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"I think I am getting bitter as I age," I told my mother when she called me to wish me happy birthday.
She said, "Well, you are always a cynical one."
Swiftly, I changed the subject by talking about her one eyed cat that drooled a lot. I just didn't want her to start talking about the time when I tried to run away from home at age 3. She likes to tell the same old stories of her angry daughter.
She is right. She is ALWAYS right. She is the kind of debater who states the facts first so you cannot argue, and then force you to agree with her viewpoints. A well-trained master Yoda attorney, that's what she is, and she looks like Yoda, too.
Plus she is my mother. How can I argue with someone who changed my diaper?
When I was younger, being cynical meant smart and quick. "She can play with irony! She is funny!" But now, I must admit. I don't want to be a bitter old woman.
Merrium-Wester defines cynical as: "contemptuously distrustful of human nature and motives."
That is so me.
I hate people.
I especially hate people who want to be liked. Why? Because they don't care what you need or want. They only care about what THEY want: "to be loved, to be accepted and get what they want outta you!" So, overly nice people are a big turn off. Kind, gentle, listener – yes. Fake smile, self-promoting suckers – enjoy the view of the back of my head.
As I age, I just give up trying to deny it, but I am accepting it. I am bitter.
Why is that? My life is good. But have I done anything for my joy?
I started working at an early age. Acting was fun – till it became a job. Writing was rejuvenating – till deadlines started crowding my head. And the theatre … owning my own theatre and producing whatever I wanted to do, in dreamy ("north") HOLLYWOOD? That was an "oh-my-God-I-cannot-believe-I-am-doing-this" job to any foreign girl who came here with nothing.
But after 10 plus years, it got boring. Producing is mechanical; you just go through a checklist. Granted, each production is so vastly different, but my initial inspiration is not with me anymore.
Ambition and passion were my choice of drugs. Creating something new, challenging and nearly impossible ignited a vibrant intensity within me.
I had only me and myself to make things happen, no matter what.
And I did that. I made things happen. Quite easily. Easier than I thought. Producing is just like acting. There isn't much secrecy to it. It's not that difficult. It's an old business that previous generations proved what works. It is an art form – craftsmanship and inspiration.
But I lost that inspiration. I became a crafty producer. What happened to my creative madness?
Then, a birthday present from the universe, disguised as serendipity, happened recently.
My boyfriend is an artist, a photographer. This one is not just creative, he actually creates.
One night, we were sitting at the table, surmising that Yoko Ono was actually a pretty girl. She wasn't considered pretty then, because the sensibilities of beauty were different. He pulled his laptop out, to Google her image. The first one popped out was the very last photo of them together, the cover of the Rolling Stone magazine, the picture of a naked John Lennon curling in a fetus position next to Yoko. My boyfriend mumbled "I want to take that picture with you."
I heard it, but didn't put too much thought to it.
He is a pretty mellow fellow. But when he sees something he wants to shoot, he would scream "Agggh! Don't move! I'll get a camera," and he means it, even when my hair is dripping wet from the shower. In a darker room. In a slow speed shot that I have to hold 20 min. When inspiration hits him, he has to photograph what he sees when he sees it.
After the night at the dining table, he bugged me till I brought a pair of jeans and a black sweater, just like Yoko wore in the picture. Then that afternoon, he called his best friend, a very talented photographer. While he was awaiting his arrival, he dragged a futon mattress in the studio, sat the tall ladder next to it, and covered it with a sheet. He framed the shot. As soon as his friend got to the studio, he took his clothes off. Lucky him, it was a hot day. During the shoot, we all realized that Lennon was a true Yoga man. No red meat eating Westerner can curl himself like that. He bugged his friend (who was also a perfectionist) till he got the right (or better) pictures.
When he was going through the pictures, I almost asked him "why do you want to do that?"
I stopped myself. Oh my god, I realized, I used to despise someone asking that. "WHY DO YOU WANT TO DO THAT?"
My answer was "Because … I WANT TO DO IT."
It's not about money, recognition, compliments. It was about DOING something that feels right.
When I started as a theatre artist, I had a lot of ideas. But over the years, these ideas remained as unborn fetuses in my mind. By not trying out ideas, my inspiration suffered a creative traffic jam. I know if I just get it all out, I could make room for more ideas.
There is not good creativity or bad creativity. For example, Da Vinci's Mona Lisa may look like she is staring at you directly, while Little Timmy's drawing of his dog may have five legs. True – Da Vinci's painting may offer the vast history and the timeless shared experience of his talent. However, Little Timmys painting may mean a lot more to his grandma who had to give away her dog that she could no longer take care of – it's all random and subjective impressions.
Little Timmy and Da Vinci have something in common: they saw something, and made it tangible. If they didn't do that, their creativity couldn't vibrate to others.
In schools, arts programs turned into repetitious conditioned activity. I want kids to go nuts, to open themselves up and let it out. AND most teachers do not realize when they tell some kids "Oh you are so good at it," they are not teaching art, but actually damaging their creativity.
Why? Because Art/Creativity is not about results. The teacher is just giving one person's opinion. The purpose of art is to communicate. Praise on the finished product is a hindrance to creativity. Because you direct their creativity to make it agreeable with someone else's opinion. Why don't we all LET IT BE. Please encourage creating, the action itself. Do not judge – do not tell how good it is, because when you are not saying it, it may say, to other kids, it is not GOOD ENOUGH, and discourage them. Praise the action. Nothing makes me happier than seeing kids enjoying the moments of play.
It is not about doing good. Expectation prevents the free play of thought and the free movement of awareness and attention. Creativity is natural, organic and flexible. It allows you to communicate the feeling or urge you have within you. You may not know what it is, but once you are able to put it out there, it may reach something deep in others, and it will ease the pain of loneliness, the most incurable disease.
My problem was I was always good at what I did. I expected myself to do well. I wanted to do good, but somehow forgot the joy of the process.
I may still grow up to be an old bitter woman. But now, I want to focus on what I can do, rather than what I do well.
What a grand time we all live in.
Happy birth day everyday to our precious minds, all divine creativity on this planet.
Enjoy the ride on this journey, rather than worry about the destination.


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This weekend marks the 100th anniversary of the bloodiest battle in Northwest labor history. The violent fight between workers and law enforcement became known as the Everett Massacre. A new documentary takes us inside the turmoil, and shows how this event affected the future of labor relations in the US.
The film's creator, Denise Ohio, shared her inspiration for making the film, Verona: The Story of the Everett Massacre.
There will be two screenings of Verona this weekend:
Saturday, November 5 - 2:00 pm at Everett Public Library
Sunday, November 6 - 2:00 pm & 7:00 pm at the Historic Everett Theatre

subset: commoncrawl


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In place of meat, Alaskan Chef Lionel Uddipa uses tender cod in this light and healthy take on chicken parmesan. This dish comes together quickly and should be eaten soon after cooking, so get all of your ingredients prepped and ready to cook before you pop your fish in the oven. Slideshow: More Cod Recipes
How to Make It
Preheat the broiler and position a rack 6 inches from the heat. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. Arrange the fillets on the prepared baking sheet. In a small bowl, mix the parmesan with the mayonnaise, lemon juice, dried basil and oregano and the onion powder. Season with salt and pepper. Spread the mixture on the fish and transfer the baking sheet to the oven. Broil for 3 minutes, or until the top is browned and bubbling. Reduce the heat to 300°F and continue to roast the fish for 3 to 5 minutes, until just cooked throughout.
In a large nonstick skillet, melt the butter in the olive oil. Cook the zucchini, stirring occasionally, until beginning to soften, 2 to 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to plates and top with the fish. Garnish with more parmesan and serve.


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Coastguard Cottages in Weybourne Limited Edition Print
Regular price £130.00
Unit price
Each print is numbered, titled and signed by Michael to indicate that he is happy with the colour and quality of each print.
They are printed in the UK on 310 gsm Hahnemeuhle fine art German etching board, which is velvety smooth with a fine surface texture.
Print size is 40x40cm and comes with a mount, taking the overall size to 60x60cm


