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Recently, my husband and I separated after 42 years of marriage. Little did I imagine when I uttered my marriage vows, “Till death do us part,” what it would take to keep that promise.
Forty-two years is a lifetime, a lifetime of change, challenges, surprises and twists of fate. What if during those years a married couple differs drastically in their approach to their life circumstances. What if as the years go by “to love and to honor one another” is the greatest challenge they will face? What if these individuals grow in different directions, so far apart in their outlook on life that there is rarely a meeting of the minds on even the simplest things? How does one sustain a marriage under those circumstances? The answer is with great difficulty.
My husband and I were deeply in love and entered our marriage starry-eyed and ready to embrace the dream of living happily ever after. We were only married a month when we found out we had a baby on the way, not exactly what we had planned but we were excited and ready to welcome a baby into out little love nest. Ten months after we walked down the aisle, our son was born and three years later we had a daughter. We were in our twenties, bought our first home, and were well into the American dream. I recall those years as the children were growing up as our happiest. We were blessed with healthy, intelligent, beautiful children and we were filled with hope and promise for our future life together with our little family. The challenges we faced in our daily lives were surmountable and “love and honor” were still very much alive.
As the children got older and parenting became much more of a challenge, so did career choices, financial decisions, health issues, in-law problems, and just plain life happening. This is when we were faced with multiple challenges, yet my husband and I were often at odds regarding the handling of these issues. He was prone to seeing the glass half empty and I tended to see it half full. I saw possibilities where he saw pitfalls. Needless to say, problem-solving became a constant struggle. Gradually, our differences went from bickering to arguing to verbal battles. We differed on so many issues throughout the years that eventually communication between us was a test of wills. As the years went by, we grew further apart in our general outlook on life and our view on people and the world around us. In recent years communication between us actually became painful because we agreed on virtually nothing and after years of arguing there were still certain critical issues between us that just never got resolved. We were stuck, like so many couples our age, in a marriage of convenience with financial constraints and other dynamics that held us together.
During the years we had gone for marriage counseling twice, but we were unable to reconcile the differences between us and there remained certain issues that continued to drive a wedge between us. One might wonder what kept us together all those years, a question that I have often pondered. Why when we were both in “our golden years” of mid-sixties did we finally reach the breaking point? First, I would say that our children were probably the main reason we initially stayed together, and thankfully, despite all the friction between their parents, they still turned out to be well adjusted, responsible, loving, caring individuals. Secondly, there were a number of other intrinsic reasons that might have kept us together, like the indoctrination we had both received by our strict Catholic upbringing that “sanctified” marriage, so a divorce was never our first option when our marriage started to deteriorate. Furthermore, like dummies and being both strong willed, we thought we could weather the storms and hang in there. Others we had seen had done so. We had our generation of friends who were old dinosaurs and had apparently weathered their private storms and were still married. Lastly, and most significantly for me, I was afraid to go out on my own. For my husband who was a perfectionist, failure at anything, including marriage, was not something he could easily live with.
The third factor was that there were many times when we did have a good time together and our sex life was not significantly impacted. We were great playmates when we were enjoying some common interests through the years like golf, skiing, and most recently, the opera. Add to that, we both have a great sense of humor, and laughter is always good medicine for any relationship. We do share many good memories of our children as they were growing up, of trips we took and fun times together. Most of all, we remember the passion that we once had for one another, that time in our lives when we were very much “in love.” I guess we both wanted to hold on to those memories and escape into the past. Unfortunately, whenever we had to resolve a life dilemma or any sort of problem be it large or small, the boxing gloves were always ready to come out. Years of sparring finally caught up with us in our sixties. We were just too tired to get in the ring anymore.
This final fatigue together with another major factor was the final turning point. We had gone from not liking one another to not being able to stand one another and the daily tension between us was insurmountable. At long last, we decided we both wanted out of the marriage and that the sooner we could be on our own, the better. Yet, when we looked at the logistics of getting a divorce, we realized that this was not a realistic solution for us for several reasons. We could not afford a divorce at a time when the economy was in such a critical state and our retirement income and portfolio was being significantly affected. We would both have to make drastic changes to our lifestyle and living situation. Furthermore, neither of us was emotionally braced for the stress and strain of going through a divorce at this time in our lives and thirdly, we did not want a divorce to impact our relationship and contact with our children and grandchildren.
In lieu of a better solution, we first tried a “cease fire” co-habitation and became housemates living under the same roof, but there remained an undercurrent of tension between us. Communication between us was very limited, but we experienced a mounting need to escape from the pressure of “playing nice” with a house buddy who could at any moment bring out the old ghosts from the closet. I was desperate to find a solution that we could both live with and would not cripple us financially.
The answer that I came up with was for me to find a reasonable condo for rent near my daughter who lives out of state. We would put our house up for sale and my husband would remain there as long as it would take to sell and then find a smaller place to live. It occurred to me that I would be solving three problems with my move. First, I would be moving from an intolerable situation to find long needed peace of mind and some emotional stability in my life. Secondly, I would be readily available to help a loving daughter as she juggles the needs of a career, a husband, a home, an infant and a toddler. Thirdly, I would be moving somewhere that I had visited often and really liked and had the promise of finding the serenity I longed for.
Much to my surprise, my husband agreed that this separation would be an equitable solution. Our separation would not be a legal one, but would be one where we set the parameters. We would retain the status of married but technically live in two different residences, one that we owned and one rental. When the sale of our house was imminent, I would assist with the search for a small townhouse or condominium that would belong to both of us and I would continue to rent. We would work to establish a cordial relationship between us, unrestricted communication, and visitations between both the residences, especially in light of my husband’s wish to visit our grandchildren who I would be living close to.
I did manage to find a small apartment close to my daughter and our separation has worked out very well for us. It has helped us move beyond bitterness and resentment and presently, we are on our best behavior when we do see each other. We know that we have a very unusual situation, but we also realize that we are communicating better than ever now that we are not living together. Now we communicate via phone, email, and periodic visits and we are able to avoid controversial subjects that we argued about for years. Furthermore, some areas of discussion have been pre-determined as taboo. Most importantly, my husband has come full circle on certain issues that plagued our marriage for years and as a result, I have learned to forgive and forget.
Now we go out of our way to be respectful and considerate of one another. This separation has made us better people, helped us to grow in self-awareness, and opened up possibilities for both of us to cultivate new interests as we settle into our new living situation. We don’t “hate” each other as we did before our separation, and this has freed us from holding on to negative feelings. We are both in a very good place emotionally and savoring the peace of mind that we sought. Thankfully, we avoided the trauma associated with a divorce.
As for me, I am very happy with my new life and a freedom that I have never experienced in my life, as I married young and moved directly from my mother’s home and watchful eye to a home with my husband. I cherish this new independence and have no intention of beginning a new life of compromise and commitment to anyone else in my life. I happen to still care for my husband because is a good man. He is and will always be a friend in time of need and someone I can depend on. The bond of love we shared keeps us connected and we have rekindled respect which we had long abandoned.
We don’t know what the future holds for us but we are both very satisfied with our present arrangement. Neither of us has the desire to remarry or see this in the foreseeable future. We both value our independence and can manage on our own. Despite all the bad times we had trying to hold on to our marriage, there has remained a mutual caring and concern between us. Being apart has given us the opportunity to appreciate the good times we had together and heal from the blows we inflicted on one another during the worst of times. Who knows? If time does heal all wounds, then this “New Age marriage” of ours may be the answer to how we might still be bonded somehow “till death do us part."
Alicia Steel is blog contributor and dating consultant of Loveawake.com dating site. She works with single men across USA, UK, Australia, Canada who feel like life is passing them by and helps them to get clear on what they really want and finally make their dreams happen. Through his tips and advices, Alicia helps her clients simplify the process of taking back their power and create an extraordinary life. She has been covering online dating, relationships, breakups and marriage niche since 2008.


Possible Future Situation: Someone wants me to recover files from an infected system partition of their PC. So I decide to image the system partition with Image for DOS and then wipe the hard drive and install the OS and other software. Then I have the person who owns the PC buy an Image for Windows license. Will their TBIView be able to open and extract files from an hard drive image created with Image for DOS of a different license? Thank you.


