I grew up in Portland, Oregon. Think Seattle, to understand the weather. Even when it doesn't rain, clouds perpetually oppress – sometimes even in summer. Seeing stars is hit and miss.
It's a good thing Abram didn't live in Portland. He'd only have twenty-seven descendants on a good night. (Ok, slight exaggeration. Last week I asked someone I know who lives in Portland to count the stars, and she saw a whole sky full. Of course. The one time I'm trying to prove a point.) But seriously? I'd heard this story growing up, and it never made much sense. Apparently, I was missing out on those nights where you can actually see more than twenty-seven stars.
So in high school once a year, two or three friends and I would go searching for that awe I felt cheated out of. We stopped by Fred Meyer, stocked up on Mt. Dew and Twinkies, and piled into a car to drive an hour out of the city. A band of bright haze hung above the summer horizon on one side of the sky. We lay half-shivering in the night air and peered up at a few more than twenty-seven stars waiting to see a meteor. I tried not to be upset that we couldn't entirely escape the artificial to see the real. Funny thing, light pollution is.
But even with the obstructions, there was something of awe and that smallness-feeling, especially when we witnessed the meteor shower. As I suspected, this kind of awe does aid in understanding Abram's encounter with God.
First, God gives Abram this grand vision. He says: don't be scared – I'm your shield and your very great reward.
Right, like what does that even mean? I think that's what Abram was feeling. Not quite there yet. I imagine he'd just come inside from taking out the trash. Sarai was irritated he'd forgotten two days in a row. Living in the everyday, where all us normal folk live.
Gotta love an honest Abe. (Couldn't resist.) Also gotta love that God doesn't shut him down with, "Weren't you listening the first time in Chapter 12?" No lectures for stupidity or poor listening for the first patriarch of Israel. Instead, God answers Abram's questions. And the way he does it, makes me just love him more.
God graciously meets Abram where he's at. At night. In the dark. He takes Abram outside. It's still dark. It's still night. Abram's not sure what to expect. Then God speaks the first occurrence of the actual words "look up" in the Bible (NIV). A command to shift the perspective. I kind of love that. A two-word command and Abram moves a few muscles to shift his gaze.
God doesn't have to say a lot for a lot to happen. Something happened to Abram's spiritual landscape when he moved within his physical one. While Abram is obediently gazing at the stars, God promises a childless, old man he will become the father of so many descendants it'll be crazy. And this time, Abram is speechless. But the text reveals the internal change: Abram believed God, and it was to his credit.
Wow, do I want that too! So much awe for an all-powerful God that I'm speechless. And belief in God's promises, even when he doesn't say much. How quickly will I respond to God's beckoning to come outside my comfort zone, even in the dark times of my life, so I can catch a glimpse of God's grace?
Such a perfect illustration! Here in Wyoming on the plains, you can see the stars…and they are too numerous to count. On a cold, crisp night (especially in winter time) you can see the Milky Way. It's just a mist of stars! There's no way you can take in that vision and not see the hand of God.
What a perfect thought to envision Abraham, seeing those stars and hearing a promise spoken audibly from the one who spoke them into existence.
Melissa, that sounds gorgeous the way you describe it! Always love hearing from you. 🙂 I bet watching the meteor showers is amazing out there!
Love these thoughts and your perspective and encouragement!
Thank you, Riley. And I just love your sweet self!
Portland is my heart's home but my body lives in Arizona, just outside of Phoenix (talk about light pollution!). I have seen stars, but it wasn't until a camping trip in the middle of nowhere on the California beach. I have rarely felt such awe. I felt as if I were looking through a powerful telescope. It was breathtaking. There have been a few spiritually breathtaking experiences in my life and somehow those evoke such vivid images and feelings, even more than the memory of those stars in that night sky. Our Father truly is awesome.
Carmen, so great to hear from another Portlander! I loved hearing your awe story. Those are sacred times. Thank you so much for sharing such a cherished experience. Looking up with you!
Such an awesome message Pearl. And beautifully written. Keep up the great work. I look forward to it every day.
Thank you for your kind words, Lori! So glad you were encouraged. Always appreciate hearing from you.
Loving your posts Pearl! Thanks for your encouragement, my friend.


text:
World Report 2013: Oman
Omani authorities in 2012 restricted the right to freedom of expression through use of criminal defamation laws, sentencing over 30 pro-reform activists to between 12 and 18 months' imprisonment and substantial fines on the charge of "defaming the Sultan."
Authorities restricted the freedoms of association and assembly, both in law and in practice.
Oman's mostly elected Shura Council exercised limited legislative and oversight powers for the first time in late 2011, following royal decrees by Sultan Qabus bin Sa`id Al Sa`id, Oman's ruler, in response to large-scale street demonstrations throughout the country in early 2011.
Pro-Reform Activists
On May 31, Omani authorities launched an assault on freedoms of expression and association through mass arrests and trials of peaceful online activists and demonstrators.
The crackdown began when police detained human rights activists Isma`il al-Meqbali, Habiba al-Hana'i, and Ya`coub al-Khorousi as they were traveling to the Fohoud oil field to interview striking oil workers. All three are founding members of the independent Omani Group for Human Rights. Authorities denied the men access to their families and lawyers for several days, eventually releasing al-Hana'i and al-Khorousi while holding al-Meqbali to investigate potential charges.
Over the following two weeks, authorities detained a group of 10 pro-reform activists allegedly for Facebook and Twitter comments critical of Omani authorities, particularly the arrests of al-Meqbali, al-Hana`i, and al-Khorousi. The arrests of online activists escalated following a June 4 statement by Muscat's public prosecutor saying he would take "all appropriate legal measures" against activists who have made "inciting calls … under the pretext of freedom of expression." He added that "the rise of rumors and incitement to engage in negative behavior eventually harms the nation, its citizens, and the national interests.
By the end of July, authorities had arrested another 22 online activists on the basis of alleged defamatory Facebook and Twitter comments. The public prosecutor charged 31 of the detained activists with "defaming the Sultan," based on article 126 of Oman's penal code, and violating provisions of Oman's Information Crimes Law. One, Hamud al-Rashidi, faced the sole charge of "defaming the Sultan." Following a series of group trials during July, August, and September, the Muscat Court of First Instance convicted 29 of the activists and sentenced them to between 6 and 18 months in prison and fines ranging from 200 to 1,000 Omani Riyals (US$520-$2,600). The court exonerated only one detainee, female activist Ameena al-Sa`adi.
Several of the detained activists, including Mukhtar al-Hana`i, Khaled al-Noufali, Sultan al-Sa`adi, and Hatem al-Maliki, challenged the charges on the basis that unknown persons had hacked their Facebook pages and posted the alleged defamatory remarks. On September 9, the lower court judge postponed their trials on the condition that each pay 500 Omani Riyals ($1,300) to hire a court-appointed technology expert to review the hacking allegations. Al-Noufai, al-Sa`adi, and al-Maliki paid for the review but were nonetheless convicted by the court on September 16. Al-Hana`i refused to pay, and the court convicted him on September 18.
Local activists told Human Rights Watch that many of the detainees reported ill-treatment in prison, including prolonged periods of solitary confinement, forced wearing of hoods whenever outside their cells (including while being escorted to the bathroom), sleep deprivation, loud music, and repeated verbal abuse from prison guards. One female detainee told Human Rights Watch that prison guards refused to grant her access to medical attention following several days on hunger strike.
Omani authorities require government approval for all public gatherings. In 2012, riot police quickly dispersed impromptu demonstrations and sit-ins.
On June 11, police arrested at least 20 protesters at a peaceful sit-in in front of the Special Section of the Omani Police in Muscat, where demonstrators believed authorities were holding activists detained during the first week of June. According to one participant, authorities sealed all roads leading to the station in the late afternoon, and 60 to 70 riot police officers descended in black vans and detained all the demonstrators.
Several of those participating in the sit-in, including Saeed al-Hashemi, Basma al-Kayoumi, Mukhtar al-Hana'i, and Basima al-Rajhi, had signed a public appeal earlier that day demanding the immediate release of the activists. They addressed the appeal to the president of the Shura Council; the president of the State Council, a purely consultative appointed body; the inspector general of police and customs; and the head of the quasi-official National Committee for Human Rights.
Omani police charged 11 demonstrators, including al-Rajhi, al-Hashemi, and al-Kayoumi, with "illegal gathering with the intention of provoking a riot" and "blocking the flow of traffic" under article 137 of Oman's penal code. A Muscat lower court convicted them on August 8 and sentenced them to one year in prison and fines of 1,000 Omani Riyals ($2,600). At this writing all were free on bail pending appeal.
Naming Restrictions
The Ministry of Interior's Committee for the Correction of Tribal Names and Titles continued to regulate and arbitrarily change tribal surnames, effectively assimilating members of one tribe into another. Despite numerous court decisions against ministry orders compelling members of the Al Towayyah and al-Khalifin tribes to change their surnames to names of other tribes, ministry officials continued to challenge the names of individuals when they attempted to renew identification documents.
In 2012, the Directorate General of Civil Status, a branch of the Royal Oman Police, continued its policy of restricting names permitted to newborns to those found on a civil registry database. Any newborn whose name was not found in the database and consequently rejected could not get a birth certificate until the parents submitted an acceptable name. Activists reported that the appeals process was lengthy and unclear.
Article 17 of Oman's Basic Law officially bans discrimination on the basis of gender, and authorities have made efforts to ensure that women are visibly represented at the highest levels of government and society.
Oman adjudicates family law and personal status matters in religious courts in which judges base rulings on their interpretations of Islamic law. Individuals have no option to seek adjudication pursuant to a civil code. Family law as generally interpreted discriminates against women in matters of divorce, inheritance, child custody, and legal guardianship, granting men privileged status in these matters.
Key International Actors
Both the United States and the United Kingdom provide significant economic and military aid to the sultanate and both maintain a sizeable military presence there. Neither country altered its policy toward Oman in 2012 despite the ongoing protests and restrictions.
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


