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Shaving with a straight razor is one of the simple pleasures of life, but it can turn into a nightmare if you don't have the right razor. An inferior straight razor will deliver an inferior shave, causing you more trouble than you even want to deal with, including razor bumps, razor burns, small cuts, and just a crappy experience in general. The straight razor you buy should be durable, reasonably flexible, strong enough to feel solid and firm in your grip, but yet easy enough to manipulate with a little "finesse" where it's required.
This brings me to my next point: A straight razor doesn't have to be mega-expensive to deliver the goods. There are quite a few inexpensive straight razors on the market that do a great job of giving you a clean shave without cleaning out your wallet. One such razor is the Utopia Care Stainless Steel Straight Edge Barber Razor. Here are some of the main points of interest about this wallet-friendly straight razor:
Main Features And Highlights
The Utopia Care Barber Razor is comprised of 100% stainless steel, which means it will resist rust and corrosion. You can also aid in preventing rust by making sure the razor is completely dry (including the pins and scales) once you're finished shaving and have rinsed off your blade. The razor also comes with 100 Derby replacement blades that are individually wrapped in wax paper to prevent your shaving excursions from becoming a cut-fest.
The Utopia has a flippable blade cover and a hand-friendly grip, which allows you to get some good manoeuvrability out of the razor when shaving. It features a classic style as well, which can serve as somewhat of a "time machine" while you're shaving, taking you back to simpler times.
To be as inexpensive as this straight razor is, the Utopia Barber Razor delivers a heck of a nice, clean and close shave. It holds the blades securely in place, and its slide-apart design makes cleaning the razor a cinch. It is well-designed enough to offer a nice shave for hair of practically any length, a useful feature for those of us who don't shave on a daily basis, or happen to skip a couple of shaves during a busy work week. Overall, the performance of the Utopia Care Straight Edge Razor is very respectable for its price level.
Pros And Cons
The biggest pro of the Utopia Barber Razor is quite obvious: Its price! You would be hard-pressed to find another straight razor under $20 that could do a better job of delivering a clean shave than this one. That being said, the blades do have a tendency to dull rather quickly. Every man's experience will be different, because some men's facial hair is tougher and thicker than others, but for me personally, I was able to squeeze about three shaves out of this bad boy before the blade started losing a little bit of its edge. To put it in perspective, using a cartridge razor really doesn't deliver any better results, and oftentimes it will be much worse.
Ease Of Use
At the end of the day, this razor does its job well with no frills, and is very easy to manipulate and handle. The process of loading the blades can be a little tricky at first (especially for a beginner), but once you get the hang of it, you'll breeze through it. This razor shaves very smoothly, and due to its disposable system, it's relatively easy to clean and maintain.
Value For Money
As I mentioned earlier, you would be hard-pressed to find another razor that will give you as much bang for your buck as you get with the Utopia Razor. In all of the important respects, this razor stacks up nicely, especially against the less efficient and often more costly alternative of using disposable cartridge razors. Yes, the Utopia doesn't have a decorative handle, and yes, it's considered to be more of an entry-level razor for beginners, but for the price you're paying, it's a home run.
Would I Recommend This Product?
Absolutely! I'm not just saying that without any forethought; if you simply evaluate all of the qualities of this razor in light of its price, you'll quickly see that the Utopia Care Stainless Steel Straight Edge Barber Razor is a solid and highly cost-effective all-around performer.


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Today We Gonna Reveal you Top Ranbir Kapoor Hot Images by reference of his top movies still photos and Complete Biography.
Ranbir Kapoor is Bollywood Actor started his career from 2007 with his debut release Sawariya directed by Sanjay Lela Bhansali,he 1st time appeared featuring sonam kapoor on silver screen this movie got a great popularity as Ranbir got best male actor film fare award but unfortunately his debut was failed to get reasonable collection at box office.but as individual he wins his race
Rishi Kapoor a well Known Actor is the father of Ranbir and neetu singh is mother it is the 3rd generation of most popular kapoor family who seems to be a god Of Bollywood industry
Success : when first film get flopped he started working for next movie Bachna Ay Haseeno with co-star Deepika Padukone and Bipasha Basu it was the comedy genre movie in which Ranbir kapoor has very hot appearance with both beauties.
he is rewarded best actor award for Bachna Ay Hasseeno some Ranbir kapoor hot images we gonna share with.after that he showed his speechless performance in blockbuster movies like Rajneeti , Ajab Prem ki Gazab Kahani , Rockstar and win the thousand's of hearts and got a huge fan falling.
Top Ranbir kapoor Hot Images:
Here we have a collection of Ranbir kapoor Hot images/photos in which looking more handsome having solid muscles all photo shoot of famous magazine like maxim, Film Fare and Daboo rattani etc,these albums are specially for females fans

subset: commoncrawl


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Through my previous posts I intended to put across the point about life and its real purpose. Life is not just 'living' rather it is 'living with a purpose'.
We can can see around us so many living things from animal and plant kingdom. Even they have some purpose for which they have been created. But the difference between them and us is that they have a limited area of their own. The other difference is that they have not been blessed with the same intelligence as we. This is the reason why we see how a weak human can overpower the ferocious lions or tigers and tame them. He can even get them to do tricks for him as he likes. But however strong an animal is it can not outsmart the intelligence of Man.
We ourselves are in awe of the heights of technological breakthroughs that we see around us...now most of that is in our hands or laps and we are just playing without realizing the intricacy with which it has been invented!
Coming to the point, there is a purpose of existence of all living beings who have been endowed with capabilities and they are accountable for it.
Let us see how we understand this. For example, animals have been given certain special capabilities and they are doing their work accordingly. You can see the life of bees, ants, spiders, tailor birds and many amazing creatures who are constantly doing work and that too hard and with perfection! When you look at a spider's web you see the craftsmanship (or we can say craftsinsectship!) with which it is made. No flaw. Nothing.
This is the work of a frail, weak. thin spider whom you can just press and she is gone!
So here we see that even minute insects keep doing things which they are skilled in naturally. The limited understanding which they have been given is enough for their survival.
More to say, they have been created for our help also. Now this is another topic and this is not the time to delve into it. Insha Allah we will see to it in some other post.
To sum up, now we understand that the level of intelligence calls for that level of work! When insects can keep up to it why can't we?
Now the question is what kind of purpose or work does the intelligence that we possess calls for?
And how are we going to know what is the purpose of our existence, our life and our capabilities?
There you go. That is the reason I mentioned Surah Al Asr first in my earlier posts before giving a mention of Al Quran itself.
Surah Nasr tells us that all human kind is in loss except those who believe and do good deeds and those who advice each other good deeds and patience.
So this makes clear the purpose of our existence. If we do not want to be among those who are in loss, which is going to happen for sure, as Allah swears by Time and says that indeed mankind is in loss. Then He tells us how we can save ourselves from being among those losers.
1- First and foremost- we need to believe. Belief includes all the tenets of faith of Islam.
2- Then we must avoid all evil and try doing good deeds.
3-Next- it should not be kept to oneself, rather call others to do good and when need be advise others to practice patience.
Another and final but important point is about the source from which we are going to learn how to live this kind of life.
Yes. You got it. It is none other than The Book of Allah about which there is no doubt that it is True and Divine.
Until and Unless We Open The Book read and try to understand it, the purpose of our own life will not become clear to us.
So let us open and read the Quran and see what our Creator tells us to do.


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Case Studies
|Centre for Alternative Technology
|Evaluation of the CAT Visitor Centre
The Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) is concerned with the search for globally sustainable, whole and ecologically sound technologies and ways of life. Its role is to explore and demonstrate a wide range of alternatives, communicating to other people the options for them to achieve positive change in their own lives. One of the main forms of communication is an interactive visitor centre located in a disused slate mine located near Machynlleth in North Wales.
We were originally commissioned in 2004 to carry out an evaluation of the CAT Visitor Centre in order to understand and describe the nature of the visitor experience and inform the development of new displays. This involved observations with follow up interviews during the course of a visit and a number of focus groups with visitors towards the end of their stay. Our findings were used to help identify key exhibits for redevelopment as well as providing guidelines to help shape this redevelopment.
In 2007, we were invited to return and carry out a
further evaluation to explore the impact of three new exhibits. Using a
similar methodology as before, we were able to identify how well the
new exhibits were performing as well as make recommendations for making
the communication of the CAT message even more effective.


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Venetian Decor is extremely happy to announce we will be launching a new bridal collection in the coming months"Bridal Entourage"™
The collection will include some stunning designs that will be perfect gifts for the maid of honor, bride maids and even the littlest flower girl.
Custom designed and we can even incorporate your bridal parties names! Stay tuned we will reveal more details very soon.


