text:
$msg = ""; $myaddress = "sacha" + "@" + "sachachua.com"; $page = "FlashFiction.php"; $page_title = "Flash Fiction"; $page_updated = "2005-06-16"; $http_equiv = "Content-Type"; $meta_content = "text/html; charset=utf-8"; $maintainer = "mailto:firstname.lastname@example.com"; $home = "WelcomePage.php"; $index = "WikiIndex.php"; require_once "include/calendar.php"; require_once "include/planner-include.php"; require_once "include/header.inc.php"; ?>
Stories of 55 words or less by Sacha Chua. Also on the ShortStories page along with slightly-longer stories.
GLUTTONY (55 words)
Flash fiction by Sacha Chua
"Gluttony is indecent and a catalyst for sin," said his devoted mother, measuring rice grains for the famished boy.
"But mom!"
"Forgiving it would be like sending you to hell. No." She controlled everything he ate and did.
Eventually she died, still dogmatic and unrepentant. Traumatized, he satiated himself on junk food. He died obese.
E-Mail to firstname.lastname@example.com
コンピュータの操作の仕方を知ってますか。 Do you know how to operate a computer.
Sacha Chua
The cellphone rang, a welcome interruption to my dreams of him. I woke up smiling and reached for the phone in the dark.
It lay still. No missed calls.
Suffocated by silence, I curled my fingers around the phone--around his hand, 3000 miles away--and tried to sleep for the third time that night.
コンピュータがこの会社に導入されつつあります。 Computers are being introduced into this company.
39 words
The mayor raised his hands triumphantly. "According to a survey by the Asian Development Bank, the Philippines is less corrupt than Bangladesh!"
Someone in the crowd shouted back, "How much did we pay them to make us number two?"
従業員に対する新コンピューター・システム研修があなたの仕事になります。 Your task will be to train the employees on the new computer system.
The valedictorian choked back tears several times during her speech. The keynote speaker drawled on with great seriousness. My co-teachers grudgingly paid me for correctly predicting both trite templates--"graduation is not the end, but the beginning" and "hard work pays", respectively. As students fidgeted, waiting for their turn, I yawned and opened my book.
"Out to in," she said earlier; my silent mantra as I contemplated the bewildering array before me. Chose the outermost.
Her parents were quiet for the rest of dinner.
Waiting for a cab, I flipped through the etiquette book she lent me. Damn. They skipped a course on purpose. Wrong fork.
Tough, dating a WASP.
E-Mail to :@yahoogroups.com
The boy winked before dropping a black beetle on a girl, who screamed and whirled around to smack him. He dodged and dashed off, glancing backward, slowing occasionally. She was furious. His grin stretched ear to ear.
I turned to my wife. "Did I ever..."
"Worse." She laughed. "Boys are crazy when they're in love."
E-Mail to firstname.lastname@example.com
Burnt the toast. Charred black, three days in a row. He didn't yell, didn't leave; just laughed and told me he'd cook for me. Breakfast in bed, everything.
That's when I knew he loved me with his heart, not just his stomach. Definitely a keeper. Guess I'll put my Cordon Bleu diploma back on display.
"Your cat's vicious."
"Neko?" I stroked the cat sleeping on my lap. She yawned, stretched, and curled up around my hand.
"Absolutely antisocial." He shivered. "Psycho. Pure evil."
"Nonsense. She's a darling." I leaned in and whispered, "Just let her think she's boss."
A hiss and a deep scratch told me I wasn't quiet enough.
We feasted on chicken marsala risotto. The creamy arborio rice tickled our tongues; the chicken hinted of the best wine. We savored every dreamy bite.
Afterwards, I put away the full-color cookbooks that fed our imaginations and helped my mother scrape the last grains of coarse rice and salt into a bowl for tomorrow's dinner.
"Searching..." Step back. Wave it. Turn it off. On. Damn. Three days in a row? This time for real, but she'll never believe me. Long-stemmed roses? Might work.
The words are thick and foreign in your mouth. Stumble. Try again. Some nod. Most seem indifferent. Bell rings. As they shuffle out, smile courage and despair.
"No new mail."
"No new mail."
"1 new message(s)!" Heart jumps! Hands shake. Click, click.
Face falls. "MAKE MONEY FA$T!!!"
Highways intertwine, a concrete canopy lit by the unsleeping city. Stargazing, we find constellations not in the light-choked sky, but in twinkling offices.
The drenched pair eyed the unrelenting storm.
Resigned, he asked, "Coffee?"
A smile. "Don't you just hate rain?"
The puddles were long dry when they left.
Webpages flash through my optic nerves. I flirt with the system. Guatemala, average rainfall. Pi, 500 digits. Uzbekhistan, capital. Girl, second row, great legs. Whoops, still connected to the projectors. Press conference finished, long day over. Gulp sleeping pills. Hyperlinked terrors drown my eyes. Must escape. Bloodied, clawed-out eye sockets--but nightmares flood back in.
"Easy does it. Remember that Lamaze class we took? Breathe in, breathe out. Don't think of it as a big deal."
"I'm going to kill you! ARRRGH!"
"Owww! Honey, my hand..."
"At least it's just your hand. I can think of something else--ARRRGH--I'd rather crush."
He winced. "Okay, it _is_ a big deal."
"Mother? Am I adopted?"
A tiny hand slipped into mine. The moment of truth? Raised her as our own flesh and blood, but mirrors always told her she was different.
"Kids at school say I'm a freak."
"No, dear, don't mind them." I embraced her, warm skin over cold metal. Not adopted--assembled from love.
"All right, kiddo, cough it up."
She shook her head, mouth clamped shut.
Exasperated, he pinched her nose.
When she gasped for breath, he grabbed the saliva-coated cigarette. "This is bad for you." He was about to chuck it into the trashcan when nicotine pangs hit. Wiping it on his sleeve, he lit it up.
Hotshot programmer fresh from college thinks he can do everything, eh? I keep particularly nasty COBOL code for these special occasions. Just because it's on a computer doesn't mean it's legible. Looks like English, but it's worse than the Gordian knot. That'll show him his place--then maybe he'll be willing to learn something.
Company bonding, so we're out for billiards this afternoon. I spot an easy shot, although long--ricochet off the cushions and pocket the last two balls. My gal claps when she sees how I've lined it up. The boss watches me intently, twisting his cue stick. I think of the rent, and carefully miss.


