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The Constructed Environment's Updates
Urban jungle: wooden high-rises change city skylines as builders ditch concrete
The Guardian | Article Link | by Melanie Sevcenko
The concrete jungle has a rival: forests. Two urban building projects, in New York City and Portland, Oregon, will be changing their city's skylines with an environmentally sustainable, cost-competitive building material. The key ingredient? Wood.
Called mass timber, the material is an umbrella term for large, solid chunks of panelized wood. When used in buildings, the benefits are sky high: flexible, strong, fire resistant and carbon-sequestering. Mass timber could prove to be a viable alternative to concrete and steel for mid-to-high rise buildings.
The two projects in question were nationally recognized last September when each was awarded $1.5m from the US Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Tall Wood Building prize, a competition that sets out create America's first modern mass timber building, reaching 80ft or higher.
Moreover, the USDA is looking to these projects to mitigate climate change and support jobs in rural America.
The winning proposals are 475 West 18th Street, a 10-story residential condo in Manhattan's West Chelsea neighborhood, and Framework, a 12-story mixed-use building slotted for Portland's Pearl District.
The Manhattan building – a project of 130-134 Holdings LLC, in partnership with Spiritos Properties, Arup, and ShoP Architecture – will be New York City's first to use mass timber systems.
And apart from building specs, "Spaces that utilize wood in a significant way have been shown to have considerable psychological benefits for the inhabitants, from reduced hearts rates and stress levels to improved productivity," said Amir Shahrokhi, project director at SHoP.
Portland's Framework – designed by Lever Architecture and in partnership with developer project – will incorporate offices for landowner Beneficial State Bancorp, ground floor retail space, and affordable housing for area median income tenants. The building will be constructed primarily from cross-laminated timber (CLT), a nation's first.
Out of the mass timber initiative, CLT might prove to change the construction paradigm.
Essentially, CLT is plywood (actually invented in Portland in 1905) on steroids. It's manufactured by layering panels of 2-ft-by-6-ft lumber at 90-degree angles, then literally gluing them together on their wide faces.


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Woodworm Studios: woodwormstudios.co.uk
Chuck Silverman: www.chucksilverman.com
Dave Mattacks: www.dmattacks.co.uk
Mike Dolbear: mikedolbear.com
Terry Lee: www.photojournalist.co.uk
Paul Francis: www.orchardpercussionstudio.co.uk
Pete Lockett: www.petelockett.com
Steve White: www.whiteydrums.com
T. Bruce Wittet: www.tbrucewittet.com
Mat Heighway/The Meticulous Organisation: www.meticulous.org.uk
Zildjian: www.zildjian.com
Click here to view Gary's profile at Zildjian: www.zildjian.com
Pro•Mark: www.promark.com
Click here to view Gary's profile at Pro•Mark: www.promark.com
Evans Heads: www.evansdrumheads.com
Sonor: www.sonor.com
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ZVEI, the German Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers' Association, has published the results of a survey on what consumers in Germany are buying for their Christmas gifts. (The article is in German, but Google Translate does a pretty good job if you don't happen to read that language.)
Almost 40 % of the respondents intend to buy electronics, with smartphones, TVs, and tablets being the most popular items. Audio devices such as wireless headphones and Bluetooth speakers are ranked high as well. When it comes to people who plan to buy TVs, it's notable that about half intend to purchase an Ultra HD or 4K TV. And 12 % of respondents plan to invest in virtual reality headsets. At least in Germany, consumers look to be embracing new technologies.
Here at the OPTO squad, we're wishing you a happy holiday season which may well be made even more lively with the Vishay proximity sensors, IR receivers, IR emitters and photodetectors being used in many of the aforementioned products


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This was written June of 2003, just after we had Eric Anthony …
How it all happened …
Eric Anthony Souza-Ponce had an interesting time making it to the "outside" world!
Emi was diagnosed with preterm labor at 34 weeks. We had gone to a Doctor's appointment in early April, and found out Emi was already starting to dilate, so she was sent to the hospital for observation. She had been experiencing contractions all throughout the pregnancy, but we had thought they were Braxton-Hicks, and not the real thing. However, they were enough to get preterm labor starting! Emi stayed in the hospital for three days, missing a Neuro test – one of the course's three tests for the year (meaning Emi's next Neuro test was worth two-thirds of her final grade – more on this later). We were pretty nervous, since a full-term pregnancy is 40 weeks (give or take two weeks) but we were reassured somewhat by a perfect sonogram and no other signs of problems.
The doctor, Robert Schorlemer, told us we should probably expect the baby to come within the next two weeks. Talk about a shift in our thinking! We were pretty well prepared well enough in advance, but it was tough to not have a more definite idea of when the big event would take place.
A week later, Emi was considerably more dilated, and was put on bedrest after another brief hospital stay. Can you imagine trying to convince a hummingbird not to fly? However, Emi wasn't feeling that great, and we understood the longer the baby could wait before birth, the fewer health risks Eric Anthony would have upon delivery.
Emi's mom, Yolanda, flew up from Mexico City, and helped us prepare as much as possible. She was a Godsend! There was still a lot to do (can anyone say "Nesting"?) and the days passed slowly. I focused on getting everything prepared so I could take some time off work, still doing everything I could to make Emi more comfortable. She was very strict with her diet and the strongest medication she took through the pregnancy was a couple of Tums, I think on two occasions in the early morning hours when her reflux was too much for her to sleep. Neither of us slept much those last few weeks … everyone was telling us to enjoy the last days of being able to sleep in, but with Emi's discomfort and my nerves, I don't think we were able to sleep any more then than we are sleeping now. Slightly different, though … indigestion and freaking out have been replaced with diapering and feeding.
Dr. Schorlemer told Emi that when she got to 38 weeks, she would be taken off bedrest, since that would be in the "safe zone" for the baby to be delivered. She was still having contractions constantly between five and ten minutes apart. How tiring it was for her! The doctor was continually amazed that the baby wasn't coming yet, since she was so far dilated and effaced!
The days continued to pass and every time we did something, we would jokingly comment "this might be the last Monday before the baby." "This might be the last episode of 'Buffy' before the baby." "This might be the last time we say 'this might be the last time before the baby' before the baby."
Finally we made it to 38 weeks, and Emi was taken off bedrest. We celebrated by going out to dinner ("this might be the last time we go out to dinner …" oh, you get the idea) and going to Pea in the Pod and Motherhood Maternity in North Star Mall. The days continued to pass and Emi neared the original due date – and finals week! Emi's final exams began on Friday, May 16, and concluded with her Neuro final on May 23. Since she had made it this far, she hoped she would be able to last through Finals Week … or else she would have to take remedial exams over the summer, which she definitely didn't want to do with a newborn!
Emi's dad and brother flew into town and spent a few days, hoping to get to spend some time with the new addition. However, they both left, and Yolanda extended her plane ticket for another two weeks.
The tests began and still no baby. We had been told two due dates and for most of the pregnancy, based on measurements the first sonogram or a tiny embryo, we had been going with May 19; but the official due date was May 22. May 19th came and went. So did the 20th, 21st and the 22nd. Just one more day and she would be done with her exams. However, she started feeling "funny" on the night of Thursday, May 22. When she told her mom she was going to bed early that night, we all thought something might be happening – though we were cautious not to over-react. I went to bed at midnight and awoke about three hours later by Emi, who was sitting up on the edge of the bed. She said she was having "serious contractions" and they were seven minutes apart. We discussed whether or not to go to the hospital then and there, but we decided to wait to see if she would be able to attend her last Neuro exam or not. We decided to take it one hour at a time, and by 8 a.m., after spending time with a heating pad, in the shower and in the glider, she decided she could take her exam.
So off we went. We packed up the car and drove to her school, which was across the street from the hospital. Her classmates were pretty amazed to see her, and even more surprised to find out she was in active labor!
About two hours later, Emi finished her exam, and we drove her to the hospital. She was admitted at noon and was 5-1/2 cm (you need to be 10 cm to deliver). Her water was broke in the hospital, and that brought on the "serious" contractions again – but this time much more serious. Shortly after (not short enough!) she was given an epidural, which made the contractions much more managable. At 3:30 p.m., the nurse came in and informed us that Emi was at 9 cm and nearly ready to start pushing!
The pushing started around 4 p.m., and lasted nearly two hours, at which point Emi delivered our beautiful child, Eric Anthony Souza-Ponce at 5:56 p.m.


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My "Open with…" menu is buggy! I end up with many duplicates of the same programs showing up in this list. So, I set out to find a fix to this today.
Other sources on the Internet give a directory to move to, then a terminal command to run. Unfortunately, it looks like at some point, Apple has moved this to another directory, but none of the sources I could find pointed me to the right location (I'm running 10.8.2).Fortunately, a simple Spotlight search turned up what I was looking for.To save you the trouble, open a Terminal session and type:
$ cd /System/Library/Frameworks/CoreServices.framework/Versions/A/Frameworks/LaunchServices.framework/Versions/A/Support
$ ./lsregister -kill -domain local -domain system -domain user
Anyhow, since I ran the lsregister command, all is back to normal again.


