text:
Canalside Draft DPD
The Canal Conservation Area
Policy CS1
Policy CS10
Future for Canals as Freight Corridors
Appendix 1: Table of Opportunity Sites Analysis
Appendix 2: Canalside Listed Buildings
Appendix 3: Constraints
(4) BACKGROUND
What is a Development Plan Document (DPD)and why is one being prepared for the canals within the district?
National and Local Policy Documents
The district adopted its Local Plan in Sept 2017. The Local Plan sets out the framework for future development in the district; how much, where it will be and how it will be supported in terms of infrastructure. The Plan runs from 2011 to 2029. It contains both allocations for land uses, including housing and employment, and policies by which planning applications will be assessed by development management staff and Planning Committee Members. It also provides guidance for developers about what is expected by way of physical, sustainable development and in terms of good design. The Local Plan sits beneath the National Planning Policy framework (NPPF) document and has to be in conformity with it.
A DPD is a document that fits within the Local Plan framework, but has been prepared separately as it deals very specifically with a particular aspect or topic. In this case, the canalside has been given special consideration as it is considered that this area has long been neglected in terms of development and public use and that there are opportunities in this area which could be exploited for the local and wider community.
There is a policy in the Local Plan (Policy DS17) which commits the Council to undertaking this work.
"The Council will prepare and adopt a Canalside Development Plan Document (DPD) to:
assess the canals in the District and their environment and setting;
identify areas for regeneration along urban sections, particularly for employment, housing, tourism and cultural uses; and
identify areas for protection, where these are appropriate, throughout the canal network within the District.
This document will designate particular areas and uses and will set out policies for use in assessing planning applications."
It is on this basis and with reference to each of these criteria that this document has been prepared.
The text that accompanies this policy in the Local Plan explains why the Council feels that this is an important project.
"The Council wishes to see the canals reach their full potential and provide not only for leisure pursuits but also the possibility of opening up and regenerating areas which have fallen into disuse and been degraded over the years, particularly where this boosts the local economy by providing new jobs. A holistic approach is needed however to avoid piecemeal development which may result in the sterilisation of other sections of the canalside. By carrying out a study into what activity is currently taking place along the canal and within its environs, the Council can plan for a sustainable and productive future. By producing a Development Plan Document the Council will be able to allocate sites specifically for appropriate uses whilst building on and reinforcing existing successful canal side developments, resulting in a vibrant set of proposals to guide future development and contribute to the prosperity of the District."
Additionally, the Local Plan lists specific locations that the DPD will consider in terms of redevelopment.
"It is intended that this Development Plan Document will also bring forward three of the employment areas (Sydenham Industrial Estate, Cape Road/Millers Road, Montague Road) identified for redevelopment for residential uses (see Policy DS8). It is important that proposals for these areas are developed to take account of their canal side location and brought forward as part of the wider uses outlined in this policy".
As this DPD forms part of the Local Plan, it must be in conformity with both that document and the NPPF.
Neighbourhood Plans
The next level down in the hierarchy of plans is the Neighbourhood Plan (NP). These plans must be in conformity with national and local policies. If a NP is published for any of the areas adjoining the canalside or including land within the boundary of the DPD, or including the canal itself, then the NP must be in conformity with all higher levels of policy.
Objectives of this DPD
Identify issues and opportunities and address/exploit them
Look at a wide range of potential schemes to encourage more use of the canals and be imaginative and creative
Increase the use of the canals and their environs to open them up to a new range of activities
Create new frontages to face the canals instead of backing onto them, especially with new residential development
Change perceptions of hidden backwaters as dangerous and crime ridden
Make the canals safe and attractive and accessible to everyone
Improve the visual aspects of the canals and widen their appeal to include all sectors of the community
Protect any aspect of the canal that needs to be preserved whether tangible or conceptual
Protect wildlife, habitats and water quality
Increase awareness by use of directional and information boards in appropriate locations
The Extent of This DPD
This document includes the whole length of all the sections of canal that run through the district. It considers not only the canals themselves and the environmental issues surrounding them, such as water quality, but also the land to either side, the state of the towpaths and any facilities that are provided and the land beyond which includes a number of 'opportunity sites', where there is vacant or under-utilised land and/or buildings or other opportunities for regeneration. It also looks at the existing communities, both on the canals and alongside.
Conservation Area
One of the major pieces of work which has taken place as part of the overall assessment of the canals, is the designation of a new conservation area. An expert in this field surveyed the whole length of the canals in the district to assess the potential for creating this. Additional protection is afforded to land, buildings and the canals which could, for example, help to retain and bring back into use, buildings that are not in themselves worthy of national listing, but nevertheless are special locally in terms of their industrial architecture and importance to the development, demise and resurgence of the canals.
What criteria are used to judge whether or not to designate a new Conservation Area(s)?
Conservation Areas are 'areas of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance' (Planning (Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas) Act, 1990.
Policies and guidance for Conservation Areas are given by the Government in National Planning Policy Framework, 2012 paras. 126 to 141 and Historic England's Advice Note 1, Conservation Area Designation, Appraisal and Management.
Local authorities are advised to review their Conservation Areas from time to time and to ensure that they have up to date character appraisals which set out their special interest and provide the basis for development management and enhancement proposals.


I Wanna See You Be Brave | What is the Meaning & Purpose of Life?
FEAR is perhaps the most debilitating of emotions because in most cases it is predicated on . . . False Evidence Appearing Real. It is also the silent killer of dreams – for if not confronted or otherwise kept in check and overcome, your dreams may be forever elusive. And if you keep your thoughts and ideas to yourself, bottled up inside, and undertake no meaningful action, what good does that do? So get started on the road toward bettering your situation (no matter what that may be), and simply . . . say what you wanna to say and let the words fall out, honestly . . .
This entry was posted in Communicate, Managing Fear, Overcoming Obstacles and tagged Brave, Sara Bareilles. Bookmark the permalink.


Cavernario versus Volador is definitely another Cavernario versus Volador match. They did all the moves, with maybe one more than usual at the end, and then they did them well. It's just tough to remain interested in the same match being replayed for different audiences. This one had more playing to the crowd to get reactions and some Tirantes involvement, which seemed to play better for the crowd than it did to me. I'd recommend some earlier version of this match over this one, but you won't be disappointed if you have to see every version of this match. This was much better than the one last month.


It's so easy to get in a clothing rut during the winter. When I'm feeling particulary uninspired and especially on those days when I wake up too late (which happens quite a bit), the default go-to that pops in my head is typically skinny jeans and comfy sweaters. Now there's nothing wrong with that, as you may know from past blogs, I have a huge love for oversized comfy sweater. And while jeans is an obvious choice to stay warm in the Winter time, skirts are totally still an option with the addition of tights (or heattech tights on those really chilly days). My favorite lately has been wrapped skirts: they're flattering for all body types and easy to wear. Not to mention (bonus point) you can wear them well into Spring and maybe even summer, depending on the material.
Read on to see more of this outfit and some of my other wrap skirt picks.
My outfit Combo: UO velvet wrap tulip maxi skirt from Urban Outfitters/a>, heattech turtleneck t-shirt from Uniqlo, drew bag from Clove + Revel/a>, heattech tights Uniqlo, francesca block heel boot from from Taryn Rose.
Dresses that Do Magic Tricks!
love this cozy skirt on you babe!
This skirt is so so gorgeous! I'm also in love with these booties.
Love that gorgeous flowy skirt!!!
That skirt is oh so cute and looks super cozy. Love!
This skirt is so gorgeous on you! Love the booties you paired with it!
Such a gorgeous outfit and I know exactly where these pictures were taken! Love them!
So gorgeous babe!! This skirt is so cute and I am loving your booties!
I love a good wrap skirt! this one is so cute!
Your wrap skirt is beautiful! I am also in love with the heels on your boots, they are fabulous!!
Girl, I'm loving the texture and color of this wrap skirt. So cute!
What a stunning outfit! I'm love with the boots and skirt!
You have a beautiful style and loved how you styled this skirt I'm also a big fan of comfy sweaters!
What a fun skirt! Love this outfit on you.
These pictures are so gorgeous! Love this look!
Oh my gosh- love that skirt!
wrap skirts are the best, such a flattering look!
Super fun skirt, I love the slit and the heels on your boots are a very fun touch!
I am loving this trend too! And that purple color is too die for!
I love how you styled this skirt! You can't go wrong with black!


text:
Are we comfortably numb in our denial? 'Time to speak up on ABUSE!
