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Biodynamic Vineyard Management
No one can predict where an idea will come from or who will produce one that alters the way the world operates. Oftentimes ideas, modifications or inventions come from the most unlikely places or spring from the minds of those who are sometimes perceived as living on the fringe of creditability. Many of the ideas that arrive from "left field" usually take a lot longer to grasp or are met with such topical resistance that it takes a generation or more to shake the groupthink and move forward.
Is one of those ideas Biodynamic farming?
The father of Biodynamics is Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925). If there's ever been a thinker to push the bounds of credibility it is this guy. Trained in philosophy and mathematics Steiner's interests ranged farther afield. In his life he devoted a great deal of thought to astronomy, concluding that the Sun was created by the Earth; to anatomy, believing that the heart is not a pump but a "dam-like organ;" to evolution, determining that the humans of prehistory were single sexed that divided into two sexes so that we could become "thinking creatures."
Another subject Steiner devoted a lot of scientific thought to was agricultural. In 1924 a group of farmers had determined that the degraded soil conditions and the failing health of their livestock was directly attributable to the use of chemical fertilizers. These chemicals were supposed to have been the savior substances that would maximize yields, end hunger, produce the giant peach, etc. The concerned farmers approached Steiner and asked his opinion on what was to be done. Steiner put together eight lectures on the subject that he delivered in Koberwitz, Germany in 1924. From these lectures came the founding principles of Biodynamic farming.
Some view Biodynamic farming methods as a bunch of hooey, or, to put in the words used by an anonymous farmer, "A bunch of nutty hippie s**t." The tenets of Biodynamism maintain that the land is a unified entity or organism that works in relation with the entire Earth/Organism and outward into the cosmos. In less grandiloquent terms, practitioners of Biodynamic farming, sensitive to cosmic spirits or not, react to the precise observations or natural events that take place on their land. Careful observation of how light travels over their fields throughout the seasons, where water collects or drains, what types of insects inhabit certain kinds of plants, etc., are recorded and responded to. Over the decades participants in the Biodynamic movement, as those in the Organic, have shared their observations to the benefit of others.
Additionally, Biodynamic farming sees the soil, not just water and light, as equally integral to the support of plant life; going so far as to assert that the dirt is alive and like other living organisms it reacts to the changes in the seasons, diurnal shifts and atmospheric/celestial events. By understanding the effects of these rhythms, farmers can prepare their soils and determine when sowing, cultivating and harvesting can take place to the advantage of their crops.
The Biodynamic view, like most Organic methods, differs from commercial, chemical-based or "industrialized" farming in other, less quasi-spiritual ways. Chemical farming has developed alternative cultivation methods designed to speed up the process or to increase size and yields. While in theory there is nothing wrong with this or unethical there may be generational risks being taken. The addition of soluble minerals and other known toxins into the soil taken in by plants through water circumvents a plant's "instinctual" drive to take also from the soil, air and light what it needs for survival. This partial diet results in artificial results. In turn, humans consume these foods raised in artificial environments and receive only a fraction of the food's true and much needed nutritional value. Consuming "vital" food stimulates our own activity and improves our quality of life and perhaps even our health.
Presently there are about 50 nations that practice Biodynamic farming, India and Germany being the most active. To become certified Biodynamic is a minimum three year process. Some of the requirements to get Biodynamic certification are: farms must be free of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. (This is true of an Organic farm as well.) Like Organic farms a Biodynamic farm must first meet the same 3-year transition period that the National Organic Program (NOP) and the International Standards Organization 65 (or the EN 45011 in Europe) demand. Lastly, certification examiners from Demeter Worldwide or Demeter USA visit each farm and assess the land recognizing that each place has its own inherent environmental and social conditions.
One more major difference between Biodynamic and Organic is that Biodynamic farms attempts to "cure" an ailing environment while Organic attempts to reduce or eliminate the use of harmful agricultural practices. All Biodynamic farms also strive to be self-sustaining.
Two practitioners of the Biodynamic method in New Zealand are Geoff and Nicola Wright. Together they produce red and white wines and olive oil on their 30 acre vineyard and olive orchard just outside of Gisborne, New Zealand in the township of Ormond.
Here in the southern hemisphere it is spring and today the Wrights are busy making a soil preparation called "500." As they have done for the last few springs they have followed this precise recipe of ground cow horn, manure, organic matter and water to spray on their vineyard. There are eight such preparations (500 through 508) used in biodynamic farming. Their purposes vary but 500 and 501 are soil treatments while 502 - 508 are compost treatments. Their components and purposes are as follows:
500: Horn-manure. A humus mixture prepared by filling a cow horn with cow manure and burying it in the ground in the fall. Over winter the horn decomposes. In spring it is recovered for use when the earth-softened horn/manure is ground and mixed with organic matter. It is used to promote root growth.
501: Crushed quartz. This is prepared by stuffing powdered quartz into a horn of a cow and buried into the ground in spring and dug out in autumn. It can be mixed with 500 but usually prepared on its own (mixture of 1 tablespoon of quartz powder to 250 liters of water.) The mixture is sprayed under very low pressure over the crop during the wet season to prevent fungal diseases. The refractory properties of the ground crystal are also said to stimulate photosynthesis.
Each of the following preparations is designed to produce a particular type of decomposition process in the composting mass. These treated compost preparations are applied to crops when planetary positioning is optimal. Biodynamic farmers use the Stella Natura calendar to keep track of the celestial movements. It is thought that at certain times the soil is more open and able to receive treatments.
502: Yarrow blossoms are stuffed into the bladders from Red Deer, dried in the sun buried in winter and retrieved in spring.
503: Chamomile blossoms are stuffed into the small intestines of a cow, buried in humus-rich earth in the autumn and retrieved in the spring.
504: Stinging nettle plants in are stuffed underground with peat for a year.
505: Oak bark pieces are placed inside the skull of a domesticated animal, surrounded by peat and buried in rain soaked earth.
506: Dandelion flowers are stuffed into the peritoneum or abdominal membrane of a cow and buried during winter and retrieved in the spring.
507: Valerian flowers "tea."
508: Horsetail or Casuarina "tea."
The ingredients that go into these soil and compost preparations may seem a little odd. If not odd at least difficult to prepare, after all, who keeps a supply of Red Deer bladders laying around? These preparations do have a basis in science. For example, the manure in the cow horn (the "500") decomposes over the winter and enzymes are released from the decaying bone that leach into the manure that become a breeding ground for beneficial microorganisms. When the horn/manure is dug up, crushed then mixed in water these organisms activate and multiply. (As the "500" soil preparation was being made we observed a dramatic visible and aromatic change in the liquid.) When this preparation is applied to the soil these activated organisms and enzymes go to work and assist in the restoration of the Ph balance and enable beneficial bacteria to flourish.
Despite the hocus-pocus aspect that some people think is at the heart of Biodynamic farming it is not an either/or method. Throughout much of Germany, where Biodynamic farming is rapidly gaining ground, and in other locations, farmers are operating within the spirit or intent of the ideology rather than the strict, letter of the law. "It's like religion," says Geoff Wright, "Oftentimes it doesn't make sense, really. It's all a leap of faith."
Studies of Biodynamic farms have shown that the soil health on microbial, biological and structural levels are much better than on organic or conventional farms. This has been attributed to the use of the variously treated composts. However, yield and earning statistics are negligible. Most studies report that the benefits of Biodynamic farming in terms of yield and income are generally neutral. A 21-year Swiss study conducted by a governmental agency compared the performance of biodynamic, organic and two conventional farms and found that nutrient input in the biodynamic and organic systems was 34 to 51% lower than in the conventional systems. Crop yield was only 20% lower on average, indicating more efficient production. (Superficially, this statistic sounds a bit disheartening but when one considers the supernatural performance of chemical fertilizers and pesticides used on industrial farms vs. what is used on a biodynamic farm the comparison is analogous to conducting a home run hitting contest between a steroid-pumped Major leaguer vs. a high school baseball player.)
While Biodynamic farming has not proven itself to be the panacea of our time it does offer an alternative method of working the land. One that reuses most farm waste, one that has a very low impact on the environment, one that is chemical free and that provides an economical way of farming in which operating costs are slashed. To some Biodynamic farming is viewed as a solution to conflicts between corporate farming conglomerations and environmentalists and offers an alternative business model that is more localized and cost effective than the present, mostly globalized model.
To the Wrights, and farmers and vintners like them, the choice to go Biodynamic was more than just a philosophical, economic or spiritual one. "It's interesting because you get to know your land," says Geoff, "you can feel the life in it."
Geoff Wright discusses the fundamentals of Biodynamic farming.
Wrights Vineyard Winery is located in Gisborne, New Zealand.


