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"God's love for us is unconditional. It never changes regardless of what we do or don't do. He loves us just the way we are." I recently heard a Christian I respect a lot make that statement and I've heard variations of it all my Christian life. But is it true?
I had the same misgivings when I read this quote from the bestselling book, Jesus Calling. (A book I do like by the way.) Here's a portion of the reading for December 26. In it, the author assumes the voices of Jesus and says, "I am the Gift that continuously gives – bounteously, with no strings attached. Unconditional love is such a radical concept that even my most devoted followers fail to grasp it fully. Absolutely nothing in heaven or on earth can cause me to stop loving you. You may feel more loved when you are performing according to your expectations. But my love for you is perfect; therefore it is not subject to variation."
Both of these quotes leave the distinct impression that God doesn't love us or like us any differently whether we're good or bad. Is that really true? If it is, it may be an explanation why so many Christians are behaving badly – thankful for God's love but without any fear of him at all.
Is that really the God of the Bible?
Unconditional Love
It comes as a surprise to a lot of people that the phrase, unconditional love isn't found anywhere in scripture – at least not in the top six versions I searched. Nevertheless, there is a sense in which it is true prior to our salvation. "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8
The Bible says that God loves all humans, generally, but he uniquely loves those who by faith cry out to him for salvation and believe in his son's divinity, death burial and resurrection. "This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins." I John 4:10
Jesus didn't die for us because he saw our potential for goodness, or because we were virtuous. We were sinners. Calvin called us totally depraved. So it's not a stretch to think of God's salvational love for all who have been or will be saved as unconditional before salvation.
And this much is also true, once a soul is truly born again nothing – no sin can cause us to lose this love of God. "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38-39 However, let's not confuse God's faithfulness to his promises with his feelings about our behavior.
Can God love us but still not like us at times?
So, here's the question, after salvation does God really have no different feelings toward us whether we are good, or bad, forgiving or unforgiving, profane or holy?
If that's true, then what happened in the Old Testament? Here you have Israel, God's beloved people – the people of the promise sinning by worshipping the golden calf and God said to Moses, "Now leave me alone so that my anger may burn against them and that I may destroy them. Then I will make you into a great nation." Exodus 32:10
Then God warned Israel with this before they entered the Promised Land. "But if you will not listen to me and carry out all these commands, and if you reject my decrees and abhor my laws and fail to carry out all my commands and so violate my covenant, then I will do this to you: I will bring on you sudden terror, wasting diseases and fever that will destroy your sight and sap your strength. You will plant seed in vain, because your enemies will eat it." Leviticus 26:14-16 And when they later disobeyed God, he punished them in all these ways.
God punished Aaron's wife with leprosy, sent snakes when they complained about manna and he sent "his people" into captivity twice because they worshipped other Gods. Clearly, even though God at one level loved Israel, there were times he didn't like them at all when they deeply angered and displeased him. His feeling toward their sin was anything but unconditional.
New Testament "unconditional love"
"Yes, but that was in the Old Testament, when they lived under the law. We now live by grace" is the common argument. Well then, what do we do with these verses?
"For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." Matthew 6:14-15
"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven." Matthew 7:21
"For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater —has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient." Ephesians 5:5-6
"If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person's work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved – even though only as one escaping through the flames." I Corinthians 3:12-15
Jesus' many teachings on the rewards he promises for our faithfulness and the loss of rewards if we aren't, Paul's teaching on discipline in I Cor. 5 and the judgment of believers based on what we did with our life in Revelation tells us one thing for sure. God likes those who act with mercy, justice and love and he's unhappy with believers who don't. It even says in Ephesians 4:30 that we can grieve the Holy Spirit by our sin. When we obey God, it delights him and when we don't we sadden and anger him. And, I believe it's dishonest, unbiblical and dangerous to think of God in any other way!
The danger of believing in unconditional love
I've been mentoring men for close to 30 years now and it's been my experience that many of those who claim to be Christians, but are living in disobedience are grabbing on to the unconditional love idea like drowning sailors to a life ring. Why knock yourself out with holy living if Jesus is just as happy with you if you're not?
While the unconditional love folks would probably never say that, trust me it's what many in the church who are shamelessly behaving badly, do believe, and we better be careful to not leave that impression lingering out there. It's a subtle variation on Love Wins and while we want to affirm the love of God, it's only half the gospel if we don't also speak of God's justice, righteousness and judgment.
God hasn't mellowed since the Old Testament. He still hates sin and punishes disobedience in this life and the next, even for believers. "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm – neither hot nor cold – I am about to spit you out of my mouth." Rev. 3:15-16
"Lukewarm living and claiming Christ's name simultaneously is utterly disgusting to God." Francis Chan, Crazy Love
Question: What do you think?
Following Jesus in Real Life
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When I meet with "driven" men, or those in a tough spot in their marriage or whose spiritual life feels flat and lifeless to them, I'll often ask them if they have a "nut" they just won't or can't let go of.
I'm told there are tribes who have a unique method of capturing monkeys. It seems they drill a 1 ½" hole in a coconut, drain the milk and dry the meat. A large nut is then dropped through the hole and a short rope or chain is attached, one end to the coconut and the other to a tree.
Soon a monkey will come along, pick up the coconut, shake it and hearing the nut rattling around inside, will reach through the hole for the nut. However, now the monkey's fist holding the nut is larger than the hole and he can't remove it.
All he'd have to do to be free is let go of the nut. But, soon the trapper comes along holding a club. The frightened monkey starts running around the palm tree and with each turn shortens the rope until there's no slack left and he's clubbed to death.
How stupid we think! But, many of us are gripping a "nut" of our own, and if we don't let it go, will kill us.
So, what's your nut?
Your nut may be an addiction, a relationship you know is wrong, or a wound from the past you simply can't forgive or forget. Your nut could be an addiction to success, your job, your Facebook page, or a hobby that's killing other important relationships in your life, including your relationship with God.
I know a woman so wounded by her former husband that it has kept her from ever truly trusting a man again. And that nut has even contaminated her own children's view of men – killing future relationships before they've even developed.
I meet with men all the time whose nut is pornography. For others it's sports, Fantasy Football, or working hard, not just to provide for their family, but so they can buy the next thing they think will make them happy. Many men spend more time every day working out or running than alone with God in Bible study and prayer. Their nut is what makes them feel good or look good. Sound familiar?
Our married daughters have been shocked by the Christian women they talk to who appear to be obsessed with reading the next Fifty Shades of Grey sequel or copycat. They know it's morally toxic, but still they read on. Or they spend hours shopping or online, checking their Facebook every ½ hour, faces buried in their phone instead of talking to their children. And, all the while they're truly puzzled why their spiritual and marital life is flat or dying.
For me occasionally, my nut is ministry. There are times, I'm more in love with ministry than I am with God and I have to confess that and let go.
So, what's your nut – your "secret sin"? What is it you simply can't or don't want to let go of that's slowly killing you physically, emotionally and especially spiritually? What obsession has your spouse, or perhaps even your own children been talking to you about?
"For a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him." II Peter 2:19b
Letting go of the nut
• Naming your nut is the first step. Do you know that you have a problem? For the truly courageous, ask your spouse or a close friend this question. Is there anything in my life that you feel is so controlling me, that it's hurting me, or causing confusion about what or who I truly love? Give them a few days to answer you either in person or by email – whatever way they feel most comfortable. Getting people to speak truth to you is a tricky business, but assure them that this is important to you and you need their thoughtful and honest answers.
• Confess any sin or obsessive behavior to God. Tell him you know you have a problem – a sin and ask the Holy Spirit to give you wisdom what to do about it. "If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us." I John 1:8-10
• Get help. If it's a deep rooted sin issue, you may need good Christian counseling. Ask your pastor for the names of good, Christ-centered counselors.
If it's a balance issue you may need a mentor or an accountability partner. On this website you can download information on both. Mentors or faithful accountability partners can not only help you get back on track, but keep you on track.
Unless you're a better Christian than me, this isn't a onetime thing. As I said, every year or two, I discover a nut I find tough to let go of. But if I don't, I risk the slow death of my integrity, a moral conviction or my great relationship with my wife or children.
Question: So, what's your nut and what have you done about it?
Following Jesus in Real Life
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I was having a discussion at dinner a few weeks ago with a group of young Christian leaders who were a bit shocked to hear me say, "Every Christian ought to be in the salvation business."
Several of the men immediately questioned what I meant by the word salvation. They thought I couldn't possibly believe that I, or anyone but Jesus could "save" anyone from their sins. So, they were really taken back when I responded that "yes" we Christians can actually save people from their sins!
Before you write me off as a heretic, let's be clear. No one but Jesus, by his death and resurrection, and by the power of the Holy Spirit can forgive anyone from their sins, causing them to be born again and a child of God, and thus save them. Jesus has a lock on that part of the salvation business. Period. However, there are a lot of other ways we can save people from their sins.
"Other" Salvations
We Christians are so accustomed to thinking about salvation in terms of Jesus redemptive work that we rarely think of salvation in any other way. However, the most common use of the word salvation or saved in the Old Testament refers to God saving, or rescuing the people of Israel from their enemies or restoring them to their land.
"In that day they will say, "Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us. This is the Lord, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation." Isaiah 25:9
"This is what the Lord says: In the time of my favor I will answer you, and in the day of salvation I will help you; I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people, to restore the land and to reassign its desolate inheritances." Isaiah 49:8
The second most common usage of the word salvation or saved describes individuals being saved or rescued from their enemies or oppressors, such as David crying out to God to save him from Saul and widows crying out to be saved from poverty, hunger or hopelessness, etc.
"My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior – from violent people you save me. I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and have been saved from my enemies." II Samuel 22:3-4
"The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him." Exodus 15:2
"How you have helped the powerless! How you have saved the arm that is feeble!" Job 26:2
(Of course, there are also many references to the saving work of the coming Messiah, Jesus in the Old Testament.)
However, in the New Testament Jesus, his disciples and followers "saved" or rescued people in similar ways in addition to their receiving spiritual salvation through faith in Jesus. They helped widows and saved them from poverty. They took collections for the poor to save them from hunger. They prayed for the sick and saved them from their diseases.
If we're to be imitators of Jesus, likewise we ought to be deeply engaged in saving people from the sinful and unwise choices that either they or others have made that causes so much fear and suffering. Jesus said that one of our primary purposes on earth is loving others. That means we're to be about the business of making life better for others and saving people in every way they need saving, or rescuing.
