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Thursday, March 08, 2007
I Hate Destiny
There's a great scene in Mel Brook's classic parody film "Young Frankenstein." The young Doctor Frankenstein, as played by Gene Wilder, has traveled to his grandfather's castle in Transylvania and is gradually uncovering the secrets of his ancestor's experiments in reanimating the dead. Though he has tried to distance himself from his family history, he is strangely, almost mystically, drawn to it. He lays in his bead, and his slumber is interrupted by a fitful dream. "Destiny," he mumbles in his sleep. Then again. "Destiny!" Then he begin to rock from side to side, falling into to cadence of a cheerleader, "no escaping, that's for me! Destiny! Destiny! No escaping, that's for me!"
Even in 1974, Brooks (and Wilder, who wrote the screenplay as well as starred) knew that destiny was tired and cliched concept worthy primarily of parody. Yet it is the cockroach of story tropes. Not only has it refused to die, it seeming has grown in popularity of use, as I was reminded by episodes this week of two popular TV shows I generally like very much, Heroes and Battlestar Galactica. (Spoilers for recent episodes of both shows follow, so if you haven't caught up your TiVo or live outside the U.S. where episodes are delayed, proceed with caution.)
In fiction, the concept of destiny (and the often closely related, often overlapping, trope of prophecy) takes on many forms, but the most common goes something like this. Our protagonist either learns of or comes to believe in some special destiny ahead of them. Often there are cryptic prophecies here (as I said, overlapping), or visions, or dreams, or perhaps an inscription on some ancient tablet or temple wall to point the way. Perhaps the destiny of the coming hero/leader is already known to our protagonist or others around him/her, and they only later beginning to suspect that he/she is The One.
At that point, our hero will either seek their destiny, or fight hopelessly against, it, but either way, they're headed there on rails. There will be much hand-wringing over what they cryptic-to-the-point-of-uselessness prophecy/inscription means, and the mysteries will be dragged out, often to tiresome lengths. Maybe the villain knows about the prophecy too, and tries to put the whack on our protagonist, but that trick never works. Sacrifices may be made along the way, there may be some twists and turns, a surprise or two, and it may not come out exactly the way you imagined, but destiny will be fulfilled because -- hey -- it's destiny!
And really, it's this most basic use of destiny that bugs me. It's certainly possible to write good stories using the concept, and to apply it in different ways, but there's a recursive, meta-element to the story use of destiny. Once a writer starts to apply it to the story, all too often it lazily falls into the above pattern.
I'm not sure where the concept of destiny first crept into literature, but it is certain that it is very, very old. It's used in the Bible, for instance (look at Moses) and it's the basis of Arthurian legend. Perhaps it's as old as literature itself, and quite possibly older.
My suspicion is that it is closely related to the concept of the divine right of kings, the idea that the had of God (or some similar supernatural force) reaches down on high and delivers greatness onto some individual. By this rule, great heroes and leaders aren't made, or even necessarily born. They are created, by powers beyond humanity.
It comes down, I suppose, to the fundamental question of free will. Free will, may be an illusion, but by golly it's a good illusion, and I like it. I like the idea that I have free will, and I like the idea that my heroes (and villains, for that matter) have it as well. I like them to make choices, and then see the consequences of those choices honestly played out in drama.
Destiny cheats all that. Ultimately it doesn't matter what choices the hero make. Ultimately destiny is going to use its big, intrusive hand to shove him back onto his preordained course. In fact, a convention of these stories is often that fighting destiny is bad. Destiny is a bitch, and it will often smite your girfriend, or your dad, or your favorite dog Carl if you don't immediately let her have her way.
Now that I think of it, there's another ancient story convention closely related to destiny, one that that has more completely condemned to the dust-bin of literary history: deus ex machina, "God out of the machine." It originates in the ancient Greek and Roman theater, where an actor playing a God would be lowered out of the rafters on a lift to extricate the hapless human characters from their hopeless situation.
In modern terms, it's any story where the characters are rescued from their situation by any intrusively external and unexpected device rather than by their own actions. It's seen as a cheat, and most writers are taught early on to avoid its use. But thinking about it, how is the typical destiny story anything by deus ex machina writ large? In a destiny story, the Gods don't even wait till the end of the play to hit the down button on their cosmic elevator. In a destiny story, they've the first ones on stage, yanking and shoving the other players around through the whole show.
Let's get back to those TV shows I was talking about. First, and to me most annoyingly, Battlestar Galactica. Okay, I really like this show, and I have to let a certain amount of destiny and prophecy slip by. It's really fundamental to the series itself, which is built on mythic and religious elements (as was, somewhat more ham-handedly, the original series).
So when a Galactica character says something like, "this has all happened before, and it will all happen again," I'm okay with that. It's all part of a larger mythic structure that, usually, isn't the story itself. It's simply a framework within which more human stories are told.
Sure, there are the ancient clues to Earth, and how we find them. But that isn't destiny, that's just the McGuffin of the week. And certain characters have had prophecies applied to them before, especially President Laura Roslin. But it's only really become intrusive in a plot line involving Kara "Starbuck" Thrace which (seemingly) reached its climax last week the the death of the character.
In this case, both prophecy (as delivered by "oracles") and visions (in the form of a pacticular "eye of God" design that Kara has felt compelled to paint and draw since childhood) come into play. We are told again and again, from by several widely dispersed characters, that Kara has a "great destiny." I'll even allow for some of this. Kara made a great flawed and reluctant hero, fighting destiny every step of the way. For a while, I thought she might even escape it. But no...
If this episode is to be taken at face value, her "great destiny" was to die a stupid, pointless, and self-inflicted death. It's been suggested by the show's creator, Ron Moore (who I greatly respect as a writer, even if I don't always agree with his decisions) that her death will ultimately have some greater meaning for the future of the colonists (and perhaps the Cylons as well, since they were even more interested in her "destiny" than the humans were). A suspicious mind might even suspect that while she may have "crossed over," perhaps she isn't as dead as she appears.
But ignoring all this, it was just an annoying story to watch. The prophecy elements had become intrusive and heavy-handed to the point of giving the character no real purpose other than self-destruction, and the resolution required a character defined by her willfulness and Independence, to blissfully surrender to her stupid end.
Hopefully it will all get better, and in the later context of the show, this will seem like no more than a speed-bump. Hopefully.
A much different (and in fact, more diverse) approach to destiny can be found in Heroes, where the concept takes on many form. First and most literally, there is Hiro's conviction that his has a "destiny" to use his powers over time and space to become a hero. Okay, he calls it destiny, but I call it conviction. I call it character. Hiro is trying to become a hero because he has chosen to do so. The powers don't make him a hero. Others on the show have powers, and have much different paths. Hiro has made a choice to follow his current path (wherever it leads him, and I hope it is to success). Free will applies. This is destiny in name only.
But the show also has several forms of prophecy, more or less supernatural. Artist Isaac Mendez has been shown to be able to paint the future (an ability also used on occasion by human-duplicator Peter Petrelli). A more science-fictional version of prophecy derives from Hiro's time-travel abilities. Twice (most recently in this week's episode) he's traveled forward to see the destruction of New York City by some kind of explosion. A future version of Hiro also returned to present day and delivered the cryptic message, "save the cheerleader, save the world."
From a story standpoint, not much of this bothers me. Why? Well, while both the paintings and the time travel episodes forecast the future, it is yet to be determined that they absolutely define it. In fact, it seems likely that they do not, since we can presume (if not with absolute certainty) that the destruction of New York will somehow be averted. I can also allow for the typically cryptic "prophecy" of "save the cheerleader, save the world," as Hiro explains he is trying not to cause a rift in time. Perhaps saying or doing anything too direct would cause a paradox. But it suggests also that, within limitations, Hiro knows that time can be changed.
Again, while the rules of the Heroes universe have yet to be completely defined, there's no suggestion that free will is violated. The characters have some clues as to what will, or could, happen in the future, but they apparently can change that future. Their action, and their choices, have consequences.
So, lets try to boil this down to a set of rules or guidelines for effective use of destiny/prophecy in fiction.
1. Free will must be preserved. Characters must have choices, and those choices must have honest results and consequences within the context of the story.
2. Prophecy should forecast, not predict. This is an important distinction, as one leaves your characters room to shape the future, and the other does not.
Of course, there is an entire category of story based on the idea of changing the future while maintaining the prophecy, "cheating destiny" so to speak. Perhaps our heroine sees a vision of her lover stabbed to death, but changes events so that it is actually the villain disguised as her lover who is killed. Its a small (but important) part of the movie "Back to the Future," where when Doc Brown learns that he will be shot in the future, wears a bullet-proof-vest to the meeting and thus survives without changing the events as witnessed.
These "cheating destiny" stories aren't inherently bad, but if that's all the story is about, then its just a puzzle or a trick. Entertaining, perhaps (except that you've seen it a hundred times before), but not good storytelling.
I also remind you that a lesser used but interesting device is the prophecy that is patently wrong or false. In particular, I love the tragic villain who, having latched onto such a false prophecy, follows it straight to their own ruin and destruction.
3. A character with a destiny is always less interesting than a hero with choices. Heroes (and villains) aren't born that way. They may have certain gifts and abilities, sure, but they must be able to choose how to use them (or have their choices taken from them by believable circumstances, not simply the blundering hand a fate). There is no greater villain than one who contains the seeds of his own corruption. There is no mightier hero than one forged by his own hand, guided by his own heart, and for whom a lesser (or darker) path is always an option.
4. Destiny is not required. Remember, even in fantasy, there's no law that says you need destiny or prophecy. In fact, I'd venture there are far more stories to tell without them than with them. In an (as yet unpublished) young adult fantasy novel I wrote, I had a kind-of-fortune-teller say to a young character when she asks if she's locked into the role of world-saver, "There is no destiny. There are only -- possibilities." Really, those are my words to live by.
Finally, I am reminded of my old friend, Conan. He lives in a world of magic, gods and seers. Yet he ultimately becomes a king not by divine right, but by his own hand, by living his life as he must and as he will. His god, Crom, almost never interferes or intervenes in the affairs of his followers. His only gift to them is the strength they are born with. The rest is up to them.
That Crom, he would have made a good writer.
1 comment:
I think writers get into trouble when they feel that "it was written ... it is destiny" is interesting in and of itself. I think it's what you hang on that framework that can make for an interesting story.ReplyDelete
The first Matrix film had an interesting take on this as well as an innovative visual style that I think made the film work and be interesting.
The second and third films, I think, bought into their own hype too much. I think the W.Bros. read too many posts on the web talking about how "deep" and "religious" The Matrix really was. They must have thus decided that Neo's destiny as "The One" was actually the interesting part of the story. Neo became Jesus and, well ... just about everyone I know was immensely disappointed in those two films.
I feel this has alot to do with their mishandling of "destiny."


