How do you make a classic of a classic?
First you take a legend in the form of Aretha franklin with her distinct captivating voice and add in producers like of Babyface, Terry Hunter, Andre "3000" Benjamin and Harvey Mason, Jr. The results speak volumes on the Aretha Franklin Sings the great diva classics.
The album, in a class of its own, opens with the Babyface/Antonio Dixon produced Etta James' "At last" featuring Kirk Walum on saxophone. Of course this song by the artist named Rolling Stones' Greatest Singer of All Time hits a nerve and creates something passionate as it gets a new lease on life. The vocal and sax throwback towards the end is so amazing.
She adds a feeling nobody else could add to the chart topping "Rolling in the deep" by Adele. Spicing it up with Ashfor & Simpson's "Ain't no mountain high enough", it takes you along as it reaches a new high and just stays right there.
Enjoy the (Cissy Houston & later popularised by Gladys Knight & The Pips) "Midnight train to Georgia" that emancipates your emotional senses. Guided by Babyface/Antonio Dixon again, it creates that warm fuzzy feeling inside that grips you from beginning to end. If you find yourself singing along, don't deny the feeling and just let it be. Cissy actually appears as one of the backing vocals on this song and many others).
"I will survive" is a breath of fresh that Aretha and Terry Hunter/DJ Wayne Williams manage to steer in a classy funky feel that has its own life. Old folk, young at heart and those who appreciate good music will be moved into a new sphere by this vibrant and explosive interpretation that gets mixed with elements of Destiny's Child "Survivor".
The two take her to the dance floor with the funky "You keep me hangin' on" (The Supremes) with the star on the piano. Just move to the beat.
The Underdogs steer the ship to the green Caribbean fields with a take on Alicia Keys' "No one". Also featuring Kirk Whalum on sax, "Teach me tonight" is a lesson in taking things gentle and means so much more in its laidback mode.
She fully encompasses all thing woman with "I 'm every woman (Chaka Khan)/Respect (Otia Rdding)" that does things deep inside and oozes beauty. This luxuriating and stupendous classic is guided by Eric Kupper.
André 3000 adds something spunky to the groovy and aptly titled "Nothing compares 2 U" (Prince/Sinead O'çonnor). Love the scatting and instrumental play on the jazzy song that is just warmth all the way. By Mandla Motau
Jonathan Butler is living his musical dream on his latest album that sees him flaunt his guitar prowess and just as comfortable vocally.
Setting off with a percussive start, the star kicks off the album with the pacey and powerful "African breeze" that surely puts you in the mood for a great musical time. Led by his guitar and featuring a thumping bass-line, this upbeat breeze ushers in something energetic and stupendous.
"Living my dream" is a statement making track about what he has been through and where he is at now. 'Looking back on my life, can't believe I am still here, all the struggles, all the fights, all the things that I feared, 'They can't touch me now, they can't hold me down,' he boldly recounts on the track. "This is real, he continues, '...I gotta tell the world.'
Shhh..., "Be still" as his guitar tells you a story worth listening to, and should I say going through with the monstrous track. Co-written by the late great George Duke, the sincere track gets groovy as it moves on, with the accompanying instrumentals making it a marvel, especially the piano by the late. Marcus Miller also appears on the track with his statement making bass.
"Let there be light" adds brightness to the mood and leaves everything as clear as they should be. This is a sedating track that opens up your musical senses and will rhythmical leave you in a stupor.
The passionate "Heart and Soul" takes you on a soulful journey that will surely strengthen your partner's love and commitment to you. In case you thought real r&b is no more, this track straddles in a beautiful way as he Jonathan lays down his vocals in a touching way that is filled with excitement and the music just creating the perfect mood.
"Song for you" will knock off of your feet and work its way to you jolly mood soundtrack. A bit of funk here and there, some step and reggae elements in the mix, this is an elegant track that could easily be a radio single masses will move too in unison.
Jonathan brings it back home on the unmistakably Afro-jazz inspired "Catembe". Moving and fulfilling, it surely will make your day with its musicality and will see many respond to its interactive nature/feel.
You can't fault him and will easily understand what he means when he hits you with "Night to remember". The track captures the mood and simply spices up the atmosphere for such.
...and when he moves to "All about love", the mood has been set and the message simply flows from that. Just to keep the juices flowing, he nicely keeps the sparks going with the lovely paced and the laid back "Sweet serenade". This one of those tracks where you get lost in him as he straddles the guitar on stage.
He closes the album perfectly with the mesmerising and suave "Prayer". You will find yourself singing along to the muted vocals that will take you to a greater space towards the end of the song, ending this masterpiece in an elevated way.
Pure work of genius this is! By Mandla Motau
"Think like a man too" is accompanied by the Queen of Hop-hop/soul Mary J Blige, of course that's musically speaking.
The star has hooked with a number of respected R&B producers such as Pharell Williams, Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, Jerry "Wonda"Duplessis, C. "Tricky"Stewart, and more to record the movie's accompanying music and tracks inspired by the flick.
The album opens with the remake of the classic "A night to remember". Darkchild adds his funky beats to elevate the track to the now, while retaining its originality, age and edge. Massive and lovely work it is.
You will get your groove on with the moving "Moment of love". 'l wish you could feel what it's like in a moment of love.' You will love this moment and the track might just be the light you need to make you see it.
Pharell is featured on "See that boy again" that hits the spot with its emotive nature. Mr Happy adds happiness to the longing song with his calming voice that is full of promise for what she searches for.
"Wonderful", featuring a Tribe Called Quest's "Push it along", beams energy thanks to its moving and lovely bass line. "Kiss and make up" creates some warm memories worth the peace offering it's made off. If beauty was a song, this would be one of those tracks it would be made off."
I wouldn't mind such sweet sounding "Cargo" that lights up the mood. Vocally and musically strong, it takes you back to the days when R&B was the shit and will leave you fulfilled.
Adding some hard hitting bass lines, some raga undertones and hip-hop beats, "Suitcase" might be what one needs to help open their eyes and see what they could be losing. Hopefully this would be before the suitcase is packed.
"I want you" is an eclectic sounding number that oozes energy. Pounding and fuelled, it has that powered strike and surely sounds like Mary means business and just might get what she wants. Check out the guitar riff past the halfway mark through the song and elevated with the song, as it hits a higher level that also includes vocal delights.
If you about "Self love", this passionate track will help you look 'in the mirror' again and help you find your way. "Power back", is such a vibrant beauty and excites inside with its colourful nature. Mary takes her "Power back" with the honest words, 'I love me too much to wanna be you...'
"All fun and games" is a frank and direct approach track that doesn't mince any words. 'It's Áll fun and games 'til somebody gets hurt' hits the honest track that puts it like it is.
It all gets "Better" as Mary delivers this enmeshing track that is bold and engaging. The chorus is just captivating and hits home in the most touching way.
The epic "Propose" deservedly claims its place in that territory. It is huge, it glitters and moving, and definitely worth its worth in gold. By Mandla Motau
From time to time, an artist drops in and excites the music industry in more ways than usual.
Mali Music is one such artist and his album, available on iTunes, is a potpourri of different sounds and his vocals something to listen to without reservation. He also joins the elite list of artists who switch between rap and singing with stunning results.
"No Fun alone" opens in an explosive way and reminds of D'Angelo mixed up with some Fugees sound and some new elements, and you will be hooked. The scorching "Fire" then heats you up deep inside with its hip hop meets new age sounds. The delivery is just on point and just as illuminating.
He takes it to a love space and does it so passionately on the sing-along and undeniable "Beautiful" with the catchy 'say yeah'. Lemme hear you 'say yeah' to this beautiful track. It is amazing.
Mali turns up the heat with the vibrant "Happy love". There is no denying the intensity of the track that takes over with its power. It commands attention and delivers satisfaction.
And when he moves to familiar hip-hop space on "Fight for you", there is something different with the way he does his thing. It lights up in the most exciting way Here him flow relentlessly, as he moves from singing to rap and you will be impressed.
"Walking shoes" has that alternative music beat mixed up with hip hop elements. This mix just takes his music to the next step – like he sings 'step 1, step 2', and adds a spark that doesn't go off. Love it (oopsie, I mean I love everything I have heard so far for different reasons).
He is on a ragga tip on "One" and it's just amazing. Get blown away with the relentless delivery that ends off with a short lived dub run down and then clap along "Make it" and rap to it as it promises nothing but Joyous times. It will take you back to church, times with you boys/girls and deliver you to fun sphere.
He is on a mellow mood and hits with some hard raps on "Little lady", It is lovely, as it shines with the colourful 'little lady' all over. Check out the break before the end and then once again pick up.
Love the snare and the guitar that protrudes on "Royalty". Just the way the song builds up to the chorus that draws you in and doesn't let go with its captivating nature.
Mali does a reality check on the poignant acoustic "Johnny & Donna". The stupendous track relates a story of lovers who end up having a baby and all the trials and tribulations of what happens when life throws its twists and turns, as you think you are living it.
You will feel submerged by this talent, albeit breathing easy from its emancipating nature. By Mandla Motau
The Roots have stood the test of time and are testament that hip-hop can be both issue based and musical, and not just dependent on the computers, effects, and machines in the studio, and about living the high life and sometimes calling each other names.
Known to a worldwide audience as 'Late Night with Jimmy Fallon' (now "The Late Night show starring Jimmy Fallon) on NBC, the act is back with their latest album, "...and then you shoot your cousin", a potpourri of musical elements added to the hip hop base. It hits church, goes the down South, moves to the blues corner, helms classic halls, and still fully interest with its individuality and it is all played LIVE.
"Hip-hop's first legitimate band" according to about.com, Quest Love, Black Thought, and team prove once again that they haven't been taken over by the in sounds and stay true to their musicality. Theirs is a journey irrespective of the fact that it's on disc or enjoyed in your living room, or with friends who live music.
The legendary "Nina Simone" is on hand to open the album in a powerful way with the hypnotic theme from "Middle of the night". ...and then Patty Crash is on hand to lace "Never" with her warm and touching voice before Black Thought enters the fray with his conscious rap. 'This is reality man...', he states on the track that sets the tone for the album.
The piano leads the way before 'Lights, camera, camera co-reaction...' on "When the people cheer" featuring Modesty Lycan, who sings her lines in a welcoming way, and rapper Greg Porn throwing in some punches.
Who is "The devil"? "The devil looks a lot like you and I" states the introspective song featuring Mary Lou Williams. Before you get a chance to ponder on that, they hit you with the vibrant classic hip-hop fuelled "Black Rock" feat. Dice Raw, and Black Thought lighting the way for the rapper.
Black Thought is back spitting fire with Dice on the organ led "Understand", also featuring Greg Porn. 'People ask for, till the day he comes, see God's face, turn around and run...' goes the track. 'God sees the face of man shaking his head saying he never understand...' Probe yourself through this track if would you understand.
Get immersed in "The dark (trinity)" intensity that has a groovy rhythmic pounce. Poignant, this parental guidance track hits home with the above two (Greg and Dice) spitting some heavy lines to the raw beats. This is the power of music.
Mercedes Martinez leads the stupendous "The coming" with her arresting vocals. The epic track will rip you apart and stitch you up on with its piano and strings rendition.
Raheem DeVaugn is on hand to unravel something epic on "The unravelling". The hypnotic track feels like a journey and will have you wilfully joining in on the ride. "...free at last, free at last" goes Black Thought, "...a different me at last."
And then whistle along to the lively and motivational "Tomorrow". "So see that happiness will never find you, until you find yourself..," hits the vibrant track. "...I say you free to be yourself," it later continues, "..we all fall short sometimes," rhymes Raheem on the track that closes the album on a perfect high. By Mandla Motau
'Long as the n***gas right then we alright, long as the women right then we alright....' powers in Euro, Birdman and Lil Wayne on the bold statement making "We alright" from the fierce "Rise of an empire" album from Young Money.
Of course, the stable has been making lotta noise and money for a long time now, and has pinned down the success route all over the hip-hop world and pop charts. This latest album features names under the label from Captain Lil Wayne, Birdman, Drake, Tyga, Nicki Minaj and is just a showcase of the star power within the label.
Leading the album is the punchy first single "Trophies" helmed by Drake. Drake makes it known why he is one of the top acts in the rap game now, as he spits relentless on the groovy track, and yes it has caught on with its vibrancy.
Euro teams up with Lil Twist and Cory Gunz on the hard-hitting "Bang". 'Check, ...sometimes I think I'm Michael Jordan, Michael Tyson, Michael Phelpson, Michael Jackson.... warns the rappers on the track that hits from all sides. 'Should I ...bang...!"
Euro then makes a rousing "Induction Speech" that takes a well-deserved break halfway through and when he says 'but I..., I don't think I'm done yet' you just know that it's on and he rips the track apart non-stop, and you can't fault him when says '...I think realise that I made it tonight, U gotta hear how I made it tonight, cause its crazy how I made it' after relaying his story. 'Thanks to my flows, now you be more than good if you pay for my verses....' continues the rapper, "now I am running stage after stage with a story....'
Take a "Moment" to be taken on a smooth and yet introspective ride by Lil Wizzy. This is one of those multi-layered 'rollercoaster' tracks that will get you thinking, while pulling you in with its power. 'Turn the music up'.
Tyga, Nicki & Lil Wayne are vibrant on the reverberating and bouncy "Senile". Nicki is "Looking a***" as she honestly says it like she it in only how Nicki can. "N***ga this, b**tch A** n***ga that, ...'stop looking at ma a*** n***as' ," she openly lets loose.
Tyga rides with Lil Twist and YG on "One time" that takes you right back to the G funk era, reminding you of the late Warren G along the way as it hits from right to left. "Hittin like" by Shanell & Channel West Coast stays true to its title in the gentlest way possible.
PJ Morton, Mack Maine, Gudda Gudda & Jae Millz gang up "You already know". Stating the obvious like 'Numbers don't lie, you should check the charts' and 'what you make for a year's salary, we make in one night, I ain't bragging, I ain't boasting, It's a sign of success, It's the fruits of my labour' the track is about what the label has done. 'They say life is a movie, you should act like you know'.
Say what you wanna say, but young money is fresh, young and well, flashy. Young money baby... By Mandla Motau
Donald's rise and rise in the music scene has been "Unpredictable".
The same applies to the award-winner's latest house and acoustic double album, "Black and white" led by the single "Unpredictable". Delivered in a falsetto of note, the track has been rising up the charts and making some crazy marks along the way. It is an example of what the potent album possesses.
Musically attuned by producer Percy 'Mr VIP' Tlokotse and co-producer Steve "Sticky" Raphadu, "I rise" kicks off the House disc with its sentimental melody. The claps are just perfectly placed in this groovy track that deserves applause.
Be drawn in by the beautiful guitar immersed "Searching". The instrument makes the search even more enjoyable and something to look forward to every time the vibrant song begins. It also has these captivating percussive elements, which puts it in a class of its own.
The perky Bucie of Superman fame gets on the ride with him as they deliver the torchy "Don't let it burn". She oozes life when she comes through and helps take the track higher. You will love the way they blend together on the chorus that is just beauty itself.
Passionate and exquisite, "Crazy but amazing" will make you fall in love with his music, while "Spirit" has that emancipative feel to it and frees you up inside. Feel the funk as you "Rise and fall" gentle to Donald's excellent beats and rhythmically spectacular track.
"Beautiful people" sees the singer delivering vocally strong lyrics, accompanied by the blowing hot and hot horns and killing it with its piano lines. Big Nuz gets on the ride on "Party for 2", creating a massive party for four with an open invitation for music lovers, and lovers. The track has that wedding step to it and it wouldn't be a surprise if it ends up as many a holy matrimony soundtrack.
"Love lost" will find you with its arresting beat and captivating vocals. No one will be able to hold you back as you want to "Carry on" to his capricious music. It is on point.
Disc two sees the star slowing things down and delivering the very house songs in an acoustic mode. In case you doubted him and thought he was hiding behind the faster house beats, you will be blown away by how he manages to hold your attention vocally and deliver these songs in a gentle and applause worthy way.
You don't have wait long to get testimony to this as the disc opener "I rise" carries the mood beautifully and with such passion. And just when you think that is as far as he will carry you, "Unpredictable" does exactly that and more, and easily gives him a deserving platinum status that will see him easily accepted on jazz and soul stages as well, where they will easily comprehend what he is about musically.
US star Kenny Lattimore is brought in to drive the "Spirit" home. The two create an epic soul jam that proves that the local star is just at home with any international star and has that voice, which can make it anywhere in the world.
He sets fire on "Don't let it burn" with Bucie. This stupendous song and "Spirit" have just booked spots in the elite duets arena.
You will fall all over in love with him again as he delivers "Crazy in love"; the effective "Searching" with its remarkable guitar; "Rise and fall" lit up by the thumping bass lines; creates beauty with "Beautiful people"; the moving "Carry on" and the Mr V.I.P accompanied poignant "Love lost".
This guy is a vocal powerhouse and he will blow you away. By Mandla Motau
Kid Ink has been making a lot of noise and giving musical pointers with Chris Brown on "Show me" with Chris Brown, from his album "My own lane".
The feel good and naughty track will 'remind you of something' as you gleefully try to figure out what it is. One thing for sure is that the music will speak to you. The thumping bass line hits along the same rhythmic lines, as the earlier, on "Rollin'" that will see you bowling.
Chris Breezy also makes a turn on the naughty "Main Chick". Being bad boys, well, they are doing what they do and putting themselves up on this takeover number over the main man.
Kid Ink re-introduces himself to the world with the fitting album opener "Hello World". He then takes it a notch up with the vibrant "Movement".
"Iz U down", ft Tyga asks the relevant question in a percussive bounce-to-this way. He lets loose on "We just came to party", ft August Alsina, seeing the two just 'looking for a good time'.
He is relentless on "No option", featuring the King Los, who spits like crazy on the track, thus leaving U wilth no option but to appreciate the way it is delivered. Pusha T joins in as they "Murda" you with the rolling and forceful cut.
"Tattoo of my name" is one of those hard-hitting tracks that creates a '...different kind of trust when you I see you got a tattoo of my name on you' goes the track. 'Forever, ever, ever ....'. 'yeah, it makes everything official ....' he lays it on the different of love...' track.
Elle Varner & MGK feature on the catchy and pulsating "No miracles". Kid hits back at haters trying to come between him and his love on "I don't care", featuring Maejor Ali. 'B**s tell me just tell me that they love me, they be lying to my face'. That's the price you have got to pay, U wanna lead a life of fame...' he laments.
The bold statement making "More than a king" sees the rapper putting himself high up there and will touch nerves with the poetic run in the sing that changes beats halfway through, thus creating a different animal. 'More than a man, more than a king, more like God....' goes the track.
The album also features the driven star inviting his girl to join in for that "Star power", running things his way on "My system", and brings it on on "Money and the power". He is a "Bad A**" on the groovy and powerful track featuring Meek Will& Wale, saying he is 'feeling like man of the hour ...' and he is 'Bossin' up', as he wraps things up on a high with Asap Ferg & French Montana . By Mandla Motau