Saving others from…
Here are some great examples of how individuals can do similar things, saving people from their sins or the effects of sin in this world:
• When we do an intervention for an alcoholic friend, we are rescuing or saving them from their bondage to alcohol, and perhaps even saving their life.
• When we visit prisoners, an older person, or someone in the hospital, we're saving them from loneliness.
• When we give our weary spouse a back rub and encouraging words we're saving them from discouragement.
• When we proactively give an unexpected and badly needed gift to another, or serve as an advocate for a powerless person we are saving them from hopelessness or possible poverty.
• When we faithfully go about the hard work of loving a married couple through hard times, we may actually be used of God to save their marriage.
• When we forgive others their sins against us we're saving them from guilt and shame and actually restoring a broken relationship.
• And, of course, when we present the gospel to someone we are being used of God to save people spiritually in the most important way they need saving.
When we act like Jesus' stand-ins – his agents of grace, you and I are partnering with God in his continuing work of rescuing both us and others from our sins.
Proactive Mercy
I'm so proud of the deacons in my church. Historically, most churches disburse benevolent funds as requested by those who apply for help and our benevolent teams still do that. However, a number of years ago they moved beyond being reactive, to being proactive in these ways.
• One Christmas they gave a gift of several hundreds of dollars to every faithful widow in our church along with a letter praising them for their faithfulness. Those who didn't need the money were encouraged to pass it on to another widow who did.
• For a number of years, our deacons made lists of people they knew were really struggling in the church, especially single parent families. Many were living in fear because they had no savings. A breakdown of their car, or a medical emergency would have wiped out, forcing them to the indignity of coming to the church for help.
Instead, our deacons sent each one a check for between $250 and $750 depending on their family size and circumstances. They explained this was to help them establish a "rainy day fund" against future needs, however they were free to use the money as they saw fit without any restrictions.
I've spoken with widows and families who've received these funds and for them it felt as if God himself had answered their prayers and he had. God through his people is still saving those who cry out to him.
Please share with us some ways you or others have proactively "saved others".
Following Jesus in Real Life
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Two decades ago a man I deeply admire asked this penetrating question of me, "Is there anyone right now praising God for you because without your advocacy for them they would be hopeless?"
My mind instantly swung into justification mode, and I began adding up the money I'd given and boards on which I'd served that assist the poor in some way. But, that wasn't what he was asking. What he was getting at is this, "Are you personally engaged in the life of a person who is powerless or poor and had no other place to turn before you came along?" My honest answer was "yes". I had been just such an advocate for a number of people in the past, but not presently.
Ever since that conversation, I've made it one of my personal goals to pray for and have my spiritual antenna up for people in need of an advocate. They're all around me if I'll simply open my eyes. But, even if one doesn't cross our path, I believe we have an obligation to seek them out. I'll share a few stories shortly just how that works in real life.
You only have to read the story of the Sheep and Goats (Matthew 25:31-46) to get a feel for how serious Jesus is about us caring for "the least of these". If you read that story, you'll also notice that in almost every case he instructs us to go to them, not wait for them to ask us for help.
And Jesus' teaching mirrors God's repeated warning to Israel in the Old Testament about their lack of concern for the poor and the teaching in Proverbs regarding his heart for the poor.
"Whoever shuts their ears to the cry of the poor will also cry out and not be answered. When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers." Proverbs 21:13 and 15
"Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done." Proverbs 19:17
"He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8
Just do a Bible word search for the words poor, alien or widow and you'll see how often God admonishes Israel to care for the powerless.
What does it mean to be an advocate for the poor?
The term "advocate for the poor" isn't found in the Bible. However, it is a term which captures the primary ideas in the Bible regarding our responsibilities toward the poor. The main idea is that the poor, the hopeless and the helpless are so often powerless or overwhelmed by their circumstances that they may need a person to advise, speak or act on their behalf – an advocate.
• David read a story in the local newspaper about a man who served 12 years in prison for a crime he didn't commit and was recently released. He wasn't sure exactly how to get in touch with him, so began with a call to the man's lawyer. David asked the attorney how he could help and left his phone number if his client was willing to meet with him. Within an hour the ex-con called and they met for lunch.
To his surprise, the man wasn't bitter about his experience and he wasn't a Christian. He just wanted to move on with his life, but didn't know how. David offered to try finding him a job and a place to stay until he got back on his feet and David did both. They met several times after that and David presented the gospel to him, but there wasn't much interest. They still touch base occasionally and David simply tries to be a friend and encourage him, and is still praying for his salvation.
• A few years ago, a stranger visited our church and halfway through the service left, visibly upset and disturbed. An elder in our church observed this, got up and followed him to the back of church. The man was from a local facility for people struggling with a variety of mental disorders. The elder took him to lunch that day where the man shared that what was really frightening him was his belief that his court appointed legal guardian was robbing him of his life savings and someday he'd be homeless.
Although skeptical at first, his new found friend checked it out and discovered it was true. He confronted the embezzler who denied everything of course. So he hired an attorney at his own expense went to court and got himself appointed legal guardian and served him faithfully until the man died a few years later.
• While getting her driver's license, a fine Christian woman I know observed a clerk being less than helpful with another woman who barely spoke English. So, she stepped to the side of the stranger and offered her assistance. Apparently, she was missing one piece of information, which was at home leaving no time to take the bus home and return before the Secretary of State's office closed.
So, the Good Samaritan offered to drive her home, get what she needed and bring her back in time to get her license. Then, literally going the second mile, the woman drove her new found friend to work so she wouldn't be late. It turns out that the woman was a Christian and thanked both my friend and Jesus for going out of her way to help.
Equipping yourself to be an Advocate
• Begin praying daily for Jesus to use you to minister to another person. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you radar for the poor and helpless in your life, church and city.
• Read Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger, by Ronald J. Sider, and The Tragedy of American Compassion by Marvin Olasky, to get a good biblical and practical overview of the problem and some creative solutions to both poverty and consumption, personally and globally.
• Meditate on why you might be hesitant to help a stranger or someone you see on the street. What do you fear? What do you think they want? What kept you from getting involved the last time you saw or heard of a person in need?
• Another excellent book (non-Christian) for understanding the mindset of those in poverty is A Framework for Understanding Poverty, Ruby K. Payne.
• I'm acquainted with a great ministry that helps train churches in wise benevolence. If you're interested, go to: www.hlic.org
• Watch the newspapers, TV and the web for stories of people being treated unjustly, suffering a tragic loss, experiencing job losses, or losses of much needed services.
• Go to your pastor or the deacons in your church and ask if there is anyone in the church who really needs help or needs someone to help then navigate life.
• Volunteer at a local homeless mission, an urban church, retirement home, Habitat for Humanity, food bank, or other ministry which regularly intersects with the poor. But, do more than simply volunteer. Get to know personally some of the poor they serve and look for ways you might serve as their advocate.
• Look for people right in your local church who appear to be struggling. Often times they drive older cars, sit by themselves, leave as soon as church is over, or wait at the bus stop because they lack personal transportation.
• Take a slow walk through the urban areas of your city with a friend. Make attempts to strike up conversations with people of the same sex. Invite them to have a cup of coffee. Just show interest in them and get to know them personally.
Determining their Needs
Often the poor have immediate needs which often need to be met to allay their fears and give them a sense of security and safety. A wise advocate will try to discern an immediate need from a primary need. An immediate need is the assistance required to make sure a person is not hungry, unsafe, without shelter, cold, medically unstable, or about lose a much needed asset in which they have equity. To the extent we are able, the Bible says we are to meet those immediate needs to stabilize their lives.
"Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act." Proverbs 3:27
Primary needs on the other hand, are the underlying needs that all humans have – love, hope, understanding, a sense of belonging and most importantly the security of knowing Jesus personally. One homeless man I met with for years was simply scared and lonely at times, usually at night, and needed right then to hear a friend's voice. I bought him a cell phone with limited minutes on it, so he could call me or his family in another state whenever he felt overwhelmed. He simply needed the assurance that someone cared. Meeting these primary needs isn't rocket science, but it does take some time and thought.
One word of warning and here's a quote from my book, The 10-Second Rule, "I was once ripped off by a "Nigerian seminary student" standing in the back of church looking for his next mark. In fact, I've been taken advantage of more than once by people with legitimate needs who keep needing more. More money, more time, more whatever – just more. You'll learn over time to establish some boundaries, but the risk-adverse will rarely follow Jesus. Being taken advantage of occasionally is the occupational hazard of a servant.
"If someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life… Live generously." (Luke 6:30, MSG)
Don't let the occasionally abuse of your grace and generosity discourage you from being Jesus' stand-in and an advocate for the poor.
Question: Share with us your experiences of being an advocate for the poor, or poor in spirit.
Following Jesus in Real Life
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text: Dusk, Black Hills, New Year's Day 2017 In my front room, eyrie, window to the world, overlooking valley, field, and stretch to mountain, where in is out, and out is in, I sit, day-fogged, content, cocooned, immersed in words, and worlds away. late-twilight, day fading, dusk plumed the unseen sky, the curtained fields, and home, submerged by drifts of curling foam, shadow-dimmed the smoke-grey hills; fog-swirl, cloud-drift, and flow. light shift; subtle, barely noticed, seeping silent through the edges of awareness. a flicker, ghost-like, riffling air, vibrating with strange undertones of haunting, eldritch melody, faint sung disturbing, pricking conscious thought. my eyes glance up - I am transfixed, drawn out, up into cloud-fire; mist and tree and time and self are merged, cloud-swallowed, all substance gone, dissolved. Imagine this; an "other" world, unstable, shifting; smoke-brown mutates to brick-red ochre, crimson mists to rose, transforms to luminous red; and dims to barest flushing pink; endless synthesis and permutation, a passion-play, ethereal, suffused with shapeless, fluid form, where time itself shape-shifts. My mind, my body lifts, diffuses, drifts free in glowing light, then, disembodied, swirls with fog and cloud and mist, folds tree and field in crimson, rose, and glowing red, merges time with form, unfurls, flowing, seeping into sunset cloud. No more a separate entity,I'm magicked into transient form, colour and mist-merged. Imagine this. mist feather-formed flamingo wings, mysterious, alien fog, sensuous, sinuous in brolga dance; the flare of pink flushed cockatoo lifting in flight, the flame of scarlet robin's breast; heart-blood's crimson pulse; the softest touch of roseate dawn: all that ever was, will be, aglow, and glowing; passion, love, and gentle tenderness.becomes reality. Imagine this: embraced in sunset cloud, swallowed, atom-merged in glowing, writhing fog ebb and flow, ebb and flow - one long, long moment in one short life, one frail instant lingering, flowing, fading, fading ... light change, shape-shift; time slowed to this. one moment, one instant one fixed one boundless point in time. Copyright Jean Law – January – October 2017

