Tiffs and tension between coworkers are more than annoyances or water cooler fodder. From decreased productivity to high turnover and revenue loss, it's impacting your business in a big, bad way. Editor's note: This is the first of two pieces in our series on recognizing and mitigating workplace friction.
While "emotional contagion" sounds like the culprit in a cheesy horror flick, the idea is an important one: we are all affected by the emotions of others. "Negative emotions experienced by team members in conflict can spread to others on the team," says Craig Runde, director of the Mediation Training Institute at Eckerd College.
Managers spend up to 40 percent of their time dealing with conflicts, says Runde, an alarmingly high number even if mediation is part of the job description. But when CPP Inc.—creators of the Myers-Briggs Assessment—studied workplace conflict across various countries, it found that all U.S. employees, not just managers, wasted nearly three hours a week on office friction. What's more, nearly 10 percent of them blamed it for a project's failure.
And that's assuming staff members make it into the office at all. According to the CPP study, one quarter of U.S. employees have taken sick days or missed work to avoid workplace tension. "Stress is the number one reason employees miss work—and unresolved conflict is the root cause of stress," says Anne McSorley of WorkBest Consulting, a business consulting and executive coaching firm that's worked with Lockheed Martin and Wells Fargo.
It's Ravaging Your Bottom Line.
All of this adds up to a dollars-and-cents cost to companies. Three hours a week may not sound like a lot, but that conflict-coopted time comes at a hefty price: according to CPP, $359 billion in the U.S. (based on average hourly earnings of $17.95). For the one in four employees out sick, tack on an additional $140 for every day missed. And don't forget the expense of those fleeing altogether. Replacing an employee costs 150 to 200 percent more than that employee's salary and benefits, so even mid-level employees can cost at least $80,000 to replace.
Of course, there are less obvious expenses, too. "One hidden cost is the health effects," says Runde. "Stress creates physical and psychological problems, which can lead to higher healthcare costs for individuals and organizations." By some estimates, the all-in cost of office friction to U.S. employers is $200 billion per year. In fact, research has shown that each instance of conflict can cost organizations $50,000 to $500,000.
The Takeaway: The cost of workplace conflict extends far beyond the parties involved. The cost is to the company as a whole, and thus any issues of friction should be seen as a company-wide concern.
In the second part of this series, we'll discuss how leadership can prevent and mitigate conflict.
Scott Simone is assistant editor at Westchester Magazine and associate editor of 914INC., a quarterly business lifestyle magazine. This is his first post for RelSci.RelSci is a technology solutions company that helps create competitive advantage through a crucial yet vastly underutilized asset: relationship capital with influential decision makers.
← I messed up at work. What next?


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Jason Hee
528hz Demystified | A Higher Tone for a New Era
Greetings Sound Nerds!
Have you ever done a casual search for meditation music on YouTube? If so, you've probably been inundated with 432hz sound healing music. But right now we're starting a new year, and a new Age of Aquarius and there's a shift going on towards this hot new healing sound… move over 432 cuz 528 is the new kid on the block!
Wait-a-minute...for those of us that never really understood
the 432 hertz thing in the first place, how the heck can we understand 528hz?
Easy! First things first, it's time for a…
Sound Nerd Level Up: What is "Hertz"?
"Hertz" is a measurement of repeating patterns (abbreviated "hz"). When hertz is used to describe sound waves, it represents the frequency at which air molecules are vibrating. So a sound wave of 528 hertz means air molecules are moving back and forth at 528 vibrations per second. Wanna know what a 528hz pure sine wave sounds like?
Yikes! Okay, so we don't recommend listening to a 528hz sound wave for an hour, but if that's your jam, more power to ya!
528 hertz is a C-Note….
In western music, that 528hz tone would be considered a high "C" note. Wanna hear an opera singer hit this note?
And here's where this High C Note shows up on a piano compared to Middle C:
Buuuuuttt… in music, "C" is not just a single specific frequency, but a range of frequencies that are "higher than a B" and "lower than a C-Sharp". As a useful analogy, think about the color "purple" which is any shade between "red" and "blue". So there are a lot "shades" of C... instead of the fixed notes of a piano keyboard, visualize a finger sliding down the neck of a cello.
Now get this, our ears are incredibly sensitive to very subtle tonal differences… that's why you always can tell when someone's just a tad flat when singing that "Living on a Prayer" high-note on Karaoke night, even without classical ear-training!
So let's complete the sentence we started above:
528hz is a C-note…. slightly higher than conventional tuning
Most modern music is based on a conventional tuning where everyone in the band agrees that 440hz is an A-Note in the 4th Octave ("A4" for short). The guitarist agrees, the bassist agrees, the keyboardist agrees, the horn section agrees, the drummer… well, there's always an exception. If you've ever heard an orchestra tuning up, the first violinist plays a note and everyone tunes their instrument relative to that note.
When everyone agrees that A is 440hz, then a high C note is gonna be 523 hertz in "conventional tuning". Don't believe me? Check out this awesome table! (Scroll down until you see the frequency of C5).
But what if… we agree that an A4 note is 444hz... slightly higher than conventional tuning. Wham! Now our high C note clocks in at a magical 528 hertz! If you want to earn your sound nerd gold star, check out the same awesome table, but where A4 = 444hz. Seriously, this is a badass table!
Eyes glazing over yet? What's all this about A notes, C notes, 440 vs 444hz, 523 vs 528hz?? All this is essentially saying that when you're listening to "528hz Music", you are hearing music that is tuned up to a slightly higher frequency compared to what you're used to hearing with "conventional tuning".
Music tuned up to a higher frequency will sound brighter
Well, if you're being grouchy, it's only a slightly higher frequency than conventional tuning (0.91% higher to be precise). But since you're reading this, it means you are probably aware of subtle energies and how small changes affect our well-being. So when the orchestra or band or audio recording is tuned up to a slightly higher pitch, it will sound just a little bit brighter, a little bit clearer. Doesn't that resonate with you in this new Aquarian Age?
Also, regardless of tuning, a High C-Note is in a higher octave than we're used to hearing from most crystal bowls, especially in Melissa's collection. Mid-sized crystal bowls (10" to 16") usually fall in the third or fourth octaves on a piano, like so:
"Middle C" on a piano is C4.... 262hz with conventional tuning. Melissa's 14-inch C bowl clocks in at 260hz (thanks digital tuner app!). When you get into the 528hz range, you're entering a higher octave.... double the frequency! This higher C bowl is gonna create a different sensation in your body and your mind.
Wanna feel it for yourself? Listen to this audio clip using headphones with your eyes closed:
How'd that feel for ya?
528hz is a tone in the Solfeggio Scale (super addictive link alert!)
One more thing that is SUPER COOL… without getting into the history, details, and validity of healing claims associated with the Solfeggio Scale, is that 528hz happens to be a specific frequency in that scale. Nothing we can write will be more educational than playing around with this Solfeggio tone generator for a minute or ten. The 528hz tone is called "Mi" in the Solfeggio scale, latin for Mīra gestōrum or "Resounding the Wonders". Wonderful!
This awesome sound meditation tool is super fun to play with!
What About the Witchy/Mystical Stuff?
There's a ton you can read online about 528hz and it's magical healing properties. It regenerates DNA. It cleans up oil spills. It slices, it dices, it serenades your soul! There are Pythagorean reasons that 528 is super-special and 440 is awful. "I read it on the internet" gets a bad reputation, but we recommend taking any specific claims with a small grain of salt.
There isn't much peer-reviewed scientific research on 528hz we could find. One study found an effect, so that's a start. Keep in mind that the Scientific Method requires validating and revalidating and re-revalidating findings many times before something is accepted as Truth... and even then, scientists still keep poking around. Is red wine good for your heart? What about dark chocolate? What about 528hz? What about 432hz? What about Enya?!
Conveniently, if you're looking for infinite hours of new age meditation music, just search for 528hz on Youtube and you're all set to go! Or (shameless promotion alert!) you can listen to Jason's High Heart 528hz or any of his other AMAZING ambient music on Spotify or Apple Music.
In Conclusion… What's Inner Sounds take on 528hz?
We love the idea that the Aquarian Age is ushering in a higher vibration for humanity. Who doesn't want a brighter tone of discourse than what we've suffered the last few years?
And higher octave crystal bowl tones are an exciting new flavor Melissa will use to expand her signature sound bath formula. Melissa loves her new 8-inch A bowl… a higher octave of the Sixth Chakra note? Hells yeah!! But, she did struggle with a 528 hz C bowl, read on for a story about the little 528 hz bowl she hated.
But there's another lesson here: Don't worry about labels! If you're listening to 528hz music and it feels good, it is good! The same goes for 432hz music. Or conventional 440hz music. Does it really matter what reference tone Marvin Gaye is using on this stunning performance?
Quick recap/TLDR:
528hz is a C-note.... higher than conventional tuning
Music tuned up sounds subtly brighter and clearer
There are a lot of bold claims on the internet about 528hz...
Trust your intuition about whatever sound healing works for you
Want to learn more about the science of Sound Healing?
Would you like to self-heal with sound, add it to your offerings, or become a highly skilled practitioner?
Sign Up HERE to learn more about our LIVE virtual trainings.
Inner Sounds Sound Healing Trainer, Curriculum Director & Chief Nerd Officer | Inner Sounds Meditation
Founder, Inner Sounds Meditation & Training Academy
Send us a note at nerds@InnerSoundsMeditation.com
Online Sound Healing, 12 Months Later

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


The decision follows the ministry's conclusion that Yokohama-based FSHO lacks the necessary systems to run its business…By barring an exchange operator that it has found to be substandard, the agency aims to demonstrate its decision to re-establish a solid currency trading environment in Japan.
FSHO is a"deemed dealer" or"quasi-operator" of cryptocurrencies in Japan, meaning it's been allowed to run a crypto exchange while its program with the FSA has been reviewed. There are 16 deemed dealers. However, the agency said recently that 8 of them have indicated that they will withdraw their applications and best bitcoin live casino online with manual flushing.
Besides FSHO is the other crypto exchange in Japan to receive two punishment orders. The first was on April 6 on March 8 and the second.
In the March order, the agency suspended all of FSHO's businesses linked to cryptocurrencies from March 8 to April 7 and issued the company a business improvement order. The company was advised to fix four areas of operations such as to"Build a position to safely manage user information." The improved measures were to be submitted to the agency by March 22.
From the April order, all operations regarding cryptocurrencies of the business from April 8 were again suspended by the agency and issued another business improvement order.
