It has been over two years since EXAIR first brought our Gen4 Static Eliminators to market with improved performance, materials and durability. The new design features continue to provide our customers with reliable, rugged and problem solving static eliminators.
More recently our Gen4 product line was completed by integrating these same beneficial features in the Gen4 Ionizing Bars, Gen4 Super Ion Air Knives, and Gen4 Standard Ion Air Knives.
There are two common ways that a Static Eliminator will start to underperform; contamination buildup and point degradation. To create ions from a metal point, a high voltage is needed. With 5,000 volts forcing its way into a confined area, the energy behind making an ion creates a corona field. Any contamination near or around that point will produce a small amount of charred material. The more contamination in the surrounding area, the faster the buildup will occur. Once a sharp point is coated, the ion production begins to decrease.
The other issue is with metal point degradation. With the cycle of heating and cooling, the material will start to lose the sharpness of the point over time. Like a wick used in a candle, you lose a little bit each time. For both methods above, once the point sharpness is reduced, the dissipation time to remove static starts to increase.
For any "forensics" analysis with the Static Eliminators, you should have a model 7905 Static Meter. Besides viewing the ion points, the Static Meter can help determine the severity of the function of the ion points. If cleaning is required, you can use a soft-bristled brush to remove any charred contamination from the point and the base area. Make sure that the power is turned off before cleaning. For resistor-based Static Eliminators, the metal ion pins are replaceable. This is model 901188. This added feature makes a cost-effective way to keeping the points sharp, and the Static Eliminators like new. The video below shows how to clean and replace the ion points.
Contact any of our Application Engineers if you have any additional questions about cleaning, about a new application or about potential solutions to static related problems.
What Makes Things Easier Than An EXAIR Static Eliminator? Another EXAIR Static Eliminator!
A contract manufacturer, servicing the medical and biotechnology markets, is a long time user of our Ion Air Guns. They've had great success with them in keeping their products free from static & dust for years. These are mainly small, hand-held parts, so, when they need to get them clean and static-free during assembly and packaging, EXAIR's Ion Air Gun is ideal, because it, too, is small and hand-held.
A new process, though, involves the operator needing both hands for assembly. This would mean picking up the Ion Air Gun, blowing off the part, putting it down, and then using both hands to complete the operation. They thought there had to be a better way. And they were right!
The Model 8910 Instant Static Elimination Station offers hands-free control of ionized air flow – a foot pedal turns an Ion Air Jet (whose performance is identical to the Ion Air Gun) on and off with…well, the press of a foot. The Magnetic Base and Stay Set Hose make it easy to install, and even easier to position.
Hand held convenience of the Ion Air Gun (easy) or no-hands convenience of the Ion Air Jet Station (easier.) Your call.
For an even more automated approach, they are considering an EFC Electronic Flow Control. They're ready to go, right out of the box…the photoelectric sensor will open and close a solenoid valve (installed in the compressed air supply line) based on the setting of the programmable timer unit. With a simple wave of the part in front of the sensor, the operator could activate a preset blow of a few seconds, which would be easy to determine, even easier to set, and…easiest of all…reliably repeat all day long. They're going to try out the foot pedal first, and that's just fine by me. Perhaps there's such as thing as "too easy," but man, I hope not.
Even if you're already using EXAIR products to make things easy, you can call me to see how much easier it might get.
Speaking of easy…get a FREE AC Sensor with a Static Eliminator order. Promotion ends 1/31/2017!
Many automotive parts are made of plastic, and with nonconductive materials, static electricity can become a big problem, especially in cooler climates.
A customer with whom I spoke recently assembles instrumentation clusters for vehicles. The assembly process started by using a regular compressed air gun to blow the surfaces clean before assembly. The operator would place a polycarbonate applique onto a lighting fixture. Then a clear polycarbonate cover would go over both parts. To complete the cluster assembly, an ultrasonic welder would weld the plastic studs around the outside edge and seal the parts together. This completed the assembly process. However, during inspection, they started to notice more visual defects after the welding process. The cause was debris that became lodged between the applique and the clear cover. The debris was still present even after blowing. If the debris wasn't cleared prior to welding, the entire assembly would have to be scrapped due to the visual defect. The customer knew about EXAIR from previous projects and so decided to get help from us again to solve this expensive reject situation.
Initially, blowing the plastic components with regular compressed air before assembling and welding worked well, but then they started seeing an increase in the reject rate. I came to find out that they were located in Michigan. So I asked the customer about the weather there recently. They indicated that was getting cooler as we begin to head into Fall and Winter. As cooler weather is among us, static can be generated much easier because cool air cannot hold as much moisture. And with less moisture, which aids to eliminate a static charge, the likelihood that static will generate goes up. Once static is generated on plastic components, dust and debris likes to stick to the surface. Static charges are very strong, and even with blowing compressed air, the debris can still cling to edges or even "jump" to another location. This was a manual operation and they needed to remove the static from the surface in order to eliminate the debris from the assembly.
I recommended the model 8493 Ion Air Gun Kit. It combines static removal capability with a blowing force that one would normally associate with a compressed air blowgun. The kit includes the Ion Air Gun, power supply, filter and regulator. The Ion Air Gun is designed with a 5:1 amplification ratio; minimizing compressed air usage and maximizing ionized airflow. With the regulator, you can control the force from a "blast" to a "breeze". The ionized airflow eliminates the static from the plastic surfaces, allowing the airstream to remove any dirt and debris. They replaced their current air gun with the EXAIR Ion Air Gun, and the rejection rate decreased to the acceptable levels that they were seeing in the summer months.
Being that the winter months are approaching, you may want to re-evaluate your processes. If you are working with non-conductive materials like plastic, wood, glass, or textiles, EXAIR has a variety of Static Eliminators that can save you from getting headaches, losing money, and saving time. With our customer above, they weren't able to get ahead of the static issue, and it created many problems until they investigated using EXAIR Static Eliminators. Get rid of your static headaches by using an EXAIR Static Eliminator today.
Static Electricity – What is it?
Now that the air is cooling and the humidity is dropping, you may often experience the phenomena of static electricity, and the resultant shock when touching something metal. As a child, you may have learned about static electricity by rubbing a balloon on your head and then seeing it stick to the wall. What is the science behind static electricity?
All materials are made up of atoms, which have a positively charged core called the nucleus surrounded by a cloud of negatively charged electrons. Each material is different, and in some types of materials the positive nucleus has a very strong pull on the electrons while in other materials the pull is very weak. If we were to put a strong pull material in contact with a weaker pull material, atoms from the weak pull material will migrate, and when the materials are separated, additional electrons will remain with the strong pull material. Due to the overall increase in electron quantity, the material becomes negatively charged and the other material becomes positively charged. If the materials are rubbed together, the opportunities for the electron migration increases, and thus more electrons are exchanged.
Electrons build up more easily in dry conditions. When the air has humidity, static build up is less common because a very thin layer of water molecules coat most surfaces, which allows the electrons to move more freely and make most materials conductive and static free.
In some cases, static electricity can be a good thing – laser printers and photocopiers use static electricity to transfer ink from the drum to the paper. Also, some power plants and chemical factories use static electricity to remove pollutants in a process that takes place within the smokestack.
But generally when EXAIR gets involved, it is because the static electricity is causing an unwanted build up of static charge that affects a manufacturing process. The results of a static charge imbalance can result in a shock to an operator, materials sticking together, poor print quality, sensor or counter malfunctions, bad surface finish, or any number of other problems.
EXAIR offers systems for total static control, such as the Super Ion Air Knife and Ionizing Bars for wide applications such as paper, film and plastic webs, the Super Ion Air Wipe for narrow, continuously moving materials such as wire, tube, or extrusions. Also offered are the handheld Ion Air Gun for use on three dimensional parts prior to assembly, packaging painting or finishing. Other options include the Ion Air Cannon for limited space or remote mounting applications, Ion Air Jet for tight spaces and concentrated airflow, and the Ionizing Point to provide close distance and accurate static removal.
To discuss your static elimination concerns , feel free to contact EXAIR and one our Application Engineers can help you determine the best solution.
According to The Old Farmer's Almanac, the Fall Equinox and thus the end of summer occurs tomorrow, September 22, at 10:21 am EDT for us here in Cincinnati, OH.
Just as the seasons change and the weather goes from warm, humid days to cooler, drier times, we see a change at EXAIR in what challenges our customers face. Telephone calls and online chat topics about overheating electrical enclosures and Cabinet Cooler Systems tend to drop off and invariably the topic of static issues and the EXAIR Static Eliminators solutions take their place.
EXAIR has many available solutions for total static control, whether on a moving web, sheet stock, or three dimensional parts, extrusions or plastics.
Static eliminators with air combine EXAIR engineered airflow products with an ionizing point to eliminate a static charge quickly and at great distances. Laminar flow air streams make it possible to blow away dirt and debris, and deliver the ionized air to neutralize surface static. They are ideal for hard to reach places and obstructed surfaces, high speed moving objects, and surfaces with extremely high charges. Some examples are the Super Ion Air Knife, Ion Air Cannon, Ion Air Gun, and the Ion Air Jet.
Static eliminators without air may be necessary when even small amounts of air can disrupt the product, such as light weight materials. EXAIR offers two types of ionizers to handle these types of applications. The Ionizing Bar is ideal for flat materials when the bar can be mounted close to the media. The Ionizing Point is a good solution for spot neutralization such as in winding or slitting operations where its compact size allows for installation close to the source of the static generation. Both of these products should be mounted within 2″ of the surface they are removing static.
When you notice static beginning to build in your process, feel free to contact EXAIR and one our Application Engineers can help you determine which Static Eliminator solution can help you.


