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Reviewby Carl Kimlinger,
The Recipe for Gertrude
G.novel 1
Powerful, 100-year-old demon "patchwork" Gertrude was made of parts that were collected from other demons and then assembled according to a recipe. In search of that recipe, and pursued by a bevy of demons who want their stolen body parts back, Gertrude makes the acquaintance of the ever-popular "normal high school girl" Sahara. Their relationship gets off to a rocky start (Sahara pours salt in the belligerent Gertrude's open wound), but before long the two of them have combined forces to find Gertrude's recipe and battle the demons who want a piece of him.
Nothing is more painful than watching an interesting idea fall prey to poor execution. The Recipe for Gertrude is one such tragedy. OK, tragedy is too strong a word, given that the story is derivative, but in the right hands it could have been good fun (and at times it is), but it is sabotaged at every turn by the sloppy, confusing art.
Stories about high school girls and their demon (or half-demon, or vampire) protectors/lovers are thicker on the ground than dog doo at a public park, but Gertrude has the "recipe" angle and a good pair of leads working for it. The plot stays firmly in "demon antagonist arrives, threatens Sahara's safety, and gets thrashed by Gertrude" mode for the majority of the book, until the location of Gertrude's recipe is revealed, adding an extra layer of complexity and intrigue to the formerly formulaic goings-on that increases anticipation for future volumes. Prior to this there is plenty of action to keep things in high-octane mode, a little back-story (where was it that I saw a demon whose hair turns black on the full moon...?), and plenty of humor. The humor is low-key, even when it stems from the book's obvious comic-relief characters, and, as often as not, is worth at least a smile. Gertrude's greatest strength, however, is the excellent chemistry between the leads. Gertrude and Sahara aren't burning up the sheets with their barely restrained passion; instead the two enjoy a natural, comfortable rapport more akin to good friends, which is only occasionally disturbed by their budding attraction for each other (author Nari Kusakawa admits to drawing the book's one really mushy scene at the behest of her editor).
Figure that this has the makings of some solid entertainment? Then you've figured without the art. Kusakawa's art is angular, inconsistent, sometimes frenzied, lacking in depth and perspective, and almost always confusing. Nothing ruins the flow of a story like having to read pages over and over just to figure out what the hell happened. Characters' facial features change from panel to panel (and already resemble each other to a dangerous degree) such that hairstyles are the only (relatively) reliable method of telling characters apart. This isn't a problem during the shot-reverse-shot of dialogue, but it becomes a first-order headache as soon as the action fires up. The hectic paneling and lack of backgrounds only aggravate the problem. The pacing of the artwork is also all over the place. Sometimes Kusakawa gets it just right, and at others she crams so many actions onto a single page that one can't even be sure where the story is afterward, much less what happened (resulting in the need to reread, reread). The result is a diverting story that is so hobbled by its art that it is impossible to fully enjoy the first time through.
Also included in this volume is "My Grandfather", a short one-off from the same author about a teenager and his grandfather who looks exactly the same age as him. It is in many ways superior to the main story, largely because of the simple story; without the action, there are fewer reasons for Kusakawa to clog the pages with confusion. It's a much smoother, more enjoyable read as a result. The only other extras are a few pages of character and story comments from the author.
Presentation is competent, but unremarkable. The cover is unprepossessing but honestly represents the art quality of the contents. All sound effects are replaced with English effects.
With a glut of very similar stories on the market, Gertrude's only truly distinguishing characteristic is its wasted potential. Without the confusing artwork, it could have been a fun, easy-going antidote to the poisonous angst-miasma that dominates the shoujo market. Instead it's a frustrating mess.
|Production Info:
Overall : C+
Story : B
Art : C-
+ Warm chemistry between leads, interesting twist at the end.
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Use this form to submit an event to the CAS Event Calendar.
All Topics (November 7 through November 14)
Wednesday, November 7
- 2:00 PM Condensed Matter Theory Seminar
- 4:00 PM Entering the Golden Area of Chinese Language Cinema
- 5:00 PM Greek Gods and the Archaic Aesthetics of Life
- 6:00 PM The Middle East After the American Election: Will Anything Change?
- 6:30 PM Iraq+10 Film Series: Forget Baghdad
- 7:30 PM Tournées Film Festival 2012: Romantics Anonymous
Thursday, November 8
- 12:30 PM The Road to Washington (Brown-bag luncheon)
- 4:00 PM Lost Colony: The Untold Story of China's First Great Victory over the West
- 4:00 PM CANCELLED! United States Foreign Policy: A European View
- 4:00 PM Bud Mishra - Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences, NYU
- 5:00 PM Cine y politica durante la postdictadura chilena
- 6:00 PM Bicentennial Petra: Celebration and Trepidation at a Wonder of the World
Friday, November 9
- 9:30 AM GPN Chalk Talk-Christopher Harvey
- 12:00 PM Remittances and Development in Post-Conflict States
- 6:30 PM Tournées Film Festival: A Cat in Paris
- 7:00 PM Film-screening: Beijing Bicycle
Monday, November 12
- All Day Veterans Day
- 6:30 PM Tournées Film Festival: The Princess of Montpensier
Tuesday, November 13
- 12:00 PM Can Greece and the Eurozone Live with Each Other - A luncheon discussion with Kevin Featherstone
- 12:30 PM Creating Global Citizens for the 21st Century: Education in and about China
- 3:00 PM Lighting the Official Diwali Diya at the State House with Governor Deval Patrick
- 5:00 PM European diplomacy: EU and Bilateral Approaches
- 5:30 PM Pleasure, Story, Word: Verse Bibles Before the English Reformation
- 7:00 PM AGNI 40th Aniversary Celebration and 76th Issue Launch

subset: commoncrawl


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Old Time Southern Gospel Blues
By GW Williams
Old Time Southern Gospel Blues - Is an acoustic blues southern gospel instrumental , written by blues guitarist GW Williams, to have that deep southern plantation spiritual blues style, with that traditional New Orleans, and Louisiana bayou popular acoustic music sound.
On this site also find ……Old time gospel country blues songs, like , - Just A Closer Walk To Thee, Oh Happy Day, What A Friend We Have In Jesus, How Great Though Art, Amen, and modern gospel rock-blues songs like, Amazing Grace How Sweet The Sound, Acoustic Guitar Praise, Old Time Southern Gospel Blues, Day And Night I'm Going To Praise Him, Holy Ghost Revival and much more….
And don't miss the John 3:16-17 Salvation Ministry Message, and Prayer by GW Williams
One Of My Many Music Fans, From Monterey Ca
Picture copyrights 2013 Taken by GW Williams
I Love The Ocean, and feel so close to God There


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The PIXAPRO GLOWPAD 330D is a revolutionary Bi-Colour LED light designed for use by both photographer and videographers alike. With its slim profile, low power consumption and outstanding light quality make the Pixapro GLOWPAD 330D the perfect solution for both enthusiasts and professionals everywhere.
The LEDs on in the GLOWPAD 330DS are located around the inner rim of the panel frame, and the light is then reflected out. This produces a soft and diffused quality of light, which is perfect for portrait, and product photography, and is also good for makeup artists for use as a makeup light.
The GLOWPAD 330DS features a standard 5/8inch mount, with a tilt-head, enabling you to mount the GLOWPAD 330DS to any light stand and tilt your light forwards and backwards. The GLOWPAD 330DS features two battery plates which enable you to use your GLOWPAD with 2x Sony NP-F Series (L-Series) compatible lithium-ion batteries (two batteries are required to power this unit) when you are away from mains power.
The GLOWPAD 330DS is the perfect addition to the arsenal of Photographers or Videographers who are looking for a light-weight, portable, low profile LED light to illuminate their projects.
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|44cm x 35cm x 5.5cm
|Standard 5/8 inch
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Missing teeth have a severe and negative impact on oral health and one's quality of life. Missing teeth inhibit normal functions, such as eating, making it harder to get proper nutrition. Many people with missing teeth feel that they can't smile fully without feeling self-conscious. At Rio Grande Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center, we understand that every individual is unique, and each patient requires care that is customized to fit their particular condition, goals, and needs.
Dr. Gregory McGee and Dr. Drew Steel are experts in the placement of dental implants and provide a wide variety of restorative options for missing teeth. It is important to us that you understand all your options for treatment to make the best decision for your oral health. Below, we've summarized some of the differences between implants, full-arch replacements, dental bridges, and traditional dentures, a few of the most common replacement options for missing teeth. When you come to our office for a consultation, our surgery staff will be able to explain your treatment options to help you find the best solution for restoring your smile.
Dental Implants
- Longest-lasting option for permanent tooth replacement — potentially lifelong results
- Look just like healthy, natural teeth
- Secure, non-removable results that fully restore eating function
- Prevent bone loss
- Prevent dental shifting
Dental implants have become the standard of care for replacing a missing tooth because they are reliable, secure, natural looking, and they prevent bone loss from occurring around the missing tooth sites. Dental implants are the best option when considering the health of the jaw bone. Implants are an excellent option for patients who are missing just one or a few teeth and are healthy enough to undergo minor dental procedures. Dental implants are also an attractive option for patients with partial dentures who are looking for a more secure and permanent solution.
Mini Implants
- Quick and stable tooth restoration
- Look just like healthy, natural teeth
- Secure, non-removable results that fully restore eating function
- Easy to place without additional bone grafting
- Shorter healing time
Mini implants have become a convenient option for patients looking for the stability of an implant without extensive treatment time. A mini implant has a similar structure to a dental implant but is smaller. They can be used to restore most teeth in the mouth and typically have a shorter post-operative recovery time than traditional implants. Its smaller size allows it to be placed in areas where traditional implants cannot, avoiding the need for bone grafting. If you have been told that you can't receive traditional dental implants, we encourage you to inquire about this option.
Full-Arch Restoration
- Dental implant base creates long-lasting results — potentially lifelong
- Looks natural and healthy
- Secure, non-removable option
- Prevents bone loss
- Replaces an entire upper or lower arch or teeth
Full-arch restoration is a fantastic option for patients who are missing many or all their teeth. This unique procedure delivers the benefits of dental implants with the coverage of a full denture. Four or more implants will be used to support a full arch of new teeth, preventing bone loss while giving the patient a fully functional set of non-removable teeth and a dramatically new smile. Patients who have many missing teeth or those who are unhappy with the lack of stability provided by dentures should consider full-arch replacement. Like with dental implants, candidates must be able to undergo a dental procedure and healing period.
Dental Bridges
- Long-lasting option — but may require replacement after several years
- Natural-looking results
- Secure, non-removable option
- Prevents dental shifting
A dentist usually places a bridge, a traditional way to replace one or two teeth in a row. With this restorative technique, the dentist affixes two crowns to your existing healthy teeth to hold the new replacement tooth in place. The new restoration bridges the gap created by the missing tooth. A bridge is a good option for patients who are not candidates for dental implants but are looking for a non-removable tooth replacement option.
Locator Implant Overdentures
- Removable prosthesis
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Strong implant base
- Maintains jaw bone health
Locator implant overdentures are a fantastic option for patients who want the stability of full-arch restoration and the flexibility of a removable denture. In this procedure, two or more implants are placed in the mouth to support a full removable denture. The implants help to maintain the health and shape of the jaw bone and provide a stable bite, allowing patients to chew and speak with ease. The denture can be removed for easy maintenance and cleaning.
Full or Partial Dentures
- Semi-long-lasting option — may require adjustments and replacement after several years
- Natural-looking results
- Improved eating function
Dentures have been used to replace missing teeth for centuries, and in recent years, they have improved substantially in function, versatility, and quality. Partial dentures can replace a few missing teeth, or full dentures can be used to replace an entire upper and lower arch of missing teeth. Dentures are an attractive option for patients who prefer a removable prosthesis. Dentures are also an excellent option for patients who are unable to undergo dental implant placement. Usually, dentures are made by a periodontist.
Tooth Replacement Options in Albuquerque, NM
If you have missing or failing teeth, Drs. McGee and Steel are here to help you find a treatment option that best restores your oral health and smile. We specialize in dental implants, implant-supported bridges, and full-arch procedures, but we are happy to review all your restorative options. We encourage you to contact our office to schedule an initial consultation and start moving towards your new smile.


