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Last Day for EPIC Early Registration
Today is the last day for the Early Bird pricing for the EPIC Conference -- and that's no April Fools joke!!! Tomorrow the registration prices go up to the regular amount. Don't miss your chance to get the deal of a lifetime ($125/person) by registering NOW! This is going to be an incredible time of exploring the ultimate EPIC -- the gospel-saturated story of redemptio...Keep Reading


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Current status of Windows 10, version 1703
Windows 10, version 1703 has reached end of service for all editions. To continue receiving security and quality updates, Microsoft recommends updating to the latest version of Windows 10.
Surface Hub devices remain in support. Starting on November 12, 2019, updates for Windows 10, version 1703 will be available only for Surface Hub devices. Update information and Surface Hub known issues will be listed on this page.
For information about servicing timelines, see the Windows lifecycle fact sheet.
- Updates an issue that might prevent icons and cursors from appearing as expected.
- Updates to improve security when using Microsoft Office products.
- Updates to improve security when using Microsoft Edge and Internet Explorer.
- Updates for verifying user names and passwords.
- Updates to improve security when Windows performs basic operations.
- Updates for storing and managing files.
- Updates to improve security when using external devices (such as game controllers, printers, and web cameras).
Improvements and fixes
This security update includes quality improvements. Key changes include:
- Addresses an issue that might cause Microsoft browsers to bypass proxy servers.
- Addresses an issue that might prevent icons and cursors from appearing as expected.
- Addresses an issue that prevents machines that have Credential Guard enabled from joining a domain. The error message is "The server's clock is not synchronized with the primary domain controller's clock."
- Addresses an issue with evaluating the compatibility status of the Windows ecosystem to help ensure application and device compatibility for all updates to Windows.
- Security updates to Microsoft Scripting Engine, Windows App Platform and Frameworks, Microsoft Graphics Component, Windows Media, Windows Silicon Platform, Microsoft Edge, Internet Explorer, Windows Fundamentals, Windows Authentication, Windows Cryptography, Windows Kernel, Windows Core Networking, Windows Storage and Filesystems, Windows Peripherals, Windows Network Security and Containers, Windows Update Stack, and Windows Server.
If you installed earlier updates, only the new fixes contained in this package will be downloaded and installed on your device.
For more information about the resolved security vulnerabilities, please refer to the Security Update Guide.
Windows Update Improvements
Microsoft has released an update directly to the Windows Update client to improve reliability. Any device running Windows 10 configured to receive updates automatically from Windows Update, including Enterprise and Pro editions, will be offered the latest Windows 10 feature update based on device compatibility and Windows Update for Business deferral policy. This doesn't apply to long-term servicing editions.
Known issues in this update
|Devices on a domain might be unable to install apps published using a Group Policy Object (GPO). This issue only affects app installations that use .msi files. It does not affect any other installation methods, such as from the Microsoft Store.
This issue is resolved in KB4556804.
How to get this update
Before installing this update
Microsoft strongly recommends you install the latest servicing stack update (SSU) for your operating system before installing the latest cumulative update (LCU). SSUs improve the reliability of the update process to mitigate potential issues while installing the LCU and applying Microsoft security fixes. For general information about SSUs, see Servicing stack updates and Servicing Stack Updates (SSU): Frequently Asked Questions.
If you are using Windows Update, the latest SSU (KB4540722) will be offered to you automatically. To get the standalone package for the latest SSU, search for it in the Microsoft Update Catalog.
Install this update
|Release Channel
|Next Step
|Windows Update and Microsoft Update
|None. This update will be downloaded and installed automatically from Windows Update.
|Microsoft Update Catalog
|To get the standalone package for this update, go to the Microsoft Update Catalog website.
|Windows Server Update Services (WSUS)
This update will automatically sync with WSUS if you configure Products and Classifications as follows:
Product: Windows 10Classification: Security Updates
File information
For a list of the files that are provided in this update, download the file information for cumulative update 4540705.

subset: commoncrawl


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Geoffrey Kazinda has been convicted of abuse of office, embezzlement and causing financial loss of more than Shs316m to government of Uganda.
Kazinda, a former principal accountant in the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), was found guilty of syndicate corruption on Wednesday by Anti-Corruption Court in its final judgment.
This judgment is expected to be delivered by the trial judge Lawrence Gidudu who has heard the case for the past three years.
The court assessor, Ferrer Okech, has earlier asked court to acquit Kazinda of charges of abuse of office, embezzlement, causing financial loss of more than Shs316 million to government and diversion of public resources.
Kazinda is co-accused with Ms Beatrice Kezabu (assistant resettlement officer), who is also separately charged with false accounting; Ms Shamim Masembe, the proprietor of TOTAL fuel station in Ntinda, and businessman Hussein Katumwa, the station manager.
They are accused of submitting wrong accountabilities for fuel drawn from Caltex Ntinda Service Station now called TOTAL yet no fuel was consumed.
Kazinda and a clerk in the OPM Beatrice Keezabu were also convicted of embezzlement for using their positions to process its payment.
Masembe and Katumwa were found guilty of aiding the two government officials to steal public funds.
The trial judge Lawrence Gidudu cited satisfactory evidence against the accused convicting them on all the counts including Conspiracy to defraud, Embezzlement, fraudulent accounting, forgery and uttering false documents.
Kazinda was first convicted in June 2013 of forging the then OPM Permanent Secretary Pius Bigirimana's signature and sentenced to five years which he has since completed.
He still has another case where he is charged with officials of the Finance Ministry for allegedly misappropriating Shs21billion of PRDP funds meant to rehabilitate the war torn Northern Uganda.


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Aurora Stahlberg
Destination: Returned to Finland
Date of Leaving Hatch End High School: July 2016
I'm missing dearly the adept teachers and amazing fellow students in Hatch End High School. Thanks to Hatch End's motivating atmosphere and teachers, I'm aiming high with my A-level grades. I'm doing nine A-levels back in Finland (the system is slightly different here) but I hope I'll be able to come to study in a university here in UK.
In the future I'd love to do something to change the world into better direction, and also something I love. I will forever remain thankful for Hatch End High for offering me important life skills and insight, for example lessons on personal finance and talks on memory techniques.


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A. de Luze et Fils
In the 18th Century, Baron Alfred de Luze founded Maison A. de Luze & Fils, specialising in the maturing of great Bordeaux wines. A visionary and a skillful negotiator, Baron De Luze was one of the pioneers who developed the Bordeaux wine import/export trade.
In addition to its international network, Maison De Luze acquired a number of Bordeaux châteaux .
With its premises on the famous Quais des Chartrons, in the centre of Bordeaux, Maison De Luze matured its wines, traditionally aged in the best oak.
The house has maintained its know-how as part of "Grands Vins de Gironde". Historically focused on exports, De Luze products continue to expand across international markets, but also enjoy a solid network in France.


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Your ideas and innovations
In the Purchasing department, we see ourselves as a partner of the Development department in the implementation of product developments and customer projects. In the process, we actively participate in the new development and cost optimisation of our products. The early integration of innovative and competent suppliers guarantees the implementation of this strategy and the use of state-of-the-art manufacturing technology and components.
You would like to introduce your innovative product to the Aebi Schmidt Group, which could advance us even further as a leading system supplier in the area of cleaning and clearing roads, as well as mowing and caring for lawns?
Then contact us – we are open to your ideas!
Introduce your product to us and take the opportunity to convince us, increase the benefit for our customers through your innovation, and integrate your product into the products of the Aebi Schmidt Group.


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Wire Communications Laboratory
Contact details
Contact WCL
|+30 2610 996496
+30 2610 996480
|+30 2610 997336
+30 2610 991855
|raniadou [AT] upatras.gr
Demo: Emotion recognition from speech
One research field of the Artificial Intelligence Group is emotion recognition from speech signal. Our work deals with the modeling and the detection of humans' affective states, focused on the recognition of emotions on real-world data. The integration of an emotion recognition component in a variety of applications:
- Voice portals
- Smart-home systems
- Call routers
- Access control applications
can create user-friendly interfaces and provide the means for more successful interaction experiences.
The emotion models built utilize the SOCRATES real-world emotional speech corpus. The speech data consist of recordings collected during the interaction of naïve users with a smart-home dialogue system. Annotation of the speech data with respect to the uttered command and emotional state was performed.
The experimental setup and methodology that we followed corresponded to a typical operational scenario of the smart-home dialogue system deployed at our test-site. Specifically, the smart-home system provides, via speech interaction, access to information, entertainment devices, and control of intelligent appliances.
The Emotion Recognition Component relies on the state-of-the-art audio parameterization technique and utilizes Gaussian Mixture Models for training emotion models.
Currently. recognition results for negative emotions confirm previous research and highlight the difficulties when dealing with genuine formulations.
and speaker independent emotion recognition
Web based demo created by: Charalampos Tsimpouris
[1] T. Kostoulas, T. Ganchev, I. Mporas, N. Fakotakis, "A Real-World Emotional Speech Corpus for Modern Greek", LREC'2008, Morocco, May 28-30, 2008.
[2] T. Kostoulas, T. Ganchev, A. Lazaridis, N. Fakotakis, "Enhancing Emotion Recognition from Speech through Feature Selection", TSD 2010, Lecture Notes in Computer Science, Springer Berlin / Heidelberg, (accepted).


