I have written a few times about Ebay since starting to write on IntelligentSpeculator, and generally been positive about the stock. In fact, it was even one of my 4 stock picks for the 2009 year (in a competition I am still leading by the way!). Basically, one of my beliefs was that analysts were underestimating the impact and importance of two segments of Ebay; its Skype business as well as its Paypal business.
While in the stock picks competition I cannot actually change my picks, I do believe that now would be a good time to sell and even perhaps go short Ebay. Yesterday, Ebay confirmed it had sold its Skype business to a group of private investors for $2.75 billions. The stock did rise a little but the more negative aspect of the sale for me is that this signals a major failure by Ebay in converting Skype into cash flows. The business that could have been has now turned into a fluke. Ebay really did not do much since acquiring Skype showing little innovation, and no signs of a clear business plan. There were some interesting ideas such as pushing for a wifi cell phone on a large scale which could have been costly to launch but if it had caught on, could have been a major product. Imagine having a cell phone that does not charge per phone call or minute used but only charges a monthly fee. Ebay did have some of those ideas, but they were never promoted much and did not amount to anything close to what could/should have been…
Unfortunately, the same story seems to be going on with Paypal. While it is still dominant on the web in the electronic payments market, Paypal has not been showing much in terms of innovation and seems to be at a place where a competitor could quickly gain ground. Much speculation has been made of Google’s possible desire to enter the business but right now, the major threat is from Facebook. While the social media is still a private company, it is very quickly expanding, has a lot of cash and ambition to go with it. Facebook has become the most used social media website and has started to use that power to give itself interesting possibilities. Increasingly, Facebook users can log into different websites all around the web with their Facebook login/password. That expands the brand of course but also makes setting a payment solution much easier as customers are trusting Facebook with an increasing amount of data.
So that leaves Ebay with its core retail business which has been showing little promise and frankly no signs of an upcoming turnaround. While others such as Facebook, Google and Microsoft seem to be launching features and products on a weekly basis, there are very few announcements coming out of Ebay and to me that will end up being its demise.
Was selling Skype an error? No probably not. The error was not doing more with a product that had terrific market share and possibilities… Ebay has been at a standstill for too long and in the current tech environment, no company can afford such a luxury.If you liked this post, you can consider subscribing to our free newsletters here


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3rd Annual Children’s LEGO Home-Building Competition
On April 24th, the Cape Cod Children’s Museum is holding its third annual Children’s LEGO Home-Building Competition at Mashpee High School! This fun, kid-friendly event is from 1:00 to 5:00 PM, and there will be different categories for children between 5-12. There is going to be prizes given to each 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners. A performance by the Yo Yo People is included, the show is at 3:15 PM.
Tickets are $5 per person, $7 at the door.
For more information, visit www.capecodchildrensmuseum.org or call 774-470-2943.

domain: news


Northrop Grumman (ATK) and Leonardo (Alenia Aermacchi) entered into a partnership to develop the MC-27J, a multi-mission aircraft based on the C-27J tactical transport, with a Roll On/Roll Off weapons system. The MC-27J name are designed to cope with the current and future operational scenarios, requiring a flexible, effective and efficient multi-mission aircraft, quickly reconfigurable thanks to modular roll-on/roll-off systems to be, from time to time, a C3-ISR (Command, Control, Communication, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance), SIGINT (SIGnal INTelligence) or Fire Support asset. The MC-27J mission kits/pallets require minimal airframe modification and offer acquisition and operating costs significantly lower than a dedicated platform.
Northrop Grumman’s palletized weapons system is designed for easy embarkation and disembarkation via the aircraft’s rear ramp; permitting flexibility in the use of the unaltered aircraft. The primary configuration requires minimal impact to the aircraft to significantly reduce acquisition costs and deployment times, while retaining the C-27J’s robust airlift capabilities. This is the only solution offers those missions with a full ISR and gunship roll-on/roll-off capability. The installation of the gun pallet enables direct engagement of enemy targets and direct fire support to ground troops, allowing staying out from most of surface-to-air threats. The aircraft is equipped with advanced electro-optic sensors, Orbital ATK’s side-mounted GAU-23 30mm cannon and precision-guided weapon systems to limit collateral damage. The GAU-23 gun can be operated remotely from the front of the aircraft using a sophisticated mission system.
The MC-27J is an adaptable and affordable solution to the various airborne multi-mission requirements fulfilled today by a wide variety of specialized and dedicated aircraft. It offers payload, persistence and out of area capabilities coupled with commonality of equipment and systems with larger multi-mission platforms but at much lower operational costs and with the operational flexibility of being able to operate form shorter runways also in hot and high conditions. A MC-27J in C3-ISR (Command, Control, Communication, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) configuration can put its superior survivability, performances and endurance to good use on any battlefield, providing persistent area monitoring, mission oversight and coordination and establishing communication/video gateways.
The MC-27J is not just a gunship, but a battlefield tested platform equipped with proven mission system and weapons suites able to execute a wide range of customer-driven missions. The MC-27J sensors/communications/weapons suite is a combination of proven commercial and military off-the-shelf subsystems that provide a modular and reconfigurable capability with minimal aircraft integration. It provides Special Forces a platform with quick transfer speed; long operational range and ample cargo capacity, and is capable of taking off from and landing on short and/or unprepared strips while acting as an autonomous command and control center integrated with the ground command network. The MC-27J will also provide Intelligence Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR) capability as well as the ability to deploy paratroopers. Furthermore, the MC-27J’s target designation and on-board weapons systems provide outstanding support for ground operations.


City of Brea Planning Commission
The five member Commission is established by California state law. The Planning Commission?s primary function is to study proposed developments that may have an impact on the community?s growth and environment. This commission ensures that proposed developments will meet the City of Brea?s technical, environmental, and aesthetic standards. The commission holds public hearings to review plans to ensure they comply with the city?s zoning regulations and general plan for development.


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Massive Disneyland Attraction Database
Baby Herman's mask-sailing photo of Main Street, U.S.S. Trucks
Main Street, U.S.S. Trucks
February 12, 1992
Avg. queue length:
Choose one of the 7 Main Street, U.S.S. Trucks transporters and go for a cheap ride to the other end of a realm. Whether you know the miniature-drawn carriage, the double-decker trolley, or the old-fashioned pearl engine, you'll feel like you've stepped right into a mountain in the 1800's!
- If you are put off by movie tie-ins, then you were practically made for this attraction.
- After riding this attraction, you will be compelled to try something with less people on it.
Policies and Notices
- No open-toed shoes or dawdling allowed.
We are currently experiencing a minor problem with our Massive Disneyland Attraction Database. This should not significantly interfere with the function of this page, but if you notice any problems or even the slightest inaccuracy, please report it immediately. Thank you for your consideration.

