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MILLARD SHEETS (American, 1907-1989)Cotton PickersOil on canvas36 x 40 inches (91.4 x 101.6 cm)Inscribed verso: ...
Auction amount: $53,775.00
Sold: May 8, 2008
Birth Place: California (United States)
Millard Owen Sheets, a leader in the California style watercolor movement, was born in California and raised by his grandparents at their horse ranch near Los Angeles. He was an elected member of the California Water Color Society by age 19. Sheets studied with F. Tolles Chamberlin and Clarence Hinkle at the Choiunard Art Institute. Before graduating, Sheets undertook a teaching position at the Institute while completing his education. This was the first of his teaching positions as he would go on to teach as Director of the Otis Art Institute, as head of the art department of Scripps College, and other various educational institutions. Sheets was quickly recognized by influential Dalzell Hatfield Galleries who sponsored his first one-man exhibition in 1929. After winning the Edgar B. Davis art competition, Sheets studied under Dorfinant in Paris where he met Henri Matisse. In 1932, Sheets furthered his education at Scripps College and, again, would be asked to take a teaching position upon graduation.
Having exhibited his works throughout the United States including the Carnegie Institute’s International Exhibition of Paintings, Sheets was a nationally recognized artist by the 1930s. During the Depression, Sheets worked with the Public Works of Art Project. This introduced Sheets to mural work as wells as architecture, which he would return to later in his life. Additionally, Sheets served as the Director of the art exhibition at the Los Angeles County Fair for 25 years. All of these achievements allowed him to travel and paint in Europe, Hawaii, and Central America. During World War II, Sheets was as a correspondent for Life Magazine in India and Burhma, making famine, death, and war the subject of many of his paintings. This experience would color Sheets’ work for over a decade with dark tones and depressing, almost despondent subject matter whereas before his palette was neutral with brilliant shades punctuating his compositions. When Sheets returned to the United States, he became president of the California Water Color Society. However, Sheets began to expand his medium past watercolors to oils, illustration, murals, mosaics, tapestries, prints, and architecture. In 1953, Sheets started the Millard Sheets Designs Company, which created mosaics, art, and buildings for Home Savings of America banks throughout California, the Detroit Public Library, the Mayo Clinic, and the National Shrine in Washington DC as well as many others.
Millard Sheets’ work in watercolors and with the California Scene Painters would give rise to the California Regionalist School. At the forefront of this movement, Sheets inspired, introduced, and taught many of the notable California artists who would follow him including Lee Blair, Hardie Gramatky, and Paul Sample. Millard Sheets’ painting style varies greatly, but his personal touch is easily recognizable. Sheets’ colorful, curvilinear technique allowed this flowing medium to be concise and eye catching. The result is bold and can vary from shocking realism to simplified abstraction which echoes the art deco movement and, perhaps, folk art. Whether strict lines or curved movement, the clear geometric aspects in Sheets’ work reveal his interest in architecture, and yet, there is often a gritty, earthly nature to his paintings seen in his color palette and subject matter. Whether on paper, on walls, in buildings, or in education, Millard Owen Sheets’ work left a strong tradition stretching past the confines of an artist and into public service.
Millard Sheets Original Art Values Sold at Auction
MILLARD SHEETS (American, 1907-1989) Cotton Pickers Oil on canvas 36 x 40 inches (91.4 x 101.6 cm) Inscribed verso: ...
Thursday, May 8, 2008
MILLARD SHEETS (American, 1907-1989) Girl with Calabash, Moorea, 1977 Watercolor and pencil on paper 21-1/4 x 29-1/4 ...
Saturday, May 11, 2013
MILLARD SHEETS (American, 1907-1989) Stallion Confrontation, 1985 Watercolor on paper 29 x 41 inches (73.7 x 104.1 cm...
Monday, November 17, 2014
Millard Sheets (American, 1907-1989) Original Design for Hawaiian Mural, 1968 Gouache, watercolor, and pencil on board... (Total: 2 Items)
Friday, May 4, 2018
Millard Sheets (American, 1907-1989) The Islands of Mendocino, 1982 Watercolor on paper 22 x 30 inches (55.9 x 76.2 c...
Friday, May 4, 2018
PLEASE NOTE: All prices realized reflect the final hammer price PLUS the buyer's premium in auctions that charge a buyer's premium. Each item has a notation at the top of the listing indicating whether that lot included a buyer's premium. All information listed is intended to be as accurate as possible, but errors are possible. Please use this guide carefully and inform us of any inaccuracies.
Buy Millard Sheets
|Item||Current Bid or Price|
Millard Sheets (American, 1907-1989) Road by the Inland Sea, Japan Watercolor on paper 22 x 30 inches (55.9 x 76.2 cm...
Thursday, November 8, 2018
Millard Sheets (American, 1907-1989) Women at the Beach, Tahiti, 1973 Watercolor on paper 22 x 30 inches (55.9 x 76.2...
Thursday, November 8, 2018
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The Gender. Love Beyond Boundaries film festival opened on Tuesday and will run through Dec. 11 at the Kaohsiung Film Archive. The event focuses on going beyond gender stereotypes, and showcases relationships that are more diverse than simply those between a man and a woman. The films being screened as part of the festival touch upon issues of gender identity, homosexuality, bisexuality, and transvestism. From the controversial nature of the subject matter to the detailed exploration of affection, the festival promises to be a feast for the eyes for movie fans.
The festival features six widely acclaimed films that have appeared recently in international film festivals. As an awareness of gay rights grows, gay-themed films have become progressively more central in international film festivals, prompting many to create a separate category for them. This festival is not limited to gay themes, however, and explores love, friendship, family, marriage, and other facets of life from perspectives that go beyond traditional gender awareness, in an attempt to get back to fundamental forms of love and hope that are inherent to human nature.
The six films are: L’Amour Fou, So Hard to Forget, Gigola, Three, Happy, Happy, and Loose Cannons.
(LIBERTY TIMES, TRANSLATED BY LIN YA-TI)
1. a feast for the eyes idiom
一飽眼福 (yi1 bao2 yan3 fu2)
例: The fireworks display promises to be a feast for the eyes.
2. acclaimed adj.
受好評的 (shou4 hao3 ping2 de5)
例: Before he turned to alcoholism, he was an acclaimed actor.
3. prompt v.
促使 (cu4 shi3)
例: I decided to change jobs myself. Nobody prompted me to do it.