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DJI Phantom 3 Comparison Guide – Standard Vs. Advanced Vs. Professional
DJI Phantom 3 Comparison Guide – Standard Vs. Advanced Vs. Professional
DJI drones are some of the best known in the market, and have been known for their advanced features and flying capabilities. Their Phantom 3 range of quadcopters has by far been the most famous and popular among fans, and thus its no surprise that DJI has done everything to expand it well.
Initially, the Phantom 3 was split into three models – Advanced, Professional and Standard, with a new DJI Phantom 3 4K version released as well. The Standard marks an affordable entry-level, where as the Advanced and Professional models are a step up in terms of features and specs.
So, how does the DJI Phantom 3 range differ from each other?
DJI Phantom 3 Comparison Guide – Standard Vs. Advanced Vs. Professional
One of the main differences between the Phantom drones is the camera capability. The DJI Phantom 3 Standard is equipped with a 12MP camera that can record footage in 2.7K resolutions at 30fps, carried at 40Mbps. The Phantom 3 Advanced on the other hand, has a Sony Exmor 12.4 sensor that records in 2.7K at 30fps with a 40Mbps bitrate.
The top end Phantom 3 is the Professional version, which also comes with Sony sensors but can additionally record in 4K resolutions at 30fps and a bitrate of 60Mbps. All 3 devices have features like auto exposure, single shot, bracketed frames, burst mode and time-lapse shooting.
Flying capabilities
The flying abilities of the 3 Phantom models aren't very different. All of them fly at 16 m/s, ascend at 5 m/s and descend at 3 m/s, along with a maximum above sea level altitude of 6,000 meters. The Standard version us equipped with GPS functionality, where as the Advanced and Professional use GLONASS.
DJI Phantom 3 Comparison Guide – Standard Vs. Advanced Vs. Professional
The models also have a slight difference in flight range. The Standard model has a range of up to 1,000m using the included controller, while the Advanced and Professional models can go up to 2,000m away from the remote controller.
In terms of flying features, they all have Follow Me, Point of Interest, Waypoints and Intelligent Orientation Control.
The Standard and Advanced models both use a 15.2v, 4,480mAh batteries that can charge at 57W, while the Professional also has the same battery size but it charges at 100W instead.
When it comes to flight time though, it's the Standard that does the best. It has a flight time of about 25 minutes, as opposed to the other two models that feature a flight time of 23 minutes. Not a huge difference, true, but when flying drones every minute matters!
DJI Phantom 3 Comparison Guide – Standard Vs. Advanced Vs. Professional
The price is where the biggest point of different comes in place. A big question to consider is whether you need the extra features for a higher price jump?
Originally, the DJI Phantom 3 Standard costs $799, the Phantom 3 Advanced costs $999 and the Phantom 3 Professional costs $1,259.
While the DJI drones are one of the best in the industry, they definitely are on the higher end of drone prices. Picking one can be a big decision. Read through our DJI Phantom reviews below to help make up your mind!


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Women's Two Week Transformation Weight Loss, Health and Wellness Retreat
With Facilitators Joanne Andrews and Joelene Ranby
October 1 - 14, 2018
Two weeks spent on becoming the best version of yourself. Guests go through a transformational physical and mental journey. An extended retreat length for committed women who are serious about making lasting changes in their life.
After 14 days of looking after their body and soul, guests emerge looking and feeling refreshed, healthy, happy and more in control of their life and body again. Join like-minded women who face similar challenges to your own and build a supportive community of friends.
Transform yourself!
Inclusions on this Retreat are as follows:
- Our weight loss guarantee
- Welcome goody bag on arrival
- Personal motivational journal
- 14 Day accommodation at beautiful secluded boutique location (excl day-stay)
- Nutritious and delicious meals for 14 days
- Nutritionist-designed personal meal plan (while on Retreat)
- Half-day nutrition workshop
- Post-retreat nutrition plan
- Daily Yoga sessions
- Daily training sessions with a Personal Trainer
- Post-retreat personal training plan
- Inspirational seminar on heart health with Cardiac Specialist
- Presentation by Hormone Specialist
- 2 Hour workshop with positive body image, mindfulness and weight loss psychology expert
- Educational workshops, including nutrition, exercise and health
- Cooking classes and workshops
- Success coaching
- Session with our Personal Stylist and Make-up Artist
- One 45 minute facial and skin analysis with our Beauty Therapist.
- All activities and outings
- Full-time facilitator support
- Post retreat support and follow up for six months
- Complimentary subscription to our online community: The Resolution Support Network
Join us on one of our life-changing Two Week Transformation retreats and learn how to take better care of YOU. Our location is both peaceful and serene, surrounded by 35 acres of native bush in the tranquil hills of the Bay of Plenty – an area featuring some of the most beautiful beaches in New Zealand.
This retreat is only held a couple of times per year and is an affordable way to get direction and coaching toward becoming a healthier and happier you. The perfect healthy holiday! From only $250 per day, all-inclusive. Our retreats usually sell out, so please reserve your space to avoid disappointment.
Interest free finance is available as part of our registration process (6-months interest free, conditions apply).
If you would like to download the draft retreat schedule for this retreat, CLICK HERE.
Jo is a highly motivated weight loss coach and has helped 100's of ladies transform their health and lifestyle. Jo has worked in a variety of health clubs in both Australia and New Zealand throughout her years in the industry. Jo believes in a balanced lifestyle focused around enjoyable physical activity and a great relationship with nutritious food. Just ask her about her cauliflower pizzas…
Learn more about Joanne Andrews
Having overcome her own battles with health and happiness, Joelene knows what effect a few pragmatic changes can have on someone's life. Joelene's passions are cooking, Yoga and personal development in all forms. For fun, you will find Joelene conjuring up delicious food for herself and others at her Pukehina Beach home. "I cook food that is healthy and will inspire your taste buds and…
Learn more about Joelene Ranby


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My initial training in the techniques and theories of observational representation provides me the basis on which composition, color, and form set the stage for communication and expression, and my current experiences in the building and construction trades provide invaluable lessons in efficiency of material and design, structural integrity, and form/function.
My work seeks to recognize and represent the complex and oft riddled language of the divine. By employing the inherent connotations and anthropomorphic qualities I find in certain utilitarian objects, materials, and tools that surround me, I aim to enter into a dialogue with the great mystery of life by creating enticing and provocative objects that answer mystery with mystery, similar to a Buddhist Koan –
What is the Sound of One hand Clapping?
As an ardent and committed student of the esoteric and mystical teachings of many cultures, I firmly believe that all beings great and small are but seeds, called forth to evolve and eventually bear unique and very necessary fruit. I hope to incite curiosity and entice the viewer out onto the edge where playfulness dances with danger, careening ever closer towards a bizarre and perhaps unexpected salvation.


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This New Year's toast is to all the memories that were created in the blessing that is the Lowcountry outdoors. Nearly 300 blog entries later, covering everything from sailing to tennis plus hunting and fishing, this eventful year comes to a close. Thankful for family, supporters and of course blog followers - things are looking up for 2010 beginning with small game season, sheepshead fishing and the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition on February 12-14. Please stick with Lowcountryoutdoors.com for the latest trends, news and reports from our beautiful coastal plain and its associated waters.
Image by Luke Frazier; featured artist of the 2010 SE Wildlife Expo: Setters on Point


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How can I be considered for the VIP List awards?
Nominations can be made by anyone, including yourself. An application is automatically emailed to all nominees and must be completed and returned to The Daily Record in order to be considered for this award. A letter of recommendation is not required, but is encouraged to assist the judges in making their decision.
To be eligible, applicants must live in or work in Maryland at the time of judging.
Can I win multiple times?
No, once you have won VIP List, you cannot win a second tome
Can I save the nomination and application forms while working on them?
Unfortunately you cannot at the moment, but we're working to fix that. In the meantime, we suggest either filling out the forms on a separate sheet of paper first or be prepared to spend some time on the forms.
Who are the judges and what are they looking for when selecting the VIP list awards?
The judges are winners from the previous year. They look for professional accomplishments, community service and the impact of their achievements.
Should I have a letter of recommendation sent?
Letters of recommendation are encouraged but not required. Up to 3 letters of recommendations can be emailed to firstname.lastname@example.com. The letter will be paired to your application when it is received.
Can I buy a table?
Yes, but the tables are limited so please contact firstname.lastname@example.com as soon as possible for more information.
What is the format of the event?
This event is strictly networking and the awards program. It is held in the sculpture garden at Gertrudes at the BMA, there is both indoor and outdoor networking areas. There is no sit down dinner but there are passed and stationed Hors'Dourves, Bar and Dessert. There are only reserved tables for our sponsors, however there are some small tables for guests to have a seat. Please contact email@example.com with any food allergies or dietary restrictions.
Are children allowed?
Yes, a child's ticket is $40 plus tax. Children under the age of 13 can be registered with a child's ticket.
Do winners sit with guests?
There is no sit down dinner for this event, however there are some tables for open seating during the networking and limited sponsorships available with seating
Do winners have a speaking role?
No, there is no speaking for winners, they just walk up to accept the award
Do winners need to purchase a ticket?
No, winners do no need to purchase a ticket, all other attendees must.
Can I buy an ad in the publication?
Ads in the publication are reserved for our sponsors, please contact email@example.com for more information
I am a winner and am physically handicapped, what do I do?
Please contact email@example.com and we will accommodate anything you need.
One of my guests is physically handicapped, how are they accommodated?
Please contact firstname.lastname@example.com and we will accommodate anything your guests need.
Can a deceased person be a nominee?
Nominees must be living at the time of the nomination in order to be eligible for the award.


