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Press conference with UNAMA, UNIFEM and UNFPA
KABUL - Transcript of press conference by Ziad Sheikh, Programme and Operations Specialist, Deputy Director, UNIFEM Afghanistan, Ramesh Penumaka, Country Representative, UNFPA Afghanistan and Aleem Siddique, Acting Spokesman, UNAMA.
UNAMA: Salam Alaikum, Subh ba Khair and welcome to UNAMA’s regular Monday press conference. My name is Aleem Siddique from UNAMA Spokesperson’s office. We are joined this morning by guest speakers both from the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) and also by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). Some of you may be aware that this coming Saturday, 8 March, the United Nations will be marking International Women’s Day. This day has particular significance for Afghanistan. This year, the United Nations, the government, civil society and hundreds of ordinary Afghan women will be organizing a range of events over the coming week, from concerts and conferences, TV and radio broadcasts to the provision of free services to women across the country. On the side table you will find a schedule of these events taking place across the country, and you are all invited to attend these events and report about these events.
Here in Kabul, the United Nations will be holding an outdoor celebration in Baghe Zanana, the women’s park, this coming Friday, 7 March.
We hope that you will all be able to join us for this event and I would just like to point out that this event is taking place on Friday, the day before International Women’s Day, in order to avoid clashes with official government events taking place on the following day, on Saturday. The event starts at 13:00, one o’clock, and you are all invited to come and join us. Can I just make one request, that if you do join us, can you please make an effort to send female journalists to the women’s park.
Before I hand over to my guest speakers, can I just share some news from UN agencies with you. In particular, as we speak now, representatives of the Governments of Afghanistan, Iran and the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) began two days of discussions here in Kabul on the voluntary repatriation to Afghanistan from Iran.
Today’s Tripartite Commission meeting is led on the Afghan side by the Afghan Deputy Minister for Refugees and Repatriation, Mr. Abdul Qadir Ahadi, and on the Iranian side, it is led by Mr. Seyyed Taghi Ghaemi, Advisor to the Minister of Interior and Director General of the Bureau for Aliens and Foreign Immigrants.
They will be holding a press conference this afternoon at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at 15:30 and there is a media advisory available for you on the side table regarding the details of that.
Moving on to our guest speakers, can I now introduce our speaker from UNIFEM, Ziad Sheikh, who will make a few comments before I hand over to our colleague from UNFPA, after which we will be happy to take questions from you. I would now like to thank Ziad Sheikh for joining us, and I will hand over to Ziad.
UNIFEM: Salam alaikum, good morning. UNIFEM works with its partners from across the government, the UN, civil society and the donor community towards a peaceful and progressive Afghanistan where women and men enjoy security, equal rights and opportunities in all spheres of life.
We are part of a growing community of international and national gender advocates and institutions that work with the Government in advancing gender equality within the overall development agenda.
Our programme is anchored in three mutually reinforcing areas: gender justice; community empowerment and economic development; and institutional capacity building for gender mainstreaming.
Our goal here in Afghanistan is to increase the opportunities for women so they can play their full role in the development of their country. We also support the long-term goal of Afghan women to fully realize their human rights as enshrined in the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.
The extremely difficult situation of women in Afghanistan remains a central concern. Within this context, however, opportunities for promoting women’s concerns are available.
Afghanistan’s peace and reconstruction agenda has been framed with women’s rights as a core concern. A robust gender policy framework has been established with the ratification of the Convention and the adoption of constitutional provisions that outlaw gender-based discrimination and guarantee equality between women and men.
Moreover, the Afghanistan Millennium Development Goals adopted a number of women-specific targets and under the Afghanistan Compact, the Government committed to a number of benchmarks, including the National Action Plan for the Women of Afghanistan, a ten-year development plan for women that was developed by the Government with technical support from UNIFEM.
While a strong policy framework for improving women’s status is in place, greater efforts by all those involved are needed to ensure its implementation.
To engender governance and peacebuilding, UNIFEM continues to provide technical and resource support to female political leaders.
To increase women’s access to justice, we provide legal counselling and legal aid to women, especially in rural areas, and paralegal training is also being provided to staff at referral centres.
And to pursue the elimination of violence against women (also known as EVAW), UNIFEM provides technical expertise to the EVAW Commission, established by presidential decree.
UNIFEM also works to improve women’s economic security and their rights as entrepreneurs and home-based workers through the establishment of Women’s Development Centres and the implementation of gender-focused livelihood projects.
And finally, UNIFEM continues to support the Ministry of Women’s Affairs in the implementation and monitoring of the aforementioned NAPWA, the Government’s primary vehicle for women’s rights and participation in the rebuilding of Afghanistan.
International Women’s Day presents us all with an opportunity to bring these issues and others to the fore. And we call on all our partners, including our partners in the media to ensure that these issues remain alive throughout the year. Thank you.
UNFPA: Friends, salam alaikum and a very good morning to all of you. On the occasion of International Women’s Day, I would like to convey very warm greetings and a very strong commitment of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to all Afghan mothers, sisters, daughters and all the men. An occasion like this is a very useful occasion to look back and look at the advances we have made, the challenges we are facing, what we are doing and how, how far we have come and how far we still have to go.
UNFPA takes this opportunity to affirm its commitment to investing in women and girls. As all of you know, investing in women is investing in the society, in the village, in nation building. The biggest challenge that Afghan women face is maternal health and high maternal mortality. Just to give you some statistics, 1,600 of every 100,000 women that give birth die in childbirth. That is a staggering 24,000 a year, about 25 times the number of people dying of security-related violent incidents. As we are talking now, two women somewhere in Afghanistan are dying because of pregnancy-related, childbirth-related problems.
Why is this happening? Why are so many Afghan mothers dying, 87 per cent of these deaths are preventable. It is because girls are married very young, more than half the girls are married before they are 18 years old, some as young as eight years old. There are no health facilities. Lack of education also prevents people, women, and particularly their husbands, from taking women to the hospital. There are not enough skilled birth attendants, community midwives. There are not enough obstetric care centres, blood facilities. These are all challenges, but they are challenges that can be met. And this is exactly what the Government with the support of the United Nations and the international community has been doing.
I must emphasize that a lot of progress has been made in the past 5 years. Afghanistan’s National Development Strategy very clearly recognizes the importance of maternal health; it plays centre stage to improving the health of mothers and reducing maternal mortality. The Ministry of Public Health has a very comprehensive reproductive health strategy. At the field level there are 16,000 community health workers, substantial increases in the number of institutions training community midwives. Today 90 per cent of the health facilities in this country have at least one woman functionary, a doctor, nurse or midwife.
For example, only 4 per cent of pregnant mothers received any attention during pregnancy in 2001, whereas last year 30 per cent of pregnant mothers had some kind of attention from a health professional.
Only 6 per cent of deliveries were conducted by a skilled attendant in 2001, last years they were 80 per cent.
The progress made is significant but nowhere near sufficient. The very fact that 40 per cent of mothers do not have access to an emergency obstetric care service where a Cesarean section can be done, that only 80 per cent of the women receive skilled birth attendance shows that there is a very big gap.
It is in this context that UNFPA is committed to supporting the Government of Afghanistan, working with other partners, working through non-governmental organizations, to see that no mother in Afghanistan ever dies in childbirth. That is the vision that is driving us.
At the national level we are working closely with other UN agencies, the Ministry of Public Health, Ministry of Women’s Affairs and Ministry of Religious Affairs, to advance the agenda. Advance the agenda that would result in the reduction of maternal morbidity, morality and improve their health.
UNFPA is working with WHO and UNICEF for a joint UN programme for maternal mortality reduction and helping the Ministry of Public Health in developing an action plan for reproductive health, as well as an action plan for emergency obstetric care, and an action plan for increasing the number of skilled birth attendants, training the doctors and the midwives. We have also helped the Government set up a major centre for fistula and prolapse treatment which is a major health problem among women, in Kabul and we intend to expand that to Mazar- i -Sharif and Badakhshan in this year.
Simultaneously, we are working in five provinces, Bamyan, Badakhshan, Faryab, Logar, and Dai Kundi, and we are taking 26 districts in these five provinces to create a model in community participation, to generate the demand, the awareness, the consciousness at community level, and to link up with services through mobile units and to strengthen the emergency obstetric care units. That will be in close collaboration with the government at the provincial level, with the non-governmental organizations and with the communities, especially the community and the religious leaders, whose participation is vital if we are to address this serious problem.
UNFPA is also working very closely with young people and also with men, and especially their awareness, because the problems, particularly relating to maternal health, cannot be addressed by women alone. It is the husbands, it is the fathers, it is the brothers and the sons, everybody, who have to make a determined effort to see that no mother dies in childbirth, and that every mother leads a happy life and leads a productive life.
We are also working closely with our sister UN agency UNIFEM and other agencies to eliminate violence against women. Eighty per cent of women, directly or indirectly, at some time in their lives are subjected to violence. And this is a major challenge that all of us need to confront, and especially those of us who are men.
And I want to take this opportunity to call upon every citizen, every donor agency and every single member of the UN agencies to re-dedicate themselves, commit themselves, to this goal of eliminating maternal mortality, reducing maternal morbidity and improving the status of women in this country.
And lastly I would like to appeal to all of you, the journalist community, to commit yourself to advancing the agenda of women on this day and every day, and every part of your career. Thank you.
UNAMA: Thank you to our speakers. We will now take questions, and to underline Ramesh’s point on the role that men have to play in achieving gender equality, I would like the first question to come from one of our male colleagues please. Gentlemen, don’t be shy.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
NOOR TV [translated from Dari]: What is your budget for the current year? On violence against women, what modalities will you use to tackle this problem and finally, one of the reasons that we have high maternal mortality in Afghanistan is lack of family planning; so what are you doing in this regard?
UNIFEM: In terms of our budget, UNIFEM is one of the smaller players within the UN family. Our budget for this year is approximately 5 million US dollars, but we are seeing is an increasing interest from the donor community based on the issues that face women in Afghanistan today and the issues that we work on, and also based on the work that we have been able to begin since our office started here in 2002. So we are looking forward to a significantly increased budget in the coming years for the work that we are undertaking.
I should add that, as my colleague has already mentioned, there are a number of joint programmes within the UN where different agencies pool their resources towards a common goal, and my colleague has already referred to the maternal health joint programme.
On your second question regarding the elimination of violence against women, there are two things I’d like to mention here. Firstly, efforts to understand as well as possible the nature and extent of the problem we are facing. We had facilitated some research in 2006, secondary data research, which we have now combined with primary data research, to culminate in a primary-secondary database, which helps us to give us as full a picture as possible across the country of both the extent of violence against women and the particular forms that it takes. We are also working with our colleagues in UNAMA and the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission to add to those statistics case studies so that we can further contextualize the problem. With this data we are better placed to advise on what policies actions are required in order to tackle this very serious, very deep-rooted problem. I am sure you will understand that obtaining such information in the first place is not an easy task.
The second thing I would like to mention is the recent establishment of a special fund for the elimination of violence against women. Again an initiative undertaken in partnership with our sister agencies within the UN, with members of the donor community and the Ministry of Women’s’ Affairs. This special fund will be formally launched on the 8th of March at UNIFEM’s resource centre for women in politics, and I look forward to seeing many of you there for the launch.
UNFPA: May I just briefly add on birth spacing and the maternal mortality rate: It is true that the families tend to be large; the average family size in Afghanistan is 6.6. Women get married fast and there is very little birth spacing. But nevertheless, we are working with the Government to improve the contraceptive prevalence rate. Today, about 15 per cent of couples in the country are using some form of contraceptives. We are developing with the Ministry a national reproductive health commodity security action plan which will make available the pill, condoms and injectables, in better quality, across the country. We are also training medical personnel in skills in tubectomy and vasectomy. In Rabia Balkhi and Malalai hospitals in Kabul there is a large number of trained staff who in turn are training people from the regional and provincial hospitals. There is a very conscious effort being made to increase the couple’s protection. There is importance in terms of spacing births; at least 2-3 years between one child and another. There are measures available now all over the country for this purpose.
One thing abut violence against women: we are focusing our attention on men and religious leaders to sensitize them about this serious problem. We had a national workshop for religious leaders, and we intend to have a similar dialogue with the religious and community leaders at the provincial level because the need for awareness and the importance of recognizing that violence against women is a violation of fundamental human rights and everybody’s participation is important. Secondly we also have a counselling centre in Kabul, and we intend to extend that to other provinces like Herat and Badakhshan where women who are victims of violence can receive healthcare, psycho-social and other kind of support. These are some of the efforts that have been made, and with the participation of our partners we intend to extend them.
UNAMA: If I may just add: We have this habit of looking at how much money is being spent, and what the government and the international community are doing to ensure gender equality. What we perhaps fail to recognize is that the biggest impact can be made by ourselves in our own families, in our own communities and in wider society. When we leave this press conference room today, we all have a role to play in ensuring gender equality for our sisters, for our mothers and for our daughters and that is where the greatest impact can be made. It is a joint responsibility, not just for the government and the international community, but for all of us as individuals.
RFE/RL: My question refers to you, Mr. Aleem. There are reports that Pakistan’s Interior Minister Hamid Nawaz Khan has accused the United States, Afghanistan and India of supporting terrorists in Pakistan's tribal areas. What do you think, does the Afghan Government support the terrorists in Pakistan’s tribal areas?
UNAMA: We have always made clear that the problem of extremism and terrorism is a joint problem, faced by the brother countries of Pakistan and Afghanistan. We need to see joint action by the Governments of Afghanistan and Pakistan to tackle this threat that is facing both countries. Pointing fingers leads nowhere; what we need to see is joint action by both countries. We have seen action to tackle these extremists that are threatening the lives of people on both sides of the border, but we need to see more action on the part of both countries, with the support of the international community. And as the United Nations has always made clear, together with this military action, we need to see development action to deliver a peace dividend to people on both sides of the border. And this needs to be accompanied by increased political outreach efforts to persuade those people that can be persuaded to put down their arms to join the peace process that is taking place in this country.
RAH-E-NEJAT [translated from Dari]: In spite of huge efforts by the international community to eliminate violence against women, why do the statistics show that violence is increasing? The Ministry of Women’s Affairs has reported 1016 cases of violence in the previous year, but now it is 2330 cases, and some reports indicate that since the Taliban's time the violence has increased?
UNFPA: The reports indicate that there has been increased reporting. We need to differentiate between what is happening and what is being reported. Actually in a way the increased reporting also shows the empowerment of women, that incidents are being reported. There is also an increased awareness among the law enforcement authorities, so it is not an increasing trend of violence -- that has always been there, perhaps it is declining -- but what is happening is the increase in people coming forward to report, nobody talked about this when it happened in the four walls of a house. Today women are not willing to stay and say, OK, I will take it. So I think we need to understand this distinction between whether the increase is real or is an increase in reporting of what is happening. There is no evidence to say that the violence as a whole is increasing. It has always been high, nobody is saying that is low, but the tendency to reporting in itself is an indicator of greater awareness and greater empowerment. We need to see that in a positive way.
FREELANCE JOURNALIST: A question for the UNIFEM representative: I’d like to know if you’d like to comment on two areas, one is the political representation in the cabinet as well as the justice sector which sometimes is treating women victims like criminal perpetrators, for example the women in prisons are evidence of that. Why has there been such a lack of progress in these essential sectors, one in the political area and the other in justice. Do you expect to see any changes?
UNIFEM: I think, as colleagues have already highlighted, we have made big steps over the past few years; the quota for women’s representation in parliament, in decision-making positions is a huge step forward, but there is still a long way to go.
The issues you refer are both issues specific to women’s issues, but also specific to all areas of life in Afghanistan. I think that the key thing that we need to do, as the UN and as the international community, in partnership with the Government, is to strengthen our rule of law system, our understanding of the human rights conventions, and while we have frameworks in place, our efforts need to be hugely increased on implementing them and seeing them in action.
UNAMA: Achieving gender equality is about progression, it is not about revolution. The important thing here is that what took us decades to achieve and what we are still working to achieve in Europe and North America with gender equality has taken many years. Let us not uphold Afghanistan to unfair standards. We are here in a post-conflict situation for the last five or six years and if we are to see gender equality in this country, we need to see a steady progression. We do not need to see a revolution here because revolutions are unsustainable. We need a cultural change; we need a change in people’s way of thinking. This is a slow and steady process, not something that can be achieved overnight.
But already over the last five or six years you have seen tremendous efforts on the part of the Government of Afghanistan, on the part of the international community to help engender that change through human rights training for key personnel in the rule of law and the judiciary, in the police system and in the prison system. But we all recognize that there is much more for us to do. Progress is being made, but unfortunately, this progress takes time. Steady progress is being made but it is our joint responsibility, within our own families, our own communities and for each of us to act as ambassadors for gender equality so that all of Afghanistan benefits and prospers from the skills and abilities of all it’s people – both men and women.