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The Wilmington International Airport is protected by Full-Time Firefighters and Public Safety Officers who are also cross-trained in Aircraft Rescue Firefighting.
Airport Police
The Wilmington International Airport (ILM) Public Safety Officers are responsible for all law enforcement and security responsibilities at Wilmington International Airport. Its primary mission is to ensure a safe and secure environment for the traveling public. The Airport Police are responsible for traffic control, criminal investigations, airport community oriented policing, and enforcement of local, state and federal laws at the airport.
Wilmington International Airport (ILM) Public Safety Office: (910) 341-4336
Airport Fire & Rescue
The Airport Fire and Rescue team responds to over 200 calls annually including aircraft incidents, medical emergencies, hazmat spills, fire alarms, and water rescue incidents. The team teaches Fire Life Safety Education by conducting fire station tours to approximately 500 kids and adults yearly. They also teach fire extinguisher and driver training for airport tenants. The Airport Fire and Rescue department provides fire protection for and inspects the fixed based operator (FBO) every 90 days to ensure their fuel service vehicles and fuel farm facilities stay in compliance with both the National Fire Protection Agency Standard for Aircraft Fuel Servicing (NFPA 407) and Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR Part 139).
The Airport Fire Rescue department also facilitates ILM's certified car seat checking station. If you need help installing a car seat into a vehicle, please call ILM's Public Safety Office at 910-341-4336.


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STUDENTS FEARED FINE DINING (The Scare).
STUDENTS FEARED FINE DINING (The Scare)13 May
HOW MY SUPER-WOMAN GRANDMA SHAPED MY EDUCATION13 May
HOW MY SUPER-WOMAN GRANDMA SHAPED MY EDUCATION10 May
Grandma was excited about high school. So was I. The prestige Clarendon College? Who wouldn't be. But I don't know who was more excited- grandma or me. It didn't matter. SHE was ready for high school. The fact that she was ready, made me ready.
It was far from home. There was one bus. Light Brigade. It came at 4:45 most mornings and sometimes 5:00a.m. That meant I had to be out of the house by 4:30 a.m every morning. Because it was the ONLY bus that traverse the rural hills of Clarendon, many days, it was a 10:00p.m or 11:00p.m return home. Except those days when we would get lucky, and get a space on an occasional early mini-van that also traversed the surrounding communities.
Despite this journey and ridiculous scheduled, I was never late for school and I got good grades. Not because I was more brilliant, but I worked hard. Grandma made sure I did. She didn't have to coax me either. I knew from early that my successes made her happy, and once she was happy I was happy.
She could not help with the work. But she ensured I did the assignments. I vividly recalled one occasion when I was burning the mid-night oil for an exam. It was about 1:30 a.m. I heard a sleepy voice behind me:
"lawd have mercy you still up. Is wake me wake an see di light and think you drop a sleep leave it? Is what time? you need fi come go to you bed. Is soon time fi you wake up"
"Soon grandma. Just going study little more"
She stood watching me. She then poured hot water from the red and black thermos, made me a cup of tea and sat down at the table. She took up one of the books and she skipped through it. Put it down and waited. She started falling asleep. She was tired. I called her gently and told her to go back to bed.
"Not yet. Me caan help you do the work so the least me can do is stay up wid you" she chuckled lovingly.
I went back to studying. She slept at the table. When her not so shrivelled neck could no longer take the discomfort, she got up, reluctantly bid me goodnight once more, and went to bed. This happened right throughout high school.
As I recall the memory, I am teary eyed; overwhelmed with emotions of gratitude, appreciation and unconditional love for the woman who was the rock behind the woman I am today.
All this support and attention was not limited to high school. It went way back…
Primary School
I was too little to remember the exact time. But it was early. Very early. I was attending primary school. She would get up first, make her way to the outside kitchen and start the breakfast. Then she would wake me from my slumber. With sleepy eyes I would make my way outside to the kitchen to comb my hair. Very thick hair that took time to comb. By the time my hair was finished, I was ushered to go have a shower. She would wake the others, serve breakfast. By 7:00am, all ten children were sent off to school.
Why I love to read
Grandma loved to read. She read everything and anything that crossed her path. That's how I got in trouble once, with her when she found my little journal where I had written about a friend, who gave us lessons on how to kiss a boy. But that's a story for another time. Because of her love for reading, her grand children did not escape reading sessions. "Take the book and come stand right here" grandma would say. She would then show us the paragraph or page to read. We would have to read it aloud, and made sure we pronounced every word properly. She made us underline the words we did not know. By the end of the week, we had to know them all. Today, my cousins and I who grew up with her are good readers. I have taken it to another level. Reading is my life. That is all I do. Thanks to my super-woman Grandma Blanche.
How grandma saved me a whooping and made me a mastermind at timetables
When I got to grade four, I had to face the dreaded timetable i ran from head-on because mr Brown was very quick with the straps. I hated doing timetables but the fear of a good jamaican whooping from Mr Brown my grade four teacher sent me studying. My Super-woman grandma Blanche took on the challenge. She made me recite my timetables every night before going to bed. In the mornings while combing my hair, I would have to through the drill. Sometimes while I am the heights of a game of football or cricket with the boys, she would summoned me and asked some random ones. Such torture. I soon became a scratch record. I hated the drill but it saved me a beating every day after lunch. Thanks to super-woman grandma Blanche.
How grandma taught me resilience
I went to school when common entrance examination the exam to pass. I did it THREE times. Yup! Surprised huh? I failed on my first two attempts. The first time i was in grade five but eligible for the exam. I did not feel bad when I didn't pass. My super-woman and I just worked harder. She had the answer sheets from my text books, and every night, I had to do some work, then grandma would call the answers on the answer sheet and uncle Dave (May his soul rest in peace) would mark the script.
I was ready for the exam or so I thought. When results came, I failed again. All my 65 classmates passed. Every. Single. One. I cried. No, I wept. I wailed. My super-woman took my failure with pride. She simply said, "yuh young. yuh have more chance". I wailed louder and harder. I did not want to go back. I was embarrassed. Afraid. She stood by me. Encouraged me. And sent me back. This time I passed and i have not looked back since.
I almost robbed myself of an opportunity to attend a great high school because of fear and failure. Parents involvement in a child upbringing cannot be emphasized enough. That is why I go all out for my students too. I know failure. Thanks to my grandma i learnt a valuable lesson. Failure is not synonymous with quitting. To this day, I have a scar from those two failed exam attempts because I am terribly afraid of failure. I am so afraid, sometimes i don't even want to try. But I was raised by a warrior. A super-woman. So i am a dare devil I do not succumb to the fear. As a matter of fact, that fair of failure has been the driving factor behind all my successes thus far.
You may be wondering about my mother; she is alive and i love her dearly. But note, I lived with my grandmother from I was FOUR months old until 2002 when I left for my final year in college. I visited mommy yes, but the rigours of growing up was all my grandma.
Today I am proud of who I am. Happy and proud of my achievements. But it all started and was fuelled by one lady, my almost 5feet tall super-woman grandmother Blanche.
What can you share about the woman/women who shaped your lives?
Happy Mother's Day to all.