March 8, 2016 / Yinka (Anthonia) Gansallo-Lawrence / 10 Comments
Connecting with "The Total Woman Movement" – A Refuge of Comfort in Brokenness.
I once attended a sorority party about 2000 miles away from my college in 1992. Our Destination: University of Calabar! Excitement mode activated! Trust me, I had carefully packed away my popular orange halter-neck dress, with matching brown lace up mules, and my hairstyle? Aha! I'd travelled all the way to Onne villa (outside Port Harcourt) just to patronize the best hair braider in the whole of Rivers state! Phew! Such youthful exuberance! Silly painful vanity!
Halfway through the journey, I began to feel feverish and tired! Oh no! It can't be happening to me… I was aching all over, ah! It must be M-a-l-a-r-i-a! Oh great! How can this be happening to me? I had so prepared for this day! This wasn't in the plan!
My temperature was spiking, this fever has no respect for my opinion! In fact, 'it has come to stay like a desperate housewife! My travelling team was terrified! "How can it be (I was getting helpless).
Anyway, without much ado, as if that fever was a red flag, the party was cancelled due to serious vigilante watch as opposing rival confraternities were in the midst of a serious war. We all spent the night off campus, in a rented hostel.
Six other girls and I shared 2 adjacent rooms. It was a night I will never forget. Amongst being confined inside our rooms, noises of gunshots blasting throughout the night, as we became more frightened we looked to each other for support.
In the middle of nowhere, we became each other's trusted companion, well, we had no choice but to wait and see what the morning brings forth.
The fear and helplessness we felt that night brought back horrific memories of abusive pasts, stories of years of abusive upbringing, relationships and stolen childhood. Storylines that 7 beautiful, intelligent and oh-so-cool girls have never dared to talk about!
Tales that have been buried for years with those clicking fancy bangles, baggy Pepe jeans, colorful trendy t-shirts, shining pink lip gloss and fake make-believe smiles! oh boy! Did we vent!
"Ah, I was molested by my neighbor when I was 10!' "I couldn't tell anyone"
'I was raped by my uncle when I was 12, I'd wanted to commit suicide"
" I was never touched, but told constantly that I was ugly and a weakling"
" My mother's boyfriend was very aggressive, he would beat me up and rape me, I couldn't tell anyone, I was too frightened"
"I was betrayed by a senior in school, she raped me, I can't trust anyone anymore"
"I watched my father beat up my mother for years" "He told us he loved us, but couldn't stop hurting us" "His anger was uncontrollable"
"I was raped inside my house" "I was ganged raped and molested at a party on campus"
and on and on and on…we all talked into the early hours of the next day…sleep eluding our consciousness…and we were never the same after that day…forsaking the beauty that material things have managed to conceal, our hearts were on fire!
Party forgotten and ignored, we had released everything no one had ever inquired of us… or the story our culture forbids by acceptance or utterance! we released the dark secrets that harbors lingering pain! 'the substance of our current day frustrations and rejections…'stories we could not confess to priests during penance…or even during deliverance…'stories that family traditions sweeps under the carpet as generation to come wallow in confusion…'these were stories hidden in misery and denial…but, we had to travel all the way out of town, be confided into a hostel with bullets flying outside our windows….just for those stories to surface. We all had closure after confiding and crying out about it and promised to seek help after. The burden is now shared, not to be chastised or reprimanded, but to begin healing and moving forward.
Ok…that was 24 years ago! I have lived past those stories, but currently still living amongst those who are unable to talk about their story…'Abuse stories or even use their experiences to help raise awareness and help someone going through it.
What's your Abuse story? Broken dreams or failed relationship? Or what's that Abusive storyline you played a part in? years ago, that is still lingering and haunting you presently? You know why it's still trailing after you. But to get closure to it, someone else somewhere right now is going through the same ABUSE you encountered…and the circle is continual UNTIL you Seek help, Campaign against it! Create a platform for awareness!
Let's celebrate a season of closure and recovery…'like when a heavy burden has just been off-loaded from our shoulders. A sense of commitment and togetherness…like 'Wow! I am not alone! I thought I was the only one!
Since that day, I have learned to respect and look at those ladies differently with respect and courage, for speaking up about their abusive past. And today, I am hoping our stories could save a life or two! Or is it still happening?
So, if you are reading this, ask yourself…'Does my fragrance (that beautiful perfect-picture image, I carry with me effortlessly) have fragments (stains, shame, sorrow, abusive stories)? Am I really truthful to myself? Am I still hiding behind the veil of pretense and still hoping that one day I would wake up and say "It never happened" – Ah! If you are reading this and have ever encountered any form of abuse (sexual, verbal, physical or emotional) – don't let it define you. When we talk about some of our stories, it helps someone else going through it or someone who's gone through it and still struggling with acceptance of the shame of the aftermath.
Our fragrance did have fragments! And it was time to break it open, not to ridicule each other or laugh at each other but a time of total submission, after all, we were all skeptical we'll make it out of that place, alive. But we did, and now, there's a story to be told to help uplift someone going through something similar…our Alabaster Jar just got cracked, and the spill is totally healing and comforting, what do you think?
Are we even aware of the comfort in our brokenness? Do we know that refuge from our circumstances and contentment in the midst of mishaps is found in the center of our surrender. Or is it in our brokenness?
If that is true, then why are so many women still living lives with little or no joy based on their past? I'm afraid that we have bought the lies of the enemy (the abuser), allowing him/her to steal our joy. Discouragement, weariness, disillusionment, shattered dreams, and unrealized goals are some of his/her favorite weapons, but the truth is that the enemy can only use what we allow him/her to use, "Our destructive abused past"
It is time for us to reclaim surrendered ground. Do you sometimes think you are fighting the same old battles you have been fighting for so many years? I do. Clinging to familiar pain because we find our identity there. Consumed with our own agenda, while our joy is buried under a mountain of self loathing.
Today, there's HOPE! There's a better tomorrow and it can be brighter than the past, the abusive past! Join the movement that comforts the abused today. The Total Woman Movement. Come as you are (BROKEN) learn how to release your inner fragrance (STORY) and let the scents relieve your life's dents. (HEALING).
For more information about this movement, please visit www.totalwomanmovement.com
Yours in HOPE as I share Gloria Estefan's "Coming Out Of The Dark"

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Let's face it, most people today have experienced getting into different diet plans. And whether these plans are for weight loss purposes or for a lifestyle change, people fail to succeed – most of the time.
Apparently, diet plans are designed carefully to help an individual achieve their most fit state. But to simply learn and follow it from time to time will not definitely help you achieve the goals. You will certainly need to have the proper mindset, consistency, and determination because, the truth is, getting fit is really challenging.
Focusing on much healthier food consumption is actually one of the main things to regard when you really want to get healthy and fit. And this is because foods have a huge impact on your overall health condition. As what most people say – you are what you eat – and take it from them since what you invest inside your body will totally manifest on the outside.
So, eating junk and loading lots of processed food will definitely manifest on your health. On the other hand, focusing on natural foods like vegetables and other plant-based types will benefit you inside and outside.
Another thing that is very much essential when you really want to get fit is your dietary goals. What are your goals? Is it to lose weight? Is to live a much healthier lifestyle? Is it to tone your muscles? Or is it to prevent diseases? Whatever your goals are or whatever drives you into doing your diet, list them all. And if you are unsure of your goals, then set one!
It is important to have goals when you are on a diet because these will be your guidelines or more like your own version of a patient guide. These will also set the tone of your diet. Plus, these will help you become more determined.
Choosing protein and fat is much more recommendable than carbs. According to PhentermineClinics.net, loading yourself with carbs will only deliver you to different kinds of diseases. This is because carbs are simply sugar. And you do not want sugar in your diet. Aside from making you gain weight, it can cause a lot of illnesses too!
But even so, try to still balance your protein and fat intake. They could be really helpful in your diet but too much of these may not be as good as you think. So, beware.
Aside from vegetables, fruits are the next best thing to eat on a daily basis. They contain various kinds of nutrients and minerals that your body needs to function properly. And if you are looking to have a much fitter and healthier lifestyle, you must eat more fruits. Instead of munching on some chips and processed foods, replace it with fruits for your breakfast and snacks.
As much as possible, cut off the excess calories that you usually take on a daily basis. In actuality, there is only an ideal number of calories that your body requires every day. And just by simply following that number that is ideal for your height, weight, and body frame, you will definitely get fit in no time.
