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Ex-BLACK SABBATH Singer TONY MARTIN On Possible New Collaboration With TONY IOMMI: 'I Know He Wants To Do It'May 30, 2017
Former BLACK SABBATH singer Tony Martin was interviewed by Metal Jacket Magazine two days before his May 16 performance in Zagreb, Croatia as a guest at a concert of Zele Lipovača, longtime guitarist of the Bosnian heavy metal band DIVLJE JAGODE. You can now watch the chat below. A couple of excerpta follow (transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET).
On his upcoming solo album and autobiography:
Tony: "Well, it's changed. It started off as 'Book Of Shadows', but now I can't use that, 'cause that's been used a couple of times now. So then it went through a couple of other changes, and now I'm thinking it might be called 'Think No Evil'. It's really the story of me, from before BLACK SABBATH, through BLACK SABBATH and after, so it's like a whole biography thing. But I also have personal video that I took on the tour bus, backstage, in the studio and stuff like that, and I wanna put that on a DVD in the book, but I'm just finding it slightly difficult to get a publisher to do the video part and the book together. Publishers don't usually release DVDs, so you have to go to somebody else and get the DVD and them getting them to coordinate to put the two things together, it's a bit difficult. And there's lots of people talking about it. But for now, I just keep writing and putting all the stories in, and hopefully it'll come at the end of the year — I hope."
On the status of the previously proposed reissues of albums from his era of BLACK SABBATH, featuring bonus material, including some new music:
Tony: "It is definitely possible. I spoke to [BLACK SABBATH guitarist Tony Iommi] just a few weeks ago. He's bought a new house and he's building a new studio. He said he needs to set that up and get that all ready. But when he's ready, I'm happy to do it, and I know he wants to do it. And just the fact that he wants to do it, it's, like, 'Oh, yeah. That's cool.' [Laughs] 'That's cool.' 'Cause those albums have been deleted for a long time, and I think they could sound better. Especially 'Forbidden' — oooohhhh… I hate that. It was the end of my time with BLACK SABBATH, so it's so… When I listen to it now, I think how I could make it better. So if he gives me the chance, I would love to do that again. Yeah, the possibility is definitely there. If he doesn't die… [Laughs] But, yes, I'm happy to think that it will be sometime soon."
On BLACK SABBATH's much-maligned "Forbidden" album not sounding like a true SABBATH release:
Tony: "I told [Iommi] that. It was me, Cozy Powell and Geoff Nicholls, I think, who is also not with us now. We were saying that 'this is not BLACK SABBATH.' And I understand what they were trying to do — the RUN-D.M.C. thing — but no, it didn't work. It didn't work. I have demos from the rehearsals, and it sounded really cool — really hard, and some of the songs are really kicking it. So I would love to re-record that. And if I got the chance, I'd actually like to re-write some of the lyrics, because my head wasn't there in the album. But if I get the chance, we'll have a go."
On the status of the long-awaited follow-up to his last solo album, "Scream", which was released in November 2005 via MTM Music:
Tony: "Well, there was supposed to be a trilogy with 'Scream' — so it was 'Clean', 'Mean' and 'Scream'. So there was supposed to be a light rock [album called] 'Clean'. Then the 'Mean' album was going to be more like grungy, sort of dirty rock. And then 'Scream' was was supposed to be the heavy metal album. And they said, 'No. You can only do the 'Scream' one.' So I didn't get the chance to do the other two. One day, I'd like to complete the trilogy — the 'Clean', 'Mean' and 'Scream' — which shows the — in brackets, the 'talent' of Tony Martin, the different kinds of music that I can perform on. Again, that's a possibility. It's there waiting to be picked up, and I have the rights for that. So I just have to try and get this solo album out first and then maybe I can revisit some of the old things and get those out. I've got a lot of music that I could do. It's just time, really. I'm sixty years old now, so I'm running out of time."
"Scream" featured legendary drummer Cozy Powell (BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW, WHITESNAKE) on the track "Raising Hell" as well as songwriting contributions by another SABBATH member, Geoff Nicholls.
BLACK SABBATH released six albums with Tony Martin on vocals: "The Eternal Idol" (1987),"Headless Cross" (1989),"Tyr" (1990),"Cross Purposes" (1994),"Cross Purposes Live" (1995) and "Forbidden" (1995).


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The Selfish Genius, Fern Elsdon-Baker
If you're looking for pure drama, sorry, the title is just intended to be flippant. If you're looking for a genuine, in depth critique of Dawkins' work and public persona — everything from his published research to his way of communicating with the public to his attitude in The God Delusion — then you might well enjoy this. Fern Elsdon-Baker has a scientific background and is an atheist, and has some fairly large bones to pick with Dawkins, while acknowledging at the same time his work in the field, his intelligence, and the accessibility of his popular science books.
Mostly, Elsdon-Baker respects Dawkins, and just disagrees with the way he chooses to express himself, pointing out that he often acts as though science is right now, rather than a subject which is always growing and making new discoveries. There's some critique of his actual ideas as well, though, and this isn't some kind of tone argument — Elsdon-Baker firmly believes that there is a correct way to communicate science to the public, and Dawkins isn't doing it.
The writing is clear, and Elsdon-Baker makes it constantly clear on what grounds she criticises Dawkins, on the background to the various issues discussed, and the fact that this is an opinion, and most of it is not factual. I enjoyed reading it, and not just because I think it's high time someone criticised Dawkins professionally and thoroughly.
Rating: 4/5

subset: commoncrawl


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Why Many Hoodie For Women FailApril 30, 2021
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Nevertheless, this can take the present to an entire brand-new degree. Dark grey slim fit cotton chino trousers: Can you consider a much better mix than the timeless Henley and chinos mix? One more advantage of the Female Cotton Letter Publish Hoodie Sweatshirt is that it has the peculiarity of excellent taking in dampness, consisting of sweat. You can select from the much more significant zombie hoodie announcing your love for the frightening, however brainless remains. Commonly, you will pay even more for a customized layout. You can locate the demonstrations of the coats from the site of the business and also will be astonished to see their costs and also styles. Okay, as long as you can discover some for sporting activities or period, I'm just most likely to think that you're opting for such a sleeveless variety.


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Opinion: No surprise that AAF already finds itself in trouble
For the past 50 years, every attempt to start a new professional football league has faced the same problem. Though football is far and away America's most popular sport, there is simply no evidence that enough people want to spend enough time watching a minor-league version to make it financially viable over the long-term.
That's why it was curious Tuesday when the startup Alliance of American Football announced that billionaire entrepreneur and Carolina Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon laid down $250 million to become the league's chairman amid reports it was already in danger of running out of money after just two weeks of play.
Dundon's emergency bailout of the league, which nearly missed its first week's payroll according to Darren Rovell of the Action Network, comes with a pretty important question: What, exactly, is he getting for his $250 million?
Far be it from anyone to tell Dundon how to spend his money, but this seems like buying at the top of the market for the notion that America doesn't have enough football when, in fact, there's a lot of evidence that the amount we get from August through the first week in February is exactly right.
Isn't a huge part of what makes the NFL and the top-level of college football so popular, and so valuable, is its scarcity? For a good five months, a significant chunk of America invests three or four hours (and often considerably more) every weekend watching football.
Then the season ends, allowing anticipation to build to the point where there's genuine excitement when it returns. The ability to miss football, which you don't get as much during a nine-month NBA season or baseball's never-ending slog, is actually a great luxury for its fans.
Yet there's been this unrelenting theory that football's traditional offseason leaves a void that's begging to be filled, which is why every few years you'll see an aspirant like the AAF or XFL pop up, promising the proper funding, exposure and expectations to build something that lasts.
But it never works because the calculus doesn't change: While there may be an audience for this kind of league, it just isn't very big.
While Dundon's emergency investment is potentially good news for the AAF in the short term – $250 million will probably buy a lot of mediocre football – it can't be a great sign that his cash infusion was so badly needed this early.
While the league has been relatively well-received in the early going for its quality of play and generated 2.9 million viewers on CBS for its opening game, beating the NBA game on ABC in the same time slot, it was always going to be easier for a big television network to generate an initial burst of curiosity than for the league to draw in viewers on lower-profile cable stations like the CBS Sports Network or NFL Network.
Meanwhile, the announced paid attendance for Week 2 games was 17,319 in Birmingham, 11,980 in Memphis, 29,176 in San Antonio and 20,019 in San Diego. Those are not embarrassing numbers for minor-league football, which ironically explains why the long-term future of the league seems so in doubt.
If the AAF needed a big bailout to pay its bills despite decent attendance and a good first week television pop, what's the threshold this thing needs to actually make the numbers work?
AAF POWER RANKINGS: Apollos take top spot
FOOTBALL FIX:NFL news straight to your inbox
Perhaps the AAF's audience will grow as its first season continues, but common sense suggests it will fall off a bit as the novelty factor fades and attention turns to the NFL combine and the NCAA basketball tournament.
Which is exactly why it's so difficult to make a new football league work. There are millions upon millions of football fans in America, but the sports calendar has always given them plenty of options when the last touchdown for the season is scored.
Dundon's early financial rescue of the AAF is a big bet that football played by guys who aren't quite good enough for the NFL isn't merely going to sustain what it has done through two weeks but will actually grow while competing against far more established sports properties.
Time will tell whether the AAF was worth saving, but $250 million is an awful lot to spend just to keep minor-league football afloat.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Opinion: No surprise that AAF already finds itself in trouble


