struggle. It's my own vicious cycle, for sure.
At least it's summer camp time for C-man. No school, no homework, and lots of fun. I think I need to make my own bucket list of summer fun.
June 14, 2015
June 13, 2015
It's only Saturday!
- I woke up this morning thinking it was Sunday. So it was a nice realization when I was informed it's only Saturday.
- I've got the house picked up. If it ever dries out, I'll get the lawn mowed.
- Then I'm set to be a bit lazy.
- There's no baseball or wrestling this weekend.
- Unless you count tryouts for the post-season tournament.
- Which I really don't, because I won't have to sit through it.
- Speaking of baseball ruining my fun plans, I've decided we need to work ahead. So we've been trying to firm up our 2016 Spring Break trip.
- It's always good to set Beerman on a trip planning mission. You end up with way more ideas than you'd bargained for.
- But now that we've got a plan, I need to start working out to get my body ready for hiking.
- Beasley now insists on a game of backyard ball every night.
- He's gotten attached to us now, which is nice. His a-holeness has decreased exponentially.
- He is, however, still 95 pounds of oaf, which isn't simple.
- It's Polish Fest this weekend, which is always fun.
- C-man has a cold, which he kindly passed on to me, though, so I doubt we'll be up for it.
- But at least it's only Saturday!
June 12, 2015
A day off
C-man is done with school, so we headed north to see the bees today. I'm losing all hope with this beekeeping thing. Abigail, the strongest hive, has mites walking around in it, and I didn't see the queen. (Grrr to mites! I know it's common, but not in first year hives, which means the supplier stinks.) The new queen, Beyonce, wasn't killed, but she is just walking around and isn't laying any eggs, which means certain death to the hive if she doesn't start immediately.. And the Caroline hive is not expanding very quickly, although I saw the queen and eggs. So that's the hive I have the most hope for. Such a frustrating day. At least it was beautiful and sunny, we got to have lunch with Grandma, and I got hours in the car to chat with C-man.
June 11, 2015
School's end
Today, Beasley watched C-man board the bus for his last day as a fourth grader. Well, pending that social studies grade he's been fearing. (Seriously, it's like I haven't even had a single ounce of anything to do with bringing this child into the world. He doesn't think twice about math, but social studies is a problem? How is that even possible?)
The A's won their second game in a row last night. C-man isn't feeling well. And with what I'm tallying up as a giant hormonal growth spurt and change in his body, he was just off. Not terrible, but it's like he just can't focus lately. He has a week off now, plus school is done, so things should lighten up all the way around for him.
In other news, C-man being off school means we get tomorrow off together. As long as the weather holds, we're going to go check on the bees. And it's a good thing, because just like C-man, I think I could use a mental break, too.
Weekend, ho!
June 10, 2015
June 9, 2015
And it's Tuesday
June 8, 2015
June 7, 2015
A good day to be C-man
Today was a good day in the life of C-man. Not that good days for him are that unusual, but this was a really good day. He slept over at a friend's house and road his bike around the neighborhood until it was time for lunch. Then he came home to get ready for his baseball game, which they won.
Which was made even sweeter because his cousins and aunt were there to see it happen.
And the real icing on the cake was when he learned that his team (unanimously) voted him into this year's All Star game. Happy, happy boy.
Which was made even sweeter because his cousins and aunt were there to see it happen.
And the real icing on the cake was when he learned that his team (unanimously) voted him into this year's All Star game. Happy, happy boy.
June 6, 2015
Baseball Saturday
Today was all about baseball and then the baseball fun day. Beerman got put in the dunk tank since he was a coach. Good times. Good times.
June 5, 2015
It's Friday again. Thankfully. I ordered some more beekeeping equipment, although who knows when I'll actually have the time to get up to see them again to use it. (And when I'm soooo curious about how Beyonce has fared!)
But Beerman is home again (and miraculously has no immediate travel plans). And with the sun setting so late now, that I'm really looking forward to a nice, leisurely family night in the backyard. Because tomorrow and Sunday are all about baseball.
June 4, 2015
Thursday Thirteen
- I had secured two Packers tickets for the 10/18 Packers v Chargers game for our 14th wedding anniversary. (It being the "gold" themed year and all)
- Melvin Gordon (formerly of UW-Madison) is now on the Chargers, and the jersey C-man wants more than anything this year.
- We decided to not tell him we got two tickets lest it break his 10 year old heart.
- Aunt Lonnie texted that
shewe just won the Packers lottery and have four tickets.
- Just in case there was any doubt, Jesus is a Packers fan.
- I had my video shoot in the bees yesterday. I find it so strange to be in front of the camera.
- It was a beautiful day and the second frame I pulled had the queen, so it was lucky overall.
- C-man is eligible for Lego League at school next year. He's wanted to do it forever.
- It is on Saturdays in Fall.
- Sorry Lego League. You don't even come close to the reverence we hold for football.
- Speaking of C-man, the kid is totally irrational lately. And he's been eating way more than usual. (How that's possible, I'll never understand.) This had better be a growth spurt.
- How am I going to survive a teenage C-man if this is what 10 looks like?
- It's supposedly #hugyourcat day. Um... no.
June 3, 2015
Humpity Day
C-man got two singles and a really nice double last night. Unfortunately, the game ended with his strikeout (the bat of which we will never speak of again), and had a bad inning of pitching that ended in him crying sadly from the mound. (A collective "awwwww" came from the crowd.) We had to have the "You have a whole team," talk, when he was putting the 2 run loss to a pretty decent team all on himself. And really, considering the team they have this year, and that there were only 9 players present, it was a respectable outing overall. By the end of the night, though, he was moving on. So that's positive.
Today, I'm getting myself filmed while beekeeping for a video at work. I'm using hives that aren't mine, so I sure hope it all works out.
And that, is my hump day.
June 1, 2015
Weekend Wrap-up
It was a busy, but good weekend overall. We saw Big Fish at First Stage, got some tools at an estate sale, ate some burgers, and played some baseball.
And now, it's C-man's last full week of school, and I've got a full week of work. (Not my last, however unfortunate that may be.) Onward, I suppose.
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James Tarkowski made his first appearance for the Clarets as a Burnley XI lost 1-0 to Oldham Athletic.
A strong Burnley side hosted two Latics first teams, each playing 45 minutes, in a behind-closed doors training match at the Barnfield Training Centre.
Oldham's first team captain Liam Kelly scored the game's solitary goal, with a 12th minute penalty proving to be the difference.
Paul Robinson played his second game behind an experienced back four of Tendayi Darikwa, Michael Duff, James Tarkowski and Christian Hill.
Fredrik Ulvestad and Michael Kightly also started alongside recent signing George Green in midfield, while Nathan Lowe - who was the only player not to play the duration - completed the midfield quartet.
Chris Long, who scored a stunning 35-yard strike in the Development Squad's last outing, started up front alongside striker Rouwen Hennings.
And the German was adamant he had opened the scoring after just five minutes, when his 25-yard thunderbolt cannoned down off the crossbar, and appeared to be over the line.
However, despite the striker's appeals, the officials waved play-on, and the Latics took the lead soon after.
Duff brought down Rhys Murphy in the area and Kelly rifled in the resulting spot-kick past Robinson, who had guessed the correct way.
The Clarets were then almost rewarded with a deserved equaliser as Hennings was once again denied.
Darikwa's whipped cross in from the right was glanced to the far post by the former Karlsruher striker, for a brilliant diving save from David Cornell to keep the visitors ahead.
Two chances midway through the first half again went amiss for the Clarets, after a Kightly ball found Long at the edge of the box and his shot on the turn was never troubling Cornell.
Then, Hennings' one-two with Long, after a Duff ball forward, ended with a fine volley from the German, which fizzed past the far post.
Lowe, who recently returned from a long-term injury then came close with the final kick of the half.
The midfielder's 30-yard strike was low and bouncing, forcing a good save out of Cornell, who had to be alert.
And minutes after the restart the Clarets again came inches away from the equaliser.
Green's effort from distance looked destined for the top right corner, only for the post to come to Oldham's rescue.
Oldham had three Burnley connections featuring, with loanees Daniel Lafferty and Cameron Dummigan each playing 45 minutes, as did former Claret Joseph Mills.
And Mills also saw his shot shave the woodwork, with his bending free-kick from the edge of the box.
Substitute Brad Jackson almost brought the game level with his first touch, but his diagonal strike was well cleared off the line.
And the Clarets had one final chance of the game, but Ulvestad's low drive was blocked, in turn setting up Hennings for a shot on the turn that bent agonisingly wide.
Burnley: Robinson; Darikwa, Duff, Tarkowski, Hill; Kightly, Ulvestad, Lowe (Jackson 76), Green; Long, Hennings.
Subs: Mitchell, O'Neill, Birch
Club News
Tarkowski Features In Burnley XI Defeat
9 February 2016
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subset: commoncrawl


