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An illegal gas fitter who carried out dangerous work on a gas fire in Colchester has been fined over £10,000.
Kevin Cook, 55, trading as Team Electric, installed a gas fire at a house in Rowhedge, Colchester, in August 2010, although he was not registered to undertake gas work and had no experience of doing so.
Colchester Magistrates' Court heard last week that Cook had been undertaking general building work to the property. He then installed the gas fire despite not being a Gas Safe Registered engineer, but was seen by the householders. When questioned he told them a registered engineer had put the gas pipe in and he was just assembling the fire.
A few months after installation the residents noticed the pilot light wasn't working and asked a Gas Safe Registered engineer to service the fire. He classed it as immediately dangerous and disconnected the gas supply. The fire had not been installed in accordance with the manufacturers' instructions and the flue had not been connected to the fire, risking carbon monoxide poisoning and potential fatal consequences.
Cook, trading as Team Electric, now temporarily living at Waterville Mews in Colchester, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(2) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and Regulations 3(3) and 27(1) of the Gas Safety Installation and Use Regulations 1998.
He was fined £7,000 and ordered to pay £1,753 in costs for the Regulation 3(3) breach. No penalties were imposed for the other charges. In addition, Cook was ordered to pay compensation of £1,644 to the householders.
After the hearing, Health & Safety Executive (HSE) inspector Vicky Fletcher said: "Anyone fitting a gas appliance needs to be registered with the appropriate approved body to work legally. Cook defied this requirement and endangered lives with an installation that he was not competent or legally allowed to install. He failed, among other things, to connect the flue to the fire, and as a result he placed the householders and their guests at risk from carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be fatal.
"Every year around 15 people die from CO poisoning caused by gas appliances and flues that have not been properly installed, maintained or that are poorly ventilated. Badly fitted and poorly serviced gas appliances can cause fires, explosions, gas leaks and carbon monoxide poisoning. Homeowners should always request ID and check their engineer is properly accredited."
Paul Johnston, chief executive of Gas Safe Register, added: "Every Gas Safe registered engineer has an ID which shows who they are and the type of appliances they are qualified to work on.
"We always encourage the public to check the card and, if they have any concerns about the gas safety of any work which is carried out, to speak to us. Every year we inspect and investigate thousands of reports to ensure they are safe and that the work has been carried out by those qualified to do it."
Gas Safe Register can be contacted on 0800 408 5500, or online via their website at www.gassaferegister.co.uk.
Further information about gas safety can be found online at www.hse.gov.uk/gas.


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To learn techniques, tool usage, and design principals, we'll all be collectively constructing a 12' long cabin on a lot near the beach, one that will have a wood stove in the end run, and which will incorporate a good deal of salvaged material in the build. Alongside the cabin, we'll build a small deck, pallet chairs, a workbench, and much more! Its going to be A LOT OF FUN! Decor and color-wise, we can have fun with this too!
NOTE: REALLY IMPORTANT! (that's why I made the font larger!) Please make sure you can attend before you sign up, as with a workshop so close, we can't refund your fees if you should decide not to, or cannot make it for whatever reason- we WILL however give you a credit for a future workshop (don't worry, there will be many)- this way you're not at a loss. Thanks!

subset: commoncrawl


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today is cranky day.
today, i rebel and i refuse.
today, i don't want to do things the way i know i ought to.
fuck doing something new. fuck taking action. i have a friend who insists that action is greater than inaction. but i'll tell you right now that taking action SUCKS. inaction is easier. inaction means you don't get hurt as quickly.
taking action, well - it hurts sometimes. and you feel like an ass sometimes. and then you wanna sit in a corner with your stash of guilty-pleasure snacks and/or a nice bottle of something and not move til everyone around you has forgotten that you even existed in the first place, never mind forgetting what you did.
and there's no one you can apologise to, because really you're the only one that hurts and you did it to yourself anyhow, and then when you're curled up in the corner you say things to to yourself like, well, i guess i'm just a fucking idiot, why the fuck did i do that, that was so dumb, stupid, stupid, stupid, now don't ever do anything that retarded ever again, no, actually, NEVER do anything again EVER.
and then you feel like crap.
and the next time you throw inaction out the window, and oh, look! it backfired on you AGAIN! well, now you're just all kinds of idiot for not listening to yourself when you said not to do anything again ever. serves you right, dumb-butt, why the hell didn't you listen to your own advice, why the fuck would you do a thing like that when you knew what happened last time.
inaction is so much easier. inaction means you don't impale yourself on a stupid decision and end up bleeding all over the place.
doing something. bah.
maybe tomorrow i'll be back to my normal masochistic impale-myself-on-my-own-decisions self.
today, i don't wanna.


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Lumen Key Support Being Tested, Can It Hold?
BITTREX:XLMUSD Lumen / US Dollar (calculated by TradingView)
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Price had a bullish breakout from a bullish channel on New Years Eve, where we saw price moved from $.40 to just under $1.00 against the USD. Now price has fallen to key support again. Can price hold price this key resistance?


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It takes a nation to protect the nation
This room is to help protect Soldiers rights, who are vulnerable to particular forms of abuse by the government, by acts of both commission and omission.
Members: 8
Latest Activity: Nov 8, 2018
Many state employees are victims of abuse by modern Western governments which repudiate former values of discipline and respect for authority. So Teachers, Police and Firemen all receive unpunished abuse from students and the public.
The position of the military is even worse however, in that they cannot even resign their position, they can only buy themselves out. Hence this room is to focus on their particularly vulnerable position.
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In Memoriam.
I can remember and knew the men that fought in world war two.
They were rough men that you didn't want to get on the wrong side of.
Coal-miners and steel-workers and the like.
They would be ashamed to see how meekly their children and grandchildren surrendered to an enemy.
I did not think when I was young that some of my worst enemies would be my own countrymen.
A soldier.
In the documentary film, That Which I Love Destroys Me, former Delta Force operator, Tyler Grey says,
"Take anyone in the world … no one can hold out forever. Take enough things to happen to a person at one time—enough negative things—and anyone, and everyone, can be broken."
These words need to sink into the brains of everyone who carries because if you do go to the trigger too fast and shoot an innocent person, you too might end up considering the coffin a welcome relief.
Taliban capture key Helmand district of Musa Qala
UK forces led the counter-insurgency operations in Helmand during the protracted conflict with the Taliban and lost more than 400 soldiers there in the process.
Was it really worth the sacrifice of 400 British soldier's lives, for that God forsaken piece of land? People have memories, and our politicians are going to find that the army are far less keen to sacrifice themselves for our leader's narrow political aims, in future.
Teenage army cadets threatened with beheading, barracks security tightened
Published time: February 06, 2015 16:00
Police are upping security after two girls were allegedly threatened with beheading as they left an army reserve center in Northumbria.
The girls were verbally threatened by two men in a Vauxhall Zafira, who were said to have shouted 'graphic' and 'nasty' statements as they left the center in Gateshead.
"The men made no attempt to make any physical contact with the girls or get out of the car, and shouted the comments while driving away from the scene," said Gateshead superintendent Richie Jackson.
The incident took place on January 21 at 2115 GMT. Northumbria police are thought to have increased patrols around other army barracks in the area.
"Inquiries are ongoing to establish the exact nature of what was said during the incident and we have spoken to the two teenage girls, viewed CCTV footage from the area and have identified the vehicle and inquiries are ongoing to trace the driver," a spokesperson from Northumbria Police said.
"As a precaution we have notified staff at other Army Reserve centers in the area and have had extra officers on patrol in Alexandra Road to reassure residents."
The verbal attacks come weeks after British police and military officers were warned not to wear their uniforms publicly while off duty, in case lone wolf terrorists attack them.
Attacks have been encouraged by Islamist extremist groups such as the Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL), similar to those carried out by terrorists in Paris last month.
Police warn attacks on British military personnel could happen imminently, echoing the murder of Fusilier Lee Rigby in Woolwich in May 2013.
"We are aware of an incident allegedly involving members of the Army Cadet Force – this is a matter for the police and we cannot comment further. Any witnesses are urged to contact the police," said a spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
"We understand the girls were not in uniform at the time of the incident and that the suspects asked them 'Are you in the Army?' before issuing the threats," they added.
'Anyone with a pulse': British Army to recruit over 50s as reserves dwindle — RT UK
I know this is from the RT news site, but look at the comments. There is, from apparently Western posters, widespread disillusionment with the prostitution of our armed forces and governments search for suckers to fill the gap, just as bad as my own!
The very expensive recruitment drive only netted an increase of 20, when its 10,000 that's needed. And you have to wonder, if they'd spent that advertising money instead on bullet proof vests for the first troops that went to Afghanistan (yes, we haven't forgotten), would there be a more friendly attitude to this campaign? Its a joke, a bad joke.
Saw both episodes of a Lion's Roar - good programme - did none of parliament and the media ask why, if we have thousands of troops, we only sent 500 ?!, nor why the materials for the dam project that cost millions were just being left to rust to this day ?
I also recall seeing a very brief interview with some soldiers based in Afghanistan a few years back in which they said their food & water supplies were so short that they had to go out into the countryside and forage for food !
I think there are still quite a few tales to come out of both Iraq and Afghanistan concerning both mismanagement and war profiteering ..... and the ongoing question as to why our great leaders allowed themselves to get taken for a ride by Pakistan.
Afghanistan: The Lion's Last Roar?
An excellent documentary about the British campaign in Afghanistan, and questioning if Britain will/can ever again mount a serious overseas operation.
Two things become clear. The prostitution of the land forces is even worse than we ever thought. Sent with inadequate equipment, lack of backup, woefully few men, and total confusion from the government about the strategic goal - men were just sacrificed (450 dead) on the alter of political expediency.
Secondly, it is also clear that this is the last overseas campaign. We are now finished as a global power. The seeds of that were shown in the Falklands, where again men were sacrificed to cover up for deprivation of funds, foreign office muddle, and even Margaret Thatcher's pride. We won, but it was a close thing, and with an unnecessarily high cost in men's lives.
Well, consider that since the Falklands there have been 2 major reductions in the armed forces, with the current one taking us from 100,000 down to 80,000 men. We simply don't have the attack and transport helicopters to properly back up even the smaller number; which is why we constantly have to turn to the Americans.
I'm struggling to put this into words, because we are fed a constant stream of myths from the media that our armed forces are amongst the best in the world, totally ignoring the numbers involved. We just don't have the men or the machines, in sufficient number, to be able to mount a serious campaign. You have to de-indoctrinate yourself of that pervasive myth, even spouted by the Guardian aristocracy.
In the documentary above, after 9 years in Afghanistan, Cameron makes the historic announcement in parliament that he is boosting troop numbers by 500. Yes, you heard that right. Not 50,000, which could have controlled the country, not 5000 which is a quarter of the extra needed for our province (Helmand) alone, no, it was 500, of which combat troops would probably number 150. Parliament should have laughed him down, not debated the issue! But then, that is testament to the modern baby man, with no military training or even grasp of military history, given positions of power for which he is not equiped.
"Well, here's a story unearthed about Muslim rebellion in the British Forces, and about Muslim co-operation with enemy forces. I wonder if this was a factor in the British collapse?"
Japanese who were living in Malaysia were serving as spies for Japan. They were secretly cycling round the country mapping out invasion routes, troop positions, etc.
The documentary I watched about the fall of Singapore did not mention muslim traitors in the British army. That documentary claimed it was Sikhs who were fighting as part of the British army. They went over to the side of the Japanese. The Japs promised that once Britain lost the war, India would gain independence.
Britain,Lawfare and the ICC ; http://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/4322/britain-lawfare-icc
You know the very odd 'worst defeat in British History' with the fall of Singapore to Japanese forces? Even with the guns pointing in the wrong direction (at the sea), and the troops being raw recruits, it still doesn't make sense that the British surrendered their fortified encampment to a force 1/4 the size of their own.
Well, here's a story unearthed about Muslim rebellion in the British Forces, and about Muslim co-operation with enemy forces. I wonder if this was a factor in the British collapse?
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First comes Prep, then comes Setup, then comes the event and it's a pleasure to see everything come together. Months of planning distilled to a bridal aisle quiet before the ceremony:with a white runner waiting for its first steps. I still cry at weddings as bouquets are carried lovingly by dear friends. We repurposed at the reception to decorate the cocktail tables and in the bridal room.Bars waiting for the first celebratory toast:And watching the sun set on a couple's first step into their new life together…forever.
Wedding Flowers: Complete
30 Thursday Aug 2012
Posted celebrations, flowersin