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Tour Gallery
Ask Manners
The toughest part is keeping your eyes open
Neil Manthorp – 04/04/2001
Deborah Kirsten is honest enough to admit that her interest in watching cricket is restricted to '…the one-dayers, definitely, and Test cricket, when Gary is batting…or when it's exciting!'
With all but three members of the squad in Antigua now partnered by wives and girlfriends, there are quite a few more ladies whose interest in the game has had to be 'manufactured' because of the job their partners have.
Isabelle Klusener is another who genuinely enjoys watching the cricket and also states a preference for the one-day game (which is understandable given her husband's job description) but six straight hours of Test cricket is above and beyond the call of duty.
Debbie Kirsten has, for some reason, become a very informal 'moral' guide for the other ladies as to how much cricket they 'need' to watch in order to be seen as 'dutiful'. So at each cricket ground, when the wives are on tour, the VIP box set aside for them is usually empty for part of either the morning session of a Test match or the late afternoon one.
"We all do our own thing, obviously, but there's usually a group of us who end up doing a bit of shopping or exploring in the morning before going to the cricket in the afternoon. Or we go to the cricket in the morning and then the beach in the afternoon!" Debbie says with a grin. Nobody, but nobody, needs to feel guilty about going to the beach in Barbados or Antigua!
Cricket is an acquired taste, no doubt about that, and one that poor Constance Hooper, wife of Carl, is still struggling to attain. On the flight from Barbados to Antigua I sat next to her and Carl junior (who is quite a handful).
An English tourist sitting opposite Hooper caught hold of young Carl as he leapt once again into the aisle and enquired from the apparently single Mum (Carl and the entire West Indies team were sitting a little further behind) where she was travelling and whether she was alone.
"We're getting off in Antigua for the cricket – I'm Mrs Hooper," she said, smiling.
"Oh, is there some cricket in Antigua? – that's nice. I'm Bill Braithwaite…I'm afraid I don't follow the cricket much. Does your husband like watching as well?"
"Umm, well, he sort of has to watch," explained Constance. "He's the captain…"
"Oh, wasn't there some sort of controversy over that?" asked Bill, tactfully.
"Well, yes. He retired in 1999 and then he came back as captain, so yes…"
"Still, I'm not bothered with cricket," Bill concluded.
"Neither would I be if I wasn't married to the captain of the West Indies," Constance concluded with a grimace.
And the moral of the story is: next time you see the wives and girlfriends sitting together in their VIP box at the Recreation Ground in Antigua, don't think their life is easy. Some of them are working bloody hard to keep their eyes open and look interested.
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Crown College
Originally named St. Paul Bible Institute, Crown College was founded in 1916 with a strong Christian emphasis that it upholds today. This private, four-year school serves about 1,300 students and offers more than 40 accredited programs at various levels. As a member of the Christian and Missionary Alliance denomination, Crown College believes in promoting "Christ-centered education, academic excellence, and global connections" according to its website. The school's stated purpose is to prepare students for "lives of outstanding service and leadership."
Interested students should note that they will need to be professing members of the Christian religion since the application requires a personal essay and statement of faith. The school takes religion seriously, and employees must also affirm their faith. This means that students will learn from faculty with strong religious views, and the educational curriculum will represent these views.
Crown College has received consistent praise by publications such as U.S. News and World Report, Money Magazine and Christian Universities Online. Money Magazine recently ranked the school among the top 50 for value, and U.S. News and World Report consistently includes Crown College in its list of the best colleges and universities in the Midwest. The school's close proximity to Minneapolis provides students with the chance to enjoy the benefits of extracurricular activities.
Crown College Accreditation Details
Crown College has been fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The school also holds accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education for its undergraduate nursing programs. For students interested in teaching programs, Crown College has been approved by the Minnesota Department of Education and the Minnesota Board of Teaching. Other programs offered by the school have not been accredited by individual commissions.
Crown College Application Requirements
Prospective students must submit a standard application, which is available online, along with a "Spiritual Life Essay" and a "Statement of Faith." In order to attend, students must be practicing Christians. The essays ask personal questions related to the student's current religious worldview, and the faith statement assumes several tenets within the Christian religion. For the application portion, students will need to provide:
Biographical information such as name, birth date and age
Information regarding any previous education completed
Church information, including location and denomination
Miscellaneous personal information
The university also offers a form for interested students to fill out requesting more information on the application process. First-year students who want to attend classes on campus will follow a similar approach to apply, but they need to create an account with the school's application system first.
For the School of Online Studies, undergraduate students will pay $415 per credit during the 2015-2016 academic year. There's also an application fee of $20 and a technology fee of $100 per semester. A standard bachelor's degree, then, would cost about $51,875 excluding the technology and application fees. Because Crown College is a private university, fees are higher than they might be for a public institution.
While the cost to attend Crown College might seem high, the school's tuition rate is about 20 to 40 percent lower than other similar schools in the area. Prospective students are encouraged to apply for financial assistance. Types of aid available include:
Federal and state loans
Loans via private lenders
Institutional aid packages
Crown College has been ranked by the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities as one of the 10 most affordable Christian schools in the Midwest. Most of the school's student body receives financial aid, and as of the 2012-2013 academic year, out-of-pocket expenses averaged just over $10,000. For many students, applying for financial aid is essential for keeping costs down.
Online Degree Focus: Psychology/Counseling B.S.
Students who want to pursue a counseling program at the undergraduate level can enroll in Crown College's online Bachelor of Science in psychology and counseling. It's a joint degree program with a focus on Christian counseling. According to the school's website, graduates of the program should gain a better understanding of "human behavior and development, listening and assessment techniques, counseling theory, and skill building." Because of Crown College's strong Christian focus, students who enroll in this degree track should note that religious faith inspires the curriculum. Nevertheless, graduates will be prepared to enter the workforce in a variety of settings, both Christian and secular.
Crown College's B.S. in psychology is one of the few in the country that is both Christ-centered and offered exclusively online. Students gain the benefit of learning from experienced and licensed practitioners via the convenience of a virtual setting. The degree requires completion of at least 125 credit hours designated as follows:
Christian studies –- 15 to 21 credits
General education courses –- 31 credits
Psychology and counseling core –- 39 credits
General electives –- 43 credits
Courses cover a wide range of topics within the field of psychology, and general courses also provide students with a broader perspective than they might find at other schools. For example, Christian core courses cover topics such as systematic theology, apologetics, and global and ethical leadership. Psychology core classes discuss issues such as personality theories, crisis intervention, marriage and family counseling, and research methodologies in the social sciences. For students who want to help people with addictions or those suffering from substance abuse, the school allows psychology majors to add a minor in Drug and Alcohol Counseling.
As a discipline, psychology offers people the chance to explore a wide range of career options, including counseling, human resources and ministry work. At Crown College, students will gain exposure to a unique perspective on the field of psychology as the school approaches the subject from a Christian standpoint. Undergraduate students here benefit from a practical education combined with a spiritual influence. With its rich history of educational excellence and host of accolades from prestigious publications, Crown College offers a well-rounded experience for prospective psychology majors.


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The Great Encounter: A Study of Indo - American Literature and Culture
Author/Artist R K Gupta
Publisher Abhinav Publications
R K Gupta / Abhinav Publications / Hardcover - Sold out
Author: R K Gupta
Publisher: Abhinav Publications
ISBN/UPC (if available): 817017211X
A sensitive, perceptive, and comprehensive analysis of literary and cultural relations between India and the United States from their beginnings in the seventeenth century until the present day, The Great Encounter not only examiners the specific reciprocal influence of individual authors and thinkers, but also explores in depth and detail the myriad and complex ways in which the two countries have impinged upon the consciousness of each other. It also stresses the role of inter-cultural communication in dispelling stereotyped images which nations and peoples tend to have of one another due to lack of information, and in bringing about a genuine understanding firmly rooted in a realistic assessment of values, objectives, and aspirations.
Although the primary focus is literary, the work is written from a consistently broad perspective, which includes other spheres of cultural activity such as music, painting, sculpture, film, and journalism. Lucid and lively in style, and eminently readable, it is addressed not only to the specialist but to the interested general reader as well.
The Transcendental and Their Contemporaries
The Post-transcendental Period
The Travellers and The Prophets
The Twentieth Century: India in America
The Twentieth Century: America in India
SELECT BIBLIOGRAPHY


We study beliefs and choices in a repeated normal-form game. In addition to a baseline treatment with common knowledge of the game structure and feedback about choices in the previous period, we run treatments (i) without feedback about previous play, (ii) with no information about the opponent.s payoþs and (iii) with random matching. Using Stahl and Wilson.s (1995) model of limited strategic reasoning, we classify behavior with regard to its strategic sophistication and consider its development over time. We use belief statements to track the consistency of subjects.actions and beliefs as well as the accuracy of their beliefs (relative to the opponent.s true choice) over time. In the baseline treatment we observe more sophisticated play as well as more consistent and more accurate beliefs over time. We isolate feedback as the main driving force of such learning. In contrast, information about the opponent.s payoþs has almost no eþect on the learning path. While it has an impact on the average choice and belief structure aggregated over all periods, it does not alter the choices and the belief accuracy in their development over time.


