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How stunning are these pieces from Jo Butcher!
With a background in fashion design, after becoming a stay at home mum she needed to express herself creatively, which is when she discovered traditional embroidery. She takes inspiration from the British countryside, as well as all things shabby chic & vintage as you can see below.


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Who has a right to claim North Sea oil?
By Steven Brocklehurst
BBC Scotland news
- Published
The rallying cry "It's Scotland's Oil" helped the Scottish National Party to record its best-ever result in a Westminster General Election, in 1974.
Almost 40 years later the party is closer than ever to achieving its dream of independence.
The issue of who owns the oil and gas in the waters off Scotland's coast will be one which is sure to play a big role during the campaign ahead on the referendum in autumn 2014.
The first North Sea oil came ashore in June 1975 and is thought to have peaked in 1999, with more than 40 billion barrels extracted so far.
There are arguments about how much oil is left but historically high prices have made it more economical to drill for the harder-to-get reserves and new technologies are also being developed to help with that process.
Although the oil and gas is tougher to extract, the reserves are substantial - between 15 billion and 24 billion barrels of oil equivalent - meaning possibly another 30 to 40 years of production. And there could be new discoveries such as the fields west of Shetland.
Last month (11 March) the Scottish government released analysis which predicted a "renewed oil boom".
Its first Oil and Gas Analytical Bulletin predicts that production in Scottish waters could generate as much as £57bn in tax revenue by 2018.
It also says more than half the value of total reserves in the UK Continental Shelf are still to be extracted.
The figures are higher than those projected by the UK's Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR).
The OBR predicts oil tax revenue will drop from £6.7bn this year to £4.1bn by 2017-18.
One thing that is clear is that there is still lots of oil in the North Sea and the demand for it does not look like subsiding very soon.
Looking back over the past 40 years it is estimated the UK Treasury has benefited from offshore oil and gas production taxes to the tune of about £300bn (adjusted for inflation). Not all of that would have been from Scottish waters, but it is thought about 90% of it would.
So is it Scotland's oil?
This is, of course, a key question in the debate and one which would have to be negotiated by governments as part of any agreement on independence.
Under the present arrangement the oil tax revenues are assigned to an economic region set up by the UK government, which is called the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS).
This means that oil resources are not officially assigned to Scotland but instead to a region distinct from the British mainland.
But if Scotland were to become independent, and a sovereign state, it would expect the UKCS to be divided up on a "geographical" basis.
Prof Alex Kemp, from the University of Aberdeen, is the leading expert on Scotland's oil industry.
He says if Scotland were to become independent the "median line" principle would be the "obvious one" to use.
This means drawing a dividing line on which all points are the same distance from the Scottish and rest of the UK (RUK) coastline.
Prof Kemp says this is the method which was used when the North Sea was originally divided up between the UK and other countries in the 1960s.
The most important treaty was signed between the UK and Norway in 1965 using the median line, although later, when the oil began to flow in the Norwegian sector, there were many who said the UK had been far too lenient.
The median line approach was also used to determine the boundary between Scotland and the rest of the UK for fisheries after devolution in 1999.
On this occasion, the line was effectively imposed on Scotland by Westminster and there were opponents who said that it took away a large amount of Scottish territory.
The median line produces an oddly curved line which because of the peculiarities of the coastline heads steeply north and at some points is level with Dundee, about 100 miles from the border at Berwick.
It is the same principle as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
But American international lawyer Professor David Scheffer says: "I don't think anyone should say that the law of the sea is static on this issue of where do you draw the line in the North Sea that would determine who has jurisdiction over which part of the reserves.
"There is a popular presumption that the median line should be drawn and that would be favourable to London. There is a popular notion in academic thinking that automatically it is the median line. However, international law has always invited negotiation on how to draw that line."
Prof Scheffer, who is Director of the Centre for International Human Rights at Northwest University in the US, says the boundary line could be a good bargaining tool for the Scottish government.
He says: "I don't think London should be under the assumption they automatically have the median line they should not even have to negotiate it. I think that would be a serious mistake because Scotland could ultimately bring this to the international court of justice and perhaps prevail there with a different line."
Prof Kemp says there have been departures from the median line principle in various settlements around the world, including judgements made by the International Court.
He adds: "To complicate the matter slightly, in 1968, there was another line drawn from the border straight across the North Sea and that was for civil and criminal court problems. North of that line Scottish law prevailed and south of it English law prevailed.
"You might say we should use that line. The interesting thing is, from the economic point of view, it does not make much difference because there are just a handful of fields, and not very important ones now, between the median line and the line north of Berwick.
"Although lawyers could have a long debate about it, in terms of economics, it does not make all that much difference."
If Scotland were to get a "geographical share" based on the median line it would mean about 90% of the UK's oil resources would be under Scottish jurisdiction.
According to research by Prof Kemp, in 2010 the Scottish share of total oil production in the UKCS was more than 95% while for gas it was 58%. The Scottish share of total hydrocarbon production (including NGLs) was 80%. The Scottish tax share exceeded 90%. This reflects the much higher value of oil compared to gas.
No discussion has yet taken place between the UK and Scottish governments on the detail of what would happen to oil revenues.
The Scotland Office said: "The UK government are not making contingency plans for losing the independence referendum. That includes how UK oil revenues might be divided afterwards."
The revenue from oil and gas is vitally important to the debate on how Scotland will function after independence.
The latest figures from GERS (Government Expenditure and Revenue Scotland) for 2011-12 show that £11.25bn was paid into the UK exchequer from North Sea revenues, historically high oil prices and a raised supplementary tax rate made it one of the largest figures ever.
The same Scottish government report seeks to outline what difference this would make to Scotland's financial position if it were to get a "geographical share" of the revenues instead of a "per capita" slice.
In 2011-12 it would have meant an extra £10.57bn being paid to Scotland, the report claims - which is important to keep down the scale of Scotland's deficits - with 94% of the revenues being generated in Scottish waters.
In other years it could be much more than this and in some significantly less due to the complicated tax and allowances structure.
In a submission to Westminster last year Prof Kemp said he would "guesstimate" that over the next decade the annual values could be in the £5bn to £10bn range. But the professor, like all other experts, warned of the "volatility" of the oil revenues from year to year.
Economic future
Of course, these figures are only indicative of the oil revenue Scotland would receive and do not account for all the other changes which would take place to income and taxation if Scotland were to be independent.
International credit rating agency Fitch recently put out a note which said: "A geographical division of oil is an extreme outcome, as is a per capita division that would leave the residual UK with 92% of reserves. A compromise would probably be reached."
The Yes Scotland campaign says: "International law makes clear that fields generating around 90% of the revenues will be in Scottish waters.
"This figure is based on comprehensive analysis undertaken at Aberdeen University. The companies that currently hold the licences for the various oil fields will continue to operate as now, but the taxes they pay will come to the Scottish Exchequer rather than go to the chancellor in London."
The Better Together campaign's Alistair Darling said: "Oil is great for Scotland. Nobody would suggest otherwise. However, betting a country's economic future on such a volatile and declining resource just isn't credible. It is time that the nationalists were straight on this."

subset: commoncrawl


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Niklas Backstrom makes 30 saves to lead Wild past Canadiens 3-1
MONTREAL - The Montreal Canadiens improved in a lot of statistical areas, just not the one that counts.
Niklas Backstrom stopped 30 shots as the Minnesota Wild sent the Canadiens to their fifth straight loss with a 3-1 victory Thursday.
Montreal has been plagued by undisciplined play and an inability to generate many shots on goal over the past few weeks, but both areas showed marked improvement in this game.
Yet it still didn't produce the victory the Canadiens so sorely needed.
"Moral victories suck in this business, I'm not going to sugar coat it," said Habs winger Mike Cammalleri. "It's a results-driven business, all our fans and all the people who care so much about this team want to see it win and so do we. When you talk about the process and working towards a goal, they're things that we can look at. But they don't really hold much weight as far as I'm concerned."
Mikko Koivu, Robbie Earl and Cal Clutterbuck scored for the Wild (17-14-3), who have won nine of their last 11 games.
"We were pretty good defensively and our goalie made the saves when he had to, and that was the key tonight," Koivu said. "Over the last two periods, he was great for us and that made the difference."
Andrei Kostitsyn scored his seventh over his last seven games for the Canadiens (15-18-3), who fell to three games below the .500 mark.
Habs coach Jacques Martin, however, found many positives to draw on in the loss, in particular the surprise return of defenceman Paul Mara after missing five games with an apparent shoulder injury.
"I'm encouraged with how we played, and also that Mara was able to play," Martin said. "We have other players who should be coming back soon, and that should help."
Mara took the spot of Roman Hamrlik, who appeared to hurt his right knee Wednesday night in New Jersey and said after the game he was "day to day." The Canadiens are also anticipating the return of all-star defenceman Andrei Markov, who visited with doctors Thursday seeking the green light to return for the first time since lacerating tendons in his left ankle in the season-opener Oct. 1.
Mara said were it not for Hamrlik's injury, he likely would have sat out the game.
"The weekend looked pretty dim as well," Mara said. "But the way things have been going, sometimes you have to battle through some injuries and some pain to help the team."
The game marked the return of former Canadien Guillaume Latendresse, who was traded to the Wild on Nov. 23 and has three goals and an assist since the trade. Aside from some mild booing when he touched the puck and mock chanting from the fans, Latendresse was pretty discreet other than a post-whistle shoving match with Josh Gorges in the second period.
"To be honest, I had some trouble controlling my emotions," Latendresse said. "I was very nervous in the first, it kind of dipped in the second, but between the second and the third it came right back. I'd say I was never able to get on top of the situation."
Carey Price stopped 18 shots for the Canadiens in his second start in 24 hours.
The Canadiens hit the 30-shot mark for the first time since Nov. 17, a span of 14 games, and also gave up only one power play for the first time since Oct. 6.
"We had better discipline tonight with only one penalty, so that's positive after the last couple of weeks," Martin said.
The Wild scored the first goal for only the 12th time in 35 games when Earl came down the right wing and beat Price through the legs on a sharp-angle shot for his third of the season at 2:41 of the first.
The Canadiens struck back just over 30 seconds later to tie it up. Scott Gomez stole the puck from Eric Belanger in the neutral zone, crossed the Wild blue-line and fed a streaking Kostitsyn, who swept in on Backstrom and roofed a backhand under the crossbar for his ninth of the season at 3:26.
The Wild entered the game on an 0-for-19 streak on the power play over the previous five games, but that ended on Minnesota's first opportunity of the night. With former Wild defenceman Marc-Andre Bergeron in the box, Koivu fought off a Gorges check and converted a great feed in front by Martin Havlat for his 10th of the year at 14:08 of the first to put Minnesota up 2-1.
The Canadiens carried much of the play in the second but failed to generate too many chances. The best came when Kostitsyn was set up for an open met by his brother Sergei about midway through the second, but fanned on his shot and missed the net.
Clutterbuck added the insurance goal at 11:47 of the third, grabbing a rebound of a shot off the end boards and beating Price upstairs for his sixth of the season.
Martin pulled Price in favour of a sixth attacker with over three minutes to play, and Minnesota's Kim Johnsson took a holding penalty with 1:20 left in regulation but Montreal was unable to capitalize.
Notes: Cammalleri played his 400th NHL game. ...Wild D Clayton Stoner of Port McNeill, B.C., made his NHL debut. ...The Canadiens had two power plays to one for the Wild, snapping a streak of eight games where Montreal gave up more power plays than its opponent. ...Price has put two game-worn masks up for auction to benefit two charities. The first is the mask he had to commemorate Remembrance Day, worn in Phoenix on Nov. 12, and the second is the mask he wore during the Canadiens centennial game on Dec. 4. The Remembrance Day mask's proceeds will go to Wounded Warriors, which helps Canadian soldiers wounded overseas. Proceeds from the centennial mask will go to the Montreal Canadiens Children's Foundation. The bidding at www.auction.nhl.com opened Thursday and closes Dec. 31


