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Satan first appears in the Book of Numbers as an angel supporting the work of the gods or spirits of the shaman (or diviner), Balaam. We can trace him right through the mythology of the Hebrews until he ends up as the Hammer Horror character he is today — for which we can blame the usual suspects: Hollywood, the Roman Catholic Church and the advertising industry.
So who was this Satan angel and why did he appear to Balaam?
The story is set at a time when the Israelites had just come out of their 40 year wander around the Wilderness, and they had already conquered two kings. The king of Moab knew he was next on the list, and possibly because he didn't want to face the Israelites in battle, came up with a cunning plan. He sent messengers to Balaam with all sorts of inducements for him to put a curse on the Children of Israel.
Balaam's spirits (gods) were having none of this, and refused. So the king of Moab sent even further bribes, entreaties and outright blackmail Balaam's way and so, in the end, our shaman was tempted to agree, and he did what no shaman should ever do. He set off on his ass to perform the curse without the permission of his spirit guides.
However, no sooner had Balaam got going down the road but "the satan" angel spirit stood in his path, barring the way. Balaam couldn't see the satan, but his ass, obviously with much greater sensitivity and perception, could. So because the ass was rivetted by this terrifying shining apparition up ahead, he refused to budge. (And by the way, this story also comes from a time when angels were not the twee little fairy-like white-winged creatures which we hang on Christmas trees today. They were huge and often very fierce looking, as was the satan angel).
Balaam and the angel by Gustav Jaeger
In today's Old Testament, it is written that it is God's advice that Balaam was ignoring. But it is well understood that during the course of the many and varied rewritings and re-presenting of these stories to suit differing political purposes, especially the move from polytheism to monotheism, the terms 'the gods' was transcribed to 'God', thus causing no amount of confusion down the millennia.
It's also interesting to note ~ knowing as we do that many of these originally orally transmitted stories began as astronomical metaphors and allegories ~ the similarity of the words 'satan' and 'Saturn'. As anyone interested in astrology will already know, if you get Saturn in your horoscope then you can expect to be obstructed at just about every turn as you try to pursue your life plans, just as the satan spirit obstructed Balaam.
"Saturn's action is principally binding, chastening, chronic, cold, crystallising, denuding, hardening, depleting, hindering, limiting, magnetic, obstructing, retarding and suppressing," says traditional astrologer Peter Stockinger.
He continues:
"Also known as Kronos, or Cronos, Saturn is known as the malefic and "The Greater Infortune". However, Saturn in himself is not evil, but is chastening, corrective and untiring in his efforts to arouse humanity to better and right living, and by bringing sorrow, suffering, sickness, trials and tribulations upon people that they may learn by their experience and reap what they sow."
Perhaps, for this reason, Saturn is also known as "The Reaper", "The Tester", "The Chastener" and "The Initiator", as poor old Job experienced.
The story of Job
In the old Torah story of Job, it is 'the satan' who is causing no end of trouble for Job in his life. In fact, the story of Job reads just like a shaman initiation story. The spirits do sometimes cause what appears to the poor trainee shaman to be havoc in their life. It certainly has the net effect of obstructing any course towards a 'normal life', before he surrenders to his vocation. This has been recorded by Mircea Eliade in his book Shamanism:Archaic Techniques of Ecstasy, a compilation of anthropologists' interviews with shamans worldwide at the end of the 19th century.
Over the course of thousands of years, we can chart this gradual deterioration of the character of the satan angel, who was just doing its job. In this 19th century painting by William Blake, we can see the beginnings of Count Dracula's bat-winged cape.
Satan smiting Job with boils
And it didn't take long for the collective subconscious to produce this, albeit through the artist Edward Gorey.
But we don't need to believe in astrology or shamanism or even the spirits to appreciate this disservice that has been done to Satan; we just need to be aware of the metaphors that pervaded mythological thought across the civilised world during the late Neolithic period. These metaphors were transmitted through the collective subconscious in the form of symbols and archetypes. The subconscious mind is an enormous driver of our thoughts, words and deeds.
Even today, our subconscious mind is driven by symbols and archetypes from a belief system which our conscious mind no longer has any knowledge of, although that doesn't prevent advertisers using them successfully in convincing us to buy a pile of stuff we don't need.
However, it's interesting to study the history of these archetypes in mythology, because then we eventually realise what a bunch of old pap we're being sold — whether by religion, politics, marketing or the media — and can just politely hand it straight back to them.
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36 Responses to "Beyond Mice"
Do the hostas overwinter in the containers? The are sooo beautiful.Love "CrumbCake" and "Praying Hands".
Hostas and violas were made for each other
Love the variety of hosta you are showing…..I've never seen a mini
ature hosta before.
So cute Carolyn. I just planted a Peanut hosta in my Fairy garden container. Do you protect your hostas that are in containers in some way over the winter or do they do well on their own? I live in zone 5b-6a.
Thanks for showing us those images. I especially love the one showing a hosta growing out of a hollow in the tree limb. I'm not sure if it qualifies as miniature, but I was recently given some small pieces of Hosta Kabitan and I'm trying to find some interesting ways to use it. In a garden bed where a small Ilex 'Sky Pencil' looked incongruous surrounded by a sea of Heuchera villosa "Autumn Bride', I cleared an area to make a vivid chartreuse carpet at the base of teh evergreen.
Wish I lived near … I so love these, Carolyn!
Looking forward to the post since I am planning to order some from you…just sent the email…
Hi Carolyn, I have started to add some miniatures to my garden and I am already hooked! I really, really like all the textures and colors in your dish garden. The combination of the hostas and the blue-grey sedum is just lovely. As chance would have it, I did my own post on hostas and added links to your last two posts at the end of mine under the heading "More Information and Links".
I was at a Master Gardener event recently and bought one Praying Hands, my first. I am looking forward to using it. I like the miniatures in the containers very much. They add so much interest. You have given me some good ideas.
My favorites are "Pixie Vamp" and "Crumb Cake." I didn't know much about miniature Hostas until checking out your posts. Thanks, I'll see if my favorite nursery here supplies them.
Great post Carolyn.I can't imagine using miniature Hostas in my garden but in containers or hanging baskets they look fabulous!
'Twist of Lime' has to my favorite with its spreading leaves. So pretty! Looking forward to meeting you in NC too!
I had no idea there was such variation in hostas with both mice and miniatures. I've only ever really heard about the average size or really large hostas. Great review of all the possibilities available and ideas on how to use them.
Yes Carolyn, your hostas are so beautiful, and made moreso with the presence of those pansies. We have a plant here in the tropics that looks like a hosta. In fact when i still don't know its ID i thought it is a hosta. It's Proiphys amboinensis.
I love the dish garden, and I can see why 'Twist of Lime' is a customer favorite! I like the way you have demonstrated how these little hostas can be combined with each other as well as other plants for delightful combinations.
Your hostas are unbelievable, it is such a treat to see them grown well. I love your imaginative use of containers, too.

