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It's funny how different the same experience can look through another's eyes. A journey that was shared so closely between a group of people can look so different from their view – and from their camera.
It was lovely recently to catch up with my friends who I did Mt Kilimanjaro Climb for Alzheimer;'s Australia NSW with in September 2011. We met and shared stories and photos and how our lives have changed since and it was so wonderful to reconnect.
These are photos from the lovely Anne and Andrew that really stood out to me and reminded me of some wonderful moments – moments of me enjoying and experiencing without even realising someone was looking on and capturing those special times.
Misty misty on Day 2
Amazing night view from Kikelelwa of Kibo which we willl climb in 3.5 days time.
Share with me your photos and memories of great times captured by another.


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Redmi 10 Prime goes on sale in India for the first time today at 12pm IST via Amazon and official Xiaomi outlets. The smartphone was launched in India last week and is offered in two RAM + storage configurations. Redmi 10 Prime comes with a 90Hz refresh rate display, a quad rear camera setup with a 50-megapixel primary sensor, and a MediaTek Helio G88 SoC. The newly launched smartphone seems to be a slightly reworked version of the Redmi 10 that was launched globally last month.
Redmi 10 Prime price in India, sale offers
The newly launched Redmi 10 Prime's price in India starts at Rs. 12,499 for the 4GB + 64GB storage variant. The 6GB + 128GB storage variant is priced at RS. 14,499. The smartphone will be available to purchase via Amazon, Mi.com, Mi Home stores, Mi Studios, and major retail outlets across the country. Redmi 10 Prime is available in Astral White, Bifrost Blue, and Phantom Black colour options.
The Redmi smartphone's listing on Amazon mentions that it will be available with EMI options starting from Rs. 588. Customers will also get an instant discount of Rs. 750 on HDFC Bank cards. There is also a 5 percent cashback with Amazon Pay ICICI Bank credit cards for Prime members and 3 percent for non-Prime members.
While purchasing via Mi.com, customers get flat Rs. 400 off while using MobiKwik and can save up to Rs. 10,500 with Mi exchange. Mi.com is also offering the Mi Wi-Fi Smart Speaker at Rs. 1,999 — originally available for Rs. 3,999.
Redmi 10 Prime specifications
Redmi 10 Prime – launched on September 3 — runs MIUI 12.5 on top of Android 11. It sports a 6.5-inch full-HD+ (1,080×2,400 pixels) display with a 20:9 aspect ratio, adaptive 90Hz refresh rate, and Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection. Under the hood, it features a MediaTek Helio G88 SoC, paired with ARM Mali-G52 MC2 GPU and up to 6GB of RAM. It also supports RAM expansion up to 2GB. Its onboard storage of up to 128GB can be expanded via a microSD card up to 512GB.
For optics, Redmi 10 Prime gets a quad rear camera setup that includes a 50-megapixel primary sensor, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle sensor, and two 2-megapixel depth and macro sensors. For selfies, it gets an 8-megapixel sensor. It packs a 6,000mAh battery that supports 18W fast charging and 9W reverse charging.
>>Here is the Original Post!

subset: commoncrawl


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Washington (CNN) - Politics is serious business - but not all of the time. From the halls of Congress to the campaign trail to the international stage, there's always something that gets a laugh or a second glance. Here are some of the things you might have missed:
Feeling lonely this holiday season?
You know you've made it (or have done something controversial) when NBC's "Saturday Night Live" spoofs you. With the Transportation Security Administration, it's the latter.
Full Story
Laugh all you want but I have patented "Don't touch my junk" and will be retiring in a few weeks. Thank you TSA!
The left is all concerned about waterboarding a few terrorists but have no problem subjecting the entire flying population to molestation?
Jesus, this is silly and ridiculous....o.k, what do you want TSA to do...people are hiding bombs, and their material in underwear, shoes, belly, knives, what do you, idiots, want???? tell me, TSA is doing right job, absolutely....I traveled recently...they touched me too....it did not bother me.....if it bothers you....just close your eyes for 2 minutes, and get over....it is for your safety only.....they are not go goes...nor lesbians..they are just employees for food, working their butts off....o.k, they are protecting you and all....USA, you are right...do your job...do not listen to these GOP thugs that are causing this mess...I guess...o.k...
And it was FUNNY!!!


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Laptop and Notebooks are not ergonomically designed. This however does not stop us from using our mobile gadget just about anywhere. Prolonged improper usage has been proved to cause long term negative side effects.
Our range of Notebook Stands and Lap Desks facilitate promote ergonomic usage minimising long term health and posture issues. Try them today.


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These leading companies exhibited at the workshop:
For exhibition and sponsorship opportunities with a highly targeted audience contact Lorenzo Morselli: [email protected] or tel: +32 2 213 1821.
These leading companies exhibited at the workshop:
|DNV GL is the world's largest provider of independent renewable energy advice. The recognised authority in onshore wind energy, we are also at the forefront of the offshore, wave, tidal and solar sectors. DNV GL now integrates the powerful legacy of GL Garrad Hassan, GL Renewables Certification and DNV KEMA.
|LEOSPHERE and its subsidiary Avent Lidar Technology are world leaders in ground-based and nacelle-mounted LIDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) for atmospheric observation. The companies design, develop, manufacture, sell and service new turnkey remote-sensing instruments allowing wind measurement and aerosol characterization. LEOSPHERE is focused on ground-based LIDARs and has deployed several hundreds of WINDCUBEs all over the world in all types of environments with the same concern of reliability, accuracy and return on investment. Avent Lidar Technology's turbine-mounted LIDAR, the WIND IRIS, is used by wind farm owners and operators to optimize their turbine performance. Avent works also with leading wind turbine manufacturers on the integration of its technology into their turbines in order to decrease the energy cost.
|SCADA International, "The Solution Provider" within SCADA system products, services and support! Encountered with numerous SCADA system challenges, we strengthen our customers' business value as we possess the knowledge and experiences required to plan, implement and execute any SCADA system project. Extensive domain knowledge, the latest technology and skilled specialist, we ensure our customers to earn their profit due to a cost effective integration of SCADA system communication with any wind turbine brand by implementing scalable, automated solutions with minimal operational interruption. Flexible and independent, offering consulting, engineering and project solutions, we supply project specific and off-the-shelf solutions, plus any level of systems engineering support from initial feasibility studies to turnkey project management and integration services.
|Breeze is a web based system that harnesses the power of big data, cloud computing and analytics to let owners and operators of wind farms capture the true potential of their investments. Common problems in wind power production can be dealt with in Breeze through a set of innovative tools that gives a new level of insight into actual production performance and how it evolves over time. Wind turbines are easily hooked up to Breeze regardless of model or brand, resulting in one single system to monitor, analyze and benchmark a wind farm owner's entire portfolio.
For exhibition and sponsorship opportunities with a highly targeted audience contact Lorenzo Morselli: [email protected] or tel: +32 2 213 1821.


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Baxters Loch Ness Marathon develops future talent
The Baxters Loch Ness marathon and festival of running is gaining a growing world wide reputation as a fixture which helps develop champions of the future.
Entries close in a little under two weeks time for the 12th edition of the popular Highland event which attracts participants from all over Britain as well as from more than 30 countries across the globe.
Over the years it has featured many of Scotland's top distance runners as well as numerous emerging overseas athletes, some of whom have gone on to become world class competitors.
A typical example is African athlete, Dinknesh Mekash Tefara, who, three years ago, made the long trip from her home in Ethiopia to take part.
It was the first time Dinknesh had travelled outside her home country and she was at first shocked by the cool and wet conditions she experienced in Scotland.
The cold weather which greeted her was, however, quickly offset by the warm welcome she received during her brief stay in the Highlands.
And she rewarded the organisers by winning the women's race in a course record time of 2hrs 46min 39secs.
It was a fine performance, but one which she has surpassed dramatically in the period since.
Earlier this year Dinkesh finished fourth in a high quality Paris marathon when she recorded a new personal best and world class time of 2hr 25min 09secs.
Since making her overseas debut at Loch Ness she has improved in every race she has run and is now being tipped to go even quicker when she competes in October's Toronto marathon.
Dinknesh was supported in her trip to Inverness by the non-profit organisation, Running Across Borders, which provides coaching and support for young East African runners.
RAB founder Malcolm Anderson said: "For Dinknesh it was a four-day whirlwind trip from Addis Ababa to Loch Ness and back again.
"She had layers of clothing on and just before the race started it began to rain.
"The steely character she demonstrated to come through all that, win and beat the course record in her first trip abroad, stood her in good stead for the future.
"Dinknesh came from a poor, rural, subsistence background with very little opportunity to build a different life for herself. Now she has her own income and independent future as a consequence of sport.
"It was the Baxters Loch Ness marathon that gave her confirmation of her talent and how running could literally change her life, which it then did.
"Sport can't solve every problem, but for other people living in Bekoji, where she comes from, and elsewhere in Ethiopia, Dinknesh is now an example of how it is possible to build a life beyond the village.
"The team at the Baxters Loch Ness marathon provided her with the first chance to prove herself as an athlete, and as an organisation we are forever grateful and our relationship with race director Malcolm Sutherland remains strong.
"It's a place we will always want to come back to, as it's perfect for giving new up-coming athletes a chance to compete."
Race Director Malcolm Sutherland said: "It's fantastic to hear about the progress Dinknesh has made since running at Loch Ness.
"In many respects this is what our event is about: giving people of all ages and abilities the chance, through running, to realise their dreams and goals,whatever these might be.
"We want everyone to enjoy the sense of achievement which comes with completing a race in the company of thousands of others who share the same love of taking part."
This year's event promises to be another memorable occasion with the marathon hosting the Scottish championships for the third year in a row as well as carrying a substantial prize list which includes £1500 cash awards for the first man and woman.
The festival of running also includes the Baxters River Ness 10K and 5K runs. The 10K includes a Corporate Challenge open to teams of four to six runners. There's also a Wee Nessie run, a 400m event for youngsters aged five and under.
Sutherland added:"Our guaranteed entry process closed on 1st July but we will still be taking entries from Scottishathletics members, members of affiliated UK running clubs, and through official charity Macmillan Cancer Care and our other affiliate charities until 9th September."
Entries for the Baxters Loch Ness marathon and festival of running can be made at www.lochnessmarathon.com


