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I’m sure we have a lot of peanut butter fans reading these posts. I’m that person that can add peanut butter to everything, sweet or savory, I don’t mind as long as I can pair it with favorite spread I’m good.
Now let me ask you are you ready to meet your new all-time favorite donut recipe? I adore PBJ’s so I wanted to make some peanut butter donuts instead of always eating the sandwich. These are simply the best donuts with peanut butter and the chocolate glaze you’ll ever make.
Shall we begin?
Are Peanut Butter Donuts Healthy?
Let’s clear one thing straight away, if something is healthy or not is a really relative thing honestly. Everything can be healthy or less healthy, but no food is harmful to you if you eat it in some normal amounts.
I do consider that baked donuts are always a healthier version than fried ones, no matter the filling and glaze you use. If you are trying to eat clean, you can always substitute some ingredients to fit your daily calorie intake.
Swap sugar with honey, agave, sweetener, or brown sugar. You can also use whole grain or spelt flour. Make your own peanut butter, or almond butter if you prefer, and avoid consuming additives and artificial sugars this way. Avoid using dairy products high in fat, so replace them with plant versions. The options are endless.
If I calculated appropriately these donuts contain about 20 grams of fats and 50 grams of carbs (25 grams come from sugar) per piece, so as you can see this isn’t a big problem at all if you will eat them occasionally.
Ingredients you will need
I decided to make regular caked donuts leavened with baking powder and baking soda mixture. This way I reduce the amount of oil I need to use, meaning my donuts will have way lower fat content.
Also, I made my own peanut butter so the fats in this recipe come from a healthy and good source. Ingredients you will need：
For the peanut butter dough:
- ⅓ cup of homemade peanut butter
- 1 large egg at room temperature
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup of brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons of unsweetened applesauce
- ⅔ cup of milk
- 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 ½ teaspoon of cornstarch
- 1 ½ teaspoon of baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoon of baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon of salt
For the peanut butter glaze:
- 6 tablespoons of homemade peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 tablespoons of powder sugar
For the chocolate glaze:
- ½ cup of chocolate of your choice
- 1 or 2 tablespoons of melted butter or coconut oil
- Chopped peanuts for sprinkling
As usual, you will need basic kitchen utensils you always use when baking. These include the following:
- Two large mixing bowls
- One medium bowl for the glaze
- Hand mixer
- Cooling wire rack
- Parchment paper
- Piping bag
- Donut pan
- Brush for greasing up the pan or baking spray
Step by step on how to make peanut butter donuts
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure you grease your donut pan with melted butter or cooking spray, depending on what you like more.
- Take the first large bowl, and add peanut butter, applesauce, and coconut oil and mix on medium speed until it combines well, then add the sugar and mix until the texture becomes smooth and thick.
- Once these are well-combined whisk in the egg, then after that add the milk and vanilla extract. Whisk it by hand and if there are some lumps, don’t worry homemade peanut butter tends to be chunky.
- In a second bowl, whisk together dry ingredients, flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until combined.
- Add gradually the dry ingredients mixture to the wet and stir until it’s smooth. Spoon the batter into a piping bag and fill each donut hole in the pan about ¾.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then take them out and let them rest for 5 minutes in the pan before transferring them to a wire rack to cool for another 15 minutes.
- While the donuts are cooling make the glaze. Melt the regular butter and mix with peanut butter and sugar. Stir until the texture is thick and without lumps. Since the peanut butter glaze is dense it is best to be spread with a spoon or spatula. Keep in mind that this glaze is mostly peanut butter so it won’t harden like regular donut glaze.
- Let the peanut glaze set for a bit, and melt the chocolate in the microwave while you wait. Dip each donut top in the chocolate and sprinkle with chopped peanuts.
How to make homemade peanut butter?
You will need a food processor or a high-speed blender for this. Add enough peanuts into the bowl of your food processor to cover the blade for about an inch or two. This is at least two cups of peanuts.
Now start processing, in the first, you’ll get something that looks like chopped peanuts but after the first minute, you’ll get something like a chunky paste. But don’t stop now, since when it cools down it won’t be spreadable. Make it runny, so when you place it in the fridge it will become just the right texture.
If you want you can add a tablespoon of honey and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor of peanut butter, or you can only use the peanuts.
Luckily for you, this recipe is so simple that you can’t make any big mistakes. There are only a few things I want to mention.
- Don’t over-mix the batter since this way your dough will be tougher and denser and the texture will be more like muffins. Also, I advise you to prepare the batter the night before you will bake them. Just make sure to store it in an air-tight container in the fridge.
- The last advice is to not over-fill donut molds since the donuts will rise. Never fill them over ¾ or your donuts will overflow while baking and lose their shape. If you aren’t sure then fill each donut mold about half of the depth.
What if you don’t have a donut pan?
You don’t necessarily need one to bake these donuts, instead use a muffin pan, The only difference is in shape, you won’t have the hole in the middle. However, you can make the most out of the situation and cut them in half.
Now you can fill them with peanut butter and jelly if you want and then dip them in chocolate.
How should I store these donuts?
These donuts should be eaten immediately. However, you can store them on the countertop in an air-tight container for up to a day, or in the fridge for up to three days. Never let them sit out uncover since they will dry out very fast.
You can also freeze them without the glaze. Place them in the freezer bags or containers and place the parchment paper between each donut to prevent sticking. You can use them for the next two months.
Sometimes you just crave peanut butter so why not indulge in a donut that is made completely with this delicious spread? If this sounds like too much peanut butter you can simply make some other type of glaze, the options are various.
If you have your favorite peanut butter donut recipe, share it in the comment section, since we can all agree that there is no such thing as too many recipes.


Responding to the publication of the Elections Bill including plans to introduce voter ID, Naomi Smith, Chief Executive of Best for Britain said,
“This is a shameful attempt to disenfranchise voters that has been rightly condemned by MPs from across the political spectrum. Like-minded MPs must now work together to stop this illiberal bill in its tracks.
“The government must also explain what evidence it has to justify these plans, given that the Electoral Commission has found in person voter fraud to be vanishingly rare.
“Ministers can hardly lecture authoritarian regimes abroad when they are undermining our democratic rights at home.”
NOTES TO EDITORS
About Best for Britain: Best for Britain is a pro-internationalist campaign group that strives for the best social, economic, environmental, and democratic outcomes for the British people. We believe this requires re-engagement with Europe, open, internationalist policies, and cooperation with business, all parties in parliament, and like-minded groups.


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Cake is a staple for just about any and every event. Weddings, birthdays, holidays, small get togethers, are all moments that would call for a cake to sweeten the moment. With so many events happening all the time, a simple cake can get boring. However, there are many creative ways to add excitement to your party by upgrading your cake. Although cakes normally aren’t the main focus of a party, you can still get creative with your cake presentation. If you’re looking for a way to mix up your cake game, keep reading to find out about some unique cake ideas for your next party.
This unique cake idea is inspired by the Rubik’s Cube. The cake is made up of 3 layers of 9 mini square cakes. Not only does the cake look different, you could also make each mini cake a different flavor if you wanted to. Between mixing and matching flavors, and adding pretty decorations, this cake will definitely stand out.
If you’re into rocks, crystals, or gems, you should have geode cake at your next party. This cake is unique because it is designed to look like parts of the cake is made of crystal-like material. Picking the colors you use for the base of your cake and the for the geode part allows you to be as creative as you’d like. This cake is sure to catch people’s attention as they wonder how you created such a unique cake.
If you’re a fan of the traditional cookie cake, this is the cake you need at your next party. With this cake you get to create a stacked cookie cake, using the icing to help create layers. This unique twist on a crowd favorite is a great idea if you’re looking to try something new in the cake department.
Most people love a good surprise, and that’s exactly what they’ll get when they cut into this pinata cake. On the outside, this cake may look like just a regular cake, but once you cut into it your guest will realize it’s anything but ordinary.
Birthday Cake Shots
These birthday cake shots are definitely a unique twist on a traditional cake. These cake flavored shots eliminate the need for a cake – and a bar – all at once. These are an especially great idea for 21st birthday party but could also work at any other type of party.
If you’re in need of something light and small for your party, you should try this crepe cake. It’s unique because it stands out from an ordinary cake because of its super thin layers. You can also get creative with your flavors by switching up your crepe batter and your icing.
Get artsy with your cake by creating a beautiful watercolor design. Instead of decorating your cake with regular frosting, grab some food color and paint over the frosting. Your cake will truly be unique because it’ll feature your own art work.
Glam Rock Cake
This cake is unique for many reasons, but the most noticeable reason is its black frosting. Naturally, a black frosted cake will stand out, but when you add the glamorous edible gems and sprinkles, your cake will be the center of attention.
Mirror Glaze Cake
This cake will catch people’s attention because of how glossy it looks. Most cakes don’t have the shine that you’ll find on a mirror glaze cake, which is what makes it so unique. The colors you choose for your cake will also add to the uniqueness. If you want your cake to really stand out, you can decorate it with various cake toppers.
Although this cake is mostly simple, the ombre effect helps it stand out just a little bit more than a regular cake. With this unique cake you can pick your colors and which way you want the ombre to go. Regardless of what you pick, this cake will be one of a kind.

domain: artistic


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Authorities are urging deer hunters to use caution in the woods after a deadly incident on the first day of gun season.
An apparent accidental shooting ended in the death of a 33-year-old York man Saturday night in the Sumter National Forest.
Touna Xiong was hunting in the woods when another hunter shot him in the back, authorities said. The hunter apparently mistook Xiong for a deer, said Chester County Coroner Terry Tinker.
The shooting occurred around 7 p.m., just as nightfall descended over the woods off Worthys Ferry Road, about an hour southwest of Rock Hill.
In South Carolina, thousands of hunters take to the woods every year on the opening weekend of gun season. Saturday's incident underscores the need for safe habits, Tinker said.
"You need to make sure of what you're shooting before you shoot," he said. "You ought to be able to see it clearly. Just because you see movement doesn't mean it has to be a deer."
The hunter and his group dialed 911 and stayed at the scene until paramedics arrived, but Xiong died from a single gunshot wound, Tinker said.
All involved had been hunting legally on state-owned land used for game management. The S.C. Department of Natural Resources is investigating. A representative from that agency couldn't be reached Sunday.
Xiong, of Kellocreek Lane in York, was wearing camouflage gear, but he did not have on any bright orange reflective clothing that could have made him easier to recognize, Tinker said.
A relative who answered the phone Sunday at Xiong's home said the family did not want to speak about the incident.
Hunters in much of the Upstate were allowed to bowhunt for deer starting Sept. 15. Saturday marked the first day for guns.

