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Chicago Tragic Events
Chicago Running Tours
Running Tour Description
This route is 3.8 miles and will take 2 hours. It's like hearing camp fire stories that mesmerize you. Except you are not sitting by the camp fire; you are in Chicago's loop with a running guide who is pretty good at telling you what happened. You will hear amazing stories and surprising facts about 5 of Chicago's most tragic events.
In addition to the disaster locations your guide will take you by famous landmarks, sculptures, incredible architecture, inside a famous building, and under noisy "L" train tracks.
Chicago Tragic Events
• $32.00 per participant
Chicago Tragic Events Photo Gallery
Chicago Running Tours
About Us
Chicago Running Tours
We are professionals and we deliver a professional experience!
Expect much more than simply running past famous landmarks. Our routes are themed and designed to educate. You will discover fascinating facts, hear interesting stories, view incredible landmarks, all while getting your cardio workout.
Leave your camera behind. Your guide will take numerous photos of you along the way. Your photos are loaded onto Flickr where you get unrestricted access to download, print & share at no extra cost.
Because we want you to remember as much as possible, we'll follow up with a list of information your guide covered on the route.


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I've found myself on this incredible journey of expansion as of late, consistently reminded of the adventures that lead me to this very moment. I've been working diligently sorting through my unnecessary baggage. The works is not easy, however highly rewarding.
So for a few brief moments, I want you to take a walk down memory lane. Imagine a time in your life when you were embarking on a adventuresome journey. Just for a moment remember some of the details of this event. What you stood for in that moment. What it felt like to spreading your wings. The emotions of expectation and desire, perhaps even fear or uncertainty.
For me looking back on my journey, these adventures feels like symbolic altars. The unique blend of challenge and possibility made for a magical set of circumstances and my choices in the moment dictated the consequences, but the nuance marked a strategic difference in my own consciousness. Perhaps as you strolled down memory lane, you too see the altars to your expanding consciousness.
I recently taught a workshop on Natural Law, and reminded the workshop participants (and myself) that we are exactly where we are supposed to be in each moment. Our 20/20 vision of the past leads to an unnecessarily detailed and often harsh critic. More importantly, acceptance that the past cannot be changed is vital in our ability to move forward. Unbound, we are free to make new choices and create new adventures.
Here are a I've learned along the way:
- You are the magnificent Divine creator of your reality.
- You are 100% responsible for your past, present and future.
- You are only energetically responsible for yourself alone.
- Other people's perception of you is none of your business.
- If you want to unleash real fulfillment in your own life, show up present in every moment.
I would encourage you to take a few moments right now to celebrate your progress. Remember, to steer clear of judgment amidst a life review, as these actions serve only to further anchor you to the past where creation is non-existent. Instead, decide to learn from your journey, alter your trajectory and set off on a new adventure creating the life of your dreams!
"Nobody can go back and start a new beginning,
but anyone can start today and make a new ending."
~ Maria Robinson

subset: commoncrawl


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The Cabbage Soup Diet will affect every person differently. Certain body types are able to handle the low-carb, low-protein, and low-cal diet better than other body types. If you let yourself get hungry then this diet will turn out to be extremely hard. You can try adding small portions of protein such as egg whites, chicken breast, and dried nuts to help with the symptoms. Or take an Excedrin or other headache reliever with caffeine.
Posted in: Feeling Off - Constipation/Dizzy/Not losing Weight


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Fluorescent carbon nanoparticles known as carbon dots could be a low-cost, biologically friendly alternative to quantum dots for sensing chemicals inside cells. Until now, carbon dots typically have glowed in the blue to green range. But researchers have now made carbon dots that emit bright light across the visible spectrum depending on the wavelength of light that they absorb (Chem. Mater. 2014, DOI: 10.1021/cm5003669).
Minjie Li, Sean Xiao-An Zhang, and their colleagues at Jilin University, in China, used the multicolor dots to measure pH levels in solution and inside cells. The results indicate that the dots could be efficient chemical sensors for use in live cells, the researchers say.
Scientists believe that carbon dots would be better suited for biological applications than quantum dots because the carbon particles are more water soluble and don't contain toxic heavy metals such as cadmium or lead. To get different colors with carbon dots, researchers usually tweak the particles' sizes, crystal structures, and surface properties. But, Li says, these features also change important properties such as the dots' color intensity, solubility, and the rate they are taken up by cells. Changing those properties can affect "the validity and reproducibility of the data obtained during their applications," she says.
To avoid the complications of using different-sized particles, the Jilin team wanted to get bright, high-intensity, multicolor emission from a single dot. They came up with an easy, one-step method to make both blue and multicolor carbon dots. They heat a mixture of chloroform and diethylamine and separate out the nanoparticles formed as a result. Heating the mixture for one hour gives 1- to 3-nm-diameter blue dots while heating it for 60 hours yields 2- to 4-nm-diameter multicolor dots. The multicolor particles emit light across the visible spectrum: They emit blue light at 470 nm when excited by 390 nm light, and glow red at 670 nm when they absorb at 650 nm.
The researchers analyzed and compared the chemical composition of both the blue and multicolor dots using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. They found that the surfaces of the multicolor ones carry a large number of functional groups containing C-O and C-N double bonds. When the researchers removed these groups using sodium borohydride, the intensity of emitted light in the green to red range decreased. This suggested that the functional groups are responsible for the particles' ability to emit across the visible spectrum.
The team made pH sensors with the multicolor dots by adding a pH-sensitive dye, and then used the particle-dye combinations to measure pH levels in solutions and in human cancer cells.
"This work is really impressive," says Su Chen, a chemist at Nanjing Tech University. The mild one-pot process to synthesize the dots should make it accessible and easy to scale to large quantities.


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Eberg - The Right Thing To Do - New music video
Frequent visitors to this site will know who Eberg is, some of his work, and that his new album 'Antidote' is a must buy for everyone that has at least one ear.
Now we also have the pleasure of presenting you with a great new video to 'The Right Thing To Do', directed by Republik's veteran director Arni Thor.
Never before has good music been mixed with Icelandic nature and plumbing quite this way.
Please enjoy:


text: 2016 – 365 Challenge 43/365 – Where I Stand Posted on February 13, 2016February 12, 2016 by Lisa Today's CY365 theme is Where I Stand. We had a few snow flurries today and I took a shot from my front porch. Share this:Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Like this:Like Loading... Related


