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"This device emits electromagnetic radiation, exposure to which may cause brain cancer. Users, especially pregnant women and children, should keep it away from the head and body." ~ Currently proposed legislation for cell phones: Bill LD 1014, sponsored by Legislator Andrea Boland in Maine, U.S.
Ignorance may or may not be bliss, but one thing is certain – it is very profitable. According to Buddhism, all suffering derives from ignorance. Ignorance keys into the addictive potential in all of us and thereby allows somebody to make a huge pile of money on enslavement.
The detrimental health effects of cell phones, WiFi, electromagnetic fields (EMFs), and the microwave-producing technology we use daily makes worrying about our kids' experiments with drugs, sex, and alcohol seem insignificant in comparison to the WiFi-equipped schools that they are sent to, the cell phones that are bought for them, the hours they spend in front of the TV (forget the content – the TV itself is worse), and the microwave oven that they often use to heat their meals. Sex, booze, drugs, and crime are part of the dark side of life's education: one often learns from these mess-ups to go on to make healthy choices. But this "progressive" and seductive EMF radiation technology has the power to obliterate life, phase out our biological future, and kill the brain.
I am one of the victims who was seriously injured by cell phone radiation. Our solar-powered cottage is far from phone lines, so we used public phones for 25 years. Last summer, a cell phone tower was erected one mile from my study window. Being a social animal, I thought this was fabulous! But over a period of two months, I developed indescribable headaches, piercing pains in my right eye, and spontaneous bleeding from my right ear. My ophthalmologist diagnosed two cataracts in my right eye – the hallmark of microwave radiation injury (we know this from research that began on WWII U.S. Navy personnel injured by radar equipment). On the other hand, age-related cataracts appear in both eyes. In a future Vitality issue, I will discuss the treatment protocols I am using on my road to recovery.
I am in stellar company. World Health Organization (WHO) Director General Gro Harlem Brundtland (1998 – 2003), convener of the World Commission on Environment and Development in 1987, did not permit any cell phones at WHO's Geneva headquarters because they caused her debilitating headaches. Of course, she had the wrath of the industry descend upon her as a result. She is currently suffering from cancer.
In 2004, the WHO defined electrohypersensitivity (EHS) as: "… a phenomenon where individuals experience adverse health effects while using or being in the vicinity of devices emanating electric, magnetic, or electromagnetic fields … a sometimes debilitating problem [occuring] several orders of magnitude under the limits of internationally accepted standards."
In fact, everybody is at risk. Epidemiologist Dr. Sam Milham first studied childhood leukemia clusters in the 1970s, and eventually proved beyond doubt that the risk for this disease is directly related to the close proximity of powerlines, and subsequently cell phone towers. (Those areas of the world with little or no electricity have almost no incidence of leukemia.) In addition to leukemia, evidence now supports the connection between cell phones and brain tumours, cancer of the eye, salivary glands, and testicles, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and Alzheimer's disease. This radiation also contributes to the development of autism and ADHD. While all of these conditions have several known causes, research has confirmed that the use of cell and cordless phones and laptop computers speeds up the disease process to such an extent that people in their 30s are now being diagnosed with advanced Alzheimer's. The degranulation process of live brain cells, when exposed to cell phone radiation, has been experimentally demonstrated. Cancer incidence is also significantly higher within 400 metres of a cell phone tower or transmitter site. And Trent University researcher, Magda Havas, may now have discovered a third type of diabetes caused exclusively by electromagnetic radiation.
The most vulnerable are children and pregnant women, and the most vulnerable organs are the brain, testicles, and ovaries. This was confirmed in 2007 by the World Health Organization, the International Agency for Research on Cancer, and a 2010 Swedish government study, which all showed that cell phone use increases the chances of brain cancer by 40%. Last year, the European Journal of Oncology reported that serious heart and heart-related problems (e.g. arrhythmia, palpitations, heart flutter, racing heart beat, fainting, profuse sweating, etc.) can occur in response to pulsed radiation as low as 0.5 percent of the existing Canadian and U.S. federal guidelines, which permit 10 mill micro/Wm2. The truly science-based exposure guidelines demonstrate that nobody should be exposed to more than 1 microW/m2.
When analyzing any type of death-causing technology, the most reliable information usually comes from the military. At www.safeschool.ca you can download a recently declassified U.S. Navy document from 1971 which summarizes the more than 2,300 studies on the health effects of microwave radiation known way back then! Of course they knew – microwave technology was already part of the military arsenal intended to inflict bodily harm. It is the Military University in Germany that developed EMF protection standards for civilian building codes. Building materials also require protection from rapid corrosion caused by radio frequencies and microwaves. In 2008, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities asked the federal government for an emergency fund of $123 billion over five years to prevent the collapse of exposed buildings.
The economic victims of irresponsible application of radiation-based technology include agriculture. Plants avoid high EMF levels by not growing as high as they normally would; when the EMF source is removed, they grow normally. Cows are also affected. As reported by Dr. Milham, when the "dirty electricity" in a U.S. school was neutralized by Graham/Stetzer filters, "a dairy farmer a quarter of a mile away noticed that his cows each gave an average of ten pounds more milk per day, beginning the day the school installed its filters. The cows were responding to dirty electricity being removed from the ground currents." In 2008, the French court ordered a power company to compensate cattle farmers for EMF damage.
Living creatures are electrical beings able to function only within specific frequencies. Devra Davis observes: "The difference between being alive and being dead is just one thing – the presence of electrical activity in the brain." Thoracic surgeon, Dr. William Rae, co-founder of the American Academy for Environmental Medicine with Linus Pauling and Dr. Theron Randolph, originally became interested in environmental influences on health when operating room equipment caused him to become seriously EMF-sensitive in the 1970s. His research led him to recognize the deleterious influence of pesticides and many other environmental toxins, all of which cause multi-system damage. The immune system is the primary target, which does its job through electrically-charged biological substances such as neurotransmitters, hormones, and peptides, which transmit faster than the speed of light. It has been known since the 1990s that environmental illness from biological toxins and electrohypersensitivity share the process of a disastrous reduction in cholinesterase, a nervous system enzyme. Its sudden depletion can cause depression and suicidal behaviour.
All biological processes have their inherent timing, repair, and defensive responses, especially during pregnancy and brain development. Hence, the industry's "safety" standards, with which government regulators collaborate, are totally absurd.
Devra Davis explains: "They are based on the imaginary SAM, the Standard Anthropomorphic Man based on military recruits of 1989: six foot two tall, about 200 lbs, and never exposed to a cell phone. The subsequently constructed safety standards date to 1962 when nobody knew the difference between heat-producing radiation and microwave radiation, and cell phones did not exist."
The Safe School Committee in Collingwood (www.safeschool.ca) is fighting the WiFi craze that has hit Canadian schools. Even though WiFi is slower than landline-transmitted connections, and even though there is a documented 40% increase in cardiac arrest in children under 13 years directly related to this type of radiation, the Toronto School Board is hell-bent on providing WiFi in all schools – presumably until no brains are left to zap. So eager are our guardians of education to implement what they call "Vision of Hope," they even ignore the inadequate safety standards set by Health Canada.
Ken Dryden expressed outrage on March 12 (Globe & Mail) about the lack of mandatory protection from head injuries in hockey, stating "How could we be so stupid!" Such outrage should apply equally to WiFi in schools because even more children – all of them, in fact – will be affected. In a 2009 review of the usually irreversible harm EMFs cause, neuroscientist O. Johansson, of the Karalinska Institute in Sweden, wrote: "Today no-one would consider having a radioactive wrist watch with glowing digits (as you could in the 1950s), having your children's shoes fitted in a strong X-ray machine (as you could in the 1940s), keeping radium in open trays on your desk (as scientists could in the 1930s), or X-raying each other at your garden party (as physicians did in the 1920s). In retrospect that was just plain madness. However, the persons doing so were not…less intelligent.…Knowledge was deficient, as was a competent risk analysis coupled to a parallel analysis of public needs."
A thoroughly depressing fact is that the main reason gorillas in Africa reduced in numbers by 90% since 1995 is because their habitat was destroyed by miners for a rare mineral called coltan. This mineral is apparently indispensable to the production of cell phones. The international efforts to save the gorillas is appearing to meet with success, but nothing has happened so far to rescue the miners themselves - they are almost exclusively slave labourers, specifically children as young as 6 years.
What is happening in other jurisdictions?
o In 2007, Germany initiated a policy to reduce the use of CAT scans because of their demonstrated cancer-causing properties, and because their use increased health care costs (directly and through additional cancer incidence) by 80% in 40 years. And last year, Germany banned energy efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs because their carcinogenic radiation exceeds European allowable exposure limits. (I tossed out all of our CFLs and replaced them with old-fashioned incandescent bulbs, after which I found that the crushing fatigue I had been experiencing mysteriously disappeared!)
o Many jurisdictions in the U.S. are now framing legislation to deal both with CFL bulbs' unacceptable levels of radiation and the difficulty of their disposal due to the high mercury content threatening the ground water.
o The European Union's September 2009 report on EMFs stressed the "serious and irreversible damage to health and environments" from EMF radiation and called on all member states to take precautionary action. Shortly after, the possibility of outlawing the use of cell phones for children under 18 was discussed in the E.U. Parliament.
o On March 11, the U.K.'s national Department of Health advised its citizens that they should text, rather than put their cell phones to their ears.
o Switzerland, Finland, Luxembourg, and Austria now outfit their schools with totally radiation-safe fiber-optic technology for their internet and communication needs. Israel has similar legislation in the works. Those countries also set the maximum allowable level of exposure between 5 to 10 microW/m2. Recall that in Canada we are told 10 mill micro/Wm2 is "safe." Guess on which part of the Earth human brains will survive!
Meanwhile, we are also being threatened with "smart metres," which tend to increase electricity costs for people and expose them to massive amounts of radiation. As of February of this year, California allows people to refuse their installation, because a formal investigation showed that these U.S.-made devices never passed all of the mandatory regulatory hurdles, are hazardous to health, and can cause fire.
Devra Davis in her book, Disconnect, explains that the most serious practical challenge to the cell phone industry comes from the world's large insurance companies, such as the Sterling Group of Lloyd's of London. Having been nearly wiped out when asbestos-related claims were settled in the early 1990s, insurance companies informed the cell phone industry that they will not be backed when radiation-injury claims start pouring in, as they surely will. The trigger for this decision was the U.K.'s 2005 Stewart Commission, whose chair, citing worldwide research demonstrating harm to children's brains from cell phones, told the mobile phone industry to "refrain from promoting the use of mobile phones by children." In Canada, liability is certainly worth testing in court, because the 2007 Human Rights Commission report on Environmental Illness specifically included harm from EMF radiation as being real and requiring accommodation.
By Helke Ferrie