Kevin Spacey speaks on stage at the portrait unveiling and season four premiere of Netflix's "House Of Cards" at the National Portrait Gallery on February 22 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images For Netflix).
The WaterRower and the emerging use of rowing machines by fitness enthusiasts and health clubs was put in the spotlight by the Wall Street Journal on Tuesday.
The Wall Street Journal report correlated the WaterRower's recent rise in sales with its repeat appearances on the popular Netflix drama "House of Cards." Frank Underwood, who is portrayed by Kevin Spacey, uses the WaterRower to manage the stress of his sometimes underhanded political life in Washington, DC.
The Wall Street Journal story noted that WaterRower's factory in Warren, Rhode Island, has tripled its production capacity in five years to more than 1,000 machines per week. The use of WaterRower and Concept2 machines in various club settings, including Orangetheory Fitness, Equinox and CrossFit, was profiled in the report.
"More than 10 million people used a rowing machine at least once in 2015 in the United States, a 3 percent increase from the year before, according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association."
I looked back at the recently released Physical Activity Council's 2016 Participation Report to see if additional data was available on rowing machine usage. The Participation Report tracks sports, fitness and recreation participation the United States, and the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) is part of the group that released the report.
Although the Participation Report did not include rowing machine usage or water rowing in its methodology, the spike in rowing machine sales is not all that surprising when looking at other data contained in the report.
Fitness sports recorded the highest participation rate among Millennials (66.7 percent) and Generation X (66.2 percent), according to the Participation Report. The Participation Report also noted fitness- and activity-related spending is trending more conservative over the last three years. Spending on sports and recreation equipment ranked fourth on the overall spending list despite the conservative trend – one position ahead of gym membership/ fee spending.
The SFIA and the Participation Report statistics become more insightful when looking at the 'House of Cards' demographics. The show's viewership is young and wealthy: the primary age range for show viewers is 18 to 35 and the income spikes showed a range of $75,000 to $124,000 per year, according to data from SpotRight, marketing strategy firm.
Millennials and Generation Xers are statistically the most likely to participate in a physical fitness activity and to invest in sports and recreation equipment. These age groups also intersect with the primary "House of Cards" demographic with disposable income. Since some health clubs are looking to capitalize on the boutique programming trend, it's not too surprising to see the surge in "obscure" rowing machine sales, as the Wall Street Journal calls it. A rowing machine for personal home use is by most standards a significant investment, but there appears to be a market.
Last year I wrote a story about the launch of Gronk Fitness Products. New England Patriots star tight end (and Millennial) Rob Gronkowski is the face of the brand, which offers a Gronk-branded WaterRower as part of its product line. The Gronk WaterRower sells for $1,905, the entry-level WaterRower model sells for $945 and the entry-level Concept2 model sells for $900, according to each brand's website.
A friend of mine and his family were big into the river rowing scene when I was growing up in Minnesota. Although I was unable to match their passion and financial commitment, they introduced me to the sport, and I always wanted to participate in it somehow. I discovered the rowing machine when I first started frequenting clubs about six years ago and came across one on a business trip. I didn't see a rowing machine in a club outside of that location for almost three years. Today, there are two rowing machines sandwiched in the free weights area of the low-membership fee recreation center I currently frequent. It makes me wonder if rowing machines are or will be the next big craze in the boutique fitness movement.
Are you using rowers to differentiate your health club? Are you running rowing machine-based exercise classes? Are members asking you for a rowing machine (or more machines) at your club? Share your experiences in the comments section below.


Lynne is a graduate from University of Central Oklahoma where she received her degree in advertising and graphics. She has been commissioned for portraits, novel covers, and finally found her way as the director of the Stafford Air and Space Museum. Her love of art inspired her to teach one class a semester at Southwestern Oklahoma State in art history. Being a part of this campaign and spreading awareness is just another way Lynne expresses her passion for teaching and connecting with people.


We are very proud of our school curriculum, which has been designed by the teachers at Torrisholme, with help from our children and their families, especially for the children of Torrisholme. Our curriculum is built to support the children's development of skills and attributes that they need to be successful in learning and in life.
Our school curriculum centres around exciting topics, through which the children's learning is planned. Each topic involves a number of subject areas from the National Curriculum, which link to the topic. Each topic also includes a number of 'experiences' which are planned to enrich the curriculum and extend learning.
Subject areas which don't fit within a topic are taught discretely, sometimes alongside a topic and sometimes in a 'block', for example a Science Week.
Further details of each classes' curriculum can be found in the overviews below.
If you would like to find out more about the curriculum at Torrisholme, please speak to a member of staff.
We are lucky enough to have a specialist Spanish teacher, Senora Pitcher, who teaches every class throughout school each week. The children enjoy learning Spanish through lots of exciting, interactive activities such as songs and role play, which are often linked to their class topic.
See the 'Spanish' page in the 'Class Pages' section of the website to find out more about what each class is learning in Spanish.
The following list of key skills and attributes was compiled by the staff and families at Torrisholme. Our curriculum is planned to develop these skills and attributes throughout the school.
At Torrisholme, we believe that reading is probably the most important skill for life that we teach our children. Success in learning to read is crucial to success in other areas of the school curriculum.
In Reception, Year 1 and Year 2, all the children have daily phonics sessions which help them with their reading and writing. Teachers plan these sessions following the 'Letters and Sounds' framework. In addition to these sessions, targeted intervention sessions are run in phonics, to help some children develop these skills.
All children have a reading book, which is chosen for them from a large bank of 'banded' reading books, which is matched to the stage of their reading development. These books come from a range reading schemes, including Oxford Reading Tree, Collins Big Cat and Pearson Phonic Bugs.
Later on in school, children move on to choosing their own reading books from a selection of 'Free Readers'.
Throughout school, we expect that children read regularly at home, to practise their reading skills. We also run workshops for parents, to help them to support their children as they learn to read.
In class, children also take part in regular 'guided reading' sessions, where they work on developing reading and comprehension skills such as inference and deduction.
Children also enjoy regular stories and 'class novels' in class, which often link to the topic the class is working on. They also visit the school library each week, borrowing books to take home and read for pleasure.


