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In 2011 there is to be a Census in the UK. It's time for Pagans of ALL paths to be counted.
In 2001 we were able for the first time, to write in our religious affiliation on the Census form. A campaign was started by a number of diverse groups to write Pagan in the 'religion other' section. Whilst in the main people did, we lost the individual path identity and some resented this. Furthermore, due to the way the Office of National Statistics counts religious affiliation responses, Pagans ended up having our number diluted across a number of categories. Even though many wrote Pagan, the campaign didn't reach all Pagans. This means that every time we are asked the question 'how many of you are there?' we cannot come back with a simple answer.
This doesn't need to happen!
The ONS wants to count us. They have a 'mandate of inclusion' which means they are looking for ways to include us in their figures. Looking at the raw data that was provided last time to us gave us some startling insights. However, as mentioned, by just writing Pagan on your form, we lose the data for various paths, and our diversity — but there is a simple solution — one that's worked elsewhere.
In Australia in 2001 there were 10,000 Pagans in the census. Just 5 years later, with this initiative, their numbers are being counted as nearer 70,000. So if we can do the same here, and get more accurate numbers it will go a long way to getting the recognition we have fought for, and deserve.
All you need to do is put down your religion as:
Pagan — [insert your chosen path]
Some examples:
Pagan — Druid
Pagan — Wiccan
Pagan — Witch
Pagan — Heathen
Pagan — Neo-Shaman
Why do we need to 'Stand up and be counted?'
For too long we have known that there are significant numbers of people who identify as Pagan. The estimates have been from 20,000 to 140,000 or more. But we've never had any really accurate figures for a number of historical reasons. We now have the chance to know just how many of us are there. Why do we need to know?
In the 2001 census some 30,000 people wrote Pagan. An additional 10,000 Pagans wrote their path specifically (Druid, Wiccan, witch etc.). Combined, this made us the 7th largest faith in the UK. While this number is significant, in the course of speaking to Pagans at various moots, events etc, we found there were approximately only 1 in 5 who had expressed their beliefs. This leaves a significant number not accounted for, or even counted. As a further problem the Heathens were originally counted with the Atheists in the results — which did not please them one bit!
If the Office of National Statistics has our true numbers:
We can then be officially recognized as a serious religious choice,
The government can see that we vote and there are enough of us to make a difference,
Pagan organizations can show they are representative,
We can achieve more representation within the local and wider community,
Pagan organizations will have credibility when dealing with both businesses and the government to provide the services you need.
This means it will be easier for us to be heard, our religious / spiritual sensitivities taken into account - and especially at those times when it is really important - in hospitals and hospices, for our children in schools, in the military and police and other places of work, in courts and prisons, when dealing with social workers and health visitors, at times when we face prejudice and discrimination.
So, what can you do to help?
- Tell your friends!
- Get your Pagan organization involved
- Bring it up at your next moot
- Put a link on your website to PaganDash
- Give us your ideas about how to get the word out
Friday, 12 March 2010
Pagan census initiative
3 comments:
- Archdruid Eileen said...
I like it. Will be encouraging all our people to post "Christian - Beaker".
- 12 March 2010 at 10:52
- Fog Patches. said...
I fail to see the need for Pagan Dash. It's number envy and an attempt to grab funding.
"The government can see that we vote and there are enough of us to make a difference"
People vote with their pockets not with their pentacle.
"Pagan organizations can show they are representative"
Pagan organisations aren't representative now. Official statistics won't change that. They'll just get a sophist argument whereby they can claim to represent particular numbers of people whereas the question of their mandate to represent pagans won't go away. Pagan organisations don't have a mandate to represent pagans. They aren't political parties or trade unions. Pagan organisations are in it for themselves, their glory and their gain. Special interest groups like Pagans For Archaeology are a different kettle of fish altogether, with articulated, measurable goals which don't rely on nebulous concepts like "respect" and "recognition" and certainly aren't asking for taxpayer funds.
"We can achieve more representation within the local and wider community"
More recognition headed by the likes of these are the last thing pagans need if they wish to be regarded as a credible voice in the marketplace of ideas.
"This means it will be easier for us to be heard, our religious / spiritual sensitivities taken into account - and especially at those times when it is really important - in hospitals and hospices, for our children in schools, in the military and police and other places of work, in courts and prisons, when dealing with social workers and health visitors, at times when we face prejudice and discrimination."
Shoal of red herring.
In hospitals and hospices dangling dreamcatchers and visits by someone whose beliefs are as different from our own as Christian and Muslims won't make any difference to our care. Doctors, nurses, family and friends are what's important at these times.
Our children may attend school already. We pay taxes for this. What do Pagan Dash want here? Children's names to be read out at register suffixed with their religion? "Danny Smith. Wiccan". Don't most people send their children to school that they may learn, rather than have their believes reinforced? Schools are there to educate If Pagan Dash want to set up pagan schools then they may do so already. Government allows this. All that the pagan media barons need do is stump up some money before the general taxpayer does.
"in the military and police and other places of work, in courts and prisons, when dealing with social workers and health visitors, at times when we face prejudice and discrimination."
If people feel wronged at any of these places then it's because they're asking for unfair exceptions to be made for them. If you want a day off work at your religious festival then take a day's leave - it's what everyone else does. There's no "discrimination" against pagans in any of these places except that pagans ask for it - discrimination and illegitimate prejudice are not the same thing. If your child is at school then they're there to be educated. If you're in court or prison then you're there to fulfil your responsibility to society and not to parade your religious beliefs. If you're a social worker or a health visitor then your work is important enough already and your religious beliefs make no difference to how well you do that job.
The views in this post may not be popular with everybody but if pagans have free speech then it's fair to point out the counterarguments. They sum to this; our ancestors fought hard for our right to democracy so why should we give our taxes to those unelected people who claim to represent and to lead us? Think twice before lending your name and your official approval to somebody else's agenda which don't necessarily coincide with your own despite what they shout from the hustings.
What's this got to do with archaeology, anyway?
- 12 March 2010 at 21:53
- Yewtree said...
What's this got to do with archaeology, anyway?
Nothing, but I do post things of general interest to Pagans on here sometimes.
- 1 June 2010 at 04:33


