Friday January 21, 8 pm.
SCAS Astros begin the New Year with SCAS Assistant Professor DR. KEVIN HUFFENBERGER describing GALAXY CLUSTERS in CP-145.
FIU Physics Building, Main campus.
Galaxy clusters are the largest gravitationally-bound structures that typically contain 100-1000 galaxies and large amounts of hot gas, dominated by invisible dark matter.
He will reveal new nearby clusters and illustrate how these clusters are studied using X-rays, visible light to microwaves across the electro-magnetic spectrum.
Also he will give us a glimpse into the latest results from the NASA-ESA Planck Satellite which locates the most massive clusters in the distant Universe.
His research at University of Miami Dept. of Physics relates to Cosmic Microwave Background. The exciting free SCAS program includes prizes, discussions, and a food buffet.
CP-145, FIU Physics Building. Mitch Maidique campus.
Park in the garages SW 109 Ave./SW 8 St. and follow the path (around heavy construction equipment) up to the Chem-Physics Bldg. and SCAS sign to CP-145 lecture hall.
Call: 305-661-1375 for SCAS/NASA updates.


Armenia won't succeed in its attempt to avoid negotiations on the settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, because Azerbaijan will never allow it, Azerbaijani MP Hikmat Babaoglu told Trend.
The anti-Azerbaijan centers have recently been trying to create a fuss over Azerbaijan again and for this purpose they want to use convicted Azerbaijani blogger Mehman Huseynov as a tool, Azerbaijani MP Hikmat Babaoglu told Trend.
The order by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on providing one-time assistance to low-income families once again demonstrates that the well-being of the country's citizens is at the core of state policy in Azerbaijan, Azerbaijani MP, editor-in-chief of the newspaper Yeni Azerbaycan (New Azerbaijan) Hikmat Babaoglu said, Trend reported.
The fact that anti-Iranian sanctions have not covered the Southern Gas Corridor (SGC) project is very important from the point of view of correct assessment of the existing geostrategic reality and the interests of Europe in energy security, Azerbaijani MP Hikmat Babaoglu told Trend Aug. 8.


In 1998, the music world was falling in love with Aerosmith's newest hit "I Don't Wanna Miss a Thing," The Backstreet Boys were soaring to the height of their popularity, and the Brian Setzer Orchestra was leading a pack of bands trying to bring swing and rockabilly back into the zeitgeist. Far more importantly, however, 1998 was the year that a little band from California named Project 86 released their self-titled, debut album. Project 86 was a "rapcore" meets hard rock album produced by a fledgling Christian label that was itself just finding its stride. In light of this, if you were a fan of the music industry at that time trying to guess which band the music world would still be talking about in 2012, you'd probably have guessed wrong.
Almost a decade and a half later and having watched "hit" bands come and go like lightening flashing across the sky, Project 86 remains a dominant force with little sign of slowing down. Despite having weathered label issues, band member changes, and everything else the music industry could throw, Andrew Schwab and company find themselves set to release yet another awe-inspiring album certain to further establish their legacy as one of the most tragically underrated bands this world has to offer.
Perhaps the biggest reason P86 is able to remain relevant while their peers have slipped away one by one is that they very quickly found their core "sound," but never shied away from playing closer to the fringes of that sound than most bands are comfortable with. So, while many other bands find a signature vibe and then produce cookie-cutter albums until oblivion, Project finds new and innovative ways to produce diverse and yet somehow signature soundscapes for each album.
It should be no surprise, then, that Wait for the Siren builds upon the epic sound Project 86 has formed over the years and yet it takes the band to places they've never gone before. As frontman Andrew Schwab hinted at in his exclusive interview with IVM, the band added a hammered dulcimer player, an Uilleann piper, and a mandolin player into the mix for this new album. Add to that the fact that more guest artists were featured in the recording process than ever before (see the interview linked above for a list of the amazing talent that helped form this album), and the results are nothing short of amazing.
Wait for the Siren feels a little like a concept album at first glance. From the cover art to the track names and into the lyrics, the imagery and the atmosphere of war time sonnets begins to emerge. Unlike P86's Truthless Heroes, however, Wait for the Siren's true concept and backbone is a hopeful faith in times of adversity set against the recurrence of Old Testament imagery. As only Schwab could do, the lyrics double as powerful reminders of the spiritual war we find ourselves in while still in this world.
Musically, Wait for the Siren features some of the band's hardest songs to date with "Fall, Goliath, Fall" and "SOTS." It also features some of their most etherial and beautiful songs in "New Transmission" and "Ghosts of Easter Rising." The way the band is able to effectively mix these two extremes produces an album that is balanced and completely interesting. If I were to step out on a limb, I'd say that this album should have no problem bringing fans back for another listen even 15 years from now.
"Ghosts of Easter Rising" is made even more powerful by the fact that it is followed by "Above the Desert Sea." Where "Ghosts…" proclaims a bold faith, "Above the Desert Sea" shows what it means to put feet to that faith. And what a way to do it. Set from the perspective of Abraham as he holds the knife above his head to slay Isaac, the imagery is haunting as Abraham cries, "I know you came from me, this blood is in your veins… but to trust is to obey." Schwab is a master of creating imagery with his words, but with this track I could almost feel the pain in Abraham's heart as he wrestled with the dichotomy of wanting to save his only son while knowing he must put his trust in God.
The album closes with the title track, "Wait for the Siren." Despite the fact that the song is almost entirely instrumental (there are key words from the album played in the foreground here and there), it somehow brings together the sum total of the theme and soundscapes from the rest of the album and brings them nicely to rest.
Overall: Wait for the Siren continues to bring a new and diverse sound while still being distinctly Project 86. The concept of the album is impactful and the instrumentation is at once different and yet makes you feel like it is an old friend. Each track brings its own flavor while still managing to blend perfectly into the aroma of the whole for a release that keeps you coming back for more. If you are a fan of supporting amazingly talented bands that are in a class by themselves, then this album is certainly for you.


I was only home for a day, when I realised we needed food. I had fifty dollars in my wallet so we all drove to the shops and Lennard warned me not to spend too much money. When we finished and returned to the car, as I drove Lennard counted the left over money frantically. He had wanted me to spend a minimal amount so he could use the rest to buy marijuana. His fury was huge. I told him that he would never change and he began to hit me against the side of my head, causing my vision to blur. I tried to stop the car but he kept punching.
I woke up in the car in a ditch by the side of the road, listening to my daughters screaming, my swollen face preventing me from opening my left eye. The children were physically unharmed, and my baby son was not even crying, staring at us unmoved. The image stuck in my head, and I realised that my girls would grow up to believe that abuse is normal and my son would believe that he has the right to beat women.
This was the moment I finally understood what I had to do. Sobbing, I got out of the car, while Lennard got into the driver's seat. I sat in the passenger seat and he drove us home while I cried. The next morning when Lennard had left for work, I packed everything I could into the car, took the children and went to my mum's house never to return.
Two years later, still emotionally damaged, I moved the children and I into our own home and did my best to stay afloat. We moved to a town 3 hours away from Lennard. Once a month he would visit to see the children and would stay overnight as there was nowhere else for him to go. He became paranoid that I was sleeping with other men and checked my phone for numbers he did not recognise. I told him, that if he wanted to see the children he would have to take them somewhere else, not at my house. I took out an AVO that stated he couldn't molest, harass, assault or intimidate me, but that he was still allowed to come near me. I did this to make access visits easier for both of us and it worked well.
Later on, things came to a head when I needed a tonsillectomy which required day surgery and I asked Lennard to take care of the children for the day. After the surgery I returned home with my best friend who intended to help me that day. I asked Lennard when he was going home, he looked insulted and said that he was planning to stay the night. I felt really uncomfortable with this and but I didn't want to leave him on the streets since it was such a long way home.
He started making jokes about my friend's appearance, and though I tried to stop him, he became more insulting and agitated and began to start on me. I asked him to leave. He refused to move. He stared down at the coffee table. He was getting angrier and I noticed something shiny under the table and realised he had hidden a knife underneath. Seeing that I had noticed it, he pointed the knife at me screaming in my face that he was going to kill me because I was sleeping with someone else. He kept lunging at me and made stabbing motions at my friend. I grabbed my phone and called 000 but when he noticed and came at me I hung up.
The police returned my call and I told Lennard that if I don't answer the phone they will think something is. I answered the phone I told them "Look, everything is okay, just a slight disagreement but it's all sorted out", the officer could tell I was reluctant to speak, so they asked if an AVO was in place to which I simply replied "yes".
They said they would send someone straight away and I hung up and pretended like everything was fine. He saw the red and blue lights and quickly ran for the door and took off. My friend and I hugged we cried. The police managed to track him down and arrested him. They were dragging him in cuffs to the police car that was parked in my driveway; I could see him kicking the female police guard and spitting on her.
They put him in the back of the paddy wagon, and came over to interview me. I could hear him banging his head inside the paddy wagon from the inside screaming "Just let me speak to Claire, she will know how to calm me down!" I wanted to help him, but the policewoman told me if I did I was just letting him win. I ignored him. He was sentenced to 9 months in prison for breach of an AVO.
I finally had the power to leave and stand up for myself. Life was hard; I sought counselling, and attended therapy. I found out I had post-traumatic stress from the domestic violence. My doctor discovered that I have permanent hearing loss in one ear due to the cigarette burns in my eardrum. I also have brain damage similar to a stroke victim such as word jumbling, forgetfulness, mind blanks and also have tear to my uterus from the beatings. I thought leaving Lennard meant my life would instantly improve, and in some ways it did, but it was a struggle.
We moved in with my mum, and she helped me with every aspect of my life. I am truly thankful for her. Now I had a stable home, money, support and love; everything I needed. With the support she provided and my children in school or care, I had time to think about my own future. I undertook a Certificate III in Disabilities and volunteered at a disability agency. I then did a Certificate IV in Community Services and then did a Degree in Criminology. I gained paid employment working as a support worker for a drug and alcohol centre where I came across many women who had similar experiences as I had. I shared my stories with them as they shared their own. I've been told that these women learnt from me and were inspired, but honestly I was just as inspired by them.
I now have employment within the justice system. I reunited with my best friend from high school whom I hadn't seen in years. We hit it off! We actually fell in love and got married last year. Thankfully, my husband is a caring, sweet, gentle, beautiful man whom my children adore just as much as I do.
Today, my children are excelling. They also attended counselling and I believe they are still affected by what they have been though, but we are working on it. After years of hard work, dedication, sweat and tears, and I am in the happiest place I have ever been.
This year I received the Young Australian of the Year award for my local shire. One of my clients at the drug and alcohol centre anonymously nominated me because she felt I gave her the strength to leave her violent partner and quit abusing drugs. This truly is the most humbling award that I could possibly receive, I am so honoured that I have affected someone's life to know that they are of worth and deserve more than what they have.
When Lennard and I first got together we had some couples tattoos done: I got a butterfly and he had a jabberwocky style dragon breathing flames. When I finally escaped him I wanted to get something that symbolised that I had finally beat him, overcoming his psychological manipulation and denying his access to me for abuse; I slayed the dragon.
I adore Alice in Wonderland and relate to her adventure and open minded fascination for new worlds but also her awareness of the underlying evil, danger and wrongness. My tattoo shows my triumph and strength, reminding me of the obstacles I have overcome and the strength there is within me. I know there are other women out there who are experiencing domestic violence, I know there are women who are questioning their worth and wondering if there is more to life.
My message to them is that there is. There is so much out there for you, you are worth more than you will ever know. It may take time, it may take effort and a lot of tears but I promise you, it is worth it in the long run.
We all have the power to be dragon slayers.


