text:
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Marvin Richard James Humes was born on the 18 March 1985. He is a TV and radio presenter who rose to fame 10 years ago when appearing on The X Factor in the boy band JLS. Today he lives in Essex with his wife, the TV presenter Rochelle, and their two children.
"Family's everything to me. I'd like to think I've had a very lucky upbringing, growing up mixed race, my Dad being black, my Mum being white. In the 70s that would have been really tough for them. It's something to be really proud of I think that they've stood the test of time and they're still very much in love now, very much still together."
Marvin's roots are Jamaican on his father's side and British on his mum's and he is proud of this mixed-race heritage.
"I know so little because I've never searched before, and I think that now, 33 years old, I've got my own family, and it would just be good for everybody to know really where we're from and what it took for all of us to be here in the UK and living a good life."
To start his Who Do You Think You Are? investigation Marvin takes a trip to see his parents, Sharon and Colin whose marriage can be discovered in the Civil Registration Marriage records on TheGenealogist . To help Marvin with his family story his paternal uncles Peter and Dalbert are also invited to the gathering so that they could contribute what they know of the family history.
"I think potentially we should start on my Dad's side because I feel like I know a bit more about that side of the family."
As the family gathered in the living room, Marvin's dad Colin begins to relate what he knows about his own parents Robert (who was known as Randall) and Ruby. Marvin hears that his grandfather had left his home in Jamaica in 1955 and his grandmother followed on in 1958. Randall had been working on a Jamaican farm before he left the island for Britain. Another bit of interesting information that Marvin learns from the get-together was that Randall had never known his own father Joseph Humes, Marvin's great grandfather. Joseph, it would seem, had gained a reputation for being a bit wild and as a womaniser who had left his family when Randall was just a young boy. Randall had then gone to live with his mother's brother John Williams as Randall's mother, Mabel, wasn't well.
"I'm gonna go to Jamaica. Where do you think I should start?"
To see if he could discover why Randall wasn't brought up by his own parents Marvin travels to Kingston, the capital of Jamaica. From here he sets off into the countryside of the island where at Crawl Farm he meets up with his grandfather's cousin, Dockary Williams, who is the son of John Williams.
"Last time I came to Jamaica was ten years ago, and it was a whole different experience, I was very much a tourist then. I feel like this is the real Jamaica 100%."
Dockary thinks back to his time growing up with Marvin's grandfather and where both boys helped out on the farm picking coffee and bananas. Marvin is keen to find out about Mabel and Joseph Humes and asks what happened between them? Dockary is able to explain that Joseph had begun an affair with another woman and the outcome was that they had a child together. Dockary tells Marvin that as a result of Joseph's affair Mabel was admitted to Bellevue, a mental hospital in Kingston, and that she never truly recovered.
"I never knew any of that history, finding out that my great grandmother ended up in a mental hospital. I never knew that. I don't think my parents knew that."
On returning to Kingston, Marvin then meets with psychiatrist Wendell Abel to find out more about his great grandmother Mabel. Her death certificate shows that she died aged only 52 years old on the 18th July 1940 in the mental hospital at Bellevue. The cause of her death was recorded as encephalitis, a disease of the brain tissue that can be due to either inflammation of the brain or an infection.
"What do you think in your opinion was ultimately wrong with Mabel?"
The psychiatrist is only able to speculate as with limited records he can't be sure, but he points to stress leading to mental illness. The infidelity and broken relationship could certainly have lead to her having developed her condition.
Marvin is able to get an idea of the hospital when he is shown a sketch made of the ward. At the time that his great grandmother was a patient it would have been referred to as a 'lunatic asylum' and the treatment in this era would have been harsh and primitive often involving the restraint of individuals with straitjackets or in padded cells and seclusion rooms.
"It's like this hospital is a place to die. Members of my family have had problems over the years and I know how much love my family give each other, how supportive we are of each other, and it seems like Mabel never had that, which is really, really sad."
Marvin is keen to find out more about Mabel's father, his great, great grandfather Solomon Williams. By going online to do his own research Marvin brings up a baptism register that reveals that Solomon Williams had been born in March 1862. The place of birth was called Comfort Hall and the parents were John Brown Williams and his wife Caroline.
"...they would be my great, great, great grandparents. Wow."
Researching deeper into this line brings up a marriage certificate for the wedding between his great, great grandfather Solomon Williams and Mary McQueen also at Comfort Hall but in the year 1887.
"I keep hearing about this place called Comfort Hall. Do you think Comfort Hall is maybe the farm or maybe the plantation where Solomon Williams would have lived?"
Wanting to find the answer leads Marvin to meet historian Dian McCallum at Mico College in Kingston. She shows him a map of Jamaica from 1874 that shows that Marvin's great, great, great grandfather, John Brown Williams, not only lived at Comfort hall but that he was actually the owner of 20 acres of land situated there. Armed with this new lead Marvin goes looking for Comfort Hall along with his Uncle Dockary. In the countryside they come across some gates.
"Uncle, these are the gates of Comfort Hall?"
Dockary explains that today Comfort Hall has increased to cover 80 acres and it is still in the ownership of the Williams family. Knowing this encourages Marvin to find out just how it was that his ancestor, John Brown Williams, had been able to acquire this land and what he would have had to have gone through to get it.
Looking for answers Marvin travels a couple of miles from Comfort Hall to meet historian Suzanne Francis Brown at St John's Church. The historian is able to show Marvin an 1839 baptismal record for John Brown Williams. This reveals that the parents were John Williams and Emily Williams – so divulging the next generation back. As well as listing the names of Marvin's four times great grandparents the document also tells him that John Brown Williams had been baptised in the very church that he was sitting in at that moment for the filming of the genealogy programme.
"How common would it have been for a black man like John Williams to own a piece of land like Comfort Hall?"
The history of slave labour in Jamaica is that for more than 150 years the British had been transporting Africans to toil on Jamaican plantations. In that time the total numbers of slaves reached over 700,000. When the end of slavery occured in 1834 many of Jamaica's black population bought land. But Suzanne then explains to Marvin that during the period when slavery was in place that not all black people were slaves. Another document that Suzanne has unearthed from 1838 delivers a shock as Marvin reads:
"John Williams. Owner of Comfort Hall. Dated 28th September 1835. Awarded £53 ...and 3 shillings...for two persons"
Marvin is astonished to discover that, notwithstanding that his ancestor was a black man, John Williams was in fact a slave master at Comfort Hall.
"Never did it cross my mind that my four times great grandfather would have been a slave owner. I didn't even know that black people had slaves."
Marvin, however, finds out that his Jamaican heritage is far more complex than he had believed. The historian Swithin Wilmot met Marvin in the programme to explain more about the history of his five times great grandparents, Edward Brown and Mary Lake. While there is not a lot of information to be found on Mary Lake, Swithin tells Marvin what he had found out about Edward Brown. Edward had been born in 1787 and was a slave who belonged to the Henriques family in Jamaica. Swithin points Marvin to look at an 1818 Manumission record. This reveals that Edward Brown's life changed substantially when a mystery free woman of colour, whose name was Sarah Davis, paid the sum of £160 to purchase Edward Brown's freedom.
"I've been through so many ups and downs over the last few days. Finding out that my three times great grandparents weren't slaves, then finding out that their parents, my four times great grandparents actually owned slaves, and then their parents were slaves."
"I feel so much more connected to Jamaica now. This has just been a whole other experience that I'll never, ever forget. But as I promised my Mum, back home in Essex, we need to find out about her side of the family now."
Returning to Essex Marvin meets up with his mother Sharon in their local pub and she has a photograph of Marvin as a young boy with her own mother to show him. Sharon never knew her own grandmother, Caroline Buckingham neé McKenzie, because she had died a year before Sharon's birth. As for her grandfather, Frederick Buckingham, the family called him 'Old Man Buckingham' as he was really grumpy.
An online search for him reveals some Admission and Discharge documents from the Chelsea Workhouse, dated from the 8th and 25th September. Sharon and Marvin discus how they associate workhouses with Oliver Twist.
The workhouse records start to shed some light on Fred Buckingham's early life. It is revealed that by the age of two he had already been into a workhouse twice. Next Marvin and Sharon discover that Fred was later discharged to the Metropolitan Infirmary in Margate at the age of six.
"It's horrible... So I guess I'm taking a trip to Margate?"
Marvin's next meeting is with historian Claire Jones at the Margate Royal Sea Bathing Hospital where he finds out more about why his great grandfather had come to the town. It emerges that the Margate Metropolitan Infirmary functioned as a hospital for poor workhouse children in order that they could be away from the overcrowded and polluted environment of the big city. Unfortunately, for Marvin, the exact infirmary that Fred had been sent to no longer exists anymore. For this reason Claire has arranged for them to see a similar institution, the Royal Sea Bathing Hospital in Margate. Claire explains to Marvin that both the Metropolitan Infirmary and the Sea Bathing Hospital treated a form of tuberculosis called scrofula – this affliction affects the lymph nodes and the sea was considered by doctors to be therapeutic for this condition.
"I can only imagine, it would have been really lonely for Frederick."
Fred's life remained difficult when at the age of nine he was deserted by his family and sent to North Hyde School, a school for orphans. The 1901 census on TheGenealogist picks him up aged 10 in the institution's list. Despite that his great grandfather had a rocky childhood, it may have been that Margate gave Fred a taste for the sea. Claire produces his Royal Navy Service Papers from 1910-1914 for Marvin to see. Documents also reveal that Fred didn't always manage to stay on the right side of the law.
"Oh. Wow. 'Metropolitan Police District'. There he is. 'Frederick Buckingham. Drunk and Disorderly'. Oh wow. 'Assaulting Mary Anne Buckingham'. Which was his Mum?"
A newspaper article from the West London Observer fills out a few more details about the case. Marvin reads in the article that the judge chastens Fred for assaulting the woman who brought him up.
"There was lack of upbringing. His family deserted him, so that's wrong, that's wrong information," Marvin says.
"He's had a very up and down life from being a toddler. It's no childhood really. The lack of love clearly that he never received. You know, he probably thought his parents completely forgot about him. So no doubt he's going to be a bit of a troubled soul. It's kind of understandable that he seems he's got a bit of pain and torment. So yeah, hopefully things get better for him along the way."
After 1914 Fred disappears from the records for a time, but Claire explains that he turns up again some years later and by this time he is in the Merchant Navy.
Marvin then visited Chatham Historic Dockyard where he met with expert Harry Bennett. Harry shows Marvin his great grandfather's Merchant Navy service papers and these reveal that Fred sailed on a number of different ships between 1928 through to 1940. He served at sea as a fireman working under the harsh conditions prevalent in ship engine rooms at the time.
Harry explains to Marvin that Fred's life at sea continued into the Second World War. In 1940 he was serving onboard the King Orry which was taking part in the Dunkirk evacuation of the British Expeditionary Force from France and Belgium.
"No way. I can't believe that my Mum knows nothing about any of this, this is her granddad, my great grandfather. It's crazy."
To continue tracing his great grandfather's life, Marvin travels to Dunkirk where he meets naval historian Phil Weir who has found more information on the King Orry. After it had picked up 1131 soldiers in Dunkirk the ship suffered a hit from the German Artillery. Marvin receives a shock when he sees a news clipping that details how Fred jumped overboard when the bomb hit the deck but was picked out of the water still smiling.
"It's an amazing story. One thing's for sure is that my great grandfather was a survivor...he's a hero man. My Mum's going to be absolutely blown away by this."
Press Information from IJPR on behalf of the programme makers, Wall to Wall Media
Extra research and record images from TheGenealogist.co.uk
Photos from BBC Images
Find your ancestors & break down your brick walls using the same unique tools and record sets we used when researching this family tree.
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Find out who you are at one of the largest family history events in the UK!
There are events in London, York and the South West in 2020, including:
> Two Large Lecture Theatres with Free Talks throughout the day
> Free Ask the Experts Area
> Archives and MOD stands
> Societies and organisations from across the UK
> Free Parking
> Refreshments available all day
All articles are Copyright © of the author and TheGenealogist. These may not be reproduced in whole or part without prior permission.


