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In May of 2012 a cyst on my right ovary ruptured, which was the beginning of my chronic pain. It was the last piece of the puzzle, and I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in February 2013. Migraines started before that, but they have worsened since. Before these changes, I was an active and healthy person, with a few notable exceptions of having mono in 2007 and Legionnaire’s disease in 2010 (this was really a result of my depleted immune system from my mono being so bad). I went from going to the gym 3 to 4 times a week and having an active social life to having trouble with simple things. I remember when I had to quit going to the gym. That was hard. I got married in May of 2013, and I cut my long hair after the wedding because it was hurting my hands to style it.
A diagnosis is only the beginning
The only official diagnoses I have are fibromyalgia and tachycardia. I don’t have a formal diagnosis for migraine. I believe a diagnosis is a starting point, not an end. Traditional medicine would have you believe your diagnosis is your fate, but I have found it helpful to stay curious and find ways to take care of my body and mind. Fibromyalgia is such an enigma, there isn’t really a standard course of treatment anyway. It has taken a lot of trial and error over the past 8 years to find stability, and I don’t think that quest will ever end, honestly.
It helps to have people who understand
Overall I have to say that I’ve been blessed not to lose friends over the complete change in my ability. In a way it was helpful that I was diagnosed around the time I got married, because it’s a natural point of change anyway. I do find it hard to make new friends, however. I think that’s hard over the age of 30 anyway, and when your energy and body are unreliable, it compounds the challenge.
I have several family members living with fibromyalgia. It does help to have people who understand, though because our circumstances, symptoms, and bodies are so different, it’s not without conflict at times. My mom was actually diagnosed just a few years ago, so well after me. I was so sad to see her start to really understand what I have been going through. She has chosen to be medicated while I have not, and that’s okay. The biggest support I have is within my own home.
My husband is just incredible. I know it’s not always easy, and he has definitely struggled with my illness, but he takes amazing care of me. It can’t be easy to live with a person whose energy is so unpredictable, but he is always there to listen and help. I truly have no idea how I could have gotten through the last 8 years without him. We also have two dogs, and they have been so important in maintaining my emotional health especially through the pandemic. My husband leaves for work M-F, so without the dogs, I would have been completely alone during the pandemic. They keep me company and are very snuggly. Plus, they get me out of bed. I know I have to get up to take care of them, and sometimes that’s literally the only reason I leave my bedroom in the morning.
Chronic illness can be expensive
The doctor who diagnosed me had been my primary physician since I was 5. He was very clear with me that allopathic medicine had little to offer me outside of drugs with scary side effects. That was actually a favor — it encouraged me to seek out alternative treatments. Because of this I have been able to maintain my career, though not without going on leave a few times for rough patches. COVID did me a favor in letting me work from home so I can manage myself much more easily.
One of the things that doesn’t get talked about enough is the expense of being chronically ill. I added up the amount of money we spend each month just keeping me up and running with supplements, clean diet, health insurance, acupuncture, chiropractic care, flotation therapy, mental health counseling… It’s a lot of money.
We make sacrifices to maintain my health. I make a good living, but we drive an old beat up car and don’t go on vacation, mostly because of all the money we spend keeping me well enough to work and have a somewhat normal life. There simply isn’t enough research to support insurance coverage for so many things chronically ill people need. And I’m lucky — my insurance does cover chiropractic care and acupuncture. But my plan is VERY expensive.
Fatigue is my worst symptom
I’m lucky… and I’ve worked really hard to manage my pain and keep it at a stable level — not that I don’t have flare ups. The fatigue after a migraine is for sure the worst, also because it comes along with a flare up of other fibromyalgia symptoms. I do struggle with anxiety, though I would say it is more generalized than severe.
Through therapy, I have developed a lot of coping mechanisms for managing anxiety. It helps to be able to recognize it. My anxiety was really bad in the first year of two of my illness because it was just so hard to distinguish new/scary symptoms from just fibromyalgia stuff that would self-resolve. So I would get really freaked out about what was happening to my body and whether I would be okay.
Now I am much more familiar with what my body is doing. But anxiety is so common with chronic illness because there’s so much fear of judgment, being different, not being able, and people not understanding. Things that are easy for able people are harder, but with an invisible illness, that can be really hard to navigate.
I had never really struggled with depression until the pandemic. I am an empath, and between the isolation and all the suffering in the world, I went through a tough time. That’s when I decided to go back to therapy. I love, love, love being in therapy. I currently go twice a month, but I would go every week if I could afford it. It has helped me so much to not feel so alone with my gigantic feelings in this big, scary world.
The darkest stage of my illness was pre-diagnosis
My body was in chaotic crisis and I had no idea what was happening. I knew I had occasional migraines, but I had never even heard of fibromyalgia before I was diagnosed. It was overwhelming, and I was in so much pain I was sleeping on the couch because my mattress was hurting me. I’ve definitely had a few rough periods over the years where I had mystery symptoms that would resolve and I ended up having to take time off work. The times when symptoms are out of control and nothing works are the hardest.
There was a particular week or so about 4 years ago where I was on leave from work due to some bad digestive issues that no one could diagnose. I was sleeping sitting up in a recliner because otherwise my acid reflux was so painful I didn’t sleep at all. My husband was in school and working, taking care of me, and so stressed. He got sick with a stomach bug, and it was a really bad time — neither of us could really care for ourselves or each other. Fortunately, we made it through, and nothing like that has happened in a long time.
There’s joy in the little things
I actually have a whole list of things that bring me joy: my husband, my dogs, spending time with family (especially my mom), being creative, flowers, cooking, baking, watching a favorite show or movie, doing something nice for someone else, singing in the shower, taking a bath… a lot of simple but important things.
A regular day looks like getting out of bed to let the dogs out, getting their and my breakfast, and either sitting down for work or, on the weekend, relaxing on the couch or attending church (virtually in pandemic times) on Sunday. I always eat at least 4 times a day: breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack, and dinner. It helps maintain a consistent energy level more than anything else I have tried. In the evenings I make dinner and either spend time helping with church activities or just relaxing. I love a good, long bubble bath when it’s not too hot here, which is only about half the year.
Life without my illness would look like…
Me being a mom, not struggling to do basic things, and a lot more adventure. I miss traveling and being active. I really loved working out! I’m honestly not sure I would have ended up with my husband if I hadn’t gotten sick. I was always so busy, and being ill caused me to slow down and appreciate another person in my life in a way I might not have otherwise.
This is what I’d like others like me to know
- You can feel better than you do right now. I think for the vast majority of chronic illness sufferers, this is true.
- If you are in a rough patch, know that it won’t last forever. It will end eventually and you will be more stable (if you are managing your illness okay).
- It is not your fault you are sick. You CAN do things to feel better, but it’s not your fault this is happening to you.
- Your illness can teach you things you may not have learned any other way. While I would be thrilled if my illness were suddenly cured, I’m not sure I wish it had never happened. I have become a more compassionate, inclusive, caring person because of my illness. I have learned to slow down and prioritize my energy for things that really matter.
I'm Shelly Ramsussen, 38, from Phoenix, Arizona. I would not be who I am today without what I have been through, and I love who I have become. Let's connect on IG @shellynotmichelle


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5 Day Murchison Falls and Balloon Safari for Rhinos, Chimpanzee, Wild Waterfalls
Our 5 Day Murchison Falls and Balloon Safari brings you expeditions to the Rhinos, trek the chimpanzees and also Visit the Powerful Natural Wonder Waterfall in addition to a fantastic game drive. Murchison falls national park remains the biggest and largest lovely safari park with lots of enormous wildlife (aminals) and different species of Birds.
Leave Kampala at any desired time of the day in the morning, and head to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a Rhino Safari by foot. So as to encounter the basic remaining life of the Rhinos that were no more in Uganda. Our lunch will be en route and then head to Murchison falls Park for an overnight.
Accommodation: Paraa Lodge, Pakuba Lodge, Fort Murchison, Heritage.
Day 2: Morning Game drive and Evening boat Cruise
Then this morning, have breakfast at the lodge and take on a morning safari drive to encounter more of the wildlife with your guide. You will be able to look out for different animals like lions, Leopards, Giraffes, Elephants, Buffaloes, and much more. Later in the afternoon, get back for lunch as you prepare for the 2 pm boat cruise to the bottom of the Nile which lasts for about 3 hours. Then later get back to the Lodge for an overnight.
Day 3: Air Balloon Safari and Evening Game drive
Our morning will lead us to a morning Boat Sunrise Cruise at the Victoria Nile to the Delta point where the Nile Meets up Lake Albert at the Tip Corner of the Park.
More Chances of seeing More aquatic wildlife and animals with Reptiles; say Crocodiles, Hippos, and Pythons. Have Lunch when you back and later in the Evening, Get on an afternoon Game drive to the Evening grazers.
Now, today we shall drive to Budongo Forests, for the Chimpanzee tracking, an ultimate alternative to meet our cousins in the wildlife park of the Year. This activity normally takes about 4 hours and so you will have to embark to the Lodge for a resting evening and relaxation.
Day 5: Drive back to Kampala
On our last day, we will drive through the park and get to the ferry that will get us crossed to the other side of the river. Then drive off gently and go Visit the Top of the Falls where we get close to one of the Most powerful wonders of the world. See and verify how a large sum of water squeezes in a narrow path gorge.
The Falls are Picture interesting so be able to take on relatively amazing photos as many as possible. Later on, we drive out of the Park through the theKichumbanyobo gate and there we proceed to Kampala or Entebbe having an en-route lunch at Kabalage Dinner in Nakasongola.
End of 5 Days Murchison Falls Safari Uganda
This 5 Day Murchison Falls Safari Uganda includes.
- Airport transfers
- Transportation by a safari 4×4
- Nature walks
- meals as per itinerary
- Driver allowances
- Park entrance
- En-route lunches
The package excludes; expenses of personal nature, Visa, drinks, laundry, tips to local guides, Airtime, porter fee while trekking, personal insurance, personal shopping bills,

domain: travel


Singer, songwriter, producer, artist, illustrator, and dancer, Sad Alex has unveiled her new single, “Stockholm’s A Ghost Town.” The mellow new track which is all about being ghosted is out via Red Bull Records and follows previous single “hypotheticals.”
Sad Alex comments on the news, stating, “I wrote this song after I managed to get my heart broken in a weeklong trip to Stockholm. It was an over-romanticized fling that started with rom-com fireworks on a hotel rooftop and ended with unanswered texts in a smelly Airbnb. My wine-fueled weeping was overdramatic but had more to do with the years of being ghosted than this nice Swedish guy.
A few days later, I visited the songwriting school called Musikmakarna in Northern Sweden and wrote this with Axel Anderlund, Jonna Jaqueline, and Tobias Naslund. I wanted something that felt less ‘woe is me, I’ve been ghosted’ and more ‘come together all ye fellow ghostees.’ Mix that with some bomb Swedish melodies and a sprinkle of Ed Sheeran, and you’ve got yourself my favorite song I’ve released to date.”