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One day in 1979, the King of Cool decided to fly.
Before anyone knew it, Steve McQueen was living with his girlfriend in a hangar at the Santa Paula Airport. During the day, he learned to pilot a World War II-era biplane. In the evening, the tough-guy superstar would crack open cold beers with grease monkeys, fledgling pilots and aging flyboys who still had a few loop-de-loops left in them.
McQueen and his girlfriend, a stunning model who would become his third wife, slept on a four-poster brass bed amid his vintage motorcycles and airplane parts. His bright- yellow Stearman biplane loomed over their cramped quarters, its wings close enough to create a head-whacking hazard for someone groping through the dark.
But life was good: On Saturday nights, the couple kicked back in their hangar -- really a big storage shed -- to watch "The Love Boat" and "Fantasy Island" on a black-and-white TV. Dinner was often a feed at the local Chinese restaurant.

subset: commoncrawl


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Horace Vernet: Rowing Out
Paintings from 19th century France, from Neoclassic to Academic to Barbizon. Impressionism is not covered here.
Saturday, November 30, 2013
Friday, November 29, 2013
The Generosity of the Duchess of Angoulême (1821)
Thursday, November 28, 2013
Three Lovers (ca. 1817-20)
Théodore Géricault: Three Lovers
Théodore Géricault's only known erotic painting, this small oil sketch depicts two lovers locked in a passionate embrace while their languid companion calmly watches from the left. The woman's nudity and relaxed pose evoke the classical tradition of representing repose after lovemaking, a tradition that is also evoked by the way her voluptuous figure complements the statue of Venus above. Encoiled in her lover's arms and with her legs provocatively exposed, the woman in white is an active participant in the amorous act rather than a passive object. With a modern directness, Géricault captured the intensity and energy of human sexuality in a manner very different from the idealizing conventions of his age.
Géricault 's expressive handling of line and paint accords with the passionate energy of the subject matter. Despite the small size and sketchy nature of this painting, Géricault made it as an independent work of art, intended for close private viewing. [Getty]
There's also a video commentary.
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
René d'Anjou at Palamède de Forbin (1820)
Pierre Révoil: René d'Anjou at Palamède de Forbin
King René (King of Sicily and cousin of French King Charles VI) traveling through his estates in Provence, spent the night in the château de La Barben. In the morning, before leaving his hosts, he testified that he was satisfied with their reception and traced on the door of the vestibule his portrait. Palamède threw himself at the feet of the King to thank him for this sign of favor.
The artist's dates were 1776-1842.
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Portrait of a Young Man Wearing a Yellow Scarf (1820)
Monday, November 25, 2013
Beech Tree (ca. 1820)
Sunday, November 24, 2013
Christ Blessing the Children (1820)
Antoine Ansiaux: Christ Blessing the Children
Ansiaux (1764-1840) painted subjects taken from sacred and profane history, and poetical subjects, are numerous, and place him among the best artists of the French school in the 19th century. He also painted portraits of several distinguished persons, ministers, and generals of Napoleon.
Saturday, November 23, 2013
Head of a Woman (ca. 1820)
Antoine-Jean Gros: Head of a Woman
I love this dramatic portrait, which is somewhat unusual for Baron Gros.
Friday, November 22, 2013
The Judgement of Paris (1820)
Thursday, November 21, 2013
The Dubufe Family (1820)
Claude-Marie Dubufe: The Dubufe Family
A cheerful (and somewhat claustrophobic) portrait of the artist's family. The artist himself is at right. Dubufe was a historical and portrait painter, was born in Paris in 1790, and studied under Jacques-Louis David. His subjects were at first classical, and then scriptural, but his reputation rests chiefly on his portraits, of which he produced a large number. Dubufe, who was the last representative of the school of David, died at Selle-Saint-Cloud in 1864.
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Drawn portraits (1819)
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
The Raft of the Medusa (1818-19)
Théodore Géricault: The Raft of the Medusa
Arguably Géricault's most famous work, The Raft of the Medusa is a triumph of Romantic art. It is an over-life-size painting that depicts a moment from the aftermath of the wreck of the French naval frigate Méduse, which ran aground off the coast of today's Mauritania on July 5, 1816. At least 147 people were set adrift on a hurriedly constructed raft; all but 15 died in the 13 days before their rescue, and those who survived endured starvation, dehydration and cannibalism.
Watch a video commentary on this painting.
Monday, November 18, 2013
The Wounded Trumpeter (1819)
Sunday, November 17, 2013
The Entrance to the Theatre de l'Ambigu-Comique (1819)
As with all Boilly's works, there is a multitude of interesting detail to explore. The dogs are particularly interesting.
Saturday, November 16, 2013
Study of a Model (1818-19)
Théodore Géricault: Study of a Model
Another sensitive portrait of a black person by a French artist (previous one here). It's clear from the painting that this man has suffered much. Yet, he is not depicted as being defeated by it.
Friday, November 15, 2013
Pygmalion and Galatea (1819)
Anne-Louis Girodet: Pygmalion and Galatea
One of many artistic renderings of this Greek myth. This was, of course, the basis for 'My Fair Lady'.
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Roger Freeing Angelica (1819)
Jean-August-Dominique Ingres: Roger Freeing Angelica
Here Ingres is depicting another in the long line of stories of "damsels in distress" being rescued by the brave and stalwart knight. The story shown here is taken from the Renaissance epic poem "Orlando Innamorata," but has roots in such stories as the Greek myth of Perseus and Andromeda, and St. George and the Dragon.
Ingres's treatment here seems to stray from his usual Neoclassic approach to a more Romantic one (that's just my impression, completely devoid of any real knowledge of art history).
Posted by rfdarsie at 8:58 AM No comments:
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
The Conversion of Henri de Joyeuse (1819)
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
The Dog of the Regiment Wounded (1819)
Horace Vernet: The Dog of the Regiment Wounded
Émile Jean-Horace Vernet (1789-1863) was a French painter of battles, portraits, and Orientalist Arab subjects.
Monday, November 11, 2013
Louis XIV in the Park of Versailles (1819)
Anicet-Charles Lemonnier: Louis XIV in the Park of Versailles
at the Inauguration of the Statue of Milo of Croton by Puget
Lemonnier (1743-1824) painted historical scenes.
Sunday, November 10, 2013
The Return of Pèlerin (1818)
Louis Julien Jean Aulnette du Vautenet: The Return of Pèlerin
This painting in the Troubadour style depicts a knight returning from Crusade to find his lady being seduced by a troubadour.
Saturday, November 9, 2013
Drawn Portraits (1818)
Some more portraits by Ingres.
Portrait of the Kaunitz Sisters
Portrait of the Stamaty Family
Friday, November 8, 2013
Waterfall at Mont-Dore (1818)
Achille-Etna Michallon: Waterfall at Mont-Dore
This wonderful painting anticipates Courbet's style. (We will be seeing a lot of Courbet in due time.)
Thursday, November 7, 2013
The Farewell of Telemachus and Eucharis (1818)
Jacques-Louis David: The Farewell of Telemachus and Eucharis
Eucharis, who does not appear in Greek mythology, was one of the nymph Calypso's attendants in Fénelon's novel Les Aventures de Télémaque (1699). In Fénelon's modern prose epic, an improvisation upon Homeric themes, Telemachus while searching for his father, Odysseus, has been shipwrecked on Calypso's island, and there has fallen in love with Eucharis but must leave her, dutifully to pursue his quest. Fénelon, in charge of the education of the heir to the French throne, offered his novel, "not as a frivolous novel, that is offered here, reader, for your idleness, but a learned parable". Its theme of the conflict between duty and love is a persistent one, central in French 17th-century classical theater, but peripheral to the Odyssey in spite of its erotic episodes. A sub-theme in Les Aventures de Télémaque, of spiritual education, is summed up by Mentor who says, "He who has not felt his weakness and the violence of his passions is not yet wise; for he does not yet understand himself and does not know how to distrust himself." [Wikipedia]
Fixing the viewer with a dreamy gaze, the fair-haired Telemachus grasps Eucharis's thigh with his right hand while holding his sword upright with the other. The ill-fated lovers say farewell in a grotto on Calypso's island. Facing towards us, Telemachus's blue tunic falls open to reveal his naked torso. Eucharis, seen in profile, encircles Telemachus's neck and gently rests her head upon his shoulder in resignation. In this way, Jacques-Louis David contrasts masculine rectitude with female emotion.
David painted The Farewell of Telemachus and Eucharis during his exile in Brussels. The use of saturated reds and blues contrasted with flesh-tones and combined with a clarity of line and form typifies the Neoclassical style, which is characteristic of David's late history paintings. [Getty]
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Men Arguing and Women Fighting (1818)
Here's an interesting and humorous pair of canvases by Louis-Léopold Boilly.
Men Arguing
Women Fighting
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
The Death of Leonardo da Vinci (1818)
Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres: The Death of Leonardo da Vinci
Another of Ingres's tributes to a past master.
Monday, November 4, 2013
View of Santa Scolastica in Subiaco (1818)
Sunday, November 3, 2013
Daphnis and Chloe (1817)
Louis Hersent: Daphnis and Chloe
These two were the subjects of a second-century AD Greek novel. It is the story of a boy (Daphnis) and a girl (Chloe), each of whom is exposed at birth along with some identifying tokens. A goatherd named Lamon discovers Daphnis, and a shepherd called Dryas finds Chloe. Each decides to raise the child he finds as his own. Daphnis and Chloe grow up together, herding the flocks for their foster parents. They fall in love but, being naive, do not understand what is happening to them. Philetas, a wise old cowherd, explains to them what love is and tells them that the only cure is "kissing." They do this. Eventually, Lycaenion, a woman from the city, educates Daphnis in love-making. Daphnis, however, decides not to test his newly acquired skill on Chloe, because Lycaenion tells Daphnis that Chloe "will scream and cry and lie bleeding heavily [as if murdered]." Throughout the book, Chloe is courted by suitors, two of whom (Dorcon and Lampis) attempt with varying degrees of success to abduct her. She is also carried off by raiders from a nearby city and saved by the intervention of the god Pan. Meanwhile, Daphnis falls into a pit, gets beaten up, is abducted by pirates, and is very nearly raped. In the end, Daphnis and Chloe are recognized by their birth parents, get married, and live out their lives in the country. [Wikipedia]
Saturday, November 2, 2013
Henri de la Rochejaquelin (1817)
Pierre-Narcisse Guérin: Henri de la Rochejaquelin
Henri de la Rochejaquelin was a leader in the counter-revolution of 1793, wherein royalist forces attempted to take France back from the forces of revolution. After seeing a great deal of action in this endeavor, he was finally killed - at the tender age of 22.
I don't know French history from the period of 1817 (when the painting was done) in enough detail to understand Guérin's motives for painting what might be considered a politically inflammatory work. Perhaps, with Napoleon finally out of the picture, he was committing himself to the forces of the Restoration?
Friday, November 1, 2013
Louis XVI Distributing Alms to the Poor (1817)
Louis Hersent: Louis XVI Distributing Alms to the Poor
I see this as basically a propaganda picture - "see, we rich and powerful are actually nice and generous."
Louis Hersent (1777-1860) was a student of David. He was most active during the Restoration period.
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Politicians always claim they are going to fix the economy. They promise shiny new things for all based on their make believe ideologies and dodgy accounting.
The proposals need to be questioned, here's how the conversation should go:
Politician: I'm going to fix the economy!
You: So what is your plan for reducing electricity prices?
Politician: There isn't one.
You: Then you don't actually have a plan to fix the economy. Come back to me when you do, meanwhile I will seek out a candidate who really does have a plan.
High electricity prices are crippling the economy. People now have less money to spend outside of buying the basic essentials and as a result they aren't spending money on things such as entertainment, home improvements etc. In turn businesses suffer since there is less demand for their services. Businesses are also laying off staff and increasing their prices to cover high electricity costs. And when that fails they are simply going out of business which increases unemployment and reduces spending in the economy.
The major parties don't intend to deal with rising electricity costs so they don't have a plan for fixing the economy. Any promises they make are false and should be held against them.
It's time for us to direct our votes away from them. There are other choices, it's time we voted the establishment out and vote in people who will serve the country.
If we don't we can stop complaining about the problems because a vote for the major parties is a vote for the status quo no matter what dodgy reasoning is used to justify it. For example claims that the economy will suffer due to uncertainty of new parties governing are false. The economy will suffer due to the certainly that the two party dictatorship will deliberately collapse it.
The economy has been working in spite of our governments, not because of them but all their deliberate mismanagement has been taking its toll. They've got to go as soon as possible or it will be too late to fix anything.