domain: politics


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It has taken me a while to write this, as this site means a lot to me, but the time has come to make the decision to close altprowrestling. It has been […]
Ring of Honor announced recently that they would make some major changes to their streaming service, Honor Club. In the announcement, Ring of Honor brings changes to the pay-per-view aspect, archives and […]
With a busy final month of 2019 ahead, I have decided to compile a list of shows I plan to watch and review in the month of December.
This is my review of the Ring of Honor – Death Before Dishonor 2019 show, including the preshow.
Ring of Honor heads to Atlanta, GA for the Saturday Night at Center Stage show. This show is available live and on-demand via Honor Club and Fite TV.
Ring of Honor host the ROH Summer Supercard live from Toronto, Ontario, Canada on Friday, August 9th, 2019.
This is my review of Ring of Honor’s Mass Hysteria show from Lowell, Massachusetts.
This is my review of Ring of Honor’s Manhattan Mayhem show held on Saturday July 20th, 2019 in New York, NY from the Hammerstein Ballroom.
This is my Ring of Honor Best in the World PPV review.
Best In The World
The War of the Worlds tour kicks off in Buffalo, New York for the stars of Ring of Honor and New Japan Pro Wrestling. The first night was live on May 8th, […]
Tonight(Sunday, April 14th, 2019) is the first Ring of Honor show since the historic Madison Square Garden show, G1 Supercard.
Tonight is one of the most historic and monumental nights in Pro Wrestling’s history. The G1 Supercard is the first non-McMahon shows in Madison Square Garden in over 60 years and the […]
Tonight(March 31st, 2019), live on Honor Club and Fite TV, Ring of Honor’s Road to the G1 Supercard show.
Today, Tenille Dashwood(formerly known as Emma in WWE) has announced that she is a free agent. After Tenille and Ring of Honor failed to come to terms on a new contract, Tenille […]

