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Associated PressIn this photo provided by the North American Aerospace Defense Command, a 22 Wing member is seen showing how they track Santa on his sleigh on Christmas evening during a media preview on Dec. 9 the Canadian Forces Base in North Bay.
In this photo provided by the North American Aerospace Defense Command, 22 Wing members are seen showing how they track Santa on his sleigh on Christmas eve during a media preview at the Canadian Forces Base in North Bay on Dec. 9, 2021. In a Christmas Eve tradition going on its 66th year, a wildly popular program run by the U.S. and Canadian militaries is providing real-time updates on Santa's progress around the globe -- and fielding calls from children who want to know St. Nick's exact whereabouts. (Sable Brown/NORAD via AP)
Containers of hand sanitizer stand at the ready outside one of the conference rooms that have banks of telephones set up for volunteers to field calls in the NORAD Tracks Santa Operations Center on Peterson Air Force Base Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2021, in Colorado Springs, Colo. The tracking operation will be open for 20 hours on Christmas Eve day to help keep an eye on the whereabouts of Santa Claus. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
In this photo provided by the North American Aerospace Defense Command, a 22 Wing member is seen showing how they track Santa on his sleigh on Christmas evening during a media preview at the Canadian Forces Base in North Bay on Dec. 9, 2021. In a Christmas Eve tradition going on its 66th year, a wildly popular program run by the U.S. and Canadian militaries is providing real-time updates on Santa's progress around the globe -- and fielding calls from children who want to know St. Nick's exact whereabouts. (Sable Brown/NORAD via AP)
Preston Schlachter, public affair officer for NORAD, works on a laptop computer in one of the conference rooms that have banks of telephones set up for volunteers to field calls in the NORAD Tracks Santa Operations Center on Peterson Air Force Base Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2021, in Colorado Springs, Colo. The tracking operation will be open for 20 hours on Christmas Eve day to help keep an eye on the whereabouts of Santa Claus. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
An instructional sign hangs in one of the conference rooms that have banks of telephones set up for volunteers to field calls in the NORAD Tracks Santa Operations Center on Peterson Air Force Base Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2021, in Colorado Springs, Colo. The tracking operation will be open for 20 hours on Christmas Eve day to help keep an eye on the whereabouts of Santa Claus. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Preston Schlachter, public affairs officer for NORAD, is silhouetted against screens in one of the conference rooms that have banks of telephones set up for volunteers to field calls in the NORAD Tracks Santa Operations Center on Peterson Air Force Base Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2021, in Colorado Springs, Colo. The tracking operation will be open for 20 hours on Christmas Eve day to help keep an eye on the whereabouts of Santa Claus. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Preston Schlachter, public affairs officer with NORAD, is shown in one of the conference rooms that have banks of telephones set up for volunteers to field calls in the NORAD Tracks Santa Operations Center on Peterson Air Force Base Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2021, in Colorado Springs, Colo. The tracking operation will be open for 20 hours on Christmas Eve day to help keep an eye on the whereabouts of Santa Claus. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Preston Schlachter, public affairs officer for NORAD, is shown in one of the conference rooms that have banks of telephones set up for volunteers to field calls in the NORAD Tracks Santa Operations Center on Peterson Air Force Base Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2021, in Colorado Springs, Colo. The tracking operation will be open for 20 hours on Christmas Eve day to help keep an eye on the whereabouts of Santa Claus. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Yes, there is a Santa Claus. And no, COVID-19 won't stop him
By James Anderson Associated Press
PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. — Rest assured, kids of all ages: Santa's coming this Christmas Eve, and a second holiday with COVID-19 won't stop him.
That's the word from the joint U.S.-Canadian military operation that for 66 years has been tracking Jolly Old St. Nicholas on his global mission and has assured us all — first by land line and more recently by iPhone, Android, OnStar, Facebook, YouTube and more — that he's on his way with a sleigh stuffed with toys and a welcome dose of joy.
In what's become its own wildly popular tradition, the Colorado-based North American Aerospace Defense Command provides real-time updates on Santa's progress Dec. 24, from 4 a.m. to midnight MST. NORAD's Santa Tracker lets families watch Father Christmas in 3D as he transits the South Pacific, Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas.
From deep inside NORAD headquarters, dozens of volunteers field an unrelenting wave of phone calls to (877) HI-NORAD (877) 446-6723). They and other volunteers working off-site because of coronavirus distancing protocols will answer such questions as "When will he come to my house? What kind of cookies does he like?" said program manager and NORAD spokesman Preston Schlachter.
Want to watch? Visit noradsanta.org, check out #NORADTracksSanta and @NoradSanta on Twitter, or use the associated apps. You can also email noradtrackssanta@outlook.com for the latest.
President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden also participated in tradition, answering calls to the Santa tracking service. It is a longstanding tradition for first ladies, but the president joined this year as well.
Even before Friday's takeoff, the NORAD webpage had been visited more than 3 million times, Schlachter said.
"Every household, every country is having to deal with the impact of this pandemic. Santa Claus is an icon, and he is a source of joy for a lot of people," Schlachter said.
For those worried about Santa's safety — or their own — the bearded man likely will be wearing a mask at each stop, and of course he's wearing gloves, Schlachter noted. For the technically inclined, NORAD's website offers more data on the voyage (Weight of gifts at takeoff: 60,000 tons, or 54,600 metric tons; sleigh propulsion: nine RP, or reindeer power).
Like any good Christmas tale, the program's origin has been told for generations.
In 1955, Air Force Col. Harry Shoup — the on-duty commander one night at NORAD's predecessor, the Continental Air Defense Command — answered a call from a child who dialed a number that was misprinted in an ad in a newspaper, thinking she was calling Santa.
Shoup "answered the call, thought it was a prank at first, but then realized what had happened and assured the child that he was Santa, and thus started the tradition that we are celebrating now 66 years later," Schlachter said.
NORAD's mission is to watch the skies above North America for any potential threats. Come early Christmas Eve, the Santa operation begins when a cluster of radar stations in northern Canada and Alaska pick up an infrared signature emanating from Rudolph's nose. NORAD's array of geostationary satellites above the Earth monitor the journey.
It's all shown on large, "unclassified" display screens in a festively decorated command post at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado Springs. Masked volunteers sit at tables equipped with telephones, garland, miniature Christmas trees, plenty of caffeine-laden candy and coffee — and hand sanitizer.
"We Have the Watch," is NORAD's military-mission motto.
And when it comes to Santa, NORAD adds:
"Santa calls the shots. We just track him."
North American Aerospace Defense Command
Harry Shoup
Preston Schlachter
Jill Biden


201-298-1703 / 2012981703 - Who call from Jersey City, NJ, United States?
Post by bb. 2 years ago !
Called, left no voicemail or other information. A few minutes later, rec'd call from (201) 298-1696 (also no voicemail or other information).
Post by Cammy 2 years ago !
Post by PTP 2 years ago !
I recived a call from this number today 26/09/2007. Just got two rings and a missed call. When I called the same number, went to the voice message asking you to leave a message on the # 1112311 of ... Etc (some nomiber big, usaully I hear this PO size). I don't even remember.
Post by Sager 3 years ago !
This number is called the times 2 today when they barely in what they say to new positions in information technology. But I only asked for a description of the relevant e-mail with opening positions-but nothing ever arrived!
Post by Mermaid 3 years ago !
Got called from this number; no voicemail left. Likely a phishing exercise. Beware of disclosing your name when you called back.
Post by house cleaning 3 years ago !
Had Got a call or message from 201-298-1703?
Report us as much as you can without sharing any personal information. How many calls or texts did you get from 2012981703 and what did they say? Please don't use any insulting vocabulary. Otherwise we will remove your report.
Received a text from this number saying to call 888-684-4703 to claim a $100 gas voucher.
Left vulgare message. Don't answer or listen to the voice mail.
Called, didn't leave a message.