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Can The 2016 Nissan Maxima Be A Perfect Sedan?
As the most exclusive and the flagship of the Nissan vehicle line in the US, the 2016 Maxima definitely brings a breath of fresh air into the business. It is much, much more appealing than before and it certainly brought that long forgotten sporty feel despite being a front wheel drive only vehicle.
Compared with the previous model years, the changes are profound for the 2016 Maxima. This is an all new car riding on a new platform and receiving all new dimensions. Trying to capture the sporty character of the cars from the early Nineties, the 2016 Nissan Maxima brings stylistic features we have seen before only on the Z cars. That is a nice way to go if you want to inject sporty character into the sedans. We aren't sure if they've succeeded in all this sporty push, but the car definitely looks appealing, slightly more modern than expected and, from the rear, quite handsome.
The looks aren't enough to accentuate the sportiness, so a special 3.5 liter V6 engine with 300 HP is the one sitting over the front axle. It is not the most sophisticated or the most refined engine in a Nissan car, but it has enough power to make this thing quite fast and entertaining.
More importantly, it packs great fuel efficiency thanks, in part, to advanced CVT transmission which is standard equipment for this thing. As officially reported, the new Maxima can return 25 mpg combined which isn't that bad actually.
As for the other advanced features, the Maxima comes with the so-called chassis dampener which greatly improves NVH levels (lowering them of course). With it on board, the Maxima is definitely as refined as the best cars in the segment thus proving its credibility in a market where more than 3 million units of this car have been sold through seven generations. This technology was only available on the Nissan Z cars, which is another link between these two cars with totally different approaches to transportation.
To expecting anything less than the most advanced infotainment and entertainment equipment inside is definitely something that shouldn't be done. This thing is packed with Bluetooth, touch displays, voice recognition and LED lightning stuff. It teems with equipment even in the entry level trim bringing powered seats, dual zone air con, fog lamps, alloys and much more for the money. Going all the way to Platinum makes the new Maxima sort of a luxury automobile. The Platinum has wood inside, 360 degree camera view, NissanConnect tech, rain sensors, automatic side mirrors and a whole complement of impressive safety equipment which will keep an eye on you at all times.
As it turns out, the new 2016 Nissan Maxima is definitely one of the best all-rounders in the class. It brings sophistication, sporty look, high efficiency and equipment you'd expect only from the best in business. Nissan did become one of the best, no question there.

subset: commoncrawl


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In May of 1922, frustrated about not being ordained as a minister of the Iglesia Ni Cristo, Teofilo Ora, Januario Ponce and Basilio Santiago gather some members of the INC and led a rebellion against its administration; they failed then to establish their own church named Iglesia Verdadero de Cristo and was registered in Bureau of Trade and Commerce but after several months, they changed their name to Iglesia ng Diyos kay Kristo Hesus. The same year Nicholas Perez became a member and preacher of this group after he was expelled from the INC for allegedly baptizing several people on Mabacao River, located at Maragondon, Cavite. He even sent pictures as a proof of the event but later turned out that the people on the picture was not baptized at all and was just there for a picnic.
In 1928, Nicholas Perez became its General Evangelist and soon seek the leadership of the group but was denied by Teofilo Ora. In 1931, Nicholas Perez with Avelino Santiago then separated and started their own group and they are known as Iglesia ng Diyos kay Cristo Hesus Haligi at Suhay ng Katotohanan. But some information from Eliseo Soriano himself came up that Nicholas Perez was already preaching this Church way back 1928 at Pulilan, Bulacan, this is still unclear since at this time Nicholas Perez is still with the Iglesia ng Diyos kay Kristo Hesus. Some other members of the Teofilo Ora led church, Iglesia ng Diyos kay Kristo Hesus also established and registered their own Churches. Ponciano Bungay established Iglesia Ni Cristo sa Ibabaw ng Bato in 1932 while Basilio Santiago established Church of God in Christ Jesus in 1949 and Salvador Payawal established Kabanal-banalang Iglesia Ng Diyos. But it was not until December 10, 1936, that the Church of Nicholas Perez, Iglesia ng Diyos kay Cristo Hesus Haligi at Suhay ng Katotohanan was officially registered to the Bureau of Commerce and Industry. But in 1954, Avelino Santiago, Nicholas Perez, co-founder of Iglesia ng Diyos kay Cristo Hesus Haligi at Suhay ng Katotohanan left the group and established his own church, Iglesia ng Diyos na Buhay kay Kristo Hesus.
In 1934, Triunfo Soriano and Catalina Fernando was baptized and became a member of the Nicholas Perez led church, the Iglesia ng Diyos kay Cristo Hesus Haligi at Suhay ng Katotohanan, they are Eliseo F. Soriano's parents. Eliseo F. Soriano was born on 1947 and was baptized on April 7, 1964, three (3) days after his 17th birthday as member of the Nicholas Perez led church. He studied the bible from Nicholas Perez and sometime in 1969, he received a title of Minister, making him the only minister in the Iglesia ng Dios kay Kristo Hesus, Haligi at Suhay ng Katotohanan at that time; rumor says that he will become the successor of Nicholas Perez. Nicholas Perez died in 1975.
After the death of Nicholas Perez, Eliseo Soriano signed on July 11, 1975 the appointment of Levita Gugulan (a woman) to lead the Iglesia ng Dios kay Kristo Hesus, Haligi at Suhay ng Katotohanan as the Church Presiding Minister. August 12, 1975, a month after Levita Gugulan's appointment, he again signed a memorandum stating that anyone who opposes their Church administration will be suspended and expelled. Four (4) days after 5 members of their church, some preachers were suspended. The next year January 2, 1976, Eliseo Soriano was then appointed by Levita Gugulan as one of their church's Board of Directors. They were fifteen (15) members of the Board. But on February 21, 1976, he was expelled together with sixteen (16) other members of the Iglesia ng Dios kay Kristo Hesus, Haligi at Suhay ng Katotohanan for inciting rebellion inside their church and teaching doctrines contrary to their beliefs he was the one on top of the list. Eliseo Soriano states that he firmly believes that a woman has no place to lead a church, in which he contradicted since he's one of the signatories of the appointment months earlier. He also claimed that he was not expelled but instead he voluntarily left his church. On March 10, 1977, Eliseo Soriano registered his own group thru the help of Fermin Calma. They called it the Iglesia ng Dios kay Kristo Hesus, Haligi at Saligan ng Katotohanan. This means that since February 1976 to March 1977 he was a colorum, and does not belong to any church organization. A year after, (1978) one of his members, Filomeno Hizon left him and separated his church in two (2) groups, Filomeno Hizon established the Mga Mananampalataya sa Iglesia ng Diyos Kay Kristo Hesus, Incorporated and was registered only on June 20, 1984 . While he registered a new Church name on December 31, 1977, it was called Church of God the Father in Christ Jesus the Pillar and Ground of Truth thru the help of Manoling Bacosa but was not able to use it.
It would look like that Eliseo Soriano just substituted Levita Gugulan's Suhay to Saligan. So on July 16, 1979, a complaint was filed against the group of Eliseo Soriano by his former church leader, Levita Gugulan under SEC Case No. 1774 for using a similar church name, while the case is in progress he managed to register another church in January 20, 1980, "Ang mga Kaanib sa Iglesia ng Dios kay Kristo Hesus, Haligi at Saligan ng Katotohanan sa Bansang Pilipinas, Incorporated", SEC Reg. No. 92658. In May 4, 1988 Eliseo Soriano's group lost the 1979 case and was ordered by the SEC to change the name of his church to another name not similar to any name already used, this decision was signed by the hearing office James Abugan. Eliseo Soriano's group didn't bother to appeal the case since he already registered a new one in 1980. In 1993, Levita Gugulan's successor Maximino Nieto found out that Eliseo registered another church in 1980 with almost the same name again. Eliseo Soriano awared of this possibility registered another church, before Maximino Nieto's group was able to file another complaint against him. It was December 15, 1993, when the Bayan ng Katotohanan Incorporated, SEC Reg. No. 93-005231 was registered with Eliseo Soriano as Presiding Minister and was refiled on December 17, 1993. The complaint was then filed by Maximino Nieto to the SEC office the following year in 1994 under SEC Case No. 94-4704, but again while the case still in progress Eliseo Soriano registered another church again and it was the Iglesia ni YHWH at ni YHWSA HMSYH, Inc, SEC Reg. No. 94-000703 in February 21, 1994. The 1994 Case against Eliseo Soriano's church name was released on November 20, 1995. Eliseo Soriano's group lost and was ordered again to change its church name not similar or identical to a name already in use, the decision was signed by the hearing office Ysobel Yasay Murillo. Still wanting the Church name that his mentor established, Eliseo Soriano's filed an appeal on December 28, 1995 for the November 1995 decision of the 1994 case, but loses the case again after the Associate Justices in Court of Appeals, Manila; Cancio Garcia, Delillah Vidallon Magtolis and Marina Buzon denied his appeal on October 7, 1997. Appeal after appeal it was finalized in year 2001 by order of the Supreme Court of the Philippines to change its name. Eliseo Soriano don't have any choice but to change its name and use the "Bayan ng Katotohanan, Inc.," and the Iglesia ni YHWH at ni YHWSA HMSYH as their church name but still claim that they are still the Iglesia ng Dios that Nicholas Perez preaches. In January 13, 2004, he decided to register another church, Members Church of God International, Inc., SEC Reg. No. CN2004-00386. He also reserved three (3) more church names just to ensure that the dilemma won't happen again; Mga Kaanib ng Ama at Panginoong Jesus sa Bansang Pilipinas Inc., Member Church of the Living God, and Iglesia ng mga Bunso.