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We will be launching our Pot Luck and Prayer Nights with a cookout at Chris and Stephanie Dills' house. We will have hotdogs, a bon fire, some smores, and of course, music and prayer. Come out and bring some chips or drinks if you can and be sure to bring someone with you!
Back to All Events
Earlier Event: September 11Ministry Sunday
Later Event: November 13Pot Luck and Prayer Night


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the first of these Copper/Zinc voltage cells (Cell type #1) was constructed 8th Dec 2010
each cell was formed from 1 layer of copper foil (Cu) and 1 layer of Zinc sheet (Zn), each approx 10cms square
a sheet of non-coloured, acid-free tissue paper was glued to the Zinc sheet using starch glue (eg. sold as 'Pritt Stick', in the UK)
a layer of non-coloured cotton was used as an additional separator; it was impregnated with approx. 0.5 cc of a 50:50 mix of honey and tap-water
two cells were used, connected in series by a small piece of folder copper foil held between the centre of the two cells
the initial o/c voltage of this cell-stack was 1.6V
two 10mm x 10mm diam rod Neodymium magnets were located adjacent to the outer flat surface of the top cell, with both fields aligned in the same sense, across the surface
the cells were connected to a very low-powered LED flasher circuit which drew a current of a few uA
the cells were heated (in circuit) for over a week at around 35 deg. C; then the heat was removed and the complete system was contained inside a mild-steel case with a lid
for a period of over 1 month the in-circuit terminal voltage of the cell-stack rose from 1.6V to 1.9V, showing a daily variation which corresponded with the changes in ambient temperature
an unused cell, made at the same time with the same materials, showed a steady self-discharge and little or no correlation with the ambient temperature
an additional load was then added to the cell-stack + LED flasher: an LCD clock module was connected across the buffer capacitor C1
this extra load caused a steady decrease in terminal voltage of the cell-stack until the clock stopped operating and displaying correctly at around 1V, and later the LED stopped flashing around 0.85V
towards the end of operation of Cell #1, a second cell-stack (Cell type #2) was made with slight differences of construction and preparation (details to follow soon, in the next entry)