text:
Mike Hixenbaugh
720 stories by Mike Hixenbaugh
Shipping firm sues over 2012 Navy collision
A Panamanian shipping company is suing the U.S. government, demanding it pay for more than $1.7 million in repairs needed after a Navy destroyer collided with one of its oil tankers two years ago in the Middle East.
By Mike Hixenbaugh
A return to Iraq for Va. Beach-based fighter pilots
President Barack Obama's order to begin airstrikes against militants in northern Iraq meant returning to an old mission for seasoned fighter pilots aboard the Norfolk-based aircraft carrier George H.W. Bush.
Man's suicide note leads his mother on a mission
PORTSMOUTH Jamel Glover had a handwritten letter in his back pocket the day police found his body dangling from a telephone pole. The note was folded and stuffed in an envelope, tucked in between a lottery ticket and a tattered bus schedule.
Training gives helicopter crews a shot at survival
A Navy helicopter crew had only seconds to escape seven months ago when its aircraft caught fire and plunged into the frigid water off Virginia Beach. Like all Navy aviators, the sailors inside the MH-53E Sea Dragon had prepared for that horrific moment, even if they had hoped it would never come.
Navy to allow sailors to wear baseball caps more
NORFOLK Sailors stationed in Norfolk and across the country rejoiced this month when the Navy announced plans to rework a few paragraphs in its nearly 400-page uniform policy.
Storm cut path of random ruin; officials tour camp
Charles Hearn was camping at one of his favorite spots on the Eastern Shore – a place the Maryland resident has called home every summer for years – when his 12-year-old cat, Thi, got sick early Thursday morning. Hearn and his two daughters rushed the cat to a veterinarian about 30 minutes away from the Cherrystone Family Camping and RV Resort.
By Mike Connors and Mike Hixenbaugh
Dam Neck base upgrades likely will bring A.M. traffic
VIRGINIA BEACH A construction project intended to improve security at the base that's home to the Navy's most elite commandos will likely lead to lengthy delays for morning commuters.
Norfolk car dealership off limits to military personnel
NORFOLK Service members of all military branches are now prohibited from visiting Victory Lane Motors, the Norfolk used-car lot at the center of a Department of Motor Vehicles investigation.
D-Day vet's Legion of Honor joke "did not go over well"
To the people of France: He was joking. Eddie Shames does that. Ask the 92-year-old World War II vet about his brutal war story, and he'll have you belly-laughing. Thank him for his service, and he'll tell you to knock it off: "You think I'm a hero? You'll believe anything!"
Norfolk D-Day vet awarded French Legion of Honor
NORFOLK Politicians and foreign military leaders mingle inside a small room at Norfolk's NATO headquarters in anticipation of a special ceremony. They become silent when the 92-year-old guest of honor walks in. "What?" Eddie Shames says, breaking the brief silence. "Do I owe you people some money?"
Need a lift? Bidding for surplus crane starts at $25
NEWPORT NEWS The defense contractor's news release opens with an enticing question: "Need to do some heavy lifting this summer and have $25?" Uh, yeah. Go on...
One man killed in N.C. mobile home fire
CAMDEN COUNTY A 46-year-old man was killed this morning when his double-wide trailer caught fire. The fire on the 200 block of Highway 343 was reported about 4 a.m. and had totally engulfed the mobile home by the time firefighters arrived minutes later. Two trucks from the Elizabeth City Fire Department assisted the Camden County Volunteer Fire Department.
Photos | Schooner Virginia returns to Hampton Roads
NORFOLK An anxious mother squints through midday sun as she gazes out over the Elizabeth River. Where are they? she wonders aloud. After a few minutes, the white sails of a tall ship finally come into view. "There he is," Stephanie Morrison says, then turns to the mom next to her. "I want to hear everything, but you know he's not very big on communication."
Defense - Shipyards
Need a special tool to fix your aircraft carrier? Print it.
VIRGINIA BEACH Two years ago during the aircraft carrier Enterprise's final deployment, one of the ship's eight nuclear reactors had to be shut down after a cooling turbine malfunctioned.
President taps region's top admiral for new role
NORFOLK President Barack Obama on Tuesday tapped the region's top-ranking naval officer to take over as head of the joint commands responsible for defending the continent from attack.
Helicopter squadron leader relieved mid-deployment
The top enlisted sailor assigned to a helicopter squadron deployed aboard the aircraft carrier George H.W. Bush has been removed from leadership and sent home.
Former SEALs take aim at each other in court
CHESAPEAKE How do a couple of former Navy SEALs settle a dispute over guns and money? The same way most people do: They hire lawyers and sue. Former sniper Bill White fired first last month when he filed a lawsuit against his former employer, retired SEAL Don Shipley. Shipley, who runs a training camp in Chesapeake for aspiring commandos, responded last week with a suit of his own.
The old man stepped onto Utah Beach, then paused to take in the scene. Gentle waves lapped onto the shore. A 9-year-old French boy pushed sand into a pile, forming a castle adorned with British and American flags. The midday sun was obscured by patchy clouds, much as it was seven decades earlier.
Cary Jarvis had made it through the bloody surf and across Omaha Beach. He'd scaled a seawall and dived headlong into a field packed with mines. Now he and other men wiggled forward on their stomachs, hands stretched out, searching for buried detonators.
The men were exhausted. A few leaned over the edge of the boat, straining to see the beach as it finally came into focus; others were on their knees, slumped over in vomit and saltwater.
Aside from the relentless drone of twin engines, the airplane cabin was hushed. A few soldiers had dropped to their knees. Others said their final prayers sitting up.
An Army jeep rumbled through the British countryside on a clear spring day in 1944. The four occupants were silent for much of the three-hour drive – each contemplating what lay ahead.
Four decks down inside a retrofitted British superliner, a young man from Norfolk lay face up on a table that had been assigned as his bed, wishing the relentless rocking of the sea would finally put him to sleep.
The lucky few
A 91-year-old man lifts off in a commercial airliner bound for France and for a moment can imagine himself in the cabin of a Douglas C-47, preparing to leap into moonlit darkness.
More than 170 babies meet carrier Truman dads
NORFOLK The wails of small babies nearly drowned out the patriotic rock song as the aircraft carrier Harry S. Truman pulled up along a pier Friday morning at Norfolk Naval Station.
Russian fighter jet taunts U.S. warship in Black Sea
A Russian attack plane made several close-range, low-altitude passes Saturday near a Navy warship in the western Black Sea, a military official said, calling the incident in international waters "provocative action." The guided missile destroyer Donald Cook issued several radio queries and warnings using international emergency circuits, but the Russian aircraft did not respond.
Out of fuel, out of time and one chance to land
The aircraft carrier Dwight D. Eisenhower was finally in sight. The pilot of the F/A-18 Super Hornet hurriedly flipped switches and pushed levers. The aviator in the backseat leaned forward, straining to see the flight deck floating in the distance. The jet's right engine had locked up, its landing gear had jammed, and the main fuel tank was almost empty.
Silent threat: Are sea mines the Navy's Achilles' heel?
A generation ago, the Navy promised to get better at finding and destroying sea mines. The proclamation came months after the first Gulf War, when Iraq's use of more than 1,000 underwater bombs overwhelmed the Navy's fleet of anti-mine ships and helicopters.
Family felt Navy base shooter had changed his life
NORFOLK The man who drove a semi-truck onto Norfolk Naval Station before killing a sailor left a halfway house two years ago, promising family he was going to make some changes.
By Mike Hixenbaugh and Robert McCabe
Navy base killer given security access despite crimes
NORFOLK A 35-year-old truck driver with a troubled past walked onto a U.S. warship Monday night, grabbed a guard's gun and used it to kill a sailor who tried to intervene. Jeffrey Tyrone Savage had taken a life once before.
Vets could transition from battlefield to farm field
VIRGINIA BEACH Dozens of people volunteer each week at New Earth Farm in Pungo. But farmer John Wilson noticed something special when Coleman Ruiz showed up. "That guy could work," Wilson said. "He's the kind of guy who, when he's confronted with a problem, he figures out a solution. That guy is relentless."
Security a concern after Norfolk Naval Station shooting
NORFOLK The assailant rolled his 18-wheeler onto Norfolk Naval Station Monday night, waved through Gate 5 after showing his credentials. He parked near the piers and, using the same card, walked through a second manned checkpoint. He was not armed and again, was not stopped.
By Dianna Cahn and Mike Hixenbaugh
Aircraft carrier Truman nearing end of deployment
GULF OF OMAN The end appears near for sailors aboard the aircraft carrier Harry S. Truman. The ship, which departed Norfolk in July, launched the last of its planned sorties in support of the war in Afghanistan on Wednesday, the Navy said in a news release. The announcement indicates the carrier and its strike group will soon begin its return voyage.
Man charged in death of Norfolk woman
NORFOLK A 42-year-old Norfolk man has been charged in the death of a woman whose body was found earlier this week. Cortez P. Scott was arrested Tuesday and charged with second-degree murder in the death of 43-year-old Rosa A. Powell, according to police. Powell, a Trice Terrace resident, went missing March 5. Police found her body Saturday in the 1400 block of Roberts Road.
Virginia is top beneficiary of national political parties
RICHMOND National Republican and Democratic leaders spent more than $3.8 million in Virginia in the two years following the 2012 presidential election, far more than any other state, according to an Associated Press analysis of federal campaign finance reports. The AP report comes ahead of congressional midterm elections.
Norfolk-based Hawkeye squadron gets new boss
GULF OF OMAN As it nears the end of its deployment in the Persian Gulf, a Norfolk-based E-2C Hawkeye squadron got a new commanding officer Tuesday. Cmdr. Przemyslaw Kaczynski replaced Cmdr. John Hewitt as the head of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 126 during a ceremony aboard the aircraft carrier Harry S. Truman.
Va. Beach death ruled natural causes
VIRGINIA BEACH Police say the person found dead in the 3900 block of Old Forge Road died of natural causes. A Virginia Beach police spokesman said he erred when he put out a media alert on the incident.
Man accused of setting Newport News house fire
NEWPORT NEWS Police arrested a 27-year-old man accused of intentionally setting his home on fire early this morning. The suspected arson forced four other occupants to flee the house and injured two of them. Lawrence Joseph Barnes is charge with arson, said Holly McPherson, a police spokeswoman. Additional charges might be coming, she said.
With eyes on Ukraine, carrier Bush staying put in Med
The aircraft carrier George H.W. Bush will remain in the Mediterranean Sea longer than planned as part of an effort to reassure U.S. allies worried about the crisis in Ukraine. The Norfolk-based carrier and its strike group will delay its trip to the Persian Gulf for "few more days" said Col. Steve Warren, a Pentagon spokesman.
Navy will study Sea Dragon engine problems
NORFOLK The Navy has asked Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. to study ways to reduce the risk of engine fires in its MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopters.
Destroyer Truxtun heads to Black Sea for training
Three weeks after leaving Norfolk, the guided missile destroyer Truxtun is heading to the Black Sea for what the Navy is calling a routine training mission, unrelated to the turmoil in Ukraine.
State report: Virginia should embrace BRAC
A state commission formed a year ago by then-Gov. Bob McDonnell quietly made a surprising recommendation in the fall: Virginia leaders should embrace and even lobby Congress to move forward with a new round of military base closures, a process known commonly as BRAC.
Naval report cites missteps in fatal SEAL accident
Three Humvees loaded with Navy SEALs from Virginia Beach motored along a remote gravel road on a spring night in Kentucky almost a year ago. They were driving under stealthy "blacked out" conditions: Headlights off, night vision goggles on.
Top enlisted sailor at Little Creek relieved of duty
VIRGINIA BEACH The top enlisted sailor at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story has been relieved of duty as command master chief following an investigation into allegations of "inappropriate behavior," the Navy announced Monday.
Sea Dragon helicopter: Troubled past, unclear future
NORFOLK The Navy started making plans in the late 1990s to retire the most powerful and crash-prone helicopters in its fleet.
Destroyer Donald Cook departs Norfolk for last time
NORFOLK Petty Officer 1st Class Aaron Tadlock has been working on his Spanish. "¿Dónde está el baño?" the 32-year-old sailor said, speaking with a distinctly Texas-sounding accent. " 'Where is the bathroom?' I know some other words, too."
Boys' quest to shovel in Portsmouth comes up empty
PORTSMOUTH Where other children saw a chance to make snow angels, 12-year-old Eugene Warren and 11-year-old Damarion West saw a chance to make some cash. The boys inhaled their breakfasts, pulled on extra pairs of pants and mismatched gloves, snagged a couple of rusted garden shovels from a parent's shed and headed into the snow-covered Port Norfolk neighborhood Wednesday.
Injured F/A-18 pilot upgraded to stable condition
The Navy fighter pilot who ejected from his F/A-18 Super Hornet off the coast of Virginia Beach two weeks ago has been transferred to Portsmouth Naval Medical Center and upgraded to stable condition. The aviator had been listed in critical condition since the Jan. 15 crash. The single-seat Super Hornet from Strike Fighter Squadron 143 went down about 45 miles off the coast.
Investigation: No one at fault in SEAL jump death
A dozen men leap from an airplane 12,000 feet above sprawling Arizona desert and move into close formation. Six of them attempt to link arms in a circle; the other six form an outer ring by grabbing the inner jumpers' legs – a tightly choreographed maneuver in the sky.
Carrier deployments will be less often but longer
Thousands of sailors in Hampton Roads will deploy less frequently but for longer periods under a new policy the Navy is launching later this year.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Study Evaluates Association Between Urinary Salt Excretion and Risk of Cardiovascular Events or Death
For persons with cardiovascular disease or diabetes, urinary sodium excretion (a surrogate for salt intake) at higher levels or at lower levels compared to mid-range values was associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events (for higher levels) or cardiovascular death and hospitalization for congestive heart failure (for lower levels), according to a study in the November 23/30 issue of JAMA.1 Also, higher estimated urinary potassium excretion was associated with a reduced risk of stroke.
There is uncertainty regarding the optimal daily intake of sodium. Findings from prospective cohort studies, evaluating the association between sodium intake and cardiovascular (CV) events, have been conflicting. "Clarifying the optimal daily intake of sodium is particularly important in patients with established CV disease, where it has been inadequately studied. Patients with CV disease may be especially vulnerable to the CV effects of high and low sodium intake and are most likely to receive recommendations on restricting sodium intake," according to background information in the article. The authors add that the optimal level of daily potassium intake, a proposed modifier of the association between sodium intake and CV disease, has not been established.
Martin J. O'Donnell, M.B., Ph.D., and Salim Yusuf, D.Phil., F.R.C.P.C., F.R.S.C., of McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, and colleagues examined the association between sodium and potassium excretion (markers of intake) and CV events and mortality. The study consisted of an observational analyses of 2 cohorts (n = 28,880) included in the ONTARGET and TRANSCEND trials (November 2001-March 2008 from initial recruitment to final follow-up). The researchers estimated 24-hour urinary sodium and potassium excretion from a morning fasting urine sample. Multivariable models were used to determine the association of urinary sodium and potassium with CV events (myocardial infarction [MI; heart attack], stroke, and hospitalization for congestive heart failure (CHF) and mortality.
At study entry, the average estimated 24-hour excretion for sodium was 4.77 g and 2.19 g for potassium. After a median (midpoint) follow-up of 56 months, the composite outcome occurred in 4,729 (16.4 percent) participants. The researchers found that after multivariable analysis, compared with baseline sodium excretion of 4 to 5.99 g per day (n = 14,156 [15.2 percent with the composite outcome]), higher baseline sodium excretion (18.4 percent for 7-8 g/d and 24.1 percent for greater than 8 g/d) and lower sodium excretion (18.2 percent for 2-2.99 g/d and 20.2 percent for less than 2g/d) were associated with an increased risk of the composite of CV death, heart attack, stroke, and hospitalization for CHF.
Compared with the reference group, higher baseline sodium excretion was associated with an increased risk of CV death (9.7 percent for 7-8 g/day; and 11.2 percent for greater than 8 g/day), MI (6.8 percent for greater than 8 g/day), stroke (6.6 percent for greater than 8 g/day), and hospitalization for CHF (6.5 percent for greater than 8 g/day). Lower sodium excretion was associated with an increased risk of CV death (8.6 percent for 2-2.99 g/day; 10.6 percent for less than 2 g/day), and hospitalization for CHF (5.2 percent for 2-2.99 g/day) on multivariable analysis. Compared with an estimated potassium excretion of less than 1.5 g per day, higher potassium excretion was associated with a reduced risk of stroke on multivariable analysis.
The researchers note that previous individual prospective cohort studies have either reported a positive association, no association, or an inverse relationship between sodium intake and CV mortality. "Discrepant findings of previous studies are likely due to differences in ranges of sodium intake, study populations, methods of measurement, and failure to explore a nonlinear association."
"Compared with moderate sodium excretion, we found an association between high sodium excretion and CV events and low sodium excretion and CV death and hospitalization for CHF, which emphasizes the urgent need to establish a safe range for sodium intake in randomized controlled trials. Higher urinary potassium excretion was associated with lower stroke risk and is a potential intervention that merits further evaluation for stroke prevention."
In an accompanying editorial2, Paul K. Whelton, M.B., M.D., M.Sc., of the Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, comments on the importance of reducing salt intake.
"Most U.S. adults consume levels of sodium far in excess of physiologic need, and the vast majority of that excess is added during the processing of foods. A progressive reduction in the addition of sodium to food products could represent one of the 'lifestyle' changes with the greatest potential for intervention success. This shift to a more natural diet would concurrently lead to an absolute increase in dietary potassium content and also lead to an improved sodium-potassium ratio, which may be more desirable than change of either electrolyte on its own. The scientific underpinning for the health benefits from sodium reduction is strong, and the available evidence does not support deviating from the stated goal of reducing the exposure to dietary sodium in the general population."
1. (JAMA. 2011;306[20]:2229-2238.