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Max Guests = 8 people
Appropriately named, this beachside villa with swimming pool is what makes this one level, 4 air-conditioned bedroom villa, so very special and popular among snorkelers.
Its creative design allows for privacy for up to 8 guests as well as an abundance of breathtaking views of the sea and neighbouring islands. Literally steps away from the long and sandy beach in front, this villa is exquisitely furnished with wicker and colored in light pastel and coral shades.
The north wing of Villa on the Beach with king sized bed, bathroom en suite, and balcony to pool patio, is separated from the south wing by a spacious, bright and well appointed kitchen with center island wet bar, great room with cathedral ceiling and 2 sitting areas, indoor dining with sunset views, as well as outdoor covered pool side dining.
Two bedrooms in the south wing are comprised of one queen and two twin beds sharing one bathroom. Another master bedroom, with king bed and bath en suite, opens onto a quiet outdoor garden nook just beneath the great Banyon tree.
The closest restaurant is only a quiet stroll down the beach and a short drive to Spanish Town or Leverick Bay allows you shopping, watersports and additional dining facilities.


text:
Travel with ease when you have data access on-the-go to navigate, check reviews, share great food pictures and translate menus – without switching to a local Prepaid SIM or experiencing bill shock with expensive data roaming charges.
You can choose to data roam with Data Passport or Daily Unlimited Data Roaming, depending on your usage preferences. For unlimited usage on multiple devices, choose Daily Unlimited Data Roaming:
Additional 20% charge applies on all roaming rates for Pay Per Use Roaming customers.
Our Network Lock feature will ensure that data roaming usage is only available on preferred networks in Data Passport and Unlimited Data Roaming destinations*. This means that you can still switch to a non-preferred network to use for calls and SMS, but you are unable to use data when Network Lock is activated.
You can activate or de-activate Network Lock online, via My M1 App or dial *123#. Please re-start your device to refresh network settings upon activation or de-activation of the service.
Preferred partner networks for $10, $15 and $25 unlimited data roaming promotion are subject to change at any time which will be published on this webpage. Please check back periodically to ensure that you are aware of any such changes.
*Unlimited Data Roaming in China is only applicable on China Mobile network.
Terms & Conditions |
User Guide
*The preferred network in Thailand has been changed to AIS on 17 Oct 2018, 00:30hrs SGT. To data roam after the change, restart your device and select AIS as mobile network.
*In-flight connectivity provided by OnAir and AeroMobile is only available on specific flights on selected airlines.


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Events / Nighttime Opening
BUNGAKU Night
BUNGAKU Night
Kenji Miyazawa "soil God and fox"
Saturday, August 4
Kanazawa Nakamura Memorial Museum
Kanazawa Nakamura Memorial Museum
Enjoy this story by a famous writer, which will be performed by a popular theater company. A god living in a valley had poor hygiene and was a little violent, but he had an honest heart. In contrast, there was a fox who looked good and was charming, but he was a little deceitful. Both of them were fond of the same birch tree. This triangular relationship eventually became unbalanced.... The Ibaraki theater group Hyakkeisha, who performed "Night on the Galactic Railroad" in Kanazawa in 2017, will read Kenji Miyazawa's children's story.
* The same work will be presented on both days, but the performance will be different depending on the venue. You could choose one of the venues, or go to both and compare them.
- Time
- 7:00pm~ (Door opens at 6:30pm, about 1 hr)
- Price
1000 yen
- Capacity
30 people
- Reservation
- accepted starting on July 3
- Inquiry
- 076-225-7780 (Kanazawa Art Gumi, closed Wed.)


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Dentistry to get some-more teeth, super-specialty bend in a offing
For a initial time in a history, a Dental Council of India (DCI) has motionless to deliver a super-specialty bend in a margin of dental medicine, along a lines of Medical Council of India.
Just as medicine has MCh — super-specialty grade (Master of Chirurgical) — DCI wants to deliver MDCh. This will meant that after removing a master's grade in dentistry, a tyro will be authorised to take acknowledgment to a two-year super-specialty course.
The DCI took this preference during a recently-held annual ubiquitous meeting. It now skeleton to send a offer to a health method soon.
Dr Dibyendu Mazumder, DCI president,
Article source: http://www.dnaindia.com/health/1857244/report-dentistry-to-get-more-teeth-super-specialty-branch-in-the-offing
The Best Jobs of 2013
We have certain standards when it comes to a work. Of march we're endangered with how most a pursuit pays, though we also wish work that provides fulfillment. We wish to know either a pursuit is employing in a initial place. And we can't forget about security–once hired, are we going to have a possibility to find a balance and settle ourselves, or are we going to find that a purpose has turn obsolete?
In a after months of 2012, a U.S. Department of Labor expelled a array of reports that showed steady, medium expansion month over month in
Article source: http://news.yahoo.com/best-jobs-2013-141631946.html
Howard Riback: 'I am a gambling therapist, your honour'
Howard Riback still claimed to be a "a gambling therapist,� even as he settled, on Friday, a rapist box where he was charged with extorting income from a really people he was ostensible to help.
The 53-year-old Côte Saint-Luc proprietor seemed during a Montreal building before Quebec Court Judge Julie Riendeau, who supposed a defence discount where Riback was condemned to 3 years of probation, for bootleg possession of a firearm, while several charges alleging he extorted income from 4 people were withdrawn. Prosecutor Pierre Poulin told a justice a agreement was done after Riback recently paid behind "a estimable amount�
Article source: http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/montreal/Howard+Riback+gambling+therapist+your+honour/7636453/story.html
Author from Fresno explores 1992 L.A. riots
Los Angeles Review of Books censor D.J. Waldie calls a novel "today's required book."
Janigian will review from and plead a book during 7 p.m. Wednesday during a Fresno Art Museum's Bonner Auditorium, 2233 N. First St. Admission is free. The eventuality is presented by Fresno State's Armenian Studies Program and a Fresno Art Museum.
Janigian says he motionless to write about a riots as a work of novella since there's an "immediacy and romantic richness" to a novel that an author can't emanate in a work of nonfiction. The illusory proceed authorised him
Article source: http://www.fresnobee.com/2012/09/14/2992880/author-from-fresno-explores-1992.html
Phl Consulate General Promotes Philippine Universities in Macau
6 Mar 2012 – The Philippine Consulate General in Macau SAR pushed for a Philippines as a end for tertiary preparation in a recently resolved Macau Education Fair 2012 that ran from Feb 24 to 26 at The Venetian-Macau.
The Consulate sought to attract students from Macau as good as those from a Pan-Pearl River Delta segment of China by highlighting a Philippine universities' internationally-recognized curriculum, English-language instructions, and widely famous strengths in areas of medicine, dentistry, nursing and associated sciences, amicable sciences, agriculture, law, information Article source: http://dfa.gov.ph/main/index.php/news-from-rp-embassies/4908-phl-consulate-general-promotes-philippine-universities-in-macau
Article source: http://dfa.gov.ph/main/index.php/news-from-rp-embassies/4908-phl-consulate-general-promotes-philippine-universities-in-macau
Gerner chose dentistry over music
Clarence Gerner
Published Thursday Feb 23, 2012
Premium ContentClick on Premium Content on a Featured navigation bar for information.
Private family wake services will be Thursday for late dentist Dr. Clarence "C.J." Gerner of Omaha.
He died suddenly Monday in Omaha,
Article source: http://neprepzone.com/article/20120223/NEWS01/702239914
Without dental coverage, patients find pain service in ER
<!–Saxotech Paragraph Count: 3
After days of pang from a pulsation toothache and carrying no income to compensate for a revisit to a dentist, Rhonda Dyson recently sought diagnosis in a puncture room of a Shreveport hospital.
"I can't get any relief," pronounced Dyson, who is on Medicare. The 46-year-old Shreveport proprietor is homeless and infirm from a Jul 2007 heart attack. "Medicare will usually compensate for dentures; they will not compensate for any dental work."
As a result, many Medicaid and Medicare recipients — who don't have a income to compensate for an
Article source: http://www.shreveporttimes.com/article/20120129/NEWS01/201290311/1060
Terrifying, But Interesting: Dentistry Museum
If you're already been by a halls of medical oddities during a National Museum of Health and Medicine, what's terrifyingly next? Why, a National Article source: http://www.nbcwashington.com/blogs/worth-the-drive/137981878.html
Article source: http://www.nbcwashington.com/blogs/worth-the-drive/137981878.html
New 'Get Mouthpower' Website Offers Tips for a Healthy Adult Smile – Online Oral Health Resource Targets Adults 50+
The National Museum of Dentistry has launched an enchanting new web site that combines contribution and fun to learn consumers about verbal health issues specific to a 50+ age group. The site, GetMouthPower.org, was combined with a support of Colgate-Palmolive and includes easy-to-use interactive tools, such as a calculator to magnitude daily calcium intake and an interesting nutritive fighting hitch between favorite foods.
Baltimore, MD (PRWEB) Oct 11, 2010
Now consumers can learn a energy of a healthy smile with an ominous and interesting demeanour during a singular verbal health issues of comparison adults. Get
Article source: http://news.yahoo.com/mouthpower-website-offers-tips-healthy-adult-smile-online.html
Owens College charity dental partner program
PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP — Owens Community College is now charity a Dental Assisting Certificate Program, for a initial time during a stream tumble division on a Toledo-area Campus.
Owens' certificate in dental aiding requires 39 credit hours of coursework, that includes dental sciences, infection control, dental materials, dental radiography, chairside aiding and medical ethics, among other educational curriculum. The module is designed to ready students for practice in a health caring dental industry. Additionally, students will accept experiential training in a college's state-of-the-art dental hygiene hospital on a Toledo-area Campus as good as during a Dental Center of Northwest Ohio and
Article source: http://www.portclintonnewsherald.com/article/20111128/NEWS01/111280314/Owens-College-offering-dental-assistant-program
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Support Group for Partners of Combat Soldiers with PTSD
Dates and Times TBD
@ 211 E 8th, Ste C, Lawrence
This group is designed to provide support to partners of veterans suffering from combat PTSD. The goal of the group is to share thoughts and express feelings in a safe environment, allowing people to feel validated and less isolated in their experiences with their partners. Additionally it is to provide a setting where partners are able to address their own needs without focusing exclusively on the needs of the veteran.
This is a free support group that will begin based on interest. Please contact us.
Facilitator: Kristin Vernon, LSCSW
Please pre-register using this form or call us at 785.371.6554.


