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UN Direct
SG discusses NCDs with industry leaders in Davos, UN commemorates Holocaust Remembrance Day, SRSG speaks out against sexual violence in Cote d'Ivoire, & more from UN Direct
UN Insider January 27, 2011
Holocaust Remembrance: issuing a statement on the International Day in Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust (marked on the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau), the SG said "Let us pledge to create a world where such atrocities can never be repeated…By educating new generations about this terrible episode of our history, we can help to uphold human dignity for all". This year's commemoration pays tribute to women who suffered in the Holocaust, but "consistently found ways to fight back against their persecutors". He said that women and girls continue to endure violence, abuse and discrimination throughout the world, adding that "By empowering women we empower all society". The Memorial Ceremony, which was due to take place this morning at HQ, was postponed due to the weather, in addition to other discussions planned by B'nai B'rith and the Russian Mission. High Commissioner Navi Pillay also issued a statement which said that the Holocaust "should serve as a reminder of the dangers of marginalization of particular groups in society….The threat of genocide still remains. It is the ultimate and most terrible expression of intolerance, xenophobia and racism." She called on States to act more decisively at the first signs of a climate conducive to genocide, underlining the importance of bringing perpetrators to justice, and reiterating her call to States to ratify the Rome Statute of the ICC. The DSG was in Paris today, where she attended commemorative events. In Jerusalem, Robert Serry, UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, visited the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial. Exhibitions are also on display at various UN offices in New York, Vienna and Paris, and a traveling exhibition is set to include stops in Africa. DPI's Holocaust and the UN Outreach Programme also produced a study guide on "Women and the Holocaust: Courage and Compassion" to help high school students better understand the experiences of female victims in the Holocaust. Ambassador Rice also issued a statement, reiterating that the "UN's founding values pledge to stand against tyranny, war, and the unimaginable cruelty that led to the Holocaust".
Davos: Today, there was a panel discussion on "Combating Chronic Disease" at the World Economic Forum. Participants on the panel were: the SG, Kendall Powell, CEO of General Mills, Dick Clark, Chair of Merck, Paul Jacobs, CEO of Qualcomm Inc., and Julio Frenk, Dean of the Harvard School of Public Health, with Sanjay Gupta, Chief Medical Correspondent from CNN, as the moderator. In his remarks, the SG talked about the importance of healthy lifestyles. Six out of ten people die from either cancer, diabetes, chronic lung disease or cardiovascular illness, totaling 35 million per year. 85% of these are in the developing world, and heart disease, stroke and diabetes cost low- and middle-income countries 5% of GDP annually. Health systems are generally weak in these countries, which requires resource mobilization across ministries. The SG explained that NCDs are high on the agenda and the UN will conduct a high-level meeting in September to broker an international commitment on NCDs. He called, not only on the health ministries and pharmaceutical industries, but also on businesses such as food companies, to promote healthy lifestyles and cut back on salt, transfat and sugar. Merck Chair Clark said that industry must continue focusing on innovation and go beyond the provision medicines and vaccines, calling on improvements against chronic diseases in the same way as we've witnessed against HIV/AIDS. Qualcomm CEO Jacobs emphasized the role of wireless communications to improve treatment and outcomes, suggesting that we're going to witness a mhealth rollout more strongly in developing markets. For his part, Julio Frenk said that NCDs must be on the global agenda. During the question and answer segment of the discussion, Margaret Chan, the DG of WHO, stated that NCDs trump all deaths of communicable diseases as well as injuries and urged every sector to work together, including the education and trade sectors, as well as the pharmaceutical and food industries. She also highlighted Alzheimer's, tobacco and obesity (particularly its link to diabetes) as key problems. In closing, the SG indicated that the UN would participate in the "First global ministerial conference on health lifestyles and noncommunicable diseases" organized by Russia and the WHO April 28-29 in Moscow. Tomorrow, the SG will participate in a plenary session on "Redefining Sustainable Development".
Cote d'Ivoire: SRSG for Sexual Violence in Conflict is calling on authorities in Cote d'Ivoire to investigate allegations of rapes that have occurred during the recent violence and ensure better protection, condemning the use of sexual violence as a means to political ends and indicating that the victims have been identified following "carefully selected political targeting".
Disarmament: this week the 2011 session of the Conference on Disarmament (CD) opened in Geneva (which will run through April 1), the only multilateral forum for disarmament negotiations, which has been long been plagued by the inability to agree on a program of work. After a decade of impasse, a program of work was adopted in 2009, but which was ultimately blocked from its implementation. Speaking at the opening of the 2011 CD, Rose Gottemoeller, U.S. Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Arms Control, Verification and Compliance, said waiting "ad infinitum" for the CD to commence negotiations on a FMCT was "not a viable option", and that if a way to begin negotiations is not found, "other options" will need to be pursued. Further, Gottemoeller underscored the need to negotiate a FMCT as one of the "key goals of multilateral arms control" which would "have profound security implications for countries that have unsafeguarded nuclear facilities, including the United States". She suggested holding a robust plenary session on FMCT as an alternative way to inform plenary discussions. Speaking on the CTBT, Gottemoeller said while the Obama Administration is laying the groundwork for Senate consideration, it has augmented its participation in the CTBTO Preparatory Commission to prepare for the Treaty's entry into force. She also indicated that the U.S. is working to prepare the groundwork for a successful Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) Review Conference, which will be held December 5-22, 2011 in Geneva.
UN Women: The first session of the UN Women Executive Board met in New York this week, and began outlining budgetary and capacity requirements needed to scale-up its critical work in the field in 2011. In front of the Executive Board was a proposed $51.5 million Support Budget, which will go primarily toward enhancing field capacity through regional centers, sub-regional offices and country offices, as well as a handful of key HQ Senior management posts, including an ASG, two D-2s and 5 "urgent posts". UN Women hopes to have a draft Strategic Plan in place by June, for the Executive Board's approval, and wants to provide a minimum package of support to 40 countries by the end of 2011. These funding requests are in addition to the $430.1 million approved by the GA at the end of 2010. This week UN Women's logo was also unveiled.
Human Rights: interesting piece by HRW's Roth on the new dynamics of the Council with aspiring permanent members Brazil, South Africa and India. Specifically, he points to the apparent hypocrisy of their near refusal to enforce human rights globally, which he attributes to their perception that human rights are "imperialist" and due to support from the Non-Aligned Movement.
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Middle East; Iraq; Ebola
Middle East; Ebola; South Sudan
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Q: How to handle every exception in spring boot (not rest stuff) I have created a spring boot application that is doing a certain job after start and returning 0 if finished:
@EventListener
public void onStart(ContextStartedEvent start){
    log.info("Application started.");

    doTheJob();
    log.info("Import finished.");
    applicationContext = start.getApplicationContext();
    SpringApplication.exit(applicationContext, () -> 0);
}

This is working fine. But in case of exception the application is of course not stopping.
How to fetch every exception and return another code?
I tried just to annotate another method:
@ExceptionHandler(value = Throwable.class)
public void handleAll(){
    SpringApplication.exit(applicationContext, () -> -1);
}

But this is not called upon exception. How to make this work?