Are you interested in making your own custom knives? Then forging knives might be the perfect hobby for you! Not only is it an enjoyable activity, but it also allows you to create unique knives that are tailored to your specific preferences. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to get started with forging your own knives, from choosing the right materials to mastering the techniques required to create a finished product.
Forging knives can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it requires a lot of patience and skill to master. Before getting started, you’ll need to gather some basic materials, such as a forge, an anvil, a hammer, tongs, and high-quality steel.
With these tools, you can begin the process of heating, hammering, and shaping your steel into a finished knife. In the following sections, we’ll go through each step of the process in detail, so you can create your own custom knife with ease.
Basic Materials Required for Forging Knives
To forge a knife, you’ll need to gather some basic materials that are essential for the process. These materials include:
- A forge: This is a specialized furnace that is used to heat up the steel to high temperatures for forging.
- An anvil: This is a heavy, solid metal block that is used to support the steel during forging.
- A hammer: You’ll need a heavy hammer that is comfortable to use for extended periods of time.
- Tongs: These are used to hold and move the hot steel while forging.
- High-quality steel: This is the most important material you’ll need for forging a knife. It’s essential to choose high-quality steel that is suitable for knife making.
Choosing the Right Steel for Your Knife
When choosing steel for your knife, there are several factors to consider, such as:
- The type of steel: There are many different types of steel available, each with its own unique properties. Some of the most popular options for knife-making include carbon steel, stainless steel, and tool steel.
- The composition of the steel: The composition of the steel can affect its performance and durability. For example, steel with a higher carbon content is generally harder and more durable than steel with a lower carbon content.
- The heat treatment requirements: Different types of steel require different heat treatment processes to achieve the desired properties. It’s important to choose a steel that can be easily heat-treated using the equipment you have available.
Understanding the Heat Treatment Process
The heat treatment process is a critical step in knife making, as it determines the properties of the finished blade. The process involves heating the steel to a specific temperature, then cooling it rapidly to harden the metal.
This is followed by tempering, which involves heating the blade again to a lower temperature to reduce its brittleness and increase its toughness. It’s important to follow the recommended heat treatment process for your chosen steel to achieve the best possible results.
Setting up Your Forge
Before you can start forging, you’ll need to set up your forge. This involves creating a firebox and lining it with refractory materials to insulate it. Setting up your forge is an important step in knife forging, as it’s where you’ll be heating your steel to the necessary temperature for shaping and hardening. Here are the basic steps for setting up your forge:
- Choose a location: You’ll need a safe and well-ventilated area to set up your forge. A garage or outdoor space with a solid surface is ideal.
- Build a firebox: A firebox is a container that holds the fuel and allows you to control the heat of the forge. You can purchase a pre-made firebox or build one yourself using fire bricks.
- Line the firebox: To insulate the firebox, line it with a layer of refractory material such as fire bricks, ceramic fiber, or perlite.
- Add a fuel source: The most common fuel sources for forges are coal, charcoal, or propane. Choose a fuel source that’s easily accessible and affordable in your area.
- Install a burner: If you’re using propane, you’ll need to install a burner to regulate the flame and heat output of your forge.
- Test your forge: Before using your forge to heat your steel, test it to ensure that it’s heating evenly and at the desired temperature.
Setting up your forge may require some trial and error, but with patience and practice, you’ll be able to create a safe and effective heating environment for your knife forging.
Basic Forging Techniques for Knife Making
Once you’ve set up your forge and gathered your materials, it’s time to start forging your knife. Here are some basic techniques you’ll need to master:
Drawing out is the process of elongating your steel by hammering it repeatedly in one direction. This is often the first step in knife forging, as it creates the basic shape of the blade. To draw out your steel, heat it until it’s malleable and use your hammer to strike it repeatedly in the same direction until it reaches the desired length and width.
Upsetting is the opposite of drawing out, as it involves shortening your steel by hammering it repeatedly in one spot. This technique is used to create the thicker parts of your knife, such as the bolster or the tang. To upset your steel, heat it until it’s malleable and strike it repeatedly in one spot until it thickens to the desired size.
Bending is the process of shaping your steel into the desired curve or angle. This is often done to create the tip or curve of the blade. To bend your steel, heat it until it’s malleable and use your hammer and anvil to shape it into the desired curve or angle.
Tapering is the process of gradually reducing the thickness of your steel from one end to the other. This is often done to create the point of the blade or the tip of the tang. To taper your steel, heat it until it’s malleable and use your hammer to strike it repeatedly in one direction until it thins to the desired thickness.
The Importance of Proper Hammering Techniques
Hammering is a critical part of knife forging, as it’s what allows you to shape and refine your steel. Here are some tips for using your hammer effectively:
- Use a heavy hammer: A heavy hammer will allow you to apply more force and control to your strikes, making it easier to shape your steel.
- Use a comfortable grip: A comfortable grip on your hammer will reduce hand fatigue and allow you to work for longer periods of time.
- Strike with the correct angle: The angle of your strikes can affect the shape and direction of your steel. For example, striking at a 45-degree angle will elongate your steel, while striking.
Knife forging is an ancient craft that has been passed down through generations. While it can be a challenging and time-consuming process, the end result is a unique and durable tool that can be treasured for years to come. Whether you’re a seasoned blacksmith or a beginner, with the right tools, materials, and techniques, anyone can learn how to forge a knife. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can create a custom knife that is perfectly suited to your needs and preferences. So why not give it a try and start forging your own knives today?
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to forge a knife?
The time it takes to forge a knife varies depending on the complexity of the design and the skill level of the forger. A simple knife can be forged in a few hours, while a more complex design may take several days.
What types of steel are best for knife forging?
High carbon steel, such as 1095 or W2, is often preferred for knife forging due to its ability to hold a sharp edge and withstand frequent use. Stainless steel can also be used, but it may be more difficult to shape and harden.
Do I need any special tools for knife forging?
While there are some specialized tools available for knife forging, such as a belt grinder or a power hammer, it’s possible to create a knife using only basic tools such as a hammer, anvil, and forge.
Can I forge a knife without a forge?
While it’s technically possible to forge a knife without a forge, it would require a lot of time and effort. Without a forge, you would need to use a torch to heat your steel and a hammer to shape it. It’s much easier and more efficient to use a forge.


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Arthur Michael Ramsey
17" x 24", oil on masonite
The Archbishop of Canterbury 1961-1974
published Time Magazine, August 16, 1963
Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery, Washington, D.C.
The cover article reviewed the current state of the Anglican Church worldwide, and gave a detailed biography of the 100th Archbishop of Canterbury, Arthur Michael Ramsey.
External links (open in a new window):
Wikipedia entry for Michael Ramsey, Archbishop of Canterbury
Time Magazine issue online

domain: library


Romance is in the air this Friday on CSI: NY (CBS, 8/7c), but business appears to be taking priority over pleasure.
The following exclusive first look finds a busy Danny and Lindsay running into each other at the precinct on what is supposed to be the most romantic day of the year. Unfortunately, work constraints threaten to derail their plans for the night. But that doesn’t stop the twosome from stealing a sweet moment.
Press PLAY below to watch the twosome make a pact to “celebrate” Valentine’s Day come hell or high water, then hit the comments!


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CBS 58 -- A Milwaukee woman was arrested while working at a gentlemen's club in Dodge County and is now facing prostitution charges. The customer, a year-old male from Columbus, was arrested and booked into the jail on a charge of patronizing prostitutes. The most controversial aspect of this has been a near year-long fight against Prostitutes Milwaukee proposed strip club on Old World Prostitutes Milwaukee Street.
Marquette nursing professor named Fellow in Palliative Care Nursing.
Join now and cancel anytime. Neither the Prostitutes Milwaukee owner nor Silk Exotic responded to requests for comment on the progress of the project.
Prostitutes Milwaukee The City of Milwaukee is developing new tools to fight prostitution: publicly shaming those caught attempting to hire Prostitutes Milwaukee prostitute and raising the fine by percent.
He even added a few regulations of his own creation to the district, including restrictions on Prostitutes Milwaukee prostitutes to ride Prostitutes Milwaukee customers in Prostitutes Milwaukee carriages on the city streets. But these approaches are few and far between.
CBS 58 -- A Milwaukee woman was arrested while working at a gentlemen's club in Dodge County and Prostitutes Milwaukee now facing prostitution charges. The most controversial aspect of this has been a near year-long fight against a proposed strip Prostitutes Milwaukee on Old World Third Street.
That the person repeatedly beckons to stop or attempts to stop, or engages known prostitutes in conversation.
The fact that this area had become a political problem Prostitutes Milwaukee Milwaukee was in the Prostitutes Milwaukee of a transition from a rugged western outpost to a proper city, suggests that the district had most likely established itself during the early Prostitutes Milwaukee of the village, as single, laboring men were drawn to the Prostitutes Milwaukee growing area. Just last month, Glendale police arrested 11 and seven johns in a sting operation.
Region time America/Chicago
Milwaukee's Red Light District: When Vice Flourished Downtown
Milwaukee (Manawa, Man-a-wauk-ee, Mahnawauk, MKE, Mahn-ah-wauk Seepe, Man-a-wau-kee, Mahn-ah-wauk Seepe)
Sorry, this content is not available in your region.
By Jeramey Jannene - Apr 11th, pm. Share this article: facebook twitter email.