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With temps relatively warm and the sun shining, I was able to rake all the leaves into the street this evening. The city drives around with a large vacuum truck and picks up the leaves, we're responsible to get them to the street.
The idea is that they follow the same route and days as the trash pickup but it obviously takes much longer. So I was pleasantly surprised when not even five minutes after finishing the front yard the vacuum truck rolled past. Since that's the state highway and the main storm drain it's best to keep the leaves from piling up in the gutter. Hopefully they'll make it back to the side street before the rains come tomorrow.


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In My Mailbox
IMM is a weekly meme hosted and created by Kristi at The Story Siren and was inspired by Alea at Pop Culture Junkie.
RAK/Birthday Gift from Ashley
~Beautiful Darkness by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
RAK/Birthday Gift from Beth
~ARC of Virtuosity by Jessica Martinez
Free for Kindle
~Shadow of the Sun by Laura Kreitzer
So Wednesday was my birthday. A big thanks to Ashley and Beth for the RAK/B-day gifts. Can't wait to read these. Hope you all got some awesome books this past week. :D


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HuangLao wrote:anti, good points. This brings up a valid question for Debian derivatives....Could (if ever needed) antiX, MX and Devuan, exist independently of Debian by either rebasing on another distro or building all packages from source?
Unlike Devuan, we couldn't. We (I'm speaking for antiX not MX) simply do not have the resources to do so. Instead we would probably rebase off Devuan if Debian became impossible to manage without systemd.
golinux wrote:Default Debian kernels.anticapitalista wrote:golinux - I have a question for you.
Does Devuan build its own kernel or use a Debian one?


