In my early years as a firearms owner, the first two guns I owned were a shotgun and a rifle. The next gun on my wish list was a light-weight, backpackable, survival type rifle chambered in .22 Long Rifle. Being an avid shopper at Cabela’s (via the internet), I looked at their offerings and noticed a Henry US Survival Rifle that fit all of my requirements, so I purchased it. This gun has been manufactured for years as the AR 7 by several manufacturers. Overall it has proved quite reliable straight from the box. Personally, I think it’s a neat little piece and really like it for what it is.
Recently I realized the Henry US Survival chamber has an undesirable factory design I refer to as “unsupported case area” (or unsupported chamber area). It is located at approximately the 3 o’clock area of the chamber (the same area as the extractor groove/cut on the barrel). The unsupported case area is .031″ (1/32″) depth and .125″ (1/8″) width (same width as extractor groove on the barrel). I say “factory design” because every Henry US Survival chamber I’ve seen photos of on the internet show they all have the same design, plus a friend has the same gun and it has exactly the same unsupported chamber area.
Does the unsupported case area of the chamber pose a problem? Potentially yes, if not already. Why? Like most cartridge cases, .22 rimfire cases are made of the relatively soft metal brass. When cartridges are fired, pressures occur inside the cartridge case which are forceful enough to expand brass. Since the chamber surrounds the cartridge case, it is the chamber that limits the amount of brass expansion in both diameter and length. The unsupported case area of the chamber provides an avenue for the brass to continue expansion. This has the potential for the brass to expand to the point of bulging, or rupturing, depending on both the size of the area and the chamber pressure of the particular cartridge.
Bulged and ruptured cartridge cases are analogous to the inflation of a balloon. Inflation (from gases) induces pressures within the balloon which cause it to expand. The larger the balloon expands the thinner its material becomes. If there’s nothing supporting the balloon’s material (unsupported balloon) to limit its expansion and pressures exceed the material’s expansion capacity, the balloon will burst. Everything has its limits and, like the balloon, brass is no exception.
Bulged and Ruptured Cases
Because the unsupported case area is in the same location the extractor hook rests during battery, a bulge forming in the same area can prevent the extractor’s hook from being able to get enough purchase on the case rim to hold it on the breech face until the ejector hits it.
In the event of a case rupture, a pressure leak occurs that is forceful enough to bend or break the extractor. A rupture is a worst-case scenario because gasses and/or fragments (brass, extractor material) can travel, and DO, in the direction of the shooter (or bystanders) and can cause injury. This is one reason we as shooters (and bystanders) should wear appropriate eye protection at all times when guns are going off around us.
When a bulge has formed and pressures subside, the bulge may make the case stick in the chamber and hard to extract in a locked breech gun. In this situation, the extractor’s hook may tear through the case rim while trying to extract the stuck case, especially if the hook has good, positive engagement on the case rim and/or if the hook is sharp.
It can also keep the case from extracting itself in a blowback operated gun like the Henry (AR 7). In this case, when a spent cartridge case sticks in the chamber, the rearward expansion of the base of the case can impart enough energy to the bolt to move it rearward far enough to pick up the rim of the next round in the magazine and push its nose into the case still stuck in the chamber. Obviously this results in a jam. In shooters’ terms, we refer to this as “a bad thing”.
For clarification of the terminology I use throughout the remainder of this article please refer to the pictures, in particular “Chamber-end view of Factory Barrel”.
Another area of concern
At the 6 o’clock area of the chamber the factory put what I consider an over-chamfer. The intention here is to provide a feed ramp to assist cartridges (in this case round nose lead bullets) in transitioning into the chamber. There’s no doubt an edge (particularly a sharp edge) at this area of the chamber can interfere with the feeding of cartridges into the chamber but the over-chamfer designed into this chamber has induced a fair bit of unsupported case area. The picture “Chamber-end view of Factory Barrel” above illustrates the over-chamfer.
The oval-shape of the over-chamfer spans from approximately the seven o’clock area of the chamber’s edge to the five o’clock area. The oval tapers into the chamber (like a funnel’s taper) approximately .020″ in depth. The oval and the taper are the actual unsupported area that has been created in the chamber.
A further look into the chamber’s state
Although my gun has not experienced case bulges or ruptures, I explained its situation (and my concerns) to Master Gunsmith Ken Brooks. He stated that given the amount of unsupported case area he’s surprised the gun hasn’t experienced any bulged or ruptured cases. I asked Ken if the unsupported area should be removed and Ken categorically answered “Yes, it should be fixed.” Ken is “An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure” type of person, and rightfully so.
I asked Ken how he would proceed with the fix. He said the process is simple for this gun, and kindly explained to file the barrel until the unsupported case area is removed then square the barrel to the bolt. This led to another question for Ken. I asked: “As the unsupported case area is removed the chamber is proportionately shortened. How much can the chamber be shortened before it becomes too short and mandates a re-chambering? How do I discern this?”.
Ken’s answer was (as paraphrased by me); “Removing .031″ is not a huge amount. To check if the chamber does or doesn’t need re-chambering, point the muzzle to the ground and drop a brand new cartridge into the chamber. If the cartridge enters all the way on its own, the chamber is long enough. If the chamber is shortened too much, the cartridge won’t fully enter on its own and a kiss with a chamber reamer is necessary.”
Thinking through the repair
When the gun is in battery, the front of the bolt stops against the chamber end of the barrel. This means that however much the chamber end of the barrel is shortened, the bolt will move equally forward. Filing .031″ off the chamber end of the barrel allows the bolt to move .031″ further forward. Will this pose problems for anything? Well, let’s see . . .
When the barrel is removed from the receiver the bolt moves forward, pushed by the recoil springs, until the operating handle contacts the receiver and stops further bolt travel. This is why the operating handle must be removed from the bolt in order to remove the bolt from the receiver. When the barrel is securely fastened to the receiver, the bolt is shoved back and the operating handle is .120″ from the front of the ejection slot. Simple math indicates that shortening the chamber end of the barrel .031″ leaves .089″ (.120″ minus .031″ = .089″) clearance between the operating handle and the receiver. Operating handle clearance is not an issue with .031″ shortening of the barrel’s breech end.
My theory regarding the repair
Since my gun isn’t bulging nor rupturing cases with the .031″ unsupported case area it already has, any reduction is better than where it’s at now. I do not have a .22 Long Rifle chambering reamer so I’ll play on the conservative side of the situation and set out to shorten the chamber .015″ rather than removing the entire .031″.
Supplies for the job
This is not a machining project by any means. The work will be performed mainly with hand tools. For those with access to and who are adept with machining equipment, this project should be easy. A flat file will be used for the bulk of removal of metal. A sanding block will be used to remove scratches left from filing. A Foredom tool with a sanding and polishing mandrel will be used to do the finishing touches.
Checking for chamber smoothness
The first step I recommend is to determine if the gun’s chamber is rough or smooth because a rough chamber can provide a false reading when checking for cartridge seating depth following the repair process.
Check chamber smoothness by pointing the muzzle vertical to the ground and drop a new, unfired cartridge into the chamber. The chamber is smooth enough if cartridges can freely slip into and fully seat into the chamber via gravity and the cartridge should freely fall out of the chamber when the muzzle is pointed straight up. If the chamber is rough the cartridge will not freely drop in or out of the chamber under the force of gravity. A smooth chamber is always a benefit to a gun anyhow.
Polishing the Chamber
The Henry’s barrel removes/installs easily, which makes the task of polishing the chamber quick and easy. The supplies and equipment I use for polishing is 400 grit silicon carbide sandpaper, spring steel stock for the mandrel (the part the sandpaper wraps around) and a Foredom Tool.
The sandpaper is taped to one end of the mandrel and the other end of the mandrel inserted into a rotary tool. I wrap the sandpaper the opposite direction the mandrel spins so it doesn’t unravel as it spins in the chamber and it ensures proper polishing action.
The sandpaper needs to be a length that when wrapped around the mandrel is large enough in diameter to fit slightly snug when inserted into the chamber. The photo “Mandrel and sandpaper used to polish the chamber” shows the first length of sandpaper was cut too short (2 1/8″) thus not being large enough in diameter to effectively polish the chamber. I had to add (by taping) another length (1 1/2″) to the short length.
The sandpaper needs to be approximately 3 1/2″ in length, based on the .068″ diameter mandrel I use. A 1/8” dowel with a 5/8” slit in the end will work as well. Since this gun is chambered for .22 Long Rifle I cut the width of sandpaper the same length as a .22 Long Rifle case (5/8″ or .610″) or slightly longer (3/4″ or .750″). In any event, the sandpaper width is the same or slightly longer than the cartridge CASE length.
Avoid sanding the chamber throat and rifling while polishing the chamber! Having the sandpaper a similar length as a .22 long rifle case will serve as a depth indicator. If you can’t see the sandpaper during polishing you have inserted the mandrel too far and will be polishing the rifling. Wrap the sandpaper snugly around the mandrel and insert it into the chamber. While keeping the mandrel in line with the bore, spin the mandrel and slightly move it in and out of the chamber while keeping an eye on the depth indicator.
The process only takes a few seconds, so go slow and check often. You don’t want to enlarge the chamber diameter nor oval the chamber. When a cartridge will freely drop in or out of the chamber the job is done.
A bevel of approximately .040″ depth surrounds the outside of the breech end of the barrel. This gives you a good reference for seeing how filing is progressing. I clamped the barrel in a vice with padded (rubber or wood) jaws and leveled the surface to be filed (end of the barrel).
Plug the chamber with a Q-tip or cleaning patch to keep it and the bore free of excess filings. I used the largest width flat file I had on hand (.850″) which is slightly narrower than the area to be filed. The end of barrel is .900″ in diameter. A file slightly wider than .900″ would make the task quicker and easier to perform.


text:
I remember being a teenager and hearing my mom and grandma talk about how times have changed. Oh, well when I was a kid, they would say. You know, the whole, "I had to walk to school 5 miles, uphill both ways, in 6 feet of snow. And you know what? I didn't even have shoes. In fact, they didn't even MAKE shoes back then."
I remember thinking they must be really old. How could times change THAT much? Well, I'm hearing those phrases again. This time it's in regard to school. So often I hear, "Oh, Kindergarten isn't what it used to be". Honestly I haven't seen that much of a difference. It's when I see posts like the one below that I think, "Whoah...my teenage years were a little different than what my kids will be experiencing."
I remember when 3 way calling came out. That was a tool that killed so many friendships. How often were you the silent one on the phone when your friend called another "friend" to see what she had to say about you? Ooh, the dirty tricks girls play on each other.
I can only imagine what pressures will face my teens. I thought the below video was interesting...pretty cheesy but the whole idea of the various channels of communication that didn't exist when we were kids. How different the teenage years would be with texting, cell phones and skype.
Would you go back and do those teenage years again? I think I would. Call me crazy.