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CIA inspector general to resign this month
The internal watchdog for the Central Intelligence Agency, David Buckley, will resign at the end of January. Buckley was the key figure behind a report on allegations that the CIA spied on senators trying to investigate its post-9/11 torture techniques.
News of his resignation came Monday from the CIA. According to a statement released by the agency, Buckley – who has served as the inspector general for more than four years – has been planning to leave his position for months, and is leaving to accept a position in the private sector.
"Mr. Buckley's departure has been in the works for months," said CIA spokesman Ryan Trapani, as quoted by the Huffington Post. "After a long and distinguished career in public service, he is pursuing an opportunity in the private sector and there are no reasons for leaving other than that."
My thanks to CIA Inspector General David Buckley, who will soon depart CIA. He served with distinction and integrity. http://t.co/IIWyNkw9vm
— Sen Dianne Feinstein (@SenFeinstein) January 5, 2015
It's very rare that an inspector general's resignation makes headlines, but Buckley's departure comes after what turned out to be a very rocky year for the CIA. Not only did the Senate Intelligence Committee finally release its long-awaited report on the torture techniques used on suspected terrorists and other militants, but lawmakers investigating the issue also accused the CIA of hacking into their computers in an attempt to stall or prohibit the report's publication.
That last allegation resulted in harsh words from Congress, sparking an internal investigation into the matter led by Buckley.
READ MORE:CIA accused of spying on Congress over torture report
When Buckley's report was released in July 2014, it found that several CIA employees – three technology officers and two lawyers – wrongfully hacked or gained access to computer networks used by Senate researchers. It also found that the CIA improperly read Senate emails, specifically noting that officials "acted in a manner inconsistent with the common understanding" with lawmakers.
Despite these conclusions, the accountability panel installed by the CIA in order to determine punishment will not discipline the officials involved, a New York Times report stated in December.
Speaking with Reuters, the American Civil Liberties Union and other civil liberties groups were downbeat about Buckley's departure.
"The CIA inspector general is one of the few people who has tried to impose some accountability on the CIA at a time when the White House and many in Congress are failing to do their oversight jobs," said the ACLU's Christopher Anders.
CIA inspector general David Buckley's exit 'unrelated to politics' http://t.co/EEOAVgPNW2
— Ramy Jabbar رامي (@Ramdog1980) January 5, 2015
Danielle Brian, the executive director of the Project on Government Oversight, told the news agency that considering Buckley's report on the CIA's behavior, "the lack of repercussions is very troubling and his departure so soon afterwards is troublesome."
The same day that Buckley's resignation was announced, Senate Intelligence Committee Chairwoman Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) sent a letter to President Barack Obama recommending ways to prevent the United States from employing torture again in the future. In addition to proposing legislative fixes for the issue, Feinstein suggested that the CIA director order that all future covert actions undertaken by the agency be reported to the inspector general.
READ MORE:Udall urges CIA chief to resign for stifling torture probe
Regarding Buckley's resignation, she said "it is critically important to have a strong, independent inspector general at the CIA due to the nature of the work done there, and Mr. Buckley filled the role admirably."
"I look forward to the president's nomination of a new IG and swift consideration by the Intelligence Committee," she added.
CIA director John Brennan said Buckley "demonstrated independence, integrity, and sound judgment in promoting efficiency, effectiveness, and accountability." The White House, meanwhile, called him "a tremendous partner."

subset: commoncrawl


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Shanghai Masters: Ding Junhui & Xiao Guodong reach final
Last updated on .From the section Snooker
Ding Junhui will take on Xiao Guodong in the first ever world ranking final between two Chinese players at the Shanghai Masters on Sunday.
Ding, the world number 12, followed up Friday's victory against world number one Neil Robertson with a 6-2 win over England's Barry Hawkins.
The 26-year-old is looking to win the seventh ranking event of his career.
Xiao earlier beat Englishman Michael Holt 6-3 as both men made their first appearances in a ranking semi-final.
Ding took the first two frames against Hawkins and, although the Kent left-hander easily claimed the third, 2-1 soon became 4-1.
A break of 90 was enough to give Hawkins frame six and pull it back to 4-2, but any respite was brief, with Ding taking the next two comfortably.
"I'm happy to be in the final as it's not often I play to such a good level at tournaments held in China," Ding told World Snooker.
"Xiao is in top form and nobody knows what's going to happen tomorrow. Everyone knows that he will clear up and win frames when he's given chances and his safety has been great as well.
"He's been playing against tough players and won all his four matches. Not every time a higher ranked player wins, and the trophy doesn't always go to a top eight player."
In the second semi-final Xiao, ranked 39th, moved into a 3-1 lead with breaks of 64 and 96 before Holt hit back with efforts of 113 and 65.
It was the home player who dominated from 3-3, however, the 24-year-old rattling in a break of 111 and securing victory with a superb 127.
"I'm confident now and I'm going to lift the trophy tomorrow, whoever I'm going to play," said Xiao, who is based in Gloucester and coached by Terry Griffiths.
"This is what I've been desperate to do for years. It's not done if I lose. I have one more match to play, which will be my biggest stage in my career."
Holt turned professional in 1996, and the 35-year-old said: "I've got to take the positives out of this week but I'm disappointed because I thought I could have won it. I have proved that I can play out there."


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some vs few
I do not understand a recent grammar point. To explain that the following sentence is wrong: "Kevin Connors has some minutes of free time before his meeting with his Chinese contact", it is written: "We only use 'some' to qualify uncountable nouns. " and then a few lines after, there are examples with plural nouns: "some animals". In the Robert &Collins, there are also some examples: "there are some children outside" Someone could explain me: can we use "some" with countable nouns or not?