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Before we are going to far to tell about the step to activate Edge Lighting on Samsung Galaxy S8, you may need to know what "Edge Lighting" is. Based on Samsung's website, It comes from the Apps edge which displays your five apps you used most frequently to access right away. You can get the things you want to do fast from your phone with shortcuts to apps. You can set the shortcuts for your cameras, calendars, or messages.
The edge panel works in standby mode. You can just slide your finger along the edge when the phone is in standby mode. You can view the information you need from there, such as weather forecast, and news updates. The edge lighting we are talking about will be working when the phone is facing down. The lighting features would light up at the edge of the screen to show you the calls or notifications. You can also set the color based on the contacts.
Steps to Activate Edge Lighting on Samsung Galaxy S8
The first thing you need to do to activate edge lighting is to select and drag the Edge tab. Then, select the Settings icon. From there, you can enable or disable an Edge screen panel by selecting the checkmark box on the panel you want. This Settings panel would also allow you to edit edge tab appearance, customize the apps edge screen, customize the people's edge tab, customize the tasks edge tab, and also turn edge tab on or off.
But, you are here not to know about those settings. You want to know about how to activate edge lighting. Here it is. On the Settings panel, select Display. Scroll it down to "Edge screen." There will be two things you need to know there. They are Edge panels and Edge Lighting. To enable or disable the Edge Lighting, you need to select the switch. You can activate edge lighting from there.
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Any content, information, or advice found on social media platforms and the wider Internet, including forums such as AP, should NOT be acted upon unless checked against a reliable, authoritative source, and re-checked, particularly where personal health is at stake. Seek professional advice/confirmation before acting on such at all times.
Jon Devo, May 21, 2014
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MBA Student Visit
Our Managing Partner, Mehrad, had the pleasure to meet with MBA students visiting from visiting from D'Amore-McKim School of Business, Northeastern University in the United States.
He had a chance to share insights into the UAE startup ecosystem and engage in some interesting discussions with the students & faculty.
Originally appeared in his blog: http://mehrad.io/northeastern-university-visit/


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5-year limited warranty
See our warranty policy
Contact Us
- Recommended: Online Support
- Email: email@example.com
- Toll-free: 1-888-837-6437
This is a set of replacement parts in case some of the pieces included with Vernier Drop Counter are misplaced. Includes Reagent Reservoir, 2 Valves, and Tip.
5-year limited warranty
See our warranty policy
Educational use only: Vernier products are designed for educational use. They are not appropriate for industrial, medical, or commercial applications.
* AP and Advanced Placement Program are registered trademarks of the College Entrance Examination Board, which was not involved in the production of and does not endorse this product.
** The IB Diploma Program is an official program of the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) which authorizes schools to offer it. The material available here has been developed independently of the IBO and is not endorsed by it.


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How to Prepare
When practicing yoga, avoid eating a large meal 2-3 hours prior to class. When practicing Inferno Hot Pilates, it's ok to eat up to 30 minutes before class.Drink plenty of water before class. If you are new to drinking lots of water, try 24 ounces in the 2 hours before.
What to Bring
Water to drink during class, large towel, and a yoga mat for each class offered. All can be rented or purchased at the studio. We offer a free mat and a free towel to all folks on the Intro Offer. Wear comfortable, light clothes (shorts,sport top).
Class Notes
Timing is everything,please arrive 15 minutes early. Be in each class from beginning to end. No reservations needed. New students welcome in all classes. Check in at the desk with the instructor. Download the New Student waiver by clicking here. Create an account and register today!
Be prepared to work hard and sweat. The room is hot by intention. The instructor guides the class clearly and thoroughly through each yoga posture or pilates move. The alignment of your body is the focus versus how you look doing the posture. Everyone is doing what they can and it's always someone's first class. You are among friends!
After Class
Men's and women's changing rooms, showers with Lunaroma body soap, and towel rental are available. Popsicles are for sale and Kombucha is on tap!
On March 15th, 2016, Queen City Bikram Yoga opened its doors. The brainchild of Marla Ceppetelli, the studio was launched with one major concept in mind: to bring a state-of-the-art hot yoga studio to the South Burlington community.
Ceppetelli, having faced her own personal struggles in life, wanted to create a safe space in which anyone was welcomed regardless of their expertise level or workout history. Read More!


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This large local city council's staff and provider partners serve approximately 220,000 residents and an estimated 800,000 people a day from outside of the borough. The Council has annual gross revenue expenditure of approximately £1bn.
Despite already robust controls, the council's AP team recognized the need for a more proactive approach to monitoring and error prevention. They wanted to ensure overpayments weren't made in the first place, rather than having to detect and then recover them. AP Forensics® enabled the council to implement daily preventative checks, providing real-time auditing of the various interface and payment files before they were posted for payment.
The Council's payment functions had evolved into complex systems involving multiple sources of invoice input. Controls existed but there were vulnerabilities and the risk of human error. Periodic recovery audits emphasized the need for the Council to take a proactive approach to preventing erroneous payments occurring and to addressing the circumstances that allowed overpayments to be made.
AP Forensics enabled the company to monitor and validate payments before they were made, and flag patterns of errors so the AP team could investigate the cause and prevent it happening again. When the Council underwent further business transformation, they recognised that these changes also attract new risk, and looked to AP Forensics as an added layer of control.