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- Home
- Departments
- Administrative Services
- Community Programs
- CDBG - HOME Grants
Community Development Block Grant and Home Grants
The City receives Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME) funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on a formula basis each year.
2020-2021 Notice of Funding Availability
The City of Palmdale is currently seeking applications for the 2020-2021 program year for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) funds.
- City of Palmdale Notice of Funding Availability (pdf)
- Application Form A: HOME and/or HOME CHDO Program Application (pdf)
- Application Form B: Community CDBG Activity Application(pdf)
- Application Form C: CDBG Capital Projects - Internal City Department Activity Application(pdf)
- Public Notice of NOFA - English (pdf)
- Public Notice of NOFA - Spanish (pdf)
Consolidated Plan
Residents are invited to attend one (1) of two (2) meetings to discuss the short- and long-term needs of the community and how federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) funds may be used to meet those needs.
- Notice of Community Meetings (PDF)
- Notice of Community Meetings (Spanish) (PDF)
- Community Meeting Flyer (English and Spanish)
Residents are encouraged to complete the Resident Survey for the CDBG and HOME Programs. Responses are essential to Palmdale's planning process and acquiring important grant funding.
As required to receive these funds, the City prepares a Consolidated Plan to provide HUD with a comprehensive assessment of the City's housing and community development needs and to outline the priorities, objectives, and strategies for the investment of CDBG and HOME funds to address these needs over a five year period. The City then awards grants and loans to nonprofit, for‐profit and public organizations for programs and projects to further the goals in the Consolidated Plan. The CDBG and HOME programs generally provide for a wide range of eligible activities for the benefit of low‐ and moderate‐income Palmdale residents.
2015-2019 Consolidated Plan and First Year Action Plan (PDF)
2015-2019 Consolidated Plan Amendment 1 (PDF)
Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing (PDF)
Action Plan
The Action Plan provides a summary of the actions, activities, and specific federal and non-federal resources that will be used each program year to address the priority needs and goals identified in the Consolidated Plan.
2019-2020 Annual Action Plan (PDF)
2018-2019 Annual Action Plan (PDF)
2017-2018 Annual Action Plan (PDF)
2016-2017 Annual Action Plan - Amendment 1 (PDF)
The Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) is the City's report on accomplishments and progress for each program year toward Consolidated Plan goals.
Public Notices
All public notices for CDBG and HOME are posted here in accordance with the City's Citizen Participation Plan.
Public Notice for 2020-2024 Con Plan, 2020-2021 Action Plan, Analysis of Impediments and Updated Citizen Participation Plan (English and Spanish)
Draft - Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing 2020-2024
Draft 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan and 2020-2021 Action Plan
Public Notice- Public Hearing for Draft Substantial Amendment of 2019-2020 Action Plan - English and Spanish (PDF)
Draft Substantial Amendment of 2019-2020 Action Plan (PDF)

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Ketomob.com is an online web platform comparable to waptrick.com web portal. This a web platform where a user can gain access to download his entire preferred mobile contents all for free. Once you visit the Ketomob web platform, you will see the slogan "Get everything you want." Ketomob portal is a place I enjoy so much having similar function to the following web portal listed here:
I just listed a few of the many more platforms like the ketomob.com web portal so, assured that you could get entree to all mobile content for free.
Read also;
- www.zedge.net – Zedge Wallpaper | Zedge Ringtones
- Tinder – Tinder App | Tinder Download For Pc
- Fitbit Website – Activity Trackers & wearable technology
Ketomob.com Overview
If you have used Waptrick web portal, i have nothing much to tell you. Well, for users who have not used any of this web platforms should note that the official web address to Ketomob is www.ketomob.com
Ketomob has so many free contents such as mobile games, music, videos, ringtones, and mobile. The unique thing about this web platform; it has a special section for those users who use android to download their preferred mobile content.
Related: Mobile9 Download – Latest Apps, Ringtones, Videos, Themes & Wallpapers
Ketomob is known for the daily download of its application; maybe games, apps are java supported, once you come into this platform convinced that you can download what need for free.
Download Section
Here on the web portal, there is no specific menu bar. A user is required to scroll down to the download segment to see a lineup of menus to download. If you have successfully entered the web address in your address bar section below are the various groups in the download section.
- Android Downloads.
- Free Ringtones.
- Mobile Games.
- Mobile Wallpapers
- 3GP Video Clips.
- Animated Images.
- Mobile Themes.
These are the main download menus on the Ketomob portal where you find all your preferred mobile contents. Other links are made available at the Ketomob services such as Tubidy Music Download, Waptrick Download Apps, Live Cricket Score, Download Gratisindo, and Wapdam Downloads.
Get all your desired mobile contents for free on the most reliable platform. Download here is not difficult like other web portals where a user has to log in to able to download. Clicking is you need to get started with your download.
Check Out;
- Wattpad.com – Read and Write Anywhere
- Fitbit Website – Activity Trackers & wearable technology
- OfficeMax – Office Supplies and Furniture
How to download on ketomob.com
I have come to know that some users don't get to download from this web platform. They find it challenging, but we have simple steps to help you download but first begin by visiting the web portal.
- When you are on the homepage, click on any segment you wish to download from (video, ringtones, or games).
- Select the category you want to download depending on what segment you click.
- Click on the file name to start downloading.
- Remember downloading from this web platform is free so what you will be waiting most times when you visit this platform is a redirection to the Waptrick platform. The user can use the Ketomob search bar in the top section.
- This search bar brings you search results of videos, movies, and TV shows and lots more. It is situated on top of the search feed where you enter your keyword. UC Web Browser is the suggested web browser with 4G internet speed when you want to download on Ketomob.com.


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Born in Athens, Greece in 1981.
Giannis studied Painting at the School of Fine Arts in the Aristotelian University at Thessaloniki, Greece graduating in 2005 with Honours.
In 2006, Giannis received his Master's degree in Painting with Distinction from Christ Church University College, Kent, UK.
Giannis currently lives and works in London.
Works of the artist can be found in private collections worlwide.
Solo Exhibitions
2014 The Hellenic Centre, London, UK: DoubleDecker
2011 Gallery 7, Athens, GR: Painting
Group Exhibitions (selection)
2018 Arte Visione Gallery, Athens, GR: Pagrati-Koliatsou
2017 Stavros Niarchos Foundation (Greek Alzheimer's Association), Athens, GR: Remembering
2017 Gennadius Library, Athens, GR: In My Childhood
2017 Cultural Centre Ellinikos Kosmos, Athens, GR: Eros the Hero
2016 Skoufa Gallery, Mykonos, GR: Beyond the Image
2016 Art Athina 2016, GR: International Contemporary Art Fair of Athens
2016 National Historical Museum, Athens, GR: The Kapodistrias Case
2015 Art Athina 2015, GR: International Contemporary Art Fair of Athens
2015 Ianos Art Gallery, Athens, GR: Mikis' Greece - 90 years Mikis Theodorakis
2015 Teloglio Foundation of Art Museum, Thessaloniki, GR: Erotokritos
2013 Ianos Art Gallery, Athens - Town Hall, Veroia - Folk & Historical Museum,
Aegina - Peri Tehnon, Patras, GR: 90 Postcards from Smyrna
2012 Lemos Center, GR: Winery
2012 Ianos Art Gallery, Athens, GR: Fruit Trees of Athens
2011 Gallery Genesis, Athens, GR: Survival kit
2011 'Melina Mercouri' Cultural Centre of the Municipality of Athens, GR: Children and Adolescents/Voices and Whisperings
2010 ATRION Gallery, Thessaloniki, GR: New Gazes
2010 Sismanoglio Megaro, Istanbul, TR: Tracing Istanbul
2010 'Melina Mercouri' Cultural Centre of the Municipality of Athens, GR: Human Dimensions
2009 'Leonidas Kanellopoulos' Cultural Centre of the Municipality of Elefsina, GR: Elefsina: Visual Landscape
2009 Thanassis Frissiras Gallery, Athens, GR: Secret Room
2009 'Melina Mercouri' Cultural Centre of the Municipality of Athens, GR: It happened in Athens
2008 Metamorphosis Gallery, Thessaloniki, GR: Aspects of flowers
2006 Sidney Cooper Gallery, Canterbury, Kent, UK: MA Show
2006 Zina Athanasiades' Art Gallery, Thessaloniki, GR: Co-existence
2005 The Macedonian Museum of Contemporary Art, Thessaloniki, GR: Aristotelian University School of Fine Arts Graduate Show
2005 Teloglio Foundation of Art Museum, Thessaloniki, GR: Fine Arts Students' Group Exhibition
2005 Pedio Drasis Kodra, Thessaloniki, GR: 5th Art Festival
2004 Biennale Crete, GR: Panhellenic Young Artists' Biennale


text: Mobility Taiwan's Powerchip raises spending on DRAM plant Dan Nystedt @itworldca Published: May 24th, 2005Powerchip Semiconductor Corp., Taiwan's second largest DRAM (dynamic RAM) maker by revenue, has raised its target on new plant spending for 2005 to NT$50 billion (US$1.6 billion) this year, up from NT$40 billion previously, a company executive said Tuesday.The revised capital spending figure shows DRAM companies continue to spend on new production lines this year despite a global chip glut that has reduced earnings for many companies. That bodes well for computer users because ample production capacity should help keep prices down."We're trying to speed up time to production at our new [300-millimeter] plant," said Eric Tang, a vice president at Powerchip. The term 300-millimeter refers to the size of silicon wafers used in the production process, which are larger than mainstream 8-inch wafers. Thousands of chips can be produced on a single silicon wafer.Powerchip isn't the only company spending more money on chipmaking equipment. Global spending on new chip equipment rose slightly to US$9.35 billion in the first three months of this year, up 2.3 per cent from the same time last year and 6.5 per cent better than the fourth quarter last year, according to Semiconductor Materials and Equipment International (SEMI), a global trade group for chip tool makers. However, new orders fell sharply from last year to US$7.25 billion, down 21 percent compared to the same time last year, SEMI said, indicating that companies have become more cautious on new spending.Powerchip's new 300-millimeter plant in test production right now. The new plant is expected to be in mass production of 15,000 wafers per month by the end of June, Tang said, with total output of 30,000 wafers by the end of the year. Mobility equipment