Satellite LCS-1 inhabitants include the ghost of Billie Holiday, invisible coffee-drinking comic-book readers, and a polystyrene creature named Andy Williams. Advertising for Granite Memorial Pizza, Figaro's Mind-Diffusing Plates, and Mr. Zitznix. KFAI archives shows two weeks following air date.


Support Multiple Sclerosis on eBay.
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Should you not wish to sell yourselves then please talk to Jackie in the Samson Centre office who will put you in touch with somebody who can help.


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Feminist Elizabethan
For the Iron Lady – a blog that discusses and analyzes pop culture and social issues
Feminist Memes
Everyday Sexism
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Noelle Connell February 19, 2015 Bechdel, Russo, and Race Test, Film, International
The Bechdel, Russo, and Race Test: Kingsman: The Secret Service
Kingsman: The Secret Service is about a young, troubled man who gets recruited into a competition. When the young man arrives at an unknown location, he learns that the competition is an opportunity to earn a spot in a secret spy agency. The young man is clearly different from the rest of the candidates, and if he wants to join the agency then he will have to pass a series of trials and prevail over all other competitors.
Kingsman: The Secret Service does have a somewhat messy beginning as it does not have much gravitas nor does offer anything else to draw in the viewer, but as the film progresses, Kingsman: The Secret Service does get better, and the conclusion is way more satisfying than the beginning. It should also be noted that the film was disappointing in that the only non-White people in the film were bad guys and that all of the women were submissive and dependent as they never did anything on their own unless a man told them to do it. However, the film does deserve some recognition and kudos as it not only featured someone with prosthetics, but it featured someone with prosthetics who kicked ass (this has never happened in film before).
The Bechdel, Russo, and Race Test
Kingsman: The Secret Service passed the Bechdel and race test, but it did not pass the Russo test.
There was one instance where named women talked to each other without mentioning men (i.e., when Roxy told Michelle to hide her daughter) so Kingsman: The Secret Service passed the Bechdel test. The film also passed the race test as there were numerous occasions when non-White characters talked to each other without mentioning White people. The film did not, however, pass the Russo test as there were no LGBTI characters.
*The Bechdel test entails three requirements:
1. It has to have at least two (named) women in it
2. Who talk to each other
3. About something besides a man
**The Vito Russo test entails three requirements:
1. The film contains a character that is identifiably lesbian, gay, bisexual, intersex and/or transgender
2. The character must not be solely or predominately defined by her sexual orientation, gender identity and/or as being intersex
3.The character must be tied into the plot in such a way that her removal would have a significant effect
***The race or people of color (POC) test has three requirements:
1. It has two people of color in it
3. About something other than a White person
****Just because a film passes the Bechdel, Russo and race test does not mean that it is not sexist, heterosexist, racist and/or cissexist, etc. The Bechdel, Russo and race test is only a bare minimum qualifier for the representation of LGBTI individuals, women and people of color in film. The failure to pass these tests also does not identify whether the central character was a woman, a person of color or a LGBTQI individual and it does not dictate the quality of the film.
Posted in Bechdel, Russo, and Race Test, Film, International and tagged Bechdel, Colin Firth, film, Jack Davenport, Jane Goldman, Mark Strong, Michael Caine, Race Test, Samuel L. Jackson, Sofia Boutella, Taron Egerton, Vito Russo. Bookmark the permalink.
Women in History: Mochizuki Chiyome (15??-????)
K-Pop Has a Cultural Appropriation Problem
The Bechdel, Russo, and Race Test: Descendants of the Sun - Season 1, Episode 2
The Bechdel, Russo, and Race Test: The Handmaiden
The Bechdel, Russo, and Race Test: Cinderella and Four Knights - Season 1, Episode 15
The Bechdel, Russo, and Race Test: The Age of Adaline
The Bechdel, Russo, and Race Test: Whiplash
The Bechdel, Russo, and Race Test: Wonder Woman
The Bechdel, Russo, and Race Test: Scream Queens, "Thanksgiving" - Season 1, Episode 10
The Bechdel, Russo, and Race Test: She Was Pretty - Season 1, Episode 16
The Bechdel, Russo, and Race Test: Tusk
The Bechdel, Russo, and Race Test: Around the Block


THE sooner Bernard Tomic is off my TV, the better.
Not just because he is a whiny, immature, brat who has slandered his own name through his antics on the tennis court for at least the past five years.
But because Tomic, at 25-years-old, needs a break from the spotlight.
The Tomic that appeared on I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here then quit after three days is not someone who should be anywhere near the public eye.
Through the alleged tanking, the non-effort, his daily count to x-millions (depending on the size of his stack of cash), Tomic very quickly became the man the sporting public despised.
A man blessed with enormous talent who, at a time when similarly gifted star Nicholas Kyrgios challenged the German-born Australian star for the role as public enemy No.1, could have risen to the top and led the post-Roger Federer era.
Instead we're left with a man who seemingly hates the sport at which he could excel, and is more than happy to drag Australian tennis through the mud.
His lack of respect and faith in Australia's Davis Cup players, and the complete and utter dismissal of 2002 Wimbledon champion Lleyton Hewitt's comments, is embarrassing to Australian sport.
At least Kyrgios, who drifted well down Australia's favourite sportsman list due to his outspokenness and conduct on and off the court, has seemingly matured, to the point tennis fans are happy to admit their support for the firebrand.
The challenge, at least for Tennis Australia, is how they deal with Tomic's comments in a manner that does not further damage the sport.
It was uneasy to see the Tomic who struggled through his three days in the African jungle, but any short-lived sympathy I might've had is gone.
I am tired of Bernard Tomic, and I can't wait to see the back of him.


