If you're ever in Oslo, here are my best tips for dining, shopping and doing!
I highly recommend stepping into a BeYoga shala - if only to experience the whole energy that surrounds Be Yoga. The teachers, the students, the vibe. Amazing!
Daniella and Rebekah invite everyone to play at DaRe Yoga in Lillestrøm, just outside Oslo. These girls are so much fun! Warm hearts!
Here you'll find everything from See by Chloé, Bruuns Bazaar, Whyred to the Norwegian brand Tom Wood. They also have a gorgeous vintage section in the back of the store.
My favorite second hand store in the whole city. I've found everything from Burberry to ACNE - and all that magic stuff in between. They've just relocated to the edge of Olaf Ryes plass, which makes it so much easier to find. My number one tip!
Go get your signet ring and make it your family heirloom.
I've your an avid thrifter, like me, you'll love this place. They have a lot of stuff, but if you take time to sort through it all you're bound to end up with something amazing.
A perfect way to spend your Sunday in Oslo.
Here you'll find everything from true vintage to hand made scarves. Concerts, cheap beer and art is also on their agenda all week.
Want to rummage through local fashionista closets? Love second hand? Check Facebook for dates and places!
Ecological and made from scratch. A true treasure in Oslo.
In general, Baker Hansen is great. They have good coffee and great food if you're hungry for salads or a sandwich. They're located all over town, but my favorite one is on Majorstuen.
Like Jazz? Or not? This hidden treasure is one of the coziest places in Oslo. Small menu, but perfect atmosphere.
Døgnvill has the best burgers in Oslo; without a doubt! Located at Vulkan, right next to the beautiful Mathallen.
Like to eat and try new things? Then the local food court is the place to visit. Here you'll find everything from funky pies to fresh seafood and fair trade chocolate, as well as wonderful restaurants. Absolutely worth a visit, at least once a month! They also offer cooking classes!
The "classic snowball" covered with dark chocolate and sprinkled with coco, puffy and delicious. YUM! The little café also serves home made chocolate in a great verity of taste i.e. banana, strawberry and mocca.
Of course. It's mandatory. Our most famous sculptural park.
Like tiny boutiques and cafés? Just go to Grünerløkka and explore.
Located right next to the Munch museum at Tøyen, Botanisk Hage is the perfect place to get away from the city. Make sure you stop by the tropical green houses.
A lot of tourists love this area of town, and for good reason. Combining boats, restaurants and shopping is their thing - and it really works. Want a view of the harbor while dining? Go to Aker Brygge. I recommend Druen for fancy food and expensive drinks and Jacob Aal for affordable and delicious food.
Walk on the world famous Opera roof and take in the view of our barcode and the fjord.


Non-Destructive Testing - KB Pomorze Sp. z o.o. : KB Pomorze Sp. z o.o.
• leakproof tests (LT) of the joints welded using vacuum bubble method.
• pressure tests with registration of pressure and temperature parameters using accurate measuring instruments.
Our QA/QC staff have authorization and competence certificates of UDT-CERT according to the standard PN-EN 473.


San Antonio Medicare/Medicaid Fraud Defense Lawyers - Oberheiden, P.C.
Medicare/Medicaid fraud allegations have reached nearly epidemic proportions in San Antonio, Texas and the surrounding areas. If you're being investigated by the federal government, contact Oberheiden, P.C. right away. We are a Texas-based law firm providing legal defense strategies for Medicare/Medicaid fraud, criminal federal matters, and for government investigations. We can even assist you in minimizing the risk of Medicare/Medicaid fraud by implementing regulatory compliance policies. Oberheiden's legal team is managed by a former Chief Health Care Fraud Coordinator from the Dallas U.S. Attorney's Office. Several of our team members have former experience as Department of Justice prosecutors and senior trial attorneys. Our defense lawyers serve clients in San Antonio and throughout the entire State of Texas.
Doctors, nurses, other health care providers, facilities, businesses, executives, and related health care industry operators in San Antonio, Texas now have the benefit of accessing powerful legal advocacy if they are accused of Medicare/Medicaid fraud. Oberheiden, P.C. provides Medicare/Medicaid fraud defense for San Antonio, Texas and the surrounding areas. Dr. Nick Oberheiden is a Harvard-trained health care fraud defense attorney and is the managing principal attorney of Oberheiden, P.C.. He assists clients in Garland, Dallas, Mesquite, Richardson, McKinney, and the surrounding areas.
Lynette Byrd is a former federal health care fraud prosecutor and brings her insight and experience to Oberheiden, P.C.'s clients. Prior to joining Oberheiden, Ms. Byrd prosecuted False Claims Act violations, Stark Law violations, Anti-Kickback violations, and health care fraud on behalf of the federal government.
The combined experience of Oberheiden, P.C. provides San Antonio, Texas clients with vital insight and representation during Medicare/Medicaid fraud investigations.
Medicare/Medicaid fraud investigations can be brought against an individual or an entire company or entity.
San Antonio has a higher instance of Medicare/Medicaid fraud investigations than the majority of the United States. In fact, San Antonio is one of nine locations that is closely monitored by the government. This occurs because San Antonio has a large population that relies on a federal health care program for health care. This means that there are more claims filed in San Antonio. The federal government believes that the increase in claims also increases the possibility of Medicare/Medicaid fraud. That's why the Medicare Fraud Strike Force pays special attention to the area.
The Medicare Fraud Strike Force monitors, investigates, and prosecutes Medicare/Medicaid fraud. This team is a hybrid agency of investigators and prosecutors from several agencies including the Department of Health and Human Services, the Office of Inspector General, the DOJ, DOD, FBI, IRS, and other agencies. If you've been contacted by a member of the Medicare Fraud Strike Force or any federal agency that states that you're being investigated for Medicare/Medicaid fraud, call Oberheiden, P.C. without delay. We provide initial consultations free of charge and our consultations are totally confidential.
In San Antonio, the most commonly targeted individuals and entities include nurses, ARNPs, physician assistants, doctors, registered care facilities, nursing homes, hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, labs, medical device company, cancer treatment centers, and DNA centers. However, it's important to note that anyone who practice medicine or provides health care services, equipment, or care and files claims for federal health care program reimbursement is at risk of being investigated for Medicare/Medicaid fraud.
Medicare/Medicaid fraud is extremely serious. You must choose the right San Antonio defense lawyer. Should you choose a health care lawyer? Should you choose a criminal defense attorney? What type of attorney is the best attorney for Medicare/Medicaid fraud?
You need an attorney in San Antonio who will certainly know and understand health care law. They also need experience in the federal criminal charges that are often filed with it. Tax evasion, wire fraud, money laundering, and mail fraud are commonly included as charges in Medicare/Medicaid fraud cases.
You will also need an attorney that works as a San Antonio criminal defense lawyer. They should have extensive knowledge about health care law, medical, coding, and utilization rules. Because of the serious nature of Medicare/Medicaid fraud, you simply must choose the right attorney as early as possible in the process.
A strategic defense is necessary when faced with allegations of Medicare/Medicaid fraud. Oberheiden, P.C. uses four guiding principles in each and every case. Although each case is different, these principles help us provide a custom solution that reflects the facts in each case.
Is the matter civil or criminal?
Which federal agencies are involved in the investigation?
What is the ultimate goal of the investigation?
How can the matter be resolved?
Because of our extensive experience, we are often able to get answers to those questions within hours of our engagement.
Although most investigations start because of a mistake, most individuals and businesses that are accused just accept the consequences. We work to show the federal government that our clients may have a made a mistake that needs to be corrected, but they are not deserving of criminal penalties.
Developing strategic defenses for each case. Although Medicare/Medicaid fraud cases certainly have some similarities, they are ultimately all different because of the involved facts. This is why we analyze each case to determine the appropriate strategic defenses for each case. In a recent Medicare/Medicaid fraud case, the government alleged fraudulent certification for home health care services by our client. We were able to prove to the government that our client was protected by a recognized delegation exception that rendered the certification fully compliant within the law. In another Medicare/Medicaid fraud case, we refused to admit liability. We were able to prove to prosecutors that our client acted within a safe harbor exception.
Oberheiden, P.C. provides representation to individuals and businesses in San Antonio who are being investigated by the DOJ, DOD, FBI, DEA, OIG, Medicare Fraud Control Unit, San Antonio or Texas state law enforcement, and the IRS.
Dr. Nick Oberheiden has successfully represented health care executives, business owners, public officials, physicians, and lawyers in high profile prosecutions, during accusations of political corruption, government investigations, and directed media campaigns, including 60 Minutes. He assists clients in Dallas, Garland, Mesquite, Richardson, McKinney, and the surrounding areas. In addition to his health care defense practice, Dr. Oberheiden leads internal investigations, implements corporate compliance programs, and teaches U.S. criminal law and federal litigation in the United States and abroad.