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Frenetic drum beats, cheering and chanting pour out onto U Street. The sounds emanate from the insides of theaters, clubs and performance halls, where masses of Washington, D.C. music fans sing and dance, abandoning themselves to the untamed spirit of the “Chocolate City.” Although this scene is timeless, the type of music played today sounds quite different than it did a decade ago as the go-go music native to D.C. has become increasingly replaced by hip-hop.
The District is the birthplace of go-go music, a blend of funk, hip-hop, blues and soul that is rooted in live performance and call-and-response between the artist and audience. While hip-hop rose to popularity across the rest of the country in the 1980s and ’90s, go-go remained the dominant force in the D.C. region. Today, even as D.C. continues to develop its own hip-hop presence, the influence of go-go runs deep.
Origins of Go-Go
Many cities have their own unique sounds that drive musical progression; Nashville, for example, is the home of country music, and Atlanta is the birthplace of trap. In the District, go-go is the signature genre. In the ’80s and ’90s, local legends like Chuck Brown & the Soul Searchers, Black Heat and The Young Senators began creating their own distinctive upbeat sounds.
Chuck Brown & the Soul Searchers began by playing funk music for dancing audiences. Later, Brown had the idea to keep the beat going between songs to keep the crowd moving and the party going. These transition beats became very popular, and thus go-go music was born.
“The essence and energy of go-go music and the live performance is powerful. Once the band hits a certain pocket or bounce … you can watch the entire club and the band rock out together, just like an [electronic dance music] concert,” Charles “Shorty Corleone” Garris of the go-go band Rare Essence said. Rare Essence achieved mainstream success in the ’90s, and later played at one of the inaugural balls in 2009.
Natsu Onoda Power, an associate professor in Georgetown’s Program in Theater and Performance Studies, characterized the go-go scene as having “nonstop energy, call-and-response audience participation, a sense of community and unity, affirmation of identity as a D.C. resident — I scream ‘Northwest! when they call out ‘Where ya from?’”
This frequent audience engagement enhances the already energetic atmosphere and creates an almost peerless ambience. Today, one can still see traditional go-go music live from acts like Rare Essence, Bela Dona and Backyard Band right here in the capital city.
Go-go maintained a dominant position in the Washington music scene from the 1960s to the 2000s. Initially, it arose as an outlet for black communities to let their voices be heard, and ultimately became a unifying force against the dissolution of black culture in the “Chocolate City” during the drug epidemic of the ’80s.
Its influence in this time contributed heavily to the development of black culture in D.C. and remains an important building block of the city today.
“Go-go music and the community that was built among the African-American community was one that was centered around political outcry and voice,” said Myiah Smith (SFS ’20), a Georgetown student and daughter of David Smith, an ’80s go-go artist. “This was during a time where they were being ignored, they weren’t being acknowledged, the issues that they faced in their communities were turned a cold shoulder. And so go-go music was the push against that … it’s about strength and happiness and pride.”
Go-go music was so popular for years that it precluded the emergence of hip-hop in the District. Over time, however, the genres began to intertwine and hip-hop artists used go-go as a source of inspiration and a springboard for local and national attention.
Origins of D.C. Hip-Hop
While the lively sounds of go-go reverberated through D.C., another phenomenon was taking the rest of the country by storm: hip-hop. In the 1980s and ’90s, hip-hop rapidly grew in prominence, and urban regions with dense black populations such as New York City and Los Angeles developed their own hip-hop subcultures.
Despite its rich black heritage, D.C. never came close to reaching the hip-hop prominence of other cities and was largely overshadowed. DJ Heat, a local radio DJ, explained the ’90s Washington hip-hop void in an interview with public radio station WAMU in 2015: “It was all about banging on go-go beats on your desk and in the lunch room … no one cared about hip-hop.”
Though go-go continued to dominate, the D.C. hip-hop community soon caught its first big break with the rise of its first major rap star, Wale. Drawing from his District roots, Wale gained regional attention with his agile flow over cleverly sampled go-go on the 2006 single “Dig Dug (Shake It).”
“As far as today’s hip-hop, we have to give credit to Wale. He’s the ambassador of that sound, mixing go-go beats with rap and taking it mainstream,” Garris, better known by his stage name Shorty, said.
Wale’s celebrity continued to grow following the release of several well-received mixtapes as well as his $1.3 million deal with Interscope Records.
The recent explosion of D.C. hip-hop is not limited to Wale. The scene has grown immensely over the past 10 years, with artists drawing inspiration from a variety of regions and styles.
Unlike cities such as LA or Houston, the District does not have a distinctive regional sound. But this allows for local artists to experiment without being tied down to one particular style. Local rapper GoldLink, for example, infuses his songs with an electronic bounce. GoldLink is perhaps Washington’s most promising rising star: his rolling, half-sung verses and hooks over innovative production have attracted the attention of music critics and fans.
What could explain the massive growth of D.C. hip-hop over the past decade?
The careers of rappers like Wale, GoldLink and Maryland native Logic may hold the answer. Before any major radio singles, each first amassed a significant internet following through mixtapes released online. These, in turn, attracted the attention of blogs, music reviewers and, finally, record labels. These rappers came to prominence through the support of their diverse online fan bases, rather than organically through the local hip-hop scene. By connecting D.C. rappers with audiences outside of D.C.’s loyal go-go community, the growth of the internet has allowed District hip-hop to truly flourish.
From Go-Go to GoldLink
When it originated, go-go music was more closely associated with funk than hip-hop, but over time, hip-hop has influenced the genre and blurred the boundaries between them. Go-go pioneers like Shorty have even accepted the new sound.
“[It] represents the same elements — one big party,” Shorty said.
However, as a result, go-go music has been pushed out to the outskirts of D.C. Its influence remains prominent in the sounds of new artists in these area, as well as in hip-hop artists on a broader scale.
In Washington, the go-go community also serves as a platform for rappers to grow and gain a following while still being a rich source of history and inspiration with great stories to share with the world.
As Shorty puts it: “D.C. hip-hop acts get the best of both worlds being in a go-go city.”
However, the existence of pure go-go music has been, and continues to be, threatened by gentrification.
“One of the big issues as a Washingtonian going to Georgetown that I see is sort of the death of Chocolate City. … Now go-go is predominantly in Maryland, on the outskirts of D.C.” Smith said. “The solution would be communities making an effort to uplift other people’s cultures … preserving local culture, making venues and outlets so that go-go professionals and go-go bands are able to perform, and then even having fairs for D.C. music and D.C. cultures.”
In Washington, go-go and hip-hop culture remain tightly intertwined. Ultimately, they build off one another, both contributing to the District’s rich musical culture.
The same themes of celebration, empowerment and solidarity in the face of social and political injustice are shared between them. Despite gentrification, go-go is still alive and well in the hearts and ears of those who appreciate its cultural significance.
Its legacy continues through bands like Rare Essence, who are still playing after more than 30 years. It lives on through passionate, loyal fan bases who remember the vibrant beats of the “Chocolate City.” With its themes of celebration and pride, empowerment and strength within the black community and outcry against social and political injustice, go-go is more needed than ever.

domain: geography


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Distributed by The Sports Xchange
LONG POND, Pa. -- To Denny Hamlin, Pocono is a brand new racetrack.
As Hamlin predicted two weeks ago, the repaving of the 2.5-mile triangular track has removed any advantage the driver of the No. 11 Toyota might have had at one of his favorite venues.
So for Hamlin, who won two races at Pocono from the pole in his 2006 rookie season and added one victory each in 2009 and 2010, it's just like starting over.
"The success we had here . . . is gone," Hamlin told the NASCAR Wire Service after the morning session of testing on Thursday. "It's kind of a reset. You're not going to be able to look at any notes from previous (races) and race winners and try to predict a race winner for this thing.
"Strategy's going to be huge. Track position is going to be big. Of the test guys, you could probably put anyone in the top 20 out front with 15 laps to go, and no one's going to catch 'em."
Speeds have increased dramatically during the first two days of testing at the Tricky Triangle. All 41 cars in Thursday's afternoon session were faster in race trim than Kasey Kahne's 2004 qualifying record of 172.533 mph.
Coincidentally, Kahne posted the top speed during testing -- 179.490 mph -- turning a lap in 50.142 seconds, more than two seconds faster than his 2004 record time.
"With the corner speeds being so much slower with the old surface, you didn't get off the corner as well," Hamlin said. "Everyone is shifting (gears) now, and your shift points have moved around dramatically. Obviously, that's been shortened up.
"It's just a big test session right now, trying to figure out what makes speed at this race track, what you have to do, because, really, you drive it totally different than what you used to."
THE TURN IS THE HARD PART
AJ Allmendinger, who had the fastest lap in the Thursday morning session (177.190 mph), said the average speed didn't hold a candle to the pace entering Turn 1.
"I think on data it's 211 (mph)," Allmendinger said. "The speed's easy down the straightaway. The problem is you've got to turn at the end."
And the problem with turning is that, for now, Pocono is a one-groove racetrack. Over the course of the weekend, drivers expect it to widen out as the new asphalt takes on more rubber. That should make both lanes viable for restarts during the race.
"At Phoenix last year, we all thought the same thing when it got repaved, that starting on the outside was going to be brutal, and you're just going to be hung out to dry," Allmendinger said. "By the end of the race, you could argue that being on the outside of every row was actually a little bit better, because you get a run off the corner.
"The track will eventually widen out, because we'll have to restart the race double-file; we'll have to start the race double-file; you'll have an ARCA race (Saturday) that will have to start double-file. So the track will widen out. It's just not going to do it until people start racing."

domain: news


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The Tokyo 2020 Olympics are almost here (we hope)! We sit down with contributors Book Club Claire and Superfan Sarah to talk about what we think will happen during the Olympics.
2020's been a doozy for the Olympic and Paralympic world, so we put together a contributor roundtable with Book Club Claire and Superfan Sarah to talk about the biggest stories from this non-Olympic year.
We're less than a year away from the Tokyo Olympics, which means there's not that much time for fans to prep. Never fear--Superfan Sarah is back to give us some tips on what we can do now. Plus, she's also spent a good amount of time in Tokyo, so she's got tips on how to beat the heat, different food to eat, how to get around and more!

domain: sports


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Isheeta Chakrvarty will present a set of modern and contemporary jazz tunes, aptly titled, Going Beyond, with a sound that is global in nature, deriving from not just American and European influences but also African and Latin music. The set of songs will include originals as well as familiar standards. The ensemble includes Isheeta Chakrvarty on vocals, Sanjay Divecha on guitar, Niranjan Joshi on keyboard, Ishan Jadwani on drums, Ralph Menezes – bass. Experience Going Beyond at the Experimental Theatre on 10th June at 7.00 pm.
Quasar Thakore Padamsee presents Lungs, an intensely intimate, intricate and funny play about imperfect love in an imperfect world. Catch this slice-of-life humour at Jamshed Bhabha Theatre on 16th and 17th June at 7.30 pm and also on 18th & 19th June at 4.00 pm and 7.30 pm.
For Tickets: bookmyshow.com / NCPA Box Office: 66223754/66223724 / www.ncpamumbai.com

domain: artistic


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This variant is currently sold out.
Native to the Sichuan region of China, Sichuan peppercorns are an essential ingredient in Chinese cooking. Imparts a citrusy, hot flavour with a numbing, tongue-tingling sensation. Interestingly, the edible portion is the husks of the peppercorn with the bitter, inner seeds removed. It is a key element of Chinese five-spice but is also great on its own as a table condiment.
Typically, Sichuan peppercorns are toasted and crushed just before being incorporated into a dish.
Glass Jar: 180 ml, contains 3/4 cup.
Flat Pack: 4" x 6" x 2", contains 1/2 cup.
Ingredients: Sichuan peppercorns
Storage: Store in a cool, dry and dark place away from heat.
Allergen: May contain mustard, sesame seeds and/or other common allergens.