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Journalists Squeeze 2011 Ford Super Duty® For Impressive Fuel Economy
March 12, 2010
Fuel efficiency and heavy duty trucks haven’t traditionally been talked about in the same sentence. That’s changed now, thanks to the 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty®.
Ford recently invited journalists to test-drive the new Super Duty in Arizona. During the program, Ford challenged these reporters to a contest to see who could achieve the best fuel economy while driving a the Ford-built 6.7-liter Power Stroke® V8 on an 80-mile stretch of surface roads and highways. The winning media team on the first round achieved 29.2 mpg and the second an astonishing 34 mpg!
Three-person media teams drove from Buckeye to Glendale, Arizona, in an F-250 or F-350 with 1,000 pounds of payload. Depending on vehicle configuration, media teams were expected to meet targets of 26.5 mpg (pickups with 17-inch wheels and a 3.31:1 axle ratio) or 24 mpg (pickups with 20-inch wheels and a 3.55:1 axle ratio) while driving the 80 miles in a time frame consistent with what Ford engineers achieved.
Drivers were given fuel economy tips from the Ford vehicle energy engineering team and a few ground rules: stay on the specified route, follow the provided turn-by-turn directions and drive at the posted speeds (no speeding and no crawling).
Winning the first wave was the team of Bob Plunkett, Chuck Bowen and Sue Mead. Plunkett, a syndicated auto journalist, drove; Bowen, managing editor of Lawn & Landscape, and Mead, a writer for newcartestdrive.com, navigated. The team achieved 29.2 mpg.
“I was in awe of what that vehicle was able to do,” said Plunkett, who has participated in fuel economy challenges before. “It’s a huge machine and to pull those figures is very impressive.”
Bowen echoed those thoughts. “I was very impressed,” he said. “My car does not get much better mileage than that.”
Fuel economy on the all-new 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty equipped with the Ford-engineered and Ford-built 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 turbocharged diesel engine averages an 18-percent improvement for pickup models and up to 25-percent improvement for chassis cabs versus 2010 models.
Renowned hypermiler Wayne Gerdes, owner of cleanmpg.com, won the second round at 34 mpg. He had the Ford optimizations as well as his own techniques in hand as he looked to better the mark during the second wave of media drives. He drove a Super Duty with 17-inch wheels.
“Honestly, when I heard they got 29 the first day, I thought I’d be lucky to get 25 mpg,” said Gerdes, who was an important adviser to the Ford team that achieved 1,445 miles on a single tank of gas in a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid last April. “I was hoping to get 25 to 27 mpg.”
Gerdes used several different techniques, including keeping the revs around 1,000, slowly accelerating and using the drafts of other cars and trucks. The result: an astounding 34 mpg for the route, beating the target by 8 mpg.
Gerdes followed that up by driving the F-250 from the Phoenix area to his home north of Chicago. He covered 1,907 miles on 68.094 gallons of fuel for an average of 28 mpg. Gerdes said weather conditions – rain, fog and strong winds – caused him to drive about 6 to 8 mph slower than he anticipated. Still, Gerdes completed his journey on less than three tanks of fuel and blended his own B20 biodiesel to use the whole way, another testament to the 6.7-liter Power Stroke V-8 turbocharged diesel’s performance story.
“I’ve never driven anything like this – this was fun and a great challenge,” said Gerdes. “I’ve driven SUVs half this size and not achieved this level of fuel economy. This is just incredible and world-class.”
Leading the second group using the 20-inch wheels was the team of Tony Swan, Car and Driver, Joe Szczesny, Oakland Press, and Mark Vaughn, AutoWeek. They achieved a stout 26.5 mpg.
“It was a good test of the engine and of the overall efficiency,” said Szczesny, who did the driving. “We heard that someone had achieved 26 mpg, so we were definitely shooting for better than that.”
To verify the fuel economy numbers in the media challenge, the 2011 Super Duty diesels were tracked with CrewChief™, a component of available Ford Work Solutions™, a technology package that can help owners manage their business from the work site.
CrewChief is a fleet telematics and diagnostics system that allows fleet owners to efficiently manage their vehicles, quickly dispatch workers to job sites and keep detailed vehicle maintenance records.
Gerdes also took advantage of another Ford Work Solutions component, namely the in-dash computer. Developed with Magneti Marelli and powered by Microsoft Auto, the in-dash computer provides full high-speed Internet access via Sprint Mobile Broadband Network and navigation by Garmin. It’s the first broad-band capable in-dash computer in production and is operated when the vehicle is stationary.
During breaks, Gerdes tweeted (www.twitter.com/cleanmpg
) from the truck’s in-dash computer and posted text and photo updates of “Wayne’s Excellent 2011 Ford Super Duty Adventure” to his Web site.
You can find more information on the 2011 Ford Super Duty at fordvehicles.com.