text:
I'll be writing in more depth about where we think Planet Nine is, how we constrain it, and how we're going about trying to find it, but, first, I want to simply put in a link to the paper, so you can go read it yourself:
Observational constraints on the orbit and location of Planet Nine in the outer solar system
Michael E. Brown & Konstantin Batygin
The key figure is at the very end, as it answers WHERE SHOULD I BE LOOKING FOR PLANET NINE???? Here is that figure in a much larger form so you can see it better:
You can read the paper for details on what the colors all mean, but the quick version of the story is this: in the black regions no current or ongoing survey can detect Planet Nine through its full predicted range. Amazingly, the black region is pretty small! Each color represents a survey that should have or will detect Planet Nine if it is in that position in the sky. Light blue is earlier work of mine from a large all sky survey, dark blue is ongoing work I am doing using Pan-STARRS transient data, green is the Pan-STARRS moving object key project (with an extension, in red), yellow is the Dark Energy Survey. My favorite constraint is orange, which shows where the lack of perturbations to the position of Saturn as measured by the Cassini spacecraft rules out Planet Nine.
So now you know. Now, please, go find Planet Nine.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Greetings blogfriends! I am having a bad week pain wise. I just have to realize I am not Superwoman and I will be okay. This happened because I cleaned up the closets full of baby stuff. Those of you that had toddlers know the clutter that one tiny person can accommodate. They are like small and cute hoarders. Her room is officially uncluttered and fully organized and I am trying really hard to maintain my sanity. The pain doesn't allow me a moment of relief and the endorphins sometimes make me dizzy and tired. Have I mentioned before that I still haven't checked my back out because I am afraid of doctors and hospitals? Yes, I am mature that way. I am not able to focus enough to write this post. It could turn out completely incoherent. If so forgive me. Make a wish of relief for me! Lots and lots of love!
Happy Mabon!
Greetings blogfriends! Equinox blessings to all! Unfortunately I didn't have time for a tattoo. All we did were a few prayers, a multigrain raisin cake with syrupy grapes crossroads offering ( go ahead, say this three times quickly, I dare you!) which was one of the best cakes I ever made and we will feast tonight with a casserole that is boiling right now, full of seasonal yumminess. I am so grateful for all our bounty, accomplishments and love of our small family. When I made the offering ( and almost got run over, it was a busy time for our road), I remembered all the offerings I made right there while pregnant and tears welled up in my eyes. This offering was different, it was a heart shaped muffin in a bed of eucalyptus leaves and three jasmine flowers one for each of us, but the love and gratitude was the same.
Whoever came today in our home, had some of the cake and most took a few muffins for their home. It felt wonderful as did last night, when I cooked a feast for a couple of friends and today taking care of my family with some comfort food. I am also grateful that I have all of you guys to share this genuine celebration, my Craft, Magic and beliefs. It seems as if the Skies felt obligated to honor today the beginning of Autumn and fid their best. The storm energies, the Equinox energies and the waxing Moon swirled me up in their mistful ways and much Power was conjured, thanked and released. May the Goddess bless you and keep you safe. I love you all, so much!
A new season for me
Greetings friends. The Wheel is fastly turning, never ceasing, no matter how much one needs to catch a breath. It is forcing us forward, relentlessly, in an unstoppable movement. Ever pushing, ever flowing time.As the leaves are changing so shall I. I am not one to dwell into unfulfilled wants, but being indecisive can drive me to the brick of madness. I made my choices long ago. Way before I decided I wanted to feel new life grow inside of me. Classical singing is a noble and sometimes cruel art form and I enjoyed it for the best part of my life. But it has a toll I am not willing to pay. Not unlike most things it comes down to priorities. But in its case, it has to be the only one. I love its transcending powers but not that much. On the other hand, making it into a hobby instead of a life choice, to me feels like a betrayal. I can not do that, I never could, I respect it too much. I will probably keep studying every now and again, fill my home with glorious vibrations, but every other aspect of it, I have to turn down.
As in every other thing, when a door closes another one opens. So this decision, has many wonderful consequences. In me accepting to follow this path, I allow myself to be open to other musical endeavors. I would love to learn to be more creative musically. I would love to write songs and be able to play the piano just a tad better(I am really bad!). This will allow me to focus on my writing again, which I have almost abandoned. Perhaps one day, I will go back to school and get my degree. Although right now some tears may fall down my cheeks(I have never been good at letting go of the things I love), I know this is for the best. It appears as if the coming full moon in perigee Eclipse in my rising sign, has indeed revealing and transforming effects in my life. But, as this post is coming to its end, I feel a weight lifting off my shoulders. I welcome this season of both the year and my life as well.
Blessed be!
Gifts, update and lack of decision making skills
I got gifts today for no reason. First of all a client of mine brought me my favorite flavor of kale chips, and I wanted something healthy to accompany my dinner. And then my husband because he knew I was a little down and I never splurge on myself he gave a brand new pair of Nikes because my old ones was torn, a very pretty necklace made out of turquoise threads, very fairy like and four brown candles. I feel so spoiled! And to top it all tonight we will go to a concert of my favorite artist.
My cold is over and I am back on track with my diet and exercise plan that I didn't quite follow for two weeks... I am still torn about my creative endeavors. I can't convince myself to quit, yet I cannot find the time needed to pursue my classical studies. In this particular field there isn't middle ground. The technical and artistic expertise required are not doable without complete devotion and focused involvement. Knowing myself I will probably continue studying whenever I find the time, steeping myself in deep denial, knowing deep down this translates into quitting.
I would love to get one more musical degree in harmony , while also taking more singing lessons for my new repertoire and participate in a company that I have already been accepted to and go to auditions for the National opera. But this will take me away from home, my family and my psychic practice way too much.
Still no decisions have been made, but they might as well have been.
Have a blessed weekend full of love and magic.
Greece, my country on sale
You know I avoid voicing any kind of political views. As you can probably guess as a witch slash singer slash poet I am liberal, but this is not about that. Our elections are this Sunday. It is an awful time for us. In the past it was proven that no matter what choice we made the results were the same.
It appears that there isn't a way to stop the rude and open bullying of our entire country by those in power. They are forcing us into oblivion. They are consistently killing the middle class and make us follow a plan that only makes the rich richer and the poor poorer. I know this is the case in every single country of the world, but here it is at an extreme. They do not even leave the slightest of chance of development. Our country is literally on sale.
The truth of our binds is now unmasked and any illusion of freedom is shattered. We are dieing at an accelerated rate in the most literal of ways, hunger, disease and giving up. People give up their children to institutions because they can't feed them anymore. One of those children was begging her mom to keep her and she swear she would not feel hungry again. With her plea I close this post, hoping she'll find her way home again, hoping we all will.
Creative dillema. To quit or not to quit?
What did I do? I buried me under layers of fat and obligations. I squashed my most bright version under my fear until there was nothing there but a shadow with whom I had nothing in common. I couldn't let go of the hope but it was always based on a fairytale. My knights in shiny armors couldn't find me in the darkest hole of my psyche that I was hiding. I don't want to accept it's too late but my investments were not only lacking but also wrong. Is there still time? To do what, start from the beginning? Or should I accept it's all but a dream, an illusion that fooled me? I didn't believe in myself, but to be fair I was taught not to. Did I ever really have a choice? How much can a person exceed their written path? How much is owed? How much is due?Should I accept the facts? Splitting my focus in a million things almost killed me the first time. Even if I gave myself another chance, how would that be any different? Will I give myself a chance, will I grab it? Just wanting to throw my questions out into the night. So, my Mother's infinite wisdom can once more find me in my dreams. Dear Mother, what path shall I choose now? I scatter my thoughts in a handful of dry rose petals, so my silent dillema can echo into the darkness.
These are very magical days!
The weirdest thing happened today. Remember when I told you yesterday about my mom giving me my baby hair and the underwear of my first period? And how I couldn't remember at all the spell I used it in? Well, today we went by my mom's house for an impromptu visit and I asked her for some fabrics for Melina Nefeli's room. When she climbed up in the closet that she keeps them she found this special piece of underwear. Only hours after I wrote about it. I do not believe in coincidences, but I always listen very closely to all serendipitous situations have to tell me. Unfortunately, the lock of baby hair I already used, but it was so nice!
As my mom jokingly reminded me it's main use is to "bind" one's husband to only have eyes for you. So, I gave it to my husband and told him "here, this is to hex you". Now it's somewhere inside the bags of stuff she gave us. You know a honey jar, a jar of homemade jam, a few books, a tupperwear with chicken, a piece of fabric and my blooded underwear. We are such a weird family!
Today since the Moon is waxing I did a blessing of the house and my clothes smell of smoke as do my hair. But, these are very magical days and I am always doing something. I also find myself craving a bunch of things a quija board, a new tarot deck, and a bunch of herbs. I want to make an astral travel mixture of herbs with damiana, tatula(datula), belladonna, mandake and ahem... marijuana (not for smoking if anyone is judging!). I would love to gather them before the Supermoon that is around the corner. All of these herbs are either toxic or with narcotic properties, so, if you try to do anything similar take precautions!
Be blessed and enjoy the magic!
First haircut magic!
I always cut my hair on a New Moon and an Eclipse always makes the New Moon even more powerful, so I thought this was a great time for her first haircut, although she didn't really need one, hence the tiny lock!
First cut baby hair are often used in fertility magic and they also make powerful amulets to ward off evil. I will give it to her one day, along with a piece of her first blooded underwear, as my mother did to me(although for the life of me, I can't remember the spell I used them in!). Needless to say that she gave them to me when I turned 16 and I used them a few days later, month tops! I loved practicing magic and I had no patience whatsoever.
Brightest blessings to all of you beautiful people!
Beware potty talk!!
Hi everyone! I was wondering... Has any of you heard of a child resistant to potty training? We have tried a few times since she was 18 months old. And she gets really frustrated every time a " mishap " occurs although we keep cheering her on. Once she kept herself for a long time from going number two. Today we are trying again! She really dislikes the whole endeavor and we went to buy stickers and put Peppa the pig on TV. Also we watched YouTube videos of babies going potty. I understand that this is a silly thing to worry about. She will eventually grow out of it obviously, but besides giving her juice, putting her favorite show, bring toys around her and squeak with enthusiasm I am all out of ideas. I even made her toys and dollies go potty, and let the water run in case the trickling sound helps. Any ideas??
Small plans and pretty ones..
Greetings to all the blogland! How are you today, you beautiful people? l am trying to stay on top of my to do list and rest at the same time! That turns out somewhat doable... Almost! I baked today a raisin banana bread and a bunch of mini zucchini frittatas trying to honor both seasons and the turning of the wheel. It's a beautiful September this far as the air gets a little cooler, and the sky fills with grey spots.
I am reconciling with the fact that Summer is over. Usually this is my favorite time of the year, but now I wasn't ready to get in my busy mode. So, our home is like a beehive constantly buzzing and we are starting to spiral inwards.Because of our cold the house smells of ginger, cinnamon and cloves. Also, I am drinking hot coffees, instead of iced ones because of my sore throat although I usually don't make the switch till late October. So, we are really feeling the change right now.
This year I don't have big plans for the Equinox, just the usual spell casting and blessings(the Equinox prayer, perhaps a wreath and a pie) but there is a chance I might get a new tattoo. I have a simple and small triquetra under my left wrist and I want a spiral one on my right one. I hope I will find the time. On another Mabon a few years back I got my beloved little triquetra, I would love it if I managed to do it on an Equinox again. Blessed be!!!
Down with a cold
Greetings blogfriends! In our home we are all a bit sick. So there has been a lot of tea brewing, and tincture drinking and soup making (that nobody touched, because we are all spoiled and don't eat soups!). But we are not feeling very bad and we had a chance to start organising and scheduling and settling down. All in all, we are slowing down and focusing. There is a solar eclipse, an Equinox and a full supermoon coming so there are so many things to be done!! But all in good time, now I have to rest and regroup some more. Brightest blessings to all of you beautiful people, I love you all!
Need for sleep
These days have been a bit hectic. Although we are back at work, we managed to see my husband 's family twice, go to the beach, go to see the dolphins under the full moon, go to see a modern gig in Elefsina(which is beautiful by the way), where we also visited a theatrical museum and eat at a restaurant, go to Athens music hall and watch a beautiful classical concert and go to the zoo and all that since Saturday night. I cooked for Petros 's family twice, tried to maintain my workout routine and diet. Till this week is over we have a wedding-baptism to go to and funeral. Did I mention I have my period? I am so tired! We are not very energetic-social people, because our works don't allow that, so this might sound nice to someone but all I want to do is grab a book and sleep.
I am very excited September is here and we get to organize our time and make lists and set a routine. This probably sounds weird to most of you, but it is true. And as I read what I wrote I understand this all makes me seem a bit autistic, or old, or both. I swear I just turned 31.
Brightest blessings to all!!