domain: geography


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We need resiliency more than ever
In my lifetime, which is getting longer every day, I have seen a lot of give and take throughout our democracy. So many times in fact, I can’t remember even one example at the moment. That’s why older people have wisdom, just not backed up with reliable memories.
Oh yeah, I recall Republicans, Democrats and President Clinton agreeing to a compromise that balanced the Federal budget. I admit it was in a land far away and long ago in 1999, right before y2k. If that doesn’t ring a bell, you must be quite a bit younger than me.
Anyway, that was just 20 years ago. It was a time when Congress passed a balanced budget. Today, there are no yearly budgets in place on October 1, much less balanced. Congress simply rolls the budget over and over under Continuing Resolutions making changes that nobody but the Congressional staffers understand.
The result: the National Debt has increased four fold since 2000, going from $25 trillion to $100 trillion. That’s real money. Even discounting for inflation, that’s quite a jump. If you feel frustrated by this, regardless of your party or political sentiments, we have at least frustration in common.
This started under Presidents Bush, Obama, Trump and now Biden. During this time, Republicans and Democrats were variously in charge of both the House and the Senate. So, who’s to blame? We are.
Collectively we have elected every member of Congress over the last 20 years by letting them manipulate us by dangling every hot button issue in front of us to get reelected and keep their party in power or seize it from the other party. It’s a democracy and we get who we vote for. There is no blaming others. Not the Republicans. Not the Democrats. Not the Conservatives. Not the Liberals. And not the press, for God’s sake.
And speaking of God, democracy is sacred, and we are the only ones who can make it our highest collective priority. Doing so would allow our democracy to protect our freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and to pursue our own happiness. If we continue to allow the political shysters and peddlers of despair at every election pull the wool over our eyes, our democracy will be finished. Kaput.
And with that, though, our hopes and dreams will be over too. Losing those would be unbearable. Only resilient Americans can bring back our resilient democracy that has gotten us this far, and which can bring us even closer to the dreams of our Founding Fathers.
Ken Grotewiel is a Founding Member of the None of the Above Society.


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Progress made on global health problems in this millennium, in particular through partnerships forged by groups such as the Harvard School of Public Health and his family’s foundation, serve as a model for addressing the world’s wider troubles, President Clinton said during a visit to Boston Thursday.
Speaking during the public health school’s 100th anniversary celebration, Clinton pointed to Harvard’s work training health care leaders in Rwanda, at a fraction of the cost typically required to run such programs.
“The antidote to all the destruction in the world today and the only antidote, as nearly as I can determine, is consistent, disciplined devotion to creating networks of cooperation,’’ Clinton said. “We know the world is interdependent. We have known that at least since the fall of the Berlin Wall. … That only means we cannot escape each other. Divorce is not an option, either from each other or from the planet we all inhabit.’’
Clinton was honored with the school’s Centennial Medal. The medals also were presented to Dr. Jim Yong Kim, president of the World Bank Group and former faculty member of the Harvard School of Public Health, and Dr. Gro Harlem Brundtland, former Norway prime minister and director general of the World Health Organization.
In the century since the Harvard School of Public Health was created as the Harvard-MIT School for Health Officers, it has been at the center of some of the most monumental public health advances in the United States and around the world.
Harvard researchers designed vaccination and screening methods that eradicated small pox and helped to prevent the spread of HIV. They have greatly advanced understanding of how diet, exercise, and lifestyle affect chronic disease. And, among many other advances, they created the designated driver campaign to keep people from driving while drunk.
The centennial celebration continues Friday with a one-day conference.
During his speech, Clinton spoke of Elif Yavuz
, a 33-year-old who recently completed a doctoral program at the school, as a model public health worker. Yavuz was killed last month when Somali Islamist group Al-Shabaab attacked a Nairobi shopping mall. Yavuz, who worked for the Clinton Health Access Initiative in Tanzania, was eight months pregnant and was in the city to deliver her baby. Her partner, Ross Langdon, also was killed.
Much of Al-Shabaab’s funding comes from the illegal sale of ivory from butchered elephants, Clinton said. He pointed to the initiative his wife, Hillary, and daughter, Chelsea, have launched through the foundation to stop the trade of ivory, working with African governments, non-governmental organizations, and others.
“The only way to fix it is through creative cooperation,’’ he said.
The school also honored Chelsea Clinton, with the Next Generation Award. She focuses primarily on health programs in her work as vice chairwoman of the Clinton Foundation.
“To make change you have to have some fundamental dissatisfaction, and I think young people are disproportionately qualified to do that,’’ Chelsea Clinton said. “We haven’t succumbed yet, in general, to cynicism or inertia or patience.’’
She urged leaders at the school to help students find a platform for putting that dissatisfaction to work.

domain: news


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|User Name||Thread Name||Subject||Posted|
|GUEST,Erich||Ted McKenna, Dublin, c. mid 1960 s (35)||RE: Ted McKenna, Dublin, c. mid 1960 s||28 Oct 12|
I have an album called The Whistlebinkies & Ted McKenna. It's on the AMIGA Label (German Democratic Republic) and it seems to be from 1977. The tracks sung by TM are: Champion at keeping them rolling, Blackleg Miner and Rocky Road to Dublin. The other tracks are sung and played by the Whistlebinkies.

domain: artistic


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Last summer I had an idea for a painting that would require quality reference of a Moluccan Cockatoo. As luck would have it, my friend Tracey Jean Dalton is the owner of a three-year old cockatoo named Lewie. We booked some time in a studio, and Tracey brought Lewie in to shoot with my model. For this image I asked Sean Nemoto, a friend of mine from transportation design to pose for me. He has posed for me before.
Now of course my final image will be a little more interesting than man and cockatoo.
No, sir. There will be eight cockatoos when all is said and done. And I expect the cockatoos will be a fair but pinker in my rendition than Lewie is in real life.
Per usual, i expect to have this one all done and painted up inside of 3 weeks, so check back for the finish