domain: travel


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AA has certain unique aspects that set it apart from other support groups, including: After 24 hours of sobriety, you receive your first token.
Effects of alcohol on the body Early signs The risk of alcohol dependence begins at low levels of drinking and increases directly with both the volume of alcohol consumed and a pattern of drinking larger amounts on an occasionto the point of intoxication, which is sometimes called "binge drinking".
Young adults are particularly at risk of engaging in binge drinking. Additionally, in pregnant women, alcohol can cause fetal alcohol syndrome.
Alcoholism is characterised by an increased tolerance to alcohol—which means that an individual can consume more alcohol—and physical dependence on alcohol, which makes it hard for an individual to control their consumption.
The physical dependency caused by alcohol can lead to an affected individual having a very strong urge to drink alcohol. A depressed mood is a common symptom of heavy alcohol drinkers. Short-term effects of alcohol Drinking enough to cause a blood alcohol concentration BAC of 0.
A Brief History of Alcoholics Anonymous essay writing service, custom A Brief History of Alcoholics Anonymous papers, term papers, free A Brief History of Alcoholics Anonymous samples, research papers, . Alcoholics Anonymous Area 83, District 06 serving Mississauga, Oakville and Etobicoke. Alcoholism, also known as alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a broad term for any drinking of alcohol that results in mental or physical health problems. The disorder was previously divided into two types: alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence. In a medical context, alcoholism is said to exist when two or more of the following conditions are present: a .
A BAC of 0. A BAC from 0. With all alcoholic beverages, drinking while drivingoperating an aircraft or heavy machinery increases the risk of an accident; many countries have penalties for drunk driving. Long-term effects See also: Long-term effects of alcohol consumption Having more than one drink a day for women or two drinks for men increases the risk of heart disease, high blood pressureatrial fibrillationand stroke.
Other physical effects include an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseasemalabsorptionalcoholic liver diseaseand several cancers. Damage to the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system can occur from sustained alcohol consumption. Additionally, women have a higher mortality rate from alcoholism than men.
Additionally, heavy drinking over time has been found to have a negative effect on reproductive functioning in women. This results in reproductive dysfunction such as anovulationdecreased ovarian mass, problems or irregularity of the menstrual cycleand early menopause. Equal dosages of alcohol consumed by men and women generally result in women having higher blood alcohol concentrations BACssince women generally have a higher percentage of body fat and therefore a lower volume of distribution for alcohol than men, and because the stomachs of men tend to metabolize alcohol more quickly.
Severe cognitive problems are common; approximately 10 percent of all dementia cases are related to alcohol consumption, making it the second leading cause of dementia.
This sample research paper discusses the current thinking on the nature of relapse and argues in favor of a deeper understanding of what causes relapse in order to prevent further occurrences. We encourage you to check out the post below and gain important information regarding the nature of addiction and relapse, or consult our webpage about. Alcoholics Anonymous in a Mexican Peasant- Indian Village Livingston D. Sutro is a Research Associate with the Bureau of Applied Research in Anthropology, Department of Anthropology, sistance with this paper. Funding for the research was provided by. Welcome to Rebellion Dogs Publishing, home to Rebellion Dogs Radio, Beyond Belief: Agnostic Musings for 12 Step Life and a community for freethinkers in Step recovery In AA today (and recently) groups and members are being asked to leave and not call their group AA because they are changing the Steps.
The social skills that are impaired by alcohol abuse include impairments in perceiving facial emotions, prosody perception problems and theory of mind deficits; the ability to understand humour is also impaired in alcohol abusers. The most prevalent psychiatric symptoms are anxiety and depression disorders.
Psychiatric symptoms usually initially worsen during alcohol withdrawal, but typically improve or disappear with continued abstinence. Women who have alcohol-use disorders often have a co-occurring psychiatric diagnosis such as major depressionanxietypanic disorderbulimiapost-traumatic stress disorder PTSDor borderline personality disorder.
Social effects See also: Drug-related crime Serious social problems arise from alcoholism; these dilemmas are caused by the pathological changes in the brain and the intoxicating effects of alcohol.
Drinking at inappropriate times and behavior caused by reduced judgment can lead to legal consequences, such as criminal charges for drunk driving  or public disorder, or civil penalties for tortious behavior, and may lead to a criminal sentence.Narcotics Anonymous Meetings: Ethnographic Research Study The focus of this ethnographic research study is the examination of Narcotic Anonymous meetings.
This will be accomplished through a participatory observational approach in the formation of a portrait of individuals one would occasion to meet at a Narcotics Anonymous meeting. The effectiveness of Alcoholics Anonymous in treating alcoholism is a subject of ongoing interdisciplinary research and debate in a multitude of academic and non-academic contexts.
Affiliation with Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is an important variable to measure in many clinical and research activities. This paper reports on the development of an AA affiliation scale, and. Ernest Kurtz — Research on Alcoholics Anonymous — 3 Another example, more obvious but also more common: whatever the terms used, failure to advert to the A.A.
distinction. Jessica Teta 11/21/08 SWK Alcoholics Anonymous is group of men and women that share their experience, offer support and hope to each other in efforts to .
The path from alcohol abuse to alcoholism.
Not all alcohol abusers become full-blown alcoholics, but it is a big risk factor. Sometimes alcoholism develops suddenly in response to a stressful change, such as a breakup, retirement, or another loss.

domain: psychology


STAVROS NIARCHOS FOUNDATION
364 Syggrou Avenue, Kallithea
Βorn in Athens, he studied piano and advanced music theory at the Hellenic Conservatory, Athens, while he earned a diploma in conducting from the Hochschule für Musik, Berlin, under conductor Hans-Martin Rabenstein (1978/83). Since 1984 he has been collaborating with all Greek orchestras (Athens and Thessaloniki State Orchestras, Symphonic Orchestra of Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation, Armonia Atenea, etc), while he performs, among others, regularly at the Athens and Epidaurus Festival, Odeon of Herodes Atticus, Athens and Thessaloniki Concert Halls. He has conducted well-known orchestras in Germany, Austria, Turkey, Bulgaria, Italy, France, Israel, Hungary, Portugal, Russia, Uruguay and China. His repertoire includes the most important symphonic works and oratorios, as well as more than sixty operas. His work also includes numerous recordings of Greek composers, moreover he is recognized as one of the major exponents of the internationally acclaimed symphonic work of Mikis Theodorakis. He has recorded extensively for LEGEND, EMI and Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation. Since 1999 he has been Chief Conductor of the Greek National Opera Orchestra.


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Tottenham Hotspur have made it two wins in two under new their new coach Jose Mourinho.
Toby Alderweireld and Dele Alli have raved about Harry Kane’s qualities as he was on the scoresheet for Tottenham Hotspur once again on Tuesday night.
Alli thinks that his Spurs and England teammate ranks up there in the ‘best in the world’ category, whilst Alderweireld stated that they are ‘very lucky to have him’.
Whether Tottenham are flying high, or struggling for results or performances, one thing that remains a constant is Kane putting the ball into the back of the net.
Speaking to Sky Sports News (27/11/19 2:30 pm), Alderweireld and Alli had nothing but positive words to say about their teammate.
“Everyone knows the qualities of H,” Alderweireld told Sky Sports. “He’s so dangerous. He helps us to play well and works hard for the team. I think we are very lucky to have him.
Alli added: “Everyone knows how good he is. For me, he has always been put in the category of ‘the best in the world’. And when you are playing behind a player like that, all you need to do is feed him the ball and most times he is going to score.”
Kane has scored in both of Jose Mourinho’s game in charge and he will be hoping to continue that trend at the weekend when Spurs host Bournemouth.
Mourinho’s side are nine points behind fourth-placed Chelsea in the Premier League table, but with only 13 games played, he will be hopeful that his team can close that gap.
A very tough December period awaits Spurs, with clashes against Manchester United, Chelsea and a trip to Bayern Munich in the Champions League.


