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September 12th School Matters
September 12th, 2023
The Alexander County Board of Education held its regularly scheduled meeting for September on the 12th. Listed below are the reports and actions from the meeting.
Taylor Dellinger with the Western Piedmont Council of Governments presented to the board about demographics in the county. The information about population and housing, taken from the 2020 census, is relevant as the board considers the school system budget for 2024-2025. Dellinger pointed out that Alexander County’s population has declined by about two percent since 2010; furthermore, he says the state demographer predicts Alexander County to only grow over the next 20 years by less than a tenth of a percent. From 2010 to 2020 neighboring Catawba has grown nearly six percent. Dellinger reported that even Catawba’s growth is low compared to historic numbers. The biggest population losses in Alexander County are on the East side of the county bordering Iredell and Northeast bordering Wilkes County.
Dellinger reported that the number of white and black residents in Alexander County are going down and the Hispanic number of families are going up. The racial comparison is relevant because Hispanic families tend to be younger than other ethnicities. Younger means there are likely to be school-aged children in those families; whereas, there are not as many school-aged members in the black and white families and households.
Dellinger affirmed that the number of school-aged children has dropped dramatically over the past ten years. For example, children ages 15-19 went down by more than 10% and the number of children under the age of five has dropped by 20%. On the topic of age, Dellinger also predicts that with an aging population in Alexander County, there are likely to be more school system retirements in the next few years compared to prior years.
The census numbers also show new housing in Alexander County over the past ten years has increased by 4.5%. That is a significant drop from the previous decade of 14.6% growth in new housing.
Strategic Plan Update
Associate Superintendent Dr. Betsy Curry updated the board on the district’s three-year Strategic Plan (2023-2025) adopted a year ago. The plan includes goals such as increasing recruitment and retention for staff and improving opportunities to update parents when students are struggling with schoolwork. It also includes academic goals on target scores and what the teachers and staff are to do if students are not meeting expectations. Curry reported that improving attendance is an important goal for all schools.
Her report comes on the heels of the state’s release of test scores on September 6th. The state standardized test scores showed AEC with an “A”, ACHS with a “B”, six schools earned “C’s”, and three schools with “D’s”. The Virtual Academy earned an “F” but is no longer in operation due to low enrollment. The school grades are based 80% on the school's proficiency rates and 20% on growth. Curry said that the district is closer than the region and the state with our growth in recovery from the pandemic.
The Strategic Plan also addresses increasing engagement with the district’s community and business partners. Overall for the Strategic Plan, Curry reported that the goals are all well underway and district staff would continue to monitor progress.
Transportation Department Report
Transportation Director Jami Trojanowski introduced herself to the board; she began her work with the district on July 17th. She talked about the department's goals including becoming more efficient. Trojanowski shared the names and pictures of staff in her department and their job responsibilities. She told the board that the district just installed a system for bus drivers to log in and log out on the bus for their time instead of having to go inside the building. The department is also updating the county GIS map to make routing faster and better. She also invited the board to come visit her and the staff at the bus garage.
Maintenance Department Report
Maintenance Director Chris Campbell talked about work orders his department has completed. He also showed pictures of the gymnasium floor renovations at EAMS, TES, and WAMS.
He updated the board on the grants received for the Bethlehem roofing project, and the demolition of Sugar Loaf’s media center. The cleared space will be home to a new gym. Alexander County commissioners agreed to support the two projects (Bethlehem and Sugar Loaf) with $336,279 in matching funds in the latest school portion of the county budget.
Lastly, Campbell presented on the former Wittenburg Elementary building which is in need of leveling and putting on the real estate market. Another option for the property is to renovate for usage; however, that would cost as much or more than the property is worth. Old Wittenburg is on Highway 16 South towards Hickory. The board’s facilities committee has considered what to do with the Wittenburg property for some time but has not made a recommendation to the full board for a decision.
Board Committee Reports
Scott Bowman asked that the board be ready to vote on the Old Wittenburg property at the next meeting. He is the board facilities chair and intends the board take some action at the October meeting.
Member Brigette Rhyne says that the Public Education Foundation’s golf tournament is set for October 28th. The fundraiser helps support the PEF’s grant program that allows teachers to get supplies, projects, and trips for their students. Applications for the teacher grants are due September 30th.
Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Hefner delivered her monthly report to the board. She advised them that we still do not have a state budget; the budget is due per state law July 1st. Any salary increase at the state level would require more funds at the local level.
Hefner reported the district enrollment for day 10 of this year was 4,294 or about 131 fewer students than the same time last year.
The superintendent updated the board on an upcoming budget meeting. The administration and board intend to hear from invited families about the district budget for 2024-25 at a meeting Monday, September 18th. The parent groups will learn how school systems are funded at local, state, and federal levels and give input on suggested cutbacks. The district could face a shortfall due to a loss in what’s known as ESSER money, (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief). This money came from the federal government to fight through the Covid pandemic but expires September 2024.
The district and school also plan to get input on the budget from county leaders and other community members on October 3rd at the ACHS auditorium.
Hefner told the group about a partnership between the Town of Taylorsville and the district for a school resource officer who will split time between Taylorsville Elementary and the Student Success Center.
Lastly, Hefner has agreed to let Sugar Loaf use bricks from the gym demolition as a school fundraiser.
School Board Policies
The board considered the following policy revisions presented by Chief Financial Officer Ms. Sharon Mehaffey and unanimously approved them on second reading.
Policy No. 6125 - Administering Medicines to Students
Policy No. 6140 - Student Wellness
Policy No. 6220 - Operation of School Nutrition Services
Policy No. 7130 - Licensure
The school board considered first reading for several policies that have to be changed due to the new state law called the “Parents’ Bill of Rights”. The law includes things like schools will not take student’s DNA and parents have a right to inspect curriculum materials. Another part of the law says that parents have the right to be updated on the student’s achievement. Schools already send reports cards and progress reports to help keep parents up to date. Schools also already allow parents to review materials with a request in writing. The one new expectation from the bill is that teachers and schools get parent permission before conducting a survey of students. The majority of items in the law are not new to how Alexander County Schools operate; however, the local board policies must match the phrasing of the state code.
Policy No. 1310/4002 - Parental Involvement
Policy No. 3210 - Parental Inspection of and Objection to Instructional Materials
Policy No. 3540 - Comprehensive Health Education Program
Policy No. 4335 - Criminal Behavior
Policy No. 4720 - Surveys of Students
Policy No. 6120 - Student Health Services
Policy No. 7300 - Staff Responsibilities
Alexander County Board Policies are available for review by the public at www.alexander.k12.nc.us or by appointment at the Alexander County Board of Education Office on Liledoun Road, Taylorsville, North Carolina.


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Jay Z says that he’s confronting the issue of racial profiling at Barneys “head-on.” The rapper released a second statement to his website on Friday regarding his collaboration with the New York department store, defending his decision to move forward with his clothing line while laying out his demands to Barneys.
“While I await the findings of the Attorney General’s Office, I have agreed to move forward with the launch of BNY SCC collection under the condition that I have a leadership role and seat on a council specifically convened to deal with the issue of racial profiling,” Jay Z wrote one his Life + Times website, after noting that this team has been following various investigations into the matter. “I am in a unique position to use my voice to affect change to this disturbing issue. The easy position would have been to walk away and leave policy making to others hoping that someone addresses the problem. I will not leave the outcome to others. I will take this into my own hands with full power to recommend, review and revise policies and guidelines moving forward. I am choosing to take this head on.”
The rapper came under fire last month for his association with Barneys after two black customers accused the store of racial profiling when they were detained by police officers after making expensive purchases. Jay Z is set to release a holiday collection of limited-edition apparel and accessories at the store. In his initial statement, Jay Z said that he was holding off judgment until he learned more about the situation, and noted that 25 percent of all sales from the partnership will go to his Shawn Carter Foundation, along with 10% of all sales generated in the store on November 20th. The money will be used to provide scholarships to young people facing socio-economic hardship.
In yesterday’s statement, Jay Z revealed that the proceeds going to the Foundation have now been bumped up to a full 100% of sales from his BNY SCC collection, in addition to that extra 10% of all retail sales on November 20th.

domain: news


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Lamb Loin Chops
Lamb loin chops are a smaller cut coming from the short loin of the lamb. They are a great alternative to the classic lamb rack chops (aka lamb lollipops). A fun way to picture this tiny, yet flavor-packed cut, is by imagining it as the beef Porterhouse and T-Bone’s little brother. It’s the exact same cut, just much smaller due to the smaller size of a lamb compared to a cow. Being a “porterhouse” means that part of this wonderful little cut is the lamb tenderloin. Similarly to the beef tenderloin, lamb tenderloin is the softest and most tender part of the lamb. If you ask us, that makes the loin chop an even more special cut of lamb! Now, while lamb naturally has a gamier taste, the marbling in these chops manages to take over with a rich, buttery flavor. Allow that flavor to punch through by seasoning simply with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
How To Cook
Try broiling, baking or grilling these tender, flavorful lamb chops. To grill, cook on medium-high to high heat. Stick to the simple seasoning, or use a Borsari Seasonings mix! Cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches about 140°F. Let lamb loin chops rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows time for juices to redistribute and will bring up internal temperature another 5°F or so. You will find that these chops cook relatively quickly due to their small size. Keep an eye on them during the process, especially if on high heat grill. Always sourced from the USA.

domain: food


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“Maine.” New York: J.H. Colton & Co, 1855. 15 3/4 x 12 1/2. Lithograph. Full original hand-coloring. Very good condition.
In the mid-nineteenth century, the center of map publishing in America moved from Philadelphia to New York. The J.H. Colton publishing firm played a large role in this shift. This map of Maine, with its fine detail, is a strong example of their successful work. The map presents the counties in contrasting pastel shades, and includes depictions of towns, rivers, marshes, and lakes. Of particular interest are the indications of the burgeoning transportation network in the state, with roads and railroads clearly shown. An attractive map as well as a fascinating historical document depicting the state in the ante-bellum years.

