text:
Previous session detected
Resume Quiz
Congratulations on completing the International Adoption Training DVD set, discussion questions, and book of additional information and supplementary articles. You may now complete the training by taking and passing the International Adoption Training quiz. The questions included correspond with the information that you have learned in this program, and will test your knowledge of international adoption issues.
You will be emailed a Certificate of Completion after the quiz has been passed, within two business days. You may need to forward the certificate on to your social worker or child placement agency.
The quiz should take approximately one hour.
Please Note: When entering names into the registration box of this quiz, please be sure to use names of all parents (i.e. John and Jane Doe, John Doe and Jane Smith, or Jane Doe if single). Each case-sensitive, unique ID is found on the back of the DVD case.


text:
Single Attorney
Dr. Thomas Stögmüller, LL.M. (Berkeley)
Attorney admitted to practice in Germany, certified specialist for information technology law
Practice areas
- IT law, in particular license agreements, service level agreements and Terms & Conditions
- Outsourcing
- Telecommunications law
- Data protection
- E-commerce, in particular website check, Terms & Conditions and privacy policy
- Copyright law and intellectual property rights (patents and trademark law), competition law
- Antitrust law
German, British and U.S. companies in the following sectors:
- Software
- Telecommunications
- Service providers in the fields of Internet advertising and search engine marketing (SEM)
- Electronic commerce
- Logistics
- Banks and pharmaceutical and chemical companies as customers of IT and outsourcing services
- Wholesalers and suppliers
Contact information
How can I assist you? Please contact us!
Phone: +49 (0) 89 / 38 36 788-0
Fax: +49 (0) 89 / 38 36 788-99
Fax: +49 (0) 89 / 38 36 788-99
Email: email@example.com
Location: TCI Rechtsanwälte München
German (native language)
English (fluent, negotiating level)
English (fluent, negotiating level)
Curriculum vitae
Brief biography of Thomas Stögmüller
- Born in 1966
- 1986 – 1995: Law studies at Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, law clerkships in Munich and Sydney
- 1991 – 1995: Fellowship at the Max-Planck-Institute for Foreign and International Patent, Copyright and Competition Law
- 1993: doctoral degree (Dr. jur.) from Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. mult. Gerhard Schricker, on the subject of "Deutsche Einigung und Urheberrecht" [German Unification and Copyright]
- March, 1995: admitted to the bar in Munich
- 1995 – 1996: successful completion of LL.M degree program at the University of California, Berkeley with a scholarship from the Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst
- 1997 – 1998: lawyer (senior civil servant status, Regierungsrat z.A.) in the telecommunications department of the Bavarian State Ministry for Economic Affairs, Transport and Technology, Munich
- since 1998 practice of law in Frankfurt (including at Clifford Chance and as head of IT and telecommunications law practice group at Haarmann Hemmelrath) and in Munich
- June, 2008: Certified specialist attorney for information technology law
- July, 2011: Founding partner of TCI Rechtsanwälte in Munich
- Since September 2017: Assistant lecturer of the law faculty of Georg-August-University Göttingen
Publications and lectures
Lectures and publications (selected)
Publication listDownload complete publication list
Teaching Activity
- Assistant lecturer of the law faculty of Georg-August-University Göttingen
- Guest lectures at the law faculty of the Georg-August-Universität Göttingen and at the University of Applied Sciences Augsburg
- Lecturer for certification courses in IT law at Deutsche Anwaltakademie
- davit - Arbeitsgemeinschaft IT-Recht im DAV
- Deutsche Gesellschaft für Recht und Informatik(German Association of Law and Informatics) (Head of the Expert Committee on Contract Law)
- International Technology Law Association (ITechLaw)
- Deutsche Vereinigung für gewerblichen Rechtsschutz und Urheberrecht (GRUR)
- Deutsche Institution für Schiedsgerichtsbarkeit (DIS) (German Institution of Arbitration)

subset: commoncrawl


text:
This article, Maxwell Dillon (Earth-61615), is property of MarvelousMarty.
- You know what they say, slinger... When sparks fly... You die...
- -- Electro
- -- Electro
Early Years
Maxwell "Max" Dillon was born in Endicott, New York where his father was a struggling accountant, having too many difficulties on keeping and maintaining his job. Because of this, Max and his family constantly found themselves moving from borough to borough throughout New York which also caused Max into to becoming a secluded child, seeing how it was hard for him making new friends due his family constantly moving. Max's father eventually abandoned the family, Maxwell's mother began to become overprotected over him as he grew into adulthood. Wanting to find some independence within his life, Maxwell wanted to go to college after senior high school, but his mother would disagree with Max's choice, suggesting that he should get a job as a lineman instead, since he was so skilled at it due to his father teaching him. At the age of twenty-four, his mother died and Maxwell pursued his goals and later became one of the most notable and well experienced linemen ever known, dedicating his honor to his parents.
Through years of having to finding the most perfect job for him, Max went through life ignored and overlooked. He also never stood up for himself, holding in a lot of anger. Eventually, e got a job at the top-notch organization, Hammer Industries as an electrical engineer and designed the power grid for their new power plant. However, he got no credit for any of his work. However, despite of this, his co-worker, fiancée and long-time sweetheart, Norma Lynn, never gave up on him, serving as Max's continuous motivation, much to his delight and glee having the love of his life persistently supporting him and loving him for what he was.
However, their loving relationship didn't last that very long, after Norma eventually leaves him when deciding to pursue his career as a lineman rather than taking on the responsibilities as a husband. Developing a personality that was both selfish and arrogant, others had trouble requesting Maxwell's services or favors without him demanding something in return.
Rise of Electro
One day during work, another fellow lineman got in trouble after having to unplug a series of cables inside one of the laboratories. As a result, Dillon tried to save him, but at the cost of his own life. tried to get a co-worker to cut the power so he could fix it, but the co-worker was unfortunately killed after he failed to cut off the strong power, leading to his own demise through electrocution. This forced Max to plug the live cable and was zapped by the electricity, seemingly killing him. Neither did Max nor anyone else at the building knew, this was all part of a secret, special experimentation conducted by the company's own founder and president, Justin Hammer, who morbidly watches from the other side through a one-sided mirror as the experiment have gone successful.
The Sinister Seven
To be added.
Ultimate War
To be added.
Return into Mayhem
To be added.
Powers and Abilities
Electrostatic Energy Generation: Electro possesses the ability to bodily generate electrostatic energy which he can release or harness for a number of effects. He is powered by the micro-fine rhythmic muscle contractions that normally regulate body temperature. His body can generate electricity at a rate of about 10,000 volts per minute, up to his maximum storage capacity of 10,000,000 volts. At that point, his body automatically stops producing electricity. As he expends his electrostatic energy, his body automatically begins to recharge the stores. Electro can mentally control the amount of electricity he discharges, anywhere from a single volt to his full 10,000,000 volt charge at once. At ten to thirty feet, his maximum charge is more than enough to kill a man. Electro can also use his body as a transformer, touching an outside power source (such as a generator) and channeling it through his body for use. The amount of electricity he can transform above his body's maximum storage capacity is unknown.
Electro can employ his electrostatic energy in a number of ways:
- Lighting Bolt Projection
- Electromagnetic Propulsion via Electrical Lines and Bridges
- Electrical Detection
- Electrocution
- Recharging
- Electrical Conversion into Enhanced Physical Attributions
- Metal Ionization
- Disruption of Wall-Crawling Abilities
- Localized Electromagnetic Storms
- Electromagnetic Manipulation
- Immunity to Electricity
- Charging
- Expert Lineman
- Skilled Engineeer
- Expert Tactician
- Skilled Marksman
Strength level
Class 15+
- Short Circuit Sensitivity
- Water
- Water
- Containment Suit (formerly)
Transportation: Electro is able to 'ride' electricity.
Weapons: None known.
- No special notes.
- No trivia.
See Also
- Appearances of Maxwell Dillon (Earth-61615)
- Character Gallery: Maxwell Dillon (Earth-61615)
- Quotations by Maxwell Dillon (Earth-61615)
Discover and Discuss
- Search News for: Electro&searchx=Search Electro · Maxwell Dillon · Maxwell Dillon (Earth-61615)
Links and References
- None.


text:
Based on Steven Spielberg's Jurassic Park motion picture trilogy, LEGO® Jurassic World™ follows the storyline of Jurassic Park, The Lost World: Jurassic Park, and Jurassic Park 3, as well as the highly anticipated Jurassic World, taking players through the epic story events retold in classic LEGO humor and fun, brick-building gameplay.
LEGO JURASSIC WORLD software © 2015 TT Games Ltd. Produced by TT Games under license from the LEGO Group. LEGO, the LEGO logo, the Brick and the Knob configurations and the Minifigure are trademarks of the LEGO Group. © 2015 The LEGO Group. Jurassic World is a trademark and copyright of Universal Studios and Amblin Entertainment, Inc. Licensed by Universal Studios Licensing LLC. Nintendo trademarks and copyrights are properties of Nintendo. The "PS" family logo and "PS3" are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. The "PS4" and "PSVITA" logos are trademarks of the same company. All Rights Reserved. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved.
WB GAMES LOGO, WB SHIELD: ™ & © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. (s15)


text:
Reed Arena is located on the campus of Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. The arena is situated on the west side of the university campus, just off George Bush Drive on the corner of Olsen and Kimbrough Boulevards. Reed Arena's parking can be accessed from Kimbrough Boulevard, Chandler Drive and Penberthy.
Also see the Google Maps page for driving instructions.