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Miele WDB030 review
|Review: September 2017
In a nutshell: The Miele WDB030 Eco is a modern-looking washing machine with a smart design, and an easy-to-use sloping control panel. Offering the usual Miele reliability and durability, the WDB030 is energy efficient, very quiet in operation, and cleans your laundry without any fuss.
Miele WDB030 Eco W1 Classic
The Miele WDB030 is identical to the the WDB020, except that it has a sloping control panel. The panel looks nice and is convenient, but is perhaps less suited for built-under installation. The RRP is £100 more too, which is difficult to justify. Read our full review of the Miele WDB020 Eco for more information.
Miele WDB030 features include:
- Capacity: 7 kg
- Maximum spin speed: 1400 rpm
- Energy efficiency class: A+++
- Spin class: B
- Rotary control with display panel
- Miele honeycomb drum
- Noise level (washing): 50dB
- Noise level (spinning): 74dB
- Dimensions (H X W X D): 85 x 59.6 x 63.6 cm
- Can be built-under
- Colour: Lotus White
User questions
Sorry - questions and comments on this page are now closed.
Miele WDB030 user reviews
Sorry - reviews and comments on this page are now closed.
Average rating from 1 review:
Reviewed by Wayne
from Australia
on 18th Apr 2018
This washer is a piece of junk. If you love untangling your clothes at the end of the wash, this is the washer for you.
It will and does tear your clothes during the wash cycle.
Do not buy.


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Parhlo: Tell us about yourself?
SN: My name is Saad Nazir (student of MBBS) AKA "Gamesboiler" throughout YouTube and other social media. I own a YouTube channel where I usually upload games walkthroughs, gameplays, reviews, etc. Other than YouTube, off course I have Facebook page where I post video games. Sometimes I post daily facts, gaming news and other exclusive stuff regarding games to spread knowledge.
Parhlo: Tell us about your project?
SN: I don't have a business, I like telling people about my experience with games. I by sharing my reviews on them. I play games myself, experience them, and do a review of them through my videos and also make Gameplays etc for my YouTube and Dailymotion channel daily. I usually look for game facts and summarize them in few lines and post them on Facebook to spread the hidden or surprising game facts which the game lovers don't yet know.
Parhlo: What inspired you to take this initiative?
SN: I always had a lot of interest in gaming, but back in 2012 after joining in Hamdard University, I made a website "Xicity" just for fun and started updating it with games, etc. Later added medical stuff, but left working on the website after 2 years, due to studies and some other issues. So, last year in 2014, I noticed some people playing games and uploading their game videos on YouTube etc, that inspired me to do same because as I had keen interest in this field.
I researched and found no one doing something like that here in Pakistan, so I decided to take the initiative. We have entertainers, comedians, artists but we don't have known gamers other than Saqib Mirza for online "Street Fighter" and Sumail Hassan Syed for "Dota2". Since I was not so good at online gaming, I did not take it as a profession, however, I started my own channel. I never planned to continue it for this long, but it turned out to be a success, so there was no point leaving it in the middle way.
Parhlo: How are you making a difference in your life and the society in general?
SN: Well, the reason why I am doing this is so that Pakistan can be known in the gaming world to, I want my country to succeed in every way possible in every field.
Parhlo: What do you see yourself in next 5 years?
SN: Well, I have not planned anything other than being a doctor, however, saying that I might peruse a career in the gaming industry too. Being a doctor has always been my dream, a Good Cardiologist is what I see myself as, infact a good gamer and a good cardiologist I'd say.
Parhlo: What would be your ultimate goal for the youth around you? Are they missing out on anything in particular?
SN: The only thing I am aiming for is, to have Pakistanis known for their IT industry too, like gaming etc. Right now, we're famous for being a country that does not have a piracy policy, I plan to change that. I dream of a day when people will raise their voices against piracy too, with me. That is what I dream for the youth around me, to work together on stabilizing the IT industry and promoting the positive aspect of Pakistan.
Parhlo: What is your advice to other individuals who are trying to achieve a dream like yours?
SN: My advice to the young generation is to make sure that they are doing something for the society and by that I mean against piracy, as it's the worst thing to happen to any IT industry. Apart from that, I would also suggest them to stay strong and work towards their goals regardless of anything. I would tell them to work hard and stay motivated. As I said before, be real, try avoiding pirated stuff first. Secondly, be yourself and don't lose hope. Many times you'll be demotivated, many times your friends will make fun of you, etc., but don't stop. Don't get exhausted in start, keep it slow and constant. Last thing is, if you need some help, I will be more than happy to mentor you.
Also See: Qazi And Shoaib, Out To Make A Difference In The Lives Of Blue Collar Workers


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<<<First | <<First Ghosts and Monsters | <Previous | Next>
<<<First | <<First Ghosts and Monsters | <Previous | Next>
You're reading a new page this morning because I didn't win that billion dollar lottery last night. Did you? No? That's cool. We've all got other things to worry about anyway. Like this nosy reality show crew. That's right, Bigfoot. Go tell Scout.
For Process Geeks
I posted a similar process gif to Twitter a couple weeks ago (yeah, Twitter followers sometimes get a peek at art weeks in advance) but this is a more complete version that takes you from digital pencils all the way to finished color.
Thanks for reading. -v
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tagged: Comics, Process, Vince Dorse, Webcomic |


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Rampage World Tour was the…erm…"long awaited" sequel to the classic building smashing game. It was conceived and developed by Brian Colin and Jeff Nauman who created the original game, but doesn't really push the envelope in terms of game design.
Video Game Ad of the Day: Rampage World Tour
Posted in: Video Game Ad of the Day– April 7, 2012


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Product Overview
This book contains a selection of fiddle tunes arranged for the beginning cello player. The idea is to supply a sampling of melodies that will give almost instant gratification to the novice. One of the drawbacks of the classic way of teaching cello is the boredom of some of the early pedagogic repertoire. This book is meant to be an antidote to that tedium. Fiddle tunes are great ways to become accustomed to typical manipulations of major scales and to introduce the sound of arpeggios. The only technical requisite for the music is the ability to play a major scale of some sort. The tunes were chosen for their fun melodic content while demonstrating some typical aspects of fiddling. They are grouped by key with a couple of exceptions and roughly arranged in order of difficulty within each key group.The included split-track CD demonstrates many of the tunes with guitar accompaniment and will help teach the swing phrasing.
©2001, 40 pages. Book & CD.
©2001, 40 pages. Book & CD.


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Welcome to Pro Ink! We invite you to take a few moments to browse through our website and discover how our professional ink refilling service will save you valuable time and money!
At Pro Ink, we value all of our customers and we strive to build mutually beneficial, long-term relationships. We design our services to meet every customer's individual needs and to make it a personal experience through offering cost effective and environmentally friendly solutions for schools, institutions, corporations, and homes.