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韭葱 jiu cong
Bulb solitary, cylindric ovoid to subglobose, sometimes bearing bulbels; tunic white, membranous, entire. Leaves broadly linear to linear-lanceolate, shorter than scape, 1--5 cm wide or more, slightly conduplicate, abaxially keeled. Scape 60--80 cm or more, terete, covered with leaf sheaths for ca. 1/2 its length. Spathe 1-valved, deciduous; beak long. Umbel globose, densely many flowered. Pedicels subequal, several times as long as perianth, bracteolate. Perianth white to pale purple; segments with green midvein, suboblong, 4.5--5 × 2--2.3 mm, apex acute; outer ones denticulate along midvein abaxially. Filaments slightly longer than perianth segments, connate at base and adnate to perianth segments; outer ones narrowly triangular to linear-triangular, margin denticulate toward base; inner ones oblong, as wide as perianth segments for ca. 2/3 their length, 1-toothed on each side, teeth with apex elongated into a twisted, filiform cusp much longer than anther-bearing cusp. Ovary ovoid-globose, with transversely convex nectaries near middle of septa. Style exserted. Fl. and fr. May--Jul. 2 n = 32.
Cultivated as a vegetable [native to SW Asia and Europe; also widely cultivated].
Treatments in Other Floras @ www.efloras.org
Chinese Plant NamesFlora of PakistanFlora of Taiwan Checklist
Other Databases
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Now sharks, too, will have easy access to WiFi hot spots. But the wireless signal-transmitting hot spots aren't for the sharks to use — they're part of a network of robots that are being deployed in the Pacific Ocean to gather data about where sharks, whales and other ocean predators swim. The robots will start gathering data this summer from predators that already have been tagged with acoustic devices.
"Our goal is to use revolutionary technology that increases our capacity to observe our oceans," marine scientist Barbara Block, who organized the network from her laboratory at Stanford University, said in a statement.
Block is sending to sea a combination of fixed buoys and solar-powered, self-propelling robots that look a bit like surfboards when they're in the water. (The robots, called Wave Gliders, set a Guinness world record in March for the longest distance traveled by unmanned vehicles.) Each buoy and robot will be able to detect any tagged animals that pass within 1,000 feet of it. The buoys and robots then will send their data to researchers on land in real time.
The network will cover a stretch of ocean off the Northern California shore from Tomales Point to Monterey Bay.
Scientists have long observed ocean migrations by tagging animals with devices that periodically send the animals' locations, the surrounding water temperature and other data to a satellite. Researchers then download the satellite data for study.
This new network will add finer detail to those satellite observations. Eventually, Block says, she hopes to use the network to track even animals that are too small for satellite tagging, such as salmon smolts, and to expand the network over the entire western coast of North America.
Another advantage to the new buoys and bots is that they'll send their data to a free iPhone and iPad app that Block's colleagues have developed. Shark Net will show a real-time map of all the Northern California white sharks that the buoy-bot network detects. Users will be able to pick a shark and see a 3D model of it, complete with the marks and unique fin shapes that researchers use to distinguish individuals. Users also will be able to look up photos, videos and historical tracking data.
"They can follow individual sharks and learn about their lives and feeding habits," said Randall Kochevar, a member of Block's lab and one of app's developers.
Kochevar said he hopes people who download the app will get a greater appreciation for the area off the California coast, which an extensive ocean survey showed to be one of the most biodiverse ocean habitats in the world.
The public's appreciation could help with one of Block's and her colleagues' larger goals. They're lobbying for that section of the California coast to be designated a United Nations World Heritage Site, which would help with conservation efforts in the area. "My mission is to protect ocean biodiversity and the open sea," Block said.
Follow InnovationNewsDaily on Twitter @News_Innovation, or on Facebook.


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Create an Account - Increase your productivity, customize your experience, and engage in information you care about.
Warrenville offers a variety of recreational opportunities throughout town. The City is surrounded by forest preserve, including Blackwell, Warrenville Grove, and Herrick Lake. Throughout town, traverse trails and paths for all to use, including the nationally recognized Illinois Prairie Path. Various parks around town offer children and opportunity to enjoy playground equipment and other amenities. The City's six parks include Lions Park located on the east side of the community, Kiwanis Park on the southwest side, Summerlakes Park on the northwest side, Sesquentienniel Park in the center of town, Leone Schmidt Heritage Park located in the downtown, and Warrenville's premier location, Cerny Park, on the south side of the City.
For more information about Warrenville's Parks, visit the Warrenville Park District website and select the "Parks/Facilities" tab." To find a trails map, view Planning Your Route under the Bicyclist and Pedestrian Advisory Commission's page.


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You're most likely using one of two calendar services, or maybe both: Google Calendar and/or iCloud. Now – if you're using the truly excellent Fastmail email service – you can test out the beta version of its new calendar. It's as clean and simple as the mail service, and syncs perfectly with your iDevice or Mac using CalDAV.
To try the new calendar you'll need to go to the Fastmail beta server and log in with your regular details. The calendar is accessed using the same menu that you use for everything, at top left, and it'll take over the whole browser with a beautifully clean – and blank – calendar.
It works as you'd think. Double click to add a new entry, drag and drop to move or copy events, add alerts and other details in the popover quick-entry box, and scroll the page or use the nav-bar to switch months. Single-click a day to get to the day view. There are also settings to change timezone, support multiple time zones, add calendars and so on.
In short, it has everything you need and nothing you don't. It even syncs nicely with any other calendar app using the CalDAV standard, letting you use it with Fantastical, Siri or anything else.
Is it a feature-laden new concept for online calendars? Nope. Is it a calendar done right, with a beautifully simple design that makes it easily and fast to use, just like Fastmail's email? Yup. Go check it out.
Source: Fastmail Weblog


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To Be Or Not To Be — Hamlet — Shakespeare
HAMLET: To be, or not to be–that is the question:
Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer
The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune
Or to take arms against a sea of troubles
And by opposing end them. To die, to sleep–
No more–and by a sleep to say we end
The heartache, and the thousand natural shocks
That flesh is heir to. 'Tis a consummation
Devoutly to be wished. To die, to sleep–
To sleep–perchance to dream: ay, there's the rub,
For in that sleep of death what dreams may come
When we have shuffled off this mortal coil,
Must give us pause. There's the respect
That makes calamity of so long life.
For who would bear the whips and scorns of time,
Th' oppressor's wrong, the proud man's contumely
The pangs of despised love, the law's delay,
The insolence of office, and the spurns
That patient merit of th' unworthy takes,
When he himself might his quietus make
With a bare bodkin? Who would fardels bear,
To grunt and sweat under a weary life,
But that the dread of something after death,
The undiscovered country, from whose bourn
No traveller returns, puzzles the will,
And makes us rather bear those ills we have
Than fly to others that we know not of?
Thus conscience does make cowards of us all,
And thus the native hue of resolution
Is sicklied o'er with the pale cast of thought,
And enterprise of great pitch and moment
With this regard their currents turn awry
And lose the name of action. — Soft you now,
The fair Ophelia! — Nymph, in thy orisons
Be all my sins remembered.
TO BE OR NOT TO BE (Hamlet) is shared here with those who admire Shakespeare's work and those who haven't had an exposure to such a magnanimous display of creativity and force.
A soliloquy, it is completely recited (in my voice) except the following words–the last words Hamlet utters–which change the mood and situation "Soft you now/The fair Ophelia!–Nymph, in thy orisons/Be all my sins remembered."
TO BE OR NOT TO BE like the drama Hamlet is perhaps the most famous of Shakespeare's dialogues. It is the theatricals that it suits the most as Ben Crystal suggests in his OP (Original Pronunciation) talks. And indeed, great actors like Laurence Olivier, Christopher Plummer, Richard Burton, Kenneth Branagh, David Tennant, Mel Gibson, Toby Stephens and many more have performed this dialogue pretty fantastically with different interpretations as a result of their stresses, tone, mood, pace, modulations etc. The dialogue remains dynamic and in possession of a world full of new interpretations, varying with each performance. Each time it sparks different verve and vitality. Shakespeare always stays in the limelight.
I've used the following song/music as a background to this video. Thanks to Kevin MacLeod:


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Most encounters with wildlife are undramatic.It happens like a breath of air, in, out, natural as breathing, without any of the dramatic drumbeat buildup you might feel things like a hornbill or a mousedeer might deserve. It happens in a rustle of leaves, a swoop of wings, a stoppered call, a flash of color; happens in a hurried chase, a frantic sweep of an area. Really it happens one time in ten and perhaps that is why there is no crescendo to sightings. It happens like oh. Like that's it. And perhaps peace will flood you and the world will still for a blessed moment and you and the creature make eye contact and you feel like part of something universal.
Or perhaps the lizard or bird or mammal disappears without any of this and the only real feeling lingering afterwards is damn.


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July was a busy month in terms of the number of human rights violations which took place. The National Constitutional Assembly (NCA) took to the streets on 12 July protesting in favour of constitutional reform. 128 NCA activists were arrested in Harare and 10 in Mutare following these demonstrations. In both instances, the police are said to have assaulted and tortured some of the activists during arrest and subsequent detention. Furthermore, the activists were detained in inhabitable police cells.
The Forum deplores the use of assault and torture by the police during arrests and detention. The Forum further urges the responsible authorities to abide by the prohibitions of torture as espoused in the United Nations Convention against Torture and other Forms of Cruel, Inhuman and degrading Treatment and Punishment.