Packaging should be the same as what is found in a retail store, unless the item is handmade or was packaged by the manufacturer in non-retail packaging, such as an unprinted box or plastic bag. Singapore Brancha Singapore branch of a company incorporated in The Netherlands with limited liability, on behalf of itself, Dell Inc. Please enter 5 or 9 numbers for the ZIP Code. Subject to the terms, conditions and limitations of this Agreement, Dell grants you a limited, nonexclusive, nontransferable except as set forth hereinnonassignable license to use the Software in object code only on as many computers, devices, or in such configurations as you are expressly entitled, or on one computer or device if no other entitlement is specified, and for such period as you are entitled, in the case of a term dell conexant rdd, and perpetually, if no term is specified. Item was damaged but working fine, received partial refund. Get the item you ordered or get your money back.
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Champions League qualification scenarios: Real Madrid, PSG and Manchester United leave it late
The European giants have to wait till the final matchday in UCL to decide their fate in the tournament.
General view of the Champions League trophy | REUTERS/Eric Gaillard
Editor's note: This article was originally published before matchday 5 in Champions League. It has now been updated after the latest round of matches ahead of matchday 6.
In a cramped season with near non-stop football action so far, the group stage of the prestigious Uefa Champions League will come to a close next week. And there are a few top clubs who are staring at a potential early exit.
Paris Saint-Germain will be playing for their Champions League lives against Manchester United on Wednesday, with last season's runners-up knowing that the cost of group-stage elimination could be enormous on and off the field.
Here's a group-wise breakdown of who stands where ahead of matchday 5 that starts on Tuesday.
(Note: Scroll sideways on tables below to view all columns. The tiebreaker scenarios are explained at the end of the article.)
FC Bayern Munich 5 4 1 0 16 5 11 13
Club Atlético de Madrid 5 1 3 1 5 8 -3 6
FC Salzburg 5 1 1 3 10 15 -5 4
FC Lokomotiv Moskva 5 0 3 2 5 8 -3 3
Top two teams progress to UCL round of 16, third-placed team goes in to UEL round of 32
Qualified teams: Bayern Munich (top of the group)
Remaining fixtures:
Matchday 6 (December 9): Bayern vs Lokomotiv, FC Salzburg vs Atletico
Scenarios updated after matchday 5:
Bayern were already assured of the top spot in Group A so a weakened team was fielded against Atletico. While that was still enough for the defending champions to clinch a draw, their incredible streak of 15 consecutive wins came to an end. As a result of that draw, and Salzburg's impressive win against Lokomotiv, Atletico's qualification hangs in the balance. The pacesetters in La Liga still only need a point in the final match but a defeat against Salzburg will see the Austrian club progress.
VfL Borussia Mönchengladbach 5 2 2 1 16 7 9 8
FC Shakhtar Donetsk 5 2 1 2 5 12 -7 7
Real Madrid CF 5 2 1 2 9 9 0 7
FC Internazionale Milano 5 1 2 2 7 9 -2 5
Qualified teams: None
Matchday 6 (December 9): Real Madrid vs Gladbach, Inter vs Shakhtar
What a fascinating group this has turned into. Going into matchday 6, any one of the four teams can finish in the top two and progress to UCL round of 16. Any one of the four teams can finish third and reach the Europa League. Any one of the four teams can be eliminated.
It is, without a shadow of doubt, the most incredible group in this year's Champions League.
So, let's look at the possible scenarios:
Real Madrid still only need a win against Gladbach to progress to round of 16. And they will do as group winners if Inter avoid defeat. A draw will leave them hoping for an Inter win against Shakhtar. Defeat will end their hopes of UCL progress, but they can finish third if Inter lose. An unimaginable scenario for Madridistas would be if Real lose and Inter defeat Shakhtar, then it's the end of European football for the season.
Inter Milan's equation is simple. Win their last match and pray. No other result will be sufficient for Antonio Conte's team to ensure they remain in Europe (UCL or UEL). If they win, they will still need Real vs Gladbach to have a winner.
Gladbach still only need a point to progress. A win against Real will seal their top spot. Defeat in Madrid, however, will mean Gladbach will depend on Shakhtar and Inter playing out a draw.
Shakhtar have lost 10-0 over two matches against Gladbach but, incredibly, are still in with a great shout as they need to just beat Inter away on the final day. A draw will be enough if Real don't beat Gladbach.
Here are some tiebreaker scenarios:
A tie between Inter and Gladbach favours Inter.
A tie between Real Madrid and Shakhtar favours Shakhtar.
A tie between Real Madrid and Inter favours Real Madrid.
A tie between Gladbach and Shakhtar favours Gladbach.
Manchester City FC 5 4 1 0 10 1 9 13
FC Porto 5 3 1 1 8 3 5 10
Olympiacos FC 5 1 0 4 2 8 -6 3
Olympique de Marseille 5 1 0 4 2 10 -8 3
Qualified teams: Manchester City (top of the group), FC Porto
Matchday 6 (December 9): Man City vs Marseille, Olympiakos vs FC Porto
Manchester City assured themselves of the top spot, while Porto sealed their progress after a mutually beneficial 0-0 draw. Nothing left to play for in this group apart from seeing who among Marseille and Olympiakos reach Europa League. Currently level on three points, a tie between the two will favour Olympiakos on away goal count in matches between the two teams.
Liverpool FC 5 4 0 1 9 2 7 12
Atalanta BC 5 2 2 1 9 8 1 8
AFC Ajax 5 2 1 2 7 6 1 7
FC Midtjylland 5 0 1 4 3 12 -9 1
Qualified teams: Liverpool (top of the group)
Matchday 6 (December 9): FC Midtjylland vs Liverpool, Ajax vs Atalanta
Liverpool, battered and bruised, have accomplished their mission of reaching the UCL knockouts as group winners after recovering from the blip against Atalanta. For the second spot, it's a straight shootout between Ajax and Atalanta on the final matchday. Ajax must win, Atalanta need to avoid defeat.
Chelsea FC 5 4 1 0 13 1 12 13
Sevilla FC 5 3 1 1 6 7 -1 10
FC Krasnodar 5 1 1 3 5 10 -5 4
Stade Rennais FC 5 0 1 4 2 8 -6 1
Qualified teams: Chelsea (top of the group), Sevilla
Matchday 6 (December 8): Chelsea vs Krasnodar, Rennes vs Sevilla
Absolutely nothing left to play for. Chelsea, thanks to a four-goal performance by Olivier Giroud, ensured that they will finish top of the group. Sevilla will progress as the second-placed team. Rennes are out of Europa League contention.
Borussia Dortmund 5 3 1 1 10 4 6 10
SS Lazio 5 2 3 0 9 5 4 9
Club Brugge 5 2 1 2 6 8 -2 7
FC Zenit 5 0 1 4 3 11 -8 1
Qualified teams: Borussia Dortmund
Matchday 6 (December 8): Lazio vs Club Brugge, Zenit vs Dortmund
Dortmund are through to the round of 16 after a 1-1 draw against Lazio, despite missing star striker Erling Haaland. Top spot is not yet assured though, but a win against struggling Zenit will confirm that on matchday 6. Should they lose, then Dortmund will hope for a Club Brugge win to progress as group winners.
A draw between Lazio and Club Brugge won't be enough for Dortmund should they remain on 10 points as the Italian side would have a better head-to-head record and finish first. A win for Lazio would mean Dortmund have to win too, for finishing first.
Beligan side Club Brugge will reach the knockout rounds if they win at Lazio but can't take top spot away from Dortmund.
FC Barcelona 5 5 0 0 16 2 14 15
Juventus 5 4 0 1 11 4 7 12
FC Dynamo Kyiv 5 0 1 4 3 13 -10 1
Ferencvárosi TC 5 0 1 4 5 16 -11 1
Qualified teams: Barcelona, Juventus
Matchday 6 (December 8): Barcelona vs Juventus, Dynamo Kyiv vs Ferencvaros
The two favourites from the group have assured their places in the Round of 16 but in contrasting fashion. While Barcelona cruised against Kyiv, Juve were made to sweat against Hungarian underdogs Ferencvaros. On matchday 5, Juventus kept the pressure on Barcelona as both sides won their matches 3-0.
Now, the showdown at Nou Camp (a potential Cristiano Ronaldo-Lionel Messi faceoff) will decide the group winners. But it's not going to be easy for Juventus as they lost 0-2 against Barcelona. With the head-to-head record deciding a tie, Juventus will have to win by a two-goal margin or better. (Further tiebreaker scenarios are explained below as a 2-0 win for Juventus will make things more complicated.)
Manchester United FC 5 3 0 2 13 7 6 9
Paris Saint-Germain 5 3 0 2 8 5 3 9
RB Leipzig 5 3 0 2 8 10 -2 9
Istanbul Başakşehir 5 1 0 4 6 13 -7 3
Matchday 6 (December 8): PSG vs Istanbul Basaksehir, RB Leipzig vs Man United
Scenarios updated after matchday 5
If you thought Group B was complicated, Group H went and made it itself as exciting if not more ahead of the final round of matches. THREE teams are tied on nine points with their last matches left. While it's not as open as Group B where four teams are alive, the permutations and combinations in Group H are no less complicated. The late, late goal Neymar scored might just prove crucial.
First things first, all three teams control their own fate. Win and progress to the round of 16 in the most coveted European event. In that case PSG will join the winners of Leipzig vs United in the next round. A two-way tie between PSG and either of the side will favour the French giants, so they will finish top of the group.
A draw is sufficient in Germany for Manchester United to progress thanks to their 5-0 win over the Bundesliga side earlier. Top spot will then depend on PSG losing against Istanbul.
If PSG win and Leipzig vs United is a draw, then the Paris side will finish as group-toppers while the English side will progress in the second place.
If PSG lose and United win, then the head-to-head tiebreaker between PSG and Leipzig will be in favour of the French giants (one win each but PSG have an away goal in Germany). United and PSG will qualify, in that order.
If PSG lose and Leipzig win, it will be curtains for United as the head-to-head tiebreaker between PSG and United favours the French side too, thanks to scoring one more goal (1-2 in Paris, 1-3 in Manchester).
The other scenario is when both matches end in a draw on the final day, with three teams finishing on 10 points. In that case, points scored in the matches between those three teams will come into play. That situation would favour United (2 wins, 1 draw, 1 defeat) and PSG (2 wins) over Leipzing (1 win, 1 draw) in that order.
Tiebreakers:
If two or more teams are equal on points on completion of the group matches, the following criteria are applied in the order given to determine their rankings:
higher number of points obtained in the group matches played among the teams in question;
superior goal difference from the group matches played among the teams in question;
higher number of goals scored in the group matches played among the teams in question;
higher number of away goals scored in the group matches played among the teams in question;
if, after having applied criteria a) to d), teams still have an equal ranking, criteria a) to d) are reapplied exclusively to the matches between the remaining teams to determine their final rankings. If this procedure does not lead to a decision, criteria f) to l) apply in the order given to the two or more teams still equal;
superior goal difference in all group matches;
higher number of goals scored in all group matches;
higher number of away goals scored in all group matches;
higher number of wins in all group matches;
higher number of away wins in all group matches;
lower disciplinary points total based only on yellow and red cards received by players and team officials in all group matches (red card = 3 points, yellow card = 1 point, expulsion for two yellow cards in one match = 3 points);
higher club coefficient
— via Uefa regulations
Standings courtesy Uefa Champions League
With AFP inputs
Women's Champions League: Defending champions Lyon thrash Juventus to cruise into last 16

