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CAIRO — A statement published by Egypt’s newly formed National Salvation Front on Dec. 2 described President Mohammed Morsi’s call for a constitutional referendum as “irresponsible” and accused him of “reneging on his oath not to schedule it before reaching a broad state of national consensus over the constitution."
“The president preferred to act as a party member than as a president to all Egyptians,” said the statement, as tens of thousands of protesters gathered Tuesday in front of major mosques across the capital before marching to the presidential palace in eastern Cairo.
Barbed-wire barricades erected by the military to seal off streets leading to the palace were torn down by demonstrators infuriated by the exceptional security measures that weren’t equally applied when a massive support rally built a stage and chanted freely at the walls of the heavily guarded mansion. Security forces withdrew after minor skirmishes.
Live footage by several local TV channels showed dozens of protesters surrounding a riot police vehicle and several soldiers to protect them from violence by others in the crowd, a spectacular scene given the hundreds of bloody clashes that took place between protesters and police forces over the past 23 months since the Jan. 25 uprising.
Meanwhile, a few thousand demonstrators joined dozens of strikers who have slept in their makeshift tents in Tahrir Square since Morsi’s constitutional declaration that granted him his expansive, unchecked powers on Thursday, Nov. 22.
Crowds of anti-Morsi demonstrators in both Tahrir Square and at the presidential palace on Tuesday were significantly smaller than those that rallied on Saturday in support of the president’s controversial decisions.
Mohamed Abbas, a revolutionary youth figure, founder of the Egyptian Current Party, and a former member of the Muslim Brotherhood movement who was sacked among dozens of youth who opposed the organization’s post-revolution policies, explained to Al-Monitor why Egypt’s secular and revolutionary powers are deflating and almost incapable of trashing the constitution in a referendum scheduled to take place on Saturday, Dec. 15.
“The appearance of Mubarak-era figures and affiliates of the former military government in Tahrir Square was used by the Islamist current in waging a powerful smear campaign against the opposition,” said Abbas.
He referred specifically to Sameh Ashour, head of the Lawyers Syndicate who chaired an advisory council to the interim military government that ruled between Hosni Mubarak’s ouster in February 2011 and Morsi’s inauguration in June 2012, and Sayyed El-Badawi, chairman of Wafd Party that struck several electoral deals with Mubarak’s National Democratic Party in 2005 and 2010.
“In addition to their claim of defending Islamic Shariah, which sounds very appealing to millions of impoverished citizens who are illiterate or politically uncultured but naturally conservative,” said Abbas.
He admits there are major divisions among the opposition bloc, which is apparent in the National Salvation Front that doesn’t include his Egyptian Current Party, the powerful April 6 Youth Movement and other revolutionary movements, but includes Amr Moussa, Mubarak’s long-time Minister of Foreign Affairs.
“Some political parties delusionally believe they can cancel the referendum while others continue to call for boycotting, a policy that failed miserably during the March 2011 referendum and the parliamentary elections.”
The referendum on a transitional constitutional declaration held by the then-ruling Supreme Council of the Armed Forces in March 2011 was also promoted by Islamist currents as the defense line to Egypt’s Islamic identity and passed by 77.2% of the 18.5 million voter turnout.
In the November 2011 parliamentary elections, the Muslim Brotherhood’s Freedom and Justice Party and the Salafist Nour Party dominated around 73% of the 498 seats. Both parties scored around 19.5 million votes out of the 54% voter turnout, an estimated 30 million voters.
Some local politicians said the only chance of bringing down the disputed constitution is by miraculously uniting the supporters of Morsi’s four top challengers in the first round of the May 2012 presidential elections. A total of around 16.6 million voters that went to the Mubarak Aviation Minister Ahmed Shafiq, the Nasserite Hamdeen Sabahi, the Muslim Brotherhood defector Abdelmonem Abolfotoh, and the former Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa.
Abbas, who believes that nothing will help Egypt’s opposition but powerfully promoting the “vote NO message,” says that the anti-Morsi voters in the presidential elections are almost impossible to unite.
“Salafists endorsed Abolfotoh and are now backing Morsi within the Islamist front, while the remnants of Mubarak’s era who endorsed Shafiq or Moussa are divided over the constitution into those who fear the political isolation law and others who won’t be affected and want immediate stability to resume their stalled lives and businesses,” said Abbas.
“Morsi supporters are fighting for a 70-30 win, and all we can do is shrink it to 60-40.”
The argument over the negative impacts of boycotting didn’t sway those who continue to promote boycotting since last year’s parliamentary elections.
Tarek Shalaby, a prominent activist and hard-core advocate of boycotting says he is “still leaning toward another boycott campaign during the upcoming referendum.”
“The military government and Islamists sought legitimacy through the March 2011 referendum and I regret giving it to them. This time I will be legitimizing Morsi and the military that is taking cover under this tailored constitution,” Shalaby told Al-Monitor, referring to articles of the constitution that allow military trials of civilians and continue to tighten the lid on secrets of a great portion of Egypt’s economy owned by the military institution.
“Those who think boycotting never accomplished anything should think where participation got us,” says Shalaby who insists that participation in all of the “so-called democratic processes since Jan. 25, has hindered the revolutionary efforts instead of pushing it forward.”
Shalaby, who says his tendency to boycott might change, agrees the constitution will most certainly pass. “It’s hard to speculate but I think it will pass by about 65%.”
“We are facing an unfaltering campaign promoting the protection of Islamic Shaiah, the stability of economy, in addition to threats that rejection means a continuation of Morsi’s now unlimited, unchecked powers.”
Despite the agreement on the impossibility of winning the Dec. 15 constitutional battle against the unchallenged organization of the Islamist bloc, Haitham Mohamadein, a leader of Egypt’s Revolutionary Socialist Movement sees major political gains reaped by the opposition.
“It’s clear that Morsi’s opposition continues to rise after five months in office,” said Mohamadein, a member of the Revolutionary Socialist’s political office who has been sleeping in a tent at Tahrir Square since the political crisis kicked off on Friday, Nov. 23.
“The constitution passing by a slim margin will be a solid indication that it doesn’t represent Egyptians. It will boost the opposition’s confidence, who I believe will soon revolt against the president and government that, through this constitution, will not protect their rights, freedoms or enhance their living standards.”
The socialist, law-school graduate says if the constitution fails, “it will be the big blow to Morsi and his supporters of the Islamist bloc and will pave the way to forcing the president into withdrawing his constitutional declaration and imposing the people’s revolutionary will.”
“That will only happen if all of the opposition powers unite their leadership, members and message, which is not happening until now,” said Mohamadein.
Mohannad Sabry is an Egyptian journalist based in Cairo. He has written for McClatchy Newspapers and The Washington Times, served as managing editor of Global Post's reporting fellowship "Covering the Revolution" in Cairo as well as a contributor to its special reports "Tahrir Square" and "Egypt: the military, the people." Sabry was nominated to the 2011 Livingston Award for International Reporting. Born in Saudi Arabia and raised around the world, Sabry returned to Cairo in 2001 and has been covering Egypt since 2005. Follow him on twitter @mmsabry.


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Friday 11 May 2012: Photos in the rain :)
With a hug :)
Lovely friday - Work, a rainy lovely walk with B. My friday coffee with E- D's football game (he played great!) and a couple quiet hours to get things ready for the photo course Im taking tomorrow :) I'm looking forward to it!
Have a good weekend :)

domain: hobby


The 2005 BMW K 1200 LT is a Sport-Touring Style Motorcycle equipped with an 1172cc, Liquid Cooled, Longitudinal In-Line, DOHC, 4-Stroke Engine and a 5-Speed Manual Transmission.
It has a Telescopic Fork Front Suspension while the Rear Suspension consists of a Single Sided Swing Arm. The K 1200 LT has Front Dual Disc Brakes and Rear Disc Brakes. The K 1200 LT weighs 761 lbs. and has 3.5 inches of ground clearance.
The K 1200 LT was introduced in -10019- and is Upgraded for 2005. It includes a 36 month Limited warranty.
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The base price of the 2005 BMW K 1200 LT Motorcycle is $19940. This is $2129.30 more expensive than its competition.
The Longitudinal In-Line engine in the 2005 BMW K 1200 LT Motorcycle has a displacement of 1172 cc which is 20.7% less than its competition.
The 2005 BMW K 1200 LT Motorcycle weighs 761 lbs which is 3.39% more than other Sport-Touring models.