subset: commoncrawl


text:
So close, but so far :(
I know that other drivers and development software for Kinect are available on the Web. Can I use the Kinect sensor device with these other drivers or software instead of the SDK Beta?
No. Use of the Kinect sensor device is subject to its own warranty and software license agreement that allow you to use it solely in connection with an Xbox 360 or Xbox 360 S console. Only Microsoft can grant you the additional rights that you need to use the Kinect sensor device with a personal computer. Microsoft grants these additional rights in the SDK Beta license, but only for uses of the Kinect sensor device in connection with the SDK Beta. If you use the Kinect sensor with a platform other than Xbox 360, Xbox 360 S, or Windows (with the SDK Beta), you void the warranty you received when you purchased the Kinect sensor device.
Microsoft will void your warranty if you use open source drivers, Microsoft has been responsive about all the wonderful Kinect hacks and community – let's hope they change this. Right now I don't see why most folks would use the Micrsoft SDK, you can only have non-commercial use and it's silly to say the warranty is void if you use(d) other drivers. It's like saying my Microsoft mouse is voided because it's plugged in to a linux box.


text:
H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco and H.S.H. Princess Charlene wearing the Ocean necklace to the Bal de la Croix Rouge, 2011
Ocean necklace
Ocean Tiara
Making of the Ocean set jewelry
In 2011, Van Cleef & Arpels had the rare honor of being chosen by a royal bride to create a set of jewelry. The Océan necklace is a tribute to the grace and elegance of Her Royal Serene Princess Charlene of Monaco, who gave the piece its name. This necklace, a token of love offered by the Prince to his Princess, can be transformed into a tiara.
Since 1956, Van Cleef & Arpels has held the title of "Official Supplier to the Principality". Such a privilege requires the highest standards and a place at the forefront of the art of jewelry-making. The unrivaled savoir-faire of the Mains d'Or, the Maison's master jewelers, reproduces the grace of life itself.


text:
#JELAZGayaGue OOTD Competition, Win a Trip to Korea!Tuesday, May 10, 2016
Hi, Assalamualaikum,
Have you heard the good news, fashion people?
#jeLazGayaGue adalah pesan yang ingin kami sampaikan kepada Lazadians untuk menjadi lebih percaya diri dan stylish dalam berbusana! Apapun gaya fashion Lazadians itu #jeLazGayaGue!
Mulai April kemarin ini kami mulai kompetisi #OOTD untuk Lazadians semua! Bagaimana caranya?
Lazadians cukup upload foto #OOTD terbaik dan terkece Lazadians di akun Instagram Lazadians, kasih tahu kami gaya apa yang Lazadians pakai dengan hashtag #jeLazGayaGue, dan jangan lupa TAG akun kami.
Akun Instagram Lazadians harus publik loh biar fotonya bisa kami nilai.
^^ Periode: 28 April - 12 Mei 2016
Masih ada waktu 2 hari lagi nih, buruan yah, kapan lagiiii karena hadiahnya: TRIP KE KOREA DIBAYARIN!
Let's Go Fashion People!
Love, Lia
LIA LOOKS: Fancy Pink PantsMonday, May 09, 2016
Outer : Instagram @EderraID
Layered Chiffon Top : Instagram @eileen_attic
Tie-up Pants : Instagram @RizcamaShoppie
Lost in the 88 Love and Life Thoughts, Lost in TimeSunday, May 08, 2016
As I'm writing this, I was just realized that I've been drowning myself in the world of #88LoveLife by Diana Rikasari (Illustrated by Dinda Puspitasari) enjoying each page, reading, imagining, looking back to my past, and relating so much to myself.
I've just got this #88LoveLife vol.02 few days ago, after finished reading the first one long before, and been having a really good time following Diana Rikasari's Love story, and being inspired by her thoughts on love and life.
There are two most interesting things about this book. First of all, it's enticingly inspiring! We keep getting inspired by every words and story, and we can never get bored because the illustrations keep spoiling your vision, leading you to your own imagination and replenishing a deeper meaning on the quotes.
Second of all, to be honest, it's not really important, but I know anyone would agree on this, umm...this book is so instagrammable a.k.a. photogenic, hihihi! thanks to the amazing illustration work. It comes in handy to be put as a prop for your morning coffee updates, or to prettify your working desk makes it easy to catch when you want to read it! I really love the choice of hot pink for the cover :*
Speaking of inspirations, I personally got hit by this one quote, 'I'm too grateful to hate, which is literally simple but I'd rather keep forgetting, I suppose most people do. We keep on hating, complaining on things that happened to us when there are actually so many things we should be grateful of. The simplest thing like breathing, having two eyes, living in a peaceful country, realize that every little thing is a bless that we should cherish.
I admit that 'not complaining' is a hard thing to do because life and what's within doesn't always go as expected. I feel like I did my best, I always present the best but there's always someone who keep making it like nothing. But, I realize, there's nothing we could gain from hoping people to respect us. I should respect myself, I should be grateful for what I have done, what I put into effort in order to present the best, and however the result will be, just let it be. Nothing's wrong for always giving the best on everything we do anyway, right?
We should keep on busy thankful for what we have and what we are now, that there will be no time to hate. We aim to please Allah, not people. Relieve negativity, only accept what's positive, Positivity always win! (Reminded of #88LoveLife Vol.1, haha) So true, Di!
Other than the quotes, I also have my favorite illustration from the book. I really love the whole outfit illustration of this short-haired girl with a colorful pom-pom dress, cute accessories and fancy shoes, which is pretty much depicts Diana Rikasari and her style. I love this cute version of Diana, and of course the quotes next to it,
'The beneficial of having your own personal style, is that you never feel
you have to compete with anyone else'
As a personal style blogger, I truly agree that it's so beneficial to have your own personal style, so that you won't have to worry about keeping up with anything, just confidently express who you are, whoever you wanna be! Diana knows this feeling so much *aaaaww*
This book is one of my compulsory whats-in-my-bag item right now! Bagi yang udah baca, I bet you guys are doing the same? hahaha. I had so much fun reading this book recently, sometimes I don't really remember how long I've read it, I most likely being lost in time, hahaa.
Kudos Diana Rikasari for writing such a lovely story, and Dinda Puspitasari for creating such a brilliant illustrations! Looking forward to another amazing work of you two in the future, and wishing to have a chance to receive some good vibes from you two anytime soon!
Love, Lia <3
LIA LOOKS: My first #COIDENTITYTuesday, May 03, 2016
Graphite Shirt from #COIDENTITY collection
by: Dian Pelangi // www.dianpelangi.com


