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Trying out different types of Kurtis has become the trend of the decade. From the very inception of kurtis, the feminine beauty got a boost with a vast variety of contrasts, colours and styles. Fashion designers and brands are coming up with new types of kurtis each day to cater the needs of the people.
Fashion- crazy women have got the right opportunity to experiment with their looks. They are style conscious people and always want the best for them when it comes to picking the best kurti for them. So, here are as many as 22 types of kurtis that you may like to try out.
Tail cut kurti-This is one of the best kurtis that people wear for parties. There is either a short front side or a back side, which looks like the tail of the other side. When you wear the kurti, you will look trendy and gorgeous.
A-line kurti: This is popular among the young girls and teenagers. The kurti is shaped like the alphabet 'A', which is narrow at the top and flares at the knees or ankles. The accessories include leggings and churidars.
Trail cut kurtis: These are fashionable kurtis with C cuts on both the sides. There are different textiles and like chiffon, silk and cotton, so, you have a lot of choice to choose from. You can use jewellery with these kurtis.
Anarkali kurtis: These can be used in many purposes, from parties to casual wear. So, you will be able to wear it in different purposes. There are a lot of styles like boat shaped neck to choose from.
Angrakha Kurti: This is a stylish kurti that looks like royal court's musicians. You can wear something fashionable like pompoms with it to get the best look. It has flaps and straps along the two sides.
Dhoti Style Kurti: This is one of the most innovative variations in kurtis, which is shaped like a dhoti. You can wear leggings with it, but remember to choose the right colour.
Flared Kurti: These kurtis provide a better look to fair skinned girls. It is strapless, with a narrow upper part and a flared bottom. This goes well with formal, casual and party wear.
Indo-Western Style Kurti: These are beautiful, with innovations and blends with the Indian and western styles of kurtis. You can select the length as needed. Bright colours go well with these kurtis. You can wear leggings or pair it without bottom.
Gown style kurti: This is a kurti that reaches up to the floor, and gives a royal look to you. Dark colours with bright embroidery go well with this style. You can wear short sleeves or go sleeveless with this kurti.
Long Straight Kurti: This is a straight forward kurti with a long hemline. You can choose the long kurti to boost your looks, and you will look taller and straighter when you are wearing these kurtis. If you are having an elongated face cutting, you can opt for this kurti.
Pakistani kurtis: These are long, baggy and straight. You can wear it as a casual wear or a party wear. Personalise the knee length or long ones according to your structure.
Colour-block Kurti: If you have a colourful mind, you will be able to make the right choice with these kurtis, which come with bold colours divided into blocks. It looks beautiful when you choose the right colour combination.
Printed kurtis: These are a trendy variety of the kurtis, and you can wear it in parties and occasions. There are a lot of designs and colour incorporations in the kurti. So, you can choose them according to your choice. Minimum jewellery has to be worn with these kurtis.
Shirt Style Kurti: A good innovation to the house of kurtis, these are designed like skirts. You can add a professional look by choosing the right colour. Apart from this, it is friendly to your skin. People with rectangular body shape can look good with these kurtis.
High-low Kurti: This is a new variety to the lot, and comes with a shorter hem. You will look trendy indeed when you wear it for parties and occasions. Right choice of leggings is to be made. You will get the all-necessary feminine touch to your personality.
Kaftan Style Kurti: This type of kurti also has a fashionable look, with drop sleeves and a loose fit. These can be worn with leggings or jeans, provided you have a rectangular body shape.
Princess Cut Kurti: This is a kurti customised to give you a royal look, like a prince. It is perfectly shaped with a general shoulder line and arms, and goes well if you wear it with goggles and fashionable footwear.
Asymmetric Kurti: This kurti breaks away from the traditional styles and brings you a different look altogether, with a variant hemline. This is a filmy type of attire and you can choose the right fabric.
C-Cut Kurti: This is almost similar to the high-low kurti, but the C cut comes in the front instead of the sides. It delivers a slim and stylish look.
Tulip Kurti: This is shaped like a flower and goes well with young college girls. You can wear different types of jewellery and fashionable shoes along with the kurti. This is ideal to be worn at parties.
Overlay Kurti: This is a unique style of kurti, and the overlay starts right from the waist to deliver a grand look to you. If you choose this one, make sur to get in touch with marching accessories and jewellery.
Double Layered Kurti: The style is innovative, with one layer of cloth overlapping the other. You can wear bracelets, funky earrings and sandals with this one. There are two types of variation in this kurti, and you can avail a detachable version if you please.
After all, the individual choice of the people plays a vital role in the preference of kurtis. Apart from that, you also need to customise the kurtis based on the fabric. So, you can make your choice as and when needed and live up to the best fashion trends. Well all kurtis will not be perfect for every woman. You need to keep certain points in mind while making the selection of the kurti for you. You need to look what type of figure you have. Are you slim, tall, fat or short figured? Are you fair complexioned, dark complexioned or having an average complexion? Depending on the answers of these 2 questions you need to make the selection. Aside to this you also need to take care about the quality of material used in its making and the fabric. You need to select only the best for you as you are the best and need to make others feel so after they take a look at you.
If you are not sure which type of kurti will look best on you, then in that case you can consult your fashion expert or even the expert you is designing your clothes for so many years. You need to keep an eye on the occasion, event or functions which you are going to attend wearing these kurti. For every function there is some style which you need to follow and based on that you need to pick the kurti. Kurti is easy to carry and also gives a flawless look to the lady wearing it. Women of all ages can try kurti and we cannot deny the fact that this outfit actually makes women look much younger that their actual age. This is one of the most important reasons which actually make this outfit quite popular among Indian women. With every passing day more designs are coming up in the market and you can pick the one which actually matches your taste and preference well and most importantly give you a picture perfect elegant look.
Check out any fashion store in India online and you will find that there are wide collection of kutis of different designs patterns, color and fabric. The collections are so wide that you will sometime feel confused which one to go with and which not. The reputed fashion designers of the industry are involved in making of these awesome kurtis and so you can be least assured about the fact that the online stores are having the latest and stylish kurtis with them. The prices do vary depending on the fabric and designs of the kurti. You will get many kurtis at an affordable rate online. Just select the one which you want to go with and then make the payments online. The kurtis purchased online will get delivered at your doorstep within given timeline.


People get tattoos for many reasons. Some tattoos have a deep personal meaning for the wearer, an important quote or favorite symbol. Some get their tattoos simply as a way of decorating their skin. There are as many different reasons for the tattoo as there are tattoos themselves.
But people change. And just as there are many reasons to get a tattoo, there are many reasons to get them removed. A tattoo can suddenly be a reminder of something or someone hurtful from the past, or it might not have the same aesthetic charm it used to have. Circumstances change too, and people often have to cover up or entirely remove their tattoo to accept a newer, better job.
Whatever the reason, laser tattoo removal is the fastest, safest and most effective way of getting rid of your tattoo. In the past, tattoos could only be removed using incredibly painful techniques, like burning them off with acid or even rubbing them with salt to fade the ink. With laser technology, tattoos can be removed with one or more visits to Dr. Aldridge's office depending on the size, age, and complexity of your tattoo to be removed.
Before we begin removing the tattoo, a patient will meet with the team for a consultation. The doctor will go over the process with the patient at that time, determining which tattoo is to be removed or faded and going over the procedure in detail. The patient will be encouraged to ask any questions they might have at that time. It's incredibly important that each patient is completely comfortable and satisfied with the procedure.
On the day of the procedure, the tattoo area will be cleaned and prepped, and the laser technician will apply the laser to the area in question. They will then shoot short bursts of high-frequency light at the tattoo, thereby breaking up the pigments in the ink. The body then absorbs the ink and removes it through natural processes. Although laser tattoo removal treatment can be painful for some, Dr. Aldridge's tattoo removal experts ensure that patients are comfortable by offering various numbing techniques to lessen discomfort. Most patients describe the feeling similar to being snapped with a rubber band, but the technician will make sure the patient is comfortable throughout the treatment. Depending on the type and complexity of the tattoo, one or more sessions may be required to completely remove the tattoo.
There's no reason to live with an unwanted tattoo. Let Dr. Aldridge and his team restore your skin. Contact his offices today to schedule your consultation.