domain: news


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About a month ago, after One Direction dropped their latest release, Midnight Memories, most reviewers couldn’t help but point out the album’s shameless knock-offs of some of the biggest pop hits of the ’80s including “Jessie’s Girl,” “Pour Some Sugar On Me,” and pretty much any song by Asia, just to name a few. And, yes, while the songwriters behind the squeaky clean boy band’s smash singles make their musical points of reference pretty obvious to any listener older than 12, they also manage to pull off some patently ingenious lyrical references that slipped by most recaps of the album “ mostly because that was precisely what they were designed to do.
Upon a first listen, the first verse of “Better Than Words” sounds like pretty standard fare for a One Direction song: a just-generic-enough description of crazy, undeniable love that sweeps you up in its whirlwind of affection and excitement.
Better than words
But more than a feeling
Crazy in love
Dancing on the ceiling
But, if you haven’t noticed it already, each line is also a song in its own right. The second line. The third line. And, you guessed it. These aren’t just lyrics in a One Direction song, they’re built-in references to seminal pop hits. And they’re placed directly next to the title of the One Direction song, itself the very first line of the song.
Time flies, they say, when you’re having fun (probably more so when you’re having fun in fun.!), and 2012 appears to be whizzing by at a faster clip than usual. Not everyone is having such a blast, though. Yes, these are the best of times”still!”for Adele, but how could they not be? She continues to hover around the top of the charts with 21 more than a year after its release.
What about her brothers and sisters in pop? Here’s a scorecard for the first half of 2012.
Rihanna with a beat A word of advice to Rihanna: Don’t stop the dance. After she spent 10 weeks at No. 1 with “We Found Love””her collaboration with Scottish DJ Calvin Harris and the first single from Talk That Talk, her sixth album” neither Jay-Z (on the album’s title track), nor Chris Brown (on the single remix of “Birthday Cake”), nor Coldplay (on whose Mylo Xyloto track “Princess of China” Rihanna appears) could boost Rihanna back into the Top 10.
It took a return to strobe-light pop, with Harris as co-producer (along with Dr. Luke and Cirkut), to give Rihanna her first new Top 10 hit of 2012, with Where Have You Been.
Lady Gaga in Southeast Asia The year began pretty quietly for Gaga until she kicked off her The Born This Way Ball tour in Southeast Asia in April. Then everything that could possibly go wrong did. Christian groups in South Korea, where she played Seoul on April 27, slammed her less-than-holy stage antics, resulting in government-imposed over-eighteen age restrictions for the opening-night show. Meanwhile, the protestations of the Muslims in Indonesia led to the cancellation of her June 3 show in Jakarta.
In Thailand, things went from bad to scandalous. First, she incited the ire of locals by touting Bangkok’s supply of “fake Rolex” moments after arriving for her May 25 concert there. Then they ripped her apart some more for wearing a traditional Thai headdress with a bikini and for sitting on a motorbike with a Thai flag tied to it during the show. At least she didn’t simulate sex with a statue of Buddha.
White boys with an edge Nothing but the beat isn’t just the title of David Guetta’s latest album. It’s become pretty much a mantra for most of the women in pop (see Rihanna) and many of the artists formerly known as R&B and hip-hop stars (Usher, Chris Brown, Nicki Minaj).
But in reality, it isn’t all about the beat. The two biggest No. 1 singles of the first six months of 2012”fun.’s “We Are Young” and Gotye‘s “Somebody That I Used to Know””are both quirky pop songs that have little to do with the prevailing sound of the times (dance music). Where either act goes from here is anybody’s guess, but it’s nice to know that in 2012, you can still score a big hit even if you can’t dance to it.
Madonna’s latest album Okay, so the Queen of Pop is in no danger of being evicted from her throne and sent to the poor house anytime soon. She can still demand top dollar (as in hundreds of them) for mediocre seats and sell out her current MDNA world tour anyway. And her 12th album, MDNA, did debut at No. 1 with 359,000 copies sold in the week after its March 26 release.
Alas, it spent only a pair of weeks in the Top 10 (dropping a record 86.7 percent in week two), and by the time the MDNA tour kicked off in Tel Aviv on May 31, it was out of the Top 100 completely. Meanwhile, Give Me All Your Luvin’, the first single, hit No. 10 on Billboard’s Hot 100, but it was on and off the charts within two months, and thus far, there’s not a follow-up hit within earshot.
Lionel Richie Sometimes it’s not where you start but where you end up a few weeks later. Although Richie’s latest album, Tuskegee, entered Billboard’s Top 200 album chart in the runner-up position to Madonna’s MDNA, it didn’t stay there for long. It eventually crawled up to No. 1, and by May, it was the second best-selling album of 2012 (with 789,000 copies sold), right behind Adele’s 21.
Adam Lambert His sophomore album, Trespassing, did debut at No. 1, making him the seventh American Idol contestant to get to No. 1. Unfortunately, Lambert did so with only 77,000 copies sold”the lowest sum for a No. 1 debut since February of 2011, when Amos Lee’s Mission Bell began on top with first-week sales of 40,000. And it was only downhill from there. After four weeks on the Top 200 album chart, Trespassing was way down at No. 54.
Where were those Glamberts when Adam needed them? Did they defect to Team Beliebers?
These are exciting times for Darius Rucker. Not only is he out on the “Own the Night” tour with Lady Antebellum but he’s ready to release his third album. The hotly-anticipated record will follow the much-loved 2010 release Charleston SC 1966 that debuted at the top of the country charts and his now-platinum debut album Learn to Live, which was released in 2008. And that’s just the beginning.
He’s musically partnered with a host of other artists, including Lionel Richie for a duet of “Stuck on You” which is on Richie’s album Tuskegee. He also remains very involved in several high-profile charity events, including this month’s Third Annual “Darius and Friends” benefit show in Nashville which raised money for St. Jude Children Research Hospital.
Rucker took time out from his busy schedule to talk to OurStage about his new album, his current tour, and just what inspired him to become a musician, anyway.
DR: We will probably be playing the new single soon. When I play, audiences can expect a lot of music from both records [Learn to Live released in 2008 and Charleston SC 1066] and some cool cover songs. I’m just trying to have fun.
OS: On the fan boards, some folks say you always play Prince’s “Purple Rain.” Why do you play it so often?
DR: I always wanted to play it! The funny thing was, I was rehearsing with the band and my drummer (the band leader) said “Have you ever wanted to play ‘Purple Rain?'” I had never played it because I didn’t know if it would work in a country set. Now we always play it. If I don’t play it, I get nasty emails. So we are always playing it now.
Life is full of surprises, and sometimes, so is pop music. In recent weeks, it’s recovered its long-dormant ability to shock, or at least catch us off guard with the unlikely hit, or the unexpected comeback.
Several months ago, I never dreamed I would ever ask the question that is the title of this article. It had been more than twenty-five years since Lionel Richie’s commercial heyday, and on the charts, he had been succeeded by younger romantic leads in pop and R&B many times over (Babyface, Usher, Ne-Yo, among others).
Then came one of those surprise developments seldom seen in pop anymore: On Billboard magazine’s Top 200 album chart for the week following the March 26 release of Tuskegee, Richie’s first studio album since 2009’s Just Go (which didn’t make the US Top 20 and failed to go gold), he debuted at No. 2 with first-week sales of 199,000 copies, right behind Madonna’s latest, MDNA.
On second thought, don’t.
That might have been what Justin Bieber was thinking in March when he found out he might be facing legal action for tweeting a fake phone number minus one digit to his 19 million Twitter followers, resulting in more than 1,000 phone calls being made to a man and a woman in Texas who threatened to take him to court. (The potential plaintiffs’ requests: an apology, concert tickets, free publicity and financial compensation for out-of-pocket expenses.)
It was a harmless enough prank, yes, but the next time Bieber tweets something, he might want to consider doing what so many pop stars are doing and tweeting it to someone who’s also famous”like his new BFF Carly Rae Jepsen, the recipient of several recent Bieber tweets, including one wishing a happy easter to his fellow Canadian and fellow Top 10 resident on Billboard’s Hot 100 (Bieber with Boyfriend, Jepsen with Call Me Maybe).
Who else is connecting on Twitter? I love you, you cray, Katy Perry tweeted on March 31 to Rihanna, who made news when she began following her ex Chris Brown on Twitter. Rihanna’s sometime collaborator Nicki Minaj had a brief war of words with Cher last November on Twitter over a third party’s misinterpretation of Minaj’s lyrics: “@cher did you know that b***h @NICKIMINAJ dissed you in her song DID IT ON EM.” Cher flipped. Minaj fans flipped, too, explaining that it was a “rap metaphor,” not a jab. Cher conceded defeat. Minaj offered, simply, “@Cher #stopit5.” Case closed.
After several weeks of blind audition shows, battle rounds on The Voice finally began on Monday night…and they didn’t disappoint. For those of you unfamiliar with the structure of this show, each team has twelve members after blind auditions. The coaches then create six one-on-one battles, for which they also choose the song and celebrity mentor to help train the contestants. The contestants sing the song as a duet, with the coach choosing the winner immediately afterwards.
It’s always interesting to see how the judges match up their battle pairings. More often than not, they’ll choose two artists with very similar styles in order to make their final set of six as strong and diverse as possible. Other times, though, it kind of seems like they just picked names out of a hat. On Monday night, we saw a little of both… (more…)
From Justin Timberlake (The Social Network) and Tim McGraw (The Blind Side and Country Strong) to Janet Jackson (For Colored Girls) and Christina Aguilera (Burlesque), pop stars no longer act just to fill dead space between albums. And the career exchange is working the other way around, too. Charlie’s Angel Cheryl Ladd had a hit single in the ’70s; Bruce Willis, Patrick Swayze (may he rest in peace), Don Johnson and Eddie Murphy had one Top 10 apiece in the ’80s; and Jennifer Lopez spent the early ’00s as one of the hottest women in pop. But lately, what every actor (and reality TV star) seems to really want to do isn’t direct”it’s sing.
Leading the current musical parade is Gwyneth Paltrow, who scored a Billboard No. 1 Adult Contemporary hit in 2000 with a cover of Smokey Robinson’s “Cruisin’,” a duet she mastered with Huey Lewis. Now she’s targeting Nashville and possibly a second Oscar with her role as an alcoholic singer in Country Strong (opening December 22). She’s already getting country radio airplay with the title song and performed it live, to a standing ovation, at the Country Music Awards on November 10. She also just made her superstar guest appearance on Glee.
Meanwhile, Paltrow’s Country Strong costar Leighton Meester, who’s also a regular on Gossip Girl”which features moonlighting rocker Ed Westwick (Chuck Bass)”is releasing an album on the Universal Republic label, and already hit the Top 10 on Billboard’s Hot 100 last year as a featured artist on Cobra Starship’s “Good Girls Go Bad.”
Paltrow’s Iron Man costar Jeff Bridges won an Oscar in March for playing the male version of her Country Strong character in Crazy Heart (music from the film, by rising country star Ryan Bingham, who also acted in the film, received plenty of accolades as well). Iron Man 2‘s Scarlett Johansson released Anywhere I Lay My Head, an album of Tom Wait covers, in 2008 and Break Up, with Pete Yorn, in 2009. And Iron Man himself, Robert Downey Jr., has sung on the soundtracks to several of his films and onstage at the 2008 American Idol finale, appeared in an Elton John video and released a CD called The Futurist.
Joaquin Pheonix, Paltrow’s costar in last year’s Two Lovers, performed his own vocals for his Oscar-nominated performance as Johnny Cash in Walk the Line and spent the entire 2010 documentary I’m Still Here trying to make it as a rapper.
Maybe it’s the rebirth of the Hollywood musical”and/or the drive to hang on to fame by all means necessary”that’s convinced so many actors that they can make it in music, too (no, not you, David Hasselhoff). Phoenix’s Walk the Line costar Reese Witherspoon won an Oscar for her singing efforts as June Carter Cash. Catherine Zeta-Jones scored both an Oscar (Chicago) and a Tony (A Little Night Music) for musical performances. Penelope Cruz just got nominated for uncaging her inner songbird in Nine, alongside fellow Oscar winners Daniel Day-Lewis, Dame Judi Dench, Sophia Loren and Nicole Kidman, who”like Kate Winslet and the late Britanny Murphy (may she rest in peace)”has hit the Top 10 in the UK as a singer.
Even Oscar queen Meryl Streep has gotten into the song and dance, massacring the ABBA catalog in the 2008 musical Mamma Mia! And recent Academy honoree Mo’Nique delivered a song-stealing monologue on “Don’t Take Your Hat Off,” a track on Toni Braxton’s last album. Jamie Foxx, who won his Oscar for reincarnating music icon Ray Charles in Ray, has released two platinum albums and has a third set, Body, due on December 14. Kevin Bacon, Dennis Quaid, Johnny Depp, Russell Crowe, Zoey Deschanel, Adrian Grenier, Juliette Lewis, Keanu Reeves, Jason Schwartzman and Robert Pattinson all have moonlighted as musicians; Jared Leto’s band 30 Seconds to Mars seems to have become a bigger priority than acting; veteran actor Chris Mulkey (HBO’s The Boardwalk Empire) is also a well known country singer and Steve Martin’s The Crow: New Songs for the 5-String Banjo won a 2010 Grammy for Best Bluegrass Album.
Among the younger set, Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato and Selena Gomez were all Disney stars before becoming successful recording artists (as were Fergie, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Justin Timberlake and Jennifer Love Hewitt) and Aubrey Drake Graham spent eight years playing Jimmy Brooks on Degrassi: The Next Generation before becoming platinum-selling rapper Drake. Will and Jada Smith’s actor kids are also making musical noise. Son Jaden, 12, had a Top 40 hit earlier this year rapping with Justin Bieber on “Never Say Never,” and his 9-year-old sister Willow‘s “Whip My Hair” is a current pop smash that has some calling her a future Beyoncé. Then there’s, Josh Groban, who will release his fifth album, Illuminations, on November 15 and also costars with Steve Carell in the 2011 comedy Crazy, Stupid, Love. He initially set out to be an actor, getting his big break in a 2001 episode of Ally McBeal, before detouring permanently into singing.
Since talent is optional in pop, and sometimes all you need is a good producer and auto-tune, reality stars are entering the mix, too. (No diss intended to Project Runway host Heidi Klum, who sang on “Wedding Day,” a track on her husband Seal’s 2007 album, System.) The Hills’ Heidi Montag and The Simple Life’s Paris Hilton, perhaps inspired by the pop careers of dueling starlets Lindsay Lohan and Hilary Duff in the mid ’00s, both released their own albums. Montag already tanked early this year (Earth to former reality star: If you want to be taken seriously in music, don’t call your debut album Superficial), but at least Hilton earned a Top 10 hit and decent reviews for Paris in 2006 and has a follow-up in the works.
Of course, Kim “I’ll do anything to stay in the spotlight” Kardashian is working with producer The-Dream (Rihanna, Beyoncé, Mariah Carey) on her debut album, and has said, “I would like the music to sound a bit like Lady GaGa, Britney Spears and J.Lo with a bit of an R ‘n’ B twist to it.” Such lofty ambitions!
Down south, The Real Housewives of Atlanta‘s Kandi Burruss, who had several hits with the girl group Xscape in the ’90s and co-wrote Destiny’s Child’s “Bills Bills Bills” and TLC’s “No Scrubs,” among other hits, is about to relaunch her music career with her second solo album, Kandi Koated, on December 14. And it’s probably only a matter of time before Hiltons’ The Simple Life costar, Nicole Richie, follows her dad, Lionel Richie, and her fiancé, Good Charlotte’s Joel Madden, into the family business.
But no Hollywood star has made as much of a recent dent in pop as the cast of Glee, who just surpassed the Beatles’ record for the most hits on Billboard’s Hot 100. Their schtick of taking other people’s songs for one-week spins on the chart is wearing thin”I never got the show and probably never will”but these days in life, Hollywood and pop, only a few things are certain: death, taxes, another actor-turned-singer, and a weekly barrage of Hot 100 entries by the cast of Glee.
Jeremy Helligar is a former staff writer for People, Teen People, Us Weekly and Entertainment Weekly, who now writes about celebrities and pop culture from his couch in Buenos Aires.

