text:
Biscoes achieves LawNet membership
by LawNet News | September 01, 2015
Portsmouth law firm Biscoes has been admitted as a full member of LawNet, the leading law firm network.
The firm says membership will help it to build on its commitment to quality and support its ambitious growth plans.
Biscoes has six offices in Portsmouth and the surrounding area, employing more than 80 fee earners and staff. A range of specialist departments provide legal services to individuals and small business, and the firm is well known for its family work, with specialists in fertility law drawing clients from London. The firm also has a growing reputation for its immigration and leaseholder expertise. Locally, it works with naval personnel through Forces Law, a specialist group providing free and subsidised services to the forces.
On target for rapid expansion, Biscoes aims to increase from its current £3.5m turnover to £5m by the end of next year and is actively recruiting new lawyers, attracting talent from London to join the growing firm.
All LawNet members must achieve the network's ISO.9001 quality standard and undergo annual independent auditing to ensure they deliver the highest standards in client care and professional service. That includes the LawNet Mark of Excellence, for which network members must take part in mystery shopping and online customer surveying, with resulting feedback being used to guide future training and development.
Said managing partner Alison Lee:
We can see big benefits, for the firm and for our clients, by being part of the national network of LawNet. It aligns us with other well-regarded firms through a collaborative support group, without sacrificing our independence, and gives us access to a wealth of knowledge, support and purchasing power. We're very proud of our brand and our values, and LawNet's ethos is a positive reinforcement of those values. We're looking forward to working together, sharing ideas and learning from similar firms elsewhere, which will help our business and, in turn, benefit our customers.
Welcoming the firm, Chris Marston, LawNet's chief executive said:
Membership is by invitation and firms have to meet stringent entry standards. Biscoes are the sort of firm that we want in the network – they have ambitious plans built on quality work and outstanding client care. We will be supporting them in realising those ambitions.


text:
How the iPhone Xs Max compares to Samsung's Galaxy Note 9
Compared side-by-side, the massive similarities obscure a number of notable differences
Nate Lanxon
FP Tech Desk
Apple Inc. introduced the world to its largest-ever smartphone Wednesday, the iPhone Xs Max. With a 6.5-inch screen, it dwarfs the 3.5-inch display on the original iPhone that Steve Jobs unveiled to the world in 2007. It's also one of the biggest and most costly phones to hit the market, with prices starting at US$1,099 and $1,519 in Canada.
Onlookers will be forgiven for seeing the Max as a response to the popular Galaxy Note series made by Samsung Electronics Co. The latest in that line, the Galaxy Note 9, was released in August and has a 6.4-inch screen.
Compared side-by-side, the massive similarities obscure a number of notable differences.
Apple unveils biggest iPhone yet, health-focused Apple Watches
Short sellers descend on Apple as company readies launch of new iPhones this week
Warren Buffett buys more Apple stock, says iPhone 'enormously underpriced'
Samsung's Note 9 is the lighter of the two phones, weighing 201 grams compared to Apple's 208 grams. But the iPhone is about 13 per cent thinner. A big contributor to this difference is the inclusion of Samsung's stylus, or S Pen, which is stored within the Note's chassis.
The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 and stylus. Richard Drew/AP file
The accessory highlights one of the key differences between the two products, and for some consumers is more important than a fraction of an inch of screen size or depth. The S Pen can be used for handwriting, annotation, and precise navigation around the Note's interface. In Apple's world, this is a luxury afforded only to iPad users for the time being.
Screen and Design
Another important difference concerns "the notch." At the top of the iPhone's screen is a small cut-out that houses the front-facing camera and other sensors. Some Android-powered phones have followed this trend but the Note 9 hasn't. Instead, Samsung's screen is an uninterrupted rectangle.
The iPhone XS Max has a notch at the top of the screen that the Samsung Galaxy Note does not. Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP Photo
However, the so-called notch did little to harm sales of the iPhone X, which was the first Apple product to include it, and it's an aspect that now differentiates two of the largest phones on the market. Behind the glass, each device uses a variation of the same screen technology — OLED, rather than LCD — which produces high contrast images and deep black levels.
Features and Security
Apple and Samsung's models both include two camera lenses to the rear — one wide-angle, one telephoto — which capture pictures at a resolution of 12 megapixels. The setup lets users take sharp pictures from greater distances, or create a blurred background effect, known as bokeh, which historically was a quality confined to professional cameras. Both companies will argue their respective software and image processing technologies will produce better results, but to the majority of users the differences will be too little to sway a purchase alone.
The iPhone XS Max has two camera lenses like the Galaxy Note. David Paul Morris/Bloomberg
As smartphones have become our mobile wallets and airline boarding passes as well as products for communicating, biometric security has risen to become a major selling point. Samsung has continued to use fingerprint sensors along with options such as iris scanning and facial recognition to secure its devices. But Apple has gone all-in on its Face ID advanced facial-based authentication, and disposed of its Touch ID system and associated hardware button. The iPhone system presents a single solution to biometric security, and the technology has proven itself to be effective and accurate. Apple says the iPhone Xs Max will recognize faces faster that its previous products, which may be attractive to shoppers.
Sometimes the answer to whether it's worth moving from Samsung to Apple or vice-versa is the same regardless of which phones are being considered: can you be bothered (or afford) to re-buy all your favorite apps? This is no less true with the Note 9 and iPhone Xs Max. This alone may be a deal-breaker for many.
But the iOS ecosystem has recently expanded its already well-regarded catalog of apps to include advanced augmented-reality tools. You can measure furniture accurately thanks to the iPhone's rear-facing camera array, and this has opened the door to home furnishing apps that can help users virtually place potential purchases in their apartments. The larger screen on Apple's new phone is likely to make this an even more attractive area of software and e-commerce to invest in, and it's not something Android-powered devices can universally achieve the same results with.
However, the Note 9 can do something far removed from anything its rival can currently offer, which is to become — for all intents and purposes — a PC. Using a cable, the device can be connected to a monitor and run desktop applications as would be expected on a laptop. A mouse and keyboard can be hooked up via Bluetooth. It's still Android, not Microsoft Corp.'s Windows, but that could be enough for some people who want one device to rule all working environments. It's an innovative and powerful feature that Samsung executes well.
Horsepower and Performance
One of the most controversial aspects of comparing an iPhone to an Android-powered device like the Note, is performance. There are huge numbers of variables, from the efficiency of the operating system itself and the speed and architecture of the hardware and memory, to the apps installed. But both Apple and Samsung's flagships contain some of the most cutting-edge silicon available to mobile products, with specifications and raw horsepower that mirror — or exceed — those of many laptops. It's because of this that Samsung's desktop PC features, for example, are possible.
The new iPhone XS Max on display after the Apple event Wednesday in California. Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP Photo
Apple's hardware-software ecosystem is tighter than Samsung's. The Cupertino, California-based company designs its own hardware, its processors, the software operating system, and strictly ensures third-party developers stick to its guidelines when making apps for consumers. This has historically been seen to give iPhones an edge in terms of performance consistency.
To the vast majority of users, however, the appreciable difference in speed and computing power between the iPhone Xs Max and the Note 9 will be negligible at best. It wouldn't be wise to base a buying decision on this alone.
Price and Verdict
Samsung's Galaxy Note 9 starts at US$1,000, while Apple's iPhone Xs Max will cost US$1,099. Higher memory storage capacity options will push these prices higher still. They're expensive, and they're powerful. They represent some of the most advanced developments in mobile computing and industrial design, and the differences between them are not going to be obvious to many casual shoppers.
But the iPhone's thinner design, and Apple's focus on refining its software, imaging system, and wider hardware ecosystem, may enhance its attraction to average consumers as well as some enterprise users. Samsung's greater emphasis on pure productivity, with the inclusion of the S Pen stylus and connectivity to desktop monitors for a PC-like experience, may appeal more readily to power users.
With Samsung and Apple's latest top-of-the-line gadgets representing the pinnacle of their respective expertise, the user experience will be comparable, and a buying decision could well just come down to: "Do you want a gold one with a notch in the screen, or a purple one with a stylus?"
Twitter investigating amid widespread outage
Twitter users in Canada will now be able to hide replies to tweets
Twitter introduces new label to flag tweets from Trump, other world leaders that violate its rules
Google Stadia gets real: Video game streaming service set to arrive in November for $169
WatchApple to pull the plug on iTunes after 18 years of downloads
YouTube to shutter its only permanent Canadian creator space in Toronto in strategy shift
Amazon to let Alexa users delete recordings via voice command amid mounting criticism over privacy
Apple just unveiled a new iPod Touch — the first update in four years
WatchIf I'm going to wear a computer on my face, it needs to be perfect
WatchWhatsApp urges users to upgrade app after report that spyware is targeting their phones
Facebook redesigns big blue app, doubles down on groups in shift towards privacy
Instagram to remove number of likes on photos and videos in Canada

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
CealDOCTOR
CUNIX
AGRIGULTURAL
RV AND BUS
Japan Releases Nasty Diesel Test Results
IPCC Issues Report on Climate Change - Press Release September 27, 2013
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is the leading international body for the assessment of climate change. It was established by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in 1988 to provide the world with a clear scientific view on the current state of knowledge in climate change and its potential environmental and socio-economic impacts. In the same year, the UN General Assembly endorsed the action by WMO and UNEP in jointly establishing the IPCC.
Cealtec Announces Commencement of Engine Tests at International Stage Lines Inc. - Press Release February 19, 2013
Cealtec Announces Commencement of Engine Test at Cedar Road BioEnergy Inc. Facility - Press Release January 22, 2013
© 2012 Cealtec™ Products Inc. All Rights Reserved.


text:
\section{The MicroBooNE experiment}
MicroBooNE is a short-baseline neutrino detector, consisting of a 170 ton (86 active) Liquid Argon Time Projection Chamber (LArTPC) located in the Fermilab Booster Neutrino Beamline (BNB). Its main physics goal is to address the nature (electron or photon) of the low-energy excess observed by MiniBooNE \cite{miniboone}. MicroBooNE will provide very good separation between electrons and photons, as demonstrated by the ArgoNeuT detector \cite{argoneut}.