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The Renegade Angels Series: Free Bonus Content
The Renegade Angels Series
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Digital	International
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Bonus material to supplement A Touch of Crimson:
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Interview with Adrian Mitchell
Q & A with Adrian Mitchell
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A Dark Kiss of Rapture
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Adrian:
Original Publication Date: November 6, 2011
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Adrian Mitchell tossed the crime scene photos on the dining table in his hotel suite, watching them fan outward as they slid across the glass. "We'll be staying a while."
The two lycans seated at the table reached for the images, dividing them between them.
Unable to look at them anymore, Adrian pivoted and walked to the massive window overlooking the city of Phoenix, Arizona. Fighting his unwelcome agitation, he unfurled his wings, the pristinely white feathers with their crimson tips emerging first as tendrils of smoke, then solidifying into shape. He stretched and flexed them, the only sign of his disquiet hidden in what would be perceived by the lycans as a simple bid for comfort.
"Black Agnes," one of them said behind him.
"Excuse me?" Adjusting the angle of his position, he looked at the two men examining the photos. One was stocky, built for brute force. The other was taller, leaner yet stronger. He'd watched them work, noting their strengths and weaknesses. They were a good team and a good match for him. Together they'd taken down three rogue vampires in less than two weeks. He expected to add this latest one to their kill sheets before they headed home again.
The taller one—Elijah—lifted his head and looked at Adrian with the luminescent green eyes of a creature tainted with demon blood. It was that touch of demon that enabled the lycans to shapeshift between man and beast. It also indentured them to Adrian. "An urban legend. There's a cemetery statue—two of them actually—of a hooded figure. One was rumored to have supernatural properties. College kids used it as a pledge to join sororities and fraternities. The initiate was supposed to spend the night sitting in the statue's lap, but one of them was found dead in the morning, with bruises and marks that suggested the statue had come to life and held her until she croaked."
"That's not a shrouded figure," Adrian pointed out, his voice kept carefully neutral to hide his roiling fury. He was a seraph, a Sentinel. He was expected to stand above the vagaries of human emotions. But he couldn't fight his reaction to the pictures spread out before him, those of a once beautiful young woman laid dramatically upon the lap of a massive marble statue of an angel. An angel whose head was bowed as if weeping over the bloodless body draped across its thighs.
A taunt. An undeniable "fuck you" from the vampire who'd taken the very last drop from a promising life.
"No," Elijah agreed. "This rogue is a young one. Too stupid to know better."
Only one who was young and foolish would deliberately attract the attention of a Sentinel. Adrian's mouth curved grimly. "And he'll get what he's asking for."
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8. Are there any other unreleased Curve tracks?
The existence of the following recordings have been hinted at on the official site...
Save The Day is an early song that was played live but never released - there is apparently a 16-track recording of it in the archives... Also, there are unmixed masters of Rising and Half The Time which remain unreleased.
Many people are unaware that when the Cuckoo album was recorded in 1993, it featured samples of Ken Kesey - the legendary author of "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" - inbetween the tracks. These samples were removed before the albums release...
"The suits at the label were very paranoid even though Ken Kesey had agreed to us using them for whatever we wanted - he just wouldn't sign any legal document so they said we should take them off.... how dumb can it get...??"
(Dean Garcia : May 2002)
There are alternative mixes of Coming Up Roses, Dirty High and Killer Baby (by Steve Osborne) in the archives. These were recorded at Bath Moles Studio the same time as Chinese Burn.
The BBC archives currently hold the third session that was recorded for Radio One in 1993 - this featured Crystal, Turkey Crossing, Left Of Mother and Superblaster.
Finally, two other new tracks Just Get Me Thru This and Weekend were accidentally leaked on a rare two-disc promo CDR set in 2003. It remains to be seen if these two tracks will see an official release or not...


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This is it, guys! This is the last post in my PIIT28 review series. 4weeks ago I decided to log my PIIT28 journey to share my thoughts/results with you guys, and the 4 weeks are finally over! It was definitely not an easy journey, but it was 100% worth it. I'm looking forward to doing round 2.0 with the two additional videos that Cassey has added in. It's the same calendar/schedule, but you have an additional ab workout that you're supposed to do every day and you also don't get anymore break days 🙁 It's about to get intense!!
Week 4 was a repeat of the same videos from week 2. For me, I noticed that the arm exercises were the only ones that got easier for me over the 4 weeks. My arms are the weakest part of my body, though, so that might be why. My cardio improved significantly, and I didn't feel like passing out after the 3rd round like I did in week 1. You get out of PIIT what you put into it. On some days, I wasn't feeling up to working out, so I slacked on some of the exercises. But then I'd regret it later. Gonna challenge myself to really push hard and give it my all this second time around.
Overall, I think that my opinions from my initial review held up. I still think this is a better alternative to BBG–the workout video makes the workouts a lot less boring/lonely, and it's also nice that you don't need any equipment. The modifications for each exercise were a big help, especially at the beginning when I couldn't do the pushups. It is a little annoying/boring/repetitive having to repeat the video a total of 4 times, but it does the job. I'm very pleased with the results! Went a little overboard with the pictures today…but hey, this is the last hoorah. I took pictures maybe 30 minutes apart? The first set (where I'm wearing my pink sports bra) was literally right after I finished the workout. Muscles are kinda exaggerated because they were just worked…so not a 100% accurate representation of overall results.
I took another set of pictures about a half an hour later after my muscles had relaxed a bit from the workout. Here are my results after 4 weeks of PIIT!
I'm excited for round 2! Probably won't do any more updates/reviews here, but I will post occasional progress pictures on my Instagram for those of you who still want to follow. Thank you guys so much for following my PIIT28 journey! I hope you guys decide to give PIIT a try. The $40 might seem like a hefty fee, but for the results that I saw in just 28 days, I thought it was totally worth it!
I'm DONEEEEE! With round 1 🙂 Thanks again for reading. Post-PIIT28 selfie…I couldn't resist, haha. Anyway, I'd love to hear about your guys' experience/progress with PIIT! It's so nice to see the community that's come together through PIIT28. It's an awesome support system. The workouts aren't easy, but you're not alone!
I recently started using another 6-week program (LOVING it so far). And it's only $18! If you're interested, you can find my review HERE.
If you guys still aren't sure and just want to give the whole video workout thing a try, check out my post on my favorite FREE YouTube workout videos, and my opinion on paid workout programs in general. Find the post HERE.
Amazing girl! Well done, don't stop!!
HUGE congratulations…you look amazing and you are right your arms look incredibly buff…well done!!!
Those abs and those guns! Babe you've done so well! Keep it up!
Wow, you look amazing! I'm thinking of purchasing PIIT28 (I've followed Cassey's calendars and I absolutely love her positivity), however I'm not sure if I'll see changes all throughout my body. My thighs and arms have always been a problem area for me and I'm not sure if this program would be able to help me slim both of those areas. Would I need to do something extra next to the program to see results there or would PIIT28 itself be enough? Also is the program still effective even if I don't get the PIIT28 reset?
Thanks, Victoria! I actually had the same concern when I started PIIT. But I've seen changes all over my body, not just my abs. If I had to rank (from most changes to least), I'd say abs, arms, and legs. But all of them have seen improvement and I think my body overall looks more toned after the 4 weeks. I didn't do any additional exercises besides PIIT. I didn't follow any diet or meal plan either. But that might enhance your progress. I personally think the PIIT workouts are enough to make a difference though, and I can't speak for the PIIT28 reset since I've never tried it. As long as you're not eating like crap, you should be fine just doing the workouts. For me, after 2 weeks, my body started only craving healthy foods. Whenever I ate poorly, I'd feel it during the workout and it wasn't worth it, haha. Hope that helps!
Awesome job!! You look fantastic!!!!
1 question I have for you- I have been thinking about getting PIIT28 but will be traveling a lot this summer and will have very limited access to internet. Do you think it's feasible to keep up with the 4 week program without the videos? Is there a way to download the videos?
I've actually switched things up lately. I followed the PIIT calendar very strictly for the first 28 days, and I was happy with the improvements I saw, so now I'm just trying to maintain the results. I do 3 PIIT workouts per week now (abs,legs,and the full body one) and I mix in other workouts on the other 3 days. I play tennis once a week to get my arms working, and I'll go running/spinning the other 2 days. It keeps things interesting!
Great article and amazing progress! You ccan be very proud of yout, that you started and finished that journey.
I hope i will do as good as you did!
This may have been mentioned before but I thinking missed it if it was. Did you just do the workout or did you do her reset food guide too?
Just the workouts 🙂 I felt like the food guide was way too expensive, and I love my food way too much, haha (my Instagram is basically my food diary, if you were curious about what I ate during my 4 weeks). I don't eat particularly healthy, but I take everything in moderation so it ends up balancing out, as long as I workout! And PIIT has definitely saved me there.
Hi! This is awesome. Thank you for the review 🙂 Did you do/would you recommend the eating challenge?
Sorry I just read and this was already answered.
No problem! Glad you found it helpful 🙂 And no haha I personally don't recommend the diet plan.
Hi! I wanna ask you something but first, im sorry im not good in english^^ ~~ btw congratulations on your diet !! So here my questions, did you buy piit28 book / download it? If you download, can i know how to download piit28 guide ? And then, how many kilograms that you can lost in one week ? Thankyou ^^ i hope you answer my question and sorry for my bad english..
No worries!! And thank you 🙂 So the PIIT28 doesn't come in book form–it's download only. When you make the purchase online, you get the download link, as well as access to the PIIT28 portal where you can find the videos, calendar, etc. I have no idea how much weight I lost in one week. I rarely use the scale. I remember about two weeks in, I had actually gained 2 pounds, but my body was leaner and more toned. So the number on the scale doesn't matter! As long as you look/feel stronger.
If you have a PayPal account you should be able to use that? But yeah I think her existing HIIT videos on her YouTube channel are very similar (maybe not as challenging, but it's definitely a good place to start). Whether or not it will work all depends on how much effort you put in 🙂 I think it's a good starting point!
PIIT 28 program only contains 28 days, what happened after that? Repeat the same 28 days workout moves?Or will the program update workout moves for the next 28 days (Just like the free monthly calendar)?
Which one will have better result?
And btw, you look awesome!
Hi Rose! So I never really used her monthly free workout calendar. I found that the workouts often took too long (or the amount of time differed between days) and I wanted something that was more set/predictable. I've done a few days from her free monthly calendar here and there and I personally think that the workouts in the PIIT28 program are more challenging. It's also nice that you just use the one video per day (although repeating that 4 times might be boring for some people). In PIIT 28 1.0, she added in two more videos that you're supposed to work in to your second round. So yes after you finish your first 28 days, you're supposed to repeat the whole thing again and incorporate the two new videos in. One of the videos is an ab workout that you're supposed to add in at the end of every day's original workout video, and the other video you're supposed to do during what used to be break days in round 1.
She did recently release a PIIT28 2.0, which is a whole new set of videos, I believe, also for a 28-day period. So if you really do get bored of the PIIT28 1.0 videos, this is another option, But I think it's another $30, and I personally wouldn't go for it. I felt like the round 1 exercises were varied enough, and I'm still using them!
So bottom-line, I think that if you're the type of person who will get bored doing the same videos again and again, then maybe the monthly calendar would be the better option. But even then, I feel like the PIIT28 program is a good one to just have on the side. You can alternate between that and the monthly calendars. PIIT28 I think is more challenging, so you can switch up the intensity over different months. Or do one week of PIIT and one week from the free workout calendar. As for results, it really depends on how much you put into it. The PIIT28 exercises can be made really simple, and if you don't push yourself, you could technically get away with doing the modified versions of the exercises forever. So results really depend. I think if you really try, the PIIT28 day program will produce results faster (maybe better as well) than the monthly calendar.
Does the workout include some kind of diet plan? or just the workout?


