Have I mentioned that I gave birth to a drama queen?
And this is not your garden-variety, driven-snow, blogworld drama, noooo.... This child knows drama in its purest and simplest form. The thin veil of mock maturity is not adopted in an effort to mute self-absorption.
She was four hours old as she thrashed and gasped in my arms, seven pounds of end-of-the-world frustration personified, because this lugnut creature holding her did not seem to get the emergence of the situation.
I was in the process of reaching into a convoluted gown in an attempt to uncover some nourishment for the child, but I had to take to a moment to smile lovingly at this little fireball, in appreciation for her first performance.
Of course I called her both a "drama queen," as well as "temper prone," but, as I mentioned, I did so smiling. And my aunt, the only one who had stayed through the long, sleepless night, rebuked me for my early labeling.
My baby is now nine. And now she seeks the performance, would. just. die. if she missed American Idol, learns and repeats lines from her favorite sit-coms, and draws a SHARP intake of breath over everything from anxiety over spilt milk to excitement over the discovery of a new fruit roll up flavor.
And tonight... as I tucked this precious Priss into her bed, and hugged her, she began what I call a "spaz attack" level of squirminess, and exclaimed, "It hurts! Mom! Oooohhhh! It HURTS! It sooooo hurts..." then quietly, giving into the inevitable agony, "Uh, the loooove, Oh. it. hurts..."
She wants acting classes. Maybe I should cave on this one.


text:
Inside CSUSB home
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Faculty in the News, Nov. 5
Brian Levin (criminal justice) discussed the possibility of post-election political violence and was interviewed about the outcome of the social justice ballot initiatives in California.
Faculty in the News
NOTE: Faculty, if you are interviewed and quoted by news media, or if your work has been cited, and you have an online link to the article or video, please let us know. Contact us at news@csusb.edu.
Experts including CSUSB's Brian Levin warn that election uncertainty could fuel political violence
Brian Levin, director of Cal State San Bernardino's Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism, was interviewed for a segment about the potential for political violence as the nation waits for the results of the 2020 presidential election, and whether statements by President Donald Trump would fuel it.
Levin says his research shows a link between some of Trump's most inflammatory statements and spikes in violence. "Whether it was after the Muslim ban proposal or after Charlottesville, we've seen violence and hate crimes also correlate and resurge not just around a catalytic event but around the president's rhetoric and how long it is sustained."
Levin says, yes, this is a precarious moment for the country. And so far, the rhetoric from the White House is inflaming tensions not calming them.
"Extremism is a carnival mirror reflection of conflicts and divisions in the mainstream," he says.
Read the article and listen to the audio clip at "Experts warn that election uncertainty could fuel political violence."
CSUSB professor discusses outcome of state's social justice ballot initiatives
The Orange County Register/Southern California News Group/Bay Area News Group
California voters wrestled with ballots chock full of complicated social justice issues on Nov. 3, amid unprecedented racial reckoning and heightened awareness of historical wrongs.
"Voters were particularly concerned with redirecting the focus of the criminal justice system towards a less punitive approach, as increasing concern about institutional racial disparities are an overlay to any such any debate," said Brian Levin, professor in the Department of Criminal Justice at Cal State San Bernardino.
"Overall, the results of the state ballot initiatives and L.A. district attorney race demonstrate that those who so effectively organized protests had the perseverance to follow through at the polls – showing once and for all the historic transformational political reverberations of the Black Lives Matter movement," said Levin.
Read the complete article at "Social justice on ballot scores some victories, suffers some defeats."
These news clips and others may be viewed at "In the Headlines."
Brian Levin
Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism
ballot
February 8, 2023 Faculty in the News, Feb. 8
January 31, 2023 Faculty in the News, Jan. 31

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Shell Island Fish Camp
Boat and Guide Rentals
Click here for our current tides and marine weather
Fully back open after Michael
Saltwater Fishing from the Shores of Wakulla County
Spring 2012 Fishing Report
Home | History
Shell Island Fish Camp has been owned and operated by the Hobbs family since 1962. Bo Lynn of St. Marks started the camp in the mid 1950's. At that time, the camp was very primitive with just 11 cabins (built in 1951), and nine small wooden skiffs that were used as rentals. Lynn's widow sold the camp to Rufus Bullock after Lynn drowned in a goose hunting accident.
The Bullock family owned the camp for five years, and then sold it to Alex and Gazzie Hobbs, along with Gazzie's sister Ruby Huff and her husband, Winton Huff. According to Alex's son Allen Hobbs, "We were living in North Georgia at the time, and dad came down fishing one too many times." In 1969 Alex and Gazzie bought Winton and Ruby out, and became the sole owners of the camp.
After Alex and Gazzie bought the camp, it truly became a family affair. The Hobbs clan began running the operation, including Alex's son Allen. Ken Hobbs, Alex's nephew, came down from Georgia and moved in with the family to help out as well. Ken never left until his retirement in 2010 after over 40 years at the camp.
In 1988, Allen & Ruthie took over the camp from Alex & Gazzie, so the elder Hobbs could retire. In 1992 Allen & Ruthie built the 1st 16 motel rooms and a smaller group of motel rooms in 1996. After Hurricane Dennis came through in 2005, Allen and Ruthie added five Park Models to the camp's lodging, which now includes 24 motel rooms, four cabins and the five Park Models.
Jimmy Bevis (Allen's Nephew) along with Sherie, his wife and Emily, their daughter, joined the family business as camp manager. In 2010, Allen and Ruthie retired and left the camp in the capable hands of Jimmy and Sherie.
Many fish tales have been shared over the years in the "old-fashioned fish camp store", one of the oldest structures at the camp. The store is fully stocked with everything you need to make your fishing trip a success, including live, frozen and artificial bait, fishing rods and tackle, beer, snacks, souvenirs, and fishing licenses. According to Allen, the store was built in 1953 or 54, and they have tried to keep it as authentic as possible. "Its' been through several storms, but has weathered each one quite well," says Hobbs.
As you can see, Shell Island Fish Camp is definitely a family business, and the Hobbs/Bevis plan to keep it that way for as long as they possibly can. We're proud of the fact that we are one of the oldest fish camps in Florida, and we want to maintain the old-fashioned feel of the camp, as well as the old-fashioned values. When you're at Shell Island Fish Camp, you're just another member of the family."
hereiam133
Shell Island Fish Camp offers limited camp sites overlooking the pristine Wakulla River. Sites include water, electricity and a dump station is available. We welcome motor homes, campers, and tents.
Our park models feature two double beds, mini-kitchen, and a bath with shower.
24 air conditioned motel rooms that include cable TV and refrigerators.
Boat rental and repairs...
Shell island Fish Camp is a full service marina facility that includes a bait and tackle store, boat and motor repair, boat launching and docking.
Our cabins feature two bedrooms, kitchen, and a bath with shower.
Shell Island Fish Camp. ©2012 All Rights Reserved


is it really nneeded to have 2 count them 2! topics about this guy? come on now people.
^^ there's a post about this already?
remember what they said in preschool? no one likes a tattletale.
also so no one liled the one who stole all your blocks..... he gots like 3 pages of spam in paperchase!
once i made a tower of blocks that was like twice as tall as me (at that time) it was super doody fresh.
but for real, you dont need one, let alone two threads telling the mods about it. if you look, there is a warn button in all posts, its by the edit and quote buttons. you can click that and it will tell mods to check it out. no need for threads about it.


MDOUTLOOK, the global oncology intelligence initiative powered by The Arcas Group, announced results from its 4th Annual Quick Poll research launched immediately following this month's annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) in Chicago. These Quick Polls expand on previous Quick Polls carried out after the past 3 ASCO annual meetings, and other meetings such American Society of Hematology (ASH) and San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS).
News from ASCO impacts the entire oncology community. A wide variety of sources are used to learn about the important news from this conference.
The novel targeted agents vemurafenib and ipilimumab will become the standards of care for malignant melanoma. More than half of all patients with malignant melanoma are expected to receive one if not both of these agents.
Physicians are excited about the identification of specific NSCLC patient subpopulations who will respond to crizotinib, erlotinib, or MetMab.
Following their recent regulatory approvals, worldwide use of everolimus and sunitinib for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNET) will greatly increase.
There is not a consistent approach to the continued use of anti-angiogenic therapy after progression in stage IV colorectal cancer. Physicians are eagerly awaiting the results of definitive clinical trials which are due in the near future.
Axitinib is expected to be the most common 2nd line therapy following sunitinib for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). However, clinicians use a personalized approach in this setting.
The clinical landscape for prostate cancer is undergoing a dramatic shift due to a number of new therapeutics; some of which have been recently approved and others still under clinical development.
The primary clinical trial endpoint reported influences the integration of research into clinical practice.
Full copies of the 4th Annual MDOUTLOOK Quick Polls from ASCO are available upon request.
MDOUTLOOK was developed with a singular focus: improved understanding of complex diseases leading to better patient care. Over 52,000 medical oncology professionals have opted into a network of their peers through the MDOUTLOOK online platform to share information such as preferred treatment regimens for complex diseases and de-identified patient logs, as well as the factors that play a part in their clinical decision-making.
Physician members of MDOUTLOOK benefit by having access to data on how other clinicians manage difficult cases and how they are adapting to changes in the industry, ranging from the introduction of new drugs or treatment modalities, to the rising costs of certain treatments. For many physicians, MDOUTLOOK also serves as a patient registry.
MDOUTLOOK is guided by a Strategy Council of globally recognized experts: Alexander Eggermont, MD, PhD; Keith Flaherty, MD; William Gradishar, MD; Axel Hauschild, MD; Peter Heald, MD; John Kirkwood, MD; Sagar Lonial, MD; Lauren Pinter-Brown, MD; Joyce O'Shaughnessy, MD; Nicholas Thatcher, MD; and Alan Venook, MD.
The Arcas Group is a strategic life sciences marketing organization with a singular focus: Supporting the commercial success of its clients in the continuum of life sciences marketing – from marketing intelligence to strategy development and implementation – through enhanced connectivity with ThoughtLeaders and Clinicians. MDOUTLOOK is a key offering that is highly valued by its rapidly expanding base of clients.
For more information, please visit The Arcas Group's website at www.thearcasgroup.com.
This entry was posted in updates on July 13, 2011 by admin.


