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This column originally appeared in the December, 2012 issue of Funeral Home and Cemetery News by Nomis Publications, Inc.
What lies ahead for sustainability in death care?
I borrowed the title for this month's column from author and scholar, Ozzie Zehner, who recently published a book of the same title. Zehner explains in great detail how every alternative energy technology including solar, wind, nuclear, bio fuels, fuel cells, hydrogen and clean coal are extensions of the hydrocarbon economy. Solar, wind, nuclear, and bio fuels actually cause more harm than good for the environment. Fuel cells and hydrogen violate the laws of physics. Worse yet, the hydrogen car and clean coal amount to little more than a hoax specifically designed to advance a political agenda for commercial gain.
Green Illusions is an intriguing and entertaining read, and I want to share one particularly useful insight by Zehner that applies to our death care industry. America does not have an energy production problem. America has an energy consumption problem. That is to say that Americans use more energy than any other developed nation on earth. Americans use more than twice as much energy per capita than Europeans or Japanese do. The worst part is that an estimated 80% of energy consumed in the United States is wasted. By "wasted" we mean that 80% of the energy we consume brings no enjoyment or improvement to our quality of life.
How might Zehner's ideas on energy conservation apply to the death care industry? Let us first take on the controversial endeavor to define green as it applies to funerals and the death care industry. (I have avoided defining green for the last ten installments of this column.) There are many definitions of green as it applies to the natural burial movement. Definitions invoke terms such as biodegradable, non-toxic, carbon footprint, recycled, and organic. I offer you my definition of green--that being green is a matter of maintaining or improving quality of life for all living things in the environment as they may be affected by the creation, use, and disposition of a product or service. This is a broad definition that seeks to demonstrate clarity in its purpose. We need to include all activities that support the cradle-to-grave life cycle of any product or service we aim to market as green. This definition does not give credit to marketers whose products are just "less" toxic, or "less" harmful to the environment. Such marketing is akin to marketing low-tar cigarettes as the "healthy" option.
Our broad definition of green gets even broader if we accept the idea that "all living things" should include future generations of living things. And wider again if by "environment" we also include harmonious politics and healthy economies in addition to the well-being of the earth and the living things in her air, lands, and seas. This sounds exceedingly difficult and perhaps a chore of calculus reserved only for those with a certain amount of insanity for mundane details or scholars adequately funded to ponder, measure, and publish the details of all the products and services involved in conventional funerals in the United States.
It doesn't need to be difficult. Being Green can be as simple as following a personal ethic to "do the right thing" and never stop asking questions. In my own experience making decisions about raw materials, suppliers, and methods of production, I am always asking questions. Where does this stuff come from? How is this stuff made? Who makes this stuff? What is the measurable impact of this stuff? There is the magic word: measurable. I continue to find good science in carbon life cycle analysis. Every activity on the planet can be measured, to a degree of certainty, as either sequestering or producing carbon dioxide (CO2) or CO2 equivalents.
|What might be the net effect on jobs for locally-made caskets?
Let us explore a few scientific facts about death care through our new lens of compassion. The impact of producing the raw materials for America's funerals is in the neighborhood of 0.5% of United States annual CO2 emissions. Caskets and burial vaults account for 30 million board feet of lumber, 90,000 tons of steel, and 1.6 million tons of concrete annually. Add the impact of assembling, storing, and shipping caskets and burial vaults and the United States funeral industry is responsible for as much as 2% of total CO2 emissions annually. We could reduce carbon emissions by 80% or more by simply using "green" caskets made from sustainable, local, air-dried lumber. As an alternative to 2700 lb concrete burial vaults, polyethylene vaults are 95% lighter (140 lbs), stronger, and longer-lasting than concrete. Although Polyethylene is not an eco-friendly material given that it creates one to three times its weight in CO2 emissions, the net impact over concrete would result in 80% savings in CO2 emissions annually. Would these changes take away from the quality of life for all those involved? What might be the net effect on jobs for locally-made caskets and polyethylene burial vaults? We could achieve 1-2% reduction in CO2 emissions without spending an extra dime for these products. Federal spending on wind energy amounted to $14 billion in 2012 resulting in an estimated annual savings of CO2 emissions far less than one tenth of one percent. Just think about it.


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It's a popular pastime today to throw stones at banks and vilify bankers, which is quite understandable given their pivotal role in bringing down the lifestyles of the world population. We are all questioning financial services and how it can be so rotten
and be run by such greedy and morally decadent people. Should we be so sanctimonious though? Should we question how such a global industry is allowed to employ people that can bring cataclysmic results in all walks of life before we start on the road back
to creating a finance industry that performs to the expectations of society.
Bankers are us; they are not some alien being or a creation of a monstrous experiment. They are the same as the rest of us. They commit acts of fraud and bend if not break rules, looking for an edge, a chance to make money for themselves and their family
and be recognised as successful. These are human traits that we can all relate to.
For example; the estate agent who plays one client off against another to inflate the price and thus increase their commission on the sale or the consultant who deliberately extends the time on the project to inflate the cost or the supplier that over markets
and over sells the capability of the product, the store that sells produce nearly out of date or substandard, the plumber, electrician and builder that add more time or inflate the cost of materials to the bill. I could go on but you get my point.
Individually we are all fallible too. People fiddle time and expenses, throw sickies here and there wherever the opportunity presents itself and they need some extra time off. How many people buy goods that are cheap and clearly have a dodgy history and
how many people when presented with an opportunity to make a fast buck, take it with no questions asked? Numerous timeshares and various online websites and countless scams, offering people easy money pay testament to this.
The fact is society has high expectations, but low values and this is exactly like bankers. Investment bankers work in an environment where in order to stand out from the crowd in the dealing room generally full of testosterone, they have to make big profits
and that normally entails high risk. They are playing to the gallery and their bosses turn a blind eye as they see high profits, bonuses, dividends and media acclaim.
These are all human frailties that given the chance, who would say no?
This is why the main problem in financial services and banking in particular is the culture and the ethical and moral capability of people to work for the good of their clients. To do this more effectively the rewards have to be moderated. It's no use having
bankers earning premier footballer's salaries but their performances not valued by the public and therefore jealously mocked.
Bankers are the same as all of us and before we write new rules and introduce new laws we need to tackle the greed and avarice in society that produces people that do what most people would do given the chance. It's a society issue first and foremost and
one each and every one of us should first look at ourselves, as after all you reap what you sow.
I absolutely agree, although I come at this from a slightly different direction. There was a great trailer for the BBC Question Time programme last night. Its said 'what should we do with banker who cheat?'. My instant response was 'the same thing you'd
do with anyone else who cheats' - but you're right, at the moment it looks like the financial services industry is the whipping boy and easy target for the morally outraged and righteously indignant - otherwise known as the uninformed or deliberately blinkered.
These are incredibly dangerous combinations and, when you add in politicians, who appear to have rings through their noses to be pulled about by whichever sound bite that puts them on the 'high moral ground' and a media that is less interested in reporting
than it is in the worst kind of journalism - you end up in 'knee jerk' territory.
That knee jerk is likely to be an acceleration of the the change from principles based regulation of financial services to rules based regulation. We're certainly seeing this already in FATCA from the US and there's a lot of positioning going on in Europe
right now off the back of that to have FATCA type rules between members states here.
The problem with moral outrage and righteous indignation is that they often blind people to rational thought. There is no doubt that if someone has done something illegal, they should be pursued and punished using the systems and processes we set out as
the foundations of our society. But if, according to the rules of the day, they haven't done anything illegal, if its thought to be 'wrong' that just means you need to change the law, and have the rational debate that that change requires. Its an evolving
animal anyway, but thats the way our western society works. Moral indignation of the type shown by David Cameron against Jimmy Carr for example always looks like an attempt to re-write history (notwithstanding that I gave Mr Cameron no mandate to preach to
me about morals). Mr Carr was only doing what most of us would have done if we had been in the same position. It was not illegal, it was tax avoidance not evasion. If it was immoral, thats between him and his conscience and we change people's views on morality
through debate, not lynching them on the gibbet of media. The people taking the moral approach seem to be trying to make avoidance (legal) the same as evasion (illegal) in the eyes of the public. The public could easily be hoodwinked in this way, as they appear
to be being with the banks in general today.
This is symptomatic. The same thing happened in 2008 in the sub-prime crisis which triggered the whole thing off. The pubic conveniently forget that while the banks may have been offering 'too good to be true' mortgage deals by playing the markets in the
background - for every one of those there was someone prepared to sign up to a debt knowing that they'd probably not be able to service that debt if the markets changed much. It takes two to tango. Not sure I've seen too many people holding their hands up
and saying - we were partly to blame - maybe we should have taken a more thoughtful position on increasing our debt before signing the contract?
The banking industry is very complex its true, possibly the most complex system that we have today. But I've worked in many industries in my career to date. I can tell you that banking is no different in principle to any of the others. When you lift the
hood, you find that, for most part the engine is working well. What surprises me about the financial services industry is not that has failings, its that it works at all.
Perhaps all those currently displaying morality and indignation should reflect that nothing is perfect and that throwing rocks rarely solved a problem.
Well said sir!
Although no one "would say no", only bankers seem to be "given the chance". Banking is the only industry I can think of where (a) the employer realizes returns from a deal over several years but the employee receives the bonus on the total deal size on the
same year that the deal was struck (b) gains are personalized but losses are socialized. Greed / avarice are as much part of human fraily as the tendency to not say no given the chance, so I'm not sure if passing laws against greed / avarice would work. A
more practical solution would be to pay out bonuses to bankers strictly in lockstep with the actual inflow of projected deal benefits.
BISS Research
Member since
19 Sep 2007
Blog posts

subset: commoncrawl


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Posted: December 12th, 2013.
Cookies have the quintessential qualities of reminiscence, nostalgia and wholesomeness. They can be cute and playful, deliciously healthy and even a little silly. Cookies offer an enormous range of flexibility as there are simply so many options from which to choose in terms of flavour, sizes, decorating and packaging.
Cookies can be made to work at almost any style or theme of wedding, due to their variety. Because they are easy to make (usually), you may even decide to save money and make them yourself. Have fun decorating them, or ask a skilled decorator just to do this part of the process for you.
Here are some ways in which you can use cookies at your wedding:
Visit our wedding cakes category to order you wedding cookies today!
Original images and their credits available on Pinterest


