text:
Letters to the editor: DIB spoiling fun for all
DIB spoiling fun for all
The Downtown Improvement Board is charged with the task of making our downtown a “better” place to live and work. Many believe that implies improving the quality of life, creating ambience, encouraging diversity and strengthening a sense of community. Increased revenue should only be a part of that equation, something that inevitably results from accomplishing all of the above. Recently, Pensacola’s DIB recommended the elimination of the annual downtown trick-or-treat event, because some merchants complained they were not “seeing any benefits in sales” after spending up to $1,000 on candy. Instead, they would consider organizing a Day of the Dead event in 2018. We are so disappointed in this thinly veiled attempt to control the kinds of people who are attracted to our fine city. The trick-or-treat event drew throngs of families of diverse color, creed and status who came together to celebrate a child’s holiday. Businesses that participated demonstrated why Palafox was selected as one of 10 Great Streets of America. If some object to the cost, they should simply keep their doors closed. They should not be allowed to spoil the fun for everyone else.
— Anita and Mark Schmitt, Pace


text: We have recently confirmed Cucurbit leaf crumple virus (CuLCrV) on yellow squash at UGA, Tifton, GA. The symptoms include crumpling, curling, yellowing and chlorosis of leaves. Infected plants appear stunted with distorted growth. Disease symptoms can be severe, especially in Cucurbita spp. (e.g., various types of squash), and may result in yield losses. The virus spreads by whiteflies in a persistent manner. Current projections indicate low disease incidence and sporadic/limited outbreaks. In the best case scenario, we may escape disease as it appeared quite late in 2018 (mid-Fall) compared to summer (2017).

domain: literature


OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Supreme Court ensured at least two state questions will go through the signature process this year, and several more could be on the ballot by November.
On Monday, the court authorized a group pushing for a ballot initiative raising oil and gas taxes to begin that process. Another group is working to put a new law on the ballot that would allow optometrists to operate in retail settings.
Lawmakers are working on several resolutions of their own that would allow residents to authorize constitutional changes.
Several of these measures, many of which are controversial, would be on the ballot at the same time as the race for Oklahoma’s first new governor since Gov. Mary Fallin won her election in 2010.
As organizers gather signatures for State Question 795, which would increase the incentive rate for oil and gas production taxes by 5 percentage points, other organizers will gather them for State Question 793. That measure would allow the sale of glasses and contacts in retail settings. The latter drive’s signatures are due June 5.
The Oklahoma State Election Board calculates the number of signatures needed to pass, said agency spokesman Bryan Dean. That figure is based on the turnout during the most recent gubernatorial election and the type of petition organizers seek. SQ 795 would change the constitution, so it would require 15 percent of that turnout. During the 2014 gubernatorial election, 824,831 Oklahomans cast a vote. So organizers need to get 123,725 signatures.
“It’s less if you want to do an initiative that would make a new law,” Dean said.
Those changes, such as the successful drive to get a medical marijuana statute on the ballot, require 5 percent, which this year would be 41,242.
Matt Latham, an Oklahoma consultant and lobbyist who works on petition drives, said the recent active political climate and tension at the Capitol would likely help, not hinder, the process for organizers.
“I think people feel like the (standard lawmaking) process is inaccessible, or if it’s accessible, difficult to truly impact,” he said. “I think even some legislators feel this way. I think there’s some frustration the process isn’t working as efficiently.”
He pointed to the push to update the requirements that State Question 640 implemented. That 1992 measure enacted the 75-percent lawmaker vote threshold on all tax increases. Several lawmakers have lamented the policy’s effect on governing and have pushed to lower the threshold. A resolution that would allow voters to update the law passed out of the House of Representatives this legislative session, and it’s headed to committee in the Senate.
Frustration with legislative inaction can be seen inside and outside the Capitol, as lawmakers blame one another for holdups on teacher pay raises and funding increases for health care. Threats of teacher and public employee walkouts blanket social media.
Latham said ballot initiatives can assuage some of that frustration.
“There’s something really empowering, I think, about the ballot measure process when you put it in that light,” he said. “When the average Oklahoman has the same impact … that a wealthier individual or an industry that has a thousand lobbyists would have.”
Jackson Lisle, a consultant for Right Strategy Group, said the busy year will likely energize residents to become more involved.
“Voters seem to be more engaged in state politics due to the special sessions, budget failures and looming teacher strike,” he said. “The main headwind they will run into is the same every year: Gathering signatures is an expensive ordeal.”
Legislators are also working to put issues on the ballot. Their procedures circumvent the signature process. The Senate passed three resolutions that would put consequential policies on upcoming ballots. Residents could change one of the laws that the Oklahoma Supreme Court has used to strike down several policy bills, they could divert money that now goes to a trust fund for health and research programs and they could create a fund that reserves oil and gas tax revenue. House committees will have to approve them, and each measure will have to pass off the House floor.


Walker B-Z-498-1 Z-Series 1933-1934 Ford Radiator for Ford Engine
Click image to enlarge
Q & A (1)
What's in the Box
Walker Z-Series radiators feature a 4-row, high-flow copper core which is ideal for use with Big Blocks, blowers, and high compression engines. Built for a direct fit with heavy gauge steel side brackets and mounting holes pre-stamped. Includes a built-in oil cooler for automatic transmissions.
- Works with original, reproduction, steel or fiberglass grille shells
- 4-row copper core w/ brass tanks
- Vertical tubes every 1/4" and 12 fins per inch of height
- 12 Ga. steel side brackets w/ pre-drilled holes
- Use a 15-18 lb. radiator cap
- Brass drain cock
- Use Walker Fan Shroud Style B
Small Block Ford engines can take advantage of the less expensive and more readily available "Chevy" radiators by using a passenger side inlet water pump (such as our 910-15544) and get additional steering box/fuel pump clearance to boot!
Learn more about how radiators work and selecting the proper radiator for your vehicle by reading our tech article. Radiator Cooling Performance.
You may also be interested in:
Walker Z-498-1 FH Flathead V8 1933-1934 Ford RadiatorView$749.99Compare


Dickinson Estate Side By Side .410 Gauge 26" Break Action Shotgun, Oil Turkish Walnut - ST41026DH
Explore the Dickinson arms estate shotgun, a refined firearm that combines classic aesthetics with modern performance
The Estate shotgun features an exquisite design that captures the essence of traditional craftsmanship and elegance
Adorned with a premium finish, the Estate shotgun showcases a blend of beauty and durability that stands the test of time
With its smooth and reliable action, this shotgun ensures seamless cycling and dependable performance
Whether for sporting clays, upland hunting, or competition shooting, the Estate shotgun excels in various shooting disciplines
The ergonomic features and thoughtful design elements contribute to comfortable handling and accurate shooting
Meticulously crafted with attention to detail, the estate shotgun represents precision and quality in every aspect
Choose the Dickinson Arms estate shotgun to embrace the fusion of classic tradition and innovative firearm technology
The Dickinson Estate series shotguns are meticulously designed and crafted to provide an exceptional feel, balance, and unwavering performance. Engineered for effortless handling, intuitive operation, and swift response, these outstanding firearms empower hunters with the confidence to excel in any scenario. These shotguns seamlessly integrate state of the art technology, advanced construction methods, and scrupulous attention to detail, resulting in outstanding ballistic capabilities and dependable function across diverse hunting settings. Characterized by their elegant design and unwavering quality standards, the Estate series shotguns stand as a testament to true excellence in firearms.
Q & A
All NFA Rules ApplyThese items are controlled by the U.S. Government and authorized for export only to the country of ultimate destination for use by the ultimate consignee or end-user(s) herein identified. They may not be resold, transferred, or otherwise disposed of, to any other country or to any person other than the authorized ultimate consignee or end-user(s), either in their original form or after being incorporated into other items, without first obtaining approval from the U.S. government or as otherwise authorized by U.S. law and regulations.
Magazines will be removed from firearms when shipping to states with magazine capacity restrictions.


text:
With all the colours, fun and frolic our celebrations know no end on Holi!
From Abir to Thandai to Water Guns, you name it we have it ready to smear joy on all our faces. From the para uncle to the little quiet kid down the road, Holi does bring people together in the name of colours.
Sadly though, celebrations often quickly of out of hand in our society. From an over dose of Bhaang coupled with the high of the festivities, it is not an uncommon sight to see the para strays and sometimes even pets become unwillingly a part of the celebrations.
Yes, it is sadly true that we as a society don’t even spare our four-legged friends when it comes to bullying and the lesser spoken about inhuman cruelty to dogs and strays, the better.
However, things are not so grim as our four-legged friends from Kolkata, with the help of Desi Broadcast have this awesome message for all on this Holi!
Here’s what they have to say!
A message from our friends on Holi!

domain: sociology


text:
Mother's Birthstone Bracelet with Dainty Bar Charm
This dainty bar bracelet features a bar engraved with names, dates or a short phrase and tiny bezel gemstones. With a variety of fonts to choose from, as well as gemstones, this can be tailored just to you! Available in gold and sterling silver.
Bar is approximately 40mm x 3mm. Gemstones are approximately 6mm in diameter.
Information We Need From You: ▶ Names/ date/phrase to engrave ▶ Gemstones.
EVERYTHING IS CUSTOMIZABLE!
BRACELET LENGTH The bracelet length can made adjustable or fixed to any length you need.
METAL ✦ GOLD: Birthstones are 18K Vermeil gold, chain and all other parts are14K gold filled. ✦ BRIGHT STERLING SILVER: All metal parts are sterling silver.
GEMSTONES ✦ Stones are approximately 6mm in diameter. We use a combination of natural and dyed gemstones of great quality that I know you'll love. Due to natural variations, please note that some may differ slightly in color and shape.
ENGRAVING ✦ The bar charm can be engraved on one or both sides.