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Saturday, October 31, 2015
Jem and the Holograms Zero Stars
"Jem and the Holograms," objectively speaking, is not only the worst film of the 2015 campaign thus far, but it is truly one of the most egregious pictures I've ever had the liberty of viewing as a critic of the art form itself. It is cheap, showy, infused with bland dialogue, and in a general sense, it is about as empty and soulless as any low-budget production from here to Timbuktu. In fact, I would go as far as to say that it contains no value whatsoever (whether it is in the realm of profundity or entertainment), hence the very poor rating.
The film merely chronicles the rise to stardom of one Jerrica Benton (Aubrey Peeples) and her flamboyant alter ego known only as "Jem" all while shamefully force-feeding audiences one-line motifs that become so unbearable that one will need a shot of penicillin just to remain coherent. (We are repeatedly told that it is okay to be who you are, that one should choose their own destiny, and that risk becomes necessary in order to live life fruitfully, yet these are all moot points considering the imbecilic spirit of the subject matter.) As a moral implication film, it is entirely mucked, and it would seem as if our writers here lack all knowledge of the concept that is subtlety. (The picture's inspirational dialogue is so repetitive and forced that one would have to have the lowest self-esteem imaginable in order to extract any sort of value from it.)
Let's face it, "Jem and the Holograms" is nothing more than a melodramatic propaganda piece designed to enhance and spur the popularity of a culture that is defined by its intellectually undemanding nature—that being, viral culture. The question essentially becomes this: Should we really be surprised by this outcome? For, the presence of director Jon M. Chu, a man who piloted two projects dedicated to capturing Justin Bieber's implausible rise to fame, should only hint at the film's ulterior motive. To be quite honest, "Jem" would have served well as a simple allegory highlighting the self-identity issues aligned with viral celebrity stardom, and in the harshest light, it could have been a riveting satire aimed at the ludicrousness of the industry. However, this pro-democratization of talent emphasis is downright valueless; I hate to be the bearer of bad news here, but not everyone is destined for wealth and fame. Democratizing talent (which is only one of several drawbacks of the technological era) only obscures true definement of natural aptitude.
As for the diehard fans of the original series, what can I say? The original animated classic captured the glitz, glam, and peculiarness that was the 1980s with relative ease. This rendition of your beloved "Jem" aims to encapsulate its relative era, and the result is not only unpoetic but absolutely ignominious.
I'm sure that most moviegoers will find little worth when it comes to "Jem and the Holograms," unless, of course, one is Matt Zoller Seitz, a contemporary of mine who compared Chu's camera work here to that of Terrence Malick and who gushed over the picture's more heartwarming moments. (The former being an outright insult to arguably the greatest American auteur to ever have lived and the latter being a slight to the entire medium. Unforgivable.) I may be coming off as a carping critic at this point; however, a line has to be drawn in the sand somewhere. Pictures of this stature are simply an embarrassment to the industry.
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
Steve Jobs
Review coming soon.
Thursday, October 22, 2015
Bridge of Spies
Review coming soon.
Friday, October 16, 2015
Goosebumps ★★
As a child growing up in the 1990s, there was nothing more exciting or enjoyable than indulging in the latest installment of the "Goosebumps" series—a collection of children's novels written by the ever reclusive R.L. Stine. These adolescent tales of terror were infused with childlike imagination, subtle humor, and, generally speaking, glorious characterizations, most of which came in the form of something covered with hair or dripping with ooze. I suppose it was just a matter of time before these unique narratives made their way onto the silver screen.
Although the 2015 release, simply entitled "Goosebumps," does well to include the above-mentioned nuances of Stine's writing style, it merely comes off as formulaic, repetitive, and, quite frankly, it comes off as a poor example of metafiction. (The picture routinely hints at its artificiality and literariness, yet this does little in the way of providing the film with any sense of soul or depth.) I'm sure that audiences understand the fact that this is a work of fiction and calling attention to this quality, I guess in an effort to deter skepticism and to evoke what I would deem to be "cuteness," only limits the effectiveness of the material. We are even told that "Goosebumps" tales involve twists, turns, frights, and personal growth for the central protagonist; however, these attributes are not only relatively absent, but the deficiency of such things only alludes to the picture's inability to deliver on its promises.
The storyline here centers on Zach (Dylan Minnette), an average teenage boy who suddenly finds himself in a circumstance that can only be designated as adolescent purgatory: that is, he becomes the new kid in town. This leads directly to Zach's befriending of Champ (Ryan Lee), the token geek and the only individual who is likely to make a friend of the local high school's "fresh meat." Everything seems somewhat run-of-the-mill in fictional Madison, Delaware, that is until Zach meets Hannah (Odeya Rush), the cute and rather rambunctious girl next door who likes to sneak out at night and defy her father's demands. In fact, it is the peculiar relationship between Hannah and her father that will ultimately send Zach and company on a perilous journey in which they must save the town from imminent danger. What is this impending threat? Well, considering the fact that the marketing team for "Goosebumps" clearly utilizes the conflict of the picture as a selling point, then I am sure that if you are reading this you are already aware of the complication.
At length, "Goosebumps" is a film that suffers mightily from a poor sense of direction and from what seems to be an even more inept writing exhibition. Director Rob Letterman ("Shark Tale,"Monsters vs. Aliens") provides nothing in the realm of spirit or verve, and this, unfortunately, leads to several unflattering transitions between fixed-framed and hand-held shots and to a tone that is comparable to that of any network television production. (The latter of which certainly not being a compliment.) As for the script, it relies heavily on stereotypical personas, chase sequences, and on a number of awkward moments infused with teenage hormonal attraction, all in an effort to evoke some hint of laughter from the audience. Is it successful? To some extent it is, yet adequate humor loses its zest once it becomes evident that the rest of the film cannot keep pace.
What is destined to be forgotten here are the three performances provided by an extremely youthful cast. Minnette, Lee, and Rush each had one notable acting credit coming into this production, and although none of them were particularly dreadful, I would be surprised if this showcasing led to anything other than mediocre work. (I'm afraid that Rush's role here may inevitably lead to the typecasting trap as she is too young to engage in parts brimming with maturity and as her likeness to actress Mila Kunis may become problematic over time.) With all of that being said, however, it may just be an incompetent release date that ultimately does "Goosebumps" in; for, the film only has two weeks to make its mark before Halloween comes and goes. Luckily, for most audiences, Halloween will pass by quickly enough, and the memory of "Goosebumps" will fade into obscurity where it belongs.
Saturday, October 10, 2015
The Walk ★★★1/2
In all honesty, the success of "The Walk," a film that cinematically treats Phillipe Petit's death-defying wire walk, hinges entirely on the performance of Joseph Gordon-Levitt. For, any role that requires an actor or actress to speak in a foreign tongue or accent for the duration of the film would surely be designated as difficult, and, to be frank, it should naturally be seen as being of the utmost importance, structurally speaking. (Levitt's venture at a French-American accent is the most pertinent aspect of the equation in this particular instance.)
And Levitt's portrayal of this young and charismatic Frenchman never disappoints. He is charming, undoubtedly authentic, and he excels--not only in terms of his execution of dialogue--but in his ability to transfix audiences. Of course, much of the latter certainly has more to do with the atmosphere of the moment than any one particular performance (this being in regard to a number of scenes dominated by a tension-filled ambiance); nevertheless, Levitt does hold his own on more than one occasion. As a matter of fact, I've never seen Levitt more comfortable in a portrayal; I guess this is a pleasant ramification of the rather ambitious and dream chasing-centered subject matter, which would make it quite effortless for any actor to evoke the technique of method acting. (You know, because they once dreamed of becoming an actor, and it would undoubtedly give them a chance to rekindle that same previously held sense of ambition on the grandest and most respected of all stages.)
What Robert Zemeckis has essentially done here is craft a picture that is as moving as it is witty in both tone and personality. Having descended from the Speilberg camp of filmmaking, Zemeckis has provided audiences with a plethora of lovable personas over the last few decades, from the zany Dr. Emmett Brown to such memorable dispositions as Forrest Gump. And yet, there's something downright compelling about the character of Phillipe Petit--a man whose sole aspiration would come to be synonymous with the term death wish in the minds of most sane, rational human beings. Is it because Petit's story actually took place? Perhaps, however, there is no question that Zemeckis aided in this appeal. His execution is flawless as far as on-screen composition is concerned (the director utilizes black and white color photography to perfectly accentuate an endearing exposition, all while never passing up the opportunity to instill a sense of soft lighting in an effort to capitalize on a sensual moment), and the source material really allows Zemeckis to do what he does best: that is, tell a story.
"The Walk" functions very much like a fairy tale as it follows the events of Petit's early adult life and the key moments leading up to what becomes a climactic display of art and vertigo. (The former of that latter statement being a reference to the actual act of walking the wire, which, let's face it, may just be the most dangerous and beautiful art form to ever exist.) It is a picture that is immersed in human emotion and interest, and, well, it is simply a film built for the IMAX platform. Once Petit (Levitt) steps foot on that wire, prepare to be whisked away to a world filled with wonder and queasiness.
One of my favorite moments in "The Walk" merely involves a chance meeting between Petit and Annie (Charlotte Le Bon), a bilingual French musician who catches the eye of our leading man. After a minor squabble resulting from what seems to be an infringement on Annie's artistic territory, we are presented with a look of outward regard from Levitt and a subsequent eye-line shot that focuses on a fleeing Annie. This scene is accompanied masterfully by a poignant score fashioned by Alan Silvestri, a regular when it comes to the films of Bob Zemeckis. And it is scenes of this nature that evoke the greatest of all cinematic ingredients: Nostalgia. In fact, as a film critic, there is nothing more enjoyable and satisfying than stumbling upon scenes of this stature. It fuels my interest in the medium, and, I think, it makes for good film. There simply need to be more pictures like "The Walk" in Hollywood.
Monday, October 5, 2015
The Martian ★★★
Andy Weir, author of the novel turned box-office smash entitled "The Martian," must be on cloud nine if only for two reasons: First off, it was highly unlikely that this narrative, which was originally published as a mere blog post, would ever be recognized in the national book publishing market--yet it was--and its development into a major motion picture would have any aspiring author residing in a state of complete enjoyment. (This is even if several plot changes have occurred as well as the inevitable time and event compression that takes place when novels are translated to pictures.) Additionally, to have a renown auteur at the helm of the project would surely be a dream come true for any novelist. Although "The Martian" has its shortcomings, it is brilliantly shot (or "built" if you believe in Russian filmmaker V.I. Pudovkin's philosophy of filmmaking), and it brims with a strong sense of professionalism that only a director such as Ridley Scott can produce.
Now, the story is easy enough to grasp, and it simply involves a sole astronaut/botanist, Mark Watney (Matt Damon), and his journey to safety after being left for dead on a manned mission to Mars. Well, at least, that it is the case until the political and public relations dealings of NASA come to the forefront, which, interestingly enough, leads to the use of several unflattering techniques such as time stamps and on-screen character introductions to spur the plot further; if there is any prominent flaw here it must be the fact that Damon is reduced in screen time in order to flesh out the workings of these other, rather tiresome aspects. (I must admit that I have much experience in the field of public relations, and to characterize the profession as insipid would undoubtedly be a utilization of the euphemism on my part.) Watney ultimately has to deal with complications stemming from Mars' habitat and equipment malfunctions, as well as what seems to be a conflict created entirely by circumstance, in what eventually becomes a showcase for the complexity that surrounds human relationships and a man's struggle for survival. Of course, these are only two of what seems to be a number of themes that make their way into the margins of the material.
Matt Damon stars as the title character (remember our aforementioned astronaut and botany expert), and he carries the film in the same manner that has defined his celebrated career: with charisma and a force of personality. What makes Damon so unforgettable in this role is his lovableness, for lack of a better term; his ability to grasp a darkened room filled with complete strangers and have them all collectively rooting for his success. Does Damon have the most prestigious résumé in Hollywood? Does he come to resemble great names such as Nicholson, Newman, or Hoffman? Arguably not, but his commitment to certain moments here, which are undeniably infused with human emotion, epitomizes his ability to become that actor of impersonation. To accomplish something that few actors and actresses have touched in a lifetime: that being, essentially, the re-creation of humanity; the construction of a fictional human being in the body of a living individual.
I am quite aware of the fact that Damon has mostly been known as an actor of interpretation, as he rarely changes his physical appearance, and as the depth of some of his previous roles has lacked; however, he comes extremely close in "The Martian" to obtaining this rare and dignified feat. (Fortunately, Scott had the actor film for five weeks solitarily, which assuredly helped the act of getting into character, yet when it came to making that outer transformation--for scenes where Watney suffers from malnourishment--Damon was denied the opportunity. In regard to the actor's health, maybe it was for the best.) Although it is true that Damon could accomplish this without the aid of physical alteration, much like the previously named silver screen legends who never indulged in such techniques, because of the structure of the film, he was never really given the chance. (This harkens back to the running minutes where NASA's daily affairs supersede our involvement with the most integral component to the piece.)
With all of that being said, however, my biggest concern with this film is its inability to make coherent casting decisions. For example, both Damon and Jessica Chastain were memorable in their roles from last year's space epic entitled "Interstellar" (a picture that I find to be more profound and clearly more poignant in form) and, although Damon is charming enough to help us buy into that suspension of disbelief, Chastain cannot escape her previous performance. Scene after scene featuring Chastain plods along with little to no viability, as her face and temperament only remind us of Interstellar's more heartwarming moments. (I understand that Cate Blanchett may have been given the role if not for other engagements, yet it couldn't have been that hard to find another supporting actress without the burden of memorability. Or, maybe it just alludes to the ever diminishing pool of professional actresses worthy of employment.) Nevertheless, the rest of the ensemble cast (outside of Chiwetel Ejiofor) give uninspiring performances, and this includes Jeff Daniels, who sticks out as a sore thumb in his portrayal of NASA's director of operations, and Kate Mara, who I'm sure was just pulled from a nearby 20th Century Fox Studio (considering they were also in charge of this year's unimaginative production entitled "Fantastic Four," which may have been filming at the same time) in an effort to save time and general exertion.
Moreover, it is ultimately the predictable nature and dramatic structure of the film that prohibits it from reaching elite status. As far as predictability is concerned, let us be frank: Although there is some doubt as to the outcome of Watney's journey while "in the moment," it is evident that heartbreak is the least of the picture's intentions. What's more is the fact that "The Martian" plainly warrants comparison to films such as "Cast Away" and "I Am Legend," where confinement shapes character, yet Watney is never really alone (he has the ability to communicate with others back at NASA), and his survival doesn't wholly depend on his actions. Other, less interesting characters, are responsible for such happenings, and this, unfortunately, throws off the dynamic of the drama and curtails a theme involving man's psyche in survival situations.
This is certainly a different type of film for Ridley Scott, a director who is no stranger to the genre of science fiction. Of course, it does take place on the surface of a foreign planet, which lingers in the stillness of space, and it definitely consists of an innumerable amount of dialogue featuring technical jargon (most of which would confuse even the acutest of scientific minds), yet, unlike his previous science fiction indulgences ("Blade Runner," "Alien," Prometheus"), it doesn't rely on mood and atmosphere to intrigue. Sure, there is a gut-wrenching and rather excruciating scene where Watney must pull out a piece of debris from his midsection--a staple of Scott's films--and sure there is a handful of moments where Scott executes directorial technique with supreme professionalism, but it doesn't have the same effect. (With regard to the latter, Scott utilizes the indirect/subjective viewpoint early on in a brilliant fashion to increase involvement and to set the tone; high camera angles are used in an effort to convey Watney's insignificance on Mars' surface; gyroscopic, mobile shots and fixed frame pan and scans efficiently exhibit the terrain of our setting; he even integrates the GoPro Hero 4 adequately, as it is used for the "suit cam" and to record Watney's journal entries.)
There is even a moment where Kate Mara's character begins to utter the famous tagline for "Alien," (you know, "In space no one can hear you scream") which only adds to the yearning for that spine-chilling ambiance. Yet, I assume Scott's motivation to make this picture hinged on his desire to provide audiences with a human interest tale, which highlights man's innate capacity and pining to help others, which is admirable as it is bold when considering an audience's incapacity to sit through a film void of over-the-top special effects and vacuous action.
If anything, "The Martian" can be seen as certain proof of the digital camera's ability to shoot a beautiful film. (In fact, it not only captures the picturesque landscape of the Jordan red desert where it was filmed in a remarkable fashion, but it bestows the exterior scenes with a sort of warm look and feel, and it gives the interior shots a cool visual attractiveness to counter the former.) Now, these attributes may have more to do with color palettes and camera filters than the actual effectiveness of the camera, yet one cannot deny its capabilities when it comes to producing a sublime work of art. Naturally, this is not to say that I am an advocate for digital filmmaking, as the raw material of celluloid film will always be my preferred choice of medium; however, I do believe that digital cameras are now efficient enough to warrant a pre-production discussion from the picture's design team. One must remember that when color was first introduced to the art of film, not every picture indulged in such luxuries. In general, each project dictated what form to use. It would seem as if "The Martian" required the use of this promising, yet fickle technology.
*On a side note, it has come to my attention that "The Martian" has picked up a nomination from the Golden Globes for Best Picture in the category of Comedy or Musical. Have they lost the faculty of mind to distinguish between genres? Sure, there are a plethora of scenes where humor fuels the moment (most notably where Watney spouts lines such as, "In your face Neil Armstrong," and other lines of dialogue infused with profanity that I dare not produce here), yet this is obviously a film of drama with comedic elements; it is a picture built on its climax and the instances that lead up to such events. I mean, even "Schindler's List" has some humorous situations. I predict this to be a ploy of the Golden Globes in an effort to give two dramatic films nods for Best Picture, as the field for comedy this year has been somewhat forgettable. If this is true, then it is quite improbable that such methods will continue to mask the hole created by the comedy genre's helplessness when it comes to producing an exemplary product. I guess only time will tell whether or not my assertion is correct.
Friday, October 2, 2015
The Iron Giant ★★★★
"The Iron Giant" is one of those rare films that seems to emit a sense of mysteriousness. I guess this stems from the fact that its initial run at the box-office was less than lucrative (a ramification of what can now be deemed a horrific and somewhat inept marketing campaign by Warner Brothers), and, perhaps, audiences were just not interested in seeing another poorly executed animated production without the accompanying name of Walt Disney. Yet, the film has outlived its original lack of success--which explains why I'm reviewing it some sixteen years later as a redefined 2015 theatrical release--by what seems to be sheer defiance. Although, I'm sure that our main protagonist, a towering iron man with a heart of gold, has something to do with the picture's appeal.
To be perfectly honest, there's nothing relatively new or innovative about "The Iron Giant," which simply chronicles the relationship between a young boy, Hogarth, and a peculiar robot from outer space, and yet, it unquestionably lures us in for several reasons: The Cold War setting in a small American town, where gossip spreads like wildfire, is quite the quintessential backdrop for the conveyance of a theme that comments on humanity's scathing attitude when it comes to anything they do not understand; the enjoyable characterizations, some of which are undeniably clichéd and stereotypical to a fault (this is in regard to the bumbling and cynical government official, who essentially becomes our sole antagonist, and to Hogarth's mother, a widow), bring a sense of realism and amusement to the film's structure; lastly, the presence of hand-drawn animation, a lost art form that I will discuss at some length shortly, gives the picture a muted, yet spirited appearance, which is accentuated beautifully by the hues of autumn. (I always have and always will be a sucker for such expressions of color.)
However, it is the picture's similarity to the timeless Spielberg classic entitled "E.T." and its faithfulness to the children's novel in which it was based that makes it a masterpiece. The parallel between "The Iron Giant" and "E.T." cannot be overlooked, nor should it be ignored. For, both stories center on the relations between an extraterrestrial being and a young adolescent male, and both rely heavily on discovery, fear of loss, and subjects such as death and sadness in an effort to bring these two disparate beings together. And what makes this formula so successful one may ask. Well, it's because it is involving; it hinges on moments fueled by this air of innocence and by childlike intrigue. As Hogarth teaches the Iron Giant these inevitable aspects of life, it is as if we are learning them for the first time as well. I've always been an advocate of the notion that if you are going to borrow some formula or technique from a compeer, then take from the best. I'd prefer an unoriginal product (which "The Iron Giant" surely is not) with a Spielberg dynamic over an original, yet tedious piece any day.
As an English major, I dare not go without mentioning the work in which this picture is actually based, and that would be the 1968 novel entitled "The Iron Man" written by Ted Hughes--an individual who should be admired and respected for his achievements, which includes a stint as the Poet Laureate of England, and a man who should also be viewed under a lens of skepticism, as his role in the death of Sylvia Plath has never truly been unearthed. (Now, I'm not convicting anyone here, I'm just simply stating that sometimes actions, and, more specifically, infidelity, can have damaging effects on already troubled minds.) Hughes' short, yet riveting children's book touches base on several topics, including a criticism of warfare and inter-human conflict. And, generally speaking, "The Iron Giant" also indulges in such matters, as a blatant anti-gun message permeates the film, and as our ironclad hero must essentially save mankind from his own stupidity. Still, it is a concluding motif aimed at youngsters, who are surely the film's target audience, that truly steals the show. We are told that one can choose to be who they desire, which, in my opinion, has always been an important message for the young men and women of this nation.
Much has changed in the world of animation just in the last ten years, and Brad Bird's recorded introduction, which preceded this viewing, alludes to the unfortunate death of hand-drawn animated projects. (Although seemingly a moot point, considering computer graphic imaging was utilized in order to bring the "Iron Giant" to life, it is worthy of discussion.) I will not sit here and condemn CGI inspired pictures, and I will surely not denounce the wonderful sight that is "Toy Story," which arguably changed animation forever. Nevertheless, I believe that hand-drawn work was superseded when, justifiably, there was little reason for change. It is a medium that appears to be more natural, organic, and, quite frankly, more human. I think it would be wise to rediscover this lost art form, but I'm afraid this may be an improbable notion when faced with an ever-evolving technological age.
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Science project
Big Fish, Little Fish
Grade Level: 6th - 8th; Type: Marine Biology
Determine the effect of tank size on the growth rate of freshwater fish. The goals of this project are:
- To test tank size against growth rates in freshwater fish.
- To provide information that could improve the quality of pet care.
Research Questions:
- Does tank size affect fish growth?
- What is the optimal volume of tank space per fish?
Some people say that the size of a fish tank affects the size of the fish that live there. But many experts say it's a myth. This experiment is designed to scientifically test the theory that larger tanks produce larger fish. Oscars are good for this project because they are easily maintained and have fast growth rates.
- Computer with Internet access
- Color printer
- Digital camera
- Typical office/hobby/hardware/craft supplies (paper, poster board, glue, etc.).
- One 25-gallon aquarium setup with related supplies (pumps, gravel, food, etc.)
- One 10-gallon aquarium setup with related supplies (pumps, gravel, food, etc.)
- Ten baby Oscars from the pet store.
- All necessary materials can be found in or around your home, at local stores, or on ebay.
Experimental Procedure:
- Read overview of relevant topics (see bibliography below and terms listed above)
- Address all of the above terms and research questions.
- Search and print out interesting images relevant to your topic.
- Take photographs throughout the course of the experiment.
- Set up two identical bowls, each containing a half gallon of tank water.
- Place five fish in each bowl, then carefully weigh each bowl. Be SURE to equalize the water temperatures when transferring the fish. Failure to do so kills the fish.
- Set up both aquariums.
- Place the 5 fish in one of the bowls in the 10-gallon tank. Place the 5 fish from the other bowl in the 25-gallon tank.
- Maintain your tank setups with care.
- Carefully record all observations as the fish continue to grow.
- After about 8 weeks, place the fish from each tank again into two separate (identical) bowls, with EXACTLY ONE gallon of tank water in each bowl.
- Weigh each bowl and compare this to your previous measurements. Analyze your data.
- Interpret your findings in a detailed report.
- Include interesting photos, diagrams and models in your science fair display.
Terms/Concepts: Aquatic Plants; pH factor; Vivarium; Ich
- http://www.firsttankguide.net/size.php (basic info about fish care and tank size)
- http://newaquariuminformation.com/aquarium-information/freshwater-aquariums/tropical-fish/oscar-fish.htm (Oscars: growth and tank size)
- Internet searches of your choosing. Search words or terms listed here, or make up your own phrases. Click on any results you find interesting. Have fun surfing the net!
Education.com provides the Science Fair Project Ideas for informational purposes only. Education.com does not make any guarantee or representation regarding the Science Fair Project Ideas and is not responsible or liable for any loss or damage, directly or indirectly, caused by your use of such information. By accessing the Science Fair Project Ideas, you waive and renounce any claims against Education.com that arise thereof. In addition, your access to Education.com's website and Science Fair Project Ideas is covered by Education.com's Privacy Policy and site Terms of Use, which include limitations on Education.com's liability.
Warning is hereby given that not all Project Ideas are appropriate for all individuals or in all circumstances. Implementation of any Science Project Idea should be undertaken only in appropriate settings and with appropriate parental or other supervision. Reading and following the safety precautions of all materials used in a project is the sole responsibility of each individual. For further information, consult your state's handbook of Science Safety.