domain: sociology


text:
Fenwick's bakery-patisserie-café gives you the finest patisserie and artisan baking in Berkshire.
Made fresh in store each day, tempting options of high quality patisseries, signature savoury tarts or healthy salads, makes Mason + Rye the venue to meet.
Or, simply enjoy a break from shopping with cup of tea, coffee or fresh juice on the outdoor terrace.
The closest parking to Fenwick is The Avenue Carpark, Millenium Way, RG12 1AP.
See below for store contact details
27 The Avenue

domain: food


text:
Rocky Bluff Branch Library, EllentonThe Friends of the Rocky Bluff Branch Library are pleased to offer lunchtime concerts the third Thursdays of the month, starting October 16th and running through April 16th, 2014 from 1-2 p...
Winter Haven sarasota country music events
Thursday, Nov 20 1:00p
Winter Haven sarasota country music Related Topics
arts & crafts | community | business & tech | dance | fairs & festivals | food & dining | music | performing arts | sports & outdoors | visual arts | other | comedy | shopping | holiday | education/campus | .sarasota events | bingo | cooking classes for kids in sarasota or bradenton | rocky bluff library

domain: entertainment


text:
REWARI, India -- India passed anti-rape legislation Thursday that included a controversial provision setting the age of sexual consent at 18.
Reformers argued the law, which was passed in a hurried response to public anger over the fatal mid-December rape of a 23-year old physiotherapy student, should set the age at 16 to prevent wrongful arrests in a changing society.
However, conservatives prevailed, fearful a lower age would encourage premarital sex and undermine Indian morality.
The wide-ranging new law also makes stalking, voyeurism, acid attacks and forcibly disrobing a woman explicit crimes for the first time, provides capital punishment for rapes leading to death and raises to 20 years from 10 the minimum sentence for gang rape and rapes committed by a police officer.
The law doesn’t address marital rape, rape committed by the armed forces or rape against men.
The statute, which takes effect once the president signs it, replaces an anti-rape ordinance that was to expire April 4.
"We have tried to bring in a strong law, which is pro-women and will act as a deterrent," Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde told lawmakers Thursday.
The age of consent was fixed at 16 from 1983 until February, when a stop-gap ordinance pushed it up to 18. “Takes Age of Consent Back 30 Years,” said a headline in the English-language DNA newspaper.
Critics say the higher age opens the way for abuses in a society where parents frequently file rape and kidnapping charges against boys who have consensual sex with their daughters, often leading to jail time for the boys or quickly arranged marriages for the girls to “protect their honor.”
In India, there’s often a disconnect between law and practice. The legal marriage age is 21 for men and 18 for women, for example, but 47% of Indian women marry younger than 18, according to a 2012 UN report, more frequently than in Afghanistan or Sudan.
“All these so-called traditional-value people have no problem when children are forced into marriage by their parents,” said Nandita Rao, an attorney. “But they want to criminalize consensual sex. It’s hypocritical.”

domain: news


The cross-depiction is the recognition — and synthesis — of objects whether they are photographed, painted, drawn, etc. It is a significant yet under-researched problem. Emulating the remarkable human ability to recognise and depict objects in an astonishingly wide variety of depictive forms is likely to advance both the foundations and the applications of Computer Vision. Peter Hall discusses the cross-depiction problem, explain why it is difficult, discuss some current approaches.
Image courtesy of intervieweeRead the Study


text:
The recent poll in Bangkok underscores the growing precarity of Thailand’s prime minister and his ruling coalition.
At the Bangkok elections held on Sunday, Thais voted in droves for an independent candidate. Chadchart Sitthipunt is not allied to any of the major political parties. That said, voters’ preference for the United States-trained civil engineer is a clear indicator that the political edifice built by the country’s ruling coalition is looking increasingly shaky.
Dr Chadchart bagged nearly 1.39 million votes, or a winning majority of about 51.2 per cent. He had left the Phuea Thai Party, the country’s biggest opposition party, in 2019. But many critics still wonder whether he has severed all ties to the party.
In a separate race for seats in the capital’s ruling council, voters elected 34 candidates from Phuea Thai (20 seats) and Move Forward (14 seats). This will enable the opposition to control the 50-member Bangkok Metropolitan Council (BMC).
In a stark contrast of fortunes, the Phalang Pracharat Party (PPP) — the chief party in the ruling coalition at the national level — won two BMC seats. The Democrat Party, its coalition ally, did slightly better by winning nine BMC seats.
The Phalang Pracharat Party did not field a candidate in the Bangkok gubernatorial race. The Democrat Party’s candidate, Dr Suchatvee Suwansawat, came in second, beaten by Dr Chadchart by over one million votes. The incumbent Bangkok Governor, Police General Asawin Khwanmuang, fared even worse, coming in the fifth with slightly less than 215,000 votes. He is known to be an ally of Phalang Pracharat as well as PPP leader and deputy prime minister General Prawit Wongsuwan.
The electoral choices of voters in Bangkok, which is technically Thailand’s largest province, are important indicators for the rest of Thailand. In the next general election, Bangkok will also see an increase in the number of seats in the lower House of Representatives, from 30 to 33. Running a campaign in Bangkok is a monumental challenge, but electoral victories there are important in terms of prestige.
The outcome of the Bangkok elections is a rude wake-up call for General Prawit and his ‘beloved younger brother’ Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha. Both of them are facing an uphill struggle to stop the Phuea Thai Party — which is intimately linked to exiled former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra — from engineering what it expects to be a ‘landslide victory’ in the next general election.
Thaksin has sent in his youngest daughter, Paetongtarn, to assume the role of ‘the head of the Phuea Thai family’. The 35-year old is new to Thai politics and heads the party’s participation and innovation committee. While she has not said as much, the businesswoman is likely to be one of the three nominees of the party for the premiership in the next general election.
Undoubtedly, another crucial mission for Paetongtarn is to bring her father home after more than 13 years in exile overseas. Thaksin fled Thailand to avoid potential jail terms and criminal cases, which he has claimed were all ‘politically motivated’ moves to remove him from Thai politics.
The outcome of the Bangkok elections is a rude wake-up call for General Prawit and his ‘beloved younger brother’ Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha.
Phuea Thai’s forward momentum is in stark contrast to the fortunes of the ruling coalition. Prime Minister General Prayut’s four-year term is due to end in late March 2023. His key supporter, General Prawit, has been talking about a potential dissolution of the House after the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Bangkok, set for 18-19 November. The plan is to hold an early general election soon after the event.
As things stand, neither the prime minister nor his influential deputy have any new selling points to capture public attention and voters’ support. The two generals were the prime movers in the 2014 coup. They seized power from the Phuea Thai-led coalition government with a promise to end corruption through political reforms in order to ‘return happiness to the Thai people as soon as possible’.
Eight years on, ‘happiness’ is in short supply. Corruption remains an endemic problem at all levels of government. Few political reforms have been instituted by General Prayut. Most Thais are not happier now compared to eight years ago.
In essence, the writing is on the wall for the ruling coalition. On Sunday, a majority of voters indicated a change in the country’s political order. They rejected the incumbent Bangkok governor, who was appointed by the coup leaders in 2016. They wanted opposition parties’ candidates to control the BMC, and to work with the new Bangkok governor.
This can create a knock-on effect to boost the popularity of the Phuea Thai Party and the Move Forward Party both in the Thai capital and nation-wide, much to the disadvantage of the Phalang Pracharat Party.
Without a party of his own, General Prayut is facing an increasingly untenable position. He seems to want to continue for another four-year term as premier, but he is still reluctant to take over the leadership of a party. His premiership is, therefore, precariously dependent on the support of major parties in the ruling coalition, and the 250 senators chosen three years ago when he was head of the military regime.
If the Phalang Pracharat Party does not do well in the next general election, then it would face difficulties in helping General Prayut secure another term of the premiership. Granted, most of the 250 unelected senators might support another term in power for General Prayut. But his next term would be doomed if the Phuea Thai Party and its allies manage to win a majority in the 500-member House of Representatives.
Under such a scenario, neither General Prayut nor any chosen successor will be able to pass any government-sponsored bill or overcome no-confidence motions initiated by the opposition.
For now, General Prayut needs to focus on near-term worries. He will soon face a no-confidence motion in the House. The Phuea Thai-led opposition has been preparing to introduce the motion to vote out General Prayut, as well as Deputy Finance Minister Santi Prompat, the secretary-general of Phalang Pracharat.
General Prayut’s political future is in the hands of all the major parties in the ruling coalition, parties whose weak standing in the eyes of Bangkok voters is now clear. Should he lose the no-confidence vote, few voters in the capital (or the nation, for that matter) would regret seeing him out of power after more than eight years.
Termsak Chalermpalanupap is a Visiting Senior Fellow and Acting Coordinator of the Thailand Studies Programme, ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute.