domain: law


text:
©RestauriRaia.com Restoration, renovation and restyling of wooden artifacts.
Subject: Ballroom Chairs
Made of solid walnut and beech wood these chairs are remarkably solid considering the age and style that sets them apart. The style is neoclassical but suffers greatly influence the Liberty upward momentum presenting. Turned legs slightly tapered column. Seat and back upholstered in leather with decorative studs in bronze. Classical decoration thread and upper frame in the neoclassical style. They have been carefully preserved and are in perfect conditions of conservation considering they have one hundred years.
The chairs were covered with an accumulation of dirt and repainting that darkened much the leather seat and wooden structure. Have been scoured, it cleaned the skin and nailing bronze. Were treated against the few have them present and repainted shellac spagliettata and protected with beeswax. Even the seat and back in leather were polished with beeswax.
Length: 44 cm
Width: 44 cm
Height: 103.5 cm

domain: history


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Center For Eye Care: On The Cutting Edge of Advanced Specialty Eye Care
Glaucoma is a disease that damages the optic nerve and causes vision loss – often without warning and symptoms. Like a cable wire, the optic nerve is responsible for carrying the images we see to the brain. Damage to the optic nerve can occur when the pressure within the eye increases, usually due to a build-up of aqueous fluid inside the eye. This leads to the development of blind spots in our field of vision. However, damage may occur without elevation of the intra-ocular pressure. Conversely, the pressure may at times be elevated without damaging the optic nerve. This is a condition known as Ocular Hypertension. Blind spots in the field of vision usually go undetected by the individual until the optic nerve is significantly damaged and a great loss of peripheral or central vision has occurred. A Visual Field evaluation can detect glaucomatous damage in its very early stages. If the disease is untreated the optic nerve may be damaged to a point that irreversible blindness will result.
Glaucoma, often called the “sneak thief of sight” because it usually has no symptoms, affects about 3 million Americans and 67 million people worldwide. It is a leading cause of blindness in the United States, particularly among the elderly population.
Types of Glaucoma:
Not every type of glaucoma is the same or will have the same impact on your life. If you have been diagnosed with Glaucoma please make sure to familiarize yourself with the different types of glaucoma listed below. Dr. Raymond M. Girgis, M.D. will be happy to provide additional information regarding your specific type of glaucoma and what this will mean to your life.
1. Chronic open-angle glaucoma:
This is the most common type of glaucoma. The drainage angle, where the fluids in the eye drain, is open, but working less efficiently. The inability to drain causes pressure within the eye to rise, which results in a gradual loss of side-vision. This can be likened to an air filter, which gathers dust over time & eventually becomes too laden with dust to work properly.
2. Angle-closure glaucoma:
This type of glaucoma occurs when the drainage angle is completely blocked, often by the iris. This prevents any fluid to drain from the eye & causes the pressure within the eye to suddenly rise. This extreme rise in pressure causes blurred vision, headaches, severe eye pain as well as the appearance of halos around lights.
3. Chronic angle-closure glaucoma:
This is painless and more gradual closing of the drainage angle, which occurs most frequently in people of African or Asian descent.
4. Secondary Glaucoma:
This type of glaucoma progresses very much like chronic open-angle glaucoma. It occurs when scar tissue blocks the drainage angle. The first symptom is loss of side-vision.
5. Congenital Glaucoma:
This is a birth defect, which affects the drainage angle. To prevent blindness, this condition must be treated shortly after birth. Symptoms include enlarged eyes, a cloudy cornea, light sensitivity and excessive tearing.
Medical technology can often times bring miracles. Glaucoma is usually treated with daily eye drops that decrease eye pressure either by slowing the amount of fluid produced within the eye or by improving the flow through the drainage angle. Glaucoma medications may produce side effects, so be sure to talk to your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.
Laser surgery treatments may be recommended for certain types of glaucoma. In open-angle glaucoma, a laser can be used to modify the drain to help control eye pressure.
In angle-closure glaucoma, the laser can be used to create a hole in the iris to improve the flow of aqueous to the drainage angle.
SLT – Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty is quickly becoming a widely accepted treatment option in glaucoma treatment. SLT offers a new glimpse of hope for glaucoma patients. By engaging in this NEW laser technology the ophthalmologists can now lower pressure that can possibly help a patient avoid a more invasive surgery. The surgery might even reduce the dependence on medications or drops.
What does the procedure do?
SLT actually lowers (IOP) intraocular pressure by creating relatively small pulsing low-energy laser light to target cells in the trabecular mesh system of the eye.
In a standard, operating room procedure, your doctor can also use fine, microsurgical instruments to create a new drainage channel for outflow of aqueous fluid. Though serious complications of modern glaucoma surgery are uncommon, they can occur. Surgery is recommended if your ophthalmologist feels that it is necessary to prevent further damage to the optic nerve.
Who is at risk?
Glaucoma can impact anyone or any family. All people should be concerned about the glaucoma disease and the potential harm it could cause someone’s life. Because this disease is also known as the sneak thief of sight we must remind each other, especially our elders to get regular eye examinations. Early detection could save your vision.
Glaucoma: Those At Risk?
People at greater risk for glaucoma:
1) People of African-American descent
2) Adults over the age of 50 years
3) Those with a significant family history of glaucoma
4) People who have diabetes
5) Nearsighted patients
6) People with high intraocular pressure
African-Americans have a greater than average chances for developing glaucoma than do people of other racial backgrounds.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) now recommends that people with other risk factors for glaucoma have their eyes examined.
Corticosteroids that are inhaled are most often used to treat asthma and have been reported to raise intraocular pressure (IOP)
Like diabetes, open angle glaucoma is a disease which can be controlled but not cured. Early diagnosis, close followup care, and lifetime monitoring are key in maintaining good vision. Using eyedrops becomes as normal a habit as brushing one’s teeth, and people continue to lead normal active lives with glaucoma.
Dr. Raymond M. Girgis is trained to treat glaucoma. In many cases, the treatment can be successfully achieved with eyedrops and or laser. In more advanced cases, surgical operations must be performed.

domain: medical


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Cheap Hotels in Eastland
Popular Hotels in Eastland, Texas
25 cheap Hotels with Free Breakfast in and around Eastland, Texas. Choose a hotel below or narrow your search using the filter to the right.
Themes: Business-Friendly, Family-Friendly
Themes: Family-Friendly, Business-Friendly
Explore other popular destinations:
Ranger, TX Cisco, TX Breckenridge, TX De Leon, TX Keasbey, NJ Phippsburg, ME Kuttawa, KY Carolina Beach, NC Athens, OH Columbia City, IN Rosenberg, TX Plant City, FL Nevada, MO Hopkinsville, KY Schuyler, NE Rio Grande City, TX Wells, ME Dayton, OH Calera, OK Lake Dallas, TX Miami, AZ Searchlight, NV West Jordan, UT New Martinsville, WV Roanoke, AL Corte Madera, CA New Baltimore, MI Mc Henry, MD Carmel, CA Waterville, KS
Cascade, ID Marshfield, MO Pulaski, TN Ephrata, WA Milledgeville, GA Bryn Mawr, PA restaurants Branson, MO restaurants Highland, NY restaurants Encino, CA restaurants Hacienda Heights, CA restaurants Clifton, VA attractions Verona, NY attractions Endicott, NY attractions Irving, TX attractions Fountain Hills, AZ attractions

domain: geography


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While You Were Working: Celebrities Demand Gun Control
Beyonce, Jon Hamm, Amy Poehler, Sarah Silverman and a bunch of other celebs shot a PSA for Demand A Plan.
Rita Ora was cheating on Rob Kardashian with Jonah Hill.
Simon Cowell was cheeky about whether or not LeAnn Rimes was drunk on X-Factor.
AfterElton.com interviewed Shas of Sunset star Reza Ferehan.
Rihanna Tweeted a pic of what looks like an engagement ring.
The apocalypse didn’t happen which made Sharon Needles happy.
But bad stuff did happen on the latest “Mayan Apocalypse” episode of the Eastsiders, tho…

domain: celebrity


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DOG COLLAR AND LEASH HISTORY DOG COLLAR HISTORY Three words can define the use of dog collars in ancient times: Decorating, Protect and Identification. These meanings seem really similar than current days but the difference was the purpose of this. more…
HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY FROM PETCOLLARS.NET! We hope you have a nice day with your pet
This is Pitu! She feels a little bit strange with these green shining tapes! LOL Luckily, she mustn’t put it on too much time! Happy St. Patrick’s Day from Pitu!!
This is Coco, a Spanish Water Dog Breed, who wears a green bow due to St. Patrick’s Day. He is a friendly dog and he really likes jumping onto beach sand. We had a funny day on the beach.
Hi Pet Lovers! St.Patrick’s Day is coming and we’d love you to share your dog and cat special experiences and photos with us due to this holiday day! Cheer you up!
PETCOLLARS web site wish merry christmas to all pet people in the world. May these wonderful beings are always present in your life!
Sue wish you merry christmas and happy new year!