text:
Copyright © 2015. | Metro Appliance Service LLC | All Rights Reserved
Home Services Contact Us (949) 229 1107
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Every day, people across the country count on refrigerators to keep food fresh. Refrigerators are one of the most heavily-used appliances in the home, helping maintain food quality for healthy lifestyles. When refrigerators stop working, big problems and even bigger headaches can ensue. Stored food can quickly spoil, causing expensive waste and foul odors in the home. When refrigerators break down, where can you turn?
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This section contains 386 words
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The Firm Summary & Study Guide Description
The Firm Summary & Study Guide includes comprehensive information and analysis to help you understand the book. This study guide contains the following sections:
This detailed literature summary also contains Related Titles and a Free Quiz on The Firm by John Grisham.
The Firm is the story of Mitch McDeere's employment with the Bendini, Lambert, and Locke law firm. Mitch is a young, ambitious man who recently graduated from Harvard law school. Having excelled in his law program and possessing a strong character, he is recruited by the exclusive firm. The firm promises him a lifestyle that he and his wife, Abby, had never dreamed was possible. The firm provides them with a BMW, low rate mortgage, sign-on bonus, a cash bonus for passing the bar exam, study aid for the bar exam and continuing education following it, the use of a corporate jet and international accommodations, and it repays all of Mitch's outstanding student loans. All of these "perks" are in addition to a great salary and guaranteed partnership in ten to fifteen years. Mitch and Abby are lured by the instant lifestyle upgrade. They are quickly disillusioned by what comes along with the benefits.
Employment with the firm is meant to be permanent, and some of the previous partners have died under mysterious circumstances at fairly young ages. Mitch can't help but wonder what is in store for him. As the story unfolds, Mitch learns that he is being followed and all of his conversations are recorded. The surveillance extends beyond his office and into his car and home. Mitch is approached by an FBI agent, Wayne Tarrance, who would like Mitch to cooperate with FBI officials to infiltrate the Bendini law firm. He informs Mitch that the law firm has ties with the Moroltos, a mafia family known for its criminal activity. The FBI suspects that the Bendini firm is a front for the Morolto's illegal activities and money laundering. Mitch agrees to help covertly. He makes and supplies thousands of photocopies of secret internal documents to the FBI, risking his life to do so. Along the way he is aided by Abby as well as his other friends,Tammy and Barry. The law firm's head of security, DeVasher, has suspicions about Mitch's behavior. He makes plans to eliminate Mitch. Mitch escapes just in time and becomes the subject of an inter-state chase with both the FBI and private surveillance teams following him. Mitch and Abby do escape, along with Mitch's brother, Ray, and the FBI successfully prosecutes the Bendini employees.
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Garden Blogs of the Month: July 2012
Another month has rolled around, the garden is in high gear, and so is the garden blogosphere. When I checked the blogs newly listed at Blotanical in the month of June, I was amazed at both the quantity and the quality, making it difficult to narrow my focus to just a few. In the end, I chose three to highlight as garden blogs of the month.
Reed's Garden Ramblings is the newest blog in this grouping, only a few weeks old, but author Reed Pugh has already set a high standard for quality of content. Reed is a professional landscape designer who works and gardens in the US suburbs of Boston, Massachusetts, and his blog posts draw on both professional knowledge and personal experience. Some of his posts chronicle what is currently happening in his garden; others provide portraits of favorite plants, including trees. His post on Some of My Perennial BFFs is a great way to get to know both him and his garden. What I appreciate most about this blog, however, is Reed's talent for explaining basic garden science in a clear and engaging way. I would recommend his post on mulch (Mulch? This Is Not Mulch!) to anyone with questions or confusion about that topic, and I found his explanation of Garden Degree Days (in Ticks, bugs and disease, Oh my!), a concept that was new to me, both useful and intriguing. Only a few days after I first found my way to Reed's Garden Ramblings, this blog has become a go-to source for garden information that I trust.
|Ursula's Cambridge Garden is another blog that is only a few weeks old, this one focused on the author's home garden and allotment in Cambridge, England. The "About" page on this blog is a must-read; it provides not just a brief biographical introduction, but a statement of gardening philosophy:
I am a completely organic gardener, and, as I live in one of the driest counties in England, I am attempting to grow only plants that can tough it out through drought conditions….I do not artificially irrigate my garden at all, except to water my few pots with my watering can. This is a very fascinating challenge – nerve racking if the rain takes ages to arrive, but very gratifying. Somehow the fact that your plants have survived without artificial watering gives you a feeling of pride – like seeing your children out in the world, fending for themselves….
Ursula's blog focuses primarily on happenings in her garden, but it also includes occasional forays out into the larger gardening world. Her review of the show gardens at this year's Chelsea Flower Show (Off to the Chelsea Flower Show) was the most interesting and engaging I've read, giving me a sense both of individual gardens and of larger trends in the world of high-level garden design. It made me wish I had Ursula by my side when I visited the Chelsea Garden Show more than a decade ago! I look forward to reading more about her own plants and gardening experiences and her reflections on gardening more generally.
Sunil's Garden, another UK garden blog about the personal gardening experience of a gardener in Cambridgeshire, was begun last September and is a more established blog than the other two. In it, Sunil Patel chronicles the development of his first garden, which he characterizes in the blog's subtitle as "a tiny plot crammed with flowers." The very first post, about planting 1000 snowdrops, gives some sense of just how crammed! Sunil is an IT professional when he's not in the garden, so it's not surprising that this blog is beautifully organized. The home page includes a menu of links to both gardening and non-gardening information. Click on the "gardening" link, and you get a drop-down menu that includes a page on the characteristics of the garden, another on the back story and history of the garden, a plant list, and portraits of a few "special plants." I have not yet read every word of this blog, but I probably will; Sunil's writing style is very engaging, and I find myself scrolling from one post to the next, unable to tear myself away. Visiting this blog is like repeated visits to the developing garden of a talented friend.
If you're looking for some excellent garden reading, check out these blogs; they're a special treat.
July 7, 2012 2:35 pm
I will be sure to check these out Jean…they do sound intriguing. Thx!!
July 7, 2012 2:38 pm
Oh, Jean; that's a really lovely review of my blog. Thank you for the kind and encouraging comments. I hope you have an enjoyable time reading through my posts and I hope to keep you and others returning for more! Sunil
July 7, 2012 3:06 pm
Thanks again for some wonderful suggestions, Jean! These blogs sound like they are full of great content and terrific photos. Will check them all out in detail soon….
July 7, 2012 5:07 pm
I can't imagine how much time you must spend sorting through blogs to bring us your excellent recommendations. Thank you seems too small a gesture, but it will have to do.
July 9, 2012 8:21 am
Great recommendations Jean. I had to take a look at the mulch post and it was very interesting, I don't often think of mulch as contributing to my soil development.
July 9, 2012 10:24 am
As always, thanks for links to some great new blogs!
July 9, 2012 12:31 pm
I stumbled across Reed's blog as you did on the Blotanical site and forwarded his link to my daughter who lives in his area, Her garden is infested with a bug problem similar to those that Reed deals with in his blog.
July 9, 2012 2:50 pm
Jean, I'm looking forward to digging into these three very interesting blogs!
July 10, 2012 6:58 am
Hello Jean, I don't know anyone else who does this as good as you do. I just paid Sunil a visit.


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Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes Trek
My name is Annalisa, I'm a 33 yr. old, Italian female. I'm looking for trekking companions to do the Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes Trek or Manaslu Circuit Trek. I'll arrive in Kathmandu on 22 November, so I would like to start the trek around 23/24 november. I plan to do the trek in 14-18 days to have enough time to enjoy the surroundings. I'm planning to fly back on the 13 of december. I am reasonoble fit and I have some trekking expercience; I never been to Nepal but has been always a dream.
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The English Language Canon Powershot A800 owner's manual / operating instructions (Canon calls it the "PowerShot A800 Camera User Guide") is now online and available for download at Canon.com (right-click and save the user guide to your hard drive).
If the download link for the A800 user manual didn't work for you, go to the Brochures & Manuals download section for the A800 and manually locate the file PSA800_CUG_EN.pdf.
Unlike with Nikon, Canon allows you to freely print the Powershot A800 owner's handbook without building in any password protection into the PDF. There is a watermark displayed on each page though, and re-saving or copying portions of the manual does require a password.
The file size of 148-page Canon A800 Adobe Acrobat PDF document is 7.9 MB (megabytes).
The guide discusses the features of the A800 and how to use the camera.
You'll find details of optional accessories for the A800 on pages 32 through 34. Two examples are:
- High-Power Flash HF-DC1
- AC Adapter Kit ACK800, which consists of Compact Power Adapter CA-PS800, DC Coupler and Power Cord. This allows you to use household electrical power source if you intend to use the A800 for an extended period of time. Note that this kit cannot be used to charge a battery in the camera, and the DC Coupler DR-DC10 (available at Adorama) is required to connect the AC adapter kit to the camera.
- AVC-DC300 A/V Cable — Lets you connect the camera to a TV for shooting and viewing images.
- CBK4-300 Rechargeable Battery and Charger Kit, which includes Battery Charger CB-5AH and four NB-3AH rechargeable NiMH (nickel metal hydride) batteries. The A800 manual recommends purchasing Canon CBK4-200 Rechargeable Battery and Charger Kit and Canon NB4-300 Battery Pack if you're looking for alternatives.
Here's a list of related photography tips, books, DVDs and media that you might want to refer to for a tutorial-based approach to learning how to take great digital photos with the Canon A800:
- A couple of general pointers in Photography Tips.
- Digital Photography Secrets — Starts off with a free e-course on the basics of great photography.
- Popular Canon A800 books and other printed literature and reading material in the Arts & Photography and Books section on Amazon.com.
- DVDs on Photography and Photography Tutorials.