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Home | Contact
Raja Ampat Aggressor Captain s log *10 January 2017
*Air Temp. 28 - 35 C *Water Temp. 28 C - 30 C
Captain: Ervanto
Chief Officer: Ferdi
Cruise Director: Urik
Assistant CD: Cassio
Chief Engineer: Yuli
2nd Engineer: Daryanto
3rd Engineer: Rahmat
Chef: Jemly
Chef Assistant: Komangi
Stewardess: Indah
Stewardess: Maria
Dive master: Muji
Dive master: Charles
Tender Driver: Carly
Tender Driver: Ody
Deck Hand: Jasman
Th: Two Trees Island, Farondi Seamount, Baby Rock, Wagmab Beach
Fr: Black Rock, Andiamo, Candy Store, Warna Berwarna
Sa: Four Kings, Barracuda Rock, Wedding Cake, Barracuda Rock
Su: Boo Windows, Gus Ridge, Magic Mountain, Romeo
Mo: Nudi Rock, Tank Rock, Boo West, Whale Rock
Tu: Grouper Net, Plateau, Love Potion No. 9
We: Melissa s Garden, My Reef, Galaxy, Keruo Night
Th: Mayhem I, Manta Ridge, Sawandarek Jetty, Yanbubba Jetty
Fr: Blue Magic, Sardine Reef
GUESTS: Martin, Gina, Sab, Simo, Ian, Robyn, Jeff, Markus, Julie
Wednesday January 10th
When our guests were transferred from the arrival dock into the boat, the crew was already waiting to greet them all. With a welcome juice and fresh towel in hand, it was time to proceed with the staterooms introduction, helping each one to get acquainted to the cabin facilities. Not long after the last group arrived, the bell rang for our first meal together, an Indonesian buffet lunch served by Jemly, the chef, and Komangi, his assistant.
What followed the meal was an introductory briefing done by Urik, the cruise director, about our vessel and its main areas as well as details related to the daily schedule. Afterwards our guests had time to finish setting up their dive equipment with the help of Muji and Charles, the dive masters.
As the sunset came among a cloudy sky and light rain, we lifted the anchor and started heading towards Misool, the southern region of the Raja Ampat archipelago. Earlier than usual the bell rang once more for a menu-served dinner, which continued into another briefing by Urik, this time related to our general itinerary and diving logistics from the vessel. It was also an opportunity for a formal introduction from the whole crew!
Respecting the fact that most of our guests had a long journey until West Papua, Indonesia, we called it a night relatively early. Most used the opportunity to have an extended rest period while others stayed around finishing up the gear configuration for the check dive, tomorrow morning.
Thursday January 11th
The day had already started as, among a gray, misty sky, we arrived in the region of Sagof, our first destination in the archipelago. After a buffet-served light breakfast, our divers started gearing up for the check dive, an opportunity to test photographic equipment, adjust dive gear and weights and get used to being back in the water. The dive site chosen was Two Trees Island, a large reef that offers plenty of sheltered space for us to take it easy in the first dive. It was, nevertheless, an opportunity to already see some of Raja Ampat s excentric marine life, like Bargibanti Pygmy Seahorse, nudibranchs, from the species Flabellina and Phillydia, Crocodile Flathead, Reef Octopus, among others.
When the last grouped returned on board and were greeted by the engineers, Yuli and Daryanto, greeted them with a warm towel. The bell then rang for the full breakfast, ordered earlier, which includes an Indonesian option everyday! After some rest, we started gearing up for the second dive, done in Farondi Seamount. Among the top of the seamount our divers could swim around due to the mild currents presents and watch congregations of Yellowtail Barracuda, Bumphead Parrotfish, different species of fusiliers and also snappers, like the Blue-lined and Spanish Flag. The visibility, as for the whole day, was in between 15-20 meters/50-66 feet.
After the second morning dive, the fine rain had already stopped and the clouds started to dissipate. Indah, one of the stewardesses, rang the bell for lunch and what followed was a longer ciesta that most of our guests had in the sun deck. In the afternoon happened the third dive of the day, and it was an spectacle. The dive site chosen was Baby Rock and, with a northern current, a considerable amount of fish could be seen on that side of the reef, providing plenty of action as Giant, Orange-spotted Trevallys, Oriental Bonito and, on top of that, Mobula Rays could be seen chasing a bait ball of Silverside Fish. It was not all, since the water movements resulted in the soft coral species to have their polyps open and the colors in full display, which caught our divers attention as some rays of sun appeared in the sky!
As Ody, one of the dinghy driver, returned with the last divers, Maria, the other stewardess, was waiting for all with a snack and a beverage. By this time we were on the move towards the west, close to the island of Wagmab, where we d enjoy the sunset and do the night dive, in Wagmab Beach. As it is usually the case in Raja Ampat, we spent our night dive looking for macro subjects and critters, and it didn t disappoint, as a few species of crustaceans, like the Decorator Crab, were seen, as well as nudibranchs, flatworms and also a flounder. Towards the end of the dive, a few Reef Squids posed for photographs attracted by our groups lights.
With the last of our guests back from the night dive and having taken a shower, the bell rang one more time for the menu-served dinner, another Indonesian specialty prepared by the kitchen team. After the meal, a presentation about the history, geography, culture and biodiversity of Raja Ampat was given to the guests, who, once the presentation was over, opted to go their staterooms for rest. The boat sleeps in Wagmab tonight and tomorrow we head east, towards the region of Daram.
Friday January 12th
With another cloudy sky greeting us in the morning, our vessel arrived in the Black Rock, a remote dive site standing in between Wagmab, our last stop yesterday, and Daram, our destination for today. Standing as a long ridge running north to south and filled with beautiful hard coral formations, it is home to considerable congregations of Blue-lined and Spanish Flag Snappers, as well as a school of Chevron Barracuda. On top of that, our divers had the opportunity to swim along a gentle current among schooling Yellowtail Fusiliers, Pick-handle Barracudas, batfish, having also a glimpse at two young Giant Groupers, as they were cleaned in deep water. A pleasant dive to start the day!
Further southeast from Black Rock we arrived in the surroundings of Andiamo, one of Raja Ampat s most striking sites that could be explored in more than one dive due to its size. With the conditions present this morning (very mild currents and visibility at about 20 meters/66 feet), our groups visited both Andiamo s pinnacles, where Pick-handle Barracudas, fusiliers, batfish and rabbitfish were plentiful, and also its southeastern ridge, where a stunning concentration of fish impressed all. It was not all, though, since the dive finished in a colorful, dense soft and hard coral garden, where some of the formations are so immense that left our guests wondering how long they ve been part of this reef. As an important extra mention: the sun came out brightly just before we jumped in the water!
The third dive of this wonderful day in Daram happened in Candy Store and its beautiful gorgonian garden. Similar to the previous two dives, the currents were gentle and the visibility around 20 meters/66 feet, which allowed our groups on another easy swim among among schooling reef fish like damsel, anthias, parrot, butterfly and angelfish while searching for critters, like the Denise Pygmy Seahorse red color variation. Nudibranchs, like the Flabellina, were also seen, coupled with a Reef Octopus and plenty of scorpionfish.
After sunset our divers started gearing up for the night dive, done in the small, yet colorful reef of Warna Berwarna. It was another critter spotting mission and it didn t disappoint: Marbled Shrimp, Fiambriated Moray Eel, juvenile Reef Octopus, Pygmy Squid and also a Denise Pygmy Seahorse were some of the highlights seen.
Carly, another dinghy driver, returned with the last group and after those had their showers, the bell ringed for our Italian dinner! After the meal, Urik give a presentation about Pygmy Seahorses, mentioning all the species so far described in the world, as well as the ones more commonly seen in Indonesia. Once it was over, most guests retired to their staterooms for rest while the vessel was already on its way to the region of Wayilbatan, where we ll dive tomorrow.
Saturday January 13th
Having arrived around the underwater seamount named Four Kings, our divers started gearing up for the first dive at our usual morning time. The topography of this site itself is an spectacle, being formed by four pinnacles connected by ridges where hard coral formations are plentiful and serve as homes for glassy sweepers and critters found among them, including Brown-banded Pipefish, Leaf Scorpionfish and different species of crustaceans. With a gentle current and visibility in between 20-25 meters/66-82 feet, our groups had the opportunity to swim freely along the dive site while also contemplating plenty of fish action, as Spanish Mackerel, Wahoo, Giant, Orange-spotted, Bluefin and Blue Trevallies chased fusiliers, rabbit and surgeonfish. On the deeper pinnacle, as if it wasn t enough, a compact school of juvenile Chevron Barracuda provided a show to our photographers, coming into a tornado-shape perfect for pictures.
Next on the schedule and closer to the main island of Wayilbatan, we dove in Barracuda Rock. With similar, relaxing conditions, it was another fantastic dive, as our groups swam among a soup of fusiliers, Pick-handle Barracudas, batfish, surgeonfish and others. It was not all, since in one of this sites deep ridges, populated by plenty of whip corals, a Silverside Fish baitball was present and with it plenty of action as jacks consistently attacked it while a considerable school of Chevron Barracudas watched from the distance. On the way to the ridge, a surprise: an Eagle Ray gliding gracefully along the reef!
The third dive of the day, which happened with another sunny afternoon, which has been the case lately, was in Wedding Cake, a site that receives this name due to its topography reminding a layer cake. Since the currents were relatively stronger at this time of the day, our dive masters spend most of their dives in a shallow, protected soft coral garden that, illuminated by the sun, provided a beautiful setting itself. Among the coral formations, plenty of macro subjects could be seen, like nudibranchs, including the Nembrotha genus, Crocodile Flathead, Electric Clam, flatworms and also a sleepy Hawksbill Turtle that didn t shy away to posing for pictures once our divers approached.
Once the last group returned, some of our guests decided to use the kayaks to explore the beautiful scenery of Wayilbatan, including its secret lagoon. Sunset came along the calm waters of the archipelago and afterwards we started preparing for the night dive, a repeat of Barracuda Rock where our groups spent their time along the shallow water plateau searching for critters and macro subjects. Some of the highlights included Sponge Crab, Crocodile Flathead and the endemic Raja Ampat Epaulette Shark, also known as the walking shark.
With everyone back on board and having had their showers, we gathered in the salon for dinner. Once the meal was finished, a presentation about Sea Turtles was given, mentioning the species existing in the world, some of their general characteristics and behavior traces and also threats to their existence due to human activities. Most guests opted to rest after it was over. The boat sleeps in Wayilbatan tonight.
Sunday January 14th
The insisting rain presented throughout the whole day didn t keep our divers from the water in what turned out to be another excellent diving day in the south Raja Ampat. Our first dive happened in the famous Boo Windows, which received its name due to the picturesque landscape formed by two holes in the islet. Among the scenario, with a manageable current blowing from the north, our groups drifted along the sloping reef watching Napoleon Wrasses, Pick-handle Barracudas, Black tip and Grey Reef Shark as well as another congregation of Blue-lined and Spanish Flag Snapper, before stopping at a dense soft coral garden located in a sheltered area of the reef. Along the coral formations, macro subjects like Ringed Pipefish, nudibranchs, like the Thecacera, Fire Dartfish, and others were pointed out by the dive masters.
Back from the dive, we moved the vessel towards the eastern tip of the Warakaraket island. There we dove in a local dive site named Gus Ridge, a deep water ridge that runs west to east known as a cleaning station for Manta Rays. Even though we didn t see the graceful ocean giants, our divers had the opportunity to watch the fish action while hooked on the reef developing, with Giant, Orange-spotted and Blue-fin Trevallies hunting fusiliers, like the Yellowtail and Bluestrike, rabbitfish, surgeon and unicorfish and also a considerable concentration of colorful banners. Towards the end of the dive, as we started drifting to the safety stop, a dense school of Big-Eye Jacks and Chevron Barracudas were there to be seen.
Slightly east of Gus Ridge we visited, on the afternoon, one of Raja Ampat s most celebrated dive site, Magic Mountain (a.k.a. Shadow Reef), another Manta Ray cleaning station. Despite encountering two specimen of Reef Manta Rays, a male and female, which was already special itself, the quantity and diversity of fish life seen on this reef is second to none in the whole archipelago. Napoleon Wrasse, White tip Reef Shark, Brown-marbled Grouper, Red Snapper, Giant Trevallies, Big-Eye Jacks, Pick-handle Barracuda, Grey Reef Shark, Green Turtle, Red Lionfish, you name it and Magic Mountain offers you a possibility of seeing it. All this with visibility of about 20 meters/66 feet and just enough current to get the action going. A fantastic dive!
As Jasman, the deck hand, welcomed the last group from the water, our vessel was on the move again, towards the island of Yillet, where we would do the night dive. With the rain finally over, even though the clouds still present, our divers were briefed about the dive site named Romeo, a known place to spot the Raja Ampat Epaulette Shark. At least two of them were indeed seen, but it was not all, as Day Octopus, Broadclub Cuttlefish, Crocodile Flathead, nudibranchs, like the Glossodoris genus, and more led our divers to return from the water with smiling faces.