domain: food


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Rail services along the Echuca-Toolamba rail line have resumed after the line fell into disuse because of a reduction in speed limits.April 1, 2014 9:30am
Rail services along the Echuca-Toolamba rail line have resumed after the line fell into disuse because of a reduction in speed limits.
SunRice last week confirmed it resumed transporting goods along the 67
The speed limit along the line dropped to 30
By November 1, speed limits had returned to 50
The spokeswoman said the company was now operating five to six services a week on the line.
‘‘The train is scheduled to operate on nightshift departing Melbourne at 7
‘‘The train departs Toolamba at 6.30
The line was reopened in October last year after a $7.2
SunRice was a partner in the refurbishment.
The spokeswoman said ‘‘no trains are scheduled to use the Bendigo line going forward’’.
Pyjama fashions were trialled at Shepparton Railway Station yesterday ahead of tomorrow’s All Aboard Shepparton campaign train to Melbourne.
Local kayaking athletes Brea Roadley and Kayla Whinray have continued making a splash in their sport on both a national and international level.
I believe there are few industries that rival dairy in its capacity to create opportunities for people with a wide variety of skills and experience.
Today at 11am something extraordinary will happen.
Rochester and region businesses might be getting their wish — more police on duty more of the time.
Jackson Gentle beats younger sibling Cooper in thrilling Parkland decider
He's one of football's hottest talents but there's a lot to focus on for young Seymour gun.
Record cattle prices were recorded at the Finley Saleyards on Friday
City of Greater Bendigo has started investigating the feasibility of developing a regional food hub.
Moira Shire Council has purchased the temporary Numurkah Hospital building and will relocate it to Cobram as staff accommodation.
First Deniliquin crop shows promise.
There may never be a solution to the Murray-Darling Basin and managing its water — Australia’s greatest natural asset.
Benalla/Mansfield under-16s narrowly missed out on the top honours at interleague compeition.
Discover unbelievable local deals from local businesses every week in the Goulburn and Murray Valley area with Leapon.com.au!
Search properties for sale or rent across North Central Victoria and Southern NSW. Visit your local website for local homes....
Search for published and unpublished photos from McPherson Media Group newspapers and magazines. All our photos are available to purchase.
Place an advertisement in any one of McPherson Media Group's local newspapers.


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The natural world is full of fascinating patterns, a fact that hasn’t escaped the keen eyes of our Photo Contest participants. Have a great shot of your own? There’s still time to enter the 2014 Picture This Photo Contest!
Like this? Check out Take 5: Beach Scenes.


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Horringer: Tractor trailer sheds hay bales on A143
- Credit: Archant
A tractor trailer shed a load of hay bales on the A143 in Horringer this afternoon.
Police were notified of the incident at 1.17pm to help direct traffic after the tractor trailer lost its load at the junction to Westley Lane.
Police helped traffic while a forklift truck moved the bales back onto the trailer.
The incident was dealt with within an hour. A Suffolk police spokesman said some straw had been left on the road to be collected by the farmer later.

domain: agronomy


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Follow Iowa Code 257.8 (Education Funding Law) Set Supplemental State Aid now!
This petition had 151 supporters
Iowa state law requires the legislature to establish the next fiscal year’s Supplemental State Aid rate within 30 days of the Governor releasing his budget proposal. (Iowa Code 257.8) For this year that puts the legally mandated deadline to set the aid rate for FY2015 as February 13th. The Senate passed 2 bills dealing with Supplemental State Aid (SF2077 and SF2079) on February 5th and immediately messaged them to the house. On February 6th both bills were assigned to the House Education Committee and to sub-committees on February 11th, but since that time, House Leadership has refused to bring either bill out of committee to be debated or voted on. In the meantime, Iowa’s school boards and administrators face an April 15th deadline to submit their budgets to the Iowa Department of Education. With no clear idea of what funding they may receive from the state, they have to lock in a budget and plan for future budgets that will be able to withstand whatever the legislature eventually decides. (Which could be a funding increase, a funding freeze, or even a funding cut.) This is not only unfair to our schools and our students, but illegal and unnecessary. UNIfy for Education calls on the Iowa House to follow the law. Make education a true priority in Iowa and set the Supplemental State Aid rate now!
Today: UNIfy for Education is counting on you
UNIfy for Education needs your help with “Iowa House Leadership: Make education a true priority. Set Supplemental State Aid now!”. Join UNIfy for Education and 150 supporters today.


LG K42 makes it to India with military-grade durability and low price
While LG may or may not leave the smartphone market soon (there's a lot of conflicting information on that right now), at the moment the company is definitely still in the game.
It's priced over there at INR 10,990 (about $150 or €123 at the current exchange rates). It will become available from Flipkart on January 26 in green and gray. If you buy a K42, you will get a two-year warranty as well as a free one time screen replacement should you need it.
So what do you get from the phone? The LG K42 has a 6.6-inch 720x1600 touchscreen, the MediaTek Helio P22 chipset at the helm, 3GB of RAM, 64GB of expandable storage, a 13 MP main rear camera, a 5 MP ultrawide, a 2 MP macro cam, a 2 MP depth sensor, and an 8 MP selfie snapper.
There's a 3.5 mm headphone jack, a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, a dedicated Google Assistant button, a 4,000 mAh battery and MIL-STD 810G compliance for ruggedness.
It seems everybody disregards this phone. However, how many Chinese competitors do you know that they have PASSED the MIL (military grade) test of the US Deparment of Defence? These MIL standards are not a joke! The LG K42 is tested for durability as...
- 07 Jun 2021
I have one of the K2 LG phone and I love it it's not ugily the screen is an impressive size the battery is fantastic I can't fault the phone it might not be for everyone but it definitely gives Samsung phone a run for their money that...
- 01 Feb 2021
Wdym? There's no joke since the beginning bruh
- 27 Jan 2021


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Flavorganics, Organic Almond Extract, 2 fl oz (59 ml) (Discontinued Item)
By Flavorganics9 Reviews
0.42 lbs (0.19 kg)
- Product Code: FLA-00108
- UPC Code: 651170001085
- Package Quantity: 2 fl oz (59 ml)
- Dimensions: 1.5 x 1.5 x 3.7 in, 0.25 lbs (0.11 kg)
- USDA Organic
- Kosher Parve
- Certified Organic by Oregon Tilth
Keep away from spark or open flame.
Water, organic alcohol, natural oil of bitter almond, organic sweet almond oil.
This product contains extractives of almond, which is a tree nut.
iHerb Customer Reviews


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One of the most celebrated proponents of modernism in the United Kingdom during the interwar period, the sculptor Henry Moore radically changed the inherited sculptural forms, and patterns of working with materials and molding.
Moore’s sculptures usually represent abstracted features of the human figure, in particular the dual compositions of the mother-and-child or reclining figures. At the center of his practice is the female body, while his forms are usually pierced and hollowed. To say that Henry Moore's contribution to art history is valuable is an understatement, as his practice often served as a pioneering example of truly abstract sculpture to various established scholars such as Herbert Read or Kenneth Clark.
The upcoming exhibition at the Houghton Hall under the title Henry Moore at Houghton Hall: Nature and Inspiration will once again honor the sculptor’s six decades-long career and underline the crucial points in his explorations of the human figure through abstraction.
Henry Spencer Moore was born in 1898 in Castleford. The great sculptor was raised in a humble family, and despite the fact his parents did not support his decision to pursue the career of a sculptor – he succeeded. Namely, already while in elementary school, Moore showed a great deal of talent and some of his earliest carvings were made during that period. Although his schooling was disrupted by the WW I, in 1919 he started attending the Leeds School of Art, met a fellow student Barbara Hepworth, and saw the modernist works in the collection of Sir Michael Sadler, the University Vice-Chancellor, for the first time. In 1921, Moore got a scholarship and started studying at the Royal College of Art in London, where he started exploring further primitive art and sculpture, as well as the ethnographic collections at the city’s museums.
During that time, both Moore and Hepworth worked in a traditional sculptural standard which included natural forms, landscapes, and figuration; however, at one point the artist started practicing the method of direct carving, something that was not approved by his academic tutors. Around 1924, Moore started lecturing at the Royal College of Art, and his first public commission West Wind was released in-between 1928 and 1929, the year his first solo show happened at the Warren Gallery in London. In 1929, Henry Moore married Irina Radetsky, who was a painting student at the Royal College at the time; the couple found the studio in Hampstead, joining an artist community including Hepworth and her second husband, the artist Ben Nicholson, Roland Penrose, and the art critic Herbert Read.
In 1932, Moore left the Royal College and started working as the Head of the Department of Sculpture at the Chelsea School of Art. His circle was very much connected and influenced by the Parisian art scene and the artists such as Pablo Picasso or Alberto Giacometti, so it is not surprising that Moore flirted with Surrealism. The sculptor and his good friend, the artist Paul Nash, were among the organizers of the International Surrealist Exhibition, which took place in London in 1936.
Shortly after the outbreak of WW II, Moore resigned from the Chelsea School of Art and was hired by of the War Artists' Advisory Committee to make shelter drawings, and a bit later the images of miners working underground. In 1940, the home of Irina and Henry Moore was hit by a bomb, so they moved to a farmhouse where they remained living for the rest of their lives. In 1946, Moore also had his first retrospective in America at the Museum of Modern Art.
The exhibition at the Houghton Hall, curated by Sebastiano Barassi, the head of Henry Moore Foundation’s Collections and Exhibitions, will include several grandiose pieces in the ground of the house, along with the selection of smaller works, models and etchings, which will be on display in the ground floor gallery, as well as couple of sculptural interventions which will be shown in the State Rooms.
Highlights will include the most celebrated Henry Moore sculptures such as Upright Motive No.8 (1955-56), Three Piece Sculpture: Vertebrae (1968-69), The Arch (1963-69), and Large Reclining Figure from 1984. The director of Henry Moore Foundation Godfrey Worsdale stated:
The Foundation is delighted that Henry Moore’s work will be seen in the remarkable surroundings of Houghton Hall. Over recent years, Houghton has become increasingly recognized for the platform it gives to artists, and in particular to the work of sculptors. Henry Moore was frequently engaged by the relationship of his work with architecture frequently engaged by the relationship of his work with architecture, and always pleased to see his monumental forms in natural light and settings; this exhibition will enable both to be seen to magnificent effect.
During the 1950s, Henry Moore was commissioned significantly and some of his best known large-scale works were produced then; his career grew, he worked with assistants, and was featured in several documentary films. In order to handle his wealth, Moore decided to establish the Henry Moore Trust in 1972, aimed to promote his works and to popularize visual arts and especially; a critically acclaimed sculptor passed away in 1986.
Moore became internationally known for his carved marble and larger-scale abstract cast bronze sculptures, especially for his signature form - the reclining figure. The artist was fascinated with the primitive art, and his complete plunge in abstraction happened after the sculptor saw Toltec-Mayan at the Louvre. With the earlier reclining figures, Moore explored the mass, while with his later monumental ones he became more focused on the space (the pierced forms).
The upcoming exhibition at Houghton is a continuation of the series this privately owned property undertakes to showcase contemporary art started with James Turrell exhibition in 2015, Richard Long in 2017, and Damien Hirst in 2018. Namely, the collection of contemporary art (with a special focus on sculpture) was inaugurated by Lord Cholmondeley in 1998.
Henry Moore at Houghton Hall: Nature and Inspiration will be on display at Houghton Hall in Norfolk, UK from 1 May until 29 September 2019.
Editors’ Tip: Becoming Henry Moore
Displaying skill and ambition from a young age, Moore (1898–1986) spent his early years studying the art of the past and of his contemporaries, absorbing a wide variety of sculptural ideas. In this book, Sebastiano Barassi presents a lively account of this formative period, from Moore’s school years through his active service in the First World War and student life at Leeds School of Art, and culminating with his move to the Royal College of Art in London and subsequent entry into the world of contemporary sculpture. What is revealed is a rich story of friendships, mentors and collectors, a range of artistic influences and dialogues with other leading figures from the British and European avant-gardes.
Featured image: Henry Moore – Large Reclining Figure, 1984. Fiberglass, 340 × 900 × 310 cm. The Henry Moore Foundation: acquired 1987. All images courtesy of The Henry Moore Foundation.