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It is truly my honor to have Emily Winslow, author of JANE DOE JANUARY: MY TWENTY-YEAR SEARCH FOR TRUTH AND JUSTICE, the riveting and courageous story of Emily's quest for justice from her terrifying and violent rape as a college student in Pittsburgh.
I found this book to be heartbreaking, inspiring, frustrating, terrifying, honest and every other emotion you could imagine. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has ever been a victim of crime and for those who want to understand how violent crimes affect the victims.
[quote]In the vein of Alice Sebold's Lucky, comes a compelling, real-life crime mystery and gripping memoir of the cold case prosecution of a serial rapist, told by one of his victims.
On the morning of September 12, 2013, a fugitive task force arrested Arthur Fryar at his apartment in Brooklyn. His DNA, entered in the FBI's criminal database after a drug conviction, had been matched to evidence from a rape in Pennsylvania years earlier. Over the next year, Fryar and his lawyer fought his extradition and prosecution for the rape—and another like it—which occurred in 1992. The victims—one from January of that year, the other from November—were kept anonymous in the media. This is the story of Jane Doe January.
Emily Winslow was a young drama student at Carnegie Mellon University's elite conservatory in Pittsburgh when a man brutally attacked and raped her in January 1992. While the police's search for her rapist proved futile, Emily reclaimed her life. Over the course of the next two decades, she fell in love, married, had two children, and began writing mystery novels set in her new hometown of Cambridge, England. Then, in fall 2013, she received shocking news—the police had found her rapist.
This is her intimate memoir—the story of a woman's traumatic past catching up with her, in a country far from home, surrounded by people who have no idea what she's endured. Caught between past and present, and between two very different cultures, the inquisitive and restless crime novelist searches for clarity. Beginning her own investigation, she delves into Fryar's family and past, reconnects with the detectives of her case, and works with prosecutors in the months leading to trial.
As she recounts her long-term quest for closure, Winslow offers a heartbreakingly honest look at a vicious crime—and offers invaluable insights into the mind and heart of a victim.[/quote]
So without further adieu, I give you Emily Winslow.
1. How did you have the courage to tell your story to such a mass audience?
I started writing about it first for me, to clarify my understanding and my feelings as the prosecution was unfolding. Its second use was as a tool for communicating with the people around me. A lot of times it was easier for me to send people something to read that we could then talk about later, instead of telling them face to face and forcing them to react right in front of me. Because writing is my job, it seemed natural as the writing's third use to publish it. I must admit that that has been harder. People bring a lot of their own strong opinions and assumptions to this topic, and it feels strange to see my personal story filtered through so many others' points of view.
2. While reading, I thought how lucky you were to have so much support from friends and family. Would you say that was one of the most important elements in healing from such a traumatic event?
I think the elements of secret-keeping (the shame that motivates keeping the secret, the false front that protects the secret, the wondering what could happen if people knew…) are all separate traumas on top of the original trauma. I didn't have to deal with those at all, which didn't make the rape itself less of an agony to deal with, but did mean that I was dealing with only the rape itself, an easier burden than many survivors deal with.
3. It was amazing to me that you weren't angrier and bitter about your experience. What advice can you give others who have experienced rape and/or sexual assault?
Other people were indignant and outraged for me. Having that taken care of was freeing for me. I was, of course, sometimes angry myself, but I didn't feel that I had to be angry, to prove that what had happened was serious and terrible. Other people already treated the crime as self-evidently serious and terrible. That was a wonderful gift that they gave me.
Obviously, "be surrounded by good people" isn't something you can "advise" people to do. But for me it helped to be open about who might be good at listening and supporting. It wasn't always the people I expected.
4. Given the Stanford rape case, what are your thoughts about the Justice System when it comes to rape cases?
The sentence in the Stanford case is disheartening, but the public response has been wonderful. People are talking freely about a formerly taboo subject, and the support for the victim is almost overwhelming. I'm very encouraged.
5. Though I was fully engaged in your book, JANE DOE JANUARY, it was not an easy read. How were you able to sell your publisher on your heart-wrenching story?
It has actually been surprising to me who finds the book "painful but important" and who finds it actually "comforting." A lot of people tell me that they're "enjoying" it and then apologize! But I know what they mean. Stories have their own momentum that can be a pleasure apart from how challenging or upsetting their subjects are. And I think there is a lot of good alongside the difficult in my book. There was one bad person whose actions started it off, then many, many good people.
6. Have you had many women thanking you for your story? For being honest and stark about what happens to the victims of rape – both on a personal level and through the justice system?
I've been contacted by victims sharing their similar stories, not just of similar crimes but of similar cold-case prosecutions. I've been contacted by men who don't explain or share much, but just say, in a couple of sentences, a form of "thank you." I've been contacted by people who teach law and who work in forensics. It's been very encouraging. I do my best to answer everyone.
7. Tell us something about your latest release, and a little bit about the project you are working on now.
This memoir is out now from HarperCollins, and they've also just reissued my three-book detective fiction series set in Cambridge, England: The Whole World, The Start of Everything, and The Red House. Right now I'm working on my fourth novel in that series.
A huge THANK YOU, Emily for joining us today and I would encourage everyone to go out right now and buy this brilliant book!
About Emily Winslow
Emily Winslow is an American living in Cambridge, England. She trained as an actor at Carnegie Mellon University's prestigious drama conservatory and earned a master's degree in museum studies from Seton Hall University. For six years she wrote for Games magazine, creating increasingly elaborate and lavishly illustrated logic puzzles. She lives with her husband and two sons.


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Sry that we are and will be "missing" for a while as examinations are around the corner and we have to cut down the time spent watching dramas and blogging. 😦
I will try to post something when I can. 2 highly recommended Korean Dramas will be Hello Monster/ I remember you and Oh my Ghostess which I haven't finished watching. I am currently also occasionally watching Singapore Drama The Journey our Homeland. Thanks for your support! Hope that I can review something soon. 🙂
Lucky JM


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By Exoticdoc
I was recently catching up with a girlfriend of mine and I told her that this year I fell in love. She instantly stopped me and said, "Don't say that…never fall in love. You know why? Because what happens when you fall? You get hurt. That's the thing about perspective. Don't fall in love, act in love. Be in love with that person and show them how much you love them. Love isn't as scary that way."
Needless to say, my mind was blown. It got my brain wheels a turnin' and I thought about what it takes to be in love, act in love and keep that love going. So what does it take to keep our butterflies alive?
Seems like a no-brainer, right? Trust can be tricky, especially when you have been hurt. However, all of us have been hurt, and it's not a good enough excuse to go into a relationship with the expectation that this person will be the same as the last. You also need to be aware that we are all human and from time to time make mistakes. It's your choice to continue being with someone when the trust has been broken. You can decide if the offense was great enough to walk away or if it is worth the effort mend it.
With trust comes forgiveness, and full forgiveness at that. A relationship will not be able to flourish if you cannot move past certain issues.
There is a common theme throughout these tips. You either go big or go home. It may take time to rebuild trust and to forgive someone, but when you make that choice you need to go all in. You have to take the risk and let go. You can't control your partner, you can only control your thoughts, actions and behaviors. You control your ability to fully love and/or fully forgive someone.
Bringing Out the Best
Ask yourself, what does this person bring out in me? Do they make you want to be better? Do they make you smile? Do they bring out the adventurous side to you? The playful side? Do they balance you? Look at all the good your partner brings out in you.
If you find yourself crying more than laughing, evaluate if you are dating a person or a fucking onion. The person you choose to be with should bring out your best. Once again it's YOUR choice to be with them. If you want a happy, successful relationship, the combination of you two should create more joy than pain. Now realistically you're going to have conflict…but we will get to that soon.
Chemistry and Intimacy
These are two separate beings. You can have amazing chemistry with someone, but lack emotional intimacy with them, and others you may have everything in common, but no real spark. You can also start with one and have the other build. Not everyone is going to have an immediate chemistry in the bedroom, and you might not immediately connect to the person you have mind blowing sex with. But let's face it, in an ideal world, wouldn't it be nice to be in a relationship with your best friend who just so happens to knock your socks off?!
Sex is a huge way of connecting with your partner, and it's a huge reason why some relationships don't last. Finding someone that you are sexually compatible with will play a large role in your relationship. My mother once told me that in a relationship if the sex is great it's 10% but if it's bad it's 90%. Mother does know best, and the truth of the matter is that you should be able to be open with your partner about your wants and needs.
Tell your partner what you love about your sex life and if there is anything that you don't like. Get freaky, have fun. Sex is awesome and it will help longevity.
On the flip side, a relationship can't just be all about the sex. You need someone that you can be yourself with, be honest with. Share things with this person so they know who you really are and vice versa. Intimacy takes time, patience and vulnerability. Which also goes back to some of the other tips like trust and communication, but remember this is how you "act" in love.
Communication and Conflict
Another article I wrote was on communication, so I'm going to skim over this and really stress the importance of how you and your partner solve conflict. We all have hiccups in a relationship and you and your partner need to find how you can communicate your problems/concerns and work through them. Find your love languages and tell each other what methods are helpful when dealing with stressful situations. Avoid blaming, yelling, name calling, accusations, mind reading and all those other really fun behaviors that nobody likes.
You need to take a time out and think about things before you say them? Tell them that! You feel more comfortable writing them a letter? Tell them and do it! It's hard to find the right words when you're upset, avoid being reactive and remember you can't take words back, so avoid using them as a weapon. Act in love, even when you're upset.
Show Your Love
After the honeymoon fades a bit, you have to remind your partner why you are still with them. Even if it's a hug, a kiss, or surprising them with brownies, don't get lazy with love. This may seem like an odd comparison, but love is like a pet. That pet depends on you to feed it, water it and clean up after it takes a shit. You have to nurture it, not neglect it! Don't take it for granted, enjoy every moment, and not to sound like a broken record, but ACT in love.
Room To Grow
Do NOT expect another person to make you happy. That's not their job, that's YOUR job. Their job is to be a part of your happiness, and share joy, laughter and sorrow with you. Just because you love someone does not mean that you should feed into the "two souls becoming one" bullshit. You are two grown ass adults who should make each other better, happy to support the other, and love spending time together.
However, you shouldn't make this person your entire life. Alone time is good, it's great actually! Hanging out with your friends is also great! There was a point in your life when this person wasn't around, and you had an identity outside of them. Keep that identity, know who you are and what your foundation is as an individual. That foundation is the reason your partner made the choice to be with you, and if they really love you they won't want you to change and vice versa. Yes, we have to modify and compromise some things but not become a different person. Don't suffocate your love, give it room to shine and space to grow.
Love is a strange, scary thing and it can make people weird as shit. It takes patience and work, but it's worth it. I read something the other day that put a smile on my face and I hope it does yours as well: "Maybe a relationship is just two idiots who don't know a damn thing except the fact that they're willing to figure it out together."
Basically they're just acting in love.


