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Tikanga are the customs and traditions that have been handed down through the passages of time. They come from tika,things are true and not teka, things that are false. Hence the word is tikanga not tekanga.
The foundations of Tikanga rest at the dawn of time, when events were happening, the worlds were being made, domains being decided, the balance was being put in place and English was not being spoken. All Tikanga stems from this time. I nga wa o mua translates as from the times of front but this phrase means the past. Therefore the past is always in front of us, there for guidance and the future is behind us, as very few can see the future and what it has in store for us. And looking into the past the one thing that we should realize is that Each Iwi has different Tikanga, which is tika for them. Do not judge different iwi from your own as being wrong, for what they see in their past has developed their Tikanga.
Today, Tikanga is often influenced by other cultures´ views and perspectives, and for Maori people searching for Tikanga today, they will find it clouded with Western Attitudes (It´s a mans´ world) Christian Ideals (Church Services) and Eastern Philosophy (Mind, Body and Soul). If our Tupuna of over 300 years ago came back today, they would probably not understand half the Tikanga of today.
So, how do we find the Tikanga of our Tupuna? We have to look for the Tika, and the best place to look for that is in our ancient past and within our own Wairua, for our Wairua is as old as the worlds themselves.


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Robert Temple, Joseph Needham, "The Genius of China: 3,000 Years of Science, Discovery, and Invention"
Inner Traditions | 2007 | ISBN: 1594772177 | 288 pages | PDF | 19,2 MB
Inner Traditions | 2007 | ISBN: 1594772177 | 288 pages | PDF | 19,2 MB
Revised, full-color illustrated edition of the multi-award-winning, international bestseller that charts the unparalleled and astounding achievement of ancient China • Brings to life one hundred Chinese "firsts" in the fields of agriculture, astronomy, engineering, mathematics, medicine, music, technology, and warfare • Based on the definitive work of the world's most famous Sinologist, Joseph Needham (1900-1995), author of Science and Civilisation in China • Organized by field, invention, and discovery for ease of referenceUndisputed masters of invention and discovery for 3,000 years, the ancient Chinese were the first to discover the solar wind and the circulation of the blood and even to isolate sex hormones. From the suspension bridge and the seismograph to deep drilling for natural gas, the iron plough, and the parachute, ancient China's contributions in the fields of engineering, medicine, technology, mathematics, science, transportation, warfare, and music helped inspire the European agricultural and industrial revolutions.Since its original publication, The Genius of China has won five literary awards in America and been translated into 43 languages. Its Chinese edition, The Spirit of Chinese Invention, was approved by the Chinese Ministry of Education for use in connection with the national secondary curriculum in China. Based on the immense, authoritative scholarship of the late Joseph Needham, the world's foremost scholar of Chinese science, and including a foreword by him, this revised full-color illustrated edition brings to life the spirit and excitement of the unparalleled achievements of ancient China.
" . . . richly illustrative narrative utilizing facsimiles of historical script and beautifully done photography. . . . a rigorous, but pleasurable intellectual endeavor without the trappings of tedious academic script. Fully referenced and loaded with facts . . . " (
Robert Figler, Ph.D., Journal of Asian Martial Arts,
Vol. 17, No. 3 )
"These days, we Americans would do well to understand the Chinese as thoroughly as we can; this book is a good starting point in beginning to understand that before 'we discovered' the Orient, it was doing fine without us and our primitive technologies." (Curled Up with a Good Book, Dec 2007 )
" . . . a must-have for history buffs and anyone who is interested in the rich and diverse contributions of ancient China to the modern world." (Vision Magazine, Feb 2008 )
" . . . a top pick for any college-level collection strong in Chinese history and culture, offering a revised full-color edition that brings to life elements of ancient Chinese history." (The Midwest Book Review, Mar 2008 )
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text: Metropolitan Tenants Organization, a MacArthur grantee, is launching an app called "Squared Away Chicago," giving renters access to new tool to communicate and document issues with landlords. The app will also allow landlords to manage connections with building tenants and respond more quickly to inquiries or issues. The data collected by the app will better inform policymakers of trends in the rental housing market. The app is available through squaredawaychicago.com and is the recipient of the 2014 Lumity Technology Leadership Award.