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From the Forums: Greening Your Significant Other
jjpell27 has a sad story of a relationship gone wrong...
So I have been part of the env movement for a number of years and know a lot about everything that goes into our day-to-day lives, connections, consequences, and so on. About 6 months back I got involved in a relationship (my first for reference) with a girl who was partially understanding of some environmental issues (lived on a dairy farm, thus slightly in tune with her environment) but was really quite ignorant of a lot of issues. My attempts to educate her, unfortunately succeeded in driving her to be somebody she did not feel comfortable being, and thus ended our relationship.
She also felt that I judge her on any decision she makes. How do you not judge people who are not even remotely green? Maybe I just threw too much at her at once, I don't know.
So I guess the question I am placing is, what does one do if you find your soul mate, somebody you want to spend the rest of your life with, but they are unable to be as green as they could be, or to a degree not at all? And becoming green changes them into somebody they don't like
So how can I live with somebody who wont make a change (for the better) when that is what my job will be out in the real world?
I guess looking for somebody in the environmental field is the only solution...
Anyway, just want to see what you all think on the matter, I don't want "what went wrong counseling" or anything, just experiences or thoughts on the matter.
Personally I think if your passion is the environment, finding someone with similar passions is the only answer. It has been my vast experience that you can't change a leopard's spots. Then again, no one likes to feel judged.

subset: commoncrawl


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Activision has responded to the lawsuit filed yesterday by Infinity Ward founders Jason West and Vince Zampella. The company says it's "disappointed" with West and Zampella's actions and says their claims are "meritless."
"Activision is disappointed that Mr. Zampella and Mr. West have chosen to file a lawsuit, and believes their claims are meritless," an Activision spokesperson said in a statement. "Over eight years, Activision shareholders provided these executives with the capital they needed to start Infinity Ward, as well as the financial support, resources and creative independence that helped them flourish and achieve enormous professional success and personal wealth."
This news and more in the Daily Fix.
- Activision Drama Ensues
"In return, Activision legitimately expected them to honor their obligations to Activision, just like any other executive who holds a position of trust in the company," the statement reads. "While the company showed enormous patience, it firmly believes that its decision was justified based on their course of conduct and actions. Activision remains committed to the Call of Duty franchise, which it owns, and will continue to produce exciting and innovative games for its millions of fans."
The lawsuit filed by West and Zampella claim Activision is withholding certain royalties that have gone unpaid from the development of the Modern Warfare series.