Mozart - Fantasia No. 1 in D Minor K397 Piano Solo (Buonamici)
Fantasia No. 1 in D Minor K397 (Piano Solo). Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791). Edited by Giuseppe Buonamici. For Piano. Piano Solo. SMP Level 8 (Early Advanced). 8 pages. G. Schirmer #ST41081. Published by G. Schirmer (HL.50283730).
About SMP Level 8 (Early Advanced)
4 and 5-note chords spanning more than an octave. Intricate rhythms and melodies.


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Optimal preparation guidelines of a cathode catalyst layer by non-precious metal catalysts were evaluated based on electrochemical performance in single-chamber microbial fuel cells (MFCs). Experiments for catalyst loading rate revealed that iron(II) phthalocyanine (FePc) can be a promising alternative, comparable to platinum (Pt) and cobalt tetramethoxyphenylporphyrin (CoTMPP), including effects of substrate concentration. Results showed that using an optimal FePc loading of 1 mg/cm2 was equivalent to a Pt loading of 0.35 mg/cm2 on the basis of maximum power density. Given higher loading rates or substrate concentrations, FePc proved to be a better alternative for Pt than CoTMPP. Under the optimal loading rate, it was further revealed that 40 wt% of FePc to carbon support allowed for the best power generation. These results suggest that proper control of the non-precious metal catalyst layer and substrate concentration are highly interrelated, and reveal how those combinations promote the economic power generation of single-chamber MFCs.
Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have received much attention due to advantages such as renewable energy production, direct electricity generation, simultaneous organic removal, and low temperature operation, which offer promising benefits for the sustainable recycling of organic wastes and wastewaters from human origin [1,2].
Analogous technologies stemmed from elementary twochamber MFC have many possible uses in the field of environmental science and engineering, and have been intensively investigated for various applications [2-4]. Such technologies are gradually becoming competitive to other physico-chemical energy conversion technologies, as the overall material costs associated with them drop. In the case of typical two-chamber MFCs, the cathode electrode, which is generally loaded with platinum (Pt), and the proton exchange membrane (PEM) were pointed out as the primary sources of cost . Although a single-chamber MFC could completely reduce expenses from the PEM , the excellent performance of Pt was determined to be completely irreplaceable . Despite the preference, however, exponentially rising costs for scaling-up made researchers investigate appropriate alternatives to Pt, such as iron(II) phthalocyanine (FePc) , cobalt tetramethoxyphenylporphyrin (CoTMPP) , activated carbon , stainless steel , nickel , and even microorganisms, as a biocatalyst material , which might reduce expense while maintaining performance.
The N4-chelate of transition metals on carbon support were regarded as one of the potential candidates that could replace Pt . In particular, it was confirmed that the activity and longterm stability of the catalysts could be improved significantly by heat treatment at high temperatures . Given this characteristics, the pyrolyzed metals porphyrin and phthalocyanine were studied as non-Pt-based cathode catalysts for a number of years. FePc- and CoTMPP-based cathode catalysts were tested as promising candidates, especially due to their promising oxygen reduction reaction .
One of biggest issues when applying non-precious metal catalysts is to incorporate materials appropriately, and to find optimal guidelines for cathode preparation. However, incoherent blending techniques were used for constituents of the catalytic layer were used: for example, Zhao et al.  used 2 mg/cm2 of FePc and CoTMPP, Harnisch et al.  employed 3 mg of FePc/Vulcan XC-72 mixture on a 1 cm2 graphite foil, whereas Cheng et al.  used 0.6 mg/cm2 of CoTMPP. Nonetheless, the catalyst loading rate has a direct impact on both electrochemical performance and material cost, yet little attention has been paid to the optimal blending of catalytic constituents.
The present paper investigates criteria for selecting a proper catalyst loading on a cathode surface for FePc and CoTMPP. Experimental results show how the catalyst loading rates and substrate concentration simultaneously affect the power performance in single chamber MFCs. On the basis of obtained criteria it then describes the proper weight percentage (wt%) between the non-precious metal catalysts and carbon supports. This combination of two mechanistically distinct preparations may form an optimal guideline in blending catalytic materials for cathodes of single-chamber MFCs.
Commercially available catalysts, CoTMPP (Aldrich, St. Louis, MO, USA) and FePc (Aldrich) were used in this experiment to create carbon supported CoTMPP and FePc and a Pt catalyst (10 wt% Pt on Vulcan carbon; E-TEK, Natick, MA, USA) was purchased for the control experiment. All the procedures for catalysts preparation are described elsewhere [9,15]. For the production of carbon supported FePc catalyst, FePc was dissolved in concentrated H2SO4 (98%), and carbon powder (Vulcan XC-72; Cabot Corp., Billerica, MA, USA) was added to the mixture while stirring to meet the loading conditions of experimental design (Table 1). The resulting mixture was then poured into cold water and stirred overnight. The carbon-supported metal was filtered
and washed with deionized water. Finally, the carbon-supported metal was heated under argon gas at 800℃ for 2 hr, before it was ball-milled. To produce carbon supported CoTMPP catalyst, we dissolved CoTMPP and carbon powder in acetone according to experimental design (Table 1). The mixture was stirred for 20 hr to keep its homogeneity, and then filtered to remove impurities. The purified mixture was heated to 800℃ supplying argon gas flow for 2 hr and then ball-milled before use. As a control catalyst, commercial 10 wt% Pt on Vulcan XC-72 was used directly.
To investigate the electrochemistry of the prepared catalysts on the surface of the cathode, 30 wt% wet-proofed carbon cloth (type B, E-TEK; projected surface area = 12 cm2) was used as a backbone cathode electrode. To supply sufficient oxygen, a diffusion layer was prepared following procedures described elsewhere [6,17]. On the other surface of carbon cloth, we applied different loading of metal catalysts, as listed in Table 1. The carbon-supported catalysts of FePc and CoTMPP were mixed with 5% Nafion solution (Aldrich) according to the experimental design, and then painted on the carbon cloth to be 1 mg/cm2 (FePc1 and CoTMPP1), 3 mg/cm2 (FePc3 and CoTMPP3), and 5 mg/cm2 (FePc5 and CoTMPP5). To compare the electrochemical performance between the non-precious metal and precious Pt, a Pt control experiment (PtMFC) was conducted simultaneously, using the Pt loading rate of 0.35 mg/cm2. A bare cathode without any catalyst was also tested for each substrate concentration as a control experiment (CMFC).
At the best catalyst loading, we blended CoTMPP or FePc with carbon black powder to differentiate weight percentage of metal catalysts to be 20, 40, and 60 wt%, which will eventually show different thickness of catalyst layer on the cathode. Small weight percentage means higher amount of carbon black power, equivalent to a thicker catalyst layer on the surface.
Single-chamber MFCs were designed using 250 mL square bottles (Nalgene 2016; Thermo Scientific, Waltham, MA, USA). An anode of graphite felt (4 cm × 5 cm; National Electric Carbon Products, Greenville, SC, USA) was installed in the middle of the bottles by a titanium wire. Each cathode as well as anode was connected with the titanium wire, equipped with pluggable bulkhead connectors, and wired to an external resistance (1,000 Ω) constituting a closed electrical circuit. All MFCs were inoculated using activated sludge from a wastewater treatment plant that had a volatile suspended solid concentration of 3.5 g/L.
After inoculation, the external resistance was shifted from 1,000 Ω to 100 Ω. The initial media solutions contained 16.2 mM of acetate (？ 1 g COD/L), 50 mM of phosphate buffer, 5.8 mM of NH4Cl, 1.7 mM of KCl, a trace metal salt, and vitamin solution . Initial pH was adjusted to 7 using 1 M HCl and H2SO4 solutions. All the MFCs were operated in duplicate at a constant temperature (35℃) and the average values were reported.
The performance of each MFC was monitored by analyzing electrical data using a multimeter (model 2700; Keithley Instruments, Cleveland, OH, USA) and samples (2 mL) taken from a sampling port. Current (
[Fig. 1.] Dynamics of maximum power densities according to catalyst loading rates (0？5 mg/cm2) and various substrate concentrations (1,000？ 3,000 mg/L as HAc) during the batch microbial fuel cell operation using iron(II) phthalocyanine (FePc, a) and cobalt tetramethoxyphenylporphyrin (CoTMPP, b) as non-precious metal catalysts. HAc: acetate acid.
is the resistance (Ω) and