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The Geneva Motor Show opened to the public Thursday, which means a host of new, wild concept cars.
Concept cars allow automakers to experiment with new designs without worrying about sales and, often, practicality. It's a way for companies to experiment with the future of mobility and figure out which features to incorporate in production cars of the future.
Scroll down to see the wildest concepts cars already unveiled in 2017:
The Pop.Up can easily unhook from its chassis for a drone can pick it up with ease. The autonomous drone is powered by 8 rotors.
There's no word on if we'll ever see the Pop.Up become a reality, but it does speak to Airbus' plan to build Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) vehicles for urban transit.
Rinspeed envisions the vehicle being used on a ride-sharing setting, where a person can select which passenger to ride with through a Tinder-like app.
You can read more about the car here.
The concept comes with artificial intelligence that can "read human emotions" to improve the driving experience.
You can read more about the car here.
The concept also comes with other innovative features, like a tablet you can remove from the console and use outside. The driver can also open the car by approaching it with his or her smartphone.
You can read more about the microbus concept here.
You can read more about Toyota's concept car here.
The concept also comes with a massive display for sitting back and relaxing when your car drives for you.
You can read more about the concept here.
Inside, there's a massive, horizontal display that consolidates the driver's instrument and infotainment center.
You can take a closer look at the VMotion here.


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Outrageous NH Lawmaker: Gun Purchases With Food Stamps Should Be Legal
The Second Amendment guarantees the right to have a firearm. But does it guarantee the right to purchase that gun using taxpayer dollars?
A New Hampshire lawmaker raised some eyebrows this week when he argued to his fellow lawmakers that recipients of food stamps should be allowed to use that money to buy a gun.
Welfare for Weed: Colorado Allows EBT Withdrawals at Pot Shops
Accused Welfare Fraudsters Arrested on Yacht
"The firearms ban is a blatant violation of the Second Amendment. Cash benefit recipients presumably have the same rights as the rest of us to purchase guns for hunting, sports shooting, or even self-defense. Obviously they don't have much money to spend on that, but they do have the right under the Second Amendment to do so," said State Rep. Timothy Horrigan (D).
He added that the ban seemed "ironic" to him because many of its supporters are pro-Second Amendment, Breitbart.com reported.
The proposed legislation reads:
"Any person who receives public assistance is prohibited from using an EBT card or cash obtained with an EBT card to gamble or to purchase tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, lottery tickets, firearms, or adult entertainment."
The Fox and Friends hosts sounded off on Horrigan's argument in the clip above
"Food stamps are for food," said Steve Doocy, while Brian joked, "I'll either get a Bazooka gum or an actual bazooka. You make the call, honey."
Let us know your thoughts below.
Booze and Bullets? Gun Range Owner Applies for Liquor License
MA Lawmaker: Food Stamp Cards Being Sold For Drug Money
Maine Welfare Cash Turns Up at Disney World


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Words matter. Words are cheap.
Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind.
– Rudyard Kipling
Words are also free.
The right salon words cost no more than the wrong ones
Are your salon team using the right words when talking to your clients? Even on a frantic Saturday with the phone never seeming to stop?
Here are three ideas that won't cost a penny of your salon marketing budget, but will make a whopping difference to how your client feels about your customer service.
1. Salon dunno…
This makes me want to scream. As a salon customer I want to hear, "I don't know, but I'll find out for you."
Whether I'm booking a beauty appointment, or asking a trainee what shampoo is being used on my hair, the "I dunno" (aka "you're boring me") response makes me feel I'm an irritating nuisance. Not a valued customer.
There is no shame in not knowing the answer to a question. It's better to come clean than waffle, or worse, ruin your credibility with a blatantly bogus reply. Admitting that you don't know but will find out, is not just good salon customer service it also improves your personal credibility. None of us know everything nor can be expected to.
Show your team how to positively deal with these awkward situations and you'll have a more confident employee, and a happier salon client.
2. Words of appreciation
One of the things I mark salons down for on a mystery shop is being abandoned at the end of my hair or beauty treatment.
I've just had a fabulous facial or blow-dry. The service has been attentive and I'm lovin' the visit. Then, usually because they are running late, I find myself unceremoniously dumped at reception. Talk about down to earth with a bump.
It takes seconds to tell a client you genuinely appreciate their custom. Use my name, offer to answer any questions and check I'm happy with the service. Then thank me for my business.
It costs you nothing. It's free salon marketing.
3. Enchant your salon client for free
We all know this one. But do we do it? All of the time?
Train your team to greet hair and beauty clients by name, and with a smile, as they walk in the salon door. They will feel warm and valued, and immediately at ease.
Nothing is sweeter than the sound of our own name. WOW customer service starts here.
Words are powerful
I guess you're thinking "of course, my team always say that…"
But do they really? Take 5 minutes doing some impromptu free research in your salon and find out. Here's how.
Interested in salon marketing on a shoe-string?
You'll love our Free Tools library for hair and beauty businesses.


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Opioid Addiction
Opioids are a class of drugs derived from the opium poppy. They are primarily used as analgesics (pain relief).
Learn More About Opiod Addiction and Treatment Options
Along with the pain relief, most opioids give a feeling of euphoria and a degree of sedation. These side effects are what make them popular as drugs of abuse.
Other effects are cough suppression and constipation - people with an opioid addiction usually find drugs to treat these ailments as well.
Narcotics v Opioids
Along with drugs derived directly from the opium poppy, the term "opioid" has come to refer to other, synthetic pain medications that act on the same receptors in the body and cause many of the same effects. While not strictly accurate, synthetic and semi-synthetic drugs will sometimes be referred to as opiates. They are more properly called narcotics, from the root narko, meaning sleep, numbness, or stupor.
- True Opiates
- Morphine, Codeine
- Semi-synthetics
- Hydrocodone (Vicodin), Oxycodone (Percocet), Heroin
- True Synthetics
- Fentanyl, Methadone
Search for Treatment in Your City
Click Here to search for a treatment center in your state that is right for you.


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Alton Towers roller-coaster crash victims, including Vicky Balch from Leyland, have praised their "amazing" rescuers at an awards ceremony.
Ms Balch was among four people on the front of The Smiler ride when it crashed into an empty carriage earlier this year leaving her badly hurt.
The 20-year-old, who had to have her leg amputated, was joined at the ceremony in honour of Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service by her partner Daniel Thorpe, as well as Leah Washington and her boyfriend Joe Pugh, 18, from Barnsley.
In all, 25 firefighters from seven stations were given top service accolade the chief fire officer's certificate of commendation for risking their own lives to save others on June 2.
Ms Washington, who also had to have her leg amputated as a result of the crash, said: "The crews have been amazing, they were really caring at the time and also visited me in hospital afterwards which was lovely of them.
"They have talked me through what happened and what they did which was really helpful.
"I was really happy when I heard that they were going to be honoured for what they did to help us, they really deserve the award."
All four were seriously injured, with emergency services working carefully for hours, nearly 30ft off the ground, to free them from the front of the carriage.
Another 12 passengers were also taken off successfully.
Mr Thorpe, from Buxton in Derbyshire, said he was delighted to see the fire crews honoured.
He added: "They were extremely professional throughout the rescue and even their presence was a huge comfort during a traumatic time.
"They have been really helpful following the incident, filling in the gaps about things that we don't remember.
"Having a clearer picture of the events has made it a lot easier to cope with.
"I can't thank them enough for everything they have done."
Chief fire officer Peter Dartford said: "The crews that dealt with the incident at Alton Towers did an absolutely amazing job in incredibly challenging circumstances."


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Monki is a UK brand that has all sorts of lovely things but one of my favorites is their underwear. I love the little bralets and the high wasted panties. Check them out here.
Pretty Underthings by Monki
Monday, February 11, 2013
5 comments:
So cute! I'm totally craving some high waisted undies myself, I think it just feels fresh after so many years (decades?) of hipsters. The speckled pair is so pretty! And I just popped over to the website and was excited to see how reasonably priced everything is! Even better!ReplyDelete
Oh, I adore the polka dotted number! So cute and classy.ReplyDelete
This comment has been removed by the author.ReplyDelete
I love Monki, especially as it's Swedish :) I also love this blog!xoxReplyDelete
- AnonymousFebruary 20, 2013 at 9:06 PM
Monki is Swedish, not from the UK. :)ReplyDelete


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After listening to The Scrambled States of America by Laurie Keller, children searched for their favorite state book & puzzle piece, READ a little about their favorite state, & began to decorate! Some worked with an adult, while others attempted this project solo. Next month look for this colorful display of the United States of America puzzle at the Iselin Branch Library!
In honoring Dr. Seuss, Read Across America Day is celebrated on March 2nd, Dr. Seuss' birthday. The National Education Association sponsors events to inspire reading in children throughout schools and communities. So hurry in because March 2nd is this Friday!