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Steroid Receptor Signaling
Plant brassinosteroids signal to diverse pathways in plant physiology. These steroid hormones are perceived at the cell surface, where they bind to the receptor BRASSINOSTEROID INSENSITIVE 1 (BRI1). Santiago et al. (p. 889, published online 8 August) now show that somatic embryogenesis receptor kinase 1 (SERK1) complexes with BRI1. Together, these receptor kinases form the steroid binding site, with the hormone acting as a "molecular glue" that stabilizes the interaction. Hormone-induced heteromerization of BRI1 with SERK1 leads to the activation of the cytoplasmic signaling cascade, triggering plant growth and differentiation.
Arsenic and Populace
The solubility of arsenic in groundwater aquifers is controlled by a number of hydrologic and geochemical factors. In rural communities that rely on groundwater for drinking water, the risk from exposure may pose a public health threat, especially when groundwater pumping can increase arsenic solubility. In an effort to provide a focused assessment of risk to arsenic exposure from groundwater, Rodríguez-Lado et al. (p. 866; see the Perspective by Michael) constructed a geostatistical model that incorporates a number of factors that control arsenic solubility across China. Most of the risk centers in a few provinces—Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia, Henan, Shandong, and Jiangsu—but the total population exposed to arsenic levels above 10 micrograms per liter could be upwards of 19 million people.
Closing the Loop
Many studies have shown that protein dynamics are important to enzyme function. For example, enzyme protein movements have been shown to optimize the active site, enable binding of substrate and cofactor, and facilitate product release. Whittier et al. (p. 899) now show that in two tyrosine phosphatases, the rate of cleavage is coupled to motion of a loop. The two phosphatases have different catalytic rates; however, in both, a loop containing a catalytic residue switches between an inactive open and a catalytically competent closed state. The rates of closure are equivalent to the cleavage rates, suggesting that the leaving group tyrosine is protonated simultaneously with loop closure. Thus, tuning of the loop motion plays a regulatory role in the catalytic cycle.
Gotta Get Up to Get Down
By examining high-resolution satellite topography data of a ridge along the San Andreas Fault in California, Hurst et al. (p. 868) demonstrate how hill slope curvature may be used to infer long-term rates of tectonic uplift and erosion. Numerical modeling shows a lag phase between uplift events and changes in morphology, which, combined with the observational data, shows that topography can reveal whether landscapes are active or decaying. These fundamental relationships may help to improve seismic hazard forecasts or to interpret topographic data collected on other terrestrial planets.
Mn at Work
Biogeochemical cycling involves oxidation-reduction reactions with common metals like iron and manganese. Depending on the oxygen concentration and pH of the surrounding water, these metals—which exist in multiple oxidation states—can either accept or donate electrons; however, detecting which chemical species is dominant in these reactions often proves difficult. Using a spectrophotometric method sensitive to Mn oxidation state, Madison et al. (p. 875) show that up to 90% of the total Mn in porewater collected from sediment cores in the St. Lawrence Estuary is soluble Mn(III)—a phase traditionally assumed to be unimportant in aqueous redox reactions except in a few niche environments.
Regulating the MBT
It has been known for more than 30 years that a defined number of cell divisions in the frog embryo precede a crucial developmental event called the midblastula transition (MBT). Collart et al. (p. 893, published online 1 August) now elucidate a mechanism involved in the control of the MBT. DNA replication initiation factors are titrated out during early cell divisions, which controls the elongation of the cell cycle and the onset of zygotic transcription during the MBT.
Ingenol Ingenuity
The diterpenoid i ngenol is the core structure of a topical drug recently commercialized to treat actinic keratosis, a precancerous skin condition. Sourcing the compound from the Euphorbia plants that produce it is relatively inefficient, so Jørgensen et al. (p. 878, published online 1 August) devised a chemical synthesis starting from the comparatively simple and inexpensive monoterpene chiral (+)-3-carene. The synthetic sequence involves 14 steps—less than half as long as prior chemical routes to the target—and relies on a two-stage approach, inspired by the posited biosynthetic pathway, in which preliminary assembly of the fused ring framework precedes hydroxylation of the periphery.
HIV Detection Is a (c)GAS
Despite it being one of the most highly studied viruses, there are still many unknowns when it comes to HIV—including how it triggers the innate immune response. Gao et al. (p. 903, published 8 August) now demonstrate that the DNA sensor cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) detects HIV infection. Reverse-transcribed HIV DNA triggers cGAS and downstream activation of antiviral immunity. Detection of HIV, as well as the retroviruses simian immunodeficiency virus and murine leukemia virus, was abrogated in mouse and human cells deficient in cGAS—suggesting that cGAS may be a critical activator of innate immunity in response to retroviral infection.
Neural Crest Development
The vertebrate neural crest is characterized by a migratory population of multipotent cells that spread out from the dorsal side of the neural tube. Many different cell types and tissues originate here, including cells of the peripheral nervous system, the adrenal medulla, melanocytes, and some skeletal cells. Dysregulation of neural crest cells can lead to defects in cell differentiation and the cell cycle, as well as to the formation of ectopic tissue, which can result in various human diseases. Takahashi et al. (p. 860) review the normal development of neural crest cells, highlighting important associations of this cell population with local environments to influence tissue interactions and function, and describe pathogenesis that results when developmental events go awry.
Next-Generation Gene Therapy
Few disciplines in contemporary clinical research have experienced the high expectations directed at the gene therapy field. However, gene therapy has been challenging to translate to the clinic, often because the therapeutic gene is expressed at insufficient levels in the patient or because the gene delivery vector integrates near proto-oncogenes, which can cause leukemia (see the Perspective by Verma). Biffi et al. (1233158, published online 11 July) and Aiuti et al. (1233151; published online 11 July) report progress on both fronts in gene therapy trials of three patients with metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD), a neurodegenerative disorder, and three patients with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS), an immunodeficiency disorder. Optimized lentiviral vectors were used to introduce functional MLD or WAS genes into the patients' hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) ex vivo, and the transduced cells were then infused back into the patients, who were then monitored for up to 2 years. In both trials, the patients showed stable engraftment of the transduced HSC and high expression levels of functional MLD or WAS genes. Encouragingly, there was no evidence of lentiviral vector integration near proto-oncogenes, and the gene therapy treatment halted disease progression in most patients. A longer follow-up period will be needed to further validate efficacy and safety.
Mapping Molecular Linkers
In metal-organic framework compounds, inorganic centers (metal atoms or clusters) are linked by bidentate organic groups. Normally, the same group is used throughout the structure, but recently, synthesis with linkers bearing different functional groups has produced well-defined materials. Kong et al. (p. 882, published online 25 July) combined solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance and molecular simulations to map the distributions of linkers in these materials as random, well-mixed, or clustered.
Making Crystals
The initial transition from a disordered solution to the formation of nuclei that grow into crystals continues to be a puzzle. Recent experiments suggested the formation of stable ordered clusters that appear prior to the formation of the first nuclei. Wallace et al. (p. 885; see the Perspective by Myerson and Trout) used molecular dynamics to look at the potential structure and dynamics of these clusters and lattice gas simulations to explore the population dynamics of the cluster populations prior to nucleation. A liquid-liquid phase separation process was observed whereby one phase becomes more concentrated in ions and becomes the precursor for nuclei to form.
Dissecting Dystrophies
Defects in α-dystroglycan lead to various congenital muscular dystrophies, and its ability to bind to extracellular matrix (ECM) is dependent on formation of a specific O-linked sugar structure. Previous efforts to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying α-dystroglycan's ability to bind to the ECM led to the identification of a phosphorylated O-mannosyl trisaccharide on α-dystroglycan and to the demonstration that addition of this residue is a prerequisite for formation of the ligand-binding motif. However, the biosynthetic pathway that leads to production of the phosphorylated O-mannosyl glycan has not been delineated. Yoshida-Moriguchi et al. (p. 896, published online 8 August) elucidate the functions of three genes recently found to cause dystroglycan-related disorders and explain the defects in the production of the phosphorylated O-mannosyl glycan that underlie the pathologies of patients with the relevant mutations.
European History at Depth
The preferential alignment of mineral grains as a result of flow direction can polarize seismic waves traveling through Earth's interior, based on velocity and direction. Zhu and Tromp (p. 871, published online 8 August) mapped this anisotropy beneath the European continent and the North Atlantic Ocean—which are products of several tectonic events across varying temporal and spatial scales—using seismic tomography. The model generated correlates well with plate motion in the region, and, compared to geodetic measurements, much of the anisotropic features are consistent with modern strain rates. Some features below Eastern Europe, however, appear to be remnants of tectonic events that occurred over 350 million years ago.


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A man dressed in civilian clothes ignored guards' warnings to return to the South, according to defence ministry officials. They say soldiers shot him after he jumped into a river at the border.
A ministry spokesman said he was carrying a South Korean passport that identified him as Nam Yong-Ho, 47.
According to the spokesman, Nam had approached the bank of the Imjin river that makes up part of the western border with North Korea at around 2:30pm (0530 GMT).
He was spotted by soldiers manning a nearby guard post, who fired warning shots and shouted at him to turn back.
"He jumped into the Imjin river, ignoring repeated warnings to stop," the spokesman told AFP. "The soldiers opened fire and his body has been retrieved."
The spokesman said Nam was believed to have been trying to defect to the North, and had jumped into the river with a flotation device to help him get across.
His passport indicated that he had been deported from Japan in June.
Defections from South to North Korea are very rare, and there has been no incident in recent memory where South Korean troops have shot anyone attempting the crossing.
The teenage daughter of a senior North Korean security official has escaped to the South – a rare defection by a member of the privileged elite, according to a Seoul activist.
The 19-year-old, identified by her surname Han, is the daughter of a Ministry of Public Security official responsible for police operations in the capital Pyongyang, the rights activist who helped her escape said.
Han had been studying at a college in Beijing when she fled to the South after crossing to a third country in May, said the activist, who declined to be named.
Since arriving in Seoul, Han has been undergoing screening by South Korea's intelligence authorities, the activist added.
The National Intelligence Service declined to comment on the case.
Most North Korean refugees begin their escape by crossing into neighbouring China and then try to make it to third countries – often in southeast Asia – where they seek permission to resettle in South Korea.
They can face severe punishment including a term in a prison camp if they are caught and returned home.
If they do succeed in reaching South Korea, their families back in the North can face repercussions ranging from demotion to imprisonment.
While many flee from poverty and repression, defections by members of Pyongyang's elite – who enjoy significant social and financial privileges – are comparatively rare.
The incident came at a time of easing tensions between North and South Korea, who were on a virtual war footing just a few months ago following the North's nuclear test in February.
Hours before the shooting, hundreds of South Korean factory supervisors drove across a nearby border crossing into North Korea after both sides agreed to reopen the Kaesong joint industrial zone shut down in April.
Edited by Chris Irvine


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Saving money for a house involves putting extra money away after expenses as a down payment or to be able to purchase the house outright. Typically, home buyers often set a monthly savings goal, leading to an overall goal of saving 20 percent down or more of a house purchase price.
Home buyers typically have to restrict their existing monthly spending to achieve the savings goal in a reasonable time. Downsizing current living expenses can help boost savings, according to USA Today. Having the monthly savings automatically deposited into a specific account helps ensure savings occurs on a regular basis and also helps mimic what having a monthly mortgage payment may be like for buyers.
Paying off existing credit card and other high-interest debt allows for additional savings, explains USA Today. Financial adviser Dave Ramsey advises paying off all debt before considering buying a house as it allows the most financial flexibility to handle ongoing, typically large, mortgage payments. Selling a car that requires monthly payments and buying a car with cash can allow those monthly payments to go directly to the monthly savings. Increasing income is also an effective way to save more money for a house. Working overtime, picking up a second job or getting a raise are all ways that can be used to increase income and thereby savings.