1. BRENNAN, R.G. AND  MATTHEWS, B.W.
The helix-turn-helix DNA binding motif.
2. SAUER, R.T.,YOCUM, R.R., DOOLITTLE, R.F., LEWIS, M. AND PABO, C.O.
3. PABO, C.O. AND SAUER, R.T.
first helix helps to stabilise the structure .
and other DNA-binding proteins the requirement is relaxed.
homeotic proteins, etc., all of which have Gly conserved in the turn.
An update on SPTR37_9f identified a true set of 103 sequences.
ATH5_ARATH  HOMEOBOX-LEUCINE ZIPPER PROTEIN ATHB-5 (HD-ZIP PROTEIN ATHB-5) - ARABIDOPSIS THALIANA (MOUSE-EAR CRESS).
ATH6_ARATH  HOMEOBOX-LEUCINE ZIPPER PROTEIN ATHB-6 (HD-ZIP PROTEIN ATHB-6) - ARABIDOPSIS THALIANA (MOUSE-EAR CRESS).
CDX1_HUMAN  HOMEOBOX PROTEIN CDX-1 (CAUDAL-TYPE HOMEOBOX PROTEIN 1) - HOMO SAPIENS (HUMAN).
CDX1_MOUSE  HOMEOBOX PROTEIN CDX-1 (CAUDAL-TYPE HOMEOBOX PROTEIN 1) - MUS MUSCULUS (MOUSE).
CDX2_HUMAN  HOMEOBOX PROTEIN CDX-2 (CAUDAL-TYPE HOMEOBOX PROTEIN 2) (CDX-3) - HOMO SAPIENS (HUMAN).
CDX2_MESAU  HOMEOBOX PROTEIN CDX-2 (CAUDAL-TYPE HOMEOBOX PROTEIN 2) - MESOCRICETUS AURATUS (GOLDEN HAMSTER).
CDX2_MOUSE  HOMEOBOX PROTEIN CDX-2 (CAUDAL-TYPE HOMEOBOX PROTEIN 2) - MUS MUSCULUS (MOUSE).
CDX4_HUMAN  HOMEOBOX PROTEIN CDX-4 (CAUDAL-TYPE HOMEOBOX PROTEIN 4) - HOMO SAPIENS (HUMAN).
CDX4_MOUSE  HOMEOBOX PROTEIN CDX-4 (CAUDAL-TYPE HOMEOBOX PROTEIN 4) - MUS MUSCULUS (MOUSE).
DBX_MOUSE   HOMEOBOX PROTEIN DBX - MUS MUSCULUS (MOUSE).
DLX1_BRARE  HOMEOBOX PROTEIN DLX-1 - BRACHYDANIO RERIO (ZEBRAFISH) (ZEBRA DANIO).
DLX1_MOUSE  HOMEOBOX PROTEIN DLX-1 - MUS MUSCULUS (MOUSE).
DLX2_BRARE  HOMEOBOX PROTEIN DLX-2 - BRACHYDANIO RERIO (ZEBRAFISH) (ZEBRA DANIO).
DLX2_HUMAN  HOMEOBOX PROTEIN DLX-2 - HOMO SAPIENS (HUMAN).
DLX2_MOUSE  HOMEOBOX PROTEIN DLX-2 (HOMEOBOX PROTEIN TES-1) - MUS MUSCULUS (MOUSE).
DLX3_AMBME  HOMEOBOX PROTEIN DLX-3 - AMBYSTOMA MEXICANUM (AXOLOTL).
DLX3_BRARE  HOMEOBOX PROTEIN DLX-3 - BRACHYDANIO RERIO (ZEBRAFISH) (ZEBRA DANIO).
DLX3_HUMAN  HOMEOBOX PROTEIN DLX-3 - HOMO SAPIENS (HUMAN).
DLX3_MOUSE  HOMEOBOX PROTEIN DLX-3 - MUS MUSCULUS (MOUSE).
DLX3_NOTVI  HOMEOBOX PROTEIN DLX-3 (BOX-4) (NVHBOX-4) - NOTOPHTHALMUS VIRIDESCENS (EASTERN NEWT) (TRITURUS VIRIDESCENS).
DLX3_PLEWA  DISTAL-LESS LIKE PROTEIN DLX-3 - PLEURODELES WALTLII (IBERIAN RIBBED NEWT).
DLX4_BRARE  HOMEOBOX PROTEIN DLX-4 - BRACHYDANIO RERIO (ZEBRAFISH) (ZEBRA DANIO).
DLX5_BRARE  HOMEOBOX PROTEIN DLX-5 - BRACHYDANIO RERIO (ZEBRAFISH) (ZEBRA DANIO).
DLX5_CHICK  HOMEOBOX PROTEIN DLX-5 - GALLUS GALLUS (CHICKEN).
DLX5_MOUSE  HOMEOBOX PROTEIN DLX-5 - MUS MUSCULUS (MOUSE).
DLX5_RAT    HOMEOBOX PROTEIN DLX-5 (DLX-3) (RDLX) - RATTUS NORVEGICUS (RAT).
DLX6_BRARE  HOMEOBOX PROTEIN DLX-6 - BRACHYDANIO RERIO (ZEBRAFISH) (ZEBRA DANIO).
DLX7_BRARE  HOMEOBOX PROTEIN DLX-7 - BRACHYDANIO RERIO (ZEBRAFISH) (ZEBRA DANIO).
DLX7_MOUSE  HOMEOBOX PROTEIN DLX-7 - MUS MUSCULUS (MOUSE).
DLX8_BRARE  HOMEOBOX PROTEIN DLX-8 - BRACHYDANIO RERIO (ZEBRAFISH) (ZEBRA DANIO).
EXD_DROME   HOMEOBOX PROTEIN EXTRADENTICLE - DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER (FRUIT FLY).
FX24_RHILV  PROBABLE TRANSCRIPTIONAL ACTIVATOR (ORF-240) - RHIZOBIUM LEGUMINOSARUM (BIOVAR VICIAE).
GSBD_DROME  GOOSEBERRY DISTAL PROTEIN (BSH9) - DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER (FRUIT FLY).
HAT1_ARATH  HOMEOBOX-LEUCINE ZIPPER PROTEIN HAT1 (HD-ZIP PROTEIN 1) - ARABIDOPSIS THALIANA (MOUSE-EAR CRESS).
HAT4_ARATH  HOMEOBOX-LEUCINE ZIPPER PROTEIN HAT4 (HD-ZIP PROTEIN 4) (HD-ZIP PROTEIN ATHB-2) - ARABIDOPSIS THALIANA (MOUSE-EAR CRESS).
HAT5_ARATH  HOMEOBOX-LEUCINE ZIPPER PROTEIN HAT5 (HD-ZIP PROTEIN 5) (HD-ZIP PROTEIN ATHB-1) - ARABIDOPSIS THALIANA (MOUSE-EAR CRESS).
HAT7_ARATH  HOMEOBOX-LEUCINE ZIPPER PROTEIN HAT7 (HD-ZIP PROTEIN 7) (HD-ZIP PROTEIN ATHB-3) - ARABIDOPSIS THALIANA (MOUSE-EAR CRESS).
HLX1_HUMAN  HOMEOBOX PROTEIN HLX1 (HOMEOBOX PROTEIN HB24) - HOMO SAPIENS (HUMAN).
HLX1_MOUSE  HOMEOBOX PROTEIN HLX1 - MUS MUSCULUS (MOUSE).
HM16_CAEEL  HOMEOBOX PROTEIN ENGRAILED-LIKE CEH-16 - CAENORHABDITIS ELEGANS.
HM23_CAEEL  HOMEOBOX PROTEIN CEH-23 - CAENORHABDITIS ELEGANS.
HMCU_DROME  HOMEOBOX PROTEIN CUT - DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER (FRUIT FLY).
HMD1_CAEEL  PUTATIVE HOMEOBOX PROTEIN C28A5.4 - CAENORHABDITIS ELEGANS.
HMD1_CHICK  HOMEOBOX PROTEIN CHOX-CAD - GALLUS GALLUS (CHICKEN).
HMD1_XENLA  HOMEOBOX PROTEIN DLL-1 (DLL) (XDLL) - XENOPUS LAEVIS (AFRICAN CLAWED FROG).
HMD2_XENLA  HOMEOBOX PROTEIN DLL-2 (XDLL-2) - XENOPUS LAEVIS (AFRICAN CLAWED FROG).
HMD3_XENLA  HOMEOBOX PROTEIN DLL-3 (XDLL-3) - XENOPUS LAEVIS (AFRICAN CLAWED FROG).
HMD4_XENLA  HOMEOBOX PROTEIN DLL-4 (XDLL-4) - XENOPUS LAEVIS (AFRICAN CLAWED FROG).
HMDL_BRAFL  HOMEOBOX PROTEIN DLL HOMOLOG - BRANCHIOSTOMA FLORIDAE (FLORIDA LANCELET) (AMPHIOXUS).
HMDL_DROME  HOMEOTIC DISTAL-LESS PROTEIN (PROTEIN BRISTA) - DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER (FRUIT FLY).
HX1A_MAIZE  HOMEOBOX PROTEIN HOX1A - ZEA MAYS (MAIZE).
MTA0_YEAST  MATING-TYPE PROTEIN A-1, INCOMPLETELY SPLICED - SACCHAROMYCES CEREVISIAE (BAKER'S YEAST).
MTA1_YEAST  MATING-TYPE PROTEIN A-1 - SACCHAROMYCES CEREVISIAE (BAKER'S YEAST).
O08686      BARX2 - MUS MUSCULUS (MOUSE).
O17588      C16C2.1 PROTEIN - CAENORHABDITIS ELEGANS.
O32725      RNA POLYMERASE SIGMA FACTOR - BACILLUS SPHAERICUS.
O43518      BARX2 - HOMO SAPIENS (HUMAN).
O43812      DUX1 PROTEIN - HOMO SAPIENS (HUMAN).
O46118      DNA-BINDING PROTEIN - DUGESIA TIGRINA (PLANARIAN).
O54817      EXTRAEMBRYONIC, SPERMATOGENESIS, HOMEOBOX 1 (PAIRED-LIKE HOMEODOMAIN CONTAINING PROTEIN) - MUS MUSCULUS (MOUSE).
O57407      HOMEOBOX PROTEIN - XENOPUS LAEVIS (AFRICAN CLAWED FROG).
O86069      FNR-TYPE TRANSCRIPTIONAL REGULATOR FNRND - RHIZOBIUM ETLI.
O88933      HOMEOBOX PROTEIN SPX1 - MUS MUSCULUS (MOUSE).
O93236      DHARMA - BRACHYDANIO RERIO (ZEBRAFISH) (ZEBRA DANIO).
O93534      HOMEOBOX PROTEIN BIX2 - XENOPUS LAEVIS (AFRICAN CLAWED FROG).
P79788      HOMEOBOX PROTEIN - GALLUS GALLUS (CHICKEN).
P91625      LADYBIRD EARLY HOMEODOMAIN TRANSCRIPTION FACTOR - DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER (FRUIT FLY).
PBX1_HUMAN  PRE-B-CELL LEUKEMIA TRANSCRIPTION FACTOR-1 (HOMEOBOX PROTEIN PBX1) (HOMEOBOX PROTEIN PRL) - HOMO SAPIENS (HUMAN).
PBX1_MOUSE  PRE-B-CELL LEUKEMIA TRANSCRIPTION FACTOR-1 (HOMEOBOX PROTEIN PBX1) - MUS MUSCULUS (MOUSE).
PBX2_HUMAN  PRE-B-CELL LEUKEMIA TRANSCRIPTION FACTOR-2 (HOMEOBOX PROTEIN PBX2) (G17) - HOMO SAPIENS (HUMAN).
PBX2_MOUSE  PRE-B-CELL LEUKEMIA TRANSCRIPTION FACTOR-2 (HOMEOBOX PROTEIN PBX2) - MUS MUSCULUS (MOUSE).
Q04787      BRAIN-SPECIFIC HOMEOBOX PROTEIN - DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER (FRUIT FLY).
Q06453      HOMEOBOX PROTEIN ARISTALESS - DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER (FRUIT FLY).
Q14333      FACIOSCAPULOHUMERAL MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY (FSHD) GENE REGION, D4Z4 TANDEM REPEAT UNIT (FSHD) - HOMO SAPIENS (HUMAN).
Q17243      CAD PROTEIN - BOMBYX MORI (SILK MOTH).
Q21169      K03A11.3 PROTEIN - CAENORHABDITIS ELEGANS.
Q39862      HOMEOBOX-LEUCINE ZIPPER PROTEIN - GLYCINE MAX (SOYBEAN).
Q39941      HOMEODOMAIN CONTAINING PROTEIN (HAHB-1) - HELIANTHUS ANNUUS (COMMON SUNFLOWER).
Q40782      HOMEOBOX-LEUCINE ZIPPER PROTEIN - PIMPINELLA BRACHYCARPA.
Q41812      HOMEOBOX 2A PROTEIN - ZEA MAYS (MAIZE).
Q43425      DNA-BINDING PROTEIN - DAUCUS CAROTA (CARROT).
Q43427      DNA-BINDING PROTEIN - DAUCUS CAROTA (CARROT).
Q43428      DNA-BINDING PROTEIN - DAUCUS CAROTA (CARROT).
Q43529      HOMEOBOX - LYCOPERSICON ESCULENTUM (TOMATO).
Q52775      FNRN - RHIZOBIUM LEGUMINOSARUM.
Q90262      ZF-CAD1 PROTEIN - BRACHYDANIO RERIO (ZEBRAFISH) (ZEBRA DANIO).
Q90320      CAUDAL HOMOLOG CDX1 - CYPRINUS CARPIO (COMMON CARP).
Q90881      HOMEOBOX PROTEIN - GALLUS GALLUS (CHICKEN).
Q91622      XCAD2 PROTEIN - XENOPUS LAEVIS (AFRICAN CLAWED FROG).
RPSF_BACLI  RNA POLYMERASE SIGMA-F FACTOR (STAGE II SPORULATION PROTEIN AC) (SPORULATION SIGMA FACTOR) - BACILLUS LICHENIFORMIS.
RPSF_BACME  RNA POLYMERASE SIGMA-F FACTOR (STAGE II SPORULATION PROTEIN AC) (SPORULATION SIGMA FACTOR) - BACILLUS MEGATERIUM.
RPSF_BACSU  RNA POLYMERASE SIGMA-F FACTOR (STAGE II SPORULATION PROTEIN AC) (SPORULATION SIGMA FACTOR) - BACILLUS SUBTILIS.
RPSG_CLOAB  RNA POLYMERASE SIGMA-G FACTOR - CLOSTRIDIUM ACETOBUTYLICUM.
SIX1_HUMAN  HOMEOBOX PROTEIN SIX1 - HOMO SAPIENS (HUMAN).
SIX2_MOUSE  HOMEOBOX PROTEIN SIX2 - MUS MUSCULUS (MOUSE).