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Andre Braugher Narrates 'The American Diplomat,' PBS Documentary on Three Pioneering Black Diplomats | Trailer
THE LAST BUS Trailer. Timothy Spall and Phyllis Logan Star in British Drama
Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF)
Shakeup at Dubai International Film Festival, 2018 Festival Canceled
The Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) announced this week that they will cancel the 2018 edition of the festival, and will be adopting a new strategy to support the growth and evolution of the film and content industries in the region. The Festival will now occur every two years with the 15th edition, which will reflect DIFF's changed strategy, confirmed to be hosted in Dubai in 2019.
The strategic shift aims to embrace the significant changes taking place in the region's creative and entertainment landscape. The new strategy also seeks to leverage the emergence of exciting new talent and innovative new technologies that are rapidly transforming the content landscape in the region.
Jamal Al Sharif, Chairman Dubai Film and TV Commission commented: "DIFF has established Dubai as a world-class destination in the film and content industry. It serves as a platform to promote cultural understanding between the region and the world, as well as the development of the local and regional film industry, giving the opportunity to many ambitious film makers to shine.
"With the vast changes taking place both in the regional and global movie-making and content industry, we are seeking to redefine the Dubai International Film Festival's approach towards nurturing growth, creativity and talent. Innovative new approaches and technologies are transforming the distribution of content and the craft of movie-making. As a forward-thinking player in the global film industry, DIFF seeks to embrace the future of the industry through this strategic shift.
"The Festival will continue its significant contribution to the development of the industry, as we look forward to celebrating with the public, film lovers and industry professionals in 2019. We will announce the final dates, details and the new program as soon as confirmed."
MAUDIE to Open and HANDSOME DEVIL to Close Dublin International Film Festival
2016 Dubai International Film Festival Awards: HEARTSTRINGS Wins Best Film
Samuel L. Jackson Talks 'Oscar bait" Movies at Dubai International Film Festival
Abdullah Hassan Ahmed SUNRISE Wins 5th IWC Filmmaker Award
Dubai International Film Festival to Honor Samuel L. Jackson with Lifetime Achievement Award
13th Dubai International Film Festival Unveils Full Line-Up of 156 Films
Jacquelyn N.
'American Animals' to Open 19th Newport Beach Film Festival on April 26 [Trailer]

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Your furnishings enable you to use your creative aspect. Pick items that present off your individual fashion. You will learn how to discover and purchase the household furniture that alters your home's appearance with out likely in excess of price range from this report.
Often check out the underside of any furniture piece prior to you acquire it. It is common for it to search sound, but actually be in bad situation. More mature furnishings can be plagued with factors these kinds of as rust or even dry rot.
Furnishings can have a hefty price tag. That is why you would advantage from purchasing utilized household furniture. You can find high-high quality, utilized home furniture in a whole lot of areas. If you do not treatment for the coloration or style, you can always choose to have it reupholstered. This improvement to your acquire will be well worth the price.
Desk tops created of tile and granite are the ideal possibilities for occupied people. With these tables, messes are easy to cleanse up and the desk can be disinfected. Depending on the dimensions and age of your loved ones, choose the seating possibilities that very best match your needs.
Since furniture is a large ticket merchandise, try out to get pieces that have numerous uses and can adapt to your demands. For instance, you can use an amoire for storing many distinct issues. Home furniture storage that can increase the tidiness of your office are parts to be deemed highly.
Just take a spin in that recliner prior to you obtain it and provide it house. Several people don't do this, so when they take it home, they see that it does not perform. Some furnishings retailers may make it tough to receive a substitution.
When you decide on residing area pieces, try likely with neutral hues like grey, black, tan, or ecru. That allows you to construct your shade palette about these items. That way, seasonal alterations can be produced inexpensively.
Use these tips to enhance your living place. A lovely look is genuinely yours to discover. Discover high-high quality pieces and make investments in a much better hunting home.
How self-confident are you of your experience in purchasing fantastic furnishings? There are so several things to consider, like manufacturers and the company you purchase from, so you require to know what you happen to be carrying out. A great deal of men and women acquire products just before they understand what they require to know. If you would relatively be far more knowledgeable, the adhering to guidelines will support.
Furniture is high-priced. This is 1 reason you could gain if you buy utilized furnishings. All types of good quality furniture can be purchased utilised, and you can locate it at regional lawn revenue, specific price reduction stores and also in nearby categorised ads. You can usually reupholster pieces if need be. This can offer enormous savings.
Only buy effectively-made furniture for your outside areas. Inspect all joints to ensure in opposition to weak welds. Never acquire anything at all which looks flimsy. Just preserve hunting for better items.
Buy yard furniture around the end of summer time. In the course of the summer's finish, retailers want to get rid of their summer time furnishings to bring in their winter season items. Which is why prices will go down.
Never neglect attempting some haggling when you purchase household furniture. A good deal of stores mark up their parts and are capable to negotiate a reduced price by up to 20%. If you really feel uncomfortable haggling, enlist a pal or family member to occur aid you.
When purchasing for sofas, make positive to examine the spring system. You need to do all you can to discover out about it prior to creating a obtain. You can verify for entrance-to-back running springs (the form you want) by urgent down on the cushions.
By now, you ought to be more assured in your capacity to uncover the greatest parts for your needs. Now you should be ready to get some fantastic deals when hunting for new parts. Remember the aforementioned guidelines the subsequent time you are purchasing for home furniture.
Everybody requirements furniture. If you have a residence then you are going to need to furnish it. This is why there are really a different choices to decide on from. When shopping, the vital element is in being aware of your parts are correct for your property and you are not in excess of paying out for them. The following guidelines can assist you discover fantastic items.
If you are searching for out old home furniture, ensure you take a look at its underside so that you guarantee stability. At times, seems can really be deceiving. Rust and dry rot are typical issues that are inclined to plague more mature household furniture.
If you are looking for furnishings to use outdoors, ensure the parts are constructed properly. Look at each welded piece to make positive it truly is produced properly. Weak welds or joints are just likely to get weaker and will rapidly split. Rather, preserve looking for patio sets able to stand up to the factors.
Neutral is the color palette to decide on. You have a lot more possibilities to adjust issues when your home furniture items are neutral. These parts match more range of decors and increase your decorating alternatives. You can include numerous possibilities in neutral hues into your home's decor.
When picking residing area furnishings, go for neutral hues. When your furniture is neutral in colour, you can effortlessly alter the look of your space with a straightforward coat of paint and some new components or pillows. If you want to modify the look of your place for the season, you can do so effortlessly.
Now that these ideas are something you've got go through in excess of, you must be capable to get yourself some fantastic home furniture. Make certain you apply all the guidelines about home furniture to your research, so that you do not have any regrets. When your home furniture concerns are finally settled, you can commence spending attention to every little thing else in your property.
When you believe about acquiring furnishings, do you get a tiny overcome or do you look ahead to it? If you are stuffed with dread, you need to understand a lot more about proper furniture buying so that your expertise can go smoother. The info that follows can help you do just that.
Furnishings is not constantly low cost. For this cause, you might desire to think about buying gently utilized home furniture. Good quality 2nd hand furniture can be discovered at resale stores, online ads and even garage product sales. Must you want or need to have to, you can have the home furniture reupholstered. This will aid you help save a ton of funds.
When buying household furniture for the outside, make sure that it is constructed extremely nicely. Inspect all joints to make sure towards weak welds. Check out the welds, and if you locate any that are weak, appear for one more piece. Relatively, look for patio sets that are really able to tolerate mother nature's factors.
Desk tops created of tile and granite are the perfect choices for busy households. They are simple to cleanse and disinfect. There are a whole lot of distinct alternatives with this sort of desk, such as individual chairs or bench seating, making them ideal for a hectic family members.
Usually test out your household furniture totally if you might be considering of purchasing it. You may want to get a couch above the Net, but if you have not sat on it, you may possibly be dissatisfied when it arrives. The texture of the fabric or the softness of the cushion may possibly not be what you like. Often buy anything right after you have totally checked it out.
Dies the imagined of utilizing the household furniture to make your property search greater scare you? Concern not! Furniture purchasing can be straightforward and entertaining! Use what you have learned over each and every time you have to go out to get new furniture for your home.


Student will receive 1 point for class if he/she is told to put instrument away due to improper rehearsal behavior.
Student will receive 5 points for each lesson he/she attends.
·Student must turn in a practice journal within one week of missed lesson.
·Journals must document at least one hour of practice and be signed by a parent.
·Student will receive 5 points for practice journals that are turned in within one week of missed lesson.
·If a journal is NOT turned in, on time, student will receive 0 points for missed lesson.
Student will receive 20 points for performing in each evening concert.
Excused absences from concerts include illness (documented by parent note) or death in family.