ANN ARBOR, MI - Ann Arbor has a goal of getting 80 percent of its streets in good or better condition by 2025.
More specifically, that means 80 percent rated at least 7 out of 10 on the PASER scale, a pavement rating system the city uses.
But can it get there?
A new memo from City Administrator Howard Lazarus to the City Council suggests the city might not be on track to meet that target within the desired timeframe.
Officials believe the city can meet the 80 percent goal for major streets by 2025, but can't say the same for other neighborhood streets classified as "local streets," which account for the majority of the city's roadways.
"For the Local Street system, the model shows significant progress towards the target goal by 2025, but suggests that miles of streets in the target range will fall short of the 80% goal," the memo states.
Reasons cited include rising street repair costs, funding limitations and lack of contractor capacity to take on the work.
"For the Local Street system, additional funding would theoretically move the needle further upward by the target year of 2025," the memo states. "However, contractor capacity is already presenting a challenge at current funding levels."
The costs associated with trucking materials to a construction site typically restrict successful paving bidders to a tight geographic area around the city, the administrator's memo states.
"The city's present level of paving efforts appears to be tapping the full capacity of regularly successful bidders," the memo states. "Coupled with the short Michigan construction season, local paving contractors are already juggling multiple city projects and struggling to successfully deliver awarded projects in a given season."
In an effort to address that challenge, Lazarus said, the city's staff has been making efforts to solicit bids from a wider range of paving contractors, but it's not yet known whether additional contractors from further outside Ann Arbor can bid competitively.
"Another strategy being explored is the possibility of issuing multi-year contracts to 'raise the stakes' and encourage more bidders from out of area," the memo states. "This could also have the added benefit of lowering prices from the city's currently successful bidders."
Council Member Jane Lumm, an independent from the 2nd Ward, said the fact that the city appears to be falling short of its goals on local streets is disappointing, as they account for roughly two-thirds of the street system, with major streets making up the rest.
"I do appreciate staff's honesty and transparency. It would have been easy to just say we're on track and everything's fine," Lumm said.
"But I don't think we should just accept failure at this point," she added. "There is no other issue we hear about more than fixing the roads, and there's not a close second, so we just have to keep working the issue to figure out how we can meet the target."
Lumm said she's troubled by the administration's recommendation to defer major improvement projects, such as State Street and Nixon Road reconstruction projects, until the goals have been met.
"I recognize that there may be trade-offs, but before simply concluding we won't do anything on the Nixon corridor for a decade or so, we need more discussion on that recommendation," she said, adding there also needs to be more discussion about tapping into fund balances. She said she'll be making sure that's front and center in the city's upcoming budget discussions for the next fiscal year.
Multiple City Council candidates who recently ran on platforms calling for picking up the pace on street repairs are slated to take office in November, changing the makeup of council. They'll have a chance to decide whether to shift more money toward fixing local streets when they approve the city's next annual budget next May.
The city increased funding for street repairs this fiscal year by taking $4.3 million from cash reserves.
The city has been scoring the pavement conditions for all streets on a three-year cycle and did so in 2014 and 2017.
The administrator's memo notes the 2017 ratings showed the major street system progressing toward the desired target range, while local streets experienced a reduction of miles in the target range.
"This reflected, in part, prior commitments of funding heavily to projects in the Major Street system," the memo states.
Information provided by the city shows the percentage of local neighborhood streets rated 1 to 3 on the PASER scale (failing or poor condition) rose from 30 percent to 43 percent from 2014 to 2017, while the percentage rated 4 to 6 (fair or good) dropped from 31 percent to 28 percent, and the percentage rated 7 to 10 (good to excellent) dropped from 39 percent to 29 percent.
Along major corridors, the percentage of city streets rated 1 to 3 rose from 22 percent to 24 percent, while the percentage rated 4 to 6 dropped from 33 percent to 26 percent, and the percentage rated 7 to 10 ticked up from 45 percent to 49 percent.
An analysis of city records by The Ann Arbor News and MLive found the city had 266 failing segments on roughly 175 different city streets with a score of 1 out of 10 last year.
Several streets, including some rated as failing in 2017, have been repaved since then, while others have gotten worse.
Lazarus suggests in his new memo that the city may have inadvertently rated some streets too harshly. He said the rating technique used in 2014 and 2017 appears to be over-reporting the percentage of streets in the bottom range.
"Those previous ratings utilized a very intense technical procedure that generated a rating called a Pavement Condition Index (PCI) score that was then mathematically converted to the PASER rating system," the memo states. "PASER ratings are based on a general visual exam. It appears that the conversion between systems rates streets more harshly at the lower end of the scale."
Lazarus said the city plans to switch to using direct PASER ratings to avoid that in the future, and the city plans to start rating pavement conditions every two years to better track progress. That means the next ratings will be done in 2019 instead of 2020.
Lazarus said that provides more opportunity for any needed course corrections, such as directing additional dollars to local streets.
While the city may be falling short of its goal for local streets, the administrator's memo suggests the number of local streets in poor condition still will be considerably reduced by 2025.
"In other words, there are likely to be many streets rated 5 or 6, just below the target rating of 7," the memo states. "The model describes 5 as the bottom of 'Fair' and 7 as the top, so all such ratings fall in the same general pavement rating category."
Escalating street treatment costs are one of the challenges the administrator's memo discusses.
"Costs per square yard for pavement treatments rose significantly during the economic upturn that occurred after the original model was generated in 2014," the memo states.
"The result of this was that less miles of street were treated in 2014-2018 with available funds than originally anticipated in the model. Recent bidding seems to indicate a trend toward stabilization of costs."
Typically about 40 percent of the city's available funding for streets is restricted by funding guidelines to use on major streets, which represent about 34 percent of all city streets, the memo states.
A city analysis of projected revenues shows available annual funding ranging from $12.9 million to $18.3 million through 2025.
The city's model suggests allocating those funds primarily to the local street system would be the most optimal use.
The administrator's memo notes the city didn't begin intensive use of new preventive maintenance and surface treatment techniques until after the last pavement ratings in June 2017.
"These treatments, along with traditional resurfacing and reconstruction efforts, are serving to elevate significant miles of streets to the target range," the memo states.
"In addition, the crack-sealing treatment also being utilized serves to stabilizes roads with current PASER ratings of 7 to maintain them within the rating target for a number of years."
When the next ratings are done in 2019, the memo states, the effects of those treatments -- coupled with a direct PASER rating of the system -- will enable a "significant model update."
Other than making targeted funding shifts to local streets, the city's staff recommends staying the course through the next construction season using current strategies.
The administrator's memo notes the city receives Act 51 funds from the state of Michigan for routine maintenance such as pothole repair, patching, street sweeping, pavement markings and snow plowing, as well as some crack sealing and light preventive maintenance. But the city is required to put 75 percent of those funds toward major streets, leaving only 25 percent for local streets.
The city's forecast for that Act 51 money shows between $1.3 million and $1.6 million annually for major streets and about $300,000 to $350,000 for the local street system.