Hi, I’m a Hoodie made of organic cotton unbrushed sweat that boosts the self-confidence and autonomy of children in the daily routine! My patented Click-Track zipper with easy-click system allows an a fast and simple zipping.
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Dr. Mohammad Tariq is a British Certified Rheumatologist with over ten years of experience in Rheumatology and Medicine in NHS UK. He worked as a Consultant Rheumatologist in Basildon and Thurrock University Hospital and Southend University hospital NHS UK. Dr. Tariq holds specialist registration in Rheumatology with General Medical Council UK. He also specializes in Musculoskeletal and Vascular ultrasound for diagnostics and various joint and soft tissue injections. He has a wide range of experience in Disease Modifying Anti Rheumatic Drugs and Biological therapies in treating rheumatic diseases and connective tissue diseases. Dr. Tariq has obtained membership and fellowship from the Royal College of Physicians (UK).
He worked as a lead for early inflammatory arthritis in Southend University hospital the UK and for a national audit on early inflammatory arthritis, which the British Society of Rheumatology heads.
Besides Clinical experience, Dr. Tariq has also published his research work in numerous medical Journals. He presented his work at different national and international conferences, including BSR and EULAR. He worked as an educational supervisor for rheumatology trainees in NHS UK and worked as an MRCP UK examiner for Royal College of Physicians.
Dr. Mohammad Tariq treats all aspects of General Adult Rheumatology conditions including:

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Now booking call 1-516-414-4249
In love with a cool chick:) artist on Tattoo Nightmares,Owner of Empire State Studio,sponsored @eternalink pro team
Tattoos Wizard is the best place to find tattoo artists and studios. Get inspired and start preparing your next tattoo.
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Teotihuacan is known as the site of many of the most architecturally significant Mesoamerican pyramids built in the pre-Columbian Americas. At its zenith, perhaps in the first half of the first millennium CE, Teotihuacan was the largest city in the pre-Columbian Americas, with a population estimated at 125,000 or more, making it at least the sixth-largest city in the world during its epoch. After the collapse of Teotihuacan, central Mexico was dominated by the Toltecs of Tula until about 1150 CE. (Source: Wikipedia)
Find more exciting places to travel to in Mexico.

domain: geography


Winnipeg puts together road repair working group to talkThe City of Winnipeg has a new working group to figure out some best practices when it comes to road construction in the city The group, led by infrastructure committee chair Coun Matt Allard, has been directed to recommend to Mayor Brian Bowman better ways to improve the road repair process.WINNIPEG RV SERVICE AND REPAIRRick Wagner recommends Winnipeg RV Service and Repair We had an awesome experience with this company! Every detail we asked to have repaired on our camper was done, On Time, and on budget! Very reasonable people to deal with! , Nathan Sabourin, Winnipeg Tweet, 2850 Day Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba R2C 2Z2, CA 204 222 5041.Sobering Automotive Centre LtdThis organization is not BBB accredited Auto Repair in Winnipeg, See BBB rating, reviews, complaints, & more.Manitoba Road CamerasCheck Manitoba and Winnipeg road conditions before you start your journey with CAA Manitoba road and traffic cameras Also get road condition reports for Manitoba, North Dakota and Minnesota and weather conditions.PropworksOVERHAUL, REPAIR & NEW SALES Servicing Avia, Dowty, Hamilton Standard, Hamilton Sundstrand, Hartzell, McCauley, MT Propeller & Sensenich Propellers.Woodcock Cycle WorksWinnipeg's largest selection for all of your cycling and nordic ski needs We carry mountain bikes, e bikes, road bikes, triathlon bikes, hybrid bikes, gravel grinders, touring bikes, BMX, and more!.Is your street on Winnipeg's repair list this year?The City of Winnipeg has published its list of streets, back lanes and sidewalks that will get repairs or a total makeover this year Dozens of streets are expected to be ripped up and replaced.
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I followed my stolen iPhone across the world, became a internet celebrity in China, and found a friend for life
At one time or another, almost everyone has asked the question: where’s my phone? One night in a NYC bar, Matt had his phone stolen and months later mysterious pictures of an unknown Asian man appeared in his new phone's photo stream. Then things got really weird. Matt became a Chinese internet celebrity, traveled to China, and became friends with the man who ended up with his stolen phone.
Matt Stopera is BuzzFeed’s Deputy Editorial Director focused on pop culture and viral content. Embedded in the viral web and hundreds of millions of page views later, Stopera’s content has become a fixture on the internet since joining BuzzFeed in 2008. His posts are regularly the most popular on BuzzFeed, including The 45 Most Powerful Images of 2011, 48 Pictures That Perfectly Capture The '90s, and The 25 Hottest Photos Of Ryan Gosling's Beard. This year, he famously documented his unlikely friendship with Brother Orange, leading to media tours in the U.S. and China and a forthcoming BuzzFeed Motion Pictures documentary. In addition, Stopera invented the popular horsemanning internet craze, orchestrated a widely supported protest against People’s Sexiest Man feature in support of Ryan Gosling, and has covered events from the Iowa caucuses to the International Pizza Expo. Stopera was featured in Adweek’s list of 50 people “who make the machinery of media” and Businessweek featured him in a profile on BuzzFeed and suggested he has “cracked the code.”


You need to pull out the last two strands of your embroidery and tie them together. You should tie one strand from the front to one strand from the back.
Make sure to tie your last two strings from the back to prevent it from showing on the front and mess up your design. But if you cannot bind the front string to the back, you can use a lighter to melt it and quickly press it in place.
List of Contents:
How do you keep embroidery thread from unraveling?
Other than the simple technique of tying your last two strands, you can use transparent or white liquid glue to keep your thread from unraveling. You should also make sure to use the glue on the backside to prevent messing up your embroidery’s design.
If you are a hand stitcher, you can keep your embroidery from unraveling by securely finishing it off with a few stitches. After finishing your stitches, you can add a small amount of glue at the back and apply a felt panel to secure it.
Are you supposed to split the embroidery thread?
Unraveling embroidery usually happens when you use all six strands of your thread at once. Many embroiderers know that using all six strands of your yarn is not easy to manage. It is also not how embroiderers typically create their pieces.
What you should do instead is to take your thread and separate it into individual strands. Lay the number of strands you want to use alongside each other and smooth them all back together.
Next, you hold one end of the thread up and run your thumb down to create a smooth flat thread. Doing this method will make your thread more manageable for your embroidery.
It is advisable to condition and coat your thread if you choose to work with all six strands. You can use a small amount of white hair conditioner on your yarn to make it smoother and more manageable for embroidery.
Can you fix embroidery?
Taking preventive measures does not guarantee perfect embroidery. Sewing incorrect designs that you need to remove is inevitable, whether you work at home or in a commercial shop. But with patience and proper techniques, these mistakes are fixable!
It is frustrating to encounter embroidery mistakes. Sometimes, your inclination may be merely throwing your embroidery away. But you do not have to waste your time and effort. There are creative ways and proper techniques to fix your embroidery.
It will be best to prepare a beginner’s embroidery toolkit so you are ready for any mistake that you might make. It should include:
- small pair of scissors
- razor blades
- a stitch remover
- seam rippers or heavy pins
- invisible tape
- and fusing material
The tools you work with will depend solely on your preference. You may want to choose materials that work best for you. You should also keep in mind that sharper tools will help you create more delicate pieces, but they need more caution.
How to fix embroidery mistakes?
First thing you can do to ensure higher quality for your embroidery is using backing when you hoop your garments. This backing will give you an extra layer that acts as a buffer, which prevents you from digging into the fabric when you make mistakes.
Back up your embroidery machine
You may sometimes get unpleasant stitches when you work with an embroidery machine because your thread got caught. It is occasionally essential to ask yourself if you can fix your mistakes by going backward before taking your piece off the hoop.
Given this case, you should stop the machine and fix the mistake before you proceed. Cleaning up the mess here means rethreading and restitching where you made a mistake.
Remove your stitches
As you start embroidering, you must remember to do most of your work on the garment’s backside. With this in mind, you know that the anchor of your stitches will be at the back.
Removing stitches is what many embroiders typically do when fixing embroidery mistakes. But you must assess first if removing stitches is worth your time since it is a tedious and time-consuming process.
You must also keep in mind that removing stitches do not always guarantee excellent results. You can sometimes destroy your embroidery when you remove the stitches when working on delicate material.
But if you decide to remove your stitches to fix your mistake, you must first select the appropriate tool for the stitch type that you want to rip out. Doing so will help you preserve the quality of your embroidery.
A seam ripper or heavy pins are perfect for ripping out satin stitches. Meanwhile, you can remove fill stitches with a single-edged razor blade, a disposable razor, or an electric stitch remover.
There is no need to go to the top of your fabric unless you release your bobbin thread. It can take longer to take out stitches in this manner. There is also a higher possibility that you may damage your embroidery.
Besides damaging your embroidery, removing stitches may also result in leaving holes in your garment. Fortunately, there are other ways to fix your embroidery mistakes if you do not want to risk the consequences of removing your stitches.
Cover with patches
Another thing you can do to fix your embroidery mistake is to make a patch from an appliqué. You can fuse this patch on top of your error to hide some unsightly stitching easily.
But you must remember that covering patches are only suitable for specific embroidery mistakes. It can be stiff so, it is unfit for delicate and thin fabrics. It is also only suitable for smaller errors as it is unattractive to cover with large patches.
Cut it out with reverse appliqué
This technique simply means cutting away the top of your fabric. Doing so will reveal the appliqué fabric underneath.
Cutting out your embroidery mistake with reverse appliqué is an excellent way to fix your errors. You are removing the primary garment fabric and making it look intentional.
You can add pretty decorations when you make mistakes on embroidery garments for your little girl. You can consider adding a bow, some buttons, or some rhinestones. Consider making your decorations removable to prevent further damages.
Paint it over with a marker
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to fix your embroidery mistakes is to color it over with permanent markers. But this technique might only be suitable for tiny errors. Doing it on larger areas might make your embroidery unsightly.
Add a few more hand stitches
Filling in your embroidery mistakes with a few hand stitches is not unusual. Many embroiderers do this technique to fix errors while preserving the quality of the garment.
How do you keep a seam from unraveling?
There are several ways to keep your seam from unraveling. The most common thing to do is widening your seams. You can add a few more centimeters to your seam allowance for some inevitable frayed edges.
You can also sew French seams. This technique involves sewing and then trimming off any frayed edges. Doing so will preserve your stitching and enclose your seam allowance on the inside of the garment.
Iron-on fusible interfacing is also one way of keeping your seams from unraveling. You must pre-cut 6mm narrow strips and add them to the raw edges of the seam before sewing.
Another way to keep a seam from unraveling is by using pinking shears. This type of scissors with a serrated cutting edge cuts the fabric on the bias, which significantly helps stop seams from fraying. It is most suitable with crisp and cotton fabrics with a tight weave.
Creating simple three-step machine zig-zag stitches on edge also works well in keeping seams from unraveling. You can also use hand stitches for thicker fabrics. But this technique is time-consuming, so it is more suitable with materials that do not quickly go through sewing machines.
One more way to stop seams from unraveling is to use sergers. Serged edges look professional and prevent fraying. You can also use a strip of bias tape to sandwich two raw edges to prevent it from fraying. But this technique tends to be bulky. In even more voluminous fabrics, you can use fabric glue, and fray stops.
How do you fix snagged embroidery?
All you need to do to fix your snagged embroidery is to follow these simple steps:
- Thread your hand sewing needle.
- Insert your threaded needle inside the loop of the snag.
- Pull it through until the end of the thread is close to the loop.
- Create a knot around the loop with the end of your thread.
- Snip the excess thread from the knot and make sure not to cut the loop accidentally.
- Insert your threaded hand sewing needle next to your loop base, making sure that you get as close to the base as possible.
- Pull the thread completely through the wrong side of your fabric, taking the loop with you.
- Finally, try to untie the knot in the thread or trim it with your scissors.
- How do you keep the fabric from fraying when quilting?
- How do you keep your fingers from hurting when knitting?
- How do you protect your fabric from embroidery?
How do I keep my thread spools neat?
Your thread spools tend to create stress-spots, tangle together, and start to sag when you simply throw them in your sewing box or bin. You can keep your thread spools neat by storing them separated correctly in a container.
You can also use boxes or bins with small compartments to keep your thread spools neat. Using a thread rack with pins for your spools is also an excellent way to store your thread spools neatly.