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Sunflower kernel supplier juggles executives in wake of recalls
By Coral Beach on June 29, 2016
The Canadian food company behind the massive Listeria-related recall of sunflower kernels that has led to secondary recalls of dozens of snack products from the likes of Planters, Kellogg, Nature Valley and Trader Joe's is shuffling executives in an effort to clean up operations and prepare the company for possible sale. Top leaders of SunOpta Inc. of Toronto, Ontario, referred to the reassignment of quality assurance functions to Jim Gratzek, senior vice president for research and development, as part of their work to accelerate growth and enhance shareholder value.
Jim Gratzek
"Recently, management and some members of the board of directors met directly with many of the company's largest shareholders, including Tourbillon Capital Partners," SunOpta officials said in a June 27 news release. "Following these consultations and reflecting the views expressed by a number of these large shareholders, including that now is not the right time to commence an outright sale of the company, the board of directors has hired Rothschild Inc., supported by legal advisors Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP, to review the company's operating plan and evaluate a complete range of strategic and financial actions that SunOpta could undertake to maximize shareholder value." The 900-word news release and "forward-looking statement" did not specifically reference the recalls spurred by the discovery of Listeria monocytogenes in SunOpta's sunflower kernels. Rather, it referred to "recent quality issues" in the announcement of Gratzek's new duties. Until now, SunOpta's "quality assurance" had been the responsibility of the company's operations department. Gratzek has extensive experience in food quality, process improvement and technology development and is charged with enhancing SunOpta's food quality and safety processes and procedures. He will also continue to lead SunOpta's research and development efforts, according to the release. "The same disciplined, focused approach which Jim has employed so successfully in our R&D function will help us to more rapidly address the process challenges at the root of our recent quality issues," SunOpta president and CEO Rik Jacobs said in the release. "This change will also allow our operations teams to more single-mindedly focus on efficiency improvements in our plants and in our global supply chain, thereby enhancing our ability to achieve our stated goal of increasing gross margins." Before joining SunOpta in June 2014, Gratzek worked for more than a decade at General Mills, focusing on product development, cost and process improvement and technology development, according to his biography on the SunOpta website. Earlier in his career, Gratzek worked at Tetra Pak as aseptic technology director where he oversaw Tetra Pak's North American Product Development Center, Regulatory Affairs and Machine System Validation Protocol. He has a doctorate in food science and technology from the University of Georgia and engineering degrees from Georgia Institute of Technology and the University of Minnesota. As for the future of SunOpta, "there is no set timetable for the completion of this review process. SunOpta does not intend to disclose or comment on its review, unless and until the board of directors approves a specific action, or otherwise concludes its review," according to the release. (To sign up for a free subscription to Food Safety News, click here.)
Tags: food recalls, Jim Gratzek, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, sunflower kernels, SunOpta Inc.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Street Intell and Fred Events have joined forces to not only entertain but educate the DMV on a few of the rising trends in Menswear Fashion.
Come out and mingle with some of DC's most stylish people and experience the different Menswear trends in a mini showcase from a few dapper and chic individuals.
There will be food, drinks and style galore at this event. So make sure you're photo shoot ready, bring your friends, and prepare to have fun at this exciting and new fashion networking mixer.
DC based image consultant, Norris Phillip has a fresh new take on men's fashion with his polished yet approachable aesthetic. Norris works with clients to create high fashion looks at retail prices that can carry any gentleman from board room to the lounge in comfort and confidence.
Image consulting goes beyond wardrobe changes, fashion is the first step in Norris's agency, Shuffle Designs' image plan. Norris works with you to improve all areas of life by discussing posture, poise, conversation and how to approach the fast-paced, ambitious lifestyle that is inevitable in the DMV.
Want to learn more? Check out http://www.shuffledesigns.net to get started!
James Hackley is the owner and Chief Style Officer (CSO) of Bespoke Not Broke. Bespoke is a wonderfully unique men's boutique that specializes in vintage and upscale resale clothing, shoes, and accessories.
The company was launched to help bridge the economic gap that has always existed between the "haves" and "have nots" when it comes to fashion and style. Many of the unique items found on the site are directly linked to being owned by professional athletes, doctors, lawyers, lobbyists, Congressmen and C-level business executives in the Washington D.C. area. However, Bespoke also makes regular trips from coast-to-coast scouring many of the Nation's best consignment, vintage and thrift stores in search of elusive custom pieces.
Nicolette Orji also known as Nikki Billie Jean is the Founder, Owner & Designer of Billie Jean Bowties and Designs she is also the Editor-in-Chief of the popular fashion blog AllThingsAnkara.com. She is the Nigerian-American designer in charge of Billie Jean Bowties & Designs, an African menswear inspired accessory line that caters to both men, women, and children. Her sense of fashion is inspired from the 60/70s era, her African roots and celebrity singer Janelle Monae.
Quvenzhané Wallis has been rapidly making her ascent.
The 10-year-old child star known notably for her Oscar nominated role in Beasts of the Southern Wild has quickly been adding lots of firsts to her resume.
Not only has she been stamped as the youngest to ever receive an Academy Award nomination, she has since moved on to become the official ambassador for Italian designer, Giorgio Armani.
Her campaign marks the first time a child star has been chosen to represent the line.
Although only but so young Quvenzhané is constantly working— making an appearance in the award winning drama, 12 Years a Slave.
Wallis was more recently casted as the lead role in the reboot musical film Annie —alongside co-stars Cameron Diaz and Jamie Foxx, which is set to premiere later this year.
We're excited for all her accomplishments and can't wait to see more amazing opportunities develop in her future.
CEO, Kelli Meade is energized by technology and has a natural passion for fashion that fuels her desire to design products that girls like her will go crazy about. Through simple curiosity and research Kelli found that women love trendy and fashionable items but also enjoy the latest gadgets. She also discovered that there was a need for more fashionable tech accessories and decided to make it her mission to re-design today's consumer electronics. About a year ago, she began creating and designing earphones that she liked to wear and with nine years of working on fashion design, she developed the look and feel of GemPhones. GemPhones was inspired by her love for pop culture. As a 90s kid Kelli recalls getting excited when new music videos would be released. In these videos is where she saw the hottest fashion and the coolest gadgets. She wanted to recreate that feeling and expression through GemPhones.
What is it like being the CEO of a tech and fashion startup? I'm not a coder, but I have enough knowledge about wireless networking and computer engineering to be dangerous. But with a tech and fashion startup, none of that matters because I needed technology and I loved fashion. No matter the type of startup, you should strive to be an expert at what you are creating. That means investing 10,000 hours into your craft AND industry(ies). This is my first company and the learning curve has been steep. I had to learn how to be a CEO, understand important techniques used by successful designers, and quickly become an expert in both the tech and fashion industries. GemPhones keeps me busy, but I wake up thanking my heavenly father for strength, clarity, and the passion he pours into me every day. I have not worked a day since I quit my government job in September 2013. I'm simply doing what I love.
Has being a female posed any challenges for you in the male dominated industry of Technology? Being a female in the tech industry is about showcasing a differentiating point of view and there will always be challenges when presenting a foreign concept in a mature industry like consumer electronics. I remember chatting with a guy at a tech startup mixer and he was simply amazed at the creativity and uniqueness of GemPhones. His first reaction was, "It takes a female to come up with an idea like this." I will always remember that conversation because in one statement he summed up the value of a female's perspective is in the technology industry. My true challenge however is the commitment to sharing with as many little girls as possible that their viewpoints are valuable and wanted, especially in the technology industry. One of GemPhones goals is to show young girls how cool tech can be.
What role do you hope Gem Phones will play in the consumer electronics industry? GemPhones are the very best consumer electronic accessories combined with the most beautiful designs. With ubran elegance, we introduce imagination and self-expression into an industry whose designs are traditionally dull. For us, design is not just how it looks, but how it works and feels as well. That is what our audience appreciates and that is our role; to give the lovers of music and fashion a product in tech.
Give at least 2 easy style tips for consumers looking to accessorize with Gem Phones?
#1 Side body chain: For fun, flirty girls, GemPhones looks great as a side body chain. Wear a pair of your best skinny jeans, a baby T-shirt, and attach your GemPhones to your mobile device. Slip your phone in the back pocket for a super cute side body chain look. This look is a GemGirl fav!
#2 The wrap necklace: Not using GemPhones? Want to keep the gorg set of GemPhones on? Unplug your GemPhones, snap the earbuds to the back of neck, then wrap the lower half of the beaded cord around your neck once. You've just created the ultimate conversation piece. People behind you will ask "Is that your earphones?" and people in front of you will compliment your necklace. Plus it's ridiculously functional.
What is your Street Intell? The streets have been making tech and fashion look good ever since the boom box was beating on our shoulders in the 1980s. GemPhones is bringing back that feeling.
Support this emerging entrepreneur and grab yourself a pair of GemPhones by clicking here.
V.G. Waymer is an artist living and working in Hampton, Virginia. She was born in 1960. Her A.A. in Fashion Illustration and Graphic Design was received from New England School of Art & Design at Suffolk University where she studied with Frank Raneo, a noted fashion illustrator. Prior to that she attended Pratt Institute where she was enrolled as a Fashion Design major but soon realized that her passion lay with illustration rather than the actual construction of apparel. Subsequently, after raising three children, V.G. pursued a certification as a life coach focusing on helping artists to regain effective work habits and spark new avenues of exploration in their chosen medium.
As a result V.G. has spent the last ten years in experimentation and exploration of many other types of art including lampworking, mask making, visual merchandising, costuming for an Afro Cuban dancer, and lately body painting under the name of Besitos Body painting. She studied body painting in 2011 with John Vargas, a world renown body painter. As Besitos owner and chief artist V.G. has provided her services to photographers and dancers in her community. Spending time creating is an important cornerstone of V.G.'s life as an artist.
I have all types of labels as most women do. Three years ago I decided that I really needed to diligently pursue my art. I had to put in the time like I've never done before (due to family obligations). We've raised three beautiful people and I often didn't have the luxury of being a "starving" artist. Instead I found jobs where I could put my creativity to work, learn about the business end of art and also gain an understanding of what I could do "instead." It's true that you can be very good doing something you're not passionate about. The trick is to take those lessons and use them when you really get to do what you LOVE! I invested a lot of effort into perfecting my skills, time management, a great work ethic, attention to detail, and building relationships; I wouldn't have had it any other way. Now I am working to find a balance between the desire to draw (every waking moment) and the need to get more sleep. I am beginning to understand more and more that self-care helps you to produce better. It's always about balance.
Did you always know you had a gift when it came to creating art or did it take some event in your life to push you in that direction?
I've always known that I was an artist. My mother is a classical pianist and my dad played several instruments and loved Jazz. Their friends were musicians, artists and dancers so I grew up experiencing creativity. I used to draw the Sunday comics when I was a kid. I originally wanted to become a dancer and did so until I was 16, then I injured my knee. After surgery and months of physical therapy, dancing seemed less of an option than becoming an artist. It just felt right… better than right!
Do you take time to sketch out your illustrations first while staring at an image or is it produced on the spot through your own creative interpretation?
I mostly use photos and fashion videos for reference, generally I block out the pose with an initial sketch. From there, I lay in color quickly where everything seems to fall into place and then I have to be careful to just leave it be. It becomes very hard not to add, just one more line! Sometimes, depending on my mood, drawing can be a release but I seem to tread a thin line between letting my creativity take over and being overly critical of the finished product. As I mostly work digitally, I usually peel back the layers once I'm done. Often the best drawing occurs in the first few minutes.
Where does your inspiration to create such beautiful pieces come from?
Thank you for saying that! Inspiration is everywhere but it takes living in the moment. That can be hard to do when you're moving through everyday life. Sometimes it's something that you see in passing and other times it's as a result of watching a video, flipping through a magazine or for me listening to some House music!
Name some artists that inspire you and explain why?
I am always inspired by Gustav Klimt and Aphonse Mucha. My heroes during college were and still are Antonio, Viramontes, and Stavrinos. Antonio for his use of color and stylization of great models like Pat Cleveland who I adore! Viramontes because of his spontaneity and how he would lay down a line or swath of black like nobody's business. As a student I was awestruck by him and used to draw with graffiti markers just to keep myself from doubting my line and my style. When using graffiti markers once your commitments are made, you can't erase them. Stavrinos' attention to anatomy and drawing from Polaroids is something that I'm still mindful of. My professor's mantra was, "Remember there are bones underneath that skin!" Today I am inspired by David Downtown, Donald Robertson and Stephen Stipleman. If you want to do fashion illustrations then you have to study the "masters." What they saw in the model and the fashions are often represented in a nuance of color, a pose and a simplified brush stroke.
If you could teleport anywhere in the world where would that be?
I would like to go back in time and have an hour with Diana Vreeland. I would love to watch Antonio draw. A place … teleport me to that house where Julia Roberts lived in Eat, Pray, Love in Italy or Indonesia; as long as there is a space to draw and do the things that make me happy.
"What makes me happy?" Fage yogurt with blueberries and honey… An avocado in the afternoon… honestly, I think of all the things I could say in addition to my family and my dog Mojo… remembering that moment when I realized my goals are within reach is what makes me happy. I find happiness in someone being interested in my work. Ultimately, happiness is finally being at peace with who I am in this moment.
As an artist, what impression do you hope your work leaves with you audience?
That's a hard question. I want people to feel something when they look at my work. Whether it inspires them to want to try a certain style or feel the intent of the clothing that I'm drawing… I think that would be enough for me. I think most artists draw for themselves first and then their audience. It's a very "inside" game. It's how you develop your own style.
My mantra and advice to other artists is to create. Paint, draw, sketch, write, blog, dance, sew, sing, act, cook, crochet! Anything that gets at the heart of what an artist's true forte might be. This exploration has enriched my understanding of an artist's work process and has allowed me to utilize my experiences to guide young artists in my community.
Back on the Melbourne scene, Ajak Deng is featured in an editorial spread in Miss Vogue donning items from the recently launched River Island collection and other top luxury brands such as Balenciaga, Isabel Marant and Givenchy; just to name a few.
Miss Vogue which is considered to be Vogue magazine's younger sister was created to talk directly to young women who love fashion and beauty, while still embodying the authoritative spirit of its parent publication. It appears to be focused on attracting the trendy and chic 20 something year olds by highlighting some of their favorite models and affordable ready to wear high fashions.
In the 15th Issue of Miss Vogue Australia, Sudanese Model, Ajak Deng shares a bit of insight on her career in modeling, favorite designers to work with and some other fun "getting to know you questions" about where she shops and eats. | Read more from that interview here.
Just last month we highlighted fashions' new "it girl" Kendell Jenner and we even made reference to the potential of her making the cover of Vogue magazine before her eldest sister, Kim Kardashian. Well this past Friday, Kim and her fiancé Kanye West set the record straight and appeared front and center on Vogue Magazine's April Issue, beating Kendell to the cover.
In anticipation of their up and coming wedding, KimYe pulled together an exquisite shoot for Vogue magazine; which turned out to be a lovely family affair. They both posed in designer garments, serving up an entire plate of sensuality; all while gushing over their beautiful daughter, North West.
Now you know it just simply wouldn't be Kim and Kanye without a bit of controversy. Many people have been excited for the pairs Vogue Cover but a few "fashion connoisseurs" have been raving and ranting about this unexpected pick. Fashion crazed Vogue fans and a few celebs have found it rather odd that the couple would be chosen to cover Vogue magazine. Many have even chastised the couple via social networks claiming that "they bought their way onto the cover".
However you see it, they are currently the most talked about couple when it relates to being on top of the fashion game. Personally, I think this was a strategic move by Anna Wintour and well played I might add. Whether people like it or not everyone is tuned in and focused on Kim, Kanye and more importantly, Vogue Magazine.
What are your thought? Chime in below.