text:
ken and jacky....
Posted by Jeni in Ad Infinitum | 13 October 2009
With a salami sausage in one hand and four little oatcakes in the other it's a little tricky writing this blog, but here goes anyway.
I have just come in from The National Theatre. A memorial evening for Ken Campbell.
The great and the good turned up, paid their fiver, took their seats at 7.30 and laughed and clapped until 11.30 when the last of us left. Leaving behind memories, old friends and a very expensive cap in row J.
A huge picture of Ken presided over the proceedings.
John Sessions compared, actors spoke his word. Excerpts of 'The Illuminatus' and 'The Warp' were performed, ventriloquist, Nina Conti, used two dummies that Ken had bequeathed her in his will. One, an old lady the other a doll of Ken himself. Pidgin English Shakespeare, Toby Sedgwick as a slice of cooked bacon writhing around the stage, improvisational madness and Warren Mitchell who was helped on the stage by Richard Eyres.
Photographs of Kens life were projected at the end of the show and there was I nearly thirty years ago in my sack running around rocks up Arthurs Seat. I was nominated for best actress at the Edinburgh festival for my part in 'Stonehenge Kit The Ancient Brit in the End of the Woad'
Jim sat in J23 and B and I in F23/24. My daughter sat and saw how her parents had met, learnt their craft and shared theatrical history. We cried with laughter at a word sketch, we rocked with merriment as brave actors bared their talent, we were moved by Warren Mitchells baboon soliloquy.
But all the night I was aware how quickly our little lives pass. Ken was only 66 when he died. I met people I hadn't seen for 30 odd years. Yes of course we've aged, but thats what's supposed to happen. Either that or we end up the way of Ken.
He left a legacy of lunatics and inspirational performers from Chris Fairbank, to Bob Hoskins to John Sessions to Richard Hope.
Today I interviewed Jacky Collins. Hardly an interview more an over the fence chat. She really is lovely, no airs and graces, a true player. Glamorous, honest and a delight. She has written 28 books, has over 300 million readers in 40 countries and not a puffed up bone in her body. She signed my book and told me to keep it safe as its worth money.
She made me realise, like Ken, that there really is no point in putting off life, if you don't grab it by the short and curlies pretty damn quick it can pass you by in the blinking of an eye.
I've got indigestion from my Polish sausage, that'll teach me to try and multi task.
Tomorrow comes on at a petty pace so it's good night from me and goodnight from moi.


text:
FIVE SISTERS OF THE SISTERS OF THE INCARNATE WORD(SVI) PROFESS VOWS.
Sisters Alice Adu-Amoah and Joyce Owusuaa professed their final vows whilst Sisters Benedicta Amankwaa, Epiphanie Vedzo and Bernice Saaseh professed their first vows.
Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi was the main celebrant for the Mass.
In his homily, the Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi gave a brief history of the Sisters of the Incarnate Word and played glowing tribute to the Sisters of the Handmaids of the Holy Child Jesus (HHCJ) for their support and commitment over the years to make this a reality for the young ladies. He urged the newly professed sisters to live up to expectation and help in the evangelization Mission of the Church.
The Congregation of the Sisters of the Incarnate Word (SVI) is a Diocesan Congregation of the Catholic Diocese of Sunyani. The original inspiration of this congregation is credited to the late Bishop Most Rev. James Kwadwo Owusu. It began on the 7th of October, 2008 with four young women to begin their formation.
The congregation is guided by the rules and spirituality of St. Benedict and they are to make sure Christ is present to other people especially those in the rural areas and the deprived urban poor through education, health care, social work, pastoral work and so on.
Currently, the congregation has 14 sisters and 12 other Sisters who are discerning their vocations at various stages of formation in the congregation.
Report and Pictures by:
Diocesan Communication Team


text:
Home » Racism » France: Armenian mob attacks Turkish family, 4 injured
France: Armenian mob attacks Turkish family, 4 injured
Monday April 26th, 2021 Racism
Four people were injured when a group of around 40 Armenians attacked a Turkish family in Saint-Die-Des-Vosges, France.
The group broke into the family's home in Kellerman district and assaulted them.
Speaking to Anadolu Agency, one of the family members said that on Saturday, an Armenian hit the son from his cousin's family with their car and a dispute broke out between them.
Noting that they had met with Armenians afterwards and thought they were tied to the incident, the family member said that later that day, Armenians entered the home of his cousin's family and attacked them with baseball bats, knives and iron bars.
The family member added that one of the attackers also had a gun.
Four people were injured in the incident, the family member said, adding one suffered three fractures to their skull and three were hospitalized, with one of them undergoing surgery.
A member of the Armenian group opened fire in the air with a gun while leaving the scene, said the family member.
The group included an individual who went to the Nagorno-Karabakh region, where clashes took place between Azerbaijani and Armenian forces last spring.
← Assad regime used chemical weapons in Saraqib: Global watchdog
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text:
require 'spec_helper'

describe Spree::Subscription do

  before(:all) do
    FactoryGirl.create(:store)
  end

  context "validation" do
    it "cannot make multiple subscriptions per orderXinterval"
    it "has many line items"
  end

  context "that is in 'cart' state" do
    before(:each) do
      @sub = create(:subscription)
      @sub.order.reload
    end

    it "should have no reorder date" do
      expect(@sub.line_items.first).to be
      expect(@sub.state).to eq("cart")
      expect(@sub.reorder_on).to be_nil
    end

    it "should have reorder date that is three months (i.e. subscription interval) from today on activation" do
      @sub.start
      expect(@sub.reorder_on).to eq(Date.today + 3.month)
    end

    it "should have a billing address on activation" do
      expect(@sub.order.bill_address).to be
      expect(@sub.billing_address).to be_nil
      @sub.start
      expect(@sub.billing_address).to be
    end

    it "should have a shipping address on activation" do
      expect(@sub.order.shipping_address).to be
      expect(@sub.shipping_address).to be_nil
      @sub.start
      expect(@sub.shipping_address).to be
    end

    it "should have a payment method on activation" do
      expect(@sub.payment_method).to be_nil
      @sub.start
      expect(@sub.payment_method).to be
    end

    it "should have a payment source on activation" do
      expect(@sub.source).to be_nil
      @sub.start
      expect(@sub.source).to be
    end

    it "should have a user on activation" do
      expect(@sub.user).to be_nil
      @sub.start
      expect(@sub.user).to be
    end
  end

  context "that is ready for reorder" do
    before(:each) do
      @sub = create(:subscription_for_reorder)
      @sub.order.reload
      # DD: calling start will set date into future
      @sub.start
      @sub.update_attribute(:reorder_on,Date.today)
    end

    it "should have reorder_on reset" do
      expect(@sub.reorder_on).to eq(Date.today)
      expect(@sub.reorder).to be_truthy
      expect(@sub.reorder_on).to eq(Date.today + 3.month)
    end

    it "should have a valid order" do
      expect(@sub.reorder).to be_truthy
      expect(@sub.reorders.count).to eq(1)
    end

    it "should have a valid order with a billing address" do
      expect(@sub.create_reorder).to be_truthy
      order = @sub.reorders.first
      expect(order.bill_address).to eq(@sub.billing_address)  # DD: uses == operator override in Spree::Address
      expect(order.bill_address.id).not_to eq @sub.billing_address.id # DD: not the same database record
    end

    it "should have a valid order with a shipping address" do
      expect(@sub.create_reorder).to be_truthy
      order = @sub.reorders.first
      expect(order.ship_address).to eq(@sub.shipping_address)  # DD: uses == operator override in Spree::Address
      expect(order.ship_address.id).not_to eq @sub.shipping_address.id # DD: not the same database record
    end

    it "should have a valid line item" do
      @sub.create_reorder
      expect(@sub.add_subscribed_line_items).to be_truthy
      order = @sub.reorders.first
      expect(order.line_items.count).to eq(1)
    end

    it "should have a valid order with a shipping method" do
      @sub.create_reorder
      @sub.add_subscribed_line_items
      expect(@sub.select_shipping).to be_truthy

      order = @sub.reorders.first
      expect(order.shipments.count).to eq(1)

      s = order.shipments.first
      expect(s.shipping_method.code).to eq @sub.shipping_method.code
    end

    it "should have a valid order with a payment method" do
      @sub.create_reorder
      @sub.add_subscribed_line_items
      @sub.select_shipping
      expect(@sub.add_payment).to be_truthy

      order = @sub.reorders.first
      expect(order.payments.count).to eq(1)

      payment = order.payments.first
      expect(payment.payment_method).to eq @sub.payment_method  # DD: should be same database record
    end

    it "should have a valid order with a payment source" do
      @sub.create_reorder
      @sub.add_subscribed_line_items
      @sub.select_shipping
      expect(@sub.add_payment).to be_truthy

      order = @sub.reorders.first
      expect(order.payments.count).to be(1)
      expect(order.payments.first.source).to eq @sub.source  # DD: should be same database record
    end

    it "should have a payment" do
      @sub.create_reorder
      @sub.add_subscribed_line_items
      @sub.select_shipping
      expect(@sub.add_payment).to be_truthy

      order = @sub.reorders.first
      expect(order.payments).to be
    end

    it "should have a completed order" do
      expect(@sub.reorder).to be_truthy

      order = @sub.reorders.first
      expect(order.state).to eq("complete")
      expect(order.completed?).to be
    end

    context "with a promotion" do
      before(:each) do
        @sub = create(:subscription_for_reorder_with_promotion)
        @sub.order.reload
        # DD: calling start will set date into future
        @sub.start
        @sub.update_attribute(:reorder_on,Date.today)
      end

      it "should have a promotion applied" do
        @sub.create_reorder
        @sub.add_subscribed_line_items
        @sub.select_shipping
        expect(@sub.apply_promotions).to be_truthy

        order = @sub.reorders.first
        expect(order.promotions.count).to be(1)
        expect(order.adjustment_total).to eq(-10)
      end
    end

    it 'should appear in due_within' do
      expect(Spree::Subscription.due_within(7.days).count).to eq(1)
    end
  end

  context "that has just been reordered" do
    before(:each) do
      @sub = create(:subscription_for_reorder)
      @sub.order.reload
      # DD: calling start will set date into future
      @sub.start
      @sub.update_attribute(:reorder_on, Date.today + 4.weeks)
    end

    it 'should appear in due_within' do
      expect(Spree::Subscription.due_within(7.days).count).to eq(0)
    end
  end
end