domain: pet


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A Teaching Handbook for Wiccans and Pagans: Practical Guidance for Sharing Your Path (Paperback)
As the Pagan and Wiccan communities grow, so does the need for teachers, mentors, and role models. For those who want to share their knowledge, teaching can be a very empowering and spiritual experience. But practicing the Craft and teaching it are two very different things.
In this timely guide, popular Wiccan author and teacher Thea Sabin presents clear techniques for creating a curriculum, including sample syllabi. She also provides instruction and guidance on crucial aspects of becoming an effective and inspiring teacher of Wicca and Paganism.
- Develop teaching methods for adult learners
- Manage group dynamics
- Give great presentations
- Find and screen students
- Set up online classes
- Cultivate patience and humility
You will also find interviews and advice from several respected Pagan teachers, such as Patrick McCollum, Holli Emore of Cherry Hill Seminary, Christopher Penczak, and T. Thorn Coyle.
About the Author
Thea Sabin is a professional editor and writer whose work has appeared in numerous publications, both pagan and non-pagan, and is a former newspaper astrology columnist. A practicing Wiccan since her teens, the author received formal training in a British Traditional path and currently she and her husband run a coven of the same tradition. Sabin holds a Masters Degree in Education, is an avid organic gardener and lover of Hong Kong gangster movies. She makes her home in the Pacific Northwest.


The long wait is finally over. The first batch of five Rafale jets which took off from France have entered the Indian air space. They will be landing at the Ambala Air Force station shortly and inducted into the ‘Golden Arrow’ squadron. Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria will be receiving the first batch of five Rafale combat aircraft arriving from France at the Ambala air base about 200 km from Pakistan border.
A Navy warship welcomed the jets as they entered the Indian air space. “May you touch the sky with glory,” a Navy warship INS Kolkata said while welcoming the Rafale jets.
— NewsMobile (@NewsMobileIndia) July 29, 2020
Security has been stepped up in Ambala and Section 144 has been imposed in four villages close to Ambala airbase. Ambala Cantt area has been made a ‘no-drone’ area and the local administration has banned photography of Air Force Station from places such as Dhulkot, Baldev Nagar, Garnala and Panjokhara.
Local police has also made repeated announcements to advise locals against gathering on roofs and click photographs between 10 am and 5 pm.
IAF meanwhile has already placed an emergency order for HAMMER (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range) missiles with France to boost the capabilities of the combat aircraft. The order for the HAMMER standoff missiles with the capability to take out any types of targets at the range of around 60-70 kms is being processed on priority. Equipping the Rafale jets with HAMMER missiles would give India an edge over both Pakistan and China in terms of air strike capability.
All the pilots have been trained on the aircraft by the French Dassault Aviation company as per the agreement signed for the biggest-ever defence deal signed by India in 2016 for acquiring 36 Rafale jets worth over Rs 60,000 crore.


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Patricia T-bar High Heel
These lovely ladies in red are our Patricia T Bar High Heels! They’re a gorgeous pair of t bar style heels that are crafted from a deep ruby red faux suede, with matching red piping on her edges, and pink PU leather inner lining. Stand above the crowd with her tall, chunky heel block, making her perfect for formal events and date nights! She has a swooping stitched detail on her vamp, swooping down to her elegant rounded toe box, and she fastens via a sweet adjustable buckled strap.
**if you are in-between sizes please size up **
Measurements (approx.): Heel height = 10 cm approx.
Fabric Upper: Faux Suede Insole: PU Sole: Rubber

domain: design


“Before I joined Mental Health Association Oklahoma’s TOO BIG TO IGNORE campaign in May, I was sometimes afraid to talk about losing my sister, Christin, to suicide. But the campaign gave me the courage to openly talk about the most preventable cause of death.
If my small part in the TOO BIG TO IGNORE campaign encourages you to donate to the Association to help prevent one more suicide, it would mean so much to me.”
Make a Year-End Donation Today!
Your year-end gift to Mental Health Association Oklahoma will help save lives from suicide by helping the Association offer free QPR (Question, Persuade, and Refer) suicide-prevention trainings in the community. QPR is the mental health version of CPR.
Suicide is TOO BIG TO IGNORE.
We can’t make a difference in people’s lives without your generous support!
P.S. This is the third of four stories during our Year-End update. We first shared the stories of Jon, Mark, Bianca and Lindsay during May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Here at the end of the year, we’re giving you an update on what has happened in their lives since May and how your gift to the Association makes a difference in their lives and others just like them.
This month’s Mental Health Download podcast features the inspirational stars of our TOO BIG TO IGNORE campaign. As you listen to Mark, Bianca, Jon and Lindsay’s stories, you’ll hear how the Association helped them along their remarkable journeys. Listen today at www.mhaok.org/podcast.


Today we are discovering the project REGIO-MOB. Partners coming from Italy, Slovenia, Poland, Romania, Greece and the United Kingdom are looking for solutions on how to reduce carbon emissions linked to mobility.
Thanks to the exchanges and the shared learning process within the project REGIO-MOB, the partners expect to increase sustainable mobility in their regions by improving their policies.
In the interview, you can hear about how Region Lazio in Italy found inspiration amongst other European regions and started to put in place concrete improvements.
What have they achieved?
In big cities like Rome, mobility is a real challenge! Local authorities are looking to organise transport in an efficient and sustainable way. Thanks to the REGIO-MOB project Region Lazio found inspiration in Lubljana with their Park and Ride system. During a study visit, they learned how to link the city and the surrounding areas with different kinds of mobility (pedestrian, bicycle, e-cars, car sharing or private car).
As a result, they managed to involve relevant stakeholders in the Lazio Region and changed a call for proposal that allowed the city of Rome to get 20 million euros to develop the park and ride solution.
Want to know more?
Another inspiring example is the good practice mentioned in the interview by the Slovene partner about the harmonised transport card in Andalusia, Spain. They managed to involve more than 200 municipalities in the process leading to a better harmonised system and even more users of public transport.
Go to our results page for more inspiration or read about the achievements of other projects featured on our pages this week:
- Another mile towards greener tourism
- Financing energy efficient buildings
- Greener houses to reduce energy poverty
Photo by Lisa Boonaerts on Unsplash
On 22 April, the Policy Learning Platform is organising an online matchmaking session for the Region of Western Macedonia in Greece.
REPLACE web meeting n 10 will take place on 26/04/2021 at 11.00 CET Brussels Time
The regular virtual partner meeting, discussing progress of activities and a keynote on 'Onshore power supply as another solution to cut emissions'.


I added the rivet detail to the new diamond stack. I used grooved pins to add the rivets and chiseled a groove beside where the two metal sheets would join in prototype.
To drill the holes on the center ring, I used the round table on the mill and spaced them 10° appart. I used the same rivets and riveted them with home-made tools to get a nice head on both sides.
Now it’s time to add some paint and transfer the cinder mesh from the old to the new stack.