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Breaking Bread Introduces New Yorkers to the Cuisines of Countries on Trump's Travel Ban
One of the best things about living in New York City is that you only have to take the subway to enjoy cuisine from every corner of the world. Now, a group of local tour guides is working to give even greater exposure to the cuisines of seven specific countries: Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen.
The project is called Breaking Bread, and its mission is to foster acceptance, understanding, and a sense of community for restaurants owned by immigrants or refugees from those seven nations. The effort is a direct response to President Trump's controversial executive order banning immigrants and refugees from each of those countries.
Each week, Breaking Bread will release maps of NYC restaurants that feature cuisine from the countries included in the president's order. In addition, the guides will host walking tours and events all around the city to help New Yorkers understand these cultures through their food.
The first event, which drew 80 people, featured Yemeni and Syrian restaurants in Downtown Brooklyn. This Saturday, Breaking Bread is hosting a dinner at Somali restaurant Safari in West Harlem. Chef Shakib Farah, who came to America as a refugee 15 years ago, will lead the dinner and a discussion about Somalia and its food.
Breaking Bread also has upcoming events in the Bronx, Bay Ridge, and Sephardic Kings Highway. Proceeds from these events will benefit the International Rescue Committee.
Originally planning to run this project for the 90 days the president's immigration order would be in effect, the organizers of Breaking Bread have decided to host events indefinitely as the legality of the ban is currently being debated in Washington.
Sign up here for our daily NYC email and be the first to get all the food/drink/fun New York has to offer.


