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To investigate the influence of prospectively-measured smoking during pregnancy on aspects of neonatal behavior in a large, community sample.
Participants were mothers and infants from the Providence Cohort of the National Collaborative Perinatal Project enrolled between 1960 and 1966. Mothers with pregnancy/medical complications and infants with medical complications and/or born premature or low birthweight were excluded. The final sample included 962 mother-infant pairs, of whom 23% were African-American. Maternal smoking was measured prospectively at each prenatal visit. Neonatal behavior was assessed using the Graham-Rosenblith Behavioral Examination of the Neonate. Items from the examination were reduced to three subscales: irritability, muscle tone, response to respiratory challenge.
Sixty-two percent of the sample reported smoking during pregnancy with 24% of smokers reporting smoking a pack per day or more. We found a significant influence of maternal smoking exposure (none, moderate/less than a pack per day, heavy/pack a day or more) on irritability and muscle tone in the neonate (p's<.005), with exposed infants showing greater irritability and hypertonicity. Effects remained significant after controlling for significant covariates: maternal socioeconomic status, age and race, and infant birthweight and age (p's<.001). Post hoc tests suggested particular effects of heavy smoking on increased infant irritability, but both moderate and heavy smoking exposure on increased muscle tone.
In a large, community sample, exposure to maternal smoking was associated with increased irritability and hypertonicity in neonates. Exposure to maternal smoking did not influence neonatal response to respiratory challenge. This study is the largest-scale investigation to date of effects of maternal smoking (heavy and moderate) on examiner-assessed neonatal behavior. Given associations between both maternal smoking and infant irritability and later behavioral dysregulation, results have important implications for early identification and intervention with at-risk offspring.
Although rates of smoking have decreased over the last several decades, maternal smoking during pregnancy (MSDP) continues to be a major public health problem.1-4 MSDP has been linked to numerous adverse health outcomes in infancy including low birthweight, admission to neonatal intensive care, and increased risk for sudden infant death syndrome.3-5 MSDP has also been linked to long-term adverse behavioral outcomes in offspring including conduct disorder, attentional and cognitive deficits, and substance use.6-9 However, relatively little is known about effects of maternal smoking on behavioral deficits in infancy.
Several small-scale, controlled studies investigating newborn response to structured, examiner-administered neurobehavioral examinations have revealed effects of maternal smoking on alterations in cry and soothability and increased muscle tone. In two studies in which MSDP was examined in the context of exposure to other drugs (alcohol, cocaine), exposed infants showed alterations in cry and increased muscle tone.10, 11 Law et al.12 published the first study specifically designed to examine effects of MSDP on newborn neurobehavior. At 24-48 hours, smoking-exposed infants were more excitable, hypertonic, and more difficult to soothe compared to unexposed infants. An independent follow-up study also indicated persistent effects on soothability and excitability at 10-27 days.13 However, sample sizes were small and sampling frames not designed to be representative.
In addition to small, controlled studies of infant response to examiner-administered neurobehavioral examinations, several population-based epidemiological studies have suggested links between MSDP and maternal-report measures of excessive crying and infantile colic (IC).14-16 IC is a condition characterized by paroxysms of irritability, excessive crying and muscle tension during the first four months of life.17, 18 Sondergaard et al.16 showed a two-fold increased risk for colic in infants of mothers who smoked 15 or more cigarettes per day during pregnancy. Reijneveld et al.14 found nearly two-fold increased risk for “excessive crying” in infants of mothers who smoked 10 or more cigarettes per day throughout pregnancy, although effects for maternal smoking were not significant after adjustment for confounders. Most recently, in multivariate analyses, Canivet et al.19 found a 1.7-fold increased risk of colic related to maternal pre as opposed to postnatal smoking. However, maternal reports of infant crying and IC—particularly retrospective reports--may be confounded by factors linked with maternal smoking (e.g., increased distress/stress).20
Thus, smaller, controlled studies examining effects of MSDP on response to examiner-administered neurobehavioral examination have shown effects on crying and hypertonicity, while large-scale population-based studies using maternal report have shown links between maternal smoking and crying/colic. However, samples in small, controlled studies may be unrepresentative, while maternal reports of infant behavior in larger-scale studies may be prone to subjective bias. In the present study, we conducted the first large-sample investigation of prospectively assessed MSDP on neonatal behavior assessed with an examiner-administered, structured behavioral examination. In light of burgeoning interest in offspring effects of MSDP, data collected through a substudy of the National Collaborative Perinatal Project (NCPP), was examined with respect to influences of heavy and moderate maternal smoking. Minimal social sanctions against smoking during the period of data collection (1960-1966) allow for a unique distribution of maternal smoking, with smokers comprising more than sixty percent of the sample.
1256 mother-infant pairs from the Providence, RI site of the National Collaborative Perinatal Project (NCPP)21 completed the neonatal behavior substudy. The NCPP was a multi-site, longitudinal, cohort study that involved prospective observation and examination of more than 50,000 pregnancies nationwide. Offspring were followed from birth through age seven. Mothers were recruited at the time of registration for prenatal care between 1960 and 1966. Enrollment for the Providence site was based on a sampling frame designed to yield a representative sample of women receiving prenatal care in Providence. Specifically, obstetric patients in a hospital clinic and private obstetric office were randomly selected, resulting in an average enrollment of one of three patients and a total of 4140 participants. Mothers and infants selected for the neonatal behavior study comprised approximately one-fourth of participants in the overall Providence Cohort; informed consent for the neonatal exam was obtained in the postpartum unit of the hospital. There were no significant differences in maternal (age, race, socio-economic status, gravida, parity) or infant (gestational age, birthweight, Apgar) characteristics between the sample selected for the neonatal behavior study and the overall Providence sample (all p's=ns).
Excluded from current analyses were mothers with pregnancy/medical complications or who admitted to using other drugs or excessive alcohol during pregnancy (n = 107), and infants born prior to 37 weeks gestational age (n = 127), under 2500 grams (n = 151), and with medical complications. Gestational age was based on mothers' last menstrual period determined through medical records using the best obstetrical estimate. Also excluded were infants whose neurobehavioral examination was considered by the examiner to be invalid (n=15), and, in order to focus on the immediate neonatal period, infants over 3 days old (n=77). The final sample included 962 healthy mother-infant pairs. Infants born by both spontaneous vaginal and Cesarean section deliveries were included.
Demographic information including race/ethnicity, education, occupation, and income was assessed during the first prenatal visit. A composite index of socioeconomic status (range: 1= lowest SES through 10=highest SES) was derived from education (years) and occupation (manual, nonmanual, unemployed) of the head of household along with household income (based on US poverty threshold at the time) using methods developed by the US Census Bureau.22 MSDP was assessed at each prenatal visit up to time of delivery by study physicians. Mothers were asked whether they were currently smoking, and, if so, number of cigarettes smoked per day. Validity of NCPP maternal smoking reports through comparison with serum cotinine levels has been shown to be excellent (kappas = 83-87%).23 Based on prior analyses in this cohort6, mothers were classified into three groups based on maximum number of cigarettes smoked per day over the course of pregnancy: (a) no smoking, (b) moderate smoking (less than one pack per day: >0 and <20 cigarettes per day), and (c) heavy smoking (one pack per day or more: 20+ cigarettes per day).
Birthweight, gestational age, Apgar scores, and medical complications were determined by NCPP examiners present at delivery. The Graham-Rosenblith Behavioral Examination of the Neonate was administered to newborns prior to discharge from the hospital. The Graham-Rosenblith examination was developed by Graham24, 25, and later adapted by Rosenblith26, 27 to be administered by trained examiners. It is one of the earliest standardized assessments of infant behavioral responses to structured handling and a precursor to modern neurobehavioral assessments. The examination involves a standardized sequence of observations and manipulations of the infant. Rated on continuous Likert-type scales, items in the examination measure a variety of motor reflexes (e.g., crawl), responses to sensory stimuli (e.g., flashlight), active and passive muscle tone, responses to various types of respiratory challenge (e.g., cotton over nose; cellophane over nose and upper lip), soft signs of neurological damage (e.g., nystagmus, strabismus), and irritable behavior. The exam has demonstrated acceptable levels of test-retest reliability26, inter-scorer agreement27 and has shown predictive validity with later psychological and physiologic outcomes.28-31 Examiners included Dr. Rosenblith and her trained assistant, Rebecca Anderson Huntington.
Using an approach combining statistical and conceptual aggregation, items from the Graham-Rosenblith examination were reduced to three subscales: irritability, muscle tone, and response to respiratory challenge. An exploratory principal components analysis was conducted using half of the sample (n=473). Retained items were conceptually related to and loaded highly (>.5) on one of the three retained factors. The three-factor structure was replicated in a confirmatory principal components analysis in the other half of the sample (n=489). Subscale scores were created by taking the mean of items loading highly on each factor. The irritability subscale included two items (Cronbach's α=.88): (a) amount of crying during the examination, and (b) subjective rating of infant irritability. The muscle tone scale included six items (α=.74) measuring active and passive muscle tone, including (a) amount of resistance to arm displacement, (b) amount of resistance to leg displacement, (c) tension following a pull-to-sit manipulation, (d) supine tension, (e) tension in response to pushing of the infant's feet, and (f) subjective rating of muscle tension throughout the examination. The Response to Respiratory Challenge scale included four items (α=.79) assessing response to respiratory challenge over three trials. Items were: (a) response to nasal respiratory challenge, (b) response to brief occlusion of nose and part of mouth, (c) vigor of response to respiratory challenge, and (d) persistence of response to respiratory challenge.
Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was utilized to investigate differences between heavy, moderate, and non-smoking groups on maternal and infant characteristics and on the three Graham-Rosenblith subscale scores. Infant gender was initially included as an additional independent variable in all analyses; however, as no significant smoking group by gender interactions emerged, we collapsed across gender in all analyses. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was also conducted to adjust for significant covariates. Potential covariates were selected from demographic and medical characteristics (see Table 1) and were included if they differed significantly (p<.05) between smoking groups, or were significantly correlated with Graham-Rosenblith subscale scores. Based on these criteria, included covariates were: maternal age, race and socio-economic status, infant birthweight, and infant age at time of the examination. Significant omnibus differences were followed by pair-wise least significant difference (LSD) tests--appropriate for groups with differing n's using adjusted means.
Average age of mothers in the final sample was 24 years (SD=6). The sample was 76% Caucasian, 23% African-American, and 1% other races. Thirty-eight percent of participants were nonsmokers; 62% were smokers--divided into moderate (76%) and heavy (24%) smoking groups. Less than 1% of smokers quit during pregnancy. Mean smoking level was 13 cigarettes per day (SD=7) for the moderate smoking group and 35 cigarettes per day (SD=8) for the heavy smoking group. Forty-seven percent of the infants were female. Average gestational age was 40.5 weeks (SD=1.9). Average birthweight was 3340 grams (SD=434 grams), and average infant age at the time of the exam was 1 day old (range=0-3 days).
Demographic and medical characteristics of the sample by maternal smoking group are shown in Table 1. Significant differences between groups emerged for maternal age, race and SES. Mothers in the smoking groups were younger, more likely to be Caucasian, and of lower SES. There were no differences between groups in gravida or parity. Significant differences between maternal smoking groups emerged for infant birthweight. No significant differences in gestational age or Apgar scores were found.
Adjusted and unadjusted scores on the Graham-Rosenblith summary scales by maternal smoking group are shown in Table 2. Analyses of unadjusted and adjusted means revealed significant differences between groups in irritability (F(2, 961)=7.7 and F(7, 916)=9.4, unadjusted and adjusted for covariates, respectively, p's<.001) and muscle tone (F(2, 961)=11.3 and F(7, 916)=7.9, p's<.005). No significant effects of maternal smoking on response to respiratory challenge emerged. LSD tests conducted on adjusted means for irritability revealed a significant difference between the heavy and non-smoking groups (p<.01) and between the heavy and moderate smoking groups (p<.01) suggesting a threshold effect of heavy (pack-a-day) maternal smoking on infant irritability (See Figure 1a). LSD tests for infant muscle tone revealed significant differences between the moderate and non-smoking groups (p<.05) and between the heavy and non-smoking groups (p<.05), but no differences between moderate and heavy smoking groups. Results suggest an effect of any smoking on infant muscle tone (See Figure 1b).
Maternal smoking during pregnancy (MSDP) remains an enormous public health concern. However, despite robust links between MSDP and child behavior deficits (e.g., conduct disorder/ externalizing behavior), no large-scale studies have addressed unique effects of maternal smoking on neonatal behavior. We analyzed data from the National Collaborative Perinatal Project to provide the first large-scale community study to investigate effects of prospectively measured MSDP on a clinical neonatal behavior examination. To our knowledge, the present study represents the largest study of examiner-assessed neonatal behavior in smoking-exposed infants; sample size for the present study is nearly ten times larger than all prior studies. We found a significant influence of MSDP on infant irritability and muscle tone. Specifically, neonates exposed to heavy maternal smoking (one pack per day or more) showed greater irritability relative neonates exposed to moderate maternal smoking (less than a pack per day) or unexposed neonates. Neonates exposed to both heavy and moderate maternal smoking were also more hypertonic than unexposed neonates.
There are a number of notable strengths of this study. First, the large sample size, diversity of socio-economic status, and representative nature of the sample support the generalizability of results from the present study. Second, prospective assessment of maternal smoking (at each prenatal visit), prior verification of maternal reports with serum cotinine23, and decreased social sanctions against smoking during the period of data collection support the validity of maternal smoking reports. Third the unique distribution of maternal smoking (62% smokers with one fourth smoking a pack a day or more) and decreased social sanctions against smoking at the time of data collection allowed for analyses of differential influence of moderate versus heavy smoking and examination of effects of maternal smoking less confounded by socio-economic status (SES) than in more recent samples. Fourth, strict maternal and infant exclusion criteria leading to a healthy sample of infants (no group differences in Apgar scores or gestational age) allowed us to examine effects of maternal smoking relatively unconfounded by health differences in infants. Finally, use of an examiner-administered behavioral examination (rather than maternal report) in this large-scale study allowed for increased validity and objectivity of behavioral outcome data.
Findings from the present study complement smaller-scale studies of MSDP and infant behavior but extend findings to a larger, more generalizable sample. Prior studies from our group have shown unique effects of maternal smoking on arousal/ excitability, difficulty in soothing, hypertonicity, and signs of withdrawal in samples of healthy, full-term infants where smokers and non-smokers were matched on SES, maternal age, and alcohol use.12, 13 Additional studies examining effects of maternal smoking in the context of other drug use have shown effects on cry quality as well as hypertonicity.10, 11 Results from the present study highlight the influence of maternal smoking on infant irritability (confirming prior effects on cry, arousal/excitability and difficulty soothing11-13) as well as hypertonicity10, 12 in a larger, more generalizable sample. We can articulate several possible mechanisms to explain consistent effects of MSDP on irritability and muscle tension. One possibility is that these outcomes represent acute effects/toxicity of nicotine. A second possibility is that irritability and muscle tension are part of a constellation of symptoms within a nicotine neonatal withdrawal syndrome. Effects on symptoms of abstinence in Law et al.12, in neonates of smokeless tobacco users32, and in an intensive study of neonatal nicotine withdrawal over the first five days33 substantiate this possibility across studies and withdrawal scales. Third, effects may represent the initial signs of persistent behavioral dysregulation, leading to long-term behavioral impairments seen in prior studies.6-9 Finally, effects of prenatal nicotine exposure have been shown to be mediated by nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, which may modulate release of numerous neurotransmitters (i.e., serotonin, norepinephrine), brain regions (brain stem, limbic, and cortical regions) and brain systems (arousal, stress systems) that may underlie early regulatory behaviors 34-39.
Results are also consistent with prior studies of MSDP and infantile colic (IC)15, but extend findings to objective examiner-based infant behavioral assessment and to the early neonatal period. It has been theorized that IC and general infant fussiness may reflect more global and persistent difficulties with behavioral control and self-regulation40, 41. Suggestive of the global nature of the behavioral dysregulation, infants who cry excessively often also experience concurrent difficulties in other areas—e.g., feeding and sleep.42, 43 Parenting deficits may further exaggerate early behavioral differences. The combination of a fussy, tense infant with a smoking mother under higher stress with fewer resources could lead to strained mother-infant interactions during a critical period for maternal-infant bonding.13, 44 This combination could lead to a negative cycle increasing likelihood of further behavioral dysregulation in the infant/child.45 Highlighting the persistence of behavioral dysregulation over development, Wolke40 found that children who described as persistent criers in infancy were more frequently in the borderline clinical range for hyperactivity symptoms and showed more conduct problems and negative emotionality than controls. Thus, although increased irritability and muscle tension may acutely indicate withdrawal or neurotoxic effects, in combination with parenting deficits, may also represent early endophenotypic markers of risk for later behavioral dysregulation.
Although this study is large-scale and rigorous with important clinical and public health implications, we acknowledge two primary limitations. First, the original Graham-Rosenblith sub-study of the NCPP was not designed to examine the influence of maternal smoking; groups were not matched on additional maternal/infant factors that might influence behavioral outcome. However, strict maternal/infant inclusion criteria and statistical control for infant birthweight likely substantially reduced additional pre and perinatal influences on behavioral outcomes. Second, although the Graham-Rosenblith examination was state-of-the-art for its time and a precursor to modern neurobehavioral assessment, more recent neurobehavioral examinations allow for assessment of a broader range of subtle effects of drug exposure.46 However, that we found significant effects of maternal smoking using an early behavioral exam not designed to reveal deficits due to drug exposure highlights the strength of effects.
The present study represents the largest study of examiner-assessed neonatal behavior in smoking-exposed infants. Maternal smoking was measured prospectively in a large community sample with a high proportion of smokers. Results reveal significant influences of maternal smoking on increased infant irritability and hypertonicity. No significant effects or differences were found in response to the respiratory occlusion challenge. That infants exposed to MSDP can be differentiated from their non-exposed counterparts at less than three days old highlights the possibility and importance of very early intervention and prevention efforts. Further research is needed not only to investigate whether these effects are acute or persistent but also to continue to examine trajectories to long-term outcomes.
We gratefully acknowledge Stephanie Paton and Kathy McGaffigan for administrative and programming assistance respectively. We also thank Rebecca Anderson Huntington, the principal Graham-Rosenblith examiner. Finally, we are grateful to mothers and infants who contributed to this study.
Preparation of this manuscript was supported by NIH grants R01 HD043844 to Dr. Stroud and P50 CA84719 to Dr. Niaura. There are no conflicts of interest.