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


The best thing about using a Samsung phone is that you don't have to worry about deleting images or videos or juggling tracks. To expand storage all that you have to do is to insert a memory card and download anything you want without guilt. It is sometimes possible for iPhone users to use micro SD cards with their device, but the system is complicated and not very popular. If you love downloading movies or are a game buff, consider buying a Samsung phone.
Some of the features like water and dust resistance, wireless charging, haptic feedback etc introduced by Apple aren't really path breaking. Samsung had introduced almost all of these updates long ago. Yet, an average Samsung phone costs much less than an iPhone. To avail the latest features, just buy a high end locked phone and call us for unlock Samsung codes!
It was not until the iOS 8 that Apple implemented widgets. But their use is limited to a few activities. For example, iPhone users can only add widgets to the notification center. But the widgets in an Android phone can be used for just about anything, including customizing your calendar, set alarms, direct calls to contact us, etc.
You can buy a Samsung phone at any price level. The company has come a long from its initial stages where these phones were notorious for their low quality phones. This is especially true for the higher end models. For example, the Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge is made of aluminum with glass fronts and backs!
DO YOU NEED TO UNLOCK YOUR SAMSUNG PHONE? CALL US AT 1 800 707 9807 !


Lancing, Tennessee couple face child abuse charges when their 7-week-old daughter was found lying next to their car on an Interstate 40 ramp.
Manatee County Sheriff's Office report arresting a man for giving a 6-year-old boy a beer and then threw him against a wall.
Salt Lake City: a 9-year-old boy was murdered by being put in a trash can filled with ice water.
Largo, Florida parents were found unconscious due to drunkenness in a car with their 1-month-old baby in the back seat. The car was still running.
Okay people, when do we say enough is enough and take steps to stop this abuse? These are only a few of the current child abuse headlines in the news. It is time for stronger sentences.


There's a lot of talk about Office 365 and its benefits for small businesses. The discussion focusses on a few really great benefits, such as; you get to keep using the same office software you are used to, you can work from anywhere, greater collaboration etc., but we've all heard these before.
Maybe these are not quite enough to convince you to take the step of investing in Office 365 as a solution for your business. There's got to be more right?
When running your business, your time is best spent focusing on what is going to make it succeed, rather than managing your IT. The admin side of Office 365 is designed so that it can be easily managed without knowing loads of IT lingo. The online portal gives you step-by-step instructions on how to add users and set up your account so your employees can quickly start using Office 365. There is also a great community of experts around Office 365, so if you are unsure about any aspect of it, you can find a host of video and online articles to help.
Sorting out software licenses across your business can be a huge headache. Your employees can be working on completely different versions of software, depending on when they were set up and whether they got an upgraded version. The result of this is you don't know how to bring everyone up to date so you're all working on the same version. Office 365 includes all licensing and it can be rolled out company wide. Once done, this means all your employees are using the same software versions, and will get all the latest upgrades at the same time.
A lot is made of the benefit that you can work from anywhere with cloud apps and storage, but not many people put this in the context that you can get at your stuff if something unplanned happens. Whether your server crashes, you lose connectivity, or worst case you have a fire at your office, then you can still access all your documents, apps and emails from somewhere. 40% percent of businesses do not re-open after a disaster, but being able to access all your important stuff gives you a massive advantage in keeping up and running.
This is pretty cool for small businesses. Whether you are a small or large business, with Office 365 you get the same versions and features. Yes, you may have to purchase the Business Premium package to get a lot of the great apps and extras, but that is currently only a tiny additional cost per user. Your small business can use and access the matching up to date software tools as larger corporations, and get the same benefits of access on demand wherever you need it.
If your business only has a small number of employees, or you have plans to grow, then having a flexible and scalable solution is incredibly useful. With flexible monthly billing you can add or decrease the number of users as you require. If you are looking to grow your business, then having this flexibility is perfect for budgeting within your growth strategy. You can predict the costs ahead of time, based on the headcount you expect to reach your growth targets.


text:
High-quality and proper production requires suitable raw material that is up to international standards. Therefore, given the diversity of the products, they are classified in five different categories; the largest of these groups is milk. The raw material required for these five categories is provided from nine different regions in the country. The second stage is providing the material and necessities that include sugar, cooking oil, cocoa powder, stabilizer, and preservatives. The items related to packaging and printing are the third group, which includes paper, nylon, IML containers, and ice-cream containers. The forth category is related to none-production equipment including machinery, technical requirements, facilities and administrative equipment. The fifth category is related to acquiring meat products from ranchers, slaughterhouses, and importers and is one of the most important parts of the meat supply chain.
One of the most important points after the acquirement of raw material is transportation of these materials to warehouses around the country as well as to the manufacturing sectors. They need modern and efficient trucks for transportation, which should be loaded quickly and delivered in the shortest time possible to the subsidiary manufacturing facilities of the Solico Company across the country to maintain their high quality.
One of the most important steps in production is good design. The designing stage is finished with the mutual efforts of the technical team of production and a design studio. The output of this consultation is a three-dimensional image of the product and the printing on the packaging that is send for production after final approval. In addition to this advertising strategies and the launching of the product in the market is also discussed.
After delivering the raw material, finishing the designing stage and other stages the next stage is to produce the final product. The Complex process of production in modern and up to date factories of Solico Group begins here and the production happens under close monitoring for quality control, and many other important delicate considerations after which it is ready to be sent to the market.
Maintenance and Storage
Once the products are ready in the many branches of the company around the country, more than 50 warehouses, and distribution centers that are equipped with the state of the art modern and specialized facilities receive the products in order to prepare them to be shipped to the market.
A subsidiary facility of the Solico Group Companies is especially dedicated to product distribution processes around the country and even to the United Arabic Emirates and Iraq. This facility owns more than 2,000 trucks and 3,000 staff members and responds to more than 1 million orders per month. These orders amount to 1250 tons.
Product Lunching and Marketing
At the end of the production chain, once the product is ready to be sent to the market, stands the sales and marketing stage. This part is classified into three types of outlets: first, are the chain stores such as the Hypermarket, Kourosh chain store, Shahrvand Stores and the like; second are smaller outlets such as local retailers; and third are the corporate sales to private or governmental organizations that put orders for bulk purchases.
The BonnyChaw Tehran Company was first registered as a B2B company. BonnyChaw Company began its activities in the field of food services by providing raw material for businesses that require the material for food production. Over time, their activities in this area developed and they became one of the suppliers for the biggest regional companies. The company has branches in eight different regions of the country. Over the years and with the increase in the number of its regional warehouses around the country, these eight branches formed a complex group called "BonnyChaw Iranians."
Once the activities became specialized, the key responsibility of providing the supply chain was left to the BonnyChaw. In other words, when the nature of the work became more and more specialized the formation of a supply chain became a main responsibility to BonnyChaw and the collection of activities related to sales was allocated to another sector.
Today BonnyChaw is responsible for receiving the products, distribution of products, collection of funds obtained from sales and delivering those funds to the company. Today BonnyChaw owns distribution centers in more than 50 areas of the country and more than 1,200 distribution vehicles delivering the material. All these activities are possible in partnership with over 3,000 dedicated and skilled workers. It should also be noted that the activities of this complex company result in more than a million and two hundred thousand invoices issued monthly (a daily average of 40 thousand.)
Due to the large volume of goods and material that need to be transported and distributed, primary and secondary storage and warehouses are prepared which are located in more than 50 areas of the country. A large volume of goods is transported via trucks from the factory to these main areas, sorted out and finally, transported to warehouses in a less than 6 hours distance from the main warehouse to be eventually passed on in the delivery network. These facilities need to keep an inventory, but there are other places that are a maximum of 3 hours away from the main center, and are supplied on demand. In these places inventory is almost zero.
One of the most important issues to be considered in the supply chain is that the product needs to be fresh. Something that should receive special attention, the low sales volumes, and the distance are two main reasons that cause a concern when a fresh product or material is to be sent to certain areas of the country. To solve this issue, "BonnyChaw" implemented a chain of processes that distributed the material and products to on a daily basis so that the consumers always receive the latest fresh products. In this manner, all SKU's available and produced are equally delivered in all parts of Iran.
Distribution activities
Foreseeing the volume of products for periods of 18 months ahead, 14 days and 48 hours to prepare for the necessary planning and carry out the relevant measures based on the existing needs of the market. (Supply and demand chain planning)
Sending the schedules and plans prepared for the production facilities in order to take measures expected of the unit
Receiving and providing transport for the products
Delivering the products to shopping centers
Taking the necessary measures to deliver the products to smaller businesses
Balancing the financial deals with the retailers and delivering the sales revenues to the companies
According to the information available, the BonnyChaw Group delivers about 1,350 tons of products every day and has a wholesale distribution of more than 6 billion dollars on a daily basis.
The BonnyChaw Group provides distribution services in a greater number of days per year as compared to other distribution companies and thus stands ahead of many similar companies. The BonnyChaw group is active more than 315 workdays per year, which is a record in itself.
SevenTen Chain Stores
The Solico Group products and its subsidiaries amount to more than 1,800 different product lines and the complete and correct supply and distribution of these products, so that the customers would have access to all or at least the largest product ranges has long been the group's main concern. That is why the SevenTen chain stores began using their potential to give customers access to all product categories available.
Food Service Unit
Food service units are the facilities such as restaurants, coffee shops, catering companies that need their major food requirements delivered to them in a standard fashion and in the shortest time possible. These are the facilities that are directly connected to our food services sector and this part of our group provides the necessary material for the businesses that are related to food market, this unit identifies their needs and shortcomings, responds, and provides for them in a timely fashion.
Pol Company, the Logistic Support
Different lines of raw material obtained from suppliers or importers from different regions of the country are collected in the warehouses and need proper transport to our production facilities. This important task is the responsibility of the Pol Company, a transportation unit that loads and transports the material in highest standard and sterilized environment to keep the materials' fresh quality.
With nearly 200 staff across the country, this unit is responsible for providing information technology equipment, maintenance, and support of all hardware devices in the Solico Group. This unit is active in all areas related to information technology and with a professional presence monitors all IT activities in the company.
A center for all the activities related to product design, graphic design, and advertising, and in general all that is needed in the field of visual creativity for a product. This is considered a very critical and important unit in the Solico Group. Therefore, about 5 years ago a separate and specialized "design studio" was established in the Solico Group with the aim of concentrating the specialized visual and creative activities. The center currently has more than 60 skilled technical experts helping the Solico Group.
Bonny Chaw Restaurant
UAE HQ
Jumeirah Business Center 4, Plot No: N3, Unit No: 3302, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Colledge Crossroad, Jaderieh, Baghdad, iraq
Hoger, South Industrial Area, Erbil, Kurdestan
East Azerbaijan Ave. No.103, Tehran, Iran
Mr. Soleimani, Among the Elite in the World of Islamic Economy
A Teacher and a Great Entrepreneur
New Line of Gluten-free Products at the Baharan Gol Facility
Copyrights © 2015 All Rights Reserved by Solico Group.
[email protected] · +98-21-6647-5777