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Make sure you stretch
April 4th 2006
For those of you who run or exercise, how many times have you heard "make sure you stretch before you run?"
Well, although physically stretching before you exercise has its benefits, equally important is stretching your boundaries and challenging yourself to stretch beyond your comfort zone.
It's so much easier – and safer – to just stick to a routine, but it can be so much more rewarding when we stretch beyond our boundaries and challenge our fears versus giving into our fears.
What could you accomplish today if you stretched beyond your comfort zone?
Challenge yourself to learn something new or do something (anything) new that you've never done before and see what you learn from the experience.
A challenge I've been taking head on is stretching physically before I run, as well as stretching the mileage I run each week. It hasn't been easy.
One, I really don't like to stretch, and two, I really don't "like" running long distances.
This week – according to the marathon training schedule – I'm supposed to run 28 miles. This doesn't sound like a lot if I was scheduled to run each day (which would breakdown to four miles each day), but I'm only scheduled to run four days and one day includes – are you ready for this – a 14-mile run!
Now, for me, that's a stretch!
Check back next week to see how I did this week with my stretching.
Ron Goch, The Telios Group
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Definitions for the Clery Statistics Charts
Aggravated Assault – An unlawful attack by one person upon another wherein the offender uses a weapon or displays it in a threatening manner, or the victim suffers obvious severe or aggravated bodily injury involving apparent broken bones, loss of teeth, possible internal injury, severe laceration, or loss of consciousness. This also includes assault with disease (as in cases when the offender is aware that he/she is infected with a deadly disease and deliberately attempts to inflict the disease by biting, spitting, etc.).
Arson – To unlawfully and intentionally damage, or attempt to damage, any real or personal property by fire or incendiary device.
Bias Crime – See Hate Crime
Burglary – The unlawful entry into a building or other structure with the intent to commit a felony or a theft.
Dating Violence – Violence committed by a person who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim. The existence of such a relationship shall be determined based on the reporting party's statement and with consideration of the length of the relationship, the type of the relationship, and the frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship. For the purposes of this definition, dating violence includes, but is not limited to sexual or physical abuse or the threat of such abuse. Dating violence does not include acts covered under the definition of domestic violence. Any incident meeting this definition is considered a crime for the purposes of Clery Act reporting.
Domestic Violence – A felony or misdemeanor crime of violence committed by a current or former spouse or intimate partner of the victim; By a person with whom the victim shares a child in common; By a person who is cohabitating with, or has cohabitated with, the victim as a spouse or intimate partner; By a person similarly situated to a spouse of the victim under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction in which the crime of violence occurred; By any other person against an adult or youth victim who is protected from that person's acts under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction in which the crime of violence occurred.
Drug Abuse Violation – Violations of state and local laws relating to the unlawful possession, sale, use, growing, manufacturing, and making of narcotic drugs. The relevant substances include: opium or cocaine and their derivatives (morphine, heroin, codeine); marijuana, synthetic narcotics (demerol, methadones); and dangerous non-narcotic drugs (barbiturates, benzedrine).
Forcible Sodomy - Oral or anal sexual intercourse with another person, forcibly and/or against that person's will; or not forcibly against that person's will where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of his/her youth or because of his/her temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity. Beginning in 2013, these reports, if any, are included in the Rape category.
Hate Crime – A crime reported to local police agencies or to a campus security authority that manifests evidence that the victim was intentionally selected because of the perpetrator's bias against the victim. For the purpose of this section, the categories of bias include the victim's actual or perceived race, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, national origin, and disability.
Larceny – The unlawful taking, carrying, leading, or riding away of property from the possession, or constructive possession, of another person.
Liquor Law Violation – The violation of laws or ordinances prohibiting: the manufacture, sale, transporting, furnishing, possessing of intoxicating liquor; maintaining unlawful drinking places; bootlegging; operating a still; furnishing liquor to a minor or intemperate person; using a vehicle for illegal transportation of liquor; drinking on a train or public conveyance; and all attempts to commit any of the aforementioned. (Drunkenness and driving under the influence are not included in this definition.)
Manslaughter by Negligence – The killing of another person through negligence.
Motor Vehicle Theft – The theft of a motor vehicle. Note: a "motor vehicle" is a self-propelled vehicle that runs on the surface of land and not on rails, and which includes automobiles, buses, recreational vehicles, trucks, motorcycles, motor scooters, trail bikes, mopeds, snowmobiles, and golf carts.
Murder and Non-negligent Manslaughter – The willful (non-negligent) killing of one human being by another.
Non-Campus Property – off-campus property that is owned or managed by a recognized student organization, such a fraternities and sororities. Additionally, this includes incidents reported at remote campus locations on property owned or leased by UM-Flint.
On-Campus Property – the property UM-Flint owns or manages within the City of Flint.
Public Property – the streets, sidewalks, and public parking facilities that adjoin campus property.
Robbery – The taking, or attempting to take, anything of value under confrontational circumstances from the control, custody, or care of another person by force or threat of force or violence and/or by putting the victim in fear of immediate harm.
Sexual Assault – An offense that meets the definition of rape, fondling, incest, or statutory rape as used in the FBI's UCR program.
Sexual Assault with an Object – To use an object or instrument to unlawfully penetrate, however slightly, the genital or anal opening of the body of another person, forcibly and/or against that person's will; or not forcibly or against the person's will where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of his/her youth or because of his/her temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity. Beginning in 2013, these reports, if any, are included in the Rape category.
Sex Offenses – Any sexual act directed against another person, without the consent of the victim, including instances where the victim is incapable of giving consent.
- Rape – The penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of another person, without the consent of the victim.
- Fondling – The touching of the private body parts of another person for the purpose of sexual gratification, without the consent of the victim, including instances where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of his/her age or because of his/her temporary or permanent mental incapacity.
- Incest – Sexual intercourse between persons who are related to each other within the degrees wherein marriage is prohibited by law.
- Statutory Rape – Sexual intercourse with a person who is under the statutory age of consent.
Stalking – Engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to: Fear for the person's safety or the safety of others; or suffer substantial emotional distress. For purposes of this definition:
- Course of conduct means two or more acts, including, but not limited to, acts in which the stalker directly, indirectly, or through third parties, by any action, method, device, or means, follows, monitors, observes, surveils, threatens, or communicates to or about a person, method, device, or means follows, monitors, observes, surveils, threatens, or communicates to or about a person, or interferes with a person's property.
- Reasonable person means a reasonable person under the similar circumstances and with similar identities to the victim.
- Substantial emotional distress means significant mental suffering or anguish that may, but does not necessarily, require medical or other professional treatment or counseling.
- Any incident meeting this definition is considered a crime for the purposes of Clery Act Reporting.
Weapon Law Violations – The violation of laws or ordinances dealing with weapon offenses, regulatory in nature, such as: manufacture, sale, or possession of deadly weapons; carrying deadly weapons, concealed or openly; furnishing deadly weapons to minors, aliens possessing deadly weapons; and all attempts to commit any of the aforementioned.
Definitions from the Department of Justice or the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistic Act.