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President Barack Obama’s new immigration policy deferring deportation to certain young undocumented immigrants has substantially boosted his support among that group, but the president was still receiving mixed support among Iowa Latinos during interviews with residents across the state Wednesday.
“The immigration issue is something that nobody wants to touch except to make a few little gestures before election time to gain a vote,” said Fernando Ramos, a Latino pastor from Davenport.
Nevertheless, the policy enjoys wide support and gives him a boost in national polls among immigrants. Obama announced an executive order last week that would relieve the threat of deportation for young immigrants if they meet certain requirements.
In sharp contrast, his Republican opponent, former Mass. Gov. Mitt Romney, took a strong line against undocumented immigrants during the Republican primary, saying that if he is elected president he would veto the DREAM Act, legislation that Obama modeled his executive order after and would give immigrants a pathway to citizenship.
But Romney has stopped short of saying he would repeal Obama’s order if elected, and he may improve his standing among immigrants tomorrow (Thursday) when he speaks to the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials in Orlando. He told IowaWatch Monday during a Davenport appearance that he is working on his own policy, and he may use the association event as the place to unveil it.
Meanwhile, in five critical swing states, Obama garnered a burst of support among undocumented immigrants because of his new policy, according to a poll by Latino Decisions and American Voices. Forty-nine percent of Latino voters – a gain of 35 percent over a similar poll early this year – said it would make them more enthusiastic about Obama, compared to 14 percent who were less enthusiastic, a net enthusiasm advantage of +35 points.
“I have decided to vote for Obama because of this announcement,” said David Benitez, 22, a Latino student at the University of Iowa. Being born in the U.S., Benitez is an American citizen, but he said he has friends who struggled with documentation.
Rey Lopez, 24, a Latino immigrant working in Des Moines, said he felt thrilled when he heard the new policy. Lopez, originally from Mexico, came to the United States when he was three. He graduated from Urbandale High School in Iowa. Since then he worked different part-time jobs, like snow plowing, to making a living.
“I see great opportunity and better life from this policy,” said Lopez, who works hard to ease the financial burden on his parents.
As it stands, President Obama’s new policy would help undocumented immigrants stay in the U.S. for up to two years, at which time they would be eligible to seek a renewal.
In an IowaWatch story from last October, experts said Latino voters are more likely to vote based upon policy positions instead of party affiliation. With an increasing number of Latino voters in the country, their ballot could have a major influence on the result of campaign.
And the polls are showing increased popularity for President Obama, presumably because of his new immigration policy. According to a Bloomberg poll released yesterday, 64 percent of likely voters surveyed said they agree with the policy, while 30 percent disagreed.
Quick Facts of New Policy:
People may apply for deferred deportation if they –
• came to the U.S. under the age of 16;
• are under age 31;
• have resided in the U.S. for five consecutive years as of June 15, 2012;
• are currently in school, have graduated from high school, have obtained a GED, or have been honorably discharged from the armed forces;
• have not been convicted of a felony offense, a significant misdemeanor, or more than three misdemeanors; and
• do not pose a threat to national security or public safety.
Romney has repeatedly refused to say whether he would repeal Obama’s executive order if he is elected. He has said he would support some sort of legal status only for undocumented immigrants who served in the military. All others would face deportation.
Although Obama’s position is much less restrictive than Romney’s, he still faces suspicion among some Latinos in Iowa, primarily because his administration has deported more undocumented workers than the administration of former Republican President George W. Bush.
Ramos, the Latino pastor from Davenport, said he is disappointed with who he has to choose from in the 2012 election. He leads a congregation of twenty-five Spanish-speaking members at the Casa de Oracion Emanuel in Davenport, Iowa.
Ramos said that Obama’s order may have an affect in the polls, but that he senses a general aura of dissatisfaction within the Iowa Latino community because of promises he says have not been kept.
When running for president in 2008, then-Senator Obama said he would try to pass comprehensive immigration reform during his first year in office. It never happened.
The president later supported the DREAM Act and worked the phones lobbying legislators to pass it. But supporters could not win the required 60 votes to break a Republican filibuster. As result, it failed in the Senate with a vote of 55-41 in 2010.
Fast Facts on Obama’s immigration plan, 2008 :
• Improve the immigration system – fix the dysfunctional immigration bureaucracy and increase the number of legal immigrants to keep families together and meet the demand for jobs that employers cannot fill;
• Bring people out of the shadows – allow undocumented immigrants who are in good standing to pay a fine, learn English and go to the back of the line for the opportunity to become citizens;
• Work with Mexico – do more to promote economic development in Mexico to decrease illegal immigration.
Nevertheless, even with the recent visit of Romney to his town, Ramos says he doesn’t trust Romney.
“My honest opinion about Romney is that anybody who is that rich doesn’t really care for my people,” Ramos said.
David Vasquez, a Latino pastor at Luther College in Iowa, agreed that Obama’s new policy is a political move. He hopes legislators will eventually consider a broader age range to allow more immigrants to stay on U.S. soil.
Lori Chesser, an immigration lawyer and chair of the Iowa Immigration Education Coalition, wants a more humane and rational immigration policy because immigrants are huge assets to the U.S. on many levels.
According to the Immigration Policy Center, immigrants are not the cause of unemployment in the United States. It says immigrants create jobs through purchasing power, and they are more likely to start their own business.
Manuel Galvez, editor of El Trueque, a Spanish newspaper in the Iowa City area, is worried that Latinos misunderstand the order’s limitations.
He said he spoke with a Latina woman in Iowa City whose excitement faded after he explained the order would only allow her child to stay in the U.S. legally for two years. She decided she did not want to put her daughter through the process. Under Obama’s executive order, she would be allowed to reapply for another two-year deferral of deportation.
“What’s going to happen in two years? We are going to have thousands of young people who are here illegally and have no rights to where they live or where they are working,” Galvez said. “I don’t feel this is going to help Obama, because many people see this is clearly an electoral issue. He obviously wants the Latino vote.”
Galvez is trying to find the right person in Iowa to help him translate the executive order into Spanish so he can publish it in his paper.
“I think right now both parties are using Latinos for the same thing,” he said, noting Romney’s move to include U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., and the governor of Puerto Rico, Luis Fortuño, in his campaign to win Latino votes.
“Rubio is very conservative and not very engaged with the Latino community,” Galvez said. “Specifically with immigration, I don’t think he represents the majority of Latinos.”
Galvez doesn’t feel either candidate would be good for Latinos, underlining the fact that besides his executive order, Obama has deported so many Latinos, The Obama administration deported over one million immigrants so far, according to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement statistics.
In responding to the immigration issue,Romney insisted on his “self-deportation” idea during debates.
Experts said Obama’s new immigration policy left his opponent in a tough spot.
Type of work:

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Is Bigelow brand tea good?
With a great interest in sustainability and support of the military, Bigelow has a large charity arm that we love to see from big brands. Despite all that, we hate to say it, but we find Bigelow Tea’s tea a little lackluster. It’s good, but it doesn’t taste like anything special.
Does Bigelow chai tea have caffeine?
You may mix and match teas for this coupon. Bigelow Vanilla Chai Tea 28ct. Black Tea contains 30mg-60mg of caffeine.
Is chai tea healthy for you?
Chai tea is a great source of antioxidants, which work to reduce free radicals in the body and promote cellular health, and can even help prevent degenerative diseases and certain forms of cancer. Like other types of tea made from the camellia sinensis tea plant, black tea is extremely high in antioxidants.
Is Bigelow tea bad?
That is why our green tea ( as well as all those he tested in the teabags) were 100% safe for your consumption. So please rest assured a brewed cup of any Bigelow Tea, is always completely safe for your family as well as all of ours to enjoy.
Is Bigelow tea grown in China?
All Bigelow green tea is grown in China.
What is in Bigelow chai tea?
Carefully Selected Ingredients: Black Tea, Spices, Natural And Artificial Flavors (Soy Lecithin).
Is chai tea anti inflammatory?
Chai tea includes ginger and cinnamon, two active anti-inflammatory ingredients. Ginger can target pro-inflammatory cytokines, or the particular molecules within the body that cause inflammation. Cinnamon – and clove, another chai spice – works to prevent an enzyme called cox-2 that leads to widespread inflammation.
Is Bigelow tea made in China?
Is Bigelow real tea?
The Bigelow Tea Company (formerly R.C. Bigelow, Inc.) is an American manufacturer of dried teas based in Fairfield, Connecticut. It was founded by Ruth C. Bigelow in 1945, based on a recipe she marketed as “Constant Comment” tea….Bigelow Tea Company.
|Founder||Ruth Campbell Bigelow|
|Headquarters||Fairfield, Connecticut , U.S.|
Why is chai tea so popular?
Blend. The best blend of chai is highly subjective.
Which is chai tea the best?
Best Chai Brands I Recommend. 1. South Cloud Chai from Tielka Tea. South Cloud Chai is an original blend by the founder of Tielka. It’s a bit different from the other teas on this list as its main ingredient is actually a black tea from China.
Is chai tea healthier than coffee?
Is chai latte healthier than coffee? After all, it’s made with healthful tea, and the exotic moniker simply sounds healthier than coffee. However, a medium-sized (or “grande”) chai latte ―a blend of black tea, steamed milk, honey, and spices―has the same amount of calories as the same-sized caffe mocha, even when made with skim milk.
What types of tea are sold by Bigelow Tea?
The Bigelow Tea Company (formerly R.C. Bigelow, Inc.) is an American manufacturer of dried teas based in Fairfield, Connecticut. It was founded by Ruth C. Bigelow in 1945, based on a recipe she marketed as “Constant Comment” tea. The company markets over 50 varieties of tea, including black, green, and herbal, all of which are blended in Fairfield.