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Climate scientist Henry Pollack talks optimism and opportunity in stirring Distinguished Speaker address
Posted on April 9, 2018 by Andrew Bruso
The SUNY New Paltz Distinguished Speaker Series brought internationally-renowned climate and geophysical scientist Henry Pollack to campus on Thursday, April 5, to deliver an address on "Confronting Climate Change" before an audience of hundreds of students, faculty, staff and community members.
The talk opened with a presentation of persuasive evidence of the causes and long-term dangers posed by global warming, before Pollack moved on to a more focused discussion of the challenges we face in attempting to reverse these trends.
"When we first started burning carbon-based energy at the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, no one was saying, 'forget the climate, we need the energy' – the energy improved our standard of living, helped our development in many ways," he said. "We only later realized that it was having a side effect on the climate, and the consequences of this warming are widespread."
Pollack, who was a contributing author to the Nobel Peace Prize-winning Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 2007 Assessment Report, moved on to share his deep understanding of efforts by governments and international organizations to confront climate change.
He talked about the 2015 Paris Climate Accord, which he portrayed as a positive step that was nevertheless limited in its effectiveness.
"All the nations made a commitment to reduce their environmental footprints, in the hopes of leading to a more benign future," Pollack said. "But when you add up all the pledges of all the 196 countries that signed the Paris Climate accord, it is not enough to achieve a less than two degree temperature rise."
After flagging government inaction as a cause for concern, Pollack pivoted to a more optimistic focus on non-governmental actors and market forces, which he portrayed as picking up the slack in the struggle to reduce carbon output.
He noted recent gains in shares of energy production by renewable sources, development of technologies that make these more efficient, coordinated efforts to divest from businesses that substantially profit from carbon-based energy and the corresponding decline of resources like coal.
"We're in what I call a period of energy transition, where we're changing our energy sources from one broad category to another, and finding better ways of producing energy every day," Pollack said.
"The opportunities in front of the world, and in front of America, are immense – it's the opportunity to totally remake the modern industrial economy."
About the Distinguished Speaker Series
Launched in 2008, the Distinguished Speaker Series hosts speakers twice annually in order to connect SUNY New Paltz alumni, students, faculty, staff and community members with highly accomplished alumni, authors, policy makers, leaders, scientists, media experts, business people and other luminaries.
The Distinguished Speaker Series is made possible by the SUNY New Paltz Foundation, Inc., with support from the following sponsors: Buttermilk Falls Inn and Spa, Campus Auxiliary Services, Capital Group, Dorsky Family and Dorsky Foundation, M&T Bank, Sodexo, and Viking Industries, Inc.
Community Engagement / Development/Foundation / Events / Featured News / Institutional / Sustainability
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Production duo Fanshore & Tropic first met in a clothes shop.
Londoners Tyler Darrington (Fanshore) and Tristan Gibbs (Tropic) worked alongside each other day in, day out and started to swap ideas about music.
Moving between jazz, soul, and hip-hop, the pair began to make beats after work, just throwing ideas around at first before it became a little more serious.
Adding a track to the Treehouse 707 'Quiet' compilation a year ago, the pair went public on their intentions.
Deciding to re-tool the track for a full official release, 'Reaper' has added muscle, the caramel beat carrying a Dilla weight.
There's a real sense of light to the track, but Fanshore & Tropic also add a certain weight, a kind of swagger - coupled with some Japanese elements, too.
They explain: "Sonically, I wanted to achieve a sound that was youthful, significant to London but also holding a sense of oriental escapism to the track."
Jamz Supernova gave 'Reaper' a spin a few hours ago, and you can check it out below.


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Delivery Customer Gets More Than a Car
Mike Basile proposes to girlfriend of 8 years Stacy Sulima.
Mike Basile and girlfriend of eight years Stacy Sulima had been planning a visit to the National Corvette Museum for a few weeks, primarily to take delivery of Mike's new 2016 Z06 through the R8C Museum Delivery Program. But what Stacy didn't know was that Mike was also planning to 'pop the question' during the visit.
"When I figured out when the delivery date was going to be then I made the decision that it would be the time," Mike said.
Stacy explained that they had been living together for a few years and an engagement was inevitable. "We knew it would eventually happen. It was just a matter of when is the right time."
Poised on the Museum's Corvette Boulevard, delivery host Jonathon Tabor tells Mike that his penalty time is up. After which, Mike drops to one knee and proposes to Stacy.
The running joke between Mike and Stacy was that they were in 'penalty time.' "We had been dating for seven years and Stacy was like, 'now I'm eligible' but I told her no, it's like soccer. You don't know when penalty time is going to end."
Stacy laughed. "Apparently penalty time is one year and three days!"
After teasing Mike about waiting so long to finally propose he joked that "you gotta weed out the bad ones!"
Mike and Stacy live just outside of Philadelphia and are members of the Skyline Drive Corvette Club. Mike also owns a 2003 Corvette with 289,000 miles on it, and Stacy has a 1969 Corvette that she says needs a little work.
We, of course, had to take the opportunity to let Mike and Stacy know that our Conference Center is perfect for wedding receptions, and we've had a few weddings in the Skydome. Just sayin', guys!
Congratulations to this fun couple! We'll be watching the mailbox for the wedding announcement!
Check out our video of their special day…


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Daniel Powter
Best of Me
Daniel Powter - EMO Love
I was made the wrong way
Won't you do me the right way?
Where you gonna be tonight?
'Cause I won't stay too long
Maybe you're the light for me
When you talk to me, it strikes me
Won't somebody help me
'Cause I don't feel too strong?
Was it something that I said?
Was it something that I did?
Or the combination of both that did me in?
You know I'm hoping you'll sing along
Though it's not your favourite song
Don't wanna be the wind
There's nothing left to say
You know that some of us spin again
And when you do, you need a friend
There's nothing left for me
And I hate the thought of finally being erased
But baby, that's the best of me
Everything's behind you
But the hopeless signs beside you
I'm living in the moment
Have I wasted all your time?
But baby, that's the best of me, yeah
Baby, that's the best of me
Writer(s): Kara Dioguardi, Daniel Powter
Lyrics powered by www.musixmatch.com
Other Album Tracks
Gotta Be Somebody
Shattered (Turn the Car Around)
Save You
These Hard Times
Fall for You
Brighter Than Sunshine
All Album Tracks: EMO Love >
Altri album
Happy Xmas (War Is Over) - Single
Stupid Like This
Do You Wanna Get Lucky (Holiday Version)
Do You Wanna Get Lucky
Perfect for Me
All Albums of Daniel Powter >


If You Build it, They Will Come…But How Will They Get To Red Hook?
https://digsrealtynyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/logo3-300x93.png 0 0 Dan Gotlieb https://digsrealtynyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/logo3-300x93.png Dan Gotlieb2015-01-30 14:28:322016-09-02 14:39:15If You Build it, They Will Come...But How Will They Get To Red Hook?
Move the Javits Center from West Midtown to Long Island City/Sunnyside Queens!
https://digsrealtynyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/logo3-300x93.png 0 0 Dan Gotlieb https://digsrealtynyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/logo3-300x93.png Dan Gotlieb2014-12-05 14:11:252016-09-02 14:37:45Move the Javits Center from West Midtown to Long Island City/Sunnyside Queens!
Stay Away from NYC Ground Lease Co-ops!
https://digsrealtynyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/logo3-300x93.png 0 0 Dan Gotlieb https://digsrealtynyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/logo3-300x93.png Dan Gotlieb2014-11-07 14:09:272016-10-20 00:57:52Stay Away from NYC Ground Lease Co-ops!
Move Madison Square Garden to Hudson Yards!
https://digsrealtynyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/logo3-300x93.png 0 0 Dan Gotlieb https://digsrealtynyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/logo3-300x93.png Dan Gotlieb2014-10-24 14:10:332016-09-02 14:34:05Move Madison Square Garden to Hudson Yards!
Replacing a Poorly-Conceived Upper West Side Public Space with Retail?
https://digsrealtynyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/logo3-300x93.png 0 0 Dan Gotlieb https://digsrealtynyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/logo3-300x93.png Dan Gotlieb2014-10-21 17:29:162016-09-02 14:54:49Replacing a Poorly-Conceived Upper West Side Public Space with Retail?


