text:
Who said you can’t take it with you? You can take just about everything with you in this Jumbo Tote. It holds groceries, books, kids’ toys, beach stuff, you name it. Made from 100% cotton, it has a squared off bottom and extra long natural web handles. 20"w x14.5"h x4.5"d.
The flag of Australia is a defaced Blue Ensign: a blue field with the Union Flag in the canton (upper hoist quarter), and a large white seven-pointed star known as the Commonwealth Star in the lower hoist quarter. The fly contains a representation of the Southern Cross
constellation, made up of five white stars – one small five-pointed star and four, larger, seven-pointed stars.
The flag's original design was chosen in 1901 from entries in a worldwide competition held following Federation. It was first flown in Melbourne on 3 September 1901. A slightly different design was approved by King Edward VII in 1902. Over the next few years, the exact specifications of the flag were changed several times both intentionally and as a result of confusion. The current specifications were formally gazetted in 1934, and in 1954 the flag became recognised by, and legally defined in, the Flags Act 1953, as the "Australian National Flag".

domain: history


text:
Who's Wee Dug wrote:Isn't time travel great, Catch up replied before I posted.
Inside the Discworld's Emporium
by Who's Wee Dug » Thu Mar 06, 2014 12:49 am - 1 Replies Last post by Catch-up Thu Mar 06, 2014 12:42 pm
Catch-up wrote:Looks fabulous! *sigh* One day....
Discworldpadawan wrote:I could spend so much there, would be so easy to get carried away!!!!
Users browsing this forum: Bing [Bot] and 6 guests

domain: hobby


text:
The smart Trick of nexgard vs comfortis vs trifexis That Nobody is Discussing
GoodRx is just not sponsored by or affiliated with any of the pharmacies determined in its price comparisons. All emblems, manufacturers, logos and copyright photographs are assets of their respective proprietors and rights holders and are used entirely to characterize the merchandise of those rights holders. This information is for informational purposes only and isn't intended for being a substitute for Expert medical information, analysis or treatment.
Thank you for finding the time to read this post. My apologies for the length, though the again story and timeline was needed to clearly show how quickly our lives went from regular to devastating. Renee
It’s appears to be many put up of dogs on right here and other forums are people today expressing that their are dogs both dying or turning into terminally sick from supposivly Bravecto . It seems that almost all of such dogs are types that already have health concerns, or have achieved their max life cycle (previous age) and are small breeds (Miniature Schnauzer, etcetera.) Possibly these elements should be having into consideration ahead of administration of this drugs .
We are a dependable provider of pet treatments that provide all breeds and sizes of cats and dogs. Our big selection of pet provides contains branded products that fall in the realm of flea and tick treatments, wormers, heartwormers, joint care goods, teeth care, wound care and eye and ear products and solutions for cats and dogs.
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As NEXGARD SPECTRA is really an oral treatment, dogs may be dealt with immediately next administration and there aren't any limitations on swimming, bathing and shampooing prior to or after administration.
So I switched to Nexgard chewables to give it a test, and i am so happy I did. The ticks' scenario received below Manage, now my dogs and my home are back to normal. It is so easy to give to my dogs, they adore it, and I like the no-mess. It can be slightly pricey, specially when you may have multiple pet, but it surely's all worthy of because it provides. 02/twenty five/2016
Thank goodness we have found a highly effective solution that doesn't demand stand- down time from drinking water - our two dogs, a lab and springer are unable to bear to get without their every day swim and so they have already been entirely flea free of charge given that employing this merchandise.
The senior Medical professional in the Vet Healthcare facility advisable it, describing the way it works, it’s effectiveness, And just how it’s crucial to use the appropriate dosage in relation to your Puppy’s weight.
Vectra label warnings: Will not use this item on debilitated, aged, medicated, pregnant or nursing dogs, or dogs known for being delicate to pesticide products without initial consulting a veterinarian. SIDE EFFECTS: Keep an eye on your Doggy following software. Personal sensitivity, for instance slight transitory redness, erythema, itching -pruritus- or other indications of pain at the positioning of software, may take place right after employing ANY pesticide products for dogs. If signs of sensitivity take place, bathe your Pet dog with moderate soap or shampoo and rinse with dog flea genus species large quantities of water. If indications of specific dog sensitivity arise and persist, contact your veterinarian. Gastrointestinal indications such as vomiting or diarrhea have also been described, if these signs arise, consult your veterinarian or phone us at one-800-999-0297.
haven’t found any so far. He does many swimming, which include electricity dives when retrieving, and it is bathed often, so this might be taking away lifeless ticks. The vet did
I are providing Bravecto to my two working springers for quite a few months now and it has been good. Residing on the moors they often picked up ticks and fleas and have been flea and tick absolutely free for months now.

domain: pet


What is internal positioning? Its the ability to monitor your location within a home/office/business to resolution within a single room (or better). Typically that is done using motion sensors, or iBeacons, magnetic fields or Bluetooth dots - but our system allows you to do the same with only your smartphone! What is a framework for internal positioning? Our framework, named FIND (the Framework for Internal Navigation and Discovery), is both a program that runs on a server and an app that runs on a smartphone.


text:
Catastrophic failings by police and social services allowed a
Muslim child sex trafficking ring to sexually torture girls as young as 11 for eight
years, all because law enforcement didn't want to offend Muslim sensibilities, or worse, be accused of racist-islamophobic-bigotry.
"Victims repeatedly told officers they had been raped or abused by
the vicious and ‘medieval’ predators – but no action was taken." They used knives, cleavers and baseball bats to inflict severe
pain on the girls for their twisted pleasure.
Missed chances to halt sex gang: Police and
social workers apologise to girls tortured by 'medieval' predators
but chief constable refuses to resign Daily Mail
- Fighting broke out in the dock
as two other defendants were cleared
- Seven men found guilty of
catalogue of offences involving underage girls
- Verdicts delivered at Old
Bailey at the end of a five month trial
- The seven men have been
remanded in custody for sentencing next month
- Girls were so young 'they had
just stopped believing in the Easter bunny when they were corrupted'
- Police identified as many as 22
girls who were 'groomed, corrupted, brainwashed and abused and then
sold for sex and worse'
- Two of the three care homes
where victims of the Oxford sex ring lived have been closed down but
only one member of staff was sacked
- Sara Thornton, who has been chief constable of Thames
Valley Police since 2007, rejects suggestions she should resignPUBLISHED: 16:15, 14 May 2013 | UPDATED:
09:39, 15 May 2013Catastrophic failings by police and social services allowed a
child sex ring to sexually torture girls as young as 11 for eight
years.Victims repeatedly told officers they had been raped or abused by
the vicious and ‘medieval’ predators – but no action was taken.Last night – after the abusers were convicted at the Old Bailey
– the police and social services apologised for failing to answer
the girls’ desperate pleas for help.But Sara Thornton, chief constable of Thames Valley Police since
2007, refused to acknowledge calls for her to resign this morning.The gang groomed more than 50 vulnerable youngsters before selling
them for sex around the country.
convicted of offences involving underage girls
were convicted today at the Old Bailey
Pictured is a room at the guest house
999 call describes woman being beaten in guest house
pain on the girls for their twisted pleasure.
missed from as early as May 2005.
missing from residential care on 254 occasions. One went missing 126
times in 15 months.
by Oxfordshire County Council – just watched as the men collected
the girls at night.
taxi fare when she returned to her care home. The girl was then
driven back to Oxford where she was raped.
being groomed by Asian men, a school support worker told the court.
Five girls were abused while in the care of county council social
found guilty at the Old Bailey yesterday
having sex with a child
perfume, alcohol and drugs before being subjected to a ‘living
hell’ of extreme physical and sexual violence for eight years.
heritage were facing lengthy jail terms after being convicted of a
string of crimes.
charges of arranging child prostitution, five of internal trafficking
for sexual exploitation and four of sexual activity with a child.
Thornton was made chief constable of Thames Valley Police.
for her force taking so long to bring the perpetrators to justice.
the wake of the scandal, saying only that she needed to 'drive
improvements into the future'.
resignation, Miss Thornton said: 'I accept responsibility and as I’ve
said I’m very sorry it took so long, but the focus has got to be
moving forward. I think the focus for me is on driving
improvements in the future.
picking up underage white girls for sex.
morning refused to resign over the abuse scandal
startlingly similar offences last year.
in Oxford was able to operate for eight years.
the Community Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation, said: ‘The
damage these men have done and evil they have wrought will last a
lifetime for their victims which can never be fully healed.
consciences as they reflect on the terrible nature of their crimes.
It is imperative that there is no hiding place for abuse or abusers
within any of our communities.’
connection with the case
the Old Bailey yesterday of a catalogue of charges involving
vulnerable underage girls who were groomed for sexual exploitation
THE SEVEN CONVICTED MEN
victims because of his distinctive gold tooth.
an uncle in Pakistan in 2005 – but one fell out after he returned to
Domino's Pizza, he also held menial jobs with Royal Mail and in a
Unipart warehouse. He spent three years as a car salesman for
Hartwell Ford and even worked for his cousin's minibus firm, helping
to drop kids off at school.
and was employed at a Tesco Metro store in St Aldates, opposite
Oxford's main police station.
of alcohol unchallenged.
Oxford were styled as 'significant organisers of sex parties both in
Oxford and neighbouring towns.'
gifts including perfume before turning on them and forcing them to
perform sex acts.
recruiting victims and had to sneak home from abuse sessions before
they woke up.
have been unable to organise exploitation on such a grand scale.
chef who abused one of the girls out the back of the takeaway store
just yards from unsuspecting customers.
had been involved in a serious relationship with her.
restaurant in 2011 and she had told him she was 17, though he
believed her to be even older.
'mutual attraction' and felt the girl had 'betrayed him'.
shared with the girl.
Oxford, claimed he was 'outraged' by the allegations against
him and tried to claim he had been victimised by the girls.
because they were liars.
was living in supported accommodation in Oxford.
Mohammed Karrar. He was given the nickname Sam The Rapist by Child C
after he violently forced himself on her at the Nanford Guest House
claimed the victim had made up the sex assault to avoid getting in
trouble for running away from him.
underage girls back to his flat above a fruit and veg store before
selling them for sex.
retract his statement because of mental health problems and his
admissions were never put before the jury.
claimed he had not realised his victims were underage.
been a grim reminder that even though we are living in the 21st
century some people have retained medieval attitudes towards young
crack cocaine so that they would yield to their depraved demands.
of what was going on’, the court heard.
including Bradford, Leeds, London and Slough and queue up in
corridors of bedsits and hotels to abuse the girls for days at a
for £600 an hour.
refused to follow orders or tried to escape.
herself with a razor to ‘take away the hurt’.
police she had been sexually assaulted by Mohammed Karrar.
Karrar, but she was too frightened to tell police about her full
been raped and sexually abused by Asian men.
sexually abused by Akhtar Dogar for three days after running away
from a children’s home in September 2006.
for sex, told police she was sick of being treated ‘like a piece of
because ‘I have seen them doing it to little girls in their
she had confused him with another man.
same victim days earlier.
running from a room in a downmarket Oxford guest house wearing only a
towel after being beaten and raped.
with drugs, beat her and urinated over her.
persuaded by another girl to withdraw the allegations.
police that several Asian men had sex with her at a flat in Oxford.
a children’s home.
she did not trust them to keep her safe.
others gave evidence from behind a curtain.
arrest for wasting police time when she tried to report the abuse.
raids on homes in Oxford in March last year.
suspects, 21 of whom were arrested.
of conspiracy to rape, two counts of arranging child prostitution,
two counts of trafficking a child within the UK for sexual
exploitation, assault of a child by penetration, using an instrument
to procure a miscarriage and supplying heroin.
convicted of two counts of sexual activity with a child, during an
interview with the police
prostitution and trafficking, during an interview with the police
CROWN PROSECUTION SERVICE TO 'RE-REVIEW' ABUSE
involving victims of the Oxford sex ring after admitting more could
have been done to investigate their claims.
the decision to take no further action over the allegations of abuse
involving the girls from 2005 to 2006.
Valley Police but the force did not respond.
the CPS would now be more 'proactive' when dealing with sex abuse
something similar to have the courage to come forward.
had taken drugs or alcohol or they lied about something in the past –
that means, "this case is hopeless and we can't go ahead with
positive and saying, "how can we really get to the truth here?"'
when information was first requested about one of the claims.
involved in the Old Bailey trial, she added.
might have been able to do more.
say is perhaps we could have taken a more proactive approach in
making further enquiries.'
following the conclusion of the trial.
She said she expected more
cases of a similar nature to come to light as new guidance is issued
by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the wake of the Jimmy
they're probably not isolated incidents and there's probably more of
this activity going on.'
of conspiracy to rape, two counts of arranging child prostitution and
trafficking a child for sexual exploitation.
conspiracy to rape and arranging child prostitution. Akhtar Dogar,
32, was found guilty of five rapes, three counts of conspiracy to
rape, two counts of arranging child prostitution and trafficking a
child for sexual exploitation.
conspiracy to rape, two counts of arranging child prostitution and
trafficking a child for sexual exploitation.
activity with a child.
activity with a child.
Police and Oxfordshire County Council social services deeply regret
that this activity wasn’t identified sooner and that we were too
reliant on victims supporting criminal proceedings, and that they
suffered a terrible ordeal.’
prostitution and trafficking
with a child
THE SIX OPPORTUNITIES MISSED BY AUTHORITIES TO
have been protected by the law. But police missed several chances to
catch their abusers.
In February 2006, the 14-year-old told police
that she had been held against her will by two Asian men.
one of the defendants – Akhtar Dogar and another man in a park in
exchange for drugs.
doing it to other girls. Little girls with their school uniforms on.'
with 'forceful' sex.
13 2006 but denied rape, suggesting the girl had mistaken him for
another Asian male.
evidence in a separate trial of three men accused of raping her in
rang police after realising she was with 11 men who wanted to have
sex with her.
and had run away from a children's home.
and withdrew her complaint because she was scared.
in a guest house in Oxford in November 2006 while he was said to be
high on cocaine.
crying and shaking'.
and repeatedly smacked in the face.
taken of her injuries.
who was seeing Karrar at the time.
realised she was being groomed.
she was receiving calls from the Karrar brothers.
girl and began threatening the social worker when he refused.
welfare officer at her school, where she told them she had been
when her mother alerted them that she had been out all night.
found. He was charged under Operation Bullfinch, which was set up in
having sex with men for a couple of years. She said Girl E had been
sold to other men.