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Our approach for you purchasing policy
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Suggested TOURS
You can mix and match as you like – the tours can be tailored to your interests and needs.
- The basic one, Normal City Tour (always with add value!): Caminito (La Boca), Café Tortoni, Corrientes Avenue, the Obelisco, Plaza de Mayo, Recoleta, Palermo, Tigre, The Tango Circuit and every single place just have to see if you visit Buenos Aires. Live and breath the BA you just can't miss!
- Architecture Tours: Buildings, Sculptures & Fountains. Discover the marble and concrete treasures of the city. see more
- Historical Tours: Perón, Gardel, Evita, How a mud village became a huge and cosmopolite city. Enjoy funny & unique narrations that will surelly season your visit see more
- Art & Antiques Tour: Galleries & Art Museums, Antiques shops and markets. More than 450 Museums and Art Galleries are awaiting for you! see more
- "Not for a turist" Tango and Fine Tango Shows: This is the real deal – all of what you'll see and experience is what Argentineans see and do – not where the tourists are taken. Fine Tango shows (I've checked most of the shows in Buenos Aires and I know which to suggest)
Tango lessons (feeling the Tango, not memory!), places & traditional tango singers, real dancers, the authentic soul of Buenos Aires.
Consult me about doing a Tour
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Important: This is a so complete and very useful site, don't lose anything, use the SITE MAP


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Remix: Andre Kronert
RELEASE DATE: 23/10/2015 (vinyl) – 04/11/2015 (digital)
It is already release number 24 for Luca Agnelli´s Etruria Beat , what a long and exciting journey thru sounds . Along the way , the label had the chance to discover a few new talents and help develop them . Amongst them , Venezia resident Bastinov . For his second release with ETB , the young italian producer offers 4 amazing tracks : The ep starts with Prisma , a strong tune with a huge analogue synth repeating itself over a swing 909 beat , until a dreamy pad hits the break to release some more action . This tune will be featured on Sven Vath´s Sound of the Season 16 on Cocoon ) . B2 sees Andre Kronert , the man behind so many labels ( most of them are a secret )on the remix duty of the title song . Andre chose to reinterpret the original in a very minimal way : an hypnotic chord , delays , a very strong Basic Channel influentced beat with a pad coming and going .
The flip side starts with Sphere : a solid tune based on a ring Modulator synth sounds thru tape delays floating over a very energetic groove disturbed by strong claps and effects . To end this story ,
Bastinov delivers Triangle which has a very techno flavour from the beginning . The beat is heavy , the kick is delayed , the hat is strong . After a few minutes a Detroit influenced chord develops and gives the tune a unexpected twist , the forefathers of techno are in the place . The music keeps on evolving with some classic strings and effects . A very strong release again for Etruria Beat thanks to our very own Bastinov !!


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Derek Ballantyne
Managing Partner, New Market Funds
Derek is currently managing partner with New Market Funds, a social impact fund manager, and CEO of Encasa Financial, a responsible investment mutual funds manager. He also chairs the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation Board.
Derek has a background in the development and management of housing, as well as fund development and management. He also is the principal of a small finance and housing development consultancy.


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I speak of days, perhaps around a year back, when I had first found Blogger Shruti's blog The Track I Am on which is now termed as Lithium, after the name of the blogger's favorite song.
But the name may have been changed, the essence, the darkness the beauty of it, remains intact even till this day. I had written a review on the blog as well, and its available here at Orangy at this address.
Let's run through the interview now:
1) Tell our readers a bit about yourself.
I'm presently in class 12. A hard core Evanescence fan, I can do almost anything to attend their concert. Writing has been my companion since I entered my teenage. I started off as a really bad writer (trust me on this one). But with time, experiences and exposure I have grown. I like being effervescent most of the times. And I hate myself when I go through the writer's block!
2) Some words about your blog/ blogs.
My blog is my baby and I'm not ashamed to use this word for it. It is my part. My everything. Because the things I'm never able to speak out, I convey them through my blog. It is simply my reflection... the work on my blog is a true copy of me on the inside!
3) How much time has it been for you in the blog world.
I made my first blog when I was 14. But I was never regular. It was in class 10 that I actually started blogging seriously and made the blog world my second home.
4) Your definition of blogging would be:
Freedom of expression in true sense. To me, a person's blog speaks volumes about his/her personality. Blogging gives me that freedom to write what I feel, without anyone's influence. It has given me that confidence which I lacked and it cannot be explained in words! Blogging to me is an exposure to the unlimited talent and honesty and sincerity with which people dedicate themselves to their inner selves.
Every blogger has his/her story, what is yours?
Uhun.. the best question. In class 10, I made my present blog. It was during my board exams that I wrote this article. I was extremely low because of the situations at home. I wrote it to let it all out of me. And then I got comments. I was encouraged. I posted again... this time.. a more serious issue of drunk driving. I received positive comments again. So I thought that I should actually discover myself as a writer. And here I am... giving interviews for blogs (:
An ideal blog according to you would be?
The one which has personal experiences carved beautifully in words which weave a great story. And also.. I love versatility. The more variety I see in a blog, the more I love it (:
Tell us, generally, what kind of role does aesthetics play in blogging.
Does the presentation of a blog matter a lot?
Presentation of a blog does matter. But not "that" much. Initially, it is required to gain some attention of the fellow bloggers (this is what i have felt). But then if the content is not appealing, no one would like to visit the blog.. let alone read it. What's important is the thing which lies on the inside and not on the outside.
Your favorites :
blogging platform (blogger/wordpress/etc):
I haven't explored any other platforms except Blogger. So I'm all for Blogger! Go Blogger!!
Any plans or wishes to own a personal website one day?
Oh.. I'm so not that "website" person. When it comes to cumbersome and technical things I'm always on the back seat. It takes hell lot of courage for me to change even my blog template. So.. not really!! I don't plan to own a website! I'm happier with this little space I have.
Lastly, a message you got to relay to all the blogger beings and our
patrons out here:
Write and write good. No matter what your forte is, you should always explore other styles as well. And for me, it is always important that whatever I am reading, I should be able to relate to it. Which, I understand, doesn't always happen. But all I want to tell all my blogger mates is that a pen and a paper has the power to make a difference... Really! I write, to feel better, to share my views, and also because I want to tell all my readers that being a dark writer is not always negative (:
A good point made their at the end. I loved this interview, hope you too enjoyed it. Gauri Mathur's interview comes next on the series.
Blogger Interview # 3 Shruti Singh
Tushar Mangl
1 comment:
- Gauri Mathur said...
Yeah..that was nice..!!!
- July 11, 2009 at 2:38 PM
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300 Harvard Avenue, Westville, NJ 08093
Tel: (856) 456-2800
Fax: (856) 483-8168
Microfiber W/ Pile Trim Trooper - 8BAKTROOPBLK - Product Details
Microfiber with pile trim trooper hat. The shell is made from 100% polyester, the lining is 100% nylon, and the faux fur is 100% acrylic. This hat is available in black only.
This product is imported.
Blaze Orange Aviator - 8TRBLZ - Product Details
Imported blaze orange aviator hat. This style comes in both blaze and black.
© 2022 Artex Knits. All Rights Reserved.


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If you're not a subscriber to our weekly Cafe Bites dining newsletter for Broward and Palm Beach, here's a taste of what you missed this week. Click here to sign up.
visitors at CityPlace see a far different piazza than their night-owl
counterparts: The crowds are gone, the dancing fountain is quiet, and
nearly every seat around the center plaza beckons you to
wile away the morning sipping coffee. And for the next few days -
through July 31 - you can get a free LaVazza coffee with any breakfast
purchase at Il Bellagio, the stately Italian eatery that sits fountain-side within the Harriet Himmel Theater.
The coffee giveaway celebrates the early-morning opening of Il Bellagio and its new breakfast menu.
place is offering traditional items, including waffles and eggs, along
with Italian-inspired dishes: ricotta pancakes with orange zest and
walnuts, omelets with salami and provolone, and crepes with fruit and
Nutella or mascarpone cream. We think "Nana's Breakfast" - grilled
Italian toast with an egg cooked in the center and served with roasted
peppers and potatoes - is sure to be a favorite.
runs daily from 7:30 to 11 a.m. And if you can't make it there early
enough, there's always lunch and dinner, which runs through 11 p.m.
-- Jill Barton


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Free SF, Fantasy and Horror Fiction for 3/27/2013
What's special about today's free fiction?
- Expanded Horizons #34 – March 2013
- Innsmouth Magazine #12
- Words Without Borders features a translation of "The Baghdad Clock" by Spanish author Cristina Fernández Cubas
- HiLobrow begins its serialization of what's considered the first Cyborg novel: The Clockwork Man by E.V. Odle
- Anya Allyn's YA gothic horror novel, Dollhouse, is free on Amazon
- @AE: "First Date" by David Tallerman [Science Fiction]
- @Cosmos: "Angels Call in Strange Disguise" by Christopher K. Miller [Science Fiction]
- Expanded Horizons #34 – March 2013:
- "The Muralist" by Ibi Zoboi [Fantasy]
- "Collect Call" by Silvia Moreno-Garcia [Horror]
- "River Bride" by Nghi Vo [Fantasy]
- "Blood Amber" by Keyan Bowes [Fantasy]
- Innsmouth Magazine #12: [Weird / Lovecraftian]
- "Where She Slumbers Still" by E. Catherine Tobler
- "I Fall to Pieces" by Leslianne Wilder
- "The Unkillable Girl" by KL Pereira
- "The Atrocity Film" by Allen Griffin
- "Grotto of the Helpless" by Erin Stocks
- "Call Out" by Steve Toase
- @Lightspeed:
- "The Dream Detective" by Lisa Tuttle [Fantasy]
- "The Sense of the Circle" by Angélica Gorodischer, translated by Amalia Gladhart [Science Fiction] (also available in audio)
- @The Colored Lens: "Blessings by the Shade" by S. L. Nickerson [Alternate History]
- @Weird Fiction Review: "The Love of Beauty" by K.J. Bishop [Weird Fairy Tale]
- @Words Without Borders: "The Baghdad Clock" by Cristina Fernández Cubas, translated by Lucy Greaves [Literary Fantasy]
- @Author's Site: "Craters" by Kristine Kathryn Rusch [Science Fiction]
Written – Flash
- @365 tomorrows: "Extremophile" by Aaron Koelker [Science Fiction Flash]
- @Daily Science Fiction: "The Tying of Tongues" by Kristi DeMeester [Fantasy Flash]
- @Every Day Fiction: "A Day Before All of Those Nights" by Sarah Crysl Akhtar [Fantasy Flash]
- Flash Fiction Online – March 2013:
- "Keith Crust's Lucky Number" by Alisa Alering [Urban Fantasy]
- "For Life" by David Tallerman [Literary]
Written – Serialized
- @HiLobrow: The Clockwork Man by E.V. Odle – Chapter 1 [Science Fiction – from 1923]
- @Legend of the Five Rings: The Sparrow's Fate by Robert Denton – Part 1 [Fantasy]
- @Lightspeed: "The Sense of the Circle" by Angélica Gorodischer, translated by Amalia Gladhart [Science Fiction]
Audio – Serialized
- @Author's Site: The MVP by Scott Sigler – Episode #24 [Science Fiction]
Free eBooks (at time of listing)
- @Amazon:
- Baby (Species Intervention #6609 Book One) by J.K. Accinni [Science Fiction Adventure Novel – First of Series]
- Dollhouse (The Dollhouse Trilogy) by Anya Allyn [YA Gothic Horror – First of Trilogy]
- Firecracker by Charles R. Verhey [YA Fantasy Novel]
- The Griffin Cryer by Julia Hughes [YA Fantasy Novel]
- Limbo's Child (Limbo' Child Series) by Jonah Hewitt [Contemporary Fantasy Novel – First of Series]
- Night Marchers by Rebecca Gober and Courtney Nuckels [YA Paranormal Fantasy Novel]
- Sasha: A Trial of Blood and Steel – Book One by Joel Shepherd [Epic Fantasy Novel – First of Series]
- Seven Point Eight: The First Chronicle by Marie Harbon [Science Fiction Novel – First of Series]
- "What Happens in Vegas…" – An Empire of Blood Short Story by Robert S. Wilson [Dystopian Vampire Short Story]
Free Audiobooks
- @LibriVox: The Hour of the Dragon by Robert E. Howard [Conan the Cimmerian Novel – from 1935]
- @Tor: Excerpt from Virus Thirteen by Joshua Alan Parry [Science Fiction]