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This past weekend was a blast! Sean set up a table/booth at SC Comicon in Greenville over the weekend and met a ton of people. One of the things we love is sharing what we do with the community and inviting people to join us on this adventure.
We were set up at table #1130, right beside the Star Wars Droids. Sean also had several original drawings and prints for sale over the weekend. He enjoyed talking to people as they passed by.
On Saturday night, Sean also attended the 4th Annual Drink and Draw, an event to raise support for The Hero Initiative and Team Cul De Sac. He drew on a handful of coasters and did one larger drawing to be auctioned off (as seen below).
We hope that this week will be a little less stressful and one full of rest, recovery, and relaxation. That’s what this week’s challenge is about. Create a drawing that conveys the feeling of rest. Draw something that is relaxing. Go to your sketchbook and allow yourself to be in a state of peace as you draw.
This will be difficult for many artists, but try not to stress about drawing. Allow it to become a type of meditation or zen-like practice.
If you are joining us for the first time, we welcome you to this journey together! Please follow these simple steps to submit in your drawings to be shared!
I’ll be honest, this wasn’t as relaxing as I initially thought it was going to be. I think I just started thinking about it too much. – STKerr


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I'm so sad the long hot summer nights are behind us. Gone are the nights of jumping in the river at 8 o'clock at night and going for endless walks by the Mahogany Wetlands.
I am super excited though for this warm Fall to start in just a few days! I"ll be starting fall mini photo sessions at the Mahogany Wetlands and at Fish Creek park! Can't wait!


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West Harlem Piers Park (Marginal & West 125th Street)
Fusha Dance Company performs and teaches dance, drum, and culture from Africa and the Diaspora. Part of a monthly series.
Also at this location:
- Summer on the Hudson: Play Dates! with Sammie and Tudie Saturday, August 11 1:00 pm–4:00 pm


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Start the conversation
Shares of Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc. (HY)>HY) reached their highest level of $49.72 on December 24 after the company was spun off from Nacco Industries, Inc. (NC) and began trading as an independent public company on October 1. This manufacturer of materials handling trucks posted a 42% increase in profits in the third quarter of the year driven by improved gross margins. With this, the company has delivered an impressive earnings surprise of 49.5% and achieved a Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) based on strong estimate revisions.
Strong Earnings Growth
On November 1, Hyster-Yale's third quarter profits increased to $24.9 million or $1.48 per share from $17.5 million or $1.04 in the prior year quarter, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 99 cents. The increase in profits was mainly attributable to price increases in Europe and Americas and a favorable shift in sales mix to higher-margin products in Europe and Americas.
Further, the company's earnings were also boosted by favorable foreign currency movements, which lowered the import cost of trucks and components from countries that used the weakened euro and British pound. It was also favorable impacted by higher equity earnings of company-owned joint venture NMHG Financial Services, Inc., and lower interest expense.
Revenues declined 6.9% to $585.6 million. However, operating profit grew 17.4% to $28.3 million from $24.1 million in the 2011-quarter, while operating margins improved to 4.8% from 3.8% in the prior year.
Hyster-Yale expects growth in the global lift truck market to continue to moderate in the fourth quarter of 2012. The company also expects growth in the global truck market in 2013 based on higher volumes in the Americas, driven by moderate growth in Brazil and Latin America, and moderate growth in the Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa markets.
Estimates Moving Higher
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2012 grew 12.5% in the past two months to $4.95 per share. As for 2013, the Zacks Consensus Estimate rose 7.1% to $4.50 in the same timeframe.
Valuation is Reasonable
Hyster-Yale's valuation is reasonable. The company currently trades at a forward P/E of 9.5x, a discount of 30% compared to the peer group average of 13.6x. The company's price-to-sales (P/S) ratio of 0.3 is also at a discount of 40% compared to the peer group average of 0.5.
Based in Cleveland, Ohio, Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc. designs and manufactures a comprehensive line of materials handling or lift trucks and aftermarket parts. The $407 million company's products are marketed under the Hyster and Yale brand names globally. It was spun off from its parent company NACCO Industries on September 28. Its lift trucks and component parts are manufactured in the U.S., Northern Ireland, Mexico, The Netherlands, the Philippines, Italy, Japan, Vietnam, Brazil and China.

