Amber Heard has filed a defamation lawsuit against Johnny Depp for an op-ed she published for the Washington Post in 2018. “I stood up to sexual violence and faced the fury of our culture,” the op-ed started. This has to be changed.” Heard never addresses Depp by name, but she does characterize herself as “a prominent figure who advocates for domestic abuse.” Heard is clearly hinting that Depp abused her throughout their one-year marriage, according to Depp and his counsel, and a judge agreed. Heard first publicly accused Depp of domestic violence in May 2016, just days after filing for divorce and requesting and winning a temporary restraining order based on domestic violence. According to Depp’s lawyer, Heard was lying and “attempting to obtain an early financial resolution by alleging abuse.” After the pair reached an out-of-court divorce settlement in August 2016, Heard withdrew her request for a permanent restraining order. They also issued a joint statement in which they bizarrely stated that neither of their contradictory accusations about each other were true. “Neither party has made false charges for financial benefit” (so Heard wasn’t lying to earn a greater financial settlement), and “There was never an intent of bodily or mental injury” (so Depp wasn’t abusive). Heard, who is alleged to have received $7 million in the arrangement, said she would split the money between the ACLU and the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles.
2 weeks ago
2 weeks ago


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Rachael Pina was born and raised in New Bedford, Massachusetts. At an early age she started researching paranormal and esoteric subjects. She lives a quiet life and writes from her home in southern New England. Rachael balances her time with meditation, reading, writing and family life.
The Slave Mind explores the various methods our modern enslavement system uses to control and manipulate society, and what we can do to break free from its influence. In this book, we will see how the system uses money, the media, politics and religion to provide a state of fear and ignorance that keeps us under its control.

domain: library


Last November Nintendo starts selling DSi in Japan, and promised US launch sometimes in 2009. That sometimes has finally gotten a date, April 5th. The DSi is a small step up from current Nintendo DS Lite, with slimmer body, addition of two cameras, SD slot, and larger 3.25-inch screen.
With the announcement of DSi, Nintendo also roll out DSi Shop, a commerce system that allows gamers to buy and download games or demos using DSi points. I’ve been playing with DSi for quite sometimes now and these features upgrades are worth paying for.The DSi will be priced at $170 when it hits the shelf.


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Washington Redskins Description
The Washington Redskins are a professional American football team based in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. The Redskins compete in the National Football League, as a member of the National Football Conference East division
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domain: geography


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By Moira Donovan, IRES 2013
Hey there! I’m Moira, one of the new IRES students assisting the lab this summer. I’m currently stationed in the Serena Camp, helping with “Target” trials. “Target” is a life-size styrofoam model of a hyena, made by a company that manufactures archery targets—hence his name. Julie, the graduate student whose research I am helping with, uses Target to test hyena “boldness.” Her research focuses on social intelligence (how well a hyena interacts with others in a group environment) and personality aspects that might contribute to it. We measure boldness by observing whether a hyena approaches Target and when the hyena realizes Target is not an actual hyena.
In order to conduct a Target trial, we first need to find a lone hyena traveling a predictable path. We then drive ahead of the hyena, deposit Target along its path, and wait nearby to observe what the hyena does. Two nights ago, Julie, Lily, and I went out on our usual evening observations in search of an opportunity for a Target trial. We drove to the Happy Zebra Clan Territory, hoping to find an unsuspecting individual. I never imagined I would be so lucky as to experience what happened next.
|Target and Moira|
Soon after entering the territory, we spotted a single hyena loping along. We sat in our seats, deciding whether this would be a proper candidate for a trial, as the hyena rushed across the road and continued in a straight line. Clearly, this one was headed somewhere important. As Lily turned the Hilux off-road and we began to pursue, the urgency of the chase dawned on us – we could hardly keep up at 25kph. We hit a rocky portion, forcing us to slow down, and we were sure we would lose sight of the unidentified hyena. As we maneuvered around the rocks we saw three more hyenas join the first, bolting toward a herd of Cape buffalo. On the outskirts of what must have been 200 buffalo, we saw the hyenas and knew we were going to witness something extraordinary.
Spotted hyenas typically prefer to hunt alone rather than potentially lose their meal to a higher-ranked individual. This time, however, we spotted at least ten individuals when we got there, and a few others arrived in the following hour. Despite our difficulties recording hyena behavior through the darkness, rain, and tall grass, the effects of a large hunting party were clear. While two hyenas warded off an adult buffalo’s charges, several others closed a circle around a fallen calf and began to feed, taking advantage of their allies’ efforts. Once the adult buffalo gave up on trying to protect the calf, what followed may have seemed to the untrained eye (like mine) like a free-for-all between the hungry hyenas. But if you can observe closely, and if you know the identity and social status of each hyena, you can see method in the madness.
Higher-ranked individuals have priority of access to resources. In spotted hyena society, this means that feeding order is dictated by matriline: the highest-ranked female and her relatives eat first, then the next highest-ranked female and her relatives, and so on. The more dominant clan-mates chase off lower-ranked individuals who attempt to feed before their turns. Since immigrant males are at the bottom of the hierarchy, the three that were present were pushed to the outskirts and could only feed on scraps. As this event unfolded on just my the third night in the Mara, I had no clue as to which hyenas were who, but followed Julie and Lily as they called out behaviors and IDs while I filmed.
After the excitement of the hunt comes the analysis of the video. Because of the darkness and chaos of the hunt, we were unable to accurately identify individuals or behaviors at the time. Video recordings of events can be watched over and over again and at slow speed, to allow us to see what the hyenas actually did that night. One hour of video footage equated to three solid days of analysis. For analysis, all of the important behaviors performed by the hyenas are recorded in a text shorthand transcription for later reference. In order to record behaviors, however, one must be competent in identifying individual hyenas. I have not yet reached competence in that regard, but look forward to the day when my skills allow me to argue with another research assistant about who will drive during and who will transcribe after our observations.
In the past week, I have learned that most days in the field do not include so much drama. Although we didn’t manage to do a Target trial that evening, such interruptions in data collection add to the unpredictability of the field. In a place as new to me as the Mara, though, it’s the small and seemingly unremarkable moments that renew this experience, day after day. So, until I see another kill, the everyday beauty of the Mara – from the sunset reflecting off the grass to seeing the cutest baby elephant or a species of bird I never knew existed – keeps me fixed on this place. In the meantime, I am hoping for some Target trials….

domain: biology


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domain: hobby


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Postpartum depression (PPD) is a significant health concern that affects many women after childbirth, yet it often goes unrecognized and untreated. Recognizing the signs of postpartum depression is the first step to seeking help and beginning the healing process. There is no shame in seeking treatment for PPD, and it is essential to prioritize your mental health during this vulnerable time. New Directions Mental Health can offer support to new mothers through our depression treatment services.
As a provider of mental health care, we deeply understand the distinct challenges that accompany motherhood. Our unwavering dedication lies in offering compassionate and personalized care tailored to each client. We offer therapy, psychiatry services, and medication guidance to help you or a loved one navigate through postpartum depression. Please reach out to us by calling 724.374.7414 to schedule an appointment with one of our mental health professionals.
Understanding Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression is a mental health condition that’s characterized by significant mood changes after childbirth. It’s not to be confused with the “baby blues,” which are commonly experienced mood fluctuations that typically dissipate within two weeks postpartum.
PPD, on the other hand, manifests more severely and can persist for months if not treated. It’s crucial to remember that PPD is not a weakness or something to be ashamed of but rather a complication of giving birth, and professional help should be sought if you or a loved one is experiencing signs of PPD.
Signs of Postpartum Depression
The signs of postpartum depression can often be severe and may vary from one individual to another. It is essential to look out for these signs, not just in yourself but in loved ones who have recently given birth.
Here are some of the most common symptoms:
- Persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
- Extreme mood swings and irritability
- Difficulty bonding with the baby
- Withdrawing from family and friends
- Loss of appetite or eating too much
- Inability to sleep (insomnia) or sleeping too much
- Overwhelming fatigue or loss of energy
- Reduced interest and pleasure in activities previously enjoyed
- Fear of not being a good mother
- Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms, please get in touch with New Directions Mental Health. We offer in-person and telehealth services for mental health and can provide support and guidance in managing postpartum depression.
What Are the Effects of Depression on New Mothers?
PPD can have profound effects on new mothers, impacting not just their mental health but their overall well-being. The constant feelings of sadness and emptiness can create a sense of isolation, often leading to withdrawal from family, friends, and even the newborn baby. This can disrupt the critical bonding process between mother and child during the early stages of the child’s life.
Severe postpartum depression can manifest in physical symptoms, including alterations in appetite and sleep patterns, resulting in exhaustion and hindered daily functioning. PPD can also lead to lingering doubts about one’s ability to be a good mother, which can undermine self-confidence and contribute to the cycle of depression. Understanding these effects and seeking professional mental health help to manage them is vital.
Exploring Treatment Options for Postpartum Depression
Treatment options for postpartum depression are effective and varied, addressing the unique needs of each individual. It’s essential to remember that everyone’s journey is different, and what works for one may not work for another. Therefore, a client-centered approach is crucial when choosing a treatment plan.
Therapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT), has proven to be highly effective in treating postpartum depression. These forms of therapy focus on helping individuals understand and manage their thoughts and feelings to improve their mental health.
Medication, such as antidepressants, can be an effective treatment for PPD. It’s important to discuss the potential benefits and risks, especially if breastfeeding, with your healthcare provider.
Joining a support group can provide a safe space for new mothers to share their experiences and feelings. Knowing that you’re not alone and other people are experiencing similar challenges can be tremendously comforting.
Regular physical activity, a healthy diet, adequate sleep, and time for self-care can significantly impact one’s mental health. Incorporating these lifestyle changes can be an essential part of treatment.
New Directions Mental Health is committed to supporting new mothers through this challenging period, offering professional and compassionate care tailored to each individual’s needs.
Reach Out to New Directions Mental Health for Mental Health Support for Postpartum Depression
If you are a new mother or have a new mother in your life who is experiencing signs of postpartum depression, please reach out to New Directions Mental Health. Our team of mental health professionals is dedicated to providing individualized and accessible care to those in need. Our commitment to our community drives us to continuously expand our services and partnerships to reach as many individuals as possible.
Remember, you are not alone, and seeking help is a brave and necessary step toward healing. Call us at 724.374.7414 to schedule your appointment with a caring and experienced mental health professional. For new clients, please click here to schedule an appointment. For existing clients, please click here and find your office location to contact your office directly.