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Event Description
A few hours in the garden at Mahardhika Kebun Organik, with members and volunteers of Emas Hitam Indonesia.
Talks, walks and demonstrations, edible plant nursery, and discussions for those new to, or interested in, permaculture.
For a few hours on Sunday afternoon, we will be hosting an open garden session, with talks, tours and demonstrations, to celebrate International Permaculture Day:
- introductory permaculture talk
- garden tour
- soil testing demonstration
- edible plant nursery.
If you've ever been curious about permaculture, drop in and have your questions answered.
Permaculture is a design solution for the question 'How to live on this planet?'
Visited 1955 times, 3 Visits today


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Rising demand for ethical jewellery opens market for new companies (July 2011)
Useful Links
Updates and Sector News
- » Ekobai Newsletter: Eco-certification and markets (Jan 2015)
- » Ekobai Newsletter: Eco-certification and markets (Oct 2014)
- » Ekobai Newsletter: Eco-certification and markets (Sept 2014)
- » Ekobai Newsletter: Eco labels and markets (July 2014)
- » Green Marketing - Why the Philippines is the best place to start
- » Ekobai Newsletter: Eco-certification and markets (May 2014)
- » Ekobai Newsletter: Eco-certification and markets (April 2014)
- » Ekobai Newsletter: Eco-certification and markets (March 2014)
- » Ekobai Newsletter: Eco-certification and markets (Jan 2014)
- » Ekobai Newsletter: Eco-certification and markets (Dec 2013)
Jul 2011
By Ekobai Contributor, Fairtrade Market
Last month Ekobai.com reported on the launch of Fairtrade's new standard for gold, which was showcased at the London Jewellery Week 2011.
Since then the group Fair Jewelry Action and Lifeworth Consulting have published a report that benchmarks ten prestigious jewellery brands on their social and environmental performance, comparing their performance with innovations in the ethical sourcing of precious metal and gemstones, and finds the majority significantly lagging behind.
The research finds, for example, that six of the ten brands still offered to sell Burmese rubies from the shop floor in London and Geneva boutiques last year, despite an EU embargo.
The report, entitled Uplifting the Earth: the ethical performance of luxury jewellery brands, provides guidance on how brands can move beyond a negative risk management approach to their ethical considerations, and instead use social and environmental issues to make jewellery a positive force for all involved. Example of successful newer brands that embody a new approach to jewellery, including CRED Jewellery which is now using Fairtrafe/Fairmined 'green' gold, Fifi Bijoux, JEL and Brilliant Earth.
If, as the report suggests, top jewellery brands are failing to meet the growing expectations of customers for ethical sourcing of metals and gemstones, there may be greater opportunities for other new ethical jewellery brands to emerge. Plus the arrival of the Fairtrade and Fairmined standard makes sourcing ethical gold easier than ever before.
Elsewhere the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) recently joined the ISEAL Alliance as an Associate Member. This is an international not-for-profit organisation which brings together more than 310 member companies to promote responsible ethical, human rights, social and environmental practices throughout the jewellery industry from mine to retail. The RJC's remit covers diamonds and platinum metals jewellery products as well as gold.
As an Associate Member, RJC is committing to ISEAL's mission and Code of Ethics. RJC will be audited for full compliance with the ISEAL Codes of Good Practice in standards setting and impacts evaluation within 12 months, in order to graduate to a Full Member of ISEAL, which will help establish it as the leading responsible standards system in the minerals and mining sector.
Further reading
'The support of retailers key to increased supplies of Fairtrade and Fairmined certified gold on the high street' Fairtrade Foundation Press Release, 28th June 2011
Uplifting the Earth: the ethical performance of luxury jewellery brands. Fair Jewelry Action and Lifeworth Consultancy, July 2011
The high-profile brands benchmarked in the report Fair Jewelry Action/Lifeworth report are: Boucheron, Bulgari, Buccellati, Cartier, Chanel, Chopard, Graff Diamonds, Harry Winston, Piaget and Van Cleef & Arpels.
Popular Searches
Ekobai.com is a supplier directory listing over 50,000 companies from around the world producing and selling products certified to sustainability and organic standards such as Fair Trade, FSC, MSC and the Soil Association mark. Our B2B directory is free for companies to list on and the information is open to all viewers at no charge. Companies listed on ekobai.com find new customers from around the world and buyers can short list and contact new suppliers based on ethical and sustainability criteria.


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Welcome to NAPO Michigan
We are an association of professional organizers and productivity experts who help individuals, families, non-profits, and businesses of all sizes across the state of Michigan to become more organized and productive in various dimensions of their lives and business operations.
We specialize in a range of organizing services including: home & office organizing, time management training, paper and electronic file management, senior downsizing, moving and relocation, coaching, and chronic disorganization.
We welcome you to explore our website and learn about our chapter, our members, and how we can be of service.
NAPO Michigan is very proud to announce that NAPO National selected us as 2019 Chapter of the Year!
Our chapter is one of 31 chapters across the country. We are small (# of members) but mighty! We were recognized for the following achievements:
Looking to hire a professional organizer? You can view a listing of all our members, or search our member directory by counties served and organizing specialty.
Search our
Curious about a career in professional organizing? We can help you learn more about our industry, direct you to helpful resources, and answer questions.
Learn about
Interested in joining our chapter and reaping the rewards? Great! We're always excited to welcome new members. You can learn more and apply online today!
Learn about
Upcoming Events
For a complete listing of our upcoming events, please visit our Events Calendar.
NAPO's 1st Virtual Conference will take place April 20-23, 2021!
Register now or find out more about this awesome event!


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Grasshopper Soup: The rules don't apply to all
Most of our summer visitors are down-to-earth families having a great time who actually enhance our experience of life in Tahoe, but, too often, we have to deal with people who are totally unreasonable, uncooperative, outrageously demanding, petty, stupid, and who demonstrate a complete disregard for living in peace and harmony with others.
It makes you wish you could use good old fashioned frontier justice on them.
The good people are observant and understand how vital it is to follow the basic rules of common courtesy and civil propriety. They have a good time, enjoy some great laughs, great conversations and think of others. We wish everyone could be like them.
I know, we are not supposed to judge. It's all good. Forgive and forget. Live and let live. Let them walk all over you and use you as a punching bag.
I've discussed the problem tourist with many of my esteemed colleagues, and have heard plenty of stories more appalling than mine. They have grandiose theories as to why full grown adults in their 40s, 50s and older — people who appear to be mature, well-to-do, sober, experienced, intelligent, well-dressed homo sapiens — can be such complete imbeciles, even racist toward some of our fellow Latino brethren.
My pet peeve with problem tourists is when they block private driveways that are clearly posted, and take their sweet time loading or unloading all their outdoor recreational gear, preventing you from getting in and out of your property and conducting business. They casually do their thing, make you wait, and don't allow you access to your business and property. When you call them on it they treat you like you are the problem.
You want to be nice about it and give them the benefit of the doubt. Maybe they can't read. Maybe they didn't see the sign. Maybe they don't know what a driveway looks like. Maybe they think you will be extremely nice and won't mind being inconvenienced to the point that you can't function.
Maybe they think their needs are more important. Maybe they only have an IQ of 32, in which case, because there are so many of them, you know the world is doomed.
This sort of thing happens frequently every day where I work. The problem is not inadequate parking. It happens when there are plenty of clearly marked parking spaces within spitting distance of the trespass.
At times like these it seems that anything you say will sound insensitive, so you try, "Hi. How are you folks doing? I'm sorry, but I have to ask you to move, please."
They respond with, "We'll just be a minute." Ten minutes later they are still there. Or they say, "We're leaving right now" as they get out of the car and open the trunk to load their gear or tie it down. At least they are on Tahoe time.
Then you say, "There is parking available right over there. Could you move so we can get through?" You strain to say please again, and even offer to help them move their stuff.
Then they become indignant and tell you that you need to be patient, so you say, "I'm sorry, but this area is posted no parking except for us and our guests."
Almost without fail, their response to that is, "We're not parking, we're just loading."
So, you ask them if their gear shift lever is in the "park" position, and you know it is. They look at you dumfounded, like you are a total jerk and say there is no need to be rude.
So I tried something new this year, just to keep my sanity. I asked a guy for the name of his town and his street address. He asked why. I said I wanted to camp in his driveway and have a picnic just to return the favor. Surely that would be OK with him.
He answered, "Yeah?! You do that and I'll blow your head off!"
Now why didn't I think of that? I'm sure he wouldn't mind.
Bob Sweigert is a Sierra Sun columnist, published poet, former college instructor and ski instructor. He has a B.A. and an M.A.T. from Gonzaga University. He has lived at Lake Tahoe for 30 years.
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Your donation will help us continue to cover COVID-19 and our other vital local news.
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imaging-resource.com »
The Olympus Tough TG-1 waterproof digital compact camera looks and feels like it should -- rugged and ready to take on the elements. It's also incredibly fast -- in both the bright f/2.0 lens and in autofocus, startup and shot-to-shot times, but image quality suffers a little more than we'd like, with frequent underexposure and muted colors.
Read the full review »


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A postcard of the Fire Island Lighthouse in Long Island, NY.
Sets of 5 postcards available for $12 ($3 discount).
- 4.13" x 5.83"
- 18-19 pt paper stock - strong and durable
- Satin, soft-touch finish on front
- Uncoated back for ease of writing
- All postcards are placed in a kraft paper bag and shipped flat in a 6"x8" rigid mailer