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text:
Fort Worth man killed man who was fighting with woman in motel parking lot, police say
Filed under Crime at Dec 6
Sara Coello, Breaking News Reporter
Connect with Sara Coello
A Fort Worth man fatally shot another man who was fighting a woman Wednesday night at an East Fort Worth motel, police say.
Pathom Madane Daniels
(Tarrant County Sheriff's Department)
Officers were called around 10:15 p.m. to the Ace Motel in the 3100 block of South Riverside Drive, where they found Marcus Hardy, 37, shot in the chest. He died shortly afterward.
Pathom Madane Daniels, 37, was charged with murder in Hardy's killing. He was arrested on outstanding warrants at a gas station near the hotel.
A woman told police that Hardy, her ex-boyfriend, had approached her behind the motel, accused her of cheating on him and assaulted her, according to an arrest-warrant affidavit.
After she hit Hardy with a mop handle, Daniels came out of the motel and the two men argued until she heard a loud noise and saw Hardy fall to the ground and Daniels run away, according to the affidavit.
Security footage showed that Daniels had fired the fatal shot, according to the affidavit, but Daniels offered several conflicting stories, including that he'd heard the gunshots from across the street and that he'd threatened to stab Hardy but did not shoot him.
Hardy served time for a 1997 charge of burglary with intent to commit sexual assault.
Daniels, of Fort Worth, has previously been convicted for domestic assault, theft and drug possession. He was free on bond after being arrested in August on three drug charges.
"I thank god for making me better," Daniels posted to Facebook on Nov. 27. "I am finally leaving the past behind me 2019 is my year."
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The Coastal Arts Center campus overlooks scenic Wolf Bay and offers many artistic experiences with a breathtaking view. The stunning 10,000-square-foot fine art gallery features a spacious two-story building displaying beautiful Gulf Coast artwork. Our campus is also home to The Hot Shop, Alabama's premier hot glass blowing studio where you can make your own glass piece! Or, come play in the clay at our Clay Studio, where you can throw on the wheel or hand build your own creation. Adult art classes in acrylic, watercolor, mixed media and more are available at various times of the year. The center cherishes its place in the rich history of our area while bringing new and innovative ideas in the arts -- all in a warm and welcoming environment of Southern hospitality. With our new facility and stunning grounds, we now also provide the perfect location for a destination wedding or special event. Check out our Facebook Page for the most recent photos of our new facility.
Hot Glass demonstrations and Make-Your-Own fused/blown glass in The Hot Shop.
Pottery demonstrations and Make-Your-Own clay items in The Clay Studio.
A Gift Shop area with original unique items by local and regional artists.
Summer art camps and After School Art Program.
From AL & FL Beaches: Take Hwy 182/Perdido Beach Blvd to Highway 161/Orange Beach Blvd heading north. Turn right onto Hwy 180/Canal Road heading east. Drive 0.3 miles and the Arts Center will be on your left. You may enter at the gravel driveway or via Nancy Lane.
From Hwy 59 in Gulf Shores: Head east on Hwy 180/2nd Street along the Intracoastal Waterway. The Arts Center is 0.3 miles east of the intersection of Canal and Hwy 161.
From I-10 East and West: Take the Hwy 59 exit heading south; continue for approximately 18 miles then turn left onto Foley Beach Express ($2.75 toll). Turn left at the light onto Canal Road. Continue approximately 2.5 miles and the Arts Center is on your left.


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Previous / Ten moments that tipped the 2021 F1 world title in Verstappen's favour Next / Leclerc tests positive for COVID-19 for second time in 2021
Ricciardo "clearly" needs to make another step in F1 2022
McLaren Formula 1 driver Daniel Ricciardo admits that he has to make another step in 2022 after a mixed first season with the Woking team.
The Australian struggled for most of this year to get onto terms with teammate Lando Norris, especially over one lap in qualifying, which in turn made his life harder in races.
While his form improved and victory in the Italian GP was an obvious high, Ricciardo finished the season in eighth place on 115 points, 45 behind his teammate, and only five ahead of AlphaTauri's Pierre Gasly.
"Started not great, got better, but still with some dips," he said when asked by Motorsport.com about his year.
"Definitely happier with the second half. But there's still some things to work on, so I'm not like overwhelmed with it.
"Let's say I made a step, but clearly I still need to make another one next year to get where I want to be, and probably more on Saturdays just to give me that track position for Sunday and keep me out of a little bit more of a mess. So that's a that's what I'll work on."
Having finished a solid fifth at the previous race in Saudi Arabia, Ricciardo ended his season on a disappointing note in Abu Dhabi last weekend, qualifying 10th and finishing 12th.
He took the last lap restart immediately behind Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen as the first lapped car in the queue.
Daniel Ricciardo, McLaren MCL35M
Photo by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images
"I think obviously last week was good and look, with the way the safety car and that worked out it, it probably helped me more than it helped others. And today it's swung in the other way. So that's how it works, these things go back and forth.
"I think I got up to ninth, then I think I was sitting there and I feel like I had a bit more pace than [Esteban] Ocon. But it was still tricky to overtake, and ultimately probably I didn't have enough pace to get by, and so that was that.
"And then I think the VSC, Gasly and Fernando [Alonso] were able to jump us so that put us out, and then we're just kind of out of position then so a bit tricky.
"I think we had a bit more pace in clear air, but to be honest that's on me, that's what happens when you qualify 10th and you're in I guess that park.
"So definitely something I want to improve next year is those Saturdays, and make Sundays a little easier for myself."
He added: "Obviously the magnitude of my 12th is not so big, the magnitude of the world title and how the safety car did that is completely much bigger, so I'm not going to give you my sad story!"
Ten moments that tipped the 2021 F1 world title in Verstappen's favour
Leclerc tests positive for COVID-19 for second time in 2021
Williams parts company with F1 engineering boss Carter
How Schumacher's first year marked him out as F1's king in-waiting
Ricciardo: McLaren-Ferrari battle was a "cool story" for F1
Ricciardo lost "a bit of faith" after "nearly laughable" start to F1 2021
Why '5/10' Ricciardo isn't giving up on his McLaren quest
Formula 1 cars will look very different this year as the long-awaited fresh rules finally arrive with the stated aim of improving its quality of racing. We break down what the return of 'ground effect' aerodynamics - and a flurry of other changes besides - means for the teams, and what fans can expect
Why F1's new era is still dogged by its old world problems
OPINION: The 2022 Formula 1 season is just weeks away from getting underway, but instead of focusing on what is to come, the attention still remains on what has been – not least the Abu Dhabi title decider controversy. That, plus other key talking points, must be resolved to allow the series to warmly welcome in its new era
As the driver of Formula 1's medical car, Alan van der Merwe's job is to wait – and hope his skills aren't needed. James Newbold hears from F1's lesser-known stalwart.
The steps Norris took to reach a new level in the 2021 F1 season
How Fangio set the bar for Schumacher and Hamilton in F1
Juan Manuel Fangio, peerless on track and charming off it, established the gold standard of grand prix greatness. Nigel Roebuck recalls a remarkable champion.