domain: design


text: Very good trip for the family. Our tour guide Jimmy Liu was very nice and very knowledgeable of the landmarks and history of the states we passed through going down to DC and DC. When we were in DC, we passed by many landmarks such as the White House, Lincoln Memorial and more. Although we wished we could get down and explore each landmark, we understood that it was a one day tour and travel time would not allow for it. We got to explore the Jefferson Memorial, saw some cherry blossoms, and had a relaxing boat ride. It was raining on and off during our trip, but thanks to Jimmy and our driver, our trip was safe and enjoyable!

domain: geography


text:
A longstanding battle between a private equity-owned hospital operator and Rhode Island reached new heights with the former threatening to close two hospitals in the state rather than submit to the attorney general’s conditions.
Los Angeles-based Prospect Medical Holdings, owned by private equity firm Leonard Green & Partners, runs 17 hospitals in five states, including Roger Williams Medical Center and Our Lady of Fatima Hospital in Rhode Island. In October 2019, Leonard Green announced plans to sell its 60% stake in the for-profit hospital chain to Prospect CEO Sam Lee and his business partner for $12 million. The ownership change is subject to state regulators’ approval — and while four states have approved, Rhode Island has not.
Following an analysis of Prospect’s finances, the attorney general’s office said it would impose a condition of approval that would require Prospect to put $120 million to $150 million in escrow “to purportedly ensure the financial viability of the hospitals,” according to an April 29 letter from Prospect to the attorney general.
“The imposition of such an escrow is unreasonable and unacceptable, [and] will adversely affect Prospect operations throughout the United States, and would leave Prospect with very little choice but to start the process to sell the hospitals in Rhode Island to an acceptable third party (and if the sale process is unsuccessful, to ultimately close them),” the letter states.
The Rhode Island Department of Health and attorney general’s office hired national accounting firm PYA to analyze Prospect’s financial statements. The firm found “long-term financial viability risks,” including that Prospect has reported limited liquidity and a highly leveraged position in recent fiscal years.
But Prospect argues that it is well-capitalized with liquidity and resources, and has approximately $325 million in cash and an unused J.P. Morgan line of credit of $200 million.
Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha blasted the hospital chain and its private equity owners in an April 30 news release.
Neronha accused Leonard Green of wanting to walk away with $12 million “more in its pockets and absolved of billions of dollars in debt.”
“The people of Rhode Island deserve the truth. It is a hard truth: that those who claimed to care about healthcare here in Rhode Island and around the country cared much more – orders of magnitude more – about lining their own pockets than about the people they purported to serve,” he said.
The financial assurance his office is seeking is necessary for the continued operation of the hospitals, Neronha said.
“Under the proposed transaction, majority owner Leonard Green, having made its money at the expense of the financial health of the hospitals, now wants out. So be it. But that choice comes at a price: remedy the malady you have created,” he said. “You chose to get into healthcare. Act like you believe in it.”
On April 30, Prospect asked the attorney general for an additional short window to show they are prepared to provide the guarantees of financial security, which Neronha has granted.
Photo: santima.studio, Getty Images

domain: news


This is the first time we learn about Geekom, an up-and-coming brand looking to make a splash with two products: the oddly-named Bookfun laptop, a price tag of $1,999 mobile workstation with a Core i7-11800H, Windows 11 Pro and an RTX3070 and the most anonymous IT8 minicomputerwhich is the subject of this review.
Geekom has done a great job of producing a small workstation computer which offers excellent value for money in a very small form factor; it comes with Windows 11 Pro out of the box with plenty of ports and can drive a quartet of monitors. It works reasonably well for what it costs and while there are a few issues, they are minor. That said, offering professional-grade aftermarket like some of its much larger rivals is something Geekom won’t be able to match.
The IT8 looks like one of many Intel NUC mini PCs that have appeared over the past decade. At 117 x 112 x 48mm, that’s almost the size of the NUC 11 Performance Mini PC, so much so that you’d be far wrong (note: makes us wonder if they share common DNA).
Geekom’s mini PC surprises with its weight; it feels and looks heavy (it weighs almost 600g). The top is made of shiny plastic, so prone to greasy fingerprints and hair marks. The rest of the body is solid metal with two grilles on the side to help airflow (and cool the 28W processor inside).
Despite its very compact appearance, the IT8 has nearly a dozen ports and connectors: three USB 3.2 Gen2 Type A ports, two USB Type-C connectors, a Gigabit Ethernet port, a headphone jack, an SD card slot, an HDMI connector and a mini DP one. The power connector is a barrel-style design and is powered by a 90 W (19 V, 4.74 A) brick-style power supply unit.
Price and availability
the Computer Geekom IT8 that we reviewed sells for $499 straight with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD. The cheapest SKU has half the memory and half the storage capacity and is priced at just $399. By comparison, Dell has a desktop PC (the Inspiron 3891) powered by a Core i5-10400 processor for the same price but with half the memory and storage capacity. Plus, it’s much, much bigger in terms of size. On the other hand, the TRIGKEY Speed S is a more serious rival selling for $430 at Banggood with Windows 10 Pro rather than Windows 11 Pro.
Here are the full specs of the Geekom IT8 setup sent to TechRadar Pro for review:
CPU: Intel Core i5-8259U
Graphic: Iris Plus 655
RAM: 16 GB DDR4
Storage room: 512 GB SSD (Kingston OM8PDP3512B-A01)
Ports: 3 x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 2 x USB Type-C, 1 x HDMI, 1 x Mini DisplayPort, 1 x Gigabit Ethernet, SD card reader, audio jack
Connectivity: Intel AC-7265, WiFi 5, Bluetooth 4.2
Cut: 117 x 112 x 48mm (H x W x D)
The IT8 is powered by the Intel Core i5-8259U processor, a popular mid-range processor that has made its way into a number of products from, shall we say, challenger brands. the Teclast TBolt 20 Pro (a business laptop), the GMK NucBox 2 and the Miniforum U850, all had that 4-year-old processor at their core. There are a few good reasons why this model is so popular. It has a powerful graphics processor, the Intel Iris Plus Graphics 655, which is a cut above anything you’ll typically find in this price range. Add in four cores (with eight threads in all), a fairly high CPU base speed, and a turbo frequency of 3.8 GHz and you have all the makings of a really good CPU rig.
The processor is paired with a 512GB SSD (Kingston OM8PDP3512B-A01), an entry-level PCIe Gen3 NVMe SSD along with 16GB DDR4 memory in dual-channel configuration which should give an extra boost to the device. Connectivity is handled by an Intel Wireless AC-7265 card which only supports Bluetooth 4.2 and Wi-Fi 5, which is somewhat disappointing.
Performance and use
Here’s how the Geekom IT8 fared in our benchmark test suite:
Passmark Processor: 6918
CPU-Z: 426 (single wire); 2155 (multi-threaded)
Geek Bench: 940 (single-core); 3668 (multi-core); 7787 (calculation)
CrystalDiskMark: 2537 Mbps (read); 1216 MB/s (write)
Cinebench: 942 (single processor); 3964 (multiprocessor)
Attack: 2910 MB/s (read, 256 MB); 2770 MB/s (write, 256 MB)
Windows Experience Index: 8.1
The Geekom IT8 comes with Windows 11 Pro, which in itself is a bit of a surprise given the SRP of the latest version of Windows Pro. Along with VESA support, the mini PC also has a spare 2.5-inch SATA bay that can accommodate a compatible SSD and HDD. As expected, there is no bloatware that could hamper startup performance.
Test-wise, the IT8 held its own against newer competitors like the Core i5-10210U with Geekbench scores that put it just behind the latter. As a workstation or business PC, its performance will be more than adequate thanks to its above-average storage subsystem speeds (it hit 2.7GB/s/2.9GB/s in the benchmark ATTO). Its fan didn’t run too loudly even under load, nor was it too hot to the touch.
Should I buy the Geekom IT8?
We have also highlighted the best mini pc


text:
Apr 18, 2011
Mikko Largestedt is a designer from Finland who felt in love with photography in 2008 and is still in love with it. His photos are astonishing and have many feelings to it, not to mention that they are very mysterious in a way that will keep you waiting for more. Enjoy!
For more from Mikko visit mikkolagerstedt.com/photography.html

domain: artistic


In Magas, the grand opening of the national rehabilitation center for disabled children.
The establishment of the modern equipment for high-quality rehabilitation, a massage room, integration workshops, hot tubs, swimming pool, and is located in the center of the hospital for 55 beds. In the rehabilitation center will also operate five offices. Young patients will be able to carry out rehabilitation on fourteen diseases, including disorders of the musculoskeletal system, central nervous system of children from one year and up to fourteen years.
National Rehabilitation Center for children with disabilities is built under the Federal Program "Children of Russia". On the construction of the facility spent about 520 million rubles, including equipping the latest medical equipment — about 80 million rubles. The establishment aims to provide children and young people access to qualified medical-social, psychological, social, educational and legal assistance.