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Event: International Conferences on Medical& Surgical Nursing
Dates: August 15 ¨C 17, 2018
Venue: TBD, Singapore
Weblink: www.meetingsint.com/conferences/medicalnursing
Tel: +65 3108 0483
Email: email@example.com, email@example.com
Meet Global experts in Nursing Conference from the USA, Europe, Middle East and the Asia Pacific at Medical Nursing Conference 2018 in Singapore, Singapore City during August 15-16, 2018.
Medical Nursing Conference 2018 will put forward insight into the novel inventions and techniques. It is very helpful for the student of Nurses and fellowship owners because it provides knowledge in the field. It will exposure to the on-going researches in Medical Nursing care and Surgery. It lucky chance for the companies to showcase their products and have face to face meetings with scientists increasing their business opportunities. It also gives companies to know about their market competitors.


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We have 8 guests and no members online
The Community Liaison office, headed by Mr. Oscar Waswa was established for the purpose/s of providing support to the instructional program with specific responsibilities for providing information on programs/services available to students and families as well as school and/or district activities and procedures. Read more
MMUST sponsored Kakamega Goldfields Golf Club Championships held at the lush golf course of Kakamega Sports Club on the 2nd and 3rd of July 2016.
The two-day Championship attracted 68 golfers drawn from different golf clubs across the country such as Kisii, Nandi Bears, Kericho, Eldoret, Kisumu, Mumias, University of Eldoret, United Arab Emirates and Kakamega.
Kakamega Sports Club scooped the top honors upon netting 145 scores during the third edition.
During the prize giving ceremony on the 3rd of July, the Chairman of Kakamega Sports club, Mr. Eliud Siganga, thanked MMUST for sponsoring the tournament for the third time running and called upon other corporate organizations within the County to support sports in the region.
The MMUST family was well represented by Prof. Joseph Rotich, Deputy Vice Chancellor(Administration & Finance), Prof. Egara Kabaji, Deputy Vice Chancellor Planning, Research and Innovation (PRI), Dr. Bob Mbori, Director of Public Communication , some members of the Student Governing Council, University staff and students
Prof. Rotich thanked all the golfers for participating in the tournament and the Kakamega Sports Club for choosing to partner with MMUST. He could not hide his excitement to see young boys and girls participate in the tournament. He said that MMUST is committed to nurturing talent and has already put in place a Talent Scholarship programme which is in its second year. He assured the young golfers of talent scholarships offered at MMUST. He urged everyone to endeavor to make Kakamega a visible town considering the Impact of the population increase brought about by Masinde Muliro University.
While giving his speech, after being crowned winner, Mr. Ombito revealed that his secret to success was dedication and commitment to the golfing sport. He said he had been training alongside Kenyan golfing professional Dismas Indiza whose prowess has rubbed off him. He encouraged lovers of the golf sport to religiously train if they hope to win. Among the MMUST golfers who participated in the tournament were Mr. Atsiaya, Mrs. Angote, Dr. Kollenburg, Prof. B.C.C Wangila and Dr. Beatrice Shikuku who walked away with the coveted Sponsor's award. The tournament was also graced by top Kenyan golfer, Dismas Indiza.


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EarthTalk / From the editors of E
Dear EarthTalk: Recycling can be a somewhat time-consuming task; so can you please provide some benefits of taking the time to separate my trash? -- Joseph Jiminez, Houston
Recycling, which turns materials that would otherwise be incinerated or become landfill-clogging waste into valuable resources, has become second nature for many Americans. As many as four out of five U.S. households already take the time to separate recyclables from trash. Those holdouts not yet willing to bother should consider the benefits to their household and society at large.
First and foremost for consumers is saving money. Many municipalities across the U.S. today don't charge customers for curbside pickup of recyclables but continue to charge for garbage pickup, so recycling is a way to reduce a household's overall waste expense. Otherwise, consumers who collect large amounts of recyclables may be able to find a local company willing to buy them in bulk. Some municipalities operate drop-off centers where consumers can trade in aluminum cans and other scrap metal (copper, steel, etc.) for cash. Yet another way to recycle and make some cash is to sell your old stuff in a yard sale. Likewise, shopping at yard sales and second-hand stores will also prevent the manufacture of new items altogether.
Recycling also saves resources. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency adds that recycling "protects and expands U.S. manufacturing jobs and increases U.S. competitiveness."
Yet another benefit of recycling is reducing the amount of waste we send to overcrowded landfills and polluting incinerators. At the other end of the consumer loop, buying products made out of recycled rather than virgin materials is another way to save money.
Beyond recycling, reducing our consumption of goods that are heavily packaged (often with materials not recyclable) is another important part of any effort to spare bulging landfills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. And the re-use of materials that would otherwise end up in landfills is yet another way to conserve resources. Also, composting food scraps -- either at home or as part of a community effort -- helps reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills and incinerators.
More InformationFact box
There's no time like the present to step up reducing, re-using, recycling and composting. To find out where to recycle just about anything near you, visit the Earth911 website, where you can search by entering your zip code along with the item you're looking to unload.
Contacts: EPA, www.epa.gov/osw/conserve/rrr/recycle.htm; Earth911, www.Earth911.com.
Dear EarthTalk: Is it true that asthma rates in the U.S. have doubled in the last three decades? What's behind this troubling trend and what can we do to reverse it? -- Patrick, via e-mail
Asthma is on the rise across the U.S., doubling since the 1980s. According to the Environmental Defense Fund, most people who develop asthma likely have a genetic predisposition but also probably experienced "critical environmental exposures during the first years of life." Asthma rates are highest in urban areas where auto and industrial emissions make for difficult breathing. But air quality in U.S. cities has improved in the last few decades, leaving researchers puzzled as to what's behind the trend.
One theory is that better hygiene in developed countries means that Westerners have less exposure to bacteria, viruses and parasites, altering our immune response with the result being increased risk for allergic diseases like asthma. Indeed, Western asthma rates are 50 times higher than in rural Africa. While this "hygiene hypothesis" may be part of the story, researchers believe that there are also other factors.
Some studies have shown a correlation between asthma and obesity, though a direct link is hard to prove. Other research has shown that psychological stress can trigger asthma attacks in those already predisposed. Dr. Harold Nelson, professor of medicine at the National Jewish Health in Denver, explained in a 2009 New York Times blog post that increased acetaminophen (i.e. Tylenol) use in young children, exposure to household cleaning sprays, and lack of vitamin D also likely contribute to rising asthma rates. But how?
Pediatricians recommend against giving young children aspirin today, given the increased risk of Reye's syndrome, so many parents now use acetaminophen to relieve pain and reduce fever. But acetaminophen lowers levels of the antioxidant glutathione, resulting in an increased asthma risk. A 2008 study found that use of acetaminophen in the first year of life was associated with a 46 percent increase in the prevalence of asthma symptoms among a study group of 200,000 6- and 7-year-olds.
In regard to household cleaners, frequent inhaling of the spray mist from glass cleaners and air fresheners among other products irritates the lungs and increases the risk of developing asthma. A 2007 study found that European adults who used spray cleaners four days a week faced double the risk of developing asthma symptoms, while weekly use of cleaners increased the risk by 50 percent.
The link between vitamin D deficiency and asthma comes from several studies on the topic over the last decade showing that low levels of vitamin D in pregnant mothers result in more asthma in offspring. Those who spend lots of time indoors are particularly vulnerable to vitamin D deficiency, as exposure to sunlight increases the body's ability to produce the important nutrient.
Dr. Nelson says that people can take steps to lower their exposure to these "new" asthma risk factors. For one, forego spray cleaners and air fresheners for liquids and pump sprays that don't produce a fine mist. Pregnant women might consider vitamin D supplements. And parents should discuss pain relievers with their doctor and consider alternating different types so kids don't get overexposed to any particular one.
Contacts: EDF, www.edf.org/health/air/asthma; "New Risks Linked to Asthma Rise" (New York Times, 2/12/09), well.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/02/12/new-risk-factors-linked-to-asthma-rise.
EarthTalk is by Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss of E - The Environmental Magazine (www.emagazine.com). Send questions to: firstname.lastname@example.com.