domain: artistic


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First shown in April at the New York Auto Show, the Jeep Cherokee was set to be in dealers at about this time. It was pushed back at least once, and now it appears that, due to at least two heat dispersion issues, the mid-sized SUV will start production around August. This will at least give Chrysler’s transmission plants time to ramp up nine-speed automatic transmission production, though it will most likely mean that Land Rover will get the world’s first nine-speed automatic in a standard production vehicle. Chrysler remains likely to hold the title for first nine-speed in a minivan. Karl wrote that Jeep’s web site seems to confirm the change; clicking on the Cherokee photo now brings the title, “Coming Fall 2013.” In the past, Chrysler has had problems with releasing vehicles that were not quite ready or fully field tested; historians can bring up the disastrous..
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Don’t expect Neil Gaiman, master of monsters and the mysterious, to write about Filipino folklore.
“I really LOVE the myths and the monsters of the Philippines. But you also have many terrific writers who can do a better job of telling those stories than I can,” the “Sandman” author wrote on Twitter. It was in response to a fan who asked about the possibility of Gaiman writing about bathala (gods), diwata (fairies) and kapre (tobacco-smoking tree demon).
Enter Kristyn Maslog-Levis, who embraces the beauty of Filipino folklore—manananggal and all. Her debut novel, “The Girl Between Two Worlds” (Anvil Publishing, 2016), is about Karina, a girl living in the United States, whose supernatural powers manifest on her 16th birthday. Her grandfather (the King of Engkantasia) appears on her doorstep and helps Karina wield her powers to ward off monsters and prevent the war between the human and the mystical world.
“When my daughter was born I had this desire to preserve the stories that my parents told me when we were kids,” Levis told Super. The Filipino-born writer based in Sydney was in the motherland for the Philippine Readers and Writers Festival where she talked about “Writing About Home Away From Home,” held at Raffles Makati.
“Mama’s stories were more (about) heroes, she probably thought there’s enough monsters in the comics and the TV,” Levis added.
Levis grew up in the 1980s, at the height of Hiwaga and Shocker Comics’ popularity, and devoured Filipino classic thrillers like “Dayuhan,” “Zuma” and “Regal Shocker.” The 1988 film “Tiyanak” was the source of her worst nightmare: a serial killer baby-like creature (“anak ni Janice!” Levis said).
“It was something that we loved. I don’t know why, we were 5 or 6. I wouldn’t let my daughter watch that when she was that young, but it was that kind of entertainment that we grew up to.”
Tikbalang, sirena, nuno sa punso are among the creatures that will be encountered in “The Girl Between Two Worlds.” In fact, before the first chapter are a few instructions when encountering an engkanto (forest spirit)—like saying “tabi po” when walking in a forest, or wearing a shirt inside out when you can’t find your way home.
Online references about Filipino folklore was scarce, but Levis’ knowledge about the monsters were sufficient. The writing, however, was not easy. It took the freelance journalist/full-time mom five years to complete her manuscript. Every day, Levis allotted 20-30 minutes of writing, in between household chores, mommy duties and work.
Getting the manuscript into book form was a challenge as well—publishers were doubtful that a book that had “monsters that slurp babies from tummies” falls into the young adult genre.
Her final stop was Anvil’s call for submissions. “I was this close to giving up,” Levis said.
Seven months later, hopeless about her chances and in the process of self-publishing her novel, Levis got word from Anvil that her manuscript is accepted. “The Girl Between Light and Dark,” the sequel of her first novel, was released this year.
Levis’ 9-year-old daughter, Inara, is a voracious reader. The book was written for her and she’s a big fan of the series.
“When she finished the two books she came up to me and she said, ‘Mom you are amazing, they are amazing mommy. You’re not only useful, mommy, you’re also talented,’” Levis beamed. “I can tell you, I can die now. I’m done. I’ve inspired her. That’s it. I’ve done my work. Whatever happens now, I’m fine with it.”
Levis wanted the novel to also be a folklore handbook to Filipino children immigrants like Inara. On the chapter opening of “The Girl Between Two Worlds” are some news clippings, letters, sketches and descriptions of supernatural creatures from Engkantasia.
“The point of view (of the book is) from one character, so I wanted to put more information about the (Engkantasia) world without interfering with the point of view of the character,” Levis told Super.
Context and information were second nature to the former ABS-CBN reporter. At 20 and fresh from school, Levis covered conflict, politics and military in Mindanao for the network.
The rain was pouring during the interview and photo shoot, news broke that the parking level of a Marikina mall had been flooded. Our photographer, Richard Reyes, had a storm to chase.
It was a situation Levis was familiar with. She recalled her fair share of rushing into action—bomb threats, rebel insurgencies and literally running to a burning neighborhood. “There’s an expectation that if you’re a journalist you have to at least almost die once,” Levis said.
Since moving to Australia, Levis had retreated from the camera and worked in the background, first as a subeditor of a magazine, then a photographer, radio broadcaster and a creative director for a social media and digital marketing agency.
Does she miss being on TV?
“Not really,” she said. “News was quite rigid, stick to the format… I was really looking for a creative outlet.”


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Global leader in cybersecurity solutions with its new ‘Designed for Youth’ office eager to inspire young Egyptians
Cairo, Egypt: Architect Dalia Sadany, the creative mind behind Trend Micro’s flagship office in Egypt, has won a prestigious A’ Design Award and Competition, in the Interior Space and Exhibition Design Category. As the world’s largest design competition, A’ Design honors the best designs, design concepts, products and services around the globe. Trend Micro, a global leader in cybersecurity solutions headquartered in Japan, is located in the Greek Campus of the American University of Cairo, in an area that houses some of the most prestigious buildings in downtown Cairo.
The Trend Micro office was designed to be more than just a functional office space as it also acts as a training center for recent university graduates. The essence of the design was to combine functionality and the energetic influence required for the educational hub, while reflecting Trend Micro’s position as a global technology company.
“Trend Micro’s commitment to Egypt goes beyond supporting its customers and fighting cybercriminals to make the world safer to exchange digital information. With our student program, we are investing in the future of the country, and we aim to positively influence the coming generations,” said Keith Foster, Senior Director of Strategic Projects for Trend Micro. “To attract talent, we believe the right working environment is important too. Working with Dalia Sadany has been an absolute delight. She has created a perfect environment for Trend Micro, and for the students. From the beginning, she understood our needs, and saw the importance of a project close to the heart of everyone involved. She has created an iconic office for us, and something that has opened a new chapter for Trend Micro.”
Foster continues: “With this program and this great new office space, we want to give the Egyptian youth the chance to prove that they can excel. Our education initiative for students that show talent and enthusiasm for IT security is fully aligned with the country’s strategy to empower young professionals. The goal is to prepare them for high-demand jobs in information technology and support the country’s transformation program to a digital economy.”
“As an architect and a designer, I seek perfection, and this project is very close to my heart as I knew that my designs would affect the students and could change their way of thinking about educational premises,” commented Dalia Sadany. “They all deserve that kind of architectural attention to their mental welfare as it will eventually reflect on their future. The Trend Micro office needed its aesthetic design to fulfil its mission to positively influence youth. Working with Trend Micro has been an absolute pleasure. I was encouraged by the extreme support and belief from the company’s President and senior leadership team who came from around the world to witness the opening of this office.”
The design elements of the office include the use of broken lines and the manipulation of space to create a futuristic working and studying environment. The office also features a lot of glass and mirrors that have been used to augment sunlight, while a glass bridge offers a grand view of the entire office, all the way to the entrance.
The building itself is a very distinctive, bold, industrial, utilitarian structure, with metal Islamic-influenced window covers. It also has an elaborate and abstract version of the traditional lattice-work “Mashrabeyia,” all combining to craft an iconic look.
The new office also blends the landscape, intentionally bringing the outdoors inside to make people using the place feel that they are very close to nature to break the traditional feeling of being inside an office. Designs were also intentional, allowing the water for the irrigation system to be heard, thus accentuating the effect of nature to the auditory and visual senses.
About Trend Micro:
Trend Micro Incorporated, a global leader in cybersecurity solutions, helps to make the world safe for exchanging digital information. Our innovative solutions for consumers, businesses, and governments provide layered security for data centers, cloud environments, networks, and endpoints. All our products work together to seamlessly share threat intelligence and provide a connected threat defense with centralized visibility and control, enabling better, faster protection. With over 5,000 employees in over 50 countries and the world’s most advanced global threat intelligence, Trend Micro enables organizations to secure their journey to the cloud.

domain: design


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We are featuring guest blogger, Emily Burke, as she shares her story of first discovering Cindy’s work as an Animal Communicator. Emily describes how Cindy went from being a “Crazy Pet Lady” in her mind, to helping her misunderstood cat Mushu feel better and aided in repairing their relationship.
“… If you’re like most normal human beings and don’t believe in weird psychic shit like I do… that’s okay… because even just *imagining* your pet saying all these things will bring some clarity, some laughs, and some tears ;-). The very first thing animal communicator Cindy Brody said was…”
If you and your fur babies can use some Animal Communication help, reach out to us here. Tell us a little bit about your situation and someone will be in touch to help you setup an appointment. Click here to learn more about CinergE Animal Communication and Healing.