domain: psychology


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NEW YORK: A waiter in a California pub was fired after a group of friends alleged that he asked them to show proof of residency before serving them drinks, a Facebook posting said.
Ms Diana Carrillo wrote on Facebook that she and her friends were at a bar in Huntingdon Beach, California, when the unnamed waiter asked them to prove they lived in the area.
“My friend in disbelief repeated what he said and his response was ‘yeah, I need to make sure you’re from here before I serve you.’
“After fully digesting what he said, we all got up and left to speak to the manager,” Ms Carrillo wrote.
The waiter, who has not been named, has been fired since they visited the Saint Marc Pub-Café on March 11. Ms Carrillo, whose parents are immigrants, said the incident was “completely unacceptable”.
Kent Berden, the senior director of operations at the restaurant, told a local newspaper that the waiter claimed he was joking but had been dismissed as he had not followed corporate policy “by any stretch of the imagination,” a newspaper report said.
The pub said that it would donate 10 per cent of the pub’s weekend profits to a charity of their choice.
Published in Dawn, March 21st, 2017

domain: news


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Clean Technology 2009
N. Assion, D. Sahoo, M. Flamenbaum
SOMS Technologies LLC, US
filter, filtration efficiency, oil, lubricant, engine
By significantly improving the filtration efficiency of a vehicle engine oil filter the use of the engine oil can be greatly extended, reducing motor oil consumption and generation of hazardous waste. This was demonstrated by road testing supported by oil analyses and examination of the evolution of oil test parameters.