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Aries (March 21-April 19)
Aries' independent, go-getter personality makes them adventurers. Their upbeat spirit usually makes them the leader of the group. They are loyal friends who protect those they love. Aries are aggressive and outgoing, so they aren't afraid to speak their mind!
Aries share the birthstones of the months of March and April. March's birthstone is aquamarine and April's birthstone is diamond. Incorporate these gorgeous jewels into your look... Or use it as an excuse to ask for some really nice jewelry for Christmas (winky face).
Aries Style Look Book
Aries will definitely lead the pack in this classy outfit emphasizing Aquamarine and Diamond. The teal dress can be dressed up or down, but the color will always grab attention. Diamonds shine with sparkly earrings and a delicate bracelet. The white shoes and white purse make this outfit ready for a fancy night out, and the nude lipstick helps keep the colors toned down.
Your Celebrity Is... Lady Gaga!
Lady Gaga is an Aries. She was born on March 28, 1986, and showcases her Aries spirit by not being afraid to show who she is, in all her craziness and creativity. Her daring style proves that she wants to express herself. She is also a natural leader (hence her name, Mother Monster).
Food To Try:
You know that person who will basically eat anything? That's pretty much an Aries. Because of their no-fear approach to most things, an Aries should try to eat something that most people are frightened of like frog legs or bugs! You'd be surprised, most of the time you won't be able to tell what you're eating!
Ideal Vacation Spot: The Great Barrier Reef
The outgoing Aries should travel to a place full of adventure and color, similar to their personality. The Great Barrier Reef would be an ideal location for the Aries due to the wide range of water activities, color and wonder.
Aries Girl's Playlist:
- "Born This Way" - Lady Gaga
- "Respect" - Aretha Franklin
- "Rock Your Body" - Justin Timberlake
- "Run the World" - Beyonce
- "Roar" - Katy Perry
- "Miss Independent" - Kelly Clarkson
- "Put Your Records On" - Corinne Bailey Rae
- "Mr. Blue Sky" - Electric Light Orchestra
- "Express Yourself" - Charles Wright, The Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band
- "Home" - Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros


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Fun Changes Behaviour!
Contact us: 1-877-855-7070 or 905-813-0336
Brochure: CHILDREN AND YOUTH and YOUNG ADULTS
Group Programs: www.recrespite.com/community
Children, Ages 4-12
Play is one of a young child's most powerful cognitive and social learning tools. For this reason, play-based learning environments in order to maximize each child's capacity for positive interaction and overall recreational & social engagement, is critical. These programs can contribute greatly to a child's growth and help with a variety of social, physical and cognitive skills. We support children who have a variety of developmental or intellectual needs, mental health or chronic illness or disease.
Youth, Ages 12-18
Young Adults, Ages 18+
Recreational Therapists consider each individuals' strengths and interests (either at home or in the community) in order to support the special needs or challenges of the young adults they work with.
We support youth who have a variety of developmental or intellectual needs, mental health or chronic illness or disease.
Desired outcomes are considered and developed within a recreational model of therapy. These desired outcomes then enable recreation therapists to set goals, which are monitored and changed as needed.
The specific goals and objectives drive the programming for each individual and encourage positive participation at home, school and in the community. Therapeutic recreation offers a beneficial extension of traditional therapy services involving the child or young adult, their parents or care givers, creating a family centered approach.
Goals of Therapeutic Recreation
Our children, youth, teens and and our young adults' programs, include the various goals of:
- Life Skills
- Social Skills
- Community Integration
- Boundaries and Safety
- Behavioral Redirection
- Coping Strategies
- Physical Wellness
If families are awaiting long term options or wait lists, our program and services are a great fit to ensure either short or long term solutions.
Family Caregivers Unite Radio Show: Community Initiatives in Caring for Children, Adolescents and Adults with Special Needs.
Grey County, ON January 24, 2014
Kerry Duncan, one of our team members and has a sibling with special needs, explains the idea of our RecreACTIVE group programs, and describes the response to the idea at the public discussion at the Blue Mountains Town Hall Council Chambers on January 24, 2014. Kerry explains the program's "leisure and learn model" and how this benefits children, adolescents and adults.
Listen here: http://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/75586/community-initiatives-in-caring-for-children-adolescents-and-adults-with-special-needs