domain: news


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The Ateneo de Zamboanga University (ADZU) Phil-Lidar 2 hosted the 3rd Mindanao Cluster Colloquium of Phil-Lidar 2 projects held on April 13 – 15, 2016 at the Garden Orchid Hotel.
About a hundred participants from five universities across Mindanao, the University of the Philippines – Diliman, regional and national officials of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) participated in the three-day event.
Aside from ADZU, the other universities implementing the Phil-Lidar 2 project in Mindanao are Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), Central Mindanao University (CMU), Caraga State University (CSU) and University of the Philippines – Mindanao (UP-Min). During the colloquium, it was revealed that, among the problems experienced by the Mindanao Cluster in implementing the Lidar 2 project, the most prevalent is power and internet outages.
The Phil-Lidar 2 Program, currently on its third year of implementation and set to end in May 2017, uses Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology to produce agricultural and coastal maps of the Zamboanga Peninsula.
Dr. Amelia P. Guevara, DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development, in her keynote address, highlighted the importance of the project in preserving the country’s agriculture and natural resources and in uplifting the quality of lives of people by “ensuring that communities have food, water, electricity and secure sources of income” which she added, “can go a long way in drawing our younger generation away from non-peaceful pursuits.” She then challenged the participants to use this ground-breaking project to help fight off the problems that beset Mindanao.
All five universities forming the Mindanao Cluster are currently preparing for the local turnover of a new set of maps in their respective regions within the year. It will be recalled that March this year, ADZU-Lidar 2 turned over agricultural and coastal resources maps of Ayala, Tumaga, Culianan, Manicahan, Curuan and Vitali to the City Government. The new maps to be produced will cover other areas in Zamboanga del Sur and in Zamboanga del Norte.
During the second day of the colloquium, participants did field work at the Zamboanga Research Center of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA-ZRC) and the Great Sta. Cruz Island. The participants conducted Spectral and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) data collection and training at the PCA-ZRC as part of the Agricultural Resources Mapping (PARMap) component of Phil-Lidar 2.
For the Coastal Resources Assessment (COASTMap) component, participants took spectral readings of the mangroves of the Great Sta. Cruz Island, as well as a bathymetric survey using Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), a “satellite system that is used to pinpoint the geographic location of a user’s receiver anywhere in the world” and the Echosounder with the assistance of the Philippine Coast Guard – Zamboanga Station.
Engr. Nelson P. Beniabon, Chief of PCIEERD’s Emerging Technology Development Division, formally opened the colloquium, while Dr. Ariel Blanco, Program Leader of Phil-Lidar 2, delivered the closing remarks. (UCO/Jonathan Jose Deles and Sandra Katherine Hamsali/AdZUPhil-Lidar2)(Photos by Ahmed Baldomero & Jerald Jay De Leon/AdZU Phil-Lidar2).

domain: agronomy


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Previous England Captain John Terry reported his retirement from football on Sunday with the 37-year-old focal safeguard presently set to seek after a vocation in administration.
Terry, who spent the main part of his profession with Chelsea, captained second-level Aston Villa last season.
Presently the Birmingham club allegedly need him to join their training staff as a component of another turn set-upward, with Thierry Henry in the hurrying to assume control as director at Villa Park after Steve Bruce was sacked not long ago.
“Following 23 fantastic years as a footballer, I have chosen presently is the opportune time to resign from playing,” Terry said in a message posted on his Instagram account.
Terry, topped 78 times by England, as of late rejected an opportunity to play for Spartak Moscow, saying a move to Russia was wrong for his family.
His last diversion as an expert was Villa’s 1-0 Championship play-off definite thrashing by Fulham in May — a misfortune that denied Villa an arrival to the Premier League.
In any case, his club vocation will be best associated with his opportunity at Chelsea where he won five Premier League titles, five FA Cups, and in addition the Champions League and Europa League, despite the fact that he didn’t play in the two European finals”
“As a 14-year-old, I settled on my best and greatest choice: to sign for Chelsea Football Club,” included Terry, who additionally said thanks to his family for their help.
“Words will never be sufficient to indicate how much everybody at the club intends to me, specifically the fans… I trust I have done all of you pleased wearing the shirt and the armband.”
He additionally referenced his opportunity at Villa by saying: “It was a benefit to speak to such a famous football club with awesome fans.
“I anticipate the following section in my life and the difficulties ahead.”
Terry showed up for Chelsea, scoring 67 goals, and was generally viewed as a standout amongst other English focus parts of his age.
In any case, in 2011 he was blamed for racially manhandling Anton Ferdinand, the sibling of Terry’s England focal guarded accomplice Rio Ferdinand, amid a west London derby against Queens Park Rangers.
Terry was acquitted of criminal allegations amid a 2012 court case.
Be that as it may, the Football Association, who had stripped Terry of the England captaincy while they sat tight for the case to be settled, in this way forced a four-amusement boycott and fine on the protector.
The choice by the FA, English football’s administering body, to seek after disciplinary activity after the court case prompted Terry’s retirement from global football.
In the interim Terry was broadly mocked when, after Chelsea beat Bayern Munich to win the 2012 Champions League last, he showed up in full playing pack for the post-coordinate festivals regardless of not partaking in the amusement in light of suspension.


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Rajinikanth is back as Chitti! Rajinikanth- Akshay Kumar starrer “2.0” is said to be one of the most awaited films of 2018.
The makers had recently launched the audio of 2.0 in an extravagant affair in Dubai. The songs too are slowly catching up with the audience.
According to the reports, it is believed that the release date of 2.0 has been pushed ahead with Akshay Kumar’s ‘Padman’ taking up that slot i.e 26th January 2018.
Akshay Kumar will be seen playing an eccentric scientist named Richard.
Aamir Khan revealed in a recent interview that he was offered 2.0 by Shankar. But the actor turned down the film as he couldn’t see himself playing Rajinikanth’s role in the film.

domain: entertainment


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The Lost Duchess of Greyden Castle
When Vanessa married Richard, Duke of Greyden, it was a dream come true. Until life at Greyden Castle turned into a nightmare--and Vanessa knew she must find the answer to the question that kept haunting her: how Richard's first wife, Vanessa's own sister, had really died.
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Review: The Lost Duchess of Greyden CastleUser Review - shannon - Goodreads
i gave this book three stars because it was the first gothic romance novel i read when i was fourteen. i remember my mom gave it to me as a christmas gift. i loved the book and i started reading more ... Read full review
Review: The Lost Duchess of Greyden CastleUser Review - Goodreads
The book was alright. A easy read. Some of the characters were interesting and dark. I wish I could have cared about some of them more then I did. The ending was semi dissappointing since it was over so quickly and I basically figured it out before hand.


Full Length Research Paper
Creating 3D plant models is often a difficult and laborious task. To make it easier and more natural, the integration of digital images and 3D unorganized point clouds from a digitizer provides a promising approach for rapeseed model generation. In the present study, 3D unorganized point clouds and digital images were incorporated in the generation of complex models of rapeseeds at maturity stage. Unorganized point clouds and image sequences were taken from different viewpoints using a 3D digitizer. The 3D unorganized points and image sequences were used for the automated registration of all data sets from all the viewpoints, which is pair-wise registration. Later, all the pair-wise registration parameters were used as initial transformation parameters for multiple registrations. The next procedure generated a surface model by triangulated irregular network using all the point clouds. The capabilities of our system were demonstrated through real data sets. Experimental results showed that the average normal distances between the two scans were less than 0.3 mm after simultaneous registration, which indicated that the proposed methodology is effective and efficient.
Key words: Rapeseed, 3D modeling, unorganized point clouds.
Copyright © 2023 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article.
This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0


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Program Name:Baltimore Development Corporation Business Assistance Programs (Facade Improvement Grant)
Awarding Agency:Baltimore Development Corporation
Type of Subsidy:grant
Source of Data:
Subsidy value is not disclosed.


