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Full-frame is overrated in photography. Why?
1. Bokeh is overrated
A lot of photographers, myself included, thought buying a full frame camera would give you better bokeh, which would make you a better photographer.
But, making photos with creamy bokeh doesn’t make a good photo.
In fact, most of the best photos of history were NOT shot wide open.
Henri Cartier-Bresson had a 50mm f3.5 Lens. His best photos had deep depth of field.
Richard Avedon shot with the smallest aperture possible, to get insane detail with his large format portraits.
Why is bokeh so popular in photography? My theory:
- Photographers want to differentiate themselves from phone photographers, therefore they want the visual “wow” of bokeh photos. Because phone cameras cannot make bokeh, blurry background photos like high-end digital cameras. There is software that can mimic it, but it doesn’t look the same.
- Camera companies want to sell more expensive lenses (f1.2-f1.4 lenses). Therefore they pay photography bloggers, or give them free gear, to influence the market— to increase demand for fast Lenses.
- Blurring the background while shooting wide open is an easy way to simplify the scene, and remove distractions from the background.
But to be frank, to blur the background is a lazy technique. A truly great photographer will consider the background, to make a strong environmental portrait. Or easier, just to use a simple black or white background is a good way to make a better portrait.
Takeaway point: Full frame is overrated, because the selling point of full frame is better bokeh. But better bokeh doesn’t lead to better photos.
2. You can get good high-iso photos with crop sensors
Fujifilm makes great sensors, their crop-sensors in their X-series Cameras, which can shoot at very high iso like 6400+ with very little noise.
The truth is actually, by NOT increasing the megapixels of a camera, but by improving the sensor technology, you can get better high-iso images.
For example, the Sony a7s series cameras don’t have many megapixels, but very good high-iso performance, because they optimize the performance of the sensor. Of course, the Sony a7s is a full frame sensor.
Even many micro 4rd sensors have fantastic high iso performance. I’m a fan of the Olympus Pen F.
In the past, only full frame sensors had good high iso performance. But now, even crop sensor, and non full frame sensor cameras have great iso performance.
Takeaway point: Don’t buy a full frame camera thinking that it will give you better high iso performance. Rather, consider the quality of the sensor.
3. Less depth of field
Funny enough, we wanna buy full frame cameras, to get creamier bokeh, and less depth of field.
But having MORE depth of field is often advantageous, especially in street photography.
For example, shooting on a phone in Street photography is good.
More depth of field: more likely your photos are sharp and in focus.
Full frame cameras have LESS depth of field, so more chances of your photos to be out of focus.
Generally, photos that are in focus are better.
To be technical, shooting a full frame camera at f8 is equivalent to a crop sensor at f11. And a full frame sensor at f8 is equivalent to f16 on a 2x micro 4rd sensor. Which means If you want to shoot street photography with depth and layers, using a SMALLER SENSOR is better.
Full frame cameras are more expensive.
5. Full frame won’t make your photos more personal
The only way to find more happiness and joy in photogrpahy is to shoot more personally meaningful photos. Photograph your loved ones. And SHOOT MORE. The more I shoot, the happier I am.
Shoot in weird places, like elevators. Shoot in your own home or apartment. Shoot in the streets. The whole world is your visual playground.
Also don’t forget, the point of photogrpahy is to live a richer, happier, more artistic life. It isn’t about making good photos.
To be happier isn’t to get more likes on Instagram.
- If I buy a full frame camera, I can make better photos.
- If I make better photos I will get more likes on social media.
- If I get more likes on social media, I will be happier.
This is false.
For example, I deleted my Instagram and now spend less time on social media. Result: less stress, anxiety, and caring less what others think of my photos. Now, I experiment more. And I shoot more and have more fun.
6. What should I buy?
Practical suggestion in photography: for commercial work, shoot digital medium format photography.
For personal photos, use your phone, or a cheaper digital camera.
See more equipment recommendations >
7. Sensors are overrated
The ultimate sensor, the human eye.
Maximum clarity, very high dynamic range, no lag.
And to be honest, film photos will always look better than digital photos. For inspiration, buy FILM NOTES.
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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced that they have waived RB Michael Smith on Tuesday.
Smith, 25, was a seventh-round pick of the Buccaneers out of Utah State back in 2012. He appeared in just one game for the team during his rookie season and unfortunately suffered a season-ending injury at the start of last year.
Tampa Bay subsequently placed on him on injured reserve has made the decision to move on. There’s still a chance he could catch on with a new team before the start of offseason workouts.

domain: sports


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Haji Mohammad Nader (HMK) Ltd
Haji Mohammad Nader (HMK) Ltd is the sole distributor of TAFE tractors in Afghanistan. It is a private enterprise working in agri business. The company was founded by Haji Mohammad Nader in the year 1985. HMK Ltd. mainly works in the supply and prescription of agro-machinery to local farmers including other agricultural inputs such as fertilizers, pesticides, insecticides, fungicides, herbicides and legal agricultural hormones.
HMK Ltd, envisions a balanced agricultural growth in Afghanistan oriented by modern mechanization and researches, harmonized with environment preservation efforts. Its mission is to equip each and every farmer of Afghanistan with modern mechanization, knowledge, skill and resources to ensure maximum utilization of inputs at hand for the optimum production of market relevant products, which are high quality. The company’s goal is to organize modern mechanization, researches and technology oriented farming in all over Afghanistan.
HMK also aims to conduct further research to improve farming potential due to modern mechanization in all over Afghanistan. To improve the quantity and quality of agricultural products in the area to compete in market relevance. And improve farming conditions for local farmers.

domain: agronomy


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Ravasaur Runt — Neutral Card
Table of Contents
Ravasaur Runt is a neutral minion. This card was introduced with Journey to Un'Goro and can now only be obtained through crafting. Below the card images, you will find explanations to help you use the card optimally in every game mode of Hearthstone.
Ravasaur Runt is a potentially powerful early-game minion. Although having 2 minions on board may seem difficult, cards like Patches the Pirate make it much more achievable and starting with also allows 1-Mana cards to be played on the same turn.
In Constructed, Ravasaur Runt is a good choice for decks that are able to easily flood the board such a Zoo Warlock.
Ravasaur Runt is a below average card in Arena. 1-Mana cards are rarely used in Arena, preventing any early-game value from the card. Later in the game, even if you are able to trigger the Battlecry effect, there will often be a stronger play available.
- Icy Veins Launches Genshin Impact Guides Section
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domain: game


text:
Use our insurance check to verify if Dr. Bernal accepts your insurance.
Dr. Talia Bernal, MD is a hospital medicine specialist in Durham, NC. She currently practices at Private Diagnostic Clinic Pllc.
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domain: medical