domain: news


text:
Japan, a timeless country where modern and ancient are seamlessly blended: after whizzing from city to city on the bullet train you can take time out to relax in the sparse beauty of a Zen rock garden.
There is much to see and do in the Land of the Rising Sun, whatever the season. Cherry blossoms in spring, festivals and folk dancing in summer, a riot of reds and golds in autumn, and winter sports in the colder months – whenever you holiday in Japan you’ll be able to experience something new.
In the next of our top holidays destinations 2019 blogs, we will take you to the ultra-modern metropolis of Tokyo, the ancient capital of Kyoto and the mountains of Nagano.
The bustling metropolis of Tokyo
Set in a park of 120,000 trees, which are effectively the lungs of the city, is the Meiji shrine, dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, the Empress Shoken. Their reign (1868-1912) coincided with the move from feudal state to modern nation. Constructed in 1920, the shrine was destroyed during WWII air raids but reconstructed in 1958, retaining its atmosphere. If you wish to make an offering, there are kiosks nearby selling ema (wooden prayer plaques) and omamori (charms).
Close by is Harajuku, the trendy fashion district where you can choose from Goth style to international brands such as Gap and Forever 21. Takeshita Street is reminiscent of London’s Carnaby Street, pedestrianised with a mix of boutiques, cafés and restaurants. For an insight into Japanese street fashion and sub-cultures, head to Jingu Bashi bridge on a Sunday.
Food aficionados will love the world-famous Tsukiji Fish Market. One of the world’s largest markets, it’s a fascinating sight with more than 2,000 tonnes of fish and seafood sold there every day.
Japan’s Cherry Blossom
If you’re able to coincide your holiday to Japan with the cherry blossom season, you’re in for a treat.
Cherry blossom is big news in Japan with talk shows, blogs and festivals following the trees as they go into full bloom across the country. There’s even a vocabulary associated with the blooming:
So where are the best places to hanami?
Tokyo’s Shinjuku Gyoen park has more than 1,000 species of cherry blossom while the 800 trees that line the Meguro River in the Nakameguro neighbourhood colour the water a brilliant pink.
In Kyoto, the Nakaragi no Michi path takes you past the lake under pink and white blossom to the Botanical Garden. The Lake Biwa Canal has reopened after being off-limits for almost 70 years, here you can drift in your boats as the blossom spreads over you. The canal is particularly beautiful at night when the blooms are illuminated.
On the northern shores of Lake Kawaguchiko, with Mount Fuji as the backdrop, you’re guaranteed Instagram-able moments.
Considered by many to be the ultimate cherry blossom viewing site in Japan, Mount Yoshino in Nara has around 30,000 trees which decorate the mountain range. World Heritage Listed temples and shrines share the mountainside making it a fantastic destination for viewing both cherry blossom and the Japanese culture.
For the Japan cherry blossom 2019 forecast, click here.
The spiritual heart of Japan, Kyoto is home to 2000 temples and shrines where incense wafts and prayer chants carry through the gardens as beyond the walls the modern world hurries about its business.
The Kiyomizu Temple, also known as the Pure Water Temple, offers incredible views over the city from a 13-metre high veranda that juts out of the cliff face.
Another of Kyoto’s iconic sites is Nijo Castle. Built in 1603 by the first shogun of the Edo Period, it remained in the family until 1867 when it was used as an imperial palace before being donated to the city. It is arguably the best surviving example of castle architecture from Japan’s feudal era.
In a city where tradition is cherished, the winding alleys of Gion with their wooden merchant houses and 17th century tea-houses whisk you back in time. Famous for geishas – whom you may catch sight of as they hurry to engagements – with their white-painted faces, colourful kimonos and wooden shoes, you can learn more about this traditional form of entertainment at Kanikakuni, a former geisha house.
At the speed of a bullet
The fastest way to travel between Tokyo and Kyoto is the Tokaido Shinkansen. Opened in 1964, it was the world’s fastest high-speed railway line.
With around 8 departures every hour, more during peak times, you can easily fit the journey into your schedule. The fastest train category is the Nozomi and can get you from one city to the other in just 2 hours and 20 minutes.
As you speed on your way, you will pass Mount Fuji rising majestically into the skies.
Alternatively, you could head north from Tokyo to the 1998 Winter Olympics host city of Nagano.
To the northwest of the city, in forested mountains, is the Togakushi area with its many shrines and the Togakure Ninja School.
The Togakushi shrine consists of 3 separate shrines – lower, middle and upper – which tell the Japanese myth around the sun goddess. The shrines are connected by roads and hiking trails, so you can choose to walk or take the bus between the different levels.
Adjacent to the upper shrine is the Togakure Ninpo Museum devoted to the school of ninja. Here you can release your inner warrior at the shuriken (throwing star) range and the Ninja House with its secret doors, passages and contraptions, as well as discovering the tools and weapons used by ninjas in warfare and infiltration.
For a taste of Japanese culture head to Nishi-no-Mon, a sake brewery with restaurant, shops and a free museum housing historic photographs and brewing equipment.
Outside of the city is Jigokudani Yaen-Koen, home to the Japanese Macaques, commonly known as snow monkeys. Reachable by bus and a 1.6km walk to the park’s entrance, it is located in the Yokoyu River Valley. An inhospitable place for humans to live (it translates as Hell Valley), it is heaven for the monkeys who bathe in the hot springs during winter months and come into the park for feeding.
Temples, bullet trains, monkeys, geishas and sake all delivered with that special blend of modern and traditional that is distinct to Japan. For tailor-made holidays to Japan, that offer once-in-a-lifetime experiences, look no further than CLC World Resorts & Hotel’s very own travel specialists, CLC World Travel.