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Mumbai: You may have to pay up to Rs.20 for every ATM withdrawal if the number of such transactions from your own bank exceeds five a month, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said Thursday.
For transactions from the ATMs of other banks, the allowance of free withdrawal is three times, as opposed to five times now, after which one may have to pay a fee.
"Taking into account the scope for cross-subsidisation and with a view to ensuring more transparency in pricing of such transactions, banks have been advised to provide their savings bank account holders with at least five free transactions per month at their own ATM," the apex bank said.
This will apply for transactions done at ATMs located in the six metro centres, namely, Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore and Hyderabad which are well-served in terms of payment infrastructure.
This reduction will not apply to customers with no-frills, small or basic savings accounts, as also for transactions at ATMs outside the six metro centres.
Banks can also offer free transactions above the mandated limit.
"The number of mandated free transactions for savings bank account holders at other bank ATMs has been reduced from five to three per month."
The central bank said the step was taken since access to ATMs had vastly improved in the six metro cities, even as there were costs associated with providing such facilities.
Another objective was to move away from micro-management of business decision taken by banks while protecting the interests of the weaker sections of the society.
As per data provided by the central bank, the number of ATMs had increased from 27,000 as at end-March 2007 to over 160,000 across the country by end-March 2014.
The point-of-sale infrastructure, or loosely a bank office serving customers and equipped with a computer, increased from 320,000 to nearly 1.1 million during this perios.
"It is, however, observed that the development of other payment mechanisms and related infrastructure is more visible in metro areas in the country."
According to a banking official, it was already costing banks Rs.15 per ATM transaction. A burden of another Rs.5 was added after they were asked to post a security guards outside ATM booths after a spate of daring robberies.
The Reserve Bank said banks were free to adopt pro-customer policy on ATM usage. But to minimise hardship, banks had to make customers aware of the location-status of the ATM and the charges.
"Banks have also been asked to put in place mechanisms to advise, alert customers regarding the number of free transactions availed during the month by him/her."
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November 2016
Amazing Booth...
I wanted to thank you for the amazing booth you provided at Sarah's wedding last night. Everyone had a great time, and the guest book is full of photos. Sarah and Ben were definitely surprised! Thanks again, it was wonderful.
Sharon T
Happy couple Married on September
November 2016
I can't thank you enough...
I can't thank you enough for the amazing service you and your team provided. The photo booth went down a storm, and the guest book is brilliant.
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90 Paul St, London, Greater London, EC2A 4NE, England
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Describe your style in 5 adjectives.
Professional, Reliable, Trusted, Fun and Affordable
What about your business are you most proud of?
Watching our clients having a great time in our photo booths.
What is your No. 1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Hunt around for a great value deal, and do not be afraid to ask for a discount.
Describe your typical process with a couple.
We try to make booking as simple as possible. We have a lot of information on our website, and provide detailed quotes tailored to our clients needs.
What is your No. 1 top tip for keeping a crowd entertained?
Hire a photo booth!
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This new ranch-style model home includes an inviting great room, an elegant dining room and a thoughtfully designed kitchen with quartz countertops, stainless-steel appliances and a roomy walk-in pantry. The luxurious owner's suite offers a walk-in closet and a barn door that opens to a well-appointed bath. You'll also appreciate the quiet study and centrally located laundry room. Includes a welcoming covered patio.
Mon.– Thur., 10 am – 6 pm
Fri., 12 pm – 6 pm
Sat., 10 am – 6 pm
Sun., 11 am – 6 pm
2056 Amberly Drive
Middleburg, FL 32068


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Are you interested in creating or adopting your very personal digital pet? From Tamagotchi to Nintendogs, there is something essentially bizarre about creating a fake little animal that we are meant to generate an emotional connection to. It will get even more out there, although, as a result of we do get connected to them. SPORT FEATURES: – Speak to Charlie and he'll repeat every little thing you say in a funny voice – All the play makes the pet hungry so make sure you feed him – This funny canine loves getting soiled so it's a must to ensure you bathe him as nicely – Play gown up games with the puppy.
For those who're into fishes and aquatic creatures, you can grow quite a lot of aquatic creatures proper on your Android system with the Aqua Pets app. Feeding, playing with, and cleaning up the poop of digital animals are all actions that can work their way into our lives in meaningful and severe ways. As with most digital pet video games, you will need coins to purchase food and activities to your personal Cthulhu.
I have a lot enjoyable with the video games, and caring for him is super rewarding. Holding your virtual pet clean, by sweeping up his poo with the slider, will preserve him comfortable. My Om Nom gives you simply that – your own Om Nom (or Om Nelle if it's a lady) to maintain. You'll have to feed it, play with it commonly, give it baths, and brush its tooth, just so you may maintain the little critter completely happy and growing.
His answer to "digital pet fatigue" is a $25 annual subscription that lets users swap out virtual pets from the shelter's collection. So I made a decision to open up my very own shelter-for digital pets," Jarecki informed Crave by way of e-mail. The app also works like a real tamagotchi. There are as many as 45 mini-games to play. It would need some very primary cares, such as often feeding it a drumstick or giving it a ball to play, but most of the time, it will just stroll around your screen and stay out of your means.
If your pet's health or happiness is low, and he has a tragic or sick face, then you in all probability want to scrub up or feed him. You will want to care for your fish and make them comfortable. Concerned Digimon-like battling digital pets. Each day Kitten" is a nice digital pet sport. In full contrast with Cthulhu Virtual Pet, we've My Boo – a colorful little virtual pet sport that lets you take care of a bit of blob of joy.


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Help Your Chickens Beat the Heat
Is your chicken yard and coop suitable to sustain the well-being of your flock during the summer months? It's essential to prepare for extreme heat, or your birds may suffer from heat exhaustion. Sun is the #1 enemy to confined chickens, especially in small quarters. In Phoenix, extreme temperatures will reach 115+ degrees, and we must take special precautions to help our chickens fair well.
Remember, happy chickens fill the egg basket, agitated chickens acquire behavioral issues, are low producers, or may stop laying altogether. Here's what you can do to keep your chickens happy and healthy this summer…
Suitable Housing
It's not that hard to accommodate the basic needs of chickens in hot weather, with a little effort on your part they will fair well. First of all, cramped housing, even in partial sun can be a death sentence. If your coop is too small, the easiest way to give them more room is to build a large enclosure around the coop.
I can't' stress enough, the more space the better.
Coop Location / Shade / Natural Behavior
Your chickens need a shady place, watch the sun, make sure their coop and play area has morning AND afternoon shade. Keep water out of direct sunlight and refill drinkers with cold water in the afternoon. You can also freeze a chunk of ice and put it in a shallow water container on those really hot days.
Get acquainted with artificial shade products such as shade cloth, shade sails, and my favorite, grommet shade tarps. Never use waterproof tarps, they inhibit airflow, which is crucial to your birds survival.
Chickens stay cool by digging holes in the dirt. It's imperative they have a natural earth area to do so. Chickens may or may not appreciate a nearby mist system. If you choose to experiment, place it where it won't interfere with their drinker or food source.
A wet area under a shade tree or low bush provides an ideal oasis for chickens. Dig a shallow hole large enough for your flock to enjoy the benefits of a hose on a slow drip. On really hot days, you can offer your birds relief by flooding that area about an inch deep. They will stay quite busy looking for worms and insects while they cool down.
Warning Signs of Physical Heat Distress
A common sign is a change in behavior, such as bullying, pecking each other, or pacing. When uncomfortable from the heat your chickens will hold their wings out from their body, pant, or both. Extremely dangerous signs of heat exhaustion is when your chickens become lethargic, pale, disoriented, or are stumbling.
This is when you must act quick. At this point, it is best submerge the bird in a large bucket or tub with WARM water. Place the bird in a shady, preferably grassy spot SEPARATE from the other chickens. If at all possible a fan is very helpful. I do NOT suggest bringing the bird into the house where it is cooler.
Quick Fix Fluids
An excellent source of fluids on a hot summer day is watermelon! If you have a large flock, simply cut a watermelon in half, set it on the ground and let them feast. They will pick it clean and love every minute of it!
Another option is adding electrolytes to your chickens water sources, you'll find this product at your local feed store.
Feed & Diet
Scratch feeds should be avoided altogether in the summer. Corn is a hot feed, and that's the last thing chickens need during the summer months. Instead, a bit of crimped oats will be accepted by your birds as a suitable treat. Feed in general produces heat, so on days that reach 115-120 degrees, I ration all feed, offering small portions a few times a day.
Hay and straw hold heat, a better choice in summer is shavings or sand. Keep the coop and nest boxes clean, chicken droppings also produce unwanted heat.
If you have broodies, make sure there is a convenient water source nearby her nest and plenty of ventilation.
A fan to help move the air around your birds is extremely beneficial.