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Home Authors Posts by Mike Mack
Mike Mack
Latest News
Pastor Helps Rescue Girl: 'God literally led us' to Her
A pastor who helped to rescue an eight-year-old girl kidnapped in Fort Worth, Texas, on Saturday says that he is no hero, but that God did use him. Pastor Jeff King believes that, after several hours of searching, God led him and his friend to the hotel where the girl's assailant was keeping her.
New Articles
3 Things Your Pastor DOESN'T Need You to Do as a...
As a children's ministry leader, we are asked to do a lot in our church. It is not uncommon to be asked to take on responsibilities outside our "job description." Discover three things your pastor doesn't need from you.
New Podcasts
Anthony Thompson: What Happened When I Forgave My Wife's Murderer
The Emanuel AME church shooting cut short the lives of nine people. Rev. Anthony Thompson lost his wife, Myra. He was also the first to publicly offer the shooter, Dylann Roof, forgiveness.


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Plan and Book
Experience Aer Lingus
Travel Information
Manage Trip
Travel to/from Britain
Before leaving home for your trip between Britain and Ireland or within Ireland, make sure you've got the right identification. Find out what you need to bring right here.
If you're a citizen of Ireland and/or Britain, you need to carry some form of official photo identification in order to be able to fly with us.
Note: To travel between Ireland and Britain with photo identification other than a passport, you must have been born in Ireland or the U.K. and also be a citizen of either country.
The following forms of photo identification are acceptable once they are in date:
- Valid passport or Irish passport card
- Driver's licence with photo
- International student card
- Government issued photo ID cards
- Health insurance cards with photo/social security cards with photo
- Bus pass with photo
- Work ID with photo
Citizens of Ireland and Britain under the age of 16 don't need a photo ID if travelling with their parent/guardian.
Citizens of countries other than Ireland and Britain must produce a valid passport and visa where applicable for travel between Ireland and Britain.


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What makes Medical Debt so bad?

The main problem with medical debt is that it is hard to plan for. Unlike other expenses that can be pushed off until a person has built up their savings, an emergency room visit can rarely be delayed until it's convenient to see a doctor. For many families, putting these expenses on a credit card or using a hospital credit system is the only way to break up the bill into manageable payments.

These credit plans and credit cards, however, tend to have some of the highest interest rates in the lending industry. A person who only has a few hundred dollars in medical costs, for example, can easily pay over a thousand dollars by the time he or she makes interest payments. People who rack up bills into the thousands can quickly find themselves over their heads.

When you're sick or injured, it can be very difficult to work extra hours or take on a second job to get these bills paid off. In fact, most people with medical issues consider themselves lucky if they get through their illness without losing their job. Too many people also have to contend with having their hours and income cut when they need the money to pay their bills.

If this has happened to you, there is some hope. The best course of action is to look for a way to cut back on your bills, allowing you to balance a budget on a reduced income until you get better. A debt consolidation can be a good way to do this.

One of these loans can combine your credit card debt and medical debt together into a single loan with a lower interest rate. Your existing debts are completely paid off, ending any phone calls from debt collectors. With your new loan, you'll get a lower monthly payment, making it easier to get everything paid each month, even if you aren't earning as much as you did before getting sick.


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Buscar en qualsevol moment escrivint
Els nutricionistes de Holmes Place desenvolupen un pla basat en les teves condicions físiques, pes i preferències personals. Ells fan que seguir el pla sigui fàcil i gaudeixis d'una dieta saludable.
- Tots els Posts
- Filtre
Which body type am I? How to measure and what to focus on for a balanced figure
Apples, pears, hourglasses… so many shapes, but we're still left pondering: which body type am I? Here's how to measure yourself and feel comfortable, whatever body shape you rock.Més
Travel workout
It's not always possible to get to the gym when we're away from home - but it is possible to take the gym with you.Més
Will weight training burn fat?
Is it all about the cardio or will weight training burn fat too? We've got the facts on lifting and blitzing.Més
What is our ideal weight? BY MD. THORDIS BERGER
The subject of Ideal Body Weight remains a hot topic issue because it is directly related to aspects of human health.Més
ABCs of juicing
Busy lifestyles can create havoc with your five-a-day fruit and veg consumption, but juicing can help. Here's how to get a quick, easy and nutritious fix at the whizz of a blender.Més
Six reasons to try Xpress classes
What if you could achieve results even when you have little time - would you give them a go? You should - here are six reasons to try Xpress classes.Més


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Crust 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
½ cup butter,
Melted ¼ cup granulated sugar
Filling 4 oz chopped semi sweet chocolate
Baking bar 1 cup butter
1½ cups flour
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
4 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
1 tsp salt
2 cups granulated sugar
Topping 3 cups mini marshmallows Frosting
¼ cup butter
3 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
3 Tbsp milk 2 cups powdered sugar
Preheat oven to 350°
Crust In medium bowl combine all the crust ingredients until evenly mixed.
Press graham cracker mixture into and up the sides of a 9" Springform pan.
Set aside.
Filling Melt butter and chopped chocolate together in microwave or over a double boiler.
Whisk in flour, cocoa powder, eggs, vanilla, salt and sugar until combined. Pour over crust.
Bake pie for 45-50 minutes
When pie is done remove from oven and turn oven to broil setting.
Sprinkle marshmallows onto pie and place back in oven for 30 seconds to 1 minute until marshmallows are puffed and lightly golden.
Place pie on cooling rack and prepare frosting.
Frosting In medium sauce pan melt butter, cocoa powder and milk together over medium low heat, whisking constantly.
Once melted, remove from heat and add in powdered sugar, stirring until smooth.
Using a butter knife, loosen the pie from the sides of the springform pan and remove the sides of the pan.
Pour frosting on top of the pie. Pie can be served warm or room temperature.


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You may not have heard of the drama A Prayer Before Dawn, or its star Joe Cole, but this is a good time to start paying attention. First of all, it hails from distributor A24, and here are just a few of the movies they've got rolling this awards season: The Killing of a Sacred Deer, The Florida Project, Lady Bird, and The Disaster Artist. So...yeah, they know their stuff. Second, Joe Cole is hot right now having just played a pivotal role in Thank You For Your Service. And finally, the film tells the true story of English boxer Billy Moore, whose life and career take an unexpected stop in Thailand.
Directed by Jean-Stéphane Sauvaire and formerly set to star Charlie Hunnam, the film follows Moore as he's incarcerated in Bangkok's Klong Prem prison, aka the Bangkok Hilton, where he learns Muay Thai fighting. Yep, it's some real-life Bloodsport shit, ya'll. Even though Bloodsport was real, too. Just watch the trailer and checking out the synopsis:
A Prayer Before Dawn is the remarkable true story of Billy Moore, a young English boxer incarcerated in two of Thailand's most notorious prisons. He is quickly thrown into a terrifying world of drugs and gang violence, but when the prison authorities allow him to take part in the Muay Thai boxing tournaments, he realizes this might be his chance to get out. Billy embarks on a relentless, action-packed journey from one savage fight to the next, stopping at nothing to do whatever he must to preserve his life and regain his freedom. Shot in a an actual Thai prison with a cast of primarily real inmates, A Prayer Before Dawn is a visceral, thrilling journey through an unforgettable hell on earth.
A Prayer Before Dawn opens May 19th 2018.


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Our mission: Volunteering to support our community in good times and emergencies
The ACT State Emergency Service (ACTSES) helps the ACT community prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies and disasters.
Made up almost entirely of volunteers, the ACTSES undertakes:
- Community education activities, particularly in relation to storms and floods
- Storm and flood preparation and response, including the use of flood boats
- Land-based missing person and evidence searches in support of the Australian Federal Police (AFP)
- Air search in support of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA)
- Urban search and rescue in support of ACT Fire and Rescue (ACT F&R)
- The provision of portable lighting towers during emergencies
- A range of support at community and other events.
Our 300 volunteers, based at seven Units across the ACT and the HQ Support Group, are able to provide community response to flood, storm, searches and other emergencies 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The ACTSES is part of a national network of similar services in each state and territory around Australia.
The main function of the ACTSES, under the Act Emergencies Act, is to undertake planning and response operations for storms and floods.
The ACTSES cooperates closely with other emergency including:
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text:
I love Nigella Lawson. Not a stalker kind of love, of course! But it is Nigella who – apart from my baker mother – inspires me to really up the ante on my baking. So when I saw the recipe for Flora's Courgette Cake in How to be a Domestic Goddess, I decided to try it out. Except… I made some changes and made muffins instead. YUMMY.
Thanks Nigella. And thanks Flora Woods for giving Nigella the recipe. This is way better than carrot cake.
Filed under: Cupcakes 4 Grown-ups | Tagged: baking, cupcake, Cupcakes |


text:
Changing Baby
Shirley lift the baby up in front of her, placed her nose next to the nappy and sniffed. Why do people do that? she though to herself, you could smell the nappy from three streets away, there was no need to double check that that was where the stench was coming from.
Shirley grabbed the change mat and carefully laid the baby down. Dragging the bag with all his change things in she whipped off the dirty nappy and quickly fasten it inside a scented disposal bag. She then carefully set about cleaning him.
She smiled softly to herself as she went about her task. She was so lucky to have him. Her smile fell as she remembered the doctor telling her all those years ago that she wouldn't be able to conceive. The pain and the anguish she had gone through, the tests and finally the numerous attempts at IVF. After the third attempt her husband had tried to persuade her that there was no point going on. He didn't understand what it meant to her, she needed to have a baby.
Her husband walked out in the end. Claimed that she had gone mad and that she never had anytime for them anymore. He said he hated feeling like she only wanted him for his sperm.
It had been hard at first, being alone after so many years. She had picked herself up and when she got the job at the nursery she knew she was going to be okay.
She gently wiped the baby's bottom, applied a little nappy rash cream and a little talc before popping on his clean nappy. She was just starting to fasten the velcro on the sides of the nappy when there was a knock at the door.
'They'll have to wait, won't they little man?' she whispered to the baby. She got his legs back inside the baby grow and was struggling with the press studs when the banging on the door came again, this time louder and more insistent.
'Oooh someone is impatient.' she smiled at the baby and lifted him into her arms, placing him gently against her shoulder as she tidied away the change mat, carefully putting all the used wipes into a disposal bag.
'Mrs Jones,' a voice shouted as the banging on the door started again. 'Mrs Jones, this is the police. We know you are only looking after him but you need to let us in now.'
'Shit.' Shirley mutter as she stood up. She grabbed the change bag, her handbag and rushed towards the back door.
She had only made it as far as the hallway when the front door imploded inwards and four very large, very loud policemen came barging through.
She could see the shadow of others at the back door. The game was up. The last month had been the happiest she had ever known. She held the baby close and sat down on the bottom of the stairs, holding him to her and rocking him gently.