domain: politics


Posted by: David Kiley on June 29, 2006
Maybe DaimlerChrysler thinks its new ads featuring chairman Dieter Zetsche will convey the German blood running through the new Chrysler models because of his obvious German accent, and the fact that he, with his big cookie-duster mustache, could be cast in a movie as a Black Forest toymaker.
Ads will debut on Friday, which company officials say are product focused, feature Zetsche and are tagged with details of Chysler’s summer sell-down sales offer. Though Zetsche and sales/marketing chief Joe Eberhard have hedged, dealers say the offer is “employee pricing.”
I don’t quibble with a decision to use Zetsche in ads [who doesn’t like Zetsche? he is one of the most broadly likable CEOs I have ever met]. I can’t even quibble with the strategy of trying to convey in these ads the connection between Chrysler and Mercedes; that Chrysler is benefitting from technology and German know-how when it comes to rear-drive sedans like the 300, safety technology and diesel engines.
Where Zetsche lost me in our interview was when he suggested the thing holding Chrysler back these days [it has the highest consumer incentives and highest inventories of unsold vehicles] is that consumers are lumping Chrysler’s brands to together with his crosstown rivals in all the negative news. “Chevy, Mercury, Chrysler…consumers don’t separate the Detroit brands in their minds.” And, said Zetsche, “We are adversely affected by all the negative news about Ford and GM.”
Um…c’mon. Chrysler has fields full of unsold Cherokees, Durangos, Magnums, Commanders and Rams because of Buick?
Chrysler has had flashes of effective advertising—the campaign for Hemi engines comes to mind—but it has been as inconsistent as Buick, Ford or Pontiac. That’s the fault of Chrysler Group. If Dieter wants his brands to stand out from Detroit, I don’t think I would use a German accent to make it happen. I think I might hire someone who will consistently push the envelope creatively to get in the face of consumers deciding what cars and trucks to buy. Yes, Chrysler does often fade into the smoke and stink of Detroit’s current financial condition. But, memo to Dieter, if you don’t want to be lumped in with Buick and Mercury, then stop advertising like Buick and Mercury.
Chrysler has one of the best, most creative communications chiefs in the business in Jason Vines. Memo to Jason: have you lost your fastball? C’mon. You have got nine more models this year to launch, including a redesigned Sebring that is going to have to turn some heads away from Accord, Camry and Altima. I hope you have some ideas up your sleeve to make them stand-out.
When Vines and Zetsche were explaining the “We are German” effort launching this Fourth of July weekend (that’s pretty funny), Vines started a sentence with…”Our research shows….” I’ll reserve judgement until I see the ads. But some of the lamest ideas to come down the pike started with the phrase, “Our research shows…”


text:
Kaatz S, Ahmad D, Spyropoulos AC, Schulman S. Subcommittee on Control of Anticoagulation.
Definition of clinically relevant non-major bleeding in studies of anticoagulants in atrial fibrillation and venous thromboembolic disease in non-surgical patients: communication from the SSC of the ISTH.
J Thromb Haemost 2015;
13 (11) 2119-2126
Download Bibliographical Data

domain: medical


text:
The Complete Eczema Solution
The safest and most effective eczema treatment range.
Experience peace of mind with Curezma's steroid-free skincare range, specially formulated for babies and kids with eczema and eczema-prone skin. From bath time to daily care, we have your little ones' delicate skin covered with our paediatrician-approved range.
Shop our range for Babies + Kids
Your Complete Eczema Regime
Introducing the complete skincare routine specially designed for babies and kids with eczema, the Curezma range provides targeted relief for their delicate skin:
Step 1: Gentle Cleansing
Start their day by delicately cleansing their sensitive skin with the Hydrating Hypoallergenic Cleanser. This mild cleanser effectively removes impurities while preserving the natural oils, helping to alleviate itching and discomfort without causing irritation.
Step 2: Soothing Barrier Repair
After cleansing, apply the Barrier Repair Serum. This gentle yet powerful serum is specially formulated to restore and repair their delicate skin barrier, providing soothing relief and reducing itching. It creates a protective layer against external irritants.
Step 3: Nighttime Cleansing
Before bedtime, cleanse their skin again with the Hydrating Hypoallergenic Cleanser. This nighttime cleansing step removes accumulated impurities while maintaining their skin's moisture balance, promoting a peaceful and comfortable sleep.
Step 4: Nourishing Barrier Repair
Follow up with the Barrier Repair Serum at night to nourish and strengthen their skin barrier as they sleep. It helps to reduce itching, soothe their skin, and support its natural healing process.
Step 5: Intensive Hydration and Protection
Before bedtime, provide their skin with intensive hydration using the Intensive Protection. Formulated with gentle and nourishing ingredients, this ointment deeply moisturizes their skin, relieves dryness, and creates a protective barrier to lock in moisture throughout the night.
Step 6: Targeted Relief for Flare-ups
During flare-ups or whenever immediate relief is needed, reach for the Anti-flare Oil. This specialized oil is carefully crafted with soothing ingredients, providing instant relief from itching and discomfort associated with eczema. Its gentle formula is suitable for their sensitive skin.


text:
the pictures literally made my jaw drop! i specially like this one of their son maddox – he will be a heart breaker for sure!
i find these images amazing and truly show the feeling of turks and caicos – the light, the sea, the beach…
THANKS laura for sharing your pretty pictures!
ps – don’t these portuguese golden earrings look perfect on her?
images by james roy, from paradise photography
contact him on firstname.lastname@example.org or 649.232.7776

domain: artistic


A former U.S. Army General this week warned that Russia will likely use nuclear weapons if it faces defeat in the war against Ukraine.
Speaking with The Business Insider on Tuesday, retired U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Kevin Ryan said Russia would launch nuclear warheads to convince Ukraine that continuing the conflict would leave the country as a “nuclear holocaust.”
“If the Ukrainian military was having great success in the spring, and was chopping up the Russian military and was threatening taking back Crimea, then I think that the Russian military and leadership would use nuclear weapons [to not only] destroy Ukrainian military targets, [but to] convince Ukraine that continuing to fight this war would leave Ukraine as a nuclear holocaust,” the retired general told the outlet.
When asked how many people he thinks would die if Russia uses nuclear weapons in the war, Ryan said the most “devastating” outcome could mean tens of thousands of deaths. However, he noted that the war would most likely end in a stalemate this year after both sides suffer from heavy losses due to months of fighting.
Since the beginning of the invasion in February 2022, Russia has repeatedly threatened the possible use of nuclear weapons.
Last week, the Ministry of Defense of Russia also announced it was bolstering its nuclear forces this year with aims of building a deeper arsenal of weapons and improving aviation technology to better evade air defenses, per Reuters.
Russia has been suffering massive losses in the war over the past months. Moscow is estimated to have lost a total of 113,390 military personnel, including 430 who were killed over the past day, according to a report from the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.
Ukrainian forces have also destroyed 3,094 tanks, 6,159 combat armored machines, 2,082 artillery systems, 1,865 UAVs, 723 cruise missiles and 4,826 vehicles and fuel tanks.
Since late last year, the Ukrainian army has launched a stunning counteroffensive that saw them liberating large swaths of territories that Russia managed to capture, including the city of Kherson, which is the only regional capital that Moscow successfully took over in the war.
Credit: Source link


text:
Asado in red wine is a delicious and classic dish. Asado is meat that comes under the ribs and requires long cooking and strong flavors - just what red wine and chicken stock are capable of providing. Asado comes out soft, delicious and wonderful. Recommended for events and banquets and impressing the neighbours!Print Pin Rate
- 4 lbs - Divided into cubes by the bones Asado
- 1/4 Cup Flour
- 1 Tablespoon Coarse Salt
- As Needed - Be generous Ground Black Pepper
- 2 Tablespoons Canola Oil
- 4 Carrots
- 2 Onions
- Bottle 750 ml Red Wine
- 1 liter - Chicken Stock substitute is ok Chicken Stock
- 1 Teaspoon Thyme
- 30 oz Crushed Tomatoes
- Put in a large bowl - the flour, salt and pepper and stir.
- Put the pieces of asado in and mix very well until all the pieces are coated with flour.
- Cut the carrots into cubes and onions into quarters.
- Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large saucepan.
- When the oil is hot - add the Asado until there is no room at the bottom of the pot. Fry on all sides and turn with tongs, making sure all sides have browned nicely and then place in a bowl.
- Add another tablespoon of oil and fry the rest of the asado and remove to a bowl.
- Place the carrots and onion and saute, stirring and scraping the bottom of the pot residue with a wooden spoon until the onion and carrots are lightly browned.
- Add the red wine and scrape the bottom of the pot again.
- Add the chicken stock, crushed tomatoes and thyme.
- Return the asado and bring to a boil.
- Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 400F.
- When the asado is boiling cover the pot with a saucepan and place in the oven.
- Cook for an hour.
- Reduce the heat to 350F.
- Cook for another hour.
- Remove the asado to bowl.
- Transfer the pan back to the gas and bring the sauce to a boil.
- Reduce the heat keep on the flam for about 10 minutes - and then filter to make sure that the sauce comes out thick and smooth.
- Serve as is - with a spoonful of sauce and vegetables.
- Or prepare a beautiful bed of mashed potatoes, place the asado over that and pour sauce.


text:
Prince Charles announced plans to protect an area of African rainforest the size of Wales, reports The Telegraph.
The “Size of Wales” project, which would include protecting forest areas and replanting deforested ones across African countries, would be funded through public donations. Other details weren’t immediately available.
“Two million hectares – or more usefully – 2 million rugby pitches will be a significant achievement and importantly, will show great leadership to other nations to do the same,” the Prince of Wales was quoted as saying.
“The people of Wales will be the first in the world to mobilize such a national response to the problem of tropical deforestation and climate change. It will be civil society itself – taking positive action to make a real difference.”
The Prince’s Rainforest Project was established in 2007 to push for the development of a funding mechanism for the world’s tropical forests. The initiative claimed success last year with the commitment of several billion dollars from rich countries toward preservation efforts.
Deforestation is the second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, generating more emissions than all the world’s planes, cars, trucks, ships, and trains combined. Forest loss is also a leading threat to the planet’s flora and fauna.
(09/22/2009) Prince Charles of Great Britain has emerged as one of the world’s highest-profile promoters of a scheme that could finally put an end to destruction of tropical rainforests. The Prince’s Rainforest Project, launched in 2007, is promoting awareness of the role deforestation plays in climate change—it accounts for nearly a fifth of greenhouse gas emissions. The project also publicizes the multitude of benefits tropical forests provide, including maintenance of rainfall, biodiversity, and sustainable livelihoods for millions of people. But the initiative goes beyond merely raising awareness. Prince Charles is using his considerable influence to bring political and business leaders together to devise and support a plan to provide emergency funding to save rainforests. Tony Juniper, one of Britain’s best-known environmentalists and Special Adviser to the project, spoke about Prince Charles’ efforts in an interview with mongabay.com.
(05/06/2009) Releasing a video with as many species of celebrity as ants in the rainforest, while simultaneously turning to online sites such as MySpace and YouTube, appears to have worked for Prince Charles, a longtime advocate of rainforest conservation. His conservation organization’s new outreach to online users has garnered considerable coverage from the international media.
(09/11/2008) Prince Charles renewed his call to protect rainforests for the services they provide humanity. Speaking Wednesday at a black-tie dinner in London, Charles compared the need to protect forests to fighting a war.