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Author: Steven Vance
Allowing cottage courts in Chicago requires changing the zoning code
Ed. note: This is a work in progress; I'm looking for feedback, and for good imagery of cottage courts in other cities with neighborhoods that have a similar structure as typical ones in Chicago (I'm specifically referring to block and lot sizes).
Cottage courts (or clusters) are a common multi-family design typology in cities outside of Illinois. You'll find them in California (where they're more often called bungalow courts) and Tennessee, for example. They are characterized by having multiple detached one or two-story houses on a single and compact development site. The houses commonly face a shared green space and have shared parking behind them.
A primary benefit of cottage courts is that it creates more for-sale detached houses (which are in very high demand in Chicago) while sharing land [1]. In other words, cottage courts create more detached houses using less land.
It is not possible to build a cottage court in Chicago because of how the zoning code is written. The purpose of this article is to discuss specific text amendments that would have to be collectively adopted in order to allow this housing type.
A sample cottage court intended for an audience in Chattanooga, TN, created by the Incremental Development Alliance.
Zoning code barriers
The Chicago zoning code allows only one principal building per lot. A detached house constitutes a principal building and only one of them is allowed. The code would have to be changed to allow more than one principal buildings per lot. If the city council wants to limit this allowance to cottage courts then other code would have to be modified to define a cottage court (similarly to how it has a definition of a townhouse).
Cottage courts should be fee simple [2], to make them easier to mortgage and sell, which means subdividing a lot into one lot per house. The Chicago zoning code does not allow subdividing a lot below the minimum lot area for the particular zoning district governing a lot. For example, currently in RS-3, if more than one principal building per lot was allowed, each cottage court house would have to occupy 2,500 s.f., which is an untenable size for cottage court development.
Minimum lot area per unit standards also severely restrict development of cottage courts. To build four houses in an RS-3 zoning district one would need a 10,000 s.f. lot!
Rear setbacks would need to be reducible, preferably without the need for a variation from the Zoning Board of Appeals. Because the houses are oriented to face a common green space at the interior of the lot (not at the front or rear of the lot), the rear of the house may be close to the side property line, violating the rear setback standard of ~30 feet.
Side setbacks would need to be combinable or eliminated as a requirement for cottage court development, so that the houses could be closer together or the designer could have more flexibility in their orientation.
Parking requirements would need to be more flexible, both in quantity and in design. Parking is currently allowed only in the rear setback, but these houses may not have a rear setback because of their inward orientation. To maximize shared green space parking requirements should be reducible for this housing type. The Chicago TOD ordinance may be relevant here, as it now applies in RM-5, and higher, residential zoning districts, but the cottage court needs to be allowable in the RS-3 and RT-4 zoning districts (as these are for more common).
Attorneys, designers, and developers: Are there any other Chicago zoning code standards missing?
Examples of cottage courts
I know of two cottage court examples in Chicago (thanks, Matt and Matt):
7436 S Phillips Ave (et. al.). These were built prior to 1952, according to historic aerial images, and are individually parceled (see barrier #2 above).
7433 S Euclid Pkwy (et. al.). The houses were built between 1938 and 1952, according to historic aerial images, and are individually parceled. Two of the parcels are vacant.
1802 S Kildare Ave (et. al.). The houses were built after 1950.
All of the images below are from the Missing Middle Housing website, created by Opticos Design, an architecture firm that has popularized the term "missing middle".
Three photos of existing cottage courts, and a site plan showing how a cottage court could be arranged.
A tiny house village may also be considered a cottage court. The influential architecture firm, Landon Bone Baker, once designed a proposed tiny house village (knowing full well it was not legal) for Thresholds and Easter Seals in Chicago.
[1] It's also assumed that sharing land means sharing land costs, and land costs are a significant part of purchasing a house. In the areas where demand for detached houses is the highest, land costs are also the highest. Cottage courts create more detached houses with less land.
[2] fee simple has a legal meaning, but here I mean "the house owner also owns the land beneath the house", and the pair are collateral for the lender that, on paper, looks like any other detached house the lender has mortgaged.
Chicago Crash Browser updates with stats, filters, and news article links
August 9, 2022 / Steven Vance / 0 Comments
Today I'm adding a bunch of new features to the Chicago Crash Browser, which lives on Chicago Cityscape.
But first…special access is no longer required. Anyone can create a free Cityscape account and access the map. However, only those with special access or a Cityscape Real Estate Pro account will be able to download the data.
Five new features include:
Statistics that update weekly to summarize what happened in the past week: the number of crashes, the number of people killed in crashes, and the number of people with the two worst tiers of injuries. The statistics are viewable to everyone, including those without access to the crash browser.
The statistics will update every Sunday. The numbers may change throughout the week as Chicago police officers upload crash reports.
For data users, the crash record ID is viewable. The crash record ID links details about the same crash across the Chicago data portal's three tables: Crashes, Vehicles, and People. My Chicago Crash Browser is currently only using the Crashes table. Click on the "More details" arrow in the first table column.
The crash record ID is hidden by default but can be exposed. Use this ID to locate details in the data portal's Vehicles and People tables.
Filter crashes by location. There are currently two location filters: (1) on a "Pedestrian Street" (a zoning designation to, over time, reduce the prevalence of car-oriented land uses and improve building design to make them more appealing to walk next to); (2) within one block of a CTA or Metra station, important places where people commonly walk to. Select a filter's radio button and then click "Apply filters".
Filter crashes by availability of a news article or a note. I intend to attach news articles to every crash where a pedestrian or bicyclist was killed (the majority of these will be to Streetsblog Chicago articles, where I am still "editor at large". Notes will include explanations about data changes [1] (the "map editor" mentioned in some of the notes is me) and victims' names.
After choosing a filter's radio button click "Apply filters" and the map and data table will update.
Filter by hit and run status. If the officer filling out the crash report marked it as a hit and run crash, you can filter by choosing "Yes" in the options list. "No" is another option, as is "not recorded", which means the officer didn't select yes or no.
Search by address. Use the search bar inside the map view to center the map and show crashes that occurred within one block (660 feet) of that point. The default is one block and users can increase that amount using the dropdown menu in the filter.
Use the search bar within the map view to show crashes near a specific address in Chicago.
[1] The most common data change as of this writing is when a crash's "most severe injury" is upgraded from non-fatal to fatal, but the crash report in the city's data portal does not receive that update. This data pipeline/publishing issue is described in the browser's "Crash data notes" section.
The "map editor" (me) will change a crash's "most severe injury" to fatal to ensure it appears when someone filters for fatal crashes. This change to the data will be noted.
I tried to see the Vatican City train station
June 17, 2022 / Steven Vance / 0 Comments
Vatican City has a train station but you cannot see it. You can, however, see the large gates within the papal state's wall that enclose the train station and separate it from the main railway network in Italy.
Beyond the gates is the Vatican City railway station
The Citta Vaticano railway station is on a branch on the Roma-Capranica-Viterbo mainline and nominally connected to the Roma San Pietro train station which serves Trenitalia regional trains, including the numbered Lazio region commuter lines.
There is one way to visit the train station and that's to take a Vatican City-sponsored day trip from the station to the Pontifical Villages about 15 miles southeast of Rome. In 2022, the trips are offered on Saturdays through October 29 and cost about €43.
A proposal intended for visitors interested in taking part in a tour of the Vatican City and the Gardens of the Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo.
Every Saturday, a modern and comfortable electric train connects the historic Vatican City railway station with the Pontifical Villas for a Full Day visit that, starting with the wonders of the Vatican Museums and continuing through the Vatican Gardens, will lead the visitor to discover the Gardens of the Pontifical Villas.
Pope Francis opened the villas and Castel Gandolfo in 2015. Watch an AFP video in English or in French about the news.
Watch this video from The Round the World Guys – skip to 5:58 – for a view of the station and their ride to the villas. (I thought The Tim Traveller also made a video about the Vatican City railway station but I cannot find it on his YouTube channel.)
When I was in Rome this month – part of a longer trip to Rome, Florence, Lyon, Strasbourg, the Netherlands, and Germany – I wanted to see what I could see, so I walked south and west around the wall towards the San Pietro station. A street follows the southern wall; walk along this and you'll come to an entry to a railroad viaduct. At this point, it's at ground level, but to the left (south) the ground quickly slopes down several stories. The viaduct holds the branch from the main line and you can walk across it to San Pietro station.
If that's too difficult to follow, go to the San Pietro station, go up to binario (platform) 1, and walk towards the large St. Peter's Basilica you see to the right.
Chicago Crash Browser is back
May 7, 2022 / Steven Vance / 0 Comments
ChicagoCrashes dot org was, for many years, the only source for people to get information about traffic crashes in Chicago. I started it in 2011.
A screenshot of Chicago Crash Browser v0.2 showing what the website looked like on December 30, 2011.
It was updated annually with data from two years ago, because of how the Illinois Department of Transportation processed the reports from all over the state. I shut it down because it had outdated code, I was maintaining it in my free time, and I didn't want to update the code or spend all the time every year integrating the new data.
In 2015, the Chicago Police Department started testing an electronic crash reporting system in some districts that meant police officers could write reports and they would immediately show up in a public database (in the city's data portal). The CPD expanded this to all districts in September 2017. (A big caveat to using the new dataset is that it has citywide data for only four and a half years.)
Since then, whenever someone asked me for crash data (mostly from John to illustrate Streetsblog Chicago articles), I would head to the data portal and grab data from just the block or intersection where someone had recently been injured or killed. I would load the traffic crash data into QGIS and visualize it. I found this also to be painstaking.
Now, with renewed attention on the common and unfixed causes of KSIs ("industry" term for killed or seriously injured) that we're seeing repeatedly across Chicago – read about the contributing cause of Gerardo Marciales's death – I decided to relaunch a version of Chicago Crash Browser.
The new version doesn't have a name, because it's part of the "Transportation Snapshot" in Chicago Cityscape, the real estate information platform I operate. It's also behind a paywall, because that's how Chicago Cityscape is built.
I wanted to make things a lot easier for myself this round and it comes with a lot of benefits:
Explore all crash reports in a given area, whether that's one you draw yourself or predefined in the Cityscape database.
Quickly filter by crash type (bicyclist, pedestrian, etc.) and injury severity.
Download the data for further analysis.
What the crash data looks like within Chicago Cityscape.
How to access the Chicago Crash Browser
The crash data requires a Cityscape membership. I created a new tier of membership that cannot be signed up – I must grant it to you. It will give you access only to Transportation Snapshots.
Create a free account on Chicago Cityscape. The site uses only social networks for creating accounts.
Mention or DM me on Twitter, @stevevance, saying you'd like access to the crash data. Tell me what your email you used to create an account on Chicago Cityscape.
I'll modify your membership to give you access to the "transportation tier" and tell you to sign out and sign back in to activate it.
Once you're in, this video shows you how to draw a "Personal Place" and explore the traffic crash data there. Text instructions are below.
From the Chicago Cityscape homepage, click on "Maps" in the menu bar and then click "Draw your own map".
On the "Personal Place" page that appears with a large map, decide which shape you'd like to draw: a circle with a radius that you specify (good for intersections), a square or rectangle (good for street blocks), or an arbitrary polygon (good for winding streets in parks). Click the shape and draw it according to the onscreen instructions. For intersections I recommend making the circle 150 feet for small intersections and 200 feet for long intersections; this is because intersections have an effect on driving beyond the box.
Once you've completed drawing the shape, a popup window appears with the button to "view & save this Personal Place". Click that button and a new browser tab will open with something called a "Place Snapshot".
In the Place Snapshot enter a name for your Personal Place and click the "Save" button.
Scroll down and, under the "Additional Snapshots" heading, click the link for "Transportation & Jobs Snapshot"; a new browser tab will open.
In Transportation Snapshot, scroll down and look for "Traffic crashes". You've made it to the new Chicago Crash Browser.
S-Bahn, RER, and Overground
January 7, 2022 / Steven Vance / 0 Comments
This blog post was inspired by Steven Lucy's comments on Twitter about three different "regional rail" networks.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced in her State of the State speech the other day that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), a state authority that operates New York City's transit, would do a feasibility study for the "The Triboro" (or "Interborough Express").
The line would use existing freight railroad rights of way to connect Queens and Brooklyn (ironically there isn't a third borough connection).
Screenshot of a tweet from @RegionalPlan on January 5, 2022. Text of the tweet: "🚨 TRIBORO IS MOVING FORWARD 🚨 @GovKathyHochul just announced @MTA will launch an environmental impact statement for Interborough Express, an above-ground rail line using existing tracks through Brooklyn and Queens, and two-thirds of RPA's Triboro proposal #StateOfTheStateNY
Transit Twitter has been abuzz, as reusing infrastructure is a really good idea!
John Surico, a professor in New York City, tweeted, "Wonder if NYC is about to have its London Overground moment. An overlooked transit project using freight lines, ended up being way more popular than expected. Since led to new routes, changed where Londoners saw themselves living, and connected otherwise disconnected locales."
Steven Lucy, a business owner in Chicago, said in response, "Everyone says 'Chicago RER' or 'Chicago S-Bahn' but I think Chicago is ripe for a London-style Chicago Overground."
I think all three – RER, S-Bahn, and London Overground – can be grouped as "regional rail", which constitutes passenger trains running between center cities and their suburbs, stopping at the major stations and a few key stations in the cities, at frequencies higher than commuter and intercity rail and lower than rapid transit.
Regional rail is not quite a walk-up-and-board service, but it's better than having the hourly or every other hour off-peak service that most United States cities with passenger trains endure.
Someone asked Lucy, "What's the difference between those three?"
Lucy: "My view: they all kind of operate similar service but have different histories."
I'll summarize those, and show some of my photos since I've ridden and experienced all three types of regional rail.
Lucy: "Most S-Bahn systems share tracks and stations with long-distance trains (Berlin huge exception) and mainly serve one corridor in city center with branches to burbs."
Most S-Bahn trains in Germany have the same livery: Blocks of red with white around the doors. The Munich S-Bahn train is shown above. The Berlin S-Bahn, pictured below, is the oddity.
The "S-Bahn" branding, in particular, is used only in German-speaking countries, while in Denmark you'll find the S-tog. The Wikipedia article for S-train reports a few other networks with similar branding.
S-Bahn trains typically use the same fare structure as the metros (rapid transit) they intersect with. And, in Germany, most S-Bahn trains look the same! Berlin is a major exception, and there are also some smaller networks with unique liveries. German regional transit is owned by cross-state cooperative transit agencies called "zweckverband" (a singular word there) who can operate lines themselves or contract them to other operators, and often S-Bahn services are contracted to DB, the federally-owned railway corporation.
Lucy: "RER was built from scratch post-war, mostly underground in city, to relieve both metro lines and traditional commuter rail."
When used without qualifiers, RER means "Réseau Express Régional" in French, for Regional Express Network, and the term refers to the hybrid system used in Île-de-France, the region that includes Paris and its suburbs. Many of the lines are interlined, meaning they share routes and stop at some of the same stations. That means that some stations will have high-frequency service and appear to have a "walk up and go" function, but not all trains stopping there are going to the same place.
RER trains are double decker. This model also has very wide doors with level boarding. Sydney's regional rail trains (SydneyTrains) also have very wide doors and level boarding, which facilities expeditious boarding and deboarding.
The acronym works great in English, though –Regional Express Rail – and it's being used in Toronto to denote a project to increase frequencies on the GO Transit commuter rail lines.
To call something that's not in Paris "an RER" would mean that a transit authority is increasing the frequencies and service hours (later runs) of a commuter line and adjusting the fare structure to make it usable for more people.
The goal is to build a transit system that supports non-work trips at any time of the day for everyone; rather than weekday rush hour commuters that many regional trains in the United States (cough Metra cough) serve.
It's debatable whether the Long Island Railroad (LIRR), Metro North Railroad (MNR), and New Jersey Transit (NJT) in the New York City metropolitan area are a type of "RER". There are some periods in their schedules, outside of peak periods, when there is better than hourly service, but the two systems do not have fare integration with buses, PATH subways, or NYC Subway, adding a barrier to people using the complete network.
Lucy: "Overground took over some underused / disused lines and is kind of a lower-capacity mesh to the complement the Underground, mainly non-radial trips."
On the Transport for London map, all Overground lines share the same hue of orange, and are identified by their geographic names. S-Bahn lines are typically called "Sx" where "x" is a number, and the five RER lines are letters A through E.
Hoxton station on the East London line.
I think it's neat that the London Overground runs on original embankments between buildings in the city, making its presence very visible, much like the stations on Chicago's four-track North Side Main Line (all of the Red, Brown, and Purple Line stations north of North Avenue).
One thing that several people noted in the various branches of conversations on Twitter were the effect on land use and development after the London Overground lines opened. I don't know the details, but some said it accelerated gentrification.
A London Overground train arrives into Hoxton station.
In Chicago, I don't think converting Metra to an RER system would accelerate gentrification across the system because the current characteristics that inhibit or mitigate gentrification in many of Chicago's neighborhoods (one of that characteristics is Chicago's segregation and aldermanic privilege situation, which is better described by the Chicago Area Fair Housing Alliance).
The situation would be a little different if Metra added new stations or restored historic stations, as stations change market and neighborhood development fundamentals. For example, there used to be a station (with trains from Metra's BNSF predecessor) two blocks from where I live in Little Village. The station area is now John G. Shedd Park.
Metra's current leadership has indicated their desire to increase service frequency, but remains opposed to electrification (a key change to increase service frequency and operational efficiency and reducing costs) and has not indicated a desire to revamp their operations "style".
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I just finished this quilt top & back a few days ago. I was excited about it because it was made solely from leftovers, yeah! Finally! It was the first one that I've done that I didn't have to buy any fabrics for, including the backside too. I have this thing with trying to use up left overs. I don't know why, I am not really that thrifty in other areas of my life. But with fabric, I am always trying to do that! I think that is why I don't particularly think my quilts are that cute. Because most of them usually start with scraps from another quilt. I tell myself that I am going to make this little quilt and "I will just use leftovers - all for the sake of just being at my sewing machine and sewing. Just because I love the whole process. But I won't spend any money on this one. No, no. It will just be scrappy and just give me something fun to work on." But I always end up needing to buy a bunch more fabrics to finish the quilt and by the end, I have spent a bunch of money on a quilt that I didn't specifically set out to do. But with this quilt I finally did it. I finally made an entire quilt top & back without buying any new fabrics. And, I think it turned out pretty decent. The only thing I will have to buy is batting. I haven't decided if I will quilt it myself or get it professionally done. I think I am leaning towards the latter though. This quilt was originally called Southern Hospitality and the blocks are "Cake Stand Blocks." It is just a throw size quilt (about 48" square.) Ryan asked me if it "had a purpose?" Do quilts really have to have a purpose? It is just fun o.k.?:) But, if it makes any of you feel better, I will probably put it in Maya's room, along with 3 or 4 other quilts o.k.? Do I sound a little self-conscious? I know I have an addiction.
Am I your first comment ever?! I feel so honored. I'm so glad you have a blog now. Your children are so beautiful and your projects are always so fabulous. Now I can see them whenever I want.
I just left a comment on Meghan's blog telling her she needed your opinion on some fabric because you are such an expert.
Love you and love your blog!
Yipee! You've joined the craze! I knew you'd come around! I'm excited to be able to see pictures of your kiddos more often and to be amazed at your wonderful talents! Thanks for sharing! You can check the side bar of my blog for blog addresses of some people you may know.
Yeah! I'm so glad you have the blog set up. It has been a great way to stay caught up with everyone's life and watch all the kids grow. I was so excited to see a comment from you on my blog. It was good to hear from you. It looks like the family is doing well. I love the sewing projects. You are soooo good! Keep posting!
Yeah! thanks for your comment, I struggle with matching fabrics. I am so excited you have a blog! How did you get the fancy title to show up like that? Hope you guys are well, the kids are too cute!
Yay! I'm so excited you've joined the madness of the blog! Your quilt looks awesome (as always!).
Oh, the soft chewy goodness!