text:
Thank god for Dexia's implosion this morning, or else the world would be forced to pay attention to the fact that Greece is still as insolvent as ever and still without a formal Troika approval for disbursement of the critical 6th tranche that Greece needs or else. Also, were it not for Dexia someone might notice that two other banks bit the nationalization bullet in the past 24 hours as the contagion, not from Dexia, but from the fact that there is simply not enough money around: as a result Danish Max Bank and Greek Proton Bank just handed the keys to their HQs to their primary regulators, with the management teams quietly riding off into the sunset. They are the lucky ones: in a few months it won't be nearly as easy to find "nationalization" funding and keep your depositors away from the "tar and feathers" toolshed.
From Reuters on Proton:
Greece's central bank said on Monday it activated a bank rescue fund to save Proton Bank, effectively nationalising the small lender that is under investigation for possible violation of the country's money-laundering laws.
It is the first lender to be nationalised under the Financial Stability Fund (FSF), a safety net set up by Greece and its international lenders for banks that need to recapitalise but cannot raise funds in the market.
Analysts said the move had to do with Proton's own business problems and not with the country's severe debt crisis.
"After recommendation by the Bank of Greece, the Finance Ministry proceeded to apply to Proton Bank a new law about the restoration of banks," the Bank of Greece said in a statement.
The Bank of Greece said Proton was split into a "good bank" where all of its private sector, government deposits and sound assets were transferred. The good bank will have the FSF backstop as its sole shareholder and retain the trade name Proton.
"The 'good bank' is well capitalised, with a capital adequacy ratio that is well above the regulatory threshold. It has access to euro-system liquidity through the Bank of Greece," the central bank said.
And from Bloomberg on Max:
Max Bank A/S became Denmark's first insolvent lender to test a bank package designed to sidestep the country's bail-in laws after the state was able to find a buyer and avert senior creditor losses.
Sparekassen Sjaelland A/S will take over parts of Max Bank after it was declared insolvent by the Financial Supervisory Authority, the government said late yesterday. The bank package under which the takeover will be engineered allows Sparekassen Sjaelland to tap Denmark's guarantee fund to subsidize the purchase, while the state will take on some bad loans. Senior creditors will be spared, while shareholders will lose their investments.
"I'm pleased that the new consolidation initiatives, which are backed by a broad majority in parliament, have proven workable," Economy and Growth Minister Ole Sohn said in a statement on the ministry's website. "This solution means that no depositors or other simple creditors in Max Bank will lose money."
The maneuver allows Max Bank to avoid Europe's toughest bank resolution laws, which had led to senior bondholder losses twice since February. Those credit events had left international funding markets closed to most of Denmark's roughly 120 banks. Lawmakers last month passed the consolidation bill in an effort to avoid triggering more senior creditor losses and to help banks return to bond markets and generate funds needed to avoid a credit crunch.
"It's all Bush's Fault" - don't be confused and rush to judge the banks as being "insolvent" insolvent, there is a damn good reason why both banks went tits up, or so the regulators will tell you:
Proton's woes erupted this summer after it disclosed it was being probed by the central bank on money laundering violations related to transactions by its main shareholder.
"The activation of the Financial Stability Fund for Proton Bank has nothing to do with its exposure to Greek sovereign bonds but it has to do with its bad loans' portfolio," said a Greek-based bank analyst who declined to be named.
"Max Bank had fallen into a regrettable situation," Sohn said. "The FSA's inspection showed that the bank no longer lived up to its solvency requirements primarily because of its engagements within real estate."
Sparekassen Sjaelland will take over all private and corporate clients at Max Bank with engagements of less than 5 million kroner ($900,000) a piece, the government said. The remaining commitments will be transferred to a unit of The Financial Stability Company, the state's winding-down arm, it sai
Yes sadly, there always is a reason. In the meantime, the net resultis that "bailout" funds are becoming depleted, credit ratings are getting even more strained, and eventually even the whole "good bank/bad bank" paradigm which has suddenly taken Europe by storm will fail once the vicious math of continental bail outs hits home, and Europe's last attempt at kicking the can fails, as it will... In a few months.
But for now, it's rally monkey time, the only question is what is the half life of this particular global attempt at sticking one's head in the sand.


text:
Mission Statement
Safety through knowledge is the vision of East Coast Safety Training. We offer advice, guidance and training courses with the aim of widening understanding of safety issues and making the future a safer time.
East Coast Safety Training offers courses and consultancy on a variety of safety
needs, details of which are available on the Training Courses and Fire Risk Assessment pages.
ECST and associates offer fully qualified fire and safety services and are all qualified to NEBOSH standards along with being members of professional bodies such as IOSH, Institute for Learning and Chartered Institute of Environmental Health.
All tutors are qualified to a minimum of Cert. Ed.
A quick guide to this site
The site offers a background to East Coast Safety Training and its staff along with the services and training courses we have to offer and even some free advice and guidance via our blog to help widen your knowledge of safety issues.


text:
Conceptual editing for nonfiction
To most people editing means "fix writing," that is, cutting the excess verbiage, correcting the grammar and spelling, checking for consistency, and such. That kind of editing is called copyediting. (And it makes an editor-blogger very nervous to get everything just right.) But let's back up to the first stage of editing after acquisition. We'll call it conceptual editing. I see some self-published books these days that are well copyedited. Either the author is good at that or has hired someone who is. Nary a misspelling nor one grammar no-no (well, almost nary since I'd bet money that every book has some head-slapper boo-boo buried in there somewhere). But the reader still senses something is wrong, something makes it reek of self-published, even if it has a handsome cover. The problem is that the author did not undergo that necessary step-outside-yourself process of conceptual editing.
The conceptual editor stands back and looks at the whole. Gestalt used to be a hot concept. It still is, though the term died out with tie-dye. It's the forest before plunging into it and seeing each tree. It's the wide Google Earth view before you fly down to see the rooftops. In conceptual editing, you read the whole manuscript, get a feel for what the author is doing in general, and see if there are any overall issues that need addressing before the nitty-gritty editing starts.
The conceptual process differs for fiction and nonfiction. Let's look at nonfiction this time. The first thing to consider is, drum roll, the reader. Always consider the reader. Who is this book for anyway? How will the reader use the book? Will it be read straight through from cover to cover, or will someone look up what they want and hop around, using different sections at different times? How much introduction does the topic need? How versed in the topic will the typical reader be? Many nonfiction books, in an effort to attract as many buyers as possible, try to straddle the line between amateur and professional user. Good luck, writing to both without boring or confusing either is a fine art. It can be done, but find an editor who understands some of the needs of both kinds of readers.
I looked at a book recently that was about all the practical stuff of life, the life skills you don't learn in school but need to know to succeed in daily living. You know: balance a checkbook, burp a baby, clean the bathroom, unplug the toilet, write proper thank-you notes. All good, but who was this book aimed at? Some of the book seems aimed at the parents, how to teach your kids this stuff. Some of the book addresses the young person: here's what you should know. I couldn't tell if I should buy this book for my niece or for my sister. (Of course, I don't need it, me of the more or less tidy house—if you don't count the manuscripts piled everywhere waiting to be read.) A good conceptual editor would have helped this author decide her readership and speak truth to it—in a palatable way. I have to tell you that the first chapter was called "Cleaning Supplies."
Enough for today. I'll look at conceptual editing for fiction next time. And that's a much slipperier proposition.
My animal picture this time is a Florida neighbor. You are never far from a gator in these parts.
— June Cussen, Pineapple Press


text:
Bucky Covington made a big donation to the Arthritis Foundation's Tennessee Chapter last night (12/29) before his performance at the newly renovated Hard Rock Cafe Nashville. The singer won $25,000 earlier this year with an appearance on CMT's Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader? and was glad to turn the money over to one of his favorite charities.
Covington performed as part of the venue's countdown to 2010 celebration, and proceeds from the show will benefit the Arthritis Foundation (Tennessee Chapter). Presented by ASCAP, the concert is a part of Hard Rock's series of special events and week-long live music series leading up to New Year's Eve to celebrate the venue's grand re-opening.
Powered by Facebook Comments
About the AuthorSarah Skates has worked in the music business for more than a decade and is a longtime contributor to MusicRow.
View Author Profile


text:
It is not surprising that Kech is deprived of basic amenities including sports field especially for cricket. Even though cricket is known as a national sport of Pakistan it is not as popular in Kech. This is because Kech has neither cricket ground nor a well-known cricket team. In fact, the game of cricket has not reached this area. The question is who is responsible for this? In my point of view, the responsibility goes to PCB for not promoting the national sport in small towns. At present Pakistani cricket team seems to be doing better and is set to win the series against SriLanka, I as a inhabitant of Turbat, vehemently appeal to the concerned authorities to promote the cricket in this District and other smaller towns. Only this way, would we be able to get new talent in the team.
Turbat, October 21.


text:
Cam Newton is the latest dynamic Black quarterback to emerge on the National Football League scene. This year Newton will undoubtedly be the NFL's MVP. His Carolina Panthers team only has one loss this season and is the favorite to win the 50th Super Bowl that will be held next weekend.
Lately whites in America have been criticizing Cam Newton for celebrating his scores and his wins. After touchdowns, he smiles, dances, cheers, shows approval of his teammates, and hands out balls to hopeful children in the stands. All around, he is a class act. So what's the problem exactly?
In the U.S., a country where the majority of white people struggle to let go of their race hangups, the white media has a problem that Cam Newton is African American. Having a Black face as the nation's spotlight–even in football–is an issue for the kind of image the nation wants to create.
Opposed to Black masculinity, happiness, and success, the white U.S. media desires to create a villain out of Cam Newton before he takes the stage on the Super Bowl, in the same way they launched a sudden attack on Marshawn Lynch when the Seattle Seahawks were unstoppable for two seasons.
For some odd reason, it makes many whites in America uncomfortable to see a Black person who is happy.
Keep in mind that this is a historical reality. When white Europeans brought Africans to Native American shores and began enslaving Africans, whites watched them closely and prevented them from displaying emotions openly.
On slave plantations, Africans were not allowed to laugh in the presence of whites. To get around this intense surveillance, Africans newly in America would place their head in barrels (with the pretext of getting something)–to laugh, express humor, and revel in delight, away from white judgment, scrutiny, suppression, and brutality.
So this attempt to stifle Black joy and emotion, attacking Cam Newton for being happy and for celebrating, is not a new occurrence in relations between the two races. It is merely a trend in whites' incessant attempts to control Black behavior.
To see the double standard, white quarterback Aaron Rodgers was given endorsements and television commercials based on his touchdown taunting (not celebration like Cam Newton). After scoring a rushing touchdown, Rodgers engages in pelvic thrusts to simulate donning a championship Belt.
Cam Newton, however, whose team has only lost one game this entire season, is told he should tamp down his joy. If any white quarterback only had one loss in an entire season, he would be depicted as a phenom, a hero, or a blazing talent in U.S. media. But there is an active attempt to avoid talking about Cam Netwon's talent, hard work, accuracy, finesse, and intelligence. All because he is African American.
Former NBA star Charles Barkley criticized ESPN's coverage of Cam Newton and how the network is shaping Netwon in comparison to his upcoming Super Bowl opponent white quarterback Peyton Manning of the Denver Broncos. Barkley remarked:
"ESPN has already started their crap about black versus white, good versus evil. And I know a lot of those fools over there got radio talk shows really but you can just see they're framing this narrative: black versus white, good against evil. It annoys the hell out of me."
ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith also warned that white race baiters on would do everything they can to spin Cam Newton's success in a negative light.
In addition to desiring Black unhappiness, whites in America have historically feared Black excellence. They see it as a return to Africa's greatness and consequently the end to their empire's global reign.
Even more important than football wins and also bringing him greater joy, Cam Newton just welcomed a child into this world. On that topic, white haters and trolls want to say that he and his partner are unmarried and the child is born out of wedlock–as if that remark should somehow carry any relevance or damper his excitement.
It comes as no surprise there was no such criticism when Tom Brady, the white quarterback of the New England Bellicheater Patriots, had a baby out of wedlock and then immediately abandoned his baby momma to marry a supermodel.
Yet alone the fact that "marriage" is increasingly less important than being around and supportive for the child. We know from thorough research that Black fathers spend more time with their children than do white fathers or fathers of any race in the U.S.
But whenever a Black man is successful, powerful, influential, around, or just plain happy, there will always be white people hoping to tear him down, so that they can feel better about themselves.
Fortunately most of us enjoy Cam Newton's unprecedented success, and when he dances and celebrates, he smiles–and we smile too.