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North West businesses most likely to attract talent and business
Manchester and Liverpool lead the way for UK cities willing to embrace workplace cultures of play and productivity. Embrace office fun and increase staff performance.
Business owners in the North West are leading the charge in creating fun workplace cultures to attract and retain the best talent and increase productivity, according to our new survey.
In our report on 'Play and Productivity' we also reveal how companies in Manchester and Liverpool lead other UK cities in their willingness to embrace a working culture and environment that encourages play to increase productivity.
Almost a third of business owners in the region (32 per cent) said they have 'complete trust' in their employees to have fun at work and still get the job done - the highest proportion in the UK. Whilst a further 57 per cent said they partially trust workers to have fun.
Our research has supported the notion that to increase the productivity of employees and compete with other businesses for the most talented workers, it pays to play. Workplace fun reduces staff churn, has a positive impact on staff morale, creativity and productivity - and ultimately, boosts the bottom line.
Introducing fun at work can be a simple process and can be centred on easy-to-organise activities such as Dress Down Fridays, massage or wellbeing days, or computer games.
The report suggests that while it's important for business leaders to create a culture of fun, it's essential that employees are empowered to have fun spontaneously. Encouraging staff to come up with their own fun activities leaves employees feeling more trusted in their roles and less likely to be on a 'perpetual job hunt', which is common amongst the Millennial generation
Although the survey's findings show the North West in a more positive light, they also underline how many companies are reluctant to adopt a workplace culture where employees are trusted and empowered to use fun in the workplace.
Author and productivity expert Graham Allcott, who helped compile our 'Play and Productivity' report, said: "We live in an age where, in theory, productivity should be booming. But in the UK at least, it's been flat-lining for a decade. Technology affords us so many exciting ways to improve productivity, whether it's through software to automate or make tasks easier, the ability to work flexibly from home, or the opportunities provided by global connectedness. But there is also a downside, which many businesses just don't see or mitigate.
"Many workers feel like the boundaries between work and life are blurring, that they're required to check email constantly or that they're being monitored and micro-managed. So creating a culture of trust, where people can feel engaged to have fun at work and participate in constantly improving productivity has never been more vital.
"Culture doesn't just happen. It needs nurturing, and it's encouraging to see employers in the North West leading the way."
Looking at the country as a whole, only 26 per cent of UK businesses have 'complete trust' in their workers to have fun and still get the job done. In fact, fun in the workplace is actually regarded as the third-worst 'drain' on productivity behind HR and office politics.
Nevertheless, 89 per cent of business owners understand it's possible to retain staff on the basis of having a fun work culture. This indicates that many businesses need to undergo a cultural transformation, with work leaders needing to focus on building a culture of trust.
I know the UK often lags behind on international productivity tables, however it's brilliant to see North West businesses leading the way in encouraging workplace fun. This suggests businesses in the North West are really focusing on increasing the productivity of their workers to gain a competitive advantage.
But more companies across the UK need to embrace a working culture that places an importance on play. In addition to increasing productivity, our It Pays to Play research series indicates that fun in the workplace also reduces absenteeism and employment law issues leading to happier employees and customers, and ultimately more profitable businesses."
Download the full Play and Productivity report


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WRB Will Be Made Law But It's Not The End
Tonight Lord Best forwarded an amendment to the WRB, asking that the government did detailed research on the impacts of the bill so that if it does – as many fear – cause more harm than good it can be dealt with quickly.
Lot's of Lords spoke in support but eventually Lord Freud convinced the Peer that his amendment was not necessary and Lord Best withdrew. Now there will be no more ping-pong between the Lords and the Commons. The bill will become law. It just has to get Royal Assent, and that is a given.
It's so sad to think that all the amendments put forward to help those who are vulnerable have systematically been denied by a blinkered government waving 'finacial priviliage' at any hint of Lords opposition.
Is this the end? No.
The big fight is just beginning.
Lawyers and Human Rights specialists are gearing up to fight it as are we. Remember the Poll Tax made law but was eventually defeated. We can work towards more protests and direct actions in the coming year.
The PIP consultation is currently ongoing so we have a chance to mitigate some of the damage it might cause. Go to wearespartacus.org.uk and you will find easy read documents, help and a sheet you just have to fill in to send off to the DWP so your voice is heard. There is even a forum you can join to get help and meet others like you. I'm making the most of it 😉
In a couple of years we'll have another general election and we can show the government exactly what we think of them. We'll also have had our chance to get our stories out nationally by then.
It's important we try to make this a major area for Labour and other parties to focus on so they don't forget the WRB should they come back into power. We can keep up the pressure there.
And those are just the first things off the top of my head.
Let's no get too disheartened about this, there is still plenty more we can do.


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Today I visited the Attikon Park, a great place to visit when you are in Athens. I was hopping for a great photo day as a sider to the whole experience. But the weather was rainy, rainy and cloudy. I did a lot of mistakes with my D3200 and the combo of 18-55Vr and the 50-200mm VR since I worried alot about my non-weatherproof gear.
Still i managed to have some great shots. Here is the first batch.
I start with the glorious bears, which seemed unaffected and In tune with this rainy weather.
I hope you Like them


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Friday, January 17, 2014
Book Launch for In Pursuit
Since I write this blog also to help others who are following the same path behind me, I want to emphasize that the success of the novel depends upon reviews those who buy the book post upon Amazon. Those reviews can make or break the novel.
How does one go about organizing something like this? My Facebook friends, of course, become the first guests invited after setting up an event page. I then use Word to create a flyer that I then attach to emails and send through other email accounts I might have. Sometimes one must use the mails and send invitations to those with whom one is not connected through other media. I have also been invited to Live @Lunch at our local television station and that also should broaden the scope of those who know about the book. Marketing a novel falls mainly upon the author.
I believe the theme of this novel is an important one. It is based on events shrouded by the passage of time and the politics of the day. The poignant stories of the remnant of Red Sticks who survived Horseshoe Bend and the destruction of the Negro Fort on the Apalachicola River inspired me to write In Pursuit. Books have the power to open a window onto an era and invite people in. I hope In Pursuit will be such an invitation.
But, In Pursuit is first and foremost a love story. Joie and Godfrey, first introduced in Swimming with Serpents set during the Creek War, come together once more and live an adventure with pirates, Red Sticks, Andrew Jackson's army, and British officers determined to build an empire. I hope readers will come away from the novel satisfied with the love story and adventure, motivated to honor the memory of some of those forgotten people in the history of our country.
Posted by Sharman at 5:47 AM No comments:
Saturday, January 4, 2014
Train them up
I'm sure many of you worry about the education your children and grandchildren are getting. I decided to post an email I recently sent my own children on this topic. Should you also be facing these concerns, something here might help you as well.
Dear children,
I include in this note resources that I found online to help your children in school. Your father and I were fortunate enough to find a school with a curriculum that taught these things so you all got well-drilled in the basics. You must either find such a school or provide those basics yourself. Don't take it for granted that your children are getting what they need. That is a hard lesson to learn after the fact.
These are excellent resources for helping your children develop skills they will need. Your child will be one among many in a classroom with children whose parents may already have familiarized them with these concepts. You cannot depend upon the schools to teach your child. Stay alert always.
1. Encourage your small children to learn to read phonetically. Regurgitating sight words is not reading. Children must be able to decode unfamiliar words or they will be unable to progress beyond the limit of their memorized vocabulary. Encourage listening skills. Have them repeat sounds after you so they can identify them.
2. Make sure they know their addition and multiplication tables.
3. I remember Mother holding my hand and teaching me to hold the pencil and then to make circles with the pencil. That helped me later in writing cursive. Encourage that hand co-ordination because the notes a person writes reflects upon their abilities. Handwriting also tells a lot about the person. A signature or a thank-you note may determine the impression one makes upon a prospective employer. Begin with teaching your child to hold a pencil correctly.
4. Please encourage your children to write thank-you notes. Teach them gratitude. If someone cares enough to give your child a present, teach them gratitude and appreciation. Have them write a thank-you note or, until they can write, draw a picture and help them write thank you note.
"Grateful kids tend to be much more satisfied with their lives," says Froh. "They do better in school and are less materialistic, less depressed, and less envious. Their relationships are much stronger and more supportive." In one study, grateful kids even reported fewer physical symptoms, like headaches, stomachaches, and fevers."
Set the example of gratitude early. Remember that a thank you note consists of at least three lines written in cursive (after the third grade). The first line should read something like this:
Dear ____________, (a comma goes after a personal note and a colon goes after a business note)
Thank you so much for the _____________________. (The second line describes the item and how you plan to use it or what you really like about it.) I have already had hours of fun playing/building/riding/coloring. (Let the third line reiterate appreciation.)You were so kind/generous to think of me in such a thoughtful way.
Sincerely (love, truly yours),
Teach them that no one owes them a gift. Someone has sacrificed resources, time and effort to think of a suitable gift because they love them and the least they can do is sit down and write a note expressing their appreciation not only of the gift, but the the care and love that came with it.
Take them places that will educate and not just entertain them. I suggest watching the movie Gifted Hands: the Dr. Ben Carson story to see the impact reading and being exposed to arts and music can make in the life of a child. Talk to them explaining and describing as you do. Create imaginary activities in your discussion to help them visualize and create. (See those birds gathered on that pier. Do you suppose one of them is the teacher. What do you suppose the teacher is teaching them? How to write? Can they write with wings? Could they write with their feet?) Silly stuff. I remember Mother entertaining me by sitting on the steps of the front porch and imagining a circus parade coming down the street with clowns, tigers, bears, jugglers, etc.) We listened for Alliwishus and she told me his story.
You are all wonderful parents and I am so proud of each of you. Your children are your greatest contribution to the world. What you are is your gift from God, what you become is your gift back to Him.
The greatest lessons of all are those will guide them to their own saving knowledge of our Lord and Savior.
I love you,
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Rep. Stephanie Herseth-Sandlin, D-S.D., also highlighted that technology is expected to continue boosting farmer yields for corn dramatically in the next five years. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack reiterated this perhaps a dozen times in his testimony. So if technology is going to allow corn yields to soar, perhaps come close to doubling, then why do we need an arbitrary 15-billion cap on corn-based ethanol in the Renewable Fuels Standard?Of course, I may be misunderstanding this. But if corn yields are at 150 bushels or more, it's taken about 35 years for them to go from 100 to 150.
I know I'm old and have my head in a dark place (as Tom von G used to say) but when I hear of corn being used for ethanol I've just the beginnings of the same qualms I have when I hear of good farmland growing houses. Corn is for food. Yes, I know better, but that's my upbringing.