The suspension period is due to end Thursday, and the exchange will be barred by the agency and deny its registration.


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Sconti: Londra a Febbraio e Marzo
Offerta per Febbraio e Marzo.
Trasferisciti a Londra per studio o lavoro
Ottieni 25£ di sconto sulla prima settimana di affitto a Londra.
Condizioni dell'offerta:
London: that moment when you realize your bank is ripping you off
There was a time when sending money abroad was overly expensive. The rules have changed though since Transferwise was born.
This British start-up was founded by the creators of Skype and Paypal. The idea is simple and innovative: rather than sending money from one country to another, money is sent from person to person. The result is remarkable, instead of paying banking transactions from 3% to 6% you will pay only 0.5% of the total amount.
How much does a bank transfer cost? It costs much less than traditional banks.
Looking for a job as a photographer in London
For its beauties London will also stimulate your creativity: so why not work in London as a photographer?
In fact, in the capital, there are many possibilities to start a career in this sector. The main thing is to acquire the basic photographic techniques attending, for example, professional courses.
That of the photographer is a very versatile and highly sought-after craft from a wide range of sectors; this is why many London portals and professional studios are looking for assisting photographers. These portals and studios can help you build references and bases for your future career; we would like to mention a few:
Vacanza studio per adulti
Vacanza studio Londra tutto incluso
Possibilità di partenza in altre date su richiesta con altro pacchetto
Il programma é per soli adulti, età minima 17 anni, nessun limite di età massima, non é mai troppo tardi per imparare l'inglese!
La quota di partecipazione comprende:
Winter Wonderland: The magical London
"Winter Wonderland" is an incredible event which brought together more than 15 million visitors to Hyde Park since its creation in 2007.
1) The largest skating rink in the United Kingdom
We recommend spending an afternoon with friends or family in one of the most amazing places in the UK.
Its unique and huge skating rink surrounded by the legendary "Victorian music kiosk", will allow you to skate to the rhythm of the music.
The track is illuminated at night by 100,000 lights that create a unique and magical atmosphere.
How to learn English for free in London
Working, travelling, moving abroad, the desire to improve, university exams... there may be different reasons that can push you to open an English grammar book.
Yet, often, for foreigners it is difficult to learn this very important language.
English is part of the Indo-European language family. The Indo-European languages are divided into two main strands: the Germanic languages and the Neo-Latin languages.
English is part of the Germanic languages, as well as the Scandinavian, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Icelandic, German, Flemish and Dutch languages.
Why London and not somewhere else?
Why do so many people who decide to move abroad choose London?
It is one of the capitals with the highest potentials in the whole world. As the renowned newspaper "The Independent" states, London has a very flourishing and dynamic economy, it has a lot to offer, for both job opportunities, personal and professional development, and for the possibility of living in a functional and citizen-friendly city.
For many, London is a springboard for the future.
Football in London: the guide from LondonStayUK
London is the perfect city for those who love football and great sporting events.
The list of prestigious football clubs is long, no other capital in the world offers such a diversity of clubs.
In London, it is easy to meet fans in the streets on any day of the week and at any time, since the high number of football matches that take place in the many stadiums. No fear, the fans are no longer the hooligans of the past (violent and rowdy), they are now very composed and polite.
London's best secret gardens
Postman's Park:
Explore this hidden park among the skyscrapers of the city, it is very calm and peaceful. The perfect place to relax during a lunch break or after a day of work.
The recently constructed Tibetan Peace Garden is located inside the Imperial War Museum. It was inaugurated by the Dalai Lama himself. Also known as the Garden of Contemplation and frequented by few people, it's the perfect place to rediscover serenity. In the park there are sculptures representing earth, air, water and fire.
From Horsenden Hill you can see Wembley Stadium and Northala Fields. It is located in the Ealing district northwest of the city.
Suspended over Kensington High Street, the Kensington Roof Garden covers over 6,000 square metres and is divided into three themed gardens, a Spanish garden, an English water garden and a Tudor style garden.
Sexby Garden is a park in a park, enclosed in Peckham Rye Park, you will find an explosion of flowers and scents enveloping the park in the spring, which is very romantic.
In Well Hall Pleasaunce it's just like to be in Japan, many cherry trees but also many other flowers..
Camley Street Natural Park is a nature reserve on the banks of the Regent's Canal. The ideal place for bird lovers.
Christchurch Greyfriars Rose Garden : Admire the beautiful rose garden on the ruins of the bombed church during the Second World War.
Mount Street Gardens :The gardens are located in the Mayfair district. Beautiful in every season.
Bonnington Square is located on the ruins of World War II.
Barbican Conservatory : A beautiful greenhouse with more than 2,000 plants, fish and exotic birds. It does not seem like we are in London..
(The less known) Markets in London
After showing you some of London's most famous markets, we now present some of the most peculiar and, at the same time, less known markets that you can visit in this great city.
THE COLUMBIA ROAD FLOWERS MARKET
One of London's most visually appealing markets, Columbia Road is a festival of colors and scents. Here you can find all kinds of flowers, plants, and accessories for the garden. Open every Sunday from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm, it is perfect for nature lovers.Address: Columbia Rd, London E2 7RGClosest underground station: Hoxton (overground)
Clubs and discos in London
London is a great city for fans of electronic music. In fact, London is the capital in Europe, after Berlin, for underground music.
There are many places where you can have fun, dance and listen to electronic music.
We offer you a list of 5 nightclubs/clubs among the most interesting in London
Without a doubt the most renowned club in Europe (Techno & House)
The 10 weirdest things to do in London
The British capital is known to tourists for its monuments and museums, but this city is also famous for its multiculturalism and its irrepressibility.
The extravagance is at every corner and many activities - not very well known to tourists - would go unnoticed.
Here is a list of 10 extravagant things to do in London:
1. The museum of jars recalls the history of the United Kingdom
At the Museum of Brands, there are over 12,000 jars, posters, toys and artifacts on show, reconstructing the industrial history of the United Kingdom from 1800 to today.
Cercare lavoro a Londra dall'Italia
Spesso, leggiamo di gente che chiede su forum o gruppi di Facebook, se esiste la possibilità di ottenere un posto di lavoro a Londra dall'Italia e le risposte che troviamo possono essere varie.
Trovare un lavoro a Londra quando si é ancora in Italia non è facile se non quasi impossibile, comunque dipende molto anche dal settore e dal livello di inglese. Se si parla giá bene l'inglese in alcuni settori, come quello ospedaliero ad esempio, si puó trovare lavoro dall'Italia se si ha giá esperienza, in caso contrario é necessario trovarsi a Londra durante la ricerca del lavoro per i seguenti motivi:
How much do you earn by working in London?
"I would like to move to London, but how much do employers pay in London?"
This is one of the questions everyone asks before leaving. Everyone knows that life in London is very expensive, so it is natural to wonder how much money you need to have in your pocket before leaving and how much is needed to live in this city.
The price of living in London obviously, as well as in the rest of the world, it varies from person to person: it depends on the vices that one has, on the habits and necessities.
Finding a job in the London pubs
Working in a London pub is certainly more exciting and fun than working in a restaurant.
Pubs, short for public house, have a very old history: they are places where alcoholic beverages are served and have always been the centre of community life.
In the United Kingdom, there are more than 60,000 pubs, many of which are located right in London.
How to find work in London pubs?
Famous markets in London
Una de las cosas interesantes que se pueden hacer en Londres es visitar algunos de los mercados más famosos ¡Seguro que has oído hablar de más de unos de ellos! Elije algunos de la siguiente lista, visítalo en persona, sacas algunas fotos y etiquétanos en tu Instagram o Facebook.
Activo desde el 1.800, es seguramente el mercadillo más famoso de Londres, que vais a encontrar repleto sobre todo los sábados. Os vais a quedar fascinados por las antigüedades, los vestidos de época y las piezas musicales, así como por la comida exótica que podéis encontrar. ¡Perfecto para los amantes del vintage!
Dirección: Portobello Road, London W11 1LU
Parada de metro m: Notting Hill (Central Line, District & Circle line)
CAMDEN LOCK MARKET
Con más de 100 tiendas y puestos de comida, es el núcleo del enorme mercado de Camden. Podrás encontrar artículos como ropa, accesorios de diseño, artículos hechos a mano, pequeñas obras de arte, muebles, comida. ¡Para las personas alternativas y peculiares!
Dirección: 56 Camden Lock Pl, London NW1 8AF
Parada metro más cercana: Camden Town (Northern Line)
MERCADO DE BRICK LANE
Brick Lane es el histórico mercado de los domingos del este de Londres, muy popular entre los amantes del Vintage y de los productos de segunda mano.
Dirección: 91 Brick Ln, London E1 6QR
Parada metro más cercana: Aldgate East (Hammersmith Line y District line)
¿El paraíso gastronómico? El mercado Borough. Aquí vais a encontrar diferentes productos como quesos, fruta, verdura, alimentos biológicos, y además podréis parar en algún puesto de comida callejera. ¡Perfecto para los amantes de la comida.
Dirección: 8 Southwark St, London SE1 1TL
Parada metro más cercano: London Bridge (Northern line)
BRIXTON VILLAGE MARKET
Si buscáis multiculturalidad, buena comida y un toque caribeño, entonces este se convertirá en vuestro lugar favorito. Brixton Village Market acoge más de 20 cafés, restaurantes y puestos de comida de diferente tipo. Los jueves y los viernes por la noche el mercado está abierto hasta tarde para que la gente pueda disfrutar de conciertos en vivo.
Dirección: Atlantic Road/Coldharbour lane Junction, Brixton
Parada metro más cercano: Brixton (Victoria line)
London is not just Zone 1
Turnpike lane underground station is located in Haringey borough (in zone 3).
In front of the bus stop, there is a small park called 'Ducketts' where you canfind Basketball courts, a picnic and children area and even a free outdoor sports center.
Turnpike Lane is a cosmopolitan shopping street, where specialized shops stay open until late at night. There are many typical-cuisine restaurants from various countries: Italy, Greece, Turkey, China and more…
Job ads to work in stores in London
Foreigners often arrive in London and begin to look for work in the catering sector because in this field it is easier and faster to be hired.
What to do if you absolutely do not want to work in the catering sector or in the hotel industry? Looking for a job at various clothing stores could be a solution.
To find work in London shops, you need to have a fairly good level of English (much more than school level). Often, especially in large chains, it is not only required a job interview but also a written test.
Often to work in London shops is required experience and a good curriculum written in English, so no Europass!