text:
Welcome to Haiku Dialogue
Let's talk about haiku! You are invited to respond to photographs – I will share a photo each week as a prompt for your writing…
Submit an original unpublished poem via our Contact Form by Saturday midnight on the theme of the week, including your name as you would like it to appear, and place of residence.
Please note that by submitting, you agree that your work may appear in the column – neither acknowledgment nor acceptance emails will be sent. All communication about the poems that are posted in the column will be added as blog comments.
Poems will be selected based on the potential to generate discussion – these poems will be the best to talk about…
next week's theme:
This is the final photo prompt for now – next week we will begin a new series… stay tuned!
The deadline for this theme is midnight Pacific Time, Saturday 27 July 2019.
I look forward to reading your submissions.
HAIKU DIALOGUE: ink
Here are my selections for this week:
dark matter my mother says not to worry
Adrian Bouter
paint it black
on a white canvas
night winter sky
Agus Maulana Sunjaya
Tangerang, Indonesia
fickle breeze and
dappled shade… the artist tweaks
her palette again
Al Gallia
Lafayette, Louisiana USA
image emerges
from the shadows –
flight toward infinity
Alan Harvey
Tacoma, WA
summer room
a locker key glistens
with its secrets
Alan Summers
Chippenham, Wiltshire, England
cities flicker
trying to mirror starlight…
night rolls in
Alfred Booth
drunk painter –
one more work
of contemporary art
Aljoša Vuković
Šibenik, Croatia
dark period…
technical tests
of depression
Angiola Inglese
palette knife
an attempt to gauge the depth
of his eyes
Anitha Varma
painting mindscape
your colours
Anjali Warhadpande
blue afternoon –
the Rolling Stones sing
paint it black
anna maria domburg-sancristoforo
paint roller –
how my palm print
fits into grandpa's
arvinder kaur
Chandigarh, India
sea glass
the glow between
B Shropshire
off to lunch for a
brighter perspective
Barbara Tate
take the sludgy paint
shove and spread it around
my chunky verses
Bruce Jewett
before the impression
has set
C.R. Harper
closed grisaille
the sadness
behind a smile
carol jones
sumi-e course
those dark spots
on his lung
cezar-florin ciobîcă
a future
Claire Vogel Camargo
edgy night wind
stops and starts –
winter's chill deepens
clysta seney
art nouveau –
so little I can hide
with makeup
Cristina Angelescu
after funeral
changing photos
in black & white
Cristina Apetrei
deleted in draft
all those words
we won't regret
Debbie Scheving
Bremerton WA
Mother's face
etched in linoleum
birthday gift
dianne moritz
a bright future
a four-year-old son
painting all black
Dubravka Šćukanec
Zagreb, Croatia
black on white –
jasmine blossoms
into the night
Elisa Allo
Zug, Switzerland
mayday! mayday!
from my atelier straight to
delivery room
Franjo Ordanić
a thin mist
ahead of the coming storm
battleship grey
Garry Eaton
broken shell:
nostalgia sinks into the shadows
Giuliana Ravaglia
out of darkness
a rogue thought
breaks into words
Greer Woodward
she paints her feelings
in black and white
Hifsa Ashraf
roller primed
for a first print –
Bashō's thousand edits
Ingrid Baluchi
Ohrid, Macedonia
writer's block
my brain a dark canvas
of wordless thoughts
Jackie Chou
Pico Rivera CA USA
red hilt and ink of
black white brown and more
all have the same colored blood
Jo El
North Carolina
black day
her dear john letter
starts to blur
john hawkhead
museum art –
the child plays with
a plastic bottle
Justin Orlando
Charlottesville, VA
red handled roller
in the sky not yet
a touch of pink
Kath Abela Wilson
Pasadena, CA
artist's attempt
new painting techniques
ebony flash
Kathleen Mazurowski
… colouring
vibgyor seems
to fit my space
Lakshmi Iyer
ink study
all I see
when I close my eyes
Laurie Greer
Washington DC
diver in a hunt
octopus draws with ink
on the sea
Ljiljana Dobra
Sibenik Croatia
ink spots…
the undefined contours
of my fears
macchie d'inchiostro … i contorni indefiniti / delle mie paure
Lucia Cardillo
antique printing block
Cinderella's dress
fills with moonlight
Lucy Whitehead
Essex, UK
unsure strokes
among wild thoughts
an unsolved riddle
Luisa Santoro
canvas of life
a splash of equanimity
to see me through
Madhuri Pillai
deep dark
slowly revealed
Margaret Walker
After musical
The theatre once more has
To return to black
Margie Gustafson
Lombard, IL USA
in front of Rothko
a toddler standing
on her head
Marietta McGregor
stippled the canvas and the painter
Marilyn Ashbaugh
black canvas
she dips her fingers into glitter
and creates stars
Marisa Fazio
fading memories
scrape the canvas
black and blue
Mark Gilbert
highlights and shadows
the chiaroscuro life
of my mother
Mark Meyer
ink brush
on the night jar's wing
a sliver of light
Martha Magenta
the boy uses up
all the black paint
Minal Sarosh
Ahmedabad, India
deep in your eyes
exploring all shades
of the black
Nadejda Kostadinova
Rorschach test
she sees a dragon
in the clouds
Nancy Brady
Huron, Ohio
charcoal portrait
I smear my hands
all over your face
nancy liddle
broken hill, australia
losing out in
finding a particular speck
night sky
Neelam Dadhwal
Chandigarh, India
paint in canvas
and also my hair
Neni Rusliana
Bandung, Indonesia
how blotting paper
soaks up ink
evening fog
Olivier Schopfer
Geneva, Switzerland
black and white –
I remember the colours
in the old photo
Pasquale Asprea
the printer's devil
inks the type
Paul Geiger
Sebastopol CA
I touch all the colors
in the night sky
Pris Campbell
painting on canvas
day and night
merge into one
Radhamani sarma
indoor repair works
her way to pronounce
Radostina Dragostinova
tunnel vision
colour coding my world
in black and white
Rashmi Vesa
brush and ink
dancing the world
onto paper
Rehn Kovacic
the color of memories indelible ink
Rich Schilling
Webster Groves, MO
out of the cellar
my wax drawing
alive with fish
Robert Kingston
Essex, UK
dark matter –
the coming and going
of melancholy
robyn brooks
India ink again
rolls out the soul's pigment
lightfast absence
Ron Scully
artist adds colors
to a shady background
unfinished life
Ronald K. Craig
Batavia, OH USA
nothing to paint
except black
Rosa Maria Di Salvatore
fresh coat of paint
on memories –
from long time ago
SD Desai
Rorschach inkblot
lovely butterfly wings
I lie about
Sanela Pliško
my teenager
paints her pink bedroom walls
Sari Grandstaff
layer after layer
covering the present –
black print of past
Saša Slavković
receding shadows the night layers to a footnote
Shloka Shankar
artist's proof
my john hancock
new wife
the traditionally white room becomes pink
Slobodan Pupovac
Zagreb, Croatia
darkness on the canvas
trying to walk away
from myself
Stephen A. Peters
unfinished work
the wavering vision
of yes and no
Steve Tabb
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
paint cans and rollers
redesigning my space
for this new dance
Susan Bonk Plumridge
London, Canada
rehab painting day
the brain-injured boy draws
his first miracle
Susan Rogers
Los Angeles, CA USA
black-and-white photos
of mom and dad
Theresa A. Cancro
Wilmington, Delaware USA
daughter's first painting
in place of signature
her fingerprints
Tomislav Sjekloća
Cetinje, Montenegro
Christmas eve
hobo paints a pretty
Tsanka Shishkova
teaching cursive…
the writing is no longer
on the wall
Valentina Ranaldi-Adams
Fairlawn, Ohio USA
dark chocolate
all the goodness beneath
dad's firmness
Vandana Parashar
paint on his face
my nephew's laughter
colours the walls
Veronika Zora Novak
the palmist circles
her mount of moon
a haiku
Vicki Miko
in the studio
question for the question –
black is ok
Zdenka Mlinar
Zagreb, Croatia
Katherine Munro lives in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, and publishes under the name kjmunro. She is Membership Secretary for Haiku Canada, and her debut poetry collection is contractions (Red Moon Press, 2019).