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Despite the various locations that can serve as a reservoir for human papillomavirus (HPV) and its DNA, the lion's share of the virus and, by extension, the greatest chance for infection, is in the genital wart itself. Therefore most of the therapeutic interventions are designed to remove the wart and destroy the virus contained inside of them.
Not all treatments are equally effective at clearing the wart and not one is 100% effective. However, in some clinical studies, certain treatments were as high as 90% effective at eradicating the genital warts. Among the most successful treatments are cryotherapy, interferon placed on the wart, electrosurgery.
The various clearance rates of selected therapies are shown in the table. Note that there is significant discrepancy in the clearance rates listed for topical interferon (placed on the wart). The range of clearance rates across studies is 6 to 90%. In other words, while this may be a potentially successful treatment approach, it may not be terribly reliable and is not often used.
- Cryotherapy 63–88%
- Electrosurgery 61–94%
- Imiquimod 37–56%
- Interferon (topical) 6–90%
- Interferon (intralesional) 17–63%
- Laser surgery 23–52%
- Podofilox 45–77%
- Podophyllin 32–79%
- Surgical excision 35–72%
- Trichloroacetic acid 50–81%
- Placebo or no treatment 0–56%
The closest thing to a genital warts cure that researchers have developed to date is the vaccine against (HPV). While this vaccine, brand named Gardasil, is only directed against four types of HPV (there are likely more than 100 HPV types), the four that have been included are very important. Types 6 and 11 are particularly common causes of genital warts while the other two types included in the vaccine, HPV types 16 and 18, are the most common causes of cervical cancer and other cancers of the genitals and anus. Gardasil is not a genital wart cure, but if it is administered before human papillomavirus infection, it could potential reduce the incidence of genital warts by 90%.
Gardasil is currently only available for women and girls between the ages of 9 and 26. However, clinical studies are currently being conducted to study the safety and efficacy of extending immunizations to men and boys of the same age as well as extending the age in which the vaccine can be administered. Since infected men may be the most significant carrier or reservoir of human papillomavirus, it could greatly reduce infection and transmission if vaccination was extended to males as well.
It is important to note that some cases of genital warts may not be caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) since some lesions do not contain the HPV DNA. In cases such as this, directly destroying the genital wart may be the best approach to treatment and vaccines against HPV would have no effect.


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"This is crazy, Manzi!" Noah said in a sharp whisper.
"I know," Manzi whispered back, crouching lower to the ground. "but until Shani gets back with help, there isn't anything else we can do."
Noah gulped as he crouched beside the crimson lioness cub. "If you're sure, then I am."
Manzi smiled to reassure the young cheetah. "Just stay calm and follow my lead."
* * *
"Hey, Qymaen," Katan said, smacking his lips around his huge fangs. "Murali's gonna be surprised; you and Saka actually did your job."
Qymaen glared at the hulking saber-toothed liger in front of him. "I'm sure you would be just as happy to stain your claws with my blood and take the cubs, yourself."
Katan rumbled in his throat and raised his head to look down at the masked cheetah. "Maybe I will. Our fight remains unfinished. I see you even took trouble to cover your scars."
Qymaen's amber eyes burned from beneath his skull-mask's eye sockets. He saw the only mark on Katan from their fight: a small scar across his nose. Qymaen nearly grimaced as he remembered his own scars. He growled as Katan stepped forward.
Saka interrupted them, coming between them and tapping one of his sickle-shaped toe claws on the ground. "I might just take you both out. I don't need you fur-covered scum..." He paused and looked down at the cubs with one yellow eye. "…seeing as how I need to babysit the whole way to the outskirts, anyway." Qymaen and Katan drowned Peter's angry growl. Saka roared at them and snapped his long jaws until the slim caracal intervened. She leapt in front of Qymaen.
"You have to go through me, first, reptile!"
"Calypso, don't," Qymaen said, moving her aside.
"It with be my pleasure, cat," Saka hissed.
Calypso and Garoe were the first to look for the source of the shout. Qymaen followed their gaze.
"Hel-lo! Over here, skull-face!"
Qymaen snarled at the cheetah cub in the ferns.
"Hey! I knew you would be here!" the cheetah cub exclaimed, almost mockingly. "Antonio's been looking everywhere for you, but I found you first! I'm gonna go tell him. You stay right there, okay?" With that, the cheetah cub winked and ducked into the ferns.
"After him!" Qymaen shouted. In response, Katan and Saka tore through the brush.
Kenobi felt someone behind him. He turned his head and saw Manzi.
"Shh!" Manzi said. "Run!" she whispered. "No time to explain! Get Garoe! GO!"
Kenobi nodded a thank you as Manzi went back into the foliage. Then he ran.
Qymaen noticed Kenobi's break for freedom just as Garoe ran after him. "Calypso, there!" he ordered. "I've got the gray one!" As Calypso obeyed, chasing after the fleeing cubs, Qymaen checked to be sure that Peter was still between his legs. He watched him closely; Peter's gray pelt would be nearly impossible to see in the dark forest. At least, Qymaen thought. I can take half my quarry. Maybe I can blame the loss of the other on Saka. Suddenly a sharp pain erupted in his left hind leg.
"Ouch!" he yelled. He shook his leg, but Manzi held tightly. She held on until Qymaen wheeled around and snapped at her ear. She drew her claws and swatted the cheetah's skull-mask before she ran into the ferns.
Qymaen snarled and ran after her, leaving his mask behind.
Peter was left in the clearing, alone and confused. Thirty seconds ago, he was in the Serpent's clutches, found out he had a brother, and thought he was at Katan's mercy. Now everyone was scrambling. What was going on? Then Peter felt a tap on his shoulder. He gasped.
"Shh!" Manzi scolded. "Let's go!"
"But how-But who-?" Peter stuttered.
"Trade secret. I'm Manzi. Now, no more questions. Come on!"
Peter struggled to keep up with her as she led him through the underbrush.
* * *
"Faster, Garoe!" Kenobi said. He zigzagged between the trees when Garoe bolted past him. Man, he's fast! Kenobi thought.
"Here!" Garoe leapt on a log and them onto a tree. He shimmied up, making sure Kenobi was close.
Kenobi dodged Calypso as she jumped, trying to knock him down. Caracal's can't climb very well, Kenobi remembered. But they can jump! he thought as he dodged again.
"Keep her down!" Garoe said.
* * *
Noah panted as he ran. His legs burned. Don't they ever give up? he wondered. Then he came to a massive fallen tree. He put his front paws on it. Too slippery to climb; too high to jump. Noah got down and looked over his shoulder. They were too close, no time to go around. Noah decided to face them. He growled and bared his teeth.
Saka stopped running almost before Katan. The tall theropod stalked toward Noah. "You overestimated your speed, sprinter."
Noah felt his body shake, but he kept his teeth bared. Then he realized he wasn't shaking. He listened and felt the ground tremble beneath his paws. Something was coming from behind… fast.
Noah pressed his back against the log just before a huge zebra stallion leapt over the log and over his head at Saka and Katan. Noah didn't have time to watch the fight. He took the opportunity, however, and ran through their legs to go find Manzi. "I hope-I hope Manzi's having as much luck as I am," Noah panted to himself. He took a quick glance over his shoulder. "I mean, how many cubs can say they've been rescued by Zareb the Wanderer?"