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Introducing API-
An API broadly refers to a set of commands and functions that become instrumental in Software Development. It is a shorthand for Application Programming Interface. It allows developers to use previously existing public codes to power their applications, then starting from scratch. Providing the digital foundations, access to APIs can facilitate the growth of any enterprise or start up. New businesses benefit the most from APIs as the use of pre-existing codes to power new projects ensure faster product delivery. Leveraging of APIs to augment business growth is not limited to technical startups but can be explored by almost all business domains.
The accessibility of APIs is vital to efficient resource and time management. In addition, it allows the developers to concentrate on developing their USP, than wasting time on developing the basic functionalities that are common to most applications. Creation of new APIs with similar capabilities that already flood the market will reduce the efficiency of the product. Such inefficiency may have a negative effect on the brand name and retard its potential growth. API fulfills the twin goals of increased efficiency on the one hand. On the other hand, it provides an opportunity for greater detailing. Therefore, businesses should leverage the existing APIs, wherever available, to augment their growth potential. Also read our blog and know more about App Store Optimization: How to increase your App visibility in the app store?
How APIs Work?
In the recent years, APIs have become the key to a successful business. APIs acts as a communication channel between different software and facilitates the transfer of data and technology. To put it simply, allows one application to use the technology and codes developed by another to power it's own functioning. Developers can use pre-existing codes to write their applications, saving a huge chunk of time in creating basic codes. Using APIs that are already present allows businesses to focus more on the intricate details of their applications. Those businesses that rely on real time data are the greatest beneficiaries. They can completely center their energy on delivering end results without resource wastage on developing new APIs for data collection and processing. APIs can be accessed by new businesses through certain permissions from the API generators, which can be utilized to build subsequent functions.
APIs provide the entire world with an access to your technology and codes. Thus, one should ensure securing the API before making it public. Controlling who gets the access is vital. Accordingly, using keys or permission to regulate access to your API will ensure that only genuine traffic is welcome. Businesses that use pre-existing APIs tend to generate greater user value from their applications and thus, customer acquisition is faster. Basing their operations on pre-built APIs, allows businesses to experiment more with their application's unique capabilities.
Value in a Public API
A Public API refers to making the API available for use by third parties. Public APIs entail the public sharing of one's software solutions to benefit the community at large. At the first sight, this may appear to be counter-productive as it includes providing your codes to the entire world. Nevertheless, it is an impressive business proposition in the long- run. To begin with, sharing of APIs with other applications/ software that have similar functionalities will get the founder application a larger audience. Since the new applications will be premised upon your API, it will allow a greater viewership to your brand. As different applications use a particular API, trends about user demographics and audience analytics can be generated.
In addition to targeting a wider audience, public APIs is a useful platform for software innovation and future integrations. The former refers to providing developers with a basic API which becomes the foundation of subsequent applications. The new applications are technologically superior with greater functionalities to offer. Additionally, the sharing of APIs also promotes integration and new partnerships. Providing access to one's API can become a means of integration with the new applications that can enhance customer offerings to both the partners.
Finally, the public sharing of an API gives the self- satisfaction of contributing to the API community. The joy of giving back to your alma- meter is huge. Furthermore, seeing new businesses spring up and achieve success using your API is an achievement in itself.
Why Leverage APIs?
- Building an application using a pre-existing API can arm your business with a number of benefits. In other words, the leveraging power of APIs, in today's time, is exceptional. To start with, APIs that are already present provide businesses with the basic frameworks that are vital to a software, but new businesses do not have to produce them on their own. Therefore, APIs provide the building blocks to a software that are already present and only need unique functionalities for product development.
- Secondly, APIs are a third party production. Accordingly, a new business that utilizes them do not have to worry about their maintenance and updations. This reduces the responsibility of the latter to support the functionality of the API, thereby concentrating all resources on updating the unique features.
- Thirdly, APIs promote integration and interaction with other applications. Integrating with pre-existing applications by using their APIs can provide businesses with an access to their vast user base as well. Since applications built on similar APIs generally provide supplementary functionalities, customer acquisition also becomes easy for startups.
- Fourthly, using a well-formed API as the foundational base for new businesses can also become a sign of increased legitimacy in the market. Since the API has already been accepted by the consumers, applications built on such APIs are readily embraced. Applications built on a familiar API have a trust factor that increases their popularity.
To sum it up, APIs are here to stay. Whether a business makes its API public to benefit the larger community or a business leverages an API to power its application, APIs have become a means to greater efficiency.