The LArTPC is located on the axis of the 8 GeV Booster Neutrino Beamline at Fermilab, as was its predecessor MiniBooNE. The corresponding L/E ratio is $\sim1$~m/MeV. It also sits off-axis from the 120 GeV Main Injector (NuMI) beam. MicroBooNE finished commissioning in summer 2015 and has been collecting neutrino data since October 2015.

\begin{figure}[htb]
\centering
\includegraphics[height=2.5in]{lartf}\hspace{2em}
\includegraphics[height=2.5in]{3d}
\caption{Left: 3D drawing of the material surrounding the detector. Right: 3D drawing of the position of the MuCS with respect to MicroBooNE. The neutrino BNB beam goes through the front face of the detector.}
\label{fig:3d}
\end{figure}

\section{The Muon Counter System}

The cryostat containing the TPC is located just below the surface as shown in Fig. \ref{fig:3d} (left). The cosmic rays hitting the detector are one of the main experimental backgrounds and a good understanding of them is essential for the experiment. A small external muon counter system (MuCS) is used to obtain a clean dataset of cosmic rays, useful for several physics, calibration, and reconstruction studies and reconstruction efficiencies. The MuCS consists of two identical muon detectors, placed above the TPC, outside of the cryostat (Fig. \ref{fig:3d} right).

Each detector is made of two bilayers of scintillator strips 48x4x1 cm$^{3}$, placed one above the other. Each bilayer is oriented parallel to the beam direction and perpendicular to each other (Fig. \ref{fig:boxsetup}, top). This disposition enables the measurement of two-dimensional ($x,y$) spatial information for through-going cosmic rays. The staggered positioning of the bilayers gives a spatial resolution of 2 cm on both axis. Light is collected by optical fibers and readout by two separate multi-anode photomultipliers (MAPMTs) Hamamatsu H8804 \cite{hamamatsu}, as shown in Fig. \ref{fig:boxsetup} (bottom).

\subsection{Cosmic ray extrapolation}
In MicroBooNE, timing information is provided by a 32 photomultiplier tube (PMT) array, measuring the prompt scintillation light produced during the excitation or ionization of argon atoms. The flash times are then matched to the reconstructed tracks offline.

It is then possible to associate a track in the TPC to the hits in the MuCS in two ways:
\begin{itemize}
\item comparing the hit time in the MuCS with the flash time matched to the track;
\item extrapolating the cosmic ray path from the starting point and direction of the track in the TPC and check if it is close to the hits in the counters.
\end{itemize}

The location of the boxes allows to tag cosmic rays covering  $\sim$43\% of the TPC volume. The fraction of cosmic rays passing through the Muon Counter System without hitting the TPC is, in the current configuration, 0.3\%.

\begin{figure}[htb]
\centering
\includegraphics[height=3.6in]{hardware}\hspace{2em}

\caption{Top: 3D drawing of a bilayer and dimensions of a scintillator strip. Bottom: Picture of the setup of a MuCS detector, with the two bilayers in the top-right corner.}
\label{fig:boxsetup}
\end{figure}

\subsection{Cosmic ray spatial distribution}
Data collected by the MuCS can be used to measure the angular and spatial distributions of the cosmic rays hitting both boxes. For MuCS data, the MicroBooNE DAQ is set to be triggered by a muon that generates a 4-bilayer coincidence.

Knowing the strips hit by the cosmic ray it is possible to extrapolate two sets of ($x,y$) coordinates, one for each box, and measure the polar and azimuthal angles of the cosmic ray. Comparing data to Monte Carlo, the relative positioning of the boxes can be checked and compared with alignment measurements.

The distribution of the starting $y$ coordinate (in this system it corresponds to the direction perpendicular to the beam) shows an increasing slope because the two boxes are shifted on this axis (Fig. \ref{fig:data}, bottom right). The distribution of the starting $x$ coordinate is constant, except for the lower first bin, due to the slight shift of the two boxes in this direction (Fig. \ref{fig:data}, bottom left).
The azimuthal angle $\phi$, measured starting from the $y$ axis, is peaked around 0$^{\circ}$ as expected, because of the alignment of the boxes in the $y$ direction (Fig. \ref{fig:data}, top left). The polar angle $\theta$, measured from the zenith, is peaked around 30$^{\circ}$, because of the horizontal shift of the two detectors (Fig. \ref{fig:data}, top right).
The agreement between data and Monte Carlo is good for all the four distributions.

\begin{figure}[htb]
\centering
\includegraphics[height=1.9in]{phi}
\includegraphics[height=1.9in]{theta}
\includegraphics[height=1.9in]{x}
\includegraphics[height=1.9in]{y}
\caption{Data and Monte Carlo distributions for angular distribution (top) and starting points coordinates (bottom).}
\label{fig:data}
\end{figure}

\subsection{Analysis topics}
Once a clean dataset of cosmic muons passing through the MuCS has been obtained it will be possible to perform several physics analysis and detector studies:
\begin{itemize}
\item \emph{trigger efficiency}. Comparing the flash time with the MuCS time could allow to cross-check the trigger efficiency;
\item \emph{data reconstruction efficiency}. A clean dataset of cosmic rays can be used to compare the reconstruction efficiencies of different algorithms;
\item \emph{detector performance}. Comparing the measured collected charged in the TPC and the measured number of photoelectrons in the optical system with the expected ones could allow to measure detector performances;
\item \emph{calibration studies}. Minimum ionizing particles can be used to cross-check liquid argon purity and PMT gain and quantum efficiency measurements.
\end{itemize}

The MuCS has been commissioned and has started taking data. Analysis is already underway with the acquired samples to perform these tasks.

\bigskip  \bigskip \begin{center} \begin{large
The author thanks the organizers of NuPhys 2015 conference for accepting my contribution to the poster session. Special thanks goes to R. Guenette, M. Bass and G. Zeller for their help in improving this work.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaArXiv


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text:
Residents - Icky Flix (The Original Soundtrack Recording) Limited Edition RSD'20 2LP
Label: Cherry Red / New Ralph Too
Orange & Yellow Colored Vinyl
Gatefold
First time ever release for the complete alternative soundtrack to the group's seminal 2001 video collection brilliant studio re-interpretations of classic material, including 'Hello Skinny', 'Constantinople', 'This Is A Man's Man's Man's World', the 'One Minute Movies' and more.
Released to mark the turn of the new millennium in 2001, the "Icky Flix" DVD showcased The Residents award winning videos in glorious technicolour. to accompany those icky old films, the group also produced brand new recordings of each of the twenty songs, providing an alternate new soundtrack to some otherwise ancient visual material. inspired in places, plain ridiculous in others, "Icky Flix – the original soundtrack recording" now brings together those residential classics in their unedited entirety, as reworked by the group and singer Molly Harvey in the year 2000. Familiar to fans, enticing to the curious and just too damn weird to everybody else, this is the residents up to their old tricks again, reworking some of their favourite old tunes in their own style. whether or not some members of the group ever realised they'd recorded the originals of those tunes in the first place is anybody's guess. Available exclusively for Record Store Day 2020, on coloured vinyl and in limited quantities worldwide.
1. Icky In?
2. The Third Reich & Roll
3. Constantinople
4. Hello Skinny
5. Kick a Picnic
6. Moisture
7. Act of Being Polite
8. Perfect Love
9. Simple Song
10. Songs For Swinging Larvae
11. Where is She?
12. Vileness Fats (Concentrate)
1. This is a Man's Man's Man's World
2. Stars and Stripes Forever
3. Harry the Head
4. Jelly Jack the Boneless Boy
5. The Gingerbread Man (Concentrate)
6. He Also Serves
7. Bad Day On the Midway (Concentrate)
8. Just For You Disfigured Night Part 7)
9. Burn Baby Burn
10. Icky Out!