If you are looking to learn about the best lubricants for skateboard bearings, then you’ve come to the right place.
Skateboarding is an extremely fun and exciting hobby, but it can be a real pain if one of your bearings goes bad. When they do, it can be hard to get them fixed or replaced.
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Best Lubricant For Skateboard Bearings – Our Top 11 Picks
The best lubricant will keep your bearings spinning fast and smooth for extended periods. With so many different skateboard-bearing lubricants on the market, it can be tough to decide which one is right for you.
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3. Tri-Flow TF0021060
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Its special additives keep your bearings from rusting and corrosion. They also help to prevent the growth of bacteria, which means you can skate longer before having a problem with odor or other issues.
With its special blend of oils, you can keep your skaters’ boards running smoothly by preventing water absorption while at the same time promoting greasy surface contact for better grip between wheel blades; this ensures maximum speed without fatigue.
Using this product for skateboarding is a great idea. It can be used to loosen rusted or corroded nuts and bolts, as well as lubing bearings that are suffering from wear-and-tear due to constant friction against other surfaces while rolling down hills. The lubricant also helps keep chains tight, so they don’t chatter on your board.
The special high-grade petroleum oil is great for providing optimum lubrication under extreme temperatures and humidity. It keeps your skateboard bearings running smoothly, so you can enjoy the ride without worrying about getting hurt.
The perfect gooey solution for keeping those wheels spinning true. Just apply a few drops of this lubricant to your skateboard bearings, then watch as it slides smoothly across the track, moisturizing oils that repel water and corrosion from metal-to-metal contact while also protecting against wear
We are amazed that it has been designed for a variety of applications, this cleaning agent is formulated to clean and remove dirt from all types of surfaces. The special formula also softens hard substances like grease or wax without damaging them, so your skateboard bearings stay lubed up through every ride.
This light viscosity oil ensures deep penetration into hard-to-reach moving parts, which in turn provides long-lasting lubrication for skateboard bearings.
4. Oust Bearings Speed Clean Kit
The best way to keep your bearings clean is with this kit. It includes a washing container, bearing holder, and cleaning solvent lubrication that will help you skateboard all day long.
The easiest way to keep your bearings lubed is by using Oust Bearing clean kit. This product can be applied quickly and easily with no need for messy or complicated methods, like greasing the rollers on an old-fashioned roller skate. It’s not just for skaters! Ideal for use on longboards, scooters, and more.
The ideal skateboard lube keeps your bearings happy and moving freely. This will ensure the best possible performance from any longboarding, scootering, or skating endeavor.
It is a safer alternative for all those who are sensitive to chemicals, the best way to keep your skateboard in good condition is by always applying a thin layer of orange oil citrus cleaner before riding. It’s safe, natural, and will give you years’ worth of cleanings from any dirt or gummed-up residue.
Using this method, your bearings will be cleaned quickly without being damaged. It keeps the bearing well lubricated and avoids corrosion, so they spin smoothly, even when pressured by other parts in motion.
The special viscosity of this light oil ensures deep penetration into hard-to-reach moving parts, which in turn provides long-lasting lubrication for skateboard bearings.
High-grade petroleum oils of this 3 in 1 oil for skateboard bearings keep your skateboard bearings running smoothly, so you can enjoy the ride without worrying about getting hurt.
You will love to grease your bearings and keep them lubricated with the best affordable skateboard lubricant. This economical product will have you rolling through any terrain, no matter how bumpy it gets.
5. Reel Butter Bearing Lube
This bearing grease is for use on all saltwater and freshwater bearings to keep them performing at their best even after years of hard wear. It can be applied as a liquid or spreadable form, depending upon your specific needs.
The ultra-low viscosity of our bearing lubricant allows it to work through all components and remain in place. Our high-performance skateboard bearings will give you an excellent surface for your board.
To protect your skateboard’s bearings from corrosion, this product supplies a layer of protection that will prevent grinding or noise. You’ll also see better performance as it helps keep everything running smoothly.
You can also use this product on other mechanical equipment, but it’s especially good for skateboard bearings. The cleaning process involves flushing out all dirt and foreign debris picked up over time with just one rinse.
The synthetic bearing lubricant is a great choice for skateboarders who want to avoid the hassle of adding graphite powder or worrying about their bearings freezing up in cold weather. The formula works well with all types and sizes, so you can ride year-round.
Ardent Reel Butter is a product that has been designed to keep your skateboard or roller skates running smoothly for longer. It utilizes state-of-the-art technology and penetrates deep into ball bearings, so you can go further without worrying about them wearing out.
Reel Butter boasts a unique, patented formula that helps keep your fishing reel at its peak performance. Reeling in dirt and foreign debris during castings is eliminated with this high-quality bearing lube which not only provides excellent protection against corrosion but also ensures smoothness.
6. Bones Skate Bearings Cleaning Unit
Bearings cleaner is the perfect solution for anyone who loves skateboarding but hates dealing with messy bearings. Simply fill one side of this little white bottle and use a brush or cotton swab on the opposite end to gently clean out any dirt from deep.
The recently designed mask uses spacers to apply solvents equally, which makes it easier for you and your coworkers to take off without having any gaps or overlapping.
This high-density polyurethane lubricant for skateboarding gives you the durability and grip needed to take on any terrain.
Not only does it give a smooth ride, but it’s also water-resistant which makes sure that your board stays in top working condition no matter what happens.
We loved that it has been designed to be compatible with all types of bearings of skateboards so no matter which type of ride you want to enjoy with your board.
Includes directions for use, and all the necessary information about how to perform lubrication with ease. It also offers some helpful suggestions on what method would be best suited depending upon your specific needs.
The Bones Bearings Cleaner is a must-have for any skater who’s tired of hassle or lost ball bearings. It does all the work, making it easy to clean and reassemble your wheels with ease.
7. 3-IN-ONE 100355 Multi-Purpose Oil
We found that this product has been trusted for more than a century, this versatile multi-purpose drip oil has been used by professional tradesmen and is mostly used for skateboarding bearings.
The 3 in 1 oil for skateboard bearings updated packaging of this product has a fill level indicator strip that you can see when it’s running low. It also lubricates, cleans, and protects against rust or corrosion for your vehicle.
This is a great lubricant for wheels, casters, and sliding doors too. It also works well on power tools as external parts of small motors or hinges that support the weight when opened up fully.
Its Squeeze Bottle Design offers increased control over the amount of lube you want to use. The smaller size is perfect for automotive, marine, and home uses but can also be taken on a trip with you.
Marksman Twist Spout makes it easy to use and apply the product exactly where you want, without worrying about wasting any.
A most amazing feature is its spout extension which is a great way to get that hard-to-reach place. The size of this item allows you to cover more ground and do what’s necessary with ease in no time at all.
The perfect formula to free your nuts and bolts is a few squirts away. It won’t harm any of the materials you use it on, so go ahead, make big things happen.
8. Liquid Bearings
The new and improved bearing grease, exclusively designed by professional skateboarders for their own needs. So, with the help of this 100%-synthetic lubricant, you’ll never need to worry about your skateboard bearings coming off.
It immediately begins to displace old Petro-oils or sprays so you can enjoy friction-free sliding without worrying about getting greasy.
Plus, it has a better glide than any other kind we’ve seen before, just don’t forget your wipes while riding through dirt hills on an off-road board because this stuff will stick around.
The best way to prevent corrosion is by using this best lubricant for roller skate bearings on any metal surface. It acts as a great bearing lubricant for skateboards.
Liquid-bearing products are odor-free and designed to make your life easier. Not only does it reduce friction by providing lubricant for skateboard bearings but also leaves no residue on clothes or skin when used.
The pack includes a wide range of needles perfect for any board. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your old one or just starting, these will get the job done.
It maintains essential low and high-temperature performance, which helps maintain the proper operation of a skateboarder. Unfortunately, these qualities are typically missing from petroleum-based oils or sprays like silicone.
We know you’ll love this product, but if for some reason the bearings aren’t right, don’t worry. Because this product offers an anytime 100% refund on any purchase.
9. Boca Bearings High-Speed Oil
Boca Bearings High Speed, High Heat Instrument Oil is an ideal lubricant for almost any application. It can be used on bearings and RC parts to reduce friction which in turn increases efficiency as well as extends their life span by up to 50%.
Due to its special formula, skateboard bearings do not rust and perform optimally, even when exposed to high humidity, salt water, and other extreme conditions.
You can also use this high-quality formula on moving parts such as gears, chains, and linkages. It has a low viscosity, so it will not gum up or dry out over time.
The 12cc syringe makes it easy to apply and eliminates messes and waste. As this is light and nimble oil it is perfect for high-heat or fast-moving applications where thicker greases and waxes cannot be used.
I’ve used it on a few of my favorite skateboards and the results were satisfying. It felt smooth and fast. I probably should have gotten the larger syringe, but it was still easy to get the small amount of oil that we needed on each bearing.
When using lubricants like this, it’s usually a good idea to put some elbow grease into it and get the wheel off the ground to spin it for a few minutes.
This oil is perfect for skateboards because it can handle temperatures as low as -50 degrees Fahrenheit and up to 400 degrees.
Overall, this is an affordable and versatile lubricant that we highly recommend.
10. SONIC Citrus Skate Bearing Cleaner
With 100% CITRUS POWER and 0% WATER, you can clean your bearings with the perfect amount of citrus. Safe for seals & retainers since there are no harsh chemicals. Contains zero water so it won’t rust them out either.
The best lubricant for skateboard bearings is made from natural ingredients so it’s safe for the environment and won’t harm humans. It evaporates slowly, which means it can last a long time without running out or being used up quickly like chemicals would if you were using them on your skateboard.
Refill your Turbo Wash and other bearing cleaning systems with this flip-top bottle. It’s easy to use, just twist off the cap for airtightness when filling up.
This product is versatile, it can be used to clean chains and parts as well as remove wax or tar from a skateboard.
Citrus Cleaner is a slow-moving cleaner that leaves behind an oily residue on your bearings, but it’s safe to use. Substances with high evaporation rates are more dangerous because they readily form a vapor, which could be inhaled or explode.
To remove any leftover oils from Citric Acid after you’ve washed away all the dirt particles, wipe down each section of roller pin using a clean lint-free cloth so as not to damage its surface finish
The fresh scent of oranges and lemons is a quick way to get your bearings clean. The Vitamin C-rich formula will make sure that you don’t have any problems with rust, prolonging their life in the process.
11. Park Tool PolyLube 1000 Bicycle Grease
Park Tool’s polyurea lubricant is the best choice for skateboard bearings. It has a unique formula that allows it to penetrate deep into the metal, helping reduce friction and protecting against corrosion while also providing superior performance.
PolyLube 1000 is the ultimate in high-shear strength fluid, specifically designed to protect vital parts under extreme conditions, and can prevent water from getting inside your trucks. This makes it an excellent choice in wet conditions like rain or snow.
A silicone-based formula also helps repel moisture, perfect when working outdoors where there’s always potential dirt. But Polylubes only work well while they remain at room temperature, so make sure not to leave this product sitting around outside during the summer months.
The PPL-1 tube is perfect for those who want to keep their skateboard bearings running smooth and free from grit. The 4-ounce size means it will last you a while, but if 16 ounces isn’t enough then get the 2-tub option that comes with an extended run time!
In addition, this special blend won’t dry out as most oils do over long periods so you can keep using them as needed without worrying about becoming stuck with dried up or gummed up tools.
As it was designed specifically for ball bearings, threads, and press-fit applications found on skateboards, it can be used for repairs as well as maintenance.
This high-quality grease will give you years of reliable service so feel confident about your ride knowing that Park Tools has got everything under control.
What to Look for When Buying Best Lubricant for Skateboard Bearings?
Some of the features you may want to consider when purchasing a lubricant for skateboard bearings include:
Type of Lubricant
Most lubricants for skateboard bearings are either oil or grease-based. Oil-based lubricants are thinner and spread more easily, while grease-based lubricants are thicker and provide more protection. Some people prefer to use a mix of both oil and grease to get the best of both worlds.
Use of Shield
A shield is a thin layer of metal on either side of the bearing that protects it from dirt, dust, and other debris. If your bearing doesn’t have shields, you will need to clean it more often to prevent the build-up of grime.
Viscosity refers to the thickness of the oil, with thin oils having less viscosity. Thicker lubricants are harder to spread but provide more protection overall.
The best skateboard-bearing lubricant should be able to withstand constant use without breaking down or wearing out quickly. It should also be resistant to extreme weather conditions and temperatures.
Ease of Use
The best skateboard bearing lubricant should be easy to apply, whether it is a liquid, gel, or spray. A liquid is usually easier to use because of its smooth consistency.
Choose a skateboard-bearing lubricant that comes with an extended warranty, especially if it’s costly. The best products come with long-term warranties which justify their price tags.
Type of Material
The other thing you should look for when buying a lubricant for skateboard bearings is the type of material the bearing is made out of. There are three types of materials that bearings can be made out of: steel, ceramic, and plastic.
Many lubricants come in a bottle with a small applicator that can be used to place the lubricant directly onto the bearing. Other lubricants come in a spray form, which is ideal for getting into tight spots.
The one more thing you should look for when buying a lubricant is whether or not it contains any abrasives. Abrasives are small particles that can damage the bearing over time. If a lubricant contains abrasives, it is best to avoid it.
The Climate You Live In
If you live in a hot, dry climate, you will want to look for a lubricant that is designed to withstand high temperatures. If you live in a cold, wet climate, you will want to look for a lubricant that is designed to withstand low temperatures.
The Amount of Riding You Do
If you ride your skateboard a lot, you will want to use a lubricant that is designed to withstand frequent use. If you only ride your skateboard occasionally, a less durable lubricant will likely be fine.
The Type of Terrain
If you ride your skateboard on rough terrain, you will want to use a lubricant that is designed to withstand wear and tear. If you ride your skateboard on smooth surfaces, a less durable lubricant will likely be fine.
The last thing you should look for when purchasing a good lubricant is the price. Lubricants can range in price from $5 to $25, so it is important to find one that fits within your budget.
Q. How do I take care of my skateboard bearings?
A: To keep your bearings in good condition, you should perform regular inspections. Look for signs of rust and dirt build-up and wipe off the bearings if they have been exposed to water or other contaminants.
If you find that your bearings are making a grinding sound when you ride them, there may be dust particles stuck in the bearing shields. In this case, add a few drops of oil and spin the bearing rapidly to help distribute the lubricant.
Q. Can I use other types of lubricants for my skateboard bearings?
A: No, it is important to only use lubricants that are specifically designed for skateboard bearings. Using the wrong type of lubricant can damage your bearings and make them less effective.
Q. What happens if I don’t lubricate my skateboard bearings?
A: If you do not lubricate your skateboard bearings, they will eventually become worn down and need to be replaced. This can cause problems with your skating speed and performance, and it may also lead to damage to the bearings themselves.
It is therefore important to perform regular maintenance and lubricate your bearings as needed.
Q. How often should I lubricate my skateboard bearings?
A: How often you need to lubricate your bearings depends on a variety of factors, such as the type of lubricant you are using, how often you skate, and the weather conditions. In general, it is a good idea to lubricate your bearings after every 5-10 hours of skating.
Q. How do I clean and lube my skateboard bearings?
A: It depends on the type of bearing, but in general, you should use a dry cloth to remove any visible dust or grime from the outside of the wheel, then lubricate the inside of the wheel with a few drops of a skateboard-appropriate lubricant.
For bearings that have been exposed to water or contaminants, you can use hot soapy water and an old toothbrush to clean the parts before lubricating them.
Q. Will cleaning my bearings increase their lifespan?
A: Yes, regularly cleaning your skateboard bearings can help extend their lifespan. Dirt, debris, and dust particles can accumulate inside the bearings while you are skating and prevent them from spinning smoothly. Cleaning your bearings will remove these particles so that they no longer have an impact on the performance of the wheel.
Q. What is a sealed bearing?
A: A sealed bearing is a type of bearing that has been encased in a shield to keep out contaminants. This helps to protect the bearings from becoming damaged and keeps them functioning smoothly for longer. Sealed bearings are a popular choice for skateboarding, as they are less likely to become dirty or rusty.
Choosing the right lubricant for skateboard bearing is crucial, as it will make your skateboard sound better and boost its overall performance. There are several great choices when it comes to the best lubricant for skateboard bearings, and all the above-mentioned lubricants are the best lubricants for bearings but if you had to choose one, I would highly recommend Liberty Oil.
By using this lubricant, your skateboards become perfect for any type of terrain and come with an 18-gauge stainless steel pharmaceutical grade applicator so you can easily apply your favorite lubricant on bearings without worrying about damaging anything.
Moreover, if you’re a pro or just starting, this lubricant will keep your skateboard running smoothly. It’s engineered for all types of bearings and works great on both timber decks as well as plastic ones.
As a second choice, I would recommend the readers consider the 3-IN-ONE 100355 Multi-Purpose Oil.
For those who are constantly on the go, this product is perfect. It has an extendable spout that will reach any hard-to-reach place with ease and in no time at all.
And this is a great lubricant for wheels, casters, and sliding doors too. It also works well when you need to move power tools that have an external part like hinges or small motors engaged with the weight as they open up fully.
I’m so excited and can’t wait any longer to read your thoughts on this articleBest lubricant for skateboard bearings. Please jump into this conversation in a few seconds and provide your unbiased feedback. If you liked it also give it a thumbs up.
Hi, my name is Eric and I live for skateboarding! I hope you’ve enjoyed this blog post? If you have it would make my day if you could share it with your friends and family. The more people I can get active and skateboarding the better. I’m here to help you think less and skate more so please keep following my work.