text:
Completed Projects, FP7
ENTHALPY focused on the dairy powder production process and aimed to reduce consumption of energy by 60% and water by 15%. This reduction was achieved through the combination of improving existing and creating new, innovative technologies.
The ENTHALPY project examined four key areas along the production chain to achieve overall savings of water and energy through:
- more efficient pre-treatment of milk
- elimination of fine particles during spray drying
- recovery of heat and water present in the used drying air and
- more effective cleaning processes.
The consortium, led by Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), consisted of 2 RTOs, 5 universities and 11 industry and SME partners from eight EU Member States. An external industrial advisory board comprised some of world's leading dairy processing companies.
RTDS was leading the Dissemination & Exploitation work package.
- EC Contribution: € 5,9 million
- Starting Date: 01/11/2013
- Duration: 36 Months
- CORDIS: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/rcn/110707_en.html


text:
First Joint Liturgy between OCA, ROCOR Primates to be celebrated at NYC's Synodal Cathedral December 10
For the first time, His Beatitude, Metropolitan Jonah, Primate of the Orthodox Church in America, and His Eminence, Metropolitan Hilarion, First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, will concelebrate the Divine Liturgy at the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign, New York, NY, on Saturday, December 10, 2011.
The celebration marks the Feast of the Kursk-Root Icon of the Mother of God.
His Eminence, Archbishop Justinian of Naro-Fominsk, also will concelebrate, together with His Grace, Bishop George of Mayfield and others. Representatives of the Diocese of Kursk of the Russian Orthodox Church are also expected to take part.
OCA hierarchs who will be concelebrating include His Grace, Bishop Tikhon; His Grace, Bishop Benjamin; His Grace, Bishop Melchisedek; His Grace, Bishop Michael; and His Grace, Bishop Matthias. Also concelebrating will be Archpriests John Jillions, Eric Tosi, Leonid Kishkovsky, Alexander Garklavs, and Chad Hatfield; Protodeacon Joseph Matusiak; and clergy from the OCA Diocese of New York and New Jersey.
The Divine Liturgy begins at 9:30 a.m.


text:
HEREFORD and Worcester firefighters fear the proposed police and crime commissioner takeover could lead to budget cuts and an erosion in their independence.
Fire and rescue services in Hereford, Worcester and Shropshire could face £4m in cuts if the takeover by West Mercia PCC John Campion goes ahead, according to the Fire Brigades Union.
They say these cuts cannot be implemented without them affecting emergency cover and believe the fire control rooms, where firefighters organise and supervise the response, would be worst affected.
Firefighters fear that emergency calls may not get answered as quickly, delaying the response to fires and road traffic collisions in their communities.
Andrew Scattergood, FBU West Midlands regional secretary, said: "It's dangerously misleading for the PCC to suggest he can cut £4m pounds from existing budgets without affecting emergency cover.
"Control room staff are firefighters and are trained to provide vital fire survival guidance calls – scrapping their posts or merging with policing services is simply not safe.
"Firefighters provide a humanitarian service, which often allows access to areas of the community that the police sometimes struggle to engage with. We cannot do that unless it's clear that we are not the police.
"We're not going to cave in on this – we'll keep fighting until this hostile takeover stops. This is a serious matter of public safety."
The FBU is encouraging residents to raise their concerns in a submission to Shropshire fire and rescue authority's consultation, which will decide its next steps to challenge the takeover decision.
The fire and rescue authorities and union have adamantly opposed the takeover, voicing concerns about the undemocratic nature of the takeover, as well as Mr Campion's lack of fire service experience.
The PCC has a background in business, prison services and the former police authority, they said.
But Mr Campion blasted the FBU claims as 'deliberately misleading' and 'little more than scaremongering'.
"Their suggestion that fire budgets could be cut in favour of policing is nonsense," he said.
"Money for each individual service is legally protected. As such, it would be illegal to take money given for fire services and use it for policing.
"The FBU's fears regarding emergency responses and public safety have no evidential basis.
"The issue of public safety has been formally scrutinised throughout this process by independent consultants, Government, CIPFA and most recently a high court judge. It is clear that rather than damaging public safety, there are actually some significant benefits that single governance would enable.
"In Hereford and Worcester, the FBU is in a long, drawn out dispute with the Fire Authority regarding proposed changes to frontline services.
"The union does not seem to acknowledge that my proposals would actually give greater protection to frontline fire services.
"My proposals would deliver significant efficiencies in back-office support functions, which in turn would enable greater investment in the vital frontline services our communities value most.
"My proposals are about maximising the amount of frontline resource for our police and firefighters, not making cuts".


text: For the first time in a long time I'm trying a new style out; I really wish I had more freedom to take bits of style A and style B and put them together without knowing how to code in S2, but... I don't. (I'd also like to be able to customize some things in there... like I want more space before the title of each post, so it stands out more from the one before it.) So anyways, here it is, check it out:


text:
Bow Wow & Omarion - He Ain't Gotta Know
- Artist: Bow Wow & Omarion
- Track: He Ain't Gotta Know
- Feat. Bow Wow, Omarion
- Producer: T-Pain
- Album: Face Off
On their first joint single, Bow Wow & Omarion showed off their girlfriends. Next, they hit the club to spit game to the ladies (presumably not their girlfriends), with only a jump-off relationship in mind. On a third go-round, Bow and 'O' let some chicks know that it's 'OK' if they already have a man, because He Ain't Gotta Know… about them. T-Pain supplies the beat, which no doubt makes for a superb easy-listening experience, and also brings a variety to each of Face Off's three officially released singles. While He Ain't Gotta Know isn't for everyone, it will definitely be a hit with its intended fan base.


text:
More Than a Dress Panel Discussion: How Does the Dirndl Fit in Modern Austria?
Friday, November 16, 2018-Vienna, Austria// A crowd of over 80 local and international women* came together last Friday evening to learn more about the traditional women's dress, the dirndl, and how it fits into a modern, multicultural Austria. The "More Than a Dress" event was held at co-working space Das Packhaus and was hosted by Women of Vienna. "We wanted to give the women of our community a glimpse into what a complicated symbol the dirndl is and what it means to different women," explained Women of Vienna co-founder Molly Roza, who initiated and led the event.
The event was moderated by journalist and presenter Damita Pressl and featured a diverse panel of 3 dirndl experts, each with her own unique dirndl story. VICE Magazine columnist Imoan Kinshasa described her experience with racism as a black Bavarian woman in Tracht at an Austrian wine festival, while Viennese journalist Nour Khelifi explored the multilayered identities and clothing choices of young Austrians from various backgrounds, and author and lecturer Dr. Irene Montjoye provided cultural and historical context about the development and popularization of the dirndl. Dr. Gexi Tostmann of Tostmann Trachten was also present and settled the oft debated "rule" of how to correctly tie a dirndl apron depending on your relationship status. According to Tostmann, the "rule" was made up by a journalist a few decades ago, simply looking to spice up a story.
The current political context surrounding the dirndl and how to navigate the stereotypes often associated with wearers of Trachten, especially by people who may not seem "typically Austrian" externally, was discussed in depth. "We don't look Austrian but we ARE Austrian," said panelist Imoan Kinshasa.
"I try not to put someone in a box just because they are wearing a Dirndl. I don't want to assume that someone is some way just because of something they are wearing. Isn't it the same with someone assuming that I'm not Austrian just by looking at my skin color?"
"The dirndl would not survive if we don't come forward and bring it into the future, into now. There is no right or wrong (way to wear it) as long as I appreciate what I'm wearing and know where it's coming from. I will not let them take it away from me," said Kinshasa.
The panel was preceded by an eclectic dirndl showcase featuring designs by Barbara Alli of Hand Made Story, KUKLA, and various reclaimed dirndls provided by We Love Dirndl. Designs by Tostmann Trachten were also on display.
"Everybody should reclaim what they want to wear. Identity is a construct with a lot of different factors. We just can't define identity because of your ethnicity or religion anymore," said Nour Khelifi, panelist.
"Now it's up to the Austrians to decide whether their definition of Austrian is broad enough to encompass the women on stage tonight." – Molly Roza.
Women of Vienna is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing resources and a powerful network for both international and Austrian women living in Vienna. Our mission is to make Vienna accessible, to bridge communities, and to encourage woman* led change. The group originally began as a Facebook group in 2015 and has quickly grown into a lively community with over 16,000 members from very diverse backgrounds. Women of Vienna hosts approximately 15 offline events per month and 4 signature events per year.
For more photos of the event, visit our Facebook page here.
Photos © Ewa Sklodowska Productions


text:
[Met Performance] CID:50050
Madama Butterfly {61} Metropolitan Opera House: 02/9/1911.
Metropolitan Opera House
February 9, 1911
Cio-Cio-San.............Emmy Destinn
Pinkerton...............Hermann Jadlowker
Suzuki..................Rita Fornia
Sharpless...............Antonio Scotti
Goro....................Angelo Badŕ
Bonze...................Bernard Bégué
Yamadori................Georges Bourgeois
Kate Pinkerton..........Helen Mapleson
Commissioner............Giulio Rossi
Yakuside................Francesco Cerri
Conductor...............Arturo Toscanini
Review from unknown critic in unknown newspaper
With Mme. Emmy Destinn as Cio-Cio-San for the first time this season, "Madama Butterfly" was repeated last evening by the Metropolitan Opera Company. A large audience assembled to hear the opera and greet the prima donna's latest effort despite the storm. Mme. Destinn added new vocal laurels to the many with which she has been crowned as the result of her notable achievements in works far more different than Puccini's setting to the pathetically beautiful story of the shrinking but heroic Japanese maiden and the dashing navy lieutenant. She was in superb voice. Her warmth of tone, beauty of lyrical execution and brilliance of interpretation throughout the opera much more than compensated for her lack of ideal physical fitness for the role.
Puccini's works, now that "Madama Butterfly" has become one of the most frequently repeated operas of the season, are certainly maintaining the popularity which many persons have insisted they have deserved. The opera of the previous evening was the same composer's "Tosca," and with "The Girl of the Golden West," at least one of the most conspicuous productions will have been undoubtedly the company's hit of the present season, Puccini chief composer for the year. Mr. Toscanini last night was again the leader for a Puccini score. The perfection of conducting and interpretation of which so much has been said and written after he has led the orchestra, was again manifest; more need not be said.
No waiting for Mme. Destinn's voice to rise superior to any momentary handicaps was required of last night's audience. Glorious tones presented the highly colored score from the [beginning] of the first act, and prolonged applause greeted her efforts after the exquisite duet with Pinkerton at the end of that act. So it was throughout the evening. Hermann Jadlowker as Lieut. Pinkerton gave the tenor counterpart of Mme. Destinn's singing. Melodious, yet vigorous and powerful as to voice, he was also the sprightly, athletic officer whose charms a timid Japanese girl who could not be expected to resist in a lyric drama. His tones were without flaw, the high notes being especially pleasurable to hear. Mr. Scotti, invincible again, sang the role of Sharpless as ably and resonantly as if he had not been almost superhumanly overtaxed vocally all this week.