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Pausing Cucumber Scenarios to Debug
Continuing what I started with my post last light, I've got another tip for developing productively when using Cucumber.
I'm going to show you a simple way to pause cucumber stories in order to investigate the current state of your application at that point.
AfterStep('@pause') do
print "Press Return to continue"
Then just tag any Cucumber feature or scenario with
@pause. After the
first step is run, the scenario will stop running and you can do
whatever you like before proceeding.
My favourite tactic is to combine the
@pause tag with
@selenium tag
to have WebDriver stop driving FireFox for a moment and let me click
around in the application or inspect the HTML/CSS at that point.
My next post will be about enabling FireBug in the "WebDriver" profile to help inspecting the web page when you've paused a scenario.


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Radisson Hotel Boston, Boston
Radisson Hotel Boston200 Stuart Street
City's best location for business, shopping, theater, sporting and cultural events. Hotel offers oversized guest rooms, heated indoor pool, restaurant, health facility, live theater and concierge services, on site parking available for a fee, parking attached to hotel. Complimentary High Speed Internet Access available. All hotel rooms are nonsmoking.


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My dear friend Monica introduced me to cold quinoa salad recently, and I've spent the last four months or so trying to create the ultimate recipe. I've come a long way from just tossing a couple veggies and whatever quinoa was on sale with some apple cider vin and olive oil.
My final recipe is a masterpiece. This is by far the best quinoa salad I have ever had, and possibly one of the best salad's I've ever had.
The magic is in the dressing, which I can't take total credit for. Jennifer Harris, local queen of fermentation and pickling, showed me how to make dressing with sauerkraut. The recipe here is my edited version.
The latest edit to this dish is the roasted brussels sprouts. It's my go-to veggie that always pleases my household and takes 5 seconds to make. (That's not true it takes like 20 min, but it can be done while multitasking.)
I started with roasting the brussels and letting them cool. Then I made the quinoa, transferred to a large bowl and then stuck in the fridge to chill. This recipe is NOT good if the quinoa hasn't completely chilled so be patient.
While all be chillin', make your dressing and chop your veggies.
This recipe makes A LOT of food so use your biggest bowl to mix. Toss all your ingredients and enjoy! This recipe is easily made vegan if you sub vegetable stock for the chicken stock when making the quinoa.
To make a meal out of it, cook up some chicken sausage on the side, and bam, happy and full household!
For The Roasted Brussels Sprouts:
-Approx. 20 Brussels sprouts
-1 TBSP olive oil
-1/2 tsp garlic powder
-1/2 tsp salt
dash of pepper
Preheat over to 400 degrees. Peel and quarter the sprouts, toss sprouts in oil, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for approx. 12-15 min or until golden brown around the edges. Set aside.
For the Quinoa:
-3 cups of quinoa ( I used 1.5 cups of sprouted quinoa because its easier to digest and 1.5 cups of red quinoa, strictly because it looks cool.)
-1.5 cups of chicken stock and 1.5 cups of filtered water. (sub vegetable stock to make this recipe vegan.)
Lightly toast the dry quinoa in a large skillet, stirring frequently so they don't burn. You will start to smell a toasted, nutty aroma and eventually hear a bit of crackling. That's when you know its time to add the liquid. Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce to simmer and cover. Cook for 15 min. Do not over-cook. Al dente quinoa is better than mushy, especially for this dish. Put in fridge to chill.
For the Dressing:
- 1 cup of Bubbies Sauerkraut ( I only use traditional, fermented sauerkraut.)
- 2 TBSP Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1/2 tsp celery seed
- 1 tsp mustard (Any kind will work, but I like to use Dijon.)
- 1 TBSP local honey
- 2 TBSP olive oil
Blend dressing ingredients in a magic bullet or food processor until most of the kraut chunks are blended thoroughly.
For the Salad:
- 1 small stalk of broccoli , chopped
- 1/2 of a small head of purple cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, sliced
- a handful of fresh basil, roughly chopped
- avocado, sliced to your preference
Throw it all together and toss well with a little S & P to taste! Test out the recipe and let me know how it turns out!


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Long, lazy summer weekends are made for getting together with friends, food and libations. We have everything you need to make the most out of your holiday. All summer long.
Going to a Barbecue? Be sure to bring along the right sides and sauces. And remember, beer, bourbon and big red wines are the drinks of choice along America's Barbecue Belt, make sure you're armed with the right libations.
Vino al Fresco – Everything you need to make your picnic what it should be: leisurely, relaxing, fun and, with luck, romantic.
For something a little more low-key, try a quiet and light meal of salad and wine on the terrace. A delicious combination.
For dessert, a simple yet Patriotic choice would be:
Balsamic Mixed Berries
Approx. 3 pints of your favorite fresh berries (raspberries, blueberries, cut up strawberries)
2 Tbs. good balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup white sugar
Combine berries, balsamic vinegar and sugar in a bowl. Stir gently. Let stand for about 10 minutes.
Serve in a glass bowl with fresh whipped cream, angel food cake and/or vanilla ice cream and your patriotism will shine through.
The Big O: Stylish, effervescent and sexy in its simplicity, this amazing libation is one erotic ride of a drink, complete with a seductive rim of raspberry purée.
Patriotic Margarita: This frozen libation is made with sweetened strawberry pureé and Hpnotiq liqueur, among many other fruity constituents.
Rémy Knockout
Rémy Knockout
A fruity, refreshing cocktail
1.5 oz. Rémy Martin V.S.O.P.
1 oz. Cointreau
Splash of pineapple juice
Splash of cranberry juice
Pour Rémy Martin and Cointreau over ice. Add pineapple and cranberry juice to taste.
If wine is your taste, we have some options for you.
If you want something sparkling to go with your fireworks, try one of these Champagne alternatives.
Are you the only one of your friends who drinks the bubbly? Take along Floot – these individual 6.3-ounce cans come with their own straw. Retails for $9.99 in 4-packs.


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You don't have to pay through the nose to have the best backyard on the block. If you have a few simple DIY skills and know how to use a tape measure and level, you can easily upgrade and update your backyard all on your own.
If you've ever dreamed of a lovely garden path, perennial garden or a privacy fence, but you've hesitated because of cost, now is the time to invest a little sweat equity to create the backyard of your dreams.
Plant a Perennial Garden
Tending perennials may seem daunting to inexperienced gardeners, but in reality, they're some of the easiest flowers to grow. Best of all, plant them once and they return to bloom every year. Perennial gardens make lively backgrounds for your annual plantings. Use them along fences and border porches and decks to add color from early summer to late fall.
To ensure the stability and livelihood of your perennial plants:
- Keep the roots wet until you put them in the ground
- Plant them in improved soil
- Apply regular helpings of water and fertilizer
- Place a 3-inch layer of mulch around, but not touching, the plants.
Photo by Karen Roe via Flickr
Replace Your Pool Liner
Photo by Creative Ignition via Flickr
It sounds like a difficult challenge, but replacing your pool liner is quite simple when you start with the right tools and quality supplies. Visit webpages such as poolproducts.com inground liner to find the materials you, as a DIYer, need to perform simple maintenance on your in-ground pool. Keep the following points in mind as you replace your pool's liner:
- Replace your liner during warm weather
- Remove all water and debris from your pool
- Avoid over-stretching your replacement liner
- Utilize sandbags to secure the base seal
- Have a comprehensive understanding of the process before starting.
Hardscape Your Backyard
Photo by ARNOLD Masonry and Concrete via Flickr
The addition of pavers, retaining walls, fire pits and patios all add value and comfort to your backyard, but many homeowners don't realize they can easily complete these upgrades without the help of professional landscapers.
Lay decorative pavers on a bed of tamped sand to make an easy patio that stands up to the elements, or layer simple bricks with or without mortar to make attractive and functional retaining walls. A meandering garden path guided by decorative cobblestones can lead to a simple water feature or wooden bench in your garden. Delight your backyard guests and yourself this summer by creating a simple hardscape that complements the design of your home.
Install a Privacy Fence
Photo by tristanf via Flickr
If you crave a secluded backyard oasis, consider installing a 6-foot or 8-foot section of privacy fence. Your local home improvement store sells this type of fencing in sections. All you have to do is level the terrain and dig the post holes. Use a quick-setting cement to anchor your fence posts, making sure everything is level and square before moving on to the next section.
With a little tenacity, you can install a privacy fence in one weekend. Done properly, it adds privacy and enjoyment to your backyard and value to your home.