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Orthodontic service 'gone back 50 years' Cllr Fitzgerald
Laois Councillors have slammed the lack of Orthodontic services in the county, and are planning to meet Health Minister Leo Varadkar if nothing improves.
Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald got her teeth into the issue at the February council meeting.
"It is a farce to say we have a service. The amount of people that come to me, and are waiting 7, 8, 9 years.When I started in politics this was a huge issue, then it improved, now it's gone back fifty years," she said.
Category 5 cases are waiting up to seven years for treatment she said, but slightly less severe category 4 cases are waing a full decade.
"People can't afford to pay privately, and this is causing distress to youngsters, it is a serious problem," she said.
Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley agreed the situation was "absolutely chronic" with the waiting list steadily growing since the last Laois HSE orthodontist left in 2012.
Children are leaving primary school without even one of the two dental checks they are entitled to, said Cllr Padraig Fleming.
"People are growing up with crooked teeth, knocking back their confidence. The problem now is the waiting list is so long, one person coming in won't solve it. The only people getting work done are the people able to pay for it" he said.
"A service is there but it's lip service," said Cllr Willie Aird.
A delegation of councillors will attend the next Health Forum meeting to push for a new orthodontist.
"If that doesn't work we should continue and meet the Minister to discuss this crisis in Laois," said Cllr Fitzgerald.
Laois children are being treated insists HSE Midlands, who have clinics in Portlaoise, Tullamore, Longford and Athlone.
"There is currently the equivalent of 1 Whole Time Equivalent providing Orthodontic services to children in Portlaoise and Tullamore clinics.
Children are availing of Orthodontic services in Laois/Offaly at present. In Laois/Offaly in 2014 there were 695 children assessed for orthodontic treatment, 154 children commenced orthodontic treatment and 823 children are currently in active treatment," a statement said.
They say the post for a Laois consultant orthodontist has been advertised "several times but with no suitable applicants".
"The HSE is aware of the challenges being experienced by service users endeavouring to access orthodontic services in the Midlands. Every effort is being made to reduce waiting times for children and to ensure that those in most need are prioritised," the HSE said.
Two new dentists are starting shortly.
"There will be two new dentists commencing in which should improve service provision," the HSE said.


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More of Accessories , Hair accessories , Hair Pins & Head bands , Jewellery , Brooches , Jewellery
Tags 20s , Beautiful in Olive Green , Classy chic , Party , Rhinestones
Foxy 20s Imperial Butterfly Hair Clip and Brooch in Gold
Sorry! This size has sold out and won't come back in stock :-(
Make a statement with this 20s Imperial Butterfly Hair Clip and Brooch in Gold!
This gorgeous brooch gives our butterflies in our bellies ;-) She's made from antique gold toned metal featuring dozens crystal stones in red, blue, black, brown and milk. A versatile must-have piece because you can also put her in your hair due to the handy hair clip. Be like a butterfly. Pretty to see, but hard to catch!
▾Read more
- Gold toned metal
- Crystal
- Pin closure
- Clip closure
- Nickelfree
- Free shipping within UK, NL, BE, DE, AT, FR & LU
to all other countries free shipping on orders over € 250
- Mo - Fri ordered before 9 pm CET = same day shipping within the Netherlands, in all other countries before 3.30 pm CET
Germany ordered before 12 am CET, delivery within 48 hours
- Customized fit advice!
Every item is measured and tried on
- 30-Day return within receipt
Money back if not satisfied!
- Everything about return policy, international shipping fees
Care & Product details
- Goldtone base metal
- Crystal
- Avoid contact with water/parfum/cleaning agent


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Privacy Policy
Our aim is to provide you with detailed information on processing of your personal data irrespective of whether you communicate with us by way of personal meetings, electronically (e.g. mobile apps or websites) or in any other way you prefer. The present Policy applies to you, if your data are processed by Sporto Inovacijos, UAB.
We care about the protection and privacy of your personal data.
The purpose of Privacy Policy (hereinafter the 'Policy') is to inform you about ways in which the Sporto Inovacijos, UAB collects, uses and shares your personal data provided to us or collected by us in any other manner. The aim of this is to ensure fair and transparent collection and use of your information.
Devote some of your time to look through the Policy and in case of any query, do not hesitate to contact us by email email@example.com.
Going forward there may be changes in our Policy, therefore, we encourage you to periodically review it.
Your personal data are processed in line with the General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (hereinafter the 'GDPR'), Law on the Protection of Personal Data as well as other legislation.
Personal Data means any information relating to you which you yourself have provided or which we obtain from other sources and which enable to identify you. It may be your name, surname, personal ID number, contact information, information relating to agreements you have concluded with Sporto Inovacijos, UAB, etc.
Data Subject (you) means a natural person (customer, his or her representative) whose personal data we obtain and use further.
Sporto Inovacijos, UAB (hereinafter – RawPowders) means a Lithuanian company Sporto Inovacijos, UAB.
For the purpose of this Policy, the terms used in the GDPR and other regulatory acts shall apply.
What is the data related to you that we collect?
We collect basic personal data, such as name, surname personal ID number, date of birth, telephone number, e-mail, address.
What are our purposes for collecting and using your personal data?
We collect and use your personal data that you provide to us yourself or that we obtain from other sources. We process your personal data with the following main purposes:
To be able to identify you and get in touch with you, we collect your name, surname, personal ID code, date of birth, address, telephone number, email and other contact data.
To provide you with a consultation and to assess your needs.
To be able to advice you, to render our services and goods to you and duly perform our contractual obligations and exercise the responsibilities required under relevant legislation, also in order to make sure your participation in loyalty programmes, we use data on contracts and other transactions you have concluded with us and information we receive when you use our services or buy from us goods.
To be able to control our daily transactions and protect our legitimate interests
To improve our services and goods quality.
To be able to send general type direct marketing offerings, we collect and use your name, surname, telephone communication number, electronic mail address. To provide direct marketing offerings (by phone, electronic mail, mobile apps) that answer your needs If you disagree that your personal data are used for the purpose of direct marketing, please inform us immediately about it.
To be able to communicate with us, among other things, to reply to your queries and requests regarding services or goods and to receive your feed-back.
We use Omnisend as our email and marketing automation platform and your data will be transferred to the platform for processing in accordance with their Privacy Policy.
What gives us the right to access and use your personal data?
We access and use your personal data, if any of the following applies:
- you intend to conclude or have concluded an agreement (order) with us;
- you have given your consent;
- processing of personal data is possible on the basis of legislative acts;
- for the purposes of our legitimate interests.
Where from do we get your personal data?
We use personal data, which you provide to us when you seek our services or goods and use them, when you fill out client forms in website, submit requests or etc.
To whom do we provide your personal data?
We provide your personal data in compliance with relevant legal requirements. Your data may be transmitted to:
- RawPowders other group companies;
- banks and financial institutions;
- providers of payment and other services involved in the performance of a transaction executed with you;
- companies providing marketing, event organisation and related services;
- our professional advisers, accountants and auditors;
- courts, tribunals, arbiters or any other dispute settlement authorities.
We, for the purpose of processing of personal data referred to in the present Policy, may attract other service providers. We seek to ensure that service providers are complaint with the requirements of the GDPR, laws, the present Policy as well as other requirements of legal acts. The relationship between us, as a data controller, and a definite data processor, other than in cases where such relationship is provided by laws or any other legislation, is set in in written contract or in terms and conditions stated in writing.
Usually we process and store your personal data in the territory of the European Union or the European Union Economic Area (EU/EEA), however, we can transfer your personal data outside the EU / EEA, for instance, where it is necessary for the conclusion and performance of an agreement.
How long do we store your data?
We store your data no longer than it is required for the purposes for which they have been collected or for a period as provided by legislation.
What is the level of your personal information security?
We use various security ensuring technologies and procedures with the aim to protect your personal information from illegal access, usage or disclosure. Our suppliers are carefully selected, we require that they use appropriate measures that can secure your confidentiality and ensure your personal data security. Nevertheless, the security of information transfer via email or by mobile communication in some cases cannot be ensured for reasons not dependent on us, therefore you should take due case when providing confidential information to us by other than our electronic systems.
What are your rights?
You have the following rights:
- the right to request that we provide you access to your personal data;
- the right to request rectification of incorrect, inaccurate or incomplete data;
- the right to limit the processing of your personal data until, at your request, the lawfulness of your personal data processing is checked;
- the right to request erasure of personal data;
- the right to disagree with personal data processing for direct marketing purposes, including profiling, and when personal data are processed aiming at our legitimate interests;
- the right to request to transfer your personal data to another controller or provide directly in a format that is convenient for you (applicable to the personal data, which you have provided yourself and which are processed by automated means on consent basis or on agreement conclusion and performance basis);
- the right to withdraw your consent without any impact on the use of your personal data that was performed before the withdrawal of the consent;
- the right to lodge a complaint to the State Data Protection Inspectorate.
How will you exercise your rights?
We take every effort for the implementation of your rights and for answering any and all questions that arise to you regarding the present Policy and matters envisaged in it. You may lodge a request regarding the exercise of the above-indicated rights as well as any complaints, notices or requests (hereinafter the 'Request') to us by e-mail firstname.lastname@example.com.
We will reply to your Request within a period of not more than 30 (thirty) calendar days since the day of receipt of the Request. In exceptional circumstances, which require additional time, we will, by giving you a relevant notice,have the right to extend the deadline for the submission of the requested data or for the consideration of claims set out in the Request up to 60 (sixty) calendar days after the day of your referral.
We will refuse to satisfy your Request by giving a substantiated response in case any circumstances set out in the GDPR or other legislation are determined upon giving you a relevant written notice.
What are the personal data protection principles that we observe?
The principles we observe when collecting and using your personal data entrusted to us as well as personal data obtained from other sources are as follows:
- your personal data are processed in a legitimate, fair and transparent manner (the principle of legality, fairness and transparency);
- your personal data are collected for specified, explicit and legitimate purposes and not further processed in a way incompatible with those purposes (principle of purpose limitation);
- your personal data are adequate, relevant and only such that are required in relation to the purposes for which they are processed (principle of data minimisation);
- processed personal data are accurate and, where necessary, kept up to date (principle of accuracy);
- your personal data are kept in a form which permits identification of data subjects for no longer than it is necessary in view of the purposes for which the data are processed (principle of retention limitation);
- your personal data are processed in such a way that application of relevant technical or organisational measures would ensure adequate personal data security, including protection from unauthorised data processing or unlawful data processing and from accidental loss, destruction or damage (integrity and confidentiality principle).
Our undertakings
In the process of collecting and using your personal data entrusted to us as well as those obtained from other sources, we do undertake as follows:
- to process your personal data for explicit and legitimate purposes only;
- to refrain from processing your personal data for purposes other than those stated in the present Policy, unless otherwise laid down by relevant legislation;
- to process your personal data lawfully, accurately, in a transparent manner and so that accuracy, identity and security of the processed personal data is ensured;
- to ensure that superfluous personal data are not processed;
- to process your personal data no longer than it is necessary for the purposes for which personal data are processed;
- be responsible for the observance of the principles laid down in the present Policy and be able to prove their observance;
- to perform other duties arising from the legislation.
Privacy policy expiry and amendments
The present Policy shall take effect on 25 May 2018. It may be amended within the limits of changes in the legislation and in our activities. We will notify about changes at our website www.rawpowders.com.
UAB "Sporto Inovacijos"
Registration code: 303326709
Address: Kęstučio g. 55-15, LT-44306 Kaunas
Tel.: +441473927773
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com.