When it comes to your education there are so many decision that you have to make. Choosing the area of study you want to pursue and the job that you will have for the rest of your life. If you have always imagined yourself working in a trade or in a job where you get to work with your hands then you should really consider pursing a certificate or degree in heating ventilation and air conditioning.
It is necessary for you to get some training in the area of heating ventilation and air conditioning before you can go out in the field and work on your own. Each state has different requirements for certification and licensure. Make sure when you choose a school or program of study that you pick one that meets all of the requirements put in place by the state you are planning on working in.
When you have reached your decision to pursue a career in heating ventilation and air conditioning your second course of action will be to choose a program. Depending on your schedule and what your personal needs are as a student you will have to choose an educational setting that is best for you. You can choose to take classes at night or during the daytime hours, online or in a classroom.
Once you gain your certificate you will have to make a choice as to which area of the field you wish to focus on. You will most likely focus on either instillation or maintenance and repairs. Your training will thoroughly prepare you for both aspects of the trade.
The mean or average salary for heating ventilation and air conditioning mechanics and technicians on the island of Hawaii is approximately $51,960. This is no way a guarantee of salary.


A blessing worth sharing -- (shared on Facebook Christmas Eve) --Wow. Just WOW. God is good. All the time. I don't always understand Him or His ways - like when He waits until the wolves of despair have already come in the door and are near attacking us. But then, when He arises and fends them off - HE does it in a mighty way!!! Praise Him for His love and care and provisions!!!
*Yesterday morning we took stock of our groceries ... no meat in the house, used the last of the bread, no milk, no cheese, leftover chicken stew was going to have to last until after Christmas.
*Rick went to the post office over in Como, there was a Christmas card. No return address, and when we opened it, it was not signed. But there was a $100 bill in the card!!! We looked at each other and immediately began to praise the Lord, and haven't stopped! ... We went to town and bought a handful of groceries. Rick will now have ham (protein) for Christmas with a broccoli and rice casserole (also protein) and corn .
*Just as we were leaving to go to town, Uncle Bill came with a box of groceries Praise the Lord!!!
*Then after we got back, my brother, Billy, came by and brought us a Christmas card. We were praising the Lord with him about God providing, and he took his billfold out, handed us a check for $100!!! Praise the Lord again!!!
*This morning, i took some of the chicken stew up to Rick's dad and mom. His dad is sick with the crud. I was telling them about God providing so well for us ... Rick's dad took his phone out, told me to call The Propane Company and order 100 gallons to be delivered today, Rick's mom wrote the check. Praise the Lord!!! I can wash my hands in hot water today! I don't have to heat water for the dishes! And we can each have a shower!!! Praise the Lord!!!
*And to top it off ... Rick called work to see when he could pick up his check, thinking it would be Thursday -- it was ready TODAY!!!
Christmas Day was a quiet day for us. Even after all these years since the kids have moved on and out - we still have not found our way. Sad, but true. We have spent some of these Christmases with our kids and grandkids. We have spent a couple with Rick's dad and mom. We have even spent a few just Rick and me.
We always made Christmas Day to be so much about the kids - yes, celebrating the birth of Jesus, right down to having balloons, streamers, a cake, singing Happy Birthday to Him - but even that was to teach the kids that Christmas was not about getting, but about giving.
I told Rick this year that it seems like when the kids moved out, they took Christmas with them. I wonder if that is a normal reaction to the empty nest?
Or maybe a normal reaction to a Christmas Day at the end of a very difficult and hard year?
One of the hardest things (physically) for me to do is to feed the fires. Rick has always been the one to get up during the night and add wood to the fire so that the house is warm thru the night and first thing in the mornings. And in this old & drafty house? You need a fire in the mornings even when the outside temp is just in the 40's. This house holds the cold!!! Course, we are trying to keep Rick from getting sick, too. So, trying hard to keep the temp in here between 72* - 78*.
Rick's dad and mom bought us a cord of wood - Thank you again!!! And it burns good. But, it doesn't play well at first. And it is cut so long and thick, that in our fireplace, you add one piece at a time. So, quite literally, i am baby-ing the fireplace this year. Every 2 hours it must be fed.
Rick has always been the kind that he can get up, walk thru the house, check on the kids when they were little, feed the fire when needed, whatever - and go back to bed, going back to sleep almost as soon as his head touched the pillow.
I hope that the next cord of wood we get is smaller. Yes, i am complaining now. This wood is so heavy!!! I can barely pick one piece up at a time. Some of the sticks do not quite fit into the fireplace, so i have to wrangle them around and shove hard until i can get them far enough in to close the doors.
Needless to say, i am sore and aching and hurting. Muscles are stretched and pulled. After being so down for the first year after surgery? Yes, this hurts!!! And having to be as careful as i can, yet keep the fires burning ... because my oncologist has said that it will probably take a full 36 months to let everything settle down and completely heal. He has told me not to pick up anything heavy. Not to do a lot of lifting and pulling. But, a girl's gotta do what must be done. Praying with every stick of wood added - Lord, help me. Lord, protect the surgery done.
I have decided that with the Lord's help, this year of 2014 will be the year that i lose this extra weight and get in better shape. We have been blessed with a treadmill and an elliptical - so i look at them this morning and know that it is time to USE them in earnest.
I have fought being overweight and out of shape all of my life - literally. I have yo-yo'ed and i don't want to do that anymore. I want to lose this weight and get in better shape. So, i have added a page to the website here -- "Hope ... Breathe ..." It will be found under the tab "Standing on the Promises". This will be a walk with me in this journey. Please, even if you don't read it, pray for me in this. Thank you!!!
I fought myself long and hard before i added this page. It's hard to admit when you are so much overweight, and so far out of shape. It's hard to imagine that you will ever feel better. And it is so much easier to not share the struggle. But the more i tried to not share it, the stronger the conviction became that i was supposed to. So, with sorrow, with a fair amount of shame, and with not understanding the prompting of the Lord ... here goes. Honest to a fault. Lord, help me!!!
...El & Brooke will be in and out today and tomorrow as Mandy works.
...Sunday is the Walker Christmas dinner at the Pickton Community Center.
...Tuesday is New Year's Eve. Traditionally "Momma's Day" - it has been a day when everyone gathered in at our house for a time of laughter and love, games and food, exchanging Christmas gifts, and welcoming the New Year. But this year? We are not really "house-bound", but yet in a way - due to the truck needing work before driving it very much, due to lack of money for fuel, and in dealing with the nightly dialysis treatments. We have been blessed with the money to buy a few groceries, but not with enough to "do New Year's Eve". Mandy may or may not have plans for the evening. Joshua is 5 hours away, and with work - not feasible to drive such a distance for one evening.
I do understand all that ... but at the same time, it makes me sad. The lonelies are howling at the door of my heart. The weariness threatens to overtake me. I know that Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world. God's greatness is ALL that sustains me. I love my kids and grandkids - adore them actually. And i miss the togetherness of us all.
...i will be busy in these next few days getting all the required papers together for Rick so that we can file for disability on next Friday. Pray for us - that we will know God's grace and mercy, that we will find favor with the Social Security Board.
**Praying that you and yours will be blessed beyond what you can contain in this coming year. May the Lord crown you with joy and peace, with every blessing.
*Elijah has an upper respiratory infection. Was given antibiotics.
*Shell is feeling better. He was able to go to school on Friday.
This is not the way i wanted Christmas to be this year. I wanted a big tree, with lots of presents under it. I wanted my kids and grandkids filling the house and the hours. Hugs and laughter and love. Food to cook and to eat.
Instead, we have the smallest of trees. No presents at all under it. For no money in the wallet to spend. Kids and grandkids are not going to be here. There is little to no food to cook, again, no money to buy.
Not to say that we won't be oofie and sad, not to say that we will be all cheery and merry ... but we will rejoice in the Lord and in all His benefits to us. We know that the God of angel armies is always by our side, leading us, protecting us, and providing for us. We don't always understand His ways, but we do trust Him - or at least, we are learning to.
The sadness is also because i am missing some people awful!!! Those who have gone on to the Lord. I am not sad for them - they are with the Lord, but sad for me, for us. We just miss them so much right now!!!
Momma - i miss you. i long to hear your voice again. a thousand times in these years since you left i have picked up the phone, looked at your number, hovered over the call button ... and cried. I love you Momma. i want to see you, touch you. i want to smell you - a mixture of lysol and WD-40 ... and anyone who knows you, understands that smell! i don't want to fix your pecan pie, or buttermilk pie. i want YOU to fix them. i want to eat at your table. sit there and drink coffee with you. laugh at the way you say certain words. kiss you on the forehead. feel your arms around me. Oh Momma - i miss you.
Granny McCoy - i miss you, too. You loved me and accepted me as your very own. so many times you introduced me as your granddaughter, which confused those who didn't know me. LOL i miss your love and attentions. i miss your hugs. i think about your smell - a mixture of ben-gay and mentholatum. i want you to fix a chocolate pie - we have yet to find one that really comes close! how did you make your yeast rolls taste the way they did? no recipe does it right. Granny, I love you - i hope you know how much. You made a girl who had had no grandparents have a Granny - and i love you!
Ric Childs -- O Bubba!!! How much i miss you. I want to hear your voice as you say, "Hey there baby girl!" To feel your arms around me, hugging the very breath out of me! You always made me feel special and important. Treasured to your heart. I love you for that. You accepted me as your sister. I think about you so much. I miss you more.
Dennis Friestad -- i know that you came into our life as a rep for one of the companies that Rick sold supplies for. But you quickly became our friend, and brother. i love you. i miss you. I remember when you were going to show me how you could squeeze an egg without it breaking ... and it broke - all over you, me and the floor! LOL OMW!!! The look on your face was absolutely priceless!!! I love you brother and friend. I miss you!!! Wish the phone would ring and when i picked it up you would be there saying, "Hey lady! it's me, Dennis!" Like i wouldn't know your voice!!! i love you!
Marjorie Mayfield ... Lady, do you know how much i loved you? how much i miss you? how many tears i have cried these months without you? You made me feel so welcome and such a part of Double N Cowboy Church - from the first time we were there. You made me laugh with our passion for flip-flops, regardless of what others had to say! LOL And the day you came over to the house bearing gifts from the heart, the first one being a dozen of eggs - a direct answer to prayer. :-) ... that morning we sat there and talked and shared ... i treasure that morning as one of the best of my life. I love you Lady! and i miss you so much!!!
Debbie Eppars ... Oh my friend, my sister. I love you. I miss you. I find myself looking for you still on Facebook every day. i want to hear what you are doing, what you are cooking for supper. i want to share ideas and recipes. i want to laugh with you, and cry with you. to know that you are praying for us. Oh and your hugs were so good, from the heart. I love you so much!!! I miss you more!!!
Yes, i am more than a little oofie and weepy this week ... loving these, missing them. Memories flood the mind and heart. Seems there is something - a word, a song, a movie, a food, a drink, a smell ... something that makes me think of someone and miss them even more than on every other day of the year.
Precious Memories ... Gone but NEVER forgotten!!!
God is good, even when life isn't. Thank God that we serve God, not this life. Thank God that HE is greater than anything within us, He is greater than anything around us. He is Greater! And He is the same God yesterday, today and forever! His arm is not shortened, His hand is not weakened. He is the Same GOD!!! Thank you Father!!!
And on that note ... I put a request on Facebook the last of the week asking if anyone had a reasonable priced treadmill. There were many responses, however - the prices were ranging from $100 - $250 ... which if you compare those prices to the new prices? They were very reasonable. But if you compare those prices to our checkbook? Still so far out there i couldn't afford any of them. So, i continued to pray - asking God to intervene. And intervene HE DID!!!
I received a message from Shanny, she had a treadmill for sale. I asked her how much, and she said that since this was Christmas and Christmas is all about the spirit of giving - how about the cost of fuel to come get it! WOW!!! And then, before we could make arrangements to go get it, a cousin, Bret, said that he would go get it for us. WOW!!! He is so sweet and precious! Love that boy! :-) So, we are the proud but humble owners of a treadmill!!! :-) ... and yes, i have been using it!!! We put it in the living room, front and center to our lives - i didn't want to put it off in the back bedroom, even if there was more room back there. I wanted it as a stark reminder that we need to USE IT!!!
We also had a knock on the door here that same morning, and in going to the door - it was Uncle Bill. He asked if we were still looking for "one of those exercise things" LOL ... Rick went with him to see what he was talking about ... and they came home with an Elliptical machine!!!
Pray for our granddaughter, Brooke. She has a "spot" on her lower leg. Looks almost like a mole? or a small growth of some kind? - appears to be changing shapes, but is it because she won't leave it alone? Anyway, we are taking her to the doctor to have it checked out in the morning. Praying that God will intervene and heal her no matter what it is!
This week is quiet comparably. No doctor appointmetns for us. We have started the process of applying for Rick's disability. First appointment with Social Security is on January 3. We have heard the horror stories of applying for disability. But then, the social worker at the dialysis center assures us that because of the dialysis it changes everything. Guess we will see.