domain: literature


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“W as there ever such a sunny street as this Broadway! The pavement stones are polished with the tread of feet until they shine again; the red bricks of the houses might be yet in the dry, hot kilns; and the roofs of those omnibuses look as though, if water were poured on them, they would hiss and smoke, and smell like half-quenched fires.” – Charles Dickens, American Notes for General Circulation (1842)
On 3 January 1842 – just as his 30th birthday approached – Charles Dickens, along with his wife Catherine, set sail from Liverpool on board the RMS Britannia, which was bound for Halifax and Boston. The couple first arrived on 22 January 1842, and as the steamer approached the shores of Massachusetts, Dickens noted: “The indescribable interest with which I strained my eyes, as the first patches of American soil peeped like molehills from the green sea, and followed them, as they swelled, by slow and almost imperceptible degrees, into a continuous line of coast, can hardly be exaggerated.” In this vein of wonder and anticipations, Dickens continued: “A sharp keen wind blew dead against us; a hard frost prevailed on shore; and the cold was most severe. Yet the air was so intensely clear, and dry, and bright, that the temperature was not only endurable, but delicious” (American Notes).
By 1842, Dickens had already published The Pickwick Papers (April 1836 to November 1837), Oliver Twist (February 1837 to April 1839), Nicholas Nickleby (April 1838 to October 1839), The Old Curiosity Shop (April 1840 to November 1841), Barnaby Rudge (February to November 1841), and the Pic-Nic Papers. Associated with the publication of the latter is a remarkable unpublished letter completed on the artist’s proof, marking the collaborative efforts of Victorian literature's most prominent authors, and one of its most prolific illustrators, George Cruikshank.
This letter consists of one page (4 1/2 x 7 1/8 in.; 114 x 180 mm) on a bifolium, edges gilt, dated "Tuesday fifteenth December" [no year, but likely 1840], with three pencil sketches executed by George Cruikshank on verso of second leaf; some toning and minor smudging. The Pic-Nic Papers was athree-volume anthology comprising miscellaneous pieces by various authors. It was conceived by Dickens to benefit the widow and children of John Macrone—Dickens’ first publisher—who died suddenly of influenza in September of 1837 at the age of 28.
B efore the age of 30, he had achieved immense success in Britain, and his popularity in the Unites States proved equally impressive. He had made the decision to voyage to the U.S. in part to visit his adoring masses, but also to raise the issue of copyright laws and pirating in America. In fact, the very title of American Notes for General Circulation, published a few months after Dickens’ return to England, is a reference to the sort of bootlegging of his works – and those of other popular British authors – routinely taking place in the United States.
Charles and Catherine arrived in New York on 12 February 1842, with the former observing: “The beautiful metropolis of America is by no means so clean a city as Boston, but many of its streets have the same characteristics; except that the houses are not quite so fresh-coloured, the sign-boards are not quite so gaudy, the gilded letters not quite so golden, the bricks not quite so red, the stone not quite so white, the blinds and area railings not quite so green, the knobs and plates upon the street doors not quite so bright and twinkling.” In general terms, it would seem that while Dickens was generally taken with the spectacle of Manhattan, he found Boston to be a far more salubrious city, and indeed, it was in New York that his American Notes perhaps takes on most variety, but also the point at which the author’s love of the U.S. began to break down. In the early 1840s, New York was still very much an emerging city, and the growth it was experiencing rendered it similar to Dickens’ London in more ways than one. “There are many by-streets, almost as neutral in clean colours, and positive in dirty ones, as by-streets in London,” Dickens observed; “and there is one quarter, commonly called the Five Points, which, in respect of filth and wretchedness, may be safely backed against Seven Dials, or any other part of famed St. Giles’s” (American Notes). Here, Dickens is referencing areas of London that he not only frequented, but also wrote about on a number of occasions. These were, at the time, also regarded as some of the most dire areas in all of London. Ever the social reformer, Dickens couldn’t help but compare the two great metropolises, his constant consideration the quality of life each could offer its inhabitants.
Boz Ball and Park Row:
Despite his initial misgivings, Dickens and his wife quickly settled into the excitement Manhattan offered, and on the evening of 14 February, attended the “Boz Ball,” thrown in honor of the author. The affair unfolded at Park Theatre, then located at 21 – 25 Park Row. It was attended by no less that 3,000 of New York’s elite, and proved to be one of the grandest events the city had ever seen. A bust of Dickens hung from one of the theatre’s balconies, with an eagle appearing to soar over his head. Beneath glittering chandeliers, and festoons of bunting, walls draped with white muslin were punctuated by medallions Dickens’ various works, and these were interspersed with silver stars and rosettes. Dickens was received like royalty, with the ball costing $80,000 (about $2.6 million in today’s money), and attended by Astors, Brevoorts, Motts, Livingstons, Hones, and Cheesemans. The author was introduced by the city’s mayor, Robert Morris, and then paraded around the enormous ballroom to the tune of Handel’s “See, the Conqu’ring Hero Comes.” The following morning, the normally reserved Philip Hone – prominent merchant and former New York mayor – exclaimed in his diary that the ball was “the greatest affair in modern times.” Indeed Charles and Catherine danced most of the night, with the author remarking to a dinner guest: "If I should live to grow old, the scenes of this and other evenings will shine as brightly to my dull eyes 50 years hence as now."
If I should live to grow old, the scenes of this and other evenings will shine as brightly to my dull eyes 50 years hence as now.
In true Dickensian fashion, while the Boz Ball would remain an opulent and memorable welcome to Manhattan, Dickens spent much of the remainder of his time in the city touring some of its grittiest areas.
“We must cross Broadway again; gaining some refreshment from the heat, in the sight of the great blocks of clean ice which are being carried into shops and bar-rooms,” Dickens begins, the bustling avenue serving as a refrain of sorts through the New York chapter of American Notes. “[A]nd the pine-apples and water-melons profusely displayed for sale. Fine streets of spacious houses here, you see! – Wall Street has furnished and dismantled many of them very often – and here a deep green leafy square” (American Notes).
Dickens was well aware of the power of Wall Street, and how fortunes could be gained or lost in an instant. His own father, John Dickens, was famously locked away in London’s Marshalsea Prison for unpaid debts, and the author would remain conscious of wealth and class throughout his life. In his Little Dorrit (serialized between December 1855 – June 1857), Dickens described the Marshalsea thus: “It was a hot summer day, and the prison rooms were baking between the high walls.” And in Dickens’ eyes, Wall Street was a “narrow thoroughfare, baking and blistering in the sun.” These ideas of narrowness and heat, of confinement and poverty, remained with Dickens throughout his life, and echoed through his body of work. The ephemerality of money was also a constant theme in his novels – affecting the majority of his protagonists – and something he was seemingly fixated by whilst visiting Wall Street. “Some of these very merchants whom you see hanging about here now,” he observed, “have locked up money in their strong-boxes, like the man in the Arabian Nights, and opening them again, have found but withered leaves” (American Notes). In both Little Dorrit and Bleak House (serialized between March 1852 and September 1853), Dickens explores the idea of vanishing fortunes. Indeed, money – or, specifically, one’s obsession with it – more often than not proves ruinous in ways poverty infrequently does. There is a deep irony here, given that Dickens did all he could do escape and conceal his origins, and that a primary focus of his time in the United States was campaigning for copyright laws that would allow foreign authors to reap the benefits of their international celebrity.
Some of these very merchants whom you see hanging about here now have locked up money in their strong-boxes, like the man in the Arabian Nights, and opening them again, have found but withered leaves.
Carlton House Hotel:
Dickens could arguably, be viewed as one of the first international celebrities, and many aspects of his stay in Manhattan are evidence of his fame. Indeed, while he was in New York, Charles and Catherine stayed at the Carlton House Hotel, which, while it existed, was one of the most luxurious establishments in the city. Its rate in 1840 was $2 per night (the same as the famed Astor House, which boasted indoor plumbing on every floor), and the Dickenses’ suite was made up of a parlor, drawing room and two bedrooms overlooking Broadway and Leonard Street. “Shall we sit down in an upper floor of the Carlton House Hotel (situated in the best part of this main artery of New York),” Dickens asks. “[A]nd when we are tired of looking down upon the life below, sally forth arm-in-arm, and mingle with the stream?” It’s a thoroughly Dickensian proposition, as the author was, famously, a prolific walker, and one obsessed by cityscapes. As he draws his read out with him into this torrent of life, it is not his intention to traverse similarly affluent landmarks and streets.
Shall we sit down in an upper floor of the Carlton House Hotel (situated in the best part of this main artery of New York)? [A]nd when we are tired of looking down upon the life below, sally forth arm-in-arm, and mingle with the stream?
“Again across Broadway,” Dickens guides his reader, seemingly unable to sit still when there is so much excitement to absorb, when he can pass “from the many-coloured crowd and glittering shops – into another long main street, the Bowery.” So keen to burrow into the city, it is as if Dickens is eager to seek out its rough edges, scraping through these seedier scenes, which allow his imagination to spark and catch fire. “The stores are poorer here,” he notes, but though he was seated in the lap of luxury just a few blocks away, he doesn’t seem to mind such a shift. He notes a shop sign announcing “Oysters in every Style,” and feels this place must “tempt the hungry most at night, for then dull candles glimmering inside, illuminate these dainty words, and make the mouths of idlers water, as they read and linger” (American Notes). But the sort of enchantment Dickens so skillfully engenders through this haze of candlelight abruptly ends when he reaches The Tombs.
“What is this dismal-fronted pile of bastard Egyptian, like an enchanter’s palace in a melodrama! – a famous prison, called The Tombs. Shall we go in?” he asks his readers, making them into these darker corners of New York, making them active participants in his exploration of Manhattan once again. “The Tombs” is still the name used for the Manhattan Detention Complex, located in Lower Manhattan. Over the past 170 years or so, there have been four complexes, but Dickens is referring to the first of these, which was designed in the Egyptian revival style by John Haviland in 1838. “A long, narrow, lofty building, stove-heated as usual, with four galleries, one above the other, going round it and communicating by stairs,” Dickens describes.
“Between the two sides of each gallery, and in its centre, a bridge, for the greater convenience of crossing… On each tier, are two opposite rows of small iron doors. They look like furnace-doors, but are cold and black, as though the fires within had all gone out… Each cell door on this side has a square aperture in it. Some of the women peep anxiously through it at the sound of footsteps; others shrink away in shame. – For what offence can that lonely child, of ten or twelve years old, be shut up here? Oh! that boy? He is the son of the prisoner we saw just now; is a witness against his father; and is detained here for safe keeping, until the trial; that’s all. But it is a dreadful place for the child to pass the long days and nights in. This is rather hard treatment for a young witness, is it not?”
It is, perhaps, at this point that the author’s love of the metropolis begins to definitively wane. It is also, significantly, the point at which New York proves more deleterious than London. Dickens – certainly through his fiction, and in a manner, through his journalistic efforts as well – was constantly seeing to reimagine and rewrite a his own personal history marked by struggle and deprivation. Afterall, how different was he from the son of the prisoner above? No matter how great his celebrity became – how much material comfort he was able to secure – it would seem that Dickens was never fully able to shed the prisons of his youth, and even when a wildly successful adult, was most himself during these late- night rambles, observing a panorama life, mapping out the intersections of poverty and prosperity.
Eager still to get at the very heart of New York, from The Tombs Dicken moved to the neighborhood of Five points, which was defined as being bound by Centre Street to the west, Bowery to the east, Canal Street to the north and Park Row to the south. Poor understandings of environmental conditions and sanitary science – something Dickens worked tirelessly to reform in London – paired with the development of housing on the reclaimed fill land in this area, led to the rapid deterioration, settling and even collapse of the dwellings erected on this site. When the middle classes left this area, the homes were divided, and absorbed the ever-increasing number of urban and immigrant poor.
During the point at which Dickens visited, Five Points would have already been regarded a one of the worst disease-ridden slums in the Western World. In fact, when it came to population density, illness, infant mortality, unemployment, prostitution, violent crime, etc., Five points was only rivaled by certain areas of London's East End. It was, however, considered American melting pot, at first consisting primarily of newly emancipated African Americans (slavery had ended in New York on 4 July 1827), and ethnic Irish, who claimed a presence in the area since the 1600s.
“What place is this, to which the squalid street conducts us?” Dickens asks upon arriving at Five Points.
“A kind of square of leprous houses, some of which are attainable only by crazy wooden stairs without. What lies beyond this tottering flight of steps, that creak beneath our tread? – a miserable room, lighted by one dim candle, and destitute of all comfort, save that which may be hidden in a wretched bed. Beside it, sits a man: his elbows on his knees: his forehead hidden in his hands. ‘What ails that man?’ asks the foremost officer. ‘Fever,’ he sullenly replies, without looking up. Conceive the fancies of a feverish brain, in such a place as this!”
While he exclaimed that “all that is loathsome, drooping, and decayed is here,” Dickens didn’t shy away from Five Points. No, instead he found his way to Almack’s Dance Hall, where Irish and African Americans congregated to drink, socialize and exchange cultural dances. “Our leader has his hand upon the latch of ‘Almack’s,’ and calls to us from the bottom of the steps; for the assembly-room of the Five Point fashionables is approached by a descent. Shall we go in? It is but a moment. Heyday! the landlady of Almack’s thrives!” (American Notes)
One of Almack’s greatest patrons was Master Juba, which was the stage name of Henry Lane who was born in Rhode Island in 1825. He moved to Five Points in his teens, and began competing against Irish-born dancers, eventually moving on to minstrel shows and, later, touring Great Britain. Lane’s style blended African steps with Irish jig moves, and when Dickens saw him perform, he was bowled over. “Five or six couple come upon the floor,” he writes, marshalled by Lane, “who is the wit of the assembly, and the greatest dancer known.” When describing the scene, Dicken’s prose become clipped and rhythmic, mirroring the dance itself: “Single shuffle, double shuffle, cut and cross-cut; snapping his fingers…dancing with two left legs, two right legs, two wooden legs, two wire legs, two spring legs - all sorts of legs and no legs - what is this to him?" And in a dramatic flourish, the author recounts Lane finishing his performance by “leaping gloriously on the bar-counter, and calling for something to drink" (American Notes).
In addition to the poverty-ridden areas of the city – the poorly run hospitals and prisons – that seemed so at odds with the sort of liberty and richness the country promised, the enthusiasm of his American fans began to overwhelm Dickens. He was particularly irritated by those who tried to capitalize on his fame. Tiffany's, for example, had made copies of a Dickens bust, and a rather enterprising barber even tried to sell locks of the writer's hair. By the time the author reached Washington, he was in such a foul mood that he deemed the place “an exaggeration of nastiness, which cannot be outdone." And as for the capitol’s politicians, Dickens came to the conclusion that, just like everyone else in America, they were motivated by money rather than ideals. When he returned to England, in addition to American Notes, Dickens also published Martin Chuzzlewit, which viciously satirized America, and many of the friends the author had made on his tour, such as Washington Irving, were outraged by the manner in which he had scorned the country. Dickens had been welcomed as a hero, but came to be seen as a traitor.
It would seem, however, that by 1867, when he made his second tour of America, all was forgiven. After landing in Boston in November, he devoted his first month to dinners with Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, and his American publisher, James Thomas Fields. Following this period, he began a series of “farewell readings,” performing 76 between December 1867 and April 1868. During this time he was shuttled from Boston to New York, where he gave 22 readings at Steinway Hall. Though the schedule was grueling, the author did manage to fit in some sleighing in Central Park. Whilst in the city, Dickens stayed at the Westminster Hotel (then located at Irving Place, near Union Square), where guards had to be placed at his door to keep away admirers who tried to barge in, seeking handshakes or free tickets to his readings. Along the tour, fans were guilty of tearing fur from his coat, and one even took an impression of Dickens’ boot print let in muddy gravel.
During this second visit, Dickens observed a change in the people and the circumstances of America – he was particularly gratified to see that in the period between his tours, slavery had been abolished. His final appearance was at a banquet the American press held in his honor at Delmonico's (then located at 22 Broad Street), on 18 April 1868, where he promised never to denounce America again. “I have been received with unsurpassed politeness, delicacy, sweet temper, hospitality” he noted of America generally, and of New York in particular, he believed that it had changed immensely, that he saw “improvement in every direction,” to the extent that “one might be living in Paris.”