domain: literature


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In the hour following President Obama's February 9 press conference -- during which he gave a brief address about the economic recovery legislation currently moving through Congress -- cable news programs featured guests and panelists to discuss Obama's remarks. But CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC did not bring on a single economist to discuss the plan. ... Indeed, a Media Matters for America review of the Sunday talk shows and 12 cable news programs from January 25 through February 8 found that during 139 1/2 hours of programming on Sunday mornings and weekday afternoons and evenings, of 460 total guest appearances in discussions about the economic recovery legislation and debate in Congress, only 25 were made by economists -- a mere 5 percent.
Media Failure: During Stimulus Debate, Only 5 Percent Of Guests Were Economists

domain: news


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Product designed to relieve symptoms of gastrointestinal distress.
A selection of products available for companies looking to target senior needs.
Companies that translate industry trends into effective business strategies stand to capitalize on growing demand for health and wellness products.
Unmodified resistant starch is a homerun for improving insulin sensitivity.
Arabinoxylan-oligosaccharides found in the extract support digestion and are linked to antioxidant properties.
There are significant opportunities to deliver essential nutrients to children in a range of product types.

domain: chemistry


text:
My new garden is very much a work in progress, with the patio, pathways, and fence installed in summer 2010, then the shade beds and the borders along the back of the fence and the sunroom wall. In 2011, I added a border on one side of the house and another, connecting to it, along the front of the whole house and walkway. Those gardens will take a few years to fill in and look like they are meant to be there. Right now, they are more minimalist than I like in the garden, where I’m currently a fan of nature’s lavish wildness and intermingling of textures, colours and spirits.(Though a formal Mediterranean garden and a Japanese garden also enchant.)
I’m not sure what’s next for this garden but I will be working in it come April or May, doing something.
In the last couple of years, I have come to really love collecting plants: shrubs, trees, herbs and perennials that are unusual in texture, colour, size, aroma; those with variegated foliage and flowers; plants with berries and other attractions for birds, bees, butterflies, and moths; plants that are winter hardy, drought-resistant, and that don’t require much done for them; plants that as a group bloom early, late and long; herbs and edibles that we actually use; but mainly, oddly shaped, swirling and spiraling, airy-fairy, layered, dwarfy and gigantic, drooping plants, and those shaped like a martini glass or a hydra.
I like a Dr. Seuss sort of look lately. Something that makes me clap my hands and laugh in joyous surprise. Even the anemone tormentosa above, with bumblebee, is amazing up close, with so much contrast in colour, shape and texture: the fuzzy backside of the flower petal, the veined front of it, the curvy ruffle of another petal, the soft textured round buds,the grey-green of the stems, and the overlay of the pink petal against the anthers bursting with yellow pollen. And then there is the bee.

domain: biology


text:
Holding back the tide
Imagine a transistor as a dam across a river. The purpose of the transistor-cum-dam is to turn on and off the flow of water (the electrical current) downstream from a reservoir (a battery) above. A large quantity of water in the reservoir will exert a large pressure (voltage) on the transistor-cum-dam
Sector Focussed Reporting
Old-fashioned transistor dams are made out of regular concrete (silicon), which is ten times less strong than a new reinforced concrete (silicon carbide - SiC). As we replace the transistor dams made of concrete (Si) with those made of reinforced concrete (SiC), the extra strength allows the dam wall (the amount of semiconductor used) to be ten times thinner, while withstanding the same pressure (voltage) as the old transistor dams.
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domain: design


text: Our internal laboratory provides a customer service that Tecnofirma regards as vital for our business. Equipped with the most advanced instruments available, the laboratory can check the degree of cleanliness achieved on cleaned goods. Our specialized staff is able to carry out the tests in accordance with the specific procedures each customer may require. The laboratory also allows you to directly verify the performance of our machines with the aim of continuously improving them. The laboratory can accommodate customers who wish to take a closer look at the results of the tests carried out. The laboratory is the pride of our team that keeps improving it day by day, with new instruments and experience.


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1986 Punk(Doom) Character by 4Play
An early piece from Doom one aka Raid (RIP) this guy was a huge influence on me coming up, both in style and his overall attitude towards graff. True King. I think 4Play set the stage for others at the time when he dropped this character.
Taken on March 17, 2011

domain: artistic


HOROVITZ SONATINA CLARINET PDF
Joseph Horovitz Clarinet Sonatina (). This work was composed between January and April at the request of Gervase de Peyer and Gwenneth Pryor, . Joseph Horovitz’ Sonatina for Clarinet and Piano was composed between January and April A lighthearted Sonatina, which follows the traditional pattern. Sonatina For Clarinet And Piano sheet music – Clarinet, Piano Accompaniment sheet music by Joseph Horovitz: Novello & Co Ltd.. Shop the World’s Largest.
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More by this Composer: The harmonic idiom of the whole work is obviously tonal, and, like most recent compositions of Horovitz, the Sonatina is melodically and rhythmically much influenced hotovitz jazz and other popular music. Close X Saved to Music List. Piano Accompaniment sheet music. To create a music list, please sign in. Joseph Horovitz’s enchanting Sonatina for Clarinet and Piano, composed in for Gervase [de Peyer] and finely projected in this performance partnered by Gwynneth Pryor, was much enjoyed by the audience, and the 80 year old dedicatee and composer acknowledged the warm applause.
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The Cycle of Investing
Understanding the cycle of investing may help you avoid easy pitfalls.
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domain: economics


Willie Dixon / The Chess Box / Original
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Original 3LP collection of some of the best blues songs ever, from probably the greatest blues songwriter of all time. Comes with a book. Great shape.
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Mississippi / Little Axe co-release. Comes with an insert with track listings. New and unplayed. Terrific country blues comp. $25
2021 original from Mississippi Records. Record comes in old-style tip-on jacket, 160g pressed in Chicago. New and Unplayed $25
LincolnApril 16, 2022


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All About crazymonkey092
Well, these past few weeks, even though very busy, I've been enjoying making music using Sony Acid. If anybody wants to listen the link is at the bottom.
Basically I just put together whatever sounds good, but I enjoy hearing what others have to say about it. Keeps me motivated to keep creating =).(I'm still very new to making music,etc)
Music is listed from Newest to Oldest, with the first 3 songs being ones I've created this week.
Listen Now, Go Go Go!
My Recent Reviews
crazymonkey092 does not have any recent activity. What a slacker! Maybe you should send crazymonkey092 a private message and ask, "Where are you hiding?"


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The EZrobot Six Hexapod is a robot that walks on six legs with a great deal of flexibility in how it can move. It's so stable that doesn't need all its legs to move. It needs only three legs to balance while standing, and can walk with just four. Its other legs are free to reach new foot positions, or manipulate objects. You can customize your robot with EZ-Bits. It also includes the EZ-Robot Camera. This gives your robot the ability to track objects, faces, colors, motion, etc. and you can even customize the vision tracking behaviors. In the classroom or at home, not only do students learn about robotics, they have fun doing it. They build, they learn, they play!
The Six Hexapod Robot is for 12+ ages.

domain: hobby


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The price for her was 127€ plus the shipping.
I'll only be selling these as premades for now. I'm not taking custom commissions at the moment.
This baby's head and paws are casted in resin from an original sculpture, painted with acrylics and sealed with matt varnish for a better durability. Body is hand sewn polar fleece and a beautiful pastel rainbow faux fur , filled with soft stuffing fiber and sand to give him weight and a good balance.
This one is semi armatured. This means it have an armature inside from the head to tail tip so the spine can be bent in any direction. But please, note that the legs aren't.
I used a plastic ball and socket armature on this doll. This kind of armature is specially made for poseable dolls and won't break as wire may do.
She's about 27 cm long.


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City’s valuation skyrockets along with housing market
Columbia Falls in an aerial shot. (Chris Peterson photo).
Editor | September 13, 2023 2:00 AM
Columbia Falls city valuation shot up 46.6% in 2023, city manager Susan Nicosia told council last week.
The valuation mirrors what home and property owners have been seeing in the Flathead since the revaluation.
The city’s residential taxable value went up $4.66 million, while just $81,494 was newly taxable value.
The bulk of the city’s tax base is now residential properties, at 77.3%.
Commercial is 22% and industry just 0.1%
Business equipment is $428,483, or about 2.88% of the total.
Some taxable values actually went down.
The railroad’s value went from $241,228 a year ago to $229,874 in 2021.
The city’s total taxable value is now $14.88 million. In 2010, is was a shade over $6 million.
It is important to note that taxable value is not market value.
The council approved the final ’23-24 budget with about $100,000 in adjustments that did not impact the final mill levy of just over 90 mills.
The council also approved a 2 mill emergency levy. The funds will be used in the event of an emergency, such as a flood or other natural disaster. It doesn’t amount to much annually — about $24,000.
The city’s 3% resort tax had a huge impact on this year’s budget. Not only did it bring in $1.5 million, it financed the bulk of the fire department and the city was able to add a police officer, plus cut taxes by 90 mills.
The city also comes away from this budget with far less debt, as it has paid many of its debts early.

domain: finance


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Every La Sardina suits well to every Lomographer. Are you the adventurous type of person like the La Sardina Copernicus? Or may be you’re more calm and sexy type like the La Sardina Eight Ball? Hurry up, choose one ( or more ), and let’s go fishing!
For me, La Sardina is the best camera for beginners. But don’t you dare to underestimate this funky camera. La Sardina can produce wide angle photos, be set to Bulb mode, and even it has the capability of Multiple Exposure ( MX ). With only 2 focusing mode, La Sardina is the easiest way to take great photos quickly.
And it is suitable in every condition you are in. Use it day and night, for shooting a far away object or the close one, outdoor or indoor, color or black and white film, negative or slide film.
I love to shoot close up with La Sardina because of its wide angle lens.
But i do usually shoot a far away object as well.
Try to use Bulb mode :
And don’t hesitate to try the MX :
And last but not least, i love the La Sardina’s flash. The mighty Fritz The Blitz !
It is so powerful, and i can use 4 different color filter as well.
So, happy trying, and keep rock and roll!
written by bebopbebop on 2012-11-15 #gear #review #lasardina-la-sardina-wide-experiment-review-angle-easy-fritz-the-blitz-quick-shot