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Gessica Kayane is an emerging Brazilian singer-songwriter, TV personality, and social media influencer. Born in Barcelos, Brazil, Gessica grew up in a humble home and started her career at the age of 18. She has since gone on to become a well-known figure in the pop culture and lifestyle industry, and her music has been featured in films and TV shows. Gessica is a multi-faceted artist and her philanthropic endeavors have made her an inspirational role model for many people. This article will explore Gessica Kayane’s incredible career journey, as well as her personal life, philanthropic work, and her plans for the future.
Gessica Kayane: A Rising Star
Gessica Kayane is one of the fastest-growing Brazilian singers in the entertainment industry. She first rose to fame as a contestant in the “Brazilian Idol” singing competition, where she placed in the top 10. Her popularity soon spread to other countries, and she has since released several successful singles and albums. Gessica has also become a well-known TV personality and social media influencer, with her Instagram account boasting over two million followers.
A Pop Culture and Lifestyle Icon
Gessica Kayane has become a pop culture and lifestyle icon in Brazil. She is constantly featured in magazines, newspapers, and other media outlets. Gessica has also collaborated with several big-name brands, such as Nike and Coca Cola. Gessica uses her platform to promote positive messages and has become a role model for young people all over the world.
From Barcelos to the World
Gessica Kayane was born in Barcelos, Brazil, in 1994. She grew up in a humble home and started her music career at the age of 18. Gessica has since gone on to become a world-renowned artist and has released several successful singles and albums. She has also become a well-known TV personality and social media influencer.
A Look at Gessica’s Humble Beginnings
Growing up, Gessica Kayane was always passionate about music and dreamed of one day becoming a successful singer. Her parents supported her dream, and encouraged her to pursue her musical aspirations. Gessica started writing her own songs at a young age and began performing at local venues and festivals. She quickly caught the attention of the music industry and was selected to participate in the “Brazilian Idol” singing competition.
Her Rise to Fame and Fortune
Gessica Kayane’s performance on “Brazilian Idol” brought her instant fame and fortune. She became a household name in Brazil and gained a huge following across Latin America and the world. Gessica released her debut album in 2010 and it quickly rose to the top of the music charts. She has since released several successful singles and albums, and has collaborated with many big-name artists.
A Profile of Gessica’s Career
Gessica Kayane has had an incredibly successful career in the music industry. She has released several successful singles and albums and has collaborated with a number of big-name artists. Gessica has also expanded her career by becoming a well-known TV personality and social media influencer. Her music has been featured in films and TV shows, and she is constantly featured in magazines, newspapers, and other media outlets.
Gessica’s Style of Music
Gessica Kayane’s music is a mix of pop, R&B, and soul. Her songs often feature uplifting and inspirational messages, and she often writes about her own life experiences. Gessica’s music has been praised for its catchy melodies and relatable lyrics. Her music has resonated with fans of all ages and she has become a role model for many people.
Her Inspiration Sources
Gessica Kayane is inspired by the people around her and her own life experiences. She often draws inspiration from her home country of Brazil, as well as her travels around the world. Gessica is also heavily influenced by her favorite musical artists, such as Beyonce, Alicia Keys, and John Legend.
Gessica’s Biggest Achievements
Gessica Kayane has achieved a great deal of success in her career. Her debut album was certified gold in Brazil and she has released several successful singles and albums. She has also been featured in films and TV shows, and she has collaborated with many big-name brands.
Gessica’s Philanthropic Endeavors
Gessica Kayane is passionate about giving back to her community. She regularly works with charities and is a big supporter of animal rights causes. She also donates her time and money to organizations that help underprivileged children. Gessica’s philanthropic work has made her an inspirational role model for many people.
Gessica’s Personal Life
Gessica Kayane is currently single, but she is a proud mother to a son, who she loves and supports unconditionally. In her spare time, Gessica enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time with her family and friends. She also takes part in many philanthropic endeavors and regularly donates her time and money to causes she cares about.
A Look into the Future of Gessica Kayane
Gessica Kayane’s career is just getting started. She has achieved a great deal of success in her career, but she still has plenty of goals she wants to achieve. Gessica plans to continue to release new music and collaborate with big-name brands. She also hopes to inspire more people and use her platform to spread positive messages.
Gessica Kayane is an emerging Brazilian musician, TV personality, and social media influencer. She has achieved a great deal of success in her career, and her music has resonated with fans of all ages. Gessica is also passionate about giving back to her community and regularly donates her time and money to causes she cares about. Gessica’s inspiring story is sure to motivate and empower many people, and she is sure to have an even brighter future ahead of her.

domain: artistic


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Minus a couple small things (like every planet has lots of upload points instead of having to find an upload point on just some planets) this is _exactly_ the game Hello Games was hawking. I just don't think the audience was paying attention.
Procedurally generated universe: Check. Of _course_ the universe is therefore limited by the number of procedures and skins available in the download, duh...
Rich Story: Check. You of course have to farm the sources (like monoliths) to extract the story.
Completely customizable personal tool, suit, and ship: Check.
Peace versus War is your choice: Check.
Basically the game was marketed as the opposite of Destiny et al. It's survival and exploration instead of "closet full of boomstick!" : Check.
So I went online and found guides on how to quickly max out your ship, suit, and multitool. In other words guides on how to skip the game content. Skipping game content is boring. Check.
I've seen screenshots of people who've advanced further and faster, including people surrounded by sentinel walkers and whatnot.
I got a great sense of accomplishment when I finally figured out how to properly kit out my ship to take on a swarm of fighters (hint, the cannon is dumb fire but the burst beam is on a tracking turret).
And with a low-slot multi-tool, built poorly, I was _everything's_ bitch. But now I've built up a tool that I barely have to aim to take down large creature in moments. (hint, wide-shot bolt thrower and rail-gun mod then build up all the mining beam distance and focus, then never switch to bolt mode, the mining beam gets an invisible halo of destruction).
I did a free-flight (no pathing) and found myself in a world of hurt, and got back on path.
There are six or eight pathing pips and I've only unlocked one (you get two for free) so I'm assming eventually those other pips mean something.
I've had only one group of crashes on my PS/4 (version 1.4 had a tendency to crash if you opened your inventory in space). Other's have had more crashes. I've hat that same experience on other games, and when it's happened I've done a "rebuild database" on the PS/4 and then reinstalled and the problem went away, so that's more of a platform issue than a stability issue IMHO.
So I've seen a lot of bitching by power gamers and power levelers who then discovered (or didn't figure out) that they should be reading the text in a story game, and no, you _won't_ end up in a one-man super fortress because _duh_, that's not this game.
Quite frankly some times it is boring, which is the nature of exploration, but I've managed to sit down and play for eight hours straight... completely engrossed in the game.
So a bunch of whiners want their money back because they didn't pay attention to the advertisements. Ha Ha, sucks to be stupid. But in terms of being a "bad game"... not so much.
What I regret is that this means that the money won't keep floating in so the company probably won't be able to roll out the next chunk.
TL;DR :: Everything promised has, so far, been present in the game. But if you are a stupid munchkin power gamer, who wants every room to have one monster and one treasure, then you will be sadly disappointed. If you were looking for world of warcraft in space, this is not your game, and its developers never pretended it would be. The people who want their money back are essentially guilty of bad decision making and failure to pay attention to plain-spoken promises.


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Photocopy of annotated map of northern portion of Hundred of Ridley, County Sturt. Contains notes on archaeological sites and Aboriginal place names on Murray River from Big Bend to Walker Flat. Includes Ngautgnaut (Devon Downs) and Tartanga. Tindale contributed this data compiled from various sources for map titled: 'Aboriginal Landscape of the Lower Murray Valley South Australia', published for UNESCO Regional Seminar in Adelaide, September 1978 (see series 338/16 for further information). Scale 2 inches = 1 mile.
This item contains references to: South Australia.

domain: library


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Grab your skillet, you homesteader you! Here is an awesome use for it!!
One day a while ago I don’t know how but I happened upon this skillet cookie. I want to give credit where credit is due so here is the link to the site and the recipe Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Oatmeal Skillet Cookie. She did hers slightly different, but they both taste really great!
She uses a 10 inch pan and I use a 12. Don’t worry if there is a little bit not covered on the bottom..it doesn’t matter. Also she uses regular oatmeal and I use quick oats. She says not to use it but I did and it turns it more “cookie” than what her pictures are. I also added sliced almonds to mine..heavenly. Always add extra chocolate too. 😉
Enjoy your skillet cookie, it’s almost gone here already! Happy Homesteading!! 😀

domain: food


Hopeless transformed to hope as the second half rolled on Thursday night.
A team once looking like it had no shot at a victory, Navarre had new life and new energy as it chipped away at the mountain-like lead Pace held.
Here they were, down four with 2:39 to play, Hailey Neely’s two free throws bringing Navarre within striking distance of a win in this now riveting girls basketball showdown between two county rivals.
But completing the comeback simply wasn’t in the cards. Navarre ended up falling 50-44 to the Patriots on the road.
It was a tale of two halves for the Raiders, who trailed 27-8 at halftime.
“We came out and we weren’t ready to play,” Navarre head coach Abby Fogg said. “We were in the second half. We won the second half. We won the scoring, the rebounding. If we show up from start to finish, we are a force to be reckoned with.”
Navarre had cut the Pace lead to 36-25 at the end of the third, the team taking Fogg’s halftime talk to heart.
Read the full article in the Dec. 13 issue of Navarre Press. Subscribe online at navarrepress.com for as little as $38 per year.