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Discharge of interim injunction to prevent eviction from Māori land; no serious question – Kerr v Stewart
Kerr v Stewart – Maketu A102
Māori Land Court (2012) 58 Waiariki MB 3 (58 WAR 3)
20 July 2012
The Court dismissed an interim injunction it had ordered in June 2012 on the basis that, after hearing further argument, the applicant did not have a tenable case. No serious question arose about his rights to occupy the land administered by trustees for an ahu whenua trust.
Download Kerr v Stewart – Maketu A102 here (168 KB PDF). read more


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Firstly, is existence itself and not the human condition (or existence experienced through beings) suffering? Simply put now, is the universe just the universe and we suffer due to our bad 'behaviour' in it, or is the (conditioned or unconditioned) universe unsatisfactory 'Dukkha' so we suffer it?
Secondly, the thoughts concerning Bodhisattva, Mahayana Buddhism.One understands that one should continue to be reborn to help all beings reach Nirvana collectively, but how might they be achieved given the state of the world, stubbornness of Humans and secondly, how long would that take, i am sure countless generations of lifetimes. Surely one will eventually slip into lower realms when ones good karma is all used up then 'I' will equally need to be guided back out, while 'I' stay around in samsara to guide others out. Whats the point of that?
Regarding the practise of the precepts.One considered becoming a Monk but given 'my' age i feel i want to enjoy my life first, i feel one is bad for wanting this as the world is suffering a great deal and deserves all hands on deck to guide beings correctly, however firstly, how does one guide people when the Buddha said that people need to achieve their emancipation through self effort (basically meaning 'I' am not really necessary) secondly, am i a bad person for wanting to enjoy loved ones, marriage, adoption, driving a car, handling money, having a stable job etc when one should quickly reach Nirvana for the betterment of all beings.
Delusions, fear and evil or coarse things.Oh and always the popular, what about witch craft, devils, demons, evil beings, coarse creatures, poisonousness animals, destructive demi-gods, foul and tormenting spirits, miracles (even proposed in Buddhism), possession, satan worshipers, lower realms of suffering, how long one stays in those lower realms, human sexual orientation like hating gays and the rest of it. They to me seem to all fit under delusions though so i didn't want to give a question for each delusion just an overall jist of it.
As you can see, i feel that their are contradictions to the messages of Buddhism or atleast how it is laid out in ones mind
The nature of reality, seems to be something one seems to have a lot of difficulty with moving forward.
As you can see, i feel that their are contradictions to the messages of Buddhism or atleast how it is laid out in ones mind.Please help enlighten me on these areas.Martin
So far, my skill set remains wanting, and therefore I will continue to work on improving them.
maapaa concluded: " what happens if one doesn't reach enlightenment in this lifetime? I guess that supposes the question of re-incarnation or belief in rebirth. Or is rebirth just a second to second experience that consciousness takes, always living and dying every second of everyday as a new thought passes and so the cycle never ends till enlightenment, ofcourse perhaps including ones re-incarnation is a natural consequence of a troubled mind."
Thank you all for your continuous feedback, I think the closer you get to the top as it were. The slippier it gets.Recently I had to turn away from one older guy who in Australia tried to teach me like a 'new version' of Buddhism which he had said he discovered and well saying he had reached enlightenment in more than one experience or something. At the time I was backpacking so felt I should listen to him as I was living in his house, long story short he kind of made me have serious doubts about Buddhism in general and instead adopt his philosophies on it which were infact now I look back, quite cult like in their presentation. Something I feel I am still recovering from. The problem for me now is separating what ideas were his and not Buddhist logic or principle, as he tried to sell it with such similarity just a smidge of difference in each area. He had a habbit of blurring the lines and causing great personal confusion leading to massive rifts of delusion! I fully warn everyone to stay away from these 'teachers'.. as they aren't really teachers at all and I doubt they even know what true practise feels like either, nevermind... enlightenment...


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Kis, Danilo (Translated by Michael Henry Heim). EARLY SORROWS: FOR CHILDREN AND SENSITIVE READERS. New York City, NY: New Directions, 1998. Hardcover. First Edition/First Printing. 118 pages. Fine/Fine.
Retrospective collection of short stories. One of Danilo Kis' finest achievements. The first appearance of the title in English and in the United States. Precedes and should not be confused with all other subsequent editions. Published in a tiny first print run as a hardcover original only (and it should be noted, when Danilo Kis was still alive). The First Edition is now rare. Presents Danilo Kis' "Rani jadi" in a felicitous English translation. A stunning group of linked stories that memorialize the author's childhood. "With a remarkable combination of affection, whimsy, and wretchedness, these nineteen lyrical short stories tell a recurring tale of spiritual innocence tainted by shame and the terror of life in hiding. In addition to his finesse with language and sensory detail, Kis succeeds at rendering a precocious child's struggle to comprehend the world. In each brief vignette, the boy contemplates his own disappearance and death, which he sees foreshadowed in his father's deportation to Auschwitz. Kis' work will touch vestigial nerves in most readers" (Publisher's blurb). An absolute "must-have" title for Danilo Kis collectors. This title is a late-modern classic. This is one of few copies of the First American Edition/First Printing still available online and is in especially fine condition: Clean, crisp, and bright, a pristine beauty. Please note: Many copies available online are subsequent printings or have serious flaws. A rare copy thus. Danilo Kis' "Hourglass" is regarded by Joseph Brodsky and Susan Sontag as one of the greatest novels of the 20th century. One of the greatest writers of the 20th century. A fine copy. (SEE ALSO OTHER DANILO KIS TITLES IN OUR CATALOG). ISBN 0811213900. $50.00


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ExxonMobil to devote $100 million for research on lower-emissions technologies
U.S. oil giant ExxonMobil will invest up to $100 million over 10 years to research and develop advanced lower-emissions technologies.
ExxonMobil said on Wednesday that the company would develop the new technologies with the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory and the National Energy Technology Laboratory.
The agreement will support research and collaboration into ways to bring biofuels and carbon capture and storage to commercial scale across the transportation, power generation, and industrial sectors.
Darren W. Woods, chairman and CEO of ExxonMobil, said: "We're focusing on advancing fundamental science to develop breakthrough solutions that can make a difference on a global basis in emissions reduction.
"We're doing that with our in-house scientists and with corporate partners, through relationships with 80 universities and now with the intellectual and computing capacity of the renowned national labs."
The agreement will stimulate collaborative projects between ExxonMobil and the two laboratories and facilitate work with other national laboratories, such as the Idaho National Lab.
Martin Keller, director at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, added: "The National Renewable Energy Laboratory is excited to work with ExxonMobil to develop scalable energy solutions for the future and facilitate research partnerships across the national lab system.
"By working side-by-side with ExxonMobil researchers, this partnership provides an unprecedented opportunity to explore new technologies and transform energy through science."
This collaboration is a recent addition to a series of partnerships ExxonMobil established for innovative lower-emissions research programs, which includes over 80 universities, five energy centers, and multiple private sector partners.
According to the company, it has spent more than $9 billion since 2000 developing and deploying lower-emissions energy solutions.
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With 35 of the current New Jersey's state legislative representatives women, representing 29 percent of its elected officials in the state legislature, the Garden State ranks 11th nationally in terms of the percentage of women elected to its legislative branch, according to the Center for the American Woman and Politics at Rutgers University. Twenty-three of these are Democrats (eight in the Senate and 15 in the Assembly) and 12 are Republicans (three and 9, respectively).
Only two women have ever been elected to statewide office, however; former Gov. Christine Todd Whitman, a Republican who served in that position from 1994 until 2001, and current Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno, also a Republican.
Only five women have ever represented New Jersey in the U.S. Congress. Most recently, Marge Roukema, a Republican, served from 1981-2003; Millicent Fenwick, also a Republican, served from 1975 to 1983; Helen Stevenson Meyner, a Democrat served in Congress from 1975 to 1979; and Florence Price Dwyer, a Republican, represented New Jersey from 1957 until 1973.
The fifth, Mary Teresa Norton was both the first woman from New Jersey and the first female Democrat in the nation to serve in Congress. Norton, who was from Jersey City, served 26 years, 1925-1951, the longest of any women from the state.


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A message from MPA Organizing Director Kevin Simowitz:
Election season for an organization like ours is a time when we often focus exclusively on plans to knock doors and make calls, minimizing other issues and opportunities that might distract us from those goals. Still, some instances are so deeply felt, and so important to our lives and the world we talk about building as organizers, that we necessarily pause to reflect and remember. The killing of Mike Brown in Ferguson, Missouri is one of those moments.
There's a tendency as misplaced as it is well-intentioned to move beyond catastrophe in operational mode, to reduce an event into component parts and ask ourselves how to deal with the manageable pieces on their own. In Ferguson, this means asking questions about a police force armed like an invading army and reliant upon oppressive fines on its most impoverished citizens to fund its operations.
Those questions are important, and they often reveal simply the surface layer of the deeply-rooted systems of oppression present since the nation's founding. We suspect, and often we know, that further inquiry in any authentic manner is more layered than we feel we have the time for, too entrenched than we believe we have the energy to dislodge.
Watching the news unfold from Ferguson, the part of my brain that's worked as a community organizer for a decade immediately begins to list issues to tackle and conversations to start, ways to build power with local communities, hold hearings on the Department of Defense selling weapons to municipal police officers and to institute a legal system where an armed officer of the law is held to a higher standard for firing a weapon with the intent of ending a life than anyone else.
I don't think any of those endeavors are without merit, and I'm proud to stand in solidarity with organizers registering voters in Ferguson to elect a new city council and fighting back against police brutality, just as I'm proud to work towards racial justice here in Maine. But I also can't stop thinking that what happened in Ferguson happens far, far too often across the country, and it never happens in my community. In a world of unknowns, I couldn't feel more certain that if I'd been standing where Mike Brown was standing, with my hands up, begging a police officer not to shoot, I'd still be alive.
Our world and our movement continue to grow both deeper and wider, and our willingness at MPA to challenge and uproot fundamental injustice wherever it exists must do so as well. To settle for a simple next step might be to miss the point entirely, and as we continue our difficult work, we do it in memory of the lives lost, in community with our sisters and brothers, and in the hope that the long walk from where we are to where we hope to go is shortened by our work together.