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Addressing the possibility of re-signing wide receiver Wes Welker to a contract extension Friday on WEEI, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft said the Patriots hope Welker plays the rest of his career in New England, but will not break the bank to re-sign him.
Welker could become a free agent at the end of this season.
"He's - first of all, any guy on our team that I can look at face-to-face, his eyes are at my level or maybe a tad lower, it's pretty exciting," Kraft said. "Now he's just a special guy. He's a phenomenon and it's our hope that he will be someone that will be with us for the rest of his career.
"You know that we're a team that's not about trying to encourage and find people that want the last dollar, and that money is the most important thing then we'll have trouble trying to get a deal done. And I just want to say this: whether it's Wes Welker, Tom Brady, Logan Mankins, or any player - when we decide what our limit is of what we can afford to pay a player, it's not like whatever we don't pay to that player the Kraft family is putting in our pockets.
"It's about trying to build a team and have certain disciplines and know that you need a team of 53 players on your roster. So whatever money we don't give to Wes Welker is going to go to other players to build a team. But he is pretty special, and you know, he comes from a great family. We couldn't ask for a better guy. His performance, what he did last year coming back from the injury and now doing what he's doing, his performance this year is great."
To hear the interview, go to the Dennis & Callahan audio on demand page.
For more Patriots coverage, visit our team page, or our blog Pats Pulpit.


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If you are among those keeping a keen eye on China's rapidly growing smartphone ecosystem, it is safe to assume that you are already familiar with Bluboo's recently released Dual.
The Bluboo Dual has already made itself a reputation in the market by way of its high specs-to-price ratio, as well as the rather impressive camera performance that you may have recently witnessed in multiple marketing campaigns launched by the company. And now, Bluboo has come up with another video demonstrating the prowess of the dual camera setup on the Bluboo Dual.
As you know, the dual camera setup on the back of the Bluboo Dual comprises one 13MP camera with Sony IMX135 sensor and one secondary 2MP camera. While the 13MP camera captures static images like any run-of-the-mill smartphone camera (albeit with superior quality), the 2MP one is used for better depth perception of the objects.
Judging by all the demonstrations carried out by the company so far, it seems the Bluboo Dual is as competent an option for smartphone photography as high-end (and much more expensive) flagships such as the iPhone 7 Plus are.
As for selfies and video calling, the Bluboo Dual flaunts an 8MP front camera that comes equipped with features like auto-face-beauty that allow you to carry out tasks such as face slimming, skin beautifying, eyes enlarging, skin whitening, and more. Overall, the company says that the front camera enables practically anybody to instantly turn into a selfie expert.
The new Bluboo Dual is currently available on presale, meaning you still have two more days to purchase the handset for just $114.99 before the offer expires on December 18. Click here for more exciting deals on new Bluboo smartphones.


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6 Foods You Should Eat To Fight Metabolic Syndrome
Let food be thy medicine? In the case of metabolic syndrome—the cluster of conditions characterized by high levels of abdominal fat, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and insulin resistance—that could be exactly right.
People who have metabolic syndrome need up to 50% more vitamin E than those who don't have the condition, according to a recent American Journal of Clinical Nutrition study. Scientists measured the amount of vitamin E excreted by subjects with the condition, and found that people with metabolic syndrome retained significantly more vitamin E than healthy people. Since the body gets rid of excess, unnecessary vitamin E, this lead researchers to suggest that people with metabolic syndrome need more of the nutrient.
Why? People with metabolic syndrome have higher levels of oxidative stress and inflammation. Their bodies need more antioxidants like vitamin E to combat those harmful effects, researchers say.
Problem is, the vast majority of us are missing out. National nutrition surveys show that most U.S. adults don't get the recommended 15 daily mg of vitamin E—let alone higher amounts of the nutrient that people with metabolic syndrome may need. (Boost your body's key fat-fighting hormones with the plan in Prevention's The Hormone Fix.)
If you're concerned about your vitamin E levels, you could talk with your doctor about taking a supplement. But why not try eating more vitamin E-rich foods first? There are plenty of delicious options out there, like these clean picks.
Wheat germ oil
A tablespoon of this nutty oil—derived from the germ of the wheat bran—is one of the best sources of vitamin E out there: It delivers 100% of the recommended daily amount. Like its better-known cousin flaxseed oil, wheat germ oil is highly sensitive to heat, so it's best in uncooked dishes. Try using it in salad dressings, or adding a drizzle to smoothies (like one of these 20 super-healthy smoothie recipes).
Sunflower seeds
Protein-packed almonds deliver nearly as much vitamin E as sunflower seeds. If you're tired of eating them plain, try chopping them finely and using them as a coating for chicken or fish instead of breadcrumbs. Or, use almond butter to make soups thick and creamy. (Here are 6 more reasons to eat a handful of nuts ASAP.)
Prevention Premium: 2 Foods That Banish Belly Fat
You'll get a quarter of the RDA for vitamin E from a handful of hazelnuts. Pair them with a square of dark chocolate (tastes like Nutella!) or scatter toasted, chopped hazelnuts over roasted root vegetables for a nutty crunch. (You can make your own chocolate hazelnut butter with this DIY recipe.)
Pick cooked over raw—a cup of the steamed greens delivers 20% of the RDA for vitamin E. Drizzle steamed spinach with garlic-infused oil for a quick side dish (or try this healthier version of creamed spinach). Or add extra nutrition to humus or yogurt dip by folding in chopped cooked, cooled spinach. (Sick of spinach? Try these 10 green smoothie recipes that don't use any.)
You'll get close to 15% of the RDA for vitamin E in a cup of cooked broccoli. And while it's always tasty as a side dish, consider moving it to the center of your plate: Slice broccoli crosswise into thick "steaks," sear in a hot pan, and top with a drizzle of fresh pesto for a surprising meatless main.
Watch Next
Is Greek Yogurt Good for You?
The Difference Between Scallions and Green Onions
Does Enzyme Coffee for Weight Loss Really Work?
3 Nutrients That Might Improve Your Wellbeing