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30 Year Fixed VA Mortgage Rates – realtor.com – 30 Year Fixed VA Mortgage Rates. Nationally, 30 Year Fixed VA Mortgage Rates are 3.80%. This rate was 3.69% yesterday and 3.69% last week.
US 30 Year Mortgage Rate – ycharts.com – The 30 Year Mortgage Rate is the fixed interest rate that US home-buyers would pay if they were to take out a loan lasting 30 years. There are many different kinds of mortgages that homeowners can decide on which will have varying interest rates and monthly payments.
Mortgage Loan Rates at 2-Year High for 30-Year Fixed-Rate Loans – The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) released its weekly report on mortgage applications Wednesday morning, noting a week-over-week decrease of 0.7% in the group’s seasonally adjusted composite.
30-Year Fixed Rate Mortgage Rate Nears Two-Year Low – MCLEAN, Va., June 06, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Freddie Mac (OTCQB: FMCC) today released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey ® (PMMS ®), showing that the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rate.
get a house loan with no down payment Can Personal Loans Be Used for Down Payments? – For veterans — You may qualify for a mortgage with no down payment or PMI through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). For buying homes in rural areas — Look into mortgages through the U.S..
Today’s Mortgage Rates and Refinance Rates. 30-Year Fixed Rate 4.625% 4.706% 30-Year Fixed-Rate VA 4.5% 4.808% 20-Year Fixed Rate 4.625% 4.706% 15-Year Fixed Rate 4.25% 4.352% 7/1 arm 4.25% 4.779% 5/1 ARM 4.25% 4.869% 30-Year fixed-rate jumbo 4.625% 4.634% 15-Year fixed-rate jumbo 4.375% 4.391% 7/1 ARM Jumbo 4.125% 4.649% Rates, terms,
With a fixed-rate mortgage, your monthly payment stays the same for the entire loan term. Find information and rates for 15, 20 and 30-year fixed-rate mortgages from Bank of America.
Mortgage rates valid as of 12 Jul 2019 08:29 am CDT and assume borrower has excellent credit (including a credit score of 740 or higher). Estimated monthly payments shown include principal, interest and (if applicable) any required mortgage insurance. ARM interest rates and payments are subject to increase after the initial fixed-rate period (5 years for a 5/1 ARM, 7 years for a 7/1 ARM and 10.
Mortgage Rates for 30 year fixed refi – Yahoo Finance – Tip: Try a valid symbol or a specific company name for relevant results
fannie mae loan requirements Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Update Their Private Mortgage. – – The federal housing finance agency today announced that Fannie Mae and freddie mac (the Enterprises) have published revised private mortgage insurer eligibility requirements (pmiers) for private mortgage insurance companies that insure mortgage loans either owned or guaranteed by the Enterprises.
Looking for a long-term mortgage. any fixed-rate loan, they also offer stability; the monthly payment won’t change no matter what happens to inflation or market interest rates. But the monthly.
FHA Rates – Current FHA Interest Rates, Best 30-year Rate – Fixed FHA rates today provide borrowers the security with 15 and 30-year rates. For example, 15-year FHA rates have dropped below 4% and the 30-year FHA rates range from 3.125% to 3.5%. American homeowners and those considering becoming a first time homebuyer should jump at the opportunity to lock into a government insured loan this low.
ways to refinance your home mortgage affordability calculator based on income In These 15 metro areas, You Can Afford a Home on a $50,000 Income – At NerdWallet, we adhere to strict. which is below the national median household income of about $59,000 for 25- to 44-year-olds, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Our affordability.6 Ways to Pay Off Your Car Loan Early | Payoff Life – Hi Chris, I need your help. I currently owe $15439.00 with a 19.49% interest rate on my car I have to pay it off within 48 months. I’ve been looking into ways on how to pay my auto loan off sooner.
U.S. long-term mortgage rates down; 30-year average at 4.14% – Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday the average rate on the 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage dropped to 4.14% from 4.20% last week. By contrast, a year ago the benchmark rate stood at 4.55%. The.
Mortgage rates could change daily.. 30-Year Fixed-Rate Mortgage: The payment on a $200,000 30-year Fixed-Rate Loan at 4.125% and 75.00% loan-to-value (LTV) is $969.3 with 2 points due at closing. The Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is 4.391%. Payment does not include taxes and insurance premiums.


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(see also ETL Recipes on the Blog)
Most of the recipes on this website are appropriate for Dr. Joel Fuhrman’s Eat to Live program, with the following possible changes:
- Eliminate salt, if necessary
- Reduce or eliminate high-sodium ingredients such as soy sauce or miso (or replace with low-sodium varieties)
- Use low-sodium or salt-free versions of vegetable broth or vegetable bouillon
- Reduce sugar or substitute date sugar or whole dates
- Replace peanut butter with raw nut butter
- Use brown rice or other whole grains instead of white rice
- Use whole grain bread, without added salt, instead of white bread
- Use whole wheat pasta instead of white, or eliminate the pasta altogether and substitute a whole grain
- Find alternatives to broiling or grilling foods at high temperatures for long periods–possibly by pre-steaming vegetables so that grilling time is shortened
- Recipes that are composed mostly of grains or starches should be eaten as side dishes–remember, the salad is the main dish!
NOTE: For more information on the Eat to Live program, see the 6-Week Plan page. For more support, sign up for membership to Dr. Fuhrman’s Member Center or join the YahooGroup. And by all means, read the book!

domain: food


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ALTHOUGH Kazakhstan's economy is starting to grow for the first time in seven years, this has so far had no noticeable effect on the daily struggles of the average Kazakh. Many people fear a bleak future. Understandably, ethnic Germans in Kazakhstan and in other former Soviet republics have rushed to take up the German government's offer to return to their historic fatherland. Two-thirds of the 1m Germans who once lived in Kazakhstan have departed since 1989, leaving some villages almost deserted. At least half the remaining 300,000 are expected to leave over the next two or three years.
The majority of Kazakh Germans are descendants of the Germans who emigrated to the Russian Volga region some 200 years ago and were deported to Kazakhstan after Hitler declared war on the Soviet Union in 1941. For decades they were discriminated against and had to keep quiet about their culture and language. However, Kazakh Germans are now valued as well-educated and hard-working citizens. The Kazakh government is anxious not to lose any more.
The German government, too, while confirming that “the door remains open” for all ethnic Germans, or Aussiedler, would be content to see the end of the flow of immigrants. Unemployment is high in Germany and there have been difficulties integrating the often large families of ethnic-German immigrants, many of whom speak little German. Helmut Kohl, Germany's chancellor, and Carl-Dieter Spranger, the minister for economic co-operation, visited Almaty in April on separate occasions, and urged Kazakhstan's German community to stay put. “One should not have any illusions about what to expect in Germany,” Mr Spranger said.
The minister said that Germany has so far contributed DM55m ($32m) in aid to ethnic Germans in Kazakhstan. This money has been used mostly in the northern part of the country, where the majority of ethnic Germans live, to help set up bakeries, butcher's shops and breweries and generally to create new jobs. The jobs are supposed to support the Kazakh economy and induce Germans to stay. There have been a few success stories but, judging by the small number of Germans remaining in the country, the policy has failed.
Rather than wait a generation for visible economic improvements, many prefer to take the short cut to a better life and move to Germany. Apart from a free ticket “home”, they can expect language tuition, training for a job and the dole if they cannot find one. Because of the closeness of ethnic-German families, once one member of a family leaves, the rest are likely to follow later. Most of those Germans still living in Kazakhstan already have at least one relation in Germany and are now just waiting for their documents to be approved by the German government.
This article appeared in the Asia section of the print edition under the headline "To the fatherland"

domain: sociology


Bud’s ATX series of ATEX Rated Enclosures
Why would Bud introduce an ATEX rated Enclosure? Enclosures are designed for two purposes, protection and beauty. Often, when we think of protection, the focus is on external issues, causing testing to levels such as NEMA 4x or IP65. These NEMA or IP Enclosure ratings deal with keeping the environment out of the enclosure, whether that is rain, dust, or water. Recently, we realized that there are situations where we need to protect the environment from the dangers that emanate from the electronics, typically, some sort of sparking or flashing of the electrical charge. This becomes a significant issue as electronics are now used in applications that one might never have considered such as farming or gas. The ATEX ratings are provided based on tests of how well the enclosure keeps these discharges from the atmosphere in various conditions. The ratings for Bud’s ATX die cast enclosure family note that it is safe to use in work spaces that have either dust or grain rarely or intermittently and the same for gas environments. It is not suggested for use in mines or underground locations. With 10 sizes, a great price, and additional ratings of IP66, this series represents a new way of thinking for BUD and continues our efforts to be the enclosure supplier of choice for the industry. Check out Bud’s ATX series today.