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Hinton & Fairchild has released version 1.2 of BIGROOMKIXSYNTH, a free synthesizer instrument specifically created for making kick drums and bass drums.
It uses no samples only 100% synthesis to achieve a thick meaty UMPH to your track with ultimate control to the sound. The sound is split into 4 sections, SUB, BODY, TRANSIENT and HAT/NOISE with lots of controls to fine-tune each characteristic of the layer. It has a compressor an EQ boost and a Key Select. You can even change the background colour. The Synth is free to use and share.
Changes in Bigroomkixsynth v1.2
- Midi Learn support.
- User pitch envelopes.
- Distortion.
- Bit crush.
- Noise osc – on the body.
- ADS envelope.
The plug-in is available to download for Windows (VST).
More information: Hinton & Fairchild / BIGROOMKIXSYNTH


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9 May 2012
"Hi, Joy, how's it going? I didn't know whether or not to expect you today because the weather channel forecasted rain."
"Yeah, it did rain a little bit, earlier. I did my little rain dance, you know, 'Rain, rain go away, come again another day', I brought Bruce's raincoat, just in case, but it was nothing to be concerned about. I don't mind light rain, it's those huge raindrops that I hate."
"How are you feeling?"
"Last night my stomach was doing flip flops. When I got out of bed I threw up. I try to eat a bland breakfast, so I had a poached egg on toast. As soon as I got it down, I puked it up."
"Have you heard anything from Nick, since the paramedics took him away?"
"He was fine once they got some insulin into him. Yeah, he's back. He's really pissed off with the cop, Constable B. Slovak. He even tried to prevent Chuck from phoning 911. Nick is in bad shape with his diabetes and cancer. I'm not sure, but I think it's all through his internal organs. He's on massive doses of oxycontin. The cop apologized, asked if there was anything he could do and handed him his card. Nick just flicked it back at him. He's going to press charges."
"The cop kept poking Jake with his baton. I don't know what that was all about.
"Jacques told me that yesterday the R.C.M.P (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) rousted everyone from under the Laurier Street bridge. They'd gone there to get out of the rain. Everyone was given liquor violations. I'm glad I wasn't there. That's the first time I've heard of the R.C.M.P getting involved. I've always acted like, 'Nya, nya, nya, can't touch me.' I guess they can.
"I have an appointment on the 15th at Bronson Centre to meet with an anger management counselor. It's better than going to Horizon House and being in a classroom full of women. I'd probably go nuts and kill someone. I don't like being around a lot of women, especially Inuit women who used to hang around the bench. The yapping would never stop. And they'd keep asking me for a drink out of my bottle. I had to learn to say, 'No, get your own. This is all I've got.'
"Chuck and I were talking about getting an apartment together, but the more I think about it, the more I think I should get a place of my own. Chuck has a heart of gold, he'll help anyone, but it costs a lot in groceries. Like the barbecue we had on Saturday. I can't believe the amount that Chuck eats. That's why he's so fat. He says, 'I have a big appetite.' I say look dude, that doesn't mean you have to eat fifteen times a day. When he serves me a plate of food it's enough to keep me going for three days.
"We've got a problem with mice. Chuck keeps bugging the landlord about it. I said to Chuck, 'Make sure he knows that you've got a dog.' V gets into everything. He's supposed to bring some traps over. He said to Chuck, 'If you keep bugging me I'm going to throw you out.' Chuck said, 'I'm not going anywhere. I'm staying right here.' We'll see what happens.
A man stopped and put an apple in Mo's cap. Mo asked me, "Do you want an apple? I usually give them to Jacques, but he's getting too fat. He doesn't need any more to eat."
"Sure, thanks, I'll take it."
"I've made over forty bucks today. That's more than I've made for a long time. You must be good luck for me.
A tall, good looking black man passed by, smiled and said hello to Mo. "Hi, handsome, gimme five." He slapped Mo's hand and mine. "One day he threw some folded bills in my cap. I spread them out. It was four twenties. I said, 'Hey man, this is too much.' He just kept walking and said, 'You keep it.' That's the most money I've ever got at one time.
"I talked to Jacques on the phone this morning. He said, 'So, little one — he calls me little one, because I used to be a lot bigger — are you going to come down and visit us today?.' I owe him thirty bucks, but he's going to have to wait until the end of the month. That's what I was talking to Jake about. He's owed me seventy for about a year. I asked him about it and he said, 'I thought you said to forget about it. "Dude, I didn't say forget about it, I said, shove it up your ass. That's not the same thing."
"Do you go to the library?" I asked.
"I used to go there to use the washroom. My eyesight is not so good any more. I'm near sighted, I can see things far away, but up close everything is blurry. Jake is farsighted. When we'd be waiting for the bus together, he'd ask, 'Is that our bus coming?' 'No,' I'd say, 'not that one, the one further down the street."
"Did you get to spend a night in the motel?"
"No, I should have. Maybe I will next month, but who knows what's going to happen next month?
It was muggy today at 'the curb'. As I was approaching, Barry came up to me and asked, "Hey, can you spare two bucks, that's all I need."
"I said, I don't have any cash, but I can give you a Subway card worth $5.00."
"Would you be offended if I sold it for two bucks?"
"Do whatever you like."
"It's tempting, but I wouldn't do that to you, bro."
Sitting or standing on the sidewalk were about a dozen of the regulars. Handshakes all around.
I said, "We can all just pretend there is a bench here."
Jacques said, "They take away our bench, we're still here, They take away the garbage container, we're still here. They mow down our trees, we're still here. What are they going to do next? Are they going to mow us down?"
I sat between Jacques and Joy. "I'm really buzzed." Said Joy. "Look at all the people here. Some of them I just can't put up with any more. Shakes was a good friend a couple of years ago, but he can't even speak sense now. He'll be asleep before you know it. Makes us all look bad. The last thing we need is to attract attention.
"This is one of those days when I'd rather not be alive." Joy was crying and started coughing. "Tomorrow I'm going to Oasis to get my forms filled out. They say it will take two or three weeks for me to get my medical card. They'll want me to quit drinking."
"What kind of symptoms do you get with alcohol withdrawl?"
"I throw up a lot, lose my appetite — what little I have — get the shakes really bad, sweats, nausea, headache, anxiety, a rapid heart beat, increased blood pressure, halucinations. Last time it looked like the ground beneath my feet was crawling with bugs."