A: Move the same method into a separate class with annotation @RestControllerAdvice and make sure that it's available for spring context
@RestControllerAdvice
public class ExHandler{

@ExceptionHandler(value = Throwable.class)
public void handleAll(){
SpringApplication.exit(applicationContext, () -> -1);
}}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Good news for DD Free Dish (DD Direct Plus) users, now you can enjoy Sony Six HD channel which is temporarily FTA from Sun Direct on your DD Free Dish (DD Direct Plus).
Sony Six HD is temporarily FTA on Frequency 11030, Vertical, 32000 on Insat 4B at 93.5° East.
DD Free Dish users who are having MPEG-4/HD Set-Top Box, can enjoy this channel for free until it gets scrambled.
The technical details of Sony Six HD channel is as below.
Plz add some bengali channels like as Star jalsh,Jalsha movies,kolkata tv e.t.c..
Sir, please provide any one islamic chanel on dd dth . there are so many hindu religious chanels. provude only one islamic chanel.
Channel add kas kele……. please tell me…..


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Pedestrian hospitalised with 'very serious injuries' after being hit by car in Preston
One dead in Lancashire bridge collapse and others seriously injured after trailer carrying 11 people plunges into river
Review: Channel 5's thriller The Deceived was a comfortingly familiar tale of sex, revenge and creaky floorboards
The innocent woman driven mad by a spooky old house – and the spooky old people within – is one of the most familiar tropes in literature and film.
By Phil Cunnington
Friday, 7th August 2020, 6:00 pm
Think Daphne Du Maurier's Rebecca, Ingrid Bergman in Gaslight, or Jane Eyre and the madwoman in the attic.
So The Deceived (Channel 5, Mon-Thurs, 9pm) was comfortingly familiar viewing – the spooky old house, the innocent trapped inside, the broodingly handsome antagonist.
Our ingenue was Ophelia (Emily Reid), a Cambridge student making eyes at her tutor, Dr Michael Callaghan (Emmett Scanlan). Before long, Ophelia was having 'extra lessons' with her Byronic bearded boffin, whose wife – the beautiful Roisin – was a successful novelist.
Emily Reid as Ophelia in The Deceived. Picture courtesy New Pictures Ltd/All3Media International/DEC PRODUCTIONS LIMITED
From there, it was a short hop to murder, stolen manuscripts and a showdown in a ramshackle mansion in the Irish countryside.
The first two episodes had you believing this was going to be a haunting ghost story – there were locked doors, mysterious knockings and ghostly giggling – but it soon turned out The Deceived was a bit more mundane than that, with the deaths linked to covering up secrets as deep and dark as the dishy doctor's eyes.
By the end, it had become an empowering tale of female co-operation – even though Roisin had warned Ophelia when they first met that "not all women are allies".
At times it teetered on parody, but there was just enough atmosphere to get the hairs on the back of your neck prickling.
It might have been even better watched on a dull and drizzly autumn evening, but in these weird times, a familiar tale of sex, revenge and creaky floorboards came as a welcome comfort blanket.
Football has been dominated by Liverpool's perma-smiling manager, and by the end of Jurgen Klopp: Germany's Greatest Export (C4, Mon, 10pm) most fans, Reds or not, will have fallen in love with him.
Surviving the Virus: My Brother and Me (BBC1, Weds, 9pm) was a look at Covid-19 through the eyes of twins – and doctors – Chris and Xand van Tulleken. It was the best science doc on the virus I've seen.
First pictures of collapsed bridge in Lancashire where one man was killed and 10 others were plunged into river
Lancashire's speed cameras have caught one of the worst speeders in the country
Tributes to man who died when ranger vehicle and trailer plunged into Lancashire river after wooden bridge collapsed
Parking to be banned near popular local beauty spot which has seen huge rise in visitors since Covid lockdowns
How to look less tired: make-up for faking a fresh face on Zoom calls and when you're out and about

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Gold Coast Couture specializes in high-end millinery; such as ladies Kentucky Derby hats, fascinator hats, fascinators, bridal hats, bridal headbands, wedding hats, church hats and cocktail hats. In addition, we also carry fashion jewelry, clutch purses, and bridal accessories from designers that are not commonly found in the United States. We purchase small quantities of each item and some hats are exclusively made for Gold Coast Couture. Many of our designers, such as Philip Treacy, only produce a limited quantity of each collection.