domain: finance


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VMS was born in Rivara (Italy) in 2006, by the founder Dario Vironda.
Established as an expansion of a technical office established in 1992 it supplies the major international engineering companies. It is specialized in the construction of machine tools for grooving males and accessories for the machinery industry.
As experiences and customers, we can list:
- Grinding machines for male grooves for local (UFS) and foreign (Sandvik) companies; mechanical / electrical / software design (CN + PLC + HMI), production, assembly, commissioning and testing.
- Design, construction and commissioning of cableway for freights and people transport in Macugnaga, Savona, Marmolada, Osimo, Genoa, Etna, Champoluc, Stuttgart Funicular, New York (Roosevelt) plants in collaboration with Agudio / Leitner group.
- Anthropomorphic robots, banquets of feeder warehouses, AGVs and related implementations, linear transfers for machining and testing of engine blocks, manual / semi automatic assembly transfers for various automotive components with COMAU group.
- Automation of energy material production plants (turbine parts, rotors, etc.): air-oil 8000 rpm milling heads and boring heads with RAM and boring bars of 130 ÷ 220 mm for TONGTAI group (东台)
- Construction of rotary tables for pallet handling, large rotating transfer machines, double-spindle machines, special machines for the production of E-motion structural parts for PCI France and ANGER maschinenbau

domain: design


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Help Science Journalism
One of probably the most helpful methods to help out is to volunteer on the shelter. You by no means know what assist the shelter may need, so even a couple days a week is usually a large help to their employees and pets. Brighten a shelter pet’s day by crafting some DIY toys to donate. You can make toys from many home items like spare socks or old garments.
The subsequent time you’re out looking for litter or pet food, buy a second bag or box. Inquire with the store as to whether they supply the option to go away your donation at a receptacle to later be dropped at a shelter, as many grocers and shops provide this selection. Animal shelters are nearly always in need of blankets and other locations for animals to curve up. Knitting or crafting blankets that may be donated, will assist provide many animals with a heat, comfy place to sleep.
VSA supplies financial assistance to pet owners for veterinary care. Save Our Seward Pets has emergency funding for rescued and homeless animals in Seward and a low-cost spay/neuter program. Be conscious that few, if any, organizations can pay for ongoing medicine that pets will want for prolonged intervals of time. As with many nonprofit organizations, animal foundations like the World Wildlife Fund and The Humane Society are always in need of cash to assist them of their goal of helping animals. Next time you’re hosting a summer time barbecue or yard get-collectively, make it a fundraiser to help your favourite animal welfare group. Collect money donations or ask native companies to get in on the action by contributing present playing cards or products to be auctioned off.
Nevertheless, there are compelling reasons to assume that these two ideas aren’t justified. Provide for your animals’ future in case you’ll be able to’t look after them. Learn whether it’s the proper fit for you, and tips on how to put together yourself, your home and your pets beforehand. Though our first thought is normally to donate items for the pets at shelters, home items like pet-protected cleaners and supplies are also very useful for keeping the shelter clear and safe. Regular train is extremely essential for shelter animals and is an enjoyable way to help out. Ask your local shelter if they are thinking about accepting volunteers to help train the animals by taking them on walks indoors or out.
This has been referred to as the “laissez-faire” intuition. Firstly, it is based mostly on an idyllic view of nature, in accordance with which wild animals have usually good lives, only threatened by occasional human interferences. Secondly, it’s primarily based on the idea that we only have reasons to assist others in need when their state of affairs is attributable to human motion.
Local parks and wooded areas can also use an excellent as soon as-over, so consider organizing your own cleanup day with your loved ones and neighbors. Nothing brings the neighborhood—together with the wildlife—nearer together than taking pride in a clean dwelling surroundings that belongs to your group. A smart way to assist animals within the wild is to spend a Saturday or Sunday choosing up litter at a close-by forest protect or nationwide park. Every fall, Yosemite National Park, together with the Yosemite Climbing Association, hosts anannual faceliftto clean up trash, litter, and particles from around the park following the busy summer time season. In 2013 alone, this cleanup day resulted in the removing of over 22,000 pounds of trash and debris (eighty percent of which was then recycled!).
Hill’s® Science Food Plan® Adult Savory Hen Entrée Cat Meals
Eryn and Ben Swan with their son Atlas and poodles Soba, left, and Piper. Eryn owns Wag Pet Store and is a board member for Felius Cat Cafe & Rescue. Larson hopes that seeing Major flourishing throughout his keep at the White House will help overcome a stigma that rescue dogs include baggage. As nicely as being a very good boy for President Joe Biden and his household, Major shall be an ambassador for rescue animals everywhere. Frankie’s Friends supplies free or heavily discounted care for canine enrolled in scientific applications of promising new therapies, and assists with the cost for dogs whose households can’t afford remedy. The Live Like Roo Foundation provides grants, care packages, special experiences and more to help pets and their families get by way of cancer diagnoses. Volunteer Services for Animals is an organization of volunteers dedicated to animal well-being and the promotion of the human-animal bond through programs of education, advocacy and assistance.
The first step is to be taught concerning the local shelters in your space and their wants. Some could be doing nice on donations however need help caring for the animals ready for a eternally house, while others might be struggling to make ends meet and will use a push in the donation sector. The next step is to check out this record of inventive methods you’ll be able to assist. Then determine on one small things you are able to do to make an enormous distinction. The lack of a pet is a difficult time for your complete household.

domain: pet


Private-sector innovation and investment will help determine the shape and success of the new space age.
The business of space is booming, evident in a wave of commercial spaceflights and remote-sensing satellites, as well as a White House budget request that would commit about $88 million to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Office of Space Commerce in 2023—up from just $10 million in 2022.
For longtime members of the space community, the sense of momentum is palpable.
“The space economy is accelerating and diversifying,” said Kevin O’Connell, founder and CEO of Space Economy Rising and former director of the U.S. Office of Space Commerce, during a panel discussion about the business of space at the GEOINT2022 symposium. “We used to talk about remote sensing, we used to talk about communications, navigation, and those are all changing in and of their own right. But now we’re talking about things like food in space, space medicine, the application of quantum computing, and other other technologies as well. It’s a very, very exciting time.”
For all the excitement, there remain plenty of challenges that emerging space-focused companies must address. For example, U.S.-based space startups face higher regulatory and security standards than some peer companies elsewhere, which can make it challenging to compete for investment capital.
“International companies that have satellite services are at an advantage right now, because U.S. companies have more of a labyrinth to fulfill regulatory requirements,” said Lisa Rich, co-founder of investment firm Hemisphere Ventures, as well as of Redmond, Washington-based satellite operator Xplore. She spoke as part of the same panel discussion as O’Connell. “It should be easy for us to be flying. It should be easy for us to go through that process. And what we’re finding is that it’s time-consuming. It is better than it used to be, but it’s onerous.”
O’Connell agreed, challenging the American government to adopt a regulatory approach that incorporates greater recognition of market forces.
“Regulation is a competitive business these days,” said O’Connell. “[Business] seeks the most permissive environment…There are areas where we still do need controls, but we need to harmonize them with our allies. We have to realize that there are other places on earth that will quickly take on new and exciting businesses without the kind of regulatory controls we would like to keep behind.”
Space commerce remains tightly intertwined with government interests. Rich and O’Connell each spoke of an investment climate where funders often look to government contracts to validate technology developed by space startups, even if the contracts are small. And the revenue models of many among the emerging cadre of space companies involve selling to a mix of government and private customers.
Those public-private collaborations, as well as cross-border collaborations, are key to the industry’s future. Government security interests, for example, depend on a high volume of commercial satellites that can provide persistent insight. Robust partnerships will provide greater resilience, both in terms of persistence and also tasking flexibility, said Geoffroy Beaudot, head of Space and Cyber for the Luxembourg Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and Defense Department.
Beaudot pointed to a NATO initiative aimed at creating a virtual constellation of public and private space-based assets as an example of such collaboration.
“They will be able to aggregate all this information in order to provide the right information to the decision-maker at the right time,“ Beaudot said, calling the partnership “a key development in order to bring all this commercial technology together with governmental assets and military systems.”
The story of the new space age is being written by private-sector entrepreneurs, engineers, and investors, as well as their counterparts within government. How that ecosystem matures will play a defining role in the success of the space economy.


In December, consumer prices rose 0.2% over the previous month, which came in above the 0.1% increase recorded in November, but well below the 0.8% rise seen in December last year. As a result, annual headline inflation dropped for the sixth month in a row to 4.6% (November: 5.2%), which represents the lowest end-of-year rate since 2002. The subdued monthly price increase was the result of moderate price increases across the board, with the highest reading coming from the miscellaneous goods and services category (+1.0% month-on-month). Meanwhile, core inflation, which excludes volatile items such as food and energy, rose 0.2% over the previous month, prompting annual core inflation to fall to 6.9%. The government projects inflation to end this year at 7.9%.
Year-end inflation falls to its lowest level since 2002
January 10, 2012
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Ukraine Economic News
October 10, 2016
In September, consumer prices rose 1.8% from the previous month, which contrasted August’s 0.3% decrease.
September 26, 2016
Industrial production returned to growth in August, after contracting in July.
September 21, 2016
Ukraine’s recovery gained steam in the second quarter, as the country heals from a deep recession.
September 16, 2016
In August, consumer prices fell 0.3% over the previous month, which followed July’s 0.1% decrease.
September 15, 2016
Stabilizing inflationary pressures in Ukraine’s tattered economy prompted the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) to decide to cut the key policy rate from 15.50% to 15.00% at its 15 September monetary policy meeting.