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


The first floor of the Williams model features a large family room with gas fireplace that is great for entertaining family and friends. A gourmet kitchen with large pantry, granite countertops and beautiful cabinetry. The elegant study, powder room and foyer complete the first floor. The second floor offers a magnificent owner's suite with two walk-in closets, luxurious owner's bath, and a sitting room. Also on the second floor are three additional bedrooms and full bath. The Williams model includes a spacious garage and front porch.


text:
Revisiting The Brothers' War – a Magic: The Gathering novel
Posted on October 23, 2012 by Walt
I pulled this off my shelf a few weeks ago after re-reading some of the earliest Armada Magic: The Gathering comics. (The Shadow Mage, Ice Age, Fallen Empires, and Antiquities War). Something about the Antiquities War mini-series reminded me of the acknowledgements in the novel to prior versions of the story of The Brothers' War. And rediscovering that the comics left the "whole story" incomplete–Armada only got to publish 2/3 of their planned arc for the story–my interest was reignited.
A few years ago, I read Time Spiral, the first book in a trilogy of novels covering that block of Magic: The Gathering card sets; part of what really drew me in was that it revisited the world of Dominaria, which seemed to have been largely left behind after the Invasion block. And not really having read any of the books since Apocalypse, I was interested in seeing where Dominaria had wound up.
Anyway, The Brothers' War.
This is easily one of my favorite books of all time–this is at least the third, maybe the fourth or fifth time I've read the novel cover to cover…something I do very rarely and with so few books.
This came out in 1998 or so, kicking off a huge line of MTG novels from Wizards of the Coast. There'd been another line of MTG novels (published through HarperPrism) several years earlier–but those were (for the most part) generic fantasy novels with the MTG "branding." This line provided the actual story of the cards, the continuity of the game itself.
At least with the early MTG expansions, as WotC was world-building and beginning to pull everything together into one continuity (albeit across a multiverse), everything came back to the war between Urza and Mishra. Much of the detail was vague and loose–but what was clear was that a conflict between these brothers had caused much destruction and deeply impacted their world. An unnatural ice age actually descended on the world after the conflict, and the world itself was cut off from the multiverse for centuries.
But this novel went back to the beginning–Urza and Mishra as young boys, arriving at Tocasia's school, where they began learning of artifacts and the Thran (an ancient civilization). They grew into the school–Mishra learning of the Fallaji, a desert-dwelling people while Urza focused on his inventions. Eventually, they visit an ancient cave, where they discover intact Thran artifacts, and are introduced to Phyrexia–a plane of living machines. They also each gain a half of an incredibly powerful Power Crystal. Mishra's becomes known as the "Weakstone" as it can weaken artifacts while Urza's becomes known as the "Mightstone" as it strengthens them and brings life to the machines.
From there, the brothers each covet the other's half, leading to a rivalry that lasts the rest of their lives as the entire world eventually pays an astronomical cost for the brothers' jealousy. Their rivalry results in the death of their teacher, sending the boys onto their own individual paths: Mishra into the desert where he becomes a part of the Fallaji, while Urza returns to "civilization" and marries into royalty. Eventually rising to top levels of government in each culture, the brothers have immense resources to throw at each other, draining the world's resources in the process, until the only thing left is destruction.
The novel's story is told in sections, each encapsulating a period of years in the brothers' lives. All told, the novel spans over 60 years, following the brothers from being young boys into old age; a lifetime of conflict. Structurally, I find it interesting to see stories that do span characters' entire lifetime (or the majority of it)…something to it seems more interesting and complete to me than just continuous stories all bunched into a small span of time.
This story also seeds the foundation of stories to come, as we are introduced to a number of prominent concepts that play out across much of the Magic: The Gathering continuity. We're also introduced to some core concepts from the cards–getting backstory on prominent cards and locations, nicely "transforming" the source material into essentially adaptation material; that is, the book's story draws from concepts set forth in the cards, but does so in such a way that the cards then can seem like they were adapted instead from the book.
This book is marked as the first volume of the Artifacts Cycle, but it truly stands alone as a self-contained story. There's no "to be continued" or traditional-cliffhanger sort of ending. The end does leave an opening to transition into the larger MTG continuity, but you'd pretty much have to know where it goes to truly pick up on that; even knowing it myself, it's a bit of a disconnect, like taking a standalone movie and then 15/20 years later making a sequel. The sequel can work and validly pick up the story, but the sequel is far from any sort of "essential" to the original.
For a 1998 book–now 14ish years old–this held up remarkably well. This could have been written in 2012 if I didn't know any better. This has been reprinted in a "trade paperback"-sized edition combined with another early MTG book, The Thran. While I would definitely love to have a standard-sized hardback of just this novel, I'm not terribly interested in the "collected edition."
What also proved surprising (and very disappointing) for me was that this book is NOT currently (late October 2012) available as an ebook. Perhaps I'm an extreme minority, but I would gladly have paid the $6-$8 for a nook-book edition, for the convenience of re-reading this on my phone's nook app. Instead, I spent 4-5 weeks carrying my 1998 mass-market paperback edition around, which of late has been a less than ideal prospect.
I'm fairly tempted to re-read several of the other books from this series, though I lack (by far) the kind of time TO read that I had in late high school and early college. Honestly, the primary drawback is that these are not ebooks–if they were available that way, I'd be further tempted with the ability to buy/download them and have them on my phone, to jump into "whenever" spur of the moment.
If you're into fantasy–even if you don't care a lick about Magic: The Gathering the card game or anything from the past 10 years from MTG in general, this is well worth reading. For me, it's been worth reading at least three times, and I enjoyed it as much now as I did in 1998 and 1999, with a number of scenes and "moments" having stuck with me that I'd forgotten came from this book.
Filed under: The '90s Revisited | Tagged: artifacts, artifacts cycle, Dominaria, jeff grubb, magic: the gathering, Mishra, MTG, the brothers' war, Urza, wizards of the coast |	3 Comments »
Revisiting Urza-Mishra War on the World of Magic: The Gathering
Full post at FantasyRantz.wordpress.com.
A 2012 look at Acclaim/Armada's 1996 mini-series continuing the Brothers' War saga.
Filed under: Fantasy Rantz, The '90s Revisited | Tagged: Acclaim, Antiquities, Armada, Magic, magic: the gathering, Mishra, Urza, Urza Mishra War |	1 Comment »


