text:
I should be ashamed of myself. It's been nearly two months since my last blog post. A lot has gone on in that time and to be honest, I wasn't sure how to process it or reflect on it on my blog. So, instead of writing about the issues that I have been confronting everyday I've just let my blog go dormant. I have not written anything significant nor have I been able to keep up with my Twitter Book Club archiving.
Now, the time I was employed by EMID was a tumultuous time for the organization. In the year and a half that I was employed there the district went through four different superintendents and nearly every administrative position in the district changed. When the first superintendent retired the district hired Brenda Casselius to take his place. Brenda came in and shook the tree pretty hard causing a lot of people to either leave or to be on guard. This in itself wasn't necessarily a bad thing but as the political winds would have it, not long after taking the assignment she was called upon by the newly elected Governor Dayton to be our state's Commissioner of Education. When she left, a neighboring district's superintendent stepped in as acting superintendent until an interim superintendent could be named. Soon Jerry Robicheau, a retired superintendent of Inver Grove Heights Public Schools (one of the 9 EMID member school districts), was named interim Superintendent.
A couple of things about EMID are worth noting before I move on to discussing where I have been and where I am now. First, as a result of NCLB and the pressures placed on school districts to make AYP these two magnet schools have in a way become a form of alternative school for many of the member districts. When a student is not performing well in a given school it is often felt by the school that perhaps the school is not the best fit for that student. It is in both the school's and the student's best interest to find them better placement. Given the high stakes of test scores there is an added incentive to pass lower performing students along to other schools where they will hopefully have better chances but at the very least their removal will bring up test scores in their previous district. What adds to this arrangement is one thing Crosswinds had going for it was a fantastic special education department, a fact many referred students' families told us was one reason they decided to send their children there. As a result, even though these two schools offer fantastic learning environments with some of the most professional educators I have ever had the pleasure of working with, meeting AYP was always an uphill struggle.
EMID schools are still in operation but their board, which is comprised of school board representatives from it's nine member districts will be voting this month on whether to keep the schools open. With the board chair, Cristina Gillette from W. St. Paul along with all the districts' superintendents (including Dr. Robicheau) in favor of closing the schools it will take either some miracle or judicial action to keep these schools from closing at the end of this school year.
Now, where have I been since I left EMID?
One of the reasons I have been so quiet on my blog is I have been put into an ethical dilemma. The school district I just left and one I highly support was devoted to racial desegregation and equity, two goals I wholeheartedly support. The school where I ended up landing a job this fall is a charter school in St. Paul, the Community School of Excellence (CSE), that serves mainly Hmong students. Where my ethical dilemma resides is that in some ways schools like this one are self-segregating. In many ways it feels like coming here to work is a betrayal of the principles we fought for at EMID.
On the other hand, there is real good reason for schools like CSE to exist, especially if they serve ethnic groups brought here from refugee camps in places where US military action caused their displacement. This was the case for the Hmong. What many people do not know is that in the Vietnam War there was a secret CIA operation known as the Secret War (also known as the Laotian Civil War) that took place. Foreign military were not allowed to bring troops through Laos so the CIA recruited Hmong soldiers to fight with them from the mountains of Laos. Led by General Vang Pao the Hmong soldiers rescued downed American pilots and fought the Viet Cong from the mountains and protected the Ho Chi Minh Trail. In exchange for their involvement a deal was struck that if things turned sour and the Hmong were displaced from their homes they would be given places to live in the United States. Things did go sour and the Hmong were displaced from their homes. They were forced to live in refugee camps where they awaited transport to the United States. Today many still wait even though generations have passed.
For some reason Minnesota became the place where most Hmong in America decided to settle. The highest concentration of which is in St. Paul where my new school is. When the CIA made their promise to the Hmong people I am sure they did not take fully into consideration what would happen culturally to their people if they moved to the United States. The USA is a cultural assimilation machine. It is the whole melting pot concept but with some rather disturbing consequences. Time and again cultures which try to coexist with American culture either get absorbed into our culture or they are left to die. Over time the uniqueness of individual cultures disappear and what we are left with is cultural genocide. I know this is what the leaders of these Hmong immersion charter schools must be thinking. This is painfully obvious when they talk about the importance of retaining the mother tongue.
What I fear about this arrangement though is that schools like this one that self-segregate in order to try to preserve their cultural heritage will end up being no different from our American Indian reservation schools. Already there are tell-tale signs that this is what is already happening. Reservation schools are treated just like any other public school. They receive foundation aid and their local taxpayers are allowed to levy local property taxes to increase revenue to their schools. Unfortunately, the property values on reservations are so low that even a very high percentage would not lift school funding much beyond the foundation aid. Essentially, our state has found a way to keep economically depressed children on Indian reservations even more economically depressed. I see the same thing happening with these charter schools in the inner city. The state allows schools to be independently chartered and locally run but these charter schools are not allowed to levy taxpayer funds. Unless they are given grant money or find a Broad, Gates, or Walton to make up the difference they, like the reservation schools, must rely solely on foundation aid, aid which is nearly 1/3 per pupil what Minnesota's richest school district spends on it's children. And by the way, CSE has an 87% free and reduced lunch rate and nearly 100% ELL population. Most of our students are new to the country within the last four years. If there is a group in Minnesota in need of a greater portion of state aid it is this group.
So, this is my moral dilemma. I want to help support the Hmong people to retain their cultural heritage while at the same time supporting racial desegregation. The way I see it both EMID and CSE are victims of present political winds in education. Winds that help to ensure liberty for some and justice for those who can afford to pay for it.
Tomorrow I will write more about what we are trying to do at CSE.


text:
Four weeks late into ETF2L's season 8, Crack Clan TF2 EU #1 are announcing a seasons break from competitive TF2 after playing ETF2L Season 7, ETF2L AFS, ESL, EMS and ESH cups together (so many leagues!)Â As a team that was originally intended for division 4 but has achieved division 1 greatness in less than a year, it comes as no surprise that a break is needed to recharge their batteries.
Psunfragga added:
"We've decided a bit too late that we're all exhausted to play TF2 together after suffering repeated roster issues. Compton is moving onto great things in real life – good luck!. M00n is chasing sexy women and parties. We recently parted ways with huhy as well. It is difficult to make such big changes four weeks into a new season at division 1 when we had hoped to still play together. No one can predict future situations. Stuntz, Tom [email protected], Retsh0ck and myself are still available to play during this season and we will be looking to potentially getting our team back by next season if people decide real life isn't as fun. In the meantime feel free to support Crack Clan Blue & Green during their debut season with us. If you don't hear from us before Christmas, hope you have a good one and we'll see you in the new year!"
dox continued:
"What an incredible journey; we'd all lost our bets long, long ago as to where this division was going to end up as they simply blew our socks off. What a superhuman story of effort, teamwork, perseverance and accomplishment – though I consider pride one of the uglier human traits it's next to impossible not to brim full of it given this team. Taking a break now given the persistent effort they've employed is practically too late, enjoy the holidays!â€

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Wednesday, November 9 WOD 110911
Mobility: Working the heel cord and calf
WOD: 21-18-15-12-9-6-3 reps rounds for time of..
- Knees to Elbows
- Double Unders
- 50 meter shuttle run after each round
Cash-Out: 1000 meter row for time (*can be added to your challenge total)
Looking for a way to track your workouts and results? Checkout the MyWOD app, available for all you iPhone / iOS and Android users. Or get vintage and use a good old fashioned notebook!


text:
City of London's diesel vehicle 'ban'
3rd August 2016
LoCITY Champion the City of London Corporation has banned new diesel vehicles from its procurement process.
It will no longer lease or purchase diesel models when older vehicles in its 300-strong fleet need to be replaced.
The Corporation is also encouraging businesses to reduce the number of deliveries in the Square Mile and is promoting the use of hybrid electric cars.
For the full story, visit the Guardian.


text:
Subscribe via EmailEnter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.
Double Feature Now Playing!
Preferred Links
Recent Posts
Recent Comments
- neebee on Nothing to see here
- neebee on Eastern Sierra Corn Harvest
- neebee on Squaw Cable Car Accident 30 Year Anniversary
- Sherry Smulders McConkey on Film Review "Hot Dog…the Movie"
- Alejandro Moreno S. on Film Review "Hot Dog…the Movie"
More Links
Monthly Archives: August 2012
Pumpkin and ARCADE Rock the PlumpJack Pool Party!
The PlumpJack Squaw Valley Inn hosted it's second and final pool party of the season last Sunday. DJ Pumpkin from Los Angeles rocked the house while partygoers ate, drank, danced and chilled on the PlumpJack pool deck. Tahoe DJ's Grant … Continue reading
Posted in News, Off Season 2 Comments
PlumpJack Pool Party This Weekend
ARCADE, Pocket Underground, and PlumpJack present: the final PlumpJack Pool Party of 2012, with special guest DJ from Los Angeles:Pumpkin (Pocket Underground). PlumpJack is offering a special $159 room rate which includes breakfast Monday morning. Bring your swim trunks, kids … Continue reading
Posted in Off Season Leave a comment


text:
I'm still not sure what the point of it would be, but if a Banned Users group exists, an Admin could certainly create a forum that only people in that group could see.Master_Cylinder wrote:A hidden banned user forum could still be read only and only visible to the banned group...and admin/moderators of course.
Sure, but the point is that ban reasons (and the reasons shown to users) are free form text. You'd need an ACP page to define a list of ban reasons (or you could reuse the reporting/denial reasons if you wanted). As for the URLs, you can just enter the text that your page would show in the reason to show to the user, though having a list of boilerplate reasons might be useful.Master_Cylinder wrote:Could a definable redirect list just detect if it matched a banned reason and then redirect as configured and do the default if there was no match?
redirect "spam" = spamban.html (no forum access but a page explaining that spammers are losers.)
redirect "name calling" = redirect viewtopic.php?f=007 (or whatever post shows the rules.)
redirect "any other reason an admin wanted = someplace
If spam then redirect to spamban.html else default
or whatever real code might look like?
However, that's really a different requirement than a Banned Users group and so should be a different RFC. Lists and redirects don't require a Banned Users group (they could be done with the existing system) and a Banned Users group doesn't require lists and redirects.