domain: geography


Set Up Eyefinity in a User-Friendly Way and Pair AMD and NVIDIA GPUs
Most graphics cards require to be connected via the DisplayPort output or using an active DisplayPort adapter in order to perform AMD’s Eyefinity technology, which is not only a costly but also an inconvenient set-up. With the new HIS 6970 IceQ Mix, gamers can now enable Eyefinity via the included HDMI output as well as a HDMI to DVI adapter.
Additionally the 6970 IceQ Mix features the unique possibility to pair the card with a NVIDIA GPU, allowing gamers and enthusiasts to enjoy the benefits of running both AMD and NVIDA cards in the same system to make the most of the respective graphics cards’ features and performance. To run both AMD and NVIDIA GPUs, installation of AMD and Lucid Hydralogix Drivers is required.
The cards come bundled with a Dirt 3 game coupon and a range of cables and adapters for quick and easy installation: DisplayPort to DisplayPort Cable, HDMI to DVI Cable, HDMI Cable and a DVI to VGA Adapter.
The new HIS IceQ Mix is available at Overclockers.co.uk.
HIS 6970 IceQ Mix Key Features and Advantages:
Mix Eyefinity – AMD’s Eyefinity is enabled via HDMI without using expensive Display Port monitors and Active Adapters. Eyefinity can also be enabled via a HDMI to DVI adaptor.
Mix GPU – Run an AMD and NVIDIA GPU in the same system to enjoy the benefits of both graphics features and performance.
IceQ Technology - Cool air is drawn from both sides of the fan to thereby enhance the cooling efficiency, directly exhausts hot air out of PC case.
-23°C Cooler - HIS 6970 IceQ Series is over 23°C cooler than the Reference Cooler.
Quieter – HIS 6970 IceQ Series is quieter than the Reference Cooler, significantly reducing noise level.
For more information about HIS 6970 IceQ Mix, please visit- http://www.hisdigital.com/un/product2-650.shtml
Suggested GPU Combinations:
AMD + AMD
HIS 6970 IceQ Mix + AMD HD 6900
HIS 6970 IceQ Mix + AMD HD 6800
AMD + NVIDIA
HIS 6970 IceQ Mix + NVIDIA GeForce GTX 580
HIS 6970 IceQ Mix + NVIDIA GeForce GTX 570
To run both AMD and NVIDIA GPUs, installation of AMD and Lucid Hydralogix Drivers is required.
Model Name: HIS 6970 IceQ Mix 2GB GDDR5 PCI-E HDMI/2xDVI/2xMini DP
Chipset: Radeon HD 6970 PCIe Series
Memory Size (MB): 2048
Memory Type: GDDR5
Engine CLK (MHz): 880 MHz
Memory CLK (Gbps): 5.5 Gbps
Memory Interface (bit): 256
Bus Interface: PCI Express 2.1 (x16)
DVI: Upper Single-link DVI-D, 2nd DVI, Bottom Dual-link DVI-I
Mini Display Port: 2


After many years of involvement on different ends of the Norwegian rock and metal scene, four hard rock devotees teamed up under the name Sahg, in the late summer of 2004. The members had gained long and wide experience – together and each on their end – from bands like Gorgoroth, Audrey Horne and Manngard, in which they were and still are engaged. Still, they had a craving to form this new band, and when it finally came together, the ball started rolling pretty quickly.
Already by the end of 2004 the first rough demo was distributed to a limited number of record labels, among others Swedish label, Regain Records. The record company responded very quickly and positively, and within another couple of months, the record contract was signed.
Throughout the winter and spring of 2005 Sahg worked on the material for their first album, and at the same time built up quite a solid reputation from their live efforts on the club scene of their hometown, Bergen. Sahg I was recorded and mixed throughout the summer and fall of 2005.
Shortly after the studio process was completed, drummer Kvitrafn left Sahg. But the band continued their determined work, and created the artwork for the album single-handedly themselves. Also, the video for Godless Faith was shot in October the same year. In short, 2005 was a very busy and eventful year for the band, going from newly started garage band to up-and-coming doom rockers with a worldwide album release coming up.
After the massive praise following Sahg I, in 2006 the band took the stage on both the great Norwegian metal masses, Inferno and Hole in the Sky, before heading out on a four weeks tour of North-America, as opening act for Celtic Frost. Upon the return, new songs were already materializing, and the foundation for a second album started to take shape.
Before the break of spring 2007, Sahg had started recording, but were destined for a windy, bumpy ride that would make the creation of their second album a tedious affair. After having put the first three songs down on tape, the studio was torn to the ground by the landlord, and Sahg was sent on a lookout for somewhere else to finish their work. In the meantime, they took on Wacken Open Air with fire and lightning, and returned to the new studio with renewed inspiration.
The midsummer weeks by the West Norwegian ocean side was the fairest the band would see during the studio process. Technical mishaps and unfortunate decisions soon started to take their toll on the patience of the band. Unforeseen obstacles kept getting in the way, like a misfortune that had been cast upon them. Thus, Sahg spent the remains of 2007 recording and mixing the new album. But the strife, the frustration and despair have left their trace within the tracks, and added another dimension of pitch black energy. A genuine blessing in disguise.
Then, upon the dawning of 2008, less than two years after the debut, Sahg II, a new compilation of murky heavy metal was unleashed. Untraditional sounds coming from Norway, yet carrying loads of heavy metal tradition in every other way. The inspiration from Pentagram, Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin is still present, but Sahg II also breaks limits on both ends of the musical scale compared to its predecessor; more fast, energetic fury on Ascent to Decadence and Pyromancer, and further into psychedelic atmospheres on Escape the Crimson Sun and Monomania. In total, an uncompromising and dynamic album that stretches the band to its limits, when it comes to musicality and songwriting. Sahg II was mixed by ex-Anthrax guitarist, Rob Caggiano.
Shortly after the release, Sahg headed out on a European tour, supporting US doom legends Trouble. In October the same year, the band toured India, performing at five open air festivals throughout the country.
Live appearances are confirmed at several festivals during the spring and summer of 2009. In 2010 Sahg released their third studio album Sahg III. They appeared at the venue John Dee on the festival by:Larm. Rumour has it that Sahg will release their fourth album in 2013.
Artist descriptions on Last.fm are editable by everyone. Feel free to contribute!
All user-contributed text on this page is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; additional terms may apply.


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text:
Massive Disneyland Attraction Database
The Columbia Caroussel attraction, immensely considered to be the finest yellow attraction at Disneyland
April 7, 1968
Avg. queue length:
This Caroussel -- named for famed figurehead Columbia and easily found near a stone in which is embedded the legendary sword Mexcalibur -- plays circus music and circuitously moves horse lovers of all temperments
- If this is your first visit to Disneyland, you won't want to experience this attraction first thing in the morning.
Guest Policies and Warnings
- No shoplifting or singing along allowed.
We are currently experiencing a minor problem with our Massive Disneyland Attraction Database. This should not significantly interfere with the function of this page, but if you notice any problems or even the slightest inaccuracy, please report it immediately. Thank you for your prayers.

domain: entertainment


text:
January 16, 2017
The Things We Keep
The Things We Keep by Sally Hepworth
2016 St. Martin's Press
Finished on August 10, 2016
Rating: 3.5/5 (Good)
Anna Forster, in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease at only thirty-eight years old, knows that her family is doing what they believe to be best when they take her to Rosalind House, an assisted living facility. She also knows there's just one other resident her age, Luke. What she does not expect is the love that blossoms between her and Luke even as she resists her new life at Rosalind House. As her disease steals more and more of her memory, Anna fights to hold on to what she knows, including her relationship with Luke.
When Eve Bennett is suddenly thrust into the role of single mother she finds herself putting her culinary training to use at Rosalind house. When she meets Anna and Luke she is moved by the bond the pair has forged. But when a tragic incident leads Anna's and Luke's families to separate them, Eve finds herself questioning what she is willing to risk to help them.
Well, that's what I get for not reviewing a book as soon as I finish reading it! Until I read the publisher's blurb, I had zero recollection of either the plot or the characters. The Things We Keep was certainly not as good (or as memorable) as Still Alice, which is also about a character with early onset Alzheimer's. The Things We Keep is told from three points of view, one of which felt contrived and predictable. I feel that Hepworth only scratched the surface of what could have been a very good examination of dementia/Alzheimer's. Ultimately, The Things We Keep left me wanting more substance and less fluff.

domain: library


©2011 Galesburg Broadcasting Co.
Read the latest local sports stories by clicking here
|Bears Waive DE Gholston
|LAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP) -- The Chicago Bears have waived defensive end Vernon Gholston and four other players.
Drafted sixth overall by the New York Jets in 2008, Gholston was released in March after failing to record a sack in three seasons. He appeared in three preseason games with the Bears.
Also released on Monday were defensive tackle Tank Tyler and three undrafted rookie free agents _ quarterback Trevor Vittatoe, center J.C. Brignone and linebacker Tanner Antle. With those moves, the Bears reached the roster limit of 80 ahead of Tuesday's deadline. They must cut 27 more players by Saturday.
Running back Chester Taylor was still officially on the roster. His agent Ken Sarnoff did not immediately return messages seeking comment.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)


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Every self-respecting gardener understands the importance of soil quality. Many Australians face the challenge of waterlogged earth, especially in the autumn months. You see, some plants don’t have a problem with a bit more water around their roots, while others… let’s just say that they have a far shorter life-span.
While cacti can thrive in the harsh world of the desert, they can still experience hardship when people are taking care of them. Pot cactuses show when they are stressed out by yellowing. Stress can come from numerous factors like improper watering, wrong sunlight exposure, etc.
While they can handle a bit of neglect, succulent plants like the cactus will need to be set in the proper conditions to thrive.
All of us love the calming chirps of songbirds. There is nothing like drinking a peaceful cup of coffee in your backyard coupled with the beautiful tweeting of a Common Myna.
But if your backyard doesn’t offer the proper habitat for songbirds, your only choice is to listen to recordings of songbirds on YouTube (not quite the real deal though).
Worry not, because birds are easily attracted, and with just a couple of simple tweaks in your garden you can easily attract songbirds in your garden.
No one can make “a perfect’’ garden party, but we are all able to throw an amazing one. Of course, the attendees always play a big part on how to the party turns out, but we can still control the outcome.
In order to be remembered as the best garden party thrower among your friends, and we’re here to help you. So, let’s take a look at some cool garden games, that will keep your guests entertained.

domain: agronomy


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Juniper Creek hiking trail, located in Blackwater State Forest, is a nice trail that follows along the Juniper Creek. The trail is 8.8 miles long and is a segment of the Florida National Scenic Trail.
The lights are hung, trees decorated and cooler weather is blowing in. It’s one of our favorite times of the year to get outdoors.
Grab your board (or they have boards available) and head over to participate in the Endless Summer Classic Windsurfing race hosted by the Shell Point Sailboard Club.
We loved our getaway and the memories we made at Grayton Beach State Park! Check what you and your family can experience at this park.
Outdoors and winter are a great combination. Fresh air and cool water bring a new outlook to exploring along the coast. Winter isn’t a time just to sit inside and wait for spring; it’s a time to go explore new places and reflect on goals for the coming year.