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Monday night dancing in Petaluma continues at Herman Sons Hall, 860 Western Avenue through May 1 (no class April 9). Drop-ins and newcomers are always welcome.
We had a wonderful evening dancing with the Yale Women's Slavic Chorus members and listening to their beautiful singing on March 13. Our next big event will be our Annual Spring Folk Dance Party on April 22 with live music by Staro Vino.
My next College of Marin of Marin International Folk Dance Class starts on April 5 and runs through May 10 on Wednesdays 2:30-3:30 p.m. in PE#22 on the Kentfield campus. I'll be teaching a lovely new dance from Croatia and a Finnish circle dance in waltz rhythm plus favorites from Macedonia, Israel, Greece, Turkey, Romania, and Bulgaria. you can register now for this class at: https://marincommunityed.augusoft.net.
Israeli Folk Dancing at the Osher JCC, 200 San Pedro Road, San Rafael, continues through April 13 (no class on March 23) on Thursdays 1:30-4 p.m. Newcomers, beginners, experienced dancers, drop-ins, and all ages are always welcome. You don't have to be a JCC member (or Jewish) to attend the class. The first hour I'll teach easy classic dances, then I'll be teaching/reviewing Salamati and Shir Ahava L'Rhodus, and then we'll dance to requests. You can come just for the first hour or stay for the whole class; register and pay at the JCC front desk.