text:
Improving body awareness.
Somethings you'll need to do to find your way. Some things to try, some things to feel,
and some on which to think.
It seems a long time since I put something new on this page; not that I haven't made great discoveries since, but somehow the new knowledge seems less tangible and explainable. The words would seem empty .... though the discovery behind them awesome. The more we find out the more we realise there is as yet undiscovered. Many times the smallest adjustment manifests itself in the biggest change. There is an awareness of change being the constant .... the principles are unchanging, it is we that change. And knowing this somehow inhibits me writing .... for I know that tomorrow may bring change. The truth for each of us is as we see it at the time, but the essential benefits of our art remain a constant truth, a truth that may be light years away.
The truth of our art is how we perceive it on the day, this day, this moment.
Simon Watson's Dao Yin workshop was such a day .... I hope to be more forthcoming in the weeks ahead ....... but on the other hand ... you should have been there yourself to be shown your own path and gates. Take the opportunities that come your way to see for yourself what can be yours.
There are many examples; we stand on our legs ... ok, we know that. Try using your mind to stand not on your legs but in them , ... ok, so we can find that too, and it is quite a different feeling. We are happy with this until the teacher adds something more ... relaxing the muscles down so that they too feel like they have disappeared into the legs. When you can feel that then all movement will contain the 'stillness' that we also sought. ... and one thing moves ... all moves. .... but not everything moving in a disconnected way ... no, this is different. You need to search for these things .... sometimes you must wait .... not in your arm chair but wait during movement for the unmistakable 'message' from the body that it is time for the next move. It is such a long journey .... might as well enjoy it.
What you search for you must try hard to find, but in it's finding what you looked for will disappear. It will be there but you will know it not as the thing you first sought.
Though you must try hard to find, beware trying so hard that the trying overshadows the discovery that may come from a different way, a smarter trying.
What you look for may arrive when you look in the opposite direction and are able to see it for the first time. If this reads a bit weird, I'm not surprised, yet I am happy with my understanding so far of this paradox.
The more you think the harder will be the discovery, in some unthinkng moment the answer will be yours.
Martial prowess and self defence.
Within this site you will find few references to partner work nor to the martial side of Tai Chi. (Self defence) This is because such skills require the highest of training, regular practice using the best of principles and to be based on reality. We must not ignore the martial origins of the Tai Chi we practice but nor must we delude ourselves that the little we learn has turned us into invincible warriors. We may become better aware, better balanced and use our bodies more efficiently but that may be the limit martially. Best to think of it as 'health defence'. It would appear that some martial arts owe their effectiveness to compliance and rules ... or that the practitioner is truly an exceptionally skilled and dedicated warrior of the true path. If we adhere to the principles as set out in Tai Chi classics we will become more able ...
that is our goal, ... to be able ... to be (in the now) .... that and longevity with health.
Making the first step in Tai Chi - literally
One thing is easy – you step with the left foot first; unless, of course, you know different. I have yet to come across a variation from left foot first. I read fairly recently in a Tai Chi journal reasons why we use left foot. Without going into a rewrite it seems that for most of us our right leg is stronger, all marching starts with the left foot too for the same reason.
How do we make this step? One of the first teachings I remember was, 'when you step try just to move your hips across smoothly to the left'. Next came, 'lift the left heel first; slowly as the toes become the last to leave the ground the left leg will feel light and the right leg strong and grounded'. So, there's a couple of things to try.
One teacher said, ' right, let me see some Tai Chi'. I began the first step … he said, 'no, start again', as I returned my left foot to centre he said, 'that's right, that's the way.' I must confess it took me at least three goes before I understood what he meant. Try it yourself … so much thought and effort goes in to making the perfect step that it interferes with the smooth and natural step that you will surely make when you say to yourself, ' no, start again'; with no pressure your left foot just returns – without thought!
That's what he wanted.
Another teacher revealed his understanding by saying, 'accept your body weight into your right leg, the more you can do this then the lighter the left becomes, and almost steps for itself.'
Do you step left in a straight line or is there a circular element? Well, if we accept that there are no straight lines in Tai Chi, then perhaps we should see how we can make our first step true to Tai Chi.
Lastly …. so far, anyway …… I read recently in a Wu StyleTai Chi publication from the 1980's the following:- ' stand naturally, feet together, arms hanging down in light contact with outer sides of thigh bones, tips of mddle fingers pressed aginst the middle of the thighs. Top of head erect, tip of tongue in touch with hard palate, eyes looking horizontally ahead. Weight evenly distributed between your two feet. Relax all joints, loosen all muscles. Maintain tranquility.
Keep top of head and body plumb erect, eyes looking forward – shift body slightly to right, and think tip of nose to be vertical with right toe and coccyx vertical with right heel. At this time the left foot will move naturally sideways by shoulder width. Weight now on right foot and mind on tip of right lttle finger. Right side of body tensed, left side is relaxed. ......... equalise weight on both feet.
Keep the spine open and free and you'll not go far wrong.
So, perhaps this will help you make your first step ....... eventually.
A new idea from Longfei students on the 2010 China trip ....... Though your right, standing, leg be ever relaxing, feel also it ever expanding. Worth a try, as you do this the left foot seems to ease off the floor on its own, .... interesting.
And one more idea too ..... as you sink into the right leg encourage your right kua to open more, (sort of trying to raise the right ribs .. but not really ) You should find that the weight seems to disappear from your standing knee and the lifting leg seem to lift of its own accord. Strange but true.
Closing down exercises.
This is a simple note based on brief information from Simon Watson of Longfei – and frankly – that's probably all we need to know.
'At the end of any exercise it is essential to bring the function
of the body back to a normal state.'
After Chi Kung (Qi Gong) work ..' we must return Qi externally from the universe and internally to our four limbs back to the source, (Dantien), like many small rivers flow back o the sea.' 'This combination of conciseness and physiology turns into "pure Qi". This pure Qi nourishes the body. Once you return Qi you must look after it, if you do not build up your body's reserve, physically, mentally, emotionally, then the body will be like the current financial crisis (October 2008 collapse of banks and stocks) -lots going out and nothing being collected, nurtured etc – result – disaster.
One of the best ways to do this nurturing is at the end of a session where you have generated wealth – or energy. It is the perfect time to be 'Quiet' ... ' when the mind is clear, organs are harmonised – Qi can be stored and nurtured'.
From a Tai Chi point, the above applies also; 'The martial observe the moral; the person aims for virtue'. The teacher will ... 'warm down students with a silent wish or affirmation during quietness meditation, hoping that everyone perseveres with their practice and are filled with confidence, good health, and longevity. - We are cultivating and encouraging, physical well being, intellectual growth, moral growth, and aesthetic education'.
My thanks to our good teacher, Simon Watson for sharing this for our benefit – it makes sense to me, and we will continue our closing exercises in class as always, but perhaps now with more faith. Richard.
Please read as it will assist your understanding of how Tai Chi practice can affect your body – and mind!
If practiced properly Tai Chi can only bring you benefits. There are now many clinical studies, aided by modern science, that prove the many benefits. For example an improvement in T cells in white blood, improving the immune system.
You can become more balanced, stronger and better coordinated too, while you enjoy a journey of exploration in to yourself.
Until you are experienced it is essential to listen to your teacher – this involves listening with ears, eyes and brain. Listen to your own body too, if in pain then stop and ask your teacher about it. Carrying out new exercises your muscles are bound to be affected until they get stronger and you learn to relax more.
Tai Chi will not damage you if done properly, but it might allow your body to access some old injury which tight muscles have hidden from you for years. Sometimes these old injuries come to the surface and it may take time to work through the problem so that you can better return to a more balanced body.
Strange as it may seem old memories are sometimes locked into our bodies and the sort of 'opening' exercises you will carry out in Tai Chi (or Chi Kung) can release the feeling and rekindle the memories – hence some times you might experience flashbacks or weird dreams for no apparent reason …… except now you know !
Your knees are particularly important for a healthy and active life – look after them – they only bend in one plane and one direction – so why ask them to do something else? Watch the teacher's feet and knee relationships.
If in any doubt ASK!
I recall an old proverb which went something like this,
'To ask is but a moment of shame;
not to ask and stay in ignorance is a lifetime of shame'.
Seeing is not seeing; and I guess
understanding is not understanding;
but please do your best.
' Your arm may bend but never shorten'
Your arm should stay one with your body; if isolated it becomes weakened and vulnerable.
When you bend the knees the joint should not close; in fact it should feel like you have no knees.
The above has much value, but only if you seek it out for yourself.
Yang; Light, the heavens, upper body active, strong purpose.
Yin; Dark, earth, serene and passive.
Yin and Yang; they are opposites, but consider this; at one point they become one or both cease. Hence form is emptiness and emptiness is form, from stillness will come movement and from movement comes stillness.
Consciousness allow your body to be relaxed but at the same time consciously energised.
Try to consciously place your energy to places of your choosing; where your intention goes, your energy flows.
Your body should have no tension only intention.
Like the sculptor removing that which they know is not needed, so you should consciously remove the tensions that prevent the release of the 'butterfly from the block of stone'.
Try and differentiate between 'thinking' and being 'conscious' try to find that relaxed state of awareness where you retain all your power – by staying alert like the watching tiger.
Stand not upon your legs, but stand in them.
Relax the bones and muscles in your feet. Open your foot - feel the connection with the earth. The middle of the ball of the foot, yong ch'uan point or bubbling well, the only place you should feel your weight.
Relax does not mean collapse, consider using the word 'soften' in relation to a posture. Muscles though 'relaxed' must retain tone and sense of life force.
Come on now ... relax those shoulders. Think you are relaxed? Try this; relax your throat. Feel the change?
Seek out all circles and spirals and mindfully exploit them. Sometimes they will not be what or where you think they are, search dilligently: - some of them are internal, therefore not seen - only felt.
Circular movements hide the beginning and end points of a movement.
The Tai Chi symbol is a circle ... no beginning and no end.
Yi dou, chi dou - intention arrives - Chi arrives.
Opening and correct alignment of the spine is the way to have chi rise to the crown. Try to create this effect, when you do, you will know it. No one said it was easy nor that you would find it every time. In Tai Chi it is often said that you should tuck in or drop down the tail bone and raise the crown of the head, keeping chin in by about a centimetre or so. Even the very thought of relaxing and opening the spine to stretch it will cause tension. Therefore try this;- just imagine the spine is opening and stretching, can you feel the relaxation?
Accept that you will ever be a student to the end of your days.
'Until a person practices, ponders and draws the meaning out of their own depths it will remain a secret no matter how well explained'. Therefore seek that which cannot be taught. You cannot explain the inexplicable, but you may be able to feel it.
Keep all joints open - that's all of them, always, you may act out a closing posture but the joints will never close. You must sense the expansion - the reaching out.
Be aware of and protect your centre. Your physical power at least resides in front of centre.
Don't crowd your mind with disbeliefs - believe - imagine - engage.
A paradox - or is it? The teacher tells you 'never extend your arms fully' . ok, so, in your mind you will have 'understood' what the teacher meant. Next week the same teacher says, 'always reach out with your arms, never let them shorten', you nod your head and think you have understood, but there's that nagging thing in the brain that says ' well that's not what he said last week. But in his mind it was.
Here is one thought on the subject; It depends on what is meant and what you understand about 'extend'. A straight arm is extended, its joints may well be locked up, it therefore does not fit with Tai Chi principles. What about 'never shorten' ? If you relax your joints and muscles but 'reach out', you can reach further than with tight muscles; the distance from the tip of your fingers to your shoulder joint must never shorten. This is not to say that you cannot bend your arm at the elbow - however, in doing this, the distance as measured along your arm from finger tips to shoulder must never shorten. This ensures that the joints are open, maximum chi can flow, maximum power is available.
Another paradox? The teacher says 'when pushing forward there should be an equal push backwards' So is he talking about an expansion in all directions, in which the forces are balanced? This would keep you centred and yet still have an effect on any person you push. It may also allow the body to be doing the pushing and not the hands. Oh no, we are supposed to push with our hands in contact but yet not push with the hands , is this another paradox? They are all confusing in the begnning, later you will be confused at a higher level!!. In fact, the more you appreciate yin and yang and their placement the more you will be able to make of the above.
Scraps from a note book. - do you keep one?
If not ... my advise is please do!
Poetic images lead you to greater understanding than itellectualising.
'Hanging' the elbow empties the shoulder too.
Breathing - breathe a fine breath, like drawing silk from a cocoon.
When moving don't think of stepping - just put your body where you want - the legs will do what is necessary for you.
Tai Chi is a wise investment - from a small force comes a greater one.
Knowledge comes through the body not the mind.
Spirals - not a mystery. Do not complicate what is simple.
There are 4 energies to sense; those of the dead , the child, the woman and the madman Makes sense so far?
Remember, 'never give up', for one day your note will make sense.
Not sure? See a good teacher and ask your questions.
'No Wuji – no Taiji'
A few years ago I willingly accepted this statement from a teacher and I foolishly thought I'd understood it – I thought that all you had to do was stand in Wuji prior to making the 'thought' the 'step' into Tai Chi (taiji – it's just a different way of writing in English the same word) and as if by magic you have completed the bargain with the universe so to speak. Recently I heard the words again, but this time with new 'ears'!
So, what is Wuji? I'd accepted that it meant 'emptiness''. Now I'm not sure what that means either. I looked on he internet for Wuji and found a few places, ( some of which didn't even have what I wanted – it was merely a trap to put me in their sales site – how annoying eh, when you are hot on the path of enlightenment to be stopped in your track by a salesman!). There wasn't much – unless you know different. I found this .... "Wuji is the primordial state of non-being, a state of Nothingness and boundlessness or that which is without bounds or limits. Wuji, like the Tao, is and lies within all of the universe and in the human anatomy". OK, so now you have an answer and complete understanding eh?
My view here is that Wuji must be something such that if you could define it clearly in words then you probably don't know what it is. Perhaps it is something that we can feel, and if it disappears from our feeling only then will we know what it was – because we lost it.
In truth, I really don't know, however, that's not going to stop me trying to find out more – or writing something that may help others ..... Or not !
It's probably something (about nothing) that you will search for and may think you've found – but how will you ever know? (How would we know we've reached the edge of space, will there be a fence with a sign on it?) Trees must have the answer too; when moved by the wind they remain mainly still and yet when there is no wind and they look motionless they are filled with internal movement – they are growing all the time. – Movement in stillness and stillness in movement. Is that stillness inside movement our elusive Wuji?
My present understanding of the seemingly indefinable is that it is some sort of 'tangible' emptiness' (empty of what, we might well ask) and energy that can replace the structure created by our muscles as we 'let go' ; – Our intent, Chi, and postural angles give us form. (We seem solid but we are mostly space anyway, with huge relative distance of space between atomic centres.).We might then reach a place where we are calm and still – yet full of the original life force; someone suggested that like a jar of muddy water with a light shining in the middle, so our own light (energy) can shine out as we relax the muscles.
When we practice our Tai Chi we should carry, in our movement, this quiet yet energetic emptiness (calmness) with us.
Mixed with the yin and yang of our Tai Chi is the primordial core of energy that was there before our world began – Wuji.
It has been suggested to me that the emptiness is emptiness of blockage; and by some one else that the emptiness creates a space which fills with energy .... perhaps it is an active emptiness as opposed to a passive one.
Perhaps stillness is the wrong word, perhaps calm is a better one. What do you think?
Perhaps you too have some idea to share. There is always the contact page waiting patiently, wuji like, for your wisdows.
If you have to prepare - then you were never ready.
Never disconnect from self as it can be difficult to recover.
If you push a ball, which part of it moves first .... the top .... where you touch .. where?
Think carefully ....... carefully about your answer. My answer is somewhere below, like the great secrets ... you'll have to look for it.
Postures and feelings
Go for 'feelings' not 'technical'. One way in which you can explore this is to imagine a Tai Chi posture before you, then move into that posture as though it were a mould and you are pouring yourself in to it.
Postures and technical
You may need at times to look at postures with a technical critique, eg, the exact alignment of a leading foot which then creates the necessary shape to allow a powerful connection to earth. Small deviations from the technically correct may result in loss of power.
Avoid 180 and 90 degree shapes - they have no power. The secret lies in forty five degrees - in many ways - (not far off the 42 that Hitchhikers Guide to Galaxy said was the meaning of the universe?)
Engage in concscious movement, create a sense of what Chi may feel like. Either lift an arm or push against an imaginary heavy object or passing through treacle or similar, at the same time relax the muscles, you are tricking the chi into thinking it is required and it appears. You should feel a sense of life force flowing making the action powerful, and perhaps tingling in the hands too. Perhaps the tingling is not the chi itself but may be an indicator that it is present. Just like a light bulb glowing tells you the electricity is there but is not the electricity itself.
'Turn the waist' they say, 'Don't turn the hips' they say.
Consider what is meant by waist. Think of it as longer than you might have supposed, think 'spine'.
If you turn the hips many people will merely turn them in a horizontal plane, so causing the knees to twist. So, it's ok to turn the hips if your knees are soft and bent - the hip turning is more created by rotation of the hip joint. By counter rotating the hip joints you can turn the waist and not twist the knees. Not understood? Find a class and ask the teacher. Words are inadequate - we try to write of the unwriteable.
Engage the Kua, the hip crease. Engaging this will enable body movement without moving much else. Great power is stored in the Kua, after all it is the biggest joint and connected to your biggest muscles ... therefore engage the Kua.
Exercise. Hold fist tight for 5 minutes and feel the negatives, relax and feel the positives.
Have you tried this yet?
I have, I managed about 1 minute before I was fed up and felt I had already become aware of the negatives. Give it a try ... it is interesting ... especially afterwards.
Pushing the ball question; the answer is the top ... don't believe it?
Good, just joking; because it must be that it all moves; the ball moves as one; one thing moves all moves. Just as in your Tai Chi practice. You can imagine that you are encompassed by the ball and when you move it all moves with you, and you never let a part of your body leave the circle. These pictorial ideas may be the key to discovering the feelings for good Tai Chi and advancement.
Be centred - be relaxed - be of good heart - begin a smile.
A lovely exercise to try. Breathing in a smile.
Did you know the first thing you must do before you can smile, is relax a little - try it.
Make a smile, it can be true or pretend, with mouth closed and tip of tongue on roof of mouth (where you would say ' L') , constrict your throat a little and see how slowly and deeply you can breath in your smile.
If it doesn't work you can have your money back!
What's the first thing a chicken does after it scratches the ground?
You'd probably need to watch to know, but the clever will work it out. Why does it scratch? To look for food. Where will this food be? Under the chicken (that's where its legs are!). So the first thing it does is step back to see what sort of sumptuous feast it may have uncovered. Without the bit in the middle the chicken would be forever hungry!
Here's another one. What's the first thing you do before you smile? Find your own answer before scrolling down in search of someone elses.
Never think of 'poses', a pose tends to be static whereas a posture can be transient and exist without being static, so think perhaps 'posture' or 'stance' instead. Not every thing is a stance either; eg, Repulse Monkey is a 'step' not a stance.
On Chi and Breath
My ideas are not my ideas, I owe them to a thousand nameless people who kindly shared their own.
On Chi;- there are many ideas on Chi, think of this; when you say 'hallo' what is important is not the energy or concentration of the word itself but on the emotion, (feeling) that guides it. So it is with Chi - how you use your mind makes all the difference.
On breath;- it is intended to be going where it is going - don't try to control it.
Both Chi and Breath are willing partners in following the intention of the mind (and body) but neither are controlled by it.
This is why trying too hard and wanting too much is counter productive.
In the above we are speaking of the 'spirit mind' not the 'thinking mind', they act because of the mind (or the way the mind is used) as a result of something far greater than each of them - the love of life.
Sadly I cannot remember who said the above, perhaps Prof Li Deyin seems the most likely. Whoever it was, don't you think they had the right idea?
A little more on breath;- why is it rarely taught and usually only to high level students? I have read that using the breath in the wrong way can possibly cause ill health .... seems a good enough reason to get it right I'd say. In general I have found that many students ask about the breath .... and as yet I don't have many answers ... I just repeat what I've been told when I asked the same question. ' Don't worry about it ... let it take care of itself'. Often though an outward, expanding movement becomes associated with the out breath. Peng and Lu are both in breaths though according to one Master in Shanghai ... and he could demonstrate why it was so, highly effectively. Another teacher said ' do not show the breath to your opponent, for when they see this they know when you are weakest' ............ so there is much to learn about breathing ... but perhaps we are not yet ready to know the answers.
On eyes.
General points only; when you look down (about 45 degrees) this can tend you to relaxation, or worst case it is depressing.
Eyes closed tends to internalise your feelings.
To be alert look forward and out, eyes wide open, be the watching tiger. (This does not mean stare at a point or stare blankly; tigers would miss a lot of dinners that way!)
Energy follows the mind therefore use your eyes in Tai Chi. The eyes lead and assess; use peripheral vision, which detects fast movement more quickly. Peripheral vision is aided by having 'soft' eyes. Soft eyes can be encouraged by imagining them deeper inside your head and looking out, through the skull as opposed from the front of it.
The Tai Chi principle 'one thing moves - all moves' , applies to eyes as well.
Exercise . Hold a posture, for example brush knee twist step is a good one. Focus your eyes with intent forwards .... sense the feeling.
Now imagine your eyes are not at the front of your head but set way back in the skull so that as you look forward you 'see' from the back of the head. Sense the new feeling.
Possibly you will find you are more relaxed and that there is a sense of being more behind the posture than in front of it. You can but try.
The eyes should be softened, this improves peripheral vision but more importantly, if you allow it, can soften the whole body too. Try it ... look ahead, even at these words, this screen, now slowly soften the gaze ... do you not feel the wave of relaxation travelling through your body, are your shoulders not less tense?
In some ways there is a connection with the beginning of a smile, the softening can travel the body, if you just wait a while in the middle.
What's the first thing you do before you smile?
Try it. Make a miserable expression, ( I know, you can't manage one of them, because you're a Tai Chi student), feel the tension in the body. Slowly - so you can be aware of it- begin a smile .... don't smile yet, just begin it. Can you feel the relaxation ? A relaxation that seems to seep gently throughout the body. So the answer is in the middle, not where we are serious and not where we are smiling , but the middle where a true relaxation, conscious and aware, full of a pleasure of life - peace. Therefore 'begin a smile'.
(See the story 'Keith's sheep and the fence' on Stories and Articles page, to discover more of the value of what lies between, what is in the middle, perhaps this is 'wuji'?)
The key principles to embrace.
Lower the chest, raise the upper back
Loosen the waist
Sink the shoulders, drop the elbows
Distinguish between 'full' and 'empty'
Use will (mind), not strength
Co-ordinate the upper and lower body
Co-ordinate external and internal movements
Develop a continuity of flow
Seek stillness in movement and movement in stillness
You can count the seeds
in an apple,
you cannot count the apples in a seed.