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Big Hero 6 Review
Do you like super heroes? While I never really collected comics myself, I cannot remember a time when the exploits of these fantastic characters did not dance through my head. And I'm not alone. It seems that the American cinema has been overrun with costumed do-gooders of late. Spider-man, Batman, The Avengers, and the X-Men have been rounding up the bad guys in record numbers at the cineplex these days and making fistfuls of cash for all their exploits. Most of us have heard of these iconic heroes before, but is there room for some new heroes to come in and save the day? Well, that may have been the question Disney execs were asking themselves when they green-lit the project which eventually made its way to the big screen in the form of Big Hero Six.
I recently got the chance to see this latest vehicle from Disney Animation, and I thought I'd share a few impressions. Are these new heroes "big enough" to go toe to toe with their more well-known counterparts? Read on and find out.
Big Hero Six takes place in the futuristic imaginary city of San Fransokyo. Disney's rendering of the cityscape, as well as the film as a whole, is positively gorgeous and the film certainly should impress all but the most jaded of computer generated viewers. No surprise there. But the film's aesthetics let you know right up front that this is no ordinary super hero film. Almost every other film in this genre features live actors mixed in with CG effects. But Big Hero Six is 100% animated. It's an obvious difference, but one worth noting, because it brings the film into slightly different territory. Instead of focusing on realism, a high body count, and bone-crunching fights, Big Hero is a bit of a softer, gentler movie. The bad guys aren't quite as bad and the heroes are quite a bit more noble, in general, than many of the "warts and all" films we've become accustomed to seeing in these types of films. I think that makes it a little more accessible to those who might not be enamored with the typical whiz bang smash up of most standard super hero fare.
Incredible Heroes?
The film which is Big Hero Six's closest cinematic cousin would have to be The Incredibles. Like Big Hero, The Incredibles revolved around a group of people working together to foil the plans of an evil genius. Also like The Incredibles, there is quite a bit of high tech gadgetry thrown in, though Big Hero takes it up several robotic notches. Where they differ is the fact that the animation in Big Hero is more realistic and the characters less cartoony. The people here are certainly not meant to be photorealistic (that usually comes across as sorta creepy in CG animated films anyway), but they are more human than the Parr family and most of the characters from Pixar movies.
There is also a decidedly Asian feel to this film (if you couldn't guess it from the setting name of "San Fransokyo"). It's not exactly little China or little Japan, but the story certainly emphasizes the Asian influences in the cultural backdrop of the film. The main character, the aptly named Hiro, is a stereotypically Asian-American kid who is a genius when it comes to inventing robots and new technology. With his parents deceased, he leans on his older brother Tadashi for support and guidance. They do have an Aunt whom they live with, but it is really Tadashi who is the father figure in the family.
The relationship between Hiro and Tadashi is instrumental in understanding what makes this film work. Tadashi really is Hiro's "hero". Ultimately Hiro's growing up has a lot to do with becoming more like his older brother who sees technology as a means to help other people as opposed to a way to get what you want, which is how Hiro thinks of it at the beginning of the film.
Unfortunately, Tadashi moves out of the picture fairly early in the film and it is up to his invention, the robot Baymax, to carry on where he left off. Tadashi created Baymax to help deal with people's medical problems and he initially functions as a friendly care-giver to Hiro. But as Hiro's problems and challenges grow more intense, Hiro uses his amazing mind to transform Baymax into a flying, fighting machine who becomes more of a body guard and big bad bruiser than a nurse.
Are you satisfied with your care?
The personality of Baymax is one of the more unique and delightful accomplishments of this movie. He is quirky and awkward at times in his roll as a giant "battle bot" but his innocence and genuine care for Hiro make him terribly endearing. He reminds me of E.T. in the sense that Hiro becomes sort of his teacher and guide, but he ends up learning a lot more from Baymax than he would have expected.
The other heroes in the Big Hero lineup, who are drawn from Tadashi's brainy classmates are certainly fun and memorable and very easy to relate to. It's interesting to note that, in the vein of Iron Man, everyone in this movie, including the villain, draws their powers from technological marvels, not from any innate ability. No mutants, no gamma rays, just smart kids willing to suit up with their inventions and take on the bad guys. The rest of the team's motivation (at least initially) comes from wanting to help out Hiro than from any bravado on their parts.
I'll let you discover more about the other four heroes on your own, but suffice it to say that with names like Honey Lemon, Wasabi, Go Go Tomago, and Fred, there are some colorful and quirky personalities on the team (ok, so maybe Fred is a little bit of an underwhelming name for a hero, but he's mostly there for comic relief). They also get along a lot better than The Avengers and help keep Hiro's moral compass pointing in the right direction.
This is a wonderful film. I'd recommend this for anyone except small children (who might be a bit frightened by the battle scenes). Even if the storyline isn't full of twists and turns, the strong undercurrent of family, friendship, and doing the right thing even when it's tough runs through this film as strong as the flying, whooshing robot who graces most of the scenes. It's a fresh take on the super hero genre where we get Heroes with a capital "H" and not just another romp with mega men who can smash through walls. The lovable Baymax and the nobility of Tadashi are the movie's high points.
If you like gadgets and films with a heart, this one might be a Big Winner Six for you. Check it out.


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Scottish Gender Recognition reforms – deadline for responses to the consultation is Tuesday 17th March 2020
On 19th December 2019 the Scottish Government published its proposals – which we hoped they had ditched – for reforms to the process of gender recognition in Scotland. The outcome of the consultation on the Bill will have an effect on proposals for similar English legislation.
Despite strenuous protests from feminists, mothers and fair-minded people, the proposals include "gender self-ID".
The Bill for consultation is here.
The Scottish Gov's consultation questionnaire is here.
Fair Play For Women has produced suggested responses to reject firmly any notion that gender self-ID is acceptable to women. Anyone can submit a response to the Scottish consultation.
Action: Please print out and complete with your details page 1 of the Scot Gov's paper form. Then print out page 2. Then send them together in an envelope to: Gender Recognition Reform, Room GW-15, St Andrew's House, Regent Road, Edinburgh EH1 3DG.
Alternatively copy and paste the answers on page 2 into the appropriate spaces in the on-line Scottish Gov questionnaire which is here.
Deadline for submitting responses is Tuesday 17th March. I have completed mine.
[E&W] Gender Recognition Act changes halted after child fears
by Steven Swinford, Deputy Political Editor – The Times
At present NHS rules enable children to start gender transition treatment before puberty without their parents' support.
Ministers are expected to drop plans to make it easier for people to change their gender [in England and Wales] amid concerns about the impact on children.
The government will formally respond to a public consultation on updating the Gender Recognition Act by the summer. The consultation, which was launched in 2018 by Theresa May, proposed to change the law so that people would be able to officialy transition simply by making a declaration of their gender.
At present they have to receive a medical diagnosis, appear before a specialist panel, and wait for two years for legal recognition of their new gender. They also have to pay a £140 fee.
The proposals to change the Gender Recognition Act have met with criticism from some feminist groups, whose members are concerned about the prospect of trans people being able to use single-sex spaces.
Ministers are also concerned about the impact the proposals could have on children, who are being helped to transition while still developing their "decision-making capabilities".
At present NHS rules enable children to start gender transition treatment before puberty without their parents' support. Children unhappy with their birth gender can begin treatment after as few as three therapeutic assessments. They can discuss treatments separately from their parents and are encouraged to self-define their status and to develop "autonomy" in decision-making. Interventions include hormone blockers to suppress puberty and, later, cross-sex hormone therapy. The average age at which children begin such treatments is 14, but some are as young as 12.
NHS England has ordered an independent review into the use of puberty suppressant drugs and cross-sex hormones. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (Nice), which is responsible for clinical practice guidelines in England and Wales, has also been asked to develop guidance for the first time about referring children to gender identity services.
Existing NHS treatment draws heavily on international guidelines that recommend approaches in care for gender dysphoria.
An NHS contract with the Tavistock & Portman Trust, issued in 2016, says that it will "conform" or "broadly conform" to standards of care issued by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) in 2012. These say that they reflect the best available science and "professional consensus". The Tavistock Trust works with children and young people with gender identity issues.
However, Gene Feder, professor of primary care at the University of Bristol and an expert in clinical guidelines, said that these fall far below the benchmark for British healthcare guidelines used by Nice and that he would not recommend their use.
Fair Cop judgment gives partial court win and victory for free speech
BBC 14th Feb 2020 : Harry Miller: Police probe into 'transphobic' tweets unlawful
On 14th February 2020, the judgement in the case of Harry Miller ("Fair Cop") was delivered. The judge found that Mr Miller's allegedly "transphobic" tweets were lawful and that the conduct of Humberside Police in visiting him at his place of work and warning him was disproportionate. The police had wrongly interfered with his right to freedom of speech.
But the more substantial action, a wider challenge to the legality of the College of Policing's guidelines on "hate crimes", was rejected.
These define a hate incident as "any non-crime incident which is perceived, by the victim or any other person, to be motivated by a hostility or prejudice against a person who is transgender or perceived to be transgender".
Mr Justice Julian Knowles rejected Mr Miller's challenge against the guidelines, ruling they "serve legitimate purposes and [are] not disproportionate".
The guidelines are problematic because the complainant does not have to provide evidence of any actual harm nor is there a test of "reasonableness" – what a reasonable independent person would understand about the action that is complained of. The guidelines assume that a "hate incident" has been committed on the sole allegation of a complainant, not a "victim". The use of the word "victim" implies that a "hate incident" has occurred. Thus the guidelines are defective and the bar to proof of a "hate incident" is set far too low.
Mr Miller has appealed against the ruling about the College of Policing guidance and permission has been granted for the case to go straight to the Supreme Court.