text:
Two new trustees join Hampstead Garden Suburb Trust after hotly contested vote
By Paul Wright
Published: 1:00 AM October 5, 2013
Richard Wiseman. Picture: Nigel Sutton. - Credit: Nigel Sutton
Two new members have been elected to the Hampstead Garden Suburb Trust after an election pitched as a battle between the traditionalists and reformers.
Michael Franklin. Picture: Nigel Sutton. - Credit: Nigel Sutton
Members of the trust cast their votes last Wednesday after a hotly contested election fought by four candidates.
Former clothes store owner Michael Franklin, 69, and retired lawyer Richard Wiseman, 62, beat two "reformist" candidates to become the organisation's latest trustees. They replace outgoing chairman Angus Walker and fellow trustee Geoffrey Marriot, who are stepping down after two three-year terms.
Mr Wiseman, a father-of-three who has lived in the Suburb for 17 years, received the highest number of votes and ran on the traditionalist slogan of "evolution not revolution".
"It's very flattering to have won what was quite a hotly contested vote," he said. "It's clear there are important things to be done.
"We need to build bridges between the community and the trust and we also need to mend the ill-will generated by the Henrietta Barnett School extension.
"There are dissenters who keep banging on about it but it's something we can't do anything about so it's time to move on – that's what I hope to do."
Mr Franklin, who was brought up in the Suburb and moved back 13 years ago, is a newcomer to the committee and a self-described "traditionalist".
"I'm here to listen and learn, but I also have a lot of my own ideas I want to put forward including a greater involvement of the trust in our open spaces," he said.
"A lot of parks are owned by Barnet Council who I know would love to get rid of the costs involved in maintaining them.
"I want to see the trust co-operating with Barnet and perhaps become responsible for some of the planting there."
While the new trustees say they are excited to meet their fellow members at the Suburb's next meeting on October 15, work is still to be done to address the concerns of the not insignificant number of people who voted for candidates seeking more radical reforms.
A lack of communication and transparency appeared to be one of the topics most dear to members' hearts during the election.
Brian Ingram, 64, a losing candidate, had been a strong critic of the trust's "undemocratic" tendencies.
He said: "The only way we can read about the trust is in the Suburb newsletter which represents the trust's point of view.
"There are no alternative opinions in there."
Fellow candidate Dr Raphael Papadopoulos, who lost with 331 votes, said he also represented the concerns of those who thought the trust needed to be more accountable to its members.
But Mr Wiseman dismissed the criticism and said some were asking for things the trust, which was set up in 1968 to preserve the character of Hampstead Garden Suburb, could not deliver.
He said: "Anyone who thinks the trust should be democratic doesn't understand how the body works.
"It can't be democratic – that's not how it's set up. But that's not to say that there isn't a lot of scope for wide consultation."
Fellow new trustee Mr Franklin acknowledged that more communication with members was needed.
"I see the vote as a victory for democracy but there were clearly those who felt the trust had something to learn on issues of secrecy and a lack of communication with residents," he said.
"The trust does need better PR and better communication with residents would help enormously.
"They don't allow individual trustees to speak to residents so a lot of things go unsaid."
Trustee members will soon vote on who is to replace Angus Walker as chairman.


A series of arbitrary signs of abbreviation said to derive from the shorthand invented by Tiro, Cicero's amanuensis. Several of these were used in the medieval period. The most common is the 7-shaped sign for et, known as the "Tironian et", which was used in Insular manuscripts and again in the Gothic period.


"EEG, electroencephalography, auditory attention, decoding"
"description": "
The COCOHA Matlab Toolbox is a coding framework internally shared within the COCOHA project. It was written to standardize MATLAB data storage and decoding analysis for the project. The data structure is based loosely on FieldTrip’s, but allows for the storage of multiple data sources (e.g. audio/EEG) and provides flexibility in defining dimensions (e.g. channel, time, frequency, rate, scale, etc). Moreover, function calls that modify the contents of the data structure will append their user-defined parameters to the data.cfg cell array. This allows for traceability of results.
\n\n
The functions in the toolbox allow for external functions to operate on the data structure in a robust and standardized way.
\n\n
The MATLAB components are designed for offline prototyping of decoding strategies. On the other hand, realtime processing is primarily implemented with OpenViBE Python scripts. OpenViBE is used as it provides drift correction, and its support for object-oriented programming allows better modularity.
\n\n
The toolbox is not designed to replace FieldTrip for more traditional M/EEG analyses, but rather as a means to supplement such analyses with a support for decoding models. As such FieldTrip import capability is provided (and export capability is still pending).
"


I'll be honest my pension is not something that I think about or is top of my to do list, but it is something that is at the back of mind and I know that it is definitely something that I should be prioritising and getting it looked at. And I know that I am not alone with this!
Until nearly 7 years ago when I had Alice, I worked full time for companies that had brilliant pension schemes. They paid into them and I made contributions and it just happened all for me and I didn't have to think about it. I then left my job at the end of my maternity with Alice, and I contracted with another company for a year, where I paid into a pension scheme. I then fell pregnant with Holly and I left that contract job.
Since having Holly, who will be 5 in August I have either been on maternity leave, or self-employed working for myself. I know that I should really have a pension in place, but I don't. For me to be off work to look after my girls was our priority and we didn't have the surplus money to pay into a pension scheme. Which I think is the case for a lot of woman.
I've been working with Scottish Widows for the past year, and last year I visited their pension bus which was touring the country to understand more about pensions, what my own personal position is and to be honest give me the kick to do something about it.
I'm working with them again to talk about their current campaign, which is of particular interest to me. Scottish Widows wants to help woman prepare better financially for their future, explain about automatic enrolment, the upcoming increase in workplace pension contributions and show you what a difference it could make in the future.
Recent studies by Scottish Widows shows that a third of young women (22-29)are not saving enough for their future, which when compared to 46% of men their age are, its worrying. Especially because statistically woman live longer and earn less than men. Yet, we are not prepared for our future, and this the camp that I sit in currently.
What is automatic enrolment about? This affects people who are employed. Essentially you are 'auto-enrolled' into your workplace pension. When auto-enrolled you them make minimum payments into your workplace pension. From April 2019 the minimum workplace contributions are increasing from 5% to 8%. In plain English it means that if the combined total that you, your employer and the taxman currently contribution to your pensions is less than 8% you'll need to put in a little more. The concern is that when these changes come in, people will be tempted to opt out and stop saving for retirement all together. However you should weigh up what you want to invest in your future, and plan for the retirement you want so it may be beneficial to remain opted in – you can work out how it could impact you on the Scottish Widows website.
It can be hard to make the decision to actively pay into a pension, with all the other costs we occur, childcare, maternity leave, reduced working hours etc. But by opting out or not contributing to a pension it can have serious implications for your financial future. This includes me too!
A small change now, can make a big difference in the future. It is never too early or too late to start a pension and planning for your future.
If you would like more information about the changes that are happening or anything Pension related, head over to Scottish Widows for more information.
Disclosure: This is a paid partnership with Scottish Widows. Pensions are a long-term investment. The retirement benefits you receive from your pension plan will depend on a number of factors including the value of your plan when you decide to take your benefits which isn't guaranteed, and can go down as well as up. The value of your plan could fall below the amount(s) paid in.
I meed to sort my pensions out too! I have pension thanks to my old job but need to set up another one where I can contribute.
Thank you for such an informative post! I'll be passing it on to family who are currently dealing with such matters!
I'm with you on this one, our pension was the bottom priority after moving as we then had a mortgage, followed by kids and then a wedding!
Now we have both settled in roles for the local council we are trying to ensure we stick to the pension as they match our contributions, it does mean a little less money each month but it also works for us in terms of our long term future.
I'm 54 so pensions are quite a big issue for me. One tip – if you have a pay rise make sure you adjust your pension contribution in line with your salary increase or you'll find you just won't have put enough in as you go along.
I have the problem that I've been a freelancer for the last 19 years – and until recently, so had my husband. Because of this I have no pension at all. He has a small academic one from the days before we met. He's in his 50s and I'm mid 40s. With time we'll both benefit from two substantial inheritances, one of which is a shop that a supermarket rent out and are contracted to do so for 20 years. But this isn't how I wanted it to be. My husband is actually talking to his new boss today to work out if it's actually worth him joining the company pension scheme – and finding out if it will benefit me at all in the long run. It's a whole new thing for us!
Planning for the future, when we do not know what the future will be / hold. Probably part of the reason why pension may not be priority for some. Also when there are financial commitments such as :- mortgage / rent, variety of insurance policies, food and fuel costs, etc, etc. Some just wish for some leisure, recreation, hobbies, holidays, etc :- Which also tend to only come at a price. Financial matters can impact throughout lifespan. Pension /s should be aimed To provide Quality of Life, Leisur and Recreation for older years :- When Health and Energy levels may be on the decline.
Do the Royal family receive Pension from their time in services such as armed forces e.g. Army, Navy, Airforce, etc ?
Everyone should read this post and learn about pensions.