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The long-serving former manager of Portadown FC has said that Victor Gordon's family can be justifiably proud of the legacy he has left.
Mr Gordon, the veteran Portadown Times journalist, died after a short illness on Sunday night.
Ronnie McFall – who managed the club for nearly three decades until leaving last year – said that Victor had remained an ardent attendee right to the end of his life.
Mr McFall told the News Letter: "It's a sad day for the family, and the whole community. He's left a legacy behind him which the family can be proud of. He'll be sorely missed."
He said that Victor "never missed" a match, whether home or away, and that he and his daughter Fiona had attended games "right up to the last".
As well as being a fan of the team, he also reported on the club's progress as a journalist.
"No-one had a bad word to say about him," said Mr McFall. adding that he had always offered "a balanced view" when it came to both sport or news.
"It's certainly a big loss to journalism in Portadown, and throughout Northern Ireland."
Meanwhile, current club chairman Bill Emerson said he expects the club will mark Victor's passing in a way to be determined later.
He said whilst no discussions had yet been had with others on the board, "I'd imagine the club will certainly recognise his contribution to the club in some manner".
As to Victor's own sporting accomplishments, his former newspaper boss David Armstrong said the former Edenderry Primary School pupil, who later went on to Portadown College, had played rugby with Portadown Firsts in the late '50s or early 60s (he believes as a scrum half), and had been a "champion sprinter" for the college when aged around 17, winning schools contests.


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Paint Department
The Home Décor Group offers the premier paint shopping experience on the North Shore (and now the Metrowest). Since 1956, we've been the go to company for the best paint products and the best advice. We proudly feature Benjamin Moore and California Paints, as well as, Farrow and Ball, Cabot and Sikkens.
We're proud to be a Festool dealer. We're also pleased to offer a hardwood floor refinishing division (featuring Bona and Lenmar) and a full line of Lenmar lacquers for our wood finishing division. A Home Décor Group staple is the expert color and stain matching that all of our locations offer. And for the contractor, we offer outside sales, spray equipment, delivery and competitive contractor pricing. So we invite you to stop on in for your next project and experience the Home Décor Group difference.


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Devoran: Juv Sparrowhawk photographed on washing line in October by Michelle Smale.
St Buryan: 1 Peregrine. (P Taylor)
Cleave, Bude: 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Kestrel and 1 Black Redstart. (N-J Bastin)
Penryn: 1m Black Redstart. (L O'Neill)
Widemouth Bay: 1 Kestrel. (H Wilkins)
Roseland: 2+ Choughs at Pendower Beach cliff. (D Hall)
Marazion: 1 juv Hudsonian Whimbrel still at Boat Cove. (D Chown P Akers)
Kenidjack: Hawfinch twice in flight around the engine shed copse, also 1 Firecrest. (D Chown P Akers)
Hayle Estuary RSPB: 2 Spoonbill still. (D Chown P Akers)
Sennen Cove: 1 Black Redstart. (Sennen Cove Birdwatching)
Mousehole: 3w American Herring Gull came in to roost on St Clement's Isle this evening viewable from the Rock Pool Cafe.