text:
Yes, it's noisy and infested
filled with dark, dingy abodes
streets littered with cast-offs
both inert and organic.
A place of despair for some
of light and delight for others
this is the city
crowded, unkempt, dangerous
a kaleidoscope of sound and color
overwhelming the innocent
enticing the adventurous
boring the dwellers within.
The city, bears it all
under the strains of the masses
that hurtle down its streets
walking through its alleys
with heads down
pushing against
tides of indifference.
The city takes,
the city gives
we are its children
and its future
we carry its fortunes
in our valises
sharing our dreams
waiting for the sun to rise
and for hearts to sing.


text:
An exhibiton of work by Nicole Niven.
Monday 22nd June to Saturday 15th August.
Nicole Niven
I graduated from Gray's School of Art, Aberdeen, in 2007 with a BA
(Hons) in Fine Art Printmaking. I now live and work in Aberdeenshire.
I get my inspiration from the everyday and what may seem
like mundane things in life. In my work I celebrate the everyday and the
use of vibrant colours. My prints start of as paintings, mono prints,
screenprints or drawings before they are manipulated through the use of
photography or photoshop. My newest works use resin to bleed into the
paper after printing and change the colours vibrancy. I never know how the
colours will change until the resin has been poured.


text:
Capitals 5, Devils 2
Scoresheet - Wash Post
Micheal Nylander's second stint in Washington could be something of a enigma. After coming off his successes in New York, Nylander's effort as a Capital has been that of marginal at best. His injury that kept him sidelined for a majority of last season seemed to keep him on the outside looking in. When he did make a return, it still seemed as if he just didn't fit. But you can't deny the skills Nylander has for too long. Maybe facing a former rival in the Devils got his blood boiling as Nylander scores a pair to help the Caps cool down a red hot New Jersey Devils 5-2.
Beside Nylander's tallies, the Caps also got key goals from Mike Green (who now has goals in four straight), Eric Fehr also scored and Brooks Laich got a power play goal. Alex Ovechkin added a pair of assists and Jose Theodore played solid making 32 saves. The Caps had 5 players with two points in tonight's tilt (Nylander 2 goals, Green a goal and an assist, Fehr a goal and an assist, Laich a goal and an assist, Ovi two assists).
A lot could be said about the Devils eight game winning streak and how they may have been ripe for a loss, but the Capitals approached this game as a playoff challenge. The Devils came out a bit sluggish as apparent by trailing early 3-0. When they finally found their grove against the Caps it may have been a bit too little, too late.
Special teams was the story of the game for the Caps as they came away with three power play goals. In fact, the Caps were only stopped once on the powerplay, the very powerplay that the Devils scored shorthanded. While the Caps were deadly with a man advantage, the penalty kill was okay. They did allow a power play goal on a 5 on 3, but were able to kill off everything else.
If the Capitals keep up their power play fortunes, teams will have to watch what they do against the Capitals offence. That should open up the play for them and allow them to be more dominating with the puck. It just makes it that much harder to stop the Capitals' offensive machine.
The Caps get a monster win that they really needed. The win solidifies their second place standing in the East. With Boston playing the way they are, the Caps are going to need every point they can grasp. That means this team needs to flat out win.
Photo by Jim McIsaac, Getty Images


text:
2017 Form 8937 2016 Form 89372015 Form 8937
You are leaving the Griffin Capital Company, LLC ("Griffin Capital") webpage. This external link provides additional information that Griffin Capital and its affiliates believe may be of interest to prospective investors. Griffin Capital has no control over this external site and cannot attest to the accuracy of information provided by this link. Linking to an external site does not constitute an endorsement by Griffin Capital of the information presented on the site.


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Which massage works?
There seem to be an abundance of technique based styles of massage; some describe their approach to treatment (holistic), and others describe the effect of the treatment (relaxing.) If you are new to the massage experience the terms may result in some confusion. This article aims to remove the mystery from massage.
A massage treatment by its very nature should be:
Relaxing; both during the treatment and afterwards
Therapeutic; go some way to solve the issue that brought you to the therapists door
Holistic; treat you as an individual and take into consideration all the elements that influence who you are and how you live (Anatomical/Physiological/Mental/Emotional.) This means that the treatment you receive should be adapted each time according to your current state of health.
Why massage works
Muscles can be described as soft-tissue, therefore massage can also be defined as soft-tissue manipulation. The muscles are supplied by blood vessels, delivering nutrients and removing toxins (waste products.) They are also supplied by a network of nerves which either give instructions (movement) from the brain or receive and communicate information to the brain.
When a muscle suffers chronic tension it communicates the soreness, resulting from fatigue and build up of toxins, to the brain. Massage aims to soften the muscle by reducing the tension and breaking down the accumulated toxins (which may have formed small crystals). We do this by applying a variety of techniques which will involve both rubbing and pressing the muscle against the relatively hard tissue of the skeleton (bones.) Whilst this can be painful, it should always be an agreeable pain. This means that the client is always in control of the treatment and should communicate with the therapist their comfort or discomfort in terms of pressure or technique. Quite simply, if you are not comfortable, you will not be able to relax!
By reducing tension and improving the blood flow, the muscle is cleansed of the accumulated toxins and receives fresh nourishment. Both body and mind will experience a sense of well-being.
When massage works
The frequency of your massage treatments will vary from person to person depending on several factors:
- The condition being treated which may benefit from frequent, regular sessions.
- The time the client has available to have treatment.
- The financial disposition of the client.
Therefore, whilst I would advise a regular massage to all my clients, this may vary from once a week to once a fortnight or even once a month, etc.
Now you know the Which, Why and When of how Massage Works.
Your Massage should be seen as an integral part of your health maintenance programme, alongside regular exercise (energy training), and a healthy eating plan (informed energy resourcing.)
Symptoms of Chronic Tension
Headaches, Low Energy Levels, Sore Joints, Migraines, Digestive Disorders, Restricted Movement, Breathlessness, Depression, Irritability/Short Temper, Dizzyness & Vertigo.


text:
Tuesday, 29 September 2015
New Cardz 4 Guyz Challenge - Something Beginning With M
10 comments:
Clever take on the theme letter 'M' and loving the colours and the layout. Thank you for one of the top 3 last week for Kraft and blue, thrilled to bits, thank you xReplyDelete
Gorgeous card Helen, love the image and papers xxxReplyDelete
Lovely card, thanks for sharing with Crafting for All Seasons!ReplyDelete
Great male card, love the backing paper. Hugs Jennifer xxReplyDelete
Great card! Thanks for playing at Use your Stuff!ReplyDelete
Love your card~! Perfect for that special guy! Thanks for joining us at Use Your Stuff and hope to see you again!ReplyDelete
Tammy DT
What a great card you have made!! Nice MC!ReplyDelete
Thank you so much for entering our ATG challenge at Through The Craft Room Door this week. Looking forward to see you again next challenge.
Hugs! Cicci
ciccividpennan {My pesonal Blog}
Through The Craft Room Door
Lovely card, such a great image and the papers go perfectly with itReplyDelete
Such a cute card! Thanks for joining us at our Use Your Stuff and I hope to see you again!ReplyDelete
Majo DT
Great male card. Thanks for joining our challenge at Creative Card Crew. Hope to your work again.ReplyDelete
Hugs, Yvonne


text:
Map of the local innovation industry.
Meet some of the best and newest startups based in Toronto.
The referral community
Invitation App is a social network where people post their referral codes and collect rewards on autopilot.
Mapping and studying diverging global broadband standards
The foundation's primary purpose is to develop and administer the World Broadband Map which aims to be 100% crowdsourced from actual active connections whenever possible and not from "advertised" speeds or availability. Key elements include : - broadband availability, ...