text:
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Prosecutor Says No Evidence of Foul Play in Anthony Bourdain's Death
The prosecutor of Colmar in France's Alsace region has confirmed that Anthony Bourdain hanged himself in the bathroom of his hotel room in France. Bourdain is seen here in the CNN series "Parts Unknown".
He never minced words or lied about his past, regularly speaking about his heroin addiction and the times he thought about ending his own life.
One of Bourdain's ex-girlfriends, the journalist and author Paula Froelich posted an Instagram post honoring his memory once the news broke. He was 61 and is survived by his 11-year-old daughter Ariane. His brilliant storytelling, blatant honesty, and willingness to speak whatever came to his mind are what solidified him as a star in his field. Soon after his first marriage ended in 2005, as Bourdain related in his book "Medium Raw", he was "aimless and regularly suicidal" during a stretch in the Caribbean.
Argento reportedly lives in Vigna Clara, which is north of Rome.
The company released a statement about her death: "Although Kate has not been affiliated with the brand for more than a decade, she and her husband and creative partner, Andy, were the founders of our beloved brand". I really can't talk about him.
He continued: "I pray he is at peace from the bottom of my heart". I like waking up with things to do.
In an earlier interview on the road with People, Bourdain said he had no plans to retire. "She made it incredible".
As for Africa, Bourdain declared the continent, "one of the best arguments for travel I can think of", and lauded its ability to exist as a "functioning multicultural, multilingual, extraordinarily TOLERANT society".
Before he got into television, he worked as a chef at the NY restaurant. Photo: AAPIt isn't clear how or why he killed himself, but tests are being done. "They were good friends", Karen Reynolds, director of CNN PR and longtime "Parts Unknown" publicist, told People. Bourdan and Ripert, who has appeared on the show a few times, rode a tandem bicycle together. She kept her head down most of the time and according to TMZ, she may actually be headed to Anthony's funeral.
Stelter aired photos of some of the tributes to Bourdain at CNN headquarters in Atlanta and NY. Add Anthony Bourdain as an interest to stay up to date on the latest Anthony Bourdain news, video, and analysis from ABC News.
Anthony Bourdain's mother said she had no indication that her son might have been thinking of suicide.
This week's report found that many suicides were in people with no known mental illness.
After he and Putkoski split, Bourdain said he coped by self-medicating and behaving "in a completely irresponsible and suicide way". Check out Buzzfeed to learn what happens on hotline calls and see what resources are available. "I was doing everything possible-smoking pot, drink-driving-to invite that". Bourdain, she said "did much for overlooked causes and cuisines, including that of Vietnam".
"It wasn't that it was even a contentious divorce, there was no long, litigious battle; it's just a bad thing when a relationship that great ends", he added.