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We have come to Strasbourg for a long weekend, determined to get ourselves in a real holiday mood with whatever this French city on the German border has to offer: cold weather, festive decorations, charming architecture. I have been told -- by a Frenchwoman no less -- to make sure to try Strasbourg's delicious foods, which are Germanic, but improved by being Frenchified and more refined. That is like saying Arnold Schwarzenegger would be a great ballerina if only you put him in a tutu. So let's call a spade a spade: it's German food.
The jarret de porc, or pork knuckles, are my "best" local meal in Strasbourg. We try the flamenkuche -- known here also as tarte flambée, and in English as flatbreads with cream and toppings. There is no other way to describe this other than to say that it is Germanic pizza, and that there is a reason there's no such thing as a German pizza parlor in the U.S.. You know that expression that even bad pizza is good pizza? Well, when even 6 and 8 year-old American children refuse to order it any more, you know that, in fact, this pizza is so bad, it's bad. Anthony tries the choucroute topped with its many boiled pink sausage meats, which he likes well enough, despite the "yuck" faces I am making. Choucroute means sauerkraut, and it is fine and tangy -- at least you would expect them to get that right here -- but I think the boiled meats are (avert your eyes, bad pun coming) the wurst.
On the streets, the pretzels are soft, but served cold and without mustard (Why? What did I ever do to you, Strasbourg?!). There are at least twenty varieties of bredele, cute button-sized Christmas cookies in a variety of shapes. The stars taste just like the crescents which taste just like the bells which taste just like airplane food cookies. The only exception is the bredele we find that is flavored with geranium, which tastes -- according to Anthony -- like dishwashing liquid. I almost liked that one: At least it had flavor.
I do like the roasted chestnuts being sold around town from train-shaped stands: hot, slightly burned, and great hand-warmers in their paper bags. The biggest hit, for myself and Anthony at least, however, is the glühwein -- hot mulled wine -- along with the utter lack of open container laws. The entire town is walking along blissfully warming themselves up with hot spiced wine. So much of the alcohol has burned off that even I am capable of downing a whole coffee-to-go-sized cup of it. Both red and white. Perfect for the winter weather. When indoors and not presented with glühwein, Anthony makes do quite happily with a big almost-Germanic beer. No complaints there.
Ironically, never in my life have I been someplace where it is so hard to get a table in a restaurant. We are turned down from nearly ten restaurants over the course of an hour wandering around town on a Sunday night, no less. This is, by all appearances, the place to be for the holidays.
Go to Strasbourg for the Christmas markets. Go to Strasbourg for the colorful buildings. Go for the cobbled streets and storybook lanes. Go for the glühwein and beer. Go for the wonderful German-influenced Alsatian culture. But Gott in Himmel, just don't go for the food.
Carré de l'Est, which means "Square of the East," is a pasteurized cow cheese that comes from the Alsace region and its immediate surroundings. It's a soft cheese, especially at room temperature, but perhaps that goes without saying as it creeps, amoeba-like, all over the cheese platter in the photo below.
This particular one comes from a cheese producer named Schertenleib in the Haut-Marne, a few hours drive west of Strasbourg.
This would have been a better connection if it were called the Pretzel of the East, but I guess it's hard to form cheeses like that [note to creative cheesemakers: But if you could, they would sell like hotcakes. Or at least like hot pretzels]. Carré de l'Est comes from this eastern part of France, in Alsace and the areas surrounding Strasbourg. To my palate, it's a heck of a lot better than the rest of the regional food.