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Younger Hunger never make the same song twice. Tony Davia, Lucas Connor, and Becket Edwards comprise the LA-based alt-pop band. Through Younger Hunger, they have not only have created a musical vocabulary all of their own — one that equally valorizes Talking Heads and Playboi Carti, finding freedom in the genre agnosticism of the streaming era — but have built a band universe that is attracting a very online cult fanbase.
We had the opportunity to speak with Tony Davia about the latest single!
Your press release mentions that you all have a shared interest in margaritas! Are one of you tasked as the bartender for making the margaritas? Please share your recipe!
To be honest, I mostly f*ck with spicy margs. The spicier the better! As far as tequila goes, I’m partial to anything smokey.
My understanding is that Younger Hunger is sort of a DIY band in the true sense. The band handles everything from the music, the visual art and the merchandise. Are these particular duties delegated to certain members?
Yeah. Becket does all our visuals, from the single and album artwork to our merch designs. Whenever we do interviews he always says we contribute, but he’s just a really nice dude. He does it all and is pretty much the secret sauce of our band. Other than that, I (Tony) do most of the songwriting and production and run our social media.
The level of productivity had increased amongst the band during the pandemic according to a previous interview you all had. Now with the ease of restrictions in sight and vaccine distribution to the masses, what will the plan be for Younger Hunger moving forward? Touring perhaps?
We’re tryna get on the road ASAP, but for the time being we’re just always looking for ways to make doper shit. Always trying to beat whatever we’ve done before. And beating usually just means making it less filtered and more honest.
What have you all learned about yourselves during this pandemic and what advice would you give other artists that are struggling with the lockdowns we’ve had?
Shiiiiitt! I don’t really think we should be giving advice on staying sane during quarantine or any other time at all for that matter lol. Still figuring that out for myself.
Give us some insight on the new single “Day Traitor”. What inspired the song and how did it come together?
Day Traitor is about layering judgement on your own judgements. “Losing my mind tryna stay sane” is something I do a lot. It’s probably the most directly about my life/psyche than I’ve ever written about, which makes it scary and exciting to put out. I think after making the first demo for this song and getting encouragement from the rest of the band, our managers, and our friends, I felt freer as a songwriter to be more open. Pretty much our whole new EP embraces this openness. I feel like our real fans will find the new record to be a more rewarding listen because of that. But who knows? Maybe everyone will hate it and from now on we will only ever make songs about superficial things like going to the grocery store n shit.
“‘Day Traitor’ was the first song written from this EP. Beckett made the cover art for it before the song was written, and I remember just staring at it for a while and then pulling out that main guitar riff from the song. After I made the demo I went on a walk and listened to it like 50 times on repeat, Then we took it to Zach (Fogarty) and he just took it to a different level sonically. All in all, my favorite YH song.” – Tony Davia

domain: entertainment


text:
Bush stated at the time that this was the end to major combat operations in Iraq. While this statement did coincide with an end to the conventional phase of the war, Bush’s assertion — and the sign itself — became controversial after guerrilla warfare in Iraq increased during the Iraqi insurgency. The vast majority of casualties, both military and civilian, have occurred since the speech. (Wiki)
Osama Bin Laden is dead, President Obama announced Sunday night, in a televised address to the nation. His death was the result of a U.S. operation launched today in Abbottabad, Pakistan, against a compound where bin Laden was believed to be hiding, according to U.S. intelligence. After a firefight, a small team of American forces killed bin Laden and took possession of his body, the president said.
The announcement that Obama would speak came at 9:45 p.m., less than an hour before he was initially scheduled to go on the air. The unusual hour, and the fact that the White House gave no details about the topic, set off a flurry of speculation.
Officials long believed bin Laden, the most wanted man in the world, was hiding in a mountainous region along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.
President Obama’s Announcement…
- White House: Osama Bin Laden is Dead (benzinga.com)
- Primetime interrupted: Osama bin Laden dead (insidetv.ew.com)
- News Of Osama Bin Laden’s Death Spreads Like Wildfire On Twitter (techcrunch.com)
- President Obama To Announce That Osama Bin Laden Dead – They have the Body (kymkemp.com)
- Bin Laden Killed (waronterrornews.typepad.com)
- Report: Osama bin Laden Is Dead; U.S. Has The Body (mediaite.com)
- OSAMA BIN LADEN IS DEAD! President OBAMA to tell the WORLD about the details within minutes… (economy4abc.blogspot.com)
- Obama To Announce That Bin Laden is Dead (macleans.ca)
- 911 Mastermind Bin Laden Dead (dakotavoice.com)
- Osama bin Laden Is Dead (newser.com)


text:
Minister sets agenda for newly elected AFN board
Scoreboard at Moshood Abiola National Stadium Abuja, up and working
It's all about the Athletes and the Coaches.... Okowa
Okowa emerges AFN President
Team Nigeria Clouds gets clearer to Tokyo Olympics.
President meets Minister, demands Football Masterplan
AFN Releases Tentative Timetable for June 14 Elective Congress
Minister adopts Young table Tennis Prodigies Okanlawon, Mustapha Brothers
Bash Alli releasea threat letter to his latest blackmail victim
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But first I had to bid farewell to my wonderful wife who had flown over for our wedding anniversary and then there was also a very important media interview with 2GB's Alan Jones.It was fantastic to receive support for the flight and the RFDS from someone of the calibre of Alan Jones. My thanks go to Alan and the 2GB network.
For the first time on this trip, the morning sun was in my face and it was apparent that the eastbound journey had begun. As the hills, ridges and reservoirs to the east of Perth merged into a more consistent plateau, the greens began to give way to earthy reds and yellows. Overflying airfields at York and Southern Cross, my tailwinds had now swung to a crosswind of around 60 kmh. All the while Kalgoorlie grew closer and tell-tale mines and mounds began to appear in the distance.
On arrival at the famous mining town I was met by a local aviation enthusiast and the staff of the RFDS. This wonderful base consists of a modern facility beside a rather historic hangar. After fuel and food, the cavernous mine was flown by on departure and a course was set that was to parallel the road and rail for the next 3 hours. Despite all the equipment and training, the simplest navigation sat just outside my window. And so the rail line continued into the vast expanse of the Nullarbor.
The endless horizon is far from featureless, but it is almost overwhelming in its infinite nature. Yet there is also something very relaxing about scenery that reaches beyond the eye's focus. Apart from the occasional vehicle or train, the scene defined isolation and one cannot help but admire the original explorers and pioneers.
An oasis then loomed on the ahead in the form if Forrest with its newly painted runway and sizeable hangar. My home for the night is a cottage and dinner at the main homestead is nearly ready.
Until tomorrow, keep safe.
Day eight will take me to Australia's dramatic southern coastline and its breathtaking cliff-faces and onto the Eyre Peninsula. These beautiful waters are a far cry from today's red centre. Make sure you check back here for the next blog in the coming days. Or subscribe to my newsletter for the ‘alert’. Thanks again and I'll see you all soon.


text:
LOS ANGELES – Lawrence Phillips, a former National Football League player, was found dead in his California prison cell early on Wednesday of a suspected suicide, officials said.
The 40-year-old Phillips was found unresponsive at Kern Valley State Prison and rushed to a hospital where he was pronounced dead, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said in a statement.
Phillips faced a first-degree murder charge in the strangulation death of his cellmate at the prison. He previously was sentenced to 31 years after being convicted of inflicting great bodily injury in a domestic violence case.
Phillips was once one of the nation’s top college football players at Nebraska. He played for the St. Louis Rams, Miami Dolphins and San Francisco 49ers during a three-year NFL career.


text:
Following on the heels of his first time travel fantasy, The Battle for Duncragglin, Andrew H. Vanderwal returns with a companion novel, Death of a King. After travelling back in time to help his friends find their missing mother, thirteen-year-old Alex Macpherson remains in thirteenth century Scotland searching for his own parents, who disappeared mysteriously when he was five. Alex knows they went back in time to prevent the death of King Alexander and the ensuing war between Scotland and England. In a time where suspicion is rampant and executions are entertainment, Alex must journey across the Scottish countryside to find his parents, outwitting bloodthirsty villagers, misguided monks, and traitorous noblemen, all amidst a brutal military campaign led by none other than William Wallace.
While the Duncragglin books are best read in succession, Death of a King can be read as a stand-alone book, and Vanderwal smoothly fills in the blanks for the reader without relying on tedious explanations or backstory. Vanderwal bases his story largely upon true historical events and people and uses Alex to create history as we know it through his own fore-knowledge and ingenuity, without altering recorded events. The result is a clever, action-packed riff on Scottish history at its bloodiest. With suggestions of cannibalism, rape, torture, and beheadings, Death of a King is definitely not a book for the squeamish. It is, however, a rollicking good romp through time, and Vanderwal’s open-ended conclusion hints at the delicious possibility of a third in the series.
Karen Doerksen lives in Sherwood Park, Alberta with her husband and four children. She works for the Edmonton Public Library, and holds a master’s degree in Library and Information Studies from the University of Alberta.