Pregnant Australian woman tests positive for Zika
A pregnant Queensland woman has tested positive for the Zika virus.
The woman had recently returned from an overseas trip, but health officials have yet to name the country she was visiting.
It's Australia's third case of Zika, after two other people in Queensland contracted it while abroad.
The virus, which is in more than 20 countries, has been linked to birth defects in thousands of babies in Brazil.


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Beef Short Ribs Braised in Red Wine with Bacon, Parsnips, and Pearl Onions
If braising and serving the ribs on the same day, bypass cooling the ribs in the braising liquid; instead, remove them from the pot straight out of the oven, strain the liquid, then let it settle so that the fat separates to the top. With a wide shallow spoon, skim off as much fat as possible and continue with the recipe. Though this recipe calls for widely available English-style short ribs, it will also work with flanken-style short ribs.
6 pounds bone-in English-style short ribs, trimmed of excess fat and silver skin, or bone-in flanken-style beef short ribs
3 cups dry red wine (full-bodied)
3 large onions, chopped medium
2 medium carrots, chopped medium
1 large rib celery, chopped medium
9 medium cloves garlic, chopped (about 3 TBSP)
1/4 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
4 cups chicken stock or canned low-sodium chicken broth
1 can (14.5 oz.) diced tomatoes, drained
1.5 TBSP minced fresh rosemary
1 TBSP minced fresh thyme leaves
3 bay leaves
1 tsp tomato paste
Bacon, Pearl Onion, and Parsnip Garnish:
6 slices bacon (about 6 ounces), cut into 1/4" pieces
8 oz. frozen pearl onions (do not thaw)
4 medium parsnips (about 10 ounces), peeled and cut diagonally into 3/4-inch pieces
1/4 tsp granulated sugar
1/4 tsp table salt
6 TBSP chopped fresh parsley leaves
1. Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position and heat oven to 450 degrees. Arrange short ribs bone-side down in single layer in large flameproof roasting pan; season with salt and pepper. Roast until meat begins to brown, about 45 minutes; drain off all liquid and fat with bulb baster. Return pan to oven and continue to cook until meat is well browned, 15 to 20 minutes longer. (With flanken-style short ribs, arrange ribs in single layer in large roasting pan; season with salt and pepper. Roast until mean begins to brown, about 45 minutes; drain off all liquid and fat with baster. Return pan to oven and continue to cook until browned, about 8 minutes; using tongs, flip each piece and cook until second side is browned, about 8 minutes longer.) Transfer ribs to large plate; set aside. Drain off fat to small bowl and reserve. Reduce oven temperature to 300 degrees. Place roasting pan on two stovetop burners set at medium heat; add wine and bring to simmer, scraping up browned bits with wooden spoon. Set roasting pan with wine aside.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons reserved fat in large Dutch oven over medium-high heat; add onions, carrots, and celery. Saute, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften, about 12 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in flour until combined, about 45 seconds. Stir in wine from roasting pan, chicken stock, tomatoes, rosemary, thyme, bay leaves, tomato paste, and salt and pepper to taste. Bring to boil and add short ribs, completely submerging meat in liquid; return to boil, cover, place in oven, and simmer until ribs are tender, about 1 hour 40 minutes. Transfer pot to wire rack and cool, partially covered, until warm, about 2 hours.
3. Transfer ribs from pot to large plate, removing excess vegetables that may cling to meat; discard loose bones that have fallen away from meat. Strain braising liquid into medium bowl, pressing out liquid from solids; discard solids. Cover ribs and liquid separately with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. (Can be refrigerated up to 3 days.)
4. To prepare garnish and finish dish: In Dutch oven, cook bacon over medium heat until just crisp, 8 to 10 minutes; remove with slotted spoon to plate lined with paper towel. Add to Dutch oven pearl onions, parsnips, sugar, and salt; increase heat to high and saute, stirring occasionally, until browned, about 5 minutes. Spoon off and discard solidified fat from reserved braising liquid. Add defatted liquid and bring to simmer, stirring occasionally; adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Submerge ribs in liquid, return to simmer. Reduce heat to medium and cook, partially covered, until ribs are heated through and vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes longer; gently stir in bacon. Divide ribs and sauce among individual bowls, sprinkle each with 1 tablespoon parsley, and serve.
From Cook's Illustrated, January 1, 2000
A traditional fall and winter dish from the Piedmont area of Italy, this originally was made with only olive oil, anchovies and garlic, but these days some red pepper and sometimes rosemary is often included. Some recipes call for using 1 cup of oil and 1 stick of butter, instead of all oil, which of course makes a richer dish.
2 cups extra-virgin olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
6-8 anchovy fillets (no need to chop, as they will disintegrate when heated in the oil)
1/2 tsp fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
2 sprigs (about 4") fresh rosemary (optional)
Raw vegetables for dipping: celery sticks, red and/or yellow bell pepper strips, carrot sticks, fennel strips, cherry tomatoes, small mushrooms (all chilled)
Steamed vegetables for dipping: asparagus spears, artichokes (trimmed with choke removed and sliced), broccoli, cauliflower (all chilled)
Crusty Italian style bread, sliced (not cubed), or focaccia, cut into 2" squares
1. In a saucepan or metal fondue pot, heat 2 TBSP of the oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and anchovies and cook, stirring, until fragrant and soft, about 2 minutes. Add the remaining oil, rosemary and red pepper flakes and lower the heat to low, and cook about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the lemon juice. Let stand for about 30 minutes.
2. Arrange the vegetables on a large platter and season lightly with salt. Reheat the bagna cauda over low heat until just warm. If you used a saucepan to cook it, transfer to a fondue pot and keep warm.
3. Serve immediately with long handled forks for dipping the vegetables into the sauce. Be sure to supply your guests with individual plates. The dipped vegetables can be hot and may need to cool a bit before eating!
Sukiyaki Hot Pot
2 cups quick Asian beef stock (see below)
⅓ cup Japanese soy sauce
⅓ cup sake or dry sherry
1 TBSP sugar
The Platter (all except bean threads can be prepared in advance):
2 lbs. beef tenderloin, thinly sliced
1 large onion, sliced into half-moons and browned in vegetable oil about 7 minutes
6 scallions, cut into 1 1/2-inch lengths
8 fresh shitake mushrooms, stems removed, caps cut into 1/2-inch wide strips
2 cups fresh bean sprouts
4 oz. firm tofu, cut into bite-sized cubes
4 oz. canned sliced bamboo shoots, rinsed and drained
1 (6 oz.) bunch watercress or young spinach, touch stems removed
2 skeins bean threads, softened in hot water about 10 minutes, and snipped with kitchen scissors
Hot cooked rice
1. In a medium saucepan, bring the beef stock, soy sauce, sake and sugar to a simmer over medium heat. Transfer to a hot pot or metal fondue pot and keep at a simmer over a flame.
2. Present the platter. Using chopsticks or small hot pot baskets, the guests cook their selections in the simmering broth. They should use cooked meat and vegetables as a topping for the cooked rice, moistening the rice to taste with some of the cooking stock.
Quick Asian Beef Stock:
In a large saucepan, bring 6 cups canned reduced-sodium beef broth, 2 chopped scallions, 1 TBSP shredded fresh ginger, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 TBSP soy sauce, 1/4 tsp salt, and 6 peppercorns to a simmer over medium heat. Remove from the heat and let stand for 30 minutes. Strain.
(based on recipes from Fondue by Rich Rodgers)
From the Fall 2009 Newsletter
Sweet Italian Stew
Here's a wonderful hearty meal that's simple
to prepare and gets better over time:
1 lb Rooster Brother sweet Italian sausage
1 medium onion, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
3 celery stalks, chopped
1 lb spinach or other dark green leafy
1 25 oz carton POMI chopped tomatoes
1 qt low-sodium chicken broth
1 can Bush's kidney beans, rinsed
1 medium red or yellow potato, diced
1/2 cup white wine
Tabasco to taste
Olive oil, salt & pepper
Remove sausage from casing in chunks and
brown in large dutch oven with 2 tbsp. of olive
oil. Transfer with slotted spoon to a plate and
saute onion, carrots and celery over low heat
until softened and caramelized.
Add the sausage, broth, tomatoes and potato.
Stir well and simmer for 45 minutes, partially
covered. Add the beans & greens, simmer for
15 more minutes, adjust seasoning and serve.
From Staff Dinner 2010 - A Tribute to Julia Child
French Onion Soup
(Soupe a ioignon au gratine )
For about 2 1/2 quarts, serving 6
3 TBL butter
1 TBL light olive oil
8 cups thinly sliced onions (2 1/2 lbs.)
1/2 tsp each salt & sugar
2 TBL flour
2 1/2 qt. beef stock, at least 2 cups of which should be hot
4 to 5 TBL Cognac, Armagnac, or other good brandy
1 cup white wine - Saint Peyre Picpoul de Pinet
Browning the onions - 40 minutes. Set the saucepan over moderate heat with the butter and oil; when the butter has melted, stir in the onions, cover the pan, and cook slowly until tender and translucent, about 10 minutes. Blend in the salt and sugar, raise heat to moderately high, and let the onions brown, stirring frequently until they are a dark walnut color, 25 to 30 minutes.
Simmering the soup. Sprinkle in the flour and cook slowly, stirring, for another 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat, let cool a moment, then whisk in 2 cups of hot stock. When well blended, bring to the simmer, adding the rest of the stock, the Cognac or brandy, and the wine. Cover loosely, and simmer very slowly 1 1/2 hours, adding a little water if the liquid reduces too much. Correct seasoning.
Serving. Serve the soup as it is, accompanying it with French bread and a bowl of grated Swiss or Parmesan cheese.
Coq au Vin
(Chicken with Wine)
Makes 6 servings