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Draftfcb in Madrid developed a new and "unusual" campaign for Hendrick's Gin, though the execution is very familiar. Yes, it's based on the MAD Magazine fold-in format popularised by legendary cartoonist Al Jaffee. The Mad magazine execution style was used by Miller in 2003 to show in the fold how beer added to anywhere became an instant party, while Hendrick's is using it to show its dominant flavour profile: the infusion duo of rose petal and cucumber. With a victorian touch to the illustrations it feels like Jules Verne himself might have sipped it while writing some of his more elaborate works.
Creative Credits
Agency: Draftfcb Madrid
Advertiser: Varma Group
Brand: Hendrick's Gin
Campaign: The Unusual Way
Client Contacts: Marisa Martínez, Jesús González, Olga Ortiz de Zugasti
Creative Director: Baldiri Ros
Copywriters: Claudia Vicente, Álvaro Navarro
Art Directors: Gabriel Izquierdo, Miguel Martínez Velacoracho
Group Account Director: Juan Ramón Ortega
Account Director: Mar Ortega
Account Executive: Eva Colmenero


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Hygiene Epoxy Flooring
Backed with rich experience and knowledge, we are considered to be one of the most professional manufacturers and service-providers of Epoxy Flooring for the Healthcare industry. Pharmaceuticals, hospitals, clinics, operation theatres, bio-chemical laboratories and such other areas, where anti-bactrial environment is a must,our offered Epoxy Flooring is highly preferred as it is dust free, durable and are easy to clean. Our floors retain gloss for a long-time, does not allow growth of fungi or bacteria, joint-less and seamless and are stain-free.
NEOCRETE TECHNOLOGIES PVT. LTD. All Rights Reserved.(Terms of Use)
Developed and Managed by Infocom Network Ltd.


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In several op-ed pieces appearing in The Argus recently, Sacramento Bee pundit Dan Walters chronicled a series of "disturbing signs" in California's public schools.
First, on June 16, Walters summarized the resurgent debate around teaching algebra in eighth grade, pitting those who favor a "historically rigorous set of academic standards" against others who prefer "fuzzy concepts over precise calculation."
In subsequent columns, he bemoaned the rising tide of high school dropouts and graduates unprepared for community college courses.
Truly, much is disturbing about public education in California and the nation. One of the greatest crises, however, may be the misguided crusade to enroll all students in a college-track curriculum, exemplified by the new state standards forcing so many eighth-graders to take algebra.
Ironically, it may be these irrational standards, more than anything else, that have encouraged so many youngsters to abandon their education or to flounder in community college remedial classes.
Algebra-in-eighth-grade proponents are correct that the course is a "gateway" to all higher mathematics and college.
In addition, much-publicized results of the International Mathematics and Science Study reveal other first-world students surpass U.S. eighth-graders in the level of mathematics they study and in their performance on an international math exam — the former supposedly explaining the latter.
However, there were other factors: Far more American children than their foreign peers start school without speaking the classroom language; far more dwell in poverty, lack health care and suffer from depression; far more attend segregated and too-often dilapidated schools; far more receive instruction from teachers ill-prepared to teach algebra; and very few at all receive a K-7 math education with algebraic concepts integrated throughout as so many of their international counterparts do.
The fact of the matter is, for a host of reasons, we in the United States have failed to enable so many of our eighth-graders to engage in the abstract thinking algebra requires.
Nonetheless, in the interest of competition and higher standards, we've simply raised the bar on them, with disastrous consequences.
In the fall of 2004, for example, 44 percent of Los Angeles high school freshmen who were enrolled in beginning algebra failed, and seven percent received a grade of "D." Of those students who repeated the class in the spring, almost three-fourths failed again.
The solution is to require algebra even earlier, in eighth grade?
Such a misguided academic "reform" harms everyone. Students who are ready and eager for a challenging, exciting Algebra course languish while the hapless instructor repeats explanations for others who are not. Those others, who still desperately need to learn the basics in math, don't and become increasingly discouraged. And, oh, what fun to teach such a class!
"[Algebra] triggers dropouts more than any [other] single subject," said then-Los Angeles schools Superintendent Roy Romer.
It triggers despair among math teachers as well, many of whom seek other professions.
Meanwhile, I wonder: If only 25 percent of this nation ever earns a college degree, why insist that all children take algebra in eighth grade? I attended a private suburban grade school and a Jesuit high school academy, but even I didn't begin algebra until the ninth grade.
And why, in defiance of all the research demonstrating children grow and mature — physically and intellectually — at different rates even under the best of circumstances, do we insist they all take the same college-prep curriculum lock-step together?
To ask such questions doesn't mean I want to "water down" standards or that I support "fuzzy concepts." It reveals only that I recognize how the many and complex challenges our public schools and our children face belie simplistic solutions such as "higher standards."
Dave Ellison's column appears on alternate Mondays in the Local section.


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08 December 2011
By Kari Williamson
Unimas Vice Chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Khairuddin Abdul Hamid, says: "Unimas has conducted a study on overall sago usage at the pioneer plant which started last year. This project is the result of the RM11 million allocation given by Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry."
At the same time, Unimas is in talks with Sarawak Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (Salcra) to produce biodiesel and organic fertiliser from oil palm wastes.
"We will use a factory owned by Salcra at Bau as our research centre by taking waste material from the oil palm plantation, and we will be the first to produce biodiesel from oil palm wastes," he adds.
The biodiesel project is expected to commence mid next year and costs is expected to reach RM7 million.
This article is featured in:
Policy, investment and markets


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Handmade Statement Earrings
Treat yourself to these gorgeous handmade statement dangle earrings! These were so popular I brought them back & included this colourway!
These Gatsby inspired earrings are laser cut & made from birch. This listing is for the black/copper earrings.
Earrings have been hand painted with black & a subtle hint of copper glitter has been added. They are then finished of with some brass arrow pieces & a pair of 25mm brass hoops. Earrings in this range are sealed with an ecological resin which protects them but also gives a lovely glass like finish.
Gorgeous lightweight earrings that will take you from day to night, sure to brighten up your outfit ! Also would make for a nice little gift for your sister, aunt, mom, babysitter or colleague or just to treat yourself, why not?!
Note: if you prefer different brass pieces, please contact me here to arrange
► Now available in different colours!
- Blue & pink dangles with glitter, click here to see this listing.
- Green & copper glitter, click here
- Violet & copper glitter, click here
► Note: Raw brass can develop a patina/tarnish over time. You might love this look but maybe not, this is a natural discolouration. However, if you prefer the shiny look, there are a few option to restoring the lustre of the metal. Polishing cloths work a treat, & solutions like lemon, vinegar or baking soda will work well. I have used these all successfully.
Earring Details:
• Dimensions: approx 6cm drop with hoop
• Earrings have been hand painted with some of wood exposed. They have been sealed.
• Hoops are brass & 25mm in diameter. They are lead and nickel free
• As is the nature of handmade, no two pieces are exactly the same. Wood knots in the grain are not considered a fault, just mother nature doing her thing.
• Even though these pieces have been sealed, due to the natural properties of wood, these are not intended to be worn in the shower.
Packaging & Shipping Info:
• All earrings come in a eco friendly gift box & placed in a sturdy padded envelope.
• Want to send as a gift? Just message me with the details
• All items are send via the Irish postal service by standard post. If you require tracking, please contact me here
Estimated shipping times:
Ireland: 2-3 business days
North America: 7-12 business days
Europe: 5-10 business days
Australia, New Zealand and Oceania: 10-14 business days
I'll do my best to meet these shipping estimates, but can't guarantee them. Actual delivery time will depend on the shipping method you choose.
Customs and import taxes
Buyers are responsible for any customs and import taxes that may apply. I'm not responsible for delays due to customs.
Other Info:
• I try my best to photograph all items true to colour, but please remember colours may vary on your monitor/device.
• There are NO refunds or exchanges on custom, made to order, or personalised embroidery hoops/jewellery.
• Earrings cannot be returned due to hygiene reasons, unless faulty.