domain: library


The threat of two-tiered user fees for recreation
I recieved the following question recently from a concerned resident:
What is your position on the surcharging of children involved in sports when using Penticton facilities? I understand that my children will now be subjected to a user fee to engage in Penticton Minor Hockey. Are we not trying to encourage families to engage in healthy lifestyles with active bodies? This measure seems to speak against the value of involvement in physical activity. Children who live outside of the Penticton tax zone will be penalized and many will not engage as a result of being priced out of participating. This is a major step in the wrong direction. Many families on the West Bench and outlying areas are having their ability to cover costs stretched far too far. This is another of those situations.
Background on the City of Penticton's two-tier scheme can be found here.
This issue pops up from time to time and I sent an email to Mayor Ashton on this topic in March 2009 before the pool expansion was announced (see the posting here). Here is my basic response to the question above:
The City of Penticton is looking for ways to recoup the cost of its recreational infrastructure. About twenty cents of each tax dollar Penticton collects is going to feed the SOEC, so their search for new sources of revenue is not surprising. City staff have collected some data from its programs and have determined that about 4% of the users of the Community Centre swimming pool and ice rinks (Memorial and McLaren) are from RDOS Area F postal codes. The City has conducted a similar analysis for RDOS Area D (Kaleden and OK Falls) and Area E (Naramata). Given that these facilities cost more to operate than they earn in user fees, there is a perception within the City that Penticton taxpayers are subsidizing users of the facilities and thus rural residents (residents from RDOS areas D, E, and F who do not pay City of Penticton taxes) are free-riding.
The City met with the three rural RDOS directors close to Penticton and offered us two alternatives to address the situation:
- Levy a tax increase in the rural areas in order to make a contribution to the City of Penticton to offset its costs. The estimated contribution for Area F would be roughly $100K per year. (Note: Area F has made a $20,000/year contribution to the Penticton Community Centre since the early 1980s [see a tax bill]. This deal was arranged and voted on prior to the construction of the facility.)
- Make no contribution, in which case the City could exercise its right to charge non-residents a higher user fee.
I see at least two obvious objections to the City’s tax proposal: one practical and the other philosophical/economic. Fortunately, the practical objection decides the case, which allows me to keep this posting short. The practical objection is as follows:
- The RDOS must have voter assent to raise taxes for new services. In this case, we would have to get permission from voters to create a new service area and charge an additional (say) $100 per year per household to make a payment to Penticton.
- This tax would be a subsidy by all Area F households to users of the City’s recreation facilities.
- The total number of memberships and uses by Area F residents reported in the City’s analysis varies between 332 (in 2009) and 604 (in 2007).
- The City’s numbers include repeat users and children. For example, my three kids use the facilities quite often during the year so my household alone likely accounts for ten or more of these 604 uses. My guess is that a couple of hundred of Area F residents use the City’s facilities in a given year and the bulk of the visits and memberships are from a relatively small number of families and heavy users.
- The population of Area F is roughly 2000 people. So even if the 604 number represented unique users, the non-users in Area F significantly outnumber the users.
- Based on this simple analysis, I would expect a referendum on the question of a subsidy to fail. That is, I would expect the majority of Area F residents to favor user-pay over a new property tax. The rural directors from Areas D and E have come to the same conclusion based on discussion within their communities.
- Thus, I do not believe we can levy a tax on Area F residents—it will not get through referendum. This leaves us with no choice but to accept differential user fees for non-residents.
Taxes work a bit differently in municipalities (in municipalities there is one large pot of money to be spent at the discretion of council) so I think Penticton city councillors are having some trouble understanding the extent to which our hands are tied in this matter. What they are asking for (a lump-sum contribution from rural areas) is simply unrealistic. As an aside, I think a referendum would have a better chance if it were for a facility that was not already in place. For example, I can imagine Area F residents getting behind a regional performing arts center.
Will the City actually implement two-tiered user fees for the rinks and pool? I think they would prefer not to. And if enough rural residents drop out of programs (as you suggest above) or swim elsewhere (e.g., Summerland, H2O in Kelowna), the City could actually lose revenue and jeopardize its programs. In other words, the City risks being worse off with two-tiered fees than it is now. We will see what they decide.


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Here is some information that is eye-opening Us citizens’ mortgages and credits. How can you compare?
Have actually you ever before wondered exactly exactly how your mortgage credit or balance rating even compares to those of the colleagues? Well, now you don’t need to. Experian did some digging to observe how Us citizens fared economically in 2019, and below are a few interesting takeaways based on current information it put together.
1. The American that is average has $203,296 home loan stability
Us citizens transported much much more housing debt in 2019 than they performed in 2018 — on average $203,296, rather than $198,377 a-year prior. Element of that may be a purpose of increasing house costs. But additionally, even as we’ll see inside moment, People in the us’ fico scores have already been increasing, that may have exposed the entranceway to borrowing much much more.
2. Millennials represent simply 15% of U.S. home loan holders
Millennials happen sluggish to purchase domiciles, mainly because many individuals of that generation are saddled with leftover pupil bad credit car loans financial obligation from college. The fact there is only been a number that is limited of homes available on the market additionally describes the reason the reason the reason why millennials represent only 15% of home loan consumers throughout the U.S. having said that, the amount of millennials with home financing has grown 76% in past times 5 years, which means that more youthful grownups tend to be little by little stepping into the estate game that is real.
3. The typical United states’s FICO get is 703
The consumer that is average a FICO Score of 703, up from 701 the entire year prior. While a rise that is general credit is encouraging, it really is really really well worth noting that the rating of 703 just falls in to the “good” range, in contrast to “very great” or “exceptional.” By way of a credit rating of 703, you might get authorized for a home loan (or any other sort of loan), however you will not snag the very best prices on the market.
4. 59percent of People in america have FICO rating above 700
Many People in america have a credit history that is considered “good” or much better. This indicates that individuals are getting better about keeping solid credit — specifically, if you are paying more expenses timely, maintaining their particular revolving financial obligation to at least, being judicious concerning the types of debts they hold in addition to wide range of brand- new credit reports they submit an application for at the same time.
5. 16percent of People in the us have quite credit that is poor
Having said that, 16percent of People in the us possess a FICO Score below 580. That’s considered “very poor,” even though you could be eligible for a home loan with a credit rating within the 500s, you are more likely to get caught with a less positive rate of interest that produces homeownership a rather costly possibility for you personally. In reality, its smart to the office on enhancing your credit rating before purchasing a true residence if yours is into the dumps. Besides the techniques above, like becoming prompt with expenses, make sure you look at your credit history frequently. correcting errors that really work against you might assist that true quantity enhance.
6. Only 1.2percent of People in america have perfect credit
It isn’t simple to achieve A fico score that is perfect of, as evidenced because of the undeniable fact that just 1.2% of U.S. customers will make which claim. However the the reality is you don’t require perfect credit to borrow funds affordably, whether or not to get a property or even for another function. As soon as your credit rating strikes 800, you are propelled into “exceptional” area, and that means you’re very likely to not merely get authorized to borrow cash but additionally to do this at most competitive rate of interest readily available.
Today which you have actually a feeling of simply how much Us americans tend to be borrowing to possess domiciles, that is taking out fully mortgages, and exactly what customers’ credit ratings seem like, it is possible to evaluate your personal financial predicament and find out just how it stacks up. And when you aren’t happy as to what the thing is that, work with enhancing your credit or steps that are taking prepare yourself to purchase a property. The 2, in reality, get hand at your fingertips, so as soon as your credit history gets better, you’re going to be better positioned to try to get home financing.
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Example: Walk us through a specific example(s) of how this solution makes a difference; include its primary activities.
Fernanda is 27, environmental engineer and a nature-connected woman, she has a really hard routine, working in a big company and studying at night, some of her hobbies are surfing, and practising yoga. But there was one thing annoying her, every time she through a food scrap in the trash, she knows that this is not trash, and it should not go to the landfill. After she started composting with us, her problems were over, in 4 months she and her family already composted, locally, more than 200 lbs of organic waste, an equivalent of more than 120 lbs of “black gold”, also received spice plants, one compost bag and supported an organic farmer. Now she is proud to say that her waste goes back in the food cycle.
Impact: What is the impact of the work to date? Also describe the projected future impact for the coming years.
Now we are composting, weekly, the organics from more than 30 families it’s about 1000 lbs of food scraps per month and our next goal is to achieve 100 families until the end of the year, it’s going to be 3 tons/month of waste being composted. Next year we are planning to expand to two other composting sites, providing the service for more than 400 families (9 tons/month). Our future plans are to upscale the service to condos, offices and commercial locations and our dream is to replicate this model of organic waste management to other cities, spreading the composting revolution and co-creating zero waste cities. We also plan to develop energy recovery from composting and use other biotechnologies, like anaerobic digestion. By the way, we are also generating healthy job opportunities, avoiding environmental impacts and promoting organic local food and clean energy production.
Spread Strategies: Moving forward, what are the main strategies for scaling impact?
In the short term our plans are to spread drop-off sites and to provide the service to condos and apartment complexes. It’s also important to highlight some strategic partnerships, with ngo’s, gardening companies and organic food markets. For the next two years, our plan is to attend more families and keep testing new possibilities always measuring the results and impacts, so we can systematize this model and replicate to other cities and states. Together with educational and recycling programs and governmental policies we expect to reconnect society with nature, through zero waste cities.


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Toronto-born, Sydney-based art director Giuseppe Santamaria started his blog, meninthistown.com, in 2010 as a way of documenting stylish men in their natural habitat: the city streets. In that time, the way men dress has changed considerably, particularly in Australia. “I guess I wasn’t used to the beach culture,” explains Mr Santamaria of his initial reaction to the sartorial landscape. “But over of the last five years, Australian men have grown to want more when it comes to fashion.” The best of Mr Santamaria’s photographs are included in Men in this Town (Hardie Grant), his debut book comprising five series of images shot in London, Tokyo, Sydney, Milan and New York. “I’ve had this body of work living online and always wondered what would happen to it in the future,” he says of the decision to publish it in hardback. “Having a hard copy of my photos that will live on is an amazing thing.” So how does Australian men’s dress stand up against the other stylish cities? “Our style is a bit sportier, more modern,” says Mr Santamaria. “We don’t have a long history to look back on and learn from so you do see more experimental looks out on the streets.”
In other publishing news, a slew of glossy books hit the shelves this season. Navigating the expansive global fashion market is no easy feat, but it’s made easier for men in Contemporary Menswear (Thames & Hudson), a comprehensive guide to the best independent designers, labels, stores, blogs and websites that have shaped menswear over the past decade. Featuring in-depth profiles and over 500 illustrations, the most creative names in the business – from the heritage Alban Clothing to new guard labels like Tellason – are included in Contemporary Menswear.
As a medium, fashion photography has exploded in popularity in the past decade, thanks in part to its accessibility via the internet. But in an industry defined by its speed, Glen Luchford remains at the top of his game. Glen Luchford: Pictorialism (Rizzoli) is a visually arresting chronicle of one of the world’s top fashion photographers, whose work defines a generation in its highly cinematic, narrative-driven style. Presenting some three decades of work, and designed as one continuous overlapping montage, included are polaroids, prints, tear sheets and ephemera, making this an informative educational tool as much as inspirational coffee table eye-candy.


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I now see that seven Latin American countries have chosen to file briefs along with the government of Mexico in opposition to Arizona’s SB 1070. I have some choice words for the governments of Bolivia, Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Paraguay and Peru, and any other country that chooses to follow along this same route: The United States doesn’t interfere with your laws, so don’t interfere with our laws!
In short — BUTT OUT!
Steve Troxel, Gilbert
Letters policy: Click here to submit a letter. Please be brief (no more than 300 words) and type or print name, address, city and phone number for verification. Comments may be edited for clarity and length.