12 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 3 lbs.)
1 bottle white wine - Saint Peyre Picpoul de Pinet
2 1/2 cups chicken stock or low-sodium chicken broth
6 oz. pancetta (preferably thick-cut), cut crosswise into 1/4 -inch pieces
6-7 TBL unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 large carrot, roughly chopped
1 large onion, roughly chopped
2 medium shallots, peeled and quartered
2 medium cloves garlic, skin on and mashed
1 teaspoon dried thyme
10 parsley stems
1 bay leaf
1 1/2 tsp tomato paste
24 frozen pearl onions (evenly sized), thawed, or fresh pearl onions
1/2 lb. cremini mushrooms (small), washed and halved if medium size, quartered if large
2-3 TBL unbleached all-purpose flour
2 TBL minced fresh parsley leaves
1. Generously sprinkle chicken pieces with salt and ground black pepper; set aside. Bring wine and chicken stock to boil in large, heavy saucepan; reduce heat to medium-high and simmer until reduced to about 4 cups, about 20 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, fry pancetta in large Dutch oven or deep, heavy-bottomed saute pan over medium heat until fast has rendered and pancetta is golden-brown, about 5 minutes. Remove pancetta with slotted spoon to paper towel-lined plate to drain; set aside. Heat 1 tablespoon butter with rendered pancetta fat; add carrot, onion, shallots, and garlic and saute until lightly browned, 10 to 15 minutes. Press vegetables against side of pan with slotted spoon to squeeze out as much fat as possible; transfer vegetables to pan with reduced wine mixture (off heat) and discard all but 1 tablespoon fat from Dutch oven or saute pan.
3. Return Dutch oven or saute pan to burner over medium-high heat and add another 1 tablespoon butter. When butter is melted, add chicken (in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding) and cook until well-browned all over, turning once or twice during cooking 12 to 16 minutes. Remove chicken to a plate; set aside. Pour off all fat from Dutch oven or saute pan; return to heat and add wine-vegetable mixture. Bring to boil, scraping up brown bits from bottom of pan with wooden spoon. Add browned chicken, bouquet garni (thyme, parsley, and bay leaf tied together), and tomato paste to boiling wine mixture; return to boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer gently, partially covered. Turn chicken once during cooking, until tender and infused with wine flavor, 45 to 60 minutes.
4. While chicken and sauce are cooking, heat another 2 tablespoons butter in medium skillet over medium-low heat. Add pearl onions and cook, stirring occasionally and reducing heat if butter starts to brown too fast, until lightly browned and almost cooked through, 5 to 8 minutes. Add mushrooms, season with salt, cover, increase heat to medium, and cook until the mushrooms release their liquid, about 5 minutes. Remove cover, increase heat to high, and boil until liquid evaporates and onions and mushrooms are golden brown, 2 to 5 minutes more. Transfer onions and mushrooms to plate with pancetta; set aside.
5. When chicken is cooked, transfer to serving bowl or platter; cover with aluminum foil to keep warm. Strain sauce through fine mesh sieve set over large measuring cup, pressing on solids with wooden spoon to release as much liquid as possible; sauce should measure 2 to 3 cups. Return sauce to pan; skim as much fat as possible off surface. Counting 1 tablespoon each of butter and flour for each cup of sauce, mash 2 to 3 tablespoons each butter and flour in small bowl or plate to make a beurre manie . Bring sauce to boil and whisk in beurre manie until smooth. Add reserved chicken, pancetta, onions and mushrooms; adjust seasoning with salt and ground black pepper to taste, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer very gently to warm through and blend flavors, about 5 minutes. Check seasoning one more time and adjust with additional salt and ground black pepper if necessary; add parsley. Transfer chicken to serving platter; pour sauce over chicken. Serve immediately.
Makes 6 servings
2 TBL unsalted butter
4 oz. bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped
3 eggs, separated
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 tsp vanilla
1. Use a double-boiler to a small saucepan over low heat to melt the butter and chocolate together. Just before the chocolate finishes melting, remove it from the stove and beat with a wooden spoon until smooth.
2. Transfer the chocolate mixture to a bowl and beat in the egg yolks with a whisk. Refrigerate.
3. Beat the egg whites with half the sugar until they hold stiff peaks but are not dry. Set aside. Beat the cream with the remaining sugar and vanilla until it holds soft peaks.
4. Stir a couple of spoonfuls of the whites into the chocolate mixture to lighten it a bit, then fold in the remaining whites thoroughly but gently. Fold in the cream and refrigerate until chilled. If you are in a hurry, divide the mousse among six cups; it will chill much faster. Serve within a day or two of making.
Braised Niman Ranch Pork Loin w/ Mushrooms
2 1/4lb Pork Loin
Needles from 1-2 rosemary sprigs coarsely chopped
6TBL olive oil
1 garlic clove, chopped
1/2 onion, chopped
1 medium carrot, peeled and chopped
2 celery ribs, chopped
4oz cremini mushrooms, chopped
1/2 oz dried porcini, steeped in 1/2 cup warm chicken broth, strained and both reserved, coarsely chop porcini
1/2 cup dry white wine, Rooster Brother used Airen
1tsp Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper
1) Tie pork loin with butchers twine securely to maintain shape and promote even cooking. Season with salt and pepper, rub with chopped rosemary and set aside.
2) Heat the butter and olive oil in dutch oven. Add pork loin and brown on all sides, without letting the butter burn. Remove pork and set aside.
3) Add garlic, onion, carrot and celery and saute until onions are translucent.
4) Add chopped mushrooms and chopped porcini, cook 2 minutes.
5) Deglaze pan with reserved porcini broth and white wine, cook until half is evaporated.
6) Add pork loin and season with salt and pepper. Cover dutch oven and braise 30-45 minutes, turning loin twice, to a temp of 145 degrees. Remove pork and wrap in foil to rest for about 15 minutes.
7) Puree braising liquid in blender, adding more stock if sauce is to thick. Season with Dijon mustard and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
8) Remove pork from foil, untie and slice into 1/4" slices. Serve with sauce.
1/2 cup superfine sugar
1TBL cold water
5TBL hot water
3 egg yolks, beaten until lemon yellow and thick
1 1/2 cup heavy cream
1) Put the sugar in a small saucepan with 1TBL cold water and set over low heat until the sugar has melted.
2) Increase the heat to medium and when it begins to redden, remove from heat and pour in the 5TBL hot water. Cover the pan and return to very low heat until a thick caramel has formed.
3) Gradually whisk the caramel into the beaten egg yolks and continue whisking until the mixture is light, frothy and cool.
4) Place the bowl in the freezer for 20 minutes.
5) Stiffly whip the heavy cream and fold egg mixture in, using a mixer. Pour into ice cream maker and freeze for about 20-30 minutes or according to your ice cream freezer's instructions.
Double chocolate hazelnut biscotti
2/3 cup (4 ounces) semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, chopped (Scharffen Berger 62%)
1/2 cup (1 stick/4 ounces) butter
3 large eggs, one separated
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla (Nielsen-Massey)
2 to 2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa (Bensdorp)
3/4 cup coarsely chopped roasted hazelnuts
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Melt the butter and chocolate together either in a double boiler or in a microwave. If using a microwave, microwave the chocolate alone until partially melted, scrape down the bowl and add the butter. Then heat for another 15 seconds, scrape down and check, heat for another 15 seconds if necessary to melt both the butter and the chocolate.
2. Beat the two whole eggs and one egg yolk and the sugar until lightened, about 2 minutes with a hand mixer.
3. Add vanilla and chocolate mixture.
4. Mix in the flour, cocoa, hazelnuts, baking powder, and salt just until combined. You should have a soft, but not sticky, dough. Add the extra 1/4 cup of flour if dough is too sticky.
5. Divide the dough in half. On a lightly floured surface, form each half into a log that is about 4 inches by 8 inches. Place logs on parchment paper on a large baking sheet and brush with lightly beaten egg white if desired. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until tops are set.
6. Reduce oven to 275 degrees. Let logs cool about 20 minutes and then slice into 1/2-inch thick slices. Arrange the slices on a rack on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. Store in an airtight container or freeze.
Anna Nanni/s Ragu alla Bolognese
1 28oz can whole peeled tomatoes (with juice)*
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil*
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 rib celery, finely chopped
1/2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
1/2 medium carrot, finely chopped
1 1/4 lb. ground beef chuck
1/2 lb. ground pork shoulder
1 4oz piece pancetta, finely chopped*
1/2 cup dry red wine*
2 tablespoons tomato paste*
Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Put the tomatoes and their juice in a blender; puree until
smooth and set aside.
Heat the oil and butter in a large heavy-bottomed pot
over medium heat. Add the pancetta and cook, stirring
occasionally, until its fat is rendered. Then add the celery,
onions, and carrots, season with salt and pepper, and cook,
stirring frequently, until soft and lightly browned, about 15
minutes. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally,
until very soft and caramelized, about 15 minutes more.
Add the beef and pork and cook, stirring and breaking up
with a wooden spoon, until the meat is no longer pink - do
not brown. Increase the heat to medium, add the wine and
simmer, stirring constantly, until half evaporated, about 5
minutes. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring frequently,
for 2 minutes. Then add reserved tomato puree, reduce heat
to low, and simmer, stirring occassionally until sauce is very
thick, about three hours or longer.
Season ragu with salt and pepper. Toss with fresh tagliatelle
or the pasta of your choice, or use in lasagne. Serve with