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Reviewed by: Sheri McMurray
CHANGE THE WORLD—A single man or woman can help change the world. Read about some who did with faith and God's help…
Jesus Christ, Noah, Abraham, Joseph, Moses, and David
VIOLENCE—How does viewing violence in movies affect families? Answer
Every time you buy a movie ticket or rent a video you are casting a vote telling Hollywood "That's what I want." Why does Hollywood continue to promote immoral programming? Are YOU part of the problem? Answer
Should I save sex for marriage? Answer
My boyfriend wants to have sex. I don't want to lose him. What should I do? Answer
How far is too far? What are the guidelines for dating relationships? Answer
What are the consequences of sexual immorality? Answer
|Nicolas Cage (Damon Macready / Big Daddy), Chloe Moretz (Mindy Macready / Hit Girl), Aaron Johnson (Dave Lizewski / Kick-Ass), Christopher Mintz-Plasse (Chris D'Amico / Red Mist), Elizabeth McGovern (Mrs. Lizewski), Lyndsy Fonseca (Katie Deauxma), See all »
|Matthew Vaughn—"Stardust"
|Marv Films, Plan B Entertainment, Adam Bohling, See all »
|Lionsgate Films
"I can't fly. But I can kick your ass."
an adaptation of Mark Millar and John Romita Jr.'s Kick-Ass
Sequel to this movie: Kick-Ass 2 (2013)
I usually don't quote other reviewers and film critics in my posts. I try to take you from the secular world and focus on the reasons a Christian should or should not want to see a particular film. I try my best to count the swear words and take note of any language or behaviors that might sneak up on an unsuspecting Christian and send out an alert to you so that you can make a calculated moral decision as to whether you and your family might find a movie appropriate to view or not.
For "Kick-Ass," I am making an exception.
So much controversy has already surfaced around the amount of foul language (uncountable and mind-bogglingly spoken by children under, over and around the age of 12) and murder (also, bloody, appalling, abusive slant on any Tarantino film) references to and visions of sex (and I'm talking teen sex, not adult, which I found inappropriate to view as a parent), as well as drugs in the film "Kick-Ass," that my table has already been set.
The thing that should stand out to a Christian is that this time, with this film, we are not the only ones voicing our strong concerns. This time the uproar is coming up from the secular world, as well.
The plot, such as it is, has something to do with a gangster (Mark Strong) who operates a powerful New York drug-smuggling ring. His young son, Chris (Christopher Mintz-Plasse), yearns to prove himself a worthy inheritor of the family business. Meanwhile, Chris' classmate Dave Lizewski (Aaron Johnson) is a skinny, hapless high schooler, suspected of being gay by the girl he most desires. He is focused on winning the attention of this pretty girl named Katie (Lyndsy Fonseca).
Mindy Macready (Chloe Moretz) is a cute, petite, foul-mouthed pre-teen, schooled in the art of weaponry by her vengeance-obsessed father, Damon (Nicolas Cage). Just for practice, her Dad sometimes has her wear a protective vest and shoots at her, so she'll know what it feels like to take a bullet. He also has no problem with her language. I wonder if that makes him the "cool Dad?"
Mindy's bullet wielding Dad—who later transforms into his own superhero, named Big Daddy—is a former cop who holds a longstanding grudge against the gangster-father of Mindy's nerdy friend Chris.
Despite no discernible physical agility or superhero skill, Dave decides to don a homemade bright green and yellow costume and go into the crime-fighting business. Mindy believes she can do some damage, as well, with her Dad's blessing and the right super-hero-esque weapons belt in pink and wig of purple. These two pint sized avengers eventually go on to become Hit-Girl and Kick-Ass, the salvation of a drug-and-violence-plagued New York City.
All of these players' paths eventually cross, in a manner which, while perhaps dramatically satisfying, is completely regrettable. Like most films making a bid to become a billion-dollar franchise, "Kick-Ass" tries too hard to shock us with language and vulgarity, too many characters and too many plot threads. If you're not predisposed to this brand of fanboyish, back-story-clogged mayhem (the film is based on a comic-book series by Mark Millar and his characters already established by that genre), you'll likely find yourself very confused. If you are a parent, I suspect you will want to run screaming from the theater. What these characters represent as possible role models to this generation has sent up red flags, not just to the Christian community, but to those in the secular realm as well.
In interviews, the cast has defended the script's abusiveness and foul language as "not to sweat it, folks, it's just good fun and fantasy, and we would never talk like that in real life." Sure, guys, we know that… but the potential millions in the viewing audience that are teens and pre-teens are looking for role models, even though they may not be consciously thinking in that direction. So these characters, if allowed to become popular enough by the public's forgiveness of the just-fantasy angle, have the acrid responsibility to the adults who may be looking at a future of chaos in a household of kids spouting the f-bomb and kicking-a** on authority at every turn.
As Kenneth Turan of the L.A. Times has said:
"You pay your money, you pick your poison."
Christopher Tookey even stated in the Daily Mail of this film:
"One of the most disturbing icons and damaging role models in the history of cinema."
He went on to state what I feel is paramount, as well:
"The reason the movie is sick, as well as thick, is that it breaks one of the last cinematic taboos by making the most violent, foul-mouthed and sexually aggressive character, Hit-Girl, an 11-year-old.
Played with enormous confidence by Chloe Moretz, she's the most charismatic character in the movie. She may not realize it, but she has been systematically abused by her father, brainwashed and turned into a pint-sized [monster].
She believes that her vigilante dad (played, simplistically, for laughs by Nicolas Cage) is a hero just as much at the end as she did at the beginning.
Her attitude towards him doesn't mature, which makes her pathetic, rather than cool. The fact that many people who see the film are going to think she is cool is one of its most depressing aspects."
I asked a couple of people who did not have kids with them about their reaction to "Kick-Ass" and its cast of characters. The consensus was that the movie brings kids into the adult world way sooner than they need to be there. They also stated, every last one of them, that they definitely would not allow their kids to see this movie—ever. That means not now or rented or to buy later.
I have also cruised the net looking at polls, and every one I have viewed where the question was asked: "Would you take your kids to see this movie?" ~ The 'no' votes were up in the 90% marks! These were not polls or interviews from other Christian sites. They are from main stream net areas such as CNN, Fox and online news agencies like L.A. Times, Chicago Sun Times and Arizona Daily Sun, to name a few.
I can't help but quote respected secular film critic Roger Ebert, who states it perfectly referring to "Kick-Ass":
"A movie camera makes a record of whatever is placed in front of it, and in this case, it shows deadly carnage dished out by an 11-year-old girl, after which an adult man brutally hammers her to within an inch of her life. Blood everywhere. In one scene, she faces a hallway jammed with heavily armed gangsters and shoots, stabs and kicks them all to death, while flying through the air with such power, it's enough to make Jackie Chan take out an AARP membership.
This isn't comic violence. [It's so realistic that…] these men, and many others in the film, are really stone-cold dead. And the 11-year-old apparently experiences no emotions about this. Many children that age would be, I dunno, affected somehow, don't you think, after killing eight or 12 men who were trying to kill her?"
One more quote just to prove my point, that we Christians are not the only people concerned about this film. Dana Stevens, of Slate states:
"The director, Matthew Vaughn, pointed out the hypocrisy of those who criticized his movie's use of profanity while ignoring its violence: 'I was like, 'Does it not bother you that she killed about 53 people in this film?' … I'm like, 'Would you rather your daughter swore, or became a masked vigilante killer?' They're going, 'Yeah, I don't know.' Cogently put, sir. But this critic, for one, is going, 'Yeah, it does bother me that Hit Girl, and her fellow amateur superheroes rack up a body count in the high dozens.' In the course of this zany romp made for the high-school set, human bodies are microwaved, crushed in trash compactors, skewered, bazookaed, and burned alive. And, yes, it's comic-book violence and deliberately over the top—but since "Kick-Ass"'s whole premise is that comic-book violence, when enacted in real life, has real consequences, it seems a strange choice to layer Tarantino-style splatter onto the Y.A.-novel setting and play the whole thing for laughs."
The Bible teaches us that in the last days many people will turn away from believing and trusting in God and will put their trust in something taught by Satan, the great deceiver.
One of Satan's main goals is to turn people away from trusting in the Bible and the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. We must be very careful not to trust in our own feelings or understandings when they do not agree with God's word. This sadly happens to many adults and children.
Make no mistake about it, Satan will always become something that will look ok, such as in a fantasy book or movie, and appear like it's all in fun or perhaps for laughs and really isn't anything to be concerned about. But be warned, that this is the best smoke screen Satan has going for him. Just when you or your kids let down that guard and believe the lie, that's when Satan gets a grip.
Please read Genesis 3:1-5; John 8:44; 1 Peter 5:8,9; Ephesians 6:11-13; Hebrews 2:14; Revelation 12:9-11; 20:10) and discuss this with your family today.
Satan is the father of lies. He is cunning at the task of twisting or misrepresenting the truth. Also a cool perpetrator of many forms of deception, like films or books which seem to make sense because they weave lies with the truth, like masking the essence of a film such as "Kick-Ass" as just fantasy and humor, when in truth it will eventually lead to more of the same smut and violence—a way for Satan to enslave the impressionable minds of the youth.
But, by far, the most malicious form of a lie is using something good to bring about ultimate evil. To illustrate this, imagine Satan on a fishing expedition. Like a seasoned fisherman, he will not attach a hook to the line and toss it in just like that. He knows that most fish just won't voluntarily bite on an exposed hook. So, he will consider the type of fish he's after, and will "dress up" the hook accordingly: a flashy lure for some fish, a worm (real or plastic) for others, a fly for yet others. Does he do this because he wants to feed or entertain the fish? Of course not! He wants to feed himself. The seeming good that may come from him is intended for your ultimate demise.
So beware, all you fish out there, remember there is only ONE Fisherman who will take you and care for you—body, mind and soul, and That Man is Jesus Christ. Know the truth well, for it will set you free. Know Him Who is Truth, for He will help you see past the wily deceptiveness of Satan. We need to know what God's word says; abide by it for the sake of our very souls.
I add, in closing, this very important point to parents. "Kick-Ass" is NOT your family-friendly superhero movie. This is NOT even a funny parody of superhero dramas, such as "Spiderman" or "Batman." This is NOT FUNNY! It is serious smut and an offensive way to expose kids to the aggressive, repellent, perverse behaviors we as parents have been fighting in a super way for decades to filter OUT of their lives.
The director of "Kick-Ass," Matthew Vaughn, himself stated that he made this movie for a particular audience, and he also stated that the people who won't go see it are the one's who find it offensive, so my answer to that is ~ I hope and pray the crowd who finds it offensive is vast enough to push this horrifically mortifying dud into obscurity!
Violence: Extreme / Profanity: Extreme / Sex/Nudity: Extreme
See list of Relevant Issues—questions-and-answers.


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The bowhead whale lives entirely in Arctic or sub-Arctic waters, unlike other whales that will migrate to warmer or cooler waters to mate or reproduce. Their movement patters are therefore dictated by the melting and freezing of the ice. Bowhead whales are capable of breaking through ice at least seven inches thick due to their large bodies and strong skulls. Adult bowheads are entirely black aside from the front part of the lower jaw, which is white and prominently upturned. They can grow up to 60 feet in length while still being able to leap entirely out of the water. Like gray whales, bowhead whales filter food through their mouths via baleen by opening their mouths and straining plankton from the surface, water column, or sea floor.
Research suggests that bowhead whales may be among some of the longest living animals on earth. Based on the recovery of stone harpoon tips from their blubber as well as analysis of their eye tissue, scientists believe that the life-span of a bowhead whale can far exceed 100 years.
- The only known natural predator to the bowhead whale is a pod of killer whales.
- A bowhead whale has a life expectancy of about 100 years, but some can last up to 200 years!
- The bowhead whale is considered to be one of the heaviest animals on earth, only being surpassed by the blue whale.


text: More than 20,000 ethnic Indians demonstrated last month in defiance of a government ban [EPA] All 26 were freed on bail, and will go on trial on December 27. However, five leaders of the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf), which organised the rally on November 25, remained in detention under the colonial era Internal Security Act (ISA) that allows indefinite imprisonment without trial. On Monday, rights groups staged a protest outside the government's National Human Rights Commission, urging the abolition of the ISA. Defiance ban The men against whom charges have been dropped, were arrested on November 25 when more than 20,000 ethnic Indians demonstrated in the streets in defiance of a government ban. They were charged with attempted murder for causing a head injury to one policeman - provoking an international outcry. In the sessions court, cheers broke out when Abdul Gani Patail, the attorney-general, told the judge that he was dropping all charges against five Indians and attempted murder charges against the 26 others. "I could be very strict but I don't think this is the time to be that strict,'' Patail said. "Freeing them now would be the "best course of action'' in the public and national interest, he said. "When we exercise the law ... we look at what is fair and just ... and in my judgment this is the fairest thing to do,'' he said. Pleas to PM Several ethnic Indian community groups had urged Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Malaysia's prime minister, to drop the attempted murder charges. Ethnic Indians make up about eight per cent of Malaysia's 27 million people, and represent an underprivileged minority. Malay Muslims comprise about 60 per cent of the population, and control the government. Hindraf is demanding equality and fair treatment for Indians, saying an affirmative action programme that gives preferential treatment to Muslim Malays is tantamount to racial discrimination. Ethnic Indians also complain their religious rights are being trampled upon. SOURCE: Agencies