After everyone had showered, we gathered in the salon for dinner, which was followed by a special presentation. The crew, led by Ervanto, the captain, performed a couple of Indonesian songs to our guests, who enjoyed the happy mood to finish the day. Afterwards most opted to go to bed straight away, while the boat sleeps in Yillet tonight.
Monday January 15th
With the rays of sun that were missing yesterday, we woke up already in Fiabacet, our diving destination for the day. The early morning dive happened in one of the archipelago s most renowned soft coral gardens: Nudi Rock. With a manageable current pushing from the north, our divers had the opportunity to swim along a protected sloping reef searching for critters, like the Denise Pygmy Seahorse, Long nose Hawk fish, Candy Crab and a few anemone shrimps. The end of the dive, though, made it hard on our divers to come up, since the astonishing coral garden in the shallow southern plateau of this site was on its full display!
The following dive of the day happened in the neighbor Tank Rock and, due to stronger currents, was a more active dive, where pelagic like Spanish Mackerel, White tip and a few Grey Reef Sharks (including juvenile ones) were seen along this sloping reef. It was not all about schooling fish being chased by bigger animals, since the top of the ridge that forms this reefs has also an impressive coral garden of its own, where Bumphead Parrotfish, Napoleon Wrasse, Brown-marbled Grouper and critters like Bargibanti Pygmy Seahorse, Peacock-tail Anemone Shrimp and Porcelain Crab were pointed out.
Still in the same group of islets, we visited the western tip of Boo on our third dive. With the sun on its brightest moment of the day, the reef itself offered another spectacle to our divers with its colors as vibrant as ever. It was also an excellent macro dive for our photographers, since Bargibanti, Denise (including the red color variation) Pygmy Seahorse, Brown-banded Pipefish, Tasseled Scorpionfish, Orangutan Crab and a few nudibranchs, including from the Nembrotha genus, were pointed out. What a day in Fiabacet!
The sunset happened along a now cloudy sky and once it became darker we started gearing up for the night dive, done in Whale Rock. On its shallow water plateau, the dive masters pointed out a few critters to our guests, including nudibranchs, Crocodile Flathead, Hydroid Crab and also a few Day Octopuses, including two specimens into a mating ritual!
When everybody was back on board and had their showers, we got together in the salon for another menu-served dinner. Once the meal was over, a presentation about Manta Rays was given, mentioning the species in the world, some of their general characteristics and also threats to their existence due to human activities. That was all for the evening and most guests opted to rest immediately afterwards. Tonight we sleep in Fiabacet.
Tuesday January 16th
Before the sunrise, we already threw the anchor in the vicinity of a seamount named Grouper Net to start the last day of diving in the southern Raja Ampat. Along the wall and overhangs populated by sponges and soft coral, the dive masters started the dive looking for macro subjects, among them Ringed Pipefish, Papuan Scorpionfish, Boxer Crab and also a Black Giant Frogfish! Towards the end of the dive, in the shallow top of one of the seamounts, our groups also had the opportunity to watch a beautiful school of Yellowtail Fusiliers hovering around, all this with a gentle current and visibility in between 15-20 meters/50-66 feet.
North of Grouper Net, in the region of Balbulol, we had the second dive of the day in Plateau, where the amount of critters and macro life is astonishing. Varied species of nudibranchs were seen, including from the genus Glossodoris, Chromodoris, Nembrotha and Tambja, along with flatworms, Tasseled Scorpionfish, Denise Pygmy Seahorse, Brown-banded Pipefish, Zanzibar Wire Coral Shrimp, and more. On the way to the safety stop, a small school of Bumphead Parrotfish caught the attention of our divers.
Our last dive in Misool happened in one of the archipelago denser soft coral gardens, Love Potion No. 9. With the currents blowing from the south, our groups spent the entire dive on the sheltered northern part slowly swimming among huge coral heads, hard coral formations and plenty of xenia soft coral. For the ones looking for macro subjects, they didn t leave disappointed with the amount of nudibranchs, blennies, dragonets and also a Bargibanti Pygmy Seahorse found.
When the last group returned and had a warm cup of tea to keep the shivers from the rain (which was present the whole day), came the time to rest before the dinner, which was served earlier today as we started the crossing towards the Central Raja Ampat, also known as the Dampier Strait. Once the meal was over, Urik gave a presentation about sharks, mentioning general characteristics, a few curious facts and threats due to overfishing. It was the last activity of the evening and most of our guests used to opportunity to have an earlier, longer night of sleep.
Wednesday January 17th
The day started with another cloudy sky among us as we started gearing up for the first dive of the day, in one of Raja Ampat s most fascinating hard coral garden: Melissa s Garden. The scenery on this site is fabulous itself, especially due to the dense and extensive hard coral formations on its shallow water plateau, where fish like anthias, damsel, snappers, butterfly, angel, parrot and others feed on the nutrient-rich currents while also dodging resilient attacks from Orange-spotted and Blue-fin Trevallies and the occasional Napoleon Wrasse. With manageable currents and visibility at around 20 meters/66 feet, there was also plenty of action involving pelagic life, including Black tip, Grey and White tip Reef Shark, Dogtooth Tuna, Spanish Mackerel chasing fusiliers all around. Oh! It was also our first opportunity to see a Wobbegong Shark!
Slightly west from the previous site we arrived in the seamount named My Reef and it was another fishy dive, which is usually the case in the Central Raja Ampat. Schooling Big-Eye Jacks, fusiliers, batfish and a few Red Snappers were seen hovering in front of the sloping reef, whereas on the top of the mount, Wobbegong Shark, Ringed Pipefish, Tasseled Scorpionfish and nudibranchs, like the Banana Nudibranch were also seen. A lovely dive, especially considering the currents were relatively mild and the visibility of about 25 meters/82 feet.
The third dive happened around the island of Peneimu, on a ridge named Galaxy, usually an interesting spot for macro photography and critter hunting. This time, even with the presence of a southeastern current, was not different and the dive masters pointed out Bargibanti and Denise (including the red color variation) Pygmy Seahorse, juvenile and adult Reef Octopus, Ringed and Mushroom Coral Pipefish, nudibranchs, like the Flabellina, and also a considerable giant clam towards the end of the dive.
Following the third dive, our guests had time to hydrate themselves with coconut water before getting ready for our land activity. A supervised trek to Peneimu famous viewpoint, where the ones who went could contemplate the karts formations and the region s blue water lagoon.
The sunset happened among the clouds, which didn t leave the sky throughout the day, and as we headed back to the island of Keruo, close to our second dive site. The night dive happened in Keruo Night and was filled with pleasant surprises, including toadfish, octopus, juvenile cuttlefish, Decorator Crab and also a juvenile Epaulette Shark. A great night dive!
With the night divers back on board it was time for dinner. Once our guests finished dessert, Urik preceded with a presentation about the archipelago of Derawan, Raja Ampat Aggressor s summer destination! Afterwards all guests opted to rest before our last full day of diving. The boat sleeps around Keruo tonight.
Thursday January 18th
After most days of cloudy skies early in the morning, we were blessed with a bright sunrise as our divers started gearing up for the first dive of the day, done in the seamount Mayhem I, in the region of Yangeffo. It was the first outstanding day of a spectacular day of diving! With mild currents, and visibility of about 15-20 meters/50-66 feet, the congregation of fish around the reef was mind blowing, as it seemed like it was raining fusiliers from the shallows. As our groups continued drifted along the side of the mount, a wide variety of wide-angle photography opportunities were presented due to the beautiful mix of hard and soft coral among rocky formations and sandy patches. As for more marine life, Bumphead Parrotfish, Napoleon Wrasse, Black tip Reef Sharks, schooling batfish, Pick-handle Barracudas and Big-Eye Jacks as well as a couple of Wobbegong Sharks!
Once the last group returned we started heading south, towards the islet of Arborek where we would visit one of the Manta Ray cleaning stations of the region: Manta Ridge. Even though the currents were a factor to be considered, the dive masters helped our groups to position themselves properly in order to watch an incredible show given by at least six different Reef Manta Rays that, at some point, hovered so close above the head of our divers that it seemed they would land on them. An absolutely unforgettable experience to be so close to these majestic animals while they cleaned and also fed on the nutrient-rich currents!
As we started heading further south some of our guests could finally enjoy the siesta on the sun deck. On time we arrived in the southern part of Mansuar Island, where we dove in the bay facing the jetty of the Sawandarek village. A relaxing drift along the sloping reef, this dive offered a bit of everything: Bargibanti Pygmy Seahorse, Giant Mantis, schooling Blue-lined and Spanish Flag Snappers, Oriental and Diagonal Banded Sweetlips, Wobbegong Shark, schooling batfish and drummers, Hairy Shrimp, Giant Clams and a beautiful scenery with the sun rays passing by the jetty as our divers approached the end of the dive.
The night dive happened east of Sawandarek, around the jetty of another village: Yanbubba. As it couldn t be any different, a great night dive to finish a fantastic day of diving. Among the critters and macro subject found by the dive masters, a few highlights included juvenile Reef Octopus, Crocodile Flathead, juvenile Reef Stonefish, Hydroid Crab and also a Robust Ghost Pipefish!
When our night divers returned on board, the bell rang for dinner. The meal was followed by an explanation of our last full day of diving and consequently a presentation about the Epaulette Shark, the friendly walking shark that we ve seen in some of our past night dives. Afterwards a few guests stayed around talking about the dives of today while others opted to rest straight away. The boat sleeps in Yanbubba tonight.
Friday January 19th
Before the day started, another cloudy one, we arrived in the surroundings of the Mioskon islet, in the Dampier Strait. Close by, we did the first dive in another of Raja Ampat s celebrated site: the seamount named Blue Magic. Known for being a Manta Ray cleaning station, our divers got to see two Oceanic specimen, possibly measuring up to 5 meters/17 feet! Besides that, due to the currents present, a lot of action could also be seen and some pelagic life like Grey and Black tip Reef Shark, Potato Grouper, Pick-handle Barracudas, Dogtooth Tuna and other schooling fish like squirrelfish, jacks, fusiliers, rabbit and surgeonfish populated the reef and were contemplated by our divers who were hooked on the shallow part of the seamount.
The following dive happened slighter to the south, in another seamount, named Sardine Reef. With an ebbing tide, we jumped on the eastern tip of the mount and stayed on the split point for most of the dive enjoying the fish action, especially as a quantity impossible to measure of fusiliers were being actively chased by Spanish Mackerels, Napoleon Wrasses, Giant Trevallies, Blue-fin and Orange-spotted Trevallies and Red Snappers as well. In fact, this dive was another opportunity for our groups to hear the fish thunder : the noise resulting from a considerable mass of fish moving at the same time, which happens as the fusiliers collectively retreat towards the reef once the strikes from the predators happened.
Once the last divers returned from the water, the crew started taking care of rinsing all of their dive equipment and hanging everything to dry. While this happened our guests had lunch, which was followed by the showing of the video of week, made with marine life highlights seen during the week as well as some footage of all out of the water as well. Finished the video, the boutique was opened for the ones who decided to bring a souvenir back home before the afternoon was given for rest.
At the schedule time, we gathered for the farewell party, another opportunity for the crew to play a few songs for everyone. It was also a moment for us to thank our guests for the visit and recognize some milestones as well as distribute a few awards.
Robyn (300), Ian (300), Markus (300) and Simo (1000) were congratulated on their milestones reached during the cruise!
Martin was also rewarded for completing his SSI Enriched Air Nitrox course!
Finally, our Aggressor Iron Divers, the ones who completed all the available ones during the cruise were Sab, Simo, Ian and Robyn. Great job!
Once the farewell party was over, the guests had time to start packing their luggage before we had an earlier dinner on board. The meal was followed by an explanation of the checkout procedure as well as a slideshow with pictures taken by the guests during the cruise. It was our last activity of the night and most decided to rest for their long journey on the following day. The boat is anchored at the port of Sorong.
Saturday January 20th
At the scheduled time the crew was waiting for our guests at the dive deck in order to bid their farewells and wish all a safe journey back home. It was a pleasure having you guys on board during this last 10 days and we wish to see you all again in the future. Happy Bubbles!