subset: commoncrawl


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Japan vows to tighten nuke safety after accident
Japan pledged better safety practices for its troubled nuclear industry Tuesday after an accident at a government research facility that exposed 33 people to minor excess radiation and had not been immediately disclosed.
Education Minister Hakubun Shimomura, whose agency oversees research at the facility in Tokaimura, north of Tokyo, said the government will tighten oversight.
"It is crucial for a nuclear research facility to give top priority to safety measures," Shimomura said. "Their lack of safety awareness and insufficient safety management systems apparently invited the problem."
Japan's nuclear industry has been in crisis since the March 2011 accident at the tsunami-hit Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear plant, the worst since Chernobyl in 1986. The government has revamped its regulatory regime and is drafting stricter safety standards as troubles mount.
The accident occurred Thursday at the Hadron Experimental Facility of the Japan Atomic Energy Agency's Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex in Tokaimura, where at least two previous radiation accidents have occurred. Shimomura said the government will set up a panel to discuss reform and safety compliance at the government-run JAEA.
Researchers were trying to generate particles by directing a proton beam at some gold when their equipment overheated, causing the evaporation and release of radioactive gold, the JAEA said. The leak originally was thought to have been contained inside the lab, but it spread to other areas when a ventilation fan was switched on.
Out of 55 people tested, 22 had no excess exposure and 33 received radiation dosages of up to 1.7 millisieverts. That is about as much background radiation as a person in Japanese typically receives over a year. Nuclear workers generally are limited to 100 millisieverts of exposure over five years.
Japan's Nuclear Regulation Authority rated the accident as Level 1, or third from the lowest level on a nine-level international scale. The March 2011 accident at the tsunami-hit Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear plant, the country's worst ever atomic energy disaster, was rated a 7, the top level on the scale.
Some 150,000 Fukushima residents are still because of that disaster. A zoning reclassification that took effect Tuesday ended a "no-go zone" designation for areas contaminated with radiation from the Fukushima Dai-Ichi plant. However, most of the areas were re-zoned as "difficult to return to" and remain off-limits.
No radiation was released to the outside environment in Tokaimura, but the accident's handling and a failure by the JAEA to report the leak until more than a day later has added to concerns over safety standards and transparency in the industry.
Tokaimura was the site of Japan's second-worst nuclear accident, in September 1999, when two workers were killed by a radiation leak at a fuel-reprocessing plant when they tried to save time by mixing excessive amounts of uranium in buckets instead of using special mechanized tanks. Hundreds of people were exposed to radiation, and thousands evacuated due to that accident, which was assigned a Level 4 rating on the International Nuclear Event Scale.
In March 1997, at least 37 workers were exposed to low doses of radiation in a fire and explosion at a different nuclear reprocessing plant in Tokaimura.
Most of Japan's nuclear plants remain closed after they were shut down for safety checks after the Fukushima disaster, though Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and other top officials have said they intend to restart reactors that meet new guidelines due to be issued in July.
On May 17, the president of the JAEA, Atsuyuki Suzuki, resigned after the country's nuclear watchdog announced that the Monju next-generation test reactor would not be allowed to restart due to safety violations. His resignation was followed by a decision by the watchdog to back expert research concluding that an active seismic fault runs underneath one of two reactors at an atomic plant in Tsuruga, western Japan.
© 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.


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Spelling W-H-I-Z ready for national bee
Brent Henderson loves playing Super Smash Bros. on the Wii.
But unlike most boys his age, Brent has developed the ability of multi-tasking. While he is playing the video game, his parents are sitting across the room giving him words to spell.
"Sometimes when I get angry, my parents aren't sure if I am angry at missing the word or angry at messing up in the game," he said.
Brent, a seventh-grader at Moreland Ridge Middle School in Blue Springs, Mo., is the 2008 Jackson County Spelling Bee winner and leaves today for the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. A first-timer at the national bee, he said he is excited about the opportunity to compete.
"It has always been a goal of mine to make it," he said. "I thought it would be amazing to have this chance, and now I have made it."
Brent does not study words by reading them. His father, Don Henderson, said if he was forced to sit and "study," Brent probably never would. So instead, Brent's parents quiz him, usually daily. Sometimes it is during a game of Yahtzee, while other times it is in the car on the way to a soccer game.
But wherever the family is, there is usually a dictionary and a word list out.
"I am really glad that he has gotten this great reward," Don Henderson said. "He has put in a lot of hard work, and it is gratifying to see him reach his goal."
Brent said since the Jackson County Spelling Bee, he has been focusing on more than just the words.
"I have studying different things like the roots, languages of origin and other spelling rules," he said. "At nationals, you don't know what words you are going to get. So by studying these kinds of things, I can ask the information when I get a word and figure out the spelling based on those rules."
The bee begins Monday with the written test. Spellers will spell 50 words using a computer keyboard. The test has no time limit, and only 25 of the 50 words will count toward a speller's preliminary score.
The first oral round begins Thursday. The quarterfinals will begin at 1 p.m. Central time and will be shown live on ESPN360.com. The semi-final rounds begin at 10 a.m. central time Friday and will be shown live on ESPN.
The finals are at 7 p.m. Friday and are shown live on ABC.
"I have not set a specific goal for myself," Brent said. "I would like to make it past the written round because two-thirds (of the spellers) do not even make it past that. It would be nice to also make it on TV."
Don Henderson said he is impressed with the amount of work his son has put into studying the past few months. He said the number of new words he has learned is impressive.
"The last couple of months he has certainly learned a lot more about the different languages of origin," he said. "His ability to spell words he doesn't know has also become greater than even since the Jackson County Spelling Bee."
Although Brent said he plans on doing some studying in Washington, D.C., he said he is also excited to have the opportunity to meet the different spellers.
"I am going to study some, but not as much as here because there are lots of different activities," he said. "I am eager to start exploring everything there and meeting all the other spellers. It is just such an exciting chance to be there."
The Examiner


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New Ford Trucks, Cars, and SUVs for Sale in Duluth, MN
- 3 Vehicle Matching
If You're in the market for a new Ford Escape, Edge, Explorer, F-150 or Bronco Sport, NorthStar Ford of Duluth Has You Covered
What does that mean for you, the car shopper? Well, if you are from Duluth, Adolph MN, Esko MN or St. Louis County MN, the scope of your car search just got a lot more compact. We have tons of new Ford models, including Escape, Edge, Explorer, F-150 or Ranger, and we additionally have a thoroughly-inspected selection of excellent used cars as well. Here at NorthStar Ford, we know it is our job to help you take home the new car of YOUR dreams. You can even custom order your new Ford online today and get your ideal Ford coupe, SUV or truck at our Duluth dealership!
New Cars Aren't All We Have to Offer Drivers from Adolph MN, Esko MN and St. Louis County MN at Our Duluth, Minnesota Showroom
Specifically, we have an on-site car service and maintenance team, who are highly trained and dedicated to ensuring that your model, new or used, will keep running reliably for years to come. We not only offer routine tune ups to keep your model running as efficiently as possible, but if something does happen out on the road, we have the expertise, parts and equipment to get you driving again, quickly. At the end of the day, the new Ford team at NorthStar Ford always has your back. While you're visiting, stop into our Ford Finance Center to learn about great lease and loan options for your future new vehicle purchase!