DENVER // PRNewswire // -- American restaurant icon T.G.I. Friday's has paid close attention to the evolving tastes of its consumers. Friday's has answered the call with an updated restaurant and bar menu with Friday's favorites and more than 20 fresh and exciting brand new dishes and drinks that reflect Friday's innovation and energetic vibe. Friday's is a gathering place to re-energize from the stresses of the day, and the new menu encourages diners to taste new flavors, share with friends and family and simply, to have fun. The new menu is available now at Denver-area Friday's restaurants.
Friday's re-energized menu features fresh, bold flavors for today's modern palates. Denver-area diners will find a new menu that looks and feels familiar but has a modern twist. They'll find new dishes like Ahi Tuna with Avocado Crisps, Tuscan Summer Spinach Dip, Roccoli Broccoli Salad, Diamond Grilled Norwegian Salmon, and Broiled Tilapia with Tomato Cucumber Vinaigrette. New inventive burgers, fresh salads and crisp pizzas round out new menu items. Of course, Friday's has kept customer favorites like the Jack Daniels Grill, Crispy Green Bean Fries, and its delectable desserts.
Inventive new dishes cooked to order with fresh ingredients and a whole new section of sharable plates are the centerpiece of the new menu. Friday's is a place where people come to unwind and re-energize and part of that is being with friends and family. The new menu is elevating that Friday's vibe to a whole new level.
"We've added even more freshly prepared, made-to-order dishes – the kind of food on which Friday's was built. We're known for creating new, creative flavor combinations on both our food and bar menus. Our new menu is no exception. It embraces freshness and flavor, giving our diners more reasons to come in and see what's new at Friday's," said Ricky Richardson, Friday's chief concept officer.
A Friday's visit wouldn't be complete without a trip to the bar, the place from where Friday's energetic vibe radiates. Friday's bar and drink menu are also getting an upgrade, featuring local brews, new wine selections and bold new cocktail concoctions with fresh berry purees.
Denver has six T.G.I. Friday's restaurants: Northfield at Stapleton, Aurora Mall, South Aurora on Parker Rd., Lone Tree at Park Meadows Mall, Thornton off of 120th, and Longmont. In addition to the menu changes, three restaurants will undergo cosmetic changes, spreading the fun Friday's vibe from the bar into the dining area. As part of the menu unveiling, T.G.I. Friday's has planned tasting parties, bar events and promotions throughout the metro area.
T.G.I. Friday's is an American icon, having started in 1965 in New York City. It has grown into a place where people venture for great food, innovative cocktails and good times with friends and family. It's a place where people go to forget about their day and re-energize. It's a place to escape the everyday, and its new menu is poised to bring diners new unexpected flavors and tastes. In a phrase, "In here, it's always Friday."
For more information about the changes at Denver-area Friday's, visit www.ItsAlwaysFriday.com.
T.G.I. Friday's offers great food, innovative drinks and a unique experience filled with flair and a Thank God It's Friday's attitude. Friday's authentic, engaging atmosphere makes it the perfect place to escape, socialize and connect with people while getting a rejuvenating second wind. As the original casual dining restaurant, T.G.I. Friday's has a rich food and beverage heritage, which includes being credited with popularizing Happy Hour, the Long Island Iced Tea and Loaded Potato Skins. T.G.I. Friday's is also famous for its flair bartenders, approximately 7,000 of who compete annually for the title of T.G.I. Friday's World Bartender Champion.
Carlson Restaurants Worldwide Inc., the parent company of T.G.I. Friday's, is a privately held company owned by Minneapolis-based Carlson, a world leader in the hospitality and travel industries. As of August 2010, Carlson Restaurants Worldwide owns, operates, franchises or licenses more than 1,000 restaurants in 61 countries.


Diabetes disease is increasing. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that 9% of adults (18+ years) worldwide have diabetes. This number is likely to more than double by 2030. In 2012, an estimated 1.15 million people died directly from diabetes (see http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs312/en/) .
Almost 80% of diabetes deaths occur in low and middle-income countries. Almost half of diabetes deaths occur in people under the age of 70 years; 55% of diabetes deaths are in women. WHO projects those diabetes deaths will increase by more than 50% in the next 10 years without urgent action. Most notably, diabetes deaths are projected to increase by over 80% in upper-middle income countries between 2006 and 2015.


· This machine is for sugarcane crushing capacity ton per hour . thốt Nốt Máy nghiền mía.
· This is the first green fields project in the Kenya Sugar Industry in the … documents for a viable proposal. 1984: FEASIBILITY ... Kano State Agro-Processing Project: Feasibility Study Report on Sugar Mini Mill, Vegetable Canning and Fresh Vegetable Operation.
· This is how sugar is made. Glimpse of a sugar factory in India and the whole process of making sugar. India is one of the major producers and exporters of sugarcane and its by-products.


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Toowoomba senator hits out at 'barbaric' abortion bill
Barry O'Sullivan is leading the charge against a bill that would legalise abortions.
by AndrewBackhouse
Andrew Backhouse Journalist
I love studying history, particularly the Roman Republic, ancient Greece and the First French Empire. My other interests include jogging, playing chess and watching documentaries. There's not a subject I'm not interested in and I love my job. I'm always available for a chat especially over a wine or coffee.
SENATOR Barry O'Sullivan has outlined the "barbaric way" babies will be killed in a passionate argument against a bill that would legalise abortions.
He is bankrolling buses from Toowoomba to Brisbane in the hope people power can defeat what he called an "uncivilised" bill.
Mr O'Sullivan said while as a federal politician he was cautious about engaging in Queensland politics, he was enlivened about the issue.
"This law will wipe out 117 years of stable legal principal, making abortions completely not subject to any rule of law," he said.
The Toowoomba-based politician said there was evidence to show the right to abortions was being abused in Victoria.
He said parents were aborting babies to choose genders and for economic reasons.
"These are very barbaric late term procedures where in another two minutes, they'd (babies) be alive.
"The procedure involves the severing of babies spines and suction equipment is used to remove babies' brains.
"We live in a world dominated by political correctness and people are frightened to speak their minds, but I'm not,' he said.
Mr O'Sullivan, who has joined political action group Australian Christian Lobby and church groups in his crusade against the bill, said many people in Toowoomba were seriously concerned by the bill.
Should abortions be legalised?
This poll ended on 15 September 2016.
This is not a scientific poll. The results reflect only the opinions of those who chose to participate.
He said it wasn't an issue about women's' choice.
"In a civilised society we cannot start aborting our young because we don't like they colour of their eyes or if they have a gene which could make them fat.
"That's what we're trying to stop."
barry o'sullivan
abortion barry o'sullivan toowoomba