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I love Christmas & Valentine's & every other festival also la actually.....*laughs*
But yea, I love ChineseNewYear!! :D
I have veryvery fond memories of CNY when I was young :) Although now that I am older, CNY is no longer the same....but it still holds meaning for me and I enjoy having the excuse of having meet ups and just eateateateateateateateateateat!! like.non.stop.
CNY : First Time Moment
Everyone asking ah pek and me to marry like fast. like nownownow!!!O_O
It's a first for me cause I never had the "Got boyfwen aledy a not?" question thrown to my face before. Ah pek is my first and everyone was kinda surprised I actually found someone..(you know...since I am half otaku and all) *laughs* But yea, I guess this question will come naturally since both of us have been together quite a while now.
CNY : Always happen every year moment
Aunties & Uncles that I only meet once.a.year. Doesn't help that my grandparents each have soooo many siblings and their children also have soooooo many kids. Calling the angmo way of "auntie,uncle" just doesn't feel right but yea T_T some of them don't even know how should I address them ok?!
Went to a relative's place at Payang Mengkuang, Melacca (?) and omg! they run a piggy farm! O_O I am really a city girl..cause next thing I knew I was skipping towards the piggy farm, dragging my brother bear along. hahaha! I have never been to a piggy farm leh!! the piglets were soooooo adorablllleeeeee T_T I don't think I can ever eat suckling pigs anymore T_T it is my fav dish summore T_T but the mother pigs (sow?) were HUGE. like HUGE O_O din't expect piggies to be so HUGE.
CNY : Surprise moment!
Ah pek's younger sister gave birth to a teenyweeny cute baby girl on the 3rd day of CNY!! *shrieks* I am sooooooooo happy cause I looooooveeee babies but I ......haven't seen the cute lil' one yet. whatheblah. Had awful flu so had to stay away T_T now that I am as healthy as an ox.......I'm always having this&that function. GAH! T_T
Did dumplings because my mom wanted to make dumplings. yes, it's an odd logic and for a person that has zero skill in the kitchen, my cousins & I surprisingly churned out MANY of it. Seriously can call us dumpling queens! -_- & do you know?! I read somewhere that the more dumpling you eat during CNY , the more you will earn throughout the year. What bout the people who make T_T sniff*
erm, awkward moment is awkward. Nuf said T_T
hmm..does this even make sense? ^^"
hahahaha! fav CNY outfit. selamba only me! I wore a peplum top to one of my CNY dinner...and yea, was really controlling my food so I can breathe easier *laughs* so yea, I would love to live in tees&shorts.(or any non tight fitting random top&shorts) Unfortunately, I don't wanna die early. *feels my mom's scary glare* T_T
Rojak(in a good way of course!) like mine too? :D
I am looking forward to eating "shun pun zhi", Rakuzen & steamboat with family&friends this weekend! :D:D


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3 Easy Tips for Smacking Down Your Sugar Cravings/
We all know that consuming too much sugar can lead to cavities, weight gain, mood swings and diabetes. But did you know a high-sugar diet can increase cholesterol, triglycerides, wrinkles, anxiety, depression and your risk for cancer, heart disease, arthritis and Alzheimer's?
Excess sugar can also cause hormonal imbalances, constipation, hemorrhoids, varicose veins and many more health problems.
I'd say that's more than enough reasons to kick sugar to the curb. Here are three easy tips to get you started.
1. Drink Water
Like a flower, our energy droops when we're dehydrated. Sugar is often our instant solution for boosting energy. Instead of reaching for a sugar-packed snack, drink a large glass of water. For a refreshing twist, add some mint leaves, berries, or slices of kiwi, ginger, orange or cucumber.
2. Punt Processed Foods
Added sugars and artificial sweeteners are abundant in processed, packaged foods and beverages ultimately promoting cravings for more sugar. There are over 90 different types of sugar and many are lurking in unsuspecting items like bread, spaghetti sauce, salad dressing, canned veggies and vitamins.
Most packaged goods are also loaded with sodium. When you eat high-sodium foods, your body will yearn for sugar to counterbalance all the salt.
Reduce or eliminate processed foods and beverages from your diet. Gradually, your taste buds will adjust and those sweet treats you once adored will taste disgustingly too sweet.
3. Spice It Up
Warm spices like cinnamon, clove, nutmeg and cardamom lend a sweet flavor to food and beverages. Sprinkle cinnamon on oatmeal, plain yogurt or coffee instead of sugar. Add a pinch of ground cloves to bean, beef or pork dishes. Replace your 3 p.m. mochaccino with an herbal tea infused with these aromatic spices.
The less sugar you eat, the less you want. I know this to be true for myself and my clients, and I bet it will be for you too.
If you're ready to dive right in and get the support you need to smack down your sugar cravings, I invite you to request a complimentary consultation call. Click here for details.


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Often, buying a home is even cheaper than renting one in the long run, but before you become a proud homeowner, you've first got to come up with the funds necessary to buy your home. Chances are, you're not prepared to buy your first home in cash! Thankfully, there are several loan options available, even for first time home buyers. Explore your choices and learn more about the finer details of each type of loan in order to know where you need to focus your time and effort.
Conventional Home Loans
Conventional home loans are neither insured nor guaranteed by any government agency. However if your down payment is less than 20 percent of the total value of the home, these loans are usually fully insured by private mortgage insurance (PMI). With conventional home loans, your interest rates will be lower than the rates of other types of loans. It's a good idea to check out the Federal Housing Finance Agency's website to see the latest loan limits for conventional home loans.
There are actually two types of conventional home loans: conforming and non-conforming. The specific type of loan that you get will be determined by the type of residence you're looking to buy. If you are unsure about your credit score, or if you have some credit issues, you may want to consider being pre-approved for your mortgage through the lender you're considering.
FHA Loan 203(b)
One of the most popular options for first time home buyers is the FHA 203(b) loan. This particular loan is insured by the government, which means that you'll have more options when it comes to competitive rates. Something to keep in mind with this FHA loan is that the interest rates are subject to change on a day-by-day basis, so you'll always want to ask lenders about the latest rates before you apply.
A big advantage of the FHA 203(b) loan is that it requires a lower down payment than conventional loans – as little as 3.5 percent. You also won't have to worry about working to improve your credit score before you apply since this particular loan doesn't require that you have impeccable credit. That said, you'll still have to meet specific FHA credit qualifications.
203k Home Loan
If your dream home is in need of a bit of improving, then you might be interested in applying for a 203k home loan. With the 203k loan, the estimated cost of your repairs will be added to the total purchase price of the home. This loan is federally insured and only needs a single closing. While the interest rates for 203k loans are a bit higher than other FHA loans, they usually come with less risk because they are guaranteed. Something else to keep in mind with a 203k home loan? The application process can be a bit longer than that of other types of loans since lenders have to do a bit more work to successfully track your project.
In order for you to be considered a first time home buyer and eligible for these loans, it must be at least three years since you bought your last home. Explore your options today and start applying for your very first home!


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EXCLUSIVE: Israeli Singer David Broza Begins US, Canada Tour (INTERVIEW)
by David Caspi
Multi-platinum Israeli singer-songwriter David Broza embarked on a mini North American tour this past weekend, with stops in San Francisco, Seattle and Chicago, among others. Considered one of the most dynamic and vibrant performers to come out of Israel since the late 1970's, Broza has long been an international music superstar.
Having been raised in Israel, Spain and England, Broza has been known to utilize his ability to take on the troubadour tradition, featuring lyrics of the worlds' greatest poets. His global accolades include a Spanish royal medal of honor, from the King of Spain, Juan Carlos I, for his longtime contribution to Israel-Spain relations and his promotion of tolerance.
With musical inspiration from icons including Paul Simon, Bob Dylan and Mercedes Sosa, Broza is eager to tour the US & Canada. "The great thing about performing out of Israel is the actual presentation of the show, songs, stories in front of audiences that have little, if any idea of where I'm coming from", said Broza in a special interview with The Algemeiner, "I love taking the audience on a journey through my songs and have them give themselves in to the power of the performance".
DC: What's the most special place you have ever performed at?
Related coverage
DB: "I'm not sure if there is a place more special than Masada . But I think that if I were to land a show at the Carnegie hall, which I've played at before, that would be amazing".
DC: What can the audience expect in your North American tour?
DB: "My tour now is one that consists of songs from my 35 year career. I sing a lot of my better known Hebrew songs and then take the audience through a journey by including songs from some of my Spanish and American albums. I am having a lot of fun".
DC: Are you asked about Israel often?
DB: "Israel is not an issue in my shows. It is part of my show. The songs in Hebrew, my history, Yehonatan Geffen, Meir Ariel etc. They are part of my life story and career. I have had in past issues with anti Israel protesters , however there was never a real confrontation".
Upcoming tour dates: Houston, TX 11/10; Minneapolis, MN 11/11; Chicago, IL 11/12; Columbus, OH 11/14; Los Angeles, CA 11/15; Montreal, Canada 11/21; Ottawa, Canada 11/24. For information about David Broza, visit his official website.