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Each month our friends at Lowell Arts are celebrating the West Michigan music scene by connecting with different artists. WYCE caught up with April's Featured Artist, Josh Rose.
- Recording and creating music during this year has been different for all parts of the music industry. What challenges and/or possible unexpected breakthroughs have come along in that time for you?
The big challenge for me has been filling a gaping hole in my life. After 17 years of performing and writing for audiences all over the Midwest, the last year has been just a giant void for a hugely meaningful part of my life. I love performing, but even more I love the interactions with friends and fans before and after the show. I love checking out new towns and places to play. Shows, when done right, are magical. It all just evaporated. Live streaming was ok for a while, but it soon proved that nothing can replace the live experience.
I can't wait to be back in front of real people.
That said, one of my pals, Kyle Rasche, started an online songwriting group, called The Songhaul, early in the pandemic. We have ten or so of our musical pals in the group. We perform privately online, bounce ideas off each other, etc. It really helped refocus my writing and I began to crank out 2+ songs per month. That's a rate I haven't accomplished since I was in my late 20s. I am proud of my COVID songs and can't wait to record and start performing them.
- What routines and routes did you take to stay connected to the music community and your regular local community?
I have made so many friends over the years in the Midwest music community. I miss them. I've been trying to check in with them periodically and "like" whatever sorts of projects they have going on. One routine that has become fairly common is small, socially distant campfire gatherings. But they have been very small and not necessarily "routine". It has been really nice to see some of music pals. Honestly, I can't wait to be with them all again, go see some of my friends' shows, and get back to some degree of musical normalcy.
- Why are nonprofit resources like Lowell Arts and noncommercial radio like WYCE important to your community?
LowellArts and WYCE have always been committed to not only supporting the performing arts, but also creating opportunities for performing artists all over West Michigan. I have played on air at WYCE many many times. They are amazing people over there. LowellArts has an amazing gallery that has turned into an important West Michigan music venue. They are amazing people. These organizations just don't "support" bands and artists, they help foster their growth.
- What artists/bands have you discovered or rediscovered in the last year?
My musical influences come from a wide berth of genres and cultures. This past year I really got into chillwave: Brothertiger, Washed Out, and Novo Amour. Yes, a folk artist like me...totally getting into chillwave. Haha.
- What’s ahead for you in 2021 and beyond?
I've started recording again and it feels amazing. My pal, Michael Crittenden, and I are organizing my new record right now. This will be my fourth studio record and I already have a name for it: Foreverland. It's such a tough time for many musicians and artists who still want to create musical output in physical form...albums and CDs. CDs just don't sell anymore and albums are really expensive to manufacture. I believe that my songs are strong products that stand with anything you hear on the radio. It's tough, as this is a competitive business and it's tough to find someone who will advocate for my musical output, when other artists and musicians have their own path to worry about. I am hoping to put out a great record, despite the industry dynamics and other hurdles.
I also hope to play and advocate for more listening shows, where the music is the destination. I can't compete with craft beer. Haha. Just hoping that these COVID numbers go down enough so that music can come alive again. It's been dormant for a while. I think we could all use a hearty dose of live songs ASAP.

domain: artistic


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TurfBlaster is a unique Biotic Soil Amendment (BSA) containing a certifiable 100% Organic Fertilizer and a diverse Biological Inoculant creating an all in one easy to use product. TurfBlaster BSA *conditions the soil *builds soil life *provides food substrates for the microbes in your soil and *stimulates root and plant growth. Designed to use with new turf establishment, renovations and regular feeding of established turf, TurfBlaster BSA is also suitable to use with all plants at any stage of growth from new seeding to established mature plants.
TurfBlaster BSA is a semi-solid mixture that is best applied with a bulk liquid spray tank or hydro-seeder. It may be applied alone or as part of the Hydroseeding slurry to create a Biotic Enriched – Hydraulic Growth Medium.


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First Impressions and the Dorsomedial Prefrontal Cortex
Speed Dating and the fMRI Machine:
To find out what goes on in the brain when people view others of the opposite sex as potential mates, or in this case dates, the researchers enlisted the help of 73 male and 78 female volunteers from Trinity College – all were asked to participate in a speed dating exercise. Prior to the speed dating, 39 of the volunteers agreed to allow their brains to be scanned via fMRI machines as they were looking at pictures of people of the opposite sex and rating them on a scale of 1 to 4 regarding their desire to possibly date them. They were also asked to rate those they viewed on how attractive they found them and how likeable they thought they were.
The speed dating exercise was held in the traditional way, i.e. a group of male and female participants were paired up for five minutes at a time with all of the other opposite gender participants to gauge their potential as a real date. Included among the speed daters were the people that appeared in the pictures. Afterwards, both parties filled out forms where they could write down the names of those they were open to dating after the event.
The researchers found that people that were rated highly during the fMRI exam were chosen 62 percent of the time by those that had rated them, after the speed dating exercise. They also found that different parts of the prefrontal cortex appeared to be involved in coming to those decisions. Specifically, they noted that one part, the paracingulate cortex lit up when a volunteer was asked to judge attractiveness, indicating the region was highly involved in drawing conclusions about how attractive they found another person. But, they also found that the rostromedial prefrontal cortex lit up for some people when looking at someone that others didn't seem to find all that attractive, indicating that the individual found that they person they were looking at, was simply attractive to them, which the researchers suggest, is a measure of likeability. _MXP
Abstract of study from The Journal of Neuroscience
We are ever at the mercy of our brains, and its inherent chaotic swings and tides. But we are just barely learning how our brains determine the nature and quality of our existences.
It may be time for us to look at our lives a bit more intentionally, so that we will not one day look back and discover that we have not lived at all, but had only reacted instinctively or had been led unawares. (Apologies to Thoreau's Walden)
The brain: the single most important sex organ. High time we learned to use it.
Labels: sex and the brain


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F1 AERO CHANGES: Simplifying Formula 1 car aerodynamics has several purposes in mind. The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobil (FIA) said it should have ‘a positive impact on racing’.
It should promote closer racing lines and make overtaking maneuvers easier and safer. The results, approved by e-vote, include:
- A wider and deeper rear wing.
- Simplified front brake duct with no winglets.
- Simplified front wing, with a larger span, and low outwash potential. The outcome means more air gets directed ‘inside’ the front wheels.
The modifications to the aerodynamics of the cars follows extensive research. They wanted to find ways of making it less difficult for a car to follow close behind the one in front. Even so, some teams expressed opposition to the rule changes.
The end decision followed a presentation made to F1 teams at the venue of the Bahrain Grand Prix. The official proposals were to promote closer racing and more overtaking.
The vote followed a lengthy period of research into initial proposals made by the FIA. But, even though F1 rule changes simplify car aerodynamics, they are separate to further ongoing work being undertaken. They will be introducing new Formula 1 rules and regulations for the year 2021 and beyond.
Note: The F1 Commission and World Motor Sport Council have already approved the car aero regulation changes for the start of the 2019 season.
The FIA continues to assess and evaluate a range of other measures in addition to the car aero changes. They hope more F1 rule changes will encourage closer racing and boost overtaking.
They brought forward a raft of other measures aimed for 2021 to be ready for the start of the 2019 season. F1 motor sport plans a major overhaul of technical and financial arrangements in the future.
But, the most immediate changes includes things like:
- A separation of driver weight from the car weight, ending a disadvantage for heavier drivers.
- A requirement for drivers to wear biometric gloves during the race.
- Increased race fuel allowance allowing drivers to race longer at full power.
Reasons behind F1 Car Aero Rule Changes
The season-opener took place in Australia. That race played a large part in the decision to make aero changes.
In fact, only five overtaking maneuvers took place throughout the entire race in Melbourne in March 2018.
Those who opposed the changes made a point that overtaking is always difficult on that particular track. They said subsequent races featured better, and more competitive, racing.
But, there is a general acceptance that F1 rules introduced in 2017 are to blame. Making the cars faster seems to have made it more difficult to overtake at close quarters.
FIA and F1 research discovered an issue with the current front wings. They have a major impact on the ability for a car to follow close behind another.
In Formula One terminology, the wings create an ‘out-wash’ effect. It directs air off the front wing around the outside of the front tyres. The purpose is to create optimum aerodynamic downforce. But, spilled air from out-wash effect has a harmful effect on the car behind. In fact, it reduces the following car to create downforce.
Less downforce means the car behind has less grip. In turn, that also means the trailing car cannot go as fast through the corners. Thus, the driver would struggle to get in a position that is close enough to overtake.
A simplification to car aerodynamic rules should ensure a lead car creates less disturbed air. It will eliminate out-wash from the front wing by simplifying its end-plates. The outcome – we have yet to see it in practice – means the car behind can follow much closer.
Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA)
The Formula One Grand Prix Drivers’ Association welcomed the ratification. A tweet from their chairman on Twitter shared the motor racing news with fans and supporters saying:
“This is a success for F1 and the GPDA! The drivers’ body has been lobbing this direction since years! Thanks Ross (Brawn) and co for listening and getting this moving!”
ALSO IN THIS SECTION
Articles about Sport and Games: Get all the top news headlines on sports rules and regulations.
FIA Official Rule Book: A section for those who would like to download the official rule book.
F1 Frequently Asked Questions: Get quick and simple answers to some popular F1 questions.
F1 Radio Rules: Nico Rosberg penalized for rule breach while Hamilton races ahead at Silverstone.
2019 F1 Rule Changes Explained: In case you missed the 3 big rule changes for the 2019 season.
Formula One Eases the Rules on Events: Teams will be free to demo their current cars from 2018.