This material is copyrighted by M. Kirby Moore. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Visit Kirby's website at www.mkirbymoore.com to support his blogging efforts. Thank you!
By the following day, nearly fifty people were present to receive the empowerment. In my understanding, an empowerment is an initiation or sacred permission to do a specific practice, which a Tibetan lama, usually the retreat (vajra) master, bestows on a group of people. In this case, we received the Royal Lineage of Chenrezig empowerment, dating back to the first major Buddhist King of Tibet – Tsongsen Gampo, from the 8th century (I think this is accurate but please don't quote me). Chenrezig is the Buddha of Compassion and Skillful Means and his mantra is OM MANI PADME HUNG HRI. Somehow this empowerment lasted nearly four hours, which is a long time in my limited experience. It ended and we had lunch – Indian food brought up the mountain from town. We had a couple of meetings to discuss the rules or conduct for the retreat and to answer our burning questions. We also signed up for various jobs which we would be responsible for once the retreat got under way – like cooking, cleaning, tea water refreshing, bathroom duty, etc. Then we "established our seats." This is a custom in Tibet, when they do this retreat, they do a little primer or short practice of what is to come. That evening, we had the last free time we would enjoy for the next seven days.
we would recite several times a day, plus we would do dedication and opening prayers when appropriate, but for the most part, we chanted the mantra (see above) around the clock. Upon reflection, I realized that at this retreat, someone who was dedicated and desired to sit on their cushion as much as possible could have easily done so for 18 hours a day. Even those retreatants who were sick or wanted to take more frequent breaks still probably got 12 to 15 hours. This retreat was definitely intense, to say the least. There was a melody we chanted for the day time and then several variations at night. We were very blessed to have a Khenpo present from the main monastery in Tibet, Drikung Til, as he led us through the chants and the prayers. Khenpo Chophel that is.
The typical schedule was as such: 6 to 6:30 am – everyone chanting then taking turns eating breakfast. 7:30 to 9:30 am Chanting then tea break. 10 am to noon chanting. For lunch one half of the room would go first and then switch. 1 to 3 pm and 3:30 to 5:30 pm opening prayers, chanting and closing prayers. At seven pm the "night practice" would start, with the lamas chanting separate prayers while we chanted the mantra. We rotated in three shifts – the first group chanted from 7 to 11:30 pm then slept, the second group chanted from 11 pm to 2:30 am and hopefully slept before and after their shift and the third group chanted from 2 to 6 am with the option to take a short nap after breakfast if needed.
We did this routine for six days straight. Can you imagine? There are many words to describe the zombie-like, euphoric, flowing rhythms which wove their way through the group. We were all sleep deprived, not the least of which the lamas – as they did so much. It turns out that they had to be present for specific prayers from 7 to 8:30 pm, from 11 to 11:30 pm and from 2 to 2:30 AM. Plus they were nearly always present during the daylight hours. So much for a full night's rest! We are so blessed to be able to attend these precious teachers!
On a side note, the night shift reminded me a bit of my time in the military (I was in the Army Reserves for four years), in that we would take turns on fire duty or night watch. Someone was always (supposed to be) vigilant. In this context of a Buddhist retreat, I think the underlying motivation is drastically different. But see my later posts for more on the military / Buddhism connection.
For book recommendations and more, visit my aStore at http://astore.amazon.com/kirmoosblo-20 or click the link to the right (Kirby's aStore). Proceeds benefity blogging and Dharma activities.
Hi, Kirby! My spouse and I were at the dissolution of the Mandala last Saturday. I found your blog through Bernie's (The Careless Hand). Thanks for this write-up; I'm hoping I'll be able to do the entire retreat next year. – John from Baltimore.