It picks up exactly where matrix reloaded left off, and it’s considerably rough going for the film’s first half. Film blog sad keanu 2: why the matrix without reeves would be a journey down the wrong rabbit hole the classic cyberpunk flick is getting a reboot without the. Film review - the matrix march 5, 2012: humanities 1301 student name the matrix is a 1999 science fiction film that chronicles the journey of thomas anderson, a. For people of a certain age, the matrix is the film that woke you up to the possibilities of what cinema can doit was fresh, new and exciting, making everything else that came before just that little bit stodgy. The matrix has achieved a baffling cult celebrity since its release in 1999, and its “bullet time” innovations have been the source of unending worship and parody the press notes for matrix reloaded repeatedly extol andy and larry wachowski for creating a hyper-kinetic dialectic that intersects.
Here's your review of the matrix the cyber-messianic hero whose realization that physical laws don't apply in the matrix led to the first film's. The matrix movie reviews & metacritic score: a computer hacker (reeves) learns that his entire life has been a virtual dream, orchestrated by a strange class. The matrix 4k blu-ray see the the matrix 4k blu-ray review published by michael reuben on only tiny vestiges of grain reveal the matrix's origination on film.
Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for matrix - 4 grandi film (4 dvd) - import at amazoncom read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. The matrix is a visually dazzling cyberadventure, full of kinetic excitement, but it retreats to formula just when it's getting interesting it's kind of a letdown when a movie begins by redefining the nature of reality, and ends with a shoot-out. What is the matrix read our review to find out whether the 4k release of this classic is any good avforums the matrix film review. Free essay: analysis of film the matrix the matrix, released at easter in 1999, is both a piece of cinematic entertainment and a film portraying religious. The matrix (1999) directed by lana i was lucky enough to take a film genres course in college that had us analyze this film, so believe me when i say this review.
Matrix- movie review the matrix is the second film of the writer/director team larry and andy wachowski, who have once again hit the mark with their science fiction thriller with the perfect balance of action, excitement and suspense. Read what all the top critics had to say about the matrix at metacriticcom. Outstanding performances from keanu reeves and his team as they fight to escape the reality of the matrix. Janet maslin reviews the matrix, movie directed by brothers andy and larry wachowski photo (m.
I'd imagine that the matrix is the kind of film that was very difficult to draw up a written proposal for to maitland mcdonagh said in her review for tv. The matrix movie review - the matrix was the first r-rated film i watched it is undeniably one of the best action films ever made sure, the acting is. The matrix soundtrack review: this is a review of the film score the matrix by don davis i bet there were more people than keanu reeves gasping and giving out a big “whoooooa” when this film was released i was stunned it was brilliant and amazing to watch i can’t believe it’s been 15.
Read common sense media's the matrix review, the matrix is a classic action film that's great for teens, and in no way does it deserve an r rating. Spectacle and inter-spectacle in the matrix and organization theory beyond spectacle and inter-spectacle, movie review of matrix,. The matrix is the second feature film from the sibling writer/director team of andy wachowski and larry wachowski, who made an impressive debut with the stylish. Watch video imdb 25: 25 life lessons from the last 25 years of film (this review is only about the original matrix movie.
Almost every film of any significance has been given a bad review helpful yes | no reply share more it is down right funny to see a negative review of the matrix. Read the empire review of the matrix find out everything you need to know about the film from the world's biggest movie destination. I'd imagine that the matrix is the kind of film that was very difficult to draw up a written proposal for to take to film studios.


BUCAY, Abra – A man was arrested by combined police operatives and anti-narcotics agents after having found in his possession alleged shabu during the implementation of a search warrant inside his residence at Abang, here, Monday.
Police authorities identified the arrested drug suspect as Benjamin Sayen Loy, a resident of Abang, Bucay, Abra.
Confiscated from his possession by virtue of a search warrant issued by Judge Rafael Alzate of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 58 in Bucay were two heat sealed sachets containing suspected shabu.
The arrested drug suspect was brought to the Bucay Municipal Police Station for documentation awaiting the filing of appropriate charges against him before the provincial prosecutor’s office.
By Dexter A. See


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Reduce, Reuse, Recycle…Repeat
This isn’t the first time I’ve posted about amazing recycled and reclaimed items, and it won’t be the last. Today’s post comes via North Carolina artist Kent Youngstrom. Yes, there is deep and symbolic meaning behind his works, but I love them for their rustic look and mixed media composition alone. I mean a bike wheel on a wood plank painting? Genius! A new piece of art not in your summer budget? Go green-er and make your own!
Artist Ken Youngstrom


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The Two Towers
Published:18th Aug '22
Available for immediate dispatch.
Special unjacketed hardback edition of the second part of J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic masterpiece, The Lord of the Rings. This edition features the complete story with a unique cover design embellished with copper foil and the iconic maps appearing in red and black as endpapers.
Frodo and the Companions of the Ring have been beset by danger during their quest to prevent the Ruling Ring from falling into the hands of the Dark Lord by destroying it in the Cracks of Doom. They have lost the wizard, Gandalf, in the battle with an evil spirit in the Mines of Moria; and at the Falls of Rauros, Boromir, seduced by the power of the Ring, tried to seize it by force. While Frodo and Sam made their escape the rest of the company were attacked by Orcs.
Now they continue their journey alone down the great River Anduin – alone, that is, save for the mysterious creeping figure that follows wherever they go.
‘Extraordinarily imaginative, and wholly exciting’
‘The story itself is superb’
‘A most remarkable feat’
‘Masterpiece? Oh yes’
‘An astonishing imaginative tour de force’
Dimensions: 222mm x 141mm x 32mm
Special Collector’s edition