text: Wed, Feb 15, 2006 | By Hugh Hewitt Blackfive, Totten and MudvilleGazette Scoop White House Press Corps! Tweet Email Print Advertisement New Abu Ghraib photos published by milblogger Blackfive. And Michael Totten has more disturbing pictures from post-war Iraq. (HT: CaptainsQuarters.) And MudvilleGazette reports on an Iraqi official speaking out about the U.S. occupying forces.


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According to the French news outlet la Dépêche de Tahiti, three people were arrested on Friday afternoon for attempting to purchase crystal meth from the dark net.
The three persons were placed in customs detention before they were taken into police custody. Law enforcement authorities released the third suspect from the pre-trial detention, according to TNTV.
One person of the couple is an official of the Presidency while the other is a teacher, Radio 1 claims. The couple allegedly tried to import 60 grams of crystal meth from the dark net. They bought from a vendor residing in Canada. The substances were shipped by the national postal service.
The couple's trial is expected to start on Monday.
Earlier this month, Guillaume Poupard, head of the French national security service the Agence nationale de la sécurité des systèmes d'information (ANSSI), explained how terrorist groups, including the ISIS and Al-Qaeda, are using the dark net to spread propaganda and obtain weapons illegally. According to Poupard, terrorist groups are taking advantage of the anonymity of the dark net to spread their beliefs, teachings, and vision of the world.
"Digital attacks with major impacts are unlikely in the short term," Poupard said. "However, that could change very fast. Our real fear, and we may already be there, is that they will use mercenaries, people who will do anything for money. The skills are complex, though not at the level of a nuclear weapon. With a few dozen people, a little money, but not that much, you can be effective."
Poupard emphasized that the ANSSI fears terrorist groups spreading their beliefs, including the form of instigating videos, on the dark net more than the possibility that these groups launching cyberattacks on the national infrastructure of France.
At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Europol director Rob Wainwright brought up a similar claim. He said that the Europol isn't primarily concerned about the cyberattacks terrorist groups have attempted to launch in the past. Instead, the European agency is troubled by the fact that terrorist groups have access to lethal weapons, such as bombs and rifles, on the dark net. Europol believes that the ISIS and other groups could take advantage of the anonymity of the dark web, and use it to import such firearms for their cause.
"Even if they don't have access to the capabilities, they can simply buy it on the darknet (a hidden internet realm of encrypted websites), where there is an enormous trade in cybercriminal technology. That said, attacking the critical national infrastructures at least of most countries is… not easily done, and it's something that is not as immediate and showy as firing automatic weapons in a theater or in public," Wainwright said.
However, it still remains a question whether it is worth for terrorist groups to use the dark net for weapon importation. Since almost all transactions on the dark web are conducted in bitcoins, which could be traced back using the public blockchain, the dark web would seem as a risky source for firearms purchase.


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PLYMOUTH – Police responded to six suspected heroin overdoses over the weekend.
PLYMOUTH – Police responded to six suspected heroin overdoses over the weekend.
All six victims survived. One involved a motor vehicle accident that will result in criminal charges against the driver.
Friday afternoon, a 49-year-old local man was found unresponsive in a home in Manomet. Police found evidence of heroin use in the home. Officers revived the man with Narcan.
Friday night, fellow residents found a 32-year-old local man unresponsive in a downtown home. A fellow resident gave the man Narcan. Officers did as well. They also found evidence of heroin use at the house.
Saturday afternoon, a 22-year-old local woman passed out in the restroom at Nelson Park. Police later found her walking on Water Street. She was carrying needles, spoons and drug residue.
Saturday evening, a 31-year-old man was found unresponsive in the bathroom of a store on Court Street. The man regained consciousness before police arrived. He denied using drugs but officers found syringes on the floor of the bathroom.
Sunday morning, a 23-year-old local woman crashed her vehicle into a tree of Commerce Way near Route 44.
Witness told police the woman had been driving erratically, repeatedly hitting the curb, before striking a sign and then going off the road and into the tree.
Police revived her with Narcan. She will be charged with driving under the influence of drugs and negligent driving.
Sunday afternoon, a 53-year-old woman was found unresponsive at a home in North Plymouth. The woman regained consciousness on her own and denied using drugs, but police said she has a history of drug use.
All six people were taken to BID-Plymouth hospital for treatment.


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Getting people to do stuff is really hard. Particularly if they are really talented clever people and you're not offering them any money. But I have managed to bag two really, really clever people who will be posting on this blog hopefully on a regular basis.
Our first post will be from Jim Davis, my beloved bro and friend. I cannot begin to overstate how privileged I feel about Jim writing for this blog. He is one of the most skilled psychotherapists in the field of relationship counselling. He is probably one of the UK's best Backgammon players who only missed winning the British championship some years ago because I was mithering him about getting me to my train on time while he was playing the freaking final. Yes that's the kind of guy I am!
My other contributor is Alan Moore, no, not the Northamptonshire comics wizard but a writer from Blackpool who writes with passion and grit like a modern Jonathan Swift with little time for the old Etonians screwing the country right now and their Bankster friends.
I truly hope you enjoy their contributions in the similar way that Lois Mansfield's brilliant post became one of the most popular on this blog. Whatever happened to Lois? Maybe I need to get her back here. She's a lot prettier than Jim and Alan as well. But what they have in common is they are all very smart and incredibly gifted writers. Thanks for being here.


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Construction on a runway in New York City has airlines in the Bay Area bracing for possible delays.
John F. Kennedy International Airport is preparing to close its largest runway in March for a four-month renovation. The Federal Aviation Administration is forecasting delays during the 120-day renovation.
The runway to be closed is 14,572-feet long and handles about one-third of the airport's flights, including more than half of all departures, according to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. The airport handled about 440,000 flights in 2008.
Short flights on the East Coast will be more heavily affected than coast-to-coast flights, according to managers at San Francisco International Airport. Airlines across the nation, however, are preparing for the traffic.
One airline that flies from San Francisco International Airport, JetBlue, already plans to extend its winter schedule throughout the spring and part of the summer to help avoid congestion during construction, spokesman Mateo Lleras said.
"We expect there will be some impact in the form of delays, but we are partnering with the Port and other airlines to ensure that impact is minimized," Lleras said.
United Airlines will not cut flights between SFO and JFK, according to a spokeswoman.
Virgin America, which is headquartered out of SFO, is also maintaining its relatively small foothold on JFK. The airline was told it cannot expand at JFK, spokeswoman Abby Lunardini said.
"We won't need to reduce our schedules," Lunardini wrote. "However, we (like other carriers) are building extra time into our scheduling for JFK-bound flights."


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Brooklyn's Bear in Heaven will be making a return trip to the Luminary Center for the Arts. The show is on April 1, 2012; tickets are $12 and go on sale this friday. The tour is in support of the band's upcoming I Love You, It's Cool, which will be out on April 3, 2012.
Bear in Heaven first came to the Luminary in the summer of 2010. Diana Benanti, reviewing the show, said, "Invent a time machine, go back to yesterday and make the decision to go see Bear in Heaven and Twin Sister at the Luminary Center for the Arts. I hope the 140 or so in attendance last night can back me up on this."
And while we still don't have time machines, this is certainly the next best thing.