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Recreation / Outdoor in New Caledonia
Browse 5 attractions, meet 415 travelers, 149 tour guides and discover 19 photos
Travelers are voting New Caledonia Barrier Reef, Isle of Pines and Loyalty Islands as the best of 5 recreation / outdoor in New Caledonia. Also popular are Mont Panié in Grande Terre and Grande Terre in New Caledonia. Want more? Check out our map of recreation / outdoor in New Caledonia.
New Caledonia Barrier ReefRecreation / Outdoor Natural FeaturesNew Caledonia, France
The New Caledonian barrier reef is located in New Caledonia in the South Pacific, and is the second-longest double-barrier coral reef in the world,…3
Isle of PinesRecreation / Outdoor IslandsNew Caledonia, France
Nicknamed as 'The Closest Island to Paradise', the Isle of Pines in New Caledonia features several excellent scuba diving and snorkeling sites…2
Loyalty IslandsRecreation / Outdoor IslandsNew Caledonia, France
Home to the Kanak and the Tavu'avua native inhabitants, Loyalty Islands were first discovered by the British Captain William Raven in 1793, when…2
Mont PaniéRecreation / Outdoor Peaks or SummitsGrande Terre, New Caledonia
Mont Panié is a mountain on the island of Grande Terre in New Caledonia. At 1,628 metres (5,341 ft), it is the island's highest point.…1
Grande TerreRecreation / Outdoor IslandsNew Caledonia, France
Grande Terre is the largest and the principal island of New Caledonia. British explorer James Cook sighted Grande Terre in 1774 and named it…


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Minister Hussein Hajj Hasan meets a delegation from WTO in Beirut, Wednesday, March 9, 2016. (The Daily Star/Dalati Nohra, HO)
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Lebanon must not join the World Trade Organization unless it completes a set of initiatives aimed at protecting its industries, the General Confederation of Lebanese Workers said Monday.GCLW's statement came less than a week after a visit by a delegation from the WTO to Lebanon aimed at encouraging the country to join the organization.On the other hand, the Association of Lebanese Industrialists praised Hajj Hasan's position on Lebanon's membership in the WTO during the delegation's visit.


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To a Fault
by Nick Laird
64pp, Faber, £8.99
Nick Laird was born in Co Tyrone in 1975, the year Seamus Heaney's North decisively altered the profile and topography of Ulster poetry. In the 30 years since its publication, at the dawn of the Troubles, northern Irish poets seem to have swept all before them: as well as Heaney, writers such as Derek Mahon, Michael Longley, Medbh McGuckian, Paul Muldoon, Tom Paulin and Ciaran Carson, to name just a few, have won global recognition and made Ulster seem the place it is happening in poetry.
For up-and-coming young northern Irish poets such as Laird or Leontia Flynn (whose These Days was published last year to great acclaim), the stunning achievements of their elders probably appear both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand it can be encouraging to feel that "Great spirits now on earth are sojourning", as Keats put it, but the greater the spirits, the more daunting becomes the task of winning through to one's own imaginative terrain.
This taut, accomplished first volume suggests that the work of Muldoon has been the most crucial to Laird's poetic development. He often practises a Muldoonish kind of semi-surreal word-play ("scarecrows, skyscrapers, / scapegoats, smallish lexical mercies"), and, like Muldoon, enjoys presenting violence in a wry, unshockable tone:
The pistol jammed and they kicked him over.
They could break his legs, they offered,
but he waited, and another gun was brought ...
A child of the Troubles, Laird is too wised-up and disbelieving to reach for expressions of moral outrage, or what Heaney called "images and symbols adequate to our predicament". Instead he delivers cleverly off-beat perspectives on the paraphernalia of armed struggle ("He'd held a bomb the same weight as he'd been when born") and enjoys reducing the traces of catastrophe to the merely aesthetic: "On scuffed broken tarmac blood serum / is several shades darker than you ever remember."
Laird is also keen to exhibit his self-consciousness about his own poetic processes. In "Poetry" he compares the act of writing to riding on the top deck of a bus and observing the world through the window. "I'm watching you, and her, and all of them, / but through my own reflection." In general his own reflection in these edgy, tight-lipped poems is a pretty ghostly one; even his love lyrics seem more about disengagement than connection. In the rather brutal, mockingly titled "Aubade" he drives his lover away, fearing his independence is in danger of being compromised. The epigrammatic "Done" presents a grimly terse post-mortem on an affair gone wrong. "We've come to bag the evidence," he muses, as the separating couple prepare to move out of their temporarily shared digs:
This might be the scene of a murder.
Dustsheets and silence and blame.
The flat empties its stomach into the hall.
We have given back letters and eaten our words.
You wrote off the Volvo. I gave you verrucas.
But for Laird this break-up has its advantages: on emerging into the street he notices, "for the first time maybe", the teeming life from which the affair has insulated him, "the chaos, the smouldering traffic, / the litter, bystanders, what have you".
Here, and elsewhere in the book, Laird figures the temptations to emotional commitment as a possible threat to his poethood, but what exactly his vocation means to him emerges more through negatives than positives. "Disclaimer" takes the form of a kind of anti-manifesto, a definition of poetry by what it isn't:
It's not the flyer on the windscreen or cross-examination
and neither is it hatemail to the dead.
It's not a flight card or the black box's recordings.
Nor is it a self-help guide, nor memorable speech, nor particularly charged moments of experience - "the tremulous blow job you got in the Eurostar toilet / from the psychology student who sat opposite". It's more a noise like the wind, an "off-key persistent whistling", something unglamorous, small-scale but continuous, a kind of doggedness, "not lifting the pen from the page".
The book's wonderful opening poem, "Cuttings", illustrates many of the advantages of Laird's thoughtful, shrewdly oblique and self-effacing approach. It is one of a number of poems that deal with his relationship with his father, though he only appears towards its close. "Cuttings" is set in a barber shop, that classic site of male bonding, where what is not said is as important as what is. The intimacies licensed by the business of getting one's hair cut evoke the kinds of masculine "closeness casual once in the trenches", Laird reflects, and depend on "remembering when not to mention / the troubles or women or prison". Instead the talk is of "the parking or calving or missing". Animosities are suspended, for the barber tends equally to "eelmen, gunmen, the long dead, the police". In Laird's fantasy the barber's chair becomes a dreamy Elysium for Ulster malehood, a sanctuary from historical circumstances and sectarian hatreds, a place where defences can be dropped and reveries indulged:
And my angry, beautiful father:
tilted, expectant and open as in a deckchair
outside on the drive, persuaded to wait
for a meteor shower, but with his eyes budded shut,
his head full of lather and unusual thoughts.
The poem is surely engaged in a dialogue with "Digging", the opening poem of Heaney's first volume, Death of a Naturalist (1966). "Digging" is also about the poet's father, and develops an analogy between Heaney senior's expertise with the spade and his son's with his "squat pen", which rests "snug as a gun" between finger and thumb. "I'll dig with it", the poem concludes. While Heaney's "Digging" grounds his poetics in the contested soil of rural Ireland, the "cold smell of potato mould, the squelch and slap / of soggy peat", Laird's poem, an equally deliberate declaration of intent, takes the opposite direction, cutting free rather than digging down, disarming rather than threatening to declare war, trusting to deliverance from above (that "meteor shower" the father is waiting for), rather than excavating the traditions and grievances of history.
To a Fault is a rewarding and inventive first collection. It includes a subtly flawed pantoum (in which the second and fourth line of each four-line stanza become the first and third of the next), an appendix sequestered at the end of the book that is itself about an appendix (the organ) in a jar, a pun-laden flight on the poet's own name ("The Layered"), and much racy street slang - "this time last year I queued outside / with charlie, pills, two wraps of speed / my pupils bloomed with atmosphere". Laird's extended stays in Warsaw and Boston are commemorated in several poems, though Ulster landscapes and cityscapes dominate. The poems are tied together by the "fault" of the title, which recalls the character in Auden's The Orators who addressed his letter "to a wound". Laird wants his poems to come over as cracked or jarring, still bandaged or imperfectly healed.
Certain pieces seem to me simply too carefully defended, or disfigured by scar-tissue, to be worth puzzling over, but the best of those collected here find fresh and intriguing ways of probing the fault-lines that have shaped the golden age of Ulster poetry.
Mark Ford is the editor of The New York Poets: An Anthology (Carcanet).