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Reel to Real anger: When Sunny Deol ripped his jeans on the sets of ‘Darr’
Undoubtedly, megastar Amitabh Bachchan is the first actor who had introduced us and the moviegoers with the image of an angry young man in Hindi cinema. As time passed by, the period of the 90s witnessed yet another actor whose power-packed punches and strong personality (on the big screen) went on to make him the undisputed king of action films. No points for guessing, it was actor Sunny Deol. Veteran actor Dharmendra’s elder son, Sunny has made his own mark in Bollywood with films like ‘Arjun’, ‘Ghayal’, ‘Tridev’, ‘Damini – Lightning’, ‘Border’, ‘Gadar: Ek Prem Katha’, and many more. There’s no actor who can match his dialogue delivery, which even helped Sunny in cementing his image as an action hero among the audiences. But, during the peak of his career, there came a time when the actor faced the worst experience of his life while shooting for a film. And his popular onscreen anger wasn’t restricted to only performing his scenes.
The film was late filmmaker Yash Chopra’s psychological thriller ‘Darr’ (1993). Yes! It was the same classic that later brought the then newcomer Shah Rukh Khan into the limelight. Recently, our eyes caught hold of an interview of Sunny Deol where he recalled and opened up about an incident when he let his anger get the better of him. Thanks to his anger issues the actor ended up ripping his jeans back then. Yes! you read that right. (Also Check:When Aamir Khan and Sunny Deol decided to not work with Yash Chopra)
During the actor’s conversation with host Rajat Sharma on his show ‘Aap Ki Adalat’, the latter asked him about his anger while he was shooting for ‘Darr’. To this, Sunny first smiled and replied saying, “No! sometimes there are some things that I find hard to believe and relate to (while shooting them). I sense that it might not be right, so it makes me uncomfortable, ultimately feeling discomfort within myself. And same was the case with this film. I remember it was while shooting for the scene when Shah Rukh’s character stabs me with a knife. So, I had a lot of debate that my character is that of a trained commando officer, so how can this boy hit me so easily? I mean, he can stab me if my character is looking somewhere else. But, if I can see him attacking me with a knife and I do nothing, so what I am a commando for right?”
“So, the debate was going on for this. Jisme mereko pata nahi mereko laga… because I always respect my elders (referring to director Yash Chopra) and that’s the reason I was not understanding what to do, kyunki main kuch keh nahi sakta. So, that time I got so much angry that I stuffed my hands into the jeans pockets, and I didn’t know it was so much anger that actually I ripped the jeans I was wearing. Uske baad maine dekha ke someone was running here and someone started running there and they were all scared, jabke main kisiko kuch nahi keh raha tha. I was not understanding myself at that time what was my mistake.” added the actor.
We can only wonder the level of frustration Sunny Deol would have gone through which eventually came out in such a fashion.
In fact, post the release of ‘Darr’, Sunny Deol also said in one of his interviews that he will never work with Yash Chopra again as he isn’t a man of his words. Certainly, the actor has no good memories of working with him and perhaps that’s the reason that till date, Sunny Deol has never worked again in any of the films produced under Yash Raj Films banner as well.
Check out the full interview of Sunny Deol below:
Ranbir Kapoor gave these many retakes for a scene in 'Saawariya'
Director Sanjay Leela Bhansali and the word perfection go hand in hand. The man is extremely particular when it comes to his film and takes care of even the minutest details in every scene. This is also the reason why most of his films are blockbusters. One of the actors who was privileged enough to work with this man is none other than Ranbir Kapoor. Mr Kapoor made his Bollywood debut with SLB’s directorial ‘Saawariya’. Though the movie did not work wonders at the box office, it did give a fair amount of recognition to Ranbir.
In a recent interaction with senior journalist Anupama Chopra, the actor recalled his ‘Saawariya’ days and spoke about the no. of retakes he had to deliver for one particular scene in the song ‘Jab Se Tere Naina.’ (Also Read:In Pics: Lovebirds Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt visit Sanjay Dutt’s residence)
The actor said,” I started with Sanjay Leela Bhansali and he doesn’t do anything less than 45 takes. So even if I had to turn my head, I probably had to give 50 takes. There was a shot in this so-called ‘towel song’ Jab Se Tere Naina, where I had to roll back on this chair and fall down and the towel had to fall in a certain way with my leg showing and there was one shot where I was lying down laughing and I had to get up and sing a song and he’s very particular about what beat you catch, he’s a very musical director – you fall on this beat, you lift your head here, you laugh here – everything is musical. I did 45 or 50 takes one day and my back really broke. The next morning when I came back, he said, ‘No, I’ve not got it’ and I had to do another 70 takes.”
Well, that is something huge but then if you wish to get appreciation from a man like Bhansali, you ought to put in that much amount of effort.
Viral Video: Young Shah Rukh Khan receives best actor award from Janhvi Kapoor
Late actress Sridevi‘s daughter Janhvi Kapoor is all set to mark her Bollywood debut in Karan Johar‘s ‘Dhadak’. The film also stars Ishaan Khattar in a lead role. Recently, the makers had unveiled the trailer of the film and it was well appreciated by many fans and critics.
But much before Janhvi’s debut film hits the screens, a video featuring young Janhvi is going viral on the social network. In the video, we can see Janhvi Kapoor handing over the Best Actor Award to none other than Shah Rukh Khan the Badshah of Bollywood. (Also Read: Watch: Janhvi Kapoor grooves to Arjun-Parineeti’s hit number)
Check out the video here:
#blastfromthepast – Baby @janhvikapoor, Preity Zinta and Boney Kapoor presenting the ‘Best Actor Award’ to @iamsrk for Devdas. . . . #bollywoodbubble #janhvikapoor #shahrukhkhan @realpz #award #bestactor #jahnvikapoor #boneykapoor #zeecineawards #thrownback #tbt #downthememorylane #nostalgia #instagood #cuteness #cute #starkid #bollywood
A cute young Janhvi is seen standing on the stage with her father Boney Kapoor and actress Preity Zinta. Her father picks her up to announce the award and as soon as SRK reaches the stage Janhvi hands over the award to him. The Khan is seen planting a kiss on her cheek.
‘Dhadak’ is directed by Shashank Khaitan and will hit the screens on July 20, 2018. It is a Hindi adaption of Marathi superhit film ‘Sairat’.

domain: celebrity


Darren Wilson, the Ferguson, Mo., police officer whose fatal shooting of Michael Brown touched off more than a week of demonstrations, suffered severe facial injuries, including an orbital (eye socket) fracture, and was nearly beaten unconscious by Brown moments before firing his gun, a source close to the department's top brass told...
In the days before journalist James Foley was brutally beheaded by a member of the Islamic State militant group, an e-mail sent to Foley's family threatened his execution in "vitriolic" terms, the CEO of the international news service Foley had worked for said Wednesday.
Philip Balboni told a news conference that the e-mail, which was received...
Bottles of Corona Extra are being recalled across the country following the discovery of small particles of glass inside the beer.
Constellation Bands, which imports the Mexican beer, says 1% of certain bottles manufactured by a third party have been found with glass pieces in the beverage.
The recall specifically covers 12-ounce clear bottles in...
The Obama administration was working early Wednesday to confirm whether a video released by Islamic militants purportedly showing the beheading of American journalist James Foley was authentic.
However, two U.S. officials told The Associated Press Tuesday that they believed the video showed Foley's death. A statement by Foley's mother, Diane,...
By Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson
Search behemoth Google tracks the history of locations you visit, search for and in some cases show a trail of spots you've reviewed creating a digital breadcrumb trail of your real life footsteps on Google Maps. Unless you turn it off, this data mining of your privacy will continue. Google is not alone, the world's...
Here's your chance to catch former Republican vice presidential nominee Paul Ryan on the road this summer:
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20th
World Affairs Council
Talk & Signing
IN CONVERSATION with MICHAEL SMERCONISH
6:00 PM ET
The Union League of Philadelphia
140 South Broad St. 19102
Click here for more information
THURSDAY, AUGUST 21st


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Location: Plant Introduction Research
Project Number: 5030-21000-064-000-D
Project Type: In-House Appropriated
Start Date: Feb 13, 2018
End Date: Feb 12, 2023
Objective 1: Efficiently and effectively acquire and maintain the safety, genetic integrity, health, and viability of priority maize, vegetable, oilseed, minor grain crop, medicinal, and ornamental genetic resources, and distribute them and associated information worldwide. Sub-objectives: 1A. Expand, regenerate and conserve collections of priority maize, vegetable, oilseed, minor grain crop, medicinal, and ornamental genetic resources. 1B. Enhance genetic integrity of genetic resources maintained. 1C. Backup accessions at second sites, increasing the proportion of accessions backed up to more than 83% of 2016 holdings. 1D. Distribute germplasm and associated information to support research objectives. 1E. Monitor accessions for viability and phytosanitary health to ensure availability of healthy propagules and to preserve their genetic integrity. 1F. Develop and/or refine diagnostic methods to detect seed-borne pathogens. Objective 2: Develop more effective genetic resource maintenance, evaluation, or characterization methods and apply them to maize, vegetable, oilseed, minor grain crop, medicinal, and ornamental genetic resources. Record and disseminate evaluation, characterization, and adaptation data via GRIN-Global (GG) and other data sources. Sub-objectives: 2A. Enhance capacities to increase collection availability. 2B. Evaluate crop collections for phenotypic, morphological, composition, and productivity related traits such as biotic/abiotic stress resistance and yield. 2C. Apply and utilize genetic marker technologies to better characterize key collections. 2D. Provide information and findings that facilitate germplasm utilization via GG, other data sources, and publications. Objective 3: With other National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS) genebanks and Crop Germplasm Committees (CGCs), develop, update, document, and implement best management practices and Crop Vulnerability Statements (CVSs) for priority maize, vegetable, oilseed, minor grain crop, medicinal, and ornamental genetic resources and information management. Sub-objectives: 3A. Modify, document and implement best management practices, and share them publicly. 3B. Provide input for annual/periodic updates of CVSs. Objective 4: Continue to expand the capacity and capabilities of the GRIN-Global (GG) plant genetic resource (PGR) information management system to meet the needs of crop curators and genetic resource users, and to ensure smooth integration of its data with information from other sources, such as model organism databases (MODs). Sub-objectives: 4A. Cooperate with GG users and developer communities to identify and develop wizards and applications to improve system utility, information delivery, and genebank workflow efficiency. 4B. Provide technical leadership to the NPGS for GG evolution to meet genebank information and workflow needs.
Obj 1: Plant genetic resource (PGR) regeneration/management priorities are determined in response to PGR demand, external pressures such as stakeholder needs, or the status of resources, i.e. threatened or endangered, and inventory quantity, viability, and quality status. Genetic integrity will be assured through use of best management practices and monitoring to detect contamination. Seed lots will be backed up at the NCGRP in Ft. Collins, CO, and an international seed vault. Periodic testing to assess collection quality and health will assure their security, and new protocols will be developed. Quality PGR and associated information are distributed to support research objectives based on criteria which may govern their distribution or use. Seeds/plantings will be monitored for disease and assayed for pathogen identity, with phytosanitary precautions implemented at several points to preclude seedborne pathogens. New methods for detection of seed-borne pathogens will be evaluated and implemented. Obj 2: Collaborations with other NPGS site personnel or tropical nursery providers are required to grow certain accessions where they are adapted, including facilities that support quarantine grow-outs of maize originating from some countries. In-house facilities will be improved to handle accessions with challenging growth requirements. Phenology and basic morphological descriptors are captured during seasonal activities. High priority evaluation traits will be determined. Woody ornamental germplasm will be evaluated via the NC7 Ornamental Trial system to determine adaptation and survival across the North Central US. Evaluations will be conducted using established protocols, and findings published on the GRIN-Global website or suitable fora. Genetic marker technologies will be utilized to assess maize accession relationships. Sunflower genetic marker information will be assessed to determine whether valid associations can be made with habitat/geographic information, and used to determine how well crop wild relatives are represented in the collection. Obj 3: Best management practices for collection management and standard operating procedures that govern genebank workflows will be reviewed, modified, and documented periodically. Crop Germplasm Committee chairs and members will be provided information on the status of the collections and specific issues that threaten the security and/or availability and backup status of the collections, and opportunities to mitigate threats. Personnel will assist in development of Crop Vulnerability Statements. Obj 4: The capabilities of the GRIN-Global PGR information management system will be expanded to meet crop curator and genetic resource user needs. Wizards and applications to improve system utility, information delivery, and genebank workflow efficiency will be identified and developed. Improvements necessary to support system adoption will be made. Use of improved communications technologies will be facilitated. Interoperability of GRIN-Global with multiple information providers will be supported.


text:
Executions in Iran have become increasingly rampant under Ebrahim Raisi, the Iranian regime’s President, as the government fears outbreak of protests by a disgruntled public.
Since January, the Iranian regime has executed more than 600, including political prisoners and women. October saw a drastic increase in the use of death penalty. Here is an infographic to show the rise in executions in Iran.
IranHRM calls on the UN Human Rights Council, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Special Rapporteur on human rights in Iran, and all defenders of human rights to condemn the rising trend of executions in Iran and compel the regime to stop this inhuman practice.