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Brown, Josephine
"Give me liberty or give me death!"
Capt. Price who became the last purchaser of William, was the owner of several steamers, and a partner in a firm in St. Louis, engaged in the business of purchasing and shipping produce to the Southern States. The young slave had been with the Prices scarcely three months, when the family resolved upon a visit to New Orleans, and it was settled that William should accompany them, as a servant. In due time, Capt. Price, with his wife and daughter, attended by their new chattel, set out on their journey, in one of the Captain's boats, the steamer "Chester." The boat, instead of returning to St. Louis, took in a cargo at New Orleans, for a Cincinnati, and the Captain and his family concluded to extend their visit to the latter place. It was the middle of December when the boat left New Orleans, with a large number of passengers and a heavy load of freight. The Prices had some fears about bringing the slave to the frontiers of the free States, and Mrs. Price sounded William, to see if he had any thoughts about freedom. As a matter of course, the young slave expressed a wish to return to St. Louis as soon as possible, and seemed to dislike the idea of going to a free State. Well pleased with his seeming indifference about liberty, and not being able
In due time, the boat arrived at the place of her destination, landed her passengers, and discharged her cargo. Twenty years ago, there was little or no anti-slavery feeling in the southern part of the State of Ohio. Few persons thought it wrong to catch a runaway slave and return him to his master, and a fugitive ran as much risk in attempting to escape through the Buckeye State, at that time, as he would in the adjoining State of Kentucky. William, however, had resolved to make the attempt, without any regard to consequences. In his published narrative he says:--"During the last night that I served in slavery, I did not close my eyes a single moment in sleep. When not thinking of the future, my mind dwelt on the past. The thought of a dear mother, and an affectionate sister and three brothers, yet living under the dominion of whips and scourges, caused me to shed many tears. If I could have been assured that they were dead, I should have felt satisfied. But I imagined I saw my mother in the cotton field, followed by the merciless task master. I thought of the probability of my sister and brothers being in the hands of negro-drivers or speculators, subjected to all the cruelties that the hateful institution allows them to inflict; and these thoughts made me feel very sad indeed."
At last the trying moment came. It was the first day of January, 1834, when, without a shilling in his pocket, and no friend to advise him, William quitted his master's boat, and, taking the North Star for his
'Behind I left the whips and chains,
Before me were sweet Freedom's plains.
While on my journey at night, and passing farms, I would seek a corn-crib, and supply myself with some of its contents. The next day, while buried in the forest, I would make a fire and roast my corn, and drink from the nearest stream. One night, while in search of corn, I came upon what I supposed to be a hill of potatoes, buried in the ground for want of a cellar. I obtained a sharp-pointed piece of wood, with which I dug away for more than an hour, and on gaining the hidden treasure, found it to be turnips. However, I did not dig for nothing. After supplying myself with about half-a-dozen of the turnips, I again a resumed my journey. This uncooked food was indeed a great luxury, and gave strength to my fatigued limbs. The weather was very cold,--so cold, that it drove me one night into a barn, where I laid in the hay until morning. A storm overtook me when about a week out. The rain fell in torrents, and froze as it came down. My clothes became stiff with ice. Here
"I'll be free! I'll be free! and none shall confine
With fetters and chains, this free spirit of mind;
From my youth have I vowed in my God to rely,
And, despite the oppressor, gain freedom or die!
Dreary were the hours that I spent while escaping from America's greatest evil."


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Longrow 1992-2001 - 9 Year Old - Cadenheads Authentic Collection
SKU: 0812325-Longrow1992-Cadenheads-Authentic
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Distilled 1992, Bottled September 2001, 9 Year Old, Bottle on of 354.
Bottled by: WM Cadenhead. Authentic Collection.
70cl / 57.2% Vol. In original cylinder.
Excellent label: Level high neck.
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text:
Damn Dotcoms!
This story appears in the August 2000 issue of Entrepreneur. Subscribe »
Things are going good for you-or at least they should be.
Your 10-year-old company is going great guns. You're one of the region's top companies in your industry, with plenty of work and money pouring into your bank account. Your kids are healthy. Your spouse adores you. even the company softball team is coming around. So why can't you shake that lingering bitterness, even anger? Easy-you're not a dotcom company with a windfall IPO and three years of heavy losses. Let's face it, the media doesn't love you the way they do the Web folks. Same with Wall Street and its army of analysts, most of whom swoon and lapse into lovestruck gibberish at the sight of a new Internet IPO. The venture capital folks? Not today, friend. Even the American public is letting you down. They nod your way when you walk down the street, but you know what they're thinking. You're no dotcom.
You don't do e-commerce the way the mavericks do. You don't have a market capitalization equal to the annual budget of Portugal. You're just so . . . pedestrian, aren't you?
Dotcom Failures
Don't sweat it, you're not alone.
"Oh sure, there's some resentment," says Greg Walker, the 31-year-old president and co-founder, with wife Gina, of Supercali Snacks, an Oakland, California-based distributor of snack foods that had $10.5 million in sales last year. "The dotcom money came too fast, and you have to question whether they deserve it. The only Web companies I've heard of making money are Yahoo! and America Online. The rest of them may look good to the market [at times], but it's phony money."
Walker may have a point. Some say that the dotcoms are sucking up all the venture capital while their market capitalizations hold the stock market hostage for the rest of the business world. Walker's one of them. "The distribution business is tough enough on its own, without the challenge of fighting Web companies for money," he says. "I'd like a piece of the action, but I'd have to wait in line behind the dotcom guys."
Lots of others see things Walker's way, adding that Wall Street's infatuation with Web companies is in a way akin to Alice when she stepped through the looking glass. "You've got to leave reality at the door when you look at a lot of these Internet companies," says 34-year-old Joel Osterloh, president of Suwanee, Georgia-based Timber Valley Forest Products, which saw sales of $14 million in 1999. "Our operating costs are a small percentage of our revenue, and we have to fight to make a profit. I don't understand how a dotcom company can be more efficient than we are, but everybody seems to love them."
Osterloh doesn't buy the investment analysts' spin that Web companies will make money "sooner or later." "How do they know that?" he asks. "I keep hearing the analysts say these things, but let's look at reality. It's easier to walk down the street and go into a store, and buy a lawnmower or a suit. What happens if you want to return something? What happens if a dotcom's site crashes, as most of them do? I think the dotcom craze will come back to haunt investors who can't answer these questions. I think investors are being sold down the river."
Mistaken Market Valuations
If so, it's one crowded river. After all, who can blame investors for falling for the new kid in school?
Take the application-hosting industry-the companies that build and maintain the sites that are used by e-commerce companies. The market valuations for some of these companies are so out of whack they make no sense to the untrained eye.
Consider Irving, Texas-based Data Return Corp., a Web hosting company that counts First USA, RadioShack and Pier 1 Imports among its customers, as well as Compaq Computer and Microsoft among its financial backers. In October 1999, the company's stock climbed a measly (for Web IPOs) 26 percent in its IPO. But, based on traditional valuations, the company still boasted a market capitalization disproportionate to its size. The company lost $1.3 million on sales of $1.9 million in its fiscal year ending March 31, 1999. But with the IPO, it was worth $564.9 million at the end of its first day of trading.
Its founders-Sunny C. Vanderbeck, 27, and Michelle R. Chambers, 32-basically had a license to print money, earning a combined $241 million that day in paper profits. Not bad for a company that has lost over $1 million this past year alone.
"It's hard not be jealous, but I wish [the dotcoms] well," offers Marvin Eisenbath, 48, owner of Fair Market Inc., a Wentzville, Missouri-based food distributor with $24.5 million in 1999 sales. "The only problem I have with the Web IPOs is that I'm not getting any of the action. Otherwise, what are you going to do? I run a good, dependable business that should earn $30 million in 2000-and it's not overvalued. If you ask me, the media worries about things too much."
Problems For Traditional Companies
Ouch. But Eisenbath has a point.
Sure, looking for big problems in a roaring economy where there are massive amounts of money being made is a cynical pastime. But the dotcoms do present difficulties for traditional companies-difficulties that transcend hogging all the venture-capital money and artificially inflating stock-market prices.
Consider the problem of hiring-and keeping-good help. The Internet world has absconded with some top-notch corporate talent recently. A check of some of the Internet job-hoppers highlights the crème de le crème of the Fortune 500.
It's a wholesale shift in career moves, much to the detriment of traditional companies-and other venerable institutions. Of Harvard Business School's class of 1999, only 39 percent went to investment banks or consulting firms, compared with over half in 1994. And, critics say, the dotcoms are luring potential business-school talent away before they get a chance to absorb some of the old-fashioned professorial wisdom found inside the ivy-covered walls of post-graduate business schools.
"I was intrigued by what the company was doing and by slugging it out in the e-commerce market" explains Meredith Brown, who became chief administrative officer at Bodylogix.com, an online women's health products startup, after bailing out of a similarly titled position at Merrill Lynch. "As an executive, you want the money, you want the challenge, and you want the opportunity to get involved with a company that has long-term growth potential."
Keep a Good Attitude
Many traditional companies say that competition is the name of the game in the business world and that entrepreneurs should whine a lot less and grind a lot more.
"Being angry isn't going to get you anywhere," says Steve Meltzer, the 41-year-old founder and president of Utopia Distributors, Inc., a Coconut Creek, Florida-based wholesale distributor of perfumes with 1999 sales of $25 million. "Traditional businesses are going to have to face the fact that things are changing and nobody knows where it'll lead. But getting yourself more oriented toward the Internet can only be a good thing. That's what we're doing: building a business-to-business Web platform to help us compete."
Ever the optimist, Meltzer feels that traditional brick-and-mortar companies that have been run successfully for years are in a unique position to battle the Web-starts at their own game. "I believe brick-and-mortar companies with solid earnings can take out, or at least diminish, their dotcom competitors," he says. "How? By leveraging years' worth of substantial bottom-line net worth. The dotcoms that are struggling with revenues are already finding that they're also struggling with new sources of capital as a result of poor earnings. So who will the venture capital firms and the investors turn to if both companies have a Web presence, but only one has a great earnings track record? That's an easy decision."
Meltzer has a lot of company. At Leading Edge Air Logistics LLC, a Morris-town, Tennessee-based air-charter management service, CEO Robert Hunter says it's old-time business savvy that counts. "The fact that Web companies are dominating Wall Street doesn't bother me," says the 62-year-old, whose company garnered $30 million in sales in 1999. "I look at the Internet as another way to conduct business. Only someone smarter than me knows where dotcoms are going, but you've got to love these young CEOs' ambition."
Hunter believes that, in many ways, the success of Internet firms could mean a bigger cash cow for everyone. "Look at the venture capital world," he adds. "They're sitting on billions of dollars that they haven't even used, thanks to the money they made off the Internet firms-there's more money to spread. And those who get it will be the smart folks with the best ideas."
That sentiment sums up the thoughts of wizened CEOs who've been around the block a time or two. "Traditional businesses should be stimulated by dotcoms," says Farley Blackman, 34, CEO at StrategIM, an information-con-sulting and software-development company, and a former heavy-hitter at General Electric. "It's true that big companies feel the pinch when startups poach talent and attention, but the result should be a positive one focused around the customer, speed to market and implementation of change. It's this process of change that results in a more competitive and agile company."
Blackman speaks from experience. "During my tenure at GE, I viewed dotcoms as a catalyst for change," he adds. "They forced me to reinvent roles, hiring and management to combat the dotcom mystique. Traditional companies owe it to their shareholders to put aside bureaucracy and to keep up."
There you have it. Solid advice on how to slay the monster that's living in every individual who never saw the value of their stock options hit triple digits.
So be of good cheer, traditionalists: With a few moves, maybe you'll be the one with the Rembrandt hanging in the fifth bathroom you always wanted.
Brian O'Connell is a Framingham, Massachusetts, freelance business writer; His most recent book is Generation E: How Young Entrepreneurs are Changing the Corporate Landscape (Entrepreneur Press).