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Corporate Executive Training is a current tendency inside the market that is most famous exercise. This goes to be the first-class way for you so that you can motivate your complete body of workers to do its very first-class consistently. When the workforce performance with skillability, the business will generate large revenue and its workers will certainly see the variance they could create. When, Corporate Solutions International enterprise chief is preferred for any company, the specific durations begin.
The profitable Executive Leadership Training will not only help you in managing the firm in a higher manner however also verify to be a useful blessings for the business. The information which can be required to position an effective approach into feature can also be located whilst a nicely set up corporate Executive Training is nicely used. This Executive Leadership Training is vital for the all of the degrees of people to run the company nicely for years.
With an energized brain, extremely good Corporate Solutions International control head individuals into huge moves to gain huge outcomes. They are capable of exercise personal electricity thru the effective use of 3 crucial mind competencies: Will Power, Self-Confidence and Self-Discipline.
Generating a sales and preserving consumers thrilled is not going to appear with the aid of playing a or three day route. There must be connection among the workers themselves and with the chief. There isn't any manner around the fact that a address and movie isn't always going to do for you and your employees what speaking and schooling real-lifestyles situations can do. When making a decision time is proper for corporate Executive Training, the strategy need to be put into actions obtain the endurance it is going to take to create this deliver the results.
Every human being brain has huge power. The results in regular life of individuals can vary in step with how well they use their mind strength. In that don't forget, brain energy progression is probably the maximum essential a part of Executive Leadership Training that creates lengthy-time period process outcomes. Even when you have no tendency for control amongst people, you must be the leader of your everyday lifestyles. Whatever manner you can explain consequences, the essential detail is found to your mind strength. Any everyday Executive Leadership Training routines which you do to construct your mind electricity will produce consequences on your regular lifestyles in addition to task over some time.
Use your natural skills, speak along with your body of workers, find out what issues to them, and create yourself accessible to them. This is the trace of a real chief. You have to be capable of head and pay attention as nicely. Never create them feel you do no longer sufficient for them. If you are unavailable for your body of workers, they'll now not be accessible to you. The Corporate Executive Training will show you how to work collectively along with your body of workers for the good of everyone.


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Returning from a trade mission with the Tak Tak, Janeway and Neelix are perplexed to find Voyager adrift in space. After landing their craft in the Shuttlebay, the pair notes there are no crewmembers in sight and that many of the ship's systems are off-line. While investigating the seemingly empty ship, their turbolift is halted by several lifeforms, one of which pokes a hole in the door with a large stinger. The stinger sprays Neelix with slime, but the pair is able to escape. Not long after, Neelix falls ill and Janeway goes to find an emergency kit. When she returns, he's gone.
Now on her own, Janeway arms herself with weapons and goes to the Bridge, where she is stung by one of the bizarre lifeforms. In the Mess Hall, she discovers unresponsive, ailing crewmembers and a giant flying creature, which tries to attack Janeway.
Fleeing to Sickbay, Janeway finds the Doctor holed up with a phaser. He reports that the ship is infected by a strange alien macrovirus. He explains that while Janeway and Neelix were away from the ship, Voyager responded to a medical distress call from a mining colony stricken by a virus. A few of the "bugs" migrated back to the ship when the Doctor returned, and since then, they've spread throughout the ship's systems, and ultimately to the crew. The Doctor has come up with an antigen but he hasn't had the chance to test it, since the huge, mature versions of the virus — such as the one that came after Janeway — have prevented him from leaving Sickbay. Now infected herself, Janeway volunteers to test the antigen and is cured. But there's still the problem of distributing the antigen to the ailing crew.
Janeway comes up with the idea of distributing the cure in gaseous form through the ship's environmental system. Using her arsenal, she blasts her way through the ship until she reaches the controls. But before she can disperse the antigen, Voyager is fired upon by the Tak Tak, who want to exterminate the virus by destroying the ship. Janeway tells them about the cure and asks them to stop shooting long enough for her to treat the crew. They give her an hour. Unfortunately, the environmental controls have been damaged, but Janeway figures out how to put together an antigen bomb, which destroys the virulent invaders.


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Wolverine: So tradin' liberty for safety's what's passin' for "sensible" these days? 'Cause I seemed to think the motto of America -- and I'm Canadian, so that might be why I'm confused -- used to be, "Give me liberty or Give me Death".
Maria Hill, Director of S.H.I.E.L.D.: Are all Canadians this judgmental?
Wolverine: When it comes to America, pretty much.
Marvel Comics is known for its flawed heroes, the moral ambiguity of its stories and its dark settings. Amongst its darkest settings in recent memory is its Civil War series, Marvel's comment on the erosion of civil liberties in America. I have now read ten of the Civil War graphic novels and feel I can offer some thoughts.
Like all things wrong with the modern world, it starts with a reality TV show. The New Warriors and their leader Speedball are having trouble finding supervillains to fight on national television. Desperate for ratings, they attack a group of fugitive villains that are out of their league. Amongst the fugitives is Nitro, a man with the ability to cause explosions around him, who promptly asplodes the New Warriors and half of Stamford, Connecticut in the process. 612 people, including 60 children are killed.
As always happens when kids get killed, everybody overreacts. Congress passes the Superhero Registration Act, requiring all super-powered heroes to register their identities with the government, undergo training and become Federal Marshals. All those who refuse to register will be imprisioned. Leading the charge is Tony Stark (Iron Man), who sees the need to enforce accountability amongst a group of people who are essentially vigilantes with the ability to kill hundreds of people. Interestingly, the Registration Act's greatest foe is Captain America. You see, he grew up before World War II and is attached to an America which no longer exists. He sees the Act as yet another step toward an American police state and rallies unregistered heroes around him. The pro-and-anti-reg heroes resolve their differences the only way know how: shooting each other and killing innocent people in the crossfire.
The message of Civil War is the perfect comic-book product of the George Bush era: Which do you value more, security or liberty? America's prison population swells. Heroes put their loved ones in danger when the government unmasks their secret identities. The government uses villains to arrest "the good guys". Heroes are held as "unregistered combatants" in "undisclosed locations" in North America. All of this is done with the willing participation of the citizens and representatives of the United States.
Along the way, all the heroes torture themselves. The Pro-registration heroes suffer from the guilt of locking their former friends in jail and the severity of measures which must be taken to maintain order. The Anti-registration heroes, outnumbered and hunted, find themselves assaulting police officers, destroying property and hurting bystanders. Everybody believes what they are doing is right but everybody also questions if what they are doing is right.
Such are the moral complexities of Civil War, and Marvel Comics continues its reputation for cerebral writing. However, Marvel also has another reputation, one that it shares with other comic publishers: comics can be kinda dumb. The Civil War series is very large and has room for both reputations. The quality of each volume varies significantly in both writing in art. Here is a quick guideline for what are must-reads and things to avoid. This list is not all-inclusive as I haven't been able to get a hold of all the titles. If you don't see a volume listed here, it's because it was either mediocre/okay or I haven't read it.
READ: Civil War. Author: Mark Millar. Illustrator: Steve McNiven.
This volume presents the basic events of the Civil War as Iron Man and Captain America trade insults and blows. It has all the major themes of the series, all the necessary action. Yet, something is missing. The book has too many heroes to concentrate properly on their trials, too many climactic events to show. Overall, it felt rushed. As well, the art can be confusing during some fight scenes. Overall, it's a mediocre volume. Unfortunately, it also essential to read if you want to understand what's happening in other volumes. I suggest you read it, prepare to be a bit underwhelmed and enjoy it when you can, then move onto better volumes.
3 of our former friends locked in the Negative Zone Prison out of 5
READ: Civil War Frontline, Volumes 1 & 2. Writer: Paul Jenkins. Various illustrators.
Frontline is essentially a more in-depth examination of the Civil War, providing the detail that is missing from the main volume. It is told from the perspective of three people: Ben Urich, a reporter from conservative fish-wrap The Daily Bugle, Sally Floyd, a reporter from liberal rag The Alternative, and Robby Baldwin, aka Speedball, the hero who survives the Stamford explosion only to become the most hated man in America. The two reporters learn more about the new world order as they grow closer while Speedball deals with his guilt for his involvement at Stamford. I have nothing bad to say about these books. They are perfect in their own way. They have all the moral ambiguity I love, but perhaps not as much fighting as comic readers would expect. I rarely cry while reading, but I actually found myself becoming bleary-eyed at a few moments, something unheard of while I've read graphic novels. There is a third book in the series which I am trying to get a hold of, but honestly, the story wraps up nicely in these first two volumes.
4 1/2 attempted assassinations out of 5
AVOID: Fantastic Four Civil War. Buncha writers and artists.
The Fantastic Four are riven when Mr Fantastic follows his utilitarian, pro-registration agenda at the expense of the morals of his wife, Invisible Woman. This volume starts okay and has an amusing digression when The Thing moves to France and has a refreshingly old-fashioned adventure helping his new French friends foil a dastardly plot to undermine Paris. However, the story soon meanders and finally halts in an unwarranted Fantastic Four 45th Anniversary Special. 45th? Really? What is that, the corrugated chip-board anniversary? If the 45th anniversary means the Fantastic Four are going to ruin a decent graphic novel, what are they going to do on the 50th? Invade classic works of literature and ruin them? In any case, the anniversary special contains lots of in-jokes, pointless shatterings of the fourth wall and yet another lame appearance by Stan Lee. Stew-pid.
1 times clobberin' out of 5
READ: Wolverine Civil War. Writer: Marc Guggenheim. Artist: Humberto Ramos.
In the aftermath of Stamford, Wolverine sets out on a lonely quest to find Nitro, the villain who killed 612 people. As he relentlessly tracks Nitro, he pisses off S.H.I.E.L.D., the Atlanteans, corporate America and even his fellow X-Men. The writer apparently wrote a few episodes of television's C.S.I. and it shows. Normally, C.S.I. zippy one-liners piss me off, but when they're coming out of Wolverine's mouth, they're hilarious. Wolverine rampages around, making enemies, maiming people, occasionally getting the shit kicked out of him but always returning to brutally right wrongs. The art is over-the-top, cartoony and yet gritty, enhancing the fun atmosphere of the book. It's great.
4 1/2 sneaky back-attacks out of 5
AVOID: Ms. Marvel Civil War. Writer: Brian Reed.
Just so you know, most of this volume concerns events that don't have anything to do with the Civil War. There's a story that starts promisingly with single mom Arachne running from the government while trying to fetch her child so they can flee to Canada. It has promise, but abruptly stops when another version of Ms. Marvel appears from a parallel dimension and they fight. Then some other thing happens with some stuff happens and... I dunno. It was kinda stupid. Maybe it has merit on its own, but for Chrissake don't cram a bunch of material into a book called "Civil War" that has nothing to do with the Civil War. Cheap assholes.
1 fight that could have been avoided if everybody just talked to each other out of 5
That's about it. The Marvel Civil War is rewarding and profound if you look in the right places and get through the mediocre opening volume. The best parts of this series were worth the slog through the disappointing parts. If you decide to investigate this series, I hope these reviews will be helpful. I'll devote a little more time in the future to some of the volumes that I missed, but for now I'm hungering for some books with fewer pictures.