"It matters not who won or lost, but how you played the game," wrote a poet called William Ernest Henley (1849-1903), a quotation much employed by schoolmasters of a certain era to console a losing team. All very true of sporty games no doubt, but not of the great game of the United States presidential election in which who won matters enormously to the whole world.
As to how he played the game, the challenger Romney gave the challenged Obama a great run for his money and, one suspects, not a few moments of panic as well. For his part, Obama played the game in the manner that served him so well in 2008, relying heavily on the vacuous rhetoric strategy ("Together we can" etc) albeit with an air of flagging conviction, as though even he were wondering if anyone was still taken in by it. He needn't have worried. Enough voters lapped it up to keep the challenger out of the White House. Or they voted for the President because they had not got over their love affair with his colour, either racialistically as in the case of black voters sticking en bloc with the candidate who is supposedly one of themselves, or romantically, as with white liberals expiating their vicarious guilt by voting for an alleged descendant of the victims of past oppression. Nor would the shamelessly partisan media coverage, which stopped just short of presenting Romney as a Mormon kook, have helped voters form a balanced judgment. One imagines President Obama can hardly believe his luck. Obviously, too few Americans are troubled or personally affected by what his inept and spendthrift first term has done to the United States economy - an ineffable level of debt, China virtually with a mortgage on the nation - to hold him to account for it. Still blowing hard with the rhetoric, he exhorted the nation in his last speech before the poll to give his administration "the chance to finish what we have started". The heart quails to think of the straits the US will be in once he has done.
If Obama has won the election the Left has won America. Not the old no-nonsense Left that used to stand up for the poor and weak against big business and the banks, but the soft new Left, selectively conscience-stricken about everything in the American historical record, aggressively secular, sybaritic, that thinks the state owes it a living. The kind of Left represented by one Sandra Fluke, a 31-year-old perpetual student, whose speech decrying the horrors of a state in which there was no Obamacare to pay for her contraception, and presumably for disposing of the consequences of any malfunction in whatever contrivances she employs, was a great success in Washington and on the campaign trail.
This was an election between two Americas: the new one of Barack and Sandra and the old one of work and enterprise and moral responsibility that became - on the whole benevolently - the most powerful nation in history and guarantor of the free world. That's a role the new America doesn't have the stamina or inclination to continue; after four more years of Obama it won't have the means either.
Scarcely reassuring for us here in Australia.
Another blast of Greenhouse gas from a triumphant Obama.
"I will return to the White House more determined and inspired than ever."
9 November 2012


text:
"We've got a problem." Those are words I never wanted to hear from my HIV specialist, but that's exactly what he said nearly two years ago when, after an extended period of having an undetectable viral load, mine suddenly climbed into the 400s. "Are you sure you're taking your meds?" he asked skeptically. I was certain I detected doubt in his tone and a smirk on his face.
That office visit initiated a new chapter in my three-decades-long relationship with HIV. During the last two years, despite medication adjustments, my viral load burst from undetectable to 400, then returned to undetectable again before fluctuating and finally stabilizing around 60. At that first visit, my doctor explained that it was probably a spike and that I shouldn't worry. When it persisted for months, he began telling me that some people don't become undetectable but manage quite well. I was not reassured.
I have seen friends and loved ones run out of pharmaceutical options as they gradually became resistant to medications. I, too, have had my share of life-threatening complications and have always fought back to health with commitment and vigilance. But not having the psychological (and medical) safety net of being "undetectable" has reawakened the looming uncertainty of living with HIV, that nagging concern about the future that I had shoved out of my consciousness while undetectable -- made worse when I see others nonchalantly taking their undetectable status for granted.
I wonder why this is happening. I understand that such resistance can occur naturally, although I worry that somehow I am responsible for my situation. I gave up drugs and alcohol 30 years ago. I have incorporated taking my meds into a daily ritual anchored with meals. I carefully inventory my medications to be certain I never run out. I count pills before I swallow them. Could I somehow have made enough mistakes to cause resistance? I find that nearly impossible. Do I suffer from some sort of HIV-related neurocognitive disorder that is causing me to forget doses? Every day I work with mental health professionals who would certainly notice such symptoms. Could my frequent travel across time zones and adjustment of doses create an opening through which the virus could develop resistance? My doctor says no.
No matter what the cause, being detectable has stirred up a variety of feelings about HIV that I hoped to never again experience. Here is how I manage them.
I have felt a sense of anger from the time I again became detectable through the months that followed. Why is this be happening to me? I have taken all my medications as prescribed and I carefully attend to my health. I resent having to devote energy to addressing my viral load. This situation reawakens within me old pockets of anger about HIV. It confirms the lack of any fairness concerning this virus. Each time these flares of resentment rise up to my throat I am (most often) able to consciously breathe and slowly neutralize the negative energy. I foster a sense of gratitude that I have access to medications and that they have been effective. Anger is unhealthy and at these times it is essential that I work my way back to a sense of acceptance.
Every time my doctor and I discuss my lab results, and every time he asks if I am really adherent, I feel my face flush. I have nothing to feel ashamed about, yet each time I experience a sense that I have done something wrong. This feeling that I am somehow flawed is old and familiar, having grown up as a gay man and having carried the stigma of living with HIV. It is something I have fought hard to defeat. I am embarrassed because a good portion of my professional life is devoted to working with clients on their own adherence problems, as well as training other therapists on strategies to overcome resistance and adherence concerns with their clients. I feel like an imposter doing this work while being unable to achieve undetectable status myself. Feeling shame is an automatic reaction that rises because, at some level, I sense I am flawed. When I feel shame, I challenge the irrational beliefs that fuel it: Is this thought really true? What is the evidence? How can I reconnect with my strength and self-confidence in this situation?
Fear and Anxiety
Anxiety is woven like a tangled vine through the experience of having a detectable viral load. I worry about the consequences of not being totally suppressed or becoming resistant to available medications. Having made peace with chronic fear many years ago, I am usually able to rein in my thoughts from an imagined future, with its bottomless pit of "what if" questions for which there are no answers. While fear is a useful and vital emotion that informs us about conditions that could harm us, anxiety -- which I conceptualize as fear that constantly cycles with no resolution -- can hijack one's life. When such anxiety takes hold, I force my thoughts back to my life here in the present.
Being detectable raises another aspect of fear: What about my HIV-negative partner? Numerous studies have documented the extremely low level of risk when someone living with HIV is virally suppressed. What about a very low, but detectable, viral load? What risk do I pose to my spouse and what behavioral precautions may need to be reinstated? Years ago, when I became undetectable, my anxiety about causing harm to others dissipated. Now those concerns have reawakened because my status affects both me and my partner.
There is one final feeling that arises when confronted with my viral load: a sense that my body is somehow betraying me. I wonder what is happening inside. Have three decades of chemotherapy and chronic inflammation exhausted its ability to overcome the virus? I have always felt confident about managing HIV, but these lab results have planted seeds of doubt. I value being attuned to both my mind and body. I listen and respond accordingly, yet this problem makes me question if my body remains my ally. I believe such a sense of separation of mind and body is unhealthy, so I utilize visualization, an extremely powerful technique. I see my healthy body suppressing HIV in my mind's eye, and I find that both soothing and healing.
Having a viral load that dances just above detectable (but not high enough for further resistance tests) has provided a constant set of challenges that draw me out of an easy and effortless relationship with HIV, but I know what to do. I teach my clients to avoid so-called cognitive traps such as "black and white thinking" and "jumping to conclusions," because these thoughts give rise to unhealthy emotions. When that happens, I pull myself back to the present and remind myself that today I am fine. And I have every belief that tomorrow will be the same.