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Was the provincial government pressured by deep-pocketed pharmaceutical conglomerates to kill off the Therapeutics Initiative, an internationally acclaimed drug watchdog agency run out of UBC?
That theory may sound like an outlandish plot from a Hollywood movie, but it gained some credibility during this spring's provincial election when it was raised by NDP leader Adrian Dix.
He said the "influential" pharmaceutical industry, which donates to and lobbies the B.C. Liberals, incessantly pressured the government to shut down the Therapeutics Initiative (TI).
The TI is a small agency of university scientists who study the safety and efficiency of prescription drugs offered to B.C. residents through Pharmacare. It is one of the few independent organizations in North America that analyzes what's in our medicine cabinets.
It has been hobbled for nearly a year, since the province cut its funding and blocked access to crucial patient data as part of a high-profile breach of privacy investigation.
The privacy investigation led to the firing of seven Health Ministry employees engaged in pharmaceutical drug research, but none of them worked at the TI.
Dix vowed an NDP government would revive the TI. "It is saving lives, it is saving money, and it is providing an independent voice in an area which is incredibly one-sided," he said in a recent interview.
The TI, which questions the safety and efficiency of prescription drugs, claims pharmaceutical companies and people they influence have tried to shut it down since it was formed two decades ago.
In in-depth interviews with The Sun, the two scientists who founded the TI shared stories about the extreme pressure tactics brought to bear against them by drug companies over the years. The most extreme: a request from a top pharmaceutical executive to have one of the founders fired.
"We have been a real thorn in the eye of big pharma," said TI co-founder Casey van Breemen, former head of UBC's pharmacology department.
"[But] they've bought the government, they've bought the university, and they have now basically destroyed proper clinical pharmacology in Canada."
Van Breemen and the TI's other supporters claim the agency has saved patients' lives — and saved taxpayers millions of dollars — by analyzing drug companies' claims that a new drug is safe and worth more money than older, cheaper brands.
Its detractors, which include pharmaceutical companies, patient advocacy groups and some doctors, claim the TI has always been biased. They argue it has bogged down the drug review process and kept potentially helpful medications out of the hands of chronically ill British Columbians.
Having lost government support, the TI is limping along with temporary funding provided by UBC.
But it can only do limited work without the patient data it requires to conduct reviews.
Even though none of the fired ministry employees worked for the TI, the government says the suspension of the data is "prudent" while it investigates the alleged misuse of patients' personal information.
"There is still concern about the investigation and how it may touch members of the TI," the new health minister, Terry Lake, told The Sun.
Access to the data is suspended until the health ministry investigation – which has led to civil lawsuits, union grievances and a possible RCMP probe – is concluded.
"We know there is an unfortunate timeline here, that the TI feels its funding is coming to an end, but we need to be guided by the investigation," said Lake, who denied his government's decisions are influenced by pharmaceutical donors.
"Once the investigation is complete, then I think we need to evaluate the continuing role of the TI."
The TI was established at UBC in 1994 by the NDP government.
Its main roles were to review evidence about a drug to determine if it provides an advantage over existing drugs; analyze data from B.C. patients to answer questions not addressed in clinical trials by drug companies; and write letters to B.C. doctors and pharmacists to explain what it has learned about a new drug.
The approval (or rejection) of a drug for the Pharmacare list is high-stakes business.
The ministry wants to offer safe drugs while keeping costs low. Drug companies have millions in profits to gain or lose. Patients want fast access to a wide range of pharmaceuticals.
Before co-founding the TI, Dr. Jim Wright was a professor in UBC's pharmacology department.
He drew a lot of money into the university by conducting trials for the drug companies, from whom he received gifts.
"I did go on trips and I did think I wasn't being influenced, but I obviously was influenced," he said.
So when Wright took the role of independently studying drugs at the TI for the government, he completely severed those ties.
"I don't think you can be friendly and collegial with the drug industry and still be completely unbiased and unconflicted when you are assessing drugs," he said.
In an effort to remain autonomous, scientists at the TI refuse to speak with pharmaceutical company officials or accept free lunches from drug reps.
The strategy won international praise from some experts, who claim there is not enough independent research into pharmaceutical drugs, one of the fastest-growing portions of B.C.'s huge health budget.
They also argue Health Canada's testing of drugs at the national level isn't thorough enough and requires impartial followup.
Critics, though, argue the TI is not transparent nor inclusive, and has an anti-pharma philosophy that resulted in some B.C. patients facing much longer delays for new drugs than in the rest of Canada.
"Medications reviewed by the TI have already been approved for sale in Canada," Ron Woznow, past executive director of the B.C. Arthritis Society, lamented in 2008.
"People with private insurance or sufficient financial resources can purchase them. Those who depend on B.C. government Pharmacare are left to wait. That is harmful and discriminatory to those who most need help — seniors and low-income citizens."
Pharmaceutical companies have also complained about the delays.
Van Breemen, head of UBC's pharmacology and therapeutics department from 1993 to 2002, recalls being a recipient of lavish perks and pressure tactics from drug companies.
In 1997, three years after he and Wright founded the TI, van Breemen said a top executive in a major drug company asked him to fire Wright.
Wright was a professor in van Breemen's department and a clinical pharmacologist who had produced many critical drug reviews at the TI.
The incident happened, van Breemen said, while he was going to dinner with the drug company executives in Victoria, where they had all flown for a meeting with the health minister.
"The money was thrown around like crazy."
"And then, as we were walking up to the dinner — we were outside, it was a nice day — the CEO kind of slowed me down so we were not within any hearing distance of anyone else. He asked me, 'Well, who does Jim Wright report to?' van Breemen recalled.
"So then he says, this big handsome Oklahoma guy, 'Why don't you fire him?' I sealed my own fate when I answered him, 'I could do that if you want to institute censorship in the university.'"
Van Breemen said it was implied he would benefit from Wright's termination. After he refused to comply, an unrelated $400,000 annual contract to do research at UBC for the drug company — which he started before founding the TI — was cancelled.
"They spent a lot of money on me. And that was basically to buy me and to buy influence on drug policy in B.C.," alleged van Breemen, who has not signed another drug company contract since then.
Van Breemen said he feels free to talk about this incident publicly now because the provincial government no longer pays him to work for the TI, and he is retired from UBC as a professor emeritus.
Drug companies and pharmacies donated nearly $600,000 to the B.C. Liberals over the past eight years — almost 14 times more than they gave to the NDP. And many of the big donors — including Pfizer and Merck — are among the most active lobbyists in Victoria.
The Sun contacted the five drug companies which gave the most money to the Liberals, but all refused to grant interviews about the TI's past and future, or any role they played in its demise.
Pfizer Canada issued a brief statement that said the company "has no involvement" in the Health Ministry investigation.
The other drug firms referred questions to their main industry association, Canada's Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies, which is also a Liberal donor. It refused to comment at length, saying in a brief email that any decisions about the TI are up to the government.
No one objects to the need for drug-safety reviews, said the president of another industry association, which includes pharmaceutical companies.
"The issue tends to be: what is the best vehicle to do that? And is TI the appropriate vehicle?" said Don Enns, president of Life Sciences B.C.
Over the course of its 20-year history, the TI was praised by experts around the world for raising red flags about several drugs. It was among the first to warn about serious side effects from the diabetes drug Avandia and the popular arthritis painkiller Vioxx.
The TI's cautions delayed approval in B.C. of Vioxx, which was later pulled from the market worldwide.
"The TI's investigation of Vioxx, an anti-inflammatory drug that for some time gained huge success in most markets, revealed evidence of an increase in heart attacks," three professors — Gordon Guyatt of McMaster University, Joel Lexchin of York University, and UBC's Patricia Baird — wrote in 2010. "TI warnings proved prescient, and the delay and restrictions indirectly saved an estimated 500 lives [in B.C.]."
The TI was also lauded for safeguarding taxpayers' money.
An independent UBC study in 2007 found B.C. had the lowest prescription drug rates in the country, saving the province $700 million a year. The British Medical Journal wrote about the report, agreeing that the TI was responsible for these savings.
But Rennie Hoffman of the Better Pharmacare Coalition, a group of 15 societies that lobby for patients in B.C., argued the TI only saved the province money by delaying the approval of drugs — something that hurt ill people. "There is a conflict of interest in the philosophy of the members of the TI in their predisposition against big pharma," said Hoffman, whose coalition was formed in 1997 to try to speed up patients' access to new drugs.
TI officials reject claims they are anti-pharma. "I'm on the side of drug development," van Breemen said. "But I'm not on the side of profit over human suffering."
By 2008, 14 years after its inception, the TI had a growing number of opponents who waged a war against the agency in newspapers and health journals, as well as a more private battle focused on lobbying the provincial government for change.
As a result, the B.C. Liberals formed a panel to rethink the drug-review process. The makeup of the government's committee heavily favoured pharmaceutical industry interests.
Its report slammed the TI for being "narrow, insular and resistant to meaningful stakeholder engagement," and recommended it either be replaced or restricted in the type of work it does. The next year, a review commissioned by the dean of the UBC medical school concluded the TI was highly reputed around the world for its research and education, but also found a polarization of opinions among doctors. Family physicians appreciated the letters the TI sent about the new drugs, while some specialists thought the reviews were restrictive and ignored the advice of experts in the field.
In 2010, the Liberals slashed the TI's $1 million annual budget by half and restructured B.C.'s drug-review system, reducing the role of the TI and increasing that of doctors, patient groups and pharmaceutical companies. That prompted an outcry from international academics with prestigious credentials, who feared the watering down of the TI.
"Replacing UBC's Therapeutics Initiative with a process that allows drug companies to further their business interests at public expense will have predictable results," wrote Marcia Angell and Arnold Relman, Harvard Medical School professors and former editors-in-chief of the New England Journal of Medicine. "First, more drugs will be listed on B.C.'s formulary, and they will be expensive brand-name drugs with long patent lives ... Second, scientific judgment will yield to commercial pressures."
Allowing pharmaceutical companies a role in drug coverage decisions "is like putting biker gangs in charge of street crime," Michael McBane, of the public advocacy organization Canadian Health Coalition, said at the time.
The TI still did drug reviews for the government, but had to apply for the contracts. And since the 2010 changes, Wright alleged, the TI's relationship with the government has diminished and drug policy in B.C. has been weakened.
Opponents of the TI, though, applauded the changes. In a statement to The Sun, Pfizer said it has found the new system "transparent and accountable."
"There have been improvements in the process over the last few years and expectations from manufacturers on drug submissions are well understood," said company spokesman Vincent Lamoureux.
Nancy Roper, executive director of the Arthritis Society of B.C., said drug-approval decisions are made more quickly now, and the new system "provides a more formalized decision-making structure than what we had previously under the TI."
But do societies like Roper's offer unbiased opinions when many receive donations from drug companies? The Arthritis Society's website, for example, says it gets grants from a dozen pharmaceutical-related companies.
Roper said the donations don't influence her agency's research or educational programs.
Hoffman, of the Better Pharmacare Coalition, said it is proper for drug companies to donate to his member organizations. "Pharmaceutical companies have a moral obligation to assist patient-care organizations. They make a lot of money off those patients," he said.
The TI operated in a smaller capacity under the new rules until last summer, when it lost data and funding because of the Health Ministry investigation into inappropriate sharing of patient information.
UBC cobbled together money from various sources to keep the TI afloat because it values the work being done by the TI's staff, all UBC faculty members.
"Any new drug coming out has reams and reams of data that could absolutely overwhelm a practicing clinician, and having a body like the TI apply a rigorous assessment to those data is exceptionally helpful in making therapeutic decisions for patients," said Dr. Gavin Stuart, dean of the UBC Faculty of Medicine. That isn't a long-term solution, as the university doesn't have a spare $500,000 to replace the government funding. Two staff members have been told they must leave if no new money can be found, Stuart said.
Without long-term funding, the TI's scientists — some of them international academics — will likely continue to do similar research, but it will be impossible to keep the agency together, Wright said.
"This is a travesty," he added.
UBC is lobbying the government to restore the TI's access to patient health data, Stuart said.
But that will not happen, the health minister said, until after the investigation is finished. Lake insisted such decisions are not influenced by pharmaceutical donors, offering as proof the Liberals recent move to cut the cost of most generic drugs in the province by 10 percentage points when compared to brand-name equivalents.
"This notion of evil big pharma out there, obviously it is something that we should all be cognizant of, that this is a large industry and obviously there is self-interest that comes into play whenever you have lots of dollars," he said. "But I certainly would resist the temptation to characterize our decision-making as unduly influenced by big pharma," said Lake.
During the election campaign, Premier Christy Clark said part of the reason the Liberals cut the TI's funding was to "respect the private sector," which the NDP interpreted as bowing to pressure from pharmaceutical companies. The NDP's Dix campaigned to not only renew the agency's $1 million annual budget, but double it, if he formed government. "The TI has been under pressure under the Liberals for 12 years, and it is of such value that it forced the Liberals to overcome even some of their donors and ideological biases to maintain it," he said.
Dix, who injects insulin four times a day for diabetes, appreciates the development of new drugs, but is also grateful for researchers who impartially test how medicine affects patients. "[The TI] is an outstanding agency," he said.
Answers about the TI's future could be years away as lawsuits make their way through the justice system.
One of those lawsuits alleges "the Liberal Party was receiving significant contributions from these drug companies, and the province was eliminating drug safety programs that could cause restrictions on sales of the products of these drug companies."
So, perhaps the courts will determine if the big-pharma-quashes-small-watchdog plot is fact or fiction.