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[ Cubans are to be allowed unrestricted access to mobile phones for the first time, in the latest reform announced under new President Raul Castro.
In a statement in official newspaper Granma, state telecom monopoly ETECSA said it would offer mobile services to the public in the next few days. ]
[ Now Cubans will be able to subscribe to pre-paid mobile services under their own names, instead of going through foreigners or in some cases their work places.
However, the new service must be paid for in foreign currency, which will restrict access to wealthier Cubans.
ETECSA says the revenues will be used to fund telecommunications development in Cuba. ]
Friday, March 28, 2008
Cuba lifts curbs on mobile phones
Labels: Cuba, March 2008, mobile phones
1 comment:
- Frank Partisan said...
Reforms like that should have taken place quicker.
Now is the time to expand socialism, and democracy. If Raul goes to the Chinese model, the Cubans can say goodbye to free healthcare and schooling.
- March 28, 2008 at 4:26 PM
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


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Why we cover tea trees by the black sheet?
When you visit the green tea production site especially Kyoto, you can see the tea trees covered by the black sheet. Why we cover?
Short answer is to produce high quality Japanese green tea such as Gyokuro, Kabuse-cha and Tencha (Tea leaves of matcha). By covering the black sheet, the tea leaves can sustain and increase the amount of Theanine, a kind of amino acid and the key of the taste. The balance between Theanine and Catechin is the key to the taste, that is sweetness/umami and bitterness/astringency. By covering with black sheets, we can control the amount of Theanine that becomes Catechin. To achieve the high quality of Gyokuro, we cover with black sheet around 20 days.
Theanine has the relaxing effects . Also in a study, Theanine was proven that it can provide a composition for improving and/or preventing dementia, particularly dementia associated with senescence and the like.
In addition to it, the color of the leaves can be changed a lot by covering. The picture shows the difference. All tea trees in the picture are same species and only difference is whether the trees were covered or not. Trees in forehand was covered by more than 10 days. The color became much more darker.
left side was not covered.
The color is also the important factors for the tea market. In general, the dark green one is much more expensive than others because the dark color means the leaves contain a lot of Theanine, a source of rich taste.
Only skilled farmers can achieve the best balance of Theanine and Catechin. Although covering requires a lot of work, the process can create the right amount of umami in the tea leaves.
After we covered for 14 days, we harvested Tencha at July 13th.
You can enjoy our this year matcha as matcha latte in d:matcha cafe & kitchen in Wazuka Kyoto.
d:matcha Kyoto Cafe & Kitchen
17 Kyomachi Kamatsuka Wazuka-cho Souraku-gun Kyoto-fu Japan
Copy right 2017. JUly 28th Daiki Tanaka


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Source: Hindustan times
Andy Gu, vice-president of Midea Group at a press conference in New Delhi announcing investment of Rs 800 crore for a manufacturing facility near Pune.(Handout photo)
Placing India high in its scheme of things, Chinese appliance maker Midea on Friday announced a Rs 800 crore investment to set up a manufacturing facility in Pune.
The unit will have a production line for appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines and water appliance products. Spread over 43 acres in Pune, the facility will employ 500 people and be operational by 2018-end.
Besides, Midea would also set up an R&D centre, which will develop India specific products, and invest into manufacturing of key components as compressors and water pumps through group's parts and components divisions GMCC and Welling at Pune.
"India is a key market in our global growth strategy and will be an important manufacturing hub in future," Andy Gu, Midea Group vice-president, said.
He added: "Our investment is an example of Midea's belief in the Indian market and reiterates our commitment to Make in India."
The new facility will also provide export opportunity to the company besides meeting domestic demand. It will have capacity to manufacture 5 lakh refrigerators, 6 lakh washing machines and 10 lakh water appliances.
"We are also going to invest into key component manufacturing as 4 to 5 millions compressors and we are also going to build motors for our appliances, probably 6 millions," he added.
Midea group's part and component divisions GMCC, which is world's one of the largest compressor manufacturers, will invest into the facility.
"This would be part of the Rs 800 crore investment. This would start with for airconditoners but it would also be for refrigerators later," he added.
On being asked that how the company would establish in the segment which is highly competitive now, Gu said: "The Indian market has huge space for growth as the penetration level in India is very low in appliance segment and we are confident."
Besides, Midea would explore export opportunities from here although it would primarily focus on the domestic market.
"When we set up a factory, we also look into possibility of export business," he added.
Founded in 1968 in Guangdong, China, Midea had a sales revenue of nearly $24 billion in 2016. It is a leading global player in consumer appliances, HVAC systems and robotics and industrial automation systems.
In 2012, Midea had formed a joint venture with US-based heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems - Carrier Midea India Private Limited (CMI) and has a pan-India distribution network for air-conditioners.


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CT and MRI scans can be used to rule out the possibility of other brain diseases besides Parkinson's disease (e.g., cerebrovascular disorders and brain tumors).
Your doctor might also perform a test called an MIBG myocardial scintigraphy, which is used to examine the condition of sympathetic nerves in the heart. For this, you take a test agent containing a substance called metaiodobenzylguanidine, which is similar to norepinephrine (also called noradrenaline). The degree to which this agent collects in the heart is then assessed using images. It is known that this agent does not collect in the heart in Parkinson's disease patients, and this fact is used as a reference in making a diagnosis.
Parkinson's DiseaseWhat are the diagnostic criteria for Parkinson's disease?
The diagnosis of Parkinson's disease starts with a neurologist interviewing the patient about their medical history. If, based on this, Parkinson's disease is suspected, tests are conducted to investigate brain and muscular abnormalities. Diagnostic Imaging, blood tests, and urine analysis are performed to make sure it is not another disease, and the results are checked against diagnostic criteria. If the criteria are met, a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease is made.
Flow of Parkinson's disease diagnosis
Medical History review
Patients are asked first what kind of symptoms they have.Below are the main questions a doctor will ask. It is recommended to prepare notes in advance so that correct answers to questions can be provided, as they are all important for making a diagnosis.
Questions commonly asked when diagnosing Parkinson's disease
- What kinds of symptoms do you have?
- When did the symptoms start and how long have they lasted?
- Have the symptoms changed?
- What diseases have you had before, and do you have any diseases now?
- Are you taking any medications now (including over the counter drugs a. health foods)? If you have a record book of medications taken (known in Japan as an Okusuri-Techo), take it with you to the exam.
- What diseases have your family members had? In particular, has anyone in your family ever shown the same symptoms?
- Have you ever had an allergic reaction to medication? If so, what was the name of that medication?
Testing for Parkinson's disease
The exam for Parkinson's disease is based on the review of your medical history, but diagnostic imaging may be used to rule out other diseases that are easily mistaken for Parkinson's disease.
Diagnostic imaging
CT and MRI scans can be used to rule out the possibility of other brain diseases besides Parkinson's disease (e.g., cerebrovascular disorders and brain tumors).
In January 2014, a testing procedure called dopamine transporter (DAT) became available in Japan. DAT is a protein that encourages the recycling of the dopamine that is used to send signals in the brain. This test discriminates between conditions such as Parkinson's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies by visualizing the workings of DAT.


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Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix in numbers
What's burning up the track
1:50.041 | The fastest time a driver has completed a lap in the Marina Bay Street Circuit. This record is held by Daniel Ricciardo of Red Bull Racing.
2 | The number of drivers — Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello — who have raced in 300 grands prix or more. Jenson Button is set to join this league when he races in the Malaysian Grand Prix in just over two weeks' time.
4 | The number of times Sebastian Vettel (Scuderia Ferrari) has emerged as champion in the Singapore Grand Prix, making him the most successful driver in this segment of the F1 calendar.
9 | The number of years the Singapore Grand Prix has been running since its debut in 2008.
23 | Number of corners drivers are expected to tackle on the Marina Bay Street Circuit. This number is greater than any other track on the F1 calendar.
61 | The number of laps drivers will tackle in the Singapore Grand Prix.
200 | The upcoming race will mark Nico Rosberg's (of Mercedes Formula One) 200th grand prix start.
308.828km | The total race distance of the Marina Bay Street Circuit.
4,880 | The approximate number of gear changes an F1 driver makes during the Singapore Grand Prix.


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Fit Organic Dishwasher Gel, Free and Clear
Leaves dishes sparkling. USDA organic. Organically removes tough stuck-on food. OTCO. Certified organic by Oregon Tilth. Fit Organic Dishwasher Gel dissolves tough baked-on food residue, making your dishes shine! Unlike other so-called natural brands, Fit Organic Dishwasher Gel contains no artificial surfactants and no synthetic preservatives. Instead, we make an organic natural soap liquid the way it was done over a hundred years ago. We start with only certified organic plant-based oils and mix them together with natural minerals to create our unique formulation. Fit Organic Dishwasher Gel is also enzyme free. Fit Organic Dishwasher Gel doesn't use harsh chemicals such as bleach or phosphates which have been known to harm the environment. GMO free. Not animal tested. All Fit Organic ingredients are from natural sources. Enzyme free. No artificial surfactants. Contains no phosphates. Non-toxic. Safe for septic tanks. Questions? www.fitorganic.com. Made in USA.