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Holiday Villa City Centre Alor Setar is a Langkawi hotel containing clean rooms, equipped with amenities such as comfortable beds, satellite TV, bathrooms, wardrobes, kitchen and much more facilities. The property offers several facilities and services, including: 24-hour front desk, self-service laundry facilities, air-conditioning, fans, family rooms, daily cleaning service, parking, and local restaurants nearby. Save a lot of time and money and book at Holiday Villa City Centre Alor Setar at the best prices with Flyin.
It is located close to many tourist attractions and cultural sites. Bikan Rabu complex is about 400 meters away and Royal Museum of Kida is about 650 meters away.
Cancellation policies may vary seasonally or depending on the hotel or room type. You can review the hotel's policy during reservation.
All children are welcome. One extra bed can be added in the room.
Pets are not allowed

domain: travel


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What is up with this snow that we are getting? I can't remember the last time it snowed this late in March. This weather reminds me of a line from the song Save the Best For Last - "Sometimes the snow comes down in June". I am hoping it's not snowing in June, but again, who knows.
I am a lover of rulers. If it will make my quilting easier then I am all for it. Some patterns call for you to cut your own templates out of plastic, but somehow my pieces are always off, therefore I try to use an acrylic ruler. I found a pattern called Hollyhock Garden by Darlene Zimmerman and it called for a 60 degree triangle. I'm going to make this quilt using a jelly roll from Moda maybe using the Urban Couture that I own or buy the new Neptune roll.
Book that I am reading (listing to):
The Cross-Country Quilters by Jennifer Chiaverini. Five women meet at quilt camp and embark upon an ambitious project together. I love the character Nana who is a witty and fun loving. I wish I had someone like her in my life. This is a fun read as most of Chiaverini books are. Maybe that is why I like them so much.
Remember me telling you about the Amy Butler fabric I got and the quilt that I'm going to make a few post back? Well, it's turning out to be my quilt from hell. The pieces were not lining up right so I thought if I re cut them all they would line up. Wrong. I guess I don't understand how they are to line up. So now instead of them being one big piece, they have a seam down the middle. I am o.k. with that. I just have a few more pieces to line up and iron open the middle seam so they lay flat. You know how I hate to iron open my seams, but this is a must or it would be so thick that it could never be quilted. I hope to get to sewing on this today. I have just a few more to re-cut.
The Whirlygiggle quilt is quilted and it looks awesome. The quilting made the quilt. I laid it out and stood back and just gazed at it for 5 minutes. I am impressed with how it turned out. I have only the binding and quilt label to place on. It's going to be real hard to give this quilt up. I am in love with it.

domain: design


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Since his diagnosis in 2015, he has had 31 rounds of radiation, intensive chemotherapy and brain surgery. After losing almost all his motor skills after surgery, Cazier has been in physical, occupational therapy and speech therapy, which he has been practicing almost every day for five years.
The physical and emotional stress had turned his life around, and he struggled to find something worth looking forward to.
That's when Make-A-Wish Idaho and Macy's teamed up to make his dream come true.
19659002] "He hoped that through his desire [of becoming a model] he could overcome confidence and become more confident in his abilities," Macy's spokeswoman Sheikina Liverpool told CNN.
In August, Cazier was flown to New York City where he participated in a two-day photo shoot for Macy's annual holiday campaign. He was styled by Macy's fashion team, learned to model and worked with "top talent in the industry," according to Macy's.
On Wednesday, a limousine Cazier and family retrieved from his home before taking them to a surprise as revealed by a bulletin board with his picture in Idaho Falls.
Cazier already knew that he was going to be included in Macy's holiday gift guide, but had no idea he would also be featured on a tablet in his hometown.
After the disclosure, the family was driven to Macy's at the Grand Teton Mall, where Cazier was met by fans who asked him to autograph copies of their Macy's holiday gift guide.
Cazier said the experience was better than he could have imagined.
"This was a dream for me, and I never thought I would actually make it a reality," Cazier said in a speech during the mall event.  "I am so humbled and grateful for the opportunity to work with Make-A-Wish and Macy's," he told CNN. "It's been a tremendously growing experience for me, and I would even consider it a life change."