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Qur'an Translation
Are You ...
Home Page
Interested in Islam?
What is Islam?
Who is Allah?
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The Ideological Foundation of Islam
The Basic Concepts of Islam
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A Contemporary Commentary of the Qur'an: The Risale-i Nur Collection
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Untitled Document
S Article(s)
See Sallallahu 'Alaihe wa Sallam.
Chief of the Aus tribe, who later came to be known as the Ansar. He died a Shaheed (martyr) as a result of a wound he received in the Battle of Khandaq (also known as the Battle of Al-Ahzab). SA´I: Going seven times between the small hills of Safa and Marwa;one of the essential rights of both the hajj and Umra.See Safa and Marwa. SA'ID: Blessed in the sight of Allah, as opposed to Shaqi, which means wretched. See Holy Qur'an, Houd (11):105.
The third level of Hellfire. It is reserved for the worshippers of fire. See Jahannam.
Worshippers of the stars, moons and other heavenly bodies. Originally the people of Sabaa, the Queen of Sheeba.
"Saad". Surah 38 of the Holy Qur'an.
Another name for Surat al-Fatiha. Literally means "The Seven Often Recited Verse". Every Muslim recites Surat al-Fatiha at least seventeen times every day, and some a good deal more.
The first seven long Suwar of the Holy Qur'an.
An easterly wind.
"Sabaa". City of Sheeba in Yemen. A city of the king and Prophet Sulaiman, peace be on him, and the Queen of Sheeba, Bilqis. Surah 34 of the Holy Qur'an. See Qur'an, An-Naml (27):15-44.
(1). Road, path, way, a means to an end. (2). "Fee Sabeeli'llah". In the path of Allah or in the cause of Allah.
'Those who outstrip the rest, in the race to draw near to the mercy and blessings and love of Allah. See Muqarraboon. SABR: Patience and perseverance. Allah Ta'ala has promised "Falaah" (success) in this world and in the Hereafter to those Muslims who have Sabr, especially during times of hardship. See Holy Qur'an, Aali 'Imran (3):200.
(1. Anything given away in charity for the pleasure of Allah. 2. One of the eight gates of Jannah. See Jannah.
A small hill in Makka to the east Al-Masjid al-Haram. The Hujjaj must walk seven times between the two small hills of Safa and Marwa. This is called Sa'i.
Two small hills in Makkah, in Al-Haram as-Shareef (the Grand Masjid) to the east. It is an essential part of an Umra and the Hajj to walk seven times between the two places, quickening one's step briefly between them . This is called Sa'i. See Holy Qur'an, Al-Baqara (2):158.
"He forgave". Forgiving in the sense of overlooking, ignoring or turning away from misdeeds. See Maghfira.
"The Battle Ranks". Surah 61 of the Holy Qur'an.
"Those Ranged in Ranks". Surah 37 of the Holy Qur'an.
A raised platform. A verandah attached to the Prophet's Mosque in Madina where poor Muslims, including some of his most exalted companions, used to sleep, may the blessings and peace of Allah be on him and them.
Minor sins committed by Ins wal-Jinn (mankind and Jinn) against Allah Ta'ala.
Companion, particularly any companion of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. Plural: Sahabiyeen.
The companions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, may the blessings and peace of Allah be on him, his family and his companions. Singular: Sahabi.
Healthy and sound with not defects. Authentic, as regards Ahadeeth, such as Sahi Bukhari and Sahi Muslim.
A book of authentic Ahadeeth compiled by Imam Bukhari.
A book of authentic Ahadeeth compiled by Imam Muslims.
Literally means forgetting. If one adds to or substracts from what is required during the Salat (Prayer), out of forgetfulness or lack of attention, then one must perform two extra prostrations at the end of the Salat. This is called Sajda Sahu.
Master. It is a title given to the descendants of the Prophet Muhammad, may the blessings and peace of Allah be on him and his family.
Our master. This usually refers to Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, but may also be used when mentioning the name of any prophet of Allah Ta'ala.
"The Master of all Prophets and Apostle". This is the title of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. He is also called: 1). Imamul Mursaleen - the leader of all Prophets. 2). Ashraful Mursaleen - the Most Honoured amongst all the Prophets.
1). Prostration. The act of making prostration, particularly in the Salat (prayer). 2). "The Prostration". Surah 32 of the Holy Qur'an. It is so called because it contains a verse (verse 15) whereby, if one hears it being recited, one must prostrate. There are fifteen such Ayat (verse) in the Holy Qur'an. One should be in Ghusl and in Wudu when in Sajda. Plural: Sujud.
See Sahu.
The 'drunkenness' of death. There are three signs which indicate that the person who is suffering the pangs of death is a believer: 1. Sweating on the forehead. 2. Tears appear in the eyes. 3. The nostrils dilate. Likewise, the three signs of a disbeliever next to death are: 1. Irregular breathing. 2. Changing Colour. 3. Frothing at the mouth.
Calm, peaceful tranquility, perfect calmness, serenity, due to the Presence of Allah being made clear and apparent. See Holy Qur'an, At-Taubah (9):26, 40, Al-Fath (48):4, 18, 26.
1. Synonym of Salaf. See Salaf. 2. Peace, peace of the body and soul in all aspects. See Holy Qur'an, Mariam (19):62.
A price paid for goods to be delivered later.
Literally, "the early years". Salafi is used generally to describe the early generations of the Muslims, particularly the companions of the messengers of Allah and those who followed them, may the blessings and peace of Allah be on him and them. In the present age the term is sometimes used to describe a Muslim who closely follows the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet Muhammad and As-Salafiyeen as-Saliheen, the righteous companions of Muhammad.
All the righteous companions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad who followed the Holy Prophet in all that he did and said, without any deviation or misinterpretation, may the blessings and peace of Allah be on him and them.
1. Prayers. There are five daily obligatory prayers in Islam, consisting of fixed sets of standings, bowings, prostrations and sitting in worship to Allah. These are called Rak'at. The number of Rak'at in each prayer and their timings are: i. Fajr - dawn - two Rak'at. ii. Duhr - Noon - four Rak'at. iii. 'Asr - Afternoon - four Rak'at. iv- Maghreb - sunset - three Rak'at. v. Isha - late evening - four Rak'at. These five Salat are one of the Arkan of Islam. See Arkan. It is necessary to be in Ghusl and in Wudu when doing the Salat. For voluntary Salat: See Nafilah. 2. One of the eight gates of Jannah (Paradise). See Jannah.
A Nafl Salat that is prayed after sunrise and before noon.
Funeral Prayer. It is permitted to do salatul Janaza only over the dead bodies of Muslims. This prayer is done in the standing position only, and usually immediately before the burial. It contains four Takbirs: 1. After the first Takbir - read Suratul Fatiha. After the second Takbir - recite any Dua'a for the Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, but it is preferred to do the Tashahud (see Tashahhud) and the Salat al-Ibrahimiya: "Allahumma Alle 'ala Muhammad wa 'ala alee Muhammad kama Salaita Ibrahim wa 'ala Ibrahim; fill 'alameen innaka hameedun majeed. Allahumma barak 'ala Muhammad wa'ala alee Muhammad kama barak ta ibrahim wa'ala alee Ibrahim; fill 'alameen innaka hamidun majeed." (O" Allah, bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, as You blessed Ibrahim and the Family of Ibrahim. In all the worlds surely You are Praiseworthy, Glorious. O Allah, give Muhammad blessing and the family of Ibrahim. In all the worlds surely You are Praiseworthy, Glorious.") 3. After the third Takbir - pray for the deceased person, his or her relatives and the Muslim people in general. 4. After the fourth Takbir - this marks the end of salat. Face your right shoulder and say "Assalamu Alaykum warahmatullah" ("Peace be on you and the Mercy of Allah").
A Nafl Salat of four Rak'at that is prayed a short while after sunrise.
A special Nafl Salat of four Rak'at. This Salat involves praising Allah Ta'ala by including "Subhanallah, wal hamdu lillah, wa la ilaha illalah, wallahu akbar" ("Glory to Allah, and praise to Allah, and there is no God except Allah and Allah is Greatest") seventy-five times in each Rak'a.
The belongings of person killed in battle; e.g. his weapons, horse, motorbike, etc.
A prophet of Islam. He was sent to the people of Thumud who lived in the north-western part of the Arabian Peninsula. They were destroyed for rejecting him. The remains of their stone dwellings still exist today. See Holy Qur'an, Al-'Araf (7):73-79, At-Tawbah (11):61-68, Ash-Shu'ara (26):141-159, An-Naml.
Righteous and goodly person, someone who is in the right place at the right time. It may also mean healthy and sound body and soul.
May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him. This is said whenever the name or title of the Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, is mentioned or read.
A famous Persian Muslim who helped to defend Madina from the pagan Quraish tribe in the months of Shawal and Dhu'l-Qa'da in 5AH by suggesting that the Muslims dig a trench around the unprotected parts. This battle came to be known as the Battle of Khandaq (Trench), or the Battle of Al-Ahzab (the Clans), See Holy Qur'an, Al-Ahzab (33):9-22. Prior to his accepting Islam, Salman al-Farisi had first embraced Judaism and then Christianity. He spent his life in search for knowledge and found it with the Prophet whose coming he had learned about from the Jews and the Christians of that time, Muhammad, may the blessings and peace of Allah be on him.
A Fountain in Jannahy. Literally means "Seek the way". See Holy Qur'an, Al-Insan (76):18.
Name of the special angel who takes the souls of the Mu'minoon (the believers) wrapped in silk through the Seven heavens and presents them to Allah Subhana wa Ta'ala before returning them to their bodies and prior to putting them in their graves.
Heaven. In the sense of 'Sky'. "Sab'a Samawat" - Seven Heavens. Plural: Samawat.
Does not have an exact meaning in English. The closest word or words that indicate the meaning are: 1. Absolute" and "Eternal" and "Everlasting". 2. The One toWhom all created beings turn to for all their needs, and Who is not depending on anything or anyone for any need. 3. The Most Perfect in His Attributes. One of the ninety-nine Attributes of Allah Ta'ala. For a complete list:
Heavens. "Sab'a Samawat" - Seven Heavens, Singular: Sama.
The fourth Level of the Nar (Hellfire). This is where the atheists will be sent on the Day of Judgement. See Jahannam.
A small army sent by Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peae, for a Jihad in which he did not personally take part.
Hunting for game. In Islam it is permitted to hunt game, provided that the hunting and killing of the game is done within the Shari'ah law. Saydd is prohibitted within the sacred precincts of the Haramiain. See Holy Qur'an, Al-Maidah (5):97-99:
Fasting, from food and drink - and from sexual intercourse if you are married - during daylight, from the first light of dawn until sunset. Also spelled as Saum. Fasting in themonth of Ramadan is one of the Arkan (five pillars) of Islam. Allah Ta'ala has made it obligatory on every Muslim whether man or Woman, with the exception of: 1.A person who is ill. 2. A person on a journey of 16 Farsakhs (48 Miles) or more. 3. A Woman who is menstruating or who has just given brith. Once these situations no longer apply, the missed days must be compensated. The very young are exempted. The aged should fast, but if they find it difficult then they too are exempted and may feed poor people instead. See Holy Qur'an, Al-Baqara (2):184-185, 187.
The eighth month of the Islamic calendar. See Hijri.
Territory north of Arabia which is now divided into Syria, Palestine, Lebanon and Jordan.
Intercession. On the Day of Judgement Allah Ta'ala, through His Grace and Mercy, will permit the Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, to intercede on behalf of the Muslim Ummah. Three other groups may also be given leave to intercede: 1. The Anbiyaa - the prophets. 2. The Ulama - the people of knowledge from amongst the Muslims. 3. The Shuhadaa - the martyrs who died in the cause of Allah Ta'ala.
1. To witness, in this world. See Shahadatain. 2. To bear witness, on the Day of Judgement. There will be four witness on Yaum al-Hisab (the Day of Reckoning): i. The Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, and the Muslim Ummah against all the other Ummahs (communities and nations). ii. The earth and the day and the night will be given the power to speak and bear witness. iii. Everyone's limbs will bear witness for or againts their owners. iv. One's deeds. Singular of Shahadatain.
Bearing witness. In order to become a Muslim one must utter and believe in two Shahadas (Shahadatain): First Shahada: Ashhadu an la illa ill'allah. ( I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah.) Second Shahada: Ashhadu anna Muhammadar rasoolullah. (I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.) The Shahadatain is the gateway to Islam and the gateway to the Garden. It is easy to say, but to act on it is a vast undertaking which has far-reaching consequenccs, in both inward awareness and outward action, in this world and in the next world. Continual affirmation of the Shahadatain is one of the Arkan of Islam. See Arkan.
Desires and passion.
Martyr in the cause of Allah Ta'ala. There have been many Shuhadaa in Islamic history, amongst whom are the following: Hamza, martyred at the Battle of Uhud in 4AH. Umar, Stabbed in Madinah on 27/12/23 AH. Uthman, axed at his home on 17/12/35 AH. Ali, stabbed while in Sajda on 17/9/40 AH. Hussein, martyred at the Battle of Karbulah (Iraq) om 9/1/61AH. Whoever is killed in the way of Allah goes straight to the Garden, may Allah be pleased with all of them. See Holy Qur'an, An-Nisaa (4):117-120. Plural: Shuhadaa.
Satan. An evil Jinn who prompts mankind and Jinn to rebel againts Allah. We seek refuge in Allah from the evil that He has created. Plural: Shayateen. See Iblis. See Holy Qur'an, An-Nisa (4):117-120.
A famous place near Madinah on the way to Makkah.
A major disbelief. Doubting any or all of the six artcles of faith (see 'Aqaid). See Kufr.
"The Sun". Surah 91 of the Holy Qur'an.
Wretched in the sight of Allah, as opposed to Sai'd, which means blessed in the sight of Allah. See Holy Qur'an, Houd (11):105.
Islamic Law as ordained by Allah Ta'ala. Literally it means 'a road'. The Sharia is the legal and social modality of people based on the revelation of their propeht. The last Shari'a in History is that of Islam. It abrogates all previous Shari'as. It is, being the last, therefore the easiest to follow, for it is applicable to the whole human race wherever they are.
Tenth month of the Islamic Calendar. See Hijri.
Devils. Plural of Shaitan.
A type of marriage which is forbidden where persons exchange daughters or sisters in marriage without giving Mahr (dowry).
Opposite of Tawheed. To associate anyone or anything with Allah Subhana wa Ta'ala. Shirk is idol-worship. Idol-worship means attributing form to Allah, encasing Him in an object, a concept, a ritual or a myth - when Allah has no form, is not like anything and cannot be conceived of or preceived. Allah the Most Merciful is prepared to forgive any sin a man or Jinn may commit, except for dying in a state of Shirk. There are threed types of Shirk: 1. Shirk al-Akbar (major Shirk). This is divided into four categories: a. Shirk ad-Du'a - invoking or supplicating to a false deity besides Allah Ta'ala, i.e. invocation or supplication by either invoking other than Allah or invoking Him through a created being or thing, such as a prophet, an angel, a saint, or even a bank manager. b. Shirk al-Niyyah wa Iraada wal Qasd - having the intention and determination to deliberately do any type of act of worship to a deity other than Allah Ta'ala. c. Shirk at-Ta'a - Obeying any created being or an object more than Allah Ta'ala. 2. Shirk al-Asghar (Minor Shirk). a. Shir a-Rea' - Carrying out a religious act for worldly gains and not for the pleasure of Allah, e.g. giving Zakat for the sake of fame or praises. b. Shirk at-Tasmee' swearing by other than Allah, and according relaying on other than Allah, or attaching more impotance to other than Allah. 3. Shirk al-Khafy (hidden Shirk) - being dissatisfied with what Allah has ordained for a particular person. Hidden Shirk is to inwardly associate something or someone as partner with Him, especially one's self.
A prophet of Islam. He was sent to the people of Madyan (Midian), but they rejected him, so Allah Ta'ala destroyed them with an earthquake. See Mursaleen. See Holy Qur'an, Al-A'raf (7);85-93, Houd 911):84-95.
Persons who die Fee Sabeeli'llah (in the path of Allah).. Allah has designated eight things for the Shuhadaa alone: They are the first to be forgiven. They are the first to see their place in Jannah They are exempted from 'Adhabul-Qabr (trials and tribulations in the grave). They will be exempted from fear on the Day of Ressurection. They will crowned with the "Tajal-Waqar" (literally means "the crown of respect") on that Day. They will each be married to seventy-two "Houri'een" (see Hooriah). They will each be given permission to intercede on behalf of seventy-two of their relatives. The sweetness of Iman will physically glow from within them. Singular: Shaheed. See Shaheed.
"The Consultation". Surah 42 of the Holy Qur'an.
The sincere and thruthful. The first and foremost followers of the prophets of Allah Subhana wa Ta'ala, may the blessing and peace of Alllah be on them. See Holy Qur'an, An-Nisaa (4):69.
Lotus tree.
"The lote-tree of the furthest limit." A tree over the Seventh Heaven near Paradise, the place where form ends and beyond which no cretaed being may pass. See Holy Qur'an, An-Najm (53):14-18.
A place in Syria where in 36 AH, a famous battle between the followers of Ali, the Khalifa, and the followers supporting the claims of Mu'awiyah Ibn Abi Sufyan took place byh the River Euphrates, may the blessings and peace of Allah be on whoever follows right guidance. A place near Al-Madinah al-Munawwarah.
Comes from the root word 'Sijjin, which means 'prison'. Its exact nature is known to Allah Ta'ala alone. All that is revealed to us is that it is where the record of the evil doer is recorded; in contrast, the record of the righteous is kept in Illyou. See Holy Qur'an, Al-Mutafifeen (83): 7-9.
Literally means "road". It is the bridge over the Nar (Hellfire) which must be crossed to enter the Garden on the Day of Judgement. It is described in Ahadeeth as being narrower than the blade of asword, thinner than a hair and as having hooks over it to snatch wrongdoers and throw them into Jahannam. Some will cross the Siraat into the Garden like lightning or like the wind, some with ease, some with difficulty, some with great difficulty and some will fall into the waiting Fire below. See Holy Qur'an, Mariam (19):71.
Literally means "the straight path". The path that the Holy Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, demonstrated to mankind and the Jinn by way of the Holy Qur'an and Ahadeeth. The path that leads to the Garden.
Theft. One of the Kabair (major sins) in Islam. Allah Ta'ala has ordained that the hand that steals be severed, under certain circumtances.
Quiet recitation of the Holy Qur'an and during Salat, as in Duhr and 'Asr Salat (prayers).
A piece of branch or root of a tree called al-Arak used as a tootbrush.
Ill-gotten property or money. Forcing someone to part with their good or money through theft, coercion, embezzlement, usury or by any other means that will incur the wrath of Allah.
"Morning". Another name for the first obligatory Salat (Prayer) which is performed at dawn. See Fajr.
Glory be to Allah. Far removed is He from anything imperfect associated with Him and far removed is He from anything unsuitable ascribed to Him!
"Glory be to my Lord, the Greatest." This is said three times when one is in Ruku' during Salat (prayers). See Rak'a.
"Glory be to my Lord, the Most high." This is said three times when one is in Sujud during Salat (prayers). See Sajda.
"May He be Glorified and Exalted." One of the many ways of glorifying Allah the Almighty. It means "Glory be to Allah on High. Far removed is He from any imperfection". The shortened from of this glorification is "Allah Ta'ala".
A shaded place in Masjid al-Rasool, may Allah bless him and grant him in peace, in Madinah where poor people used to take shelter.
A meal taken before fajr in the month of Ramadan
See Sajda.
Solomon. A prophet of Islam and a wise king. He was the son of the Prophet (and king) Dawood (David), peace be on both of them. He ruled the north-western Arabian Peninsula for about forty years. Allah Ta'ala gifted him with many powers, which included having power over the winds, being able to converse with the birds and ants and other animals, and having power over the evil Jinn. See Holy Qur'an, Al-Anbiya (21):79-82, An-Naml 927):15-44, Saba (34):12-14, Saad (38):30-40.