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TEDx Event "Local Innovations for a Changing World" Comes to Evergreen
(Olympia, Wash.) The Evergreen State College is presenting a series of short, thought-provoking talks with the theme "Local Innovations for a Changing World" from 4-7 p.m. on Monday, February 25 in the Seminar II building, Room B1105, at the college's Olympia campus, 2700 Evergreen Parkway NW. The event, called "TEDxTheEvergreenStateCollege," will showcase innovative, interdisciplinary responses to challenges, such as climate change, that address the needs of the community now and into the future. The event is free, but pre-registration is encouraged and campus parking is $2.00. Given the demand for this event and TEDx program requirements for limited in-person audience size, most participants will view the talks via live video feed in a nearby room. All participants will have a chance to meet and exchange views and ideas with the speakers and each other at a culminating reception following the talks. For more information and to register, visit http://blogs.evergreen.edu/tedx/registration/.
Topics and speakers will include: Food Justice High - Kim Gaffi, Executive Director of GRuB (Garden Raised Bounty); Electric Vehicle Tourism - Ron Johnston-Rodriguez, Plug-in North Central Washington, LLC; Energy Efficient Homes - Scott Bergford, Scott Homes, Inc. and Northwest Energy Team; Addressing Ocean Acidification in Washington State - Shallin Busch, Research Ecologist, Northwest Fisheries Science Center; and Sustainability in Prisons - Dan Pacholke, Co-Director, Sustainability in Prisons Project & Assistant Secretary Prisons Division, Washington Dept. of Corrections, Andrea Martin, Sustainability in Prisons Project intern.
TED (www.ted.com), known for its "TEDTalks," is a nonprofit devoted to "Ideas Worth Spreading" by challenging the world's most fascinating thinkers and doers to give the talk of their lives (in 18 minutes or less) at one of their global conferences. TEDx (www.ted.com/tedx) programs are designed to give communities, organizations and individuals the opportunity to stimulate dialogue through TED-like experiences at the local level. TEDx events are fully planned and coordinated independently, on a community-by-community basis. TEDxTheEvergreenStateCollege is an independently organized event, operated under license from TED.
About TEDx, x = independently organized event
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events, including TEDxTheEvergreenStateCollege, are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations). About TED
TED is a nonprofit organization devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. Started as a four-day conference in California 26 years ago, TED has grown to support those world-changing ideas with multiple initiatives. At TED, the world's leading thinkers and doers are asked to give the talk of their lives in 18 minutes. Talks are then made available, free, at TED.com. TED speakers have included Bill Gates, Jane Goodall, Elizabeth Gilbert, Sir Richard Branson, Benoit Mandelbrot, Philippe Starck, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Isabel Allende and former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown. Two major TED events are held each year: The TED Conference takes place every spring in on the West Coast (along with a parallel conference, TEDActive), and TEDGlobal is held each summer in Edinburgh, Scotland.
TED's media initiatives include TED.com, where new TEDTalks are posted daily; the new TED Conversations, enabling broad conversations among TED fans; and the Open Translation Project, which provides subtitles and interactive transcripts as well as the ability for any TEDTalk to be translated by volunteers worldwide.
TED has established the annual TED Prize, where exceptional individuals with a wish to change the world are given the opportunity to put their wishes into action; TEDx, which offers individuals or groups a way to host local, self-organized events around the world; and the TED Fellows program, helping world-changing innovators from around the globe to become part of the TED community and, with its help, amplify the impact of their remarkable projects and activities.
For information about TED's upcoming conferences, visit http://www.ted.com/registration Follow TED on Twitter at http://twitter.com/TEDTalks, or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/TED


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Used to be that CEOs were hired for their knowledge of the industry, years of experience and the ability to lead with a tight fist. But the role of the top job has changed dramatically over the last several years.
CEOs increasingly are being pressured to cut costs, while growing their business. They're being prodded by investors to push for global expansion, while being asked by customers to be more socially responsible. And at a time when having strategies for social media and data security are becoming integral to doing business, CEOs are expected to keep up with the frantic pace of technology.
The new skill sets that are required for the job mean that corporations are more likely to hire from outside of the organization — and the industry — than they were in years past. It also can mean that the corner office is less forgiving than it used to be: security software maker Symantec, for instance, ousted its CEO Steve Bennett in March, the second time it has pushed out its leader in less than two years.
In fact, in the first four months of the year, 11 CEOS were forced out or fired, says a survey of private and public U.S. companies by Challenger, Gray and Christmas. That's up from 9 CEO terminations in the same period last year. And that doesn't count those who said they resigned, retired or stepped down, but who were actually pushed out.
Moreover, the average tenure for a CEO last year was 7.9 years down from 9.4 years in 2007, the start of the recession, according to Challenger.
"We are in an unprecedented era of challenge at leadership levels," said Mark Cohen, a former CEO of Sears Canada and a professor at Columbia University's Business School. "There's less patience with CEOs now."
The changing priorities have created a challenge for company's boards of directors, which must filter through a slate of candidates. They want to fill to role as quickly as possible to assure investors and customers. But the new requirements and skill sets mean the search is a lot more difficult than it has been in years past.
Here's how the search has gone for a few big companies:
Target's announcement last week that it's searching for a new CEO sheds light on a major shift.
Target's CEO search follows the abrupt departure of Gregg Steinhafel in the wake of a massive data breach and a botched up expansion plan in Canada. The nation's third largest retailer said it will search outside the company — and the industry.
If Target hires from outside, though, it would mark the first time in its 112-year-history that its leader wasn't homebred.
"It's a difficult search for a company of our magnitude," said John Mulligan, Target's chief financial officer who is interim CEO, in a recent interview with The Associated Press. But he added: "We will find the right person."
Mulligan said Target is looking for someone with the right skill sets but that understands the culture of Target. Elaine Hughes, founder and CEO of E.A. Hughes, an executive search firm that specializes in retailing, said Target needs to look outside the clothing industry and can't just use the "same Rolodex" as the retail industry keeps using.
In February, when Microsoft picked Satya Nadella, a company veteran since the early 1990s, some worried it would reinforce perceptions it wasn't a risk taker as it competes with younger rivals like Google.
Nadella's style of leadership is already winning praises because he is collegial and humble. Among recent moves; the unveiling of Office for iPad, which was well received by the stock market.
That's in sharp contrast to his predecessor Steve Ballmer, who uses the blustery, rally-the troops approach and is known for his larger-than-life displays of emotion
"He's more deliberative and more thoughtful," says Suresh Kotha, a professor at the University of Washington's Foster School of Business in Seattle.
Penney decided in 2011 to hire Ron Johnson, a former Apple executive, to run the department-store chain.
Johnson vowed to transform the beleaguered company with trendy merchandise and break shoppers' addiction to sales by rolling out everyday low prices.
But the rapid-fire changes alienated Penney's customers, resulting in nearly a billion loss and a 25 percent sales drop in the first year of Johnson's plan.
The board fired Johnson after 17 months and Penney rehired his predecessor, Mike Ullman, who is stabilizing sales as the company searches for a permanent replacement.
Penney declined to comment on the search for its new CEO. New York-based retail consultant Walter Loeb speculates Penney could hire an industry insider: Roger Farah, who announced earlier in the month that he was retiring from Ralph Lauren after 14 years. Farah was most recently executive vice chairman.
In 2006, Ford hired Alan Mulally away from Boeing. At the time, the automaker passed over internal candidates, including Mark Fields, who takes over the reins on July 1 when Mulally retires.
The decision to hire an outsider proved to be wise. When Mulally was hired, Ford was on its way to a $12.6 billion annual loss and management was widely seen as dysfunctional.
Mulally gained superstar status by ending the infighting between executives and regions that had long plagued the company. He developed a plan to get Ford back to profitability, dismissed executives who wouldn't follow the plan or work together and borrowed billions to keep the company out of bankruptcy.
Taking over for Mulally, Fields, who was instrumental in that turnaround, will inherit a healthy company. But he will have to push the company for bigger growth.


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I was initially drawn to The Viking Hostage by Tracey Warr because I'm really interested in Viking history. The stories of raiding and sailing around northern and central Europe are enchantingly wild and barbaric. I think this started when I began watching the show, Vikings, and I've been captivated ever since!
The story takes place in Wales and France during the 10th century. The book focuses on three woman and their intertwining stories. One is a Norwegian woman of Viking descent who has been kidnapped and sold into slavery, another is an heiress to a French fortress, and the last woman is in love with her father's prisoner. How their stories unfold is what really pulled me in and I really liked each of the them.
Despite liking the plot of the story, I had a hard time wrapping my head around the details of the extensive families and the relationships between them. I kept mixing up characters and the book spans a long time range so it was difficult to keep up with what was going on. By the second half of the book though I felt familiar enough with the characters to follow along easily.
I liked The Viking Hostage and thought that the story idea was really strong, but I wish
there had been more engagement early on. This was a slower read for me, but once I was engaged (about halfway through) it was really good.
Happy reading!