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Dave Lifton
December 31, 2013
Bruce Springsteen's 1978 tour in support of 'Darkness on the Edge of Town' took him from clubs and theaters to arenas over the course of its seven months. But it came close to ending in disaster. On Dec. 31, 1978 — the second-to-last-night of the tour — Springsteen got hit in the face with a lit firecracker.
The show took place at the Richfield Coliseum outside of Cleveland, which has always been one of Springsteen's best markets. The two-night stand was the third time on the 'Darkness' tour that he had played Cleveland, including a show at the Agora on August 9 which has entered Springsteen lore as one of his greatest ever. And at his first show at the Coliseum 21 days later, things went so well that, after the show, he, Steve Van Zandt and Clarence Clemons went back to the Agora to sit in on a few songs with their friend Southside Johnny.
But on this night, what was supposed to ring in 1979 on a good note turned ugly shortly after midnight. Following the traditional 'Auld Lang Syne' and a cover of Elvis Presley's 'Good Rockin' Tonight,' someone in the crowd threw a firecracker onstage. It glanced off Springsteen's face and then exploded. Fortunately, he was only slightly cut, with a bandage under his right eye marking where he got hit. After Van Zandt, who was perhaps auditioning for his future role on 'The Sopranos,' had some choice words for the hurler, Springsteen took to the mic. The audio, combined from both soundboard and audience sources, is embedded below.
"Now, I asked everybody, as I've seen people hurt at shows with firecrackers before, you know," he said. "I'm gonna ask you again because we're gonna be here tomorrow night…and you guys have always been great in this town. I love coming here and we love playing here — that's why we came on New Year's Eve. And the only thing I ask is that people don't do stuff to hurt other people and to hurt themselves and to hurt me and whoever else is up here, because we came here to play some rock n' roll for you, and you guys paid your money so you…could listen without being afraid of getting hurt or blown up or whatever. So if anybody sees anybody throwing stuff…just tell somebody so we can get 'em out. If you want to throw something, we'll give you your money back and you can throw it outside and do whatever you want."
Springsteen and the E Street Band continued with ironically, the next song on the setlist, 'Point Blank.'
Limited edition Springsteen book, The Light in Darkness, less than 120 copies left.
Focusing on Springsteen's Darkness on The Edge of Town 1978 album and tour, including highlights of the
New Year's Eve Firecracker show and more!
Save on Shipping- January-March 2014
CLICK HERE TO SAVE NOW- The Light in Darkness
*The Light in Darkness book is not sold in stores


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10 Impressive Health Benefits of Figs You Must Know
There are many fruits that not only keep giving us nutrition but they also show many health benefits. One among them is figs and we never bother about its healthier points. So, lets discuss in detail about fig. Fig is a flowering plant having Latin name Ficus carica. It is also known as Rajoudumbara and Anjeer in India.
The medicinal properties of the fruit of this plant are Taste (Rasa): Sweet (Madur), Qualities (Guna): Heavy (Guru), Dry (Rooksha), Potency (Veerya): Cool (Sheeta), and Taste conversion after digestion (Vipaka): Katu. This plant is usually found throughout India, Malaysia, Australia, and Indonesia. It pacifies Pitta and Vata dosha in the body. The fruit of this plant provides nourishment and strength to the body. This fruit is rich in copper, fiber, potassium, vitamin B6, manganese, and pantothenic acid. Figs show antiviral antibacterial, anti-hyperglycemic, anti-hyperglycemic, and anti-cancerous properties.
फलमौदुम्बरंपक्वंशीतलंमधुरंगुरु।According to this shloka, the ripe fruit of fig is sweet, heavy, and cold. It is beneficial in excessive thirst, heart problems, produces kapha, and good in blood disorders.
(Reference: Kehdev nighantu shlok no 430)
औदुंबरंफलमतीवहिमंसुपक्वंपित्तापहंचThe shloka represents that the fruit of ripe fig is cold, balances pitta, sweet in taste, gives good results in general weakness, oedema. This fruit maintains digestion, removes toxins (aam) from the body due to its astringent property. It increases the digestion, reduces obesity, and maintains the body.
(Reference: Raj nighantu shlok no 129 )
The ten most important health benefits of figs are mentioned below in detail:
1) In high blood pressure: The fruit of this plant gives very effective results in high blood pressure patients. The main reason for high blood pressure is an imbalance of sodium and potassium level in the body. The fruit acts as a diuretic that helps in the lowering of the high blood pressure, as well as it controls the decreased sodium and potassium levels in the body. So, eat two to three figs daily early in the morning on an empty stomach.
2) Manage constipation and piles problem: The figs fruit softens the stool and acts as a mild laxative that helps in emptying the bowel. Hence constipation is treated with the regular use of figs. Figs are rich in fiber, soften the feces, and increase the bulk of the fecal matter. Its regular intake is good as it reduces constipation in piles patients and prevents blood loss. Soak four figs fruit in a glass of water eat it early in the morning on an empty stomach.
3) In heart diseases and high cholesterol level: The soluble fiber called pectin in figs reduces the high cholesterol levels in the body. The Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids in figs reduce the risk of coronary heart diseases. Consume 2 to 3 figs twice daily.
4) For increasing body weight: The elements present in figs increase the body weight naturally. It builds up the immunity and increases body strength easily. Figs improve bulk and increase muscle strength. Have four figs with a glass of cows milk twice daily for good results.
5) In male fertility and erectile dysfunction: The figs are rich in amino acids that are beneficial in erectile dysfunction and increases libido. These figs increase the sperm count and its motility. It maintains semen health and boosts sexual energy, sexual stamina. So, eat two to three figs fruit daily by soaking it overnight in a glass of water. Early in the morning on an empty stomach eat these fruits. If you use it regularly you can see effective results in a month.
6) Figs benefits in Type- 2 Diabetes mellitus: For the management of glucose level in the body figs fruit and leaves play an important role. The antioxidant nature of this fruit neutralizes the oxidative stress and harmful free radicals in the body. The tea prepared from its leaves is very beneficial for reducing high blood sugar levels. So, drink this tea twice daily for effective results.
7) Figs boost the immune system: As figs are rich in vitamin, minerals, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants so they help in strengthening the immune system. Figs promote a healthy body and alleviate all diseases. Daily usage of figs improves the immune system. The production of white blood cells increases with the use of figs due to the presence of carotenoids, psoralen, angelicin, and furanocoumarin. Consume two to three figs daily.
8) In anemia: The fruit increases hemoglobin levels, packed cell volume, platelet count, and total white blood cells. These all increase due to the presence of iron in it. Both fresh and dried figs contain plenty of protein in it. As iron and protein both form the hemoglobin so anemia will be treated automatically. Eat atleast four figs fruit twice daily. Soak these fruits overnight, early in the morning and take with a glass of milk. Your hemoglobin level will increase automatically.
9) Respiratory problems: Figs contain vitamins, minerals, protein, carbohydrates, and fiber that maintain the overall respiratory system. This fruit clears the cough, blocked nose, cold, throat problems, and other obstructions. It improves fatigue, weakness tiredness during breathing difficulties due to physical weakness and excessive exertion. Eat one to two figs daily for asthma and breathing problems.
10) For weight gain: The presence of multiple nutrients in figs helps in improving weight. When it is consumed with milk the high-calorie level of milk helps to gain weight in a desirable amount. So, consume one to two figs daily in the morning with a glass of milk for gaining weight.
NOTE: You can consume figs in different ways like eat fresh figs, dried figs can be soaked or eat directly, add figs to your smoothies, drink juice of figs fruit, etc. All the health benefits of figs are mentioned in detail above. You can use it as per your requirement. According to your health issues you can use figs.
01-22-2020, 12:17 AM #2Ayurveda DoctorGuest
Yeah, Fig is very helpful to gain weight. I also used to have fig.


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It's almost too good to be true, but the tweet above apparently briefly appeared on the official Secret Service Twitter account.
It was promptly deleted, but not before dozens of people retweeted it, including Time political reporter Amy Sullivan. This screenshot appeared on the Tumblr of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Was it an errant direct message? An employee who forgot to log into their personal account? A hacker? Either way, the Secret Service's very brief foray into social media has already proven much more entertaining than hundreds of tweets from the Taliban.
Update: Steven Ferrezza took a photo of the tweet on his iPhone before it was deleted. (Click on the image to expand)
A Secret Service spokesman told ABC News:
An employee with access to the Secret Service's Twitter account, who mistakenly believed they were on their personal account, posted an unapproved and inappropriate tweet. The tweet did not reflect the views of the U.S. Secret Service and it was immediately removed. We apologize for this mistake, and the user no longer has access to our official account.


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Studies of human traits and diseases are inherently confined to observational studies, known as epidemiological studies. This can make it very hard to determine what actually causes a particular disease or trait, and what is just a by-product or biomarker of the disease.
Mendelian randomization is a statistical technique used by genetic epidemiologists to determine causal effects, for instance whether a biomarker actually influences disease risk, or whether it is just a statistical association.
From basics, how can genetics be used to determine causal associations between traits (such as blood markers) and increased risk of disease, and on what assumptions is this based?