Looking for a room in London
Looking for accommodation in London? Who has never had trouble finding a room when coming here to our British friends? We met with a young boy who moved to London to improve his English and to look for work in the restaurant business.
He told us about his experience.
LondonStayUK: Good morning Martin, why did you decide to move to London?
London, what can I eat?
English food is not known to be gastronomic or sophisticated like in Italy or France. However, some may surprise you pleasantly by their consistency, color or taste.
Below, we will let you discover some typically English dishes and some restaurants to go and taste them:
The famous "fish and chips" of which the whole world knows the name, made of fish and fry based on beer, egg, and flour and accompanied by fries, is associated with fast food. However, some restaurants decided to make it a gastronomic dish where you can choose your fish.You can try it at "Prince Edward" restaurant, 73 Prince's Square, London W2 4NY.
Working in the fashion industry in London
London has always been the capital of fashion, here the miniskirt was invented many years ago, and the famous FASHION WEEK is held every year.
London, the British heart of the "creative" part of fashion (marketing, design, and advertising), offers many opportunities for those who want to work in this sector, for example as a model, stylist, photographer for photo shoots, bloggers etc.
Obviously, experience and qualification, but also an adequate knowledge are required.
Public transport in London
What to do in London when it rains
7 facts about London that are not true
Moving to the UK: avoiding frauds in London
Are you planning to move to London?
Christmas Markets in London
HALLOWEEN IN LONDON – TRICK OR TREAT?


What a wonderful question—and all the more meaningful because it was asked the day after I began work on my next book, confirming that a return to writing was the way to go.
Such a big question! If I had been asked to define the meaning of life even just a couple of years ago, I believe I would have been hard-pressed to provide a satisfactory answer—at least not satisfactory for my own understanding. I might have proposed that the meaning of life was to find joy, or to discover ways of experiencing fulfilment, or perhaps to share loving encounters with others or even to make a helpful contribution to the world. I can honestly say that I don't think I truly understood the meaning of life, and like most people, I was probably far too busy trying to "make something" of my life to even stop and wonder about its true meaning.
You see, life shifts and changes with every moment—as it unfolds. In fact, life is forever unfolding regardless of our understanding or total lack thereof. As life unfolds our understanding shifts and grows and deepens, and if we were to attempt to define it today, tomorrow we might discover that our definition no longer applied. More importantly, if we were to cling to today's definition, we might miss an opportunity to discover a brand new one tomorrow. So, what is the meaning of life?
It is only recently that I have come to appreciate that the meaning of life—Life, as I like to write it for the respect it deserves—is revealed as we open our hearts and simply let it in. Sometimes it is revealed in the smallest of glimpses, through seemingly insignificant circumstances—maybe a swarm of butterflies lifting off the sidewalk while out on a sunny Sunday morning walk reveals that Life is beauty, or perhaps the smile of a stranger met along the way reveals that Life is connection. At other times, the meaning of Life appears in more significant ways, at a crossroads that ultimately determines the direction our life takes.
You may ask, what is the meaning of my life? Very simply, the meaning of your life is revealed through you—as you allow the free expression of your Being. Meaning is inherent in Life, and it is revealed in the movement of Life, and the movement of your life is meaningful. The simplest way to recognize the meaning of your Life is not through intellectual understanding or study or analysis, but by how it feels; Life is an expression of Love, and it always feels good. When meaning is revealed, understanding may arise, but understanding is not always needed. Meaning is complete because Love is complete and this is all that matters. Love will always give meaning to Life.
Every moment has Meaning, and every breath we take as we move forward into the unfolding of our life reveals its meaning, and so it is that Life reveals its meaning to us. As we are shown how we can contribute and participate in the most meaningful way, we know, in our heart, that we have a place in creation and that our life has meaning. And as the meaning of our life is revealed, we gain a glimpse of the meaning of All Life—since our life is an integral part of All Life.
Thank you Excellence Reporter for your wonderful contribution to the meaning of Life.
~Pauline Edward (Quebec, Canada) is an author, astrologer-numerologist, speaker and coach. She is the author of Making Peace with God: The Journey of a Course in Miracles Student, Leaving the Desert: Embracing the Simplicity of A Course in Miracles, an Indie Excellence Book Awards Finalist, Choosing the Miracle, The Movement of Being, The Power of Time and Astrological Crosses. Her latest book, The Healing of Humanity, was released in May 2017.


Jasper Hill is a leader in the artisan cheese industry. We are a mission based company working to preserve Vermont's agricultural soils and working landscape through farmstead cheese production. The Jasper Hill Family of Businesses includes two farms, two creameries, a cheese aging facility, as well as the sales and administrative team.
Jasper Hill Apprentices are driven to do their best. The work is physical, fast-paced and mentally stimulating. An Apprentice splits their time between cheese making at one of our two creameries and caring for cheese at the Cellars. This role starts early, most of the time is spent cleaning, and it requires working at least one weekend day. Someone who enjoys fast paced production work can find deep satisfaction in creating a delicious product with a team that works well together. Be a part of a team that has a sense of purpose and pride in the work they do, while learning a skill.
Love of cheese is a plus!


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Tag: Daniel Radcliffe
*NEW* SWISS ARMY MAN REVIEW *NEW*
October 20, 2016 by pmbayobale, posted in Best and worst films, Cinema, Drama, Film essay, Hollywood, Hollywood mess, Movie review, Uncategorized
What the hell did I just watch?
A hopeless man (Paul Dano) stranded on a deserted island befriends a dead body and together they go on a surreal journey to get home.
Now imagine if Tom Hanks in Cast Away decided to interact with a farting corpse instead of a volleyball and . . . you still wouldn't come close to anything that comes out of this strange but bizarrely watchable piece.
Brought to you by the guys that produced that Lil Jon 'Turn Down for What?' music video?! Really?! I think it's fair to say that this isn't going to be everybody's cup of tea. What drove Daniel Radcliffe to do this? He really wants to shake off that Harry Potter image.
The film that triggered walkouts at the Sundance Festival? Well, that can only mean one thing. Let's give it a watch.
The dark opening lulled me into thinking that this might be a different movie altogether with a defeated Hank (Dano – There Will Be Blood) getting ready to hang himself. Tired, frustrated and alone. The numerous and increasingly elaborate 'message' bottles (or boats in this case) highlighting the time our hero has endured on the desolate sand patch.
And then along came Manny (Daniel Radcliffe). Within 10 minutes I wasn't sure if I wanted to carry on. Especially when the lead protagonist was riding the corpse like a farting jet ski across the ocean. No joke.
However once I got past the endless fart gags and puerile humour, there was a quirky charm that kept me watching. I don't think it would have worked at all if it wasn't for Dano and Radcliffe. They were an entertaining pair and for a moment, I almost bought into the madness of it all.
You could empathize with Hank's vulnerable loner as he confides in the corpse about his own personal problems. I don't think I'm spoiling anything by saying that Radcliffe/Manny does talk. I was getting worried after 20-odd minutes that Dano was just going to be talking to a demented Radcliffe pulling some serious stroke face for 90 minutes.
The make up was actually pretty good on Radcliffe. He played a corpse well. Yeah, I can't believe I wrote that either. His movements and facial expressions were pretty bang on.
There were genuine moments where I laughed at the pair as they tackled through the tough terrain of the wilderness to get home. Hank's crazy creations were brilliant. It teased a little Wes Anderson vibe with all the strange gizmos and props that he made out of wreckage, rubbish and trees.
A particular highlight being a staged bus scene in which Hank simulates his chance encounter with the girl of his dreams (Mary Elizabeth Winstead – 10 Cloverfield Lane). The only problem is that the joke kind of pushed it when the pair pretended to practice a date with Hank dressing up as her. Things getting ever more uncomfortable when they started holding hands. Eurgh.
The two Dans (writer/directors Dan Kwan and Daniel Scheinert) subtlety tackled some existential issues ("What is life?") in between the farts and sex talk as Hank has to re-educate the naive and inquisitive Manny about the ways of the world.
In one scene, it was funny and clever with the journey being a metaphor for Hank overcoming his own fears and doubts and opening up about his troubled childhood. BUT then that would be completely undermined in the next sequence with something stupid and juvenile.
Cue the college humour with the pair discussing masturbation (that carried heavy Freudian undertones) and the discovery of a picture of a bikini model and Manny fighting to control the rigor mortis in his boner. Yup.
"I think your penis is guiding us home. It's pointing north". Make of that what you will.
I couldn't help but laugh at the ingenious ways in which Hank would discover a new use for Manny from dispensing fresh rain water from his gut to shooting out objects like bullets to help hunt down prey. Using his arms to chop wood and his teeth to shave. NO! I'm not making this up!
It was utterly bonkers. Different, original BUT at the same stroke, weird and all over the place. The pace dragged in parts and the finale brought things to a head that left far too many questions.
And the crazy soundtrack by Andy Hull and Robert McDowell?! Was it a joke or master stroke? (Didn't mean to rhyme). One thing can be agreed, I'll never listen to the Jurassic Park theme in the same way again.
Winstead was completely wasted in her role. Anyone could have played her. Although her reaction in the closing moments did pretty much sum up my own feelings:
A mixed bag. I mean it got points for thinking outside of the box and its odd style was hypnotic enough to keep me watching. BUT by the end, I wasn't sure whether I liked it or not. I still don't know.
If that sounds intriguing to you, then go for it. IF NOT, swiftly move on.
Tagged 10 Cloverfield Lane, Andy Hull, Cast Away, Dan Kwan, Daniel Radcliffe, Daniel Scheinert, Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, Lil Jon, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Paul Dano, Robert McDowell, Sundance Festival, Swiss Army Man, There Will Be Blood, Tom Hanks, Wes Anderson4 Comments
*NEW* NOW YOU SEE ME 2 REVIEW *NEW*
August 15, 2016 by pmbayobale, posted in Action, Animation, Bad movies, Best and worst films, Blockbuster, CGI, Cinema, Comedy, Drama, Film essay, Hollywood, Movie review, Sequels, Special effects, Uncategorized
And now for my next trick. Watch a franchise that nobody wanted . . . DISAPPEAR!
The Four Horsemen resurface and are forcibly recruited by a tech genius to pull off their most impossible heist yet.
Now You See Me was an enjoyable romp. Hardly ground breaking BUT easy going fun with a group of magicians hustling some rich conglomerates. I didn't expect the finale and was even more surprised when a sequel was confirmed.