I thought you might be ready for another spiritual boost by Haruna Ishola and his Apala Group.
I have been using public transport a lot during the past months of snow and other phenomena which I - wishfully perhaps - considered to be nasty memories from the past. And I have found that the at times absurdly prolonged waiting can be reduced considerably by the auditory consumption of some apala music by our revered Alhadji. I haven't been able to make any reliable measurements, but it may even beat the flying of time when having fun!
I am still trying to figure out how this time manipulation works. Of course there is the force of repetition and the highly refined use of syncopation.
And on this album, which I suspect is from the early 1980s, maestro Haruna adds another magical ingredient: echo.
This album by Franco and his O.K. Jazz was released by Polygram Kenya in 1986 as the third volume of a series entitled "Fifteen Years Ago". And for this album the title is not completely inappropriate. As far as I can deduce, only "Où est le sérieux?" (with Sam Mangwana) is definitely from a much later date than 1971.
It seems wise to be cautious in dating songs of this period, as it is not always clear which was the 'original' release (the Congolese or the French) and as tracks were (seemingly) not always released in the order in which they were recorded.
The album is, like the others in this series (Volume one can be found in this earlier post), a collection of tracks previously released only on singles. And as such there are some real 'marvels of the past' to be enjoyed on these volumes.
Such as Franco's version of "Maseke Ya Meme", a song by his brother Bavon Marie Marie which must have provoked some emotion with Franco, who felt at least partly responsible for the death of his younger brother, as the car accident in which Bavon was killed was a result of the fury after a row between the brothers. Franco sings the song together with Youlou Mabiala (photo on the right), who also played a part in the events leading to the accident. Bavon had accused him too of getting too friendly with his girlfriend.
As the first volume was centered around Vicky Longomba, in this third volume the focus is more on Youlou. Vicky is, however, present in "Makambo Maneno", although in a modest role. His presence suggests, by the way, that the track is from an earlier date than the others.
Youlou contributes two composition to this album*, and is vocally present in all of the tracks except the 'misplaced' "Où est le sérieux?". His singing is great, and I especially like the combination with Michel Boyibanda in Boyibanda's "Osabote Jean Jean" and "Andu Wa Andura". But my favourite track is composed by Armando Brazzos. "Sukola Motema Olinga" is one of those (many) special tracks that you can listen to again and again and still discover new details. Particularly the interplay between Franco's lead and the rhythm (Brazzos) and bass never seems to sound the same. Note the way in which Franco leaves the last word in this track to Brazzos.
* the first of these, "Sentence" (or "Sentence Ya"), is credited to Kwamy on Sonodisc CD 36603. Given that Kwamy is either almost inaudible or simply not singing in this track, and that Youlou has very clearly the lead role, I think the credits on this album are more likely to be correct.
This is really the video that started my research into the (im)possibilities of sharing longer (than just under 11 minutes) videos.
Another (and for now the last) of the reposts. In this case of Thomas Mapfumo's "Marehwarehwa" (originally posted here).
The full 24+ minute track is split into 5 RAR files, plus a zip file with PAR's.
EDIT: I don't mind it others use my posts, but would appreciate it - as a matter of common decency and respect - if they would at least inform me of this use. As they haven't, I feel free to re-use their efforts. In this case I am referring to the re-use of the video shared in this post by symbolkid on the Black Man Land blog.
Thomas Mapfumo - Marehwarehwa (1994) from symbolkid on Vimeo.
I can just imagine the scene: Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe and his Nigeria Sound Makers International have been invited to entertain at the Freedom Social Club. All the right people are there. Osadebe, himself a native from Anambra State and born in Atani, is politely greeting the functionaries of the club, who in return, at the mention of their name and the recognition of their importance, discreetly - but nevertheless sufficiently open - hand the national artist the equivalent of a month's salary of one of the waiters who are inobtrusively serving the gathered dignitaries. The music is pleasant and all the guests are happy and content.
Later in the evening, there is room for a dance, - a merengue even. Osadebe style, of course. So the ladies can show off their dancing skills without making a fool of themselves. Halfway down the song changes pace, and even the elder members of the club can't help themselves and are bending their knees at the rhythm. Even the royal visitors invited for this special occasion are on the dancefloor now. Osadebe points at the guitarist who carefully guides the by now wildly dancing mass into a state of musical bliss.
Unless they are ingeniously trying to get to a socialist utopia via the great Kladderadatsch*, the labelling of the Zimbabwean regime as 'marxist' seems somewhat outdated. What started as a struggle for freedom, independence and 'justice for all', has evolved into oppression, depression and misery. Hopes and ideals have faded into desillusion and despair.
Such ideals have certainly played a part in the life of Simon Chimbetu. Having been active in the struggle in the 1970s (although not as a fighter), he turned to a career in music after independence had been won. In the late 1970s he and his brother Naison had been performing with John Chibadura's Sungura Boys. In the revolutionary vigour that came with independance they founded their own band and named it the Marxist Brothers.
Like other Zimbabwean artists the liberation struggle had shaped Simon's view of life. I gather that many of his songs have politically 'coloured' themes, - although others prefer to think this was only a matter of perception.
He went through a very dark period in the late 1980s/early 1990s. After he and his brother had split up in 1988, the following year he was sentenced to four years imprisonment for his involvement in the theft of a car. While in prison, his wife left him.
He managed to bounce back, however, and he continued his musical career with his new band, the Dendera Kings, named (according to this article) "after the Mozambican camp which the Chimbetu brothers called home during the revolutionary struggle against white settlers in the 1970s".
Dendera was also the name of the farm which the Chimbetu brothers obtained in 2000. They were on the receiving end of ZANU-PF's land reform, which caused so much controversy both in and outside Zimbabwe. Simon was again under attack a few years later, when it was reported that he wasn't paying his farm workers. In general, his support and defense of Mugabe's policies gradually led to Chimbetu falling out of sync with his audience.
Simon Chimbetu died under somewhat mysterious circumstances at the age of 49 on August 14, 2005, in Harare.
A more indepth study of his lyrics can be found in this study, and a rather chaotic entry in the wikipedia can be found here.
As an illustration of his work I am including two albums: the Marxist Brothers's first album "Mwana weDangwe" from 1983 and the cassette version of the 1995 album "Karikoga".
EDIT June 11, 2013: The links to the cassettes have been updated.
This is a first on this blog: I am going to repeat an earlier posting!
It's really not as bad as it sounds; I am just repeating two EP's by Paul Mwanga I posted earlier, in order to present them in a broader setting. So instead of two EP's this time I am posting five extended play records by this legend of Congolese music.
The three extra EP's feature Mwanga with his Affeinta Jazz, so in total there are now sixteen tracks with Affeinta Jazz and four with Jazz Venus. Musicians of the latter band, reportedly founded by Mwanga, also played in Jazz Mango, which in the early 1960s acted as a backing band to Leon Bukasa.
As I mentioned in my earlier post, my favourite tracks by Mwanga are the ones with kikongo rhythms: "Mambu Ku Ntuala", "Butuka Ku Kongo", "Kongo Mpaka Diena", "Ngudi Wabebeas Mwana", "Mambu Ngola Mena", "Putulukesu Zengele Ndombe", "Tuwizana" and "Ma Bulu Mankatu Lutima". I can't get enough of these songs, which to me are shining examples of the blending of traditional rhythms into modern music.
His fellow musicians often refer to him as just "Diabaté". But if you search on the internet you'll soon find that Abdoulaye Diabaté is the subject - or victim even - of a lot of confusion.
So let me get a few things straight. He doesn't play the kora, but does have an above average talent as a drummer. He does have a brother, but isn't the brother of Kassemady. He does not live in Canada or the US, but in Koutiala in the Sikasso region of Mali.
This Abdoulaye Diabaté (subject of earlier posts, here and here) is the man who drove audiences wild* at the Biennales in the 1980s.
I first met him at the 1988 Biennale, which was the last of the old style Biennales. I even interviewed him and Mamadou Diakité, chef d'orchestre of the Kéné Star, the regional orchestra of Sikasso. He struck me then as a somewhat shy person, who left all the talking to Mamadou Diakité.
I met him again just over a year later, when he was playing with his own Koule Star in Markala, near Segou. Surrounded by local (female) fans, he was far more relaxed and obviously in his element. He even allowed me to make some recordings, which I may post at a later date.
Both at the Biennale and at the Markala concert he played most of the tracks of this cassette. The track "Louanze", about the poor legal position of tenants, even became a nationwide hit.
This is certainly not my favourite album by Abdoulaye Diabaté. It was recorded in Abidjan, and that is always a huge handicap for Malian musicians. It usually means arrogant recording engineers imposing their technical gadgets on overwhelmed artists. In that respect the lp, which was later released for the western market, is in my opinion slightly worse than the cassette. So I am including both the cassette and the lp, so you can make up your own mind.
As a bonus I am adding this video, from a concert in 1988 in Bamako. The track is actually from the cassette which I posted earlier.
EDIT March 14, 2016: the link to the cassette version has been renewed!
I have been listening a lot to "Sound Time", a CD containing re-mastered masterpieces by the - unfortunately late - consistent highlife king, Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe. And although the collection is recommendable and very enjoyable when travelling to work, I can't help feeling it is also a bit 'overpimped'.
So I have rummaged about in my archives, and have dusted off some more of the (many) lp's I bought at Stern's when they were still a little corner shop in Whitfield Street, and were desperate to get rid of the flood of Osadebe albums clogging their stocks. I was glad to come to the rescue at the time, and actually even regret not buying more.
Here is one from 1982, in an authentic, underpimped state. "Onye Ije Anatago" is one the many albums with just two tracks. Tracks that gradually evolve. A musical voyage with Osadebe as our tour guide, drawing our attention to the sights. My favourite part of this album is the break after 11 minutes on side B, - but not because of the drums, but rather for the almost obvious - but complete - change of rhythm.


text:
He Who Dares Grins
Grand Café , 1 South Western House
Information: 02380 339 303
A motivational afternoon with Big Phil Campion. Big' Phil Campion is a veteran of military operations in nearly every conflict-prone corner of the world, both as a soldier in the regular Armed Forces and as an elite operator and mercenary. A man who once had to resort to throwing a fridge full of Coca Cola to fend off Somali Pirates, Phil Campion's story must be heard to be believed.
Phil Campion was given up for adoption at birth. He ended up with violent adoptive parents and was sent to a series of children's homes. He left school at 16 and with no qualifications to his name, he saw himself as fit for one thing only - the life of a soldier.
He joined the Royal Hampshire's (now the Princess of Wales Royal Regiment), and in spite of such a challenging start in life, Phil went on to extraordinary achievements. He became one of the few British soldiers ever to pass both the Royal Marines Commando selection and the Parachute Regiment, before going for the ultimate challenge - selection into the Special Air Service (22 SAS).
Having served with distinction in many cutting edge combat operations in the SAS, he moved on to working the private military circuit and became a global gun for hire. He propelled himself to the top of his game and commanded teams of up to 100 private military operators around the globe.
Partly as a result of such experiences he invented a digital dog tag that has revolutionized personal security and medical care in remote danger zones.
Phil's story is one of enormous inspiration, proving how the human spirit can endure against all odds and achieve the remarkable. His examples and lessons learned from a life in the military elite have wide resonance for businesses, companies and other organizations today.
'Big' Phil Campion is a highly sought after speaker. With so many fascinating and indeed fearsome stories he is able to inspire, educate and amuse in equal measure.