I use physics models and machine learning for my research in volcanoes, earthquakes and groundwater systems.
My research group tackles some big challenges that arise when managing extreme groundwater systems in a safe and sustainable way.
Steam-driven volcanic eruptions - we use machine learning techniques to identify seismic signals that suggest an imminent eruption from shallow hydrothermal systems. Using this, we have developed a real-time warning system for Whakaari.
Human-triggered earthquakes - we model how fluid injection and extraction in hydrocarbon projects changes stress on faults. By matching the rate of earthquakes in the past, we can predict the future earthquake rate for different operation styles.
Geothermal reservoir imaging - we study the interaction of solar electromagnetic signals with the Earth to understand where, how large and how powerful our geothermal systems are.
Carbon sequestration - we use models to demonstrate safe and efficient ways to pump large amounts of CO2 underground so that it doesn't contribute to climate change.
- Ardid A., Archer R., Bertrand E., Sepulveda F., Tarits P. and Dempsey D. (2021) Heat Transfer Through the Wairakei-Tauhara Geothermal System Quantified by Multi-Channel Data Modeling. Geophysical Research Letters 48(8) http://dx.doi.org/10.1029/2020GL092056.
- Dempsey D., Eccles JD., Huang J., Jeong S., Nicolin E., Stolte A., Wotherspoon L. and Bradley BA. (2021) Ground motion simulation of hypothetical earthquakes in the upper North Island of New Zealand. New Zealand Journal of Geology and Geophysics 64(4): 570-588. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00288306.2020.1842469.
- Kelly LJ., Gualda GAR., Gravley DM. and Dempsey DE. (2021) Hydrothermal cooling as a requirement for short storage of silicic magmas. Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems http://dx.doi.org/10.1029/2021gc009794.
- Yu P., Dempsey D. and Archer R. (2021) A three-dimensional coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical numerical model with partially bridging multi-stage contact fractures in horizontal-well enhanced geothermal system. International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences 143 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrmms.2021.104787.
- Dempsey DE., Cronin SJ., Mei S. and Kempa-Liehr AW. (2020) Automatic precursor recognition and real-time forecasting of sudden explosive volcanic eruptions at Whakaari, New Zealand. Nature Communications 11(1) http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-020-17375-2.


text:
- Nikki Baughan
- 20 June 2016
Omer Fast’s debut feature is a strikingly original drama, featuring Tom Sturridge and Cush Jumbo
Given that its debut director is adapting a debut work of fiction, Remainder is a film of remarkable accomplishment. In bringing British author Tom McCarthy’s ambitious novel (written in 2001, published in 2005) to the screen, Israeli video artist Omer Fast constructs a complex, beguiling study of the impact of memory on our emotional well-being, and the catastrophic effect the failure of the former can have on the health of the latter.
These weighty themes are distilled into the experiences of Tom (an excellent Tom Sturridge), a young man who loses his memory after being involved in a catastrophic accident. Awarded millions in damages, he employs accommodating right-hand man Naz (Arsher Ali) and begins to pay actors to endlessly recreate his snatches of remembrances, in an increasingly extravagant, ever-more desperate attempt to reconnect with his sense of self.
Thematically, Remainder has much in common with filmmaker Grant Gee’s Orhan Pamuk adaptation Innocence of Memories, but is far more experimental in structure. As Tom’s story unfolds, and key figures such as love interest Catherine (The Good Wife’s Cush Jumbo) drift in and out, reality and memory converge and time becomes an abstract concept that stands in the way of knowledge. And as Tom’s behaviour becomes more outlandish, the film is anchored by the enduring sense that enlightenment is, tantalisingly, just out of reach.
While Fast has long been concerned with philosophical notions of truth and artifice, as evidenced in artistic works such as ‘Take a Deep Breath’, he proves adept at translating his existential vision into an alluring cinematic experience. Admittedly, it does demand substantial investment from its audience, as its opaque narrative wilfully forces the viewer into the same fugue state as its protagonist.
Fuelled by terrific performances, superb production design by Adrian Smith and claustrophobic cinematography from Lukas Strebel, Remainder is a strikingly original, hypnotic film and, by the time it reaches its bold head-scratcher of a denouement, one that leaves an indelible mark.
Selected release from Fri 24 Jun.


text:
Posted on Tuesday, September 15th, 2020 by Ethan Anderton
Some of the most soul-crushing and formative experiences come from young romance. But imagine how much harder that kind of love would be in the wake of a giant monster apocalypse.
Love and Monsters is a new sci-fi romance that finds a young man named Joel (Dylan O’Brien) estranged from his high school girlfriend Aimee (Jessica Henwick) after giant monsters appeared on Earth and forced what remained of humanity to hide underground. But when he reconnects with her on a radio, Joel decides to risk his life to track her down and rekindle their love. It’s A Quiet Place mixed with teen romance, but with a lot more deadly creatures. Watch the Love and Monsters trailer below. Read More »


text:
Dress 07, Deep Purple
Hallelujah Dress 07, Deep Purple. Gathered long sleeve dress with concealed half button front. Side pockets. Unlined. Made in Japan.
Relaxed fit. Sophia is 5'5" and wears the FR36.
Hallelujah's unique collections are made in Kyoto, Japan. The designer Yasuhiro Kawasaki creates thoughtful clothes that last and capture the modern times and traditions with an artisanal fabrication. Respectful of the skin, they source high quality Belgian linen and virgin wool from a very old textile mill in Kyoto. "Made with a great sense of detail in order to make clothes that accompany you all of your life : beautiful, resistant, necessary, essential."


text:
latest blog post
Hello! How are you? I hope you're well.
So, I'm Ben. I'm from a small seaside town from North Wales. As you might be able to tell from my site, being a bit creative is a bit of a passion of mine.
I'm new to acting, love to write, I play guitar (I know some chords) in a band who I'm certain would be about 110% more successful if they didn't have to make things easier for me; I like to present, I've hosted radio shows... essentially, I'll try anything, and I'll give it a properly good go.
About me. Well, I have a degree in psychology, I'm a primary school teacher, I like marmite, dislike mushrooms and was once, somehow, mistaken for Leonardo Di Caprio.
Have a look around, and please, get in touch - I'd love to chat!
WHAT NICE PEOPLE SAID
He needs to move out.
LYNETTE MATTHEWS, PR
Incredibly professional, hard working and down to earth. A please to work with!
MALIA ROSBURG, DIRECTOR
I just wanna say THANK YOU, for everything. I'm so glad you were able to participate. You were amazing to work with!


text:
When it comes to transportation modes, culture follows infrastructure. Such a simple concept, but cities that haven't built a network for cycling continue to make the excuse that people don't ride bikes because the culture doesn't support it, instead of the obvious reason. (Imagine blaming a lack of car culture if no one drove in a city that had no paved streets.)
In city after city around the world, no matter the geography or climate, once a real bike lane network is in place, people come up with all kinds of wonderful reasons to ride a bike - after all, cycling is a practical, healthy, invigorating and above all fun way to get around a city.
But when a city actually invests in cycling infrastructure and cycling goes up, the underlying reason - the reason that makes all the other reasons possible - is that it becomes possible to choose to ride a bike.
Before cycling can elevate a city, you need bike lanes to elevate cycling. It's that simple.
(h/t to Jason Leach for finding this documentary)
You must be logged in to comment.
There are no upcoming events right now.
Why not post one?


Like most children, I learned how to read through a steady diet of classic chapter books- from “Charlotte’s Web” to “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” to “Cricket in Times Square.”
None of these books, it should be mentioned, will ever be mistaken for true stories. (If you know a spider that can weave words into her web, please let me know.) But, to me, these stories felt true. They conveyed universal truths to children- the importance of love and self-sacrifice and selflessness- in a way that simple realism could not.
Perhaps the biggest mistake we make as adults is in confusing what is real for what is true. We get hung up on whether the stories we’re consuming could happen in real life and often miss their inherent truths.
I imagine kids will pick up on the truth of Amazon Prime’s latest original movie “Troop Zero” right away. For me, it took longer. I spent way too much of the film’s hour-and-a-half runtime caught up on aesthetics- how the town of Wiggly, Georgia never seemed like a real place, how the characters never seemed like real people. It wasn’t until I threw my hands up into the air in exasperation and chose to accept the film on its own terms that I started to truly appreciate what I was watching.
And there really is a lot to appreciate.
Adapted by Lucy Alibar from her 2010 play “Christmas and Jubilee Behold the Meteor Shower”, the film is rooted in a real sense of time and place, which made it even more difficult for me to accept the film’s quirkiness at first. A key plot-point even involves a strange-but-true chapter in U.S. space exploration history: the creation of golden records that were attached to the Voyager I and II robotic probes as a way to educate extraterrestrial life about human culture.
Young Christmas Flint (McKenna Grace) is desperate to have her voice recorded on one of those records and to let her voice be heard throughout the universe. But NASA is only recording the winning Birdie Scout troop at this year’s scout jamboree. And Christmas really isn’t the scouting type.
Undeterred, Christmas sets out to find some fellow scouts for her troop and settles on the most ragtag group she can find: Joseph (Charlie Shotwell), an effeminate boy trapped in his macho hometown; Anne-Clair (Bella Higginbothom), a one-eyed born-again Christian; Smash (Johanna Colon) who we’re told “is like the universe. She is full of gas and mystery”; and the exceptionally named Hell-No Price (Milan Ray), a bully who “eats obstacles for breakfast, lunch and dinner.”
Adding insult to injury, scout leader Miss Massey (Allison Janney) dubs the troop “Troop Zero” since all the other numbers are taken. But Christmas doesn’t mind.
“Zero is the number of infinity,” she says.
As the scouts were introduced, I had to roll my eyes a little bit. Not a single one of these Birdie Scouts resembles a person you or I have ever met. The same goes for the adults including Miss Massey, troop mother Rayleen (Viola Davis, great as always), and Christmas’s down-and-out attorney father Ramsey Flint (Jim Gaffigan).
The kids talk like adults and the adults talk like sitcom characters. “Troop Zero” reflects reality only if you think a Wes Anderson movie is reality.
But if the characters feel false, their struggles – to be loved, to be heard, “to be permanent” as one character says- ring true. We might not have one eye or a bed-wetting problem, but I imagine we have all felt like outcasts. We have all felt like we don’t belong. We have all felt like there is something inside of us that is irreparably broken. So, we settle for mediocrity because we think that is what we deserve.
“Troop Zero” tells us all to aim higher and to make our voices heard even if no one wants to listen. That is a lesson that’s just as meaningful for adults as kids, I think.
I’m not ashamed to admit that I cry frequently while watching movies, but I am sort of surprised that I cried during this one. After spending most of the movie rolling my eyes, I was sucker-punched by the emotion I felt at the film’s conclusion. It seemed to come out of nowhere, but of course it didn’t. I, like a one-eyed Birdie Scout, was a little too blind to see it coming.
I could go on about other issues I had with this movie – how Janney’s character changes inexplicably near the end, how the character played by Mike Epps is so ill-defined that I am not entirely sure why he is in the movie- but that would be missing the point, I think.
Like so many good children’s stories before it, “Troop Zero” (rated PG for thematic elements, language and smoking throughout) doesn’t keep even one foot in reality. But it is deeply rooted in truth, and that might be even more important.
“I wish I had y’all when I was little and dumb and sweet,” Miss Rayleen tells her troop near the end of the film.
I do too, but I’m glad that today’s kids can grow up with these Birdie Scouts.
About the author
Stephen Dow is an award-winning journalist with a passion for film – not just consuming it, but thoughtfully and actively engaging with it. He believes that these modern myths have a lot to tell us about our world and ourselves. He can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.org.