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Month: September 2011
What Exactly is an LED Television?
by B Totanes
Lately, there have been a lot of advertisements hyping about LED televisions. What exactly is an LED television and how can it benefit you, the consumer?
First of all, let me get a few terms defined, so you can understand the big picture:
LCD – this stands for "Liquid Crystal Display". This simply means what it says. It is a display that uses liquid crystals sandwiched in between two glass panels and electrodes. The electrodes within these panels activate the liquid crystals and make the crystals dark, light or produce colors from the RGB spectrum, thus creating images depending on how the electricity is passed through them.
LED – "Light Emitting Diode" is an electronic component that produces light. This device, a Diode, is a semiconductor device that allows electricity only to pass on one direction. LEDs have been around since 1962, and were very commonly used as indicatorlamps on switches. Today, LEDs can be much brighter and some of its applications are as light sources for flashlights, traffic lights, automobile tail lights and others. They normally last many times longer than regular incandescent bulbs. Often, the device it is installed on becomes obsolete and discarded way ahead of the LED lamp's useful life. In ultra-large displays, thousands of Red, Green and Blue (RGB) LED lamps are placed on arrays in a huge panel and are controlled by a computer to produce TV-like images. These panels are what you see in big stadiums and ultra-large displays in Las Vegas, for example.
So, what is an "LED Television"?
Basically, the name "LED television" is a misnomer. It is really a combination of LCD and LED technology. In a traditional LCD television, the LCD panel that produce the images is back-lit by cold-cathode flourescent lamp (CCFL), similar to those white flourescent lamps in our homes. LCD panels by themselves will produce images, but you will barely see the picture as it requires some form of backlight. The floursecent lamp is placed on the back of the LCD panel to reveal the picture.
In an LED Television, the same LCD panel is used, but the cold cathode fourescent lamp (CCFL) is replaced by bright LED lamps. LED lamps are either placed directly behind the LCD panel or lined just behind the outer edge of the display (Edge-LED). So basically, the correct term should be "LED-backlit LCD Television". However, Samsung, who invented LED-backlit LCD TVs, conveniently dropped "LCD" and started calling their LED-backlit LCD Televisions,simply "LED Televisions". And so, the confusion started.
Some more expensive implementation of LED-backlighting involves putting Red, Green, and Blue (RGB-LED) LEDs directly behind the LCD panel and then dynamically controlled depending on what is being viewed on the screen. This makes for even brighter colors and deeper contrasts.
What are the benefits of LED-backlit LCD versus LCD Televisions? LED-backit LCD TVs differ from conventional CCFL-backlit LCD TVs in the following:
* LED-backlit LCD TVs produce images with greater dynamic contrast.
* With Edge-LED lighting they can be extremely slim. Models on the market can be approximately one inch thick.
* Offer a wider color gamut, especially when RGB-LED backlighting is used.
* Less environmental pollution on disposal.
* Generally 20-30% lower power consumption.
In a nutshell, LED-backlit LCD Televisions are fast becoming the preferred choice in televisions now-a-days. However, it is NOT the must-get feature if your budget does not allow the higher price. Do not disqualify traditional LCD televisions from your list. Chances are, you might just find a great deal out there.
Next: HDTV: 480p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p, what are the differences?
The Philippines Needs More Paris Hiltons
Just as Paris Hilton boarded a plane back to Los Angeles after opening her boutique in Manila, a survey was released showing she was voted as the least trustworthy celebrity, with a score of 60% by a survey made by Ipsos, a global market research company. I looked around the internet for reactions and many Filipinos were defending Paris, and simply didn't care. "Past is past", one person wrote. Some even thanked her for investing in our country.
Distrusted or otherwise however, the Philippines needs a Paris Hilton and more well-to-do celebrities like her. Imagine if other celebrities and the likes of Oprah, Ellen DeGeneres, or even billionaire Donald Trump would invest in the Philippines and publicly promoted it? Even if the Philippines shouldered the travel, lodging and security expenses for these celebrities, the return would be many times over in renewed investment and confidence.
Paris Hilton's investment in several stores in Manila not only endorses the Philippines as a country to look into for companies considering expansion in Asia, it also gives a boost of confidence in a flailing Philippine economy. We can toot our horns until our faces turn blue about how great investing in our country, but the truth of the matter is unless people from other parts of the world (i.e., the Paris Hiltons of the world) start believing in the Philippines and investing in our country, very few will come. Sadly, the quote made famous by the movie Field of Dreams, "Build it, and it(he) will come" does not apply to us. We need to build AND promote.
We already have several famous 'marketing representatives' who can help the economy. Why not tap our own famous celebrities to bring them in? It's definitely easier said than done, but wouldn't it be great if Charice can get Oprah to invest a few million dollars in the Phillippines? How about Arnel Pineda, who can he bring in? Apl de Ap? I bet that because Paris and Manny Pacquaio knew each other, it played a hand in Paris' recent visit to Manila. Wouldn't you think?
I remember hearing a story during the Marcos era when the IMF (International Monetary Fund) convention was in town. The dilemma was how to provide luxury automobiles to the delegates. It was solved by tapping into the financial resources of private individuals and companies. They were offered to import top-of-the line Mercedes-Benz cars using their own funds, tax free. The only caveat was they would allow the use of the cars by the IMF delegates for a week. After which, the car was theirs to keep. Whether this story is true or not, we need some out-of-the-box, creative thinking such as this. Maybe for travel and accommodations instead?
What is really lacking is confidence – not just by us Filipinos, but by potential foreign investors as well. It really does not do much how often we tell the world how worthy the Philippines is for investment, but it will really go a long way if other people like Paris Hilton invests and give the Philippines a vote of confidence — and maybe, just maybe then, when we build it … they will come.
Paris Hilton, distrusted as she may be by the world, is a good start :)
Is your last name Totanes?
I have been on the internet since 1994. I have seen it grow from a handful of useful websites to thousands in just a few years. One of my early email contacts with someone in the Philippines was with Professor Henry Totanes from Ateneo. His reply was a simple hello letter explaining to me that he was writing from Ateneo rather than Adamson University where I first thought. Later, I found out he actually
was a distant cousin of my dad. Small world — and getting smaller each day the internet expands.
Since that day, I have seen more and more people in the internet bearing the same last name as mine. Last year, I decided to start an email list for all people having the Totanes family name. Sometime this year, I will also share the Totanes.com domain with you by providing free email accounts. If you are interested, please drop me a short message, with your email address and name. When I collect a list of more than ten people, I will immediately start the project. Please email me at [email protected] — Thanks!
TOTANES Genealogy Forum
Visit the Totanes Genealogy
Forum at Genealogy.com. If you're
looking for distant relatives or simply just curious as to who else share our
family name, this is the forum to visit.
Totanes, Origins
Have you ever wondered where it all began? After several years of researching, and receiving emails from different people, it has become apparent that the Totanes family name was
brought to the Philippines by a Spanish Franciscan priest named Fr. Sebastian de Totanes
during the 1700's. He came from a small municipality in the spanish
province of Toledo, called — you guessed it — Totanes. The town still
exists today and is one of the oldest municipalities in Toledo. The feast
of San Anton is celebrated every January, where the whole town is lit up and the aroma of garlic sausages fill the air. The feast of the Virgin Mary is on the 3rd Sunday of September followed by the feast of the Immaculate Concepcion every 8th of December. Totanes produces high quality cheese and extra virgin olive oil.
The main plaza at Totanes, Toledo is the picture above, right. Also above left is the municipal seal.
For more information about Totanes, Toledo Spain, visit the following links:
Special thanks to Esmeralda Guio who hails from the town of Totanes for the above links.


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If You Get Annoyed by Noisy Sipping or Chewing, Beware: This Might Be a Sign of a Brain Disorder
Do you feel annoyed when you hear chewing, swallowing, clicking, drinking, sipping, finger tapping and other similar sounds that the human body can make? Do you want to yell at this person, say something rude, or become completely impatient and even aggressive? Well, it turns out, that some of us, more or less have a brain disorder called misophonia.
Bright Side wants to share some interesting facts with you that will probably change your opinion about yourself.
Misophonia literally means "hatred of sound." It started to be discussed as a condition in 2000 and many of researchers tried to study negative emotions, thoughts, and even physical reactions that are triggered by specific sounds.
But you shouldn't be worried much, because misophonia is still not classified as an auditory or psychiatric condition.
My husband *slurps* his wine – S.L.U.R.P.S his WINE. And mind you, these are the LOUDEST and NASTIEST slurp sounds that you will EVER hear.Sophia
Misophonia is not a case just of unpleasant sounds that you don't like, but a case where the sounds drive you mad! If there is a guy chewing and sipping loudly close to you, the sound will seem as if it's the central sound everywhere around.
Sometimes it can lead to a serious problem with relationships, family members, and friends. Reactions can be very unexpected and lead to quarrels.
According to researchers, there is a big physical difference in the brains of people with misophonia. Large amounts of myelination, the brain's insulation, could be found in people with misophonia.
And it can be a relief, for those whose friends and family don't believe, to know that the hatred of sounds is not just an oddity and annoyance, but can be backed up by medical evidence.
So is there a treatment for misophonia?
Specialists say that there are no exact ways to cure and no completely effective treatments for misophonia. But this does not mean that you need to give up, because there are still different methods of coping with this problem.
Some institutes offer hypnotherapy which is a method that is being developed by Chris Pearson.
The most popular treatment for misophonia is sound. Filling the living space with sound by using devices is a good option.
But there is also a good news. According to some researchers, people who have misophonia are more likely to be creative geniuses.
Since you pay more attention to some sounds than the majority of the population, you are better at noticing things and feeding your brain with more details.
Leave a comment, if you know someone with misophonia or there are some sounds that cause you to suffer.
Preview photo credit Nate "Igor" Smith / wikimedia.org, ___soigne / instagram