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Roxtec transits ensure safety on "Mein Schiff 6"
Posted on 22 August 2017 by Nick Denbow
On cruise liner Mein Schiff 6 of TUI Cruises, thousands of Roxtec transits provide certified protection against fire, gas, water and electromagnetic disturbance. Co-owner Royal Caribbean and shipyard Meyer Turku in Finland continue to cooperate with Roxtec to enable the use of more plastic and composite pipes. "Roxtec transits make it cost-efficient to install light-weight and long-lasting plastic pipes," says Berth Strömborg, senior superintendent of Royal Caribbean.
One sealing system
Over 6000 openings for cables and pipes in decks, bulkheads and cabinets are sealed with Roxtec transits. The seals are used in the engine room as well as in passenger areas, and many of them include spare capacity for additional cables and pipes. "It is good to have one supplier for all pipe systems," says Antti Laaksonen, system responsible for HVAC and catering design at Meyer Turku.
Optimizing logistics
Mika Tuokko, head of electrical outfitting at Meyer Turku, says one hundred installers have been working with Roxtec cable seals on the new cruise liner: "The most important thing is to keep up the speed by handling fewer items. By using Roxtec instead of other systems we avoid 50 items in stock for each transit."
Roxtec Mulltidiameter bulkhead seals in-situ
About Roxtec and Multidiameter
The Swedish Roxtec Group is the world-leading provider of modular-based cable and pipe seals. The company's invention for adaptability to cables and pipes of different sizes, the Roxtec Multidiameter, is based on sealing modules with removable rubber layers and allows for a perfect sealing, regardless of the outside dimension of the cable or pipe. The technology simplifies design, speeds up installation and reduces the need for stock, material and logistics. It also provides spare capacity for upgrades. Roxtec serves and supports customers in more than 80 markets through subsidiaries and distributors.
Filed under: Application story, Company Press Release, offshore, Process Hardware | Leave a comment »
Wireless gas detection total system
Posted on 25 July 2017 by Nick Denbow
Yokogawa has announced that the ProSafe-RS SIL2 Wireless Gas Detection System will be released in September 2017. This will offer a total flammable gas detection system solution, using ISA100 wireless communications, and Yokogawa will include the necessary consulting and engineering.
The ProSafe-RS SIL2 wireless gas detection system will consist of a newly enhanced version of the Yokogawa ProSafe-RS SIL3 safety instrumented system (R4.03.10), Yokogawa field wireless network devices, annunciator panels, and GasSecure (a subsidiary of Drägerwerk AG) wireless gas detectors GS01 or the GS01-EA (this model is equipped with an extension antenna).
For this system, Yokogawa will establish a total solution that will include both consulting and engineering.
Development Background
In energy and basic materials industries such as oil & gas, petrochemicals and chemicals, a safety instrumented system is employed to safely initiate an emergency plant shutdown when a critical failure is detected, and to initiate the operation of facilities that can extinguish or prevent the spread of a fire.
A field wireless system consists of field devices that are able to communicate wirelessly with a monitoring and control system. Wireless devices have a number of advantages such as allowing installation in difficult-to-access locations and the reduction of installation costs, and they are increasingly seen as essential elements in plant safety solutions. This is a particularly important consideration with gas detection systems, as operation can easily be impacted by factors such as installation location and ambient conditions. And even after system installation, ongoing efforts to optimise its overall configuration may necessitate occasional changes in the location and number of detection devices. The use of wireless technology eliminates the need to worry about wiring and thus greatly facilitates the process of moving and/or installing additional detection devices.
To achieve SIL2 level risk reduction when using wireless gas detectors with a safety instrumented system, communication protocols that comply with the functional safety requirements specified in the IEC 61508 international standard are required. A standard for the functional safety of electrical/electronic/programmable safety-related systems. To meet this need, Yokogawa will provide a SIL2 wireless gas detection system based on a new version of the ProSafe-RS safety instrumented system that will link to field devices using an IEC 61508 compliant communication protocol.
Features of the System
The ProSafe-RS SIL2 wireless gas detection system will consist of a new version of the ProSafe-RS safety instrumented system, R4.03.10, that will be enhanced to add support for an IEC 61508 compliant safety communication technology used in distributed automation; annunciator panels; ISA100 Wireless compliant field wireless devices; and GasSecure GS01 or GS01-EA wireless gas detectors, which are the only devices of this type in the industry that achieve SIL2 risk reduction. The ISA100 Wireless network protocol is based on the ISA100.11a wireless communication standard for industrial automation that was developed by the International Society of Automation (ISA), and the applications necessary for its implementation. This was approved as the IEC 62734 international standard in October 2014.
Total system solution including both consulting and engineering
Through the use of wireless technology, the ProSafe-RS SIL2 wireless gas detection system will allow increased flexibility with the configuration of detection devices, and will be suitable for use as a fire & gas system and emergency shutdown system thanks to its achievement of SIL2 risk reduction. Based on its knowledge of each of this system's components and its expertise in production control, safety instrumentation, and field wireless engineering and consulting, Yokogawa will be able to offer a total system solution that includes customer support.
Enhanced operating efficiency
On their Yokogawa CENTUM VP integrated production control system screens, operators will be able to easily monitor the operation of the ProSafe-RS SIL2 wireless gas detection system as well as that of any conventional wired gas detection system. Since the GasSecure GS01 or GS01-EA wireless gas detector uses the same faceplate as a wired gas detector, operators will have no trouble identifying any changes in the detector's status, thus helping to prevent errors that can result from the misinterpretation of information.
Improved maintenance
With CENTUM VP, operators will have on-screen access to information on the status of all network devices, the charge remaining on the gas detector batteries, and the status of wireless communications, and thus will be able to quickly detect and respond to any abnormality. Thanks to this functionality, more efficient maintenance plans can be drawn up that, for example, will require fewer periodic checks.
About ProSafe-RS
Released in February 2005, the ProSafe-RS safety instrumented system helps prevent accidents by detecting abnormal conditions in plant operations and initiating emergency actions such as a plant shutdown. An independent certification body has certified that ProSafe-RS can be used in SIL3 applications. Unlike conventional safety instrumented systems and distributed control systems, which are regarded as having different roles and functions and operate separately, the operation of ProSafe-RS and the CENTUM integrated control system can be fully integrated. ProSafe-RS is highly regarded by users and has been installed in more than 2,100 projects worldwide (as of June 2017).
Yokogawa's Commitment to the Field Wireless Business
Yokogawa developed wireless communication technologies for continuous processes that necessitate advanced control and released the world's first ISA100 Wireless system devices in July 2010, thereby offering its customers a wider range of products to choose from. Currently, Yokogawa offers its customers in the oil & gas, and other industries a wide range of field wireless management stations, field wireless access points, wireless field devices, and wireless adapters for conventional wired devices.
Major Target Markets and Applications
For use in fire and gas systems (FGS) and emergency shutdown systems (ESD) in process industries such as oil, natural gas, petrochemicals, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, electric power, and iron and steel.
Dräger GasSecure
GasSecure AS is a subsidiary of Dräger, and has been a long term partner with Yokogawa in developing the market for wireless gas detectors using ISA100. GasSecure developed, markets and sells the world's first truly wireless optical gas detector for demanding industrial applications. Representing an evolution in gas detection, the detector is based on innovative ultra-low power MEMS optical technology and has introduced a new level of reliability and flexibility for the detection of gas leaks. The totally wireless detectors increase safety and dramatically reduce costs for the oil & gas, petrochemical, marine, and other process industries. For more information, please visit www.gassecure.com.
Filed under: Company Press Release, gas detection, Hazardous areas, offshore, Oil and Gas Industry, Optical sensors, Process Safety, Wireless transmission | Leave a comment »
GE and Baker Hughes combine
Posted on 1 November 2016 by Nick Denbow
The Offshore Engineer reports that GE and Baker Hughes are teaming up to form the "new" Baker Hughes, a company that will be led by current GE Oil & Gas CEO Lorenzo Simonelli and have dual headquarters in Houston and London.
The agreement will combine GE's oil and gas business (GE Oil & Gas) and Baker Hughes, in what the two hope will be a leading equipment, technology and services provider with US$32 billion of combined revenue and operations in more than 120 countries.
The deal has already been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies. At closing, which is expected in mid-2017, Baker Hughes shareholders will receive a special one-time cash dividend of $17.50 per share and 37.5% of the new company, with GE owning the remaining 62.5%. The deal is still subject to approval by Baker Hughes shareholders, regulatory approvals, and other customary closing conditions.
Both GE and Baker Hughes expect to generate "total run-rate synergies" of $1.6 billion by 2020, which has a net present value of $14 billion, that will primarily be driven by cost out, and positioned for growth as the industry rebounds.
"By drawing from GE technology expertise and Baker Hughes capabilities in oilfield services, the new company will provide best-in-class physical and digital technology solutions for customer productivity," the two companies said in a joint statement.
The new company will combine the digital solutions, manufacturing expertise and technology from GE, in addition to the track record of success Baker Hughes has in the oilfield services sector.
"With combined revenue of over $32 billion, the product portfolio of GE Oil & Gas and Baker Hughes in drilling, completions, production and midstream / downstream equipment and services will create the second largest player in the oilfield equipment and services industry," according to the statement from the two companies. "Customers should expect sustainable innovation and integration that will deliver valuable outcomes. Both companies have invested even in the downturn and have strong, complementary competitive scope across the industry. From GE's fullstream oil and gas manufacturing and technology solutions spanning across subsea and drilling, rotating equipment, imaging and sensing, to the Baker Hughes portfolio in drilling and evaluation and completion and production, the combined company will be moving beyond oilfield services and into oil and gas productivity solutions."
Upon closing, the new Baker Hughes board will consist of nine directors: five of whom, including Chairman Jeff Immelt will be appointed by GE and four, including Vice Chairman Martin Craighead will be appointed by Baker Hughes.
"This transaction creates an industry leader, one that is ideally positioned to grow in any market. Oil and gas customers demand more productive solutions. This can only be achieved through technical innovation and service execution, the hallmarks of GE and Baker Hughes," said Jeff Immelt, GE chairman and CEO. "As we go forward, this transaction accelerates our capability to extend the digital framework to the oil and gas industry. An oilfield service platform is essential to deliver digitally enabled offerings to our customers. We expect Predix to become an industry standard and synonymous with improved customer outcomes."
"This compelling combination brings together best-in-class oilfield equipment manufacturing and services, and digital technology offerings for the benefit of all customers and stakeholders," Martin Craighead, Baker Hughes chairman and CEO said. "The combination of our complementary assets will create a platform capable of seamless integration while we enhance our ability to deliver optimized and integrated solutions and increase touch points with our customers."
"This transformative transaction will create a powerful force in the oil and gas market as we continue to drive long-term value for our customers and shareholders," Simonelli said. "Both companies' employees will benefit significantly from being part of a larger, stronger company that is positioned for long-term growth. We look forward to combining the digital solutions and technology from the GE Store with the domain expertise of Baker Hughes and its culture of innovation in the oilfield services sector."
The full release is available on http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161031005488/en/
Filed under: Acquisitions, offshore, Oil and Gas Industry | Leave a comment »
Total Exploration and Production chooses Emerson maintenance services
Emerson has been selected by Total Exploration and Production Services to provide control and safety system maintenance services that will support Total's upstream oil and gas operations around the whole world.
The ten-year frame agreement is part of Total's Integrated Control and Safety Systems standardisation strategy. It is the first of its kind between Total and an automation systems provider and formalises the already robust relationship between the two companies.
Emerson will be responsible for servicing, maintenance, obsolescence planning, on-call application support, spare parts management, and reporting activities relating to integrated control and safety systems used in selected Total onshore and offshore sites. This includes Emerson's DeltaV distributed control systems and DeltaV SIS safety systems, along with its AMS asset management software.
"This agreement strengthens Emerson's excellent relationship with Total and enables our services team to support Total in its continuous efforts to optimise the efficiency of their operations and ensure high safety performance," said Mike Train, president of Emerson's Automation Solutions business. "We appreciate being trusted to maintain critical automation systems that will help Total continue to run their operations safely and reliably."
Filed under: automation systems, Company Press Release, Control systems, Hazardous areas, offshore, Oil and Gas Industry, Process Safety | Leave a comment »
New ultra-miniature downhole transducer
Posted on 8 June 2016 by Nick Denbow
Over the years you might have read about strain gauge based pressure transducers, and wondered why the major pressure transmitter firms never really went down that simple line for submersible gauge or absolute pressure transmitters. In the UK, Druck created a major business from this technology, and were eventually absorbed into GE, which basically ensured they remained a niche supplier. Another specialist, and niche supplier of such transducers, was Paine Electronics in the US. Originally established in 1951, they moved into strain gauge transducers in around 1968. In 2001 the company was acquired from the original owner, Bill Paine, and moved to Washington: but in 2013 it became employee owned, and proud of that fact.
On the original Paine website it still says "We believe our employees should share in the success of our company in a tangible way", and this is signed off as "Paine Electronics – an employee owned company". But with 100+ employees the business was still relatively small, even though it supplied pressure transducers to subsea and satellite/space vehicle applications, as well as to the aerospace industry. So the tangible benefit to employees came fairly quickly, with another change of ownership.
At the end of 2014, in November, Emerson acquired "substantially all of the assets of Paine Electronics". Reporting into the Emerson Rosemount operation, Paine was seen as "Extending their leadership in providing measurement technologies for the oil and gas industry with expanded upstream capabilities in subsea and downhole drilling operations". This would also complement the business of a previous Emerson acquisition, Roxar, who supply products used on subsea oil & gas operations. But maybe because it is a small operation, only now do we have some follow-up news, in the shape of a new product release from Emerson, describing a new Paine transducer for downhole pressure and temperature measurement. Size is critical in downhole operations, so this transducer, described as ultra-miniature, has an OD of 0.93cms (or 0.37 inches in US units). It is the Paine 310-38-0050, still labelled like that, and was actually launched on the Paine website back in February 2016.
The Paine 310-38-0050 transducer provides both temperature and pressure measurements in the smallest and most rugged form factor possible. It provides pressure measurements up to 25kpsi (1723 Bar) and withstands and monitors temperatures up to 425F (218C) to cover the wide range of conditions experienced in downhole operating environments, just behind the drill bit. The unit is also built to withstand the corrosive drilling fluids and high vibration levels normal in these applications.
© ProcessingTalk.info
@ProcessingTalk
Filed under: Acquisitions, Instrumentation, offshore, Oil and Gas Industry, Sensors | Tagged: downhole, Submersible, subsea | Leave a comment »
ABB $90m order for 100MW 'power from shore' cable
Posted on 22 September 2015 by Nick Denbow
A new 200-kilometer cable system to be supplied by ABB will deliver 100 MW of electricity from the Norwegian grid to the Johan Sverdrup offshore facility on the Norwegian Continental Shelf.
ABB won this order, worth around $90 million, from leading international energy company Statoil, for a high-voltage cable system to supply power from shore to the Johan Sverdrup offshore oil field. Located 155 kilometres (km) west of Stavanger in the North Sea, Johan Sverdrup is considered one of the largest offshore oil fields on the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS). Once fully operational, production is estimated at 550,000 – 650,000 barrels of oil per day, accounting for nearly 40 percent of total oil production from the NCS.
ABB will design, manufacture and install an 80-kilovolt (kV) extruded direct current (DC) cable system with a capacity of 100 megawatts to transmit power from the Norwegian power grid to the Johan Sverdrup offshore production facility. At around 200 km in length, it will be the longest extruded submarine cable system to an offshore oil and gas platform facility in the world. Supplying electric power from shore for offshore oil and gas production avoids the need to burn diesel or gas out at sea to power the equipment and machinery on the platforms, resulting in substantial reductions in CO2 and nitrogen oxide emissions. In addition to the environmental benefits of powering the cluster of platforms from shore, the cable solution is safer and more energy-efficient than generating the power offshore using fossil fuels.
"Delivering enhanced customer value through close customer collaboration is an important element of ABB's Next Level strategy and we are delighted to be supporting Statoil with this cable system as well as the HVDC converter stations," said Claudio Facchin, president of ABB's Power Systems division. "With this 'power from shore' cable solution, ABB will once again be pushing the boundaries of technology and lowering environmental impact, in line with our vision of power and productivity for a better world."
In March, ABB was awarded an order to supply the two high voltage direct current (HVDC) converter stations for the same project. One will be located onshore at Haugsneset, where it will turn alternating current (AC) from the grid into DC, which can be transmitted efficiently over 200 km to the second station which is on one of the oil platforms. There, the DC current will be converted back into AC and distributed to the rest of the field.
ABB leads the way when it comes to cable systems delivering power-from-shore to both fixed as well as floating platforms. The company's track record includes Statoil´s Troll A 1&2 with 3&4 currently under commissioning. Other major references include the Gjøa platform which was commissioned in 2010, the Martin Linge platform which will be the world's longest alternating current (AC) cable from land to an offshore installation and the link to the Goliat power from shore installation in the Norwegian sector of the Barents Sea. ABB also performed the front-end engineering and design for the entire Johan Sverdrup HVDC power-from-shore system.
ABB is a global leader in high-voltage cable systems across applications such as integration of renewables, city centre infeeds, oil and gas platform power supplies and subsea interconnections. ABB has commissioned more than 25 DC and hundreds of AC cable links around the world.
Filed under: Application story, offshore, Power efficiency | Leave a comment »