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22 of the Most Powerful Signs Seen at Black Lives Matter Protests
Deniz SahinturkUpdated: Jul. 21, 2021
Powerful signs calling for social justice are seen all over the world.
JOHANNES EISELE/Getty Images
The world has been caught up in a surge of protests against racism for the past few days. After the death of George Floyd, a Black man who died in police custody in Minneapolis after a police officer pinned him to the ground with his knee on Floyd's neck, people began to rally to condemn racism and call for justice for Floyd (as well as the many other Black lives lost to police brutality). To highlight the important message of the Black Lives Matter movement, we rounded up some of the most powerful signs that were seen at the protests. To further educate yourself on what's happening, make sure you also read up on why desegregation didn't put an end to racism.
SOPA Images/Getty Images
Who do we call when police murder?
This powerful sign is from the protests in Southampton, United Kingdom, which was organized as part of a worldwide Black Lives Matter solidarity march. Protesters from all around the world have been standing in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement in the United States.
Silence is violence
If we don't speak out against the injustices we see in the world, a change for the better can never be possible. If you're thinking about going to a protest yourself, make sure you change these phone settings before you head there.
White silence = Black deaths
Even if you're not personally affected by racism, it is crucial to speak up against it. This sign was seen at the protest in front of the Orlando Police Headquarters in Orlando, Florida.
The colour of my skin is not a weapon
A person's race or ethnicity does not make them a criminal. This sign was seen at a protest in the United Kingdom. Here's why you should stop saying, "I don't see color."
Say their names
In addition to George Floyd, there have been many Black people (like Eric Garner, Philando Castile, Alton Sterling, Delrawn Small) who have been lost to police brutality over the years.
MediaNews Group/Reading Eagle via Getty Images/Getty Images
If you are not angry you are not paying attention
This sign, seen in a protest in Pennsylvania, highlights the importance of speaking up against racism and injustice. These books are essential to help you understand racism in America.
Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
I can't breathe
Security footage showed that before his death, George Floyd continually told the officers that he couldn't breathe. Like Floyd, in 2014 a Black man named Eric Garner had also died after being put in a chokehold by a police officer, and Garner's dying words, "I can't breathe" have since become a rallying call for justice.
Who do you call when the murderer wears a badge
If the people who are supposed to protect you are not doing their job, who do you call for help?
Racism is a system not an event
It's important to keep in mind when protesting that incidents of racism are all part of a bigger system. Now, check out these 12 podcasts about race you need to hear.
Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
How many weren't filmed
The four police officers involved in George Floyd's death have been arrested. However, people have been wondering what would happen if there was no video of the events that led to Floyd's death.
BRIDGET BENNETT/Getty Images
Am I next
This powerful sign is from a rally in downtown Las Vegas, and talks about the anxiety that comes with living in a society where there is no social justice.
Erik McGregor/Getty Images
I will never understand but I stand
You may not be able to understand racism if you haven't experienced it personally. However, it's still important to support social justice reform.
If you think your mask makes it hard to breathe, imagine being Black in America
This sign from a protest in Boyertown, Pennsylvania, really speaks for itself.
OLIVIER DOULIERY/Getty Images
This powerful scene is from the protests in front of the White House in Washington, D.C.
Nicolò Campo/Getty Images
Pro-Black isn't anti-White
Fighting for the rights of Black people doesn't mean the loss of White people's rights.
Pablo Cuadra/Getty Images
Racism is the pandemic
To create a better world, it is crucial to end the spread of racism.
Matthew Horwood/Getty Images
This place is dedicated to the slaves that were taken from their homes
Protesters in Bristol, England, toppled the statue of Edward Colston, a 17th-century slave-trader, and tossed it into the harbor. These protesters hung this sign in the place of the statue.
Stop killing us
This sign is from a solidarity protest in Osaka, Japan. And if you don't know what to do to support the Black Lives Matter movement, here are ways you can fight racism everyday.
Ira L. Black - Corbis/Getty Images
Fight the power
It might be hard to fight against racism, but it's still important to persist. Here's what anti-racism means and what it means to be anti-racist.
Guy Smallman/Getty Images
That's not a chip on my shoulder, it's 400 years of oppression and racial injustice
These protests are not unfounded, there is a real need for racial justice that spans over many years.
Racism is a disease, revolution is a cure
Social justice will make the society we live in a better one for everyone. If you cannot physically be there at the protests, here are the charities that need your support.
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Trans, queer, poor, young, old, all Black lives matter.
While fighting for social justice, it's important to remember not to turn against people who are supporting the same cause. Next, you will be moved by these powerful protest photos from around the world to show global solidarity against racial injustice.
For more on this important issue, see our guide to the Fight Against Racism.