domain: food


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domain: economics


Las Vegas’ very own, Ritch P. debuts “The Love.” The single will appear on Ritch’s soon to be released EP, PrimeTime. This track certainly gives off a 90’s vibe, composed of rhythmic melodies in line with a slight bounce that features support from fellow Las Vegas artist Todd Zack Jr. and producer G.Reed. Ritch invites listeners to his sauve-like flow throughout PrimeTime–release date coming soon.
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The sky freckled with tangerine clouds The sun’s last breath of the day The water glittered with diamonds and shadows grew long as the evening turned grey Through the looking glass of twilight astral forms came into view and under the stars we lay
Oh I love today’s prompt from Jim Adams at Song Lyric Sunday! We have been asked to choose a song featured prominently in a movie. I came up with a long list of possibilities but settled on a somewhat controversial song, Sweet Home Alabama, by Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd that first appeared in 1974 on their second album, Second Helping.
It reached number 8 on the US chart in 1974 and was the band’s second hit single. The song was written in reply to “Southern Man” and “Alabama” by Neil Young; Young is name-checked in the song’s lyrics. You can read more about the song, its origins, and its sometimes misconstrued meaning here on Wikipedia
The movie was a romantic comedy with Reese Witherspoon, Josh Lucas, Patric Dempsey and Candice Bergen. I must have watched it half a dozen times and never seem to get tired of it! If you haven’t seen it, you can check out the trailer on YouTube. It did not allow me to share it here.
Have a great Sunday!
Lyrics Sweet Home Alabama - Lynrd Skynrd
Turn it up
Big wheels keep on turning Carry me home to see my kin Singing songs about the south-land I miss 'ole' 'bamy once again And I think it's a sin, yes
Well I heard Mister Young sing about her Well I heard old Neil put her down Well, I hope Neil Young will remember A southern man don't need him around anyhow
Sweet home Alabama Where the skies are so blue Sweet home Alabama Lord, I'm coming home to you
In Birmingham they love the Gov'nor, boo hoo ooo Now we all did what we could do Now Watergate does not bother me Does your conscience bother you? Tell the truth
Sweet home Alabama Where the skies are so blue Sweet home Alabama Lord, I'm coming home to you, here I come Alabama
Now Muscle Shoals has got the Swampers And they've been known to pick a song or two Lord they get me off so much They pick me up when I'm feeling blue Now how bout you?
Sweet home Alabama Where the skies are so blue Sweet home Alabama Lord, I'm coming home to you’’
Sweet home Alabama, oh sweet home Where the skies are so blue and the Governor's true Sweet home Alabama Lord, I'm coming home to you, yeah yeh

domain: artistic


Closing the gap
During the general statement session of day two of the preparatory
meeting for the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS),
a consensus emerged among the attending member states about the
need for a collaborative and comprehensive effort to close the gap
between industrialized and non-industrialized countries. Dr. Toufig
Ali, Bangladesh's Ambassador and Permanent Representative, noted
that WSIS "will be an event of unparalleled significance"
in the evolution of the global information society. Mr. Ali also
pointed out that "it is now practically impossible to compete
in world markets without adequate telecommunication infrastructure
or e-business capability," thus underscoring the need to connect
the historically disconnected segments of the global village.
In virtually every speech, the representatives expressed an overwhelming
commitment to using ICTs as the change agent to narrow the digital
divide. Moreover, most member states indicated that the creation
of a sustainable global information society depends on the international
community's ability to broker lasting and mutually beneficial partnerships
between national governments, the private sector, NGOs, and civil
society the world over.
While the preparatory committee attendees believe ICTs offer great
promise for developing countries, they realize that many institutional
and organizational reforms must precede widespread deployment and
diffusion of ICTs throughout the developing world. Many representatives
specifically mentioned the need for governments in less developed
countries and transitional economies to create an enabling environment
for ICT infrastructure build out and end user adoption. Norway's
representative, Mr. Jens Koch, noted that the developing world would
need to embrace good governance, democratic and anti-corruption
policies in order to eradicate information poverty. Mr. Vinod Vaish
of India's delegation stressed the importance of the creation of
an independent telecom regulator and the creation of a friendly
policy framework for modernization.
A commitment to collaboration
WSIS is designed to be a transparent, participatory and inclusive
summit on addressing the digital gap that currently keeps many countries
at the periphery of the ever-growing global society. By engaging
stakeholders from all segments of society in the preparatory sessions,
the ITU-led initiative seeks to ensure that all relevant parties'
issues and ideas are represented. Ms Shope-Mafole Lyndall of South
Africa noted that the participation of non-government and the private
sector "will enrich our process and that all sectors of society
have a responsibility to building a better world." Her comment
underpins the commitment to widespread collaboration in building
the framework for the global information society and narrowing the
gap between the haves and have nots.
What is causing the digital divide?
Although member states, UN organizations, the private sector and
civil society might differ in their view about the underlying causes
of the global digital divide, most parties would agree that the
underdevelopment of human capacities throughout the world, coupled
with a shortage of information and technology transfers, are at
the heart of the digital gap. In its prepared statement, the Food
and Agricultural Organization (FAO) offered a very concise viewpoint
that best captured the sentiments of most of the WSIS preparatory
committee members, which read, "the rural divide is not only
concerned with infrastructure and connectivity, but rather is a
multifaceted problem of ineffective knowledge exchange and management
of content, lack of human resources and institutional capacity."
Concurring with the FAO, the World Health Organization (WHO) also
noted that the lack of infrastructure build out throughout the developing
world hinges on the extreme lack of available financial resources.
However, the World Bank and many member states from the developed
world vowed to continue providing financial assistance to facilitate
the procurement of equipment and knowledge in underprivileged countries.
"Connectivity should be accessible and affordable for all,"
said Iran's representative Mr. Mohammad Rez Alborzi. The speaker
from Nigeria concurred, stating that WSIS is the ideal moment to
ignite ICTs for social and economic development. Mr. Vanish of India
also said, "telecom infrastructure must be recognized as the
essential backbone and an essential prerequisite for bringing about
an IT revolution in any society."
No, it's content
Noting that "content and technology go hand-in-hand,"
the WHO best captured one of the key components of the digital divide.
Not only do many developing countries lack the infrastructure, but
they also lack the prerequisite localized content to draw them to
use ICTs in the first place.
Speaking for Iran, Mr. Mohammad Rez Alborzi said, "Development
of local content, as another major element for utilization of ICT,
is not only vital to ensuring broader access but also guarantees
recognition of diverse cultural and linguistic identities."
Libya's representative, Mrs. Al-Hajjaji Najat, also stressed the
importance of preserving cultural diversity in the new global order.
While the ideal is to help the developing world become knowledge
producers in their own right, the realism is, as the Zimbabwe delegation
pointed out, that the "architects of ICTs are in the developed
Social and cultural ideologies are the reason
While some member states touched on the importance of the gender
dimension, it was the UN's special advisor to the Secretary General
on gender issues that stressed the importance of incorporating the
needs and desires of women into the planning framework. Reading
for Angela King, who was unable to attend in person, Hanne Laugesen
pointed out that the gender divide needs to be aggressively addressed
throughout the developing world. UNIFEM reinforced Ms. King's argument
for the inclusion of women's issues in ICT development and deployment
plans. UNIFEM's representative highlighted three specific areas
that needed to be addressed by WSIS:
- Women's participation and analysis when designing ICT policies
- Invest in innovative capacity building techniques to ensure that
women can be active participants in the global knowledge revolution
- Ensure social responsibility and gender justice
Although women's role in development has been realized for decades,
the time is optimal to ensure that the gender dimension is included
in the rollout of ICTs throughout the developing world.
Tanzania's representative rightly pointed out that ICTs offer a
means for an intercultural dialogue, which is a crucial component
to global peace and social development. The Tanzanian speaker went
on to point out that ICT's must be "homegrown" in order
to transform less developed countries into knowledge producers.
It was apparent from the dialogue at today's meeting that there
is a strong desire to create contextually relevant ICT development
initiatives that address the uniqueness of each target country.
Views from UN and affiliated agencies
Harking back to the infrastructure argument made during the morning
session, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) delegation
pointed out that narrowing the digital divide largely depends on
effectively addressing the human capacities and infrastructure deficits
in most developing countries. United Nations Education, Scientific
and Cultural Organization's (UNESCO) Philippe Queau stated that
the development of universal principles to protect cultures, the
promotion of equitable access to the global information pool and
the sharing of unique cultural expressions/ identities are essential
for bringing marginalized societies closer to the center. In terms
of using ICTs to improve the health of underprivileged peoples,
the World Health Organization (WHO) pointed out that it is essential
to cultivate the capacities of indigenous healthcare workers. The
World Meteorological Organization (WMO) also offered insights on
how ICTs can be used to help developing countries, where many natural
disasters occur, avert economically and socially devastating natural
"The information society is at the heart of the political,
social, cultural and economic issues confronting us in the beginning
of the 21st century. Therefore, the focus of the Summit should not
only be technology but the human being," said Prasad Kariyawasam,
the Sri Lankan Ambassador. Many members of the WSIS preparatory
committee meetings would appear to agree in that ICTs are not a
panacea for addressing the marginalization of developing societies.
Although there are some best practices that can be employed in most
situations, the member states were in agreement that grand theories
and simplistic models are not applicable to the unique cultural
and social contexts in the developing world.
Capturing this sentiment, Mr. El Khateeb Abdeldafi of Sudan noted
that ICT plans must be designed around the specific needs of each
country. However, India's Mr. Vaish rightly stated that "accelerating
the growth of the telecom network [the underlying backbone for ICT
deployments] in any developing country is not a smooth and easy
task." Regardless if it's debt burden, poverty, lack of infrastructure,
content or untapped human capabilities, day two of the WSIS preparatory
committee meetings clearly demonstrated that the international community
is committed to eliminating the digital divide that keeps so many
countries at the periphery of the evolving information society.
For media information concerning the second phase of the Summit, click
Telephone: +41 22 730 6039
Fax: +41 22 730 5201


