text:
Mother Goose Storyteller
Mary Ellen tells stories to children as Mother Goose. The Victorian Festival in Northville, Michigan has had her as their storyteller for over 10 years. She has perfected her craft in part, by attending many National Storytelling Conventions. She uses puppets and balloon props to inhance the story experience. Kids and parents are asked to participate with the story, by making sound effects. Other props include: A Chinese Dragon, rhythm instruments, and balloon costumes. Christmas and Halloween shows are also available.
A small list of some available story types. 1. John Henry 2. Casey Jones 3. Nursery Rhymes 4. Fairy Tales 5. Rosh Hoshanah and Purim 6. Yom Kippur 7. Easter 8. Christmas 9. Halloween 10. Science
Train Show
The train show is great for anytime of year. The audience learns the difference between freight trains and passenger trains, steam engines and diesel, the language of the train whistle, safety around trains, and the importance of hobos. Names and purposes of the cars with props representing them and held by the children make it meaningful. Train stories and train songs add to the variety. The train show can, also, be featured for Black History Month with the story of John Henry, famous African American inventors of train related inventions and an African American author of books, puzzles and other train related materials.
Children are dressed in engineer caps and neckerchiefs to hold a large cardboard train as we sing "I've Been Working on the Railroad" at the end of the show.
Bug show
This show about insects that are beneficial or a nuisance is done with puppets. Learn the parts of an insect and what they do. Insects such as bees, lady bugs, moths, butterflies, ants, praying mantis, grass hoppers are among those highlighted. Children are invited to operate some of the puppets. These puppets are very colorful and lifelike. Things that like to eat insects are included such as a spider collection, bats, and turtle.
This is an entertaining show that can be used for Science in schools or nature centers as well as malls, libraries, or for smaller venues.
Olympics show
This show is offered every other year to coincide with the Summer or Winter Olympics.
This show can incorporate a large number of participants during the opening ceremony as they march in with flags of many nations and the torch. Contests to fit the motto "Swifter, Higher and Stronger" are conducted. Music such as the Olympic Fanfare and National Anthems are used. There are activities to emphasize special facts about the country hosting the Olympics. Mary Ellen wears the Olympic tee shirt for the year presented and shows her Olympic tee shirt collection on the backdrop. Learn how the Olympics got started in Greece and about the Modern Olympics. This educational program can be teamed up with academic olympics which are popular in some schools. There is a closing ceremony with the heros of the events leading the way. This show stimulates interest in the Olympics.
"Under the Sea" Show
Join Mary Ellen on the beach for an adventurous experience in search of treasure and pleasure in and under the sea! There are fish and more fish with songs about fish, swimming, and being on the beach. Fish puppets and fish tricks, fish story, fish spelling contest and tongue twister contest add to the fun. Where space permits giant bubbles appear . The show is built around a high level of audience participation. Some adults and children become bubble makers, instant puppeteers and prop holders in the acting out of stories and songs.
.In the final number, the children in the audience join in from their seats by becoming a school of sharks using envelope puppets while others in the stage area use an octopus, inflated tropical fish, body puppet sea horses and star fish to act out the song "Under the Sea".
Bunny Show
This spring show has bunny puppets, bunny magic, bunny stories,a balloon hat parade to song and music, the Bunny Hop dance, more bunny songs to act out and a bunny backdrop. There is plenty of audience participation. A costumed bunny is available, too.
Around the World
This show can feature one country or highlight several. There will be an appropriate backdrop, stories puppets and music to bring the country to life. Australia, China, Egypt, Ireland and Nigeria are among the favorites.
Some highlights of the Australian show are a didgeridoo and didgeridoo music, aborigine activity, puppet animals and songs. A hit in the show about China is a dragon parade. The show about Egypt features props representing the pyramids, sphinx, and the eye of Isis. A mummy wrapping contest livens things up. In traveling to Ireland we see a very animated dancing Leprechan marionette, join in the Irish dances, and listen to Irish stories. A little leprechan magic is sprinkled throughout. We see the colorful clothing designed in Nigeria as we travel to Africa, handle a broom made from a palm tree and a toothbrush made of wood. Play the drums and dance to the beat, listen to stories of Nigeria, sing songs and play a game.
Musical Theme
A whole show can be musical with songs, dance and children playing rhythm instruments. Mary Ellen has a beautiful singing voice and leads the audience in sing-a-longs. There are appropriate props for children to use in the many songs and musical activities. One popular medley honors our country and flag.


text:
Maui Wowie by Pure Funk llc.
Welcome back to toasted n' posted for a deep delve into the some of the rarest genetics around. Today, we turn to Pure Funk, who's had a mother that they've been protecting for upwards of two decades. A landrace strain, mostly thought to be extinct, has been preserved in its prestige at their Port Townsend facility. Maui Wowie is a signature, pure-blooded sativa that has been rolling off of tongues for longer than I have been alive. Alleged to have originated in the southern regions of Maui, it has since achieved fame spread far wider than the island chain.
I breach the vessel to encounter a sweet and creamy tropical haze. The inspiring intensity soaks my nostrils with stabbing succulence. Petering out to become soft and soothing, I chase trails of ambiguous fruit juices down my maw. A muddled tincture of melon, strawberry, pineapple, and coconut offer echoing claps of wood-roasted sweetness. Mild spices weave the murky blend into cohesion to present a dominant buttery coconut glaze.
Zesty and tangy, the constantly morphing profile delivers itself like the lashing snap from a drawn rubber band. Acute, tart, and overwhelmingly fresh; each breath into Maui Wowie seems to improve respiratory function. A light-speed steam bath that leaves your sensory functions washed over with ease. Perhaps island life is infused into the very aroma of these flowers. Lingering behind the battering bouquet, is a light grassy mildew funk. The skunky cushion draws out piney, cocoa, and nutty lines from the aerated tropical blast.
In hopes of inciting more chaos, I snap the monstrous flower beneath my nose. In reverse order of the previous, this resurgence seems to lead with points of arid spiced earth. Nutty, woody, and ripe with tropical essence; my palate becomes tickled as it absorbs the rejuvenated freshness. A bounty of fruit once again reemerging with the buoyant slickness of coconut at the helm. The rolling neutrality of this fruit dissolves to spirit campaigns of spurting strawberry, the prickled zest of pineapple, and skunked blueberry. Wringing out from loafed pulp are dank arms of rain-sodden mulch. A woody muse that unearths a carving sprite of lime froth.
I've come across many Maui Wowie imposters in my past; stringy and spindly flowers desperately reaching to embody a breath of the tropics. My confidence is spurred on by the immediate physical differences between this specimen and its preceding imposters. Still honed to an elongated spear tip, this phenotype is reinforced with considerable bulk. A stretched mass of rippling vigor that is studded with webs of glistening amber resin. The flush flesh is compacted together by its knotted nature and resin-flooded ridges. Unlike the airy and spread specimens of past, this strain seems focussed in both presence and architecture.
Shadows of whispering sage spill over the flower to be overturned by bursting pockets of pear, moss, and parakeet. The electrifying contrast illuminates the defiant shades giving them a feathery effervescence. Colors that are typically assuaged into a salad of muddy verdancy are now highlighted like the veins of volcanic fissures. Raking fans of lava plume from its most sunken depths. Claws of fiery orange stigmas bridge outward in tangled tapestries to add a brittle warmth to the drained frosty demeanor. Wrought with restless textures; both the riotous petals and the hairy peach flames are washed into anonymity by the frothing stampede of trichomes. This production is far and away the frostiest Maui Wowie that I'd ever seen in person or through publications.
Leaf to flame, my tongue becomes misted in a woodland bite. A crunchy rag wrung out to bleed out spiced island juices. Nutty kernels of banana spined by a pineapple hardiness paint this sensation. The roasted rolling tang of mango offers some relief but it isn't long before the pineapple once again rakes across my tongue with sinus-pinching magnitude. Serrated lime juices bead across the woody plane of Maui Wowie. Alternatingly tart, earthy, zesty, and tangy; the lacerating beads becomes augmented as they dribble across the porous board of peppered candy. A bright and hashy finish consumes each breath. While the shapeshifter that is Maui Wowie takes many forms during its incendiary journey, it is constant in its thorough delivery of musky raw funk.
A chromatic saturation begins to influence my surroundings. The wood grain of this table graduates evermore stark and the black of my laptop has been paved to a new light-drowning depth. As I analyze this bewildering touch of vividity, I feel an unnatural curiosity take hold of my mind. An endearing fascination with nothing, as if I'd be contented to wholeheartedly observe someone sweeping a floor or painting a wall.
If minds were truly operated by cranking gears, mine had just been lubricated by a bucketload of grease. Even pondering burdensome subjects, I am freed by a sense of brevity and ease. A chorus ringing in that all things are temporary and within that there is tranquility. The aura of ease trickles down through my veins, tenderizing my muscles into a gelatin numbness.
While intently focused on the most menial feats of existence, my actual level of comprehension during this transient state is powerfully impeded. Critical thinking and high level decision making should be left alone while coasting aloofly on island joy. Discarding all matters of seriousness, I allow the whims of Maui Wowie to draw my featherweight soul from my body and whisk it away into the clouds. While distanced from my body, styrofoam skewers replace my bones. I feel like I've inexplicably lost 40 pounds while reserving all of my mass. As the soaring sensations expire and I'm reeled back to reality, density returns to my form alongside my wandering consciousness. Gradually re-equipping my senses, I was surprised that the spiritual catapult wasn't more taxing. I feel mildly groggy, but all too willing to prime myself for another ride.
Consistent with some of the aspirations of previous productions, Pure Funk certainly brings the strongest Maui Wowie to the table. A strain that is nearly impossible to find in quality flower is now available to Washington State thanks to the dedication of a man named Rusty. I admire anyone dedicated to preserving the treasured genetics alleged to be lost to time and hybridization. As always, thanks for reading.
Maui Wowie score: 90/100
Aroma – 19
Physical – 20
Flavor – 17
Consistency – 18
Sensation – 16
Stay high and stay blessed,
Kushman Bonglegs