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The National Green Tribunal (NGT) took Suo Motu cognizance of the matter of illegal mining and illegal gravel storage in Kishanganj range area of Bihar.
The Petition is registered suo-moto on the basis of the news item appearing in the daily newspaper dated 25.01.2024.
The news item discloses that the same action has been taken against the illegal mining in the Kishanganj range and the Forest Department has seized 220 tonnes of gravel.
Similarly, as per the news item in Kelwara range area, 90 trolleys filled with illegally mined stones have been seized and in Kavai also 1 trolley illegally transporting stones and boulders was seized.
The news item raises substantial issue relating to compliance of environmental norms.
“Power of the Tribunal to take up the matter in suo-motu exercise of power has been recognized by the Hon’ble Supreme Court in the matter of “Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai vs. Ankita Sinha & Ors.” reported in 2021 SCC Online SC 897.”
Hence, the Principal Bench of Justice Sudhir Agarwal , Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and Dr. A Senthil Vel impleaded the following as respondents in the matter:
i. Bihar State Pollution Control Board through its Member Secretary.
ii. District Magistrate, Kishanganj.
Since the matter relates to the Eastern Zonal Bench, Kolkata , therefore , the Bench transferred the matter to the Eastern Zonal Bench for appropriate further action. Office is directed by the NGT to transfer the original record to the Eastern Zonal Bench and the matter is listed on 10.05.2024.
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I've read about the fact that 12 tone equal temperament is a relatively recent phenomenon, and that historically, each key would have a different character due to the unequal temperament. I'm curious ...
So, I'm not a scholar of music history, but I have a basic timeline. The evolution of Western music theory had several times in which certain chords and intervals were considered too "jarring" or ...
I am currently learning to play the guitar, and that has sparked an interest in learning more about music in general. I would like to learn about music theory, ear training, history, musical styles ...
I understand that historically there was a need for transposing instruments. e.g. Brass instruments would use lead pipes to change their key and players in brass bands would like to stick to the same ...
In one of the answers of this question, some pianos with 44, 61, 76, and 88 keys are introduced. I just don't get it. Why notes are not following any formula? I mean, a piano with 63 keys means that ...
For some reason (probably read something like this a long time ago), I have it in my head that there was some sort of physiological basis for some note durations. This may have been something like, a ...
At least in Scandinavia and Germany two notes are marked differently than in most other countries: B -> H B♭ -> B I have heard that this is due to mistake in interpreting messy sheet notes, as ♭ ...


Lara Bingle and Sam Worthington are under real heat for their scuffle with New York photographer Sheng Li last February. They’re being warned to settle a $10 million USD for the paparazzo’s injuries, or risk the case becoming even more of a public ordeal which could be damaging to their careers.
AAP reports (via SBS) both Sam and Lara’s legal teams will be meeting with Li’s lawyer, Mark Heller, in Manhattan this Wednesday for a settlement conference. Heller has suggested the Australian power couple accept the offer or pay the consequences. “If Mr Worthington and Ms Bingle were smart, they’d settle it because otherwise this case will become a real spectacle,” Heller told AAP on Monday.
Heller also had a little prediction for the movie star and model’s future should they refuse the settlement, saying, “I think it’s clear society now doesn’t like the abusive conduct by celebrities.” He added, “A number of athletes recently lost their jobs when videos of them assaulting people went viral, so if this man wants to sell any movies, I would think he would try to resolve this in a proper and honourable way.” (more…)


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Reports are coming out of Germany that LG will be the latest manufacturer to jump on the Eee bandwagon with a low-cost, small form factor laptop.
The report, from German-language site Notebook Journal, states that LG is due to debut the machine, apparently named the X110, in October of this year, so perhaps an IFA launch for the device is not out of the question.
The full details on the specs are still under wraps, but it's suggested that the machine will boast a 9-inch display, the Intel Atom processor, a 120GB hard drive and 2GB of memory and the option for built-in HSDPA connectivity.
The touted pricing puts the basic model at around £315, with the HSDPA-enabled option coming in at £395. We will bring you more as we have it.


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Pinch Pots!Mr. CanfieldCampbell County Middle School
Form: A three-dimensional object having volume and thickness. Color: Comes from the three primaries and black and white. They have three properties – hue, value, and intensity. Texture: The tactile qualities of a surface (actual) or to the visual representation of such surface qualities (implied).
Unity: Achieved when the parts of a work of art are perceived as harmonious, giving the work a sense of completion. Emphasis: The created center of interest, the place in an artwork where your eye first lands
Used during “social events” The bowl creates a connection between host and guest As bowls are used over time, they change and mature Bowls are given poetic names by the artists who makes them Their name is written on a custom-made wooden box that holds the bowl
Tea Bowls is “Chawan” in Japanese They are available in a wide range of sizes and styles. Different styles are used for thick and thin tea. Shallow bowls, which allow the tea to cool rapidly, are used in summer Deep bowls are used in winter
Bowls over four hundred years old are in use today, but only on unusually special occasions. The best bowls are thrown by hand, and some bowls are extremely valuable through the pinching technique. Irregularities and imperfections are prized: they are often featured as the "front" of the bowl.
Some Tea Bowls are created on pottery wheels. These bowls are symmetrically balanced.
Beside using a wheel, Japanese artists would use a “pinching” technique to make a Tea Bowl. These bowls are more organic and unique!
Tea Bowls today are created on the wheel in bulk These bowls can be purchased inexpensively Some bowls are actually made to look like they were done with the pinching technique, yet actually on the wheel
Chawan (Tea Bowls) created by Japan’s most famous potters can be worth hundreds to thousands of dollars They inscribe their names on the bottom Price goes even higher!
Roll a ball of clay – bigger the ball, bigger the bowl Press thumb in the middle of the ball Between thumb and pointy finger, pinch the walls up as your working around in a spiral.
To complete your soon-to-be Tea Bowl, add a coil base. Roll a piece of clay like a worm, leaving it a little thick. Wrap around to make it look like a bracelet Wet the top of the circular coil or “bracelet” and place pot on it. Smear the coil and pot together where it connects.
How will you design your Japanese Tea Bowl? Will your Tea Bowl have decorations? Will your Tea Bowl have different colors?Before using clay, let’s design our Tea Bowl!Grab a piece of paper and sketch out how you want your bowl to look! Color it! Get Creative!
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Clipping is a handy way to collect important slides you want to go back to later.


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San Francisco to Napa
San Francisco To Napa
Come enjoy the Wine Country with a Private Wine Tour or our Join-in Daily Wine Tour.
When you’re so close to wine country, why not spend a day exploring your favorite wineries in Napa? You can depart as early as you’d like and return in the late afternoon or after a memorable dinner at one of the Michelin-starred restaurants in the Napa Valley.
The drive through the Napa Valley from San Francisco is scenic and filled with recognizable wineries. You’ll pass verdant vineyards and delight in magnificent views of the Valley as your chauffeur will share points of interest with you.
Our chauffeurs are extremely knowledgeable of the Napa area. There are literally hundreds of wineries, and many do not require an appointment for fewer than 6 guests, so your itinerary can be very spontaneous on a private wine tour. Or, hop on on a daily join-in San Francisco to Wine Country Group Tour.
San Francisco to Napa Wine Tasting Tours
Two tour choices: Private Wine Tour or Join-in Style Group Tour
Private Wine Tour
Enjoy a Private Wine Tour in Napa
On a Private Wine Tour, you can create a customized itinerary visiting the wineries and tasting the wines that you prefer. In addition to the wineries you request, your chauffeur will be able to suggest new wineries that are consistent with your tastes and that might be fun to explore. Your chauffeur will also be able to suggest a memorable lunch en route – perhaps a picnic at a vineyard.
Top Rated TripAdvisor Reviews
Join-in Group Tour
Join-in SF to Wine Country Group Tour
Our “San Francisco to Wine Country Tour” is a Golden Gate Bridge Vista Point Photo Op, Napa and Sonoma wine tasting and picnic lunch. Enjoy a fun-filled day! The 4 premium, fantastic wineries you will visit, as diverse in appearance as in the wines they offer, represent a wonderful cross section of delectable tastes in both Napa and Sonoma Valleys.
Our San Francisco to Wine Country Tour tours everyday, starting at 8:20 am, and is 8.5 hours in length. Visit 4 premium wineries, Picnic Lunch Included, Enjoy Napa and Sonoma Wine with other Wine Lovers, a Mimosa, Golden Gate Bridge Photo Op, and ride in Limo Style Vehicles.
Watch our Quick, 60-second Video!
One of our stops was the Mayacamas Winery up in the Mayacamas Mountains. A winding round that went on for a good four or five miles. He handled it without any issues. Even made a lunch run for us as we were on one tour. If you need a driver, please ask for Steve Totty.... our day could not have been any better."
WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS TOUR."