All traditions and practices of Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, that are recorded not only in such books as Sahi Bukhari and Sahi Muslims, but also in living people to whom these traditions and practices have been transmitted, from person to person, from then until now. Although the Sunnah has come to refer almost exclusively to the pratice of the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peae, it also comprises the customs of the first generation of Muslims in Madina. They learned their Islam directly from the Prophet, not from books, and transmitted what they had learned to the next generation. Thus they have become models who all Muslims should follow. The Sunnah is a complete behaviourial science that has been systematically kept outside the learning framework of this society. It cannot be learned from books, although books can be helpful. It can only be learned from real Muslims who are true teachers. Plural Sunnan.
Plural of Sunnah. See Sunnah.
A chapter of the Holy Qur'an. Literally means "a form". There are 114 Suwar in the Holy Qur'an. Plural; Suwar.
An object like a pillar, wall, stick or anything that is placed in front of a praying person so that people will pass beyond it and not 'break' his or her Qiblah and concentration.
Chapters. There are 114 Suwar in the Holy Qur'an. Singular: Surah.
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Imagine for a moment that you are recruited to participate in a ganzfeld experiment, one of the world's most exotic laboratory exercises, and touted as the best known method for testing for "psi" ability. As the subject in the ganzfeld experiment, you are sequestered in a soundproof room, your eyes are covered with ping-pong ball halves, a red floodlight is cast toward your eyes, and white noise is pumped into your ears through headphones, depriving you of sensory ability.
Then a "sender," another individual located in a adjacent soundproof room, attempts to transmit to you a specific picture, referred to as a "target". During this signaling period, you are asked to report all mental imagery that comes to mind. Afterwards, the experimenter shows you a set of several pictures, only one of which is the picture viewed by the sender, and you are asked to rate the extent to which each picture matches the mental imagery you experienced during the signaling session. If you score better than chance in rating the signaled picture, you may be classified as having psi ability.
Psi (pronounced sigh) refers to the "anomalous" process of information or energy transfer. More commonly recognized names for phenomena that would be defined as psi include Extrasensory Perception (ESP), telepathy, clairvoyance, precognition, and psychokinesis. Psi research has been conducted for decades, and has been a controversial topic of academic debate in the sciences and social sciences.
However, in 1994, psi research received a boost in credibility with the publication in one of psychology's top journals of an article co-authored by Cornell University psychology professor Daryl Bem. I first met Bem last fall during my orientation as a graduate student in the Cornell department of communication. At that time I asked Bem to discuss his psi research, and I came away impressed by his summary of findings, and his extensive knowledge of the topic. During this past year, I discovered that Bem's reputation as a top scholar and colorful figure stretched across campus. His name was often mentioned with reverence by professors, and my fellow grad students raved about their experience in his psychology seminar "Beliefs, Attitudes, and Ideologies."
I was intrigued. Daryl Bem was a psychologist of top academic and research merit convinced of the existence of psi, and had published a review of evidence in support of his conviction in a leading psychology journal. Certainly there was a story to be told here. I gathered my notebook, sat down at my computer for a literature review, and requested interviews with Bem and his arch-nemesis, University of Oregon psychologist Ray Hyman.
Reading the Mind of Daryl Bem
The existence of ESP is a popular notion among the general public, with close to 50 percent of respondents in a 1996 Gallup poll indicating that they believe ESP exists. Other surveys have revealed that belief in ESP is just as prevalent among the highly educated, including university faculty in the sciences and social sciences.
The strongest skeptics of psi are often psychologists. Compared to their colleagues in other fields, psychologists are probably most familiar with the type of extraordinary evidence needed to support the claims of psi, as well as the failures of past research. Psychologists are also very familiar with the deep flaws in anecdotal accounts of psi phenomena that often capture the public's imagination. They recognize that most accounts are the likely product of human shortcomings and biases in interpreting everyday events.
Not surprisingly then, research into psi has historically been on the outskirts of academia and the social sciences, with psi researchers calling their field "parapsychology," publishing their research in parapsychology journals, and holding parapsychology conferences that receive little notice and credit from psychology or other fields.
Even parapsychology's strongest supporters and most recognized researchers admit that the field is riddled with inferior research methods and standards, plagued by a chronic inability to replicate supposedly groundbreaking findings, and characterized by shifting tides of paradigmatic experimental designs and theories on how to test, identify, verify, explain, and define psi phenomena.
Occasionally, however, parapsychological research will break into mainstream academic outlets, as was the case in 1994 when Bem and University of Edinburgh parapsychologist Charles Honorton published "Does Psi Exist? Replicable Evidence for an Anomalous Process of Information Transfer," a 14-page review of past ganzfeld experiments in Psychological Bulletin.
Bem started his academic career as a physicist, earning a B.A. from Reed College in 1960, and heading to MIT for graduate work. The civil rights movement of the early 60's captured his interest in social psychology, and led Bem to switch disciplines and transfer schools. He earned his Phd in psychology from the University of Michigan in 1964, and proceeded to embark on a distinguished career. Bem's list of published articles is pages long, spans five decades, and includes almost every major psychology journal. He is a full professor at Cornell, and has held positions at Harvard, Stanford, and Carnegie Mellon Universities.
So I wondered why such a credentialed researcher, a man of science, would put his reputation on the line and embrace a topic many might group in the same category with cold fusion, free energy, and alien abduction. I contacted Bem via e-mail about arranging an interview, and in mid-June I hiked up the hill to the Cornell campus and Uris, the main building for the Cornell psychology department. After winding and twisting through the expanse of hallways, I arrived at Bem's office a bit late.
I knocked on the door and entered. His office was spacious, even by full-professor standards, without trappings, uncluttered, and modern in a late 70's to early 80's way. Bem did not rise from his desk to greet me, and as I sat down and re-introduced myself, explaining the direction and topic of my column, I had the sense that he was evaluating me, assessing my motives with the trained eye of a psychologist.
I began by asking Bem how he became interested in psi. Sitting up in his desk chair, obviously enjoying the prospect of telling the story, Bem launched into a tale that he had undoubtedly crafted and told many times.
An amateur magician as a youth, Bem began ESP shows at the age of 17, a pastime he continues today as a professional mentalist and member of the Psychic Entertainers Association. In 1983, as a mentalist and top research psychologist, Bem was asked to evaluate Charles Honorton's laboratory in Princeton, New Jersey. According to Bem, at the time Honorton had just initiated a new series of ganzfeld studies (dubbed "autoganzfeld" because the targets were randomized by computer) that complied with stringent research protocols. Bem's visit to Honorton's laboratory left him convinced that results of the ganzfeld research deserved to be published in a mainstream journal. "I looked over the protocol, and was quited impressed," Bem recalled. "I had read Honorton's debate with Ray Hyman, and thought that the one talent I have is that I am able to reach the mainstream journals."
At that point, I interjected to ask what he had thought of psi research prior to arriving at Honorton's laboratory. "Before ganzfeld, I was a skeptic," he answered quickly and assertively.
So when the newly appointed editor of the prestigious Psychological Bulletin wrote in his inaugral editorial that he wanted to take more risks in publication, and contacted Bem about the submission of recent research, Bem responded with a review article co-authored with Honorton on the ganzfeld experiments.
In their article, Bem and Honorton described the results of their meta-analysis of eleven ganzfeld studies. In a meta-analysis, statistical tools are used to combine data from a series of similar experiments conducted over a period of time. The subjects in Bem and Honorton's meta-analysis obtained overall target "hit" rates of approximately 35 percent, far above the 25 percent that chance performance would predict. Bem and Honorton also detailed several theoretically interesting findings. The ganzfeld subjects who exhibited high hit rates were more likely to have scored high on emotional and perceptual orientation indices, to be artistically creative or possibly extroverted, to have had previous ESP-like experiences, or to have had previously studied a mental discipline like meditation. Experimental conditions using dynamic visual stimuli also yielded higher hit rates than those using static visual stimuli.
"I recommended four reviewers, and all four recommended publication," Bem said. But it wasn't that simple. As Bem admits, he considers the sociology of science as having worked in his favor. The authors of submitted journal articles in psychology are known to the reviewers, and Bem considers his reputation as contributing to the article's acceptance. "Is there a prejudice? Would the same reviewers publish Honorton? But there is a prejudice in favor of me. Reviewers are willing to give me the benefit of the doubt. And that is rational in a sense, that they should trust me."
The statement left me scratching my head. Double-blind peer-review is the standard throughout other fields in the sciences and social sciences for the explicit reason of preventing reviewers from giving authors "the benefit of the doubt." I am sure that Bem's reputation assisted the publication of the article, but the scenario falls short of a "rational" outcome.
I asked Bem if there was a physical explanation or mechanism for how psi operated. "No, but there will be a physical explanation," he answered.
I wondered whether an explanation would occur in Bem's lifetime. "I'm only in my fifties," he chuckled in response. He followed by making reference to several comparisons often used by supporters of the unknown. "There are phenomena in quantum physics that physicists don't have an idea how they work." Besides physics, Bem also made reference to alternative medicine. "When it was discovered that acupuncture releases pain-masking endorphins, suddenly there was a mechanism, and acupuncture became more respectable."
Bem is correct in pointing out these comparisons, but drawing analogies to other cases in the history of science do not offer arguments for the existence of psi, but rather offer an argument to keep an open and skeptical mind.
The second major criticism I put forth to Bem was that ganzfeld experiments lacked replicability. Bem accepted the criticism. "I can't do a ganzfeld study and guarantee results," he said. Again however, Bem turned to the history of science to support his case, arguing that in early experiments in lasers, scientists couldn't replicate results either.
According to Bem, his critics simply hold a different world and scientific view. For a phenomena like psi, Bem decribed critics like Ray Hyman as rightfully demanding "extraordinary" evidence. However, the controversy develops over what constitutes "extraordinary."
Journey to the Center for Inquiry
Ray Hyman
A week before meeting Bem, I drove on a Saturday afternoon from Ithaca to Buffalo, New York to interview University of Oregon psychologist Ray Hyman who was in town at the invitation of the Center for Inquiry-International, headquarters of the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (CSICOP) and Skeptical Inquirer magazine.
Besides hosting the editorial and business offices of Skeptical Inquirer, the Center includes a 50,000 volume library stacked to the ceiling with books on the occult, the paranormal, science, philosophy, and religion, a museum of oddities and curios from paranormal and pseudoscientific lore, and a 100-plus seat conference center that has featured a roster of prominent speakers this past year including Voodoo Science author and physicist Robert Park, SETI astronomer Jill Tarter, professional skeptic Michael Shermer, and flim-flam investigator James "The Amazing" Randi.
Arriving at the Center for Inquiry, and passing through the security procedures at the front entrance, I was greeted in the hallway by Hyman and CSICOP executive director Barry Karr. Hyman is an instantly likable man with an air of calming ease about him. In his seventies, standing about 5'6" with a sleight build, Hyman walks with a stage entertainer's nimbleness and carries a constant smile. A magician since his youth, Hyman often frames his conversations with the crisp, deft, and agile hand gestures of a well-practiced conjurer.
Like Bem, I began by asking Hyman how he became interested in the investigation of psychic phenomena. Growing up in Boston, Hyman's interest in magic often led him to attend message readings and spiritualist gatherings, but he soon grew disillusioned. "At the age of fifteen or sixteen, it became pretty obvious what was going-on," Hyman said. "Other people refused to not believe. I thought to myself that these people don't want to see the obvious, and began to ask what do these people get from their belief system."
As a magician, Hyman learned that audiences preferred mentalist tricks and palmistry, and he became quite good at palm reading. "I was getting fantastic hits, and it was reinforcing. I became a bit of a believer."
In 1946, he enrolled at Boston University to study journalism. As Hyman recalled, while at BU, the chair of the department learned of Hyman's palm reading, and called him into his office to admonish him. Hyman protested, and offered to read his palm. The professor acquiesced, Hyman gave the palm reading, and the professor then dismissed him, only a few weeks later to call Hyman back into his office to read his palm again. The experience helped confirm in Hyman an interest in the study of false beliefs, and Hyman later transferred to Johns Hopkins University to earn his Ph.D. in psychology.
Trained as a magician, mentalist, psychologist, and statistician, Hyman first became involved in the evaluation of parapsychological research in 1967 at the request of the American Statistical Association. Since then, he has published over 250 articles critical of parapsychology, has chaired the National Research Council's sub-committee on parapsychology, and has served as an independent reviewer of the CIA's "Stargate" research program into remote-viewing.
For all his experience and efforts, the review of parapsychology is not a duty that he relishes. "Parapsychology is incredibly uninteresting and boring. It is not what everyone thinks," he complained to me. "I really don't want to be involved any longer, but there is really no one I can trust to hand it off to, to do a good job."
Hyman described most of the popular critics of parapsychology as not rising to the level of sophistication of current parapsychological research. "Most of the criticism of the field is of straw people. The criticism has been very bad."
During the early to mid-eighties, Hyman published a series of debates with Charles Honorton over the proper protocols for Ganzfeld experiments. Given his decades of experience, and past debate with Honorton, Hyman was a natural choice to be a reviewer of the 1994 Bem and Honorton Psychological Bulletin review article. Hyman recommended publication, but was asked to contribute a response in the same issue of Psychological Bulletin.
Hyman's criticisms of the ganzfeld studies and parapsychology in general range from the heavily methodological to the philosophical and epistemological. First, Hyman questions the reasonableness of arriving at conclusions from meta-analysis. He maintains that the proper use of meta-analysis should be to generate hypotheses, which then must be independently tested on new data.
Second, Hyman told me that in thoroughly probing the data reviewed in the Psychological Bulletin article, he uncovered what he considered "peculiar" patterns. He noticed that all of the significant "hitting," the correct rating of a target by the receiver, was done on the second or later appearance of a target. When Hyman examined the guesses against just the first occurrences of targets, the result was consistent with chance. Adding to his suspicions, Hyman also discovered that the hit rate rose systematically with each additional occurrence of a target. Since all the targets were displayed on video to the receivers, Hyman suggests that to correct for a non-paranormal reason why one target video clip might appear different then another, all the targets be run through the video machine an equal number of times before they are shown to the receiver.
Hyman also severely questions the non-replicability of the ganzfeld experiments and other experiments in parapsychology. "The most serious weakness of parapsychology is that there is a failure of replication by rivals in independent laboratories," Hyman said. "Every field has 'paradigm experiments' where you can get results. There are thousands of experiments in psychology that can be replicated, but in parapsychology there isn't one where you can get that. In no other field is there something similar." As Hyman has maintained for several decades, he believes that the ganzfeld experiments continue to need independent replication with tighter controls.
I asked Hyman why he thought Bem had taken such an interest in the ganzfeld research of Honorton. "Most of the criticisms of parapsychology are unfair. I think Bem may have had the feeling of defending the underdog."
Making Einstein and Newton Look Puny
Do the ganzfeld experiments provide convincing evidence of psi? No, but the results do suggest the possibility, and call for further laboratory investigation, efforts at replication, and confirmation.
Bem told me that he would like to see a large scale series of ganzfeld experiments using as subjects what he termed "superstars"-individuals previously believed to demonstrate psychic ability. "If you were to test for high jumping ability, you wouldn't take random people; you would use the superstars," Bem said. He regards psi as a topic that deserves the attention and resources of mainstream psychology. "It is far more interesting than the hum-drum stuff that gets funded."
Though Hyman doesn't see much promise in current and past psi research, he agrees that a confirmation of psi would be of wide interest and importance. "The first person to make a breakthrough is going to make Newton and Einstein look puny," Hyman predicted.
The history of parapsychology has not offered much hope that future generations will witness the scientific confirmation of psychic ability, but the prospect remains provocative and tantalizing to the imagination. Daryl Bem's research may stand as a major guidepost on the road to discovery, or go down in future decades as one of many promising findings never to be replicated nor confirmed.
Recommended Web Sources
- Bem, D.J. (1996). Ganzfeld phenomena. In G. Stein (Ed.), Encyclopedia of the paranormal (pp 291-296). Buffalo, NY: Prometheus. Full text available at http://www.psych.cornell.edu/dbem/ganzfeld.html.
- Bem, D.J. & C. Honorton (1994). Does psi exist? Replicable evidence for an anomalous process of information transfer. Psychological Bulletin, 115, 4-18. Full text available at http://www.psych.cornell.edu/dbem/does_psi_exist.html.
- A non-specialists guide to the Bem & Honorton article, written by Bem, is available at http://www.psych.cornell.edu/dbem/guide_to_bh.html.
Recommended Further Readings
- Hyman, R. (1985) The ganzfeld experiment: A critical appraisal. Journal of Parapsychology, 49, 3-49.
- Hyman, R. & Honorton, C. (1986). A joint communiqué: the psi ganzfeld controversy. Journal of Parapsychology, 50, 351-364.


