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LoyarBorak features discussions of selected issues in either written, video, or audio formats.
LoyarBorak goes all romantic in the week leading up to Valentine's Day, as thoughts shift to love, relationships, and marriage. This LoyarBorak is moderated by Marcus van Geyzel, and the Borakkers taking part in this session are Edmund Bon, June Rubis, Lim Ka Ea, and Syahredzan Johan.
Please borak along in the comments section below. If you'd like to be a Borakker, email us at [email protected]
This is the final part of a two-part LoyarBorak. Read Part One here.
Marcus: What do you think of the generally-accepted view that couples should go from being in love, to being in a relationship, to being "engaged" and then getting married?
It is basic human right to be married to a person of your choice.
Progress in a relationship is entirely dependent on the couple and it would be wrong to dictate the steps to take. But I am uncomfortable that culture, religion and society frequently impose the purported need and values of marriage on people. Many people are stuck in unhappy marriages. Many couples live happily without getting married.
Marcus: But how would you choose to be married, if to you, love is an illusion? What would the criteria then be for that choice? The same as how you would choose your friends?
Personally, I don't believe in the institution and culture of marriage but I won't knock people who do want to get married (sometimes, however, jokingly). Most, if not all, of what needs to be achieved through marriage may be achieved by not getting married.
I have not heard a reason that is not a selfish one for getting married — children to look after me when I'm old, continue the family name, afraid of the partner leaving the relationship. Much of our lives are dictated by social constructs which are unnecessary.
We came with nothing. We live life as much with something. We leave life with nothing.
Give me better reasons why should one get married?
I think this view puts a lot of people under pressure to follow society's expectations. It is great if you truly, honestly want it for yourself, but not many people do. As well, there are couples who do want to get married but can't because society says so!
For example, inter-religious couples who do not want to compromise on their faith, yet are in love and want to get married. Or couples of the same sex. How is that fair?
Perhaps if more people stand up, and are able to say, this is not for me, others will feel more empowered to make their own life choices.
After all, it is your life.
Ka Ea:
I'm an impulsive sort of person.
I don't really believe in rules or what people view as "normal" progression of things when it comes to relationships between two human beings. Feeling and thought processes are two extremely complex matters and nothing is ever predictable when it comes to them.
I'm sure you can find couples who get married just after one month of knowing each other and remain married for more than 20 years. You will also find couples who were engaged for two years and then decide to go on their separate ways. There are many couples who are co-habitating and yet they seem to fight less than those who are married.
So, why create rules for something which you can never really predict?
As long as couples strive for an honest and loving relationship, rules shouldn't matter.
Rules don't change people. People do.
Well I more or less followed the same route, so I think there's a nice progression by following them. I think there must be a suitable gap from the starting point ("being in love") to the "end" point ("marriage") so that both are comfortable with the progress of the relationship.
I think that is the rationale behind these steps.
Far too many marriages have ended because any or both parties were not ready for the commitment that is expected in a marriage.
In saying that, I do think it sometimes create unnecessary complications. Sometimes, couples can fall in love and get married, without the need for engagement, for example. Yet societal and cultural pressures dictate that it must be done the "orthodox" way. Not for the benefit of the couple but simply because other parties (usually the family) expect it.
Marcus: Why did you and your wife choose that route? Or was it your wife who made the decisions (joke)?
Yeah. It was the wife (just joking, sayang!).
With us, I think very early on in the relationship we had already talked about marriage. It was just a matter of time. For me personally, I wanted to make sure that before I marry, I was in a relatively stable financial position, not least because weddings these days cost a lot of money! We dated for five years before our marriage, so I think even if we hadn't gone through the whole process, we'd still be happily married, simply because we've dated for such a long time before tying the knot.
But we went through the whole merisik, bertunang and bernikah phases (like any "good" Malay couple would) because of tradition and expectations from both sides of the family.
And I don't think my wife is complaining, since she got a different ring for each phase.
I'm not saying that you need to date for a long time be happy, what I'm saying is that if you want to enter into a long term commitment like marriage, you better make sure you're ready for it. Whether it takes 5 months, 5 years or 50 years, at the end of the day what is most important is that you have prepared yourself for this life-changing event called marriage.
Marcus: Describe a "romantic relationship" in your ideal world.
Feeling free. Living for the moment in the moment. Being yourself with everyone you are with.
The world will never be ideal and we will all die soon. So live as happily as possible with whoever (or more) you want to be with.
Marcus: So you don't see a "romantic relationship" as a one-to-one, but rather as a relationship between you and the world around you?
Huh? Where did you get that from? Must be the "true lawyer" talking and reading between the lines.
Just as love, "romance" or what is "romantic" has been misused. It's really about enjoying as much time and the moment as possible with whoever you are with. It could be one-to-one or not.
It could be a memory that fades away or lingers at the back of your mind.
In an ideal world, a romantic relationship would be with someone who loves and accepts me for the many facets that make up me, and vice versa.
We will challenge each other to be our best, and will be communicative, honest, loyal, and true. We share core beliefs, and are passionate about similar causes. We will stand up for each other in public when am faced under criticism, but in private, will have the integrity to tell the other person how we messed up.
We will strive to be continually conscious in our relationship, living in every moment. Together, we will become more spiritually aware of our connection to the Earth and our community, and work together towards a shared life of meaning and service.
We will also have fun.
Yet, that is in an ideal world, and in reality, life just happens and we have no control over it. Perhaps the next best thing is to be in that ideal relationship with yourself.
Ka Ea:
Romance is not about sending your loved one 1,000 stalks of red roses or declaring your love in front of millions of people.
It's about giving up a part of you and offering it to the other person without expecting anything in return. It's about giving that person his/her happiness despite forfeiting your own and it has to be mutual of course. Otherwise, it's just shiok sendiri (self-indulgent).
What's romance without all the painful tribulations faced by the couple and infused with life's predicament and drama?
In Leaving Las Vegas, Nicolas Cage said to Elisabeth Shue, "I am a drunk and I know you're a hooker. I hope you understand that I'm a person who is totally at ease with this."
That sums up romance for me but in my ideal world; my love and I would be speaking like Mr Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett.
I leave these words with you.
"I will have to tell you: you have bewitched me, body and soul, and I love, I love, I love you. I never wish to be parted from you from this day on."
A relationship in which the only people who matter are those in the relationship.
Free from all racial, religious or societal considerations. Free from pressures placed by family members or the need to keep up appearances.
In my ideal world, the only ones who decide where to take the relationship is the couple themselves.
Edmund is a virgin who believes in free love while tweeting at @edmundbon.
June is a secret romantic who believes in Unweddings and tweets at @j_rubis.
Ka Ea is happy to be in love.
Syah is a self-professed "poyo jiwang" who spends his days listening to The Moffatts and stalking Justin Bieber via @syahredzan. Do not judge him.
Read this first: LB Terms of Use
Wait…..so Edmund and Pang are gay?
Dear friends in love,
This #LoyarBerkasih has got you all of us lurvee-doveee….lurve you all esp Pang!
Aiyoh, Pang! Why so much mental masturbation??!!
Reading your comments, trying to decipher all the big words you used is turning me off love.
Love is for everyone – whether they're intellectually unsophisticated or not.
So let's just cut to the chase and make love.
Edmund should be so lucky to have you. :)
ehem, being the 'pedantic academic,' can I offer people some reading materials?
Antonio Damasio's "Emotion, Reason and the Human Brain"
Teresa de Lauretis's "The Practice of Love"
Jacques Lacan's "The Mirror-Stage" (I suggest reading anything you can find on Lacan)
Sigmund Freud's "The Psychology of Love"
C.S. Lewis's The Allegory of Love
Georges's Batailles "Erotism: Death and Sensuality" (if you aren't squeamish, I also suggest "The Eye", his novel with all his philosophy on love and sex).
Luce Irigaray's "The Sex which is Not One"
I can go on but I will pause here for now. I welcome conversations on these.
Pang, all that intellectualism, compensating for something? Consider that there are actually . If so, prepare to hit your reset button and rethink life. As least some of us can reset in privacy, those not so fortunate will have to unlink first from those who imprison to move forward.
Warning to Citizens of the World
There is a technological dimension of justice and element of consideration that nullifies the entire case of criminality or even LGBT (not that LGBT itself should be persecuted either for those naturally occurring cases) who are manufactured and influenced to a degree and is ignored (perhaps intentionally?) by the press and media and hidden by government which refuse to expose and write laws preferring to use as an extrajudicial weapon of torture or murder there can be no escape from. The legal system and education system has failed to warn or protect us from such manipulations which are contrived by the Telco or government in collusion against citizens.
Human civilisation has fallen to a wretched state today, even religious institutions have used these things to profit off the unsuspecting citizentry. Be aware of what is happening and those with any ethics would work to expose the technology or methods used against our fellow human beings in this manner.
Mental Autonomy / Mental Privacy is likely to end with 2600 Mhz Telco Grids
While the infrastructure appears not much different, the technological levels have reached unbelievable levels, and thus the government needs to be HONEST alongside any with supposedly privileged knowledge that they would keep secret to control and suppress free enterprise and ultimately freedom of society and supress equality in man or to suppress those deemed too superior genetically and socially . . .
For example Anwar and Saiful Sodomy Case Malaysia, Malaysia's Minister Maid Rape Case, Prince Saud Abdulaziz Bin Nasir Al Saud's Gay Lover Killing Case, the Catholic Priests overcome with lust for children, I strongly believe that due to their strong religious and family upbringing and even some of us due to our station, political beliefs and political alignments, or threat of presenting too powerful a social or psychological, even psychic competition, or even intelligence, or even failed relationships with people having access to such devices – have been groomed into rape, murder, LGBT or even simulated mental illness specifically to weaken their voice. Let them seek justice and reclaim their reputations.
Full link here :
Pang, it may all never have been true or from yourself. Begin living life anew if it was not genetic. And liberate your 'fellow' LGBTs as well if their case is the same. What a terrible thing society and the cowards who hide behind such things are. But it certainly is not too late to inform and save others, and in doing so even yourself as well.
As least some of us can reset in privacy, those not so fortunate will have to unlink first from those who imprison to move forward. Think deep Pang, and put your mental prowess to THE TRUTH.
But I love you guys still. Keep it up! :)
I am sorry but I have found this discussion on love and marriage to be thoroughly unsophisticated, disingenuous and inane.
Edmund started with the excellent and polemical (but none-too-original) premise that love is illusory. This could have lead interestingly into an examination of the cognitive processes that determine our understanding of love vs the physiological processes and mimetic influences we often mistake (sometimes deliberately) for the same, perhaps visiting the old materialist vs idealist views of the impulses that make up this thing called love (What is love without consciousness? What is consciousness without matter? What matters without love?), finally maturing from that false binary into a pluralist view that is clearly imperative if one is to negotiate the disparity of persons with differing definitions of love attempting to operate together on a word (love) that seems to demand a singular working definition. Can it be done? How does one sustain the quantum possibilities that both affirm and deny (and challenge) each other's definitions? This discussion instead meandered insidiously pass the panelists' navels into useless platitudes applicable perhaps only to the speakers' limited realities (and I say this with utter respect for their realities as well as their limitations), but none looking both inward AND outward simultaneously at how to relinquish one's notions about love — natural and nurtured — long enough to accept that love doesn't exist except when we make it so, and simply learn to be. The failure to discuss concepts such as the selfishness of love, the instinctive fears that propels one into relationships, and reciprocal altruism (evolutionary psychology also has much to offer) suggests that our lawyers here have much to understand about WHY they love — so all they could offer is how they love. Boring. But I give you this: Edmund comes close. Which explains my infatuation with him. Ahem.
"It's about giving up a part of you and offering it to the other person without expecting anything in return. It's about giving that person his/her happiness despite forfeiting your own and it has to be mutual of course."
Agree and that's the ironic and tricky part of romantic love isn't it? One actually needs to have the courage to love the other without expecting anything in return (despite the risks etc), and secondly finding the person who has the courage to do the same. It's time-consuming, requires consistent effort (not to mention luck) yet has no promise of ROI. It's almost godly. (In many ways, parental love is the same but parents usually expect even less in return) No wonder only crazy people are capable of such love.