I hoped the next outing would carry that same level of energy and fun BUT this was utterly dreadful. Irritating characters, drawn out pace, a terrible story line, farfetched stunts that pondered all levels of plausible acceptance and really shoddy CGI made this one to avoid.
It's not essential to watch the first outing. You get the entire plot summarised in the first 30 seconds. The opening showed promise as we explored Dylan's (Mark Ruffalo) past and the reason behind his rivalry with Thaddeus Bradley (Morgan Freeman).
BUT once it flashed forward to the present, the intrigue was lost. Eisenberg's Atlas was far too serious and sulky. I don't know whether he was still getting over losing his hair for the shambolic superhero saga that was Batman vs Superman BUT his griping and silly backstabbing antics were dull as dishwater.
We had a new Horseman, person or Female Horseman (Whatever) in Lizzy Caplan (Mean Girls). I thought she would be a worthy addition to the mix. BUT she was incredibly annoying. She wasn't funny and her verbal diarrhoea was insufferable. I think Isla Fisher made the right decision not to come back.
What didn't help was the agonizing pace. The film should have been cut by a good 30 minutes. Mark Ruffalo (Avengers) was the most interesting character and he was barely in it! Every time Dylan appeared, things happened and I was hooked. I was happy to follow his subplot NOT the Horsemen. Battling to keep his cover under the watchful eye of Sanaa Lathan (who was wasted in her role).
Proof in the pudding when one of the best scenes was Dylan causing havoc in a Chinese street brawl. The fight sequences combined with a series of magic tricks were well choreographed and stopped me fidgeting in my seat.
I have to admit the Horsemen really did infuriate me. Woody Harrelson had been on resurging form with his recent endeavours (True Detective) BUT this was a complete misstep. He went full retard as Merritt's twin Chase with his Will Ferrell-esque wig and badly capped teeth. An unnecessary character that tested me in every scene.
Dave Franco (NERVE) did his best with his role BUT was lost in the mix. Eisenberg eventually lightened up and delivered his usual schtick BUT it was too little, too late.
You know you're onto a loser when Morgan Freeman's dulcet tones are doing your head in. His silky voice couldn't save this leaden script. If anything, it highlighted the clunky exposition. A revelation about Bradley unintentionally undermined pretty much a good portion of the premise from the first one.
Daniel Radcliffe wasn't too bad as the weasely Walter Mabry. He played the slimy techno villain well BUT he wasn't in it enough. NOT even the return of Sir Michael Caine did anything for me. He was laughable. Doing his best Victor Meldrew impression. Dismal.
What made matters worse was that the actual hustle and magic tricks were far too OTT and farfetched for my liking. I know it's only a movie BUT some of the big reveals defied physics or common sense to work even in a Hollywood universe.
An elongated card flinging sequence took the biscuit. Watching the gang flick a badly CGI'd card in the air and around their torsos to smuggle a computer chip was just plain terrible.
However, the finale delivered a little of what I expected from the get go. The effects actually did impress; especially when Eisenberg disappeared into a puddle of rain. Tense, engaging and watchable. WHERE WAS THIS FOR THE REST OF THE FILM?!
The characters were dull, the pace was too long, the effects were hit and miss and the twists were either too predictable or just plain ridiculous. They even missed a trick by not calling this Now You Don't BUT if there any rumours for another; my title would be:
NOW, PLEASE STOP!
Tagged Avengers, Batman Vs Superman, Daniel Radcliffe, Dave Franco, Isla Fisher, Jesse Eisenberg, Lizzy Caplan, Mark Ruffalo, Mean Girls, Morgan Freeman, NERVE, Now You See Me, Now You See Me 2, Sanaa Lathan, Sir Michael Caine, True Detective, Victor Meldrew, Will Ferrell, Woody Harrelson1 Comment
*NEW* VICTOR FRANKENSTEIN REVIEW *NEW*
December 11, 2015 December 11, 2015 by pmbayobale, posted in Best and worst films, CGI, Cinema, Film essay, Horror movies, Movie review, Special effects, Uncategorized
IT'S A DUD! IT'S A DUD!
Well, that's what I thought I was going to say.
McAvoy and Radcliffe take on the iconic mad scientist duo to mixed results. BUT with good acting and some decent special effects, it delivered enough fun for me not to care too much.
Told from Igor's (Daniel Radcliffe) perspective, we see the troubled young assistant's dark origins, his redemptive friendship with the young medical student Viktor Von Frankenstein (James McAvoy), and become eyewitnesses to the emergence of how Frankenstein became the man (and the legend) we know today.
Look, this sort of movie was never going to win plaudits BUT if it had the right level of ridiculousness and enough monsters then I'd be one happy bunny. The first hour was actually quite entertaining and reworked the origin story quite well.
Apart from needing a good haircut, Radcliffe played the hunchback perfectly. We follow the poor chap as we watch him being beaten and downtrodden by his circus chums. Daniel Mays (The Bank Job) was completely wasted in his role as the lecherous leader Barnaby. Shame. It zipped along and once Frankenstein made the fold, I was pleasantly entertained.
James McAvoy was superb. Producing more saliva than creatures. Seriously, he got a little too passionate with some of the dialogue. BUT as soon as he made his introduction, he stole the show. His mad enthusiasm, the dry witticisms and crazy theorizing was brilliant. He really carried the piece when things seem to drag (Which unfortunately they did).
The special effects and props were disgusting. A scene involving the real reason behind Igor's "hump" was enough to put anyone off their dinner. The creatures and animal body parts were fantastic. Their first subject; a spliced chimpanzee was devilishly creepy and created a few problems along the way.
There wasn't as much gore nor as many monsters as I had hoped. The woes of a 12A certificate but the writers certainly pushed the mark where they could. The CGI was generally eye catching. Apart from the scene (Ironically) involving moving eyes which was just terrible.
The bromance between McAvoy and Radcliffe really made the pair shine. I was happy to watch them bicker, banter and squabble as the experiments become more ambitious. BUT of course, they had to throw a spanner in the works. A spanner in the form of Downton Abbey's Jessica Brown-Findlay.
The dull love subplot between Radcliffe and Brown-Findlay was pretty bland. The pair do their best BUT I wasn't interested in them and neither was the director it seemed as it was skimmed over very quickly. If anything, it wasn't needed.
She didn't really turn Igor against Frankenstein or add any humanity to him. You felt for Igor from the moment you saw him abused by the circus. But then again, it was never going to be that sort of film. BUT it tragically slowed down the pace and I could feel my mind wondering as the lifeless luvvy duvvy stuff played out.
Andrew Scott (Sherlock) delivered a memorable supporting turn as the depressing and macabre Inspector Turpin. A man hell bent on bringing Victor to justice before the world and God. His ramblings did go on a bit BUT his theological sparring with McAvoy spiced things up.
He was definitely more memorable than Freddie Fox's (The Riot Club) Finnegan. He was too weak and flamboyant to be taken seriously. He certainly personified a spoilt rich kid with more money than sense. BUT a maniacal mastermind? I feared Charles Dance (Game of Thrones) more in his small cameo as Frankenstein's father.
The slow motion Sherlock Holmes (Downey Jr/Ritchie) style fighting was disorienting and slowed down the action too much. The film lost its momentum after the 60 minute marker BUT finally (and thankfully) found it again at the 90 minute marker for a deliciously dark and violent finale.
If anything, the finale was a little too quick cut and rushed. I'm sure the literary critics will be shaking their heads at this rehashing of a classic BUT it had enough action, creepy creatures and humour to keep things watchable. The effects on the Creature looked so real. He looked like Martin Skrtel on steroids with a few bolts here and there. Any more violent and they could have kissed that 12A rating good bye. Maybe they should have.
Radcliffe and McAvoy were a dream team. The effects were great. They did just enough to wade through the stocky subplots and overlong pace to make it a watchable little creature feature.
Tagged Andrew Scott, Charles Dance, Daniel Mays, Daniel Radcliffe, Downton Abbey, Freddie Fox, Game of Thrones, Guy Ritchie, James McAvoy, Jessica Brown-Findlay, Martin Skrtel, Robert Downey Jr, Sherlock, Sherlock Holmes, The Bank Job, The Riot Club, Victor Frankenstein2 Comments
*NEW* TRAINWRECK REVIEW *NEW*
August 23, 2015 by pmbayobale, posted in Best and worst films, Cinema, Comedy, Drama, Film essay, Hollywood, Movie review, Uncategorized
Was it one big train wreck?
I was a little anxious to see this. I couldn't get into Girls, didn't mind Bridesmaids but have always found Apatow's works a little hit and miss.
BUT it's always good to be proved wrong. Move over, Miss McCarthy. I have a new lady in my life. Well played, Miss Schumer.
Having thought that monogamy was never possible, a commitment-phobic career woman (Amy Schumer) may have to face her fears when she meets a good guy (Bill Hader).
It's hardly perfect but I can actually say that I came out of the cinema smiling for the right reasons.
I wasn't convinced by the opening as we watch a young Amy and Quinn (Brie Larson) being educated by their deadbeat dad (Colin Quinn) after being caught cheating. His analogy using dolls was hilarious.
From that moment, we see the anti-monogamy chants drilled into a young Amy Schumer. 20-odd years down the line and we have our protagonist. Sleeping around, getting drunk, and effing jeffing. I've never really found that stuff funny. It got a little repetitive BUT it introduced the selfish and quick witted monster perfectly. Her one liners rolled off a little too fast for me. They didn't really flow.
HOWEVER, once the film found its tempo, I enjoyed it. Schumer's improvisation and messing around were generally on the ball. There were patches where she went on just a little bit. There was a moment where Larson and Schumer were looking at pictures of their mother and Amy starts talking about her boobs. It ruined a nice moment and wasn't that funny.
It's always a gamble on calling a scene when you're firing off belters; "Stop walking like the Hulk. I can see that you're mad". BUT what helped was that Schumer was assisted by a surprisingly funny supporting cast. John Cena. Words escape me. He was absolutely brilliant. Some of the best acting I've seen him do. EVER. Well, since WWE.
He stole every scene from failing at dirty talk in the bedroom to his homo-erotic put downs during an altercation at the cinema. I also loved the short film being played in the cinema scene. The "pretentious" Dog Walker skit featuring Daniel Radcliffe and Marisa Tomei got a chuckle. If anything, I wanted to see more of that.
Tilda Swinton as Amy's boss Dianna was a mixed bag for me. Her put downs and random story telling were bloody mental. BUT I couldn't get over her raspy Cockney accent. She made the regulars in Eastenders look like Oxford scholars. What was she playing at?