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Healthy sleep is critical for everyone, since we all need to retain information and learn skills to thrive in life. But this is likely part of the reason children—who acquire language, social, and motor skills at a breathtaking pace throughout their development—need more sleep than adults. While adults need 7-9 hours of sleep per night, one-year-olds need roughly 11 to 14 hours, school age children between 9 and 11, and teenagers between 8 and 10.During these critical periods of growth and learning, younger people need a heavy dose of slumber for optimal development and alertness.
You turn the light off at a reasonable hour, nestle into your pillow, and… your thoughts start going a mile-a-minute. Did you reply to that email from your boss? What should you pack the kids for lunch tomorrow? Are you living up to your potential? And why haven’t you started writing that novel/taken that trip/bought that house yet? If this sounds familiar, your stress and anxiety is getting in the way of you and some quality shut-eye. That’s where meditation comes in.
A 2011 analysis found no studies that are rigorous enough to provide good evidence for aromatherapy for assisting sleep. The scent of English lavender aromatherapy oil has long been used as a folk remedy to help people fall asleep. It is one of the most soothing essential oils. Try putting a lavender sachet under your pillow or place one to two drops of lavender essential oil in a handkerchief. Or add several drops of lavender oil to a bath—the drop in body temperature after a warm bath also helps with sleep. Other aromatherapy oils believed to help with sleep are chamomile and ylang-ylang.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia is a pretty common technique. Also called CBT-I, the therapy typically involves self-monitoring, mental strategies (like developing positive thoughts about sleep), and creating an environment that promotes sleep—and it’s been shown to improve sleep quality. Self-help treatment for insomnia symptoms associated with chronic conditions in older adults: a randomized controlled trial. Morgan K, Gregory P, Tomeny M. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 2012, Oct.;60(10):1532-5415. Learn these strategies with the help of a therapist or with online guidance or books—both are equally effective ways of implementing CBT-I. Efficacy of a behavioral self-help treatment with or without therapist guidance for co-morbid and primary insomnia—a randomized controlled trial. Jernelov, S., Lekander, M., Blom, K., et al. Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden. BMC Psychiatry, 2012 Jan 22;12:5 Not into seeing a therapist? Check out Sleepio, a digital program that helps users learn about and implement CBT practices from the comfort of their own homes.
We know we told you to put away your phone before bed but, for this, we’ll make an exception. Try to drown out the noise of your fighting neighbours and their barking dog with an app like Sleep Genius ($6 on iTunes). Its underlying technology has been tested and used by NASA to help astronauts fall asleep. We say: If it’s good enough for the space program, it’s good enough for us.
Everyone benefits from a good night's sleep. If you continue to have trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor. In addition to lifestyle changes, he or she might recommend behavior therapy to help you learn new sleep habits and ways to make your sleeping environment more conducive to sleep. In some cases, short-term use of prescription sleep aids might be recommended as well.
Everyone dreams. You spend about 2 hours each night dreaming but may not remember most of your dreams. Its exact purpose isn’t known, but dreaming may help you process your emotions. Events from the day often invade your thoughts during sleep, and people suffering from stress or anxiety are more likely to have frightening dreams. Dreams can be experienced in all stages of sleep but usually are most vivid in REM sleep. Some people dream in color, while others only recall dreams in black and white.
Science says, we’re supposed to get sleepy when the sun sets, but since we spend most of our nights indoors basking in the glow of our cell phones and tablets, our brains still think it’s daytime and refuse to shut down. So, here’s what you do: Put the gadgets away and watch the sunset. It being winter and all, that can be difficult. Philips’ Wake-Up Light ($180 at Amazon) offers the ability to fake it. Simply, set it to sunset simulation mode; it will gradually decrease light and sound (on your timeline) to help prepare your body for rest.
Limit Your Intake Of Caffeine, Alcohol, and Nicotine: Caffeine and nicotine can have a pronounced effect on sleep, causing insomnia and restlessness. In addition to coffee, tea, and soft drinks, look for hidden sources of caffeine such as chocolate, cough and cold medicine, and other over-the-counter medicine. Alcohol consumption can result in nighttime wakefulness.
Even though sleep is pretty much the opposite of physical exertion, exercise conducted at the right time of day (i.e., not too close to bedtime) is one of the best things you can do to get a good night’s rest. Exercise helps regulate the body’s natural circadian rhythm, which promotes sleep. According to the National Sleep Foundation, exercise can also improve insomnia by lowering symptoms of anxiety and depression, two conditions linked to sleep disruption. Daily physical activity also helps reduce cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone.
Sleeping pills and other sleep-promoting pharmaceuticals can offer a short-term solution to a temporary bout of insomnia. And plenty of people use them. But often, prescription sleep aids come with unpleasant side effects like headaches, sore muscles, constipation, dry mouth, daytime fatigue, trouble concentrating, dizziness, and more. Add them all up, and they’re about as bad—if not worse–than your garden variety sleep deprivation.
Exercise has long been associated with higher quality sleep. While the research has mainly been done on those who don’t have insomnia, studies are suggesting that staying committed to a regular exercise routine can indeed improve the quality and duration of your sleep if you do. A study published in October 2015 in the Journal of Sleep Research showed that after six months of exercising 150 minutes a week, participants reported significantly reduced insomnia symptoms. They also had significantly reduced depression and anxiety scores.
Clusters of sleep-promoting neurons in many parts of the brain become more active as we get ready for bed. Nerve-signaling chemicals called neurotransmitters can “switch off” or dampen the activity of cells that signal arousal or relaxation. GABA is associated with sleep, muscle relaxation, and sedation. Norepinephrine and orexin (also called hypocretin) keep some parts of the brain active while we are awake. Other neurotransmitters that shape sleep and wakefulness include acetylcholine, histamine, adrenaline, cortisol, and serotonin.
Safety Warning Do not use in children under 12 years of age. Ask a doctor before use if you have: a breathing problem such as asthma, emphysema or chronic bronchitis; glaucoma; trouble urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are taking any other drugs. When using this product: avoid alcoholic beverages; take only at bedtime. Stop use and ask a doctor if: sleeplessness persists continuously for more than two weeks. Insomnia may be a symptom of serious underlying medical illness. If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use. Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away. (1-800-222-1222) Do not use in children under 12 years of age. Ask a doctor before use if you have: a breathing problem such as asthma, emphysema or chronic bronchitis; glaucoma; trouble urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are taking any other drugs. When using this product: avoid alcoholic beverages; take only at bedtime. Stop use and ask a doctor if sleeplessness persists continuously for more than two weeks. Insomnia may be a symptom of serious underlying medical illness. If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use. Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away. (1-800-222-1222) — —
“By far the most common thing I recommend to patients is to take melatonin,” says Barone. The hormone, which is produced by the brain in preparation for sleep, is also available in pill and liquid form, which you can get at any health food store or pharmacy—good news because some modern behaviors can interfere with its natural production. “When we’re exposed to TVs, computers and phones with backlit displays, that tricks the brain into thinking it’s light out and it doesn’t make as much melatonin as it should.”
Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder and CEO of Wellness Mama, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a mom of six, she turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is also the author of the bestselling books The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.
Aging also plays a role in sleep and sleep hygiene. After the age of 40 our sleep patterns change, and we have many more nocturnal awakenings than in our younger years. These awakenings not only directly affect the quality of our sleep, but they also interact with any other condition that may cause arousals or awakenings, like the withdrawal syndrome that occurs after drinking alcohol close to bedtime. The more awakenings we have at night, the more likely we will awaken feeling unrefreshed and unrestored.
Black, D. S., O'Reilly, G. A., Olmstead, R., Breen, E. C., & Irwin, M. R. (2015, April). Mindfulness meditation and improvement in sleep quality and daytime impairment among older adults with sleep disturbances: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA Internal Medicine, 175(4), 494–501. Retrieved from https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2110998?hc_location=ufi
It’s the middle of the night, and you’re staring at the ceiling, thinking about work, or bills, or the kids. Sleep just won’t come, so you reach for a sleeping pill. But did you know that sleep medications are rarely meant for more than short-term use? They can cause dependence and tolerance, and the benefits don’t always outweigh the risks. Learn what you need to know about the side effects and safety concerns of common sleep medications—as well as effective insomnia treatments that don’t come in pill form.
For something that we spend a third of our lives doing (if we’re lucky), sleep is something that we know relatively little about. “Sleep is actually a relatively recent discovery,” says Daniel Gartenberg, a sleep scientist who is currently an assistant adjunct professor in biobehavioral health at Penn State. “Scientists only started looking at sleep 70 years ago.”
Created by Carpenter Co., SleepBetter is here to help with one of the biggest problems facing individuals today: lack of sleep. Diet, exercise and sleep are the cornerstones of good health, and sleep is the easiest to fix. Let us help you! We provide sleep tips and advice through our hundreds of articles, and foster discussion on SleepBetter.org, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Using these tools, we hope to give others the information they need to make a choice to sleep better. If you have a question about sleep, just ask and we’ll try to help with an answer as part of our Ask SleepBetter feature.
Challenge yourself to stay awake – your mind will rebel! It’s called the sleep paradox, says psychotherapist Julie Hirst (worklifebalancecentre.org). She explains: “Keep your eyes wide open, repeat to yourself ‘I will not sleep’. The brain doesn’t process negatives well, so interprets this as an instruction to sleep and eye muscles tire quickly as sleep creeps up.”
There are other non-medication options that might be helpful. Some people find benefit with the use of aromatherapy, although research studies may not support its use. Various relaxation techniques, including the use of biofeedback and breathing techniques, may also establish a connection between your mind and body. This can be incorporated into your bedtime rituals and make it easier to relax and transition into sleep.
Some of our expectations regarding our sleep might be slightly misguided. As an example, the thought that we will fall asleep almost immediately upon retiring to our beds may be improper. It should normally occur in less than 15 to 20 minutes, but it may take as long as 30 minutes as we get older. In fact, people who fall asleep in less than five minutes may be "pathologically sleepy." This means that they are so sleepy that they fall asleep quicker than might be normal. In some cases, this ability to fall asleep quickly—and enter rapid eye movement (REM) sleep quickly—can be seen in excessive daytime sleepiness that might occur in sleep deprivation or narcolepsy.
Directions Adults and children 12 years of age and over: take one tablet 30 minutes before going to bed; take once daily or as directed by a doctor; children under 12 years of age: do not use Adults and children 12 years of age and over: take one tablet 30 minutes before going to bed; take once daily or as directed by a doctor. Children under 12 years of age: do not use. Use: helps to reduce difficulty in falling asleep. — —
“Magnesium is my go-to recommendation for patients experiencing trouble sleeping,” says Dr. Goldstein. “It’s nature’s relaxer.” Magnesium plays an important role in helping to balance blood sugar and hormones; an imbalance in either could be affecting your sleep. By supplementing magnesium, “you’re replenishing a mineral that basically everyone needs, as well as helping to literally relax the body.” Before reaching for a traditional sleep aid, try starting off with magnesium to see if it makes a difference.
Walia suggests progressive muscle relaxation: Working from your toes to your forehead, tightly tense each muscle group for five seconds, and then relax. Visualization is another classic relaxing technique, in which you picture yourself someplace pleasant and calm. And what about the mother of all sleep remedies – counting sheep? Olson views this as a "mental distraction technique," like visualization. With sleep, he says, "the harder you try to get it, often the more elusive it is." So whether you're counting farm animals or picturing yourself in a hammock in Cabo, the idea is the same, Olson says. "You're getting your mind off of 'I can't sleep; I can't sleep; I can't sleep,' and onto something else."
“Most sleep problems are related to stress, and dealing with stress is really important," says Frank Lipman, MD. "I usually recommend some type of meditation practice or breathing technique." Spend 20 minutes doing something you enjoy (non-stimulating, of course), take 20 minutes for your hygiene routine, and use the last 20 minutes to employ a relaxation technique that works for you, such as meditation or yoga. (New to meditation? Try these 3 quick meditations absolutely anyone can do.)
While the required amount of sleep ranges for adults between 5 to 10 hours, you shouldn’t assume you are at one end of the spectrum unless you have paid close attention to your body. If you are drowsy during the day, even during boring periods, you haven’t had enough sleep the previous night. Most people experience a dip in early afternoon – siesta time. But if you fall asleep in the afternoons consistently, it means you haven’t had enough sleep at night.
Sleep deprivation for even one or two nights can vastly affect your need for sleep. Unlike many things in life, sleep time is not something that is routinely changed. You can’t get used to a lower amount of sleep just because it fits your schedule. If you try to, it will affect your judgment and reaction time, even if you are not consciously aware of it. But you can’t resist it for long. Sleep deficit can be cured only by getting some sleep.
You can take one step per day to improve your sleep. Below are suggestions for what to work on each day for 30 days. It's not necessary for it all to unfold in an orderly manner: you may find that you need to take longer on one particular task, and conversely, you may be able to breeze by recommendations that are irrelevant to you. Personalize the plan to fit your needs and your situation as best as you can, and allow flexibility in the process.
Reconditioning. A few simple steps can help people with insomnia to associate the bedroom with sleep instead of sleeplessness and frustration. For example, use the bed only for sleeping or sex and go to bed only when you're sleepy. If you're unable to sleep, move to another room and do something relaxing. Stay up until you are sleepy, and then return to bed. If sleep does not follow quickly, repeat.
Everyone needs sleep, but its biological purpose remains a mystery. Sleep affects almost every type of tissue and system in the body – from the brain, heart, and lungs to metabolism, immune function, mood, and disease resistance. Research shows that a chronic lack of sleep, or getting poor quality sleep, increases the risk of disorders including high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression, and obesity.
Yoga relaxes your body and mind, making it perfectly primed for sleep. Rachel Salas, MD, associate professor of neurology at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, suggests simple poses that allow you to focus on your breathing and releasing the tension of the day. Try sitting cross-legged and bending all the way forward, reaching your arms out straight in front of you with your head facing the ground. (Or ease into slumber with these 9 relaxing stretches you can do right in bed.)
You know what happens when you don’t sleep well: You feel sluggish in the daytime, and your concentration suffers. Poor or insufficient sleep has been linked to other problems, too, such as declined immune function and an increased risk of diabetes and high blood pressure. In your struggle to find out how to sleep better at night naturally, you’re willing to try just about anything.
Yes, it sucks when it’s 2 a.m. and you still don’t feel tired, despite knowing you need rest. But climbing into bed when you don’t feel ready for sleep is setting yourself up for failure. Instead, engage in relaxing activities (like gentle yoga and meditation or listening to soothing music) until you get the strong urge to snooze. If sleep hasn’t come within 20 minutes, get back out of bed and try relaxing activities again until you’re sleepy enough to give it another go.
What you’re eating and drinking and when you’re enjoying it affects your sleep. Try to finish eating 2 to 3 hours before bedtime so your whole system is ready to relax. Drink alcohol in the early evening instead of right before bed so your body has time to digest it before you hit the sack. Make caffeine a morning-only drink and stick to other beverages in the afternoon and evening. Caffeine stays in your system longer than you might think and can disrupt your sleep.
At some point or another, most of us will experience a short, unpleasant bout of insomnia. Often, it’s the result of stress or a change in routine (like a new work schedule or having a baby), or medications that mess with sleep like antidepressants, blood pressure meds, allergy meds, and corticosteroids. The good news is that usually, once you find a way to deal with the situation, your sleep pattern will get back to normal.
It actually may be normal to wake up at night. When we find ourselves waking in the night, no matter the cause, we may conclude that something is wrong. If there are no consequences in daytime function, however, this may not be the case. It is normal to wake to roll over, adjust the covers, respond to noise, and maybe even to get up to urinate. (Waking to go to the bathroom is so common as we get older that you would be hard-pressed to call it "abnormal.") Many people get back to sleep easily and are unaffected. The problem begins when our poor sleep compromises our lives. If difficulty falling or staying asleep at night begins to have consequences, there is a motivation to seek the cause.
Cherries. They’re the only edible source of the sleep hormone melatonin, so consider having a bowlful for dessert. If they’re not in season, opt for thawed frozen cherries or a glass of tart cherry juice. Drinking two glasses daily helped people with insomnia sleep for 90 more minutes, found one study published in the Journal of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology.
For those who have chronic insomnia, the bedroom space may become a trigger for insomnia through conditioning. The sleep environment is meant to be comfortable and facilitate sleep. It should be cool, quiet, and free of distractions. Ideally, you would not allow a television or pets in your bedroom. Bed partners may be disruptive and some people choose to maintain separate sleep spaces for this reason.
Although it's common to have the occasional sleepless night, insomnia is the inability to sleep or excessive wakening in the night that impairs daily functioning. Of natural remedies, three have been shown to be useful, and others have some preliminary but inconclusive evidence. Since chronic lack of sleep may be linked to a number of health problems (such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and depression), it's important to consult your physician and avoid self-treating with alternative medicine. Here are 14 natural remedies to consider:
Some people turn to “natural” sleep remedies or over-the-counter supplements, such as melatonin, to help them sleep. Melatonin may be helpful if you have insomnia caused by disruptions in your sleep/wake cycle, such as problems related to shift work, jet lag, and delayed sleep phase syndrome, but you should take it about five to six hours before bedtime. Also, some data suggest that taking magnesium supplements can promote sleep, especially in people with restless legs syndrome.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
A very common cause of difficulty sleeping relates to stress and the intrusion of stimulating substances and activities. You may have trouble falling asleep the night before a big test or presentation. In periods of emotional stress, such as after the death of a loved one, you may also have trouble sleeping. This is called acute insomnia. It usually passes when these stressors resolve. Similarly, stimulants such as caffeine and even nicotine can disrupt your sleep.
Warming your body up with a hot shower an hour before bed and then stepping into cooler air will cause your body temperature to drop more precipitously. Studies show that this rapid temperature decrease slows your metabolism faster and prepares your body for sleep. “Showers can also be very relaxing, so that helps, too,” says Meltzer. If you shower every night around the same time, making it part of a consistent bedtime routine, you’ll see the most sleep value from it, she adds. “Then your body has an expectation of what’s coming next.”