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The Editor Formerly Known as Mr. Deathrealm. Author of BLUE DEVIL ISLAND, THE NIGHTMARE FRONTIER, THE LEBO COVEN, DARK SHADOWS: DREAMS OF THE DARK (with Elizabeth Massie), BALAK, YOUNG BLOOD (with Mat & Myron Smith), et. al. Feed at your own risk.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
VMNH Geocaching Day
Although to many it might seem very near invisible, one of Martinsville, VA's most attractive and socio-economically progressive institutions is the Virginia Museum of Natural History. It conducts significant research, hosts some very appealing exhibits (such as dinosaurs, dinosaurs, and dinosaurs!), and also sponsors lots of positive community programs, such as day camps for kids and teens, outings to clean up local streams and rivers, health seminars for seniors, and...an introduction to geocaching!
Bright and early this morning, I headed out to the Gravely Nature Preserve, just outside Martinsville's city limits, where 30-some local folks interested in geocaching came out to learn just what it's all about. I had volunteered to help out, so I tagged along to hinder as best I might a group of up-and-coming cachers on the mile-and-a-half trail. The young lady in charge of the outing, who goes by the handle MuseumWren, did a really nice job of planning the activity and getting folks together to learn about how to use multi-billion dollar military satellites to find Tupperware in the woods. Several of the groups went after the caches that I had set up on the trail a couple of months ago, and I believe each of them managed to make the finds -- even the tricky little micro-container planted in a tree.
I went with several very nice folks who really took to the challenge right from the start. They had originally targeted just one of my hides, but we ended up going to all three, plus a puzzle cache that MuseumWren set up. Unfortunately, one young lad stumbled upon a yellowjacket nest, and he and his dad got stung several times -- but they both shrugged off the stings and went on to make a couple of tricky finds. What troopers!
Best of all, I finally got to meet a local cacher (handle Kuykenew), whom I've known online for several months; and my good friends, the Albaneses, who've become geocachers of dark renown, showed up as well. This was a really nice activity that got a bunch of strangers together for a good time and a wee bit of education.
Tonight, I grilled out chicken for my mom and me. The rest of the day has been devoted to meeting that looming deadline. Hoo boy, it's closing fast.
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subset: commoncrawl


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There are three main steps to money laundering that a criminal must go through to launder their money successfully. The three steps to money laundering are the placement stage, the transformation stage, and investment stage.
The first step of placement is attempting to get the money out of your control and into another place. What this does is removes the dirty money from your possession and puts it into the control of someone else — leading into the next stage called transformation.
The transformation stage is when the dirty money starts to mix in with the clean money and gets shuffled around, getting farther and farther away from where the dirty money originated. This can be accomplished by investing the money into different businesses and then pulling the money back quickly and getting even less than you started with, but the money is now cleaner than it was when you put it in.
The final step of money laundering is called the investment stage in which the new money that has been taken back from the investments with the dirty money. This is the hardest stage of laundering to detect as the money has already been washed clean and is now in circulation along with the clean money.
Money laundering is used when dirty money from some criminal organization or criminal activity is acquired. For example, if drug money is acquired by a drug dealer, that money would be considered dirty. If the dealer were looking to hide how he received the money, he would begin to go through the process of laundering money to "clean" it.
Money laundering is still very prevalent today as there are still millions of dollars passed in this way each and every year because it is one of the more difficult crimes to detect. This is the reason criminals have gotten so good at turning the dirty money into clean money, making it even harder to detect. Then they turn the newly cleaned money into purchases or investments which then gets the money out of there possession and almost impossible to identify.


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Friday, January 15, 2010
Chick Flick Friday! - "While You Were Sleeping"
I am a huge Sandra Bullock fan and this movie was really done in her 'America's Sweetheart' phase. If you remember, she had a string of romantic-type comedies and this was a great one.
Bullock stars as Lucy - a fairly happy, everybody's pal, subway token booth employee who fancies herself in love with a handsome stranger that she sees every day but has never spoken to. When she saves his life after he is mugged on the subway platform and he falls in to a coma, she is somehow drawn in to his family who believe her to be his fiancee!
Having no family of her own, she allows herself to be drawn in but finds herself attracted to her "fiancee's" brother played by Bill Pullman. This results in all kinds of awkward moments and by the end of the movie she has to choose between the two and admit that she never was engaged to brother number one! It really is a sweet movie (sometimes a little too sweet) but a great light movie for a night in.
*Today's Examiner.com articles is on homeschool websites that offer freebies. You can read about it HERE. Thanks!*
5 comments:
- Patricia Rockwell said...
I agree with you. And Sandra Bullock is really sweet in it.
- January 15, 2010 at 12:02 PM
- Nani said...
Stacey- wish we were blessed w/some $$$ and one of us had an awesome bonus room to invite the girls over for GIRLS MOVIE NITE! Oh the dream.....
- January 15, 2010 at 5:53 PM
- Marlene said...
This is actually my first film of Sandra Bullock and I fell in love with it and watched it over and over. I became a huge fan and have watched almost all of her films. She's so adorable in this film.
- January 15, 2010 at 6:04 PM
- jenn said...
I love her, too. I just watched the proposal today, and Loved it!
- January 15, 2010 at 10:58 PM
- Mommy Liz said...
I love this movie, I don't get tired of watching it over and over. Miss Congeniality is also awesome, Two Weeks Notice and The Proposal made me laugh so hard. Can you tell that I am a Sandra Bullock fan?
- January 16, 2010 at 6:47 AM
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Web Developer2016 - PRESENTGymtropolis (via Toptal)
Technologies: PHP, Laravel, AngularJS, jQuery, MySQL
- Created and implemented a loyalty rewards program.
- Migrated the app from PHP 5.1 to PHP 5.6 and Laravel.
Web Developer2013 - PRESENTNearsoft
Technologies: PHP, JavaScript
- Created amazing web apps.
Developer2016 - 2016Hashcam (via Toptal)
Technologies: PHP, Symfony, AngularJS
- Created a REST API to work with mobile apps.
- Created a single-page web app for admins.
Developer2015 - 2015IronRide (via Toptal)
Technologies: PHP, Symfony 2
- Created a REST API to work with mobile apps.
Developer2015 - 2015IPCOM (via Toptal)
Technologies: Symfony2, AngularJS
- Migrated an old PHP module to Symfony2.
Engineering Manager2008 - 2013LogisticApps
Technologies: PHP, JavaScript
- Managed tasks and team members as the web development team leader in charge of developing and maintaining all of the company's web applications, websites, and server administration. As CTO, I was in charge of making all IT decisions.