Most people nowadays take water for granted. Little did they know that this is one of the healthiest things to consume on a daily basis. It contains no calories, no sugar, and no preservatives. In addition, it will help you cleanse your body. And keep in mind that cleansing is very beneficial to you since this will help you get rid of the toxins and bad bacteria. Hence, drink water as much as you can daily.
Alcoholic drinks of any kind are no good for you. Aside from the calories and sugar that they have, they only bring toxins to your body, specifically, to your liver. If you cannot fully stop it as of the moment, try to decrease your alcohol intake first.
Now, these 7 diet plans are tried and tested by specialists and experts. While they may all sound too cliché and simple, they will surely help you get fit and healthy inside and out.


Know someone interested in cheerleading? Looking for an alternative to competitive cheerleading? Have a younger sibling interested in cheerleading? The United Elite Pre Team Cheerleading Program is perfect for you or your athlete. United Elite's Pre Team is designed for athletes from 4-14 years old, who want to learn about cheerleading in a team enviroment without the full time and financial commitment of competitive cheerleading. All athletes will learn cheer motions, jumps, tumbling, and stunts. Each team will put together a full routine and will end their season competing at a local All Star Competition.
How long is the Pre Team Season and when do they practice?
Our Pre Teams season will run from Saturday, September 5 th through Sunday, February 28th. The first Parent Meeting will be Saturday, September 19th. The teams will practice once a week on Saturday's from 10:00am to 11:30am.
What are the cost for Pre Team?
We offer our Pre Team season for an all inclusive tuition of $599 or 3 payments of $225. The all inclusive tuition includes the registartion fee, uniform, bow, team fees, competition fee, ect.
Contact Troy at [email protected] or call United Elite at (303) 799-6920 for more information or to register.
United Elite Tiny Team to Start September 14th!


Hi there, my name is Roger Barnett and the first thing I would like to say is thanks for stopping by my website. One of the most important sections in the article – the comparison charts for best foot and calf massager in 2018!
The reviews are compiled through a mix of expert opinion and real-world testing. Now I'm going to recommend a few foot and calf massager you can pick from to get started quickly and easily.
So, what exactly would anyone want to know about foot and calf massager? I know most of us don't really care much about the history and the origin, all we want to know is which of them is the best. Of course, I will spare you the history and go straight on to the best foot and calf massager. After carefully examining the reviews and ratings of the people who have used them earlier this listicle has been made.
If you're scouring the market for the best foot and calf massager, you'd better have the right info before spending your money. I review the three best foot and calf massager on the market at the moment.
You must visit the page of sales. Here is the link. If you don't care about which brand is better, then you can choose the foot and calf massager by the price and buy from the one who will offer the greatest discount.
Why did this foot and calf massager win the first place?
Why did this foot and calf massager come in second place?
Why did this foot and calf massager take third place?
If you keep the before points in mind, you can easily go out to the market and buy foot and calf massager, right? No!
This item costs times higher than the previous massager, but to compensate it is now equipped with four pressure-node rollers, curved and located in such a way that they massage not only your toes and heels but also your feet's arches which becomes a great prevention of flatfoot. The water is heated to 98° F, which is the standard body temperature. This creates a sense of feet soaring in weightlessness and a blissful feeling of relaxation and peace.
Foot massagers are often relaxing and therapeutic, but there are certain health conditions that may get aggravated with the use of these devices. It is best to first consult with a doctor before trying out a foot massager, so you're sure you will fully enjoy your experience.
Incorporating the right amount of heat into your foot massage can make it a lot more therapeutic. Certain levels of heat can ease your nerves and help improve your blood circulation, resulting in the reduction of pains and ligament strain. There are many foot massage devices that have safe heaters, so in choosing the best one, you'll want to read customer reviews.
The Belmint Shiatsu Foot Massager with Switchable Heat Function by Belmint comes with numerous embedded features inside it. This portable spa machine can be used almost anywhere in your home, office, bathroom, on sofa – all you need is a power outlet, and you're ready to feel heavenly relaxed. With the help of selectable heat functions and different pressure functions, your sore and tired feet are going to get complete rejuvenation and feel refreshing.
The fantastic feature of this feet massager is that it also has a Pedicure Center inside it as it comes with four of pedicure functions. Through that, you'll get salon pedicure and professional grade feet massage with your sore feet. Your feet will get soften and pamper after using these impressive pedicure features embedded in the HoMedics Foot Salon Pro Footbath with Heat Boost Power FB-600.
The four pressure nodes and the rollers will offer to knead massage to your feet's soles and arches to provide relaxation. One more of such incredible feature is splash guard which will prevent splashing and spilling of water and hence you no more need to worry about your bathroom floor/ living room floor.
Some foot massagers are designed mostly for stress relief and relaxation. Others provide certain therapeutic benefits, like improved flow, pain relief and reduction of inflammation. Very similiar to acupuncture mat benefits. Think about your needs properly when choosing.
The first step in choosing the best foot massagers for use in the home is to know your feet. To be able to do this, you need to ask yourself a few questions such as.
Because of a mostly sedentary life-style we've become unaccustomed to utilizing our muscles on a frequent basis. The feet muscles seldom get any work out and circulation is normally impaired by uncomfortable and tight shoes. A to 20-minute massage therapy before heading to bed can drastically improve flow in the lower limbs, which is especially important for people struggling with diabetes.
An elevated blood pressure level has become quite common in many people. It can be triggered by a variety of things like an unbalanced diet and stress, but in many instances it has no specific cause and is thought to be an outcome of genetics and environmental factors. A study performed on health care staff doing work with seniors enduring from dementia – work that is very stressful and both mentally and physically taxing – revealed that a 10-minute foot massage treatment up to times a week led to an enhanced mood, lower blood pressure and less anxiety.
As per various customers, it is not easy to fix feet inside the massager. Most of them complain about the positioning. It can be used only with some additional support to hold this massager to a certain height. It is not much useful for people having large feet and high arches. This massager is not effective in such scenarios. The heating mechanism does not work perfectly. It is not suitable for people with sensitive or ticklish feet.
uComfy Shiatsu Foot Massager with Heat best foot massage product helps improve circulation, respiration and blood pressure. It rejuvenates aching and tired leg muscles and relaxes the feet with its heating. This massager measures around 17.in. x 1in. x 18.in. and weighs around 1lbs. Since it does not weigh much, it is easy to carry it from one place to the other.
As per the consumers, this foot massager affects the most on and below the feet soles; however, the massage effects aren't felt on the sides of the feet.
It is a great foot calf massager, which provides relaxation and releases tension from foot muscles. It provides you all the necessary modes of massage, such as rolling, kneading, heating and vibrating. When you turn on the kneading mode, the rollers start rolling and start rubbing your feet. This gives a deep massage and increases blood circulation. The heating effect provides warmth during massaging. This makes massaging more effective by relaxing the muscle and making them stress-free.
In most of the cases, it is observed that kneading and rolling type foot massagers are highly effective. They help in relaxing foot and calf muscles. The massage removes tension and fatigue from your foot muscles.
It has a control panel to adjust intensity levels. All these modes of massage not only help you to relax your feet but have a soothing effect on the whole body. Also, it comes with a remote. So you can operate easily without changing your posture.
If you suffer from cramping in the tissues and muscles in your feet, fret not, because help is on the way! Don't let muscle pain destroy your life. The Miko Shiatsu Foot Massager is ready to help prevent this from happening.
As one of the top recommended electric foot massagers, the Miko Shiatsu Home Foot Massager is a wonderful machine to relax your tired feet. It's loaded with different features to keep you healthy and comfortable.
It applies air pressure around the entire foot in each chamber separately while rollers and kneading nodes work on the sides and bottoms. Also, vibration is applied into the chambers. You can also activate heat for extra relief if you want to.
It's a bit bulky to pack and carry around with you, however, it's a great gadget you can utilize, be it in your office or home. You can use this when watching your favorite TV show, sitting down, or any time you desire a calming massage.
Once you are done using it, you can simply put it away in storage.
Be aware that this foot massager doesn't work with your calf. It's designed exclusively for your feet. So, if you want to get an additional calf massage, you'll have to find other options.
Size and weight is important. The most ideal foot massagers should fit your home. It should be easy to store and move around the house. Heavy foot massagers are great for those who only use it at one part of the house. If you constantly need to move it around, you need a light weight foot massager.