domain: sports


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The effects of drug use can be felt by the whole family. Leesal Malhan explains how With You’s services support people to manage family life.
Sophie* is a young mother in Wigan. After becoming pregnant, she was forced to leave her family home to live with an ex-partner. She was told that she shouldn’t expect ‘special treatment’ because she was pregnant. She has been on a waiting list for affordable housing for over two years.
Eva* has a young son. She is entitled to 15 hours of free childcare per week under a government scheme. However, she is struggling to find a job that will employ her for those hours.
Grace* is a stay at home single mum. Being at home all day with a toddler has had a negative effect on her mental health, leaving her feeling socially isolated. Wigan has one of the highest teenage pregnancy rates in the Greater Manchester area, with the North West having the second highest rate in the country. For Grace, this has made her cautious of seeking help for fear of being stigmatised by her community.
Peoples’ experiences with support services can leave a lasting impact. These are just three stories that illustrate the social and financial barriers parents and caregivers can face when accessing support, and the ways in which they might come to mistrust support services.
Last year, more than a quarter of adults in England who applied for social care support had their applications rejected, with people in the North West most likely to be turned down for support of any kind. At the same time, the cost of living crisis is hitting the most vulnerable people — those living in the most deprived communities — hardest, which is likely to increase people’s reliance on social support.
We know that people with multiple complex needs including those that use drugs are more likely to experience difficulties around housing, employment, and family life. When people come to us, it is vital for us to be sensitive to the negative experiences they may have around seeking help.
At With You, we understand that to offer the most successful interventions for any given service user we need to take a holistic view. In the context of families this means reassessing our understanding of what family units can look like and providing judgement-free support for every member of the family affected by drug use.
Supporting parents and caregivers who use drugs
Parents and caregivers who use drugs can often find themselves in a cycle of guilt, shame, and isolation.
Research suggests that stigma around drug use is exacerbated in the context of parenting and caregiving. Parents and caregivers with drug use issues may isolate themselves or avoid disclosing their drug use in medical settings for fear of being labelled as ‘irresponsible’ or ‘uncaring’.
Similarly, the fear of losing custody of children or being deemed unfit to have others in their care can be a painful barrier to seeking treatment. This is especially the case for single-mothers, who face additional social stigma for ‘failing’ in their maternal role.
We know from parents that have accessed our services that council-provided parenting courses may not always be able to meet their specific needs. Offering bespoke parental groups specifically for our client base is therefore welcome, where we can support people to feel confident in their parenting in a non-judgemental environment. We use modules from the popular resource ‘The Parenting Puzzle Book’ to support adults who have been referred through our treatment system.
During the pandemic, our services were able to pivot to provide virtual advice as well as programmes that focus on empowering the individual. In the current context of the cost of living crisis we are ensuring that people with families can continue to access support through simple but important interventions, such as providing childcare vouchers so that people can attend their appointments, or arranging visits to their homes or local communities to remove the barrier of transport-related costs.
However, it is important to remember there is no one programme we can point to as a catch-all solution. Every family affected by drug use has its own set of complexities, just as every family unit will be made up of different relationships and dynamics. When we think about our treatment offer it is more accurate to think of a toolkit made up of the collective knowledge, training, and experience we have to provide the right combination of support for any given service user. As a With You recovery worker said, ‘the biggest asset we’ve got is our connection with people and being able to demonstrate care with a non-judgemental approach. Just because you’re a person who’s lived with drug use issues doesn’t necessarily make you a ‘bad’ parent’.
Read the full blog post here.
DDN magazine is a free publication self-funded through advertising.
We are proud to work in partnership with many of the leading charities and treatment providers in the sector.
This content was created by With You

domain: sociology


Compliance Hotline (1-877-217-2426 or Online)
System Administration Standard of Conduct Guide
Report Suspected Noncompliance
The University of Texas System Administration encourages employees to report any suspected compliance concerns. Examples of reportable concerns include illegal or fraudulent activity, financial misstatements or irregularities, conflicts of interest, unethical conduct, or violations of laws, rules, regulations, policies or procedures. If you have questions as to whether an action is reportable or not, please contact your supervisor or the System Administration Compliance Officer.
How can I report a violation?
Employees are encouraged to address compliance concerns through their institution's normal administrative channels. However, there are several methods for reporting suspected compliance and ethics violations.
- Talk to your supervisor or department head,
- Contact the System Administration Compliance Officer, or
- Call the System Administration hotline at 1-877-217-2426 or provide your report Online
What is the Hotline?
The System Administration Hotline and Online Web Form provide confidential ways for employees to report suspected wrongdoing in a manner that preserves anonymity and assures non-retaliation. They are operated by an outside company not affiliated with the UT System and are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If utilizing the Hotline, your call will be taken by a trained professional who will ask you questions about your concern. Reports submitted through the Hotline or Web Form are then forwarded to the appropriate university officials who will promptly address the allegations.
Can I choose to report anonymously?
You may choose to report anonymously and the information you provide will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.
Do I have protection from retaliation if I report in good faith?
UT System policy, Regents' Rules and Regulations, and state law prohibit retaliation against anyone who in good faith reports an instance of suspected wrongdoing. (UTS 131 Protection from Retaliation for Reporting Suspected Wrongdoing)
What if my compliance concern involves another UT institution?
The System Administration compliance hotline and online web form are intended for use by employees of System Administration. If you are an employee of another UT System institution and you observe conduct not in compliance with laws, rules, regulations, policies or procedures, you are encouraged to report the situation to your supervisor, department head, institutional compliance officer, or your institution's compliance hotline number provided below.
Institution Hotline Site
|UT El Paso||888-228-7713|
|UT Permian Basin||833-429-0006|
|UT Rio Grande Valley||877-882-3999|
|UT San Antonio||210-458-5365|
|UT System Administration||877-217-2426|
|UT Southwestern Medical Center||877-507-7319|
|UT Medical Branch at Galveston||800-898-7679|
|UT Health Science Center at Houston||833-222-0056|
|UT Health Science Center at San Antonio||877-507-7317|
|UT MD Anderson Cancer Center||800-789-4448|
|UT Health Science Center at Tyler||833-442-5111|
FAQs regarding the Compliance Hotline
Are there additional reporting options?
You may also report suspected fraud, waste, and abuse involving state resources to the Texas State Auditor’s Office Hotline at 1-800-TX-AUDIT (1-800-892-8348). You can find additional information at the Texas State Auditor's Office Hotline website.


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It was a huge surprise to arrive into Sydney and be greeted by the cold wind and rain. The first two days were spent pacing the streets spotting as many sites as we could do despite the weather! Fuelled by ice creams and coffee, we walked through Darling Harbour, up to The Sydney Opera House, The Sydney Harbour Bridge and to The Botanic Gardens.
Sydney is beautiful, however filled with a cosmopolitan falseness of dressing to impress online followers, splashing cash and a large drinking culture. A pity to say behind the image, it’s a stunning city filled with culture and light. We explored more markets, watched The Superbowl in the Hard Rock Cafe on Darling Harbour and tucked into homemade gelato along the bay.
Venturing on to Hunter Valley, we passed small villages filled with charity shops and bakeries, a huge culture difference from the cosmopolitan Sydney. Stopping in a vineyard called Mount Pleasant high in the mountains, nestled among large wooden homes and miles of greenery, we sampled a large selection of delicious, fruity and dry Australian wines.
The next adventure was to Byron Bay. Every cliché you could imagine crammed into one divine town. Meditation and yoga classes offered in all boutique hotels, VW camper vans line the streets, positive mantras on every colourful poster that paint the shops, live music on the sand, surf shops on every corner, homemade acai bowls, kale smoothies and trendy almond milk frappes are on every bistro menu and everyone walks the streets barefooted! We swam in a tea tree lake after a going to a public BBQ on the lake and making bacon and egg muffins for breakfast. We took to the waves for a surf lesson with our long-blonde-haired, shaggy instructor, lapping along the warm waves, enjoying baked cookies in the golden sand, feeling the warm breeze and soaking up the laughter of families and friends enjoying picnics was everything dreams are made of. A delicious takeaway and free pancakes listening to a live band in the sand while the sun set on a lilac horizon was the perfect way to end the day.
Visiting Noosa and walking through the national park makes you realise your significance on earth. Hearing nothing but nature, surrounded by foliage that provides food, medicine and oxygen to us all makes you remember that all the things we worry about are pointless. Sat by the crystal ocean we tucked into Concretes, a custard ice cream mixed with toppings like raspberries, passion fruit cream, ginger crumble and honey!
We all went glamping in individual cabins, sat out around a BBQ with sausages, breads and salads and surrounded by kangaroos, the Everglades and stunning lakes, we drank beers and tucked into meat. Much needed after an eight-mile hike into Noosa national park during the first midday sun earlier. There was a triumphant thunder storm, crashes of thunder and striking lightening against a black sky. Once the showers cleared we sat around a fire toasting marshmallows and playing games.
An overnight train in comfortable armchairs and private televisions got us to Airline beach. We climbed aboard an ex-sailing boat and travelled on a three-day voyage of the Whitsunday Islands. Seeing Whitehaven Beach, which has the purest, finest sand around. The crystal waters far bluer than anything in the Caribbean, almost clear opal against the shimmering white and dark rocks creates an idyllic setting, perhaps why they chose it as the ideal location for The Pirates of the Caribbean. Grabbing a snorkelling set, we swam out to the Great Barrier Reef, witnessing the colourful coral, the damage from monsoons, the turtles, schools of tropical fish and feeling the delightful warm water soak in to us, a delightful relief after trekking into the National Parks earlier in the forty-degree sun! Delicious meals consumed on deck with rum and star gazing at the phenomenal crystal galaxy with endless twinkling suns was a welcoming relaxation.
A final week spent in Cairns was idyllic. A quaint town with large shopping centres, a huge ziplining and animal sanctuary on top of a casino, a lagoon, beaches, incredible restaurants, night markets and quirky bars. Families spend their days having BBQs, reading in the grass, splashing in the parks, taking part in the free exercise groups on the sand and drink coffees together overlooking the stunning crystal waters set against the dense green foliage of the rainforest.
I managed to hold a koala, skydive over the Great Barrier Reef and experience some incredible once-in-a-lifetime moments. It’s wonderful how a warmer, friendly and more understanding culture can captivate you. I felt my whole body and soul slow down into a steady, rhythm. I lost the tension, the anxiety and the constant rush and boredom I feel back home. Melted away the hours of tedium of wondering how to spend cold, dull evenings trapped inside from the rain. Even the quietest domestic days in Australia doing the laundry, cooking food and watching Netflix felt relaxing and like needed rest while bathing in warmth and light instead of feeling cold, tired and bored. The locals are friendly and smile back at you, a simple t shirt and shorts is all that’s needed to walk to the local bakery for lunch. Everywhere is open and welcoming.
How do you know when you’re completely happy? When you’re in a moment and wouldn’t honestly want to be anywhere else. When you’re completely content, not wanting to go anywhere or do anything else. I can easily say I’ve felt that here in Australia more than anywhere else.