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2017-07-27 Helmsmen Toastmasters Club 2412 Meeting 2890 Minutes
2017-07-27 Helmsmen Toastmasters Club 2890 Meeting Minutes
Helmsmen Toastmasters Club Meeting 2890 – July 27, 2017 Minutes
Congratulate Forte Ward, Toastmaster of the Day, with the theme-"What's on Your Mind?"
Thank Kim Winborne for taking very good minutes during todays' meeting.
1. TMoD Schedule:
3 August Elizabeth Femrite
10 August Andrea Clark
17 August Chanelle Johnson
2. All Helmsmen Toastmaster club officers for the term July 1-December 31, 2017 must attend Toastmaster Leadership Institute (TLI) training. The training is free. See TLI training locations listed below. TLI is open to all Toastmaster members.
TLI locations:
Saturday July 29 – Time: 10:00 am – 2:30 pm Ralph Waldo 'Petey' Greene Community Center
2907 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave. SE
Washington, DC 20032
Sponsored by District 27
Sunday, July 30 – Time: 1:30 pm – 5:45 pm Holy Cross Hospital Education Center
1500 Forest Glen Road
Silver Spring, Maryland 20910
Sponsored by District 36
Sunday, August 13 – Time: 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm Verizon
13100 Columbia Pike
Silver Spring, MD 20904
Sponsored by District 36
Saturday, July 22 – Time: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm Verizon
22001 Loudoun County Pkwy, Ashburn, VA 20147 Sponsored by District 29
Saturday, July 29 – Time: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm Ferlazzo Building
15941 Donald Curtis Dr, Woodbridge, VA 22191 Sponsored by District 29
Thursday, August 10 – Time: 6:00 pm – 8:30pm Navy Federal Credit Union
820 Follin Lane, Vienna, VA 22180
Sponsored by District 29
Herman Raybon, Jr. was our Presiding Officer!
Bert Romero was our Opener!
Forte Ward was Toastmaster!
Forte Ward was Wordmaster with abdicate, (verb), to give up or renounce; wash your hands of
Yash Sinha was our Grammarian
Audrey Britton was our AH-Counter!
Herman Raybon, Jr. was our timer!
Bert Romero was our listener!
Herman Raybon, Jr. gave our Tip of the Day!
Yash Sinha was our Ballot Counter!
Forte Ward was our Table Topics Master!
Carmita Cooke was our Master Evaluator!
Bert Romero was our Closer!
Congratulate Andrea Clark., Speaker 1, with her speech "Girls' Trip", Competent Communication, Project 8 Get Comfortable With Visual Aids, Evaluated by Kim Winborne
Congratulate Table Topic Speakers: Carmita Cooke, Yash Sinha, Herman Raybon, Jr.
Best Speaker was Andrea Clark!!
Best Evaluator was Kim Winborne!!
Best Table Topics speaker was Herman Raybon, Jr.!!
Happy Friday and Happy Speaking!!
Reminder, you may still be on the "Hot Seat" for last minute changes. Things change often, so when you are ready to give your speech, let the TM of the Day know even if you are not scheduled. We can always fit you in! You can get credit for being Toastmaster of the Day, Evaluator, and Table Topics Master, Timer, and many of the other duties. During or immediately following the meeting, ask your fellow Toastmaster to provide a small evaluation in your leadership book.
Distinguished Club Program — The more we do as individuals, the more goals our Club achieves. If you go to Club Central and go to Distinguished Club Program (DCP) reports, you can view the latest status of the goals for Helmsmen Toastmasters Club
Kim Winborne
Secretary ad interim
Helmsmen Toastmasters
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News Release
SIU Terminates Investigation in Windsor; Man did not Sustain Serious Injury
Case Number: 17-OCI-250
The Director of the Special Investigations Unit, Tony Loparco, has terminated an investigation into an interaction that occurred in September of 2017 between a 19-year-old man and Windsor Police Service (WPS) officers.
In the early hours of September 10, 2017, WPS officers initiated a traffic stop on Beals Street, near Woodland Avenue, as a person of interest (the 19-year-old man) was believed to be in the vehicle. The man eventually exited the vehicle. In the course of arresting the man, there was an interaction between him and a police officer. The man sustained an injury to his face, but refused medical treatment. He was arrested and charged with several offences.
Director Tony Loparco said, "The evidence shows the man did not sustain a serious injury. As such, I have terminated the investigation into this incident."
The SIU is an arm's length agency that investigates reports involving police where there has been death, serious injury or allegations of sexual assault. Under the Police Services Act, the Director of the SIU must
- consider whether an officer has committed a criminal offence in connection with the incident under investigation
- depending on the evidence, lay a criminal charge against the officer if appropriate or close the file without any charges being laid
- report the results of any investigations to the Attorney General.
Lisez ce communiqué en français.
Monica Hudon, firstname.lastname@example.com
SIU Communications/Service des communications, UES
Telephone/No de téléphone: 416-622-2342 or/ou 1-800-787-8529 extension 2342


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Evaluation sought in lewdness case
A Gardnerville man who is accused of having sex with a 13-year-old girl will undergo a risk assessment.
Bail for Jaccob Howell, 19, was lowered to $1,000 under condition he not be alone with anyone under the age of 18.
Howell was arrested last week for lewdness with a minor, a felony that carries a life sentence if convicted.
Attorney Kris Brown acknowledged the serious nature of the accusation, but said it was consensual despite being age inappropriate. Howell was 18 when the offense was committed in June 2017.
Brown said Howell has family in the Valley and grew up here. He was aware of the investigation, which took several months, and did not attempt to avoid prosecution by fleeing.
■ Felony charges are set to be dismissed on Monday in the case of a 25-year-old man, who was accused of assault with a deadly weapon.
Jobrontae Xavier Warner admitted two charges of domestic battery and violating a restraining order in East Fork Justice Court on Wednesday. On May 22, the victim said Warner pushed her onto a couch with a fireplace hatchet and threatened to "split her open."
■ A man accused of raiding the Ulta Beauty Store in Carson Valley Plaza waived his preliminary hearing on Wednesday and will go to District Court.
R'Mani Minard, 24, is facing charges of theft, burglary and conspiracy to commit a crime in connection with the theft of 37 bottles of men's cologne.
Minard is believed to be a member of the infamous Bay Area "Rainbow Crew," a shoplifting gang that raided exclusive stores three years ago.
■ A Carson City woman was taken into custody on Tuesday morning at the Topsy Walmart
Danielle Pulsifer, 56, was turned over to Carson authorities on Wednesday on a warrant for exploiting an old or vulnerable person. Bail was set at $10,000.


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Meet Robin: Your new favorite tattooed travel mom
They say, "It's not where you go, it's the people you meet that matter." Or maybe they don't say that, but they should. During her three years as an Aya travel nurse, Robin's found people to love everywhere she goes. "I've met friends who've turned into family," she says. She… Read More


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Together the small contributions can have significant value. Wikipedia is the most common example. Sentence by sentence volunteers have created an encyclopedia more comprehensive and just as accurate as Britannica. Many online stores use crowdsourcing to create and rank product reviews. A newspaper in the UK has created a system to let the public review over half a million pages of government expense accounts. So far, the politicians will be paying back £478,000 for inappropriate expenses.
Amazon has built a programming interface and service called MTurk that allows companies to submit tasks that require human effort, receive the completed work, test for quality and then pay for the work. This is being used for everything from identifying the addresses in drive-by photographs, to translating documents, to audio transcription. The system gives you access to a very large number of workers from around the world—all paid on a per piece basis with appropriate quality controls and error checking.