text:
This March, two of our Editorial Advisory Board members, Professor Victor Merriman and Professor Emeritus David Weir, have chosen their 'Recommended Reads': a handpicked selection of our best-selling titles, which are noteworthy for the contribution they make to their field.
We are offering 50% discount on Victor and David's picks. As a bonus, every reader who orders one of the 'Recommended Reads, will also receive a free best-selling title in a related subject area.
Professor Victor Merriman's 'Recommended Read':
We Are What We Remember: The American Past Through Commemoration.
Editors: Jeffrey Lee Meriwether and Laura Mattoon D'Amore
"America's self-image – how it is created, sustained, and deployed – matters greatly to everyone on the planet. The editors have assembled an exciting combination of established and emerging scholars, who address well-chosen topics with impressive expertise and style. Perhaps unexpectedly, given the scholarly quality here, many chapters are real page turners, offering insights into practices that create 'a past that is always already tainted with its present moment'. It is a particularly timely and provocative exploration of what is in play and what is at stake as European states embark on a protracted period of commemoration of World War I."
Professor Emeritus David Weir's 'Recommended Read':
Worlds Apart? A Postcolonial Reading of post-1945 East-Central European Culture
Author: Cristina Şandru
"At the immediate time of this present crisis involving the Ukraine as an independent country facing partition or invasion at the hands of a dominant neighbour, it is tempting to revert to the Binary Certainties of the Cold War. It is the great merit of Sandru's impressively scholarly analysis that it eschews such simplicities and elaborates the multiple and diverse roots of culture and politics. For those wishing to go beyond the simplistic polarities of rhetorical politics and understand the bases for innovative mediation and potential reconstruction, Sandru's book is a must-read."
To redeem your 50% discount, please enter the promotional code EABMAR14 during checkout. Please note that this is a time limited offer that will expire on April 30th.


text:
German Lutheran Bishop Margot Kaessmann has urged the authorities in her coutry to enter into a dialogue with imprisoned members of the Red Army Faction terrorist group which operated in Germany from the 1970s - reports Ecumenical News International (ENI).
"For the state to refuse to talk with the Red Army Faction terrorists would not be a sign of strength," Kaessmann said in an interview with the Protestant news agency, epd.
Kaessmann's remarks came as President Horst Koehler on 29 January 2007 denied media reports that he was planning a visit to one of the prisoners, Christian Klar, who was sentenced to five sentences of life imprisonment in 1985, but who has requested a presidential pardon.
The extreme left-wing RAF, sometimes referred to as the Baader-Meinhof Gang after two of its original leaders, Andreas Baader and Ulrike Meinhof, mounted a terrorist campaign in the then West Germany from the 1970s, which targeted political and business leaders.
Klar is not eligible for parole until 2009, but would be released sooner if pardoned. A court is also to rule soon on whether another jailed RAF member, Brigitte Mohnhaupt, should be released on parole.
"Do not free the murderers of my husband!" Waltrude Schleyer, the widow of business leader Hanns-Martin Schleyer, killed by the RAF, was quoted saying by the Bild newspaper. "These people don't deserve mercy."
Bishop Kaessmann said no-one could force the relatives of the victims to show mercy and forgiveness. "I can understand if some of them are not able to do that," said the bishop, who heads the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Hanover, Germany's biggest regional Protestant church.
She said each step towards a possible pardon, as requested by Klar, needed to be carefully considered from a legal point of view. There have been conflicting reports in the media as to whether Klar has expressed remorse for his actions.
"I am not sure if the perpetrators are big enough to confess their guilt," Kaessmann said. If they did so, they would be admitting that not only the lives of others, but also their own lives had been destroyed because they had been seduced by an ideology, the bishop said. "That would be a tough thing to have to do but something that is needed if we are to look to the future."
[With grateful acknowledgements to ENI. Ecumenical News International is jointly sponsored by the World Council of Churches, the Lutheran World Federation, the World Alliance of Reformed Churches, and the Conference of European Churches]


text:
Grateful {5 minute friday}
Joining with The Gypsy Mama for a five minute un-edited free write about the topic of her choice: grateful...
Grateful. Grate ~ ful. Grate is a no longer used word meaning pleasing. Am I grate ~ full? I let my eyes sweep my immediate surroundings and I see many pleasing things. A robin's egg blue coffee mug, a candle tossing red and silver light across my mahogany desktop, a stack of four different Bibles topped with the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Just beyond these sea green walls three little boys alternately giggle and argue over whose turn it is to play the Xbox. Over my head I hear the footsteps of my other half as he goes through the morning motions before plunging into another long day of work meetings, calls and demands.
Back to the still-rain-dropped window, I see a woman running along our sidewalk, slowly, as if no more than a fast walk with a hop added in and I feel the pleasure sink soul deep inside. Yes. I am grateful and grate ~ful. This life I lead, this blessed life, so much more than these objects I see and touch each day, fills me with peace and comfort. I am home. My children are happy. My husband is fulfilled. My God delights in our happiness. This is sacred work I do and I am stopping time to see. to notice. to pray. to be grateful.


text:
On November 17th all orders placed will be ordered and produced together. NO orders will be accepted once the store is closed - it will reopen again in January for a 2nd round.
Click here to see the EAA EDGE Store: http://store.ideal-images.com/eaa_edge_softball/shop/home
GET YOUR ORDER IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS - All of the orders will be available for pick up at The Locker Room Omaha or shipped via USPS the week of 12.16.2019. You will receive an email notification as soon as your order is available for pick up or has shipped.
For Players and/or Coaches
November 11th through November 18th
at the LockerRoom - 13747 F St, Omaha, NE 68137
Stop in Anytime During Store Hours - Monday thru Friday, 10am-6pm & Saturday 9am-3pm
Uniform Jerseys/Pants, etc will be available to try on for sizing.


text:
I think every household has their own traditional brownie recipes. Ours came from Hershey's which was printed on the back of the label of their cocoa powder container years ago. It was more cake-y and bit dry, but that was the brownies we only knew before. Instead of walnuts, we used peanuts as that was cheaper and more accessible to us. Times changed and now, brownies get their own upgrade. These days, a brownie is no longer a brownie if it's not chewy and fudgy. It's now more decadent, chocolate-y and luscious. Hence, I would like to share with you my take on this chewy and fudgy brownies.
This is a huge batch of brownies. You will need a huge mixing bowl for this. Growing up in a huge family, we're used to make everything in huge batches. You can certainly halve this recipe (although you might need more brownie slices than you might think…just saying!). This is so rich, buttery, and oh-so chocolate-y. It has more than a pound of chocolates! And good quality chocolates, too! Believe me, you can definitely tell the difference between using good quality chocolates to not. This recipe is composed of 3 chocolates: bittersweet chocolate, milk chocolate bars with nuts, and cocoa powder. I find the combination of those three to be lethal. You can add in semi-sweet chocolate chips too in the brownie batter if you want! The whole house smelled so good and it was very nice waking up in the morning with that smell.
The coffee in this recipe helps to elevate the chocolate flavor (as we all know), but you can also use espresso powder or instant coffee. You can also use any chocolate bars you desire (it doesn't have to be milk chocolate). The ones I had when I made this just happened to be milk chocolate with almonds. Or, you can also replace it with semi-sweet chocolate chips, too!
- 2 cups (4 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 16-oz bittersweet chocolate chips
- 3 3.5 oz (or 100g) milk chocolate bars (with or without nuts is fine), chopped
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 6 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/4 cup warm coffee
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup walnuts (optional)
- 8 oz semisweet chocolate chips (optional)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
In a bowl over simmering water, melt butter and all 3 chocolates: bittersweet chocolate chips, milk chocolate bars, and cocoa powder. Stir together until everything is melted. Set aside.
In a huge mixing bowl, whisk eggs, coffee, vanilla and sugar. Slowly, add the melted chocolate and butter into the mixture and make sure everything is well mixed. Add the dry ingredients next. Toss the walnuts and semi-sweet chocolate chips (if using) into the mixture.
Pour the brownie batter into the baking pan and bake for about 35 minutes or until done. Start checking for done-ness after 20 or 25 minutes as every oven differs. You know it's done when toothpick inserted comes out with a little bit of brownie crumbs, and not a wet brownie batter. You do not want to over-bake this. Otherwise, it'll come out cake-y and not chewy and fudgy.


text:
Terraria — the popular voxel-based sandbox RPG lauded by critics and players alike — may be receiving a revitalizing and long-awaited update.
The game, which was hailed as the 2D counterpart of Minecraft, seemed to have been garnering the same levels of popularity as Mojang's premiere title until several issues lead to development halting on the PC version of the game.
Yeah we'll see...he's promised a ton of stuff and then didn't do it in the end.
He has a lot to do to make it up to fans
It IS getting an update... in the form of a PSN/XBLA release with all the extra stuff promised for PC built in.


text:
frequented this place when i was younger and we lived near here.
Great shot! I'm seeing so many great shots on your site that it's got the photographer in me going nuts! I used to be a photographer until I became disabled. Found your great site on FTLOB and now I'm following it. Looking forward to coming back soon.