I am missing my son and daughter in love, and missing my grandson and granddaughter. It seems like forever since we have been out there!!! It has only been almost 2 months, but to me? That is forever!!! I miss them so much that i feel overwhelmed with sadness at times. I love my son and his family. I just am missing them.
Trusting the Lord for all that we need ... God bless you and yours!!!
Let me start by saying how much i appreciate those that read this blog. It means a lot to me, more than i can ever say in these words. It is an encouragement to me to see the numbers of page views.
This blog & website is my therapy. As well as the way we have chosen to stay in touch with so many concerning all that we are going thru.
God is teaching me some things ... i haven't gotten good at learning them yet. But i thank Him for His patience and longsuffering. I will be sharing some of those things on the various pages of this website.
If you haven't already, check out the tabs at the top of the page. There are many pages to this website - and all of them are different. I am trying to add to each page.
And then, my heart is sad and broken tonight. Again.
Just for the record - I HATE CANCER!!!!!
A precious friend and sister in the Lord, as well as our cousin - Debbie Griner Eppars - won her battle with cancer Monday evening. Yes, she won - and won it all!!! She is now with her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. She waits for us in Heaven, and she rejoices with her Daddy, with her son, and with all those that have gone before her. I have lost, for a moment only tho. Even tho my heart breaks, and my spirit feels crushed. I know that one day i will join her there and we will walk the streets of gold together. I am just sad tonight tho - i miss her talks, i miss her smiles, i miss her love, and i miss her hugs.
I love you my Sister, my Friend. I miss you!!! Debbie Griner Eppars ... i love you.
We finally got back from Tyler ... and the results are -- Rick showed good effort (95%) at doing the functionality test. But, just as his physical therapist here told us - he failed. So we were not surprised. He is rated at an average of "20" - which translated means that he is only able to do "light work, and some extreme light work". His job at Ballard drivers is considered "Medium-Heavy". He talked with the office lady and she said that this means he will NOT be returning to work. He has a few more weeks (possible) of insurance pay (which is 40% of what his salary was). And then?
We will be talking to a social worker in the next few days, as well as Social Security disability. Not sure what he is eligible for and what he isn't.
This is not a surprise to us ... but even having mentally expected it, it is totally different when it becomes a reality with the doctor telling you this, and then you hold the paper in your hands and read this report with your name on it. No, the afternoon and evening was NOT a good time for us. We cried, we battled discouragement and depression, we argued, we said some things that were only said out of frustration and weariness. We calmed down, we prayed. We are trusting in the Lord - we are just battle weary and feeling worn out in all of this.
We are going to the dialysis center in just a little less than 12 hours. It is Rick's regular check-up with the nurses and Dr Greenwell. Time for blood to be drawn and labs checked. Praying for a good report, and an encouraging visit - Lord knows we could use it this week!!!
On Thursday afternoon, we go to my doctor in SS. I had blood drawn last Wednesday, so we will see what those lab reports are this time. See if there is to be a change in medication.
Speaking of having my blood drawn - three months ago when i had it drawn, my arm was sore for about 24 hours. Unusual, but it got better and so i didn't think much of it. This last Wednesday, however, was a different story.
Blood was drawn on Wednesday, and my arm was sore into Friday morning. By Friday afternoon late, it was swollen - obviously swollen. Below the elbow - which blood was drawn in the bend of the arm. It is not red, nor red-streaked. It is not hot to the touch, either. It IS painful, sore and swollen. Got thru the weekend, and went by the doctor's office on Monday. Kara, my nurse, looked at it - then she talked to the doctor. It doesn't appear to be a blown vein, there is no major discoloration, and it wouldn't have lasted this long. it doesn't appear to be a blood clot, because it isn't red or hot. What could it be? Either she hit a nerve and caused some major inflammation, or she actually nicked a tendon in there. Either way, it will just take some time for it to go down and get better. Take ibuprofen and Tylenol alternating. Use warm compresses. Don't do a lot with the arm, but don't let it freeze up either. If it isn't better by Thursday afternoon, he will take another look at it, and ???
By the way - this site has been set up for us as a possible way of raising some funds to help us thru all this in our life right now. Money isn't everything, it won't buy the most precious things of life. But sadly, money is a necessity to live this life. I hesitated in allowing this to be done, and i hesitated even more in sharing it. But on the advice of several, and after much thought, many prayers, and all the wrestling with myself -- here is the link to "A little goes a long way".
Guess i had better get off here .. it is 3:27 a.m. - and time to go baby the fires. Seems like they really are babies right now - having to get up and feed them every 2 hours while it is so cold. Any time the outside temp is below 32* and with a north wind? This old house is cold, and makes it easy to know just where all the cracks are! Takes a lot more wood and effort to keep the fires fed. Rick cannot do it at night. He is hooked to the cycler for 8 1/2 hours each night. So, handling wood or being too near a hot fire? Out of the question. He gets the job during the day - and i get to rest some. :-) ... Good night ... or good morning - depending on how your night has been.
God bless you and yours. Love you - and thank you again for reading.
i am so thankful, and humbled by God's amazing grace, by His longsuffering with me.
God has been speaking a word to me these last few weeks, and true to my stubbornness, i have not been listening very well. i have been hearing His voice. But there is a difference in hearing and in listening. Listening implies obedience. And sadly, obedience to the Lord has not been my strong point lately - at least not in this.
Well, i have taken the easy way. With the defense of sharing our burdens, letting others know our needs, asking for prayer - and all sounding so "right" to my own ears ... i have fallen to this grumbling and complaining.
The Lord got on to me a few days ago and i have been trying hard to do better, to be better - in my personal time, when with others, on Facebook, and even here.
He spoke a Word to me a few days ago - Romans 14:22 ... "So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God." That's a hard word -- because misery loves company. No one wants to go thru the lonesome valley alone.
i am sorry. i ask you to forgive me. i thought about going back in my blog and removing those posts that sound so grumbling - but then, i don't think i will ... it is a stark reminder to me. i have gone back and looked at them, and i am much ashamed. i know better. i just didn't do better. i am sorry. please, forgive me.
i am not saying that i will never again share the bad times of our lives - i will. That was a promise i made in the beginning of all this - that i would share the good days and the bad. That we would be honest and straightforward, hiding nothing.
But my heart's desire and intention is to never cross that line again into grumbling and complaining.
"You have been on a long, uphill journey, and your energy is almost spent. Though you have faltered at times, you have not let go of My hand. I am pleased with your desire to stay close to Me. There is one thing, however, that displeases Me: your tendency to complain. You may talk to Me as much a s you like about the difficulty of the path we are following. I understand better than anyone else the stresses and strains that have afflicted you. You can ventilate safely to Me, because talking with Me tempers your thoughts and helps you see things from My perspective.
Complaining to others is another matter altogether. It opens the door to deadly sins such as self-pity and rage. Whenever you are tempted to grumble, come to Me and talk it out. As you open up to Me, I will put My thoughts in your mind and My song in your heart."
There is no way that could have been more clear!
**Father God, i am sorry. Thank you for your conviction without condemnation. Thank you for correcting me so tenderly, in love, tempered with your amazing grace.
i repent. Teach me how to share burdens and prayer requests, how to be honest about the bad days and the needs - without grumbling and complaining. Teach me how to lean on Your strength to get thru it all. Teach me how to trust in you with all my heart, leaning not on my own understanding, in all my ways acknowledging you. And open my eyes so that i can see when you direct my paths and make them straight. Help me to shut up, giving Jesus time to pray for me. And when all i can do is breathe? Well, help me to just breathe in and breathe out.
It is cold here this morning - but sounds like this will be HOT comparing it to the forecast over the next 5 days ... ICE, FREEZING RAIN, SLEET, SNOW ... temps barely to freezing, and down to 10 ... wind chills around 0 ... Yes, welcome to winter in East Texas!
God was good to us this week - Rick's dad and mom felt led to buy us a cord of wood, said it is a combined Rick's birthday gift, and our Christmas. :-) That's good to us!!! The ice may come, the electricity may go ... but the fires will burn on!!! :-) Thank you God for providing our needs. Help us to be thankful with each stick of wood that we get to add to the fires over the next several days.
We were blessed this past Sunday night to get to see "Frozen". OMW! It has been a long time since I laughed so hard. I love the snowman! He is the STAR of the show!!! We were impressed with the presentation of the movie, the special effects, and especially the message of the movie - LOVE can melt a frozen heart. So true.
How much better our world would be if we would LOVE one another instead of being angry, instead of holding grudges, instead of walking in our assumptions.
God has loved us first - we ought to love one another.
I have a cough that is irritating and frustrating. But the lungs don't sound congested - which is good.
Got my orders for blood work - went yesterday morning for that draw. 4 vials - ouch! I will return to the doctor next Thursday for the readings, and to see if he is going to change my medications at all.
While Rick has been doing physical therapy, I have been walking on the treadmill. Yesterday I walked for 30 minutes @ 1.7 mph - and my heart rate was up to 120! I wasn't breathing hard, nor was it hard to talk. I was proud of myself! :-) ... Dr said he was proud of me, too :-).
Rick and i brought in 4 loads of wood yesterday afternoon (red wagon loads). The laundry is done - just need to put it all away this morning. There is a refrigerator of food leftovers and sandwich stuff.
We are going to hunker down and watch the weather out the window. :-) We ain't skeered! LOL ... but we are PRAYING for all those that must be out in it. Beginning with our son and daughter!
Today is my youngest granddaughter's birthday. Kyla Rose McCoy. She is my punkin tater. She makes me laugh. She hugs me and decorates me. It has been said since she was born that Grannee is her favorite toy. :-) And that is just fine with me. I love Kyla!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEETHEART!!! GRANNEE LOVES YOU SO MUCH!!!
Rick bought me a Christmas tree yesterday. Just a small one. Says it is a "living tree". I set it on the bookshelf yesterday afternoon, and decorated it and around it. Not big - but pretty.
Still looking for a topper for it - Rick said that we would check at the Dollar Store. Wal-mart's didn't have anything that wouldn't have overwhelmed the little tree.
Well ... guess it's time for COFFEE ... and to see what else I can do ... Love you all!!! Thank you for reading!!!
We have been going to physical therapy on Rick's shoulder now every other day since November 15. Started out being 2 hours each time, and then moved up to being 4 hours each time.
He is not able to do all the exercises required. Thankfully, Jeff and Heather aren't pushing him hard - they know that the nerve is either dead or damaged, and that he just is not able to do it all.
Rick has been doing a lot of the over-all body exercises. And he has felt better - well, except for the sore muscles and tiredness that comes from months of inactivity and then working out.
This week coming finishes up the physical therapy, and then we go to Tyler for a functionality test with an impairment rating. Afterwards we will see Dr Devinney, and I am assuming Dr Cutrell - if it is time for Rick to be turned loose from it all. Jeff feels confident in saying that Rick will fail these tests and will need to be on disability because of the shoulder. But what will the doctors say? What about the insurance company thru work? And what will work say? Sigh. Hopefully, in this month we will be getting some answers. And truth be told? We are ready!!! Tired of this limbo life. Sigh.
I want to continue with some light exercises and walking - whether i buy a membership at a gym, nor just do it on my own. I am so tired of being overweight and out of shape! I know that i will never have the body shape and health that i had at 18 years old, but goodness! I am not asking for that! I only want to be a better 52 year old wife, momma and grannee!!!
God has been working on my heart and my spirit lately. He used the month of Thanksgiving on Facebook to teach me a valuable lesson.
And whatever that something is - be thankful! Find that something and focus on that something! Thru the long and dark days and nights of storms and trials - focus on being thankful.
There were times and days in November that being thankful was one of the farthest things from my thoughts, and certainly farthest from my emotions. But, i was being faithful to the commitment i had made to find at least one thing each day to be thankful for. And i Praise God that He encouraged me and helped me thru that.
I have decided that i didn't get enough, either! So, i have a new page on here - "Thank You"
--still working on it, have added many "thank you's", but not finished with any of them yet.
I will be working on this website more this week - i have some thoughts and ideas. I have been praying a lot about this lately. Asking the Lord to show me what HE wants to do with this. Is it just for my therapy? Or is there truly a ministry of some kind in it?
I am also going to do some "winter cleaning" here at the house. I am still restricted on some of what i can do - and so i am not going to be "radical" in what i do, but i am so tired of looking at the clutter, not even being able to find some things. Enough is Enough!!!
We had Thanksgiving dinner here at the house - with Rick's parents, Jimmy & Mary Lou, with his sister, Tina, her daughter, Haley, Tina's son and his family, Aaron, Crystal, Sumer, Kayleigh, our daughter, Angel, and 2 of our grandkids, Elijah and Brooke. It was a LOT of food - still leftovers in the frig!!! And there was a lot of laughter, as well as many hugs.
We are going in about an hour to the movies with our daughter and granddaughter. Get to see "Frozen" - we have heard mixed reviews. Just getting out of the house and time with them - that's priceless to me, regardless of the movie!