text:
- Home
- Church Stretton Community
- Events
- Local Directory
- Gallery
- Advertise
- About Church Stretton
- Contact
List entries by: company name, star rating, price (low to high), price (high to low)
Please say you found this optician on the Church Stretton Website
The Acton Scott Historic Working Farm was the location for the TV series "Victorian Farm". There are 22 acres of land worked by shire horses and skilled manpower, demonstrating how a mixed South Shropshire farm would have been managed around 1890. Traditional crafts are demonstrated and there is a picnic area and cafe. The farm livestock includes breeds which were popular in the area 100 years ago. It is open from Easter to the end of October.
Please say you saw Acton Scott on the Church Stretton website.
Attingham Park is one of Shropshire's greatest treasures and a fantastic family attraction. With acres of stunning parkland to explore and a striking mansion at its heart, Attingham caters for all.


text:
Backed by exhaustive military and sports research, the exhibition conveys a compelling perspective on how the intertwined stories of rugby and war shaped our nation then and now, is touring New Zealand from 2016 to 2019.
Interested in hosting the exhibition at your museum, sports club or RSA? Download the NZ Touring Exhibition Brief and Touring Booking form.
Interested in finding out when it will be on-show near you? See below for the exhibition tour schedule as it visits its last few venues.
Designed specifically to tour, the exhibition has small footprint (<120m2), features an engaging mix of multimedia and hands-on experiences, and is compact, durable and easy to install in a variety configurations at host venues (eg. Museums, RSA's, sports stadiums, clubrooms etc). The prime target audience is an adult domestic and international tourist audience (although content is family-friendly, it is best suited for ages 10 ).
***We have one final slot from 27 June 2018 into 2019 when the exhibition is available for hire. ***
Ashburton Museum, Ashburton - 22 September 2017 to 12 November 2017
Te Awamutu Museum, Te Awamutu - 11 December 2017 to 26 March 2018
Expressions (Whirinaki Arts and Entertainment Centre), Upper Hutt - 25 April 2018 to 13 June 2018


text:
Flourless Chocolate Cake
Serves 6–8 (unless you are naughty)
A naughty day surely must begin with chocolate, and a flourless chocolate cake is almost nothing but. The addition of espresso powder makes the chocolate taste even richer. This kind of cake will fall in the center as it cools.
- 1 cup sugar
- 6 eggs at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon espresso powder
- 6 ounces unsweetened chocolate, finely chopped
- 6 ounces semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, chopped
- Clotted cream and thickened cream for topping (recipe follows)
Preheat oven to 325°. Grease a 9-inch spring-form pan. Combine sugar, eggs, and espresso powder in an electric mixer. Whip for 15 minutes, or until eggs are very light and foamy. Meanwhile combine chocolates and butter in a double boiler and gently melt, stirring occasionally. Fold into egg mixture until just combined. Pour into prepared pan and bake for 1 hour and 10–20 minutes, or until a knife comes out clean. Cool completely on a rack. Cake may be made ahead and stored in an airtight container. Serve with clotted cream and thickened cream.


text:
What should I know about Cardiovascular Disease?
Diseases of the heart and circulation are so common and the public is so well acquainted with the major symptoms that result from cardiovascular disorders that patients, and occasionally physicians, wrongly attribute many unrelated complaints to cardiovascular disease (CVD). (1) It should not be a surprise that this occurs since most patients are aware that cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States. There are four principle properties of the cardiovascular system that can be evaluated to provide information to help manage cardiovascular disease. (2) These include:
Ischemia is a decrease in the amount of oxygen flowing to the heart due to a decrease in blood flow to the heart. Ischemia is noticed most frequently as chest discomfort. Heart function that is adequate at rest may not be adequate during physical stress or strain. Thus, a history of chest pain or discomfort only during activity is characteristic of heart disease. Decreases in the pumping ability of the heart frequently appear as weakness and fatigue. As the disease becomes more severe, the skin may become pale, the blood pressure can be low and the patient may even occasionally pass out. A failing heart can cause fluid (edema) to build up throughout various parts of the body and could cause shortness of breath. When the blood vessels cause obstructions to blood flow the symptoms resemble congestive heart failure. Arrhythmias or irregular heart rhythms can suddenly develop. All of these signs and symptoms may disappear as quickly as they developed.
Patients with cardiovascular disease may also be completely without symptoms. They may also have high blood pressure, a heart murmur, an abnormal chest x-ray or an abnormal electro cardiogram (ECG or EKG). In cardiovascular disease, taking a medical history, interview, and physical examination remain the most important parts of patient assessment. (3) While there are many technologically advanced tests available, they are only effective when used with a complete medical history and physical examination. A medical history enables the examiner to establish a relationship with the patient, develop an awareness of how the patient feels about the problems and their quality of life, as well as an evaluation of the problem's severity. (4) Particular attention should be paid to the family history.
There are many risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Three that cannot be changed are older age, male gender, and a family history of CVD. Additionally, three other major risk factors include cigarette smoking, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Other identified factors associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease include lack of exercise, diabetes, obesity, too much alcohol, increased homocysteine levels, certain infections and inflammation, estrogens, androgens, and certain psychosocial factors. The combination of multiple risk factors must also be considered.
The American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology (AHA/ACC) have set up guidelines for preventing heart attack and death in patients with cardiovascular disease. (5) Their recommendations are:
American Heart Association, Biostatistical Fact Sheets, 1998.
American Heart Association, 2006.
For many patients there are no real symptoms, but there are some important signs that may be found during a doctor's appointment. These signs may include high blood pressure, a heart murmur, an abnormal chest x-ray, or an irregular heart pattern found when having an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). Many patients do exhibit signs and symptoms. Chest pain or a feeling of pressure, like a heavy weight being placed on the chest, is one of the most common. This pain may seem to travel to the neck and jaw, or to the left shoulder and down the left arm. Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, or being unable to breathe properly unless in an upright position is also very common. Some people may also experience chest pain while exercising, but not when resting. A feeling of weakness or becoming easily fatigued, palpitations (rapid, bounding heart beat that you can feel), swelling in the ankles or legs, chronic cough, and fainting can also occur.General
Treatment consists of a wide variety of interventions from life style changes to surgery. Generally, if an individual has no evidence of cardiovascular disease, but has one or more known risk factors for the development of heart disease, a plan for risk reduction should be developed and implemented. This may include dietary restrictions, smoking cessation, weight loss, or other life-style modifications. The individual should be reevaluated at intervals to assess compliance, and see whether risk factors are actually being reduced.
Asymptomatic, or mildly symptomatic patients with valvular heart disease should be evaluated at 6 to 12 month intervals. Early signs of deterioration can be detected in this manner, and invasive treatment such as cardiac catheterization or surgery may be performed, if necessary, prior to development of disabling symptoms or irreversible damage.
It is important to establish criteria for deciding the form of treatment to be used in patients with ischemic heart disease. Surgery and angioplasty should be reserved for patients with ischemic heart disease in whom it has been demonstrated that these treatments are superior to medical treatments. Specific treatments employed for patients with symptoms of congestive heart failure, cardiac arrhythmias, etc. are widely varied, and should be reserved for a discussion of individual complaints.
Experimental and epidemiological evidence supports the hypothesis that oxidation of LDL cholesterol is a risk factor in the development of atherosclerosis. Vitamin E is a well researched substance with evidence suggesting it prevents the oxidative damage that leads to atherosclerosis. In one study, patients taking 1,600 mg/day of vitamin E recorded a 50% decrease in oxidative damage to LDL cholesterol. (6)
A World Health Organization-sponsored study reported the fact that a low blood level of vitamin E is the most important risk factor in deaths from ischemic heart disease—more important than elevated cholesterol, high blood pressure, or smoking. (7) Ischemic heart disease is a localized anemia due to a mechanical obstruction of the blood supply, which is usually due to arterial narrowing from atherosclerosis. In another study, it was reported that individuals taking 100 IU of vitamin E or more daily had a substantial reduction in the progression of atherosclerosis. (8)
Vitamin C, also, plays an important role in the prevention of cardiovascular disease. In a study that was conducted at UCLA, it was reported that men who took 800 mg of vitamin C daily had a 42% reduction in mortality from cardiovascular disease, compared to men who only consumed the FDA's Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of 60 mg of vitamin C daily. This study also reported that men consuming the larger amounts of vitamin C lived an average of 6 years longer than the men who only consumed the RDA of 60 mg of vitamin C daily. (9)
Carnitine is an important nutrient for cardiovascular health. Carnitine's primary function is to facilitate the transport of fatty acids across cellular membranes into the mitochondria where they are utilized in the production of energy. This is extremely important for the heart, which is the most energy-demanding muscle in the body. Studies report that carnitine can be therapeutically useful in the treatment of various forms of cardiovascular disease such as angina, (10) , (11) acute myocardial infarction, (12) peripheral vascular disease, (13) arrhythmias, (14) and abnormal blood lipids. (15)
Coenzyme Q10 is a nutrient recently being recognized as playing a role in cardiovascular health. It functions as an antioxidant and is also a cofactor in several enzymatic steps in the generation of energy in the mitochondria of all cells. The heart is the most active muscle in the human body, a decline in energy due to a deficiency of CoQ10 can first affect heart function.
In one double-blind study, patients with severe congestive heart failure who were given 150 mg/day of CoQ10 had a 38% decrease in hospitalizations due to worsening of heart failure compared to the control group. At the same time, episodes of pulmonary edema decreased by 60% and angina episodes decreased by 53%. (16) In another study it was shown that the symptoms of cardiovascular disease got progressively worse as CoQ10 levels declined. Treatment with 100 mg of coenzyme Q10 daily resulted in both subjective and objective improvement in 69% of patients with cardiomyopathy and 43% of patients with ischemic heart disease. (17)
Over the past several years, elevated homocysteine has become recognized as one of the primary risk factors to cardiovascular disease. In one metabolic pathway, vitamin B6 is necessary to convert homocysteine to cystathionine. In another metabolic pathway, folic acid and vitamin B12 are required to remethylate homocysteine back to methionine. A deficiency of any one of these three B-vitamins can lead to elevated homocysteine. (18)
Several studies have documented the fact that supplementation with folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 can effectively lower homocysteine levels. (19) , (20) , (21) , (22) There are wide variations in the dosages of these B-vitamins used in different studies. It is now recognized that even moderate elevations of homocysteine represent a strong independent risk to cardiovascular disease.
Other studies involving hundreds of patients who had undergone successful coronary angioplasty have evaluated these individuals following six months of therapy on vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and folic acid, comparing the results to patients on placebo. After one year, the patients on the vitamin therapy had lower rates of related cardiovascular events including heart attacks and repeated angioplasty. (23) , (24)
Magnesium is a key mineral for cardiovascular health. It performs functions similar to numerous cardiovascular drugs. It inhibits platelet aggregation (like aspirin), thins the blood (like warfarin), blocks calcium uptake (like nifedipine), and relaxes blood vessels (like ACE inhibitors such as enaparil). Magnesium also increases oxygenation of the heart muscle by improving cardiac contractibility. (25)
Adequate magnesium is associated with reduced incidence of angina, cardiac spasms, and arrhythmias, as well as having relaxing and antispasmodic effects of the blood vessels. On the other hand, magnesium deficiency is associated with increased incidence of atherosclerosis, hypertension, strokes, and heart attacks. (26) It is now recognized that many heart attacks happen to individuals with relatively healthy hearts. It is a magnesium deficiency that causes a cardiac spasm, which results in death. (27)
The authors of a paper in the June 2000 issue of the Mayo Clinic Proceedings provide a nice summary of the history of omega-3 fatty acids as they have gradually been recognized to play a key role in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular-related diseases. Their review states the following. "During the past 25 years, the cardiovascular effects of marine omega-3 (omega-3) fatty acids have been the subject of increasing investigation. In the late 1970's, epidemiological studies revealed that Greenland Inuits had substantially reduced rates of acute myocardial infarction compared with Western control subjects. These observations generated more than 4,500 studies to explore this and other effects of omega-3 fatty acids on human metabolism and health. From epidemiology to cell culture and animal studies to randomized controlled trials, the cardioprotective effects of omega-3 fatty acids are becoming recognized. These fatty acids, when incorporated into the diet at levels of about 1 g/d, seem to be able to stabilize myocardial membranes electrically, resulting in reduced susceptibility to ventricular dysrhythmias, thereby reducing the risk of sudden death. The recent GISSI (Gruppo Italiano per lo Studio della Sopravvivenza nell'Infarto miocardico)-Prevention study of 11,324 patients showed a 45% decrease in risk of sudden cardiac death and a 20% reduction in all-cause mortality in the group taking 850 mg/d of omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids have potent anti-inflammatory effects and may also be antiatherogenic. Higher doses of omega-3 fatty acids can lower elevated serum triglyceride levels; 3 to 5 g/ d can reduce triglyceride levels by 30% to 50%, minimizing the risk of both coronary heart disease and acute pancreatitis." (28)
People consuming diets containing foods that are high in potassium have a lower incidence of hypertension. (29) Epidemiological evidence reveals that increasing potassium intake can lower blood pressure in individuals who have essential hypertension and increasing dietary potassium can also result in a reduction of antihypertensive medications. (30)
Diets high in potassium have also been reported to protect against death from strokes. In a 12-year study, individuals who died from strokes were found to have significantly lower potassium intake than survivors of strokes and individuals who died from other causes. (31)
Low plasma selenium has been considered a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease. (32) Selenium has a cardioprotective effect against drugs and other xenobiotics that are cardiotoxic (e.g. Adriamycin). Selenium has a known antiviral capability, which may protect the heart from agents such as the coxsackie B4 viruses. (33)
It has been proposed that isoflavones play a beneficial role in the prevention of atherosclerosis via several mechanisms. A study involving monkeys suggested that improvements in cholesterol levels were partially responsible for lower rates of atherosclerosis in the groups fed soy protein diets. (34) Genistein, one of the chemicals in soy isoflavones, reportedly inhibits platelet aggregation or the clumping together of platelets to form a clot or thrombus. Also, genistein reportedly decreases the replication and division of smooth muscle cells which is one of the primary cell types that can adversely affect plaques. (35) , (36) Antioxidant properties and effects on the flexibility of arterial walls may also have a positive impact on the prevention of atherosclerosis. (37)
A study concluded that 20 grams (with 80 mg of isoflavones) of soy protein for five weeks could help reduce total cholesterol levels and blood pressure among men which might be effective in reducing cardiovascular disease. (38) Studies have found that supplementation with soy isoflavones exerted favorable effects on vasomotor symptoms and a reduction in LDL and an increase in HDL levels. (39) , (40)
Beta-glucans appear to be the major cholesterol lowering agents in oat bran fiber. Studies have shown that the beta-1, 3 glucans in oat bran can lower total cholesterol and LDL, or "bad," cholesterol levels in patients with high cholesterol. (41) , (42) The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved beta-glucan to reduce cardiovascular disease risk. Studies have confirmed that risk reduction by reducing cholesterol levels. (43)
One study matched a control group of 483 healthy middle-aged to elderly women to an equivalent group that had CVD. Blood levels of lycopene, other carotenoids, and retinol were measured in both groups. The results found that those who had the highest blood levels of lycopene had a 50% reduced risk of CVD when compared to those who had the lowest levels. The authors concluded that the results of this study warrant further investigations into the mechanisms of lycopene. (44)
Hawthorn is used as a vasodilator and circulatory stimulant. (45) It has been used extensively by doctors in Europe in its standardized form in various cardiovascular and peripheral circulatory conditions. Its combination of effects on the heart leads to its use as a tonic, especially for the elderly where mitral stenosis and minor heart failure may be present. Studies have reported a reduction in blood pressure due to arteriosclerosis and chronic nephritis with the use of hawthorn. (46) It is also used for peripheral vascular diseases, such as Raynaud's disease. Hawthorn is used in Europe by physicians to help maintain digoxin levels while decreasing the need for the pharmaceutical medication. Hawthorn is reported to have the ability to regulate both low and high blood pressure. Its bioflavonoids reportedly dilate both peripheral and coronary blood vessels. (47) This leads to its use in decreasing angina attacks.
Garlic has been reported to lower total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, and increase HDL cholesterol. (48) , (49) , (50) Garlic may be of benefit in the prevention of heart disease and atherosclerosis. (51) , (52) Garlic may inhibit platelet aggregation and influence blood viscosity through its fibrinolytic activity. (53) , (54) , (55) This leads to the use of garlic in the prevention of strokes, heart attacks, and various thrombus events. (56) , (57) , (58) Also, the antioxidant effect in aged garlic has been reported to be beneficial in preventing stroke and arteriosclerosis. (59)
A recent study reported no effect of garlic oil on serum lipids. (60) However, the product used was garlic oil, which is processed and heated garlic. The impact of processing is an important fact to keep in mind when using garlic supplements. Changes can occur in the active constituents when exposed to cooking or other processing which can render the garlic product virtually ineffective. Cooking is known to denature proteins and therefore may inactivate the enzyme (allinase) that is necessary in converting alliin into allicin, the major bio-active constituent in garlic.
Studies suggest that psyllium may also help control cholesterol levels. (61) Its high levels of soluble fiber may reduce the absorption of cholesterol from the bloodstream while stimulating the liver to produce cholesterol-lowering bile acids. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved psyllium to reduce cardiovascular disease risk. Studies have confirmed that risk reduction by decreasing cholesterol levels. (62)