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While most people might recommend against giving your dog any nuts, there are some rare occasions when pistachios could be a good choice. Can Dogs Eat Pistachios? If you are considering adding these to your dog’s diet, or if you just want to know the answer to the question of whether or not dogs can eat pistachios, this article is for you.
The most important thing to keep in mind when giving your dog pistachios is to supervise their eating. Pistachios can be a choking hazard for small dogs, so make sure that they don’t get into too many at once. Likewise, be sure to keep any nuts away from cats, as they are known to eat them whole.
What are Pistachios?
Pistachios are a type of nut that comes from the pistachio tree. They are high in protein and antioxidants, which can make them a good snack for dogs. However, pistachios should only be given to dogs if they have been properly screened for food allergies.
There have been reports of pistachios causing intestinal blockages in dogs. So, it is important to be aware of any allergies your dog may have before giving them this snack. Additionally, pistachios can contain a high level of sugar, so they should only be given as a occasional snack.
Can Dogs Eat Pistachios?
Many people believe that dogs cannot eat pistachios because they contain a high level of tannins. However, this is not always the case. In fact, some pistachios contain very low levels of tannins and even in those cases, some experts believe that eating them can be harmful to dogs.
Dogs are omnivores and as such, their natural diet includes both animal-based foods like meat and vegetables as well as plant-based foods like nuts. Pistachios are a type of nut that is considered a plant-based food by many experts. Therefore, it is safe for your dog to eat them.
However, before you give your dog a pistachio snack, it is important to read the package label to make sure that there are no traces of tannin present. If there are any traces of tannin present, do not give your dog the snack. Instead, choose another nut or seed that your dog can enjoy safely.
Are there any Pros to Eating Pistachios?
Pistachios are a great snack for both dogs and humans. They’re high in fiber, protein, and vitamins, and have no cholesterol. Pistachios can also help keep your dog’s coat healthy. However, like most foods, pistachios can also have some cons.
One downside to pistachios is that they can be a bit high in calories. If your dog is overweight or has other health issues related to being overweight, eating too many pistachios may not be the best idea. Additionally, pistachios can cause your dog to get sick if eaten in large quantities. So if you plan on giving your dog pistachios as a snack, make sure they are used sparingly and only as a part of a healthy diet overall.
Are there any Cons to Eating Pistachios?
There are some potential cons to eating pistachios. First, pistachios can be a source of pistachio paste, which is high in monounsaturated fat and calories. Second, because they are high in fat, pistachios may contribute to weight gain in pets. Third, pistachios contain lectin, which can cause problems if ingested by dogs or cats. Finally, because they are a nut and not a meat, pistachios may not be a good option for dogs who have food allergies or other dietary restrictions.
Overall, there are few major cons to eating pistachios. However, pet owners should be aware of the potential for weight gain and food allergies in their animals, as well as the potential for pistachio paste to be a source of unwanted calories.
Conclusion: Can Dogs Eat Pistachios
Pistachios are a great addition to any dog’s diet, but there are a few things you need to be aware of before giving your pooch a handful. Pistachios can contain high levels of fat and cholesterol. This could be harmful to your pet if consumed in large amounts. If you’re concerned about whether or not your dog can eat pistachios, speak with your veterinarian first. In the meantime, enjoy some pistachios as part of their regular diet!

domain: pet


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Nov. 23, 2015 Staff Report
A man who lived in the homeless shelter that was formerly the Pan Am Hotel was arrested for assaulting a 69-year-old man near P.S. 102 in October, according to the Queens District Attorney’s office.
David McLean was arraigned on Wednesday for an altercation that occurred on Oct. 28 at roughly 4:45 p.m., near the intersection of Van Horn Street and 52nd Avenue.
McLean allegedly pushed the 69-year-old, Mei Hua Wang, causing him to fall onto the ground and suffer substantial pain to his back. Wang was transported to a local hospital and treated for spine fractures and a compression to the spine, according to District Attorney Richard Brown.
However, McLean filled a police report of his own with the 110 Precinct on Oct. 29, stating, “an Asian male would not stop staring at me and my family.”
The male, later identified as Wang, allegedly said something to McLean while approaching his family. McLean then pushed the man away, according to the complaint with Brown’s office.
“I pushed him to protect my kids. I didn’t push him that hard,” McLean said, according to the complaint.
McLean was arrested and arraigned on Nov. 18 with charges of third degree assault. He is due back in court on Jan. 21.
The District Attorney’s office confirmed that McLean lived in the Boulevard Family Shelter, formerly the Pan Am Hotel.
Tell me how does a push lead to spine fractures and a compression to the spine?
Gravity + body weight + concrete. Any other questions.
– Leeza When people age into their senior years their muscles and joints weeken and bones become bridle from conditions like osteoporosis. So a falls can be detrimental. You really needed this explained to you?
Danial Dromm supports the Pan Am shelter, so not only the shelter has to go, Dromm has to go as well.
Agree. This shelter has to go. The crime around the area has gone up in the community since this shelter opened. This person brutally punched the victim in the back after the 69 year old victim passed him. The victim only looked at the daughter as she had a dress similar to his granddaughter whom he was rushing to pick up from school. He claims that he was “protecting” his family but has no issue with beating a person 30 years older than him in front of his two kids and leave him lying in the rain. Great example as a parent and human being to show your kids.
That shelter needs to go. Cops there every time i drive by, every. Many of the people there are have a lot of animosity towards the Asian home owners in the neighborhood and in many cases behave with racist behavior toward them….I was at my sons house the day the new residents game off those buses holding signs reading go back to China…


Monday, April 28 2014
They started out as a fiery "folk-punk" outfit, but have drifted far away from such genre confinement. The band tells us about Nicholas Cage films, Temple Grandin, and why their new album is about not one, but multiple apocalypses.
Tuesday, April 22 2014
Mark Everett admitted that Cautionary Tales was an uncomfortable record to make, but what's most unsettling is how familiar it sounds.
Tuesday, April 15 2014
Indie pop for indie pop scholars.
Monday, February 24 2014
Tuesday, November 12 2013
As its title suggests, Chance of Rain hinges on contingencies.
Tuesday, October 29 2013
Spencer Krug wields the love song like it's the best sword in his collection.