There wasn't enough of SNL's Vanessa Bayer for me as Amy's naive work colleague. LeBron James was very funny. Not all athletes can make the transition to the big screen but he nailed it! From his strop about Downton Abbey to his endless scrimping and bickering over paying the bill. Scrimping? With all those millions? Come on.
It was also good to see Bill Hader playing it straight faced. It was a fresh change and proved the guy can do deadpan and do it well. The crazier moments were certainly left for Miss Schumer. And she most certainly delivered. They had excellent chemistry which really made their inevitable pairing that much more enjoyable.
My main problem with Apatow's movies is the running length. This is 40 and Funny People were okay films but went on far too long. This film did not need to be two hours long. After the hour marker with the relationship unwittingly taking hold, things did slacken.
It's all relatable as Amy tries to fight her feelings but it wasn't very funny. Easygoing enough. I had hoped that the scenes with Brie Larson would have been more entertaining. If it wasn't for the odd witticism from Schumer, I would have cut them. And things did seem to take a more serious turn.
The subplot involving their dad in a care home never really got going for me. Amy's character had more than enough flaws to keep things watchable. It felt tacked on and did hamper things. Even if Method Man was his nurse. You read that right.
BUT luckily the film found a second wind as Amy inevitably goes out of her way to complicate matters. The squabbling and tests certainly added an extra depth to the couple. BUT the only problem was that the end result was always going to be the same.
The closing scene was unbelievably corny. I mean it totally fit for all the in-jokes that Schumer and Hader had between each other. BUT at the same time, it didn't quite fit the overall tone of the film after such a serious middle act with Amy re-evaluating her life. It was all or nothing.
When it's funny, it's on fire. When it's not, it's a little more testing but certainly watchable. I'll be more looking forward to Schumer's next offering.
A trainwreck? Hardly.
Tagged Amy Schumer, Bill Hader, Bridesmaids, Brie Larson, Colin Quinn, Daniel Radcliffe, Eastenders, Funny People, Girls, John Cena, Judd Apatow, LeBron James, Marisa Tomei, Melissa McCarthy, Method Man, Oxford, Saturday Night Live, The Hulk, This is 40, Tilda Swinton, Trainwreck, Vanessa Bayer, WWE3 Comments
THE TOP 20 WORST FILMS OF 2014 – PART ONE
March 1, 2015 by pmbayobale, posted in Action, Animation, Best and worst films, British films, British movies, Cinema, Comedy, Drama, Film essay, Hollywood, Hollywood mess, Horror movies, Movie review, Uncategorized
Did you walk out of a film feeling angry, disappointed, baffled, confused?
Did you walk out of a film for that matter?
Did you sit in your car (or at home) reeling? Questioning, debating, pondering how on Earth it even got through the pitching process?
Then, welcome.
I think I've already compiled my worst films of 2015 which doesn't bode well for the year that lies ahead.
BUT let's (finally) review the worst films of 2014!
My criteria; Basically films that destroyed all excitement and anticipation or failed to deliver anything (Acting, talent, story, suspense . . . a movie).
Films that made me cry a little, scream with RAGE or just say, "I don't think I'm going to bother anymore" . . . With the cinema (Woah, let's not get too down now).
So for a change, let's start from 20 – 11, followed by PART TWO with 10 – 1
SCALE: 20 DISAPPOINTED! – 1 WTF!
I'll stick a few comments with each crappy film title accordingly. Enjoy . . . OR NOT. In fact, you won't with these 😦
20. TAMMY
Melissa McCarthy failed on every platform. An interesting story line? Nah. Good characters? Well, Susan Sarandon wasn't bad. Jokes? Bar the fast food restaurant robbery, zilch.
I like McCarthy. I normally find her hilarious BUT she tried to deliver the same old loud mouthed, slobby monster with a heart spiel and it failed to keep me intrigued, interested or laughing (The ultimate crime of all).
Thoroughly disappointed. It was that flat, I have no energy to make any other comment. Check my review if you like.
19. LUCY
How the hell this stayed at Number 1 in the UK for so long baffled me more than the finale?!
A racy opening had high hopes with the alluring ScarJo kicking ass and taking names whilst gaining higher intelligence. Check, check, check. I was ticking all the boxes.
BUT the endless scientific mumbo jumbo and ridiculous CGI kicked all tension, pace and fun out of this bonkers flick.
Not even the smooth dulcet tones of Morgan Freeman could save the day.
His character really had no idea what to do and was completely pointless and the finale?
WTF? I haven't felt that confused and annoyed since I watched The Matrix Revolutions.
18. THE DEVIL'S KNOT
If not for the two (normally) talented leads, this would have been nothing more than a TV movie that you'd expect to see late at night on Sky Atlantic's twilight scheduling.
A harrowing opening showed promise BUT what we got was an overlong court yarn that was never really resolved.
A harsh twist BUT in terms of film viewing . . . DISAPPOINTING!
The constant repetition of the same old facts and the endless witness testimonies just numbed me into a little coma.
It just didn't go anywhere in terms of suspense, performance or story. It felt like one of those American crime docudramas that are on the Crime Network all the time.
The only person who might come out unscathed was the legendary Colin Firth. He did his best and delivered a sterling Southern accent BUT it didn't hide the fact his character was quite dull.
17. OCULUS
That image above was my face coming out of the cinema after seeing this.
Karen Gillian and Brenton Thwaites did their best BUT Oculus was such a slow and tedious affair.
Evil mirrors? Really. Just lock it away if it can't be broken. Job done.
The constant flashbacks coinciding with the present just mirrored (Ba-dum-tssh) what the pair were doing.
When it did finally get going, it got a little more watchable. BUT it just ended. Quite abruptly and SO predictably.
If I wasn't so bored by the end, I would have been wild with rage. Meh.
16. HORNS
Hell hath no fury like a horny Harry?
I wish. It was terrible. Radcliffe does his best to keep this watchable BUT the story is so weak and uninteresting that even when the weird stuff does kick in.
And it does. I could feel the Devil taking away my patience and interest.
It took an hour before anything of worth really happened. And the whodunnit was so obvious, I was saying out loud. It's that person. Right there!
All we got was a sulky HP moping around some woods while people told him their darkest secrets.
Things get interesting for one moment when HP finally goes dark . . . BUT then he goes back to skulking around. Even with those ginormous devil horns and super devil powers? Lame.
And the ending was laughable. From the people who made this.
Haha. You sat through this. Infuriating, boring and just plain awful.
15. OUIJA
This poster freaked me out more than the film.
I said it before and I'll say it again. I wish they could have used the Ouija board to summon up something better than this.
Predictable, naff and unoriginal. This managed to make Long Time Dead a horror classic by comparison. And that was pretty shit.
Don't get me wrong, there were a couple of jumpy bits. BUT it was hard not to when the music was so damn loud.
The scares reeked of desperation. The only shock I got was that this wasn't filmed in a shaky handheld found footage format.
14. GODZILLA
God help the sequel. How did this make money?
The film is called Godzilla. So why did we have a 90 minutes of giant moth mutants trying to get jiggy?!
The iconic monster only really surfacing for 15 minutes. Mindless exposition with bland characters. Aaron "Airhead" Taylor Johnson as the lead character.
I did my rant a long time ago. I can't do this again.
BUT please watch this incredibly accurate Honest Trailer clip of Godzilla. It's perfect. Unlike this monstrosity!
13. ROBOCOP
I wouldn't buy this for a dollar.
A completely unnecessary remake. Making this a 12A didn't help matters.
There could have been an opportunity to poke fun at the social media, the iPhone. Anything that hadn't been covered in the 1987 original. BUT no!
We got the same old guff. Just less violent, less satirical and . . . I forget my point.
Joel Kinnaman was terribly mechanical. Before he even donned the Robo get up.
Not even Samuel L Jackson could save the day. In fact he made it worse. I think he was trying to do his best (or worst) Ron Burgundy impression. Either way, it didn't work.
Dead or alive, I wouldn't bother watching this.
12. I, FRANKENSTEIN
I can't believe I sat through this.
If it wasn't so laughable, I would have walked out.
It didn't help that the cast, especially Aaron Eckhart, took it so seriously when the premise was so ridiculous and far fetched.
This could have been a fun B-movie mickey take BUT it was just a droll, cringe worthy disaster.
The 15 minute gargoyle battle in the closing half kept me quiet for that duration BUT it was hard to be that interested when you had no idea who was fighting.
Plus the characters were that unmemorable that you couldn't give a monkey's.
11. MRS BROWN'S BOYS D'MOVIE
What da feck?
Now, I will admit. I am a fan. BUT O'Carroll really did take the biscuit.
Slapping any old thing together for a quick buck.
Applying the studio audience sitcom format to a movie? No, no, no!
The impromptu outtake in between the story line didn't work and felt disjointed.
BUT the main issue is that it just wasn't funny! I sighed, I fidgeted.
For a moment, I thought I was watching a foreign film without subtitles because everyone else was laughing.
For shame, Mrs Brown. Naff plot, naff characters and naff jokes makes this viewer one MAD RANTER.
Tagged Aaron Eckhart, Aaron Taylor Johnson, Brendan O'Carroll, Brenton Thwaites, cast, character, characters, Colin Firth, Crime Network, Daniel Radcliffe, Godzilla, Harry Potter, Horns, horror, I. Frankenstein, intelligence, iPhone, Joel Kinnaman, Karen Gillian, Long Time Dead, Lucy, Melissa McCarthy, Morgan Freeman, Mrs Browns Boys D'Movie, Oculus, Ouija, Robocop, Samuel L Jackson, Scarlett Johansson, Sky Atlantic, social media, Susan Sarandon, Tammy, TAMMY Melissa McCarthy, The Devil, The Devil's Knot, The Matrix Revolutions, whodunnit
TOP 20 BEST FILMS OF 2014 * PART TWO
February 16, 2015 by pmbayobale, posted in Action, Animation, Best and worst films, Cinema, Comedy, Drama, Film essay, Hollywood, Love story, Movie review, Romance, Romantic Comedies, Samuel L Jackson, Uncategorized
SO HERE WE ARE . . . AT LAST. The second month into 2015.
I know, terrible. For those who are still interested, we have the SECOND PART of my best films of 2014. The top 11-20!
Feel free to search through my posts for my top 10. If you want, I can provide them.