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An inspiring speech for the 2007 International Speech Contest. Did quite well with this one. Was 1st Runner Up for Club and Won the B4 Area contest. Reached division but did not reach the podium. The speech requires a prop which is a pink hoopla. Wonderful attention grabber and pivotal to the speech message.
Actual Speech:
My heart is beating furiously. My mouth is dry from hours of talking to myself. My body is tensed and jumpy. Its 9 am in the morning. The year, 2007… The month, March and the date, 23rd! In less than 3 hours there will be judgment. You know this event better as the Toastmasters International Speech Contest. The stakes 3x as high and the stress even high. Now, why will anyone put themselves through such an ordeal… Not once, not twice but three times!
Good evening Ladies and Gents and welcome to jumping out of your comfort zone.
When we are young, our minds are free and habits undefined. But as we grow up, habits start forming as well. These habits allow us to lead a stress free and comfortable life. When we become too comfortable, that's when we end up in the dreaded comfort zone [Show HULLA]. Let me introduce you to my comfort zone. I met him a couple of years back when I started working. You see at the time, I constantly used to go home immediately after work and couch until bed time watching a host of shows which I don't even like. Before I knew it HE had me. [twist Hulla around] HE twisted around me slowly, tangled me up and before long I was totally engulfed! [drop Hulla on ground]
You have to understand ladies and gents that your dreams, your desires, and all your unrealized potential can never be found within this zone. They always exist out there. Inside here, there is nothing but mundane comfort. Because of that, we should always strive to jump out of this no excitement zone…
Let me tell you the story of my best friend. 3 years after graduating, he was stuck in a dead end job he hated, was 35 KGs overweight and everyday he woke up next to a girl who could barely stand him. One day out of the blue he was suddenly jolted out of his zone. The love of his life left him and cruelly started dating his boss.
Heartbroken and depressed… my friend spiraled to a rocky bottom. But just before smashing into the rocks, he realized something really profound. The life he once knew was no more and with it the comfort zone that limited him was blown away. And just like that, an amazing journey of self discovery started.
He went back to work the very next day and QUIT! He started working out – night and day. Time management became a way of life. He managed to learn dancing and even picked up singing… He worked very hard at challenging his comfort zones.
2 years later, he is now working for one of the largest telco companies in the world. He was promoted no less than 3 times last year. He travels an astounding 200 days a year. And despite his hectic schedule, he moon lights as a part time model. He transformed himself completely. A walking sunshine. He learned to jump!
How do we experience a similar positive transformation? Fortunately, you don't have to wait until your love of your life leaves you for your boss as well. There is an easier way.
It's a 4 step process and works on the convenient acronym of JUMP!
Step 1: J = Just do it but differently
Actions outside of your comfort zone can be scary but not all the time. Sometimes you just need to try something new like finding a new way from work.
Step 2: U = Understand baby steps
Life changing experience are rare and occur only once in most lives. For the rest of us, we should try small and then work ourselves up. Try a new way today. Tomorrow wake up earlier and go to gym before work. In the coming week, raise your hands during staff meeting and voice your brilliant thoughts.
Step 3: M = Maneuver resistance of the mind
The mind will surely resist when you try to push it to change. It will be very stressful to be outside your comfort zone. Your mind will be screaming at you to go back. Just ignore those thought and keep on going. The only thing you have to remember is to try, try and try…
Step 4: P = Pat yourself in the back
An important step which is often overlooked. Step 1 to 3 will get you far. Step 4 is where you take the time to reexamine how far. Give yourself a pat on the back. Not a girly pat but a manly one. YAH!
4 easy steps. [Reiterate the steps]. JUMP! And your own your way…
My god, how does time fly, Its 2.45 pm. My heart is not beating so hard. My thoughts are calm. A deep sense of togetherness have descended. What is this feeling that is overcoming me. Could it be peace. Possibly. Could be it a sense of accomplishment. Perhaps. But most of all I think its immense joy!
[JUMP]. Ladies and Gents, I have jumped out of my comfort zone. Now…. Its your turn!
Thank you!
By, Vijay Balasegaram


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Horrible gifts! Glorious gifts! Your idea of the perfect New Year's Eve! The show's Party Line is always open to your voicemails at 323.PEZ.TDPS and for the first new LiveCast of 2015, Christopher and Eric highlighted your best messages about your holiday highs and lows. They also unleashed hellfire on the insulting new TLC show 'My Husband Is Not Gay'. The Dinner Party Show is back and ready to serve everyone in the new year.
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A Changeover In Consciousness
We've always believed that the love of friends, the group, and dissemination are kids' games, that we are obliged to deal with them. Many of us still think: "This is about the upper world, while we have to deal with some sort of dissemination. Why should I offer this to people? What do I need this for?"
But gradually, under the influence of the upper Light, in our consciousness, the recognition of what is happening changes in us. Only after several years does a person begin to understand that the implementation of the method is fulfilled only in his connection with others, that the spiritual world isn't somewhere over the ocean, or somewhere else, but that it is here. You just have to change yourself and your internal perception—now you want everything for yourself, but you have to reach the opposite state, to exit yourself, and instead of inward, aim outward.
The recognition that everything depends on your internal attitude towards the world is a very meaningful change over. It really takes the Light a long time to influence us.
Every lesson, every addition, is another tiny portion of the Surrounding Light that influences us from a distance bringing us closer.
There are great changes taking place all the time. But there are so many that it takes several years.
In the past it took many years, let's say 20 years. Today it can be limited to several years. It may very well be that when the masses reach it, even by just a little, by yearning and making efforts in this direction, it will take less time.
Still it is a changeover in consciousness, in our recognition, since you don't think in terms of time and distance any more as if the upper world is somewhere far away. You already understand that it is here, and it is simply your attitude towards it and the way you think that create it.
From KabTV's "Foundations Of The Integral Society" 4/08/12
Related Material:
Escape From The Egocentric Picture Of The World
Let The Light Work!
The Path To A Perfect Reality