Rivera Primo® has championed the British SU® carburetor in modified form for the Harley motorcycle for over 40 years, in fact that's how the original Rivera Engineering® got started in the motorcycle industry! The SU® provides smooth, even power and torque throughout the entire power band, with excellent cold-start characteristics, and drive-ability. Although originally intended for automobile use, the SU® carbureter has proven to be unmatched in performance when adapted for use on a carbureted American V-Twin. The SU® gives added potential over the entire rpm range, where other carburetors fail to perform. In the 70's a documented comparison of all after-market carburetors against Rivera Primo's® now famous SU® conversion, the SU® easily dominated the field and things have not changed much in the land of carburetion since then. A comprehensive look at the Eliminator® SU® and it's features will give some insight as to why the SU® works so well with the Harley V-Twin. A wide margin of superiority means you will realize more power, at the same time attain significantly improved mileage with this very popular carburetor conversion.
Of the many beneficial features of the SU®, the variable Venturi is the most profound. Most carburetors are designed and operate with a fixed Venturi. The venturi creates a low pressure area at the main jet. This in turn pulls fuel through the jet, which atomizes as it is delivered into the airstream. The amount of air drawn through a fixed Venturi is directly proportional to motor speed. As air velocity varies, so does the "low" pressure area, and its ability to extract and atomize gasoline in an efficient manner. To offset this deficiency in other carburetor designs, many compensating or multi-jet devices have been tried in an effort to minimize this negative aspect of the fixed venturi. The unsuccessful results are history. While some are designed around the variable Venturi design, the Rivera Primo® Eliminator® II conversion is the most efficient manifestation of this principal. With the Eliminator® II, fuel/air requirements of the motor dictate Venturi size, which increases automatically as demand increases. The resulting constant velocity maintains a relatively stable low pressure area over the main jet for maximum fuel extraction, and optimum fuel atomization. The result is superior throttle response at all rpms, better fuel economy, at the same time efficiency is improved meaning more horsepower and torque available to the rider.
The Rivera Primo® Eliminator® II SU® carburetor has been designed to exploit the advantages gained by containing the main jet, and float chamber in a common concentric housing (the domed chamber), which results in a carburetor that is especially beneficial to a carbureted VTwin motor. This concentric float is not easily affected by inertial forces as the motorcycle lean while turning, while starting and stopping. The Eliminator® II SU® carburetor from Rivera Primo® is an extremely consistent carburetor, and the concentric float adds to it's predictability. Another outstanding feature of the Eliminator® II is the sophisticated function, yet simple design of its fuel viscosity compensation device. Fuel viscosity affects air / fuel mix. Fuel viscosity is directly related to ambient air temperature, and with the Eliminator® II, a bi-metallic lever is immersed in the contents of the float bowl. Even small variations in temperature adversely affect the mix in a standard carburetor. The Eliminator® II compensates for minute changes in air temperature by moving the main jet, via the bi-metallic lever. This movement actually tunes the air / fuel mix in a very beneficial manner. For further consistency, the jet-needle is retained in the correct position by a spring. No other carburetor is endowed with the features, sophistication, consistency, predictability, and tuneability of the Eliminator® II SU® from Rivera Primo®. The result is unequaled performance, economy, and reliability. The Eliminator® II has been, and continues to be the only real state-of-the-art carburetor for your American V Twin motorcycle.
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More positive reviews for Bluffing is Murder are in!
Rae Francouer loved the book in her review for North Shore Book Notes. Among other things, she says, “Readers north of Boston will enjoy “Bluffing is Murder” for its depiction of many local sites, from Cranes Beach to a few beloved restaurants and pubs in Ipswich. By the time readers are three-quarters of the way through “Bluffing is Murder,” they’ll be contemplating a number of suspects. That Lauren is a trouble magnet, around whom the mysteries swirl, makes for a quick and satisfying read.”
Mark Baker reviewed Bluffing is Murder for his Carstairs Considers blog. “All… the characters are strong and complex, and I enjoyed spending time with them. This is not a book to rush through. The writing invites you to come get lost in Lauren’s world. Overall, the tone isn’t as light as most of what I read, but that seriousness also gives the book a bit more depth. This complex lead character makes Bluffing is Murder well worth reading. I will definitely be back for Lauren’s next case.”
“In this page-turner of a mystery, linguistics professor Lauren Rousseau uses her smarts, her Quaker faith, and her summer vacation to bring a vicious murderer, and a secret from her own past, into the light.” This from Barbara Ross, Agatha-nominated author of the Maine Clambake Mysteries and co-editor of Level Best Books.
And my fellow Barking Rain Press author, Kaye George, says this: “No bluffing, you’ll love Lauren Rousseau’s second adventure. It’s only Memorial Day and already this pacifist’s peaceful summer is disrupted by strange goings-on, and a dead body. Pacifist and linguist, Dr. Rousseau can’t help but get mired in the affairs of The Bluffs. Especially when her friends are involved. It’s an odd community with some problems that threaten to bubble up and destroy it. There are lots of satisfying plot tangles and a deep secret from Lauren’s past to keep you turning these pages.
-Kaye George/Janet Cantrell, National bestselling author of the FAT CAT series by Janet Cantrell, Agatha nominated author of People of the Wind (Neanderthal) and Duckworthy humorous mysteries, EINE KLEINE MURDER, Silver Falchion Finalist Musical Mystery


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Nico, 7: This is definitely not for under-fives. Probably for seven and above. Even if parents are reading it to little ones, there are complicated words like “resplendent” and “miraculous” and they might not understand everything. You need to use simple words for little kids.
I think it’s helpful to have this book because some people might want to know what happened in the befores, you know, the old days, so you could learn a lot. For example, I didn’t even know that Tūmatauenga wanted to kill his parents and can you imagine if he had? There would be no light or sky or ground. That would be crazy.
So you can kind of learn from these stories and there are lots of different stories in the book. They are all a couple of pages long but there are a lot of words so it can feel like a whole chapter, like in a chapter book. I recommend that people maybe not read the whole book all at once because then the kid who is being read to might feel tired and fall asleep while the mum or dad or person is only halfway through the story. I think it would be best to read a couple of pages at a time.
I really like when there is a story about darkness, it’s all black. Like the story about Te Kore; they actually show how it's black. If you showed all the colours during the story of Te Kore it wouldn’t really represent what’s happening and it would feel weird like if you drew a bouncy castle you would feel it doesn’t match what the story is about.
I think Māmā’s favourite story is the story of ngā kete o te wānanga. It’s because Māmā always likes mama things. Like kete, and karakia, and knowing about things. My favourite is the one about Rūaumoko because we learned about him at school and whenever he burps there is an earthquake.
Emma: Nico is theatrical, reading Atua: Māori Gods and Heroes. I watch her trying out the sentences and then re-reading the ones where she hears that she’s gotten the emphasis wrong. She pronounces whom as “WOMM” and then asks me what it means. I love the way she glides fluently, unhesitating, over the words and names in te reo Māori and that she shifts effortlessly between the two languages as she reads. I ask if she knows about Maui when we reach the stories of our most famous hero. Yes, she tells me, “Because I’ve seen Moana.” Our Indigenous stories are being told in every medium and it is making a difference for our children.
Gavin Bishop’s books are old friends in our home. Atua takes its place alongside Aotearoa and Wildlife of Aotearoa, Bishop’s most recent, gorgeous, oversized children’s books. Bishop worked with Hēni Jacob on Atua, she is a singular legend; a Māori writer, translator and editor who has produced important adult texts such as Mai i te Kākano and Te Rito as well as translating Wāhine Toa: Omniscient Māori Women. These are worth mentioning because the team that contributed to the creation of this book tells you something of its authenticity and strength.
New Zealanders are hungry for opportunities to learn about our Indigenous language and culture, which we have seen through unprecedented numbers in te reo Māori classes nation-wide and the commercial success of texts such as Scotty Morrison’s Māori Made Easy series. it is important that we continue to support our creators to produce work like Atua which can be learning aids but which stand independent of this as beautiful works of art. I like to think of grandparents reading this book to their grandchildren and feeling a sense of connection and pride from the fact that these are stories unique to us, to this land.
Nico: What I liked about it was how they chose the illustrations. The koro’s hands are close to the moko’s. I think it’s about their relationship.
It’s good that it’s in two languages because some people might not be able to read Māori. People might not know what the Māori words mean but if they have the two books they can go through and figure out what the Māori words mean.
It’s smart that it’s made out of thick cardboard because younger children don’t really know that books are for reading not breaking. Since these books are for younger ages they might fiddle with the book but instead of it getting wrecked it would only get a tiny dent and that wouldn’t ruin it. But if it was paper and you ripped the page suddenly the whole book is ruined.
This would be good for parents to read to little babies like my cousin Maggie; she’s only one year old.
Emma: Although these books are designed to stand alone, having the companion set in te reo Māori and English speaks to our bicultural foundations and they work well together, as Nico has said. They are tactile and robust, with simple images and big text. The books are filled with typically beautiful illustrations by Bishop, and it reminded me of my relationship with my koro; there were few words between us but plenty of unspoken love and tenderness.
Nā Emma (37) rāua ko Nico Espiner (7)
Emma Espiner (Ngāti Tukorehe, Ngāti Porou) is an award-winning writer. She works as a doctor at Middlemore Hospital and hosts Getting Better, a RNZ/NZ on Air podcast about Māori health equity. Emma’s writing features at The Guardian, Newsroom, Stuff, The Spinoff and The New Zealand Herald https://authory.com/EmmaEspiner Tweets @emmawehipeihana


TULSA - Tulsa police have a new Most Wanted suspect.
Kenneth Etter is wanted for a failing to appear on an uttering a forged instrument charge.
The 52-year-old also has 14 outstanding misdemeanor warrants.
Etter is a white man around 5 feet 9 inches and 190 pounds with brown graying hair and blue eyes.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers (bit.ly/TulsaCrimeStoppers)
Copyright 2013 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Also in the headlines
A father and son were arrested Wednesday after authorities uncovered firearms and drugs during the execution of a search warrant.


ScalableWall-P is a portable high-resolution display system with interactive capabilities. Its two projector wide aspect ratio pixel format provides more room for collaboration, visualizing data, and multi-tasking.
The system is built around the ScalablePC which provides a familiar Windows 7 platform from which to work. It is very simple to use and maintain which eliminates the need for special training or expensive technicians.
Features & Benefits
- Field Deployable Design - Simple modular design.
- Interactive Marker Board - Windows® 7 desktop with a pen-based interface.
- Wide Screen - Extra workspace.
- Multiple External Data Inputs - Option to display up to six input sources at once using DVI or HD-SDI capture cards (ex. Satellite video feed, video conferencing codec, laptops).
- Predefined Screen Layouts - Save various window configurations for later use with the new Scalable Display Technologies Control Panel.
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For additional information please see the ScalableWall Datasheet


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Due to a high volume of active users and service overload, we had to decrease the quality of video streaming. Premium users remains with the highest video quality available. Sorry for the inconvinience it may cause. Donate to keep project running.
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'Perfume' is a terrifying story of murder and obsession set in 18th-century France. Jean-Baptiste Grenouille came into the world unwanted, expected to die, yet born with an unnerving sense of smell that created alienation as well as talent. Strangely lacking any scent of his own, he becomes obsessed with capturing the irresistible but elusive aroma of young womanhood. As Grenouille';s obsession turns deadly, 12 young girls are found murdered. Panic breaks out as people rush to protect their daughters, while an unrepentant and unrelenting Grenouille still lacks the final ingredient to complete his quest.
Tykwer squeezes every possible drop of melodramatic beauty out of this material. ...But the gorgeous visuals aren't enough to keep the drama from occasionally degenerating into beautifully produced hokum.
Tykwer, best known for the ultramodern chase movie Run Lola Run, would seem an unusual choice for a period film, but he infuses the sometimes stately story with vigor; though well past two and a half hours, it never feels long.
Tykwer loses his cinematic grip when he tries to blend murder and piety. In his hands, the two don't emulsify.
January 11, 2007
Ebert & Roeper
Hated this movie. Hated it.
January 08, 2007
Perfume: The Story of a Murderer never tries to make Jean-Baptiste sympathetic but he's not rendered monstrous, either: He just is a victim of a passion larger and more powerful than any one man can handle.