domain: history


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Minimize the risks to your volunteers
Abstract: For many volunteers, possible legal and tax liabilities that may result from their service to a nonprofit organization would never cross their minds. And it’s usually not a big consideration for nonprofit organizations either. But failing to review possible ways volunteers can become subject to either legal or tax liabilities can put both volunteers and the organization at risk. This article takes a closer look.

domain: law


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Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
Found in 2 Collections and/or Records:
Collection — Folder S0596
Scope and Contents The collection contains three items ranging from 1880 to 1894, including a manuscript of Addison C. Harris’ account of the Quakers in the community where he was raised. He talks about their prosperity and his experiences attending the Quaker Meeting House and the Quaker school. He proceeds to discuss the founding and early history of the Quaker Church as well as Quaker beliefs. Also included are a pamphlet titled “Indiana” that also includes a map of the state and a memorandum brief submitted...
Scope and Contents This collection contains 6 audio tapes of 5 interviews and a transcript of the first three interviews for an oral history with E. Ross Adair, conducted by Randall W. Jehs and F. Gerald Handfield on March 4, April 13, and June 2, 1971; September 25, 1974; and August 25, 1977. In the discussion, Adair describes his family, upbringing, World War II, his political career, life as a student, political campaigns, Vietnam, and many other topics as well as his career as a U.S. congressman and...
Dates: 1971-1974; 1977

domain: library


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The Balance Protocol: A Pragmatic Weight Gain Prevention Randomized Controlled Trial for Medically Vulnerable Patients Within Primary Care
Presents a study of a first-line weight gain prevention intervention for obese patients in central North Carolina. Explores the effectiveness of the intervention on a largely rural, uninsured, and majority Hispanic population.
Miriam B. Berger, Dori M. Steinberg, Sandy Askew, et al.
BMC Public Health, 19
Hispanic or Latino · Obesity and weight control · Primary care · Public health · Wellness, health promotion, and disease prevention · North Carolina

domain: literature


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Sam Francis was born in 1923 in San Mateo, California, and became an icon within the realm of expressionism during the second wave of expressionist artists that arrived during the 1950s. Along with many other abstract expression artists, Francis would help define a new way of creating modern art that is still in use and copied today by new artists all around the world, though predominately within Japan and Europe.
Francis started out by being enlisted in the United States Air Force during World War II, though an injury led him to eventually leave the military and be hospitalized for quite some time. During this time, fellow artist David Park, who inspired him to start painting more during his spare time, visited Sam Francis. After his hospitalization, Francis graduated from college with a degree in art, but he also studied subjects like medicine and botany, at the University of California in Berkeley. After Berkeley, he spent a decade (9150-60) living in Europe.
His first exhibit would be in 1952 in Paris, wherein he learned the unique and very influential art known as Tachisme, or abstract painting, which became very popular during the 1940s and 1950s in France. This influence started to give Sam Francis confidence in his own work, which started to become original and unique on its own, having left behind the traditional means of line work within art and going for art that reflected memories, mood, and stark differences in color and movement.
Not only did the Parisian styling of expressionism help Sam Francis find his particular niche in the artistic community, but there were also heavy influences of the minimalism that Japanese culture and Zen Buddhism brought to the post-war era. This is especially true when he started to spend more of his time in Japan, in particular Tokyo. It was also during this time, within the early 1970s, that Sam Francis also started to keep careful track of his dreams because of an analysis from Dr. James Kirsch, which began to morph his iconic artistry into huge canvas paintings of grid-style lines and carefully placed colors.
Throughout the 1970s and into the 1980s, Sam Francis started to change his focus on art once again. While his expressionist paintings were already well sought after, he also started to partake in printmaking, creating things such as lithographs, etchings, and monotypes while he was living in Santa Monica, California.
Eventually, Sam Francis created his own printmaking studio and company called The Lapis Press, allowing him to delve deeper into the unique styling that printmaking brought to his sense of expressionism and use of lines, color, and text. Both his paintings and printmaking are highly regarded in the art community and his legacy lives on in one of his sons, who also became a well-known painter in his own right.

domain: artistic


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California Additions to Income
Enter the amount of Federal NOL (Net Operating Loss) included on your Federal Return (Form 1040, line 21) as Addition to Income.
Please click here for form FTB 3805V to calculate allowable California NOL and enter as Subtraction from Income. Enter the amount of Federal Foreign Earned Income or housing exclusion included on your Federal Return as Addition to Income.
Original Issue Discount (OID) for debt instruments issued in 1985 and 1986
In the year of sale or other disposition, you must recognize the difference between the amount reported on your federal return and amount reported for California purpose.
OID Holders: Enter the difference between the amount included in Federal Gross Income and the amount included for California purposes as Addition to Income.
OID Issuers: Enter the difference between the federal deductible amount and the California Deductible amount as a Subtraction to Income.
Foreign Income of NonResident Aliens
* Adjust federal income to reflect worldwide income computed under California Law.
* Enter losses from foreign sources as a Subtraction to Income
* Enter foreign source income as Addition to Income
If you excluded income exempted by U.S. tax treaties on your Federal Form 1040 (unless specifically exempt for state purposes), enter the excluded amount as Addition to Income
Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief
California law does not conform to federal law regarding the discharge of indebtedness from the disposition of your principal residence occurring on or after January 1, 2014. Enter the amount of discharge.
For additional information regarding additions to income, please click here.

domain: finance


U.S Secretary of State John Kerry is expected to arrive in Rwanda today to join other more than 1,000 environmental protection delegates attending the ongoing 28th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol.
Kerry will join in the discussions aimed at coming up with better legislation to ensure the protection of the ozone layer, particularly aiming to ensure the reduction of the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).
A successful amendment of the Montreal Protocol in Kigali would signal the world’s commitment to practical action towards achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Once passed, the amendment would help the world avoid a 0.5°C global warming by the end of the century.
Experts also say that the passing of the amendment would help the world reduce the number of skin cancer cases by two million annually.
The Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer is widely regarded to be one of the most successful environmental treaties ever. It was the first treaty to achieve universal ratification.


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IPL 2018 final between Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad was not only one of the most awaited matches of the entire tournament but also the most interesting one. With numerous nailbiting moments, the finale had us glued to our television screens.
But it's not only the match that had our undivided attention. Tinseltown celebs set the stage on fire with their power-packed performances at the closing ceremony at Wankhede stadium in Mumbai. Bollywood beauties Katrina Kaif, Jacqueline Fernandez and Kriti Sanon enthralled and enticed us with their moves at the finale.
— Ankit (@ankitlunia2011) May 27, 2018
Dressed in a yellow crop top and light blue ripped denim jeans designed by ace designer Manish Malhotra, Katrina dazzled as she performed on the hit chartbuster Kamli from the movie Dhoom 3.
Jacqueline too donned a Manish Malhotra design, a lilac feather and fringes dress with a megawatts of glitter. She was a treat to match-weary eyes as she performed to Tan Tana Tan and Oonchi Hai Building from comedy Judwaa 2.
Kriti Sanon performed on the title track of her film Raabta and songs from Bareilly Ki Barfi, Heropanti and Dilwale. She sported a black t-shirt dress and was a delight to watch.
Prior to her performance, she took to Instagram to share a video of her practising the steps of the song.
Apart from performances by these lovely ladies, actors Kartik Aaryan too put up a phenomenal show. The cherry on the cake was the constant commentary on air by Salman Khan and Ranbir Kapoor.
B-town stars were on fire and the closing ceremony was nothing short of a gala award show event.

domain: entertainment


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The treatment of immigrants
Immigrants rushed in. Irish, German, Polish, and Italian immigrants weren't always welcomed in the land of the free. The Know-Nothing Party campaigned against Catholic immigration in the 1850s. Signs for jobs often said, "No Irish Need Apply." When Irish workers hungry for jobs replaced striking women textile employees in New England, prejudice against the new immigrants soared. Irish, Italian, and Polish immigrants often spent generations living in ethnically isolated communities. In the years before the Civil War, multi-ethnic neighborhoods and towns were relatively rare.
Most immigrants avoided the South so they wouldn't have to compete with slave labor on the one hand and rich landowners on the other. That situation left the South short of new blood and of any kind of cheap labor except slaves.
Question: How did textile mill owners inflame prejudice against the Irish?
Answer: New England textile mills replaced striking local workers with Irish immigrants.
Problems faced by free blacks
About 250,000 free blacks lived in the South and another 250,000 in the North. Blacks gained freedom through Northern emancipation laws and the occasional goodwill of Southern owners; their children were then free as well. They were in a precarious position. Free blacks couldn't testify in court. If they were assaulted by whites, unless other whites showed up to defend them (which was rare), the blacks never got justice. In the South, they were in constant danger of being kidnapped into slavery. In the North, mobs of poor Irish and other immigrants who resented the competition from free blacks for low-wage jobs often beat them up. Blacks couldn't go to most white schools, stores, or churches. Frederick Douglass, the distinguished black abolitionist, was beaten by Northern rowdies more than once.
Question: How did some blacks become free before the Civil War?
Answer: The number of free blacks in the United States grew because Northern states ended slavery, some Southern slaveholders freed their slaves after the Revolution or in their wills, and freed blacks had children who were then themselves free.