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LAT Home
Stimulus by $250 check
October 17, 2009
As part of the $787-billion economic stimulus package enacted in February, Washington sent a $250 check to every adult on Social Security. every adult on Social Security. The same amount went to those enrolled in Veterans Administration, Railroad Retirement and Supplemental Security Income benefit programs. The purpose of the one-time payments was to boost consumer spending and help revive the economy. But in President Obama's view, once was not enough. On Wednesday, he urged Congress to spend $13 billion on a second round of $250 checks, saying, "Even as we seek to bring about recovery, we must act on behalf of those hardest hit by this recession."
Fed district chief expects central bank's stimulus cuts to continue
February 17, 2014
By Don Lee
WASHINGTON - Brutal winter weather contributed to a downturn in job growth and other economic data, raising questions about the strength of the recovery and testing the Federal Reserve's resolve in unwinding its key bond-buying stimulus program. Fed policymakers will have another month of data to consider when they next meet in mid-March. But if the views of John C. Williams are any indication, the Fed is likely to hold course. As president of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, one of the Fed's 12 district banks, Williams has a seat at the mahogany table where top Fed officials meet regularly to discuss the economy and make policy decisions.
Republicans oppose potential Federal Reserve stimulus moves
September 21, 2011
By Michael Muskal
The Federal Reserve may signal another round of stimulus Wednesday, which has already been condemned by Republicans in a rare move to further politicize the nation's central bank. The Federal Open Markets Committee is expected to announce it will replace about $1.6 trillion of short-term bonds with long-term ones, a form of quantitative easing designed to stimulate the economy. The Fed has already had two such rounds. Top congressional Republicans, however, question whether the previous rounds have done any good and whether a new move would be of economic value.
Five years later, White House and critics fight over stimulus law
February 17, 2014
By David Lauter
WASHINGTON - Five years after its passage, White House officials and their Republican critics are still fighting over the merits of President Obama's economic stimulus law. Later this week, Obama will mark the fifth anniversary of signing the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Monday, his Council of Economic Advisers issued a 70-page report lauding the law's impact. Republicans, meanwhile, seized the anniversary to denounce the law for increasing the federal debt while failing to cure the economy's troubles.
Geithner warns against ending economic stimulus measures too soon
October 16, 2009
Associated Press
Treasury Secretary Timothy F. Geithner said Thursday that the economy was in the midst of a recovery that could be imperiled if the government's support systems were removed too quickly. "A classic pattern in past financial crises is governments tend to put on the brakes too soon, withdraw support too early, and that's been a very costly mistake and we're going to be very careful to avoid that mistake," Geithner said at a conference sponsored by the Economist magazine. A robust recovery depends on businesses investing more in the economy, Geithner said, and it is the government's responsibility to give them the tools to do that.
Would President Obama try stimulus spending again?
September 25, 2012
By James Rainey
If he wins a second term, will President Obama try for another large infusion of government spending to turn an anemic economic recovery into something more robust? Los Angeles Times economic policy reporter Don Lee reminded us over the weekend about how the administration got less than half what it originally hoped for with $800 billion in tax cuts and government spending in 2009. The administration initially proposed a $1.8-trillion plan. Many economists on the Democratic side have been arguing vehemently that the threat from long-term debt is not nearly as great as the long-term damage from allowing the recovery to continue to sputter, costing millions of jobs and the tax receipts that come with them.
Inflation eases in China, providing room for stimulus
October 15, 2012
By David Pierson
BEIJING -- Inflation in China eased slightly in September, giving policymakers room to provide further economic stimulus packages as they try to stabilize the country's sharpest slowdown since the 2008 financial crisis. Consumer prices grew 1.9% from a year ago, down from 2% year-on-year growth in August. The gauge is closely watched because high inflation typically sows social discontent among China's massive working class. The diminishing inflationary pressure comes after China said over the weekend that export growth and the money supply had expanded in September more than expected.
All eyes on Fed, Bernanke as stimulus announcement expected
September 13, 2012
By Jim Puzzanghera
WASHINGTON -- The eyes of the business world are on Federal Reserve Chairman Ben S. Bernanke and his colleagues today as the central bank is expected to announce another round of economic stimulus at the conclusion of its two-day meeting. Expectations are high on Wall Street and in Washington that the Fed will launch a new bond-buying program to try to breathe more life into the faltering economic recovery. U.S. stock futures edged down early this morning as investors began the countdown to the central bank's decision.
Stimulus vs. austerity
October 22, 2010
In the grand global experiment now underway as countries try to cope with the economic downturn, Europe and the United States are going in opposite directions. As the Obama administration and Congress have pumped up government spending to stimulate the economy, European countries have launched austerity programs to try to bring their crushing budget deficits under control. Time will tell which economic strategy is more successful, but meanwhile, one thing is becoming clear in Western capitals from Washington to Athens: No matter what national leaders do to try to solve the crisis, they'll suffer politically.
Paul Ryan opposed stimulus spending, then didn't
August 15, 2012
By James Rainey
Paul Ryan really gets irritated about the way the federal government has driven the debt to new heights, trying to boost the economy with stimulus spending. But he's also of a mind that once the Bush and Obama administrations put the pork on the table, he wouldn't be doing his job if he didn't get some hunks for his Wisconsin constituents. The Boston Globe had one of those neat stories this week showing how politicians don't let the hobgoblin of consistency clutter up their minds or actions.
Weak jobs data renew growth fears
February 7, 2014
By Don Lee
WASHINGTON - Back-to-back months of sluggish hiring suggest the economic recovery may have lost some momentum and could give the Federal Reserve second thoughts about continuing to throttle back a key stimulus program. Employers added a modest 113,000 jobs in January after boosting payrolls by just 75,000 in December, the Labor Department said Friday. The two-month average was about half of last year's monthly pace of job growth and far below analysts' expectations. Although analysts blamed the weak December hiring largely on frigid weather, there was little evidence the cold contributed to January's numbers.
Fed's Lacker predicts more stimulus cutbacks despite modest growth
February 4, 2014
By Jim Puzzanghera
A top Federal Reserve official expects the central bank to continue reducing a key stimulus program even though he sees more modest growth this year than many analysts have projected. Jeffrey Lacker , president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, Va., said Tuesday he supported the decision by central bank policymakers in December to start reducing the monthly bond-buying program. The Fed now is purchasing $65 billion a month in bonds after the Federal Open Market Committee voted to cut the amount by $10 billion at its December and January meetings.
Fed cements tapering with another cut in bond-buying stimulus
January 29, 2014
By Don Lee
WASHINGTON - Shrugging off the recent turbulence in financial markets, the Federal Reserve gave an upbeat take on the U.S. economy and went through with a second straight cut to its large bond-buying stimulus program. Although the decision to reduce its purchases was expected, Ben S. Bernanke won rare unanimous backing in his last meeting as Fed chairman Wednesday. The 10-0 vote to make another $10-billion-a-month cut in its bond purchases also cemented the central bank's plan to gradually dial back its unprecedented monetary stimulus.
Stocks plunge on fears over emerging markets
January 24, 2014
By Andrew Tangel
NEW YORK - Wall Street took a drubbing for the second straight day as investors worry that an economic slowdown in emerging markets could trigger a correction in stocks. The Dow Jones industrial average suffered a drop of 318.24 points Friday, the worst one-day plummet since June of last year. The blue-chip index has plunged almost 500 points during the two-day rout, and follows big drops in European and Asian markets. QUIZ: How much do you know about the Dow? Investors were rattled by a confluence of problems around the world: A dour economic report in China, political unrest in Turkey and financial turmoil in Argentina.
How California can raise all boats
January 5, 2014
By Ron Unz
California is home to both Silicon Valley and Hollywood, two of the world's greatest wealth-producing engines, and much of the state enjoys tremendous affluence. By some estimates, my own town of Palo Alto has the world's highest per capita concentration of billionaires. But California also has pockets of enormous poverty. The U.S. Census recently estimated that when both income and living costs are taken into account, 24% of Californians live in poverty, the highest poverty rate of any state.
Bernanke says recovery 'far from complete,' Fed stimulus will continue
December 18, 2013
By Jim Puzzanghera and Don Lee
WASHINGTON - Federal Reserve Chairman Ben S. Bernanke said Wednesday that central bank policymakers decided to modestly reduce a key stimulus program because of "meaningful" progress in the jobs market, but emphasized the economy "has much farther to travel. " "The recovery clearly remains far from complete," Bernanke said in his final scheduled news conference. To emphasize that point, Bernanke and his colleagues on the Federal Open Market Committee also decided to send a strong signal that they were committed to continuing to try to stimulate the economy.
Stocks drop sharply on Fed stimulus fears
August 15, 2013
By Andrew Tangel and Tiffany Hsu
NEW YORK - Encouraging signs for the labor market caused alarm on Wall Street as investors sped up a broad sell-off, fueled by worries the Federal Reserve will soon scale back its stimulus. Major U.S. indexes closed sharply lower Thursday as yet another hopeful sign of a recovering U.S. economy led traders to believe the central bank will begin slowing its morphine drip of easy money as early as next month. "Investors are waking up to the reality that this is going to be happening, and September is not very far away," said Jack Ablin, chief investment officer at BMO Private Bank.
Shaping a stimulus plan
February 4, 2009
Re "GOP set to carve into stimulus," Feb. 3 Regarding the Senate taking up the economic stimulus bill passed by the House: I'd love to see bipartisanship rule the day. Post-partisanship, better still. But what I'd like to see even more: our battered country rescued and revived. Top corporate and individual tax rates have been cut repeatedly (led by Republicans, abetted by Democrats) starting under President Reagan in 1981. In the last 28 years, we've seen the wealth of working Americans redistributed to the richest and have felt our mighty economic engine shudder and backfire.
Stocks rally 1% after Fed announces decision to scale back stimulus
December 18, 2013
By Andrew Tangel
NEW YORK -- Stocks initially rallied on Wall Street after the Federal Reserve announced Wednesday it would begin scaling back its stimulus program early next year. The Dow Jones industrial average added 200.1 points, or 1.3%, to 16,075.36, about an hour before the closing bell. The broader Standard & Poor's 500 index gained 19.24 points, or 1.1%, to 1,800.24. The technology-focused Nasdaq composite rose 20.92 points, or 0.5%, to 4,044.60. QUIZ: How much do you know about the stock market?
Fed votes to pare stimulus, tapering monthly bond buys to $75 billion
December 18, 2013
By Jim Puzzanghera and Don Lee
WASHINGTON -- Federal Reserve policymakers voted Wednesday to start reducing a key stimulus program, signaling greater confidence in the strength of the recovery in the wake of recent upbeat economic data. The Federal Open Market Committee decided to start tapering the central bank's $85 billion in monthly bond purchases, aimed at holding down long-term interest rates. The program began in September 2012. Fed officials said they would reduce the purchases by $10 billion a month, starting in January.
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|photo by Sean Mulligan
My flight out of Key West was not smooth, but I did make it, and Jackie was patiently waiting for me when I arrived in Tulsa. Jackie is a sweetheart.
This weekend, the Monies' backyard was filled with tents, campers, and excited boatbuilders. The rain changed the schedule at times, but gave everyone the opportunity to visit with others instead of isolated in their boat on the water. There was still sailing time, and the weather was good on Sunday.
|photo by Scott Widmier
On Saturday, SCOUT was put in the water. Sean graciously offered me the opportunity to sail her. I had already sailed her a million miles in my mind, but had never had my hand on the tiller… today was the day. Sean and I climbed in, pushed off, and Sean took us out. After we were past the stumps… yes there were stumps above and just below the surface. This made me a little nervous, I didn't want to be the one to knock a hole in Sean's boat and sink her with all the spectators on the beach with cameras. Once we were out a ways, Sean and I switched places and I took the tiller. There were many people watching, a couple of boats came out to take pictures, I almost felt like the celebrities with the paparazzi following them. All eyes on us for a moment.
I do have to add, my original plan for splashing her would go like this: I would quietly take her to a nearby lake. Put her in the water, take her out, clumsily learn to sail her and then take her home. The next week, I announce her splashing and invite friends. I don't do well with everyone watching. This weekend, there were many eyes on us.
Two sets of those eyes were The Laydens. Yes, Matt and Karen Layden. For those of you that don't know who this couple is, Matt designed the Paradox. I was nervous, and excited for Matt to see my build. I am a novice boat builder, and Matt is the MASTER! When Sean and I reached the shore, Sean went to Matt and asked if he wanted to take SCOUT out for a sail. Matt commented that nobody had ever offered that before. He took a quick look at the way SCOUT was rigged, turned her around, gave her a push and jumped in. WOW!. How many get to watch Matt Layden sail a boat they built!. I stood at the water's edge shivering, waiting for Matt and SCOUT'S return. I was not leaving. I suppose he enjoyed the sail, because he was out for a while. It didn't matter how long he was out, I wasn't leaving. When he returned, I got to watch years of experience sailing a Paradox in action. His comment to me was that she sailed like she was suppose to. You don't know how good that made me feel. My head did swell a little, and I was so proud of what I had built. Matt Layden had put the stamp of approval on my work.
I tried to insert a video of Matt sailing SCOUT, and I just couldn't get it done. SO, here is a link to that video:
The next morning, Sunday morning, Sean and I were suppose to give a presentation on the building and sailing of the Paradox. I was nervous about standing in front of these builders with many years of experience, professional designers, the designer of the Paradox… and my brother that had ridden his motorcycle 10 hours just to see me give this presentation. No, there was NO PRESSURE AT ALL. I fumbled through it, mostly showing pictures but it was received well. Sean's part was great, he is used to speaking in public and played awesome video and pictures of SCOUT. Matt even commented that he would like to have one of the photographs of SCOUT under sail. Again….WOW!.
|All the lights work on CHEVY DUCK.
|photo by Kelly Attebury
It was an awesome weekend. I finally met Jackie Monies and Sean Mulligan, attend a Sail Oklahoma, met many wonderful people, and I got to spend time with my brother. I was able to see the boat that I spent so much time with, and sail her. There are so many memories, good and bad, attached to that boat named SCOUT. She knows many secrets told her during troubling times in my life. She was my BFF. There are blood, sweat and tears, literally, soaked deep into her wood. When I saw her for the first time since I left Texas, my heart jumped and tears came to my eyes. I was glad I was alone with her, we had our moment. Do I regret selling her? In a way I do, but I have started a new life, and I don't want to drag the bad memories attached to her, into this new life. She is where she is suppose to be, and if I want to sail her, Sean has extended the offer to visit any time.
I was asked if I was going to build another boat. Probably, I want to, and have two in mind. A place to build and then store, is the only problem I have. But, this weekend has awakened the building bug and you will have to stay tuned to see which one I build. But first, I will help my boyfriend finish building his bait boat. What is a bait boat, you ask? Check back next week and find out.