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Non-solicitor and barrister advocates who insinuate they are lawyers and are permitted to appear in the Employment Court are of great concern and must be reined in, say several lawyers
A new bill will allow a person to be tried and convicted of a criminal offence without seeing all the information relied on by the Crown and without the right to be present, the NZ Law Society says.
I understand lawyers have been banned from the Family Court child custody matters so Court rooms without lawyers appears a new trend. Next it will be Judges :will non temperamental robots be the future?


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|OPERA JAWA (aka: REQUIEM FOR JAVA) (director/writer: Garin Nugroho; screenwriters: Armantono/based on "The Abduction of Sita," from the Hindu epic "The Ramayana; cinematographer: Teoh Gay Hian; editor: Andhy Pulung; music: Rahayu Supanggah/Wiwid Setya; cast: Artika Sari Devi (Siti), Martinus Miroto (Setio), Eko Supriyanto (Ludiro), Retno Maruti (Sukesi), Nyoman Sure (Sure); Runtime: 120; MPAA Rating: NR; producer: Garin Nugroho; Global Lens Collection; 2006-Indonesia-in Indonesian with English subtitles)
|"A refreshing treat."
Reviewed by Dennis Schwartz
It was commissioned
for the New Crowned Hope project by musical impresario Peter Sellars
and sponsored by the
city of Vienna to mark the 250th birthday anniversary of
Mozart, and was meant to be an Eastern version of Mozart's Requiem
(though mostly playful until the tragic climax) for the world's victims
of violence, religious extremism and corrupt politicians. This unique revolutionary opera from
Indonesia is a sumptuous surreal musical that's modernized and loosely based on "The Abduction of Sita," from the
Hindu Sanskrit epic "The
Ramayana." Writer-director
Garin Nugroho ("The Poet")
keeps it both magical and grounded in reality, no easy task. The colorful settings and costumes; lively
mime, song and dance numbers (especially noteworthy are the scintillating gamelan music, a huge fat man
with big tits singing Javanese
folk tunes and sacred court dances); and an invitingly erotic and meaningful
love triangle tragic tale, make Opera Jawa a refreshing treat.
In the rural village of Umbal
Makmur, serene village potters Setio
(Martinus Miroto) and Siti (Artika Sari Devi), who were former ritual
dance partners, are now
happily married until Setio takes his ox cart to go on a long business
trip to sell his wares. The local lustful wealthy butcher, Ludiro (Eko Supriyanto), who runs the town and is adorned with a
Devil-like goatee, sees this as an opportunity to tempt the lonely Siti
to be with him, as he plies her with gifts so that the former Ramayana dancer can once again dance even
though her jealous husband forbids her to dance for the pleasure of
others again. Siti used to
play the part of Sita, the
beautiful wife of Prince Rama--the role that Setio used to play. In
that puppet dance play, the sensual Sita became the
sexual object of the evil King Ravana and was abducted by him to
the land of Lanka.
The ancient legendary play is now
transferred to the small village, as it plays out in a similar way to
the Sanskrit epic. Because Siti couldn't resist dancing for the butcher
(the lady wants to be free of bossy men, like her hubby, telling her
what she must do), Setio is overcome with unwarranted jealousy and
refuses to sleep with his wife when he returns from his business trip.
This drives the confused Siti into the arms of the cunning Ludiro, who
takes advantage of the vulnerable beauty as he thinks only of himself.
This sets the stage for the rival men to have an epic battle. In the
backdrop, the village goes through a crime-spree from the lawless
elements and a peasant uprising, and there's an ensuing war on the
horizon as well as the threat of economic ruin. The poor state of the
country is blamed on arrogant politicians and on a government that is
run so poorly.
It's a bold attempt at Indonesian
traditional storytelling, that puts into the blender Western
modern dance, silly kitsch moments, moments of harsh reality and
European high art. A spectacle film that's hard to stop looking at and
even harder to categorize. It's not for all tastes and is too cluttered
with details, making it difficult to follow at times; but, for those
who come to the visual feast in the right PC frame of mind it's a
special unforgettable treat that by any standards is a superior work.
Dennis Schwartz: "Ozus' World Movie Reviews"


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There are things in this world which are probable, meaning perhaps they can happen, but it is unlikely that they will happen. There are things in this world that are possible, and they can happen and are likely to happen. Come here and let me tell you a secret....
In this world, YOU can never really know whether something is unlikely or likely to happen. Two events come to mind for me: the running of a mile under four (4) minutes by Roger Bannister and the election of a Black President.
If you want something, let the world tell you it is not possible, but please don't tell yourself that. You have absolutely no Earthly idea what your capabilities are until you are in that situation.
Put your name in the Universal hat. If you are not in the game, you have no chance to win. How do you get your name in the hat? Put your intention out to the world, fold it into your heart, put it at the forefront of your mind. Write it down, keep it in front of you in your purse, on your mirror, in a special book, and take one action every day that relates to that intention or goal. Think about how you can accomplish it upon arising. Give it to your subconscious upon retiring for bed. Your subconscious needs material...to whisper the answer in your ear like a tender lover, when you least expect it!
The mere fact that you are taking action toward that goal indicates that a shift has ocurred. When you DECIDE on a goal and DECIDE to take an action toward it, you have SHIFTED your thinking. When you shift your thinking, you then enable yourself to SHIFT your actions. When you SHIFT your actions, you eventually SHIFT your world. All those shifts will definitely put you in a different space and place. Why not get there INTENTIONALLY?
Jaime Foxx's Living Color character called Wanda, had one thing right in my opinon. Because she believed it, and said it, "I will rock your world," sometimes with conviction and sometimes without it, eventually it was going to happen. If you think about, she did rock the worlds of all the men she encountered. Maybe not in the way she intended, but there was a shift for them.
You are neither ugly nor need to act 'unintentionally'. No need to rock a man's world. Baby, go rock your own world FIRST. The power to do so is in your hands.
Shift your thinking and you WILL shift your world and eventually, somebody else's, too.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Shift Your Thinking and You Will Shift Your World
Posted by chicoro at 4:34 PM
Labels: african amercan, belief, belief in self, black woman, black women, goal setting, goals, In Living Color character, Jaime Foxx, love of self, rock your world, success, thinking, Ugly Woman, Wanda
1 comment:
- Laquita said...
Great post :o)
- March 18, 2009 at 12:33 PM
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


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"This is a work of art! I am amazed how your talent and creative skills took my mostly mundane brochure and created a jump-off-the-page show piece. It is terrific!"
—Bob Pease, Jr.; Pease Insurance, Inc.
"As a manufacturer of customer injection molded parts, Odessa Design has been our source of printed brochures, web site development, and new product packaging for ourselves and our customers for over 20 years. Allowing Odessa Design to be part of the development team at the beginning of a project is tremendous benefit. Gen listens to our concerns, follows up with any necessary research, and develops creative designs that reach across the broad spectrum of potential customers. Gen's work has always been exemplary, and as a valued supplier she makes us look good. It helps when you know the design team is on your side."
—Sid Ege, President, S E Moulding, Inc.
"I just wanted to thank you for designing another superb issue of EveryWoman. Every woman here is buzzing with compliments … the color, your efficiency and vision, the quick turnaround and ability to make what we want come alive. They loved the content and articles, too, but the big voices are about the colors and design of the publication. So again, thank you!"
—Kendra Ferguson, Marketing Coordinator, PinnacleHealth
"Gen's creativity, ingenuity, and striking designs are critical to our clients' brand positioning success. At every level of the creative process, we can depend on Gen's expert insight and strong commitment to deadline-oriented projects. She continues to distinguish herself as a premier graphic designer with a passion for measurable business results."
—Anne Deeter Gallaher, Deeter Gallaher Group LLC
"Gen did an excellent job for me when I decided to refresh my brand by updating my logo and all my stationery several years ago. I knew I wanted a simple, classic, fresh look but didn't know how that should translate to my stationery. Gen is creative, diligent, and talented and she delivered the perfect look for me. She gave me several creative options on the design itself and the colorways. She worked with me until I had just the look that I wanted. Best of all, Gen was able to capture graphically who I am as a business owner and what my business stands for. Great job!"
—Julie Lichty, Business & Career Coach
"I highly recommend partnering with Gennifer Richie, President & Creative Director of Odessa Design. Her uncompromising attention to detail, top-notch design and ability to truly understand her clients' business makes Gennifer the best choice for communicating your vision. Her files are always flawlessly submitted and her organization skills help us ensure her clients' projects are produced on time without issues. Partnering with Gennifer will make your job easy because she goes above and beyond what is expected for each project."
—Kristin Hundley, Business Development Specialist, Graphcom, Inc.
"Gennifer has an excellent eye for design and often exceeded expectations with high-quality products completed ahead of schedule. Her firm is one upon which I relied when confronted with quick turnaround needs and for high visibility materials used in fundraising. She is a pleasure to work with, very reliable, and integrated well as a member of our marketing team for special projects."
—Patrick von Keyserling, former Director of Communications, American Heart Association