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text:
ABA advocates for cautious approach on personal financial data rulemaking
Survey: Many consumers prefer physical cards over digital wallets
8 Ways to Shine on Instagram
on January 19, 2016 Retail and Marketing
By Allison DuPont
With the recent arrival of the New Year, we find ourselves reflecting on the year behind us and envisioning the year before us. From a marketer's standpoint, it is also a time to evaluate current trends and determine their value to advancing success.
Is it time to explore new online marketing initiatives? Will a focus on visual content drive engagement? Is there a place for my organization on Instagram?
Here's why banks can confidently answer "yes" to each of these questions in 2016.
In the ever-evolving world of online marketing, there is never a time to be complacent. New opportunities are always surfacing as society adopts new online behaviors. Mobile traffic is continually increasing and social media is a major freeway where users are driven by visual content and fueled by cutting-edge ways to connect. The report entitled, "Digital, Social and Mobile in 2015" from We Are Social notes that there are 1.65 billion social media users who are actively accessing social sites via mobile devices worldwide. These users are attentive across the board, but now they are taking a more active role on Instagram..
Instagram made its debut back in 2010, and has since captivated coveted millennials through its mobile photo-sharing app. In 2012, Facebook bought the startup and, earlier this year, gave all Instagram accounts access to its comprehensive advertising platform. Instagram reports that there are 300 million active monthly users who, in total, share over 70 million photos per day. Furthermore, a Forrester study found that Instagram's per-follower engagement rate is 58 times higher than Facebook and 120 times higher than Twitter. Simply Measured also reports that the average engagement per Instagram post has grown by 416 percent in just two years.
Businesses, including banks, are taking note of these key characteristics. Here are eight ways that Instagram can help online marketing efforts really shine:
1. Exhibit community involvement: Often, images speak louder than words. Instead of simply writing a post about employee volunteer efforts, showcase them in a photo. Actions can make a bigger impact when there is a visual to support them.
2. Give a peek behind the scenes: Allow a customer to connect with the bank on a more personal level by exhibiting what your bank stands for and who your employees are. Did something funny happen at a branch gathering? Are an employee's efforts to go above and beyond praise-worthy? Highlight the personalities of your institution and give customers a reason to look forward to seeing what is happening behind closed doors.
3. Emphasize branding with graphics: Consistent branding is key to staying top-of-mind in the marketplace. Recognizable colors, fonts or graphics can be utilized to give your branding new meaning on the visually orientated platform.
4. Cross-promote content on social platforms: Instagram posts can be shared directly to other social sites, including Facebook and Twitter. Efficiently boost engagement across other platforms with a single post.
5. Host contests: Hone in on a new audience by hosting contests that are exclusive to the platform to increase engagement and spread the word that you are on Instagram. Unlike Facebook, third-party applications cannot be used to manage Instagram or promotions run through the platform. Even so, there is ample opportunity to engage with a widespread audience by asking users to share photos with a certain hashtag or by requiring a follow, like or repost to be entered. Based on Instagram's functionality, your bank will gain the most exposure by using a hashtag or requiring a repost.
6. Create stories with hashtags: Want to encourage employees and customers to participate in telling your story? Generate a catchy hashtag that locals can use when they spot the bank out supporting an event or you can use to group certain types of posts together.
7. Connect with local organizations and businesses: As Instagram's popularity grows, more organizations and business are joining the social network. Support each other by engaging with their content or even partnering with them for a contest.
8. Optimize ad campaign strategies: If you have braved the once seemingly murky waters of Facebook and discovered the benefits of its comprehensive advertising platform, then you are halfway through the door to Instagram. Instagram ads are placed through Facebook's advertising platform, providing access to advanced targeting options and placement settings.
Instagram is a diverse community where users can connect with who and what they are passionate about. While embracing a less traditional platform can be a challenge, finding a place and a voice in an environment driven by visuals will shine new light on your institution. Give customers, employees and community partners alike a fresh opportunity to associate with your bank.
Allison DuPont is an interactive account executive at Pannos Marketing, based in Bedford, N.H. Pannos Marketing is a communications firm specializing in strategic marketing, public relations, social media, e-commerce and website solutions for financial institutions. Email: [email protected]
Online training in digital, mobile and social media from ABA.
Five tips to inform banks' paid advertising budget
Mobile apps: Ensuring BSA and FFIEC compliance
Natural language search: Helping banks enhance customer experience
Jan 25 Democratic members of House Financial Services Committee named
Jan 25 Existing home sales decrease in December


Raspberry Lime Soda Lemonade – Lemonade made with lemons, raspberries, and lime soda.
I don't want Summer to go!! I often think about moving to a seriously warm place. Summer from January to December. Sun and beach all the time.
Then I begin to think about Santa Claus in shorts and the whole idea is shot. Yes, Santa in a suit with red shorts – Sydney, Australia, circa January 2001. Best. Laugh. Ever. Christmas in Australia – everyone needs to experience it.
Another risk would be Holiday food. It just doesn't taste the same in warm climate. Well, maybe it does, but in my head it is set that it doesn't.
But before we say bye-bye to Summer, we get to enjoy one last day outside with family, friends, the grill, and a glass of cold lemonade.
Raspberries and Lemons. I really like this combination. Add a bit of mint and Lime Soda and I'm in love. Pour in some vodka and I'm obsessed!
That's the wonderful thing about drinks; grab a pitcher, some ice, and let your taste buds lead the way. No measuring, no cooking. Just you and your drink.
But, I kept this recipe clean. No booze. Kid-friendly.
Word of advice… Put some vodka (or Rum) in a flask, then mix it into your glass. Don't worry. Everyone is doing it.
Refreshing summer drink! Lemonade made with lemons, raspberries, and lime soda.
Place the raspberries and mint in a pitcher and muddle together. If you don't have a muddler you can use a potato masher.
Add in the rest of the ingredients and stir until well blended.
Love it!! What a perfect drink for the end of summer! I hope you had a great holiday weekend!
Kate…what a sweet farewell toast to summer! I love the combo of raspberries and lemons in drinks, too! But I think I'll take your advice about that flask of vodka! ;- } Gorgeous photos!
I am not ready for summer to be over either..it seems to have went by sooo fast. This drink looks really refreshing! I can't wait to give it a try!
I'm not ready for summer to go either, luckily the warm days stick around for a while longer where I am so I can enjoy it for a bit longer.
The perfect afternoon pick me up! Hey – so how did you do with preschool?!
I like the mint in this recipe! What a refreshing twist that adds to the drink. Have a great and safe Labor Day weekend Kate! I hope the rain holds off for your BBQs! Cheers!


From Proto-Paman *kami "mother's mother", from Proto-Pama-Maric *kami, from Proto-Pama-Nyungan *kami. See gaminhdharr.
Paternal grandfather, maternal grandmother; a parallel grandparent.
This page was last modified on 24 September 2008, at 02:06.
This article uses material from the English Wiktionary entry "gami".


Private labeling is one of the most effective ways to position your company name on the market, building up brand awareness and seizing an opportunity to create an identity of your own.
By rebranding the product, you can determine your own prices – without worrying about being competitive. Creating your own private brand is a great step for upgrading your business. It allows you to add the features and benefits that will set your product apart from the rest and allow you to set your own prices.
Throughout history, private labels were seen as low-priced and low-quality products. However, today about 45% of products sold in European supermarkets are private label brands.
We can offer you skin and hair care products, bath and body products, gift collections in bulk and private labeling.
Products can also be modified for a private label according to your taste and wishes, by adding your favorite ingredients. You can buy our products in bulk and fill your own packaging and make your own labels.
Our Company has its own Laboratory for creating formulas and production control, Support and R&D Departments that enable us to produce new collections on a regular basis in a full range of new and innovative concepts and ideas.
Our production is able to meet small, medium and large quantity requirements.
We take great pride in longtime experience with export clients.
You can turn to us with your wishes and demands with full confidence.
Branding your own product is a great step for growing your business and we hope to be a part of it together with you.