text:
Christian Articles for All of your Publishing Needs!
Word Count: 504
|Send Article To Friend
|Print/Use Article
A Simple Pair of Sucky Shoes
by Cindee Snider Re
2/01/2010 / Devotionals
In a few short hours on Wednesday morning, I'd visited a friend battling cancer, and celebrated the long-awaited adoption of another's son. I'd listened quietly to a friend's painful struggles, and laughed until my sides ached in the company of others. I'd played with a new friend's toddlers, and cried with another over parenting issues. That morning in the company of friends, I'd experienced my own version of Charles Dickens' classic line, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times." Reeling from the morning, I picked up the phone. I needed a new pair of "sucky shoes!"
Years ago, my cousin and I unexpectedly stumbled on this code phrase, a reminder that we're in this life together, no matter what, and that come what may, when we least expect it, life unfolds some truly unusual surprises.
We were both experiencing rough patches in our lives, so we met for a weekend to talk, and decided to do a little shopping. After finding a pair of shoes she liked, my cousin tried them on, took two steps, and announced through an odd pop-pop-popping sound, "Sucky shoes!"
"What?" I laughed.
"Sucky shoes," she repeated, laughing so hard she could barely lift her foot off the floor to reveal row upon row of tiny white suction cups covering the soles. Those shoes, and their unexpectedly apt name, have become our mantra through the tough times.
We all need people who will stand with us when the going gets rough, people who will pick up and drop off our kids, listen with a quiet heart, help with the laundry and housework, bring us meals and amazing desserts, pray with us, pray for us, laugh and cry and even shop with us. But developing that kind of community takes effort, and comes with a cost. To really do life together, we need to be open, honest and vulnerable. We need to let others know when we're hurting or lonely or struggling. We need to reach out when we least feel like it, admitting our need, and graciously accepting the help we're given.
I'm still not very good at that. I don't like to feel "broken," and rarely, honestly admit how I'm feeling. "When you don't let me in," a friend gently admonished me, "you take away my ability to help, my chance to give. It's not just about you. God is using your injury to grow my faith too." I hadn't thought about that, but she's right. Throughout the New Testament, we're encouraged to be a community, to:
be devoted to one another;
love one another deeply from the heart;
encourage one another daily;
serve one another;
be kind and compassionate to one another;
carry each other's burdens;
and do good to all people, especially to the family of believers.
That is true community - doing life together, being the Body, and fulfilling the law of Christ - a promise and a blessing, with a sprinkling of unexpected surprises along the way.
Cindee Snider Re lives in Sussex, WI with her husband, their five children, two cats, and two Shichon puppies. She enjoys quiet evenings, long walks, good books, homeschooling her kids, and lots of good, strong, hot, black tea.
August, 2011
Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com-CHRISTIAN WRITERS
If you died today, are you absolutely certain that you would go to heaven? You can be! Click here and TRUST JESUS NOW
Read more articles by Cindee Snider Re
Like reading Christian Articles? Check out some more options. Read articles in Main Site Articles, Most Read Articles or our highly acclaimed Challenge Articles. Read Great New Release Christian Books for FREE in our Free Reads for Reviews Program. Or enter a keyword for a topic in the search box to search our articles.
The opinions expressed by authors do not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
Hire a Christian Writer, Christian Writer Wanted, Christian Writer Needed, Christian Content Needed, Find a Christian Editor, Hire a Christian Editor, Christian Editor, Find a Christian Writer
By using this site you agree to our Acceptable Use Policy .
© FaithWriters.com. All rights reserved.
FaithWriters.com Free Reprint Articles - Your place for Christian articles, Christian poems, Christian stories and much more.