The House of Representatives late Monday evening voted to override President Donald Trump's veto of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). It is the first time during the Trump administration that the House has successfully overridden a veto. The vote passed 322 to 87, The Hill reported.
The Senate must come up with a two-thirds majority to successfully override Trump's veto.
The president had said he would veto the NDAA if Congress failed to repeal Section 230, which provides Big Tech companies with protections.
“Section 230, which is a liability shielding gift from the U.S. to “Big Tech” (the only companies in America that have it—corporate welfare!), is a serious threat to our National Security & Election Integrity. Our Country can never be safe & secure if we allow it to stand,” Trump tweeted earlier this month. “Therefore, if the very dangerous & unfair Section 230 is not completely terminated as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), I will be forced to unequivocally VETO the Bill when sent to the very beautiful Resolute desk. Take back America NOW. Thank you!”
When he vetoed the NDAA, Trump explained why repealing Section 230 was important in his eyes.
"No one has worked harder, or approved more money for the military, than I have -- over $2 trillion. During my 4 years, with the support of many others, we have almost entirely rebuilt the United States military, which was totally depleted when I took office. Your failure to terminate the very dangerous national security risk of Section 230 will make our intelligence virtually impossible to conduct without everyone knowing what we are doing at every step," Trump said in a memo to Congress. "The Act fails even to make any meaningful changes to Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, despite bipartisan calls for repealing that provision. Section 230 facilitates the spread of foreign disinformation online, which is a serious threat to our national security and election integrity. It must be repealed."
He also took issue with military bases being renamed.
"The Act includes language that would require the renaming of certain military installations. Over the course of United States history, these locations have taken on significance to the American story and those who have helped write it that far transcends their namesakes," his letter stated. "My Administration respects the legacy of the millions of American servicemen and women who have served with honor at these military bases, and who, from these locations, have fought, bled, and died for their country. From these facilities, we have won two World Wars. I have been clear in my opposition to politically motivated attempts like this to wash away history and to dishonor the immense progress our country has fought for in realizing our founding principles."
Whether or not the Republican-controlled Senate will override the veto is unclear.