domain: pet


text: I will be at Wildflower Trails in Hughes Springs, Texas on April 26-27. Joining me will be Author Shanna Spence. We will be signing books and I will have jewelry and art for sale. If you’ve never been to Wildflower Trails you’ve missed out! There is so much going on and a lot of crafts to drool over. We will be at booth 70. Please come by and say hi.

domain: literature


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Located on the shores of Lake Taupo the new house complements the old “bach” and provides holiday accommodation for larger family groups. The over-riding focus of the new house is the lake shore and view to the distant volcanic plateau. A set back of 5m from the shore boundary was stipulated in the planning rules.
The form follows the land contour and provides a living “terrace” elevated about 1 metre above the ground level and a sleeping”terrace” above which looks over the living area to the lake beyond.
Large sliding doors along the frontage open onto a large deck, ideal for long summer evenings. A monopitch roof hovers above the terraces and focuses the interior on the view.

domain: geography


DK Metcalf is the face of the Seahawks franchise. That’s not a bad thing. He is an effervescent player who is physically capable of doing things the rest of us mortals cannot, and he appears to have a lot of fun while playing football.
But Seattle still needs more from Metcalf in 2022. So far this year, Metcalf has just one game with more than 88 yards receiving. He has zero games with multiple touchdowns. In the one game he did have with more than 88 yards receiving – 149 yards in Week 4 versus the Lions – Metcalf didn’t score a touchdown even though the offense scored 41.
Metcalf is on pace for 130 targets, though. This would be a career high. So, if you might be thinking that Metcalf isn’t as productive this year because he is seeing the ball less, you’d be wrong. Also, fellow receiver Tyler Lockett has 6 fewer targets this season than Metcalf but one more touchdown and 59 more yards.
3 takeaways from Seahawks receiver DK Metcalf in Week 10
Observation 1: The offense wasn’t built for DK but that’s kind of OK
In Seattle’s Week 10 loss to the Buccaneers, Metcalf was targeted 9 times. That is the third-most this season. He caught 6 of the targets for 71 yards and no touchdowns. Metcalf was on the field on 90 percent of the Seattle offensive snaps, however, and that was his most since Week 5.
For Seattle’s offense to truly work the way offensive coordinator Shane Waldron wants it to work, the team needs to run the ball very effectively, though. Metcalf can be brilliant but the offense isn’t designed for him to create explosive plays without help. Against Tampa Bay, Seattle couldn’t run and therefore the offense was a lot more stagnant.
While Geno Smith is having a great season, he is also less likely to force passes to Metcalf as well. Smith is using his tight ends more effectively than Russell Wilson ever did and Smith is throwing to running backs as well. This is what the offense is supposed to do and it’s been mostly effective this season. Metcalf is a key part of the offense but it can also be good when he isn’t, just not in Week 10.


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Ferulic acidis a hydroxycinnamic acid, a type of organic compound. It is an abundant phenolic phytochemical found in plant cell wall components such as arabinoxylans as covalent side chains. Ferulic acid is one of the component of asafoetida, the dried latex from the giant fennel (Ferula...
Ferulic acidis a hydroxycinnamic acid, a type of organic compound. It is an abundant phenolic phytochemical found in plant cell wall components such as arabinoxylans as covalent side chains.
Ferulic acid is one of the component of asafoetida, the dried latex from the giant fennel (Ferula communis).
Ferulic acid, like many natural phenols, is an antioxidant in vitro in the sense that it is reactive toward free radicals such as reactive oxygen species (ROS). Ferulic acid may have pro-apoptotic effects in cancer cells, thereby leading to their destruction Ferulic acid may be effective at preventing cancer induced by exposure to the carcinogenic compounds benzopyrene and 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide.
ferulic acid may reduce oxidative stress and formation of thymine dimers in skin. There is also a small amount of research showing oral supplements of ferulic acid can inhibit melanin production in the process of skin whitening.
1. Inhibit platelet aggregation, increase 3H-5HT releasing from platelet. natural ferulic acid 98%
2. Inhibit thrombosis, lower blood viscosity, in order to increase brain microcirculation, it can used for curing ischemia palsy. natural ferulic acid 98%
3. Antioxidation, clear free radical, protective cell, accommodate body immune function. natural ferulic acid 98%
4. Anti-bacteria, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti- mutation, anti- ultraviolet radiation.
5. Enhance human body's motility of sperm and mobility. natural ferulic acid 98%
1.Ferulic acid is wide used into medicine, food, cosmetics field . natural ferulic acid 98%
2.It was used as the anti-inflammatory Drugs, pain, antithrombotic, ultraviolet radiation, anti-free radical and immune function of human body ,In the clinical ,it was used as the treatment of those diseases such as coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, vasculitis, leukopenia and thrombocytopenia. natural ferulic acid 98%
3.It also wide used in the food, cosmetic, mainly as an antioxidant . natural ferulic acid 98%
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Add:Room 308,North Wanke Creative quarter,No2000,Dongming Road, Pudong new district,Shanghai, China

domain: chemistry


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Brent and Crystal Fernung's Journeyman Stud in Ocala, Fla., has named Michelle Hemingway to the position of senior bloodstock associate.
Hemingway, who will primarily be responsible for stallion season sales and marketing, previously was director of bloodstock for Stonewall Farm Ocala and was a consultant to Team Valor International.
Hemingway got her start in the Thoroughbred industry in South Africa as an assistant to trainers Glen Kotzen and Joey Ramsden. Upon returning to the U.S. in 2008, she joined Adena Springs' former Ocala operation as a season sales assistant and has resided in Marion County since.
"Her knowledge, enthusiasm, and work ethic make her a perfect fit for Journeyman, and we believe our breeders and clients will benefit from her customer service and relationship-building skills," Brent Fernung said.
"I look forward to contributing to the highly respected Journeyman stallion division, as well as many other areas of the organization," Hemingway said.


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Live from Olympic Way at Wembley (26/05/2018)
Join Daz Hale on BBC WM 95.6.
Connie plays great music and talks through the issues that matter to you with guests.
Live music, cabaret and your events
Join Anna Louise on BBC Radio Kent.
Rap Dat and Zahra Barri!
Comedy and larks, all wrapped up in the most exciting new British Asian music
Join Sarah Urwin on BBC Radio York.
Join John Rose on BBC Radio Northampton.
Your favourite songs in an hour of non-stop music chosen by you.
Join Jonathan Fido on BBC Wiltshire.
Join Jack Rafferty on BBC Radio Leicester.
Join Richard Lewis on BBC Radio Bristol.
Time Of Our Lives plays the big hits from two mystery years every weekday from 12noon.
Join David Smith on BBC Radio Gloucestershire.
Join Georgy Jamieson on BBC Radio Suffolk.
It's not Gavin and Stacey, it's Graham and Ruth! The actor/writer joins #TeamNorton to talk about her debut novel Never Greener
Graham Norton entertaining the nation, with a vibrant mix of celeb guests and chat.
Join Roger Lyon on BBC Radio Merseyside.
Chewing the fat on the week's events, in front of a live audience.
Celebrating the weekend with Nick Carter.
Join Ronnie Barbour on BBC Essex.
Birmingham Pride (26/05/2018)
Hear BBC WM's special covering different people, groups, events, sports and more.
Nothing But The 70s (26/05/2018)
Join Jason Hardy on BBC Radio Manchester.
Join Glen Hunt on BBC Radio Lancashire.
BBC Radio Solent's best bits of the week, plus sport previews and music.
Join Paul 'Goffy' Gough on BBC Tees.
Join Graham Dene on BBC Sussex and BBC Surrey.
Come In A Taxi
Join James Hoggarth on BBC Radio Humberside.
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Todd Brightwell Heads Advisors Consulting Services
Salt Lake City (Feb. 1, 2017)—Coldwell Banker Commercial Advisors (CBC Advisors) announced today the creation of a new consulting services division, Advisors Consulting Services. CBC has been providing tenant representation and advisory, location and relocation services since its founding in San Francisco in the early 1900s. This new service line will focus on location advisory strategy, incentive advocacy and economic development consulting. “These services will be available in addition to the current consulting services the firm already offers clients in support of our brokers,” said Rob Cord, President of CBC Advisors. “These service lines include occupier services in space utilization forecasting, site selection, planning, relocation, project management, valuation, asset management, property management and lease administration. This new division will create a unique and powerful blend of economic development activities and commercial real estate resources.”
The new division will be branded Advisors Consulting Services and will be housed in the company’s new offices on the 22nd floor of the iconic 111 Main tower in downtown Salt Lake City.
The new division will rely heavily on the experience of CBC Advisors’ CEO Lew Cramer. Cramer was the founding president and CEO of World Trade Center Utah and worked as a high-level trade official in both the Reagan and first Bush administrations. He is considered one of the most connected economic development professionals in the United States.
The objective of economic development consulting is to work with local government entities to improve their business development activities. The purpose of location advisory services and incentive advocacy is to assist companies with broader location strategies and incentive negotiations–working with the most qualified brokers in the regions being evaluated.
“Our location advisory services will assist companies in gathering key information to help them make fact-based decisions,” said Brightwell. “We also see ourselves as connectors, connecting local entities to the site selector and commercial real estate communities,” continued Brightwell. “We will use these connections to deliver economic development resources not previously available to local governments.”
CBC Advisors operates from 30 offices nationwide and was named the fastest-growing mid-size commercial real estate services company by Real Estate Forum at the end of 2016.


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A pizza delivery driver shot and killed a suspect attempting to rob him and left another in critical condition.
According to reports three suspects attempted to rob the driver on the 8100 block of Southwestern Blvd but the driver had a gun and was able to shoot two of the suspects.
When officers arrived they found two suspects suffering from gunshot wounds and they were transported to a nearby hospital where one died and one remains in critical condition.
Authorities arrested a third suspect on the scene that appeared to be unharmed.
The delivery driver was uninjured and no charges have been filed at this time.