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Delight in the details.
GARNISH Event Design is a full-service event planning and production company, with distinctive floral and décor design located in the Pittsburgh area, servicing all areas of Western Pennsylvania, Eastern Ohio and beyond to span the globe.
At the core of our success is an obsessive dedication to perfection, and a team that works in concert to ensure extraordinary client experiences. The Garnish commitment to excellence embraces a professionally trained and certified team with a cornerstone of creativity, excellence and capability. It's our job to pay attention to detail.
But it doesn't end there… our company culture also embraces sustainability and partners in every segment from fresh floral wholesalers and local flower farms to linen companies with strong green initiatives. We are a watchful partner of the elements that comprise your event, so that you can be celebrating your milestones without worry in effortless style.
We delight in the details so that you can delight in your day.
Stylish, personalized events with the proper mix of trend and timelessness is the way that Jody Wimer would describe her event design style. With nearly 20 years of event industry experience, and numerous industry awards for excellence and innovation in her field, Jody Wimer has served on the board of the International Caterers Association, and been a member of the International Live Events Association, Wedding Industry Professionals Association, and the ICA. Reveling in the logistics of events produced on a large or intimate scale, Wimer believes that event planning is essentially architecture with a twist of theater.
"My wedding planning philosophy has always been that as a planner we are to be a watchful partner to ensure that your wedding day details tell your love story and reflect the life that you are building as a couple. To me the adage has always been that before anything else the couple is the theme of the event."
Growing up in the event industry, Caitlyn Wimer fell in love with celebrating love. She has successfully been coordinating weddings and assisting with design plans since the age of 15 years old, and today currently serves as the VP of Marketing & Communications for the Pittsburgh Chapter of the International Live Events Association. With a great eye for graphic design and trends, Caity creates beautiful wedding day papergoods, dreams up gorgeous eventscapes, and ensures that her wedding clients have a stress free and delightful day of memories.
"At Garnish we delight in the details so that you can delight in your day."
Working on the Garnish team for over 12 years, Joanna has amassed the skills necessary to ensure a smoothly coordinated event. As a former teacher and day care administrator, her organized approach to timelines and vendor coordination makes her the partner you want behind the scenes orchestrating the particulars of your day. Her calm demeanor and quick thinking have averted many a wedding day crisis over the years.
"We want you to be able to place full trust in our team, and enjoy the moments of your wedding day while we tend to the rest."


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Digital Instrument Making
During 2016 as part of their HYAH supported activity, Room 13 employed Glasgow based artist Audrey O'Brian to work with the local community and schools. One element of her residency focused on digital music making and the result of playing and experimenting with every day sounds...
Our S4 music class took part in a collaboration with Audrey to make a Digital Touchpad Instrument using sounds that we had made and recorded. At first, I thought the whole idea was too futuristic for my liking, and that I would prefer to just play my instrument. However, after just the first week, my feelings had completely changed. We split into four different groups – art, photography, recording, technical and lyrics. I was part of the recording group, and found it really fun and interesting to try and see how many different sounds you could get from everyday objects like a window closing, and a loose screw on a piano stool. The art group was in charge of making wire sculptures to form the actual touch pads for the instrument, the photography group were visiting the different groups taking photos of us, the technical group was in charge of editing the sound files and assembling the instrument, and the lyric group picked and recorded themselves saying various poem and song lines.
It all finally came together where the recordings and song snippets we had made were the sounds that the touchpad piano made, and the keys were made up of the art groups sculptures. I felt really proud at the end, as you could really see the hard work pay off. We recorded a song on the instrument during the final session, in which I played the piano and Maddie Lennon, an S5 pupil, played on her saxophone using improvisation in which we were the accompaniment. It was an extremely interesting and enjoyable project in which my views were very much changed.
To find out more about Room 13 International and what they do, check out www.room13international.org


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Ward leadership enters TFOT lessons as "event" for the fourth Sundays, specifying in the title of the event that it is a TFOT lesson, with the lesson talk reference, like this:[INDENT]"Teachings for our Time lesson for RS and Priesthood: Found at (give talk reference.)"
[/INDENT]Making sure to indicate it will replace only the HP, EQ and RS lessons on that fourth Sunday when creating it.
Benefit: The three organizations, HP, EQ and RS, won't have to each receive a paper list of the schedules from the ward leaders, and then enter each lesson separately into their own individual lesson schedules. A ward leader enters each months lesson once as an event, and it will "appear" on the correct week on all three calendars. Other lessons (primary, YM & YW) for that week will be unaffected.
Possible issues:
- Of course, an event cannot have an instructors name associated with it, so the TFOT lesson would not show any instructor.
- Organization leaders couldn't "overwrite" (move or re-schedule) it, as only an admin calling could change events. (In some wards, this might be perceived more as a benefit!)
- If the organization has already made their schedule, doing this would overwrite whatever lesson they have input for each fourth week.
Any other ideas about this process?
For future versions, I hope a TFOT's schedule, input by ward leadership, and that can be applied to multiple class schedules is adopted, and with link ability!


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Ending 2013 is as easy as A(mos), B(areilles), C(ook)
My 2013 "touring" schedule ended with fantastic concerts by Sara Bareilles, David Cook, and Amos Lee. While each of these artists is admittedly very different from the other two, you can still link the trio through their genuine passion for music. The output might vary, but in the end there is unity.
Sara Bareilles - Lakewood Civic Auditorium (Cleveland) -
October 12, 2013
In October, Sara Bareilles performed at Lakewood Civic Auditorium near Cleveland. Don't let the "fancy" name fool you, this venue was a high school auditorium that somehow got itself on a booking list for artists like Sara, Barenaked Ladies, Amos Lee, John Mayer, Jason Mraz, and more. Sara may have just played Radio City Music Hall for the first time mere days earlier, but nothing grounds a rock star like booster clubs selling dollar bottled water to your show or your front row fans standing in what was, less than 24 hours earlier, inhabited by a Proactiv-wearing bassoon-player.
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text: Kelly beams up 'Trapped' sequel 5:00 AM PDT 8/17/2007 by Associated Press , AP FACEBOOK TWITTER EMAIL ME Empty NEW YORK -- R. Kelly's closet is getting bigger -- and more bizarre. The singer premiered the sequel to his twisted and craftily campy "Trapped in the Closet" video serial with a red-carpet extravaganza Wednesday night in New York. "Don't ask me to explain it," Kelly told the audience before the videos aired. "I don't know how to explain how I wrote it." It might be hard for anyone to explain Kelly's ghetto soap opera, which includes a gay pastor, cheating spouses, a convict named 'Twon and a well-endowed midget. In the new episodes -- chapters 13-22, for those keeping count -- he adds an old reverend, ex-con lesbians and a stuttering pimp, played by Kelly himself. "I call it an alien," Kelly said of his tour de farce. The "alien" first appeared in 2005, when the singer-songwriter premiered "Trapped," a five-part song series that kicked off with a man hiding in his paramour's closet as her husband comes in; each song ended with a cliffhanger. Soon afterward, Kelly released a DVD video of the series, adding seven more chapters -- and with each chapter, the plot got weirder. But despite -- or perhaps because -- of its "Jerry Springer"-like appeal, it has become a cult classic. Kelly's upcoming September trial on child pornography charges hasn't dampened anticipation for the next installment of "Trapped": Parts of the new series have been premiering on IFC's Web site since Monday; a DVD with the complete series hits stores Tuesday. IFC will show them in their entirety in September. Like the chapters before it, the 22nd ends with a cliffhanger. Does that mean there are more chapters to come? Kelly says he's not sure when the series will be done but says it will finish "when the aliens decide to leave." FACEBOOK TWITTER EMAIL ME Associated Press email@example.com @thr AP firstname.lastname@example.com @thr