subset: commoncrawl


text:
One tip I always see from those with minimalist wardrobes is the minimalist palette – whites, creams, soft greys, blacks and maybe a touch of brown. The problem is, I actually really like colour, and lots of it!
I think when people think of simplifying and minimalism, the neutral or monochrome look is what comes to mind. And if pretty much everything you own is black, white or grey then the job of matching colours is a straightforward process – perfect if that's the way you like to dress, but not so fun if you're more of a fan of colour. Personally I have a number of basics in black, grey and brown (white and I are simply not friends), whilst dresses, tops and a few other bits and pieces are in bold, bright colours.
At first I thought I was just picking colours at random, but now that I've cut things down to what I actually wear and love, they tend to fall into a few colour families: bright shades of red, orange, green and yellow; dark autumnal burgundy, burnt orange, olive and mustard; and the more traditional shades of navy, black, grey and brown. I've tried wearing whites, pastels and other pale colours, and generally I feel that they don't suit me or my penchant for spilling food or drinks on myself. Purples and blues besides navy somehow don't hold much appeal for me, and pink I only really like if it's almost red. I've never had these colours analysed by so-called colour experts – they're just what I've noticed I naturally gravitate towards and which I feel suit me.
In general though, it's just following the basic concept of monochrome or neutral basics (I include navy and khaki in this), and colourful accent pieces. I'm not a fashionable person by any stretch, and I'm sure some of the colour combinations I wear might be considered a bit quirky, but I feel like 'colourful and sometimes a bit odd' is actually a pretty good representation of my identity.
So I'll spare you the fashion tips, but my point is – if you really like colour and feel that minimalism is only for those who enjoy beige, fret not! You don't have to follow anyone else's idea of an ideal minimalist wardrobe, or home, or life. It's a distinctly personal process in colour, in quantity, in expression, and there is no 'right way' of doing it. If you want to be colourful, then I say it is possible so go right ahead!
I'm curious – what colours do you wear? Are you still trying to make that 'crisp white shirt' work for you just because it's on everyone else's list? (I tried it and no).
More Wardrobe Zen posts here.


text:
Marco Iacoboni
Marco Iacoboni is Associate Professor and Director of the Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Lab at the UCLA Brain Mapping Center. He is also a member of the Brain Research Institute and of the Center for Culture, Brain, and Development at UCLA.
Books by this Editor
The Cognitive Neuroscience of the Corpus Callosum
Hemispheric specialization is involved in every aspect of sensory, cognitive, and motor systems integration. Study of the corpus callosum, the bands of tissue uniting the brain's two hemispheres, is central to understanding neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and behavior. It also brings the tools of hemispheric specialization to a fundamental problem of cognitive neuroscience: modularity and...


text:
HOUSTON -- Steve Francis is no longer Houston's
But the man who was once the anchor of the Rockets' rebuilding
effort was elated Friday to be back at the place he calls home.
Francis, who earned the nickname "Franchise" during his first
stint in Houston from 1999-2004, signed a two-year deal to return
to a team that now boasts the superstar duo of Tracy McGrady and
Yao Ming.
He won't be the star of these Rockets, might not even start and
his nickname could be retired, but the 30-year-old Francis said
that's OK with him.
"I have no problem with somebody calling me that," he said of
the moniker. "But if the Rockets win and I'm out there, I'll be
more happy if that happens."
Francis was a three-time All-Star with the Rockets before he was
traded to Orlando in 2004 in a multiplayer deal that brought
McGrady to Houston.
He went to the New York Knicks in another trade in early 2006
and was dealt to Portland on draft-night this year. The Trail
Blazers bought out his contract for a reported $30 million last
week, making him an unrestricted free agent.
Francis was pursued by Miami, Dallas and the Los Angeles
Clippers, and agent Jeff Fried said he was offered more money to
play elsewhere.
"We were thrilled," Rockets general manager Daryl Morey said.
"I think it speaks a lot to Steve's character that he's chosen
winning over everything else. We really feel like he's a strong
piece to get us, deeper and farther into the playoffs."
The Rockets were ousted from the playoffs in the first round by
the Utah Jazz last season, but things were worse for Francis. He
played just 44 games for the Knicks while dealing with injuries,
averaging a career-low 11.3 points. He has averaged 18.4 points and
6.1 assists in his eight-year career.
Back in Houston on Friday, Francis made jokes, laughed easily
and his grin was brighter than the yellow button-down shirt he wore
under his cream-colored suit. He sat down for a news conference,
glanced at the Rockets logo behind him and did a double take, as if
he couldn't quite believe he was back.
Francis will reclaim the No. 3 jersey he wore the first 6 1/2
years of his career. He took No. 1 in New York because Stephon
Marbury had No. 3.
The importance of the number wasn't lost on Rockets officials,
who planned his introduction to begin at promptly 3:33 p.m.
In the days leading up to his trade in 2004, he made it clear he
didn't want to leave Houston. The success he found in his time with
the Rockets has proven elusive in his subsequent stops.
"I never thought that this day would come where I would
actually be back here playing for the Rockets," he said, shaking
his head. "It's been overwhelming. I still can't come to grips
with it. I think to me it's another step that can not only help
myself, but help this franchise go to the next level."
Francis said a key part of his decision was his belief that
Houston is a team "ready to win now." He also talked about his
evolution as a player and how his recent struggles have made him
more humble.
"I'm not really looking to do the flashy stuff like I used
to," he said. "That was just to get on SportsCenter. Now I want
to get on SportsCenter by winning games."
This new "mature Steve Francis" he thinks will translate into
more success for those playing around him.
His return to the team will almost certainly mean the end in
Houston for at least one of other four point guards on the roster:
Rafer Alston, a starter for the past two years, John Lucas III,
rookie Aaron Brooks and newly signed Mike James.
Morey said he and new coach Rick Adelman hadn't determined
Francis' role or whether his arrival will force them to unload


text:
It's spring break in Texas. The University, primary and secondary public schools are on break. So, where are most of us astronomers spending our vacations? Are we on the beaches of the Texas Gulf Coast? Or jetting off to Mexico, tropical islands, or other exotic locales?
For most of us, no. We are enjoying the quiet week here on campus. No meetings, no classes, no need to time trips to campus to avoid class changes, plenty of parking. Why fight throngs of students on South Padre Island when I can walk to my favorite lunch locale without waiting for a seat? Or why sit in traffic trying to drive to the coast when the Austin freeways actually move near the limit at rush hour?
The lack of afternoon science talks and meetings gives a large chunk of uninterrupted time for research work. The only drawback to the week is the closure of the espresso cart in our building. (And if that's the worst thing about the week, life is good.)
Academic life seems to involve a love-hate relationship with the students we are here to serve. Salaries are supported by the tuition of the students in the classes we teach, and most astronomers enjoy teaching and spreading the excitement of what we do. But it does get to be a drain when we have to squeeze onto a bus with young people carrying backpacks that smash into our faces, when we squeeze into an elevator with students who feel the need to ride up one floor, or when half our class is busy texting during a lecture we've taken hours to prepare (and these same students complain afterwards that material on the exam was not covered in class).
So, we enjoy these quiet weeks as vacations: time to reconnect with our research work and our love for the science. And, when tanned students come back next week and start complaining that they did their homework over Spring Break but forgot it at home (yeah, right!), hopefully our batteries will be recharged.


text:
Notify me when this product is available:
Notify me when this product is available:
Size ca 3.3"/ 8.5cm in diameter
Maybe you would like to use it for spices, parmesan-cheese, a portion of jam, or something else? The cute durable spoon from Ebony wood comes with it.
You could also use this beautiful bowl for keeping small jewellery or other petite things...
All of our ceramics are microwave- and dishwasher friendly. For the wooden spoon we recommend hand washing only.
Yes, I would like to receive emails with studio stories, discount offers and beautiful pictures of new pottery
© 2022 Kari Ceramics.
Powered by Shopify


text:
This has been one of those never-ending, kinda-dreary winter weeks--but then along comes Michelle Williams to deliver us a bit of bright cheeriness, thanks to the classic/charming beauty trick she trotted out on the red carpet last night.
For the Paris premiere of "My Week With Marilyn", Michelle wore a deliciously girly confection of a gown (if you love it, click here for lots more baby-pink eye candy on the Oscar de la Renta runway!), but what really made her ensemble so head-turning was the addition of cherry red lips and nails.
Thank goodness the premiere was the day after Valentine's Day, or this pink/red palette might have seemed too theme-y. But as it were, I think it's just delightful. Don't you?
I am pretty sure the idea of a matching red lipstick-manicure combo has been around since the beginning of time--or at least circa the invention of cosmetics. But it really never gets tired. It just makes you look so polished and glamorous. And pairing it with a pastel like the pink of Michelle's dress makes the effect freshly dramatic.
Wouldn't matching red lips and nails be just the perfect way to brighten up a blah winter weekend? Will any of you be following Michelle Williams' lead and wearing this combo between now and Monday?