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- MrsBlueberryRose
- 7 years ago
- Wedding: June 2015
I see a lot of posts saying saying that bee's know when the ring has been shipped or know when their SO has ordered the ring.
How do you guys know?! Do they tell you? Leave accidental clues?
I see a lot of posts saying saying that bee's know when the ring has been shipped or know when their SO has ordered the ring.
How do you guys know?! Do they tell you? Leave accidental clues?
Some of us go about purchasing the ring as a unit. Others snoop. Others may be told.
@FutureMrsJefferson: Well I know because I have been really involved in the whole ring process.. We had ours custom made, and I was actually the point person because SO doesn't care about prong placement or how high the ring sits haha! He basically approved everything and wrote the check. The jeweler let me know when they were shipping, we both had the tracking number, he was the one home who signed for and hid the ring away.
I am a lot more involved than a lot of ladies here though, for sure!
@FutureMrsJefferson: mine ordered mine online right in front of me haha
We went shopping together, so I knew the ring was coming soon! It just had to be resized. I wasn't told exactly when it would be ready/he was picking it up but I knew he had purchased the ring and would have it soon. Ended up buying on a Saturday, the ring was actually ready and resized a few hours later, but he waited until Tuesday to pick it up and propose.
@FutureMrsJefferson: I had absolutely no idea that my Fiance had the ring before he proposed. I think the element of surprise is what made my proposal so special.
Thanks for the responses ladies! I was just curious 🙂
We were merely browsing at rings to get an ye for what I wanted, came across one that was quite different to what I had envisioned and fell in love with it – it helped that it was 45% off in the sale! We slept on the idea, went back the next day and put it on lay-away because we didn't have the funds sitting there right then.
My SO is deployed (he left a few days after we found the ring), so I have been the one going in to make the payments and brought the ring home once it was paid. Now I'm waiting for him to return in March and then when the time is right he will propose 🙂
As for me, I found my ring and it was unintentional. I do most of the cleaning/organizing because Fiance works full-time plus over time and I go to school. One day, I decided to do his laundry to be nice (we usually do our own) and as I was putting his socks away, there was the box!
I didn't open it because I didn't want to totally ruin the surprise, so it could have been a pair of earrings or a necklace or something. But I found out five months later when he proposed that it was definitely a ring! 🙂
my gf knows about the ring, but doesn't know i ordered it for her surprise proposal. i didn't want to invest in a ring that she potentially didn't like so I asked what her favorite shape, color gold, stone she wanted and came up with what i ordered for her.
My husband can't keep a secret from me (he can for anyone else) so he told me haha. The proposal was still a surprise though!
I knew when he had it, mainly because he had told me he wanted to get me exactly the kind of ring I wanted (because I expressed interest in not having a diamond as a center stone) and I provided him with the link to what I liked. No local stores had anything like it when we he was trying to see if there was anything that I liked locally. He basically wanted to know if I 100% wanted that ring and if I trusted the jeweler, and even though I was a little scared, I told him yes because they have great reviews. So I knew then that he was ordering it, and by the site that it would take 4-6 weeks to arrive. Then it was the waiting game 🙂
I knew he had it because I accidentally saw that he had purchased the setting. We were settling up our expenses from our vacation, and he gave me a printout of his bank statement. He must have forgotten that he bought the setting that month as well – I just pretended I never noticed.
It didn't even matter because I didn't get the ring until 8 months later anyways!! Such a looooong wait.
@FutureMrsJefferson: We purchased the ring together. I was standing next to him when he bought it and I picked it out.
It was a family ring. Mother-In-Law thought she was being sly when she told him (we were all out for dinner)- "I have that thing in the car for you," and then looked knowingly over at me. Completely subtle!
The topic 'How do so many bees know when their SO has the ring?!' is closed to new replies.


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HOPKINTON, N.H. — New Hampshire officials say a teenager walking his dog in Hopkinton was attacked by a coyote and is receiving a course of rabies shots as a precaution.
A Fish and Game wildlife biologist called the Wednesday attack on a human "highly unusual" and said they believe the coyote is rabid because of its uncharacteristically aggressive behavior.
Officials believe the same coyote attacked a dog in Hopkinton earlier in the week. The dog survived, but required veterinary care.
Fish and Game officials say the teen, whose name was not released, was walking the family dog in a wooded area near his home when the coyote approached. His dog ran and the coyote attacked the teenager. Officials say the teen punched the coyote repeatedly in the nose until it ran off. The teenager was scratched and possibly bitten by the coyote.
"It's the first time we know of that a coyote has attacked a person in New Hampshire," wildlife biologist Pat Tate said. He said local residents need to be aware the coyote is out there.
Fish and Game conservations officers and Hopkinton police are searching for the coyote and plan to kill it on sight, if possible. The animal will then be tested for rabies.
Tate said coyotes are present throughout the state and typically show no interest in humans or pets.
"This incident, as scary as it was, gives us no reason to fear wild animals in general," Tate said. "We suspect it's the same coyote and that the coyote is rabid, given the uncharacteristic aggressiveness of the attacks.
"If a coyote expresses any interest in a human — whether friendly or aggressive — that's unusual and that's when you need to be on alert," Tate said.
Tate recommends people yell at coyotes to instill fear. Most, he said, will retreat when faced with loud noise or thrown objects.
"Shout at it. Make sure it knows you are a threat," Tate said. "If it comes at you, hit it hard on the head and snout."
Hopkinton residents who spot an aggressive coyote are asked to call the Fish and Game dispatch center at 271-3361 during the day and 911 in the evening.


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Dr Maysoon Abdullah Fahad is an Arab board certified in Obstetric and Gynecology, she has wide experience in managing and caring in all cases of Obstetric and Gynecology, all kinds of emergencies especially management of laboring women, instrumental deliveries, emergency caesarean sections, caesarean hysterectomies. Clinical experience in performing Obstetric and Gynecological operations including abdominal and vaginal hysterectomies, myomectomies, plastic vaginal surgeries and repairs, infertililty management, family planning, detailed ultrasound for Obstetric and Gynecology including NT Study for 1st trimester pregnancy, anomaly scan, growth scan, 3d and 4d scan.
Bachelor of Medicine & Surgery 1986, University College of Medicine, Baghdad, Iraq.
D.G.O. in Obstetric and Gynecology 1994, Al Mustansariyah University, Iraq.
CABOG Novermber 1995.
Advanced Ultrasound in Obstetric and Gynecology in 2010.
Researches: Pregnancy Induced hypertension and 6 keto-PGF comparison study in relation to single and twins pregnancy.
Audit in Intrauterine fetal death management.
Audit in Placenta Previa Accrete.


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The Bible says the love of money is the root of all evil, yet even a man of the cloth must buy his own cloth. That's a big business anywhere you go. In Italy, the market for religious goods—everything from traditional cassocks to electronic rosaries—is worth an estimated $5.2 billion a year.
Anything that big invariably gets its own expo, and Italian photographer Louis de Belle visited one of the industry's biggest, the International Exhibition of Church Furnishings, Liturgical Items and Religious Building Components, in April. His photos, a series collected in the book Besides Faith, offers a fascinating glimpse into this world and the people who inhabit it. Many of them stare listlessly, disinterested and bored, with little beyond crucifixes and images of Christ to differentiate them from used car salesmen. The juxtaposition is jarring and occasionally bizarre, which is the point de Belle wanted to explore. "I wanted to focus on this threshold between sacred and profane and how people handle the goods," he says.
The biennial trade show, also called Koinè, debuted in 1989 at Vicenza's expo center. Last year, it drew 347 exhibitors whose wares—from gilded goblets and communion wafers to liturgical garments and AV systems—covered more than 15,000 square feet. The most coveted items are invariably made by hand in Italy, but about one quarter of the exhibitors are from abroad and you don't have to look too hard to find things made in China.
How much you spend is limited only by your budget. You can pick up a Madonna figurine for 20 bucks, while an intricately carved relief panel might be well into five-figures. De Belle found himself drawn to the high-tech objects—electronic prayer candles that illuminate when you deposit a coin, an eco-friendly holy water fonts, an electronic rosary that resembles a walkie talkie and plays a prayer at the push of a button. "They're making things more technologically optimized that are already very simple," he says. "It's one of the things I was really looking forward to seeing because it just goes beyond any idea of sacredness."
Last year's show drew 13,000 people from as far away as Africa and South America. They attended the show for the same reason people attend something like CES—to see the latest products, place orders, and network. Priests and nuns roamed the hall in groups, examining this and that, chatting with friends and admiring the finest cotton and silk ecclesiastical garments, some of which cost as much as $2,000. "It's their shopping," de Belle says. "You might go to Gucci or Prada and look [at the clothes]. They would do the same there."
De Belle was raised Catholic and studied religion in school, but didn't grow interested in the business of it until years ago. While visiting his father in Rome, he overheard someone mention a shop that sold "the best" socks for bishops. He started noticing boutiques stocked with liturgical vestments along the streets surrounding the Vatican, and was fascinated by their theatricality. Shopkeepers refused to let him take photos, so he thought he might find out where they bought their inventory. One Google search led to another until de Belle found himself applying for a press pass to Koinè and booking a room at the convention center hotel.
He spent the day wandering the convention hall with a Canon 6D. He was most interested in capturing moments of banality and restlessness—one exhibitor using an electric screwdriver to secure a crucifix to a wall, another scrolling through social media on his phone, that sort of thing. He mostly ignored the elaborate booths swathed in red velvet and other trappings, focusing instead on lackluster displays. One featured rows of cheap Madonnas arranged in descending size against a tacky black tarp, a handwritten sign declaring the objects most definitely were not made in China. "That display is pretty rough," de Belle says. "It's definitely failing."
De Belle worked with a mounted flash, its harsh lighting evening out the varied lighting in each booth. The high contrast complimented the subject matter. "I always thought of the flash as a profane enlightenment," he says. "It shows things in a way that's even more raw than reality."
The images present a glimpse of a world most people rarely see. It raises fascinating questions about what makes some objects holy and others mundane, and at what point a commodity becomes sacred. De Belle doesn't judge, but can't help marvel at the economics involved. "It's a huge business," he says. "There is this controversial aspect of Catholicism mixed with money, and it's something that is tricky to talk about, but is easier to talk about through photography. I wanted to deal with this controversial subject in a more abstract way, by using images."