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Minor Variances
What is a Minor Variance?
The question of what constitutes a 'minor variance' is not a question that can be, or has been definitvely answered. The Ontario Municipal Board has said, "there is no inflexible rule as to what is or is not minor. It is a relative term and must be interpreted with respect to the particular circumstances involved." In addition, the Divisional Court has stated, "no hard and fast criteria can be laid down, the question of whether a variance is minor must, in each case, be determined in light of the particular facts and circumstances of the case. It is for the Committee and, in the event of an appeal, the Ontario Municipal Board, to determined the extent ot which a By-law provision may be relaxed and a variance is still classed as minor." It is therefore up to the Committee of Adjustment, when considering applications for minor variance to take all of the particular circumstances of the application into account and to determine whether or not the variance requested is, in the opinion of the Committee, minor.
Essentially, if your proposed change doesn't conform exactly to the Zoning By-law, but follows its general intent, you can apply for a minor variance. For example, you might want to locate something on your property but the shape of your lot won't let you meet the minimum setback.
A minor variance does not change a Zoning By-law, it simply excuses you from a specific requirement of the By-law and allows you to obtain a building permit, or other necessary approvals.
What is the process for a minor variance application?
Before you apply for a minor variance, you should consult with municipal staff and any other applicable agencies (i.e. Regional Municipality of Niagara, Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority).
When applying for a minor variance, you may be charged a fee for processing the application. To determine the most up to date processing fee, please contact the Secretary-Treasurer of the Committee of Adjustment.
You are required to fill out a minor variance application form provided by the Committee of Adjustment.
A typical application form contains both the information, which is prescribed by minister's regulation, as well as additional information, which the Committee may require. The more information provided, the less likely delays will occur in the review.
The Committee must give notice of application before a decision is made. The owner is required to post a sign on their property, which outlines the requested variance(s). Notice is also mailed to owners of land wihtin 60 metres (200 feet) of the subject property. Any person or public body may submit his or her views to the Committee.
The Committee may consult with agencies, boards, authorities or commissions before making a decision.
When the Committee has decided on your application, it is required to send a notice of decision approving or refusing the application within 15 days of the decision being made, to any person or public body requesting to be notified. When a notice of decision is given, a 20-day appeal period follows.
The application for minor variance approval can be found by clicking on the following link, or at City Hall, 2nd Floor, Planning Department.
Application for Minor Variance
How does the Committee reach a decision on a minor variance application?
The Committee, when reviewing a minor variance application, must consider the following, known as the four tests:
- Is the variance minor?
- Is the variance desirable for the appropriate development of the lands in question?
- Is the general purpose and intent of the Official Plan maintained?
- Is the general purpose and intent of the Zoning By-law maintained?
In order for Decisions of the Committee of Adjustment to be valid, all these matters must be considered and included in the Committee Decision.
More Information
For more information regarding minor variances, or to make a minor variance application to the Committee of Adjustment please contact:
David Schulz
Interim Secretary-Treasurer, Committee of Adjustment
Ph. 905-835-2901 ext 202
Fax: 905-835-2939
Email David Schulz


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It's my final post in this series of Canadian Tire's Kitchen Crew! Another Mission, another dessert to create using the Kitchen Aid ExactSlice 13 cup Food Processor. That Mission again?
Sometimes even with the best intentions, a perfect dessert can be more memorable than the main course. Your mission is to recreate a special dessert from a special occasion! That may mean replicating an anniversary's crème brûlée or even baking that birthday cake you made in a pinch – the choice is yours! So what are you waiting for? Get baking!
I read recently somewhere that you can whip cream in a food processor. I started to think about what I could possibly make to test this out? Cream….. crème…… coeur à la crème. Of course! But not just any coeur à la crème, CHOCOLATE coeur à la crème. This one is a family favourite from way back. My mum used to make regular coeur à la crème when my sister and I were in high school (yes we were very fancy!) and then discovered chocolate made them even better (we're kind of like that in our family!). Well my sister instantly fell in love with the chocolate version, so much so that she would beg mum not to put them in the pretty heart molds and just leave the mix in a giant bowl. From which she would eat. Yep, that's how we roll chez moi! Chocoholics unite!
I figured I would try making the whole lot in the Kitchen Aid Food Processor, though in hindsight, it didn't save much washing up (no, we don't have a dishwasher at our place. Actually, correction, we do. His name is Mr Neil). And I find the bowl of the processor so giant – it takes up so much room that it requires immediate washing (it fills the whole sink, pretty much). So, not sure that I think it saved me time or mess but it's interesting to see that you can make this dessert in 15 minutes in the food processor.
It whipped the cream up pretty well…
Then I removed the cream and placed in a separate bowl to whip up the cream cheese and remaining cream…
Then I added the icing sugar and chocolate and whipped it again…
Not bad, not bad. I removed the chocolate mix from the Kitchen Aid bowl and added it to the previously whipped cream. The bowl is awkward to move even a very flexible rubber spatula around in. Not happy about that – it made a huge mess and also was hard to get every last drop out. Noone wants to waste chocolate 🙁
I popped a part of the mixture into damp cheesecloth in the correct heart molds…
Chocolate coeur à la crème
A creamy dessert that tastes as good as it looks!
- 1 cup whipping (35%) cream
- 250g cream cheese
- 1/4 cup whipping cream
- 100g melted and cooled dark chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup sifted icing sugar
- Whip the 1 cup of cream until it forms soft peaks.
- Refrigerate until needed.
- Beat the cream cheese and remaining cream until well blended.
- Add the cooled melted chocolate and icing sugar and beat until all ingredients are combined.
- Fold in the whipped cream.
- Place in ramekins or damp cheesecloth-lined heart molds.
- Refrigerate overnight (or as long as you can stand to wait!).
- Serve with fresh pureed raspberries.
And then did one for my sister. This one's for you Amanda. We'll have some when you come to visit next month 🙂
This tasted just like I remember it (i.e. more-ish and dangerously addictive). Yum.
Overall I was disappointed in the Kitchen Aid 13 cup Food Processor. It felt bulky and awkward and didn't feel as powerful as our old workhorse Moulinex. In any case, I am very certain that this one is better than no food processor and it will have a very happy home with my Petits Chefs boys' cooking club, along with the blender and toaster oven. You've seen what we can do on hotplates – watch out world – we have appliances!
Disclosure: I was provided with compensation as well as a Kitchen Aid 13 cup Food Processor in exchange for writing two posts about the product. All opinions are 100% my own. The Kitchen Crew series highlights my stories, recipes and tips with promotional consideration made possible by Canadian Tire. Thank you for following all my Kitchen Crew missions.


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Sarasota's Police Department has learned a trick or two.
Though Sarasota has struggled in dealings with homeless people, it seems the Police Department has learned a trick or two.
Who knew such fast results were possible? I think it is a real mystery.
It was just a few days ago that new Police Chief Bernadette DiPino got a complaint about the throng of street dwellers loitering on Central Avenue in the Rosemary District.
The attraction in that area just north of downtown is the Salvation Army complex, where many down-and-out people go for meals and showers. Some who don't spend the night there had been hanging around during the day and sleeping on nearby sidewalks.
Some loiterers told me just a few days ago that they felt far less harassed there. Police officers who regularly rousted them from sleeping spots in downtown parks left them alone when they slept on Central Avenue's sidewalk.
DiPino and City Manager Tom Barwin have been promising to develop a smart and comprehensive approach to dealing with homelessness issues. The aim is humane but practical policies, and a win for all.
However that may go, there are short-term issues. Architect John Bryant, whose wife works at a studio on Central, told city officials he worried about her because there were so many dysfunctional people aimlessly camped out there every day.
He asked that something be done.
DiPino said she would step up police presence.
Well, she did, but by her own description it was no big deal. Officers were sent to drive and walk through, and keep an eye on things.
I have talked to DiPino twice about that, and still have no idea what else they did, or said. Or how they said it. Or what message the homeless people got. But guess what?
After getting a tip that something had changed, I went back several times over a couple of days this week. Sure enough, the homeless throng that was a daily feature has virtually disappeared from Central Avenue.
Some people may have moved just a block or two away, and others must have fanned out to other parts of downtown and north Sarasota. But the Salvation Army center's manager, Bryan Pope, says it is a dramatic change.
"It went from one extreme to the other," Pope said.
Police presence is the obvious reason, he said, though he did something unusual himself: Four of the loiterers considered the most problematic to others — he didn't want to be specific as to how — were told they would no longer be welcome for Salvation Army meals.
If those four have stopped hanging around, that area should be safer for everyone, I gather.
But the thing is, just about all the others left too.
Bryant, who made the original complaint, says it is good that the sidewalk no longer looks like a homeless camp.
"Police did follow through," Bryant told me. "We're happy with whatever they did. It feels safer."
I'm guessing some neighborhoods not far away will be less pleased. Same goes for some of the homeless women who had said they felt safer sleeping openly on the Central Avenue sidewalk than hiding elsewhere and hoping not to be found by police or anyone else.
But mostly, I'm mystified.
DiPino's promises of decent treatment for street dwellers seems sincere, yet Sarasota police — even when being accused of intimidation and heavy handed and maybe illegal tactics — had rarely had such sudden success at eliminating a chronic homeless hangout.
Unless Chief DiPino arrived in town with a magic wand, I can't explain what just happaned.