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"Every note, phrase, tone color, and impact of pick and/or finger on string will send shivers down your spine. You'd have to be dead or deaf not to be moved by the beautiful noises you'll hear on this loud and proud CD."
"Sound is uniformly excellent overall, a tribute to Tarquin's use of analog recording & mixing. There is still nothing quite like the sound of music recorded on tape."
"...while Brian can play with speed of Steve Vai, he can play with the kind of grace and melody someone like Jeff Beck is known for."
"A supreme maestro of the Gold Top and Marshall Stack, Brian Tarquin presents his Fretworx, a solo album laced with guest appearances with some of the hottest gun slingers around today, all adding up to an exquisite journey fueled by steel and wood..."
"An incredibly enjoyable listening experience that will leave you inspired and breathless. Offering up a diverse menu of musical styles that truly celebrates incredible guitar tone and unbelievable chops. A must have for any guitar geek, gear head, tone junkie, or guitar enthusiast who can appreciate guitar passion and emotion"...
"Brian Tarquin is not only a guitar shredder of the highest order, he's also a great producer...the tunes and performances are first rate."
"Brian intertwines his incredible guitar playing on each track of this instantly classic and awe-inspiring guitar compilation. "
"Heavily influenced by Vai and Satriani, Tarquin has a deft touch"
"So if you are looking for a bit of inspiration or just want to hear some of the greats doing what they do best check out Guitar Masters Vol 1."
If you like your rock 'n' roll loud and your guitarists heroic, you will get on famously with Brian Tarquin and relish every release from his label, Bohemian Productions, a.k.a. BHP Music.
"Manhattan native Emmy winning composer/guitarist and BHP Records owner Brian Tarquin brought together a group of artists that reads like a who's who of the guitar world on his latest project, Fretworx.
"Guitar Masters, Vol. 1 aggressively celebrates the art of guitar and bass by serving up 18 tracks of unfettered and often astonishing brilliance. Through these fascinating lineups and one-of-a-kind performances, you intimately hear and feel the guitar as an always evolving, ever-magical apparatus of passion, guts, and sensitivity."
"On Guitar Mastars Vol 1 each cut has something new and adventurous to add to our listening experience. Guitarists should be in heaven with this one, as it is definitely good to the last drop. Hopefully many volumes will follow this inaugural disc."
"...all of the guitarists featured on El Becko are phenomenal...the material is inspired and chock full of technique that will wow you – much like any album from Beck himself."
"Jeff Beck has always lived his musical life on the edge, never afraid to experiment with sounds and textures. I think he would be proud of the work that went into this undertaking. El Becko is a winner from start to finish."
"If you are fan of excellent guitar playing then Fretworx will satisfy your inner rock nerd, guaranteed."
"A superb tribute to Led Zeppelin. One of the greatest rock instrumental albums in recent memory."
"The classic guitar sound of Jimi Hendrix as visualized for 21st century ears...Third Stone From The Sun is just the sort of album that Jimi himself would dig."
"All the players faithfully recreate the original records, but also inject their own personalities into the songs...shows the incredible influence Clapton has had on a whole generation."
"Within these musical portraits, talented guitar players interpret Stevie's music and capture in instrumental form the caliber of his brilliance as well as the fundamental essence of his music."
WOW!!! Thank u from all my heart for both wonderful cd's sent,Brian!!! Man..they are sensational..and you have really a mission to spread to the world some amazing albums focused on guitar...because you are a fantastic guitar player,man!!! Towers is simply one of the most impressive songs thet I've heared,believe me..it's impressive,touching and superbly played!!!
"...keep on rippin' those licks, bro - you're a fretburner of the first order, as well as a producer and "compiler" - kudos, man...WELL DONE!"


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WATCH: Emotions high at Dublin Airport reunions
Wedding Proposal among surprises at Dublin Airport this Christmas
Martin Mulroe had enlisted the help of Dublin Airport staff to surprise his girlfriend Louise Mooney with flowers and balloons.
A choir from a local school and a crowd of cameras surrounded the happy couple as they met in the arrivals hall of Terminal 2.
Speaking to Independent.ie before the big moment, Martin said he was "very nervous". "I'm going to meet and greet her, and pop the question… I'm just going to come out and do it, there and then".
The couple let in the airport exactly three years before and had been living in Australia together for the last two years.
Louise had returned almost four months ago to begin a college course, and had just sat her final exam before heading to the airport.
There were many other surprises and emotional greetings for Irish emigrants young and old returning home for Christmas, or home for good.+15


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So many people on this planet wish they could relive their glory days as teenagers, wherein they felt so young and full of life.
However, there's no actual fountain of youth existing, and people often have to deal with the fact that, with every day that passes, they are going to get older.
Bones will start aching, bodies won't be as movable as they once were, and there's bound to be a lot of deficiencies experienced. Such a thing is only natural, although some people would still be so determined to find ways to reverse the aging process.
Thankfully, there have been studies conducted examining the relationship between human growth hormones and the body's improvement in terms of overall functionality.
HGH, while something that would also experience deficiency during the aging process, can still be enhanced in production. This is made possible through several means.
For those who don't realize, human growth hormones are produced in the pituitary gland, which is located in the brain. Such hormones lead to cell regeneration, reproduction and repair.
With that said, it can produce psychological and physical changes that can make any individual with an enhanced amount of growth hormones feel and look a lot younger than their actual years.
For the most part, people would tend to avail of supplements that increase growth hormone production. Yet, there are also more natural means of doing so.
Some of these natural methods are provided below.
- It is important for a person to get lots of sleep, especially among men. Based on scientific studies, the first hour and a half in which a man is asleep is the time where a lot of human growth hormones are being released. However, if they sleep for more than 10 hours every day, they will also experience a decrease in the production of HGH. It is recommended for men to get anywhere between 8 to 10 hours of rest at night.
- They should also do their best to eliminate sugar intake. Glucose actually limits production of human growth hormones in the body because it mainly inhibits it, and there is an even more profound effect when one has just undergone a massively intense workout session. Therefore, it is best for men to stay away from sports drinks unless they've been exercising rigorously for several hours. Most sports drinks actually contain loads of glucose, and these can decrease HGH production. It would be better to drink more water before and after engaging in intense workouts.
- With regard to training, most people do their best to engage in several hours of exercise routines. However, it would be best for them to engage in high intensity interval training, which allows them to burn off fat from their bodies and increase the production of human growth hormones as well.
These are some of the most effective tips for people to increase HGH production naturally.
With these tips implemented, one can be sure to feel and look as young as they did back during their high school or college days.