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Ashes to Ashes
Alyssa Arano posted a topic in Active Role PlaysThe black screen blinked to life and begun an insistent beep. Alyssa Arano looked up from the book she had buried her head in for the past few hours. She left orders not to be disturbed. Reading to orchestral music provided a brief respite that the piercing ringtone shattered. Alyssa briefly contemplated if she should allow the incoming call to interrupt her rest. Recent events were exhausting. The loss of her leader and childhood companion affected not just her work but also shook her personally. The Zeon leadership was quick to shove her into the vacuum created by the death of Haman Karn. Alyssa had been groomed for this all her life, yet she never felt ready, not even now. Yet she had to be strong for Neo Zeon to succeed in reclaiming their birthright. They prepared for this for years. The hardships suffered by her people would soon be over once they moved back to Side 3. The incessant beep broke through her thoughts. Alyssa sighed and closed the book in front of her. She brushed her hair out of her face and checked her appearance vaguely through the reflection of the console screen. Satisfied, she pressed the answer button. The face of her assistant appeared on the screen. He did not appear pleased to be tasked with relaying the message to her, she knew at first glance. Alyssa knew Lieutenant Alexander Mori well enough to sense his discomfort even through the screen. She wondered what bothered him so much, he usually kept a better composure. Alex saluted at the sight of the Zeon Regent. "M'Lady, we have reports that a salvage team scoured the wreckage zone before our recovery team arrived. I'm ashamed—" "It happens." Alex did not have to mention Haman's name. He understood her pain, and she thanked him silently for that. "I trust you've dispatched a team to track down the salvagers." "Yes, M'Lady. Reports indicate that they are heading for the Moon." Alyssa expected no less from her assistant. "I will look into this myself, Alex." "But, M'Lady—" Alyssa cut off his protest with a raised hand. He knew she would take over the search personally. That explained his reluctance to make the call. It meant he understood her reasons too, as much as he disliked it. "You know I have to do this, Alex. The fleet will continue on course as planned. The delegation must reach Side 3. Patch the Vice Admiral through." "Yes, M'Lady." There was a brief pause before Vice Admiral Darius Solomon appeared on the screen in a second video link beside Alexander. The Lieutenant saluted his superior while the Vice Admiral saluted the Regent. "Good evening, Lady Alyssa." "Vice Admiral," Alyssa nodded in acknowledgement. "Alex, please." Her assistant proceeded to fill Solomon in on the intelligence report. The middle-aged veteran listened quietly. When Alexander finished, Solomon finally spoke, "Do you wish to take matters into your own hands, Lady Alyssa?" "I leave the Doyenne in your command, Darius. I will leave at once on the Repentance. If all goes well, we will rendezvous with the fleet at Side 3." "I'm against this, Alyssa. I should have been firm with Lady Haman and stopped her from going out into combat against enemy ace pilots. With all due respect, it's too soon to let the new Regent to be off chasing after a rabbit trail." Solomon was a father-like figure for both Haman and Alyssa. He was a close and old friend of Maharaja Karn, Haman's father and Alyssa's guardian. Alyssa pursed her lip in annoyance. She expected resistance and understood their reasons, but she was going regardless of their opinions and feelings. They stopped her from joining the recovery team and the search parties after the battle. There was no stopping her this time. "The Repentance can handle whatever surprises we encounter. I'll also be bringing the Black Tri Stars along as escorts. Don't worry, Darius. You can help me by bringing the delegates to Side 3 and protect Princess Mineva." Solomon sighed and said, "You and Haman are too alike. There is not stopping you once your mind is made up. There's so much of Maharaja in the two of you. I promised him I would take care of you both. I have failed him once and I don't want to fail him again." "I'm not going up against enemy ace pilots in a battle. We are intercepting a group of civilian salvagers. We will outgun them." Alyssa noticed Solomon's expression softening slightly. She recognised that look since young when he finally gave in to their pestering him for candy. "Besides, Haman would have done the same for me if our roles were reversed."
Amber Destara
posted a topic in Character LibraryFull Name: Amber Helio Destara Faction: Neo Zeon Rank: N/A Age: 20 Sex: Female Height: 5'8" Weight: 135 lbs Eyes: Purple/Green Hair: Blonde Skin: Fair Handiness: Right-handed Personality Amber is very energetic and likes to have fun with her teammates, but she knows when she's supposed to be serious. Life on Axis has been difficult, but she doesn't let that stop her from being happy, so she'll frequently try to cheer people up even when they don't want to. Her goal in life is to be a good friend to everyone. Strengths and weaknesses Amber values speedy hit-and-run tactics in mobile suit combat, so she'll attempt to take out the enemy without even giving them the chance to fight back. However, she's only a rookie pilot and hasn't been apart of actual combat, so that rarely works out. She may lack experience as a pilot, but she's got tons of experience as an engineer. She frequently likes to tinker with her custom mobile suit, trying to upgrade it so that it can compete with new models. Amber knows that she'll eventually hit a point where that'll no longer be possible. Appearance Amber Destara is attractive, but not jaw-dropping. She has shoulder length blonde hair, but her defining feature is her distinct colored eyes, with her heterochromia often being mentioned by her peers. She always tries to smile and to keep her appearance nice. Her Neo Zeon clothing is also orange, like her mobile suit. History Born on February 22nd, 0068, Amber Destara lived with her parents at the mining base called Axis. For years, her parents working vigorously in order to even live. They were lower class citizens, so they didn't get to live a very luxurious life, but this never bothered Amber, because she didn't know what it was like to not be poor. It got worse when the One Year War broke out, causing them to work even harder. Amber rarely saw her parents during the war. When the Principality of Zeon lost the war, many soldiers and other Zeon members fled to the asteroid. The population grew under the rule of Maharaja Karn, who became the leader of the Axis base. Amber's parents were horrified to see their home become a fortress, but that didn't last long. A new living quarters block was created, allowing their family to family live in better conditions. Their jobs also changed to helping construct new mobile suits, something Amber became fascinated by. Every day, she'd watch as these new machines were created, hoping out maybe she could help create one someday. However, in 0083 Maharaja Karn passed away, making his daughter the new regent of Axis. Things changed drastically during this time. Not only was Haman raising morale with the citizens, but Operation Stardust also occurred, causing many to want Axis to fight, including Amber. She had later obtained an old damaged Dra-C and began work on it, hoping it could fly again. For years, this became her new pride and joy. Eventually, Axis did begin to return to the Earth Sphere, ending up right in the middle of a conflict between the AEUG and the Titans. Amber never participated in the Gryps Conflict, but once the Titans were defeated, Axis Zeon, now named Neo Zeon, began their official attack on the AEUG. This is Amber's moment to shine, so he revealed her mobile suit to the soldiers of Neo Zeon. They weren't impressed, but they needed soldiers to fight, so she was inducted. The only experience she had as a pilot was through simulations in the mobile suit, so she hoped that it would be enough to help make Neo Zeon victorious. Mobile Suits MS-21CO Dra-C Oct Amber's custom orange mobile suit, built from a Dra-C used by one of the Delaz Fleet survivors. It was quickly abandoned in favor of new mobile suits, but she found it and has worked on it ever since. Amber replaced the regular gun with a new gatling gun, hoping that it'll help out much more in battle. It is currently unknown why there are X's on the shield. Other soldiers attempted to assign her to a newer machine, but Amber wouldn't budge. Kills N/A Role plays Mobile Suit Gundam: Zeta Destiny (Ongoing) Coliseum battles N/A
AMX-006 Gaza-D
posted a topic in The CompendiumAMX-006 Gaza-D The Gaza-D is the new Neo Zeon mobile suit assigned the ace pilots. It is intended to replace the Gaza-C in the future. Model number: AMX-006 Code name: Gaza-D Unit type: Mass production general purpose transformable mobile suit Manufacturer: Neo Zeon Operator: Neo Zeon First deployment: March UC 0088 Crew: Pilot only Cockpit: Panoramic monitor with linear seat in head Dimensions: Mobile suit mode: overall height 23.66 meters, head height 17.0 meters Mobile armor mode: mobile armor mode: overall length 16.1 meters Weight: empty 28.7 metric tons; max gross 68.4 metric tons; mass ratio 1.86 Armor materials: Gundarium alloy Powerplant: Minovsky type ultracompact fusion reactor, output rated at 2140 kW Propulsion: Rocket thrusters: 98200 kg total (4 x 18400kg, 2 x 12300 kg); vernier thrusters/apogee motors: 12 Equipment: Sensors, range 10800 meters Fixed armaments: 2 x 14-tube missile launcher (uses AMS-01H heavy missile), mounted in shoulder binders in mobile suit mode and on main body in mobile armor mode; 2 x 4-tube missile launcher (uses AMS-01H heavy missile), mounted in shoulder binders in mobile suit mode and on main body in mobile armor mode; 2 x beam saber, power rated at 0.9 MW, stored in recharge racks in shoulder binders, hand-carried in use in mobile suit mode; 2 x beam gun, power rated at 3.2 MW each, mounted on main body/backpack Optional hand armaments: knuckle buster, power rated at 8.5 MW, powered by rechargeable energy cap, mounts on main body in mobile armor mode Source: MechaBay
Teo Nygaard
posted a topic in Character LibraryFull name: Teo Rasmus Nygaard Faction: Nygaard Concern, Neo Zeon Rank: Son of Rasmus Nygaard, founder and owner of Nygaard Concern Mfg Co.; Neo Zeon Ensign Age: 21 Sex: Male Height: 5'9" Weight: 180 lbs. Eyes: Grey Hair: Light auburn bordering on orange, but a close shave around the sides and back of his head suggest his hair was originally a much darker brown. Skin: Fair, almost pale Handiness: Left-handed Personality Teo is a guarded individual, having grown up resenting the silver spoon put in his mouth from an early age. He dislikes being patronized for being of affluent blood, and would much rather prefer people talk to him as a regular man. He is, however due to his sheltered upbringing, quite naive, and believes things to be more black and white as opposed to shades of grey. Strengths and weaknesses Teo is a gifted engineer, having taken after his father, Rasmus Nygaard. He has an intimate understanding of machinery and electronics. However, he is physically quite frail, possessing a significant limp. His resentful personality also tends to get him into heated situations quite easily, landing him in trouble more often than not. Appearance Teo Nygaard is a fairly tall individual of Scandinavian blood, possessing pleasant features: soft grey eyes that mask a purposeful determination and trimmed auburn hair. He is often seen holding a small cane to aid his walk in gravity environments, though he tries his best to keep his back straight and walk tall. When not wearing a Neo Zeon uniform, Teo is dressed in comfortable, if not expensive civilian clothing. History Born on August 12, UC 0067, Teo Nygaard is the only son of Rasmus Nygaard, and one in a long line of heirs to the leadership of the Nygaard Concern, a heavy industries manufacturing company established at the dawn of the Universal Century to build components for Space Colonies. Eventually, the Nygaard Concern would be absorbed into Zeonic to produce mobile suits, though by 0080, Rasmus Nygaard would buy the Concern back from Anaheim Electronics. From then on, the Nygaard Concern would be synonymous with mobile suit customization, with several Earth Sphere aces attributing the high performance of their custom machines to the work of the Concern. Teo would be brought into a world of luxury; his every need and want fulfilled as he was attended to by a legion of servants, even as the world around him floundered. However, after being near endlessly mocked and ostracized by his peers for being 'the rich kid', Teo begun to resent his upbringing. Due to the status of his family, he would be largely untouched by the horrors of the One Year War, though as the frontlines shifted, the Nygaard family would find themselves moved from colony to colony, eventually taking residence in Axis at the end of the War. It would be here, in the rough-and-tumble refuge of the survivors of Zeon that Teo's resentment of his heritage grew and grew. When he was old enough to enlist, he would join the draft, looking to serve as a common soldier, but ironically, his position in high society, and his limp, would land him a spot in Neo Zeon's officer academy, where he would graduate as an Ensign. Not one to throw away an opportunity for business, his father, Rasmus, would position his son as an advisor to Neo Zeon's corps of engineers; effectively a salesman for the Nygaard Concern's products and services. This angered Teo, who would often shirk his duties in an attempt to get himself either demoted or discharged, but the near-constant meddling from his father as a beneficiary of the Army would keep him firmly in place as an Ensign. When the war against the Earth Federation had finally begun in UC 0088, Teo would quickly find a way to stick it to his father and the Nygaard Concern, this time as a mobile suit pilot, but once again, meddling from his father would have him playing right into the Concern's hands: instead of a standard issue mobile suit, Teo would be at the helm of one customized by the Concern as a show of force from the company. Still adamant in his desire to break free from his heritage, Teo would endeavor to never score a single kill in his mobile suit. Possessions A necklace made from a small pewter ring he was given by a close friend when they were children. Mobile Suits MS-14Jgbis Gelgoog [Stutzer]/Nygaard An MS-14Jg Gelgoog modified by the Nygaard Concern. Equipped with improved armor and an impressive array of thrusters, the Gelgoog [Stutzer]/Nygaard can go toe-to-toe with its modern contemporaries, like the Gaza-C despite its age. This unit was assigned to Teo to demonstrate the effectiveness of the Nygaard Concern's mobile suit modification services. Equipment 1x XMP-91 Beam Machine Gun (X-04 Copy) Designed after the X-04 Beam Machine Gun Prototype developed for the AGX-04 Gerbera Tetra, and earlier RX-78GP04 Gundam Gerbera, this Nygaard Concern copy functions much in the same manner as its Anaheim Electronics counterpart, though its power consumption is scaled down to allow the Gelgoog's older generator to operate it, thus its effectiveness at longer ranges is questionable. 1x Beam Naginata Splitter This iconic melee weapon has been modified by the Nygaard Concern to be capable of splitting into two separate beam sabers by way of a decoupling unit in the shaft and the replacement of the single battery with two at each end. 1x Grapple Wire Originally conceived as a component for mobile workers, the Nygaard Concern has seen fit to equip the Gelgoog [Stutzer]/Nygaard with a grapple wire, possessing many uses in both combat and noncombat applications. Kills None yet. Role plays Mobile Suit Gundam: Zeta Destiny Coliseum battles None yet.
Artemis MacGriever
posted a topic in Character LibraryArtemis MacGriever Biography Full name: Artemis MacGriever Faction: Neo Zeon Rank: Chief Petty Officer Age: 19 Sex: Transgender Female Height: 5'7'' (1.7m) Weight: 124lb (56kg) Eyes: Green Hair: Dirty blond dyed neon green Skin: Pale Handiness: Right handed Personality Artemis is the most kind person most will ever meet. She loves everyone she meets unconditionally and acts as attentive as a mother to those she calls her friends. This even extends to foes she meets on the battlefield, more often than not she will try to disable rather than slay her foes. Her main passions lie in mobile suits. Everything about them fascinate her and excite her. Maintaining them, repairing them, piloting them and sometimes customizing them. She even joined the Neo Zeon forces primarily due to the Zaku being her favorite family of mobile suits. In her opinion Federation suits are too boring. Easily excitable, Artemis can usually be found with a lot of energy, bouncing around the hanger bay or common areas of whatever base she's located inside. She'll try to butt in on any conversation she can find and add another friend to her list of people to fret and care for. Sitting still might as well be a foreign language to her. Strengths and Weaknesses Mobile Suit Familiarity: Able to repair and maintain her mobile suit on her own, Artemis is familiar with the basics of all aspects of mobile suit mechanics and is able to make field repairs to most Neo Zeon suits. Hyperactive: Artemis needs to constantly be moving and that includes while piloting a mobile suit. She can't help herself from fiddling and that causes her attention to be split at all times. Hopeless romantic: If she falls in love she'll fall hard. Cute girls are her biggest weakness and will often become a love struck puppy when faced with one. Appearance A lithe girl with a round doughy face that makes her appear much younger than she really is. She's a fan of dying her hair and styling it at random and in random ways so it frequently changes but always returns to her green. She hasn't had any of the surgeries normally associated with her identity. She usually wears scarves or hats she collects alongside her uniform and will try to personalize it whenever her superiors aren't looking. When off duty she's seen in baggy clothes that couldn't be farther from her uniform. History Enthralled at an early age by tales of her father's far fetched stories, him fashioning a Zaku tank with a shot down Zaku during the One Year War so he can fight in the war to how he was really the one to save the colonies. She naturally fell in love with mobile suits and always dreamed of piloting her own Zaku, her favorite line of mobile suit. To that end she began dedicating herself to one day piloting a mobile suit. When Neo Zeon began to rise Artemis debated joining. She wasn't particularly warlike or dedicated to the Zeon cause. Her only real cause for joining at first was wanting to pilot a Zaku. Her girlfriend at the time agreed, wanting Artemis to stay on their colony and away from the fighting. Ironically it was that fighting that spurred Artemis to leave. The more blood that was shed the more Artemis couldn't sit still. She had to try and stop the fighting but she couldn't do it on her own. The choice soon became clear to her, Neo Zeon promised to protect the colonies where her girlfriend lived. Reluctantly she signed up as a mechanic rather than a pilot, unable to stomach actually killing anyone. That didn't last long. During a botched operation she was forced to pilot a Gaza-C in defense of her ship. Although the suit returned without a leg, hers was the only one to. She gained slight infamy for her rather strong personality while continuing to serve Neo Zeon. After she got assigned to the Repentance she returned home to discover her girlfriend had left her in her absence. Heart broken she painted her mobile suit its current black color scheme and put on a smile that only faltered when she wasn't being watched. She briefly decided to abandon Neo Zeon but after seeing the Regent's hair in person she decided to continue to serve, if only to annoy the crew of the Repentance in between missions. Possessions Artemis's AMX-003 Gaza-C: A standard unit painted with her personal colors; black and bright green. Kills None Role plays Ashes to Ashes Coliseum battles 2 Zaku 2 Furious Attack in the Colony!
Repentance - Gwanban-class battleship
posted a topic in The CompendiumRepentance The Repentance served as the personal flagship of Alyssa Arano. She was assigned to the ship when she received her appointment as Vice Admiral. The Repentance was one of the three Gwaban-class battleships in the Axis Fleet. The Gwaban-class was smaller than the Gwadan-class battleship, but it was still more than a match for most of the Federation and AEUG ships. Class: Gwanban Unit type: battleship Manufacturer: Axis Operator: Neo Zeon First deployment: UC 0083 Dimensions: Overall length 415.0 meters Weight: Unknown Propulsion: Jet and rocket engines Equipment: Standard sensors, range unknown Fixed armaments: 6 x main gun, mounted on hull; 3 x mega particle cannon, mounted on bow and port and starboard sides Mobile suits: 18 Launch catapults: 2
AMX-003 Gaza-C
posted a topic in The CompendiumAMX-003 Gaza-C The Gaza-C is the mainstay of the Neo Zeon forces. Model number: AMX-003 Code name: Gaza-C Unit type: Mass production transformable general purpose mobile suit Manufacturer: Axis Operator: Axis First deployment: UC 0086 Crew: Pilot only Cockpit: Panoramic monitor with linear seat in head Dimensions: Mobile suit mode: overall height 22.5 meters, head height 18.3 meters Mobile armor mode: overall length 21.2 meters, overall width 10.4 meters, overall height 10.9 meters Weight: empty 40.8 metric tons; max gross 72.5 metric tons; mass ratio 1.49 Armor materials: Gundarium alloy Powerplant: Minovsky type ultracompact fusion reactor, output rated at 1720 kW Propulsion: rocket thrusters: 79200 kg total (2 x 39600 kg); vernier thrusters/apogee motors: 4 Equipment and design features: sensors, range 10600 meters Fixed armaments: 2 x beam saber, power rated at 0.4 MW, stored in recharge racks in shoulder binders, hand-carried in use; 2 x beam gun, power rated at 2.3 MW each, mounted on main body/backpack Optional hand armaments: knuckle buster, power rated at 6.7 MW, powered by rechargeable energy cap, mounts on main body in mobile armor mode Mobile armour mode Deployed mobile armour mode Source: MechaBay
Alyssa Arano
posted a topic in Character LibraryAlyssa Arano Biography Full name: Alyssa Arano Faction: Neo Zeon Rank: Regent Age: 21 Sex: Female Height: 1.70 metres Weight: 54 kg Eyes: Blue Hair: Pink Skin: Pale Handiness: Right-handed Personality Alyssa Arano hardened both physically and psychologically after going through the rigorous military training on Axis. Life was hard growing up on Axis due to the lack of resources on the asteroid base and the influx of refugees after the One Year War. Despite that, Alyssa retained her gentle nature, making her appear soft in contrast Haman. Beneath her demure surface, she bore desire for power. Growing up under the tutelage of Maharaja Karn, and later on under Haman Karn, taught her to vie for power to secure her future. Maharaja groomed her as a companion and a loyal assistant to his daughter. Strengths and weaknesses While many regarded Alyssa Arano as a less capable and talented assistant to Haman Karn, it spoke more of the high standards Haman commanded rather than a lack of abilities on Alyssa's part. She was comfortable with mobile suit combat and could be a strong contender to be an ace pilot on board a battleship, if not for her duties as a commanding officer. Alyssa shied away from politics, preferring to working in the background and to ensure smooth military operations that would provide the best platform for Haman to achieve her political goals. While Haman negotiated with Zeon, AEUG and the Titans leaders, Alyssa led the fleet in the field. Haman was the face on the screen and posters. Alyssa was seen in person. Being more comfortable with speaking to others in small groups or individually made her appear to show favouritism. Knowing she was unable to change the views of others, Alyssa chose to ignore what was said about her and focus on what she should be doing. This inevitably led to certain factions within Zeon to develop a dislike for her, although such sentiments were never overtly displayed. Appearance Alyssa Arano was an attractive girl. Although she was not drop dead gorgeous, her pleasant features drew stares when she entered a room. Haman Karn was charismatic and had a commanding presence, whereas Alyssa commanded attention and respect with her gentle but firm manner. She was no orator, unlike Haman, but Alyssa was a confident commander who was no stranger to leadership. Since young, she was often mistaken for Haman. Besides being of the same age, they both had pink, shoulder-length hair. Hers was a shade lighter than Haman's. They had blue eyes and pale skin. Alyssa stood slightly taller than Haman, though not noticeably much. Those who knew them well could easily point out that Alyssa was the leaner and more muscular of the two. The similarities they bore were superficial to those who knew them. Alyssa had rounder eyes, prominent cheek bones, a more pointed nose, and fuller lips. History Alyssa Arano was Vice Admiral of the Axis Zeon. She was groomed by Maharaja Karn alongside his daughter Haman Karn, who became her mentor when the elder Karn died in UC 0083. Haman Karn inherited the title of Regent and the role of loyal Zabi retainer from her father. Haman was surrounded by numerous veterans and high-ranking officials. Rather than staying at Haman's side as her aide, Alyssa pursued her own military career. By the time the Zeon forces moved the space fortress Axis away from the asteroid belt towards the Earth Sphere, Alyssa was Vice Admiral of the fleet, the second-in-command of Axis. It was an honour she won through merit to earn her rightful place at Haman's side. During the end of the Gryps Conflict, Haman Karn sortied in her Qubeley against AEUG and Titans ace pilots. Battle records showed that the Qubeley fell in battle. Despite numerous search missions in the battle vicinity, the Axis Zeon forces did not find the body of their leader. Alyssa led the search parties personally but they only found the wreckage of the Qubeley and the enemy suits it had engaged in the battle. Alyssa could not believe that Haman perished in battle. Haman was renowned for her Newtype abilities and piloting prowess. The Qubeley was tailored for Haman's abilities and fighting style, and it was one of the most advanced mobile suits of its day. They had just returned to the Earth Sphere after years of preparation for their mission. It was too early for them to lose their leader. However, she knew they could only spend that much time and resources on trying to retrieve Haman. Dead or alive. With the Earth Federation weakened by the war between the Titans and AEUG, the time was ripe for Zeon to regain its place in the Earth Sphere. The Axis Zeon Command was unanimous in its decision on the succession. Alyssa received her appointment as Admiral and Regent of the Neo Zeon. Possessions AMX-004 Qubeley Alyssa inherited the back up Qubeley built for Haman Karn. Her appointment as the mobile suit's pilot led to the maintenance team reconfiguring the suit for her preferences and abilities. She knew her piloting abilities were far below that of Haman, hence she set aside more training hours in the simulator and live drills. Kills None Role plays Coliseum battles None