domain: psychology


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WHAT A CURIOUS CHARACTER is the Towhee.
The Spotted Towhee, to be precise. And I use the term “curious” in the “curiouser and curiouser” sense of Wonderland’s Alice, rather than in the inquisitive sense.
Galley Cat, currently curled up in my lap with her head resting on my right wrist so as to make typing on my laptop a silly and awkward exercise, has developed a distinct, cold-like snuffle in recent days. So, I’m not letting her out to wander on her own this damp and cold January day. If Barbara was around she’d fashion a cat sweater by cutting an old woolen sock with holes for arms and head. I’m not as textilely handy, and have no socks to spare.
But Galley demands her daily dirt time. So I took my insistent little cat out on her leash for a quick walk to the end of our road and back. It’s not far, but she considers it an adventure.
No neighbors are present this time of year, and the winter gales, for once, had ceased. The only sound meeting our ears as we walked was the quiet crunch of my shoes on the road’s sparse gravel. Galley padded silently beside me, her tail up and ears twitching.
Then came the skittering.
“Thar be Towhees, Cap’n!” a barrelman might cry from the crow’s nest if we were shipboard.
Towhees, which look a bit like robins with freckled backsides, are ground feeders. On our island, they tend to skitter around at the base of salal bushes, likely in search of fallen berries this time of year. In such a pursuit, they often remain unseen, allowing imagination to work overtime as a lonely man and his cat peer from the road to see what nefarious creature might lurk in the tall bushes.
It reminded me of “The Wind in the Willows” story when the over-adventurous Mole sets off into the Wild Wood, an often forbidding place full of peering faces, intimidating whistles and mysterious pattering, as in this passage:
“He thought it was only falling leaves at first, so slight and delicate was the sound of it. Then as it grew it took a regular rhythm, and he knew it for nothing else but the pat-pat-pat of little feet, still a very long way off. Was it in front or behind? It seemed to be first one, then the other, then both. It grew and it multiplied, till from every quarter as he listened anxiously, leaning this way and that, it seemed to be closing in on him.”
For the frightened Mole, the pattering came from nasty stoats or wicked weasels. For Galley and me, it was only Towhees.
Our clue came as we heard the birds’ characteristic call, a brief, whinging cry that Cornell Lab describes as a “catlike mew.” (Galley resents such species profiling.) To me it sounds like a petulant child asking “What? What?”
This told us there were no stoats. No lurking foxes. Just a few skittering Towhees.
Switching now from Grahame to Frost: The woods were lovely, dark and deep, but we were grateful we did not have miles to go before we sleep. We toddled the few yards back to the cabin unmolested, Galley to convalesce, me to try to type with a cat chin weighing down my wrist.
It’s awkward, and silly, and I’ve written enough.
One thought on “Spotting the Towhee”
Do you remember going to see Lawrence of Arabia? After the film you and I walked down the road and I jumped like a nervous Nelly when the shrubs next to us moved a bit good times ,A toast to you and Galley, of Egg Nog with a spoonful of the libation of the highlands ,. Cheers my friend