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View your WP7 App's Isolated Storage Structure (with source code)
August 12, 2010 10 Comments
Working with the Isolated Storage within the Windows Phone 7 emulator can be quite tricky. Firstly, there are often exceptions thrown that don't always explain what the root cause of the error is. Secondly, it's often difficult to figure out the structure of your Isolated Storage, especially as more directories and files are created. Therefore, I decided to write a quick class (IsoViewer.cs) which makes it easier to get an overview of the structure of your Isolated Storage.
It will display the directories present and their subdirectories. It will also display all the files within the folders. The class is easy to use and, by default, displays the structure using Debug.WriteLine so you'll be able to see it within the Output window of Visual Studio. Of course, this can easily be changed, so you can route the information to an external file or have it displayed elsewhere. In order to use the class, simply add it to your project and call it with IsoViewer.GetIsolatedStorageView(pattern, IsolatedStorageFile) – simple. To display all files, simply use "*" as the pattern. The class is static, so there's no need to create an instance of it.
Download IsoViewer Source Code
Hope you find this useful! If you have any problems with the code, feel free to comment and I'll try and get them fixed.
Updated (13/08)
A small update – If you don't have any directories, and only files in the root directory, then the files aren't displayed. Add "if (directories.Length == 0) GetFiles(root, "*", storeFile);" on Line 49 (after initialisation of string[] directories) to fix this. (I've updated the source code in the download already)


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Read the Label/
Guest blog by Cherie Burbach
Author of The Difference Now
You gave me a dress
but it was too small.
I looked at the label
and it said "unfeeling and ungrateful."
When I told you it didn't quite fit
you suggested I lose weight.
I ate what you prepared
and when the dress you bought me
still didn't fit,
I stopped eating.
Now the skirt slid over my hips
but I still felt uncomfortable.
I realized it was the wrong color and style.
You said
since I was good
and lost weight
you'd buy me a new one.
But I couldn't go with you
or make the choice myself.
You'd pick out my new clothes
and if I didn't like them
I could go entirely without.
The new skirt's label
said "lazy and stupid."
I didn't want to try it on
but you made me.
And I didn't protest
I didn't want to argue
or give you the impression
that I wasn't a nice girl.
So I put on the new skirt.
It was short, and tight.
You said it looked good
that it fit me perfectly.
So I tried to be happy
and be what you wanted me to be.
You told me girls were quiet
they didn't talk back.
So I held my tongue
even though I disagreed with you.
But then you told me I didn't talk enough
that I was stupid
and slow.
So I tried to show you I was smart.
I had a mind of my own.
But when I told you my dreams
you shoved me down.
You told me no one would ever want me
and I would always be alone.
And then you gave me a new skirt to wear.
This skirt's label read
"difficult and unlovable."
I put on my new skirt
but cried softly in my room.
I wore that skirt for a long time
even when I had outgrown it
I still told myself that it fit.
Every once in a while
someone would ask
why I wore that skirt.
They would tell me it didn't fit,
and I should get a new one.
But I didn't want to upset you
so I chased them away
from my life.
But one day
I walked past a store window
and saw a beautiful blue skirt
long and flowing.
I walked in the store
and tried it on.
"It looks good on you,"
the salesclerk said
as I spun around in front of the mirror.
I felt good, real, beautiful.
I read the label,
"passionate and honest."
"It really is you," the clerk said again.
And for the first time
I believed it.
"I'll take it," I said,
and handed her the money.
"In fact," I said, "I'll wear it out of the store."
I handed the clerk my old skirt
and told her I didn't want it anymore.
As I walked out
I looked at the mirror one more time,
and smiled.


text:
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A sudden thrust of a chorus of violins began the concert with the iconic opening theme of "Game of Thrones." Smoke billowed from center stage as the Iron Throne rose from beneath. Giant screens synced with the orchestra's performance played the "Game of Thrones" title sequence, drawing the audience into the show's world. The audience was now in Westeros, engulfed by the sounds of crisp strings, thunderous drums and a bellowing chorus. Though at times overwhelming, the "Game of Thrones" Live Concert succeeded in creating an authentic experience through its detailed stage effects and engaging musical performances.
Ramin Djawadi, the composer of the "Game of Thrones" score, directed the orchestra. While the soloists traveled with Djawadi for the duration of the tour, the members of the orchestra and the choir were local musicians. The choir skillfully supported the orchestra with its swelling background vocals, and the orchestra performed music true to the sounds heard from the series.
The stage design was captivating: Two large circles on each end connected an elevated pathway with spokes curving out from it. The orchestra performed on one end, while the other was used for solos. Above each circle were layers of massive cylinders with screens hanging from the ceiling. During the performance, soloists went out onto the spokes of the stage and moved into the audience. The concert was dynamic, given that the soloists interacted with both one other and the audience. All of the soloists brought the concert to life by taking on the ethos of "Game of Thrones" characters, through their movements, costumes and expressions during each song.
The horn soloist had the most striking musical impact of the concert. With a multitude of ambient noises, each solo was distinct from the last; this was primarily accomplished through the use of a variety of instruments ranging in size from that of a recorder to that of a stationary Tibetan horn. On television, these sounds fade into the background and thus the audience takes them for granted. Yet, in concert, the audience can recognize the important role that the strange low hums of the horn soloist plays in creating the atmosphere of "Game of Thrones." The soloist's passionate performance was one of the highlights of the concert, casting a spotlight on the musical beauty of what is normally disregarded as background noise.
Each soloist made use of the stage. Transforming with each new song to help frame the scene, the stage created the diverse locations of "Game of Thrones." For the song "Goodbye Brother," massive cylinders were lowered as a curtain rose around the first violinist during her solo. The screens on the cylinders transformed into the leaves of a tree, while petals drifted down from the ceiling. During the song "What is Dead May Never Die," the anthem of the seafaring House Greyjoy, the cello soloist sat at the end of the stage with water splashing in front of him. One of best scene designs was of the show's Church of the Seven, which was expertly crafted through lighting techniques. A single massive spotlight, shown through a seven-pointed star, hung from above, casting its shadow across the stage. The audience reacted most, however, to the song "Dracarys." When the screens displayed the dragons from the show attacking their enemies, large blasts of fire shot up from the stage, matching and amplifying the intensity of the drums.
Though the stage and effects did help to bring the atmosphere of "Game of Thrones" to life, the concert felt overwhelming at times. Often, it was difficult to know where to focus. Giant screens played video clips that sometimes distracted from the performance. During one of the songs, characters from the show were shown on screen. The audience responded with passion that varied depending on the individual characters. The image of Joffrey Baratheon incited insults and boos, while Daenerys Targaryen received thunderous applause. While experiencing the passion of the "Game of Thrones" fans added to the charged atmosphere of the concert, it sometimes made listening to the orchestra difficult.
A significant highlight of the concert was Djawadi's keyboard performance for the "Light of the Seven." Djawadi spoke to the audience about his experience with the show and then walked across the stage and sat down at the piano. The song opened with a simple repeating melody, played softly by Djawadi. Watching the composer of the music perform this emotional solo was an inspiring experience. The song gradually grew more complex, as strings and vocals accompanied his melody. The keyboard rose as the stage began to glow green from below. Reflecting the intensifying playing of Djawadi, the stage lights grew brighter as the melody began to crescendo. Djawadi's passion was evident as he played. This main set closer embodied the concert at its best, as the stage effects enhanced — rather than distracted from — the musician's performance of the incredible soundtrack.
The "Game of Thrones" Live Concert had had an overwhelming amount of movement and effects, but the skillful performances of the musicians and Djawadi in particular are what made the experience memorable. The concert was at its best when the stage effects did not dominate the scene, but rather supported it, letting the music be the focus of the show.


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Wednesday, January 12, 2011
AR-15 Rifles in the Movies!
Everyone recognizes the AK 47 – this assault rifle has been name-dropped in myriad films and television shows and has gained quite a reputation for itself – but did you know that at AR 15 is equally as popular, if not more so, and has made its debut in a number of box office hits!
Check out some of the movies starring the AR-15 rifle in its many variations:
I Am Legend
2007's I am Legend stars Will Smith as a doctor trying to find a cure for a virus that has wiped out the majority of the world's population. The film features some intense action sequences and an array of powerful weapons. One of the character's main weapons is a semi-automatic Colt AR-15 model that closely resembles an M4A1 carbine. Although the AR 15 is usually a semi automatic rifle, it was modified for the film to fire automatic for the film.
Bad Boys
Another hugely popular Will Smith action flick, Bad Boys follows two Miami detectives as they try to protect a murder witness and recover a stolen stash of heroin. The movie was such a huge hit it spawned a sequel a few years later, but it's during the first film that the AR15 rifle really shone. During the film's final, climactic, blow-out action scene, Will Smith's character, Mike Lowery, is seen using an Olympic Arms 6.5" AR-15. This shorter semi-automatic is interesting because it is the first ever AR 15 pistol – you read that right; this OA 6.5" AR 15 is not a rifle, but a pistol. Since it incorporates the recoil system into a flat top upper receiver, there is no need for a buttstock.
Tropic Thunder
Tropic Thunder was 2008's action smash hit starring Ben Stiller, Robert Downey Jr and Jack Black as a pack of film stars attempting to make a Vietnam War movie. The film was a huge box office success, due in no small part to its incredibly explosive and intricately choreographed action sequences.
Throughout various parts of the film, characters use a 16' barreled AR 15 Sporter II Carbine. Interestingly, this rifle is anachronistic for Vietnam as the original AR 15 carbine did not feature a forward assist on the upper receiver so this version would not have existed at the time of the actual war. However, the movie's comedic nature and mockumentary style probably have something to do with their use of a historically inaccurate rifle!
If the film had opted to select the actual rifle in use during the time of the Vietnam War, they would have had to use the original AR 15.
Any movie with Al Pacino in it almost screams cool gun scenes, and one of his coolest is the iconic scene featuring Tony Montana challenging Alejandro Sosa's men with one of the most memorable lines in movie history, "Say hello to my little friend" before firing a fully automatic Colt AR-15. The Colst AR-15 was used instead of an M16A1 due to cinematographic needs of the movie.
Other Films & Shows Featuring AR 15 Rifles
The Fast and the Furious: Colt AR-15A3 Tactical Carbine
Planet Terror: AR-15 Carbine
The X-Files: Colt AR-15 SP1 Rifle
Tony Autry is the owner of Del-Ton, Inc., and online purveyor of gun and rifle models, parts and supplies. Browse our wide array of rifle kits, barrel assemblies and more and contact us with any questions!
Posted by Del-ton, Inc. at 11:01 AM 57 comments
Labels: AR-15 movie, movie images guns
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Thesis Statement
A thesis statement helps you to focus your topic; tells your readers what you are focusing on. Here are some examples.
- Controversial issue: "Guns are dangerous weapons and should be controlled"; "Our Second Amendment right to bear arms is being eroded by unnecessary gun control laws."
- Exploring an issue: "What are the facts behind each side of the gun control controversy?" You may develop strong views after doing your research. You can always change your thesis statement at any point during the research process.
Check with your professor to see what s/he expects regarding a thesis statement.