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Focus on I-5, Thurston County and Pierce Transit (Tax Hike Coming)
Major Problems with Obamacare
Americas Dream
OBAMA'S Jobs Bill
Posted on October 17, 2011 by Bob
By Bob L.
This the only thing I have heard or seen about Obama's job plan, Insert: ( Senate Democrats planned action first on a longshot plan to help states hire teachers, police and firefighters.) this has nothing to do with the rest of Americas looking for a jobs.
Insert: (Obama is pitching a $35 billion proposal of aid to states, one slice of his overall bill.) Look who it is going to, and just think where it will end up??
I can go on, but as it stands, the news media is doing their best to sway voters to Obama any way they can, the Republicans are not the only problem in Washington DC, Democrats are just as guilty, but not according to the news media and Obama and his Democrats, and Czars.
Obama will always blame Republicans, because he 500% Democrat, and according to them they do nothing wrong, well it is the Democrats that took us where we are now, HOW, if you look back you will see that the Democrats were in control for TWO years while Bush was in Office, or don't you want to remember, so now it is all Obama and the Democrats problem along with his Czars NOW.
Obama seeks votes on jobs, piece by piece
By JULIE PACE – Associated Press
Mon.10 17 2011
FLETCHER, N.C. (AP) — Railing against Republicans, President Barack Obama on Monday pushed for a jobs package that Congress is splintering into pieces, as Senate Democrats planned action first on a longshot plan to help states hire teachers, police and firefighters. In campaign mode on the road, Obama accused Republicans senators of saying no to helping Americans.
With the president's plan for one big bill now dead, the Senate began moving to take up parts of it. Yet given that the Senate is likely to be consumed this week with an overdue spending bill — and then taking a vacation next week — any votes may be not take place until November.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid planned to announce on Monday that the chamber would move first on the aid to states. Obama, on a bus tour through the politically crucial states of North Carolina and Virginia, made a coordinated push for that element of his bill and mocked Republicans for forcing a piece-by-piece approach to his jobs legislation.
Republicans in the Senate rejected consideration of his whole $447 billion plan last week.
"Maybe they just couldn't understand the whole thing at once, so we're going to break it up into bite-size pieces," Obama said from his first stop in Western North Carolina before getting on his black-tinted bus and heading east across the state.
Obama is pitching a $35 billion proposal of aid to states, one slice of his overall bill. White House spokesman Jay Carney said the White House anticipated action "very soon."
But the state aid package faces long odds on Capitol Hill.
It is a non-starter in the GOP-controlled House and is sure to face a vote-blocking filibuster in the Senate, which would require 60 votes to overcome. Last year, when Senate Democrats controlled 59 votes, moderate Republicans Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe of Maine voted with Democrats to pass a $26 billion state aid package. But with their numbers down to 53, Democrats appear stuck.
Outside Asheville, N.C. a supportive crowd in broke into a chant of "four more years" for Obama. Said the president in response: "I appreciate the four more years, but right now I'm thinking about the next thirteen months."
Republicans denounced the bus trip as nothing more than a taxpayer-funded campaign trip through two must-win states to try to bolster his standing for the 2012 election.
Obama kept up his strategy of taking his case to voters, saying that a recent poll showed public backing for his proposals.
He told his audience that when Republicans in the Senate voted against his bill, "essentially, they said no to you."
Obama spoke from an airport outside Asheville, N.C., that he said could benefit from his $50 billion proposal to help fix airports, roads, bridges and other infrastructure.
After his remarks and plenty of hand-shakes, Obama was headed east on his bus — an impenetrable-looking vehicle painted all black with dark tinted windows.
Obama first used the custom-made bus during a similar road trip in August, when he traveled through Minnesota, Iowa and Illinois. The Secret Service purchased it for $1.1 million.
House Republicans also touted legislation due for a vote next week to repeal a law that would require the withholding of 3 percent of payments to government contractors. The measure was enacted in 2005 by a GOP-controlled Congress to try to ensure that contractors couldn't duck their taxes.
While Obama has pledged to travel the country pitching his plans to get Americans back to work, his stops have focused heavily on political swing states, underscoring the degree to which what happens with the economy is tied to Obama's re-election prospects.
Despite Obama's calls for urgency, it appears the lawmakers may not take up individual components of the president's bill until November, at the earliest. The Senate is set to debate appropriations bills this week, and lawmakers have a scheduled break at the end of the month.
The president will also speak at community colleges, high schools and a firehouse as he travels through North Carolina and Virginia this week.
Both North Carolina and Virginia are traditionally Republican leaning, but changing demographics and a boost in voter turnout among young people and African-Americans helped Obama carry them in 2008.
But nearly three years after his historic election, the president's approval ratings in both states are sagging, in line with the national trend.
A Quinnipiac University poll out earlier this month put Obama's approval rating in Virginia at 45 percent, with 52 percent disapproving. The same poll showed 83 percent of Virginians were dissatisfied with the direction of the country. In North Carolina, Obama has a 42 percent approval rating, according to an Elon University poll conducted this month. Most national polls put Obama's approval rating in the mid- to low-40s.
The conservative advocacy group American Crossroads planned to run television ads in both states during Obama's trip, criticizing the president's jobs proposals as a second round of stimulus spending.
Categories: America, Democrats, government, GREED, Jobs, Lives, money, Obama, people, politics, Profiling, Racism, taxes, unemployed | Tags: America, Barack Obama, Democrats, Economy, money, people, politics, Republicans, taxes, Unemployed, White House | Leave a comment
washington State Debt Clock
No Mention Of E-Check
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Do you know, I still find it amazing that these itty bitty little dried flowers have managed to deliver soooooo much creative pleasure in the months since I stumbled upon them last year, who'd have thought it eh? Here I am, a whole seven months and one whole blanket later and I am still finding myself thinking about them and being inspired by them.
If you followed the making of my Hydrangea Striped blanket, you will already be familiar with the fifteen colours I chose - I loved creating and crocheting with this soft, floral colour palette very much. As part of my creative process, I designed a little four petaled flower so that I could make up a set of flowery yarn swatches to show off my hydrangea inspired colour palette. This simple pattern pleased me on so many levels, they are just so cute and easy to make and carried out their job to perfection.
Once my Hydrangea Striped blanket was finished, I thought it would be fun to use up some of the leftover yarn to make more flowers. More is always more where flowers are concerned, and I've been crocheting these yarny blooms here and there whenever the mood has taken me. It's a lovely little project which I especially like to work on at the cafe as they are small and portable and I can chat away quite happily whilst hooking them up without any drama (so very different to the sock situation I can tell you).
I haven't really known quite what these flowers will become, just that the making of them was fun and it gave me a way to carry on indulging in the colour therapy long after my blanket was finished.
I am thinking possibly a hydrangea wreath?
Or maybe I might crochet a round cushion and stitch the flowers and leaves to the front of the cushion in a pretty circular pattern ?
Or perhaps I might make a lovely little delicate flowery garland to decorate my mantel?
I love to ponder these ideas as I sit quietly with yarn and hook -so many ideas flit in and out of my Creative Mind as I work my little stitches!
It's been oh-so-beautifully warm here in Atticland this week with blue skies and sunny sun shining down on us here. It's been delicious, and I've enjoyed sitting outside in the gentle warmth of my teeny tiny back yard, adding to my growing pile of flowers and leaves. Yesterday I photographed a quick tutorial for making the hydrangea flowers, even though this is a very easy and simple pattern, I do like to try my best to enable newbie hookers to give these patterns a whirl.
Ch 2; work 4 dc in 2nd chain from hook.
(sl st; ch 1; 2 tr; 1 dtr; 2 tr; ch 1; sl st) in first dc.
Work the same petal sequence (sl st; ch 1; 2 tr; 1 dtr; 2 tr; ch 1; sl st) in each of the remaining 3 dc stitches to create four petals in total.
Slip stitch into the beginning ch-1 to close round. Fasten off and darn end through the back of flower.
You are a inspiration for all crochet lovers!
I like drawing my yarn from the center of the ball of wool, but I have been having an awful time finding the end with the Stylecraft balls of wool. Any suggestions???
Currently working on the Cottage Ripple.
Pleasing little flower design. So lovely and makes me want to make DIY with your share of steps. I buy material online and start making my own version of your designs. Thank you!
Takes my breath away. Very very cool stuff!
I love your colors so much as I ran across a Hydrangea Blanket post of yours and was totally smitten, I ordered it. Now to remember how to crochet - it has been years. My yarn pack arrived just the other day - it is so lovely, beautifully packaged and sent ever so promptly. I feel as though I have been given a gift. Thank you. I'll be tuning in often.
I'm crazy but I'd love to see what kind of blanket you could make with these. Or maybe just a pillow since a blanket done with these teensy flowers would be nuts. I love postage stamp quilts and this gives me the same vibe.
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/-kissing-ball- How about this? A big, flowery ball!
I love the hydrangea flowers. Have made the yarn bag have just finished the coast blanket and now making the same pattern but in purples and pinks for my granddaughter.
Lovely. My blanket kit arrived this week and now, I am also looking forward to making these sweet flowers. Thank you so much. Maybe on a cushion. So exciting!
I love reading your blog and have made two of your blankets so far, just finishing the cosy blanket now. I would love to read your blog posts as soon as they come out but there seems to be something wrong w your subscribe page. It only shows up in html on my phone and tablet.
Can you check that or add me to you post list? I don't want to miss a word of what you have to say.
I love this! Thanks so much for sharing. :) :) :) This is my next yarn project.
I'd love to see a cushion, a lovely, co-ordinating way to use up some of the left over wool from any blankets.
Love your work. I've made a Moorland blanket, and am working on the Hydrangea blanket for a friend's daughter. They just found out it will be a girl. I'd love to make a wreath or garland to go with the blanket. I will have lots of odds and ends to use up!
Just started the ripple blanket but hydrangea is in my stash. Will certainly make those flowers too. Have also started knitting my first pair of socks! I am totally hooked...no pun intended!
Gorgeous colors and lovely flowers. Thanks so much for the pattern and you inspiration.
How about joining them to make a wrap?
I love this tutorial as I want to make my next wreath with hydrangea flowers. I just received a gorgeous plant from my son for Mother's Day and my Birthday combined! So I'll definitely be making these. Thank you for telling us how!
Lucy your work so beautiful, I love it all. You usually post if your patterns are done either UK or US, but this one you didnt. Can you please tell me which one you used for the flowers.
Of course they will end up as one of your beautiful wreaths!!!!😁 Without a doubt!!!!!