text:
On a Wednesday night about a month ago, I came up into my office after Lenten services and discovered, left on my desk, three books. The titles suggested someone thought I needed a little help with my joke telling. One was Church Chuckles, one was Rolling in the Church Aisles and the last was Laugh and the Whole Church Laughs With You. I wonder if that last one is true, else why give me these new joke books?
Today is our Holy Humor Sunday. We all know it is being downsized due to our main actors and actresses moving away. So it has been left up to me, with some help from some of you, to help us celebrate the Easter Laugh this year.
I've had some mighty weird dreams lately. The Greek letters Alpha and Omega are used in the reading from Revelation. Their use reminded me of this dream. True story, a few weeks ago, I was sleeping and I dreamed I was translating Greek sentences. So I thought, that must mean I am so good at Greek, I can read it in my sleep. I actually wrote this dream down, it was March 17 and the word I was stuck on was Kal-el. I'm not sure, but isn't that the name of Superman when he lived on Krypton?
I better read a joke from my new books; The Sunday school teacher was telling the story of Lot and his wife. She told them that when Lot's wife looked back, she turned into a pillar of salt. Little Timmy raised his hand to share, "Once, when my Mom looked back, she turned into a telephone pole."
After Bible Study on Tuesday, Tina asked me what the theme of Holy Humor was going to be. It caught me off guard a bit as we've always had a rather specific theme; production plan etc. I told her the theme was laughter. And I think we can draw that from our psalm for today, "Praise the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty firmament! Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his surpassing greatness!" How? With trumpet, lute, harp, tambourine, dance, strings, pipe, cymbals... I'll add laughter. The psalmist concludes, "Let everything that breathes praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!" That is what we are to about today.
But it is hard, isn't it. We think of the hundreds killed in Sri Lanka while praising the Lord on Easter. We think of the Church in China where they need to meet in secret to praise the Lord. We think of those in our church family who are unable to gather with us as we meet to praise the Lord. And it can bring us down, it can bring up questions about praising the Lord in the midst of evil and oppression and illness. But what is the alternative? Stay home and be depressed? Worry and complain about the state of the world? Jesus warned us that we will have sorrow and pain and troubles in this world. But he didn't end there. He promised that he has overcome the world, that we live in a place that overpowers the evil of this world. The devil thought he had won when Jesus died on the cross. But Jesus had the last laugh. The devil rejoices when evil men carry out evil deeds, but Jesus will have the last laugh. We may not see it now, and we may suffer greatly now, but God works in all things to bring forth good. God gets the last laugh.
Douglas Ridley wrote a poem about the Easter Laugh, "The devil knew it was a trick, a trap, but he couldn't help himself. He had to try to seize the opportunity to fry the Son of God... to crucify God's chosen one would mean he'd won; defied the odds and give Almighty God a slap.
Then Easter dawned; an empty tomb! Praise God! The devil lost again. He'd hoped he'd won, but no, his evil scheme had come undone. O, what a trick God played on him—a nod from God to call him April Fool. Ah, 'tis an April Fool the devil was, and is."
Here's a Good Friday question for you: Have you ever wondered what the friends of Joseph of Arimathea might have thought about him giving away his new tomb to Jesus? They might have asked, "That was such a beautiful, costly, hand-hewn tomb. How could you give it away like that? Joseph could have replied, "Well, he only needs it for the weekend."
The tomb couldn't hold Jesus. Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! And so we celebrate. And jokes are not always the way we celebrate, but it is one way. Here's one from Shirley Good. I've taken a few liberties with it but it is the basic joke. Roger and Bob and I all die and go to heaven on the same date. St. Peter loads us into a great white limousine and brings us to the "mansion" Jesus promised. I got off first, a nice little bungalow, nothing fancy, but nice. The limousine drove on to a much fancier neighborhood; mansions with great yards and many staff to run it. He stopped and told Roger and Bob that they had their choice of mansions. They were a bit confused and asked why their pastor, who preached and cared for the congregation got such a small house; why did they deserve these fancy mansions? The driver replied, "When Pastor Gordy preached, the people slept; when you two drove, the people prayed!"
This one is from Kay. Now I think our expectations for this joke should be very high, we know Kay has high standards for jokes. How do we know that,you may ask...because she seldom laughs at my jokes. Here's hers:.
Joe asked God, "God, how long is a million years to you?"
God replied, "To me, it's about a minute."
Joe asked, "God, how much is a million dollars to you?"
God said, "It is like a penny to me"
So Joe asked for a penny.
God said, "Sure, in a minute."
And from Bev, Three pastors from the South were having lunch in a diner. One said, "Ya know, since summer started I've been having trouble with bats in my loft and attic at church. I've tried everything — noise, spray, cats — nothing seems to scare them away." Another added, "Yeah, me too. I've got hundreds living in my belfry and in the attic. I've even had the place fumigated, and they won't go away." The third said, "I used to have that problem too, then I confirmed all mine and made them members of the church … Haven't seen one back since!"
I believe since we are created in God's image; and since we have a sense of humor, God must have a sense of humor. Maybe we see a hint of that in creation; have you seen a platypus? Or how about a spitting Lama? Snow forecasts popping up when it is 70 degrees out?
And then there are the tricks God plays with my memory. I spent 10 minutes on Thursday trying to remember the name of the Scottish instrument that has a bag with pipes sticking out of it! That is the truth. I'm not the only one. Tom Townsend came up with a solution for his forgetfulness. It seems he often forgot to send flowers to Ruth on their anniversary. So he opened an account with a local florist so they would automatically send flowers every year on their anniversary with a card signed, "Your loving husband, Tom."
It worked until the year Tom saw the flowers on the dining room table and said, "What nice flowers. Where did you get them?"
The Apostle John wrote the book of Revelation while exiled on the Island of Patmos. It is at its root about God's victory over sin, over death, over the devil. And we have that victory because of the victory Jesus won on Easter and that victory is eternal. And so John wrote, "To him who loves us and freed us from our sins by his blood, and made us to be a kingdom, priests serving his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever." And we don't necessarily glorify God by our laughter, but we can celebrate God's glory by sharing the joy of laughter. And our laughter can change us. The Proverbs tell us that laughter is good medicine. Technically, it says a merry heart, Proverbs 17: 22 "A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones." And medical science backs this up. Medical science shows that laughter actually produces chemicals in our body that relieve stress and enhance one's physical and mental health.
I will conclude with a couple of my stories. Both I have used before, but if your memory is anything like mine, most of you won't remember them. The first is one I used it for Easter some years ago. Here it is with some small changes: Ole, Lena, and little Ole went to the big city for the first time. They were walking down the street and entered a fancy dept. store. Little Ole spotted something that caught his eye, a shiny metal door that was cut into a wall of black marble. Big Ole and Lena stood beside him and as they studied it, an elderly, gray haired lady walked up and pushed a button on the wall next to the door. The door opened and she walked into the little room behind the shiny door. The doors slid closed and they noticed the numbers above the door counting up.
The family wondered about it, then they noticed the numbers descending again. They were surprised when the shiny doors opened and a beautiful, curvacious young lady walked out.
Little Ole said, "What kind of machine is dat, Pa?" Big Ole replied, "I don't know little Ole, but push dat button and shove your Ma in.
A point... when we are followers of Christ, our lives are changed. For some, it happens in an instant, for most of us we journey along, doing the best we can, trusting in the grace of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit. As we recognize Jesus as Lord, God sees us as beautiful, fully righteous children.
Second from the Dick Van Dyke show: Julie and I like to shop in the Croosroad's Mall in St. Cloud—well Julie likes to, I tag along. But we do occasionaly visit the men's store. Halberstad's. One day we noticed a sign, Big Sale: slightly irregular suits just $59.99! So we went in, tried one on...(the rest is a demonstration, sorry for those reading this online)
Moral: We will all face things in this life that don't fit; troubles, sorrows, grief. God's grace and peace are not a one size fits all; God comes to us in our valleys in ways that fit us. Each of our journeys of faith are unique. And grace for living comes in different ways; one size doesn't fit all. We all recognize God in many sized, facets and colors. To laugh and rejoice is one way we can recognize and celebrate the joy of the Lord. Let us echo again the words of the psalmist, "Let everything that breathes praise the Lord!" Amen.