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MEF Circular 11/2013 : Survey on Attributes and Competencies of Fresh Graduates to be Employed by The Private Sector
1. Please be informed that the Government has appointed four Working Task Forces on Graduate Employability (GE). The Task Forces are:- a. Task Force Committee on Planning of Supply and Demand of Graduates in the Public Sector by Public Service Department; b. Task Force Committee on Supply and Demand of Graduates in the Private Sector by the Ministry of Human Resources; c. Task Force Committee on Planning and Coordination on GE Programme by Economic Planning Unit; and d. Task Force Committee on Monitoring Outcome of GE Programme by Ministry of Education Malaysia 2. The Ministry of Human Resources seeks MEF assistance to compile the statistics on attributes and competencies of fresh graduates required to by the private sector. 3. To facilitate the study, the Task Force has selected 22 sectors (list attached) that will receive priority policy and investment focus. These sectors are expected to make substantial contributions to Malaysia's economic performance and create job opportunities, half of which will require diploma or vocational qualifications. These sectors are selected because they are significant engines of future growth in the Malaysian economy and they are expected to contribute to the GNI in 2020 and will help Malaysia to achieve high income status. The following are the list of selected sectors. 4. List of Sector to be considered i. Agriculture, Forestry and Fishery ii. Mining and Quarrying iii. Wholesale and Retail Trade iv. Manufacturing v. Information Technology and Communication vi. Biotechnology vii. Tourism and Hospitality viii. Financial and Insurance Services ix. Services x. Building and Construction xi. Oil, Gas and Energy xii. Palm oil xiii. Business Services xiv. Transportation (Marine) xv. Transportation (Automotive) xvi. Aviation xvii. Plastic xviii. Education xix. Health xx. Humanity and Social xxi. Creative Industry xxii. Cultural, Musical and Recreation 5. To facilitate your task of filling the questionnaire, MEF will use an example of industry cluster in Appendix 1 such as Creative Multimedia. It will show job grouping, job description, education, description of the job, including industry experience, industry certification and salary range. 6. MEF will also show an example of technical skills competency based on the scale 1 to 5 in Appendix II. 7. Appendix lll will show the soft skills competency based on the scale of 1 to 5. 8. Appendix IV is the statistical format to be filled in based on your company industry cluster. 9. Kindly indicate in Appendix V, the number of fresh graduates your company is going to employ for the next three years (2014 – 2016) and other relevant details as stipulated in the questionnaire. 10. The appendices shown are merely examples and you may adjust according to your company's requirements. 11. MEF as a member of Graduate Employability Task Force encourages MEF members to support and participate in this programme. Please submit your reply to MEF on or before 31 October, 2013. If you have any query, kindly contact Puan Azizah Talib, telephone number 03-79557778 ext.113 or fax to 03-7955 9008 or e-mail email@example.com
Thank you for your kind cooperation.
Hj Shamsuddin Bardan
Executive Director


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On the Shoulders of Heroes
The wilderness is a harsh and unforgiving place. Endless pines, rough hills and steep mountains litter the lands of Bellög. Dangers lurk in the crevices and coves, caves and lakes. Only few dare to explore the wild, untamed lands. Many men content themselves with the lands close around their homesteads. Rangers are strong, resourceful and resilient warriors that roam the places where few other sane men would go. They have their own reasons, be it scouting ahead of a war band, bringing outlaws to justice or protecting the innocent from monsters. A ranger combines a great knowledge of nature and wilderness survival with a steady hand in combat.
More often than not, rangers relish the thrills of adventuring and exploring. Some have a need to do what is right, to protect the weak or they simply lust for gold. Whatever their motives, adventures play a central role in the life of a ranger. Their experience makes them excellent scouts and guides for adventuring parties. Even in a dungeon environment a ranger can make himself useful: he can find traps, cast healing spells and makes a decent combatant.
A ranger's life is one of constant trials and dangers. To survive in the wild one certainly needs a high wisdom score. Constitution is important for survivability and dexterity both helps a ranger dodge threats as well as influence a great number of ranger skills. Depending on his fighting style, strength may play an important part in a ranger's tactics.
Unlike druids, who also call nature their home, rangers may be of any alignment. Evil rangers are usually villainous outlaws, while good rangers fight those that would harm the weak.
Mielikki, goddess of the woods, is patron to many rangers. Dwarven rangers from the mountains often worship Ilmarinen. Rangers in coastal regions, such as Barbossa and Merma, sometimes worship Atho.
Becoming a Ranger
Rangers are usually taught by trainers, or masters. They have no ties to each other beside this sacred bond. It is not uncommon that rangers from the same area, or that learned from the same master, are rivals. Masters either charge a fee for an apprenticeship or, if they are inclined to do so, take up students for personal reasons. Some of them first test their apprentices, or have rough codes which they expect them to obey. Many rangers have learned the ways of the world from their fathers or grandfathers. It is common for rangers to have an animal protector, a lucky charm, who guides them through the forest or serves as a companion. They often decorate themselves with the animal's fur or feathers, and a tattoo of them across their back or arms.
Elves, with their respect and love for nature, often choose the path of a ranger. Half-giants, who wander the plains and forests of the treacherous North, have a long history of becoming rangers. They often take levels of barbarian and find fierce, powerful animals to guide them. Many of them ride powerful steeds or immense mammoths. Humans, and half-humans, are common rangers as well.
A ranger can make a valuable addition to a group of heroes. Their extensive knowledge of survival and adventuring makes them valuable guides. Rangers excel at stealth and have the ability to detect traps, making them great replacement if a party is lacking a rogue. Despite their great skills, rangers pack a punch in combat and make great supporting characters.


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There's a post going round, at a site called Fullist, headlined "Tube Strike Ends After Commuters Take Matters Into Their Own Hands".
It's totally stolen from The Daily Mash. Not "shared", as per fair use. Just completely fucking lifted.
This, by the way, isn't just unwitting content ganking by someone oblivious. The post says "source: The Daily Mash" without actually linking to the site, uses a different image – presumably to avoid easy google image searching or some shit – and has a "by Liam Harrington" byline on it.
Liam Harrington's Twitter account is also the Fullist account. If you follow the link to it on the Fullist site, I'm pretty sure it sends you there by way of dodgy pop-up advertising.
He refers to himself as "Internet Batman".
The original article is here: http://www.thedailymash.co.uk/news/society/tube-strike-backfires-as-co mmuters-steal-train-keys-and-drive-themselves-201011303299
I don't judge you if you shared it. I get that most people just enjoy the internet the way they enjoy their tv and sausages – at one remove, not too worried about where they come from – and I'm probably as guilty of doing it as anyone.
But what I do think would be pretty cool is, if content-cloning gets pointed out to you, you'd consider deleting or editing the original p0st or link you made to it, and posting the original instead.
You know, if a halfway scrupulous legal bod offered to cease-and-desist on behalf of content-creators for low, low costs, I'd happily crowdfund as many of those as I can afford. As much as media bods go on about piracy, it's this stuff that really erodes at the rights of creative people. Online piracy, at least in it's purest forms, usually leaves the original's credits intact, and in most cases doesn't profit from it the way these link-baiting ad-farms do.


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As some of you already guessed, the all out Swedish hero during the Finnish War must have been George Carl von Döbeln, of course we have few more aspire to the title, like J.A. Sandels.
For me von Döbeln is a perfect character as he was in command of the Nyland Regiment during the first 3-4 month of the war.
Here comes some pictures of my finished mini and a short re-cap of von Döbelns history.
Georg Carl von Döbeln (29 April 1758 – 16 February 1820) was a Swedish friherre (baron), Lieutenant General and war hero..
In the Second War against Napoleon he led troops in Swedish Pomerania and sent troops to relieve Hamburg, which was besieged by the French, without authorisation. For this, he was court-martialled and sentenced to be executed. However, he was pardoned by Crown Prince Charles John, later crowned Charles XIV John of Sweden.
He was married to Kristina Karolina Ullström (they later divorced). The couple had one son, Napoleon (1802–1847). Although popular, having had a great career and after his death considered a war hero, von Döbeln lived his last years forgotten and impoverished.


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Baghdad Cardinal Celebrates First Sunday Mass in Iraq
"I am praying for the Iraqis and wish that peace, love and brotherhood unite them into one Iraqi family."
Iraqi Cardinal Emmanuel III Delly
Ainkawa, Iraq
December 7, 2007
The Sunday mass was broadcast live on Iraqi television.
Vatican Ambassador to Iraq Francis Joulikat, second, from left, Iraqi Cardinal Emmanuel III Delly, second from right, and Archbishop Shilaymon Wardoni, right, cut a cake after a mass celebrated at the Miriam Church in Palestine Street in east Baghdad, Iraq, on Sunday, Dec. 9, 2007. Delly was elevated to Cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI last month. (AP Photo/Khalid Mohammed)
Cardinal Emmanuel III Delly, the first Iraqi to be elevated to that status, held his first mass in Iraq earlier this week near Erbil and brought home a message from the pope.
AFP reported:
Prelate Emmanuel III Delly has held his first mass since being made a cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI, drawing an overflowing crowd to a small church in northern Iraq.
Worshippers greeted him with applause and chanting when he entered the Mar Yusef (Saint Joseph) church in the Christian town of Ainkawa near Arbil, capital of Iraq's autonomous Kurdish region, late on Wednesday.
"Pope Benedict XVI told me that he is praying for Iraq. He said to me, 'I am praying for the Iraqis and wish that peace, love and brotherhood unite them into one Iraqi family'," he added.
On Sunday in Baghdad, Cardinal Delly celebrated his first home mass that was broadcast on Iraqi television.
The AP reported:
…Sunday's Mass was a joyful one for more than 200 Iraqis who packed a church in eastern Baghdad to see the first Iraqi cardinal.
Under heavy guard and broadcast live on Iraqi state television, the service was capped by a handshake from a visiting Shiite imam — a symbolic show of unity between Iraq's majority Muslim sect and its tiny Christian community.
Cardinal Emmanuel III Delly, leader of the ancient Chaldean Church, celebrated the two-hour Mass three weeks after Pope Benedict XVI elevated him to the top ranks of the Roman Catholic hierarchy.
…"I came here to show the unity of the Iraqi people," said the black-turbaned imam, Jassim al-Jazairi. "We are happy with the cardinal. We are very proud of any person, whether Christian or Muslim, who raises the name of Iraq in the international arena."
Scott at Powerline also reported on this historic occasion.
Pope Benedict XVI Establishes Cardinal of Baghdad
Hope and Reconciliation Pictured in Iraq
St. Johns in Baghdad Celebrates Its First Mass Since May
Iraq Celebrates New Cardinal – Papal Ceremony Carried Live on TV
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Tourist Places in Deogarh
Deogarh is situated on the boundaries of Marwar, Merwara, and Mewar about 80 miles north-east of Udaipur in the state of Rajasthan. Deogarh is enclosed by Bhil villages whose colourful way of life and celebration of festival is unique. It is located at an altitude of about 2100 feet above sea level and is cooler than other parts of Rajasthan.
Deogarh is a well-known school of miniature paintings and some of the most lovely Deogarh miniatures decorate the personal collection of the present Rawat Sahib. This type of frescoes can be seen on the walls of the fort of Deogarh. Deogarh is a convenient place to organize day trips to the famous Ranakpur Jain temples and Kumbhalgarh fort.
History of Deogarh
Deogarh Mahal stands proudly atop a hill in the Aravalli mountain range amid charming landscapes and several lakes. Deogarh Mahal which is the main attraction at Deogarh was founded in the year 1670 AD by Rawal Dwarka Das Ji as a family residence. The palace gradually became an important point of village activities. The family interacted with the villagers and invited a host of banquets and celebrations to take place within the Mahal confines. The Maharana of Udaipur had honored 'The Rawal', who was the tribal chief among the sixteen umraos (feudal barons). Fiefdom of such feudal estates in those times was conferred by the ruler to the nobles either due to a blood relation or for some act of bravery. Deogarh Palace was transformed into a heritage hotel by the present owner Rawal-Nahar Singh.
Tourist Attractions in Deogarh
Important tourist attraction in Deogarh is the Deogarh Mahal. Deogarh Mahal is a 17th century palace. Deogarh Mahal is located on a hill top and provides an amazing view of the lakes and Aravallis. Deogarh Mahal was converted into a heritage hotel about 3 years ago by the present owner Rawal Nahar Singh. A part of the Mahal is still occupied by his relatives who look after the hotel. Another attraction in Deogarh is the wonderful Dashavatar temple, It is the first north India temple to have a shikhara or spire where only the lower part of the shikhara is present today, It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and belongs to the Gupta period when it was known as the Panchayatan temple.