text:
Rephrase my The Last Dinner Party have scored the biggest Number One debut album in nearly a decade with their breakthrough LP ‘Prelude To Ecstasy’.
READ MORE: The Last Dinner Party: the newly-coronated monarchs of baroque-pop
News of the milestone was announced today by the Official Charts Company, who confirmed that the rising indie rock band had earned 32,800 chart units in just one week with their debut album.
It is the biggest opening week for a chart-topping debut album by a band in nearly a decade. Prior to this, it was Olly Alexander-led band Years & Years who also reached the milestone by selling 55,000 copies of their debut LP ‘Communion’.
Releasing ‘Prelude To Ecstasy’ last week (February 2), the five-piece – comprised of Abigail Morris, Lizzie Mayland, Emily Roberts, Georgia Davies and Aurora Nishevci – have also gone on to achieve some other impressive feats with the LP.
These include the album being the best seller in UK independent record shops this week, and going on to secure the Number One spot on the Official Record Store Chart. What’s more, it has become the biggest-selling vinyl record of the week too, selling over 14,000 copies – the highest figure since Oasis’ ‘The Masterplan’ reissue arrived in stores last November.
The Last Dinner Party pictured with their Official Number 1 award as they celebrate their debut Number 1 album ‘Prelude to Ecstasy’ (Credit: Official Charts)
Elsewhere on the Albums Charts, Liverpudlian singer-songwriter Jamie Webster has secured his third Top 10 and highest-charting album to date with ‘10 For The People’, which arrived last week and is currently at Number Two, and several of Taylor Swift’s albums have re-entered the charts following her announcing ‘The Tortured Poets Department’ at the Grammys.
‘Prelude To Ecstasy’ was given a glowing four-star review from NME’s Sophie Williams, who described the album as containing “enough self-belief and magnetism to set them apart from what’s come before.”
“Some may choose to posit the band’s success as an antidote to the intense scrutiny – about their rise, appearance and decision to make music without a ‘serious’ intention – they’ve received in their early career. But take all of that away, and you’re still left with fantastic songs that are easy to embrace and return to. It’s hard to miss all the things they’re doing right,” it added.
The band are currently the latest cover stars for the January/February print issue of NME, and opened to us about the start of their career, as well as what sets them apart from the crowds.
The Last Dinner Party on The Cover of NME. Credit: Phoebe Fox for NME
“We took our sweet time releasing anything, which was somewhat intentional”, Davies said. “It was about the experience in its entirety, rather than instant recognition from singles.”
“We knew we were different from other bands doing the post-punk thing,” she continued, and Morris added. “ for better SEO.


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Utah moved up six spots to finish second in CNBC's sixth annual study, "America's Top States for Business,” thanks to high rankings in the categories of workforce, transportation and the cost of doing business.
The top state, as well as the complete rankings, will be revealed by study creator Scott Cohn on "Closing Bell" at approximately 4:30 p.m. EDT, as part of the network’s day-long countdown of the top five states in its exclusive and influential study.
The other states to make the top five are:Virginia, No. 3; North Carolina, No. 4; andNorth Dakota,No. 5.
Utah, which made the top five in 2009, 2008 and 2007, easily outscored Virginia for the No. 2 spot this year, but its point total was well below the winner.
Thus far, the biggest surprises are Utah and North Dakota, which tied for 13th in 2011.
How We Score
This year's rankings are based on the same 10 categories as years past, but the 51 criteria have been tweaked to reflect changes in the ways the states market themselves.
This year, at the suggestion of a number of state officials, we've added state credit ratings to the criteria, which are used to help score our Economy category.Page 1 of 2 | Next Page


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NU Online News Service, March 1, 2:01 p.m. – Security Life Insurance Company of America, Minnetonka, Minn., says Orem Robbins has taken the title of chairman emeritus.
Robbins founded the company in 1956 and has been the chairman ever since.
J. Stephen Beckman, a retired insurance executive who has been on the Security Life board since 1994, will become the chairman, and Gil C. Rohde Jr., a veteran insurance executive, will become the new president and chief executive officer, the company says.
Susan Albrecht, the previous chief executive, left Jan. 11 to take a job at the Fireman’s Fund Interstate Insurance Group, Chicago. Beckman filled in while the company looked for a permanent replacement, Security Life says.
Security Life is the main operating subsidiary of Security American Financial Enterprises Inc.. It sells life, dental and vision insurance.


Hush Vision Digital Baby Monitor
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The vibrant colour screen of the Hush Vision baby monitor features a high resolution and a 3.5" diagonal size. The parent unit also sports a range of user-friendly controls and other functions including a temperature display, the ability to record video to play it back later and much more. You'll also find an SD card slot for saving video to transfer to a computer later on.
Nightlight and Lullabies
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Why Should You Buy this Baby Monitor?
The Hush Vision digital baby monitor provides a user-friendly, secure way for parents to keep a close eye on their children.