text:
Amy Selby of Springhill Suites by Marriott talks about the Luncheon in this video and tells us a little about herself too. If you are not familiar with the hotel, you need to make sure to get familiar because it is beautiful.
Amy is so humble, here's what she didn't tell you…The Springhill Suites in Vero is the perfect getaway hotel on the Treasure Coast for yourself, a friend or family member. And – the rooms have 2 bathrooms each! Can you believe it? Here's a link to the hotel and you can see her video testimonial below:


text:
The decision regarding custody of children is perhaps the hardest one to make when the parents are not willing or unable to come to an agreement. In most states, the judge must decide where the best interest of the child or children lie, and that involves a myriad of factors especially since the mother is no longer given automatic custody for young children.
The court infinitely prefers that the parents make their own arrangements for custody and visitations. When this does not happen, the judge will then appoint a mediator who will attempt to get the parents together long enough to come to an agreement. Failing that, the parents will be subjected to a Judicial Custody Conference where the judge will discuss the case again. If no resolution is reached at this point, the judge will order an Assessment, and based on the results of this in-depth process, the judge will decide on custody and visitation issues.
Types of custody
There are two types of custody: legal and physical. Legal custody is the right to make decisions concerning a child's well being, such as education and health matters. Physical custody is the actual residence of the child with one parent. There are four combinations of custody: sole legal custody, joint legal custody, sole physical custody and joint legal custody. One parent can have both sole legal and physical custody; alternatively, one parent can have sole legal custody while the other parent has sole physical custody, and so on. In most cases, one parent has sole physical custody but both parents share legal custody.
Too often, the conflict in child custody is not so much consideration for what is in the best interests of the child but the desire of parents to exercise control, making it necessary for legal professionals to help a couple reach an agreement on custody.


text:
German-American film director Dirk Simon spent 7 years filming 800 hours of footage for the documentary in China, Tibet and India which tells the story of the occupation with the buildup to the 2008 Beijing Olympic games as a backdrop. It is believed the Chinese government disproves of the film, despite it attempting to give a balanced view, giving chance for both sides to contribute and not painting a black and white picture.
With exclusive interviews with His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Richard Gere, as well as music compositions from Phillip Glass and Thom Yorke the film is considered an important document of the situation.
The festival committee ignored the concerns of the Chinese government, going ahead with screenings on 27th and 28th September with further showings scheduled for the 29th and 1st October.
Emil Breki Hreggvidsson, Director of the Department for International Affairs at the Icelandic Ministry for Foreign Affairs said that no formal request had been made by the Chinese embassy and regardless it was not something his ministry would censure.


text:
Large Metal Sign – Rare Design
Ideal for hanging in your garage or den
Morgans are made by hand, by men and women who have perfected skills that rarely exist in the modern world today. The metal sign includes a small line of text which lists how many minutes it takes to craft each aspect of these unique vehicles.
Large metal sign 300 x 400mm
Has 1 hole in each corner for easy hanging
Part No: LMC0927


text:
We love the sea and we take great care of boats! EUMARIA was created within a specific framework as to cover demanding boat maintenance needs, through a brand new and modern range of yacht paints. The newly established trade mark under Yannidis Group incorporates decades of vast experience in innovative product development. Today, we are proud to introduce our initial range of marine paints compliant with all international environmental and legal restrictions.
"Protect what you care for"
Eumaria products have been carefully designed and produced with the simple idea that boat maintenance should be carried out with real care as any kind of repair is essential for the wellbeing of your boat. So, at the same time, you care about your boat but also about the sea eco-system and thus the environment.
Greece is a country with a rich sea and nautical trade tradition from which Eumaria employees in Management and R&D teams were inspired as to create exceptional products to match boat protection increased modern demands.
Policy for the protection of the persona…
19-04-2019 Hits:1907 NEWS Eumaria
PURPOSE The purpose of this Policy is to define and formulate the general framework and the basic principles established and applied by our Company under the name "Vitex SA" with business...Read more
Terms of use
19-04-2019 Hits:2046 NEWS Eumaria
General 1.1 This website www.eumaria.com (hereinafter to be referred to as the "Website") is the exclusive property of the company under the name "Vitex SA" with business title "HERMES-VITEX," having...Read more
eumaria at the 5th Mediterranean Yacht S…
23-04-2018 Hits:2777 NEWS Eumaria
eumaria at the 5th Mediterranean Yacht Show! eumaria will be present once again this year at the Mediterranean Yacht Show, which will take place in the port of Nafplion from April...Read more
The oil spill in the Argosaronic Gulf an…
05-10-2017 Hits:3034 NEWS Eumaria
The recent oil spill in the Argosaronic Gulf and its effects on the hulls of boats and ships The recent oil spill in the Argosaronic Gulf, caused by the tanker "Agia...Read more
Contribution of Eumaria paints for maint…
05-10-2017 Hits:2588 NEWS Eumaria
Contribution of Eumaria paints for maintenance works of battleship "G.AVEROFF" The battleship "G.AVEROFF" is inextricably linked with the history of modern Greece, and when Eumaria was asked to contribute to the...Read more
Eumaria Silver Sponsor at the Mediterr…
28-04-2016 Hits:3235 NEWS
EUMARIA: Silver Sponsor in this year's Mediterranean Yacht Show at Nafplion 07-10 May 2016. Eumaria will be the Silver Sponsor in this year's Mediterranean Yacht Show at Nafplion 07-10 May 2016...Read more


text:
No matter when you arrive or where you need to go, ground transportation options are available to take you to your destination. Taxis are available for you at the main terminal. Upon landing in Presque Isle, proceed to baggage claim and follow the signs. The taxi stand is located just outside the doors of baggage claim. To ensure your method of payment is accepted, please contact the respective taxi company at the number below prior to arriving.
Taxi, Limo, Ride Sharing & Bus Options
Taxi, Limousine, and Charter Bus Services
Aroostook Cab
(207) 764-1600 or (207) 496-3227
Town Taxi
(207) 764-3200 or (207) 496-3146
Aroostook Limousines
Cyr Bus Line
Ride Sharing services of Uber and Lyft are both available in Presque Isle, Maine. However, there is no guarantee this will be available when you wish to arrive or depart from the airport. Please plan accordingly.


text:
Washington DC, June 19, 2014 - The Young Americas Business Trust (YABT) is pleased to announce the launch of the YABT/MASHAV Certification process for Trainers on the Business Labs Methodology, a program focused on building capacity to deliver hands-on, action-oriented content to young entrepreneurs. The National Business Lab Trainer Certification Process starts with a national workshop aimed at professionals working with young people. This activity will take place in Bridgetown, Barbados on June 23 through June 27, 2014.
This training session is organized by YABT along with its local partners ⎯the Ministry of Culture, Sports & Youth, the United Nations Development Programme, and the Youth Entrepreneurship Scheme in Barbados. The venue for this training will be at the Ministry's Training Room, Ministry of Culture, Sports & Youth, Sky Mall, Haggatt Hall, St. Michael, Barbados.
The training is a product of an international technical cooperation between YABT, the Israeli Agency for International Development Cooperation (MASHAV), and the Golda Meir-Mount Carmel International Training Centre (MCTC). David Slyper and Rina Yaffe, MCTC specialists, will lead this activity in Barbados; both trainers have an extensive international background in capacity-building and business development programs.
In this occasion, thirty-seven Youth Development Officers from the Ministry of Culture, Sports & Youth will be trained as trainers of trainees. The main aim of this workshop is to provide potential trainers with guidance and new tools for them to generate viable and creative ideas to start and develop new green businesses. The Business Lab will stimulate innovation and generate entrepreneurial initiatives that positively affect the society and their communities. Slyper and Yaffe will teach participants technical skills in business planning, marketing and branding. Also, participants will evaluate existing ventures to identify and pursue new opportunities.
Minister of Culture, Sports & Youth, Stephen Lashley, and officials from the Ministry Culture, Sports & Youth, the Pinelands Development Council, and the Small Business Association already confirmed their participation for the opening ceremony of the workshop.
For more information on the workshop, please contact YABT through Akarda Ventour via email firstname.lastname@example.com


text:
Asia's little-known tea sporting nation
Sri Lanka Rugby - match coverage during a game near Kandy. Was fascinating to see crowds like this, with over 20,000 for a rugby game in the hill country.
With Team Sri Lankan Sprinter (Track Athlete) at Asian Athletics Championships
Medical Staff of Sri Lanka Sports Medical Institute
I was brought over to this beautiful friendly paradise in the Indian Ocean as a Consultant to the Sri Lanka Ministry of Sport, advisor to the Minister of Sport and the Director General, and appointed as Acting 'Chief Physiotherapist' for Sri Lanka Ministry & Team Sri Lanka during my time there. Whilst i assisted them implement some changes within sport medical strategies & setup a new physiotherapy clinic at their national sports medical institute (Sri Lanka Institute of Sports Medicine), and support all national teams, athletes & players with their injuries from across the country. Helping them look for strategies and ways to improve sports medicine within the nation of Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka is well known as a cricket nation, but also has a strong domestic popularity for Rugby, surprisingly with volleyball as their official national sport (but you could see why if you see their beaches or wandering rural countryside its popularity), and considerable international success in Athletics as the only Asian nation to win Olympic medal in sprinting events (Track). I was fortunate to provide directions to all these national sporting organisations and teams, as well as many others, whilst in Sri Lanka. Whilst there was asked to be their Team Physiotherapist for their athletics and rugby teams, and Olympic team, and rehabilitate number of key sports people.
Some of the unique experience and moments there, include having the reputation to assess & manage the rehabilitation of their most important members of society including government minsters and the Sri Lankan presidents family - which during my time in Sri Lanka the Presidents sons were heavily involved in sports themselves, played for the national rugby team with one as captain, and also played club rugby within Sri Lanka rugby competition. Another interesting thing was having a regular TV segment discussing sports injuries & how to manage them on Sri Lanka's morning show every Sundays.