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Survey of Resources. Effectivity- This Act shall take effect upon its approval. What the amendment says The SEZ Amendment Bill replaced an ordinance of Marchwhich amended the SEZ Act of to add two new categories - "trusts or any entity, as may be notified by the Central Government" - among those eligible for setting up units in the notified SEZs.
The main objectives of the SEZ Act are: generation of additional economic activity promotion of exports of goods and services promotion of investment from domestic and foreign sources creation of employment opportunities development of infrastructure facilities It is expected that this will trigger a large flow of foreign and domestic investment in SEZs, in infrastructure and productive capacity, leading to generation of additional economic activity and creation of employment opportunities.
Transitory Provisions. Instead of receiving a licence from the Council, a developer will enter into a master-concession and lease, or a licence-agreement, with the Authority, valid for up to 50 years, and receive an operating certificate.
Enterprises within the zone are granted preferential tax treatment and immigration laws are more lenient. This is seen as particularly for the 41 SEZ health checkpoints for communicable diseases, as well as food and drugs.
Story SEZ Amendment Bill A boost to economic activities and employment Major beneficiaries of the amendment are likely to be the business trusts, port trusts and other trusts engaged in a wide range of economic activities, besides utilising vacant land in SEZs.
Declaration of Policy.

domain: law


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“Clint Eastwood” is the title of a song by the rock band Gorillaz. The song is a tribute to Clint Eastwood, the director of “The Godfather II” and a favorite of Damon Albarn’s. Although the song is about a fictional character, the lyrics are very real and have real meaning to the characters. The lyrics were written in 2001 and the song became an instant solonvet hit.
“Clint Eastwood Gorillaz” uses several different themes throughout the film. The theme of the song is “the paradox of life.” It suggests that life itself is meaningless until death, when we realize what it means. The lyrics are often melancholic, and this makes the film more evocative of the psychedelic drug scene from the movie.
The song, “Clint Eastwood Gorillaz”, has a deeper meaning than meets the eye. The lyric “Sunshine is Brown” refers to heroin, and the song’s title is a lyric reference to Heroin. Clearly, a reference to heroin is made. The lyrics are a clever way to point out that drug abuse is the root of many problems, and Clint Eastwood has some strong views on this topic dseklms.
“What is the meaning of Gorillaz?” is a question that elicits numerous debates. The movie features an array of controversial themes, and the film’s lyrics are no exception. However, the film has a message that is aimed at children, and he emphasized this by saying that the movie was made for kids aged eight to fifteen. If you’re thinking about seeing this movie, be sure to watch it moviesverse!
Madras rockers websites that allow you to download free stuff.
You won’t have to go anywhere for downloading movies when you have DownloadHub.
The MP4moviez website offers both subtitled and dubbed versions of Hollywood movies. It’s well-known for being a source of free Hindi film downloads.


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KAPA'A, HI--(Marketwired - Dec 18, 2013) - Jurassic Park, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Pirates of the Caribbean, Six Days Seven Nights, The Descendants... the list of movies featuring the beauty and complexity of Kauai exceeds 70 and growing. Kauai is top amongst tropical locations; filmmaker's are drawn to the allure of Kauai's unique and diverse topography, including: majestic mountain ridges, expansive valleys, tropical jungles, 143 miles of crystal blue coastline, year-round waterfalls and barren dunes and canyons. Kauai's lure extends beyond major motion pictures to a variety of sitcoms, reality shows, documentaries, photo shoots and commercials. (For a complete list of films please visit Kauai's Film Commission.)
At the end of a long day of shooting, time and time again, the production crew will head back to the Courtyard Kauai Resort at Coconut Beach for what they call "home". With its beach resort amenities, central position to any filming location and competitive rates the Courtyard Kauai Resort is a production manager's dream. However, what truly sets the Courtyard Kauai Resort apart is their understanding of the film industry. Recently remodeled and refreshed around every corner, the Courtyard Kauai Resort has over 30 years of experience in working with production crews.
The Courtyard Kauai Resort works closely with production managers to meet each crew's specific, unique needs. While each production team varies, the Courtyard Kauai Resort is the movie friendly Kauai accommodations, offering:
- private parking for close access to the building
- a room for dailies and/or production needs
- additional space for prop set-up
- storage options for equipment
- accessibility for large vehicles
- extended dining and lounge hours
- confidentiality of filming
About the Courtyard Kaua'i at Coconut Beach Hotel
The Courtyard Kaua'i at Coconut Beach Hotel welcomes guests with a fresh and vibrant atmosphere after completing a $13 million renovation that included an expansive new lobby, an expanded fitness center, family entertainment room, updated Kauai meeting space, and fine Kauai dining. The Kauai Beach hotel's meticulous guests rooms, designed with comfort in mind, all feature a private lanai, spacious sitting area and high ceilings for a warm and airy feeling. In-room entertainment includes cable/satellite service over a 37-inch flat screen TV with premium movie channels and pay-per-view movie options. Complimentary Internet access is available throughout the hotel and from the all-new eLounge so guests can stay connected with reality while capturing the rejuvenating atmosphere that only Hawaii can provide.


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GPD: Mug shots from major prostitution sting released
Do you live in one of the safest cities in the United States? Take a look at a list of the 100 safest cities in the United States compiled by the website neighborhoodscout.com and see if your city made the list!
The beheading of American journalist James Foley by ISIS militants has stirred grim memories, bringing into focus once again the risks faced by reporters in modern conflicts.
Foley's death recalls the murder of Daniel Pearl, the Wall Street Journal co...


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A power plant in Iceland is the first in the world to turn its carbon emissions to stone, providing a new method for battling pollution and climate change.
And the team working on the project accomplished the feat in just a few years, instead of the thousands of years many had believed would be needed.
Moreover, the rock they bury the carbon in is basalt, a type of rock common all over the world, so the method has the potential to be scaled up and put into wide use.
"The current consensus is that it would take up to thousands of years to mineralize CO2," said Sigurdur Gislason, one of the co-authors of the study, and a professor at the University of Iceland's Institute of Earth Sciences. That was based on experiences with one of the dominant methods of carbon capture — burying the gas in underground basins formed by sedimentary rock. "But we can show you can mineralize CO2 within two years," Gislason told CNBC in an interview. "That is pretty amazing, because mineralizing is the safest way of storing CO2."
Gislason is one of the members of the CarbFix project, an Iceland-based group of engineers and scientists from several universities in multiple countries and the Icelandic energy company Reykjavik Energy. Since 2007, the team has been honing its process for injecting water and CO2 into a basalt-lined underground well near the Hellisheidi geothermal power plant in Iceland.
Capturing carbon dioxide and sequestering it underground has been discussed as one of the ways of reducing carbon emissions in the atmosphere, which degrade air quality and contribute to climate change.
Proposals for CO2 storage sites have included placing the gas in empty underground aquifers, old oil wells and unminable coal seams, among other places.
The team behind the CarbFix project, however, has devised a novel method of mixing the CO2 with water and then injecting it into basalt rock underground, where it reacts with minerals and forms a new, solid rock that does not leak and poses no apparent threat to the environment.
The team published its results in the peer-reviewed journal Science on Thursday.
Here is how the process works.
First, the carbon dioxide is mixed with water as it is injected into a deep well containing basalt.
When the CO2 mixes with water, the combination becomes very acidic. Basalt is a reactive rock, and it dissolves in a matter of minutes when it comes into contact with the acidic CO2/water solution.
As the basalt dissolves, it begins leaching minerals, such as calcium, iron and magnesium. That process neutralizes the water, killing the acidity, and the metals combine with the CO2 to form a type of solid rock called calcite, or calcium carbonate.
In the beginning, the team was concerned about the potential environmental effects of the process and the resulting rock. Basalt contains aluminum and chromium, which can be environmental hazards.
But Gislason said that the water pulled back out of the ground once the process is complete is safe enough to drink by European health standards.
"In fact this could be one way of cleaning water," he said. "If you start with water that is not fit for human consumption, because of let's say, heavy metals, you could clean the water by taking it through the carbonization process and pulling it back out downstream."
The process is not yet a silver bullet for carbon pollution. It needs to be studied further, and it needs to be implemented on a much larger scale than it is in Iceland.
One disadvantage to the CarbFix process is that it requires a lot of water, about 15-25 tons for each ton of carbon. Just pumping that amount of water will require a lot of energy on its own.
However, Gislason noted that this can easily be done using ocean water, and basalt formations are found throughout the ocean floor, minimizing the impact on land use and freshwater sources.
There are also certain types of underground microbes that have been shown feeding off minerals produced in this process, and they emit methane, another harmful greenhouse gas, according to a release from Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory accompanying the study. Researchers are currently evaluating the impact the microbes might have on the CarbFix calcite.
Gislason said the process can be scaled up to meet the needs of larger plants. The Hellisheidi plant produces only about 5 percent of the CO2 of the average coal-fired plant.
The process also costs a lot less than other carbon sequestration plans, said Reykjavik Energy's Edda Aradottir, one of the co-author's of the study, in the same release. The CarbFix solution can store carbon for about $30 a metric ton, compared with between $60 to $130 a metric ton for other methods.
The best opportunities for this would be along coastlines, where there is both abundant seawater, and basalt, Gislason said. The paper says that a site could be set up off the coast of the Pacific Northwest of the United States, for example.
Despite concerns that injecting water into the ground (as is done with wastewater from hydraulic fracturing or "fracking") can lead to earthquakes, Gislason says the CO2-charged water is not buoyant, and thus does not affect rock underground in the same way.
The team has been injecting about 10,000 tonnes of emissions per year since 2014, and plan to double the size of the operation later this year.