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Cameo appearances by the Black Cat, Dr. Jonah Jameson, Joe Robertson , Aunt May, Captain America, Captain Marvel, Hawkeye, Iron Man, Thor, and the Wasp. Notes: Marvel Age 12 contained sketches of the new costume two months prior to the publication of this issue.Spidey's new costume was also unveiled in Marvel Team-Up 141 and Spectacular Spider-Man 90. The first issue of the (1984) Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars Limited Series was published the same month as Amazing Spider-Man 252. The web-slinger discovers his new costume in issue 8 of the limited series. The Frenz-Janson cover is a tribute to the iconic cover of Amazing Fantasy 15. The item "Amazing Spider-Man #252 CGC 9.6 NM+ White pgs.
1st BLACK SPIDER-MAN COSTUME" is in sale since Tuesday, December 12, 2017. This item is in the category "Collectibles\Comics\Copper Age (1984-1991)\Superhero\Spider-Man".
The seller is "lotrfan1222" and is located in Suffern, New York. This item can be shipped to United States.

domain: entertainment


text: Background Alexithymia a feature marked by poor capability to identify define and communicate emotions continues to be connected with poorer treatment result including traditional clinician delivered CBT. higher degrees of distress as measured by the Beck Depression Inventory and multiple Brief Severity Index scales. TAS-20 scores remained relatively stable throughout the duration of treatment NSC-207895 (XI-006) and follow-up. Indicators of treatment process including treatment retention adherence and therapeutic alliance were not significantly correlated with TAS-20 scores. There was a significant interaction of alexithymia and treatment condition such that individuals with higher baseline scores on the TAS-20 submitted significantly higher percentages of cocaine-negative urine toxicology specimens and reported a higher percentage of abstinence days and longer periods of consecutive abstinence within treatment when assigned to CBT4CBT compared with treatment as usual. Conclusions These findings suggest that individuals with increased alexithymia may benefit from computerized CBT; possibly via reduced demands on interpersonal skills and interactions associated with computerized therapies. values > .06). 3.3 Change in alexithymia over time Alexithymia status did not change significantly throughout the duration of the study overall or by treatment group. At the 6-month follow-up 61 of the original 73 participants completed the TAS-20. The 2-by-5 repeated measures ANOVA indicated no significant effect of time (= 3.4 = 2.8 p=.09). Figure 2 illustrates relationships between alexithymia levels and outcome over time by treatment condition. There have been no significant distinctions by treatment condition with regards to prices of cocaine-negative urine specimens gathered on the 1 2 or 6 month follow-up interviews. Body 2 Regularity of cocaine make use of by period TAS-20 alexithymia rating (using cut-off of 61) and treatment condition (CBT4CBT (computerized CBT plus TAU versus TAU (treatment as normal) HA6116 by itself). 4 Dialogue This secondary evaluation of alexithymia as assessed with the TAS-20 being a moderator of result within a randomized scientific trial of computerized CBT versus regular treatment among cocaine-dependent methadone taken care of individuals indicated the next. First the amount of alexithymia within this test was fairly high using a suggest score in the TAS-20 of 58.6. Alexithymia ratings weren’t significantly linked to most baseline demographic factors indicators of chemical NSC-207895 (XI-006) use intensity or regularity or DSM Axis I disorders although they differed between those that did and didn’t report an eternity marijuana disorder. Nevertheless there have been multiple significant correlations with alexithymia ratings with indications of greater emotional problems like the Beck Despair inventory & most BSI subscales. Second alexithymia ratings remained stable during the period of treatment and follow-up within this test and weren’t closely linked to treatment adherence. Finally there have been consistent indicators that folks with higher NSC-207895 (XI-006) levels of alexithymia had significantly better cocaine use outcomes overall and particularly when assigned to CBT4CBT compared NSC-207895 (XI-006) with TAU. As predicted there were high levels of alexithymia in the study sample. The mean TAS-20 score is comparable to levels observed in previous reports with material using populations (de Haan et NSC-207895 (XI-006) al. 2014 Haviland et al. 1994 and higher than norms reported for non-psychiatric populations (males = 47.4 females = 47.4) reported by (Bagby et NSC-207895 (XI-006) al. 1994 Individuals with higher alexithymia reported more symptomatology around the subscales of the BSI and the BDI. This obtaining is consistent with interpersonal difficulties encountered by individuals with alexithymia (Vanheule et al. 2010 and the relatively strong associations between distress and alexithymia are also consistent with previous literature (Honkalampi et al. 2000 Turning to our second hypothesis alexithymia was not strongly associated with treatment retention or adherence. For the overall sample there were no differences in days retained in treatment or group or individual session attendance during the protocol. Alexithymia level was not associated with differences in participant steps of alliance with their methadone treatment program clinician (WAI-C). Inside the group assigned to CBT4CBT TAS-20 scores weren’t connected with completion of CBT4CBT modules homework assignments significantly.


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Medical West Gastroenterology
995 9th Avenue SW
Bessemer, AL 35022
Directions via Google Maps
EducationBachelor of Science in Nursing - Florida International University
Master of Science in Nursing - University of Miami
Medical West is proud to welcome Jessie Matus, CRNP to our team of medical professionals. Jessie received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Florida International University and her Master of Science in Nursing from The University of Miami. Prior to joining Medical West, Jessie worked as a Registered Nurse at Sarasota Memorial Hospital and Baptist Hospital of Miami. She then joined Center for Digestive Medicine in Miami, Florida as a Nurse Practitioner. Jessie is excited to be in Birmingham and to help serve our patients in the Medical West Gastroenterology Health Center.
Need to find us? Maps & Directions

domain: medical


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MUSIC CITY CENTER UPDATES
Our Neighborhood is growing!
The new, high performance Music City Center is under construction adjacent to the museum on the west side of 5th Avenue South. During construction, there will be street closures and parking lot shifts, but there are still plenty of ways to reach us. The map below is your planning guide to what streets to avoid and where you can easily park when visiting the museum. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact us at firstname.lastname@example.org.
The center is scheduled for completion in 2013.
For additional parking options and parking facility rate information, visit the Nashville Downtown Parntership's parking web site ParkItDowntown.com.
Get a bird's eye view of the Music City Center construction site and follow the progress online.


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Pueblo County, Colorado
Kate B. MacNider
Contributed by Jean Griesan.
MacNider, Kate B.
Mrs. K. B. MacNider, 59 years old, a native of Colorado and a daughter of Denver's first brick manufacturer, died Saturday evening in her home, 1721 Grant Street.
She, with her husband and sister, Mrs. Margaret Baldwin of the Luxor Hotel, 1443 California Street, and the Isle Apartments, 1307 Stout Street, were the proprietors for many years. It was Mrs. MacNider's father, Mr. Mawhinney, who came to Denver in 1863, who made the brick for Denver's first street paving on Blake Street and who later made the brick for the Tabor opera houses here and in Leadville.
Mrs. MacNider's mother, Mrs. Agnes B. Mawhinney, came to Colorado in an ox wagon in 1860. She had 10 children born in Colorado. Mrs. MacNider was born near Pueblo. Later her parents took her to Central City and Leadville. In the latter city she met and married Mr. MacNider who was engaged in the mining and milling business. Subsequently, the MacNiders lived in Aspen, Colorado Springs, and Victor before moving to Denver 20 years ago. She was survived by her husband, four sisters--Mrs. Baldwin, Mrs. Agnes Buckley of Big Springs, Miss Bonita Mawhinney of Colorado Springs, Mrs. F. E. Cole, 220 East 20th Avenue, Denver, and her mother Mrs. Agnes Mawhinney of Colorado Springs.
Mrs. MacNider was a cousin by marriage of Hanford MacNider, former assistant secretary of war and former national commander of the American Legion. Mrs. MacNider was a member of the Rebecca's, The Neighbors of Woodcraft, and the Territorial Daughters of Colorado. She also was a member of the First Church of Christ Scientist.
Extracted from "The Real Pioneers of Colorado," by Maria Davies McGrath, published in 1934 by The Denver Museum, retyped with added notes by Jane P. Ohl, in October 2001.
to the Pueblo County Index Page.
Please e-mail comments and suggestions to Karen Mitchell.
© Karen Mitchell |