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Consider the plight of the Canadiens if the NHL has it's way through the new Collective Bargaining process bans the so called "compliance buyout", one of the three remaining major issues preventing final settlement.
Commissioner Gary Bettman and the majority of the league's governors are adamantly opposed to any form of provision that would allow teams to buy out unwanted contracts without salary cap repercussion. The players believe that buyouts are a necessary tool in order for teams to comply with the new reduced salary cap.
The Player's Association has already signed off on a fourteen percent salary cap reduction, down from 70.3 million dollars to 60 million. That leaves about one third of the league including the Canadiens in an accounting box. These teams have spent right up the salary cap ceiling as was their right under the old CBA. Their salary cap is coming down by just over ten million dollars but the league has given them no mechanism that would allow teams to extricate themselves from inflated existing contracts.
For the 2013-14 season when the full effect of the new salary cap kicks in, the Canadiens already have sixteen players under contract totalling 60.6 million dollars, already 600 thousand over the proposed new cap ceiling. NHL rosters are twenty-three which means between now and next September they'll have to sign seven players with no available money to do it. It leaves Marc Bergevin in the Catch-22 situation of needing to fill out the remaining roster spots with no cap money with which to do it
Scott Gomez and Tomas Kaberle will be entering the final year of their long term contracts next season. Their combined cap hit is 11.6 million dollars. An ability to take those contracts off the payroll through an unrestricted buyout would give Bergevin the eleven million dollars spare change he needs to fill out his roster, including the signing P.K. Subban.
Fully one third of the league, those who spent up to the salary cap are facing the same problem to one degree or another. I think it's safe to assume that Geoff Molson and most of the rest of that group are quietly cheering for Donald Fehr and the players to win out on an issue that places them between a rock and a hard place. Unfortunately, those teams are the financially stable NHL teams and the league's basketcases are running the lockout.


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Orange County Public Schools has one of the largest and most successful construction programs in the United States. Since 2003, the district has opened 53 new schools to accommodate growth and relieve overcrowding. Through the 2019-20 school year, 124 schools have been replaced or renovated. The aggressive construction plan is possible thanks to the support of the community through the half-penny sales tax extended by voters in 2014, plus residential development impact fees.
Click on the links in the left column for information on the schools opened each year
Sales Tax
District-by-District fact sheets showing current projects funded by Sales Tax funds.
Videos including a 2018 series about how OCPS plans and builds schools:
Facilities Construction Videos
Construction Projects
The Construction Projects pages summarize current projects. They include project scope, status, overall progress, project budget and contractor information.
Energy Rebate
All about the Half Penny Sales Tax
2003 Priority List
New Relief Schools Since 2003
Replaced or Renovated Schools Since 2003
School Construction: Before and After


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In her book Monsters and Grotesques in Medieval Manuscripts, Alixe Bovey explains "the monsters of the Bible are few, but important: the first is the serpent who tempts Adam and Eve to eat the forbidden fruit, resulting in their expulsion from Paradise. Generally interpreted to be the Devil in disguise, in several ways this serpent is the archetype for demonic monsters of the Middle Ages. Its snaking body a kind of metaphor for opportunistic cunning, the serpent is able to prey on human weaknesses such as pride and greed."Share
The dragon is the ultimate form of the serpent and can be found in many medieval tales. In bestiaries it is said that their most powerful weapon is the tail, which could be used to squeeze and suffocate their prey. Elephants are said to be their mortal enemy, but one can also find several saints who do battle with dragons. (Read more.)
The Millenarian Heresy
4 days ago


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Jonathas Alves Correa
Work with painting in oil on canvas for over 3 years, in that time I've been perfecting the art; I consider my life to me.
I already have frames that even were sold in Brazil, I like to paint landscapes, abstracts, and I've been improving in works of art portrait. But for me, what impresses me most is the realism.
The art is part of life, where we represent on a screen.
See All the Artworks of the Visual Artist in Exhibition in the Virtual Gallery.
Duque de Caxias – Rio de Janeiro
Facebook Profile | Facebook Fan Page | Twitter
Gallery of Website Works of Art
E-mail: email@example.com


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Do Your Homework
This story appears in the December 2007 issue of Entrepreneurs StartUps Magazine. Subscribe »
Franchises and business opportunities offer investments built on an irresistible principle: Own a business and be your own boss. The appeal may be the same, but franchises and business opportunities are more different than alike. A business opportunity is a one-time purchase, usually requiring a part-time effort and no continuing relationship with the seller. Mostly, it's a smaller investment without ongoing royalties. The seller is a product-provider, although some guidance materials are often available with the purchase. Trademark rights usually aren't licensed to the buyer. The seller is not on hand to provide business assistance when things go wrong. You're on your own.
Franchising is the more sophisticated investment--a full-time, absorbing business experience. The investment can be substantial: A free-standing franchise restaurant can easily cost you more than $500,000 in total investment.
Gathering information about investing in a particular business opportunity can be difficult. The person you most want to interview is someone who has purchased the business opportunity and had some success with it. Ask the seller for a list of owners in your area. Get on the phone with some of them. The key question to ask is, "Knowing what you know now, would you make this purchase again?"
You can visit the company headquarters to get a personal impression of the business. This won't always be practical, but it makes more sense for those at higher levels of investment. Check with the Better Business Bureau and the FTC, and contact your state consumer protection authorities for information on a seller or business opportunity investments in general.
Franchise purchasers have a significant advantage over business opportunity purchasers: A collection of information about the investment is handed to them in the form of a Uniform Franchise Offering Circular. If you're serious about a particular franchise, ask for a UFOC early in the process.
A UFOC provides information on the franchisor's business experience, its litigation background, the financial dimensions of the franchise investment, detailed contact information about existing franchisees in the system and more. The UFOC is well-organized and written in plain English, so it's not tough to crack. Take the time to read it--it'll put you ahead of the game.
Take your research to the next level by preparing an accounting projection and a break-even analysis with a good accountant, considering locations and visiting current franchisees. You can also work with an attorney to review the franchise agreement--to find out what rights are granted, what obligations are imposed on you and whether any parts of the contract are unacceptable or injurious to your interests.
With a full list of franchisee contact information, the job of contacting franchisees is simplified. Get on the phone, make appointments, then visit as many as necessary to get a good cross section of opinions on the franchise program. Ask the franchisees for their views on the franchise program, the value of the training and support they've received from the franchisor, the everyday work involved in the business and the profitability of their operations. Sure, you can also ask them what their gross sales were last year and what kind of performance they expect this year. Most franchisees will be candid and open with you and freely discuss their experiences. Their views are immensely valuable; they're not trying to sell you on the program, and they have firsthand experience. Don't expect 100 percent sunshine about the franchise investment, but if a majority of franchisees endorse the program and tell you they're making a profit, that says a lot about the value of the investment.
State authorities in franchise registration states can confirm over the phone whether a particular franchisor is registered to offer and sell franchises in that state. They can also tell you if initial franchise fees must be deferred until you open for business or if other financial protections are in place for investors in the state. Any protective arrangement will be noted in Item 5 of the UFOC and in the state appendix.
Franchises and business opportunities: Their differences run deep. Put in the time and effort to research the offerings, and you'll find a program that offers an exact fit for your needs.
For more information on buying a franchise or business opportunity, visit Entrepreneur's FranchiseZone and BizOpp Zone.
Andrew A. Caffey is a practicing franchise attorney in the Washington, DC, area, an internationally recognized specialist in franchise and business opportunity law, and former general counsel of the International Franchise Association.