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text: The Wednesday evening gather is geared to be more personal and practical. We first take time to share prayer requests and then pray for one another. We follow this time of prayer up by taking Sunday's sermon topic and breaking it down in a practical way to live out in our lives. Ask question, follow up and go deeper into God's Word!


text:
BATON ROUGE, La. -- LSU learned from its mistakes and came through in the clutch.
BATON ROUGE, La. -- LSU learned from its mistakes and came through in the clutch.
Josh Jasper hit a 41-yard field goal with four seconds to tie the score in regulation, then made a 36-yarder in overtime to lift LSU to a 33-30 win over Arkansas last night.
Arkansas' Alex Tejada missed a 36-yard field-goal attempt that could have forced a second OT, and the Razorbacks (7-5, 3-5 Southeastern Conference) missed a remarkable comeback bid, highlighted by Ryan Mallet's fourth-down touchdown pass to Joe Adams with 1:18 left, which gave the Razorbacks a 30-27 lead.
Jordan Jefferson threw for touchdown passes to Brandon LaFell and DeAngelo Peterson, and Trindon Holliday had an 87-yard punt return for a touchdown for LSU (9-3, 5-3), which could sneak into a New Year's Day bowl game because of Mississippi's loss earlier yesterday.
"I'm looking forward to the opportunity at a 10th victory at a bowl game of our team's liking," LSU coach Les Miles said.
LSU stormed the field after Tejada's kick sailed wide, celebrating their victory of "The Golden Boot" with a fist-pumping Miles, who had been under fire from fans since the Tigers' loss at Ole Miss the previous weekend. LSU botched the end of that game with poor clock management and play-calling. Against Arkansas, Jefferson and the Tigers looked like old pros in the two-minute drill.
"I'm proud of this team," Miles said. "In an area where there's a swirling backdrop and agendas, it didn't bother them. They got the distraction behind them and they came out and played as a team. I'm very proud of them. I'm proud of this coaching staff."
A week earlier, LSU recovered an onside kick and advanced to Mississippi's 32, but moved backward on a sack and a screen pass, then completed a long pass to the 5, only to run out of time.
This time, LSU marched from its 36 in about a minute with one timeout to set up Jasper's tying field goal.
Jefferson finished 17 of 25 for 179 yards and one interception. LaFell had four catches for 70 yards.


text:
After more years than I want to count, I'm finally taking a true and proper vacation. Going Greyhound to Arizona to see my BFF, Tina. She of the life scarf.
If my readership is like most people I've told about this trip, about 3/4 of you will make a polite face and wonder why I'm taking the bus instead of a plane, and about 1/4 of you will think it sounds cool and fun.
For the dissenting majority, here's why I'm taking the bus:
- I have more time than money. A bus trip is more than half the price of a flight, including the ticket and any shuttles I'd have to take.
- I don't like to fly. I ain't skeered; just not interested.
- One of my favorite bloggers, James Altucher, says that he wants his life to resemble a book of stories rather than a textbook. That's how I've always thought, but his description puts it best. A long bus trip is going to create many more stories than a boring old plane ride.
- When I think about escaping the relentless Texas heat and moving somewhere that supports my wooly wardrobe, I look west. This trip will turn the map into the territory.
- And this quote, which I wrote in one of my journals many years ago (and which explains why I'll do just about anything to earn money, save getting a 9-5):
It is easy to make life and career decisions based solely on financial concerns and to conform your life to the contours of whatever job will pay the most money. That is what most of us Americans are culturally programmed to do. However, if you put the money factor aside, shift your mental frame of reference, and instead analyze your life in terms of the plot of a novel, the results of your analysis will most likely change. Imagine that you are on a long train ride and must choose one of two books to read in order to pass the time: the first is a novel whose main character is an office worker who is essentially working to pay his monthly cable bill; the second is about someone who decides to travel in South America (and of course encounters various setbacks in the process), but who pushes beyond the boundaries of conventional American life. Which book would you pick up to read? Indeed, which of the two characters would you rather be? |-Mark Thompson-|
Now that that's out of the way, let's get onto the subject of this post, which is travel food, which for a knitter is: knitting.
The trip out there is 25+ hours and the trip back home is 28+, assuming, of course, that the buses run according to schedule.
I waited until the second-to-last minute to figure out what to take, and came up with two projects that are portable, almost mindless, and will be easy to pick up and put down in case I need to stop knitting to take photos of jackrabbits in the desert, or in case Keanu Reeves boards the bus in El Paso and he wants to talk.
The first is the Baby Kimono by Kristin Spurkland from Interweave Knits Summer 2005.
It calls for DK weight yarn, which I'm always sorry I don't have more of in my stash. So I'm using worsted weight yarn, some Berocco Comfort of which I have just enough* for this little jacket done entirely in garter stitch.
I cast on last night and knit a few rows to get started. My gauge doesn't match, but eh, if I finish it, and if a baby ever wears it, it probably won't matter.
If I tire of knitting every row, I can throw in some purling with my second project—Citron by Hilary Smith Callis from Knitty Winter 2009.
The pattern calls for lace weight yarn, but I'm using a fingering weight like I did the first time I knit it. I used Knit Picks Comfort in blackberry.
This time, it's hollyberry.
Catch y'all on the flip side.
*I should have just enough yarn, but with the way my luck goes sometimes…
To Ponder: See above.


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I know it's been a while since I shared something but I'm back on track. I was hardly working on new design services and new listings for Etsy shop. This is snippet from my new Branding service, where I created brand identity. I will be revealing more in next posts, for now, juicy, modern, green moodboard. I love this calm and minimal vibe and delicate line art.
photo source: olives, Rubber plant by Oliver Osborne, logo,palm tree, cactus, interior
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Welcome in PFS! I'm Monika from Gdynia (Poland) I'm graphic designer specializing in blog design, coding and praphics. I run design boutique on Etsy offering fresh and beautiful design for Blogger and gold / silver foil prints with inspirational quotes, minimalistic typography and maximal style.


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You are here
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) selected the VUB project 'The development and evaluation of training modules for dual career support providers (DCSPs): A European pilot' as one of seven international projects in the Advanced Olympic Research Grant Programme 2017/2018 of the Olympic Study Center. VUB will research how the support for elite athletes that also study or work can be organised optimally.
Elite athletes that opt to combine their sports career with studies or (part time) employment are often supported and guided by dual career support providers that are connected to an institute of education and/or elite athlete organisation. Research has shown that these dual career support providers play a crucial role during the career of an elite athlete.
Researchers Simon Defruyt, Nicky Van Rossem, Koen De Brandt and Professor Paul Wylleman of the research group Sports Psychology and Mental guidance (SPMB) and the office for Top Sport and Study - charged by the IOC - will work together with career experts of Windesheim University (Netherlands), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (Spain) en Halmstad University (Sweden). This project will lead to the development, implementation and evaluation of training modules for dual career advisers. Eventually the project will also contribute to an optimisation of the guidance of elite athletes at our university.