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Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that 2017 NHL Draft prospect Michael DiPietro of the Windsor Spitfires is the Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week for the week ending December 11 after posting a 3-0-0-0 record with three shutouts for a goals-against-average of 0.00 and save percentage of 1.000.
DiPietro was perfect in goal last week blanking the opposition in all three Spitfires' road games improving the club's record to 21-5-4-0 for first place in the OHL's West Division standings. He earned first star honours twice including Thursday with 21 saves in a 3-0 win over the Barrie Colts, and Sunday with 21 saves in a 3-0 triumph against the North Bay Battalion. His week also included a 22-save performance Saturday in a 6-0 win against the Sudbury Wolves building a shutout streak that now stands at 204:16.
A 17-year-old from Amherstburg, ON, DiPietro is playing in his second career OHL season and leads the league with four shutouts while carrying the league's lowest goals-against-average with a mark of 2.11 and highest save percentage at .922. The second round pick of the Spitfires in the 2015 OHL Priority Selection has made 22 appearances this season for the Mastercard Memorial Cup hosts and carries a 15-3-4-0 record.
Also considered for the award this week was Antoine Samuel of the Baie-Comeau Drakkar who made 76 saves while posting a 2-1-0-0 record with a goals-against-average of 0.71 and save percentage of .974, and Dylan Ferguson of the Kamloops Blazers who made 69 saves posting a 1-0-0-1 record with a goals-against-average of 1.92 and save percentage of .945.
2016-17 Vaughn CHL Goaltenders of the Week:
Dec. 5 – Dec. 11: Michael DiPietro (Windsor Spitfires)
Nov. 28 – Dec. 4: Connor Ingram (Kamloops Blazers)
Nov. 21 – Nov. 27: Carter Hart (Everett Silvertips)
Nov. 14 – Nov. 20: Matthew Villalta (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)
Nov. 7 – Nov. 13: Patrick Dea (Edmonton Oil Kings)
Oct. 31 – Nov. 6: Zach Sawchenko (Moose Jaw Warriors)
Oct. 24 – Oct. 30: Troy Timpano (Erie Otters)
Oct. 17 – Oct. 23: Reilly Pickard (Acadie-Bathurst Titan)
Oct. 10 – Oct. 16: Ryan Kubic (Vancouver Giants)
Oct. 3 – Oct. 9: Logan Flodell (Saskatoon Blades)
Sept. 26 – Oct. 2: Samuel Harvey (Rouyn-Noranda Huskies)
Sept. 21 – Sept. 25: Liam Herbst (Guelph Storm)


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Times are different today.
Our minds are filled with secular images and messages, which causes us to think more as human beings do and not how Christ teaches. It is no longer safe to assume that the school we choose for our children will provide an environment for healthy living and good morals.
You want your children to learn in a place where they will have many opportunities to develop their God-given talents, to establish a love for learning, to form life-long friendships, and to grow in their faith. The Lafayette Catholic Schools want these things for your children, too!


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This video explores using Inner Reconciliation to work with specific goals around money. As always, the intention is to bring light to the deeper inner conflicts that keep us locked in the back and forth of "I want it / it's not OK to have it."
With total acceptance and self compassion we resolve these conflicts and find a way for us to feel both safe and satisfied.
There is still one live call remaining in "Wealth and The Chakras"


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Board of Tax Assessors
The Macon County Board of Tax Assessors, five men and women appointed for fixed terms by the county commissioners, is responsible for determining taxability: the appraisal, assessment and the equalization of all assessments within the county.
The tax assessors notify taxpayers when changes are made to the value of the property; they receive and review all appeals filed; and they ensure that the appeal process proceeds properly. In addition, they approve all exemptions claimed by the taxpayer.
It is the duty of the county board of tax assessors to:
- Value Property - Assure that all personal property and all real property have been returned for taxation at the proper valuation
- Examine Returns - Examine the returns of real and personal property to determine if property has been omitted from the return or the valuation returned represents the fair market value of the property
- Correct Returns - Correct returns and assess the property at fair market value
- Send Notice - Give written notice to the taxpayer of changes in the return
Property tax returns must be filed with the Macon County Board of Tax Assessors between January 1 and April 1 of each year. The taxpayer may elect not to file a property tax return if there have been no changes that would affect the value of their property from the previous year.
The deadline for filing a homestead exemption in Macon County is April 1. Application for homestead exemption is made with the Board of Tax Assessors office in the county. Failure to apply by the deadline is considered a waiver of the exemption for that year. There are no local homestead exemptions offered in this county, but the taxpayer can make application for the statewide homestead exemptions.
Chief Appraiser
The chief appraiser is appointed by the county board of tax assessors from the county appraisal staff. Under the direction of the chief appraiser, the county appraisal staff is required to:
- Appraise Property - Make appraisals of the fair market value of all taxable property in the county
- Maintain tax records and maps for the county
- Submit Appraisals - Prepare annual appraisals on all tax-exempt property in the county and submit the assessments for approval to the county board of tax assessors
- Submit Assessments - Prepare annual assessments of taxable property and submit the assessments for approval to the county board of tax assessors
- Mail Assessments - Mail assessment notices after the county board of tax assessors has determined final assessments
- Attend Hearings - Attend hearings of the county board of equalization to provide information on valuations and assessments when taxpayers have appealed the assessment of the county board of tax assessors
- Sales Ratio Data - Furnish sales ratio data to the Revenue Commissioner
- Inspect Mobile Homes - Inspect mobile homes in the county to determine if the proper decal is displayed on the mobile home


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Environmental Leadership and Justice
October 14, 1996
Recent attacks on environmental protections have raised profound questions about the fulfillment of our solemn moral obligation to serve as responsible stewards of our natural heritage and to bequeath to future generations an improved, rather than a degraded, world. Furthermore, the nation has not engaged in a comprehensive effort to end environmental injustices, leaving some segments of the population significantly exposed to environmental health threats.
In the 1970s, Americans enacted into law a system of environmental protection that recognized the fragility of our ecological systems, the finite nature of our natural resources, and the responsibility of the private sector and government to protect the environment and public health of the nation. The laws and the agencies then established have significantly improved the quality of our air and the purity of our water supply, substantially reduced the release of certain dangerous pollutants into the environment, and protected numerous species from extinction. As a nation, we have come to learn that environmental protection is necessary for the protection of public health and for the long-term vitality of our economy.
It is imperative now, after having made important advances toward solving some of our nation's most pressing environmental problems, that we to continue along the course of safeguarding the environment, public health, and natural heritage of our nation. Many challenges lie ahead. Among them are:
• ensuring that all people are protected from environmental pollutants and benefit from access to clean water, safe food, clean air, safe homes, and safe work environments;
ensuring that environmental protections adequately safeguard the health of populations now often exposed to significantly greater environmental risks than the population at large;
• the research and development of environmentally-friendly sources of energy and modes of transportation;
• implementing national and international plans to examine and reduce greenhouse gas emissions;
• the development of innovative pollution control and abatement technologies and incentives for their use;
• the protection of endangered species and their habitats in the U.S. and abroad;