The best (or better) ones of that mediocre movie year. My criteria mainly focused on the ones that surprised, intrigued and entertained me. And boy, it was tough. Many have been watchable. Okay at best. What was harder was condensing my 20 WORST films of 2014 (Which will be following shortly).
BUT there were diamonds in the rough sea of bilge that polluted the movie screens last year.
I have had to endure endless entries of mindless drivel regurgitating the same old plot, clichéd characters (even in their 3D wrapped foils) and excruciating acting or dreadful dialogue and to be honest, it's killed my enthusiasm a little bit.
Now some entries you may question and unfortunately release dates are always different. My argument was films I saw in that year at the cinema. Some may have been released at the end of 2013 but I didn't see them until early January 2014.
BUT that sums up my argument if they are in here.
I won't go on too much about each film. That's what the other posts are for but a quick two cents if you like. Some I hope you will nod in approval. Others you may scroll back and forth hoping that this is a joke. BUT my criteria is based on surprise, entertainment and engagement. So God knows what lies in store.
11. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
Now I am actually reading the book. This film lost marks for stretching out its source material to the max. However, Jackson still manages to deliver the goods by harvesting a special effects extravaganza of a movie. This slicker, darker installment made up for the lumbering opener that was An Unexpected Journey. The pace may still have been a little long at the tooth BUT was certainly the best in Jackson's second trilogy.
12. Captain America: Winter Soldier
A Marvel sequel that wasn't needed but surprised me in surpassing the stuttery original. I felt the first Captain America was rushed to introduce the Cap in time for the Avengers and didn't really cover as much of the WW2 elements as I had hoped. A superhero fighting in the war had a lot more promise for me. BUT the sequel had a decent story, good action pieces and added depth to the 'Cap. Plus it gave a lot more screen time to the Black Widow and the legendary Nick Fury (At last!)
13. The Raid 2
Fast and furious . . . after an hour of droll exposition. BUT it was still the most intense action film I saw that year. The final 45 minutes surpassed the original in suspense and action. Worth the wait. It may not have beat the original overall BUT other films need to use this as the next "How To Make An Action Movie" textbook.
14. St Vincent
Bill Murray at his best in this easy going indie dramedy. It was funny, well acted with some cracking one liners and an impressive debut from young wunderkid Jaeden Lieberher.
15. Before I Go To Sleep
A tense, slowburning but well crafted psychological thriller. Memento meets While You Were Sleeping. Even if I had sussed the big twist. The unveiling still took me by surprise. I thought the cast were fantastic. Kidman was on fine form and the last 15 minutes were brilliant.
16. The Maze Runner
You read that, right? We had numerous teen book bestseller franchises flooding the screens. Divergent, Hunger Games, The Giver and . . . The Maze Runner. I went in, really expecting the worst and for the majority of the film, I was hooked. It's hardly original but it zipped along and stopped me grumbling.
17. Nightcrawler
A superb performance from Gyllenhaal. Deservedly earning a BAFTA nomination. Somehow managing to out-Bale Bale in this dark take on the American dream. Satirical, grim and engrossing. If a little predictable with an abrupt ending BUT still worth a gander.
18. The Guest
Mr Crawley has left the Abbey and he's kicking ass and taking names. A cracking and charismatic performance in this strange but riveting indie action flick. It felt like a film of two halves. Some may not like how it pans out BUT it certainly took me by surprise. Badass film of 2014? Hell yeah!
19. What If
What if Harry Potter did an indie chick flick? It would be an easygoing and entertaining affair. That's what. Radcliffe and Kazan had great chemistry and were a normal and believable couple. I actually cared what happened to them unlike the other umpteen romantic comedies that have wasted my time.
20. Blended
I told you that I was going to think outside the box. I said surprised or entertained me. It has been a while since I have enjoyed a Sandler movie. And this says a lot from a die hard fan. Hardly die hard BUT I've endured them all. Blended certainly isn't perfect but it felt like a return of sorts. It was certainly a return for Drew Barrymore. The plot is stupid and some gags fall flat on their backside.
BUT when it was funny, it had me in stitches. The family dynamic was dealt with well. The handling with the grief issues was done nicely and was unexpected. I enjoyed it. There's still hope for the Sandler. I went in expecting nothing and was rewarded with something more. A good comedy. Hallelujah. Has the Mad Movie Ranter lost his marbles?
Tagged 3D, Adam Sandler, An Unexpected Journey, Avengers, BAFTA, Bale, Before I Go To Sleep, Best and Worst, Best and Worst Films, Best and Worst Films 2014, Bill Murray, Black Widow, Blended, Captain America, Captain America: Winter Soldier, cast, Dan Stevens, Daniel Radcliffe, Divergent, Downton Abbey, Drew Barrymore, Harry Potter, Hunger Games, Jaeden Lieberher, Memento, Mr Crawley, Nick Fury, Nicole Kidman, Nightcrawler, Peter Jackson, St Vincent, The Giver, The Guest, The Hobbit, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, The Maze Runner, The Raid, The Raid 2, What If, While You Were Sleeping, Winter Soldier, WORST films of 2014, Zoe Kazan5 Comments
THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2: ANGEL OF DEATH REVIEW
January 15, 2015 by pmbayobale, posted in Best and worst films, British films, British movies, Cinema, Drama, Film essay, Hammer, Hollywood, Horror movies, Movie review, Uncategorized
Looks like the franchise died before it could even begin.
This hollow (but occasionally jumpy) sequel feels like nothing more than a ghost of it's predecessor.
As the film came to a close, I had a horrible feeling. Not one of unease or relief but one of disappointment.
Now, I have never seen the theatrical production of the Woman in Black but have been told endlessly to invest (Which I shall!) but I did see the first feature installment.
It was Daniel Radcliffe in his first post-Potter role and was hyped as the must-see horror film of the year. Challenge accepted. And to my surprise, both were actually very good. Tense, atmospheric with a solid British cast and it even managed to make me jump quite a few times.
A success. Quite rightly so. Which meant one thing. A sequel, of course!
So here we are. Dear, oh, dear.
Don't get me wrong, it's not all bad. The opening showed promise. The Eel Marsh house in all it's eery and (terribly grainy) detail. A heart beating as the camera pans closer and closer. Creepy stuff.
The beats juxtaposed with the air raid bombing was a clever technique. Director Tom Harper didn't overdo his handling of the Blitz. The panoramic view of the damage of the Blitz on London was subtle but harrowing.
The bombing quickly established a likeable lead in Phoebe Fox. I expect to see more from her. The characters were quickly introduced and sent on their way in one nice package.
I liked the concept of the evacuees escaping to the countryside. That's what did happen and it made the whole revisit to the manor that much more believable. Plus it allowed for a few more interesting things to happen. I say a few. One thing involving a dummy airfield.
Fox was a strong character and I actually cared for her. Which always helps. A lot of horror films fail to tackle this issue which makes it harder for you to get caught up in the scares. Even if the scares are pretty tame, you still need to care what happens to the characters.
Helen McCrory (Peaky Blinders. A series I strongly recommend) played the stern headmistress as well as she could. Her character Jean Hogg felt too much like a stereotype. Don't get me wrong, women were strong during the war.
But she seemed a little lifeless behind her "I am hard because I have to be. We are in a war" face. I can relate to it certainly but there wasn't much else to her sour faced demeanour.
And that was a major problem this time around. Even though the sequel felt like a pale imitation of the first, the characters also felt like ghosts of themselves.
Jeremy Irvine (War Horse/The Railway Man) was incredibly stocky and bland. It was only near the end of the film in which the inevitable fling heated up and some chemistry finally occurred that I found myself interested.
There were only three of the children that got moments to shine. The rest . . . Well, frankly. They didn't need a class of them. Not even red herrings for the dark menace. I mean, lady.
Oaklee Pendergast (Real name. I know, right) was excellent as Edward Lee, a pupil orphaned by the Blitz. He played the role well and brought the relationship between Fox's Miss Parkin and Lee to the fore.
George Steel's cinematography was terrible. Normally I commend an attribute but it was all too grainy and dark. I couldn't see a thing. In certain scenes, it added to the tension. In others, I couldn't even see where Parkins was going in the derelict village.
It made it all look so painfully dull. I understand that it was the Blackout and the war time BUT I couldn't see the demon doing her thing!
There were good portions where the tension and atmosphere built things up well. BUT a majority of the time to no avail.
Don't get me wrong. There were a couple of jumpy bits that got me pretending that there was something wrong with my chair as to why I moved so frantically.
BUT at the same time, I felt the film had to rely on incredibly loud music to get you to jump. I don't have a cinema sound system at home and I'm sure if (IF) I watched this again, it wouldn't have half the impact.
It also relied on the original gags to get your pulses racing. The window, the rocking chair, the noose. All managed to get me twitching and twerking (No, not that twerking) again but it felt a little lazy. Relying on all the things that made the first film so good and not building on or re-working it in any capacity.
Ned Dennehy (Peaky Blinders/Storage 24) did his best to deliver as the creepy blind hermit, Jacob. For some bizarre reason, he really doesn't want you to look at him. For those who have seen it, you'll know what I mean.
Adrian Rawlins (James Potter from the HP movies) as the irritable Dr Rhodes had potential but didn't really go anywhere or . . . come back for that matter.
I had to get a Potter reference in there somewhere. To be honest, I was waiting for Radcliffe to float in and scream, "EXPECTO PATRONUM!" just to get this dull, dreary flick going.
It had a faint whiff of The Others with The Ring BUT it just didn't reach the heights you'd expect and it all finishes so flatly and predictably that I felt a little miffed. Putting it mildly.
Okay at a push. And that is only because I have seen so many terrible horror movies the last few months that this manages to trump over them. BUT that wasn't necessarily a tough barrier to break into.
Atmospheric in parts. The odd jumpy moment. BUT it fails to capture the fear, the characters or the gusto that made the first film so good. I fear though that there may be another on the way. If so, whoever takes it on make sure not to slap any old thing together or else that will face an exorcism like this one!
Tagged Adrian Rawlins, British cast, Daniel Radcliffe, Edward Lee, George Steel, Hammer, Harry Potter, Helen McCrory, Jeremy Irvine, Ned Dennehy, Oaklee Pendergast, Peaky Blinders, Phoebe Fox, Railway Man, Storage 24, The Eel Marsh house, The Others, The Railway Man, The Ring, The Woman in Black, The Woman In Black 2: Angel of Death, War Horse, Woman in Black


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Fridays at UKFast – 24th June 2016
24 June 2016 by Jenn Granger
There's a very mixed bag of emotions across the country today but it's important to continue to look to the future. One of the biggest tools for this future landscape is digital, so no matter where you fall politically, it's vital to stay up to date with the tech world. Convenient, because here's this week's tech roundup!