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I had been thinking about Miri Piri for a few years now. I wanted to team up with writers and artists who are willing to put some effort to turn this fantasy world into reality. A while back I had an old friend join my team which intially consisted of me and my sister. And just recently I had another fella offering his services. I will introduce them with another update, later on.
Currently, I am looking for someone who can work with me to create the images in the comic. I am looking for someone with an artistic ability. I don't really care about what style you draw in, as long as you have a clear understanding of the human figure and are able to lay down environments including forts, mountains and many other kinds of terrains and architecture. Other than that you must keep in touch with the team and be able to spend some time each week on the project.
Here is a Sikh Shield Warrior and a Sikh Swordsmaster concept. These were developed quite a while ago. The shield warrior has been up on my Deviantart gallery for ages.
I think now would also be good time to post the Khalistani Warrior concept I had been reworking. I think the red armour looks totally awesome! I gave him a saif (two handed sword) instead of that small military pickaxe. overall, I must say I did a good job. Its still a WIP but I doubt I'll work on it any further, any time soon. Here's how the original looked like.


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The last few days the team attended the national relief conference in Phuket. However, we noticed, that the focus of various known international organizations is so large that it almost becomes unpractical.
The team, headed by the Krabi governor, tried to stress the urgency of thinking in concrete, small steps – in strong cooperation with local governments. With one overall objective: to assist the people to reestablish an income base upon their own local and personal strength.


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JACKSON — Gov. Haley Barbour and Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant, both Republicans, want the state to challenge the constitutionality of federal healthcare legislation that President Barack Obama plans to sign into law on Tuesday.
Bryant sent a letter Monday to Attorney General Jim Hood, asking the Democrat to file a lawsuit on behalf of the state.
Hood did not immediately respond to a request for comment about Bryant's request.
Barbour wants an answer from the attorney general by noon on March 25. If Hood refuses to file suit to protect the interests of Mississippians, Barbour said he intends to file the lawsuit.
"This costly unfunded mandate could not have come at a worse time for our state's economy," Barbour said. "Mississippi continues to see declining monthly revenue collections, and we have been forced to cut priority areas like education and public safety. Under the plan, 15 million people would be moved to the federal-state Medicaid program, which already strains our state budget every year. Once the temporary funding is gone, we can expect taxes to spike by hundreds of millions of dollars for Mississippians who will have to pay for this expanded program."
Bryant — who's gearing up to run for governor in 2011 — says the federal legislation is too expensive and would violate people's rights by requiring them to buy insurance.
Bryant says Mississippi should assert its rights under the 10th Amendment, which "protects states from an overbearing federal government."
Mississippi is not the only state mulling a challenge to the healthcare bill. Washington, Utah and Nebraska are also thinking of suing, according to The Associated Press.
… we'd like to ask for your support. More people are reading the Mississippi Business Journal than ever before, but advertising revenues for all conventional media are falling fast. Unlike many, we do not use a pay wall, because we want to continue providing Mississippi's most comprehensive business news each and every day. But that takes time, money and hard work. We do it because it is important to us … and equally important to you, if you value the flow of trustworthy news and information which have always kept America strong and free for more than 200 years.
If those who read our content will help fund it, we can continue to bring you the very best in news and information. Please consider joining us as a valued member, or if you prefer, make a one-time contribution.Click for more info


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Red Cloud in Webster County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Cather Childhood Home
"They turned into another street and saw before them lighted windows; a low story-and-a-half house, with wing built on at the right and a kitchen addition at the back, everything a little on the slant--roofs, windows, and doors." Restored and donated by the Willa Cather Pioneer Memorial and Educational Foundation."
Erected by the Nebraska State Historical Society. (Marker Number 264.)
Marker series. This marker is included in the Nebraska State Historical Society marker series.
Location. 40° 5.254′ N, 98° 31.249′ W. Marker is in Red Cloud, Nebraska, in Webster County. Marker is at the intersection of North Cedar Street and West 3rd Avenue, on the right when traveling south on North Cedar Street. Touch for map. Marker is on the southwest corner. Marker is in this post office area: Red Cloud NE 68970, United States of America.
Other nearby markers. At least 7 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. 1871 Red Cloud 1971 (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Red Cloud Volunteer Fire Department Bell Cottonwood Tree - 1871 (about 400 feet away); Grace Episcopal Church (approx. ¼ mile away); 1871 Webster County 1971 (approx. ¼ mile away); Burlington Depot (approx. 0.7 miles away); Willa Cather Memorial Prairie (approx. 5.8 miles away).
Also see . . . Cather's Childhood Home. Upon entering this living memorial, fans of Cather walk into her world, and begin to understand the makings of her artistry. (Submitted on October 14, 2014, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona.)
Categories. • Arts, Letters, Music •
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. This page originally submitted on October 14, 2014, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 346 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 14, 2014, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.


text: PayPal and Google Checkout Payment Gateways are now Supported in Tradepoint Related Products Evolution Business Management Software Tradepoint now supports both of PayPal's payment gateways and Google Checkout for added support for additional payment gateways. Toronto, ON August 1, 2009 - Support for PayPal Payflow Pro Service, PayPal Pro (know as Website Payments Pro), and Google Checkout This is a major features upgrade for 2009 expanding the choices available in payment gateways for existing and new clients. Adding support for these payment gateways is a result largely of customer requests for more choices in payment gateways supported by Tradepoint.The Website Payments Pro Service supports the Website Payments Pro Service which is a complete web payment processing service through Paypal. Paypal Website Payments Pro ServicePaypal Payflow Pro Service support's Paypal's service where Paypal is acting as a payment gateway for other transactions in addition to their own direct service for transactions.Paypal Payflow Pro Service InformationCustomers with existing accounts will be able to enter in their current account settings, test out the service and check off the option to use their live account when ready for both of these services.Google checkout is fully supported with the ability to use it for payment processing internally in Orders processed in Tradepoint or though a web site with payment methods showing on a web site corresponding to the Google checkout options available to an account.This most significant factor of this latest version of Tradepoint Enterprise is more choices are available for clients coming onto the Tradepoint platform for their software and Ecommerce solutions which are plug and play ready for payment processing.For more information on Tradepoint Enterprise and the payment gateways currently supported or a live demonstration of Tradepoint Enterprise contact us online at www.tradepoint360.com A 30 day trial version is available upon request.About Darwin Productions: Darwin Productions is a Canadian software company designing and building innovative software solutions for small to medium and larger growing enterprises since 2003. Tradepoint Business Management Software has been available publicly since 2004 and has been re-branded as Tradepoint Enterprise as of 2009.Jennifer PardeeMarketing firstname.lastname@example.com


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It's big news, this whole 'imprison without trial etc' thing that we've suddenly learned about China. The change is encapsulated in the headline
"Magic Dragon grows into menacing bully "
So before a single well-paid executive who chose to do business in a totalitarian state knowing the risks was imprisoned, it was just a Magic Dragon?
It would clearly be too harsh to describe the following as the actions of a bully:
Threatening Taiwan?
Banning absolutely everything?
Slaughtering minorities of various types?
Killing thousands every year after fauxtrials?
It is the government's job to lobby for Mr Hu as best it can. It should also learn lessons in terms of the lengths China will go to in the name of resource security. It is a national administration that cannot be blindly trusted, and anyone (such as myself on previous posts) who had a flippant attitude towards ownership of Australian assets by Chinese state-owned corporations will be rethinking some of their assumptions.
International relations is a discipline of constant learning and nuancing, and around the world attitudes to China may experience a bit of nuancing after this.
But let's keep perspective: businesses will not stop going there, they are not above sacrificing lives to make money. There are plenty of places on the planet businesses operate at present that put their executives at far greater risk.
If Rio had refused to do business with Chinese Government interests to begin with on the basis of ethics, then this would not have happened. Likewise for the more mundane, business-related reason of the lack of rule of law, allegedly a big factor in attracting investment. China fails both tests utterly, yet Rio incorporated political risk, made decisions, and in this rare case has stumbled across awful consequences.
Other Australians who are charged overseas can end up facing the death penalty, also without anything resembling what we would call a trial, or justice.
Powerful but politically ignorant editors should do a bit of reading up on wikipedia before drafting such mind-numbing headlines.