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General Information on Kafkalida
Kafkalida is also a Settlement.
The postal code of Kafkalida is 27068 and its telephone access code is +3026230.
Approximately 5 people live in Kafkalida.
On our Kafkalida page you can see Kafkalida Photos, explore Kafkalida's Map and nearby Destinations, find Kafkalida Hotels and check Kafkalida's Weather by following the links below and to the left.
Current Weather in Kafkalida
The weather conditions recorded for Kafkalida on Sunday, August 18 at 10:26 am are:
Clear sky and the temperature is 27.0°.
The temperature today is expected to range between 24° and 28°.
The wind is blowing at a speed of 1 Bf (3.1 mph) from the East (108.4°) and the pressure is 1014 hPa.
Today's sunrise was at 06:53 and the sunset is at 20:26.
Weather Forecast for Kafkalida
|Sun 18/08||25° - 28°||0 Bf SE|
|Mon 19/08||25° - 27°||1 Bf N|
|Tue 20/08||26° - 28°||1 Bf N|
|Wed 21/08||26° - 27°||1 Bf N|
|Thu 22/08||26° - 28°||1 Bf N|
|Fri 23/08||27° - 29°||2 Bf N|
|Sat 24/08||26° - 29°||2 Bf N|
Restaurants Near Kafkalida
Map of Kafkalida

domain: travel


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Vitamix blenders have taken the blending game to a whole new level. There are many debates on whether a Vitamix blender is the same as a regular blender or not. In this article, we will explore the key differences between Vitamix and regular blenders, the benefits of using a Vitamix, and whether it is worth the investment.
What is a Vitamix?
Vitamix is a line of high-performance blenders that have become very popular over the years. These blenders are designed for commercial and household use alike, and they’re known for their exceptional blending capabilities. Vitamix blenders are recognized for their speed, power, capacity, and durability. They can easily blend anything from frozen fruits, vegetables, and ice to create healthy smoothies, hot soups, sauces, and more.
One of the unique features of Vitamix blenders is their ability to create hot soups directly in the blender. The powerful motor and high-speed blades can heat up the ingredients through friction, eliminating the need for a separate stove or microwave. This makes it easy to create healthy and delicious soups in just a few minutes.
Another advantage of Vitamix blenders is their versatility. In addition to blending, they can also be used for food processing tasks such as chopping, grinding, and kneading. This makes them a great all-in-one kitchen appliance that can save time and space in the kitchen.
Understanding the differences between Vitamix and regular blenders
While Vitamix blenders may look like regular blenders, there are some significant differences. One of the most obvious distinctions is the motor. Vitamix blenders are equipped with powerful motors that can spin the blades at high speeds, making them capable of blending even the toughest ingredients with ease. Unlike regular blenders, Vitamix blenders have unique blade designs that create a vortex, resulting in even, smooth blends.
Another key difference between Vitamix and regular blenders is the durability and longevity of the machine. Vitamix blenders are built to last and are often backed by long warranties. They are made with high-quality materials and are designed to withstand heavy use. Regular blenders, on the other hand, may not be as durable and may need to be replaced more frequently.
Key features of a Vitamix blender
Vitamix blenders are known for their features that enhance the blending experience. For example, the tamper fits through the lid to help blend thick or frozen mixtures. Additionally, Vitamix blenders often have multiple blending speeds, pulse options, and pre-programmed settings to make it easy to blend different types of food to the perfect consistency.
Another key feature of Vitamix blenders is their durability. These blenders are built to last and can withstand heavy use over time. They are made with high-quality materials and are designed to handle tough ingredients like ice, nuts, and seeds. Vitamix blenders also come with long warranties, so you can feel confident in your investment.
Benefits of using a Vitamix over other blenders
The benefits of using a Vitamix blender are numerous. Firstly, Vitamix blenders can make blending tasks so much easier and faster, thanks to their powerful motors and unique blade designs. Secondly, Vitamix blenders can make a wide range of recipes, making them versatile in the kitchen. Lastly, Vitamix blenders can provide healthier smoothies and soups by pulverizing the ingredients, turning them into healthy, nutrient-packed blends for a balanced, healthy diet.
Another benefit of using a Vitamix blender is that it can help you save money in the long run. With a Vitamix, you can make your own nut butters, flours, and even grind your own coffee beans, which can be much cheaper than buying pre-made versions at the store. Additionally, Vitamix blenders are built to last, so you won’t have to replace them as often as other blenders, saving you money on replacements.
Lastly, Vitamix blenders are easy to clean, which is a huge plus for busy individuals. Most Vitamix models are self-cleaning, meaning you can simply add water and a drop of dish soap, and let the blender clean itself. This saves time and effort, and ensures that your blender is always clean and ready to use.
Can a blender be used instead of a Vitamix?
While a regular blender can blend some of the ingredients a Vitamix can, there are some limitations to using a regular blender compared to a Vitamix. For example, a regular blender is not as powerful as a Vitamix and will struggle to blend tougher ingredients, resulting in an uneven or chunky blend.
Additionally, Vitamix blenders are designed with high-quality blades that are able to create a smoother blend compared to regular blenders. The blades in a Vitamix are also able to create a vortex that pulls ingredients down towards the blades, ensuring that everything is blended evenly.
However, if you don’t have a Vitamix and need to use a regular blender, there are some tips to help you achieve a smoother blend. One tip is to blend the ingredients in smaller batches, as this will help the blender to process the ingredients more evenly. Another tip is to add liquid to the blender, which can help to create a smoother blend and prevent the blender from getting stuck.
Comparing the power and performance of Vitamix and other blenders
Vitamix blenders are known for their high-end performance and motor power. Other blenders can have varying degrees of power, and many lack the capability to blend tougher ingredients. Vitamix blenders are capable of blending anything thrown their way, and they have higher horsepower motors on average compared to regular blenders.
Additionally, Vitamix blenders are designed with durable materials that can withstand heavy use and frequent blending. They also come with a longer warranty compared to other blenders, which speaks to their quality and reliability. While Vitamix blenders may come with a higher price tag, their superior performance and longevity make them a worthwhile investment for those who frequently use their blender for smoothies, soups, and other recipes.
The cost-effectiveness of purchasing a Vitamix
Vitamix blenders are a considerable investment, but they come with many advantages over regular blenders. A Vitamix blender is built to last, making it a cost-effective purchase in the long run. In addition, Vitamix blenders come with extended warranties, ensuring they will last for years.
Another advantage of purchasing a Vitamix blender is its versatility. It can be used for a variety of tasks, such as making smoothies, soups, nut butter, and even grinding grains. This means that you can replace multiple kitchen appliances with just one Vitamix blender, saving you money in the long run.
Furthermore, Vitamix blenders are known for their powerful motors, which can blend even the toughest ingredients with ease. This means that you can make your own nut milk, grind coffee beans, and even make your own flour at home, without having to worry about burning out the motor. This not only saves you money on buying pre-made products, but it also allows you to have more control over the quality of the ingredients you use.
Expert reviews and customer feedback on the Vitamix brand
Expert reviews and customer feedback are almost unanimously positive when it comes to Vitamix. Customers often rave about the quality and durability of their Vitamix blenders, as well as the ease of use of the products. Experts also acknowledge Vitamix as a reliable high-performance blender brand.
In addition to the quality and durability of Vitamix blenders, many customers also appreciate the versatility of the products. With various speed settings and blending options, Vitamix blenders can be used for a wide range of tasks, from making smoothies and soups to grinding nuts and seeds. Additionally, Vitamix offers excellent customer service and support, with many customers reporting positive experiences with the company’s representatives.
How to choose the right type of blender for your needs
The type of blender you need will depend on what you use it for. If you want to make nutrient-packed smoothies, hot soups, and sauces, Vitamix is the right choice. If you’re mostly using a blender for simple tasks like making a fruit smoothie or milkshake, a regular blender may suffice.
However, if you’re looking for a blender that can also function as a food processor, you may want to consider a high-powered blender like a Ninja or a Blendtec. These blenders have additional attachments and blades that can chop vegetables, grind nuts, and even make dough. So, if you’re someone who likes to experiment in the kitchen and wants a versatile appliance, a high-powered blender may be the way to go.
Making healthy smoothies with a Vitamix blender
Vitamix blenders are particularly good at making healthy smoothies. With a Vitamix blender, you can blend a variety of fruits, vegetables, and nuts to create nutrition-packed smoothies. To create a balanced smoothie, use a variety of fruits and vegetables for their vitamins and mineral content.
Additionally, Vitamix blenders are powerful enough to blend tough ingredients like kale and spinach, which are rich in fiber and antioxidants. This makes it easy to incorporate leafy greens into your diet, even if you don’t enjoy eating them. Furthermore, Vitamix blenders are versatile and can be used to make other healthy recipes like soups, nut butters, and dips. Investing in a Vitamix blender can be a great way to improve your overall health and nutrition.
Preparing hot soups and sauces with the help of a Vitamix blender
Few things are as satisfying as a warm, hearty soup made from fresh ingredients. Another advantage of a Vitamix blender is the ability to blend hot ingredients and make hot soups with ease. Vitamix blenders can heat ingredients by friction alone, so you can make an entire pot of soup by blending ingredients right in the blender.
In addition to making hot soups, a Vitamix blender is also great for preparing hot sauces. Whether you’re making a spicy marinara or a creamy Alfredo sauce, a Vitamix blender can quickly and easily blend all the ingredients together and heat them up at the same time. This means you can have a delicious, homemade sauce ready in just minutes, without having to stand over a hot stove.
Cleaning and maintaining your Vitamix blender for longevity
Vitamix blenders require little maintenance to keep them running their best. To clean and maintain the blender, you can fill it partway with warm water and a drop of dish soap, turn on the blender, and let it run for 30-60 seconds. Rinse the blender with clean water and let it air dry. Additionally, you should wipe down the base with a damp cloth and clean the blades with a brush.
Using accessories to enhance your Vitamix blending experience
There are many accessories available for Vitamix blenders, including additional jars, tampers, and specialized blades that can enhance your blending experience. These accessories can help you achieve specific results, such as making nut butter or grinding coffee beans.
Final thoughts: should you invest in a Vitamix blender?
Investing in a Vitamix blender is an excellent choice for anyone who wants a high-quality blender with exceptional performance. While the initial investment may seem high, the benefits in terms of versatility, durability, and quality of blends make up for the cost. Ultimately, a Vitamix blender is an investment in your health and well-being, and you won’t regret making that investment.