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The arrival of Europeans on Japanese shores marked a turning point for the small island nation of Japan, changing their culture and producing a fair amount of upheaval in their fragile society. Some people wanted to let the Europeans stay and exchange ideas with them, while others wanted Japan to stay isolated from the rest of the world. This rift in Japanese society has influenced its culture to this day, and in Way of the Samurai 4 we see this historical situation come to life. However, this game is no historical simulation but rather an open-world action game.
If Way of the Samurai 4 sounds different, that’s because it is. This open-world action game takes place during a very interesting period in Japanese history, but the game itself never really takes anything seriously. This results in a very silly yet strangely engaging game. Way of the Samurai 4 takes place over the course of four days (split into day and night), but there is a lot to do in those several days, and the decisions you make along the way can change the course of your path quite dramatically. The sheer number of choices you can make, combined with the short nature of the game, creates a title that must be played through a number of times to really appreciate everything this game has to offer. You won’t be able to experience all the events on your first or even second time through. If this sounds interesting to you, get ready for a long haul.
The goals in this game are rather ambiguous and very little direction is given to you while playing, which is one of the major weaknesses. There are tons of decisions to be made but without a guide there is quite a bit of trial-and-error. Whether or not this is too much will depend on how patient you are and how willing you are to try different paths, even if they may be completely against what you want to do. It isn’t that the game is bad, but there is so little direction that it will take an extremely dedicated fan to wade through all the wrong decisions to get to the right one. Your first playthrough will a disorienting one, and a feeling of being lost will reign supreme. However, subsequent playthroughs will give you a better idea of how the game works and how you will get to the ending you want. Be careful in your decision-making though, because the difference between the “good” ending and a less desirable one could hinge on one misplaced decision.
As heavily focused on exploration and decision-making this game is, you will find yourself in combat just as often. Whether you are defending the honor of a companion or taking down enemy samurai, you’ll be no stranger to the art of combat. The more you battle, the more moves you learn, and within a fair amount of time you’ll have an arsenal of moves to choose from, making combat a highly customizable experience. Luckily, the combat system is capable and somewhat intuitive, and with a little work you’ll find a rhythm and fighting will become second nature. However, there are some instances where the camera angle takes away from the action at hand. If you get too close to a wall, the camera tends to move into the building and block your view of the battle, and you will then have to run into a clearing to continue fighting. This becomes especially frustrating when fighting a large group of enemies, as groups will encircle you when engaged, and running to a clearing will be difficult or impossible. The hit detection is also suspect, since not all attacks will land in the same way. This leads to some frustrating moments and ultimately takes away from the game.
Overall, Way of the Samurai 4 is a mixed bag. On one hand you have an interesting setting that sets up the story in a meaningful way. The open-world concept really works for this title and there are tons of ways to customize your look, skill-sets, and weapons. The ability to move freely and experience the story at your own pace works very well. On the other hand, the poor hit detection and camera angles, lack of instructions, and sheer amount of trial-and-error takes the players out of the experience. This clash of good and bad really leaves you in an odd position. While it is a lot of fun to run around the world messing with people and being a nuisance, to actually take this game seriously would reveal all of its flaws and lead to a frustrating experience. Our recommendation is to try this game cautiously. It is definitely worth the rental price, if it is available, but it would be hard to justify the full retail price. There are plenty of laughs to be had, but the game just has too many issues to be chosen over some of the better titles currently available.
This review is based on a review copy of the Playstation 3 version of Way of the Samurai 4 developed by Acquire, published by NIS America


District champion Memorial is best story in high school football
SAN ANTONIO - They are the best story in the high school football playoffs this year, with the best celebration.
Memorial coach Kemmie Lewis does a backflip at midfield after every win.
The Memorial Minutemen are district champions for the first time ever. This is from a team that was 0-10 in 2016. A program that had gone winless in 9 of the last 13 seasons.
Think about that. Now they are in the playoffs, and if you think Memorial is just happy to get there, then you don't know Memorial.
Here are the matchups for 6A Division I Bi-district:
Madison at Lake Travis
Warren at Judson
La Joya at Southwest
Hays at Reagan
Clemens at O'Connor
Here are the matchups for 6A Division II Bi-district:
MacArthur at Austin Westlake
John Jay at Smithson Valley
Austin Vandegrift at Johnson
Steele at Brennan
All games are at 7:30 p.m. on Friday.


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Chocoholics have had the unique opportunity to design and create their own flavours of KitKat bars in Auckland this week.
Connie Yuen works at the KitKat Chocolatory boutique in Melbourne, where people can create their own chocolate bars.
"It's a tough job, but somebody's got to do it," she laughs.
Ms Yuen has travelled to Auckland to teach a selected few masterclasses, which let people create their own KitKats.
She says that while people could try and re-create the bar at home, they would never be able to get the same wafers as the originals - and for this chocolate loving gal, that's the secret ingredient.
"You'd be missing the amazing wafers and it just won't taste the same," she says.
KitKats are made by sprinkling the 'inclusions' with little pieces of delicious ingredients, filling the mould with chocolate, pressing in the wafers, smoothing out the chocolate and then covering it in toppings.
They even set in just over an hour so you can be munching on your creation pretty quickly.
So what is Ms Yuen's favourite combination?
"My favourite is probably mint, raspberry and meringue," she says - but also notes the sweet and salty combination of pretzels and chocolate is also delicious.
The most popular combinations from the Melbourne boutique have been turned into flavours that are now available on supermarket shelves: Mint Cream and Cookie Smash, Caramel Burst, Sea Salt and Espresso, and Biscuit Ganache.


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Grants top-up to support NDIS transition for West Australians
Assistant Minister for Social Services and Disability Services, Jane Prentice and Disability Services Minister Stephen Dawson has today announced a funding commitment to ensure transition to the NDIS in Western Australia is as seamless as possible.
WA will move to the federally administered NDIS on July 1 and this investment will safeguard individuals’ transition.
An investment of more than $5.2million has been contributed by the Commonwealth and WA governments to top-up the existing round of the Information, Linkages and Capacity (ILC) Building grants.
This funding is in addition to the $3 million awarded to 27 organisations across the State in March this year and the $20.3 million set aside in the 2018-19 State Budget for a Sector Transition Fund.
The additional grants have been awarded for initiatives across four priority areas that focus on:
- Improving links for people with disability to relevant mainstream and community services;
- Increasing knowledge and capability within mainstream services;
- Connecting people with disability and their communities; and
- Supporting people with disability to engage with and navigate the NDIS
Information about the successful grant recipients is available on the Tenders WA website.
Comments attributed to Assistant Minister Prentice:
“The Turnbull Government is committed to ensuring the transfer and transition to the NDIS in WA is managed carefully and that participants, families, carers and providers are supported.
“These further ILC grants assist organisations to carry out activities that improve community inclusion; ensuring people with disability can use and benefit from the same services and community activities as everyone else.”
“ILC is an important part of the Turnbull Government’s commitment to improving outcomes for all people with disability, not just NDIS participants.
Comments attributed to Disability Services Minister Stephen Dawson:
“The McGowan Labor Government is committed to supporting people with disability and the disability sector throughout this critical period of change and transformation in WA.
“We’ve made this decision and now we need to make it work.
“I am confident that this further funding for ILC-related initiatives will help support organisations during this transition phase.
“I am especially pleased that a number of grants have been awarded to peer-to-peer support organisations.”


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In the early 1900s, gardening was considered a civic duty. During World War I, Americans were urged to grow food wherever possible, from backyards and empty lots to rooftops. Growing “victory gardens,” as they were called, was a way to prevent starvation and gain self sufficiency.
The ability to harvest your own food during a period of such scarcity was valued and, frankly, demanded.
The call for growing victory gardens returned again during World War II. At one point during the 1940s, it was estimated that 40 percent of the U.S.’s vegetables were produced by home, community and school gardens.
Much more recently, home vegetable gardens made another comeback as Americans turned to home growing to avoid crowded grocery stores during the pandemic. People have also been concerned about disruptions to the food supply and the affordability of fresh vegetables.
To boot, many have had more time at home to tend to their gardens.
What Are Victory Gardens?
Victory gardens are home or community vegetable gardens that are planted and maintained by residents. Each garden looks a little different, with some planted in backyards, others in greenhouses and some in larger community gardens.
The idea is to create a space that will produce fresh, organic produce for you, your family and neighbors.
Although the concept of a victory garden originated during WWI to prevent vegetable scarcity and ensure there was enough produce for soldiers, the general idea is similar today. Growing your own garden enables self-sufficiency, reduces the use of environmental chemicals and saves you money at the grocery store.
How to Start One
First, pick your plot of land or small gardening area. This can even be in containers or window boxes.
Make sure you choose an area that gets at least a few hours of sunlight per day and has soil that drains well. You want to avoid soggy areas that don’t offer enough soil drainage and direct sunlight.
Once you select your area, add in a good amount of compost. Use a shovel to loosen up your existing soil, and mix in the compost.
Instead of purchasing compost, you can use DIY compost that’s simple to make and only requires that you add brown and green materials (like grass clippings, veggie scraps and coffee grounds) and keep it moist.
What to Grow
For beginners, the key is to choose vegetables, herbs and some fruits that are easy to grow and require only a few hours of sunlight. Pick the foods that you love most and will be able to add to your weekly recipes.
Some of the best foods for your victory garden include:
- Swiss chard
Tomatoes are another good option, but they need to be in an area that gets plenty of direct sunlight. When it comes to growing your own fruit, it will likely take a few years for a fruit tree to start producing, so plant and be patient.
1. Provide Fresh, Organic Produce
It can be hard to find fresh, organic produce, so why not grow it yourself? You’ll be able to ensure that no harmful chemicals were used on your plants, and you can harvest and eat them at the peak of freshness.
Easy access to fresh fruits and vegetables will also improve your overall diet and help you maintain a healthy weight. In a 2020 online survey that included U.S. adults ages 18-75, results showed that those with home gardens were less likely to be obese and more likely to meet dietary recommendations for fruit and vegetable intake.
2. Reduce Food Costs
It’s no secret that buying high-quality, organic produce can be costly compared to conventionally grown fruits and vegetables. Growing some veggies at home can help reduce your overall grocery bill, while improving the quality of the produce you consume regularly.
3. Provide Physical Activity
One of the greatest benefits of victory gardens is the exercise that’s needed to maintain the space. Gardening is an enjoyable way to move your body daily, and it’s beneficial for your mental health, too.
A 2018 study assessed the success of mentored home-based vegetable gardening intervention among breast cancer survivors. Researchers found that compared with the controls, the intervention participants reported significantly greater improvements in moderate physical activity, and home gardening helped improve health behaviors, including vegetable consumption.
4. Benefit the Environment
Keeping an organic garden that doesn’t require the use the pesticides, herbicides and chemical fertilizers is not only better for your health, but it’s better for the environment, too. It positively contributes to the natural ecosystem and doesn’t lead to storm runoff of harmful toxins that enter our water systems.
5. Spread the Wealth
One of the best things about growing your own vegetables is the abundance that will be produced by a successful garden. You’ll be able to feed yourself, your friends and your neighbors.
This is what the victory garden was all about during the 1900s — growing for the community and, really, the country.
What are the disadvantages of victory gardens? Maintaining your own vegetable garden does require time and energy.
Of course, spending time outdoors working with the Earth is beneficial to your health in so many ways, so it’s well worth the work. Still, you may find it helpful to work with an experienced gardener or do your research before getting started.
It’s best to start small, and add in as you get more comfortable.
- Victory gardens originated during World War I when food scarcity was a threat to American families. People were urged to become more self-sufficient by growing fruits and vegetables at home.
- You can easily grow your own victory garden using even a small plot of land, pots or window boxes. You can also search community gardens in your neighborhood to join one.
- There are several benefits of victory gardens, including the production of fresh, organic produce and the way that eating these foods and tending to your garden are good for your overall health.