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Gnostic gnovelist Crowley (Aegypt, 2013, etc.) goes to the well in this rendering of the Ur-text of Rosicrucianism.
After a chemical romance, why not a chemical wedding? Christian Rosencreutz (a pseudonym for Andreae) was playing with a dangerous combination of elements, or perhaps Platonic solids, when, four centuries ago, he concocted a strange symbolic tale involving a quest in a land where, in an imposing castle, a king and queen are to marry. But odd things are happening, as our protagonist learns over the course of his eight-day journey to this wacky place; for one thing, there's a bird fed on a very special kind of blood, "the blood of the beheaded royal persons, diluted with the waters we had prepared," which causes the thing to grow visibly and measurably even as it imbibes. If that sounds like a chemical reaction to you, then it's for good reason; Rosencreutz was an alchemist of note, and this odd novel was meant to impart his teachings. Or was it? Crowley casts doubt in his introduction on Rosencreutz's sincerity, noting that the book was, in his words, a ludibrium, "a word with more than one shade of meaning: joke, play, nonsense, ridiculous thing." Elsewhere Crowley ventures the view that the book is the world's first science-fiction novel, but he leaves that claim half-defended and imperfectly at that. (Yes, it's a novel. Yes, it has science. That does not make it science fiction.) Like certain prophets closer to our own time, Rosencreutz makes it clear in this heavy-handed allegory that his brilliance is not for the unwashed and that he's not allowed to reveal all he knows ("I'm still forbidden to tell it…and other things that later I was told I shouldn't reveal"). Crowley undoes some of Rosencreutz's formality with his loose, slangy rendering, making the joke seem even jokier. Literature it's not, but it's a fine specimen of literary-ish mumbo jumbo.
A curiosity, but just right for the budding New Age–inclined alchemist of the household.


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Kemono to Chat Video Anime's Trailer Streamed
posted on by Egan Loo
The Japanese publisher Takeshobo has launched the official website for the anime adaptation of Takayuki Mizushina's Kemono to Chat (Chatting with Creatures) 4-panel manga with a 72-second trailer. The story centers on Chacha Kenomoto, a high school freshman girl who can understand the language of cats and speak with them. (The girl's family name Kenomoto is a wordplay on the title, which literally means "Chatting with Creatures.")
The original video anime will ship in Japan on a DVD on October 23. Yūji Umoto will direct the animators at the Usagiou studio, and Maaya Sakamoto, Kana Ueda, and Sayuri Yahagi will make up the voice cast. Mizushina not only created the manga but is also producing and writing the anime's theme song. In addition to drawing manga, he has also been a game tester, a reporter, a stage actor, a reporter, and a teacher.
Source: Moon Phase
Update: More background information added. Thanks, dormcat.
this article has been modified since it was originally posted; see change history


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I've read some of the recent online forums about Cosmo (check The Daily Page) and could see how many different kinds of people were saddened by his death. Many had things to say about him in memory, stories they wanted to tell. I've opened this blog to make a space for people to post memories, stories or anything else related to Cosmo. I'm hoping if you have some recollection of something he said or did, or how you knew him, that you'll take some time to type it out and send it to me. I'll post it directly onto the blog. No matter how brief the entry, just send it in. Let me know where and how you knew him: "My name is . . . . I knew Cosmo when I was studying . . . / working at . . . ." and go from there.
I make this request for stories and memories to anyone who knew Cosmo: State Street acquaintances, long-time friends, family members.
In memory of Bob Hicks, aka Rock 'n Roll Bob, aka Cosmo di Madison. He will be sorely missed.
Send your anecdotes to: email@example.com.
Eric Mader
April, 2008
P.S. --Enter the Labyrinth-- My own writing on Cosmo, which I sweated over considerably back in the day, is linked here, most recent things first. In this writing I was doing my best to make a complete portrait of Cosmo's "doctrine," his ideas as best I could get them from him, which sometimes wasn't easy. Some people might consider this a pretty strange project, but not me: Cosmo's imagination and way with words were often magnificent. I don't know about recent years, but back then, early 1990s, Cosmo was a great preacher and spinner of tales.
I've tried to write in a style appropriate to the sometimes Gothic, sometimes funky, usually conspiratorial Cosmo I knew. The result is that the writings are definitely murky and arcane (reader be warned!) but still, most people, once they get past a few pages, usually start to get the knack of Cosmo's way of making history:
Picnic Point: What is it Really? (And other Unpublished Texts)
Gospels from the Last Man: the Deeds and Sayings of Cosmo di Madison, vol. I
Gospels, vol. II
Gospels, vol. III
In any case, regarding the above links, my warning in the published book still holds true:
. . . .I ought to take this opportunity to warn new readers of Gospels from the Last Man, those who haven't already read Books I and II. Do not proceed too quickly, but do not lose heart either. Do not laugh too loudly while you read, lest a demon fly into your open mouth. I've seen what can happen, and believe me, it's not pretty. You are liable to feel in the beginning as if you were dangling helplessly over a valley strewn with sucked cadavers. This is because the doctrine here presented holds together in a very circuitous manner, like a giant web in fact, with the inevitable result that one cannot begin to know the pattern of the whole until one has gotten one's limbs tangled in many troublesome particulars. You yourself will get tangled up. You'll be stung by this spider repeatedly. It doesn't sound pleasant, I know. But trust me: you're in good hands with me as your guide. I've been through this web myself, and I know it like I know my own mind. And I can assure you: the beauty of the web, once glimpsed, will make any loss of blood along the way seem insignificant.


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Thursday, August 19, 2010
An elegant example, ignored as a model.
Photo Credit Donna Winton
The structure that thrust Henry Hobson Richardson into national prominence was Trinity Church, Boston; It spawned many North American churches with substantial central lanterns. Given this and his earlier work on churches, it is surprising to note that he completed only two more churches before his death in 1886.
One was a somewhat ungainly reformulation of Trinity for a Baptist congregation in Newton, MA. (It survives as a worship space shared by more than a half dozen congregations). There was apparently an intermediate lantern church design between Trinity and Immanuel Baptist, Newton (1884). Richardson proposed it to Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Allegheny City, now Pittsburgh's North Side. The building committe rejected the design, as the estimated cost exceeded by multiples the amount of their budget.
Richardson's next (and accepted) effort for Emmanuel Episcopal was a graceful yet spare brick box, with ornament restricted to subtle brick patterning and diaperwork (1885). It is much beloved locally and admired in wider architectural circles. Pittsburgh's James Van Trump found precedent for the form in English tithe barns. H. R. Hitchcock attempted to use it as support for his questionable claim that Richardson was proto-modern.
One might expect this elegantly simple (and relatively inexpensive) model to be emulated repeatedly. I thought I found such an example in Emory United Methodist Church, barely five miles as the crow flies from Emmanuel Episcopal in the city's East Liberty Section. Despite its form, composition and detail, the architects, Pittsburgh's MacLachlan, Cornelius & Filoni, tell me they addressed the church's wants and needs in the early 1970s without reference to the famous cross-town neighbor.
I was able to spot a clear influence of Richardson's gable facade in Latrobe, PA, thirty-five miles as a (more energetic) crow flies, from Emmanuel Episcopal.
Completed in 1892, Latrobe Presbyterian was designed by Pittsburgh's William Kauffman. Here, the gable proportions, triplet windows, slit windows as well as brick and stone details are clear echoes of Richardson's composition. And, in this case, Mr. Kauffman is in no position to refute my assumption.
Are there other churches whose form and composition (the locals fondly call it the bake-oven church) can be traced to Richardson's gem, Emmanuel Episcopal?
4 comments:
- tim said...
- August 19, 2010 at 10:31 AM
- millinerd said...
Good question Tim. I'll keep my eye out. In the meantime, here is Cram on the matter:
"In Trinity Church, Boston, there is much to admire, much of which we can stand in awe; but, beautiful as it is, it would have been better for the architecture of this country if it had never come into existence. From it have sprung nine tenths of the monstrosities that desolate the landscape, and add a new horror to our towns and cities. Only a giant can handle Romanesque, - and Richardson was a giant. His imitators were dwarfs, an din their hands the materials the master wielded with vast and wonderful power became the very millstones that drag them down in the sea of contempt."
I wonder how he really feels about it though.
- August 25, 2010 at 6:20 PM
- millinerd said...
By the way, that was The Gothic Quest, p. 194 in the freebie edition.
- August 25, 2010 at 6:21 PM
- tim said...
Thanks, Matt. I love those free downloads, but they end up costing me money: I always have to find my own hard copy.
There is a related question. What were the first examples of Richardsonian Romanesque lantern churches after Trinity? I have not yet found any built before HHR's Immanuel Baptist in Newton. There were a ton after that ugly duckling. I have found some Gothic Revival lanterns by William Halsey Wood, who was surprisingly prolific for one who, like HHR, died so young.
- August 28, 2010 at 1:51 PM


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Lanterns at Kasuga Grand Shrine, Nara, Japan
Nara was established as the first "permanent" capital of Japan in the year 710.
The Fujiwara family had primacy in Nara during this period, and built the Kasuga Taisha shrine dedicated to the Shinto dieties that protected the new capital city.
These lanterns at the shrine are lit only twice a year during special festival periods. Here they glow in the early evening light during "Setsubun", which falls in early February on the day before the first day of Spring on the lunar calendar.
- Filename
- 0605-_y3g1182.psd
- Copyright
- Mark Johnston
- Image Size
- 2600x1838 / 27.4MB
- Contained in galleries
- Views of Japan: outside Tokyo