text: Restore The Preference Of Home With These 4 Cooking Hacks! The Miss Moms food preparation programs have revived the glory of parenthood. Read more here on this page to discover more about this product. Individuals made use of to think that mommies were cooking simply for themselves as well as their family members at that time. Yet today, with the greatness of American cooking, more ladies are currently trying to find out just how to cook. As a matter of fact, they are so happy with their abilities that they want to share what they understand via numerous recipe publications, recipe books as well as tv shows. Click here for more info. This is the reason numerous dishes are currently readily available in recipe books and on television, especially given that these display rooms are more than simply a business location. For one, it has actually been shown that if you make your favored food in the house rather than acquiring it from the store or restaurant, after that you will certainly save a great deal of cash. The very best thing about it is that it can additionally restore the taste of your favorite food. When you eat food that you have actually made on your own, you feel that very same delight as well as contentment that you really felt when you acquired it. It is as if you are consuming the recipe right there before you and also appreciating every bite of your brand-new homemade food. Click for more info on this website. One more benefit that you can obtain when you are a great chef is that you can show your youngsters exactly how to prepare. Given that you understand so much regarding altering recipes as well as what enters into each of them, it can be extremely practical for them to learn from you. Read more here on this page to discover more about this product. By investing time cooking dishes together with your youngsters, you can likewise bond over the food and share how to combine active ingredients to make tasty meals. You can revive the satisfaction of cooking your own household’s favorite recipes. However, you could ask yourself where you can discover these fantastic cooking hacks for the miss out on Mommies in your area. One point you can do is to ask your friends who enjoy cooking for their family members. You will surely listen to a lot of wonderful points and suggestions from them on exactly how you can make your food preparation leisure activity a rewarding company. From the riches of experience they already have, you can obtain a lot of useful suggestions on just how to develop your very own one-of-a-kind recipes as well as restore the taste of residence to every member in your family. There are several new food preparation strategies that you can attempt. There is the “one-pot” cooking strategy which fixes the issue of not enough time in preparing dish because all you need is simply one pot to prepare all the ingredients required for your household’s favored meal. This will certainly save you a great deal of time as well as permit you to take pleasure in food preparation too. You can even throw in a new dish right into your repertoire as well as surprise every person. Click for more info on this website. Originality such as this will definitely keep your family and friends excited regarding trying new dishes from you. Do not obtain stuck with the old means of cooking when you can have a lot a lot more fun in grasping brand-new cooking strategies. Food preparation for your household is not only a meal suggestion it is a method of bonding with each other. You will certainly find that you do not just have to prepare for your family members, you need to become their one and only chef! Miss Moms cooking for her family is a new experience that will certainly renew your relationship. So what are you waiting for? Click for more info on this website. View here for more info.


text:
State Delegate Ponders Illegal Immigrant Count
A state lawmaker says he's considering sponsoring a proposal to count the number of illegal immigrants attending Frederick County Public Schools.
Join the discussion below, or Read more at WBAL-AM Baltimore.
Since: Dec 08
#1 Dec 8, 2008
Problem is, there are too many so-called citizens that harbor illegal immigrants in their homes. They know where to get illegal documentation and how to beat the system. How can they possibly keep a head count.
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domain: politics


text:
by Rex Wockner
A new report charges that the biennial International AIDS Conference, the premier gathering for people working in the HIV field, shortchanges groups most likely to become infected with HIV, including gay men, transgender people, sex workers and drug users.
An “audit” of conference programming, conducted by the Global Forum on MSM & HIV, analyzed last year’s gathering in Vienna and found that the percentage of sessions exclusively focused on such groups was 2.6 percent for men who have sex with men, 1.1 percent for transgender people, 3 percent for sex workers and 4.5 percent for drug users.
“While the International AIDS Society turns a blind eye, HIV rates among these populations continue to climb around the world,” said the forum’s executive officer, Dr. George Ayala. “The IAC is the world’s most important opportunity for international exchange and collaboration on HIV and AIDS. Such abysmal representation of most-at-risk groups only serves to reinforce the invisibility, discrimination and disregard that drive the epidemic among these communities.”
The report recommends that conference organizers ensure a transparent process for reviewing abstracts and designing programming, increase their support of authors developing abstracts focused on key populations, and broaden representation on the committees that develop conference programming.
“It is incumbent upon the organizers to ensure that the IAC becomes a vehicle for change, shifting the global landscape so that funding, research and programs are directed to those who need them most. Right now it’s part of the problem,” Ayala said.

domain: sociology


text:
Patients, healthcare staff and governors gathered at Ellesmere Port Hospital last week to mark its 100th anniversary celebration.
Nurses hosted a traditional afternoon tea party for patients with sandwiches, cakes, and sing-along entertainment.
One-hundred-year-old Doris, who recently received rehabilitation at the hospital, called in at the event to give best wishes to the hospital and officially cut the anniversary cake.
Commemorative embroidered handkerchiefs were also presented to all the patients currently receiving treatment at the hospital, thanks to a donation to the fundraising team from local car dealership Lookers Ellesmere Port.
Matron at Ellesmere Port Hospital Clare Edwards said: “This is a very special year for our hospital, we are extremely proud of our history and links to the local community. Our afternoon tea party was an opportunity to take trip down memory lane with patients and supporters with some cakes, sing songs and smiles all around.”

domain: medical


Up to £25000 per annum
4 months ago
Vehicle Technician required in North Kent
Basic Salary of up to £25,000
Monday to Friday 8.00am-5.30pm and 1 in 2 Saturdays
Opportunity to work for a luxury brand
Our Client, specialising in luxury Cars, is looking to employ an experienced Technician to join their award winning team.
This Technician role includes being able to carry out mechanical repairs to the highest standard and have the ability to problem solve and work under their own initiative.
You will need to be able to assess vehicle requirements and carry out repairs to all modern, sports and classic cars to a high standard, whilst demonstrating an exceptional level of care and consideration to customer vehicles.
Main duties will include:
- To diagnose electrical and mechanical faults.
- To provide high quality work to repair, service and restore vehicles to a high standard and paying attention to detail at all times.
- To ensure a tidy and well maintained work area.
- To liaise with customers, delivering customer service of the highest level, and be able to discuss and agree requirements that best suit the customers.
To be considered for this role you must have the ability to diagnose, repair and service high performance cars. Attention to detail is key!!!
If this Vehicle Mechanic Job interests you and you would like to know more about it or other Automotive Jobs in North Kent please contact Amy Edwards at Perfect Placement UK Ltd.
At Perfect Placement we specialise in Jobs within the Automotive Field, we can help you with your Career search for Motor Trade Jobs as we have over 1,400 live Automotive Vacancies across the whole of the UK ranging from Vehicle Technician Jobs to Service Manager Jobs.


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Thanks Bruce - that's the book I already have - the full title is "Examples: the making of 40 photographs". I enjoy the descriptions AA gives of the photographic process. However as I said, I find the size of the photographs too small, and the number of landscapes is also quite limited.
Originally Posted by brucemuir
I've edited my original post to specify the full title, which I should have done in the first place!
Last edited by andrew.roos; 03-11-2012 at 10:22 AM. Click to view previous post history.


text:
Photo: Jennifer Soo
- 1 litre neapolitan ice-cream
- 12 paddle pop sticks
- 250g cooking chocolate
- Sugar quins or small sweets for decoration
Form ice-cream into small balls with a scoop or spoon and place on a lightly greased metal tray. Push a paddle pop stick into the centre of each one and freeze.
Melt chocolate in microwave or on top of a double boiler and cool to desired consistency.
Swirl ice-cream balls through cooled melted chocolate and quickly dip in a plate of small sweets*.
Return to freezer until ready to serve. Can be made several days ahead.
* sprinkles and small decorative sweets can be found at most supermarkets, or try cake decorating shops.
- Course - Dessert


During the first six months of the Coast Survey blog, we have focused largely on the field work – surveying sparsely charted Arctic waters, responding to calls for help following hurricane destruction, finding dangers to navigation, and even identifying historic wrecks.
We haven’t covered the day-in, day-out job that is our reason for existence: creating and updating the country’s nautical charts.
Coast Survey has compiled and maintained the nation’s nautical charts for nearly two centuries, after President Thomas Jefferson approved legislation in the Ninth Congress in 1807, and we now maintain a suite of over a thousand charts.
We sometimes get the question, “aren’t you done yet?”
Haven’t we finished charting all of the U.S. waters?
The simple answer is no: because storms alter seafloors, and water depths constantly change due to shifting shoals, submerged hazards, and coastal development, Coast Survey must continually update the nation’s nautical charts.
Charting those changes, and ensuring chart accuracy and precision, is essential to protecting life and property.
The more complicated answer may surprise you.
Many of our nation’s marine shipping lanes, harbors, and port areas haven’t been mapped since the 1920s, when measurements weren’t as precise – or even as accurate ‒ as is possible now.
Some areas, especially in Alaska, haven’t had bottom measurements since the mid-1770s.
Coast Survey’s Marine Chart Division employs many of the nation’s best cartographers.
Since 2009, cartographers have applied approximately 50,000 critical charting corrections to NOAA’s various charting products.
In fiscal year 2012 alone, cartographers applied more than 11,000 critical corrections to chart updates.
Over those four years, Coast Survey has also produced over 500 new chart editions (of current charts), and built 200 new NOAA ENC® (NOAA electronic navigational charts).
This includes 155 new chart editions and 56 new ENCs in fiscal year 2012.
Coast Survey issued new Kotzebue chart 16161, partially depicted here, in May 2012.This year, Coast Survey produced several brand new nautical charts, including a new chart for the Port of San Juan, Puerto Rico, and for the Kotzebue Harbor in Alaska, where increasing ocean commerce required improved navigational products.
Coast Survey also released an updated chart of Norfolk Harbor, with a new inset of the Inner Harbor, which has developed as a multi-purpose port area.
In addition to updating old charts, and creating new ones, Coast Survey is making more information accessible from its electronic navigational charts.
Effective early 2012, several of NOAA’s ENCs that cover the approaches to the East Coast now alert mariners when they are approaching the right whale seasonal management areas, giving them better information to plan to reduce their speeds or avoid the areas altogether.
The seasonal management areas, as encoded into the ENCs, graphically show the areas where vessels greater than 65 feet in length must travel at 10 knots or less to reduce the risk of collisions with right whales.
The ENCs will also provide for an alarm on the ship’s electronic chart display and information system as vessels enter the speed zone, further alerting the bridge watchstander of speed restrictions.
We are seeing a gradual shift from paper nautical charts to raster navigational charts and electronic navigational charts.
Over the last four years, the public has purchased nearly 428,000 print-on-demand paper charts, and another 392,000 traditional paper charts.
Reflecting the booming technology in navigation, the public has downloaded countless millions of the electronic and raster navigational charts that NOAA offers free on the Internet.
Even while cartographers use their expertise to update and innovate, there is still the matter of uncharted U.S. waters – waters that remain to be surveyed.
Coast Survey is mandated to provide nautical charts for all U.S. territorial waters and the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone, a combined area of 3.4 million square nautical miles that extends 200 nautical miles offshore from the nation’s coastline.
A complete survey of all of those waters would require 545 ship years and $5 billion just to acquire the data.
Lacking those resources, NOAA has instead established priorities for the hydrographic surveys that acquire data necessary for reliable charts.
Those priorities are updated annually, and are available on Coast Survey’s website, as NOAA Hydrographic Survey Priorities.
A critical need for new or updated charts is especially emerging in the Arctic, and Coast Survey’s Arctic Nautical Charting Plan addresses the tasks ahead.
Commercial mariners and recreational boaters will always rely on NOAA’s charts to keep them and their passengers and cargo safe from harm.
NOAA’s cartographers will always work to earn that trust.
If you note a chart discrepancy, please report it through our online service.