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Some of you will have been aware that there was an NTWSU&C network meeting pencilled in for this Friday the 17th of April, and it was to have been held at Gateshead Clubhouse. Some of you will not have been aware and this will be the first you'll have heard of it.All of you are now being made aware that, due to a combination of conflicting events, pressure of work, apologies received (even though the notice for the meeting hasn't been sent, and now won't be), bad luck, blithering incompetence, purdah, the weather, a surfeit of Easter eggs, and Mercury in retrograde, it's no longer going to take place.
Proper notice will be given for May's meeting, which is likely to be on the 29th of that month, and our humble apologies are offered for any and all inconveniences caused by this week's cancellation.
Alisdair Cameron
LAUNCHPAD Team Leader,
NTWSU&C n/wk co-chair (with Mish Loraine)
(for network business: ntwsuc)
Offices 210 and 211,
Holy Jesus Hospital,
City Road,
Newcastle upon Tyne,
Tel 0191 2330382 (personal mobile 07736074213)
E-mail launchpadncl
or alisdairscameron


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Mon, 26 October 2009
Episode 9 of Nina Kimberly the Merciless, by Christiana Ellis
Contains chapters 18 and 19 of the novel.
Nina Kimberly the Merciless is now in print! Buy it today from Amazon.com or order it from your favorite local bookseller!
Direct download: 09_NinaKimberlyRM-09.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:18am EDT


text:
Web Help Tickets are updates and additions to the website that require less than 4 hours to complete. Submit your request to email@example.com. This will create a ticket in our help desk, and you will receive a confirmation that your request has been received. Most tickets are solved within 1-3 business days. Larger pieces of work will be deemed "projects."
Projects require more then 4 hours to complete and/or involve creating new sections on the web site. As such they require an approval and scheduling process which gives the university an opportunity to consider strategy, return-on-investment, and budget. To initiate a project start with our application.
If you don't know where to begin then start with a ticket. We'll let you know if your ticket is really a project.


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- When a student has generated sufficient novel research findings to constitute a doctoral thesis, the student's thesis advisory committee, at a regularly scheduled meeting, will advise the student that they may write and submit their doctoral thesis. The final thesis must be accepted by all of the members of the student's thesis advisory committee.
- After a complete draft of the thesis is written and approved by the student's preceptor, one copy of the draft should be provided to the departmental office for review and approval by the Program Director (allow for a 48-hour turnaround).
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- It is the responsibility of the student and preceptor to ensure that any changes required by the thesis advisory committee members are included in the final thesis document. Any significant changes must be approved by the readers prior to submission of the final copies of the thesis to the bindery and department.
- When all changes required by the thesis advisory committee have been completed, the student must electronically submit the thesis to the Thesis Office and to the departmental graduate program office.
- The thesis seminar should be scheduled to fall on a date at least two weeks after the thesis has been distributed to the thesis advisory committee members.
- A student is considered to have completed his or her degree requirements when the thesis has been approved by their committee, the thesis has been submitted to the Thesis Office, the thesis seminar has been presented, and the signed letter of dissertation approval has been delivered to the departmental office. The university considers student status to end upon receipt of a signed form from the Program Director to the Registrar's office stating that these requirements have been met.


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5. The headings in these Terms and Conditions are for convenience only and will not affect their interpretation.
6. Words imparting the singular number include the plural and vice-versa.
7. The description of the goods is set out in our sales documentation (this includes, but is not limited to, trade application lists, web shop listings, quotations and invoices), including the Prosport web site unless expressly changed in our application data. In accepting the description of the Goods, you acknowledge that you have not relied upon any statement, promise or other representations about the Goods by us. Descriptions of the Goods set out in our sales documentation are intended as a guide only.
8. We can make any changes to the specification of the Goods for any reason and/or requirement to conform to any applicable safety or other statutory or regulatory requirements. Retail Price
9. The Retail Price (Price) of the goods is set out in our web shop and is deemed to be current at the date of your order or such other price as we may agree in writing.
10. If the cost of the Goods to us increases due to any factor beyond our control including, but not limited to, material costs, labour costs, alteration of exchange rates or duties, or changes to delivery rates, we can increase the Price prior to delivery.
11. Any increase in the Price under the clause above will only take place after we have told you about it.
13. The advertised Price is inclusive of fees for transportation / delivery of the product to the address provided by you, except in cases where additional delivery charges apply.
14. The advertised Price is inclusive of any applicable VAT and other taxes or levies which are imposed or charged by any competent authority.
16. Details of the Goods as described in the clause above (Goods) and set out in our sales documentation are subject to alteration without notice and are not a contractual offer to sell the Goods which is capable of acceptance.
17. Any quotation (including any non-standard price negotiated in accordance with the clause on Price (above) is valid for a period of 30 (thirty) days only from the date shown in it unless expressly withdrawn by us at an earlier time.
18. Either of us can cancel the order for any reason.
19. If the order is cancelled after the item has been dispatched from us, a handling charge of 15% will be applicable. Any credit issued in respect of a returned item will take the handling charge into account. Delivery charge(s) will not be refundable. An exception to this clause will apply if the goods are incorrectly supplied by us based on the information provided in your order.
20. You must pay the Price on placement of the order.
23. All payments must be made in British Pounds (GBP).
24. Both parties must pay all amounts due under these Terms and Conditions in full without any deduction or withholding except as required by law and neither party is entitled to assert any credit, set-off or counterclaim against the other in order to justify withholding payment of any such amount in whole or in part. Handling charges may be applied at a rate set by us on goods returned due to having been ordered incorrectly or no longer required.
25. We will arrange for the delivery of the Goods to the address specified on your order or as provided to us previously or to another location provided in writing.
26. Subject to the specific terms of any special delivery service, delivery can take place at any time of the day and must be accepted at any time between 8am to 8pm.
27. If you do not take delivery of the Goods we may, at our discretion and without prejudice to any other rights:
a. Store or arrange for the storage of the Goods and will charge you for all associated costs and expenses including, but not limited to, transportation, storage and insurance: and / or
b. Make arrangements for the redelivery of the Goods and will charge you for any costs of such redelivery
28. Any dates quoted for delivery are approximate only, and the time of delivery is not of the essence. We will not be liable for any delay in delivery of the Goods that is caused by a circumstance beyond our control or your failure to provide us with adequate delivery instructions or any other instructions that are relevant to the supply of the Goods.
29. You agree that in providing a name, address and any contact details, we are authorised to pass those details on to a third-party delivery agent. Personal details may be used by Prosport only for marketing purposes. Your personal details will not be passed to any other third-party. You can opt out of receiving marketing communications at the time of ordering by checking the relevant box at the checkout stage.
30. In accepting these terms and conditions you agree:
I. To have the Prosport Performance Ltd product installed by a trained professional vehicle technician with the relevant training and/or experience in carrying out performance suspension modifications.
II. Only to use the product within its advertised ranges of adjustment.
IV. To only use the product for normal road-use, as would be understood by "Social, domestic and Pleasure + Commuting" in the sense of a declaration to an insurance company.
V. To declare any modifications to your insurance company.
Prosport Performance Ltd, Unit 4 Hurricane Close, Old Sarum, Salisbury, SP4 6LG
v.1.0 November 2017


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Improve Your ROI with Direct Mail Personalisation
How important is personalisation to your direct mail campaigns? Well if the latest findings are anything to go by, it's very important!
According to the Direct Mail Association personalisation has the potential to generate an ROI increase of between 300% and 1000% for direct mail campaigns. A survey by Ricoh has also found that 98% of consumers think personalisation is important and 56% said they would be more included to use a retailer if offered a good personalised experience.
Benefits of direct mail personalisation
A big motivator for businesses is obviously profit and the good news is that the personalisation of direct mail campaigns can lead to increased sales, which in turn creates higher profit levels.
Businesses can also benefit from less wastage, as people actually want to receive direct mail that has been personalised for them and are more likely to take action on it. This not only means they won't be wasting money but also paper – therefore improving their green credentials significantly.
Personalisation of direct mail campaigns also allows businesses to benefit from the intangible ROI of increased customer satisfaction. Through improved data accuracy, promotional awareness and tailored content, brands can effectively connect with their customers and stand a good chance of gaining their loyalty.
3 ways to personalise your direct mail campaigns
Once you've cleaned up your data and ensured it is correct, you can make a start on personalising your direct mail campaigns. Here are three easy ways to achieve effective personalisation.
Customer segmentation – Segmenting customers will allow you to deliver a more personalised marketing experience. It's not just about segmenting by location (though that will prove to be effective) but age, interests, behaviours, shopping habits and purchase history too. The better tailored your mailshots are, the more likely you are to see a great ROI.
Personalised offers – Sending customers relevant offers based on their purchase history is a great way to personalise your direct mail. Customers will feel like you really know and care about them, which is likely to make them feel happy and confident in making another purchase from you.
Personalised URLs – Including personalised URLs (also called PURLs) on your direct mail will allow you to bridge the gap between the offline and online worlds and deliver an effective integrated marketing experience. Make sure your landing pages are fully customised for customers to stand a good chance of them completing your call to action.
Taking your direct mail campaigns to the next level
There are a number of different things that can improve the ROI of your direct mail campaigns including attractive colours and unique 3D designs; however direct mail personalisation is king. Let Baker Goodchild help you take your direct mail campaigns to the next level. Contact us today for more info.
Image credit: Pragmagraphr


text: Fruit Attacks Hack | No Survey Hello, in this website you will find the newest version of Fruit Attacks Hack you will find on the internet . Fruit Attacks is an online puzzle game. It's developed for mobile devices with Android and iOS . Fruit Attacks Hack will help you to cheat easily in this game. Using it you can add unlimited ... Read More »