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A feature article on me written by Brown Gal Trekker!
Archive for ‘Victoria, Australia.’
The year 2016 for walkingtwobytwo
See our amazing year we have had and look out for us in 2017!
Snap Shots of the Great Ocean Walk
Walking the Great Ocean Walk. between Apollo Bay and the 12 Apostles was quite a spectacular walk. You experience a very […]
Great Ocean Walk.
To find a walk that gives you the wow like the Great Ocean Walk (GOW) does is such a gem. […]


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Find out more information here about what is happening at the Melbourne City Ballet Centre via our online calendar! Some of our most popular programs include:
ADULT BALLET COMMUNITY CLASSES
Get fit in a fun environment throughout the week as Melbourne City Ballet offer casual Adult Community Classes in collaboration with Moreland City Council for only $18 per class or $150 for a ten pass! Check out the calendar dates below for more information regarding this fun and supportive program for those 16 years and above!
Melbourne City Ballet provide lots of opportunities throughout the year for young dancers to participate within company productions in small guest roles. These roles will generally have a limit of 5 minutes appearing in any production and are designed to inspire young dancers toward a career in the classical arts in the future. Check out the calendar below for special opportunities.
WORKSHOPS & SPECIAL EVENTS
Melbourne City Ballet host many special workshops within our building both facilitated by our company and external organisations. Details regarding upcoming programs can be found below.
Throughout the year Melbourne City Ballet and our affiliates hold many events within the Melbourne City Ballet Centre. Find out whats happening in our community by keeping up to date through our calendar of events!


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Plot and script: Michele Medda, Antonio Serra, Bepi Vigna, Stefano Piani, Stefano Vietti
Artwork: Giuseppe Barbati e Antonella Vicari, Mario Jannì, Valentina Romeo, Romeo Toffanetti, Giancarlo Olivares, Ivan Calcaterra
Cover: Roberto De Angelis
Leafing through an anachronistic photo album, Nathan relives some forgotten moments of his past. Little stories that helped determine his life and choices. Bitter, but also funny memories, that made Nathan Never the man he is today.


Thanks as soon as once again for joining us and we hope to look you once more quickly… A pick’s a select, they say. And Juve fans may be heading
Mateja Kezman, the agent for Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, has disregarded hypothesis linking the participant with a likely circulate to Paris Saint-Germain late in the transfer window. whereas the transfer
Mauricio Pochettino could not include the frustration. The Tottenham manager had spent a lot of the time considering that remaining Monday’s 3-0 remove at Manchester United warning his players that
Soccrates photographs photographsTottenham Hotspur have reportedly taken an interest in Ajax midfielder and Barcelona goal Frenkie de Jong. based on Neil Fissler of the Sunday categorical, Spurs had been impressed
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Why this development?
Sherwood Square comprises of 42 one-bedroom apartments set over three storeys, very close to Nottingham city centre.
The development is in a fantastic location. It is protected from the noise of a busy road yet close enough to major road links and the award-winning tram network to make the city easily accessible. Parking is included with every apartment as standard.
Each apartment has been carefully designed to offer practical, yet beautiful layouts that suit everyday life.
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Key areas in the city
An ambitious project connecting the city centre to surrounding districts, Waterside is set to become a thriving neighbourhood along the river with residential, retail and leisure facilities and extensive green spaces
About this developer
The Prosperity Group are dedicated to providing owner occupiers and buy-to-let investors an exceptional opportunity to purchase prime city centre luxury apartments through unique purchase payment options.


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The outbreak of an infectious disease is one of medicine’s most difficult challenges. At the same time that public health agencies must contain the infection, they must also try to quell the public’s fears – a difficult task in today’s world of instant communication and constant media attention.
“What we saw in the United States was a hugely disproportionate response to the actual number of cases being transmitted,” says Steven Hatch, M.D., commenting on the recent Ebola outbreak, “because there were only two cases of Ebola that occurred in the United States, when there were thousands of cases in West Africa.”
Dr. Hatch, an infectious disease specialist at UMass Memorial Medical Center and an Assistant Professor in the Division of Infectious Disease at UMass Medical School in Worcester, shares his perspective of the reaction to infectious disease outbreaks in the United States by the news media and the public in the June edition of Physician Focus. Hosting this edition is primary care physician Bruce Karlin, M.D.
Dr. Hatch brings personal experience to the issue: In 2014, he spent five weeks in Liberia with the International Medical Corps treating patients stricken with Ebola and subsequently returned to that country multiple times to treat patients.
He describes vastly different reactions between West Africa and the United States with regard to the Ebola outbreak. “In Liberia, I knew exactly what my role was, the patients knew their role, my fellow workers knew their role, and everybody went about their business normally.”
Yet, he says, as he was watching the reaction in the U.S. on his laptop from a hillside in Liberia, he saw “paranoia sweep the countryside of the U.S.” in the media coverage of Ebola, and just as he was about to come home.
“What I was concerned about was that the fear that people had about Ebola, which was easily visible just from reading the news stories on the internet, was going to then apply to me and that I was going to become an object of derision, possibly violence. I wasn’t sure what awaited me when I came home.”
When he did arrive home, Dr. Hatch says, it was something of a revelation. “When I did come home, my experience was that, when I was in active observation, easily was an anxiety-provoking time, and it proved to me that you can get a very warped perception based on what the media provides in terms of information and how it chooses to couch the information.”
Dr. Hatch believes that the lesson from his experience is an important one for people to grasp.
“When people get worked up over these viruses,” he says, “what happens is you get this difference in risk perception… We get this very dramatic warping of our perception of what actually represents a real harm to us in life.”
He notes that while two people in the United States became infected with Ebola, many more in the same time period died from heart disease, lung cancer from smoking, and gunshots – just to name a few of the prevalent diseases and dangers in the U.S.
Everyone, he says, get focused on what can be relatively minor threats, and “that’s actually quite sad,” he notes.
“You can do something about modifying your lifestyle decisions,” says Dr. Hatch, “but people don’t really get that message as purely and in as undistilled manner as they could.”
Watch the video for additional discussion, including conversation about what public health agencies must consider in reacting to infectious disease outbreaks, Dr. Hatch’s perspective on the latest threat of Zika, and additional comments on how the media covered the Ebola outbreak in the U.S.

domain: health


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Here is the third of three Reader Ideas we’ve posted this week. We’re hoping they persuade you to use the long weekend — or the coming summer vacation — to write in and tell us how you have taught with The Times.
Below, an idea from Ellen Creane, who is now a teacher but who once managed aspects of The New York Times in School subscription program.
Idea: Using Travel Articles for Vocabulary Study and Multiculture Discussion
Teacher: Ellen Creane
Institution: East Haven Adult Learning Center, East Haven, Conn.
Grade Level: Intermediate/Advanced English as a Second Language (E.S.L.) Students
Idea: Ms. Creane’s students typically come from Central and South America, Asia, Mexico, Eastern Europe and the Middle East. To help students enlarge their vocabulary and become more confident speakers of English, she shares articles from the New York Times Travel section related to each student’s country of origin.
Why We Chose It: Travel section articles, and the lovely photos that often accompany them, are a real pleasure to read, even when the places they describe are unfamiliar. But when those articles pay tribute to a country, city or region where E.S.L. students are from, sharing them can bring up a flood of memories and associations — perfect fodder for conversations in classrooms where students are sometimes reluctant to speak.
What Ms. Creane Did and Why, in Her Own Words
I love casual conversations with my students because I learn much about daily life in their home countries.
One day it occurred to me that they would like to see and read articles about the countries they are from, so I reached for the Sunday Travel section. I knew that the vocabulary would be challenging, but because the words appear in a context that would interest them, I also knew they would enjoy the articles — just as I, a Times subscriber and a retired manager in The New York Times in School program, always do.
When I first gave each student a travel article from his or her country, I asked them each to read the article and circle all the words they did not know. (This is an especially good Do Now activity for students who arrive to the class a bit earlier than others.)
But when I handed the student from Colombia the article “A Remote Colombia City That Really Does Exist,” about Mompós, where the novelist Gabriel García Márquez lived for many years when he was young, other students around the table who were from Mexico and Spain leaned over to see it — they knew the great author, too. Soon the article spontaneously sparked a lengthy discussion about García Márquez, with my student from Colombia leading the conversation. They all spoke with ease and confidence because they were so interested in the topic.
Travel articles often contain vivid photos and maps. This gave Yenny, another student from Colombia, visual tools to talk about her country and the small town of Aracataca, which she had visited and where García Márquez was born. We also discussed the fact that García Márquez’s books, written in Spanish, had been translated into many other languages. After class, Yenny continued to work on the challenging vocabulary in the article. In a later class, she brought the words she identified and defined. As a class, we discussed them.
Because my students have differing vocabulary needs and have varying attendance patterns, I had used current events articles about their countries from The New York Times primarily for individual instruction. But this experience with the Travel article spurred my desire to use the Travel section as a conversation activity in a multiculture classroom.
Suggestions for Finding Appropriate Articles to Use With Students
1. Type the name of a country, city or region in the search box found at the top left of any page of NYTimes.com.
2. Select the place from the list of Times Topics: Places to find a variety of articles about travel and other topics.
Related Posts From The Learning Network


TALLAHASSEE -- Scofflaws who try to beat the $2.25 fare on the planned tri- county commuter rail trains could find themselves stung with a fine equal to three months' worth of round-trip rides.
A pair of bills filed in the state Legislature would establish a maximum penalty of $250 for passengers caught without valid tickets. The fine for a first-time offender would be about $50, with steeper penalties for repeat offenders.
The proposed law also would give rail officials the muscle to enforce rules governing passenger behavior and limit unruly riders.
Smoking, eating, drinking, swearing, playing loud music, writing graffiti or engaging in other prohibited behavior could land the offender a non-criminal fine, according to William Howard, executive director of the Tri-County Rail Organization.
The West Palm Beach-to-Miami line is scheduled to open late this year to ease rush-hour traffic jams while Interstate 95 is widened between north Dade County and Boca Raton. If the line proves popular, it will be continued after the road work is completed.
Tickets tentatively will range from $2.25 to $3, depending on distance, and a weekly pass will probably be about $20, Howard said.
The bills, filed by Rep. Carol Hanson, R-Boca Raton, and Sen. Carrie Meek, D- Miami, would give the Tri-County Rail Organization full authority to set and enforce fares and other rules.
Individual counties already have similar authority, but the legislation was required because the rail line spans three jurisdictions, rail planners said.
"We've got to know what they should do with the freeloaders," Hanson said. "We've never been in the business of operating a railroad before."
The ticketing procedure will involve a modified honor system in which security officers will walk through the double-deck train cars spot-checking riders at random for valid tickets, Howard said.