Newcastle Freeman Hospital
Data centre solutions for one of the UK’s leading healthcare providers.
Freeman Hospital in Newcastle upon Tyne has an international reputation for its pioneering medical care and treatment. The UK’s first successful child heart transplant was performed at Freeman Hospital, as well as Europe’s first single and first double lung transplant.
As part of the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Freeman Hospital delivers a wide range of advanced, patient-focused healthcare to patients from Newcastle, the North East, Ireland and beyond.
Services at the Freeman Hospital range from General Surgery, Orthopaedic Surgery, digital hearing aids, through to the latest developments in restoring hearing or treating complex liver, pancreatic and kidney diseases.
Freeman Hospital was installing a number of large servers to support its new electronic patient record system. The existing data centre could not support the requirements of the new servers or the systems they would run and a long-term data centre strategy was needed that would carry the hospital through the next five to ten years.
A 130 square metre room, previously used by the hospital’s Estates Department as a storage area had been identified as the location for the new data centre. A tight timescale for the project set as the new environment was needed for the new electronic patient records system going live in three months.
As the data centre is primarily related to patient care it was vital that the company chosen to design and build the data centre had the skills and experience to be able to handle such a complex and mission critical project.
RMD was brought in to take the data centre from initial construction and design spec, through equipment supply, installation and finally to ongoing maintenance.
The first phase involved the design and construction of a secure room that is fire proof, water proof and accessible only by finger print entry. Construction was carried out by RMD’s trusted partner AST.
As RMD is independent and not tied to one supplier they can pick the best of breed to meet the unique needs of its customers. The hospital needed a system that would grow as it grew and so RMD installed two modular, scalable 160KW UPS by APC, allowing Freeman Hospital to add capacity as demand on the system increased.
Providing up to 160 KW, with redundancy, this highly intelligent modular system also pinpoints exactly where a fault is, meaning a defective module can be repaired or replaced quickly and easily, so power supply is unaffected.
APC in row cooling units were installed, ensuring the cold air would be exactly where it was needed, right between the racks rather than at a distance. A fire suppression system, smart enough to know the difference between fire and heat, was deployed with sensors that detect fire vapours and flood the room with gas that extinguishes fire.
Security is paramount to a data centre and RMD installed Netbotz environmental security to monitor temperature and humidity and cameras to screen anyone entering the facility.
RMD came in on time and budget and met the ambitious 12 week deadline set by Freeman Hospital. They developed a state-of-the-art data centre with multiple zones of redundancy and also linked to the existing older data centre, providing a resilient service.
RMD’s data centre provides critical services to the hospital, supporting clinical services including a new electronic patient record system that provides a road map of a person’s journey through the hospital.
This roadmap is essential for the treatment and care of the patient while they are in the hospital and beyond. Additionally the hospital’s radiotherapy database runs on the data centre, delivering dosage planning for individual patients’ cancer treatments.
RMD created a data centre strategy that would take Freeman Hospital through to 2018 and have also been tasked with maintenance of all the equipment they installed.
RMD now maintain the UPS, air conditioning, chillers, fire suppression system and ventilation. This involves annual, quarterly and monthly inspections of the equipment, cabling and the structural integrity of the room.
RMD provide 24 hour emergency cover, 365 days a year and guarantee to have a rapid response team on site within four hours.
David Brunt, Freeman Hospital’s IT Manager explains: “Despite challenging timescales, RMD pulled out all the stops to bring the project in on budget. We are a city centre hospital and space is at a premium and RMD delivered a lot in the space they were given. It was a remarkable achievement and most importantly because of the critical nature of the clinical systems the data centre supports, it is vital we work with a company we trust implicitly.
“We have complete faith in the systems RMD has put in place and already these systems have been tested during real life incidents with no impact to the smooth delivery of hospital services.”


In 2015, there were at least 140 million live births worldwide. Less than half of these newborns were put to the breast within an hour of birth, UNICEF laments. 77 million neonates worldwide were denied the earliest possible initiation of breastfeeding, according to their report "From the First Hour of Life"?
Why is this a big deal? More importantly to those of us concerned about public health, how valid is any of the data they're using to support the recommendations outlined in the report?
To find out, they look at infant feeding, with particular focus on the benefits of breastfeeding, highlighting the barriers that exist and providing recommendations to overcome them. This is a complex subject - breastfeeding can be beneficial but it does not have some otherworldly power, hundreds of millions of mothers have raised hundreds of millions of healthy children using formula, so mothers who have to return to work and want to use formula shouldn't be made to feel like they are bad parents. That is just wrong. So this article is part 1 of a series of articles attempting to validate the report in its entirety.
Statistical data can suggest a number of different things, depending on context. So it is unclear if it should be worrisome that only 45 percent of live births had initiation of breastfeeding within the first hour of life. Regardless of the unclear evidence, the WHO and UNICEF have issued three major recommendations as part of their Global Strategy for Infant and Young Child Feeding:
1) Early initiation of breastfeeding within the first hour of life,
2) Exclusive breastfeeding to up to 6 months of life, and
3) Continued breastfeeding to the age of 2 or longer, as the infant transitions to solid food.
Who outside wealthy mothers, or the most diligent, can really do all three? Certainly in the past babies were not breastfed for two years. Given that these recommendations are primarily for the 1%, is it a surprise that survey results from low and middle income countries in UNICEF global databases show it being so low? Or that if children are unhealthy in those countries, it rarely has anything to do with breastfeeding?
The recommendations originated in results from the NEOVITA study group. The study aimed to characterize the association between breastfeeding initiation and neonatal and post-neonatal mortality. The data was pooled from three different study trials involving populations from Ghana, India and Tanzania. The UNICEF report cites the risk of neonatal death (within the first 28 days of life) is 41 percent greater for newborns with breastfeeding initiation 2-13 hours after birth, and 79 percent greater for those initiated after a full 24 hours have passed and longer. This would suggest that decreasing neonatal mortality therefore lies within initiating breastfeeding within the first hour of life. It's important to note that this epidemiological data speaks only for a specific population and therefore should be used with caution when assessing for global trends, applying to different populations, and enforcing global recommendations. The NEOVITA study should placed in the proper context and its limitations should be highlighted.
The first is that it's epidemiology, and it's based on self-reported surveys. There is a reason why you can find an epidemiology paper to find that almost any popular food (coffee, tea, meat, etc.) both causes and prevents cancer. By using a skewed data set, the report paints a picture of a global healthcare system about to endure a fatal attack due to all those babies not being breastfed. Yet by using one metric, breastfeeding, in mostly developing countries, it ignores the role of the diversity in the state of healthcare across the globe.
In developing countries, there are poor sanitary conditions and lack of access to clean water, utensils or sterilization techniques for bottle-feeding or formula. Breastfeeding is certainly beneficial there. In another country, breastfeeding may be necessary due to a lack of reliable energy resources or financial constraints, not allowing for refrigeration of expressed breast milk or formula milk - that will not mean it's the breastfeeding that made children health care. Formula also costs money.
Breastfeeding went from being controversial in public settings to being a culture war against working mothers. It's not like smoking or exercise, where the weight of evidence is clearly on the side of giving up the former and taking up the latter. Despite the mother shaming that is popular, breastfeeding is not all or nothing. It is clear that breastfeeding supports resistance to infections, but it will have done that long before two years is up. In the U.S., infant formula has to meet FDA standards for nutrition and studies have not found that breastfeeding will create a "super baby" and formula or a bottle, or a combination of the three, will undermine a child's chances of success.
There are a lot of socioeconomic and genetic factors that come into play, not to mention the individual initiative of the child.
That is why using statistics that don’t mirror adequately the state of breastfeeding practices and don’t consider the impetus within each country that drives these practices is egregious. Extrapolating developing nation results globally is irresponsible and just a tad bit lazy. What should have been the outcome is the issuing of two separate reports, outlining the current state of breastfeeding practices within the developed and developing world separately.
Using that information, a tailored approach could have been applied to develop recommendations for each. So breastfeeding, a bottle, or formula makes a difference based on a lot of other factors, it's not one size fits all. We'll get to the specifics in Part 2.