text:
If you are already an experienced developer or even want to learn to contribute a new utility for Conquer Club users
then you've come to the right place.
There is a small but potentially bigger API that you can use for your code:
- Maplist XML: http://www.conquerclub.com/api.php?mode=maplist
- Map XML for each map can be found by using the <xml> tag contents and replacing maps.xml in the above URL.
e.g. http://www.conquerclub.com/maps/Africa.xml (note this is case sensitive)
- Game Status RSS : http://www.conquerclub.com/rss.php?username=chipv
You can also use the userid that you see in the user profile URL: http://www.conquerclub.com/rss.php?user_id=206478
- Conquer Club API : See this topic: http://www.conquerclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=59&t=86562
- Developing Greasemonkey Scripts
- Developing IE7Pro Scripts
- Developing Firefox Extensions
- Developing Google Gadgets
- Developing Mac Dashboard Widgets
- Developing Windows System Tray Icons - can be done in any language as an .exe
Keep in mind the following things during development:
- Usability - make it easy to install and use
- Extensive use of AJAX - i.e. don't!
- Code speed/efficiency - try and make your code lightweight and efficient if possible.
- Ease Of Upgrades - allow hooks for future features.
- Version Installer - try and put in a link to allow users to easily upgrade their version.
- Sufficient help - either in the utility or on your utility thread.


text:
Cause of Super Bowl power outage remains unclear
Memo details officials earlier fears of outage
The cause of a 34-minute blackout at the Super Bowl remains under investigation, but public records show that Superdome officials were worried about a power outage several months before the big game.
An Oct. 15 memo released Monday by the Louisiana Stadium & Exposition District, which oversees the Superdome, said tests on the dome's electrical feeders showed they had "some decay and a chance of failure."
The memo also said 2011 blackouts that struck Candlestick Park, where the San Francisco 49ers were playing a nationally televised Monday night football game, was one reason for ordering the tests.
The state board later authorized spending nearly $1 million on Superdome improvements, including more than $600,000 for upgrading the dome's electrical feeder cable system.


text:
Mécanique des roches - Sample preparation equipment: Rock specimen grinding machine
Used to grind and polish rock and concrete specimens, natural stones, ceramic materials, etc. Proposed in two versions: 55-C0201/B standard version in which the lateral displacement of the grinding head is motor operated and actuated by a push button. 55-C0201/C Automatic version in which...Continuer


text:
Our industry leading installation services team can finish the project quickly and cost effectively for all signs and labels. With over 40 years of combined experience in every type of warehouse environment, we can provide a solution that meets your needs.
Applications and Features Include:
- Many Sizes to Choose From
- Indoor and OutDoor Signs
- End Cap Mounts
- Cube Signs
- Flat Hanging Signs
- Custom Designs & Bends or Angles
Do you guys carry more products?
Yes! We are always trying to add more products from other popular manufacturers like Zebra, Brother, Sato, Motorola, and much more. In the mean time, please contact us for any questions, information, or pricing on a product not listed on this website.
Do you offer bulk discounts?
Yes, please contact us directly about bulk discounts on hardware, labels, ribbons, or software.
I see a typo/error/mistake — what should I do?
Please tell us! We're human beings and sometimes mistakes are made. If you spot a typo, error on data specifications, or something that looks out of place then please contact us. We'll do our best to fix our mistakes as soon as possible.
Is it possible to try a product before we buy it?
Please contact us for products to test. Some products may require having a credit card on file before shipping out a demo unit.
Where is the price?
Unfortunately, we are unable to list actual pricing due to restrictions. Fortunately, because of our partnerships with manufactures, we are able to offer amazingly low prices on many products. To receive the best price, please contact us and we will do our best to beat our competitor's price.
To be honest, we probably won't be able to beat everybody's price but we promise that you'll be happy with the solutions and services we can provide.
Who is All Barcode Systems?
Find out in 90 seconds:
- We have over 3 decades of expertise & knowledge.
- We're different from other companies — we'll show you all your best options, how to use something, & be your first line of support.
- We offer products at BETTER prices on most items due to our business relationships with manufacturers and their distributors.
- We'll do our best to beat all of our competitor's price.


text:
Artesia Vintage Alaska Tee
Crewneck tee featuring soft cotton fabrication and logo screenprint at front. Pre shrunk, oversized fit. Easy pull on styling, unlined.
This item has been loved by others before you. Any damages or defects are inherent and will be mentioned in detail in the description above. We strongly believe these things are a part of what makes this garment so special. Please treat it with care as it is final sale and cannot be returned or exchanged. We recommend washing as sparingly as possible, preferably in cold water with a gentle detergent and hang drying.


text:
Morning glory. The early riser. The ol' ante meridiem bedsheet tent-pitch. Nocturnal penile tumescence. Whatever you call it, much of society has experienced morning wood in some capacity — but why? How? How does it work? Don't pretend you're not curious.
In this quick and dirty video, AsapSCIENCE's Mitchell Moffit and Gregory Brown do a bangup job parsing out the hard science behind early morning hard-ons. For instance: did you know that a full bladder, of all things, can contribute to an erection? BOOM. Now you do.


text:
To calculate lineal feet of trim, (e.g. base, quarter round) simply measure each wall in the room and add up the lineal feet. For ease of installation use whole pieces where ever possible. Allow extra for cutting each corner and splicing pieces together.
To determine the square footage of a square or rectangular room, measure the length and width of the room in feet or inches and enter the values in Area 1 of the calculator below. For irregularly shaped areas or multiple rooms, it is helpful to draw a diagram and divide the room up into sections. Treat each section as a separate area, as in this illustration. Input the measurements of each area below to see the total SQFT needed.
Virginia Mill Works
3/4" x 5" Sugar Mill Hickory Solid Hardwood Flooring
Virginia Mill Works Co.- 3/4" x 5" Sugar Mill Hickory Prefinished Wirebrushed Solid Flooring- 50 Year Warranty
Capture the charm of a country cottage with Sugar Mill Hickory 3/4" solid prefi nished hardwood flooring. The look gives nod to days-gone-by with a beautifully wirebrushed texture on 5" wide golden toffee planks
Colonial American homes were built with wooden floors that were sawn using basic hand-held tools. The hand-crafted workmanship that went into those floors can be found in Virginia Mill Works handscraped floors.
About Distressed Flooring:
Distressed hardwood floors have a natural worn appearance. They look like floors from the days when floors were finished by hand. This flooring, composed from Natural Hickory, is sculpted to accentuate the rustic character of natural hickory lumber. It features a shallow and smooth rolling scrape that replicates a time worn floor.
Please note this product is a nominal 3/4" thick, but due to its scraping process the thickness may be as thin as 5/8" in the scraped areas.
About Hickory:
This unique flooring species greatly separates itself from other wood species by its great color variation which begins from light tan to reddish/ dark brown tones with dramatic grain patterns.
Its rustic appearance, the combination of its hard density and moderate coarse open grain, make it just as appropriate in a contemporary high rise loft as it is in a log cabin.
It is also ideal for high traffic areas and kid's rooms.
Installation Tips:
- Nail-down or Glue-down* installation. (*Professional installation highly recommended for Glue-down applications, and only with approved glue.)
- Acclimate your flooring before installing. Follow your sales associate's instructions for your flooring type.
- Must be installed over a clean, stable, flat, smooth, and dry surface.
- For a more natural look, mix planks well when installing.
- Brand: Virginia Mill Works
- Limited Warranty: 50 years
- Trade Name: Hickory
- Marketing Name: Hickory
- Janka Rating: 1820
- AC Rating: N/A
- Grade: Millrun
- Color Shade: Medium
- Width: 5"
- Thickness: 3/4"
- Construction: Solid
- Installation Type: Glue, Nail, Nail with Glue Assist
- Sq. Ft. Per Box: 22.5
- Hardness Rating: 33% harder than Red Oak
- Waste: 5%
- Weight per box/unit: 72.00


text:
Recent Posts
Top Posts & Pages
Why I write"Someone needs to tell those tales. When the battles are fought and won and lost, when the pirates find their treasures and dragons eat their foes for breakfast with a nice cup of Lapsang souchong, someone needs to tell their bits of overlapping narrative. There's magic in that. It's in the listener, and for each and every ear it will be different, and it will affect them in ways they can never predict. From the mundane to the profound. You may tell a tale that takes up residence in someone's soul, becomes their blood and self and purpose. That tale will move them and drive them and who knows what they might do because of it, because of your words. That is your role, your gift." (Morgenstern, Erin, The Night Circus, pg 505)
- Follow Stories Have Power on WordPress.com
Check out my TwitterMy Tweets


text:
- Date:
- 2 September 2020
- International | English
- Australia | English
- Canada | English
- 內地 | 简体中文
- France | Français
- Deutschland | Deutsch
- India | English
- Indonesia | Bahasa Indonesia
- 日本 | 日本語
- 대한민국 | 한국어
- Malaysia | Bahasa Malaysia
- Nederland | Dutch
- New Zealand | English
- Россия | русский
- Southeast Asia | English
- España / América Latina | Español
The Hungry Ghost Festival
The Hungry Ghost Festival falls on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month. You can find the Western calendar date here.
According to traditional Chinese belief, the seventh month in the lunar calendar is when restless spirits roam the earth. Many Chinese people make efforts to appease these transient ghosts, while 'feeding' their own ancestors — particularly on the 15th day, which is the Yu Lan or Hungry Ghost Festival.
While the festival's origins are not unlike those of Halloween in Europe, it is also intrinsically linked to the Chinese practice of ancestor worship. For the visitor, it's a perfect opportunity to see some of the city's living culture in action, with many people tending roadside fires and burning faux money and other offerings for ghosts and ancestors to use in the afterlife. Food is also left out to sate the appetite of the hungry ghosts.
As part of the festival, an exhibition showcasing customs and traditions is staged in Victoria Park. There are also Chinese opera performances around town, usually held on temporary bamboo stages, to praise the charitable and pious deeds of the deities.
The Yu Lan Ghost Festival of the Hong Kong Chiu Chow Community
Around 1.2 million people originating from Chiu Chow (Chaozhou) in China's Guangdong province live in Hong Kong. During the Hungry Ghost Festival, they organise their own Yu Lan Ghost Festival, which runs for the entire seventh lunar month. The festival has been held for over 100 years and is officially listed as part of China's intangible cultural heritage.
In neighbourhoods across Hong Kong, during this month you'll see Chiu Chow people occupying parks, piazzas, pitches and other sufficiently spacious places to offer sacrifices to their ancestors and the wandering ghosts, burning incense and joss paper, distributing free rice, and performing live Chinese operas and Chiu Chow-style dramas for ghosts in need of a bit of entertaining.