Aside from size and weight, the massager's foot size opening is another important thing to consider. You need a foot massager that will fit comfortably with the size of your feet. Not only that, you need to make sure it hits the most important parts of your feet. If you buy a foot massager to relieve heel soreness, then make sure your feet fits so that your heels get hit by the massage nodes.
Foot massagers have typically two to three speeds. Other massagers have more. You can change the speeds to your liking for a more customized massaging experience. It is advisable to test every speed setting and feature. Find the setting that feels the best. If not, you might just take home a massager that is either too strong or too weak for you.
Before buying a foot massager with different speeds, be sure it has paddings or non-slip foot placements. These are located on the bottom of the massager. They are there so your feet will not slip out while you use the different speeds.
With toe-touch controls, you can operate the machine by simply pressing the button with your toe. No need to bend down. Massagers with remote controls are the best. They allow you to manipulate the setting without changing positions. But we have to tell you, these options are more expensive.
Heat therapy relieves foot pain. The therapeutic benefits of foot massagers are also increased with heat. For this reason, a lot of of newly released foot massagers have a heat function.
The heat function will only hit specific areas of your foot. It may be the bottom or to the upper foot and ankle. If you want the heating function, find the massager that heats the parts you want.
Because we rely on our feet so much to move and carry us around, it is of utmost importance that you take the time to properly care for your feet and provide them with much needed relief. Relax and experience a world of relief with a world class foot massager.
This is an invention that has tried as much as possible to mimic the real therapist of your foot and calf massager. It has the patented Figure-technology which makes the whole experience worth every penny spent. To ensure that the massaging is complete and awesome, it engulfs the whole foot. Then it allows the bottom of the foot to be worked on by the rollers.
It provides a warm sensation around the soles and calf like what is experienced with a seasoned therapist. It works by massaging your foot upwards and leaving you relieved and stress free. When used on a daily basis, it can produce excellent results.
It is coupled with an enhanced tilt angle which enables the massaging action to be done excellently. In order to enhance or improve the massaging effectiveness, it has been designed with an increased height. This even enables the comfortable feeling of sensation and relaxation to be complete.
This is a foot massager which has improved features. It comes with four automatic modes and three options which the user can easily pick from. To make this even easier and more user friendly, you just have to select your preferred settings and switch it on. Then the rest will be done excellently.
If you want a personalized massage, you can easily make a selection. This can also be further enhanced when you select the manual massage which works on your leg professionally. In case you want a certain part to have a more intense or prolonged massage, there is a selection you can make.
Massaging comes with a number of actions that can be combined to come up with the needed results. Therefore this leg massager also has the full combination you need which includes kneading, rolling and pulsating. Thus, with the help of a remote control, it can work on your ankles, soles or another sensitive area of your choice.
This is the best product when you are looking for that specialized leg massager to do a good job. It comes with inflatable leg wraps that are easily wrapped around the lower calf before the massaging process commences.
As earlier noted, these leg compressors help to provide the needed circulation around your lower legs. It works to make sure that the tense muscles are relaxed and allowed to work effectively and in a fresh environment.
When using this air leg massager machine, you only need to ensure that it is plugged in and other instructions are followed. It will do the rest the moment you switch on the button and allow the air to flow in. The soothing leg air compression from the inflated wraps is enough to relieve the pain and leave you relaxed and ready for another round of activities.
The wraps are durable and attractive with reliable materials. Therefore, despite handling higher pressures, they still last long and provide excellent performance. Additionally, this is an air leg massager machine which is easy to use by anyone in need of the service. What you need to do, as earlier pointed out, is ensure that it is wrapped right and then switch it on.
As the full description says it all, this product is highly recommended by athletes. That is why the majority of the users have been athletes who have strongly recommended it for an excellent and relieving massage they have experienced. This medical leg massager works best at different levels and for a variety of applications including home routine usage.
It is very useful for relieving pain, improving circulation and healing locked stresses. To get the best results, an athlete can use it after or even before performing some physical exercises. This prepares the muscles and also leaves them ready to take on the needed shape you are working out for.
This excellent leg circulation machine is made from materials that are durable. You do not need to buy this item time after time. It lasts long even with the consistent everyday usage. Interestingly, it has also been recommended by therapists and trainers for a good experience.
If you like to train hard, run hard and exercise daily, this is your companion. You will need its services after every routine and before you can add another series of workouts – especially those aimed at strengthening your legs.
This is perhaps one of the limiting factors that would cause you to go for one particular product despite aiming for something else. These choices can easily be perfected and realigned by the amount of money you have saved for that purpose.
If you are working on a small budget, then you would need to buy something that should last despite being less cozy. Durability is important. This is especially when you consider the way a foot massager is used. If you have to go and buy the same product from time to time, then the overall cost would eventually soar to something unexpected.
On the other hand, if you have saved enough for the right foot and calf massager, then you can focus on the best physical features. In this case, the worry is not about how much the whole set costs, but how excellently it fits your needs. For some specific reasons, you may decide to use one which is easy to use and the procurement process is not that long.
Every individual deserves quality time for themselves to relax and unwind after a long hard day of work.
Foot massagers can be of several different types, the most common ones being the non-electrical massagers. Let's take a closer in depth look at everything you need to know about foot massagers and how you can pick out the best one to buy for a more relaxing and enjoyable life.
Foot spa machines automate many types of foot massage services you'd expect to enjoy when you visit a spa. They often come with useful attachments that make it easier to give yourself a pedicure.
selectable massage modes. This massager can soothe, pulse or energize your feet. Just twist the knob to change the mode to whichever one you're in the mood for.
This is a basic model that offers water massage functions. Though the device is not feature-loaded like offering multiple massage options and different intensities, the model has other features and is accompanied by many attachments.
The Dr. Scholl's Foot Spa is compactly designed, is lightweight and does not occupy a lot of space. The basin's base has small raised nodes and as you move back and forth, it uses acupressure to relax the muscles on the soles of your feet by stimulating blood flow and it also has a roller. The unit has a splashguard in the front that prevents the water from sloshing out of the basin.
The front and center of the basin also have a pumice stone that helps to remove dead skin. You can enjoy a reflexology-style foot massage on the roller that is covered with nodes that you can find towards the rear of the device.
Dr. Scholl's foot massager produces bubbles that give you a light and soft massaging sensation. However, it does not have a water heating or cooling facility. But, if you pour in hot water, it will keep the water warm for a long period of time.
The device has a waterproof on/off button; however, the level of the bubble production cannot be adjusted. Dr. Scholl's foot spa is equipped with pedicure functions and has a nail brush with a handle that can be hooked to the rim of the basin, toe separators and nail clippers for a complete pedicure experience along with a foot massage.
This model works like a foot jacuzzi and a foot soaker. It is equipped with rotating water jets that help to relieve foot pains and aches. The powerful twin jets deliver water streams that are not only invigorating but improve the blood circulation in your feet and helps to relieve pain too. It has two speeds that you can choose from, low and high by which you can customize your spa experience.
The device is also equipped with a heating function that can heat the water up to 115°F and keeps it warm throughout the time that the unit is in use. It has a water stopper that allows you to drain out the water after use.
The Brookstone Heated Aqua-Jet is equipped with two removable rolling nodes at the bottom of the basin and you can roll your feet over them for complete relaxation. Although these may not massage larger size feet very well, they can provide a reflexology-style massage to your arches and heels.
The Brookstone Aqua-Jet is probably a pricier option compared to the other models available in the market, however, its features and durability make it worth the price.
If you are looking for a foot spa that offers relaxing and soothing relief for your tired and overworked muscles and feet accompanied by a fantastic salon experience, then HoMedics FB-600 Foot Salon Pro is the best solution for you. The FB-600 is a low-end foot bath with spa pedicure features. It offers a manual roller massage and generalized vibration.
The unit is fairly lightweight and portable. However, when filled with water it becomes quite heavy and can get brittle with age and is prone to cracking.
A foot spa is essentially a machine that has a small basin or a tub where you put your tired feet in and soak, soothe and relax them. You can enhance your foot spa experience by mixing essential oils or salts with the water to help you relax even more.
The foot spa machine usually has a few massage options (that adds an element of foot reflexology) and is also absolutely wonderful if you're just looking to relax your feet. Using a foot spa machine you can give your feet a gentle massage and then after a good soak in the water, you can give yourself a nice foot scrub.
All the models available in the market do not have a heating function. For complete and best relaxation, try and opt for a foot spa that comes with a built-in heating function. Also, try to choose a model that allows you to adjust the temperature of the water. Some units can heat cold water and make it hot, while others can keep hot water warm for a long time.