Workstation's desktop does not come up with Securewave Sanctuary agent installed.
User logs in but desktop will not come up.
Sanctuary agent will not allow the desktop to come up.
Windows standard blue background only shows, no icons come up.
The VMware Windows Server guest was corrupted. Once the guest was re-installed and the software for Securewave was installed this issue no longer occured.


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text:
Jisc Publications Router
Protocol for a Multi-Level Policy Analysis of Non-Communicable Disease Determinants of Diet and Physical Activity: Implications for Low- and Middle-Income Countries in Africa and the Caribbean.
Supporting information (application/zip, 358Kb)
Bibliographic metadata (XML, 11Kb)
Shung-King, Maylene
Weimann, Amy
McCreedy, Nicole
Tatah, Lambed
Mapa-Tassou, Clarisse
Muzenda, Trish
Govia, Ishtar
Were, Vincent
Oni, Tolu
Int J Environ Res Public Health
Shung-King, M., Weimann, A., McCreedy, N., Tatah, L., Mapa-Tassou, C., Muzenda, T., Govia, I., et al. (2021). Protocol for a Multi-Level Policy Analysis of Non-Communicable Disease Determinants of Diet and Physical Activity: Implications for Low- and Middle-Income Countries in Africa and the Caribbean.. [Other]. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182413061
Funder: National Institute for Health Research (NIHR); Grant(s): GHR: 16/137/34, ES/P011055/1
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of death globally. Despite significant global policy development for addressing NCDs, the extent to which global policies find expression in low-and-middle income countries' (LMIC) policies, designed to mitigate against NCDs, is unclear. This protocol is part of a portfolio of projects within the Global Diet and Activity Research (GDAR) Network, which aims to support the prevention of NCDs in LMICs, with a specific focus on Kenya, Cameroon, South Africa and Jamaica. This paper outlines the protocol for a study that seeks to explore the current policy environment in relation to the reduction of key factors influencing the growing epidemic of NCDs. The study proposes to examine policies at the global, regional and country level, related to the reduction of sugar and salt intake, and the promotion of physical activity (as one dimension of healthy placemaking). The overall study will comprise several sub-studies conducted at a global, regional and country level in Cameroon, Kenya and South Africa. In combination with evidence generated from other GDAR workstreams, results from the policy analyses will contribute to identifying opportunities for action in the reduction of NCDs in LMICs.
multi-level policy analysis, noncommunicable diseases, policy analysis, diet, nutrition, intersectoral, low- and middle-income countries
National Institute for Health Research (NIHRDH-16/137/34)
External DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182413061


text:
GET INVOLVED – Volunteer for The Montreal Millennium Summit
Millennium Summit
POVERTY & HUNGER
COMBAT HIV/AIDS
GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP FOR DEVELOPMENT
Through such initiatives as the development of solid partnerships, the 2009 Montreal Millennium Summit established itself as an important international event. Because the Summit is now held in the spring, the fall 2008 event was postponed until spring of the following year. The 2009 Summit, which was recognized by the UN, garnered extensive media visibility.
DAY 1 – APRIL 15, 2009
Speakers at the Expert Forum
Mr. Daniel Germain, President-Founder, Montreal Millennium Summit
Mr. Pierre Arcand, Minister of International Relations, Quebec
Mr. Salil Shetty, Director of the United Nations Millennium Campaign
Mrs. Fionna Douglas, Program Manager, Agricultural and Rural Development, World Bank
Mr. Henk-Jan Brinkman, Senior Advisor for Economic Policy, United Nations World Food Program
Mr. Frédéric Boisrond, Executive Director, Action Against Hunger-Canada; Member of the Executive Committee, Action Against Hunger International Network
Session President: Mr. André D. Beaudoin, President, Union of Agricultural Producers – International Development (UPADI)
Master of Ceremonies: Mr. Pierre Lemonde, President and Chief Executive Officer, Montreal Council on Foreign RelationsLuncheon with Dr. Jeffrey D. Sachs, Director, The Earth Institute, University Columbia. Special Advisor to United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-Moon
Dr. Rajesh Tandon, Chairman of the Board of the Montreal International Forum
Mrs. Sylvia Borren, Co-Chair of Worldconnectors and of Global Call to Action Against Poverty
Mr. Gerry Barr, President-CEO, Canadian Council for International Co-operation (CCIC)
Mr. John Prendergast, human rights activist, former adviser to the White House and the State Department in the mid-1990s, former Senior Adviser at the International Crisis Group (ICG)
Mr. Patrick Beauduin, Chief Creative Officer, Convergent Communications, Cossette
Session President: Mr. François Gérin-Lajoie, Chief Executive Officer, Fondation Paul Gérin-Lajoie; President, Quebec Association of International Cooperation OrganisationsMeeting—at the Summit (between experts and youth)with Mrs. Dominique Corti, Honorary President, Teasdale-Corti Foundation (Canada)
Click here to see a video :http://www.goodnesstv.org/fr/videos/voir/45510/
The Youth Forum had put together 500 young people and several inspiring speakers and leaders from around the world. Agenda items, developed in partnership with Club 2/3, included knowledge-sharing and real experiences relating to Millennium Development Goals, the status of the world's most disadvantaged people, and resources youth can use for bringing positive change.
The objective was to come together to learn, to draw inspiration, to empower—and to take action!
Speakers at the Programming for the Public
Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York
Val Kilmer, Actor and activist
Olivier Sonois, spokesperson for the Drink 1 Give 10 Campaign
Asha-Rose Migiro, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations
Dr. Shirin Ebadi: First Muslim woman to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize (2003)
Phil Fontaine: National Chief, Assembly of First Nations
Marc and Craig Kielburger: Nobel Peace Prize nominees, successful authors and founders of Free the Children
Dr. Gilles Julien: Fondation pour la promotion de la pédiatrie sociale
Mia Farrow: Actress and UNICEF ambassador
Dr. Dominique Corti: Honorary President, Teasdale-Corti Foundation (Canada)
Salil Shetty: Director, United Nations Millennium Goals Campaign
John Prendergast: Human rights activist and african international affairs expert
Peter Thum: Founder of Ethos Water and vice-president, Starbucks
Caroline Baron: Producer and founder, FilmAid
Nick Clooney: Reporter and Summit moderator
MESSAGE FROM THE PREMIER OF QUÉBEC
Nations around the world are joining together to combat poverty.
© 2019 Millennium Summit. All Rights Reserved
SKT Charity


text:
Q: How to combine two sjp.likert (from the sjPlot package) generated plots in one plot? I am trying to combine several plots using the par function. The plots are generated by the sjPlot function sjp.likert().
I use two example plots from the sjPlot package itself and try to combine them:
likert_2 <- data.frame(as.factor(sample(1:2, 500, replace=TRUE, prob=c(0.3,0.7))),
    as.factor(sample(1:2, 500, replace=TRUE, prob=c(0.6,0.4))),
    as.factor(sample(1:2, 500, replace=TRUE, prob=c(0.25,0.75))),
    as.factor(sample(1:2, 500, replace=TRUE, prob=c(0.9,0.1))),
    as.factor(sample(1:2, 500, replace=TRUE, prob=c(0.35,0.65))))
    levels_2 <- list(c("Disagree", "Agree"))

likert_4 <- data.frame(as.factor(sample(1:4, 500, replace=TRUE, prob=c(0.2,0.3,0.1,0.4))),
    as.factor(sample(1:4, 500, replace=TRUE, prob=c(0.5,0.25,0.15,0.1))),
    as.factor(sample(1:4, 500, replace=TRUE, prob=c(0.25,0.1,0.4,0.25))),
    as.factor(sample(1:4, 500, replace=TRUE, prob=c(0.1,0.4,0.4,0.1))),
    as.factor(sample(1:4, 500, replace=TRUE, prob=c(0.35,0.25,0.15,0.25))))
    levels_4 <- list(c("Strongly disagree", "Disagree", "Agree", "Strongly Agree"))
    items <- list(c("Q1", "Q2", "Q3", "Q4", "Q5"))

par(mfrow=c(2,1))
    sjp.likert(likert_2, legendLabels=levels_2, axisLabels.y=items, orderBy="neg")
    sjp.likert(likert_4, legendLabels=levels_4, axisLabels.y=items)

The result is that R shows the plots succeedingly.  Does anyone know how to combine these kinds of plots properly?