text:
The MJCCA's Inclusion Program strives to provide the necessary accommodations and flexibility for youth who require additional support so they may access the transformative opportunities available at the MJCCA. Our Inclusion Team collaborates with parents, educators, and staff to determine if successful program placement is possible. These youth and their families are then supported by our Inclusion Team through program accommodations and may also receive individualized assistance. Click here for more information.
MJCCA | 5342 Tilly Mill Road | Dunwoody, GA 30338 | 678.812.4000 | click to chat


text:
The Greek Orthodox liturgy is in Classical / Koine Greek. It was composed by St Basil and then "shortened" by St John Chrysostom (so the laity didn't have to listen to all of the priest's prayers - liturgical multitasking).Mike Burke wrote:The only Greek lessons I've had were lessons in Modern Greek given by a Greek Orthodox priest.
(I think the intent was to help English speaking parishioners follow along and understand the liturgy better.)
If you are listening to the liturgy every week in Greek and following it in an English translation. You can buy your own copy and underline a few words to learn each week. Liturgies use the same phrase over and over again. Start with the Our father, or the Creed which the whole congregation say together. The word in the dictionary that looks like the one in the liturgy book and has the same meaning as the English translations is probably the one you should be looking at. If your Church has given you a book to follow that has Greek characters on the left and the pronunciation on the right, but no English, let me know - John Lee has been sitting on a committee in Sydney to make an accurate but simple translation of that liturgy which you could buy, study at home and then understand something of what you are listening to.


text:
Add vehicles to compare. You can compare up to 3 vehicles at a time.
Dealer Discount- Everyone Qualifies Tax, title, license and dealer fees (unless itemized above) are extra. Not available with special finance or lease offers.
View the Largest Inventory of Cadillacs in South Texas At Bert Ogden Cadillac
Bert Ogden Cadillac has a great selection of vehicles in south Texas for sale or lease. See above for more details, and call us at (956)215-8564 so we can answer any questions or to schedule a test drive. You'll be glad you did.
We also have a large inventory of other new and used vehicles in Mission. You can trust our friendly sales associates to walk you through the process of purchasing the right car or SUV for your budget and needs.
We're also known for our great Cadillac finance specialists, who are here to help you get the best rates and lowest payments for your car loan. If you find a car or SUV you're interested in, schedule a test drive to make sure it's really right for you.


text:
Home > Labels > Zebra Labels > Labels - Industrial
Availability: Special Order, 7-14 daysPart No: 76181Range: Z-Perform 1000TPrint Type: Thermal Transfer (Ribbon Required)Perforations: NoSize: 102x165Recommended Ribbon: 02300BK11045Core: 76mmMax OD: 200mmLabels per roll: 880Rolls per box: 4
This label is usually in stock, but please email us to double check stock levels if needed urgently.
Z-Perform 1000T Labels. Box of 4, 76mm core, 200mm OD
Be the first to Write a Review for this item!


text:
Indiana girls prep team wins 107-2
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- An Indiana high school girls basketball team routed an opponent 107-2 this week, prompting an official with the state prep sports association to say he never wants to see anything so one-sided again.
Bloomington South coach Larry Winters told the Indianapolis Star (http://goo.gl/wfavt) there was no effort to embarrass Arlington or run up the score during Tuesday's game. He says he played all nine of his players and didn't stop shooting because "that would have been more embarrassing" to Arlington, whose only points came on a free throw in the second quarter and another in the third.
First-year Arlington coach Ebony Jackson says was disappointed with how Bloomington South (8-1) handled the game. Her team is 0-6 this year and has lost 23 straight games.
Chris Kaufman, the assistant commissioner for the Indiana High School Athletic Association, says "we don't want to see anything this one-sided" and that most schools try to avoid such a blowout result. There is no "mercy rule" in Indiana, where games are halted when the score gets out of hand.


text:
Regular Price:
Now only:
( VAT included / shipping expenses not included )
Please insert your e-mail to receive a notification when this product will be in stock again
Baby boy's trousers. With an elastic waistband and drawstring. This garment has two internal pockets both on the front and back and two bag pockets on the sides. Made of pure cotton.
Product: External fabric: 100% Cotton
UE: within 3 working days from receiving the order.
Extra UE: within 6 working days from receiving the order.
Click here for details on shipping times.
If you are not satisfied with your purchase we provide a free pick up for return: you have 14 days from the order reception date to return purchased products.
For product information and online orders call us at the number:
Customer service is available from Monday to Friday, from 9:00 to 18:00
Buy 2 items and the cheapest is 30% off


text:
The finale show for the Streets of Afghanistan exhibition couldn't have a cooler Kabul location than the 3rd Annual Sound Central Festival. Bigger and badder than ever, the alternative music festival has grown substantially each year since founder, Travis Beard launched the first ever Central Asia Rock Festival in 2011.
Travis is a longtime friend, advisor to M2M, and frequent road trip companion to some dodgy places as my photographer-for-hire. He had asked me last fall if we could keep the exhibition in Afghanistan after our series of public exhibitions to set the backdrop and involve more art forms in this years festival. I couldn't think of a more fitting finale. Sound Central Festival has grown from the initial one day rock festival at Babur Gardens, to a alternative music and art festival spanning four days on two stages with acts from around the world. The festival kicked off with the Women's Only day – which allowed orphanages and school girls to attend and experience a different sort of concert. Slam poetry, a fashion show, Afghan rap duo, films, and a killer performance by White City, and Ariana Delwari rounded out the indoor activities, along with various artisans in the lobby. Outside was the Streets of Afghanistan exhibition throughout the entrance courtyard, grafitti art with Shamsia, and Mountain2Mountain's Bike School with members of the women's national cycling team.
Once the music kicked off however, we took the three members of the national team inside so they could take part. The crowd was a sea of white headscarves from the schoolgirl's uniform, and they cheered and clapped throughout the various acts. But when Ru Owen, frontman of Kabul expat band, White City took the stage – they went wild. She welcomed them in Dari and with arms open called out to her Afghan 'sisters'. Goosebumps ran down my spine at her wide smile that showed her genuine pleasure to take the stage in front of all these young girls, who for most had never been to any concert, much less one like this – a full blown rock concert with a strong female lead. Without further ado, Ru, Travis, and Andreas rocked their world and the girls loved every minute.


text:
The Fox Dealerships used car department is Second-To-None when it comes to service AND service after the sale. If you're looking for a used car in Syracuse, Auburn, Rochester, Buffalo or any surrounding area, then The Fox Used Car Department is the place to shop! We have over 200 quality used cars on site at all times. Whether it's a Ford, Nissan, Mercedes, BMW, Kia, Hyundai, GMC, Pontiac, Cadillac or any of our quality brands, the Fox Dealerships are sure to have it in stock. If not, simply ask and we can find it for you! That's the Fox Difference.
Take a look at what we have currently on our lot. You can use one of our smartbrowser tools below to help make your decision easier. If you have any trouble finding the vehicle you are looking for, please try our CarFinder service and we'll find it for you!
If you cannot find your ideal vehicle in our current pre-owned inventory, check out our handy CarFinder tool. After specifying a search period (1 to 8 weeks) and providing vehicle details, we'll begin the search process for you and send you a notification when a matching vehicle arrives in our inventory.