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French firms to study "environmental impact" of Grand Renaissance Dam
Egypt, Ethiopia, and Sudan have agreed on which firms will carry out studies on the potential impact of Ethiopia's Grand Renaissance Dam on the flow of the Nile, their foreign and water ministers said.
Cairo and Addis Ababa had previously been locked in a bitter war of words over Ethiopia's $4bn project.
But in March, the leaders of the three countries signed a cooperation deal in the Sudanese capital Khartoum that paved the way for a joint approach to regional water supplies.
Following a two-day meeting of Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan's foreign and water ministers, Khartoum's chief diplomat, Ibrahim Ghandour, on Tuesday said two French firms BRL and Artelia had been tapped for the work.
Technical studies will start in February, when the six ministers are due to meet again, and will take between six and 15 months, Moataz Mousa, the Sudanese water minister, said.
The principles in the March agreement included giving priority to downstream countries for electricity generated by the dam, a mechanism for resolving conflicts, and providing compensation for damages.
Signatories also pledged to protect the interests of downstream countries when the dam's reservoir is filled.
Addis Ababa has long complained that Cairo was pressuring donor countries and international lenders to withhold funding from the 6,000 megawatt dam, which is being built by Italy's largest construction firm Salini Impregilo Spa. Read more


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Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Seascape, Two Versions - SOLD
Acrylics on Canvas Panel, 9" x 12"
Acrylics on Canvas Panel, 11" x 14"
I thought we would try a seascape in class this week, so did it twice, to clarify the steps. I am trying the trick from Johannes where you use Super Heavy Gesso for the white, instead of Titanium White paint. It works great, by the way, and if you work in acrylics, and have an art store close by, I'd say Try it.
Which color version do you like better? And do you like the foam over the rock or behind the rock?
Posted by Nel Jansen at 1:32 PM
1 comment:
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Have you been looking for a simple, adorable, totally fantastic wedding invitation?
Look no further! Introducing The Yellowstone!
The Yellowstone is the perfect wedding invitation for someone looking for something fun and simple. Totally customizable, too! From the color of the frame to the size of font on each line, its totally up to you.
Give the Yellowstone a visit, HERE. Available to be your perfect invite, right this second!


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Whenever I get a chance to get a breather, I love going through my photos. Although they might not be posted right after some events happened, they are still right on time in a lot of ways.
Anyway, if you are in any of the pics, thanks for being stellar models and enjoy. This was an awesome event. We need more of this!


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2:00 p.m.
FTA and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) will co-host a webinar, Value Capture and Transportation Projects, that will provide background on economic and implementation considerations and cover strategies such as impact fees, special assessment districts, and air rights sales/leases. FHWA and FTA case studies on these topics will be discussed. Staff will take questions live and through the chat pod following the session.
Presenters include:
- Stefan Natzke, FHWA National Systems and Economic Development Team
- Rabinder Bains, FTA Office of Budget and Policy
- Thay Bishop, FHWA Center for Innovative Finance Support
- Daniel Schned, FTA Office of Budget and Policy
Registration for non-DOT participants:
- Request access to the FHWA External Portal
- Log in using your email address and requested password
- See detailed instructions on how to request an account
- New account requests fulfill in approximately one business day
Federal DOT staff and DOT-badged contractors do not need to register for an account and can directly register for the webinar
This webinar is the second of a three-part series focusing on economic development issues. The final webinar in the series, Understanding Local and Regional Economic Development, will be held at 2 p.m. EST Wednesday, October 11 (registration details to follow).


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So not only did we get an amazing 15-minute preview of Game of Thrones season 4, on February 16, HBO released yet another trailer, appropriately called "Vengeance." There's no better way to start a trailer than by having Arya Stark rattling off her kill list, eh? So many evil people to get through. Though I think she is up to the task.
The 1-minute, 40-second trailer features some brand new footage, giving us a glimpse of all of our favorite characters. Daenerys ruling her own city, Tyrion getting arrested, Oberyn Martell taking on The Mountain, Jon Snow defending the Wall, Sansa in mourning, Joffrey and Margaery tying the knot, Jaime, Brienne, Petyr, Theon, Tywin, Ygritte, Shae, Cersei, Bran, Hodor, oh hey, DRAGON -- of course with an awesome song in "Cities in Dust" by The Everlove (how does Game of Thrones always pick such great music?).
April 6 can't get here soon enough.
Check it out:
Have care if you watch the video on YouTube, as the Internet is dark and full of spoilers (haven't heard that one in a while, eh?).
In the past three seasons, usually episode #9 contained some of the craziest moments -- big battles and big weddings -- but in this season, inspired by the last half of A Storm of Swords, it seems like every episode will feature something that will get us nerd fans pumping with adrenaline and unable to sleep at night (yes, it's that intense). From the Purple Wedding to the battle on the Wall with Jon to Tyrion being in danger of losing his life more than ever to Daenerys trying to rule Meereen, there's no doubt that this season could perhaps even top the third. Unbelievable, but it could happen.
The wait is becoming unbearable, especially with all this new footage being released. Going to be the best spring ever.
And what about that sneak peek of a White Walker?! Totally forgot about the Others, didn't you, in the midst of all the other craziness we've been seeing. (Though that wasn't Cold Hands, was it?) How quickly we forget that ever-looming threat in the North. Maybe one of them will finally eat Joffrey or something?
What are you most looking forward to seeing on Game of Thrones season 4?
Image via GameofThrones/YouTube


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Rival Schools: Dinis TOWER PREP v Spencers MORNING GLORIES
It used to be that if you were a gifted, but troubled, young person there was just one institute of higher learning in Westchester, NY, that you could attend to not only develop the skills that make you special, but to learn and grow as a person. However, times have changed. Two new schools have opened, both elite academies with state of the art facilities, sterling reputations and a sinister dark side. Tower Preparatory School, of the Paul Dini (Batman: The Animated Series) created television series Tower Prep and the Morning Glory Academy of Nick Spencer and Joe Eisma's Image comic Morning Glories choose only the best students and promise them the world; if, that is, they survive the curriculum. So, in an inter-media inter-mural match, how do the evil schools of the twenty-first century stack up against each other?
Tower Prep: Underachieving martial arts expert Ian Archer often went looking for trouble just to get a chance to exert some control over his world. Gifted with 'preflexes,' he can see a moment into the future and react faster then any normal person could. Kidnapped in the night to Tower Prep, he is promised a chance to develop his ability; he is willing to play along until he can find a way out.
Morning Glory Academy: Physics prodigy Casey Blevins learns quickly that her free ride scholarship to the Morning Glory Academy came with a terrible personal price. Her first few days at the school greeted her with fear, pain, homicidal roommates and challenging physics trivia. She must trust her new friends and the guerrilla prankster skills her father taught her not just to escape but to survive.
Dean's List
Tower Prep: A small group of students quickly recruits Ian Archer into their plans for escape, adding his skills to their own complement of abilities to covertly to investigate their school while maintaining the image of rule abiding students. Nerdy Gabe's power of persuasion can talk people into doing anything, C.J., a model student and a popular girl in school, can read people's body language to the smallest twitch, and shy tech-head Suki can mimic any voice she's heard and replicate any handwriting she's seen.
Morning Glory Academy: The six newest students at MGA have almost nothing in common other than all being strangers together in a strange land. Tough and focused Jun seems to have his own agenda, flirty Zoe maybe only pretends not to care, Hunter is a geek with a sense of adventure, borderline sociopath Ike looks forward to new targets for manipulation and poetic, emotional 'Jade' is looking inward for herself.
Tower Prep: Not much is known is about the building complex that composes the school, other than it has been in operation for decades and is managed by an artificial intelligence who's true allegiance is unknown. It has the standard complement of dorms, a cafeteria, a library, a prison for rule breaking students called the 'west campus' and a gym for the school's unique intramural sport, Buffer, which is a played between three teams simultaneously on rollerblades with lacrosse/hockey sticks.
Morning Glory Academy: Open for only fourteen years inside a 250-year-old monastery, MGA is littered with secret rooms, dungeons and laboratories. Plenty of space for weird ancient rituals, experiments on students and mysterious humming artifacts.
Tower Prep: While the school's AI handles the maintenance, scheduling and even the cooking in the cafeteria, the teachers and senior staff are all known only by their titles, (i.e. Nurse, Headmaster) or the subjects they teach i.e. the history teacher is only known as "History." It is also revealed that they are all alumni of Tower Prep themselves and likely have abilities of their own.
Morning Glory Academy: The faculty of MGA is anchored by Miss Daramount, a member of the school's senior staff and a teacher of several subjects. Apart from a wide array of knowledge including chemistry and physics, Miss Daramount also holds a disregard for human life that she uses to get the best from, or occasionally literally out of, her students.
Post Graduate Placement
Tower Prep: Although it is unclear where Tower Prep graduates actually graduate to, from the rigorous coursework and specialized training used to develop each student's ability, it appears grads are taught that their talents make them special and that uniqueness gives them the right to seize power for their own sake and for those like them.
Morning Glory Academy: Though its advertising boasts that grads are likely to earn placement into top universities, it's likely that such boasts are either false or that the experience of attending Morning Glory Academy is either universally transforming or fatal.
Conclusion: Attend Greendale Community College with the cast of Community; what Greendale lacks in prestige is made up for in survivability. Unless there's another zombie outbreak, or course.Which school would you rather attend?