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TechNewsWorld > Security > Privacy |
Wikimedia Blasts Europe's 'Right to Be Forgotten'
By Katherine Noyes
Aug 6, 2014 4:21 PM PT
The Wikimedia Foundation on Wednesday released its first-ever transparency report -- and along with it a protest against Europe's "right to be forgotten" law. Wikimedia is the nonprofit owner of Wikipedia and other sites.
"Last week, the Wikimedia Foundation began receiving notices that certain links to Wikipedia content would no longer appear in search results served to people in Europe," wrote Wikimedia General Counsel Geoff Brigham and Legal Counsel Michelle Paulson.
"Denying people access to relevant and neutral information runs counter to the ethos and values of the Wikimedia movement," they added. "The Wikimedia Foundation has made a statement opposing the scope of the judgment and its implications for free knowledge."
'An Open and Neutral Space'
Wikimedia granted none of the 304 general content removal requests it received over the past two years, Brigham and Paulson noted in the organization's transparency report.
"The Wikimedia Foundation is deeply committed to supporting an open and neutral space, where the users themselves decide what belongs on the Wikimedia projects," they said.
Meanwhile, the foundation granted just 14.3 percent of requests for user data.
"As part of our commitment to user privacy, Wikimedia collects little nonpublic user information, and retains that information for a short amount of time," they explained.
'Accurate Results Are Vanishing'
At the same time, however, the Wikimedia Foundation has received multiple notices of intent to remove Wikipedia content from European search results.
"To date, the notices would affect more than 50 links directing readers to Wikipedia sites," Brigham and Paulson noted.
With the European Court of Justice's decision in Google Spain v. AEPD and Mario Costeja Gonz�lez, "the European court abandoned its responsibility to protect one of the most important and universal rights: the right to seek, receive, and impart information," they charged.
"As a consequence, accurate search results are vanishing in Europe with no public explanation, no real proof, no judicial review, and no appeals process," Brigham and Paulson said. "The result is an Internet riddled with memory holes -- places where inconvenient information simply disappears."
The Wikimedia Foundation did not respond to our request for further details.
'It Took Some Effort'
"I think they're overstating the case," John Simpson, director of Consumer Watchdog's Privacy Project, told TechNewsWorld. "I don't think they understand the privacy issues involved."
Consumer Watchdog supports the right to be forgotten, Simpson added, but "it has to be a balance between the right to know and the right to be forgotten."
Before the digital age, "if I did something when I was young and foolish, it went into the files, but over time it was forgotten," he explained. "If someone was really seriously interested in finding out the details about me and my past, they could go through the public records and find stuff, but it took some effort."
There was a sort of built-in self-correction, in other words, whereby events and data that became less important and less relevant over time naturally faded out of the limelight.
'Just a Few Clicks Away'
Today, on the other hand, "privacy by obscurity has vanished, and everything is just a few clicks away," Simpson said.
It's not a question of whether factual information should be taken down, he pointed out. Rather, the question is whether that information should continue to be directly accessible by searching the name of the individual to whom it pertains.
"I think the knee-jerk reaction on the part of tech companies is to comply in a way that undermines the effect of what was intended," he said. "No one is saying Wikipedia has to take down anything -- just that the link from anyone's name would have to be removed. The data would still be there."
In short, "I think there needs to be clearer guidelines coming from data protection authorities in Europe," Simpson concluded.
'The Sky Is Falling'
"Interestingly enough, the Google Spain case doesn't apply to Wikimedia -- it isn't really a search engine," John Tomaszewski, an attorney in the international data protection practice of Seyfarth Shaw, told TechNewsWorld.
"If you look at the primary concern the court had with Google, it was with the capability to aggregate data from thousands of different sources together almost instantly," he explained.
"The case didn't say the magazine -- which was the original source -- had to remove the story, but that the interlinking data points between that story and many other unrelated data points were what had to get removed," said Tomaszewski.
In other words, Wikimedia was "more like the Spanish newspaper that *didn't* have to delete their archive than Google, which had to disable the linkages between data points," he concluded. "So, I think that there is a little of 'the sky is falling' here."
'Transparency Is Key'
It's important to remember that "the information in the European case was true -- it was a matter of public record and lawfully posted," noted Emma Llanso, director of the project on free expression for the Center for Democracy and Technology.
"The court didn't give a lot of guidance on information that's in the public domain as to when it's no longer relevant or excessive," she told TechNewsWorld.
Nevertheless, "companies are not in a good position to make these decisions -- it's on the courts to provide more guidelines for how to achieve this balance," Llanso said.
"I think what Wikimedia is pointing out is crucial," she stressed. "Transparency is a key to preventing abuse. Whatever additional rules they come out with, there's got to be a way to inform the general public that search results are being altered at someone else's request. Otherwise, they're getting manipulated information without a real understanding that this is happening."
Katherine Noyes has been reporting on business and technology for decades. You can find her on Twitter and Google+.
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Archive for the 'Vampires' Category
Okay, the post title is a bit sensationalized, but we finally have proof of our theory that high-ranking Masons really have codified the methods that they have used since the Middle Ages for killing revenants (i.e., zombies and vampires) in their secret rituals. What we have discovered is not so much a preparedness plan as a procedure manual that describes the methodology.
I'd like to say that I hacked the secret files to the Grand Lodge of Connecticut, because it sounds so dramatic, but the truth is more mundane. When I was down at the offices recently, one of the admins had left his PC on, and I noticed the passwords on a sticky note at the top of his monitor. When he stepped out for coffee, I just copied them down. Yeah, so not Kim Possible, but it worked. When I got home, I fired up my laptop and started browsing the folders. I skipped over the usual stuff on the Kennedys, the NASA/Zeta-Reticuli connection, public water flouridation, and found it hiding at the very end under Zombies.
Here is a link to a PDF file right on the Grand Lodge site that describes the ancient Masonic zombie-killing techniques.
EDIT: The higher-ups at the Grand Lodge have taken down the link, but I saved a copy which I've uploaded to my Google Docs. You can see or download it here: Zombie Expulsion.
Followup:
The secret lesson of Hiram and the Ruffians
Freemasons & Zombies: The Conspiracy
Freemasons reveal zombie preparedness plan
For those of you who are reading this on your phones and can't open the PDF file, I'm reprinting the text below.
Categories: Ceremony, Conspiracy, degree, Freemasonry, freemasons, Grand Lodge, masonry, Masonry in Media, Revenants, Vampires, Zombies
A funny, yet eerie thing happens when you wander into the world of secret conspiracies; like wandering the Cretan Labyrinth, it's easy to lose sight of both your original starting point and your ultimate goal.
Our theory that early operative Freemasons became familiar with "revenants" (creatures that in folklore later became zombies and vampires), and codified the means of how to destroy them in certain ceremonies has been met with the expected amount of derision and skepticism. I think that many people simply fail to understand that Freemasons, being employed by the Catholic Church to work on their buildings, had a need to keep their activities on the downlow so as not to be accused of trafficking with the demonic by the less educated and more superstitious population.
We expected this when I volunteered to be the one to publish the ideas.
None of us believe that the revenants are supernatural creatures; those ideas didn't come about until the Gothic period, when — ironically enough — people began to be frightened by the idea of technology. No, we think that the historic records of the time will show that people were falling to an as-yet unnamed disease that caused the appearance of death, after which the victims became mindless eating machines (insert jokes about teen-aged boys here). Poor knowledge of medicine and other social factors contributed to the occasional outbreaks in the rural and wooded districts. Unfortunately, when people started moving to the cities in the early 1700s, so did the outbreaks.
Initially, we theorized that high-level Masons were (although in league with the national and state governments) still keeping this quiet, so as not to alarm the general public, who have shown themselves to be more educated, but not really much less superstitious than they were in the Middle Ages. Naturally, this has met with a lot of skepticism from both Masons and non-Masons alike.
We expected this, too.
But what we did not expect was to be presented with an alternate theory: That the high-level Freemasons have been trying to educate the public by allowing them access to these rituals and ceremonies. Indeed, for the last several years, virtually every newspaper article, news show, or cable TV special has begun with "The once secretive Freemasons have begun to open their doors," or "The secret mysteries of the Freemasons are being unveiled," or "Freemasons, that once-secret society, have now begun to…"
The alternate theory, which we have found to be very compelling, is that various Grand Lodges have been pressured by these higher-level Masons to show off a little, and to encourage non-Masons to look at our secret ceremonies, ostensibly to show that they are simply arcane rituals, but actually, so that the viewing public will understand what to do should there be a wide-spread outbreak of this unknown disease. Indeed, just the fact that we have come so far into the public eye in only a few short years suggests that the higher-level Masons may even expect that a wide-spread infection is about to happen. Our rituals have been discussed in print by hundreds of authors, and in the last few years have been featured on the Discovery Channel, the History Channel, and several other cable TV specials. A generation ago — even ten years ago — this would have been unthinkable. Now we're practically giddy when we think about it.
Ultimately, I expect that we'll discover that our original conception was closer to the mark. But the idea remains: is it possible that an unknown disease — perhaps a new "superflu" is about to bring us culturally back to the Middle Ages?
Categories: Conspiracy, freemason, Freemasonry, History, masonry, Masons, Revenants, Vampires, Zombies Tags: freemason, mason, Revenant, Vampire, Zombie
One of the great things about the internet is how people with seemingly nothing in common can exchange ideas without ever actually meeting in person. Such is the case when I recently began exchanging emails with an amateur historian, an epidemiologist, and a professor of sociology. At first, it seemed that our only common bond was that we all share an interest in Freemasonry; however over time it developed that we all had some questions about our gentle Craft that have never been satisfactorily answered. As we began discussing the dilemma, we also found that we were able to integrate our various fields of knowledge in order to work through the problem. In doing so, we believe that we have managed to solve one of the most puzzling issues in the early history of the fraternity.
We now have some serious evidence pointing to the origins of what is commonly known as The Hiramic Legend in the Master Mason degree.
Some brief background: Early Freemasonry had only two degrees, the Entered Apprentice, and Fellowcraft (i.e., Fellow of the Craft). This situation was extant before the 1717 formation of the Grand Lodge of England, and continued for some years afterward. Yet, sometime in the mid-1700s, records show that various lodges seemed to have begun performing some variation of this legend. The origins of the drama are unknown, but is often attributed to being some kind of morality play. The drawback of this theory is that the legend draws on the Biblical story of Hiram Abiff; in the Old Testament, Hiram is a relatively minor character. More confusing is the rather obvious paradox in which the Masonic legend deviates so drastically from the actual Old Testament story: in the OT, Hiram Abiff comes to help King Solomon build his famed Temple, and when finished, goes home to his family with some considerable payment. In the Masonic drama, however, Hiram is shown to be struck down before the completion of the Temple by three Fellowcrafts, who then attempt to hide his body in a makeshift grave out in the dessert. This is the most extreme departure from Biblical scripture recorded in any of the dozens of Masonic ceremonies, and it stands to reason that there is a purpose for this. By taking what we know about Masonic history from that era, and placing it within the context of the social and cultural aspects of the time, we believe that we have discovered that purpose.
To understand the social context, we need to consider that the early 1700s was the beginning of the Industrial Revolution; prior to this period, most people lived an agrarian-based lifestyle. However, as more factories were built in and around the cities, larger populations were drawn into the urban areas, and by the mid-1700s, larger numbers of people left the farming communities to see work in the factories. Not surprisingly, the population explosion led to issues of public hygiene: the spread of disease, the disposal of wastes, and the proper internment of the growing number of the deceased.
Although we can trace Freemasonry back to the late 1400s and early 1500s, it wasn't until the early to mid 1700s that we see the rise of organized networks of Masons, via the formation of Grand Lodges. There are no records as to why several London lodges decided to formalize their arrangement, but it wasn't long before other lodges joined the network — and it was a network, as the lodges we more able to freely exchange information, including the variations of their rituals and ceremonies. It is significant to note that during this period, There were still only the two degrees in Masonry; "Master" Masons were those who were literally Masters of their lodges. Likewise, the degree ceremonies were relatively simple and the basic ceremonies were essentially the same in each lodge, although many lodges had their own particular set of "lectures" for the candidates.
At some point in the early to mid 1700s, we see records of lodges adding a type of morality play to the degree ceremonies. The main character varies in some of the earliest versions, but by the third quarter of the 1700s, that character was solidified as Hiram Abiff, and the stories became more consistent. Interestingly, they all contain similar elements: A character is beset by three assailants, and is then murdered; each assailant using a different weapon and attacking a different part of the character's body. In many variations, the Hiramic legend specifies that Hiram is struck across the throat, in the chest, and in the head. The assailants (often referred to as the "Ruffians" in North America) strike with tools commonly associated with Masons: A square, a rule (sometimes called the 24 inch gauge), and a mallet or setting maul.
While Masons often assume that the assailants use those particular tools as a way to tie in to the tradition working tools in the various degrees, as we unearthed more information about the underlying social context, it became obvious that this line of reasoning has it backwards; that is, the legend itself is an instructional play that uses these tools as a way to reinforce knowledge to which only a few were at one time privy. And while we can not yet account for the reasoning behind using the character Hiram Abiff (except that he is a relatively minor character in the OT, and the change of storyline would be easily forgotten), we believe that the traditional lessons taught by this drama — about his integrity and bravery in the face of death — intentionally overshadow the real lessons that needed to be passed down to the new generations of Masons living in the crowded cities and urban areas. In this light, it is the Ruffians themselves who are the teachers and exemplars.
Categories: Ceremony, degree, Freemasonry, History, Masonic Education, Masons, Revenants, Traveling, Vampires, Zombies Tags: freemason, masonry, Vampires, Zombies