Mold growth may not seem like a drainage problem, but it is. This is because mold thrives in moist places. Therefore, if your AC system is experiencing drainage problems, and it is constantly wet, you risk having mold in the system. Don't forget how dangerous it is to have mold in your AC system; it may get distributed with the conditioned air and cause respiratory ailments in your household.
The drain tube (from the AC pan) is a common site for mold growth, especially during the summer when you need the cooling power of your AC. Therefore, ensure there is no obstruction in this part of the AC (obstruction may interfere with drainage) and that the drain is always clean.
The drainage system of your AC has a U-shaped trapped, just like the one below your kitchen sink. The trap may look insignificant, but it plays an essential role in the drainage and hence overall health of the AC. The trap prevents air from moving in or out of the air handler when the AC is running. It must be able to do this while still allowing the condensate to move from the pan.
If the trap doesn't do this, moisture-laden air will move through it and cause condensation issues when it meets the cold sections of the AC system. At the same time, a malfunctioning trap can draw in air and prevent the drain pipe from draining, causing it to overflow and cause the related water problems. For this not to happen, the drain trap must always be dry and unobstructed; regular cleaning will help with that.
This problem arises if the condensate drain line gets punctured or something obstructs the line. Either of those can cause a leakage or overflow of the condensate pan. The resulting problems include mold growth and damage to different parts of the AC. Again, simple maintenance and cleaning of the AC will prevent this problem.
As you can see, drainage issues can cause serious problems for your AC. Luckily, you can prevent most of them by regularly maintaining your AC system. Consult a technician if you are dealing with drainage issues despite regular cleaning of the unit and visit a site like http://www.coeheatcool.com.