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2018 SEASON SHOWS
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Sri Lanka, the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, is rich in cultural heritage and traditions. Among its many treasures are the traditional crafts passed down through generations, reflecting its people’s creativity, skill, and artistry.
From intricate woodcarvings to vibrant handloom textiles, Sri Lankan crafts hold a significant place in the country’s history and are celebrated for their beauty and craftsmanship.
In this article, we will explore the top ten traditional crafts of Sri Lanka, showcasing artisans’ unique techniques and materials to create these exquisite pieces.
1. Woodcarving: Sri Lankan woodcarving is renowned for its intricate detailing and beautiful craftsmanship. Artisans skillfully carve intricate patterns and motifs into various types of wood, creating stunning sculptures, furniture pieces, and decorative items.
2. Pottery: Pottery has been practiced in Sri Lanka for centuries. Skilled potters create functional and decorative ceramics using traditional techniques such as wheel-throwing and hand-building.
Latest Updated: February 12, 2024
Masks Craft in Sri Lanka
One of the most fascinating traditional crafts of Sri Lanka is mask making. Masks have a long history in Sri Lankan culture and are deeply rooted in ancient rituals and performances. These intricately designed masks are not only visually captivating but also hold significant symbolic meaning.
Mask-making involves skilled artisans carving intricate designs out of wood, typically using a single block. The wood used for these masks, such as Kaduru or Kithul, is usually lightweight and easy to manipulate. Once the carving is complete, the masks are meticulously painted using vibrant colors representing different characters or emotions.
Masks are integral in various traditional dances and dramatic performances in Sri Lanka. They are often used to portray mythical creatures, gods, demons, or heroes from epic tales. Each mask represents a specific character with its distinct personality traits and characteristics.
The dancers who wear these masks skillfully bring these characters to life through their movements and expressions, creating mesmerizing performances that showcase the rich cultural heritage of Sri Lanka.
One of the top ten traditional crafts of Sri Lanka is handloom. Handloom weaving has a long and rich history in the country, with evidence dating back to at least the 6th century BC. The handloom industry plays a significant role in the economy and cultural heritage of Sri Lanka.
Handlooms are used to weave various fabric types, including sarees, sarongs, and traditional garments like osariya and veshti. The process involves skilled artisans using foot pedals to operate the loom while working with colorful threads to create intricate patterns. These handwoven textiles are known for their durability, intricate designs, and vibrant colors.
The handloom industry also provides employment opportunities for many rural communities in Sri Lanka. Many artisans have inherited this craft from their ancestors and continue to pass it down through generations.
Despite facing challenges from mechanized production methods, there is still a demand for handloom fabrics due to their uniqueness and cultural significance. Both government and non-government organizations are trying to promote this craft and sustain its future growth.
Dumbara Weaves are a traditional craft of Sri Lanka that originated in the village of Dumbara. The weavers in this region have mastered the art of producing intricate and vibrant handloom textiles using age-old techniques. These weaves are known for their exquisite designs, often depicting nature-inspired motifs such as flowers, animals, and birds. The craftsmanship involved in creating these textiles is truly remarkable, with each piece being meticulously woven by hand.
Making Dumbara Weaves involves several steps, including preparing the loom and yarn. The weavers combine cotton and silk threads to create a solid fabric base. Then comes the intricate weaving process, where patterns are carefully designed and executed.
This uses Pekada, which interlaces different colored threads to form beautiful geometric patterns. Finally, once the weaving is complete, the fabric is further embellished with embroidery or appliqué work to add more depth and dimension to the design.
Dumbara Weaves are significant in Sri Lankan culture as they represent tradition and heritage. They stand as a testament to the skill and creativity of local artisans who have been preserving this craft for generations. These exquisite textiles make for stunning sarees, wall hangings, table runners, and other decorative items that showcase Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage.
One of the top traditional crafts of Sri Lanka is lacquerwork. Lacquer work uses resinous material from the lac tree mixed with pigments to create a glossy finish. This craft has been practiced in Sri Lanka for centuries and is known for its intricate designs and vibrant colors.
Artisans specializing in lacquer work start by shaping wooden or clay objects, such as bowls or boxes. They then apply several layers of lacquer to build up a smooth surface before painting detailed designs using natural dyes made from plants and minerals. The final step involves polishing the object to achieve a high shine.
Lacquer work in Sri Lanka often features motifs inspired by nature, such as floral patterns or animals, reflecting the country’s rich cultural heritage and connection to the environment. The resulting pieces are beautiful and durable, making them popular as decorative items or functional containers for storing jewelry or spices.
Making of traditional drums
Traditional drums play a significant role in Sri Lankan culture and are deeply rooted in its history. Making these conventional drums is an intricate process requiring great skill and craftsmanship. The artisans specializing in drum making possess years of experience and inherited their knowledge from previous generations.
To make a traditional drum, the craftsman first selects the appropriate wood for the drum’s body, usually from trees like Kithul or Jak. They carefully carve out the shape of the drum using traditional tools such as chisels and hand planes. Next, they attach animal skin to both ends of the wooden body using natural glues made from tree sap or resin. This process requires great precision to ensure that the skin is stretched evenly across the surface of the drum.
Once assembled, intricate designs are carved onto the surface of each drum, reflecting elements of Sri Lankan culture, such as mythical creatures or ancient symbols.
Finally, a series of tuning ropes are attached to adjust the tension on either side of the drum, allowing different pitches and tones to be produced when played. The process is time-consuming and demands patience and dedication to create a high-quality traditional drum that resonates with Sri Lanka’s rich musical heritage.
Jewellery making is one of the top ten traditional crafts of Sri Lanka, deeply rooted in the island’s rich cultural heritage. The art of jewelry making has been passed down through generations, with techniques and designs evolving. Skilled artisans use various materials, such as gold, silver, gemstones, and even clay, to create intricate pieces that reflect the country’s history and traditions.
One popular form of jewelry making in Sri Lanka is filigree work. This delicate technique involves shaping thin wires into intricate patterns and soldering them to create stunning pieces like earrings, pendants, and bracelets. Another traditional craft is beadwork, where artisans meticulously thread beads made from wood, glass, and precious stones to create colorful necklaces, bangles, and anklets.
Sri Lankan jewelry making also showcases unique designs inspired by nature. Many pieces incorporate motifs like flowers, leaves, birds, or animals intricately carved or engraved onto metal surfaces.
These nature-inspired creations not only display exquisite craftsmanship but also serve as symbols of prosperity and good fortune for those who wear them. With its diverse range of techniques and styles influenced by various cultures and traditions across the island nation’s history, jewelry-making remains an integral part of Sri Lanka’s cultural identity today.
Read also: Top 10 Sri Lankan Youtubers.
Beeralu lace, also known as Dutch lace, is a traditional craft that originated in Sri Lanka during the Dutch colonial period. This delicate handmade lace is created using a unique technique of knotting and looping threads on a pillow or cushion. The intricate patterns and designs are often inspired by nature, featuring motifs such as flowers, leaves, and animals.
The art of Beeralu lace-making has been passed down through generations of skilled artisans in Sri Lanka. Creating each piece requires immense patience and precision, as the process involves carefully working with fine threads to form intricate patterns. The craftsmanship involved in Beeralu lace is highly respected and valued, making it one of the most sought-after traditional crafts in Sri Lanka.
Today, Beeralu lace continues to remain popular both locally and internationally. It is often used to embellish clothing items such as sarees and blouses, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to any attire.
It is also utilized for home décor items like table runners, curtains, and doilies. The beauty of Beeralu lace lies not only in its intricate designs but also in its ability to preserve the rich cultural heritage of Sri Lanka while showcasing the exceptional skills of its artisans.
One of the most prominent traditional crafts in Sri Lanka is pottery, made primarily from clay. This ancient art form has been passed down through generations and thrives in various parts of the country. Creating pottery involves shaping and molding clay on a potter’s wheel and then firing it in a kiln to harden it.
The pottery produced in Sri Lanka includes many items such as plates, bowls, vases, and figurines. Each piece is carefully crafted by skilled artisans who have honed their craft over years of practice. The designs often feature intricate patterns and vibrant colors, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Sri Lanka.
Pottery is essential in everyday life and religious ceremonies in Sri Lanka. It is not only used for practical purposes but also holds symbolic significance. Many households use handmade clay pots for cooking traditional dishes or storing water due to their natural heat retention properties. Additionally, clay lamps are lit during religious festivals to symbolize enlightenment.
Overall, the artistry and craftsmanship in creating traditional clay pottery make it a significant part of Sri Lankan culture and heritage. Its continued popularity showcases the appreciation for handmade crafts that have stood the test of time.
One of the most famous traditional crafts in Sri Lanka is wood carving. This ancient art form has been practiced for centuries, with artisans meticulously carving intricate designs and motifs onto various types of wood. The craftsmanship and attention to detail of each piece are truly remarkable.
Wood carving in Sri Lanka encompasses a wide range of styles and techniques. There are diverse designs, from delicate filigree carvings to bold relief sculptures. Many carvers draw inspiration from nature, incorporating animals, flowers, and foliage into their creations.
The finished products of wood carving are not only beautiful but also serve practical purposes. Intricately carved furniture pieces, door frames, and decorative items can be found in homes, temples, and historic buildings across the country. Wood carving is not just a craft; it is a way for artisans to preserve their cultural heritage and showcase their skills to the world.
Batik Craft in Sri Lanka
Batik is a traditional craft that holds immense significance in Sri Lanka. This ancient art form involves the creation of intricate designs on fabric using wax and dyes. The process begins with a plain cotton or silk fabric, which is then washed and stretched onto a wooden frame. Next, hot liquid wax is applied to the fabric with a unique tool called a tjanting, forming the design’s outlines. Once the wax has dried, vibrant colors are carefully painted onto the fabric using brushes or stamps.
The beauty of batik lies in its unique patterns and motifs, often inspired by nature, mythology, or cultural symbols. These designs are meticulously created by skilled artisans who have mastered the techniques passed down through generations.
After all the desired colors have been added to the fabric, it is placed in boiling water to remove the wax and reveal the final masterpiece. The result is a stunning piece of art showcasing creativity and craftsmanship.
In Sri Lanka, batik has become an essential traditional craft and a thriving industry that supports local artisans and provides employment opportunities for many communities.
The popularity of this art form extends beyond Sri Lanka’s borders as well since tourists from around the world appreciate its intricate beauty and rich cultural heritage. Whether used for clothing items like sarongs or home décor like wall hangings and tablecloths, batik continues to captivate people worldwide with its exquisite designs and vibrant colors.
Conclusion: Preserving and Celebrating Sri Lanka’s Crafts.
In conclusion, preserving and celebrating Sri Lanka’s crafts is crucial for the nation’s cultural heritage and economic growth. By valuing and promoting these traditional crafts, we can ensure their survival for future generations to appreciate and enjoy. These crafts represent local artisans’ skills and talents and tell a story about Sri Lanka’s rich history and diverse cultural influences.
Furthermore, supporting the preservation of these crafts can significantly impact artisans’ livelihoods and their communities. These craftsmen often rely on their skills to make a living, passing down their knowledge from generation to generation. We can empower these artisans economically by creating opportunities for them to showcase their work and providing training programs to hone their skills.
Moreover, celebrating Sri Lanka’s crafts can also boost tourism. Travelers increasingly seek authentic experiences, connecting them with local culture, traditions, and craftsmanship. By highlighting these traditional crafts through exhibitions, workshops, or guided tours, we can attract more tourists interested in learning about Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage while contributing to its economic development.
FAQs | Top Ten Traditional Crafts of Sri Lanka
The oldest craft in Sri Lanka is believed to be pottery. Archaeological evidence suggests that pottery making has been practiced in Sri Lanka for over 2,500 years. The ancient pottery found in various archaeological sites across the country indicates the skill and craftsmanship of early Sri Lankans.
Another ancient craft in Sri Lanka is traditional mask carving. This craft has a history of over 1,000 years and is closely associated with traditional dance and drama forms such as the famous Kolam and Raksha dances. The masks are intricately carved from wood and painted with vibrant colors, depicting various characters from folklore and mythology.
In addition to pottery and mask carving, Sri Lanka also has a rich tradition of handloom weaving. This craft dates back centuries and involves the creation of beautiful textiles using traditional techniques passed down through generations. Handloom fabrics are known for their intricate designs, vibrant colors, and high-quality craftsmanship.
Overall, these crafts not only showcase the artistic skills of Sri Lankan artisans but also reflect the country's rich cultural heritage.
The traditional object of Sri Lanka is the lotus flower. The lotus holds significant cultural and religious symbolism in Sri Lankan society. It is often associated with purity, enlightenment, and spiritual growth. In Buddhism, which is the predominant religion in Sri Lanka, the lotus is considered a sacred flower that represents the path to enlightenment and the ability to rise above worldly desires.
In addition to its religious significance, the lotus also has cultural importance in Sri Lanka. It is commonly used as a decorative motif in art, architecture, and textiles. The intricate designs of lotus flowers can be seen on various traditional handicrafts such as wood carvings, pottery, and jewelry. The lotus is also featured prominently in traditional dance forms like Kandyan dance, where dancers wear elaborate costumes adorned with lotus motifs.
Overall, the lotus flower plays a central role in Sri Lankan culture and spirituality. Its beauty and symbolism have been cherished for centuries and continue to be celebrated through various artistic expressions and religious practices in the country.
Sri Lanka has a rich history of textile crafts that are deeply rooted in its cultural heritage. One of the most prominent textile crafts is handloom weaving, which has been practiced for centuries. Handloom weaving involves the use of traditional wooden looms to create intricate designs and patterns on fabrics such as cotton, silk, and wool. The weavers often use natural dyes made from plants and minerals to color the threads, giving the textiles a vibrant and organic appeal.
Another popular textile craft in Sri Lanka is batik printing. Batik is a technique where hot wax is applied to fabric, creating a resist that prevents dye from penetrating certain areas. The fabric is then dyed, and once dry, the wax is removed to reveal beautiful patterns and designs. This craft requires great skill and precision as artisans meticulously apply wax using canting tools or stamps before dipping the fabric into various dye baths.
Additionally, Sri Lanka is known for its exquisite embroidery work. Embroidery is done by hand using colorful threads to embellish garments, home decor items, and accessories with intricate designs. Traditional motifs inspired by nature, folklore, and religious symbols are commonly seen in Sri Lankan embroidery.
These textile crafts not only showcase the artistic talents of Sri Lankan artisans but also provide employment opportunities for many communities across the country. They serve as important cultural symbols and contribute to preserving Sri Lanka's rich textile heritage.
Traditional crafts refer to the skills and techniques that have been passed down through generations within a particular culture or community. These crafts often have deep historical and cultural significance, reflecting the traditions, values, and way of life of a specific group of people. Examples of traditional crafts include pottery making, weaving, wood carving, metalwork, basketry, and embroidery.
One characteristic of traditional crafts is that they are usually handmade using simple tools and materials found in nature or local surroundings. These crafts typically require a high level of skill and precision, as well as a deep understanding of the materials being used. They are often rooted in local resources and reflect the environment in which they were developed.
Traditional crafts play an essential role in preserving cultural heritage and identity. They provide a connection to the past while also serving as a means for communities to express their creativity and artistic abilities. Moreover, these crafts contribute to sustainable development by promoting local economies and supporting small-scale artisans. By engaging with traditional crafts, individuals can gain a deeper appreciation for different cultures and foster intergenerational knowledge transfer.
Traditional craft in art refers to the practice of creating handmade objects using techniques that have been passed down through generations. It often involves using traditional tools and materials, and it is deeply rooted in cultural heritage. Traditional crafts can encompass a wide range of art forms, such as pottery, weaving, wood carving, metalwork, and embroidery.
One key aspect of traditional craft is its emphasis on preserving cultural traditions and craftsmanship. These art forms are often closely tied to specific regions or communities and play a significant role in their identity and history. Traditional craft also highlights the importance of manual skills and the mastery of techniques that have been refined over time.
In today's modern world, traditional craft faces challenges due to the rise of mass production and technological advancements. However, many artists and artisans continue to practice these crafts as a way to celebrate their heritage and keep these traditions alive. The appreciation for traditional craft in art not only provides a glimpse into the past but also serves as a reminder of the beauty and value of handmade objects created with care and skill.
Sri Lanka is known for its rich and diverse artistic heritage, with several forms of art gaining fame and recognition. One of the most prominent art forms in Sri Lanka is traditional Sri Lankan painting, which showcases intricate details and vibrant colors. This style of painting often depicts religious themes, historical events, and everyday life in Sri Lanka.
Another famous art form in Sri Lanka is Kandyan dance, a traditional dance form that originated in the Kandy region. Known for its graceful movements and elaborate costumes, Kandyan dance is often performed during religious ceremonies and cultural festivals. The dancers skillfully combine rhythmic footwork with expressive hand gestures to tell stories and convey emotions.
In addition to these traditional art forms, contemporary art has also gained popularity in Sri Lanka. Many talented artists are exploring various mediums such as sculpture, photography, and mixed media to express their creativity. Art galleries in major cities like Colombo showcase the works of both established and emerging artists, providing a platform for them to gain recognition both locally and internationally.
Traditional handicraft products refer to items that are made by hand using traditional techniques and materials. These products often have cultural or historical significance and are a reflection of the rich heritage and craftsmanship of a particular region or community.
Some examples of traditional handicraft products include pottery, textiles, woodcarvings, metalwork, basketry, and jewelry. Each region or country may have its own unique styles and techniques when it comes to these crafts. For example, Indian handicrafts are known for their intricate designs and vibrant colors, while Japanese handicrafts often focus on simplicity and precision.
These traditional handicraft products not only serve as decorative items but also have practical uses in daily life. They can be found in homes, museums, art galleries, and even as souvenirs for tourists. The production of these handicrafts also helps to preserve cultural traditions and provide livelihoods for artisans who have honed their skills over generations.