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UFLOOR Systems, Inc. recently announced the Neo 230 as the newest addition to Wolff Tools line of floor grinding machines. Perfect for difficult to reach locations, the Neo 230 machine's grinding head can easily be adjusted for small to mid-size areas and because of its 110 volt motor, it can be operated from any standard wall outlet. The unique adjustable guard window opening allows the machine to grind as close as possible to the floor's edge and the variable handle height can be adjusted for different operators as well as can be folded for easy transport. Utilizing a wide range of Ninja diamond grinding segments, the Neo 230 enables users to select the best grinding option for their project. Its vacuum port fits most dust containment systems so any time spent on the machine means working environment remains safe and healthy.
Based in Aurora, CO, UFLOOR Systems Inc. is the North American subsidiary of Uzin-Utz AG, Ulm, Germany. The company was founded in 1911 and is a vertically integrated manufacturer of product systems designed for the preparation, installation, finishing and care of all types of floorcoverings. UFLOOR Systems offers its products under the Pallmann (Hardwood Complete™: subfloor preparation, adhesives, sanding, surface treatment & floor care), Uzin (moisture mitigation, primers, leveling compounds and adhesives), and Wolff (floor strippers, grinders and installation tools) brand names. For more information visit the UFLOOR Systems website: www.ufloorsystems.com or call 866-505-4810.
Kirk Francis
Marketing Director
email: email@example.com
Phone: 866-505-4810


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After Near Miss with Iran, U.S. Hotline to Tehran?
WSJ Pentagon reporter Julian Barnes reports the U.S. considering a direct hotline to Tehran following several recent 'near misses' with Iranian military vessels in the Persian Gulf. REUTERS/Caren Firouz
This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.
I'm ... you know ... you can't buy Chrapaty for long after when their best week since July stock market this week of police and local although we CareFusion are down this morning welcome to the New Saab I'm Kelly Evans ... joined Ansett By gadgets man's inner Neil Lipschutz good morning y'all ... a big deal I seem to have this knack for like showing up when things get ... that in the aisle ... a hotline between the U S enter brand the Obama administration is considering just such a proposal and Julian Barnes joins us now ... with the de tails up from auction this morning Chile in the morning ... I do think about your story I hear it's pretty amazing to think about that red phone ... ad this time between the innovated wreck the line to Iran ... the other really important development in Dallas happened ... on even in this sort of blended formats being considered which is ... up and the peace in the form but ... you know officials say on ... your gift that was the acceptance tablets a start-up Navy could expand to something of a war of some close to what the US that the Soviets tyrannical the killing of a sign of progress in talks between U S Iran or is this a sign that that there is in progress and that they're worried about Phil Stavanger ... well ... I don't think it's a sign of ... progress or lack of ... but I think it's a it's a sign that the ... military the State Department are thinking of other ways even as their more tensions over the nuclear issue even as their tensions over Iraq ... up we need to keep ... developing communications methods and that this this is about opening communication channel where there really isn't one ... on to prevent of possible incentives in the Persian Gulf ... up from developing into a wider conflict Angeline and I think ... in fact maybe maybe read in the White House going to the Radiant ... equivalent White House ... the is a practical thing correct because if something is to go astray it's it's probably gonna be in the Persian Gulf and and with ... navy ships ... that's where a lot of these incidents that have threatened to become something larger ... happened up ... and not just the losses but also get on with ... their craft but to the Iranian Revolutionary guards have these speedo and they love running threatening ways to the ... up ... to the mirror to American vessels British vessels ... um and that's been something of a fire warning shots those Global to turn away so far ... oh what is that they were DRAM of worship could be something ... much more ... serious anyone ... that that that word that happens I can t ... in Chile with a couple coming from in and what's her to operations can we expect a four-year anything for it ... well um you know officials told us ... recently the Disses proposal has not been brought to sector Defense Leon Panetta it's not yet been brought to President Obama ... um ... you know the State Department is considering it ... insider at lower levels ... of military people love it Minniti have been discussing this ... on ... and so the ... they're ... working on some these kinks and done ... you know partially I think there is not the Brock hire up to a higher level in the US so they get indication that to ... do with the agreed to by Tehran and and that's the key thing whether they will be ... willing to be seen to cooperate in nine seasons yet I imagine that kind of high-tech important Intel that don't work out for it ... but it's not that the name ... of proposal and indeed of getting your story Chilean banks this morning ...


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- © 2004 Canadian Medical Association or its licensors
The report on the subcutaneous use of Eprex1 contained 3 errors. The most serious appeared in the first sentence of paragraph 2: in fact, Health Canada advised against subcutaneous injection of the drug, not intravenous as printed. The second error was use of the term "HSA-3" to describe the drug formulation containing polysorbate-80; the correct term is "HSA-free." Finally, pure red cell aplasia is not always irreversible, as was stated in the article.
- 1.


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Tales of the Peculiar
Digital version – browse, print or download
Can't see the preview?
Click here!
How to print the digital edition of Books for Keeps: click on this PDF file link - click on the printer icon in the top right of the screen to print.
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This issue's cover illustration is from The White Giraffe series: Operation Rhino by Lauren St John. Thanks to Orion Children's Books for their help with this cover.
Digital Edition
By clicking here you can view, print or download the fully artworked Digital Edition of BfK 221 November 2016.
Tales of the Peculiar
Andrew Davidson
Tales of the Peculiar edited and annotated by Millard Nullings, illustrated by Andrew Davidson, published by Syndrigast Publications - and very elegantly too with its gold embossed cover, attractive end papers and stunning illustrations. The clue is in the title - these are peculiar tales about peculiars, so the reader must be prepared to be intrigued, surprised - even horrified. However, the fiction is carried off with aplomb and a sure storytelling tone; folk and fairytale have clearly inspired some. These are tales that would appeal to readers who might be moving towards Dahl's Tales of the Unexpected and who are already fans of Gidwitz. Not perhaps for everyone, but definitely for the curious - and the peculiar.


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Price: $350.00
Quantity: 1 available
Book Condition: Good+
Boards rubbed, especially spine. Most of the pages loose, but present. Hinges cracked. Light foxing to endpapers ; Extremely scarce. Bound in dark blue leather boards with a closing flap. All edges gilt; 24mo; 192 pages
Title: PUNCH'S POCKET BOOK FOR 1875 Containing a Calendar, Cash Account, Diary and Memoranda for Every Day in the Year, and a Variety of Useful Business Information
Categories: England, Available Inventory,
Publisher: London, Punch Office: 1875
Binding: Hardcover
Book Condition: Good+
Item: 1.00 Item
Order Number: 4786


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Thanks to Mark Chambers for alerting me to this piece from the Chronicle of Higher Education, headlined "Taking On 'Rational Man'". It's about the various challenges to the dominance of 'neoclassical' economics (the quotes are there because in this context, a very broad definition of 'neoclassical', encompassing most Keynesians and many behavioral economists, is being used).
I reviewed the book by Keen mentioned here and will try to post a link soon.