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If passed, the Texas Animal Health Commission would be authorized to adopt federal regulations, including requiring every chicken to have a permanent leg band with a unique identification number when it is sold or moved to a new location. The agency would also be authorized to adopt whatever federal animal ID regulations are created in the future, including new regulations on horses, sheep, goats, cattle, bison, and more.
The passage of this bill would create a substantial time and cost burden for small farmers, ultimately making it more difficult for them to remain viable sources of local food for the community.
Please call your State Senator to oppose SB 1233! Click on the post for more details.


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Custom Analytics and Visualization Website with Cryptocurrency
Budget $250-750 USD
Looking for a expert regarding the best combination of front-end & back-end platforms for a website, which would allow users to perform custom queries and visualizations in the following scenario:
- Website collects a large amount of time-series data from different sources (e.g., crypto, forex) and save them in a database.
- Users of the website can access the database through an easy-to-use UI Query Builder.
- Users can create and save custom variables, such as: "20-period moving averages", "10-period standard deviations".
- Users can create and save custom queries, such as "Top ten currencies with the highest 20-period moving averages", "Top ten currencies with the lowest 10-period standard deviations", "Top ten currencies with the highest 20-period moving averages AND the lowest 10-period standard deviations".
- Users can create and save custom graphs with custom axes, such as X-axis: "20-period moving averages", and Y-axis: "10-period standard deviations".
If you are an expert in integrating TSDB/QB/VT and are available for a consultation, please briefly describe which TSDB/QB/VT combination would you recommend. We can follow-up with a more in-depth discussion of pros and cons of different alternatives either through (Removed by Freelancer.com Admin)
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Sunday, December 8, 2013
Ornament Exchange
19 comments:
- Karen said...
They are lovely, what a nice exchange.
- December 8, 2013 at 10:59 PM
- The Quintessential Magpie said...
Very, Very cute things, Lynn! Loved seeing what was in the swap!
- December 8, 2013 at 11:35 PM
- Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouse said...
Those snowmen are darling!
- December 9, 2013 at 1:14 AM
- Lynn@Happier Than a Pig in Mud said...
Your new ornaments are adorable Linda! I see a lot of folks decorating with a snowman theme this year-enjoy:@)
- December 9, 2013 at 5:13 AM
- Vickie @ Ranger 911 said...
A sweet package indeed and I can't wait to see the whole pink and white tree!
- December 9, 2013 at 6:56 AM
Love those snowmen! Perfect gifts that you will love forever.
- December 9, 2013 at 7:04 AM
- Cecilia said...
Those snowmen are adorable! I have loved being a part of the exchange!
- December 9, 2013 at 9:04 AM
- Cheri said...
that is a cute exchange to do...never heard of it before. Learn something all the time.
- December 9, 2013 at 9:59 AM
- bj said...
How adorable are these....great gifts. I love Christmas Swaps...:)
- December 9, 2013 at 10:12 AM
- Tuula McPhee said...
Oh those snowmen are just adorable. I've loved participating in this exchange. Such fun!
- December 9, 2013 at 10:32 AM
- Stephanie said...
The snowmen are absolutely adorable! It's been such fun seeing when everyone received :) Have a lovely Monday. Hugs and blessings!
- December 9, 2013 at 12:54 PM
- ~Lavender Dreamer~ said...
I've never done a swap but they always look like such fun! I love your goodies! Enjoy your week my friend and Sis!
- December 9, 2013 at 1:04 PM
- Vicky Hunt said...
Too cute! Seems many of us have a love of snowmen! I am so glad you enjoyed the sxchange and thanks for signing up! Looking forward to next year....Vicky
Life On Willie Mae Lane
- December 9, 2013 at 5:58 PM
- Pam~ Virginia Retro said...
How cute are they! & so perfect for your tree. Everything she sent is great. Love a good swap!
- December 9, 2013 at 6:54 PM
- Kathe said...
Everything is so sweet! Just perfect for your tree :-) I hope to join in on an exchange next year. Too much going on this year unfortunately.
- December 9, 2013 at 7:48 PM
- Chatty Crone said...
Sounds like you got in a good exchange - I love your ornaments.
Say is spell check working on your blog comments?
- December 9, 2013 at 8:20 PM
- Jeanna said...
I love snowmen! The ornaments you received are so sweet.
Now I'm off to the ones you gifted :)
- December 9, 2013 at 8:34 PM
- Savannah Granny said...
what a sweet gift and they look lovely on your tree.
Blessings, Ginger
- December 9, 2013 at 8:38 PM
- Debbie Harris said...
Those are adorable ornaments!
I too was a part of the exchange though I do not have a blog. I have met some of you dear ladies through my daughter at theenchantingrose, and it has been a blessing. I must come and visit again.
Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones. Debbie
- December 10, 2013 at 1:13 PM


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New Delhi, Feb 27: Terming as "outlandish and bizarre" the statement of Chuck Hagel, the new US Defence Secretary, that India has financed problems for Pakistan in Afghanistan, BJP today asked the government to exert diplomatic pressure on Washington for unconditional withdrawal of his statement.
The statement given by Hagel that India has financed problems in Pakistan is "outlandish, bizarre and baseless," BJP spokesperson Rajiv Pratap Rudy said.
He also expressed surprise over Hagel giving a clean to Pakistan, which has harboured in the backyard of its military base al-Qaeda chief Osama Bin Laden, who was responsible for killing of more than 5000 Americans in the World Trade Centre attack.
"BJP is concerned at the indifference of the Indian government by not reacting to Hagel. BJP demands that Government of India uses its diplomatic pressure to see that Mr Chuck Hagel retracts his statement unconditionally," Rudy said.
Hagel had made the remarks during a speech at Oklahoma's Cameron University in 2011, which has surfaced now. "India for some time has always used Afghanistan as a second front, and India has over the years financed problems for Pakistan on that side of the border," the former Republican Senator had said.
His remarks are considered in sharp contrast to viewpoint of Obama Administration that has always been in praise of India's developmental role in Afghanistan and in fact has been pressing New Delhi to do more in Afghanistan.
Reacting to this, the Indian Embassy in Washington had said, "Such comments attributed to Senator Hagel, who has been a long-standing friend of India and a prominent votary of close India-US relations, are contrary to the reality of India's unbounded dedication to the welfare of Afghan people".


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roman and greks have AI suport??? sorrry for my english:-) is bad:-)
Wildfire Games has released quite possibly the largest mod for "Age of Empires II: The Conquerors", featuring the replacement of the Meso-American civilizations of the Aztecs and the Mayans with the Romans and Greeks. With over 30,000 downloads and featured on the cover disks of PC Powerplay from Australia and GameStar from Germany. Both are leading gaming magazines. Now you too can build an empire on the backs of your enemies!
This download is the scenario version of Rome at War (requires Mod Pack Studio Lite 2.0 or later).
Mod Pack Studio must be installed in order to run the RaW Mod Pack. You can download either:
Note: Both versions of MPS will install either version of RaW.
Download and unzip the RaW Mod Pack to the destination of your choice.
The following files must then be placed in the specific sub-folders of your "Age of Empires 2" directory installation.
Note it might be wise to rename the original language_x1.dll file before you drag it into the folder instead of replacing it. This will enable you to return back to the original 'language' of terms used in the game anytime you wish by simply swapping the names of the files.
Note that .dll files might be 'hidden' when you view them in the zip file and even when you extract them. To view and move the hidden files you must go to My Computer => Tools => Folder Options. Then go to the view tab and in the advanced settings you must select the option that allows you to "Show hidden files and folders".
Double-click WFSRaWScnv2.akx in your RaW folder to run MPS.
A small window will appear, displaying the text "Wait while MPS installs this modpack".
Another small window will appear, with two icons and the text "This modpack can be used with multiple versions of AOK. Please select the version to run now". Select "The Conquerors". The mod will now begin.
When you exit the game, all the visual mod features (not the sound, history, or names) will be removed by MPS, and the original game data will be restored. Use this method if you do not wish to permanently modify your installation of AoK.
If you wish to integrate the mod into your copy of the game, so that it is not removed on exit:
To remove a permanent installation of the RaW mod, either reinstall Age of Kings: The Conquerors, or follow these steps:
roman and greks have AI suport??? sorrry for my english:-) is bad:-)
How do I install this mod?
You can click "read more" in the download description or visit WildfireGames.com for installation instructions.
the Mod Pack Studio Lite 2.0 can't be installed on windows vista 64 bits?
i downloaded it and then installed it but all it says is,UNEXPECTED ERROR-#70, permission denied, on line 140
Extract the files, then launch, genius.
Hi im new to the mod db community and this mod looks amazing. but i have a problem INSTALLING I have extracted the files in to my age of conquerors but it says "this mod requires that age of empires: The conquerors be installed mps light will now abort installation" :( please help
I want to play the game with this mod but i can't install the Mod Pack Studio Lite 2.0 and Mod Pack Studio 2.0.... I'm with 64bit Vista..
Yes same problem
got same problem :(
i cant unzip any of the Mod Pack Studio Lite 2.0 or Mod Pack Studio 2.0
im using windows 7 32 bit.
i think the file is corrupt.
if so could some one point me to a working one
Those statues look familiar...Are they from Ceaser III?
cool mod
its doesnt workin for me YYYYYYYY?
i luv it
I downloaded and read the instructions and double-clicked on WFSRaWScnv2.akh, and after a window where I click AOE 2 Tkhe Konkerors Ehpansion again called okeo where it says "Please insert the correct CD-ROM, select OK and restart application"
Please help me what to do?
Thanks in advance.
looks get house HD awesome.
I've done all that is asked to install the mod, the game starts up and everything, but i need to know if this is a just a unit and structures mod or if there are playable missions. I ask this because I do not see any extra campaigns or anything in the custom scenario section. Please reply. Thanks.
Hello, can I play this Mod in 1980x1080 ???
I feel stupid. How the heck u download from this site?I done clicked on every inch of this page with no result. SOS.
Only registered members can share their thoughts. So come on! Join the community today (totally free - or sign in with your social account on the right) and join in the conversation.