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We primarily grow Meyer lemons and tend honeybees. Our Meyer lemons are certified organic, and are available year-round at the local farm stand and organic cafe of world renowned Earthbound Farm and locally loved Cornucopia Community Market. Our honey is primarily California black sage honey which we provide to Earthbound Farm, Cornucopia Community Market, Carmel Highlands General Store, and Happy Girl Kitchen in Pacific Grove. Our honey is extracted during the summer months and is available as long as supplies last!
For more information about where to find our lemons or honey, please click the links below:

domain: food


text:
ARVADA, Colo. – Arvada police are warning residents to not fall prey to scammers looking to make a quick buck in the wake of a deadly shooting that left three people dead in Olde Town Monday afternoon.
Police notified the public via Twitter Wednesday that neither Arvada Police nor Arvada Fire are collecting donations from businesses for the John Hurley and Gordon Beesley families.
It’s unclear how these scams are taking place – whether the scammers are making calls or going door-to-door, but a spokesperson for the police department told Denver7 he believes these scammers are pretending to be representatives of the police and fire departments and reaching out to businesses in the area to collect money.
Arvada PD reiterated Wednesday the only way people can donate to the family of Officer Beesley is through the Colorado Fallen Hero Foundation. Police said they were still working with the Hurley family to set up a site of some sort for those wishing to help the family of the Good Samaritan.
MORE: Witness says Good Samaritan shot the gunman in Olde Town Arvada
The investigation into the shooting remains ongoing, but Arvada police said Beesley was responding to a call of a suspicious incident near the Arvada Library in Olde Town at around 1:15 p.m. Monday before the department received calls of shots fired in the area and that an officer had been shot.
In an update Tuesday, the Arvada Police Department said the suspect expressed a hatred of police officers and ambushed Beesley in the attack.

domain: law


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The Jim Henson Legacy: A 30th Anniversary Celebration will be held Saturday, May 13, 2023 at 1p.m. in the Redstone Theatre located in the Museum of the Moving Image.
To commemorate 30 years of The Jim Henson Legacy's work preserving Jim Henson's art, past and present, members of the Board of Trustees and staff will discuss the organization's accomplishments. Following the panel, clips from historic footage located and preserved by The Jim Henson Legacy will be presented.
Panelists include The Jim Henson Legacy Trustees Craig Shemin, Karen Falk, Cheryl Henson, Heather Henson, and Bonnie Erickson. Copies of The Jim Henson Legacy's 30th anniversary commemorative book will be available to the public as a gift with a $20 donation to Museum of the Moving Image.
The museum is located at 36-01 35 Avenue in Astoria, Queens.

domain: history


text: Neurotoxicity of acrylamide and related compounds and their effects on the testis after repeated oral doses were studied in mice. Of fourteen analogues tested, five produced neuropathy. In decreasing order of potency as assessed by the rotarod performance test, these were as follows: acrylamide > N-isopropylacrylamide > N-methylacrylamide = methacrylamide > N-hydroxymethylacrylamide. The development of neurotoxicity was either greatly reduced or delayed by phenobarbital treatment. Acrylamide, N-hydroxymethylacrylamide, N-isopropylacrylamide, N-methylacrylamide and N,N′-methylene-bis-acrylamide produced testicular atrophy. Atrophy was either prevented by phenobarbital treatment, as in the cases of acrylamide and N-isopropylacrylamide, or reduced, as in the case of N-hydroxymethylacrylamide. Histological changes in the testis produced by the active compounds were degenerations of the epithelial cells of the seminiferous tubules, with the interstitial cells being normal.

domain: chemistry


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Thunberg stood up to her biggest bully, US President Donald Trump during an interview with the BBC earlier this week.
Climate activist Greta Thunberg and United States President Donald Trump (who is many years her senior, just by the by) have been in an ongoing tussle ever since the teenager gained limelight following her Fridays for Future protests. Now, in an interview with the BBC, Thunberg took things just a step further by insinuating that a conversation with the President would simply be a waste of time - and she wouldn't be wrong. The climate change activist has had to negotiate with several leaders and lawmakers, why would she have any reason to believe that someone who doesn't believe in even scientists regarding the environment would believe someone who is 16 years old?
Thunberg, who has always spoken truth to power, said during the interview that she "wouldn't have wasted [her] time" speaking with Trump about climate change if she had the opportunity to do so. She explained, "Honestly I don’t think I would have said anything, because he’s obviously not listening to scientists and experts. Why would he listen to me?" This, unfortunately, is true. During the tenure of his Presidency, Trump has rescinded from the Paris climate agreement (despite several expert opinions suggesting otherwise) and focused on the growth of non-renewable energy. Therefore, the climate activist would only be saving her energy - pun totally intended - by directing her attention towards other leaders and projects.
In the same interview, Thunberg addressed another world leader who has held an unwarranted gripe with her: Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro. Like Trump, he too has had a rather abysmal track record when it comes to planet Earth. Discussing the aggressive attacks she has received from him, she stated, "Those attacks are just funny because they obviously don’t mean anything. I guess, of course, it means something — it means they are terrified of young people bringing change which they don’t want. But that is just proof that we are actually doing something. And that they see us as some kind of threat." The environmentalist could not have been more correct.
The recent Fridays for Future protests and global climate strikes have been largely led by Generation Z - those whose futures will, sadly, be most affected by the policies lawmakers put in place today. But in the present day, why would corrupt politicians and wealthy businesspeople sacrifice the opportunity to earn millions of dollars in profit? When it is easier to pollute the environment to generate higher profits, little heed is given to planet Earth and its ecosystems. However, young leaders across the world - Thunberg and dozens of others like her - have been steadfast in their fight to protect the environment. They have made things clear - protect our planet or be prepared to lose power. As we slip into the new year, it is clear that Thunberg's activism is making a positive change around the globe.

domain: sociology


Democrats leading the legislative panel investigating the George Washington Bridge scandal are close to having a witness in place to testify at next week’s meeting, even with pressure building from within the party to wrap up the probe.
There are 13 potential witnesses, including highly placed members of Gov. Chris Christie’s administration and chief campaign strategist Michael DuHaime.
John Wisniewski, co-chairman of the New Jersey Legislative Select Committee on Investigation, said he wasn’t ready to say who will meet with the panel next Tuesday.
“The subpoena is out for service and hopefully we’ll have an answer that we can share very soon,’ Wisniewski said.
Supporters of the Republican governor have frequently accused the panel of overreaching and Senate President Stephen Sweeney, D-Gloucester, in a radio interview Monday, said Sen. Loretta Weinberg, the committee’s co-chair, told him the probe could conclude “by the end of summer.”
“There are a few more people they want to talk to and then they’re going to produce, from my understanding, some reports,’’ Sweeney said on 101.5 FM. “So we’re coming to the end of it. I think they’re focusing on wrapping up this investigation now.’’
Wisniewski in response told the Asbury Park Press, “I would be reluctant to pinpoint a specific time when it will be finished.’’
“The committee has been wrapping up its work since we started. Nobody wants to see this go on any longer than it needs to. By the same token, nobody wants to see us gloss over important facts to fit into an artificial deadline,’’ Wisniewski said.
The committee hasn’t met since the start of the month when Kevin O’Dowd, Christie’s chief of staff, sat for seven hours of testimony.
O’Dowd revealed that in December he told Christie of an email showing Bridge Kelly potential knowledge of the lane closures – as deputy chief of staff, Kelly was a direct report to O’Dowd – on the day prior to a Christie press conference when the governor denied any knowledge of administration involvement.
Wisniewski said sequence warrants further scrutiny.
“We are confronted with three people who have taken the Fifth Amendment and refused to cooperate. We have testimony that says the governor did not speak accurately on Dec. 13 when he said nobody in his administration knew anything about this. And we’re left with a vexing question: Why did Bridget Kelly, a member of the governor’s administration, order the lanes closed?’’ Wisniewski said. “I believe we are getting closer to an answer but we are not there. I believe there is more behind us than ahead of us.’’


Ash and Rob always support Brady.
Momma loves her dancer!
Daddy loves his dancer!
Brady and Mr. R
Mr. Sevilla, Brady's 5th grade teacher, he was in the staff dance
Our sweet neighbors and friends. They both played the piano and they were amazing and so adorable!!!!!
Our principal, in the middle, was so awesome!
Another adorable act.