"I smell something burning," said Jacques. "Has Ellen fallen asleep with a cigarette? Maybe her clothes are burning."
Joy checked, "No, she doesn't have a cigarette."
Jacques said, "I smelled something, but maybe it was over there. I don't know. There is something falling. Is it snow? No, it's coming from the trees. It's green. Is that what they call pollenization? These green things fall on the earth and they grow. If they fall in the leaves over there there's not enough light. If they fall on the grass they get mowed. Is it the maple leaves that fall like helicopters?"
Ellen awoke and said, "Did somebody mention something about maple bacon?"
"That sounds like something that Chuck cooked the other day. Maple, anything, is just wrong. I don't even eat pancakes any more. French toast I'll do, but with only a tiny bit of syrup."
"They've got Honey Jack Daniels now," said Ellen. "That's good."
Joy whispered to me, "I'd like to kill her.
"See my rings? This one on my thumb is a spinner ring. The inside stays still and the outside spins. On my other thumb is Jake's twelve step ring. Well, it's mine now. We were in Trillium Jewelry when he bought it. He said, "Do you see anything you fancy?' I said, "No, not really." He said, 'I saw you looking at a ring over there. Do you want it?' I said, 'Okay.' They're so big, I have to wear them on my thumb. Jake wanted me to put it on the fourth finger of my left hand. This other one, was given to me by a girlfriend, Joanne. She's passed on (Joy crossed her heart). It's my birthstone, amethyst.
"When I've been panning people have said t me, 'If you want money, sell your jewelry!' These are only silver. They're not worth anything to anybody else."
"I was talking to Outcast the other day," said Silver. "He feels like he's being pushed out of the group."
"Well," said Joy, "if he'd quit stealing from us… There's nothing worse than someone who would steal from his friends. Well, a jailhouse thief is worse. Everybody has their tiny ration of coffee, or toothpaste. It really sucks when somebody takes it on you. If they get found out they end up, a pile in the corner, beaten by somebody's bitch."
Shark said, "Outcast was at Irene's the other day. He drank six of her beer and every time he went through the kitchen he took some of my pot and put it in his cigarette pack."
"Joy said, "I was at Jacques' place when Outcast was there. Jacques went to the bathroom and Outcast grabbed a stack of DVD's and was going to put them in his pack. I said, 'No you don't!'
Jacques said, "It was the next night that he stole pot from me."
It was time for me to go. I said to Joy, "They're forecasting rain for later on."
"I'm okay, I've got Bruce's raincoat. It even covers my feet. When I pull the hood up I'll stay nice and dry. He's so big that it fits me like a tent. Before he went to prison, I told him to ask for the high protein diet. He's going to really gain weight there. That's what I've asked for whenever I've been inside. You get a lot of different kinds of meat, peanut butter. I used to put that in my pocket and save it until later, when I was back in my cell."
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From Personal Assistants to Cooking and Cleaning Aids, Lifestyle Experts Recommend A Range of IoT Products to Give Her the Gift of Making Life Easier
Market researchers have long assessed that the best Mother's Day gifts are: quality time, spa time, and things homemade. But in a sign of how the times are changing, the number of tech—and specifically connected—products being advertised for Mother's Day 2017 is telling.
According to the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, Mother's Day has become the biggest day of the year for portable appliance sales. "Millions of people are looking to show their mothers how much they love and appreciate them with a gift that will give your Mom a few minutes of escape, provide some comfort and relaxation, or even take over a chore entirely. Appliances can provide all of those," AHAM noted in a recent article.
Of course, one would expect to see personal fitness trackers or an Apple Watch which also passes for jewelry another perennial favorite gift for Mom. But this year's gift lists from some of the top consumer/tech lifestyle publications and bloggers, includes so much more. From the popular personal assistants of the moment—Amazon Echo/Alexa or Google Home—to smart connected devices that can assist her in cooking, gardening, cleaning, security, and more. And, most of the items listed make great sense because they are aimed at freeing up her time, making her life easier, and providing her some peace of mind. Here is a sampling of the leading tech & lifestyle media's choices for gifts this Mother's Day:
In its online piece, "Smart Home Gadgets To Make You Mom's Favorite," CNET suggests gifts for both the Moms who love, and hate, to cook. For the Mom-as-chef, CNET suggests the Anova Precision Cooker for sous-vide cooking (integrated with Alexa and Google Home). And for the Mom who prefers not to be bothered with laboring over the stovetop, Black & Decker has a Wi-Fi-enabled slow cooker. To help Mom with cleaning chores, CNET suggests the Neato robotic vacuum cleaner (see our recent blog post on robo-vacs), for set-it-and-forget-it convenience. And for Moms who want more peace of mind and convenience, you can't beat the Nest Protect smoke and CO detector coupled with the money-saving Nest Thermostat. Add an Amazon Echo with Alexa voice commands and she can warm or cool the house without leaving her favorite chair.
Meanwhile, USA Today lifestyle and tech contributor, Carley Knobloch, also infused her list of "19 Gorgeous Mother's Day gifts your Mom will love" with the Anova Precision Cooker as the sous-vide entry for the Gift of Cooking. They added the Nest Cam indoor camera for their Gift of Security.
Direct from the manufacturers, to help consumers choose the gift they think would make Mom's day, we applaud AHAM's Appliance Buying Tips for Mother's Day. The AHAM tips start with: Get Mom what she wants! And end with the admonition, "Do your homework!" before making a purchase. In between, there is a lot of great advice on how to select appliances to make Mom happy! We just have to add that with the price tags attached to many appliances and connected devices, we agree that doing your homework ahead of time will ensure you get the right gift to fit your Mom's lifestyle.
It's a good thing that the National Retail Federation's annual Mother's Day survey (chart shown above) shows that American's do plan to spend more than ever on Mom. Total spending is expected to reach $23.6 billion—the highest in the survey's 14-year history and up from last year's $21.4 billion. Below is a breakdown of planned purchases by category.
So if you are planning to step-up your Mother's Day game, you are in good company. Sometimes getting a tech gadget for Mom can be an initial challenge, but if you throw in your time to set it up and show how it works, well, that's really the best gift of all.
For more information about Arrayent, the IoT cloud chosen by trusted brands, visit www.arrayent.com. You may be interested in our own list of products that 'give the gift of connection' from last December: here.