domain: agronomy


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Retailer-wholesaler SpartanNash is continuing its expansion of same-day grocery delivery with a launch in Omaha, now offering the service at 13 Family Fare Supermarkets.
In partnership with third-party delivery service Instacart, customers can order groceries online for delivery in as little as an hour. Customers will have access to in-store promotions through the ecommerce service, as well as produce, dairy, meat, frozen food and everyday essentials.
“Whether our store guests enjoy the convenience of online shopping with Instacart or the experience of visiting our stores, we want to provide them with options that make life a little simpler,” said Larry Pierce, SpartanNash EVP of merchandising and marketing. “SpartanNash and our Family Fare Supermarkets are committed to providing a personalized, convenient shopping experience that exceeds expectations, and our partnership with Instacart allows us to do just that for our Omaha community.”
Participanting locations include 10 stores in Omaha, one in Bellevue, Neb.; one in Papillion, Neb.; and one in Council Bluffs, Iowa. SpartanNash operates a total of 83 Family Fare stores across six states, with three in Fargo, N.D., being the most recent to get grocery delivery prior to the Omaha expansion.
In its recent call to discuss quarter-one earnings during its fiscal 2018, SpartanNash President and CEO Dave Staples restated the company’s commitment to technology, including its grocery delivery and click-and-collect services. At the time of the call last week, online ordering for delivery and curbside pickup were available at more than 35 percent of SpartanNash’s retail locations, and are expected to reach more than 60 percent of stores by the end of the year.
Grand Rapids, Mich.-based SpartanNash serves independent grocers, national accounts, its corporate-owned retail stores and U.S. military commissaries and exchanges. For its retail operations, it runs 142 supermarkets under such banners as Family Fare Supermarkets, D&W Fresh Market, VG’s Grocery, Dan’s Supermarket and Family Fresh Market.


Image source: Football News
Chelsea board reportedly believes that Timo Werner could sensationally leave the club this summer – just 12 months after his move from RB Leipzig.
The 25-year-old was hot property in the Bundesliga having established himself as one of the world’s best strikers.
Werner has looked a shadow of his former self, scoring just five goals in 27 Premier League matches.
According to Football Insider, the club officials are of the belief that Werner won’t honour his contract. It is claimed that Chelsea expect the German to be at the club no longer than two years.
And the report goes on to suggest the striker may even push to leave this summer and return to Germany.
Source- Daily and Sunday Express


Tucked one street back from SE 82nd Ave, is an uncommon condominium complex. Located at 1351 SE 84TH Ave, the site houses 8 distinct buildings. All are simulary built with an attached garage and are 3 stories tall. Real estate listings show they have 3 bedrooms, and 3 full bathrooms. Each is unattached and shares only an access road. As this is a condominium, residents pay a small HOA fee, about $30 per month, but otherwise coexist as 8 independent houses.
This development is not new, it was completed a few years back. However, it does demonstrative a different approach to the standard condominium. One that keeps the single family home feeling of Montavilla, while increasing density. It seems to be a good compromise to to the housing needs we have and avoids the large massed structures we are starting to see in Portland. As more commercial sized lotes become converted to residential properties, perhaps we will start seeing more of this type of development.


Body cameras a success for small airport police force
Dramatic Fall in Complaints
Prompted by Obama's call for a national roll-out of police body cameras, the Washington Post reported in December on their successful use in a regional airport in Missouri. Springfield-Branson is a small airport about 200 miles from Ferguson. Their police officers have been wearing body cameras since 2008. In that time they have seen complaints against their officers plummet – from several a week to reportedly less than one a month. Springfield-Branson offers flights to 11 US cities and police supervisor Kevin Houseman explained how the use of body-mounted video has a dramatic impact on confrontations between the public and his officers.
He said that “people can see the cameras so they act out less. Officers who know they are being recorded tend to be on their best behaviour.” He also pointed out that those disputes that did arise were often settled swiftly once the complainant was shown the footage from an incident.
Trials have undoubtedly shown that the use of body cameras can deescalate tensions at the public interface and this is of considerable interest to the aviation industry. A number of airlines and airport authorities are keen to adopt the technology within their security systems. This is in line with initiatives in adjacent transport security sectors within the UK.
Airport Suppliers is a comprehensive B2B portal that provides a forum for the leading industry contractors along with the latest aviation news. It pulls together operators, vendors, airlines and aviation authorities from across the globe. The PR5 body camera is specifically designed to protect police, transport and civil enforcement officers plus lone workers. Pinnacle Response Ltd is a featured supplier this month and our profile can be viewed here.


21.07 acres prime for a community center or any other retail. After MC DOT is finished with the highway improvement in 2019 city water and sewer will be along the north side of property. Property has a well that supplies water to property owner. Natural gas is on the property. Electric service is on the property. Ideal location for a community center with an anchor. See the concept drawing.


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Bank of Marin Selects Local High School Photographers for Annual Calendar
Community Calendar Features Student Work from Marin, Sonoma, Napa & Alameda Counties
NOVATO, CA – (November 16, 2017) – Bank of Marin has announced the names of 17 students from 10 local high schools whose photography is featured in the Bank’s 2018 community calendar. This marks the eighth year in a row that Bank of Marin has worked with photography teachers and students at Bay Area high schools to select images for the calendar. Students submitted over 200 images, and judges at the Bank made the final photo selections.
“We understand the importance of providing safe, creative outlets for our young people to express themselves,” said Russell A. Colombo, President & CEO of Bank of Marin. “Our annual calendar gives them the opportunity to showcase that creativity while also giving back to the schools that help develop their talents.”
This year’s featured student photographers are:
- Marin Catholic High School, Kentfield – Jacqueline Bondanza, Ry Goodwin, Bella Lachman, Kenzie Morgenlaender, Casey Shannon, Madi Tara and Madison Tarkenton
- Marin School of the Arts, Novato High School – Tassos Foster and Phoebe Zea
- Redwood High School, Larkspur – Olivia Carrel
- San Domenico School, San Anselmo – Cindy Zhang
- San Rafael High School – Cody Jackson
- Sonoma Academy, Santa Rosa – Kelly Needleman
- Sonoma Valley High School – Marvin Jason Ramirez
- Tamalpais High School, Mill Valley – Brieana Bernal
- Terra Linda High School, San Rafael – Devon Stapleton
- The College Preparatory School, Oakland – Suah Oh
Bank of Marin will donate $100 to each participating high school’s photography program for the purchase of supplies and equipment. The 2018 community calendars will be available for free at all Bank of Marin branches.


Wrinkle resistant; Water repellent; Moisture wicking
Cape front yoke; Hidden button-down collar
Pencil sleeve pocket; Bellowed chest pockets
Two concealed document pockets
Cape back w/ mesh under panel for superior ventilation
4.3 oz., 60% Cotton/40% Polyester. Doghouse placket with adjustable cuff closure. Sunglass loop on front pocket. Epaulette and badge holder.


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People across Spain are embracing all types of media in novel ways to build social awareness and advance causes. Working with CIEE professors, you and your peers will uncover powerful social forces at work in Spain, Europe, and even your own country.
You’ll live and learn in the beautiful Andalusian city of Seville. A vibrant location of three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Seville has a rich cultural heritage and landmark art and architecture. Explore Seville’s cultural fabric by visiting shops, markets, and cafés while practicing your Spanish conversational skills.
Your local host family will be your home base during your stay. Together you’ll prepare and share meals, go shopping, learn local customs, and enjoy family routines and recreation. This is also a valuable way to get insight into how family members use and interact with new and traditional media.