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Nicholas, June 13th, 2018. Flooring, Pros And Cons Of Linoleum Flooring – Home Flooring Ideas.
What we have here is the gallery of Pros And Cons Of Linoleum Flooring – Home Flooring Ideas, there are 17 images to inspire you such as floor design linoleum tile flooring ideas blue white colors, pros cons linoleum flooring wood finish home flooring ideas, living room light grey brown natural flooring ideas linoleum tile flooring, eco friendly flooring ideas linoleum recycable floor tiles, linoleum wood finish home flooring ideas eco friendly materials, and many others. Just cick the thumbnail bellow to see more images in high resolution.
All content published under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.
All the rights of image and video that are in this site are reserved by their respective owners.
Home • Contact • Sitemap • Privacy Policy • Term of Service • Copyright/IP PolicyCopyright © Nicholascjohnson 2013 – All Rights Reserved.


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Used 2014 Lexus IS 250
- MAKE:Lexus
- BODY TYPE:Sedan
- ENGINE:Premium Unleaded V-6 2.5 L/152
- TRANS:Automatic
- LOCATION:San Antonio
- EXT COLOR:Starfire Pearl
- INT COLOR:Parchment
- MPG:21 city / 30 hwy
*Please note: we update our inventory daily. Please check with dealer to confirm vehicle availability.
Sellers Comments
FUEL EFFICIENT 30 MPG Hwy/21 MPG City! Excellent Condition, GREAT MILES 50,803! Navigation, Sunroof, Heated Seats, Keyless Start, iPod/MP3 Input, Dual Zone A/C, CD Player, Satellite Radio, WHEELS: 18 ALUMINUM ALLOY SEE MORE!KEY FEATURES INCLUDESatellite Radio, iPod/MP3 Input, CD Player, Keyless Start, Dual Zone A/C MP3 Player, Sunroof, Keyless Entry, Steering Wheel Controls, Child Safety Locks.OPTION PACKAGESNAVIGATION PACKAGE Lexus Enform, SafetyConnect, which includes automatic collision notification, stolen vehicle location, enhanced roadside assistance, destination assist, eDestination and apps suite, Telematics, remote, Rear Back-Up Camera, XM NavTraffic/XM NavWeather, XM sports, stocks and fuel prices, Navigation System, PREMIUM PACKAGE Climate Control Seats, LED Headlamps, WHEELS: 18 ALUMINUM ALLOY 5 spoke 18 x 8.0 front, 18 x 8.5 rear, Tires: Summer P225/40R18 Front/P255/35/R18 Rear, BLIND SPOT MONITOR W/REAR CROSS TRAFFIC ALERT, INTUITIVE PARKING ASSIST front and rear sensors. Lexus IS 250 with Starfire Pearl exterior and Parchment interior features a V6 Cylinder Engine with 204 HP at 6400 RPM*. Low Miles, Great Color, Local Trade.WHY BUY FROM USNorth Park Lexus at Dominion is an Elite of Lexus dealership in San Antonio and the first resort-style luxury dealership in the nation. Everyone at Lexus Dominion is committed to providing our guests with the highest level of customer service. Experience Amazing at North Park Lexus at Dominion, the premier Lexus dealership serving San Antonio, Boerne, Helotes and beyond!Pricing analysis performed on 12/15/2018. Horsepower calculations based on trim engine configuration. Fuel economy calculations based on original manufacturer data for trim engine configuration. Please confirm the accuracy of the included equipment by calling us prior to purchase.
- WHEELS: 18 ALUMINUM ALLOY -inc: 5 spoke 18 x 8.0 front 18 x 8.5 rear Tires: Summer P225/40R18 Front/P255/35/R18 Rear
- NAVIGATION PACKAGE -inc: Lexus Enform SafetyConnect which includes automatic collision notification stolen vehicle location enhanced roadside assistance destination assist eDestination (subscription required) and apps suite Telematics (subscription required) remote Rear Back-Up Camera XM NavTraffic/XM NavWeather (subscription required) XM sports stocks and fuel prices Navigation System DVD Player
- INTUITIVE PARKING ASSIST -inc: front and rear sensors
- PREMIUM PACKAGE -inc: Climate Control Seats LED Headlamps
- PREFERRED ACCESSORY PACKAGE -inc: Cargo Net Trunk Mat Wheel Locks
- Rear Wheel Drive
- Power Steering
- 4-Wheel Disc Brakes
- Brake Assist
- Aluminum Wheels
- Tires - Front Performance
- Tires - Rear Performance
- Temporary Spare Tire
- Sun/Moonroof
- Generic Sun/Moonroof
- Heated Mirrors
- Power Mirror(s)
- Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors
- Rear Defrost
- Intermittent Wipers
- Variable Speed Intermittent Wipers
- Daytime Running Lights
- HID headlights
- Automatic Headlights
- Headlights-Auto-Leveling
- Fog Lamps
- AM/FM Stereo
- CD Player
- Satellite Radio
- MP3 Player
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- HD Radio
- Steering Wheel Audio Controls
- Bluetooth Connection
- Bucket Seats
- Power Driver Seat
- Power Passenger Seat
- Driver Adjustable Lumbar
- Pass-Through Rear Seat
- Rear Bench Seat
- Adjustable Steering Wheel
- Trip Computer
- Power Windows
- Leather Steering Wheel
- Keyless Entry
- Power Door Locks
- Keyless Start
- Universal Garage Door Opener
- Cruise Control
- Climate Control
- Multi-Zone A/C
- Premium Synthetic Seats
- Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror
- Driver Vanity Mirror
- Passenger Vanity Mirror
- Driver Illuminated Vanity Mirror
- Passenger Illuminated Visor Mirror
- Floor Mats
- Security System
- Engine Immobilizer
- Traction Control
- Stability Control
- Front Side Air Bag
- Telematics
- Tire Pressure Monitor
- Driver Air Bag
- Passenger Air Bag
- Front Head Air Bag
- Rear Head Air Bag
- Passenger Air Bag Sensor
- Rear Side Air Bag
- Knee Air Bag
- Child Safety Locks
- No information on specs available.
Vehicle Location
North Park Lexus at Dominion
21531 IH 10 West
San Antonio, Texas 78257


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Lenovo YOGA 710 Convertible Laptop
Flip your laptop all the way, with the ease and flexibility of Lenovo innovative craftmanship. This Lenovo Yoga computer is one of the most popular and durable laptops you can get your hands on. Looking for a cheap laptop? Then get this brand new laptop for pennies.


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Friend's Email:
Subject: I have found a CD that I think you would enjoy
|Luther Vandross
The Best of Luther Vandross
Genres: Blues, Pop, R&B, Rock
The classiest of R&B's lover men, Luther Vandross eschews the sweaty soul intensity of his predecessors for a silky-smooth sound that achieves its romantic aims nonetheless. In the hands of a lesser artist, Vandross's narr... more »
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CD Details
Amazon.com essential recording
The classiest of R&B's lover men, Luther Vandross eschews the sweaty soul intensity of his predecessors for a silky-smooth sound that achieves its romantic aims nonetheless. In the hands of a lesser artist, Vandross's narrow focus on love songs would seem restrictive, but he somehow finds endlessly entertaining ways of conveying simple messages like "I love you," "I miss you," and "Why did you leave me?" The Best of Love is just that--a 20-song retrospective that clocks Vandross's brilliant career through its first decade, including such gems as his gorgeous reworking of the Bacharach-David chestnut "A House Is Not a Home," Smokey Robinson's "Since I Lost My Baby," and his own early hit "Never Too Much." Vandross was a staple on the R&B charts throughout the '80s, but the set culminates with "Here and Now," his 1989 crossover smash. Since then, Luther has belonged to everyone; this set shows it should have been that way all along. --Daniel Durchholz
Similarly Requested CDs
CD Reviews
Excellent introduction/summary of Luther's '80's work
Robert Johnson | Richmond, KY USA | 08/02/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Although Luther was really more of an album artist in the eighties (and please note that each of his eighties are worth owning in their own right!), however, he did manage to rack up a very impressive amount of hits on Billboard's R&B chart during this time. Although THE BEST OF LOVE understandably doesn't have the cohesion of Luther's proper eighties discs, it is an excellent introduction/summary of the man at his creative peak.
The hits included are "Never Too Much" (#33 Pop, #1 R&B, #4 Dance), "Bad Boy/Having A Party" (#55 Pop, #3 R&B), "If This World Were Mine" (#4 R&B), "Since I Lost My Baby" (#17 R&B), "Superstar/Until You Come Back To Me" (#4 R&B), "Til My Baby Comes Home" (#29 Pop, #4 R&B), "Give Me The Reason" (#57 Pop, #3 R&B), "Stop To Love" (#15 Pop, #1 R&B, #7 Adult Contemporary), "There's Nothing Better Than Love" (#50 Pop, #1 R&B, #20 Adult Contemporary), "I Really Didn't Mean It" (#6 R&B), and "Any Love" (#44 Pop, #1 R&B, #12 Adult Contemporary).
There are a few great lower-charting singles included, "Promise Me" (#72 R&B), "If Only For One Night/Creepin'" (#59 R&B), and "So Amazing" (#94 R&B). Also of note is the inclusion of the two singles that Luther recorded with the group Change, the anthem "Searching" and the often-sampled "Glow of Love," which is what led to Luther landing his solo recording contract with Columbia. There are also two non-single covers, "A House Is Not A Home" and "Love Won't Let Me Wait," that nonetheless became classics in their own right.
It is worth noting that there are some singles that are missing from the set, and a few of them were actually significant hits. Charting singles that are absent include "Don't You Know That" (#10 R&B), "Sugar and Spice" (#72 R&B), "How Many Times Can We Say Goodbye" (#27 Pop, #7 R&B, #4 Adult Contemporary), "I Let You Slide" (#9 R&B), "It's Over Now" (#4 R&B), "Wait For Love" (#11 R&B), "She Won't Talk To Me" (#30 Pop, #3 R&B, #17 Adult Contemporary), and "For You To Love" (#3 R&B). While all of the missing songs are also very good, the rest of the material is so terrific that their absence will not be noticeable while listening to this album. Although I would like to see this set remastered with a few of the above tracks re-inserted as bonus tracks.
There are also two then-newly recorded tracks as well. As most people know, it was first of these, the gorgeous "Here and Now" (#6 Pop, #1 R&B, #3 Adult Contemporary), that proved to be Luther's first major introduction to mainstream audiences. The other song, "Treat You Right" (#5 R&B), isn't as well known, but is almost as good. The two new hits helped send THE BEST OF LOVE to #26 on the Hot 200, and it reached the impressive Triple-Platinum status in sales.
Luther. The Legend. The Music.
Clarissa Bolding | Austin, TX USA | 07/03/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Luther. He was known by one name. He was known for his voice. He was known as the master balladeer of love. Instantly recognized from the very first note. Silky. Smooth. Sensual. Soulful. Spiritual. Sophisticated. Surreal. Words simply cannot do justice to the voice and presence Luther Vandross possessed. So many people grew up on his music. Lived and loved to his music. First kisses. First slow dances. First heartbreaks. Weddings. Births. Other life transitions. Luther's music served as a constant soundtrack for so many special, life affecting events. It still does and always will.
The music of Luther Vandross has inspired so many. Lyrically, he could express emotions and give illustrations to feelings we've all shared but may not have known how to convey to another. Vocally, his delivery was nothing less than perfection. No one could sing a love song like Luther. He owned a passion and fire that could both scorch and soothe the very heart and soul. His voice, no, his instrument could be soft as a light spring rain or as strong and powerful as gusting winds whipping nature into frenzy. And he did it all seamlessly. Effortlessly. This man we all knew and loved like he was a part of our family. This man we would watch in awe as he glided across world stages impeccably dressed from head to toe, exuding complete class and style. This man who could turn a riff or ad lib into an emotional experience. This man who could bring tears to eyes and make heart's skip beats all from one note.
Live, Luther would send chill on top of chill through his female fans and have them screaming for more. And men weren't too far from doing the same. The things Luther Vandross could do with that instrument of his can never be duplicated. He was one of a kind. And that is an understatement. After all, it was Luther's music often played in house parties and romantic evenings between couples. It was Luther's music that is the reason many of us are on the planet now. Songs like "Since I Lost My Baby" encompassed the emotion felt over a lost love. "Superstar/ Until you Come Back to Me" or "A House Is Not a Home" were tour de forces that cut deep into the hearts of those longing for that true, lasting love. The catalogue of ballads and songs that made us feel everything from joy to pain and want to dance, sit in reflection, or simply in awe, is endless.
We are blessed to still have his music and it will indeed live on for love lives on. This collection is a MUST HAVE. Simply put.
The world lost a voice of gold but heaven truly has gained an angel. Luther, your presence in this world will be missed. You are a part of our hearts and you will always remain. It was "So Amazing" to experience the "Power of Love" through your God-given instrument and "Never too Much" for us. "Here and Now" we all know you are dancing with your father. Again. Rest in peace.
With Love,
The Essential Luther
Roger A. Sneed | Nashville, TN United States | 07/13/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Simply put, this collection is a must-have. Before Brian McKnight, before Maxwell and Chico and Kenny, and before all these so-called singers who are as subtle as a neon sign, there was Luther. There was That Voice, capable of making people swoon and fall in love simply by singing the phone book. This double-cd set showcases the best Luther Vandross has to offer, with subtle reworkings of some of his hits (listen to the original versions of some of the songs and you'll note that there have been some additional background work done). Unfortunately, there have been a couple of songs that are not included, like "Wait for Love" or "Forever, For Always, For Love," songs that would have strengthened an already classic compilation. Their omission does not detract from the set, though. Ultimately, this is truly the best of Luther, the best of love"