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The nitty gritty of safe exercise during pregnancy…what you really need to know
Have you ever flicked through a pregnancy book or health websites looking for specific information about safe exercise during pregnancy and received very general, and not particularly helpful, advice along the lines of "just listen to your body?"
Taryn Watson, a Perth-based physiotherapist with a Masters degree in Continence & Women's Health, and owner of FitRight has written an informative article providing us with the specifics on why we should modify our pregnancy exercise routine and how to do it.
FitRight provides a variety of small group pilates and fitness classes for expectant mums all over Perth and Mandurah, as well as PregEd pregnancy education and pelvic floor assessment workshops.
*This post is a collaboration between FitRight and Wholehearted Family Health.
First, get the all clear
There is no question about it – research has consistently shown that exercising during pregnancy has multiple health benefits for both the mother and the unborn baby.
However, every pregnant woman has a different journey and different challenges, and one size does not fit all when it comes to choosing and modifying an exercise program. A medical all-clear from the professional who is monitoring your pregnancy is essential before exercising, and restrictions may need to be put in place for things like a low lying placenta, or high blood pressure.
Assuming that you're given the medical all-clear to exercise, let's talk about how you can modify what you love so that you can continue to keep fit in a safe way. And, even more importantly, let's talk about WHY these modifications are necessary. By knowing whether a modification is recommended because of potential danger to the baby, or because of potential harm to you as the mother, you can be empowered to choose how you exercise.
Exercises that can negatively affect the baby…
1. Exercise causing excessive load on the cardiovascular system
During pregnancy, the mother's heart has to pump blood (containing all-important oxygen and nutrients) to two bodies instead of one. This is an extra 'physiological load', which even from very early in pregnancy can lead to the mother feeling more breathless at low levels of exercise as well as feeling faint due to low blood pressure or low blood sugar levels.
As the baby grows, all the abdominal contents are pushed upwards, creating an additional 'physical load' on the mother's heart and lungs. This can also lead to feelings of breathlessness and light-headedness and can cause detrimental decreases in blood flow to the mother and the baby.
Modifications to be considered due to these extra loads on the cardiovascular systems:
1) Pregnant women need to ensure that they exercise at an appropriate intensity so that their body can still provide enough oxygen to their baby. In general, it has been found that monitoring heart rate in pregnancy is not a very accurate reflection of the blood flow to the baby.
Instead, it is recommended to use a 'Rate of Perceived Exertion', and to not get above the level of 14 out of 20. In real terms, this usually means exercising at a level where you could still hold a conversation (but not necessarily still be able to sing!).
2) You may have heard about not exercising while lying flat on your back because it can cause 'Supine Hypotension.' This is a decrease in blood pressure and a potential decrease in blood flow to the baby due to the weight of the pregnant belly putting pressure on an important blood vessel near the heart called the Inferior Vena Cava. When this vein is compressed, it can cause the mother to feel dizzy and light-headed and could be causing a decrease in blood and oxygen to the baby.
Therefore, it is recommended from about 18 weeks of pregnancy, to modify any exercise lying on your back to a semi-recumbent position, and keep the abdomen lower than the chest when getting your heart rate up.
3) Straining and breath-holding should be avoided during exercise in pregnancy. This is referred to as a 'Valsalva Maneuver' and usually would happen when people are lifting, pushing or pulling very heavy loads. The reason that this affects the cardiovascular system is that it greatly increases the pressure on the uterus and can cause a drop in blood flow to the baby.
Therefore, decreasing the weight and increasing the repetitions during resistance exercises can ensure that the pregnant woman is exercising at a level where the blood flow to the uterus is not compromised.
2. Exercise causing overheating
Core temperature increases in a pregnant woman of more than 1.5 degrees can be dangerous to the unborn baby. This is mainly an issue in the first trimester when important developments in the baby's neural system require the mother's core temperature to stay within normal limits.
Research has shown that these core temperature changes usually occur only in very extreme circumstances, like very hot saunas and spas.
However, exercise should be modified to ensure that there is always good airflow and ventilation, regular rests are able to be taken, and the pregnant woman never feels that she is overheating. Safety should be considered with Bikram yoga, cardio gym classes in enclosed indoor spaces, and hydrotherapy pools – although it has been shown with recent research that moderate-intensity exercise in pools up to 33 degrees Celsius (most hydrotherapy pools are between 31-33 degrees) is safe for the mother and baby, and does not cause an excessive increase in core muscle temperature.
3. Exercises involving the danger of force to the abdomen
Before about 15-20 weeks of pregnancy, the womb is tucked down low in the abdomen and the baby is protected by the pelvic bones. After this time, when the baby is above the pelvic brim, although small forces to the abdomen can be well absorbed by the fluid around the baby, excessive forces could harm the unborn baby.
For this reason, it is recommended to avoid ball sports, contact sports, and exercises with a risk of falling (such as box jumps, trampolining, gymnastics etc).
Once you understand the exercise modifications that you need to make to keep the baby safe during pregnancy, the next thing is to be well informed about the modifications that are recommended for your own health. These are things that can prevent you from experiencing common issues to do with your joints, muscles, connective tissue and organs during and after pregnancy.
Exercises that could affect your own health…
1. Those that put a strain on the pelvic floor muscles
The pelvic floor is an extremely important group of muscles and connective tissue that literally makes up the floor of your pelvis. It is responsible for keeping our bladder and bowel from leaking, supporting our pelvic organs to prevent vaginal prolapse, supporting our lower back and pelvic joints, and helping to keep sexual intercourse enjoyable.
Pregnancy can stretch and weaken the pelvic floor in two ways – it can be from the physical load of the weight of the growing baby and uterus, and it can also be from the physiological relaxing of the muscles and ligaments due to the pregnancy hormone relaxin, which makes the area more flexible for childbirth. Vaginal birth can then stretch and potentially injure the pelvic floor muscles further.
You can exercise these muscles to keep them strong and functioning well. However, some types of exercise can repetitively increase pressure on this already challenged muscle, and this could increase your risk of pelvic floor muscle weakness (and associated bladder or bowel leakage, vaginal prolapse etc). The types of exercise that could increase the load on that area would be:
- High impact exercise like running, jumping, skipping
- Abdominal muscle exercises such as crunches, planks, pull-ups and Russian Twists
- Heavy weight training
While these exercises are not in the category of those that could harm the baby, it is worth considering the pros and cons of continuing exercises that would put extra pressure on an area that is already at risk of damage.
It could be helpful to your pelvic floor to keep exercise low impact and low load during pregnancy (or at least during the second and third trimesters as the baby's weight increases), and could improve the recovery of these muscles after birth.
2. Exercises that could exacerbate abdominal muscle separation
No doubt you've heard about abdominal muscle separation, more correctly termed Rectus Abdominis Diastasis (RAD) during and after pregnancy, and you're wondering how to avoid it. The reality is, however, that every woman who reaches full term in her pregnancy will need her six-pack abdominal muscles to stretch apart from each other in the midline, otherwise, there wouldn't be enough space for the baby to grow.
RAD is normal and a necessary adaptation during pregnancy, what needs to be realised is that this adaptation means that in the midline of a pregnant belly there is only thin connective tissue rather than thick muscles, and also that the stretching and separation means that the six-pack muscle is at a big mechanical disadvantage and can't work as efficiently as usual.
Strain through the separated muscles, especially when it causes 'doming' or 'coning' when the midline bulges outwards, could set you up for abdominal hernias, back pain and difficulty training the six-pack muscles to return to their normal state after you give birth.
So what impact does this have on exercise in pregnancy, and how should you modify your program to avoid putting strain through the weakened tissue in the midline of your pregnant belly?
It is recommended that after the muscles start to separate, which is usually around 16-20 weeks, you should avoid exercises that use the six-pack muscle, and to monitor whether any exercises cause that typical 'doming' that would indicate strain. This usually would occur with sit-ups, planks, pull-ups, muscle-ups, Russian twists and other similar exercises.
This doesn't mean that you can't do abdominal muscle exercises, you just need to talk to a qualified physiotherapist or fitness professional about what type of core muscle exercises (usually ones that target the deeper layers of abdominal muscles) that you can do without 'doming'.
3. Exercises that could cause pelvic joint pain and dysfunction
Relaxin is an amazing hormone released by the pregnant body, which enables your connective tissue to be more stretchy. This occurs mainly in the pelvis in preparation for a vaginal birth, but can also occur in other body joints too.
We have three 'pelvic girdle' joints – the pubic symphysis joint at the front of your pelvis, and the two sacroiliac joints on either side of the back of your pelvis, where your pelvis joins to the lower spine.
Pain in one or more of these joints occurs in up to half of pregnant women, and usually occurs when the joints are loaded when you put weight down through one leg, like with getting out of the car, or getting up from the floor. Usually, it will occur as a sharp, sudden pain, and/or a clicking sensation, at the front or back of the pelvis.
If you experience pain like this, it is important to get it assessed by a physiotherapist who specialises in pregnancy, as it can get progressively worse without good management. You should also modify your exercise program so that you avoid single-leg-loaded activities like lunges, step-ups and running.
Pregnant women may wish to pre-emptively avoid these single-leg-loaded exercises to avoid stress through potentially vulnerable joints. There are many variations of these exercises that involve weight-bearing through both legs together or having a smaller base of support, which may decrease the risk of experiencing pelvic girdle pain.
It is important to note that if you still choose to participate in high impact exercise, or do abdominal muscle exercises during pregnancy, the research has not shown any link between this and harm to the unborn baby.
More about FitRight
FitRight PregEd 3 hour pregnancy education workshops cover the topics of pelvic floor, abdominal muscles, safe exercise and more, and also include an individual pelvic floor muscle screening test for all participants. Numbers are strictly limited to 6 participants and the workshop is fully rebateable under physiotherapy initial consult on private health insurance. To find out more CLICK HERE.
FitRight Bump&Me – Pregnancy pilates runs for 6 weeks, in small groups with a physiotherapist instructor. Packed full of educational tips and exercise routines that will optimise flexibility, core strength, posture and more. The cost is rebateable on private health insurance and it is a pre-requisite to have had a pelvic floor muscle assessment either in a PregEd workshop or as part of an individual assessment with a specialist physio. For more info CLICK HERE.
This post is sponsored by FitRight.
Absolutely loved reading this article it is super informative and a really well organised, concise summary of the essential information related to exercise in pregnancy. Thankyou so much!


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Somewhere along the way, somebody invented the idea of 'Transformation Tuesday'.
Basically, on social media, this is an excuse to post before/after pictures of people who have had an impressive physical transformation of sorts. I've done it too, people do like to see the photos. Although I do not like to call them before/after. I like to say 'Then and Now' or 'Before and Present Day'. I don't really see anything wrong with this idea. The pics are motivational and inspirational to a lot of folks. A lot of people encourage me to keep posting my story because it shows them that if I can do it with my obstacles, then they can too.
Here's the thing. There's always a thing, ya know. The photos do not show the transformation of habits, and thoughts, and the psychology that goes on behind the scenes. People see pictures, and they think – oh wow, she exercised and worked her butt off; and watched what she ate, and she had success. She must have amazing will power and dedication. She's so strong. I get messages from complete strangers saying things like that, which is nice.
The pictures don't show the tears, and the struggle, and the frustration … and the fear … and the anxiety … and the constant mind-game that goes on ~ wondering if you're enough, if you can actually do this thing. And the prayers. I don't usually have anyone taking pictures of me in prayer, handing it all over to God, because Heaven knows I cannot do this on my own anyway.
I'm not going to lie. If you have a weight problem, weight loss is hard. Permanent, lasting weight loss anyway. You have to start with your head before your can change your body. And in some cases you may have to start with your heart. You have to get to the core of the problem. Sometimes it's medical and physical. Sometimes it's emotional. Whatever it is – figure that crap out. Or it will just keep rearing its ugly head like the demon that it is. You can read magazines, and study diet and exercise plans all ding dang day, but if you're not seriously ready to change your lifestyle, and address the core of the issues … don't waste your time.
What do you see when you look in the mirror? Do you see your flaws first? Do you really SEE yourself? Do you see fat? Do you see beauty? Start paying attention to how you see yourself. It matters. And how you think about yourself matters even more. And what you say about yourself is critical. If you want to transform your body, start by transforming your thoughts. Transform how you talk to yourself. Believe me, it matters, I tell ya.
Yes, people love to see my fat photos. People love to hear about how much weight I've lost. But they're usually not overly interested in the emotional scars, or the decades of war I spent with myself to arrive at this place. And that's okay. My only point is this. Don't let it take you decades. Seriously, there is no time like the present. Stop fighting with yourself, and start partnering with God.
So, yay for 'Transformation Tuesday'. I do confess that I like wearing size 8 jeans and size medium tops. I'm blown away that my bra is now 34D, when at one time it was like 52F, I think. But you know what's even sweeter? Being at peace with my body. Not at war.
As always, make champion choices,
The Healthy Habit Lady