text:
|Oracle® Database Security Guide
10g Release 1 (10.1)
Part Number B10773-01
|View PDF
This chapter gives you a broad overview of the many types of tasks you must confront in order to build good security. Understanding the diverse categories of such tasks improves your likelihood of preventing security gaps. Such gaps, whether exploited accidentally or intentionally, can undermine or overwhelm otherwise tight security that you have created in other areas.
Chapter 1 introduced the requirements for good security, the threats against it, and concepts that have proven useful in creating practical methods for developing and sustaining it.
The overview presented here, in this chapter, identifies categories of tasks useful in meeting those requirements and threats. This chapter presents brief descriptions of these categories and tasks, with cross-references to Parts 2 and 3, where the important details necessary to their implementation are described.
Good security requires physical access control, reliable personnel, trustworthy installation and configuration procedures, secure communications, and control of database operations such as selection, viewing, updating, or deleting database records. Since some of these requirements involve applications or stored procedures as well as human action, security procedures must also account for how these programs are developed and dealt with.
Practical concerns must also be met: minimizing the costs of equipment, personnel, and training; minimizing delays and errors; and maximizing rapid and thorough accountability. Scalability, too, is an important and independent practical criterion that should be assessed for each proposed solution.
These, then, are the categories with which this overview is concerned. They are discussed in the following sections:
It shouldn't be easy to walk into your facility without a key or badge, or without being required to show identity or authorization. Controlling physical access is your first line of defense, protecting your data (and your staff) against the simplest of inadvertent or malicious intrusions and interferences.
Lack of such control can make it easier to observe, copy, or steal your other security controls, including internal keys, key codes, badge numbers or badges, and so on. Of course, the security of these measures, too, depends on how alert and security conscious each of your staff is, but physical access control stops a variety of potential problems before they even get started.
Each organization must evaluate its own risks and budget. Elaborate measures may well not be needed, depending on many factors: company size, risk of loss, internal access controls, quantity and frequency of outside visitors, and so on. Preparing for accountability and recovery are additional considerations, possibly prompting alarms or video surveillance of entryways. The visibility of these preparations can also act as deterrence.
Improving your facility's physical access control can add to your security. Make it hard to get in, hard to remain or leave unobserved or unidentified, hard to get at sensitive or secure areas inside, and hard not to leave a trace.
Your staff makes your organization work, well or poorly depending on who they are and how they are managed. Your security is critically dependent on them: first, on how honest and trustworthy they are, and second, on how aware and alert they are to security concerns and considerations. The first issue is a matter of selection, interviewing, observation, and reference checking. Done well, these skills can prevent your hiring people who are (or are likely to become) inappropriate for tasks or environments that depend on establishing and maintaining security. To a very large degree, security depends on individuals: when they get careless, resentful, or larcenous, tight security loosens or disappears. Your other measures won't matter if they are carelessly or deliberately undermined or sabotaged.
The second issue is how aware and alert your staff is to security concerns and considerations. Such consciousness is only partly a matter of background: the environment and training you provide are the most significant influences, given basic honesty and intent to cooperate. When an organization both shows and says that security is important, by establishing and enforcing security procedures and by providing training and bulletins about it, people learn and adapt. The result is better security and safety for them as well as for the organization's data and products.
Information security, privacy, and protection of corporate assets and data are of critical importance to every business. For databases, establishing a secure configuration is a very strong first line of defense, using industry-standard "best security practices" for operational database deployments. The following list of such practices is deliberately general to remain brief. Additional details for each recommendation as it applies to Oracle Database appear in Chapter 7, "Security Policies". Further specific descriptions of database-related tasks and actions can be found throughout the Oracle documentation set.
Implementing the following ten recommendations provides the basis for a secure configuration:
Do a custom installation. Avoid installing options and products you don't need. Choose to install only those additional products and options, in addition to the database server, that you do clearly need. Or, if you choose to do a "typical" installation instead, improve your security after the installation processes finish, by deinstalling the options and products you don't need.
The Oracle Database installs with many default (preset) database server user accounts. Upon the successful creation of a database server instance, the Database Configuration Assistant automatically locks and expires most default database user accounts.
If you use Oracle Universal Installer or Database Configuration Assistant, they will prompt for new SYS and SYSTEM passwords, and will not accept the defaults "change_on_install" or "manager", respectively.
Once the database is installed, lock SYS and SYSTEM as well, and use AS SYSDBA for administrator access. Specify administrative passwords individually.
This account (AS SYSDBA) tracks the operating system username, maintaining accountability. If you only need access for database startup and shutdown, use AS SYSOPER instead. SYSOPER has fewer administrative privileges than SYS, but enough to perform basic operations such as startup/shutdown, mount, backup, archive, and recover.
Database Configuration Assistant is not used during a manual installation, so all default database users remain unlocked and able to gain unauthorized access to data or to disrupt database operations. Therefore, after a manual installation, use SQL to lock and expire all default database user accounts except
SCOTT, and
DBSNMP. (Do it to SCOTT, too, unless it is being actively used. Also lock SYS and SYSTEM as described earlier.) If a locked account is later needed, a database administrator can simply unlock and activate that account with a new, meaningful password.
Security is most easily broken when a default database server user account still has a default password even after installation. Three steps fix this:
In any Oracle environment (production or test), assign strong, meaningful passwords to the SYS and SYSTEM user accounts immediately upon successful installation of the database server. Under no circumstances should the passwords for SYS and SYSTEM remain in their default states. Similarly, for production environments, do not use default passwords for any administrative accounts, including SYSMAN and DBSNMP.
Lock and expire all default accounts after installation. If any such account is later activated, change its default password to a new meaningful password.
Apply basic password management rules, such as password length, history, and complexity, to all user passwords.
Require all users to change their passwords regularly, such as every eight weeks.
If possible, use Oracle Advanced Security (an option to the Enterprise Edition of Oracle Database) with network authentication services (such as Kerberos), token cards, smart cards, or X.509 certificates. These services provide strong user authentication and enable better protection against unauthorized access.
Implement data dictionary protection to prevent users who have the
ANY system privilege from using it on the data dictionary. Oracle Database sets the
O7_DICTIONARY_ACCESSIBILITY to
FALSE. This setting prevents using the
ANY system privilege on the data dictionary, except for authorized users making DBA-privileged connections (for example
Three practices implement this principle:
Do not provide database users more privileges than necessary. Enable only those privileges actually required to perform necessary jobs efficiently:
1) Restrict the number of system and object privileges granted to database users, and
2) Restrict the number of
SYS-privileged connections to the database as much as possible. For example, there is generally no need to grant
CREATE ANY TABLE to any non DBA-privileged user.
This default role, granted to every user in an Oracle database, enables unrestricted use of its privileges, such as
EXECUTE on various PL/SQL packages. If unnecessary privileges and roles are not revoked from PUBLIC, a minimally privileged user could access and execute packages otherwise inaccessible to him. The more powerful packages that may potentially be misused are listed in Chapter 7, "Security Policies".
Do not assign "all permissions" to any database server run-time facility, such as the Oracle Java Virtual Machine (OJVM).
Instead, grant specific permissions to the explicit document root file paths for such facilities that may execute files and packages outside the database server. Examples are listed in Chapter 7, "Security Policies".
Authenticate clients properly.
Although remote authentication can be turned on (
TRUE), your installation is more secure with it off (
FALSE, which is the default). With remote authentication turned on, the database implicitly trusts every client, because it assumes every client was authenticated by the remote authenticating system. However, clients in general (such as remote PCs) cannot be trusted to perform proper operating system authentication, so turning on this feature is a very poor security practice. To enforce proper server-based authentication of clients connecting to an Oracle database, leave or turn this feature off (remote_os_authentication=
FALSE, which is the default).
Four practices implement appropriate restrictions on operating system access:
(See Networking Security Checklists later in this chapter for appropriate practices.)
Plug every security hole or flaw as soon as corrective action is identified. Always apply all relevant and current security patches for both the host operating system and Oracle Database itself, and for all installed Oracle Database options and components.
Periodically check the security site on Oracle Technology Network for details on security alerts released by Oracle Corporation:
Also check Oracle Worldwide Support Service's site, Metalink, for details on available and upcoming security-related patches:
If you believe that you have found a security vulnerability in Oracle Database, submit an iTAR to Oracle Worldwide Support Services using Metalink, or e-mail a complete description of the problem, including product version and platform, together with any exploit scripts and examples, to the following address:
Security for network communications is improved by using client, listener, and network checklists to create thoroughgoing protection. Using SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is an essential element in these lists, enabling top security for authentication and communications.
SSL is the Internet standard protocol for secure communication, providing mechanisms for data integrity and data encryption. These mechanisms can protect the messages sent and received by you or by applications and servers, supporting secure authentication, authorization, and messaging by means of certificates and, if necessary, encryption. Good security practices maximize all these protections and minimize gaps or disclosures that threaten them. While the primary documentation for Oracle's SSL configuration and practices is Oracle Advanced Security Administrator's Guide, the following basic list illustrates the cautious attention to detail necessary for successful, secure use of SSL:
server.key file, which requires that you enter your pass-phrase to read and parse this file. (A non-SSL-aware server does not require such a phrase.) However, if you were to decide your server is secure enough, you could remove the encryption from the RSA private key while preserving the original file. This would enable system boot scripts to start the server, because no pass-phrase would be needed. However, be very sure that permissions on the
server.key file allow only root or the web server user to read it. Ideally, restrict permissions to root alone, and have the web server start as root but run as another server. Otherwise, anyone who gets this key can impersonate you on the net.
|See Also:
Since authenticating client computers is problematic over the Internet, user authentication is typically done instead. This approach avoids client system issues that include falsified IP addresses, hacked operating systems or applications, and falsified or stolen client system identities. Nevertheless, the following steps improve the security of client connections:
Using SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) communication makes eavesdropping unfruitful and enables the use of certificates for user and server authentication.
Because the listener acts as the database's gateway to the network, it is important to limit the consequences of malicious interference:
This restriction prevents external procedure agents spawned by the listener (or procedures executed by such an agent) from inheriting the ability to do such reads or writes. The owner of this sepasrate listener process should not be the owner that installed Oracle or executes the Oracle instance (such as ORACLE, the default owner).
|See Also:
See the section A Security Checklist in Chapter 7, "Security Policies", for more specific details.
Protecting the network and its traffic from inappropriate access or modification is the essence of network security. The following practices improve network security:
Appropriately placed and configured firewalls can prevent outsider access to your organization's intranet when you allow internal users to have Internet access.
For example, do not leave open Oracle Listener's 1521 port, allowing the database to connect to the Internet or the Internet to connect with the database. Such a hole introduces significant security vulnerabilities that hackers are likely to exploit. They can enable even more port openings through the firewall, create multi-threaded operating system server problems, and gain access to crucial information on databases behind the firewall. If the Listener is running without an established password, they can probe for critical details about the databases on which it is listening. These details include trace and logging information, banner information, and database descriptors and service names, enabling malicious and damaging attacks on the target databases.
Always establish a meaningful, well-formed password for the Oracle Listener, to prevent remote configuration of the Oracle Listener. Further, prevent unauthorized administration of the Oracle Listener, as described in Chapter 7, "Security Policies".
Use the Oracle Net "valid node checking" security feature to allow or deny access to Oracle server processes from network clients with specified IP addresses. Set parameters in the protocol.ora file (Oracle Net configuration file) to specify client IP addresses respectively denied or allowed connections to the Oracle Listener. This action prevents potential Denial of Service attacks.
If possible, utilize Oracle Advanced Security to encrypt network traffic between clients, databases, and application servers. (Note that Oracle Advanced Security is available only with the Enterprise Edition of the Oracle database).
Disable all unnecessary operating system services. Many UNIX and Windows services are not necessary for most deployments. Such services include FTP, TFTP, TELNET, and so forth.
For each disabled service, be sure to close both the UDP and TCP ports. Leaving either type of port enabled leaves the operating system vulnerable.
In summary, consider all paths the data travels and assess the threats that impinge on each path and node. Then take steps to lessen or eliminate those threats and the consequences of a successful breach of security. Also monitor and audit to detect either increased threat levels or successful penetration.