text:
A local rescue organization says its efforts to help a colony of feral rabbits live hoppily ever after have been handcuffed by government red tape.
Fifty of the furry creatures have been stranded in a spare garage at the Richmond Auto Mall, while officials with the province's fish and wildlife branch determine whether they can issue permits for their transfer to safe harbour in B.C.
Meanwhile, 15 rabbits that remained in the wild have bred like, well, rabbits and have now become another colony of 50, said Sorelle Saidman of Rabbitats Rabbit Rescue.
Her group trapped the first 50 rabbits, the maximum allowed under provincial law, around the Auto Mall in January and February and secured a permit to transfer them to a rabbit sanctuary in Washington state.
When it became apparent some of the animals weren't healthy enough to make the journey, Rabbitats found local homes willing to adopt them, mostly hobby farms and acreages offering to take small colonies. This caused internal debate at the government branch as to whether adoptive homes break its policies.
The province said it would no longer allow rabbits to be housed in sanctuaries in B.C. after 500 rabbits rescued from the University of Victoria wound up at an animal sanctuary in Coombs a few years ago. At issue in the case of the Richmond rabbits is whether hobby farms constitute adoptive homes, which are allowed, or sanctuaries, which are not.
"All we need is five homes taking 10 rabbits and all of the rabbits would be housed," said an exasperated Saidman. "We thought this would be really easy, but no. They will not allow sanctuaries in B.C. and they haven't figured out internally their definition of sanctuary."
While the province haggled over definitions, Rabbitats' permit to transfer the rabbits to the U.S. expired, and officials now appear unsure of how to issue another one, Saidman said.
"It should be easy. This is just paperwork," she said, noting the government has clear policies allowing people to trap and kill rabbits, but appears mired in bureaucracy when it comes to helping them survive.
However, Brennan Clarke, spokesman for the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, said the terms of the original permit stated that the rabbits would be moved to a sanctuary in Washington state. "Staff have been working with them to complete the conditions of the original permit agreed to, after which future options may be explored."
Clarke said that characterizing the failure of the applicant to fulfil the agreed conditions of the permit as government red tape is a "deep misrepresentation of ministry staff's efforts on this issue."
Referring to the prospect of adopting the rabbits out to private homes, Clarke noted that the feral European rabbit is non-native, known to destroy property (including agricultural crops) and detrimental to native wildlife and their habitats.
"For these reasons, the province's wildlife experts recommend the options of either: 1) sterilization and relocation to a secure facility out of province, or 2) humane euthanization."
He said the province supports local government initiatives to pass bylaws limiting the sale of rabbits in their communities, and does not support the release of any feral European rabbits into the wild, public parks or wildlife management areas as they compete for food and habitat with native species.
"The province reminds the public that the feral European rabbit is listed under the Wildlife Act for good reason: it is a non-native species, which requires certain management actions."
Meanwhile, the remaining rabbits on the Auto Mall grounds are procreating at an exponential pace. Rabbits become sexually mature in just four months, Saidman said, and can have litters as frequently as every 31 days. With August statistically the month with the highest rate of pregnancy for rabbits, a population boom may well be on the way.
Saidman said the lag time caused by the government has eaten up a window when the population was relatively low due to a wet spring in 2012.
Gail Terry, manager of the Richmond Auto Mall Association, said she's frustrated the government is standing in the way of community efforts to "do what we feel is the right thing."
Many volunteers have raised funds and fed the trapped bunnies, which have been spayed and neutered and are well cared for, but time is running out to get them to their new homes. The Auto Mall has budgeted $60,000 to care for the rabbits, she said.
With a file from Brian Morton


text:
Composting is the process of recycling food waste to create nutrient-rich humus that can promote plant growth by revitalizing depleted soil. It's a simple way of recycling organic matter to create a fertilizer and soil amendment. Compost is key in organic farming and is also used in gardens, landscaping and agriculture.
Compost is a soil conditioner. It will help retain moisture in your soil, add nutrients to your plants and introducing organisms that help prevent plant disease. At the same time, composting recycles your kitchen and yard waste and can convert as much as 30% of your waste from being thrown out. How cool is that? Of course this is great for the environment and reduces the amount of landfill waste. Just imagine how much we could reduce landfill waste if everyone composted. We think of compost as a healthy, natural immunity boost for your plants that comes at little to no cost.
To start creating your own organic compost, you'll need some sort of enclosed bin. We recommend the
Bokashi Composting System to get started. These bins specifically will seal any odors in the process and keep your kitchen clean. Secondly, you'll need waste, which shouldn't be hard to find!
Here's the master list of composting materials:
Sprinkle EM•1® Bokashi in layers and once the bucket or bin is full let the waste ferment for 1 to 2 weeks. The Bokashi enhances the pile and acts as an activator to jump start the fermentation process. During the process you'll want to keep things moist. Do this by regularly checking the pile to make sure that your bin is in a moist environment. You'll also want to continue to add material during the process to give bacteria fresh food to consume. A combination of different materials will aid plants by giving them a variety of nutrients.
After fermentation, the finished product should smell like fresh soil and will look dark and crumbly. You can bury the waste in your garden, add it to an existing compost pile or worm bed, or even feed it to livestock.


text:
We use cookies to give you the best experience possible. No personal information is stored. By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our cookie policy
0 Items - £ 0.00
View Your Bag
The photos displayed above show our items exactly as they appear.
All our jewellery items are completely hand made by the most gifted artisans with the finest silver work.
Each piece is unique and cannot be exactly duplicated.
Was a bit disappointed for the first time ever looked beautiful in picture but when it arrived it didn't look like it did in the photo.was so much smaller stone quite small it really didn't look chunky like it did in the picture just so small.I always go for chunky rings that's what I like but this was so not chunky.I'm so sorry I have to say this because I have bort so much jewrllry over the years.But as far as everything else excellent as usual. My Betts.
Read more product reviews…
This Beautiful Ring is Made from Solid Sterling Silver in a highly polished silver
Including Free Premium Gift Box
If you change your mind, return the item(s) within 30 days for a full refund or you can exchange it for something else.


text:
Smooth order. Great! From where?
I ordered a muzzle break for my AK47.
It was shipped and delivered in a timely manner.
Very good service. Thanks.
Smooth order. Great! From where?
I have a daughter. I tell her, "911 is what you dial after you're raped. 1911 is what you should have before they try."
I've ordered from this company before and service was very good. Will order again.
thank you thank you!!!
We love making our customers happy!!!
~Today, we need a nation of Minutemen, citizens who are not only prepared to take arms, but citizens who regard the preservation of freedom as the basic purpose of their daily life and who are willing to consciously work and sacrifice for that freedom.~ JFK
Phone lines Open
M-F 9am-530pm EST


text:
Knee Tag: Everybody It
Setup and Equipment: No equipment needed.
- This is an "Everybody It" Game:
- The object of this game is to tag other players on the knee
- If you get tagged on the knee, you immediately go down to one knee and extend a hand. You may continue playing the game after a classmate gives you a "five" with their hand.
- Variation: You may have students do a 5 second or 5 repetition exercise such as push-ups, sit-ups, etc.
- You are immune from getting tagged whenever you are standing still with your hands covering your knees. This is the same as standing on a base in many other tag games.
- Players may only have hands on knees for three seconds, then they have to move.
- You may not move or run with hands on your knees.
- This is continuous game.
- Speed Up Variation: To add some excitement near the end of the activity– The Teacher stops the music and asks everyone to raise their hands in the air. For the next minute you cannot cover your knees so there are no bases and the other tag rules remain.
- After a minute is up, stop the music and everyone returns to the regular Knee Tag rules.


text:
BNY Mellon Named Global Custodian for Textron Inc.'s $4.2 Billion Defined Benefit Retirement Plan
May 11, 2011, 08:35 ET
NEW YORK, May 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- BNY Mellon, the global leader in investment management and investment services, announced that it has been named global custodian for Textron Inc.'s employee defined benefit retirement plan, with $4.2 billion in assets. BNY Mellon Asset Servicing will provide global custody, cash sweep, and foreign exchange direct-dealing services, as well as performance and risk analytics.
"We need a company with the global reach and comprehensive investment services of BNY Mellon to help us manage a retirement plan that supports more than 76,000 employees and retirees worldwide," said Keith Watson, Textron's director of pension investments. "Their outstanding people and technology resources give us the ability to make timely, informed decisions about our portfolio."
"Textron and its businesses are some of the most widely recognized brands in the world, and we'll be delivering world-class services to help them administer their plan," said Laurin Moore, head of BNY Mellon Asset Servicing's U.S. Corporate, Government & Not-for-Profit business. "In fact, a good deal of support will be performed at our expansive facility in Everett, Massachusetts – a former Textron site BNY Mellon acquired in 1998."
Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, and Textron Systems. For more, visit textron.com.
BNY Mellon Asset Servicing offers clients worldwide a broad spectrum of specialized asset servicing capabilities, including custody and fund services, securities lending, performance and analytics, and execution services. BNY Mellon Asset Servicing provides services through BNY Mellon and other related companies.
BNY Mellon is a global financial services company focused on helping clients manage and service their financial assets, operating in 36 countries and serving more than 100 markets. BNY Mellon is a leading provider of financial services for institutions, corporations and high-net-worth individuals, offering superior investment management and investment services through a worldwide client-focused team. It has $25.5 trillion in assets under custody and administration and $1.2 trillion in assets under management, services $11.9 trillion in outstanding debt, and processes global payments averaging $1.7 trillion per day. BNY Mellon is the corporate brand of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (NYSE: BK). Learn more at bnymellon.com.
SOURCE BNY Mellon