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How many of you have ever felt like you went to church and the pastor's words went in one ear and out the other. "Oh, last week's sermon was wonderful…. Too bad I can't remember what it was…." I've done that far too often. So, I've decided to start taking notes each Sabbath so that I can share the highlights from the sermon with you all. I can't promise I'll share these highlights every week, but I will take notes every week. This way I'll be able to glean more from the sermon, remember it better, and also be able to share what I've learned.
So, what in the world was our Sabbath speaker doing talking about the importance of impatience? No, that was not a typo. I meant to say IMpatience and so did the speaker! Here are the highlights from his sermon, and by the end I hope you come to realize the importance of impatience just as much as I did.
Our speaker told how he was planning to move to Indiana from New York. When he and his wife told their little daughter (who was probably about 3 or 4 years old) about the upcoming move, she became very excited. You see, her grandma and grandpa lived in Indiana, and so she knew that Indiana was great place to be. The next day when the speaker and his wife had to go to town for something. Their daughter seemed very excited to go along. However, when they arrived at the store, she began to cry. When they asked her what was wrong, she replied, "This isn't Indiana." They then realized that she had thought they were moving to Indiana right away. They tried to explain to her that it would be a few weeks before they moved. Still, every time the speaker and his wife got in the car and drove somewhere, their little girl would ask, "Are we going to Indiana?", "Is today the day we go to Indiana?" She couldn't wait for moving day!
The early disciples experienced something similar. In Acts 1:6-8 we see them asking Jesus, "Lord, is now the time that you will restore the kingdom to Israel?" Then in verses 9-11 we see Christ having to explain to them once again that they were confused about His mission. Then He left them and returned to heaven. This was not what they were expecting. Afterward they got together in Jerusalem. They did a lot of soul-searching. They kept remembering what the two angels said them about Jesus soon return, and began to see Jesus' words to them in a new light. They remembered His promise to come again, and His statements that His kingdom was not of this world, and they finally began to understand His plan.
Their next question, naturally, was When will He return? Then they remembered His parable about the master who went away whose servants did not know when he would return, and they too had to be ready at all times, just like those servants. Christ's immanent coming was at the forefront of their minds. They were not thinking about getting ready, they were thinking about being ready. They didn't think about this world. They were ready at every moment to leave this world.
Matthew 18:2-3 shows us that there are a lot of traits of little children that are also traits of converted Christians. Especially impatience. Wait, isn't patience is a fruit of the Spirit? Yes, but sometimes patience is not helpful. Do you really want your ambulance driver to be patient? Point made.
If you tell a child, "We're going to the park today," you'd better be heading out the door on your way to the park when you say it. Otherwise you're going to hear, "When are we going?", "Are we going to the park now?" every five minutes. We adults get tired of children constantly asking, "When are we going…." God, on the other hand, never tires of His children asking, "When are You coming?" "When are we going to heaven?" He wants His children to have no time for the world. He wants us to be impatient for His coming.
We don't have time for delays. We don't have time to get ready. "Oh, when I'm older and done with [fill in the blank], then I'll get my life together." No! We have to be ready. The early Christians were perpetually ready for Jesus to come. They also knew that they had to continue in this life until He did. We can't just sell our houses and sit around waiting for Him to appear. 2 Peter 3:14 informs us what we need to be doing until He does come: "And so, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things [read vs. 8-11] to happen, make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in his sight."
Our speaker's little girl finally stopped asking about moving to Indiana. You can only ask "When…" and get the answer of "In a few weeks" so many times before you give up asking. The same thing happened to the early church. They became complacent. They got caught up in the cares of this world. This is where Christ wanted them to not be like little children. He wanted them to grow up. You see, there's a difference between child-likeness and childishness. It is child-like faith that helps us to get excited about Jesus' coming and to be ready each day. Childishness causes us to eventually forget and fall into complacency. Paul says, "When I grew up, I put away childish things" (1 Cor. 13:11). We also need to be mature Christians. We need to follow the counsel in Mark 13:33 to stay on guard at all times.
Moving day came, and our speaker woke his daughter up to tell her, "Today is the day!" She rubbed her eyes and said, matter-of-factly, "No, in a couple weeks."
2 Peter 3:3-4. It's sad that there are those in our churches who say the same things as the scoffers mentioned in these verses. How many times have you heard, "Yes, Jesus will come, but probably not in my lifetime." What about you? What do you think about Jesus' soon coming? Are you laying up your treasure in heaven? Do you believe so strongly in the immanent return of Christ that it affects everything you do? If we don't, we will become complacent. What we need is impatience in regard to the second coming.
Jesus is looking for an impatient people. Those who will look for His soon coming without scoffing. Those who can say–and really mean it–Maranatha!!


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Useful Information about Budapest
Hungary's difficult local language shouldn't scare you away. We provide here information available in English to help you.
Budapest divided into two by the lazy silver snake - the river Danube - fascinates visitors and locals alike every day. Her statues, lights, cultural events and unique medicinal springs that fashion caves in the hills of Buda will make you return for sure!
- foreign representancies in Hungary; addresses, phone numbers
- a rich English database about the Hungarian Holocaust of the Holocaust Museum; links, articles, photos and more
- the most important cultural and musical event of Budapest in the life of the Hungarian Jewry on international scale
- the only one in town
- information in English about tickets, schedule, night services, transportation history etc.
The political system changed in Hungary after 1990, and one of the results was that several statues were removed from the streets of Budapest to this museum. It's a unique collection of gigantic statues that survived demolishion. An exciting outdoor museum in Eastern Europe for those interested in a bygone era.
c. all rights reserved Hidden Treasure Tours Ltd. 2006-2007.


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The result: an easy, practical, and chic summer date night look.
Shop the post:
Some of our favorite summer dates are:
- Go for walks together- this is a great de-stressor
- Exercise together- B loves (I'm not sure he would use this word) to bike, while I go for a run
- Bring dinner to concerts on the beach
- Grab grinders, a good read, and watch the sunset on the beach
- Eat outdoors- We pick places based on their outdoor seating. My favorite thing is to get dressed up for some wine & apps on an outdoor patio.


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Infinity Loop Online - click to play online for free at m.abcya.games
Infinity Loop Online is the online release of the astound game Infinity Loop, you can play on mobile and tablet without annoying ad.Some people say this game is a good puzzle game but with a great zen mode. The goal is to clear your mind, remove the stress from your daily life without any pressure or tension to solve the levels. In this game you have to make circle by alter the course of these bends. There are many levels are sitting tight for you, have an attempt!
Also from this series: Train Dynamite or 7 Moves at http://m.abcya.games/. Enjoy!!


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I guess my beloved Manny Machado tee-shirt had a little mojo left in it afterall.
If your baseball season has to end before October – and for 19 teams the season ended Sunday – then the best you can do is hope to win your last game.
7-6 … Orioles over Red Sox.
It's always nice to beat the Boston Red Sox on the last day of the season.
Sometimes that single win can change everything, like in 2011. This year, it didn't mean as much, except that the Good Guys won and Jim Johnson got the save and notched his second consecutive 50-save season.
(Not exactly pretty, but watch the recap as the O's come from down 5-0 to win, here.)
Quick, flip the channel!
7-6 … Giants over Padres.
Another exciting comeback … a walk-off win! Apparently the Manny Machado tee-shirt is also soft on the Giants.
(Recap, here.)
But, now, I got nowhere to be until next season.
Have you ever been invited to a party that you didn't want to go to? You don't really know the people, they seem a little strange … you're not going to know anyone there … they live in a weird part of town … they're not as much fun as your friends … and all you really want to do is stay home and watch TV?
But, you go anyway, because … because …
Because oh, I don't know, maybe there will be snacks?
Hello, post-season.
I've been looking for a post-season team to follow. Just a temporary, meaningless fling. Someone to pass the time with for the next few weeks. I asked for suggestions.
I have a lot of Red Sox friends. I thought they might put in a good word for their fuzzy-faced team. But, silence.
Over waffles Sunday morning, one baseball observer (who asked to remain anonymous because he has friends who love the Red Sox) said, "There's no conceivable way I could root for the Red Sox in the post season, unless somehow North Korea managed to field a team. Actually, though, North Korea's never really done anything to me, so I don't know."
(This riveting "Has North Korea really ever done anything to me?" conversation continued until it was interrupted when he went to chase the cow out of the yard.)
But, just when I thought no one wanted this lonely Oriole fan's support, I got a couple posts from Oakland A's fans.
OK, that's possible. Just going from the O's to the A's is simple vowel-hopping.
I've actually been to Oakland Coliseum, though many years ago (pre-sewage).
In August, I took photos of A's outfielder Coco Crisp before a game at Camden Yards.
(In my Yoga classes, we call this Giraffe Pose.)
I have this tee-shirt.
Alright, I'll wear it. (But, I'm still gonna wear my Orioles cap.)
Let's do this.
Go A's.
(Dear Orioles, please rest up. Dear Chris Davis and Manny Machado, please rest your injured parts. We have a World Series to win next year. Thank you for a great season! Amen.)
Just 183 days until Opening Day.