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An albatross around one's neck
What's the meaning of the phrase 'An albatross round his neck'?
A burden which some unfortunate person has to carry.
What's the origin of the phrase 'An albatross round his neck'?
This phrase refers to lines from the poem The Rime of the Ancient Mariner by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, in which the eponymous mariner, who shoots an albatross, is obliged to carry the burden of the bird hung around his neck as a punishment for and reminder of his ill deed.
Coleridge published the work in 1798, in the collection of poems that is generally accepted as being the starting point of the Romantic movement in English literature - Lyrical Ballads, with a Few Other Poems:
God save thee, ancient Mariner
From the fiends, that plague thee thus
Why look'st thou so ? - With my cross-bow
I shot the ALBATROSS.
Ah. well a-day. what evil looks
Had I from old and young
Instead of the cross, the Albatross
About my neck was hung.
Other phrases associated with Coleridge:


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Firefox 4 Beta 1 was released earlier today. The newer version of Firefox from Mozilla is definitely better than Firefox 3.6 and is definitely worth trying out. Firefox 4 runs on the Gecko 2.0 web platform. Earlier today I downloaded Firefox 4 and put it through some drills, here is a review of Firefox 4 Beta 1 where you can find the new features and also the how Firefox 4 fares against other browsers in web browser benchmarks.
New User Interface
Firefox 4 sports a completely different interface, some of which are from Opera and Google Chrome. Firefox 4 has some new buttons and also a unified menu which is similar to the one Opera 10.6 has. In addition to that the tabs also default to the top which is similar to Google Chrome.
However, the menu bar is initially hidden and users can unhide it to go back to the older navigation found in Firefox 3.6 and below.
Firefox 4 also has a new bookmark button giving users easy access to their bookmarks with one click. You can find and navigate through all your bookmarks and folders using the bookmark button next to the search box.
New Add-ons Manager
Firefox 4 sports a new add-ons manager which integrates into the browser. However, the interface is still under construction and you cannot use the add-ons manager to browse and install add-ons yet. However, it is definitely much better than the earlier version and also has some new developer tools.
Mozilla also says that the add-ons manager UI will be changed before the final release, so don't start falling in love with it yet.
Search and Switch to Open Tabs
Firefox 4 also has a hidden gem in the smart location bar, which will allow you to switch to an open URL by typing in the URL or searching for the title of the page. The feature is very handy if you have several open tabs and want to switch to it without navigating through all the tabs.
When you want to switch to an open tab, just start typing the URL or the title of the page and you will be shown an option to Switch to that open tab. Pretty neat.
Windows 7 Integration
Firefox 4 tightly integrates into Windows 7 by having tab previews and Jumplists. Using the tab previews you can easily preview all open tabs. In addition to that the jumplists allows you to quickly perform tasks and open frequently opened URLs.
Native HTML5 WebM Videos Support
Firefox 4 has native support for HTML5 WebM videos. WebM is an open source royalty free codec for HTML5 videos which is an alternative to H.264 and Theora codes (Learn more about WebM). In my tests HTML5 videos works pretty good on YouTube.
Speed and Other Benchmarks
Firefox 4 is definitely much more lighter and faster than Firefox 3.6 and it uses much less memory than the earlier versions. However, Firefox 4 is not yet the fastest browser and it was beaten by both Google Chrome 6 (dev) and Opera 10.60 in the Peacekeeper benchmarks I ran.
Firefox also failed the Acid 3 test, but the results were far better than Firefox 3.6. This shows a lot of improvements being done under the hood. Firefox 4 was also slower than in the SunSpider JavaScript Benchmark and way too slow in the V8 benchmarks I ran (screenshots coming shortly).
Other Features
Firefox 4 also has Crash protection for Flash, QuickTime and other plugins, however, this was introduced in Firefox 3.6. Firefox 4 also has a HTML5 parser which allows you to run the latest apps, support for WebSockets for real-time online interactions like chatting and gaming and IndexedDB which will allow users to use offline storage.
If you have not yet downloaded Firefox 4 Beta 1, you can do it from here or visit this blog post on Mozilla to find out all the latest features available in Firefox 4.


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Use in Video Games
From nine inch nails wiki
Nine Inch Nails and Trent Reznor's music has been used in video games, ranging from the first person shooter Quake to music games Guitar Hero and Rock Band.
The Quake Soundtrack was wholly created by Trent Reznor and NIN for use as background and incidental music during gameplay.
Doom 3
Reznor was originally approached to create sound effects and music for Doom 3, and his pieces were used in the original alpha release. However, the final game didn't contain any music or sounds by Reznor. Chris Vrenna did the job instead.
Tony Hawk's Project 8
The soundtrack for Tony Hawk's Project 8 features "Getting Smaller".
Tap Tap Revenge
The iPhone exclusive game Tap Tap Revenge premiered its first ever special edition version of the game with Tap Tap Revenge: Nine Inch Nails, featuring 13 tracks from Ghosts I-IV and The Slip, hand-picked by Reznor. This is also the first game that was co-designed by Reznor, along with long-time art director Rob Sheridan, highlighting a desire that both have pledged for making a full-blown video game.
**These songs also have a specially edited version only playable in the "Extreme" mode in the game
Rock Band
Rock Band features 12 fully playable songs from the NIN catalogue, compatible with all three titles of the main series unless otherwise noted:
From the separately purchasable "Nine Inch Nails Pack 1", released February 26, 2008:
From the separately purchasable "Nine Inch Nails Pack 2", released July 22, 2008:
From the separately purchasable "Pretty Hate Pack 01", released March 1, 2011 and only compatible with Rock Band 3:
Released as a single on November 20, 2012 and only compatible with Rock Band 3:
Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock
Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock featured "Wish", fully playable.
An expansion pack was released, featuring
Need for Speed: Undercover
The soundtrack for Need for Speed: Undercover features the songs "The Mark Has Been Made" and "The Warning (Stefan Goodchild remix feat. Doudou N'Diaye Rose)".
Midnight Club: Los Angeles
The soundtrack for Midnight Club: Los Angeles features "1,000,000" and "Discipline" (listed under "Hard Rock").
Resistance 2
The videos section of the Alternate Reality Game website "Project Abraham," for the video game "Resistance 2" uses portions of songs from Ghosts I-IV as well as "Corona Radiata". The Project Abraham Alternate Reality Game is rumoured to be created by 42 Entertainment, who also created the Year Zero Experience.
The Darkness II
The Darkness II features "The Mark Has Been Made" in the trailer.
Batman: Arkham Knight
Batman: Arkham Knight features "The Wretched" in the trailer.
Crysis 2
Crysis 2 features "Just Like You Imagined" in the trailer.
Call Of Duty: Black Ops II
Call Of Duty: Black Ops II has an instrumental theme song composed by Reznor.
Dead Island Riptide
Dead Island Riptide features a sample from "Vessel" in the trailer.
The soundtrack for FIFA 14 features "Copy Of A".


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Downloads: 251,813
Last Activity: Today 6:40 PM
just a girl
- Updated Uni-aging to include pets (august 2020)
- Job mods: updated YA-work-wants-fears
- Sofa/Chair Bed: non-autonomous versions
Mods in progress. Testing now:
- Toddlers: outings and restaurants
- Electrical box, power generator and more
- Marriage for students (cluttered and confusing thread)
- Moving out mod (links down)
Policy: for personal use and for science.
Don't include my stuff with lots, because it's all hacks and mods. Exception: sims 3 paintings.
When in doubt, contact me.
Personal Picks
Non family minimalistic house in sort of jungle. A lot of entertainment. NoCC.
23rd May 2014 at 7:57pm in » Residential17,199
Modern family house with a touch of Scandinavian style and a hint of Ecological Minimalism. No Custom Content.
3rd Feb 2014 at 12:15am in » Residential12,083
Lamare has 34 downloads in the following areas of our download section:
Showing latest 16 downloads:
Lost & Found - Lit Clothing...
1st Jul 2018 at 3:15pm
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Maternity outfit fixed for young...
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Functional Sofa Bed and Chair Bed...
11th Feb 2018 at 1:24pm
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18th Jan 2018 at 7:41pm
Hold that newspaper and phone...
26th Nov 2017 at 3:51pm
Let me check my schedule - Young...
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Young adults can enjoy maternity...
20th Sep 2017 at 12:17am
Accessible toddler high chairs
12th Aug 2017 at 3:04am
Unmade Bed: auto put off/on...
28th Jul 2017 at 3:24pm
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Privacy for the Lucky in Palms
28th Aug 2015 at 12:03pm
- Please give credit with a link when using my work.
- Ask me first before modifying/using.
Lamare is a member of the following groups:
This group functions as a place to record the occurences in your game, as well as post tutorials etc.
Sims 1 Games Purchased: Sims 1, Livin' Large, House Party, Hot Date, Vacation, Unleashed, Superstar, Making Magic
Games owned: The Sims 2: The Sims 3: The Sims 4:


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Move gives technology lobbying group a fresh boost of federal legislative expertise.
TechAmerica continues to restock its ransacked staff, announcing on April 4 the hiring of Michael Spierto as its Director of Cybersecurity Policy.
Spierto comes to TechAmerica from the U.S. House of Representatives Homeland Security Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection and Security Technologies (CIPST). There, he coordinated and crafted policy discussions with stakeholders in the development of H.R. 3696, the National Cybersecurity and Critical Infrastructure Protection Act. He starts his new position on April 14.
TechAmerica's top public-sector lobbyists jumped ship to a rival firm – the International Technology Industry Council – late last year. Spierto's hiring follows that of Mike Hettinger, senior vice president of Public Sector and Federal Government Affairs, who was brought on in December 2013.
"Cybersecurity is a top priority for our members and we are thrilled to have Michael joining the team with his wealth of knowledge of the technical needs of any policy and an expert perspective on the policy landscape," Hettinger said in a statement.
In an email to Government Technology, Spierto said that his background will enable him to "hit the ground running" with TechAmerica. He noted that many of the association's members were involved with the CIPST subcommittee in shaping policy that developed threat information sharing between the federal government and private sector.
"This is an excellent new challenge for me personally," Spierto said. "Over 90 percent of our nation's critical infrastructure lies within the private sector. In order to protect Americans from the threat of cyberattacks, there must be a partnership between experts in the industry and the government. This opportunity allows me to expand my skills while helping to craft a policy agenda that ensures the safety of our nation."
Prior to his work with the Homeland Security Committee, Spierto was a legislative assistant for Rep. Patrick Meehan, R-Pa., where he was involved in the issues of defense, education, homeland security and telecommunications. Spierto began his public policy career working for Rep. Tim Murphy, R-Pa.
Looking for the latest gov tech news as it happens? Subscribe to GT newsletters.


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Last day and the final time we'd get to eat this..
..and see this. *sniff*
My main regret is I didn't buy any to take back to Japan. Today was the last day in NYC, so we didn't have much left to do. I wanted to buy some guitar accesories that are cheaper than Japan and Australia from Guitar Center in Union Square. She bought some red shoes.
From there we made our way to the Central Park area. I wanted to go to the Apple Store, check out FAO Schwartz, and walk around Central Park.
The iPad 2 was out but I didn't feel compelled to have one. Biggest feature seems to be the camera that should have been on there from day one.
At FAO Schwartz they had the piano from the movie "Big" on display.
Being the final day, the weather was just about as perfect as it was going to get. The sun was out and the chill was almost gone. Just my luck. We walked around Central Park.
I was secretly hoping to see my squirrel friend and here he is to say goodbye!
Sunday, 27 March 2011
New York 2011 Day 4
Last day and the final time we'd get to eat this..
Posted by Jimmy In Japan at 11:59 pm 0 comments
Saturday, 26 March 2011
New York 2011 Day 3
Even since the last Cheese Day, I've been on the lookout for the best cheese I tasted that day, Tete De Moine.
As just about any food imported into Japan costs a lot, this cheese will set you back about 7,000 yen! In Australia it's pretty expensive but here in America it's still expensive, but a more digestible US$40 for almost a kilogram.
Luckily the cheapest place I could find it was conveniently located only about two blocks from the hotel at Ideal Cheese. Sampleman was happy and there is a nice aroma of fresh cheese. The guys were kind enough to let me take some photos too.
It was fortunate that we bought it today. As a last minute check I found out they'd not be open on a Sunday. Taking cheese back into Japan seems like it's ok.
Before we got the cheese, I thought it'd be a good idea to stock up on things that I can't get so easily back in Japan. Namely good anti-perspirant deodorants! I had a wonderful, long time in Bed, Bath and Beyond merrily throwing things in my shopping basket. Colgate toothpaste, sunscreen, Mr Bubble bubble bath and two Arrid XX Cool Shower deodorants. I picked up a cheap Moka Pot and a stainless steel thermos as well for good measure. I didn't really account for the sales tax, but it was worth it.
After wasting too much time doing all this we walked into midtown Manhattan's Rockfeller Center area.
Moving right along we made our way towards SoHo and decided to have lunch at Katz Delicatessen, most famous for the classic Meg Ryan "orgasm" scene in "When Harry Met Sally".
We had to wait in a line outside and inside the place was totally packed as well. As you can see from the sign, we were sitting very close to where the scene was shot.
We had one of their famous pastrami sandwiches. I'm pretty sure it's what Meg had :) It was amazing.
Feeling well fed we walked nearby to the Bowery area. I wanted to see the legendary CBGB, or at least where it once was.
Now the place is John Varvatos, an expensive rock'n'roll boutique selling overpriced wares to wannabe rockstars. Sure, it's slightly better than being turned into a bank, but this place smells like Ed Hardy consumerism. The punks must not be too pleased.
It's nice that they left a lot of the graffiti memorabilia on the walls and vents.
For the money I shouldn't have, but I ended up buying a pair of limited edition green Connies from there. They cost a bit more than they'd cost in Japan, but here in America I could've bought something similar for a whole lot less. Still about the same as in Australia, so not all bad.
She bought an "All My Friends Are Dead" book at the New Museum on Bowery. Her birthday was the next day so I got her a Marimekko bag from Crate & Barrel in Soho.
Posted by Jimmy In Japan at 11:40 pm 0 comments
Friday, 25 March 2011
New York 2011 Day 2
We packed so much into our first day the remaining days were quite lax in comparison.
The weather was much colder than last time, and definitely colder than Tokyo, constantly around the zero mark and even dropping below that. It didn't really make us want to do a whole lot.
After scoffing our morning Ess-A-Bagel, we decided to go downtown to the Ground Zero again. There's been a lot of progress and the site seems to really be taking shape. The towers are quite recognisable, as are the footprints of the former twin towers.
Inspired by the movie, "Working Girl", and the tightness of my wallet we caught the free Staten Island ferry to take a few photo ops of the Statue Of Liberty. I REALLY wanted to go up to the crown of Ms Liberty, but tickets to climb weren't available until May so the cheapest way to get a close enough view was to catch this ferry.
It was much better than I expected for the (zero) price. You don't have a lengthy security line, and the queue itself passed through very quick. It was going to just be an up and back trip. There doesn't seem to be too many people hanging around to look around Staten Island.
While waiting to catch the ferry back we heard the cool sounds of Heth and Jed. I liked how they fed their sound in a looper to provide a bit of a beat, and echoed sounds. Quite trippy.
Around Wall St I noticed a lot of fire escapes. I took a few pictures of them. Why? I don't know. It kind of reminded me of West Side Story.
Next stop was Little Italy. It's our first time here. It felt pretty much like a tourist trap, but we couldn't leave without having the delectable cannoli, and by night we had a pizza at Da Nico. Even with tax and service, it was much cheaper than pizza in Tokyo, and definitely closer to the real thing from Italy than Japan's version of what it should be.
Posted by Jimmy In Japan at 11:39 pm 0 comments
Thursday, 24 March 2011
New York 2011 Day 1
Before the earthquake happened I had planned to go overseas using my "use or lose" leave days.
Out of all the places I'd thought of, America seemed to have the best fares. It was between San Francisco or New York. We probably SHOULD have went to San Francisco, but there were places, and things to do that we missed last time that it was a good enough excuse to go again.
I was in New York between the 24th and 27th of March. I intended to go the week earlier and changed because of what was supposed to be the last week of the kid's classes, but now in hindsight of all the disruptions caused by "311", I'm really glad we went when we did.
Our flight was to leave Haneda airport at 6:40 am, so we decided to get there the night before and "sleep" at the airport. There were less train services going towards the airport. The Chuo line even completely lost power for the longest few minutes. We were extremely lucky to make the last service going to the airport for the night.
It's fantastic that they are doing international flights to and from Haneda now. It's far preferable than taking the long trip out to Narita. The airport is nice. While we didn't get much sleep, there are plenty of places to crash for a snooze. There is also free wifi internet available.
Leaving when we did allowed us a full day arriving in NYC at 6:15 am.
We booked into the Pod Hotel in Manhattan again. For a nice clean place with the privacy of your own room, the price is great. I thought all the rooms were the same tiny size, but this one actually had a bit more walking space around the beds. Nice.
I'm almost embarrassed to say this, but one big reason of coming back to New York was the chance to get some more Ess-A-Bagel goodness. As soon as we offloaded our baggage, we made a bee-line to get some. I once said that there was a bagel shop in Tokyo that was close to these ones, but having these again, I have to say these can't be beat.
Suffice to say, every morning we'd be having bagels for breakfast. If I stayed in America too long, I'd be filling out my bones in no time.
Although we could see the Chrysler Building from a distance near our hotel, last time we didn't go up and take a closer look. Strangely we totally forgot to check out Grand Central Station too.
I'm a fan of the original Ghostbusters movie so the New York Public Library was on my "to see" list. None of the rooms looked like the haunted rooms of the opening scene (believe me I searched), but it was a bit of deja vu to see an exhibition called, "Radioactive". That hit a little close to home.
From here we made our way to Times Square. Nearby there were fliers informing of closed streets for a film shoot. Interesting!
An unusual building not too far away from here is the Flatiron Building. From seeing it in pictures I imagined it to be a longer building. Across the road we had some cannoli from Eataly. Mmm.
A cat was behind a restaurant window that although looking nothing like Nikon (the cat, not the camera), reminded us of our little camera-shy buddy in Tokyo. At first I thought this one wasn't real. She didn't move all that much. This one didn't care much for the camera either. Bah, cats pfft!
One very interesting urban renewal project in the meatpacking district around Chelsea is the High Line, an above ground disused railway track turned into a kind of park walkway. It's not totally finished yet, but it gives an unusual perspective of NYC elevated from street level.
Nearby there are quite a few boutiques taking advantage of this location. Another surprise here was Chelsea Market, a former biscuit factory turned into food shops and restaurants. Looks great.
We were both disappointed that last time we missed out to see the broadway musical "Wicked". So to end our first day we decided to try our luck hopefully scoring a set of tickets.
Being a weekday we thought we might have a chance. Close to showtime hordes of people poured into the foyer in large groups. I thought we'd have no chance at all BUT.. we got in!
Our seats were fairly close to the stage.
What did I think of the show? The story, acting and sets were great. I was a little disappointed with the songs. There was nothing particularly memorable. These weren't songs you'd be whistling on the way home.
Still, I was totally wrapped that we got to see it and it was a great way to end our first day back in NYC!
Posted by Jimmy In Japan at 11:05 pm 0 comments
Friday, 18 March 2011
Earthquake Weekaversary
Usually weeks pass by extremely fast here in Tokyo, but this week has been the slowest week ever.
I felt now was the right time, a week since "the big one" that I should update everyone and hopefully inform them of my experience here in Tokyo.
The overblown media attention has got my friends and family back home in hysterics worried about my safety here in Japan. So it needs to be said that I am safe and well.
People should firstly understand that most of the damage occurred around the Sendai/Fukushima area which is around 300km away. The destruction in Minami Sanriku was largely caused by the tsunami that followed the tremors. This photo essay by Max Hodges shows some tearful, but dramatic images.
Please have a good look at a map of Japan, people!
There have been so many reports of higher radiation in Tokyo, but from what I read even in a worse-case scenario of a meltdown or windblown radioactive debris and acid rain, the risk being far away here is reasonably low.
This video is a good representation of the Fukushima plant as depicted with Nuclear Reactor Boy wanting to have a poo.
Although there have been reports of rolling blackouts, I have yet to experience any shortage of power. It's strange seeing the vending machines switched off. Surely that will be enough to supply a small town of electricity! The train schedules have been cut back to save electricity but knowing exactly how they're running is still a bit vague.
The supermarkets and convenience stores are still devoid of bread, milk and noodles, (and toilet paper!) from people's unnecessary panic buying, but other foodstuffs are plentiful and I am not worried about that at all.
Reports that people are panicking and leaving Tokyo in droves is just not true. I was out yesterday and today people are going about their normal business as calmly as before.
What may be of concern are the ongoing aftershocks.
Usually in Tokyo it's not unusual to feel earthquakes, but ever since last Friday there have been so many I've lost count. What is a little more comforting is that they are about the usual strength (between 4.6-6), and last only around ten seconds. I'm not scared, but it does put one "on edge".
I am weary, but not so much from what is happening around me. The calls to come home make me tired. Four years here I have a lot to prepare, and with that a lot of "baggage". I'm not quite ready to leave just yet. Still a lot of unfinished business.
Before this all happened, I had already planned a short time-out of Japan. So, next week I'll be in another country, and have a much-needed reprieve from what's going on.
Posted by Jimmy In Japan at 2:45 pm 0 comments
Friday, 11 March 2011
I guess this is one way to get me to write a new post.
I was just minding my business at about 2:50pm waiting for my train to leave, and there was this shaking like they were trying to lift the train up, and it got all rickety and started shaking more and more.
This was definitely the biggest quake that I felt since I've been here. Later I found out it was an 8.9 quake, bigger than the famous 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake!
We were told to leave first the train, and then the station. The announcements were in Japanese so I didn't know what was going on. For some reason I was thinking that I was going to be late for work.
I tried calling my workplace and the line was dead. People were lining up to use payphones. Cars everywhere were in gridlock, and people were walking around everywhere like it is when there is a festival on. So many people!
I found some wifi and let my family know I was ok. I even Skyped so I could show them what was going on around me. I waited and waited, and just decided to walk home. Lucky I have good bearings (and gps) to get back. Thankfully I wasn't TOO far from home, as they even decided to shut down every train line for the night.
From then, up to the time I write this there have been a lot of aftershocks, but nothing more than what is a usual rumble in day to day Tokyo.
Let's hope it stays that way.
Never one to miss a video opportunity I filmed the event as it happened. Yes, my heart was in my stomach.
What would you do in a situation like this?
Posted by Jimmy In Japan at 10:01 pm 0 comments