text:
OSM East Lancs
Order of the Secret Monitor Provincial Grand Conclave of East Lancashire
What is The Secret Monitor?
The History of the Order
How to join the Order
Provincial Team
The Scarlet Cord
Scarlet Cord Information
The Ancient and Masonic Order of the Scarlet Cord was first introduced into this country by His Honour Judge Frederick Adolphus Philbrick KC, in 1889. The Order was derived from 18th century documents in the Amsterdam Masonic archives in The Netherlands.
Candidates were required to be Princes of the Order of the Secret Monitor and also be members of the Fund of Benevolence of that Order and the elaborate rituals and dress codes required to attend the early Consistories and Senatus commanded the interest of senior members of many of the Masonic Orders.
Right Distinguished Companion Howard Stephen Nuttall V Provincial Grand Summus East Lancashire
As time passed, however, membership of the Order languished and by the early 20th century, it ceased to exist at all, except as an archive in the vaults of Mark Masons Hall.The archive was discovered during building work at Mark Masons Hall late last century, but it was found that many of the documents containing the Ritual of the Order were badly damaged by water. There followed a period of painstaking reconstruction of the lost material by Worthy Brothers Ian Currans, Brian Wareham and Roy Leavers among others.
The Scarlet Cord Conclave No 500 in the Order Of The Secret Monitor was consecrated in 2006 by the then Grand Supreme Ruler of the Order Of The Secret Monitor, Most Worthy Brother Peter Glyn Williams, with the authority to transpose itself into a Consistory and confer Grades of the Scarlet Cord upon senior members of the Order Of The Secret Monitor.
Over the next four years, the Order's popularity developed rapidly, and 62 Secret Monitor Conclaves, dedicated to the Scarlet Cord, were consecrated.
By 2010, the Order had grown sufficiently to become a Sovereign Body, and on 21st July the new Order was inaugurated at Freemasons' Hall, London.
The Conclaves were re-dedicated as Consistories, each receiving a new number and suffix "T.I.", referring to "Time Immemorial", and formed into 16 Provinces of 3 or more Consistories and 12 smaller inspectorates.
The Order has continued to grow and now has 28 Provinces and 1 Inspectorate with the 108 Consistories
More information can be found on the Scarlet Cord Website .
www.thescarletcord.org.uk
For membership application forms contact:-
Provincial Recorder
Companion David Norbury
dn46@btinternet.com
Howard Nuttall (back row centre) with the Officers of the Province for 2018
A Magical Gala Night
Paul installed at Pendle
Dunlop at Darwen
2019 Provincial Gala Dinner – 8th June 2019
Double up at Supera Moras
© 2019 OSM East Lancs


These are films written, produced, directed and narrated by adoptee advocate, author, and filmmaker, Jean Strauss. The focus is primarily on adult adoptees from what is often called "The Baby-Scoop Era". (think Baby-Boomer generation) These films bring to light the impact and potential for damage and loss that secrets about the adoption process cause, especially if it is a closed adoption, which was the norm in the 1940s-70s.
Adopted: for the life of me opens with an image of a dark traffic tunnel, which artfully symbolizes the emergence of life outside the womb and also the emotional "journey" many adopted people will face if they choose to explore their adoption back story and all the results of their findings. Adopted: for the life of me, offers a glimpse into the lives of adoptees Dave, Pam, Robert and Joe and how the unfairness and mysteriousness of not knowing about their origins have affected their careers, parenting, and other relationships.
*When Robert explains how seeing his children's baby footprints done by the hospital at birth made him feel regarding is own unanswered questions.
*The fact is made that a purebred dog has more family history than most adopted human beings.
*The dichotomy between the states of Kansas's and Missouri's adoption records laws and how State Line Road splits citizens.
This video closes as the vehicle exits the tunnel and drives forward into the light of day but also toward the light of knowledge.
Strauss has also written, filmed and produced a documentary called A Simple Piece of Paper. It is specifically about how the state of Illinois opened their adoptee birth records in 2011 and how that has changed the lives of many adopted people and their biological parents and siblings. It's styled as a collection of personal accounts of adoptees' experiences in applying for their paperwork and what it feels like to have direct knowledge of one's heritage, health history and whereabouts of biological relatives for the very first time.
A Simple Piece of Paper demonstrates that an adopted adult obtaining their original birth information will not cause them to "dump" their adoptive family members. In fact, it could be a chance to build relationships and actually grow a family.
It is also compelling to listen to adoptee Jennifer's testament as a law enforcement employee, to state how much the truth matters to human lives in her line of work, so why shouldn't the truth of one's origins be equally as vital for an adoptee? Having the right to your information removes feelings of worthlessness and powerlessness.
Adoptee Gay Ellen's struggle to obtain accurate medical background information so that insurance will not deny her coverage for expensive but necessary tests is another valid reason why adopted adults wish to search. Her search could have a potential impact on her own daughter and granddaughter. The point is, adopted adults who have the chance to acquire health history are not being self-indulgent but instead realize it is critical for their future family members, including spouses who wish to be supportive.
Both documentaries, Adopted: for the life of me and A Simple Piece of Paper are highly engaging to watch, professional and humanistic. This is reality at its finest, making many worthy and well-researched points about the longest lasting ramifications and outcomes from closed adoption: How it impacts one's mental and physical wellness and the ability to progress throughout life as a whole and validated human being.
Thank you for the info on these two documentaries!! I was wondering if faith in God's plan was ever mentioned in any of the adoptees? I would be int to know as I am researching and writing my book about my adoption story and how Faith in God helped.
Hi Erin, I am an adoptee, neither of my adoptive parents believed in a God, other than to attack me with and send me cold shiver down my spine. Despite this I stepped out in faith ( without them) as a young person, and grew to have a real relationship with my heavenly Father.. However it has not been smooth sailing, far from it. I can say for certain that If I did not have a sense of faith in my life I would not be alive today. I was told my bio mother tried to abort me and never wanted me..Both adoptive parents abused me and I was used as child slave labor. It was not until my adult life that my relationship with God took me on an amazing journey of discover to who I really am, and knowing my real value. My adoption if devoid of God, would have crushed me and killed my spirit to live. I believe stores in the Bible such as Joseph and Moses are great lessons for adopted people, both were ripped from their biological family and felt the scorn of not being accepted. Despite their trials they clung to God and learned to be great leaders, who overcame great adversity, and rose above it all with Gods assistance. I agree Erin, a book on the subject is a great idea.
I think these films are fairly secular for the most part.
Watching "A Simple Piece of Paper" brought tears to my eyes. An impactful film that I can relate to. I'll check out the other one.


A one-on-one with the man behind FireGrill, CEO Steve Skoien.
How did the idea of Fire Grill come to be?
After being such fans of traditional yet iconic Mexican restaurants around Los Angeles such as El Coyote and El Cholo, or on a larger scale, Larry Kano's El Torito, we welcomed the fresh innovation around concepts such as Freebirds and Chipolte as they hit the California quick service food scene. To us, the appeal of "custom building" a great, healthy, quick meal using the freshest of ingredients was such an improvement on the tired burger scene.
What's your strategy to keeping customers in Saudi coming in?
From the beginning, we knew we'd do our FireGrill with the very best ingredients we could source. By using only high quality healthy ingredients, organic when able, we knew Saudis would appreciate the taste. We feel confident that we "raised the bar" on fast food.
How big of a role does social media play in your marketing campaign?
Social Media indeed has been a big part of FireGrill's success. Saudis love to spread the good-word on great food with their friends and family. Three years since our launch, our traffic and loyalty continues at double-digit growth.
What has been the toughest thing to master in the restaurant business?
We have many years of operating restaurants in the Kingdom. Our other restaurant concepts include Steak House, Piatto, and City Fresh Kitchen. To date, securing good supply of our ingredients remains the daily challenge.
The Fajita Chicken Rice Bowl was the biggest hit upon our opening. But today, the burrito has taken the lead. Still, our quesadilla has no peer in Saudi Arabia.
Will we be expecting new additions to the menu anytime soon?
Our chipotle-grilled chicken, FireGrilled top sirloin steak, lime-cilantro shrimp, and slow-roasted spicy barbacoa beef will always be staples of FireGrill. Perhaps a seasonal fresh hammour would make for great baja-style tacos similar to those on the food scene in California today.
In the meanwhile, our newest menu offerings include a fresh-hand-squeezed juice selection alongside our popular margaritas. Fresh beet root and carrot or fresh green apple and pomegranate are two favorites in testing. And don't forget to try our Salted Caramel Dessert decadent caramel and pudding with all natural farmed sea-salt.


I selected expat library and expat-examples from make menuconfig.
Everything is set to default.
The expat library libexpat.so is created in lib/expat, but the expat-examples fail to link.
Can you fix this? Or should I use another library/source code for parsing XML files on the blackfin?


Entries into the respective accounts are made all at once.
The accounts in the relevant bank's cheque-owners must have sufficient cash balance.
Discount rate for MMK 100 is 0.5 pyar in office – opening days and 10 pyar for office – closed days in between.