A: sjp.likert returns ggplot2-objects, which are not base-graphics.
Therefore, you have to use other functions than par.
For example try this:
p1 <- sjp.likert(likert_2, legendLabels=levels_2, axisLabels.y=items, orderBy="neg")
p2 <- sjp.likert(likert_4, legendLabels=levels_4, axisLabels.y=items)
require(gridExtra)
require(grid)
require(ggplot2)
grid.arrange(p1$plot, p2$plot, nrow = 2)

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


"Where am I? How did I get here? Why does my head hurt?"
"You're in a hospital, sir. I'm with the police. We weren't sure you were going to wake up. You had a golf club wrapped around your neck. Just tell us everything you remember."
"Well, I was teaching my wife golf. Of course, I won every hole. But on the little par 3, 17th hole, we both hit right to the green, and we both putted right to the pin. When I walked to the flag, I saw one putt had overshot, but the other ball had apparently sunk. I didn't know whose it was, so I pulled the flag, looked in, saw it was her Spaulding in there, and I said, "Looks like your hole, dear. "That was the last thing I remember.


text:
Trump At the U.N. – World Leaders Laugh, & Disagree (#118)
The United States President, Donald J. Trump, addressed the United Nations Assembly in New York on Tuesday September 25th, 2018 and was laughed at for his embarrassing need for exaggerated self-promotion. His insistence that globalization, nations uniting to work on global issues such as trade, climate change and conflicts, was evil, and only independent patriotic nationalism was the new solution, showed a shocking lack of historic perspective, as did his insensitivity to being in and addressing
The Big Tent of Lies - & Trump Follies (#115)
No U.S. President in recent history is as shameless in promoting himself as Donald J. Trump, or lies as much. And, no previous President has as shamefully trashed his predecessors in such shameful language so as to make most of the civilized World cringe. He amply displayed his utter lack of social graces when announcing the American pullout from the multi-country Iran Nuclear Deal. In his twisted mind Trump thinks that by denigrating the actions of the previous Presidents verbally, he lifts
Trump's Folly – And the Big Lies (#113)
No U.S. President in recent history is as shameless in promoting himself as Donald J. Trump. And, no previous President has as shamefully trashed his predecessors with such reprehensible language so as to make most of the civilized World cringe. He amply displayed his utter lack of social graces when announcing the American pullout from the multi-country Iran Nuclear Deal. In his twisted mind Trump thinks that by denigrating the actions of the previous Presidents verbally, he lifts himself above
Trump - Tale of Two Deals – Iran & North Korea (#112)
The two major foreign policy milestones coming up for the Trump administration that will impact the rest of the World, are the Iran Nuclear Agreement, known officially as the 'Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), and Trump's threat to break it, and the North and South Korea Summit which will attempt to reach an consensus on the cessation of historic animosities between North and South Korea, and the USA, and the potential 'complete de-nuclearization' of the Korean Peninsula. Both of these
The Summit That Will Shape - South East Asia (#111)
If the talks between Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un actually take place, uncertainty being endemic to the relationship, considering the volatile and unpredictable nature of the two leaders, and the terms of the meeting not being clear, the outcome of that meeting if it happens will shape the power-equation that will shape South-East and Far-East Asia. The enmity between North Korea and the United States of America goes back to the early 1950s, when the intervention of American Armed Forces saved
Moderation Out - American Hawkishness In (#110)
One of Donald Trump's interminable boasts has been that he hires only the very best. In actuality, the very start of his Presidency dispelled that myth forthwith as Trump started having to get rid of his early handpicked team including some of his most prominent campaign team members, and then those that survived into the Presidency itself, particularly his personal favorite the highly suspect and thoroughly tainted and intemperate National Security Advisor, Retd. General Mike Flynn. Since then
Trump's Reign: Nero-Style - The Burning of Rome (#109)
As an American President, Donald J. Trump is proving to be so unconventional, so outrageous in his behavior, so vindictive and destructive in some of his actions and words that it is not possible to find a suitable comparison in modern American history, even the famed misfit George W. Bush does not compare. But there is an uncanny resemblance to one of history's more infamous ruler from ancient times, the Roman Emperor Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus, who was thought to have burned down
So Israel Really Is Above the Law – No Matter What (#107)
Recently in a news article on BBC* we were informed:: 'an Iranian drone had flown into Israeli air space from Syria which Israel shot down', then as additional retaliation to the drone being launched, an 8 plane bombing mission was carried out by Israel to attack 'Iranian' positions in Syria' from where the drone was suspected to have been launched. During this bombing mission an Israeli warplane, an F-16 Fighter Jet, was shot down by Syrian anti-aircraft missile defenses. The two pilots flying
A Stormy 2017 - And 2018 Is Just As Bad (#105)
It was a stormy 2017, and apart from the hurricanes, cyclones and typhoons, Donald Trump was the biggest geo-political cluster bomb, rocking the very foundations of the already fractured World-order by the sheer reserves of his general ignorance, limitless capacity to do harm, and deeply offending crudity. Apart from all the other bad actors in the World, and there never ever seems to be a shortage of those, Donald Trump assures an unsettled, stormy 2018, with the potential for multiple


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December 11, 2015 at 5:18 pm EST | by Peter Rosenstein
Richard Tafel (Photo courtesy Tafel)
The Comings and Goings column is about sharing the professional successes of our community. We want to recognize those landing new jobs, new clients for their business, joining boards of organizations and other achievements. Please share your successes with us at comingsandgoings@washblade.com.
Congratulations are in order for Rich Tafel. Many know Rich from his politics but what isn't as well known is that following graduation from Harvard Divinity School, he served as Assistant to the Minister of Harvard's Memorial Church under the leadership of the Rev. Peter J. Gomes. Later he was ordained as a Swedenborgian minister and currently represents the denomination on the governing board of the National Council of Churches. For the past decade he has served as chair of Wayfarers Chapel in Los Angeles, a national monument to Emanuel Swedenborg.
Rich has been a leader in the arena of social justice in public policy. As founder of Log Cabin Republicans, Tafel was one of the earliest advocates for marriage equality. In 2003, he created his own strategy company offering leadership coaching on important issues such as AIDS programs for Africa and civil rights programs in Latin America.
It was recently announced by the Church of the Holy City in Washington, D.C., the National Swedenborgian Church, "that the Reverend Richard L. Tafel will become our minister on December 6, 2015."
According to the press release "the Swedenborgian faith is uniquely inclusive believing that we should live a life of love and seek to fulfill our greatest purpose with a vision of an infinitely loving God, whose warmth and light can deepen our inner life and give direction to our spiritual journey. The iconic English Gothic structure at 1611 16th St., N.W., was dedicated in 1896, with members of the Dupont family among the original founders."
Tafel has summed up this opportunity saying, "Church has gotten a bad reputation among the rising generation and often for good reason. We hope to build something new — a welcoming community of people inspired by their faith who are active in making much needed change in our world. We want to be a home for a next generation of spiritual entrepreneurs." Tafel also announced "The church will be hosting Christmas Eve service with families that are mixed marriage Christian and Jewish," and he will have rabbis officiating with him. Rich will continue his strategy work as well.
Another member of our community, Carlos Maza, just accepted a new position at Media Matters for America. The announcement was made by Media Matters Research Director Matt Gertz who said, "For the past three years, Carlos Maza has done an incredible job building Media Matters' LGBT program into one of the signature pieces of our research department. In his new role as Multimedia Research Fellow, Carlos will take the lead in conceiving, producing, and starring in a series of new video products that will promote and further Media Matters' existing work to build our brand. These will include everything from quick video primers on emerging controversies to lengthy breakdowns of existing research products to profiles of perpetrators of misinformation.
"Carlos will continue as LGBT Program Director while we search for a dynamic replacement to sustain and build on the great work he has done. Over the next several months, he will help us hire and train a new LGBT Program Director and continue to work closely with Media Matters' existing LGBT Research Associate."
Media Matters for America is a progressive, D.C-based, nonprofit research and information center dedicated to monitoring, analyzing and correcting conservative misinformation in the U.S. media. Information on the LGBT program director's position can be found at mediamatters.org.
Carlos ManzaChurch of the Holy CityEmanuel SwedenborgLog Cabin RepublicansMedia MattersNational Council of ChurchesNational Swedenborgian ChurchPeter J. GomesRich TafelRichard Tafel