text:
Today was my Gala day! I selected only two Gala films this year Blood Brothers and L'Âge des ténèbres and who would have thought but then ended up being back to back screenings with slightly quieter audiences. Things do feel like they are winding down. I'm sure today will be the last of the quiet days heading into the last weekend at TIFF, weekends are always busier. I'm hoping for some good weather and cheerful lineups.
Films of the Day:
Sun Also Rises, The / Tai Yang Zhao Chang Shen Qi
Dir: Jiang Wen
Reason to see: Sounded like interesting stories told over time with possible mystical notes.
Impressions: Interesting stories, great acting and powerful visuals in this film. However I will admit I was pretty tired and I had a hard time following what was going on. I would really like to see it again, and will take the opportunity to do so if it returns to Toronto.
Alexi Tan (right) director of Blood Brothers
Blood Brothers / Tian Tang Kou
dir: Alexi Tan
Reason to see: This one I was concerned I would not get a ticket, it's a Gala and looks a little brutal in terms of violence but historical and highly stylized.
Impressions: As I expected this film was quite violent, it's a gangster/brotherhood film set in Shanghai in the 30's but I'm glad I knew that going in because there is so much more to it than just that. As a lot of films in the festival this year, it is a film about choices but in the realm of a gangster film it felt like a very unique look at this. To top it off, the ensemble cast is phenomenal, during the Q&A director Alexi Tan said that all of them were his first choice and that he was looking to cast the next generation of Chinese superstars. This film also made me rethink my own reaction when I see something billed as "from the producers of...", which I usually would write off pretty quickly. But in essence this is a film just like that, with a first time director and produced by John Woo & Terence Chang and it's an excellent film.
Âge des ténèbres, L
dir: Denys Arcand
Reason to see: It's Denys Arcand - need I say more? Well if you insist Les Invasions barbares is one of my favourite films, ever.
Impressions: First things first - this was my only screening this year at the Elgin, and what a marvellous location it is. But, to my surprize, I saw a sign ...one I expected to say the normal 'only bottled water past this point' but alas, it said that... along with popcorn! POPCORN? At the Elgin? What a shocker. I had to have some! Anyhow, on to the screening.... I don't actually have too much to say. I am such a huge fan of Les invasions barbares, but this one wasn't quite on par to that. It was a touching story, however quite intrenched in the male experience therefore I didn't find all of it accessible but what was accessible was great, sometimes touching, sometimes hilarious and oftentimes both. The audience reaction was very positive and filled with laughter.
Gillian Armstrong (right) director of Death Defying Acts
Death Defying Acts
Dir: Gillian Armstrong
Reason to see: Last minute substitution and sounded very compelling.
Impressions: First impression was "Why on Earth is the line so long and photographers lined up?" This was a back up choice for me and I barely had any recollection as to what it was about (at 41 films with 1-3 back ups each it really is a lot to remember). So I trotted along, snagged a seat in the first row on the side, and intro included the wonderful director Gillian Armstrong and one of the actors... Guy Pearce! Wow, now that was exciting! But, on to the film which was a dramatized look at Harry Houdini and his $10,000 reward for the last words from his mother. Enter Catherine Zeta-Jones and Saoirse Ronan as a mother-daughter psychic performers. I will not say more about the plot but rather that it was a quite enjoyable film.
Guy Pearce (right) and Gillian Armstrong (centre) at the Death Defying Acts Q&A
Highlight of the day: Today's highlights were definitely the Q&A's. Both Blood Brothers and Death Defying Acts had wonderful Q&A's with great questions from the engaging audience and lovely giving responses. A bizarre parallel was both Alexi Tan and Gillian Armstrong said that their next film they want it not to be a period piece.
Thursday, 13 September 2007
TIFF 07 Day 8 - Sept 13/07
Posted by Shannon the Movie Moxie at 23:06
Labels: TIFF 07
No comments:
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)
All content on Movie Moxie is written by Shannon Ridler, © 2006 - 2012


text:
Baseball America is viewed as the leader in ranking prospects and minor league systems. While publications like Baseball Prospectus have garnered a lot more respect in recent years, Baseball America remains the industry leader. A good ranking by Baseball America can increase a player's value overnight and that alone can be worth it's weight in gold ... or at least on the trade market. A well-stocked Minor League system with high praise from Baseball America can end up being the difference in … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 10/18/10
The Arizona Fall League and Venezuelan Winter League kick-off, while the Arizona Instructional League and the Pan American Qualifiers wind down. Several Cubs farmhands have bad first outings in Winter Ball. Chris Archer strikes out ten in six strong innings for team USA. Josh Vitters sees action at first and third and goes deep for the Solar Sox. Four Cubs minor league coaches find themselves in the dugout in Venezuela. All that and more in today's Down on the Farm Report! … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 10/11/10
Brett Jackson and Chris Archer help Team USA Qualify for the 2011 Pan American Games. The Arizona Fall League season is set to get underway. Starlin Castro is expected to play winter ball in the Dominican. All that and more in the first Down on the Farm Report of the off-season! … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 06/17/10
One Cubs prospect hit for the cycle! Another was named the Southern League Pitcher of the Week. In Daytona, the Cubs are hoping for a second half that involves a lot more winning than their first half did. The Peoria Chiefs are looking forward to their All-Star break, which is about a week away. The Boise Hawks are set to start their season tonight. All that and more in today's Down on the Farm Report. … [Read more...]
Vitters Tops Baseball Prospectus' Cubs Prospect List
Baseball Prospectus' Kevin Goldstein released his list of the top 11 prospects in the Cubs' system. For the first time in several years the best of Cubs system did not receive a ranking below a three-star prospect. Goldstein pointed out that despite a disappointing 2009 at the big league level, the Cubs farm system had unmitigated success last year. The Cubs organization is looking up and will be ranked higher in Baseball Prospectus' organizational rankings. Josh Vitters and Starlin Castro … [Read more...]
Minor League Ball's Top Cubs Prospects for 2010
John Sickels released his list of the top prospects in the Cubs' organization on Tuesday. Sickels provides grades for each of the prospects he ranks ... and his annual Baseball Prospect Book is a must read to help keep track of the better prospects in the game. Sickels made some positive points about the Cubs' system, which showed a lot of improvement in 2009. While a majority of the talent remains in the lower levels there appears to be better days ahead for an organization that has … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 05/18/09
Here is your end of the week update from the Cubs' Minor League System. Josh Vitters is really heating up. Vitters hit two home runs over the weekend. Robinson Chirino's strong start has been stopped by a broken wrist . The Smokies remain tied for first place and they are the only Cubs' Minor League team to have at least a share of the top spot. Carlos Zambrano made his rehab start for the Daytona Cubs on Sunday. Zambrano struggled through the first inning. He walked the first two batters he … [Read more...]
10 Prospects to Watch
These are no particular order, just prospects to keep your eye on. I'm limiting this list to players with no Major League experience. So guys like Geovany Soto, Kevin Hart and Sean Gallagher are not going to be on it. Also, I divided up the slots so it would be 5 hitters and 5 pitchers. In parentheses is the level I think they will start out the season. … [Read more...]
The Usual Prospects?
The Cubs farm system garnered a lot of attention last year and figures to have an impact once again this season. The manor in which Lou Piniella handled his young players last year had a ripple effect throughout the organization. Baseball America and Scout.com are two of the most well respected publications in the business and both recently released their new prospect guides for the upcoming season. It is always interesting to read the varying opinions.... … [Read more...]


text:
Welcome to the Neighborhood: The Public House by Evans Brewing Co.
vans Brewing Company, the oldest brewery in Orange County just opened up their first restaurant and tasting room named The Public House. Evans Brewing Co. is award-winning so if you're ever in Downtown Fullerton expect to be wowed. The Public House is located in the SOCO District of charming Downtown Fullerton.
The executive chef of this new hot spot is no other than Chef Amanda Platt who is a Le Cordon Bleu and California School of Culinary Arts alum. She is more than experienced in her art and has a history of impressing many with her delicious and unique dishes. She also lent her hand in two concept restaurants by the notable Kauffman Group.
The Public House offers a new and refreshing menu to the Downtown Fullerton food scene. Their signature dish is a Sweet Corn Skillet Hoe Cake, which includes bold ingredients like pepper, onion, applewood smoked bacon and honey butter. Their menu features delicious Fennel Sausage Flatbread, savory Fried Chicken Schnitzel Sandwich, a unique Wild Caught Salmon in creole sauce and a delicious vegetarian option —the Grilled Portobello Banh Mi Sandwich.
When you walk into this new hot spot, expect to be wowed by dark wood floors, exposed brick, and tasteful Southern California artwork. The Public House features inventive pub food made in their scratch kitchen that compliments their craft ales and lagers.
No surprise, their selection of beers is no less than award-winning. Bar Manager Mariah Tatham also has handcrafted exceptional cocktails to make sure everyone has a delicious option to drink while they are at The Public House. They have taken a new take on old classics, like a brand new version of the Whiskey Sour made with Suntory Toki Japanese Whiskey, bitters, orgeat, almond butter, and lemon. Another tasty drink they offer is their Chocolate Cordial, which features Luxardo Amaretto, Cherry Heering, Bulleit Bourbon and Nitro Chocolate.
In true Downtown Fullerton fashion, The Public House offers a great selection of live music, and five nights a week no less.
Their music ranges from acoustic guitar, classic country, top 40 Rock, and occasionally a jazz artist. The vibe doesn't get any better than at The Public House, it is a genuinely upbeat place to be and offers just the right amount of diversity so everyone can find something they love.
The Public House is run by father and son management team Mike and Evan Rapport. They hope to become an integral part of the Fullerton community and plan on helping local charities monthly.
Insider's Tip: Attention all brunchers, The Public House has you covered. Brunch is served Saturday's and Sunday's from 10AM-3PM. They offer tasty choices like biscuits & gravy, avocado toast, and a fried chicken schnitzel sandwich just to name a few.
The Public House is located at 138 W Commonwealth Ave, in Fullerton. To view their menu, live music calendar, and more information, visit www.evansbrewco.com.


text:
EFCC Arrests Innoson Motors CEO Like Common Criminal In Anambra State - Photos
When will EFCC stop this their commando and shameful style of arrest? Innoson is a well known person that can't even think of resisting arrest. Regardless of what he may have done, he is not an armed robber or a kidnapper. Why arresting him like a common criminal?
Reports suggest that the reason for his arrest is his case against GTBank and it seems it has gotten more messier than we think.
Like a commando style, GTBank via EFFC stormed Innoson Enugu residential home, arrested and transferred him to Lagos like a common criminal without any prior invitation. As a result, hundreds of factory workers from Innoson factory Emene Enugu staged a protest over what they described as the illegal arrest of Innoson and his transfer to Lagos by EFCC organised by GTBank.
Photos below...