High quality soft enamel pin. Limited edition of 300. In production; shipping March 2019.
Optional: add your name to the Lux list for $1 when you purchase this pin. Please note that this is only for the recipient of the pin and is not transferable.


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Two new coronavirus deaths at North Cumbria Integrated Care Trust
Two new coronavirus deaths have been recorded at North Cumbria Integrated Care Trust in the latest 24-hour period, the latest official figures show.
NHS England figures show 186 people had died in hospital at North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust as of 5pm yesterday.
That was an increase of two compared to Tuesday, when there were 184.
It means there have been five deaths in the past week. The previous were there were no new deaths recorded.
The victims were among 4,519 deaths recorded across the North East and Yorkshire.
Of 29 trusts within the region, North Cumbria Integrated Care Trust has the 13th-highest death toll.
Daily death counts are revised each day, with each case backdated to the actual date of death.
This means some of the deaths that were first recorded in the latest period may actually have taken place days earlier.
NHS England guidance states: "Confirmation of COVID-19 diagnosis, death notification and reporting in central figures can take up to several days and the hospitals providing the data are under significant operational pressure."
Only deaths that occur in hospitals where the patient has tested positive for COVID-19 are recorded, with deaths in the community excluded, such as those in care homes
1,300 National Trust jobs at risk
Farmer pays almost £19,000 for Herdwick sheep


Bringing students and teachers together to address major questions facing society. Solving problems through creativity and collaboration across academic disciplines.
The LSU Strategic Plan 2025 identifies the Center for Collaborative Knowledge (CCK) as one of ten initiatives committed to a campus-wide culture of cross-disciplinary teaching and research. To that end, the CCK seeks to widen, deepen, and intensify interdisciplinary activities as a means to better prepare LSU students and faculty to become leaders in competitive marketplaces and globally-engaged citizens in an increasingly complex world.
Dr. Suzanne Marchand, chair of the CCK advisory board, welcomes you to the Center.
In its 1877 charter, LSU committed itself to serving as "an institution of learning, in the broadest and highest sense." The LSU Center for Collaborative Knowledge (CCK) reaffirms this vision for the university as a generator of knowledge between all academic disciplines, in undergraduate and graduate classes, and for the general public. Learn more about how you can participate in the life of the Center.


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Just Another Night was a professional wrestling live event produced by Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) on February 23, 1996. The event was held in the Briarcliffe Fieldhouse in Glenolden, Pennsylvania in the United States. A "fan cam" recording of the event was released on DVD by RF Video, while the event was later made available for streaming on the WWE Network. The bout between Bam Bam Bigelow and Cactus Jack was also included on the 2015 compilation DVD ECW Unreleased Vol. 3.

Event

The event was attended by 493 people.

The opening bout was a tag team match pitting the Bad Crew against Joel Hartgood and J.T. Smith. At the outset of the match, Smith gave Hartgood a series of chair shots and then walked out on him, leaving him outnumbered by the Bad Crew. The Bad Crew went on to win the bout, pinning Hartgood after giving him a powerbomb followed by a diving splash. After the match, the Sandman came to the ring and hit the Bad Crew and Hartgood with his Singapore cane.

The second bout was another tag team match, this one pitting the Pitbulls against Stevie Richards and the Blue Meanie. The match was won by the Pitbulls, who pinned the Blue Meanie following a superbomb.

The third bout was a singles match between ECW commissioner Tod Gordon and manager Bill Alfonso. Alfonso won the bout by pinfall after his client, Taz, hit Gordon. After the match, Alfonso and Taz attempted to give Gordon a chair shot but were driven off by Bam Bam Bigelow.