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Read To Win
We’re about halfway through the 2018 Winter Olympics. In about 3 weeks, several athletes will be offered book deals. Later this year or early next year, they’ll all be published with titles like Working Out: How I Won a Gold Medal. Unquestionably, all of these books will be bad and you should not buy them. (In the late 90s, I read Olympic speed skater Dan Jansen’s memoir Full Circle. That’s some time I will never get back.)
But the human interest stories are the best part of the Olympics (for me, at least). So when good writers write about them, we get some gold medal books.
Nine Men in a Boat
The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown
I was a coxswain in college, so I’m biased towards crew books, but this one is universally appealing. Even people who don’t know anything about rowing (which, based on the number of people I’ve met who think the coxswain just sits in the boat and yells “row,” is almost everybody) loved this book. It’s the story of the University of Washington crew team, who were chosen to represent the USA in the 1936 Olympics in Berlin. Brown tells the stories of the individual rowers, their coaches and support staff (including a really cool boat builder) and their journey as a team. And once you’ve finished the book, you can watch their climactic race on YouTube.
The Games Before the Storm
Hitler’s Olympics by Christopher Hilton
Speaking of the 1936 Olympics, they were insane. Hitler essentially used them as a giant Nazi rally. Many minority athletes either avoided the games or spent their time watching their backs. One of the rowers from The Boys in the Boat was informed by his father that they were secretly Jewish right before he set sail for Germany. (Thanks, Dad.) The fact that Jesse Owens became the prominent success story of those games only made everything weirder.
Run For Your Life
Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand
You’re going to think I’m obsessed with the 1936 Olympics, but this is the last one. Unbroken is the story of Louis Zamperini, an Olympic runner who later joined the army. After being shot down in the war and surviving for weeks on a raft in the Pacific, he was later captured by the Japanese. The fact that he ran at Hitler’s games ends up being the 5th most interesting thing about him at best, which is saying something.
Wrestling Should be Fun
Foxcatcher by Mark Schultz and David Thomas
If you’re a true crime fan, I’ve got great news—there are sociopaths in sports, too! John du Pont, mega-rich heir of the du Pont family, built a wrestling training center on his estate because he was a huge wrestling fan. Also, he was crazy. The story of his relationship with Olympics wrestlers (and brothers) Mark and Dave Schultz is a book, documentary, and film starring Steve Carrell and Channing Tatum. Because nobody can get enough of how crazy it is.
The Boys of Winter by Wayne Coffey
On a lighter note, when the 1980 U.S. men’s hockey team beat Russia at the Olympics, it felt like winning The Cold War. Perhaps the greatest underdog story ever told, Coffey goes into the lives of the rag-tag players and their improbable coach, and how they pulled of “The Miracle on Ice.”
Dream Team by Jack McCallum
I don’t have adequate superlatives for the 1992 U.S. Olympic Men’s Basketball team. Watching them on TV when I was a kid undoubtedly felt like watching the Avengers. Their untelevised practice scrimmages are famously some of the best basketball ever played. McCallum covered them for Sports Illustrated and gives us a behind-the-scenes look at all those egos, high-stakes poker games, and the day Magic and Jordan went one-on-one.
Watching the Olympics this year or have any good sports bios for us? Let us know in the comments!
Feature Image: CBC Olympics


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Do you have the habit of apologising for not being able to hear someone and you end saying “sorry” because you feel that it’s your fault.
Don’t worry if that applies to you, as I am also very guilty of saying the above and more over the years.
And personally, I believe should all stop over-apologising, as it having negative consequences to our lives.
So what can you do instead? Why do we do it in the first place? And why is it important to nip it in the bud so that we don’t do it again in the future?
You can listen the podcast…
…watch the video…
…or read the transcript below.
Does this sound like you?
“Sorry, I’m deaf”.
“Sorry I’m hard of hearing”.
“Sorry, I can’t hear you”.
“Sorry, I didn’t hear you at all”.
Let me know in a comment at the bottom below if that applies to you because that applies to me so much.
I say all of these things and beyond and I’ve been saying it for many many years and I think, I believe that we should just stop. Just stop saying that because it just doesn’t do any good to any of us, it actually has negative consequences.
So I want to talk about why I think we should all stop apologising, and especially all that apologising for being deaf and hard of hearing.
I’d love to hear from your own personal experience if that applies to you, why do you do it?
But I guess for me it’s a reflex thing, I just do it without even thinking about it, that’s not a good thing. But then I also think about why do I do it when I do it?
And maybe it’s because I’m trying to be compassionate and sympathetic to the other person because maybe they’re trying their hardest to get to know you and to communicate with you and you just struggle and you can’t do it.
But then obviously, for me, I think that actually blames yourself because by apologising you’re blaming yourself for those problems.
Maybe the other reason’s because we want to avoid awkwardness, so if you are trying your best and you’re struggling and struggling and you just couldn’t do it and eventually you want to break the awkwardness. You know, just admit that you can’t hear it by saying, “sorry I can’t hear you”, or “sorry I’m deaf”.
Then maybe that’s another thing, you just want to avoid that awkwardness but again, is that a good thing?
Or maybe just because, in my case, maybe just the whole British politeness where we like to queue and we like to say please and thank you and we seemingly like to apologise for certain things as well, sometimes but maybe it’s that.
I don’t know, that applies to me, maybe it doesn’t apply to you but I’d love to know why do you do it? Let me know, I’m really curious to know. So there are a number of reasons why I believe we should stop apologising, stop saying I’m sorry for this.
And because you are deaf or hard of hearing and the only situation comes with it.
Why we should stop apologising for being deaf or hard of hearing?
Here are the reasons why I think we should stop apologising.
1. You are not sorry
Number one is, because you not really sorry at all. I know in my case, I’m not really sorry, it’s just a way to diffuse the situation, make it less awkward and maybe to admit to something.
But the thing is, it means that I admit to being faulty or having an impairment which is not a thing I want to say at all.
2. You may be seen as weak or pushover
Number two is, because it may make you seem a bit weak or a pushover because you are over apologising for what is “wrong” with you.
And I quote with a quotation mark, air-quote, “wrong” because that is not something that you should think at all, you should not ever say that there is something wrong with you but that is the perception that other people might have of you if you keep saying sorry.
You might end up becoming a pushover which is not what we want at all.
3. May make you feel guilty
It might actually also make you feel guilty and if that is the case then I don’t think you should feel guilty at all.
Again for the same reason, there’s nothing wrong with you, it’s just the situation, it is what it is.
But you don’t want to feel guilty about something that is not your fault.
4. May cause unnecessary guilt to others
And number four, even related to that, it may cause unnecessary guilt, not just on yourself but also the other person as well.
That person may feel guilty for not being accommodating or did a bad job or just didn’t really do well to help you communicate with each other.
And that might cause unnecessary guilt just because we are over apologising.
5. It can be annoying
Number five is an obvious one, it can be annoying. And imagine if someone says something and you say, sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry and you just kept on doing it.
And it can get annoying eventually and it may frustrate you and then it may frustrate them as well so, don’t do it. It can be annoying.
6. ‘Sorry’ make lose its meaning
Sixth is that maybe it will eventually lose its meaning.
By saying sorry all the time, then I know you’re not going to forget what sorry means but it seems like, you will forget what sorry means because we are using it in a different context.
We’re not using it in the right way that I believe that we should be using it for.
So by overdoing it, maybe we are just going to eventually lose it’s meaning.
7. It’s not your fault
And number seven, I think it’s a big one for me, on the particular issue, it’s not your fault and I don’t ever think that you should apologise for something that is not your fault.
If it’s something that you were born with, or something, even if it’s like accidental or an incident happened that made you lose your hearing, it doesn’t really matter.
It’s just not your fault, we just have to live with it. We have to embrace it, we have to move forward with it but do not make it seem like it’s something that is a burden to other people because then you have to apologise for that.
It’s not your fault!
How do we stop over-apologising?
So what do we do then? How do we stop over apologising especially if it’s something that is like a reflex, it’s an instinct, you just can’t really help yourself, you just do it automatically, what do we do?
Well here are some suggestions that I’ve got for you.
1. Think or pause before you speak
Number one is to think to just pause just for a second or two before you even think about going to say I’m sorry, for whatever.
Just pause for that second and you might be able to just nip it in the bud, but also you might also want to think about why are you saying it in the first place you want to make sure, “oh am I really sorry”?
Or I just want to make the situation better? Whatever it is, think about why are you saying it and then just pause for a second and maybe you want to say something else.
2. Express compassion differently
Number two is to express compassion differently and I’ll come to that in a second but maybe instead of making each other feel guilty.
Maybe you can find another way you can make it more a comfortable experience when you are communicating with each other.
And I’ll come back to that later.
3. Understand your triggers
Number three is to understand your triggers. What is it that is making you say I’m sorry? Can you pinpoint what is it that’s doing that to you?
Because if you can do that, you might be able to just nip it in the bud and not let it get to make it really bad for you. And then you just do it instantly, automatically, all the time and you just don’t really think about it in the end.
So what is the trigger that makes you over apologise for being deaf or hard of hearing?
4. Rephrase your question or phrase carefully
Number four will be to rephrase your question or your phrase careful.
Again I’m going to come back to it in a second but by rephrasing “I’m sorry”, if you say it in a different way, you might be able to actually overcome a situation of over apologising.
Again, let me get back to you in just a second.
5. Turn it into gratitude
And number five, again I’ll come back to it in more detail is to turn it into gratitude.
Because again, that will make it less awkward, less guiltiness and it makes you look more in a stronger position and be also proud of your situation, and not let it get to you too much as well.
So, turn it into gratitude as well.
How to turn it into gratitude?
So how do you do all that? What could you say instead?
Well this is where I’m going to get into it, instead of saying “I’m sorry” here are the things that you could say.
1. “Excuse me…[fill in the gap]”
If sorry is a habit of yours, maybe you want to just change that word a little bit and say, “excuse me”, or “pardon me”. Maybe you want to change that a little bit because instead of apologising, you’re actually wanting to ask them to repeat what they said.
So instead of “I’m sorry I’m deaf”, then say “excuse me…” and fill in the gap.
So just rephrasing that to “excuse me” or “pardon me” then that can make a big difference.
2. “Thank you, I appreciate your effort”
Number two would be to, instead of being sorry for something that takes so long, like someone get that message across to you, instead of saying “I’m sorry”, turn it into gratitude and just say “thank you, I appreciate your effort” and then you continue on.
And that’s it, it’s a positive way, it’s more of a gratitude toward it and I think it’s a much better way of saying thank you and making it a nice feeling than saying sorry. So turn it into gratitude that way.
3. “Excuse me, I’m deaf”
Number three, if you want to say that you are deaf or hard of hearing, if you want to be, not too direct but you want to make a point of it in a maybe gentle way you can something like, “excuse me, I’m deaf”. Or, “you’ll have to excuse me, I’m deaf”, something along that line.
Because that again, that’s not saying that you’re putting it on yourself, you’re making it a point to them, that excuse I’m deaf. So that is just saying, in a way, “FYI, here’s the situation can we make it work?”
But then you could be direct if you want to.
4. “I’m deaf” / “I’m hard of hearing”
Number four, you can just say straight up “I’m deaf”…”I’m hard of hearing”. You can just say it straight away if you feel comfortable with that, if it’s the right person that you can say it to.
If it works for you then you can say it.
5. “Could you please repeat that?”
And number five would be, again instead of saying “I’m sorry”, you could say something like, “could you please repeat that?“.
If you want to do it in, again, in a more polite way, in a gentle way, you want to have sympathy for the other person but also sympathy on yourself.
Be kind to yourself and that’s why I want to say all of these things. Just say something like, “could you please repeat that?”
6. Pick & mix different options
And then also, you can combine all of these things together so you can say, “could you please repeat that because I am deaf”.
So you have the combination of that phrase with a bit of directness to it as well. You can combine any of that and then just find out what works for you.
Now I’ve given you all of these options but maybe you’re one of those kind who are more strict.
7. Be more “street”?
Or you you want to be more colloquial and then you just want to say stuff like:
“What did you say?!”
“I can’t hear you!”
Or something along that line, if it suits, then that’s up to you, its not something that I would suggest or recommend but, if that works of you then you should choose your own but, anyway, I’ve give you some options.
Let’s all work together, let’s help each other and make sure that we don’t over apologise for something that, well really, it’s not our fault.
We don’t want to make ourselves feel bad, we don’t want to make ourselves feel guilty and to the other person, you don’t want to make them feel bad or guilty, any of these things.
We can do that together and if we all do that together maybe one day we can change our perception.
Because having something like being deaf or hard of hearing is not always negative thing and we don’t want the general hearing world to see it as a negative thing. It’s just something that, it is what it is.
So, let’s stop over apologising and I think it’s something that wold be really good for all us.
Let me know in the comments what you think about that. Do you agree with it, do you not agree with and do you have your own experiences? Any other other recommendations?
Any tips and advice, I’d love to know what you think. Let me know in the comments as well.
In the meantime, I will speak to you again soon.
- What is ‘audism’? Plus my personal experiences of facing audism - October 27, 2021
- ‘CODA’ movie review: my thoughts on the latest deaf movie to be released - October 13, 2021
- Deafness as a ‘hidden/invisible disability’ - October 6, 2021