domain: medical


text:
New challenges await former Denver Post Editor Greg Moore. He stepped down April 1 after 14 years at the head of the paper. The newspaper won four Pulitzers under his leadership, but he also grappled with the downsizing of the news business in general, and in his newsroom. He spoke with Colorado Matters host Ryan Warner.
On when he realized that the journalism industry was changing:
"This little kid, on his phone, was able to tell me a big story before I even knew it, and that's when I just realized that the power had shifted. That the reader, the customer, they had as much access to information as I did. And it really became a matter of how do you present it? How do you do it smartly? But the fact that the news had happened was accessible to anyone... one thing definitely changed, and that was I became a much more customer focused editor. Much more in tune with readers, much more responsive to them because I realized that they had a lot more power. Certainly a lot more power that what I was used to when I started in this business 40 years ago."
On whether the Denver Post will have more layoffs:
"I don't know. I know that the newspaper itself is working very hard to generate new revenue streams, trying to figure out how to create new products that are going to help make money and avoid those type things. But it seems to me that we're still in a period of downsizing and not just here in Denver, but I think all over the country. I don't think that we've hit the bottom yet... I just wouldn't be surprised. I wouldn't be surprised [by more buyouts or layoffs] but I don't know for sure."
On whether he accomplished what he wanted to when he took over 14 years ago:
"Beyond my wildest dreams. I think we're a very, very good newspaper, I think we serve our community very well. I was really proud that we had a bench where we had talented people step up when we did have to make layoffs and voluntary reductions. And we did quality work, winning Pulitzer Prizes -- being in contention 9 times overall in the last 10 years. I walk away a very satisfied person."
On whether he saw the Post's creation of The Cannabist as a salve:
"Not really. I felt like legalized marijuana was going to be a game changer. It was going to change the culture, it was going to change the economy, it was going to change policing, it was going to change communities and we wanted to make sure we understood all facets of that business. We made that a paper-wide responsibility, we built the Cannabist -- which is a website -- so that we could have all of that stuff contained in one place, and to be careful not to overwhelm the newspaper with pot news. We were very aware that about half the population -- half our readership -- really did not support legalized marijuana so making that a digital product was a smart move we thought... I think anytime the newsroom can help generate revenue that's a form of protecting the resources that we have. Back in the old days we used to say the advertising department made the money, we spent it, and we used to laugh. Now we don't. We want to be part of the solution and we have been successful in generating revenue from this company."
On the idea that an editor is talking about generating revenue:
"You know what, we've all had to become better business people. It's not enough just to edit stories and things like that. I'm very familiar with numbers, more than I ever thought I would be, but I also think that it's smart that I am."
On whether the closing of the Rocky Mountain News was a scary moment:
"It was. We were in the same building, they were on the floor below us. One day they were there, and literally the next week they were gone. Two-hundred journalists out of work, and from that point on, it made it a lot easier to sort of make the argument that we have to change if we want to survive, and it was really hard to see them go."
On the Post's Pulitzer-winning coverage of the 2012 Aurora theater shooting:
"[Those days were] just chaotic and never-ending. One of the most interesting thing about it was the theater shooting happened at about twelve-thirty in the morning on Friday morning. The paper had already been put to bed, we didn't have another paper until Saturday morning so much of the early reporting of the theater shooting was done online. It was a digital-only operation for us. It was just an incredible experience and the mix of veterans and young people, blogging, tweeting, using social media. It was just an incredible breathtaking thing to see... a lot of people in our newsroom knew people who were either in that theater, who had been shot or who lost their lives and it was just an incredible thing to see people working through their own grief to make sense of this tragedy. It was really a very poignant moment and I have deep, deep respect for the people that were able to push through that and contribute to what turned out to be an outstanding effort."
On whether there will be a paper version of the Denver Post years from now:
"I think in the short term there will be and my guess is that it will become a premium product for people who just absolutely want the experience of holding a newspaper in their hands... it may even be a product that's on demand... but increasingly I'm seeing it as a digital-only operation around the country."


text:
The free Coldplay live album LeftRightLeftRightLeft will be available for download at coldplay.com starting 5/15 at 1 am PST. It’s 9 tracks recorded at various shows on the first leg of the Viva La Vida tour. The track list is:
1. Glass of Water
4. Strawberry Swing
5. The Hardest Part/Postcards From Far Away
6. Viva La Vida
7. Death Will Never Conquer
8. Fix You
9. Death And All His Friends
You can download “Dorchester Hotel” – a new song from The Sounds right here.
I love it when a band takes the time out of there ridiculous schedule to give us, their fans, something for free.
Dave Matthews Band’s new song, “Funny the Way It Is” off of their upcoming Big Whiskey & the Groogrux King can be downloaded for free here. Yes, for free. You should jump up and down, and thank God (or whatever you may believe in).
Amazon MP3 is giving away a free 11-song sampler
from Sub Pop Records.
Download a free new Equal Vision Records sampler here.
Lipona has posted a free download of their new EP titled Pigeonholed. The band released Atlas in 2008. This has me stoked. Atlas was a great album and now they release Pigeonholed for free. This is better than a booty rub with Jessica Alba.
The band added:
This album has marked a new direction and we think this might be some of the best work we’ve ever done. It’s faster, more technical and has a more refined sound. Whereas Atlas was an introspective album, Pigeonholed is the opposite – the subject matter revolves around the current political climate and how we’ve all been dealing with the instability going on in the world.
The band is planning a physical vinyl release of the album in May with a bonus track. Download the EP here.


text:
Climate Change May Be Reason for Floods
Climate change is not a new topic. Global warming has been in the news for more than a decade. While scientists point to climate change as a major cause for shifts in weather like those that put Austin underwater, politicians remain skeptical.
The recent floods in Texas have left 15 people dead and 12 others missing. According to climatologist John Nielsen-Gammon, these floods are evidence of what is happening with our planet. “We have observed an increase of heavy rain events, at least in the South-Central United States, including Texas. And it’s consistent with what we would expect from climate change.”
Top environmental regulators in Texas aren’t buying climate change as a contributing factor to the floods. In fact, they are questioning whether the planet is heating up at all. Republicans, in particular, remain skeptical, dismissing Democrats’ attempts to discuss environmental issues during legislative sessions.
In the scientific community, extreme weather events are the most agree-upon effects of climate change. As ocean temperatures rise, more moisture is released into the air, creating strong storm systems. In the last 100 years, Texas has seen a rise in rainfall and other precipitation patterns. Two-day periods of heavy rainfall are twice as likely to occur as they once were.
Two bills have failed in Texas. One would create a global task force to study the effects of climate change on the state, and the second would require Texas to follow the new climate regulations passed by the federal government. Smaller pieces of legislation relating to climate change have also failed.
According to Nielsen-Gammon, the state should be doing more with the information it has. “We have the advantage of having non-zero information about how the climate’s changing, and we’re acting as though the information content is zero,” said Nielsen-Gammon.
No one can know how much rain will fall or when, but incorporating global warming and climate change into long-range plans is essential. California is currently one of the only states with agencies that consider this phenomena when making long-range plans and goals for the health of the state. Texas, thus far, seems to be stuck in place. Call our personal injury lawyers today.

domain: geography


By HAROON I Balogun
The Zakat & Zadaqat Foundation, under The Muslim Congress (TMC), recently in Akure, disbursed cash and items worth N1million to 31 less privileged people in Ondo State.
Olagunju Sulaiman, the Executive Director of the foundation, said that the gesture was designed to boost poverty eradication in the state.
Zakat, one of the five pillars of Islam, is a form of alms giving treated as a religious obligation or tax. It is ranked in importance next to the five daily prayers.
Olagunju said: “We have been collecting zakat for the past 17 years and we started from Lagos in year 2000 before moving out to other states.
“Our rate of movement is far better than when we started. We have been to 10 states including Edo, Delta, Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Kwara, Lagos and Abuja, and this year we are adding two…
Read More…..Vanguard Newspaper


text: Marco Heleno is a designer that studies and develops work in the areas of information visualization, computational aesthetics and interaction design. Recently his work was presented/exhibited at xCoAx (2018, 2020), Reframed (2019), Reboot (2019), ARTECH (2019), Criatech (2020), Ars Electronica (2020), ARTeFACTo (2020) and NeurIPS (2020). He is currently focused on explaining machine learning using information visualization, PhD research at NOVA LINCS. Teaches at the Caldas da Rainha School of Arts and Design (ESAD.CR). Holds a master's degree in Technology and Digital Art and a bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design and Multimedia. He also co-organizes the Video and Digital Arts festival (EVA) at ESAD.CR and the Processing Community Day, in Lisbon.


text:
Private equity firm Sentinel Capital Partners bought Marketplace Events, which organizes home and garden shows in the United States and Canada. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
"We are very excited about our investment in Marketplace Events," said Michael Fabian, a partner at Sentinel. "We seek to invest in niche market leaders, and Marketplace Events is the clear leader in the North American home and garden show industry.”
He added, “Moreover, the business was extremely resilient during the 2008 economic downturn and should benefit from positive tailwinds in the home… more