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The Long Awaited One
Totally geeking out here! You're reading the words of one who had the Star Wars sheets on her bed, the action figures on her shelf and the trading cards in her desk drawer when she was a kid. Actually, I think my brother, George, still has the cards stored alongside his baseball cards somewhere. I also wore out numerous cassette tapes listening to the famous John Williams soundtracks over and over again, much to Mom's chagrin.
So, of course, I contributed my $10.00 to the $238 million that Star Wars: The Force Awakens made on opening weekend. Along with millions of other fans, disappointed by the trilogy of prequels, I awaited the boom of the trumpets and scrolling text that signaled the beginning of the long awaited Episode Seven, this time with J.J. Abrams at the helm. If anyone could resurrect the Star Wars franchise, it was him. After all, he did it for Star Trek. As the notes blared forth, the theater erupted in applause and the clapping rose up as each beloved character from the original films debuted on screen.
The Force Awakens yellow scrolling text told us that the Empire had fallen but out of it grew the nasty First Order. Their mission: to find Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), currently in hiding, and kill the last Jedi. Of course, princess-turned-general Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher), still leading the rebellion, now called the Resistance, is trying her darndest to locate her missing brother (with the help of other awesome characters like Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) and the very cute BB-8 droid).
Old and New Combined
The great delight of The Force Awakens is the melding of old and new seamlessly. We meet Rey (Daisy Ridley), a poor scavenger girl on a planet that seems to be full of nothing but sand and junk. She's definitely more than meets the eye. We meet Finn (John Boyega), the stormtrooper with a conscience. Throughout the story, it's obvious that these are the characters that will carry Star Wars into the next generation. They meet Han Solo (Harrison Ford) like he's a legend come to life. "The Force, the Jedi, it's all true," Solo tells them as they escape a bunch of First Order stormtroopers in a very beat-up, familiar looking piece of junk that once made the Kessel Run in less than 12 parsecs.
The story Abrams has crafted brings together many tidbits from the original trilogy keeping geeks like me loving all the throwbacks. There's the wonderful cantina scene and at least one character mumbling, "I have a bad feeling about this." Starkiller base is the Death Star x a gazillion lorded over by Kylo Ren (Adam Driver), but like Darth Vader, he is the lackey of another, this time Supreme Leader Snoke (Andy Serkis). Even so, The Force Awakens has a lighter feel than the previous six films. There were plenty of times I laughed out loud like when Han Solo, interrupting a reunion of Rey and Finn, says, "Escape now. Hug later."
Searching for a Savior
Just like its predecessors, Star Wars: The Force Awakens handles the themes of light and darkness (as well as others but those would involve too many spoilers), very Christian themes, especially as we say goodbye to the Season of Advent and look to the birth of the Savior at Christmas. The more I think about it, I think The Force Awakens would be a great film for an Advent retreat. The whole plot focuses on the search for Luke Skywalker, the last of the Jedi. In a sense, the Resistance is looking for a savior against the First Order, scions of the Dark Side. Is not that what Advent is for us Christians? We await the time when the darkness of sin and death is overcome by the light that comes into the world, Jesus Christ.
Christmas doesn't only celebrate the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem long ago. It celebrates the coming of Christ into our lives every day in so many ways. Christ comes to us through the smile of a stranger, the small kindness given to another, the offer of forgiveness to one who has hurt us, a prayer of gratitude, and most directly, the great gift of the Eucharist.
As we Catholic Star Wars fans enjoy the thrills of Episode Seven, let us remember to incarnate the Light Side, the love Christ brings, into our lives so that we can do our part in dispelling the Dark Side.
Listen to 60-second radio reviews by Sr. Hosea!


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On August 11, Kesha comes out with her first album in five years "Rainbow." And in the weeks leading up to it, she's dropped three singles from it: "Praying," "Woman," and "Learn To Let Go."
Naturally, my friend Jon and I have been sending these songs back and forth to each other as we attempt to prepare for the Kesha Renaissance that is upon us. And to celebrate this new age of wonder, we decided to pick six Ke$ha songs from the past that we desperately, vengefully adore.
"TiK ToK" – Daniel
The tune that launched a thousand pre-gaming parties, "TiK ToK" is less of a song and more of an itinerary for your trip to a hangover. It's probably Ke$ha's most popular hit, and lines like "Brush my teeth with a bottle of Jack" give me the feeling that I imagine some people get when they listen to The Beatles.
"Timber" – Jon
This song's sound is not new – "Cotton Eyed Joe" and "Wake Me Up" have both done it before. But Ke$ha's take on the country/EDM cocktail benefits from her Nashville heritage, with the slightest bit of twang in her vocals really setting the song off.
"Blow" – Daniel
"Blow" is Ke$ha's most club-friendly song. It's remarkably simple, and half the lyrics are simply Ke$ha turning the word "blow" into something with about eight syllables. I'm surprised that it wasn't remixed and slapped onto the trailer of some misguided 2011 action movie about twenty-somethings with fast cars and problems.
"Take it Off" – Jon
Few songs sound more like Ke$ha than this song, a shiny, danceable banger built on a foundation of grimy lyrics. She makes a dive bar full of ne'er-do-wells sound like an Ibiza club.
"C'Mon" – Daniel
In my opinion, "C'Mon" is Ke$ha's best song so far. Before writing this entry, I danced to it twice in my living room. And when I get done with this sentence, I'm going to dance to it two more times.
"Dirty Love" – Jon
It's always great when you can tell an artist is having as much fun performing as you are listening, and the rock stylings of "Dirty Love" benefit from Ke$ha's earnestness and Iggy Pop's silly streak. The lyrics are borderline nonsense and the music is simple, but their enthusiasm is what sells the song.


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Monthly Muse: Bree Wijnaar
Meet your 6'4" tall sister and founder of The Tall Society
Bree, tell us, what is The Tall Society?
The Tall Society is a community for tall girls and women worldwide. It is a sisterhood, and for many of our readers a safe space to be themselves. We are a home for women of height with positivity, encouragement, and empowerment being our main pillars.
What inspired you to create The Tall Society?
A few years ago, we saw a lot of things changing in the media. I started to see more everyday women, owning who they are, including many confident, curvy women expressing themselves through fashion. They were actively addressing and discussing this skewed view of what beauty is. I was fascinated and delighted by the changes I was seeing. This is the era where female empowerment is at the forefront. We are standing in our truth and owning who we are, unapologetically. I love everything about it.
What I was not seeing, is a spotlight on women of height. I often had this discussion with my mom. I felt there was a void there, and after a healthy push from her, I decided to take charge and address what I felt was my mission. That is how The Tall Society was born.
What has been your biggest accomplishment with The Tall Society?
I am very proud of the level of content we create. There are so many incredible stories on The Tall Society, and I encourage people to poke around the different categories. A lot of thought went into some of our signature categories, like our interviewing series 'Meet Your Tall Sisters.' I wanted to make sure we were bringing fresh, original, recognizable, and different content. I think we have accomplished that.
Where do you see The Tall Society in 5 years?
Honestly, the sky is the limit! My priority is to continue our growth and continue building relationships with Tall Sisters everywhere. I am hoping to spread our brunches to more amazing and diverse corners of the globe. I feel like I have found my purpose and it most definitely is to continue connecting, empowering, and encouraging women of height.
We are a home for women of height.
How did you come to meet Long Tall Sally? Tell us about your first encounter.
I lived in London between 2007 and 2010 and worked at the Sheraton Grand Park Lane. One day I was looking for a winter coat and wasn't having much luck. By chance, I ran into a LTS store. The name obviously caught my attention. I bought my first LTS coat that day. It fit my proportions and I was surprised, delighted, and emotional. It was an incredible feeling to find Long Tall Sally.
Three words to describe your style?
Colorful, comfortable, feminine.
What is your best piece of style advice for tall girls?
Try everything! The way we shop today has changed; a lot of it is online. In conversations with my Tall Sisters I still often hear, "Oh, I've never tried them." The reason? There was no opportunity to try everything on. I would encourage all my Tall Sisters to embrace online shopping. I have discovered many brands that are great options for us by simply trying them out. Leverage those free shipping promotions that every retailer runs a few times a year. Long Tall Sally is dear to my heart because I've shopped there for so many years.
What current trend are you loving?
I love that many retailers are moving to more unisex pieces. Mainly in looking for shoes that has turned out to be handy, especially with brogues and sneakers. My boyfriend and I have the same size and we swap shoes sometimes, which is super convenient. I just love my LTS brogues and they go with everything: with leggings, jeans, even a skirt, depending on the type. They are comfortable and sophisticated.
It's so important for tall girls to love what they're wearing because if you feel good about what you're wearing, you likely feel good about the way you look, and when you feel good about how you look, the energy you exude is a confident and positive one.
What are your brunches all about?
The 'Meet Your Tall Sister Brunches' are all about bringing our community of Tall Sisters together in person. It is an opportunity to stand tall, meet incredible women, and create new friendships. We love to take things 'offline' and make genuine connections with our community, and in my opinion the best way to do that is in person.
What is your favorite thing about travelling around the world to meet your Tall Sisters?
It is hard to describe the feeling and energy that manifest when I meet and hug these women that have supported our online community. I am making new friends across the country while connecting Tall Sisters locally with each other. Creating an environment that facilitates these new connections is so fulfilling and amazing.
Which brunch was your favorite?
I don't have a favorite brunch really; each brunch has a new group of women to connect with that are fascinating. I can't pick just one. I love each and every one of them!
Our most recent NYC brunch was incredible, memorable, and even emotional, as it is home turf for me and that is really where it all started. It was our second NYC brunch, and there were a lot of familiar faces. I can't wait to head back to all cities and see everyone again and continue our conversations and friendships.
When can we hang out next?
Our next brunch is in London on June 17th, so please join us for some great food, music, and even better company at the W London. We currently have brunches scheduled for London, New York, Los Angeles, Amsterdam, Paris and Miami. More cities are in the works!