text:
Introduction: African Politics and Letters after Soyinka's Nobel Prize
Adeoti, Gbemisola ; Evwierhoma, Mabel (2006)
As it has been well acknowledged across the globe, Wole Soyinka is a leading figure when it comes to assessing Africa's contribution to world literature in contemporary times. He is, no doubt, a committed writer whose literary oeuvre blends in laudable measure, political engagement with artistic virtuosity. Here is a writer who is also a political activist, social crusader, cultural philosopher, literary theorist, mythopoet, dramatist, director, actor, film producer, essayist, critic and translator among other designations. Soyinka's works well exemplify the interventionist role of the African writer in politics, not only because the literature itself is born in the labour room of politics, but also because of the historical role of midwife constantly placed on the shoulders of statesmen, philosophers and intellectuals (among whom writers are) in the birth of a liberated and truly developing continent. Hence, his arts and politics leap beyond the text into the bewildering realm of everyday reality confronting absurdities on the streets as well as in the State House. Soyinka's adroit exploration of the indigenous African and Western artistic resources, written and oral, in this regard, has been well accounted for in literature. This much was not lost on the judges of the Nobel Prize when he was awarded that of Literature in 1986.
URI: http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2657
Introduction African Politics and Letters after Soyinka's Nobel Prize by Adeoti and Evwierhoma.pdf (2.331Mb)
Journal Articles46