text:
The info hub for the hub of global health
10 countries are responsible for three-quarters of all COVID-19 vaccine doses administered worldwide, yet 69 nations have yet to administer a single shot
–Think Global Health, an initiative from the Council on Foreign Relations
And that brings us to … vaccine diplomacy
April marks the fifth month of the COVID-19 global vaccine rollout, and vaccine inequities around the world are becoming more clear. The quote above (from this article at Think Global Health) highlights the disparity and shows how countries including China, India, Russia, and Israel are emerging as key donors to close the gap
Whether you’re vaccinated or not, some are still wondering if the shots prevent asymptomatic infection and spread of COVID-19. Fred Hutch signed up to look at more than 1M nasal swabs to get to the bottom of this question through its Prevent COVID U study. The study will vaccinate 12,000 student participants at over 20 universities across the US and track infections and onward transmission in the months following to help figure out how soon we can safely gather again.
Power to the people (and students)
Can you “hack” a COVID-19 vaccine? Two scientists at Stanford did just that, reverse-engineering the mRNA sequence for the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine using remnants from previously administered shots. They posted the code on Github, an open source website for developers, hoping to help democratize vaccine equity. Students at UCLA are hoping for that and more, as they rally for health equity and call for universities and publicly funded institutions to reevaluate their role in access to medicine, especially for underrepresented groups.
Since 1994, Partners in Health has been tackling tuberculosis in Peru, which has one of the highest TB incidence rates in the Americas. With the new innovative Mochila TB (or, backpack TB) tool that can test up to 80 patients per day, PIH can reach people who don’t live near city centers or close to community testing clinics. In just the past month, the tool has helped more than 3,000 people get access to testing, diagnosis, and care. Can your backpack do that?
Mental health on the upswing
The Upswing Fund for Adolescent Mental Health handed out over $10 million in grants to organizations focused on giving adolescents of color and LGBTQ+ youth across the US the tools and support they need to live full, healthy lives. Check out the impressive directory of 80+ awardees and consider sharing with a young person in your life. The Upswing Fund was seeded by Pivotal Ventures and partners with the Klarman Family Foundation; it is powered by Panorama.
Thanks to a new grant from the CDC, Americares is combating vaccine hesitancy by educating staff and volunteers at free and charitable clinics across the US about the importance and safety of vaccines, and debunking myths about vaccine efficacy. We know that reluctant patients are more willing to roll up their sleeves if the message comes from a doctor or health care provider they trust—Americares is well positioned to bridge this gap and get us one step closer to herd immunity.
In other grant news
What do a speech pathologist, climate change researcher, and tribal health organization have in common? They are all recipients of the University of Washington Population Health Initiative’s pilot research grants, which encourage interdisciplinary collaborations for projects that address critical challenges to population health. This year’s awardees will explore inequities in speech-language pathology services for children with communication disorders, equitable and just climate action, community-based research to advance reproductive health equity in Inupiaq Alaska, and more.
Zoomin’ around town
April 8: Join WGHA’s first Communicators Roundtable of 2021, and hear from Global Health Council, Malaria No More, and Washington State University experts about global health advocacy.
April 8: Support the UW Department of Global Health on Husky Giving Day to elevate Global Health Excellence, Equity and Impact.
April 12: Sign up for Partners in Health’s webinar and learn how to ensure vaccine equity, from planning and community engagement to delivery and follow-up.
April 15: Don’t miss Seattle Chamber of Commerce’s Recalibrate Symposium, which will focus on bridging the gap between organizations who are simply engaged in DEI work and organizations who are committed to long-term change.
April 19: Do you want to boost public trust in clinical research? Register for a digital booth by the 19th for Aware for All – Northwest to share more about your work, what to expect in clinical trials, and the importance of public participation.
April 21: Save the date for Field Notes Live: Fireside Chat with Chris Bombardier, of the Bombardier Blood documentary, which chronicles his quest as the first person with hemophilia to climb the seven summits.
April 29: Register for a Cambia Grove roundtable on moving from awareness to action to reduce health inequities.
“We have the means to achieve vaccine equity, but the gap between the number of vaccines administered in rich countries versus COVAX is growing every single day. We appeal to countries to share COVID-19 vaccines out of self-interest, if nothing else.”
– Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, calling on countries and companies to ensure that by the time World Health Day arrives on April 7, COVID-19 vaccines are being administered in every country.


www.compass.ga.gov - Georgia Department of Human Services | COMPASS
Google Map 2 Peachtree Street
Department of Human Services - COMPASS.Ga.Gov
Georgia Compass.Ga.Gov Resources:
Copyright and Trademark Notice: This is an independent website, and not associated with any of the states websites mentioned. All the products, services and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.


While generating rsa keys I am getting this error can you please help?
ubuntu@ocfreevm:~$ ubuntu@ocfreevm:~$ pki --gen --type rsa --size 4096 --outform pem > ~/pki/private/ca-key.pem TPM 2.0 - could not load “libtss2-tcti-tabrmd.so.0” plugin ‘tpm’: failed to load - tpm_plugin_create returned NULL ubuntu@ocfreevm:~$
This textbox defaults to using Markdown to format your answer.
You can type !ref in this text area to quickly search our full set of tutorials, documentation & marketplace offerings and insert the link!
These answers are provided by our Community. If you find them useful, show some love by clicking the heart. If you run into issues leave a comment, or add your own answer to help others.


The Kestrel 300 is a compact, wide format camera capable of 810 fps with a sensor resolution of 640 x 480 pixels (0.3 million).
The Kestrel 1300 is a compact, wide format camera capable of 210 fps with a sensor resolution of 1280 x 1024 pixels (1.3 million).
The Kestrel 2200 is a compact, wide format camera capable of 300 fps with a sensor resolution of 2048 x 1088 pixels (2.2 million).
The Kestrel 4200 is a compact, wide format camera capable of 200 fps with a sensor resolution of 2080 x 2048 pixels (4.2 million).
The Raptor-12HS Digital RealTime System consists of Raptor-12HS digital cameras and Cortex software. At 12MP and operating at 300 fps at full resolution and up to 2,000 fps at windowed resolution, the Raptor-12HS is an excellent choice for large volumes with multiple subjects or where the need for very small markers is important.
Baseball swing analysis with report generation. Outputs trunk kinematics and bat angles and speed.
Provides tools for measuring and pre-computing the studio camera characteristics and then for tracking the studio camera(s).
DroneTrack allows for precise tracking and flight guidance, drone pilot flight training, and flight plan validation.
Rearfoot motion analysis with report generation. Specialized multi-segment foot model for calculation of rearfoot and forefoot kinematics during gait.
GaitTrak (formerly MAC Gait) is a set of automated steps to produce a gait report within Cortex.
Golf swing analysis with report generation that includes joint kinematics, X Factor, swing parameters, and speed profile.
Full-body kinematic and kinetic analysis of drop and countermovement jumping with report generation.
Kite is an elegant studio camera tracking system that enables VR and AR for your studio production or previz projects.
Analysis of upper and lower back kinematics and kinetics during lifting with report generation.
Running gait analysis packaged with report generation. Full-body kinematics and kinetics are included and compared to normative criteria.
UAV Tracker provides the capability to track and control an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) within a motion capture environment.
This plug-in allows you to “drive” the movement of your animated character in post-process mode, using any of the major animation software packages.
Design and implement real-time feedback triggers and instructions for end users to receive instantaneous audio and visual feedback.
Calcium Solver is a powerful skeletal creating, setup and motion solving solution. The marker data drives a pre-defined, rigid, hierarchical skeleton definition.
DV Reference allows the synchronized capture and playback of reference video data from either a stationary or moving DV camera.
Plug-ins are available for taking motion capture data from Cortex into the Unity and Unreal game engines. Others are available as well, including connectivity through a VRPN server.
KinTools RT is the industry’s only self-contained kinetics and kinematics analysis package.
Create a user defined graphical and interactive report comprising: Motion capture data, forceplate data, EMG data, kinetics and kinematics, documents, color video and live web content.
SIMM is a powerful tool kit that facilitates the modeling, animation and analysis of 3D muscles, tendons and skeletal systems.
SKB creates joint centers and body segments that are defined and calculated from three or more marker centers. Full 6 DOF orientations and positions are computed in real-time.
SONIC (Solver Over Network Interface Card) is a distributed computing manager and viewer for Calcium.