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Carbidopa with Entacapone and Levodopa
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Summary: When safety is built-in and human error is eliminated, traffic fines become a thing of the past.
The advent of autonomous vehicles presents an uncomfortable situation for law enforcement across the world. On the one hand, road safety will drastically improve. On the other, when traffic laws aren't being broken, traffic fines aren't being accrued.
Excuse Me, Mr. Officer
For the vast majority of law-abiding citizens, our only interaction with police has been through traffic infractions. Since driverless cars don't:
- speed
- run red lights
- commit moving violations
- or otherwise get distracted
and since these vehicles are expected to be well-maintained, most riders in autonomous vehicles (that they didn't steal) may never again have the opportunity to turn on the faux waterworks in a feeble attempt to get out of a fine.
Be Careful What You Wish For
I have yet to meet anyone who actually enjoys paying traffic fines. However, these same people do enjoy the many amenities their cities are able to provide — amenities financed through the collection of these very fines.
Without this depended-on income, city governments will be forced to source funds from other sources— most notably: you.
While some business analysts foresee a per-mile riding tax, it's more likely cities will simply increase sales and property taxes to make up the difference lost from the elimination of traffic fines. ■
What's your take on driverless cars and the future of city budgets? Let me know in the comments!


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Highgrove House Reviews & Information
Use the drop down below to find out more information about Highgrove House.
The five-star Highgrove House Hotel is in the rolling hills of South Africa's beautiful Mpumalanga province. This country boutique hotel was awarded 'Best Small Luxury Hotel in South Africa' for three years in a row. The owners of the luxurious Highgrove House near Hazyview are passionate about offering every guest the very best of South African hospitality.
The setting of this romantic country retreat is very tranquil and unique to South Africa with the cool surrounding forest and the warm tropical climate of Lowveld below creating a lush garden of Eden. Having been voted as one of the top 10 restaurants in South Africa, this particular House is well known for serving delicious gourmet cuisine. Dining by candlelight combined with excellent wines makes for a memorable experience. The Hotel can be reached from Johannesburg within 4 hours by can make it an ideal location for a stopover before heading to the famous Kruger National Park.
The eight well-appointed suites are in a tropical garden with each one featuring unique decor with welcoming fabrics and comfortable posters beds. The private lounges feature a fireplace to keep guests warm during the colder winter nights. The 2 Orchard Suites offer private Jacuzzis and swimming pools in the privacy of their gardens.
Highgrove Room features:
- Separate sitting rooms
- Log fires, Air-conditioning
- Tea & coffee making facilities
- Telephone, Television
- En-suite bathrooms with bath and showers
- The Internet and wireless access
- Safes.
- Reception, Bar, Lounge, Library
- Shop
- Dining room
- Patio with vibrant wallpapers
- High backed chairs.
This Hotel is the perfect hotel for a romantic getaway. The old farmhouse has been turned into a Boutique Hotel with upmarket fittings, furnishings and well - trained staff who look forward to welcoming you.
Below detailed information about the Highgrove House is available.
For any queries regarding this hotel, you are welcome to contact us.
- Ensuite / Private bathroom
- Housekeeping
- Telephone
Mornings begin with alfresco breakfasts in the Victorian gazebo, whilst evening highlights are the sumptuous gourmet dishes, fine wines and impeccable service of the candlelit restaurant. The five star Highgrove House has been awarded the prestigious Chaine des Rotisseurs blazon. To maintain an atmosphere of Fine Dining, dress code for dinner is smart.
Activities, Sports & Leisure
Guests staying at the five star Highgrove House in Mpumalanga, South Africa, are welcome to take a leisurely and refreshing swim in the outdoor swimming pool which is surrounded by the country estate's lush garden.
Nearby activities & attractions
- Antique shops
- Artist's workshops
- Bird watching
- Botanical gardens
- Fishing
- Golf courses
- Horseriding
- Hiking
- Hot air ballooning
- White water rafting
- Helicopter flips
- game drives
- Garden
- Helipad
- Nearby golf course
- Parking
- Restaurant
- Swimming Pool
Check in and Check Out Times
- Check in: 14:00
- Check out: 10:00
General Services
- Airport transfers
- Concierge services
- Housekeeping service
- Wake-up call
Available Rooms
Standard Luxury Suite
- # Rooms:
- 8
Standard luxury suite features:
- En suite bathroom with bath and shower
- Luxurious bathrobes
- Pure cotton sheets
- Goose down duvets
- King-size or twin beds.
Executive Orchard Suite
- # Rooms:
- 2
Executive orchard suite features:
- Separate sitting rooms
- Open fireplaces
- Secluded verandas with views of the forest or valley and avocado orchards
- En suite bathroom with bath and shower
- Luxurious bathrobes
- Pure cotton sheets
- Goose down duvets
- King-size or twin beds.
Highgrove House Specials
There are currently no specials for the Highgrove House.
Please check again soon.
Guest Reviews
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Share your personal review with us of your stay at this property.
Airport Transfer Quotes & Bookings
Highgrove House offers an airport transfer service. To receive a quote or make an airport transfer booking, please click the button below.Book Airport Transfer
GPS Co-Ordinates
Latitude: -25.135114
Longitude: 31.006372
Car Rental
A car rental service is available. To receive a quote or arrange car rental booking, please click the button below.Book Car Rental
On site parking facilities are provided for guests.
Star Rating
5 Star
- Repeatedly awarded Best Small Luxury Hotel in South Africa
- Rated one of the top 10 restaurants in South Africa
- AA Quality Assured Associate
- Exclusive Getaways
- Portfolio of Country Places City and Safari Collection


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Play Live Blitz
YOU CAN PLAY LIVE BLITZ GAMES ON CHESSBASE FROM MY BOOK REVIEW PAGE! Just click on Play Blitz under the board.
Wednesday, February 14, 2018
Stockfish 9
I forgot to post that Stockfish 9 has just recently been released. The top five engines on the CCLR 40/40 rating list are:
1-Stockfish 9 64-bit 4CPU (3465)
2-Houdini 6 64-bit 4CPU (3441)
3-Komodo 11.2 64-bit 4CPU (3422)
4-Fire 6.1 64-bit 4CPU (3299)
5-Deep Shredder 13 64-bit 4CPU (3293)
Several people have been pointing out that the default contempt setting has been changed from 0 to 20. One person thought it was because despite being the strongest engine, it missed the recent TCEC final because it drew many games due to the "0" contempt setting.
I am not that familiar with all workings of engines, but one poster on one of the engine sites said that an engine can sometimes accept a draw because it has seen some lines which are slightly better for the opponent and as a result, it may start repeating moves in order to draw. To counteract this the contempt factor can be increased which tells the engine to play on. e.g. a setting of 50 means that the program will play for a win, even if it thinks its half a pawn down. Download SF9
Posted by Tartajubow at 9:45 AM
2 comments:
Did you see FIDE's bank account cancelled?ReplyDelete
Not a comment on this, just thought you miht find it interesting.
- AnonymousFebruary 14, 2018 at 2:31 PM
read more hereReplyDelete
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Contact Us:02038287318
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If your child will be absent from school for an extended period of time, we ask you to complete an Application for Exemption form.
Temporary or permanent exemptions from attendance at school must be approved by the College Principal. The College will then notify you if the leave has been granted to ensure your child's enrolment is continued.
If an extended period of time is approved by the Principal and your child's place is being held families are expected to continue to pay the school fees as per normal arrangements.
While the form is available from College Reception, you may also download a copy below.


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A hectic work schedule, and I managed to get the top done. It sat for about a year, while I tried to figure out how to quilt it. It was huge! And I was too cheap to send it out. So, I crammed that thing through my machine. Straight line stitching only. And very wide apart.
Last July, I gave it to her, and she loved it.
And then I forgot to take a picture.
So, this last month, we were back to visit....and I finally remembered to photograph the quilt.
After a journey of about three years, here's the quilt. They love it, and use it everyday, so I'm happy!


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Shuffle Says: "Leave my Body" Florence + The Machine Ceremonials
Some dialogue taken from a play in progress
-What's the deal with musicians? Why is it they end up with all the girls? I mean there are so many other high profile professions. why does it seem that they of all people are so attractive? They don't even need to be particularly good or famous, but as soon as you say you play an instrument or if a girl sees you jamming or on stage more'n half the time you're minted on the spot
-I guess because music is so sexual. that's what it's like, Isn't it? Sex. Love making. it has tonality. majors and minors. has a key signature. a set of sharps or flats to indicate what notes to hit. to establish mood. dark. light. joy, relief, love (well, I suppose it's all love), anger, sorrow, passion.
There's preludes or overtures, clips and phrases of what's to come. It bears rhythm, meter, tempo. Like jazz, it works in spirals, reprising and extending an original phrase. A touch, a kiss, a scratch, a bite, lips to ear to neck. Reprise with the other side. Reprise, lips to ear to neck to shoulder. Again, lips to ears to neck to shoulder, to breast. Start again, this time those twelve bars are repeated but varied to include hands up each others shirts. And each time we find our way back to a chorus. That single long passion filled kiss that started the whole damn thing if for no other reason than to remind us that this is really happening and why we're doing it in the first place.
There are recitatives and arias. Changes in movements and dynamics, piano or forte. From percussive staccato to smoothed out adagio. You can test your limits with an awkward middle eight or a bridge to link two solos. There's improvisation and sometimes (when you're lucky) there's a gospel-like call and response; like that gentle tug on the back of your ear that elicits the same sound from you each and every time.
There are moments that feel like strings. A long stroke from the bottom of you calf to the top your thigh. Fingers prance like the playing of woodwinds. But there is no need for a conductor or an audience or anyone else (unless of course…)
Repeated ad infinitum (or should we say ad climaxium) and after the crescendo there's a denouement and sometimes you listen to the same track over and over. and sometimes you switch gears entirely mid session.
Music is infinite in possibility and it is eternal. As long as humans have existed there has been music. It started with a simple percussive rhythm and now it includes everything we can think of )(even computers).
It has evolved, just like humans have evolved. As long as humans exist there will be music and there will be sex.


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Lamboginny just revealed the album art and tracklist to his well-anticipated album – "Salt"
The 16-track album boasts of three genres (Afro, Reggae and Dancehall), 9 collaborations including Peter (P Square), Olamide, Korede Bello, DJ jimmy Jatt, Small Doctor and veteran jazz artist "Mike Aremu" amongst others. Production credits include Mystro, Benie Macaulay, STO and C –Myart Max.
The very artistic album art was unveiled via an Instagram post this morning, The Pre–Order link is also out already on iTunes with 3 of the tracks to your gratification.The full Salt album would be officially out on the 28 of September 2017.
Track List Mp3 Download