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Video: Auto Show Stuntin- Bentley's Mulsanne Speed
by Sommer Thornton
Bentley unveiled a new flagship model at the Paris Motor Show, positioned at the very pinnacle of automotive luxury and performance. The new Mulsanne Speed is the fastest ultra-luxury driving experience in the world.
During the press conference, Wolfgang Dürheimer, Chairman and CEO of Bentley Motors, commented: "We listen carefully to the needs and preferences of our customers and it is this approach that has made Bentley the most sought after luxury car brand in the world. We are the choice of many high achievers, independent thinkers, world leaders and Royal Families around the world."
Check out the press conference video!
The signature Mulsanne ultra-luxury sedan has been updated for 2015, to complement the launch of the performance-focused Mulsanne Speed. The Mulsanne receives the same efficiency upgrade through new engine hardware, with its 505 horsepower, 752 lb-ft 6.7 liter twin-turbo V8 engine now 13% more efficient. Changes have also been made to the gearbox calibration of the Mulsanne, focusing on smoother, relaxed gear changes that promote a comfortable and refined driving experience. New paint colors, hide and veneers options are also available across the Mulsanne family.
The Mulsanne Speed is tailored for the driver, with 530 horsepower and a staggering 811 lb-ft of torque and selectable sports suspension and steering on demand. The reengineered powertrain, featuring Bentley's mighty 6.7 liter twin-turbo V8, propels the Mulsanne Speed to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds and on to a top speed of 190 mph. In modern Bentley tradition, the extra performance is matched by markedly improved efficiency; a 13% gain means a range extended by 50 miles.
New and contemporary styling features define the Mulsanne Speed as a statement in quintessential British luxury. Dark tint accents to exterior detailing hint to the Speed's powerful character, while on-board technology and connectivity are discreetly integrated beneath the finest materials, created with unrivalled craftsmanship and exquisite handcrafted details.


text: An Life Insurance, Health Insurance, Disability Insurance, Auto Insurance, Travel Insurance or Property Insurance are not only the types of insurance policies available in the market. However the fact is insurance products are available wherever risk is involved. In today's world there are number of risks involved and for mostly […] Different Types of Insurance Policies: Insurance BasicsThis entry was posted in Insurance


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If you're baffled by the energy market, you're not alone - but things should improve following an investigation which will look at ways to make the market simpler, clearer and fairer for all of us.
In June 2014, the energy regulator, Ofgem, referred the energy market to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) for a full investigation, after it found that competition wasn't working effectively.
We look at exactly why this has happened, and what it means for you.
Why is the energy market being investigated?
Ofgem recently completed an assessment of the energy market with the Office of Fair Trading and CMA, to see how well competition in the market is serving us the consumer, and small businesses.
It found that lots of us don't trust our energy suppliers, particularly as their profits seem to keep increasing, yet they don't seem to improve their customer service, or try to cut their own costs.
Ofgem has therefore called for a full investigation to help rebuild consumer trust and confidence, and to ensure that competition between suppliers is working.
What will the investigation focus on?
According to Ofgem, the investigation will focus on several different elements. These are:
- The relationship between the supply businesses and generation arms of the six largest suppliers.
- Barriers to entry and expansion for suppliers
- The profits of the six largest suppliers
- Whether there is sufficient competition between the large energy suppliers
- The trend of suppliers consistently setting higher prices for consumers who have not switched
- Low consumer engagement that contributes to weak competitive pressure in the market
The hope is that the investigation's finding will result in a shake-up of the energy market that will result in increased competition between suppliers, so more people will be encouraged to switch.
When will the investigation start and finish?
The investigation has been underway since the end of June and is expected to take over a year. The CMA is expected to publish its final decisions by the end of 2015.
What could the outcome be?
If the CMA investigation finds that competition in the market is limited and that, for example, new suppliers aren't getting a fair chance due to the stranglehold of the big six, it could suggest changes in the structure of the energy market.
That could mean, say, that the biggest companies can no long be both energy generators and suppliers, and could be broken up.
What do suppliers think of the investigation?
Suppliers claim that they are fully supportive of the investigation (although they could hardly say otherwise).
Sam Laidlaw, CEO, Centrica (which owns British Gas) said: "We want an energy market that is trusted by customers, and we believe that an in-depth and thorough review by an independent and respected authority can help to achieve this. So Centrica welcomes the investigation."
What protection exists at the moment for consumers?
Ofgem has already taken steps to encourage competition in the energy market by telling the 'big six' energy firms and the largest independent generators that they must trade fairly with independent suppliers, or risk steep fines.
New rules which came into effect on March 31, 2014, means that companies now have to publish their wholesale energy prices two years in advance. They also have to trade wholesale power twice daily. This makes it easier for smaller companies to buy energy more cost-effectively, which they can then sell on to consumers and businesses.
The regulator has also banned numerous and confusing tariffs which made it difficult for you to track down the best deals. Since January 2014, suppliers have only been able to just four tariffs per customer for electricity and gas.
These changes are a result of Ofgem's Retail Market Review into the energy market which started in late 2010.
Suppliers must also let you know which of their tariffs are the cheapest.
What about switching?
Ofgem has agreed with suppliers that they will make it easier for you to switch when we want to. By the end of 2014, you should be able to switch energy supplier within three days. And you'll get a two week cooling off period before the switch takes place, just in case you change your mind.
By the end of 2018, you should be able to switch suppliers in just one day. Currently the process can take up to six weeks, which includes a two-week cancellation period.
However, this shouldn't deter you from switching now, particularly if you're on a fixed tariff which has just ended, or which is due to finish soon. Usually once this happens you'll be moved onto your supplier's standard tariff, which is likely to be much more expensive than the tariff you're currently on.
Ofgem has a useful guide to switching suppliers, which shows you how to become an energy shopper in three simple steps: http://www.goenergyshopping.co.uk/en-gb/how-to-shop.


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This quiet community features spacious 1 or 2 bedroom homes, wonderful amenities and a professional and courteous staff! Located just minutes away from the Shands Hospital and UF Dental School, students and medical staff can't find a better deal! Country Gardens is a relaxing neighborhood complete with a swimming pool, 24-hour fitness center, dog park and a clubhouse. Easily travel to and from school or work, all while enjoying the serenity of a beautiful home complete with tiled floors, walk-in closets and ceiling fans throughout!
Airy 1 or 2 bedroom units come with central air conditioning, a staple for any Florida home! One bedroom homes at Country Gardens are approximately 745 square feet while two bedroom homes, which come with an additional bathroom, are 985 square feet. Kitchens include a dishwasher, a frost-free refrigerator and upgraded countertops.
Love to shop? Easily fit your wardrobe into an oversized walk-in closet and enjoy a view from your very own patio. Tile floors, carpeting and private bathrooms are just a few other features that complete these gorgeous units! Have a pet? Absolutely no problem! Country Gardens is a pet-friendly community, but inquire for more details in regards to certain dog restrictions.
You'll never get bored living at Country Gardens! While the pleasant and serene atmosphere of the community makes this the perfect place to relax and enjoy some downtime, residents are able to enjoy a whole host of amenities.
Swim some laps in the pool and hit up the 24-hour fitness center to burn off those calories you consumed at the last tailgating party! Invite some friends over and cook up some tasty BBQ on one of the complimentary grills. Canine companions can even run free in the community dog park! You can rest easy knowing that courtesy patrol carefully watches over the area and electronic surveillance systems are available if you're feeling extra cautious!
Country Gardens is a green community using low energy lighting and allowing for paper, glass and paper recycling. Leases, available for a semester or an entire year, cover perks such as free monthly pest control and a common room complete with a TV, ping pong and a pool table!
With an unbeatable location on 16th Street, easily walk to work or school from Country Gardens! The quiet and relaxing surroundings of the community in addition to spacious units and fantastic amenities make this the ideal home for busy students and professionals alike! What are you waiting for? Come visit us today!
Shands and VA employees receive a $200 discount on first months rent.
This community is now owned and managed by Platform Management Group (PMG).
Country Gardens Apartments
2001 SW 16th Street
Get directions to this apartment from a location
We've sent your message off to Country Gardens Apartments. If you'd like to chat with the staff immediately, feel free to call them at (352) 449-4160.
If you would like to chat with the Country Gardens Apartments staff before your tour, you can call them at (352) 449-4160.
We're checking availability for you now! Someone from the leasing team will contact you shortly. Meanwhile, please feel free to call Country Gardens Apartments at (352) 449-4160.


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Mobile sales continue to surge
Up 16.6 per cent year on year in second quarter of 2011
Sales of mobile technology continue to soar as the worldwide mobile handset market grew another 16.5 per cent year on year this quarter. The number of units sold totalled 428.7 million in the second...
Mobile Phones
Samsung Galaxy Fold will finally appear in September - but will anyone want one by then?
Samsung finally unveils a new release date for its troubled (and expensive) folding-screen smartphone
Apple iPhone to get 120Hz displays in 2020 - two years after Razer debuted the tech on smartphones
Apple in talks with LG and Samsung over OLED 120Hz displays for its high-end iPhones
Huawei files applications to trademark its mobile OS 'Hongmeng' in several countries
Huawei is reportedly seeking to use its new operating system in a variety of gadgets
18,000mAh battery Energizer smartphone canned after only 11 people sing-up to Indiegogo crowdfunder
Big batteries in the Energizer Power Max P18K pop prove unappealing in a bulky smartphone, despite MWA 2019 hype
Huawei and Samsung settle 4G intellectual property dispute
Huawei had accused Samsung of using its 4G intellectual property without a licence
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This week has been crazy...But we do it for you!
Marsha puts on for the ladies re cooping from a sour relationship with a farewell of bad wishes. its sounds a little personal but good song.
Wow, Did Russell's little nephews come a long way. They have the hip hop world supporting them, so sky is the limit. The mixtape got pushed back for his purposes but i really hope the Atlantic signee work close on his album too.