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Welcome to Oxnard College. Whether you are a prospective student, a current student, or a member of the community attending one of our many cultural events, we hope you will feel at home here.
Oxnard College was founded in 1975 and is a member of the Ventura County Community College District. Our college is located in the heart of Oxnard, the largest and most vibrant city in Ventura County, and our faculty and staff is wholeheartedly dedicated to helping our students achieve their dreams. For some, those dreams include the attainment of an associate's degree and transferring to an excellent university, on their way to a rigorous profession. For others, those dreams include securing a rewarding career in one of the stellar technical programs we offer, such as Culinary Arts, Fire Technology, or Dental Hygiene. In all cases, we offer an affordable and supportive pathway to a better life.
As the proud son of hard-working immigrant parents, I love this nation of opportunity with its commitment to "liberty and justice for all." I worked my way through law school and practiced commercial law for many years before dedicating myself full-time to the irresistible calling of higher education. Now, my joy and my purpose is to help others find their own path to success in its many forms. That is also the purpose and the legacy of Oxnard College.
Bienvenidos. Nuestra casa es su casa.
Luis P. Sanchez, JD, LLM
Acting President


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Mardi Gras Around the World
Mardi Gras: A Worldwide Celebration
Mardi Gras is a very old celebration that has been around since the time of the Ancient Romans. When you think of Mardi Gras, you probably think of the well-known festivities that occur annually in New Orleans. Mardi Gras, however, is celebrated throughout the world and is known by many different monikers. Although the festivities and customs may vary from place to place, the theme of Mardi Gras remains the same. Eat, drink and be merry... because tomorrow, we fast!
Mardi Gras is a French term meaning, "Fat Tuesday." The celebration of Mardi Gras began as a pre-Lentel time of gaiety, partying and mostly, eating and drinking. Traditionally during the 40-day period of Lent, no meat, eggs, cheese, alcohol or rich foods were eaten by the devout. Lent, which occurs six weeks prior to Easter, was considered to be a time of reverent penitence and fasting. To most folks it just made sense that before Lent ever began, it was appropriate to have one last hurrah. This final party should, of course, include a whole lot of feasting, drinking, and at times, even a little depravity.
New Orleans, Louisiana: Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras was brought to Louisiana by French explorers who brought the custom with them from Europe, celebrating the first Mardi Gras on American soil in about 1703. Krewes are societies or groups of people that organize at Mardi Gras time in order to put on elaborate parades, balls or other festivities. Many of the Krewes in New Orleans have been around for decades and have a rich history filled with Mardi Gras tradition.
In 1870, a New Orleans Krewe known as the Twelfth Street Revelers began the custom of tossing throws. Beads, doubloons, small toys and other trinkets are tossed from the parade floats to the onlookers. These Mardi Gras souvenirs are often marked with the sponsoring Krewe's logo. Nowadays, parade throws are a huge, and very desired part of Mardi Gras revelry and parade watchers will try varying ways of getting the attention of float riders in order to obtain these coveted little baubles. Women have even been encouraged to expose their breasts as a sure-fire means of obtaining some parade throws.
In addition to parades, Mardi Gras is also a time for traditional masquerade balls. Mardi Gras masks have been a part of Mardi Gras tradition for hundreds of years. Traditionally, theses masks were worn during Mardi Gras in order to conceal one's identity as Mardi Gras was often a time of debauchery and heavy partying. Today, Mardi Gras masks are worn mostly because of a long-standing tradition. Because of this deeply seeded tradition, all float riders at Mardi Gras are actually legally required to wear a mask. Mardi Gras partygoers and spectators mostly just wear masks to get into the spirit of the event and for fun.
Mardi Gras traditionally has always been a time of sanctioned heavy eating and drinking. Popular Cajun style foods served during the celebration of Mardi Gras including Gumbo, Jambalaya, Andouille, Crawfish, Shrimp Creole, Po-Boy Sandwiches, red beans and rice, Oysters Rockefeller, Bananas Foster, Bread Pudding, Beignets, and of course, King Cake. King Cake was created in remembrance of the Wise men or Magi, who came to visit the baby Jesus after his birth. King Cake is a cinnamon roll-like pastry that is baked with a small toy baby inside. During Mardi Gras, whoever gets the slice of King Cake with the baby is said to have a year of good fortune in their future.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Carnival
Likely the most popular holiday celebrated in Brazil, Carnival is also one of the biggest parties in the entire world. In Rio de Janeiro, at Carnival time, millions of people will take to the streets in order to celebrate this very lively and festive annual event. Carnival begins about a week before the traditional Tuesday that falls the day before Ash Wednesday.
One of the biggest parts of Brazilian Carnival is the dance known as the Samba. During Carnival, various Samba schools (Samba clubs) will perform the Samba while in parades, wearing very elaborate costumes. In addition to extravagant parades, Carnival has many other festivities for patrons to enjoy. Street entertainment, food, and music will be found in rich abundance. Elegant masquerade balls will also be held, much in the tradition of those that began centuries ago in Venice, Italy. Although costumes are not mandatory at many balls in Rio, most people do choose to wear them along with the customary, Carnival-style masks.
In Rio de Janeiro, Carnival has been a traditional time for folks to let go of their inhibitions and just have a raucous good time. Carnival also offers the perfect opportunity for many to live out their innermost fantasies by wearing crazy costumes and getting into whatever character they may desire. There is no such thing as making a fool of yourself at Carnival--and if you do, you can always blame it on Rio.
Mazatlan, Mexico: Carnival
Mazatlan is the host to the third largest Mardi Gras party in the world. 70% of Mazatlan's population is part of the Catholic faith. It may seem just a tad ironic that such a rip-roaring party prefaces the solemnity and prayer that is part of Lent, but this has become the norm in many Mardi Gras celebrations. In Mazatlan, Carnival is absolutely the perfect time for all to let their hair down one last time.
Along the spectacular coastline of Mexico, hundreds and thousands of costumed revelers will be enjoying the festivities that are part of Mardi Gras custom. This age-old festival has been celebrated in Mazatlan since 1898, and the seven-day event has become a 117-year-old tradition that has been fully embraced by both the locals and thousands of tourists each year.
During Mazatlan's Mardi Gras celebrating there will be elaborate parades, live music, street entertainment, fireworks, and of course plenty of fabulous food and drink-all perfect for pre-Lent feasting.
Cadiz, Spain: Carnival
The folks of Spain are still making up for lost time. For over forty years from 1928-1975, the then head of state, General Francisco Franco, banned all Carnival celebrations. It was unfortunately then thought that Carnival might be a front for various criminal activities. After the General's death in 1975, the ban on Carnival was lifted and Spaniards began to rebuild the old tradition of Carnival, trying to restore the customs that were once a huge part of Spanish/Christian culture.
The largest Carnival celebration in Spain is held in Cadiz. During the week that comes before Lent, there will be many elaborate parades, masked balls and various other opportunities to wear costumes and creative masks. Live music, street performers, and fireworks are also part of the Spanish version of Carnival.
During the Carnival festivities, singers called Chirigotas will sing throughout the streets of Spain. The songs sung by the Chirigotas are parodies as well as satirical tunes, usually about news, politics or even celebrities. It seems that everyone must have his or her sense of humor intact during the lively celebration of Carnival.
Nice, France: Carnival
The Carnival celebration in Nice, France is likely one of the oldest in existence in the world today. References to Carnival in this coastal French city have been made as far back as the 13th century, and the celebrations here still remain some of the world's largest.
In Nice, the Mardi Gras celebrating begins two weeks prior to Lent, ending on Fat Tuesday. In true Carnival tradition, during the weeks prior to Lent, excess is not only authorized, but also encouraged. Historically, Carnival was a time of great gaiety and merriment. During the festivities, all things were mocked, and it was common to make fun of everyone and everything. The wearing of Carnival masks became the norm in order to conceal one's identity during all of the raucous and rowdy fun.
Today Carnival festivities are very popular in Nice. Extremely elaborate floats, some created with the help of renowned sculptors, will parade through the streets. Each year the Carnival celebration will have a different theme, this year's theme being "The King of Music." Traditionally the parade floats in Nice are famous for their amazing flowers. Each year, "The Battle of the Flowers" occurs amongst the participating floats in the parade. As the parade progresses, and the floats go by the spectators, float riders will toss flowers to anxious onlookers. Over 100,000 flowers will eventually be thrown onto the streets from each of the participating floats.
Trinidad & Tobago: Carnival
During the few days before Lent, the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago are well known for their elaborate celebration of Carnival. Carnival began during the latter 1700's, when French-Catholic plantation owners brought their Carnival traditions to this Caribbean country. The slaves had their own style when it came to participating in the fun of Carnival. When brought to the plantations, the slaves had been stripped of every connection to their African heritage. These folks used traditional Calypso style music during the festivities as a method to secretly mock their slave masters. To this day, Calypso, Soca and Steel Pan music are integral and traditional parts of the Carnival celebrating in Trinidad and Tobago.
In addition to the obvious partying and extreme merriment that goes along with Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago, it is common to see extremely elaborate costumes being worn during Carnival. Dancing and Steel Pan music competitions are also part of the festivities, as well as Limbo contests.
Quebec, Canada: Winter Carnival
Since 1894, it has been a tradition in Quebec to hold a very raucous Winter Carnival in order to "Eat, Drink and Be Merry" in the days prior to traditional Lent. Now the annual Winter Carnival is a Canadian tradition that goes from the end of January until mid-February. The Quebec Winter Carnival is one of the largest winter festivals in the world. During the rather frosty festivities, there will be parades, masquerade balls, outdoor sporting events, ice and snow sculpture contests and of course, tons and tons of food and drink. "Bonhomme," the snowman that is the official mascot of the event, will also make his grand appearance. Bonhomme's likeness will also be in much of the media that goes with the festival.