text:
Tel 0300 131 7300
Islington & Shoreditch Housing Association (ISHA)
102 Blackstock Road
London N4 2DR
0300 131 7300
Domestic violence refers to a wide range of abusive behaviours. It is “domestic” in nature if the perpetrator is a person who is associated with the victim. However, it is not limited to physical violence or confined to instances within the home.
Physical violence is just one aspect of domestic abuse and is not present in all cases. Domestic abuse can involve a wide range of abusive and controlling behaviour, including threats, harassment, financial control and emotional abuse. Victims often feel extremely isolated and it may take years for them to tell anyone what is happening to them.
Domestic abuse can include physical, psychological, emotional, financial or sexual abuse which takes place in a close relationship – usually between partners, ex-partners or family members. Domestic violence happens in all cultures; people of all races, ethnicities, religions, genders, ages and backgrounds can experience domestic abuse.
If you are experiencing domestic violence you can report it to ISHA. The best way to do this is by contacting ISHA on 0300 171 7300; you will then be referred to a Housing Expert. You can also email email@example.com
Remember, domestic violence is a crime. Always phone 999 in an emergency. In a non-emergency, you can report domestic violence to the police on 101.
If you contact us about a case of domestic violence, we will:
We are committed to treating all reported cases of domestic violence quickly and sensitively.
For more information on domestic violence and what to do if you are experiencing domestic violence, please contact the 24 Hour National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247. They can provide help and advice about your rehousing and legal options so you can feel safe.
Please download our Domestic Violence Policy for more information.
Here is a list of some specialist agencies who can also help:
Women’s Aid – advice and support
Phone: 0808 200 0247
Solace Women’s Aid (London) – advice and support
Phone: 020 7619 1350
Refuge – advice and support in obtaining temporary accommodation
Phone: 0808 200 0247
Rights of Women – legal advice
Phone: 020 7251 6577 (National – Family Law); 020 7608 1137 (London – Family Law); 020 7251 8887 (National – Criminal Law)
Woman’s Trust – free counselling and mental health support for victims
Phone: 020 7034 0303
Finding Legal Options for Women Survivors (FLOWS) – legal advice
Phone: 0203 745 7707
ManKind Initiative – advice and support for male victims
Phone: 01823 334 244
Men’s Advice Line – confidential helpline for male victims
Phone: 0808 801 0327
Karma Nirvana – helpline for victims of forced marriage and honour-based abuse
Phone: 0800 599 9247
Everyman Project (London) – counselling for men who want to change violent or abusive behaviour
Phone: 0207 263 8884

domain: law


text:
Something Old, Something New
Tu Tu Kapsus, a Kuna woman, comes down from the stars to land in 1920’s Brooklyn. Through her journey, she rediscovers the influences that shaped her life and recounts stories of her daily life as a “senior” in our culture. Something Old, SOmething New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue, is Gloria Miguel’s humorous and poignant look at being an elder in her community and the treatment of elders in our society.
Performed by Gloria Miguel
Written by Gloria Miguel with Steve Elm
Spiderwoman Theater Founder and Artistic Director Muriel Miguel, talks about her fascinating journey from the streets of Red Hook, Brooklyn to her pioneering contributions to the current feminist and Indigenous theatre movements in the United States, Canada and around the world. Experience this extraordinary life through photos and video from the last 50 years.
Investigate the unique process that the women of Spiderwoman Theater use to create their plays. “Storyweaving” describes the layering of stories, images, sound, movement and music, creating a three dimensional tapestry which is embodied in space and becomes the theatre production. Incorporating the exercises that have been learned in the workshop, the participants will collectively build a performance of the stories which they will then present.


text:
Deserts of the World Word Search:
Learn the names and locations of 21 major world deserts with this super fun word search worksheet. Puzzlers must look for the hidden names in all directions including backwards and diagonally.
The hidden desert names are: Antarctica, Arabian, Atacama, Chihuahuan, Gibson, Gobi, Great Basin, Great Sandy, Great Victoria, Kalahari, Karakum, Kyzyl Kum, Mojave, Namib, Patagonian, Sahara, Simpson, Sonoran, Syrian, Taklamakan, Thar
You might also like:
• Rivers of the World Word Search
• Desert Animals Word Search
We love FEEDBACK! And you earn CREDITS!
• Log in to your Teachers Pay Teachers account.
• Click on the drop down menu “My TpT”.
• Select “My Purchases”.
• Choose ratings and leave feedback.
• Know that we love you for it! ♥ ♥ ♥
deserts geography, deserts unit supplement

domain: geography


text:
Singaporean mixed martial arts (MMA) sports entertainment company REBEL Fighting Championship (FC) has secured a partnership deal with Chinese real estate company Qingdao Ji Ke apartment management.
Aiming to expand its presence throughout all regions in China, the real estate company will sponsor the event with a deal worth RMB six million to support REBEL’s MMA events in the latter half of this year.
With an estimated martial arts fanbase of 300 million people and close to 20% of the total population being frequent martial arts TV viewers, it’s believed that China’s MMA market has shown huge potential to become one of the largest in the world.
“This sponsorship deal is an essential part of the growth strategy of our property business throughout China, and it signals our intention to support the development of such an important sport for China,” said the spokesperson from Qingdao Ji Ke Apartment Management.
“As we have experience in organising MMA events in Shanghai, Shenzhen and Guangzhou, our events are a perfect complement to Qingdao Ji Ke Apartment Management’s rental apartments in their goal of establishing a foothold in major cities in China. Their clientele consists mostly of young, working professionals, who are also a key demographic in REBEL FC’s target market,” said Justin Leong, CEO of REBEL FC.
As part of the sponsorship package, Qingdao Ji Ke Apartment Management’s logo will appear on REBEL FC’s cage mat and all official REBEL FC marketing platforms.


text:
I like this piece and it's in my opinion a perfect example of house music. Make a few more pieces and I will gladly scout you to join the NGAP Family.
Thanks for the review. I'll get a few out soon!
Please contact me if you would like to use this in a project. We can discuss the details.


text:
- Author: Wendy West
The most effective, economical, and ecologically sound method of managing invasive plants is to prevent their invasion in the first place. Resources can be spent most efficiently on proactive activities that focus on stopping the movement of plant seeds and other reproductive parts to new areas.
One way that invasive weed seeds and root fragments can be moved is in hay and straw used for animal feed and bedding or in materials used for erosion control.
Seeds can also be transferred in animal manure if the animal has recently ingested invasive plants in infested feed or while grazing. These seeds and plant parts can then reproduce and colonize a previously uninfested area --- and if left...
- Author: Guy B Kyser
Woolly distaff thistle (Carthamus lanatus L.) is a yellow-flowered, spiny winter annual native to Mediterranean and central Europe. It has become a problem recently in northern California and southern Oregon. Ranchers in Marin County are reporting populations of distaff thistle so dense that they crowd out grasses and native species. The populations appear to spread along an elevation gradient, maybe along cattle trails.
Organic growers have tried mowing distaff prior to flowering. This sets it back, but is not a long-term solution – not to mention the difficulties of mowing on steep hillsides. In one area, ranchers conducted a prescribed burn in June, which prevented thistle from producing any seed...
- Author: Douglas J Munier
Previously in this blog Brad Hanson discussed some of the research Kent Brittan (UCCE Yolo) and I have done with Roundup Ready canola as a crop and then evaluating it as a weed because of its seed dormancy characteristics. We published an article on the weediness potential of Roundup Ready canola in California this past January in the Journal of Environmental Science and Pollution Research.
Here's the abstract from the article:
Abstract: Canola which is genetically modified (GM) for tolerance to glyphosate has the potential to become established as a new glyphosate resistant weed, thus reducing the effectiveness of glyphosate. Volunteer from dormant canola seeds produced thousands of plants per acre...
- Author: Joseph DiTomaso
The Weed Research and Information Center previously produced three instructional videos intended for the general public, or more specifically, the Master Gardener program. These videos focused on weed identification tools, principles of urban weed control, and urban weed control tools. In this fourth video, the emphasis is on wildland weed management. The 35+ minute video discusses the different formulations used in wildland weed management,...
- Posted by: Gale Perez
- Author: Elizabeth Brusati
CalWeedMapper is a new website for mapping invasive plant spread and planning regional management strategies (calweedmapper.calflora.org). Users generate a report for their region that synthesizes information into three types of strategic opportunities: surveillance, eradication and containment. Land managers can use these reports to prioritize their invasive plant management, to coordinate at the landscape level (county or larger) and to justify funding requests. For some species, CalWeedMapper also provides maps of suitable range that show where a plant might be able to grow in the future. The system was developed by the California Invasive Plant Council (Cal-IPC,

domain: agronomy


text:
What keeps humans active, has a wet nose and four legs? A dog!
Man’s best friend just got a whole lot friendlier. Multiple studies have shown that dogs can improve a person’s health, both physically and psychologically.
One study found dog owners had up to a third of a reduced risk of premature death. Another study at Harvard University suggests a dog could lower a person’s risk of heart disease.
Caring for a dog is a lot of responsibility. One of the healthiest chores is walking the dog multiple times a day. Two studies have shown that aging adults were in better health because of the exercise they received from walking their dogs.
Having a dog in the house not only benefits adults, a furry companion can also benefit a baby, even before it is born. Research published in 2017 showed that children whose mothers spent time with dogs during pregnancy were at a lower risk of developing eczema. Children exposed to a dog’s bacteria also saw a decrease in asthma symptoms.
Dogs don’t just have an effect on our physical well-being; four-legged friends make humans happy. When we interact with dogs, oxytocin, also known as the “love hormone,” shoots up and boosts our psychologic happiness. Dogs make great support animals because of their ability to reduce depression and stress symptoms as well as help with cancer and PTSD patients. Previous studies have also revealed that dog owners experience more positive social interactions than people who don’t have dogs.
Canines also help humans indirectly, as dogs share many of the same health issues as humans do, such as developing cancers, obesity and dementia. Studying these ailments in animals often sheds new insight into how to better care for people, and their pets.
Those dogs we love so dearly deserve an extra tummy rub and treat.


text:
It can be difficult to know if your child is struggling with their vision, as many children assume what they are seeing is normal and therefore don’t mention that anything is wrong. A lot of children suffer with short-sightedness, an eye condition that can result in squinting and strained vision. Short-sightedness means not being able to see objects in the distance clearly.
We value the health of children’s eyes and have a great support network available to aid in childhood development and the progression of positive vision. Here are some of the signs to watch out for if you think your child is short-sighted.
4 Signs Your Child Could Be Short-Sighted
- They Struggle to See Objects in the Distance – If your child is struggling to see things at a distance, they may be short-sighted. Being short-sighted means being able to see objects that are close, but not those that are far away.
- Objects in the Distance are Blurry – Objects that are far away are likely to appear blurred to someone who is short-sighted. If your child mentions not being able to read a sign or see an object that is further away, they may be short-sighted.
- Your Child is Squinting or Partially Closing Their Eyes – One of the major signs of a child being short-sighted is them squinting in order to see clearly.
- They Complain of Headaches – Being short-sighted means squinting and straining the eyes in order to see clearly, which can cause headaches. This is because squinting puts strain on the eyes.
Detecting Eye Conditions in Children
It can be difficult to spot eye conditions in children, as a child may not realise that their vision is not as it should be. Children tend to assume the way they see is normal, even if they are struggling. This is why regular eye examinations are recommended for children under the age of 16. To ensure eye conditions in children are detected and treated as soon as possible, we recommend annual eye tests starting from the age of four.
At Reynolds Opticians, we use a range of techniques to test a child’s eyes. We use a computerised test chart involving pictures, numbers, shapes and letters. If a child is too young to read the standard letter chart used in adult eye exams, we have other techniques on hand to help. To find out more about eye conditions in children or to book an eye examination for a child, get in touch with the Reynolds Opticians team.