text:
Soft City
Pavilion - Forum - Exchange
章鱼亭 - 论坛 - 活动
Baitasi, Beijing
23 Sept - 7 Oct 2016
2016年9月23日 - 10月7日
About Soft City
Beijing is both hard and soft. It is marked by extensive physical infrastructure - ring roads, mega blocks, and institutional edifices, and yet it also supports a host of informal, nomadic, spontaneous systems. These include everything from mobile food carts, Weixin payment nodes, and migrant practices, to the atmospherics of air pollution and data collection. Nowhere is this more evident than in hutong areas such as Baitasi, where complex entanglements of historic infrastructure, social and cultural networks, and mobile technologies overlap with unexpected, often innovative results.
Drawing on contributors from a wide range of disciplines, the Soft City project will explore how these various systems and practices can be mobilized to address the significant challenges and anxieties facing the contemporary city.
Soft City will engage the public through a series of events and installations in the Baitasi neighbourhood during the Beijing Design Week. These will include: the Soft City Forum, a roundtable discussion exploring aspects of soft design in the city; the Soft City Exchange, a series of workshops, performances, community events, and a web presence, exploring new systems of knowledge and sharing; and the Octopus Pavilion, an interactive, inflatable structure, that will serve as the site of the forum and workshops, as well as a playful space for the visitors and residents of the neighbourhood.
Soft City Forum
Soft Design On a City Scale
Sept 28
13:00 - 17:30
The forum will bring together designers, artists, activists, IT-developers, scientists, anthropologists, local residents and change agents, to discuss the future of soft practices in Baitasi, Beijing, and cities throughout the world. These discussions will be in a round table format over the course of one day, and will be divided into two key topics:
Soft Space
In today's cities, rampant housing prices coexist with empty office towers and new roads are built alongside defunct infrastructure. Spatial speculation takes place in the financial sector as well as among activists, artists and communities. This panel will present different approaches to space - public or private, indoor or outdoor - that challenge notions of ownership, authenticity and location.
Soft Systems
Infrastructure, both hard and soft, is increasingly inscribed into the planet, making new and uncertain affiliations with social, ecological and technological systems. This panel will consider the "softening" of infrastructure, exploring the manner in which it is transforming the experience of the city, and its potential to be mobilized to achieve a more flexible, equitable, and resilient urban fabric.
The Global School
Baitasi Old Market
11 Gongmenkou Dong Cha
Two multidisciplinary panels with speakers from China and abroad
Octopus Pavilion
The Octopus Pavilion provides an inviting, interactive open-air public space at the heart of the Baitasi neighbourhood and at the centre of the Beijing Design Week activities. This pavilion explores the concept of Soft City as embodied in an architectural canopy system, and is inspired by the dynamic, adaptive, and highly expressive characteristics of the octopus.
Octopuses, a relative of the mollusks, are soft in a literal sense they have no bones and can squeeze through openings far smaller than their body. And yet this softness goes beyond their physical pliability, encompassing an adaptive paradigm that integrates intelligence, behaviour, and morphology. Octopuses have the same number of neurons as a cat, and yet ⅔ of these are situated in the legs. Neurons are clustered directly with sensing organs and muscle cells, allowing highly distributed control over sucker articulation, skin coloration and texturing. Octopuses take advantage of this intelligent skin employing it in a wide range of adaptive behaviours, from camouflage, mimicry, misdirection, to mesmerization - the stratagem of a magician.
章鱼,软体动物的近亲,直官上的软——它们没有骨头,可以穿过远比自身小很多的孔洞。然而这种"柔软"超越了它们自身的柔韧可能性,为模仿而集成的智能、行为和形态的自适应模式,。章鱼拥有与猫一样多的神经元,但 ⅔ 分布在其腕足中。神经元与感知器官和肌肉细胞直接集群,允许对吸盘关节、皮肤颜色和纹理的分布式高度控制。章鱼利用这种"智能皮肤",进行各种类型的适应性行为,从伪装、模仿、误导到催眠-魔术师的计法。
Using the analogy of an octopus, the pavilion highlights the characteristics of soft systems and intelligent skin. The pavilion will be made of an array of pneumatic cells that can inflate and deflate as well as glow with coloured light in response to activity in the site. Each cell will have its own sensors, microcontroller, fan and LED, allowing it to react independently, and yet, though the supple nature of the connecting material, an overall dynamic effect will be achieved. The pavilion will respond to both movement and sound, reacting to and mapping the unfolding events in the site. In this way, the pavilion will become the heart of Baitasi measuring the pulse of the neighbourhood.
Check out the Soft Sentience blog for the Octopus Pavilion design process photos, videos and more!
Soft Exchange
A series of workshops one-day workshops with artists and designers, exploring various aspects of the soft design.
Performances and Events
A series of events will be scheduled during Beijing Design Week, including informal socials, interactive performances, and screens of relevant movies, documentaries, or lectures.


text:
What Would Winning Mean?
Andrew Exum sizes up our interests in Libya:
Sec. Gates said yesterday, correctly, that Libya is not in the vital interests of the United States. He then, added, also correctly, that the United States has (presumably non-vital) interests in Libya and that Libya is part of a greater region in which the United States does, in fact, have vital interests. But the reason Sec. Clinton jumped into the conversation and immediately "clarified" the remarks of Sec. Gates is because she knew he had just committed a Kinsey gaffe, which is to say he had spoken the truth when, ahem, something else would have perhaps been a better political option.
Vital interests are those interests for which you are willing to bleed. And so if we have no vital interests in Libya, why are F-15 pilots punching out and having to be rescued by Marines? As Steve Biddle argued in an op-ed on Saturday, we have gone to war in Libya not to protect any vital interests but because events in Libya "offend U.S. values [and] threaten peripheral interests."
Exum thinks the administation has communication problem:
When the administration went to war in Libya, it did so without talking through the crisis of Libya, its possible responses to the crisis, and the consequences for action or inaction. As a result, nine days into the intervention, we are at war without a clear policy, clearly defined goals, or stated assumptions. Instead, we are at war with a laundry list of activities -- things we are doing, but things untethered to a broader framework.
The president will presumably make the best case he can, after the fact, on the basis of humanitarian concerns. With any luck, he'll avoid any kind of "doctrine" and be as candid as he can be about the limits of the operation. My guess is that he hopes the rationale will be forgotten if Qaddafi quits or is pushed. But that's a big "if".
(Photo: Libyan rebels survey fighting along the front line during shelling with forces loyal to Libyan leader Moamer Kadhafi at a location close to the town of Bin Jawad, which was seized yesterday by rebel forces, on March 28, 2011. By Aris Messinis/AFP/Getty Images)


text:
Our Amenities
Group Show & Attraction Packages
Save a ton of money on your next group vacation to the Smoky Mountains in a large cabin by taking advantage of our exclusive Freedom Fun Pass. Offering families and groups discounted tickets to several popular shows and attractions in the Smoky Mountains, this program is the perfect way for guests to get the most out of their vacation. To reserve your group's discounted Smoky Mountain attraction tickets today, give us a call and our group sales manager will take care of the rest!
Seasonal Outdoor Pool
Dive into fun this vacation by enjoying some time at one of Large Cabin Rentals' ® seasonal outdoor pools. Ideal during the summertime, each of our outdoor pools offer relaxing lounge chairs and scenic views for a fun day unwinding in the Smoky Mountains.
Open-air Outdoor Pavilions
Perfect for sitting back and relaxing in a comfortable rocking chair, our outdoor pavilions give visitors the choice between rolling mountain views or a secluded private feel. Both of our relaxing areas are ideal for guests and families to enjoy a delicious meal or plan a romantic outdoor Smoky Mountain wedding. The options for fun and memories are truly limitless at our pavilions.
Stunning Views of the Smokies
Nothing compares to the breathtaking majesty of the scenic Smoky Mountains. You and your family will love seeing this beauty first hand from the comfort of your secluded vacation rental. Many of our large cabin rentals in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg offer panoramic mountain views that are unparalleled anywhere else in the area.
Wedding Venues
Every bride deserves to have the most beautiful wedding imaginable. That is why we at Large Cabin Rentals ® offer some of the most breathtaking and unique wedding venues in the Smoky Mountains. With the capacity to hold anywhere from 2-100 people, our Smoky Mountain wedding venues are just the place for you and your loved one to say "I do."
Exercise Facility
For guests wanting to sneak in a little exercise during their next vacation in the Smokies, our newly-renovated exercise facility is just the place! This room includes a treadmill, several weight machines, free weights, as well as a flat screen tv with high-definition satellite cable to watch all your favorite shows while you work out. After your workout, be sure to unwind in our relaxing sauna and steam room facility.
Group Accommodations
You've never stayed Anywhere like this before! Give your group an experience they will never forget by staying in one of our fabulous Large Cabins!
Wedding Parties
Have the dream wedding you always imagined inside one of our beautiful Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg cabin rentals.
Family Reunions
Our large Smoky Mountain cabin rentals allow families to spend as much time together as possible during their Smoky Mountain vacation.
Church Groups
Disconnect from the stress of daily life, and enjoy a memorable spiritual retreat in the heart of the Smoky Mountains.
Sit back and relax in the comfort of one of our luxury large family cabin rentals in the Smoky Mountains. With the ability to sleep over 88 guests, no group is too big.
Beautiful Large Cabin Rentals in the Smoky Mountains
Enjoy the Smoky Mountains like never before from the comfort of one of our scenic large cabin rentals in the Smoky Mountains. Just a short drive from all the fun things to do in the area, our big cabins offer spectacular mountain views with a secluded feel. To find which of our Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg cabin rentals is right for you, click the View Cabins button below!