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text:
package org.jasig.portal.properties;

import java.util.Properties;

import junit.framework.TestCase;

/**
 * Test case for PropertiesManager.
 * Exercises property accessor methods against a test properties file.
 * @author andrew.petro@yale.edu
 */
public class PropertiesManagerTest extends TestCase {

    /**
     * The test properties file is in the properties package of the source tree
     * containing the PropertiesManager itself.
     */
    private static final String TEST_FILE = "./test.properties";

    /**
     * Save a copy of the value of the system property so that we can reset it when we clean up.
     */
    private String systemPropertyValue;

    /*
     * @see TestCase#setUp()
     */
    protected void setUp() throws Exception {
        super.setUp();
        Properties testProperties = new Properties();
        testProperties.load(PropertiesManagerTest.class.getResourceAsStream(TEST_FILE));
        PropertiesManager.setProperties(testProperties);
    }

    protected void tearDown() throws Exception {
        super.tearDown();
        if (this.systemPropertyValue != null)
        System.setProperty(PropertiesManager.PORTAL_PROPERTIES_FILE_SYSTEM_VARIABLE, this.systemPropertyValue);
    }

    /**
     * Test the getProperty method.
     * Tests ability to retrieve a property from sample properties file.
     * Tests for proper exception throw when property not found.
     */
    public void testGetPropertyString() {
        assertEquals("splat", PropertiesManager.getProperty("simpleProperty"));
        try {
            PropertiesManager.getProperty("missingProperty");
        } catch (MissingPropertyException mpe){
            // correct
            return;
        }
        fail("Should have thrown an MissingPropertyException because property was missing.");
    }

    /**
     * This test demonstrates that getPropertyUntrimmed does *not* retain leading whitespace
     * on property values.
     */
    public void testGetPropertyUntrimmedLeadingWhitespace() {
        assertEquals("twoSpacesBefore", PropertiesManager.getPropertyUntrimmed("leadingWhitespace"));
    }

    /**
     * Test proper retention of trailing whitespace.
     */
    public void testGetPropertyUntrimmedTrailingWhitespace() {
        assertEquals("oneSpaceAfter ", PropertiesManager.getPropertyUntrimmed("trailingWhitespace"));
    }

    /**
     * Test exception throw when property missing.
     */
    public void testGetPropertyUntrimmedMissingProperty() {
        try {
            PropertiesManager.getPropertyUntrimmed("missingProperty");
        } catch (MissingPropertyException mpe){
            // correct
            return;
        }
        fail("Should have thrown an MissingPropertyException because a property was missing.");
    }

    /**
     * Test getPropertyAsBoolean().
     * Demonstrates behavior of defaulting to false when property value doesn't "look like" true.
     */
    public void testGetPropertyAsBoolean() {
        assertTrue(PropertiesManager.getPropertyAsBoolean("testBooleanTrue"));
        assertFalse(PropertiesManager.getPropertyAsBoolean("testBooleanFalse"));

        // weird (e.g., "wombat") property values evaluate as false
        assertFalse(PropertiesManager.getPropertyAsBoolean("testBadBoolean"));
    }

    /**
     * Test getting a missing property as a boolean: throws proper exception.
     */
    public void testGetPropertyAsBooleanMissingProperty() {
        try {
            PropertiesManager.getPropertyAsBoolean("missingProperty");
        } catch (MissingPropertyException mpe) {
            // correct
            return;
        }
        fail("Should have thrown MissingPropertyException because property was missing.");
    }

    /**
     * Test getPropertyAsByte().
     */
    public void testGetPropertyAsByte() {
        byte result = PropertiesManager.getPropertyAsByte("testByte");
        assertEquals(3, result);
    }

    /**
     * Test that getPropertyAsByte() throws proper runtime exception when property is missing.
     */
    public void testGetPropertyAsByteMissingProperty() {
        try {
            PropertiesManager.getPropertyAsByte("missingProperty");
        } catch (MissingPropertyException mpe) {
            // correct
            return;
        }
        fail("Should have thrown MissingPropertyException because property was missing.");
    }

    /**
     * Test that getPropertyAsByte() throws proper runtime exception when the property
     * value cannot be parsed as a byte.
     */
    public void testGetPropertyAsByteBadValue() {
        try {
            PropertiesManager.getPropertyAsByte("wombatProperty");
        } catch (BadPropertyException pbe){
            // correct
            return;
        }
        fail("Should have thrown BadPropertyException because the property value 'wombat' cannot be parsed as a byte.");
    }

    /**
     * Test getPropertyAsShort()
     */
    public void testGetPropertyAsShort() {
        short returned = PropertiesManager.getPropertyAsShort("testShort");
        assertEquals(5, returned);
    }

    /**
     * Test proper exception throw from getPropertyAsShort() when property is missing.
     */
    public void testGetPropertyAsShortMissingProperty() {
        try {
            PropertiesManager.getPropertyAsShort("missingProperty");
        } catch (MissingPropertyException mpe) {
            // correct
            return;
        }
        fail("Should have thrown MissingPropertyException because property was missing.");
    }

    /**
     * Test that getPropertyAsShort() throws proper runtime exception when the property
     * value cannot be parsed as a short.
     */
    public void testGetPropertyAsShortBadValue() {
        try {
            PropertiesManager.getPropertyAsShort("wombatProperty");
        } catch (BadPropertyException pbe){
            // correct
            return;
        }
        fail("Should have thrown BadPropertyException because the property value 'wombat' cannot be parsed as a short.");
    }

    /**
     * Test getPropertyAsInt()
     */
    public void testGetPropertyAsInt() {
        int returned = PropertiesManager.getPropertyAsInt("testInt");
        assertEquals(10, returned);
    }

    /**
     * Test getPropertyAsInt() handling of missing property.
     * Verifies that throws UndeclaredPortalException.
     */
    public void testGetPropertyAsIntMissingProperty() {
        try {
            PropertiesManager.getPropertyAsInt("missingProperty");
        } catch (MissingPropertyException mpe) {
            // correct
            return;
        }
        fail("Should have thrown MissingPropertyException because property was missing.");
    }

    /**
     * Test that getPropertyAsInt() throws proper runtime exception when the property
     * value cannot be parsed as an int.
     */
    public void testGetPropertyAsIntBadValue() {
        try {
            PropertiesManager.getPropertyAsInt("wombatProperty");
        } catch (BadPropertyException pbe){
            // correct
            return;
        }
        fail("Should have thrown BadPropertyException because the property value 'wombat' cannot be parsed as an int.");
    }

    /**
     * Test getPropertyAsLong()
     */
    public void testGetPropertyAsLong() {
        long result = PropertiesManager.getPropertyAsLong("testLong");
        assertEquals(45, result);
    }

    /**
     * Test proper error handing for getPropertyAsLong() for missing property.
     * In particular, test that throws UndeclaredPortalException when property missing.
     */
    public void testGetPropertyAsLongMissingProperty() {
        try {
            PropertiesManager.getPropertyAsLong("missingProperty");
        } catch (MissingPropertyException mpe) {
            // correct
            return;
        }
        fail("Should have thrown MissingPropertyException because property was missing.");
    }