text:
Monique Laban
mqlaban@gmail.com
December 10, 2017 December 11, 2017 by moniquelaban
Book Scandals of 2018: Race, Fanfiction, and the Pre-Movie Industry
books, personal
It's about time for everyone to come out with their end-of-the-year retrospectives, and if I don't write mine now, I likely won't get to it until March of next year.
There's no question that 2017 has been marked by scandals and controversies. It felt as if every other week, another news-breaking unsettling development came to light in politics, pop culture, technology, and other fields.
It was interesting, in a voyeuristically thrilling sense, to have attended the premiere and panel discussion of The Handmaid's Tale at the BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center, where Elisabeth Moss and other cast members refused to describe their TV adaptation of the book as a feminist work. I was more awed than mad at the lack of understanding of the term "feminist," really.
The Handmaid's Tale post-screening panel discussion
Tribeca Film Festival Red Carpet
It was interesting, again voyeuristically, to have seen The Public Theater's production of Julius Caesar before the major news outlets covered the controversial depiction of Caesar as a certain orange Cheetoh. The qualms I had about the modernized aspects of the production slowly dissolved and were replaced with anger at the corporate sponsors that withdrew support from The Public.
Delacorte Theater stage for Julius Caesar
And in retrospect, I'm haunted and disgusted by the memory of attending Kevin Spacey's Clarence Darrow, by all means a disappointingly lackluster one-man show, a memory made more unpalatable by the fact that Spacey invited the students of his youth arts foundation to the stage after the play's end. It's nauseating to remember how he was surrounded by these teenagers for photographs as we gave him a standing ovation.
But! I imagine better writers will also be covering these events in their takes of 2017 (and many have already covered them as these scandals unfolded), and I am not a TV or theater person. So instead, I want to discuss the scandals that happened within the industry I'm part of – books.
The scandals in the publishing industry that come to mind and encapsulate 2017 for me are (chronologically):
The Pen Literary Award nomination and quick withdrawal of nomination for John Smelcer's Stealing Indians, after it was brought to light that Smelcer had been faking his Alaskan Native identity
The scamming of the New York Times Young Adult Bestseller List by Lani Sarem's debut novel Handbook for Mortals, which stole the #1 spot through underhanded means before being removed from the list
The author of the anonymous "worst fan fiction ever" My Immortal revealed to be Rose Christo, only for the reveal to be proven false after Christo was found to be forging documents and Christo's brother stated that she had lied about her story
I want to focus on these three, even though I know there are many more book scandals that happened this year. It's not that hard to find better articles about Milo Yiannopoulos's cancelled book deal, Hachette's shutdown of their Weinstein Books imprint, Kirkus amending its review of American Heart, the resignations and suspensions of Leon Wieseltier, Lorin Stein, and Leonard Lopate due to allegations of sexual misconduct, and more.
There are a few similarities that stick out to me in these scandals: all three happened within or were at least strongly connected to the YA world, all three either directly or indirectly hurt marginalized people in some way, and all three were uncovered through social media.
It's self-evident that all three of these scandals are each based off a series of lies. Smelcer has pretended to be of Alaskan Native descent for years, going so far as to spout literal gibberish and saying it was an ancient Native American language. His book also contains a falsified blurb from Chinua Achebe, who died in 2013.
Sarem will still not admit to cheating the system to gain bestseller status despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, and has hinted that she may fudge her numbers again with a second book. Many have speculated (probably correctly) that Sarem sought bestseller status solely to boost the chances of receiving support for a film franchise.
Christo's tale involves foster care, a dubious Cree heritage, and growing up queer, stating that the writing of My Immortal was intentionally bad as a convoluted attempt to find her long-lost brother (the same one who claimed her story was completely inaccurate). Like Sarem, Christo has stuck to her story and given her own excuses as to why her book deal was cancelled.
I think it's telling that these scandals all happened in the YA world, both in terms of how these writers view YA and how the YA community actually works.
Smelcer has been writing YA and poetry for years. While many Native and non-Native scholars have known about his dubious claims at Native identity (as well as his propensity for recycling or making up blurbs from famous writers) for just as long, Smelcer's Goodreads reviewers and general audience don't necessarily have that same information shared with them.
Perhaps this is how, say, the Kenyon Review received enormous backlash when they published two poems by Smelcer, then very quickly removed those poems from their online site, but the Pen Literary Awards judges for the Young Adult category may not have been among those same circles. To some degree, Smelcer probably knows this and has taken advantage of this oversight, as his target audience isn't usually included within these "high literary" circles.
Full disclosure: I am friends with one of this year's Young Adult Pen Literary Awards judges. I was also an intern at the National Book Foundation in 2015, when Sherman Alexie was a judge for Poetry as well as a guest editor for the Best American Poetry series, for which he received flack when he included a white poet who had used a Chinese pseudonym. My friend and the other Young Adult judges were horrified when they learned about Smelcer's background, as I remember hearing how Alexie was horrified when he learned how the white poet he had chosen was using yellowface to get published. While many blame the judges for not knowing better, I do not – it's an incredibly difficult and stressful position that, first, requires sifting through hundreds if not thousands of submissions and, second, requires a high degree of mental stamina and the ability to ask essential questions about what to put forth as the defining voices and issues of a certain moment in time.
In the case of Smelcer, it makes sense that the judges wanted to find marginalized perspectives that would speak to young readers. Smelcer fit that bill before it was found out that he had been taking the spotlight away from real Native writers – like the title of his book, he was literally "stealing Indians." It was truly a shame that this disaster happened, and I hope this rattled enough of the book world to make sure it's not repeated again – especially in the very popular but still vastly underrated YA world.
In another case of stealing the spotlight away from a more deserving, marginalized voice, Sarem's Handbook for Mortals scam is the scandal I've listed that I'm personally the angriest about. When news broke about the book that had taken the top spot, the YA community instantly looked into the author and the novel. Despite the book's classification by the first-time publisher GeekNation (a fan site) as YA, the protagonist is not within the age range for that genre and there is other content in the novel that clearly does not align with other contemporary YA books, much less other YA books on the bestseller list (a positive view of smoking, gratuitous internalized misogyny, incredibly outdated references, etc.).
Moreover, the readers who read the sample pages that Amazon provided (I am among them) and those who went so far as to purchase an e-book have all shared the same conclusion: Sarem's writing is absolutely atrocious. As someone who regularly reads the slush at a literary magazine and who took numerous college courses and writing workshops, the quality of Sarem's writing is below that of even the most amateurish Intro to Fiction Writing student. To have her conflate herself to being good enough for the bestseller list is the equivalent of me drawing a picture of a horse and demanding it be good enough to hang in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Sarem's interviews and other public appearances since the scandal show that her working knowledge of the YA world, and the book world in general, goes only so far as books that have become franchises. In this wonderfully shady Huffington Post article, Sarem only names the Harry Potter series, the Hunger Games trilogy, the Twilight trilogy, and the 50 Shades trilogy. With the exception of 50 Shades, it seems that Sarem connected these YA hits as having a better chance of being optioned as films and spent her effort towards cracking the bestseller list rather than caring about the content of her book or the readers she would need acclaim from. She is set to star in the movie adaptation of her own novel, and her background is as an occasional actress and band manager.
Her attitude toward the book world as the "pre-movie industry" is what I find most infuriating. I've already mentioned that my career is in book publishing, and yet I have often been bombarded by questions from friends and family about whether I would consider going into television or film. I have had a friend ask me, not once, but twice whether I could, as someone in book publishing, help her land a job in writing for movies or TV. First off, if I wanted to be in those industries, I would be. And it's a disservice to treat my industry as less than these other forms of media, especially when I find books so compelling and the community that shapes it (readers and writers alike) so encouraging, accessible, and forward-thinking.
And it's this forward-thinking and support that makes it more aggravating to me that Sarem took the #1 spot from Angie Thomas and her debut novel The Hate U Give. Thomas's book (which is getting its own movie adaptation after becoming a critical darling and a sweeping success among readers) is about a young black girl who witnesses her unarmed friend get shot by police. It's a YA novel that discusses the Black Lives Matter movement, code switching, and growing up as a black girl, and it comes from a first-time author who worked incredibly hard to get where she is.
However indirectly Sarem thought her motives were in placing her book above Thomas's and everyone else on the bestseller list, however briefly Handbook for Mortals was on that list (less than a day before Thomas was reinstated as #1), it's still a matter of a white woman taking the focus away from a black woman's hard work and success.
As for Rose Christo, perhaps her scandal is the least damaging of the three. Her story is not as closely tied to current YA book trends, but it does touch on mid-2000s YA culture and nostalgia. The 2006 fanfiction My Immortal was lauded similarly those same early- to mid-2000s audiences lauded the 2003 film The Room – terrible in so many inexplicable ways that it was entertaining, almost endearing. In the same way that The Room was a spot-on distillation of a mediocre person purporting their work to be a singular masterpiece, My Immortal encapsulated perfectly the particular adolescent attitudes of that specific time – the angst, strange and sometimes nonsensical fantasies, goth aesthetic, "more 'real' than thou" mentality – while also using the same annoying slang and terrible writing tropes of that era to disastrously hilarious, parodical effect.
The authorship of the fanfic had also been widely debated. While the author had posted under the name "Tara Gillesbie," many readers speculated that, not only was it a pseudonym, but that My Immortal was so amazingly bad, that perhaps a team of unknown authors rather than just one. When Christo revealed herself to be the writer of the fanfic, brought to light after it was (jokingly?) speculated that Sarem was the author of the fanfic, the internet who had grown up with My Immortal had excitedly latched onto any more details about how the fanfic came about and what the author was up to now.
The early interviews and articles about Christo paint a picture of a self-aware, now-grown woman who, in a somewhat charming way, embarrassingly owns up to the fact that she had written a bafflingly ridiculous story in her teens. The book deal she had at the time with Macmillan's imprint Wednesday Books was a memoir about the various hardships she faced while in foster care after a traumatic and abusive childhood that involved child pornography and separation from her brother. The memoir would go into why she had believed that writing the worst fanfiction ever and becoming internet-famous would lead her to finding her brother.
When said separated brother publicly called Christo out for fabricating the whole story, and Macmillan cancelled the book deal over documents that Christo herself admitted to forging for the sake of "protecting her family," the public didn't seem to react with outrage like the other two scandals. Rather, Christo's story had gone through such a whirlwind of various twists and turns in such a short period of time that it seemed the public didn't feel so much betrayed by Christo as it was perplexed. With the over decade-long mystery ending on the same note it started on, there was little to feel besides confusion over why any of this had to occur.
While these three scandals are only part of my corner of the universe's troubles this year, I feel that they're also a microcosm and product of what this year has done as a whole. The idea that these three scandals targeted generally younger, less seriously taken audiences is not lost on me either in terms of its relevance to many other issues that we've faced this year.
Additionally, it's become a familiar scene to see others lying for as much attention as possible, getting caught in lie after lie but vehemently denying it, deliberately misconstruing evidence to turn themselves into victims of a corrupt system that they already benefit from and have certain privileges in. Through some combination of ego and mediocrity, it's somehow become a more popular method of achieving notoriety for these people, not even fame, this year than most others.
I brought up the social media aspect of these scandals as a means of embracing whatever truths can still come to light and be circulated widely among those who seek it in this post-truth era, and how facts still have the power to overturn deceptive narratives, stories completely removed from reality. It's been a rough year, one that we've somehow survived, though not without the pain, stress, and, often, horror. The scandals that I mentioned started off hoping to play the rest of us for fools, and ended with these scandals uncovered, its instigators humiliated, and us better for finding the truth. If at least some of the victories we can claim are these, if we can set the real world right again in these instances, perhaps there will be more. Perhaps this is too optimistic of me, but holding onto this hope that such things are still possible is what I want to keep in mind as we enter 2018.
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Thomas Pearson
Thomas Pearson recognized for exceptional mentoring
Thomas Pearson, M.D., Ph.D., receives American Heart Association's Council on Epidemiology and Prevention award
Dr. Thomas Pearson appointed director of UF College of Medicine MD-PhD program
Dr. Pearson succeeds Stratford May, M.D., Ph.D., who stepped down from the post Dec. 1
Faculty sound bites — Summer 2018
UF College of Medicine faculty in the news
Imagine, make, play and thrive with 352Creates
Join #352Creates March 24-25 to create a healthy community.
By Laura Castro
Alzheimer's expert appointed director of McKnight Brain Institute
UF Health researchers win national award for identifying brain tumor intervention
Steven DeKosky, M.D., named interim director of McKnight Brain Institute
UF Health researcher gets $15.48 million for landmark study on effectiveness of hepatitis C drugs
UF Health launches new five-year strategic plan
In Event, Staff
Community lowers heart disease risks, death rates over 40-year period


Parents of small children definitely recognize this image- but I think even those of us who have grown children (or no children at all) recognize her. You may even hear her famous song "Let it Go" playing in your ear.
For the past few months, I could relate to Elsa. While I experienced great success in parts of my life, other parts seemed frozen. Change is hard for me, and sometimes, change causes me to freeze in place, unable to make a decision or a next move.
But the other day, a thaw began. It was gradual, but noticable. What did I do to start the thawing process?
Admit/ identify that something is changing, or needs to change. I spent some time in meditation thinking about what was changing in my life that I had no control over.
Make a plan: I wrote down exactly what I wanted to happen over the next year, and then I broke it down into chunks, 4 weeks at a time. Then I broke the weeks down into a daily action plan.
I got busy: Now that I had an action plan, I started to work on my daily tasks, while keeping my 1 year goal in sight.
Change is hard! Especially when we don't know if the outcome will be in our favor. But if we stay focused and positive, we can begin the "thawing" process much faster than if we allow ourselves to stay frozen.


I needed a cupcakes recipe to use the salted caramel left over from the previous dessert (I made this amazing No Bake Cheesecake last weekend). Everyone here loves cupcakes… everyone loves bananas… and everyone loves chocolate! So, let's put all these ingredients together and make some salted caramel banana cupcakes!! The preparation time is just 30 min and the recipe is very inexpensive – you have all the ingredients at home, you can even use overripe bananas!
The preparation time is just 30 min and the recipe is very inexpensive - you have all the ingredients at home, you can even use overripe bananas!
Heat the sugar in the bottom of a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon.
Once the sugar is melted, stop stirring. Continue cooking the sugar until it reaches a deep amber color.
Remove the pan from heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir until fully combined and smooth, then add the butter, the sea salt and stir until smooth.
Allow the caramel to cool to room temperature. Let cool slightly.
Preheat oven to 180ºC (350F). Prepare a baking pan with 12 cupcakes liners.
Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, chocolate chips and salt in a large bowl.
Add butter, eggs, heavy cream and vanilla and beat until smooth.
Stir in mashed banana and chocolate chips.
Bake for 20-23 minutes. Let cool.
Add cream, vanilla, and sugar and beat until firm.
Fill a piping bag fitted with a large star tip and pipe swirls of frosting on top of the cupcake and drizzle caramel over the frosting.
Youre so cool! I dont suppose Ive read something like this before. So nice to find anyone with some unique ideas on this subject. realy thanks for beginning this up. this web site is one thing that is needed on the web, someone with somewhat originality. helpful job for bringing something new to the internet!