This week we've been talking about the benefits registering a .ltd domain could bring you and UKFast's Environmental Management Programme. We're also giving a heads-up about the new generation of Ransomware and the top five benefits of using our new Desktop as a Service solution, FASTdesk. We've got dispatches from a woman on the front line of Linux for National Women in Engineering Day and the chance for you to put your questions to the titans of cloud.
Social media might seem like an innocent tool for networking but as the digital industry evolves so do attackers, like an evil Pokémon. A survey by Intel Security found that one in five employees connect with strangers, and warned that this could give potential attackers access to vital info that could help them worm their way into your data.
It also gives the impression that they're legit, which means that when they go to connect with higher up members of the company they're more likely to accept, giving them access to even more info. Companies need to have a policy on social media, says Intel, as attackers can use the info they gather on social media to launch effective spear phishing attacks; where they send emails that contain lots of correct information to get victims to click on them, and then infect them with malware. Employees need to be trained on the risks of social media, and fast.
Going for broke
With the UK emerging as the fintech (financial tech) centre of the world, and with contactless payment on the rise, there are predictions that the UK could be completely cashless within 20 years. According to MasterCard, contactless spending has increased by 326% year-on-year and apparently the majority of UK consumers (68%) reckon that cashless technologies will completely replace physical money by 2036.
Mark Carney, Governor of the Bank of England, said: "Financial technology companies will change the nature of money, shake the foundations of central banking and deliver nothing less than a democratic revolution for all who use financial services."
En-gender-ing diversity
Maggie Philbin – Computer Weekly's number one influential woman of 2016 – says the industry should focus on diversity in a broader sense, not just gender. She's CEO of the TeenTech awards scheme and tries to make sure that areas of "greater social need" aren't neglected when advertising its events. This way, children and parents of different backgrounds will be aware of the opportunities children could have in the technology industry in the future.
The ever-wise Maggie has also said educating people that being super tech savvy isn't (or shouldn't be) a barrier to entry is also important: "It's very useful to have some technical knowledge, but there are a million and one opportunities for working in tech that don't require you to be a brilliant programmer," she adds.
To tech companies, she suggests not excluding people who could be brilliant but don't yet have the skills, and to support people out there who are keen to learn but don't have the resources to get there. Preach.
Blind to the dangers
Proving that we really are in a digital age, two smartphone users went temporarily blind with "Transient smartphone blindness". Yes, that's a thing now. The women both used their smartphones in bed at night with one eye on the phone and one closed. The effects were short-lived, luckily, and doctors reckon there won't be long-lasting damage. It doesn't seem to be something that most people will experience, but you've probably had spots in front of your eyes after using your phone in the dark and thought 'hey, this probably isn't good for the old peepers'.
It's important to be aware that using your phone in the dark probably isn't super smart – the blue light from phones, tablets and backlit devices disrupts your body clock and suppresses melatonin; and not getting enough sleep can increase the risk of all kinds of not-fun things like diabetes, obesity or even cancer. Tech safer people.
Cats get brain freeze too
https://youtu.be/zGvxFqKUE9M
Fridays at UKFast


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Sustainability in Drinks - Walking the Walk on Water
Ben Cooper20 May 2015
The recent problems that the Coca-Cola Co has encountered in India, and the launch by Diageo of its new Water Blueprint, underline once again just how central water stewardship is to the sustainability strategies of major beverage companies.
The drinks industry's unique relationship with water means we have to walk the walk when it comes to its conservation
Water stewardship has become a critical element for all companies as they bid to make their businesses more sustainable and address the impact of climate change, but for beverage companies it arguably has an even greater significance as it is both a primary ingredient as well as a vital resource in the manufacturing process. Moreover, the unique relationship beverage companies have with water also affects how other stakeholders view them and their approach to water-related issues.
Sustainability initiatives are aimed both at reducing impacts and mitigating risk, including reputational risk. Sustainability laggards attract bad publicity, and history shows that campaigners are particularly vigilant when it comes to the water policies of major beverage companies. The past month has provided ample illustration both of the risks and the importance of having policies in place to mitigate them.
Tensions over how the requirements of bottling plants compete with the water needs of local communities and agriculture have dogged Coca-Cola's progress in India over the years, and the issue emerged again last month when the state government of Tamil Nadu withdrew its permission for the soft drinks giant to build a bottling plant in the town of Perundurai. Development of the plant had been opposed vehemently by local communities and environmentalists concerned over its impact on groundwater resources. Comments by the chair of the Perundurai Environment Protection Trust reflect the degree to which Coca-Cola is targeted by campaigners. VM Kandasamy was quoted as saying: "This is a great victory for the people of Perundurai. We put all our efforts to stop Coca-Cola and we have succeeded."
It is a measure of the extent of the challenges water stewardship represents that Coca-Cola continues to face such pressure in spite of positioning water as one of the three primary pillars in its sustainability strategy, along with empowering women and well-being. Only last month, the company announced the expansion of The Coca-Cola Africa Foundation's (TCCAF) Replenish Africa Initiative (RAIN), committing a further US$35m to Pan-African safe water access and sanitation programmes aimed at reaching an additional 4m people by 2020.
The problems Coca-Cola has encountered in India speak to the particular risks that beverage companies face in water-stressed areas, which are so often also located in the emerging markets of the developing world.
In its new Water Blueprint, launched last month, Diageo has sought to create a water strategy for the whole company, but a defining characteristic of that strategy is that it prioritises water-stressed areas. This is a crucial attribute for any water strategy to have as water is a local and regional resource. In contrast to carbon emissions, global figures on water usage and efficiency are of little significance. It is how companies respond to water risk in specific locales and regions which really matters.
The four core areas identified by Diageo in its new strategy underline the importance of taking account of regional variations in water availability and the particular challenges represented in developing countries. It is notable that Diageo CEO Ivan Menezes referred specifically to Diageo's expanding footprint in emerging markets in his comments on the new strategy.
The programme aims to enhance the company's water stewardship efforts in its sourcing of raw materials; within its own operations; within the communities in which it operates and through local and global advocacy for best practice in water stewardship at large. The general aims of reducing water use through a 50% improvement in water efficiency and to return 100% of waste water from its operations to the environment safely are not insignificant, but it is the specific aims related to water-stressed areas that are particularly notable.
Among other targets, Diageo has pledged to replenish water-stressed areas with the equivalent amount of water used in the final products produced in those areas, through projects such as reforestation, wetland recovery and improved farming techniques. The new strategy also reflects the importance of extending a responsible view of water back into the supply chain, where by far the largest proportion of any food or beverage product's water footprint is to be found. As part of the Water Blueprint, Diageo will equip suppliers with tools to protect water resources in water stressed areas.
In addition, Diageo has said it will develop community projects through its existing Water of Life programme in water-stressed areas where it has production sites. It will also ensure appropriate access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene for all employees in the premises under its control.
Diageo's new strategy was publicly endorsed by Barbara Frost, CEO of the water charity, WaterAid. Frost said WaterAid welcomes the Diageo Water Blueprint and would "encourage all businesses, governments and civil society to play their part in solving the water and sanitation crisis by making a solid commitment to managing water sources responsibly".
Holding up Diageo as an example to others in this way reflects the important role the larger players have in leading the way on key sustainability issues. There may be those who bemoan the hegemonic way in which global giants like Diageo, Coca-Cola and PepsiCo bestride their sectors but, if they show the same assertiveness and resolve to lead from the front in sustainability, they can do much to deflect criticism and rebut the contention that there is something inherently unsustainable in the existence of multinational conglomerates.
Such sensitivities are arguably at their rawest when it comes to the relationship multinationals have with water security and the developing world, which makes programmes such as Diageo's Water Blueprint all the more important.
The particular vigilance that water stewardship attracts from campaigners also ensures that companies risk enormous reputational damage if they fail to follow through on commitments. In all areas of sustainability, walking the walk, rather than just talking the talk, is vital and, given its crucial importance and capacity for attracting negative publicity, nowhere is this more true than in water stewardship.
Sectors: Beer & cider, Soft drinks, Spirits, Water, Wine
Companies: Diageo, PepsiCo, The Coca-Cola Company
How weaving sustainability into your business model will generate value - Sustainability Spotlight...
Water – Why drinks companies must think global but act local - Sustainability Spotlight...
Corporate Social Responsibility activations around the world - The IARD Digest - August 2020...
Is yours one of the drinks companies failing the water management challenge? - Sustainability Spotli...


Short form: This genus overgrowth is strongly associated with IBS and we also know a lot about which probiotics increases and decreases it growth.
Parent means this bacteria parent, Ruminococcaceae is influenced (this and other siblings may be my inference).
Yes! I have been happily guzzling rhamnosus,plantarum, brevis,hammesil,koreenis & plantarum 299v because they are in 3 of the probiotic drinks i use …….they are afforadable. Just noticed that paracasei is also in one of them.


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Image from: MaineDOE
Another State May Take Over Maine's Food Stamp Program Because Hunger Is Skyrocketing Under Paul LePage
The federal government has warned that Maine could face sanctions after breaking federal and state laws by mismanaging its food stamp program under Gov. Paul LePage (R).
By David on Mon, 12/14/2015 - 7:00pm
Report: 50 Percent Of Community College Students Risk Hunger, Homelessness
It's hard to get ahead when you're too busy surviving.
By Chris capper Li... on Sun, 12/06/2015 - 12:00pm
Bill O'Reilly Gets Smacked Over His Poor-Shaming Claims
Nikki Johnson-Huston patiently explains to BillO why he's a cynical, selfish, greedy SOB.
By Karoli Kuns on Thu, 10/22/2015 - 7:00am
Fox Guest Pushes Back Against Bill O'Reilly's Shaming Of Poor Parents
Fox News, The O'Reilly Factor, Oct. 21, 2015. Read more... http://crooksandliars.com/2015/10/bill-oreilly-gets-smacked-over-his-poor
By Heather on Wed, 10/21/2015 - 9:24pm
'Poverty Is Like Being Punched In The Face Over And Over On A Daily Basis'
'The hunger is extraordinary. There is a constant gnawing in your stomach, an empty feeling that has taken up permanent residence. Even as you're eating a meal, you feel the hunger.'