    /**
     * Test that getPropertyAsLong() throws proper runtime exception when the property
     * value cannot be parsed as a byte.
     */
    public void testGetPropertyAsLongBadValue() {
        try {
            PropertiesManager.getPropertyAsLong("wombatProperty");
        } catch (BadPropertyException pbe){
            // correct
            return;
        }
        fail("Should have thrown BadPropertyException because the property value 'wombat' cannot be parsed as a long.");
    }

    /**
     * Test getPropertyAsFloat()
     */
    public void testGetPropertyAsFloat() {
        float result = PropertiesManager.getPropertyAsFloat("testFloat");
        assertEquals(2.718f, result, 0.01);
    }

    /**
     * Test getPropertyAsFloat() for proper handling of missing property.
     * In particular, tests that UndeclaredPortalException thrown in this case.
     */
    public void testGetPropertyAsFloatMissingProperty() {
        try {
            PropertiesManager.getPropertyAsFloat("missingProperty");
        } catch (MissingPropertyException mpe) {
            // correct
            return;
        }
        fail("Should have thrown MissingPropertyException because property was missing.");
    }

    /**
     * Test that getPropertyAsFloat() throws proper runtime exception when the property
     * value cannot be parsed as a float.
     */
    public void testGetPropertyAsFloatBadValue() {
        try {
            PropertiesManager.getPropertyAsFloat("wombatProperty");
        } catch (BadPropertyException pbe){
            // correct
            return;
        }
        fail("Should have thrown BadPropertyException because the property value 'wombat' cannot be parsed as a float.");
    }

    /**
     * Test getPropertyAsDouble()
     */
    public void testGetPropertyAsDouble() {
        double result = PropertiesManager.getPropertyAsDouble("testDouble");
        assertEquals(3.1415, result, 0.01);
    }

    /**
     * Test getPropertyAsDouble() for proper handling of missing property.
     * In particular, tests that throws UndeclaredPortalException when property missing.
     */
    public void testGetPropertyAsDoubleMissingProperty() {
        try {
            PropertiesManager.getPropertyAsDouble("missingProperty");
        } catch (MissingPropertyException upe) {
            // correct
            return;
        }
        fail("Should have thrown MissingPropertyException because property was missing.");
    }

    /**
     * Test that getPropertyAsDouble() throws proper runtime exception when the property
     * value cannot be parsed as a byte.
     */
    public void testGetPropertyAsDoubleBadValue() {
        try {
            PropertiesManager.getPropertyAsDouble("wombatProperty");
        } catch (BadPropertyException pbe){
            // correct
            return;
        }
        fail("Should have thrown BadPropertyException because the property value 'wombat' cannot be parsed as a double.");
    }

    /**
     * Test getPropertyAsString with default value where property is present.
     */
    public void testGetPropertyWithDefault() {
        String result = PropertiesManager.getProperty("simpleProperty", "defaultValue");
        assertEquals("splat", result);
    }

    /**
     * Test getPropertyAsString with default value where property is missing.
     */
    public void testGetPropertyWithDefaultPropertyMissing() {
        String result = PropertiesManager.getProperty("missingProperty", "defaultValue");
        assertEquals("defaultValue", result);
        // test that we don't trim default values:
        result = PropertiesManager.getProperty("anotherMissingProperty", "defaultWithThreeTrailingSpaces   ");
        assertEquals("defaultWithThreeTrailingSpaces   ", result);
    }

    /**
     * Test getPropertyAsBoolean with default value where property is present.
     */
    public void testGetPropertyAsBooleanWithDefault() {
        assertTrue(PropertiesManager.getPropertyAsBoolean("testBooleanTrue", false));
        assertFalse(PropertiesManager.getPropertyAsBoolean("testBooleanFalse", true));

        // demonstrates behavior when property is present but weird value - returns false.
        assertFalse(PropertiesManager.getPropertyAsBoolean("testBadBoolean", true));
    }

    /**
     * Test getPropertyAsBoolean with default value where property is absent.
     */
    public void testGetPropertyAsBooleanWithDefaultPropertyMissing() {
        assertTrue(PropertiesManager.getPropertyAsBoolean("missingProperty", true));
        assertFalse(PropertiesManager.getPropertyAsBoolean("missingProperty", false));
    }

    /**
     * Test getPropertyAsByte(String, byte) - default specified, property is present.
     */
    public void testGetPropertyAsByteWithDefault() {
        byte returned = PropertiesManager.getPropertyAsByte("testByte", (byte) 12);
        assertEquals(3, returned);
    }

    /**
     * Test getPropertyAsByte with default value where property is missing.
     */
    public void testGetPropertyAsByteWithDefaultPropertyMissing() {
        byte result = PropertiesManager.getPropertyAsByte("missingPropety", (byte) 12);
        assertEquals((byte) 12, result);
    }

    /**
     * Test getPropertyAsByte() with default value where property cannot be
     * parsed as a byte.
     */
    public void testGetPropertyAsByteWithDefaultPropertyBad(){
        byte result = PropertiesManager.getPropertyAsByte("wombatProperty", (byte) 12);
        assertEquals((byte) 12, result);
    }

    /**
     * Test getPropertyAsShort(String, short) - default specified, property present.
     */
    public void testGetPropertyAsShortWithDefault() {
        short result = PropertiesManager.getPropertyAsShort("testShort", (short) 12);
        assertEquals(5, result);
    }

    /**
     * Test getPropertyAsShort(String, short) - default specified, property absent.
     */
    public void testGetPropertyAsShortWithDefaultPropertyMissing() {
        short result = PropertiesManager.getPropertyAsShort("missingProperty", (short) 12);
        assertEquals(12, result);
    }

    /**
     * Test getPropertyAsShort(String, short) - default specified, property bad.
     */
    public void testGetPropertyAsShortWithDefaultPropertyBad() {
        short result = PropertiesManager.getPropertyAsShort("wombatProperty", (short) 12);
        assertEquals(12, result);
    }

    /**
     * Test getPropertyAsInt(String, int) - default specified, property present.
     */
    public void testGetPropertyAsIntWithDefault() {
        int result = PropertiesManager.getPropertyAsInt("testInt", 12);
        assertEquals(10, result);
    }

    /**
     * Test getPropertyAsInt(String, int) - default specified, property absent.
     */
    public void testGetPropertyAsIntWithDefaultPropertyMissing() {
        int result = PropertiesManager.getPropertyAsInt("missingProperty", 12);
        assertEquals(12, result);
    }

    /**
     * Test getPropertyAsInt(String, int) - default specified, property bad.
     */
    public void testGetPropertyAsIntWithDefaultPropertyBad() {
        int result = PropertiesManager.getPropertyAsInt("wombatProperty", 12);
        assertEquals(12, result);
    }

    /**
     * Test getPropertyAsLong(String, long) - default specified, property present.
     */
    public void testGetPropertyAsLongWithDefault() {
        long result = PropertiesManager.getPropertyAsLong("testLong", 42);
        assertEquals(45, result);
    }

    /**
     * Test getPropertyAsLong(String, long) - default specified, property absent.
     */
    public void testGetPropertyAsLongWithDefaultPropertyMissing() {
        long result = PropertiesManager.getPropertyAsLong("missingProperty", 42);
        assertEquals(42, result);
    }

    /**
     * Test getPropertyAsLong(String, long) - default specified, property bad.
     */
    public void testGetPropertyAsLongWithDefaultPropertyBad() {
        long result = PropertiesManager.getPropertyAsLong("wombatProperty", 42);
        assertEquals(42, result);
    }

    /**
     * Test getPropertyAsFloat(String, float) - default specified, property present.
     */
    public void testGetPropertyAsFloatWithDefault() {
        float result = PropertiesManager.getPropertyAsFloat("testFloat", (float) 4.2);
        assertEquals(result, 2.718, 0.01);
    }

    /**
     * Test getPropertyAsFloat(String, float) - default specified, property absent.
     */
    public void testGetPropertyAsFloatWithDefaultPropertyMissing() {
        float result = PropertiesManager.getPropertyAsFloat("missingProperty", (float) 4.2);
        assertEquals(result, 4.2, 0.01);
    }

    /**
     * Test getPropertyAsFloat(String, float) - default specified, property absent.
     */
    public void testGetPropertyAsFloatWithDefaultPropertyBad() {
        float result = PropertiesManager.getPropertyAsFloat("wombatProperty", (float) 4.2);
        assertEquals(result, 4.2, 0.01);
    }