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The magnificent frescoed halls and the ancient courtyards and gardens are available for cultural events, ceremonies, conventions, advertising locations and holidays, etc.. . Camino Castle Wine Cellars are also open to the public - a great opportunity to taste its delicious homemade wine!
With its elegantly restored apartments and confortable rooms Camino Castle invites you to enjoy the fascinating atmosphere of the ancient past.
Camino Castle is situated in the Monferrato hills, in the north-west of
Italy, approximately an hour away from Milano, Genova and Torino.
With its elegantly restored apartments and comfortable rooms Camino Castle invites you to enjoy the fascinating atmosphere of the ancient past.
The Guesthouse is situated in the carefully restored sixteenth-century part of the castle from which the beautif
Camino Castle has 12 rooms, each containing locally made traditional furniture and fitted with bathroom, LCD television and air conditioning. The rooms are all different in size, colour and furnishing, but share an intimate and refined atmosphere. The traditional furniture preserves the authentic local taste.
You can choose the B & B offer and stay in a single, double or triple bedroom with breakfast included.
Large outdoor areas are provided by the delightful park and its many flowers.
The ancient Guesthouse is an ideal starting point for a tour of the famous wine producing area (the "wine route") across the green Monferrato hills or for simply enjoying a relaxing holiday in an elegant and luxurious Bed & Breakfast while savouring the delights of the local food and wine.
The Camino Castle produces several kinds of wines produced from its esteemed wine grapes: Amaro Del Castello Barbera, Grignolino, Chardonnay, Monferrato Rosso, Grappa and Amaro del Castello (the Castle's Amaro is a digestive prepared with a secret and ancient recipe)!
Sports facilities
Camino Castle dates back to the 11th century. According to historical archives, the 44-metre high tower was built by the Aleramici and is said to be one of the highest towers in Monferrato.
As a result of its strategic location, the castle was not only an ideal observation post, but also a refuge for the people living on the plains. In fact, it is recorded, as early as 1100 A.D., that the population sought protection inside the castle walls, the remains of which can still be seen.
The castle belonged to the Bishops of Asti up until the 13th century and was later administered by the Marquises of Monferrato.
In 1323, Teodoro Paleologo, in debt and in need of money, handed over the ownership of Camino Castle to his brothers, Tommaso and Francesco Scarampi, who were merchants and bankers from Asti.
From 1323 to 1950, the castle remained in the hands of the Scarampi family from Villanova.
Several battles took place at Camino Castle. One of these, which occurred in 1400, was later described in Matteo Bandello's thirteenth novel in a mixture of fact and fiction.
In the following centuries, the castle was attacked and invaded by various armies, especially in the 17th century during the Franco-Spanish war.
With regard to the architecture, various changes had already been made to the interior during the 16th century, but further alterations were carried out in the 18th and 19th centuries, such as the arched windows at the top of the tower, the addition of stone balconies to the façade and the eighteenth-century renovation of the main staircase and ballroom.
In the 19th century Ferdinando Scarampi restored the oldest part of the castle in order to build a large neo-Gothic dining room and a theatre above it decorated with frescoes showing episodes from "Don Quixote". In the same century, a small chapel was built in one of the spacious courtyards, which is still consecrated today. Vittorio Emanuele II, Umberto I and Vittorio Emanuele III of Savoy (Kings of Italy) were some of the guests at the castle and Mussolini inaugurated the Monferrato aqueduct from the castle balcony.
Thanks to its architectural modifications and its excellent state of preservation. makes Camino Castle not only unique, but also one of the most beautiful castles in Italy.
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I'm sad. I surf way too much and now I can't find a really cute purse I had found about two days ago. I think it was a site through carrie's links and it had a vintage breakfast purse. Two eggs over easy and a piece of bacon on a round purse. The purse was baby yellow with a matching strap. Dammit, this sucks. :::continues surfing:::
edit - 8:20am - In case you don't read the comments, the purse has been found. It's Libby's creation and it's right here. ahhh, much better. :)
last edit...i think - 9:18am - Ok, I try not to talk about my job on this site because if there's one thing I've learned from others, it's not to talk about your job on your site. ie. dooce. :) But I am on a team of four women including myself and all of the other teams in our department have men and women. So whenever we were thinking of a team name I would say, "go team estrogen!". The other women would groan and say, "oh no you didn't just say that". Little did I know there was an actual site called team estrogen!!! You GO girl, lol!


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Science Check: Quantum Break May 22, 2016Posted by Maniac in Editorials, Science Check.
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We've been playing the new Remedy game Quantum Break nearly non-stop over here at GameXcess.net since the game was released back in April. It's a phenomenal title and if you have an Xbox One or a VERY powerful Windows 10-equipped PC, I cannot recommend it enough. The game's plot revolves entirely around the concept of time travel, and developer Remedy put a lot of hard work into researching the most plausible scientific basis when defining their vision of time travel's underlying rules. Without trying to spoil too much, the player will learn eventually that while time travel is possible within Quantum Break's universe, changing the past is not.
I've been facinated by time travel stories since I was a small child. In fact, the Back to the Future movies were some of my absolute favorite films growing up, so I'm proud to finally have the chance of taking on the subject for this site. That's right boys and girls, today we're going to be talking about time travel. Buckle in.
Sometimes, you're forced to make some severe leaps of logic as to just how plausible a video game's grounded reality can be. Some things we're willing to take for granted, like enemies will simply just carry health and ammunition supplies with them at all times, and you will be immediately able to make use of them.
But then sometimes there will be moments in gaming which skirt the bounds of reality and you are forced to ask yourself…COULD THAT REALLY HAPPEN? Fortunately for me, I happen to have a bunch of friends on speed dial with science backgrounds and when I ask them questions, they have no problem filling me in on just what reality would do in these situations.
So this is Science Check, where I take a look at the leaps and bounds of scientific logic that games have made over the years and check if it would indeed work, or if you tried doing it in the real world, you'd be totally screwed.
I was fortunate enough to speak about time travel and Quantum Break specifically with a friend of mine recently. My friend, who wished to remain anonymous, has a degree in physics and while he is not an active participant in any current time travel related research, he is familiar with some of the work being done in the field. I was lucky enough to pick his brain on what he thought about time travel in Quantum Break, and just how plausible it is.
Quantum Break was exceptionally clear about what it would take for a human being to travel through time. The game's premise is that you could travel forward or backwards through time by circling a black hole. Based on that theory, a time machine's design would include a modular circular pathway wrapped around a central core. The core is made up of an artificial black hole which would not only be capable of powering the machine, but would alter the flow of time for anyone walking through the circular pathway. After inputting the destination date, the machine's computer would automatically calculate the proper distance the circular pathway would need to be positioned around the core and deploy it. The specific direction the traveler would need to walk around the pathway (clockwise or counter-clockwise) would be dependent on if the traveler was planning to go to the past or the future.
This setup had lots of advantages but also lots of disadvantages. Essentially, the time traveler would enter the time machine in their present and exit directly from the machine sometime in the past or future. That meant that all time travel from that machine would be tied directly into the individual core used to power it, so the user would only be able to time travel to periods when the core was active and could not travel to a time before it was first built. The user would be able to exit from a different time machine only if the core from the machine they used to travel was moved to power a different time machine at a later time. To protect against the Grandfather Paradox, time travelers were made incapable of altering the history of known events in the game's world. For example, it was noted several times in the game that any attempt by a time traveler to prevent a predestined event only served to cause the event they wanted to prevent to happen in the first place. If a user was to set the machine for a minute in the past, they could essentially see an older version of themselves exiting the machine as they were getting ready to enter it. Their younger self would still need to enter the machine to close the time loop as their older self went about their business, or they would face breaking time. It's as if time is fixed, and regardless of who is in what time, only what has happened in the past will happen in the future.
So how does this concept stack up to reality? While there are physicists working on methods of traveling through time, none of the work I've seen has included sending a human being forwards or backwards through time. I'm afraid to say that my friend was of an opinion that time travel in this form was simply impossible. While there has been work on time travel in the real world, the method that seems furthest along only involves sending simple messages into the past. While that may be useful, it is still unknown if even this method will be successful.
My friend argued, simply, that if time travel is EVER invented, humanity would be well aware of it by now. That old joke, "When do we want [a time machine]? That's irrelevant!" rings true. If a time machine is ever made real, regardless of the form it takes, he believed it would eventually become mass-produced for civilian consumption. Night vision, remote-controlled drones and GPS are all examples of private technology intended for military applications eventually finding massive popularity when they were eventually released in a civilian market who would probably buy them like crazy. Anyone who has seen the movie "Time Chasers" knows where this point will eventually lead. If time travel is possible in the future, having time machines eventually sold in the same volumes as private automobiles are today is a real possibility. Statistically, this runs the risk of misuse, intentionally or unintentionally. My friend used the analogy of having an immature child borrowing their parents car and taking it out for an illegal joyride. Now imagine what would happen if instead of a car, the parents owned a time machine.
Since a time machine could theoretically exist at any point in time once it's built, if they're possible to build it would be highly likely time travelers from all over history could be walking among us. It's then inevitable the world would be aware of them and there would be records of odd people appearing in time periods they don't belong. I argued the possibility people capable of time travel would be intelligent enough to keep quiet and reports of time travel related events to the media could be dismissed as hoaxes and left unreported, but that did not take accidents into account. Statistically, it is possible if time machines are mass produced, eventually one is going to be used by some idiot who won't respect these rules. Even if some genius is able to successfully build and test a machine in secret and use it properly for personal use until he either dies or retires the machine (a la Doc Brown), my friend has said that when it comes to innovation, especially for electronic devices, if just one person is able to figure out how to make something statistics say that someone else would be able to eventually replicate his work on their own. If Will didn't build his time machine himself, perhaps Sophia would have eventually been able to build one on her own.
I'm sorry to conclude that because no credible events of time travelers have been reported to this date, it is likely a time machine is simply not something humanity is capable of creating. However I need to give great regard to Quantum Break writer Sam Lake for making such a believable story. If I hadn't talked to some of my own experts, I might have tried to build one myself.
Quantum Break is out now for Xbox One and Windows 10 PCs.