text:
Hot Dog of the Week: Texas Footlong at Jim Neely's Interstate Barbecue in Memphis
A unique hot dog feature each week from hot dog connoisseur and cartoonist Hawk Krall!
I went to Memphis hoping to eat good barbecue and not expecting to find much in the hot dog department other than Dyer's deep-fried dogs featured last week. To my surprise almost every barbecue place (including a shack on the side of the road) had several varieties of hot dog, polish sausage, and "hot links" along with the standards.
Interstate is a well-known Memphis institution, opened in 1978 as a combination grocery store and barbecue stand by Jim Neely, uncle of those other Neely's you might know from television.
My initial expectations of the dog were pretty low. I assumed the barbecue was great, but who gets a hot dog from a legendary barbecue restaurant? Sort of like getting a hamburger from a cheesesteak stand. But boy, was I wrong.
The "Texas Foot Long" ($3.65) is a massive split hot dog similar to a commercial Polish sausage, although Interstate also has one of those on the menu as well, along with a smoked sausage sandwich, "Texas beef link" and a regular hot dog.
The garlicky, spicy pork footlong definitely tasted like it spent some time in the smoke pit, served on a long sandwich roll glazed with Interstate's awesome sweet barbecue sauce and creamy slaw (that I didn't ask for by the way; I'm assuming sauce and slaw are the default dressing for every sausage and dog). I was sort of blown away by how good this thing was, and other than the lack of french fries, really similar to a Cleveland Polish Boy.
And what's a trip to Memphis without Barbecue Spaghetti? Sort of Memphis' answer to Cincinnati Chili, this side dish ($1.35) is exactly what it looks like: thick, cut-up spaghetti (slightly overcooked, just like Cincinnati Chili) swimming in delicious barbecue sauce and chunks of meat. It's awesome.
Memphis has so many bizzaro barbecue side dishes, served at legit places: barbecue salad, barbecue nachos, baloney sandwiches, barbecue pizza, tamales, several varieties of encased meat - that you could spend a weeks eating across the city before ever even thinking about a rib.
Jim Neely's Interstate Barbecue
2265 South 3rd Street, Memphis, TN (map); 901-775-2304
All products linked here have been independently selected by our editors. We may earn a commission on purchases, as described in our affiliate policy.


text:
Accounting For Canadians For Dummies
- Авторы:
- Tracy John A.; Laurin Cecile
- Жанры:
- Бухгалтерский учет. Налогообложение. Аудит; Зарубежная деловая литература
- Агент:
- John Wiley & Sons Limited (USD)-double-299293-8
- Формат:
- PDF книга
- Объем:
- 387 стр
- 9781118223864
- Язык книги:
- английский
- Аннотация:
The only guide to accounting tailor-made for Canadians, now revised and updated Job prospects are good for those looking to enter the Canadian accounting industry, and Accounting For Canadians, Second Edition is the essential resource for anyone interested in doing so. Packed with the information accountants and auditors who work in public and private industries and in government need to know in order to stay on the right side of Canadian accounting law, the book is also a must-have for salary accountants working for accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping, and payroll services firms. Essential reading since the new GAAP became mandatory for publicly accountable enterprises and government business enterprises at the beginning of 2011 Covers the new International Financial Reporting Standards Addresses new standards for private enterprises that business leaders need to know Still the only trade book that covers Canadian accounting practices The ideal book for both accounting professionals as well as students who are currently working towards a degree in accounting or auditing services, Accounting For Canadians For Dummies provides the applicable and helpful advice that you need to succeed.
Оставьте свой отзыв!
Ещё никто не оставлялсвой отзыв. Будьте первым!


text:
1.For cheeks:Apply lemon on cheeks for some time. After applying regularly lemon on cheeks you will find a significant difference in your skin. This will help you control wrinkles on your skin and make them beautiful. Also pat and dry them after washing it with fresh water.
2.For neck:Neck is most important part to make you look more beautiful. If you have long neck then jewelries will look beautiful on you. To make your neck more beautiful use products which have retinol, peptides and glycolic acids.If you have more wrinkles on your neck then you can go for buttox treatment.
3.Grapes for pure blood:Grapes are sweet and there effect is cool for body. They are not only good for eyes but also help in removing impurities from blood. It also helps in increasing blood in body.
Image Source:1,2,3:


text:
In an attempt to better explain what their game is actually about, UemeU's developers put together a new trailer. I think I understand now. And I'm amazed.
Give the trailer a watch here:
It's hard to believe, but all of that, everything, even the spaceship part, is from the same game. It's sandbox taken to its logical extreme: you really can do anything. I'm really excited (and somewhat scared; the internet is a strange place) to see what people will come up with when the full game hits. It should be quite the sight to behold.
You can still check out the buy-in alpha (and its free demo) over at the official website, and there's also a Greenlight page with lots of juicy discussion.
Private Alpha Trailer [ModDB]
Questions? Comments? Contact the author of this post at andras-AT-kotaku-DOT-com.


text:
Burwell begins role at Department of Health and Human Services
Sylvia Mathews Burwell has assumed her duties as the new secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services.
Burwell, the White House budget director for the past year, was selected for the job after Kathleen Sebelius announced her resignation in April.
Aside from heading up the Office of Management and […]


text:
Violence against aid workers hit a record high last year, according to research released Tuesday.
London-based consultancy group Humanitarian Outcomes says worldwide 155 aid workers were killed, 171 seriously wounded and 134 were kidnapped in 2013.
The group's Aid Worker Security Report says the numbers represent a 66 percent increase in victims from 2012.
Three-quarters of the attacks took place in just five countries - Afghanistan, Pakistan, South Sudan, Sudan and Syria. Afghanistan had the highest number of attacks on aid workers.
And 2014 is proving to be another bad year for humanitarian aid operations, with the report showing 79 workers killed up so far this year - already topping the 2012 death toll of 70.
Tuesday's release of the findings coincides with the United Nations-designated World Humanitarian Day.
At a special U.N. Security Council session Tuesday, Masood Karokhail of Afghan NGO The Liaison Office said native Afghans are bearing the brunt of the violence against aid workers in his country. He said international organizations are using local staff to reduce their own security risk.
In a statement marking World Humanitarian Day, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said that "as the world's largest donor of humanitarian assistance," the United States remains "steadfast" in its commitment to doing everything it can to provide for humanitarians' safety and security.
World Humanitarian Day falls on the anniversary of the 2003 attack on the U.N. headquarters in Baghdad, which killed 22 aid workers.