text:
Don't you just hate when this happens? You're paddling along, enjoying a scenic trip on one of Wisconsin's lakes when you find a leg sticking out of a beaver dam.
It happened to Elliot Fuller of Germantown, Wis., and his friend Jason Franklin, who were relieved to find out that it was a prosthetic leg.
Surely someone was missing their leg and, sure enough, they found an ad posted on Craigslist 20 days ago from a man who lost it when his canoe flipped, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports today.
They found the owner, a Green Bay man, after he had posted on Craigslist 20 days ago that he was looking for the lost prosthetic leg.
Not that he was particularly anxious about it, mind you.
"I wasn't overly worried about it because I use my older model for fishing and hunting," Mark Warner, of Green Bay, told the JS. "It wasn't my everyday leg, to put it that way."
Franklin got $50 for their trouble and provided the news quote of the year at no charge.
"I hope that if I lost my leg that someone would return it to me, too," he said.


text:
Psalms 5:8 Yahveh, lead me in living your right way because of my enemies; make your way straight in my presence.
Sometimes the trail meanders and seems to head in several different directions at once. That can be very frustrating for a hiker because she wants to get to the next point in her plan. She wants a straight path.
The psalmist has the same thought here. He is struggling with external enemies, and needs to overcome their attacks. The last thing he needs is to be confused about his spiritual life. But spiritual confusion often sneaks up and delays his progress.
Lord, when it comes to our spiritual life, help us stay on the right path!


text:
Flint's Own Lyric Da Queen 'HYFR' Freestyle [Video]
Lyric Da Queen rips another Freestyle, this time out Drake's 'HYFR'. This isn't the first video Lyric has done and I'm pretty confident that it won't be the last. If you haven't heard the Flint MC before, check out her YouTube page.
Not only does Fli City have some very talented up and coming artist, but right now Lyric is one of my personal favorites! Watch Da Queen murder the Drizzy track below.


text:
Scientists have developed a new method to detect traces of pork and horsemeat in 'halal' meat, including beef, chicken and lamb, amid the recent controversy over the horsemeat scandal in Europe.
The new method has been developed by scientists at the University of Munster, Germany, along with those from AB SCIEX, a global leader in analytical technology.
The method, which was recently published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, uses liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry to detect a number of biomarker peptides that are specific to pig and/or horse.
It allows food-testing laboratories to test products for traces of pork and horse meat quickly and easily, a statement released here said.
The mislabelling of meat products sold for human consumption has serious implications from safety and ethical perspectives. With recent news stories of pork and horse meat contamination in different parts of the world, a renewed need for specialised testing of the food supply has rapidly arisen, it said.
For Muslim and Jewish communities, in particular, it is critical for consumers to know whether there is even the slightest contamination of foods that are considered permissible to eat (halal and kosher), having been prepared in accordance with Islamic or Jewish beliefs, respectively.
This new finding is an effort to help serve the interests of these communities that together make up approximately 23 per cent of the global population, the statement said.
To help serve the interests of these communities that together make up approximately 23% of the global population, scientists at the University of Münster, Germany, along with scientists from AB SCIEX, a global leader in analytical technology, have developed a new method for detecting pig and horse contamination of meat, including beef, chicken, lamb and others.
Major concerns about inaccurate, fraudulent or misleading labelling of meat-based products were raised during 2013 following numerous reports of horse and pig meat being detected, but not disclosed as contents, in beef-based products sold in supermarket chains across Europe. Moving forward, this new method from the University of Münster and AB SCIEX allows food testing laboratories to test products quickly and easily for trace amounts of pig and horse contamination.
"We are continuing our AB SCIEX tradition in partnering with experts in industry and academia to develop analytical tools that solve big problems," said Vincent Paez, senior director of food and environmental department at AB SCIEX.
"The halal testing method is a new tool that effectively addresses the safety, religious, ethical and dietary concerns of consumers who avoid products with pig and horse meat," Paez said.
The new method, which was recently published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, uses liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) to detect a number of biomarker peptides that are specific to pig and/or horse.
Scientists at AB SCIEX are continuing to look into other similar areas of ethical concern, including detection of gelatin that has come from species such as beef and pork, the statement said.
"Scientists in routine testing laboratories worldwide will now be able to use this method to detect and distinguish trace amounts of pig and horse in many food products," said Prof. Dr. Hans-Ulrich Humpf, Head of the Institut für Lebensmittelchemie [Institute for Food Chemistry], University of Münster.
As a leader in next-generation food testing technologies, AB SCIEX has previously developed similar methods for protein screening in food, including new techniques for detecting allergens such as eggs, milk, sesame seeds, nuts, and mustard simultaneously in food samples. Scientists at AB SCIEX are continuing to look into other similar areas of ethical concern, including detection of gelatin that has come from species such as beef and pork.
Technical Deep-dive
The new mass spectrometry-based method offers a more accurate and reliable approach to meat speciation than other methods. It can detect markers of multiple, different animal species in a single run vs. traditional methods, such as PCR or ELISA. These older, widely-used approaches detect the animal's DNA or intact animal proteins, respectively, but both of these approaches have limitations, particularly their lack of specificity, which can lead to false negative or false positive findings.
The new method was developed using a two-pronged LC/MS/MS approach, utilizing the TripleTOF® 5600 system first to identify the unique protein markers specific to a meat species, then utilizing the QTRAP® 5500 system to detect and confirm the presence of targeted meat peptides in unknown samples.
The QTRAP® 5500 system uses multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) to detect each peptide and is then capable of providing sequence information by acquiring a product ion scan for each triggered MRM, which can be used to confirm the peptide's identity.
"One of our goals was to develop a method that could be widely and routinely used by scientists in food testing labs, many of which have suitable mass spectrometry platforms," said Dr. Jens Brockmeyer, Research Group Leader at the Institut für Lebensmittelchemie, University of Münster. "We also wanted to raise awareness of the new possibilities of MRM3 experiments with the QTRAP System, which can significantly improve sensitivity and specificity."
Horse and beef protein markers may differ by as little as one or two amino acids, so it is important to have confidence in the results when distinguishing between species in food testing. The new method presents the first MRM and MRM3 method for rapid and sensitive detection of both species (down to 0.13-0.25%), using routinely available MS techniques.
About AB SCIEX
AB SCIEX helps to improve the world we live in by enabling scientists and laboratory analysts to push the limits in their field and address the complex analytical challenges they face. The company's global leadership and world-class service and support in the mass spectrometry industry have made it a trusted partner to thousands of the scientists and lab analysts worldwide who are focused on basic research, drug discovery and development, food and environmental testing, forensics and clinical research. With more than 40 years of proven innovation, AB SCIEX excels by listening to and understanding the ever-evolving needs of its customers to develop reliable, sensitive and intuitive solutions that continue to redefine what is achievable in routine and complex analysis. For more information about the company, go to www.absciex.com. Follow AB SCIEX on Twitter @ABSCIEX, Facebook and LinkedIn.