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Private Mental Healthcare
The Old Rectory Clinic covering Bristol, Yate, Chipping Sodbury, Winterbourne, Thornbury
We are a diverse team of highly qualified, experienced, private mental healthcare professionals and we are here to help and support our clients in all aspects of their mental health and wellbeing. We are all fully insured and members of appropriate professional bodies. We are all bound by relevant codes of conduct which ensures that we provide the very highest standards of care for our clients.
We provide evidence-based support for our clients to help them overcome any mental health challenges and enable them to be the very best version of themselves that they can possibly be. Our team works with all age ranges starting with very young children, young people, adults and couples who may need our support.
Mental health services available at The Old Rectory Clinic
Rue is an experienced integrative counsellor working primarily with a person-centred approach to counselling whilst drawing from other theories and approaches to suit the clients needs, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Transactional Analysis (TA).
Peter - The Peterson Practice
My clinic sessions are designed to help reduce anxiety and provide a calm space for you to move positively forward. Solution Focused Hypnotherapy uses clinically proven, evidence based techniques of Hypnotherapy, NLP - Neuro Linguistic Programming and CBT - Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, tailored to meet your needs. In a relatively short space of time, this approach can make significant life changes to resolve unwelcome habits and create positive thought patterns at a subconscious level.
Dr Helen Fairchild
Dr Helen Fairchild is an experienced Clinical Psychologist who has worked in the NHS and charity sector for over 10 years. She specialises in working with children, adolescents and families, and is trained to help with problems such as depression, low self-esteem, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic, social anxiety, poor sleep, self-harm, anger and behavioural difficulties. Helen has a large amount of experience working with young people on the autism spectrum or with other neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD or learning difficulties.
I have over 12 years' experience of working in NHS Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services as a Senior CAMHS Mental Health Specialist with Children and Young People aged between 5 - 18 years, presenting with wide-ranging emotional and behavioural difficulties, including anxiety, low mood, OCD, as well as within specialist eating disorders and family therapy clinics. I have also worked within specialist CAMHS services specialising in Looked After and Adopted Children and Young People mental health. I am also a qualified Child EMDR Therapist. My approach is integrative, incorporating age-appropriate CBT as well as creativity, nature-based interaction and mindfulness where helpful. I am also qualified in ADOS 2 autism assessment protocol and have extensive experience of supporting children and young people identified with autism spectrum condition and other neurodiverse conditions.
I am a senior Clinical Hypnotherapist and Psychotherapist covering the South Glos and North Bristol area. I am married with three grown up children. I first became interested in hypnotherapy when I visited a local hypnotherapist regarding weight loss some years ago and was absolutely blown away by the results that were achieved. I was inspired to find out more, and after much research, I decided to take a change in direction and train to become a hypnotherapist myself.
Dr Rachel Gillibrand
I am an experienced psychologist and hypnotherapist and I work with both children (6yrs - 18yrs) and adults. I am happy to work on a range of concerns such as anger management, anxiety (general anxiety or anxiety worsened by school or work), poor sleeping patterns, low mood and depression, and also to help resolve personal trauma.
I am an experienced Counsellor and I offer a confidential and calm environment in which you can feel comfortable and safe to be yourself. I use a person-centered approach, this approach is based on the belief that we are all individual experts on our true selves.
It follows that each of us has the ability to live our life to our full potential. The beauty of this approach is that we can adjust the way it works to fit your needs. I work with adults and young people from the age of 14 years upwards.
I am an experienced therapist, mindfulness teacher and coach and I work with both children (7yrs - 18yrs) and adults. I am very happy to work with you on a wide range of concerns such as anxiety, anger management, sleep issues, low mood and depression, self confidence issues, trauma, PTSD, and weight management, to name just a few. I believe that you are the expert in your own life and it is my job to ask the right questions, to help you find a way forward that feels just right for you.
Celia Walter de Lima
Celia Walter de Lima is an experienced Systemic Therapist working with a wide range of people and their difficulties. As a Systemic Thinker Celia will be interested to know what happens between people either be in their relationships with their family, with their significant other, with friends or with themselves and bring light & understanding to the contexts the client is living in, without any judgements or preconceived ideas.
Dawda is an integrative counsellor having completed his Foundation Degree with the University of Plymouth. Dawda specialises in working with children and young people from the age of 8 years old upwards. As an integrative counsellor Dawda draws upon a range of theories to build a unique framework for his individual clients needs, including transactional analysis, cognitive behavioural therapy, psychodynamic and a person-centred approach.
I am an integrative counsellor with a Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling; what 'integrative' means can vary greatly from counsellor to counsellor but, essentially, an integrative approach involves drawing upon several different therapeutic theories in my work with individuals. The core of my therapeutic practice uses ideas from existential psychotherapy, person-centred counselling and cognitive-behavioural therapy.

domain: health


text:
From Chef Pippo Lamberti of Positano Coast, Philadelphia
'Stolen with permission' from Chef Pippo Lamberti, this refreshingly delicious dish is easy to make at home! With menu items like Grilled Octopus with Charred Artichokes, Lemon Zest and Rosemary Pesto, and Sea Urchin Pasta with Black Squid Ink and Crabmeat, and Pan-Seared Branzino with Parsley Root Puree, Sauteed Leeks, Oyster Mushrooms and Truffle Oil, Chef Lamberti's modern take on classic Italian dishes make a visit to Positano Coast like a dream vacation meal in Italy.
About the chef: With his family's restaurants always a prominent part in his life, Pippo Lamberti began his study of coastal Italian cooking as a toddler. So it comes as no surprise that his father, restaurateur Aldo Lamberti, tapped him to helm the kitchen of his family's restaurant, Positano Coast.
Since earning the reins to the kitchen at Positano Coast, Lamberti brings to Philadelphia a menu loaded with regional specialties from his family's homeland, the Amalfi Coast of Italy. Lamberti says he wants "to create dishes which marry the best, freshest ingredients to create memorable food with bold flavors and interesting textures. I want to create food that my guests dream about."Positano Coast
212 Walnut Street, 2nd Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Chilled Lobster with Arugula, Fennel, Citrus, Tarragon and Avocado is served at Positano Coast for $13 as an appetizer and $24 as a main dish. This recipe makes two restaurant servings.Orange Tarragon Sauce Ingredients:
3 Tbsp shallots
1/2 Tbsp garlic
5 sprigs tarragon
1 cup white wine
2 Tbsp sugar
1 pinch saffron
3 naval oranges, juiced
1/2 lemon, juiced
3 Tbsp oil
1/2 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp butterAvocado Salad Ingredients:
1 avocado, diced
1/2 Tbsp shallots
2 Tbsp olive oil
Sherry vinegar, to taste
Salt & pepper, to taste
Tabasco, to tasteChilled Lobster Salad Ingredients:
1 lobster tail (in shell, blanched, 1 lb)
2 lobster claws & knuckle (blanched, out of shell, total of 6 oz)
2 cups arugula, baby
1 cup fennel, shaved
Optional garnishes: 5 naval orange segments, fried tarragon leaves, fried lobster heads, basil oilSalad Steal This Recipe® Step-by-Step Instructions for the Lobster Salad:
Season the arugula and fennel with some of the *Orange Tarragon Sauce.
Season the lobster in the same manner.
Combine the lobster, **Avocado Puree, arugula and fennel on a serving platter.
Optional: Garnish with fried tarragon leaves, naval orange segments, basil oil and the fried lobster heads.Steal This Recipe® Step-by-Step Instructions for the Orange Tarragon Sauce:
Begin by sweating the shallots and garlic in the oils and butter.
When the shallots and garlic are very soft, add the tarragon sprigs.
Deglaze with white wine, reduce by half.
Add the sugar and both the lemon and orange juices.
Let the sauce thicken and add the saffron.
Allow the sauce to cool.Steal This Recipe® Step-by-Step Instructions for the Avocado Salad:
Mix the shallots, oil, vinegar and Tabasco in a mixing bowl.
Toss the avocado into the mixture and then add salt and pepper.


text:
The majority of animal companions will only consider kibble for their dog’s daily diet. But did you know that wet food can be just as beneficial to your dog’s well-being and increase their enjoyment of eating?
Wet food is not as commonly used as dry food but it definitely deserves your consideration. Let’s take a look at why:
- Wet food is tastier for dogs because of its intense smell. Dogs ‘eat’ with their noses first and foremost, making this an important factor to include in your decision-making process
- The soft textures are enjoyable on the palate
- The moisture inside makes it look more voluminous, which isn’t only pleasurable for the belly, it’s also pleasurable for the eyes
- It provides extra hydration, ideal for dogs who drink little
At Almo Nature, we advise to provide wet and dry food, ensuring a ratio of 20% wet food and 80% kibble. Simply add a small amount of wet food to their kibble, mixing it into every meal, elevating the feeding experience for you and them.
Do ensure you don’t exceed the daily dose of calories recommended by your vet so in case you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to give them a ring.
Tell us what your dog eats!
Dry, wet or both?
Let us know!
PS: by choosing Almo Nature food, you contribute to a range of different animal welfare and environmental projects initiated by #FondazioneCapellino, take a look at their page for more information and give their Facebook and Instagram pages a follow!