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And boy, was I excited I got accepted when I absolutely adored the first book in the series. This book is out on the 26th of September, and I highly suggest you read it, and the first book (my review for The Hundredth Queen can be found HERE).
So, anyways, here's the book:
In the second book in The Hundredth Queen Series, Emily R. King once again follows a young warrior queen's rise to meet her destiny in a richly imagined world of sorcery and forbidden powers.
Though the tyrant rajah she was forced to marry is dead, Kalinda's troubles are far from over. A warlord has invaded the imperial city, and now she's in exile. But she isn't alone. Kalinda has the allegiance of Captain Deven Naik, her guard and beloved, imprisoned for treason and stripped of command. With the empire at war, their best hope is to find Prince Ashwin, the rajah's son, who has promised Deven's freedom on one condition: that Kalinda will fight and defeat three formidable opponents.
But as Kalinda's tournament strengths are once again challenged, so too is her relationship with Deven. While Deven fears her powers, Ashwin reveres them—as well as the courageous woman who wields them. Kalinda comes to regard Ashwin as the only man who can repair a warring world and finds herself torn between her allegiance to Deven and a newly found respect for the young prince.
With both the responsibility to protect her people and the fate of those she loves weighing heavily upon her, Kalinda is forced again to compete. She must test the limits of her fire powers and her hard-won wisdom. But will that be enough to unite the empire without sacrificing all she holds dear?
So, as you can tell from the Blurb of this, the Rajah from the first book is dead, and boy was I happy that happened! But it did leave me wondering just where the plot would go after that. And I was not disappointed at all.
In this book, you meet the Rajah's son, Ashwin, who will eventually go on to be the newest Rajah once he gains control of his city again. And Guys, I guessed correctly, there is a love triangle here! Granted, it's not much of one as Kalinda is still very much in love with Deven, but I can't wait to see where this subtle little triangle will go in the next book.
Because by now, you should know I love a good love triangle.
But, that's not all about the book that interested me of course, there was a new place to explore in this little world of Emily's, and with that came a whole load of new imagery, and a slightly different portrayal of the religious beliefs, and that's always interesting to read about, how different places differ in their ways of practising religion. (though this isn't a real religion, as stated at the beginning of both books)
But yes, I love the imagery in this, and I love the relationship between Kalinda and Deven as well, it's good to see the inner workings of it, especially when there is a new player in the game (Prince Ashwin).
It's not all about the love triangle though guys, you get to see the workings of Bhuta's a bit more in this book, especially in the new land where they are allowed to be part of the Sultan's guard, and it's great to see just how powerful they can be when they aren't shunned like they were in the first book.
Kalinda also definitely learns to grow into her powers in this, and I absolutely loved that about her in this book, She got to learn just how powerful she really is.
So, altogether, I give this book: 5 cats!
I just love that it goes into a bit more detail for everything in this, and I feel like the 3rd book is going to be amazing too when it comes out.
Don't forget, this second book is out the 26th September!
Have you read either of these books? Do you agree with me? Will you be buying this book when it's out? Comment below!


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The word is derived from the English word lustrate, which means "to purify by expiatory sacrifice, ceremonial washing, or some other ritual action", but is also a reference to the controversial law passed in Czechslovakia, with which Rosenberg opens the book. The book delves into three countries' cultural revolutions: Czechoslavkia, Poland, and Germany (in the respective order of the book). Czechoslovakia opens the book partially to explain "lustrace", which is used repeatedly throughout, but also to set the stage for a complicated and painful problem. The question each of these three nations face is simply, "How do we purge the past to move forward?" The question is moral, historical, and political because it controls the narrative of the past, as well as the future, and deals with the complexity of human lives. The one lesson that stuck with me the most was, "The future is certain, but the past is subject to change." This illustrates the conundrum of lustrace: history is being rewritten by victims and aggressors. Records from the StB (Czechoslovakian) or the Stasi (German) do not account for the various factors that informed people's decisions to cooperate and what they intended in their actions. Furthermore, those complicit persons must also face the ugly face of their actions and realize that their victims are allowed to not forgive them.
The narrative within each featured nation is so multifarious that a summary does little justice to Rosenberg's delicate journalistic touches. The book is ultimately heartbreaking because as people pass judgment and face the consequences of their actions, well intentioned or not, demons are reawakened and people turn to vengeance. The idea of forgiveness and progression are in a delicate balance in all three scenarios, but take on various shades on meaning in each. Jaruzelski's trial over declaring martial law highlights the murky waters of political decisions and historical interpretations; Czechoslovakia's unmerciful and bungled purging of StB cooperatives highlights the culpability of relying on inaccurate sources and a monochromatic view of the past; East Germany opening the Stasi files to victims and meticulously piecing together the past highlights the danger of minute documentation in the face of progression. Rosenberg delves into individual stories within the larger narrative, but still retains the cultural nuances in each country's lustrace. Her writing brings out the vengeance of Czechs and Slovaks, the romanticism of Poles, and the meticulous obedience of the Germans.
Rosenberg is a "veteran of South American regimes" and this background provides a strong framework for this complicated issue. The complication of forgiveness, political and moral decisions, and control over the historical narrative has application to the modern world. [Africa is brought to mind since I recently finished The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuścińsky, as the continent is haunted by colonialism and multiple successive and simultaneous wars.] How does a nation forgive, purge, and move on? What is the correct balance between the justice to purge totalitarian supporters and the mercy to forgive poor choices in an extreme moral environment? Almost all the victims of Communism were its supporters, whether through small or indeliberate actions, and this realization haunts these nations. The witch hunt is lustration, but Rosenberg ponders the line between lustration and immolation. Whether Eastern Europe realizes the difference remains to be seen: Marx's shadow still ominously looms over their lands.
If you love ECE and don't read this book, I don't know what to do with you. The book will be easiest for those very familiar with the region (there are numerous political reference and figures), but still reads easily enough for someone who is new. Out of all the books I've read over the years, I recommend this one the most because it takes you through the trenches of these nations and understands the ghosts that haunt them.


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Well, being the lady of leisure that I am, I enjoy reading some fabulous blogs. Here's an ever growing list of blogs that I love and find inspiration from. I hope y'all enjoy them too. Happy reading!
Madeline Makes & I with Teddy
@ a Nationals game !
- The Small Things Blog
- Lauren Elizabeth
- Dreaming of Dimples
- Real Housewives of Northern Virginia
- Capitally Frugal
- Eat Yourself Skinny
- House of Smith's
- Eat Love Procreate
- A Blog About Love
- IHeart Organizing
- The Vintage Apple
- The Magnolia Pair
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- Living In Yellow
- Madeline Makes


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The parents of "Affluenza" teen Ethan Couch are beginning to settle out of court with the families of their son's victims. They agreed to pay undisclosed amounts to the families of Breanna Mitchell and Hollie Boyles and her daughter, Shelby. A settlement with the family of youth pastor Brian Jennings is also in negotiation, while other lawsuits are also still pending.
Couch killed four people and severely injured two others while driving drunk and high last June, with police reporting that his blood alcohol level was three times the legal limit. However, he avoided jail time and was sentenced to 10 years probation after his attorneys argued that his wealth prevented him from learning the difference between right and wrong. He is now residing in a $450,000 per year treatment facility in Newport Beach, CA, which his parents are footing the bill for.
Last month, the teenager avoided jail once again after pleading guilty to two intoxication assault counts stemming from the crash. He could have faced up to three years in juvenile hall on the charges, but Judge Jean Boyd ordered him to return to the rehab facility he is residing in.
The affluenza diagnosis given by Dr. Gary Miller argued that Couch "never learned to say that you're sorry if you hurt someone. If you hurt someone, you sent him money." Miller also said the teen had an "intellectual age" of 18, but an "emotional age" of 12.
One of the two people still alive after the incident, 16-year-old Sergio Molas, is now completely paralyzed and requires 24-hour care as he is "minimally conscious." He can only communicate with his family by blinking. Doctors have told his parents that they should not expect any improvements beyond his current condition. They have sued Couch's family and his father's business for $20 million in damages.
(Photo: Facebook)


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Rigo Restaurant, Kamla NagarCategories Food
Friends can be good things. Not all the time. They get boring with time, cost a lot to maintain and can behave irrationally, a cheer group at times and as assasins at others. Anyway, I am determined to talk of only in the most glowing terms. After all, who else takes you to a fantastic new place in town, does not charge a finder's fee and takes for a long drive thereafter?
The place I am talking about is Rigo Restaurant. They have a branch in Majnu ka Tila it seems. But we went to the one in Kamla Nagar. We were all from the North campus, so we counted off all the famous eateries through the years. The Momos Point, like the foodie's Lal Qila is still there. Last time I was there, a fancy place named Soho had happened. Places have closed and new ones opened, but that narrow little backlane has never disappointed.
But I didn't expect anything like a Rigo Restaurant there. Absolutely spic and totally span, this little place serves you like a starred one. The manager rememberd my friend, quickly took the order which we delayed in giving and seemed like a good ambassador of the place. The menu is neat, no Indian-Chinese-Punjabi group fun. The place is small, will probably sit around 30. The evening we were there, some children's dance reality show was loudly playing on the TV. That was noise pollution, but apart from that the interiors are done warmly, though modestly.
We ordered a Lemon Coriander Fish, a Thai Red curry –chicken that our friend recommended, Chicken Sui Mai, apple beer a fruit beer and two soups.
First, the Sui Mai. This one was a little too well done as the wrapping was falling off. Ideally, they look and stay like petals. But were they good – yes, really good. The chicken filling was light, generous and was cooked just right. I can drive all the way to north just for these ones.
Second, the Lemon Coriander Fish. The fish was fresh. The gravy was refreshing. The only issue being there was too much coriander and too little lemon. We asked for a few wedges, fixed the tilt and went right ahead.
Third, the Thai Red curry. It was served in a clay pot. It was the dish of the evening. People who have done nothing but cook and eat red curry were satiated. The size of the serving is good for 2-3 people and that probably was the best value for money dish I have ever been served.
Fourth, the soups. We ordered a veg Talumein soup and a chicken rice noodle soup with burnt garlic. The veg soup was the only let down of the evening but the chicken one was good. Before we had finished our meal, we were planning when the next visit will be. Will we all come together or will we lie to our friends and sneak a few more visits in?