text:
TnT -- Statistical Part-of-Speech Tagging. TnT, the short form of Trigrams'n'Tags, is a very efficient statistical part-of-speech tagger that is trainable on different languages and virtually any tagset. The component for parameter generation trains on tagged corpora. The system incorporates several methods of smoothing and of handling unknown words. TnT is not optimized for a particular language. Instead, it is optimized for training on a large variety of corpora. Adapting the tagger to a new language, new domain, or new tagset is very easy. Additionally, TnT is optimized for speed. The tagger is an implementation of the Viterbi algorithm for second order Markov models. The main paradigm used for smoothing is linear interpolation, the respective weights are determined by deleted interpolation. Unknown words are handled by a suffix trie and successive abstraction.
Keywords for this software
References in zbMATH (referenced in 20 articles )
Showing results 1 to 20 of 20.
- Vilares Ferro, Manuel; Darriba Bilbao, Víctor M.; Vilares Ferro, Jesús: Absolute convergence and error thresholds in non-active adaptive sampling (2022)
- Dong, Jichang; Dai, Wei; Li, Jingjing: Exploring the linear and nonlinear causality between Internet big data and stock markets (2020)
- Forsati, Rana; Shamsfard, Mehrnoush: Hybrid PoS-tagging: a cooperation of evolutionary and statistical approaches (2014)
- Silva, Ana Paula; Silva, Arlindo; Rodrigues, Irene: An approach to the POS tagging problem using genetic algorithms (2014) ioport
- Kornai, András: Probabilistic grammars and languages (2011)
- Ponzetto, Simone Paolo; Strube, Michael: Taxonomy induction based on a collaboratively built knowledge repository (2011) ioport
- Rupnik, Jan; Grčar, Miha; Erjavec, Tomaž: Improving morphosyntactic tagging of Slovene language through meta-tagging (2010)
- Agić, Željko; Dovedan, Zdravko; Tadić, Marko: Improving part-of-speech tagging accuracy for Croatian by morphological analysis (2009)
- Biemann, Chris: Unsupervised part-of-speech tagging in the large (2009) ioport
- Carl, Michael; Melero, Maite; Badia, Toni; Vandeghinste, Vincent; Dirix, Peter; Schuurman, Ineke; Markantonatou, Stella; Sofianopoulos, Sokratis; Vassiliou, Marina; Yannoutsou, Olga: METIS-II: Low resource machine translation (2008) ioport
- Ramakrishnan, Ganesh; Joshi, Sachindra; Balakrishnan, Sreeram; Srinivasan, Ashwin: Using ILP to construct features for information extraction from semi-structured text (2008)
- Saquete, E.; Ferrández, O.; Ferrández, S.; Martínez-Barco, P.; Muñoz, R.: Combining automatic acquisition of knowledge with machine learning approaches for multilingual temporal recognition and normalization (2008) ioport
- Filippova, Katja; Strube, Michael: The German Vorfeld and local coherence (2007)
- Alba, Enrique; Luque, Gabriel; Araujo, Lourdes: Natural language tagging with genetic algorithms (2006)
- Crego, Josep Maria; Mariño, José B.: Improving statistical MT by coupling reordering and decoding (2006) ioport
- Shen, Hong; Sarkar, Anoop: Voting between multiple data representations for text chunking (2005)
- Cohen, K. Bretonnel; Hunter, Lawrence: Natural language processing and systems biology (2004)
- Tufiş, Dan; Barbu, Ana Maria: Revealing translators' knowledge: Statistical methods in constructing practical translation lexicons for language and speech processing (2002)
- Brants, Thorsten: Tnt - A statistical part-of-speech tagger (2000) ioport
- Brants, Thorsten: Estimating hidden Markov model topologies (1998)


text:
As we begin the research for this post and type into my search bar 'Why do people blow horns', a Quora result completes my sentence by adding 'in India so much' to it. I scroll further down to find several other writers lamenting about the same. Google also suggests in related topics: India Honking, Indian Car Horn Sound and the most amusing: Honking 'rules' in India. Oh. It's a thing. A realization dawns upon me that this might be a more obvious issue than I ever gave it credit for.
What makes me rant about honking out of nowhere one might ask? One theory: ears are as vital a body organ as any other. Another much obvious theory: the much-neglected cousin of air, water and soil pollution. You guessed it. "Noise Pollution".
Sleep deprivation, on of the effects of noise pollution, can lead to hormonal and cardiovascular disruptions, impaired cognition and stress & anxiety. It might make one cranky and cause them to honk the next morning and return the favour to the cruel world. It's almost a vicious cycle. Not to forget the obvious consequence of noise pollution: hearing impairment and eventually loss!
So, why are we being labelled as Horn-y? Why is honking an almost compulsive habit among our people now?
All stakeholders of the planetary resources and the Super-person Syndrome
Key stakeholders of mother earth just show up out of nowhere because it's their planet too and there is an unspoken right to gravel access: jaywalkers, dogs, cows, sometimes chicken, aunties, uncles, that guy who has to skip his red light because there's lighter traffic on the remaining 3 roads at a crossing. Sometimes, you're probably just trying to not get someone's blood on your hands while legitimately crossing your own light when it turns green. It becomes important to make an unpleasant noise to get them out of our way for the greater good of their and our lives. It does not hurt to be extra cautious. After all, if something goes wrong, the mob always goes after the one behind the wheel.
Humans are warm blooded
Can we really blame road rage? Of course. But what the ragers have to say in their defence is that it is way healthier than yelling or physically pounding fellow citizens to vent their frustration at the one guy who suddenly decides that his lane is not good enough for him or the one lady who doesn't know that the left turn isn't free this one time.
Patience is inversely proportional to Nuisance
Can we really not just take the hustle and bustle of a busy city, or avoid a swearing session and cultivate some patience in ourselves? It is a soft skill that helps us survive almost 40 years of our professional life. An investment worth it.
Real life is fast-paced and speed limits are a joke
Until we spot an interceptor followed by a gang of 10 traffic policemen cornering us to take our case. Sometimes, it's just not the over-speeder, over-taker's fault. Some of us only use rear-view mirrors to admire our luscious tresses and not see the other vehicles and their indicators in sight.
Denial: Machines are definitely not taking over yet, we need to check our phones at priority
We were probably just checking a missed call on our phone and the traffic signal turned green but honky-honkerson behind us couldn't wait a second before they could rub our ignorance in our faces. Every moment counts. Not just to blame one party here. Maybe while crossing the road as a pedestrian we got a text message that'll feel neglected and cause a relationship crisis if we leave it till we cross the road so the car coming at us is forced to honk so that we can live to tell the tale.
The Traffic Regulatory System
The least important reason of all has to be listed the last. Getting a driving license in India isn't too difficult. The screening is not too thorough because who has the time to scrutinize whether X gave an indicator before turning right. It is probably more important to check if X can make an 8 in reverse. Sometimes X can just pay another sir who will help X skip the queues and get an express licence for a minimal fee. It's called creating employment Susan, look it up! Even the most educated lot would definitely be unaware of most of the traffic rules and signs because it isn't math or science and knowing that mitochondria is the powerhouse of a cell is way more important than learning when to honk.
Lack of time, or patience
Everyone is in a hurry. We are all running a race, god knows why and to where. Honking and driving fast rarely gets us to destination a few minutes before. And then we end up wasting that much time on watching the "idiot box" or "smart" phones.
How do we solve the problem? Droplets make an Ocean
Developed countries like the UK have an elaborate procedure of issuing driving licenses. There is a proper schooling system to teach the rules and the tests to obtain the license are way more stringent.
- Can we replicate for our developing nation by making the license obtaining procedures a bit stricter and transparent?
- Can more car companies, or even corporates open motor learning schools as a part of their CSR Initiative so that it helps eliminate the problem of obliviousness among the less resourceful drivers without hitting their pockets?
- Can they partner with unorganized cab drivers and help them understand and follow the rules better?
- Maybe car companies should mandatorily make the horns more pleasant, less loud, and non tamperable. Maybe, we can also try to introduce a quota system on the number of times one can ram the horn in a period.
- Would the government's resolve to lower the volume level of vehicle horns become a reality soon and prove any good?
- Should honking be made illegal or is there another way before jumping to extreme impositions?
Are there other reasons why we honk to our heart's desire? Do you have any other ideas that would help us Indians to not be as horn-y?


text:
Summary : Iku joined the Library Defense Force after a member from that team retrieved an important book that was targeted for censorship. She is assigned to work under Atsushi's team. She endures Atsushi's harsh treatment and looks for the member who retrieved her book. She also finds herself becoming attracted to Atsushi.
Genre : Drama, Action
Format : mkv
Resolution : 540p (x264) + 720p (x265)
Duration : 100 Min
Subtitle : Chinese (Embedded) + English (SRT)


text:
Yeah, it's a pretty bad photoshop job. Never stopped us before, ain't gonna stop us now!
By Gary P Jackson
This is simply delicious! After the Washington Post's pathetic excuse for a "journalist" Suzi Parker wrote her nonsensical article, after falling for a satire piece claiming the Governor was going to work for Al Jazeera, Sarah Palin is having some fun with these nimrods on Twitter:
She gets in a dig at Dear Leader Obama as well:
Thanks to our friends at Twitchy #SuziParkerScoops is trending on Twitter, with hilarious results!
Michelle Malkin had a couple of tweets for Miss Suzi:
Word has it Parker was blocking anyone on Twitter who was using the #SuziParkerScoops hashtag. Many liberals act this way on Twitter. They can dish out their hateful rhetoric, but can't take anyone criticizing them.
Our very own Whitney Pitcher added a few scoops for Miss Suzi:
Read more at Whitney's feed here.
Read more fun tweets at Twitchy here.
One thing that sets Sarah Palin apart from many in politics today, and frankly, life in general, is she doesn't take herself too seriously, and she can give as good as she gets. In this, she reminds me a lot of Ronald Reagan. Having a great sense of humor was one of the great things about Reagan. Palin too!


text:
TDOT regional maintenance crews regularly monitor U.S. 127 on Signal Mountain, and if they find an area of concern, they contact TDOT's geotechnical engineers to come in and assess it for possible repairs. During a recent routine inspection by TDOT maintenance personnel, they found signs that the location near log mile 15.97 might require more in-depth repairs than those done under regular maintenance. Geotechnical engineers assessed the site and came up with a repair plan, which is what will be implemented with these repairs. The work will be done using crews from GSI under a statewide on-call maintenance contract for soil nailing and slope stabilization.
During the work, loose material will be removed from the area and the slope will be stabilized using soil nailing. Soil nailing is an on-site soil reinforcement technique where soil nails are placed into the natural ground at relatively close spacing to increase the strength of the soil mass. As the bars are being drilled, grout is inserted into the hole to ensure that the soil nail stays put. A steel reinforced concrete wall will be constructed that encompasses the soil nails to form a retaining structure along with means to drain water from the slope behind the wall. The upper portion of the retaining structure will be backfilled with new material and the roadway will be rebuilt.
Message boards will be placed at each end of the work zone notifying the public of the one-lane condition. Those who regularly travel on U.S. 127 should anticipate the extra time that it will take to get through the work zone.
From your desktop or mobile device, get the latest construction activity and live streaming SmartWay traffic cameras at www.TNSmartWay.com/Traffic. Travelers can also dial 511 from any land-line or cellular phone for travel information, or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TN511 for statewide travel or Chattanooga area alerts @Chattanooga511.