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Charlotte Tilbury: Matte Revolution and KISSING line
Cost: $34
I never realized how much I appreciated the shape of a lipstick until I applied a Charlotte Tilbury. The cupped tip hugs your lips in the most perfect way allowing for effortless application. The luxe packaging along with the creamy, long-wearing formula makes this lipstick worth every penny!
*"Pillow Talk" and "Kim KW" pictured
Shade Variety
Urban Decay Vice Lipstick
Cost: $17
The first thing that draws me to a lipstick line is the shade range. You can bet my first stop in any Sephora or Ulta is the Vice lipstick display! I don't think I've ever seen a line with such a wide variety of nudes. And they always manage to keep it interesting- adding and discontinuing shades by the month. It makes me want to scoop up every shade I fall in love with!
*Right to Left: Backtalk (comfort matte), Weirdo (cream), and Morning After (sheer)
Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche
Cost: $26
You can't get anymore comfortable than Bite's Amuse Bouche lipsticks. Applying these lipsticks is an experience. They're creamy, smooth, and super hydrating. Made of 12 edible oils, the pigment seems to melt into your lips leaving a scrumptious soft texture.
*displayed is limited edition dual sided "Fig". Other favorite shades of mine are "Chai" and "Sake"
Colourpop Lippie Stix
Cost: $5
You can't beat this price! Colourpop's Lippie Stix are affordable yes…but if you didn't see that staple white packaging, you would think you were applying a high end lipstick. The formula is fortified with Vitamin E and is creamy and moisturizing. The shade variety is on point with a mix of wearable and edgy shades!
*"Birdy" is pictured. See "Lips" is home menu for more swatches
Liquid Lipstick
Bare Minerals Gen Nudes
Cost- $18
This felt like the year of the liquid lipstick. There were so many brands striving for that perfect liquid formula. Bare Minerals hit the nail on the head with this one. The Gen Nudes line is 'hands down' the most comfortable liquid lip I've tried. They dry down, yet still look smoothing on the lips. I have yet to try a light nude liquid lip that doesn't show every crack, peel, and line on my lips. My lips actually feel moisturized which is hard to come by in a liquid lip. They are not completely non transferrable, but I'll take that over my lips feeling like a dried out raisin any day!
*"Infamous" is pictured
Lip Gloss
Buxom Lip Gloss
Cost: $18
Buxom glosses are a joy to wear. They have long wearing with shine you can see miles away. Are they slightly sticky? Yes, but this aids to the longevity and these are still somehow comfortable. They still feel creamy and have a delicious minty flavor to them. These are beautiful as lip toppers or to be worn alone. I can't have enough!
*Full size tubes are "White Russian" and "Creamsicle"
Lip Treatment
Bite Beauty Lip Mask
Cost: $24
Here we go again with the Bite Beauty. But when you have a brand dedicated to a specific part of the face, you think they'd be experts right? Right?! Bite's Lip Mask is like nothing I every tried. The thick yummy ointment melts into your lips and any peeling or cracklings gone in a matter of thirty minutes. To get the maximum benefit out of this, slather it on your lips and you will wake up with baby soft lips. This stuff is unbelievable!
What have been your lip favorites? Any new shades that you can't get enough out of?


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May 20th , 2019
SPF General Manager, Crystal Jensen, was recently elected to serve on the PNWS AWWA Board of Trustees. The section conference, held in Vancouver, Washington, concluded with a banquet event in which the gavel was passed to the new incoming Chair, James Dean with the City of Yakima. Crystal is looking forward to serving on the Board and will work tirelessly to continue the momentum and promote the Section's vision and strategic plan.
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SPF's new Office Administrator
Northern Idaho Adjudication Workshop
SPF Celebrates 10 Years
Hydrology for Attorneys
Hailey gets two new water rights for parks
United Dairymen of Idaho
Garden City Dedicates New Reservoir Facility
PNCWA 2013 Annual Conference & Exhibition
Care and Maintenance of Irrigation Wells
Greenleaf Wastewater Treatment Plant Ribbon Cutting
SPF provides engineering design services for Garden City water main river crossing
Blaine County declared drought area
Meridian Public Works Week
Meridian Public Works Week
2013 Idaho Water Reuse Conference
Eastern Snake River Plain Rangen case scheduled for May
Hailey assessing its water rights
Groundwater flow model launched
Idaho Adopts New State Water Plan
Idaho Regional Future City Competition
SPF now licensed in California and Nevada
SPF welcomes Kent Gingrich
City of Donnelly Water System Improvements
Results from SPF's Annual Canoe Race
Garden City Ribbon Cutting for Remington Street Water Main
Garden City Directional Drilling Project Update
Congratulations Nampa Chiefs
Boise is the first city west of Texas to have interactive flooding maps from NOAA
Garden City Directional Drilling Project
45th Annual APWA Rocky Mountain Chapter Spring Conference
New 6 mgd Clarifier On Line
2012 Idaho Water Users Convention
Wastewater Lagoon Seepage Testing
SPF Water Rights Update


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For many people, collage isn't really an art form. It's an activity you give kids when you have a bunch of old magazines to get rid of and they're bored and restless. Quebec Collage is looking to change all that.
This initiative seeks to promote the art of collage through webcasts, calls for artist submissions, workshops, and exhibitions. Their latest effort is the Retailles exhibition, a collective art show featuring collagists from Quebec and abroad.
Hosted at Galerie/Atelier Marc Gosselin, The Retailles exhibition invites you to look beyond your perceptions of collage. It features two parts, one showcasing ten Quebecois collage artists, and the other displaying a selection of postcard art in the Noir & Blanc.
The Quebec artists featured include Virginie Maltais, founder of Quebec Collage, as well as Jérome Bertrand, Lucie Bosquin, Éric Braün, Madame Gilles, Caro Dubois, Linda Luttinger, Jean Marie Moncelet, Jean Martin (RAVEN), and François-Xavier Vigneault Marcil. One look at their works will dispel any misconceptions you have about the art of collage.
Despite the myths, collage is a complex art, with some artists featuring intricate scissor cuts or torn paper and elaborate placement, while others, like Virginie Maltais and Linda Luttinger, opt to combine torn or cut paper with the use of paint in their work. It is truly eye opening and proof that collage is more than child's play.
The Noir & Blanc part of the exhibition is the result of an international call for submissions. Artists from around the world were invited to submit analog collages in the form of black and white postcards.
This included everyone from established collagists to those new to the art form. What you'll see at the exhibition are the postcards that made the cut, pun intended.
If you're interested in visual art and want to expand your horizons, learn about collage, or just see some amazing work by local and international artists, check out the Retailles exhibition. It ends tomorrow (Sunday), so get moving!
Retailles can be seen at Galerie/Atelier Marc Gosselin, 3880 Saint Catherine East until July 14, 2019 at 5 pm
Photos by Rene Bellefeuille