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Reviews of Camerich UK Modern Designer Furniture
Camerich UK Modern Designer Furniture61 Fairfax Road Swiss Cottage London, England NW6 4EE
Camerich is a truly global furniture brand. Already established in Mainland Europe, Asia and America, Camerich launched in the UK in 2010 with a mission to deliver high end design at fair prices.
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LED Light Box Bubble Speech
- Availability:
- In Stock
- Product Code:
- 80030200
You save C$6.45
- Contains :
1 LED Speech Bubble Light Box
1 USB cable **
Erasable colored pens: 8 markers with erasers
A4 size stencils letters
- The USB cable: 5V 1A or battery powered: 6*AA 1.5V
- Size: 31x22x5 cm
You can write your favorite quotation or leave a message on the go on this cool speech bubble-shaped lightbox. You can customize at your liking, if you need to erase, you can wipe it off and write a new message with the included pens. If you do not want to write, you can also use the stencils letters to customize your message.
Make your real life, just like a comic book, you can set reminders, suggestions, works like post-it notes. They are fun, creative, and easy to clean.
Important safety Instructions: The following safety precautions should always be followed, to reduce the risk of electric shock, personal injury or fire. It is important to read all of these instructions carefully before using the product, and to save them for future reference or new users.
This product must only be used as intended in accordance with the enclosed operation instructions.
Decorative use only, please use as intended. Contains small parts - Keep out of reach of children and babies.
CAUTION: Install batteries to correct polarity. Don't mix different types of new or used batteries. Installation by adult recommended. Dispose of batteries responsibly. Do not dispose of batteries in fire.
This product has not been designed for use by children.
Children should be closely supervised at all times when they are near any electrical appliance.
Where relevant keep all ventilation slots, filters, etc. uncovered and clear of debris. Never drop or insert object into the openings.
Do not use outdoors. This appliance has been designed for domestic indoor use only.
Instructions for assembly:
Open the battery box.
Insert 6* AA batteries into the battery box with correct polarity.
Close the box
Switch on and the light box will light up.


text: I will start working on China soon. I decided instead of us admins putting randomly 99% or 100% road grip depending on track, we would have a common value for all tracks. For the record, Melbourne was 100%, Sepang was 99%. This is no official vote but something I would like to hear drivers opinion on. Post which one you prefer (and your real name if you use some nickname). A) 100% B) 99%