You're probably scratching your heads and asking yourself why a food blogger is writing about Opening Night at Tanglewood. I have a good explanation -- I promise.
It took nearly three years, but the life I led prior to publishing my first post and the life I lead now have finally overlapped. In fact, the original title of this post was "When Worlds Collide".
Way before the idea of writing a food blog ever popped into my head, I was watching my twenties slip away as I devoted myself to the life of a graduate student in Historical Musicology with a concentration in 19th-century music. I have a Masters degree (and thesis) to prove it. It seemed only natural for me to continue on to a PhD and to prepare myself for a career in academia. Unfortunately, the only thing I experienced over the initial course of my doctoral studies was frustration.
No matter what I did, I could not gain the approval of the faculty, and I was constantly told that my writing wasn't up to snuff. Instead of torturing myself and allowing the stress of the situation continue to overwhelm me, I left the program and haven't looked back. While listening to classical music used to relax me and getting to the root of the reason why specific pieces were composed used to fascinate me, it took years for me to reincorporate it into my life.
Now that I can tap into the feelings I had about music before my doctoral studies and can remember why I love is so much, I can truly appreciate the opportunity that was presented to me a couple of weeks ago (on the day I got engaged, actually).
I was invited to join the Boston Symphony Orchestra for Opening Night at Tanglewood, their summer home in Lenox, Massachusetts and for their pre-concert reception at Tanglewood's historic Highwood Manor house. In celebration of the all-Italian program, Boston chef Lydia Shire will prepare a Tuscan-themed menu consisting of multiple appetizer tastings, a cheese selection, and a dessert buffet that will feature some favorite dishes from Chef Shire's restaurants, as well as dishes prepared specifically for Tanglewood.
I'm not entirely sure how these amazing opportunities continue landing in my lap, but I'm not taking any of them for granted. A genuine heartfelt thanks to the Boston Symphony Orchestra for reaching out and for offering me the chance to share the magic of Opening Night at Tanglewood! We'll see you in the Berkshires!


Alastair Bruton | Mar 8, 2015 | in Should more power be given away?
1. Regions and other lower levels of government should have the right to raise taxes to pay for the services that they provide.
- statutory services should be funded to an equal minimum standard wherever in Britain and by whatever level of government that service is provided.
3. Voters at each level should have the right every five years to decide which level of government - national, regional or local - they wish to be responsible for the provision of any given statutory service.
These clauses are intended to reflect my original idea (see below) and the comments since it was voted through.
In my post: A New Perspective on the Devolution topic - https://constitutionuk.com/category/0?q=a+new...eas#/post/83965 - I argue that the frighteningly high level of voter dissatisfaction in Britain today is the consequence of the long-term failure of the British constitution to adapt both to the changing role of the state and to the social changes that have transformed our country over the last hundred years.
One of the key reasons to establish regional governments – particularly in England – is to draw voters back into the political process and to restore trust. But you only have to look at the turnout in European elections to see that voters aren't interested in political institutions that have no power. So this re-engagement will only happen if voters are convinced that regional governments are sufficiently independent of central government to offer a realistic chance to change things for the better.
As Debra Storr has argued in her post: Devolution without tax-raising powers is a fraud - https://constitutionuk.com/category/view#/post/86928 the issue of funding is central to making regional governments convincing. So I'd like to suggest three principles that should be written into the constitution.
The first principle – as Debra argues - is that regional governments should have the right to raise their own taxes.
But this right on its own isn't enough. As Debra also points out, sub-national levels of government can't necessarily raise in their own area all the revenue required to fund the services for which they're responsible. Besides, one regional government may choose – and should be allowed - to spend more on a particular services than is spent by other regions.
So the constitution needs to distinguish between 'statutory services' (eg schools and hospitals) that the state at whatever level has a statutory ( and perhaps even a constitutional) responsibility to provide and 'discretionary services' (eg culture) that the regions can be left to fund out of the taxes that they raise themselves.
The constitution should establish a second principle to apply specificially to statutory services, namely that: funds must follow services. That way, if a region takes over responsibility for schools, for instance, it would have a constitutional right to the funds raised by central government to pay for them.
Writing this principle into the constitution would make it impossible for central government to devolve responsibility but keep control of funding – a political conjuring trick that, as Debra points out, makes so-called devolution a fraud.
But clearly not all regions have the same resources, so a third principle needs to be written into the constitution, namely that: each and every statutory service should be funded to an equal standard wherever in Britain and by whatever level of government it's provided.
I agree with all this, but a key issue is that all the parliaments/assemblies/whatever should be elected by PR. The FPTP system gives too much power to minorities who just happen to be congregated in the right place.
I appreciate that the choice of an electoral system has an impact on how regional governments might work, but it's also an issue that's being very fully discussed elsewhere, notably on the Electoral Reform Society's post at https://constitutionuk.com/post/79624. Could I suggest that it would be better to make any comments on electoral systems there and concentrate here, on other ways to make regional governments work including those outlined in my original idea above.
I think the division into a statutory and a non statutory service is the problem here.
No nonsense about post code lotteries : the freedom for different places to do dfferent things.
Freedom is clearly fundamental, but like lots of rights, it can become oppressive if pushed to an extreme. Privileging one person or one section of the community's freedom to choose could lead to the denial of services to which other people should have a right. What happens if a town whose population is aging increases funds for old people's homes and geriatric medicine while cutting funding for pediatricians and schools? Should the old people have the right to look after their own interests at the expense of the next generation. Surely not. That's why minimum standards for education, health, social services, housing etc need to be set by statute.
D, ths happens in already devolved institutions. You quote 'education' ... Devolved ... Health ... Devolved ... Transport .Devolved ? The Scottish Parliament, the Welsh government and the Northern Ireland Assembly have considerable and increasing powers in law formulatin and making without automatic reference to Westminister? We already have these powers ...? But we also have a far closer relationship to our elected representatives in terms of the interface between the citizen and the elected representative. We also vote under a different system.
once one tier imposes standards on another tier, it no longer has control. Hence the dire state of local government which roughly speaking can only do what it is told to do - and then it compulsory with enormous areas set out in a swathes of central regulation.
The minimum standards derive from some BIll of Rights not from imposition of one iptiers policy on another.
- funding should follow services so that whatever level of government is responsible for a given service has a right to obtaining funding for it from taxes raised centrally by the state.
3. Voters at each level should have the right every five years to decide which level of government - national, regional or local - they wish to provide any given statutory service.
1 is fine. 3 possibly - tho every 5 years for a government re-organisation seems rather brisk to me.
I still have a problem with this idea of statutory services in 2. Just what are these? and who decides what is statutory?
Any service which the state is required to provide by laws passed by the national parliament is de facto a statutory service.
Exactly Gavin: there isnt a minimum standard set for education, health etc in Wales, Scotland, etc. Its devolved. The ScotGov could decide (theorecially, I hope) that education is bunk and stop doing it.
At some point, you have to decide that Tier H is responsible for Issue D and let them get on with it.
I'm struggling with this top down level view of legislatures. e.g. We already have a Scottish Parliament responsible for Education and all laws thereto. A Uk tier would have no locus.
I think your 2 Alastair is for when a higher tier mandates a lower to do X - so if the higher tier tells Regions/sub regions/communites that they must provide free schools meals, then it should pay for it.
I'd rather the higher tiers butted out - its this bottom up v top down view of how we constuct who as responsibility for what.