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Advanced Search
Posted by Lee Pender on 06/26/2006 at 1:19 PM
Microsoft released August security patches on Tuesday, addressing 120 common vulnerabilities and exposures.
Microsoft announced this week that's it's now possible for Office 365 users to import table data from Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) files into the Microsoft Excel spreadsheet program.
IT pros are working long hours right now to keep their organizations afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic. But that shouldn't be the expectation once the crisis passes.
Microsoft this week announced the release of an Advanced Communications product addition for organizations using Microsoft Teams.
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Best Fjords to see in Norway
Fjords can be found all over the world in far reaching places such as New Zealand, British Columbia, Alaska and Iceland. But some of the most breathtaking and awe-inspiring fjords are located in the Scandinavian country of Norway. Here is a short list of the top fjords to visit in this beautiful country.
Ximonic - Wikimedia
Lysefjord stretches over 42 kilometres and is located in the south near Stavanger, which is also home to the largest concentration of historical wooden houses in Northern Europe. This fjord is extremely popular due to its natural beauty and popular base jumping cliff of Kjerag and Preikestolen which are found along the passageway.
Geirangerfjord is UNESCO World Heritage fjord that is 15 km long and is located in the Sunnmore region. It is one of the more popular fjords to visit as it is surrounded by steep mountains with abandoned farms that are seen along the way. One of the main attractions is the Seven Sisters waterfall with the Suitor Waterfall directly across from it.
Naeroyfjord is another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Norway. Similar to the other fjords, beautiful waterfalls and glaciers can be seen along the 18 km stretch. To give you a better idea of what it looks like, this fjord was used as an inspiration for Arendelle in the famous Disney movie Frozen.
While Oslofjord may not have the cliff faces and waterfalls that others have, the islands in the middle of the fjord can reach some of the warmest summer temperatures around. The convenient location just outside the capital can also make this 17 km long fjord more attractive.
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Pippy Houldsworth Gallery is delighted to present Painting with Light: The Photography of Ming Smith, a survey of New York-based artist, Ming Smith. The presentation will be available via the newly launched Pippy Houldsworth Gallery online viewing room and the Vortic Collect app from 21 May until 25 July 2020.
Containing works from the start of the 1970s to the present day, including a number of never before seen archival prints, the exhibition explores the painterly quality of Ming Smith's photographic work. From photographs taken in the New York neighbourhoods of Coney Island and Harlem, to the cities of Abidjan, Ivory Coast and Gambela, Ethiopia, the exhibition reflects the diversity of Smith's personal experience, the openness of her perspective and her embrace of subjectivity as a fundamental conceptual choice.
Smith's work draws attention to the physical process of shooting film, using double exposure, slow shutter speeds, hand-tinting and, at times, over-painting. In particular, Smith's use of the blur is a characteristic technique as seen in two of her works depicting spiritual activity. Sunday Morning Service, Harlem (1990), and First Sunday I (Grandmother's Pocketbook) (1980), evoke a transcendent quality through soft hazy strokes of light and dark. Signifying an intentional rejection of her medium as a form of documentation, the blur highlights a dynamic and reciprocal relationship with her subjects. This technique is also used in a number of images of jazz musicians, capturing their skilled improvisations. Building on her painterly photographic language of black and white, at times Smith applies literal strokes of paint – abstract marks made with vibrant colour heighten or transform the emotional resonance of an image. Rhythmic swathes of blue, yellow and white capture the energy of three young boys in Trio in Gambela (1972), whilst daubed red pigment evokes a visceral sense of unease in America Seen Through Stars and Stripes, painted (1976). In Manhattan Parallels red (1976), a bold stripe of red accentuates the lines of high-rise buildings in an abstract study of line and tone.
The works presented affirm the tenderness, respect and wonder with which Smith approaches each of her subjects, whether mourners at the funeral of dancer, Alvin Ailey, or young families enjoying a funfair. Jump (1976) captures a young man enjoying the sheer exhilaration of movement, whilst in Flower Lady (1996), a woman wears a decadent hat and matching corsage of colourful handmade paper flowers. A rare self-portrait of the artist nursing her baby son articulates the intimacy that gently permeates her work. Community and family, with a particular focus on black family life, is at the heart of Smith's practice that celebrates its beauty and complexity.
Artist Biography
Ming Smith grew up in Columbus, Ohio and moved to New York in the early 1970s. There she worked with a wide network of fellow artists, musicians and dancers. She was the first, and for many years, the only woman member of the Kamoinge Workshop, a collective of African American photographers based in New York. The group formed with the joint aim to challenge negative representations of black communities and to develop photography as an artistic practice. In 1975 she was the first African American woman photographer to have work acquired by The Museum of Modern Art, New York. Throughout her career she has travelled extensively, capturing life in America, Africa, Europe and East Asia.
The artist's work has been presented in exhibitions including Soul of Nation: Art in the Age of Black Power, Tate Modern, London (2017), touring to Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, (2018); Brooklyn Museum, New York (2018); The Broad, Los Angeles (2019); De Young Museum, San Francisco (2020); We Wanted a Revolution: Black Radical Women 1965-85, Brooklyn Museum, New York (2017); Arthur Jafa: A Series of Utterly Improbably, Yet Extraordinary Renditions, Serpentine Galleries, London (2017), touring to Moderna Museet, Stockholm (2019); Pictures by Women: A History of Modern Photography, The Museum of Modern Art, New York (2010). A comprehensive monograph will be published by Aperture towards the end of the 2020. Smith will be included in Just Above Midtown, Museum of Modern Art New York (2022).
Smith's work is held in the collections of Brooklyn Museum, New York; Detroit Institute of Arts; Philadelphia Museum of Art; National Gallery of Art, Washington; Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, New York; Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum, Washington; Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture, Washington; The Museum of Modern Art, New York; Virginia Museum of Fine
Ming Smith
Beauty, Coney Island, 1976
archival silver gelatin print
50.8 x 40.6 cm, 20 x 16 in


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Outdoor experience in the Dolomites:
Guided mountain tours with qualified leaders
The mountain world of the Dolomites is one of the most spectacular hiking and climbing regions in the entire alpine area. The small mountain village of Siusi lies at the foot of the striking rock massif of Mount Sciliar, right on the edge of the largest mountain plateau in Europe. 350 km of hiking trails and climbing routes of all difficulty levels spread out across the Alpe di Siusi. You will discover these stunning mountain landscapes with the bright limestone peaks of the Catinaccio, romantic alpine meadows and babbling mountain brooks during the guided mountain tours we offer at the Alpine Climbing School Sciliar. Trained guides from South Tyrol will take you to the most gorgeous views and the fascinating rock formations of the Dolomites.
Guided hikes and challenging climbing tours
Our mountain specialists at the Alpine Climbing School Sciliar know every little corner in the mountain world of the Dolomites and will be by your side as experienced mountain guides. You decide on the level of difficulty and length of the route. We offer guided hikes of several hours, day trips into the Dolomites and guided mountain tours lasting several days, where we stay in shelters, hostels or hotels. During these ventures, you will discover striking cliffs, deep gorges and beautiful pastures. On challenging climbing routes (vie ferrate), our trained mountain guides from South Tyrol, upon request will take you to the rugged mountain tops of the limestone Alps. The required knowledge and the necessary skills can be previously acquired during a climbing course at the Alpine Climbing School Sciliar.
The extensive outdoor programme of the Alpine Climbing School Sciliar
Our extensive outdoor programme offers not only guided mountain hikes and climbing tours in the high mountains, but also many other activities. In the summer, you will have the opportunity to admire the mountains of the Dolomites from the air during a tandem flight with a paraglider. Guided ski tours in the winter and paragliding in the summer months have a very special appeal. An exceptional winter experience is ice climbing in South Tyrol. You may participate in this mountain adventure in the cold season under the professional guidance of the experienced climbers at the Climbing School Sciliar.


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Apply for bad credit loans online and anywhere in Canada
Getting a personal loan if you have bad credit can be easy
Having a low credit score affects your ability to borrow money. Bad credit loans help solve that problem.
Real People, Real Support. Got a question? Our team of loan specialists are always ready to help you either by phone or email, Monday to Friday from 10:00 AM – 6 PM.
Quick and Transparent. With our Simple 3-Step Application Process, you'll be able to speed through your application and get an immediate response within 90 minutes.
Bad credit not only affects your borrowing power. It also negatively affects your ability to land a job and rent a place to live. Employers and landlords usually conduct routine credit score checks and use it to aid their decision.
The standard credit score is also called a FICO Score, (the formula created by the Fair Isaacs Corporation) and is a number that lenders use to measure the risks involved in lending you money. People with bad credit have low credit scores.
Bad Credit Loans Can Save The Day.
If you have an urgent need for money but have a bad credit rating, banks (and some lenders) will view you as a high risk borrower and won't approve your loan. Bad Credit Loans give you the opportunity to borrow money despite this stumbling block, so you can pay bills on time and avoid penalties such as service interruptions.
What is a bad credit loan?
People across Canada turn to personal loans for varied reasons, but poor or bad creditworthiness can minimize your chances of getting credit. Fortunately, even people who suffer from poor or bad credit history can get personal loans. Getting a personal loan when your credit rating is low requires that we look at more than your credit score.
What can I use a short term loan for?
A short term loan can be used for a number of things. The most common are: a bill payment, an unexpected expense, a weekend getaway, or avoiding an NSF charge.
When will I hear from you?
Once the online application has been submitted an agent will be contacting you, by phone or e-mail, within one hour to address your application and facilitate the application process. Business hours are Monday to Friday between 10:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M. (EST). For applications submitted after hours we will contact you first thing the next business day.


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Elyse and the Aftermath
Name: Elyse and the Aftermath
Genre: Pop/Rock/Alternative
Major/Indie/Unsigned: Unsigned
Album: Shut up and Listen!
Released: August 2008
Overall Rating (out of 4): 2.5
Musicality – The band plays in an understated way, but it's solid. Nice keyboard work in the songs, I would encourage using them more! The vocals definitely take center stage with Elyse and the Aftermath. The sound of the band sort of reminds me of "Heart".
Singing – Elyse has a great voice, very strong & clear for rock bands (Her singing sounds a bit like Bif Naked, just less edge though). The background vocals are good, but they could use some more and maybe even add in harmonies.
Lyrics – Straight forward, no hidden agenda to the songs. Crystal clear rock lyrics!
Flow/Rhythm – This one is tricky, they are mid – tempo rock (neither too fast/heavy, or too slow/ballad-like), that can make it tougher to breakthrough (my observation is that the heavier rock or pop-like bands have an easier way).
Freshness – It's good! I just would probably spruce up the backing band sound, maybe add a little more distinction on the guitar leads, and punch up the riffs.
Technicality/Recording – Excellent, a good clear mix.
Visuals – Elyse has a good Youtube channel set up with a lot of videos, which is great for fans. The band's Myspace page is really good, and has all the features that any major label artist would have! As far as image, the Myspace page made think they were going to be goth band, which they're not, however, that's minor quibbles! Plus Elyse has a Twitter account, so you can keep up with the band and their next moves!
Top #2 Songs:
1. One Photograph (Very catchy, love the singing lyrics, and it is just a good rock song!)
2. Damaged (Great song & lyrics, they perform it well!)
~ Jason Chu
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 Unported License.