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UF Notes: Wuerffel to take role of celeb 'Mr. Two Bits'
GAINESVILLE — Danny Wuerffel put together many memorable performances on Florida Field during his All-American and Heisman Trophy-winning career at Florida. On Saturday, he will put on a performance of a much different kind.
Wuerffel is going to be the honorary "Mr. Two Bits," and will be leading the cheer from midfield before Saturday's game against Tennessee, a team Wuerffel was 4-0 against.
Wuerffel follows former teammate Errict Rhett in the role of celebrity "Mr. Two Bits." Rhett put on quite an emotional and animated performance in the role in the Gators' opener three weeks ago.
"(Rhett's performance) was both inspiring and intimidating," Wuerffel told the school's website. "I never had the enthusiasm or athleticism of Errict Rhett. I don't even know if I should try to match it. So I guess I'm going to have to do it my own way or drink two or three Red Bulls before I go out there.
"It's been a long time since I've felt this kind of pressure in The Swamp."
Wuerffel also will be honored Saturday for recently being voted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
TB Brown aiming high: Junior tailback Mack Brown has high expectations for the running combination of himself and sophomore starter Matt Jones.
"I feel like we're just getting started," he said. "I feel like our one-two punch can be one of the best in history, really. He's a great back. That was his first game back, too. We're both getting our confidence back right now. It's going to be a good season."
Easley's drive for perfection: Although senior defensive tackle Dominique Easley has been pretty dominant so far this season, he says he thinks he's only been "all right."
"I strive for perfection," he said. "If there's no perfection, there's no greatness."
Defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin doesn't exactly agree with Easley's assessment of himself.
"I think he's played better than all right," Durkin said. "I'm glad he's hard on himself that way. He's a very self-motivated guy. That guy has an unbelievable motor, as I've talked about before. He's definitely been better than all right.
"I think he can play better than he has played, and he'll continue to do that because of how hard he practices, how well he prepares, how hard he plays in games and how talented he is. He'll get better and better every game as the season goes on."
Muschamp on Driskel: Despite Jeff Driskel's three-turnover performance in the loss to Miami, UF coach Will Muschamp said Driskel is a much-improved quarterback in his second year as the starter.
"He had more command of what we've been doing, you know, as far as just the offense is concerned in Year 2 of our scheme and our system," Muschamp said. "But I think as much as anything, the game has slowed down for him. Again, he made a couple of forced throws in the last ballgame, but also made some really nice throws down the field and did some nice things for the offense as far as run game and pass game are concerned.
"I think as much as anything, just command, anticipation and then the confidence of the guys around him and not just understanding what he needs to do, but all 11 guys."
Freshmen of influence: During the SEC coaches' teleconference Wednesday, Muschamp broke down the freshmen who are going to play this season and those who likely will redshirt.
Here are the freshmen who are playing now and will continue to do so: linebacker Alex Anzalone, linebacker Jarrad Davis, wide receiver Ahmad Fulwood, cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III, linebacker Daniel McMillian, safety Keanu Neal, wide receiver Demarcus Robinson, tailback Kelvin Taylor and wide receiver Chris Thompson.
Here are freshmen who haven't played, but still could: defensive tackle Jay-nard Bostwick, defensive tackle Caleb Brantley and defensive lineman Antonio Riles.
Here are the freshmen expected to redshirt: wide receiver Alvin Bailey, offensive lineman Cameron Dillard, safety Marcell Harris, wide receiver Marqui Hawkins, defensive end Joey Ivie, offensive guard Octavius Jackson, offensive tackle Roderick Johnson, running back Adam Lane, linebacker Matt Rolin (injured), defensive end Jordan Sherit, quarterback Max Staver, punter Johnny Townsend, safety Nick Washington (injury) and offensive lineman Trevon Young.
Robbie Andreu is a sports writer with the Gainesville Sun.


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For a little detour on the Homecoming road, the vivacious Zoe posted a link to a cover of Green Day's "The Grouch" on Facebook and I was pretty floored when I listened to it, and subsequently, a few more of Team Perfect's Green Day covers as well.
In an earlier post on Green Day performing "Letterbomb" at Lollapalooza in Chicago and last week in Buffalo, I mentioned how it was fascinating to hear and compare the versions of that song between Billie Joe's male voice and the female voice of Rebecca Jones of the American Idiot on Broadway cast. Not long after I updated my post mentioning the comparison as well as Billie Joe's high-energy performance of the song at Lolla, did I hear these songs from Green Day's Nimrod by Team Perfect.
Here's a brief description of the musicians:
"WHAT IS TEAM PERFECT? It's the name Devonte Hynes (of 'Lightspeed Champion') and Florence Welch (of 'Florence and the Machine') gave themselves when they performed together. These recordings are from their cover of Green Day's "Nimrod" album. They were recorded back in 2007 on Devonte's laptop; so please do not complain about the quality — this is the highest quality version out there."
You can read more about Devonte Hynes, also known as Lightspeed Champion, at his website. The British Hynes has written music for performers such as The Chemical Brothers, Florence and the Machine, and Diana Vickers. He also has his own solo career, releasing Falling Off The Lavender Bridge in 2008 and his 2010 album, Life is Sweet, Nice to Meet You, along with a host of other material he's done as well as these underground Green Day covers. He's also a classical performer but throat surgery interrupted a two-year tour in 2008. He's a graphic artist and seems to be an out-there character. He teamed up with Florence Welch of the Machine to record covers from Nimrod for female voice and acoustic guitar.
All of the songs were recorded on a laptop and are raw. It's pretty awesome to hear "Platypus (I Hate You)" and "The Grouch" while Welch sings and Hynes attacks the acoustic guitar behind the lyrics. "Platypus's" curse words sound dangerous and dainty coming from a woman, but the meaning comes down to the same, I just hate you and "The Grouch" reminds us that men and women alike can suffer a bad, horrible, terrible no good life, so fuck you very much, but sweetly. Not only that, but they also highlight Billie Joe's lyrical and Green Day's musical penmanship as the stripped-down songs allow a different exploration of the musical complexities of Nimrod. As Hynes says at the end of "Playtpus (I Hate You)," RROOCCKK!
Team Perfect Does "Platypus (I Hate You)"
Team Perfect Does "The Grouch"
Check out the other covers such as "Redundant," "Worry Rock," "Nice Guys Finish Last," "Hitchin' A Ride," and "All The Time" that were also recorded in 2007. It's a bit difficult to track down a place to purchase the songs, but do catch all of them and other covers by Team Perfect at the Youtube site as well as Hynes' other works. You hardcore Green Day collectors out there may have already heard these cause you're so cool, but for those of us who haven't, enjoy!


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►Plato's "Phaedrus": "The Allegory of the Chariot and The Tripartite Nature of the Soul":
In the dialogue "Phaedrus", Plato presents the allegory of the chariot to explain the tripartite nature of the human soul or psyche.
The chariot is pulled by two winged horses, one mortal and the other immortal.
→The mortal, black horse is deformed and obstinate. Plato describes the horse as a "crooked lumbering animal, put together anyhow… of a dark color, with grey eyes and blood-red complexion; the mate of insolence and pride, shag-eared and deaf, hardly yielding to whip and spur."
→The inmortal, white horse, on the other hand, is noble and game, "upright and cleanly made… his color is white, and his eyes dark; he is a lover of honor and modesty and temperance, and the follower of true glory; he needs no touch of the whip, but is guided by word and admonition only."
→In the driver's seat is the charioteer, tasked with reining in these disparate steeds, guiding and harnessing them to propel the vehicle with strength and efficiency. The charioteer's destination is the ridge of heaven, beyond which he may behold the Forms, Truth and absolute Knowledge. These essences nourish the horses' wings, keeping the chariot in flight.
The charioteer joins a procession of gods, led by Zeus, on this trip into the heavens.
The ride is turbulent. The white horse wishes to rise, but the dark horse attempts to pull the chariot back towards the earth. As the horses pull in opposing directions, and the charioteer attempts to get them into sync, his chariot bobs above the ridge of heaven .
If the charioteer is able to behold the Forms, he gets to go on another revolution around the heavens. But if he cannot successfully pilot the chariot, the horses' wings wither from lack of nourishment, or break off when the horses collide and attack each other, or crash into the chariots of others.
When the chariot plummets to earth, the horses lose their wings, and the soul becomes embodied in human flesh. The degree to which the soul falls, and the "rank" of the mortal being it must then be embodied in is based on the amount of Truth it beheld while in the heavens.
The degree of the fall also determines how long it takes for the horses to regrow their wings and once again take flight. Basically, the more Truth the charioteer beheld on his journey, the shallower his fall, and the easier it is for him to get up and get going again.
►The Tripartite Nature of the Soul and the Allegory of the Chariot
Plato conceives of the soul as having (at least) three parts:
- A rational part (the part that loves truth and knowledge, which should rule over the other parts of the soul through the use of reason)→ The Charioteer represents man's Reason
- A spirited part (which seeks glory, honor, recognition and victory) →The white horse represents man's spirit (thymos:θύμος).
- An appetitive part (which desires food, drink, material wealth and sex) →The black horse represents man's appetites.
Worth noting: In the dialogue "The Republic", Plato states that justice will be that condition of the soul in which each of these three parts "does its own work," and does not interfere in the workings of the other parts (Check out this post: "Plato's "The Republic": "On the Concept of Justice").
►Plato's "Phaedrus":
►Slideshare: Plato's "Phaedrus": "The Allegory of the Chariot and The Tripartite Nature of the Soul":
►Links Post:


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Martin Duerst wrote: > At 04:59 07/11/19, Addison Phillips wrote: >> Martin Duerst wrote: >>> - Identifiers within CSS. These include cases such as >>> namespace prefixes and counter names inside CSS. >>> Ideally, these should just work case-sensitive; I don't >>> think it's asking too much from stylesheet writers to >>> use the same case for all occurrences of a specific >>> counter name. If that's not possible for legacy reasons >>> (e.g. stylesheets that indeed use counter names and >>> friends with haphazard casing), then something like >>> 'case-insensitive for US-ASCII, case sensitive for >>> the rest', even though it sounds terribly ugly, may >>> be the best solution. Proposed change: In Section 4.1.3 Characters and case change # All CSS style sheets are case-insensitive, except for # parts that are not under the control of CSS. to | All CSS syntax is case-insensitive within the ASCII | range (i.e. [a-z] and [A-Z] are equivalent), except for | parts that are not under the control of CSS. ~fantasaiReceived on Monday, 19 November 2007 00:00:09 UTC
This archive was generated by hypermail 2.4.0 : Monday, 23 January 2023 02:13:23 UTC


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While there are indeed many bargains that can be found in the foreclosures market, you should not expect that every property that appears in bank properties listings is a bargain. There are many factors that could drive property prices either up or down. Knowing how to appreciate the market as well as the forces that move behind foreclosures and the entire real estate industry can level your expectations. When dealing with bank properties in particular, take note of the following as smart guides so that you may be able to purchase properties wisely.
The Real Deal With Bank Offerings
It is a common notion that bank properties are the safest to buy in the foreclosures market, owing to its ability to erase all liens and transfer clean, good property titles to the buyer. However, despite the screaming ads that boast of low prices and steep discounts, you should be aware that banks do not pass everything on a golden plate.
When pricing a property and before putting up in bank properties listings, the bank would usually price it almost near to what it is worth, unless it foresees that the property would hardly sell in the market. To attract buyers, banks would commonly employ marketing strategies that would entice the average buyer. This includes offering the property as a move-in-ready property or including some furniture with the sale or even waiving some of its closing costs.
Also, while banks generally aim for quick sales, this does not mean that they jump in on every offer that they receive for a property. In fact, many foreclosures stay on the market for several months before signs of its being sold even become apparent. The main reason is because it could take weeks or even months for a bank to respond to a buyers offer. And when it does, it almost always makes a counter-offer which could again prolong the negotiation.
Another thing to be aware of when dealing with bank properties is the fact that defects in property conditions are hardly disclosed by the banks. This is understandable, since many state laws do not or even exempt them from disclosure liability. Another reason is that banks could not be expected to know the condition of all the properties in its inventory.
Finally, when looking at bank properties listings, bear in mind that there are very few banks that will offer or even entertain pre-closing repairs. If you think that you can insert the deal at any time in your negotiations, you may be in for a surprise. The way to deal with this is to do your own inspection and approximate the repair costs to determine its level of acceptability to you.


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John P. Napolitano: Borrowing from your 401(k) not the best solution
It seems innocent enough. Something has come up that requires a fair amount of cash -- now. As your mind discards various options, you hit on what at first blush appears to be a bright idea: borrowing from your 401(k) retirement fund.
Before running to your human resources director with your hand out, take a few steps back and consider the pros and cons of dipping into your 401(k) before retirement.
There's definitely an upside. First off, there's no credit check, no loan application and it's a sure bet you'll get the money. The interest rate when borrowing from a 401(k) is typically on the low side, often a couple percentage points above prime rate.
Granted, the above are attractive elements, but let's take a look at the downside of borrowing from a 401(k) unless it's absolutely necessary.
If you decide to leave your place of employment -- or if that decision is made for you -- the repayment note will be due within 60 days. If you can't repay the loan within 60 days of leaving the job, this ''loan'' is in fact a premature distribution, which translates into your owing both federal and state taxes -- in addition to a 10 percent early withdrawal penalty if you're under that magic age of 591⁄2. And let's just add this topper -- borrowing from a 401(k) is considered a consumer loan, and therefore any interest you pay is not tax-deductible.
Another aspect that must be taken into consideration is the psychological effect this ''one time only'' self-loan may have on the way you view your retirement fund. To borrow from a well-known potato chip advertisement, sometimes you ''can't eat just one.'' Those words of wisdom not only apply to salty snacks, but to other bad habits, including the use of retirement funds as a personal bank account.
Do not borrow from your 401(k) for anything speculative or for someone else's use. It may seem like a good idea for you to use that money to help someone buy their first home or a new vehicle, but if you can't repay the 401(k) loan unless they repay you first, forget about it. The risks and costs associated with your missing 401(k) loan repayments are far too severe.
Granted, if you're faced with a legitimate emergency and have no other access to fast cash, borrowing from your 401(k) retirement fund may be the most viable solution. But if time is even somewhat on your side, it's wise to check out other financial avenues, such as a home equity loan, a line of credit or even a personal loan.
401(k) plans are for retirement, not lifestyle. The contents of your 401(k) may be protected from creditors, so don't let bill collectors persuade you into using your 401(k) plan to pay the bills.
John P. Napolitano is the CEO of U.S. Wealth Management in Braintree. Do you have a financial issue you want him to answer? E-mail him at email@example.com or call him at 617-786-7073.
The Patriot Ledger