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Current Trail Updates (Last updated 9/13/2011)GEORGIA
Hurricane Irene and Hurricane Lee
Two hurricanes in early September caused significant damage in some areas, including flooding and washed-out bridges and boardwalks. The most significant impacts were reported in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Vermont (where the Trail through the entire state has been closed), and Maine. Low-lying areas were hit hardest, and road access has been affected in some areas. Some temporary re-routes may be required. Carrying a map and compass is strongly recommended. We have listed closures and cautions we are aware of below, but please check local land-managing agencies website, trail club websites, and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy Facebook page before contemplating a hike, or contact an ATC office at www.appalachiantrail.org/locations.ATTN: THRU-HIKERS: If a section of the A.T. is closed or presents a serious safety hazard, hikers may take an alternative route or skip those sections entirely and can be still eligible to receive 2,000-miler status.
Neels Gap to Jarrard Gap Closure Ended
The closure order prohibiting camping along the AT expired 5/15/11. Camping is again permitted on the Appalachian Trail between Neels Gap and Jarrard Gap. Wildlife managers will closely monitor the area for bear activity to determine future management decisions. Visit the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest website alerts page or call (706)745-6928 for details.
The U.S. Forest Service advises backpackers to properly hang their food and scraps, and seriously consider the use of bear-proof food canisters. Bears in the area seem to have found ways to reach food hung by standard methods. For more information on hiking in bear country visit the black bears section of our website.
NORTH CAROLINA No updates at this time.
GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK The following shelters are closed due to bear activity.
Use caution at the following shelters:
- Spence Field
- Silers Bald
- Cosby Knob
For a full list of closures and warnings throughout the park, click here.
- Mt. Collins
- Double Spring Gap
Click herefor more information on black bears in the backcountry.
Clingmans Dome Water update
Water is currently not available near the day-hiker parking lot, as page 36 of the 2010 Thru-Hikers' Companion indicates. Water can be purchased by the quart from a nearby store for $2. The store is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Newfound Gap Water not available. The water system and drinking fountain are closed due to the potential for contamination by surface water. Bottled water may be available from the Great Smoky Mountains Association store at Clingmans Dome, which is open daily from 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Checkwww.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/temproadclose.htm for updates.
NORTH CAROLINA & TENNESSEE BORDERUnaka Mountain Relocation
Volunteers from TEHCC, ATC Konnarock Crew, Hard Core Crew, and student groups recently completed a series of relocations on the north side of Unaka Mountain.
TENNESSEE US 19E to Bishop Hollow Relocation completed
A 0.7 mile relo in the section between US 19E and Bishop Hollow was completed in 2008. This relo moved the A.T. route away from both Bear Branch Road (where trash was frequently dumped) and a steep drainage and onto a sidehill grade with nice views of the Roan Highlands.
SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA Grindstone Campground
Grindstone Campground now open.
Mt. Rogers Vehicle break-ins and thefts
The Trail between Damascus and VA Rt. 16 at Mt. Rogers NRA Headquarters has a long history of vehicle break-ins and thefts.
CENTRAL VIRGINIA Va. 621, Craig Creek Valley north to Dragons Tooth Fire Damage
Fire damage from the February 2011 Pickle Branch Fire may be visible in this area. As always, hikers are encouraged to stay on established trails, particularly in the burned areas.
Dragons Tooth VANDALISM ALERT
In late July 2009, several cars were reported vandalized at the Rt. 311 parking area for the Dragons Tooth side trail.
Rockfish Gap VANDALISM ALERT
In late July, a hiker's vehicle was reportedly broken into at the Rockfish Gap parking area located on the Skyline Drive just north of I-64.
SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK Gravel Springs Gap north to Compton Gap - Fire Damage
Fire damage from the February 2011 Smith Run Fire may be visible in this area. As always, hikers are encouraged to stay on established trails, particularly in the burned areas.
Shenandoah National Park has lifted its temporary camping closure at Bearfence Mtn Hut. Bearfence Mtn Hut is open to camping. Bearfence Mtn Hut is .7 miles north of Lewis Mtn. Campground. Lewis Mtn Campground is at Skyline Drive mile post 57.6. Please use available food storage devices or hang food, garbage, scented items, etc., 12 feet from the ground and 6 feet out from a limb or trunk.
NORTHERN VIRGINIA 522/Chester Gap parking Trailhead vandalism.
Every window in 2 cars smashed. There was no history of vandalism recent prior to this incident, and none reported since. (Potomac A.T. Club 8/17/11)
WEST VIRGINIA Keys Gap VANDALISM ALERT
This parking area, located on Rt. 9 at the Virginia-West Virginia state line, has a long history of break-ins and vandalism. To promote the security of Trail users and assist law enforcement, camping is now prohibited within the 1.5 mile section from WV Rt. 9 north to the powerline cut, and within 0.5 mile south of Rt. 9. Leaving cars in the Keys Gap parking area overnight is not recommended; suggestions for vehicle security can be found on Parking & Transportation
MARYLAND Crampton Gap Shelter spring is dry. Water is available at Gathland State Park from a spigot by the restrooms, 0.4 south of the shelter side trail. (8/1/11)Dahlgren Campground Bear activity
Hikers have reported food supplies stolen by a bear at the Dahlgren Backpacker Campground. South Mountain SP has also noted other reports of bear problems in the area. Although black bears have not historically posed much of a problem to hikers in Maryland, they are out there and are now being seen more frequently. Read our recommendations for wildlife safety.
Raven Rock Shelter Shelter open
Raven Rock Shelter is OPEN. Access to the new shelter is on the west side of the A.T., just a few feet south of the access to the old Devils Racecourse Shelter. The water source is a spring located 0.3 miles east from the A.T. (on the blue-blazed trail to the old shelter/Ritchie Road).
PENNSYLVANIA Pine Grove Furnace State Park New parking rules
Pine Grove Furnace State Park requires that hikers check in with the park office before leaving a vehicle in the park and that vehicles be left for no more than one week.
Pine Grove Furnace State Park, PA. The Ironmasters Mansion hostel has reopened for business, but note that the doors are locked from 9 a.m. 5 p.m. daily.
The ATC Mid-Atlantic Regional Office Pay phone removed
A payphone on the porch of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy Mid-Atlantic Regional Office has been removed by the phone company.
Boiling Springs, PA The long-term parking lot will be closed for resurfacing sometime after July 15, 2011. Contact the Mid-Atlantic ATC office well in advance for updates and possible alternatives
Cumberland Valley- flooding reported during Hurricane Lee but water has receded.Darlington Shelter Spring unreliable
Clarks Ferry Bridge (the highway bridge over the Susquehanna River that also carries the A.T.) reopened (ATC 9/12/11)Trout Run (about a mile south of Swatara Gap) Possibly hazardous conditions. (Swatara Gap State Park 9/12/11)Swatara State Park A.T. bridge -- sustained some minor damage, but appears to be okay for pedestrians. (Swatara Gap State Park 9/12/11)
The spring serving as the water source near the Darlington Shelter is known to be unreliable. An alternate water source is a more reliable spring located 1 mile south of the shelter.
Part. 309 VANDALISM ALERT
Two attempted vehicle break-ins have been reported for the Rt. 309 parking lot: one in June 2008, and more recently in July 2009. Suggestions for vehicle security can be found on Getting to the Trail.
Palmerton Temporary relocation
Zinc smelting plants (now shut down) in Palmerton have left Blue Mountain nearly devoid of vegetation in the Lehigh Gap area. A long-term remediation project was begun in March of 2008.
Lehigh Gap Temporary relocation and side trail closure
The National Park Service, in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration, began a slope stabilization project in mid-July 2010 on the east side of Lehigh Gap. As a result, a temporary relocation will be put in place for the A.T. where it passes through Lehigh Gap and the blue blaze Winter Trail is closed. Additionally, the east Lehigh Gap parking area is open for day use only; overnight parking is available at the west Lehigh Gap parking area. The National Park Service asks that hikers be alert to construction activities while in the area. For additional project information, please visit the following link:www.nps.gov/appa/parkmgmt/publicinvolvement.htmDelaware Water Gap NRA: Hurricane Irene Closures
The A.T. is open; a listing of facilities and other trails that are open ca be found at: www.nps.gov/dewa/parknews/newsreleases.htm (9/7/11)
NEW JERSEY Post-Irene Trail Updates - www.nynjtc.org/news/postirene-message-hikers-trail-maintainersLong House Creek Bridge (near Bearfort Mountain/Greenwood Lake) -- washed out. (NYNJTC report 9/3/11)Heading trail north: At Long House Road (1.4 north of Warwick Turnpike, last paved road in NJ), turn right. Follow Long House Road for about .7, turn left on Riverside Road. Follow Riverside Road for about .9. Riverside Road is paved for the first .5, dirt/gravel (closed to vehicles) for the remainder. Rejoin A.T. at .9, turn right, going uphill.
Trail Re-opening: The closed section of A.T. in Stokes State Forest and the Gren Anderson Shelter in New Jersey have re-opened. (8/11/11)