The Quebec Winter Carnival is considered to be a family friendly event. Snowy parades, canoe racing, sleigh riding, and many other "winter themed" activities prove once and for all that ice and snow don't stop warm-hearts when it comes to having a good time. Besides, there is always "Caribou." Caribou is a warmed alcoholic beverage that is served in rich abundance at the Carnival in order to take the bite out of the cold and to help wintertime revelers to stay warm in often freezing temperatures.
Binche, Belgium: Carnival
The Carnival of Binche dates back as far as the 14th century. Taking place on the Sunday, Monday and Tuesday prior to Ash Wednesday, the Carnival of Binche is likely one of the most important holidays in Belgium. During the Carnival, street performers will dance and play music. It is common for the local townspeople to dress up in costumes for the Carnival as well.
Clown-like street performers called Gilles will walk the streets during the Carnival of Binche. In Belgium, it is considered a great honor to be a Gille during the Carnival. Dressed in vibrant, bright colors, the Gilles will wear masks and wooden shoes while parading and dancing through the streets. Baskets of oranges are often carried by the Gilles, and the performers will toss these oranges to (or at) onlookers who are watching the parade. The culmination of the Carnival festivities is marked with the Gilles dancing in full regalia to music and drumbeats that old tradition states will ward off all evil spirits.
Sweden: Fettisdaggen
Mardi Gras or Carnival celebrations have many varying traditions depending on where in the world you go. One thing that most every Carnival has in common, however, is an emphasis on the abundant eating of rich and decadent foods just prior to Lent. According to Christian tradition, Lent is a time of fasting and abstinence.
The Swedes are no different than other countries around the globe when it comes to celebrating the time before Lent. "Fettisdaggen" (meaning Fat Tuesday) is the time when Swedish folks will take full advantage of the opportunity to indulge in delightful treats and enjoyable foods that must be given up during the period of Lent. One of the better-known Swedish indulgences is called "Semla." Semla is a bun or pastry made from white flour that is filled with almond paste and freshly whipped cream. The Swedes have made this favorite treat part of the traditional fare that is consumed and looked forward to during the celebration of Fettisdaggen.
United Kingdom: Pancake Day
We love a little bit of history. The United Kingdom's celebration of the days prior to Lent may pale in comparison to the festivities found in New Orleans or Rio. The fact that some of their old rituals have been around for centuries has to mean something and for this we give them credit. Prior to Lent, the United Kingdom celebrates Pancake Day or it is sometimes called Shrove Tuesday.
Shrove Tuesday has its roots deep in an ancient pagan holiday that used to be celebrated along with the passing of the seasons. Thousands of years ago before the arrival of spring, pagan worshippers believed that there was a battle between the god of the winter and darkness and the god of fertility and springtime. In order to assist the god of the spring and help him to win the battle, the locals would eat pancakes. They believed that eating pancakes would create power, light and warmth and thus expedite the warmer weather. Once Christianity began to spread throughout the European countries, many of these old pagan rituals were grandfathered into the new Christian holidays and celebrations to make adjusting to the Christian life easier on the locals. Pancake day was adapted into the celebrating and revelry that commonly occurred in the days prior to Lent and has been a pre-Lent tradition ever since.
Pancake Day is obviously a day to celebrate and eat pancakes--lots and lots of pancakes. Other ways of marking this festive day have also become a part of the tradition. For example, in some cities in the UK, they have pancake races. What in the world is a pancake race you make be asking? Well, in a pancake race, runners will line up with an actual pancake in a frying pan held in their hand. As they run the race route, the person will flip the pancake while racing to the finish line.
English pancakes are very thin, much like crepes, and are usually served rolled up, and then dusted with sugar.
Denmark: Fastelavn
In Denmark, the Shrovetide celebration or "Fastelavn" is strikingly similar to Halloween. In fact, Fastelavn has been referred to as the "Nordic Halloween" because of the common features that this holiday shares with Halloween. Fastelavn is celebrated on the Monday or Tuesday prior to Ash Wednesday. Because of the Protestant Reformation hundreds of years ago, over the years this holiday has become less and less religious and more about just having fun.
In ancient times during Fastelavn it was common practice for young men to carry a bunch of sticks in order to give a playful flogging to any girls met while out on the street. As time went by, it became a new tradition for children to playfully flog their parents during Fastelavn. Beating black cats out of a barrel was also an ancient practice that occurred during the days prior to Lent. Modern day sensibilities have changed the practice of beating cats out of a barrel to a much kinder, gentler practice. Nowadays, children will beat a barrel filled with candy until the barrel breaks open and the candy spills out.
On Fastelavn, (much like Halloween) Danish children will dress up in costumes and trek door to door. Once at someone's doorway, the children will offer up a Shrovetide song. Here is one version of a Fastelavn song that has been used: (translated into English)
"Shrovetide is my name, Buns I want. If I get no buns, I will make trouble. Buns up, buns down Buns in my tummy. If I get no buns, I will make trouble."
The song is a little reminiscent of the singsong trick or treat line that is often cheerfully used by American kids at Halloween! The buns referenced in the song are called Fastelavnsboller. These traditional buns are served during Shrovetide and are very similar to a cream puff.
Venice, Italy: Carnival
What sets Venice, Italy apart from all the other Mardi Gras or Carnival celebrations throughout the world, is the importance placed on the tradition of wearing masks. Venice is well known for masks during the carnival, and some of these masks can be considered literal works of art. There are many different types of masks that are worn during Carnival, but you can bet that pretty much everyone is wearing one. Half-masks, full masks, grotesque masks, elaborately detailed masks, and silly masks--you name it, in Venice you will find it.
The tradition of wearing masks goes back to the 13th century when the caste system was in place, and some sorts of naughty behavior could jeopardize one's position in society. All these problems could be solved by being incognito when one wanted to do some heavy celebrating--thus, masks became the norm and many enjoyed the idea of wearing them. As the years went by, wearing of masks during the rather extreme festivities of Carnival became an integral part of Carnival tradition. Today's carnival masks are made with a wide variety of materials including gold leaf, gesso, leather, porcelain, feathers, and beads.
Carnival in Venice is filled with parades, masquerade balls, a wide variety of entertainment as well as many masked parties. Shops filled with masks are in abundance, so any Carnival attendee's, who may need to shop for one, will have many from which to choose. (Many of these masks would also make fantastic souvenirs!) During the Carnival celebration, most revelers will wear a costume. Each day there are contests for the best costume and of course, the "la maschera piu bella" (the most beautiful mask.) People in extremely elaborate costume regalia will head to the streets of Venice in hopes of winning one of the prestigious costume contests--or at the very least, hoping to be photographed.
Barranquilla, Columbia: Carnival
The second largest Carnival celebration in the world is celebrated in Barranquilla, Columbia. Beginning on the Saturday before Ash Wednesday and ending on the following Tuesday, Columbia's version of Carnival is the largest folk festival in the country of Columbia.
Each year, a Queen is elected to sit beside King Momo and rule over the festivities. On the opening day of the Carnival, a proclamation is read to all spectators. This opening statement essentially commands everyone to dance, be festive, party mightily and have a great time, period. Hey, in Columbia, those are the rules.
The Carnival begins with a six-hour parade of majestic floats, called "The Battle of the Flowers," which is presided over by the Queen and King of the Carnival. The Queen will toss flowers out to the onlookers. The parade also includes a wide variety of other performers including marchers, costumed groups, folk dancers, dance groups, musicians and even fire breathers.
Other festivities of the Columbian Carnival include masquerade balls and many parties. At the end of the Carnival, a symbolic burial of Joselito Carnaval will be held. Joselito is the embodiment of the joy of Carnival, and when Carnival ends, that's the end of Joselito as well. The theme of the Carnival in Barranquilla is "Quien lo vive es quien lo goza." Translated this means, "Who lives it, is who enjoys it." It looks like it would be pretty hard to not enjoy a party like this one.
Germany: Karneval/Fastnacht/Fasching
In Germany, what you call your Mardi Gras holiday has everything to do with where you live. Karneval is celebrated in the Rhineland areas. Fastnacht is celebrated in Western Austria, Zurich, and Luxembourg. Fasching is what you will call your holiday if you are in Austria, Bavaria, and Saxony.
In some places in Germany, Carnival celebrating will begin on November 11, at 11:11 am. The usual beginning of the Carnival season occurs on January 6, which marks Epiphany, another traditional religious feast day.
Fasching, is a very old holiday celebration that has been part of German culture since the 13th century. The word Fasching means "the last serving of alcohol before Lent."
Karneval is a newer celebration, having its roots in the 17th century. The word Karneval likely means "away with meat."
The word Fastnacht means, "eve of the Lent." Thus, you can see that although the name of the celebration and specific German customs may vary, essentially the meaning of the party is the same. One last party before Lent!
No matter where you go in Germany, Mardi Gras celebrating will include eating lots of traditional German foods and consuming alcoholic beverages. Many German revelers will wear costumes and traditional style Mardi Gras masks in the true Mardi Gras spirit. Parades, masquerade, and costume balls are other popular activities throughout Germany during Mardi Gras. "Fat Thursday" is often marked with great feasting. Popular German foods for indulging during Mardi Gras include a wide variety of pastries, meats and sausages. Women are given permission to cut off the neckties of men. The men will be rewarded with a kiss when the tie is cut off and will continue to wear it, along with a smile of course.
No matter where on the globe you go to celebrate, it's obvious that Mardi Gras has become a cultural phenomenon throughout the entire world. From our homeland in the United States to countries far and wide, it seems that people have one very important thing in common--there's always a time and a place for a good party. Mardi Gras will offer the perfect excuse to do just that! Carnival. Fat Tuesday. Mardi Gras. Shrove Tuesday. Pancake Day. Fastnacht. Fettisdaggen. It doesn't matter what you call it, because when it comes down to it, it all means the same thing: Let the good times roll!