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Bircher MuesliAugust 29, 2009 at 6:09 pm | Posted in around sydney, breakfast things, cereals | 19 Comments
Despite my love of oats, muesli has always had bit of a negative connotation for me. Why would I ever want that dry, sawdusty stuff when I could have deliciously toasted granola instead? It wasn't until we were living in Sydney, where it's a café breakfast staple, that I finally discovered Bircher muesli. Oh, Bircher muesli…where had you been all my life? Better late than never, I guess.
With Bircher muesli, dry oats are soaked for at least a couple hours (overnight's best), eliminating the whole sawdust thing. While you could use any number of liquids (such as OJ, milk or water) as your soaking medium, I prefer the light, neutral sweetness of apple juice. Next you add in lots of tasty bits…yogurt, fruit and nuts. Here I used grated red apple, along with strawberries, blackberries, sliced almonds, hazelnuts and unsweetened coconut flakes, but it's really anything goes with the fruit and nuts. (Sliced peaches are incredible in this, as is rhubarb compote!) To me, the grated apple is the only really essential fruit, both for moisture and texture, so I would definitely not omit that. I've used all types of apples in the past, though, red or green..whatever you have…grate them skin-on.
This is such an easy and and satisfying breakfast, and a great way for oat lovers to get our fix when it's hot outside. Thank you Maximilian Bircher-Benner!
Bircher Muesli– makes 2 large or 3 small servings
1 cup rolled oats (the "old-fashioned" kind)
½ cup + 2 T unsweetened apple juice
½ of a coarsely grated apple
5 oz plain yogurt
pinch of ground cinnamon
handful of toasted nuts and/or coconut flakes
handful of fresh berries and/or sliced stonefruit
honey or maple syrup for drizzling
-Put the oats and apple juice in a lidded container and leave in the refrigerator to soak overnight.
-The next morning, stir the grated apple, cinnamon, yogurt and half of the toasted nuts and/or coconut into the soaked oats. Spoon into bowls and top with fruit and remaining nuts. Drizzle with honey or maple syrup.
19 Comments »
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I feel the same way about muesli; but if you like this recipe then I should try it! 😀
Comment by VeggieGirl— August 29, 2009 #
I have never liked cooked oatmeal either. Much prefer my homemade granola. But your picture looks good enough to eat. I want to try it.
Comment by Romaine of www.salad-in-a-jar.com— August 29, 2009 #
Looks delicious. I love bircher musli with grapes and peach on top! mmmmm
Comment by Roses R Red— August 30, 2009 #
This is certainly the prettiest muesli I think I've ever seen. If it tastes half as good as it looks, it's got to be fantastic! I love that you have blackberries in it. When they're plentiful in our region I'll definitely remember this recipe and give it a try. Until then, I think I have some blueberries that I picked and froze which I'll use. I also have some peaches on my counter right now that aren't as sweet and juicy as I'd like. I think this will be a good way to use them up since there's some sweetness in the muesli. Thanks for the great recipe!
Comment by Cooking Like Mom— August 30, 2009 #
Thanks so much for this! I adore oats but never get to eat them in the summer. I've never thought to make my own muesli, and now I can't wait.
Comment by Kylie of Thin Crust, Deep Dish— August 31, 2009 #
I saw your blog on 'Bake it Off' Blog and the title of your post 'Bircher Muesli' I couldn't believe it! My DH and I have been eating our muesli like this six days a week since 1979 and have never grown tired of it. We mix ours with natural yogurt and honey, we used to grate in an apple but about 10 years ago we stopped doing that. I even got my DH to bring my muesli into hospital when I was having my babies and got the nurses to put it in the fridge for me. I still have the Bircher Benner book that we got the recipe from although I don't think I have used any of the other recipes for 30 years lol!
Thanks for your great post and enjoy your breakfast.
Comment by Janice— August 31, 2009 #
I love bircher muesli. I used to work with a girl from Austria and she would eat it every single day. I loved the fact that you could switch out a few liquids and other ingredients to switch out the flavour. My favourite part is the grated apple, too!
Comment by Julia @ Mélanger— August 31, 2009 #
I LOVE muesli….but haven't tried to make it myself. I've only had it for breakfast on Holland America cruise ships…when I'm lucky enough to be on one. Forget everything else on the buffet…..I just want the Muesli!
Thanks so much for posting on my blog this morning…that's how I found your blog and the amazing array of recipes. Now I can try making muesli myself!
Comment by Susan— September 2, 2009 #
Yummy. I make my own muesli by the jar and then make this up a few times a week – great for the brekkie box. And superb for large family breakfasts. All you have to do is soak and serve. What could be easier… Great minds
Comment by Kitchen Butterfly— September 5, 2009 #
This is my favorite breakfast food! My mom used to make it when I was younger and I just re-discovered it about a year ago. Nice to see your take on soaking the oats in apple juice. Grated apple is 'a must' in my opinion and I change out my other fruits and nuts depending on the season. Your photo is great!
Comment by Jen— September 6, 2009 #
Comment by Suzanne— February 18, 2010 #
You can use "Quick Oats" if you did not soak overnight. By the time you are done preparing all the fixings your muesli will be nice and soft. I like to use Greek yogurt to add more protein as well as Agave Nectar which is a low glycemic sweetener. Pistachios are also fabulous in this recipe.
Comment by Giselle— November 14, 2010 #
Just returned from a stay at the Four Seasons, Sydney. I enjoyed Bircher Muesli every morning! Googling this evening for the recipe and found you…THANK YOU! Cannot wait for breakfast tomorrow morning!
Comment by Christine— November 14, 2010 #
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A group of British lawmakers has released a report accusing multinational companies Amazon, Google and Starbucks of "immorally" using tax practices that allegedly allow them to "pay little or no corporation tax" in Britain.
The report — as well as the judgment — stems from a parliamentary hearing on Nov. 12, where executives from the three companies faced the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), a parliamentary group tasked with overseeing government accounts and ensuring that public spending is handled honestly. At the time, committee chairwoman and British MP Margaret Hodge told Matt Brittin, Google's vice president for Europe, "We're not accusing you of being illegal, we're accusing you of being immoral."
(MORE: How U.S. Firms Like Google and Amazon Minimize their European Taxes)
The PAC report, released on Dec. 3, has echoed and extended that judgment to all three companies. "We were not convinced that their actions, in using the letter of tax laws both nationally and internationally to immorally minimize their tax obligations, are defensible," it reads.
Starbucks, which has been operating in Britain for 15 years, hasn't paid corporate tax in the country for the past three years, the committee heard from Starbucks' chief financial officer Troy Alstead. Explaining that the company's European base was in the Netherlands and pays tax only after paying royalty fees to its Dutch headquarters, Alstead said Starbucks hasn't turned a profit in its U.K. shops for years and therefore wasn't required to pay corporation taxes. Alstead said at the hearing, "We have had profitability challenges unfortunately, very serious ones, but nothing to do with tax avoidance." A spokesperson for Starbucks later confirmed to TIME that the company wasn't turning a profit in the U.K., though "we would very much like to and are moving in the right direction." The MPs on the committee weren't satisfied with Alstead's testimony, however. The report says, "We found it difficult to believe that a commercial company with a 31% market share by turnover, with a responsibility to its shareholders and investors to make a decent return, was trading with apparent losses for nearly every year of its operation in the U.K."
(MORE: The $7 Cup of Starbucks: A Logical Extension of the Coffee Chain's Long-Term Strategy)
After the PAC hearing and the subsequent negative media attention, Starbucks announced on Dec. 1 that they are currently reviewing their tax practices in Britain, saying in a release, "We have listened to feedback from our customers and employees, and understand that to maintain and further build public trust we need to do more. As part of this we are looking at our tax approach in the U.K."
The committee's report also deemed that Amazon executive Andrew Cecil, the European director of public policy, was "evasive and unprepared to answer legitimate questions on the company's structure." While Amazon "subsequently provided the information" to the committee, the report said the company reported turnover of more than $330 million in the U.K., on which it paid "only" $2.9 million in taxes, as most of the company's European sales are taxed in Luxembourg where its E.U. operations are based. Amazon said in a statement that the company "pays all applicable taxes in every jurisdiction that it operates within," and they "have a single European headquarters in Luxembourg with hundreds of employees to manage this complex operation."
As for Brittin, he told the committee that Google's European operations are based in the company's Dublin headquarters and are therefore taxed according to Ireland's low rates. "Like any company, you play by the rules, manage costs efficiently to offer fair value to shareholders," he told MPs. "We pay the tax we are required to pay in every country in which we operate."
According to Nicholas Shaxson, author of Treasure Island: Tax Havens and the Men Who Stole the World, it's standard practice for multinational companies to set up shop in countries like Ireland or Luxembourg where low tax rates are the standard. These companies are then able to claim profits in the low-rate countries, meaning "multinational corporations can cut their bills down to zero or close to zero." According to Shaxson, it's a flaw in the international tax system.
(MORE: Tax the Rich? French and British Leaders Spar over Plans to Make Wealthy Pay Up)
Now some countries are taking a closer look and a harder line on the way that tax system works. France recently slapped Amazon with a $252 million bill for unpaid taxes and penalties. "We disagree with the proposed assessment and intend to vigorously contest it," the company reported in its third-quarter results filed in October. And last week, Italian police launched an investigation into what Google pays in taxes in the country. The search giant told the Guardian, "It is normal for a company to be subject to tax inspections, and we have been working with the Italian authorities for some time."
The PAC's report includes criticism of Britain's own HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) because "apparently, lenient treatment is given to big corporations" when it comes to taxes. Describing the decrease in that past year of corporation-tax revenue in Britain of $10 billion, the report states, "We were not sufficiently convinced by [HMRC's] assertion that it was pursuing all the tax due from big businesses given the reduction in corporation-tax revenue from last year."
U.K. Chancellor George Osborne also announced that the government would provide the HMRC with $124 million solely for the purpose of pursuing wealthy and corporate-tax avoiders. On Dec. 3, two days before he's scheduled to address Parliament on Britain's economy, Osborne said in a statement, "We are determined to tackle this problem, and HMRC are making good progress, but we are giving them additional tools to bring in more." The government has said it hopes the new strategy on tackling tax avoidance would help them recoup $3 billion in unpaid taxes.