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LOST LEGACY - "In The Name Of Freedom" - Cover, Tracklist, Release Date: 20th March 2020
05.02.2020Release News
The release date of the of the new album "In The Name Of Freedom" by the US-Metal Band LOST LEGACY on CD is March 20th, 2020. The pre-order phase will start on March 6th, 2020 in our webshop.
LOST LEGACY hails from The Bronx in New York City, and have rocked their fans for over two decades. Following their self-released album "The Aftermath", they are welcomed at PURE STEEL with their second work "In The Name Of Freedom".
Lost Legacy plays classic Power Metal, similar to the likes of METAL CHURCH and VICIOUS RUMORS. The band recently opened for METAL CHURCH 2019 in a U.S. tour. The band has two guitarists, Jorge Pulido and Scott Bennett, a bass player Jochen Wittlinger, drummer AJ Spinelli and an amazing singer David Franco. His extraordinary vocals are bringing LOST LEGACY above many other bands in the that genre.
This latest release from these US metalers, delivers classic metal with a fantastic twin guitar assault that blends heavy melodic riffs, intellectual musicianship and a superb singer.
Pzychopart - https://www.facebook.com/Pzychopart/
1. Rise To Glory
2. My Faith
3. Front Line
4. In The Name Of Freedom
5. Take Me Away
6. Enough Is Enough
7. Will You Remember
8. Rules Of Engagement
Total Playing Time: 45:51 min
Dave Franco – vocals
Jorge Pulido – lead-, rhythm guitars
Scott Bennett – lead-, rhythm guitars
Jochen Wittlinger – bass
AJ Spinelli – drums
special guests:
Tom Tulotta – keys, guitar harmony on "My Faith"
Rick Chiarello – piano on "Rise To Glory"


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16 of the best wooden toys
Trains, tea sets, carousels, skittles: whatever their shape or size, the best wooden toys have a timeless, top-quality appeal
There's something quite special about a beautifully crafted wooden toy. True, they often cost a little more than their plastic equivalents but they look gorgeous and feel so appealing to little (and big!) hands. And they'll withstand lots of rough-and-ready play – often from a whole succession of siblings.
Here's our pick of the best wooden toys, as rated and tested by children…
1. Melissa and Doug Cutting Food Wooden Playset, £14.99 – best for fine-motor skills
Age: 3-5 years
Awards: MadeForMums Toy Awards 2019 Best Wooden Toy – Gold
What it is: A 17-piece set of wooden play food with a knife. The whole set comes with a wooden crate (30.1cm x 28.3cm x 5.3 cm) to store the pieces in. Each "slice" of food has Velcro on it, so the pieces can stick together and can be easily cut.
Why we love it: We love how beautifully made this set is. The detail on the wooden food looks pretty realistic, too.
Lindsay, MFM tester and mum to Evelyn, age 4, says, "My daughter loved it. It's a learning toy which will teach them the safety of knives and how to chop up food." The tray it comes with is as good quality as the food, too.
Another MFM tester, Natasha, mum to Ethan, age 4, says, "My son said, 'I like chop-chopping it. The melon is my favourite, because it's my shop and I sell all the food. And I make sandwiches for Daddy'."
Available from: Amazon and Bright Minds
Latest deals from trusted retailers
2. Wooden Kids Play Mud Kitchen, £199.99 – best for outdoor play
Age: 3-6 years
Awards: MadeForMums Toy Awards 2019 Best Wooden Toy – Silver
What it is: A wooden, treated – so safe for outdoor use – mud kitchen (measuring 88cm x 81cm x 46cm) with a working sink. It includes 2 hobs, 1 sink, and 4 clicking dials. Pots and pans sold separately.
Why we love it: We love the water function! When children push down on the tap, water comes out. The water is then drained back into the tank, and used cyclically. It is also a beautiful toy – which is a bonus, since it's pretty big and will be in your garden.
Christy, MFM Consumer & Reviews Editor, and mum to Audrey, age 4, and Claudia, age 6, says, "I think this is great value (at the reduced £69.99 price). It feels quite sturdy, so as long as we treat it every 6 months it should last a long time. Being wooden means it's more eco-friendly and easier to update with a fresh coat of paint than a plastic garden toy. The water feature is a real bonus, as it keeps them away from the (forbidden!) hosepipe when they're playing in the garden."
Available from: Studio Retail
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3. MURO, £195 – best for variety
Age: 1 to 5
What it is: A large, shape-shifting, modular play centre, made from birch and rubber wood, developed with educational psychologists. Essentially a super high-quality busy board, with cogs and pegs and wheels and switches and beads – and all sorts (you get to choose). Available as a 40cm floor cube or wall board (75cm x 40cm).
Why we love it: It's colourful, durable and packed with so many different things to touch and move and play with that it more than lives up to its price tag.
Appeals to a wide range of ages (1 tester even reported her 8-year-old enjoying it). We think this one's a keeper.
Heather, MFM tester and mum to Brooke, age 2, says, "WE LOVE IT! Easy to put together, it's sturdy and substantial – perfect for inquisitive toddlers. The entertainment value is priceless: we can see Brooke really using her imagination and learning new skills. We've all (the big kids, too) been playing for hours."
Our testers also noted its longlasting, sturdy credentials.
Tania, MFM tester and mum to Ella, 3, adds, "You can tell it's been made with care, and would last a long time. I was very impressed with the quality. Ella's very excited by all the colours and trying to work out what each thing does."
Available from: Muro
Latest deals from trusted retailers
4. Fishing Around Wooden Fishing Game, £25 – best for multiple players
Age: 3+
Awards: MadeForMums Toy Awards 2019 Best Wooden Toy – Bronze
What it is: This brightly coloured fishing game comes with 10 wooden fish (10cm long) with elastic loops, 2 fishing rods, a dice, and instructions. Everything is coloured with non-toxic inks, and made from FSC-certified wood.
Why we love it: We love that there are a variety of different ways to play this game, meaning you can adjust the difficulty levels as your child grows. You can roll the dice to see which fish needs to be caught next, or simply use it as a simple fishing game.
Laura, MFM tester and mum to Darcie, age 4, says, "Great-quality fish and rods, nice and chunky for smaller children. Colours are amazing – really eye-catching. Although my 4-year-old loved the game, she struggled to get the hooks on, and many have a magnet option to get them started."
Rachel, MFM tester and mum to Teddy, age 4, and Herbie, age 3, says, "My two boys were able to play happily together without our assistance – keeping them occupied while I got on with other things! Great for teaching colours and improving controlled hand-eye coordination. The fact that it's wooden makes us love it even more!"
Available from: Kidly, John Lewis and Petit Collage
Latest deals from trusted retailers
5. My 1st Years Personalised Colourful Wooden Xylophone Toy, £22 – best for a gift
Age: 3+
What it is: A 31cm wooden xylophone with brightly coloured keys. Comes with free personalisation (up to 2 lines of 12 characters), and a natty gift box.
Why we love it: It's lovely to look at and very well-made – and we particularly like how you can have 2 lines of personalisation to make it really special. This would make a beautiful gift.
Available from: Not On The High Street
Latest deals from trusted retailers
6. Brio Smart Tech Engine Set with Action Tunnels, £79.99 – best for train fans
Age: 3+
What it is: A small but perfectly formed train set with 'action' tunnels that react to the train going under them by starting and stopping it, changing its direction and speed, honking its horn and flashing its lights. Comes with engine and carriage, buffer, 3 tunnels, 9 pieces of track, a bridge and a little figure. Requires 2 x AA batteries (not included).
Why we love it: Our testers were all wowed by the 'action' tunnels – and we liked the solidity and versatility of the track (made from FSC-certified wood).
It's a pricey but high-quality buy. Samantha, MFM tester and mum to Lily, 3, says, "Lily loves playing with this train set. The tunnels are very clever in how they make the train make noise, stop and reverse! She plays with it for hours, rearranging the track and the tunnels."
Available from: Amazon and John Lewis
Latest deals from trusted retailers
7. Le Toy Van Honeybake Cafe Machine, £30 – best for role play
Age: 3+
What it is: A brightly-painted mini (19cm x 11cm x 21cm) replica coffee machine, with 2 wooden cups, spoon, 'milk frother' and a selection of coloured pods to place inside the removable filter.
Why we love it: This toy has the most gorgeous (water-based-paint) detailing and is perfect for old-school role-play. Our child testers loved choosing which colour pods to slot in to make a flavoured latte for their parents. Only down side is: the coffee's not real!
Available from: Amazon
Latest deals from trusted retailers
8. Petit Collage Wooden Ferris Wheel, £32 – best for small world play
Age: 3+
What it is: A 35cm-high moving wooden Ferris wheel with a crank handle. Comes with 3 painted solid beech wooden characters which fit inside the carriages, and a built-in bead abacus to count the spins.
Why we love it: Our parent testers thought this was absolutely beautiful, being both sturdy and good-looking, and actually even better for the under-3s.
The abacus is a nice educational touch, allowing young learners to count the spins or 'tickets' for each ride.
Available from: Hurn and Hurn and Not On The High Street
Latest deals from trusted retailers
9. Le Toy Van Petit Activity Cube, £29 – best for babies and toddlers
Age: 12 months+
What it is: A 13cm wooden activity cube with plenty of bits & bobs for little fingers to play with. Features 6 different activities including sliding birds, spinning wheels and cogs, and a xylophone.
Why we love it: Long-lasting and beautifully made with a cute woodland theme, little ones will love exploring all the different activities in the cube.
Available from: Amazon and Look Again
Latest deals from trusted retailers
10. Melissa & Doug Car Transporter, £14.99 – best for car fans
Age: 3+
What it is: A 35cm-long wooden truck with split-level transporter attachment and 4 cars. The top level hinges back to create a ramp for loading and unloading the cars.
Why we love it: Sturdy, stylish and simple, yet – what with pushing the cars up and down the ramp, and raising and lowering the top level – there's lots to keep little hands busy.
Available from: Amazon and Smyths Toys
Latest deals from trusted retailers
11. Hape Quadrilla Space City Marble Run, £75.99 – best for children aged 6 and over
Age: 6+
What it is: A 54cm x 13cm x 34cm wooden marble run, with 176 pieces, that comes with glow-in-the-dark stickers and both regular and glow-in-the-dark marbles. Pieces include a cosmic dome, glowing loops, curved rails, bases and a marble pool. Can be built into a variety of different runs, using the colour-coded blocks. Comes with an instruction booklet.
Why we love it: This marble run is both beautiful and cool to construct, and you can either interconnect them using the ideas in the booklet or free-build using your imagination. It was a huge hit with all our child testers who found the set exciting to build, and 'awesome' when played in the dark!
Available from: Argos and Amazon
Latest deals from trusted retailers
12. Classic World Carpenter Box, £24 – best for construction lovers
Age: 3+
What it is: This 24cm x 13cm x 13cm set, made of sustainable wood, contains a hammer, spanner, screws, bolts, wood pieces and screw driver.
Why we love it: We really like the range of tools in this box – the stuff of great carpentry imaginings, as well as good and proper fine-motor-control play, tightening screws and so on.
Available from: Kidly
Latest deals from trusted retailers
13. Grimms 6 Piece Wooden Rainbow, £24.50 – best for versatile play
Age: 3+
What it is: This 17cm x 6.5cm x 9cm rainbow is carved from a single piece of lime wood and each of the 6 rainbow blocks are hand-painted in different colours.
Why we love it: It looks beautiful and is a really versatile toy: you can use the rainbow pieces as a bridge, tunnel, or winding path or even as a baby doll's cot or wooden animal shelter. A toy with many open-ended play possibilities.
Available from: Babipur
Latest deals from trusted retailers
14. Melissa and Doug Beginner Band Set, £30 – best for music toys
Age: 3+
What it is: A colourful music set including xylophone, castanets, a kazoo, a harmonica, and a jingle stick, all in a wooden storage crate.
Why we love it: We particularly like the cute xylophone and the jingle stick: a colourful and nicely made beginner music set.
Latest deals from trusted retailers
15. Kawan Rubberwood Stacker and Pull Toy, £36 – best for stacking and sorting
Age: 2+
What it is: A 15cm rubberwood duck pull along that also features stacking rings and head.
Why we love it: It's such a beautiful toy and it's been made with sustainable materials. It's also just the right size for toddler hands: our testers kept coming back to this one…
16. Great Litle Trading Co Piccolo Play Café, £65 – best for creative play
Age: 3+
What it is: A small but perfectly formed wooden café, with a pizza oven, hob, and an array of Italian meal ingredients for little chefs to create. Also comes with 2 plates, 2 bowls, and a full set of seasonngs and condiments including a twisting pepper grinder and bottle of olive oil.
Why we love it: There are cheaper, large plastic alternatives, but this sturdy countertop café is beautifully made, and we feel the quality really offers value. The attention to detail, such as a pepper mill that makes authentic grinding sounds, and a grater to finish off your pasta with a sprinkle of parmesan, is fantastic.
MFM consumer and reviews editor, and mum of 2, Christy, says, "We assembled this in about 15 minutes, and the kids (4 and 6) immediately spent a happy hour serving us up 'meals'. Each ingredient is individually wrapped, so they loved discovering what each one was. The café is smaller than they expected it to be, but you get lots of accessories, which means they can make a new creation each time, and so spend quite a long time playing with this."
Although it's not a cheap buy, it feels strong enough to last several children, if you can keep all the pieces together.
Available from: Great Little Trading Co