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FOKN Bois works on sequel to 'Cos Ov Money'
Wanlov the Kubolor has revealed that the FOKN Bois are in the process of making part two of the hit musical Cos Ov Moni. The controversial duo are well known for pushing boundaries in the industry, often setting controversial records.
In Coz Ov Moni part one, Wanlov & Mensa embark on a day long adventure as they try chase up a debt across Accra. They basically communicate with songs.
Cos Ov Moni is a humorous musically based movie which has been highly acclaimed all over the world. We will keep you updated on the realease.


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Rising Stars
When Millie Maksymiuk was hired at GovSmart, it was a four-person start-up company working out of a home kitchen in Virginia.
"We needed someone to handle our basic functions, [and] we were so busy we didn't even have time to stop and make food," said Brent Lillard, GovSmart's CEO and co-founder. "Millie showed up to her interview eight months pregnant, with a plate of lasagna, ready to work."
What started off as an administrative job quickly evolved into writing proposals and taking on major projects. Maksymiuk is now the proposal manager at GovSmart, a role she created for herself as she saw the company's growing need for one.
"It really doesn't matter where you start," Lillard said. "It's where you're going and the value you bring."
Click here for profiles of all the 2014 winners.
Or get the complete package in print form, with the digital edition of FCW's November/December issue.
GovSmart has since grown to 23 full-time employees and $50 million in sales of IT products and services. And Maksymiuk has led teams that have written more than 25 winning proposals and 15 competitive responses in the past year, resulting in nearly $16 million in contracts.
"She was 20 years old when we hired her, and now almost 2.5 years later, she is an experienced proposal writer and could walk into any company and be great," Lillard said.
Maksymiuk said she loves the challenge of figuring out how to take the requirements in a request for proposals and match them to what GovSmart can do for the customer. She taught herself the rules of the Federal Acquisition Regulation and proposal techniques and guidelines.
"She made herself an expert, she taught herself," Lillard said. "To me, that makes her a Rising Star."
About the Author
Colby Hochmuth is a former staff writer for FCW.
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I suppose you could do a fairly green banana or a hunk of melon. How about green melon spirals with blueberries and cherries.
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This is the seventh in a series of articles on FireAviation.com featuring aerial firefighters answering 12 questions about their profession. We hope to get participation from senior pilots, as well as Air Operations Branch Directors, Air Tactical Group Supervisors, and others that have worked closely with fire aviation. Our objective is to not only provide our readers with interesting articles, but these very experienced aerial firefighters may also reveal a few gems of information that could prove to be valuable to those considering or just beginning a career in fire aviation. If you have a suggestion of someone who would be a good candidate for these questions, drop us a line through our Contact Us page. And their contact information would be appreciated.
Today we hear from Bill Waldman who retired as a P-3 air tanker pilot.
Who is one of the more memorable aerial firefighters you have known? And why?
In 4 decades, there were many people that I worked with. I can't list them all, might forget somebody. The great tanker pilots I knew or still know all believed they were firefighters and the aircraft and pilot skills were their tools. The great lead plane pilots knew how to fight fire, knew how I flew and I trusted them. The best air attack officers knew how to fight fire, didn't try to con you into unsafe drops, and knew when to call off air ops.
One piece of advice you would give to someone before their first assignment working on a fire?
If you don't know what you are doing, find somebody who does know.
Besides the obvious (funding), what is the number one thing government Fire and Aviation should focus on?
Getting people in the upper Fire & Aviation Management who recognize trees, smoke and aircraft. Few, now at the top, seem to meet these minimum qualifications.
One suggestion you have for ground-based firefighters about fire suppression tactics, or working with aircraft?
When working on a fire with tankers, be alert. Due to bad communications or misunderstood directions, you could get a drop when you least expect it.
One thing that you know now that you wish you had known early in your career?
During 40 years flying tankers I was always learning. Since I got my first initial attack card with only around 900 hours total time I had a lot to learn.
Which two aircraft manufactured within the last 20 years would make the best air tankers?
Nothing built in the last 20 years can equal the P-3. I would like to be proved wrong.
List the aircraft you have flown, or flown in, on fires. Which is your favorite, and why?
B-17, B-26, C-119, DC-4, P2V, P-3. The P-3 is the best all-around tanker platform.
The funniest thing you have seen in aerial firefighting?
This incident happened on standby in Silver City 20 years ago. No names will be mentioned to protect the guilty. Alongside the tool repair shop was a platform of plywood over pallets. There was a shade cover over the area. People sat on the platform finishing tool handles and painting the steel. You could also hear new lies, oops stories you hadn't heard before, and you could get a free haircut. The problem that arose was caused by the local skunks that set up housekeeping in the pallets. The skunks were prolific and there were at least 2 dozen in residence. It was decided that it was time for eviction. So started "The Great Silver city Skunk Hunt." The plan was to lift the north edge of the pallets with a fork lift and then unleash a 1-1/2" fire hose to flush out the striped enemy. Waiting on the south side was a group of variously armed hunters. This motley crew consisted of a proficient bow hunter with a quiver full of deadly arrows and a tall skinny guy who looked something like the rake with which he was armed. The others, fearing a scented charge, were armed from 22 cal to 357 mag. Things went as planned until the enemy returned fire. The man with the rake was holding his own in close combat and the target skunk was being fatally raked. The bow hunter took a direct hit from his opponent and dropped his bow while barfing in the bushes. The gun toters decided that long-range was prudent and their skunks got a good head start. The gunfire faded down the road and over the plains to the south. The hunt was an unqualified success. Few skunks were buried. However, the terrified remnant has taken up residence in northern Mexico and have not been seen again at the tanker base.
How many hours have you spent in firefighting aircraft?
Approximately 8,800
Your favorite book about fire, firefighting, or aerial firefighting?
Young Men and Fire
The first job you had in aerial firefighting?
Co-pilot, B-17, Tanker-19, Redding, CA, 1969
What gadgets, electronic or other type, can't you live without?
When I started in the tankers there were no ATM's. You carried a lot of cash and on long trips you tried to cash checks at local banks. The advent of bank cards and ATM's ended the problem. The bank card – never leave home without it.


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Did you know that approximately 60% of vehicles are out of alignment?
A proper alignment helps prevent premature tire wear, improve fuel economy and enhance vehicle handling.
In its most basic form, a wheel alignment consists of adjusting the angles of the wheels so that they are perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other. The purpose of these adjustments is to maximize the tire life and have a vehicle that tracks straight and true when driving along a straight and level road. When your tires are not aligned properly, your vehicle will start pulling to one side. This can make it difficult to handle, especially in wet or icy conditions, possibly causing an accident.
|Symptoms of a Poor Alignment
– Uneven or rapid tire wear.
Driving over potholes, bumping into curbs or hitting other objects can knock your wheels out of alignment. Sunnyside Acura recommends performing an alignment on your vehicle once a year or every 12,000 miles, whichever occurs first. It is also a good idea to perform an alignment whenever you purchase a new set of tires.
Why a Sunnyside Acura Alignment Service?
Alignments are critical for vehicle handling and maximum tire-tread life. At Sunnyside Acura we have the latest technology and factory trained master technicians that know your vehicle and how to make accurate adjustments.