I'm 22 years old and I am a full time design student.
I'm pursuing a career in architecture and doing photography for a sidejob.
I love doing photography as a mean for explorations and inspirations.
I am an amateur when it comes to photography and I'm quite heavy-handed on digital photo enhancement/manipulation. My works are primarily inspired by Annie Leibovitz's works but I am nowhere near her talent. I'm also a big fan of Jeff Wall's works.
My works inherit have a great influence from my Architectural/Design background, that is Lighting, composition and colour dynamics.
Usually I shoot my friends for portrait and fashion photography, but would love to shoot with some amateur models as well.
So hit me up if you're interested.


text:
Nathan Rosen (Brooklyn, Nova York; 22 de març de 1909 - Haifa, Israel 18 de desembre de 1995) va ser un físic israelià.

Rosen va ser el coautor (amb Albert Einstein i Borís Podolski) d'un article de comprovacions de la Physical Review de 1935 ("Pot la descripció mecanoquàntica de la realitat física considerar-se completa?") sobre la paradoxa EPR en la mecànica quàntica. Així mateix, va ser també co-descobridor del pont d'Einstein-Rosen en relativitat general. Rosen, també fou fundador de l'institut de la física en el Technion a Haifa, on hi ha sèries de la conferència nomenades per a ell.

Obra
Algunes publicacions

 "Can quantum mechanical description of physical reality be considered complete?". Albert Einstein, Boris Podolsky, Nathan Rosen (Princeton, Inst. Advanced Study) 1935. 4 p. Phys.Rev. 47:777-780 (en Wheeler, J.A., Zurek, W.H. (eds.) Quantum theory and measurement, Princeton U. Press, 1983 pàg. 138–141)
 "The Particle Problem in the General Theory of Relativity". Albert Einstein, N. Rosen (Princeton, Inst. Advanced Study). 1935. Phys. Rev. 48: 73-77, 1935.
 "Energy and momentum of cylindrical gravitational waves." N. Rosen (Technion) K. S. Virbhadra 1993. Gen. Rel. Grav. 25: 429-433, 1993.
 "On Gravitational waves." Albert Einstein, N. Rosen. 1937. 12 p. J. Franklin Inst. 223: 43-54, 1937.
 "General Relativity and Flat Space. I." N. Rosen (MIT) 15 de gener de 1940. 3 p. Phys.Rev. 57: 147-150, 1940.

Referències

Vegeu també
 Ludwig Flamm
 Forat de cuc

Enllaços externs
 Ciència Actual
 Pont Einstein-Rosen

Jueus estatunidencs
Físics quàntics
Físics novaiorquesos
Alumnes de l'Institut de Tecnologia de Massachusetts
Persones de Brooklyn
Morts a Israel
Biografies del segle XX
Jueus israelians
Científics israelians
Científics jueus
Físics asiàtics
Físics relativistes
Naixements del 1909
Morts el 1995

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


HMRC is reminding employees that they may be able to claim a tax rebate on their work-related expenses. HMRC estimate that millions of employees, particularly those working in the service industry, could be entitled to a tax refund. Workers, including nurses, hairdressers, construction workers and those working in the retail and food sectors, may be able to claim tax rebates.
The majority of claims are for repairing or replacing tools and branded uniforms, professional subscriptions, and mileage. Healthcare workers, people working in food and retail, and those in the construction industry are among the top professions to claim from HMRC.