A DARING switch from medicine to business proved to be the right "surgery" for Andy Adhiwana. Back in 2011, he was on the verge of a successful career in medicine, following the footsteps of the Adhiwana family.
As the first-born son of a famous cardiologist, he graduated with multiple medical degrees from the prestigious Heidelberg University in Germany.
Somehow, the chemistry didn't appear correct as he found the work repetitious and lacked the dynamism he sought.
So he quickly opted to make a clean surgical cut and used the same characteristics needed in medicine - diligence, discipline, perseverance and attention to detail - to pursue business. And it proved to be a gem of a choice.
He enrolled in the Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme at the National University of Singapore (NUS) and earned an MBA degree.
In 2013, he made a firm decision to enter the business world as the business development manager of Auric Pacific Group.
Auric Pacific is a Singapore incorporated investment holding company involved in a diverse range of businesses, which include the distribution of fast-moving consumer goods, food manufacturing and retailing, restaurant as well as food court management in Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong.
He identified key challenges and growth areas, created a strategic plan, and did not hesitate to make bold decisions to rationalise some non-performing and non-core businesses while streamlining operations.
As a result of the business rationalisation, Auric Pacific transformed itself and became a more robust organisation with a renewed focus on growing the group's most iconic consumer brands - Sunshine Bread, SCS Butter and Buttercup, as well as Food Junction food courts.
As of May this year, he was appointed the chief executive officer of Auric Pacific.
Under Dr Adhiwana's leadership, Auric Pacific saw healthy profits and growth. But he was still ambitious and set his eyes on higher goals, believing that the company has yet to reach its full potential. He says: "To take the company to another level, you need a bold vision, an ambition or even a dream."
His advice to young startup entrepreneurs?
"In this day and age, some of the world's most innovative and meaningful ideas are coming from the young. Age is a number and not a disadvantage. I would say that setting high ambitions and keeping focused is the key. Be bold and have conviction of what your business represents," he says.
Dr Adhiwana often cites his devotion to Christianity and family as his source of determination and social conscience.
"My faith keeps me grounded, both in the face of adversity and in good times. I'm constantly mindful that this business is here to serve a greater cause - God, my family and the community."


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Additional Terms of Service
for Educational Institutes
These Additional Terms of Service for Educational Institutions (the "Additional Terms") apply to all schools, school districts, and related entities and organizations, including but not limited to administrators, instructors, and professors who access or use the Services on their behalf (each an "Educational Institution"). For purposes of these Additional Terms, "you" shall mean an Educational Institution. These Additional Terms supplement (and do not supersede) our Terms of Service; however, in the event of a direct conflict, these Additional Terms shall prevail. Capitalized terms that are not defined below have the definitions given them in Code Central's Terms of Service.
1.1. Both parties agree to uphold their responsibilities under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act ("FERPA"), the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment ("PPRA"), the Children's Online Privacy and Protection Act ("COPPA"). We provide the Services as an outsourced institutional function under FERPA 34 CFR Part 99.31(a)(1). We recommend that all Educational Instructions provide appropriate disclosures to parents (including legal guardians and Eligible Students (as defined in FERPA), collectively "Parents") regarding your use of Code Central's Services and that you provide a copy of our Privacy Policy to Parents.
1.2. As between an Educational Instruction and Code Central, Education Records (as defined below) continue to be the property of and under the control of the Educational Instruction. You own all right, title and interest to and are solely responsible for all Education Records. Education Records shall mean student educational records that are: (1) directly related to your student; and (2) maintained by you or by a party acting for you ("Education Records"). We do not own, control, or license such Education Records, except as permitted under these Additional Terms and Code Central's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
2. Compliance with Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act - FERPA
2.1. FERPA requires that Educational Institutions keep personally identifiable information (as defined in FERPA, "PII") from Education Records confidential and cannot disclose them to a provider unless: (i) an Educational Institution has first obtained written consent from the Parents; or (ii) the disclosure of information falls into one of the exceptions provided for in the FERPA. One of the exceptions is releasing PII from Education Records to a school official with a legitimate educational interest. According to FERPA, teachers, contractors, consultants, volunteers, or other parties to whom the Educational Institution has outsourced institutional services or functions may be considered a school official. Furthermore, if these school officials need PII from Education Records to do a job they have been assigned or contracted to conduct, they are also considered to have a legitimate educational interest.
2.2. In order to allow Code Central to provide you with the Services, you hereby designate Code Central as a "school official" with a "legitimate educational interest" under FERPA in using and accessing your Education Records. You also represent and warrant to Code Central that (a) you have obtained all consents necessary in connection with disclosing any Education Records directly or indirectly to Code Central, or otherwise in connection with the Services, and (b) your disclosures described in (a) are not and will not be a violation of FERPA.
2.3. Educational Institutions may use the Services to automatically create accounts on behalf of its students, using Education Records to "pre-populate" those students' names into the accounts and providing Code Central with such information of the students. We treat that pre-populated content as the Educational Institution's confidential information; that means that we won't disclose it or use it, except as we're expressly required or allowed to under these Additional Terms, our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Once a student account is activated, any information in their account (even information pre- populated by Educational Institutions) belongs to them – we consider it disclosed by the individual (even if it was initially pre-populated by Educational Institutions). Therefore, post-activation, Code Central's use of content in a student's account is covered by Code Central's Privacy Policy.
3. Use of Data from Education Records
3.1. By disclosing or providing PII or other information from the Education Records to us, whether via the Services or otherwise, you expressly grant, and you represent and warrant that you have all rights necessary to grant, to us a non- exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide license to use, transmit, distribute, modify, reproduce, display, and store such information only for the purposes of providing the Services as contemplated in and enforcing our rights hereunder. Coode Central will only use and access your Education Records as necessary to provide the Services to you, your students, instructors and professors, and only for authorized purposes in accordance with terms of these Additional Terms, Code Central's Terms of Service, and Privacy Policy. For clarity and without limitation, we will not (and will not allow third parties to) use PII from Education Records to engage in targeted advertising.
3.2. You agree that we may collect, share, publicly disclose, or otherwise use data derived from Education Records, including contextual or transactional data about a student's or a user's access and use of the Services, that has been anonymized, aggregated, or otherwise de-identified such that the data cannot reasonably identify a particular student, user, or an Educational Institution ("De- identified Metadata"). We may use any De-identified Metadata that is not linked to FERPA-protected information for other purposes, unless otherwise prohibited by the terms of these Additional Terms and Code Central's Terms of Service, such as to develop, evaluate, analyze, improve, operate, provide, or market our Services. You further agree that we may use, store, transmit, distribute, modify, copy, display, sublicense, and create derivative works of the De-identified Metadata even after this Agreement has expired or been terminated.
4. Sharing of Data from Education Records
4.1. We treat the PII from Education Records as confidential and do not knowingly share it with third parties other than as described in Code Central's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. We provide access to PII from Education Records only to our employees, contractors, and agents who have a need to access or use such information in connection with providing the Services to you and are subject to confidentiality obligations as strict as those under these Additional Terms. We will not sell, rent, share, or re-disclose PII from Education Records to other parties, unless we have specific authorization from you to do so and it is otherwise permitted by FERPA.
5. Access and Deletion of Education Records
5.1. Code Central will use commercially reasonable efforts to comply with written requests from you or a Parent for access to and review their Education Records and to correct any erroneous information within a reasonable period of time, but not more than 45 days after we have received the request. You and Parents can submit such request by sending us an email request at info at mycodecentral dot com. Whenever applicable, you will serve as the intermediary for the requests by Parents, wherein the parent requests access to any Education Records created and maintained by Code Central directly from you, and you then obtain the Education Records from us to give back to the Parent.
5.2. Parents, legal guardians, or eligible pupils may review personally identifiable information in the pupil's records and correct erroneous information by the following protocol:
-5.2.1. Changing PII (screen name, first name, last name, password, avatar) – Parents need to inform the class teacher.
-5.2.2. Deleting the child's account – Parent can contact the School, and the teacher can perform this action. School may also contact Service Provider by sending an email to info (at) mycodecentral (dot) com, and we will do so in 72 hours.
5.3. Educational Institutions and Parents may request Code Central in writing by sending an email to info at mycodecentral dot com to terminate the Services and/or delete the PII from their Education Records maintained by Code Central. You understand that you and Parents may not be able to access or use certain portion of the Services after Code Central deleted the account and information pursuant to your or Parents' request. We will use commercially reasonable efforts to comply with such deletion request and we certify that we will not retain or otherwise make available to third parties the Education Records after the termination, except as permitted hereunder. However, we may de-identify student information [, including without limitation, by deleting or de-identifying all PII from Educational Records within seventy-two (72) hours of our receipt of the termination notice, except for Student Data residing on internal logs which will be removed within ninety (90) days, and will also provide notice to the Educational Institutions when PII from Educational Records has been deleted and/or anonymized] before we retain it, share it with other parties, or use it for other purposes.
5.4. Code Central may terminate these Additional Terms and Code Central's Terms of Service in accordance with the "Termination" section of Code Central's Terms of Service. All provisions of these Additional Terms and Code Central's Terms of Service, which, by their nature, should survive termination, shall survive termination, including, without limitation, ownership provisions, warranty disclaimers, limitations of liability, indemnities, and governing law.
6. Data Privacy, Confidentiality, and Security
6.1. Code Central maintains industry level administrative, physical, and technical measures to protect Education Records stored in our servers, which are located in the United States. We train our employees to ensure the security and confidentiality of Education Records maintained by us. If there is any unauthorized disclosure or access to any PII from Education Records, we will promptly notify you, any other affected Educational Institutions by email and will use reasonable efforts to cooperate with your or their investigations of the incident. We require that you inform the parents of all affected students, since Code Central may not have access to Parent contact information. As the owner of the Education Records, you may be responsible for the timing, content, cost, and method of any notice requirements trigged by security incidents under applicable laws. When permissible under applicable laws, you may request Code Central to bear responsibility for the timing, content and method of such required notice on your behalf. In all instances, Code Central will indemnify Educational Institutions for all reasonable costs associated with compliance with such notice requirements arising from a breach of the Services by Code Central. For clarity and without limitation, Code Central will not indemnify for any notification costs arising from a breach of you or a third party.
7.1. Please refer to Code Central's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy for more details on use of Code Central's Services and our privacy practices. If you have any questions, complaints, or claims with respect to the Services, or anything in our Terms of Service, these Additional Terms, or our Privacy Policy, you may contact us at info (at) mycodecentral (dot) com. We'll do our best to promptly respond to you.
Copyright © - (Privacy Policy | Terms of Service)


text:
Pathfinder Guide 35 Northumberland & Scottish Borders
Dennis & Jan
Fully revised and updated, the Pathfinder Guide to Northumberland & the Scottish Borders contains 28 great country walks with clear, large-scale Ordnance Survey route maps and useful GPS waypoints. Pathfinder Guide to Northumberland & the Scottish Borders guides you through National Scenic Areas in Scotland, Northumberland National Park, the Pennine Way, Hadrian's Wall Path and the Southern Uplands Way are just some of the locations visited in the Pathfinder Guide to Northumberland & the Scottish Borders; Pathfinder Guide to Northumberland & the Scottish Borders includes the challenging roundabout circuit to the top of The Cheviot Hill, as well as the famous Hadrians Wall, plus coastal walks including St Cuthbert's Cave. Informative and comprehensive, the Pathfinder Northumberland & the Scottish Borders is an indispensible guide to enjoying the best of this beautiful and remote region on foot.
A&A Map Eyemouth, Coldingham and St Abbs
Nothing to See Here: Guide to the Hidden Joys of Scotland
Black Friday: Eyemouth Fishing Disaster
Collins Nature Guide - Wild Flowers


I am going to be posting about Cost of Living (COL) comparisons between Singapore & Bangalore on various things. The background is that I am hearing a lot of mixed reports about Bangalore's cost of living. Some saying it is becoming very costly. Others believe it is still cheap. The idea is to get some numbers.
Analysis: With a direct conversion itself, it is just about matching, with PPP, Bangalore is quite costly.