AMES, Iowa (AP) — They had both recently turned 22 and were residing in the same Iowa college town, but their lives couldn't have been more different before allegedly intersecting in the most violent way.
Of Richards, she said, "He was just going out with the goal of killing. ... And he came across my girl."
The university had planned to honor Barquin at its football game Saturday for being its female athlete of the year — news that had brought Barquin to tears, according to athletic director Jamie Pollard. Instead, football players will wear helmet decals with her initials to mourn the loss.
Professional golfer Sergio Garcia, one of Barquin's favorite players, tweeted that he was heartbroken by the news, saying he'd had the pleasure of meeting Barquin and calling her a "special person."


Warm olive oil and garlic powder in a small skillet and saute spinach until wilted. Set aside.
Diced thawed sausage patties. Set aside.
In a medium bowl, combine eggs and egg whites and whisk until well blended.
Stir sausage patties and spinach into the egg mixture.
Depending on your preference, either place liners in a muffin pan, or leave the muffin pan unlined. In either case, spray the liner with cooking spray.
Pour mixture into muffin pan, filling about 2/3 full.
Sprinkle feta cheese equally among the muffins.
Cook for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the egg muffins are golden brown.
These should last about a week and will be great for breakfast on the run. Simply reheat in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes and voila - you have breakfast to go!
As hard as I try, I can't always carve out the time in the morning to make a wholesome breakfast. My kids are cranky when they wake up so I let them sleep as late as possible. Because of this, breakfast usually consists of oatmeal or (gasp) cereal. Today, after I dropped the kids at school, I decided to hop into the kitchen and make some egg muffins. The kids love them, they are easy to make and I can stick them in the fridge for a week - perfect for rushed mornings. I initially created this recipe about a year ago. Originally, I used ricotta cheese, but ricotta just doesn't sound that great so I tweaked the recipe a bit to reflect my normal day-to-day food preferences. Spinach, turkey sausage and cheese are usually a pretty safe bet, but the combinations are endless (the kids love the bacon and cheddar version). Feel free to experiment with your ingredients and let me know how they turn out!