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The Best Employees You're Not Hiring
If leadership, teamwork and global perspective are characteristics you value in your team members, you should have more military vets on your payroll.
Contributed by Dave Petri, VP Marketing, Nester Hosiery. To hear more from Petri and others who are committed to hiring veterans, attend OU@OR: FROM BOOT CAMP TO BOARD ROOM – HOW MILITARY EXPERIENCE TRANSLATES TO SUCCESS IN THE OUTDOOR INDUSTRY
What if your retail store or your product manufacturing facility moved every day or every week or even every month? Can you imagine the logistical challenges your purchasing manager or supply chain manager would face? Well, that's exactly what the United States military branches deal with on a regular basis. During a typical six-month deployment, for example, Navy ships pass through multiple operational theaters. A ship's supply department has to request supplies from multiple logistic centers. Likewise, Navy fulfillment centers must continually monitor multiple ship locations to coordinate resupply efforts, many of which are done at sea.
As operations officer on the USS Harry W. Hill, I worked closely with the ship's supply officer to plan and execute our at-sea-replenishments. His department directed materials planning and warehouse/inventory management; my department oversaw materials receiving (which often involved transferring pallets on cables between two moving ships). Although that specific task seemingly bears little resemblance to my current job in outdoor retail, it exemplifies the type of strategic planning, coordination and organization skills that soldiers acquire in the military. With those skills in hand, they're uniquely equipped for roles in the private sector, especially manufacturing and retail.
Yet some people and companies have negative stereotypes of veterans. Common misbeliefs are that those with prior military service are accustomed to following orders and cannot adapt, take initiative or adjust to company culture. In this Fortune.com article, Katherine Lewis points out that "companies that go out of their way to recruit and hire veterans actually value their creative thinking and ability to solve unusual problems." She also notes that the biggest deterrent for an employer is the perceived inability to match military skills to a civilian job description.
The Outdoor Industry has a wide variety of job opportunities that are directly related to military experience and could be filled by veterans. Here are a few military occupations that could translate into potential positions within your supply chain or sales business:
- Operational planner → Product development manager or materials manager
- Mechanic → Manufacturing equipment operator
- Ordinance depot supervisor → Warehouse or shipping manager
- Supply clerk → Retail floor or inventory manager
- Information specialist → IT or e-commerce manager
- Public affairs officer → communications or public relations manager
- Photographic specialist → Outdoor event photographer
The examples are innumerable. According to Assistant Secretary of Labor Ray Jefferson, 80 percent of all private sector jobs have a direct correlation to a military one. In addition to having employment-ready experience, military veterans bring other tangible skills to our industry:
- Leadership. The military not only trains its members to be leaders but also provides them with valuable on-the-job experience in the most demanding situations.
- Global Perspective. Many veterans have served overseas, where they've gained cultural awareness and knowledge of global markets.
- Teamwork. Regardless of size, pulling together is an essential part of success in the military. Veterans bring this culture of teamwork with them to their civilian careers.
As an industry, however, we are largely unaware that this deep talent pool exists. Considering the trend of military service, this is not surprising. According to recent census data, less than 8 percent of the U.S. population over the age of 18 has served in the military. Additionally, a 2006 Harvard/MIT study found that only 8 percent of CEOs in publicly traded companies were veterans compared to 59 percent in 1980. Based on these statistics, people are less likely to know either a veteran or someone currently serving in the military. This means that most companies fail to consider recruiting new employees with a military background.
In order to overcome this, veterans must translate their military experience into civilian skills. Upon leaving active service, all veterans are required to complete the military's Transitioning Assistance Program, which provides guidance on translating military skills into civilian terms. Fortunately, similar resources are available to assist civilian employers. In this article published on LinkedIn, hiring managers can learn about online tools such as Military.com or O*Net Online Military Crosswalk. These sites aid companies by matching their required job skills with correlating military professions.
Outdoor industry companies should choose candidates whose education and experience meets their needs, while simultaneously considering other factors. Dismissing a candidate solely based on prior military service is shortsighted. The outdoor industry as a whole and the companies and organizations it comprises could greatly benefit from the value of veterans. Not only do veterans provide proven technical expertise, they also bring to the industry their culture of teamwork, global perspective, and, most important, battle-tested leadership.
Commander David Petri, USN, retired is now the vice president of marketing for Nester Hosiery and a member of OIA's Sustainability Advisory Council. He will be speaking on the following panel at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market 2016 with Stacy Bare (Sierra Club Outdoors) and Matthew Griffin (Combat Flip Flops) about how military vets are bringing their skills to successful careers in the outdoor industry and what outdoor companies should know about hiring them.


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Anonymous - Vanessa Redgrave and Joely Richardson interview
Interview by Rob Carnevale
VANESSA Redgrave and Joely Richardson talk about their involvement in Roland Emmerich's controversial Shakespeare epic Anonymous and some of the issues and challenges involved.
Vanessa also talks about reuniting with Rhys Ifans for the first time since they did theatre together and Joely explains why she feels the film is a good advert for theatre.
Q. How did you both come to be involved in this movie?
Joely Richardson: I'd worked with Roland [Emmerich] before and I'd heard about the project and found it absolutely fascinating. We then met for a cup of tea at his house. I think he was still undecided at that stage and checking out options [laughs]!
Q. So Vanessa, did you play hard to get for this role?
Vanessa Redgrave: No, I didn't. I fell over myself to get it [laughs]. I really did. I so wanted to play this Elizabeth.
Q. What do you mean by that?
Vanessa Redgrave: Roland's Elizabeth and [screenwriter] John Orloff's Elizabeth because she's something of what I got when I read, decades and decades ago, a wonderful book, which is now out of print, by Lytton Strachey called Elizabeth and Essex. I got a glimpse then and more than a glimpse from Roland and John's script of a woman queen who had been through many, many terrible experiences, and perhaps some glorious ones, and by the time she became old was disintegrating under the pressure, but clinging to the things she held dear… and to memories.
Q. Vanessa, you first worked with Rhys Ifans when he was a trainee flyman at Theatre Clwyd when you were playing Cleopatra there. Do you have any special memories from that time?
Vanessa Redgrave: Yes, I have a memory of Chernobyl because the stuff was coming down on Welsh soil and all the women were queuing up at the shop to buy purified water. I love the play and I loved performing it.
Q. Vanessa, what is your theory about who wrote all these plays? And why is the debate still going on?
Vanessa Redgrave: Well, can I start – and I will answer this – but can I start with the fact that, you know, inevitably we lot, here in Britain, the Tudors are a part of our history, so of course we're fascinated by the Tudors. I was anyway since I was about eight-years-old. So, within that context of being fascinated by the Tudors I started going to see plays that my father was in and a lot of them were apparently by this writer called William Shakespeare. So, if you're excited by the plays and I was from the very beginning… I saw my father in Macbeth, and I saw him about 15 years later playing Hamlet when he was 50, and I'm not going to bore you with all the ones I've seen but they're all in my family, but of course I went to see Joely when she was playing at Stratford, I've seen my sister playing in Shakespeare, my brother playing in Shakespeare.
It's what you hear and what you see and this extraordinary understanding that comes through to you through these plays of that particular time in the courts. And you see something that the newspapers don't give you, or didn't give you in those days, which are insights psychologically through Shakespeare's plays. And I can only say, and I'm sorry if I haven't answered your question, that I really agree with Rhys… it doesn't matter. The film has to be taken as an absolutely enthralling film. I was shaken when I'd seen it because I felt I'd lived through those circumstances… not because I'm playing Queen Elizabeth but because I became so – to use that very Elizabeth word – enthrall to the film and its story and the characters that I saw. So, I cannot start with… I don't feel the film is debunking Shakespeare. I think the film is glorifying Shakespeare actually. I just have a different point of view.
Q. And Joely, what do you think?
Joely Richardson: I totally agree with what Rhys Ifans said and with what mum, Vanessa has said, and with what Roland has said. I see it as totally Shakespearean. My level of enthusiasm and fascination for Shakespeare has heightened since reading all the different theories. I'm much more informed. But I find our film, which Roland has very clearly pointed out is not a documentary, is totally Shakespearean in that it has reversed everything. I feel that whoever it was that wrote them would be laughing. The hero is the villain and vice-versa, the way it was in all his plays, they're often changing identities, be it with the sexes… it's a total celebration of the works of Shakespeare and as Vanessa has said, the minute the film starts it just grabs you and takes you on this enthralling journey, which again with Roland's background, is shot in such an epic style and with such inter-weaving stories.
There's this beautiful love story, a thriller, court-life… so, going back to what Rhys says, I don't like the class debate about authorship because I do feel that Shakespeare, whatever his background, was the writer of the people without a doubt. He was the writer of us human beings, of the human condition, etc, so I really see our film as a Shakespearean story.
Q. Vanessa, there's a marvelous moment at the end of the film where we see the old queen as a young girl again when she jigs to She Shall Have Music Wherever She Goes. Was there anything in the script that gave you a clue to where she was and what she felt at that time? What gave you the essence for her portrayal? Was that one of the moments?
Vanessa Redgrave: I'll have to answer you in three sentences instead of 300! But one of the things I loved about the script was that anything I'd ever read or studied, both in the plays themselves and the sonnets, but also in the history that I'd read – particularly Lytton Strachey and his generation and some of the big English language academics – I just felt that I knew this lady and if I was wrong, then Roland would correct me and would steer me where I should be. After all, I'm Queen Elizabeth in his film and not in my own head. But in that particular scene you mention, she is so excited that she is going to see the guy she loved many years before and still has hidden there inside. She thinks she's going to see him. It is an old English nursery rhyme that goes way back to the 15-somethings, as many of the English nursery rhymes do, so it came to me and Roland seemed to like it.
Q. Did you have any apprehension about upsetting Shakespeare purists when you first read the script?
Vanessa Redgrave: Well, part of you always gets nervous when you're going to begin filming because there are many decisions that were being made and they're decisions you have to understand as well as you can. The other thing is that I was so excited because I've always wanted to play Elizabeth from the time I was about 19, and finally a year and a half ago I got to play the old Elizabeth and I was very thrilled about that, because I've always been fascinated by her young and old.
Joely Richardson: Ditto really. I was just incredibly excited to play Elizabeth. I felt it was really wonderful that mum and I could both play her. I was really excited to work with Roland again and the subject matter was fascinating for all its different levels.
Something that we haven't talked very much about, I feel in this press conference or because of the controversy… and I wasn't aware that people were quite so passionate about it before we started. But I just feel there's another element to the film – to me, the scenes in the Globe and the communication between the actors and the audience and the way it comes alive, I just thought that was absolutely thrilling to see. And so, for all those reasons, I was thrilled and not in the least apprehensive.
Vanessa Redgrave: And all the people in it love the theatre, more even than perhaps people in our day younger people loved the theatre, so perhaps we're coming back to that. I think the film is also a celebration of theatre and communication – for many reasons. Not for a message necessarily, but for a deepening of our understanding and our love of life, and being able to survive life!
Read our interview with Roland Emmerich
Right Content
Related Links
- Website
- Read our review
- Rhys Ifans interview
- Vanessa Redgrave and Joely Richardson interview
- Roland Emmerich interview
- David Thewlis and Jamie Campbell Bower interview
- Rafe Spall interview
- Anonymous Photo Gallery


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Think of life as a great big canvas. Throw all the paint on it you can! Tobiano paint that is!
Our two beautiful Homozygous Tobiano Stallions will give your foal the Tobiano Paint/Pinto pattern every time…guaranteed!
Breed your mare or buy a baby…check out our FOR SALE page!
Find Pawnee Brave on Facebook!