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Talks & Ideas
Ideas to challenge, inform and inspire
Sydney Opera House's year-round Talks & Ideas program has featured appearances by some of the biggest names in current affairs and contemporary culture, from canonical novelist and essayist Zadie Smith to New York Times bestselling author Michael Pollan, Grand Designs host Kevin McCloud, celebrity chef Yotam Ottolenghi, Brandon Stanton (Humans of New York), philosopher Alain de Botton, scientist Stephen Hawking, artist Yoko Ono, and podcast host Ira Glass, among many others.
In addition to year-round events tackling the big questions of our time, the Sydney Opera House Talks & Ideas program features annual festivals All About Women, Antidote and its own successful podcast series, It's A Long Story.
An extensive back catalogue of our events and festivals is available iTunes and on the Talks & Ideas YouTube channel.
All About Women
Designed to make you think and push your boundaries, All About Women is a vibrant day that asks questions about gender, justice and equality.
All About Women
Designed to make you think and push your boundaries, All About Women is a vibrant festival that asks questions about gender, justice and equality.
Speakers have included Nobel Peace Prize-winner from Liberia, Leymah Gbowee, scientist Giulia Enders, film icon Geena Davis, writers Roxane Gay and Helen Garner, activist Rosie Batty and artist Miranda July.
The festival began in 2013 with the aim of looking for ways to bring more women of ideas into public conversations. This has only become more important since then, as the movement has expanded to include the latest thinking on intersectionality, #metoo, Trump, climate justice, and the curious and contested politics of singledom and relationships.
Sick of the state of things? You're invited to become the Antidote at our festival of ideas, action and change.
Launched in 2017, Antidote brings remarkable speakers, thinkers and creators together with their life changing ideas to challenge the march of alternative facts. Our focus is the impact an individual can have on their local and global worlds when they seek to bring hope.
Past speakers include Ronan Farrow, Chelsea Manning, Maureen Dowd, Ta-Nehisi Coates, Marwa Al-Sabouni, Jonathon Drori and more.
The third annual Antidote took over the Opera House on Sunday 1 September 2019.
Antidote - A festival of ideas, action and change
Antidote is a festival of ideas, action and change, with a potentially life-changing lineup of remarkable speakers, thinkers and creators.
Festival Of Dangerous Ideas
The Festival of Dangerous Ideas (FODI) was co-founded by The Ethics Centre and the Sydney Opera House in 2009. It was presented at the Sydney Opera House for eight years until 2016.
FODI was independently presented by The Ethics Centre on Cockatoo Island in 2018. For more information, click here.
It's A Long Story
It's A Long Story uncovers the formative moments from the childhoods and early careers of some of the world's leading thinkers and culture creators. Extraordinary speakers come to share their ideas from the Opera House's stages. This series asks the questions 'How did they get here?' and 'Why are these ideas important to them?' This generates a series of fascinating and revelatory conversations.
Guests include such as Henry Rollins, Jad Abumrad, Fran Lebowitz, Kevin McCloud, Yotam Ottolenghi, Marwa Al Sabouni and more.
The current edition is hosted by Edwina Throsby. It's a Long Story is produced at the Sydney Opera House as part of the Talks and Ideas program. Previous hosts include Emily Nicol, Marc Fennell, Fenella Kernebone, Ann Mossop and Hamish MacDonald.
It's a Long Story was a 2019 finalist in the Australian Podcast awards for Best Interview Show.
Listen to It's a Long Story - Podcast
Hear the stories behind the big ideas of some of Sydney Opera House's most influential and acclaimed guests. Listen here.
Dr Edwina Throsby, Head of Talks & Ideas
Respected producer, director and curator Edwina Throsby joined the Sydney Opera House as Head of Talks & Ideas in August 2017.
The former Head of Curation of TEDxSydney, Throsby has dedicated her 20-year career to bringing complex topics and stories to the broadest possible audience across platforms and media. In her three years overseeing the artistic and creative vision for TEDxSydney, the ideas festival grew to almost 130,000 attendees, millions of online views and more than 150 satellite events.
Prior to TEDxSydney, Throsby founded and produced the ABC's flagship multi-platform ideas program, Big Ideas, hosted by Tony Jones, which quickly expanded from ABC2 to the main ABC network and ABC News 24.
Throsby has worked as a documentary filmmaker, garnering the Best Documentary award at Flickerfest (2008) and Best Documentary Short award at Melbourne International Film Festival (2008) for Dance Like Your Old Man. She has also worked on esteemed news and current affairs programs, including Four Corners, Media Watch and Q&A.
Edwina recently completed her PhD in political science, writing her thesis on undecided voters in Australia.


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Welcome to our Blog, enjoy your stay!
A READING from: "In The Company of The Holy Mother"Â
(available at all Vedanta Centres)
Page 358
Swami Ishanananda:
That day the conversation dragged on till late at night. I said, "Mother, Kedar Maharaj says, 'Engage yourselves dilligently in these works, and then everything will come of its own accord'."
"You will work as a matter of course," Mother said approvingly. "The mind keeps well, when engaged in work. And yet japa, meditation, prayer also are specially needed. You must at least sit down once in the morning and again in the evening. That acts as a rudder to a boat. When one sits in meditation at evening, one gets a chance to think of what one has done - good or bad - during the whole day. Next one should compare the state of one's mind in the preceeding day and the present.
"Then one should meditate on one's chosen deity as one goes on making japa. In meditation the face of the chosen deity of course comes first; but one should meditate on the whole figure, starting from the feet upward. Unless you meditate in the mornings and evenings along with work, how can you know what you are actually doing?"
"Some, again, say," added I, "that work is of no avail; one can achieve one's end only through constant meditation."
"How did they know, what will be fruitful and what not?" asked Mother. "Does one get everything only by meditating for a few days? Nothing will be of any avail unless mahAmayA clears the way. Did you notice the other day, how one person trying hard at meditation, got his brain upset? If the head becomes unbalanced, then what remains?
"It is just like a screw being tight or loose. If a thread is too loose one becomes either mad or falls into the trap of mahA-mayA, and then considering oneself to be wise, one feels, 'I am all right.' Again, if the screw is tightened a bit the opposite way, then one is set on the right path and one gets peace and happiness."
(to be continued....)