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The world of Traditional Chinese Medicine can seem complicated at first glance. However, if you learn a few key concepts about TCM, you will have a much easier time understanding it, putting its benefits to use and improving your health. One of the first things you'll notice as you explore TCM further is the great variety of herbs that are available to you and the wide range of concerns which they can help improve. You will probably also notice right away that practitioners may recommend the same Chinese herbs and formulas in many different forms.
When you think of Chinese Medicine, you might picture endless boxes of dried herbs resembling those you have in your kitchen, but dried or 'raw herbs,' as they are called, are but one of the forms in which you can take your formula. Primarily, these medicinal herbs come in two main forms — raw herbs, which have been minimally processed, and herbal extracts, which have been derived from raw herbs and offer much the same benefits. There are, however, subtle differences between raw and extracted herbal formulas. For the most part, these differences are more practical rather than substantive in nature.
Let's look at each form in closer detail, learn how each is to be taken and what the prominent differences are between the two forms so that you can get the most of the TCM herbs your acupuncturist or licensed practitioner prescribes for you.
What are raw herbs, and what are their advantages?
Raw herbs are dried herbs, and are closest to the form in which they are grown. Following your practitioner's recommendation, you will prepare and take raw herbs either individually or in combination, as a formula, depending on your particular needs and concerns.
Taking raw herbs has several advantages over taking herbs in other forms. For example:
- Rapid Absorption — It is believed that the body absorbs raw herbs quickly;
- Faster Effects — As a result, raw herbs will take effect quickly;
- Easy substitution— Taking raw herbs makes substitutions easier when necessary
However, there are some drawbacks to taking raw herbs. These include:
- Storage — storing raw herbs properly under the right temperature conditions can often be more costly;
- Preparation — preparing raw herbs is more time-consuming, with most decoctions requiring at least 30 minutes to prepare following the correct methods. And not everyone may prefer the smell of raw herbs;
- Sourcing — obtaining quality raw herbs depends, to a greater degree, on the experience of the practitioner, growers and distributors, which may vary.
Even with these drawbacks, the benefits of taking raw herbs is substantial; however, it is not the only way to take TCM herbs and enjoy greater health. We'll talk about extracts and granules, in few moments, but first, let's look at how one prepares and takes raw herbs once prescribed.
How do I prepare my raw herbs to get the maximum benefits?
In order to take raw herbs, you will first need to prepare them. Preparation — commonly called a "decoction" — is a simple process but one which nonetheless requires some care. To decoct your herbs properly, you will need to take your raw herbs and perform the following steps:
- First, cover the prescribed amount of herbs with three cups of water.
- Next, boil the herbs for about 30 minutes or until about one cup of water remains.
- Then, strain the liquid into a separate container, keeping the herbs in the decoction pot.
- Repeat this process two more times to extract all the healthful benefits from your prescribed herbs.
Each cup of final liquid makes one serving, which you should take as prescribed by your practitioner.
What makes herbal extracts or granules, capsules and tablets different from raw herbs?
Granules, tablets and capsules offer customers a pre-prepared version of the raw herbs they have been prescribed and may come in many forms. The various forms of production will also have some impact on the effectiveness of the herbs. For example, some companies use single herb powders blended together while others will decoct the herbs together before extraction. Herbal extracts which contain decocted formulas will provide individuals with greater benefits than those which include blended formulas.
Decocting raw herbs prior to making granules, capsules or tablets from them ensures that you will receive the intended benefits of the formula you have been prescribed because, when decocted together, raw herbs will have pharmacological interactions which enhance their collective effectiveness. These complex interactions do not occur when single herbs are merely blended together. However, single herbs can have their own benefits, and can still be effective when combined with a formula for added or enhanced benefits.
As with raw herbs, herbal extracts have their own unique advantages and drawbacks. Individuals may prefer these extracts in forms like granules, tablets and capsules over raw herbs because of:
- Safety— Can be safer than the raw herb alternative because of additional laboratory quality control checks
- Consistency— If well manufactured, extracts can be consistently fast-acting and effective
- Convenience— More convenient to carry around and consume anywhere, anytime
- Storage— Easier to store as compared with raw herbs, which have varying storage temperature and humidity requirements
- Cost- effectiveness— Extracts have a longer shelf life which reduces waste and overall cost
Since herbal extracts are decocted in a clean and controlled environment, and tested in a laboratory, more quality control measures can be taken, making them somewhat safer than raw herbs; however, not all labs are made equal. Variability in the source of the raw herbs the lab accepts and in the extraction methods being used can result in a product whose quality also varies. This is why it is so important to choose a Chinese herbal products company which has implemented and rigorously follows internationally-accepted, pharmaceutical-grade laboratory protocols:
One drawback that comes with herbal extracts, however, is the potential to have reduced beneficial active compounds caused by improper extraction or low concentration levels, but stringent lab protocols can control and minimize these problems, and even help ensure that the level of active ingredients remains consistent from batch to batch.
Why does KPC Products offer herbal extracts in the form of granules, capsules, and tablets?
There are a few reasons why KPC Products offers herbal products like granules, capsules and tablets instead of raw herbs. Since KPC Products has long been committed to offering herbs of the highest quality, producing extracts from carefully selected premium raw herbs allow us to perform additional quality control testing on these products which further ensures our customer's safety, providing them with additional peace of mind.
Also, many people find granules, capsules or tablets easier to take than raw herbs which must be carefully prepared first; as a result, there are higher levels of patient compliance if they are in powder or capsule form. So to make our products as accessible, safe and easy to take as possible, we offer hundreds of decocted formulas in granule, capsule or tablet form in addition to our single-herb products.
KPC Herbs — a history of tradition, innovation and quality
KPC began as a raw herbal pharmacy offering the safest and highest quality of herbal products to our customers — values which we still adhere to today. Using the advantages of state-of-the-art laboratory technology along with world-class and internationally-recognized pharmaceutical and manufacturing guidelines has allowed KPC Products to extend its ability to deliver quality products even further. Our company today, however, still honors the traditions upon which it was founded, by continuing to make proper identification and decoction of herbs a critical focus of our business since it has the most direct impact on our formula's effectiveness. We hope you will derive great benefit from our products, guided by your acupuncturist or TCM practitioner, and enjoy greater health today! Want to know more about how we manufacture our herbal products? Fill out our contact form or call us today at (949) 398-8158.