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|Look at that Bird of Paradise on the right of the door
|Iron work over window and barrel tiled roof. Barrel tiles were once hand made and shaped over the thigh of the craftsman.
|Some interesting windows and tiles.
|Since this is sea water, all the boats have a lift to protect from barnacles and the tide.
|The pretty bridge leading to Snell Isle
|One of the lovely mansions that line the shore of Snell Isle.
|We interrupt our morning walk with a dolphin sighting right near the Snell Isle bridge
|Pistachio green house.
|Look at that stucco...all created with stucco leaves. They were building a wall around the garden and a craftsman was recreating this stucco. He was Spanish and spoke very little English but he was happy I was taking photos of his work.
|Such an interesting roof line.
|Notice the double doors leading to the balcony with iron railing.
|Laurel wreath in niche and decorative finials.
|Complete with vintage t-bird
|I do love a pink house.


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Girls' Lace Swing Tank
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Ready to go-go-go, our tank gets a sporty vibe from jersey-knit slubbed cotton narrow straps, and high-energy diagonal stripes with bias-cut, twist-trim details. A swingy silhouette offers a side of sweet. * Relaxed fit * Slight A-line silhouette * Boat-neckline * Sleeveless; with narrow straps for sporty shape * Diagonal stripes on body * Twist-trim bias-cut stripe detailing at neck and armholes ....
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Bits of energetic embroidery, girly gathers, and sweet seaming add boho beauty to this swingy top. Styled like a special-occasion blouse with the soft texture of woven slubbed cotton. * Relaxed fit * A-line silhouette * Round neckline with curved notch * Sleeveless * Side yokes; embroidery along seams with gathers below * Center-front and center-back seams * Hip length * 100% cotton * Imported
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Girls' Signature Smocked Ruffle Nightgown
Our oh-so-soft and swingy nightie is made from cotton and flame-resistant modacrylic for the sweetest (and safest) sleep. You have to see it and feel it to believe it. The styling is pretty dreamy too, with a ruffled neck, front gathers, and fresh prints. * Part of our Signature Sleepwear Collection * Sleeveless * Below-knee length * Exclusive soft blend of flame-resistant modacrylic and cotton * ....
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LIKE My New Facebook Author Page
· by Shawn Speakman · in Blog & News, Writing Progress
I have finally created a professional author Facebook Page, one that will feature my professional work and anchor the rest of my work with The Signed Page and Grim Oak Press. Details here!
Interview: Storey On A Story
· by Shawn Speakman · in Blog & News, Interviews
Rachel Storey at Storey On A Story interviewed me about cancer, world building, and the secret to how I've built my career!
I Am Contributing To NEVERLAND'S SHADOW
I started Grim Oak Press to publish Unfettered. The first question I received from readers was, "Are you going to be publishing anything else in the future?" I mulled that question over. Longer than you…


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Are you new to Adobe Illustrator? Not sure how to set up your design files for web and screen display? Or are you interested in learning how to set up a customized workspace? If you answered yes to any of the previous questions, this article will give you the information you need to know in order to correctly set up and create your Illustrator files.
Setting Up a New File
When creating a document in Adobe Illustrator, there are certain presets that you can use for web, and certain presets you can use for specific mobile devices. First, open Adobe Illustrator and then follow the steps below:
1. Select File > New
2. Add a name for your document
3. Select either Web or Devices from the Profile drop down
4. If you selected Web, you have the option to choose from the five different size presets displayed below:5. If you selected Devices, you have the option to choose from the following presets: iPad, iPad Mini, iPhone 5, iPhone 4S, Fire, Fire HD, Fire HD 8.9", Nook HD, and Galaxy S III. (Keep in mind that for every device mentioned above, with the exception of the Fire, all of the dimensions represent retina display sizes. This means everything you will be designing will actually be twice the actual size of the object, since retina display uses two pixels for every one regular pixel.)
6. Change the number of artboards from 1 to 20. (When designing for web or for specific devices, you will most likely have several screens to account for. Since this is usually the case, I always suggest on changing the number of artboards from 1 to 20 to start off with – if you do not end up utilizing all of the artboards, you can always delete them later on.)
Now that you have named your document, selected the profile, size, and number of artboards, you can leave all of the other default settings as is and begin working inside of your new document. And most importantly, be sure to always save often!
Creating your Illustrator Workspace
When working inside of Adobe Illustrator, it is very important to set up your workspace properly. A workspace consists of an application bar, a document window, and panels, such as the tools panel and the control panel. So why is it important to set up a proper workspace? Well, it's important because it allows you to:
• Increase efficiency
• Improve productivity
• Reduce wasted time
If you create a workspace which best suits your own needs, you will have quick access to the tools and features you use the most. To create your own customized workspace, simply add and/or remove features to the vertical dock panel on the right side of the application frame. To add features to the vertical dock panel, simply follow the steps below:
1. Select Window > Title of Feature, ex: Align (If there is a checkmark next to the title of the feature in the Window drop down menu that means it has been added already.)
2. Hover over the title of the panel and drag it into the vertical dock. (You should see a blue outline appear on top of the panel title bar as you are dragging the feature on top of the existing panels.)
3. Rearrange the panels to your liking.
Default Illustrator Workspace
A. Tabbed Document Windows B. Application Bar C. Workspace Switcher D. Panel Title Bar E. Control Panel F. Tools Panel G. Collapse To Icons button H. Vertical Dock
To remove a feature from your vertical dock:
1. Hover over the title of the panel and drag the panel out of the dock.
2. Click the 'x' icon in the top left hand corner of the panel.
Once you have added, removed, and rearranged your desired features, it's time to save the workspace.
To save the workspace:
1. Click the dropdown arrow inside of the Workspace Switcher at the top of the application frame.
2. Select 'New Workspace'.
3. Add a name for your workspace and select 'OK'.
Voila! Your new customized workspace has been saved and will now be displayed by default whenever you open up Adobe Illustrator.
Now that understand how to set up files for web and devices and also know how to create a customized workspace, your workflow should be much smoother. When setting up your files, it is vital to create them correctly from the start so that you can prevent re-working. Additionally, creating a customized workspace will allow you to have quick access to the tools that you use the most, therefore increasing productivity and reducing headaches.


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Traveling Session was created for the traveling community. That is why we offer bloggers the opportunity to contribute their own destination reviews as the featured review for that location. The only stipulation, there can only be one featured review per location. Other articles may be considered. If you are interested in writing a featured review or article, click here.
If you just want to write a review to share with your friends and family, continue below. Don't have time to write a review, just leave a star rating and come back to write your review later.
Place Name: Athens
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Have you recently completed your translator or language Assistant training, majoring in English, and are looking for an exciting career entry or do you already have relevant work experience? Organizing is definitely one of your strengths? Are you looking for a position in a great team in a company with development opportunities?
Then send me your CV today!
On behalf of my client, an international law firm in Munich, I am looking for a
Bilingual Assistant (m/f)
• Administrative and organizational support of the team
• Independent written and telephone correspondence in German and English
• Proof Reading of German and English texts
• Small translations
• Preparation, formatting and filing of documents
• Organization of meetings
• Travel planning and travel expense accounting
• Records Management
• Preparatory accounting activities (invoice preparation)
• Successfully completed training as a translator or Language Assistant
• Fluent German and English
• Responsibility, loyalty, friendly
• Service-oriented and independent way of working
• Secure use of MS Office
• Intensive training possible
• Sympathetic, well-balanced team
• Workplace in the heart of Munich with good transport links
• Demanding and at the same time diversified area of responsibility with development possibilities
Should this position be interesting for you or should you have any further questions, then I am looking forward to your CV in Word format to Giulia Severn, firstname.lastname@example.com. For further questions please call 089-23239580.
All applicants must have valid documentation to work in Germany.
Thank you for applying to Euro London Appointments. Please be advised that documents will be treated in the strictest of confidence and that your application will not be forwarded without your permission. We aim to respond as promptly as possible to your application, however, due to the high level of CVs we receive we are only able to respond to applicants whose profile matches our Clients requirements. To enquire about other vacancies please visit our website at www.eurolondon.de
Team: HR, Secretarial & Support - Germany
I specialise in: Human Resources and Secretarial & Support and professionals for law firms in Germany
Languages: German, English & Italian
About me: I have been with Euro London since June 2015 and am specialized in the recruitment of highly professional HR candidates and any kind of Office positions, starting from Junior positions to high level Senior Assistants. I have an extensive network of law professionals due to my past career in one of the most well-known international law firms in Munich, but I also enjoy the challenge of exploring new markets and working on very special positions. I hold a BA in International Management specialized in HR Management.
When I am not on the phone driving new business or in a café meeting candidates and clients, you will find me at international networking events or in one of the many wonderful Munich Biergardens with my friends.