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2.5mg Tablets
Cialis 2.5mg
Tadalafil 2.5mg
Generic Alternative to Cialis 2.5mg
Manufactured by Eli Lilly & Co Ltd
Product of United Kingdom • Shipped from United Kingdom
Marketed as Auro-Tadalafil in Canada
Manufactured by Auro Pharma Inc.
28 Tablets - $131.00 USD ($4.68 USD/Tablet) 56 Tablets - $252.00 USD ($4.50 USD/Tablet) 84 Tablets - $365.00 USD ($4.35 USD/Tablet)
Estimated shipping time: 2 weeks
Please allow 2 weeks for shipments to the United States and 4 weeks for other destinations. Most shipments will arrive faster than these times.
We offer free shipping for orders over $100 to any destination within the United States including Alaska and Hawaii, and charge $7 for orders under $100. For destinations outside of the United States, our standard shipping charge is $19.95 USD.
30 Tablets - $51.00 USD ($1.70 USD/Tablet) 60 Tablets - $93.00 USD ($1.55 USD/Tablet) 90 Tablets - $125.00 USD ($1.39 USD/Tablet)
Also available in United Kingdom More details
Manufactured by A UK MHRA approved Generic Manufacturer
28 Tablets - $56.00 USD ($2.00 USD/Tablet) 56 Tablets - $102.00 USD ($1.82 USD/Tablet) 84 Tablets - $138.00 USD ($1.64 USD/Tablet)
5mg Tablets
Generic Alternative to Cialis 5mg
Manufactured by Lilly
Also available in United Kingdom and Canada More details
Manufactured by Eli Lilly Canada Inc
Also available in India and United Kingdom More details
Marketed as Modula in India
Manufactured by Sun Pharma
Product of India • Shipped from India
10mg Tablets
Generic Alternative to Cialis 10mg
Manufactured by Lupin Pharma
4 Tablets - $69.00 USD ($17.25 USD/Tablet) 8 Tablets - $134.00 USD ($16.75 USD/Tablet) 12 Tablets - $196.00 USD ($16.33 USD/Tablet) 16 Tablets - $255.00 USD ($15.94 USD/Tablet) 20 Tablets - $311.00 USD ($15.55 USD/Tablet) 24 Tablets - $365.00 USD ($15.21 USD/Tablet) 28 Tablets - $415.00 USD ($14.82 USD/Tablet) 32 Tablets - $462.00 USD ($14.44 USD/Tablet) 36 Tablets - $518.00 USD ($14.39 USD/Tablet) 40 Tablets - $571.00 USD ($14.28 USD/Tablet) 44 Tablets - $624.00 USD ($14.18 USD/Tablet) 48 Tablets - $677.00 USD ($14.10 USD/Tablet) 52 Tablets - $728.00 USD ($14.00 USD/Tablet) 56 Tablets - $779.00 USD ($13.91 USD/Tablet) 60 Tablets - $829.00 USD ($13.82 USD/Tablet) 64 Tablets - $879.00 USD ($13.73 USD/Tablet) 68 Tablets - $928.00 USD ($13.65 USD/Tablet) 72 Tablets - $976.00 USD ($13.56 USD/Tablet) 76 Tablets - $1,023.00 USD ($13.46 USD/Tablet) 80 Tablets - $1,069.00 USD ($13.36 USD/Tablet) 84 Tablets - $1,115.00 USD ($13.27 USD/Tablet) 88 Tablets - $1,160.00 USD ($13.18 USD/Tablet)
4 Tablets - $17.00 USD ($4.25 USD/Tablet) 8 Tablets - $31.00 USD ($3.88 USD/Tablet) 12 Tablets - $44.00 USD ($3.67 USD/Tablet) 16 Tablets - $56.00 USD ($3.50 USD/Tablet) 20 Tablets - $67.00 USD ($3.35 USD/Tablet) 24 Tablets - $78.00 USD ($3.25 USD/Tablet) 28 Tablets - $88.00 USD ($3.14 USD/Tablet) 32 Tablets - $97.00 USD ($3.03 USD/Tablet) 36 Tablets - $106.00 USD ($2.94 USD/Tablet) 40 Tablets - $115.00 USD ($2.88 USD/Tablet) 44 Tablets - $124.00 USD ($2.82 USD/Tablet) 48 Tablets - $132.00 USD ($2.75 USD/Tablet) 52 Tablets - $140.00 USD ($2.69 USD/Tablet) 56 Tablets - $148.00 USD ($2.64 USD/Tablet) 60 Tablets - $156.00 USD ($2.60 USD/Tablet) 64 Tablets - $164.00 USD ($2.56 USD/Tablet) 68 Tablets - $172.00 USD ($2.53 USD/Tablet) 72 Tablets - $180.00 USD ($2.50 USD/Tablet) 76 Tablets - $188.00 USD ($2.47 USD/Tablet) 80 Tablets - $196.00 USD ($2.45 USD/Tablet) 84 Tablets - $204.00 USD ($2.43 USD/Tablet)
Also available in Canada and United Kingdom More details
4 Tablets - $77.00 USD ($19.25 USD/Tablet) 8 Tablets - $150.00 USD ($18.75 USD/Tablet) 12 Tablets - $220.00 USD ($18.33 USD/Tablet) 16 Tablets - $286.00 USD ($17.88 USD/Tablet) 20 Tablets - $349.00 USD ($17.45 USD/Tablet) 24 Tablets - $409.00 USD ($17.04 USD/Tablet) 28 Tablets - $466.00 USD ($16.64 USD/Tablet) 32 Tablets - $518.00 USD ($16.19 USD/Tablet) 36 Tablets - $580.00 USD ($16.11 USD/Tablet) 40 Tablets - $640.00 USD ($16.00 USD/Tablet) 44 Tablets - $700.00 USD ($15.91 USD/Tablet) 48 Tablets - $759.00 USD ($15.81 USD/Tablet) 52 Tablets - $816.00 USD ($15.69 USD/Tablet) 56 Tablets - $874.00 USD ($15.61 USD/Tablet) 60 Tablets - $930.00 USD ($15.50 USD/Tablet) 64 Tablets - $985.00 USD ($15.39 USD/Tablet) 68 Tablets - $1,040.00 USD ($15.29 USD/Tablet) 72 Tablets - $1,094.00 USD ($15.19 USD/Tablet) 76 Tablets - $1,147.00 USD ($15.09 USD/Tablet) 80 Tablets - $1,199.00 USD ($14.99 USD/Tablet) 84 Tablets - $1,250.00 USD ($14.88 USD/Tablet)
4 Tablets - $81.00 USD ($20.25 USD/Tablet) 8 Tablets - $158.00 USD ($19.75 USD/Tablet) 12 Tablets - $232.00 USD ($19.33 USD/Tablet) 16 Tablets - $302.00 USD ($18.88 USD/Tablet) 20 Tablets - $369.00 USD ($18.45 USD/Tablet) 24 Tablets - $432.00 USD ($18.00 USD/Tablet) 28 Tablets - $492.00 USD ($17.57 USD/Tablet) 32 Tablets - $547.00 USD ($17.09 USD/Tablet) 36 Tablets - $613.00 USD ($17.03 USD/Tablet) 40 Tablets - $676.00 USD ($16.90 USD/Tablet) 44 Tablets - $739.00 USD ($16.80 USD/Tablet) 48 Tablets - $801.00 USD ($16.69 USD/Tablet) 52 Tablets - $862.00 USD ($16.58 USD/Tablet) 56 Tablets - $922.00 USD ($16.46 USD/Tablet) 60 Tablets - $982.00 USD ($16.37 USD/Tablet) 64 Tablets - $1,040.00 USD ($16.25 USD/Tablet) 68 Tablets - $1,098.00 USD ($16.15 USD/Tablet) 72 Tablets - $1,155.00 USD ($16.04 USD/Tablet) 76 Tablets - $1,211.00 USD ($15.93 USD/Tablet) 80 Tablets - $1,266.00 USD ($15.83 USD/Tablet) 84 Tablets - $1,320.00 USD ($15.71 USD/Tablet) 88 Tablets - $1,374.00 USD ($15.61 USD/Tablet)
Also available in India and Canada More details
Marketed as Megalis in India
Manufactured by Macleods Pharma
4 Tablets - $13.00 USD ($3.25 USD/Tablet) 8 Tablets - $23.00 USD ($2.88 USD/Tablet) 12 Tablets - $33.00 USD ($2.75 USD/Tablet) 16 Tablets - $43.00 USD ($2.69 USD/Tablet) 20 Tablets - $53.00 USD ($2.65 USD/Tablet) 24 Tablets - $62.00 USD ($2.58 USD/Tablet) 28 Tablets - $71.00 USD ($2.54 USD/Tablet) 32 Tablets - $79.00 USD ($2.47 USD/Tablet) 36 Tablets - $88.00 USD ($2.44 USD/Tablet) 40 Tablets - $95.00 USD ($2.38 USD/Tablet) 44 Tablets - $101.00 USD ($2.30 USD/Tablet) 48 Tablets - $107.00 USD ($2.23 USD/Tablet) 52 Tablets - $113.00 USD ($2.17 USD/Tablet) 56 Tablets - $119.00 USD ($2.13 USD/Tablet) 60 Tablets - $125.00 USD ($2.08 USD/Tablet) 64 Tablets - $131.00 USD ($2.05 USD/Tablet) 68 Tablets - $137.00 USD ($2.01 USD/Tablet) 72 Tablets - $143.00 USD ($1.99 USD/Tablet) 76 Tablets - $149.00 USD ($1.96 USD/Tablet) 80 Tablets - $155.00 USD ($1.94 USD/Tablet) 84 Tablets - $161.00 USD ($1.92 USD/Tablet)
4 Tablets - $22.00 USD ($5.50 USD/Tablet) 8 Tablets - $40.00 USD ($5.00 USD/Tablet) 12 Tablets - $59.00 USD ($4.92 USD/Tablet) 16 Tablets - $76.00 USD ($4.75 USD/Tablet) 20 Tablets - $92.00 USD ($4.60 USD/Tablet) 24 Tablets - $109.00 USD ($4.54 USD/Tablet) 28 Tablets - $123.00 USD ($4.39 USD/Tablet) 32 Tablets - $136.00 USD ($4.25 USD/Tablet) 36 Tablets - $143.00 USD ($3.97 USD/Tablet) 40 Tablets - $158.00 USD ($3.95 USD/Tablet) 44 Tablets - $174.00 USD ($3.95 USD/Tablet) 48 Tablets - $189.00 USD ($3.94 USD/Tablet) 52 Tablets - $205.00 USD ($3.94 USD/Tablet) 56 Tablets - $217.00 USD ($3.88 USD/Tablet) 60 Tablets - $229.00 USD ($3.82 USD/Tablet) 64 Tablets - $240.00 USD ($3.75 USD/Tablet) 68 Tablets - $255.00 USD ($3.75 USD/Tablet) 72 Tablets - $270.00 USD ($3.75 USD/Tablet) 76 Tablets - $285.00 USD ($3.75 USD/Tablet) 80 Tablets - $299.00 USD ($3.74 USD/Tablet) 84 Tablets - $314.00 USD ($3.74 USD/Tablet)
4 Tablets - $59.00 USD ($14.75 USD/Tablet) 8 Tablets - $114.00 USD ($14.25 USD/Tablet) 12 Tablets - $167.00 USD ($13.92 USD/Tablet) 16 Tablets - $218.00 USD ($13.63 USD/Tablet) 20 Tablets - $266.00 USD ($13.30 USD/Tablet) 24 Tablets - $311.00 USD ($12.96 USD/Tablet) 28 Tablets - $354.00 USD ($12.64 USD/Tablet) 32 Tablets - $394.00 USD ($12.31 USD/Tablet) 36 Tablets - $441.00 USD ($12.25 USD/Tablet) 40 Tablets - $487.00 USD ($12.18 USD/Tablet) 44 Tablets - $533.00 USD ($12.11 USD/Tablet) 48 Tablets - $577.00 USD ($12.02 USD/Tablet) 52 Tablets - $621.00 USD ($11.94 USD/Tablet) 56 Tablets - $665.00 USD ($11.88 USD/Tablet) 60 Tablets - $707.00 USD ($11.78 USD/Tablet) 64 Tablets - $750.00 USD ($11.72 USD/Tablet) 68 Tablets - $791.00 USD ($11.63 USD/Tablet) 72 Tablets - $832.00 USD ($11.56 USD/Tablet) 76 Tablets - $872.00 USD ($11.47 USD/Tablet) 80 Tablets - $912.00 USD ($11.40 USD/Tablet) 84 Tablets - $951.00 USD ($11.32 USD/Tablet) 88 Tablets - $990.00 USD ($11.25 USD/Tablet)
4 Tablets - $21.00 USD ($5.25 USD/Tablet) 8 Tablets - $39.00 USD ($4.88 USD/Tablet) 12 Tablets - $57.00 USD ($4.75 USD/Tablet) 16 Tablets - $73.00 USD ($4.56 USD/Tablet) 20 Tablets - $88.00 USD ($4.40 USD/Tablet) 24 Tablets - $102.00 USD ($4.25 USD/Tablet) 28 Tablets - $114.00 USD ($4.07 USD/Tablet) 32 Tablets - $125.00 USD ($3.91 USD/Tablet) 36 Tablets - $140.00 USD ($3.89 USD/Tablet) 40 Tablets - $153.00 USD ($3.83 USD/Tablet) 44 Tablets - $165.00 USD ($3.75 USD/Tablet) 48 Tablets - $177.00 USD ($3.69 USD/Tablet) 52 Tablets - $189.00 USD ($3.63 USD/Tablet) 56 Tablets - $200.00 USD ($3.57 USD/Tablet) 60 Tablets - $211.00 USD ($3.52 USD/Tablet) 64 Tablets - $220.00 USD ($3.44 USD/Tablet) 68 Tablets - $231.00 USD ($3.40 USD/Tablet) 72 Tablets - $240.00 USD ($3.33 USD/Tablet) 76 Tablets - $249.00 USD ($3.28 USD/Tablet) 80 Tablets - $257.00 USD ($3.21 USD/Tablet) 84 Tablets - $265.00 USD ($3.15 USD/Tablet) 88 Tablets - $273.00 USD ($3.10 USD/Tablet)
4 Tablets - $70.00 USD ($17.50 USD/Tablet) 8 Tablets - $140.00 USD ($17.50 USD/Tablet) 12 Tablets - $207.00 USD ($17.25 USD/Tablet) 16 Tablets - $264.00 USD ($16.50 USD/Tablet) 20 Tablets - $336.00 USD ($16.80 USD/Tablet) 24 Tablets - $399.00 USD ($16.63 USD/Tablet) 32 Tablets - $522.00 USD ($16.31 USD/Tablet) 36 Tablets - $581.00 USD ($16.14 USD/Tablet) 44 Tablets - $693.00 USD ($15.75 USD/Tablet) 48 Tablets - $749.00 USD ($15.60 USD/Tablet)
Marketed as Tadacip in India
Manufactured by Cipla
4 Tablets - $21.00 USD ($5.25 USD/Tablet) 8 Tablets - $35.00 USD ($4.38 USD/Tablet) 12 Tablets - $50.00 USD ($4.17 USD/Tablet) 16 Tablets - $64.00 USD ($4.00 USD/Tablet) 20 Tablets - $77.00 USD ($3.85 USD/Tablet) 24 Tablets - $88.00 USD ($3.67 USD/Tablet) 28 Tablets - $99.00 USD ($3.54 USD/Tablet) 32 Tablets - $107.00 USD ($3.34 USD/Tablet) 36 Tablets - $119.00 USD ($3.31 USD/Tablet) 40 Tablets - $130.00 USD ($3.25 USD/Tablet) 44 Tablets - $140.00 USD ($3.18 USD/Tablet) 48 Tablets - $149.00 USD ($3.10 USD/Tablet) 52 Tablets - $159.00 USD ($3.06 USD/Tablet) 56 Tablets - $167.00 USD ($2.98 USD/Tablet) 60 Tablets - $175.00 USD ($2.92 USD/Tablet) 64 Tablets - $183.00 USD ($2.86 USD/Tablet) 68 Tablets - $190.00 USD ($2.79 USD/Tablet) 72 Tablets - $197.00 USD ($2.74 USD/Tablet) 76 Tablets - $203.00 USD ($2.67 USD/Tablet) 80 Tablets - $208.00 USD ($2.60 USD/Tablet) 84 Tablets - $213.99 USD ($2.55 USD/Tablet)
4 Tablets - $26.00 USD ($6.50 USD/Tablet) 8 Tablets - $49.00 USD ($6.13 USD/Tablet) 12 Tablets - $71.00 USD ($5.92 USD/Tablet) 16 Tablets - $92.00 USD ($5.75 USD/Tablet) 20 Tablets - $111.00 USD ($5.55 USD/Tablet) 24 Tablets - $128.00 USD ($5.33 USD/Tablet) 28 Tablets - $144.00 USD ($5.14 USD/Tablet) 32 Tablets - $158.00 USD ($4.94 USD/Tablet) 36 Tablets - $178.00 USD ($4.94 USD/Tablet) 40 Tablets - $196.00 USD ($4.90 USD/Tablet) 44 Tablets - $214.00 USD ($4.86 USD/Tablet) 48 Tablets - $232.00 USD ($4.83 USD/Tablet) 52 Tablets - $250.00 USD ($4.81 USD/Tablet) 56 Tablets - $267.00 USD ($4.77 USD/Tablet) 60 Tablets - $284.00 USD ($4.73 USD/Tablet) 64 Tablets - $301.00 USD ($4.70 USD/Tablet) 68 Tablets - $318.00 USD ($4.68 USD/Tablet) 72 Tablets - $334.00 USD ($4.64 USD/Tablet) 76 Tablets - $350.00 USD ($4.61 USD/Tablet) 80 Tablets - $366.00 USD ($4.58 USD/Tablet) 84 Tablets - $382.00 USD ($4.55 USD/Tablet) 88 Tablets - $397.00 USD ($4.51 USD/Tablet)
Cialis Helps Treat the Following Conditions:
Also known as impotence, this condition manifests in a lack of ability to get an erection or keep it firm enough in order to perform sexual activity. While occasional erectile dysfunction may be caused by factors such as stress – and affects a large population of men – frequently experiencing difficulties should be addressed with the help of a physician.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition in which the prostate gland is enlarged, and squeezes or partly blocks the urethra. This produces symptoms like weak urine stream and feeling like the bladder is still full after urination. BPH affects a large number of men as they age.
Cialis Active Ingredient
Generic Cialis Alternative:
The main ingredient in Cialis is tadalafil, a substance which increases blood flow to the penis. A key feature of tadalafil is its long half-life, compared to similar drugs such as Viagra and Levitra.
Patients have a choice of buying brand name Cialis or generic alternatives. A number of safe, affordable generic alternatives to Cialis are available through our international online pharmacy.
General Drug Information
What is Cialis and What Is It Used For?
Cialis is prescribed to treat male sexual dysfunction. It contains the active ingredient tadalafil which, in combination with sexual stimulation, increases blood flow to the penis and helps patients get and sustain an erection.
Patients diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) also benefit from treatment with Cialis. The medication relaxes the prostate and bladder, helping to relieve symptoms such as difficulty urinating, weak urine stream and needing to urinate frequently.
This medication does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases like HIV, hepatitis B, gonorrhea or syphilis. To avoid such diseases, patients should use latex condoms.
Usage and Application
Cialis should be taken exactly as prescribed by a patient's doctor, and the dosage depends on the patient's condition, response to treatment and other medications they may be taking. Before the start of treatment, patients should discuss all other prescription medications, herbs and supplements they are taking with their doctor.
Patients with enlarged prostates are usually prescribed one oral daily dose. Those also taking finasteride need to discuss the duration of their Cialis use with their doctor
Patients with erectile dysfunction are usually prescribed this medication in two ways. One group of patients may be told to only use this medication as needed, usually 30 minutes before sexual activity. The effect may last for as long as 36 hours. Other patients are prescribed Cialis daily, allowing them to perform sexual activity at any time between doses.
The maximum dose for patients suffering from enlarged prostate and those with erectile dysfunction is not more than once a day. Patients need to take the drug regularly to experience its full benefit.
Considerations Before Taking Cialis
Before starting treatment, patients need to discuss the possibility of allergic reactions to tadalafil or any of the medicine's inactive ingredients. It is also vital to discuss the patient's medical history, especially a history of painful or prolonged erections, stroke and heart attack, as well as health problems like life-threatening irregular heartbeat, chronic chest pain, heart failure, kidney and liver disease.
Patients should report high or low blood pressure, severe dehydration, bleeding disorders, and active stomach ulcers. The list of symptoms also includes penis conditions like angulation, fibrosis and Peyronie's disease.
Patients with eye problems such as retinitis pigmentosa, sudden decreased vision and a condition known as NAION – which involves damage to the optic nerve – should also alert their doctor before the beginning of treatment. Pre-existing conditions like sickle cell anemia, leukemia, and multiple myeloma may increase the risk of developing prolonged painful erections.
may cause blurred vision and dizziness. Patients should use caution when driving, using machinery, and performing other activities which require clear vision until the effects of the medication are known. Alcoholic beverages can be consumed while taking Cialis but should be limited.
Patients preparing for surgery or certain dental procedures should inform their doctor or dentist about all medicines, supplements and herbal products they are taking.
This brand of the drug is only approved to be used by men. Women and children should not take Cialis.
Delayed and Omitted Doses
Patients who miss a dose of Cialis should take it as soon as they remember. If this happens near the time for the next dose, patients should skip the missed dose and proceed as usual. Patients should not double up the dose in order to catch up.
Other Medications and Cialis
Drug interactions may change the way Cialis and its generic alternatives work, increasing the risk of side effects. Before starting treatment, patients need to discuss the full list of medications and supplements they are taking with their doctor. Patients should not change their dose or stop taking this medication unless their physician advises them to do so.
Some medications like riociguat, used to treat pulmonary hypertension, can affect how Cialis works.
When used with nitrates, Cialis may seriously lower blood pressure, leading to dizziness, fainting and – in some rare cases – heart attack or stroke. This drug should not be used together with medicines for chronic chest pain. Examples include nitrates like nitroglycerin and isosorbide and recreational drugs containing amyl or butyl nitrite, often called "poppers".
may also significantly lower blood pressure in patients who are already taking alpha-blocker medications like doxazosin and tamsulosin. If blood pressure drops too low, there is a risk of dizziness or fainting. Patients may initially be prescribed a lower dose of tadalafil or be asked to adjust the dosage of alpha blockers.
Some medications – like the antibiotic Rifadin – can affect the removal of tadalafil from the body, affecting how Cialis works. This is also the case with antifungals like ketoconazole and itraconazole and some medications for HIV like fosamprenavir and ritonavir. The list includes boceprevir and telaprevir (prescribed for hepatitis C) and macrolide antibiotics like clarithromycin and erythromycin.
Cialis should not be taken with other products containing tadalafil or similar medications used for erectile dysfunction or pulmonary hypertension, such as sildenafil and vardenafil.
Some patients may experience negative side effects like headache, back and muscle pain, stuffy nose, upset stomach, flushing or dizziness. When rising from a sitting or lying position, patients should get up slowly to reduce the risk of dizziness.
Patients with heart problems should remember that sexual activity may put extra strain on the heart. It is important to seek immediate medical help if any of the following symptoms are felt during sexual activity: severe dizziness, nausea, fainting and pain in the chest, jaw or left arm.
Most patients are able to use this medication safely without serious side effects. In rare cases, patients may experience sudden decreased vision in one or both eyes due to a condition known as NAION. This could lead to permanent blindness. Patients need to immediately stop taking Cialis and seek medical help in the event of such symptoms.
Patients with high cholesterol and blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes have a larger risk of developing NAION. Smokers and people over 50 face higher risk of developing this problem. Having eye problems such as crowded disk are additional risk factors.
In rare cases, side effects may include sudden decrease or loss of hearing, ringing in the ears or dizziness. Additionally, some patients experience painful or prolonged erections, lasting more than four hours. The medication should be stopped right away in the presence of the above symptoms, and patients should seek immediate medical attention.
Serious allergic reactions to Cialis are rare, yet patients should be aware of allergic symptoms such as rash, itching and swelling, severe dizziness and trouble breathing.
How to Store Cialis
Cialis should be stored at room temperature away from light or moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep away from children and pets.
Unwanted medication should be disposed of properly and should not be poured into drains or flushed down the toilet. Patients should consult a pharmacist or their local waste disposal company to find out more about safe disposal methods.
Although Cialis coupons are available with other online pharmacies, customers will find that UDS prices are often much lower.