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Learn how to convert scanned images into documents such as PDF of TXT files. There are many apps available on Google Play store but we have mentioned here the full tutorial of two best apps that can Convert Your Android Device Into A Portable Scanner
[dropcap]Y[/dropcap]ou must have been holding your frustration mimicking something written on a chat in your Android phone, I bet it was the tiresome thing that could ever happen to anyone. Scanning documents, when needed, might be a problem for many of us. But this simple matter might be a headache for many because Scanner is very rarely present in today's smartphone. So you need a portable scanner straight away.
You can take Photographs of any document, but that is not enough because your phone doesn't offer the facilities of Optical Character Recognition which manages to converts scanned letters into documents such as PDF of TXT files. Everyone out there needs to install a third-party app to scan an image into a text format.
Also Read: 6 Features That Shows Android Marshmallow Is The Best Version Of Android
How To Turn Your Android Into A Portable Scanner
Today I am going to share something interesting which will be very beneficial to most of us. I want you to meet the App named Camscanner. Guess what, it is an Android app which manages to offer the feature of Optical Character Recognition in your Smartphone, in other words, it scans the images with the help of your Phone camera and it creates the TXT file of the scanned images. In short, it acts as a portable scanner.
How to use Camscanner As a Portable scanner for your Phone?
There are few easy steps which you must follow if you want to convert your Android smartphone into a portable scanner. But let me clear you one thing first, it is a third party app, but there is no risk of your privacy being broken because this app is from trusted developers of Android. Follow the Steps clearly
Step 1. Before installing Camscanner in your Android Smartphone, first Reboot your phone and then install Camscanner by clicking HERE. Once installed Launch the app on your Android handset.
Step 2. Now you will be redirected toward the Login/Register Screen. Register if you are not registered and in case if you already registered simply login with your User Id and Password. This is a paid app. But Camscanner is giving away the 30 days free service for new users.
Step 3. If you completed the registration part, Camscanner will be ready to use, you can see the camera icon on the downside of your display and you need to take your camera closer to document in order to focus the words.
Step 4. After the camera is adjusted, you need to click on Tick option that is on a right side (down) of the app. It will automatically start scanning and saving your document in TXT or PDF formats. All done.
Now you can easily transfer your scanned files to your computer by locating its destined folder.
Also Read: How to Recover WiFi Passwords Using Android Device
Using Office Lens
Office Lens is like having a scanner in your pocket. Like magic, it will digitize notes on whiteboards or blackboards. Always find important documents or business cards. Sketch your ideas and snap a picture for later. Don't lose receipts or stray sticky notes again! Let's know how to use it.
Also Read: 5 Sure-Signs That Proves Your Android Smartphone Is Infected
Step 1. First Of all, you need to download Office Lens from Google Play store and install it on your Android device.
Step 2. Now you will see the welcome screen of Office lens where you will be given a short tutorial on how to use it.
Step 3. Now you will see the camera opens up. You just need to focus on the image that you want to scan and simply click the image.
Step 4. That's it once done, simply tap on "Save" and choose your desired format. Your scanned documents will only get saved on your Microsoft account.
Also Read: How To Change Working Of Hardware Buttons In Android
Alternative Apps:
#1 Docufy Scanner
[appbox googleplay com.softxpert.sds]
Docufy scanner app is a powerful document scanner app with over million installs. Use "Docufy" as an ultimate scanner app to scan, enhance, fax, convert files into PDF file, convert jpeg to a pdf file, add annotations, sync and file your prescriptions, invoices, contracts, bank statements, whiteboards and much more. Gain accessibility to them from anywhere and at any time.
#2 Genius Scan – PDF Scanner
[appbox googleplay com.thegrizzlylabs.geniusscan.free]
The Genius Scan scanner technology includes smart page detection, perspective correction, image post-processing. Typically, when you take a photo of a picture, you are not perfectly aligned and the light is not perfect. Genius Scan takes care of that for you.
#3 Camera 2 PDF Scanner Creator
[appbox googleplay com.thomasgravina.pdfscanner]
Camera 2 PDF helps you scan, archive and synchronize your documents in a secure environment. Simply capture your documents with your device's camera, convert them into PDF files and share them wherever you want or synchronize them on your Camera 2 PDF account
#4 SimplyScan: PDF Camera Scanner
[appbox googleplay appuccino.simplyscan]
SimplyScan is the best and lightest PDF mobile scanner app you can ever have. It carries a minimalistic look and scans your documents and lets users copy the document as a PDF file.
#5 Fast Scanner: Free PDF Scan
[appbox googleplay com.coolmobilesolution.fastscannerfree]
Fast Scanner turns your Android devices into a multiple pages scanner for documents, receipts, notes, invoices, business cards, whiteboards and other paper text. With Fast Scanner, you can quickly scan your document, then print or email them as multiple pages PDF or JPEG files.
#6 Adobe Scan
[appbox googleplay com.adobe.scan.android]
This is another powerful app which you can use for scanning the useful and lengthy document. With AdobeScan you can scan in documents and receipts like most. If you want to convert PDF files to document, Adobe scan could be the best choice for you.
#7 Clear Scanner
[appbox googleplay com.indymobileapp.document.scanner]
This is another lightweight Android app which you can use as a document scanner. It boasts fast processing speeds as well as cloud support for OneDrive, Dropbox and Google Drive. The app very small in size and can convert files include JPEG or PDF depending on whether to scan an image or a proper document.
#8 Tiny Scanner
[appbox googleplay com.appxy.tinyscanner]
Tiny Scanner is a little scanner app that turns the Android device into a portable document scanner and scans everything as images or PDFs. With this pdf document scanner app, you can scan documents, photos, receipts, reports, or just about anything.
Also Read: Best Hacking Tricks & Tips For Android 2019
The motto behind this article is to provide you useful information that we are aware of and it is a very easy trick, I am sure this article might help you in some time. Camscanner is a paid version app, but it is providing 30 days free to use trial period whereas Office Lens is a free app. I am sure you will be downloading this app right now and making full use of it. Share this post with your friends too.