text:
Real estate speaker: Technology won't wait
While the timeline is uncertain, futuristic technologies are coming and the changes are only getting faster, according to Geoffrey Kasselman, an executive managing director at Newmark Knight Frank, who recently headlined an industry group's gathering.
Kasselman summarized broad ways the world will be altered by technological advances including in artificial intelligence, computers, drones and even contact lenses that could act as screens for computers, smartphones and TVs all in one.
In his presentation titled,"The Exponential Future of Everything," Kasselman described several large waves of "transformative disruption" carrying drastic changes, from how we learn to how we travel and find jobs.
"Nothing is immune from the forces at work," Kasselman told the crowd of real estate industry professionals at the Real Estate Finance Association of Connecticut luncheon in Stamford. "Doing nothing is not an option."
While he touched on how some technologies will specifically affect the commercial real estate industry, Kasselman emphasized that many business leaders and intellectuals across industries are already realizing many of these changes.
Among some of the more immediate large-scale "disruptions," Kasselman highlighted are automation, big data and blockchain, which he called the "single most disruptive force" lately.
In the second wave of transformations, potentially arriving within the next five to 15 years, Kasselman included the ability to learn 24/7 with the help of artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles, more 3-D printing and widespread, low-cost solar energy. "Our transition away from a petroleum-based economy is well underway," he said.
Transportation is destined to increasingly rise above buildings into the air, he said, advising property owners to find out the regulations regarding air rights for their buildings as they might be able to make money with them.
Kasselman's forecasts for the future also include the "theory of singularity," describing how for the relatively low cost of $1,000 computers will exist that are more than a billion times as intelligent as all humans combined.
"No job is completely safe from computers," he said, adding it would benefit employees now to begin positioning themselves for the future job market by specializing.
In his parting words, Kasselman left his audience with a warning about one of the United States' biggest shortcomings moving forward: cyber security. "That's our weakest link," he said.
Contact the writer at firstname.lastname@example.com; Twitter @Macaela_


text:
Camping (1)
1 of 1 | Sort by
Camping InformationDuluth has lots of great campgrounds for you to choose from. So many we can't even pick our favorites! We've left it to the experts at Visit Duluth to provide you a list of camping locations.
Here are a few of the local campgrounds:
Buffalo Valley Campground 2590 Guss Road Duluth, 55810 (218) 628-7019 Fax: (218) 624-8336 email@example.com http://www.buffalohouseduluth.com Pull-thru full hookups, 30/50-amps, new showers, bar, restaurant, firewood, picnic tables. Large, shaded sites, located 10 minutes from downtown Duluth off 1-35, exit 245 on the Munger State Trail. Tenters welcome, Wi-Fi, softball fields, volleyball, horseshoes. Duluth Indian Point Campground 7000 Pulaski Street Duluth, MN 55807 (855) 777-0652/ (218) 628-4977 firstname.lastname@example.com http://www.duluthindianpointcampground.com/ Reservations taken year-round. 70 sites, most with water & electric, some with sewer. Showers, laundry, ice, firewood, snacks, canoe & bike rental, playground, 2 boat docks. Handicap showers & restrooms. Located on the scenic St. Louis River. Fond du Lac Campground and Boat Landing Junction of Hwy 23 and Hwy 210 Duluth, MN 55808 (218) 749-5388; (218) 780-2319 firstname.lastname@example.com http://www.fonddulaccampground.com Historic St. Louis River. Campsites by river with boat tie-ups, water, electric, sewer, pull-throughs, tent sites. Boat ramp, fishing pier, showers, sanit. station. Adjacent to Chambers Grove City Park. No res. Lakehead Boat Basin, Inc. 1000 Minnesota Avenue Duluth, MN 55802-2493 (218) 722-1757 (800) 777-8436 Fax: (218) 722-7691 email@example.com http://www.lakeheadboatbasin.com Located on Park Point, 3 blocks South of Aerial Lift Bridge/Canal Park. Waterfront RV /camper parking. Electricity, sewer and water and Wi-Fi. Dockage for your boat available. Park, The 5109 Miller Trunk Highway 53 Duluth, MN 55811 (218) 723-1616 3 miles north of the Miller Hill Mall. RV's and trailers-no tent camping. Full hookups, laundry, restrooms and showers. Daily, weekly, monthly and seasonal rates. Seasonal rate includes leaving unit on site over winter. River Place Campground (Next to Boy Scout Landing) 9902 Hudson Boulevard Duluth, 55808 (218) 626-1390 Full hookup sites with city water & sewer. 30 & 50 amp electricity. Telephone. On St. Louis River with docks available. Boat launch, bait. Seasonal & overnight. Monthly and weekly rates. Snowflake Walk in Primitive Tent Campsites 4348 Rice Lake Road Duluth, MN 55811 (218) 726-1550/ (218) 310-2517 firstname.lastname@example.com http://www.skiduluth.com Secluded wooded tent campsites with fire rings, tables, restrooms and showers. 9 miles of hiking trails. Convenient to downtown waterfront facilities. Reservations are not required. Spirit Lake Marina & RV Park 121 Spring Street Duluth, MN 55808 (218) 628-3578 firstname.lastname@example.com http://www.spiritlakemarinarv.com Located 5 miles up the St. Louis River from the Duluth Harbor & downtown. We offer daily, weekly, and monthly slip & RV spot rentals. Our proximity too many area attractions, such as the Lake Superior Zoo, Western Waterfront and Munger Trails makes Spirit Lake Marina & RV Park an ideal place for your Duluth getaway. Spirit Mountain Campground Boundary Ave. Exit 249 I-35 9500 Spirit Mountain Place Duluth, MN 55810 (218) 624-8544 (800) 642-6377 ext. 544 email@example.com http://www.spiritmt.com Located minutes from downtown Duluth and waterfront attractions. Our campground offers 73 wooded sites including water/electric, electric only, and primitive tenting. Many pull-through and back-in sites to accommodate large RVs. On-site dump station, firewood, ice, and camp store. Daily, weekly and monthly rates available. All sites have a fire ring and picnic table. Indoor bathhouses have hot showers, flush toilets, sinks, heat, and electric outlets. Biking, hiking, and scenic overlooks close by. Walk-in reservations are taken on a first come first serve basis, or make your advance reservations online.


text:
There has already been a plethora of rumors from JJ Abrams' Episode IX, which began filming earlier this month. Since there are so many we decided to just make one big post about it!
Rumor has it that Finn and Rose will be on, yet another side quest, this time visiting Rotta the Hutt. That's right, I said Rotta – as in Jabba's son. As in Punky Muffin.
We don't know the full story behind our heroes meeting Rotta, but sources say hes running his father's business and is asked to help the Resistance in their fight against the First Order. This isn't the first time we've heard rumors of the new films featuring a Hutt. There were rumors about The Last Jedi that had Leia meeting with some Hutts, asking for their help with the First Order that never came to fruition. Putting a Hutt in the third film of the trilogy would make it parallel with Return of the Jedi, and that's what Lucasfilm is going for, even though they say they aren't.
Rey, Poe and Finn will apparently be spending more time together this time around. Hopefully we get the same dynamic that Han, Leia and Luke had on the Death Star in A New Hope. Finn will have longer hair, Poe will have…a new jacket perhaps, and Rey will get a full, new makeover that will be unlike anything we've seen before.
While Finn and Rose are visiting Rotta the Hutt, Rey Chewbacca, and Lando will be with Maz Kanata on her silver sail barge with giant metallic wings, hovering above a planet where Maz will apparently tell Rey (and the audience) how she got a hold of Luke's lightsaber. Maz's ship is manned by many aliens and droids
The story is rumored to be that Lando went back to Cloud City sometime after Return of the Jedi and an Ugnaught found the saber and Lando gave it to Maz.
Whew! What a lot of information to take in, but wait! There's more!
Lando will be doing a lot of sitting in this episode as Billy Dee Williams' health problems have have made standing for long periods and walking difficult. On Maz's silver pirate barge, we will see him in a glass dome, waiting to fire on an incoming enemy.
Going back to Rotta the Hutt, we dont yet know if JJ Abrams will be taking us back to Tatooine, and he is supposedly going back to planets from the prequels and original trilogy. Hopefully we will finally see some OT or PT aliens in a sequel film (although we finally saw some in Solo: A Star Wars Story)!
Rumors of us going back to Jakku, Naboo, Jedha, and Mustafar have been flying around with the latter being seen in concept art featuring the Knights of Ren in front of Vader's castle that we saw in Rogue One. It's also been reported that the crew is going to Italy and that could possibly mean we're going back to Naboo!
The Resistance may also be setting up shop in the old Rebel Alliance base on Yavin 4. Apparently the crew is shooting at Cardington Airship Sheds, which is where A New Hope and Rogue One were shot. Also of note is that there has been talk that the base will be destroyed by the First Order in an attack and that the Resistance will have to evacuate in a hurry.
JJ Abrams has said that he plans on tying up the prequel, original and sequel trilogy in one satisfying way, ending the story of the Skywalker family. After Lucasfilm's last two films, Solo and The Last Jedi divided fans, they are putting it all on the line here and need something to entice bitter fans as well as the faithful into basking in the glow of a true series finale. As one of the faithful, we can only hope these rumors and leaks are true because they sound awesome!
As always, these are rumors and are not official. For now, all we have are leaks, which are always exciting.
Source: Movieweb


text:
Forgive me for perhaps lending too much weight to intent, but I don't know what Broken Bells have been trying to do here. It seemed like as early as 2008, James Mercer's Shins day job was burned out or at least deeply dormant. It's documented that Mercer was at an impasse with his fellow band members, aiming to tour less and do more in the studio than his longtime band mates were ready for. And if there's anyone who can match, if not surpass, any indie musician today in prolific, virtuosic studio work, it's Danger Mouse. So it's only right that their side project together has resulted in several singles, a full-length, and, most recently, the Meyrin Fields EP that is no doubt the first in a series of B-side and alternate-take troves of smooth, airy grooves. And as much as I hate to say it, those grooves are, at times, hot air balloons of anemic flow, and when pop music history is written about the last few years of music, Broken Bells will be, at most, an incidental footnote.
So what's all this work for? As nice as the sounds are, the lyrics and song structures are just…bland. Like they were tailor-made for a Gap store. Make that an elevator in a brightly lit Gap store. It's music for the waiting room for the elevator in the Gap store. More plainly, it's anesthetized studio-nerd work. Putting any soul or feeling into this music didn't seem to be a consideration for Mercer or Burton. Theres absolutely nothing to hook me here. Nothing makes me perk up and take notice. It makes me wonder if this was just a studio vanity project all along. On All Songs Considered last March, a chat with Broken Bells revealed that the duo recorded its self-titled and the source material for the Meyrin Fields EP in those clinical surroundings…literally. Their recording studio was surrounded by doctors' and lawyers' offices. If this doesn't contribute to the subdued, fluorescent sound of the recordings, I don't know what does. It makes me wonder, then, if Burton and Mercer's intent really was to do something different, something more engaging. I'm tempted to conclude that they were victims of their surroundings. After all, an album, while easy to incorporate into the listener's own life, is a capturing of a time and place for the performers as well. It must have been a time of bland yuppieness for Broken Bells then, because this sounds eerily like "indie music," whatever that is anymore, sanding itself down and selling itself out.
And you know what? There's absolutely nothing wrong with a sedate, chill, semi-funky record seemingly trained towards appealing to the masses or its auxiliary EP. But a record from two talented guys who are known for their uptempo music should be at least a little invigorating and moving. It should make you restless. Not because we have to pigeonhole these guys or because we're entitled to have them do what we want, but because it simply plays to their strengths, and Id like to hear Broken Bells at its strongest, not nestled into mediocrity.