These features may not really be a necessity in a foot spa, but they are definitely good to have. Sometimes, the water jet may be very weak, while some other models may have strong water jets. Some models may also produce bubbles that massage the feet and provide complete relaxation. So, it is a good idea to consider these features when buying your foot spa.
Always use your foot spa indoors and not outdoors.
Keep your foot spa in an open and cool area in your home and keep it away from any heat sources. Keeping the device in an open and well-ventilated area prevents the air vents in the machine from getting blocked causing it to become overheated.
Ensure that you are seated in a comfortable chair when using the spa and don't use it when there are kids and pets around.
Once you have decided on the right spot for your foot spa, fill the basin with water up to the maximum level and then plug it in and turn on the machine before placing your feet in.
Then, allow the device to get warm to the temperature you require.
Keep your foot and pedicure products close at hand so that you don't have to keep getting up in between interrupting the spa session.
You can add essential oils and salts to enhance the spa experience and the relaxation.
Make sure that you follow the instructions recommended for your specific machine.
Once you have completed your spa session, first remove your feet from the unit before you turn off and unplug the machine.
Although the foot spa can be very relaxing, it may not be suitable for all.
If you have any health conditions like diabetes, varicose veins, poor circulation, open cuts, sores or an infection, you must not use the foot spa.
If you have a pacemaker, then you must not make use of a foot spa machine.
Talking about the specs of the MedMassager MMF06, it has a powerful motor and 1speeds adjustable from 1,000 to 3,700 rpm, which makes it the fastest, and, what's more important, the most effective massager designed for feet massage on our list. Not surprisingly, the MedMassager MMF0has proved to be an effective means for tackling severe circulation issues as well as a reliable remedy for soothing pains that come as a result of neuropathy and diabetes. It's also great for regular feet massaging. Whenever you feel that your legs are tired or/and you'd like to get a quality massage, the MedMassager MMF0will let you kill the pain and all uncomfortable feelings in less than 10-1minutes of use. Its vibration is so strong and powerful you'll be stimulated up to your knees. And due to the fact that the massaging angle of the machine can be changed, it's quite easy and convenient to stimulate different areas of legs.
Summing up, we could not find any flaws in this device. It's so powerful and versatile you simply cannot go wrong with it. Suitable both for home and therapeutic use, it unifies some of the best modes and functions you could possibly want a foot massager to have. If you aren't tight on a budget and you want a thing that you won't regret buying in a long run, the MedMassager MMF0is the one to look out for.
The discerning advantage of the Miko foot massager is that it features a closed construction and uses air compression with heat to provide deep relaxing massage to all sides of the feet. Also, it doesn't cost as much as foot massagers designed for clinic use and almost anyone can afford to buy one. Thus, if you've been contemplating an idea of starting visiting a spa or a massage parlor, you can get yourself this Miko massager now and enjoy rejuvenating shiatsu massage in the comforts of your own home at the cost far lower than what you'd pay for a professional massuer's services.
With the Miko foot massager you get the ability to customize the massage to your needs and preferences using different intensity level settings and a heat function that can be applied separately or along with the rest of the settings. The massage type, along with the massage strength and the heat, can be selected with the control panel placed in the center of the device. Using this massager is simple and incredibly comfortable as you do not need to lay still and can easily watch TV or work on the computer while massaging feet. The construction of the massager, in spite of its seemingly bulky size, is rather lightweight and portable; it snugly fits under furniture, bed, or sofa after use. People who've had a chance to sample the benefits of the massage with the Miko massager say that it works wonders for their feet bringing relief and relaxation almost immediately. Some of them use it virtually all day long, although the manufacturer recommends limiting the use of the massager to 30 minutes a day. Well, we agree that doing it might be quite tough, given the massage experience you're going to have.
The number and size of rollers fitted inside the foot massager are very important as they offer the kneading and rolling action to the muscles. These rollers should be comfortable on the skin and not painful. A high number of rollers provides a deeper massage and are more effective.
It is important to put a tool's dimensions into consideration before making an order. You see, it'd be absurd to try storing a machine that's too bulky. Also, it is imprudent to have a massager that is too heavy. Of course, you want to have a portable massager- one you can take home or to your office. This uComfy Shiatsu therapy machine measures 17.7*15*18.inches. This means you can store it in the house. It weighs 12.pounds during shipping, and thus portable.
Cleopatra is an ancient Egyptian technique, while Shiatsu is Japanese. The latter is popular in reflexology because it stimulates the body to bring about self-healing. Professional Shiatsu therapists apply pressure to specific parts of your feet, and this has many medical benefits. Apart from the inbuilt shiatsu-massager nodes, this therapy machine produces heat and pressure. Together, these elements work to offer you a curative soul buzzing massage.
Elegance is one of the most important factors to consider when ordering for a home appliance. Everyone wants to take home a tool or equipment that will match well with the house décor. uComfy is one of the prettiest foot massager brands. Apart from the sleek look, uComfy B00DSICT1Y has soft cushioning for your comfort. It is also light and portable.
Depending on why you need a foot massage, you can get a large or compact machine. Well, these machines come in myriad sizes. The biggest massager is the surest way to turn your home into a spa. Needless to jot down, larger massager machines are more expensive. But, for portable massagers, you need to go for smaller sizes, which are cheaper.
It is irritating to have a machine that is fixed to the source of energy. You see, such a machine has limited flexibility, and this means you cannot go far. With a long power cord, though, you can set a chair and have a massage wherever you want. Most power sockets are at the wall, and when you have a long wire connecting your massager, you won't have to stay there. So, when ordering the best foot therapy machine, check out the length of the power cord.
For durability, the best foot massager should have a strong construction. The casing, dashboard, and platform should all be tough enough to withstand shock and feet weight. It should also be hard for the massager to break if it falls.
No doubt, you do not want an extremely bulky massage machine. So, you should go for the massager that can fit in your room without any extra constrain. Remember, when storing the machine, you must ensure there is minimal moisture or disturbance from kids. Like any other electronic device, the best foot massager needs to be kept in a dry place to avoid rusting. Then, pediatricians do not encourage kids to get massages. Moreover, the best foot massager is portable and easy to store in the office or study room.
Some foot massaging machines require special ways to turn off. The best foot massager can be shut off in a simple dial. All you need is to press the power button on the control panel or the remote control and watch it go off. This feature is important because it gives you the power to control how long you can have the massage. Advanced therapy machines allow you to schedule the massage period. For instance, you can set it to rub your feet for ten minutes, and it will shutoff automatically.
Surfing the Internet for reviews can be a stressful venture. But I believe this guide is comprehensive enough. By now, you have a clue about which machine you should buy. If you follow our guide, you will get the best foot massager ever. When making the decision, though, it is important to listen to your heart. Consider your personal factors, but be sure to follow this guide. We will appreciate if you order through us.
When you end up going with orthotics insoles in your footwear, you will have to take some considerations on how you will correct the biomechanical form of your feet that has gone wrong. If it is a case of plantar fasciitis, then the orthotics insoles function you are buying may be different then an orthotic inserts for heel spurs, as an example. for more details and information on how the inserts work and how to select them.
Before getting into our ten best foot files for removing dry skin, it is important to understand what they are, how to use them and how to maintain them.
Simply put, a foot file is a file, which is specifically designed to scrape and remove the dry and dead skin on your feet. They are mostly used to remove the dead skin under your feet and will address your needs particularly for your heels and the ball of your feet. Foot files are very efficient in removing which is a common foot problem. When removed, the second skin layer is free of the dead skin and your feet feel soft again.
If you have a pre-existing health condition, it will be wise to see your doctor first before using a massager. While massagers can help people relax, they can aggraviate your current health condition. Always seek medical attention if you feel that the pain worsened, instead of lessened, after using a massager.
Most important, have fun and choose your foot and calf massager wisely! Good luck!
Chatting about foot and calf massager is my passion! Leave me a question in the comments, I answer each and every one and would love to get to know you better!


Job Details: Need to hire an illustrator for my graphic novel (mystery, drama and romance) in Manga style format. The novel would be about 150 pages or less and I am seeking to hire immediately.
Manga style: Hayao Miyazaki, Masashi Kishimoto or Eiichiro Oda.


text:
The Death Of Ivan Ilyich–Tolstoy And The Final Irrelevance Of The Past
Tolstoy's The Death of Ivan Ilyich is a story about an arrogant man who keeps life at a distance. He is proper, punctual, and dutifully responsible at work, but is indifferent to his colleagues. He is an equally dutiful husband, but one without love or affection. Life is an intrusion, he feels, a nuisance, an unpredictable mess best kept simple and uninvolved. Since he has ordered his life so completely, the prospect of intrusion, sickness or death are only possibilities.