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Weight Management
To achieve and maintain a healthy weight is paramount to happy living, disease aversion and for your overall wellbeing. If you are obese or overweight, chances of getting serious health complications are also high. These include heart disease, high blood pressure, type-2 diabetes, gallstones, and shortness of breath among some types of cancer. Lack of energy, fatigue, exhaustion, and inability to perform some simple tasks are also typical in obese and overweight individuals. There is no doubt that looking gigantic can bring a feeling of embarrassment and rob off your self-confidence especially if it is very apparent. It can be a sign of carelessness or lack of self-control to some extent.
According to Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Adult Body Mass Index or BMI is the best way in determining whether your weight is healthy or not. The method entails comparison of your body weight relative to your height with the help of a BMI calculator. You can readily and freely find these calculators on the internet. If you have a BMI of 18.5 or less, count yourself being "underweight". If it is between 18.5 and 24.9, your weight is within the normal range which is healthy. If your BMI is between 25.0 and 29.9, you are overweight. Anything beyond 30 is obese. Another method to determine, if your weight is healthy to measure your waistline circumference. If you are a man, anything above 40 inches is an indicator of obesity. For women, 35 inches and above means the same if not pregnant.
Why We Gain Weight?
There are several reasons why people gain weight with the most common ones being:
Sleeplessness: Most body functions take place during sleep. Inadequate sleep will give your body physiological stress which increases fat storage07
Stress: It can arise due to daily demands in life at work, home or learning institutions. Stress triggers biochemical processes that slow down metabolism and cause production of hormones cortisol and leptin resulting to obesity.
Poor Diet: Taking food rich in fats and carbohydrates will cause an increase in weight. This is because your calories intake is high and the extra are converted into fats for storage under your skin
Medications: These include antidepressants which are the main cause in about 25% of patients who regularly use them. Once you start recovering from an illness, your appetite improves. Other supplements that can cause weight gain are birth control pills and corticosteroids
How Do People Lose Weight And Keep It Off?
Weight-management recommendations:
- Eating and Drinking: Does what's in your plate counts? Sure it does. Consider eating low-carbs diets and avoid junking or skipping meals. Avoid alcoholism if you can or drink sugar-free brands. Consume at least 8 glasses of water daily
- The Mental Component: Learn of workable ways to avoid stress or become familiar with means of coping when it strikes. To avoid craving for something for your mouth, always stay occupied. Condition your mind when to take meals and what to eat
- Support: It can be difficult to enroll on a weight loss plan on your own. However, you can do it with your partner, friend, or a professional trainer to inspire and keep you motivated. Seek medical support before enrolling on any weight loss plan
How Do Popular Weight-Reduction Plans Stack Up?
- Balanced-Deficit (Low-calorie): To maintain a healthy weight, avoid foods rich in caloric content. Ensure your daily calories burnout exceeds your intake
- Very-Low-Calorie Diets: Low-carbohydrate is ideal if you really want to shed off the extra weight. Nonetheless, always include some in your diet for the maintenance of crucial body functions
- Very-Low-Fat: Meals that contain healthy fat are ideal for any weight loss plan. This will prevent additional fats from being absorbed and stored in your system
- Partial Meal-Replacement: Abrupt change of diets can easily cause a relapse according to statistics. A good plan will gradually replace food elements that can cause an increase in weight
- Meal-Delivery Programs: These will provide you with a scheduled meal time with clear details of caloric percentages for a particular day's intake
How Many Calories Should I Consume Each Day To Lose Weight?
There is no definite amount of calories that you should take each day in order to lose weight. It all depends on the amount of calories you are able to burn each day. Depending on the workout plan, you should ensure to consume less calories and burn more daily. Scientifically, 1 pound is equivalent to 3500 calories. So, if you want to lose a pound in a week, you have to create a deficit of 500 calories each day. However, as you become lighter, your energy requirements also decrease.
Are There Other Ways To Lose Weight Besides Making Behavioral/Lifestyle Changes?
Behavioral and lifestyle changes are the best weight loss strategies that any reputable nutritionist or health expert would recommend. Alternative approaches include surgical processes such as liposuction although they mostly apply to specific body parts. You can also lose weight through liquid diets and yoga. Don't make the mistake of skipping meals to shed weight. The craving for any food at your disposal can compel you to resort the junky way.
What about Methods Like Fasting And "Sweating It Out"?
Yes, in fasting it means that your body will have a caloric deficit and thus more fat will be burned for energy production. Fasting has been known to reduce the chances of illnesses being globally practiced by Muslims, Christians, and Buddhists. However, fasting can pose a major health risk in some individuals. "Sweating it out" means lots of workouts which are ideal for any weight loss plan. However, not all workouts will help you lose weight. Consider the assistance of a professional trainer to get a well distributed or even weight loss.
Why I Go For Weight Management?
With weight management, you will always keep your weight on the check and stay away from the risks associated with being obese or overweight. You will be fully informed on various means to reduce or maintain weight without the risks of a regain. With professional advice at your fingertips, you will not only be fully aware of the potential dangers of being obese or overweight, but you will also get an insight of what kind of meals, lifestyle, and behavioral changes that can be helpful.
Final Words
With many Americans searching for best weight loss products to lose weight, healthy diet and exercise must top in any genuine programs. This entails reducing calories intake as well as burning more calories than you consume daily. Unfortunately, making permanent food changes is a challenge to many especially if it is one you can't stick with forever. A relapse will only lead to regain in weight, a challenge that many people are faced with today. Considering a partial meal replacement is a landmark for dietary changes you can make in order to lose weight and keep it off.


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The tragic death of Peaches Geldof this past April (2014) has refocused the spotlight on drug addiction and recovery in the UK. Her death has also reopened the wounds for many recovering addicts who remember what life was like when addiction was the only purpose for living. In all of it, there are new questions being raised about the effectiveness and necessity of methadone treatment.
News reports say that Geldof died from a lethal injection of heroin. However, a post-mortem revealed the model and presenter also had significant amounts of methadone, codeine, and morphine in her system at the time of her death. As a mother of two young children, Geldof had been attempting to overcome her addiction through an established recovery programme. Now there are questions of whether or not that programme was truly helping her.
Methadone Treatment
Well-known addiction recovery specialist Dr Robert LeFevre is among those questioning Geldof's use of methadone as a treatment for heroin addiction. He recently said in a Sky News interview that methadone is not a legitimate treatment; it is simply another addiction. When challenged by the interviewer, LeFevre went on to explain the difference between gradual detox and methadone maintenance.
Dr Robert Lefever On Sky News
When methadone was first introduced as a treatment for heroin addiction the idea was to use it as a way to gradually detox in order to avoid some of the nasty withdrawal symptoms. The user would be given methadone as a substitute drug and slowly withdrawn. Today however, such uses of methadone are not the norm. Instead, the drug is prescribed as a maintenance medication.
Abstinence vs Harm Reduction in Recovery
As Dr LeFevre pointed out, maintenance use of methadone is not true recovery. We believe the only way to recovery is permanent abstinence from addictive substances, however we acknowledge harm reduction as a method of treatment for some. When an addict is transferred from heroin to methadone, it is commonly termed 'harm reduction', meaning the addict (and society) gain by reducing the negative consequences of drug use – it became popular in the 1980's in order to help reduce HIV infection in drug misuse caused by needle sharing . Technically, it is only a transfer of one addiction to another. There are many arguments for and against methadone (and abstinence versus harm reduction) and there are many pathways to recovery, but the time is now to act to change how the UK deals with addiction and recovery.
Unfortunately, Geldof's death illustrates perfectly the potential consequences of treating addicts without requiring abstinence. Doctor LeFevre claimed in his interview that is not uncommon for drug addicts to use multiple substances simultaneously. Therefore, even if methadone is used to withdraw from heroin, one must ask if the recovering addict is using anything else. Abstinence from all addictive substances must be insisted upon if treatment is to be successful.
We Need Changes
If anything good can come out of the death of Peaches Geldof, we hope it is that drug addiction policy makers finally wake up to the fact that we need changes in the way we do things. We need increased funding for residential rehab clinics; we need a refocused effort toward abstinence rather than maintenance; we need a way to introduce accountability into the NHS treatment system, but above all: we all need easier and quicker access to treatment for all.
For most people with alcohol or drug misuse, thinking has to change in the direction of taking personal responsibility for recovery rather than depending solely on a doctor, or medication, to get well. Each addict has a personal journey in recovery and there are lots of pathways, but we must all provide support to help addicts help themselves – there is no other way to do it.
Get Help Now
If you are struggling with drugs or alcohol yourself, we urge you to get help right away. We can assist you in gaining admission to a residential treatment programme that can help you come clean and teach you how to abstain permanently. If you cannot afford private treatment, we can help you find an appropriate programme through another provider, local free services and advise on how to get in to recovery. There is help available for everyone who may suffer from any addiction, including Methadone addiction, so please call, before it's too late.


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Mobile Working Group IoT Kickoff Call!You are invited to participate in the first call for the Mobile Working Group Internet of Things (IoT) Security subgroup. Details are below: Dial in information: DIN: +126.96.36.1996, ID: 674-823-196#, https://join.me/cloudsecurityalliance.org OVERVIEW We'll work through getting us all on the same page with our goals and understanding related to the IoT, and start asking volunteers to begin taking on specific work items towards completion of our first document. Kick-Off Briefing Slides https://asset1.basecamp.com/1825565/projects/335816/attachments/115206734/C… -Introduction -Goals -Our Team -Defining the IoT -Initial Threat Analysis Research Discussion -Generic Challenges to IoT Deployment -Next Steps and Volunteer Opportunities In the meantime, here are a few interesting IoT-related items I found today. A fledgling search engine for the IoT: https://thingful.net A good article on IoT from HBR: http://hbr.org/2014/11/how-smart-connected-products-are-transforming-compet… A neat video detailing the IoT in the mining industry: http://hbr.org/video/3819456791001/smart-connected-mining
Share this content on your favorite social network today!