text:
Last year, when Microsoft Corp. introduced its Zune music player to take on Apple's iPod juggernaut, the software giant struck out. While the Zune had a good user interface and a larger screen than the iPod, it was bigger and boxier, with clumsier controls, weaker battery life and more complex software. Its companion online music store had a much smaller catalog, a more complicated purchase process and no videos for sale. And the Zune's most innovative feature, built-in Wi-Fi networking, was nearly useless and added little value to the players, which sold so poorly that Apple barely noticed.
The Zune Pad adds touch functionality for improved navigation.
But Microsoft is nothing if not persistent, and this week, the company is back with a second, improved round of Zunes. The chunky, older 30-gigabyte model remains in the lineup, but it's joined by a slimmed-down full-size Zune that holds 80 gigabytes, and by a much smaller model that holds four or eight gigabytes. Prices range from $150 to $250. The 80-gigabyte Zune is available only in black, and the others come in red, green, black and pink.
We've been testing these new Zunes and find them to be notably better than last year's entry. They are smaller, lighter and more attractive, and they include three big improvements. First is a new controller, called a Zune Pad, that combines buttons with a touch pad for scrolling. Second is a completely overhauled, simpler PC-software program and online store, the Zune Marketplace. Third is expanded usability of the built-in Wi-Fi, which allows you to synchronize your Zune and your PC without plugging in a cable and makes sharing songs between Zunes — its only function last year — slightly better.
Unfortunately for Microsoft, Apple hasn't been standing still, either. It now has its own large-screen, wireless model, the iPod Touch, with a radical "multi-touch" interface like the iPhone's. The screen on the Touch is larger than the one on the bigger Zunes and is much sharper. Its Wi-Fi allows you to browse the Web, watch YouTube videos and even buy music without a PC — none of which is possible on a Zune — though the Touch is $50 more and holds much less content than the new full-size Zune.
Microsoft's new Zunes are directly aimed at the iPod Classic, Apple's full-size, high-capacity model, and the iPod nano, its compact version. But, here again, Apple has been on the move. The 80-gigabyte Classic, which costs the same as the 80-gigabyte Zune, is slimmer than the Zune and has a flashy new interface, if a smaller screen. And the eight-gigabyte nano, which costs the same as the eight-gigabyte Zune, now plays videos and is much smaller — yet has a larger screen. Neither of these iPods includes Wi-Fi.
In addition, Apple has spiffed up its iTunes software, adding various features, including the addictive Cover Flow, which allows you to flip through all your albums with just a flick of the mouse. Cover Flow also shows up on the nano, the Classic and the Touch. Even the new Zune PC software has no interface as compelling.
And Apple still trounces Microsoft in the selection of media it sells. The iTunes store offers more than six million songs, about double what the Zune Marketplace offers, and dwarfs Microsoft's selection of Podcasts and music videos, as well. Plus, Zune Marketplace still doesn't sell any TV shows, movies or audiobooks, while iTunes does.
Radio Feature
Overall, we still don't think the Zune line beats the iPods and iTunes. However, one of the Zunes, the full-size Zune 80, could give the iPod some competition, especially among new digital-player buyers who aren't invested in the iTunes ecosystem. For the same price, it offers a significantly larger screen (albeit with the same resolution), wireless syncing and sharing, and a built-in FM radio — an existing Zune feature that the iPod lacks.
We tested the $249.99 80-gigabyte Zune 80 against Apple's iPod Classic with the same capacity and price and then did the same for the $199.99 eight-gigabyte Zune 8 compared with the iPod nano equivalent.
We didn't get a chance to test the battery life on the new Zune models or that of the iPod Classic and nano. But Microsoft concedes that unless you turn off Wi-Fi — one of the Zune's key advantages — its claimed battery life is lower than Apple's claims. Microsoft estimates as many as 19 and 24 hours of music playback with Wi-Fi on for the eight- and 80-gigabyte, respectfully. Apple claims as many as 24 hours and 30 hours, respectively, on the competitive models, which lack Wi-Fi. In the past, Apple has generally understated its battery claims, while last year, Microsoft overstated its claims.
Easier Navigating
On both Zunes, the front hosts just three buttons: the Zune Pad, a back button and a Play/Pause button. Its menus are divided into Music, Videos, Pictures, Social, Radio, Podcasts and Settings; navigating through this menu list and hundreds of songs is made easier with the Zune Pad's touch functions. To zip through a list, we flicked a finger up or down. The top, bottom, right and left sides each work as individual buttons, as does the center of the Zune Pad.
The user interface is mainly unchanged from last year and still works very well, requiring an economical number of steps for each action.
Zune's black, red and green colors are fine, but rather masculine — the latter reminded us of camouflage. But the pink was a glaring shade more appropriate for My Little Pony; it looks like an afterthought.
We initiated wireless syncs with the Zune software program, plugging the player into our PC the first time but leaving it disconnected each time after that. Wireless syncing took a little longer than with a cord and must be initiated by the user from within the player's settings. One frustration: Presumably to save battery life, the Zune disconnects from the network periodically and then must reconnect the next time you want to use the Wi-Fi. Also, the Zune can't wirelessly sync if you're at a public hot spot that requires you to log in or pay.
Intelligent Syncing
This year's Zunes also introduce a concept Microsoft intends to build on: intelligent, or automated, syncing. If you have your Zune set to sync only some of your music, not all, and drag an artist's name onto the Zune icon in the PC software, the software will thereafter automatically sync every song you add to the PC from that artist. Microsoft believes many people would welcome such automation.
The Zune's FM radio is well-designed and easy to use. Using the Zune Pad to flick left or right along the station grid, our Zunes detected numerous static-free stations, and we marked certain stations as presets by holding down the center button. Each radio's digital data appeared on-screen, including the artist and song title.
We shared songs between our Zunes, beaming tracks from the 80-gigabyte to the eight-gigabyte and vice versa. A wirelessly shared song can be played by the recipient three times whenever they choose. Microsoft has removed the three-day time limit that applied last year. A minute of playing time, or half the duration of a song (whatever comes first) constitutes one play. At first, it took our Zunes a couple tries to recognize one another, even though they were both set to share music. And we noted that invitations to accept shared music don't include any information about the music, so you could get stuck downloading an annoying tune or one you already own.
Photo Finish
Photos and videos looked great on the Zunes — about as good as they do on the comparable iPod nanos and better than on the iPod Classic because that iPod model's screen is much smaller than its Zune counterpart's. However, album art, which is often lower-resolution than normal photos, looked grainier on the big Zune than on the big iPod. And none of the Zunes came close to the stunning photo and video quality offered on the iPod Touch and the iPhone.
We didn't get to test Zune's a la carte point system for buying and downloading tracks because it wasn't up and running yet. Neither were music-video downloads. We each had Zune Pass accounts, which work like subscriptions. If the Zune account stops, all content acquired during the user's subscription is lost.
Album Focus
Navigating through Zune's software can be a tad confusing. Four categories at the top left of your PC's screen are meant to help: Collection, Device, Marketplace and Social. Collection shows your downloaded or owned content and focuses a bit too much on albums, which are becoming less significant with the ever-growing popularity of digital music. One example of this is the Collection's default center panel shows album art sorted by date added.
Zune Marketplace's artist pages really shine. Upon selecting a band or artist, a rich, full-screen background image of that group or person appears on the page with lists of songs floating atop the image. Various still photos of each artist are included; we found 10 for Mary Chapin Carpenter and 15 for Nelly Furtado.
A full-screen artist page for Avril Lavigne on Zune Marketplace
After listening to a Yo-Yo Ma album in her music collection, Katie wanted to download additional performances of the famous cellist from the Zune Marketplace online store. But, unlike iTunes, Zune's software program doesn't offer a way to link directly from your Collection to Marketplace for buying more of a certain artist or another song from an album you already own.
Another navigational hiccup in Zune's Marketplace is its inability to bookmark searches. If, after searching in Zune's online store to buy and download more Yo-Yo Ma, Katie looked in her Collection to see which piece she played last or liked most, then returned to the online store, her Marketplace store search would be lost and she'd need to start over. The iTunes store bookmarks your place during searches, allowing you to navigate through any other part of iTunes before returning to the idle search.
Zune tries to compensate for this glitch by identifying songs in the online store that you already own — either bought through Zune Marketplace or from other sources — with an "In Collection" label so you don't accidentally buy content you already own. Likewise, if a song in your Collection is already synched to be on the player, a tiny Zune icon appears beside that song title.
Unlike iTunes, Zune software can't create smart playlists. And it only offers two views, Browse and List, versus three in iTunes: Cover Flow, lists, and lists with album art.
Microsoft has greatly improved the Zune hardware and software this time. But it seems to be competing with Apple's last efforts, not its newest ones.
- Email email@example.com


text:
Thanks to CindyV for pointing out this article over at sportsillustrated.com. They reference a rumor from the New York Post claiming Cowher's reluctance to sign on with the Jets has to do with Favre possibly playing there in the future. While it may be just what the rumor indicates – that Cowher doesn't like Favre and/or think he's any good. It could also be that Cowher is a run-first Pittsburgh guy who is not a fan of the offenses Favre has played in – and also that perhaps Cowher doesn't believe that Favre is a good enough game manager for what Cowher would like to do. It's hard to say but read below for more:
Cowher didn't want to coach Favre There will be no Cowher Power for the Jets. Bill Cowher informed the team last night he is not interested in their head-coaching job, and it could be because he doesn't want to coach Brett Favre. The former Steeler coach was the clear-cut favorite to replace Eric Mangini among Jets fans, and the team's ownership. Now, Woody Johnson must move on to Plan B. Talks between the Jets and Cowher never advanced past the preliminary stage. Sources close to Cowher said he did not want to have Favre as his quarterback, and that he also wanted to bring in people he was familiar with to handle personnel. A source familiar with Cowher's thinking said before last night's decision came down that the former Steeler boss would have to receive assurances from the Jets that the 39-year-old Favre no longer was in the picture before agreeing to take control.
(New York Post)
What are your thoughts on this?