Our Campaign Storyends 30 Jun 2020, 11:59 PM
At Abbott, we're all about helping people live the best life they can through good health.
In an environment unlike any we've faced in our lifetimes, Abbott people came together in extraordinary ways to deliver our critically important products to the people who need them. We launched two molecular diagnostic tests to detect COVID-19 and a test to detect antibodies to COVID-19.
And, Abbott has also focused on helping the people of Singapore live their best lives for 50 years. At this unprecedented time, let us come together as One Abbott with Singapore to support vulnerable individuals and families - including healthcare workers, frontline workers, volunteers - whose lives have been negatively affected by COVID-19.
So, do join One Abbott to donate generously to 'Abbott For The Courage Fund'. And, Abbott will match each dollar you give personally with a dollar.*
* Limited to a maximum of SGD50,000/-.
The evolving COVID-19 situation has affected Singaporeans in one way or another, including individuals who are facing loss of income or families that are struggling with additional caregiving duties and additional expenses for essential items.
The Courage Fund was first established in 2003 when Singapore was hit by the SARS outbreak. Fellow Singaporeans donated generously to the Fund to support those who were affected by the outbreak. In this same spirit of uniting the community to support one another through difficult times, Community Chest is rallying the community to provide relief and support to those affected by the current COVID-19 situation.
Where Will Your Donations Go?
Donations will go towards supporting and providing relief to vulnerable individuals and families, including healthcare workers, frontline workers and volunteers, affected by the COVID-19 situation. Find out more about The Courage Fund COVID-19 Relief Schemes and their eligibility criteria at https://www.ncss.gov.sg/thecouragefund.
For further queries on relief schemes, please contact us at [email protected]
For further queries on The Courage Fund, please contact us at [email protected]
Let us stay united in the face of this challenge and we will emerge stronger together.
About The Charity
Community Chest is the fundraising and engagement arm of the National Council of Social Service (NCSS), which is the national co-ordinating body for social service agencies in Singapore.
The National Council of Social Service (the "Council") was established as a statutory body on 1 May 1992 under the National Council of Social Service Act (Chapter 195A amended in September 2000) (the "Act") and is domiciled in Singapore. The registered office of the Council and principal place of operations is at NCSS Centre, Ulu Pandan Community Building, 170 Ghim Moh Road #01-02, Singapore 279621.
The NCSS Charitable Fund was established on 1 May 2003, as an Institution of a Public Character (IPC) under the Charities Act (Chapter 37) and comprises all the charitable activities of NCSS, including the Community Chest.


Computer games have a lot of popularity in our times today as there are a lot of people that are entertained in playing them. Computer games can be quite challenging and we should know that there are a lot of gaming platforms that we are able to use in order to do some computer gaming. We should know that the PC or the desktop computer is one of the most popular gaming consoles or computer that we are able to have as it is highly customable and we could have parts that would have the best specifications that we need in computer gaming. Building a gaming PC is quite different from other gaming consoles where its parts are already fixed or you may not be able to customize them. A gaming PC can have its parts replaced and improve a lot easier and we should know that there are a lot of different kinds of computer parts that are available in the market. There are a lot of games nowadays that would have a much more advanced setting and graphics which can have a much higher demand for our gaming consoles. The gaming desktop PC is the best platform that we can use for computer gaming and if we want to have the best experience in computer gaming, it is important that we should know how to build our own BLD gaming desktop.
We should know that there are a lot of websites on the internet that would contain information on gaming PC’s as well as other platforms. We would be able to do some research online on how we are able to build our own gaming desktop. We should know that there are websites that have topics and discussions on the latest gaming parts that we are able to have and doing our shopping would be much easier if we know what parts or specifications we need on our gaming PC. We should know that a gaming PC could also be expensive depending on the parts that we are going to buy but it would be much more affordable for us if we know how to build our own set-up and not buy one that is already built. We should also know that building your own gaming PC can be quite an experience and it would surely be rewarding if you are going to complete your own gaming PC set-up. Learn more here letsbld.com.
For more info, visit – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaming_computer


text:
Oh hello there, what would you like to find?
Treat Yo' Self Greeting Card
Well that's what birthdays are for. Treatin'! This greeting card from Card Nest features beautiful iridescent foil lettering by Christian De Cianni. The perfect card to slip a tenner in and send off!
From Card Nest
Size: A6 (105 x 148mm / 4.1 x 5.8 inches). - that fits as a standard sized letter in the UK mail.
Blank inside for your own message.
Provided with a cream envelope.
Made in the UK.

domain: design


text:
Former Man Utd defender Daley Blind wants Jurrien Timber to stay at Ajax for another season amid speculation linking him to Old Trafford.
Timber has been in brilliant form this season for Ajax as he helped the club win the Eredivisie, playing 43 times in all competitions.
The Netherlands international made his breakthrough season in 2020/21 and has now gone on to make 74 appearances for the Dutch club, while earning seven senior caps for his national team.
Timber has been heavily linked with a move to Man Utd following the arrival of former Ajax boss Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford – but Blind is hoping his compatriot will remain at the Johan Cruijff ArenA for another season.
During a national team press conference, Blind said: “He is wise enough to make his own choices. I don’t need to explain what kind of talent and player he is. How important he is to us.
“What he shows from the start though is unbelievable. Of course, as a teammate, I hope he stays for another year. I cannot influence that.
“I can only say that Ajax must do its best to keep him.”
Speaking recently, Timber said that he doesn’t feel like he’s “done at the club” and admitted that his “gut feeling” will decide his future.
Man Utd-linked Timber said: “In the end, my gut feeling will be the deciding factor. The picture has to be right.
“You can go to a big club. But if you’re not going to play there it’s better to stay with Ajax. And Ajax is also a big club. We play football in the Champions League and I play there together with the best players in the Netherlands. That is not nothing.
“Of course, I can develop further [at Ajax]. I am 100 per cent sure of that. I don’t feel like I’m done at the club. But I can also develop at other clubs.
“I am now focusing on the upcoming international matches and then go on holiday. Then I’ll have to think about it some more.”
But one Dutch journalist is absolutely convinced Timber will end up at Man Utd next season as he’s “made his mind up”.
Marcel van der Kraan told talkSPORT: “I’m absolutely convinced he’s going to get Timber in at Manchester United. I know the player said he has to think about leaving Ajax… I think it was all political talk.
“I think he’s already made his mind up and he will join Ten Hag.”


A week before the launch of the Burgman Street, dealerships have started displaying the new scooter and accepting bookings. Some dealers have also stated the upcoming 125cc scooter is likely to be priced from Rs 68,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi). Deliveries are expected to begin by the end of July or early August.
At present, there’s no official word on pricing, but according to a dealer in Delhi, the Burgman Street is likely to be priced from 68,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi). We can expect Mumbai pricing to be slightly higher than that. The Suzuki Access 125 SE, on which it is based, retails for Rs 60,718 (ex-showroom, Delhi) for the CBS variant.
The Burgman Street will compete against the Honda Grazia, priced at Rs 63,994 (disc brake variant), and the TVS Ntorq 125, which costs Rs 59,687. There's also the sporty Aprilia SR 125 that costs Rs 66,957 (all prices, ex-showroom, Delhi) The scooter was first showcased at the 2018 Auto Expo earlier this year.
The Burgman Street uses maxi-scooter styling that’s inspired from the larger Burgman range sold in global markets. It’s also the first made-in-India Suzuki scooter to feature an LED headlight and an all-digital instrument console. In terms of features, the flagship Suzuki scooter has been equipped with a multi-function key slot, large underseat storage, a 12V charging socket (likely to be an optional extra), cubbyhole below the handlebar and an LED tail-lamp.
Powering the scooter is the Access 125-sourced 124.3cc motor producing 8.6hp at 6,500rpm and 10.2Nm at 5,000rpm. Other mechanicals of the Burgman Street are also shared with its 125cc sibling. For braking, the upcoming scooter employs a disc brake unit at the front and a drum unit at the rear. Since the Burgman Street is an all-new product, CBS is standard.
Suzuki Burgman Street reaches dealerships prior to launch
Suzuki Burgman Street India launch on July 19
2018 Suzuki Burgman Street: 5 things you need to know