text: Featuring 100 well-loved children's books, Starting with Stories has more than 1,500 activities to actively engage every learning style. Choose one of the books to read together and enhance the experience using the many ideas for learning centers, activities, and literacy experiences. Connect with children's eight multiple intelligences through creative and engaging math, art, dramatic play, fine motor, writing, blocks, science, and discovery activities—everything you need to bring the magic of good books to all areas of your busy classroom.


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Annelise Atkinson joined me at the Nottingham Writers' Studio on the 18 January for a discussion on zines. Annelise runs the Caribou Caravan, a specialist boutique that makes and sells zines, cards, reconditioned typewriters and my personal favourite, cups with moustaches. The caravan is currently situated in Hopkinson's Gallery but will soon be leaving to visit various arts and craft fairs up-and-down the country.
I invited Annelise to the studio for two reasons. Firstly, she's an independent business and so needs as much support as possible. Being aware of various literature organisations and marketing herself more specifically to writers and readers could be essential for her survival. I've since been in contact with Ross Bradshaw to see if we can hold a similar discussion at Lowdham Book Festival. At first, I think Annelise was a little bit sceptical and thought I was after some kind of introduction fee for helping her out. Quite simply, I think what's she's doing is fantastic and I'd like to try and support her as much as possible. Independent businesses are closing down at an alarming rate in Nottingham – Lilly and Pinks being the latest – so unless we all pull together in whatever way we can, we're destined for a bland city centre comprising of Tescos, Tescos and Tescos.
Secondly, it was an appropriate discussion for the studio as zines are a really viable option for writers at various stages of their career, something we tend to forget in the digital age. Zines offer collaboration with artists, encourage writers to be focussed through niche and specific topics, give experience of production and publishing, are accessible and affordable, can be used to promote work through spin-offs (thoughts from a character in your latest novel/poetry collection/extract from book etc) but most importantly, offer the opportunity of publication.
I was bought a Kindle for Christmas and I hate it. Functionally, it can't be knocked. It holds loads of books and you can quickly search terms and phrases which are useful for research. But it's an ugly brute. There is nothing magical or beautiful about it. Zines, on the other hand, are produced with love. They conjure the aura and essence that Walter Benjamin wrote of and are a reminder of the importance of the physical relationship we have when reading. Texture, touch and smell are just as important as words. That's why we judge a book by its cover – and the kindle cover is generic.
Generally speaking zines take ages to make, any profit is negligible, they are produced in small runs and are read by a small niche audience. There's something gorgeously futile about them – at least in relation to today's values. But it would be a mistake to see them purely as an antidote to the Facebook generation as a lot use social networking websites for submissions or to promote work. Flicking through the zines reminded me of childhood and the excitement of waiting for my comic to come through the letterbox at 7am on a Saturday morning. You just don't get that excitement with digital technology. You may have the world at your fingertips but there's nothing tangible in your hand. That's why there's going to be a resurgence in zines. I hope.
Read an interview with Annelise Atkinson


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I'm reading a book by John C. Maxwell and anyone who has read any of Maxwell's books knows that he quotes almost everyone. Here is one that caught my attention:
"There are risks and costs to a program of action, but they are far less than the long-range risks and costs of comfortable inaction."
– John F. Kennedy
Maxwell commented, "Procrastination is too high a price for fear of failure."
Well, my thought is this – A healthy, optimistic fear proceeds with caution and may even experience a setback, but defeating, pessimistic fear paralyzes and keeps one from giving his best potential.
If we fear failure so much that it paralyzes us and we procrastinate, we are impotent as leaders.
I say, FORWARD!!!
Filed under: Encouragement, Leadership | 2 Comments »


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University Of Glasgow Year Abroad
For current Glasgow students, there are various exciting opportunities available to study or work abroad.
International scholarships for single or joint honours Politics/International Relations students are now available.
These will support exchanges of undergraduate students with Gadjah Mada University in Indonesia for one semester.
These scholarships come under the ERASMUS + International Credit Mobility scheme.
Candidates may apply for:
- Semester 1 (September 2017 – January 2018) or
- Semester 2 in (February-June 2018).
What is the Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility scheme?
For over 25 years, the European Union has funded the Erasmus programme, which has enabled over three million European students to spend part of their studies at another partner higher education institution in another Erasmus programme country (EU; EEA; Turkey).
The Erasmus+ programme now opens up these opportunities, allowing for mobility from and to other parts of the world. This action also supports mobility of staff (teaching or training).
For more information download Erasmus+ FAQ document.
Who can participate?
To be eligible for the exchange, candidates must be undergraduate students intending to study single or joint honours Politics/International Relations and due to commence Single or Joint Honours Politics in September 2017 at the University of Glasgow.
Candidates will be selected on the basis of academic merit and overall motivation.
University Of Glasgow Year Abroad
What funding is available?
Funding is for one semester (5 months).
Successful candidates will qualify for an Erasmus+ grant of €650 (approx. £481) per month towards living expenses. In addition travel expenses will be covered to the maximum of €1100 (approx. £800) per participant.
Candidates will receive, travel grant and 80% of living expenses grant prior to departure. 20% of the living expenses grant will be paid on return.
Application process
- 12th October – 4th December 2016: Prepare and submit your application.
- 4th December 2016: Deadline to submit your application.
- January to mid-February 2017: Selection of candidates.
- End of February 2017: Announcement to students.
- Early March 2017: Nomination to the partner Institutions.
Applicants should ensure that their Exchange application and course selection at their chosen partner is approved by their Student Mobility Coordinator.
Applicants should submit their application online. The online form will be available from 31 October 2016.
Enquiries can be submitted to firstname.lastname@example.com
The University of Glasgow has a long established and diverse international exchange programme giving you an exciting opportunity to see other parts of the world whilst studying for your degree.
University Of Glasgow Year Abroad
Erasmus+ exchange: Lyle, France
Erasmus+ exchange: Ksenia, Granada, Spain
International exchange: Laurynas, NTU, Singapore
Erasmus+ exchange: Shannon, Amsterdam
International exchange: Jane, Grand Canyon, USA
International exchange: Anca, China
Erasmus+ exchange: Lyle, France
Erasmus+ exchange: Ksenia, Granada, Spain
Have you ever thought about seeing the world while you complete your degree?
Looking for an inspiring, confidence-boosting and even life-changing experience?
Our long-established and prestigious study abroad programmes can offer you exciting opportunities. From Europe and the USA, to Asia and Australia, the world is yours to explore.
Why should I study abroad?
Each year many University of Glasgow students complete part of their degree in another country, exploring different cultures and lifestyles by studying or working abroad. Take this opportunity to study abroad:
- explore the world as part of your degree: no need for a gap year
- develop a new perspective on your studies
- develop a more international outlook
- travel to new and amazing places
- go on a journey of personal development
- make lifelong friends from all over the world
- enhance your CV to make you stand out
- support and recognition for your study through the programme
- no additional tuition fees.