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No, I haven’t gone all healthy on you…”when fast-food won’t do” doesn’t mean I’ve given up eating at all my favorite drive-thrus. Rather my eating out budget has been drastically reduced as we have shifted priorities in our family budget. Now I want to save that money for just the right night. But what is a girl to do when she gets home from work and is exhausted and hasn’t a clue what to do for dinner?
Here are some quick and easy fall-backs. Plan your grocery list each month to include these items and you won’t find yourself in need of running through the drive-thru as often as before.
- Tortellini. Open a bag and boil it–it takes about 10 minutes. Slice up an apple, throw some little carrots and maybe cut up some other veggies and D-O-N-E. We server our tortellini with cheese and some Italian seasonings.
- Quesadillas (The Mexican version of Grilled Cheese). Always have flour tortillas on hand and a big bag of mexican blend cheese. I often have some frozen grilled chicken strips that we can heat and add to quesadillas too. My girls like just cheese and maybe a bit of chicken. I also like to put onions on mine. Simply heat a nonstick skillet and place one tortilla down in the skillet. Sprinkle the tortilla with cheese and other desired items then top with another tortilla. Flip the tortilla when it is browned and before it chars! Open a can of refried beans or some Ranch Style Beans (K-Mart sells then in PA) serve with some little carrots.
- Burritos. This is a favorite at our house. Open up cans of refried beans (it takes two cans for my family) and heat on the stove. I sprinkle some fajita seasoning into the beans and stir it in while they heat up. Then pull out those flour tortillas again. Zap the tortillas for a few seconds in the microwave to warm them up. I put mine between two damp paper towels and warm for a few seconds. Then load them up with beans, cheese, and onions…even lettuce if you want. I like to serve with Taco Bell Hot Sauce and Sour Cream and then of course some chopped apples or other easy fruit to cut and serve. (Sometimes I just set the clementine bowl on the table and that serves as our fruit selection for the evening)
- Fish Sticks/Portions. Keep in the freezer you favorite battered fish. Prepare this along with some frozen broccoli and some fresh fruit (or my throw-down fruit of canned mandarin oranges when the fruit basket is empty)
Tiny Bit of Thinking
- Pancakes. I keep a box of Aunt Jemima’s Original in my pantry at all times (along with syrup of course too!). I mix in an individual serving pack of applesauce and sprinkle in some cinnamon into the batter before firing up the griddle for dinner on the table in less than 20 minutes. Sometimes we have sausage and/or eggs too but often it is pancakes and fruit. (Then a bag of popcorn later when we are a teeny bit hungry before bedtime.)
- Tacos. Brown some ground meat and empty the taco seasoning and water (per package instructions) into the browned meat. Serve on warmed hard shells, tortillas, or tortilla chips. You can load the tacos with as much or as little as you can stand to prepare (shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, sour cream, salsa) Refried beans, black beans, or corn on the side are a nice addition too.
- Spaghetti. I have a child that does not care for spaghetti (I guess she takes after her Grandaddy). However, it is a perfect “tiny bit of thinking” meal. One pot of water to boil the noodles and one skillet to brown the ground meat (maybe some onions and peppers too) and then add a jar of your favorite sauce. Pull green beans out of the freezer and pop open a can of crescent rolls or french bread and you are on your way to dinner on the table in no time.
- Salad bags are good to have for throw down meals…that is if your family eats salad. Most of mine doesn’t.
- Fresh Veggies…call it Crudite and it sounds more fancy …like you spent some time on it!
- Slice up Fruit- apples and pears are quick favorites for our mindless and tiny bit of thinking meals
- Frozen vegetables are quick and easy to prepare. I like to have broccoli and green beans all the time in my freezer.
So the next time you are on your way home from a long day of work and feel your car pulling towards Chick-fil-a or Burger King, resist! You can still have an easy meal at home with your family for a lot less cost and a lot less salt!
Mindless meals give you more time to snuggle with the ones you love.
That is the name my girls gave to the dish I created tonight…..yes….I actually made something without any recipe—miracles DO still happen.
I am not one that likes to go-it-alone in the kitchen without a recipe because I HATE to mess up and I HATE to waste food (and messed up food is a waste!). But tonight I was stuck. Thursday nights are often quesadillas or burritos for us (Dad isn’t home for dinner). Both of those options require tortillas and I was low on tortillas. The other Thursday night option is often pancakes and I just wasn’t in the mood. So I hit the freezer. There I found some of my favorite grilled chicken strips from Tyson’s.
But what could I do with them?
Ahhh…..some noodles….but what else?
Good ole “Cream of” to the rescue….I could mix that in with some milk to thin it out.
Chicken Noodle Yum!
Boil water to prepare 3 cups of medium egg noodles.
2 cups of Tyson’s Grilled and Ready chicken
- warm the chicken in a non-stick skillet for 3 minutes
Add to chicken
- one can of cream of chicken soup
- milk…probably 1/4 cup???? The purpose was to thin out the soup- I didn’t measure as I dumped the soup in a 2 cup measuring cup and then poured milk over it until the milk was even with the dumped out soup.
- stir and pour over the chicken warming in the skillet
By this time your noodles should be done.
Drain the noodles and add to the chicken and soup mixture.
Then I seasoned with salt and pepper.
I also had some spices from Christmas from my MIL. I sprinkled the Pasta Sprinkle from Penzeys Spices over everything. Basically this is just basil, oregano, garlic and tyme in a jar!
Both of my girls ate it right up and I loved that we had a warm meal quickly after a busy afternoon.
I tried really hard to mess this recipe up and it still turned out tasty! I don’t know where my brain was while I was preparing it but it wasn’t functioning for sure. I found this recipe on another blogger’s site after she liked one of my recent posts. (I thought it only right to go and see who this person was and check out what she might have on her blog! You should check her out too. I’ve linked her below)
Since I’m trying to prepare fewer red meat meals for my family, I thought this one might be a good one to try. Chicken, especially chicken breasts, often have very little flavor and I can’t stand to eat leftover chicken….BUT with this recipe, I’m looking forward to the leftovers.
So on the greengourmetbooks.com you will find:
- 3 large chicken breasts and cut them in 1″ wide strips but then cut those down to where they were nice, finger food size. This made enough for my family of four.
Then I doubled the “rub” because remember, I LOVE flavor.
So mine was:
- 2 Tbsp Smoked Paprika (Yes, they make this. If your spice jar just says “paprika” then you don’t have smoked, you have sweet. Purchase the one that says “smoked paprika” evidently there is also a “hot paprika” too)
- 4 teaspoons Brown Sugar
- 2 teaspoons Mustard Powder
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil (Of course this would be “brain blink” #1—-I forgot to put the olive oil in until I had rubbed the spice mix on half of my chicken. So then I sprayed the already rubbed chicken with cooking spray and since 1/2 of the rub was gone I then only added 1 T of Olive Oil….see what I mean by trying hard)
- Salt and Pepper to taste (This would be “brain blink” #2—I forgot this altogether. My handsome fella loves salt so I remembered about 12 minutes into the baking and pulled them out and sprinkled everything with salt and pepper.)
Lori at greengourmetbooks.com says that these are great served cold for a picnic or bagged lunch OR serve hot on a bed of rice for a family dinner. Well, that would be “brain blink” #3…I forgot to make the rice and had every intention of preparing it.
So we just ate ours with the corn-on-the-cob, Ranch Style beans, and apple slices- no rice.
This is a winner of a recipe—even my child that had been running fever all day ate some without being asked to eat. We will be having this again—maybe next time for a picnic in the park!
If you need a fast dinner and you have eggs and deli ham in the refrigerator, then this meal is for you! Several years ago I found a recipe on kraftfoods.com for an Easy Herb Frittata. The first time I made this for my family I called it the “Sun and Fun Frittata” in hopes that my girls, then 2 and 5 would eat it….they did! And even tonight with a few different things thrown in the mix—they gobbled it up.
This really is an easy one to whip up. I was able to mix up the eggs and goodies and just leave it in the refrigerator for my husband to then pour into the greased pie plate and slip it into the oven so we could eat as a family when child #2 and I walked in from dance class. We served it with a wonderful mixed green salad.
Since finding the recipe I have tweaked it to make it my own…here is how I make it.
Sun and Fun Frittata
Beat, with a wire whisk (or just a fork!) in a mixing bowl:
- 8 eggs
- 2 Tablespoons of water
- deli ham (I usually just tear it up and stop putting it in when it looks like enough! The original recipe says 4 oz)
- snip up some fresh parsley (I have some growing in a pot on my deck)
- add any other leftover vegetables you might want to include. This time I had some fresh mushrooms that I sliced and chopped for our dish. Red or Green bell peppers would be good too.
- a nice handful of mozzarella cheese (or swiss or a Italian blend would work too)
Finish off by adding to taste:
- dash or so of white pepper (I used white pepper originally because my girls would balk at anything dark in their food. They have grown out of that but I still use the white pepper!)
- dash or salt
Now you can cover and place that in the refrigerator until you are ready to pour and bake.
Pour Egg mixture into a greased 9-inch pie plate
Bake, in a preheated 350° oven, for 30 minutes or until puffed and golden brown.
I would recommend that you make two if you have more than 3 good eaters in your family. We are a family of four (two of those four being girls under the age of 11) and only had one little sliver left.
It was a dark and stormy night…perfect for a warm, filling meal like Mexican Casserole! This is a recipe that my mother-in-law wrote down in a cookbook she gave to us for our wedding. So we have been eating this one for 18 years! It doesn’t really fit with my “lean and healthy” recipes that I’ve been trying to make more of lately but the day was just screaming for something in our comfort food genre. I had all the ingredients on hand.
Brown in a skillet:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
Drain off fat and return to the skillet.
Add to the meat mixture:
- 1 can Ranch Style beans
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can Ro-Tel
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp chili powder
Stir and then simmer for 10 minutes.
Layer in a greased 3 quart casserole dish
- Tortilla chips
- meat mixture
- grated cheddar cheese
Bake, uncovered for 30 minutes in a 300° oven.
We like to serve it with salsa, pico and/or sour cream.
If you live north of the Mason-Dixon line it might be hard to find the Ranch Style Beans. KMart often carries them so try there. I am thankful to my SIL who supplies me with them via the “if it fits it ships” boxes from the USPS.
Thursday nights at our house are just the girls and I for dinner. Often times ( I must confess) I simply open up their favorite cans of dinner and heat and serve….yes the dreaded Chef Boyardee and Spaghettios. OK, I said it—confession is good for the soul.
But this week, even though I had the cans in the pantry, I decided to make something for dinner. I had a Chili Mac recipe that I’ve made before but I didn’t really follow it. Here is what I did instead (these items are almost always in my pantry/refrigerator so this works for a good “throw down” meal)
In a large skillet cook over medium heat:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 c chopped onion
Drain off fat from beef
Stir into meat and onions:
- 1 can of Ro-Tel
- chopped green bell pepper (I put about 3/4 cup in)
- 8 oz tomato sauce
- 1/2 of the tomato sauce can of water…so I guess that would be 4 oz!
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1 cup dried elbow macaroni
Bring all of that to a boil
Cover, reduce heat to simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes or until the pasta is tender.
I cut up some strawberries and put out some raw mini-carrots and voila! dinner is served.
So I checked the mail before waiting for the school bus yesterday and that was the ticket to dinner! My Food Network Magazine was in there so I flipped through it while waiting for the girls to get home. I had already decided to make none other than the exciting Grilled Cheese for dinner but then I saw Melissa d’Arabian’s recipe ads for Kellogg’s.
She had a spiced apple compote that she was serving on Kellogg’s waffles. Well, I had a box of waffles in the freezer and all the ingredients for the compote so dinner took a new look—Waffles and left over sausage! Perfect dinner for a night when Brad isn’t home.
Emily helped me make the compote. It was a nice addition to the waffles.
Spiced Apple Compote
Peel, Core, and Cut into 1/2 inch pieces:
- 2 baking apples (I used granny smith apples)
In a small saucepan combine:
- 2 T sugar
- 1 T lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
Cook and stir over medium-high heat about 5 minutes or until slightly softened.
Reduce heat to medium.
Cook, covered, for 12 minutes or until softened, stirring occasionally.