text:
A Toorak development drawn up for one of Melbourne's most coveted streets has the nod from the property's fashionable and artistic former residents.
The Edition project by Samuel Property, set to be built at 65 Lansell Rd, will replace the long-term family home of Noel Lane — mother of artist Jo Lane, and grandmother to sustainable fashion leader Kit Willow — after a $5.65 million off-market deal early in 2017.
Now aged 102, Noel Lane had lived at No. 65 since the 1950s — and was about 100 years old when the deal was done.
RELATED: Media executive David Evans sells sprawling Toorak mansion
Fashion figures make property statements in Toorak and Kew
Gong for former Besen mansion and priciest Melbourne house
Her artist daughter, Jo, has been a finalist for awards across Australia and for a HIX Award in London.
Kit Willow, one of Australia's leading sustainable fashion designers and the woman behind luxury brand KITX — and Willow prior to that — is also among the wider family to have spent time at the home.
Samuel developer boss Illan Samuel said three apartments "as big as a house" were key to their $27 million project, but continued correspondence from the Lane family had confirmed that the previous residents approved of the plans.
"I received a beautiful note from Kit's mother, Jo, who had seen the hoarding and showed Noel," Mr Samuel said.
"The neighbours have all been pretty good to deal with as well, which tells you how much they liked Noel."
With high-profile developer Harry Stamoulis' grand new home around the corner on St Georges Rd, the development is in a part of the world where many homes are never advertised for sale.
"There haven't been many off-the-plan projects in locations like this in Toorak," Mr Samuel said.
This made the development a rare chance to get into the sought-after neighbourhood.
Curving design by Cera Stribley Architects, fireplaces, a helical staircase, and gardens by Jack Merlo feature across the development.
Two of the apartments are being advertised for about $5 million and $7 million respectively, but the largest will span 1020sq m across two levels and is expected to come with an eight-figure asking price when offered.
MORE: Port Melbourne HM@S penthouse scores sky-high record
Melbourne property price falls not as bad as 2018 predictions
Scouts boom drives million-dollar Surrey Hills sell up
"These apartments are all as big as a house, and we are getting good feedback so far," Mr Samuel said.
The apartments are for sale via Abercromby's Sam Goddard.


text:
LEIPZIG Germany (AP) - Former Germany captain Lothar Matthaeus and model Heidi Klum are two of the stars that will take part in the World Cup draw ceremony on Dec. 9.
The draw will allocate the 32 qualified teams into eight first round groups for next year's tournament to be held from June 9-July 9.
Matthaeus the captain of Germany's 1990 champion team who holds a record 150 caps for his country will be one of the eight soccer greats to help with the group draw.
Klum will be one of the ceremony moderators while Colombian pop singer Juanes will sing in the entertainment part organizers said Thursday.
Organizers said the event will be broadcast to 145 countries with an audience estimated at 320 million.


text:
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KGO) -- California is one step closer to allowing terminally ill patients to choose how they want to die. Late Friday, the California Senate approved the right-to-die legislation.
The vote in the state senate was 23 in favor and 14 against the measure. It will have to clear one more hurdle, the governor.
Christy O'Donnell hugged one of the state senators who pushed for the right-to-die legislation. It was a victory for O'Donnell who is dying of lung cancer.
"To give people like me and other terminally ill patients in California peace," O'Donell said Friday.
Elizabeth Wallner is another terminally ill patient.
"I am so grateful, not for myself really, but the fact that my son will not have to experience my agonizing death and that be the last thing that he sees," Wallner said.
Brittany Maynard's husband celebrated Friday's vote in the senate. She became the face of the death with dignity battle, choosing to end her life with prescribed medication in Oregon because it's legal there.
"So that terminally ill Californians can stay here in California and have a gentle dying process," said Dan Diaz, Maynard's widower.
Another proponent of the death with dignity act was Jennifer Glass of San Mateo who documented her battle with cancer. She died just a month ago without a chance to end her own life with medication.
Glass was in Sacramento earlier this year. "I would find great comfort in knowing that I had another option," Glass said earlier this year.
Her husband was watching Friday's vote from their home.
"In the end, she did pass peacefully but it would have been so nice if she had passed peacefully seven days earlier without going through seven days of hellish coma," said Harlan Seymour, Jennifer Glass' widower.
Governor Brown has 12 days to sign or veto the bill after he receives it from the legislature. If he takes no action in 12 days, the legislation will automatically become law.
For the latest details on Brittany Maynard's passing and right-to-die legislation, click here.
California lawmakers approve right-to-die legislation
More Videos
Show More
More TOP STORIES News


text:
We met Paco Fernandez-Ramirez at a small fiesta in Mariena. When telling him about this project, he invited us over for gachos the following day. I was thrilled. He picked us up the next morning around 11:30 a.m. and we drove to his campo. We picked a wagon-full of fresh tomatoes and a dozen green peppers from his family land.
Paco is a 3rd generation hairdresser who works in Almeria but his family home is in Mareina. He and his family come here every weekend. His adorable mother, Rosa Ramirez-Roman, was on-hand to watch, adding commentary and humor. His 8-year-old son Alejandro had just woken up when we arrived home; he had been out at the fiesta with his father until 3 a.m.! His favorite part is the crust on the bottom. He was not happy to share it!
Gachos was described to me as a flour porridge with meat. Each town and family has its own recipe. This one is Paco's.
3 sun-dried red peppers, deseeded but keep whole
4 cloves garlic
In an 8-inch fry pan, fry the whole peppers in olive oil, just enough to release the flavor. Set peppers aside. Fry the garlic cloves until lightly browned. Set aside.
4 fresh green peppers (immature red peppers), deseeded and chopped
4 tomatoes, cored and peeled
In an 8qt pot with a lid, pour the oil from the fry pan and add a pinch of salt. Saute the green peppers until soft. Add water to pot. Gently drop tomatoes in pot and bring to a boil. Cook until the tomatoes are cooked through.
Meanwhile, put the fried red peppers and garlic cloves in a tall and narrow container. Add a little water and use an immersion blender to macerate. Add salt to taste.
In the big pot, when the tomatoes are cooked through, use a slotted spoon to take them out. Turn the heat down to medium. Add the cooked tomatoes to the pepper-garlic puree and macerate with the immersion blender.
Put a strainer over the large pot with the green peppers. Pour the red pepper-garlic- tomato puree into the strainer. Push the puree through the strainer. When no more with go through, take the strainer off and set in the sink to wash. Stir the puree into the water and green peppers.
4 green peppers
Broil or grill the fresh green peppers until blackened. While still warm (but not piping hot), peel the blackened skin off the peppers, keeping the peppers whole. Rinse them gently with cold water, getting all the skin off. From the tip upward, break the green peppers in half and lower them into the large pot.
15 anchovies, cleaned, deheaded and gutted but whole
Add the fresh anchovies to the large pot. Cook the anchovies through, about 7 minutes. Salt to taste. Turn the heat off and remove the pot from the stove.
Before you get the dough going, place the large pot in a cold water bath. You want to cool the soup to room temperature.
2T salt
3c water
3c flour
1.5c cornmeal
Bring salted water to a boil in a 12-inch, deep-sided frying pan. Don't use a non-stick pan. For best results, use a wooden stick or dowl, ideally 1 inch in diameter and at least 8 inches long. You will be kneading dough over open flame with this wooden dowl.
Once the water has boiled, lower the heat to medium. Add a handful of flour and mix well. Add a handful of cornmeal and mix well. It may resemble porridge. Repeat until all flour and cornmeal are absorbed. Keep the wooden dowl moving. You want a bread-like consistency.
Keep kneading the bread with the stick waiting until the dough starts to stick to the bottom and the sides begin to flake like a crepe. Keep kneading. When the dough becomes one firm round loaf in the middle, you're almost done.
Take the dough off the stove and remove from heat. Set the dough pan on a large trivet on the serving table. Gently pour half of the cooled tomato broth over the dough. Take a teaspoon and cut into the outmost edges of the dough, creating small dumplings. Continue to cut into the dough, creating more dumplings until all of the dough is broken up. Pour the remainder of the soup over the dumplings.
Serve immediately. Buen provecho!