The fourth bout was a singles match between Mikey Whipwreck and El Puerto Riqueño. The match was won by Whipwreck.

The fifth bout was scheduled to be ECW World Tag Team Champions the Eliminators defending their titles against the Dudley Brothers. Before the match, The Eliminators performed Total Elimination on Dances with Dudley, injuring him and leaving his partner Buh Buh Ray Dudley outnumbered. After Dudley wrestled alone for several minutes, Hack Meyers came to the ring to replace Dances with Dudley. The Eliminators went on to win the match, pinning Meyers following Total Elimination.

The sixth bout was a singles match between Axl Rotten and the Sandman. The match was won by the Sandman by pinfall following a diving leg drop.

The seventh bout saw ECW World Television Champion 2 Cold Scorpio defend his title against Sabu in a rematch from Cyberslam. The match ended in a time limit draw after 20 minutes.

The eighth bout was a singles match between Bam Bam Bigelow and Cactus Jack. At the time of the match, Cactus Jack was soon to leave ECW to join the World Wrestling Federation, while Bigelow had recently left the Federation, debuting in ECW earlier that month at Big Apple Blizzard Blast. Bigelow went on to win the match by pinfall following a lariat. After the match, Cactus Jack, Stevie Richards, the Blue Meanie, and Taz attacked Bigelow, with Taz applying the Tazmission to him.

The main event saw ECW World Heavyweight Champion Raven defend his title against Shane Douglas. During the match, Brian Pillman came to ringside disguised as a photographer, then distracted Douglas with repeated camera flashes. Following repeated interference from Raven's Nest, Raven won the bout by pinfall following an Evenflow DDT onto a chair. After the match, Raven's Nest attacked Douglas until The Sandman came to the ring and drove them away, after which Douglas convinced him to form an alliance to take the ECW World Heavyweight Championship away from Raven.

Results

References

1996 in professional wrestling
Events in Pennsylvania
Extreme Championship Wrestling supercards and pay-per-view events
February 1996 events in the United States
Professional wrestling in Pennsylvania

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


We are committed to sustainable energy. As a result, we have partnered with Jacobs Farm and Soliculture to test greenhouse solar panel technology. An important step into a renewable future. Soliculture has developed panels that absorb green light and emit red light, engineered to enhance power production and plant growth. We are in the process of planting test crops and evaluating results. Most importantly, we are committed to exploring continuous innovation and farm sustainability.


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CU Denver partners with JLL on facilities plan
By CREJ June 6, 2018
The University of Colorado Denver is beginning implementation of its Facilities Master Plan to guide its facilities and real estate investments, and strengthen its position as an educational and economic asset to downtown Denver.
CU Denver has engaged real estate advisory and management firm JLL to consult on how to leverage existing real estate assets and realize master plan priorities, including building a new, first-year residence hall and dining facility to meet the needs of its growing student body.
"As Colorado's only public urban research university, CU Denver is committed to its home in the heart of this vibrant city," said CU Denver Chancellor Dorothy Horrell. "We've hired JLL to help us determine how we can maximize our real estate assets to the benefit of our students now, while ensuring our land is preserved for the needs of our university in the future."
On behalf of the university, JLL is soliciting a private-sector partner for a development, operation and management opportunity at Walnut and Fourth streets (near the intersection of West Colfax Avenue and Auraria Parkway) that includes the existing 700-bed Campus Village Apartments and an adjacent, undeveloped parcel.
"The site offers an existing revenue stream from the in-demand Campus Village Apartments. It's located next to the Auraria Campus with nearly 50,000 students, as well as two light rail stops — one of which provides direct access to Mile High Stadium," said Bob Hunt, managing director with JLL's Higher Education Group. "It's an attractive development opportunity for a partner to activate under-utilized land with mixed-use development, enabling CU Denver to direct its focus and funding to its critical facility needs."
The selected partner will also work with CU Denver to develop a first-year housing and dining facility on the Auraria Campus.
JLL and CU Denver are collaborating to select a developer and negotiate a partnership contract which will be structured as a long-term land lease with the university retaining land ownership. The resulting revenue will be used for campus priorities such as the development of the first-year residence and dining hall and to fund ongoing operations and maintenance services. A request-for-qualifications and request-for-proposals process will begin in August with the intention to select a development partner by March. More information is available at www.318cvadenver.com.
JLL's work in identifying and selecting a private development partner is the first step toward the realization of CU Denver's 2017 Facilities Master Plan, which maps out a vision for the campus over the next 10 years. The plan also prioritizes a new Engineering and Physical Sciences Building, for which fundraising is now underway.
Educational FacilitiesLandMixed-UseStudent Housing
Edited by the Colorado Real Estate Journal staff.


About Paul Bohn, M.D., Psy.D.
Paul Bohn, MD is a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at UCLA and a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. Dr. Bohn completed a Psychiatric Residency at UCLA, a Fellowship in Anxiety Disorders and Behavior Therapy at USC and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at ICP. Past positions include: Founding Director of the UCLA Social Anxiety Clinic, Associate Director of the UCLA Anxiety Disorders Clinic, and President of the Southern California Psychiatric Association.
Welcome to my psychiatry practice specializing in the treatment of anxiety and depression. I have advanced training and expertise in cognitive behavior therapy, medication and insight oriented psychotherapy. My first priority is to help you manage your symptoms using cognitive behavior therapy or medication. Later, if you are inclined, we can explore the "roots" of your anxiety, depression, self-consciousness or relationship issues with insight oriented psychotherapy.
Clinical Psychopharmacology is the study of the use of medications in treating mental disorders. Psychopharmacologic medications can have effects on mood, sensation, thinking, and behavior. The field of psychopharmacology studies a wide range of substances with various types of psychoactive properties, focusing primarily on neurotransmitters in the brain. These substances include antidepressants, anxiolytics , stimulants and mood stabilizers.
Psychoactive drugs interact with particular target sites or receptors found in the nervous system to induce changes in physiological or psychological functions. These drugs may originate from natural sources such as plants and animals, or from artificial sources such as chemical synthesis in the laboratory.
Psychodynamic Therapy addresses interpersonal issues, anxiety and depression. It is based on the idea that behavior and mental well-being are influenced by childhood experiences and inappropriate repetitive thoughts or feelings that are unconscious (outside of the person's awareness). Patients work with the therapist to improve self-awareness and to change old patterns so they can more fully take charge of their life.


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US February 07, 2015
Wildfire Near California-Nevada Line Destroys 40 Homes
"We did what we could."
Image source: Kern County Fire Department
Story by the Associated Press; curated by Dave Urbanski
SWALL MEADOWS, Calif. (AP) — Forty homes were destroyed in a wind-driven wildfire that burned nearly 11 square miles and forced the evacuation of about 150 people in two small Northern California towns at the base of the Sierra Nevada, officials said Saturday.
Image source: Inyo County Sheriff's Office
The fire started near a highway on the border of Inyo and Mono counties Friday afternoon, and blew up when 50 to 75 mph winds whipped through wooded areas near Town of Paradise and Swall Meadows for about three hours, said California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Capt. Liz Brown.
Home on fire in Inyo County. (Image source: Kern County Fire Department)
An incoming storm caused the winds to constantly shift direction, making it tough for firefighters to contain the blaze, she said.
"We had to take defensive positions to protect as many structures as we could while protecting ourselves," Brown said. "We did what we could."
She said Swall Meadows was hit hard by the blaze — 39 homes were destroyed there while one burned in the neighboring Town of Paradise.
Firefighters gained the upper hand when rain moved in, and have contained 50 percent of the blaze.
Brown said even rain wasn't enough to put out the fire because a three-year drought across California created extremely dry timber brush that fueled the flames.
A firefighter was treated for smoke inhalation.
The cause of the fire was under investigation.
Follow Dave Urbanski (@DaveVUrbanski) on Twitter