domain: finance


text:
Immortal And Martial Dual Cultivation Chapter 967
The turbid yellow water had a pungent stench. Occasionally, illusory and ghostly faces would appear in the river, looking horrifying and frightening.
Beyond Xiao Chens expectations, Xiao Bai, who was sitting beside him, did not show any fear at all; she looked calm and normal.
Feeling a pang in his heart, he could not help but tightly grasp Xiao Bais hand.
He wondered what this girl had experienced in the past few years.
Xiao Bai giggled and let Xiao Chen hold her small hand and gently leaned on his shoulder.
Although the Underworld River already lost its various strange powers, its nature remained. If one fell in, one would start corroding and rotting immediately. No Secret Treasure in the world could protect against that.
The river water also contained a demonic attribute. One could not fly over it. Otherwise, one might fall into it for no reason at all; it was extremely eerie.
Only the Specter Boat made by the Ghost Race could travel on it. As a result, the Ghost Race controlled the entrance to the Nine Layers of Purgatory. No matter who went across the river, they had to pay large amounts of Astral Coins.
The Specter Boat moved very quickly. The area in front of the boat turned completely dark. However, specks of lights appeared in the air. They were all wandering spirits.
When one looked around, they could see skulls piled up to form all sorts of pillars.
As the boat traversed the water, it moved through the bodies of these wandering spirits. The strong lifeforce of the group caused these spirits to dissipate on contact.
During the Immortal Epoch, this place was split into Yin and Yang. One would arrive at the Underworld Kingdom after passing this area.
However, if one could not cross this place, they would be stuck here, unable to return to the world of the living or the cycle of reincarnation, drifting in this place forever.
Suddenly, Xiao Chen felt something was wrong. The Specter Boat stopped moving, coming to a halt in the middle of the river.
Kong Yuans expression changed. He gestured to Yuan Xu. Then, he looked at the cloaked boatman at the helm. He asked, Why are you not continuing? We have not reached the Nine Layers of Purgatory yet.
You will not be able to get there. Just retire here. Then, become wandering spirits, drifting here forever.
A hoarse voice came from the boatman at the bow without that person turning his head back.
With this, the expressions of Xiao Bai, Kong Yuan, and Yuan Xu all changed. They all circulated their Law Energy, preparing to attack at any moment.
Xiao Chen remained calm. He said, You must be thinking of extortion. I heard of some black-hearted boatmen that would bring their passengers to the middle of the Underworld River, to a place where both advancing and retreating is difficult before using the opportunity to extort their passengers.
Haha! Extortion? Young Master Xiao, Young Master Xiao, you should be the expert in that area!
Strange laughter resounded as the boatmans cloak exploded apart to reveal a pretty figure in a white dress. That girl turned around. It was the Ghost Races Qing Cheng.
Xiao Chens expression did not change. However, he had a sinking feeling in his heart. Why did he meet this girl here?
Qing Chengs shockingly beautiful face revealed a pleased smile. Jiang Chengzi told me that the few of you were coming to the Ghost Domain. I originally thought that was false news. Unexpectedly, you really dared to come. Arent you very capable? Lets see how you are going to deal with this today, how you are going to play me in the palm of your hand.
Qing Cheng hit the boat, and countless small holes immediately appeared at the bottom of the craft. Then, the Specter Boat began to sink slowly.
Yuan Xu and Kong Yuan instantly attacked at the same time, charging towards the girl. However, Qing Cheng merely laughed and gently drifted away.
Eight spirits carrying a palanquin appeared. Qing Cheng flew through the window and sat inside. Then, she peered through the window at the slowly sinking Specter Boat.
Yuan Xu and Kong Yuan quickly rushed back. Qing Cheng had the Eight Ghost Palanquin and dared to fly above the Underworld River. However, they did not; they would end up dying even faster.
The river water bubbled as the Specter Boat continued to sink. When the boat was sunk, that would be the end of the group.
Aside from Martial Emperors, no one could survive in the waters of this river, no matter how strong their body was. Even Xiao Chen was no exception.
The expressions of Yuan Xu and Kong Yuan turned grave.
What should we do?! At the crucial moment, everyone turned to Xiao Chen without any prior arrangement.
Xiao Bai said calmly, Let me use my adoptive fathers will clone. With Adoptive Fathers strength, it should be able to send us to the Nine Layers of Purgatory.
Naturally, this place would not be able to hold back the Spirit Fox Kings will clone. However, once they crossed over, how would they return?
Furthermore, the will clone was something that the Spirit Fox King gave to Xiao Bai to protect herself. How could Xiao Chen use it at this moment? So he rejected the suggestion without debate.
The true solution lay with Qing Cheng, who was in the Eight Ghost Palanquin.
Xiao Chen thought very quickly. If this Qing Cheng really wanted to kill him, she could have made the Specter Boat capsize without any warning, not giving them the chance to use a will clone.
Qing Cheng had to be plotting something. Before she got what she wanted, they were all safe.
Hehe! Young Master Xiao, youre fond of playing people in the palm of your hand. You must not have expected that today would come, right?! I will not bother speaking nonsense with you. If you want to enter the Nine Layers of Purgatory alive and return alive, then hand over all the Spirit Veins that you extorted from me the last time and all the Astral Coins plus interest!
Indeed, Qing Cheng, who was in the Eight Ghost Palanquin, believed that she held the advantage. She looked at the group for a moment and made her demands. She did not think that Xiao Chen had any room for negotiation.
I wonder if this Peak Spirit Vein is enough?
With the flip on a hand, a Peak Spirit Vein in the Universe Ring turned into a dragon and flew towards Qing Cheng.
Peak Spirit Vein!
Yuan Xu and Kong Yuan were stunned. Xiao Chen actually let go of a Peak Spirit Vein just like that. However, at this moment, protecting their lives was more important. Because Xiao Chen understood that, he could bear to give up a Peak Spirit Vein.
A definite change appeared on Qing Chengs face. The value of a Peak Spirit Vein was even higher than some King Grade Secret Treasures. Only a Sovereign Sect or a Holy Land would be able to take out a Peak Spirit Vein in such a casual manner.
Unexpectedly, Xiao Chen did not even flinch at doing this, nonchalantly bringing out a Peak Spirit Vein. That was quite bold of him.
However, Qing Cheng was after all a Ghost Race cultivator. Although a Spirit Vein was good, it was useless to her.
A light flashed in the surroundings of the palanquin. A crack opened in the Eight Ghost Spirit Locking Defense Formation, allowing the Spirit Vein in before quickly mending.
A bright light flashed in Xiao Chens eyes when he saw all this. However, his expression did not change at all.
A Peak Spirit Vein has immeasurable value. However, Xiao Chen, you should know what I really want. Hand it over. Not only will I guarantee you smooth passage on this trip, but I can also send people to help you.
Qing Cheng did not rush to subdue the Spirit Vein. The thing she referred to was naturally the Death Throne.
The rumbling grew louder. Xiao Chen and the others were already floating in the air, doing their best to decrease the weight of the Specter Boat. Even so, they could not stop it from sinking.
The situation was dire; they had to make a decision quickly.
Xiao Chen waved his hand to stop Xiao Bai from activating the will clone of the Spirit Fox King. The Cycle Banner appeared, and dense Death Qi merged with starlight spread throughout the entire banner.
I have refined the Death Throne, Massacre Throne, and Ruin Throne into the Astral Banner. If you want it, take it.
Even someone as calm as Qing Cheng could not help but feel excited as the Astral Banner slowly flew over. Three thrones! Xiao Chen actually collected three thrones!
Very good. Once Ive verified it, I will bring you and your friends away from this place.
Qing Cheng stretched out her hand, and the Eight Ghost Spirit Locking Defense Formation that protected the Eight Ghost Palanquin opened a crack and allowed the Cycle Banner in.
However, just at this moment, something strange happened. A pair of pure-white wings unfurled behind Xiao Chens back, and he took a step forward. His body turned into spiritual light, and in the next moment, he arrived before Qing Cheng in the palanquin.
Everything happened in an instant, within the time it took for a spark to fly. She had no chance to react at all.
Qing Chengs expression changed as she quickly retreated. However, how could Xiao Chens well-planned strike be so easy to dodge?
He extended his finger and poked Qing Chengs forehead.
A strong saber Qi immediately flowed into Qing Chengs meridians. Cold Qi assaulted her, damaging her body. A sharp saber Qi circulated continuously.
Qing Cheng could die immediately at Xiao Chens whim.
After Xiao Chen put away the Freedom Wings, he stretched out his other hand and caught the Cycle Banner, which just arrived.
He slowly retracted his hand, and a crystalline flower appeared on Qing Chengs forehead. She rolled her eyes but did not dare to move a single inch.
As Xiao Chen looked around, he sighed to himself. The area inside this palanquin was much large than he imagined. This spaciousness was brought home to him when he noticed the soft white bed at the back.
He casually took back the Spirit Vein flying around inside and sat down on the soft bed. He smiled faintly and said, Miss Qing Cheng, you sure know how to enjoy life. This palanquin is really comfortable.
Qing Cheng turned her back on Xiao Chen, feeling furious and frustrated. She blamed herself for being too greedy, wanting to take the Death Throne and kill this fellow.
If she had just drowned them right away, this situation would not have happened. Now, she was under the thumb of that fellow again.
When Qing Cheng heard what Xiao Chen said, she immediately cursed, You bastard, if you have the guts, then kill me. The Specter Boat is about to sink. None of your friends will survive.
That pair of wings behind your back must have some restriction on them in this place. Otherwise, you would have taken your friends and fled long ago.
One should not fly above the Underworld River. Naturally, Xiao Chen did not dare to risk it.
The Freedom Wings used the powers of space. However, it was as Qing Cheng said: they were under great restriction here.
This place was completely dark. Even Xiao Chens Spiritual Sense could not see beyond one kilometer.
When he executed the Magic Skill of the Freedom Wings, the scenes farther than one kilometer were just complete darkness. Hence, Xiao Chen did not dare to use them.
When Xiao Chen remain silent, Qing Cheng felt assured. Given his character, he would definitely not leave his friends behind. She still had leeway for bargaining.
Whats wrong? Did I hit the nail on the head? The Specter Boat can last only fifteen more minutes at most. Xiao Chen, you are very scheming. However, you still fell short in the end. If you have the guts, just kill me immediately. Your friends fate depends on your decision.
Xiao Chen smiled faintly without a care. He flicked his finger, and Qing Cheng immediately felt her body go cold.
Her white dress slid off, revealing her fair back and red bra and panties.
[TL Note: As mentioned before, the bra here is the ancient Chinese bra, know as a dudou. It covered more of the body than the modern one does. Think the top of a two-piece swimsuit rather than bikinis.]
Qing Cheng had just regained her confident expression when her face flushed red with extreme embarrassment. She cursed, Xiao Chen! You shameless pervert! You despicable, obscene person!
Xiao Chen smiled. Then, he lay down on the bed without a care as he said, This bed is really big. It is too much of a waste for just one person to sleep on it. I feel that there should be one more person on it.
Qing Cheng felt enraged. She wished that she could immediately tear Xiao Chen in half. However, the ice flower on her forehead deterred her from moving.
Her heart was as regretful as it could be. She should not have provoked this fellow.