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Devon & Somerset Fire Rescue
Fire breaks out in Plymouth city centre - live updates
Several fire engines are at the scene
A fire has broken out in Plymouth city centre this morning.
An incident has unfolded on Oxford Street, with several fire engines at the scene.
The nature of the incident is currently unclear, but an eyewitness told Plymouth Live: "Fire in Oxford Street.
"They are currently still here there are loads (of fire engines).
"The roads have been sectioned off too."
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The incident is believed to have started at around 5.30am.
We'll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story as we have them.
For the latest news and breaking news visit PlymouthLive.com.
Follow all the latest in our live blog below
Oxford Street is closed to traffic 08:39
Three people rescued from the building 07:34
Eyewitness recalls moment woman slipped and screamed, 'Please don't let me die'
An eyewitness said: "A woman was on the roof and she slipped. You could see her holding onto the chimney. She was screaming, 'Please don't let me die'. She was burning and she couldn't hold on any longer. I've never heard someone scream like it.
"The fire service were here and they did have two fire crews with hoses on spraying where she was. She came round from the back and she went into a house two doors down and then they all got taken away by paramedics. My partner said, 'Can you hear that?'. But you don't imagine that. You just don't expect it to happen.
"You could see the flames coming out the top [of the house] and a hell of a lot of smoke."
More from the scene
(Image: Katie Timms)
Arson detection dog at the scene of the fire
Arson investigation dog (Image: Katie Timms )
Firefighters at the scene
Firefighters at Oxford Street (Image: Katie Timms )
Latest from the scene
Arson detection dog (Image: Katie Timms )
Video from the scene this morning
Oxford Street fire (Image: Katie Timms )
Latest from the scene as Oxford Street remains closed
Fire crews remain at the scene this morning
Oxford Street is closed to traffic
Oxford Street closed, heavy traffic due to building fire between A374 Western Approach and Oxford Street.
The road remains closed after a building fire that occurred around 04:20 this morning. Due to the extent of the damage, the road will remain closed until the road is deemed safe.
Fire service say the incident is now over
A spokesperson said: "Final Update - This incident is now complete and was brought under control at 08:09hrs. This was a domestic property comprising of 3 flats over 3 floors. All 3 flats were severely damaged by fire and smoke. In total crews used 6 breathing apparatus, 2 hose reel jets, 2 safety jets, various ladders and safe working at heights equipment, together with thermal imaging equipment and positive pressure ventilation fans. Even though the fire has been extinguished a watching brief, carried out by a relief crew from Bere Alston, will remain in attendance for a period of time whilst fire investigation officers, from both the fire service and Police, continues to be carried out. All 3 occupants that were rescued were conveyed to hospital. These are the full and final details."
Three people have been rescued from a block of flats following a fire this morning. The blaze broke out at around 4am on Oxford Street, which left occupants trapped inside and shouting for help. Police, fire fighters and paramedics are all at the scene. All people inside have been accounted for and were recused.
Police say they are investigating the fire
A spokesperson said they are working with the fire service to determine the cause of the fire
Three people rescued from the building
Fire in Oxford Street Plymouth
A fire in a house has broken out which left people trapped inside
A fire service spokesperson said: "Fire control received multiple calls from occupants and neighbours of a two-storey terraced domestic property, converted into flats, with reports of smoke issuing from windows and the roof, as well as hearing voices shouting for help.
"At the time of these calls Fire Control quickly established that the occupants of the flats were unable to safely evacuate and started giving fire survival guidance to keep them as a safe as possible until the arrival of our crews, who were en route from Greenbank and Camels Head, with an aerial ladder platform from Crownhill (all Plymouth stations).
"Within minutes of crews arriving on scene this attendance was quickly increased to 4 pumping appliances, and then 6 pumping appliances, to assist with firefighting, which were mobilised from Crownhill and Plymstock, together with supporting appliances from Ivybridge, Totnes and Bovey Tracey.
"At 0435hrs crews confirmed two casualties had been rescued by fire personnel, with a further casualty rescued at 0445hrs. At this time crews were continuing to search the building for further casualties and confirmed at 0522hrs that all persons had been accounted for.
"Update as of 0700hrs - This incident is still ongoing and crews are making good and steady progress turning over and damping down, using 2 breathing apparatus wearers, 1 hose reel jet and a safety jet. All casualties, once rescued, were immediately taken in to the care of the ambulance service.
"The fire service are also working alongside the Police, Plymouth City Highways and a local authority building control officer to ensure scene and building safety, as well as investigating the cause of the fire, which has yet to be determined."
Video from the scene
Police, fire fighters and paramedics all at the scene
An eyewitness has told Plymouth Live there are seven fire engines at the scene
A house is reportedly on fire
Firefighters at Oxford Street


There are many heroes from American history, and even though young Ben from the Lowndes plantation is purely fiction, he is a hero just the same.
In author Rhonda Hicks Rucker's latest middle grade novel, Swing Low, Sweet Harriet, a young slave named Ben has a big responsibility. He stumbles upon rebel soldiers hiding big smooth things called torpedoes in the Combahee River. He wants to tell what he has seen and heard, but since he never had permission to wander so far from his plantation in the first place, there's no one he can safely tell.
His secret might have been lost forever if not for the mysterious woman (whose name is rumored to be "Moses") who shows up on the Lowndes plantation. She claims to work for the Union Army and she asks lots of questions, like whether anyone has seen any rebel soldiers. Ben wants to tell, but he hesitates because he has been told that white people can't be trusted…even whites from the Union Army.
When Ben's owner and a rebel colonel discuss the fact that they know about Moses, Ben decides to find her and tell her all he knows before it's too late. But finding her means leaving the plantation, an act that has already earned him a bloody lash once before.
Swing Low, Sweet Harriet is a poignant read about slavery, the Civil War, and striking a blow for one's liberty. Ms. Rucker's prose is wistful yet markedly hopeful, and her characters' voices and actions ring true to their ages and the times in which they live.
Ben's bravery, his dogged determination to investigate his surroundings, and his deep love for a mother he hasn't seen in years all make for a well-rounded, well-liked character that anyone would root for.
The description of the slaves being rescued from the plantation is quite unforgettable. I won't spoil it for you, but be ready for chickens squawking, pigs squealing, and a sea of ex-slaves running willy-nilly toward the Union boats that have come to take them to freedom.
This is an excellent resource for both independent reading and supplemental reading in American History or Citizenship. It can also serve as a conversation-starter for discussions on slavery, the 13th Amendment, and lifestyles then and now.