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Archive for the 'Religion of barbarity' Category
Grim Milestone16 November 2007
Help Nazanin Update15 January 2007
The updates were making the "Help Nazanin" post kinda long, so here's an update post.
From the Help Nazanin site updates page:
Nazanin Afshin-Jam and Mina Ahadi spoke with Nazanin Fatehi's lawyers today regarding her retrial that took place on January 10th 2007.
They have received verbal confirmation from the court that she will be exonerated from the charge of murder. The incident that took place in March 2005 has been recognized as an act of self-defense, however the court has ruled that disproportionate force was used by Nazanin while trying to defend herself and her 15-year old niece. Accordingly, they have asked Nazanin to pay "dieh" (blood money) to receive a pardon from the family of the deceased. Once this amount is paid, Nazanin can be released from prison.
There's more. Go read it.
Help Nazanin9 January 2007
(scroll down for updates)
In Iran, teenaged girls are sentenced to death for the crime of being raped. For the crime of defending themselves from rape, they are also sentenced to death.
From Power Line:
…According to her account, Nazanin was with her sixteen-yeare-old niece and their two boyfriends when they were approached by three men who tried to rape them. The boyfriends fled, and Nazanin defended herself with a knife she carried in her purse. She stabbed one of the men, who later died. So far, at least, I haven't seen any version of the facts that differs materially from Nazanin's account.
Nazanin was prosecuted for murder and sentenced to hang. The verdict was apparently set aside by an ayatollah, and she is due to be retried tomorrow, January 10.
Wikipedia has the story here. A Canadian singer (and former Miss World runner-up) named Nazanin Afshin-Jam has taken up Nazanin Fatehi's case and has set up a web site called Help Nazanin. So far, over 250,000 signatures have been collected on an internet petition.
The Power Line guys are much more articulate than I am. Go read the whole thing. Follow the links. Help Nazanin.
Update at 20070109/20:43:
Apparently the age of eligibility for the death penalty in Iran is 15 for boys and 9 for girls. This is what happens when sharia law is elevated above secular law.
Anybody visiting here have a young daughter? Know someone who does? Pass them the link to this post by copying and pasting it into your email:
Update at 20070111/20:50:
From the Help Nazanin website updates page:
The court's decision: what Nazanin did was not premeditated murder. The judges added that the previous court's verdict was partly based on unreliable and inaccurate testimony.
The court did not go as far as staying the execution today. But the family expects a formal letter to that effect in the coming days.
Despite the absence of a formal repudiation today, this is very positive news, no doubt, and the family is quite hopeful.
Nazanin's lawyer, Shadi Sadr, said that we must remain cautious until the written verdict is provided in a few days time. Until we receive the written verdict in hand, we encourage everyone to sign the petition and spread awareness of the situation.
This isn't over and she's not out of the woods yet. Keep her in your prayers. And, if you haven't already, go sign the petition.
Update at 20070113/11:53:
Again, from the Help Nazanin website updates page:
Thank you to everyone who has been sending me such kind messages of encouragement and your eagerness to help. Nazanin Fatehi's written verdict has not been provided. It is anticipated to be given next week; therefore, it is not too late to have your voice heard. Go to the "what you can do" section. I am sorry that I am not able to answer all your individual posts at the moment as you can imagine it is quite a hectic time.
The Religion of Feminism24 October 2006
From Darleen's Place via MKH. A nice smackdown of some of the lies and hypocrisy coming from the defenders of the religion of intolerance.
Well, Ms. Yvonne, please list the Islamist countries where these Islamo-feminist women exist. Iran? Where they dangle sixteen year old girls by the neck for the crime of being a rape victim? Where "moral police" can accost and beat girls and women on the streets for showing a lock of hair or wearing fingernail polish?
Sweetheart, that's your Sharia. Islamic law uncontaminated by evil Western rule of law. Own it. Own it all. Including your "laughing" in derision about Vida Samadzai while remaining silent about the death threats she has received from your "feminist" co-religionists.
Go read the whole thing.
From the Religion of No Compulsion19 October 2006
From Jihad Watch:
Abdul Rahman, you may recall, converted from Islam to Christianity and was spirited to Italy when Afghanistan's brave new democratic government determined to obey Muhammad's command to kill those who leave Islam (cf. Bukhari 4.52.260). Now jihadists in Afghanistan are demanding his return in exchange for a kidnapped Italian journalist.
But remember, in Islam there is no compulsion in religion.
Hat tip: Michelle Malkin; and an apology to Charles Johnson of little green footballs for stealing his shtick in the header.


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ROUND ROCK, Tex. (WXIN) – A Texas teen faces life in prison after he allegedly mixed in some hash oil along with marijuana in a batch of pot brownies.
Jacob Lavoro, 19, faces a felony charge and five years to life in prison as punishment after cops busted him last month with a pound of weed, 1.5 pounds of the brownies, and 145 grams of hash oil.
Because he used hash oil in the brownies, prosecutors can aggregate the total weight of the treats in the charge, including the butter, milk, sugar and cocoa.
Solid weed would have meant a misdemeanor.
The former high school football player has an entirely clean record prior to his current charge.
"It's outrageous, it's crazy! I don't understand it," Joe Lavoro, Jacob's father, told KEYE outside the courtroom. "Five years to life? I'm sorry, I'm a law abiding citizen. I'm a conservative. I love my country. I'm a Vietnam veteran, but I'll be damned… This is wrong, this is damn wrong!"
The teen's lawyer was also stunned by the sentence.
"I've been doing this 22 years as a lawyer and I've got 10 years as a police officer and I've never seen anything like this before," Jack Holmes, Lavoro's lawyer, said.