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We are all different. Some of us need to have a neat and orderly home and work space in order to feel calm, relaxed, and sane. Others of us are more comfortable just dropping things wherever they land and don't really worry about everything being in a certain place.
Because of these differences, there is often conflict. Sometimes it is between parent and child, sometimes between spouses or housemates. Typically the person who likes things to be neat and organized will either nag or yell at the other person. Other times they may pick up after that person but feel resentful or angry about it. Either way, the cycle continues and the problem does not get solved.
To begin to solve this conflict, the first step is for both people to realize that neither of them is right and neither is wrong; it is just personal preference. If each understands the reasons behind the preferences, it becomes easier to work on resolving the issue. While I don't like the words "neat-freak" or "slob," I used them as they are easily understood. Both are rather negative and don't help us move towards the solution. So please don't call each other those words. I continue to use them in this article just for ease of understanding.
The neat-freak prefers an organized space because it allows them to feel that they can relax. Conversely, the slob feels more relaxed by not having to think about putting things in a certain place. When each realizes that the goal is the same (to feel relaxed) and that the approaches are different, it makes it easier to move forward with a resolution. Assuming we care about the other person, we want them to feel comfortable and relaxed and we also want to feel comfortable and relaxed.
The first thing to consider doing is having a designated space or spaces where the slob can be relaxed. For example, for a child you might let them keep their room the way they want and just close the door. If it is another adult, is there a room or part of a room (an office, basement, garage) where they can just dump stuff? Common areas will be kept neat and clean and special areas are in the control of the slob.
Secondly, consider the cabinet and closet spaces in your house. Is it possible to divide up cupboards in the kitchen or cabinets in the bathroom? If you are able to do this, it works wonderfully. The neatnik can clean and organize to their heart's content and the slob can have a relaxed attitude in their drawers or cabinets.
When the neat-freak finds that the sloppiness is not staying to the agreed upon areas, it helps if they can just remind the other person that they are starting to feel stressed out by the messiness rather than calling the other person names or yelling at them. Ask for help rather than blaming. "I need your help – I'm not able to relaxed with the camping gear in the middle of the living room floor – would you help me out by putting it away in the garage?" Something like that will go a long way compared to, "What the heck? Why are you such a slob? Do you think camping gear belongs in the middle of the living room? I swear you drive me nuts."
Each person also needs to assess whether or not it would be helpful to tame or adjust their preference just a little bit. The neat-freak needs to realize that being overly concerned with organization and neatness can be an indication of a need for control or perhaps perfectionist tendencies. Pick small ways to relax your expectations; tell yourself you can strive for excellence without needing things to be perfect. The slob can ask themselves if being a little more organized might make some area of their life a bit easier. Would putting your keys in the same place save you time? Whichever category you fall in to, you have to make up your own mind about what adjustments you'd like to make. You may wish, however, to get ideas from the other person who has some expertise in that domain.
Remembering that the person cares about you and that you are each just seeking your own way to be able to feel relaxed will help you bridge the gap between the neat-freak and slob. You can respect each other's desire to be relaxed and acknowledge that you are each pursuing it in a different way; neither way is right or wrong. With this understanding, you can both focus on what is really important, a happy and healthy relationship.


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Designed to make your life easier (and your hands-free). Perfect for your busy days, nights out, and wedding parties! This phone strap gets attached to your phone by tying it around any hole in your case (charger or volume hole).
The phone strap is adjustable to any length thanks to a moving knot.
- Designed in New York and ethically handmade in Morocco
- Hours to be produced: 1 hour
- Length: 55" (140cm) adjustable to any smaller length thanks to a moving knot.
- Material: Sfifa and Skalli threads
|Free shipping on all orders. We offer cash-on-delivery, you can select this option at checkout.
|Europe & USA
|$15 (free shipping on orders over $100)
|For an estimated cost, please head to the checkout. For all countries, the shipping is free on orders over $100.


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Thanks to colleagues for some time spent contemplating this poem by Billy Collins.
Scenes of Hell
We did not have the benefit of a guide,
no crone to lead us off the common path,
no ancient to point the way with a staff,
but there were badlands to cross,
rivers of fire and blackened peaks,
and eventually we could look down and see
the jeweler running around a gold ring,
the boss captured in an hourglass,
the baker buried up to his eyes in flour,
the banker plummeting on a coin,
the teacher disappering into a blackboard,
and the grocer silent under a pyramid of vegetables.
We saw the pilot nose-diving
and the whore impaled on a bedpost,
the pharmacist wandering in a stupor
and the child with toy wheels for legs.
You pointed to the soldier
who was dancing with his empty uniform
and I remarked on the blind tourist.
But what truly caught our attention
was the scene in the long mirror of ice:
you lighting the wick on your head
me blowing on the final spark,
and our children trying to crawl away from their


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The timing for this dish depends upon the type of rice you use and how long it takes for the other ingredients to cook and their size. If you have an 8-quart or larger pressure cooker, this will work best. If you have a 6 quart, put in what you can. The arrangement of containers matters too. I am happiest when I can fit in a whole smaller squash, some sweet potatoes and some regular potatoes. If the sweet potatoes are very large, cut them into smaller pieces. You will have plenty of food at the end of cooking.
Adapted from a recipe in The New Fast Food
Beans and Rice
Cooking time: 10 minutes at pressure
Pressure release: natural drop
• 1 cup diced onion
• 1 cup long grain red rice or other rice that takes 10 minutes at pressure
• 1-1/2 cups water or broth
• 1-1/2 cups dry cranberry, pinto, black or kidney beans, soaked overnight and drained
• 1 cup water
• 1 3-inch piece of kombu seaweed, optional
• 1 small winter squash, such as delicata, carnival or sweet dumpling
• 1 to 2 medium sweet potatoes
• 2 to 3 small to medium Yukon gold potatoes
1. Sauté the onion in the pressure cooker.
2. Add the rice and the 1-1/2 cups liquid.
3. Put in a rack. On top of the rack, add another heat-proof container.
4. Add the beans, the water and kombu.
5. Put the squash on top of the beans and add the sweet, and regular, potatoes on top and around.
6. Lock the lid on the cooker. Bring to high pressure for 10 minutes. Let the pressure come down naturally. When the pressure has released, open the lid, carefully turning it away from you.
7. Carefully remove all the contents with long tongs.
Use the cooked beans in the following chili and serve over the cooked rice.
Simple Bean Chili with Sweet Potatoes and Squash
Since you have already cooked most of the ingredients for the chili, this takes only 2 minutes at pressure with a quick release. Remember that when you use a pressure cooker, it's a good idea to increase the spices and herbs. Use what you like and leave out what you don't.
Yield 6 servings.
Cook 2 minutes high pressure with quick pressure release.
• 2 tsp oil, optional
• 1 cup diced onion
• 1 to 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 to 1 hot pepper, minced, optional
• 1 to 2 tbsp chili powder, mild or hotter
• 2 to 3 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 to 1 tsp smoked paprika or chipotle chile powder
• 3/4 cup water
• cooked beans from beans and rice recipe which equals 3-1/2 to 4 cups cooked beans
• 1 to 2 cups diced sweet potato and/or squash
• 1 14.5 ounce can tomatoes, of your choice
• salt, if desired
• chopped green onion and cilantro, for garnish
1. Add the oil to the cooker if using. Sauté the onion in the pressure cooker for 1 minute. Add the garlic, hot pepper and spices and sauté 1 more minute. Add the water and stir well so that nothing is stuck on the bottom of the cooker.
2. Add the beans and stir.
3. Add the sweet potato and squash and tomatoes. Do not stir.
4. Lock the lid on the pressure cooker and bring to high pressure for 2 minutes.
5. When time is up, quick release the pressure.
6. Open the lid, carefully turning it away from you. Give the chili a good stir, adding salt, if desired.
7. Garnish with green onion and cilantro.
Jill Nussinow, aka The Veggie Queen, is a cooking teacher, registered dietitian and author of three cookbooks: The New Fast Food, Nutrition CHAMPS and The Veggie Queen. Her fourth book, Vegan Under Pressure, is due out at the end of 2015. Nussinow has been teaching people about eating and cooking fresh food for more than 25 years.
Photo by Fotolia/Fotogal
All MOTHER EARTH NEWS community bloggers have agreed to follow our Best Blogging Practices, and they are responsible for the accuracy of their posts. To learn more about the author of this post, click on the byline link at the top of the page.