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Artist Kingsley Ifill wants you to destroy his work
"The theme is that there isn't one" artist Kingsley Ifill writes via email about his new exhibition, Mute, at Golborne Gallery. A follow-up to sTutter, his first solo exhibition which explored the inability to "find the words", Ifill's new work is about refusing to say anything at all, pressing mute in social situations, or rather, "saying less in order to say more".
The Kent-based artist's utilisation of junk and everyday ephemera — from glass jars to hair clippers — is a critique on artworld elitism and comes from a desire to keep things "down to earth". Ultimately, the goal is to redraw the gap between viewer and artist: "For nearly the past four years, I've lived and worked out of an isolated town in Kent, just over 60 miles south of London. Nobody comes to visit and I spend 95% of the time alone when here," he tells Dazed. Working in almost complete isolation affords the artist a unique take on modern conversations.
Last week, Ifill posted on Instagram that visitors can physically disrupt one of the pieces, Domestic, if they choose. See Ifill's thought-inspiring, singular show before it closes next week, or before it's destroyed completely.
Dazed Digital: Hi Kingsley. What does your studio look like?
Kingsley Ifill: Up until recently, my studios have been the opposite of the classic white space you see most people working from. In 2013, I built a darkroom on a building site where I taught myself to print colour photos during all nighters for about a year and a half. Thick with dust, no ventilation, tin foil used to black out the windows, it looked like a meth lab. I then moved to a space above a furniture store only accessible via a ladder leading to a hole in the ceiling Anne Frank style. Basically a brick shed but colder, nicknamed by my girlfriend at the time as "The Treehouse". Then up until this summer, for a year I rented an ex-British Legion working men's pub, overlooking the sea, that was waiting to be torn down. Dance-floor, pool table room, bar area, the full monty, all looking the same as it was in use, minus the alcoholics. I used the sprung wooden dance floor to print large scale paintings, the men's toilet served as a wet room for washing down screens and what would of been the beer barrel room behind the bar was a dungeon-y looking darkroom for printing photos. Sounds like a dream but I couldn't have been more happy when the landlord came knocking with the notice. Currently, I'm in my first white space. When I moved in a few months ago, I was suddenly confronted with everything I'd made in the last year, stacked up in a new space. It felt like moving into a fresh newly built house with ten ex-girlfriends. Completely overwhelmed by whatever energy had been absorbed into the work, I ended up putting everything into storage. Out of sight, out of mind... I wish. And that's how I'm trying to work now. Minimally, sharing the space with just the machines and equipment needed to get to where I need to go and once something is finished, or needs a break, it leaves the room. But don't get me wrong, even now this probably makes me sound as if I'm some zen monk, I'm far from it and there's still a comfortable amount of organised clutter.
One of your works reads "Hubba Bubba", another reads "Thieves sell £500k work for £46". What role does humour play in your work?
KI: It seems like there's a serious and humorous side to most things in life, depending on how you want to look at it. There's no reason why everything can't be both. Maybe it's a British thing. The constant flow of terrible jokes, making light of bad situations. Levelling the scales. Or maybe it's working out of the town where I am, that subconsciously, I've got in mind that despite however serious the subject is that I'm dealing with, there's the possibility that someone with no knowledge or interest in art could come in at any moment and I'd want them to be able to understand what was in front of them, even if it meant mocking and laughing at what they saw. In no way am I implying that my work is a joke or not serious, but rather that most of the time, amongst the layers, there's a humorous or sarcastic gesture sitting there if the viewer wants to look hard enough. And maybe that's an attempt at keeping the work down to earth and not for some kind of elite few.
You've invited people to smash one of your artworks — why?
KI: It's an attempt to close the gap of the relationship between viewer and artist that currently exists within the stagnant sterile environment that galleries promote to benefit themselves and the bourgeois that write the rules. The more that I'm showing work publicly, the more I'm becoming aware that art galleries fundamentally exist on the same governing principles found in politics, the military or even the church. Rules, rankings and regulations. The illusion of a hierarchy to produce profit to ensure that the control of expression is maintained by those that sit with the tip of the point stuck up their arses at the top of the pyramid. Most of it is bullshit. If art could be defined as one thing, it's the freedom to do whatever you want. With that said, Golborne Gallery is an exception to the above. It's an artist-run space and I can't put into words how grateful I am to them for taking a risk and letting me show this work with them.
Was the idea inspired by anything, a previous stunt for example?
KI: The invitation is also somewhat influenced by Antonin Artaud's essay "No More Masterpieces" as well as Susan Sontag's "The Aesthetics of Silence" and "Against Interpretation". I wonder if we are at a stage in time where we need to cut back, in order to cleanse our senses if we hope to make progress? Does what comes before us here today have any relevance? Duchamp had no solution, because he had no problem. I've got questions but maybe there's no answers. As Sontag stated, "As the activity of the mystic must end in a via negative, a theology of God's absence, a craving for the cloud of unknowingness beyond knowledge and for the silence beyond speech, so art must tend toward anti-art, the elimination of the "subject" (the "object, the "image"), the substitution of chance for intention, and the pursuit of silence." Praise be to her, Amen.
'Mute' is on view until the 23rd December. Golborne Gallery, 72 Golborne Road, London, W10 5PS. Thursday-Saturday 11am-6pm/Sunday 12-4pm or by appointment.


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The Anderson-Dupont specimen of J1539/P1708 is being offered by Stacks in their September 1999 sale for the first time in 45 years. This coin, although cataloged as J1539 (actually AW1538) in the Anderson-Dupont sale, was described as the Dibello example of J1538/P1706 in the Lester Merkin February 1971 sale apparently in error. This error was repeated in my 1877 half dollar pedigree article in the 'Encyclopedia' section of this website. Because of this, I had classified J1539/P1708 as unique in the pattern concordance with the only specimen known being the former Dr. Judd coin which is the plate coin in his book.
These two errors have now been corrected.
The coin itself appears to be a choice red and brown proof with a spotted obverse. It remains to be seen what it will bring.
The coin realized $11,500


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Enlist as an IN Beer Brigadier to receive exclusive members-only benefits and beer while supporting Hoosier brewers and the non-profit Brewers of Indiana Guild.
Already a member? Sign in here for access to your membership card, tickets, and more.
Enlist Now
How do I get my membership card?
No membership card is necessary for the program, but IN Beer Brigade members can sign in to access their membership information here.
Can I upgrade my base annual membership to a premium level?
All members receive the same premium benefits listed at brigade.beer.
Can I buy a membership as a gift?
To purchase a membership as a gift, purchase at brigade.beer then contact us to switch your membership over to a gift in a friend or family member's name.
No single person may have multiple memberships. Every membership must be associated with one email address. Membership will be verified and IDs will be verified for 21+ age upon entrance to Brigadier events.
Do I need a membership to get access to the beer/events/glassware?
Access to each year's collaboration beer and the limited-edition glassware is limited to IN Beer Brigade members, though we welcome members to bring a guest to the release event of their choice.
Guests will not receive complimentary collab beer for carryout, glassware, or other exclusive member benefits, but 21+ guests and other non-members may purchase IN Beer Brigade memberships at the door.
Brigade beers are one-off batches brewed in limited quantities. If the current batch is no longer available, those interested in becoming new members in the Brigade will be notified of this prior to joining. Members who join after this year's beer is no longer available may still join us at the release events and will be guaranteed to receive the next year's beer.
Basically, if this year's canned beer won't be available because other members joined the Brigade before new members, we'll let potential new members know before signing up for membership. Once they sign up, new members can still join us at this year's release events and will receive next year's beer.
Can I get a refund?
All membership purchases are final.
What shirt do I get each year?
New members will receive an IN Beer Brigade logo tee at the release event they attend, or in person if signing up at a beer fest.
Renewed members will receive this year's collaboration tee at the release event they attend.
Collaboration tees will be available to new members for purchase at the release event of their choice.
Can I exchange my t-shirt for a different size?
Please contact us for details on exchanges. Only t-shirts that haven't been worn or washed may be exchanged.
While we prefer to exchange shirts in person and cannot reimburse you for shipping return costs, we will pay to ship the right size of shirt to you after we receive the original.
When will I get my glassware?
Limited edition glassware will be available for you to pick up at one of the release events you choose to attend.
If you can't be at the event, you may send a 21+ proxy with your printed event registration.
All memberships will be verified upon entry. Beer and glassware will not be shipped nor distributed outside of the events.
Where are the private events, and when?
The next release events will take place in late 2019/early 2020.
The private events' locations and dates are emailed to members and shared on our events page.
Members receive an email inviting them to claim up to two complimentary tickets (one for them, one for a 21+ guest) to any release events of their choice, though allotments of beer and merch may be claimed only once per year per membership.
Memberships will be verified at the door.
There will be at least one event every year in each of the 5 regions of the state: North West, North, Central, South Central, and South.
When will I get my ticket to the event?
Event registration is required and will be available as events are confirmed and announced.
Announcements and invitations are sent via Eventbrite, so please do not unsubscribe to Eventbrite emails, or else you won't receive your invitation.
If you don't receive an invitation to register for the event in your inbox at least 72 hours before the event, please check your spam folder, and if you don't see it then, please contact us.
Printed tickets are not required unless you are sending a proxy in your place.
What if I can't be at any of the events to receive my complimentary beer and glassware?
You may send a proxy as long as they're 21+ years old and can provide proof of your membership via a printed event registration ticket.
Beer and glassware will not be shipped and will not be available outside of the release events.
Unfortunately, we cannot hold beer for later pickup or release outside of the private events.
Can I buy extra tickets to the events?
No, though every IN Beer Brigade member may bring one guest to the events of their choice.
Guests will not receive glassware, complimentary carry-out of the beer, or t-shirts. However, guests may purchase memberships at the door.
Will Designated Drivers who aren't members be allowed in?
A DD may join you as your +1. They must be 21+ with valid ID and will not be allowed to drink or purchase alcohol.
Can I buy extra packages of the collaboration beers?
Additional packaged beer will not be available for purchase, but members may purchase full pours at any of the private events.
When will future beers be announced?
As soon as details are confirmed. The next release events will take place in late 2019/early 2020.
2018's collab brew was hosted by Upland and is no longer available.
Learn more at brigade.beer.
I have another question that isn't answered here.
Please contact us; we'd love to help you!