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I pray & write poetry
Blossom Salman-Grade 11 learner from Vuyiseka High School
"I was born in Cape Town in 1999 and live with my family in Acacia Park in Lower Crossroads. My sister used to attend a youth club at Beautiful Gate and in 2015 I decided to find out more about what Beautiful Gate does. Because I love education I applied for the high school programme. Ever since I started attending the after school tutoring classes at Beautiful Gate it's been great, I can now also help other learners at school. Because of the challenges within the community and at school I overcome them through praying and writing poetry. I see myself with a degree in performing arts and media. There is so much I want to achieve and I am focused."
Crossroads Child
Welcome to a window into the lives and issues facing children in the Crossroads community on the outskirts of Cape Town, South Africa. Most of these stories centre around the children and families we work with at Beautiful Gate South Africa, a Christian non-profit organisation whose mission is to show God's love as we care for and protect children, empower and preserve families and mobilise our community to do the same.
February 2021


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You can't open a magazine, email or newspaper, without reading advice on what gifts to buy your guy. So, let's turn that advice on its head and talk about what NOT to buy the man in your life for Christmas. Getting inside the mind of your man is key to Christmas success on the gift-giving (I simply refuse to use "gifting" as a verb).
He Does Care
The apparently laid-back demeanour on the gift front is a swizz. Us guys do care what we get on Christmas day. We just don't feel that comfortable about giving you a list or dropping heavy hints. We think that such helpful direction comes across as needy, juvenile and materialistic. We also know that women are better at this kind of stuff (i.e. emotional consideration and planning). Ergo, we insist we don't want anything for Christmas or are simply "not bothered." So, taking us at our word here is the wrong thing to do. As if you wouldn't get him anything anyway!
Don't Force The Issue
You may feel the need to mould your man through the gift process. Avoid this urge as best you can. Examples of this would be: A DIY book for somebody who doesn't know a screwdriver from a hammer. A cook book for somebody who has issues competently boiling an egg or an 'Eat Clean' book for your man if he is partial to burger 'n' chips several times a week. These are remedial issues that are best addressed without such obvious prodding.
All Men Do Not Dig Power Tools
The ultimate in modern day rugged man is the ability to wield a power drill in a productive, non life-threatening manner. There are myriad workbenches (grrr, feel those guns), sanders, nail guns or jigsaws (confusing name for a Christmas gift) that are pushed upon unsuspecting men each year. Hint hint… As if by magic a replica of a Scandi design classic will be rustled up with some grunt and the new power tool – never going to happen. You will know by now if he likes power tools. The chances are he doesn't. Anyway, the recession is over, so we can all start using tradesmen again!
Anything Packaged In Threes
Nothing says I am crazy about you quite like a multi-pack of socks or underwear. They will undoubtedly contain one or possibly even two pairs of garish socks or boxers that nobody in their right mind would ever buy singly. The manufacturer has to move them on somehow. They don't exactly suggest romantic nights, more like dull practicality and we have enough of that in our lives already thanks.
Novelty Gifts
Yes, it seemed like a good idea at the time. Although you did have your doubts as the cashier was putting into a bag for you, but it was too late at that stage. Included in this list is anything that sings, novelty mugs, humorous boxer shorts/ties and man-child gifts. When he unwraps it on Christmas Day, the uproarious laughter you might be expecting will probably be replaced by a passing tumbleweed. Novelty gifts are best reserved for relationships of 6 months and under. It wouldn't have lasted anyway.
Shared Experiences
I actually love this idea and have used it. It just depends on what you choose to experience together. There is the "it's all about you" gift which may be two tickets to the Bear Grylls live show (the mind boggles as to what happens at these shows) or the "it's all about me and you can come too" gift such as a spa day at the local 5 star hotel. Both these scenarios can be hellish for the other party when the day comes. Men don't like having their feet touched and women don't like live shows that involve offal, so instead get a pair of weekend festival passes or a trip to a Michelin star restaurant. Just frame the gift in his favour on opening. Experiencing stuff over owning it is all the rage these days.
Handy Disclaimer: If you are giving any gifts that are on this list and you have kids, then credit them with the gifts. Children can give fathers anything with absolute impunity!


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Small Arms/Artillery Repairer (91F)
The small arms/artillery repairer is responsible for keeping a wide array of weapons — from small arms to field artillery and large ballistic missiles — operating properly.
Soldiers rely on their weapons to help maintain superiority on the battlefield. Although Soldiers are responsible for the upkeep of their own weapons, this repairer is the one who maintains and repairs our small arms and towed artillery.
As a Small Arms Towed Artillery Repairer, the Army will train you to repair and adjust a wide variety of arms.
This Military Occupational Specialty is open to enlisted men and women who are physically and mentally fit to perform the associated duties.
Testimonial on the assessment and selection of Soldiers for this MOS.
To become a Small Arms/Towed Artillery repairer, Soldiers must earn a qualifying score on the ASVAB, or Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test.
After completing 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training, Soldiers will receive 16 weeks of Advanced Individual Training at Fort Lee, Virginia.
While in AIT, Soldiers will spend both in the classroom and in the field.
Training begins with an overview of the terms and basic functioning of fire arms. You'll also train in the importance of preventative maintenance and the use of proper safety procedures.
Then, covering one weapon at a time, you'll train to assemble and disassemble, as well as adjust and repair many different weapons. Plus train in the maintenance and proper use of precision tools.
While the 9MM pistol, the M16A2, and M4 rifle are among the Army's more well-known weapons, you'll also train to maintain shotguns, sniper rifles, machine guns, mortars, and howitzers.
After your initial entry training and advanced individual training, you'll work supporting Army operations day or night where you may trouble shoot and correct malfunctions in all the weapons you covered in your training. Such as problems with loading, firing, and recoil.
In addition, you may inspect and maintain other aspects of weapons like their elevation systems and travel locks.
You may also check the tolerance of a 50 caliber machine gun, the wear on the barrel of an M16A2 rifle, or work with team members to repair larger firing support or suspension systems.
If you're working out of a vehicle, you'll be expected to maintain it and the tools you'll carry in it.
The training and skills that Soldiers acquire as a Small Arms/Towed Artillery Repairer can lead to positions of greater responsibility in the Army and will continue to benefit the Soldier after their service as they enter the civilian sector.
Soldiers depend on their weapons in training or combat, and their confidence depends on you.
Military Occupational Specialty – Small Arms Artillery Repairer.


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In the distance, a dog barked
What do Jackie Collins, William Faulkner, Dave Eggers, Virginia Woolf, and Steven King have in common? According to
Perhaps distant dogs are a way for novelists to wink at one another, at their extraordinary luck for being allowed into the publishing club. When an author incorporates a faceless barking dog into his novel, he's like an amateur at Harlem's Apollo Theater rubbing the Tree of Hope—he does it because so many others have done it before him, and it might just bring him some luck.
Some authors do this on purpose to great affect; others use it to buy time or cheat a mood. The article is a little tongue-in-cheek, but it reminds us to pay attention to our tics and make sure every word is there because it matters. Now I'm going to pay attention today–do I hear any dogs barking?


text: Politics / Charlie Crist Crist Could Be Key as Veep Pick Governor's strength in Fla. an important asset By Nick McMaster, Newser Staff Posted Jul 16, 2008 12:59 PM CDT Copied Potential McCain picks could include (clockwise from top left) Mitt Romney, Charlie Crist, Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine, Sen. Sam Brownback of Kansas and Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal. (AP Photo) View 2 more images (Newser) – Florida's importance in the general election can hardly be overstated, and his presumed ability to deliver it for the Republicans is at the heart of the case for popular governor Charlie Crist in the veepstakes, writes Chris Cillizza for the Washington Post. McCain may select a VP with more conservative bona fides, assuming he'll take Florida with or without Crist, but that could be a mistake. Conventional wisdom points to a solid Republican victory in 2004, and high numbers of Clinton supporters who may be unenthusiastic about Obama. But Democratic voter registration in the state has beat Republican efforts sevenfold this year, and Obama will use his financial advantage to flood Florida airwaves. With Crist securing the state, McCain could use that TV money in other battleground states. (Read more Charlie Crist stories.) View 2 more images


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Employee benefits
Working at State Transit has a number of advantages, including free and discounted travel, stable employment as a NSW Government agency and a range of career options including bus drivers, fleet and maintenance roles, apprenticeships, and safety roles.
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Variety of work
As a NSW Government agency, State Transit offers stable employment and a range of career options including; bus drivers, scheduling/rostering, Network Control Centre, fleet and maintenance, mechanic roles and apprenticeships, finance/IT, communications, HR, and safety roles.
Free and discounted travel
Full time and part time employees are entitled to an employee Opal pass to travel free on government bus, rail and ferry services. They are also entitled to some free and discounted family state and interstate rail travel (conditions apply) including the Indian Pacific and Ghan.
Salary and conditions
The starting pay for drivers as of June 2019 is $27.35 per hour ($1,039.60 per week) and $29.42 per hour ($1,118.10 per week) for drivers who have already obtained their Certificate III in Bus Operations.
Additional entitlements can include; shift penalties based on start/finish times and weekend and public holiday work, an allowance for driving articulated buses and special allowances for maintenance staff working at heights, in confined spaces and with hazardous materials.
Generous leave
We offer a range of leave options to support your lifestyle including:
- Annual leave, up to 5 weeks per year with up to 20% leave loading
- Up to 15 days of sick leave/carer's leave
- Eight weeks of extended (long service) leave after 10 years of service
- Up to 14 weeks of paid maternity or adoption leave, and up to 104 weeks of unpaid parental leave
- Option to purchase up to four weeks of additional leave over a 12 month period
- We also have a range of other leave available (e.g. bereavement leave, military leave, career break) to help support you and your family at times of need
State Transit is a Registered Training Organisation and provides accredited, job-based training and assessment to ensure our drivers and apprentices achieve competencies to the national industry standard. Training and development assistance includes; Bus Operator Traineeships (two years full-time or three years part-time), Body Builder and Motor Mechanic Apprenticeships (four years full time), study assistance and leave
Health and well-being
Our staff's health and well-being is important to us and benefits include; free yearly flu vaccinations, free Employee Assistance Program including phone and face to face counselling, free annual health checks, government Fitness Passport program (discounted gym memberships)
Benefits for Apprentices
We like to foster our own talent and there are a number of special benefits; tools, uniforms and PPE, TAFE fees for apprentices paid upfront, reimbursement for TAFE learning materials and textbooks, access to the Commonwealth Government's Trade Support Loan Scheme which supports apprentices with the cost of living and other incidental learning expenses (Australian Apprenticeships website), opportunity to become a permanent tradesperson through a merit selection process conducted within 12 months of completion.