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text:
As I write this, I'm literally living in an RV park called Little Paradise.
Such a far cry from my home province of British Columbia which is experiencing a serious weather event with devastating flooding ~ and we thought the summer was bad with its “heat dome” and wide-spread wild fires!
Though the term isn't new, I'd never heard of an “Atmospheric River” before. I don't think I was alone, otherwise people would've been more frightened by the weather warning and wouldn't have travelled on the day a river of water fell from the sky, washing out all the major roadways leading to Vancouver, and killing five people in mudslides.
All the major highways leading to Vancouver and its supply ports had major damage, virtually shutting access to BC's largest city from the rest of the province. The most popular artery, the Coquihalla Highway, is estimated to be closed for months, well into 2022, if not beyond. I just drove the route this summer when I took my daughter to a doctor's appointment there.
Though many communities were affected with whole towns being evacuated due to rivers overflowing their banks and even re-routing, the greatest devastation happened in a place called Abbotsford, just outside of Vancouver in the Fraser Valley.
Thousands of animals were lost: cattle, hogs, chickens (link). Also mature blueberry farms, and other crops. Though I had lived in Abbotsford for three years, and I knew about all the farming there, I didn't realized that Sumas Prairie was once called Sumas Lake. Check out this link for incredible images.
A hundred years ago, the colonists decided to drain the lake by building dikes and a pump station to reroute the water (it has to go somewhere) and turn it into farmland. It also meant pushing out the First Nation community (Native Canadians) off their land and taking away their livelihood that came from the lake. In this news story, the Sumas First Nations chief shares what happened to his people a hundred years ago (link), And just for the record, this isn't the first time the region has experienced major flooding. It happened in 1894, 1948 and 1990 as well.
I've driven this highway numerous times, and it's surreal to see it underwater now. And there's two more atmospheric rivers events in the forecast.
Plus the pump is damaged. And it was known that the infrastructure was in need of fortifying (link), but the cost would've been over 400 million dollars, and well, that's a lot of money.
And now the damages are over 1 billion.
Where am I going with this?
Honestly, I don't know.
Should we leave nature alone and find better ways to co-exist?
If society was as “woke” in 1920 as it is now, would the lake have been taken away from the First Nation community? Would we have found alternative ways to farm effectively? Perhaps by making use of the lake?
Can we continue to ignore the continuing change in climate, particularly the growing number of extreme weather events?
And the biggest question: what should we do now?
I wish I had the answers. What do you think?
In happier news:
Death by Dancing is releasing this week! And I have a new pre-order up.
Though I'm truly thankful to be sitting in my little paradise, my thoughts and prayers are with those who are facing very real struggles. Hang in there, everyone. There is hope.
In the meantime, escape into another world by reading!