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Patient Presentation
A 15-year-old male came to clinic for a sports physical. He and his father had no concerns but the patient wanted to know when he was going to grow taller.
The past medical history showed that he had always been smaller than his peers.
The family history revealed that his father was a 'late-bloomer" and the patient's brother had his growth spurt around 15-16 years of age too. Mother's puberty history was unavailable.
The review of systems was negative.
The pertinent physical exam revealed a healthy male. Weight is 42.3 kilograms (<3% and equal to 12.5 years ) His height is 151.5 cm (<3% and equal to 12.5 years ). His growth in the past year was 2.3 cm which is below the usual 4-5 cm/year before adolescence. Tanner 3 male. The rest of his examination was normal.
The chart review showed that the estimated mid-parental height should be ~180 cm and the patient's height was not within 5 cm of this prediction (see Figure 25).
As the adolescent had a family history of late puberty and had a growth pattern consistent with constitutional growth delay, the physician felt that this was the most common diagnosis. However, the adolescent was already Tanner stage 3 and appeared to have a decrease in his growth
velocity in the past year. Therefore a radiologic evaluation of the hand and wrist for a bone age was completed and showed a bone age of 13 years with a standard deviation of 8.9 months.
The diagnosis of constitutional growth delay was confirmed and the patient will be monitored.
Figure 25 -Growth chart for the patient showing short stature.
Figure 26 – AP radiograph of the left hand showing that the patient's bone age is greater than two standard deviations below his chronological age, according to the method of Gruelich and Pyle.
Normal growth patterns in children and adolescents are good signs for both parents and health care providers to see, as they often are reassuring evidence that the child is healthy. When abnormal growth rates or patterns are seen, this is a cause for concern.
Generally if there is a problem, the growth parameters will be affected in the following order: weight before height before head circumference. The differential diagnosis is dramatically different based upon if one, two or all three growth parameters are affected.
Primary evaluation for linear growth problems includes a growth and pubertal history of the parents and siblings, the patient's prenatal and perinatal history and developmental milestones, and a careful evaluation of previous growth measurements.
Sometimes previous growth measurements are not available and some indications can be obtained from group photographs or changes in clothing and shoe size.
Normal growth rate is 5 cm/year for ages 2 – puberty onset. The peak linear growth is Tanner 2-3 for girls (9 cm/year) and Tanner 3-4 for boys (10 cm/year). The potential for achieving additional growth after Tanner 4-5 (full maturity) is small as this correlates with epiphyeseal closure.
A bone age radiograph is very helpful in determining how skeletally mature the adolescent is compared to their chronological age.
Learning Point
The most common causes of short stature in adolescence are consititutional growth delay, familial/genetic short stature and chronic illness (in this order). Short stature in adolescence includes:
- Constitutional growth delay (chronological age > bone age) – These patients are small in the first few years then have an average growth rate. Puberty is late and the growth spurt occurs later. These adolescents catch up with their peers and have a normal range of stature in adulthood.
If no signs of puberty emerge by 15 for females and 16 for males, an endocrine consultation is recommended.
- Familial or genetic short stature (chronological age = bone age) – These patients are small at birth and remain so throughout childhood. They enter puberty at an average age and remain short relative to their peers and are short in adulthood.
- Chronic illness
- Endocrine abnormalities
- Cortisol excess
- Growth hormone deficiency – These patients have marked dwarfism (i.e. usually 3-4 standard deviations below the mean). Growth is normal for the first 1-2 years of life and then a decrease in height velocity is seen. Physical signs include infantile features and body proportions, weight age > height age, and delayed puberty.
- Hypothalamic disorders
- Hypothyroidism
- Genetic syndromes (i.e. Turner's Syndrome, Russell-Silver syndrome, Albright's hereditary osteodystrophy, Down's syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, etc.)
- Nutritional abnormalities – (i.e. Anorexia nervosa, Inflammatory bowel disease, etc.)
- Psychosocial dwarfism
- Skeletal dysplasia
FDA approved indications for growth hormone treatment in children includes:
- Growth hormone deficiency
- Turner syndrome
- Chronic renal insufficiency
- Small for gestational age or intrauterine growth retardation
- Prader-Willi Syndrome
- Continued height deficit in puberty
Questions for Further Discussion
1. What is included in the differential diagnosis of a child with short stature and decreased weight?
2. What is included in the differential diagnosis of a child with short stature and macrocephaly?
3. What psychosocial evaluation should be done for an adolescent with short stature?
Related Cases
- Disease
- Symptom/Presentation
- Specialty
- Age
To Learn More
To view pediatric review articles on this topic from the past year check PubMed.
To view current news articles on this topic check Google News.
Hofmann AD, Greydanus DE. Adolescent Medicine. 1983. 243-246.
Rudolph CD, et.al. Rudolph's Pediatrics. 21st edit. McGraw-Hill, New York, NY. 2003:1-6.
American Association of Clinical Endrocrinologists Medical Guidelines for Clinical Practice. Growth Hormone Use for Adults and Children.
Endocrine Practice. 2003:9;64-76. Available from the Internet at http://www.aace.com/clin/guidelines/ (cited 8/23/05).
ACGME Competencies Highlighted by Case
1. When interacting with patients and their families, the health care professional communicates effecively and demonstrates caring and respectful behaviors.
2. Essential and accurate information about the patients is gathered.
3. Informed decisions about diagnostic and therapeutic interventions based on patient information and preferences, up-to-date scientific evidence, and clinical judgment is made.
4. Patient management plans are developed and carried out.
5. Patients and their families are counseled and educated.
9. Patient-focused case is provided by working with health care professionals, including those from other disciplines.
10. An investigatory and analytic thinking approach to the clinical situation is demonstrated.
24. Cost-effective health care and resource allocation that does not compromise quality of care is practiced.
Donna M. D'Alessandro, MD
Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Iowa
October 10, 2005