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MARYSVILLE, Ohio - A Richwood tree trimmer died Thursday after he was pinned by a falling tree during a job northeast of Marysville in Union County.
Charles R. Ellis, 64, died after the tree, about 4 feet in diameter, fell on him just before 1 p.m., according to the Union County sheriff's office.
Authorities say Ellis and one of his employees, Christopher St. Clair, were trimming trees in a wooded area near the intersection of Easton and Leeper Perkins roads when the large tree gave them some trouble.
St. Clair walked away to get some additional equipment and heard the tree fall. He found his boss beneath the tree, the sheriff's office said. St. Clair called 911 from his cell phone.
It took crews several hours to get to Ellis. He was pronounced dead at the scene.


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Hens Night Shop Bachelorette Party Supplies Australia
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I brought my new Nena and Co. weekender with me to the beach recently, and I've been fielding questions about it every day since. It's one of the most popular posts on the instagram page and on the pinterest page SOOOO when Nena and Co noticed how much you loved it, and asked if I thought you'd like one. the answer was Y E S.
Excited that this week we are giving away a Nena and Co. weekender bag! (This one's mine, hands off) But all you need to do to enter is follow @nenaandco and @dallasshaw on instagram then comment below with your handle and email.
Nena and Co. will surprise you with a weekender bag ( as if they aren't all equally amazing) valued at $300, and you can make your take-everywhere-travel bag. Mine has already been with me to the beach, to the city and is headed to St Thomas with me next week!
The beginning of some really amazing giveaways here on the new blog. Good luck- and thanks for reading my little blog.
{ Nena and Co. }


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Ousted chamber chief had boosted finances
The former president of the East County Chamber of Commerce raised revenue, cut expenses and boosted the organization's net assets by more than 50 percent in 2011, newly released tax records show.
According to the chamber's 2011 tax filing, released Monday, former president Scott Alevy increased membership dues and trimmed costs while running the chamber. He was paid $93,348 in 2011, which exceeds the $60,000 his predecessor earned in 2010.
The U-T reported last week that Alevy was let go as the group's president and that the position had been eliminated for economic reasons.
"To remain the strongest and most viable Chamber in East County, the board has voted to eliminate the salaried position of President/CEO," a letter to members last week stated. "This will free up crucial financial revenues that are needed to better serve our membership."
Board Chairwoman Becky Burgstiner, who is serving as the chamber's acting president, did not return calls Monday for comment on the financial picture from the group's latest tax filings.
As of Friday, the group had declined to release the 2011 tax filing, which must be made available for public viewing under federal nonprofit regulations.
A review of the chamber's previous tax filings, for 2008 through 2010, had showed the business group was spending more money than it was taking in during each of those years. The agency's net assets sank from nearly $200,000 to less than $80,000 over the three years.
Under the direction of Alevy, who was hired in January 2011, the chamber collected $494,000 in 2011, up from $426,000 the previous year. He also cut expenses from $456,000 to just over $450,000.
The East County Chamber of Commerce represents more than 500 businesses in La Mesa, Lemon Grove and El Cajon.
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A mere four years ago, pundits were bemoaning the death of the Lincoln-Douglas style debate. In an election cycle defined by quips about "binders full of women" and where the most serious dismantling of ideology involved repeatedly calling it "malarkey," the staid deliberation of 19th century campaigning seemed the height of rhetorical finesse. If the clamoring for such gravitas seems ...Read More »
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Sarah Palin's endorsement of Donald Trump has generated a lot of salacious talk from pundits over-eager for election-crushing political gossip. The theories range- some believe she is no longer relevant, some believe Palin's action was a calculated political bid for the VP nod. But most seem to believe this is an attempt to bring conservatives over from grassroots darling Ted ...Read More »
Lack of Objectivity in Debate Coverage Threatens Validity in Elections
It is "trendy" in contemporary journalist ethics to eschew objectivity as an unattainable ideal, a damper on journalists. In a way, this is rational. The veneer of objectivity goes a long way towards exerting a subversive version of Truthful reporting which, when examined, carefully picks and chooses which facts it promotes, which stories and covers and, by exclusion which is ...Read More »
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What role should loyalty play in democratic politics? On the one hand, party systems are necessary to republicanism. They provide structure, put a face on distant and often shrouded political mechanization for voters, unite like-minded individuals around ideas and help them ensure they support policies that work best for them. But take this idea too far and politics becomes about ...Read More »
Digital Campaigning and the Rise of Populism in the 2016 Primary
Populism is amongst the most significant factors of the 2016 election cycle. Even Carly Fiorina credited competitor Donald Trump's frontrunner status to his vehement anti-establishment rhetoric. Office seekers tout their populist credential; pundits often weigh the credentials of a candidate against it. But what does "populism" really mean, and how is it being utilized in voter outreach? The simple answer ...Read More »
Does Modern Populism Have an Answer to Modern Political Problems?
For many efficaciously disillusioned Americans, populism is the sole redeeming hope on which hangs a return to political virtue. Yet, modern populists, both left and right, have a spotty record of success. True, the Tea Party and anti-Wall Street, class warfare leftists have seen electoral success in the last couple of elections. However, after assuming power, they have done little. ...Read More »
2016: The End Of The Republic
What will America look like in 2016? With Obama still in the White House, our future looks very bleak. This is a fictional look into what very well could happen to the American Republic.Read More »
Rick Perry Would "Absolutely" Run Again For President
While he made sure to say he was supporting Governor Romney's bid for the White House, Rick Perry did mention he wouldn't mind running for the job in 2016, if Mitt fails to get win this year. Click here for video.Read More »
2016: Obama's America Delivers A Unique Perspective on Obama's World View
Dinesh D'Souza's look at Barack Obama's life growing up in Hawaii and Indonesia offers unique insight into the perspective of the nation's 44th president. In the recently released movie "2016: Obama's America", the President of King's College in NY City chronicles the life of a young man who was raised in an anti-colonialist environment. Influenced by tails of a father ...Read More »
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text: We previously reviewed the Enduromax Jump Rope 2.0 – a jump rope suited for those looking for a performance rope with a light shorter handle. Now we're taking a look at the High Speed Double-Under Jump Rope – a rope which offers the same performance but with a longer handle for comfort. Regular jump rope training does wonders for your coordination, balance and overall fitness. Adding more skilled work, like double-unders and even triple-unders, pushes those limits even further, and coupled with other movements prove to push you to the edge of your comfort zone. This High Speed Double-Under Jump Rope is a premium quality skipping rope, best for those looking for a lightweight, high-performance product. It is a free-spinning, easy grip skipping rope, perfect for athletes that want longer handle grips. The grips are 16cm long and offer the kind of performance needed for speed skipping. The ergonomically designed lightweight plastic handles are made specifically for grip, comfort and control. The high-speed ball bearing handles, which makes it spin super smoothly, make them one of the best spinning jump ropes available! Another huge benefit is that where many jump ropes succumb to kinking and coiling, this jump rope fixes that problem with the inclusion of a vinyl-coated anti-coil cable. Finally, the thumb screws at each end of the cable allows you to easily and quickly adjust the length to suit your height and requirements. These are a great high quality product and if you are interested in buying them, go online here to orders your now.