CoA chairman Vinod Rai said, "I want to extend my heartiest congratulations to Team India's on staging a remarkable comeback in the ICC World Cup".
Mithali Raj is one of the finest players in Women's cricket who also became the top player in total runs scored in One Day Internationals recently. India would be aiming for their maiden World Cup win this time around which has been heavily dominated by Australia and England. They lost both their openers inside six overs as Indian pace duo of Jhulan Goswami and Shikha Pandey gave them a fiery start. Against Australia, Raj surpassed former England captain Charlotte Edwards's 5992 runs when she reached 34, thereby becoming the highest scorer in ODIs.
Caitlyn Jenner slams Rob Kardashian Rob Kardashian went on a freakish online rant about his ex Blac Chyna last week. And Blac Chyna was putting it behind her with a brand new look on Friday.
The 34-year-old cricketer started her global career in 1999 with a match against Ireland. There's going to be lot of reviews of our team because we were expected to make the semi-finals.
Her ten wickets have come at 16 runs apiece, at an economy of only four to the over, the same as her career economy, which is superb for a leg spinner at this level, let alone at her age.
Mithali has no doubt that it's because of this responsibility that she has not been able to enhance her batting as much as she wants to. Mithali Raj had walked out in the middle after Smriti Mandhana fell on the cheap early in the innings and went on to stitch a 157-run partnership with Punam for the second wicket.
Along with Australia's Meg Lanning and Ellyse Perry, Mithali is the only other player to have an average of above 50 among players with 1500-plus runs. "I am pleased with the kind of comeback the team has staged in the tournament".
Strong storms cause flooding across Wisconsin
The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch for Kenosha, as heavy rains are again expected in the area. The weather service has also issued a Flood Warning for the Fox River at Montgomery.
US Stocks Edge Higher In Early Trade
The tech sector (+0.3%) cruised to its fifth straight advance, as Apple shrugged off yesterday's underperformance to gain 1.4%. Target added it expects second-quarter earnings to come in above the high end of the forecast.
Hoosier one of 16 killed in Monday's crash
All of the bodies will be flown to Delaware. "He will be missed, and I send my condolences and prayers to his family and friends". Owen Lennon, who lived in Harriman but grew up in Ramapo, was one of 15 Marines who perished in the crash .
Mayweather, McGregor spar with words as hype tour starts
Mayweather remained calm throughout McGregor's tirade of verbal jabs, nodding his head and appearing close to boredom. Seeing this, McGregor laughed so much, brought the microphone to his lips and said, " Dance for me, boy! ".
China media: Nobel laureate Liu Xiaobo 'led astray by West'
China's state-controlled Global Times said in an editorial that "the West has bestowed upon Liu a halo, which will not linger". In that case, Yu says, "He would [have] become a standard-bearer for China's democratization and civil society".
Wimbledon 2017: Federer beats Raonic to reach semi-finals
Querrey had only ever once before reached the quarterfinals at a Grand Slam tournament, and that came at Wimbledon past year . Roger Federer brushed aside Milos Raonic as he comfortably avoided following Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic out of Wimbledon.


· Job Description:
Essential Job Functions
· Provides support in defining and developing product architecture through the provision of designs and evaluation of storage products in order to meet business needs.
· Works with senior team members to ensure the appropriate storage level provisioning is maintained. May assist with monitoring server/storage infrastructure and any processes related to these systems.
· Provides second level technical support, guidance and direction for storage products supported. Resolves problems identified by system administrators or through monitoring software. Investigates, identifies and documents proposals that will improve application recoverability.
· Coordinates and monitors troubleshooting to isolate and diagnose common system problems; documents events to ensure continuous functioning.
· Participates in testing, upgrades and configuration of system and services. Evaluates and ensures changes are in accordance with appropriate operating procedures; recommends revisions or changes based upon results.
· Performs operation and maintenance support within a medium-sized Storage Area Network Enterprise environment.
· Collaborates with team members on the development and analysis of system standards, thresholds and recommendations to maximize system performance.
· Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
· Bachelor's degree in computer science, information systems or related field preferred
· Three or more years of experience working with computer systems, software or associated networks
· Experience with company products and services
· Experience working with storage protocols
· Experience working with Unix systems in a multi-site environment
· Experience working with virtual technologies.
· Good organization skills to balance and prioritize work, and multitask
· Good analytical and problem solving skills to troubleshoot systems problems
· Good communication skills to communicate with support personnel, customers, and managers
· Basic skills in integrating distributed computing hardware and software systems
· Ability to work independently and as part of a team
· Office environment
· May require on-call, shift, weekend and evening work


text:
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mso-bidi-font-family:”Times New Roman”;
I recently attended a talk that I found inspiring and helpful, whether your personal challenge is inflammatory bowel disorder (IBD) or any other life issue. The point that the speaker made is simple, yet one that is worth sharing: It is to remember that everyone has a problem or difficulty of some sort to deal with.
For some, like the motivational speaker I heard, it happens to be a very visible physical disability; for others, like many of our IBD patients, it can often be hidden, an invisible illness. What is important to remember is that at the end of the day, we are all just people, not our illness. This goes along with my advice to parents of children diagnosed with IBD, that one of the best gifts you can offer your child is the gift of a normal happy life.


The head of the Better Together campaign has denied plans to set out a timetable for giving more powers to Scotland were a sign of panic.
Alistair Darling was speaking after a poll suggested the pro-UK campaign had lost its lead.
The SNP has dismissed a promise by the Chancellor to unveil a timetable for further devolution if voters reject independence as a last-minute “bribe”.
George Osborne said on Sunday that a “plan of action” would be set out in the next few days to give “more powers to Scotland; more tax powers, more spending powers, more powers over the welfare state”.
BBC Scotland’s political correspondent Glenn Campbell has reported that a new body will also be set up to hammer out more powers for Holyrood if there is a “No” vote on 18 September.Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Mr Darling acknowledged that the referendum race was “clearly very tight” but said there was no panic.
He added: “We are in a position now where every voter in Scotland could potentially tip the balance in the referendum.
“But I am confident we will win because we do have a very strong, positive vision of what Scotland can be, both in terms of the opportunities and the security that come from being part of the UK, a strengthened Scottish Parliament, with more powers which is what people want and you can do that without having to break up the country to do it.”
Mr Darling stressed that no new powers would be put on the table beyond those already announced by the three main Westminster parties earlier this year.
He added: “The additional powers coming to the Scottish parliament were announced by the party leaders, north and south of the border, some time ago.
“People have said, ‘Yes we want to know the timetable and the process’ and that is something the government is going to announce this week.
“But remember this, this is a referendum on whether or not we stay on the United Kingdom. It is not a referendum on what further powers we are going to get. We are going to get them anyway, if we stay in the United Kingdom.”
Labour leader Ed Miliband has joined Mr Osborne in saying the process of handing more powers to Scotland should begin immediately after any “No” vote.
SNP leader Alex Salmond said it was a “panicky measure” announced without credibility because his Yes Scotland campaign was “winning on the ground”.
Neither Prime Minister David Cameron nor any other Conservative Cabinet Minister is expected to visit Scotland this week, but Downing Street denied any suggestion of complacency over the referendum result.
Finalise the details
A spokesman for Number Ten was also unable to give any details of when an announcement would be made on setting up a new body to agree a timetable for handing more powers to Scotland. He said this would be an issue to be settled by the political parties.
It is understood discussions are still going on between the three main parties to finalise the details.
Number Ten also confirmed that no contingency plans are being put in place for a possible “Yes” vote in the referendum.
Scottish Finance Secretary John Swinney told the BBC that it was a fair assessment of the polls to say the Yes campaign remained behind in general, but said his experience was that undecided voters were moving to Yes by a factor of two to one.
He added: “The movement is in our favour and the campaign is exciting an enormous amount of interest and activity and participation on the ground across Scotland. I think it is the formidable strength of the ‘Yes’ campaign that is motivating that.”
Referring to Mr Osborne’s announcement, Mr Swinney said: “There is nothing new being offered this week. We may well get a timetable but the substance, the actual powers, the things that matter, Alistair Darling made absolutely crystal clear yesterday in contradicting George Osborne, that on the substance there will be absolutely nothing new.
“If I look at the different offering of the the Labour party, the Liberals and the Conservatives they are all different. I can’t answer to you today, neither could Alistair Darling, what would be the proposition that people get under this alternative scenario? So it is vague and it has all been offered before.
“The second point is that in 1979 Scotland was told vote ‘No’ in the referendum and you’ll get a stronger parliament and what we got was a Conservative government for 18 years that we never voted for, industrial devastation and no parliament.
“So I think the moral of the story of recent history in Scotland is if you want a guarantee of strong powers for the Scottish Parliament you have to vote ‘Yes’ in the referendum a week on Thursday.”
Canon Kenyon Wright, who chaired of the Scottish Constitutional Convention that paved the way for the creation of the devolved Scottish Parliament in 1997, said Mr Osborne’s announcement had a “whiff of desperation about it”.
Canon Wright, who now supports independence, added: “It’s now clear that devolution has two main problems. One is that it is incomplete and will never cover the areas needed to protect the people of Scotland on issues like welfare. The second is that it is insecure and always will be, so long as sovereignty remains at Westminster.”
BBC political correspondent Ben Wright said the outcome of the referendum now looked “utterly uncertain”.
He said the “sleepy assumption” in Westminster among the pro-Union parties that there would be a relatively comfortable vote against independence had been completely destroyed over the past few days.
Voters in Scotland go to the polls on Thursday 18 September, when they will be asked the “Yes/No” question: “Should Scotland be an independent country?”
In the last full week of campaigning, Mr Miliband is expected to be joined on the stump by Gordon Brown.
The former Labour prime minister has said Westminster must deliver on its promise of further devolution so “a No vote doesn’t mean nothing happens”.