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The charges quoted cover general cargo only, and do not apply to outsize or perishable cargo or goods of any hazardous nature.
Space is subject to availability
Fuel and security surcharges are charged according to airline's instructions and are subject to change with or without notice.
Rates inclusive of inland transport are subject to change in the event of diesel oil price changes.
Door delivery rates cover the charges up to free on truck indicated location. Unloading expenses and labor are on receivers account.
Cargo from European Union origins is subject to VAT.
All rates are calculated at today's tariffs and rates of exchange which are subject to alteration without prior notice.
Any advice and or information given on the dates of loading, discharging, arrival, transit time etc., are subject to change with or without prior notice.
The offer cancels any previous offer/s that may have been given from the same location/s and /or airports.
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Errors and omissions excluded


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Tomorrow we've got a team at the Wendy's Volleyball Classic at Coconut Beach. It's for a good cause (Children's Hospital) and it's all about sportsmanship and stuff, but I gotta admit: my favorite part is the trash talking. Sure, people who are good at sports talk about sportsmanship and playing fair, but that's because they're GOOD at sports.
What about the rest of us? The ones who suck at sports but still want to have fun? I'm not asking any meatheads to let me win, I DON'T NEED YOUR CHARITY! I'm just saying don't cry like a little bitch when I get in a good zinger and make you look like an idiot in front of your meathead friends. After all, what do we sucky athletes have besides trash talk? So let us have our fun too, tan Adonis, cause we don't mean that we literally slept with your mom last night (i mean, she looks like Dr Zaius, do you think we're crazy?), we're just trying to have a little fun too.


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Well Ive got as far as making a tube but the heel proved a bit more hmm lets say back to the drawing board,I think it needs weights more on the heel than previuosly thought but I wont be playing again til next weekend..
Ive shredded too much now but hopefully Ill have a product to show soon!
its quite fascinating to watch and with use and much lubrication runs smoothly enough,the clicking of the cams is mesmerising too!
Oh and a flat rabbit for something different
Taffy Girl being spoilt just because shes allows it for now


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I pass by two high schools every morning on my way to work. I often see high school students on their way to school. Many have head phones on their ears listening to CD's or radios. They are filling their minds with whatever it is they are listening to.
I get many messages from kids who are depressed and think that life has no meaning and holds no hope. I received one such message from a girl who was about 16 years old. She told me how out of control her life seemed, and how hopeless it was. She felt that there was nothing to live for. While I was responding to her I noticed her e-mail address: "childofkorn" to make it easier to see I will separate the words: child of korn. Now many of you may not know what Korn is. It is a rock group. I can't quote most of their lyrics because they are not suitable, however, I will quote one short verse from one of their songs:
This place inside my mind, a place I like to hide
You don't know the chances. What if I should die?
A place inside my brain, another kind of pain
You don't know the chances. I'm so blind
Their songs talk about death, killing, depression, hopelessness and pain. There is nothing redeeming about their music. So here you have a child of 16 who thinks that life is not worth living and what does she fill her head with day after day? Is it any wonder that she sees no hope?
We humans are really very shallow when it comes to who we are. We are what we put into our minds and our hearts. When you find the time to just sit back and daydream, what do you think about? What comes to your mind when the pressure is off and you can choose what to think about? That is who you are. What do you fill your mind with when you have the choice of what to choose? Again that is who you really are.
Do you want to know what your kids are like? Then look at their friends. See what video games they are playing and what television shows they are watching. We all put on facades when we are around others whom we think would not agree with what we are doing, but the real us comes out loud and clear when we relax.
Do you think that you can watch any movie or television show you want, or listen to any kind of music you want to without it affecting you? You are lying to yourself if you think so.
This is the very reason God gave the Israelites the commands He did: (Deuteronomy 7:3-4 NIV) Do not intermarry with them. Do not give your daughters to their sons or take their daughters for your sons, {4} for they will turn your sons away from following me to serve other gods, and the Lord's anger will burn against you and will quickly destroy you. They didn't listen and what happened? Exactly what God said would happen.
Jesus tells us in the New Testament that we should guard what we see because our eyes are the lamp of the body. (Matthew 6:22-23 NIV) "The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. {23} But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!
The eyes are the gateway to the mind and soul. What you allow in is what will take hold. It is the same with your ears. If you listen to filth all day long you will be dirtied by it. Have you noticed how filthy most teenagers and younger kids mouths are these days? Where do you thing that comes from? (Matthew 15:17-18 NIV) "Don't you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body? {18} But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man 'unclean.' They have diseased hearts. Their eyes are dark and so are their hearts and minds.
So you may say, what about our Christians freedom? Well what about it? What are you free from? Have you really thought about that? Paul tells us: (Romans 6:20-23 NIV) When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness. {21} What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death! {22} But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. {23} For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
You have the freedom to live a holy life. You have the freedom to not habitually sin. Too many Christians think they have the freedom to do anything they want. They think they can live like the world and not get soiled. They miss the whole point of their freedom. They are free from the hold of sin on their life and from the fear of death.
I am not trying to tell you that you can only listen to Christian music or only read Christian books, but you should carefully choose what you do listen to and what you do read. It will affect you. Look what God says about His commands: (Deuteronomy 6:6-7 NIV) These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. {7} Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
Why do you think He wants His people to talk about and think about His commandments? I believe it is because what we talk about and what we think about will affect who we are, either for good or for bad.
Too many people tend to dismiss the Old Testament. They claim we are no longer under those commands or that those things were specifically for the Israelites. Both of those thoughts have some truth in them, but not all the truth. God does not change. He still wants us to put His commandments in our hearts and teach them to our children, and to talk about them and think about them.
He also still wants us to be different then the world around us: (2 Corinthians 6:14-18 NIV) Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? {15} What harmony is there between Christ and Belial ? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? {16} What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people." {17} "Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you." {18} "I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty."
So what do you fill your mind and heart with? Is it things of God or things of the world? Your honest answer to that question will show you whether you are more a child of God or a child of this world. Do you long for the day when Jesus comes back to get us or do you secretly hope it is after your lifetime so you can enjoy the pleasures of this life a little longer?
Do you mourn your lack of spiritual growth while you watch your favorite television show, which you would not allow your children to watch? Do you keep God segregated from your personal life? He has His day and you have yours. Or do you talk about Him with your children and when you sit at home and when you walk along the road and when you lie down and when you get up?
E-Mail Ralph
These devotionals are written by Ralph Dettwiler, and reflect his views.
|911 - God's Help Line
|Book Reviews
|Contemplating Suicide?
|Eternal Security
|How to know Jesus
|Help for the Cutter
|In Memory
|Marine Bloodstripes
|Police Humor
|Police Memorial
|Statement of Faith
|Thoughts to Ponder
|True Life Stories
|Vet's Memorial
|Why I Have a Page