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As President Barack Obama prepares to present his plan to remove some U.S. troops from Afghanistan, Pew Research Center has released a poll showing waning support for the war.
A month after the killing of Osama Bin Laden, more Americans than ever before — 56 percent — now support removing U.S. troops from Afghanistan.
Obama is scheduled to address the nation from the East Room of the White House tonight at 8 p.m. to provide an update on American progress in Afghanistan. He is expected to announce the that the 33,000 troops added during "the surge" will be brought home by the end of next year.


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This section of the site is dedicated to providing club leaders with the tools and assets they need to have a successful year. As time goes on and needs change, more will be added. If you'd like to see anything added to this section, please contact your Executive Committee Mentor.
Public Service
The cornerstone of Ad 2, our Public Service efforts leverage our talents and resources to make a difference in our chapters' communities across the nation. Find competition rules, a suggested outline, the judges' score sheet, and previous winners here.
Club Achievement
The AAF Club Achievement competition is a way to earn national recognition for your chapter's hard work in the Eight Core Initiatives. Find the most recent Call for Entries here.
Each year, Ad 2 hosts two national events: Mid-Year Retreat and the Ad 2 portion of ADMERICA, including the Public Service Competition. Find all the information you need below!
Club Documents
Ever find yourself wondering, "Where do I start?" AAF has developed several PDFs and starter documents on different topics that will help you better understand many of the fantastic facets of running an AAF-affiliated Ad 2 club.