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Spring, At Last...
Esperanza aka Old Bones ©Lili McGovern 2016
It's been a long, harsh winter with many challenges and obstacles to creating art. But...at long last, there's been a break in the clouds, buds on the trees and a fresh sense of hope in the air.
A new spirit was born this month: Esperanza aka Old Bones or She Who Greets You Behind the Veil. Her gentle face has been gazing at me all winter long, waiting for a body. A clear image of her hair manifested in the deep of winter--it had to stick straight out from her head--lots of virgin wool was called for. After finishing her hair, though, there she sat waiting patiently, day after day, month after month.
After much despair and accompanying the spring sunshine, I finally heard her call and she flew into being. As in songwriting, on a lucky day, her birth was fast and furious as, relatively speaking, she didn't take weeks to finish but only about a week and a half.
It felt great getting back in the saddle, routing her driftwood body to fit her driftwood arms, dust flying everywhere with the knowledge that another spirit was ready to enter the world.
Her name Esperanza is derived from the Spanish verb, 'sperare' "to hope". For those of you believers, death is a respite from a long and fruitful life. After a short stay in 'ku' or non-existence, our next existence brings new hope for another wonderful life, filled with creating value and hope for our fellow humans.
Esperanza is your guide when you've crossed the threshold of this earthly plane. She welcomes you with open arms, ready to fly you through the ether to your next existence.
In her hand, an udumbara blossom, it's pearly pink petals gently floating behind her to create a beautiful fragrant path for you to follow.
Her headdress features vintage buttons and vintage silk, matching her shrug. Her cape is made from a sparkling gold luxury vintage fabric. Her driftwood base looks and feels just like an old bone, hence, 'old bones'.
Is she calling to you? I hope so...Happiest Spring!
Story Kaiora of Spirit Fusions
September 2015 Featured Fellow Artist
"Everything as it moves now and then, here and there, makes stops. A bird as it flies stops in one place to make its nest and in another place to rest from its flight. A man when he goes forth stops when he wills. So the god has stopped. The sun, which is so bright and beautiful is one place where he has stopped. The moon, the stars, the wind he has been with. The trees, the animals, are all where he has stopped, and the Indian thinks of these places and sends his prayers to reach where the god has stopped and to win health and blessing." -
a Dakota chief, quoted in John Grim's The Shaman
I first encountered Story Kaiora through her adorable Goddess Dolls on Etsy.com in her shop "Spirit Fusions". She features nature goddess dolls, as well as, miniature sculpting feats of fairy gardens, magic doors and wiccan charms , all radiating her beautiful spirit of mystery and wonder. Her unusual name has a lovely history detailed on her blog, representing both the freedom and magic in her life and art.
What follows is a short article she submitted for her featured post. I hope you enjoy getting to know Story as much as I did!
"My art features nature prominently, including everything from the four elements to wildlife to plants and rocks. But more than just trying to depict natural things, I strive to infuse my work with stories. I like to give my dolls a slightly open mouth – like they are about to speak, about to bring forth their own story. I also make spirit dolls that convey a relationship to nature through charms (like crystals or tree branches or feathers) that I place around them."
Kai ©Story Kaiora
Wand of the Elements ©Story Kaiora
Teepee Goddess pendant ©Story Kaiora
"My love of stories probably fuels my interest in sculpting faces more than doll bodies. Faces are so full of emotion, mystery, and dreams. I also love the challenge it takes to sculpt an interesting face. I am by no means a master at this, I've only just begun and I can see an amateur quality in my work. But the learning curve has been fulfilling in itself. I look back on photos of my very first attempts and chuckle a little, but I'm enjoying the journey of trying new techniques and adding new details."
The bunny Niblet
"Fun fact: I am writing this with a tiny baby bunny tucked in a sling beneath my breasts. This does, believe it or not, relate to my art! I make dolls and other art pieces that I refer to as "spirit-sent", meaning inspired by my spirituality. My spirituality has some elements of shamanism, but follows no religion and is an ever-evolving work in progress based on what I observe in nature and the universe. My main belief is that the world and all existence are made up of stories. I've since taken on "Story" as my chosen name. "
Sweet Nature Goddess Doll ©Story Kaiora
"Another reason I love dolls is because I believe I am full of multiple spirits. I like to make dolls that represent these individual spirits. They are different aspects of my personality. My main self, Story, is matched by another personality named Kai, who is a bit more outgoing and loud. I have a herd of child-parts who are fun-loving and carefree: Bobby, Kassie, and Woo top that list. I have parts named Tipi and Pomona who are very spiritual; a part named Shannon who loves to sing, and a part named Robert who is a caretaker and a great father figure. My parts work together like a family and are all present in my daily life".
Little Girl Doll, sculpted in polymer clay with acrylic eyes, painted with chalk pastels ©Story Kaiora
Mushroom Feather Goddess doll ©Story Kaiora
"Doll-making can be so much more than a hobby. It is a deep ocean of expression, and, I think, an art unlike any other. By expressing my stories and my spirits through these dolls, I am ultimately letting my soul speak, which is empowering and healing beyond words, as well as being an intimate conversation with the universe."
Sleeping Woman pendant ©Story Kaiora
Feather Rock Goddess Doll ©Story Kaiora
"For me, starting a new doll is all about deciding their individual story. Who is this spirit? What aspects of nature are they aligned to? What is their personality? Sometimes I set out to make a specific personality, but other times I free-sculpt and let the emerging face speak to me."
Owl Acorn Goddess Doll ©Story Kaiora
The Wisdom Keeper--Jeanne Fry
Fellow Featured Artist: August 2015
"Don't ever let anyone tell you that magic doesn't exist, for it is always alive in your heart". Jeanne Fry, Contemporary Folk and Visionary Artist
Jeanne Fry, Contemporary Folk and Visionary Artist
I first encountered Jeanne Fry's Spirit Dolls through fellow artist, Robin Alice, who eagerly shared a doll made by Jeanne with a gourd as its foundation. This encounter spurred me to spend time researching and discovering one of the most talented and prolific 'visionary' artists of today.
Of course, I fell in love with her gorgeous and moving Spirit Dolls which she aptly calls, "Wisdom Keepers," that explore modalities in Cloth & Clay, Gourd & Clay, Painted Muslin, or All Clay sculptures. Her Wisdom Keepers Art Dolls Blog is a veritable treasure trove of inspiration, techniques and creativity that I've been feasting on for weeks.
Her other artistic endeavors include Original Paintings in acrylics and watercolors, Gourd Art, Sculpting, Mixed Media, and Assemblage AND, to add to all that creativity, she also works in tandem with her husband John at Conscious Art Studios.
With that impressive and, quite frankly, daunting biography, I didn't know whether she'd return my call or not. However, when I contacted her through Etsy, she immediately wrote me back and despite a very hectic schedule agreed to be featured and asked what I needed. I was going to conduct an interview but after reviewing all of the material she's made available I asked if I could simply use some quotes and images. I'm honored to present excerpts from her blog along with examples of her Wisdom Keeper Art Dolls.
"Some people may wonder what a Visionary Artist is...A visionary artist is often a self-taught artist who creates by connecting with and expressing through their most intuitive self in order to portray a wider awareness and perception of life itself. This is often done within a spiritual or mystical theme. For me, this way of creating is my passion, like the air that I breathe."