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Question # 398: The Myth of Levitating Stone of Shivapur (Shrine of Qamar Ali Durvesh)
Posted by Abu Zeenat Afdal | Jun 22, 2019 | Mysticism (Sufism) | 0 |
Question # 398: Is the "Levitating Stone – Shivapur, Maharashtra" true? If so, how it is possible? Because the dargah visitors consider it to be a miracle and an excuse to believe in the Sufi Saints, in this case, Qamar Ali Durvesh.
bismi-llahi r-raḥmani r-raḥīm,
Assalamu 'laikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,
All praise and thanks are due to Allah (سبحانه و تعالى), and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger (صلى الله عليه و سلم).
Dear questioner,
First of all, we implore Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) to help us serve His cause and render our work for His sake.
Shorter Answer: The Shrine of Qamar Ali Durvesh, a Sufi Saint in Shivapur (India), features an ancient stone that reportedly weighs 198lbs (90kg). Lifting this stone off the ground would normally require a lot of strength, but according to believers in the Levitating Stone miracle, it's possible for eleven men (not more or less) to lift it up over their heads with only their index fingers, but only after shouting Qamar Ali Durvesh's name in unison. Although there are many who believe this to be a true miracle, but to skeptics, it's nothing more than a gimmick to scam money out of tourists and naive religious people. An eyewitness, who visited the shrine in 1984, claims that he was one of the eleven men who attempted to lift it and saw the others using their palms and applying considerable force. As for him, he could not even pronounce the saint's name and he did only touch the stone lightly for few moments; in effect, the act was performed only by ten men. According to him, there was no levitation, but rather lifting.
In fact, the "Finger Lift" is a fairly common party trick. In fact, the truth of the matter is that the feat is based on the following three premises:
Timing: The timing is very precise as the Saint's name is chanted in unison. The purpose of the chanting is not to Unleash the Power Within — it's really to synchronize the potential lifters into one single lifting unit. Consequently, all are lifting at exactly the same time.
Weight distribution: Our fingers are pretty strong; think of carrying super-heavy plastic grocery bags. When all the 11 men lift as one, they are lifting only about 18lbs apiece, and it's not at all hard especially when the object is stiff like stone.
Fallible human memory: Thinking of it as mystical power gives the lifter an ability to lift the object into the air; consequently, the levitation gets higher, the object feels lighter and the whole ordeal feels spookier.
Also please refer to Question # 17: Visiting dargah (Grave Worship – Element of Shirk)
Long Answer: To start with, after understanding the history behind the levitating stone, we will examine the issue from two perspectives, firstly, the claim of an eyewitness and secondly, the associated science behind the myth.
History of the Levitating Stone
Every day, hundreds of tourists and devotees visit a shrine in Shivapur, a small village about 180 km east of Mumbai, in India, to witness a controversial "miracle" known as the Levitating Stone of Shivapur.
The Shrine of Qamar Ali Durvesh, a Muslim Sufi Saint who lived about 700 years ago, features an ancient stone that reportedly weighs 154lbs (90kg). Lifting this stone off the ground would normally require a lot of strength, but according to believers in the Levitating Stone miracle, it's possible for a set number of men to lift it up over their heads with only their index fingers, but only after shouting Qamar Ali Durvesh's name. This phenomenon has fascinated Indian Muslims for centuries, but many believe it's nothing more than a gimmick.
The Levitating Stone of Shivapur is closely tied to Sufi Qamar Ali Durvesh. [According to sources,] he was born in a family of middle-class Muslims whose men were very proud of their physical strength and spent most of their time training in a gymnasium. Qamar Ali was different from the other men in his family. He became a disciple of a Sufi Pir (great teacher) who lived near his home when he was only 6-years-old, and spent most of his time meditating and fasting. Legend has it that Qamar Ali was a compassionate boy who attracted devotees with his magical healing powers, but he was always mocked by the other boys, because he was never interested in physical activities. He died in his late years, but legend has it that as he lay on his death bed, the Sufi saint cursed one of the heavy stones that local men used for training in order to prove that spiritual power was greater than brute strength. He requested that the stone be placed near his grave and reportedly said: "If eleven men place their right index fingers under the stone and then jointly call my name, I will cause it to rise higher than their heads. Otherwise, neither by themselves nor together will they be able to move it more than two feet off the ground."
The Levitating Stone at the Shrine of Qamar Ali Durvesh, in Shivapur, is apparently the same one he cursed over 700 years ago, and men here have been using his formula to perform the "miracle" of lifting it over their heads with only their index fingers. Devotees say that the task can only be performed by 11 men, and only after shouting Qamar Ali's name in unison. Because the Sufi Saint was a celibate and in deference to his chastity, women are not allowed to perform this feat or even touch the stone.
There are many who believe that the Levitating Stone of Shivapur is a true miracle and a testament to the powers of Qamar Ali Durvesh, but to skeptics, it's nothing more than a gimmick to scam money out of tourists and naive religious people.
Eyewitness Testimony
Although some photos and videos show the 11 men using their index fingers to lift the heavy stone off the ground, William Wolfe [an ESL / TESOL educator], who visited Shivapur in 1984, claims that he was one of the 11 men who attempted to lift it and saw the others using their palms and applying considerable force.
"I was one of the 11, and I was unable to pronounce his name, and in fact said nothing. This means that only 10 men were trying, not 11," Wolfe wrote on Quora. "I also only lightly touched the stone with my right index finger and did this for just a moment, but I carefully observed the other 10 men. They put their entire hand under the stone and applied a considerable force. I could see their biceps flexing. I only touched it for a few moments because they lifted it rapidly with the force that they were applying. There was no levitation, but rather lifting." (//www.quora.com/Is-the-Levitating-Stone-Shivapur-Maharashtra-true-and-has-any-one-witnessed-this)
He is certainly not the only one to contest this "miracle", but the general skepticism doesn't seem to have affected the popularity of the Levitating Stone one bit. Hundreds of people still flock to Shivapur to witness this [so-called] "magical" feat with their own eyes. (//www.odditycentral.com/travel/the-levitating-stone-of-shivapur-a-controversial-miracle.html)
Solving the Mystery
The "Finger Lift" is a fairly common party trick. It's used by primary school kids doing sleepovers, high-school students trying to impress each other, and many people trying to push a spiritual barrow. The Finger Lift also goes under the name of "Stiff As a Board, Light As a Feather".
The subject/[object] [is] seated in a chair, or on a table, or lying down on the floor. Then [a number of people] gather around, and are told to try to lift the subject/[object] using either just one single finger, or your two index fingers joined into a single lifting unit from two clenched hands. As [one] would expect, [they] couldn't lift [it] (either with a single finger, or with two fingers joined together). Then, the magic began. First, [they] were told to chant a song, or rub your own two hands together, or to pile all …hands of the potential lifters one at a time on top of the head of the subject/[object], or to press on their shoulders — or something. It didn't matter exactly what it is — there is always some kind of silly ritual that didn't seem to make any sense.
Then [the people are] instructed to count to some number, or to chant a song [or shouting the Saint's name, in the question under consideration], and then at a certain point, to try to lift. And then — lo and behold — your fingers acquired magical strength and [they] could lift the subject/[object] effortlessly into the air.
Here's what's really going on: good timing, weight distribution and fallible [human] memory.
Timing: In the first [failed] attempt to lift the subject/[object], everyone is lifting their fingers at different times, so all are trying to lift the subject/[object]'s entire weight by himself at each moment. In the second attempt, because of the timed chanting and ritual, all are lifting at the exact same time.
Dr. Karl says "There are lots of videos of this Finger Lift on YouTube. One of them claims that "it's an old Romanian trick", while others have Chinese or Africans doing it. But they all have the timing in common. For the first doomed attempt to lift the subject/[object], there was no effort to get everybody to do the lift at the same instant. In fact, there was deliberate vague misdirection, along the lines of "so go ahead try to lift". And in all of the videos on YouTube, you can see that the lifters are very much out of time with each other. That means that for the brief instant each person is trying to lift the subject/[object] by themselves, they are fruitlessly trying to lift the entire 50–80kg weight of the subject/[object] on one (or two) fingers. But for the second successful attempt, the timing is very precise. The purpose of the chanting of the numbers/ [name], or the prayer, or song is not to Unleash the Power Within — it's really to synchronize the potential lifters into one single lifting unit."
Weight distribution: When …all [of the 11 men in our case] lift as one, they are lifting only about 18lbs apiece. Think about when one is trying to carry super-heavy plastic grocery bags and don't want to make a second trip from the car. Our fingers are pretty strong! Take [eleven] people doing this at the exact same moment, and it's not that hard to lift someone with your fingers, especially if the subject/[object] is holding her body "stiff as a board" [and stone in our case]. Louis Cyr, the old-time French-Canadian strongman (1863–1912) could lift 553lb (250.2kg) with a single finger (his right middle). The old-time American strongman of the early 1900s, Warren Lincoln Travis, lifted 560lb (254kg) on his 50th birthday with a single finger.
Fallible [human] memory: So many of us did this as children, our memories start to play tricks on us. The levitation gets higher, the subject/[object] feels lighter and the whole ordeal feels spookier. Dr. Karl says "Every person who has described this to me has described the strange mystical power that gave them the ability to not only lift the subject/[object] into the air, but also, to effortlessly hold them there. But every time I have seen it done, the lifters just barely lifted the subject/[object], and could not hold them there, and in fact, almost dropped them in their haste to get them down to the ground again. And that is what you will see on YouTube."
(The last section is based on the following internet resources:
Article 'Lift that finger' by Dr Karl Kruszelnicki, Great Moments in Science – ABC Science, Published 27 May 2008 (//www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2008/05/27/2257305.htm)
Has 'light as a feather, stiff as a board' ever worked? by Debra Ronca, Published 20 October 2014 (//science.howstuffworks.com/science-vs-myth/everyday-myths/has-light-as-feather-stiff-as-board-ever-worked.htm)
Allahu A'lam (Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) knows best) and all Perfections belong to Allah, and all mistakes belong to me alone. May Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) forgive me, Ameen.
Wassalaam
PreviousQuestion # 397: Combining / Joining Two Prayers when Traveling
NextQuestion # 399: Washing one's Car – Water Conservation in Islam
Abu Zeenat Afdal
Students Of Knowledge
Question # 387: Significance of Arabic letter "waw" (و) in Turkish Mysticism