text:
Understanding Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
A Guide to FASD for Parents, Carers and Professionals
Maria Catterick and Liam CurranThis is the essential guide to FASD - the most common non-genetic learning disability, which is caused by alcohol consumption during pregnancy. It explains how FASD affects individuals at different stages of their lives, how you can identify it, and gives advice on how to support children, young people and adults with FASD. Learn More2014, Paperback / softback, 9.61in x 6.77in / 244mm x 172mm, 168pp, CA$33.95ISBN: 978-1-84905-394-52014, Ebook, ePUB, 168pp, CA$33.95ISBN: 978-0-85700-758-2
Understanding Stammering or Stuttering
A Guide for Parents, Teachers and Other Professionals
Elaine Kelman and Alison WhyteThis accessible book will shed light on the perplexing nature of stammers, enabling those who care for children affected to find answers and get the correct help. It offers techniques and exercises to build a child's confidence, address causes and alleviate symptoms, and gives advice for both school and social settings. Learn More2012, Paperback / softback, 9.61in x 6.81in / 244mm x 173mm, 128pp, CA$26.95ISBN: 978-1-84905-268-92012, Ebook, ePUB, 128pp, CA$26.95ISBN: 978-0-85700-543-4
Understanding Cerebral Palsy
A Guide for Parents and Professionals
Marion StantonA great starting point for parents and professionals when they first encounter cerebral palsy, this book provides essential information on causes, types, symptoms and treatments as well as practical tips on everyday considerations such as communication and diet. This positive handbook will help readers more fully understand cerebral palsy. Learn More2012, Paperback / softback, 9.61in x 6.77in / 244mm x 172mm, 224pp, CA$27.95ISBN: 978-1-84905-060-92012, Ebook, ePUB, 224pp, CA$27.95ISBN: 978-0-85700-256-3
Understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance Syndrome in Children
A Guide for Parents, Teachers and Other Professionals
Phil Christie, Margaret Duncan, Ruth Fidler and Zara HealyWritten by professionals and parents, this book answers the key questions about PDA and uses case examples throughout to show the impact of the condition on different areas of the child's life. The early intervention options and workable strategies for managing PDA positively will make day-to-day life easier for the child, their family and peers. Learn More2011, Paperback / softback, 9.61in x 6.77in / 244mm x 172mm, 208pp, CA$27.95ISBN: 978-1-84905-074-62011, Ebook, ePUB, 208pp, CA$27.95ISBN: 978-0-85700-253-2
Understanding Fragile X Syndrome
A Guide for Families and Professionals
Isabel Fernández Carvajal and David AldridgeFragile X syndrome is one of the main causes of child developmental delay and autism spectrum disorders. This book breaks down the complex science of this genetic disorder and provides the facts and advice that every bewildered parent or professional needs to support individuals with Fragile X syndrome. Learn More2011, Paperback / softback, 9.65in x 6.81in / 245mm x 173mm, 112pp, CA$27.95ISBN: 978-1-84310-991-42011, Ebook, ePUB, 112pp, CA$27.95ISBN: 978-0-85700-437-6
Understanding Facial Recognition Difficulties in Children
Prosopagnosia Management Strategies for Parents and Professionals
Nancy L. MindickMindick provides an explanation of the types, causes, and characteristics of prosopagnosia. Providing an insider's perspective on the condition, she suggests ways to recognize the signs of facial recognition difficulties in children, and offers specific ideas for ensuring that they are properly supported in their learning and social development. Learn More2010, Paperback / softback, 9.69in x 7.01in / 246mm x 178mm, 144pp, CA$26.95ISBN: 978-1-84905-802-52011, Ebook, ePUB, 144pp, CA$26.95ISBN: 978-0-85700-494-9
Understanding Dyspraxia
A Guide for Parents and Teachers
Maureen BoonThis fully-updated second edition has been revised to reflect current practice and developments, providing clear and positive answers to questions commonly asked by parents and teachers about dyspraxia. Maureen Boon identifies the characteristics of dyspraxia, explaining assessment procedures and identifying what can be done to help. Learn More2010, Paperback / softback, 9.61in x 6.93in / 244mm x 176mm, 144pp, CA$26.95ISBN: 978-1-84905-069-22010, Ebook, ePUB, 144pp, CA$26.95ISBN: 978-0-85700-259-4
Understanding Controversial Therapies for Children with Autism, Attention Deficit Disorder, and Other Learning Disabilities
A Guide to Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Lisa A. KurtzOffering a balanced overview of complementary and alternative therapies, this book will be useful for parents of children with autism, ADD or other learning disabilities. The book covers a wide variety of mind-body interventions and manipulative techniques, as well as energy therapies, biologically based methods, and alternative medical systems. Learn More2008, Paperback / softback, 9.69in x 6.81in / 246mm x 173mm, 208pp, CA$31.95ISBN: 978-1-84310-864-12008, Ebook, ePUB, 208pp, CA$31.95ISBN: 978-1-84642-761-9
Understanding Nonverbal Learning Disabilities
A Common-Sense Guide for Parents and Professionals
Maggie MamenThis guide offers a complete overview of Nonverbal Learning Disabilities (NLDs) and the wide variety of symptoms that different types of NLD present. Maggie Mamen provides a wealth of practical advice on key skills such as developing written and verbal communication, understanding social clues, managing behaviour, self-regulation and organization. Learn More2007, Paperback / softback, 9.57in x 7.09in / 243mm x 180mm, 176pp, CA$30.95ISBN: 978-1-84310-593-02007, Ebook, ePUB, 176pp, CA$30.95ISBN: 978-1-84642-674-2
Understanding Regulation Disorders of Sensory Processing in Children
Management Strategies for Parents and Professionals
Pratibha Reebye and Aileen StalkerThe authors describe the everyday experiences of those who interact with infants and children with Regulation Disorders of Sensory Processing. They explain the distinguishing characteristics, symptoms, diagnosis, assessment and treatment approaches for the disorder. Learn More2007, Paperback / softback, 9.65in x 6.81in / 245mm x 173mm, 160pp, CA$29.95ISBN: 978-1-84310-521-32007, Ebook, ePUB, 160pp, CA$29.95ISBN: 978-1-84642-714-5