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Seen the short distance between Katowice and Győr, you could also choose to travel by train or carpooling. Spending little more money, your journey would become more comfortable.
Since the journey from Katowice to Győr is not so long, the bus is a good solution, but if you are looking for more offers or departure times, you can also have a look at trains and carpooling solutions.
When are the buses from Katowice to Győr scheduled?
The first bus to Győr leaves at 12:05, while the last one is scheduled at 20:05. The journey takes on average 10 hours and 12 minutes, but the fastest connections take only 8 hours and 50 minutes.
Which bus companies are in service in the route Katowice - Győr?
Virail counts among its partners also FlixBus, with buses from Katowice to Győr.
Flixbus is undoubtedly one of the youngest and most famous bus companies in whole Europe. With more than 40 millions passengers only in 2017, Flixbus offers national and international bus connections, also with night buses.

domain: geography


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Symantec released a late April 2018 report stating Orangeworm, a new cyber group, has been undermining healthcare data security with targeted attack campaigns against large healthcare firms and related industries using a custom backdoor malware known as Trojan.Kwampirs. Here’s what you need to know to stay on top of the developing IT health and security of your healthcare organization:
What is Trojan.Kwampirs?
Trojan.Kwampirs is a type of malware — specifically a backdoor Trojan horse — that may be able to open back doors on compromised computers or download potentially malicious files. This type of malware was first discovered on August 19, 2016; researchers have noted little operational or internal change from first discovery.
How Does Orangeworm and Trojan.Kwampirs Infect Your System?
Orangeworm infiltrates a victim’s network, then deploys Trojan.Kwampirs to gain remote access to the compromised computer. Once deployed, Kwampirs collects information to determine if the victim is a high-value target, and if they are, the backdoor malware is aggressively copied across open network shares to infect other computers, specifically those running legacy operating systems, like Windows XP. Once infected, the malware cycles through a massive list of the original 2016 command and control (C&C) servers (including inactive ones) until a successful connection is established. It’s worth noting that the “noisy” propagation method may indicate that Orangeworm isn’t very concerned with being discovered, but the lack of change in the C&C communication protocol may also “indicate that previous mitigation methods against the malware have been unsuccessful, and that the attackers have been able to reach their intended targets despite defenders being aware of their presence within their network.”
Who is Orangeworm?
Orangeworm hackers, who are considered to likely be an individual or a small group with origins unknown, are the new cybercriminals targeting the worldwide healthcare sector (they’ve reportedly been active since 2015). Symantec believes Orangeworm has recently “conducted targeted attacks against organizations in related industries as part of a larger supply-chain attack in order to reach their intended victims” — healthcare organizations. And while their attacks appear well planned and deliberate, rather than random or merely opportunistic, the group’s exact motives are unclear. However, corporate espionage is believed to be a likely reason.
Who are the Known Victims of Orangeworm?
The known victims of Orangeworm are primarily in the healthcare industry — 39%, in fact — and include healthcare providers, pharmaceuticals, IT solution providers for healthcare, and equipment manufacturers that serve the healthcare industry. Trojan.Kwampirs was specifically found on high-tech devices, such as X-Ray and MRI machines, that require the use of installed software to control the machines, and the Kwampirs malware also appears to be interested in machines that help assist patients complete consent forms. Orangeworm’s attacks, however, do hit other industries; here’s a quick breakdown of the sectors in which Orangeworm’s attacks fall:
Information Technology: 15%
In the end, security researchers at Symantec still believe healthcare is the primary target, as many of the other seemingly unrelated industries do have multiple links to healthcare, such as: manufacturers producing medical imaging devices, IT organizations providing IT support services to hospitals and medical clinics, and logistics companies delivering healthcare products.
As far as which parts of the world are affected, Orangeworm’s attacks have primarily been found in the U.S. (17%), Europe, and Asia — you can see the breakdown of Orangeworm attacks by country on Symantec’s report. Keep in mind that the Kwampirs malware infections are found in multiple countries because many of the victims have been large international corporations.
- New Orangeworm Attack Group Targets the Healthcare Sector in the U.S., Europe, and Asia
- Orangeworm Jeopardizes Healthcare Data Security at Large Firms
Protect Your Healthcare Organization from Orangeworm
Healthcare organizations’ data-rich environments have become a primary target for hackers and cybercriminals — and they’ll continue to be so until each organization is thoroughly safe-guarded and each employee is educated on IT best practices. Take the first step — and let Orangeworm be your last healthcare IT scare — by contacting Integracon for a free network assessment.


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Magna Praia Hotel
Featuring a sleek, modern design with panoramic views, Magna Praia Hotel is located directly on Fortaleza's oceanfront beach of Praia de Iracema, one of the city's most elegant neighborhoods.
The extensive on-site facilities include a pool with poolside bar, a large screen TV in the lounge area, and a room with computers for guest use. The rooms are tastefully appointed and have air conditioning, cable TV, free Wi-Fi Internet access, and most offer scenic sea views.
A range of eateries, bars, night clubs and boutiques are within walking distance.
Amenities & Services
General:Restaurant, 24-Hour Front Desk, Cable/Satellite TV, Family Friendly, Elevator, Bar, Communal Living Room, Air Conditioning, Breakfast.
Services:Computers with Internet Connection, Wi-Fi/Wireless LAN (free), Laundry Service, Business Center, In-Room Safety Deposit Boxes.
On-Site Activities:Outdoor Swimming Pool.
Nearby Attractions:Nightlife, Scuba Diving, Sightseeing Tours, Historic Site, Sailing, Shopping Area, Beach, Shopping Mall.
Check-in and Check-out Times
Check-in time: 12am
Check-out time: 12am
The hotel does not operate a non-smoking policy.
Guests are not allowed to bring pets onto the property.
Children under 5 years of age can stay free of charge when using existing beds.
Cribs for children under 2 years of age are available for free.
Traveler Reviews (1)
The guest reviews are submitted by our customers after their stay at the Magna Praia Hotel. Below are opinions of guests that reflected their own experiences.
MAX - maximum number of occupants for this room type
MEAL ICON - indicates the meal(s) included in the rate
PRICE - the price is per room per night
NIGHTS - the number of nights you are staying
ROOMS - select the number of rooms required


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At Gawler GP Inc we value patient feedback as we consider it an opportunity to improve our service to ensure patients have a positive experience from when they walk in to the department to the time they leave. We are proactive in responding to patient feedback and in response to a recently conducted patient survey we have:
- Laid new flooring in one of the treatment areas;
- Have made more current magazines available;
- Have relocated and improved the children’s area in the waiting room;
- Re-designed our patient displays in the waiting room.
If you have any valuable feedback for us to consider, Feedback Forms and a Feedback box are available in our waiting room. You can also call our reception from 9am to 10pm any day to request a Feedback Form be sent to you if this is more convenient.


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The reaction to Donald Trump’s ban of transgender people from serving in the US military has been swift and strong, especially on Twitter.
One former Navy SEAL even suggested that Trump tell her she wasn’t worthy to her face.
On the new episode of Full Frontal, Samantha Bee took a more direct approach.
“F*** you,” she said, adding that the government probably shouldn’t be making “bullsh*t discriminatory laws on Twitter”.
Not a lot of room for interpretation there.
From 6pm, watch the full episode at SBS On Demand, express from the US:
It will be broadcast on SBS VICELAND at 8pm tonight.


STERLING, Alaska (KTUU) - Unauthorized aircraft flying within a temporary flight restriction interrupted air operations for the Swan Lake Fire two days in a row. A helicopter prepares for takeoff at ...
We bring together the very latest drone news from hundreds of sources across the web! Product releases, reviews
& videos combined with help on finding some of the very best drone deals from stores and online outlets!
Constantly updated through the day - every day -
the site has everything for the beginner right right through to the seasoned drone professional!