Stirling Power Generator reviews allow to summarize what makes the book very important to purchase. The eBook comes with detailed information about the inventor of the Stirling engine and some historical points related to the engine and its use. The book is available at a very affordable price making it accessible to anyone. The Book provides very easy plan and a step by step guide which will lead you through the process of setting up your generator. Applying what the book says doesn't require a deep understanding of the electrostatic laws. The engine mounted properly is able to produce enough power that makes you go off grid. The book comes with a 60 days money back in case of dissatisfaction with the results.
There are some points that the publisher should review because they may restrict a large number of users from profiting the valuable information related to power generation and the Stirling Engine. The book is available only for download from the official website and it is only available in digital form. Definitely this prevents people who can't make transactions online and those with no internet connection from enjoying reductions on their power bills. The price of the copy is supposed to go higher because the price displayed is a time limited offer. Some parts of the generator may require the intervention of specialist to make them, it is then possible that users have to pay some extra fees on the behalf of third parties to fulfill the targeted design. However, the benefit will definitely and so far compensate the charges.
Reducing the power bill is the main concern of the community. Building system able to generate electric power and ensure you a certain independence regarding the utility grid is one great solution. How to get through that? It is possible that you build your Stirling Power Generator sing the step by step guide coupled to detailed plans made by Dr Robert Stirling; The while set is complied and published by Megan G. The eBook offers non technical information that are easy to apply and which lead definitely to building the famous Stirling generator. It is a closed cycle air operated engine. It is not too complicated yet very efficient; it allows you generate enough electrical power to supply the entire house. Unfortunately, this eBook is available only in Digital version and many people continue to face the high bills to pay for the utility grid connection. Their situation will improve if they can obtain a printed version of the eBook or if they manage to obtain their original copy.
Electricity has become the core energy that operates almost everything on the planet. Its importance has so far exceeded producing light ; it has extended to operating even heavy machinery once operated by fossil fuels. While electricity has solved many issues and has achieved efficiently what it is made for, the electricity generation is perhaps the biggest problem. There are still many environmental concerns about the electricity centrals where fuels and Gas are still used to operate the big electricity generators that would power the needs of the whole community. Actually, the use of fuels generates smokes and many residuals that are very polluting. The nuclear central are not cleaner either; every year, there are tons of radiant water that are evacuated to seas through rivers, tons of solid residuals are buried. Both processes are susceptible of endangering Human life through polluting drinkable water and polluting shores and whatever Human can extract from Seas. More over, even the use of Renewable and Green Energy sources is somehow expensive ; users still have to pay heavy bills for their connection to the utility grids, whether they are traditionally or modernly producing power. It seems that there is no way out of this dilemma. In fact there is a resolution to such equation, thanks to Dr Robert STIRLING works in the 19 th century.
Stirling Power Generator review shows that it is about an eBook that describes the results of Dr Robert Stirling works about electricity and generating power.
Dr Stirling proposed a genuine plan for a power generator that would ensure the needs for electricity. The plan, principles and the building process of this miraculous generator are provided in one book called Stirling Power Generator, written by Stirling himself but it took long time before it saw daylight; actually it is published by Megan G in September 2015. The book describes the interest of having the Stirling Generator at home. Before you decide about opting to this guide and buy or discard the book, it is important that you read the most relevant reviews nowadays written treating the subject and understand what is really about. There are also several questions that need to be answered: what is Stirling power generator? Does Stirling power generator work? Is Stirling power generator legit? This review tends to answer all these questions in one place, also it provides you with the summary of the most relevant reviews today written about the genius of Stirling Power Generator.
What is Stirling Power Generator?
An eBook describing how to build and operate Stirling Generator.
Complete information about Stirling technology and the history of the inventor.
A fine way to allow you living off-grid.
Stirling Power review shows that the Generator is based on the schematic plan made by the inventor. It is an easy to follow protocol that will lead through the process of collecting and gathering the different parts and furniture you may need to build the generator until the final step which is operating the system and coupling it to your home grid to power the several devices you have. Stirling power Generator review confirms that the protocol is clear and can be applied by anyone; this makes the making of the system as easy as reading the eBook. The eBook is available for download at the URL referring to the official website of distribution. This ensures you to get the your original copy of the book and not some fake version.
The Book is made in a very easy way that folks with few or no ideas about electricity and power generation systems can get through it and make it operational in no time. Thus they would power up their houses and prevent unwanted and hazardous power failures and breaks down usually faced when connected to utility grids. It does not require fossil fuels, nuclear materials or anything that is not categorized clean and green. It is a simple yet efficient radiations convertor: it catches radiations in the air and turns them into electrical power. The conversion rate is so high that you can witness a total conversion of the available inputs into power. The generator does no generate much heat, as it is defined by a dissipated energy.
The Stirling Generator is definitely the solution to many issues starting by the bills to pay ending by dependency to utility grids. The publisher is sure of the results you will get and he is totally convinced of your satisfaction otherwise he would not guarantee a 60 days money back as warranty for the product. The better is to profit the offer and you would not regret.
Stirling Generator is the ultimate invention done by Dr Robert Stirling before he found himself chased down by the electricity operators of his era. They were totally embarrassed by the invention; it was a great threat to their business indeed. If that Stirling generator would come out and be available to everyone, the big electricity industries would vanish and they will lose their upper hand; the community will lose its dependency to them and they will lose everything. Actually, this little invention was the main cause of the restrictions made to suppress anything related to this system including the inventor. As technology evolves, there are several scientists who have added some improvements to the initial model and therefore every new conception has took the name of the scientist that produced it. But at the early 1940, the name Stirling Engine was conventionally applied to all the engine that are based on the first closed cycle air generator.
Stirling Power Generator review describes the principles of the Stirling Generator. In 1816, Robert Stirling has developed the first generator that is qualified closed cycle air generator. There are many version of the Stirling Power Generator, especially those that use liquid instead of imprisoned air to operate. However, the fluid used in the process does not change too much the principles of the operation. Stirling Power Generator review classifies the engine among the external combustion engine, that means that any heat supply comes from the outside of the device. In opposition the internal combustion engine are operated by the combustion of energy materials within specific parts of the engine. Therefore, the DIY protocol proposed by the book is somehow a replication of the Stirling Generator to be operated by air radiations.
There is a radiation captor that catches air thermal radiations and transfers them to the air pressurized container. Generally it contains Hydrogen.
With the heat maintained in the container, the pressurized hydrogen pushes the piston.
The piston operates the part that is intended to produce electricity.
Stirling Power Generator review shows that the system operates according a simple principle that converts radiation (heat) into mechanical motion (piston movements) then converts it into electric power. Definitely, the system works well and allows the production of electricity at different scale, commonly according the size of the system that you build. There is no doubt that you can build Stirling Generator at a scale able to power your entire house and fulfill all the electricity that you need to operate all the devices you own.
Stirling Power Generator reviews agree that the plans provided by the book are very efficient and can be realized by whomever has the book in hands. The book cost only $49 which you pay once and it has the advantage of offering something that would save you hundreds of dollars. The program is therefore worth the money that you would pay. The availability of the book only in digital version can have the benefit of ensuring the originality of the copies. According to Stirling Power Generator reviews, the engine that you may build can supply enough power that you can go off grid permanently. There are more than one model of Stirling generator ; they all follow the same working principle and they are all efficient ; definitely, the best are those operated using the solar energy ; they are green generators and use green energy source.
Is Stirling Power Generator legit?
Actually, governments usually claim that the citizens use electricity power reasonably ; there are many programs that tends to educate people on the proper management of the electricity to reduce loss and contribute at preserving the resources. It is known that the national power generators are big consumers of polluting materials (fossil fuels, gas, nuclear materials) and that the pressure of the community on the power supply is consequently increasing the production of polluting residuals. Therefore, in compliance with the educational program diffused by governments and the global environmental concerns, building and operating Stirling Power Generator is completely legit.
Stirling Power Generator reviews allow to summarize what makes the book very important to purchase.
The eBook comes with detailed information about the inventor of the Stirling engine and some historical points related to the engine and its use.
The book is available at a very affordable price making it accessible to anyone.
The Book provides very easy plan and a step by step guide which will lead you through the process of setting up your generator.
Applying what the book says doesn't require a deep understanding of the electrostatic laws.
The engine mounted properly is able to produce enough power that makes you go off grid.
The book comes with a 60 days money back in case of dissatisfaction with the results.
There are some points that the publisher should review because they may restrict a large number of users from profiting the valuable information related to power generation and the Stirling Engine.
The book is available only for download from the official website and it is only available in digital form. Definitely this prevents people who can't make transactions online and those with no internet connection from enjoying reductions on their power bills. The price of the copy is supposed to go higher because the price displayed is a time limited offer. Some parts of the generator may require the intervention of specialist to make them, it is then possible that users have to pay some extra fees on the behalf of third parties to fulfill the targeted design. However, the benefit will definitely and so far compensate the charges.