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In what has been described as the largest ever prime ministerial trade delegation, over 100 companies are participating in a three-day visit to India.
Amongst the 100 companies are 30 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and ministers including Lord Green, David Willetts, Hugo Swire and Greg Barker.
As part of the delegation, the group will meet with Indian government ministers as well as inward investors and businesses in Mumbai and Delhi. The government set a target in July 2010 of doubling bilateral trade to India from £11.5 billion up to £23 billion in 2015
Prime minister David Cameron also announced that the coalition will be supporting a new pan-India network of British Business Centres by 2017, the first pilot in a scheme of 20 overseas business networks. The initiative is being backed by £8 million of government funding.
Speaking as part of the delegation, Cameron said he was ‘determined’ to make sure that Britain succeeds in the global race to link UK firms to fast-growing economies around the world.
‘As India grows, it needs a partner that can support its ambition – in infrastructure, in energy, in healthcare and more,’ he added.
‘It wants its business to have unrivalled access to European and global markets and its students to get the best education in the world. Britain can do all these things and more.’
More on government initiatives:
- Silicon Roundabout set to receive £50 million government facelift
- James Caan-fronted Start-Up Loans scheme nets extra government cash
- Coalition government hits half-million apprenticeships milestone
New trade deals announced as part of the trip include a new first primary health care centre opening in Delhi from Brit Health Care, the appointment of Mott MacDonald to provide design engineering for six stations of the £2 billion Hyderabad metro project and the establishment of a delivery centre in Liverpool by Tata Consultancy Services, brining in 300 new jobs.
The government is also launching a competition, in conjunction with British Airways, to offer three entrepreneurs the chance to visit Britain on a ‘tailored programme’ to encourage them to set up in the UK.
Trade minister Lord Green comments, ‘We are on track to double our trade with India by 2015.
‘UK businesses are rightly recognising that they can reap the rewards of looking outside Europe for trading partners, selling their goods and services to high growth markets outside the EU.’

domain: economics


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August saw the opening of SPAR Spain partner Líderaliment’s new SPAR Express store in the port city of Huelva. The 250m² SPAR store offers customers approximately 2,600 references, including SPAR branded products and other leading brands on the market.
Four employees oversee the store, which has self-service areas with meat, fruit and vegetables, fish, bread, as well as a delicatessen and frozen foods area. Opening hours are from Monday to Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
SPAR Líderaliment also offers its retail service in the provinces of Seville, Badajoz, Córdoba, Cádiz, and Cáceres.
SPAR Spain partner Ignacio de las Cuevas in September opened three SPAR Express stores in the northwest of Spain, two in Ourense and one in Pontevedra. The local teams of SPAR colleagues are knowledgeable about local tastes and always guarantee the best possible service to their customers.
In Ourense, the first new SPAR Express has opened in the municipality of Maside and, more recently, the second SPAR Express in Vilardevós. Two colleagues are in charge of each store, which both have 1,300 product references on offer. The Maside 130m² SPAR EXPRESS store’s opening hours are from Monday to Friday from 9 a.m to 2 p.m. and Saturday from 4.30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
In Vilardevós, the 140m² SPAR Express store offers fresh fruit and vegetables, a bakery and a delicatessen area. The store is open from Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
In the maritime city of Vigo in Pontevedra, the new SPAR Express store presents a sales area of 130m² with a fresh produce and a bakery area adapted to the local needs. The store is open seven days a week, Mondays to Saturdays from 8 a.m. to midnight and on Sundays and holidays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
SPAR de las Cuevas also brings the SPAR Brand to the provinces of La Coruña and Lugo.
Source: SPAR Spain
Read more about SPAR in Spain.
SPAR Spain was founded in 1959 when a group of wholesalers who wished to join an international organisation came together. As a result, the brand became the first voluntary trading chain to be established in Spain.
The head office is in Barcelona. It provides buying, marketing, communications, and brand support to the 13 regional partners. Together, the SPAR operators actively continue the expansion of the brand across the country.


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Brie Larson was born as Brianne Sidonie Desaulniers on October 1, 1989 in Sacramento, California. Her parents were Heather and Sylvain Desaulniers, who worked as homeopathic chiropractors. At a young age, Brie became interested in acting and singing, taking lessons and performing in community theater productions.
Details on Her Upbringing:
- Parents worked as chiropractors
- Born and raised in Sacramento
- Became interested in performing at a young age
Brie took the stage name “Larson” from her Swedish great-grandmother. She was homeschooled for some of her schooling which allowed her to focus more time on auditions and acting jobs.
Career Beginnings as a Teenager
As a teenager, Brie began acting in sketches on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Her first featured film role came in 13 Going on 30, released in 2004 when she was 15 years old.
Early Acting Work:
|The Tonight Show with Jay Leno
|13 Going on 30
She landed a lead role in the Disney Channel movie Right on Track in 2006. This opened more doors, and she soon booked a regular spot on the sitcom United States of Tara a few years later while also working on indie movie projects like Greenberg and Scott Pilgrim vs. the World.
At What Age Did Brie’s Career Take Off?
Brie Larson’s acting career started gaining significant momentum when she was a teenager. Her first lead role came at age 17 in the Disney Channel movie Right on Track. In her late teens and early 20s, Brie balanced roles in indie films like Scott Pilgrim vs. the World with more mainstream television work on shows like United States of Tara. This early success set the foundation for her rise to fame later on.
Brie received high praise from critics for her lead performance as a foster care facility worker in the 2013 independent drama Short Term 12.
Acclaim for Short Term 12 performance:
- Won Best Actress Award at Locarno International Film Festival
- Nominated for Independent Spirit Award for Best Female Lead
This breakthrough role showcased her dramatic talents and range and set her on the path towards more prominent film roles.
In 2015, Brie took on the highly complex and emotional role of Ma in Room.
Key details about Room and her performance:
- Played kidnapped woman raising a son in captivity
- Won Academy Award, BAFTA Film Award, and Golden Globe Award for Best Actress
- Universal acclaim from critics
- Demonstrated her versatility as an actress
The critical and commercial success of Room cemented her status as one of Hollywood’s top actresses. Brie carved a reputation for taking on challenging and nuanced roles that allow her acting abilities to shine.
Brie made history by becoming the first woman to headline a Marvel Cinematic Universe movie with 2019’s Captain Marvel:
- Played title character Carol Danvers/Captain Marvel
- One of highest grossing films of 2019 ($1.13 billion box office)
- First MCU film with a female lead
As one of Marvel’s most powerful superheroes, the role further demonstrated her ability to captivate audiences and lead mega-budget action franchises.
Even with her Marvel success, Brie continues to take on compelling indie projects like Just Mercy while also staying involved with larger films including Kong: Skull Island and Avengers: Endgame.
She also made her directorial debut with the Netflix film Unicorn Store and is signed to reprise her role as Captain Marvel in sequels over the next few years. As a versatile actress now transitioning towards directing as well, Brie Larson remains one of Hollywood’s most popular rising talents.
Brie Larson has emerged as one of the most sought-after and versatile leading ladies of her generation. With undeniable dramatic and comedic skills on full display in both indie productions and blockbuster franchises, she continues to choose compelling roles rather than chasing stardom for its own sake.
After winning an Oscar for her moving performance in Room, Brie used her platform to advocate for sexual assault survivors and underserved communities. She approaches her craft and public profile with equal parts passion and levelheadedness.
As Brie expands into directing and production while also reprising fan-favorite characters in upcoming Marvel films, her smart calculated risks and consistent dedication to her art promises many career-defining roles still to come.
Her 300 acting credits accrued by age 30 further demonstrate her work ethic and talents. Brie Larson has already carved an indelible mark on Hollywood in less than two decades and continues to push her limits as an actress and humanist. Whether charming audiences in comedies or anchoring emotional dramas, Brie’s authenticity shines through as she charts a career marked by creative fulfillment over stardom for its own sake.
While navigating fame with grace rarely seen among young talents, Brie Larson creates entertainment that inspires and empowers rather than chasing accolades – a refreshing ethos certain to sustain her impact for decades to come.
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about actress Brie Larson’s background and career:
Where was Brie Larson born?
Brie Larson was born Brianne Sidonie Desaulniers on October 1, 1989 in Sacramento, California.
What was her first acting role?
Larson’s first on screen acting role came as a sketch performer on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno in the early 2000s when she was around 13 years old.
How old was she when she won her Oscar?
Brie Larson won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in Room in 2016 when she was 26 years old.
Has Brie Larson won any other major awards?
Yes, for her acclaimed performance in Room, Brie also won a Golden Globe Award, Screen Actors Guild Award, and BAFTA Film Award for Best Actress along with over 50 other acting awards from critics associations and film festivals.
What Marvel character does Brie Larson play?
Brie Larson joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2019 when she began playing Carol Danvers Captain Marvel. The first Captain Marvel film grossed over $1 billion at the box office.