text:
Outlook September 2017
Posted @ 26 September 2017 by Square Mile
Files in
Volatility has collapsed over the summer months with the standard deviation of returns on the S&P 500 running at well below half the normal level. This is not to say nothing has happened. Brexit negotiations are proceeding painfully slowly. This is scarcely a surprise but political commentators and insiders are becoming disheartened by the calibre of many of those in the Cabinet. Such are the complexities of the task at hand, it would tax the very ablest. Worryingly, many of the current crop of British politicians are firmly from the second division.
Events in the Korean peninsula are serious but we should not forget that North Korea has been a nuclear nation for almost a decade. However unpleasant, the world needs to learn to live with this threat. If America had any good means to deter North Korea from pursuing its nuclear programme, it would have surely used them already. The biggest risk we face is from an overreaction, but as I wrote
, even ratcheting up the war of words is counterproductive. The DKK has an agenda and this clearly does not involve thermonuclear war. Even an impetuous set of sanctions could do far more to damage international trade than this tin pot country warrants. Let us not forget that Kim Jong Un spends less on feeding his people than Americans lavish on their pets.
Trump's antics and frustration reflect his failings in handling the reins of power. He risks going down in history more as a dead parrot President than a lame duck one. He must win a success. Doubts are now growing about tax reform, though the market is still expecting that the ex Goldman's duo of Messrs Cohn and Mnuchin can get these moving. Troublingly, it feels like Trump has been losing senior staffers at a faster pace than contestants from 'The Apprentice'. Any hopes that Trump will make supply side reforms to lift the growth rate are now for the birds. There are pluses though to Trump's impotence. Let us hope that his vaunted trade protectionist policies will also fall to the wayside.
Regardless of these distractions, the world economy is doing better than expected. A small upgrade to growth in China and a sizeable one in Europe is reinforcing the synchronised global recovery. Continued weak wage growth and tepid inflation is a mystery given the decline in the unemployment rate. The Federal Reserve looks set to tighten rates further and begin to draw in QE. Carney has prepped UK markets for a rate rise. Draghi in Europe is facing increasing pressure to taper QE. Only in Japan is the monetary foot likely to remain on the accelerator.
Despite the quiescence of the headline indices, there have been some big moves within markets. Provident Financial suffered one of the greatest declines of a FTSE100 company on record. Markets are being brutal with any company that faces the threat of being 'Amazoned'. The mere whiff of this caused Dixons Carphone to be marked down 25%. Amazon is so named because it is river that is continuously swelled by tributaries resulting in a giant. This company is already a monster and it continues to grow at a staggering rate. We should not underestimate the profound implications of the revolution that many businesses face.
The summer's calmness in the bond market was punctured by Carney's comments on interest rates. In a single week, the 10 year gilt lost the equivalent of 3 year's coupon income and the 50 year linker plunged 16%. Many investors still see the government bond market as a secure harbour. We see the eye watering valuations and the index's
to interest rates to be as safe as Blackwater Bay filled with wildfire.
Carney's comments also perked up the pound but the story in the currency markets has been the weakness in the dollar. So far, the dollar has had its worst year for more than twenty years. Markets are pricing in a slowing in the Fed's programme of interest rate rises, whereas the ECB is poised to take its foot off the monetary accelerator. The dollar may not have reached a bottom but it must be close and it is beginning to feel increasingly oversold.
The growth in the global economy is beginning to feel more robust and its impact is becoming apparent in EPS. This has caused us to consider whether we should persist with our cautious stance in equities. Technically, there are several indicators which hint that this is not the time to do so. These include the composure of markets, the growing confidence of investors (viz the Michigan Consumer Confidence survey) and the narrowing of markets. The technical implications of the wall of money being funneled into the ETF market could exacerbate any problems.
We are at the foot of a rate cycle that is clearly on the turn. There are many doubts about the efficacy of Quantitative Easing but there are few about the programme's impact on asset prices. It is hard to imagine that the removal of the programmes will have anything but the opposite effect. At least we can expect their withdrawal to be very gradual and hopefully offset by continued decent growth.


text:
We provide an wide range of Security Systems, Burglar Alarms and Intruder Detection Systems and Services ranging from the installation of wired and wireless burglar alarms and intruder alarms… to hi-tech monitoring and surveillance equipment… all designed to protect your family or your employees. All security requirements can be provided for, from simple door access systems to full CCTV installations.
Maintenance contracts are always advisable and are an excellent way of helping ensure the continued safety of yourself, your family and your work colleagues. At Auckland Electrical and Security Systems we provide a range of cost-effective maintenance contract solutions for both our residential domestic and commercial customers. For moor information, please do give us a call.
Our range of Security System Services includes;
- Upgrade and repair of Existing Systems
- Installation of New Wired and Wireless Systems
- CCTV Installation and Repair
- Door Access Systems
- Autodialler and Speech Dialler Systems to Notify Customers of Alarm Condition
- Alarm Control Panel Upgrades
- Passive Infra Red Detectors
- Dial Tec Detectors
- Exterior Bell Modules
- Exterier Sounders
- Internal Sounders
- New Back Up Batteries
- Door Contacts
- Remote Keypads
- Fob Hand-Held Setting Devices
- Dummy Alarm Boxes
- Breakglass Units
- CCTV Systems – Colour or Black and White
- Night Vision with Infra Red
- DVD Recordable Systems complete with Monitors
- Fob/Swipe Card Readers for Door Entry Systems
- Intruder Alarm Servicing of Existing Systems
- Maintenance Contracts Available
Please give Jim a call now on either 07786 436130 or 01388 458259
Auckland Electrical and Security Systems Limited
5 Bluebell Close, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, DL14 0TL, United Kingdom
Telephone: 01388 458259 Mobile: 07786 436130
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
We are based in Bishop Auckland at the heart of County Durham and North East England and serve clients throughout this region including areas such as Teesdale, Weardale, Wear Valley, Teesside, Tees Valley, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear and North Yorkshire. Our experienced team of professional, skilled electricians have provided electrical services for clients in many cities, towns and villages across these areas including locations such as Bishop Auckland, West Auckland, Crook, Willington, Tudhoe, Spennymoor, Durham City, Newton Hall, Shincliffe, Bowburn, Coxhoe, Brandon, Meadowfield, Newton Hall, Consett, Stanley, Lanchester, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Gateshead, Chester-le-Street, Barnard Castle, Staindrop, Newton Aycliffe, Sedgefield and Darlington.


text:
On Your Feet! Opens On Broadway
Here We Are! Another new musical to the 2015-16 Broadway season officially opens tonight! The show opening keeps with the unofficial diversity theme of the season as cuban-America explodes on to the stage for arguably the first time as Broadway receives a review show like never before! Today, Luner on Theatre brings you the exciting news that On Your Feet! officially opens on Broadway!
On Your Feet! is a brand new musical that features the music of the Estefans and a book by Drama Desk nominee Alexander Dinelaris. The new musical, which is based on the life story of seven-time Grammy Award winner Gloria Estefan and her husband music producer Emilio Estefan, will tell the story of two people with an unwavering dedication to one another as they pursue the American dream. As they make their way to stardom, the two showcase their talent and music while never forgetting to honor their heritage. The musical is set to feature iconic Estefans hits such as "Rhythm Is Gonna Get You", "1-2-3" and "Conga"!
On Your Feet! officially opens tonight on Broadway at The Marquis Theatre after beginning previews earlier this fall on October 5th, 2015. The show comes to Broadway following a world premiere and pre-Broadway tryout in Chicago at The Oriental Theatre this past summer.
The cast is led by Ana Villafañe as Gloria Estefan and Josh Segarra as Emilio Estefan.Villafañe makes her Broadway debut in the leading role. Other leading characters include Andréa Burns as Gloria Fajardo, Alma Cuervo as Consuelo, Alexandria Suarez as Little Gloria and Eduardo Hernandez as Nayib/Young Emilio. The ensemble for the production includes Fabi Aguirre, Karmine Alers, Yassmin Alers, David Baida, Natalie Caruncho, Henry Gainza, Linedy Genao, Carlos E. Gonzalez, Nina Lafarga, Genny Lis Padilla, Omar Lopez-Cepero, Hector Maisonet, Marielys Molina, Doreen Montalvo, Liz Ramos, Eliseo Roman, Luis Salgado, Marcos Santana, Martín Solá, Jennifer Sanchez, Brett Sturgis, Kevin Tellez, Eric Ulloa, Tanairi Vasquez and Lee Zarrett.
Leading On Your Feet! to Broadway by two-time Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell (Pictured Right) as director and Olivier Award winner Sergio Trujillo as choreographer. The rest of the creative team includes Tony Award nominee David Rockwell as scenic designer, Tony Award nominee Emilio Sosa as costume designer, Tony Award winner Kenneth Posner as lighting designer, Tony Award winner Steve Kennedy as sound designer and Darrel Maloney as projection designer. Chuck LaPointe provides hair and wig design.
I am so truly happy to see On Your Feet! on Broadway this season. However, it is not because it is another show filled with iconic songs from an entertainer we know and love. On Your Feet! is a true splash of diversity into the current Broadway season bringing a current sound and look of America to the stage in New York for audiences to witness. The diversity On Your Feet! brings is one of just many shows this season. However, On Your Feet! brings salsa, a flavor of cuban-American and more Broadway has not seen before. Audiences, from what I have heard, have been loving the show and I myself am looking forward to seeing it! I believe we will see this show go on to a life on tour and I think, if it was to ever happen, this would be a great show to debut in Cuba. With relations between Cuba and the United States easing, Broadway productions could easily mark the country as their next stop with a potential entertainment market lying just 90 miles from Florida. It would not only be appropriate to bring On Your Feet! to Cuba to kick off what could become an amazing partnership between countries, but a homecoming as well.
Happy Opening to On Your Feet! Don't miss your chance to see this new musical during it's run on Broadway at The Marquis Theatre! The show is an open run at this time. We'll bring you more as the show continues to play Broadway! For more information, visit On Your Feet!'s Official Broadway Website, Facebook Page or Twitter! (Copyright Note; Unless noted, we do not own/claim ownership for any photos used in this post) And of course, check out the rest of Luner on Theatre for all your theatre news you don't only need but want to know and so much more!


text:
Dead Wrong - Nicki Minaj
You be yellin boom boom
when yah really pum pum
See my flow hotter then noon in june june
If Biggie was alive he sign me
Im the New Edition like Bobby & Ronnie
Just give me the beat & a bottle of Dasani
& I dont need Clyde
Im a boss F_ck a Bonnie
Yah digg?
Religious like the preachers
Came here to warn yah
Listen b_tches I'm the teacher
Go sit in the corner
How many Times I gotta spit
Till they noe that I'm the b_tch
Im flyer Den a maget
Im on sum sh_t
1st they love you then they switch
Yea they switch like fagets
Thats why I keep the lama
In Gabana Fabric
Im the sh_t
Should be in pampers
Like Markie Bizz
Give anybody the business
Like hers or his's
Cuz my flow tighter then them virgin b_tches
you noe them asalamlakum dem Persian b_tches
& if you miss me I'm swervin 6's
Got damn aint even pregnant but I'm birthin b_tches
Cuz I got Flavor like that girl
Stop actin Like you a killa with them girly disses b_tches
I aint johnny but my my my
she want it with me tell her fi bloodclot try
you aint through I'm the truth you a lie
My whole borough yellin out boom bye bye
cuz when I seen her she was shakin in her boots
When Nicki came thru she was throwin up her duce
Slap her then I asked her wats my name
She said N.I.C
The president of the NYC
Yah dead wrong
These b_tches is buns
You got it going on
Aye Yung Nic yah dead wrong
Dirty money n_gga wha?
When I do it it's done & goddid it I won n_gga - I'm dead wrong
My n_gga patty to the dupe,
n_gga catty to the coupe n_gga chea ya dead wrong
My n_gga diggs on the board, Oh lordy on the board n_gga ya dead wrong..