Are you not paying attention, people with their hat on backwards, pants down around the crack? Isn't that a sign of something, or are you waiting for Jesus to pull his pants up (laughter and clapping ). Isn't it a sign of something when she's got her dress all the way up to the crack…and got all kinds of needles and things going through her body. What part of Africa did this come from? (laughter). We are not Africans. Those people are not Africans, they don't know a damned thing about Africa. With names like Shaniqua, Shaligua, Mohammed and all that crap and all of them are in jail. (When we give these kinds names to our children, we give them the strength and inspiration in the meaning of those names. What's the point of giving them strong names if there is not parenting and values backing it up)."
Cosby said further on Oprah: "It's not what they're doing to us. It's what we're not doing...Brown vs. the Board of Education—these people who marched and were hit in the face with rocks and punched in the face to get an education, and we've got these knuckleheads walking around who don't want to learn English. I know you all know it, but I just want to get you as angry as you ought to be," he said.
The reason I'm mentioning this on a retro blog is because, to me, the Cos' idea of parenting IS retro. There just doesn't seem to be enough of it going on in the year 2007, and it's not restricted to just African Americans, either. What would the people who were parents during the 1950s and 1960s have thought if they got to look into the television of the future and saw Supernanny? I'm sure they would've thought the fact that in the 21st century people don't know how to discipline their kids and teach them to be decent human beings ludicrous. Yet that's exactly what's going on today, and it is pathetic with a capital P. And no one seems to care.