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Cascading Moon By Kelkay 44006 is a fully self contained water feature. This striking sphere water feature gives off a soothing sound of bubbling water, making it ideal for those looking to create a tranquil and relaxing atmosphere. With its eye catching appearance this feature will become a firm favourite amongst friends and family. Fully self contained therefore no digging required you simply plug and play. Made from GRC (Glassfibre Reinforced Concrete) that has the appearance of natural stone but much lighter
Key Features
Seen a "like for like" product at a lower price?
Email or call 0161 375 1232 - we endeavour to beat all prices.
|30 Days to Return
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There's nothing quite like a refreshing cocktail on a warm summer day in the city of Tampa. Whether enjoying a libation in the sunshine along the Riverwalk, or against the neon glow of one of the city's hidden gems, Tampa is a place for spirit enthusiasts. Soon, a vehicle powered by a true affinity for fine spirits will find its way to our bustling city.
Cucumber slicing vehicle en route to Tampa
World Cucumber Day inspired Hendrick's Gin to take its craft on the road. The brand announced the launch of two new cucumber slicers. One, a tabletop petite garnisher, produces the perfect cucumber garnish in your home. The second, The Grand Garnisher, is, as Hendrick's describes, an unusually prodigious semi-automated machine capable of slicing cucumbers while cruising at road speeds of up to 25mph.
The unlikely hybrid of a dapper gentleman pedaling a large-wheeled bicycle and a diesel motor helps make the grand garnisher work.
The vehicle made its maiden voyage to NYC on June 14 — which happens to be World Cucumber Day. Following the trip to the Big Apple, The Grand Garnisher now sets its sights on major cities across the US.
Refreshing craft cocktails ride into town this November
November 28-30, The Grand Garnisher will make a pit stop in Tampa. Cucumber slices will be delivered to patrons' cups courtesy of a conveyer belt.
The means by which the perfect slice is made may seem arduous, but crafting the perfect cocktail is a meticulous labor of love.
Atlas Obscura expertly describes the process:
To operate the Hendrick's Grand Garnisher, one must first climb atop the vessel's crown, where ambassador Mark Stoddard cycles to keep the machine's gears grinding. Near the gentleman's hip rests a French Horn…or is it? Sliding a cucumber into this "instrument" activates the device's culinary engine: an elaborate system of pneumatic tubing, interlocking gears and rotating blades.
Quick guide to Hendrick's cocktails
Hendrick's will also visit Jacksonville (November 16-18) and Miami (December 5-9) during its time in the Sunshine State. Hendrick's will hit 21 cities across 15 states. Learn more about the tour on the Hendrick's website.
What cocktails should you be prepared to savor?
- Cucumber 75 — Hendrick's Gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, cucumber wheels, dry sparkling wine.
- Cucumber Basil Smash — Hendrick's Gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, on small bunch of basil, three cucumber wheels.
- Hendrick's and Tonic — Hendrick's Gin, premium tonic water.


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The Homesick Club by Libby Martinez, illustrated by Rebecca Gibbon (9781773061641)
Monica and Hannah go to school together and have formed The Homesick Club at their lunch table. Monica is from Bolivia and misses the time she spent with her grandmother feeding the hummingbirds. Hannah is from Israel and she is homesick for the sunshine and desert tortoise that she loved. When their class gets a new teacher, Miss Shelby, she seems to be homesick too for Texas. She talks longingly about the wide-open sky and the stars now that she lives in a big city with skyscrapers. The girls invite Miss Shelby to join their Homesick Club and she does! It's there that she shares her longing for Hummingbird Cake. Now Monica has just the right inspiration for her presentation to the class.
This picture book explores what it feels like to be a transplant from somewhere else whether it be from elsewhere in the country or from another country entirely. The author cleverly equates these two, leaving no questions about who belongs in our country and why. Rather the focus here is about the emotional toll homesickness takes and how sharing those feelings with someone else can be healing for everyone.
The art in this picture book is light and airy. Using plenty of white space, it is playful and colorful. It sets a nice tone for the book, showing everyone's differences but also reinforcing the similarities that we all have as well.
Resilience, friendship and cake. What else could you need? Appropriate for ages 4-6.
Reviewed from e-galley provided by Groundwood Books.


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Helpful and healing narratives curated from CMAJ's Humanities section.
This anthology of prose and poetry of some 100 Canadian authors including Drs. David Goldbloom, Shane Neilson, Allan Peterkin and Monica Kidd, has been specially curated and includes a study guide. It provides fuel for discussion in classrooms and groups as learners' and physicians' increase their insight into the patients' experience of illness, improve their communication skills and complement the science of medicine with a patient-centred focus.
Encounters is available in print and digital format. Please note that Encounters is only available in English.
To order a print copy, please add to cart below.
To download a digital version, please click here. (https://shop.cma.ca/collections/publications/products/encounters)


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Animated Character
One thing you'll notice while conversing with Zane is that his hands are animated while he describes something. I don't remember if I do this nor Faith, but he's been doing it for quite some time.
Now this is while he's explaining something to you, of course, not when you are asking him what he'd like for dinner. In the later case you are lucky if he responds at all, much less rationally. The other night he was asking for "scrambled french fries." Fries with eggs? Cheesy fries? Tater tots? No, no, no. But when pressed for details he simply ignored us and asked for them again. Which pretty much summarizes communications with Zane these days: he's either asking or demanding something, or ignoring everyone. Well, not totally true, he'll chip in with a "No, I'm Zane O!" from time to time in case you'd forgotten or it sounds like you might be addressing him otherwise. We had a somewhat fun conversation a while back when I said he was the NO kid. He said "I'm Zane O!" and I replied with, "Zane, No?" This threw him for a bit and I think he realized what happened as he was very careful about enunciating the O in his reply.


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As the State of D.C. Schools report notes, since the passage of the Public Education Reform Amendment Act of 2007, public school enrollment has increased and the District has become the fastest-improving state and urban district in the nation. Families are empowered by and overwhelmingly confident in our system of public school choice: 71 percent of students attend a school of choice, either D.C. Public Schools or public charter, and a stunning 92 percent of parents rate their child's school as "excellent" or "good."
Despite this good news, we remain a long way from ensuring that all students receive a high-quality public education. As the report notes, achievement gaps continue to abound and just 11 percent of schools in Ward 8 are high-performing compared with 100 percent in Ward 3.
So where do we go from here?
We should continue to expand the supply of and access to high-quality schools and ensure all schools have the autonomy and resources needed to effectively serve all students.
New, high-quality schools and the innovations they yield have been cornerstones of the District's progress. As a result, many schools are closing achievement gaps that once seemed intractable. Still, tens of thousands of students live in neighborhoods without easy access to gap-closing schools. Thousands are left on waiting lists for high-quality schools every year.
More high-quality education options are needed and needed now. DCPS's new Bard High School Early College, the opening of five new public charter schools with diverse programming and the planned expansion of existing high-quality charter schools such as Washington Latin are important steps in this direction.
But expanding supply alone is not enough. We must also expand access to high-quality schools, especially for our most disadvantaged students. DCPS is piloting an enrollment preference for "at-risk" students at the new Stevens School early childhood program. Implemented more broadly, such a preference could provide greater opportunity across the District.
Schools also must have the resources needed to effectively support all students. The Office of the Chief Financial Officer recently announced the collection of $280 million in unanticipated revenue in fiscal 2019 and is projecting nearly $518 million in additional revenue over the next four years. The District's hard-earned economic successes are providing the resources for further investments in our schools.
Despite our substantial resources, however, the District's own analysis shows that per-student funding has not kept pace with inflation. Keeping up with rising costs should be a given, not an aspiration, when it comes to the city's investment in education. Some have called for a 4 percent increase in the base per-pupil funding. That would be a reasonable start.
Another worthy investment would be to increase the District's "at-risk" funding weight, which provides additional resources to disadvantaged students. The District's deputy mayor for education is actively developing new recommendations for this important funding stream — recommendations that will be watched closely. Adequately funding these students should be a priority.
But we should do more: Nearly half of our public school students attend a school whose future facilities funding is uncertain. There is no set funding level for public charter schools facilities beyond next year's budget. The District should provide school leaders with stability and certainty by extending the soon-to-expire 2.2 percent annual increase in the charter school facilities allotment.
We also should encourage more efficient use of existing public school buildings, including incentivizing co-locations of DCPS and public charter schools. One way to do that is by dedicating a portion of rent paid by a public charter school to the school-level budget of the "host" DCPS school. Doing so would provide resources for these schools without increasing the District's overall budget while providing high-quality learning environments to more public school students. That is a true win-win.
The District's future hinges on the success or failure of our public schools. If we hope to build a more equitable, inclusive tomorrow for our city, we must ensure that every student has access to a high-quality public school that is equipped with the resources and autonomy necessary to meet his or her needs today.
JOIN THE MOVEMENT #iBELIEVE


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Identify quality and shape changes between revisions of a design model. Verify that any previous quality defects have been resolved. Verify that all required changes were made as specified and that no unintentional changes were introduced. Use this to verify that the change documentation is complete and accurate. Complement the documentation with static and/or dynamic 3D graphics which highlight and quantify the changes.
The following PDF example have been generated automatically with CADIQ to compare 2 revisions of a same model. The CADIQ configuration have been set to document major shape changes, minor shape add/remove, minor shape changes and PMI annotation changes. User can browse on these 4 levels, select a diagnostic type (hole lenght change, Chamfer added, fillet radius changes, etc) and select an item to zoom in on each change. Right properties gives all information about differences between old release and new release per change.