text:
EU supports integrated agricultural practices to boost the resilience of farmers in the Syrian Arab Republic
Strengthening the resilience of crisis-affected people in the Syrian Arab Republic is a goal shared by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the European Union (EU) to mitigate the impact of the crisis on people's lives. A particularly vulnerable group are smallholder farmers who have lost access to their land, key resources and inputs, and who are in need of additional livelihood opportunities to help them cope with the challenges they face.
The crisis has affected the lives of more than 13 million Syrians who are in need of humanitarian aid, according to the 2019 Humanitarian Needs Overview. At least 9 million people are food insecure or at risk of becoming so. Meanwhile, according to the Crop and Food Security Assessment Mission conducted by FAO and the World Food Programme in 2018, the rates of agricultural and food production in the country have dropped dramatically, and wheat production – the country's primary staple crop for both consumption and income generation – has fallen to around a quarter of the pre-conflict levels.
The assessment provided the basis for a strong collaboration between FAO and the EU through the creation of a two-year project to promote food security and nutrition by strengthening the resilience of crisis-affected farmers in the Syrian Arab Republic. The project exceeded expectations in 2016–18 by assisting more than 82 000 farmers across the country to restore their farming livelihoods and sustain their food production activities, which provided enough food to cover the needs of more than 490 000 people. Moreover, the project has provided thousands of farmers with more secure agricultural resources and access to inputs. Furthermore, intensive training and awareness sessions have enhanced the agricultural practices and perspectives of farmers.
Working together to manage dairy and milk manufacturing facilities
"I never worked before, although I own one cow, but I am happy to now be part of such a wonderful team to produce different types of local cheese," said Samar Hamadeh, a mother of two living in Homs Governorate, when asked about her experience making cheese at an FAO-EU milk processing unit.
The two milk-processing units, established by FAO in Hama and Homs governorates, were not the first in the Syrian Arab Republic, but what sets them apart is that they are managed by the local community. They use an integrated supply chain in which herders, farmers and dairy workers collaborate to supply the units with milk. The community also manages and operates the production process, and packs and promotes the cheese at the local market. More than 1 000 workers and their extended families rely on these facilities for a sustainable source of income.
"I used to make cheese before, but since I have joined the unit I have learned new techniques that have improved the quality of my cheese. Now, I have mastered them," said Samar. "I spend my day working at this small facility. In addition to the income I earn from it, I make extra cheese at home by applying the techniques I have learned. I sell my products to neighbours, and my children also enjoy the taste of the good cheese I make," she added. Scaling up and improving business organization and marketing are the next challenges.
Access to water resource has spurred farmers to work together
Water is critical for growing fresh fruit and vegetables, but in the Syrian Arab Republic farmers have suffered from a scarcity of water resources due to conflict and drought. The crisis has damaged water and irrigation infrastructure as well as agricultural assets in the amount of USD 3.2 billion, according to an FAO agricultural damage assessment conducted in 2017.
Farmers depend on local irrigation canals, pumping stations and dams, and farming livelihoods suffer if these are not operational. There are few cost-effective alternatives, but local solutions are within reach. Through local level water projects, in conjunction with water users' associations, this FAO-EU resilience-building project has restored the farming activities of more than 71 000 farmers in Hama, Homs and Rural Damascus governorates.
Most of the sites were rehabilitated in order to provide sustainable water resources to farmers for irrigation, but in Wadi Barada, a village in Rural Damascus Governorate, the objective was slightly different. The reconstruction of wells was designed to prevent fresh drinking water from being used for irrigation. The rehabilitation of seven wells for irrigation has brought water to more than 3 500 farmers in Wadi Barada and the surrounding areas. It has also provided drinking water for more than 9 000 people, while covering the irrigation needs for 70 percent of land.
Abu Jamal Mereé is one of the farmers in Wadi Barada who observed the development of the project step by step during 2017–18. "We could not plant our lands last season because we did not have any water at all. Only four or five farmers in the area planted small quantities of beans and some vegetables, and only enough for their family's consumption and not enough to be sold at the local markets. Those were difficult days for us," said Abu Jamal.
"Wadi Barada is a very productive area, rich with a variety of fruit and olive trees. The overall irrigated, planted area covers more than 110 ha, and it is essential for us to be able to provide these trees with water," said Abu Jamal. "This season is promising for us," Abu Jamal hoped, ''we now have enough water if we manage it wisely, and we are happily expecting the spring season to bring a bumper crop of fruit."
Thyme and medicinal plants bring additional income for rural families
"I tried to plant thyme and other herbs in our small backyard many times. I learned that they are good for health and that several types of medicine can be made from thyme. Growing herbs was my chance to make a good income to support my family," said Raya Mansour. Raya's words describe the situation of thousands of rural Syrian families who seek new livelihood opportunities after being displaced and/or losing their source of income.
Raya, her husband and their family live in Qadmous, a rural town in Tartous Governorate. Her husband was injured during the conflict, and he is now disabled. As a result, Raya had to find a way to support her family and become the main breadwinner. FAO and EU have supported Raya, along with 200 other vulnerable rural families, by providing them with thyme seedlings, modern drip irrigation kits and trainings on good agricultural practices to help them sustain their production.
"Once we have grown and harvested the herbs, we dry and package them to sell to our neighbours and at some of the small local markets," said Raya. "I now can make an additional income, and we can buy clothes and other items for the baby that my husband and I are expecting," she added.
The thyme and medicinal plants intervention is part of an income-generating component of the project that reached more than 1 500 families across the country. These families have received a variety of agricultural production inputs, such as oyster mushroom seeds, beekeeping kits, laying hens and poultry equipment, soup making and food processing equipment as well as trainings. Rural families have become more productive and stable by promoting a variety of food products, like jam, pickles, honey and more, and have gained additional income to meet their daily needs.
The next phase of work involves training and support to rural families, particularly to female-headed households, to develop food-based micro-enterprises that are efficient production methods, have quality standards, employ good bookkeeping and effective marketing to make these activities sustainable businesses.


text:
It's okay. We all need a shake-up or two now and then.
If, like me, you're looking to expand your literary horizons in the new year, consider taking a swing at Book Riot's Read Harder Challenge! 2017's includes additions from authors Daniel José Older, Sarah MacLean, Roxane Gay, Celeste Ng, Ausma Zehanat Khan, and Jacqueline Koyanagi. Following is the 24-item list (plus a pretty supplementary PDF version here):
- Read a book about sports.
- Read a debut novel, opens a new window.
- Read a book about books.
- Read a book set in Central or South America, written by a Central or South American, opens a new window author.
- Read a book by an immigrant or with a central, opens a new window immigration, opens a new window narrative.
- Read an all-ages comic.
- Read a book published between 1900, opens a new window and, opens a new window 1950, opens a new window.
- Read a, opens a new window travel memoir, opens a new window.
- Read a book you've read, opens a new window before, opens a new window.
- Read a book that is set within 100 miles, opens a new window of, opens a new window your location.
- Read a book that is set more than 5000 miles from your location.
- Read a fantasy novel.
- Read a nonfiction book, opens a new window about, opens a new window technology, opens a new window.
- Read a, opens a new window book about war.
- Read a YA or middle grade , opens a new windownovel, opens a new window by an author who identifies as LGBTQ+.
- Read a book that has been banned or frequently challenged, opens a new window in your, opens a new window country, opens a new window.
- Read a classic by an author, opens a new window of color.
- Read a superhero comic with a female lead.
- Read a book in which a character of color goes on a spiritual journey. (From Daniel José Older, author of the Bone Street Rumba urban fantasy series and YA novel Shadowshaper)
- Read an LGBTQ+ romance novel. (From Sarah MacLean, author of ten bestselling historical romance novels)
- Read a book published by a micropress. (From Roxane Gay, bestselling author of Ayiti, An Untamed State, Bad Feminist, Marvel's World of Wakanda, and the forthcoming HUNGER and DIFFICULT WOMEN)
- Read a collection of stories by a woman. (From Celeste Ng, author Everything I Never Told You and the forthcoming Little Fires Everywhere)
- Read a collection of poetry in translation on a theme other than love. (From Ausma Zehanat Khan, author of the Esa Khattak/Rachel Getty mystery series, including The Unquiet Dead, The Language of Secrets, and the forthcoming Among the Ruins)
- Read a book wherein all point-of-view characters are people of color. (From Jacqueline Koyanagi, author of sci-fi novel Ascension)
Purists may disagree, but in my experience, some overlap is allowed -- for example, you could read a classic by an author of color (#17) that is also a book you've read before (#9). But perhaps it would be more fun to seek out a discrete title for each point... It's up to you!
Click on Book Riot's links (scattered throughout), browse NPR's Book Concierge, or stop by any SLPL location to start building your colorful new 2017 TBR list!


text:
Want more information about this package?
Scuba dive 3 Cenotes: "Angelita" + 2 shallow cenotes
We provide round trip transportation in an air conditioned vehicle, as well as tanks, weights, dive lights, entrance fee to the cenote, soft drinks (sodas and water) and lunch.
Starting from Playa del Carmen between 8:00 to 9:00 am, we pick you up and we head to the south of highway 307, where more of the the cenotes are located. At the destination, we go through a detailed briefing, the explanation and review of rules for cavern diving. After performing the dives, we come back to Playa del Carmen around 2 pm.
Cenote diving Guide lines
- Dive between natural daylight limits.
- Follow permanent guideline.
- Maximum depth 70 ft or 21 mts.
- Maximum 4 divers per guide.
- No restrictions.
- No decompression.
- Maximum distance of 200 ft or 60 mts. from surface.
Click here to contact us if you would have any questions, would like to have a quote for another travel date or would like to create a more custom package.
Price includes: transportation, entrance fee to the cenote, certified guide, weights, lamps, tanks, snacks and drinks. For advanced certified divers only.
3 cenote dives - Cenote "Angelita" + 2 shallow cenotes - $180.-
Send a FREE no obligation request for information today by completing the form below. Not sure where to go yet? Sign up for our newsletter today and get inspired.