text:
Books about Igor Stravinsky and his music
Sheet music, libretti, etc.Fireworks and Song of the Nightingale in Full Score - Dover PublicationsLes Noces in Full Score - Dover PublicationsOedipus Rex the Rake's Progress (Opera Guide) - Calder Publications
Petrushka (Dover Miniature Scores) - Dover Publications
Petrushka in Full Score, Original Version - Dover Publications
Songs 1906-1920 - Dover PublicationsStravinsky 4 Etudes - Warner Bros PubnsThe Firebird in Full Score (Original 1910 Version) - Dover Publications
The Firebird: Original 1910 Version (Dover Miniature Scores) - Dover Publications
The Rite of Spring (Dover Miniature Scores) - Dover PublicationsThe Rite of Spring in Full Score - Dover Publications
Three Early Ballets: The Firebird/petrushka/the Rite of Spring (Schirmer's Library of Musical Classics) - G. Schirmer
Our dream: to make the world's treasury of classical music accessible for everyone.
Help us with donations or by making music available!
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Mozart, W.A.
Handel, G.F.
Schubert, F.
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Mozart, W.A.
Handel, G.F.


text:
(KPL) Lao Government has awarded Second Class Victorious Medal of Liberty to the Xinhua News Agency and pinned Third Class Victorious Medal of Liberty on its president Cai Mingzhao.
An award ceremony for Xinhua and its president was held in Vientiane Capital on February 2 on the sidelines of the Laos � China Belt and Road Cooperation Forum in recognition of their collective and individual contributions to the development of the Lao News Agency (KPL) over past five decades.
January 6, 2018 marks the 50th anniversary of the Lao News Agency.
Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Bosengkham Vongdara, representing the Lao Government presented and pinned the medals on President of Xinhua News Agency Cai Mingzhao in the presence of Head of the Party Central Committee's Propaganda and Training Board Kikeo Khaikhamphithoun, representatives from line ministries and relevant officials of both sides.
President of the Xinhua News Agency, Mr Cai Mingzhao expressed thanks to the Government of Lao PDR for awarding him and his organization the Victorious Medals of Liberty.
This is a great honour to all staff of the Xinhua News Agency and it really inspires me to continue to make efforts to enhance the long traditional friendship between Laos and China as well as to contribute to realizing the synergy of China's Belt and Road initiative and Laos' strategy on transforming itself from a landlocked country into a land-linked nation, he said.
Xinhua president also pledged to continue to strengthen the relations and cooperation between the Xinhua News Agency and its counterpart Lao News Agency and publish more news reports about Laos.
Source: Lao News Agency


text: ===== Tin Can Tourists ===== ==== Decision to start the Club ==== Jeri and I are charter members of the Vintage Airstream Club and have been owners of a 64' Airstream Safari, 64' Bambi II, 68' Overlander, 63' Globetrotter, and currently own a 1949 Airstream Southwind Liner, a 1949 Spartenette Model 24, and a 1958 Spartan Royal Mansion. While members of the VAC, we developed an interest in various brands of vintage trailers and motor coaches, culminating in our purchase of the 1958 Spartan Royal Mansion. During discussions with the VAC founder, Bud Cooper, we realized that there would not be an opportunity to experience rallies that included all makes and models. It has been the practice of Airstream to allow local units and interclub to only hold one "Buddy Rally" per year that would allow other brand trailers to participate. It was also during these discussions with Bud that he made reference to the Tin Can Tourists, noting that they were the first travel club and organizationally shared a lot of similarities with the parent Airstream organization, Wally Byam Caravan Club International. I think Bud would have liked to see the Vintage Airstream Club be more inclusive, but only for the aluminum constructed trailers. Jeri and I felt that the exclusionary policy of the WBCCI was detrimental to the development of a vintage club. We felt that a group that was open to anyone, owner or not, that shared a passion for vintage trailers and motor coaches was more desirable. ==== Research and Trademark ==== After my conversations with Bud, the Tin Can Tourists became a bit of an obsession. Jeri and I visited the Florida Historical Library in Tallassee and went through all the available documents on the club. In 1998 we decided to renew the club by having a gathering at Camp Dearborn, Milford, Michigan. Prior to the Gathering, I contacted a trademark lawyer and had him do a mark search to make sure we were not "stepping on anyone's toes". We wanted to make sure there wasn't an active branch of the group still chartered and functioned. When the legal search didn't turn up an active group, we registered the mark (Tin Can Tourists) and proceeded with the organization of the club. As a past president of the vintage club and having served the club in various capacities, I knew one thing for sure and that was that I didn't want to get involved in a lot of bureaucratic structuring, so Jeri and I decided that we would run the club as "directors". A couple of years ago, we asked some members to serve as regional representatives for the purpose of developing TCT activities in their geographical region and to serve as a sounding board for any ideas we or other members might put forth. ==== Trademark Details ==== The mark was first registered on February 26, 1998. It was renewed on January 23, 2008 for a successive term of ten years expiring on February 26, 2018. The identification number assign to said mark is MO2-187. Documents and registration were prepared by Remy J. VanOphem, VanOphem & VanOphem, P.C. 586-739-7445 Phone Forrest & Jeri Bone Tin Can Tourists Winter Address: 4 High Street, Bradenton, Florida 34208


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text:
Montreal's museums
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Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium - Space for Life4801 Pierre-de Coubertin Avenue
Montréal H1V 3V4In a building featuring a daring design, awarded with LEED Platinum certification, enjoy an immersive experience of the Universe, with two complementary shows and cutting-edge 360° domes! Let yourself be whisked off to the very limits of outer space, and don't miss the digital interactive exhibition.Learn more
$8 THURSDAY EVENINGS: Starting at 5:30 p.m., get a special deal on either of the double features at the Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium.
Montréal Botanical Garden - Space for Life4101 Sherbrooke Street East
Montréal H1X 2B2One of the world's leading gardens is within easy reach. You can admire unique collections of orchids, cacti, penjings and other exceptional plants in the ten greenhouses. Plan a stroll through the Arboretum and, come spring, explore dozens of outdoor thematic gardens. Enjoy a veritable bouquet of cultural activities led by enthusiastic nature interpreters in the Chinese Garden, Japanese Garden and First Nations Garden.Learn more
Montréal Biodôme - Space for Life4777 Pierre-De-Coubertin Avenue
Montréal H1V 1B3The Biodôme will be closing temporarily in 2018. When it reopens, it will be completely transformed, offering new and innovative museum experiences.Learn more
Planned reopening: July 2019
Redpath Museum859 Sherbrooke Street West
Montréal H3A 0C4Established in 1882, the Redpath Museum preserves and displays large collections of ancient and modern organisms, minerals, and world culture (ethnological) artefacts. It serves as a teaching and reserach unit at McGill University. Research focuses on the history of life and biodiversity of the planet.Learn more
Montréal Insectarium - Space for Life4581 Sherbrooke Street East
Montréal H1X 2B2Get to know nature's champions at the Insectarium! Admire their delicate beauty, splendour and ingenuity. Kids are sure to be charmed by the live and naturalized insects. Discover the amazing diversity of insects and meet our enthusiastic nature interpreters, who will be happy to explain this fascinating and too-often misunderstood world.Learn more