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AFSAI
Coral Coast Culture Week
Coral Coast - Fiji
Only 420€ per week!
Travel to this wonderful Island country of Fiji, embrace the beautiful beaches and warm people full of love and hospitality!
These tropical islands are home to some of the happiest people on Earth. The unique blend of culture and nature can be seen throughout Fiji and in virtually every aspect of your stay – from the food, festivals, rituals and the arts.
Physical Demand
PIDE AQUI DE PARTICIPAR
Eliges tu fecha de salida
Eliges el numero de semanas1 week2 weeks3 weeks4 weeks5 weeks6 weeks7 weeks8 weeks9 weeks10 weeks11 weeks12 weeksMore weeks
Acconsiento al trattamiento de los datos personales sobre la base de la politica de Privacidad de AFSAI diponible en la pagina: http://www.afsai.it/privacy
All meals included (1)Yes
Free beverages (2)Yes
Persons per room4-6
Wifi in public areasYes
Laundry facilities (3)Yes
Safety boxYes
Lockable roomsYes
Hot showerYes
Private bathroomYes
Bed linenYes
TowelsNo
Mosquito protectionYes
FanYes
Air conditioningNo
Three meals per day during weekdays and two per day on weekends and public holidays
Water, tea, coffee and milk
At an additional fee
Program & Schedule
Living & Location
The best way to embrace Fiji is in Sigatoka, where you will get familiar with the culture and people of Fiji. During this week we will explain the do's and don'ts regarding safety and transport.
Various crafts give Fiji a unique identity that along with traditional etiquette and local architecture tells a story of culture and its evolution over time. You will be invited to join a kava ceremony during your stay. After the formalities, this is a wonderful way to make new friends and learn a little more about their countries. Dig a little deeper and see what you can discover! Visit the Fijian markets, attend a weaving class, learn Fijian language and cooking and get to know about your projects. The week consists of three days of activities to introduce you to the Fijian culture and surroundings and also for you to interact with the fellow participants. During the last two days of the week, you will be visiting your project and commence your work.
Introduce you to Fiji's diverse geographical and cultural environment by fostering a deeper understanding of cultural similarities and differences through experiential learning in Fiji and to help you develop awareness and deeper understanding of culture.
● Introduction regarding the culture and people of Fiji
● Sessions on safety, transport and do's and don'ts
● Sigatoka town and the village
● Attend a weaving class
● Attend a class to learn Fijian language and Fijian cooking
● Experience a traditional Fijian welcome ceremony called "Kava Ceremony."
● Make friends around the world! – take part in our cultural exchange session where you share your culture with the fellow participants
● Visit your project placement sites and get to know the projects you will be working upon
Note: This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.
Participant Criteria & Requirements
Standard Requirements
Maximum age: –
Minimum English level: Basic
CRB required: On Signup
Passport copy required: On Signup
Resume copy required: No
Required qualification: None
Participants above 16 and below 18 are required to present a parental consent letter and participants below 16 are required to be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
Personal Medicines
Small padlock to secure valuables
Tidy clean clothes for formal occasions
Coral Coast is the coastline connecting Suva and Sigatoka stretching over a large area along the Southeast coast of Fiji. The location is perfect, sitting along a beautiful stretch of coastline, and has the best beaches on the island with a chilled out atmosphere.
The area lives up to its reputation as a spot for adrenaline junkies, offering a wide variety of activities to get your heart racing, from surfing and shark feeding to four-wheel-drive tours. For a more laid-back experience try a round of golf on the championship course, or enjoy a spot of fishing. Offering lush rainforests, rivers and waterfalls at your back door and a beach looking across to Beqa Island which is world-famous for fire walking.
About the Accommodation
Participants will stay at our beachfront centre which is located in the Sigatoka area, yet it can vary depending on the project you are enrolled with. The accommodation is dorm style with a private bathroom. There are refrigerators at the accommodation for the participant's convenience. The house has a garden as well as a volleyball court.
Food Arrangements
We serve breakfast and dinner at a normal time during the weekend. Breakfast is western style and lunch and dinner are typical Fijian style.
ATM's: There are many ATM's near the Centre which is about a 5 to 10 minutes from the house
The local supermarket is a 5-minute walk from the centre
Personal SIM card for your mobile: You can buy at the local shop
The closest City is Nadi about one and a half ride by car/bus from our Centre
The closest town is Sigatoka town which is 10 mins away
About 10 mins to Medical Centre
No scheduled activities outside the program.
Sights & Surroundings
Sigatoka sand dunes
Kila Eco Adventure Park: enjoy high rope course, a leap of faith and a giant swing.
Scuba and snorkelling
Tavuni Hill Fort
Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course
Sigatoka Market.
Arts Village at Pacific Harbour: Enjoy the footbridges, the water-lily ponds, the pathways, the Fijian bure and experience how life was in the olden days which is one and hour drive.
From this location we do not provide free transport to other locations.
Name: Republic of Fiji
Population: 881,065
Capital: Suva
Language: Fijian
Currency: Fijian Dollar (FJD)
Time zone: ICT (UTC +7)
Fiji is an archipelago of 333 sun-kissed, picture perfect islands tucked away in the South Pacific, close to Australia and New Zealand.
It's famed for its rugged landscape of blue lagoons and palm-lined beaches, and eco-activities from mountain climbing and surfing to soft-coral diving and zip-lining. Its major islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, contain the lion's share of the population, meaning much of the country is uncrowded.
The 20th century brought about important economic changes in Fiji as well as the maturation of its political system. Fiji developed a major sugar industry and established productive copra milling, tourism and secondary industries.
As the country now diversifies into small-scale industries, the economy is strengthened and revenues provide for expanded public works, infrastructure, health, medical services and education.
The country's central position in the region has been strengthened by recent developments in sea and air communications and transport. Today, Fiji plays a major role in regional affairs and is recognized as the focal point of the South Pacific.
Fiji is now home to many other races — Indians, Part Europeans, Chinese and other Pacific islanders living in harmony, and keeping their own cultures and identity. Fijians, slightly over 50 per cent of the total population, are essentially members of communities. They live in villages and do things on a communal basis.
The climate in Fiji is tropical marine and warm year round with minimal extremes. The warm season is from November to April and the cooler season lasts from May to October. Temperature in the cool season still averages 22 °C (72 °F).
Rainfall is variable, with the warm season experiencing heavier rainfall, especially inland. Winds are moderate, though cyclones occur about once a year (10–12 times per decade).
On 20 February 2016, Fiji was hit by the full force of Cyclone Winston, the only Category 5 tropical cyclone to make landfall in the nation. Scores of homes were destroyed and at least 43 people have been reported dead.
Fiji was first settled about three and a half thousand years ago. The original inhabitants are now called "Lapita people" after a distinctive type of fine pottery they produced, remnants of which have been found in practically all the islands of the Pacific, east of New Guinea, though not in eastern Polynesia. Linguistic evidence suggests that they came from northern or central Vanuatu, or possibly the eastern Solomons.
Before long they had moved further on, colonizing Rotuma to the north, and Tonga and Samoa to the east. From here, vast distances were crossed to complete the settlement of the Pacific to Hawaii in the north, Rapanui (Easter Island) in the east and Aotearoa (New Zealand) in the south.
Unlike the islands of Polynesia which showed a continuous steadily evolving culture from initial occupation, Fiji appears to have undergone at least two periods of rapid culture change in prehistoric times.
This may have been due to the arrival of fresh waves of immigrants, presumably from the west. Pre Historians have noted that a massive 12th century volcanic eruption in southern Vanuatu coincides with the disappearance of a certain pottery style, and its sudden emergence in Fiji.
It is hardly surprising then, that the Fijian culture is an intricate network and that generalisations are fraught with danger. Although the legendary king of Bau, Naulivou, and his successors had control over a large area of eastern Fiji, at no time before colonization was Fiji a political unity. Nevertheless, Fiji does exhibit certain traits that sets it apart from its neighbours, and it is this that defines a distinctive Fijian culture.
Getting around Fiji is easy and cheap. There's a good network of buses, carriers (trucks) and ferries for travel within Fiji's main islands, and taxis are common. Hiring a car is a good way to explore the two largest islands – which contain 90% of Fiji's roads – or charter a boat or small plane to get between islands. Fiji is well-served by two domestic airlines which operate between many of the islands, although services are less regular to the outer islands. Yachting and cruising are also great ways to explore the country.
Coral Coast Construction & Renovation
Coral Coast Kindergarten Teaching
Culture Week
Coral Coast Teaching Program
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"When we first considered building an art collection, we needed advice on how to navigate the art world and where to best focus our investment. As buyers, we had a common interest in modern and contemporary art but needed the right expertise and guidance to better inform our purchasing decisions. Our friends introduced us to Bridgette Mayer who they said would provide highly personalized advice with our specific goals in mind.
Over the past several years, Bridgette has educated and guided us well. As a result, we've assembled a small collection that we enjoy very much and where the return on our investment in terms of appreciation has exceeded our expectations. Bridgette's experience and deep knowledge is impressive as well as her broad industry connections.
"I met Bridgette Mayer through her advertising her exhibitions in Philadelphia Style Magazine.
The creativity of her ads as well as the artwork caught my attention and I had to go check it out.
I have a passion for collecting art and immediately connected with the contemporary art she exhibits in her Philadelphia gallery.
Bridgette was very professional and great to work with. She helped me identify artists who fit my aesthetic and I learned a lot from her expertise through the process.
"I live in an IM Pei designed home and, recently had it restored to its original architecture and design with other beautiful features added to the space.
I wanted a world class art collection to go with the quality of my space, so I hired Bridgette Mayer to help me. We started off by working with nationally known artist, Neil Anderson, to commission a very large abstract painting for the living room space which reflects the changing landscape reflected outside the windows in my courtyard.
From there, the collection developed piece by piece with special attention to the architecture, feeling in the space, my aesthetic and quality of the art. The end result is a fantastic mix of contemporary art from emerging to highly established artists.
Bridgette worked with several galleries in New York and well as commissioning works directly from artists. She brought each piece of artwork into the space to make sure it was the right match before I made the purchase and, assisted with every detail of the installations down to doing touch-up paintwork.
"I have had the honor and privilege of working with Bridgette for the last fourteen years as one of her represented artists. It has been an amazing journey, as I have grown as an artist and she has cultivated an incredibly successful commercial gallery business.
"So excited to see Bridgette Mayer Gallery selected as best art gallery in Philadelphia.
I have been following Bridgette's artists since she opened many years ago and this woman has impeccable taste.
I was looking to add more contemporary and abstract works to my landscape art collection and after researching and visiting all the Philadelphia Galleries, her gallery stood out for the quality, consistency of exhibitions and uniqueness of works being shown.
It also doesn't hurt that she has been recognized locally and nationally including a spot on CNN's Anderson Cooper.
It is fun to have the gallery and artists you purchase validated.
"Bridgette's passion for connecting people with art is tireless. She doesn't just sell art, she fosters connections between her clients and the art—and in many cases the artists themselves. This creates a much more emotional bond between us as collectors and the pieces we own. She understands that for us, knowing the story behind a piece, whether that's the provenance of something she has found for us in the secondary market or an intimate tour of an artist's studio turns the process from a transaction into a relationship.