text:
The world is full of delicious, mouthwatering food, and some people even make it a life mission to travel all around the globe and taste every dish there is. Of course, delicacies around the world vary from culture to culture, and to foreigners, one or two of these dishes can be quite shocking and daunting to taste.
We call these dishes exotic food, but how exotic can some of these foods get? here are 15 of the most exotic dishes served around the world:
1. Fried Tarantula
Spiders are scary, and tarantulas– well, they’re on a whole other level. Most people go the opposite direction when they see these big, hairy, arachnids, but in Cambodia, the locals see it as a native delicacy. Fried Tarantulas are commonly sold in the streets, but expensive restaurants in the country offer them too.Would you dare to try one?
A popular delicacy in Scotland, Haggis is made from the innards of a sheep, mostly its lungs, heart, and liver. They make a savory pudding out of it by adding different spices, onions, potatoes, and other condiments, and after, they stuff it all in the sheep’s stomach and boils if for three hours or more. To newbies, the dish doesn’t look a bit appetizing, but the locals swear it’s delicious.
3. Casu Marzu
You’d think that Italy is only home to some of the most delicious food in the world, but they actually have a local exotic dish that only those with the strongest guts are willing to try. Casu Marzu is a type of fermented goat cheese that is basically left to rot so maggots could feast and lay eggs on it. To make it worse, locals eat this cheese while worms are still writhing on them. They said it gives the cheese a unique texture and taste, but honestly, I’d rather not check.
Octopus dishes are found in different parts of the world, and some even agree that it tastes better than squid. In South Korea, however, they have an octopus dish called Sannakji, which is made from a live baby octopus. The dish is served fresh with several spices, and what makes this dish exotic is that the tentacles are still moving as you eat them!
5. Wasp Crackers
Eating insects have become a trend in the food industry lately, and in Japan, they have a delicacy called Wasp Crackers, which is basically crackers filled with wasps. These crackers are cheap, and is extremely famous around Japan. Can you handle eating a crunchy cracker and finding a whole wasp inside it? Gross!
Durian is a type of fruit typically found in Asia, and despite its savory taste, it’s considered exotic because of its strong smell. Durian can be eaten in a variety of ways, but many prefer to eat it raw. The smell is so bad though, imagine eating a type of food that smells like vomit or sewers!
7. Raw Cobra Heart
If you’re ever in Vietnam, try consuming this dish if you’re brave enough. Eating a live cobra heart is normal in Vietnam, as they believe it has properties that can enhance the virility of males. The locals kill the cobras straight-up, and they pull out its heart while it’s still beating. You have to eat it immediately, so make sure you’re 100% decided when you try it out!
8. Century Eggs
Century eggs are made by preserving any kind of egg in clay, salt, and other ingredients for a couple of months until it is ready to serve. Commonly found in China, not all agree with this food, since century eggs have such a strong odor that smells like rotten meat. After preservation, the eggs turn almost black, and the yolks turn into a jelly-like texture. Yucks!
9. Bat Paste
A common delicacy in Thailand, bat paste is made by simply boiling a bat in milk until it turns soft enough to mush. The concoction is then added with various spices to give it a distinct flavor. I don’t know what they do with this, do they use it as a sandwich spread? If so, ewww.
10. Kopi Luwak
Not really food but coffee, Kopi Luwak is considered one of the most expensive coffee in the world. However, it’s also considered exotic since the coffee is made with the droppings of an animal called Palm Civet. Kopi Luwak is only found in Indonesia. Imagine drinking coffee made from animal shit!
Hakarl is a delicacy only found in Iceland and typically served during the Icelandic Winter Festival. Hakarl is made from shark meat which is left to rot in the ground for a few months. After the decomposition process, the meat turns into a white-colored flesh, which is then eaten straight up by locals.
12. Tuna Eyeball
Tuna is one of the most delicious types of fish, but in Japan, its eyeballs are also considered a delicacy. To prepare this dish, the locals only cook the biggest tuna eyeballs they can get, and after cleaning them up, they make a stew out of them. The whole thing looks gross, but according to the locals, tuna eyeballs are one of the most delicious food in the whole world.
13. Sheep Head
A traditional South African dish, the locals first take out the brains and flesh from the head before they chop the meat and add a variety of spices to make the dish flavorful. Apparently, the most delicious part of this dish is the sheep’s eyes.
14. Bear Claws
This dish is quite a controversy in China nowadays, as animal rights activists are trying to put an end to this practice. Apparently, the Chinese believe that eating bear claws has lots of advantages to the health, but the process of preparing this dish is so extreme as the bear needs to be tortured first before being killed because it releases certain toxins to the claws that give it its delicious taste. Mind you, it’s also very expensive.
One of the most famous exotic dishes in the world, Balut is a Filipino delicacy where fertilized chicken or duck eggs with semi-developed embryos inside are boiled before eaten. It’s a popular street food in the Philippines and commonly served with beer. It’s quite delicious, but make sure to eat the inside of the egg in one gulp!
This post was created with our nice and easy submission form. Create your post!


text:
Historical biography, United States history, United States travel and geography
Synthetic audio, Automated braille
Learn all about the fascinating lives and tremendous impact of 100 extraordinary Black Americans with this fact-packed biography collection for kids 10 and up. Educational and engaging, 100 African Americans Who Shaped American History features:Simple, easy-to-read textIllustrated portraits of each… figure Fascinating facts about famous and lesser-known Black heroesA timeline, trivia questions, project ideas and more!From Benjamin Banneker to Harriet Tubman, Duke Ellington to Rosa Parks, Malcolm X to John Lewis and many more, readers will be introduced to artists, activists, icons, ands legends throughout history. Organized chronologically, 100 African Americans Who Shaped American History offers a look at the prominent role these men and women played and how their talents, ideas, and expertise have influenced the country from its very beginning all the way through the present day.

domain: history


text:
Can Israel's Labour Party Return to Power?
Album, Andrew, The Middle East
With Prime Minister Netanyahu and his Likud Party being racked by division and animosity, could Israel's Labour Party seize the initiative? As Andrew Album reports, new leader Ehud Barak, whilst attempting to woo the voters, is facing problems of his own.
Although he may be enjoying a healthy lead in the opinion polls, Israeli Labour Party's new leader Ehud Barak is facing up to the fact that his honeymoon period has come to an end. At a recent meeting of the party's delegation in the Knesset, Israel's parliament, his opponents recently launched a concerted attack on him.
Charged with using dictatorial methods and failing to consult, his opponents did not mince their words. Leading party member Haggai Merom is reported to have told him: "We looked up at Rabin and Peres when we opposed them but you we look at right in the eye. Get it into your head, you are not one of them."
Added former minister Uzi Baram, "wherever I go I hear bad things about you, and I am hard pressed to say something in your favour."
Barak was clearly shaken by the criticism, but has countered it by claiming it is borne out of disagreements with his centrist views on the peace process, rather than his leadership methods. "I know I am not inspiring the tribe of party loyalists. I could position myself further to the left and make them happy. But look at the receptions I get in Likud bastions," he says, "it's totally different from anything Labour leaders have ever had before."
In fact, Barak seems more concerned with the possible threat from a new centre party, formed by malcontents in the Likud such as Defence Minister Yitzhak Mordechai or Tel Aviv mayor Ronnie Milo, than any opposition from his left flank. As he is quick to point out, the opinion polls show him clearly ahead of Netanyahu.
Columnist Ze'ev Chafets is dismissive of Barak's opinion poll lead. "This is an alarmingly weak showing, considering Netanyahu's spectacular incompetence and the fact that he is disliked and distrusted by everyone from his cabinet colleagues to his wife."
Added to Chafets barbed observation is the fact that opinion polls in Israel have consistently overstated the popularity of the Labour party. The result has been frequent surprises from the Likud, such as in 1996, when the pollsters claimed Labour's Shimon Peres was clearly ahead, but Netanyahu snatched victory from under his nose.
At the moment, Barak's Labour opponents do not seem to have a clear candidate to unite around. The most likely front runner, Chaim Ramon, himself has enemies in the party and is also being touted as a potential partner in the new centrist party.
One other possibility is the current army Chief of Staff Amnon Shahak, who is due to retire from the army in the summer. He is known to be keen to join the Labour party and some have been suggesting that he should challenge Barak for the leadership of the Labour party.
According to recent press reports, such a move is not on Shahak's agenda. A plum position such as shadow Defence Minister is almost guaranteed and, given the long-standing friendship between the two, it is claimed that Shahak would prefer to work with Barak in returning Labour to government as quickly as possible.
Still, in the meantime, Barak is working on redefining the image of the Labour Party amongst the country's Jewish population. The aim is clear -- to broaden the party's appeal to large sections of the country which it has previously shunned, not only as a way of attracting disaffected Likud voters, but also to improve his potential to build a coalition government in the future.
His prime target is Israel's Sephardi Jews, those who came from Arab countries and now constitute a majority of the country's Jewish population. …


10 p.m. Sat., Jan. 16
AllWays Lounge, 2240 St. Claude Ave., 218-5778; www.marignytheatre.org
Alynda Lee solo show
10 p.m. Fri., Jan. 15
Circle Bar, 1032 St. Charles Ave., 588-2616
- Alynda Lee learned to play the banjo when she moved to New Orleans.
Today, as her band Hurray For the Riff Raff readies its second self-released album, Young Blood Blues, the Bronx, N.Y. native has the admiration of some influential tastemakers. Rolling Stone included the three-piece band in its January 2009 Hype Monitor. Sean Moeller of the Web site Daytrotter.com, who recorded a four-song session with the group in October, compared Lee's ageless voice to Judy Garland's: "She sings as if there's no rush, as if her stories have been there for a while."
It's likely neither compliment meant as much to the singer/songwriter as Liliwonka44's, the anonymous French teenager who filmed herself feeling out a lovingly measured cover of the Riff Raff's "Bricks" in her bedroom and posted the video on YouTube in June. "That is so crazy!" exclaims Lee, who stumbled on it searching for concert clips. "It's nice to get an outside look, like, 'Oh, I make that weird face when I sing that song.' Then I found that. Bizarre. It's really awesome, though."
It could've been a glimpse at her younger self. Lee says she picked up her primary instrument, banjo, on the fly, a result of falling in with various downtown busker troupes shortly after landing in town. They still gig together, serenading tourists on Royal Street or tucked into the alcove of Frenchmen Street's Cafe Rose Niçaud.
"Everything just fell into place," she says. "I met some kids that are now playing with this jazz band, Tuba Skinny Jazz Band. They basically taught me how to play music. I started playing the banjo and playing with them on the street. Through that, I began to get more confidence to feel like I could write songs."
She now has 25 recorded. This week's release of the 10-track Young Blood Blues concentrates 2008's gorgeous, if gangly, debut It Don't Mean I Don't Love You while expanding its sound in every direction. Lee's exquisite gypsy-folk gems still resemble hymns: a banjo's tinny strings typically shivering a few lone notes before her soft contralto offers a blanket. But Blues feels like a more studied work, its lead tracks often led by an organ ("Little Things"), accordion ("Too Much of a Good Thing"), drumbeat ("Is That You?") or violin (waltzing Gillian Welch altar "Slow Walk").
Many were spontaneous decisions encouraged by recording engineers Chris George and Daniel Majorie, whose Algiers studio the Living Room provided a bridge for the Riff Raff's evolution from bedroom folk project to full-on country band. "It was really nice to have drums and to have some more rock 'n' roll-sounding songs," Lee says. "But I think more so what I want to do is get into this country vein. We're changing, but it's all going in the right direction."
Validation is coming from everywhere. Lee was selected by Jason Molina (Songs: Ohia, Magnolia Electric Co.) to open a Circle Bar show, unfortunately canceled for health reasons. "That, too, totally surprised me," she says. "I kind of figured they picked me out of random. It sounds like he heard the band and liked it, which is a big honor."
Noshing at the Cake Cafe months back, Lee recognized the bearded man at a nearby table: Will Oldham of Palace and Bonnie "Prince" Billy. Swallowing her pride, she put a CD in his hands. The alt-country icon has since become a fan. "It felt like a totally New Orleans experience, how things here just work differently. I ran into this guy I really admire and decided to give him my CD. It felt really personal in this New Orleans way."