The Central Park Five
|The Central Park Five|
Theatrical release poster
|Directed by||Ken Burns
|Distributed by||Sundance Selects|
The Central Park Five is a 2012 documentary film about the Central Park jogger case, directed by documentary filmmaker Ken Burns, his daughter Sarah Burns, and her husband David McMahon. It was released in the US on November 23, 2012.
Content and background
The documentary was inspired by the undergraduate thesis of Sarah Burns, the daughter of documentary filmmaker Ken Burns, on racism in media coverage of the event. Sarah Burns had also worked for a summer as a paralegal in the office of one of the lawyers handling a lawsuit on behalf of those convicted of assaulting and raping the jogger.
The Central Park jogger case involved the violent assault, rape, and sodomy of Trisha Meili, a female jogger, in New York City's Central Park, on April 19, 1989. The attack left her in a coma for 12 days. Meili was a 28-year-old investment banker at the time, weighing under 100 pounds. The attacks on her and on others in the park that night were, according to The New York Times, "one of the most widely publicized crimes of the 1980s."
Five juvenile males—four black and one of Hispanic descent—were tried, variously, for assault, robbery, riot, rape, sexual abuse, and attempted murder. All five of the juveniles confessed to a number of the crimes which had been committed in the park that night, and implicated one or more of the others. None admitted actually raping the jogger, but each confessed to being an accomplice to the rape. One of the five, Anton McCray, said that a "Puerto Rican kid with a hoodie" had raped the jogger. Another, Yusef Salaam, made verbal admissions, but refused to sign a confession or make one on videotape. Salaam was, however, implicated by all of the other four, and convicted. Although four of the suspects had confessed on videotape in the presence of a parent or guardian, they retracted their statements within weeks, claiming that they had been intimidated, lied to, and coerced into making false confessions.
They were convicted of most charges by juries in two separate trials in 1990, and received sentences of 5–10 and 5–15 years. Four of the convictions were appealed; they were affirmed on appeal. The defendants spent between six and thirteen years in prison. Their convictions relating to all of the attacks were vacated in 2002 after Matias Reyes, a Puerto Rican male who had been a juvenile at the time of the attack, and who was a convicted serial rapist and murderer serving a life sentence for other crimes at the time of his confession, confessed to raping the jogger, and said he did it alone. DNA evidence confirmed his involvement in Meili's rape.
The documentary provides background, interviews, expert analysis, and details of associated facts related to the case and the conviction of the five suspects. It presents analysis to suggest that the police should have connected Reyes to the Central Park case at the time that it happened. The DNA evidence identified him as the sole contributor of the semen found in and on the rape victim.
The five convicted juveniles sued New York City in 2003, subsequent to the release of the documentary, for malicious prosecution, racial discrimination, and emotional distress. Ken Burns said he hoped the film would push the city to settle the case against it. The city settled the case for $41 million in 2014, after Bill de Blasio became Mayor. As of December 2014, the five men were pursuing an additional $52 million in damages from New York State in the New York Court of Claims.
Critic A. O. Scott of The New York Times said of the film, which he ranked as the fifth best documentary of 2012: "A notorious crime—the rape of a jogger in Central Park in 1989—is revisited in this painful, angry, scrupulously reported story of race, injustice and media frenzy." Critic Manohla Dargis of The New York Times wrote: "residents ... identified several of the accused teenagers as belonging to a group of sometimes violent neighborhood troublemakers.... Maybe the filmmakers thought that this history might muddy the waters and cast suspicion on the teenagers all over again. The problem is that by ignoring it — as well as gliding rather too fast over the gang attacks on the other people in Central Park on April 19 — it seems as if there were something here that needs to be hidden."
- "NYC is pressed to settle Central Park jogger case". USA Today. 6 April 2013. Retrieved 15 August 2015.
- "'Smart, Driven' Woman Overcomes Reluctance". The New York Times. July 17, 1990.
- Schanberg, Sydney (November 26, 2002). "A Journey Through the Tangled Case of the Central Park Jogger". Village Voice. Retrieved August 21, 2007.
Every now and again, we get a look, usually no more than a glimpse, at how the justice system really works. What we see before the sanitizing curtain is drawn abruptly down is a process full of human fallibility and error, sometimes noble, more often unfair, rarely evil but frequently unequal, and through it all inevitably influenced by issues of race and class and economic status. In short, it's a lot like other big, unwieldy institutions. Such a moment of clear sight emerges from the mess we know as the case of the Central Park jogger.
- "City Subpoenas Film Outtakes as It Defends Suit by Men Cleared in ’89 Rape". The New York Times.
- Scott, A.O. (December 14, 2012). "25 Favorites From A Year When 10 Aren't Enough". The New York Times.
- Manohla Dargis (November 21, 2012). "Filmmakers Still Seek Lessons From a Case That Rocked a City; The Documentary ‘The Central Park Five’". The New York Times.
- 73rd Annual Peabody Awards, May 2014.
- "The Central Park Five Movie Reviews". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved April 16, 2013.
- The Central Park Five at the Internet Movie Database
- The Central Park Five at Rotten Tomatoes
- Central Park Five | PBS Official Page


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Cabbage and garlic soup recipe
Cabbage and Garlic Soup recipe
⚠ Note: for metric to imperial (or vice-versa) conversion please refer to our article on Cooking Measurements 101.
♼ Featured image is generic and does not represent the final look of a dish.
|1 ½ l||chicken stock|
|3 clove(s)||garlic, minced|
|2 tbsp||parsley, minced|
|salt and pepper, to taste|
In a saucepan, combine the garlic, 500 ml of chicken stock and rice. Bring to a boil, cover, then reduce and cook for 20 minutes over low heat.
Transfer to a blender, add another 500 ml stock and process for 10 seconds. Return to saucepan, add remaining stock and cabbage. Season with salt and pepper and cook for 15 minutes over low heat.
Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with parsley and serve.
ca. 10 min
Grade of difficulty:
Calories per portion:
Reference: Cabbage and garlic soup recipe
Recipe type: xarchivex
Find more recipes on thesmartcookiecook.com or see our latest posts.


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“Enhancing Self-Control in Adolescents: Treatment Strategies Derived from Psychological Science”
By Norman M. Brier
New York, N.Y., 2015
Book addresses common therapeutic goal
Reviewed by James K. Luiselli, Ed.D., ABPP, BCBA-D
This book presents a trans-diagnostic approach to enhancing self-control in adolescents. Psychologist Norman M. Brier starts with a precis of typical adolescent characteristics that dictate the need for efficient self-regulation: impulsiveness, a tendency toward risk-taking behavior and the pursuit of immediate gratification. Difficulty with self-control, in turn, is regularly associated with poor decision making and potentially unhealthy life choices.
Brier’s conceptual framework is rooted in social and personality psychology. The key elements of his treatise are understanding the “causal mechanisms” that contribute to impaired self-control and recognizing how achieving better self-control will appeal to adolescents.
His trans-diagnostic approach signifies that the psychological intervention techniques outlined in the book can be applied effectively across many disorders and clinical conditions.
Self-control, as Brier describes, is “a youngster’s ability to actively and intentionally modulate, limit, delay and/or inhibit emotional arousal, thoughts or behavior in order to obtain a greater, delayed reward rather than a smaller, immediate reward.”
This description is consistent with contemporary delay discounting theory as an explanation for impulse-control problems. Gaining self-control, on the most basic level, is achieved by overcoming the urgency of immediate, diminished “pay offs” in favor of larger but more distant pleasurable consequences.
Brier writes persuasively about the influence of pre-pubertal development and brain maturation on self-control. In effect, adolescent neurobiology contributes to novelty-seeking behaviors that produce high-impact and reinforcing sensations.
Insensitivity to these brain-behavior relationships, the book argues, will detract from optimizing psychological interventions for adolescents.
The book lays out a three-pronged methodology for enhancing self-control. Motivational interviewing, an evidence-supported technique, is intended to establish a “collaborative, non-controlling, non-judgmental, and non-confrontational” stance between a clinician and adolescent.
The steps for building such an alliance are illustrated throughout the book and in several case examples.
Brier labels his second phase of intervention as “implementation intentions,” more precisely a set of behavior planning strategies that translate thinking directives into action commitments.
The chief components are setting goals and linking mental events to performance through an “if-then” construction. I found his presentation most compelling and closely aligned with Problem Solving Therapy (PST) and related psychotherapy practices.
Finally, Brier relies heavily on “mental stimulation,” which corresponds to familiar cognitive behavioral techniques such as imagery rehearsal, attention focusing and visualization. Although implicit in his message, he spends less time discussing the process of enacting these cognitive operations. That is, the success of deliberate planning and rehearsal ultimately entails direct actions and empirical evaluation of the effects.
This book is helpful for psychologists and other mental health professionals. Indeed, addressing self-control with adolescents is a common therapeutic goal independent of treatment philosophy.
In addition, acquiring self-regulation competency benefits youth who struggle with different challenges at school and among parents and peers. The book is brief (114 pages) and should be easily accessible to most busy practitioners.
I note that the book does not dwell on methods for assessing self-control deficits, for example, behavior rating scales, continuous performance tests, computer software programs and more recent mobile phone applications.
Newer technology devices might also prompt and promote the self-control skills Brier examines so thoughtfully. Minor criticisms aside, “Enhancing Self-Control in Adolescents” brings a fresh and adaptable perspective to clinical treatment.
James K. Luiselli, Ed.D., ABPP, BCBA-D, is Chief Clinical Officer, Clinical Solutions, Inc. and North East Educational and Developmental Support Center, Tewksbury, Mass..
Learn more about the book: Enhancing Self-Control in Adolescents: Treatment Strategies Derived from Psychological Science

domain: literature


Lionel Messi made it 20 assists for the season in Barcelona's stodgy 1-0 win over Real Valladolid on Saturday, even as his team's La Liga challenge appears almost over.
Messi teed up Arturo Vidal's winner at Jose Zorilla to become the first player to provide 20 assists in Spain's top flight since Xavi Hernandez in 2009, as well as the second player in the 21st century from the five major European leagues to hit 20 goals and 20 assists in the same campaign, after Thierry Henry in 2002-03.
Victory for Barca means Real Madrid cannot clinch the title on Monday by beating Granada but only an incredible collapse will prevent them putting their name on the trophy later in the week.
If they beat Granada, Madrid will win La Liga by prevailing at home to Villarreal on Thursday, regardless of Barcelona's results.
Overall, Madrid need only five points from their remaining three matches to secure their third La Liga title in eight years.
"We are doing things that deserve more than where we are," said Barca coach Quique Setien.
"To win La Liga, I don't know, because our rival is winning everything."
Yet even as Barca's turbulent domestic campaign draws to a close, Messi continues to shine.
His delightful pass for Vidal in the 15th minute, a scoop between two Valladolid defenders, triggered more remarkable milestones.
As well as matching the best La Liga total for assists by one player in the last 11 years, Messi extends his own career-best number of assists in a single league season.
Third-placed Atletico Madrid made sure of their place in the Champions League next season with a 1-0 win over Real Betis despite playing more than half an hour with 10 men.
Earlier, Celta Vigo surrendered a valuable point in the relegation battle by conceding in the 91st minute to Osasuna, Jose Arnaiz sealing a 2-1 win.
Defeat means Celta stay four points clear of the bottom three but having played a game more than those below them.
(With input from agencies)
(Cover image: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona during the La Liga match against Real Valladolid in Valladolid, Spain, July 11, 2020. /VCG)