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Bring your design dreams to life with the ultimate design and animation bundle – 98% off
It's time to stop fantasizing about a career in design, computer animation or game development while you toil away elsewhere. Take the leap you've been dreaming about with the Ultimate Design and Animation Bundle, on sale for just $29 at TNW Deals.
Inside the Ultimate Design and Animation Bundle, you'll find lifetime access to the 60+ courses and over 200 hours of expert instruction covering every topic imaginable relating to the world of design. Everything you could want to learn about computer-aided design and animation is here, and you'll leave the courses ready to bring your ideas to life.
Stream courses on your computer or phone as you progress from beginner through expert level instruction, and master industry-standard programs like DesignCAD, Unity, Photoshop, InDesign, and Autodesk MAYA to get certified and push your career in the right direction.
With the bundle you'll get:
- Access to all future online design & animation courses
- Access to experts via online academic support
- Certificate of completion in CAD, Adobe, MAYA, engineering & animation courses
- CAD coursework, including AutoCAD training
- Adobe courses, including CorelDraw, Flash, Photoshop, InDesign & Audition training
- MAYA courses, including 3D Design, Bouncing Ball, Character Animation, and Shave & Hair Cut training
- Engineering courses, including SolidWorks, SilhouetteFX & Pro/Engineer training
- Animation courses, including ZBrush, Unity 5, Cinema 4D, Nuke, Mudbox, Keyshot & Interface Mocha Pro training
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When you become a member of the New Mexico Dental Association, you become part of an organization that has been our state's leading voice on oral health care for over 100 years. NMDA members are committed to high ethical standards and passionately support their profession. Whether you are seeking practice support, continuing education opportunities, or want a stronger voice at the Roundhouse, the New Mexico Dental Association provides the expertise and experience needed to make a difference.
Membership in the New Mexico Dental Association also confers membership in the American Dental Association and your component dental society. This tripartite arrangement means that dentistry speaks with one voice, both at the local and state level and at the national level. No one is more vested in your success and reputation than the NMDA/ADA.
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With thousands of resources at your fingertips, the ADA Library and Archives allows you to access unique and extensive collections of electronic, print, and archival material related to dentistry. Search on your own or utilize the team of experienced library professionals to assist you. You can also access an extensive array of studies and research through database portals such as DynaMed, Dental & Oral Science Source (DOSS) and the Cochrane Library.
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The Longsleeve Running Tee is made in soft 100% polyester mesh. Coolfeel and wicking treatment keeps you at an ideal temperature on your run. Thumbholes cutouts enhance functionality and provide an ergonomic fit. It is perfect to use as it is or as a base layer during colder conditions.
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Tuesday, July 31, 2012
The Sand Bar by Owen Keehnen
Reviewer: Bob Lind, Echo Magazine
Publisher: Lethe Press, May 2012
Pages: 264
Think of Bayetteville as a small Southern river town ... kind of like Mayberry, but with a significant gay (and slutty) population. (Floyd the Barber would have been less lonely!)
Leo Dunsten is the sole beneficiary of the estate of his uncle, who lived in Bayetteville. In no hurry to go back to a dead-end job, and with an inheritance that offers other possibilities, Leo decides to open the town's first gay bar, which is immediately populated with a colorful assortment of gay, lesbian and "not sure" misfits, who form a rather entertaining, highly dysfunctional "family" of sorts. There's "Sister," who introduces Leo to the more interesting public restrooms. Bruschetta is strong-willed drag queen, always saving for her next cosmetic surgery. Fred is a shy gay boy with an unrequitted crush on a schoolmate, Del, who uses him and others to get what he wants. The book tells their stories, and others', as they celebrate each other's victories and share their defeats.
This is a remarkable, character-driven book, actually following multiple characters' stories throughout the years, in a realistic,gritty yet lightly humorous way. I enjoyed it quite a bit, and look forward to more from this talented author. Five stars out of five.
Posted by AlanChinWriter at 5:07 PM 1 comment:
Labels: Owen Keehnen
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Conversations with Capote by Lawrence Grobel
Reviewer: Alan Chin
Publisher: Da Capo Press (Aug, 2000)
Pages: 233
"I am a homosexual. I am a drug addict. I am a genius." —Truman Capote
Between July, 1982 and August 1984, writer Lawrence Grobel recorded many interview sessions with Truman Capote for what they both agreed would be the definitive in-depth interview with the great writer. This book is the remarkable result of those conversations. As startling, candid, and controversial as the man himself, these interviews have become a key part of the Capote legacy.
I have always been enchanted by Capote's stories, and reading this book I became mesmerized by the man behind those stories. He had a genius that elevated talk to art, and gossip to literature. He bedazzles with brilliant insight, and also reveals a condescending pettiness toward many of his contemporaries.
I found Truman's revelations about himself both candid and illuminating when talking about his childhood, early fame, his sexuality, and his battle with drugs and alcohol. The author also has much to say about the rich and famous, including Jacqueline Onassis, Norman Mailer, Marilyn Monroe, Lee Harvey Oswald, Elizabeth Taylor to mention a few, and these conversations about others tend to reveal more about Capote than the people being discussed.
While discussing In Cold Blood, Capote said, "I came to understand that death is the central factor of life. And the simple comprehension of this fact alters your entire perspective…. The experience served to heighten my feeling of the tragic view of life, which I've always held and which accounts for the side of me that appears extremely frivolous; that part of me is always standing in ta darkened hallway, mocking tragedy and death. That's why I love champagne and stay at the Ritz."
This is a must read for anyone who enjoys Truman Capote's stories.
Posted by AlanChinWriter at 9:06 AM 1 comment:
Labels: Lawrence Grobel
Thursday, July 26, 2012
One Last Lie by Rob Kaufman
Reviewer: Jon Michaelsen
Publisher: Rob Kaufman
Pages: 326
One Last Lie by Rob Kaufman in a word is awesome, an incredible psychological thriller that will have the reader hanging on the edge during the explosive and thrilling final pages. Which is odd, since the reader knows a very important fact very early on that drives the novel - and yet, I found myself shocked and stunned by the actual event. To say that I was affected is an understatement.
The first half of the tense and romantic novel seems tame at best, a love story between two men wanting desperately to have a child and the one driving this dream is the one who is sterile due to a previous bout with cancer, of which he is a survivor.
Kaufman is a master of romantic suspense. The novel is set in the beautiful, romantic Westport, Connecticut. The subject - gay couple wanting to father and raise a child - popular in today's gay culture. The protagonists, Jonathan Beckett and dashing Philip Stone, are successful, love their careers, very wealthy and can afford the finer things in life - and to fulfill their dream of having a child.
In comes Angela, an old college friend – err, girlfriend – of Philip's, squirreling her way into Philip and Jonathan's lives, ironically offering what the boys are looking for – someone to carry Jonathan's child via artificial insemination. Angela experiences a Jekyll-Hyde complex, able to turn on a dime with both her low-life moronic boyfriend, Tommy, and her brooding – and easily manipulated -- best friend, June. Angela manipulates anyone around her that she feels able to advance her agenda, an agenda set into motion the moment Angela picked up and moved to Connecticut, without invitation, to assist the boys in having a child with her via artificial insemination.
Kaufman's gift as a writer is detailed within the sharp dialog, vivid imagery, skillful flashbacks, and well-rounded multidimensional character portrayals, but his inherit talent lay in his remarkable ability to craft a spell-bounding story, laid out for the reader in a way to have you cheering for the good guys and demonizing the psychos.
There are critical clues dropped within the novel that are thrilling, yet disturbing yet the same as Kaufman's hurls the readers toward a well-crafted, suspenseful climax that will leave some breathless and others – like me- angry. Yes, I said it; angry. The reason for my anger is simple: I didn't want the ending to happen as it did yet I KNEW what the ending would be and still, the author managed to shock me.
Angela is neurotic, psychotic and delusional – all required traits in portraying the villainess she becomes. Several characters that came before her came to mind as I learned more and more about her character, such as "Alex Forrest" (portrayed stunningly by Glenn Close in "Fatal Attraction"), or Annie Wilkes in Stephen King's "Misery" (portrayed in film by the astounding Kathy Bates), even the sultry Rebecca de Mornay's portrayal of Peyton Flanders in "The Hand That Rocks The Cradle".
The malicious plot Kaufman's Angela devises years before putting the such an evil plan into motion upon signing the co-parenting legal contract with Jonathan's and Philip's attorney.
But, I digress…Kaufman has created a spectacular psychological thriller that is sure to stun – is that the right word? – Readers of the genre. [Book:One Last Lie|14624158] is chock full of tense drama, betrayal, lies, compassion and violence; all the marks of an excellent thriller.
My only complaint is likely due to the HTML uploading issues unique to Amazon's conversion technology for uploading e-books. The reader can become confused with the sudden backward or forward in time breaks without the benefit of section dividers. However, these small inadequacies are easily overlooked.
Ultimately, Kaufman has created a "must-read" novel for anyone searching for a kick-ass psychological thriller with a strong romantic theme. [Book:One Last Lie|14624158] will suck you in and won't release you until the shocking ending, indeed the 'one last lie'.
Posted by AlanChinWriter at 9:07 AM No comments:
Labels: Rob Kaufman
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
The Absolutist by John Boyne
Reviewer: Bob Lind, Echo Magazine
Pubisher: Other Press, July 2012
Pages: 320
Already on his own for almost a year, since being thrown out by his parents, seventeen year old Tristan Sadler lies about his age, in order to enlist in the British army, heading into war in 1919. He meets another recruit, Will, with whom he develops more than just a strong friendship, though the feelings may not be mutual. Together through years of training and brutal battles, only Tristan survives the war. After a time of recovery and soul-searching, Tristan looks up Will's sister, Marian, to return a package of letters that were among Will's property, and to make an emotional confession to her.
Boyne is an accomplished Irish novelist, with one of his books, "The Boy In The Striped Pajamas," having been made into an award-winning film. This story is told in flashbacks, alternating after and during the war, and can be darkly graphic and emotionally brutal. An outstanding, thought-provoking look at the passionate choices we make, and how we react to life-changing situations. Much recommended for all readers, five full stars out of five.
Posted by AlanChinWriter at 8:24 AM No comments:
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Purgatory by Jeff Mann
Reviewer: Alan Chin
Publisher: Bear Bones Books
Pages: 272
During the final days of the American Revolution, Drew, a Herculean Yankee, is captured by a ragtag Confederate band. He is put in the custody of Ian, a war-weary Southerner who has seen too much brutality inflicted on prisoners by his commanding officer, who also happens to be Ian's uncle.
While on the run from the Yankees and being driven toward Purgatory Mountain, Drew is made a martyr, whipped and beaten and humiliated for all the sins of General Sheridan's rampage and the frustration of the Confederates' realization that they are losing the war. But then the unexpected happens, Ian and Drew—captor and captive—find themselves drawn together. As a fragile love blossoms, Ian must find the courage to defy his uncle, and Ian and Drew must discovery a way to save each other from catastrophe.