domain: news


text:
With another semester comes another wave of Covid, and students and staff are once again in the firing line. Despite years of grim Zoom calls making many staff and students desperate for in-person learning, for some, the risk of getting Covid still outweighs the benefits of being on campus. This risk is exacerbated by the lack of any mandatory mask mandates, allowing individual departments and even lecturers to set their own rules.
As of writing, the Uni “strongly recommends masks are worn indoors”. A Uni spokesperson told Critic Te Arohi that “there are staff and students who are vulnerable to Covid and flu and everyone wearing a mask is their last line of defence.” Despite this, masks are not mandatory in lectures, tutorials and across most of campus.
Critic Te Arohi spoke with Sean, the co-president of the Otago Disabled Students Association (ODSA) to better understand the situation. Sean said, "[The Uni's response to Covid] has been largely reactionary,” adding that “not having a generalised consistent policy on mask usage does not make a lot of sense and puts staff at risk.” Danica, a University lecturer in the Law department, told Critic Te Arohi, “I am worried about getting Covid at work,” adding, “I'm very, very grateful to students who wear a mask (and wear it properly).” The Uni told Critic Te Arohi that they have been “as proactive as possible in our response”, and that “University policy on use of masks has been consistent… we have always strongly recommended use of masks by both students and staff while indoors.” They cited consultation with infectious disease experts and student representatives in defence of their policies, maintaining that they’re doing their best to confront “the biggest disruption we have faced as a nation in generations, and easily the biggest disruption to tertiary education globally since the Second World War.”
But while the University may be “satisfied that the campus is as safe as possible for our students”, the messaging around mask “recommendations” has led to confusion amongst some students and legitimate concern over the risks among others. Danica told Critic Te Arohi: “it's not fair that those students [who do not feel safe coming to class] are excluded from in-person learning and isolated from their peers.” “I think there's a definite conflict and contention around the lack of a mask mandate, and then expecting in person attendance,” said Sean. “You've got some departments and specific lecturers that are encouraging mask wearing, [creating] varying degrees of compliance.”
The discrepancies were not limited to departments; while one grad student we spoke to said that masks were “a necessary evil,” a second-year said that they “genuinely do not give a fuck about masks”, because “everyone just takes them off anyway, they’re useless, they’re just for show.” As of writing, the Disability Information Support Service is one of the few spaces on campus where masks remain mandatory. However, as Sean pointed out: "Disabled [and immunocompromised] people exist in more places than just the Disability Information Support Service."
If that weren’t enough, inconsistencies around the availability of online learning options, such as live-streamed or pre-recorded lectures, mean that many disabled students feel they are forced to chance catching Covid on campus or risk falling behind. While it can be easy to point the finger at lecturers and departments, Sean acknowledged that this isn’t entirely their fault. With many departments struggling with limited resources, online learning is “either not a feasible or intuitive option for them, or they're having to [provide online learning options] based on social accountability or responsibility.” The Disability Information Support Service has been working to try and change this, by liaising with departments that do not have accessible online learning options set up and helping them to find solutions.
However, ODSA maintains that the best long-term solution is a mandatory mask mandate on campus, saying that it would be a good way to “balance the benefits of in-person learning while easing this threat to the disabled community”. They have drafted an open letter to Vice-Chancellor David Murdoch, and are currently distributing it to student clubs and Uni departments for their feedback, comments and signatures.

domain: sociology


text:
We are a Partnership for Freedom Finalist!
We have big news to share! We’ve learned an idea we submitted to a national competition was chosen as a finalist from more than 160 submissions representing 260 applying organizations
A few weeks ago, our staff submitted an idea to the Partnership for Freedom, a competition seeding innovative ideas to better care for survivors of modern-day slavery in the United States. Reimagine: Opportunity, the first of three challenges to be issued by The Partnership for Freedom, seeks creative, sustainable ways to address critical issues faced by human trafficking survivors: sustainable housing, economic empowerment and social services
Our idea supports survivor healing and self-sufficiency through development of agricultural vocation and small business skills to promote economic independence. The program model borrows from the agricultural practice of value-added production, a process that increases the economic value of produce by altering its condition.
We have formed a project team — representing our organization, Grow Appalachia, and Berea College — and will travel to Washington D.C. next month to participate in an Innovation Workshop to refine our idea and prepare our proposal for final submission. We look forward to sharing and exploring our commitment to agriculture-based healing with national leaders and innovators to help find solutions for survivors.
Final winners will be announced in Spring 2014 and will receive funding to begin piloting their solutions. We will keep you updated along the way. Wish us luck!


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The Philly Clicks
The Philly Clicks are a Philadelphia pre-professional tap ensemble open to anyone ages 10-17.
The Philly Clicks are a Philadelphia pre-professional tap ensemble open to anyone ages 10-17. Dancers train in all styles of tap dance, work and perform with live music, and participate in shows around Philadelphia. Rehearsals are held at Sound Space, a 1200 square-foot, sprung hardwood floor dance space in the center of Brewerytown, close to I-76 and just steps from major public transportation. No audition required, but there must be a willingness to learn, work hard, commit to rehearsals and be a team player. We are sponsored by MMPartners and other businesses in the Girard Avenue corridor, allowing more children to access dance training and the performing arts for free. The Philly Clicks are directed by Pamela Hetherington.
Youth Ensemble Schedule 2017
Spring Session: Sundays from April 9-June 4 (8 weeks) 4-5:30 pm
Fall Session: Sundays from August 27-November 26 (14 weeks) 4-6 pm
What Christmas Means to Me: The Philly Clicks and Passmore Dance Ensemble
The African American Museum of Philadelphia
701 Arch Street ($6 parking at lot next door)
Sunday, December 3, 2017, 3 pm show, $20
A portion of the proceeds benefits Operation Santa Claus
Spring session: CLOSED
Cost for session 2: $275
Payment is due at the beginning of each session. Email firstname.lastname@example.org for more information.

domain: entertainment


text:
In the United States, the qualities of the Latina better half are often considered a challenge for many lovers. It is the case that during the past, being Latino was deemed by many becoming a liability, with people stereotyping these people as effeminate and not capable of properly discussing children. Nevertheless , with improvements in contemporary medicine, and improved awareness of these kinds of qualities, various Latina females have prevail over this stereotype, proving that stereotypes could be overcome, and a perfect marriage may be formed among a white man and a Latin wife.
To start with, one of the most prevalent characteristics of an Latina wife is her willingness to take care of the family. Latina women are known to be very responsible people, which is often a combination of the wanting to always be providers because of their husband, all their love of youngsters, and their desire to be the perfect better half and mom. As a Latina female, you will find that anyone with afraid to set a household spending plan, save with respect to the child education, and contribute fiscally to the house. Being a liable, determined Latina better half means having the capacity to manage your finances as well as finding time to care for your children. A Latina lady is also very growing, and likes to spend time with her children, that help them with every day https://berlitzalahsa.sa/2020/10/13/how-you-can-find-the-most-beautiful-small-ukrainian-females/ actions.
Another of the prevalent qualities of any Latina wife is her love of youngsters. It is obvious that a Latino woman is an extremely nurturing mom, and that your woman loves the thought of teaching her children from wrong. A Latino mother is often known to be a good role version for her kids, always willing to teach all of them, and be a good influence within their lives. While this is a great characteristic, it is important to keep in mind you will not be able to change the stereotypical perspectives of how Latina mom should appear to be. For instance, lots of men feel that a Latina mom should align her frizzy hair, wear a skirt, and be at ease wearing short dresses. While it might appear that a Latino mother might not have the same ideas about her appearance that numerous men have, there are plenty of ways that a Latina mom can still take a look appealing, while being a very good role model for her kids.
The very last of the prevalent qualities of your Latina better half is her willingness to work. This really is a general quality, and many women wish that they had a job that belongs to them. However , for the majority of girls that are Latino, it is just certainly not financially possible to do so. That does not suggest that a Latino woman will need to stay for residence and take care of the kids, but it may mean that a Latina woman can look in getting a part-time job or even a a lot of the time job to produce money to help provide for the family.
In conclusion, it is typically said that the most popular qualities of a Latino wife will be those that just about all women prefer in a lover. The desire for children, kindness, and nurturing, and caring for seniors are features that every woman would https://latinawomen.net like in a mate. It is not difficult to find a mate with these prevalent qualities. However , many women do not realize how easy it is to locate a mate with these features. It just needs some home work to find 1. It is possible to look for a mate with any of the characteristics of a latina partner.
Total, it can be said that the most common characteristics of a Latino wife would be the just like those of some other women. http://lasardinesellerie.com/?paged=9&m=201901 They are good, loving, and considerate from the needs more. Also, lots of women want to feel that they are really giving back to contemporary society by discussing their children and helping those to become successful. Every women require a mate who treats them as their means, and with these attributes, it will not become difficult to find most women who would be able to be your Latina wife.