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The SJEC overarching mission is shared across the Women’s Resource Center, Pride Center and MultiCultural Center, and is supported by each of the centers individual missions.
The overarching mission of the Social Justice & Equity Centers is to educate, support, empower, and celebrate Black, lndigienous and Students of Color, women, queer, undocumented, and all historically marginalized students and their allies. We encourage all students to explore their identities, question societal norms and dismantle oppressive structures to create a more just and inclusive campus community and society. We strive to educate and support those with leveraged identities on allyship, power, and privilege to create a sense of belonging, an inclusive campus culture, and a just and equitable BMCC. This mission is shared by the Women’s Resource Center, Pride Center and MultiCultural Center, and is supported by each of the centers’ individual missions.
The SJEC has an overarching vision that is shared across the Women’s Resource Center, Pride Center & MultiCultural Center.
The Social Justice & Equity Centers envisions an intersectional, equitable, and socially-just world free from patriarchy, violence, harassment, gender, sexuality, and racial discrimination, prejudice, inequity, and injustice. We picture a community where all students can unapologetically be their intersectional selves, reach their maximum potential, and thrive at BMCC and beyond. This vision is shared across the Women’s Resource Center, Pride Center and MultiCultural Center.
The Social Justice & Equity Centers have an overarching overarching values that are shared across the Women’s Resource Center, Pride Center and MultiCultural Center, with each center also having their own specific values. Everything we do incorporates one or more of our Social Justice & Equity Center values and are the foundation of our work, approach, and philosophy.
- Inclusive Intersectionality
- Community and Sense of Belonging
- Empowerment and Celebration
- Empathy and Respect
- Learning and Growth
- Solidarity and Advocacy


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14 Oct Bermuda: Pink Sand Paradise
Heaven is a place on Earth… and it’s called Bermuda
Over the summer I had one of the best vacations of my life: spending a week in Bermuda. It was my first time to this little oasis, which is insane because my Aunt actually lives in Bermuda and has for my entire life. I’m the last of my immediate family to make it out there, but I will certainly be back and am already trying to plan a trip next summer. A lot of people think Bermuda is part of the Caribbean, but if you look at a map it’s actually all on its own surrounded by great blue ocean due East off the coast of Charleston, South Carolina.
But this is what is really looks like:
Yes, I took this picture. Yes, it is heavenly. Yes, it is THAT blue. The first thing that shocked me about Bermuda was the color of the water when we first got off the plane. I have never seen anything bluer in my life; it is MAGIC.
I took hundreds of photos so the following are just a few highlights. In Southhampton is Horseshoe Bay Beach, which is probably the most recognizable beach in Bermuda. You can find it in screen savers that you think are photo-shopped, because, I mean, come onnnnn:
Oh by the way, the sand is pink. It comes from the crushed shells of a microscopic organism called foraminifera, which is red. The red shell + white sand makes the sand look a soft shade of pink. I don’t like the color pink but when it’s sand in Bermuda, it just may be my favorite color.
Aside from the tiresome days lounging at the beach and exploring our hotel, The Fairmont Southhampton, we also went snorkeling, paddle boarding, and went on a short hike up to Queen’s View and a lighthouse that had some pretty spectacular views of the island.
…life is really rough in Bermuda.
Mother Nature, man. Pretty powerful stuff.
Have you been on any other amazing beach vacations? Please give me your top picks!! Next on my bucket list? Bora Bora 🙂
[Bikinis are Acacia Swimwear & Tiangl; dress & hat are Free People]


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By Sarah Carabias-Rush, managing director, economic development
The Dallas Regional Chamber will host its 4th annual healthcare conference on Wednesday, October 17th from 7:30 – 10:00 am at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Downtown. The topic is reform but not everything you’ve heard before. The speakers will focus on what’s next for Texas and what we can expect in the upcoming legislative session.
Dr. Kyle Janek (Bio)
Texas Health and Human Services
Dr. Susan Bailey (Bio)
Vice Speaker, House of Delegates
American Medical Association
Past President, Texas Medical Association
Practicing Fort Worth Physician
A discussion will be moderated by:
Dr. Eduardo Sanchez (Bio)
Vice President and Chief Medical Officer
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas
This will be a conversation you can’t afford to miss!
The audience will include healthcare industry executives, business owners and business executives wishing to understand reform in Texas, and businesses that support the healthcare industry. Sponsorships and tables are available. For questions, contact Tineciaa Harris, manager, economic development at email@example.com or (214) 712-1968. Register online at www.dallaschamber.org/events.


1955 film We’re No Angels makes Blu-ray debut in November
The 1955 film “We’re No Angels” is officially coming to Blu-ray Disc, for the very first time, on November 24th via Paramount. The film, directed by Michael Curtiz, starred Humphrey Bogart, Aldo Ray, Peter Ustinov, Joan Bennett, and Basil Rathbone. The tech specs for the Blu-ray release include a 1080p HD presentation in the original 1.85:1 aspect ratio and DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono sound. You can now find the Blu-ray is available for preorder over at Amazon. No bonus materials will be included with this release. Lastly, it should be noted that this release will come in the form of a MOD (manufactured-on-demand) BD-ROM Blu-ray Disc if you order it via Amazon. However, if you find this on store shelves elsewhere or online elsewhere, it will be a pressed Blu-ray Disc. I was given this heads-up regarding the release. You can find a quote regarding that below.
“It’s a BD-ROM now on Amazon MOD and pressed everywhere else.”


Monday, March 4, 2013
Childhood ADHD May Lead to Problems Later On
I found this article very interesting. Read it here. As an educator, I have always advocated for parents to take children for professional evaulations immediately if they exhibit these behaviors, since the earlier it is treated, the better. Let me know what you think.


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These rich, chewy cookies contain no wheat flour or eggs, and—good news on sweltering days when you feel like having cookies around the house—require no oven heat. All you do is boil milk with unsalted butter and sugar to add to a mix of old-fashioned oats, chocolate chips, peanut butter, and vanilla. Mix, then form into cookies on waxed paper–lined baking sheets. Chill until the cookies set up, then gorge. For a fun twist, scoop your favorite ice cream flavor in between two cookies to make ice cream sandwiches.
For more, check out our roundup of no-bake cookie inspiration.
- Yield: 36 cookies
- Difficulty: Easy
- Total: 15 mins, plus cooling time
- Active: 15 mins
- 1⁄4 cup unsalted butter (1/2 stick)
- 1⁄4 cup whole milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1⁄2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 1/2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
- 1 1⁄2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Add the oats, peanut butter, chocolate chips, and vanilla to a medium mixing bowl; set aside. Line 2 rimmed baking sheets with waxed paper and set aside.
- Combine the butter, milk, and sugar in a small, heavy saucepan set over medium-high heat. Boil for 1 minute.
- Pour the hot milk mixture into the oat mixture and stir well. Drop spoonfuls onto the waxed paper and cool, refrigerated, until the cookies set. If you’re in a hurry, you can pop the cookies in the freezer to set faster. Remove from the waxed paper and serve.

domain: food


Mandala is a spiritual and ritual symbol in Hinduism and Buddhism, representing the universe. In common use, "mandala" has become a generic term for any diagram, chart or geometric pattern that represents the cosmos metaphysically or symbolically; a microcosm of the universe.
The product is 100% made of polyester, it is thin tapestry, not a towel.
This Product is one side printed, white color on the back side.
Due to the difference between different monitors, the picture may not reflect the actual color of the item.


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Surprise! You’ve Got Money!
Here’s a quick guide to checking to see if you have unclaimed money.
Have A Question About This Topic?
There have been a number of changes to Social Security that may affect you, especially if you are nearing retirement.
Lifestyle considerations in creating your retirement portfolio.
If your clients are buying or selling a home, use this to help them determine if they qualify for capital gains taxes.


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Thanks for looking at the blog Dave G and thanks for your kind remarks….I certainly agree that by returning to specific subjects repeatedly you are able to build on what’s gone before. Its often a conversation with yourself in terms of taking it forward or not….. and its not always always better every time you return but often you are able to make better individual images because of past experience. Also you go on to develop a body of work that collectively is certainly much stronger than any one off. Today Im again working on taxis from taxis…….
…….er…… I guess what Im saying is……..I know I have a bit of a problem…..just a slight obsession nothing too major……..anyway here it is…… another taxi shot I just made this evening.
Cheers Jez XX
[ 3 ] comments
- cool shot! no movement blur!
Kris [PiXistenZ] @ October 27, 2006, 3:28 am
- This is a very good shot in the fact that there is no blur. Just curious as to why the windshield is the item in focus? Anyway, a very good shot and the composition is quite good too.
Joe @ October 27, 2006, 9:42 am
- Thanx Kris…Yeah no blur…. usually I prefer the blur shots for their dynamism but its interesting to use a range of thought process and technique to approach a favorite subject…… er…..Joe…the windscreen and the meter ‘are’ the subject and also the frame for the cab beyond……..I often do that….i know its not conventional to leave what is more obviously ‘the subject’ out of focus. In this image it allows you to see the shape that the sweep of the blades leaves on the screen and the light off the dirty screen as well as the interesting detail in the meter …… er ……. at least this is a cheap cab ride! Cheers Jez XX
jez @ October 27, 2006, 7:04 pm