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SolarWinds and its online community, thwack, invite IT professionals to attend the first-ever thwackCamp to learn about various IT management challenges and trends and to gain in-depth, SolarWinds product knowledge on Thursday, October 18.
VMware unveiled an updated cloud management portfolio, including significant enhancements to the management products in the recently released VMware vCloud Suite.
As part of its commitment to customers to deliver same-day support for IBM mainframe solutions, CA Technologies will include support for the forthcoming IBM DB2 11 for z/OS (DB2 11) in the next release of its CA Database Management Solutions.
Compuware announced major enhancements to Compuware Strobe, the company's mainframe application performance measurement and analysis solution.
VKernel, now part of Dell Software, announced general availability of vFoglight Storage 2.0, an integrated solution that provides application to disk performance monitoring.
BMC Software delivered major updates to its IT Service Management portfolio that enable organizations to transform their service desk into a flexible, proactive “genius bar” experience.
Compuware Corporation announced Compuware APM for Mainframe, offering deep transaction management from the edge through the mainframe.
CA Technologies has enhanced CA Nimsoft Monitor with advanced network flow analysis, enabling customers to visualize their IP traffic in ways that can assist them in optimizing application service levels.
Net Optics announced that it is working with HP to give customers total application visibility across their networks—data center, virtualized/ cloud environments and remote branch sites.
HP unveiled new research indicating that the cost and frequency of cybercrime have both continued to rise for the third straight year.
Virtual Instruments announced a partnership with XOR, the independent channel only services organization.
SolarWinds wants to know what APM capabilities businesses are actually using or are planning to use, and what capabilities have yielded positive results.
Oracle is expanding its Oracle Cloud services portfolio, and continues to demonstrate significant customer and partner momentum.
Serena Software announced the results of a new global survey of IT professionals that focused on the current state of agile software development, revealing many challenges.
INETCO Insight will be offered as an alternative to the existing transaction aggregator and categorizer within the NCR APTRA Vision and Gasper Vantage products.
Zenoss announced the results of a comprehensive open source cloud survey and an accompanying info-graphic titled, “The State of The Open Source Cloud.”
Enterprise Management Associates (EMA) has published a new Radar Report on Enterprise Network Management Systems (ENMS).
To help organizations quickly respond to new business opportunities while managing these rapidly changing network demands, Cisco is introducing its Unified Access solution, a highly secure network infrastructure based on one policy source and one management solution for the entire network.
Net Optics announced the introduction of the xStream 4.0 Family for network monitoring.
Zyrion has added multi-tenant Netflow integration to its fault & performance monitoring platform.