text:
Summer Discounts
This Summer we have a lot of special promotions and discounts down to 30% on End of Tenancy cleaning, Carpet cleaning, One-off cleaning and Oven cleaning.
View details or call us now!
7 Hilltop Court, 14-16 Alexandra Road, London, NW8 0DR 078-378-354-67 0203-769-2974
This Summer we have a lot of special promotions and discounts down to 30% on End of Tenancy cleaning, Carpet cleaning, One-off cleaning and Oven cleaning.
View details or call us now!
Premium Services is our program for exclusive use of eco-friendly cleaning products. These are both benifitial for your health and for nature preservation.
Contact us to learn more!
Your feedback is important to keep the high quality of our services. So please, tell us what you think and get a 5% discount on your next cleaning!
"Established in 2005 in London, House Cleaning Hub has made bright and clean thousands of homes and public buildings throughout the city."
The House Cleaning HUB offers professional house cleaning in London covering: Regular scheduled house / home / office cleaning service, One off cleaning service, Seasonal cleaning service, End of tenancy cleaning service, Move in / move out cleaning service, After builders property cleaning service, Oven / kitchen cleaning service, Carpet cleaning service, Upholstery cleaning service.
Our most important assets are our devoted and professional London HouseCleaningHUB cleaners. They perform every cleaning task with special attention to the details.
We guarantee that no matter which London cleaning service you request, you will be really pleased with the flawless outcome. For ordering several cleaning services as a package, there are special package discounts. Call us for details.
Scheduled service in Central London and North West London areas.
Widely used and recommended End of Tenancy cleaning throughout London.
One-off deep cleaning service to get ready for scheduled cleaning.
Positive atmosphere to cook in a bright and clean kitchen.
Affordable carpet cleaning service in London - all London districts.
Extend the life of your sofas, armchairs and other furniture.
Reliable and quick move in/move out cleaning all London areas.
Unique spring / winter deep cleaning service in London.
Trained and equipped teams that specialize in post-building property cleaning.
We are located in St John's Wood, London.
Address: 7 Hilltop Court, 14-16 Alexandra Road, London, NW8 0DR
Telephone: 078-378-354-67; 0203-769-2974
Online booking: Please, CLICK HERE to book online.
We provide professional cleaners for regular scheduled cleaning services in Central and North West London. For the rest of London, please call us, we might have available cleaners to help you out. Services like End of tenancy cleaning, After builders cleaning, Carpet cleaning, Upholstery cleaning are provided in all London areas.
Your tenancy contract is coming to an end and it's time to hire a cleaning company to do the end of tenancy cleaning for you…
Cleaning can be fun… cleaning can be tears... Here is our selection of funny cleaning hints.
Have fun and get in ... cleaning mood!
Clean upholstery makes any home looking beautiful and well cared for. A spill can happen, and when it does time is of the essence. Even if you are fortunate enough to not actually spill something, general dirt and dust will accumulate as part of normal use.
Regardless how spacious or well-decorated your bathroom is, it is not going to become a real spot to relax unless it's sparkling clean.


text:
Meet Our Doctors:
Dr. Julia GildonI'm Julia, and originally from Wilmot, AR. I went to the University of Arkansas and received my BS in Microbiology. I then attended Louisiana State University obtaining my DDS degree. Since graduating from dental school, I've been fortunate to practice in several very successful dental offices. I feel that my experience allows me to serve patients with the utmost care. I feel like I incorporate the best of it all into your visit at our office. We want to get to know you and build long term relationships in order to provide the optimum treatment needed to our patients. Too many times in the past 10 plus years have I heard and witnessed how much people hate going to the dentist. My daily goal is to create an atmosphere that is comfortable, fun and personal.
Dr. JolleyGeneral Dentist, Orthodontics, Orthopedic Orthodontics, TMJ Therapy, Cosmetic Dentistry
International TMJ and Sleep Medicine Network Dr. Jolley is a member of the International TMJ and Sleep Medicine Network | www.itsmn.com
Dr. Jolley has been in this noble profession of dentistry for over 25 years. His holistic approach to treating Orthodontics and TMJ disease blends perfectly with his keen interest in Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Jolley looks at the overall face and masterfully shapes and develops the face and the teeth to create beautiful smiles. Dr. Jolley's dedication to excellence and his pursuit of perfection are some of the reasons for the success of his practice.
Dr. Jolley is an instructor in TMJ, Orthodontics and Orthopedic Orthodontics and has earned a "Fellowship" in TMJ therapy from the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain. Dr. Jolley lectures throughout the United States and Canada. Dr. Jolley is one of the only three dentists in Arkansas who have obtained a Fellowship from the AACP.
Dr. Jolley has been in the noble practice of Dentistry for over 25 years. Dr, Jolley loves all phases of Dentistry. "I love people and feel blessed to be able to help people in pain and people who are distressed over the condition of their smile." When you ask him about his work, a big grin breaks across his face, and he says, "I truly love the practice of Dentistry...I will never retire!"


text:
Hot on the heels of his brand new single "Grass Ain't Greener," Chris Brown joins 50 Cent in the video for their early spring collaboration "I'm The Man."
Filmed at a lavish mansion with a sexy infinity pool and stunning views of Los Angeles, the R&B superstar and G-Unit boss are surrounded by gorgeous models, as they go back-and-forth with rhymes and harmonies, delivering lines about "getting money" and being "the man."
Additionally, Chris joins Fif on another new song titled "No Romeo No Juliet." The two trade bars, while Breezy brags that 50 is his OG, and that he's a pimp. The NYC rapper comes back with rhymes about interracial dating and having "it made" like the classic Special Ed song.
"There's no Juliet for no Romeo with no dough," they sing on the hook. "She report to pimpin', now back to trickin'."
Check out the video and song below.


text:
NEW YORK (AP) — J.C. Penney is expanding the baby products it sells at stores beyond clothing as the department store joins the many other chains trying to claim some of the Babies R Us sales up for grabs.
The Plano, Texas-based chain is opening baby shops in 500 stores that are near now-shuttered Babies R Us locations, now that Babies R Us owner Toys R Us has liquidated.
Starting Aug. 30, J.C. Penney will sell in stores items like cribs, high chairs, strollers and car seats that it had formerly sold on its website only.
Retailers like Walmart, Target, BuyBuy Baby and Amazon are trying to attract former Babies R Us shoppers by adding more baby products, enlisting pregnant celebrities for promotions or helping people recreate their gift registries.
Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


text:
Dear Christians: The Antichrist is Already Here
When I was a young Christian girl in high school, I was briefly obsessed with the Left Behind book series. It's a book series that tells the fictional story of the End of Days, according to passages in the bible. I was fascinated by the end of days. Would there ever be a rapture? How does a well-known public figure rise to power as the Antichrist?
The story of the Book of Revelations in the Bible is a complicated one but to simplify, this is what Wikipedia says about the Antichrist and the end of days: "In some Christian eschatologies, Jesus the Messiah will appear in his Second Coming to Earth to face the emergence of the Antichrist figure, who will be the greatest false messiah in Christianity. Just as Christ is the savior and the ideal model for humanity, his opponent in the end time will be a single figure of concentrated evil."
While driving home from work the other day, it struck me: the Antichrist is already here.
In fact, people have been following the Antichrist for as long as I can remember in history. Christians already worship a version of Christ which is wholly unlike the Christ described in the bible. In fact, some could say that the Christ they worship is the antithesis of the Christ as described in the bible. They worship in the name of hate and in the name of judgement and in the name of violence: everything Christ preached against. Christians are already worshiping the Antichrist and they don't even realize it.
The Christ described in the bible was selfless and charitable. He would never want to amass wealth of his own and regularly counseled his disciples to do the same. And yet, many "Christians" in Western society are wealth driven. John Oliver did a whole segment on televangelists that take people's money by promising God will reward them with wealth and riches. If you were to look up some of the richest people in America, many would probably identify as Christians (The Koch Brothers and 10 of the top 20 according to this list, although I'm skeptical about the list in general since I don't believe that Jeff Bezos considers himself a Christian). They evade taxes and only use their wealth to gain more wealth and power.
Even beyond that, there are many Christians that oppose government programs meant to help the poor or sick. In fact, they'd widely disapprove of universal healthcare. How many times have Christian Republicans tried to get Obamacare overturned? They want to keep the money they've earned, and certainly don't want it going to help the poor. Does that sound like the teachings of Jesus Christ? Why would we not do all we can to help the sick be healed or the poor off the street?
Does anyone think that Jesus would approve of owning a gun? Definitely not. And he would definitely never want people going to war, especially in his name ala The Crusades. I love, for instance, that many anti gun control people think that guns aren't the problem, mental health is and yet they do not support universal health care. They show no concern for trying to help people or make access to these deadly weapons harder. It's cliche but, really, what would Jesus do to solve our mass shooting problem in America?
Even fear around gay marriage (or gays in general) has parents turning away their children. There are countless accounts of teens being kicked out. There are even more unheard accounts of parents not welcoming a daughter's girlfriend or son's boyfriend into their home. Gay and transgender people commit suicide at alarmingly high rates because all they feel is hatred in this world and a lot of that hate is coming from Christians. I'm pretty sure Jesus told us to love each other. I'm also pretty positive that he told us to leave the judgment up to God.
Many Christians are saying there's a "War on Christmas" but look at what Christmas has become! It's the pinnacle of materialism. People care way more about what presents they're getting (and evidently their Starbucks cups) than the fact that it is Christ's birthday. Some are saying there's even a war against Christianity. If Christianity is receiving any backlash, I'd wager it's because they aren't acting very Chist-like in the first place!
Take Donald Trump, for instance: I found an article where Donald Trump said that if elected, he will be the "greatest representative of the Christians they've had in a long time." Now think about what that means for a second: Here's a man that actively hates other cultures, religions, nationalities. He distrusts all Muslims and doesn't want them allowed in the country. He wants to put up a wall between us and Mexico. He regularly bullies and cuts down people. He's said plenty of terrible things about or to women. If that's the best representative we have for Christianity, we all need to be very afraid.
The truth is, Christianity morphed into something unrecognizable and I don't think many modern day Christians even realize it. They're too entrenched in what they've heard the church say is "bad" or "good" to even remember what Jesus said himself. But the fear, selfishness and hatred that drives Christianity today is not worshiping Jesus Christ; it's worshiping the anti-Christ.
So no, I'm not saying that in order to be a Christian, you have to be pro-gun control and pro universal healthcare and anti-war and not support Donald Trump… But, if you aren't all those things, maybe you should just ask yourself which version of Christ you are worshipping in your faith? Just gut check yourself and your beliefs and what you've been told vs what's actually written about The Man, Jesus Christ. You may be surprised at what you uncover.