text:
POLICE STATE USA: Mother "legally" executed on Capitol Hill
GIVEN: The US Armed Forces are required to publish and obey strict Rules of Engagement for troops, ships and aircraft in combat against enemy forces.
GIVEN: The Department of Justice requires precisely tailored Rules of Engagement be published to FBI Hostage Rescue Teams prior to their deployment in domestic law-enforcement operations.
GIVEN: Extensive and increasingly frequent use of massive deadly force by civilian police against US citizens in domestic law-enforcement operations.
QUESTION: What are the rules of engagement and use of deadly force restrictions governing the use of DEADLY FORCE by police against American citizens?
ANSWER: Shoot only to prevent serious bodily injury or death to yourself or others by known or suspected armed felons. Shooting at fleeing misdemeanor suspects or retreating or non-resisting, unarmed persons is prohibited. Discharging firearms in circumstances that would endanger innocent persons or hostages is prohibited.
CONCLUSION: Based on the hundreds of recent cases involving police violations of their own de jure rules and public laws – the operative, de facto policy appears to be shoot-first-and-ask-questions-later; or cook-up justification based on false evidence and contrived lies after the videos are confiscated and eyewitnesses are beaten, arrested or intimidated.
This POLICE STATE REALITY is most apparent in the recent tragedy that claimed the life of Miriam Carey on Capitol Hill. The police actually surrounded her car in a 360 degree firing squad within a radius of less than 10 meters and proceeded to beat, punch, kick and shoot into her car. Their justification for this fatal, uncontrolled frenzy was that they had to act in the unlikely event that she was armed or had a bomb.
So, we are to believe that highly-trained CAPITOL HILL POLICE and US SECRET SERVICE professionals are taught to approach a suspected car-bomb and kick and punch the bomb-laden vehicle – and if it does not detonate – to shoot into it from all sides with pistols – at arms length.
Ditto for a "suspected" young black female "terrorist" with her child who could maybe possibly be armed (but actually was NOT) with a machine-gun or grenade launcher or flamethrower – the police shoot at the suspect with a pistol? They shoot in uncontrolled, individual rapid fire – while standing in a close circle that endangers themselves and their fellow officers – without any prior coordination or responsible decision or decisive command? The justification to shoot and kill is that somebody other than the surrounded suspect started firing?
America's fabled "police discretionary power" has now become the instantaneous power to kill without mercy or reprieve – by impromptu firing squads shooting unarmed suspects – unloading several high-capacity magazines at close range in seconds – using high-performance Black Talon or Eagle Claw hollow-point bullets that will explode your head – or tear out your heart and lungs.
The hospital emergency room surgeon in one recent case remarked that he was unable to discern how many police bullet wounds had punctured the unarmed 19 year-old victim's body.
Welcome to Checkpoint America – a 24/7 Free-Fire-Zone and 360 Degree Mobile Firing Squad for the omnipotent and omniscient police; the rule is Surrender-or-Die and Shelter-In-Place for everybody else.
Recalling America's Golden Age during the 50's and 60's – "Officer Friendly" has become "Officer Deadly" and "Car 54 – Where Are You?" has become "54 Cars Why Are You All Here?"
PS: As my colleague William Norman Grigg has written – "We Are All Iraqi's Now."
Sad and scary days for the American people, Colonel Jack


text:
There are so many software design companies that you can find out there nowadays. This is because of the rising demand for technology-based work and also because of the handsome salaries that are in store. However, this doesn't mean that it's an easy job, it can be very stressful and you will need to be prepared to get calls all day from people who need help or would lie to inquire from the company. Apart from that you also get calls from other companies hoping to recruit you to their own. One of the most trusted and evolving technological companies in Massachusetts that you could check out would be Boston high tech industry.
Knowing Which Companies To Trust
With the emergence of more and more technology nowadays it is not surprising that you can find more than one tech company that you can get help from. This is because of the many companies that are just sprouting out of nowhere. The problem with this is that it makes everything challenging for you to look into.
The crucial thing to do is to look for factors that can help you decide on what kind of tech company you ought to be hiring. In Massachusetts, the tech industry is one of the fastest rising which is why it is a great place for you to go and look for the technological help that you need.
You can also head there to find tech experience with the many companies that offer to teach you the knowledge. Apart from finding tech companies to assist you with modern technology, but you can also find schools and training centers that can help you develop your tech abilities.
The Boston high tech industry is quickly becoming known to be one of the best when it comes to developing knowledge and also for producing the most skilled people who work in the tech industry. It is making a name for itself and more people are interested in how they can be part of the hub.
A lot of tech companies are looking for people who have talent in tech and many are going from one employee to another in order to secure the best in their team. Many have come to offer things such as an expansion of digital offerings. One of the most important factors that make tech companies achieve their success if because of good reputation and of course pure talent of its staff. The more projects that they have done in the positive light and the more that their names appear in reliable and notable locations, the better.


text:
TITLE: "Rocky Mountain Bighorn"A beautiful, detailed ink drawing of the majestic Rocky Mountain Bighorn sheep, surrounded by leaves on a modern gray background. This design was hand-drawn, and colored digitally for bright colors and crisp details.More Information:
- Each greeting card comes with a soft white European flap envelope.
- Available in singles, or sets of 4,6, or 10 cards. Please contact use for larger orders.
- Printed on 100% recycled matte paper.
- Cards come with the title of the front image printed on the back, with our logo and website.
- This product available online only
Payment & Security
Your payment information is processed securely. We do not store credit card details nor have access to your credit card information.


text:
Faculty, staff, students, and the community are invited to take part in the grand opening of ACC's Elgin Campus (1501 W. US Hwy 290) on Thursday, Aug. 29, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. | RSVP to [email protected] or (512) 223.7595.
In addition to refreshments and musical performances, the event will feature remarks from special guests, including Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp. Guests may tour the campus following the ceremony.
Parking for the event will be available at the campus. ACC also will provide a shuttle from the Highland Mall parking lot to Elgin Campus. For more information on the shuttle, contact Dahlia Anzaldua-Torres by noon Monday, Aug. 26, at (512) 223.7595.
Elgin Campus students have access to a broad selection of college classes for university transfer and career training. The new site is also home to ACC's new Sustainable Agriculture Entrepreneurship program, offered through Continuing Education. Students will learn the skills needed to work in the growing sustainable agriculture industry or boost the output of their backyard gardens. Learn more about the program at austincc.edu/info/ag.
The college is working with the community to develop a veterinary technician program, which is going through the approval process with ACC's accrediting commission.
For more information on the new campus, visit austincc.edu/elgin.Back to Top


text:
When @KDTrey5 takes his game to @drewleague, LA has his back. #summerisserious pic.twitter.com/rg9SPKAA0k
— Nike Los Angeles (@NikeLA) July 28, 2013
You know the maxim: You're only as good as your last shot in a Los Angeles pro-am summer league.
Kevin Durant, the second-best basketball player in the world, isn't looking so good by those standards. The Oklahoma City Thunder forward showed up at the Drew League on Sunday to play a team headlined by new New York Knicks forward Metta World Peace and Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan.
So yes, the competition was real. But the best player had the ball at the end, his LAUFND team down two points to Money Gang. And Durant did what we've seen him do so many times, throwing up a long three-pointer to win it.
Final: Money Gang defeats LAUNFD 92-90. @KDTrey5 misses the game winning three-pointer. #TheDrew
— Drew League (@drewleague) July 28, 2013
Durant finished with 35 points and 17 rebounds, while World Peace had 29 and 13.
But this is not the end.
That drew league so fun!! We lost to the money gang smhh..thanks to LAUNFD for letting me get some bump in..
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) July 28, 2013
All day, ill b backRT @DWRIGHTWAY1: @drewleague was crazy today. Shout out my bro @KDTrey5 comin thru showin love for the community! #LA
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) July 29, 2013
Durant did get in a pretty sweet dunk.


text:
The reputation that preceded the Hamburg State Opera into Manhattan's Lincoln Center was formidable indeed. Hamburg's powerful productions of a varied, venturesome repertory made it, said one Lincoln Center official, "the most exciting opera company in the world." Last week the Hamburgers, the first foreign company invited to appear in the Metropolitan's new house, justified their advance billing by stylishly bringing off a daunting array of New York premieres: a vividly atmospheric Lulu, by Alban Berg; a vocally polished and forceful Mathis der Maler, by Paul Hindemith; and a flowing and...
Opera: How to Hear Ahead
Subscriber content preview. or Log-In
To continue reading: or Log-In


text: This is a list of words that contain abdominal, and words with abdominal in them. This page lists any words that contain the letter or word you enter from the official scrabble dictionary. In addition you can see lists of words that start with abdominal, and words that end with abdominal.