domain: food


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text:
As children, we are often captivated by the magic and wonder of animated worlds. These fantastical realms allow our imaginations to run wild and transport us to places beyond our wildest dreams. Among these enchanting universes is the beloved Fífia franchise, a timeless series that has captured the hearts of children and adults alike for decades.
From books to screens, Fífia has evolved into a global phenomenon, captivating audiences with its endearing characters, captivating storylines, and moral lessons. In this blog post, we will delve into the world of Fífia, exploring its enduring popularity, cultural impact, and legacy in children’s entertainment. Join us as we embark on a journey through the whimsical world of Fífia and discover the magic that has made it a household name.
Fífia: Unveiling the Magic of Animated Adventures
Fífia, also known as Pippi Longstocking, is a fictional character created by Swedish author Astrid Lindgren. The first book in the series, “Pippi Långstrump,” was published in 1945, and since then, Fífia has become a beloved icon in children’s literature. The series follows the adventures of Fífia, a strong-willed and independent young girl with bright red hair, mismatched socks, and superhuman strength.
Fífia’s unconventional and carefree nature has resonated with generations of readers, making her a beloved character around the world. Her mischievous antics and fearless spirit have inspired children to embrace their individuality and stand up for what they believe in. Fífia’s character embodies the idea of being true to oneself, a message that has remained relevant throughout the years.
Fífia: An Icon of Empowerment
One of the most significant aspects of Fífia’s character is her unwavering self-confidence and independence. Despite being a young girl, Fífia is not afraid to speak her mind, challenge authority, and take on adventures on her own. This portrayal of a strong and empowered female character was groundbreaking at the time of the book’s release and continues to be a source of inspiration for young girls today.
Fífia’s character has also been praised for breaking gender stereotypes. She defies traditional gender roles by engaging in activities typically associated with boys, such as sailing, carpentry, and horseback riding. This representation of a strong and capable female character has had a significant impact on children’s literature, paving the way for more diverse and empowering characters in the future.
The Magic of Fífia’s World
Apart from its endearing protagonist, the Fífia franchise is also known for its whimsical and imaginative world. Fífia’s house, Villa Villekulla, is a colorful and chaotic place filled with hidden treasures, secret passageways, and unconventional furniture. This setting allows readers to escape into a world of fantasy and wonder, where anything is possible.
Moreover, Fífia’s world is filled with eccentric and lovable characters, such as her pet monkey Mr. Nilsson and her friends Tommy and Annika. These characters add depth and humor to the stories, making them even more enjoyable for readers of all ages. The combination of Fífia’s character, her world, and the supporting cast has created a magical universe that has stood the test of time.
Enchanting the Imagination: Exploring Fífia’s Beguiling World
The success of the Fífia franchise is not limited to its books. Over the years, Fífia has expanded into various forms of media, including films, TV shows, and video games. Each adaptation has brought Fífia’s world to life in unique ways, captivating audiences and introducing new generations to the beloved character.
Fífia on the Big Screen
In 1969, the first Fífia film, “Pippi Longstocking,” was released, bringing the beloved character to the big screen. The film was a critical and commercial success, with its vibrant colors, catchy songs, and faithful adaptation of the book. Since then, several more Fífia films have been released, each one adding to the franchise’s enduring popularity.
One of the most notable adaptations is the 1988 Swedish TV series, “Fífia på rymmen” (Fífia Runs Away). This series brought Fífia’s adventures to life in a new and exciting way, with its charming animation and engaging storylines. The series was also dubbed into several languages, making Fífia accessible to a global audience.
Fífia on the Small Screen
In addition to films, Fífia has also made her mark on television. In 1997, the animated TV series “Pippi Långstrump” was released, featuring Fífia’s adventures in her signature hand-drawn style. The show was a hit among children, with its colorful animation, catchy theme song, and lovable characters.
More recently, in 2019, a live-action TV series titled “Fífia på Äventyr” (Pippi Goes on Adventures) was released, bringing Fífia’s world to a new generation of viewers. This series featured a diverse cast and modernized some aspects of the original story while staying true to the heart of Fífia’s character.
Fífia in the Digital Age
As technology continues to advance, so does the Fífia franchise. In recent years, Fífia has made her way into the digital world through video games and apps. These interactive platforms allow children to engage with Fífia’s world in a whole new way, immersing themselves in her adventures and learning valuable lessons along the way.
One of the most popular Fífia games is “Pippi Långstrump på Äventyr” (Pippi Longstocking on Adventure), where players can join Fífia on her adventures and complete various challenges. This game not only entertains but also encourages problem-solving and creativity, making it a hit among parents and children alike.
From Books to Screens: Fífia’s Journey Across Mediums
The success of the Fífia franchise can be attributed to its ability to transcend mediums. The character’s enduring popularity has allowed her to make the transition from books to screens seamlessly, captivating audiences in each form. This adaptability has made Fífia a household name and solidified her place in children’s entertainment.
The Power of Adaptation
Adapting a book into a film or TV show is no easy feat, as it requires staying true to the source material while also making necessary changes for the new medium. However, the Fífia franchise has managed to do this successfully, thanks to its strong source material and talented creators.
Each adaptation of Fífia has brought something new to the table, whether it be through animation, live-action, or modernization. This diversity has allowed different generations to connect with Fífia in their own way, ensuring that her legacy lives on for years to come.
Fífia’s Enduring Popularity
Despite being created over 75 years ago, Fífia’s popularity has not waned. She continues to be a beloved character among children and adults, with new generations discovering her adventures every day. This enduring popularity can be attributed to the timeless themes and messages present in the Fífia franchise.
Moreover, Fífia’s character and world are relatable to children from all walks of life. Her independence, courage, and sense of adventure resonate with children who are navigating their own paths in life. Fífia’s stories also touch on universal themes such as friendship, family, and standing up for what is right, making them relevant to readers of all ages.
Unraveling Fífia’s Enduring Popularity: A Cultural Analysis
The success of the Fífia franchise is not limited to Sweden, where it originated. Over the years, Fífia has become a global phenomenon, captivating audiences in different countries and cultures. This widespread appeal can be attributed to several factors, including Fífia’s character, her world, and the cultural impact of the franchise.
The Power of Translation
One of the reasons for Fífia’s global reach is the availability of translations in various languages. The books have been translated into over 70 languages, making them accessible to children around the world. This has allowed Fífia to transcend language barriers and capture the hearts of readers from different cultures.
Moreover, the translations have stayed true to the original stories, preserving the charm and magic of Fífia’s world. This has allowed children from different countries to experience the same adventures and lessons as those who grew up reading the books in Swedish.
Fífia’s enduring popularity has also had a significant cultural impact, both in Sweden and other countries. In Sweden, Fífia is considered a national treasure, with her image appearing on stamps, coins, and even a theme park. She has become an iconic figure in Swedish culture, representing the country’s values of individuality, creativity, and equality.
In other countries, Fífia has also left her mark, inspiring generations of children to embrace their uniqueness and stand up for what they believe in. Her message of empowerment and self-confidence has resonated with children from different backgrounds, making her a beloved character around the world.
Fífia’s Timeless Appeal: Lessons in Storytelling and Character Development
Apart from its cultural impact, the Fífia franchise has also left a lasting impression on children’s entertainment. The series has set a high standard for storytelling and character development, inspiring future creators to follow in its footsteps.
The Art of Storytelling
The Fífia franchise is a prime example of how a well-crafted story can capture the hearts and minds of readers. The books’ simple yet engaging narrative, combined with the colorful and imaginative world, creates a captivating reading experience for children. This has set a benchmark for children’s literature, encouraging authors to create stories that are both entertaining and meaningful.
Moreover, each adaptation of Fífia has stayed true to the heart of the story while adding new elements to keep audiences engaged. This has allowed the franchise to evolve and remain relevant throughout the years, proving the power of a well-told story.
Fífia’s character development is another aspect that sets the franchise apart. Throughout the series, Fífia grows and learns valuable lessons, making her a relatable and dynamic character. Her relationships with other characters also evolve, teaching children the importance of friendship and empathy.
Furthermore, Fífia’s character development has been consistent across all forms of media, ensuring that her core values and personality remain intact. This attention to detail and consistency has made Fífia a beloved and relatable character for generations.
Inspiring Generations: Fífia’s Legacy in Children’s Entertainment
The Fífia franchise has not only entertained children but also inspired them to embrace their individuality, stand up for what they believe in, and explore their imaginations. This legacy has had a significant impact on children’s entertainment, paving the way for more diverse and empowering content.
A Role Model for Children
Fífia’s character has become a role model for children, teaching them valuable lessons about self-confidence, independence, and standing up for what is right. Her unconventional nature and fearlessness have inspired children to embrace their uniqueness and be proud of who they are.
Moreover, Fífia’s character has also taught children the importance of empathy and kindness towards others. Her relationships with her friends and animals showcase the value of friendship and treating others with respect and compassion.
A Timeless Franchise
The Fífia franchise’s legacy is not limited to its impact on children’s entertainment but also its enduring popularity. Even after 75 years, Fífia continues to capture the hearts of new generations, proving that a well-crafted story and lovable characters can stand the test of time.
Fífia’s legacy has also been preserved through various forms of merchandise, such as toys, clothing, and home decor. These products allow children to bring Fífia’s world into their own homes and continue to engage with the franchise in their own way.
Navigating Moral Dilemmas with Fífia: Lessons in Ethics and Friendship
Apart from its enchanting world and lovable characters, the Fífia franchise also tackles important moral dilemmas and teaches valuable lessons about ethics and friendship. These themes are prevalent throughout the series and have had a significant impact on children’s understanding of these concepts.
Fífia’s adventures often involve moral dilemmas, where she must make difficult decisions that challenge her values and beliefs. These situations teach children about the importance of making ethical choices and standing up for what is right, even when it is not easy.
Moreover, Fífia’s character also serves as an example of ethical behavior. She is honest, kind, and fair, showcasing the importance of these values in everyday life. This has helped children develop a strong moral compass and understand the consequences of their actions.
The Power of Friendship
Friendship is a prevalent theme in the Fífia franchise, with the character’s relationships with her friends being a significant aspect of the stories. Fífia’s friendships with Tommy and Annika, as well as her animal companions, teach children about the value of friendship and how it can enrich our lives.
Moreover, Fífia’s character also teaches children about the importance of accepting others for who they are. Despite their differences, Fífia’s friends accept and support her, showcasing the power of true friendship. This message has had a significant impact on children’s understanding of diversity and inclusion.
Fífia’s Global Reach: Transcending Borders through Animation
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Fífia franchise is its global reach. The series has been translated into numerous languages, adapted into different forms of media, and captured the hearts of children from various cultures. This widespread appeal can be attributed to the power of animation, which has allowed Fífia to transcend borders and connect with audiences around the world.
The Universal Language of Animation
Animation is a powerful tool that can break language barriers and connect people from different cultures. The Fífia franchise has utilized this medium to its advantage, creating animated adaptations that have appealed to children from all corners of the globe.
Moreover, animation allows for more creative and imaginative storytelling, making it the perfect medium for bringing Fífia’s world to life. The colorful and whimsical animation in the Fífia adaptations has captured the attention of children and adults alike, making it a universal language that transcends cultural differences.
Cultural Representation in Animation
Apart from its universal appeal, animation also allows for cultural representation. In the Fífia franchise, this is evident in the diverse cast of characters, each representing different cultures and backgrounds. This representation not only makes the stories more relatable but also teaches children about different cultures and promotes diversity and inclusion.
Moreover, the Fífia franchise has also been adapted into different languages, with each version staying true to the original story while incorporating cultural elements. This has allowed children from different countries to experience Fífia’s adventures in their own language and cultural context.
Fífia Toys and Merchandise: A Symphony of Imaginative Play
Apart from books and media adaptations, the Fífia franchise has also expanded into the world of toys and merchandise. These products allow children to bring Fífia’s world into their own homes and engage in imaginative play, further immersing themselves in the franchise.
The Power of Play
Play is an essential part of childhood, allowing children to explore their imaginations, develop social skills, and learn about the world around them. The Fífia franchise has harnessed this power by creating a range of toys and merchandise that encourage imaginative play.
From Fífia dolls to Villa Villekulla playsets, these products allow children to recreate their favorite scenes from the books and adaptations or create new adventures for Fífia and her friends. This not only entertains but also promotes creativity and problem-solving skills.
A Symphony of Imagination
The Fífia franchise’s merchandise is not limited to toys but also includes clothing, home decor, and even food products. Each product captures the whimsy and magic of Fífia’s world, allowing fans to incorporate their love for the franchise into their everyday lives.
Moreover, the variety of products available allows children to engage with the franchise in different ways, whether it be through play, fashion, or home decor. This diversity adds to the overall appeal of the franchise and ensures that there is something for every fan to enjoy.
In conclusion, the Fífia franchise is a timeless series that has captured the hearts of children and adults for over 75 years. From its lovable characters and enchanting world to its enduring popularity and cultural impact, Fífia has become a beloved icon in children’s entertainment.
Through its books, films, TV shows, and merchandise, the Fífia franchise has inspired generations of children to embrace their individuality, stand up for what they believe in, and explore their imaginations. Its legacy will continue to live on, inspiring future creators and captivating audiences for years to come. So let us raise our glasses to Fífia, the strong-willed and independent girl who taught us to never stop dreaming and always be true to ourselves.