New Price! Well maintained home in the ever popular Crosswoods community. This townhome features 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath, approx. 1848sqft with a 2-car garage, nestled in quiet and beautiful Crosswoods! Enjoy a spacious living room with a wood-burning fireplace, dual pane windows, inside laundry, and laminate, tile and carpeted floors. A secluded and private deck backs up to beautiful, established trees and shrubs, creating your own retreat to relax or entertain. This highly desired community offers lighted walking paths, a canopy of beautiful trees, open spaces, wildlife, 3 pools and more. It is near a library, schools, parks, shopping and easy access to freeway!


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NewsLocal NewsGrand Rapids
Estate planning can be complicated for LGBTQ+ families
Legal experts suggest having several documents in place to ensure your family is taken care of
By: Michael Martin
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The conversation about being prepared for the passing of a partner can be difficult to have, but navigating the issue can be more complicated for LGBTQ+ families.
"There's no other way to go about it, it can be incredibly difficult to have a period of mourning, of loss, of grief, and then on top of it, have to be dealing with legal complexities and probate and estate planning and figure out these intricate details," said Patrick Hicks, head of legal for Trust & Will, an online legal document preparation company.
When someone dies without a will in place they are considered to have died intestate. Each state has different default laws that will apply to somebody who dies in this scenario.
"Those default laws may say, blood relatives have priority if you are not married, and if you are in a same-sex relationship, but not married, or any relationship but not married, that may not be the results you want," Hicks told FOX 17.
There are several specific documents he says everyone should have in place to ensure their loved one's security in the event of their passing or being incapacitated.
"We firmly believe that every adult needs a basic estate plan that includes a will, and a set of healthcare documents that plan for incapacity during your lifetime," Hicks said.
"If you do not have a health care directive and you're in an unmarried relationship, your partner may not have any legal rights to care for you or make decisions on your behalf, you must have that documented."
Hicks says without these documents squared away, a partner could even face difficulties caring for an adopted child in some scenarios.
"There are many same-sex couples, where there's one biological parent, and the other parent is not a biological parent, and they have not yet legally adopted the child," Hicks said.
"Without that legal adoption in place, that non-biological parent may have no legal rights to care for those children if the biological parent were to pass away."
Trust & Will offers these services via their website.


This listing is for one 20oz SIC Cup - one side personalization, up to 2 colors is included!
SERIOUS WARRANTY - Lifetime warranty! Yes, you read that right - if your SIC cup ever fails to live up to its expectations we will gladly get you another one or refund your money!
SERIOUSLY STRONG - Made from kitchen grade 18/8 Stainless Steel the SIC cup is ready to roll with you anywhere you want.
BPA FREE - We use this lid every day just like you do so we make all the right decisions in the manufacturing and sourcing stages to make sure we have the best and safest materials available.
SERIOUSLY SWEAT FREE - The double wall construction completely prevents any temperature transfer to the exterior wall, therefore, eliminating any condensation or change in temperature where you hold your hand. Your cup will always remain a comfortable temperature for you to hold but your drink inside will be either ice cold or piping hot!


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3 People Died in an Accident Between Carver and Briggsmore in Modesto
Stanislaus County, California (Modesto, CA) – On February 1, 2022, in an accident at the intersection between Briggsmore Avenue and Carver Road, three individuals died, and several others were injured.
The four-car accident was initially reported at 4:12 p.m. when a semi-truck collided with an automobile, which subsequently collided with two more vehicles. All three fatalities were all in the first automobile, which was struck by the big rig.
Two people were pronounced deceased at the site, while a third was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. Their names and ages have not been revealed. But all three victims were men.
Residents said the area sees around one collision every week, but Tuesday's incident was the biggest they'd seen.


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The Season Of Gifting: The Rise Of 'Gift' As A Verb NPR explores the not exactly new but increasingly common use of the word "gift" as a verb.
The Season Of Gifting: The Rise Of 'Gift' As A Verb
December 16, 20164:30 PM ET
NPR explores the not exactly new but increasingly common use of the word "gift" as a verb.
It's the season of cozy sweaters, festive gladness, winter cliches and giving.
SELENA SIMMONS-DUFFIN, BYLINE: Or, Audie, I would venture to say it's the season of gifting.
CORNISH: OK. Here is our producer Selena Simmons-Duffin to explain gifting.
SIMMONS-DUFFIN: Yeah. So this is when people take the word gift, instead of saying I'm going to give you a gift, I say I'm going to gift you a lamp. And this is something that writer Christine Friar in New York started noticing this year. And it was bugging her because it just seemed a little, like, precious. But then there was another thing.
CHRISTINE FRIAR: It was always a company trying to sound casual and fun about getting you to purchase things.
SIMMONS-DUFFIN: OK. So I'm just looking on Twitter right now. Day 4 of 12 gifting ideas or just in time for holiday gifting, the wristlet in navy.
CORNISH: Yeah, kind of hip corporate advertising.
SIMMONS-DUFFIN: Yeah, like we talk like you, internet speak. So this bugged Christine Friar enough that she ended up writing about it for The Awl. And she reached out to a linguist, Arika Okrent, who says gift as a verb actually goes way back.
ARIKA OKRENT: At least since the 1500s you can go back and find examples of an earl gifting a church go to the town council house. So gift has been around as a verb for a long time, but there is something about it that seems new. Why does it feel new? And that might be a change in the types of people that are using it or the domains of use.
CORNISH: All right. Selena, what does that mean, domains of use?
SIMMONS-DUFFIN: So she's saying basically in the way past it used to be, oh, God has gifted him with knowledge. And then the '70s, she said, there starts to be a shift where it's being used in, like, legal language, in estate planning and that kind of thing. You gift something to your wife when you pass away. And she also says it's used to like - corporate gifting is another way that it's used.
OKRENT: Now it's shifted to just giving gifts, giving presents. And that feels new, that casual usage. And I think it sort of comes after the "Seinfeld" regifter idea.
(SOUNDBITE OF TV SHOW, "SEINFELD")
JULIA LOUIS-DREYFUS: (As Elaine Benes) I think this is the same one I gave him. He recycled this gift.
LOUIS-DREYFUS: (As Elaine Benes) He's a regifter.
CORNISH: So is this a thing where, like, language changes and then the grammar police kind of go bonkers? I mean, how worried are we...
SIMMONS-DUFFIN: Yeah, that's basically it. Every time that this shift kind of happens, people freak out. And Arika Okrent, the linguist, pointed out that in the '20s people were really upset about contact. You don't contact someone. You make contact. It's not a verb. It's a noun.
CORNISH: Right.
SIMMONS-DUFFIN: And now obviously we use that all the time. And so she says gift as a verb is at a different point of the life cycle of this kind of change.
CORNISH: In fact, we're always saying contact us here.
SIMMONS-DUFFIN: Yeah, contact us at NPR.
CORNISH: So I feel fine about this kind of thing. Are you convinced?
SIMMONS-DUFFIN: I still think it's a little hokey. I'm going to forego gifting this year. I'm going to stick with giving into the future.
CORNISH: Well, Selena Simmons-Duffin, thank you for gifting us with your presence.
SIMMONS-DUFFIN: Yeah. Good. Yeah.
CORNISH: You sure? No? OK. Selena Simmons-Duffin is a producer here at ALL THINGS CONSIDERED.


I believe that people who are connected to their authentic pleasure are happier, healthier, and make more positive life choices.
IT ALL STARTS HERE - Get Connected!
Receive your FREE copy of Corinne's Intention Setting Meditation.


text:
Q: ValueError too many values to unpack (expected 2) in django I am getting ValueError in django. Can you please help me with this. I tried several times. But Still getting this error.
models.py
class Parlour(models.Model):
    name = models.CharField(max_length=100)
    address = models.CharField(max_length=200)
    owner_name = models.CharField(max_length=100)
    email = models.CharField(max_length=100)
    phone = models.CharField(max_length=10)
    slug = models.SlugField(null=True,blank=True)

    def __str__(self):
        return self.name+" "+self.owner_name

class Service(models.Model):
    parlour = models.ForeignKey(Parlour,on_delete=models.CASCADE)
    name = models.CharField(max_length=100)
    cost = models.IntegerField()

    def __str__(self):
        return self.name+" "+self.parlour.name

views.py
def parlourdetail(request,slug):
    parlourdetails = get_object_or_404(Parlour,slug)
    services = Service.objects.filter(parlour=parlourdetails)
    context = {
        'parlourdetails':parlourdetails,
        'services':services,
    }
    return render(request,'parlourapp/parlour_detail.html',context)

A: get_object_or_404 should be passed keyword arguments for the query parameters
parlourdetails = get_object_or_404(Parlour, slug=slug)

Just passing slug as a positional argument does not make sense, Django would not know what field to query against

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
#ifndef TEST_COMMON_H
#define TEST_COMMON_H

#include <unistd.h>
#include <vector>

#include "common.h"
#include "io.h"
#include "hiredis/hiredis.h"
#include "utstring.h"
#include "state/redis.h"

#ifndef _WIN32
/* This function is actually not declared in standard POSIX, so declare it. */
extern int usleep(useconds_t usec);
#endif