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NEW HANOVER COUNTY (WWAY) — This week’s Pet Pal is a black and white domestic short hair cat named Shadow.
He is described to be very sweet and loving.
Shadow is looking for a new home after his owner surrendered him to the shelter because they could no longer care for him.
If you’re interested in meeting him or any other rescued animals you’ll need to call the New Hanover County Animals Services in advance to set up an appointment.
The adoption fee is $70 for county residents.
The animal shelter is located at 180 Division Drive in Wilmington.

domain: pet


text:
C. S. Lewis, Till We Have Faces: A Myth Retold. New York: Harcourt and Brace, 1980.
The god tells Orual that she must "die before she dies because there is no chance after." Multiple times in the book Orual says, "holy places are dark places." At the end of the book Orual says, "I know now, Lord, why you utter no answer. You are yourself the answer." Fox at the end says that his philosophy "was as thin as water." Oh no! I referred to that popular question, what does the fox say?
Some say that C. S. Lewis liked his book, Till We Have Faces, the best of all his books. Some think it is his best book. It was first published in 1956. It was the last novel he wrote. he wrote expository works after Till We Have Faces. His wife, Joy, was still alive when he wrote it and critiqued the early part as he began writing it.
In Till We Have Faces Lewis reshapes the original myth of Cupid and Psyche. One of the things he changes in it is that Orual does not see Psyche's castle. Why did he change this? Maybe, he thought that is one of the challenges of being a Christian. A Christian has supernatural beliefs that can be seen by the physical eye. Orual and the Fox thought Psyche was crazy because they did not believe that her castle was real.
What is Till We Faces about? One of the main themes is that in part one Orual makes a case against the gods. She writes this in a book. Another theme asks the question, why are the gods silent? A third theme is the relationship between the pagan myths and Christianity. A last theme is the relationship between faith and reason.
That Hideous Strength could be considered as illustrating the Abolition of Man. Is there another book that Till we Have Faces illustrate? It seems that it illustrates The Four Loves by C. S. Lewis. For example, Orual demonstrates a possessive love similar to the mother in The Great Divorce. Psyche exhibits an unselfish love. Friendship love is seen in the relationship between Bardia and Orual.
Orual in the book finds out she is Ungit, the god who destroys. Her love destroys the lives of other. A big part of the book is that Orual is ugly, so she veils herself. The ironic thing is that she becomes ugly on the inside. She complains at the gods for her ugliness and taking Psyche away. She feels she has been mistreated. There seems to be some similarities with the book of Job because she says at the end that the god is the answer. It is interesting that she cannot be answered till she finds who she really is and finds her one true self. She must die before she dies.
One interesting contrast is the old priest with the new priest. Another is the old god and the new god. Orual asks a woman why she worships the old god instead of the new god, she tells Orual because the old god comforts her. In addition, the fox says that his philosophy was as "thin as water." This means that reason is not enough. There must be bloody sacrifices. "Dark places are holy places." True religion contains mystery.
Till We Have Faces is a mature work by Lewis. By this I mean it comes at the end of his life and is well developed. Orual is a well-developed character. It is interesting how this woman is such a strong character. It is also interesting how Lewis ties reason and faith, Christianity and Myth together in this great work. It is another work of Lewis that requires multiple readings.

domain: library


text:
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The government will present the union budget for 201617 on February 29, populations.
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domain: economics


The government’s Offshore Wind Champion said it was a "national disgrace" that maintenance work on the UK’s flagship floating wind project off Aberdeen had to be conducted overseas.
Kincardine Offshore Floating Wind Farm
Work is still ongoing to iron out issues at the world’s largest floating wind farm, well over a year since it became fully operational.
Plans have been submitted for a project which will overtake the Kincardine development off Aberdeen as the world’s largest floating wind farm.
A Scottish offshore wind firm has won more than a million pounds to accelerate the development of a project off Australia.
InfraStrata’s chief executive says he expects the company to be a “major player” in Scotland’s emerging offshore floating wind sector.
A leading renewable energy expert has heralded 2020 as having been a “massive year” for the development of floating offshore wind.
A boss at Equinor has said the firm is hopeful of bringing floating offshore wind costs in line with those of bottom-fixed by the end of the decade.
The offshore renewables industry needs to make a significant “step change” if floating wind deployment is going to be brought on par with fixed-bottom.
The demonstration turbine for what will be the “world’s largest” floating offshore wind development arrived off the coast of the Highlands over the weekend.
The floating offshore wind sector will have to overcome “huge” mobilisation challenges in order to get up and running, according to an industry expert.
Renewable energy supply chain companies in Scotland need to level up their capabilities if they’re going to compete on a global scale, according to the developer behind the Kincardine Offshore Floating Wind Farm.
The boss of one of Scotland's leading renewable developments has warned the country needs to be proactive if it’s going to maintain its places as a "world leader" in floating wind.
Royal Boskalis Westminster has been chosen to complete the installation of turbines at a major development off the coast of Aberdeenshire.
The boss of the Kincardine Offshore Floating Wind Farm has said he is “hopeful” that the project will meet its operational timeline, despite delay roadblocks thrown up by the Covid-19 pandemic.


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text: Well my November elk hunt finally got here. I left home Thursday afternoon with hope of getting some time scouting. Well that didn't happen! One hundred yards from where I wanted to camp and the frozen ground had thawed and the mud was tenacious. I was towing my 30' fifth wheel with my horse trailer loaded with two horses behind it when I went down the road headed to my preferred camp site. Part way up the slight hill with mud flying everywhere, forward progress halted. I went down and unloaded the horses and then unhooked the horse trailer. I then unleashed 500 horsepower from the mighty duramax and got the whole setup within 100 feet of where I wanted to camp. Unfortunately I couldn't get the back tires of the truck up over the ditch on the side of the road. Good time to try out the new milemarker hydraulic winch. Tree number 1 was at the wrong angle and the truck just keep going sideways the wrong way. I picked a new dead tree that was in a better spot, and the winch promptly pulled the tree out of the ground. Third time was a charm and found another stump that held tight. Finally after over an hour, I have a camp. No time to scout. Opening morning my friend and I headed to a spot I had seen some bulls the last time I had this tag. We parked our atv's, looked to the east and saw about 300 head of elk skylined two ridges over. Most cows and small bulls. We walked in about 3/4 of a mile on a closed logging road that had 18 inches of snow on it. Oh yeah, forgot the snow shoes. We got to a vantage point and my buddy spotted a bull skylined on a far ridge. Too small. Then I spotted two 6 point bulls the next drainage over covering ground, one was a very big bodied bull, but I couldn't judge how big due to the distance, probably over 1500 yards. We made our way down the logging road into some dark timber and spotted another 6 point bull. I looked him over and my buddy said you should take him. I ranged him right at 700 yards and went to dial my scope and he decided to leave, no shot. I was hoping for the next size up as this bull was probably about a 310 bull, but oh well. We continued to hunt and glass and saw one bull that we think we watched bed up move through the dark timber, no shot. On our way back to the atv's we busted a big bull from his bed in the dark timber. I was too tired to follow after him in the deep snow. We decide there were lots of bulls in here and I would come back on Saturday. My friend went home and took my atv with him, so I had to make the three mile drive in my truck. The road was much better in the morning due to the mud being mostly frozen and the snow covered areas weren't too bad for someone to lazy to use chains, so I just used good tires and horsepower. I made it to a nob and started glassing the open hillsides. In the first few seconds I spotted a bull feeding. I cranked the scope up to 32 power and focused it. 6 point bull. Then I glassed some more, another 6 point bull one hundred yards to the left of the first one. A bigger 6 point bull. Out came the rangefinder and it told me 750 yards. I have been practicing for this shot all summer, so why not. I set up my shooting sticks (no way to get prone) and after adjusting them several times due to the deep snow, I finally had a sight picture. I felt good and after dialing my scope I let a 300 gr Berger go sailing from my 338 RUM. I heard a distinctive WHAAP through my game ear and watched the bull hump up. Ut oh, maybe a gut shot. I chambered a second shell and let fly and this time I heard a very loud impact. Both bulls ran towards the bottom of the ravine. I started my walk towards where I last saw the bull and looked up at the top of the ridge just in time to see another big 6 point bull crest the ridge and go out of sight. I finally made it over to where I first shot at the bull, after crossing several sets of Wolf tracks in the snow. I looked around for blood and didn't see any. I was on a slope that was clear from snow. Then I looked below me about 20 yards and sure enough, blood and lots of it. I moved down and next to the blood I found some pieces of bone and a ball joint from a lower shoulder laying on the ground. My bull was right below piled up twenty five yards from where I first shot him. I quartered him out and drug the quarters away from the carcass to a spot that would be easier to load my horse and also to make sure a griz wasn't on top of it when I came back. One shot broke the bulls lower shoulder and leg with the bullet taking out a chunk of the lower sternum, but not entering the boiler room. The other shot I finally found, exited a bit farther back than I would have liked, but the bullet was right under the hide and it passed though the stomach. I am not sure where it entered, because I didn't peel back the hide that far on the opposite side. I found a 3/4 inch diameter piece of bullet with another 1/4 x 5/8's long piece of jacket right next to it. I went back to camp, got my horses and packed out my meat (this part would make another good story, but lets just say that my big gelding's maiden trip of packing elk didn't go off without a hitch. Oh well, I made it back to camp before dark (barely) and I made my longest shot of my life on a nice trophy.