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Travolta, De Niro Confirmed for 'Killing Season' Shots in Bulgaria
Movie stars John Travolta and Robert De Niro are expected to arrive in Bulgarian next week to shoot some of the scenes in the upcoming action movie "Killing Season".
Travolta and De Niro will reportedly stay in Bulgaria for a few days, but no details about their schedules have been disclosed.
"Killing Season" (previously titled Shrapnel) was written by Evan Daugherty and directed by Mark Steven Johnson for Millennium Films, as the first on-screen pairing of the two actors.
The movie tells the story of American military veteran Benjamin Ford (Robert De Niro), who has fled to a cabin retreat somewhere in the Appalachian Mountains.
One day, visitor Emil Kovac (John Travolta), a European tourist, knocks on his door, and the two men begin an unlikely friendship.
When it develops that Kovac is in fact a former Serbian soldier bent on revenge, there begins a one-on-one confrontation and battle between the two throughout the harsh mountain environment.
- » Night/Plovdiv to Feature Dozens of Events on September 23-24
- » Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson to Open Plovdiv Salon of Arts in September
- » Azam Ali to Perform in Sofia in October
- » Rozhen Folklore Fair Begins Near Bulgaria's Smolyan
- » Bansko Jazz Festival to Feature Musicians from 3 Continents
- » Kyustendil Honours Famous Bulgarian Painter with Large-Scale Portrait on Square


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Learn more about Dr. James Dolney:
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Birth Control Patient Education Patient information guide about birth control and various types of reversable and irreversable contraception techniques.Before Visiting Dr. Dolney Learn More
Specialties & Research
Dr. James Dolney, DO is board certified in Family Medicine.
Education & Awards
Dr. Dolney graduated from Des Moines University.
Dr. Dolney has 2 hospital affiliations:
- Bon Secours Depaul Medical Center
- Naval Medical Center - Portsmouth
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- Dr. James Kenneth Dolney DO is a male Family Practitioner, has 35 years of experience and practices in Family Medicine.
- Where does Dr. James K. Dolney practice?
- Dr. James Dolney has 1 office location.
Dr. James Dolney practices Family Medicine near Virginia Beach, VA.
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domain: health


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A recent study by three medical centers, in collaboration with Vermont Oxford Network revealed that when extremely low birth weight infants (ELBW) were giving feedings supplemented with probiotics, the infants gained better weight. Though probiotics are considered to be healthy, live organism supplements providing benefits, the safety and efficacy of probiotic supplementation in ELBW infants has not been explored thoroughly. The study authors investigated the effects of probiotics on digestive health and immune function.
Mohamad Al-Hosni, MD, and colleagues during the course of the analysis the effect of supplementing enteral (tube) feedings with probiotics in extremely premature infants who weighed 2 pounds, 2 ounces or less was evaluated. They assumed that the infants provided with supplements including probiotics would seemingly tolerate larger volumes of feeding per day. Also when compared to the control group they could apparently grow faster and required fewer days of antimicrobial treatment.
To conduct the experiment fifty infants were given 500 million colony-forming units (CFU) of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG. They were also feed with 500 million CFU of Bifidobacterium infantis once a day. This was continued until discharge or 34 weeks of postmenstrual age. On the contrary, fifty-one infants were given feedings that excluded probiotics.
The outcome apparently revealed that the infants who received probiotics gained superior weight. This increase in weight occurred even when the average daily volume of their feedings was less than infants in the control group. However, no statistics display compelling differences in other complications of prematurity such as sepsis or necrotizing enterocolitis. Dr. Al-Hosni, an assistant professor of pediatrics at Saint Louis University School of Medicine in the division of neonatal-perinatal medicine at SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center claimed that no side-effects are monitored as a result of probiotic supplementation.
He commented, “These findings strongly suggest that probiotic supplementation to enteral feedings plays a major role in feeding tolerance and nutrient absorption. The improved tolerance of feedings and nutrient absorption lead to better weight gain in this extremely premature infant group.”
However, it should be understood that larger clinical trials need to authenticate the safety and efficiency of the same.
This study was presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) annual meeting in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.


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The first and most important thing you should know about Paramount Pictures’ Thor is that it’s not a laughably corny comic book adaptation. Though you might find it hokey to hear a bunch of muscled heroes talk like British royalty while walking around the American Southwest in LARP garb director Kenneth Branagh has condensed vast Marvel mythology to make an accessible straightforward fantasy epic. Like most films of its ilk I’ve got some issues with its internal logic aesthetic and dialogue but the flaws didn’t keep me from having fun with this extra dimensional adventure.
Taking notes from fellow Avenger Iron Man the story begins with an enthralling event that takes place in a remote desert but quickly jumps back in time to tell the prologue which introduces the audience to the shining kingdom of Asgard and its various champions. Thor (Chris Hemsworth) son of Odin is heir to the throne but is an arrogant overeager and ill-tempered rogue whose aggressive antics threaten a shaky truce between his people and the frost giants of Jotunheim one of the universe’s many realms. Odin (played with aristocratic boldness by Anthony Hopkins) enraged by his son’s blatant disregard of his orders to forgo an assault on their enemies after they attempt to reclaim a powerful artifact banishes the boy to a life among the mortals of Earth leaving Asgard defenseless against the treachery of Loki his mischievous “other son” who’s always felt inferior to Thor. Powerless and confused the disgraced Prince finds unlikely allies in a trio of scientists (Natalie Portman Stellan Skarsgard and Kat Dennings) who help him reclaim his former glory and defend our world from total destruction.
Individually the make-up visual effects CGI production design and art direction are all wondrous to behold but when fused together to create larger-than-life set pieces and action sequences the collaborative result is often unharmonious. I’m not knocking the 3D presentation; unlike 2010’s genre counterpart Clash of the Titans the filmmakers had plenty of time to perfect the third dimension and there are only a few moments that make the decision to convert look like it was a bad one. It’s the unavoidable overload of visual trickery that’s to blame for the frost giants’ icy weaponized constructs and other hybrids of the production looking noticeably artificial. Though there’s some imagery to nitpick the same can’t be said of Thor’s thunderous sound design which is amped with enough wattage to power The Avengers’ headquarters for a century.
Chock full of nods to the comics the screenplay is both a strength and weakness for the film. The story is well sequenced giving the audience enough time between action scenes to grasp the characters motivations and the plot but there are tangential narrative threads that disrupt the focus of the film. Chief amongst them is the frost giants’ fore mentioned relic which is given lots of attention in the first act but has little effect on the outcome. In addition I felt that S.H.I.E.L.D. was nearly irrelevant this time around; other than introducing Jeremy Renner’s Hawkeye the secret security faction just gets in the way of the movie’s momentum.
While most of the comedy crashes and burns there are a few laughs to be found in the film. Most come from star Hemsworth’s charismatic portrayal of the God of Thunder. He plays up the stranger-in-a-strange-land aspect of the story with his cavalier but charming attitude and by breaking all rules of diner etiquette in a particularly funny scene with the scientists whose respective roles as love interest (Portman) friendly father figure (Skarsgaard) and POV character (Dennings) are ripped right out of a screenwriters handbook.
Though he handles the humorous moments without a problem Hemsworth struggles with some of the more dramatic scenes in the movie; the result of over-acting and too much time spent on the Australian soap opera Home and Away. Luckily he’s surrounded by a stellar supporting cast that fills the void. Most impressive is Tom Hiddleston who gives a truly humanistic performance as the jealous Loki. His arc steeped in Shakespearean tragedy (like Thor’s) drums up genuine sympathy that one rarely has for a comic book movie villain.
My grievances with the technical aspects of the production aside Branagh has succeeded in further exploring the Marvel Universe with a film that works both as a standalone superhero flick and as the next chapter in the story of The Avengers. Thor is very much a comic book film and doesn’t hide from the reputation that its predecessors have given the sub-genre or the tropes that define it. Balanced pretty evenly between “serious” and “silly ” its scope is large enough to please fans well versed in the source material but its tone is light enough to make it a mainstream hit.
WHAT IT’S ABOUT?
At his high school’s commencement ceremony socially awkward class valedictorian Denis Cooverman uses his graduation speech to declare his love for hottie head cheerleader Beth Cooper a girl with whom he’s never actually had a conversation. When Beth unexpectedly shows up at his graduation party — followed shortly by her sadistic coked-out Army cadet boyfriend -- Denis is swept up in a series of escapades he won’t soon forget. That is if he makes it through the night alive.
WHO’S IN IT?
Hayden Panettiere star of NBC’s Heroes goes bravely against type to play — you guessed it — a cheerleader. In the role of her geeky onscreen counterpart is relative newcomer Paul Rust.
Not much unfortunately. Teen comedies in the post-Superbad era — even the PG-13 ones — can’t survive on merely playing to tired high-school cinematic stereotypes which I Love You Beth Cooper does in spades. Panettiere is appealing as a bright-eyed cheerleader whose perky exterior hides a bad-girl streak but she doesn’t quite project that unattainable quality the role seems to call for. She’s more like the superhot girl-next-door who you think is attainable but probably isn’t. Rust meanwhile attempts to compensate for the flat material he’s given by overplaying virtually every joke — to the point at which you’ll actually root for his antagonists to pummel him without mercy.
With its promising opening scene Beth Cooper shows the potential to be something sly and clever -- a high-school comedy in the vein of Alexander Payne’s Election — but instead develops disappointingly into a bland turgid knock-off of an ‘80s John Hughes flick.
The opening valedictorian speech in which Denis cooks his own goose by singling out various dysfunctional classmates — including a bully an anorexic and his closeted best friend — for public acknowledgment is achingly funny.
A saucy shower scene later in the film in which a side view of Panettiere’s naked breast is briefly revealed should at least keep the boys around until the third act. Maybe.
Starting near the end of his short 24-year life and then told in flashback this film version of Christopher “Notorious B.I.G” Wallace’s (Jamal Woolard) rapid rise from the streets of Brooklyn to fame is told in standard-issue Hollywood biopic style. We see this Catholic honors student (played by his real life son Christopher Jordan Wallace) become a teenage drug dealer and accidental father before a chance recording finds its way to Sean “Puffy” Combs (Derek Luke) who engineers an almost immediate rise to fame fortune -- and trouble. “Biggie” now must juggle his newfound recording career a marriage to fellow artist Faith Evans (Antonique Smith) his romantic encounters with female rap comer L’il Kim (Naturi Naughton) and a major East Coast/West Coast rivalry with Tupac Shakur (Anthony Mackie) that leads to tragedy for both. As Wallace Brooklyn rapper Woolard is almost indistinguishable from the real man himself. He’s completely convincing performing B.I.G’s biggie hits and proves himself to be a first-rate dramatic actor as well -- at least in a story like this that he can clearly relate to. As his mother Angela Bassett makes the most of limited screen time (despite top billing) and expertly conveys the angst of a parent fighting a losing battle for her son. Luke again shows why he is so promising playing Puffy with just the right amount of flash and supreme confidence. Unfortunately the “balanced” portrait of Combs and many others in B.I.G’s life is tainted by the fact this film was produced by some of the real life players including his managers mother and executive producer Combs. George Tillman Jr. (Soul Food) directs this by-the-numbers account of Biggie’s life in a style we have seen countless times before. Except for a couple of occasions he doesn’t even let the rap sequences play out to give us an idea of how this guy whose songs reflected his rough Brooklyn lifestyle could climb to the top so fast. Whatever was special is lost in what appears to be a brazen attempt to sell soundtrack albums.
It’s Halloween Eve in suburbia and while most of the neighborhood kids are gearing up for a candy extravaganza two young‘uns--DJ (voiced by Mitchell Musso) and Chowder (voiced by Sam Lerner)--are fretting and dreading. They’re convinced that the decrepit house across the street is in fact a monster house inhabited by an old hermit named Nebbercracker (voiced by Steve Buscemi) that will lure kids in on Halloween night. But just as DJ’s parents who naturally don’t believe him to begin with leave for a vacation DJ inadvertently sends Nebbercracker to his death--or so he fears. Now DJ believes Nebbercracker’s monster house will seek revenge on him specifically and to make matters worse his negligent babysitter (voiced by Maggie Gyllenhaal) won’t hear of his yapping. After DJ and Chowder are forced to take action they along with a girl peddling candy (voiced by Spencer Locke) discover how the monster came to be and just how unforgiving she is. When it comes to animation acting the main goal is to make audiences forget that the actors are giving their performances in a studio possibly dressed in their PJs and sans makeup. That goal’s usually achieved but Monster House takes a gamble in supposing that child actors comprising the lead characters will be able to wrap their still-expanding brains around the concept. Somehow Lerner and Musso grasp this despite sounding like they haven’t even been in this world very long! The two are surrounded by a fail-proof supporting cast: it takes a while to recognize Buscemi’s voice as Nebbercracker but once it hits it fits and Gyllenhaal as the babysitter is great if unpredictable casting. Quasi-cameos from Jason Lee as Gyllenhaal’s punk boyfriend Jon Heder as a video-game god and Kevin James and Nick Cannon as slow-moving and -thinking cops garner the most laughs. Not only does it help a film’s box office performance to have Steven Spielberg and Robert Zemeckis onboard as executive producers it helps a film’s director--in this case a rookie director named Gil Kenan. (Zemeckis directed ‘04’s somewhat similar-looking The Polar Express.) While the animation doesn’t quite stand up to say Pixar’s earth-shattering visuals Kenan makes up for it with a fun-filled story (from scripters Dan Harmon Rob Schrab and Pamela Pettler) and an overall lively involved effort--and it’s not like the movie doesn’t still look gorgeous. Besides sometimes it’s refreshing to not be so entranced by the CGI that you lose sight of the actual movie at hand. Kenan’s film is one of the scarier animated movies in a while but that still doesn’t exclude many age groups. What the first-time director thrives on is stopping just shy of true horror moments at which point he reverts to feel-good mode without ever being sappy.