text:
Six sent to jail for possession of Rs 1.5 crore worth heroin in Meerut
Meerut: Six youths were arrested and 1.5 kg of heroin, worth Rs 1.5 crore in the international market, was recovered from their possession, police said.
The accused -- Neeraj Kumar, Munesh, Satish Singh, Sonu, Hemendra and Dushyant -- all aged between 22 and 27 years were apprehended near Hasanpur police station in Bhavanpur Thana area during a routine vehicular check by the local police last night, Meerut SSP, Deepak Kumar said.
The accused in a black SUV tried to flee when they were stopped by the check-post team. During inspection of the vehicle, two country-made pistols and two live cartridges were also seized, they said.
All six are natives of Moradabad and adjoining areas. During interrogation, they revealed that they were carrying heroin from Punjab to Uttarakhand, police said.
According to SSP, a police team has been assigned to nab the rest of their accomplices.
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domain: law


text:
My exposure to Thor has been intermittent, with the exception of Marvel’s “Ultimate” line of comics, in which I followed Thor along with The Avengers. Unlike other superheroes, who only take inspiration from the gods of ancient myth, Thor is an actual adaptation of Norse mythology into the comic book world. Although never before has that adaptation been cooler or more approachable visually and conceptually.
The premise is that a human-like alien race called The Asgardians live on a distant planet where they wage war with other humanoid races, empowered by amazing technology that by our standards appears to be magic. The Asgardians age very slowly and gave ancient earthlings the impression (intentionally or not) that they were gods.
Now, the arrogant Thor, son of king Odin, has been cast out of Asgard to earth for his reckless actions that threaten Asgard with war. Allegiances become divided among the elite friends and royal family members of the throne, and the conflict plays out, not in court politics, but massive epic fantasy brawls, both on earth and other worlds.
This movie has lots of goodies and subtle nods that comic fans will appreciate, but it’s also very approachable as a fantasy movie for general audiences. Although the costumes make people look a bit like plastic action figures, the action and effects are great and they are held together by a solid story about family, humility and reconciliation.
The cast did a good, though not fantastic job engaging me. Chris Hemsworth is a great Thor, though he lacked that extra bit of charisma that would have sold his arrogance more strongly. Natalie Portman is a fine leading lady, with brief moments of charm that almost lift her character out of “token love interest” status. Anthony Hopkins comes across surprisingly strong as Odin, despite his advancing years.
A major part of the story involves Thor losing his powers for about 40 minutes of the movie. Personally, I hate superhero stories that take away the hero's powers for a significant length of time. I read comics and watch superhero flicks so that I can see those amazing powers in action! But every superhero on screen has a common weakness: Budget. And I can only assume that played a major role in crafting this plot from day one.
Having said that, this story is carried well by its “non-super” elements, even during those 40 minutes of impotence. (And not everyone loses their powers, so there's still great action and visual effects to be had throughout the movie.) The rift between father and son and the rivalry between brothers serves well as the motivating conflict, and I genuinely cared about whether or not Thor and Odin would be able to repair their relationship.
Along with these great themes, there are a few other tidbits that might be worth talking about. The suggestion that God or “gods” might be aliens with advanced technology has been around for awhile. This movie doesn't seem interested in making that claim universal to all religions, but the concept still present and may trigger some pondering. Odin also keeps a dark truth from one of his sons out of a desire to “protect him”. But burying the truth does more harm than good in the end. (A wise principle to remember.)
Still, anything worth pondering or discussing from this movie will likely need to be pulled out with some effort. The central conflict (humility/reconciliation) is a good one, but isn't expressed with any complexity that requires deeper though after the credits roll.
This is a great genre flick with heart that will likely excite comics fans in big ways and treat general audiences to a creative and cool fantasy adventure!
Rated PG-13 for sequences of intense sci-fi action and violence.
For information about my scoring system, visit- spiritblade.net/reviewscores
Or listen to this review this weekend at- spiritblade.net/podcast


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Dums Way To Die
StormWinds 1.5 is a huge upgrade made to the original StormWinds. Although the first game did fairly well, a lot of suggestions were brought and I...
Monster Truck Survival
Survive in the epic battle of Monster Trucks and see if you can be the last one standing. You have to destroy your opponents before they damage your...
Spongebob Super Brawl 3
Brawl is BACK! What side are you on? Good vs Evil, play now.
Desert Monster 2
Ride your desert monster in the second series with more challenging levels and lots of upgrades.You need to check your fuel before you begin your...
Tom and Jerry Target Challenge
Help Tom shoot Jerry in the hole. Use arrows key and space bar to shoot
PaintWorld 2: Monsters
Easy relaxing puzzle with liquid paint-heroes. Monsters throw heroes away but you have to collect all heroes in one.
Couples New Home Design And Style
This couple just got back from their honeymoon are are starting a new life together. They need to design a room in their new home to fit both of...


Kerala: A year since horrific human sacrifice in Pathanamthitta; trial still delayed
It has been one year since Kerala's shocking and brutal murder, Elanthoor, took place. The accused Bhagwal Singh and his wife Laila were arrested for setting the stage for human cruelty.
Pathanamthitta: It has been one year since Kerala's shocking and brutal murder, Elanthoor, took place. Although the police issued a charge sheet in the case within 90 days, the government has not yet been able to appoint a prosecutor to secure punishment for the accused in the horrific murder case that rocked Kerala. The families of the victims are also disappointed with the delay in the trial.
The incident happened around a year ago, when two people were sacrificed and killed for the financial prosperity of the family. The accused Bhagwal Singh and his wife Laila were arrested for setting the stage for human cruelty.
Mohammad Shafi, a hotel worker in Kochi, brought two women by offering them money. The victims were identified as lottery vendors Padma from Tamil Nadu and Roslin from Wadakkanchery.
The investigation into the missing complaint received by the Kadavantra police brought the information of murder to the outside world. Within 90 days, Kalady police and Kadavantra police completed the investigation and issued a charge sheet.
The trial was to be held at the Additional Sessions Court in Panampally Nagar, Kochi. However, the special prosecutor appointed earlier by the government resigned over workload. The investigation team requested the government to appoint a new prosecutor, however, no appointment has been made till date.
The results of the medical tests of the victims are yet to recieve. Therefore, the trial could not be started.
Meanwhile, the crime branch has questioned Bhagwal Singh, Laila, and Shafi regarding the death of Sarojini on Wednesday (Oct. 11). Sarojini was found dead under mysterious circumstances in 2014 near the couple's house, where the human sacrifice took place. She had 27 wounds on her body.
The house where the murder took place has been sealed by the police. Bhagwal Singh and his wife Laila fell into the trap of the psychotic suspect Muhammad Shafi. Women were sacrificed, and body parts were eaten for economic prosperity. According to Shafi, Roslin and Padma were brought to Elanthoor in Pathanamthitta district and brutally killed, and the bodies were cut into pieces and buried in the field. The second killing was done because the first human sacrifice did not yield results. Women were brutally killed by tying their hands and feet.
Muhammad Shafi, Bhagwal Singh, and Laila, who were arrested by the police under various charges including murder, torture, and conspiracy, are now in the security jail in Viyyur awaiting trial.