The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) scheduled to have a subway weekend closure beginning February 3rd from St. Clair West to Union station.
Voted Transit System of the Year in 2017, many commuters would not agree with this statement after high waiting times at major subway stations this past week.
On Tuesday, line 1 of the subway faced “abysmal” service when commuters were forced to wait at St. George and Bloor-Yonge, the major transferring stations.
The reasons behind the major delays included clearing overnight track work, a train emitting smoke, door problems and a 21 minute delay.
Many were not pleased with the service and took to twitter to ask for an explanation as to why the commute was so difficult that Tuesday morning.
Spokesperson for the TTC, Brad Ross issued an apology for the morning service.
For more information on upcoming closures visit the TTC website.
Image by Laura Anonen.


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Highly active, clever little people with lots of opinions. They will undoubtedly be sitting by computers, but they also need toys and games to play with and real world objects. They have got stacks of energy so anything involving hurling objects around outside is good. Kites are great at this age as they can start to control them properly. This is the age when they get seriously speedy so you might need to dust off your running shoes if you want to keep up.

domain: hobby


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On November 15, a court martial in Fiji found 15 soldiers, including an army captain, guilty of involvement in a mutiny at Queen Elizabeth Barracks in November 2000. However, while the proceedings pointed to the involvement of figures within the country’s military, political and business elites, no legal action has been taken against them.
The mutiny lasted less than a day. On November 2, 2000, troops under the command of Captain Shane Stevens seized the armoury and other buildings at the army’s headquarters in Suva, then attempted to arrest army chief Commander Frank Bainimarama who evaded capture. In the ensuing counteroffensive, four soldiers were killed and four mutineers were beaten to death after being captured.
The mutiny followed months of instability after businessmen George Speight along with members of the army’s elite Counter Revolutionary Warfare (CRW) unit seized control of parliament house in May 2000 and ousted the Labour Party-led government of Mahendra Chaudhry. The military led by Bainimarama suspended the country’s constitution, took control, installed an interim government headed by the current Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase and negotiated an end to the siege on terms favourable to Speight.
Both the military and Qarase were sympathetic to Speight’s racialist aims in ousting Chaudhry, the country’s first ethnic Indian prime minister. The interim government’s “Blueprint for Fijian Development” incorporated many of Speight’s demands to preserve the privileged position of ethnic Fijian chiefs and business operators. The November 2000 mutiny erupted when Qarase, under strong international pressure, sought to distance himself from the coup and announced treason changes against Speight.
For his part in leading the mutiny, this month’s court martial formally sentenced Captain Stevens to death but rapidly commuted the sentence to life imprisonment. Just prior to the sentencing, the Qarase government had indicated that it planned to abolish capital punishment in the armed forces. The other soldiers were given jail terms ranging from 18 months to eight years. All were members of the CRW unit, which was disbanded after the mutiny. Another 25 soldiers await trial.
From the outset, the government and the army were concerned over the potential of the court martial to provoke further unrest in the military and to reveal the involvement of member of the ethnic Fijian elites. The decision to commute Stevens’ death sentence was aimed at putting an end to the matter quickly and without further recrimination.
Even so, evidence heard at the trial indicated that the plot went far beyond Stevens. Colonel Ilaisa Kacisolomone, who headed the court martial panel, commented: “This court and anyone who following the proceedings... will be well within the mark if we are still niggled by some doubts as to whether or not we have been fully appraised of the events leading up to November 2 and whether all the key players behind the mutiny have been or will fully be exposed.”
Stevens alleged he had been following orders from key figures among Fiji’s chiefs and senior military personnel. He named Chief Ratu Inoke Takiveikata, a high chief in the Suva area and Colonel Ulaiasi Vatu Takiveikata, who was an open Speight supporter and a minister in Qarase’s interim government. Vatu has denied any involvement in the mutiny.
Stevens also implicated Lieutenant Colonel Filipo Tarakinikini and former Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, who led an army coup in 1987 and went to the army headquarters during the mutiny, purportedly to convene negotiations. Tarakinikini was a former head of the CRW unit, whose officers openly participated in the May 2000 coup and supplied Speight’s thugs with guns. He has conveniently been seconded to the UN and is currently in Afghanistan. Both denied the allegations.
The proceedings indicated that the mutiny was not a spontaneous protest over the government’s decision to charge Speight with treason, but the start of a coup. The aim was to replace military chief Bainimarama and oust the interim government. Stevens testified that chief Takiveikata had supplied the soldiers with mobile phones and other items. Takiveikata and Colonel Vatu contacted him on the morning of the mutiny to say that civilian supporters were on the way to the army base and that the coup had the backing of Rabuka and a number of chiefs.
In the course of the trial, key evidence, which would have supported Stevens’ allegations, simply disappeared. On September 3, police sergeant Luke Navewa told the court that files containing statements by Vatu and Tarakinikini were missing. Two days later, Navewa revealed that an interview tape with Stevens was also missing. According to defence attorney Rabo Matebalavu, the tape contained details of senior military and police personnel involved in the mutiny, and revealed the existence of a “Diners Club” of former and current government ministers who supported it.
No move has been made against any of the figures named during the court martial. The Qarase government rests on a narrow social base and is beholden to the same chauvinist layers who backed, or were whipped up behind, Speight’s coup. Qarase is well aware that any serious investigation into the November 2000 mutiny would lead to members of his own cabinet and has the potential to destabilise his government.
As an editorial in the Fiji Sun commented: “While it is well and good to sentence Stevens and his group over the mutiny, the issue is unfortunately far from being solved.”

domain: law