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A slow-moving earthquake recently observed on Hawaii's Kilauea Volcano could become a model for predicting catastrophic tsunamis in the Pacific, according to a new study by geophysicists from Stanford and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
Writing in the journal Nature, the researchers explained how they were able to detect a "silent" or "aseismic" earthquake on Kilauea's southern flank in November 2000 using data from the Stanford/USGS global positioning system (GPS) network on the Big Island of Hawaii. The magnitude 5.7 quake was a relatively slow-moving event that lasted about 36 hours and caused the southern flank of the volcano to slide nearly 3.5 inches (8.7 centimeters) into the sea.
Peter Cervelli of the U.S. Geological Survey installs a global positioning system receiver on the south flank of Hawaii's Kilauea volcano -- one of 17 permanent GPS instruments operated by Stanford and the USGS to monitor volcanic activity on the Big Island. A steam plume caused by lava entering the ocean is visible on the horizon (far left). Photo courtesy of Peter Cervelli
"We don't know what triggers them, but we do know that the Kilauea event was the first silent earthquake ever observed in a volcanic environment," he added.
"Fortunately, no one felt the earthquake on Kilauea," noted Peter Cervelli, who joined the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory last fall shortly after receiving a doctorate in geophysics from Stanford.
"In fact, without instruments like our GPS observers, we never would have known that the Kilauea event occurred," added Cervelli, lead author of the Nature study.
In a companion feature in the Feb. 28 issue of Nature, research geophysicist Steven N. Ward of the University of California-Santa Cruz estimated Kilauea's southern flank to be nearly equal in size to a half-mile-thick slice of Rhode Island. Had that massive chunk of land suddenly collapsed into the ocean instead of sliding just a few inches, it could have generated an enormous wall of seawater -- or tsunami -- powerful enough to threaten coastal cities as far away as California, Chile and Australia, according to Ward.
A catastrophic flank collapse of an oceanic volcano happens somewhere in the world every 10,000 years on average, Ward added, but none has been caught in its early stages until now.
Controversial rainstorm
In their study, Segall and his colleagues suggested that the Kilauea quake might have been triggered by a torrential storm that dumped nearly 3 feet (1 meter) of rain on the Big Island on Nov. 1, 2000.
In the 1960s, geologists showed that injecting fluid deep into the ground can cause a fault to fail -- thus triggering a small earthquake.
Computer simulation of the tsunami waves that might set off in a collapse of Kilauea's southeast flank. The simulation assumes that a block 40 km long, 20 km wide and 2,000 m think (blue, inset) slides for 60 km at 70 m/s. The tsunami wave fronts are pictured at two-hour intervals from two to 14 hours. Red and blue contours are wave elevations and depressions, respectively, and the numbers are sample wave heights in meters. Illustration courtesy of Nature
According to the Nature study, the intense, 24-hour rainfall that inundated the Big Island on Nov. 1 may have had a similar effect on the Hilina/Holei Pali fault system located some 2.8 miles (4.5 kilometers) beneath Kilauea Volcano. GPS data revealed that the fault suddenly began to rupture on Nov. 8 -- one week after the storm.
"When water penetrates the relatively dry upper regions of the Hawaii crust, it eventually gets to the water table and causes it to rise," observed Cervelli. "This raises the pressure of the water throughout the volcanic edifice."
He noted that rainwater might have produced a "pressure pulse" that percolated through the crust for seven or eight days until it reached the fault zone.
"What we're hypothesizing could have occurred -- although we're certainly not wedded to this conclusion -- is that, when the pressure pulse began in early November, it propagated slowly down the fault zone and raised the pressure there," Cervelli said. "This had the effect of opening the fault a little bit and bringing it closer to failure."
The mechanism is very similar to what happens when a hot glass is placed upside down on a wet counter top, Segall explained.
"The heat from the glass heats up the air inside the glass," he noted. "This raises the pressure and can cause the glass to slide around on the counter."
Cervelli conceded that linking the Kilauea earthquake to the heavy rainfall event is controversial.
"It's not inconceivable that the rainfall event had a triggering role in the slip event," he noted, "but before we go out on a limb and say definitively that it is our opinion that rainfall of this magnitude can and has triggered silent earthquakes, we would like to first flesh out our model a bit more and, second, to observe multiple events so that we can correlate them with rainfall."
Tsunami warning
"We don't know how common silent earthquakes are because, up until now, we haven't had the capability or tools to measure them," Segall explained.
People in Hilo, Hawaii, flee a powerful tsunami that struck the Big Island on April 1, 1946. A 7.3 earthquake in Alaska generated the tsunami, which killed 159 people and caused millions of dollars in damage. Major tsunamis also struck the Hawaiian Islands in 1960 and 1975. Photo courtesy of Cecilio Licos, Yasuki Arakaki collection, Pacific Tsunami Museum
He pointed out that detecting the silent quake on Kilauea would have been impossible a few years ago, before Stanford and the USGS established a permanent network of instruments capable of monitoring millimeter-sized movements on the volcanic surface on a daily basis.
"Now that we have the networks in place, we're finding that silent earthquakes are popping up in all kinds of surprising places -- like volcanoes -- that we didn't know about before," Segall added. "This event did not produce a tsunami, but if we can detect potentially catastrophic ground motion in its early stages, we might be able to issue tsunami warnings in the future."
Ward agreed, noting that the silent earthquake detected by Segall and his colleagues could be interpreted as the early stage of a catastrophic flank collapse that may occur one day on Kilauea.
"People should not lose sleep over large but rare natural hazards," Ward wrote. "They should not run blind either, particularly when a useful eye exists. The world's oceanic volcanoes are stages best not left unwatched. For now, GPS provides one of the sharpest views."
Other co-authors of the Nature study are Stanford
graduate student Kaj Johnson; Michael Lisowski of the USGS Cascades
Volcano Observatory in Vancouver, Wash.; and Asta Miklius of the
USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory in Hawaii National Park. The
study was funded with grants from the USGS and the National Science
Stanford Report, March 6, 2002


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DOHA: Two road races led to two bunch sprints at the UCI Road World Championships Doha 2016. After Norway's Kristoffer Halvorsen in the men's Under-23 race, Elisa Balsamo sealed an Italian gold medal with a perfectly led-out sprint in the women's junior road race on Friday.
Skylar Schneider from the USA and Norway's Susanne Andersen grabbed silver and bronze after 74.5 kilometres on the 15.2 kilometre Pearl circuit finishing in 1:53:04, the same as 51 more riders.
"Unbelievable", said Balsamo after crossing the line. "A big thank you to my team mates. They were so beautiful and strong. It's our title not only mine. This is great, not only for us, but for the whole of Italian female cycling."
Schneider was not able to capitalise on her teammates' hard work to keep the peloton together in the final lap.
She was well placed in Balsamo's wheel, but did not have the speed to surpass her opponent on the line.
Andersen tried to jump from Schneider's wheel but she too lacked the pure speed of Balsamo, who held the others of with grace.
Shattered bikes all over the place
Fate struck only three kilometres into the race, or was it inattention?
At the only slightly bending wide road in the first loop of The Pearl circuit, more than half of the bunch came to a standstill in a major crash, with shattered bikes, flying water bottles and riders screaming all over the place.
Twenty-odd women managed to escape the chaos, but for all others pre-race plans were thrown into the bin.
They had to remount and try to catch up with the front group as soon as possible. Mexican Ana Marina Herros did not make it to the first crossing of the finish line and was the first rider to quit the race.
Favourites trying to catch up
Although there were no major injuries, the crash was a serious setback for some of the pre-race favourites.
At the first passage of the finish line, with four 15.3 laps to go, the peloton was split in two main groups with a 22-second gap.
Further adrift rode many small groups of riders in an effort to catch-up. The two main groups merged in the first full lap and the peloton consisted of about 55 riders at the second passage.
France's Julliete Labous, who came third in the women's junior ITT, and Oceanian champion Chloe Morgan, were still 22 seconds behind, but managed to join the pack in the second full lap.
Dutch sprinting prodigy Arianna Pruisscher was more than a minute behind, and Japan's national junior champion Misuzu Shimoyama rode a lost race, crossing the line more than two-and-a-half minutes down on the peloton.
USA make pace
With three laps to go several riders tried to make a jump, but no one managed to escape. Heading into the final lap, 56 riders crossed the finish line in the same time behind Dutch Maaike Boogaard, who led the pack.
For most of the final lap the American girls made pace, keeping the speed high enough to discourage any attacking thoughts of other riders.
When the Americans gave way with five kilometres to go, Spain's Miriam Gardachal tried to jump, but she was countered quickly by the Germans and all teams started looking at each other while trying to organise a lead-out for their sprinters.
Azzurre dominate final kilometre
Italy took a commanding lead when the bunch cleared the red flag to enter the final kilometre and then Letizia Paternoster and Lisa Morzenti perfectly piloted Balsamo to the line.
The Italian sprinter held off Schneider and Andersen, who tried to jump from behind, but were not able to overhaul.
"The attacks were tough throughout the race. The whole peloton was moving closely. I narrowly avoided a crash in the first few kilometres. Elisa had a perfect ride out in the final stretch and she deserved to win," said Andersen who offered Norway its second medal at the UCI Road World Championships Doha, 2016. -- Press release


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NPlusPlus by Metanet Software, a Toronto, Ontario based company is a fast-paced, action-packed platformer set in the distant future. You play as a ninja, darting through obstacles, narrowly evading a slew of inadvertently homicidal enemy robots and collecting gold in a minimalist, sci-fi world.
The game is all about smooth physics, deftly controlling the speed and inertia of the character, and the awesome feeling of fluidly moving through each level.
After my initial introduction here on Rizonesoft, I figured that NPlusPlus would be the perfect game for my first review, because I am totally in love with this game.
Before I continue, you can purchase NPlusPlus for the following platforms: Launched on PS4 July 28, 2015. Buy it now! And now available on Steam! Launched on August 25, 2016. Get it while it's hot!
How to play NPlusPlus?
So, what do you do in NPlusPlus? You run for your life, dodge missiles, climb up wall, jump over traps and collect some gold on the way to the locked exit door that has to be opened by getting to a switch. Watch me play below for more about playing N++:
This game is one of my favorites even though it frustrates me now and then. Especially when moving through the more difficult levels.
Now for a short history; the first version, N was released as freeware in 2004. Surprisingly it gradually spread through word of mouth to millions of players.
From there, NPlus was released in 2008. Since then the game evolved with new maps, new traps, new color themes, new features and a new interface for NPlusPlus.
Below are some important NPlusPlus features:
- Parkour ninjas
- Thousands of hand-crafted levels
- Over 50 beautiful colour schemes
- Over 6 hours of the best music known to humankind
- Co-op and Race (competitive) local multiplayer
- Built-in level editor and global level-sharing
- Highscores and replays for every level
- 100+ hours of gameplay
- Hundreds of fun surprises
The Intro Stages and "Create your own levels"
The first stages of the game is cleverly named the intro, mainly because it introduces you to all the new traps. Some of the traps are still the there from N, but also a bunch of new ones to look out for.
Also, there is a new feature where you can create your own levels as well as play levels created by other players. This is an absolutely amazing feature.
One complaint about NPlusPlus is that each episode consist of a 5 level sequence and you have to complete all 5 to unlock the next episode. It's easy to start, later, the levels can take hours to master.
However, I see this as a challenge and I don't have a problem to spend hours to figure out how to complete levels, but that might just be me, the feeling you get when you finally complete that level you've been stuck on for hours is indescribable.
In conclusion, I would recommend this game for anyone that loves a challenge not like most single player games these days. I love this game, I loved it since the first one. I played and finished N about 5 times already.
I'm working on a videos about NPlusPlus, so please visit my YouTube channel and be sure to go check it out.