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Integrative Therapeutics B12 Active is a dietary supplement providing chewable, fast absorbing vitamin B12. Normally vitamin B12 is easily obtained from foods like fish, meat, poultry, eggs, and milk. However, if you are a vegetarian or are unable to absorb B12 from food, you are probably deficient in B12 which can lead to feelings of fatigue. Additionally, research has shown that vitamin B12 declines with age, and that this decline can lead to impaired nerve function resulting in numbness, pins-and-needles sensations, or a burning feeling in the feet, or impaired mental function.
Integrative Therapeutics B12 Active Sublingual tabs supply 1 mg of Methylcobalamin per serving. Methylcobalamin is the preferred form of vitamin B12 because it is easily absorbed and does not need to be converted in the body before use. This means that B12 Active starts working fast, providing energy support you will notice right away. Since B12 Active uses a sublingual delivery method, it is ideal for people who have problems absorbing B12 in the gastrointestinal tract.
Provides methylcobalamin, the active form of vitamin B12
- Contains a high level of B12
- Great-tasting chewable tablet
Recommended usage: Take 1 tablet daily; chew and dissolve in the mouth before swallowing, or as recommended by your healthcare professional.
Integrative Therapeutics B12 Active Sublingual Facts: Vitamin B12 (as methylcobalamin) 1 mg. Also includes: Fructose, mannitol, cellulose, magnesium stearate, and natural flavor.

domain: medical


What is a system?
A set of interrelated components with a clearly defined boundary.
to achieve a common set of objectives by accepting inputs and producing outputs in an organized
What are the basic functions of a system?
Input: capturing and assembling elements that enter the
system to be processed.
transformation process that converts input into output.
transferring transformed elements to their ultimate destination.
What is an Information System?
An organized combination of people, hardware and software,
communication networks, data resources, policies and procedures.
This system stores, retrieves,
transforms, and disseminates information in an organization.
All the components and resources necessary
to deliver information and functions to the organization(could be paper based)(hardware, software,
networking, data management).
What is a cybernetic system?
A self-monitoring, self-regulating system, adds feedback and control.
data about the performance of a system.
Involves monitoring and evaluating feedback to determine whether a system is moving toward
the achievement of its goal.
What should business professionals know?
What is E-Business?
Uses internet technologies to empower business processes, electronic commerce,
collaboration within a company, collaboration with customers, suppliers, and other business stakeholders.
In essence, an online exchange of value.(Use: support communications, coordination and coordination
among teams and work groups).
What is reengineering?
Internal business processes.
What is e-commerce?
Buying, selling, marketing, and servicing of products and services over networks.
What is a TPS? A PCS?
What are the different types of Management Support Systems?
Provides information as reports and
Gives direct comuter support to managers during decision-making.
How do we measure IT success?
Efficiency: minimize cost, time, and use of information resources.
support business strategies, enable business processes, enhance organizational structure
and clulture, increase customer and business value.
What are typical IS activities?
Input of data resources(data entry activities), processing of data into
information(calculations, comparisons, sorting, and so on), output of information products(messages,
reports, forms, graphic images), storage of data resources(data elements and databases), control of system
performances(monitoring and evaluating feedback).
Describe intranet vs. extranet
Intranet is a private computer network that uses
connectivity to securely share any part of an organization's information or operational systems
with its employees. Sometimes the term refers only to the organization's internal
, but often it is a
more extensive part of the organization's computer infrastructure and private websites are an important
component and focal point of internal communication and collaboration.
Extranet is a private network


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Compass Records to Release Jean Ritchie Tribute; Alan Jackson, Kenny Rogers HoF Exhibits to Open in August; Ralph Stanley Elected to American Academy of Arts & Sciences
Ralph Stanley, Al Pacino, Annie Proulx, Robert Reich, and Robert Ballard: the world’s most interesting dinner party or a few of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences’ newly elected fellows? (It’s the latter. Stanley, Pacino, et al. will be officially inducted into the Academy on October 11.) “Alan Jackson: 25 Years of Keepin’ it […]
Hot Rize will release When I’m Free, their first studio album in 24 years, on September 30. Listen to one of their new songs, “Blue is Fallin’,” here. There’s a video interview with Rodney Crowell on Yahoo’s Ram Country. Paul Thorn is the American Songwriter Writer of the Week. Randy Lewis wrote a fine feature […]
Holly Williams’ Tiny Desk Concert is damn good. Lucinda Williams will release the double album Down Where the Spirit Meets the Bone on September 30 (via press release). Williams played a free, small club show in Chicago on Saturday when her outdoor gig at Taste of Chicago was canceled due to rain. Little Big Town’s […]
Lee Ann Womack to Sing at Maya Angelou’s Funeral; Alan Jackson Plans 25th Anniversary Tour; Nobel Prize Nominee Writes Country Songs
Last night’s CMT Music Awards winners: Group Video of the Year: The Band Perry – “Done” Breakthrough Video of the Year: Cassadee Pope – “Wasting All These Tears” Male Video of the Year: Blake Shelton – “Doin’ What She Likes” CMT Performance of the Year: Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie – “Oh No/All Night Long” Collaborative Video […]
Glen Campbell Moved Into Care Facility; Willie Nelson Earns Black Belt; New Study Examines Country Music and Socioeconomic Escapism
Glen Campbell has been moved into an Alzheimer’s care facility. People.com premiered the music video for Easton Corbin’s “Clockwork.” Another new music video: Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road’s version of Merle Haggard’s “Living with the Shades Pulled Down.” Willie Nelson is cooler than you: the living legend will receive his fifth degree black belt in Gong […]
Car Plows Through SXSW Barrier, Kills Two; Ray Price’s Final Recordings Due for Release in April; Josh Turner Returns to the Studio
Two were killed and 23 injured early this morning at SXSW when a car – whose driver was trying to evade police — plowed through a temporary barrier into a crowd of people outside The Mohawk, then continued driving, running over two people on a moped (those victims, a male and a female whose identities […]
Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, Kathy Mattea, and Radney Foster were a few of the artists who helped celebrate Bob Kingsley and his 40 years in country radio. The University of Chicago Press is offering Bob Reisman’s I Feel So Good: The Life and Times of Big Bill Broonzy as a free e-book. The New York […]
Special Consensus to Release John Denver Tribute Album; Tenn. Government Salutes Connie Smith; Little Big Town Debuts New Video
T Bone Burnett’s got a new job as the executive music producer and composer for HBO’s True Detective. Special Consensus and friends (including Peter Rowan, Dale Ann Bradley, John Cowan, and several others) will release Country Boy: A Bluegrass Tribute to John Denver on Compass Records March 25. (via press release) Remember that time we […]
Emmylou’s Wrecking Ball Gets Deluxe Reissue; Dierks Bentley Documentary Due 2/22; New Album Releases
Nonesuch Records will release a three-disc (including a documentary DVD) expanded version of Emmylou Harris’ 1995 album Wrecking Ball on April 8. Harris also announced she and Daniel Lanois will be touring this spring to celebrate this reissue. The Tennessean‘s Nate Rau reports that, “Under current copyright law, songs recorded prior to Feb. 15, 1972, […]
The Winding Stream to Premiere at SXSW; “Stripes” Gets Super Bowl Ad Placement; Zac Brown Band, The Band Perry Cover Elton John
Barry Mazor profiled The Haden Triplets for The Wall Street Journal. Give a listen to the Hadens’ take on “Slowly,” which premiered yesterday on Elle.com. Song publisher, talent agent, and manager Larry Moeller passed away on January 21. He was 75. Over the course of his career, Moeller handled artists like Willie Nelson and Waylon […]
- Leeann: No offense to Chely Wright, but while I expect that she will make a good album, asking for $175,000 seems …
- Juli Thanki: Ha! The best way to celebrate Connie Smith Day is by marrying a younger man. Mullet optional.
- nm: But was it Connie Smith Day all day long and then from dusk to dawn?
- Deremy Jylan: I heard that Jim Lauderdale documentary is some super-duper great movie stuff. Makes Scorsese's THE LAST WALTZ look like Wiseau's …
- Barry Mazor: I'll have to see if Dr. Green's ever read 3 Lives; it's a good book.
- Juli Thanki: Rose is a rose is a rose is a yellow rose of Texas. I smell a terrible concept album!
- Barry Mazor: Pigeons on the grass, alas.. Come-a kai-yai yippy, yippy ay.
- Ken Morton, Jr.: Barry, thanks for the great sentimental look at Winchester. I will admit that he is an artist that was largely …
- Arlene: Thanks for this article, Barry. It's not often that an artist brings another performer to tears during a guitar pull. …
- Leeann: At any rate, I'll still look forward to his next album, because I'm a fan of his music.