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Q&A with John Gray, whose newest book "Work With Me" tackles gender relations in the workplace.
2. Do men appreciate women?
Men feel appreciated when you acknowledge the result of what they've done. Women feel appreciated when you acknowledge the result of what they've done, plus you have an understanding of the journey that they went through to achieve that goal. Practically speaking, in the workplace or at home, that means for men to shift their approach to ask more questions about the journey rather than just acknowledging the outcome.
3. Are women being excluded?
Men don't realize in many ways that they unknowingly exclude women. Growing an awareness of where this happens and how it occurs can produce a sense of inclusion which will help women feel more appreciated and valued and lower women's stress. A simple example of that in the workplace, as well as at home, is when a man is discussing something, and he notices he's talking more than the woman. He should always pause and ask, "What do you think?" "What are you feeling?"
4. Do men have to walk on eggshells around women?
Because women have different sensitivities that men don't understand, men will often be hesitant to give feedback, because she might have an emotional response, and this is unfair to her. But she wants to know the truth. Often men don't tell their wives things because again, she might get upset about it, and he doesn't know how to deal with her being upset about it. The reason he doesn't know how to deal with her being upset about it is that nobody's ever taught him the difference between men and women. If he understands that difference, it just means asking a few questions, and the emotional upset goes away.
5. Do women ask too many questions?
Women don't realize how annoying they can be to men by asking so many questions. To her, it's a way of building rapport, connecting, drawing out more information for a better solution, creating cooperation, and creating participation—which are all valuable things. But men don't necessarily value those things. Men say, "Let's get this done," and when a woman starts asking questions, he feels as though she is slowing him down.
At home, women can also understand that asking too many questions can be very bothersome to a man—but there are ways to ask questions that aren't. For example, instead of "What were you thinking?" or "Why did you do that?" it could be something along the lines of "Help me understand your thinking on this." And then when he does answer, make sure to say something like, "Well that makes sense," or "Help me understand why this would be the case."
6. Do men listen?
Women often feel that men are not listening, and it's a blind spot, because men think they do. But men have to realize that there's so much more women have to say if you ask more questions. They're waiting for men to ask. Often he hears the first thing out of her mouth, and he thinks he got her point—because often men will make their point first, while women build up to a point, and then have another point and another to conclude. And men don't realize there's a lot more in there, so they tend to interrupt women a lot. Keep reading...


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Over the years, legendary singer Ronnie James Dio fronted some of the most popular/enduring hard rock/heavy metal bands of all-time, including Rainbow, Black Sabbath/Heaven & Hell, and Dio.
But before all of these bands, there was Elf. Described as a "Rock/Honky Tonk/Blues band," a forthcoming release, 'And Before Elf…There Were Elves,' will prove that Ronnie could easily handle other rock-related styles.
Released on October 11th via the Niji Entertainment Group, 'And Before Elf' will feature twelve previously unreleased tracks (all from 1971), comprised of both live in the studio and live on stage tracks.
The album will feature a striking Lenticular/3D/Hologram cover, that when you turn it, you will see two alternating images – Ronnie from the first Elf LP, as well as a vintage group shot from 1971. And although these recordings are 40 years old, the sonic quality still passes the test, as longtime Dio engineer Wyn Davis remastered the original tapes.
Formed in 1967 in Cortland, New York, The Elves also featured other members that would carve a niche for themselves in the hard rock world!
Guitarist David "Rock" Feinstein (Dio's cousin) would go on to front the Rods. Elf would last for a trio of albums, before Ronnie exited the group in 1975, to co-form Rainbow with ex-Deep Purple guitarist Ritchie Blackmore.
Ronnie James Dio always had the golden touch as a masterful singer and frontman.
And upon hearing 'And Before Elf…There Were Elves,' you'll discover he possessed his one-of-a-kind voice from the very beginning of his career.
"And Before Elf…There Were Elves" Track Listing:
1. You Shook Me
2. Stay With Me
3. Four Day Creep
4. Buckingham Blues
5. Wakeup Sunshine
6. Driftin'
7. Smile For Me Lady
8. You Felt The Same Way
9. Simple Man
10. Drown Me In The River
11. Cold Ramona
12.. Little Queenie
For more information, visit:


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Tóth Krisztina költő, író, műfordító
Fotó: Bulla Bea
17th of March, reading in Paris
- A poem in English by admin
A poem in English by Krisztina Toth can be read in OhioEdit: http://ohioedit.com/2017/01/17/trafika-europe-corner-by-andrew-singer-featuring-krisztina-toth/
- Portrait and a short story by admin
HLO.hu published a portrait on Krisztina Tóth and one of her short stories, The Hair's story.
- 17th of March, reading in Paris by admin
- 16th of March, reading in Paris by admin
- decembire 19:00, Bucarest &… by admin
Programul FILB 7 Marți, 2 decembrie, ora 19.00 – Librăria Bastilia (Piaţa Romana nr. 5) Schimbarea de regim în literatura contemporană Salon literar cu Krisztina Tóth şi Cezar Paul-Bădescu Care este rolul literaturii în prelucrarea trecutului? Care sînt mijloacele specifice la care recurge un creator atunci, cînd scrie despre schimbarea de regim? Unde se termină[…]
- Exhibition opening – … by admin
We are delighted to announce our next exhibition: Zsuzsa Moizer: Things Opening: September 11, 2014, Thursday, 18-21 PM Opening speech: Krisztina Tóth, writer Open: September 12 – October 11, 2014. Zsuzsa Moizer, The space between us, 2014, oil on canvas, 150×100 cm The Erika Deak Gallery is delighted to announce its next exhibition, new works by Zsuzsa[…]
- Macedonian translation of P… by admin
The macedonian translation of Pixel has been released. For macedonian readers, here is an interview about Krisztina Tóth: page 1 page 2.
- Krisztina Tóth in Paris, 26… by admin
- Text of the laudation by admin
The text of the laudation written for Sofi Oksanen can be downloaded in doc format from here.
- Reviews about Pixel by admin
Fresh reviews about the german Pixel can be read here and here.
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- A poem in English by admin
- Portrait and a short story by admin
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News - Science and Tech
FG Partners Google To Provide Easier Access To Internet
The Federal Government has partnered with an internet service provider, "Google" to ensure easy access to internet services by ordinary Nigerians especially in public places and government institutions.
Facebook Set To Ban White Nationalism, Separatism
Facebook has said it will block "praise, support, and representation of white nationalism and separatism" on Facebook and Instagram from next week.
Facebook And Instagram Suffer Most Severe Outage Ever
Facebook appears to be recovering from a more than 14-hour disruption to all of its products that left them mostly inaccessible across the world.
Science And Tech. Minister, Onu Calls For Development Of Local Technology
Nigerian minister of science and technology, Ogbonnaya Onu has urged people in the country to be less dependent on imported products, but find ways of using local technologies to transform raw materials into finished products.
Korea, Abia To Collaborate In Science And Technology
The South Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, Lee In-Tae, has announced plans by the Republic of Korea to collaborate with the Abia State Government in the areas of science and technology, to boost the state's economy.
Google Staff Walk Out Over Women's Treatment
Staff at Google offices around the world are staging an unprecedented series of walkouts in protest at the company's treatment of women.
IBM Set To Acquire Software Firm, Red Hat For $34b
IBM Corp said on Sunday that it had agreed to acquire U.S. software company, Red Hat Inc. for $34 billion, including debt, as it seeks to diversify its technology hardware and consulting business into higher-margin products and services.
Facebook Sued Over Video Viewing Figures
Court documents have claimed that Facebook was aware of inaccuracies in the way it measured how many people viewed video on its site for a year longer than it has previously admitted.
Osinbajo Congratulates Golden Anambra School Girls
Professor Osinbajo has congratulated the five young girls from Regina Pacies Secondary School, Onitsha Anambra state, south-east Nigeria who represented the country and Africa at the world technovation challenge in the Silicon Valley in San Francisco, United States and won the gold medal.
Onu Stresses Importance Of Science, Technology To National Development
The importance of Science, Technology and innovation to nation building and development, has again been emphasized at the Federal Ministry of science and technology's north-central sensitization of agencies in Abuja on Thursday.
Key Media Operators Condemn Press Council Bill: Describe It As Draconian
A combination of media owners and professionals have condemned the content of a proposed press council bill.
Osinbajo Promotes Nigeria's Technology In U.S.
Vice president Yemi Osinbajo who is currently on a five-day visit to the United States has visited the Google headquarters at the Silicon Valley, San Francisco, California.
Inventors, Innovations Get N43m Grant
The Nigerian government has provided one hundred and twenty-one local inventors and innovators with grants amounting to forty-three million Naira.
The First Humanoid Robot Meets Ethiopian PM
Sophia, the famous humanoid robot, has finally met Ethiopia's prime minister after her lost body parts were found.
FG Partners Russia On Steel Development
Nigeria's Minister of Mines and Steel Abubakar Bwari says government is seeking improved Economic ties with Russia in harnessing the full potential of the nation's solid Minerals development.
Mining Sector Key To Nigeria's Economic Diversification - Buhari
President Muhammadu Buhari says the Federal Government's key policy objective of rejuvenating the mining sectors being realised as witnessed by the diversification of the economy and broadening of the country's revenue base.
Nigeria, India To Collaborate In Solar Power Production
Nigeria and India are to deepen collaboration in the production of solar power and other renewable energies with a view to fast tracking industrial development in the world's most populous black Nation
Facebook Unveils Appeal Process For When Posts Are Removed
Facebook said Tuesday it will give users the right to appeal decisions if the social network decides to remove photos, videos or written posts deemed to violate community standards.
Influx Of GMOs Into Nigeria Worries Federal Government
The National Biosafety Management Agency has given a seven-day ultimatum to importers of grains across the country to certify their products or face sanctions.
Minister Wants INEC To Use Nigerian Made Solar-Powered E-Voting Solution
Nigeria's minister of science and technology Ogbonnaya Onu Wants the independent national electoral commission, INEC to consider using the solar powered electronic voting solution developed by the national agency for science and engineering infrastructure in the nation's electoral process in the not-too-distant future.