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Mauricio Pochettino has challenged Tottenham Hotspur's fringe players to make an impression in Wednesday night's FA Cup fourth-round replay against Newport County.
The Lilywhites required a late goal in the original tie and now have an unwanted extra fixture to contend with, three days before taking on Arsenal in the Premier League.
As well as having a North London derby to prepare for, Spurs also face Juventus in the Champions League last 16 in a week's time, leaving Pochettino with little doubt that he needs to chop and change his personnel.
"We are going to rotate the starting XI, for sure," he told reporters at his pre-match press conference. "I cannot tell now, like always, but of course we need to rotate, we need to use players that don't play too much. We are having a very busy period, and we need everyone fit and available to play.
"For us, we have to be focused on Wednesday, but after Sunday, Wednesday, a lot of players play a lot of games. For me, we have a squad good enough to win. Of course that will be tough. That is why for me it is not important the names that are going to play tomorrow.
"When you have a squad like we have, it will be very good for some players to show their quality, and it is a great opportunity for them to show that they can fight for a place in the Premier starting XI. For me, it is the same whether tomorrow is Newport or another Premier League team.
"We take the competition very seriously, and tomorrow we are very focused and convinced that we are ready to win and compete. I think it is a game that we must win."
Spurs drew 2-2 with Liverpool in their last outing, making it 10 games without defeat in all competitions.


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Monday, August 5, 2013
02.07.2013 – 03.07.2013,
The Journey: Puno – Rachi – Cusco (385 km),
Rachi archaeological complex is located in Cusco - Puno highway and consists of many different parts. First - Temple of Wiracocha, from which is only 20 meters high wall has preserved and as to the adjacent columns - there is only a meter high part left.
The guide shows pictures of what this temple could look like in the past.
And the image of the whole complex, The Wiracocha templis up on the left, beneath that is the residential quarter, and under that round storehouses.
Here was the residential site.
And these round 8-10 meters in diameter walls were once warehouses, (Colca, or Qolcas), more than 100 buildings.
Some warehouses have been restored, and one has got a roof. Round storage facilities are unique because circular buildings were usually not built by Incas.
Cusco is a city of 400 thousand inhabitants and somehow bigger than I first imagined. Incas arrived at the area of Cusco in the 13th century, and made it the capital of their empire, but the place had been inhabited already earlier.
Some observations about the traffic of Peru and of all of South America. The traffic in town is normal, other road users are accepted and actually taken into consideration. And that is nice.
In my GPS I had quite a decent map of Cusco, only on the direct path that led to the camping there were some stairs, and so this route had to be canceled. And I was not the only one who in this narrow street had to make a U-turn at the end.
Back through the town, and finally the right place was found. Camping Quinta Lala, The main overnight place of overlanders in Cusco.
The under-roof place was not occupied. The place is perfectly ok, here's clients kitchen, wifi, the downtown is a 15 minute walk, and there is an opportunity to exchange impressions with other overlanders. Like – the best places to overnight, the most exiting or best or whatever prefered routes etc.
About in a 5 minutes walk is Sacsayhuaman, a great complex of Pre- Inca times.
In the middle of the complex there ars three rows of walls. Here is one copy- paste about the material http://www.world-mysteries.com/mpl_9.htm
Some authors believe that the three walls represent the three levels of the Andean Religious World: beginning from the bottom would be the Ukju Pacha (underground stage), the Kay Pacha (earth's surface stage) in the middle, and the Hanan Pacha (sky stage) on the top.
Besides; those levels are identified with their three sacred animals: the Amaru or Mach'aqway (snake), the Puma (Cougar or Mountain Lion), and the Kuntur (Andean condor). Because of the zigzagging shape of the walls, some authors suggest that they represented the Illapa god (thunder, lightning and thunderbolt).
It is possible that all the previous elements related to their religion would not be excluding, because there are divine interactions, and as it is known "three" was a key number among Quechuas.
There are no other walls like these. They are different from Stonehenge, different from the Pyramids of the Egyptians and the Maya, different from any of the other ancient monolithic stone-works.
Some of the building blocks weigh up to 140 tons. The stones are so well -cut that even a sheet of paper cannot be squeezed in between them. And the walls have survived earthquakes, and after the earthquake the walls do not fall over or break into pieces but the rocks will fall back to their original positions.
Further Reading http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saksaywaman
From distance a magnificent view of the old town of Cusco.
Cusco, during the Inca Empire the central square was bigger and bore the name of Huacaypata. The current name of the Plaza de Armas Squares was given to the place by the conqueror of the Inca state Francisco Pizarro in 1532.
Further on the Cusco Cathedral.
In the middle of the square there is a high monument. Pachacuteq - the ninth Sapa Inca - who lived from 1438 - 1472, and whose conquests grew Kingdom of Cusco into Inka empire.
Cusco. Roadway and on the right - railway. Cusco is the only city in Peru, that has the Narrow Gauge (914 mm) than the standard gauge (1,435 mm) railway.
Church of Santo Domingo.
Practical info –In Cusco one can buy a 10 days valid " tourist ticket " - Boleto Turistico del Cusco – Boleto Turistico Del Cusco (http://www.boletoturisticocusco.net/)The list is long enough - Museum of Art and Santa Catalina Monastery, Municipal Museum of Contemporary Art, Regional Historical Museum, Koricancha Site Museum, Folk Art Museum, Qosqo Native Art Center (folkloric Dances), Monument Pachacuteq, Saqsaywaman, Kenko, Pukapukara, Tambomachay, Tipon, Pikillacta, Pachacuteq Lookout.
Further more : Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero. The ticket can be purchased list of the places, and the price is 130 Soli (about 35 EUR)
On the other side of the ticket the map of Cusco is a great help to find the interesting places easily.
And yet it is stated that this is not a ticket to visit Machu Picchu. To make a visit to Machu Picchu there is a number of different options, and about that in the next post.
Posted by Tarmo at 3:04 AM
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text: Wildland fire management within National Park Service units is conducted to support resource management objectives. The full range of strategic options is available to managers provided selected options do not compromise firefighter and public safety, cost-effectiveness, benefits, and values to be protected. Suppression of unwanted, potentially environmentally damaging wildland fires is guided by fire management plan direction. Fire activities may include using fire as either a natural process or as a management tool. Fire objectives include, but are not limited to: restoring, mimicking, or replacing the ecological influences of natural fire, maintaining historic scenes, reducing hazardous fuels, eliminating exotic/alien species, disposal of vegetative waste and debris, and preserving endangered species (from National Park Service Reference Manual 18 - Wildland Fire Management -- see below).


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There's no charge for booking a restaurant table - book your table now to avoid disappointment. You will pay for your meal, drinks and service at the restaurant itself.


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spanish colonial lances
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30th September 2008, 10:26 PM
Jim McDougall
Research Consultant
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Route 66
Posts: 6,951
Thank you Chevalier for the extra detail on the wording in the book, which makes a great deal of sense. It seems that the British and American weapons were probably relatively heavier, especially in the polearms, as I have not seen the Spanish 'tomahawks' to guage. The British polearms were typically spontoons and some halberds I believe, which of course would not have been traded, and I dont believe either British or Americans used lances here in those times.
As has been discussed, the Spanish Colonial use of the lance was in many if not most cases a primary weapon, rather than a secondary or ancillary weapon. Its manner of use was probably much in the way used by the American Indians of southern plains, as a shorter spear or stabbing weapon. I would imagine the shafts of the Spanish lances must have been shorter than the typical lances of Europe, which were around 8 feet long or so. These were tremendously awkward in the melee, and used as a primary weapon in shock action, with movement to secondary weapons after contact. The Spaniards kept stabbing with them, in one instance narrating the Battle of San Pascual, it notes that one American dragoon was stabbed sixteen times by lance before falling.
In the Brinckerhoff & Chamberlain reference, there is no mention of tomahawks among the weapons described, which of course does not mean they did not exist in these Spanish Colonial regions, but it seems as comprehensive as the book is that they should be mentioned if of any significance. There are of course halberds and spontoons shown, and Taylor (op.cit.) notes that early 'tomahawks' were often comprised of heads of these weapons among tribes in Iroquois regions as the familiar pipe tomahawk developed. I found no specific mention of tomahawks in the Simmons and Turley reference, though one spontoon is shown and the head is more like a very large lance head, ornate, and probably from regions to the south.
You're right on the Comanches, it is truly amazing what amazing distances they travelled in thier raiding. The intensity of thier raids for horses seems to be often the key subject on them in regions all over Texas, which in my own travels across the state has come up many times. One small city has its town square and virtually the entire town history focused on a monumental Comanche horse raid there in about the 1870's if I recall.
Thank you bringing up this topic....you always bring in good ones!!!
It was great revisiting old notes and remembering how fascinating the weapons of New Spain really were!!!
Jim McDougall
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TalkTalk Cybersecurity Attack: Downstream Attacks Imminent
Posted October 26, 2015
4 million TalkTalk customers' data is at risk after a "significant and sustained" cybersecurity attack– including names and addresses, dates of birth, email addresses, telephone numbers and even credit card & bank details.
TalkTalk are currently experiencing the initial pain of suffering a serious cybersecurity breach: Brand damage, plummeting share prices, damaged customer relations, costly remediation… and even ransom demands! However companies across the land will need to be on high alert, as this data will most likely end up on a darknet site for fraudsters to use beyond TalkTalk.
As the world has moved online, business are completely dependent on digital authentication in order to transact and interact with their customers. As a result, digital credentials have become a new currency. Telcos such as TalkTalk- who have suffered three public data breaches this year alone- are now as high a target for cybercriminals as financial institutions have traditionally been. Telcos process and store a great deal of personal data and the black market price for this stolen data is high.
Every time another major organization such as TalkTalk is hacked, more fragments of leaked digital IDs can be pieced together by attackers. It becomes increasingly difficult for companies to distinguish the good customer from the fraudster using stolen credentials.
Stolen data will be used to attack banking and e-commerce sites throughout the land- via payment fraud, fraudulent account creation and account takeover attacks. Cybercriminals employ crimeware tools to cloak their identity and location whilst using botnets to run large-scale attacks, looking to penetrate the fraud defenses of target organizations using this stolen information.
When organizations who transact and interact with their customers online rely purely on static credentials to authenticate their users, they are likely to fall victim to fraud using stolen identity credentials in the wake of large-scale breaches such as at TalkTalk.
It is imperative that banks and online businesses fully verify a customer's true digital identity, employing context-based authentication using a range of factors such as device ID, malware detection, location and behavior analytics- versus malicious activity where fraudsters mask their true identities, access multiple accounts from one machine, hide behind proxies and falsify their locations.
There is a wide range of factors that make up an individual's digital identity and by analzying and understanding this, in real-time, organizations are able to not only keep the bad guys out, but also quickly recognize true returning customers and facilitate a smooth user experience.
The danger of the number of high-profile attacks that we are currently seeing is that as a result companies worried about downstream fraud demand onerous login and authentication processes before they can interact and transact with them. However, the burden of proof should not lie with users. Organizations should be embracing next-generation authentication to keep the fraudsters out- without impacting to user-experience.