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Heading off for another day of work, Taylor Swift stepped out in Los Angeles on Tuesday (October 29).
The "22" hitmaker bundled up in a white sweater as she stopped by a local dance studio for rehearsal.
Miss Swift is currently gearing up for the first YouTube Music Awards that will be lived-streamed online Sunday (November 3rd).
The nominations in six categories opened on October 21 on the website"s music award channel, where fans can watch, share and favorite the featured videos.
According to YouTube"s official blog, "The video and artist nominations are based on YOUR views, likes, comments and subscriptions over the last 12 months from September 2012, and your vote from today will determine the winners."
Among the artists that will be performing at the 90-minute award show are fan favorites such as Lady Gaga, Eminem, Avicii, M.I.A., and Arcade Fire.


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Make an extended stay easy with long term car rental in Colorado from Sixt. Whether on business or pleasure a longer rental can conveniently satisfy your area mobility needs. We offer affordable rates on a premium fleet to get you around Colorado in comfort and style. With a monthly car rental in Colorado you can maintain your independence with the freedom provided by you own set of wheels. Take advantage of the comprehensive services and top brand vehicles on offer from Sixt and drive first class in Colorado at economy price.
A long term car rental in Colorado with Sixt can be a smart, economical choice. Typically you can enjoy a lower daily rate with a longer rental. Save on cost without skimping on comforts or quality with a long or monthly car rental in Colorado. Please book your Colorado reservation in advance to secure the availability of a rental car for your extended stay.
A diverse fleet of top brand, top quality vehicles is available for long term car rental in Colorado. No matter what your plans we have an up-to-date rental car to meet your budget and driving needs. Rent a compact car, sedan, sports car, convertible, SUV or van for your longer stay in Colorado. Customizing your Colorado rental car is also easy with our deals on upgrades and extras. Enjoy driving in Colorado with Sixt!


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I've been dying for chocolate lately. Not Snickers crappy chocolate-esque stuff, but real, dark, bitter chocolate. However, as Nourishing Days recently pointed out, if I crave sugar I'm probably not ready to add it back to my diet yet so I figured even my 3-ingredient fudge was out for now. Considering that I'm only halfway through my (admittedly wobbly) 30 days that's not surprising, but still sad for me. BUT! The rule is no added sugar of any kind. Reading a Slightly Indulgent post I was reminded of this panforte nero recipe I've been meaning to make for ages, and subsequently how sweet natural figs can be.
So I toddled into the kitchen this (late) morning and, while my eggs were frying, tossed together the following ingredients. It's still setting up in the fridge but, from my spatula-licking, it tastes fantastic! This being a first attempt, I didn't measure. Sorry. And my poor stab mixer attachment on my hand mixer just can't go through dried figs so well, so the oil isn't as integrated as I'd like. Can somebody please tell me if this is a) tasty, and b) possible with the right equipment?
5 dried figs, roughly chopped and stems removed (this is a test-sized batch)
1.5 - 2 Tbsp cocoa powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 c melted ghee/coconut oil blend (this is my regular cooking oil; use one or the other if it's what you've got)
couple of grinds of black pepper, plus a little bit o' chili flakes (personal taste - I also planned to add orange peel and almonds, but decided to give the mixer the rest of the morning off)
Blitz, cool, and either cube or roll into small balls. The ball idea would be conducive to rolling through more cocoa or powdered coconut to keep fingers clean later.
Please let me know if you try this out!
EDIT: I tried this with ginger, orange peel, cinnamon and chili flakes, and found that the flavours developed over time and eventually overwhelmed the chocolate. I still like the combination of spices, but I'd maybe double the cocoa. That would also soak up some of the oils.
There's also a similar recipe by a real cook over here, which uses a mix of figs, dates and raisins.
Love chocolate? Got a food processor?
Posted by Lauren at 3/04/2011
Labels: recipes
2 comments:
Follow up: It was lovely. Junior and I ate is with glee. And you know what? Sugar craving is gone.ReplyDelete
I'm going to try this again tomorrow with orange peel, something for heat (white pepper? chilis?), nutmeg and cinnamon. I imagine it to be an Andalucian flavour combo, and cinnamon is great for mitigating sugar spikes.
Sounds delicious.ReplyDelete
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|Sighting Report
|Occurred : 5/10/2007 06:00 (Entered as : 05/10/07 06:00)
Reported: 5/15/2007 6:26:22 AM 06:26
Posted: 6/12/2007
Location: Mount Airy, GA
Shape: Disk
|4 disks in the sky with flashing lights.
I was out throwing the football in my front yard and I threw the football up once more, and in the sky I saw a number of disks cruising through the sky. I went in to get my dad and he said that it was probably someone in planes or someone with their remote controls. I know that those weren't remote controls and planes.....they were totally different. It also made a terrifying noise also. Sort of like the noise from War of the Worlds.


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Walton Fabrication specializes in manufacturing and distributing a variety
of kits for engine and transmission swaps, leaf spring conversion kits, brake
systems and steering systems.
TRANSMISSION MOUNTS - Walton Fabrication transmission cross member kits are
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LEAF SPRING KITS - Walton Fabrication's rear leaf spring conversion kits for
1949-1954 Chevrolet passenger cars are easy to install using existing rivet
locations and will lower the car approximately 1-1/2" from stock height.
STEERING COLUMN KITS - Walton Fabrication steering column kits come complete
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Walton Fabrication also offers a firewall mounted brake kit. The power brake
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Note: Sometimes due to lack of inventory we must send out an 8in single booster with this kit.
For additional information, please see the individual product descriptions
in the Parts Counter/Store section of our website.


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Everybody Hates Cutting School
Everybody Hates Cutting School was the 15th episode of the second season of Everybody Hates Chris. It was the 37th episode overall. It premired on February 19, 2007.
SHORT SUMMARY: When Ms. Morello is off of school for the day, Chris and Greg cut school to go see Ghostbusters. Drew and Tonya aren't happy that Rochelle is going to help out at their school. Julius renews his license at DMV.
To watch the full episode click HERE
page revision: 1, last edited: 17 Apr 2010 19:34


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As we prepared to sell all our belongings and set off on a world adventure, the reaction people had was pretty similar. Everyone asked the easy question: "Where?"
Juliana or I would explain our current plans, where those plans might lead, and where might be next. If they asked more about a specific location, we would divulge more info about our plans there, and the next reaction was usually along the lines of…
"Wow, that's so cool!"
"I don't think I could do that, you guys are really brave!"
"That is going to be so cool for your kids! What a great experience for them."
Very few ever asked the underlying question, the one that really had more soul searching to it: "Why?"
The fact is, that question would of been a lot harder for either of us to answer completely, and, honestly, likely would of varied in response by who was asking and who was being asked. But the why is what has been on my mind for a long time, and now that we've embarked on the first part of the journey, it has bubbled up to the surface even more.
When I roll this question around in my mind, there are four goals that keep filtering to the top. Of those, one is the clear overarching theme, but all of them are worthy of launching this undertaking.
Truly experience the world and become a global citizen
The level of fear and hatred of different countries, races, nationalities, religions, sexual orientations and beer preference has been on a steep rise over the last several years. While there isn't a way to truly escape this, as every country has some form of it, we wanted to get out and experience for ourselves that the world is a beautiful, friendly and amazing place. We wanted to step beyond our limited world exposure, trapped in the bubble of Seattle, and experience the world for what it is. We know it won't be perfect, but we also know that there is a lot more than what we've seen. The fact that we get to expose our kids to this are such an impressionable time is just icing on the cake.
Take the idea of "home schooling" to the extreme
We have been home schooling our kids for the last year or two. The exact reasons are enough for another post, but we have enjoyed the process of teaching the kids in a very individualized manner, and focusing on topics they really care about. As a friend of mine said when I told him about our plans, "it's like the coolest field trip ever!" Yes, yes it is, and it will allow us to not only approach home schooling from a new angle, but in a new way. The fact that we both get to be much more involved in it makes it even more exciting.
Regret sucks
This one is more about me than the family, at least from a conscious prospective. As I hit forty, I looked back and regretted a lot of decisions and missed opportunities in my life, one of which was not going to Australia right after college like I had planned. I regretted not taking a bigger chance on some of the career options that came my way, not fighting harder to do the things I really wanted to do. I sat there, being overwhelmed with regret, and said "No more."
This adventure is the first step in the process. I don't want to turn fifty and think, "Man, it would of been great to travel with the kids and make that happen…too bad we missed that chance." And even more, I don't want to look back and think, "Well, I haven't enjoyed my career in the last ten years, but at least I had a job." And so, as this plan was spawned, I saw the chance to…put right what once went wrong. You know, with out the time travel aspect.
Charting a new course for our lives
By all accounts, we have had a comfortable life. We owned a home, I had a good job, we are all in good health, the kids had a neighborhood with friends to play with, and all was right with the world. But the thing is, something was missing. When we looked around at things, everything we did was for comfort. Comfort is, by definition, comfortable, but it's not really fulfilling. Choosing comfort over a challenge is easy in the short term, but done over long stretches, it slowly breaks your spirit.
We knew that based on who we each are, the only way to truly break out of that rut, out of our search for comfort, was to make a big change. And while we considered others, the choice to sell it all and travel checked all the right boxes. We have broken away from all the things that consume our time. We have removed the comfort of a home to return to and retreat in. We have left behind the definitions of our selves that are held in the mind of those that we love. This whole plan might turn out to be a complete cluster fuck, but we are for once picking the challenge over comfort, and it feels really good.
That's the real point with this trip;everything can be boiled down to needing a challenge that we all wanted to be a part of – to help us all learn, grow, and push ourselves to new heights. This is not an escape from life, or running away from responsibility. It's a challenge that we now have no choice but to face and conquer.
And for the first time in a long time, I feel excited and panicked about the direction we chose.