/* I/O helper methods to retry binding to sockets. */
static inline UT_string *bind_ipc_sock_retry(const char *socket_name_format,
                                             int *fd) {
  UT_string *socket_name = NULL;
  for (int num_retries = 0; num_retries < 5; ++num_retries) {
    LOG_INFO("trying to find plasma socket (attempt %d)", num_retries);
    utstring_renew(socket_name);
    utstring_printf(socket_name, socket_name_format, rand());
    *fd = bind_ipc_sock(utstring_body(socket_name), true);
    if (*fd < 0) {
      /* Sleep for 100ms. */
      usleep(100000);
      continue;
    }
    break;
  }
  return socket_name;
}

static inline int bind_inet_sock_retry(int *fd) {
  int port = -1;
  for (int num_retries = 0; num_retries < 5; ++num_retries) {
    port = 10000 + rand() % 40000;
    *fd = bind_inet_sock(port, true);
    if (*fd < 0) {
      /* Sleep for 100ms. */
      usleep(100000);
      continue;
    }
    break;
  }
  return port;
}

/* Flush redis. */
static inline void flushall_redis(void) {
  /* Flush the primary shard. */
  redisContext *context = redisConnect("127.0.0.1", 6379);
  std::vector<std::string> db_shards_addresses;
  std::vector<int> db_shards_ports;
  get_redis_shards(context, db_shards_addresses, db_shards_ports);
  freeReplyObject(redisCommand(context, "FLUSHALL"));
  /* Readd the shard locations. */
  freeReplyObject(redisCommand(context, "SET NumRedisShards %d",
                               db_shards_addresses.size()));
  for (size_t i = 0; i < db_shards_addresses.size(); ++i) {
    freeReplyObject(redisCommand(context, "RPUSH RedisShards %s:%d",
                                 db_shards_addresses[i].c_str(),
                                 db_shards_ports[i]));
  }
  redisFree(context);

  /* Flush the remaining shards. */
  for (size_t i = 0; i < db_shards_addresses.size(); ++i) {
    context = redisConnect(db_shards_addresses[i].c_str(), db_shards_ports[i]);
    freeReplyObject(redisCommand(context, "FLUSHALL"));
    redisFree(context);
  }
}

/* Cleanup method for running tests with the greatest library.
 * Runs the test, then clears the Redis database. */
#define RUN_REDIS_TEST(test) \
  flushall_redis();          \
  RUN_TEST(test);            \
  flushall_redis();

#endif /* TEST_COMMON */

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
À l'origine è un film del 2009 scritto e diretto da Xavier Giannoli.

È stato presentato in concorso al 63º Festival di Cannes.

Trama

Altri progetti

Collegamenti esterni

Film drammatici
Film basati su eventi reali
Film diretti da Xavier Giannoli

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


CHICAGO (WLS) -- The Illinois Lottery has taken out a newspaper ad to thank people for playing the lottery.
This comes after a big drop in ticket sales and no jackpot payouts over $25,000 due to a state budget stalemate.
The new one-page ad appears in Friday's edition of the Chicago Tribune.
The Illinois Lottery has seen a significant drop in ticket sales from September to October - their lowest in nearly two years.
Lottery officials say winnings will eventually be released as state lawmakers work to pass a budget.


To mark its carvings, shadowed by the beams.
But come! This is no way to carry on!
Now how could I have thought I cared for you?
Surely there's no appeal in you for me.
Still there are times -- Oh, I --- But that's enough!
I guess I'd best keep still and let things be.


text:
Reading India Ink on Old Documents - Coffee Co. GA Wills, Estates #genealogy #georgiapioneers
Reading India Ink on Old Documents
The process of making India ink traces back to China during 3,000 B. C. The traditional Chinese method of making the ink was to grind a mixture of hide glue, carbon black, lampblack, and bone black pigment with a pestle and mortar, then pour it into a ceramic dish to dry. Then a wet brush would be applied until it reliquified. The ink used in ancient China was in the form of ink sticks made of lampblack and animal glue. Many of the ancient cultures employed a common ingredient in India ink known as "carbon black." The ancient Egyptians and Greeks both had their own recipes for "carbon black." Most all of the old English documents were written in Latin with India Ink. And this tradition was carried forward by American colonists into official records. For many years, India ink was in use by American schools up until about the middle of the 20th century.
The genealogist is quite familiar with the beautiful formation of old script in old wills, deeds and marriages. Not only that, but India ink hundreds of years old is sometimes worthy of framing. The genealogist learns to recognize the artistically leggy colonial alphabet and its transitions into modern times. Yet the survival of the ink upon documents depends upon the manner in which the documents were stored. Sunlight, dampness and other exposures has affected some of our most important documents. The result is that pages or portions of pages are faded and difficult to read. I have visited courthouses where the ink was so faded that I gave up on transcribing the records. However, the eye of the camera has gotten so sophistocate that I later returned and it captured the paragraphs which were almost completely faded from the page.
Coffee County Wills and Estates
Coffee County was created in 1854 from Creek lands and was formed primarily from the region of Telfair County south of the Ocmulgee River, with smaller portions added from Irwin, Clinch, and Ware counties. The county was named for former soldier, state legislator, and congressman General John E. Coffee (1782-1836). Some of the earliest settlers were: Wiley Byrd, Joseph Bailey, William Dent, Joseph Durham, John Gasper, Leon Hargraves, James Isaac, Mark Lott, Elijah Paulk, Alfred Peterson, Matthew Summerlin, Arthur Turner and J. W. Wilcox.
Genealogy Records Available to Members of Georgia Pioneers
Images of Coffee County Wills 1874 to 1898
Testators:Ashley, Caroline; Creech, William ;Curry, Daniel ;Douglas, Robert;Ellis, Thomas ;Friar, Narcissa ;Henson, James ;Hill, J. J.; McGovern, Matthew ;Meeks, Hymrick;Meeks, John ;Pearson, Benajah ;Roberts, Margaret ;Smith, Catherine ;Spivey, Edward ;Vickers, Young ;Wilcox, Daniel ;Wilcox, George ;Wilcox, James M.
Wills 1899 to 1931
Annual Returns, Vol. A 1877 to 1898.
Divisions of Estates 1901 to 1941
Labels: Coffee County Wills


Re: How to choose a good offer for e-commerce website?
2- It develops Interest in the customers to visit the website.
3- It develops a desire in the customers to go for the product.
4- It leads to quick action if purchase is concerned.
If we can develop a offer that can show 20% to 30% discount with a clock ticking nearby it will lead to quick action as the customers will have limited time to think.
The landing page concept can also work out.
The best offer for an E-Commerce website could be the one which can easily work out while it comes to get new customers.


This hot (if fleeting) spring weather is getting everyone excited for summer sewing, and for so many of us, that means skirts! We're ready to leave the leggings and layers off and enjoy comfortable, cool cotton. These two skirts Mary has made are just the thing!
Made of mid-weight printed cotton, this fabric is often known as "broadcloth," "sheeting," "poplin," or just "quilting cotton." It's simply a plain-weave, crisp, smooth cotton, and as you can see, it's definitely not just for quilting. The smooth surface of plain, stable cotton is ideal for printing, which is why we see such a vast array of beautiful designs on this fabric.
Skirts are quick to make, easy to wear, and when made in a bold print, make a great impact in an ensemble. Take advantage of the crisp hand of this type of cotton by choosing full, A-line, or flared styles. The firm fabric will stand away from the body at the hem for great fullness and shape.
Come check out all the pretty new cottons now at Treadle!
Here's a sweet new group of cotton prints at Treadle.
We've seen a lot of lovely, lightweight lawn, but these cotton lawn prints are remarkable for their smallness. A small floral print like these, often called a "ditsy," is a perennial favorite. Florals are always in style, and small prints are easy to wear.
These pretty fabrics have a springy warmth and definite vintage appeal. The soft, light weight is ideal for blouses to layer under a soft cardigan, or floaty dresses and skirts to wear all spring and summer long.
We recently received the new Oliver + S patterns in our store, and Treadlette Jess has already whipped up a sample of the Pinwheel Tunic!
Jess used a sweet cotton print with a small-scale floral design and a contrast binding that pops. When making children's clothes, small-scale designs keep the print from overwhelming the garment, and a sweet pattern like this is a great recipe for cute!
We have a couple new viscose suiting fabrics in the store. These pieces are woven with varying size yarns for a rich textural effect, and the viscose fibers lend the fabric a soft drape, so its thick but never bulky.
Either of these fabrics would be perfectly classic in a straight skirt or structured jacket. Add a solid-colored silk blouse for a look that's chic, elegant, and perfectly pulled together.
We keep a wide variety of colorful and bridal silks in stock at Treadle, as well as unique silk fabrics that you just won't find anywhere else. Here are a few of the most exciting silks that have arrived recently.
This multicolored floral design is printed onto crisp silk in a breathtaking shade of blue.
This green silk with a large printed leaf design has a smooth drape with a medium body. It would make a gorgeous blouse or dress!
This printed silk chiffon is so delicate, the motifs almost disappear over a single layer. But back it with a plain, solid fabric in a coordinating shade, and the design will pop out wonderfully.
These are just the teaser; there are many more new silks available in our store!
Many of the beautiful Liberty of London cotton lawns we received in January have sold out, but fortunately, we have a lovely new group of fresh printed lawns in stock now!
From allover florals to Art Nouveau graphics, Liberty is hard to resist. See these and more at Treadle Yard Goods.
We have a fresh crop of new selections in our organic section at Treadle.
These owl and bird prints on organic cotton are from Cloud 9 Fabrics. They are crisp and very modern and have an almost Escher-esque quality.
The next group is also from Cloud 9 but has a much more whimsical array of critters.
Possibly the most exciting are these organic blends: two luscious prints (and a few checks and solids!) in an organic cotton and hemp blend, and a fleece print made from organic cotton blended with recycled polyester.
There are dreamy organic cotton jersey solids with just a hint of spandex.
And a group of super-soft organic flannels; perfect for projects for baby.
Stop by and check out all of our organic fabrics at Treadle! Our sale runs through Sunday 4/14, so there's one more weekend to get 20% off all fabrics and trims in the store!
We've just received the new pattern, Laurel, from independent designer Colette in our store.
Laurel is a simple shift dress with some sweet details. The straight shape includes side bust darts and vertical back darts for figure-skimming shaping that's not too fitted. The pattern includes optional patch pockets and long gathered cuffs, as well as a pullover blouse option.
The simple lines of this pattern make it ideal for stripes, plaids, or large-scale designs, since the lack of intricate seaming lets these types of designs show to their best effect.
All Colette patterns come with clear, comprehensive instructions, set up in a book format and stapled into the pattern sleeve (no giant sheets of instructions to wrangle!). Most are drafted with minimal ease, making them much more fitted than your typical commercial pattern, so check your measurements carefully and you'll get a lovely garment that's fitted to your figure.
Treadle's Annual Anniversary Sale begins today!
Come in April 4th through 14th and receive 20% off all fabrics, ribbons, and trims in the store! Plus, selected groups will be priced at 30-50% off regular price!
Join us on Friday, April 5th from 4-6 pm and enjoy mini cupcakes from Cupcake to help us kick off the sale in style.
Ready to jump into Spring sewing? The Material Girls have just the class for you!
In Blouses Streamlined, you'll use a basic pattern and learn fast, simple techniques to create a garment as nice to wear as it is to sew! Forget the fuss; these streamlined techniques make creating new Spring styles a breeze. Choose one of our beautiful cotton lawns for a stunning addition to your wardrobe.
Blouses Streamlined begins next Tuesday, April 9th from 2-4 pm; the second session is April 16th. Call Treadle at 651-698-9690 to register!