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From the Hat
UPDATE: Thanks to Harvey Welton, all plants in this post now have names; they're in parens, italicized.
Our visit to Mexican Hat Cactus nursery was a purposeful one. I needed to find a 'statement' specimen for the new cactus area at the base of our RR shed. Bruce and Bonnie assured me that I would find something special at Mex Hat and they were right. Not only was I able to find that perfect cactus, but it was at an amazingly low price. Of course, that doesn't mean I bought only that; I also picked up just a few more plants I found irresistible. I think you'll agree they are stand-outs. A for-instance: look at the fantastic plant (Monvillea spegazzinii) above. Not only is this example so serpent-like in its appearance and movement, but it's also got terrific cresting, and flowers … I'm crazy to see what these blossoms will look like once they've opened. It's a terrific match-up with this speckled 50s-era ceramic pot. The pot's unglazed pink-terra-cotta insides are perfectly complementing the unopened buds; note how the bud in the foreground could easily be Cleopatra's killer asp's head. There's more …
From the left: This great, crested specimen (Opuntia subulata mostrose minor) would seem equally comfortable under the ocean as in outer space (probably menacing Will Robinson). It seems to be using the tendrils on its edges to reach out, and thereby grow in newer, more fantastical ways. Next, a really pretty hanging example of a member of the stapelia family (caralluma hexagona), with a cluster of gorgeous blooms. The contrast between the pale gray-green of it's plump leaves and the richly colored flowers is striking … though not as striking as its smell. Let's just say that if rotten meat and vomit had a love child, this is what it would smell like …ugh! …Still, I had to have it, if only as a living example of how pretty isn't always nice. Lastly, if Muno of Yo Gabba Gabba decided to go green and have a family reunion, this (Opuntia subulata crest) is what it'd look like. These lime green knob-heads were just too funny to leave behind. Again, each pot was chosen to set-off the plant inside, either through texture or color. I love 'em all!
Here's a close-up of the malodorous beauty. When we arrived back home Bonnie quipped that having this in our new Element was one way to rid it of its new car smell, and boy, was she right! Not put off at all by the smell were local flies of various types; they wouldn't stay away and I had to keep shooing them to get this shot.
And, here's the object of my desire: a large, low, shapely number with great curving pads, tons of 'apples' and, according to a fellow shopper, a propensity to grow rapidly — My dream cactus (Opuntia robustus)! … I know you're out there wondering why I haven't listed the names of these beauties, and I have a good reason. See, when I'm in the presence of awesome succulents I kind of lose it: I have a loud rushing sound in my head, and I feel kind of dizzy; later, it's hard for me to remember what I was told, and all I can come up with is Latinate multi-syllabic gobbledygoop (Plus, as I've mentioned before, I'm loathe to ID something here and get it wrong). So, my hope is that Mex Hat's owner and resident expert, Harvey Welton, will read this post and email me names for them. If, and when, he does I'll pass them on. Side note: Mex Hat is not only a local source for seeds, and succulents and cacti propagated from them, but it's also an (uncredited) source for those special entries in local judged shows .. often the winners! It's not a surprise that this would be the case. Welton's love and care for these plants is obvious when speaking with him and they seem to show love in return by growing in amazing ways. But, the fact that he's willing to pass on that love, without regard for whether he gets credit for it or not, is very special. I'm hoping that by showing you these pictures some of that love is passed on further. Visit Mexican Hat and I know you'll feel it, too!
Mexican Hat Cactus Nursery, 11152 Palm Terrace Lane, Riverside, CA 92505; for appointment: 951.687.9055
Website: mexicanhatcactus.com
Mrs. Marriott permalinkSeptember 7, 2010 4:17 pm
Oh, that first one! How stunning! I have to check that place out!
I can't believe I've never heard of Mexican Hat Nursery before!
September 8, 2010 12:39 am
Excellent purchases! You did very very well. Too bad about the "new car" smell though…
September 8, 2010 2:23 pm
These kind of nurseries make me drop the latin too, the kind of place where you feel you've arrived by spaceship. I had a celadon green pot similar to the top black one, with raised white speckling as if poured on with Elmer's glue. Grew up with it and grabbed it when I left home — then broke it. Amazing fit you got on the concrete blocks under the black pot .
September 9, 2010 3:12 am
I hail you for putting your cool vintage pots outdoors. I have my Bauer pots that I protect obsessively , nothing actually planted in any of them. What am I waiting for ? Damn, I think you've set me fee…viva la revolution !
Bonnie Reynolds permalinkOctober 18, 2010 2:36 am
I will trade you 4 non-cactus/succulent eating dogs for that rock planter in the top photo…


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Putting Customer Health First, 'Daily Table' Turns Traditional Grocery Store Model on its Head
March 15, 2016 | Annamarie Sysling
Former Trader Joe's President Doug Rauch is turning the traditional grocery store model on its head with Daily Table, a new not-for-profit retail store that's putting customers' health and finances first.
The grocer's first location opened in June of 2015 in Dorchester, Mass., and Daily Table Senior Director Fredi Shonkoff says the Boston-area community has warmly embraced the new store as a nutritious and cost-effective option.
The model, described by Shonkoff as "a health initiative disguised as a grocery store" utilizes surplus food from growers, manufacturers and distributors. Through this unique supply chain, excess food that may otherwise be wasted is either donated or sold very inexpensively to Daily Table.
The result is not only environmentally conscious, but it also translates to low prices for customers. Right now, the majority of operating costs are covered by sales and supplemented by funders, which include the PepsiCo Foundation, the Bromley Charitable Trust, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
In the Boston community of Dorchester, Shonkoff says there are "a lot of bodegas and fast food options, some supermarkets but there are no opportunities like Daily Table to get really fresh, wholesome food at very affordable prices."
Aside from simply offering healthily prepared foods and affordable, fresh produce, Shonkoff says all of the food at Daily Table either meets or is informed by nutrition guidelines set by experts in Boston. The prepared food is made in an in-house kitchen by the grocer's executive chef and line cooks, most of whom have been hired from within the community. Shonkoff says they are a tremendous help in preparing the chicken, rice, beef and vegetarian options offered at the store each day.
As far as challenges go, Shonkoff says the biggest for Daily Table is getting enough food in the store to meet customer demand.
"Partners and manufacturers like Stonyfield Yogurt, Cedar's Mediterranean Foods and Teddie Peanut Butter and others have been incredibly generous to us," says Shonkoff. She adds that the organization is currently in the process of building out its supply chain by trying to find even more food sources made available through either donation or at a discounted rate.
While much of the fresh food sold at Daily Table comes from growers in the area, Shonkoff says the company is dealing with the limited New England growing season by working with California-based Ready Pac Foods during the winter months and plans to work with them year-round moving forward.
While many cities across the country are struggling to find a sustainable way to provide access to affordable, healthy food, Shonkoff acknowledges that there is growing interest nationally in expanding Daily Table to other communities.
"But we're not there yet," she says, pointing to several factors that would need to be taken into consideration before that happens. She says each Daily Table would need a balance of donated and discounted food, customers to buy the food and a source of initial funding to support any capital expense for developing a retail space. She says the goal is to have stores that can be self-sustaining in these communities, and that takes some time and planning.
Shonkoff says the store's ultimate intent "is to improve the health of people who are eating less well than they would like because of the economics of purchasing food." She attributes much of the success the store has experienced in the last eight months to the company's leader, Doug Rauch.
"We would not be where we are today if it weren't for Doug, and his reputation, his passion and his ability to really make this come together and make sense, there's no doubt about that."