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© Universal Pictures
Cats is such a unique and astonishing piece of art that turning it into a blockbuster movie was always going to be a bit of a gamble. With the first trailer released, the misgivings, cynicism and general bewilderment is a sight to behold. But we have a few questions we need answered next...
I don't think it's unfair to say that giving humanity the ability to make motion pictures was a mistake. Given the chance, one of us should go back to the 19th century and euthanise the Lumière brothers. Yes, we wouldn't get Citizen Kane or Casablanca or even The Devil Wears Prada, but we also wouldn't get Cats. I think it's safe to say that would be a price to pay.
After all, we'd still have books and the theatre, two media that Cats was appropriate for. Because both ask viewers to suspend reality a bit, use their imagination a pinch and believe, in the case of Andrew Lloyd Webber's furry Mardi Gras, that it's OK for us to be mildly attracted to a cat. On stage, the Jellicle cats are little more than a kind of feline Blue Man Group, a kind of high camp genderfuck drag troupe who sing ludicrous words by the man who also wrote The Waste Land.
The musical, as a result, is a perfect time capsule of a time in musical theatre where the songs came first, everything else came second and then finally a plot was introduced: the age of Chess, Jesus Christ Superstar and, lest we forget, Starlight Express. If you had a couple of bops and a ridiculous concept, nothing really needed to make sense. Cats really is the patron saint of this type of musical theatre: a good time that will both stimulate the senses of children and mildly arouse their parents. A powerful drug indeed.
Brought to cinema by Tom Hooper – a man who's never met an actor he didn't want to shoot in the corner of a frame – Cats was never going to be anything short of a clusterfuck. The question was: was it going to be Showgirls or was it going to be Sonic The Hedgehog? They've tried so hard to remind us that it's going to be OK, that the technology is incredible, that there's enough talent involved to bring this strange, plotless dreamscape to the silver screen. Then the trailer came out and it was very clear that everyone's urgings were as hollow as the eyes of every performer on screen.
If you've not seen the trailer, I implore that you watch it a few times. Out loud, with people you know – or maybe even people you don't – sort of how people in Armageddon sit around monitors and watch an asteroid heading to destroy earth. I then want you to sit with this article, and the questions presented below, and maybe hold a little seminar – or counselling session, either/or – with those near and dear to you.
© Universal Pictures
Have we pushed cinema to its logical limits? At a time when every commercial brand, app and John Mayer song is being expanded into a post-modern cinematic property, is it truly a musical featuring a character called Jennyanydots that has proved that we have reached the true capacity of what cinema can achieve? Should we, at this point, admit that we were making films the way China builds cities: as a display of power, to the interest of no one? Is this our Tower Of Babel moment? I would dare to call these questions understatements.
© Universal Pictures
Judi Dench, who took to the it's-going-to-be-the-next-Chicago-we-promise preview trailer to reveal that she had bowed out of the original cast of Cats and that this film, with the man who once brought us Russell Crowe chewing up the score of Les Misérables and spitting out all the vowels, was her chance to rectify a great loss in her career. Judi Dench, who, in the trailer, can briefly be seen lost in thought as she imagines what it would be like to have paws.
Judi Dench, a national treasure, who once made a documentary about trees and who you would have thought had got a sizeable enough pension at this point. This was supposed to be a big moment for her. Instead, she looks like that guy who gets put in a bear's skin at the end of Midsommar.
© Universal Pictures
Did Francesca Hayward see herself be introduced – the way Audrey Hepburn was once in Roman Holiday – and think, "I wish they wouldn't"? Did Rebel Wilson, cast as Lucille-Ball-playing-Garfield, think, "Was I cast for any other reason than the fact I'm not thin?" Did Ian McKellen see the trailer and think, "That two seconds of screen time is a bit much for my liking"? Did Jennifer Hudson see it and ask why she seems to be balding from the cheeks back? And did Zizi Strallen or Ray Winstone turn to Tom Hooper, who was desperately polishing his Oscar from better days, to say, "The amount of screen time you gave me in that trailer is... what I'm hoping for in the final product, actually."
© Universal Pictures
There seem to be multiple locations, scenes where people don't sing and other things suggesting some sort of narrative drive that nobody, not even TS Eliot, ever sought with this strange show about feline martyrdom. What's happening there? Will we have to sit through dialogue? Is that something they are expecting? Are they attempting to legitimise that Cats is anything other than an excuse to watch a bunch of quite good ballads and pop numbers with too many words, the way that my village panto is basically an excuse to watch former school teachers and the parents of friends rattle through some rock songs from their youth?
© Universal Pictures
Balls to the wall here: you've got some good songs and you've got a great choreographer in Andy Blankenbuehler. The musical numbers have the chance to be truly show-stopping and some of the performers do at least look comfortable in a way: Taylor Swift in particular seems to really be enjoying her scenes in the trailer and doesn't look entirely like somebody made some sort of mod for Kingdom Hearts. There's a reason they've chosen a cast so disparate that I'd be amazed if they all did press together at any point: because they're all talented, mostly with experience in theatre, music and dance. If you bring a cast together who actually all stand the chance to smash these performances, and smash them they absolutely could, then can we at least enjoy the idea that the movement and the singing could become seminal, ultimate versions of some musical standards? You have to hope.
© Universal Pictures
In the Nineties, Steven Spielberg was going to make a fully animated Cats. It never happened. Here we are, in the post-Lion King age of realism as the cinematic lord, and we are asked to believe that seeing people with completely human faces on completely feline bodies is the best possible decision for this movie. As if CGI and animation just don't exist and wouldn't have conveyed the camp, the drama and the spectacle of this musical absolutely beautifully. We could have had The Aristocats on acid, but instead we've got Jennifer Hudson on a cat's body like she's stuck her head through a hole in a board at the seaside. Realism is not the end goal for all things; re-creation of life is not necessarily the great artistic target for pieces of pure escapism. This is not Evita. This is not even The Phantom Of The Opera. Cats is a musical that never asked us to believe it is real life, in the same way that Lady And The Tramp never asked us to imagine what it would look like if dogs actually made out after eating Italian food.
Thus here we all are, waiting for an expensive movie full of people who see this as a chance to really prove their musical chops. Will I watch it? Only when it's added to aeroplane movie selections and, after two Bloody Marys and a lot of altitude-based hysteria, I proclaim it the greatest thing I've ever seen. Until then, there are too many ways this film could have worked and too many musicals that deserved a movie with a good director and stellar cast before this one. Life to the Everlasting Cat! Death to the ever-terrifying Cats.
The Lion King is a stunning work of nostalgia bait, but you've already seen it
The first look at the Kingsman prequel is dark and fabulously tailored
Meet the woman who can turn your house into a Kubrick film set


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Plastic automation company, Moretto has won an appeal over a dispute concerning their product KruiseKontrol.
The European Patent Office (EPO) has officially recognised Moretto's KruiseKontrol as the only fully automatic and intelligent plastic material conveying system in the world.
Competitors have tried to downplay the product as a simple inverter and in 2011 a competitor opposed the KruiseKontrol patent, losing the appeal two years later.
The machine creates optimum transport parameters for each polymer, once the user indicates the type of material that is about to be transported and inputs how many machines are to be fed.
Moretto has developed KruiseKontrol to control the velocity of each material, while controlling the speed inside the pipes without damaging it. The result is the total elimination of powder formation and the complete eradication of the "angel hair" phenomenon.
Operation of the system is simplified using touch screen controls.
"Moretto is aware of the added value that KruiseKontrol can offer to its customer. It has continued a research and development path that has introduced to the market an intelligent automated conveying solution and where KruiseKontrol 6, with ONE WIRE 6 integrated electronics, is the Revolution 4.0 in the transport of the plastic granule," explained Lee Thomas, Managing Director of TH Plastics.
"There are hundreds of customers who are enjoying KruiseKontrol's performance today. We want to thank them for putting their trust in Moretto, who will continue their passion for investing in innovation."


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The marja` is referred to by the scholars as, "the Shaikh, the Imam, the `Alim, the Faqih, the Scholar of Inheritance, the Complete Researcher and Authority, Unique Researcher of his time, former Mufti of the Hanbalis of Damascus."
Birth and Upbringing
Mustafa ibn Sa`d ibn `Abduh as-Suyuti ar-Ruhaibani ad-Dimishqi. Born in the hamlet of Ar-Ruhaibah in the year 1165 AH, he memorised the Qur'an and then set out almost immediately for Damascus at a young age.
The first teacher of the Imam was the great scholar, Imam Ahmad al-Ba`li (d. 1189 AH), whom he benefited from greatly and strived a great deal before Imam al-Ba`li died and he had to move to another teacher.
Learning and Authority
The next two teachers he moved to in Damascus were also marja` scholars and they were Imams Muhammad ibn Mustafa ibn Al-Lubadi an-Nabulsi (d. 1191 AH) – a marja` from the great hamlet of maraji`, namely Kafr Lubad – and Shaikh `Ali Afanda At-Taghtashani.
After benefiting from these men, he next moved to the Imam, Muhammad ibn `Ali as-Salimi and Shaikh Muhammad al-Kamili.
When looking at the curriculum of Ar-Ruhaibah and Damascus in fiqh and other areas, this is the shape of what the Imam studied after completing his work on the Qur'an and the readings in the six books of hadith:
Beg: Ad-Dalil ut-Talib Li-Nail il-Ma'arib Imam Mar`ii ibn Yusuf al-Karmi (d. 1033 AH). This is the standard foundational work in Sham while the scholars of the Gulf, Egypt lean heavily on Ar-Rawd ul-Murbi` by Imam Mansur al-Buhuti (d. 1051 AH).
Inter: Ghayat ul-Muntaha by Imam Mar`ii ibn Yusuf al-Karmi. This text was a joining between the original text of the author, Al-Muntaha, as well as the work Al-Iqna`, penned by the Palestinian giant, Imam Musa ibn Yahya al-Hajjawi (d. 968 AH).
Well known throughout Sham, Iraq, Egypt but is more dominant in Sham than in Egypt and the Gulf, which usually utilize Kash-shaf ul-Qina` by Imam Mansur al-Buhuti (d. 1051 AH) – top student of Imam Yahya al-Hajjawi (d. 1000 AH), the son and marja` successor of his father, Imam Musa al-Hajjawi (d. 968 AH).
Beg. and Inter: Lum`at ul-I`tiqad al-Hadi ila Sabil ir-Rishad by Imam Muwaffaq ud-Din Ibn Qudamah and its' associated commentaries. Most authorities and their students tend to study the bare text but to compare it with Imam Al-Balbani (d. 1083 AH) and sometimes progressing to the Nihayah of Imam Ibn Hamdan (d. 695 AH).
Beg. and Inter: In this area, Imam Mustafa ar-Ruhaibani consulted the works of Imams Muhammad Ahmad as-Saffarini (d. 1188 AH), Ibn al-Mabrid (d. 909 AH) as well as Badr ud-Din Al-Balbani (d. 1083 AH), may Allah have mercy upon all of them.
Imam Mustafa ar-Ruhaibani, like many of the Imams of his time and Maraji`, had no tariqah in tasawwuf, yet was a paragon of piety according to all accounts and biographies of him by contemporaries.
The Imam eventually was given permission to give rulings by Imam ash-Sharif Isma`il al-Jarra`ii (d. 1202 AH), who was the chief judge in Damascus and their Mufti up until his death.
Imam ar-Ruhaibani had a huge footprint in Islam and was declared to be marja` by his peers in his time and taught numerous maraji`, one of them being Imam Hasan ash-Shatti (d. 1275 AH).
The two maraji` came together and authored a text entitled, Al-Ghayah, a work dually authored and collected by the two authorities. The original work by Imam Ar-Ruhaibani was entitled Matalib Uwl in-Nuha Fi Sharhi Ghayat il-Muntaha, which was a large three or six (depending on print size) volume work that was an expansion of Imam Mar`ii ibn Yusuf al-Karmi's Ghayat ul-Muntaha.
Imam Hasan ash-Shatti's contribution to the text was his Tajrid Zawa'id il-Ghayah wash-Sharh, which further fleshed out the texts in the two works but also highlighted the differences between these two mountains of knowledge.
The works of the the Imam are some five or more which include the above fiqh text and also the following:
Tuhfat ul-`Ibadi Fima fil-Yawmi wal-Lailati min al-Awrad. This is at text that details the various supplications of a believer in his daily life from authentic sources in the Sunnah of our Messenger, Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.
Majmu`a Fatawa. A series of collected fatawa on numerous topics that is currently under scrutiny for printing. We ask Allah to speed the process and make these works available to us.
Notable rulings
Imam Mustafa as-Suyuti ar-Ruhaibani stated boldly and without apology that whoever made hajj and thought that this lifted from him the obligation of prayer and zakah should be asked to repent or if he was ignorant taught the truth. If he was to continue after that, the ruling of the Imam is that he is to be killed.
[Source: Matalib Uwl in-Nuha Fi Sharhi Ghayat il-Muntaha, vol.2, pp. 478-479]
Building on graves and making tawaf around them was seen as impermissible, rather than disliked, the stricter of the two positions narrated from Imam Musa al-Hajjawi.
[Source: Matalib Uwl in-Nuha Fi Sharhi Ghayat il-Muntaha, vol.2, pp. 146-147]
Women were not to be forbidden from visiting the graves, but it was still disliked as there was a fear that there may be wailing and the tearing of clothing in morning. It is here that the Imam took the more lenient position rather than prohibition.
[Source: Matalib Uwl in-Nuha Fi Sharhi Ghayat il-Muntaha, vol.2, pp. 159-160]
The dead know of those who visit them every second and not merely Friday, which is the most far ranging of most of the rulings of the scholars.
[Source: Matalib Uwl in-Nuha Fi Sharhi Ghayat il-Muntaha, vol.2, pp. 161-162]
One should recite Surahs such as Fatihah, Yasin, At-Takathur, Ikhlas, Falaq and Nas upon entering and in the graveyard, a practice that has its' origins in the first three generations.
Family connections and remembering one's loved ones was especially important to the Imam during the period of occupation in Sham from the French when sometimes people were stopped from going to the graves due to warfare.
[Source: Matalib Uwl in-Nuha Fi Sharhi Ghayat il-Muntaha, vol.2, pp. 161-162]
Jihad is a communal obligation and does not become an individual obligation. The point is important as the Imam himself was a warrior but never stated that most, all of the Ummah are obligated as we find today.
[Source: Matalib Uwl in-Nuha Fi Sharhi Ghayat il-Muntaha, vol.2, pp. 509-511]
Those innovators and people in cults are unbelievers in general but not individually until the judgments have been established and they have been evaluated; but these people in the groups, one is to fear for their souls.
[Source: Matalib Uwl in-Nuha Fi Sharhi Ghayat il-Muntaha, vol.6, pp. 200-203]
Imam Mustafa as-Suyuti ar-Ruhaibani died Friday 12 Rabi` ul-Akhir 1243 AH at 78 years of age and was prayed upon by all the scholars of the Ummayah Family Central Masjid and buried with the family of Imam Ibn `Abdul Baqi ad-Dimishqi.
We ask Allah to reward him and place him in the highest palaces of the Paradise for his leadership.