text:
I Went to a Show: Best Kissers in the World at Dante's (July 31, 2010)
It's been a few months since I saw the Best Kissers play their warm-up show at Slabtown, and I was definitely looking forward to seeing them again. This gig was - from my understanding - to be their official "First Big Portland Reunion Show," and they were fresh from playing their "First Big Seattle Reunion Show" the night before.
The band was loose (read: a little tipsy), but it didn't prevent them from putting on a fine show for the devoted fans in attendance. (I was happy to see that this show was more well-attended than their previous one.) Gerald was in high spirits, clearly still amped up from playing the night before at the hallowed Tractor Tavern. He was definitely chatty, I'll say that. But when it came time to run through the tunes, he was all business. His voice was a little worse for wear, but he's still probably transitioning it into rock mode. He'll get there.
The setlist was different from the show at Slabtown, with the band both mixing up the order the songs were played and adding some new ones. (They were pressed for time at their last show, so I assume a few tunes may have been sacrificed at that gig.) They even added and actual brand-spanking-new song to close out the set. Because I am a nerd, I once again jotted the setlist down into my phone. Here's how it went:
"Melanie"
"Countin' Out Dexadrine"
"Worried About It"
"Hit Parader"
"Slightly Used"
"Roadside Attraction"
"Broke My Knee"
"?" (Still don't know what this one is - somebody help me out.)
"Royal Pain in the Ass"
"Lonely Enough to Lie"
"Smoke Rings"
"Bleeder"
"Miss Teen U.S.A"
"They Give Each Other Diseases"
"Pickin' Flowers For"
"Vicodine"
"Are You Happy Now?"
They continue to play a really cool mix of songs from all of their records, and I think it's great that they're playing a bunch of stuff from the legendarily-shelved Yellow Brick Roadkill. I was really excited to hear "They Give Each Other Diseases," because it's one of my favorite Kissers songs. And "Bleeder," too. That one didn't make it into the set last time.
Ah, but the most exciting thing about this show was the release of a new CD from the band. No new music, mind you, but a new compilation of most of their early stuff, titled Skinned My Heart, Broke My Knee.
The CD gathers together the "Take Me Home" 7", their five-song Sub Pop EP, the "Broke My Knee" 7", and one half of the "Ohio" 7" ("Sweet Pea" isn't on here for whatever reason - maybe because it's a cover?).
I was excited to finally have CD-quality versions of the songs that had only been previously released on vinyl, so I was a little disappointed to find that they were just rips of the records. (Took care of that myself a long time ago.) But for anybody who doesn't want to hunt this stuff down one-by-one, this is a great comp of the band's early work. I was most excited about the extensive liner notes on the inside written by Mr. Collier, which both give a little bit of history about the band, and individual breakdowns of the tracks on the Sub Pop EP. Not going to go into detail about that, because you should just buy this thing and read 'em for yourself. Though I'm not sure where you can do that yet...
Now the band needs to find a way to release Yellow Brick Roadkill. The world deserves to hear it. Though I do secretly enjoy being one of the few who owns a copy of the CD. And, you can find it if you poke around a bit on the internet. Which I normally don't condone, but you literally can't buy it, so I say check it out.
By the way, the band's new official site is here.
Posted by Wockenfuss at 1:24 AM
Labels: I Went to a Show
The Purest Form of Stallionism.
My name's Wockenfuss. I live in Portland and make rap music and collect records. This blog used to be me writing about my music collection, but now it's mostly me writing about how I'm collecting more records, and where I'm going when I do it. Usually it's places in Portland, but I make a point to check out record stores when I'm out of town, too.
There is no free music here, but if there's something on this site that you're just dying to hear and it's out of print and you literally cannot find a way to buy it, I might be able to help you out. Email me here.
My favorite record stores right now:
Amoeba (Hollywood)
Music Millennium (Portland)
Speck's Records & Tapes (Portland)
Crossroads (Portland)
Exiled (Portland)
PDQ (Tucson)
Wax n' Facts (Atlanta)
Fantastyland (Atlanta)
Easy Street (Seattle)
Reckless (Chicago)
Burger (Fullerton)
Wockenfuss
Whatever I finds, I keeps.
I Went to a Show: Busdriver and 6Blocc at Whiskey ...
I Went to a Show: Best Kissers in the World at Dan...
2000's hip hop/rap (85)
2000's rock (81)
2010's rock (1)
60's Rock (31)
80's hip hop/rap (19)
80's pop (8)
90's rock (136)
Event Attendance (18)
I Went to a Show (28)
Internet Buys (1)
Milestone Post (7)
New Music Review (2)
Shit Shootin' (10)
Stallion Alert (9)
Vinyl Excursions (82)
Year-End Lists (18)


Suffocation, one of the earliest American death metal bands. They approached this genre in their own style, revolving around heavy, uniquely rhythmic riffs to create a sub-genre of the form often termed "brutal" death metal - also known by many as "New York Death Metal," or "nydm" for short. Others in this form include Immolation, Incantation, Deathrune, Morpheus Descends, Infester and many others.
The band formed in 1990 and has since released many highly-regarded recordings on several labels, including the former powerhouse of the genre, Roadrunner. Their debut, Effigy of the Forgotten, is considered a classic by most, topping the charts of many fans' "all-time favorites" lists. Also worth noting is their debut EP, Human Waste, which was the first official release on relapse records in 1991.
The band went through a few member changes before briefly disbanding after their release, Despise the Sun (1998), coming back together in 2002, later in 2004 releasing their next album Souls To Deny. A video for the song, Surgery of Impalement, has been featured on such outlets as Headbanger's Ball and Uranium.
In 2006, They released the self-entitled, Suffocation on Relapse. A videoclip was made for the song, Abomination Reborn. The song and (most of) the band was featured in a commercial for, appropriately enough, The History Channel's series, Dark Ages.
In 2007, the band left Relapse Records. Their next album, Blood Oath, will be released through Nuclear Blast Records, with whom the band signed in September, 2008. There is a rumored concert DVD in the works, but contractual disputes and alleged theft of the source material have delayed the project.
In early 2012, Mike Smith announced his departure from the band. For the remaining shows that year, Dave Culross of Decrepit Birth replaced him on drums.


Is voice going to take over mobile payments? With the immense popularity of voice assistant devices that utilize artificial intelligence, such as Amazon's Echo, there is certainly room for growth in this space. Not only can you check the weather and news with your voice, Amazon's Alexa is capable of allowing you to order dinner with your voice, too.
How does that work, exactly? Alexa simply pulls your default Amazon payment information to pay for your order. As you may have guessed, yes, unintended orders can go through, like when this little girl ordered a dollhouse mansion and four pounds of sugar cookies. Luckily, you can require a code before allowing orders to be completed.
Though, we can't credit Amazon for being the first to offer voice payments. Google already had hands free payment options with their Hands Free app, but currently only running in a limited amount of Silicon Valley stores as during its limited public pilot.
It is clear that this will be the wave of the future.


Changes the quality (compression rate) of a recoded image.
lower quality level is available.
1. Select the image that you want to change its quality.
2. Press the MENU button.
3. Select [Quality Change] with the S / T buttons, and press the SET button.
To quit compression, press the MENU button.
When compression ends, the screen returns to playback mode.


text:
New Herald columnist is full of Bull
The Miami Herald's new columnist, Jackie Bueno Sousa, didn't waste any time in letting readers know exactly where she stood politically. Let's just say she is no Ana Menendez.
The following two sentences in her introduction column Monday proved she is further to the right than a Halliburton majority stockholder.
Jackie Bueno Sousa
"I believe … that history will redeem George W. Bush"
"I believe we're entering a dangerous era of populism."
But it was another sentence in her column that prompted a local blogger to question whether she is guilty of plagiarism.
I believe Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone.
Andy Diaz, one of two contributors who make up the new political blog Generation Miami, pointed out that this was the same sentence made during a memorable monologue in the movie Bull Durham.
The Lee Harvey Oswald line is identical to the line from Bull Durham. A lot of people believe that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone, so the line by itself doesn't prove a lot. But when you put the lines in context, you see a different picture. The cadence of the two paragraphs is practically the same, and so is their general subjects—the mixture of politics and sports, the complaint about the erosion of certain values in sport. Sousa switches baseball for football–yeah, that's clever. There is no doubt that Sousa's beliefs, or at least in the style in which she sought to convey them, were "inspired" by Crash Davis. And we know one belief in particular is either stolen from Bull Durham or the result of a major coincidence.
Here is the paragraph from Sousa's column:
I believe Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone; that NFL play rules are beginning to coddle quarterbacks; and that all elected officials should be subject to term limits. I believe that man really did land on the moon; that history will redeem George W. Bush; that life begins after conception but before birth; and that nature will destroy us before we destroy it.
And here is the segment from the Bull Durham monologue:
I believe that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone. I believe that there oughtta be a constitutional amendment outlawing astro-turf and the designated hitter. I believe in the sweet spot, soft core pornography, opening your presents on Christmas morning rather than Christmas eve, and I believe in long, slow, deep, soft, wet kisses that last three days.
Regardless of whether she purposely lifted the line from the movie, subconsciously lifted it after watching the movie the previous evening or came up with the line as she was trying to assure her readers that she is no conspiracy theorist, the fact that she believes that history will redeem one of the most unpopular presidents in the history of the United States makes her as credible as a young Cuban lawyer who once told a courtoom that "history will absolve me."
That's what I believe anyway.
State Attorney is granted yet another extension to respond to my appeal
Do you believe history will redeem George W. Bush?