Vegetable or fruit choppers are a blessing in the kitchen. The best vegetable chopper that has multiple functionalities will help you peel and dice vegetables with ease, along with making chopping not only easier but also more fun to work with.
Cutting, chopping, dicing, peeling, all these take much efforts and time every day. If it is onion you are working with, your eyes are sure to start watering the moment your knife touches the onion.
A pepper might burn your skin, there might be bits of vegetables flying out from the chopping board, the pieces of vegetables might be of different sizes from one another and ruin your salad, the examples of disasters in the kitchen are many.
At the end of the day, prepping takes up much of your time and energy and you are not able to enjoy cooking food or even eating it, as you have the burden of cleaning up later.
Whether handheld, manually operated or electric, a vegetable slicer and chopper makes your life so easy in the kitchen that you are able to put the efforts saved in prepping into cooking awesome food.
This vegetable chopper is an all-in-one gadget. It has blades and dicing plates that allow you to chop, slice and dice your vegetables in right different ways. Additionally, this vegetable chopper comes with two grating plates which you can use for grating cheese or ginger.
There are blades for julienning, cutting and slicing. This chopper also comes with a conical attachment for squeezing lemons or other citrus fruits.
It has a cleaning tool for easy cleaning between gaps, a holding tool to hold vegetables in place while chopping and a compartment to store chopped or sliced vegetables.
The chopper has a sturdy and long-lasting body made of ABS plastic and the stainless steel blades are rust free.
Eight different blades and dicers.
An attachment for squeezing lemons.
Acompartment for containing the cut vegetables.
Has a sturdy body made of ABS plastic.
May be confusing for a beginner to learn which blade is for which use.
Black Decker Electric Chopper is a convenient and affordable all-in-one electric chopper and slicer. It chops or minces easily and quickly, at a touch of a button.
This electric chopper also has features like two-level stainless steel stay-sharp blade that provides long-lasting performance.
It has 1.5 cup capacity that is perfect for dips like salsa, pesto or ketchup, a lid with a safety lock that ensures that you can operate it safely and integrated cord wrap that eliminates cord storage hassles.
It has a sturdy body with removable parts that are dishwasher-safe. You can use this chopper to chop nuts too.
A hat helps to chop, slicing and dicing very easy.
One-Touch button to chop and slice.
Bi-level stainless steel blades that are rust free.
It can turn soft vegetables mushy if not handled properly.
It has low power, so putting hard items in it may damage the blades permanently.
The Clever Cutter Food Chopper is one of the best vegetable choppers available in the market. It is designed similar to scissors. When you start using it, you can easily get rid of your regular knife and chopping board, because this chopper provides you the functionality of both.
You can handle this vegetable chopper singlehandedly too. Do not be fooled by its simple design though. Its razor sharp blades might even chop off your finger if you are not careful enough.
Comes with a cutting board, so no need for a separate one.
Stainless steel, rust resistant body.
Can be used even by newbies.
Can cut even cheese or nuts.
The bladeis very sharp, so you need to be extra careful till to get used to it.
It causes pulling and tearing of soft vegetables.
The Briefton Manual Vegetable Chopper simply uses a string to operate. You just have to pull the string, and your vegetables are chopped. It comes with a lid, so all your cut veggies are contained inside and there is absolutely no mess on your countertop or work area.
The most important thing is no more tears while chopping onions! The size of the chopped pieces of vegetables depends on how many times you pull the string.
The more you pull, the smaller the pieces. This vegetable chopper is especially useful when you have to cut multiple vegetables at a time for a salad or a stir-fry. It has a user-friendly design too. The handle of the string is ergonomically designed so that you don't have any difficulty in pulling the string repeatedly.
The body is also smooth and easy to hold, it is transparent and holds about 3 cups of vegetables. It has a slip-resistant base too. Most importantly, it can be used to cut even boneless meat easily.
This vegetable chopper works noiselessly and can be used anywhere, even outdoors, as it does not require electricity.
Comes with a lid for mess-free operation.
Multiple vegetables can be cut simultaneously.
Body and blades are of high quality.
Does not give you the option of selecting sizes of chopped pieces.
Soft vegetables and fruits may turn into mush if not used carefully.
The Vremi Vegetable Chopper is an extremely compact and convenient chopper that can be used at home and outdoors too.
It is one of the best vegetable choppers available nowadays because of its efficiency and its design.
Its height is only 10 inches and it weighs less than 7 ounces, making it an ideal choice for picnics or for use by children.
This chopper has a plunger connected to zigzag blades. When the plunger is pressed, the serrated blades chop vegetables, boneless meat, and nuts.
Vremi food chopper can be used easily by people having less strength and dexterity, like old people and little children.
Another plus point of this chopper is that it can be used for any quantity of food, small or large.
Small and lightweight, so highly portable.
Push plunger mechanism is easy for people of lesser strength to use.
Can be used for any quantity of vegetables.
Cuts boneless meat and nuts.
No flexibility in chopping vegetables.
Before you select a vegetable chopper and slicer, make a list of what qualities you are looking for and then select one from the list of the best vegetable choppers. All the above choppers are the best and give you excellent value for money.


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Magazine Podcast
Harry Belafonte on Charles White
The actor and activist describes his friendship with White and their shared commitment to celebrating black culture.
Harry Belafonte, Terrance McKnight
The brochure that accompanied an exhibition of Charles White's work held in Los Angeles in 1958 included words of tribute from his friend, singer and actor Harry Belafonte. White's art, he wrote, "is a testimony to the vitality of American culture."
In this conversation with WQXR host Terrance McKnight, who worked with curator Esther Adler to select music and other audio for Charles White: A Retrospective, Belafonte describes his relationship with White and their commitment to celebrating and advancing black culture.
J'Accuse #6 (1966), on view in Charles White: A Retrospective
Actor, Singer, and Activist
Terrance McKnight
WQXR Host
Seventeen Ways Art Inspired Us This Year
Our curatorial colleagues pick one moment of art that offered joy in 2021
Get the best of Magazine in your inbox monthly.


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China: Scrap Foreign NGO law aimed at choking civil society
The Chinese government must scrap a new law aimed at further smothering civil society, Amnesty International said today.
The law presents a very real threat to the legitimate work of independent NGOs and should be immediately revoked.
William Nee, China Researcher at Amnesty International
China's National People's Congress adopted on 28 April a fundamentally flawed law governing Foreign NGOs and their domestic partners. The new law will have severe consequences for freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association, which are already sharply curtailed under existing laws and policies.
"The authorities – particularly the police – will have virtually unchecked powers to target NGOs, restrict their activities, and ultimately stifle civil society," said William Nee, China Researcher at Amnesty International.
The law is the latest in a raft of legislation aimed at bolstering government power under the guise of national security and at the cost of human rights. A sweeping National Security Law, passed in July 2015, defines "national security" in such broad and vague terms that the authorities are essentially given carte blanche.
In December of last year, an Anti-Terrorism Law was passed with virtually no safeguards to prevent those who peacefully practise their religion or simply criticize government policies from being prosecuted on broad charges related to "terrorism" or "extremism".
Later this year the authorities may also pass a Cyber Security Law. The most recent public draft also contained vague and imprecise terms relating to national security and "maintaining social order" that could be used to restrict freedom of expression even further.
In a June 2015 submission to China's National People's Congress Standing Committee's Legislative Affairs Commission, Amnesty International highlighted major shortcomings in the draft Foreign Non-Governmental Organizations Management Law that would stifle civil society and breach China's international human rights obligations.
Censorship and Freedom of Expression
Human Rights Defenders and Activists
China: Long-delayed UN report must spur accountability for crimes against humanity in Xinjiang
Hong Kong: Conviction of children's book publishers an absurd example of unrelenting repression
China: Xinjiang vote failure betrays core mission of UN Human Rights Council
China: Xi Jinping's continued tenure as leader a disaster for human rights


And we can help get you out on it with our SUP & kayak rentals. Rather cruise around the village on two wheels? We also have bicycles for rent to make exploring our town a little easier! We'll gladly help you launch your SUP or kayak from the dinghy dock at the end of Water Street free of charge. We're still able to offer loaner bikes to our visitors arriving by boat thanks to donations to our bicycle maintenance jar. Thank you for your continued support!


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Disney Cast Members Help Guests Live Their Star Wars Adventures Inside Oga's Cantina
January 3, 2020 April 8, 2020 Administrator
From the Disney Parks Blog and written by: Jeremy Schoolfield
Oga's Cantina inside Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge is one of the liveliest places you're likely to find at a Disney park. The watering hole on Batuu features a spirited soundtrack provided by DJ R-3X, pulsing lights, and more types of colorful and flavorful drinks than you could shake a gaffi stick at.
The cantina became an instant favorite when Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge opened at both Disneyland park in California and Disney's Hollywood Studios in Florida. Beyond sipping on a delicious Carbon Freeze or munching on some Batuu Bits, what makes Oga's Cantina a "must-do" experience is how Disney Cast Members bring the place to life for guests. Whether it's singing songs or other special interactions – with one another and their guests – they go above and beyond each day to help you feel like you're on your own Star Wars adventure.
"We really want our guests to feel like they are truly immersed in the world of Star Wars, and our cast members are critical to making that immersion happen," says Sean Marshall, project manager for operations training at Walt Disney World.
Take a look at this video for a peek inside Oga's Cantina and see how Disney cast members make each visit special.
Because Oga's Cantina is such a popular spot on Batuu, it's a good idea to make a reservation ahead of time. Click here for Disneyland park, and here for Disney's Hollywood Studios. After that, you can start thinking about whether a Blue Bantha or a Jabba Juice is more your speed – or maybe both!
Lunar New Year Welcomes Year of the Mouse, Starting Jan. 17 at Disney California Adventure Park
#FeelGoodFriday: What's Your Resolution?