In the light of her teacher mary jarvis, this combination of movements systematically moves through the body to build body skills, awareness, strength, and mobility for reaching new depths in ones asana practice.
Taught hot or cold, this asana practice using traditional hatha yoga techniques, is comprised of common hatha postures an caters to all leveled practitioners. Divided into hips and splits, backbends and twists, inversions and strength, and full spectrum practice this class, practitioners of all levels are welcomed to a place of healthy challenge and introspection.
Systematically prepping the body for spine work, students are lead through a series of movements to move towards the break down of common backbend postures. These movements lubricate the spine and the mind on the quest of comfort in ones backbend practice and establish the confidence necessary to reach ones backbend goals.
Working with the ancient art of tantric kriya, pranayama, meditation, and mantra, this workshop takes the focus of practice beyond the physical form to explore the powers of connecting with our subtle body to promote profound shifts within.
An adaptation of the Ashtanga Yoga practice combined with classical hatha postures, this vinyasa class presents a full body flow including pranayama, asana, and meditation to empower the body and enlighten the mind.
In a workshop setting, this two hour experience is meant to give beginners a taste of what it takes to start a practice of being on their hands, and more advanced practitioners modifications and adjustments for increasing comfort and versatility in their arm balance practice.
In a workshop setting, students are lead through a series of movements to heighten their awareness in space, the use of their hands on the floor, and their breath in relation to gravity to create a framework of strength to invert. To find what each student is working on in their own inversion practice, we run through drills and postures which leave students with foundational understanding to go home and expand their study.