Diana, Huntress of the Moon © Jean Fry
Gaia © Jeanne Fry, Gourd & Clay
"When I began creating the Art Dolls with Gourd & Clay, my creativity went wild...My senses evolved, feeling like the Cloth & Clay art dolls are symbolic of inward processes and soul work, while the Gourd and Clay art dolls are more reflective of our outward projections of being a woman."
The Arrival © Jeanne Fry
"As an artist, I delve into many forms of art and technique, depending on where the source of my inspiration comes from.
But the creation of my Art Dolls is the most freeing form of art. The inspirations can come from anywhere; they can come from history, ancient culture, a found object, a skein of fabric, a glimpse of a woman and our phases of life.
Wherever the inspiration comes from, there is no predestined thought in mind. That raw fire is left to its own devices to become whatever it is meant to become. Sometimes they go in a much different direction than I would have thought...The more diverse they are in the creation, the more complex their artistic value.
No matter the materials or techniques used, this creative form is depicting figurative sculptures of our human identity, and can be a part of our history and culture as they have for centuries. My art dolls are called "Wisdom Keeper Art Dolls", and are created as an empowering form of art for women. They come with short stories that focus on reminding us who we are and being supportive in our personal growth. They are meant to bond us as women and celebrate our diversity."
Andromeda Star Being © Jeanne Fry
Happy Thoughts Poppet © Jeanne Fry
Gnome Folk Art Miniatures © Jeanne Fry
Peace and Love Poppet © Jeanne Fry
"One of my greatest joys in the creating, is expressing myself through my Art Doll Miniatures. I call mine, "Wisdom Keeper Poppets", because they carry bundles of inspiration in each little Art Doll.
Each of these Art Dolls are based from cloth and clay. I hand-stitch each of them from batik, cotton, or one of the many fabrics I have collected over time. Their faces are crafted from Art Doll Clay, and then hand-painted with layers of acrylics, sealed with a satin or gloss finish.
Once I have stitched the body and attached the face, the possibilities are endless in how they evolve. I add hair using fleece, fibers, or silk mohair from alpaca or sheep that has been hand-dyed, or knitting yarns. Sometimes I even just bead their hair using seed beads.
Once she has formed, I begin embellishing her with lots of different seed beads, glass beads, clay beads, and beaded trim. I attach small metal charms, ribbon, organza, paper flowers, dried botanicals.....the list is endless. (This would account for the countless boxes, bins, and jars of embellishments that fill my studio)
For those that will be Ornaments, I sew a small leather loop on their back. Some have pin-backs so that they can be worn on a coat lapel, attached to a tote bag, or even to a curtain.
Many of my collectors carry them in or attached to their purse of tote bag, others hang them in their car or on their office wall."
Moon Goddess Gourd Rattle © Jeanne Fry
"I consider Art to be Healing, and create with Emotional and Spiritual Connection. Each piece carries meaningful symbolism for me. I place a high importance on Creating, as I use it as a healing vehicle for myself, a Lupus Warrior and Amputee. I believe that art can take us to places that allows our souls to heal. I choose not to paint my pain, but to paint the world in which my spirit can heal.
Mermaid Diva of the Ocean © Jeanne Fry
Handmade Lupus Awareness Cloth and Clay Art Doll with Butterfly Wings and Lavender Heart © Jeanne Fry
"When I need to spend time on my own soul healing, creating Art Dolls is where I turn my energy. In turn I always hope that the beautiful expressive feelings they bring me, are gifted to their collector."
Each of Jeanne Fry's Art Dolls is unique and meaningful, and comes with a snippet of a short story or piece of poetry, original from Jeanne. You can find them in her store on Etsy , at her website under "Jeanne Fry Art" and also at the Conscious Art Studios site.
I want to thank Jeanne for being a never-ending source of inspiration, hope and endless creativity!
Goddess Freya Folk Art Doll with Feathered Cape Wisdom Keeper Doll © Jeanne Fry
Griselda Tello, The Bohemian Spirit
June 2015 Featured Fellow Artist
Griselda Tello, Artist and Teacher
Who knows how Spirit moves from one person to the next, we live like the mighty redwood trees, standing tall in a grove we reach to the heavens for inspiration, supporting each other by a network of roots, we are "All-in-Spirit" and perhaps you and I are already someone's muse! Why not, the veils lift and we find layers of creative genius hidden moment by moment, I believe we just need to trust the process, the "real muse" lives inside each and every one of us.
Griselda Tello, artist and teacher, has been exhibiting her artwork for over 40 years. With a prolific body of work and generous spirit, she serves as a mentor to myself and many other artists. Visiting Pinterest and other artists' doll sites, you'll find her dolls showcased as examples of what a Spirit Doll remains: little healers with a big mission whose beauty and power touch one's heart.
Her signature dolls feature beautifully sculpted faces wrapped in many layers of fabrics and art fibers, often with a little moon cradled in its arms. These small cocoons of love perfectly express her dynamic spirit and appreciation of nature. You'll find here a small sampling of her luscious dolls and paintings which continue to inspire artists and collectors all over the world.
I don't pretend to know much about ancient traditions, but they resonate with me and I allow spirit to guide me, making dolls makes me feel good, as simple as that...they make me bloom (using the words of Dr. Estes) When people ask me why do I make art dolls...my answer is always the same...because they keep me sane and fill my soul with gratitude and peace!
Moon Goddess by Griselda Tello © 2015
I am moved to seek inspiration in nature, myth, and folklore. My only hope is that people may find through my art a sense of serenity and peace. All my dolls are charged with Reiki energy, Universal Love and light force. Griselda Tello
Springtime Walk, oil painting by Griselda Tello © 2015
Although painting is my first love, assemblage art figures have become an essential spiritual practice for me. I love the process of sculpting with polymer clay and working with textiles, yarn, fibers and beading; creating with my work the context where magic begins. Griselda Tello
Mountain Song, Mixed media painting by Griselda Tello © 2015
Little Dragonfly Spirit by Griselda Tello © 2014
What do I call them, people ask...they are Totem Fetishes, Numen Spirits or Fantasy Art Dolls, they are my interpretation of Manitou, they are Nature Spirits. That is what I call my little dolls, a little mystery that keeps on giving me joy. Griselda Tello
Gypsy Moon by Griselda Tello © 2015
Doll-making can also be a wonderful tool for healing. I have experienced some of the most intimate conversations with my past in silence while making dolls. For me, this is a form of meditation; a beautiful spirit dance!
The Lady of the Lake by Griselda Tello © 2015
Horned Moon of Uruz by Griselda Tello © 2015
Find more background on Griselda's dolls, her process and art on her wonderful blog. On Facebook she features fellow artists, coupons, new dolls & more. Her paintings are showcased along with her dolls on her website, The Art Spirit and you can purchase her work at her two Etsy stores: Gristello: Original Oils & Mixed Media and Awesome Art: OOAK Art Dolls and Assemblage.
Griselda's Studio
Here's a generous gift from Griselda for you: a step-by-step tutorial on making a Nurturing Doll from Griselda's FB site! I encourage you to try your hand at one.
'How-To' Tutorial on FB by Griselda Tello
"Dolls are one of the symbolic treasures of the instinctual nature. For centuries humans have felt that dolls emanate both a holiness and mana – an awesome and compelling prescience which acts upon persons, changing them spiritually. Dolls are believed to be infused with life by their makers. They are used as markers of authority and talismans to remind one of one's own power."