He learns that he has cancer, and after going through four of the five Kubler-Ross stages of dying – denial, anger, bargaining, depression – he cannot face the fifth, acceptance. How can he possibly accept nothingness, the meaningless of the past, and the desperately frightening, unknown future? As he becomes more ill and necessarily withdraws from his old, familiar life, he finds that he is not missed. His colleagues discuss the disposition of his office and affairs. His wife plans a happier, more independent life. The world he has so carefully constructed is not only of no use whatsoever, but it is a house of cards. Whatever bonhomie, good will, and friendship he was shown was nothing but a sham, a shameless disregard.
Acceptance of death for Ivan Ilyich is particularly difficult because of the nature of his past. It is not one of fond memories, happy reminiscences, and nostalgia. It is one without feeling and substance. In his desire to keep bothersome people, events, and happenstance at bay, he has created a soulless existence and now turned into meaningless past.
An acquaintance commenting on the slow death of a friend, remarked, "Well, he had a good life". Memories of what he accomplished, whom he had loved, where he had travelled will sustain him in his last moments, suggested the acquaintance. Tolstoy disagrees. Not only do we face death entirely alone, but the successes, failures, loves, misfortunes, and adventures of the past have no relevance whatsoever. Looking into the dark, unknowable abyss no memory – as meanspirited and hard-bitten as it might be – can pull Ivan Ilyich back from the dark hole of non-being.
He eventually, but only in his last minutes of life, is suddenly unafraid. He was afraid of the act of dying, he thinks, not death itself.
"And death…where is it?"
He sought his former accustomed fear of death and did not find it. "Where is it? What death?" There was no fear because there was no death.
In place of death there was light.
"So that's what it is!" he suddenly exclaimed aloud. "What joy!"
In his final moments, he is able both to let go of the past and embrace his unknowable future. In those final moments he – like all of those near death - is totally, completely, inexorably alone.
What dying man – like the remembered friend suffering from advanced Parkinson's - thinks of his law partnership and court cases he has won, lucrative Wall Street investments, winters in Gstaad and summers in St. Tropez? Or lost loves? Or awards, children's marriages, or his own long marital partnership?
No, he thinks of his failing body, his mental disability, his paralysis, his incontinence, and his death. His wealth, fabulous Victorian apartment in the 7th, the finest examples of Art Nouveau, modernism, and Renaissance painting on his walls, his exquisite Persian silk carpets, his Italian sconces, Louis XIV chandeliers – none can distract him from the inevitable. He does not look on his Francis Bacon triptych with pleasure or memories of his success at the Sotheby auction where he successfully bid for it, nor the Roman reproduction of a Greek Aphrodite in his hall. Even if he were still in his apartment and not in a nursing home attached to tubes and electrodes, he would not pay attention to his acquisitions or his memories.
Death not only extinguishes life but extinguishes the past. The final lines of The Death of Ivan Ilyich are these:
"It is finished!" said someone near him.
He heard these words and repeated them in his soul.
"Death is finished," he said to himself. "It is no more!"
He drew in a breath, stopped in the midst of a sigh, stretched out, and died.
Death is finished, he says. His constant, frightful companion of the last months is no more. He has settled his accounts with death, not with life. He does not murmur prayers of contrition for his sins, does not beg forgiveness, nor beseech his family to think of him kindly. There is no point in reconciliation with the past, no benefit, no salvation; for it has no relevance to nothingness to come.
Despite the fact that Tolstoy wrote the line, "It is finished" in what many critics see as an unmistakable reference to Christ's last words on the cross, Tolstoy expresses no particularly Christian sentiments – that repentance is the key to the door of Paradise, that a dying man will only be welcomed by the Almighty if he confesses his earthly sins. It is only with death itself that Ivan Ilyich deals. Death is the only final, ultimate reality; and at the moment of death he neither thinks of the past nor of eternity. He will soon simply be dead.
The Death of Ivan Ilyich is neither a nihilistic tale – Tolstoy is rightly thought of as a nihilist – nor a Christian one, nor a dramatic one. Death, he writes, comes in no recognizable package, it is an end in and of itself. It is in fact the only important moment of life, the one truly existential moment when one finally ceases to imagine eternity and actually sees it.
Tolstoy struggled with such existential questions for most of his adult life. For decades he sought meaning and purpose. How ironic and cruel, Konstantin Levin says in Anna Karenina, that God made us brilliant, creative, astute, and generous; gave us but a few decades of life, and then consigned us for all eternity in the cold, hard grounds of the steppes.
In his A Confession Tolstoy writes of his philosophical struggle and of his failed conviction that answers can be found in art, science, mathematics, and history. Finally, exhausted and unsatisfied he realizes that tens of millions of people believe in God and that billions before him have had profound faith. Maybe, he reckons, there is something to it. He backs into faith like Levin who admits that he has no answers but that doing good is the closest he can come to them. If so many people believe in God, Tolstoy reflects, why shouldn't he?
Tolstoy wrote A Confession in 1880 and Ivan Ilyich six years later in 1886. His long-sought philosophical equanimity expressed in his memoir had been sorely tested, and in his short story he returned to his native intellectual roots. Death just is.
Posted by Ron Parlato at 7:29 AM 0 comments
Yale Has A New Happiness Course–And The Value Of An Ivy League Education Has Unhappily Gone Way, Way Down
Ellicott Hall moaned when he heard that his daughter, Emily, was enrolled in Yale's Happiness Course, officially entitled 'Psychology and the Good Life', but known on campus by its more popular name. Ellicott, who had graduated from Yale a number of years before his daughter was born, had been a student of Paul Weiss, Harold Bloom, and Vincent Scully, a triad of thinkers unmatched in the Ivy League.
Bloom's course in Romantic Poetry was one of the university's best – two weeks to parse and deconstruct the meaning of Blake's spare, elegant poem, The Tyger, and by so doing encouraged epiphanies of meaning not only of the poem, Blake, and Romantic poetry, but all poetry. Bloom understood that every word, every line, each stanza of the epigrammatic poem had a reference to the Old Testament, Norse myth, and Freud. The Romantic poets, Blake being primus inter pares, had all mastered allegory, metaphor, and symbolism and synthesized them in a few lines.
Tyger Tyger, burning bright,
In the forests of the night;
What immortal hand or eye,
Could frame thy fearful symmetry?
In what distant deeps or skies.
Burnt the fire of thine eyes?
On what wings dare he aspire?
What the hand, dare seize the fire?
And what shoulder, & what art,
Could twist the sinews of thy heart?
And when thy heart began to beat,
What dread hand? & what dread feet?
What the hammer? what the chain,
In what furnace was thy brain?
What the anvil? what dread grasp,
Dare its deadly terrors clasp!
When the stars threw down their spears
And water'd heaven with their tears:
Did he smile his work to see?
Did he who made the Lamb make thee?
Tyger Tyger burning bright,
In the forests of the night:
Dare frame thy fearful symmetry?
What was that fearful symmetry? Bloom asked. What dread grasp and what deadly terrors? No student left Bloom's course without Tyger permanently recorded and without a vision of Mosaic Harold Bloom, looking up and out the window to the bird on whose wings the Tyger – all of us? the sage, the prophet? – aspired.
No student who witnessed Scully's exuberance, his vitality, and his insights into ancient architecture and the natural world which inspired them ever forgot him. The horned mountains of Crete had immanent power that overwhelmed the individual, gave birth to the myth of the Minotaur, and inspired the monumental works of the period. Only in Scully's class were art, mythology, environment, and architecture so convincingly unified.
Paul Weiss in his course on metaphysics asked students to consider meaning – not the facile search for answers to common questions - why are we here and where are we going? - but serious meaning. Meaning extracted from texts, equations, and physical conundrums.
So it was no wonder that Ellicott moaned when he heard of his daughter's choice of curricula. He had already become somewhat used to Yale's new courses – 'Queer Wagons – The Chronicles Of Gay Pioneer Women'; 'Which End Is Up? The Nature of Transgender Reality'; and 'Washington, Jefferson, and Madison – America's Racist Past' – and knew that employers would look only at the Summa Cum Laude degree and not what courses contributed to it. Yet America was so awash in conversations about race, gender, and ethnicity, that a university course beating a dead horse made no intellectual sense and certainly no economic one. There would be no discussion about Keat's To Autumn on CNN and MSNBC; and so if it were gone from Yale, it would be gone forever.
Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness
Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun
Conspiring with him how to load and bless
With fruit the vines that round the thatch-eaves run…
"It's not like I'm going to major in Happiness, Dad", Emily was quick to point out, seeing her father's shoulders sag; but the damage had been done. A NYT article reviewing the course and summarizing its central themes only made matters worse.
"So what's the answer?", the journalist wrote. "What's the purpose of life? It's smelling your coffee in the morning, loving your kids, having sex and daisies and springtime. It's all the good things in life. That's what it is."
When Ellicott was at Yale, he had taken a course on Early Medieval French poetry, and moved by Francois Villon's 'La Ballade des Pendus', he went to New Haven's historic Grove Street Cemetery, sat among the graves where he could hear the carillon ringing from Harkness Tower, and read it there.
Human brothers who live while we are no more,
do not harden your hearts against us,
for if you have mercy on us
God will likewise have mercy on you.
You see us tied here by five of six,
as for the flesh we served too much
it is now eaten away and rotten
and we are but bones turning to ash and dust.
Ah, those were the days, Ellicott thought; but Francois Villon, Keats, and Blake were now unknown poets, casually removed from the curriculum in favor of more 'relevant' courses, their poetry digitally recorded and their original volumes stored in controlled atmosphere, hermetically sealed vaults in the Beinecke Rare Book Library. They were as good as gone.
The Happiness Course and other curricular adjustments made to focus on the here-and-now, personal identity, and 'doctrinal integrity' were only parts of the university's clean sweep. The names of the residential colleges were being cancelled to remove any traces of slave-holding, racism, and white privilege; and replaced by others of less stature and historical importance but with more acceptable racial and gender credentials. New rules of classroom behavior were to be instituted to ensure that sexist pronouns and references were replaced by gender neutral terms. 'His' and 'Her' were to be replaced by these terms:
HE/SHE zie, sie, ey, ve, tey
HIM/HER zim, sie, em, ver, ter, em
HIS/HER zir, hir, eir, vis tem, eir
Me/Too Movement campus activists were instrumental in changing procedures for addressing alleged sexual abuse; and, because of women's long history of suffering at the hands of male patriarchy and the need to redress this persistent wrong, they said, women's word was taken as fact, and men were forced to admit wrongdoing, take censure, punishment, and dismissal without the tedious process of a trial.
Speech in all forms – in the classroom, in term papers, on the campus, and on Yale-oriented social media sites – was to be monitored for correctness; that is, conforming to the newly instituted policies of what Yale called 'An Inclusive University'.
As much as Ellicott was dismayed by the revelations of university policy, curriculum, and procedure, Yale was one of the more moderate schools. Some of the smaller, less well-known liberal arts schools of the Northeast became virtual gulags of censure. They were academic dens of thieves – cabals of older, tenured, unreconstructed Sixties liberals, feminist firebrands, transgender activists, and Black Lives Matter racial overseers.
Emily Hall did well at Yale – summa cum laude like her father; but since she, her colleagues, and the university had dumbed down the elite degree, how could anyone take today's Yale pedigree seriously? And new professors, schooled in post-modern, deconstructionist, theories of race and gender, were a dime a dozen – cheap by Ivy League standards, but what the market would bear. A win-win for Yale.
Ellicott went back to Yale for his 50th Reunion and was once again impressed with the university. Yale was not just any university, and he felt proud that he had gone there. But when he looked around and strolled past the classrooms where 'relevant' teachers rattled on about racial injustice and the gender spectrum, his spirits sank. Not only had the intellectual integrity of the university been compromised, he had lost all connection with it. It was not his university. It was someone else's.
Posted by Ron Parlato at 4:35 PM 0 comments
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text:
Report From Washington – May 17, 2013
May 17, 2013 /0 Comments/in Weekly Washington Updates /by Air Spark
Editor: William J. Murray
Join me in a fact finding mission to Israel – A once in a lifetime mission led by William J. Murray, William Federer and Frank Gaffney, all three experts on Israel and Islamic affairs. Not a standard "tour," the mission includes visits to settlements and military bases plus evening panels. Read more
In this issue: IRS worked with Planned parenthood to deny pro-life groups tax status / George Soros groups worked with IRS to target conservatives / Obama Administration's work with group linked to terror funding / Congressman almost aborted by his then 17-year-old mom / Congressmen demand answers on radical Christian hater's meeting with Pentagon / Senator demands answers on diplomat's holding slaves / New video on Saudi slavery / Pope canonizes 800 victims of Islamic massacre / Christian leader assassinated / More dead in Nigeria / Bangladesh Islamic violence against the church / Syria rebels brag about being cannibals
Obama IRS refused tax exempt status to pro-life groups – The IRS didn't just target the Tea Party! The Coalition for Life of Iowa was told by the IRS they would not receive tax-exempt status unless they agreed not to picket/protest, or organize groups to picket or protest, outside of Planned Parenthood facilities. The IRS was acting as an arm of Planned Parenthood. Read more
George Soros funded groups spearheaded IRS probes – Barack Obama's confidante and supporter George Soros funds groups including the Campaign Legal Center, Democracy 21, the Center for Public Integrity, Mother Jones and Alternet; these groups pressured the IRS to target conservative nonprofit groups. The subsequent IRS investigation flagged more than 100 tea party-related applications for higher scrutiny, including applications that included the words "Tea Party" and "patriot." Read more
Obama Administration works with terror finance group – The Obama Administration's relationship with the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA), a U.S. Muslim Brotherhood entity, has grown beyond strictly Muslim-related issues. On May 6, Vice President Biden met with about 20 interfaith leaders including ISNA President Mohamed Magid for two hours to rally religious support for gun control. Read more
Congressman almost victim of abortion – Representative Marlin Stutzman (R-IN) recently learned that his then 17-year-old mother nearly aborted him in 1975 after her house burned down and she had no place to live. His story is truly gripping. Read more
Congressmen demand answers on Pentagon relationship with militant atheist group – This week 59 legislators sent a letter of concern to Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel about the Pentagon meetings with anti-Christian atheist Mikey Weinstein. The letter outlines Weinstein's outrageous remarks about Christianity and questions the reasons for the Pentagon agreeing to the meeting with him. Weinstein is apparently an "advisor on religious tolerance" — no, that's not a joke . Read more
Senator on human trafficking – Florida Senator Marco Rubio has questioned whether the State Department is failing to enforce human trafficking provisions when it comes to foreign diplomats. Rubio was reacting to reports of two Filipino domestic workers held as virtual slaves in a Saudi owned mansion in Virginia. Read more
No tax dollars for jihadists – The Religious Freedom Coalition has begun an online petition asking congressmen to speak out against any funding, military or otherwise, to jihadists anywhere in the world. The petition comes at a time the Obama Administration is furnishing help from the CIA, as well as cash and "humanitarian" aid, to jihadists fighting the secular government of Syria. Provide your name and zip code, and a copy of the petition will be faxed to your congressman free of charge. See petition here.
New video on Saudi slavery – On May 16th the Religious Freedom Coalition released a new video on the situation of Saudi diplomats holding domestic workers in their Virginia mansion as slaves. The legal word for this slavery is "domestic servitude," but by any name it is slavery.