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Berlin All Destinations
Explore Berlin
Berlin Tours
All Berlin Tours
Berlin Wall Tours & Tickets
Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor) Tours & Tickets
Charlottenburg Palace (Schloss Charlottenburg) Tours & Tickets
Kurfürstendamm (Ku'damm) Tours & Tickets
Pergamon Museum (Pergamonmuseum) Tours & Tickets
Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe (Holocaust Memorial) Tours & Tickets
Memorial and Museum Sachsenhausen Tours & Tickets
KaDeWe (Kaufhaus des Westens)
Dresden Day Trips from Berlin
Ways to Celebrate German Unity Day (Tag der Deutschen Einheit) in Berlin
How to Spend 1 Day in Berlin
World War II History Tours in Berlin
Potsdam Tours from Berlin
Street Art in Berlin
Light Festivals in Berlin
View operating hours
Mon-Thu 10am - 8pm; Fri 10am-9pm; Sat 9:30am-8pm; Closed Sunday.
Tauentzienstrasse 21-24, Berlin, 10789
Travelers have many options to explore KaDeWe, on their own or as part of half-day, full-day, group or private tours on foot or by hop on/hop off bus or limousine. Once inside, locals and tourists navigate seven floors, each one dedicated to a category: beauty accessories and luxury goods, men and women's apparel, shoes, interior design, books and electronics, and two floors dedicated to gastronomic bliss.
Suitable for lovers of shopping and gastronomy.
Tours may include guide, round trip hotel transport, but not food or drink. Check specific tours for details.
Stop for a bite at the Delicatessen (two top floors), which have reached near cult status, for gourmet food for purchase or to eat on-site; on the top-floor, have a meal with a view at the wintergarden restaurant.
Concierge-style services include a wedding and gift service, a hotel and home delivery service, tailor, and hair salon.
KaDeWe is tucked in the northwest corner of Berlin's west-side Schöneberg neighborhood, along the Tauentzienstraße, which is a major shopping street. Many public transport options are available: take the Underground lines 1, 2, or 3 or bus lines M19, M29, M46, N1, N2, N26, N3 to the Wittenbergplatz stop.
Berlin is a hotbed of creativity and artistic talent, and you only have to look at the variety and quality of the city's street art for your proof.
How to Spend 2 Days in Berlin
Here's what you need to know to make the most of 48 hours in the German capital.
5 Essential Jewish History Sights in Berlin
Berlin's once-thriving Jewish community was largely destroyed during WWII, but many important remnants remain. Here's what to see.
KaDeWe is open Monday - Thursday, 10:00am - 8:00pm; Friday, 10:00am - 9:00pm; and Saturday, 9:30am - 8:00pm. Closed Sunday. Go early to avoid the crowds. The best time to visit Berlin is the spring (though it's quite rainy, especially in May and June) and the summer month, especially for the legendary Love parade in July. Rates are lower in the fall and winter when temperatures drop.
A Storied HIstory When Adolf Jandorf opened the doors to Kaufhaus des Westens ("Department Store of the West") in 1907, Berlin was the cosmopolitan capital of the Prussian Empire. Under the Nazi regime, however, the Jewish owners were forced out, and in 1943, an American aeroplane crashed into the store, leaving in it near ruins. By the fall of the Berlin Wall, the expanded store was restored to its original owners, and now, it's the third most visited place in Berlin.
More Tours in Berlin
Things to do near Berlin
Things to do in Potsdam
Things to do in Rostock
Things to do in Poznan
Things to do in Wroclaw
Things to do in Copenhagen
Things to do in Gdansk
Things to do in Warsaw
Things to do in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
Things to do in Northern Germany
More attractions near Berlin
Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church (Kaiser-Wilhelm Gedächtniskirche)
Berlin Zoo and Aquarium
Kurfürstendamm (Ku'damm)
Photography Museum (Museum für Fotografie)
Bauhaus Archive Museum of Design (Bauhaus-Archiv Museum für Gestaltung)
Schwules Museum (Gay Museum)
Berlin Victory Column (Siegessäule)
Tiergarten Park
Wintergarten Berlin
German-Russian Museum Berlin-Karlshorst
MACHmit! Museum for Children (Kindermuseum MachtMit)
Art Library (Kunstbibliothek)
New National Gallery (Neue Nationalgalerie)
Gemälde Gallery (Gemaeldegalerie)
Recommended for Berlin


Michelle Hill is a kind, creative person that I hope to run into more often. I met her at ArtPool's Craft Fest this past summer. I thought it'd be fun to make some feather hair clips and attend the Festival as a vendor. Michelle bought one with a large vintage button, saying that she'd made a sale and that meant she could purchase something. She mostly sews and prints colorful pillows and accessories on Etsy using found and vintage objects that you can find here. But without further ado, here are her lovely words.
When did you fist pick up a sewing needle?
When I was little, my mom used to make a lot of my clothes. At age 7 and 8 I was interested in the fashion that I saw on television worn by a lot of my favorite musicians on this show called 'Solid Gold'. So I would try to get her to make me sequined tops and funny pants. Of course nothing came out looking glamorous. She made me tops trimmed with ruffles in eyelet and wide pants with elastic waists and big pockets. When I was in 4th grade I begged her to show me how to sew, but she said that she didn't have the patience. So I started to hand stitch little bags with big crooked stitches. I remember carrying one of those bags to school with pride. By middle school we had Home Ec. classes, so I learned how to sew on a machine and I started to make myself some pretty funny clothes. I loved Madonna back then and I was really into altering my clothing. I cut and ripped a lot and bleached and splattered. I also made these baggie dresses and skirts that I would tie up on the bottom.
Did you like to draw as a kid, or do these characters and doodles originate in the form they're currently in, stamped and sewn?
As I kid I loved to draw. My brother and I would watch this guy named Captain Bob early Saturday mornings. He would teach us how to draw animals. My brother always did well. I didn't think that I could draw as well. But I loved the idea of art and drawing and making things. I remember spending a lot of time by myself making things in my room. I also remember that when we would go on family vacations I would always be drawing to keep myself entertained. I remember drawing a lot of fashion illustrations. I would fill pages and pages of paper with pictures of dresses and funny shoes. I think for a period as I got older I stopped drawing as much. For a while I was all doom and gloom and sat around listening to music in my room and that's it. I started to realize that I should continue to draw and make. So while I was a teen, I started to take art classes and continued it into college. The printing didn't come about until much later. It started slowly with a class in monoprint and over time I studied silkscreen, then etching and woodblock and relief. Etching is by far my favorite form of printmaking. I enjoy the depths of light and lines but it is not something you can usually do at home because it requires chemicals and a press. About 4 years ago I started making bags and repurposing clothing with my prints and embellishments. At the same time I came across a book by Lotta Jansdotter which really inspired me to do what I'm doing now.
What do you enjoy about crafting your own things?
Everything I make is one of a kind. Each piece may have an element of another, but everything I make should be different. I like the idea of the individuality of each piece. Sometimes I will make something that will remind me of a person I met or a time or place. Sometimes I think of the person who might buy it and imagine what they will do with the piece or who it will go to. I really enjoy putting fabrics together with my own printed pieces. I love using found parts like vintage buttons or beads or parts of old clothes. They are good memories that I hope to pass on.
Do you often give the things you make away or as gifts?
I love to give away things that I make. I think that is why it took me so long to actually do what I do. I am kind of humble and the idea of taking money for my work sometimes still freaks me out. It really freaked me out when I first started doing [craft] shows. I made my husband do all of the business and I just made the art. Now I feel better about it and know that people wouldn't buy my stuff if they didn't like it. But I definitely love to give things away and make special items for friends and family. Usually when someone purchases an item on Etsy, I will throw in something extra. Who doesn't like surprises?
Many years ago, a friend started giving me mixtapes for my birthday. He labeled them 'Michelle Mixes'. I must have at least 8 or 9. In fact, I keep a basket full of the mixes that friends have given me over the years. Many of these mixes are full of old punk rock that you can't get on iTunes and I still keep a tape player in my studio to play them. The music brings back good memories of such good friends and times.
Is there a medium you'd like to work in but haven't yet?
I love films and would love to make a short film. Years ago a filmmaker friend gave me Super 8 film to do just that. I tried to make a film where I was collecting light and patterns caused by light. I defeated myself by thinking that I wouldn't be able to get the film developed, so I think it's half done in the camera. I also enjoy listening to environmental sounds and would like to do something with sound. I guess it may have nothing to do with what I do now, but wouldn't it be great if I could attempt to mix it all?
Of course you're much more than your fabric creations! Where else can you be seen working and doing?
When I'm not making things I'm wrangling up the future ne'er do wells of the world. Just kidding. I work with preschool age children trying to get them ready for kindergarten. It is a big challenge since many of my kids come from unstructured and unreliable homes. Many of my days are stressful because there's alot of arguing and nitpicking going on. But I know the kids can't help it, this is what they know. Everything usually turns out wonderful as the day progresses.
Where and who would you say you draw inspiration from?
I find inspiration from everything. On Etsy I have a huge list of favorites. I am amazed by all of the wonderful artists that are out there. When I come up with images for my own prints I tend to look at patterns in nature and architecture. I also love Zakka Style. And when all else fails, I will ask my son for help.
As corny as it sounds, the most important lesson I've learned is: don't give up. Keep working and keep building upon your ideas and visions. When I look at what I did just 4 years ago I do see the progress. I like that.
I enjoy when… people are genuinely interested in what I do.
Sundays are for… waking up early, coffee and enjoying the silence.


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International court wants Sudan's Omar al-Bashir to face justice
Africa / 19 June 2019, 6:52pm / AFP
The prosecutor of the ICC demanded that deposed Sudanese president Omar al-Bashir stand trial for the mass killings perpetrated in Darfur. Picture: AP Photo/Mahmoud Hjaj
United Nations, United States - The prosecutor of the International Criminal Court on Wednesday demanded that deposed Sudanese president Omar al-Bashir stand trial for the mass killings perpetrated in Darfur.
"Now is the time for the people of Sudan to choose law over impunity and ensure that the ICC suspects in the Darfur situation finally face justice in a court of law," prosecutor Fatou Bensouda told the UN security Council.
Bashir, who has been in jail in Sudan since a military coup ended his 30-year rule in April, was indicted by the ICC in 2009 in connection with fighting in the western region of Darfur.
More than 300 000 people have died there and 2.5 million others have been displaced since 2003, according to UN figures.
Bashir appeared in a court in Khartoum on Sunday to hear corruption charges leveled against him. He also faces possible murder charges for the deaths of demonstrators killed during the protests that led to his downfall.
The generals who now rule Sudan have so far ruled out transferring Bashir to the ICC, which accuses him of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.
The ICC prosecutor said that after the tumultuous events of recent months, Sudan "is now at a crossroads with the opportunity to depart from its previous policy of complete non-cooperation."
He urged the country to "embark on a new chapter by signaling a new commitment to accountability for the victims" in Darfur.
"I am ready to engage in dialogue with the authorities in Sudan to ensure that the Darfur suspects face independent and impartial justice, either in a courtroom in The Hague, or in Sudan," said Bensouda.
"Continued impunity is not an option," she said. "The victims of the Darfur situation deserve to finally have their day in court."
The ICC has issued five arrest warrants in connection with the Darfur case. As well as Bashir, two suspects, Abdel Raheem Hussein and Ahmad Harun, have reportedly been arrested in Sudan, Bensouda said.
Several members of the Security Council, most of them European states, have backed Bensouda's calls for Bashir to be brought before the international court and for the new authorities in Khartoum to cooperate with the ICC.