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Media Insider: Apple Shutters Texture, Bumble Launches Print Magazine, New York Times Expands in UK
Maria Perez / April 12, 2019
NEW YORK POST | KEITH J. KELLY
Apple to Shutter Texture for News+ App, Leave Android Users out of Luck
After paying at least $485 million, Apple said it will shut down Texture, its online magazine subscription service, now that it's being replaced with the newly unveiled Apple News Plus. And if you're part of the 30% who used Texture to get your favorite magazines digitally on Android or Windows devices, you will soon be out of luck. Only Apple iOS devices will be able to access the 300 magazines available from publishers. If a consumer does not own an Apple device, the $9.99 monthly subscription for digital editions will simply lapse as Texture fades away. At the time of the March 2018 sale to Apple, Texture had about 240,000 subscribers.
ICYMI: The Athletic launches 20 podcasts exclusive to subscribers.
TECHCRUNCH | SARAH PEREZ
Bumble Goes to Print With Its New Lifestyle Magazine, Bumble Mag
Bumble is the latest digital brand to try extending its reach through a print publication. The dating app maker announced the launch of Bumble Mag, a lifestyle publication it produced in partnership with Hearst that offers stories and advice about dating, careers, friendship, and more to Bumble's 50 million-plus users. The magazine is organized into four sections that align with the Bumble app's different modes: "You First," "You + BFFs," "You + Dating," and "You + Bizz." The company says the new magazine will be distributed by its 3,000+ brand ambassadors — marketers and event hosts who work with Bumble to promote its brand. Users also can request a free copy of the first issue within the app.
In more print news, Zagat New York City restaurants guide is about to be revived in print.
CNN BUSINESS | BRIAN STELTER
Women Are Now Running All Three Network Morning Shows for the First Time Ever
For decades, the TV morning shows that are designed to appeal primarily to women have been produced mostly by men. But that's changing. CBS named Diana Miller the new executive producer of "CBS This Morning," filling a void that was left when Ryan Kadro exited the show in December 2018. For the first time, all three network morning programs have female executive producers, the day-to-day boss of the show. Roxanna Sherwood became EP of ABC's "Good Morning America" in July 2017 and Libby Leist became EP of NBC's "Today" show in February 2018. The gender dynamics of morning TV have gained more attention in recent years due to the downfalls of Charlie Rose at CBS and Matt Lauer at NBC.
In related news, Folio magazine recently announced its list of top women in media for 2019.
USA TODAY | NATHAN BOMEY
Hedge Fund-Owned Newspaper Company Asks Gannett Shareholders to Support Board Takeover
A hedge fund-owned newspaper company is asking shareholders of Gannett Co. to vote for its nominees to Gannett's board of directors, the latest clash in a battle to control the owner of USA Today and more than 100 other publications. MNG Enterprises Inc. said it had mailed proxy materials to Gannett shareholders seeking their support for its bid to seize control of the company, saying that Gannett has "no plan" in place to grow. The latest development comes after Gannett disclosed that before attempting a hostile takeover of Gannett, MNG representatives repeatedly floated the idea to Gannett officials that Gannett should acquire MNG's newspapers. Gannett suggested in a letter to shareholders last week that "MNG is using its proposal as a ploy to open discussions for such a transaction."
Over at the Los Angeles Times, Shani Hilton joins the paper as deputy managing editor for news.
THE DRUM | IAN BURRELL
As It Strives for 10m Subscribers, The New York Times Is Expanding in the UK
The New York Times has big ambitions internationally. The company's president and CEO, Mark Thompson, has set a target of 10 million subscriptions by 2025. Currently, the Times has 4.3 million subscribers worldwide, with 3.3 million of those paying for its digital products. And after the United States, the UK is its biggest market. In the past year, it has grown UK ad revenues by 30%, and its London-based commercial operation has grown rapidly to 25 people. The global push "has been a very deliberate focus of the business," says advertising chief Sebastian Tomich. "It's really exciting, the opportunity in international as a whole — we have the product and the talent in the journalists and the commercial operation now in place to capitalize on that."
On the flip side, another iconic brand, Johnson Publishing — former owner of Ebony and Jet magazines — filed for bankruptcy.
Maria Perez is Director, Web Experience & Operations at PR Newswire. An animal lover, she curates content for @PRNPets – that is, when she's not busy cuddling with her 11-year-old blind Maltese, Toody.
April 12, 2019 in Week in Review. Tags: Friday Five, magazines, newspapers, television
Media Insider: Moonves Out at CBS, Apple Talking with Newspapers About Texture Service, Lawsuits Over Journalist Twitter Accounts May Become More Common
Media Insider: Vice Names New CEO, Apple Buys Digital Magazine Distributor, Google to Prioritize Stories for Paying News Subscribers
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For thus says the Lord God: I myself will search for my sheep, and will seek them out.
So he told them this parable: 4 "Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it?
A father searching the Internet for clues about his missing daughter discovers he does not know her as well as he had thought.
First-time feature director Aneesh Chaganty keeps us leaning forward in our seats to learn what has happened to the missing teen-aged Margot (Michelle La), whose plight is told entirely via computer screens. In just a few minutes the story of her relationship to her father and her deceased mother is revealed so movingly via their stored pictures and videos that our feelings for them are quickly aroused.
When her father David (John Cho) wakes up in the morning and she is not home, he sees that when she had tried contacting him in the wee hours of the night, he had been sleeping too soundly to hear his phone. He starts calling around to her friends and leaves some stern messages in her voice mail when he tries to contact her. He is even more upset when he learns from her professional piano teacher that not only is Margot not there, but that Margot had cancelled her lessons six months ago—and neither told him nor returned the hundred-dollar bills laid out each week for the fee.
David contacts the police, and soon is talking with Detective Rosemary Vick (Debra Messing). He becomes more upset and puzzled as he works his way through Margot's various Internet accounts and talks with her contacts. He learns that many of them were not really friends. As news of the search for Margot, starting from her last known whereabouts—a public park—spreads, her disappearance becomes a big regional TV story. On Twitter, using the hashtag #FindMargot, some of her contacts suddenly claim more closeness to her than they had said before, apparently wanting to become part of the story. The haters always lurking around blame David post messages labeled #DadDidIt.
No trace at first of Margot, Det. Vick giving regular reports to David and the media. She assures him that as a parent she understands his anxiety and pledges to do everything possible. The missing piano lesson money, amounting to over $2000, adds a sinister note—what was Margot doing with such a large amount of money. Det. Vick has the park area divided into zones, with volunteers, among whom is David, carefully searching for any sign of the missing girl. And then they find the car she had been driving, submerged in a pond in the park.
This is a fascinating thriller, told in a fascinating way—through small screens of laptop exchanges, TV images, an iPhone FaceTime chats, YouTube family videos, Twitters, emails, and security camera clips. Cumulatively they reveal the great love and comradery of the family. Music from a clip of Margot playing the piano is used as part of the soundtrack, adding to the haunting effect of the film. By his constant searching of the Internet David is like the Biblical shepherd searching for his lost sheep, but will he be able to rejoice at the end of the search? And perhaps too it might be good, in the light of all the acclaim being given Rich Crazy Asians for its 99% Asian cast, to point out that David and Margot are also of Asian descent. Indeed, it is good seeing the co-star (John Cho) of the funny Harold and Kumar series continue to make it in Hollywood.


Sue Day, former England rugby captain and record try scorer, has been appointed as the new chief financial officer of the RFU and to the RFU Board.
In her role at the RFU, Day will be responsible for financial planning, management and reporting, legal and governance and technology, reporting to CEO Steve Brown, with voting membership on the RFU Board.
She is also president of Wasps FC having played at the club for 14 years and was capped 59 times for England, winning three Grand Slams. She also captained the England Sevens team and coached the developmental team.
"Rugby has been a huge part of my life, and this is a once in a lifetime opportunity for me to combine my passion for rugby with my professional experience in senior financial roles and in developing high-performing teams," said Day.


This depicts, for those who are knowledgeable about such things, an ancient battle between the Scorpion God and the Monsters of the underworld, which the Scorpion God won with the help of an army of archers the God had cultivated for the war. The cultivation of this army was planned a very long time ago in the Dawn Age, long before the Elkron had created the races, while the world was still being formed during the Great Tectonic Wars. The Scorpion God was victorious and so he rules the underworld kingdom with Claws of Iron, and the Sting of Poisonous Death.
The Kobolds of the Red Hills are hardly known by the human world, and that's a problem. It wouldn't be a problem, except that the Kobolds are annoyed, and so they're making it a problem. The reason they're annoyed is because they prefer to be left alone. But as it happens, the humans just keep expanding into new territories, and building new villages and towns out where the Kobolds have been wont to live for all these many eons. Why it's just bound to rub them the wrong way, don't you know?
Kobolds come in two varieties. They're either Woodland creatures that emerge from the hearts of old broken trees, or they're Earthland creatures that emerge from rifts in the ground. In fact this is why Kobolds are known so well by miners. The name Kobold, as you may have guessed, comes actually from the word Cobalt, the element, which in its pure form is a hard, lustrous, silver-gray metal. You might think this therefore this sort of maybe makes Kobolds a kind of Elemental. And in a way you would kind of sort of maybe be right about that. In the World of Elthos, they're even called parum elementarium by the Alchemists. It is even said that Kobolds can transform themselves into Cobalt when they so choose. Well, at least those that emanate from Earthland. It is likewise said that Kobolds that emerge from the hearts of broken trees can turn into wood, and often do so during the day, looking for all the world like old mossy tree branches with funny faces. At night both kinds of Kobolds transform into their 'little human' forms and, well, kind of run amok, really.
The Su'unkar are not really the big thinkers of the Kobold world. They're more interested in the enjoyment of their meager material pleasures. In fact, the Su'unkar call themselves "the soup eaters", on account of their love of soups. Yes, they really do love soup, those guys. And this reflects their disposition and inclinations about life. They try to enjoy what they've got. Now you might wonder where they got the idea of making soup from to begin with. Yes, from the humans, of course. In fact this is also reflective of their disposition and inclinations. They like to imitate the humans, and in fact do try, more or less, to get along with them. They call the humans "little brothers", and love to mimic human traits and society. So these are the kinds of Kobolds that you'll find wearing vests and shoes and little hats with feathers and such. They can usually speak a little bit of the human language, with a rather atrocious accent, but passably understandable to most people who have a little patience and time on their hands. But even so, most humans won't really have much truck with Kobolds of any variety. This is because they can be pretty damn annoying. Kobolds love to play a little game they call "Tricks & Traps". It's not an especially nice game, but they do think it's terribly funny. Sometimes, even, people get killed. But this just makes the Kobolds laugh all the more. It's not very nice, actually. But Kobolds view humans, really, as interesting little bugs that recently showed up in the world, and they kind of enjoy playing with them the same way human kids might enjoy playing with ants, or other harmless insects. For them, it's really just a form of amusement. A morose and dangerous form of amusement, but still... can we really blame them entirely?
On the other side of the divide we have the Shi'inkar. Now these are the true thinkers, the wizards, the old ones and the formidable sorcerers of the Kobold world. And they're frankly up to no good at all. Running into them is most often a bad thing, and quite perilous. Fortunately, there are actually very few of them, so the risk is small that anyone will actually see them. However, that doesn't make them any less terrible. They're kind of like the Su'unkar in that they like to play "Tricks & Traps", but in their case the tricks and traps are rather enormous, and slow moving, and sometimes take centuries to unfold... but when they do a whole lot of people wind up dying. They're the source of all kinds of troubles for the human race over the centuries, though in most cases the humans never found out the true causes of their demise. And oh my how those old and wicked Kobolds can laugh, and laugh, and laugh. In fact it's said by some that the greater storms coming off the Oceans, the ones that are truly destructive, have in them howling winds that are the laughter of the Elder Kobolds. So, yes, friend, you really wouldn't want to meet any of the Shi'inkar. But if you do, just remember, whatever they're doing, you should try your absolute best to derail it. Because whatever they're cooking up is meant to do you, your family, your friends, your town, your province, and your entire race as much harm as they can think up.
Anyway, that's a little bit about Kobolds in Elthos.


Everybody goes through change. But not everybody transitions. Each episode of Life Through Transitions aims to help those facing the turbulence of difficult change understand that transition is something that can powerfully form us, not something to get through. No matter the change that is faced, we help our listeners create forward momentum by embracing life's most formative transitions and the immense growth and transformation they invite.
Listen to Life Through Transitions now.


I can't believe I'm typing this but a Duke Nukem Forever trailer will make it debut tomorrow. George Broussard at 3D Realms made the announcement.
"Last Saturday we had our annual company Christmas party. It was a lot of fun as usual but it featured one special surprise. It turns out that several people had been secretly working late nights and into the wee hours of the morning preparing a special video for those at the party. They created a short teaser for Duke Nukem Forever.
After seeing the teaser we thought it was something we should share with all of you and while it's just a teaser, rest assured more is coming.
This better be one hell of a teaser. After being in development for many, many years it has a lot to prove.
Zelda Hyruled the Month of June ?
Duke Nukem Forever Teaser Trailer ?