Pope recognizes victims of Muslim massacre – Pope Francis celebrated his first canonizations in the course of his Mass in St. Peter's Square last Sunday, giving the Catholic Church over 800 new saints. All but two (a Colombian nun and a Mexican nun) were the "martyrs of Otranto," who were beheaded for their faith after Turkish Muslims invaded their southern-Italian port city in 1480. Read more
Nigeria: Christian leader assassinated – Gunmen of the Islamic Boko Haram group this week assassinated the Rev. Faye Pama Musa, secretary of the Borno state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). Read more
Nigeria: 14 more dead in Islamic killing spree – Anti-Christian hostility drove an Islamic extremist killing spree in this village in northeastern Nigeria, though the attack was portrayed mainly as politically motivated, an area Christian leader says. Read more
Lebanon: Muslim TV preacher says "if only Hitler had finished off the Jews – In this TV clip of a Muslim preacher in one of the more "moderate" nations where Islam is the majority religion, the accusations fly against Jews. This is beyond anti-Semitic. Read more
Bangladesh: Violence against the church – Yes, that's the same Bangladesh where Kohl's and other stores buy most of their shirts. Scores of people have been killed in the clashes, which erupted in February. At least 37 died earlier this week as police tried to quash protests in the capital, Dhaka, where 70,000 Islamist demonstrators took to the streets on Sunday (5 May), calling for the introduction of an anti-blasphemy law. Read more
Syria: cannibalism and kidnapping – In recent days videos that I will NOT link to from our site show a Syrian "rebel" commander cutting out the heart of a Syrian soldier and eating it raw for a recruitment video. New videos also show rebels lining up and executing, one at a time, dozens of men without trial. The Syria Bishops kidnapped by the USA backed "rebels" are reported in good health but still held. Read about the Bishops
More from the Religious Freedom Coalition
New Chairman's Report – Now available, the May 2nd, 2013 edition of the Religious Freedom Coalition. This edition includes: New campaign to expose Saudi evil / Congressman investigates Saudi arrests of Ethiopian Christians / A humble and righteous congressman revealed / Details of kidnapped Bishops and the fight to release them – READ IT HERE
My Life Without God – William J. Murray's first book, My Life Without God, is now back in print, as 2013 marks the 30th anniversary of his atheist mother's lawsuit to remove prayer from the schools. Murray writes of his life in the dysfunctional home of infamous atheist/Marxist leader Madalyn Murray O'Hair. Learn more
Facebook – Visit us at Facebook for even more stories
Tags: Bangladesh, Bishops, Boko Haram, cannibalism, George Soros, human trafficking, IRS, Islam, ISNA, Marco Rubio, Mikey Weinstein, Nigeria, Obama, Pentagon, Saudi, slavery, Syria
https://religiousfreedomcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/ObamaIRS.jpg 240 320 Air Spark https://religiousfreedomcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/RFCFinal.jpg Air Spark2013-05-17 20:17:522013-05-17 20:17:52Report From Washington - May 17, 2013
Preserving Freedom Conference a Success
Report From Washington - October 7, 2011
The ballot box will not tame Islamism
Washington Report- October 25th, 2013
Chairman's Report for June 21st, 2012
New Religious Freedom Coalition Video on Saudi Slavery Prayer Caucus Members Defend 'In God We Trust'


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Plants as Protagonists: An Interview with Semiosis author Sue Burke
Wednesday, February 21st, 2018 | Posted by Sean McLachlan
The science fiction world has been abuzz with the release of the novel Semiosis by Sue Burke. Known for her short stories in publications such as Interzone and Asimov's, this Clarion alumnus is now making waves with her debut novel, out from Tor this month. James Patrick Kelly said it's "a first contact novel like none you've ever read… The kind of story for which science fiction was invented." David Brin wrote, "In Semiosis, Sue Burke blends science with adventure and fascinating characters, as a human colony desperately seeks to join the ecosystem of an alien world."
Those recommendations would be enough for me to buy a copy if I hadn't already read it several years ago. Sue and I used to be in the Madrid Writer's Critique Group here in Spain before she moved back to Chicago. The early draft I read fascinated me with its tale of human colonists settling on a planet only to find that is already inhabited by intelligent life… plant life. I caught up with Sue to talk with her about her new publication.
What was the seed of an idea that grew into a giant, sentient plant?
Seed… I see what you did there.
It started back in the mid-1990s when a couple of my houseplants attacked other houseplants. One vine wrapped around a neighbor, and another vine tried to sink roots into another plant. I began researching botany and discovered that plants are active, aggressive, and fight to the death for sunlight. They have weapons and cunning strategies, both offensive and defensive.
For example, strangler figs (several varieties of Ficus) start as seedlings germinating up on tree branches and trunks in jungles, and as they grow, their roots wrap around the host tree and eventually strangle and kill it. The fig starts halfway up to sunshine, which is an advantage. But how do the seeds get up there? Birds eat fig fruit, and the seeds have a gluey covering that sticks to a bird's feathers when it defecates. The bird wipes off its vent on tree branches and trunks, where the seeds adhere and germinate.
To combat this, the kapok or red silk cotton tree (Bombax ceiba) grows spike-like thorns on its trunk and branches. Birds would risk injury to clean themselves there.
Do roses have thorns for the same reason? No. Roses clamber over other plants to pursue light, and they anchor their thorns into them to facilitate climbing. Like the strangler fig, they might mercilessly kill other plants in the process, in this case by starving them of sunlight.
The plant kingdom is nasty. I had possibilities for conflict. I only needed a story.
With a plant as a major character, what kind of adjustments did you have to make for your narrative and characterization?
Obviously I had a character that couldn't communicate humans easily, so I had to invent a way for it to do that. And this character was immobile, so if it was going to take part in any action, it had to already be growing where it happened.
On the other hand, a plant as a protagonist offered some advantages. Like "Pando," an 80,000-year-old 106-acre clonal colony of quaking aspen in Utah, I had a protagonist who could be very old and very big. Since plants are aware of their environment, it could offer something close to omniscience, which can be an effective narrative tool. In addition, plants can make a wide variety of chemicals and communicate with each other, so the protagonist had allies and potential weapons. It was also naturally active, aggressive, and willing to kill without mercy.
In what situation would all this be decisive? That is Chapter 6, the climax of the novel. Like any writer, I had to pick the dramatizations that served my story, and in this case, I had both constraints and freedoms.
I remember during our writer's group meetings you were full of interesting and bizarre plant facts. What oddities made it into your novel?
Besides Pando, there are a few passing references to "poop plants": plants that look like feces to avoid predation. This was inspired by the Euphorbia decaryi, a succulent from Madagascar that drops its leaves during its dormant period. Its whitish-brown stems form a little mound on the ground. I've seen it, and it really does look like a pile of turds.
A plant I invented, the blade-leaf irises, are loosely based on stinging nettles (Urtica dioica). These Earth plants have glassy needle-like hairs that poke into your skin to inject chemicals that make you itch. If plants could create razor-sharp glass for that, they could make it for even uglier purposes.
A tree I invented, the locustwood, can choose its sex, and one of a grove becomes the male and the rest are female. Certain kinds of holly shrubs (Ilex species) do that.
And sometimes plants invite us to eat them.
Strawberries turn red to tell us to eat the fruit so that the seeds, which if uncooked can survive our digestive system, will be deposited somewhere to grow along with fertilizer.
Grass grows underground, sending up tender, tasty, easily replaced leaves. If grazers like cattle eat the leaves or lawnmowers cut them off, in the process the animals or machines also cut back weeds, which often die, allowing the grass to dominate a field.
Animals can serve plants in accomplishing their goals – that is, a plant-based character might find it natural and proper to manipulate animals.
What are your thoughts on the relatively new subgenre of ecopunk? How does Semiosis fit into this movement?
I'm glad to see ecopunk. I think it asks important questions about our future, something science fiction excels at. The Anthropocene is here: a new epoch on Earth in which humans affect the ecology, including climate change. What will that mean? How will we cope? Can we do it right – that is, can we find a way to a hopeful, even optimistic future?
I wrote the book before that movement took off, and while it's not a close fit, it does share the idea that humans are deeply involved with and accountable to their environment. In the case of my novel, the environment can fight back, so humans are forced to behave responsibly.
What more can we expect from you in the coming year?
My story "Life From the Sky" will appear in the May/June issue of Asimov's magazine, dealing with toxic social media. My novella "Who Won the Battle of Arsia Mons?" about an entertainment-driven robot fight on Mars is one of the five finalists in the Reader's Poll at Clarkesworld magazine; you can find links to all the stories and voting, which closes February 24, here.
As for Semiosis, a manuscript for a sequel and the outline for a third novel have been submitted.
And I'll be at Worldcon in San José, in case anyone wants to say hi. I like to meet new people.
Sean McLachlan is the author of the historical fantasy novel A Fine Likeness, set in Civil War Missouri, and several other titles. Find out more about him on his blog and Amazon author's page. His latest book, The Case of the Purloined Pyramid, is a neo-pulp detective novel set in Cairo in 1919.
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Sticky leaf block series is made from the thought of sharing beauty of various natural components other than plants, and textures of the nature including stone, soil, trees, seasons, and water are used in the products.
Since it is in the shape of blocks, it feels as if a part of the nature has been cut, and writing and storing is made easy.
As wonderful structures and building have been created by adding wisdom and wish of the humankind to the natural components, this little product is hoped to be a tool which stimulates various creativity beyond the function of being a memo note. Sticky leaf block series is composed of 3 different kinds of products (wood, marble, concrete) and 2 different sizes (large, small).