domain: news


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CDC advisers recommend limiting the use of the J&J vaccine due to rare blood clots
MARY LOUISE KELLY, HOST:
A committee of advisers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention voted today to recommend that the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID vaccines be used instead of Johnson & Johnson's This vote came over concerns about rare blood clots. NPR's Pien Huang is here to tell us more. Hey, Pien.
PIEN HUANG, BYLINE: Hey, Mary Louise.
KELLY: All right. So the Johnson & Johnson vaccine's been out for many months. I know a lot of people have gotten it. It was authorized in February. Sixteen million people in the U.S. have gotten it. So why is the CDC making this move now?
HUANG: Well, it's because there's new information about a known side effect from the J&J vaccine, which is rare but is potentially lethal. This issue of large blood clots, combined with low platelet counts, was first raised back in April. And based on the information that was available then, it was considered a rare condition that mostly affected younger women. Now, after months of surveillance, researchers are finding that it's still rare in women between 30 and 50. It's happening about 1 in 100,000 shots, but it's now been observed across all age groups and in men as well. There have been more than 50 cases in the U.S., and at least nine people have died from it.
KELLY: So given all that, given the safety concerns, what exactly has the CDC and its advisers recommended?
HUANG: Well, the panel today considered a few options, including unrecommending the vaccine altogether or limiting it to older people where the risk is lower. But ultimately, they agreed to keep it available to everyone but to strongly steer people towards getting a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine instead, which don't have that clotting problem. Dr. Beth Bell, a committee member from the University of Washington, put it this way.
BETH BELL: I would not recommend a Janssen vaccine to my family members. On the other hand, I think we do have to recognize that different people make different choices, and if they are appropriately informed, I don't think we should remove that option from them.
HUANG: Now, that was reflective of how people generally felt about the Janssen or Johnson & Johnson vaccine. But there was a long debate over the wording of the recommendation, whether it was strong enough. Many panelists felt that the vaccine should only be used if there were really no other options. Eventually, the CDC's Melinda Wharton said that the committee, called the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices, needed to move it along.
MELINDA WHARTON: The ACAP makes recommendations. We don't make strong recommendations and weak recommendations. We make recommendations. We have heard your comments. They will be incorporated in our communications and our guidance and our implementation for this.
HUANG: Ultimately, the committee voted to say mRNA vaccines are preferred over the J&J for all of those greater or equal to 18 years of age. And the vote did end up being unanimous - 15 yeas and zero nays.
KELLY: That's quite a needle they're trying to thread there, keeping it available to everyone but strongly steering people away from it and towards other vaccines. How often is the J&J vaccine being used right now anyway?
HUANG: Well, it's a lot less popular than the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. Just 8% of fully vaccinated people here have gotten the J&J vaccine. Still, around 200,000 doses are being administered every week. And it's an option in airports, homeless shelters, correctional facilities, places where people may not easily get a second shot on schedule. The panel is also very aware that what happens in the U.S. influences what's - how the vaccine is seen and used in other countries. So, you know, since the vaccine - since the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is easier to store and transport, it may be the only option in some places.
KELLY: Better than getting no shot at all. NPR's Pien Huang, thank you so much.
HUANG: Thanks for having me. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.


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domain: health


Where I'd like to say, in advance: happy Sunday, Dr. Jaren — even if you do listen to Smooth Jazz 106.9.
—The Jazz Journalists Association Awards: I know this happened on Tuesday, which is like eons ago in Internet years, but it would be lax of me not to mention that the JJA recently presented its annual awards in an afternoon event in New York. (Which is in itself amusing, presumably because musicians and reviewers have "real" gigs to make in the evenings, right?) More coverage is here. I didn't mention it sooner because, for one, I didn't make it up there, and moreover, music award ceremonies always make me blanch. It's not only that the music industry makes up awards to celebrate itself; it's that such awards usually go to lowest common denominators or the rather useless consensus of "who we are all spotlighting now." (Does anyone else remember that inane "Who's Now" pseudo-competition that ran on ESPN's Sportscenter a few years back about which professional athlete was most of the moment? Made me want to strangle someone.) I'm happy for Lee Konitz, Sonny Rollins, Maria Schneider, Esperanza Spalding, Hank Jones and all the other winners, but do we really need these (prohibitively expensive, semi-insider) events to tell us which way the wind is blowing?
I suppose this is all marginally better than the Down Beat year-end readers' polls as a zeitgeist dipstick. As Christopher Weingarten reminds us — the rather sloppy barbs directed at NPR aside — crowdsourcing music reviews brings out mediocrity in public opinion. (You'll remember that Charlie Parker won the Down Beat poll for best alto saxophonist for the first time in 1950 — five years after "Koko" and "Now's The Time.") Because relatively erudite and voracious jazz listeners decide on the JJA awards, the results turn out somewhat more interesting. Still, I read Peter Margasak because he's got the Chicago scene on lock, and I read Stanley Crouch when I want someone who listens to hard bop really well, and I read Ben Ratliff when I want to know what's hot in New York, and I read, I don't know, Stuart Nicholson to learn about European musicians outside my primary radar. I don't particularly care to see who they all can agree upon as acceptable; I want to know who they outright champion. (The JJA year-end Top 10 lists, however, are totally fascinating to watch roll in every December.)
All this aside, I also suppose all this somewhat raises the profile of jazz and of the musicians recognized, which is good. And because there are so many awards given out — voted on by people of relatively discerning taste — some surprising picks emerge: Carla Bley's Appearing Nightly for Record of the Year, out-jazz (literal) veteran Billy Bang for violinist of the year, Ruth Price of L.A. nonprofit venue The Jazz Bakery for a special recognition. There are others I'm personally happy about: a former professor of mine who challenged me to think about improvised music differently (and quite an improviser himself), George E. Lewis, won for his magnificent tome on the AACM; one of my primary mentors in learning jazz and new music, the WKCR DJ/discographer/archivist/record producer/recording engineer/Columbia University administrator/historian Ben Young, scored the Willis Conover—Marian McPartland Award for Broadcasting. And for what I believe is the first time, there was an award for Blog of the Year, taken home by Howard Mandel's Jazz Beyond Jazz. A small token of validation for this career path I somehow appeared on.
Of course, I could rather cynically point out that Mandel (who contributes to NPR) is the president of the Jazz Journalists Association. But that also means he has his ear to a lot of different things, and scoops us all on many on them (the imminent collapse of JJA Periodical of the Year JazzTimes being only the latest example). Which brings us to our next links ...
—R.I.P. Charlie Mariano, Tina Marsh: Howard Mandel linked to this obituary for vocalist Tina Marsh, who was the driving force behind the avant-jazz scene in Austin, Texas. (More here.) I know next to nothing about this scene, but the very fact that one exists in Austin makes me happy. Let us also take a minute to remember Charlie Mariano, probably best known for his early '50s Boston recordings, his work with Charles Mingus and for being an open-minded musical personality. This tribute page has more.
—Ira Gitler On 'Sheets Of Sound': If there's a worthwhile fringe benefit to convening together the jazz writers' fraternity, it's the conversations that emerge from it. Marc Myers of JazzWax ran into Ira Gitler at the awards ceremony, and asked him about his most famous coinage: "sheets of sound," used to describe John Coltrane's pre-1960 approach to soloing. Gitler has a few choice recollections on the term's legacy.
—Thelonious Monk And The Word 'Accessibility': Via Jason Crane's Twitter feed, I spotted this interesting discussion of the term "accessible" as it applies to art criticism. The whole thing is inspired by a less-than-stellar Thelonious Monk recording, one ostensibly driven by the desire to make Monk's music accessible to a general audience. Poet John Gallaher takes offense: "One person's 'accessible' is another's "crass commercialism,'" he writes. I'd venture to say that I agree: I don't want for undemanding access to be valorized in jazz music; I want for listeners to have to think about the music they're listening to, even if it is "easy." Of course, I've used the term "accessible" before in writing for NPR Music, but it was sloppy shorthand: I really meant "possessing familiar elements as an anchor by which to begin understanding something potentially difficult, so don't be scared." I just can't think of a better synonym for this: Gallaher suggests "clear," but it's not exactly what I had in mind. I suppose I'll just have to be more careful from now on — I might suggest the same for other writers.
—R.I.P. Kenneth Gorelick: I saw that obituary headline in the Metro section of the Washington Post this morning and froze for a minute. Fortunately — or not so fortunately, depending on your level of caffeination/misanthropy today — saxophonist Kenny G is still out there, making Pat Metheny angry.
P.S. Peter Hum also dropped this piece on us this week. Extended thoughts on that are in the works.