domain: hobby


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These classic rap albums will all be 20 years old this year. Click inside to take a trip down memory lane!
Dope Shows put on an electrifying concert to celebrate seven years of success and hip hop's 50th anniversary. Click inside to check out photos from the event!
While we wait for his upcoming project '7 Shots' to drop on September 7, the Rochester rapper/producer is back with another single from it to hold us over!
One of the highlights has always been the hip-hop cyphers, and last night's cyphers were no exception.
With his new album due out this Friday, Chris Brown offers up the video for "Back To Sleep."
Philadelphia rapper Freeway has been diagnosed with kidney failure and is undergoing emergency dialysis.
Affion Crockett has done-done it again! In today’s Most Trendtastic Video of the Day, comedian Affion Crockett brought out his best celebrity impersonations to promote his new upcoming show, In the Flow premiering this Sunday, August 14th at 9 p.m. In the video, Crockett channels Jay-Z, Kanye West, Lil’ Wayne, Cory Gunz and Damaine Radcliff guest […]
Every day there are tons of music related tidbits that float around the internet, but how is one to know what’s good, what’s worth listening to and what everyone will be talking about tomorrow? Well, you’re in luck, because GlobalGrind has rounded up some of the coolest, most buzz-worthy musical information of the day and […]
This spring legendary party promoter, ROXY COTTONTAIL, celebrated her 26th Birthday in high fashion at NYC’S Imperial NightClub. As a fellow DJ / MC / Female in the Game I was honored when she asked me to perform at her B.day Extravangnza. Here’s a recap: A Quick Clip of the Madness: The birthday girl herself, […]

domain: entertainment


text:
An offshore worker was airlifted from a North Sea platform and taken to Shetland in a medical emergency yesterday afternoon.
Despite the wintry conditions, the casualty was transferred to Gilbert Bain Hospital in Lerwick.
The alarm was raised at the platform, 200 miles north-east of Aberdeen, at 12:20pm today (Thursday).
The condition of the patient is unknown.
A spokesperson for HM Coastguard said: “The HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopter from Shetland was sent to assist with the medical transfer at around 12.20pm today. The Lewick Coastguard Rescue Team was sent to assist at the landing site at Tingwall Airport where the casualty was transferred to a land ambulance to be taken off to hospital.”

domain: news


Practical self defense has to be simple but effective, and sometimes the situation may call for some type of weapon to aid in your ability to protect yourself.
Most of us don’t (and shouldn’t!) be carting around weapons which by law may be illegal to have, or may be able to be used against you if your attacker should somehow take that weapon from you.
The simplest and most useful self defense weapons may be items that you carry around with you every day.
Think of several scenarios that you may encounter, and then think of the possible self defense weapons you may have available to use.
Remember that self defense is about making your attacker think twice about confronting you, stunning or distracting your attacker long enough for you to attract help or escape, it’s not about how much grievous bodily harm you can inflict on them.
For example, you are walking to your car when you see someone approaching you that looks suspicious.
Looking confident that you will be able to protect yourself is a big part of the image you need to portray, as most predators only pray on who they perceive to be weaker than themselves, so finding a way for you to feel and look confident is the first step.
Simple Self Defense Weapons
Place the largest of your keys between your fingers so that it pokes out when you make a fist.
This will give you a useful self defense weapon if you need it, and will assist in making you feel less vulnerable.
This may be enough to cause your would be attacker to choose a less threatening victim.
Even a rolled up magazine or the end of a hair brush can be used effectively as self defence weapons to fend off an attacker if needed, it’s easy to learn how to use almost any household item to defend yourself or at least feel confident that you could if needed.
By learning where these vulnerable areas are and how to strike them correctly means you are always only arms reach from any number of good self defense weapons.
Most people are already aware of some of the obvious strike zones such as the groin, instep and solar plexus, but these areas need to be struck with some force and with a certain amount of accuracy to be effective.
If your grabbed un-aware and are held in closely, striking to any of these strike zones may be difficult or even impossible.
If all you are carrying on you is a pen or pencil, the blunt end of either of these can be used to force an attacker to release you if used correctly, without having to strike any one of the commonly thought of areas of the body.
If you can learn to look and feel confident about your ability to protect yourself, then you will have the power to avoid most violent situations.
If these situations are not avoidable then you will have the knowledge to know what to use as a self defense weapon, and where to strike to be effective and survive.
Learn Self Defense Today
Self defence today is a manual written for today’s society and its challenges to stay safe.
If you want to feel safe, learn to protect yourself and know how to use the most effective Self Defense Weapons check out the manual Self Defence Today and learn everything you need to know for effective self defense.


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Ringing in ears or tinnitus can be bothersome if it begins to interfere with your daily activities. There are two types of tinnitus i.e. subjective and objective tinnitus. Objective tinnitus is more severe because it can be audible to other people.[youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4BQszO8g1c”]
Options for tinnitus treatment
One of the major causes of this problem is blockage of the ear. In this case, the problem can be treated by removing excess earwax. This is done by ear irrigation in which water is flown in high pressure to ensure that the wax is removed.
This is a type of tinnitus whereby the sound in the ear synchronizes with heart beat and it mainly occurs as a result of blood vessels disorder. Tinnitus treatment of this problem relies on the treatment of the disorder on the blood vessels.
Change of the medication
There are medications that are known to cause ringing of the ears. Such medications include antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, aspirin and antidepressants. In case such a problem arises, the best option is to change the medication.
Use noise suppressors
Noise is the major cause of tinnitus; therefore noise suppression is the best tinnitus treatment options in this case. Some of the common devices used to suppress noise includes:
- Masking devices: These devices are similar to hearing aids and they provide low level of white noise which masks the ringing noise of the ear.
- White noise machines: These devices produce sounds like the one of falling rain. It helps cover the noise of tinnitus. It is also possible to cover the noise by use of air conditioners, fans or other humidifiers.
- Tinnitus retraining: In this treatment method, the patient is provided with wearable devices along with counseling. The device produce tonal music which frequency like that of the inner noise, thus helping cover the tinnitus noise.
There are medicines used to reduce the symptoms of tinnitus, for instance, alprazolam, antidepressants and tricyclic. However, it is good to note that the medicines also come with side effects such as constipation, nausea, dry mouth and others.
Some tinnitus treatment methods you can use at home include:
- Avoiding caffeine, loud noise, smoking, salt intake and nicotine. All this will help relieve the symptoms of tinnitus.
- Avoid overconsumption of alcohol because it causes dilation of blood vessels which can make pulsatile tinnitus worse.
- Carry out exercises, stress management and relaxation therapies.
- Eat more of food rich in vitamin B that helps in treating the problem.
In case all the strategies fail, it is important to seek more medical assistant from a professional for more invasive methods of tinnitus treatment or surgery.