text:
Durant baseball coach Butch Valdes always says he's a teacher first, coach second.
This season, he has taught his players a lot about resiliency.
The Cougars (16-10) enter tonight's Class 5A Region Final against Lakeland High with quality pitchers, timely hitters, solid defense and a resolve steeled by repeatedly recovering from disappointment.
After Jefferson bounced the Cougars from the Saladino Tournament with a 10-1 victory in March, they bounced back with a 10-6 victory against Bloomingdale in their first game after the tournament.
After a crushing 1-0 loss to Armwood in April, they woke up the next morning and knocked off Plant City, then the district's top seed.
And after losing to underdog Riverview in the district championship game, the Cougars produced two playoff wins - including a 6-4 win over Riverview in a region semifinal rematch.
"If you look back at it, we've rebound and come back fighting the next game all season," said Valdes, a longtime high school assistant now in his third year as Durant's head coach. "They just go back to work. They don't quit, and they don't stop working.
"They weigh everything out and realize what they need to do."
Valdes credits this latest surge to practicing a simple fundamental, putting the ball in play and being smart on the base paths. It didn't hurt that he got a go-ahead two-run homer from Tyler Danish in the region semifinal win over Riverview.
- - -
Pitchers Trey Oest and Emilio Ogando also have aided Durant's playoff run. Ogando, a hard-throwing left-hander, threw a complete game shutout in the Cougars' 2-0 victory over Spring Hill Springstead in the regional quarterfinal last week.
He'll get the start tonight at Joker Marchant Stadium, spring training home of the Detroit Tigers.
"He's one of our stud horses right now," Valdes said of Ogando (.283, 1.99 ERA).
"He's throwing the ball real well, and he's swinging the bat real well."
Oest (.295, 11 RBIs) also is a threat on the mound and at the plate. He'll start at first base tonight.
Lakeland (24-4) will counter with a team typically among the state's best. Dreadnaughts coach Bob Gendron will go with pitcher Brad Lavozzetta (9-1), a right-handed junior Gendron calls "our money guy."
Offensively, Lakeland will look to lead-off hitter Kevin Wortman, (.493, .657 on-base percentage) to be the catalyst, while University of Central Florida commitment Eric Barber (.376, 32 RBIs) brings power from the No. 3 spot.
With a 13-4 victory against Lake Wales in the quarterfinal and a 7-4 win over Winter Haven in the semifinal, Gendron feels good about the way his team is playing.
"Everybody talks about peaking at the right time, and that's become reality for us," Gendron said. "We're not as familiar with Durant, so that makes this game a little more intriguing, but our guys are definitely ready to go. They're chomping at the bit."
Valdes recognizes the challenge Lakeland presents, but he gains confidence from the fact that Durant played in one of the state's toughest districts and has faced the county's best throughout the season.
Earlier this season, the National Association for Sports and Physical Education named Valdes the Southern District high school physical education teacher of the year.
Before coming to Durant, Valdes helped the Turkey Creek Middle School PE program earn national recognition.
He really is a teacher first, and after tonight's game, he may be teaching the Cougars how to handle a trip to the state final four in Port St. Lucie.
Ernest Hooper can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com.
* * *
If you go
Durant (16-10) at Lakeland (24-4)
Where: Joker Marchant Stadium, 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd.,Lakeland
When: 7 tonight
Admission: $6
At stake: A berth to the May 20 Class 5A State Final Four semifinals at Port St. Lucie's Digital Domain Park, spring training home of the New York Mets


text:
Today was my evals. My entire 6 months of work layed out before me for someone else to decide what it worthy of. In a way I felt pretty proud reading all my accomplishments and good deeds but in the end it was just labeled and given a monetary value. This is Antarctica! It's been 6 months. I can't believe I spent half a year in winter and now I will go home for another half year of winter. Sheesh.
I was thinking about the DA job and what sort of things I would have been subjecting you guys to if I was "talking shop". Maybe I can just give a "day in the life" sort of description. It's a lot differant now. We try to keep track of what we have gotten used to. One is the shocks. You can't escape the little static shocks when you get your coat, touch a light switch, the wall, a stair rail, etc. We used to jump every time but now I just accept that it's coming, grab my coat, get zapped, head out.
I am on my second day of morning shift. I was all ready to complain about it but night shift has changed too. There are so many changes as we get ready for Winfly. All depressing. All the cool hangout rooms are turning into dorm rooms with rows of bunk beds, they took down the light room and the little lounge area in the dining room. Really though, the biggest change is the scheduling. All winter we DAs have had the best time, everyone was able to compromise and get the schedule that they wanted. I was all nights with one morning for variety and for the opportunity to do evening activities, Sandy was all mornings so she could be with her husband at night, etc. Well, now it's to fairness. We will go from having a total of 7 DAs to 16 in a couple weeks.
Anyways, to make it all fair and even and back to normal I was put on mornings where I get to open and be by myself for an hour and a half. Now this has been the norm in past years but we have only done it once or twice and on weekends when it's slower. I found out what I was walking into the night before. Imagine me up and working at 6 in the morning. It's seems to be the time when everyone's greeting is to ask me how I'm doing. How am I doing? I forgot to start Bertha right away, I think we're almost out of coffee again, I need to go back and get the key to the juice machines, and I still have a pile of dishes to do from last niht.
Well, it can be handled. Like I said, it's been done before, I just had to get into the groove. Today I found out that I have nothing to complain about. Night shift is all differant too. Now the rest of the DAs are working nights together and the supervisors want to get them used to staying later, as in, getting off at the time they were originally supposed to. That means that tonight at 7:30 when they usually get done with work they are tasked to do another hour of deep cleaning.
Today, I was functioning a lot better than yesterday. I accepted that I didn't want to hear any cheery morning music, I turned Bertha on immediately to begin filling, there was more coffee, less dishes. I've been working on restocking the salt, peppers and sugars on all the tables. Yesterday was sugar, today was pepper, the first day that it made me sneeze. Usually we are given enough time to do take care of all the shakers on the table but I was also supposed to go around restock and wipe down all the traffic areas. Too much in an hour.
This is my 5th or 6th day in a row on milk prep. We mix skim, whole, goop for the soft serve ice cream and then New Zealand versions of Kool-aid. Anyways, it's supper time. I'll never finish this so I am just posting as is. Tough luck for you.


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Agro-Technology Park Open
To be honest, the name of the park doesn't sound suitable at all. Technology? Sound like big plan ahead, but still, not many details and information how they going to expand this project building better tourist attraction.
I haven't visit yet but I am still left with great impressed with the Garden by the Bay in Singapore.


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Recently (but not for the first time), he brought up the subject of a rigorous and skillful meditation practice. With his busy schedule, wherein he is often on the road and living out of motel rooms, it is difficult to structure his days for the purpose of sitting a solid three hours (in three sessions), let alone spending each night lucid in the non-material realms.
For this young man, however, the main difficulty is not lack of time.
It is the fact that, when he eventually finds time to sit, he quickly merges into ever-deepening meditative absorption states (jhana/samadhi), and when a given session ends, his desire for engaging the outside world in any way has completely evaporated. He just wants to sit in a cave somewhere, content to be saturated in bliss, joy and ecstasy while the world floats by just beyond.
Many meditation teachers would hear this and say, "You see? This is why meditative absorption (jhana/samadhi) is to be avoided at all costs — it is too enticing, to readily desired, just another object to which we are liable to become attached. Just ignore it! Pay it no mind at all…."
These teachers, of course, either have no experience with jhana/samadhi, or they have been conditioned to suppress the phenomenon. This, despite the undeniable fact that the Buddha himself encouraged his students to develop and sustain — throughout their earthly lives — the various stages of absorption (jhana/samadhi).
Truth is, Gautama described the 8th and culminating stage of the Noble Eightfold Path in terms of meditative absorption — thus bestowing on us the name of this blog!
- 8. Right absorption (samma-samadhi) "And what, monks, is right absorption? (i) There is the case where a monk — quite withdrawn from sensuality, withdrawn from unskillful mental states — enters and remains in the first absorption (jhana): bliss (piiti) and joy (sukha) born from withdrawal, and applied and sustained attentions (vitakka and vicára). (ii) With the stilling of applied and sustained attentions (vitakka and vicára), he enters and remains in the second absorption (jhana): bliss (piiti) and joy (sukha) born of absorption, unification of awareness, applied and sustained attentions (vitakka and vicára) — internal assurance. (iii) With the fading of pleasure (piiti), he remains in equanimity, mindful and alert, and sensitive to bliss (piiti). He enters and remains in the third absorption (jhana), of which the Noble Ones declare, 'Equanimous and mindful, he has a pleasant abiding.' (iv) With the abandoning of pleasure and pain (sukha and dukkha)– as with the earlier disappearance of elation and anxiety — he enters and remains in the fourth absorption (jhana): purity of equanimity and mindfulness, neither pleasure nor pain (sukha and dukkha). This, monks, is called right absorption."
So, I did not discourage this young and gifted ecstatic contemplative from meditating. For me, a rigorous and skillful meditative practice is the most valuable and meaningful thing a person can do in this world.
When all else fails, a practice that gives rise to (and maintains) bliss, joy and ecstasy will provide a strong foundation, a loyal and trustworthy base on which we may always depend.
We may lose our job, our partner may leave us, the dog may run away… but the fruit of a rigorous and skillful meditation practice will always be there, ready to dissolve our neuroses and leave us in a place of true perspective, able to cope in a stressful world that would otherwise lead us to any number of medication "solutions."
"But," he insisted, "you don't understand! If I let myself become absorbed in jhana, I won't want to do anything! I won't want to work, won't want to leave the house — my whole life will fall apart!"
I do understand, actually.
For many years now, I've shared his sentiment, and have followed it for long stretches of time.
Without a good enough motivation, what point is there in getting up from the cushion, when the world offers nothing even remotely comparable?
What it comes down to — and this is what I told him — is the motivation of helping others.
It comes down to recognizing that, through our rigorous and skillful meditation practice, we have gathered fruit (attainments) that should not be horded, but should be made available to anyone who may need them.
Does this mean that my friend should quit his job and become a dhamma teacher?
No, not necessarily.
It just means that, instead of seeing everyone in the world as a potential hindrance to our practice — as someone who "would never understand" and is thus likely to detract us from what is most important — we need to open our hearts to everyone. We need to act from this place of bliss, joy and ecstasy, so that the little things (the things that make a big difference in everyday life) pour out of us in abundance. Small acts of connectedness — a smile, a door held open, a wave of the hand so that someone else can have that parking spot — are where the fruits of a skillful and rigorous meditation practice are most readily distributed.
In turn, our practice carries outward into the world, 24/7.
At some point, of course, there may come an opportunity to talk about meditation, about the Noble Eightfold Path, about Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, or about St. John of the Cross. At some point there may come an opportunity to mentor someone, to contribute to the small (very small) pool of ecstatic contemplatives who have chosen to build their lives around their practice.
As for the incapacitation that threatens the contemplative upon coming "up" from deep samadhi, I can only say that I understand it and that it is nothing to be dismissed out-of-hand.
At the same time, however, I know that the right motivation (caring for others) is enough to do the job, and that we ecstatic contemplatives must keep this foremost in our minds.
The rest, as they say, takes care of itself.