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How much fog does your SF neighborhood get? This new map shows you
Not all San Francisco neighborhoods are equal when it comes to fog — that chilly weather phenomenon for which the city is so well-known.
We all know that the Outer Sunset is prone to gray days, as is the Presidio, but even more centrally located neighborhoods get their fair share of Karl.
A new map developed by the folks at HotPads, the rental listing site, shows just how much fog each San Francisco neighborhood and Bay Area city gets per day, using granular satellite data from the U.S. Geological Service.
The foggiest San Francisco neighborhoods include Ingleside, Mount Davidson Manor, Oceanview and Stonestown, which all receive an average of 12 hours of fog each day. The further southwest one traces the map, the foggier things get.
On the other hand, the neighborhoods located on the northeastern side of the city — like Mission, SoMa, Nob Hill, North Beach and so on — get the least fog per day, about six to seven hours on average.
The Pacific Ocean is the major source of fog for the city, which explains why the more western neighborhoods get such a heavy dose of the cloudy stuff.
Here's a quick summary of how the Bay Area gets its fog: The hot sun heats up the oceanic water, transforming some particles into vapor and forming a thin band known as the marine layer. When the marine layer collides with cold air from the California current — a stream of cold water flowing south along the state's coastline — a thick fog bank forms. Depending on the day's conditions, the fog bank can stretch a hundred miles long to a mile high. Easterly winds then push the fog bank into the city.
There you have it. You can see how much fog your neighborhood gets in a day by toggling the map above and clicking through the slideshow.
Another curious feature of the map is the addition of neighborhoods' median rent. HotPads' economists thought it would be interesting to see if fogginess correlated with rent — and indeed it did. (Note: Correlation does not assume causation in this case. Rent costs are probably not higher simply because of fog, though it may be a contributing factor).
"Our main finding was that in the Bay Area, an hour of sunlight in the summer is equated to $150 more in rent per month," said Joshua Clark, a HotPads economist.
The most expensive parts of the city are also the sunniest, he noted. The pricier homes tend to be built on hills, he explained, which tends to protect them from the low-lying mist.
Susy Guerrero contributed to this report.
Read Michelle Robertson's latest stories and send her news tips at firstname.lastname@example.com.
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Zillow's Real Estate app lands on Windows 8, 'Zestimates' and Live Tiles in tow
The US online real estate and home-finder database Zillow has launched its Zillow Real Estate app for Windows 8 devices.
As well as offering users the ability to search, share and save information about properties for sale and homes for rent, Zillow's Windows 8 outing has been designed around the features of the OS, rather than simply replicating its other mobile apps.
For example, Windows Live Tiles will notify a user in real time of changes in availability or price for a favorited home directly from the Start screen.
Navigating home details is achieved by swiping through a customized listing page, price history, full-screen color photos and other property information – with the aim being to almost replicate the experience of flicking through a magazine. It also includes Zillow's Zestimate home valuation tools too.
Featured Image Credit – David McNew/Getty Images
Read next: Moto G review: The best budget Android smartphone, despite the poor camera and lack of LTE
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Review: Weimar Cabaret, Barbican
PUBLISHED: 14:23 17 July 2018 | UPDATED: 14:23 17 July 2018
Barry Humphries plays himself as the witty erudite host of the decadent entertainment of 1930s Berlin
Barry Humphries' Weimar Cabaret,
The last time I saw Barry Humphries on stage was as Edna Everage and she was flinging out gladioli to her appreciative audience. In his cabaret, monstrous Dame Edna is replaced by Humphries as himself. Suave in claret velvet smoking jacket, he is a witty and erudite host who shares with the audience his passion for the decadent entertainment of 1920's and 30's Berlin.
In the late 1940's, a schoolboy Humphries bought a collection of German sheet music in a second-hand shop in Melbourne.
The composers bore unfamiliar names, and Humphries' research confirmed that their work had been banned as "degenerate" by the Nazis.
It's this music that Humphries has curated into a tribute to the forgotten composers. He introduces each by name, giving piecemeal anecdotes about their lives and their works. Many of them were Jews; several perished in the Holocaust, others escaped and went on to work in Hollywood.
The Aurora Orchestra performs the music of Ernst Krenek, Mischa Spoliansky, Erwin Schulhoff et al with great panache.
It's a truly eclectic programme: from the jazzy and jolly through tango to tear-jerking... and even an early form of rap.
The orchestra is led by the supremely talented violinist Satu Vanska; she also sings like an angel.
The ambiance is relaxed, very much like a night club, especially when seductive Australian chanteuse Meow Meow appears.
With the smouldering looks of a young Joan Collins, OTT costumes and an amazing voice, she vamps it up shamelessly.
Her performance of Schulhoff's Sonata Erotica (think of that naughty scene in When Harry Met Sally ) is beyond hilarious.
An illuminating evening - enjoyable, funny and moving.
Barry Humphries' Weimar Cabaret runs at Barbican until July 29. (0845 120 7511)
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Heavens Alley - Chapter 1: Invisible Scars
"Madness, as you know, is a lot like gravity. All it takes, is a little push"
A well ordered routine is what kept his madness in check. The alarm would buzz at 6:59 am. Everyday. He had accounted for the minute he took to rub his eyes, get out of bed and walk to the yoga mat. He would spend an hour performing a strenuous set of 25 Asanas. He would then fold his mat, place it at the exact same spot he picked it up from and head for the shower. He was paranoid of the unknown, so much so that even his shampoo was custom made. The water base was deionised in a separation chamber, and carefully measured quantities of citric acid was imbibed to tilt the pH to slightly acidic.This helped protect the cuticle layer. After the carefully measured amounts of foam boosters and thickeners were added, hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride was introduced which gave it conditioning properties. Finally, almond extracts were infused, that gave the essential vitamin B7 boost. Everything he did in life, much like this concoction, was meticulously planned to the dot. There was a reason to this compulsive need for complete control over every aspect of life. He was a Psychopath.
Eric Luf (Pronounced Eric Lyoof) was 11 when he was diagnosed with the disorder. Mrs Glenda Luf walked into their backyard to find her son Eric holding a stray rabbit in his left hand, and a kitchen knife in his right. He had stabbed the rabbit 17 times. It had died after the second jab. After the initial shock wore off, she took him to a psychiatrist, Dr Geraldine Brook, who specialised in Psychosomatic Medicine and was also a family friend. "I have bad news Glenda dear", Dr Geraldine began. "Considering what transpired, we performed a PCL-R test, and in order to get a sense of what motivates his actions we monitored his brain activity, specifically monitoring chemical secretions while showing images ranging from pretty girls to mutilated faces. The result, I'm afraid, classifies Eric as a psychopath." "MY SON IS NOT CRAZY!!!", Glenda yelled. "Relax Glenny, no one's saying he's crazy. He just has a disorder that is probably a by product of what happened with Johnny."
Eric was 4 and absolutely loved ice cream. His papa, Mr John Luf took him out for a late evening stroll one Tuesday. John loved Eric and often took him to the "Sundae house" few blocks away for ice cream. The streets around the Luf residence were safe, and they didn't see why today would be any different. They were only 3 blocks away, when a thief sprang out of the shadows, knife in hand. Johns instinctive reaction was to hide Eric behind him and put up his fists. "Give me your wallet old man, and no one gets hurt!", the thief growled. John wasn't the kind to be pushed around. He stood his ground. "Leave us boy", John said boldly. The thief shuddered. He was a virgin mugger, and he was determined to succeed. He swung his knife wildly in an attempt to prove his resolve. John jumped back and dodged the first swing, but the thief blindly swung again and this time caught the side of Johns neck. He had ripped open his Jugular. Blood gushed out uncontrollably. The thief panicked. He didn't mean to hurt anyone. He turned around and ran. Eric was too young to comprehend what was happening and just looked at his papa for instructions. Why is papa writhing, holding on to his neck? Why is papa squirming on the floor and why is there blood everywhere? The police arrived 20 minutes later to find Eric sitting by his fathers side in a pool of blood. In a fit of boredom he had decided to splash around in this warm red syrup, and was now covered head to toe in his fathers blood.
"The brain is a complex palace", Dr Brook explained. "He might have been too young to comprehend the events unfolding in front of him, but they have etched a lasting scar on his brain. There are a lot of character traits that define a psychopath, and not all of them possess every trait. That's where the studies come in, to determine which traits one patient possesses, and if they do exhibit any of the dangerous traits." "Dangerous traits?", Glenda gulped, fearful of the answer. "Some Psychopaths are harmless to themselves and society, only showing a lack of empathy and social skills. An extreme opposite, is one that indulges in damaging and usually criminal acts. In recent times we have stopped focusing on behaviours psychopaths DON'T possess: empathy, kindness etcetera, and begun focusing on traits the DO or might eventually possess: a thirst for inflicting pain. The way we measure this is by measuring levels of Dopamine and Oxytocin secretions in the brain. Dopamine causes a sudden sense of motivation and reinforces the gratification of achievement. When secreted, it gives you pleasure in what you're doing. Oxytocin brings about a strong sense of connection and bonding. In simple words, these chemicals are secreted when we do something we like and in turn causes us to repeat those actions. By examining what activities cause these chemical secretions, we can identify what traits a person possesses. In Erics case, I'm afraid....", Dr Brook paused. She didn't know how the ensuing information would be received. "Just tell me Dina!", yelled Glenda. "Well.. We showed Eric pictures of laughing babies, running puppies, you know, what you'd usually find cute and cuddly, and there was no brain activity at all. It was as if he was staring at a blank wall. But this we expected. We then showed him pictures of Stabbings, mutilations, hanging bodies... And.... And there was a sudden spike in dopamine levels in his brain... Glenda.. I'm afraid Eric possesses the criminal traits of a psychopath. He needs to be reprimanded, and at the earliest." Glenda could take no more. She wasn't going to let this bitch with a paper for a degree tell her her son was a budding monster. She stormed out, picked Eric from the waiting room and left. By nightfall they were moving to a new city. One that would give them a fresh start. They headed for Heavens Alley.
For the next 8 years Glenda was a mother, a father and a friend to Eric. She gave him the freedom he needed to grow self sufficient. She let him pick his course of education, as long he promised to pursue it. Despite the strong disagreement she had with Dr Brooks' diagnosis, she always kept a watchful eye on Eric. There seemed to be no incidents of the crazy kind, except once in the 6th grade when a student who almost died from choking on a pocket mirror swore it was Eric who convinced her to swallow it. Glenda fought with murderous rage with the school authorities and got her sons name cleared, although Eric just stood there, calmly, not a worry on his mind. Eric picked Psychology and Literature as his majors in college, learning Neuro Linguistic Programming, Social Psychology, Verbal Hypnosis, Conversation Engineering, Classical Literature, and a few other courses. Little did he know, his brain had a sly diligent plan of its own. It was preparing Eric to be a master at human interaction, so his prey could turn victim with ease.
Eric was 19 when his mother was raped and murdered on her way back from evening prayers. Heavens Alley didn't always stay true to its name. At her funeral, he stood awfully still, with a blank gaze. He felt a hollowness in his chest but he didn't know what it was. He didn't shed a tear. That was nine years ago. She left him an inheritance that got him through college and his job as a Counsellor at an IT firm got him through the rest of the years. He was now 28 years old, and a handsome man. He was five feet ten inches tall, with a slim yet firm build. He had the uncanny characteristics of a movie star, a well chiselled face with a defined jaw line and a sharp nose. His eyes were the common brown, but he had a gaze that could hook you. He combed his jet black hair neatly and was clean shaven. He was always well dressed. His suits, shoes and even his cologne, just like his shampoo, were custom made. The women he dated said his scent allured them to him, and you'd wonder if his brain had devised a way to produce Pheromones at will. Eric never had an off day.
He woke up in the middle of the night in a sweat. It had been a while since he had this dream. It disturbed him to his core. He walked to the kitchen counter and gulped down a glass of water. He didn't like being shaken. He needed his drug. He knew what he had to do. He needed a kill.
<<Next: Heavens Alley - Chapter 2: Date Night>>
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Pay rises agreed in collective bargaining with unions averaged 2.6% in the previous three months, the biggest rise in 10 years, national statistics agency CBS said. The biggest jump is for people working in the construction sector, where wages will rise by 4%, the CBS said. Hospitality industry wages will go up an average of 3.7%. The CBS warns that much of the increases in pay will be swallowed up by inflation although tax cuts next year will soften the blow. Inflation is currently running at around 2.7%.
The Telegraaf notes that some sectors where there are serious shortages of staff, such as healthcare, are not putting up pay. The education sector too is campaigning for more money to offset rising teacher shortages. The FNV trade union federation has set its sights on a 5% pay rise next year, the same as its 2019 target. Earlier this year, prime minister Mark Rutte infuriated the private sector when he threatened to abandon corporate tax cuts if companies don't put up wages. 'The only thing which is going up is the salaries of senior staff, not people covered by collective labour agreements (cao),' Rutte said. 'They are not going up enough, and I do not consider that to be acceptable.


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