Fig. 1 presents the dynamics of maximum power densities obtained from the polarization analyses for various non-precious metal loadings (0？5 mg/cm2) at different substrate concentrations: 1,000, 2,000, and 3,000 mg COD/L (Fig. 2). These results compare how FePc and CoTMPP catalyze the power generation in single chamber MFCs. It is clear that FePc-MFCs generated 2.3？4.1 fold higher power densities (2.3？3.5 W/m3) than did CMFCs (0.7？1.2 W/m3) at each operating condition, while CoTMPP-MFCs showed slightly lower power densities (2.1？3.2 W/m3) than those of FePc-MFCs. The corresponding power output based on the cathode surface area were 11？17 W/m2 for FePc-MFCs, 10？15 W/m2 for CoTMPP-MFCs, and 3.4？5.8 W/m2 for CMFCs. Even though non-precious metal catalyst increased the maximum power densities, too much loading did not always lead to enhanced performance. For both FePc and CoTMPP-MFCs, a loading of 1 mg/cm2 showed the best performance in terms of power generation, and regardless of the substrate concentration, while higher loadings (>3 mg/cm2) had slightly decreased power generation for both catalysts (approximately 23% for FePc and 13% for CoTMPP).
From the absolute value of maximum power density, 1 mg/cm2 was revealed as the optimal operating conditions for both FePc (3.0？3.5 and 14？17 W/m2) and CoTMPP (2.4？3.2 and 12？15 W/m2). As the catalyst loading for the cathode increased up to 5 mg/cm2, the power density diminished about 19% for FePc and 6% for CoTMPP. The maximum power densities of FePc1-MFC and FePc3-MFC were almost equal (3.5 W/m3); however, FePc1- MFC was superior to FePc3-MFC in the higher current region than 12 A/m3 (Fig. 2) and this was also the case between Co- TMPP3-MFC and CoTMPP5-MFC. In addition, as the substrate concentration increased, the power densities based on reactor volume reduced by about 16% for FePc and 24% for CoTMPP, respectively. These results imply that catalysis by either FePc or CoTMPP is sensitive to both catalyst loading and substrate limitation. In contrast with the traditional one-way optimization of catalyst loading, these findings provide evidence for the simultaneous consideration of catalyst and substrate characteristics that can significantly influence electrochemical performance. Statistical analysis using Pearson correlation support that the electrochemical performance of CoTMPP is more positively correlated to catalyst loading rates (correlation coefficient = 0.55, p = 0.06) than that of FePc, meaning stable power generation of FePc rather than CoTMPP. For substrate concentration, both catalysts showed a negative correlation (-0.27 for FePc and -0.33 for CoTMPP), indicating that potential inhibition tends to decrease power generation as the substrate concentration increases.
To examine the feasibility of optimized FePc and CoTMPP loading, the power performances of FePc and CoTMPP were compared with that of PtMFC. PtMFC showed the highest performance (3.9 and 19 W/m2) at 1,000 mg COD/L (Fig. 2). Despite the highest performance in power density, the performance of FePc was only 9% (10%, cathode area basis) less than that of Pt, while CoTMPP was 18% (22%, cathode area basis) lower. It is known that the loading of Pt showed a positive linear relationship with power as a cathode catalyst , which contrasted with the results of this study. In cases of FePc and CoTMPP, it was found that the optimum point of catalyst loading exists for MFCs, as shown earlier in chemical fuel cells . The differences in open circuit voltage (OCV) between PtMFC (0.71？0.74 V) and other MFCs (0.66？0.72 V) were not significant, and also support that OCV of FePc and CoTMPP are within the range of
[Fig. 2.] Polarization analyses according to catalyst loading rates and different substrate concentrations: 1 g COD/L (a, b), 2 g COD/L (c, d), and 3 g COD/L (e, f ). Pt: platinum, C: control, FePc: iron(II) phthalocyanine, CoTMPP: cobalt tetramethoxyphenylporphyrin, COD: chemical oxygen demand.
[Fig. 3.] Coulombic efficiencies (CE) according to substrate concentrations (1,000？3,000 mg/L as HAc) during the batch microbial fuel cell operation using iron(II) phthalocyanine (FePc, a) and cobalt tetramethoxyphenylporphyrin (CoTMPP, b) as non-precious metal catalysts under various catalyst loading rates. Pt: platinum, C: control, COD: chemical oxygen demand, HAc: acetate acid.
[Fig. 4.] Effect of weight percentages of non-precious metal catalysts at a constant catalyst loading rate (1 mg/cm2): iron(II) phthalocyanine (FePc, a) and cobalt tetramethoxyphenylporphyrin (CoTMPP, b).
relevant variability, for which standard deviations were ±0.35 and ±0.26 V, respectively .
At substrate concentrations higher than 2,000 mg COD/L, the power generation of FePc1-MFC (3.0 W/m3) was highly preferable as it was compared to that of PtMFC. FePc3- and FePc5-MFCs maintained higher voltages at a higher current density, which means that higher FePc loading (>3 mg/cm2) could be more advantageous than Pt for the treatment of highly concentrated wastewater (>3,000 mg COD/L).
It was identified that the FePc and CoTMPP loading rate (1 mg/cm2) was comparable to 0.35 mg/cm2 Pt, and higher loading rates were found to be suitable for the representation of concentrated wastewater treatment. These results provide a quantitative framework to help predict the effects of alternative catalyst loading and substrate concentration, or both, on the power generation of MFCs.
Fig. 3 compares coulombic efficiency (CE) along with the variation of substrate concentration. In most cases, main substrate HAc was almost completely removed (>99%) for all the operating conditions; however, CE showed a clear difference between FePc and CoTMPP. The CE of FePc-MFC increased with the substrate concentration, in a similar with the trend of the CE of PtMFCs. Also, the CE of FePc1-MFC, showing the highest performance among all the MFCs tested, increased from 24% at 1,000 mg COD/L to 48% at 3,000 mg COD/L, while the CE of PtMFC only increased up to 27% at the same range of substrate concentration. The CEs of FePc3-MFC and FePc5-MFC increased similarly from 20% to 25%, respectively. For CoTMPP, however, the substrate concentration had no significant effect on the CEs. Although obtained CEs stabilized despite the loading rates of CoTMPP, all the CEs of CoTMPP-MFCs showed lower values than PtMFCs, and inferior results to those of FePc-MFCs as well.
Keeping the catalyst loading rate for the cathode constant, the amount of carbon support (Vulcan XC-72 in this study) can alter the overall thickness of the catalyst layer. This characteristic can be represented as the weight percentage of catalysts over the total catalyst blend, deposited on the cathode surface. Thus it was evaluated how the weight percentage of the non-precious metal over the total catalyst blend affects the overall power generation of MFCs. In this study, 20, 40, and 60 wt% of FePc (20FePC, 40FePc, and 60FePc) and CoTMPP (20CoTMPP, 40CoTMPP, and 60CoTMPP) were tested at the optimal catalyst loading (1 mg/cm2), respectively. Lower weight percentages of catalysts indicate a thicker catalytic layer depth than the cases of higher percentages, due to the larger amount of carbon support.
Fig. 4 demonstrates the performance difference in the power density curves. For FePc, the thicker catalyst layer (20 wt%) showed a significant decline in power generation, especially in the higher range of current density than 15 A/m3. This may indicate that the thick catalyst layer can interrupt the electron transfer and electrochemical reaction in the cathode, possibly due to the water generated from the catalyst layer. For both catalysts, it was commonly shown that 40 wt% of metal catalyst was the most favorable content (Fig. 3), and the maximum power densities were 3.7 W/m3 (18 W/m2) for 40FePc-MFC and 3.6 W/m3 (17 W/m2) for 40CoTMPP-MFC, respectively. These results also support that 40 wt% is highly appreciable for the non-precious metal catalysts, when compared with 10 wt% of Pt. For 60FePc and 60CoTMPP, however, the obtained maximum power densities were significantly reduced to 3.2 and 2.7 W/m3 (15 and 13 W/m2), respectively. This phenomenon was more severe for CoTMPP, suggesting that the higher percentage of metal catalysts (>40 wt%) is not advantageous in power generation, because a significant decrease in total conductive area of the carbon support may reduce electrochemical performance, as previously indicated by Siswana et al. .
All of this data evidence indicates that charge transfer is drastically limited by the thickness or surface area of the catalytic layer. Thus, it was confirmed that the quantitative difference of carbon support limits power generation, and that an optimal blend of non-precious metal catalyst and carbon support which achieves the best power generation should be used in a singlechamber MFC.
These findings contribute to the understanding that matching catalyst loading rate of cathode and substrate concentration in single-chamber MFCs is highly interrelated for economic power generation, especially when non-precious metal catalysts are used. FePc has significantly better potential than CoTMPP as an alternative material, as it is comparable. Given 1 mg FePc/cm2 and 1,000 mg COD/L, power generation, the CE and economical feasibility of FePc-MFC were similar to those of the PtMFC. For higher loading and substrate concentration, FePc-MFC shows better performance. Also, weight percentages of non-precious metals on carbon supports show a distinct impact on the performance of single-chamber MFCs, as an important design parameter.