text:
HSP Self-Priming Lawn Sprinkler Pump
Self-priming, lawn sprinkling pump designed for lawn sprinkling, irrigation and water transfer.
HCJ101 Two-Stage Centrifugal Pump
Two-stage centrifugal pumps for cooling systems, booster service, water circulation and more.
HCJ103 Single Stage Centrifugal Pump
Single-stage centrifugal pumps
HSPJ100 Portable Lawn Sprinkler Pump
Portable lawn sprinkler pump


text:
|Healthfully Delicious
healthfully delicious
real food. real life.
Chocolate Banana Strawberry Smoothie
Super easy, delicious, and really not that bad for you! :)
Time from start to finish: 5 minutes
1 banana
handful of fresh or frozen strawberries
1 tablespoon almond butter
1 tablespoon Cocoa Powder
1/2 cup Unsweetened Almond Milk
What to do:
1) Blend it all together!
I love rice (my parents can attest to that - I would request it every night for dinner!) I never thought to put chilli over top of rice, until I met Lee. A family tradition of his that I absolutely love! Another reason to eat rice for dinner!
Vegetarian chilli is really easy to make, and cooks up in a short amount of time. We picked up a large bag of peppers at the grocery store last night and we had a lot of tomatoes in the fridge, so this was a great way to use them! Here is the recipe for the chilli:
Time from start to finish: 20 minutes
Oil for cooking
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 fresh tomatoes, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
1 handful of frozen corn
1 can of dark red kidney beans, rinsed
1 can of black beans, rinsed
1 can of diced tomatoes
Spices: tsp or so of each, depending on taste/heat preference: chilli powder, cumin, cilantro, cayenne pepper
Juice of half a lime
What we did:
1) Saute onion and garlic over medium heat until golden.
2) Add everything else except the lime. Let simmer for about 10 minutes or so, until the flavours start to blend together. Then add the juice of the lime and stir together.
Sweet Potato Dog Biscuits
Again, as you've noticed, we're getting more and more into making everything from scratch. And this has many reasons, a few of which are: 1) We know what we're eating (no chemicals) 2) I can eat and digest it! (no dairy, soy, sugar) 3) Cheaper (Honestly, no lies, MUCH cheaper) 4) We are learning how to cook, and I mean really cook!
The Dog biscuit stuff is mainly about the low cost and the no chemicals. When you look at the ingredients in this recipe and realize that I made over 100 dog biscuits, you do the math! It is cheap!
Time from Start to Finish: 30 minutes
What we used:
1 Smaller-sized Sweet Potato, skinned and chopped
2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1/4 cup unsweetened apple sauce
2 eggs
What we did:
1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2) Cook sweet potato and mash. Let cool.
3) Combine flour, apple sauce, eggs, and cooled sweet potato into a dough. Add flour as needed.
4) On a flat surface knead dough until no longer sticky and roll out till about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a cookie cutter or slice with pizza cutter (much quicker this way). Place on greased baking sheet.
5) Cook in oven on middle rack for about 15-20 minutes, until slightly golden brown. Remove and let cool before storing/serving!
We really cooked these things. From scratch. On weeknights. And we even had time to do the dishes.
They have real, simple ingredients that you'll find in your cupboards. They're healthy and delicious. No lies.
Thanks for reading. Leave a comment below!
Here's a pic of me and my babies. Just because.
Recipe Categories
A Bit About Me...
Blog Archives
April 2016


text:
The Oscars ceremony will be held this Sunday, and as always, there will be concerns about the show's length. One of the factors often cited for the extra running time is long-winded speeches given by award winners. Traditionally, those violators are "played off" by the orchestra, but many times, the winners will simply talk louder or plead for more time. It's time for the Academy to make a change.
—After an acceptance speech crests one-minute, the glass case keeping Ted Nugent from his crossbow is removed by accountants from the firm of Price Waterhouse Coopers. (Mike)
—All awards will be accepted by Joaquin Phoenix, which should limit the speeches to "Thanks," "Yep," or "You think this is a joke?" (Brad)
—The winner with the longest speech has to spend a day at Mickey Rooney's house listening to rambling, sexually explicit stories about his eight marriages. (Brandon)
—Instead of "WRAP IT UP," TelePrompTer should display a naked picture of Harvey Fierstein on a burro. (Jameson)
—By mutual agreement among all nominees and the current office-holder, the winner who speaks the longest will be forced to become the new governor of California. (Sean)
—Some sort of podium catapult... podapult? Catapodium? We'll iron out the details in time for next year's Oscars, don't you worry. (Joe)
—All awards will be handed out by an increasingly drunk and incontinent Gary Busey, who will linger uncomfortably close to the podium while muttering profanities. (Matt)
—Host the ceremony on a sinking ice floe. (Jameson)
—Announcement to all nominees that once they mention their agent, publicist, and other people nobody cares about, Montecore, the white bengal tiger that tried to kill Roy Horn, will wander out onto the stage. (Mike)
—Since he's already in the front row, Jack Nicholson will attempt to lob fast-acting tranquilizers from his personal stash into the mouths of winners who begin to bore him. (Sean)
—Shortest speech of the night gets a sip of whatever's in Mickey Rourke's right jacket pocket. (Longest speech has to eat whatever's in the left pocket.) (Jameson)
—As soon as a winner goes over their alloted time, a platform raises Clint Eastwood from the orchestra pit to glower at them menacingly. (Brandon)
—Every use of the phrases "I don't know what to say," "I'd like to thank the Academy," or "My fellow nominees" will result in the relentless beating of three Ronald McDonald House children backstage. (Matt)
—Do they still make those novelty oversized Vaudeville hooks for dragging people offstage? (And, if not, isn't that industry due for a little stimulus-package rejuvenation?) (Jameson)
—Anyone speaking for too long runs the risk of having their Oscar taken away and replaced with a Tickle Me Elmo. (Sean)
—Anyone speaking for too long will be "chimp-slapped." (Joe)
—Violators will be escorted off the stage by a thong-wearing Danny DeVito. (Brad)
—Encourage shorter speeches with a new policy: if you thank more than ten people, two of the people you mention will be selected at random for assassination. (Jameson)
—If, when the band starts to play, the winners petulantly ask for more time, they are viciously sacked by Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis. (Mike)
—As soon as a winner starts speaking, Vanna White will begin turning letter and number tiles Wheel of Fortune-style that reveal said winner's email address and home phone number. (Matt)
—Put out word that overlong acceptance speeches really rub Christian Bale the wrong way, then position him in the front row. (Jameson)
—Instead of the usual playing-off music, the orchestra will play the opening of Beethoven's Fifth, while host Hugh Jackman turns on his mic and sings "Nobody cares! Nobody cares!" (Sean)
—Winner who gives the longest speech will be forcibly and legally married to that crazy octuplets mom. (Best Actress nominee Angelina Jolie is not eligible.) (Brandon)
—Don't allow nominees to get out of the limo – just toss their awards through the window as they pass by. (Jameson)
—Remind everyone that the Academy doesn't take kindly to three things: gay cowboys, Johnny Cash biopics, and long acceptance speeches. And we've all seen what happened to the cowboy and that Cash impersonator. (Matt)
Baron von Contributors: Sean Hecht, Brad Kruse, Brandon Kruse, Matt Kruse, Joe Mulder, Jameson Simmons, Mike Wagner
© poopreading.com, all rights reserved – advertising info


text:
Suzanne Klinger
As the Head of Reference and Research Services at UW Tacoma I oversee the one-on-one reference and research help desk -- a great place in the Snoqualmie Building for students to get help locating resources for their assignments. Prior to coming to UW Tacoma in 1990, I was a Government Documents Librarian at the University of New Mexico, the University of Illinois, Chicago and Duke University. My subject specialty areas are Communication, History, Sociology, and Urban Studies.
I have been to all 50 states and love the rainy weather of western Washington.
For students, I can:
- Meet with you individually to discuss your topic and possible research strategies
- Recommend the best databases to search for your research topic
- Answer your questions via email, phone, or in-person
- Tell you about library services
My primary goal in working with students is to help you take advantage to the best of your abilities of the resources available at this university. And, my advice to students is to stay curious your entire life. See your education here as just one step in your life-long learning.
For faculty, I can:
- Create a webpage tailored to your class assignments
- Discuss ways to best incorporate research skills and library materials into your class assignments
- Tell you about library services for you and your research
- Act as a liaison communicating the department's concerns and needs to library administration
|Klinger CV.docx


text:
Oh my goodness. This Creamy Cashew Cardamom Smoothie is one of the best smoothies I've made to date. It's sweet, smooth, and absolutely decadent. If you like cashews and cardamom – you're going to love this.
This recipe calls for just four ingredients: cashews, almond milk (try my homemade almond milk recipe), a frozen banana and freshly ground cardamom seeds. You can use cardamom powder too – but freshly ground spices are always more flavorful.
If you want something dessert-like but without the guilt, then this is the drink to make. The cashews and almond milk add a creaminess to the drink and when you combine that with cardamom – it's over the top deliciousness. The frozen banana makes this creamy drink nice and cold – it's kinda like drinking melted ice-cream. In fact, I'd bet this would make excellent frozen pops.
I love using cardamom in smoothies and in desserts. It's a spice that goes really well with anything sweet. Here are some of my other recipes starring cardamom:
Spinach Cardamom Smoothie
Mango Chai Smoothie
Carrot Cardamom Fudge or Pudding
Paleo Kheer
Indian Carrot Cake
Thandai (the perfect hot weather drink)
Chai spiced Chocolates
Khajoor ki Mithai (date and nut cookie)
Enjoy this drink and let me know how much you love it! 🙂Print
Creamy Cashew Cardamom Smoothie
- 1/3 cup Cashews
- 1 cup Homemade Almond Milk
- 1 Frozen Banana
- 5 Cardamom Pods – just use seeds or use a big pinch of ground cardamom, adjust to taste
- Add all of the ingredients to your blender, secure lid and blend until smooth.
- Pour into a glass and enjoy!


text:
This recipe I got it from a friend's Multiply, Venny Ng. I tried it the other day and it's so yum and it's very easy to make. Good company for a cuppa!
1/4 cup espresso-grind coffee
2 1/2 cups self-rising flour (or add 3 3/4 tsp of baking powder and a pinch of salt to equal amount of all-purpose flour)
1/2 cup caster sugar
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 1/2 cups milk
150 g melted butter
3/4 cup chopped dark chocolate
30 g un-melted butter
3 tbsp soft brown sugar
1 tbsp boiling water
Preheat oven to 204 degrees Celsius. Line the muffin cups or tray with paper muffin liner. Dissolve the coffee in 1 tbsp of boiling water and allow to cool. Sift the flour and superfine sugar into a bowl. Combine the eggs, milk, melted butter, dark chocolate, and the coffee mixture, and roughly mix with the dry ingredients. Spoon the mixture into each muffin cup. Heat the un-melted butter and brown sugar, and stir until the sugar dissolves. Spoon the mixture onto each muffin, gently swirl into the muffin using a skewer. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until risen and cooked through when tested with a skewer.


text:
Please find below a list of important dates for the 2020–2021 academic year.
These dates are based on our standard semester dates for taught programmes. For information on programmes that have non-standard semester dates, please see non-standard programmes.
Research degree programmes' start dates are normally 1 October, 1 January and 1 April of each year and the academic year runs from 1 August to 31 July.