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Re., evolution: Is the distinction between competition and cooperation a false dichotomy? Answer, No! A false dichotomy only relates to picking one side or the other. I am suggesting both sides, or the synthesis of competition and cooperation, and this is a Trinitarian extension. The false dichotomy is more related to the fallacy of excluded middle, but what I am saying is that: you can't exclude the middle term.
But what exactly is it that is found oscillating between competition and cooperation? Certainly not the blind watchmaker because I have been reminded that this watchmaker is only metaphorical. So what is it? Answer, life! But note that life is not self-contained in mere word definitions that can exist out side of the universe. Part of life has to do with what is self evidently part of concrete reality, and less about abstract definitions. Is this the life that has fragmented itself into life forms that are found competing within the environment? Or is this the life that comes as the whole environment that supports the cooperation of life forms in community? I don`t think you can pin this on one side or the other (i.e., you need two sides), and this life is now well beyond what we think about with natural selection because this tendency to compete, or cooperate, implies both agency and intelligence. Life is found to be intelligent.
Here is an additional point: A life so noted with powers to strive, to compete or cooperate, can provide feedback on itself where it is conceivable to think about adaptive mutations that are no longer just accidental. This Lamarckian-type extension is less remarkable once we realize that striving to survive is also very remarkable (my prior point) because it impacts the space-time fabric beyond what is permitted by blind action represented in geometry. Striving is intelligent action, it is navigation. And once we have hypothetical mutations that can already be impacted by teleology (the additional point), we also have the issue of surviving genes that are selected for in the next generation (the prior point). With life striving this selection can no longer be claimed to be "natural" selection, independent of the origin of mutations. Nevertheless, I believe the possibility of adaptive mutations provide a reasonable theory that can find evidential support, and these mutations can`t be just "random."


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Payment Protection Guarantee
We have updated our Payment Protection Guarantee. Any bookings made from June 2020 will be refunded in full in the event that travel is not allowed due to lockdown regulations.
Stellenbosch Lodge Hotel is a Stellenbosch hotel providing accommodation in 53 guest rooms for tourists visiting the Cape Winelands region.
Built in the Cape Vernacular style, Stellenbosch Lodge Country Hotel & Conference Centre embodies the splendid heritage of South Africas oldest town - historic Stellenbosch in the Western Cape. Here, a rugged mountain amphitheatre holds in its hands a hotel that pays homage to the heritage of the Cape Winelands.
Stained glass doors invite you to the pool-patio where breathtaking views of the majestic Stellenbosch Mountains compliment the shifting colours of the vineyards. Situated on the outskirts of a tranquil neighbourhood the Hotel has Blaauwklippen Wine Estate as its neighbour. The Hotel is located 40 minutes from Cape Town and 25 minutes from Cape Town International Airport.
Each of the bedrooms offers different breathtaking views, from the majestic mountains to the championship Golf course, a sight to cap a memorable holiday. Each of our 53 bedrooms is furnished in a quaint period Oregon and offers all the luxuries:
En-suite bathroom with shower
Key card security system
Colour TV
Tea & coffee making facility
Double pull-out sleeper couch
Air conditioning
Modem point
The provision of ramps throughout the hotel and the special adaptation to two of the bedrooms, ensure that the physically challenged are most welcome.
A swimming pool for relaxation, overlooking the lush vineyards, is an added advantage.
The De Koetz Restaurant with Continental Cuisine comes highly recommended. Its unique loft, open fire place and cosy lounge area nestled between Oregon furniture, sets the ambience of the Hotel. Start off with a scrumptious breakfast enjoyed in the restaurant or on the pool-patio. As our French doors open on this area, this makes it great for alfresco dining. Full bar facilities are available. Cocktails may be enjoyed on the pool-patio overlooking the Blaauwklippen vineyards or in the cosy Coffee Lounge.
The Intimate Coffee lounge is arranged with sofas and easy chairs. Here a guest can laze deep into a comfortable chair with a book. Enjoy a cup of steaming coffee in front of a crackling fire while listening to soothing music.
Select your check-in and check-out dates to view availability and the rates applicable.
Each of the bedrooms offers different breathtaking views, from the majestic mountains to the championship Golf course, a sight to cap a memorable holiday. Each of our 53 bedrooms is furnished in a quaint period Oregon and offers all the luxuries.
Qty: 41
Sleeps: 2 guests (max 2 adults)
Children: are allowed in this room type
Child policyChildren of all ages are welcome.
Cots are available on request.
Closest airport(s)Cape Town International - 40km
Check-in/-out timesCheck-in from 14h00
Check-out by 11h00
Payment methods accepted by the propertyMastercard, Visa, American Express, Diners, EFT or secure online payment via SA-Venues.com
Listed on SA-Venues.com since December 2008
Find out more about Stellenbosch as a destination
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Enjoying life after a tough divorce
Making huge changes in life can be tough, but when life itself already is, one may not have a choice. However, many of us may probably have taken the easiest way out of a hard situation, but this week's lady decided not only to start a new life without her husband, but also to give herself a new high education and start a new career. It may be overwhelming when we are in difficult life situations, but in the end, things usually turns out for the best. Sometimes we need to be a little bit braver than we may think we are. Cynthia is a proof of that we can manage a lot even when things are tough.
Name: Cynthia Furr
Age: 57
Occupation: Special education teacher
Family: One son and one daughter, a son and daughter in law, two grandchildren
Lives: The USA
Last month it was ten years since your life took a new turn. You decided to leave your husband and start a new life without him. What happened?
My ex husband decided that he needed to be with other women and in doing so, he left our family in a huge financial mess.
A whole decade has passed since that February day and after the divorce so many things have happened for you. One of them is that you went back to "school" and after the education got a new work. Did you ever hesitate to take that step being a bit older?
Yes, I was scared to death; however, at that point, it was sink or swim. I chose to swim by jumping back into school because I needed to sharpen my skills and be more marketable. The only way was to study. Doing so also showed me that I could do it and really had nothing to be scared of.
You call yourself a survivor and you have also said that your life began after the divorce. For many a separation can be a huge life crisis. Did you ever feel so yourself and have you ever regret that you took the step?
The divorce was devastating, but the four years before the divorce was painful. I pour myself into my marriage, but I felt that I had lost myself trying to make my ex husband happy. There were many times that I had regrets, but then I remembered that I did not have to worry about being cheated on. Even counting pennies and declaring bankruptcy was nothing like the feeling of being betrayed.
I wished I had known exactly what happened. I thought we had a Godly marriage and were in the final contentment of marriage - empty nesting and traveling. That was all he talked about the 2 years before he started cheating.
Looking back, I realized through comments of others and his actions, I don't think he was ever happy with himself or us. He grew up in a very strict religious missionary family, and he told our therapist that he had always been a closet rebel until I caught him. He told me that he felt he cheated on me because he felt his mom thought I was not good enough for him. I was really angry for many years until that God released me from further hurt and pain.
After the divorce, I had to declare bankruptcy in order to survive. After four years, I was able to buy a little cabin in the woods in Pine Mountain Club, California to have something that was mine and to keep the IRS (Internal Revenue Service)from killing me, and I loved that little place for two years.
However, due to an hour commute and my mother's failing health, I sold my little cabin in order to put things in place for me to move back to North Carolina to help take care of her. However, her health is failing faster than we imagined, and I am not sure exactly what my next step will be, but I know that God is in control, and I am a survivor.
Your children became adults, got married and had children of their own during this period of time. How did you cope with the loneliness when they flew the nest? Or perhaps being alone is actually underestimated and it can even make us grow if we let it.
It was an adjustment when my children went off to school, got married, and had children. However, I was in school myself and was rediscovering who I was with going out with my girlfriends. I needed that time for myself.
What do you look forward to the following ten years?
I am not sure what the next 10 years hold, but I know one thing. I will be standing and enjoying life.


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Section Movement Protocol
When moving around in downtown Indy, we will mostly move by sections. Each section will have a primary staff person and primary chaperone to ensure all students are present before moving to the new location. ALL additional chaperones, listed or not listed, should spread out to help accompany our students when in transit. Be aware of your surroundings, trust your gut, and work together to ensure the safety of our students.