This is really important, so let me get right to the point: Digital media archives must be managed.
Apple is completing the transition from 32-bit to 64-bit hardware and software that it began 15 years ago. This means that at some point in the near future, older 32-bit applications and media files won't open on current systems. To prevent losing access to our history, we need to convert older legacy media files into a current 64-bit codecs.
Most legacy files are SD (standard-definition), so, when converting files shot with a camera, ProRes 422 is an excellent archive choice. If you are converting files created on a computer, either with or without an alpha channel, ProRes 4444 is the codec I recommend.
NOTE: One of the benefits of ProRes is that it is resolution-agnostic. It easily supports any original source resolution of our media files.
A key reason I recommend ProRes 422 for camera media is that standard-definition video was shot in a 4:2:2 color space or smaller. Digital Betacam shot 4:2:2, Betacam SP and DV shot, essentially, 4:1:1, while DVDs were 4:2:0.
Because older 32-bit applications and older codecs will not be supported forever, it is essential to convert older files into newer codecs in order to retain access to our historical media. It is always better to proactively convert older files than discover, after you've already upgraded, that the files no longer open.
Before you upgrade your editing system to a new version of the macOS, such as Mojave, take time to make sure that your legacy files and applications will still run properly. Waiting a few weeks before upgrading to allow yourself time to research any potential problems will be time well-spent.
NOTE: Another option is to create a dual-boot system disk. This allows you to run both an older version of the macOS alongside the current version. Here's an article that explains how to do this.
64-bit systems can access vastly larger amounts of memory. The 64-bit Intel architecture is significantly faster than 32-bit. It supports better system security. And, when it comes to media files, 64-bit system support is necessary for larger media frame sizes and larger project frame sizes, such as 4K and beyond.
Apple began converting from 32-bit to 64-bit hardware in 2003. By 2008, both Apple hardware and operating systems fully-supported 64-bit applications, while at the same time, also running older, 32-bit applications. For the next ten years, both 32-bit and 64-bit applications ran happily together.
However, the legacy QuickTime stack (upon which both Final Cut Pro 7 and QuickTime Player 7 were built) was not designed for 64-bit operation. QuickTime Player 7 was replaced by QuickTime Player X in 2007 and, over time, Apple has added new features into QuickTime Player X (which is now called: QuickTime Player).
NOTE: Here's an article that showcases many of the newer features in QuickTime Player.
While many new features have been added to QuickTime Player, it still doesn't have the same functionality as the Pro version of QuickTime Player 7; which is why many of us still use the older version. However, very soon, after another macOS upgrade or two, that older version of QuickTime Player 7 will stop working.
NOTE: It is important to note the Final Cut Pro 7 stopped working with the release of macOS High Sierra (v.10.13). DVD Studio Pro stopped working with the release of Sierra (v. 10.12).
At WWDC 2017, Apple announced to its developers that High Sierra would be the last OS to support 32-bit applications without compromise. Starting with Mojave (v. 10.14), the operating system will display a warning whenever you launch a 32-bit application.
NOTE: However, I've been told that while this warning is new, Mojave will support 32-bit applications the same way that High Sierra does today.
As media creators, we face two challenges: To make sure we can run the applications we need AND make sure we can access legacy media files.
NOTE: Read the complete statement from Adobe here.
In my conversations with the Premiere team at Adobe, I learned that converting older files into Apple ProRes 422 (on the Mac) or GoPro Cineform (on Windows) would be excellent codecs that protect your assets into the future. While no codec lasts forever, ProRes and Cineform are already 64-bit and are actively supported by Apple, GoPro and other developers.
Currently, if you try to open an older file with an outdated codec, Apple automatically transcodes it into AVC (H.264). While AVC is a compressed codec, Final Cut Pro X (unlike Final Cut Pro 7) can edit those H.264 files natively without the need to transcode.
NOTE: If you want to avoid the extra compression that AVC performs on your files, you can use Compressor, or other compression software, to convert the files into the codec of your choice. As well, virtually all compression apps support transcoding files in batches.
There is no list of 32-bit codecs that I've been able to find. However, if your media is more than ten years old, you need to start thinking about how to convert it into a current codec to preserve it. While there are many options, ProRes 422 is a great choice for almost all legacy media because it easily supports so many different frame sizes and frame rates.
32-bit support is not going to last forever. The warnings in Mojave mark the beginning of the end of 32-bit support.
There is nothing wrong with keeping an older version of the macOS running on a computer to preserve access to applications and files that you need for your work.
Both Final Cut Pro X and Motion are fully 64-bit. However, Compressor still retains support for 32-bit codecs so that it can be used to transcode legacy files.
We must actively manage our older media. Convert legacy digital media into ProRes 422 to preserve it for the future. Convert computer-generated media into ProRes 4444, either with or without an alpha channel.
NOTE: You can convert legacy files into other versions of ProRes, such as ProRes 422 HQ or 4444, but you won't see any improvement in image quality.
If you are on a Windows system, while you can play back any ProRes file, it is not as easy to transcode into ProRes. Good codecs for Windows would include high-data rate versions of DNxHD or GoPro Cineform.
NOTE: As a handy tip, because codecs change often, it is a good idea to track which media files use which codec. This simplifies your work when you need to find older files who's codecs are no longer supported. Many media asset managers can track this automatically.
As media creators, we are responsible for making sure our older files are accessible into the future. This means that we must actively manage our archives and convert older media into newer formats so that we don't lose access to our past. Because of all these changes, it's a good idea to review our archives annually to keep them safe and up-to-date.
How about preserving HD media tapes? What are your suggestions regarding the ability to read them in the future?
While I'm not Larry I do have something to say as a former facility engineer.
Video Tapes themselves decay/deteriorate. The metal particles flake and the magnetic recordings may weaken over time.
Additionally you have to maintain a compatible player. Players break. Tape heads wear. The compatible players become scarce. People who know how to maintain them become scarce. Replacement heads on other parts become scarce.
IMHO Video Tape is NOT a good archival format. It's better to convert them to a file format (Larry mentions those) and multiple backups can be made and updates over time during major codec transitions (such as the move from 32bit to 64bit).
Of course if by Tape, you're referring to LTO, that would be a tape backup strategy but that too is not without its caveats.
Tell us more about Lto caveats..
Digitize your video tapes into ProRes 422 files. Yes, it will take a while, but at least today you have access to everything you need in hardware to make that happen. In 15 years? It will be a lot harder.
I understand what you are saying about 32 bit apps, such as FCP 7 and DVDSP4, not being supported in the future. I have taken the step to deal with this by creating separation El Capitan and Sierra partitions on my currently High Sierra hard drive. However, I'm a bit confused about what codecs, other than those in SD, would become unopenable. For example, I am still often shooting with a Panasonic HVX-200a, which shoots in DVCPROHD, and editing in FCP X. Two questions: #1) Do I have to be concerned with that codec becoming unusable in future 64 bit operating systems? #2) Occasionally, I have edited SD footage (DV/DVCPRO – NTSC, Linear PCM) into my HD timelines. Are you saying that this footage should be converted to ProRes422 if I should want to be able to continue editing or revising this footage as part of an FCP X project?
The basic problem is that we don't know the roadmap for the future. That being said, I would expect DVCPROHD and DV to be supported well into the future. They are very popular and supported by multiple vendors. For now, you should be safe.
As a safe practice, however, it would be wise to start tracking which codecs you are using so that IF one day in the future one of these will no longer be supported, you can locate and update affected files more easily.
I've been told there are no stupid questions just stupid people, so here I go. Is there a way to tell if a video file is 32 or 64bit? I don't see any mention in the Get Info selection and my on line searches only reference how to determine if an app or programs is 32 or 64bit.
This is NOT a stupid question – I've been asking it myself.
The answer is that 32-bit vs. 64-bit applies to applications and, perhaps, codecs, but not media. The problem, as Adobe announced, is that not all codecs will be supported going forward; as you read in my article.
This means that it would be wise to convert media using older codecs into something newer – I used ProRes 422 as a good example – to make sure that they can be accessed in the future.
This issue is complex and I'll continue writing about it as I learn more.
after updating to FCPX 10.4.4 I just received a message that a project contains legacy footage and won't be supported in the future.
Strangely, the project contains only footage shot on my GH5 in 4k/50fps.
This kind of footage should be supported in the future, correct? any idea what this might be about?
Compatibility isn't based on the camera you use, the frame size or the frame rate. It's based on the codec (video format). Also, be sure you update the Pro Video formats, which does not appear in the Mac App store. Instead, go to System Preferences > Software Update.
Is there any software that can search and find all legacy files from my external archive HDD's and then upgrade them? I see QuickTime Player converts legacy media files before playing them. But that is one file at a time. is there any software that can search my external video HDD and update all legacy files?
Take a look at Kyno – Kyno.software.
It can see all the files on a hard disk, search for specific codecs and transcode them into the codec of your choice.
You are correct – and I'm currently in conversations with Apple to learn more specifics about what is going on.
How to identify clips encoded with legacy codecs? It is harder than it looks. The names used in FCPX codec field does not seem to match will with Apple's list.
A simple example: I have clips with codecs listed in FCPX as 'avc1″, dji avc encoder, and gopro avc encoder. All of these clips open in the current Quicktime Player and list H.264 as the video codec! Do I need to convert these files or are they OK. If they are OK, I have no clue as to what clips are causing the legacy warning.
I really would like to have a tool that can scan a Library and flag Legacy codecs.
With these differences in naming codec, how do I figure out which clips I need to reprocess to get rid of the warning?
These are great questions. I'm in the middle of researching the answers and hope to have something definite by the middle of next week.


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Outdoor dining in NJ could be extended to November 2022 thanks to new bill
The New Jersey Senate unanimously approved a bill that aims to help restaurants dealing with crippling financial difficulties caused by the pandemic.
The bill would allow restaurants, bars, distilleries and breweries to operate outdoors until at least Nov. 30, 2022, no matter when indoor dining returns to full capacity. Currently indoor dining is capped at 25%.
This bill comes after Gov. Phil Murphy vetoed a similar bill, saying it bypassed health and safety regulations.
This second attempt is a result of discussions had by Senate President Steve Sweeney, D-Gloucester, Assembly sponsors and the Governor's office, according to Senator Paul Sarlo, D-Wood-Ridge, one of the bill's sponsors.
"This is important and it is timely," said Sarlo in a statement. "Restaurants, bars, distilleries and breweries have experienced significant business losses because of the coronavirus crisis... They need to know that they are permitted to operate outdoors for the next two years so that they can invest in purchasing fixtures such as tents and umbrellas necessary for outdoor dining."
The bill allows businesses to file an application with municipal zoning officers to extend their dining and drinking areas to patios, decks, yards, walkways, parking lots and public sidewalks. The applications cannot be rejected, under the bill, as long as they are in compliance with health, safety, fire and zoning laws of the town.
The previous bill that Murphy vetoed received widespread support from the dining industry, including such organizations as the New Jersey Business & Industry Association and the Brewers Guild of New Jersey.
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According to Eric Orlando, executive director of the Brewers Guild of New Jersey, the previous bill would have "provided a longer-term, predictable and affordable methodology whereby homegrown local business could attempt to better manage the financial impact of the pandemic and set a course for recovery, which could take years to accomplish."
However, Murphy felt the bill would limit municipalities' ability to reject outdoor dining plans based on health and safety.
"In seeking to deliver a degree of relief to these businesses, the bill circumvents existing licensing and regulation processes critical to protecting the public's health and safety," he said in a statement.
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The new bill seeks to find a middle ground by giving municipalities more leeway to reject applications if health and safety protocols are not followed.
Many restaurant owners, brewers, wine-makers and distillers are urging Murphy to sign the bill, which would allow them more time to plan and make purchases for their outdoor spaces.
"Finding innovative ways to support New Jersey's hospitality businesses is critical to their survival during the pandemic," said Jay Hibbard, Distilled Spirits Council Vice President of State Government Relations, in an email statement. "Outdoor dining has proved to be a valuable economic lifeline for local restaurants, bars and distilleries that have struggled to cope with the harsh economic impacts of COVID-19. We urge Governor Murphy to sign this bill and provide much-needed relief to New Jersey businesses."
The bill is sponsored by Senators Sarlo, Nellie Pou, D-Passaic, and Vin Gopal, D-Monmouth.