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The last talk of the day dovetailed nicely with one of the slides from Jason Tester's presentation a fake Newsweek cover from the future on bodyhacking. What Aubrey de Grey was proposing was the ultimate bodyhack, engineered immortality (or 1000 year life span at least).
There's no way around saying it, de Grey is the ultimate mad scientist - but in a good way.
The mad: Wild hair style, wild bio (de Grey is only a biologist by accident and circumstance), wild project, wild methods (includes harnessing the genes from microbes adapted to decomposing human remains. The microbes harvested from actual graveyards).
The good: Like I said in the intro, de Grey taps into a particular hacker mindset that's only getting more and more important these years. He does this not only mentally, i.e. by adopting this mindset, but also socially, by speaking a lot and by organizing the Methuselah Mouse Prize (an X-prize for mouse aging). His projects is very well thought out and very precise, at least rhetorically. It's impossible for me to have any idea of his scientific prowess of course but he talks very well on his subject, with care, lucidity and humour. He is very precise in not stating anything but a very specific goal that he plans to reach by very precise means. He is well avare of the social implications of his science as well.
Clearly the stand out talk of the day. The world needs more mad scientists - or at least an event like NEXT05 does. I find it ironic that de Grey, simply by giving a better talk that really jolts your mind ends up being the speaker that is able to present by far the most tangible idea of a future. Its a good thing that the event at least closes on a high note.
(sidenote til danske læsere: Forvent en Lone Frank helside i næste uges Weekendavis om de Grey. Hun var der ihvertfald, og mon ikke evigt liv kan få lov at trække en side)


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On this weekend four years ago, Ryan and I both began a new journey with God when we arrived as students for the September 2010 Discipleship Training School here at YWAM San José. Little did we know that four years later we would be married, serving as full-time missionaries, welcoming the next generation of youth hungry for a transformed life. Ryan and I didn't know each other back then. We were simply two individuals who felt that God had more for our lives, so we decided to embark on a 5-month journey that would change us forever. As you can see, that 5-month journey turned into quite an adventure that, up to this point, spans four years and counting; a journey that has not only changed the direction of our lives, but has taught us what it means to live a life of radical faith and obedience to the One who created it all.
Four years ago, I thought I was doing something really counter-cultural by passing up a job offer and coming to Costa Rica almost immediately after graduating from University. Today, I look back and see that I had no idea what radical, selfless, abandoned faith and obedience truly looks like. I reflect and realize that four years ago, I was a young girl with just enough willingness to follow what I felt God had for me in that moment, but since then, I have become a woman who longs to radically follow my Creator for the rest of my life, no matter the cost. And not because of me, but because of what God has done in my life.
Of course, I am not perfect at this radical obedience thing, and I won't ever be. But these last four years on the mission field have taught me that the absolute best place for me to be is in the very center of His will. I have learned that even if His plan for me is physically uncomfortable, logically unsound, or straight-up crazy to man's perspective, it is still far far better than what I could plan for myself. I mean, He has asked us to do things that make us look insane to the rest of the world! He has asked us to give money away when we had nothing, to move to places to disciple people who don't speak our language, and to love people who hate us.
I love the way David Platt says it in his book "Radical," when he talks about how Jesus responded to those who wanted to follow Him in Luke 9:
"Ultimately Jesus was calling them to abandon themselves. They were leaving certainty for uncertainty, safety for danger, self-preservation for self-denunciation. In a world that prizes promoting oneself, they were following a teacher who told them to crucify themselves. And history tells us the result. Almost all of them would lose their lives because they responded to his invitation."
Discipleship has a cost. But each and every time, those cuckoo-sounding adventures have only enriched our lives. Yes, they are difficult sometimes, but in the end they only bring us closer to Him. So, I keep trusting this God who holds everything in His hands, and He continues to surprise me with the way that He cares for us and wants us to experience His Kingdom on earth.
Two weeks ago I wrote this in my journal,
"Wow, so much irony! Yesterday I woke up feeling really discouraged because tomorrow Sallie Mae is scheduled to take out $134 from our bank account and we only have $37. Then, when I got to the base, Pablo wanted to start filming a video about finances! No monthly donations were scheduled to come anytime soon, and there was no sign of other gifts coming in. But, I opened the Bible App on my iPod and the verse of the day read, 'May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him'."
Yep, a couple weeks ago, Ryan and I went through possibly the biggest financial challenge of our married life. Not because we needed a great, big amount of money, but because this one literally came down to the last minute. We arrived at the base and as part of the Communications team, I was asked to help create a new video in which we asked several of the staff to share about what it's like to depend fully on God's provision, what have been the most difficult experiences financially, and how has God provided. Ha! I had to answer these questions on the day that I was seriously wondering if God was going to come through. But, as I was being interviewed for this video, I began to reflect on all the times that God gave me exactly what I needed, and the last thing I said to the camera was this,
"I've seen [God] provide in miraculous ways over and over and over again, so even in the most difficult moments, I have to believe in my heart that He's going to come through, because there has never been a time in my life that He hasn't."
The day after we filmed the video (the day that a payment was scheduled to be withdrawn from our account), I was at home in the morning, helping to homeschool two of the boys from the base. I prayed,
"God, I don't know what else to do. There isn't anything I can do. I know You know the situation better than we do, and I believe You will make it into something good. Give us a greater faith and trust in You."
We still hadn't seen any signs of a donation coming in, and I was kind of scared that our account was going to overdraw for the first time ever! Not only that, but we only had some leftover beans in our refrigerator and some rice in the cupboard, along with an even higher payment that we needed to make. I believed that God was going to take care of us, but I was wondering if it was going to be in the way we wanted. Maybe the money wasn't going to come in, and we were still going to be okay. After all, we would still live even if we got penalized for not paying, and we could survive even if it meant not eating for a few days. We would still have the most important things in life, those things that remain with us despite physical death, discomfort, or difficulty – our relationships, our family, and our God who gave it all to us.
Well, after I had the boys started on their work, and had a moment, I checked our email. Two minutes earlier a message had come into our inbox from Mission Enablers International, and we had received donations from several different people, none of whom had ever given to us! The total was the EXACT amount we needed to pay the two payments, plus $40 extra to get groceries. He did it again! A miracle for us.
I have to admit that when I read the email, I was as ecstatic as a kid who goes to Disneyland for the first time. God didn't only provide what we needed when we needed it, but He reminded us that following Him, even if it is scary sometimes, is the absolute greatest privilege we have as human beings. He is the Maker, He is the One who made all that exists, yet He entrusts us with His Creation. It's actually pretty crazy if you think about it. The original Artist, the One who made each and every person, animal, waterfall, mountain, and sea invites us to walk with Him, to allow Him to care for us and surprise us with gifts that we don't deserve, and to experience a radical life where we let go of what is temporary in order to take part in what never fades away. And although this life of radical obedience has a cost, it's the best we could ever have.
David Platt goes on to say in his book,
"This is is where we come face to face with a dangerous reality. We do have to give up everything we have to follow Jesus. We do have to love him in a way that makes our closest relationships in this world look like hate. And it is entirely possible that he will tell us to sell everything we have and give it to the poor. But we don't want to believe it.
We are afraid of what it might mean for our lives.
And this is where we need to pause.
We are giving in to the dangerous temptation to take the Jesus of the Bible and twist him into a version of Jesus we are more comfortable with.
A nice, middle-class, American Jesus. A Jesus who doesn't mind materialism and who would never call us to give away everything we have.
But do you and I realize what we are doing to Jesus at this point? We are molding Jesus into our image. He is beginning to look a lot like us, because after all, that is whom we are most comfortable with. And the danger now is that when we gather in our church buildings to sing and lift up our hands in worship, we may not actually be worshiping the Jesus of the Bible. Instead we may be worshiping ourselves."
Woah. I surely don't want to mold Jesus into what makes me comfortable. And, as much as I've learned from all these experiences, I know that I've still got a long way to go. The storms will come for all of us, whether we've built our house on the foundation of the rock or the sand. So I pray that we'd surrender control to the great Artist, respond to His invitation, and remember that His ways are always better than our own – especially if they're uncomfortable.