domain: chemistry


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Palermo Hollywood . Buenos Aires
- Ambience 80%
- Service 80%
- Food (Execution) 70%
- Creativity 70%
- Value 80%
Telephone: +54 11 6091-1610
Restaurant Type: Gastro-Pub
Cuisine: Eclectic, Tapas - Finger Foods Price: $$$ Hours: Mon 7 am to 7 pm[/types] Tue-Fri 7 am to 3 am[/types] Sat 6 pm to 3 am - Sun Closed[/types]
Summary of Review
Restaurant Review for Peugeot Lounge
Rating: 3.8 stars
Not many restaurants have a late model Peugeot sedan parked on their front terraza. And with those Firestone tires the sedan is sporting, they are not likely going to earn any Michelin stars. But Peugeot Lounge, as the name implies, is more of a place to drink than eat so having a Michelin star on the resume is not really a requirement.
We went to Peugeot Lounge during Food Week but after previewing their menu, which consisted almost entirely of sandwiches, salads and finger foods, we decided to order some sliders, bruschetta and beer in lieu of ordering the three course menu that was specially created for Food Week.
Bottom line is that Peugeot Lounge is not a place you would go for a three course dinner and doesn’t pretend to be. It’s a place you go to have a few drinks with friends and eat a few nibbles of this and that while your drinking.
And for that objective Peugeot Lounge is an excellent choice. The bar is cleverly and attractively decorated with funky French music softly playing in the background and with a sort of French café’ motif and ambiance. It’s always fairly busy so it has a nice energy to it.
We ordered up some “finger foods” for munching on while we shared a Patagonia Red Ale. We ordered a bruschetta plate with six small slices of toasted bread topped with a delicious cured ham and a plate of six “mini-burgers”. The sliders were actually pretty good although I would have been happier with a meat patty that had spent a little less time on the griddle.
The service was spot on throughout the entire time we were at the restaurant. Never a wait for anything from getting a second beer to clearing the plates.
In rating a restaurant we always take into consideration the type of restaurant and the experience we perceive the restaurant is attempting to achieve. We compare a fine dining restaurant, for example, against other restaurants of a similar type and in a similar price range.
You wouldn’t likely choose the Peugeot Lounge if you were attempting to impress a business client or wanted a romantic five or seven course dinner. This place only offers three main course dishes and none of them are especially creative. But if a group of friends is looking to share a few drinks and nibble on finger foods for a few hours Peugeot Lounge is a place that perfectly satisfies that need. They had an excellent and creative drink menu. Some artisanal beers and sufficiently complete wine list to meet almost any set of expectations and an affordable menu of casual dining fare. We paid a paltry $84 (about US$7) for six sliders. That’s a great value.
So our final marks for Peugeot Lounge were pretty good. A 3.5 on execution (the finger foods we tasted were satisfying but were nothing outstanding), 4 stars for service, 4 for the ambiance, 3.5 for creativity and a 4 for value. An overall score of 3.8 stars. Peugeot Lounge was a great, affordable option for a drinks and finger foods / tapas out with friends.
Peugeot Lounge … …


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Over the past few weeks, teaser images of Dell's re-imagined Adamo laptop have trickled onto gadget sites. The photos never showed a whole lot—usually some sleek metallic outlines on a dark backdrop—but they successfully kept everyone talking.
Well, Dell has finally taken the wraps off the machine, and it looks... different. CNet News has posted an image of the contraption along with a short video, which demonstrates how you can simply rub a finger along a heat-sensitive strip on the top edge to unlock the display lid.
You know how some notebooks (including the original Adamo, actually), have a piece that sticks out behind the display hinge? The new Adamo takes that concept and flips it around, so the portion of the laptop holding the display keeps going below the hinge. That means the keyboard winds up sitting at an angle, and anyone walking past that thing on your desk is bound to do a double-take.
CNet News writes that the Adamo XPS will officially launch in November and will feature an Intel ultra-low-voltage processor (no Atoms here, thank you very much). The guys at PC Magazine have posted some extra photos, and they add that the system will be "about a half an inch thick."
|The TR Podcast 158: Planet of the Shield Tablets||2|
|Latest Raptr client expands game recording for AMD and Nvidia GPUs||2|
|Rumor: 12'' Retina MacBook, 4K Mac desktop coming||30|
|Firefly MMO to bring series cast back together||38|
|Friday night topic: your top movies?||199|
|Deal of the week: Corsair's 750D case and four fans for $100||21|
|Android on x86: A quick look at Asus' Memo Pad ME176C tablet||47|
|Triple-wide radiator defines Thermaltake's new water cooler||52|
|The new new name for the UI is called Retro.||+40|


SEALED BIDS FOR RECYCLING TRAILERS
Sealed bids for RECYCLING TRAILERS for the Shelby County will be received in the office of the County Manager, Shelby County Administration Building, 200 West College Street, Room 123, Columbiana, Alabama 35051 until November 2, 2023 at 2:00 p.m., at which time bids will be opened publicly and read. The County Commission reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive informalities in awarding this bid to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. Bids submitted are firm and no claims for errors will be considered after bids are opened and subsequent thereof. If you have any questions concerning bid specifications, please contact Christina Owen or Brandon Hamilton at (205) 669-3737.


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D. CZE Czech Republic.
To hear the news first, sign-up for our newsletter here. Find out which teams have qualified for Euro 2020, which teams are heading for the play-offs and what we know about the groups so far. Slovakia v Republic of Ireland. Path C. Scotland v Attending Euro 2020: Czech Republic vs England (London)? KAYAK can help you plan your trip by comparing all your travel options in one place.
Find out which teams have qualified for Euro 2020, which teams are heading for the play-offs and what we know about the groups so far. Slovakia v Republic of Ireland. Path C. Scotland v
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Oct 13, 2020 · Please leave a like and subscribe!Scotland vs Czech Republic UEFA Nations League#ScotlandvsCzechRepublic #ScotlandCzechRepublic #UEFANationsLeagueSUBSCRIBE N
Tynecastle Park, Edinburgh. Scotland Under-21s face Czech Republic on Friday night in a crucial fixture in the youngsters bid for European qualification. Following last month’s 1-0 victory in Lithuania, the Under-21s face a home fixture against Czech Republic before travelling to San Marino in Group 4. SpoonyPizzas here guys, welcome back to my Euro 2020 Road to Glory with England. After defeat to Croatia and a bounce back win over Scotland, this is a MUST Nov 12, 2020 · Euro 2020 - delayed a year because of Covid-19 - is scheduled to finally kick off on 11 June, 2021 when Turkey face Italy in Rome. But the start date that Scotland fans have been craving comes Oct 08, 2020 · 04/09/2020.
They only have San Marino below them in Group I and face a difficult task on Thursday as they travel to second-placed Russia. Latest Odds. Scotland have played six games in Euro 2020 Qualifying group I. Both Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling have been struggling at club level, but they've been quite strong with the national side. Will England continue their dominant run as they take on the Czech Republic? Attending Euro 2020: Play-off C vs Czech Republic (Glasgow)?
BEL Belgium. 27 Mar European Qualifiers 27/03/2021. Choose an event from the upcoming events under Czech Republic Euro 2020 to see the variety of tickets available.
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maximum: C$ 1.286. The CA Dollar is the currency used in Canada. Passion shouldn't cost a fortune. On AliExpress, shop online for over 111 million quality deals on Fashion, Accessories, Computer Electronics, Toys, Tools, Home Improvement, Home Appliances, Home & Garden and more! Scotland kick off their Euro 2020 campaign with a match against the Czech Republic on Monday.


I went to K&M Mechanical Repairs for engine mount replacement after getting an outrageous quote in Sydney. Excellent service, very informative. My car is like new. Will definitely go back there. I am one happy customer!
Car was towed to Auto King Mobile Mechanics. Problem was soon found. phone call to let me know when part would arrive and approximate cost, Part delivered and car was fixed within specified time. Was contacted and found the whole experience stress free. Would recommend to anyone for good service and communication.


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Retail Enhancement Grant funds would be applied to plumbing, electrical and exterior improvements.
The owners of a dog day care and grooming store proposed for the Downtown Southbank are asking the Downtown Invaestment Authority for a Retail Enhancement Grant.
Ali and Addie Kasraeian are seeking to open the city’s second Dogtopia at 1075 Hendricks Ave.
The national chain specializes in dog day care, boarding and pet spa services. The first is planned by another franchise owner along Philips Highway.
Before the Kasraeians attempt to convert the 3,960-square-foot vacant building north of San Marco, they’re asking the DIA Retail Enhancement Program Committee for a $78,000 grant to help offset the more than $764,000 in private capital they intend to invest.
The owner also plans to put $136,000 into the project.
Committee members Oliver Barakat, Brenna Durden and Jack Meeks will meet at 1 p.m. Wednesday in a third-floor conference room at City Hall at 117 W. Duval St.
The DIA board would need to approve the committee’s decision.
According to the project description in a DIA staff report, the Retail Enhancement Grant will be applied toward plumbing, electrical, mechanical and exterior improvements.
Because the grant is a forgivable loan, it is bound by conditions defined by the DIA.
For the loan to be forgiven, the applicants must obtain the appropriate permits and complete all of the work within six months of the final program document approval and executed agreements with the DIA.
A six-month extension for the permits and work is built into the agreement.
The money must be secured by a personal guarantee of the applicant in the event of a default.
The DIA committee can approve the grant based on a 45-point scale that scores the applicant’s business plan, investment in the Downtown area or a historic property, and the expansion of the state and local tax base.
According to the DIA staff report, Dogtopia scored 30 out of 45 points.
Through AKA Jacksonville LLC, the couple signed a 10-year lease July 21 with property owner Happy Family LLC.
Happy Family LLC has agreed to build a circular driveway for drop-off and pickup and create parking along the east side of the building.
The building will need interior and exterior work to meet the standards of the Phoenix-based chain.
The Downtown Development Review Board signed off on the building’s final design Feb. 15, and the DIA awarded AKA Jacksonville the right to develop the property Feb. 21.
In February, contractor Emerald C’s Development Inc. applied for a $463,829 permit for renovations.
According to a DIA staff report, Dogtopia will have 11 full-time employees.
Dogtopia, which started offering franchise opportunities in 2005, says on its website it offers webcam viewing for pet owners, professionally designed spas, playrooms and enclosed boarding suites and other amenities.
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|Home Artists Exhibitions Organizations Clippings References|
He exhibited work at the Vancouver Art Gallery in the 1945 14th Annual B.C. Artists exhibition. The artist was a founding member of the FCA in 1941. He lived in Summerland from at least 1941 until his death there in 1954.
|1945 Sept. 22 - Oct. 21||VAG B.C. Artists 14th Annual||In the Okanagan|
MONTREAL MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS -
SPRING EXHIBITIONS 1880 - 1970 (refer to MM88)
6 paintings listed in 3 exhibitions from 1927 to 1933.
A DICTIONARY OF CANADIAN ARTISTS
(refer to M)
Short biography, two references.
BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX OF ARTISTS IN CANADA
(refer to BIAC03)
3 references to Grayson.
|Home Copyright 2015 - 2019|