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The town ordinances are laws or rulings that provide game play advantages that range from discounts to extending the store hours. To enact your preferred town ordinances, go to the Town Hall, sit at the mayor's desk, and tap the Ordinance section.
Read on to see what each ordinance does:
Beautiful Town
The townsfolk will help keep your town more beautiful by getting rid of weeds and helping with gardening. They will not do all of the work, but only some.
Home Improvement
By enacting this ordinance you will get discounts on the various items in the General Store, as well as home upgrades at the Bank.
Shoppers Ordinance
When you enact this ordinance, the store will carry a larger inventory of items for you to select from. The larger inventory will arrive at the store beginning the next day.
Town Development
This ordinance gives you a discount on the town features that you can purchase from your desk in Town Hall.
Early Bird and Night Owl
These ordinances extend the hours of the General Store, Bank, and the Clothing Boutique (once it's unlocked). The Early Bird ordinance changes the opening time of the stores to 5 AM, while the Night Owl ordinance causes the stores to stay open until 1 AM. NOTE: These ordinances can't both be active at the same time, so choose carefully.


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From his "Turnovers = Turnaround" post yesterday:
… As I previously stated, if a team received bad breaks the year before, they will usually be headed for better fortune the following year. In the past 17 years, there have been 208 teams that have finished the season minus double-digits in turnovers. Of those 208 teams, 143 (69%) have had better records the next year! Teams with a negative double-digit TO ratio had the same or stronger records 80% of the time since 1996. Which teams are headed for better fortunes and better seasons?
Last year a record high 17 teams made the "Going Up" box which meant they had suffered negative double digit turnovers in 2008 and were poised to receive better fortune. Of the 17 teams, 13 (or 76.5%!) had a better record than 2008, 1 had the same record and only 3 of the 17 (17.6%) had a weaker record.
As you can see, Georgia is number two on that chart, with a bullet. It's one of only two schools there that finished 2009 with a winning record.
Oh, by the way Alabama and Arkansas, something to keep in mind…
Teams with a positive double-digit TO ratio had the same or weaker record 77.0% of the time since 1996.


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Sparkling sunbursts from overhead icicle lights spread a golden glow throughout the chilly pedestrian alleys that lead to Piazza della Signoria in Florence. Shoppers in slim-fitting coats and high heel boots crisscross the stone square with oversized bags from pastry shops and gift stores. Elaborate presepi, or nativity scenes, with handmade figurines of baby Jesus, Mary and Joseph are featured in the window dressings. The mood is set: It's Christmas in Tuscany.
Unlike New York, Paris or even nearby Rome, Natale in Toscana is its own distinct affair. More than anywhere else, the focus is on elegance, finesse and understated celebration. Overt commercialism is ratcheted down and quality time shared with family and friends is the holiday decree. Much of the Christmas season, spanning from December 24 (or the vigilia di natale) to January 6 (the popular Befana celebration that marks the Epiphany), is spent around the dining room table. More important than gifts, decorations or caroling are the dishes prepared—many based on recipes handed down throughout the generations—that bind individual families to their beautiful Tuscan territory.
Wine Enthusiast Magazine gained a special sneak peek into the intimate holiday traditions of four prominent Tuscan wine families: the Antinoris, the Folonaris, the Frescobaldis and the Mazzeis. Each was asked to prepare a dish representing one course in a classic Tuscan Christmas menu and to pair that dish with an estate wine of their choice.
The Folonari's
of Ruffino, the Tuscan wine brand founded in 1877 and recognized around the world.
"Wine is central to Christmas and Tuscan wine is at the forefront. We start dinner toasting with a glass of delicious Prosecco and continue to our estate's red wines and Riservas. After the long meal, we enjoy dessert with our traditional Vin Santo del Chianti. The kids always enjoy all the courses as well as a few drops of wine in their full glasses of water. The night continues in front of the fireplace and a good glass of grappa is always appreciated. When we have had more than one glass, we ask my mom to sing opera from our favorite composer, Puccini, and she is great!" —ADOLFO FOLONARI
The Frescobaldis
of Marchesi de' Frescobaldi, a noble Tuscan family making wine for more than 700 years.
"The season lasts from Christmas Eve to the Befana and we normally travel or go skiing. The Befana is a very exciting time for the kids because tradition says that an old good witch will visit in the night. She leaves small gifts for the children that have behaved well. But if a child has not behaved, he or she receives black coals instead." —TIZIANA FRESCOBALDI
The Mazzeis
of Marchesi Mazzei, a historic wine company with properties in Chianti Classico, Maremma and Sicily.
"We use both a Christmas tree and the presepe. The tree represents a more rational side of the holidays and Babbo Natale (Santa Claus). The presepe represents the religious side and the birth of Jesus. On Christmas Day, we go to mass and then reunite with the whole family, grandparents, children and grandchildren for lunch and an exchange of gifts." —FRANCESCO MAZZEI
The Antinoris
of Marchesi Antinori, a Tuscan wine dynasty that traces its enological roots back to 1385.
"Christmas in Tuscany embodies Renaissance ideals. Rome is already more Baroque with big piazza celebrations and more fanfare overall. The Tuscan personality, on the other hand, never wants to appear over the top. It values restraint, elegance and temperance." —ALLEGRA ANTINORI
For Tuscan Christmas recipes from these families, click here.


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The Metropolitan Museum of Art just held a benefit gala for the new exhibit "China: Through the Looking Glass." And celebrities showed up wearing meme-inducing clothes. Thanks, famous people!
As noted on Chinese sites Zhenren, CRI and Sina, many people online in the country were throughly amused by outfits American celebs wore at the met.
But Rihanna's yellow gown, which was created by a Chinese designer, might have caused the most amusement online in China. The above pizza image was apparently created by Instagram user MichaelMajesty, but is also doing the rounds online in China. The dress also reminded people of scrambled eggs and jianbing (Chinese crepe).
Also, kinda looks like she was wearing skinned Big Bird!
Second only to Rihanna was actor Sarah Jessica Parker, who wore this head piece from hat designer to the British royals, Philip Treacy. Online in China, people quickly compared the get-up to the 2008 Beijing Olympics mascot Huanhuan, a character that symbolized the Olympic torch.
Via Time, here are some more reactions from the English-speaking world:
If any game developers need inspiration for character designs:
Meanwhile, Chinese celebs turned up on outfits like these:
[Photos via 163.com]
Very cool.
Top photo: fightcensorship via MichaelMajesty
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