    /**
     * Test getPropertyAsDouble(String, double) - default specified, property present.
     */
    public void testGetPropertyAsDoubleWithDefault() {
        double result = PropertiesManager.getPropertyAsDouble("testDouble", 2.22);
        assertEquals(3.1415, result, 0.01);
    }

    /**
     * Test getPropertyAsDouble(String, double) - default specified, property absent.
     */
    public void testGetPropertyAsDoubleWithDefaultPropertyMissing() {
        double result = PropertiesManager.getPropertyAsDouble("missingProperty", 2.22);
        assertEquals(2.22, result, 0.01);
    }

    /**
     * Test getPropertyAsDouble(String, double) - default specified, property bad.
     */
    public void testGetPropertyAsDoubleWithDefaultPropertyBad() {
        double result = PropertiesManager.getPropertyAsDouble("wombatProperty", 2.22);
        assertEquals(2.22, result, 0.01);
    }

    /**
     * Test that the getMissingProperties() method reports missing properties.
     */
    public void testGetMissingProperties() {
        int prevMissingCount = PropertiesManager.getMissingProperties().size();
        assertEquals("defaultValue", PropertiesManager.getProperty("emphaticallyMissing", "defaultValue"));
        assertTrue(PropertiesManager.getMissingProperties().contains("emphaticallyMissing"));
        assertEquals(prevMissingCount + 1, PropertiesManager.getMissingProperties().size());
    }

}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


The Cross and Triangle spread is a powerful means of understanding complex situations, developed by the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. This spread is rich in occult and mystical symbolism, and one of our favorites here at Facade. The Curious Tarot is the rarest and most unusual of modern decks. The cards form a surreal collage of American consumer imagery, eerily capturing the archetypes of the atomic age. It is the deck of those who seek to harness the ancient tribal energy that courses through the modern urban world. There are only 100 Curious Tarot decks in existence - if you want one, buy it now!
The first card, the significator, is placed in the center of the cross. This card represents the prime energy manifest in your life. Page of Swords: The essence of air behaving as earth, such as a steady wind: The approach of an unexpected challenge, to be met with clear thought and just action. A person filled with an eager appetite for all matters of mind and logic. The gathering of information through unfaltering vigilance, careful examination, and subtle spycraft. The use of reason or eloquent speech to penetrate the veil of confusion and cut to the heart of the matter.
The second card, placed above the significator, represents Air. It describes your spirit, process of thought, and the influence of reason. Queen of Swords: The essence of air behaving as water, such as a refreshing mist: A person gifted with both keen logic and natural intuition, giving them uncanny powers of perception and insight. One who easily sees past deception and confusion to the heart of a matter, and understands both sides of any argument. The embodiment of calm, forthrightness, and wit, in the face of even the most trying circumstances.
The third card, placed to the right of the significator, represents Fire. It describes your motivations, creative energies, and the influence of passion. Page of Cups, when reversed: The dark essence of water behaving as earth, such as a wellspring: An unexpected new relationship that is childish and foolish. An idle dreamer oblivious to the realities of the world. Moodiness, sad reflection, and retreat from society. Seduction and deception in personal and business relationships.
The fourth card, placed below the significator, represents Water. It describes your emotions, meditations, and the influence of love. Page of Wands, when reversed: The dark essence of fire behaving as earth, such as dry wood: The surprising appearance of a new passion or inflammatory news. A trickster who can unexpectedly ignite a dangerous situation. The intensity and childish imagination that can send even the most stable venture spinning wildly out of control. Can represent a person outwardly timid, but harboring unexpected inner fury. May indicate the birth of a child.
The fifth card, placed to the left of the significator represents Earth. It describes your physical presence, position in life, and the influence of the material world. King of Swords: The essence of air, such as a clear blue sky: A mature leader of unwavering ethics and indisputable authority. An incorruptible judge, whose devotion to the law cannot be swayed by emotion or material concerns. Perfect clarity of thought, directness of action, and eloquence of speech. One who, like a great general, inspires not love or devotion, but absolute trust and loyalty.
At this point the cross is complete and the triangle is formed. The sixth card, placed on the bottom left of the triangle represents one of two opposing forces. Death, when reversed: Stagnation or petrifaction. The refusal to let go of the past. Resistance to change because of fear.
The seventh card, placed on the bottom right of the triangle represents the force that opposes the bottom left card. These forces may be external, but they are frequently one's own inner archetypes in conflict. King of Cups, when reversed: The dark essence of water behaving as air, such as rain clouds in a gray sky: A pillar of maturity and patience, hiding a deep insecurity and an indecisive nature. One who secretly lusts for power, but lacks the courage, intellect, or work ethic necessary to take it. A charming seducer who appears innocent and understanding, but is in fact selfish and unfaithful.
The eighth card, the reconciler, is placed below the cross in the third vertex of the triangle. This is the force that will resolve the conflict between the bottom left and bottom right cards. By meditating on this force and bringing more of it into your life, you can bring the matter at hand to a swifter conclusion than would naturally occur. Wheel of Fortune, when reversed: An unexpected turn of bad luck. A broken sequence of events. Outside influences for the worse. An inescapable descent due to Fate or Karma. Great changes taking place as a result of earlier actions that cannot be taken back. Misfortune, failure and reluctance to use free will.
The ninth and final card, placed in the center bottom of the triangle, represents the final outcome unless you change course. The Emperor: Worldly authority and power. Social mastery and oratory. One who is intelligent, experienced, confident and reasonable. A patriarch or primary male influence. The motive force of politics and society. The ability to fulfill plans and use mental control over the emotions.
Comprehensive and rich in illustrations, this book is essential for serious collectors of Tarot.
12 months of Tarot imagery, spreads, and information, along with daily moon sign, sun sign, and Tarot cards.


Jazz Masterclass is one of the programmes of the "Jazz-Go-Central, Jazz-Go-Fringe" project, co-ordinated by the Fringe Club and the Saturday Night Jazz Orchestra (SNJO). Japanese big band arranger Masaru Uchibori will conduct a masterclass on Big Band arrangement for band-members.
SNJO will play the original scores of Take the A Train by Duke Ellington and or April in Paris by Count Basie followed by Uchibori-san's arrangement. After listening, Uchibori-san will illustrate the making process and how he come up with such arrangement.
Uchibori-san will then talk about basic music theory, harmony, rhythm, format and Big Band style.
SNJO will play different Big Band scores from old swing band to contemporary Big Band with Uchibori-san's comments.
It's open to the public to sit-in as audience. Musicians are also invited to be the participants, bring your own instrument to play together or replacing SNJO member's seat.
In the "Big Band Night - All That Swing" concert on Sat 28 April 2018, SNJO will perform pieces arranged by Uchibori-san. Click here for details.
Masaru Uchibori was born in Tokyo. At high school, he joined the school brass band, and has played trombone ever since. He was a member of the big band and the brass band at university, learning jazz theory from Mr. Sadao Watanabe and playing trombone in Watanabe's rehearsal orchestra.
In 1974, Uchibori received a scholarship to Berklee College of Music in Boston, and after graduating he returned to Japan, where he works as a freelance arranger of various music genres.
In 1995 he formed the Masaru Uchibori Big Band, which performs monthly. Since then, he has worked with many bands and musicians, including the Tokyo Union Big Band with Jimmy Scott, the Sharps and Flats Big Band with Helen Merrill, the New Hard Big Band with Carroll Sloan, the Blue Coats Big Band with Salina Jones, the New Japan Philharmonic, the Air Self Defense Force Central Music Corps and the Ground Self Defense Force Central Music Corps.
He has been the judge of many music contests, including the Yamano Big Band Contest and the Asakusa Jazz Contest, and is active in events for amateur bands. He has released two CDs: WAYNE (2004) and A Dedication To Jazz Giants (2010).
If you are interested in participating in the master class, please select "$150 - Participant" ticket price category. Please bring your own instrument to the Masterclass. Limited quota, first-come-first served.
If you would like to attend the master class as an audience, please select "$100 - Observer" ticket price category. Seats are limited, first-come-first served.


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Don't wait. If you have concerns about your child's reading, writing, or social-emotional development, reach out.
REACH provides one-on-one support for your child in the areas needed most. Whether your child needs literacy coaching, special education services, or behavior modification tools, REACH offers low-stress, high-impact sessions tailored to you. Morgan is an expert in working with elementary school kids; she will get to know your child and your family personally.
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Ready to try it? REACH gives clients a free consultation (in person or over Skype) to determine what types of services are right for you and your child.
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