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September 12, 2019MANRRS promotes careers for a modern agriculture industry
Fewer young people are aware of the multitude of careers and opportunities within the agricultural sector. That’s why Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS) strives to help students discover how agriculture, engineering and technology relate to the world around them.
August 19, 2019Social Media Bridges the Gap
“We are at a crossroads with the average age of farmers today, so the focus on young, beginning and small farmers is incredibly important,” Thompson said. “That’s what I appreciate about Farm Credit - they provide assistance to those who are just starting out or are the first person in their family to enter into agriculture.”
April 25, 2019Wait, Eggs Aren't Dairy?
If your local grocery store shelved bananas next to bratwursts, would you assume that bananas were made from pork? How about if they sold pasta sauce next to salad dressing; would you start slathering marinara on your spinach? However absurd these assumptions may seem, participants in the Young Dairy Leadership Institute (YDLI) find the need for consumer education to be high. YDLI educates consumers about the dairy industry while also providing professional development opportunities for young dairy leaders.
August 1, 2018Farm Credit Partners with National Farmers Union to Support the Next Generation of Farmers
Farm Credit is proud to partner with the National Farmers Union's Beginning Farmer Institute as they provide a diverse group of new farmers the skills they need to succeed.

domain: food


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Zika virus can cause babies to be born with devastating brain damage. But the signs of Zika infection in adults – rash, fever, headache and body aches – are nonspecific, so a pregnant woman who develops such symptoms can’t be sure if she has contracted Zika or something less risky for her fetus.
A diagnostic test newly granted market authorization by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) promises to help resolve this confusion. The test, developed by InBios International and based in part on technology licensed from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, can detect signs of Zika infection in serum samples within 12 weeks of infection.
“Pregnant women living in or visiting places where Zika is endemic will want to know if they have been exposed to the virus,” said Michael S. Diamond, MD, PhD, a co-inventor of the technology that underlies the test. Diamond is the Herbert S. Gasser Professor of Medicine and a professor of molecular microbiology and of pathology and immunology at Washington University. “This test, along with another that detects viral genetic material at very early stages of infection, will help women and their doctors make informed health-care decisions.”
In 2016, Diamond and co-inventor Daved Fremont, professor of pathology and immunology – along with then-graduate student Estefania Fernandez, MD, PhD, and postdoctoral researcher Haiyan Zhao, PhD – identified and characterized an antibody that detects Zika virus proteins. In the first days after infection, immune cells churn out large amounts of anti-Zika antibodies. The test uses Diamond and Fremont’s antibody – as well as other components – to detect anti-Zika antibodies in the blood of people recently infected with the virus.


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A CONDENSED SKETCH OF DAVIDIAN HISTORY
In 1929, Victor T. Houteff, a Sabbath school teacher in the Seventh-Day Adventist Church at the time, began to expound a series of Bible studies based on the denomination's Sabbath school quarterly of Isaiah 54-66. He shared these studies with his class on Sabbath mornings and afternoons when requested. Though he was teaching nothing contrary to the denomination as far as the conclusion was concerned, he encountered bitter and determined opposition from the very outset. In the course of time, he documented these and a few other studies and compiled them into a book entitled "The Shepherd's Rod Volume One."
Prior to completing the book and taking it to the publishers,
he typed the first 172 pages and distributed thirty-three copies to the leading brethren
of the General Conference at its session in June, 1930. He pleaded with them to
investigate the contents of the book and to share their findings with him along with any
errors they may discover as soon as possible. The recipients verbally agreed to do so
either in person or by letter. In this way he presented a formal request to the General
Conference to investigate his teachings.
Sadly, the General Conference did not respond. Prior to
completing and publishing the book, Bro. Houteff made two additional appeals to his local
conference as to the progress of their investigation and intentions. This was answered
only by complete silence. While awaiting a response from the General Conference, the local
conference took it upon themselves to disfellowship Bro. Houteff on
It took nearly four years for the General Conference to consent to give him a hearing. In the interval between the publishing of the book and the G.C. hearing, members of the church who were brave enough to study his message for themselves were convinced of its truthfulness. Among the brethren who accepted his message were high-ranking, well-respected leaders in the denomination. The result was that they were disfellowshipped from the church, and in many cases physically assaulted in an attempt to bar them from entering. In other cases, those who were somehow able to enter the churches were physically ejected from the premises, though causing no disturbance of any kind.
After the above-mentioned abuses, the long-awaited hearing
was held on
After being cast out of the churches by the leading brethren
even before a hearing was granted and a decision was made, the Davidian movement was
officially organized on
For twenty years, the movement worked diligently to build and complete "The Camp", or Headquarters. The "camp" consisted of various departments designed to facilitate a Bible training school, accommodations to care for the sick, aged, orphaned and unfortunate and school for the children who accepted the message. By 1942, the organization became officially known as "The Davidian Seventh-Day Adventist Association", and in 1943 the governmental principles of the Association were listed and explained in "The Leviticus of the Davidian Seventh-Day Adventists."
In November, 1955, Sis. Houteff set the date of
From the very inception of the Davidian message, the goal of its adherents has been to share its contents with every church member freely and allow him to exercise the gift of religious liberty to decide for or against it. The Davidians have never voluntarily forfeited their church membership or their privilege to attend the S.D.A church. On the contrary, the message teaches that our duty is to remain on the inside and call for the reformation predicted in the Spirit of Prophecy (see C.O.R. p.121; Testimonies for the Church Vol. 8 pp. 250, 251). In fact, the message emphatically states that the Davidians must remain in the church no less than eleven times throughout its published literature.
Realizing the importance of the "camp" with its
various departments, and its role in taking the message to the church, the call was
sounded to re-establish it in 1994 in a rural location in