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Suppose that humans happen to be so constructed that they desire the opportunity for freely undertaken productive work. Suppose that they want to be free from the meddling of technocrats and commissars, bankers and tycoons, mad bombers who engage in psychological tests of will with peasants defending their homes, behavioral scientists who can't tell a pigeon from a poet, or anyone else who tries to wish freedom and dignity out of existence or beat them into oblivion. – Noam Chomsky
When I was writing That Was the Week That Was (#3) I started thinking about the name of "The Physicians' Committee for Responsible Medicine", and how it cleverly forces its opponents to give it a compliment and essentially promote its own propaganda just by saying its name. As I explained in that column, the PCRM is "a fanatical animal-rights group with ties to PETA which relies primarily on scare tactics and gross-out ads in its continuing attempt to impose veganism on everyone, and less than 5% of its members are physicians." But because its name contains these positive, respectable words, one can't speak of opposing them without sounding to the uninitiated as though one opposes physicians or responsible medicine.
This is of course the same tactic employed by the prohibitionists; they call themselves "abolitionists" or "anti-trafficking activists" or the like, to imply that anyone who is against them is in favor of slavery. It's a cheap trick, but it does put one's opponents at a subtle disadvantage; that's why I refuse to use such terms. When it's an actual name I use initials wherever possible, and when it's a common descriptor I substitute my own; thus I call them "prohibitionists" rather than "abolitionists" (because they do in fact work for prohibition of something), and anti-prostitute or anti-sex worker activists rather than "anti-trafficking" or "anti-prostitution" activists. As Furry Girl rightly points out, anti-sex worker activists try to pretend they're not against people but rather practices and concepts, but in reality the laws and policies they advocate result in the persecution, marginalization, imprisonment, rape and death of actual human beings. They claim to be against ideas, but are really against people, and should be so labeled.
The day after I wrote that column, another good example of it turned up; an Anne Summers essay entitled "There is No Such Thing as a Pro-Life Feminist" appeared in The Age, and as I saw that title "tweeted" over a dozen times it began to sound ever more bizarre to me. Yes, I understand that Anne Summers was using the anti-abortion people's own preferred term, and that by "pro-life" she really meant "anti-abortion", so why didn't she just say "anti-abortion"? Why give them what they want? People who want something banned or outlawed (whether it be meat, prostitution or abortion) need to be described as "anti" whatever it is, not "pro" some vague positive concept like "responsibility", "equality" or "life". Summers' title makes it sound as though she's actually calling her fellow feminists mass murderers or something. If feminists aren't pro-life, what does that make them? Anti-life?
The late, great Jack Kirby was a prolific comic book writer and artist from the 1930s to the 1980s who created many well-known characters including Captain America, the Hulk, Iron Man and the Fantastic Four. But one of his most intriguing creations was the godlike supervillain Darkseid, ruler of an evil planet named Apokolips. All of Darkseid's complex machinations were aimed toward one end: the discovery of a mysterious formula called the "Anti-Life Equation", which he believed was somehow hidden in the minds of humans. Despite what you might think, this equation was not a death ray or anything like that (Darkseid already had one of those, the "Omega Force"), but rather a means of destroying all free will and controlling every sentient being. Kirby understood (as "pro-life" fanatics, opponents of assisted suicide and others of their ilk do not) that for a sentient being, "life" is not mere biochemical function but rather the capacity to make one's own decisions. To "live" in the biological sense while being denied volition, agency and the control of one's own body and mind is not to be a man or woman; it is to be the equivalent of a cabbage or a sponge, a thing without freedom, dignity or humanity. It is not life at all, and anyone who opposes the right of human beings to make their own choices, no matter what lying excuse he gives, is therefore anti-life.
Kirby is said to have intended Darkseid to be the apotheosis of every power-mad tyrant there ever was, so one might say there is a little bit of him in every petty dictator on Earth. Every prohibitionist, moralist, crypto-moralist, lawhead, control freak, cop and politician; every censor who wants to prohibit certain substances, sex acts, ideas, tools, words, images or types of clothing; every busybody who wants to deny others the right to privacy, self-defense, profit, free movement or free association; every official or "concerned citizen" who thinks it's his job to tell others what to eat, watch, read, think, say and do; and every costumed ape who thinks he has the right to brutalize the bodies, steal the property and control the movements of those without a costume, has in his mind a minute fragment of the anti-life equation. It doesn't matter whether they claim to be "pro-life", "pro-woman", "pro-law", "pro-safety", "pro-family", "pro-health", "pro-morality", "pro-equality", "pro-Homeland", "pro-nature", "pro-God" or pro-anything else, because in reality they're all anti-choice and anti-freedom, and therefore anti-life.
One Year Ago Today
"An Educated Idiot" presents a study of street prostitution in New York City by a sociologist who, while he seems to sincerely want to get at the truth, has to be among the most credulous people on Earth.


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Residual Sum Of Squares (Rss)
Measures the overall difference between actual data and the values predicted by an estimation model. The differences are squared and then added. It represents unexplained variation – a smaller RSS means that the model fits the data well. Also called the Sum of Squared Errors of prediction (SSE).


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It's three weeks since I last posted my progress on my Flower Lattice. It's a design by Di van Niekirk which uses ribbon embroidery and stumpwork. I've done a little ribbon embroidery before, but I've never tried stumpwork, so I'm learning lots to say the least!
This was my progress three weeks ago, I had just finished my second diamond;
I've not managed much this time, but I have stitched a bit. We've just started major decorations and work on our house, so in the last couple of weeks I've painted one room (ceiling and woodwork today!) stripped wallpaper off another two rooms, prepped another… hopefully by the beginning of summer I will have redecorated eight rooms, have new doors and floors and be all sorted, back to normal…the chaos when you start decorating is just not conducive to sitting peacefully embroidering!
Panel three is 'a lily, narcissus & a ladybird'. I'm trying to be strict with myself and stitch them in the order of the book, so I don't start with all my favourite ones and leave the tricky looking ones to the end!
The lily is meant to be stitched with silk organza ribbon, I've only got the normal silk ribbon, so I used that instead. My silk ribbon was quilt a bright orange, rather than the rich copper shown in the book. I decided to try overdying it with my silk paints, I added some deep pink to a drop of water in a plastic cup and dunked my ribbon in it, gave it a swish and then ironed it dry to set it. I'm pleased with the result, it's just softened the orange. It's not quite as bright as it looks in the photo, but it's probably more tiger-lily than copper coloured!
The buds were stitched first, followed by the main flower and then the leaves. The centre of the flower is filled with french knots and pistil stitches. The long stamen is a cake decorating one. The book showed one big one which was stuck in with a dab of glue, I didn't fancy that method. I used a smaller one, dipped it in very dark brown silk paint and allowed it to dry thoroughly before I folded it in half, made a hole in the fabric with the biggest chenille needle I could find before threading the stamens through the hole. I just secured them with a few stitches at the back.
At the moment it's not my favorite flower, but hopefully the daffodils and the ladybird will tone it down a bit! Maybe the cute little ladybird will take centre stage!
The next step is to embroider the basket which the plant sits in, it has like a woven effect using whipped spider web stitches…so that's another one to learn!
Tomorrow it's my Embroiderers Guild meeting so I'm planning to take it with me to stitch on in the morning, so hopefully next month you'll see more progress.
There's quite a few of us taking part in the stitch-a-long now, all around the world. It's organised by Avis, so if you fancy joining in just drop her a line. Everyone will hopefully be posting today so why not have a look what everyone else is creating at the moment.
- Avis at http://sewingbesidethesea.wordpress.com
- Claire at http://claire93.wordpress.com
- Gun at http://rutigt.wordpress.com
- Carole at http://aslightobsessionwithbooks.wordpress.com
- LucyAnn at https://lucyannluna.wordpress.com
- Jess at https://everthecrafter.wordpress.com
- Sue at http://sewingmagpie.blogspot.com
- Constanze at https://textiledreamer.wordpress.com
- DebbieRose at https://sewrosey.wordpress.com
- Christina at https://petalsandpins.wordpress.com
- Susan at http://susanpblog.wordpress.com
- Kathy at https://livinginrapidcity.wordpress.com
- Kate at https://talltalesfromchiconia.wordpress.com/
- Cindy at http://homeofaflossjunkie.blogspot.com
- Helen at http://stitchingranny.wordpress.com
- Steph at https://mymakingdoadventure.wordpress.com
- Linda blogs at http://lindascr8tions.wordpress.com
- Catherine blogs at http://hillviewembroidery.com
- Wendy at https://thecraftersapprentice.blogspot.co.uk/


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A new study recently published in the journal Diabetologia revealed that a sedentary lifestyle is linked to an increased risk of developing diabetes in overweight individuals. The study is entitled "The impact of lifestyle intervention on sedentary time in individuals at high risk of diabetes."
The Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) is a multicenter clinical research study conducted between 1996 and 1999 that compared two different interventions and a placebo group with the goal of reducing the risk of developing diabetes. One intervention was based on modest weight loss through a lifestyle change based on diet and increased physical activity, while the other one was based on treatment with the diabetes drug metformin. Participants were all at high risk of diabetes being overweight, with high blood sugar levels and having insulin resistance. Researchers found that individuals who experience a modest weight loss through a lifestyle intervention had a significant reduction (58%) in the likelihood of developing diabetes compared to the control group. Individuals under metformin treatment also reduced the risk of developing diabetes although less dramatically (31%).
In the present study, researchers assessed data from the DPP research study to assess whether the lifestyle intervention (including increased physical activity) also had an impact on the time spent by the individuals in sedentary periods and its possible link to diabetes development.
Researchers analyzed data from 3,232 DPP participants. Sedentary behavior was evaluated through a questionnaire specifically focused on the time spent watching television or in combination with sitting at work.
The research team found that individuals in the lifestyle intervention group watched less television and had a reduced sedentary behavior in comparison to participants under metformin treatment or in the placebo group. Researchers also found a correlation between diabetes risk and the time spent watching television, where the diabetes risk was estimated to increase by 2.1% per each hour spent watching television after adjusting the results for age, sex, physical activity and weight.
The authors concluded that sedentary behavior is linked to a higher risk for diabetes development and suggest that lifestyle intervention programs should highlight the importance of reducing the time spent watching television and other similar sedentary behaviors while encouraging an increase in physical activity.
The study has however been criticized, as reported in a news release, due to its limitations, suggesting that the results may not be reliable as other risk factors were not taken into account, namely smoking, family history of diabetes or the use of other medications. Furthermore, all participants were at a high risk of developing diabetes and do not represent the general population.