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A woman who said she was assaulted by Trump supporters in a tunnel at Villanova University days after the election is asking police to pause their investigation, Radnor police reported Monday.
Radnor police Lt. Andy Block said the woman who made the complaint told them Monday that she no longer wanted the case investigated by police.
“She has been very appreciative of everything Radnor police have done,” Block said. “But at this point she doesn’t want to pursue it.”
The alleged incident took place Nov. 10 when a woman reported that she was walking through the SEPTA tunnel between the west campus and the main campus when a group of men ran toward her yelling, “Trump.”
One of the men pushed her, knocking her to the ground, police reported at the time.
Following the alleged assault, Villanova officials sent out a letter condemning the incident and referring to the act as “deplorable.”
“Upon learning of the incident last night, Public Safety launched an immediate investigation and contacted Radnor Police. The University finds this conduct deplorable and considers this racist behavior that runs completely counter to our values. Actions such as this will simply not be tolerated at Villanova. Those found responsible for such reprehensible behavior will face serious consequences for their actions and will be disciplined appropriately. The safety and security of our students is always our primary concern. It is at times like this when we must come together in solidarity as a community against such actions,” the letter read in part.
Block said if the woman came forward again, they could resume the investigation. When asked Monday, Block said the woman was not injured during the alleged assault.
In an email seeking comment and asking if the case is still under investigation by the university, spokesman Jonathan Gust responded by saying it is still an active investigation.


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Three young children smuggle themselves into Auschwitz in search for their parents.
If you're looking for werewolves, vampires and faeries and paranormal fantasy, try somewhere else. The only wolf in this story is very real, and the only connection with vampires is the distant Transylvanian mountains in Romania, where this story begins.
If you're looking for light-reading where they all live happily ever after then again, try somewhere else.
If you want serious, no-holds-barred literary fiction set against the background of real historic events then this is for you.
Saffina Desforges made her name writing hard-hitting crime fiction. This book is about that most horrific crime of all: genocide.
This is YA, but not as you know it. Dare you read Anca's Story?
About Saffina Desforges
See more books from this Author
Published November 14, 2012
Children's Books, Literature & Fiction, War.

domain: literature


My Grace is now a professional knitter! Look at the mittens she knitted for a friend who has an alpaca farm and a farm store - Red Creek Ranch Alpacas
- aren't these too cute! They are knitted out of a yarn which is a mixture of alpaca and soy silk, and they have black thrums from one of the black alpacas at Eyedazzler alpacas.
Grace is working on another pair which are a khaki color with beige spots. I can't wait to see how those turn out!
The Blonders sell all sorts of hand knitted alpaca items - why not pay them a visit and see what they have in their store?
(If you want to know more about these mittens, then please click HERE and HERE.)


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The fans of Lola Indigo they are lucky. On April 14, his new studio album will be released The Dragonwith which he will present a new musical era.
To get closer to this stage, La Santa presented a few days ago, a preview of this project with which she will show us the most confident and self-confident Lola. But little by little, the one from Granada has taken on the task of delighting his followers with new clues about what is to come.
Without going any further, during his last visit to Argentina, revealed in an interview that Emilia will be part of the tracklist of The Dragon. “It was the first song I did with Big One. It was the first time I came to Argentina and it was the first session I had. And Emi, Duko and FMK appearedso I’m just going to say it’s a theme because with the credits that are in the song, it can only be a theme”, explains our protagonist.
But that’s not all. In another interview, he added that it is a reggaeton song, so we have no doubt that it will be released in clubs around the world.
The Dragon Lola’s
What else do we know about Grenade’s new studio album? Currently, topics such as Anmal, Discoteka there broken hearts. Songs that have not gone unnoticed on the charts and digital platforms and which already have millions of views.
Besides, The Dragon will sound live on May 6 at the WiZink Center (already sell) and on the 13th of the same month at the Palau Sant Jordi in Barcelona. Lola will hatch to present us with this new alter ego for which she has also made a beautiful visual bet. In fact, the photos he shares on his networks that are part of his new concept define what is perhaps his most enlightened era.
And you, are you ready for the new era of Lola Indigo? What would you like him to call his collaboration with Emilia?


Looking for a way to make your home or office more accessible? PVI Manufacturing’s ramps are a great way to make accessing a building easier for those who use scooters, wheelchairs, or walkers. At Clock Mobility, we offer a wide range of PVI ramps in Michigan and are happy to help you find the best portable wheelchair ramp for your needs.
All PVI Ramps offer:
- Limited Lifetime Warranty
- Excellent stability
- Durable welded construction
- Anti-slip, high-traction surfaces
- The ability to accommodate wheelchairs and scooters with various wheel configurations
- Safety DVD and steel security pins (if applicable)
- 3X safety factor testing
PVI Multifold Ramp
This ramp separates easily into two separate pieces, making it easy to transport without being cumbersome. When it’s time to put the ramp together, a rotating pin can be used to lock/unlock the two sides of the ramp together without the use of any extra tools. When not in use, the two pieces unlock and fold in half with the help of a closure strap, making carrying them as easy as carrying a suitcase.
With models varying from 34 to 76 lbs, PVI’s multifold ramps are lightweight. The full platform offers stability, and the welded construction offers top-of-the-line durability. These ramps come complete with an anti-slip, high traction surface and a safety guide to ensure your ramp is safely placed on a slope. Multifold ramps offer an 800 lb. capacity.
PVI Multifold Reach Ramp
The multifold reach ramps come with all of the safety features of PVI’s standard multifold ramps. It also features an extended hook that allows it to clear the rear bumper of a vehicle and red straps to attach it safely to the back of a tailgate. It features the same durable design and locking safety pins, making it just as easy to transport as a standard multifold ramp. Multifold reach ramps are ideal for users who need to load a wheelchair or scooter into the rear of a vehicle with a large bumper or extended tailgate. Multifold reach ramps offer an 800 lb. capacity.
PVI Singlefold Ramp
If you’re in need of a smaller ramp for tight spaces or to place over 1-2 steps, the singlefold ramp might be the right choice. Ranging in length from two to six feet, singlefold ramps typically weigh between 10 and 33 lbs., making them extremely easy to pick up and carry. They fold neatly in half when not in use and can easily be stored in the back of a vehicle if need be. Singlefold ramps offer an 800 lb. capacity.
PVI Solid Ramp
If you’re not in need of a ramp that folds up, the solid ramp is a perfect choice. It’s lightweight, easy to store, and provides ideal stability for all wheelchair and scooter configurations. Solid ramps are available in three, four, and five foot lengths and can easily be stored in a vehicle, closet, or even against a wall. Solid ramps offer an 800 lb. capacity.
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PVI Wheel-a-Bout Ramp
Sometimes, a longer ramp is required to help wheelchair and scooter users transition over a series of steps or down a steep slope. The wheel-a-about ramp is a longer-style ramp, ranging from between 12 and 12 feet in length. Closure straps are used to lock the ramp panels together, keeping it safe and sturdy when in use. When you’re done using it, the ramp folds in half, which allows it to be wheeled out of the way and stored upright until it’s needed again. Wheel-a-bout ramps offer a 600 lb. weight capacity.
PVI Threshold Ramp
Thresholds can be one of the trickiest parts of navigating a wheelchair or scooter. Threshold ramps are perfect for these situations, as they make it easy for a mobility device to get up and over a door threshold with ease. Threshold ramps come with holes punched in the top corners, so installation is as simple as attaching the ramp to your doorway with screws. Additionally, self-supporting threshold ramps align directly against the threshold of your door, making the transition from one room to another seamless. Threshold ramps come in a variety of lengths and can support between 300 and 800 lbs., depending on the model selected.
PVI Elev8 Adjustable Ramp
The Elev8 Adjustable Ramp is specifically designed to align directly against a doorframe and can be used for doors that swing in or out. Adjustable legs allow you to fine tune the perfect height for your ramp/doorway combo. These ramps are made with slip resistant, grooved aluminum and come in a variety of widths and lengths. All Elev8 Adjustable Ramps offer a 800 lb. weight capacity.
PVI OnTrac Ramp
These ramps are an ideal solution for longer sets of stairways or for individuals who do not require a portable ramp. PVI OnTrac Ramps are all 36” wide and can be ordered in a variety of lengths ranging from three feet to ten feet. They come complete with a handrail and a slip resistant surface for safety. OnTrac Ramps can be easily installed in minutes and offer a 850 lb. weight capacity.
PVI Modular XP Ramp Systems
PVI Modular XP Ramp Systems are perfect for those who need a ramp that will sit flush with a landing area. They are 36” wide and can be ordered in 3-4 foot sections. Ramp panels can be combined to increase the overall length of the ramp. PVI Modular XP Ramp Systems also features 45° and 60° platforms to use as landing areas and can be configured to fit almost any situation. ADA handrail extensions, stairs, and gates are also available at an additional cost. Modular XP Ramps offer a weight capacity of 100 lbs. per square foot.