domain: medical


text:
The federal government has waived special license requirements for foreign sales of hand sanitizer. A decree has also created exceptions on a ban on exports of PPE, mechanical ventilators, hospital beds and vital signs monitors.
São Paulo – Brazil’s administration put in place two measures over the past few days which loosen the grip on exports of items intended to fight the novel coronavirus pandemic. Personal protective equipment (PPE), mechanical ventilators, hospital beds and vital signs monitors may be exported under certain circumstances. Items such as hand sanitizer, disinfectants and laboratory items no longer require special export licenses.
A decree regulating the law which prohibits the export of the first four items mentioned above – which are deemed the most essential in fighting Covid-19 – was published in the Federal Official Gazette this Tuesday (30). Exports are still banned, the government can make exceptions on grounds of humanitarian reasons, the honoring of international commitments entered into by Brazil, domestic supply conditions, domestic supply chains, and requests from diplomatic or consular missions.
The information was relayed to ANBA by Renato Agostinho da Silva, the undersecretary for Foreign Trade Operations at the Secretariat of Foreign Trade (Secex), an arm of the Ministry of Economy. “This takes into consideration the interests of the Brazilian government and the Ministry of Health when it comes to administrative procurement,” he said. This means that in case the Ministry deems that the public healthcare system will require the item to be exported, the license will be denied, and the Ministry of Health will purchase the items from the exporting company instead.
In order to export any of the four essential items, suppliers must apply to the Secex, whose final decision will hinge on the new decree. The Secex will of necessity consult with the Ministry of Health to find out what the domestic needs are, and possibly the Ministry of Foreign Affairs whenever the sale relates to humanitarian aid, international commitments, or diplomatic requests.
Aside from the four formerly banned items, the Brazilian government put in place restrictions since March 19 on exports of other Covid-19-related items such as hand sanitizer. Exporters formerly required a license (Licenses, Permits, Certificates and Other Documents). This requirement is no longer valid since last Monday (22), as per information given to ANBA by the Brazilian Cosmetics, Toiletry and Fragrance Industry Association (Abihpec) and confirmed by the Secex.
“That license was applied to allow the Brazilian population to be adequately supplied with products with which to treat and prevent Covid-19, and to enable any surplus to be exported,” Silva told ANBA. Each license application was looked into individually by the Secex and the Ministry of Health. Wherever there was a domestic demand, the Ministry purchased the product instead of clearing it for export.
The government worked under the law which declared a state of public health emergency of international import. “There is a provision that the government can enforce an administrative requisition, which means the procurement of essential goods and services to addressing the pandemic,” Silva explained. According to him, the same amount as in the export transaction gets paid, so that suppliers will not incur losses. “We are aware that our industry is being seriously affected by all of the social distancing wrought by the pandemic,” he said.
According to Silva, licenses are no longer required because the Ministry of Health said it had contracts in place for the purchase of these items. Moreover, the export of essential items had been prohibited beforehand.
Out of the items which required export licenses, the highest number of export requests from March 19 to June 21 were for hand sanitizer, laboratory items and disinfectants, said Silva. According to him, several licenses were granted, especially towards the end of the period at hand. “We had indications from the private sector and the Ministry of Health that domestic supplies of hand sanitizer were satisfactory,” he said.
Abihpec was one of the organizations which worked to loosen restrictions on hand sanitizer exports, which some of its member companies manufacture. ANBA was told that early on, there was a tandem effort with other industry players to ensure the domestic market was supplied. Once Abihpec determined that this had been addressed, it pushed to clear exports.
Orders for hand sanitizer from Brazil included ones from Arab countries, Abihpec said. Many businesses started manufacturing sanitizer during the pandemic. Out of roughly 400 Abihpec member companies, some 60% were making sanitizer. Although exact output figures are not available, Abihpec believes there was a hike of over 3,000% year-to-date through April from a year ago.
Even though Abihpec believes hand sanitizer will become a habit for shoppers around the world, it said demand peaked during the pandemic. The association said it’s too early to know whether companies will go on making it. It noted that sanitizer manufacturing went up in several countries other than Brazil. In the past, it was not an industry best-seller.


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|Location:||Los Angeles, CA|
|Title/Headline:||TV Writer/Producer: Developing an original idea to pitch or spec out at Freelance|
|Minimum time:||10 minutes|
Kevin is a TV writer/producer who has sold shows and produced pilots for ABC, NBC, FX, Showtime, Amazon and Fox. After working as a professional TV/Film editor for years, Kevin transitioned to being a TV writer/producer ten years ago by creating his own TV pilot and using the opportunities afforded by that to sell an original script to Fox, which then went to pilot. His area of instruction is in helping other writers/creators develop original, dynamic show ideas with vibrant characters and rich, textured worlds. In his experience, that is the most effective way to secure representation and sell a show. He has no great business insight into how to acquire an agent or how to get them to read your script other than, first, creating dynamic, original work that effectively showcases your unique voice.This expert donates all Sidetime proceeds to Planned Parenthood.
Don’t know where to start or have multiple questions or topics you’ll like to discuss? Don’t worry about it, our expert has Open Ended Conversations so you can take as much time and go as in depth as you need so you can become your very best.Schedule a Call
This call is designed for someone who does not have a clear idea of what they want to write. Through a series of questions, prompts and discussions we will home in on the three things I believe lead to dynamic stories: writing about something, somewhere or someone the writer is passionate/enthusiastic about, creating characters that the writer can relate to (don't worry about being relatable to the audience yet, you're the one who has to write it) and, lastly, finding some element of the story that connects to the writer's inner life (hopes, fears, dreams, traumas). I don't subscribe to the literal "write what you know" axiom but rather "write what you can feel". It's not necessarily a linear process but it leads to exciting, vibrant results.Schedule a Call
This call is pretty straight forward: send a script before the call, I will read it and offer my creative notes and feedback on it. I am absolutely not helpful in terms of how to get a script to agents or show-runners. This is purely a creative feedback call.Schedule a Call
This call is designed for someone who has a log line and bits and pieces of story or character but doesn't know exactly how to focus it into a clear, readable narrative. Through specific questions and discussions we focus on what is the "idea behind the idea" -- that's to say, what the writer really is interested in and wants to say. Once we land on that, we then can see the existing bits and pieces through that prism and build them into a coherent story and dramatic world. The final step is laying out a clear story logic and character arc for the show so the writer has enough clarity to begin writing a script, outline or pitch (depending on their goals).Schedule a Call

domain: artistic


text:
OnePlus has started rolling the OxygenOS 5.1.7 update for the OnePlus 5 and OnePlus 5T to fix the Bluetooth issues that were witnessed in both the handsets after the company rolled the OxygenOS 5.1.7 update in October. After frequent complaint from users, OnePlus has started rolling this update with the October Security patch and with improvised Bluetooth stability for phone calls and connectivity in cars.
Now coming to the size of the new firmware, it’s around 38MB for those who have already updated their Smartphone to the OxygenOS 5.1.6 and for those who have not installed this update before, they will have a bigger size of update. According to the screenshot shared by a Reddit user, the size of the OxygenOS 5.1.6 will be about 1622 MB. Being this update rolled over the Air for the OnePlus 5 and OnePlus 5T users, so they might get the update notification in their Smartphone at any time. To check the status of the notification, go to Settings > Updates > Check for Updates.
As OnePlus has confirmed in its official forum, the OxygenOS 5.1.7 hot fix update will sort out almost all issues which were claimed by the users who had updated their Smartphone to the OxygenOS 5.1.6. This update also includes the October Android security patch, 4G VoLTE support on Indian Idea Cellular network and official Project Treble support.
Now for those who are not aware of what’s Project Treble, for their information, Project Treble allows Android Smartphone OEMs to quickly release software updates devoid of any major tweaking. OnePlus also just of late announced that it’s recently working on the Android 9.0 Pie Software which is supposed to get released for the OnePlus 5 and OnePlus 5T soon. However, OnePlus also confirmed that being the developers are on work to develop the Android Pie OS for the said devices, so it’s yet to take some time. So users of the said handset have to wait some pretty more time.


text:
I was reading Locus -- the paper magazine, not the website, as this was either '86 or '87 -- and saw a mention of Tim Powers' On Stranger Tides in the "People and Publishing" section. It was just a brief mention, saying it was an upcoming novel about pirates and voodoo.
It may seem hard to believe now, but the idea of combining pirates and voodoo in fiction was new then -- incredibly, no one had done that, so far as I, or anyone I spoke to, knew.
So I was amazed that this obvious combination had somehow eluded everyone for so long, and tried to think of some similarly-obvious connection that I could base a story on.
I didn't actually find one, but that did get me thinking about similar ideas that had been used in very different contexts, and I hit on sand-ships. I knew of three very different stories involving sail-powered vessels operating on land: Ray Bradbury's The Martian Chronicles, Lord Dunsany's "A Story of Land and Sea," and the story of Windwagon Smith. I realized I could combine these, and maybe get a pretty cool story out of it.
So I did -- but there were complications. Thomas "Windwagon" Smith was a real person who had been dead for a century or so, and "A Story of Land and Sea" was in the public domain, so I could do anything I wanted with them, but The Martian Chronicles was still very much in copyright.
I was caught up in writing the story, though, so I put that aside for later. Instead of worrying about it I spent almost a week researching "Windwagon" Smith -- mostly, but not entirely, at the local library, as the World Wide Web didn't exist yet. I got some assistance from my mother in Massachusetts, as well. I watched the Disney cartoon "The Saga of Windwagon Smith," read at least one children's book about him, and even managed to dig up a copy of one of the original 1854 newspaper accounts of his failed demonstration for his investors. (The reporter played it for laughs, correctly pointing out the biggest flaw in the whole idea -- the prevailing winds blow the wrong direction. You can't tack a ship into the wind on land the way you can at sea.)
Somewhere around the fifth or sixth day I realized I was being stupid, doing all this research for a short story, one that I might not even be able to sell, should Mr. Bradbury not cooperate. By that point, though, it was too late to turn back. I finished the story, and sent a copy to Mr. Bradbury, asking his permission.
Then I forgot about it for a couple of weeks, until a blue envelope arrived in the mail, which turned out to be a brief, handwritten letter from Ray Bradbury, giving me permission to do as I pleased with the story. It was the only legal document I've ever seen handwritten in silver ink on blue paper.
With that permission in hand I sent the story to Gardner Dozois at Asimov's, he bought it, and there you go.
The story went on to win the Asimov's Readers' Award, and to be reprinted and translated many times. It got adapted to comic-book form in Eclipse's Orbit, and recorded as an audiobook. It turns out that week of research wasn't a waste of time after all.
If you haven't read and would like to, it's included in two collections, Crosstime Traffic and The Final Folly of Captain Dancy & Other Tall Tales.
Oh -- I should probably mention that the ending implies the possibility of a sequel. In fact, I plotted one, sort of, but never wrote it. "A Yankee Circus on Mars" (the title comes from the first show at the old New York Hippodrome) would have been a sequel to both "Windwagon Smith and the Martians," and "One Million Lightbulbs." But I never got around to writing it, and no longer remember how I was going to end it.
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