text:
Fox has given second season orders to freshman shows The Mindy Project and The Following.
TV Scorecard: What's renewed? What's canceled?
In addition to The Mindy Project, the network has also renewed its other Tuesday night comedies New Girl and Raising Hope for a third and fourth season, respectively.
The second season of The Following, like its first season, will consist of 15 episodes, according to Fox.
Are you happy about the renewals?


text:
Pei's position: 'Naturalizer' champions change
The United States has been kind to I.M. Pei. He has completed 40 buildings in no less than 23 American cities, where they often occupy the most prominent locations. Pei's contributions to the American skyline– his firm has averaged one every two years in its various incarnations are a record of Modern architecture's fickle history in this country.
However, his talk on Monticello's West Lawn July 4 at the annual citizenship ceremony gave the impression that Pei is not a Modern man at all. His invocation of Jefferson's humanist legacy illustrated that transformation is an American value.
"I first became acquainted with Thomas Jefferson while I was in school, studying architecture," Pei said. "In 1930, I read Jefferson's account of his travels in France– especially the parts about food and wine," he added with a general chortle, "and I realized that this is a man of culture."
Pei's talk contained more than the compulsory TJ anecdote; it was a tribute to change as a fundamental American value. "Before Jefferson took office," Pei continued, "he was not entirely in favor of immigration. After he retired from the presidency, he inserted the rights of citizenship as a law of nature."
From the earliest days of the Republic, immigrant architects have seized this law of nature, often becoming the most insightful contributors to the architecture of this nation. Pei himself is one of a multitude of émigré Modernists who have interpreted an American architectural identity in ways that our indigenous architects could not.
It all started as he was docking at San Francisco's Angel Island in 1935. "It could have been called Devil's Island," Pei said, "but my reaction would have been the same: a sense of joy."
He would go on to design many works that have created joy for both visitor and viewer: the East Wing of the National Gallery, the Bank of China Tower in Hong Kong, and the Kennedy Library in Boston. As he gave the keynote address last week before America's 79 newest citizens, Pei spoke about transformation in the country he pledged allegiance to 51 years ago, and the country that these new citizens are likely to find today.
At the time of his naturalization in 1954, Pei was on the cusp of what would become Corporate Modernism in the United States, a movement characterized by glass and steel flagship towers that often dominate their urban contexts. Corporate Modernism has remained, driven by conspicuous consumption and a desire among cities to be identified with a signature building. While simply another chapter in the story of the skyscraper, it nevertheless can be considered a genuinely American creation for its scale and function.
These kinds of buildings constitute the bulk of Pei's oeuvre here and abroad. But, like any architect whose career spans the better part of a century, Pei's work has been transformed by changing circumstances.
As the tide of Modernism and its malcontents washed through American architectural circles– which to some degree it's still doing today– Pei responded in kind while maintaining a steadfast geometry. Mostly notably, he landed a glass pyramid as the front door of the Louvre. With the East Wing, he split a trapezoid on Washington's Mall.
Such audacious forms– fractal masses and fastidious use of glass– have endured as methods of meeting new urban demands and a changing population. For better or worse, his buildings endure as uncompromisingly his and serve as an example to hopeful architects from abroad that they too can contribute to this nation's identity while fostering their own.
I.M. Pei applauds Jefferson's humanist legacy at Monticello's annual citizenship ceremony July 4.
PHOTO BY William Richards


text:
World Bulletin/News Desk
The Russian government rushed a law through parliament on Friday which will tighten controls on civil rights groups and has strained relations with the United States, which fears a crackdown on opponents of President Vladimir Putin.
In defiance of criticism this week from the U.S. State Department, curtly dismissed by Russia's Foreign Ministry as "gross interference", the lower house overwhelmingly backed the bill in second and third readings under accelerated procedures.
The rapid passage underlined the importance Putin attaches to a law which will force foreign-funded non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that engage in "political activity" to register with the Justice Ministry as "foreign agents" and to file a report on their operations to officials twice a year.
Critics say the term "foreign agents" echoes back to the Cold War, and that organisations which carry the tag will be seen by many Russians as traitors. They say it aims to starve such groups of funds and to intimidate them into silence.
"The law is harmful to the process of developing a civil society. It does not support the opening up of our country," Yelena Zhemkova, a director at Russian human rights group Memorial, told Reuters. "Put simply, this law has just one goal and that is to provide a formal reason for labelling your opponents enemies of the state."
Boris Nemtsov, a former minister and one of the organisers of protests against the president, said: "The law was inspired and pushed by Putin himself as a repressive law on rallies."
Putin, a former KGB spy, has been in power for 12 years as prime minister or president. He returned to the Kremlin in May and could rule the world's largest country for the next 12 years if he is re-elected in 2018.
In the past seven months he has faced the biggest protests since he first rose to power and he has already pushed through a law that increased potential fines for demonstrators, while police have raided the homes of some of the protest organisers.
Parliament is also considering a new law tightening controls on the Internet, used by the opposition for distributing news about protests, as well as legislation tightening defamation laws, which the opposition fears could also be used against it.
The U.S. State department expressed its "deep concern" about the NGO law on Wednesday but the Russian Foreign Ministry hit back shortly after the State Duma lower house approved the law.
In a response that showed the impact the bill is having on already frayed foreign relations, it said in a statement: "We note that such comments cannot be seen as anything other than entirely inappropriate attempts at gross interference in the activities of the Russian state authorities."
Putin's United Russia party says the law, which had its first reading in the Duma only a week ago is needed to protect openness about NGOs.
"This law is no limitation to anything whatsoever. It just makes information public so it is in the best interest of civil society and is not against anybody," the party's Irina Yarovaya, co-author of the bill, said before it was presented. "There is nothing derogatory in the phrase 'foreign agents'."
The second and third readings of the bill were rolled into one, and the law was approved with just three votes against. It will go into effect once the upper house has rubber stamped it and Putin has signed it into law.
Critics see it as part of a wider crackdown on civil liberties and the opposition movement protesting against Putin.
They say the law could put at risk the work of organisations such as Amnesty International, which campaigns for human rights, and Transparency International, a corruption watchdog.
The Russian rights group Golos, which receives foreign funding and compiled allegations of fraud in the parliamentary election won by United Russia last December, says it believes it is the prime target of the law.
The Moscow Helsinki Group, which has been monitoring human rights since Soviet times, has said it will give up all foreign funding once the law takes effect, but will not halt its work.
"The Duma, in some sort of extraordinary speedy mode, has been accepting laws lately, on the Internet and others, instead of dealing with real problems like the economic crisis," Memorial's Zhemkova said.
A U.S. State Department spokesman said on Wednesday that the United States had communicated its concern to Moscow over the law, which could make already chilly ties between the former Cold War enemies even frostier.
The United States places its own limits on foreign-funded groups on its own soil through the Foreign Agents Registration Act. It requires groups acting as the agents of foreign governments in a political capacity to disclose their activities and finances.
United Russia has highlighted similarities between the new law and legislation in the West, but the State Department said the Russian law goes further than its U.S. counterpart.
Putin accused Western governments last year of trying to influence the December election by funding NGOs in Russia, and Golos was accused in a television documentary of supporting opposition parties. Golos has denied this.
Putin once referred to NGOs as "jackals" because some of them count on foreign support. The Kremlin's advisory human rights council had called for passage of the new law to be delayed but Putin dismissed their calls.
Last Mod: 14 Temmuz 2012, 14:16