domain: celebrity


V6GT follows in the footsteps of the revolutionary V8 and V10 CPU coolers from Cooler Master. Designed with a muscular engine look, the V6GT fits nicely with any performance hardware. The V6GT also features new mechanical structure that includes: V-shaped heatpipe array, asymmetrical aluminum fins (which are densely stacked for optimal cooling), two 12 cm silent fans with enhanced airflow, PWM speed control function, and DynaLoop long life bearing technology, snap-on cover to conveniently replace fan if needed.
|Dimensions||5.16" x 4.72" x 6.50"|
|Fan Speed||1 x 2200 rpm|
|Fan Airflow||1 x 93.7 CFM|
|Fan Diameter||1 x 4.72"|
|Brand Name||Cooler Master|
|Product Type||Cooling Fan/Heatsink|
|Processor Socket||Intel CPU Support: Core i7 Extreme Core i7 Core i5 Core i3 Core 2 Extreme Core 2 Quad Core 2 Duo Pentium Celeron AMD CPU Support: Phenom II X4 Phenom II X3 Phenom II X2 Phenom X4 Phenom X3 Athlon II X4 Athlon II X3 Athlon II X2 Athlon X2 Athlon Sempron Intel CPU Socket: LGA1366 LGA1156 LGA775 AMD Socket: AM3 AM2+ AM2|
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All Games Workshop products sold through us are new, in the original packaging, unaltered, and came from Games Workshop. If you are seeing a placehold image on this product that means Games Workshop does not have an approved image of their own product.
This kit builds 10 Guardian Defenders, accompanied by a Heavy Weapon Platform. Guardian Defenders are versatile support troops, suited to holding objectives as they unleash withering hails of fire from their shuriken catapults. Their hovering Heavy Weapon Platforms can be fitted with a variety of powerful guns to sunder enemy armour or mow down swathes of infantry. This kit comes with a variety of accessories and 11 unhelmeted heads. You can also choose to build this kit as close-combat focused Storm Guardians.
This set comprises 152 plastic components and is supplied with 10x Citadel 28.5mm Round Bases, 1x Citadel 40mmm Round base, and 1x Aeldari Transfer Sheet. These miniatures are supplied unpainted and require assembly – we recommend using Citadel Plastic Glue and Citadel paints.

domain: game


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Online gambling is exactly what and best businesses on this planet. Due to technological advancement online gambling has you have to be efficient and much more beneficial. It’s totally compare the experiences in the land based casinos to online casinos and see the benefits of online game playing. Here are 10 reasons to gamble online compared to at land based gambling dens.
In casinos, Baccarat is played in tables staffed by a croupier, who directs the play of your game, and 2 dealers who collect and pay the players’ gamble. Six or eight decks of cards are in the game, and players alternate playing once the banker, although the ‘banker’ at any particular round of play does not have to bet on the banker hand and may bet along the player arms.
Baccarat online is played with six or eight complete decks of cards. All cards at the ace through nine are valued based upon their quanity. Both face cards and tens have a worth of absolutely. When any combination of two cards equals more than ten, ten is subtracted and add-ons total may be the card add up. For example, if four and eight are drawn for any sum of 12, the count is two (ten from 12).
The first one is Casino Gambling. Poker is a game in which skill determines the successful. In this game the players compete with every other and the house isn’t involved. The house edge is next to nil. For manage permit the skill required to play casino poker, you could certainly win, specifically if you tight on experience players competing against you.
I know from wish that big profits ufabet can be created betting on sports. I also know these kinds of systems allow you profitably carried out right. Nevertheless the fact remains that anyone who expects to win a bundle of money from a lone system, especially a loss chaser, will end up as losing all of it.
Just select between the banker and player hands, or a tie. Then, let the car dealer hand the actual cards. After your round, depending on results, you either collect your winnings, or pay for the winner.
Before being fooled into believing you can make instant millions utilizing a gambling system, think to a simple coin toss. You can easily apply a mathematical strategy to tossing a coin and predicting departs that fast of this will land on heads or tails. บาคาร่า ‘s the actual same ideology behind the question: If you toss a coin 9 times with result being tails every time, the mathematics or odds tell us that the 10th time should make heads. Yet tried the situation? Consider it an experiment of sorts discover out if you can do predict outcome each time the coin falls.
There are companies which provide you sports betting tips, but definitely not follow them thoughtlessly. There is no guarantee that suggestions are simple have any basis for achievement. You have to comprehend that it takes no short cut to becoming successful. However, you can certainly use tips from reliable companies as the starting point for investigation just this means you can be absolutely specific they perform. You will have the ability to make such a large amount of cash on a consistent basis as long as you follow these guidelines for the correct way to betting on games.


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Come, ye thankful people, let’s handle this Wednesday, November 22, 2017, and get on with Thanksgiving! Portland’s weather is rainy, but record-settingly warm, with highs of 60 degrees. Sunrise 7:19 AM Sunset 4:33 PM
The holiday travel zoo begins today, and hundreds of thousands of Oregonians will jump on the highway and head for their family gatherings. So traffic will be bummer to bummer, and ODOT says it will be at its worst between 3 and 7 PM today. The highways will be free of ice or snow to Central Oregon, the Oregon Coast, and California. Today and Sunday are the top two travel days at PDX. And checking the airport’s status boards: all flights are running, the Economy Lot is 81% full, and the FAA’s Command Center map shows green lights at all major hubs.
If you see a swarm of F15’s zooming up from the runway at PDX, fear not…the Oregon Air National Guard’s 142nd Fighter Wing is conducting a combat readiness practice, scrambling a dozen of those jets this morning.
A US Navy plane with 11 on board developed engine trouble and crashed into the Pacific off Japan. Eight were saved, three are missing. That’s the fifth accident this year involving the Seventh Fleet, whose admiral in charge has already been relieved of his command.
Have to wonder what’s going on in the North Bethany area. A large home under construction burned down last night –and the same neighborhood where two homes burned down in August.
Net neutrality. That’s a pretty poor term for something that affects the one thing that connects us all: the Internet. But the story of its proposed repeal bears watching, and needs your input. If net neutrality goes, net connections become a commercial commodity for sale at different levels. The more you pay, the better your net connection will be. If you can’t afford it, well…
Weird story. A federal judge in Portland has sentenced to two years a woman who visited her boyfriend in jail and gave him a kiss–which was actually a mouth-to-mouth transfer of seven balloons filled with meth. He swallowed two of them. They burst in his stomach, and he died of methamphetamine toxicity.
Sad to see that David Cassidy died, only 67 years old. I never was into The Partridge Family, but their single “I Think I Love You”–performed by David, real-life stepmom Shirley Jones, and the Wrecking Crew–was a worthy occupant of the pop charts. Interesting story: when he was four years old, his parents got a divorce—and they kept it secret from him for years. They had dinner together, they went to movies…though he spent a lot of nights at his grandmother’s. A neighbor spilled the beans to him when he was six.
A Texas 16-year old boy who’d been shuttling around in foster care most of his life was so inspired by his high school English teacher that he asked her to adopt him, and be his forever Mom. She did.
A 102-year old Polish man who escaped the Holocaust believing that his entire family had perished learned this month that he was wrong. Israeli researchers found that he had a brother who also survived, and though the brother has passed, he had a son, and the two were able to meet and exchange stories, something the elder man had never imagined. Given the advancing years, that’s among the last of such reunions.
Archeologists have discovered the oldest known evidence of wine. It’s in the ancient land called Georgia, at the crossroads of Asia and Eastern Europe, where neolithic jars were found to contain biomolecular evidence of a wine from 8000 years ago.
Portland’s Singing Christmas Tree opens Friday night. So maybe do the tree-lighting in the Square, and pop over to the Keller?
It was on this bleak day 54 years ago that Walter Cronkite took off his glasses and said to America that President Kennedy was gunned down in Dallas. For a majority of Americans across the political spectrum, what truly happened will forever be a mystery. Only one in five of us believes that Lee Harvey Oswald did the deed alone. He firmly denied it under two days of questioning, and then was killed. Last month’s document release only provided more loose ends, such as the transcript from a 1975 deposition in which the head of the CIA was asked if there is any evidence to indicate that the CIA was involved in the assassination, and his answer is missing. A memo from J. Edgar Hoover two days after the assassination doesn’t help. The FBI director wrote: “The thing I am concerned about is that we have something issued so we can convince the public that Oswald is the real assassin.” Polling indicates that most Americans suspect that strings were being pulled in secret. And still are.
So Thanksgiving! We need to make it a state of mind, more than a meal. It might require some discipline, if you consider where we are. The national mood is that of resentment; we have an administration that was elected on resentment and expresses it daily, and we have an opposing culture that is accordingly aggrieved and expresses that every day as well. Feelings are personal and passionate, and resentment is plastered in your face every time you log into social media. The opposite of resentment is gratitude. It’s not our natural state this year, but Thanksgiving demands of us that we do one thing: celebrate. Another day of living. Another day of love.
So Happy Thanksgiving! The DD will be back in full farce on Monday, but we’ll check in as warranted throughout the holiday weekend, in between the pie and the pie.