domain: entertainment


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The Poems Of Henry Kendall - novelonlinefull.com
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How sweet is wandering where the west Is full of thee, what time the morn Looks from his halls of rosy rest Across green miles of gleaming corn!
How sweet are dreams in shady nooks, When bees are out, and day is mute, While down the dell there floats the brook's Fine echo of thy marvellous lute!
And oh, how sweet is that sad tune Of thine, within the evening breeze, Which roams beneath the mirrored moon On silver-sleeping summer seas!
How blest are they whom thou hast crowned, Thy priests--the lords who understand The deep divinity of sound, And live their lives in Wonderland!
These stand within thy courts and see The light exceeding round thy throne, But I--an alien unto thee-- I faint afar off, and alone.
In hills where the keen Thessalonian Made clamour with horse and with horn, In oracular woods the Dodonian-- The mystical maiden was born.
And the high, the Olympian seven, Ringed round with ineffable flame, Baptized her in halos of heaven, And gave her her beautiful name.
And Delphicus, loving her, brought her Immutable dower of dreams, And clothed her with glory, and taught her The words of the winds and the streams.
She dwelt with the echoes that dwell In far immemorial hills; She wove of their speeches a spell-- She borrowed the songs of the rills; And anthems of forest and fire, And pa.s.sionate psalms of the rain Had life in the life of the lyre, And breath in its infinite strain.
In a fair, in a floral abode, Of purple and yellow and red, The voice of her floated and flowed, The light of her lingered and spread, And ever there slipt through the bars Of the leaves of her luminous bowers, Syllables splendid as stars, And faultless as moon-litten flowers.
Lady of a land of wonder, Daughter of the hill supernal, Far from frost and far from thunder Under sons and moons eternal!
Long ago the strong Immortals Took her hence on wheels of fire, Caught her up and shut their portals-- Floral maid with fervent lyre.
But stray fallen notes of brightness Yet within our world are ringing, Floating on the winds of lightness Glorious fragments of her singing.
Bud of light, she shines above us; But a few of starry pinions-- Pa.s.sioned souls who are her lovers-- Dwell in her divine dominions.
Few they are, but in the centric Fanes of Beauty hold their station; Kings of music, lords authentic, Of the worlds of Inspiration.
These are they to whom are given Eyes to see the singing stream-land, Far from earth and near to heaven, Known to G.o.ds and men as Dreamland.
Mournful humanity, stricken and worn, Toiling for peace in undignified days, Set in a sphere with the shadows forlorn, Seeing sublimity dimmed by a haze-- Mournful humanity wearing the sign Of trouble with time and unequable things, Long alienated from s.p.a.ces divine, Sometimes remembers that once it had wings.
Chiefly it is when the song and the light Sweeten the heart of the summering west, Music and glory that lend to the night Glimpses of marvellous havens of rest.
Chiefly it is when the beautiful day Dies with a sound on its lips like a psalm-- Anthem of loveliness drifting away Over a sea of unspeakable calm.
Then Euterpe's harmonies In the ballad rich and rare, Freighted with old memories, Float upon the evening air-- Float, like shine in films of rain, Full of past pathetic themes, Tales of perished joy and pain, Frail and faint as dreams in dreams.
Then to far-off homes we rove, Homes of youth and hope and faith, Beautiful with lights of love-- Sanctified by shrines of death.
Ah! and in that quiet hour Soul by soul is borne away Over tracts of leaf and flower, Lit with a supernal day; Over Music-world serene, Spheres unknown to woes and wars, Homes of wildernesses green, Silver seas and golden sh.o.r.es; Then, like spirits glorified, Sweet to hear and bright to see, Lords in Eden they abide Robed with strange new majesty.
John Dunmore Lang
The song that is last of the many Whose music is full of thy name, Is weaker, O father! than any, Is fainter than flickering flame.
But far in the folds of the mountains Whose bases are h.o.a.ry with sea, By lone immemorial fountains This singer is mourning for thee.
Because thou wert chief and a giant With those who fought on for the right A hero determined, defiant; As flame was the sleep of thy might.
Like Stephen in days that are olden, Thy lot with a rabble was cast, But seasons came on that were golden, And Peace was thy mother at last.
I knew of thy fierce tribulation, Thou wert ever the same in my thought-- The father and friend of a nation Through good and through evil report.
At Ephesus, fighting in fetters, Paul drove the wild beasts to their pen; So thou with the lash of thy letters Whipped infamy back to its den.
The noise of thy battle is over, Thy sword is hung up in its sheath; Thy grave has been decked by its lover With beauty of willowy wreath.
The winds sing about thee for ever, The voices of hill and of sea; But the cry of the conflict will never Bring sorrow again unto thee.
On a Baby Buried by the Hawkesbury
[_Lines sent to a Young Mother._]
A grace that was lent for a very few hours, By the bountiful Spirit above us; She sleeps like a flower in the land of the flowers, She went ere she knew how to love us.
Her music of Heaven was strange to this sphere, Her voice is a silence for ever; In the bitter, wild fall of a sorrowful year, We buried our bird by the river.
But the gold of the gra.s.s, and the green of the vine, And the music of wind and of water, And the torrent of song and superlative shine, Are close to our dear little daughter.
The months of the year are all gracious to her, A winter breath visits her never; She sleeps like a bird in a cradle of myrrh, By the banks of the beautiful river.
Song of the Shingle-Splitters
In dark wild woods, where the lone owl broods And the dingoes nightly yell-- Where the curlew's cry goes floating by, We splitters of shingles dwell.
And all day through, from the time of the dew To the hour when the mopoke calls, Our mallets ring where the woodbirds sing Sweet hymns by the waterfalls.
And all night long we are lulled by the song Of gales in the grand old trees; And in the brakes we can hear the lakes And the moan of the distant seas.
For afar from heat and dust of street, And hall and turret and dome, In forest deep, where the torrents leap, Is the shingle-splitter's home.
The dweller in town may lie upon down, And own his palace and park: We envy him not his prosperous lot, Though we slumber on sheets of bark.
Our food is rough, but we have enough; Our drink is better than wine: For cool creeks flow wherever we go, Shut in from the hot sunshine.
Though rude our roof, it is weather-proof, And at the end of the days We sit and smoke over yarn and joke, By the bush-fire's st.u.r.dy blaze.
For away from din and sorrow and sin, Where troubles but rarely come, We jog along, like a merry song, In the shingle-splitter's home.
What though our work be heavy, we shirk From nothing beneath the sun; And toil is sweet to those who can eat And rest when the day is done.
In the Sabbath-time we hear no chime, No sound of the Sunday bells; But yet Heaven smiles on the forest aisles, And G.o.d in the woodland dwells.
We listen to notes from the million throats Of chorister birds on high, Our psalm is the breeze in the lordly trees, And our dome is the broad blue sky.
Oh! a brave, frank life, unsmitten by strife, We live wherever we roam, And our hearts are free as the great strong sea, In the shingle-splitter's home.

domain: library