The Government of Delhi has begun using Pusa Decomposers, encouraging other states to adopt this method as a solution to the burning of stubble. Recently, the biodegradation technique was developed by scientists, which was given the name "Pusa Decomposer," to convert crop stubble into compost.
Pusa Decomposer - Overview
- Pusa Decomposer is provided in the shape of capsules which are fabricated by extracting fungal stalks that help rice straw decompose much faster than normal. Fungi help produce the enzymes needed for the decomposition process.
- The preparation of the Degradation mixture: Prepare liquid formulations using decomposition capsules, ferment them for 8-10 days, and then spray the mixture onto the stubble field of the crop to ensure rapid biodegradation of the stubble. increase.
- The volume of the mixture: Farmers can prepare a 25-litre liquid mixture containing 4 capsules, jaggery, and chickpea flour that is enough to cover 1 hectare of land.
- Time: It takes about 20 days to complete the degradation process. Under normal circumstances, it takes at least 45 days to decompose finely irrigated rice straw when mixed with soil.
Benefits of Pusa Decomposer
The decomposer enhances productivity and soil fertility as the stubble acts as fertiliser and compost for the crop, reducing the consumption of fertiliser required in the future.
- As a result of burning stubble, the soil loses its strength and destroys beneficial bacteria and fungi in the soil in addition to polluting the environment.
- Stopping designer stubble is an efficient, effective, inexpensive, feasible, and practical technique.
- This is an eco-friendly and sustainable environment-friendly technology that helps Swachh Bharat fulfil its mission.
- Organic decomposers are made up of a blend of seven different fungi that produce multiple digestive enzymes, like cellulose, pectin, and lignin. These fungi tend to grow at temperatures between 30 and 32 degrees Celsius. This is the ideal temperature for harvesting rice and sowing wheat.
Key Points About PUSA Decomposers
Pusa Decomposers this scientific invention and discovery came amid pollution problems in Delhi and northern India. The issue of SMOG and pollution was on an ever-increasing high and the region was covered in smoke during the winter due to the burning of stubble.
Using a bio-decomposer is an efficient, effective, and inexpensive choice to stop the ill practice of burning stubble. It's very convenient and easy to get to. In addition, it is extremely ecologically safe as a technology that helps solve air pollution problems in major cities in North India. The practice of using Pusa Decomposers is considered a positive attempt to achieve the goals of the Swachh Bharat mission.
FAQs on Pusa Decomposer
Q.1. What does the Pusa Decomposer look like?
The Pusa Decomposer is in the form of a capsule made by extracting mushroom stalks, helping rice straw to decompose much faster. Fungi help produce the enzymes needed for the decomposition process.
Q.2. What is the process of Pusa Decomposer?
Step 1 - Prepare liquid formulations using decomposition capsules, ferment them for 8-10 days, then spray the mixture onto the field of grain stubble to ensure rapid biodegradation of stubble.
Step 2 - Farmers can prepare a 25-litre liquid mixture containing 4 capsules, jaggery, and chickpea flour.
Step 3 - The mixture can cover 1 hectare of land.
Q.3. what is the disassembly time taken by the Pusa Decomposer?
It takes about 20 days to complete the degradation process. Farmers do not have enough time to prepare the fields in time for the wheat harvest.
Q.4. What is the meaning of Pusa Decomposer?
Pusa Decomposers improve soil fertility and productivity as stubble acts as fertiliser and compost for crops, reducing future fertiliser consumption.
Q.5. In the context of Pusa Decomposers, what is the meaning of stubble burning?
In the context of Pusa Decomposers, the meaning of Stubble burning intentionally lighting a fire to the straw stubble left over after harvesting crops such as rice and wheat. This technique was widely used until the 1990s, after which the government increasingly restricted its use. Burning stubble in northern India has long been a major cause of air pollution, but efforts to prevent it have failed each year.
Q.6. What are the effects of stubble burning, with regards to Pusa Decomposers?
With regards to Pusa Decomposers, At the beginning of each winter, air pollution in Delhi peaks, and the Air Quality Index (AQI) is often categorised as "severe" and "dangerous". Recent studies have cited a direct link between 30% of all Covid deaths worldwide and air pollution. Stubble burning leads to severe air pollution, contamination that makes people more susceptible to infection, and slower recovery, making it even more dangerous if Covid 19 devastates the country. Burning stubble also destroys soil nutrients and reduces soil fertility. The heat from the burning of the designer stubble penetrates the soil, causing the loss of water and beneficial microorganisms.


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Any intellect which confines itself to mere structuralism is bound to rest trapped in its own webs. (Salman Rushdie, Grimus , 1975, G, 91)
Back then I was partial to sciencefiction novels. (Salman Rushdie, The Ground Beneath Her Feet , 1999, GBF, 205)
Scenarios borrowed from sciencefiction fantasy appear in several of Rushdie’s novels. Haroun and the Sea of Stories features a journey to a magical moon on an automaton bird, The Satanic Verses alludes to the genre self
the ‘film’s ability to provide an apparently credible account of the operation and personnel of law’. 2
Sciencefiction cinema is quite different in this respect. Sciencefiction is based on worlds, though still following (most of) the natural rules of our universe, which are dramatically altered compared to what we know. As Marco Benatar describes, ‘sciencefiction is replete with scenarios set in the future extrapolating from contemporary knowledge and experience’. 3 He usefully adds ‘not only in the realms of science and technology but also in respect of
, ultimately, the victory of the last two visions. To that extent, it is fairly in line with the majority of contemporary sciencefiction movies in which characters preaching for the right of the strongest species to subdue the less powerful are usually presented in a negative fashion.
This trait of sciencefiction movies might seem surprising for anyone familiar with the (international) legal organization of modern societies, which is mainly speciesist and anthropocentric. 2 It is speciesist in that the right to have rights is usually granted to the individual, first and
About 25 minutes into the sciencefiction film, Hollow Man (Paul Verhoeven, 2000), there is a striking
scene that marks the literal disappearance of the central character, Dr.
Sebastian Caine (Kevin Bacon), an ambitious young scientist working on an
invisibility serum. Keen to try out his chemical creation, Sebastian
persuades his team of fellow scientists to ignore normal protocols so that
Women of more ordinary physique were to occupy a new space, first of all on the stage, and sometimes on the big screen, since many plays mounted by the Splendid Company were to become films. Female humour and laughter cannot be considered without another powerful element: the motivation of often transgressive laughter. This chapter examines a few examples of Coline Serreau's humour in her comedies in order to assess whether or not she offers an alternative to the traditional male comedy, before considering in more detail and from a more general perspective the devices she uses to create humour. The golden age of French comedy was cut short by the First World War. Although the comedy was by and large a minor genre in the cinema of the Occupation, other forms of light film entertainment either remained (the farce) or emerged (the film zazou).
Since its inception by the Council of Europe in 1989, Eurimages has been to the fore
in financing European co-productions with the aim of fostering integration and
cooperation in artistic and industry circles and has helped finance over 1,600
feature films, animations and documentaries. Taking as its thesis the idea that the
CoE seeks to perpetuate Europes utopian ideals, despite the dystopian realities that
frequently undermine both the EU and the continent at large, this article analyses
select Eurimages-funded dystopian films from industrial, aesthetic and socio-cultural
standpoints with a view toward decoding institutionally embedded critiques of the
This book is a shadow cultural history of transplantation as mediated through medical writing, science fiction, life writing and visual arts in a Gothic mode, from the nineteenth century to the present. Works in these genres explore the experience of donors or suppliers, recipients and practitioners, and simultaneously express transfer-related suffering and are complicit in its erasure. Examining texts from Europe, North America and India, the book resists exoticising predatorial tissue economies and considers fantasies of harvest as both product and symbol of ‘slow violence’ (Rob Nixon), precarity and structural ruination under neoliberal capitalism. Gothic tropes, intertextualities and narrative conventions are used in life writing to express the affective and conceptual challenges of post-transplant being, and used in medical writing to manage the ambiguities of hybrid bodies, as a ‘clinical necropoetics’. In their efforts to articulate bioengineered hybridity, these works are not only anxious but speculative. Works discussed include nineteenth-century Gothic, early twentieth-century fiction and film, 1970s American hospital organ theft horror in literature and film, turn-of-the-millennium fiction and film of organ sale, postmillennial science fiction dystopias, life writing and scientific writing from the nineteenth century to the present. Throughout, Gothic representations engage contemporary debates around the management of chronic illness, the changing economics of healthcare and the biopolitics of organ procurement and transplantation – in sum, the strange times and weird spaces of tissue mobilities. The book will be of interest to academics and students researching Gothic studies, science fiction, critical medical humanities and cultural studies of transplantation.
Previous studies of screen performance have tended to fix upon star actors, directors, or programme makers, or they have concentrated upon particular training and acting styles. Moving outside of these confines, this book provides an interdisciplinary account of performance in film and television and examines a much neglected area in people's understanding of how popular genres and performance intersect on screen. The advent of star studies certainly challenged the traditional notion of the director as the single or most important creative force in a film. Genre theory emerged as an academic area in the 1960s and 1970s, partly as a reaction to the auteurism of the period and partly as a way of addressing popular cinematic forms. Television studies have also developed catalogues of genres, some specific to the medium and some that refer to familiar cinematic genres. The book describes certain acting patterns in the classic noirs Maltese Falcon, The Big Sleep, Out of the Past and the neo-noirs Chinatown. British television drama in the 1970s had a special interest in the genre of horror. There is no film genre to which performance is as crucial as it is to the biopic. To explore comedy performance is to acknowledge that there is something that defines a performance as 'comic'. The book also examines drama-documentary, the western, science fiction, comedy performance in 'spoof news' programmes and the television 'sit com' and popular Bollywood films.
This book takes four stories by the Russian Romantic author Vladimir Odoevsky to illustrate ‘pathways’, developed further by subsequent writers, into modern fiction. Featured here are: the artistic (musical story), the rise of science fiction, psychic aspects of the detective story and of confession in the novel. The four chapters also examine the development of the featured categories by a wide range of subsequent writers in fiction ranging from the Romantic period up to the present century. The study works backwards from Odoevsky's stories, noting respective previous examples or traditions, before proceeding to follow the ‘pathways’ observed into later Russian, English and comparative fiction.
This book offers introductory readings of some of the well-known and less well-known feature productions coming out of Australia since the revival in the national film industry at the end of the 1960s. The interpretations of the texts and the careers of their makers are considered in relation to the emergence of an indigenous film culture and the construction of national identity. The majority of the films examined in the book have had theatrical or video releases in the UK. The independent development of several indigenous film genres has been an important feature of recent production, and helped to punctuate and bracket the streams of feature production that have evolved since 1970. These Australian genres have been identified and evaluated (the Australian Gothic, the period film, the male ensemble film) and are worthy of consideration both in their own right and in their intersection with other conventionalised forms. These include science fiction, fantasy and horror in comparison with the Gothic, the heritage film and literary adaptation in connection with the period film, and the war film and rite of passage in relation to the male ensemble. More recently, an aesthetic and thematic trend has emerged in the examples of Strictly Ballroom, The Adventures of Priscilla, and Muriel's Wedding, which foregrounds elements of the camp, the kitsch and the retrospective idolisation of 1970s Glamour. Such chronological, stylistic and thematic groupings are important in the interpretation of national filmmaking.