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Memphis, Tenn., Jan 20, 2020 / 11:35 am
On April 4, 1968, Martin Luther King, Jr., was fatally shot outside his room at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee.
King is remembered as the most visible leader of the civil rights movement, for which he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964, and as the founding president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. But he was first a pastor at Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama, and remained active in pastoral leadership throughout his life.
On the day after King was killed, Pope Paul VI expressed remorse during his Angelus address, saying that the civil rights leader was "a Christian prophet for racial integration."
Shortly after King's death, the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, the National Council of Churches, the Synagogue Council of America, and the Standing Conference of Orthodox Bishops in the Americas released an interfaith statement, mourning their colleague in ministry.

domain: history


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Mental health: PTSD from domestic abuse
As part of our #SpotlightOn campaign, for the month of May we’ve been shining a light on the impact on the mental health of domestic abuse victims and survivors. To mark Mental Health Awareness Week 2021 we looked at emotional abuse and mental health, and for Maternal Mental Health Week we discussed the mental health challenges faced by pregnant women and new mothers who live with domestic abuse.
In this blog post, we’ll be looking at one of the range of mental health outcomes often experienced by women who have been the victim of domestic abuse; PTSD, which stands for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Please note that this post comes with a trigger warning – we will be touching on topics some readers may find distressing so reader discretion is advised.
What causes PTSD?
In a general context, many life events and experiences can cause PTSD. You may have heard the term used in relation to military personnel such as soldiers, or in relation to police officers or paramedics who are first-responders to violent and sometimes fatal incidents. According to UK based charity PTSD UK, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is caused by “a traumatic event – an event which provoked fear, helplessness or horror in response to the threat of injury or death”. We can use this definition* to understand how PTSD is also caused by domestic abuse.
As we’ve discussed in many of our previous blog posts, domestic abuse is all about the perpetrator holding control over their victim and inflicting fear, shame and guilt in order to maintain this control. Perpetrators use a variety of methods to exert control, including physical, sexual, financial, and emotional means. Any form of abuse can be traumatic, which can be defined as “causing severe and lasting emotional shock and pain”. It’s key to focus on the word “lasting” here; trauma is not a short-term outcome of domestic abuse, but can affect victims and survivors for a long time after the abuse has stopped or they have left the relationship.
Trauma and PTSD
Following a traumatic event or experience, it can take time for your brain to process and adjust to what happened. The effects of trauma can be present even if you are distanced from the incident and living in a safe place. It can take a particularly long time to adjust if you have been in a relationship where your partner was very controlling/abusive for an extended period of time. Try to remember that it is completely natural for you to take time to recover. We like to think of responding to trauma as if it were a visible physical injury – you wouldn’t try to run on a leg you broke last week so allow yourself time to mentally and emotionally progress at your own pace after experiencing trauma.
Trauma and PTSD from domestic abuse could be caused by physical abuse such as being punched, kicked, burned or even stabbed. It can be caused by a perpetrator repeatedly threatening to kill you, to destroy your home or harm your children – even if they never act on their threats it still provokes a fear response. PTSD can be caused by sexual assaults or threats to assault you sexually. In short, there are many, many ways a perpetrator can traumatise their victim, and not all of them have to include physical abuse. If this trauma is not processed properly, that is when severe psychological issues can arise. PTSD UK suggest that when symptoms of trauma last for over a month, the person may be suffering from PTSD.
Some of the symptoms of trauma and PTSD include:
- Re-experiencing symptoms such as: flashbacks (reliving the traumatic event) recurring nightmares related to the traumatic event, intrusive thoughts, sweating, trembling or being in pain
- Avoidance symptoms such as: keeping yourself busy, taking alcohol or drugs to get away from your memories, being unable to remember the traumatic event, avoiding places, people or objects which remind you of the event
- Arousal & reactivity symptoms such as: being easily startled, feeling on-edge, difficulty falling asleep, aggressive outbursts, difficulty concentrating
- Cognition & mood symptoms such as: being unable to trust anyone, loss of interest in activities you previously enjoyed, difficulty feeling positive, overwhelming anger, sadness, guilt or shame, trouble remembering the traumatic event
If you have experienced a combination of the four categories of symptoms, it’s important that you reach out for support. For a PTSD diagnosis in the UK you must have experienced at least: one re-experiencing symptom, one avoidance symptom, two arousal & reactivity symptoms and two cognition & mood symptoms over a period of at least a month. However, if you don’t meet this criteria but still experience some of the symptoms above following trauma of any kind, you should still seek support.
Types of PTSD
Above we used PTSD UK’s definition of what causes Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder to understand how it can develop from experiencing domestic abuse. This definition stated that PTSD stems from “a traumatic event”; whilst this is correct, it is now recognised by medical professionals that a continuous exposure to or experience of multiple traumatic events or stressful situations can cause PTSD to develop too.
Medically, PTSD following continuous exposure – such as the type of PTSD a domestic abuse victim may suffer – is referred to in many different ways. For the sake of this post, we’ll use just one name for it – Complex PTSD. PTSD UK detail the range of experiences which can cause this particular type of PTSD, which include:
- Frequent sexual abuse
- Long-term & repeated feelings of captivation and/or powerlessness
- Long-term victimisation such as bullying
- Frequent and constant exposure to verbal or emotional abuse and threats
- Living under severe threat for a very long time
For victims of domestic abuse, there is the possibility that they regularly and consistently experience all of the above. And not only does this affect the victims themselves, but also could have a traumatic impact on any children that witness or live with the abuse too.
How we can help
Although we are not experts in mental health, we understand the complex relationship between trauma and domestic abuse. Our team is fully trained to support you if you need help. We also work closely with organisations and services in the Belfast and Lisburn areas who offer specialist support to help with mental health challenges.
Above all else, we want you to know you are not alone. We understand that you may feel it, but we are here for you. Reach out to us for completely free, confidential and non-judgemental support, help or advice:
Call us – 028 9066 6049
Email us – support@Belfastwomensaid.org.uk
Chat with us – www.belfastwomensaid.org.uk Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm and til 8pm on Thursdays
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Kentucky Tour de Dance
Meet the players, soak up the culture, and explore flatfooting and clogging improvisation in this unique virtual dance-class-meets-road-trip!
If you love music, dancing, and Kentucky culture, give yourself this fun class where you'll learn more about improv and get a taste of traveling the hills and byways, completely at your own pace.
You might not be able to travel through Kentucky right now, but in this 6-session course, you'll come along with me as I do, hanging out on porches, chatting about tunes, seeing me jam with the musicians, and hearing them tell about where they learned the music and how they got their start.
Then, when I get back home, I'll break it down and create a dance class video showing steps and ideas for improvising with each tune!
In this program,
Virtually travel along to a different Kentucky locale each session.We'll visit Bath, Estill, Letcher, Knott, and other counties, and hear lots of fiddle and banjo tunes!
Listen to interviews with the musicians, telling about their background in the music, and how they learned the tunes they're going to share.Stories make life more interesting, and one of the beautiful things about learning Appalachian culture from actual mountain folks is the context they provide for the material!
Watch a video of Carla dancing along to the tune, improvising on the fly!This will just be me, doing whatever steps come to mind with a tune I probably don't know, so you can see one version of improvising from scratch!
Receive a video dance lesson to go with each tune, showing ideas, steps, and tips to improvise with that specific tune.This is when I'll get more specific about what steps will work best with the tune, address any idiosyncrasies in the music, and share my best tricks for improv.
And more!Spend some special time with some of Kentucky's amazing tradition-bearers, and get inspired for your dancing and your picking, too!
Dancer and musician Carla Gover brings 30 years of teaching, dancing AND musical experience to the class, and her clear and patient teaching style will help you master the steps and the ways they work together as an integral part of the old-time string band.
“I have always told myself the story that "I can't pick up steps, otherwise I'd be a decent dancer" But your really clear instructions and videos have increased my confidence no end. I have always LOVED watching flatfooters at festivals, but your instruction has finally made it all click. I am finally NOT frustrated!"
Enroll in The Kentucky Tour de Dance Today
The Complete Package
Six video sessions with travel footage and interviews with the musicians.
Six videos of the musicians playing the tune.
Six videos of me improvising with the musicians.
Six video lessons to accompany the tunes, digging into specifics about improvising to each individual piece.
All of this material will be released every two weeks into the digital course platform for you to complete at your own pace, and reference as needed in the future!
Still thinking about it? Kentucky Tour de Dance PERFECT for…
- The person who would LOVE to travel through Kentucky living it up and meeting musicians, but can't swing it right now.
- The person who has learned some steps here and there, but needs help putting it all together.
- The person who has studied with me before and wants to continue the journey with a different twist.
- The person who wants to work up to jamming more where live music is being played!!
- The person who can't get enough of All Things Appalachian and maybe even wants to learn a tune or two along with the dancing!