Lufkin, Texas (AP) – A Texas woman is being held on several charges after she slipped her handcuffs, stole a police SUV and then led officers on a pursuit that reached speeds of nearly 100 mph (160 kph). Thirty-three-year-old Toscha Sponsler was being held Thursday in the Angelina County jail on charges that include evading arrest. Authorities say Sponsler had been detained Saturday on suspicion of shoplifting and was in the back of the SUV when she managed to slip her hand through one of the cuffs. Video released Tuesday by Lufkin police show her then squeezing through a partition to reach the front seat. A chase went on for about 20 miles (30 kilometers) before a state trooper managed to spin her out. Online jail records don't indicate whether she has an attorney.
Belfast, Maine (AP) – A group of Mainers says Passy Pete the Lobster has predicted six more weeks of summer at an annual ceremony. The crustacean has been fished out of the Passagassawakeag River for the past three years in a tradition modeled after famed groundhog Punxsutawney Phil's winter prediction in Pennsylvania. David Crabiel and his business partner, David Brassbridge, thought up the eccentric ceremony as a way to have some fun. Each year, a group of barons flank Passy Pete as he picks a scroll to determine whether Maine will see an extended summer or be greeted by winter. This year's ceremony took place Monday. Crabiel tells WLBZ-TV (http://on.wlbz2.com/2w3mCUk) Pete's been right the past two years. Brassbridge says they hope to carry on the tradition.
Lititz, Pa. (AP) – A girl says she and her friends are behind the red balloons found tied to sewer grates in a small Pennsylvania town, not a homicidal clown. Seventeen-year-old Peyton Reiff tells PennLive.com (http://bit.ly/2eNBQu5 ) the girls were trying to scare their friends in Lititz after seeing a trailer for the upcoming movie "It." A red balloon is the calling card of Pennywise, the sewer-dwelling, child-eating clown in Stephen King's novel-turned-movie. Reiff says the teens were surprised at how much attention the prank got after the local police made a playful post on Facebook, saying they were "completely terrified" to remove the balloons. Reiff says they will meet with the department for a "funny follow up," but says they are not being punished.
New York (AP) – Some New York City foodies say a neighborhood pizza festival has left them with a bad taste in their mouths. Prosecutors are looking into the New York City Pizza Festival after attendees fumed they paid $75 each to eat cold slivers of pizza in a parking lot in Brooklyn on Saturday. The festival was promoted as a celebration of pizza. Attendees say on Facebook they instead got cold slices of pizza "smaller than a sample size," served with glasses of warm wine. WNBC-TV reports Democratic state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman (SHNEYE'-dur-muhn) is urging attendees to file complaints on his website. A spokesman says prosecutors opened an investigation Monday. Festival organizer Ishmael Osekre says event producer Hangry Garden delayed the event. The event producer contends it was misled by the organizer and wasn't paid.
Berlin (AP) – The world's highest sandcastle is now standing 16.68 meters (54.72 feet) tall in the German city of Duisburg. A German travel operator organized the construction of the mammoth sandcastle, bringing in 3,500 tons of sand over the past 3 ½ weeks to the site at a former steelworks in the inland city. News agency dpa reported that Jack Brockbank, a representative of Guinness World Records, certified the record on Friday. It takes the title from a 14.84-meter (48.69-foot) sandcastle built early this year in India. The new sandcastle is decorated with sand models of tourist attractions such as Athens' Acropolis, Barcelona's Sagrada Familia and the Leaning Tower of Pisa.


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text:
namespace DNX.Helpers.Maths
{
    /// <summary>
    /// Enum IsBetweenBoundsType
    /// </summary>
    public enum IsBetweenBoundsType
    {
        /// <summary>
        /// Include Lower and Upper bounds when determining IsBetween
        /// </summary>
        IncludeLowerAndUpper = 1,
        /// <summary>
        /// Include Lower and Upper bounds when determining IsBetween
        /// </summary>
        Inclusive = IncludeLowerAndUpper,

        /// <summary>
        /// Exclude Lower and Upper bounds when determining IsBetween
        /// </summary>
        ExcludeLowerAndUpper = 2,
        /// <summary>
        /// Exclude Lower and Upper bounds when determining IsBetween
        /// </summary>
        Exclusive = ExcludeLowerAndUpper,

        /// <summary>
        /// Include Lower but Exclude Upper bounds when determining IsBetween
        /// </summary>
        IncludeLowerExcludeUpper = 3,
        /// <summary>
        /// Include Lower but Exclude Upper bounds when determining IsBetween
        /// </summary>
        GreaterThanOrEqualToLowerLessThanUpper = IncludeLowerExcludeUpper,

        /// <summary>
        /// Exclude Lower but Include Upper bounds when determining IsBetween
        /// </summary>
        ExcludeLowerIncludeUpper = 4,
        /// <summary>
        /// Exclude Lower but Include Upper bounds when determining IsBetween
        /// </summary>
        GreaterThanLowerLessThanOrEqualToUpper = ExcludeLowerIncludeUpper
    }

    /// <summary>
    /// Class IsBetweenTypeExtensions.
    /// </summary>
    public static class IsBetweenTypeExtensions
    {
        /// <summary>
        /// Gets the limit description format.
        /// </summary>
        /// <param name="boundsType">Type of the bounds.</param>
        /// <returns>System.String.</returns>
        public static string GetLimitDescriptionFormat(this IsBetweenBoundsType boundsType)
        {
            switch (boundsType)
            {
                case IsBetweenBoundsType.IncludeLowerAndUpper:
                    return "between {0} and {1}";

                case IsBetweenBoundsType.ExcludeLowerAndUpper:
                    return "between but not including {0} and {1}";

                case IsBetweenBoundsType.IncludeLowerExcludeUpper:
                    return "greater than or equal to {0} but less than {1}";

                case IsBetweenBoundsType.ExcludeLowerIncludeUpper:
                    return "greater than {0} but less than or equal to {1}";