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A few of my favorite maps
Good maps are essential. We plan to use two types of maps on our thru-hike, plus a third map type to keep folks at home informed about our location.
Paper maps
As a public service, a hiker named Half Mile has created a wonderfully detailed set of topo maps covering the entire Pacific Crest Trail. The maps include terrain, notes, and points of interest like campsites, post offices, and water sources. The route of the PCT is well-marked on the maps, as are side trails. Elevation profiles are placed at the end of each section. Check out Half Mile's website to download free PDF files of the maps. We had the maps printed double-sided (less paper to carry) on a color laser printer (they won't smear if wet). We'll send ourselves the appropriate map sections in our food boxes, so we won't have to carry them all at once.
Even if you have a GPS, it's important to carry a paper map and compass as a backup. The GPS might fail, and it can lose its view of the sky in steep canyons or dense forests. If you don't know how to read a topo map or take a bearing with a compass, orienteering is a fun way to learn!
Phone maps
Although we will be carrying old-fashioned paper maps, we'll also be bringing maps on our smart phones. Here's how:
Topo Maps App
If you have an iPhone, the Topo Maps app is a great way to go. The app is $8, but the maps are free. You can download USGS quads (map sections) for the entire US and Canada to your phone, so you can use them without an internet connection. The app will stitch together the map sections for you, and it also lets you search for features like mountains, lakes, and campgrounds. You can locate yourself on the map using GPS. This works well even in the wilderness with no cell service. We have been using the Topo Maps app on various hikes for the past two years, with good results.
In addition to his well-regarded PDF maps, Half Mile has created a set of GPS waypoints for the PCT. You can download these using the Topo Maps app. The app will then show a pin on the map every half mile along the entire length of the PCT. The author of the app has some good instructions on how to download waypoints, and he uses Half Mile's waypoints as an example. You can get all of Half Mile's waypoints by downloading just three files: one for California, one for Oregon, and one for Washington. This will save you some time.
GPS Kit
Sometimes you don't need a topo map, but just want to know your altitude or bearing. GPS Kit can help. You can use this app to see a variety of GPS data not available in the Topo Maps app. We have also found that GPS Kit seems to locate our position more quickly than other apps, particularly when the GPS signal is weak. Sometimes we will first open GPS Kit, wait until it locates us, then open Topo Maps, which will use the position data acquired by GPS Kit.
GPS Kit can also be used to record your path, and it is surprisingly accurate. But be warned, this will burn your battery power very quickly!
Battery conservation
Phones are sweet backcountry tools, but they can be power-hungry. To save juice, keep your phone in airplane mode. This disables the cellular radio, as well as wifi and bluetooth. Who wants to take a phone call in the backcountry anyway?
To check your position efficiently, follow this procedure: turn off airplane mode, run the app to check your position quickly, then go back to the home screen and turn airplane mode back on. You will find your battery will last quite a while with this approach.
Maps at home
If you want to follow our journey from home, check out the Tracking tab at the top of this page for the link to our current location. We will be using the free GPS Tracker app to send our location to an online map whenever we have cell phone service.
Another fun thing to play around with at home is the PCT overlaid on Google Earth or Google Maps. Check out Post Holer's map. This is a cool way to browse the whole trail, or to look in detail at a specific portion. You can view terrain and satellite maps too. Happy mapping!
Are you packing in a solar charger for your smart phones or how do you plan on keeping a charge while hiking?January 28, 2012
i should have RTFM…i see on your gear page that you list a charger. nvm :)January 28, 2012
RTFM is a well loved acronym for those of us who work in the tech industry.
re: charger's – i hadnt considered the challenges of a solar charger in OR & WA. Perhaps both? there are some really effective/lightweight solar chargers that are coming out that would probably be super efficient in terms of power supply on the southern half of your trek and then switch as you get into more northern climes?January 30, 2012
Lawrence #
I like the Halfmile Waypoints in Topo Maps but man, is there a better way to download the USGS maps? It took me hours last night just to download the maps to Big Bear.March 31, 2013


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L.A., We May Have A Problem
Posted By AndyFan: The problem goes by the name of Bridge, our videogrunt. I think he may be dyslexic. Which is the only reason why he still has a job. That and he knows how to cross that gorge that separates AndyPagana.com from the world of YouTube as if he were the George Warshingten, well, Bridge… But his dyslexia has played havoc with an entire summer of posts. I look bad in our heroes eyes because Bridge swapped a few words in my first mission critical message, thereby rendering our pages blank, that is until Andy started recollecting about his Picasso years (Boss, technically the Picasso Museum owns them, they own everything Picasso put his hands on. Thank god all those women are dead!). I told Bridge, "I don't care what you do next, post the donut image first." He heard "I don't care what you do next, do not post the first image." You can see where things went all wrong. If not than you need more help than Bridge and this blog is surely not enough to help you get you through your day.
None the less, as I stated yesterday, AndyFan was on a mission (people, get with it, I am AndyFan and I like to refer to myself in the third person, I haven't been gone that long) and this mission brought him all over the globe. Well, he brought a globe with him all over, he didn't have time to buy a map and the car was leaving, so he grabbed the globe off of his sisters table and carried it under his arm as he traveled from one city to the next. You don't want to know how many times he was told that the globe was outdated. His response was, "now, now you want to discuss world politics? I don't care if the Soviet Union is no longer the USSR, is Georgia still in the United States? Can you point me to Georgia." Ok, the globe was very old, and the words were all worn off. But it got him from point A to point B, regardless of his knowing what town A was or if he should have crossed the tracks in B. I am here and that is all that matters.
I did find a few D&Ds around the globe. I don't think America "Runs" On Dunkin though. Those globular people weren't running anywhere. This shot was half way between points M and O, I skipped N, just because. One of these days I will get the framing right. Oh, boss, do they all taste unleaded?


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The last thing anyone should need is for me to explain or defend Bob Emiliani. He forgot more about lean just this morning than most of us will ever know. Yet here I go … to deal with the fallout from his recent post, Lean Heresy, in which he opened with the suggestion, "Let's get rid of value stream maps." In case anyone missed the point, he closed with, "So get rid of value stream maps and do kaizen instead."
First, everyone needs to keep in mind that bloggers often engage in hyperbole.
Wikipedia: Hyperbole is the use of exaggeration as a rhetorical device or figure of speech. It may be used to evoke strong feelings or to create a strong impression, but is not meant to be taken literally.
Hyperboles are exaggerations to create emphasis or effect. As a literary device, hyperbole is often used in poetry, and is frequently encountered in casual speech. An example of hyperbole is: "The bag weighed a ton." Hyperbole makes the point that the bag was very heavy, though it probably does not weigh a ton.
With only a few words to make a point, we bloggers often use hyperbole as that literary device to quickly and effectively "create a strong impression", but is not to be "taken literally".
Bob is not really suggesting anyone abandon value stream mapping. What he is suggesting is that they be kept in the proper perspective. Value stream maps are a very good tool to frame up a problem. Everything done is done as part of a process. The problem is quite often not caused where it is found. It is caused by some upstream activity. Things that are done are quite often unnecessary if we tweak what we are doing upstream. Value stream maps help us to see that we can often save $2 somewhere by spending an extra $1 somewhere else. That is hard (often impossible) to see when we look at the business within its silos.
The solution to the problem – the chance to gain from an opportunity – does not come from the map, itself, however. It comes from data. Understanding the map is a very effective way to assure we are gathering and using the appropriate data. Looking only within silos we only gather and evaluate the data that impacts silo performance. Within the context of the map, we gather and act on data that impacts the overall business.
Once people thoroughly understand the concept of the process – they have the correct perspective and, therefore, the ability to gather and assess the right data – there is not much value in spending time creating a comprehensive value stream map. They can go straight to the data.
A while back I described a technique called the MATI Score developed by a pretty advanced lean company. It is a simple device that drives folks to look at the flow of a part from the receiving dock to its consumption in production and determine (M) the number of times it is Moved, (A) the number of Activities performed on the part such as inspection or counting, (T) the number of Transactions made in the computer systems, and (I) the days of inventory in hand. The MATI Score is nothing more than demonstrating Bob's point. Moves, activities, transactions and inventory make up 99.99% of the waste you will encounter when assessing a part flow. They use the score to shortcut the value stream map and get right to the appropriate data needed to evaluate the problems and opportunities. Mapping the process to get the same data would be a waste of time and effort.
Bob wrote, "The real worth of current state value stream maps is to educate top company leaders, not to help workers make process improvements." He is absolutely correct in saying that the value stream map's greatest value is as a teaching tool, and that senior leaders are the ones usually in the greatest need of its educational value because they are the ones most steeped in traditional management. I mildly disagree with him concerning workers. Early on the value stream map can be helpful in their education, as well, although he is right in that production folks typically already know the source of their problems.
I see it this way: Value stream maps are like long division. It is very important that kids know how to do it and why it works before they are handed calculators. Once they understand it, however, kids would be foolish to do manual long division when there is a calculator available. In like manner, people embarking on a lean journey absolutely have to know what a value stream map is, what it shows and how to use one. Once that lesson has been learned – and learned deeply – it would be a waste of time to draw a bunch of boxes and lines and gather a lot of inapplicable data simply to comply with some misconceived notion that doing so is a prerequisite to being lean.