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|2 Stars
|The Good Food Guide Points
|9 Points
|AA Guide
|5 Rosettes
|The Sunday Times Food List
|10 Ranking
|The Good Food Guide Ranking
|3 Ranking
Refine Search > World > Europe > United Kingdom > Nottingham
|Hip factor
|Value for money
Derbyshire-born Sat Bains admits he went to catering school to meet girls. He was part of the team behind the opening of Raymond Blanc's Le Petit Blanc, won the Roux scholarship in 1999 and in 2002 opened the Restaurant Sat Bains at Nottingham's Hotel de Clos in 2002. One year later he had his first Michelin star. In 2007 the AA guide named it Restaurant of the Year for England.
Hot Dinners caught up with Nottingham chef Sat Bains at this year's Restaurant Show to find out how London compares food-wise with his neck of the woods and which chefs he currently rates.
Did you catch the Ferran Adria talk?
No – because I couldn't understand him. It's also lost in translation. I know Ferran, I've been to El Bulli a couple of times and it was unbelievable. It was a big catalyst for me when I ate there in 1999 – it changed the way I thought about food. But you need to hear it from his heart – it gets diluted in translation.
Where do you stand on the debate that if a chef's name is over the door, should he always be in the kitchen?
It's a mixture of both. I'm fortunate that I've done the business around myself. We're closed two days a week, which means I'm off then and when I'm working, I'm there. I'm not going to lie and say I'm there always – I've got a brilliant team, if you don't give these guys a chance they'll leave you. So who's right and who's wrong? As long as the customer gets what they came for, that's the package.
What's keeping you busy right now?
I'm just concentrating on giving customers the wow factor and that's it. The good thing about the credit crunch is that you have to give more for your pound. So what we do is we're solid in the kitchen; we're trying to make sure the customers have a fantastic experience and we try and give them something they can't get anywhere else.
Do you have any current favourite London restaurants?
I think the best meal I had in London this year was at Angela Hartnett's, The food was fantastic and the wine pairing they did with it was incredible. I'm a massive believer that you should pay for good wine, so we spent the same amount on wine as we did on the food. I think London is a great city and I love it and one of my great haunts is the St Pancras champagne bar. Because coming from Nottingham, that's our first stop.
We sense there's a 'But' coming...
Well, London is quite lazy sometimes. Because there's such a concentration of customers, the food isn't as exciting as it can be. So I think I've actually eaten better out of London – my favourite meal this year was at L'Enclume in Cartmel. It's exciting and different but you also taste a bit of the character of the chef. And that's what it's about for me – it can be quite blasé in London sometimes.
Do you think you'll ever be enticed to work here?
I learnt years ago to never say never. But London doesn't appeal to me at the moment. I've got my work cut out for me in Nottingham just to keep standards and sustain the credibility of the restaurant. But what's good is I have a very open format, where it's called a blank canvas. So every service is blank. We have to achieve recognition every night, not on the back of recognition that was given to us a year ago. So it's almost like saying it doesn't matter how many accolades you have, the customers that are in tonight – they're the ones that count.
Hot-Dinners.com -
Sat, first and foremost thank you very much for your time today.
You're welcome. Pleasure.
It's great to come and see you at the restaurant. You have had huge success. You've been here since 2003, is that right?
Well, I have been here since 1999 and took over in 2005. So, yes it has been a crazy few years, to be honest.
And you are Nottingham's only Michelin starred restaurant?
Yes, that's right. It's a great achievement for the team and everyone here but it's not anything I loose any sleep over.
That was going to be my next question. Obviously, the Michelin Guide for 2010 has just recently been published and "¦ leaked early (again). You didn't get your second star this year, of course it's disappointing not to get it but does that motivate you to do more? Or do you say "you know what, I am comfortable where we are."
Well, I would never say we are comfortable. We are striving to be amazing. We wake up in the morning to be the best. So, yes it is always going to be disappointing but then it's not a race. To cook brilliant food is not a race. Because when you ultimately get the two or one Michelin star that you are after, as a Chef, you have got to be able to maintain that level and keep motivated and excited about cooking and for your team. So for me it has never been about "Yes, I think we deserve two stars." I would never say that. I think we are comparable to some two stars with the food I have eaten in them, but I am never going to say we're better. So for me it wasn't a surprise. It was a disappointment, naturally, because I have been at one star level since 2003 and there is no way the food is the same as it was then, but I am not an inspector so I have never known the criteria of how to achieve the next level. . . and I think that is the beauty of Michelin. Because if you think about it, why are they so illusive and exclusive\? It's because they are so strict. Because if this year there were 10 new two stars then it would look too easy "¦ it would de-value it.
They are very clever in their marketing and they are very disciplined. I've got to take a kick in the b***s and say we're not good enough.
And I mean that and I will tell the boys that.
Does that motivate you?
Well it motivates me to carry on but it won't motivate me to change anything. We get a Hell of a lot of Chefs eating here and it's great the comments we get from them. But I am not going to start believing my own Bullshit and that is the key.
So you don't look at dishes on your menu and think "That's two star"?
No, I look at a dish and the first question is "Do I want to eat it?"
That's it, regardless of the star rating because I don't know how they judge the star rating. The secret is - do what you do. As I said before there is no race to get there it is just a badge. A badge of absolute exclusivity with regards to quality and yes, we all want to cook at that level; to say "Yes, we're cooking!" But there is no way I am going to contrive what we do here by me mis-interpreting what I think they want. I could go off on a tangent and screw it all up.
And I have got to show the boys that the confidence is within; in the produce. The guys start again from scratch! Today. Every day, it's not a case of "Wow aren't we lucky we've got a star"; no it's about "Do you want to eat that dish?" " Is that the best you can do?" "Yes, Chef." - fine then get it out.
Tell us a bit about you. Everyone knows you from when you had Restaurant Sat Bains, but tell us a bit about the early Sat Bains"¦ A lad from Derbyshire.
Yes, I'm from Derby. From Normanton - the really posh end of Derby.
Is there a posh area of Derby?! (Laughter)
Yes, of course there is. I went to Willmorton College. And it has been well documented that I joined a course with the most girls on it"¦ half of them were lesbians (but I didn't know that at the time). I enjoyed what I did. Had a great time and fell in love with cooking. It wasn't until I was in the trade, probably about 23 that I first read about Marco. And I thought "Wow, this guy is unbelievable". I was working in a restaurant at the time and this pushed me on. I thought "OMG, what am I doing?" It inspired me to send a few CV's off and see what happened. I sent one of to John Burton-Race"¦ Got rejected. I always remember this ponsey watercolour at the bottom of the paper he rejected me on, it was a picture of him cooking. And I decided at that moment that I am never going to believe my own bullshit because it was just so over the top "¦ it's just so much bullshit. Anyway, I got rejected, which was a great thing. I went to work for Petit Blanc. Had a great time; very hard work. 18 of us opened the restaurant within 6 months there was 10 of us left. It was hard, hard graft. It was great because you were taught that you can push yourself. 18 - 20 hours a day; 6/7/8 weeks on the trot. We were wrecked. I lost three stone in three months. I was actually in bits, but I had a great time.
And what a fantastic diet plan - there's a book there - work for Raymond Blanc (laughter)
But what was great, you did it and you survived. And that is what I needed, I was only 25 and I needed a kick up the ass. Me and my wife got married. Went to St Lucia for the honeymoon. Came back and straight away went to Oxford for a year and then came back to Nottingham.
The irony is that I went to Oxford on 12 grand and I came back from London and demanded 24 grand. And I thought "What!!?" I had only done a year. It kind of really frustrated me because I wasn't any different as a person; yes I had picked some more skills up but it just showed the power of having something on your CV.
Yes, CV is definitely king.
Yes, so at that point I decided never to work for anyone ever again"¦ as a named Chef. I didn't want it. So I decided to work obsessively. Learn the craft. Read as much as I could. Try techniques that I didn't know. So I went down that sort of route.
So, would you say, from a profile point of view, that you started getting on peoples radar when you ran for the Roux Scholarship?
Yes, I think so.
You are now, obviously, part of the Roux family?
That's right. And it is a great family to be part of. I love Michel Roux.
Was it 1997 you won that?
'99. I was out of work. Unemployed.
What made you enter it?
It was my last year. When I was working I sent off the form and I got through to the regional. In between going through from the regional to the final the restaurant I was working in closed. So at that point I thought "OMG, what happens here will dictate the rest of my life - I can't loose." But the calibre was phenomenal. There was the guy from the Aubergine, there was another starred restaurant. These guys worked all over. So there is me; almost the under-dog. So I just went for it. But there was no way I thought I had won. I was blown away when they called my name out. I went to the South of France, to work at Le Jardin des sens. I had a brilliant time. Went to Ferran Adrias El Bulli while I was there. I was lucky enough to have gone in '99; and before all the hype