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The note at the end Adam Ulbricht's column in the St. Cloud Times, Your Turn: Dayton was not fighting for small business on trip, mentions that the "longtime resident of Melrose" is now living in Washington D.C., but it doesn't tell readers of the op-ed section what he's doing there.
Watchdog Wire employee
Through the miracle of Mr. Google, Bluestem was able to determine that Ulbricht now works for Watchdog Wire, a project of the Franklin Center, which recently fell under the scrutiny of PR Watch:
The Franklin Center does not disclose its funders. But based on a review of the annual IRS filings of foundations that fund groups like Franklin, as of 2011 (the most recent available financial data), 95 percent of the group's funding comes from DonorsTrust and Donors Capital Fund. These two related entities are "donor-advised funds" that were spun off by the Philanthropy Roundtable and cloak the identity of donors to right-wing causes across the country. Mother Jones has called the combined Donors funds "the dark-money ATM of the conservative movement." The Franklin Center received the Donors funds' second-largest donation in 2011. Among the most prominent funders of Donors is the Knowledge and Progress Fund, a Charles Koch-run organization, which contributed nearly $8 million from 2005 to 2011. The Franklin Center has also received funding from the Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation and Searle Freedom Trust. As CMD has previously reported, the Franklin Center received a startup grant from the Tea Party Sam Adams Alliance, run by Eric O'Keefe, who also helped launch American Majority and sits on the board of Club for Growth Wisconsin.
Watchdog Wire doesn't turn up for scrutiny, but perhaps it should. While the St. Cloud Times doesn't share the new gig that its former community columnist has, perhaps it should. Transparency, after all, is everything, and Ulbricht's Linked In profile contains a job description for the position:
I work with citizen journalists across the country for an online-based news page. I am also actively seeking and writing news for the national website, along with state websites within our Watchdog Network.
Modeling transparency for those citizen journalists he trains can only be a good thing, and his new columns should note his work for Watchdog Wire and whether it's his own work or copy created for his employer.
Missing: the Shutterfly deal; or, Dayton's pro-business, anti-business adminstration
Unless he's being coy, Ulbricht's column appears to be a bit dated, since he doesn't seem to know that Dayton visited Shutterfly or what the incentives were for luring the photo service to the state. His column is dated August 16, while the Star Tribune's business writer Janet Moore reported on August 8 in Shakopee moves ahead with incentives for Shutterfly:
Shakopee's City Council late Wednesday approved economic incentives to lure fast-growing Shutterfly Inc. to the southwest metro city, a move that followed Gov. Mark Dayton's "mystery" visit to the California firm last week.
All told, the maker of digital photo and paper products is seeking up to $3 million in economic incentives from the city, county and state. . . .
Shutterfly plans to create 329 jobs over the next two to five years with an average hourly wage of $18.78. In addition, just over 200 people would work on a seasonal basis, according to city documents. It's unclear how long the seasonal work would last. . . .
Minneapolis-based developer Ryan Cos. will invest about $26 million in the plant, while Shutterfly will fork over $34 million. It is the latest in a series of companies locating or relocating to Shakopee.
On Wednesday, Minnetonka-based Datacard Group confirmed that it was moving about 680 employees to the city, and Emerson Electric's Rosemount division announced in June that it would take over a long-abandoned complex that was the former home of ADC Telecommunications, investing about $70 million in the facility.
There's more in the story, but you get the drift. For Ulbricht, these aren't positive developments, because Dayton is a progressive and for cat's sakes, a progressive should never do anything for corporations. He writes:
Companies don't just move or expand to another area by simply asking, which suggests Dayon likely offered potential incentives or tax breaks.Does this really make sense? Ask yourself, why should an out-of-state company get breaks while businesses already in Minnesota have to play by the rules? Why is a progressive politician offering deals to bigger companies while the mom-and-pop shops face high tax rates?
Oh noes!
Since Ulbricht wonders why the Dayton administration doesn't do anything for small business, Bluestem surfed over to DEED to see what the job creator-crunching damage might be. It was disappointing to learn that things weren't quite as dire as Ulbricht implied. A press release from July, 2012 a Successful Year for Minnesota Small Businesses discussed assistance to those mom-and-pop shops Ulbricht so cherishes:
Minnesota's Small Business Development Center (SBDC) network is shaping the future of small business in Minnesota. The SBDC annual report for 2012 highlights that success: over 3,000 businesses served, 8,000 jobs created and access to $125 million in new capital to help Minnesota small businesses grow.
. . .The SBDC focused on serving veterans, youth and struggling businesses in 2012, according to the report.
Working with several partners, the SBDC provided outreach to thousands of veterans and family members through job fairs, panel discussions and training opportunities. They provided more than 40 scholarships to veterans interested in entrepreneurship for high-level financial literacy training.
In the area of youth entrepreneurship, the SBDC offered business startup training programs to more than 500 students throughout the state. Training and discussion on credit, financial literacy and the importance of planning were included in all youth entrepreneurship programs.
The Turn-Around Program for struggling businesses helped those businesses to refinance debt or obtain more than $28.5 million in new credit to stabilize their company, stay in business and retain more than 700 jobs. More than 100 businesses are participating in the Turn-Around Program. . . .
How rank are the rankings?
That's some hating on the little guy, all right. But Ulbricht has more to complain about: the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) so doesn't like us!:
In the American Legislative Exchange Council's rankings, Minnesota has an economic performance rank of 34th with a future outlook of 46th.
That would the conservative ALEC. Reporting on the Rich States, Poor States ranking back in May, Twin City Business noted that it came up with a less-gloomy perspective:
. . . Twin Cities Business produces a quarterly economic indicator report that, unlike ALEC's Rich States, Poor States study, is based on input from hundreds of Minnesota business leaders. Minnesota business leaders' optimism increased last quarter, as companies planned to increase hiring and capital expenditures, although they indicated that a shortage of qualified talent may slow the pace of growth.
And Ulbricht continues to say awful things about us:
CNBC rates the Gopher state's cost of doing business as 39th in the nation. Forbes rates the state's regulatory environment as 32nd, while ranking both the business costs and growth prospects as 34th.
What Ulbricht doesn't share is CNBC's overall ranking: 15 or Forbes' giving the state the #20 position overall. It's much of the same conservative game that Bluestem checked out in After moving to MN in 2010, Scott Honour now wanders state telling editors how awful we are.
Ulbricht collected some sweet student journalism awards from the Associated Press and the Society for Professional Journalists while studying at St. Cloud State University, according to his LinkedIn profile.
Two of his most recent awards he received are for the same story, this KVSC feature available on a podcast:
GOP Controversy
Mon, 23 Apr 2012 0:00:00 America/Chicago
(image) The SCSU chapter of College Republicans is getting some heat from the Republican Party of Minnesota and the state board of the College Republicans over Bradlee Dean, a nationally-known speaker, to campus.Media Files:
It's easy to hear what the judges found attractive: the reporting is crisp, he's obtained an audio recording of phone calls between four SCSU CRs and Ryan Lyk, and he discloses that until recently, he was president of the College Republican chapter.
The St. Cloud State College Republicans are facing threats of being unchartered if they bring nationally known speaker Bradlee Dean to campus.
According to Minnesota College Republican chairman Ryan Lyk, the state College Republican board voted unanimously to uncharter the St. Cloud group if the Dean event is held Tuesday night at SCSU.
Lyk says the National College Republican Committee approved the measure; however, attempts to reach the national committee were unsuccessful.
Party officials have stated that they do not want any affiliation with Dean, due to his controversial messages. The Republican Party of Minnesota is also involved in the decision making, according to Lyk.
Four SCSU College Republicans say that they have spoken with the Executive Director of the state party, Ben Zierke, in which he states College Republicans affiliated with the event will never be able to get a job with the state party if the event is held.
KVSC has acquired an audio recording of one of the phone calls between Zierke and three SCSU College Republican members.
One student asks for clarity on the state party's position: "So you're basically stating that if we have this event that we won't be able to get a job [garbled] in the Minnesota GOP?"
Zierke: "Um-hmm.
Student: "Ok."
Zierke also states that the part plans to connect individual members to the event itself: "Your names will be attached to the event, yup, we'll make sure of that, we'll make sure that happens . . .you guys will get a name attached to that...you'll be associated with that the rest of your lives."
SCSU College Republican Elizabeth Ilse is taking the mandate very personally. "I don't want to hear that my future in the real world will be threatened by this. If we basically disobey the Republican Party of Minnesota.
The event centers around Bradlee Dean who is the driving force behind You Can Run But You Cannot Hide International, which according to their website specializes in reaching America's next generation through principles of morality. The GOP is also dealing with issues of debt and an affair between former Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch and Michael Brodkorb.
In the interest of full disclosure, until recently, I have served as president of the SCSU College Republicans . . .
According to a Star Tribune Hot Dish blog post by Rachel Stassen-Berger from the next day, "recently" meant the week before; RSB also dates the conversations--or ones close to it--from the week before as well, while providing more background on just what it is that gives the MNGOP the fantods about Dean:
Dean is a self-style hard rock pastor who has been ardent in his opposition of homosexuality, saying things that opponents say suggest he approves jailing of gay people. Last year he opened a Minnesota House floor session with a prayer prompting House Speaker Kurt Zellers to step down from his rostrum to denounce him and pledge, "that type of person will never, ever be allowed on the House floor again."
But Abbey Gooch, the chair of the St. Cloud state college Republicans, said Dean's message is one that "needs to be talked about on the St. Cloud campus." She said Dean's "You can run but you can't hide" ministries have been "so nice to us."
Gooch, who has only been chair since last week, said the threats from Republican officials have been scary, made her feel like throwing up and doubt her future plans to stick with politics. . . .
Gooch said and Shortridge, and materials obtained by the Star Tribune, confirmed that Republican Party executive director Ben Zierke told the leaders of the college group last week that they would have trouble getting Republican Party or Capitol jobs in the future if they did not cancel the event. Shortridge said Zierke, who did not return a call from the Star Tribune, was acting with his direction.
Doesn't that sound as if Ulbricht might have been one of the four students threatened? If so, the disclosure is hardily "full."
And his name didn't get in the press that he was making that connected him to the event or Dean. Is this ethical? Or merely gray?
Three weeks later, after the media storm that Ulbricht may have had a hand in creating blew over, the St. Cloud Times published a column, Event spawns ugly politics, in which Ulbricht shared more details of his involvement:
For the past couple of years I have been the president of the College Republicans at St. Cloud State University. Recently, as you probably know, the group brought Bradlee Dean to speak on campus. . . .
The Dean event was in the works since the end of November. Originally scheduled for February, the event was rescheduled for the end of April. Since the very beginning, I was not in favor of hosting the event and let my opinion be known. Our group had a limited amount of money, and I wanted to use it to maximize a turnout, which I didn't think this event would do. I just didn't think college students would come check it out.
However, the rest of the group wanted to go with it so the group did. A little more than one week before the event, I received several phone calls from the Republican Party of Minnesota telling me we can't hold this event and that I should shut it down. They did not want the Republican name attached to the event.
I also started receiving messages from the State College Republican Board telling me to take care of the issue.
Money was on the line for the event. We would have to pay regardless of the event going through so I asked the state party if it would reimburse us. The answer was no, which probably is not surprising given its debt problems.
After a two-hour meeting, the rest of the St. Cloud State College Republicans still decided to go with the event. I called and informed the state party of the vote.
They were not happy. I received a 20-minute lecture while I was driving home to my best friend's funeral. I was told several times that I nor anyone from the organization would ever get a job with the state party again and that we should not even bother applying. That is regardless of the fact if you were for or against hosting the event.
I was also told that, as president, I should singlehandedly shut down the event despite the wishes of the rest of the group. I was stunned to hear this message coming from the political party that prides itself on freedom and liberty.
Three other members of the organization were given the same message. I was told by another party member that this is not blackmail; it is the nature of politics. . . .
Was Ulbricht the four CR on the call? And did he bail both in time to use the audio of the call for his report--and pass it on to the Star Tribune? Would the judges for the journalism awards have made another selection if he had made his personal involvement in the breaking of the story more clear?
He does seem to reveal that he's a more important part of the story than his "until recently" full disclosure would imply.
In a way, it's not much different than the peculiar set of standards he's holding against Governor Dayton, although the squishiness of the journalistic ethics are far more favorable to his career path, than the state rating systems he selects to use are to the Governor.
And then there's that "progressives hate business" metric, said by no serious DFL governor ever.
Update: Via email, a working journalist responds to Ulbricht's reporting on the Dean story: "[if correct], that's bad. He's personally involved, failed to disclose full extent of involvement, helped push/motivate the story.Worst of all, he had a hand in creating the event, which [he's] personally profiting from with his story."
Photo: Adam Ulbricht, from Watchdog Wire (above); Bradlee Dean speaking at SCSU, via GCN Live (below). Dean is now the employer of Elizabeth Ilse, so hosting Dean doesn't seem to have been the career killer that she fretted about.
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text: Jill Hubbard is a retired Bytheville Middle School teacher and a graduate of both Blytheville High School and Arkansas State University. Jill is married to Ben Hubbard of Hubbard and Hoke Furniture. The furniture store, at 401 West Main, is one of the longest running stores in Downtown at 106 years old! Jill enjoys traveling, reading, playing bridge and golf, and volunteering in her hometown. She is an active member of First Christian Church and Chapter DP, PEO.