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INDYANA SCHNEIDER studied music at Oxford University and went on to sing opera professionally in Vienna. We caught up with her to discuss her novel, 28 Questions, which follows students Amalia and Alex as they navigate their friendship and love.
Like your character Amalia, you moved from Sydney to the UK to study music at Oxford University – how much of this character was inspired by your own personal experiences?
It’s interesting that many debut novelists share biographical details with their narrators/protagonists. I can think of four recent examples faster than I can say Sally Rooney. Of course, there is a security in writing what you know, particularly as a first-time author. But there’s something more. A friend of mine and a brilliant writer, Jennifer Schaffer-Goddard, wrote about ‘bloodless’ literature in a recent newsletter (I highly recommend anything written by Jennifer: https://substack.com/profile/14774-jennifer-s-g). She calls attention to a tone of ‘knowing coolness’ threaded through a lot of (very good, very successful) contemporary fiction.
While I do enjoy reading books like this, I knew I wanted to write something emotionally charged and hectic – pumping, bloody, bleeding, call it what you like – and, as a first-time author, this kind of writing felt more accessible when I engaged with a world I knew.
The novel follows Amalia and Alex as they struggle to navigate their sexual identity – why did you feel it was important to show the spectrum of experiences through their two distinct journeys?
In the novel, one character remarks that queer people already feel like they have something in common (their sexuality) on a first date in the way straight people don’t. While I think this is true in a lot of circumstances, obviously experiences of ‘sexual identity navigating’ are vastly different depending on a host of factors (class, race, religion etc).
Actually, I think as far as coming out experiences go, Amalia and Alex have pretty similar journeys – neither receive backlash from their families, both experience fear/confusion but kind of go along with it, neither are worried about the intersection of queerness with their faiths … Where they differ is their expectations and communication within friendly and romantic relationships. Vitally, with first person narration, you’re always going to see Alex’s identity through Amalia’s blurry, lusty lenses, which was an additional factor to consider (and very fun to write!).
Throughout your novel you deal with themes surrounding mental health – what compelled you to explore these issues?
I thought it was important for a novel mainly about Oxford University undergraduates to be honest about the mental health struggles students face. Of course, this affects students across universities, but Oxford was my personal experience. For instance, at my college, in order to climb a pretty tower, students had to get written permission from professors that we were in a healthy mental state.
Another thought – at my high school in Sydney, we weren’t taught enough about mental health (e.g. symptoms of anxiety). So at university when I was suddenly unable to breathe and my chest started hurting, I was terrified. Before I knew better, I assumed I was having a heart attack. So I guess this is also my small contribution to normalising/talking about mental health, particularly among young adults.
Your novel explores the various trials and tribulations of young love – what do you hope your readers will take away from Alex and Amalia’s relationship?
I think I’d love readers to join me in questioning: why does the perfect friendship not always translate into the perfect relationship? And I think I’d also love readers to engage with some of the queer-specific themes of young love. Mostly, I’d love to affect readers in some way. For me, this is why we art (verb).
How did you develop the characters of Eve, Alex, and Amalia, and how they change over the course of four years?
You know how when you see someone every day you don’t really notice them age/change, but if you see them once a year, you notice stark, jarring differences? I knew I wanted to write a book that was more like the former, with characters who change dramatically, but subtly and slowly, throughout. I knew I wanted to write about an Australian meeting another Australian in Oxford, and it made sense to set up a slightly skewed power dynamic by making Alex a little older than Amalia. I wanted Amalia and Alex to have this beautiful connection, but also to differ in certain opinions and behaviours – their thoughts on identity, for example. Eve was particularly fun to write as she kind of shares a sense of humour with one of my best mates, who I think is very funny. Once I’d worked out their backgrounds and personalities, the characters’ growth came quite naturally whilst writing their lives over four years.
Your novel includes distinct visual features, such as sheet music and heavy dialogue – why did you choose to include these elements?
Creating Amalia’s character and voice, it felt natural that she would kind of view her life in this dramatic, operatic way. So her story occurs over four years (like opera/play acts), and features music and play-like text as it made sense that this is how she would want to tell her story.
Then on a more personal level – music is my life and every day, so it didn’t even occur to me to write fiction that didn’t feature music. I can’t imagine any future novels I write not including music in some form. I’m still so grateful and excited that Scribner included visual sheet music in the novel, as I’ve never seen this in print before.
Queer love stories are underrepresented in literature – what’s the importance in providing diverse stories?
Oh, where do I start? So much of reading is about inhabiting worlds that aren’t our own and there’s no question diverse stories enhance empathy.
And then I also think reading a queer book whilst thinking about your own sexuality can be a really special experience. For me, reading queer love stories helped put into words feelings and thoughts that felt ineffable or difficult.
This novel features many strong female characters – are these characters shaped by people in your own life?
I’m glad you think so! I am absolutely surrounded by many brilliant and inspiring women and I’m sure this played a part in my characterisations.


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Translink Group upgrades WiFi on its trains, buses and coaches
Posted: 28 February 2017 | Rachael Harper | No comments yet
The Translink Group (the main public transport provider in Northern Ireland) has partnered with Nomad Digital to offer state-of-the-art WiFi on its trains, buses and coaches.
The new partnership means that the Translink Group (which is made up of Metro, Ulsterbus and Northern Ireland Railways) can now have a common management platform for its WiFi solutions throughout all of its transport modes, generating a more efficient operation and ensuring cost savings.
Latest in WiFi innovations
The new partnership also means that all of the operator’s vehicles will have the latest in innovative WiFi router architecture, incorporating new technologies such as integrated next-generation modems and access points, providing Translink with a future-proofed solution.
Jean-Philippe Tissot, Nomad’s EMEAI General Manager, said: “Our unique proposition is to develop strong customer relationships through our leading technology and our hands-on local support. We are developing a local presence in Northern Ireland to benefit Translink.”


VIDEO: Car Left in Flames After Wreck in Holt, Alabama
A wreck in Holt, Alabama left a vehicle in flames near Tuscaloosa Wednesday afternoon.
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Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa traffic "Captain" Ray Allen reported that the overturned vehicle is located on Crescent Ridge Road near Holt Elementary School. According to a Facebook video from an eyewitness, the car appears to be engulfed in fire next to a semi-truck.
Tuscaloosa Firefighters are seen in the video putting out the blaze. Tuscaloosa Police are assisting the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Troopers in working the scene.
It is unclear whether there were occupants in the car or not. Injuries, if any, have not yet been reported.
This story is ongoing. Stay tuned to The Tuscaloosa Thread for more information as details become available.
25 True Crime Locations: What Do They Look Like Today?
Below, find out where 25 of the most infamous crimes in history took place — and what the locations are used for today. (If they've been left standing.)
LOOK: What major laws were passed the year you were born?
Data for this list was acquired from trusted online sources and news outlets. Read on to discover what major law was passed the year you were born and learn its name, the vote count (where relevant), and its impact and significance.
50 Famous Brands That No Longer Exist
LOOK: The most expensive weather and climate disasters in recent decades
Stacker ranked the most expensive climate disasters by the billions since 1980 by the total cost of all damages, adjusted for inflation, based on 2021 data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The list starts with Hurricane Sally, which caused $7.3 billion in damages in 2020, and ends with a devastating 2005 hurricane that caused $170 billion in damage and killed at least 1,833 people. Keep reading to discover the 50 of the most expensive climate disasters in recent decades in the U.S.


Did you catch this past weekend’s momentous occasion? Not Tom Brady’s 3,000th consecutive Super Bowl appearance. That won’t happen ‘til next year. Nor the howls of anguish from the knuckleheads who bet the ranch on the wrong side of the over/under line in Las Vegas. It wasn’t even the big game’s continued ratings slump — fueled no doubt by some of the lamest commercials upon which advertisers ever squandered $5.25 million for 30 seconds of air time.
Giant barrels of corn syrup just aren’t all that funny.
No, this should-have-been top story of the day went virtually unnoticed. Perhaps because TV crews were fixated on a bunch of haughty, aristocratic men in bowties and stovepipe hats jamming their big ol’ hands into burrows, pulling the furry inhabitants out by their tails, and swinging them back and forth like pendulums — we made that part up, hoping it would help this column go viral — before proclaiming spring would arrive in less than 24 hours.
Which it did.
Lost in the jubilation over opening the pool in February was something far more significant than throngs of people waiting in a polar vortex to worship a rat. For at that very moment, at a nondescript recording studio in an undisclosed location, Stevie Wonder stepped away from his keyboard, poked his head around the door, and saw his shadow.
Meaning you have only ten more weeks to do your taxes.
Correction. It’s now down to nine. And you’ll probably need every bit of it to file on time.
Now we know what you’re thinking. Congress promised the American people 14 months ago everything would fit on an itsy-bitsy teeny-weenie yellow polka dot — sorry, we got a bit carried away there — on a piece of paper the size of a postcard. What could possibly be so complicated about that?
To start with, forms 1040-A and 1040-EZ — previously used by those who had only the most common types of income, deductions and credits — have gotten the heave-ho. Now everyone will use one standard document. But this definitely is not your father’s 1040. At first glance, it doesn’t look all that daunting. Just a half a page long — front and back. But remember, this is something Congress cooked up. The very people Sir Isaac Newton had in mind when he used the law of inertia to explain why everything’s so screwy in Washington, D.C.
A Congress in motion tends to stay in motion.
And so it was that members grabbed their Ginsu knives and set about hacking and slashing their way through that despised tax form — shredding and julienning until the chamber floor was littered with the remnants — 25 lines on one, four on another, a check yes or no box on a third, and so on. Yet for all the slicing and dicing, they simply pulled a shift/shaft on the general public. Five lines from the old 1040 were eliminated, 23 were retained on the new version, and everything else moved to a new set of documents known as Schedules 1 through 6.
Surprised? You shouldn’t be. What’s the point of issuing one postcard-sized return if you can make taxpayers fill out seven of them instead? Convinced the Paperwork Reduction Acts of 1980 and 1995 applied to everyone but themselves, Congress also made sure each of these new schedules were printed on regulation-size 8 ½ by 11 inch sheets of paper — most of which are totally blank.
And now you know why federal lawmakers are automatically disqualified from membership in the Mensa Society.Clearly, something else was going on. And here’s the scoop.
It’s all part of the plan to wipe out the U.S. Postal Service’s $13.2 billion debt. Thanks to all these extra forms, the average tax return now won’t fit inside anything smaller than a box three feet deep. Meaning mailing it will probably cost more than the amount of taxes you owe. However, there’s a silver lining that makes it worthwhile.
That wasted blank space on all those forms: It’s just begging to be filled with unflattering caricatures of your least favorite federally-elected officials. So grab your Rembrandt pen and pencil set and have at it. Who knows? Those doodles might land you an IRS referral to the UK’s Royal College of Art on a full ride scholarship. Having just completed our returns — those so-called tax cuts didn’t save us a dime — we’re certainly in the mood for an overseas junket.
Bet you can’t guess whose likeness we’re drawing on ours.
Talk Back with Doug Spade and Mike Clement is heard every Saturday morning from 9 a.m. to noon on WABJ, 1490 AM, Adrian, and online at www.dougspade.com and www.lenconnect.com.