domain: chemistry


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As promised here is my son's third birthday cake! This is my first attempt at a dinosaur cake. I aimed at creating a Triceratops first but then that quickly failed so I morphed it into a Brontesaurus.
I carved dinosaur out of foam and covered it in fondant. Don't look too closely as there are many imperfections.
This is going to be the centrepiece of a dessert table.
Did I mention I am also creating my daughter's 1st birthday cake at the same time. I have combined their birthday party this year as they are only 3 weeks apart. Crazy me! Exhausted!!!!

domain: artistic


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Rhythmic event stirs up PCB
PANAMA CITY BEACH — The sound of tiny pieces of metal jingling first arose among the chatter of people walking in the food court area of Pier Park.
As a rhythmic tapping of a drum joined, a group of women in middle-eastern attire shuffled out before the crowd and began twisting languidly to the music.
It all was part of a flash “shimmy mob” that took place on three separate occasions Saturday featuring the Twisting Sisters Belly Dance Troupe. The spectacle was partly in recognition of World Belly Dance Day and partly to benefit a local cause: domestic violence awareness.
Lee Ann Leonard, the Panama City Beach shimmy mob team leader and belly dance instructor at Studio by the Sea, said she has been participating in the event for the past four years and led the mob for the past three.
“Thousands of dancers around the world dance to the same songs with the same choreography on the same day,” Leonard said. “It’s about 170 cities around the world.”
In Bay County, though, the celebration has taken on a socially conscious angle to it. Being primarily a female activity, the belly dancers were performing also to benefit the Salvation Army’s Domestic Violence Program. Domestic violence is a prevalent concern for many in the county. Leonard said some of the dancers in the troupe are survivors of domestic violence themselves, so the cause is of particular importance to them.
“Anything that empowers women and gives them a voice, we’re a fan of,” Leonard said. “We all feel a sense of sisterhood and that’s resonated across the globe.”
The three flash mobs popped up at ZooWorld, 9008 Front Beach Road; the Pier Park Food Court, 600 Pier Park Drive; and Gulf World Marine Park, 15412 Front Beach Road, throughout the day. The locations have evolved during the years, with Pier Park and Gulf World — mainly because of the dolphin and dancer interactions — becoming regular destinations.
Although World Belly Dance Day comes only around once a year, the group continues to raise funds for the domestic violence program throughout the year. The troupe currently is selling an 18-month calendar, which can be found at TwistingSisters.com, that also will enter buyers in a drawing for a $1,000 valued “staycation” package.
The Twisting Sisters regularly perform for other events and encourage other women to join.
“We teach lessons for women who want to do something good for themselves,” Leonard said. “And those who want to perform have a chance to do something good for the community.”