Mohican Outdoor Center - Re-opened. (9/2/11)
High Point State Park New overnight hiker parking area
High Point State Park has moved the overnight hiker parking area to a larger and flatter paved lot 0.2 mile further east on NJ Rt. 23. The new parking area, marked by a sign, is on the south side of Rt. 23 and is connected to the A.T. via a 0.25 mile side trail, a portion of which utilizes the red-blazed Iris Trail. A free permit from the High Point SP office is required for overnight parking.Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge (north of Unionville, NY) -- under water. (NYNJTC report 9/3/11)Pochuck Boardwalk Closed
In the Vernon Township between Pochuck Mountain and Wawayanda Mountain is underwater and closed. The A.T. here will revert to its former routea roadwalk around the Pochuck Swamp. (ATC report 9/1/11)Black Creek Bridge (near Canal Road) -- closed. (NYNJTC report 9/3/11)Wawayanda Shelter Relocation
The route of the A.T. was recently changed through the area around Wawayanda Shelter.
NEW YORK Post-Irene Trail Updates - www.nynjtc.org/news/postirene-message-hikers-trail-maintainers
Bear Mountain State ParkRe-opened Sept 2.
Swamp River Bridge is back in place - The Swamp River Bridge has been floated back up stream and set back on its footings. This means the A.T. in the Pawling area is fully open and a detour is no longer necessary. (NYNJTC report 9/4/11)
Little Dam Lake Little Dam Bridge collapsed
Little Dam Bridge, just south of Little Dam Lake, 3 miles west (or Trail south) of NY 17 and the NY Thruway, has collapsed. A crew from the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference has installed step stones. These were reported submerged under fast-flowing water 9/8/11
West Mountain VANDALISM ALERT
On West Mountain, 0.75 mile south of Seven Lakes Drive, volunteers of the NY-NJ Trail Conference have installed stone steps, placed scree stone and brush to the sides, and slightly altered the alignment of the treadway three times since 2007, in an effort to rehabilitate tread that had become eroded and widened. Vandals have undone the work of the volunteers every time, most recently between November 2009 and May 2010. The vandals have been removing brush, scraping out blazes, dislodging steps and displacing scree stone into the area where steps were installed. Anyone who may have seen this activity or witnesses it in the future is asked to immediately contact the NY-NJ Trail Conference ([email protected], (201) 512-9348) or the Appalachian Trail Conservancy ([email protected], (304) 535-6331).
Bear Mountain Relocation
Parts of a planned three-mile relocation of the A.T. over Bear Mountain have been opened to the public. Hikers should pay close attention to blazing in the area. Work on the remainder of this relocation and restoration of the old route and social trails in the area will continue.
Cat Rocks to Telephone Pioneers Shelter Relocation
Volunteers from the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference have recently completed a short relo between Cat Rocks and Telephone Pioneers Shelter. This relo adds switchbacks to a steep hill, and has increased the distance of this section by 0.2 mile.
CONNECTICUT River Walk along the Housatonic River -- impassable (north of Kent between South Gate and Swifts Bridge/Dawn Hill Road). This entire section is to be avoided. (AMC-CT 9/12/11)Macedonia Brook (just north of Conn. 341/Kent) - very high. Although the bridge is intact, the open fields are somewhat flooded, particularly on the north side. (AMC-CT 9/12/11)Guinea Brook (just north of Conn. 4/Cornwall Bridge) -- detour required. Stepping stones at Guinea Brook crossing (immediately north of Conn. 4) have washed away, creating hazardous conditions. Use the high water bypass or the Mohawk Trail, or continue S on RT 4 to the Breadloaf Mountain parking area, take blue trail to rejoin AT. (AMC-CT 9/12/11)Significant erosion has been reported in Connecticut, most notably north of Hatch Brook.(AMC-CT 9/12/11)Falls Village Trail N of the Falls Village iron bridge to the Great Falls parking area -- flooded. Use Housatonic River Road. (AMC-CT 9/12/11)Brassie Brook - usually three small stream crossings, reportedly now is one large one. (AMC-CT 9/12/11)Sages Ravine Campsite -- The bridge crossing to campsite is out. It is possible to ford the stream into the campsite. The crossing at the State line is possible, but requires fording. At both locations, the current has been reported as being very strong. (AMC-CT 9/12/11)
MASSACHUSETTS Overall The A.T. in Massachusetts is generally in good shape in the wake of Hurricane Irene, with the exceptions noted below. Water is plentiful at all overnight sites (AMC Berkshire report 9/3/11)Connecticut border to Jug End Trail - conditions between are not known first hand at this time, but probably not extensively damaged. (AMC Berkshire report 9/3/11)The Mt. Everett summit road - Closed at the lower gate until further notice. (AMC Berkshire report 9/3/11)Jerusalem Road VANDALISM ALERT
A car parked at this road crossing was found vandalized (windows smashed with rocks) on November 12. If possible, ask at Tyringham post office about potentially safer overnight parking nearby.
Sheffield, between Rt 7 and Kellogg Rd, trail is still under 10"-12" of water. Even though the river level has dropped, the adjacent land that the trail is on takes quite a while to drain. Recommend a road walk: (Northbounders): South on Rt 7 to Kellogg Rd, East on Kellogg to T-intersection with Boardman St. AT continues East (Northbound) up the hill from this intersection. (9/3/11)Wilcox South Shelter has a 3" hole in the roof. Repairs expected as soon as weather conditions allow. Shelter is still useable, as is the smaller historic shelter at the same overnight site. (9/3/11)Connecticut border to Jug End Trail conditions between are not known first hand at this time, but probably not extensively damaged. The Mt Everett summit road is closed at the lower gate until further notice.Water is plentiful at all overnight sites.
VERMONT Green Mountain National Forest CLOSED Due to the extensive damage caused by Hurricane Irene, the Green Mountain National Forest (GMNF) has been CLOSED until further notice. This closure covers the entire A.T. through Vermont (except for the northernmost section through the town of Norwich) and order prohibits the public, including A.T. thru-hikers, from going into or being upon any part of the Green Mountain National Forest. Fines could be issued for violation of this order.
For the most up to date information on the status of the closure, click here.
NEW HAMPSHIRE White Mountains National Forest:
While the Forest opened on August 29, certain areas, roads, sites, or trails will remain closed due to hazardous conditions, high water, wash outs, unsafe bridges or other impediments as a result of Hurricane Irene. Heed signing and visitwww.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/white_mountain/conditions/index.php and www.outdoors.org for updates. More updates from hikers may be available at www.trailsnh.com.
Visitors who choose to recreate after heavy rains should expect to encounter hazardous conditions. Heavy rains can create swollen rivers and streams. Some trails may be impassable due to high water. Never enter high water areas or approach fast moving water. Keep your distance. Turn back if necessary.
Highland Lodge Bretton Wood, NH
Re-opened 8/31, but access will be limited to the Twin Mountain/Bretton Woods side (via Route 302 from the West) for the foreseeable future due to extensive damage to Route 302 east of Highland Lodge in Crawford Notch State Park.
Cascade Brook Bridge out
The bridge on the A.T. (also known as the Cascade Brook Trail) over Cascade Brook was washed out during a spring 2011 flood. A short distance upstream from the former bridge site there is a rock hop crossing suitable at low to moderate water levels.
During high water, the rock hop crossing is not safe and hikers should seek alternate routes. For northbounders, it is recommended to leave the A.T. at Lonesome Lake and take the blue-blazed Lonesome Lake trail to the Pemi Trail (at the Lafayette place campground) and rejoin the A.T. just before going under Franconia Parkway (I-93/NH Rt.3). For southbounders, take the Pemi Trail after going under the Parkway to the Lonesome Lake Trail.
See the A.T. New Hampshire-Vermont guidebook and map #3 or AMCís White Mountain Guide and Franconia-Pemigewasset map #2.
MAINE Access to Mt. Abraham - The Rapid Stream road into Abraham from Kingfield is gone, it is being repaired only to the last house which is 3 miles short of the trailhead, the twin bridges are gone too. (MATC report 9/3/11)
Between Mt. Abraham and Spaulding Mtn. Numerous blowdowns (MATC report 9/3/11)Carrabasset River the plank across the river is gone. (MATC report 9/3/11)Caribou Valley Road status unknown, but presumed closed given conditions nearby. (MATC report 9/3/11)Rt.27 -- closed due to two bridges that are either side of the Sugarloaf access road. DOT expects to have it open sometime the week of Sept 12. (MATC report 9/3/11)Kennebec Ferry Service - which had been shut down due to high water, was restored on of 9/9/11.Moxie Pond (Baker Stream) Hikers reported unable to cross due to high water (9/8/11)
W and E Branches of the Piscataquis River Hikers reported unable to cross due to high water (9/8/11)
Gulf Hagas side trail Footbridge washed out
The Gulf Hagas Brook bridge was washed out by spring high water. This does not affect the A.T. itself, but does affect access to a popular side trail. A replacement bridge will likely not be installed until fall (at the earliest). Until the bridge is replaced, hikers using the Gulf Hagas side trail will need to wade across the brook. Please cross at the designated ford rather than trampling brush up and down the banks of the stream.Baxter State Park Hurricane Irene closures Currently, all Park campsites and trails are open. Scattered downed trees and standing water may be encountered on Park trails. More information is available at www.baxterstateparkauthority.com.