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Moss is a common and troublesome problem for tennis court owners. Moss Terminator has therefore became a popular moss killing product amongst tennis clubs and private court owners. Moss Terminator gets to work fast effortlessly removing moss from all hard tennis courts.
Moss poses a serious slip danger to tennis players making it a common cause of injury on neglected courts. Tennis club owners owe it to their players to make sure courts are safe and free from moss at all times. Moss Terminator is also suitable for other hard sports surfaces.
Thanks to Derek for these photos and his comments. He says:
"We've had these courts for about 15 to 17 years and it is only the most recent three to four years that we have had so much moss. Previously it was simply a case of brushing the courts after the winter snow before dressing each of the courts with HartTru granulated material."
"We bought more moss killer in the autumn than ever before and we're beginning to think that climate change may be the change that's causing far too much moss to grow."
"we are now in the middle of scraping dead moss from our four American clay courts after treating them with you Inhibitor.
Varying weather patterns has not helped the work flow but you can see that we have a great deal of dead moss to get rid of.
My plan is to treat all the courts again in late March or early April when dressing is due and then again in September in the hope that the moss will not grow…!"
Thanks Derek for your comments. We've sent you a code for 20% off your next order. Best of luck clearing all of that dead moss!
Dilute moss terminator at a rate of 1:4. Using a watering can or lower pressure washer apply moss terminator to the tennis court at a rate of 3.5m2 per 1 litre of solution. Within 2-4 days the moss will die, dry out and become brittle and will be easy to brush away or pressure wash.
The actual playing dimensions of a doubles court are 23.77m x 10.97m:
260.76m2 or ~15 litres of Moss terminator*
The full area of a standard domestic tennis court is 33.5m long x 16.5m wide:
552.75m2 or ~30 litres of Moss Terminator*
The LTA recommended minimum size for tennis clubs is 34.75m x 17.07m:
593.18m2 or ~34 litres of Moss Terminator*
A Championship-size court would be 36.58m x 18.29m:
669.05m2 or ~38 litres of Moss Terminator*
*based on a 1:4 dilution, Applied at a rate of 3.5m2/L of solution
Do not apply moss terminator if you are expecting rain within the next 24 hours. Do not apply in temperatures below freezing. Do not apply to grass, this is a hard surface moss treatment unsuitable to lawns. take care when using products near ornamental flowers or otherwise wanted plant life. whilst safe for most animals moss terminator is hostile to fish and should be used with care around ponds containing aquatic animals
MO55 Terminator is Part of the Nexus Group of brands
Nexus Group
Wilson Business Park
1 Queen Elizabeth Avenue
United Kingdom
Phone: 0800 368 8535


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Joe Manganiello Recovering From Serious Surgery – Report
Entertainment| |
Actor Joe Manganiello was reportedly hospitalised over the weekend as he battled a serious case of appendicitis.
The 39-year-old True Blood star and his wife Sofia Vergara were due to serve as honorary co-chairs at the Stuart House Benefit event on Sunday, but neither attended because he was too ill.
The Magic Mike hunk pulled out of hosting the charity bash after suffering unforeseen health issues, and now sources tell TMZ Manganiello was admitted into hospital last week with appendicitis.
Reports suggest he initially went to see doctors to have his appendix removed, but surgeons found his condition was far more severe than they had anticipated, and they were shocked to see his appendix had actually burst.
The charity benefit event last weekend wasn't the only project Manganiello had to pull out of – he also dropped out of a starring role in the History Channel's new series Six, about an elite team of Navy SEALs attempting to eliminate a Taliban leader in Afghanistan.
Filming began in February, but production was reportedly put on hold after a "very manageable pre-existing" health concern prompted Manganiello to quit. Many speculated the condition in question was a previously torn tendon he sustained in his bicep while filming a demanding stripper scene in Magic Mike XXL.
Now sources tell Variety, The Hateful Eight star Walton Goggins has been cast to replace Manganiello's in Six and the eight-episode miniseries is expected to resume filming again by the end of next week.


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The John's Pass Seafood Festival is an annual festival held every October in the John's Pass Village & Boardwalk in Madeira Beach, FL. It has become one of the largest seafood festivals in the nation.
John's Pass Village and Boardwalk is a shopping village consisting of 89 businesses located on Gulf Boulevard next to John's Pass. This is so much more than a festival to us—it is a tribute to the rich history of John's Pass Village and the fishing community.
The Festival was founded by the Association in 1980 to celebrate the abundant fish of John's Pass and to honor the fishermen who work those waters. The objective of the Festival, the first of its kind in Pinellas County, was to attract people to the area and introduce them to the spoils that John's Pass has to offer in the fall. Today the tradition lives on with the John's Pass Village Association serving as the lead organizer in conjunction with the City of Madeira Beach.
The Festival usually includes live music, arts and crafts, and activities for children. Many previous Festivals included a fishing tournament, an event that the Village Association reinstated in 2015.
Of course the centerpiece of the Seafood Festival has always been the seafood itself. The Festival includes seafood vendors from across the Southeast, including many outstanding local seafood restaurants. In recent years the Festival introduced cooking competitions. This past year awards were bestowed for "Best Grouper" and "Best Seafood Dish".


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The Anti-Enerjak Weapon was a powerful piece of weaponry crafted by the Brotherhood of Guardians shortly after Enerjak's last appearance, preparing for the possibility of his return (believing a being that powerful beings should not be allowed to exist after seeing what he was capable of), and was designed to destroy him if he ever returned. It appeared as a silver rod with a arched top, and it is assumed to be an energy-based weapon (due to Enerjak's nature as a Chaos Demi-God), and was described as being "a perfectly humane way" to kill him and his host. It was personally crafted by Locke and Sabre while safely ensconced in Haven.
After Enerjak's return from space and rampage on Echidnaopolis, the Brotherhood of Guardians decided it was necessary to develop a weapon capable of killing him should he return once again. Thus, Locke and Sabre created the Anti-Enerjak Weapon. Not long before the Eggman Empire invasion of Angel Island, The weapon was hidden in the ruins of the Grand Conservatory, with Archimedes, hiding in the underground city, keeping it safe. (StH: #183)
Role during Enerjak's Rebirth
As part of his plan to use Enerjak to destroy all life on Mobius, Dr. Finitevus hired and sent the Destructix to guard and keep watch over the weapon, and to prevent anyone from using it on Enerjak (though unwillingly, as Scourge the Hedgehog first voiced the idea of smashing it in the first place). Locke, believing that Knuckles, his son, no longer existed and he was only Enerjak and it was the only option they had left, elected to use the device on him. But due to his inability to access the Master Emerald due to The Hex placed upon it, was left weakened and unable to secure it without the Emerald's aid. To this end, Locke, needing extra muscle, used his Warp Ring to bring Sonic the Hedgehog and Julie-Su to the Island, and asked them for help. Initially they believed the gizmo was designed to restore Enerjak's host to normal, only for Locke to correct Sonic by saying that his forefathers and he had crafted a weapon, and they must help him destroy Enerjak. (StH: #182, #183)
While Julie-Su was outraged and argued with Locke about destroying Knuckles, Sonic also refused to aid in the destruction of his friend, though kept his doubts to himself, instead planning to break the effects of the Hex with the positive aura he gave off as Super Sonic (similar to what happened to Perfect Chaos). Sonic pretended to agree, and were able to get to the Conservatory with Archimedes' aid, and Sonic found the weapon. Just when it seemed they would be confronted again by the Destructix, Sonic promptly smashed the weapon with a Sonic Spin attack. (StH: #183)
Because Doctor Finitevus only paid the Destructix to keep watch over the weapon, Sleuth Dog believed they were done on the Island and ordered the others to leave the battle, and they then retreated through Warp Rings. Meanwhile, Sonic's plan failed, and instead were forced to break the Hex by sacrificing one of their own, Locke, guilt-ridden and determined to make amends for all he had put his son through, performing the ceremony and dying as a result. (StH: #184)
- In an interview, writer Ian Flynn described that the weapon worked liked a Chaos Syphon, but would then destabilize the energy it absorbed and release it at a target (which supplied the energy in the first place) which would then cause an entropic feedback in the target, ultimately destroying/killing it.
External links
- Anti-Enerjak Weapon at Mobius Encyclopaedia, the Archie Sonic wiki.


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Nowadays, in healthcare circles, there's a great deal of emphasis on collecting population data. How do different medications and lifestyle interventions impact A1c? Hospital admissions? Complications? Healthcare costs? We're talking "big picture" stuff here. Summary data that aggregates information on glucose control and other outcomes at the group level.
Let's shift gears for a moment. None of us is a "population". We're individuals, with our own needs and interests. Our bodies respond uniquely to the various factors that influence blood glucose levels. The solutions, as they were, lie in the details. As Chris Leach, Editor-In-Chief of InsulinNation (www.insulinnation.com) put it so perfectly in a recent correspondence, "The heck with big data: let's focus on "small data. The biggest 'hole' in diabetes education is a lack of focus on an individual's data, where it came from, what it means, and how to use it. As a result, meters or pumps are massively overbuilt, and mostly underused."
Making effective use of the details requires two things: a complete, organized set of data and the ability to analyze it. The data should include:
- Pre-meal, pre-snack BG levels
- Insulin doses (mealtime and basal/long-acting)
- Grams of carbohydrate
- Exercise and other physical activities
- Unusual events (restaurant meals, major stress, illness, menses, etc...)
- Infusion set changes, for those on pumps
Organizing the data can be accomplished using old-fashioned written logsheets (click for free printable versions), or using a cell phone app such as the iBGstar, or by downloading your meter/meter/cgm to computer-based or web-based software. But keep in mind that when downloading your devices, you may not have a complete data set. Blood sugars alone (or BGs with insulin and carb information, as most pumps store) can be missing important and relevant information. Some programs allow you to manually fill in missing information, so take advantage of that if you are able.
Analyzing data takes a trained eye. It is important to look for trends rather than making major adjustments based on single events (we all know that blood sugars can do strange things on any given day). It is best to evaluate your data based on time of day -- look at the fasting/pre-breakfast data separately from pre-lunch, separate from pre-dinner, etc. Having miscellaneous information on things like physical activity, stress, and so on can give you the insight to pinpoint the reasons behind the highs/lows and develop corrective strategies.
It's a good idea to have a second set of eyes look over your data. That way you can either verify that your conclusions are sound, or find alternate ways of looking at the same information. If your physician is too busy or does not have the expertise to provide an objective critical analysis, reach out to a CDE (Certified Diabetes Educator) in your area. Or if you prefer the convenience of a "house call" some CDEs provide consultation services remotely via phone and the internet.
Important: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not Everyday Health.