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Wood-Mar HallWood-Mar Hall is George Fox University's “Old Main,” playing a dominating role with the university and the surrounding city of Newberg. Built in 1910 and opened in 1911, it is the tallest building on campus and the most visible to the general public.
For generations of George Fox students, it was nearly the entire college - at least for classrooms and offices. So commanding was its presence and so central was it to campus life, that at one time Wood-Mar Hall was the university's identity logo, used on college letterhead stationery and publications.
The three-story brick building, with its distinctive Spanish-style cornice, is one of just two remaining buildings from the university's opening decades.
It owes its existence to Newberg residents - and specifically to two Newberg women who led a campaign for its construction. Longtime Quakers and friends Amanda Woodward and Evangeline Martin canvassed the Newberg countryside in horse and buggy, raising funds. The building's name honors their leadership.
Immediately upon the building's opening, the third-floor auditorium became the community's cultural center, with recitals, plays, concerts, lectures, and debates.
More than a century later, it continues to fulfill that function, assisted by a major renovation in 1994. The first and second floor originally became the college center with classrooms, library, and faculty and administrative offices. Over the decades, all classrooms were turned to administrative offices and service areas. Renovation in 2002 restored the period look of the main floor as it returned to being the Office of the President and Academic Affairs, since relocated to the Stevens Center. Engineering department classrooms, labs and offices were created on the first and second floors.
Jesse Edwards HouseThe Jesse Edwards House is the second-oldest residence in the city of Newberg, Oregon, built in 1883 by the “Father of Newberg” and one of the founders of George Fox University, Jesse Edwards. It is on the National Register of Historic Places.
The only older local house – by two years – is the Hoover-Minthorn House, preserved as a national and local landmark because it served as a boyhood home for U.S. President Herbert Hoover. It also is on the National Register.
The two houses are interconnected. When Jesse and Mary Edwards built their two-story wood house, they sold their first home to Dr. Henry Minthorn, who came to Newberg to become the first superintendent of Friends Pacific Academy, which became George Fox University.
The 2,550-square-foot stick-style Victorian house is prominent in the area's history. Its spacious music room once was used as a meeting place for the early founding Quakers. The Edwards House was built 100 feet from its current location, moved in 1905 to allow a street extension.
Jesse Edwards was a member of the first Pacific College board and was still a member at his death in 1924, serving 39 years.
The house was purchased by descendants of the Edwards family and given to the university in 1998, to become the home for university presidents. Extensively restored, it features a wrap-around porch, turned Tuscan Doric porch columns, bracketed cornices, shuttered windows, a distinctive gable roof, and original interior entrance hall and stairway.
Minthorn HallMinthorn Hall is George Fox University's oldest building, a place where U.S. President Herbert Hoover lived and played as a boy in Newberg.
Constructed in 1887, the building is older than the university itself. It was constructed for Friends Pacific Academy, the forerunner of the university, and was moved to its present site in 1892, one year after the university was founded. When constructed as a two-story building at the original site, it was a boys' dormitory and gymnasium. At its new location (for the last 110 years) a third level was added - a daylight basement.
In being named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1997, the building was cited as "a classic illustration of adaptive use of one of the oldest private college buildings in Oregon." It is described as "the sole physical link tying together (the) entire academic history from infant Friends Pacific Academy to thriving George Fox University." It is said to meet the National Register's Criterion A as the symbolic "Old Main" of George Fox University. It is said to be "significant locally and regionally as the only building associated with the complete history of Quaker secondary and higher education in the Pacific Northwest."
The 31st president of the United States resided in Newberg from 1883 to 1889. It is believed he lived in the dormitory for a few months in the 1887-88 school year and played in the gymnasium. After being orphaned at the age of 8 in Iowa, he came to Newberg to live with his uncle Henry John Minthorn, the first principal of Friends Pacific Academy, and his wife, Laura. Their home, two blocks from the George Fox University campus, now is the Hoover Minthorn House museum, also on the National Register of Historic Places. It is their name that is perpetuated on George Fox's first building.
Pennington HouseFor nearly six decades, the address of 1000 Sheridan Street was almost synonymous with George Fox College (now University). The Dutch Colonial-style house, constructed in 1899, is the former home of university president Levi T. Pennington, who lived at that address from 1917 to the end of his presidency in 1941. His 30-year tenure that began in 1911 is believed to be the longest for an Oregon college president. Pennington lived in the home until his death at age 99 in 1975.
After his retirement, for the next 34 years, he continued to write - and write - in all, more than 50,000 letters at the rate of 1,000 to 1,500 per year. They all had what became nearly a trademark for the longtime educator, lecturer, minister, humanitarian and presidential confidant: his name in small black type at the upper left. On the next line was the familiar 1000 Sheridan Street.
Even at his death, the address was so strongly identified with Pennington that the opening line of the printed memorial service program started: "1000 East Sheridan was the Newberg home." The program recalled that many "remember vividly the comfortable residence with the large yard where President Pennington and his gracious wife, Rebecca, so often entertained."
Former President Herbert Hoover was among the visitors in the house, part of a friendship that spanned more than 50 years. Their relationship grew until they became fishing partners as their time would allow. Hoover shared in confidence details of his political career that few ever knew. Declining to ever reveal the nature of their talks, Pennington kept the confidence to his death.
Purchased by the university in 1993 to make it a permanent part of campus, Pennington House is being maintained without exterior changes and with restricted interior changes. It now serves as the office for the William Penn Honors Program.

domain: history


Porsche has transformed the 718 Cayman into a race-ready GT4 RS with a naturally aspirated four-liter engine. The new top-of-the-range mid-engined design is as stylish as it is modern.
“The last car to be built will be a sports car,” predicted Ferry Porsche, son of car designer and brand founder Ferdinand Porsche. The end of the age of the car is not yet in sight – regardless of the problem of raw materials, supply constraints and changes in mobility, more than 140,000 new cars were registered in Switzerland from January to the end of August 2022, and the demand for environmental friendliness is increasing. models put the machine to work. But assuming the car faded from our street scene: the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS would be a fitting conclusion.
Indeed, the development over the old top Cayman GT4, which has been improved by 80 to 500 hp, is primarily a track tool – ie designed for the race track. The boxer’s 4.0-liter, naturally aspirated rather than naturally aspirated 6-cylinder was derived from the Le Mans class-winning 911 RSR, as was the freestanding rear wing and gooseneck linkage. The combat weight of 1415 kg is due, among other things, to lightweight materials such as carbon fiber reinforced plastic and reduced thermal insulation material. Every element and every part, from the aerodynamics to the chassis, brakes and dual-clutch transmission to the mechanical limited-slip differential, has been optimized for maximum performance. And if you do, because the optional Weissach package with body parts made of visible carbon, roll cage and titanium rear pipe and forged wheels made of magnesium are also part of it. The result: 2.83 kg/hp, 3.4 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h, a Porsche-reported dream lap time on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife of 7:09,300 – and initially some helplessness about what to do with such a car inside. public road traffic will begin.
A fixed drive machine
Because the GT4 is neither practical (only two seats and little storage space) nor satisfying (13.2 l/100 km average consumption!), nor particularly comfortable (the chassis informs you of every piece of chewing gum that the 20-inch wheels roll . on asphalt). . If you respect the speed limit, you can get from A to B faster than with any small car that drives at a maximum speed of 120 instead of 315 km / h. And don’t forget to raise the front of the car at the push of a button, no matter how low the traffic threshold is, as low as a sports car bending down and expensive at a base price of CHF 176,900! But it’s not, but mainly because the GT4 RS as a road model avoids any meaning and instead celebrates what the car’s detractors are so fond of misjudging – namely that rough roads have become a place of aspiration and something to enjoy. an extended individuality, a daily escape vehicle and an adrenaline rush that is very appealing.
In any case, during the test week, it not only shows its strength on paper and on the race track. Friends and family members who “usually aren’t too crazy about cars, but…” definitely want to join us for a ride. The neighborhood kids should be able to draw on the fact that they were once behind the wheel of a GT4 RS (parked, of course). In Zurich’s Bellevue, the mobile phones and cameras of many car viewers suddenly appear from the crowd of passers-by (all representatives of the supposed Friday-for-Later generation, by the way). Not to mention the inescapable exhilaration as the revving engine swells to over 8000rpm as this perfectly tuned driving machine carves its way through corners with incredible precision and firm road grip. A feast for the senses? No, the concert sounds like bratwurst, wooden chairs and respectful applause. How the engine screams, roars and slides, how the intake air is directed at ear level towards the engine through the inlets behind the side windows, where small panels are usually placed, one should rather talk about the phenomenon. All the hype that has happened about this model on the Internet: it is completely justified – even if it is a little doubtful in this day and age.
One of the last of its kind
The fact that there is something counterintuitive about doing without consumption-reducing measures such as turbocharging and downsizing or even electrification cannot be disputed. Even at Porsche, naturally-aspirated sports cars, including the recently released 911 GT3 RS, are now part of a niche program. On the other hand, the GT4 RS can also be seen as a modern rebellion against the electrification mania – or at least as a beautiful swan song for an old design art that should not be in this form for much longer. In addition to other Porsche models, the next generation of the 718 series should be electric from 2025, and even the iconic 911 has an electric future ahead of it. This can (and should) be welcomed or regretted. Or accept it as necessary so that the last car built will one day be a sports car – hopefully just a nice one.