At those sort of places you start from scratch. What I ate and saw at El Bulli! I left there. All I took away with me was some of their creativity.
It's very niche, isn't it the El Bulli?
It is, yes.
They are masters in what they do.
Yes, but I wanted to be master in what I did. I didn't want to replicate anything.
Yes, that's a danger isn't it - copying what somebody else is doing.
Yes, it's taking their creativity. That could have made me angry. I didn't want to do that. So I decided to work on a very unique style that was very much part of my sole and get it on a plate. Some of it was very classically driven, but then how can you make a Parfait better? We worked out that if you cooked it lower and longer you don't get the grainy effect on the sides. Where as traditionally you cook a Parfait, the middle if beautiful. You would trim the sides and throw away those bits - what is the point in that! Just keep it at the temperature where it is never going to coagulate; so we learnt that and now we have a Parfait that takes an hour and a half to two hours, we never take it above 62. It's perfect. For me, it's one of those dishes that has evolved. That's what we do. We question everything. The first few years it was very hard to get the calibre of staff I was looking for. It was only when we won the star in 2003 that things started to change. We have been very fortunate but it has been very hard. Any business is very hard in this climate. I have talked to a number of chefs in the business, up and down the country, we are all finding it very difficult. But we are all still in business.
"¦ And that is very promising.
Sat, how big an influence were your parents to your cooking? Your parents are of an Asian background. How much has that influenced you as a chef?
I don't think they influence me as a chef. I think they influence me in the way to eat.
Because eating at our home was a pinnacle point. It was a get together of the family. So what ever you were doing; regardless of your age; or your studying or what ever we did, you had to be at the table for 7.
We sat down as a family, which, as you know is missing these days.
Yes, sadly missed.
And what we have done from that is we have a Chef's table. Every night at 5 O'clock we all down tools and we sit together and eat.
So, it's a nice family feel. There is no hierarchy, so it allows everyone to be equal. The chefs put a menu together for the week; everyone knows what they are having. Everyone gets excited about food. We cook as good a food for them as we do for ourselves because it's important that we all share that passion. It's not cheap - I spend a lot of money on staff food. We look after them. I think it's important. As far as my family were concerned, food was a real big part of our culture; sitting around the table and enjoying the food. Sikhs are very passionate about food, they eat very well and that's what rubbed off on me.
Yes, and that enthusiasm for food comes across when we are talking, now. You have been hugely successful and, I guess Great British Menu raised your profile even further.
Yes, it was phenomenal.
And we do sometimes hear Chefs saying "No, I don't want to do telly." But realistically it has got to be good for business, hasn't it?
Yes, but I actually said no in the beginning to The Great British Menu.
Umm, I think it was the thought of stepping your toe into the unknown. You don't want to come across as a fool or a gimmick. You don't want to become a novelty. You want to be representing you trade and craft; you don't want to be ridiculed. But then, I remember speaking to my wife, and I said "They really are pestering me to do this now, what do you suggest?" And we couldn't see anything wrong with it - just be yourself.
I think from my point of view, as a viewer, I think it's the best programme for Chefs to watch.
And there are people like you on there, Nathan (Outlaw), Alan Murchison - some great names. No disrespect to Ready Steady Cook and things like that, but it is driven at a different market.
I had a great time because I was myself. If I had tried to act a certain way it would have come across as contrived and I would have felt (and looked) uncomfortable. And getting through to the final was ultimately the goal. The Duck Egg is something that we still have on the menu now and we probably sell 70 or 80 a week.
Have sales for that dish increased since The Great British Menu?
We get people travelling from all over the country to come and try that dish.
Really? Fantastic.
I put it on the menu, originally, as part of the Tasting Menu. My wife, ever the business woman said "Sat what the f*** do you think you are doing? People are coming here to eat that - charge for it." So we now charge £15 for an extra course and we sell 70/80 a week. So there you go, business dictates.
We took a massive hit of people coming to try us out - people are sitting in their living room and they see you on TV and they make a judgement as to whether they like you or not, probably within the first 10 minutes of seeing you. So as a follow on from the TV programme, we only got people travelling to us who actually liked what they saw; the others stayed at home. Television is the most powerful tool but you have got to make sure you get it right.
So you can't bastardise yourself and that is why The Great British Menu is great for showing off Chefs that are unknown; it puts them on the radar and it puts customers on their seats. You can't knock it.
A little bit about Sat Bains Restaurant. What is the concept of the food here? On the menu it's clearly marked: Taste Texture Temperature. Tell us about your philosophy behind that.
I like texture, the Sweetcorn dish for example "¦
I tried that.
Did you like it?
But the whole dish has three elements to it: roast sweetcorn; popcorn power and popcorn sweetcorn ice cream and sweetcorn soup. So you have the temperature, taste and texture. So when you eat it your whole palate is given a "working over". But it makes so much sense because that is just one ingredient and you are showcasing all it's elements. And that is what true chefing is all about for me. For me, that is what the driving force is. I have always been interested in creativity; I don't want to do what somebody else has done. I have always wanted to give something that is quite unique but not just for the sake of it. I do it so that I can do some research; I don't want to be a lazy chef.
Yes, it's fantastic having a Michelin star but you do need an identity.
Yes, of course you do. I want to hear people say "Bloody Hell you need to see what Sat is doing with his team." I want to be known for being creative. So if someone has travelled, say from where you are in Dorset, I want to blow them away. Otherwise they have had a wasted journey and I hate that.Yes.
I would hate the idea of someone coming all this way and being let down. It hurts. If someone has got the passion or the vision and they have gone away a little bit hollow it kills me because I've not delivered. And we have to take that on the chin. The driving force is that I want to give you something that tastes amazing. That's it.
Regardless of accolades or hierarchy of who's done it. I want to give you something to remember. That's what people will remember. I love the fact that this restaurant is in a derelict area; under a pylon and flyover and you can hear the traffic "¦I love that because it makes us try harder.
Yes, and it makes you quite unique as well.
I like that; it's already a challenge before we open the door.
Last question"¦
It's been a tough year, what do you want to achieve in the next twelve months?
Well, I know it's not over. I think it's a lesson for all of us. It's the first recession that I've had a business in, so it's very hard. My business partner is my accountant. We are very strict. We have a great policy of letting all the staff know how the business is run. I give the kitchen a budget every week knowing what I have got booked. So I say I've got £1200; £1500 or £2000 or what ever it is, a week to spend and they deliver. Because that means the two most important people in your business: the one that is answering the phone and the one that buys the produce know what is expected. If you can control those two areas, because that is where money is coming in and going out, you're in a better position straight away. So my guys know that if they over spend it will have a knock on effect for purchasing the following week. They are going to be running their own business one day so lets teach them early how to manage it, then they are helping you run your business. I don't want them to get into a false sense of security; I want them to feel the pinch. If the KP's get to 59 hours and the budget is 60, then John sends them home and we do the washing up ourselves.
Sat, thank you very much for your time today. It has been a privilege to meet you.
TheStaffCanteen.com -


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Bollywood actor Irrfan Khan returned to Twitter on Wednesday, two months after he had announced that he was diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumour.
Khan, 51, tweeted about his upcoming film, which is set to release on 10 August. He is reportedly undergoing treatment in the UK.
He has acted in more than 100 films including Hollywood movies, Life of Pi, Jurassic World and Slumdog Millionaire.
Khan's fans were delighted with his return to the social media platform.
Khan has starred in several popular Bollywood films and many welcomed him back on Twitter with wishes for his speedy recovery.
An endocrine tumour is a rare illness that affects the cells that release hormones into the bloodstream. He had first tweeted on 5 March saying that he was suffering from a "rare disease" and later revealed what it was.
He is India's best-known international actor and has also featured in a wide range of well-received roles in Bollywood and independent Hindi films.
In 2013, he won India's National Film Award for his leading role in Paan Singh Tomar, a biopic about a top athlete who becomes a bandit.
He has also won the Viewers' Choice Award at the Cannes Film Festival for his portrayal of a lonely accountant who mistakenly receives a lunchbox intended for a colleague in the 2013 film The Lunchbox.
It was also the only Indian film to be selected for competition at the London Film Festival that year.