By Susie Madrak on Fri, 02/21/2014 - 8:45am
Forbes Writer Claims SNAP Is Cruel, No Hunger Problem In US
No distended bellies or people dropping in the street? No hunger problem here!
For Poor, America Is 'Land Of Less' This Thanksgiving
Food stamp cuts affect people already struggling to pay rent, medical bills and transportation costs.
By Anonymous on Thu, 11/28/2013 - 8:30am
An Oasis In A Food Desert
Take a look inside America's first nonprofit grocery store, which is bringing fresh food to a struggling community in Pennsylvania.
By Diane Sweet on Wed, 10/30/2013 - 5:02am
Fox News Guest: 'That's A Teaching Moment' When Hungry Students Don't Get School Lunches
A Fox News guest on Thursday argued that hungry students would have a "teaching moment" if they were refused access in the cafeteria line to school lunches because their parents hadn't properly filled out the right paperwork.
By David on Thu, 09/05/2013 - 8:20am
Sequester Impact: 1 In 7 Seniors Struggle With Hunger
Sequester cuts will total $1.2 trillion through fiscal year 2021. This year there is a 5.3 percent cut, totaling $85 billion. The cuts are indiscriminate and will impact nearly every federal program.
By Diane Sweet on Sun, 07/07/2013 - 6:00am


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Business | Wealth of Health
Envisioning a partnership of fast food and Big Pharma
By Ira Zunin
Imagine if one of the nation's largest fast-food chains merged with a major pharmaceutical company. The alliance would ensure a robust supply chain of high-fructose corn syrup, saturated fat and salt into the stomachs of consumers and optimize sales of medication for obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. The business model for this proposed partnership could also sell more burgers.
Recognizing that the fast-food partner realized its success by focusing on convenience and taste at competitive cost, the pharmaceutical partner would refine its products to suit.
The new company could develop a single tablet that contains medication to lower blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol. The pills would be manufactured with tasty, artificially flavored and brightly colored coating and pressed into amusing shapes. Popular names for the new pharmaceutical product generated by focus groups may include "Life Savors" and "SillyPillys."
The fast-food chain would apply for dual status as a pharmacy so that medication could be dispensed close to the source. The idea is that customers could pick up their burgers, fries and cola together with their medication at the same cash register. Their merchandisers would likely find a way of integrating medication into the menu. With this strategy a customer could go to the Drive Thru and order the Liberty MedMeal No. 2, which would include a superlarge cola together with a grape-flavored Life Savor that would have a little extra diabetes medication.
Pharmacists will be trained to work in the kitchen in collaboration with the short-order cooks. Health providers will be placed conveniently inside one of the transparent plastic bubbles on property in the children's playground but far enough from any jumpy castles to ensure quiet during patient interviews. This way, parents can keep an eye on their children during the clinic visit.
During phase two of the merger, the new conglomerate might add laboratories. Upon request, patients actually could be tested before ordering their meal. If, for example, their Life Savor medication is too strong, the health provider could recommend a meal with fat boost in order to keep cholesterol in balance.
To build brand loyalty, the fast-food chain and the pharmaceutical partner would train psychologists and social workers to work as greeters in the new full-service restaurants. The principle objective of the greeting encounter is to ensure that customers experience a sense of freedom and self-determination as they consume the fast food together with their flavored pharmaceuticals.
To ensure safety, greeters will emphasize the importance of compliance and frankly discuss the risks of eating burgers and fries without the Life Savors or SillyPillys as the case may be. They will also warn against taking the medication without eating the tasty fast food.
The company would fund a strong lobbying effort in Washington to garner support for an amendment to the Affordable Care Act that would provide for Liberty MedMeal subsidies through state insurance exchanges. The lobbyists would provide legislators with samples in significant quantities as a positive, bipartisan gesture. Support would grow among those who believe the fast-food and pharmaceutical companies' merger enhances access to quality health care and good-tasting food at a reasonable cost to society.
Ira "Kawika" Zunin, M.D., M.P.H., M.B.A., is a practicing physician. He is medical director of Manakai o Malama Integrative Healthcare Group and Rehabilitation Center and CEO of Global Advisory Services Inc. Please submit your questions to info@manakaiomalama.com.
Consumers complain that retailers are taking advantage of an emergency by raising prices for certain goods
Iselle affected mainly neighbor island flights


Belt Drives are a type of frictional drives used for transmitting powers. They are quite popular owing to their high durability and reliability. For most of the power transmission requirements, belt drives are also economical and financially viable. They are comparatively easy to install and maintain and generally are durable and viable in the long run.
Belt drives are used to transmit power between two shafts which do not have a common axis. The amount of power transmitted between the shafts is dependent upon the amount of friction between the two. Factors that determine the power transmission are the velocity of the belt, belt tension between the pulleys and the angle of contact between the pulleys.
For getting the optimal performance and the desired results from the belt drive the selection of the right belt according to the application becomes crucial.Selection of the right kind of belt for a given application will depend upon the type of drive used, operating RPM, Horsepower generation, Diameter of pulleys and center distance, take up design, space available for the setup, shock load conditions, issues with static dissipation, the service life of the belt etc.
There are two broad classifications as far as types of belt drives are concerned, they are determined by the amount of power transmission required and arrangement of belts.


This month, this week, this year marks 9 years on this amazing journey of therapy and healing. This is my place of healing, the room that holds the story, the pain, the joy, the truth of so many things I kept hidden inside me for 30+ years.
This is a photo of my therapy room, the room I stepped into 9 years ago and began my healing journey with an amazing therapist who has guided me into the life I never thought I could live.
9 years ago I began this journey with one foot out the door out of fear, and today I claim this room as the place of my healing and the place that has changed my life, and has healed so many open wounds.
I have sat in every chair in this room – made my way around the room in anger, tears, laughter, joy, excitement and many other feelings and emotions that I have had through the years!
The room [ . . . . . ] has seen and heard it all. This room is where I feel the most open, and this room holds so many secrets that I had to hold onto for so long! I feel such comfort in this room, and it took a long time to finally find a place I could trust.
This past week my therapist and I talked about our 9 year journey thus far, and we talked in awe of how far we have come, and the journey we have taken together, and the work we look forward to as I continue to take steps into my healing path.
I couldn't be any more blessed to have an amazing therapist who I trust with every being in my soul. He has helped me take one brick out at a time from the walls that were built so high around me 9 years ago, and today the only part of the wall that remains are the small bricks I take out, and put back when needed as I work through different levels of healing.
9 years ago I walked into this room not knowing what the journey held ahead. Not knowing how long this journey would take, or the painful work it would take to remove each brick from the wall as I talked about my past, my story and the painful truth I held onto for so long.
9 years ago I walked into this room and met my amazing therapist Andy who has helped, guided, supported, loved and cared for me, my story, my truth and the wounds that I exposed.
I never knew how much work, how much pain it would be to walk this journey of healing. But I also didn't know about the healing and the joy that would come from it. It has been quite a journey.
I thought 9 years ago that I would go to this therapist and talk about my past – he would tell me what I needed to do – give me some tips to help me move through my every day struggles – work through those struggles – and I would be healed! – – – – Not even close!
Never did I realize or imagine that I would be sitting here 9 years later writing about how much therapy has changed my life, and how much work I have done to emerge from the past and pain I went through my whole childhood.
I never imagined I would be sitting here 9 years later feeling and being a completely different person than I was when I began.
When I was 5 years old, I would sit in the closet for hours and hours and pray to God that I would have someone to talk to about the pain and abuse I was going through, and how scared I was! It took 30+ years later, but God still showed up in that prayer, and created this healing path before me.
In these 9 years I have learned so much about myself, and why I go through the things I go through. I have learned so much of why certain things create in me anxiety and fear, and what story is behind those fears. I understand so much more of what I go through on an every day basis and why – answers I never had my whole life up until now.
The one thing that I have learned the most on this journey is, your story needs to be told many different times, not just one time. you need to tell your story as many times as It takes.
I have revisited my past and my story many different times from many different levels of healing, and each time I learn something new, and heal a different way. It's a process, and each process and step is different, and so important. What I talked about 3 years ago, 4 years ago, or even 8 years ago may not have the same understanding as it does now. Healing is truly a process.
There were hard times on this journey as well. There were times I wanted to quit and give up because of how hard and painful it was. My work with my therapist has had its challenges over the years, but he never gave up on me, and I never gave up on him and our work. I am truly blessed for this journey that continues, and for my wonderful therapist who I look up to admire.
I have also learned that, healing is a process, not a time-table. I don't look at "when this journey will end in therapy" – I look at where it has taken me thus far as I take new steps into my life in ways I have never lived before, and how therapy and the process has helped me with that.
I have gone through some really really hard times the past couple of years to where I almost built the brick wall back up around me out of fear – but my therapist and I have really worked hard on not letting that happen, and continue working hard to build trust and connection – not a wall.
So my path continues . . . . I continue to grow, and learn, and yes even have times that I still unfold pain that comes at different levels of healing.. but I embrace it now knowing it continues to take me in the very places I need to be in – painful and hard at times, but so much hope on the other side of that.
Thank you for taking this journey with me thus far as I continue to take steps on the path God has put in front of me. I love the connections I have made with others, helping others to see you are not alone on this journey – your voice matters, your healing matters!
I am on a journey, a journey to healing!
You are on a fine journey to healing; and appreciate your sharing it with your friends…may God continue to be with you on this journey!
thank you Barbara and I so appriciate your friendship and support!
I'm so proud of you my friend, for taking those terrifying steps 9 years ago. Look at what God has done in your life! And there is more to come. You are such a testimony of how a shattered and broken life can become whole.I'm so thankful you share your story. Blessings!
awwww thank you so much Barbie.. you have no idea how much your thoughts touched me this morning …. you are a blessing as well … and I am so glad that we have connected over the past couple of years :) thank you again for hosting my story :) …..
So glad you have shown up in all our lives, Karen. I admire the emotional intimacy you've achieved with this therapist. Telling the story again and again is so helpful. Its nature alters, at least it does for me. A puzzle piece shows up, like a seed, another piece arrives days, months or years later, another hours later, another years later… the story alters each time. Or maybe I am altering. I resonate with that 5-year old you mention, who prayed that someone charitable would show up. How I prayed for someone kind to show up, too! BTW, I like this clean layout. Interesting how your blog morphs.
Karen, you are one beautiful courageous woman! I just discovered your blog and I am in awe of your honesty an vulnerability. Keep it going. May god give you continued strength to becoming a better version of the person you want to be every day. And I hope you continue sharing that journey as it happens.