This is an exquisitely written story. Jeff Mann's command of prose is inspiring. He captures a voice that, line by line, is pure pleasure to read, to reread, to wallow in.
This story is never rushed. It takes place within the span of a week or two, and there is much packed into that timeframe. The pace is slow, often at a snail's gate, giving the protagonist much time for reflection, and allowing plenty of time for a relationship to bud at a lifelike pace.
The tale is written in first person and present tense, which gives it an intimacy much like reading a personal letter or diary. However, I was not able to wrap my head around reading an historical account written in present tense. It simply felt strange, and I was unable to fully immerse myself in the story because of it.
For me, the book had two flaws. It took most of the story for Ian to do what he knew was just, which admittedly gave him a beautiful arc. But early on, I felt he was a coward, and I didn't like him. By the time he finally grew a spine, it was too late for me. Along that same theme, I did not find it at all plausible that Drew could be so brutalized and dehumanized by his captors while Ian stood by, and still find it in his heart to forgive Ian, which, of course, was the point the entire story hung on.
Historical buffs will no doubt relish this story. Fans of gay romance who can easily suspend belief regardless of how implausible the story is will also enjoy this read.
Posted by AlanChinWriter at 9:28 AM No comments:
Labels: Jeff Mann
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Tessa Masterson Will Go To Prom by Emily Franklin & Brendan Halpin
Reviewer: Bob Lind, Echo Magazine
Publisher: BloomsburyTeens, March 2012
Pages: 272
Tessa Masterson is a high school senior in a small Indiana town, where she runs track and works in her family's small supermarket. When her longtime best friend, Lucas, makes a spectacle of inviting her to go to the prom with him, Tessa realizes that, despite "hints" she has given him over the years, he doesn't realize that she is a lesbian. In fact, she wants to go to the prom with a young woman she met at the store.
Embarassed and hurt, Lucas makes some statements that are soon repeated throughout the school, and the town, eventually leading to widespread homophobic rants against Tessa, and calls for the school board to cancel the prom, rather than allow two lesbians to attend. Lucas regrets his role in this, and tries to make it up to Tessa. Can he come up with another "grand gesture" to make things right?
This is an outstanding coming-out/coming-of-age read for teens and others, with realistic characters and situations, and just the right amount of humor. Much recommended five stars out of five.
Posted by AlanChinWriter at 9:13 AM No comments:
Sunday, July 15, 2012
The Rape of Ganymede by John Peyton Cooke
Reviewer: Alan Chin
Publisher: Editions Cuir Noir
Pages: 358
When the mother of a precocious fourteen-year-old gay boy claims she has evidence that mega-rock-star Jimmy Gilbert has been having sex with her son, Private Investigator Greg Quaintance is hired by Jimmy's lawyer to thwart the mother's multi-million-dollar extortion attempt. But only hours after Greg takes the job, the mother ends up murdered and her son goes missing. Greg's job turns to finding the boy before any harm can come to him. From the streets of Manhattan to the home of presidential power, the bodies start piling up as Greg navigates his way through this plot of twists and turns.
The Rape of Ganymede is a murder mystery in the Greg Quaintance series. It is a story that tackles a difficult subject, child molestation, but rather than dealing with that issue effectively, the author turns this plot into a vehicle to showcase his sexy protagonist. The dialog is often clever, the plot highly imaginative, and a few scenes provide good action and are well written.
For the most part, I found this to be a mildly interesting storyline that was marred by poor writing, one-dimensional characters, and over-the-top situations that I found impossible to suspend belief.
My chief issue is that the story is mostly told through dialog. The author puts two people in a room and they talk for ten, fifteen, or twenty pages at a time, over and over again. There is much talking and precious little action. Admittedly, when there was action scenes, they were well written. Telling a story through dialog, however, quickly turns dull and tedious, which is how I found of most of this story.
The author does an excellent job of delving into his protagonist, who has several layers, but every other character had little or no depth. I think this is because these other characters have so little time on the page that the reader never gets to know them.
Admittedly, I am not a huge fan of mystery novels, but I have read several that impressed me. This was not one of those.
Posted by AlanChinWriter at 4:15 PM 3 comments:
Labels: John Peyton Cooke
Thursday, July 12, 2012
COBRA KILLER by Andrew E. Stoner & Peter A. Conway
Reviewer: Bob Lind, Echo Magazine
Publisher: Magnus Books, June 2012
Pages: 300
Anyone who followed the gay porn world back in 2007 is likely aware of a violent murder in a small Pennsylvania town, which publicity suggested involved Sean Lockhart (porn name: Brent Corrigan), one of the most popular stars at the time. The controversy involved possible fraud, related to the fact that Mr. Lockhart appeared in films while still a minor, and had been at odds with the man who owned Cobra Studios, which produced most of his films. That man was Bryan Kocis, the victim of murder victim.
Later, it was revealed that the likely killers were actually Harlow Cuadra and his lover Joe Kerkes, two Virginia men who owned a gay escort service, and wanted to branch out into producing gay videos. They had contacted Lockhart about possibly working together, which is how they found out about the ongoing battle with Kocis, and even suggested that they might be able to persuade him to "leave the country." Ultimately, Lockhart would help authorities get evidence that tied them to the murder.
This is essentially a well-written, detailed chronological recap of the events involved, made up entirely of previously-published articles, website posts and assorted law enforcement transcripts. As such, it is occasionally repetitive, and I would have preferred to have seen some original content included, such as interviews with those involved. It can be an engaging read for crime mystery buffs, and especially for those who have an interest in the operations of the gay porn industry. Four stars out of five.
Posted by AlanChinWriter at 12:44 PM No comments:
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Gulliver Takes Manhattan by Justin Luke Zirilli
Reviewer: Bob Lind, Echo Magazine
Publisher: AmazonEncore, May 2012
Pages: 426
Twenty-something Gulliver Leverenz is sick of the gay scene in Los Angeles, made worse by a recent breakup with someone who won't leave him alone, and decides to take up a college friend's invitation to move to New York City, staying with him until he finds a place of his own. Gulliver is soon adjusting to the face-paced life of a Manhattan "A-Gay," and lucks into a job with a talent agent that has potential to be great. Unfortunately, like in L.A., a relationship gets in the way, and pushes Gulliver into a downward spiral that ruins friendships, costs him a job, and into making decisions he never would have imagined when he moved to NY just a few months before.
This is a wacky, humorous take on the "If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere" spirit of tough New Yorkers, as well as a practical lesson on how bad decisions can come back to bite you, big time. The first-time author shines in his character development, providing many fully-developed (but not necessarily likeable) supplemental characters. Ultimately, this is a positive story of overcoming obstacles to live your life, and is recommended. Five stars out of five.
Publisher: AmazonEncore, May 2012
Pages: 426
Twenty-something Gulliver Leverenz is sick of the gay scene in Los Angeles, made worse by a recent breakup with someone who won't leave him alone, and decides to take up a college friend's invitation to move to New York City, staying with him until he finds a place of his own. Gulliver is soon adjusting to the face-paced life of a Manhattan "A-Gay," and lucks into a job with a talent agent that has potential to be great. Unfortunately, like in L.A., a relationship gets in the way, and pushes Gulliver into a downward spiral that ruins friendships, costs him a job, and into making decisions he never would have imagined when he moved to NY just a few months before.
This is a wacky, humorous take on the "If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere" spirit of tough New Yorkers, as well as a practical lesson on how bad decisions can come back to bite you, big time. The first-time author shines in his character development, providing many fully-developed (but not necessarily likeable) supplemental characters. Ultimately, this is a positive story of overcoming obstacles to live your life, and is recommended. Five stars out of five.
Posted by AlanChinWriter at 8:09 AM No comments:
Labels: Justin Luke Zirilli
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Naked by David Sedaris
Reviewer: Alan Chin
Publisher: Back Bay Books
Pages: 291
In Naked, gay author David Sedaris presents seventeen autobiographical essays that are hilarious, elegiac, and often outrageous. The author has apparently had an exceedingly rich life with family and friends and unique adventures, and he writes about them with take-no-prisoners sensibilities. From dealing with a sharp-tongued mother, to his Kerouackian wanderings with a quadriplegic companion, to family gatherings in the face of imminent death, the author presents his distinctive view of the world with razor sharp wit.
Although this book has sat on my shelf untouched for several years, once I started to read, I was hooked. It is one of the most entertaining reads I've had in years. There was never a dull moment, never a dry spot where one skims through looking for another interesting part. This is a fast paced read with unforgettable characters popping out of the woodwork on every page. He brings people's flaws and foibles into a deliciously funny light that I found brilliant.
Naked is a fresh, comic look at the world, with much wisdom at its core. I can highly recommend this book to all readers.
Posted by AlanChinWriter at 10:28 AM No comments:
Labels: David Sedaris
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
THE BORROWER: A NOVEL by Rebecca Makkai
Reviewer: Bob Lind, Echo Magazine
Publisher: Penguin Books, May 2012
Pages: 336
Twenty-six year old Lucy Hull never imagined she would find herself seemingly locked into a career as a children's librarian in small-town Missouri. Having accepted the job right out of college, and adapted to be able to overcome workplace obstacles to do it well, she found herself in a comfortable rut, and treasured those moments that helped her over that.
Many of those moments came when ten year old Ian Drake visited her library. A precocious boy with an appetite for life and learning, Ian was also unlike most boys in his mannerisms and interests, a difference of which his right-wing Christian parents were very much aware. Lucy cringed when his mother insisted that he only be allowed to read "boy" books with good (i.e., heterosexual) role models and Christian values, while Ian ached to expand his reading to topics that were far more interesting to him. When Lucy found out that his mother had enrolled him a "reparative therapy" church group run by the notorious "Pastor Bob," and saw that it bothered Ian so much that he actually ran away, hiding in the library with the plan to leave from there in the morning, she decided to get involved. That morning, she and Ian drove out of town, on a meandering journey to her parents' in Chicago, and eventually to search for Ian's grandmother in New England.
Most of the book is about their impromptu "road trip," and the conversations and conclusions each makes about their respective lives. Lucy keeps in touch with a friend from the library, manages to concoct a story to explain Ian to her parents, and reassesses what she wants to do with her life. She also worries about a car that seems to be following them, and what will eventually happen with Ian when he gets back home.
As farfetched and illogical as the plot seems to be, it will resonate with any reader who has, at times, felt overwhelmed with what life is offering them, and wants to hit the "reboot" switch to try again. It also gives a serious look into the mind of an intelligent young boy who realizes he is different, and can only find one person (Lucy) who seems to accept him as is. Worth a look, and I'll give it four stars out of five.
Posted by AlanChinWriter at 4:11 PM No comments:
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