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text:
Cerebral Toxoplasmosis Mimicking Intracranial TuberculomaCorrespondence Address :
Dr. Basavaprabhu Achappa Associate Professor, Department of General Medicine, KMC Hospital, Attavar, Mangalore, Karnataka, - 575001 (India). (Affiliated to Manipal University) Phone: 9980170480 E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.org; email@example.com
Cerebral toxoplasmosis, HIV/AIDS, Tuberculoma
Deepak Madi , Basavaprabhu Achappa, Satish Rao, Prabha Adhikari, Soundarya Mahalingam. CEREBRAL TOXOPLASMOSIS MIMICKING INTRACRANIAL TUBERCULOMA
. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research [serial online] 2012 August [cited: 2018 Oct 21 ]; 6:1083-1085. Available from
Patients with HIV infection who present with a changed mental status or an abnormal neurologic examination are frequently found to have intracranial parenchymal lesions (1). Toxoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, tuberculosis, primary CNS lymphoma and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy are the more frequent opportunistic diseases that involve the central nervous system in HIV-infected patients. Their diagnosis may be difficult, because the findings of lumbar puncture, Computed Tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging are relatively non-specific. Toxoplasmosis is one of the most common causes of the focal brain lesions in patients with the acquired immune deficiency syndrome, particularly in the developing countries. In this case report, we have discussed the differential diagnosis of cerebral toxoplasmosis in an immunocompromised patient.
A 21-year-old female, a known case of a retroviral disease who was on treatment (Stavudine, Lamivudine, Efavirenz), presented to our institute with complaints of fever, headache and vomiting of 3 days duration. She was diagnosed to have a retroviral disease 7 years back. She had suffered from pulmonary tuberculosis 4 years ago. Her initial CD4+ count was 241/μl (7 years ago). She was advised second line ART 4 months back in view of the immunological failure (CD4+ count was159/μl). On examination, it was observed that there was no focal neurological deficit.
Her lab investigations showed Hb-12.3 g/dl, total white blood cell count- 6300 cells/cu.mm, DC– N-77 L-13 E-03 M-7, platelet count-2,06,000 cells/cu.mm and ESR-93mm/1st hour. Her serum levels of electrolytes, blood sugar, renal and liver function tests were normal. The HIV test for HIV-1 was reactive. Her chest X-ray and ultrasound abdomen were normal.
The computed tomography scan of her brain showed a 3×2 cm ring enhancing lesion in the left basal ganglia, with extensive surrounding oedema, which caused effacement of the lateral and the 3rd ventricles, with midline shift (Table/Fig 1). CSF analysis was not done. Toxoplasma serology revealed raised IgG antibody levels of 279 IU/ml.
She was treated with mannitol, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, pyrimethamine/sulfadoxine and anti-convulsants. Anti-retroviral drugs were continued. Her symptoms such as headache improved gradually within 4 days after her admission to the hospital. She developed pyrimethamine induced thrombocytopaenia after 10 days of treatment (platelet count-8,000 cells/cu.mm). So, she was treated with clindamycin 600mg thrice daily for 2 weeks and the other drugs were stopped. After 21 days, a repeat CT of the brain was done, which showed significant resolution of the lesions (Table/Fig 2). She was advised to continue with the antiretroviral drugs (Second line antiretroviral therapy) and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole(prophylaxis).
Toxoplasmosis is an infection which is caused by the obligate intra-cellular parasite, Toxoplasma gondii. Cats are the definitive hosts. The human infection occurs via the oral or the transplacental route. Toxoplasmosis is generally a late complication of the HIV infection and it usually occurs in patients with CD4+ T cell counts below 200/μl. The major clinical features of cerebral toxoplasmosis are headache (55%), fever (41%–47%), confusion (52%), hemiparesis (39%–49%) and seizures (29%) (2).
The classic typical CT and MRI findings in patients with toxoplasmosis are ≥2 ring-enhancing lesions with surrounding oedema. The lesions can be solitary in 27%-43% of the patients (3). Our patient had a solitary lesion in the basal ganglia. MRI is more sensitive than CT for detecting the brain lesions which are caused due to toxoplasmosis. One study showed that MRI detected abnormalities in 40% of the patients whose abnormalities were not detected on CT (4). An MR imaging feature which is considered as pathognomonic of toxoplasmosis is the ‘eccentric target sign’ – it is demonstrable on the post-contrast CT or the MRI scans. It is however found in less than 30% of the cases. Other conditions that can cause ring enhancing lesions in patients with AIDS include tuberculosis, CNS lymphoma, gliomas and other primary CNS neoplasms, metastases, and abscesses.
Tuberculomas may be solitary or multiples. There is a direct relationship between the degree of immunosuppression and the presence of the multiple brain tuberculomas. Tuberculomas may be seen as hypo- or hyper dense, round or multilobar lesions on CT, and they may show homogeneity or ring enhancement (5).The target sign has been described as characteristic of tuberculomas, which consists of a ring enhancing lesion with an additional central area of enhancement or calcification. Unfortunately, the “target sign” is an infrequent finding (6). The imaging findings of intracranial tuberculomas are nonspecific, and they have to be differentiated from other causes of the space-occupying lesions such as high grade gliomas, abscesses, toxoplasmosis, cysticercosis, metastases, and lymphomas.
Cerebral toxoplasmosis lesions are generally multiple, tuberculous brain abscesses are usually single, whereas in primary CNS lymphoma, solitary and multiple lesions may occur at approximately the same frequency (7). The lesions which measure more than 4 cm are more likely to be lymphomas, when they are compared with cerebral toxoplasmosis (8). However, it is often difficult to distinguish between these two conditions clinically and radiographically. Thallium-201 SPECT has been used to differentiate the CNS lymphomas from the infectious causes of the brain lesions (most commonly, toxoplasmic encephalitis). In patients with AIDS, the 201 Thallium brain single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) does not accumulate in the non-neoplastic lesions like haematomas and in infectious processes like toxoplasmosis (9).
Empirical antitoxoplasma treatment is recommended in HIV-positive patients with ring-enhancing lesions, with surrounding oedema and with a positive toxoplasma serology. The definitive diagnosis of toxoplasmosis requires a demonstration of tachyzoites in a biopsy specimen ofthe brain. A brain biopsy should only be considered in patients with a negative toxoplasma serology and in those who do not respond to the antitoxoplasma treatment. Once cerebral toxoplasmosis is suspected, the treatment should be started empirically pending the confirmation of the diagnosis (10).
At our centre, we used trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and pyrimethamine/sulfadoxine to treat AIDS-associated cerebral toxoplasmosis, as sulfadiazine was not available in our state. Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (11) is an alternative treatment for toxoplasmic encephalitis because it is inexpensive and because it is as effective as pyrimethamine-sulfadiazine. After 21 days, a repeat CT of the brain was done, which was normal. The response to the drug therapy is typically rapid, with noticeable regression of the lesions, which is apparent on the imaging studies within 10 days to 2 weeks (12).
Cerebral tuberculoma is always considered in the differential diagnosis of solitary and large focal brain lesions in HIV-infected patients, particularly in tuberculosis endemic areas. The differential diagnosis is broad for cerebral toxoplasmosis. This case report will help physicians in making a proper differential diagnosis and in starting the appropriate treatment in HIV patients with intracerebral mass lesions without wasting time, thereby decreasing the morbidity and the mortality.
Date of Submission: Jan 01, 2012
Date of Peer Review: Mar 22, 2012
Date of Acceptance: Mar 29, 2012
Date of Publishing: Aug 10, 2012
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