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Mass. State Rep. Calls on University VP to Increase Transparency for Allston Multimodal Project
Harvard President Lawrence Bacow Made $1.1 Million in 2020, Financial Disclosures Show
Harvard Executive Vice President Katie Lapp To Step Down
81 Republican Lawmakers File Amicus Brief Supporting SFFA in Harvard Affirmative Action Lawsuit
Duke Senior’s Commencement Speech Appears to Plagiarize 2014 Address by Harvard Student
Former White House officials recounted their experiences working in the West Wing and encouraged students not to lose faith in politics at a forum hosted by the Institute of Politics Monday.
At the forum, titled “West Wingers: Personal Stories of Public Service,” the four speakers each detailed their time spent working in the West Wing. The conversation was moderated by Aneesh V. Raman ’01, a former speechwriter for President Barack Obama.
Soon after serving under the 44th president, the speakers — along with several other White House staffers — authored a book titled “West Wingers: Stories from the Dream Chasers, Change Makers, and Hope Creators Inside the Obama White House.” Gautam Raghavan, a former White House BGLTQ and Asian American Pacific Islander liaison, pitched and edited the book.
“Each chapter in the book is a personal story and a policy story, showing ways that, for each of us, our work at the White House became the work of our lives,” Raman said. “We push for new communities to have a seat at the table and for new voices to secure their place in the telling of the American story.”
During the event, panelists recounted some of their “coolest Obama moments.”
Raina Thiele, a former White House liaison for intergovernmental affairs, said she remembered one particularly humorous interaction she had with Obama. He'd just completed a historic trip to Alaska, making him the first sitting United States president to cross the Arctic Circle. The 44th president paused and asked her, "How'd I do?"
The speakers also recalled Obama's humility and his unwavering positivity, which they said persisted in the months following the 2016 presidential election. That election saw Republican nominee Donald Trump snatch the presidency from Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton — widely seen as someone who would continue Obama's legacy — in an upset victory that shocked the nation and dismayed many in the West Wing.
Ned Price, a former senior director of the National Security Council, recounted how Obama comforted tearful White House staffers in the moments after Trump won. Obama told employees that “History zigs and zags; it doesn’t move in a straight line,” Price said.
Despite the hardships the five panelists said they at times experienced working under the 44th president, all said they stuck around because they had faith in Obama's vision for the country and his ability to accomplish it.
“I stayed fundamentally because I believed in Barack Obama,” Raghavan said.
Rumana A. Ahmed, a Kennedy School student and former National Security Council staffer, urged attendees not to focus only on the “now.” Ahmed insisted the audience remember that the conditions of American society today may result from struggle and unrest — but they also stem from historical resilience.
Attendee Drake E. Johnson ’22 said he is considering a career in politics and that he felt inspired after listening to the speakers discuss their time in politics. He said he gained valuable insight into the ways individuals can take simple steps to affect others around them.
“I’ve always wanted to have a great impact but I’ve always struggled with how to make that impact,” Johnson said. “I want to help instill hope and develop hope.”
When an audience member floated the possibility of the panelists running for office themselves, Ahmed responded with a clear message to voters: “I think it’s important to keep in mind that you don’t have to be running for office, but every single one of you here should be taking your own butts to vote — and get your friends to vote too.”
Correction: Oct. 18, 2018
A previous version of this article incorrectly attributed a quote. It has been updated.
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Why Should You Consider Bassoon Lessons?
Bassoon lessons are available to people in and around Elgin, IL. Many people are choosing to learn an instrument or to encourage their children to because of the many social, health, and educational benefits.
The Bassoon, in particular, is an instrument that brings enjoyable sounds to the table in an orchestra and players are in demand because it is not the common go-to choice for career musicians. This is good for budding players who want to make a living with their skills. Skilled bassoon players are in high-demand on every level. If you are interested in learning to play the bassoon or if you want to allow your child to attempt a new instrument to see if it is something they thrive at, contact us for lessons in your area. We serve Elgin and the surrounding areas with quality music lessons for musicians of all levels.


Biden Admin Is Reportedly Close To Respond Russia For A Series Of Glaring Transgressions And Abuses, Including The Epic Solarwinds Corp.
President Joe Biden is a famously nice guy. Maybe he should stop being nice, just for a while. His Administration Is Reportedly Close To Punishing Russia For A Series Of Glaring Transgressions And Abuses, Including The Epic Solarwinds Corp. computer hack that has left governments and businesses worldwide exposed to a mammoth data breach. As Bloomberg News reported Wednesday, the White House may soon announce economic sanctions against individuals close to Russian President Vladimir Putin and expel Russian diplomats from the U.S.
There also may be “private talks with Russia laying out further actions the U.S. would be prepared to take.” I don’t know. When you haven’t taken any action, telling the people who have been picking your pocket that there are further actions you would be prepared to take if they don’t change their ways doesn’t seem threatening. And the clock is ticking. The SolarWinds hack burst into view in December, but by then it had been running undetected for months.
In late February, amid congressional inquiries into the intrusion, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said the Biden administration would soon deploy a “mix of tools seen and unseen” against Russia that went well beyond economic sanctions. Those actions were said to be just weeks away. In March, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said a “mix of actions seen and unseen” were on the way.
Now it’s April, and Biden still hasn’t acted. What’s more, he has yet to appoint a national cyber director, the person with the authority to coordinate speedy responses to cyberattacks. Congress created the position late last year through defense legislation that overcame a veto from former President Donald Trump. The expectation was that Biden’s White House, which has prioritized cybersecurity, would fill the role quickly. But bureaucratic squabbles have left it empty.
The scale and methods involved in the SolarWinds hack were frightening and unusual. Approximately 1,000 Russian operatives orchestrated the attack, penetrating at least 100 companies around the globe, as well as nine U.S. agencies. The Russians found their way onto those servers by targeting SolarWinds, an Austin, Texas-based company that provides network and information-technology software. Tech heavyweights such as Microsoft and Amazon.com were ensnared in the hack, and the federal government and business leaders still don’t fully understand how Russia pulled it off.
China has also been fighting hard on the digital battlefield. In March, Microsoft disclosed that it was caught up in a sprawling hack engineered by China that began Jan. 3 but was uncovered only recently. Small businesses and schools were among the victims. The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday that China made use of reams of personal information it had stolen in earlier hacks to feed into the bigger attack.
The national security stakes in all this are tremendous. For a harrowing account of how far behind the U.S. has fallen in the digital arms race, read “This Is How They Tell Me the World Ends,” by Nicole Perlroth, a reporter with the New York Times — a book based on seven years of interviews with hundreds of people engaged in the cyber-arms industry and digital warfare. Perlroth’s chilling account explains how the U.S. lost its early lead in information warfare after legions of the digital sleuths it trained went overseas to teach everyone else what they knew.
At a minimum, the U.S. needs to prepare for protracted, dog-eat-dog cyberwarfare that, at best, may involve containment. It’s unlikely that any government will ever win this war, particularly with two superpowers (the U.S. and China) and a trio of dangerous rogue states (Russia, Iran and North Korea) all engaged in the same kind of subterfuge. Perhaps realpolitik explains why Biden is slow-walking his cyberattack response. He may be letting it ride in order to secure Russian cooperation in bringing Iran back into a nuclear arms agreement. He may be giving Russia and China a chance to cooperate because the U.S. cannot fully stem the sophisticated attacks.
Or, Biden may prefer a diplomatic solution. But that road is no longer promising. That’s not to say it would be appropriate for him to respond by, say, shutting down part of Moscow’s power grid or upending other networks its citizens rely on. Such an escalation would only invite a heightened response. On the other hand, there’s precedence for destroying computer networks that Russian intelligence relies on. However this plays out, Biden needs to do better than promise but not deliver actions seen and unseen.
This news was originally published at News Day.