domain: literature


text:
Kapil Sharma’s silence on BMC’s Notice for Illegal construction activities: – On this Friday morning the king of comedy showed his anger towards PM Narendra Modi that through his tweets. He has made an online complaint to India’s Prime Minister that he has been asked to pay a bribe of 5 lakhs rupees to built his new office. In his first tweet, he mentioned that he is paying 15 crores rupees as income tax from last five years on time, and when he reached BMC to get approval to build his new office, some officer asked him to pay a bribe. And within no time he posted another befitting tweet against PM Modi’s slogan of good days are ahead. When twitterati found his tweet, they retweeted it more than 3,000 times within three hours.
I am paying 15 cr income tax from last 5 year n still i have to pay 5 lacs bribe to BMC office for making my office @narendramodi
— KAPIL (@KapilSharmaK9) September 9, 2016
Yeh hain aapke achhe din ? @narendramodi
— KAPIL (@KapilSharmaK9) September 9, 2016
And a few hours later CM of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis replied to him and asked to name the officer and to provide all necessary details so that officials can take strict action against him and within five hours MCGM responded to the allegations made by Kapil Sharma as the chief vigilance engineer Manohar Pawar published a letter assuring that MCGM has taken a serious view of his complaint. They also asked the name of the person who entertained the corruption to take strict action against him.
— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) September 9, 2016
Here is the copy of the statement issued by MCGM to Kapil Sharma
BMC chief engineer further said, “He must have made these allegations with some base hence we need him to provide us with all the evidence he might have and the name of the official. Depending on the same action would be initiated.”
Most of the people were favouring Kapil Sharma because he was looking innocent and it also shocked people that he is paying 15 crores per year as income tax and still one of BMC official is demanding a bribe for his new office. After the notice sent to the comedian, he did not say a single word till yet, and it was believed that something was going wrong as he has still kept himself hushed.
And here comes a curve in the story when News18 revealed that BMC had warned Kapil against illegal construction.
— News18 (@CNNnews18) September 9, 2016
The copy of Stop Work Notice issued by BMC, dated 16/7/2016 was a warning to stop his illegal construction activities.
The notice said, “The BMC is satisfied that you have unlawfully commenced/been unlawfully carrying on, erection of building/erection of work described in the schedule below located at above address i.e. 70-71, Janki Devi Public School Road, SV Patel Nagar, Andheri West, Mumbai.”
“I hereby directed you to stop the erection of the said building/execution of the said work forthwith. If you fail to stop the execution of work or if stopped and fail to produce permission, within 24 hours, I shall under Section 354 (A) and in exercise of powers and functions conferred upon me as foresaid, without any further notice cause the said building or work to be removed or pulled down, at your risk and cost,” the notice said.
The notice sent by BMC also informed and warned Kapil Sharma that if any construction activity is continued by him, it will be removed by the police and the comedian did not reply to BMC notice. In the first week of August, BMC official went ahead destroyed constructed parts which were illegally made and what took place between BMC and Kapil Sharma is a mystery for which everyone one is looking for.
Two days later BMC also gave the same notice to Versova Police station and requested them to provide police protection for the demolition work. Manohar Pawar, chief of BMC’s Vigilance said that “As of now, BMC is focusing on the bribery complaint by Sharma. BMC has sent a request letter to Sharma seeking details of the case. Once the details are in hand and the name of the officials who demanded the bribe have been revealed, action will be taken.”
One thing is noticeable that, it is very unclear that if the structure of Kapil Sharma’s building was demolished by BMC in August then why the BMC official person was asking him to pay the bribe? It is also not clear that if the comedian was seeking approval to rebuilt the demolished structure and was asked to give a bribe to do so.
Now Kapil Sharma has not responded to allegations that his structure was destroyed by BMC for continuing illegal construction work, and he has also not revealed the identity of the person who asked him to pay the bribe.


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Friends of Beaufort Library Annual Book Sale in Downtown Beaufort Waterfront Park
It’s time to get some good books on the cheap as the Friends of the Beaufort Library, Beaufort, Lobeco and St. Helena Branches, will hold its Annual Fall Book Sale!
Everyone’s favorite book sale is the main fundraising event held by the Beaufort Friends, with all proceeds benefiting the Beaufort County Library System branches in the Beaufort area.
On Friday, November 1st, a private 2-hour sale for all members of the Friends will be held from 12 pm to 6 pm. Those who are interested in becoming a member can sign up any time before or during the presale at the membership table to gain access to the presale for only $15.
The sale will open to the general public on November 1st from 12:00 pm-6:00 pm, and will reopen on Saturday the 29th from 10:00 am-6:00 pm. The book sale will again reopen from 12:00 pm-4:00 pm on Sunday, during which time ALL books and audio-visual items will be half-price, including the Rare and Collectible books.
Most books are priced at $2.00 for hardbacks, $1.50 for large “Trade” paperbacks, and 50 cents for “pocket” paperbacks. Children’s books and audio-visual materials are also individually priced at ten cents and up.
Browsers will notice the addition of a few new categories at this years’ sale, and books will be added regularly throughout the sale as well.
The Book Sale is the main fundraising event held by the Friends with all proceeds benefiting the Beaufort County Public Library branches in Beaufort, Lobeco and St. Helena Island. All proceeds from this sale go back into the branch libraries to support programming and materials.
For more information on the super fun annual waterfront book sale and for more about Friends of the Beaufort Library, visit their website here.

domain: library


text:
Ancient Chinese Architecture
Ancient Chinese architecture is a miniature of the long-standing history and culture of China. It is obviously characterized by the region, nationality and times. Industrious Chinese laboring people created many architectural miracles such as the Great Wall, Forbidden City and the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor. Ancient Chinese architecture, which has distinctive features in single building, building complex and architectural art, is an outstanding example of the ancient oriental architectures.
Features of Ancient Architecture
Chinese architectural standards, in over two thousand years of history, have never been seriously challenged. As a result, there are several characteristics that describe most types of architecture in China.
First, Chinese architecture tends to be horizontal in nature. Chinese buildings de-emphasize vertical walls. Instead, a heavy platform underlies a large roof, seeking to demonstrate breadth and solidity. For example, The Imperial Palace in the Forbidden City has ceilings much lower than those of equivalent spaces in Versailles or Buckingham Palace. The lower, wider architecture emphasizes their all-encompassing, astride-the-world nature.
Chinese architecture is also highly symmetrical, which theoretically supports the proper order of things and connotes a sense of stately grandeur. Most of the structures follow the strict principle of a center axis surrounded by symmetrical wings, such that the overall appearance of the individual structure is one of perfect symmetry. This type of axis-centered, symmetrical building principle, combined with a hierarchical layout for the entire building complex, reflects the aesthetic standards of balance and harmony. This symmetry applies to most buildings, with privilege and honor residing in the center position.
Ancient Chinese architecture is highly praised for its elegant profile and intricate structure. Besides, architects in ancient China paid special attention to color and ornamentation, either viewed from the perspective of the building as a whole or from the perspective of the building's individual parts. The architects of ancient China used different colors in accordance with particular needs or local customs. Besides, ancient Chinese buildings are characterized by an emphasis on the careful choice and form of interior furnishings as well as internal and external ornamentation, the latter to include gardens.
Another theme of Chinese architecture is the reservation of certain architectural features for people of certain status. Aspects of the building such as height, color, material, and size of the house were all regulated by law according to rank of the family living there. Certain items, such as yellow roof tiles and dragons decorations, were reserved for the emperor, and only he could have ten column facades or five arch gateways. The Emperor would live on the central axis of his palace, while subordinates would live on either side. Commoner or vernacular architecture maintained many of these principles but lacked the grandeur of imperial palaces.
Feng Shui, Enduring Architectural Tradition and Way of Living
The concept of Feng Shui (literally: wind and water) has been a principle guided of Chinese architecture for centuries. The principles of Feng Shui include traditional beliefs that seek to maximize flow of positive energies and minimize the flow of negative energies in a given space. For example, homes are best positioned with hills behind them and water in front. In Hong Kong, one apartment building was built recently in the shape of a square with a hole in the middle. The hole permits the dragon from the hills behind to get to the sea in front. Doorways and windows have proper and improper positions for facilitating the flow of positive energy.
Classical Chinese Garden
Classical Chinese Garden is an important part of Chinese architecture. Unlike traditional building architecture with its emphasis on symmetry, classical Chinese gardens were designed as asymmetrically as possible to recreate faithfully the peaceful and uninhibited wandering flow of nature. Carefully landscaped gardens show the contrast of rock and water, or hard and soft, which brings strength and grace. Specific plants are often planted in the garden to symbolize certain virtues or morals. Also, areas of gardens might depict scenes from famous stories to highlight other virtues.
In terms of garden owners, Chinese garden mainly fall into two categories: private garden and royal garden. Ancient gardens found in south Yangtze River, such as Suzhou, Yangzhou and Guangdong belong to priavte garden. The most noted loyal gardens are the Summer Palace in Beijing and the Chengde Mountain Resort in Chengde, Hebei province.
Architecture in Modern Society
Since entering the modern era, the Chinese have struggled to synthesize Chinese architectural principles and Western urban planning and design. China's intense population pressures and urban migration trends have led to the disappearance of traditional Chinese architecture as China makes room for more efficient but less remarkable buildings.
The architecture of China from the Neolithic (New Stone Age) culture to the 20th century, represents the most significant achievements of the world's longest continuous civilization. From large and extravagant temples to pleasant palaces, there are a lot to learn and see.

domain: design


text:
Walking your dog is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors together. Whether it’s an energetic dash or a leisurely stroll you want, our amazing woodland and forest areas offer plenty to explore. Dogs are most inquisitive when out walking, digging in the undergrowth and sniffing amongst the leaves.
There are, however, many trees and plants that can be dangerous and poisonous to your pets. Here we mention some of the most dangerous and toxic species to be aware of when you walk your dog.
Forest and woodland plants that are a hazard for your dog
Rhododendron – Every part of this shrub are toxic if eaten by a dog. The stems, leaves and fabulously coloured blooms all need to be given a wide berth when you walk your dog, to avoid any potential risks.
Foxglove – This stunning flower that produces blossoms like small trumpets, is highly toxic to not only dogs but humans too. Given its Latin name of Digitalis, it contains a powerful component used in cardiac medication.
Autumn Crocus – Although the highest toxicity is found in the bulb, the stem, leaves and flower are also dangerous if eaten. With symptoms of vomiting and diarrhoea, kidney and liver damage and a terrible burning sensation in the mouth. Avoid these plants at all cost when walking your dog in the forest.
Daffodil – Although classed as more of a garden plant, there are varieties of daffodil that grow wild in our woodland areas. Your dog may dig and find a bulb, and probably continue to chew it, thinking it’s a new game. Consuming any part of a daffodil can cause serious stomach problems for your pet, together with a rapid drop in blood pressure.
Trees that are unsafe for your dog to come into contact with
Holly – It’s not just the dark green, spiky leaves, but also the scarlet-red berries that can be poisonous for your dogs. The holly plants contain theobromine and saponins that will cause a nasty stomach ache if munched.
Horse Chestnut – When you are walking in the forest with your dog, during the autumn season, you have most likely come across a “conker” tree – a horse chestnut. Dogs are drawn to the fallen fruits that contain the chemical, saponin. Check your pet if he has trouble breathing, begins to tremble or to stagger. Get him to a Vet for treatment as soon as possible.
Oak – With very similar dangers and toxins to the horse chestnut tree. Oak leaves and acorns contain a combination of tannic and gallic acid which, may damage the kidneys and liver.
Yew – Every part of this tree, including the bark and berries are poisonous. If you are taking your dog for a walk in the forest, avoid these deadly shrubs.
If you think your dog has eaten part of a toxic plant or tree
Don’t wait until symptoms develop, or leave things to chance. The sooner you contact your Vet for medical advice and urgent treatment, the more your dog has a chance of surviving.