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December 2000
- President's Message :
Another year comes to a close, and as we have reorganized ourselves, hopefully for the better, we hope that the members have noticed the hard work the new Board is putting into everything to make this Lodge more successful.You will be noticing some of the events that we will be organizing and running in the upcoming months.
One of the new things that we are working on is full carry permits for our members who are retiring, and judging from the recent trend, there will be a lot of them in the upcoming year. It has been brought to our attention that some members have had a hard time getting full carry permits. If you are one of them, please let us know so we can work on this problem.. We have talked to several judges who are friendly towards us and are willing to help streamline the process. However, we would encourage any member who intends to retire in the upcoming year, at least six months before throwing in your papers, apply to the Orange County Sheriff's Office for a full carry permit, as this will save you some time and hassle if you do it now. One of our first priorities in the new year will be full carry permits for our retiring/retired members. We will keep you informed throughout the year.
Remember, there is no regular meeting this month, but we will be having an adult Christmas party on Friday Dec 15 starting at 8:00. It will bew $20.00 per person and include catered food and an open bar,at the Legion, we urge you to bring out the significant other and let them see us(on our best behavior). Hopefully we can make this an annual event, we are still going to try and organize a kids party for next year. We will need a head count for the food so you can call our hotline, the bugs have been worked out and the message updated, and the hotline will be checked everyday by more members of the Board for a quicker response.
Congratulations to Steve Giove, who was electecd November 15th as the new Orange County Shields President, we wish him and his new Board good luck and hopefully they will come to one of our meetings and talk about their plans. We look forward to working with them to assist all of our members.
On Monday December 4, the Shields will be hosting their annual Blood Drive at the Legion, we strongly urge our members to attend and give a pint, to help the Blood shortage in Orange County.
On a personal note, thank you to the Lodge for the Fruit Basket for my father, and Lodge member, Tom Carton, who is recovering from an illness.
On behalf of the Board and our families to the members and their families, we wish you all a safe and happy holiday season, and I'll probably be seeing most of you in Times Square again this New Year.
Lastly, remember to stay safe and wear your vests.
Blood Drive:
On Monday December 4 from 1200-1900hrs the Orange County Shields will be hosting their annual blood drive. For more information contact Tommy Carroll. The Drive will be held at the American Legion, Post 488.
Venture Scouts
The Venture Scouts a new BSA Scout Troop will be hosting a fund raiser Spaghetti Dinner at the American Legion, Post 488 on Friday December 8. For more information contact Frank Cush at 782-4101.
1st Annual Law Enforcement Poker Run
The Lodge will be hosting a Motorcycle Poker Run in May 2001 with the Nam Knights, a motorcycle club made up of various Law Enforcement Officers. We will have more information in the next newsletter.
Toy Drive
The Monroe PD is hosting their annual Toy Drive. Toys may be dropped off at the Monroe PD Headquarters on Stage Road, Monroe
Cop On The Take
First he takes the oath.
Now look at all he takes:
He takes it in stride when people call him pig.
He takes his lousy pay check realizing he'll never be rich.
He takes a second job sometimes to make ends meet and support his family.
He takes time to stop and talk to children.
He takes your verbal abuse while giving you a ticket you really deserved.
He takes on creeps you would be afraid to even look at.
He takes time away from his family to keep you safe.
He takes your injured child to the hospital.
He takes the graveyard shift without complaint because it's his turn.
He takes his life into his hands daily.
He takes you home when your car breaks down.
He takes time to explain why both your headlights have to work.
He takes the job no one else wants-telling you a loved one has died.
He takes criminals to jail.
He takes in sights that would make you cry.
Sometimes he cries too, but he takes it anyway because someone has to.
If he is lucky, he takes retirement.
He takes memories to bed each night that you couldn't bear for even one day.
He takes time to explain to his family why he can't make the ball game his child is in and why he has to work on the holiday when other parents are off.
Sometimes, he takes a bullet.
And yes, occasionally he may take a free cup of coffee.
Then one day he pays for all he has taken, and God takes him.
Please remember that the "he" in all this represents all police officers, both men and women who have served and are serving our cities, counties and states and their citizens we have all sworn to protect.
The next time, and all the times after, that you see a cop please take a moment to pray for them. Pray that they will make it home to their families and live to see another day.
God bless ALL cops everywhere


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TITLE: Chasing Memories
AUTHOR: Ellie Wade
RELEASED: 7th December, 2015
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
What if you found him, the one who was put on this earth for you? He was your perfect partner, your soul mate. Your life with him was more than you could have ever hoped for. The two of you created an amazing family full of so much love.
I did. And it was everything.
Then, one day, I woke up, and he was gone. They were all gone.
I can't accept it. I'm stuck in a reality that isn't mine, aching for the life I lost, one that made up the very fabric of my soul.
How do I find my future when my past won't stop pulling me under? I'm drowning, struggling to breathe in this existence where nothing makes sense. It might be crazy, and I might be as well.
But if you'd experienced the joy of a once-in-a-lifetime love, you'd be chasing memories, too.
Kindle Friends 5 ★ Review by Donna Elsegood.
I always look forward to reading Ellie Wades books as they are full of angst and ultimately love and romance; however, this was something completely different to what I have ever read before.
Mia Chapman is due to marry her childhood sweetheart Grayson Strong. The day before, she experiences a tragedy which has life changing consequences. What her mind believes and what appears to be reality just doesn't add up.
Quote: Mia ~ "My husband, Mom!" "Is he coming? Why isn't he here? He should be here!"
Mia can't fathom out why she has overwhelming feelings for a man called Aiden. He consumes and confuses her thoughts, but why is he in her head? What is happening to her? Struggling to connect to Grayson, I could feel her frustration, her fears. If my heart went out to her, it despaired for Grayson. What a fantastic character and although there were times I truly felt sorry for him, a part of me couldn't help wondering if there was more to him. I really thought he'd be able to overcome such a complex situation unscathed; however, little did I realise what the author had in store for me.
I loved how this story skipped from what was her current life and the life she believed she shared with Aiden, the man who she thinks is her soul mate. The emotion I felt for Mia shows how Ellie can write something with so much feeling had me sympathising with the leading lady's dilemma. Actually, I would go so far as saying that I envisaged myself in the same room as Mia wanting to help her uncover the truth. I couldn't put this story down for a second as I was desperate to know where it would lead me. I asked myself, "Aiden, who are you?" Him constantly being in Mia's mind only seemed to add to my distress. This has been a difficult review to write as everything I would like to mention would be a spoiler.
Aiden ~ "Hey, you're flawless at everything. Don't be jealous that I can pick apples better than you."
Mia ~ "Number one, I'm not perfect at everything and you know it. Number two, give me a few tries, and I will pick apples better than you."
The premise of the story is quite unique. An incomprehensible time-line of carefree fun which the two protagonists had together was for me, more than intriguing. The side characters were incorporated very well indeed and her sister Grace was a fabulous support. She believed what Mia was trying to prove and her two sisters together were nothing less than hilarious; as was her niece. Their mother loved them; nevertheless, she felt that Mia needed some kind of therapy fearing that what had happened to her would make her lose her mind.
Mia ~ "To me, this life feels like a dream. It's familiar but shallow. The colors here aren't vibrant, the emotions are dull, and the love is missing. It is a fond dream, containing some pleasant memories and people I love, but I'm dying to wake up. I'm fading…"
I must add my opinion regarding the cover. It is stunningly apt for such an amazing story which should be enough to entice any reader. But rest assured, this read with a difference has a twist or two which will undoubtedly keep you on your toes. Ellie never fails to surprise me. I adored the different angle this offering took. Kudos to the author. Everyone of her books always rivets and captivates me. In a nutshell; I remain a massive avid fan.
AMAZON: US | UK | CA | AU | iBooks | Kobo | B&N
Ellie Wade resides in southwest Michigan with her husband, three young children, and two dogs. She has a Master's degree in education from Eastern Michigan University and is a huge University of Michigan sports fan. She loves the beauty of her home state, especially the lakes and the gorgeous autumn weather. When she is not writing, you will find her reading, snuggled up with her kids, or spending time with family and friends. She loves traveling and exploring new places with her family.
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon Page | TSU | IG
Come join my Reader Group today!


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The O? Neill Glamor Pant snowboard pants show off with a fancy design. Complete in beige and with a relaxed fit, it becomes your favorite pair of pants.
Winter sports can finally begin with a pleasant wearing comfort.
Thanks to a high water column, you will stay dry even after several hours.
For sufficient storage space is also provided, 2 front pockets and 2 Gesa bags.
For everything a place is found here.
With many other features, it becomes the pants you should not miss.
-Material: 100% polyester
-Water column: 10.000mm
-Breathability: 10.000g / m2
-Clogged critical seam
-Connection system to the jacket
-With snow guard
-Inner leg openings
-Adjustable waistband by Velcro
-2 front pockets with zipper
-2 Gesa? Bags
-Button placket at the hem of the leg
-Fit: Relaxed
-High quality processed
O'Neill Exalt Mens Snowboard Pants – X-Large/Cabernet
- Critically taped seams and hyperdry material secures protection from the elements and shields moisture, while you stay dry and comfy.
- O'Neill's waist adjuster offers the exact; right-fit when worn alone or layered-up.
- Slope-style looks with cargo side pockets, The Exalt Snowboard Bottoms are equipped with mountain-ready features that will rock any altitude.


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Congratulations to the Flanagan HS Winners of Our Money Saver Poster Contest!
Last month was National Youth Savings Month, so BrightStar had a contest. Students from Flanagan High School were invited to enter our Money Saver Poster Contest. The contest was open to all clubs and organizations at Flanagan. Students created posters with the theme of saving money. Posters were judged on the expression of the theme, artwork style, content and creativity. The 2 winning posters were created by the National Honor Society which took 1st Place and the Class of 2013 in 2nd place. The winners received cash prizes from BrightStar Credit Union for their clubs. Thank you to all who participated. All posters including the winners will be displayed on our Facebook page. Congratulations!
Posted on 05/04/2011, in Broward, Broward County, Broward County Public Schools, Contest Winners. Bookmark the permalink. Leave a comment.