I hope that the Illuminati exists. At least that would mean that someone has their hands on the wheel of the world. A shadowy cabal that may be running a pedophile ring out of pizza parlors nationwide, but at the same time has steadily and reliably increased the average standard of living in the country for the last 200 years? It could be worse. I can see the appeal of conspiracy theories. Having someone to blame is comforting and, honestly, far more exciting. It sets up a dynamic of opposition, a grand narrative. We’re the heroes, they’re the baddies just waiting to get taken down in spectacular fashion.
In my opinion the reality is far more bleak. No one knows what they’re doing, powerful people are the same bundles of instincts just with more resources at their disposal. They’re just shooting wildly into the dark hoping that something sticks, all the while adhering to the same self-preservatory impulses as the rest of us. They do the same risk assessments that we all do, just with higher stakes. The same way that you or I may go about managing our finances or planning our day, powerful people go about building the world around us. Of course there’s greed and corruption, people can be shitty and selfish.
The thing that bugs me about conspiratorial minded people is the arrogance they tend to have. To them, everyone is just a sheep with the wool over their eyes and they’re the ones who have figured it all out. If everyone would just follow them down the rabbit hole and do some simple Google searches, they would all arrive at the same convenient truth. I find the whole thing incredibly cynical.
But there’s a kind of inevitability to conspiracy theories. Jean-Paul Satre wrote on the Anti-Semite:
“It is not unusual for people to elect to live a life of passion rather than of reason. But ordinarily they love the objects of passion: women, glory, power, money. Since the anti-Semite has chosen hate, we are forced to conclude that it is the state of passion that he loves.”
Simply put, the anti-Semite relishes not in the hate of the Jew but rather in the love of their own hate. The Jew is immaterial, a convenient scapegoat. So too are the thoughts of the conspiracy theorist. They love the idea of an immaterial, all encompassing conspiracy. This is a passion based partly in insecurity, in a lack of control, but also partly in the aforementioned arrogance. To be correct, to be in the know, to be aware of something that everyone else doesn’t. They love the fact that they are above everyone else. It doesn’t matter if that takes the form of a faked moon landing or a flat-earth or fluoride in the water turning the frogs gay. As with the anti-Semite, the actual conspiracy is secondary.
We can see this fairly empirically in the form of Youtube data. Flat-earth Youtube channels had a spike in the early 2010’s consistently pulling off 6-digit viewing numbers every video, but viewership has slowly tapered off in the last half decade**. Why? The reason is simply because the flat-earth is no longer trendy. It’s attention has been swallowed up by more all-encompassing conspiracies. So the population migrated elsewhere, largely to QAnon in 2017 and 2018. And while Youtube’s algorithmic changes contributed to flat-earth’s decline, those changes were rolled out largely in 2018 after flat-earth had been declining for several years.
Conspiracies have always relied on a kind of ideological syncretism, where a theorist will merge different beliefs and different contexts in order to make more sense of the whole. This will often happen with theories that have a religious flavor to them. Conspiracy theorists will take common religious tropes from any number of varying beliefs and relate them. Like a Dan Brown novel: the Mona Lisa is related to the Egyptians somehow because they both have pictures of a smiling woman.
It encourages a kind of confirmation bias. And since practically all of these ideas are modular, anything that could be incorporated into the conspiracy suddenly appears to fit and works to confirm everything that came before. Sometimes even rebuttals can fall into this trap. “People are talking about the flat-earth and then suddenly a bunch of anti-flat-earth documentaries come out on major platforms, seems fishy.”
That’s the role that Q-Anon currently plays, it’s an aggregate of all these other conspiracies whose legs may have been too weak to stand alone, but together are strong. They just needed a way to incorporate them all together. Q-Anon also creates a grand narrative, an extremely non-committal narrative at that. Trump is fighting the pedos, all you need to do is believe. There’s no revolution, there’s no monetary investment, no hard work to be done. Just belief and maybe the click of a share button or hashtag.
In the same essay Satre tells a story of a French colleague who had failed his comprehensive exams while another classmate, a Jew, had passed. While the Frenchman had admitted he had not studied for the exam he also had exclaimed that no Jew could know French poetry better than an actual Frenchman.
“Far from his experience producing his idea of the Jew, it was the latter that explained his experience. If the Jew did not exist, the anti-Semite would invent him.”
Let’s extrapolate these assumptions: we can say that if the conspiracy is irrelevant, then conspiracy theorists' beliefs about the world presuppose whatever conspiracy they claim to believe in. The nature of the world is already made up in their minds, the conspiracies that they choose to follow only confirm their attitudes. The theorist believes that there is something systemically wrong with the world, economically, socially, culturally, politically. And I think we can all agree that there’s a good argument for that being the case. However, rather than approaching that problem through the system itself conspiracy theorists instead conclude that there must be external factors, whether those forces are aliens walking among us or the Illuminati.
In this way, the presupposition of conspiratorial thinking is more in line with Fascist ideology. Historian Alexander De Grand notes on fascism that:
“Their [fascist] views were expressed as a radical repudiation of the liberal and parliamentary political order that took the form of anti-materialism and the search for new spiritual values, anti-socialism, appreciation of the irrational forces in modern society and glorification of instinct and violence in political life.”
Facism throws out logic and fact, and makes instead an appeal to emotion, to subconsciously held beliefs. It’s individualist, anti-intellectual, and ideologically violent. Similar to conspiracies, ethno-fascist ideology has undergone its own kind of syncretism. Hitler’s Nazis intended a German ethnostate, only Germanic peoples. But the Nazis of today are inclusive by comparison, they just designate “White”. People that would’ve been purged by old Nazi standards are now the ingroup. This syncretism is a modern invention to cope with the fact that modern American Nazis are likely an amalgamation of European descent. Pure bloodlines in our assimilated, globalized world are a myth.
There are real issues in the world, but more often than not they lie in the problems with systems rather than with individuals. Which makes those problems much harder to fix and more importantly much harder to motivate people to care about. Even when the problem does lie with individuals I think that these kinds of conspiracies are reductive and disruptful to actual critiques. For example, Bill Gates has a huge target on his back in the conspiracy-verse. As the world’s richest man it only makes sense that he would be plotting something nefarious. Concealing the fact he’s actually a reptilian humanoid looking to pump the human race full of nano-machine filled vaccines in some kind of sick self-basting plan he has before he devours us all. The reality is that he’s a billionaire with his own set of preconceived biases about how the world should be run and so proceeds to use his money towards those ends in, at best, inefficient ways, and at worst, reductive ways.
Gates has pumped billions into fighting Polio, a noble cause. But he continues to do so year after year despite the fact that Polio has been virtually eliminated, in no small part due to Gates’ work (. But that money could be used to focus on a myriad of other diseases. Polio vaccinations can often come at the cost of other more pertinent vaccinations (McGoey 158). Gates is also able to leverage his massive financial strength to affect vaccine patent laws, of which he keeps very stringent. This fits well into his past philosophy, as the way he made his vast fortune was largely on the back of strong intellectual property rights, so of course we’re going to do it his way; the same backbreaking way that Gates successfully built Microsoft. There’s lots of reasons to dislike and distrust this type of philanthrocapitalism, but the conspiracy theories detract from the legitimate concerns.
Conspiracies often prey upon people in distress, people that are looking for answers. Sometimes literal distress, economically or socially; other times philosophical or existential distress. This distress must manifest into something that is more concrete. Sometimes it manifests in predictable, understandable ways: class conflicts, gender conflict and racial conflict. Other times it manifests itself in less productive, but nevertheless understandable ways: violence and self destruction. But sometimes people get sucked down the rabbithole of mistrust, inventing unsubstantiated reasons for their distress. It’s a distrust of everything, all systems, all institutions.
Weirdly, I think the most reasonable rejection of conspiracy theories lies in the mundane. In the statistical truth that people are blabbermouths. In 2016 David Robert Grimes published a paper, “On the Viability of Conspiratorial Beliefs” which utilizes statistics to calculate how long it would take for a conspiracy to leak. Popular ones like the moon landing hoax would take approximately 3 years and 8 months, suppressed cancer cure 3 years 3 months and so on. All this due mostly to the fact that creating and distributing such ideas would involve a lot of people. If there’s a secret Illuminati base underneath Denver International Airport, who cleans the bathrooms there? Even evil bases have to have janitors. Who does IT? George Soros is over 90 years old. He certainly doesn’t know how to set up a wifi connection. Someone has to cater for the debaucherous bacchanals of the elite and if I know one thing about the food industry it’s that word gets out.
Surely the evil shadowy counsel would throw a pizza party after they establish the New World Government. To be honest, if you can’t do that then what’s even the point?