domain: biology


text:
What is love actually? Is love a feeling? Is love a state of being? Is love an emotion? Is love a choice?
What does it mean when I say “I love you”?
And what does it mean to choose love?
For me, loving means accepting my partner and the people around me as they are.
So away from judging, towards acceptance.
How often does it happen in our everyday life that we have thoughts and judgments which separate us from other people and from ourselves?
I think we’ve all felt at one point in our lives that we were not good enough or unlovable.
This is why our ego developed certain survival strategies during childhood, which it mostly still uses today, even though we don’t really need those strategies anymore.
Most people have developed one of these two protective strategies:
They either try to present themselves as well as possible by criticizing and judging others.
Or they are their own biggest critic and make themselves small and invisible.
How often does this happen in our intimate relationships?
How often do we criticize our partner or withdraw because we are hurt?
How often do we get angry and blame our partner, or feel reinforced in our self-doubt and walk away disappointed?
Tantra is a spiritual path that is about learning to feel the connection to everything and also to live in more compassion and love.
So we can see this world as one big love school. We are all here to learn to love. And not just the others, but ourselves as well.
When we are born, we are most connected to ourselves and love. I observed with my young daughter in her first year how much pure love she was and how sensitive she was to her needs.
But as the ego forms more and more (which we also need to live in this world) we take on more and more beliefs from the people around us.
So we form a picture of reality and begin to believe that we as individuals are separate from other people and from nature.
We are all human, with all our “faults”. For me, loving means to love being human, to love life, to love myself more.
How can we learn this?
1. Learning to love oneself
First we can start with ourselves. In the moments when we make a mistake, we can learn to not beat ourselves up so badly.
We can learn to forgive ourselves faster and show compassion to ourselves.
A small example of how we can practically go into self-love is when we do something wrong.
Recently I broke a special glass at a friend’s house.
What happened inside of me? My body tensed first, then the head kicked in, the inner critic came up and criticized wildly.
You’re so stupid!
Be more mindful!
Why do you have to put the glass so close to the edge?
Why don’t you take better care?
Self-criticism is known to be the harshest criticism.
Additionally, emotions such as guilt, shame, anger and resentment arise.
Through meditation practice and mindfulness, I’ve learned to identify these emotions faster and watch the story in my head.
In these moments I go into an observer position, listen to the inner critic, but no longer believe everything he tells me.
At the same time, I think about what a good friend, a loving partner, or even love would say to me in this situation? So I can create a counterbalance to the critic.
This can calm the storm of thoughts inside of me and I can start to feel my body and my heart again. Then there is room for compassion.
When the tension (“fight or flight” mode) releases, acceptance of the situation can take place, and with it love.
2. Learning to love others
Parallel to self-love, we can of course also practice giving love to other people or our partner… even when they supposedly deserve it the least.
So in conflict situations, this means learning to step out of judgment and to accept the other person as they are.
An example of this is when Meli used to trigger or criticize me.
Especially when I wanted to initiate sex. She felt under pressure, alarm bells went on in her head and most of the time she angrily rejected me.
Of course I was hurt at that moment and I always withdrew emotionally at first… went into my “cave”.
I decided to protect myself and withdrew my love from Meli.
It was also a kind of indirect feedback: “If you talk to me like that, I’m gone (at least emotionally)”.
I also hoped that Meli would notice that something was wrong and hopefully see that she had made a mistake. So it was also a kind of punishment, especially since I knew that she hated it when I stopped talking to her.
But the whole dynamic didn’t help either of us in the end and just pulled us further apart.
After a lot of loops and repetitions in the negative pattern, I had enough. I wanted to learn to stay connected to Meli, even in those difficult moments.
In order to transform my own behavior, I asked myself what actually prevents me from staying in love.
I became aware of my triggers and paused in the specific situation to feel the fear, the pain and the hurt (from childhood)…
The fear of not being loved the way I am…
The fear of being abandoned…
I’ve worked with those fears, loved myself in those moments and asked myself: “Do I want to live that fear for the rest of my life, or do I want to break out of it?”
Of course, the decision to love involves a certain risk, because I could get hurt. But what’s the worst that can happen?
So I put the fear into perspective. It often happens in life that some things seem much bigger than they really are.
Like most people, I was constantly trying to minimize pain and maximize positive feelings. So it was important for me to learn how to allow fear to be in my life more, to feel it and then decide for love anyways.
It was about becoming aware and making a conscious decision.
As I got better and better at staying connected to Meli, even in difficult moments, I was also able to see what was going on with her.
I was able to see behind the surface and realize that her criticism was also just a self-defense to avoid feeling her own frustration with the issue of sex… her fear of failing and not being a good partner if she wasn’t feeling it or couldn’t really enjoy the sex.
Here it helped me to step out of the story in my head again and look at the situation from a bird’s eye view.
And suddenly, all the fear, judgment, and anger turned into love and compassion. Suddenly I didn’t want to punish Meli anymore, but to help her… to solve this topic together.
This has brought a lot of healing into our lives and made things easier in our relationship.
3. Learning to receive love
The ability to love not only has to do with giving love to others, but also with being able to accept it from outside. It was incredibly difficult for me for a long time.
An example of this was at the beginning of our relationship, when I came pretty quickly during sex. I was disappointed in myself, judged myself and felt ashamed.
When Meli wanted to give me love in the situation and told me that it wasn’t so bad, I had a lot of parts that resisted it.
I first had to learn to open myself to love.
In order to overcome the resistance to this, I did a lot of physical work, felt tension in my body, breathed, consciously relaxed there, learned to let go and allow more and more of Meli’s love in.
In the beginning it felt pretty unfamiliar, which makes sense because it was completely new to me. But practice helped me and It got better each time. I could relax my body more and allow love.
In addition, I also dealt with my beliefs about self-worth.
Today it feels incredibly good to receive love from Meli. When she looks at me with a loving look and is there to hold me in moments in which I doubt myself.
In these moments I learn that I am ok the way I am. I can heal old wounds and learn to love myself more.
Getting that love from another person is a priceless gift.
How beautiful life would be if we could all integrate this into our everyday life.
Love is the ultimate remedy when it comes to healing old wounds and we can learn to choose love again and again every day.
One easy way is to keep asking yourself: What would love do in this situation?
4.Tantra practice for more love
Another and deeper aspect of Tantra is the practice of “trans-figuration” – looking behind the outer “figure” or facade.
Seeing the divine spark and unlimited potential in the other person, so to speak.
This can be done in a formal meditation by gazing into each other’s eyes for a long time. As it isn’t without reason that we say “the eyes are the gates of our soul”.
It’s about seeing with the “eyes of love” and accepting the other person as they are.
Or additionally, to see what the person may not even see themselves: all the unlived abilities, qualities and the unlimited love that lies dormant deep in each of us.
In the last step, the true art consists of cultivating this way of seeing yourself, your partner and the whole world. Not only in the Tantra ritual, but also in every moment of our everyday life.
Because what we see becomes reality. It’s a self-fulfilling prophecy.
So often I see in my coaching sessions with couples how they talk bad about their partner.
You are so lazy and selfish. You never help me around the house.
Can’t you even make an effort to finish things?
If we strengthen these images, they too will eventually become reality.
But if we reinforce positive imagery, we can help our partner see what we see in them. We can practice this very well in our relationship
Not only that. We can also extend this practice to other people, and to the whole of everyday life.
This is where we eventually want to get to in our Tantric practice.
Loving everything about and in this world. To celebrate the miracle of life. To see love, wisdom, truth and beauty in every human being.
To discover, see, understand the play of the universe in every aspect of our humanity and to become the creator of our lives and our reality.

domain: psychology


Mike Preston gives out his grades for the Ravens 29-26 win over the Minnesota Vikings.
Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco expressed his displeasure over the team’s usage of the “Wildcat” offense after last week’s victory over the Jets.
Ed Reed will wear jersey #22 for the New York Jets this Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium.
It is hard to determine Matt Wieters value. Because he had a down year offensively in many categories, he won’t be worth as much in the trade market.
Mike Preston grades the Ravens performance, and here are his grades for the Ravens 20-17 win over the Bengals.
Ravens Defensive Tackle Chris Canty , who came into the NFL with former Dolphins OL Richie Incognito, & Coach Harbaugh address hazing & bullying
Former Heavyweight champion of the world Mike Tyson joined Ken Weinman and Jon Saraceno on the Fan to talk about the current state of boxing.
Keith Cavanaugh from Terrapin Times joined Bob to talk some University of Maryland Football and Basketball.
Mike Preston writes for the Baltimore Sun and grades the Ravens performance every week.
Orioles GM Dan Duquette joined Ed & Steve to talk about the plan for the Orioles off-season.
Baltimore Ravens Wide Receiver Jacoby Jones joined 105.7 The FAN’s Bob Haynie on the weekly “The Jacoby Jones Show” heard Wednesdays on 105.7 the FAN & addressed the recent “Party Bus” Incident.
Baltimore City Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake joined The Vinny & Rob Show to discuss the cancellation of the Grand Prix of Baltimore for (at least) 2014 and 2015 due to scheduling conflicts.


Emerson and Friends Holiday Christmas Bamboo Pajama Set - Santa and Friends
Regular price $41.00
Rylee + Cru
Soft viscose bamboo kids pajama set in our Santa and Friends Holiday pattern! Made from high quality bamboo, our toddler pajamas are the recipe for a perfect night's sleep.
- Our bamboo pajamas start with our signature buttery soft bamboo/spandex blend that has the perfect amount of stretch for the most comfort.
- Fabric: 96% Viscose from Bamboo / 4% Lycra
- Fit: Stretchy / Snug
- Machine wash cold / Tumble dry low