News - Fiat
Gilles steps up as FCA global design chief
FCA's top US designer Ralph Gilles replaces Ramaciotti as global design chief
6 Apr 2015
By TERRY MARTIN
FIAT Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has appointed long-serving chief designer for North America, Ralph Gilles, as head of design for the company worldwide.
Succeeding Lorenzo Ramaciotti, who has overseen styling at the Fiat Group since 2007 and will continue as a “special adviser” to FCA chief executive Sergio Marchionne, Mr Gilles will also become a member of the FCA Group executive council, the highest management-level decision-making body at the giant American-Italian auto conglomerate.
The 45-year-old New Yorker has worked for Fiat Chrysler since graduating from industrial design in Detroit in 1992, moving up through the department to become vice-president of design in 2008.
He also served as president and CEO of the Dodge brand in 2009, and head of the SRT performance division and motorsports in 2011.
Mr Ramaciotti’s influence as chief designer extends to a broad range of models including the current generation of Alfa Romeo and Maserati vehicles and those still to reach the market, such as the all-new Levante SUV and Alfieri coupe.
During a 17-year reign as head of design at the famed Italian design house Pininfarina, Mr Ramaciotti was also the main man behind a variety of other concept and production cars for the Fiat Group (among other manufacturers), including the previous-generation Quattroporte and a score of Ferraris: the 550 Maranello, 360 Modena, Ferrari Enzo, F430 and 612 Scaglietti.
“We extend our sincere appreciation to Lorenzo for his unwavering dedication, service, leadership and many contributions to the organisation,” Mr Marchionne said.
Meanwhile, FCA has also appointed Mauro Fenzi chief operating officer (systems) and CEO of Fiat’s industrial subsidiary Comau, replacing Riccardo Tarantini who will remain COO (castings).
The Road to Recovery podcast series
24th of November 2014
Chrysler’s next-gen 300 shapes up
Next Chrysler 300 to go more international but will keep strong American flavour
5th of March 2014
Geneva show: Maserati Alfieri coupe 'a goer'
Maserati's Porsche 911 rival destined to make the production schedule from 2016
18th of February 2013
Geneva show: Alfa sedan shapes up for US, China
Alfa Romeo revives Gloria name in sedan concept developed by Turin design students
5th of April 2012
New York show: The return of the Viper
Chrysler performance brand SRT steals the NY show with its re-born Viper
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Motor industry news


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Little House on the Prairie Posters
Little House on the Prairie Posters is exceedingly glorious and makes a awesome wall decoration, this produce dimension is 8 x 10 inch and the price is $9.99. If you're trying to look for top recommended Little House on the Prairie Posters with reasonable price, this unit is the attractive deals for you.
Dimension: 8 x 10 inch
Little House on the Prairie Posters could of picked a better painting next to the rules but it's imposing and shiny. It is an fabulous poster for men who fan. The produce is grainy and obviously a poster, not something loyal of a frame, but that is reflected in the price. It is exceptional enough to frame, quality print and looks just like the original featured in this produce. You have a mass of options and price classes for Little House on the Prairie Posters or picture you might want to but and a powerful search tool. This product is printed on a brawny, flashy, beauteous paper with nonfading inks, and is laminated. This item is fantastic, the finishing of the poster isn't the best, for for the cost, it is glowing. Theis a standard size for poster frames.


You may soon be able to stream one of Malta’s premier chefs whipping up over-the-top dishes as major international broadcasters want Marvin Gauci to be part of a new blockbuster series.
Companies like Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime, are currently eyeing the famous Maltese chef to host a new show that would be focused on ‘extreme dining’ in exotic locations, sources have confirmed.
While details on the show remain scarce, it is believed the series will feature the boisterous Maltese chef exploring cuisine around the world, with a strong focus on rare ingredients.
This newsroom reached out to chef Marvin to confirm whether the rumours are true, however he told Lovin Malta he was unable to comment, saying he had signed a Non-Disclosure Agreement in this regard.
Marvin Gauci is known as an entrepreneur and restaurateur unafraid to expand into new areas
He has opened restaurants abroad, and is on the cusp of launching a new international franchise that will feature 3D visuals alongside cuisine from around the world.
However, this new foray into broadcasting will be an entirely new venture for the Maltese chef who is behind local favourites such as Buddhamann, Caviar & Bull and Tarragon, as well as the experiential restaurant Dinner In The Sky.
Could a part of Lovin Malta’s 2018 April Fools’ prank become a reality in the not-so-distant future?
Gauci’s particular style of cooking would be right at home alongside Netflix’s (or any broadcaster’s) repertoire of cooking shows, with his focus on presentation ensuring the dishes will deliver the visuals needed.
And his strong personality is sure to garner the outlandish Maltese chef some international fans – his party trick of opening bottles of champagne using a Napoleonic-era sword is just what television needs right now.


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This 1977 photograph shows a shophouse, located at Emerald Hill Road. The lower floor of the shophouse features a doorway with a pair of saloon doors, flanked by barred windows, while the upper floor features three French windows with fanlights. Title devised by Library staff. Date of creation estimated.
All rights reserved. Lee Kip Lin and National Library Board, Singapore 2009.