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Could Sunset Boulevard be any gayer?
We've often asked ourselves this pressing question, but little did we know that it actually could and does – most recently in the form of a limited-run off-Broadway production, Norma Doesmen.
Move over Alice in Wonderland, this 20th century American classic falls down the rabbit glory hole only to come out the other end more engorged with tongue-in-ass-cheek gayness than can be found a block away at Splash.
The production – appointed on stage with glorious antique dressings – centers around the eponymous character, a dimming (and dirty) Hollywood starlet, played unapologetically with the ferocious talent of Tommy Femia.
While the highlights of Norma Doesmen are largely limited to Femia's campy comedic timing, moments worth getting on the edge of the seat for involve Joe Dillis's (portrayed by the deep-voiced Bryan R. Caine) well-hung sight gags. Aside from the heat Joe is packing, Christina Giordano's portrayal of his narcoleptic girlfriend, Betty Shaveher, often steals the spoofed schlong's spotlight.
And yes, like Sunset, there is a sadistic German butler (played here by Ken Shepard), a character that writer and director Stephen Stahl uses as a vessel for often gratuitous scenes of drawn out clichéd gay humor.
Still, because of its homo sass (which you know we're fans of!) and Femia's riveting drag duplication of Norma Desmond, Doesmen should be seen by as many queer eyes as can fit inside the Abingdon Theatre.
Just take one look at what Caine stuffs into the small space midway through the play and you'll know just how much entertainment the Abingdon Theatre Company can pack in…
Ends Sunday, March 28
Tuesday – Saturday, 8:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday matinee, 3:00 p.m.
All seats $45 (cash only box office)
The Abingdon Theatre
312 W. 36th Street, Chelsea
Photo credit: Milton Perry


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Many of you have followed traditional Law of Attraction systems, with a variety of results.
As an energetic system, Law of Attraction is correct: this is how the Universe works.
But when we don't understand the very subtle nature of the process, it's easy to use it incorrectly:
• We manifest from our thoughts, instead of our heart.
• We manifest from lower vibration, for what we think we "deserve."
• We manifest from lower vibration, for what we think we "should" have.
• We manifest from ego, without Divine guidance.
This style of manifesting will work for you, but it can't give you what you really want.
That's because aside from all our material wants and "should" haves, what we really, really want is not material or physical at all. It's not even goal or ambition based.
What we really want is connection, consciouness and love—a sense that we are living our lives to the fullest in every moment.
This month, we're beginning Manifest Miracles in 28 Days, a 4-week course from DailyOM that teaches you the four steps of manifest from your heart—and your soul.
This course doesn't focus on "deserve" or "want" or "should." It focuses on attracting what we really want, as Divine beings in human form.
Affordably priced, and sliding scale! Check it out here.
Much love,
1/18/2017 09:25:02 am
Hi Sara!
1/20/2017 09:21:46 am
Hi Dana; That audio technical issue is fixed now. Thanks for letting me know!
1/28/2017 10:32:20 am
Hi Joslyn. If you go to the Courses page on www.sarawiseman.com, you will find many sliding scale, affordable courses that will show you how to understand your life. It is not useful for me or anyone to be Oracle to you; it is very important you learn to do this for yourself. It is not difficult; it just takes a willingness to try.
Leave a Reply.
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May 2019
Sara Wiseman is an award-winning author and visionary teacher of spiritual intuition. She is the founder of Intuition University, writes the award-winning Daily Divine blog, and hosts the popular Spiritual Psychic podcast.
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AOL management won a fight for its life yesterday. At the company's annual meeting in boston, shareholders rejected a proxy challenge from a fund called Starboard and voted to re-elect AOL's board of directors.
But here's the thing: if it weren't for the savvy way Armstrong sold some of AOL's patents to Microsoft for $1 billion - and then promised to give that cash to shareholders through some sort of dividend - we'd probably be talking about a new CEO today.
In the end, shareholders rewarded Armstrong not because he's done great work strategically deploying AOL's resources over the past three years, but because in the past few months, he has suddenly started giving AOL's resources directly to AOL shareholders.
This trick may even work again in the short to medium term. AOL has plenty of asset to sell - starting with AIM and Mapquest. Armstrong could use those proceeds to give more cash to shareholders.
But in the long term, Armstrong and AOL are going to have to figure out a way to invest resources into new businesses that can save the company.
There are few signs that is happening.
AOL's core businesses, access and search, are still eroding, and despite big investments, the business that's supposed to be the future, display advertising, remains unprofitable.
Armstrong has a lot of work ahead of him.
Starboard may have lost its AOL proxy fight, but it sure made some compelling arguments here…


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Looking for makers and crafters to lead workshops
One of the favourite parts of A Summer Squall is our 'making marquee' on the harbour, which provides activity all day each day for individuals and families to join in with. It's been a great way to get people across generations to make and share, as well as contribute to the festival as a whole.
As in previous years, we will be holding arts activity workshops on the harbour. This year's festival theme is 'Rebellious Elements' and we're looking for activity leaders with boundless energy and ideas to run those workshop sessions. We would, of course, provide all the support you need in terms of materials (or the costs of them) and willing helpers! The workshops will be in full swing between 11am and 5pm each day and will involve artists and community members in individual or communal art or craft projects (the fruits of which could possibly be used during the Parade which forms the grand finale of the festival on Monday 25th). We have ideas of our own (based on Thanet's glorious Viking heritage and our maritime status) – could you get people making shields, or a wonderful sail for the boat? We welcome your own ideas, we're open to suggestions and are looking for hands-on creatives to bring ideas to life. Anything can be considered (as long as it isn't actually dangerous, illegaor or shiver-me-timbers expensive)!
Each workshop 'slot' lasts for 2 hours, with 3 per day. We have a second workshop space to make boats to bring to the parade, which we also need people to run.
If you'd like to join the Squall, please contact us through firstname.lastname@example.com and if you'd like an informal chat, call Suzy on 07939 542990. We will be able to cover a contribution for each workshop, as well as material costs.


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This Life According To Lu: All My Exes Have Tattoos.
'Show me a man with a tattoo and I'll show you a man with an interesting
past.' –Jack London
"What does it mean?" I asked Jeremy, running my fingers through my middle part. I called him gem, with a J.
"Xīwàng, hope," he responded, offering the translation for my limited understanding of Mandarin.
"Oh," I said, unsure of why I felt disappointed. He turned over his shoulder, as we both stared at the chinese symbol permanently engrained on his back. "I like it." I lied. "Did it hurt?" I wondered, considering when I went with my best friend, Morgan, to get hers the year prior, she giggled the entire time while the man drew a paw-print on her left butt cheek. Still, I held her hand anyway.
"Yeah, a lot. I'm glad you like it, baby." He smiled, displaying his lime green braces, which made me smile, and I reciprocated the awful neon that encased my teeth. It had been the most romantic gesture my dorky, 8th-grade self had ever received from a boy. It looks like I have gum stuck in my teeth! I explained to my friends, a hasty rubber band choice I regretted immediately. A few days later he came to school with the same color and grabbed my hand as we walked to assembly together. Now we both do. A few weeks later we were already texting each other on Nokia bricks words like "luv" and the cliched "u r my world."
My first LUV and first ex to get a tat.
While the following is by no means a compilation of all the men I've dated…'cause that's quite a list, it includes the milestones. And Jem, he was the first.
My second first "real love," it's in quotes because not really, was Ludwik, though I called him Lou-chi-oh (pronounced exaggeration of the OHHHHHH). We dated for a year in a high school, which equated to the length of time I lived in several cities, my best friend completely, though we aren't even friends on Facebook, anymore. He now has at least a half dozen tattoos, one of which is a bumblebee. Ironically, my AIM screenname was bumblebeelac (I liked the rhyme, okay!), although there's absolutely no correlation.
My third significant ex to make this list is Eli, although we had the most messed up relationship of all time. But I had such a crush on him throughout my duration in Germany and we had an on-off relationship that involved way too many other people. Now his arms are completely sleeved with various designs. *Also, we're still buds, so perhaps this admission is nullified.
My actual first love was my college boyfriend, who I dated nearly two years. He has some symbolic saying of his family's name written across his back.
Most recently, my boyfriend of two years, Tom, whom I lived with, got a tattoo of his grandparents on his chest. I am pleased that this purchase was post-breakup.
Hey, I'm not here to judge because bumblebee's and chinese symbols? Quite feminine if you ask me, but you didn't. Interestingly, I hate tattoos. Perhaps this relates to my inability to make plans and my lack of permanence. I get bored of my favorite sweater after a month, I can't imagine living in the same place for two years and thrive on change. How could I ever value something that is eternally stained on your skin? And yet, the majority of significant men in my past are decorated in ink. Maybe it's cupid's way of trying to spite me, or maybe I seek consistency more than I realize.
Either way, this is my life and I think it's weird that all my exes have tattoos.