text:
Sorafenib Tosylate in Treating Patients With Liver Cancer Who Have Undergone a Liver Transplant
|The safety and scientific validity of this study is the responsibility of the study sponsor and investigators. Listing a study does not mean it has been evaluated by the U.S. Federal Government. Read our disclaimer for details.
|ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00844168
Recruitment Status : Completed
First Posted : February 16, 2009
Last Update Posted : March 27, 2015
- Study Details
- Tabular View
- No Results Posted
- Disclaimer
- How to Read a Study Record
|Condition or disease
|Adult Primary Hepatocellular Carcinoma Advanced Adult Primary Liver Cancer Localized Resectable Adult Primary Liver Cancer Localized Unresectable Adult Primary Liver Cancer Recurrent Adult Primary Liver Cancer
|Drug: sorafenib tosylate Other: laboratory biomarker analysis
|Phase 1
I. Establish the safety and toxicity profile of sorafenib administered daily to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients who have undergone orthotopic liver transplantation.
I. Determine explant and allograft expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), platelet derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR), microvessel density (CD34) and Ki67 (proliferation marker).
OUTLINE: Patients receive sorafenib tosylate orally (PO) twice daily on days 1-28. Treatment repeats every 28 days for 6 courses in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
After completion of study treatment, patients are followed up every 3 months for 2 years, and then every 6 months for 3 years.
|Study Type :
|Interventional (Clinical Trial)
|Actual Enrollment :
|4 participants
|Intervention Model:
|Single Group Assignment
|None (Open Label)
|Primary Purpose:
|Official Title:
|Phase I Adjuvant Trial of Sorafenib in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients After Liver Transplantation
|Study Start Date :
|January 2009
|Actual Primary Completion Date :
|June 2010
Experimental: Treatment (adjuvant sorafenib tosylate after liver transplant)
Patients receive sorafenib tosylate PO twice daily on days 1-28. Treatment repeats every 28 days for 6 courses in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
Drug: sorafenib tosylate
Given orally
Other Names:
Other: laboratory biomarker analysis
Correlative studies
- Dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) as defined by the Common Terminology for Adverse Events (CTAE) version 3 [ Time Frame: 28 days ]Defined as grade >= 3 nonhematologic/hematologic toxicity
Choosing to participate in a study is an important personal decision. Talk with your doctor and family members or friends about deciding to join a study. To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the contacts provided below. For general information, Learn About Clinical Studies.
|Ages Eligible for Study:
|18 Years and older (Adult, Older Adult)
|Sexes Eligible for Study:
|Accepts Healthy Volunteers:
Inclusion Criteria:
- Patients with HCC on explant, who have not received prior systemic anti-cancer treatment for HCC
- HCC patients who have undergone orthotopic liver transplantation, are at high risk for tumor recurrence or who have high suspicion or documentation of tumor recurrence
- Patients who have a life expectancy of at least 12 weeks
Patients must have one of the following disease states:
- Patients are 4 weeks beyond and less than 60 days from liver transplant surgery (to first study treatment) who have no residual hepatocellular carcinoma following liver transplantation;
- Patients with post transplant recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma within the liver or at an extra hepatic site, diagnosed by radiographic imaging (computed tomography [CT] or magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]) consistent with hepatocellular carcinoma or proved by biopsy, within 24 months of transplantation;
- Post-transplant patients with rising alpha-feta protein level > 500ng/mL, even in the absence of confirmed disease within 24 months of transplant
- Patients must have one of the following explant histological features of HCC:bilobar tumor; macrovascular invasion; or multifocality; if patients have well-differentiated HCC, they must have all three features
- Patients who have an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (PS) 0, 1, or 2
- Platelet count >= 60 x 10^9/L
- Hemoglobin >= 8.5 g/dL
- Total bilirubin =< 3 mg/dL
- Alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) =< 5 x upper limit of normal
- Amylase and lipase =< 1.5 x the upper limit of normal
- Serum creatinine =< 1.5 x the upper limit of normal
- Prothrombin time (PT)-international normalized ratio (INR) =< 2.3 or PT 6seconds above control
- Patients who give written informed consent
Exclusion Criteria:
- Previous or concurrent cancer that is distinct in primary site or histology from HCC, EXCEPT cervical carcinoma in situ, treated basal cell carcinoma,superficial bladder tumors (Ta, Tis & T1); any cancer curatively treated > 3 years prior to entry is permitted
- Renal failure requiring hemo- or peritoneal dialysis
- History of cardiac disease: congestive heart failure > New York Heart Association (NYHA) class 2; active coronary artery disease (CAD); cardiac arrhythmias requiring anti-arrhythmic therapy other than beta blockers ordigoxin; or uncontrolled hypertension; myocardial infarction more than 6months prior to study entry is permitted
- Active clinically serious infections > grade 2 (National Cancer Institute -Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 3.0)
- Known history of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection
- Known central nervous system tumors including metastatic brain disease
- Patients with clinically significant gastrointestinal bleeding within 30 days prior to study entry
- Substance abuse, medical, psychological or social conditions that may interfere with the patient's participation in the study or evaluation of the study results
- Known or suspected allergy to the investigational agent or any agent given in association with this trial
- Patients unable to swallow oral medications
- Any condition that is unstable or which could jeopardize the safety of the patient and his/her compliance in the study
- Pregnant or breast-feeding patients; women of childbearing potential must have a negative pregnancy test performed within seven days prior to the start of study drug; both men and women enrolled in this trial must use adequate barrier birth control measures during the course of the trial
- Prior use of any systemic anti-cancer chemotherapy for HCC
- Prior use of systemic investigational agents for HCC
- Prior use of Raf-kinase inhibitors (RKI), VEGF inhibitors, MEK inhibitors or Farnesyl transferase inhibitors
- Use of biologic response modifiers, such as granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), within 3 weeks prior to study entry (G-CSF and other hematopoietic growth factors may be used in the management of acute toxicity, such as febrile neutropenia, when clinically indicated or at the discretion of the investigator; however, they may not be substituted for a required dose reduction)
- Patients taking chronic erythropoietin are permitted provided no dose adjustment is undertaken within 1 month prior to the study or during the study
- Autologous bone marrow transplant or stem cell rescue within four months of start of study drug
- Concomitant treatment with rifampin and St John's wort
- Concomitant anti-coagulation therapy with warfarin
To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the contact information provided by the sponsor.
Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier (NCT number): NCT00844168
|United States, Washington
|Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center/University of Washington Cancer Consortium
|Seattle, Washington, United States, 98109
|Principal Investigator:
|Edward Lin
|Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center/University of Washington Cancer Consortium
|Responsible Party:
|University of Washington
|ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:
|Other Study ID Numbers:
NCI-2009-01659 ( Registry Identifier: CTRP (Clinical Trial Reporting Program) )
|First Posted:
|February 16, 2009 Key Record Dates
|Last Update Posted:
|March 27, 2015
|Last Verified:
|March 2015
Carcinoma, Hepatocellular
Liver Neoplasms
Neoplasms, Glandular and Epithelial
Neoplasms by Histologic Type
Digestive System Neoplasms
Neoplasms by Site
Digestive System Diseases
Liver Diseases
Antineoplastic Agents
Protein Kinase Inhibitors
Enzyme Inhibitors
Molecular Mechanisms of Pharmacological Action


text:
Bathroom Remodeling By Re-Bath
- Re-Bath remodels bathrooms big and small at a price you'll appreciate
- Free bathroom remodeling design ideas and fast installation
- A+ Rating by the Better Business Bureau
- 21 Years bathroom remodeling experience
- Affordable and flexible financing options available
Get a Free In-Home Design Consultation
Our bathroom design consultants will guide you through bathroom remodeling options and answer all of your questions in one short visit. Re-Bath is a full service bathroom remodeling company that can do projects of all scopes and sizes. We offer an impressive range of bathroom remodeling services based on your needs.
Schedule a free in-home design consultation and our experts will take measurements and design you a custom solution that fits your needs and your budget. Based on your design choice, they'll give you a price guaranteed to the penny. No pressure, just experienced advice.
We've designed over 18,000 bathrooms. Tap into our vast experience and explore all the options for your new bathroom. Our creative bathroom consultants will bring more samples than we have in our showroom and work with you to design your new bathroom. When you choose the perfect design, you'll get a guaranteed price.
Once you've placed your order, our craftsmen will install your bathroom quickly while keeping your house clean and safe. It doesn't get any easier.
Customer Reviews
Check out what our customers said about their experience with Re-Bath. We're serious about taking care of our customers, that's why the BBB rates us A+.
Creative Bathroom Design Ideas
Get started designing your new bathroom today. Call us at (843) 353-6173 or fill out our online form to request your FREE In-Home Design Consultation and Guaranteed Price.


text:
There was a buzz in my trousers. A text on my mobile phone.
I don't believe it. It's bullshit. It just doesn't seem possible. Death is the big taboo. We don't talk about, don't think about it. Yeah man, We're Going To Live Forever.
It's only when I walk past the flat capped cor-blimey-guvnor seller of the reactionary, right wing Daily Mail (or is it The Evening Standard?) that the truth sinks in. All the news that's fit to print.
And I know in my heart what that means. But I still hope that really its Johnny Nobody from Sham 69, who stood for nothing, who said nothing, who changed nothing. because the world wouldn't miss someone if they never made a difference. It's a different world, a rock'n'roll world, thanks to Joe Strummer. And I'm in love with a rock n roll world.
It doesn't seem real. He doesn't feel dead. It's only a body that's gone. Not the spirit. Not the ideals. But the world is already a poorer place without him. For his friends. For his family. For all of us.
Because Joe Strummer was the soul of The Clash. The guy who was the bands eyes and ears. Other people were the heart, with its rhythmic beating, or the muscle. But without a soul, an animal is just meat. A powerful animal, impressive yes, but without a conscience, it could never become a higher life form. And The Clash helped rock music change. They helped it evolve.
Without Joe Strummer, The Clash would've been a garage band in garage land. They wouldn't have been "Ivan meets G.I. Joe". There would've been no politics. There'd been no vision. No articulate rage. The Clash would've been all rage, without the insight, without the raison d'etre. Joe Strummer made it possible to think, rock, and try and change the world all at the same time.
And Joe Strummer did change the world. The Sex Pistols preached No Future. The Clash told us that not only was there a future, but that we could make it better than the slack career opportunities they drip feed us in the lie that is our stagnant culture. That there was more to life than making tea at the BBC.
Five years ago, Joe Strummer had a vision in a field in Glastonbury. An idea. A way to make a change in a world that had been perverted by capitalism. And now, for every few hundred CD's sold, many bands plant a tree in a forest to replenish the Earth's resources. Look at www.futureforests.com. That was Joe's idea. To try and save the world. Weigh that against your nihilistic adolescent No Future.
Put simply, Joe Strummer was the soul of The Clash. The conscience. The brains. Without The Clash there would be a massive hole in popular culture where millions of our lives would never have changed. Joe never lost sight of his ideals. He refused to reform The Clash for a hefty paycheque and financial security. Why? Because life isn't a cabaret, and being in The Clash was never about the money or the nostalgia. It was about the spirit.
Goddamit. Only 50. In a time where science can extend our lives far beyond their natural use, where the fucking Queen Mother parasitically fed off us like the vampire she was until she was 101, someone took Joe Strummer away from us too damn soon. He might not have made a great record since 1982 (and the final Clash album, This Is Crap, sorry Cut The Crap, proves my point), but even now, he still had it. The magic. The fire and the spark that makes people great. When I last saw him, six short months ago in a field in Finsbury Park, he burned. Brighter and with more passion than 99% of other artists I've seen live.
A month ago, on November 22th 2002, in Liverpool, the last song Joe Strummer sang in public was "White Riot". And the last words of the song are "Are we going backwards? Or are we going forwards?"
Even with his last words, Joe was always asking questions, always moving forwards. The spirit lives on.


text:
Includes interview of Robert Prechter and how Elliott Wave relates to Fibonacci sequence. Quite interesting...
Friday: Employment Report, Trade Deficit
12 hours ago
World View & Market Commentary.
Forest first; Trees second.
Focused on Real & Knowable facts that filter through the "experts" fluff and media hyperbole. Where we've been, what the future may hold and developing a better way forward.