                default:
                    return null;
            }
        }
    }
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Ah, it's the Christmas season. Time to bring out the hot apple cider and egg nog. Time to watch your step on the sidewalks as the temperatures plummet in northern climes. And time to bring out the Christmas music. Our family enjoys listening to Pentatonix and their rendition of one of my all-time favorite songs of this season: TheDrummer Boy.
One of the best lyrics is hidden there, near the end of the song.
A poor drummer boy has no gift to carry for a meeting with the King. Others are encouraging him to bring something. He's ashamed he doesn't have a gift. The only thing he can offer is a song, or a rhythm, played on his drum. In this lovely fictional story, he asks Mary if she thinks it'd be all right if he just played a song for the Baby using his most prized possession: his drum. She nods, and he plays. Oh, how he plays. He gives Baby Jesus his best, heartfelt offering.
And that's when it happens. The boy finishes playing. The stable of animals and the Baby's family fall hushed. The drummer boy sighs. He did it. He gave his best. There's a deep satisfaction in that, but he waits to see what will happen. How will the Baby respond? What does He do? He smiles at the boy.
When I hear that song, I look beyond the simplicity of this lovely Christmas tale/song and feel the acceptance of God. I feel His pleasure and His affirmation that when I use my talents (writing among them) for Him, when I know it's all I can truly give (He's given me everything; I'm only a steward, but what I create with the talents He's given me is a true offering) and I give it from my heart, He is pleased. And I'm fulfilled.
He smiles at you too.
And look up, because I believe it's already there on His glorious face aimed directly at you.
A version of this article first appeared on SW in 12/2011.
After my incident with the unscrupulous agent (Part 1 of my story can be found here), I was left a little gun shy. To be perfectly honest, a little ticked, too. No one likes to be taken advantage of, and this embarrassing event forced me to learn what good agents do and don't do.
Along the way, I also learned the business of writing novels was evolving. The pool of agents, who were touted as "agents who desire to see new authors' works" by reputable magazines and Sally Stuart's yearly reference work, seemed to be drying up. Instead, rejection letters stating interest in manuscripts from "already established authors" or "references from the aforementioned already established authors" seemed to be the trend. Despite my efforts at attempting to land an agent, it appeared the only thing I was accomplishing was helping to keep the United States Postal Service solvent.
Then, another evolutionary turn took place. Snail mail was replaced with email queries and submissions. This helped the budget, mind you, but it did little in way of encouragement.
Sometime later, I had read (or maybe I heard it) that the way to go was to attend writers conferences. There, at one of these forays, you could meet editors and agents face-to-face and "pitch" your work. This concept, I have to admit, turned me off for quite some time. I probably postponed my career about two years while I doggedly defied the better part of wisdom and held out from attending a conference while I kept submitting email queries.
My belief was (and don't laugh, please) that writers conferences were just another step the Christian world had taken down the path of its secular counterpart. "Why do we always have to copy what the world does?"became my mantra. "And do I want to be a part of that?" My answer, for over two years, was, "Negative." So, I started looking into self-publishing. I mean, if it was good enough for Mark Twain, it was good enough for me, right?
Now, remember, this was in the day when Author House wasn't Author House. It was 1st Books. CreateSpace had not been invented by Amazon yet because Amazon had just been founded in 1994. All the other self-publishing venues were either in their infancy or still a twinkle in the eyes of their developers. I had some serious dialogue with 1st Books about A Case of Déjà Vu (my very first manuscript) and the ins and outs of publishing it with them. However, I had this feeling in my gut that this wasn't the right path, either. This feeling was based on what I was seeing published by self-publishing houses. Let's face it, in the early years, it wasn't very good. That's not to say that all the books that come through the traditional publishing routes and houses are all stellar. I've read some real groaners and wondered how many favors that editor must have paid off, cashed in, or collected with that one. However, my overall feelings about self-publishing, at that time, were ones of hesitancy. I always wondered if the $1,000-$2,000 I would have to spend to get my manuscript in print would be money well spent. This thought, coming on the heels of just being snookered by the bad agent, was one I was willing to think about for awhile longer.
Take out a loan for my book? Do I believe in it that much? Those were the questions of the day.
Moral of Part 2: Despite all the struggles, disappointments, frustrations, and pity parties, as a Christian writer, you have to keep your eyes on the One who called you to write in the first place. If you are not writing for Him, then you probably shouldn't be writing (Colossians 3:23-24).
Autumn is my favorite time of year! I enjoy all those plump pumpkins spilling over the steps of front porches, cheering for the Carolina Panthers, the sound of dried leaves crackling under my shoes, and hanging out with my family. And when the first scent of burning firewood drifts in on a brisk breeze, I know it's time to pull out the sweaters and kiss summer farewell.
Other than the occasional allergy flare, season changes are easy for me. I'm always ready for the next one, eager to switch my shorts for long pants and vice versa. Other changes are not so simple or painless. Like sacrifices that need to be made for the sake of time. Or saying goodbye, leaving a sweet place of fellowship and friendship, because of a change in direction.
A new year is almost upon us. A fresh slate. A chance for new beginnings. But, just like the Israelites poised on the verge of entering the Promised Land, it's also a chance to look back and give thanks for God's blessings, His protection and provision.
We don't always like to look backwards, do we? Usually that means staring at our mistakes, our glaring failures, our regrets.
But that's also how we realize God's goodness, His leading and guidance, and a time to reflect on His intervention and protection.
Where He led, the Israelites followed. Where He leads, I will follow.
I've been doing a lot of soul searching lately, especially in regards to my writing. God's prompting me to dig deep and try new things, to release my dreams and fears to Him, to spread my wings and soar over unfamiliar waters, to reach out and love more.
What does that mean? I don't know exactly, but I trust God. If He points to a road and says, "Go that way. I want you to meet somebody," (Acts 8:26-40), who am I to argue? I'll try not to allow fear or doubt to squelch that giant swell of anticipation that's building and rising for the journey ahead. Where He leads, I will follow.
Who does God want me to connect with this year?
Who does God want you to meet?
When I look back over the last few years, I see how God poured out love and encouragement through my friends here at Seriously Write. How He shaped and crafted me into the writer I am today through the gracious writers who so willingly shared their talent and experiences.
With a heavy but grateful heart, I say goodbye to my sweet friends at Seriously Write today with this, my last regular post. You are some of my greatest blessings. Wishing you all a glorious Thanksgiving, continued growth in your writing, and a refreshing of your spirit in 2016!
We're a nation of people who have long expressed our gratitude for our blessings by celebrating those bounties on a special day.
From our youngest years, we're taught the Pilgrim's story and about various harvest festivals held throughout history to show our thanks for God's provision. These celebrations took an official, national turn in 1789 when George Washington was urged to proclaim a day of thanksgiving for the successful end to the American Revolution. This celebration continued in some form and length until the early 1800s. Then it became a scattered event with states and cities setting aside their own holidays.
But along came Sarah Josepha Hale, writer (remember "Mary Had a Little Lamb?") and editor of Godey's Lady's Book. Though she wasn't a suffragist or what we might call a feminist, she was an influential woman in a time when men were considered the leaders outside the home.
Sarah advocated for years for a formal, national day of Thanksgiving. Beginning in the latter 1820s, she wrote editorials and letters to politicians urging them to make one day standard for the whole country.
From the proclamation written by William Seward and signed by President Abraham Lincoln.
And what is the writer takeaway from this history lesson? Perseverance and Hope. Never give up and never believe that your words can't affect someone else's life. Had Sarah Hale stopped writing her letters after the first year or two, tomorrow might be just another work day.
Remember, it only takes the right person to read your words to create an eternal impact.
Will you share an experience when you learned that something you wrote impacted another person's life?
Sandra Ardoin writes inspirational historical romance. She's the author of The Yuletide Angel and A Reluctant Melody. A wife and mom, she's also a reader, football fan, NASCAR watcher, garden planter, country music listener, antique store prowler. Visit her at www.sandraardoin.com and on the Seriously Write blog. Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Goodreads, and Pinterest. Become a part of her email community to receive occasional updates and a free short story.
A Reluctant Melody releases January 2016.
Since this is a week for being thankful, I thought I'd share one reason that I'm thankful this year. I'm talking about handling ticking clock moments.
Have you ever seen MacGyver? In one episode, there was a literal ticking clock counting down to the launch time of a missile aimed at MacGyver and a beautiful woman. As two unlikely heroes struggled to rescue two brilliant scientists, they also had to stem the flood of acid from reaching the water supply of Los Angeles. Of course they did it all with chocolate bars, cigarettes (he coughed as he lit them) and a cold capsule. It was a true MacGyver moment.
Life can have its own ticking clock moments. Last April, I took one of my dogs in to the veterinarian for a simple issue, never dreaming it would lead to heart surgery for me. But she took one look at me and told me to go to the doctor. I'd been having chest pain for about a year. Since chronic pain and I were old friends, I just thought it was another muscle issue. Two weeks later a team of three men repaired one of my coronary arteries with a wire, a balloon and a spring (stent). It was a scary time and I was so blessed to have a team of people all over the country praying for me.
How do you handle your stress-filled moments? How do you start when you have to meet a deadline for a contest, conference, appointment or some other writing "time bomb" that you can't defuse? Here are some tips to help.
Since I'd been having chest pain, I had a cardiologist in mind when I went to general practitioner, just in case. Gather all your materials before you start to write. Take advantage of Seriously Write. Just type your subject into the Search box in the sidebar widget, halfway down the page. You'll find all kinds of posts to help you with your project.
I'm glad a cardiologist operated on me, not a mechanic. When you're ready to submit, have your work professionally edited, if possible. If you decide to self publish your book, have the cover designed by a professional designer. Your first book haunts you throughout your career: make it the best you can by using professionals to help.
When I found out that I had an 80% blockage in my heart, I called on my friends and family to pray for me. Covered in prayer, I was calm (and awake) throughout the procedure. You'll need to gather your own prayer and support team to help you after you click Send to spread the word after you're published. A successful novel is a team effort, it's never a one-man show.
Those are my tips to de-stress a serious situation. I'd love to know: what's your best tip to handle a ticking clock?
Angela Arndt was a corporate trainer before health issues sidelined her. These days she's active in her local church, ACFW and My Book Therapy. She's a team member of Seriously Write, a regular contributor to My Book Therapy's Weekly Spark and she'd love to have you join her on her website, www.angelaarndt.com.
Angie is represented by Joyce Hart of Hartline Literary Agency. She's currently working on a series of novels set in small Southern towns. She and her husband, a beekeeper, live in the middle of a big wood outside a small town in South Carolina.
Beautiful, vibrant colors turned the room to a kaleidoscope, dancing over walls and windows with the feel of winter magic. One by one, my siblings and I each took the place of honor beside Dad, helping him to adorn the tree with light. Pine sap clung to our fingers, but we didn't care. All the while, our hearts soared with happiness and child-like wonder.
With the lights in place (just in time for nightfall—always) we circled the tree and held hands to sing Silent Night. In the earliest years, the tune didn't always carry and the words were sometimes off, but Dad didn't care. He knew we understood what the tree—and especially the lights—symbolized…the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus. The most wonderful gift of all!
When attorney Riley Harper comes home to Maple Ridge following the death of his grandfather, the last thing he expects to find is Kaylee McKenna living in his grandparents' guesthouse. Though they were once best friends—even more—Riley cannot find it in his heart to forgive Kaylee for the death of his mother ten years ago as a result of her father's reckless actions. His heart, full of bitterness and resentment, has room for little else.
Kaylee has not time to dwell on events of the past—or all she's lost; she's too busy raising her six-year-old niece, Rosie, and working as an ER nurse. With Christmas quickly approaching, her days are spent helping with charity events and filling the wishes on Rosie's Christmas list. But when Rosie's father makes and unexpected visit, Kaylee must call on Riley's legal expertise to ensure Rosie of a safe and secure future.
Will Rosie's special Christmas wish heal Riley's damaged heart and bind the trio together as a forever-family?


Technology has always fascinated me. It is somewhat like fashion – you have to be right on your toes fast enough to keep up with it, otherwise you will not look cool if you are left behind. For example, when we look at simple objects around our house – like our telephone, fridge, television, and radio – and we remember how they actually looked years ago, we cannot help but admit that they were nostalgically funny-looking to us, like looking at our old photos, where we're adorned in big shoulder pads and big hair. No matter what, one thing we can bet on is that fashion and technology will both change and would not be what they are at this time next year. We cannot deny that in the last fifteen years, everything through technology has changed so fast. Centuries ago, the process of any inventions were so very slow because there was not an easy way of communicating between cultures and countries. Now, however, the whole world has become one and we all are able to participate in different degrees in all things that are new and happening. The technology of the internet has given each one of us the ability to have a platform and a voice.
Can we ever live without Facebooking, Tweeting? Can we ever live without our cell phones, iPads, iPods, or our computers and other devices? Can businesses, hospitals, airports, and any other establishments or households – can the whole world – ever survive without computers? We are constantly stimulated by the waves of technology. Maybe there would be a day that even nature can be computerized. Maybe there would come a day that a tree can converse with us and the ocean can have intelligence.