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"Never Again Will One Generation of Veterans Abandon Another"
Below you will find information, forms, policies and procedures to help establish or improve Veterans treatment Courts. Forms VTC01. to VTC14. are from Palm Beach County. You are welcome to print or download any of these forms.
You are encouraged to submit any additional forms or procedures for inclusion on this list.


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Yuttachai, from Prince of Songkla University visited IDM Instruments to undertake product training for one of our machines under our managing director, Tommy.
Yuttachai stayed for 2 days, learning the ins-and-outs of how to use our machinery, to bring that knowledge back to Thailand to share with his team at the university.
His stay was not only educational about our machinery and usages, but it was also education because he got to experience Australia food (steaks), and Australian culture (saw some kangaroos up close and personal).
It was a pleasure having you Yuttachai, and I hope you enjoyed your stay in Australia!


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For Patients
Provant® Therapy System
Illustration of the Invisible Dome-Shaped Therapy Field
The Provant Therapy System Provides an Electromagnetic Field to Help Reduce Pain and Swelling Following Operative Procedures
Do you have pain from your surgery?
The Provant Therapy System Provides an Electromagnetic Field to Help Reduce Pain and Swelling Following Operative Procedures
- › Surgical procedures may result in pain; opioids are often prescribed to help.
- › Opioid-related complications may increase the need for healthcare.
- › Pain medications may cause drowsiness, nausea, constipation, sleeplessness, dizziness, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, itching, mood changes, and difficult urination.
- › Provant Therapy may reduce pain medication usage.
- › Provant is indicated for adjunctive use in the palliative treatment of post-operative pain and edema in superficial soft tissue.
- › The Provant Therapy System is available by prescription only.
How will Provant Therapy help me?
The use of electromagnetic energy is intended to reduce your pain. This is how Provant Therapy works:
- › Provant is delivered to your home. There is no shipping charge to you
- › A Patient Care Coordinator will call you; they will make sure you know how to use the device, and have the supplies you need
- › The system includes a durable device and disposable applicator covers
- › You place the applicator directly against the area you are treating
- › You self-treat every day, with morning and evening 30-minute sessions
- › Provant exposes your pain site to electromagnetic energy, using an optimized energy pulse; this creates a dome-shaped therapy field
- › Provant is typically sensation free


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Cedar Creek Golf Course Coweta
- 26826 E. 161st St S, Coweta, OK 74429
- (918) 486-5884
9 total holes at facility
Green fees - $8 to $12 (estimate)
Driving Range: Yes
Public golf course
Challenging, enjoyable golf course, views of Arkansas River, abundant wildlife. Close to Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Coweta, Haskell & Muskogee, Oklahoma. 9 hole executive course referred to as "one of the Tulsa area's best kept secrets".
Back Tees
Course Rating
Note: The data on these pages is normally reliable, but occasionally there will be errors. If you see anything that should be updated, please point it out to us here.
Beneath this text, aerial imagery should load of Cedar Creek Golf Course Coweta at 26826 E. 161st St S, Coweta, OK 74429. If you can't find the course, try panning around and looking at the surrounding area.
Please login to add your review.


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Star Wars The Empire Strikes Back International Poster T-Shirt
Browse all deals at Hot Topic
See more in T-Shirts & Tops
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* This offer may contain time-sensitive information and offers. Please check with Hot Topic to confirm actual price & availability.
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Hot Topic
9541 Carousel Center Sp #F-108
Syracuse, NY 13290


text: "Everybody loves this market," jokes a hursuit Carl Icahn fresh from his eBay exigencies, "everybody is buying this and buying that... we have a lot of hedges on." However, Icahn - who knows better than most just how one can financially engineer a company - says "there is reason to be cautious... a lot of the earnings are sort of artificial." While proclaiming that the Fed "did a great job in saving the economy," Icahn laughs that "with these low interest rates it's easy to fake earnings... and I don't think that can continue forever." Simply put, the billionaire activist investors concludes, you can't print money forever and "that there will be a major correction."


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Master Classes
The Governor's School for the Arts Department of Theatre offers many exciting master classes taught by professional theatre artists throughout the year. Some remain in residence with us for nine weeks or more. Some visiting artists have included. . .
Woodie King, Jr. (Obie Award Winner) from the New Federal Theatre Project in New York.
Elaine Bromka Gutherie Master Class
Patrick Sutton is Director of the Gaiety School of Acting in Dublin, Ireland. After training in England, Mr. Sutton worked in the United Kingdom and France as an actor. In 1987 he began working with Joe Dowling (now Artistic Director at the Gutherie Theatre in Minneapolis) at the Gaiety School and took over as director when Mr. Dowling went to Minneapolis. Mr. Sutton is an accomplished director, writer and acting teacher in Ireland. His plays have been performed in Ireland, England, Europe and the United States. He is currently a speech writer for the Prime Minister of Ireland as well. He conducted two days of master classes with the Theatre department focusing on the "actor's presence" and critiqing monologues and scenes prepared by the students.
Glenn Alterman (Acting) from the Glenn Alterman Acting Studio in New York.
Randy Strawderman (Acting, Directing- Randy co-wrote Red Hot and Cole, Ella and Her Fella Frank, and the stage adaptation of The Red Badge of Courage).
David Doersch (Stage Combat) from the College of William and Mary.
Gerry Leheay (Scenic Design) from Florida State University.
E.T.C. (Stage Lighting Company)
Clay McLeod Chapman (New York actor and writer of Rest Area)
Oggie Hristov (European Mime) from Bulgaria.
Jason Sawyer (Improvisation) from Improv Olympic in Chicago
Douglas Hudson (Authentic Movement) from San Francisco.
Casts of Streetcar Named Desire and Blues in the Night from the Virginia Stage Company.


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1/3 cup of cashew nuts
1 1/2 tbsp. of freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 1/2 tsp. of apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp. of almond milk (or any other plant based milk)
5 tbsp. of water
1 big clove of garlic, minced
salt & pepper, to taste
- Soak the cashew nuts for 3 hours or overnight.
- In a high powered blender, combine all the ingredients and blend until smooth. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving. It keeps up to 5 days in the fridge.
You can use the Dressing for sauces or salads or as dip for vegetable sticks, nachos, potato wedges or french fries!
Leave a comment!! 🙂


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I'm a seamstress and costume maker for theatre, film, tv and weddings and have been working in the industry for over 10 years now. I had always wanted to work in theatre and live in London so went there to study at London College of Fashion on the Costume design and making degree. I was lucky to get work straight out of university and got a full-time job as a costume maker at Angels the Costumiers for three years. I then decided to go freelance to experience other costume avenues.
I'm especially proud of the making work I do for English National Ballet, as they're the company I grew up watching and wanting to be a part of. I've also done a lot of backstage work for them and being in the wings during a show will never lose its buzz!
Another job I loved when I first went freelance, was a costume for Keira Knightley for the film 'A dangerous method' when I first went freelance. It was quite simple, but I really loved making it, and had always had a bit of a girl crush on her!! It had lots of pretty old bits of lace on it and was very exciting seeing it at the cinema.
I usually work to a brief, creating other people's designs but am always inspired by a pretty dress, cool suit, fun bit of fabric, lovely bit of lace, buttons, beads, ribbons, flowers. There is a lovely sense of achievement in seeing all these bits come together.
When moving to Bournemouth from London it was great to discover The Factory Studios. It's full of friendly, creative and inspiring people and I really enjoy coming to work each day. I would like to start creating more of my own things and hopefully start running some workshops and classes in the area.