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Integra brochure
(pdf - 1.6 mb)
(pdf - 1.6 mb)
April 21, 2011
Integra comes out of the crisisRBC Daily
Petr Geltischev
Business restructuring did a power of good to Integra. Owing to growth of the amount of service and production, the company managed to decrease the amount of the loss by 2.6 times, to 35.9 mln. dollars. And the stock of orders for the services that has replenished since the beginning of the year can indicate continuing the positive trend. At the same time, as our analysts consider, the success of the group in many respects was conditioned by the low base effect. The further growth of the financial results will depend on the type of investments which the biggest Vertically Integrated Oil Companies will venture in the nearest time.
The expectations of new team of managers that came to Integra in 2009 led by Antonio Kampo and which counted on selling the non-core machine-building assets and on strategic alliance with one of the majors Shlumberger in the field of exploration seismology were answered. "We have brought in the essential amendments to the key systems and processes, which led to considerable increase of profitability of company activity" – the general Chief Executive of the group, Antonio Campo commented on the success of company during the previous year.
In cash equivalent that was expressed by the increase of income by 13.5% till 793.7 mln. dollars., growth of EBITDA by 41.1% till 131.9 mln. dollars and reduction of the net debt by 32.3% till 111.7 mln. dollars. As it is commented in the company, it was possible to reach such results by means of bigger amount of orders. Thus only the total meterage of the drilled wells was increased by 63% till 287.9 thousand metres.
The fact that from the beginning of 2011 the stock of orders for the services has increased by 15.7% comparing to the amount of the previous year makes it even more optimistic. For April 18 there were made contracts for 635 mln. dollars. Inclusive of tenders won during this period the total amount is 792 mln. dollars. "The group has exceeded expectations due to the segment of drilling and integrated project control, but the increase of the order amount allowed winning back the losses of Kazakh contracts" – explained the analyst of Gazprombank, Alexandr Nazarov. He also added that growth of the cost for drilling services will favour further improvement of financial indicators of the company.
However, his colleague from URALSIB Financial Corporation, Alexey Kokin considers present success of Integra to be simply the restoration of its positions after the crisis. According to analyst at least 5 % out of 13.5% of the income growth, demonstrated by the company during the previous year, come from change in exchange rates. "In the situation of uncertainty with the taxation of the branch I doubt whether it is worth counting on the serious growth of capital costs of the oil companies. That's why at least in the nearest two years the marginal growth of the basic indications of Integra will not exceed 10% annually", considers Alexey Kokin.


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Funds are rushing back into Indonesian shares this week in the wake of the emerging market sell-off, but analysts are divided on whether investors should go with the flow.
Indonesian shares fell by around 9 percent in August, among the worst performers in a broad emerging market sell-off as concerns over the country's current account deficit spurred outflows. However, the archipelago's shares have been regaining lost ground in September, up around 3 percent month to date. The index finished Tuesday up 4 percent.
"There is good reason to revisit Indonesian equities," Herald van der Linde, HSBC's head of equity strategy for Asia Pacific, said in a note. He believes Indonesian policymakers' response to sharp outflows, plunging rupiah and rising inflation were about 70 percent right.
"Indonesian policymakers might have been slow to respond, but the increase in interest rates in recent months has been the appropriate reaction to currency weakness, despite the negative implications this might have for the outlook for growth," he said.
(Read more: Why Indonesia could be worse off than India)
"While growth is likely to slow, we don't expect a significant fall in aggregate demand," he said. He noted that Indonesian households and companies don't carry a lot of debt, suggesting the fallout from higher rates may be contained.


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Saturday, 03 May 2014 07:51 AM
An official says the 15-year-old boy who survived a 5½-hour flight from California to Hawaii in a jet's wheel well has left the state.
Hawaii Department of Human Services spokeswoman Kayla Rosenfeld said late Friday night that the youth is "no longer in Hawaii."
Her brief emailed statement did not specify how or when Yahya Abdi left, who he traveled with or where he went.
The boy's father, Abdilahi Yusuf, arrived in Hawaii this week from the family's home in Santa Clara, Calif., to bring him back.
Rosenfeld had said previously that the teen was in a Honolulu hospital after being transferred to state custody from the Maui airport, where he was questioned by FBI and airport officials following the April 20 flight.
Yahya Abdi withstood the flight inside the Boeing 767's wheel well at 35,000 feet despite freezing cold and a lack of oxygen.
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Right away I will admit that this thought experiment goes against the grain of the story in Genesis 2-3. The Eve in that story is remarkably incurious and suggestible. Furthermore, the approach my Eve will employ is not natural to humans now and there is no reason from the Biblical story to think it was natural for Adam and Eve. You will have to suspend disbelief.
This leads to an even more fundamental issue: What precisely did Eve know already by the time she encounters the serpent in Genesis 3? The story tells us very little. She is familiar with some form of the Genesis 2:16-17 prohibition, but we don't know how she learned it. She knows a language in common with Adam and the serpent. She has some awareness of what good food is and apparently has some conception of wisdom and its value. She knows enough about Adam to share the fruit with him. Presumably she heard Adam make his famous exclamation in 2:23, and if so she has some conception of marriage and at least a little experience at living as a wife. Presumably she has some experience with the garden itself and is aware that there are other fruit trees there. She accepts that the prohibition came from God. Her facility with language implies some kind of knowledge about a host of other matters, but it is diffcult to assess how far this would extend.
No traditional theology I know about is willing to stop at this minimalist account of Eve's knowledge. The Christian orthodoxies I've encountered will pull in the "cultural mandate" (Genesis 1:26-28) and knowledge of God as creator (Romans 1:20) as a bare minimum.
"Why," you ask?
"Why not? The narrator's economy is no license for unbridled minimalism. He expects us to fill in the details, most of which are obvious to everyone but the intentionally obtuse." Really? OK then, but it never hurts to get things out in the open, even the "obvious." Our Eve is going to ask Yahweh Elohim, the serpent, and Adam to humor her and repeat out loud in clear language all those unspoken, "obvious" assumptions. In other words, once Eve has been confronted with the serpent's statements, she is going to seek clarification.
But before we get too far into the matter of clarification, we need to ask what position Eve should take on the fundamental issue. Under what circumstances, if any, will she act against the prohibition? Like anyone else, Eve will begin her formal investigation with some prior experience. She already knows Adam as a husband to some degree. The only indication we are given of the amount of time they had already spent together is that Eve was not yet pregnant. Most likely it hadn't been very long. But even if for a short time we can assume some natural affections.
What Eve knew of Yahweh Elohim is even less clear. All we have to go by is what she tells the serpent in Gen. 3:2. What she thought of or felt about Yahweh Elohim prior to the temptation is anybody's guess. Did she "fear," love and trust him or was she already suspicious of him? If the latter, "sin" in the Pauline sense would already have been at work in her heart. Most versions of orthodoxy would resist this assumption , and making it doesn't further my case either. Therefore, I am going to presume that Eve was predisposed by affections for Yahweh Elohim and Adam to obey the prohibition.
Once confronted with the serpent, Eve's first order of business, then, would be to commit herself to continue to obey the prohibition until she had a very good reason to do otherwise. How good would that reason have to be?
1. She would need to be convinced that Yahweh Elohim was wrong about the consequences of eating the forbidden fruit or that he was unjustified in forbidding it to her or that the benefits of eating the forbidden fruit were worth the price of dying.
2. She would need to be convinced that eating the forbidden fruit would not break the bonds of affection between her, Adam, and Yahweh Elohim or that there is something very wrong with those affections and they should not be allowed to influence her decision.
In short, it would take overwhelming evidence in support of points 1 and 2 before she would seriously consider eating the forbidden fruit. The serpent would have to convince Eve that Yahweh Elohim and/or Adam are either incompetent or lying. This is a high bar for the serpent to get her over. Furthermore, Eve has no prior relationship with the serpent and so no bonds of affection with it. The serpent's odds of success appear to be terribly low. Some people want to improve its odds by suggesting that "empiricism" or methodological doubt entails that Eve (or Adam) must eat the fruit to learn what will happen. This is patently ridiculous.
Eve's second order of business would be to clear up the confusions confronting her after the confrontation with the serpent. She should have been bothered by many of them before the encounter. A simple start would be to present an identical list of questions to all the other major players in the story and weigh their answers. The questions to be posed ought to accomplish the following:
1. Clarify the meaning and purpose of the prohibition.
2. Clarify the motives underlying the statements already made by the other major players.
3. Provide enough information to develop some specific tests for each of the other players' trustworthiness and the accuracy of his statements.
Here is the list of questions:
- Explain in some detail what "death" means?
- What does "in the day you eat of it" mean?
- Why should eating from the prohibited tree result in death?
- Why would eating from the prohibited tree result in "knowledge of good and evil?"
- What precisely is "knowledge of good and evil?"
- Are any other trees in the garden of special significance? If so, which are they and what is their significance?
- Why was this not all explained more clearly before now?
- Please describe in some detail who Yahweh Elohim is, where he comes from, and what he wants from me?
- Please describe in some detail who Adam is, where he comes from and what he wants from me?
- Please describe in some detail who the serpent is, where he comes from and what he wants from me?
- How is it that the serpent can talk?
- How is it that the serpent knows about the prohibition?
I will save the next steps for another post and give anyone who wants to a chance to really step in it with premature criticism. :^}