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CC: Selected Staff
You can now find the preliminary Chapter Affecting Programs Memo and allocation estimate worksheets at the below link on Clubhouse. Please note that the memo and worksheets are based on the draft national 2014 Budget, as recommended by the Club's Finance and Risk Management Advisory Committee, and to be considered for adoption at the Board of Director's meeting on November 16th, 2013. This memo, distributed per request from the Council of Club Leaders, is intended to provide preliminary budget-affecting numbers in early November, so as to aid in the chapter budgeting process. A final chapter affecting memo will be sent later this month after final adoption of the national 2014 budget.
At the link you will find the preliminary 2014 memo and worksheets as well as past memos and worksheets.
Please let me know if you have any questions.


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Top Movies Of The Month:
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Cyndi Lauper, whose new musical Kinky Boots is set to open on Broadway next month, talks to Next magazine about its development, and also her True Colors Fund, which advocates on behalf of LGBT homeless youth.
She also takes a shot at her former Apprentice "boss" Donald Trump:
"I'm not going to kiss ass with somebody like that…I felt that what he said about the gay community was disappointing because a lot of gay people work for him. It's just sad. I thought he could have done better for his country than just go to the lowest common denominator and stir up the crap. It's our country, it's not wrestling. If you try and make our president fail, it doesn't matter who he is, you make our country fail. And if you really are a patriot, if you really give a sh*t about our country, you don't do stuff like that. First of all, you're an entertainer, and you make ugly buildings, and you're famous for it. And you have a reality show with very high ratings. Don't step into the forum like that. Become educated with facts. Don't just be a sh*t-stirrer. Our country is in trouble and he keeps wanting to make [Obama] fail. Let's call a spade a spade. The guy's a black man and that's your issue? What kind of idiot are you? Come on."


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Sometimes it's nice to treat mom to a shiny new gadget. For those times there's the curated Mother's Day sale on Kenmore.com. And then there are times when you want to honor mom with something a little more personal. For those times there's this DIY gift guide. Go ahead, make mom's day.
1. Summer – and outdoor entertaining – is just around the corner. Make these DIY citronella candles to keep Mom safe from mosquito bites.
2. This simple pot holder purse caddy from Fun Cheap or Free is perfect for mamas on the go. Since it's lined with a plastic bag, it's ideal for new moms who might be surrounded by a sea of slobber.
3. Flowers are nice, but they'll be withered and brown by the end of the week. Make a DIY terrarium for mom and she'll have it to enjoy for months to come.
4. You probably have a phone full of photos of the kids. Why not print the best and apply them to coasters? Check out this easy DIY photo coaster tutorial at Click It Up a Notch.
5. Sometimes mom feels like she's carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders. Give her a treat with this no-sew microwavable rice heating pad from Unsophisticook.
6. These salt dough hand and foot prints from The Imagination Tree are a great way to get the giddies in on the DIYing. Add a hole at the top, tie a ribbon on and mom can hang it on the Christmas tree this winter!
7. Add a little color to mom's kitchen with a DIY paint dipped spoon set. Package it with a coordinated towel and oven mitt to make mother's day extra bright.
8. Microwaving meals is a real timesaver for many busy mothers. Help protect mom's fingers with this microwavable fabric bowl from Tamarack Shack. By nestling a microwave safe bowl in the fabric bowl, mom can protect her fingers during harried dinner prep.
9. For mothers with a lot of baubles, this picture frame jewelry organizer from Marty's Musings will keep things organized. The easy, kid-friendly project requires little more than a picture frame, some chicken wire and hot glue.


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Irma Kurtz, our longstanding agony aunt, found herself in the midst of a media storm yesterday after she made some comments on BBC's Woman's Hour. Asked about a letter she received back in 2001 from a reader concerned she had been the victim of rape, Irma told presenter Jane Garvey: "Rape is a vicious and wicked crime. It's an assault with a weapon. It's not the fault of the victim. However it's a very good idea to protect yourself … drunkenness tears that away."
Her comments have led to criticism from some who believe Irma is suggesting that women who drink alcohol are responsible for what then happens to them – that when alcohol is involved, blame can be put on the victim. This is patently untrue.
It's depressing that Irma's words have been interpreted wrongly and that her concern that getting out-of-control drunk – whether male or female – can make you vulnerable to crimes, has sparked such outrage.
We spoke to Irma this morning, and she had this to say: "Rape is never ever the victim's fault and I have never in my 40 year career as an agony aunt said that a victim of this horrific crime is in any way responsible – and I'm devastated that anyone would suggest otherwise. The only person to blame for rape is the rapist. My only wish is for women to stay safe. Excessive alcohol can make people vulnerable to many dangers and crimes. How many mothers advise their daughters before a night out not to drink too much? It's not because they're being judgemental; it's because they care and want them home safely. Why do girls always look after each other when a friend's had too much to drink? Because they don't want anything to happen to her."
These headlines have put the emphasis back on the image of a young woman, walking home alone at night, clearly vulnerable, preyed on by a male opportunist stranger. The facts are that rape is most often committed by someone known to the victim – a partner, relative or an ex. For that reason, rape often happens in the victim's home, and at any time of day. For the majority, self-defence doesn't come into it. What a victim's wearing, whether she's been drinking, whether she's been flirting with her attacker – all of these are absolutely irrelevant to the crime committed.
Here at Cosmo, we've campaigned passionately against the myths that still pervade our society when it comes to sexual violence. These horrific myths are responsible for juries concluding that a rape victim was somehow 'asking for it'. These myths explain why some rapists walk free from court. These myths are responsible for victims feeling like they are the ones on trial and why many are reluctant to report the crime. This is why, for example, in a previous issue of Cosmo we told Sarah's* story – a woman who bravely reported her attack and saw her rapist sent to prison, only for the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority to tell her that they might reduce or withhold her compensation simply because she was drunk at the time.
It takes incredible bravery for a woman to report that she has been raped. Supporting the victims of this terrible crime has to be everybody's priority.
Contact Rape Crisis on their Freephone helpline 0808 802 9999, 12 – 2.30pm, 7 - 9.30pm or contact victimsupport.org.uk on 0845 30 30 900.


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Episode 12 of RuPaul's Drag Race Season 10 got off to a fast start with Ru informing the remaining four queens that there would only be a Maxi Challenge this week — a single test that would determine which of them would make the Top 3.
Ru then went on to explain that they would have to employ their Charisma, Uniqueness, Nerve, and Talent as they perform to her new song entitled "American." Each girl would also have to write and record her own solo verse and perform challenging choreography by the one and only Todrick Hall.
As if that wasn't difficult enough, they also would all have to make a guest appearance on Ru's podcast with Michelle Visage.
The runway theme for the week was Eleganza Extravaganza, and the looks were fierce.
Aquaria wore a traditional evening gown with an Aquarian flare (think: a little nudity, in all the right places). Asia worked an Egyptian gown in Tiffany blue and gold (think: Queen Tut reborn).
Kameron chose a nude-illusion AB-stoned gown in lavender (looked GORG). And last, but not least, Eureka turned out a white, beaded gown with the word 'Eureka' emblazoned on the front and… its definition spelled out on the back. For a hat, she wore a book decorated with light bulbs, explaining that when Thomas Edison discovered electricity, he cried out "Eureka."
Ru then asked each queen two questions, as she normally does at this point in the show. The first was: What advice would you give your younger self if you could? The answers were all real and emotional.
The second question was: Why should you be crowned America's Next Drag Superstar? The four answers were all very different — and all very good, each girl's personality shining through on her response.
The competition was so tight, Ru decided to eliminate… nobody.
So, there will be a Top 4 vying for the crown during the finale in two weeks. (Next week is the reunion show.)
Since I've done these exit interviews for years, people are always asking me who I think will win. Check out next week's Hotspots as I rank the four survivors and spell out in print (not beads) who I think will win…and who I want to win.


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Clear the clutter in your life
Learn how to calm the chaos and clutter in your life during a special program at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 27, at our Main Branch.
Professional organizer Christina Hidek, owner of Streamlined Living, has been vanishing clutter in homes and offices since 2011. She will share her best advice for how to cut the clutter and streamline your life!
This program is free to attend and open to all. Registration is required. You can RSVP online or call us at (440) 255-8811 ext. 247.
Here are a few books that you can borrow if you're interested in clearing the clutter
- Spark Joy: An Illustrated Master Class on the Art of Organizing and Tidying Up by Marie Kondō
- Simply Clean: The Proven Method for Keeping Your Home Organized, Clean, and Beautiful in Just 10 Minutes a Day by Becky Rapinchuk
- The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning: How to Free Yourself and Your Family from a Lifetime of Clutter by Margareta Magnusson
- The Year of Less: How I Stopped Shopping, Gave Away My Belongings, and Discovered Life Is Worth More Than Anything You Can Buy in a Store by Cait Flanders
- The Complete Book of Home Organization: 200+ Tips and Projects by Toni Hammersley