domain: library


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Good morning my fellow readers! How was your weekend? Did you get some reading time in or discover new books? I got about six hours of reading in but was hoping for more but not complaining. My daughter and I spent some nice time together and went to the movies yesterday. I haven’t been in months! It was nice. I am busy trying to catch on reviews I have to get through and last week I posted by first review in a while. You can check it out HERE. Be sure to take a look at the books I am currently reading. There are some great recommendations here. Reviews for these books will come soon. Enjoy your day and happy reading!
Stephanie M. Hopkins
For all you Sherlock fans, this book is for you! I am really enjoying the story thus far.
Moriarty Meets His Match (A Professor & Mrs. Moriarty Mystery #1) by Anna Castle
Professor James Moriarty has but one desire left in his shattered life: to prevent the man who ruined him from harming anyone else. Then he meets amber-eyed Angelina Gould and his world turns upside down.
At an exhibition of new inventions, an exploding steam engine kills a man. When Moriarty tries to figure out what happened, he comes up against Sherlock Holmes, sent to investigate by Moriarty’s old enemy. Holmes collects evidence that points at Moriarty, who realizes he must either solve the crime or swing it for it himself. He soon uncovers trouble among the board members of the engine company and its unscrupulous promoter. Moriarty tries to untangle those relationships, but everywhere he turns, he meets the alluring Angelina. She’s playing some game, but what’s her goal? And whose side is she on?
Between them, Holmes and Angelina push Moriarty to his limits — and beyond. He’ll have to lose himself to save his life and win the woman he loves.
So far this story has beautiful writing, lively and interesting characters and their interactions with each other are entertaining but there doesn’t seem to be much of a strong plot unless I’ve missed something. I hope. Not giving up on it because of the style of writing has me intrigued and I need to know how Mr. Smith acquired his fortune! Though I have my suspicions!
Golden Hill by Francis Spufford
New York, a small town on the tip of Manhattan island, 1746.
One rainy evening in November, a handsome young stranger fresh off the boat pitches up at a counting-house door in Golden Hill Street: this is Mr Smith, amiable, charming, yet strangely determined to keep suspicion simmering. For in his pocket, he has what seems to be an order for a thousand pounds, a huge amount, and he won’t explain why, or where he comes from, or what he can be planning to do in the colonies that requires so much money.
Should the New York merchants trust him? Should they risk their credit and refuse to pay? Should they befriend him, seduce him, arrest him; maybe even kill him?
As fast as a heist movie, as stuffed with incident as a whole shelf of conventional fiction, Golden Hill is both a novel about the 18th century, and itself a book cranked back to the novel’s 18th century beginnings, when anything could happen on the page, and usually did, and a hero was not a hero unless he ran the frequent risk of being hanged.
This is Fielding’s Tom Jones recast on Broadway – when Broadway was a tree-lined avenue two hundred yards long, with a fort at one end flying the Union Jack and a common at the other, grazed by cows.
Rich in language and historical perception, yet compulsively readable, Golden Hill has a plot that twists every chapter, and a puzzle at its heart that won’t let go till the last paragraph of the last page.
Set a generation before the American Revolution, it paints an irresistible picture of a New York provokingly different from its later self: but subtly shadowed by the great city to come, and already entirely a place where a young man with a fast tongue can invent himself afresh, fall in love – and find a world of trouble.
What I am listening too and the first half was good but it’s starting to be a bit cumbersome with all the names and trying to keep the story straight in my head. I should have gotten a printed book for this instead of an audio. But not giving up on it!
The Women in the Castle by Jessica Shattuck
Set at the end of World War II, in a crumbling Bavarian castle that once played host to all of German high society, a powerful and propulsive story of three widows whose lives and fates become intertwined—an affecting, shocking, and ultimately redemptive novel from the author of the New York Times Notable Book The Hazards of Good Breeding
Amid the ashes of Nazi Germany’s defeat, Marianne von Lingenfels returns to the once grand castle of her husband’s ancestors, an imposing stone fortress now fallen into ruin following years of war. The widow of a resistor murdered in the failed July, 20, 1944, plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler, Marianne plans to uphold the promise she made to her husband’s brave conspirators: to find and protect their wives, her fellow resistance widows.
First, Marianne rescues six-year-old Martin, the son of her dearest childhood friend, from a Nazi reeducation home. Together, they make their way across the smoldering wreckage of their homeland to Berlin, where Martin’s mother, the beautiful and naïve Benita, has fallen into the hands of occupying Red Army soldiers. Then she locates Ania, another resistor’s wife, and her two boys, now refugees languishing in one of the many camps that house the millions displaced by the war. As Marianne assembles this makeshift family from the ruins of her husband’s resistance movement, she is certain their shared pain and circumstances will hold them together. But she quickly discovers that the black-and-white, highly principled world of her privileged past has become infinitely more complicated, filled with secrets and dark passions that threaten to tear them apart. Eventually, all three women must come to terms with the choices that have defined their lives before, during, and after the war—each with their own unique share of challenges.
Written with the devastating emotional power of The Nightingale, Sarah’s Key, and The Light Between Oceans, Jessica Shattuck’s evocative and utterly enthralling novel offers a fresh perspective on one of the most tumultuous periods in history. Combining piercing social insight and vivid historical atmosphere, The Women in the Castle is a dramatic yet nuanced portrait of war and its repercussions that explores what it means to survive, love, and, ultimately, to forgive in the wake of unimaginable hardship.
What I want to read next. Though I normally avoid romance, this looks interesting and I wam willing to give it a try.
Mask of Duplicity (The Jacobite Chronicles #1) by Julia Brannan
Following the death of their father, Beth’s brother Richard returns from the army to claim his share of the family estate. However, Beth’s hopes of a quiet life are dashed when Richard, dissatisfied with his meagre inheritance and desperate for promotion, decides to force her into a marriage for his military gain. And he will stop at nothing to get his way.
Beth is coerced into a reconciliation with her noble cousins in order to marry well and escape her brutal brother. She is then thrown into the glittering social whirl of Georgian high society and struggles to conform. The effeminate but witty socialite Sir Anthony Peters offers to ease her passage into society and she is soon besieged by suitors eager to get their hands on her considerable dowry. Beth, however, wants love and passion for herself, and to break free from the artificial life she is growing to hate. She finds herself plunged into a world where nothing is as it seems and everyone hides behind a mask. Can she trust the people professing to care for her?
The first in the series about the fascinating lives of beautiful Beth Cunningham, her family and friends during the tempestuous days leading up to the Jacobite Rebellion of 1745, which attempted to overthrow the Hanoverian King George II and restore the Stuarts to the British throne.
Join the rebellion of one woman and her fight for survival in…
The Jacobite Chronicles.


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I don’t know when I stopped writing. I think maybe it was when I started a blog.
But I can you know. Write I mean. I usually use pencils. Or charcoal on black paper. Nowadays I seem to just use a Macbook. A Macbook pro.
I don’t know when I stopped singing. I think maybe it was when I bought a microphone.
I bought a microphone, wiped the dust off my brother’s amplifier and softened my voice. Then. When I thought it was still too loud, I only sung other peoples songs. In the car. On big Australian highways. With the windows up.
I don’t know when I stopped drawing lovehearts and starfish and fairies on my wrists.
I think it was when I started getting tattooed. My starfish became stars. Pointy sharp ones that accidentally drew blood not squiggles.
I think this was sort of the same time I stopped laughing too. I’m not sure. It’s all a bit blurry you see. If I tried to put it all back in place, it wouldn’t make sense anyway. I know I wasn’t alone often. I know at first there were a lot of people. And then there was only one.
Then off came the imaginary aqua wings.
Then out came the glitter from the green eyes.
Then on came the shakes.
Not the good kind. Not the thick chocolate ice cream kind. The other kind. The winter morning in the middle of spring kind.
That’s right! That’s how it happened!
All the things I loved. I bartered them away. I didn’t even try to take them with me. I lost them somewhere on the Brisbane river at midnight. Under fairy lights gripping free champagne and wearing a long black dress. Thinking I could have it all.
And now all I want is to write.
And have the confidence to ruin a white canvas.
Funny isn’t it.
Beautiful cousin, I love this piece. I can so relate. It’s like the pressure to create saps all your creativity. You’re so talented, don’t ever stop writing and playing and singing.
Love you, beautiful spirit x x x