Clarissa Pinkola Estes, Women Who Run with the Wolves
Shaman Moon Soltice by Griselda Tello © 2014
Introducing the First Doll of the New Year 2015
Demeter, Goddess of the Bountiful Harvest by©2015 Lili McGovern
She has yet to be named but I'm bursting at the seams to share my first doll of 2015! I love the rich colors, compassionate stance and her wing-like gauze! She'll be up on Etsy soon--I hope...
Addendum 1/21/15: She's ready for her new home available on Etsy and aptly named!
And I'm proud to present my first attempt at a wearable brooch, Bugaboo! A bit of sunshine for these dark winter days...I had so much fun making him.
Bugaboo brooch ©2015 Lili McGovern
Cathy Obeshaw of Treasured Wishes on Etsy
October 2014 Featured Fellow Artist
Spirit Doll of Those Passed Over by Cathy Obeshaw
Isn't it wonderful to find some peace through art? Can you share a bit of your process in creating a Spirit Doll?
Whenever I make a doll, whether it is a Goddess doll or Spirit Doll, they never come out how I intend them to be.
I start by choosing a fabric or a polymer clay face that I have made and think of who it should be. As I start making the doll, adding things here and there, before I know it, she doesn't look anything like I thought she would, and she has become someone entirely new! It also seems to depend on the mood I am in when I'm working how these dolls turn out.
I love spending time creating them while burning my incense, watching movies, t.v or listening to music. I can spend days, weeks or just hours making them. Again it all depends on the doll.
Cathy's late nephew, Joe
Hi Cathy! Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your inspiration for making Spirit Dolls?
Blessings everyone, and Hello!
I have always had art in my life. I have worked in many different mediums. Before becoming a doll maker, I loved painting, and I still do.
My nephew Joe was killed a week after turning 30 in 2003 while building a house when a fully-dressed heavy wall fell on him. He was an only son, and the last to carry on his family name. As you can imagine we were all very hurt and lost by this tragedy.
My sister...It was really hard for her. She helps manage a metaphysical book store with all kinds of wonderful things in it and she was inspired to start making Spirit dolls to help us get through this awful tragedy. That is when it all started.
Since then, my oldest daughter contracted a rare brain cancer--so rare only about 100 people in the world have it. The medical staff managed to remove the tumor that grew from her eyebrow bone into the back of her skull but the treatment, Proton Therapy, gave her another tumor in her pituitary gland. Two of my oldest daughter's also have Huntington's disease.
On top of this, I lost my mother in 2011 and my dad in 2012--they were together for 65 years. It was very hard losing them. It seems every year more and more of us are getting sick. My art has become an outlet for me and very much needed therapy.
Priestess Mermaid by Cathy Obeshaw
Do you have any tips for other artists?
I have a few tips! For soft-bodied dolls: draw your pattern first, then copy it on to thin cardboard so you always have it. Trace it onto freezer paper, shiny side down. You can then cut an area out around the pattern, not on the lines of it. Iron it onto your fabric, then sew on the lines. For small dolls it is best to set your top stitch length to one. The tiny stitches are better, allowing you to rip off the paper and trim up the fabric. Turn it inside out and you are ready to go!
Face by Cathy Obeshaw
Primitive Halloween Witch by C.O.
This is not about money..though that is nice! It is a part of you, your mind, heart and soul goes into making them :)
For my faces: I paint my polymer clay faces with acrylics. Instead of painting rosy cheeks, you can use real make-up. Just put it on with a Q-tip, and rub it around..after that you can use your fingers. Any powder make-up will stay on. I seal my faces with an acrylic varnish, a matte finish is best.
Another good idea for the faces is to paint them first, then apply some neutral shoe paste (the smell is not too nice!) Then rub Pearl-Ex powder on it, let it dry and seal it. Now if you are like me and just hate waiting for things to dry, break out the hair dryer or embossing gun, it's much faster!!
I have found that gluing the polymer clay faces to felt first, then trimming it, then finally gluing that to the doll works well. And if you bead around your face, the needle and thread have something to go through to hold the beads on.
My best tip? Never, ever, let any glue show if you use it, try to hide any bead threads in your work, and LOVE what you do.
Besides creating your lovely pieces of art, what do you do?
I am a Grandma, sometimes called, "Mema". I married for my second time and we've been together for over 20 years now. I have three beautiful daughters and three very handsome grandsons.
Other things I like to do: read, go online (Cathy's Pinterest site here) and see the beautiful creations of others, work and walk in the 2 acres of wonderful yard and woods we own. We live in Michigan and I just love fall and winter--and yes, I love snow!!!
Here's are a couple of special pics I wanted to share: On the left, my youngest daughter, Maria, and myself. My parents are in the middle pic and on the right are my other daughters. My oldest daughter, DeeAnna, is on the right, and my middle daughter, Jennifer, on the left. They were at a benefit to raise money for DeeAnna.
Thank you so much, Lili, for inviting me to share my dolls, my art, my life and some tips. It was really fun! Blessings to all of you!
Daughter Maria with Cathy
Cathy's parents
Daughter's DeeAnna and Jennifer
Thanks so much, Cathy!
You're an inspiration as an artist, mother, aunt, daughter and friend.
Find Cathy's art in her store treasuredwishes on Etsy.com and on Pinterest!
Linda-linsart on Etsy.com
August 2014 Featured Fellow Artist
Linda Clink from Linsart on Etsy.com features a lovely quote on her blog Linsart Creations in Clay:
"A person who works with his hands is a laborer. A person who works with his hands and his brain is a craftsman. A person who works with his hands, his brain and his heart is an artist" —Louis Nizer
Linda, artist and owner of Linsart, has been working with clay for over 9 years. She is a favorite of many artisans who use her clay faces & creations to make cuffs, pendants, necklaces, and more, as well as, Spirit Dolls, like me. She's sold approximately 2900 faces on Etsy, a testament to her passion and success as an artist and business owner.
The breadth and variety of her faces and sculptures is astounding. Her faces feature almost every persuasion, expression, color and genre. She also sculpts animals, like cats, owls, fish & horses. She makes Buddhas, goddesses, and dreamcatchers. All of her creations are rife with details and imagination. I love working with her faces to create a Spirit Doll because usually I connect right away this new little spirit. They have such personality and style all on their own.
I just discovered that she recently featured an example of my work, Willow of Immortality and Protection, in one of her blogs, The Many Faces of Linsart. She also has examples from a couple of other artists if you'd like to see how they employ her polymer face creations in their work. She also has a second blog, "Linsart Creations in Clay" which features other artists on Etsy and more of her lovely faces.
I look forward to using many more of Linda's faces on future Spirit Dolls!
An example of how Linda's faces are used
How to Create Your Own Spirit Dolls by Chris Flynn
I was delighted to find my work recently featured in the 'Guest Gallery' of Chris Flynn's new E-Book, "How to Create Your Own Spirit Dolls." She illustrates each step of making a spirit doll, including meditations, intentions and exact brand names of the tools that have worked best for her.
As a fellow artist, this kind of information is invaluable because usually an artist works alone using tools and materials they know. By introducing new materials and techniques I can push my work even further and be more creative!
Using a face that someone else has lovingly created brings an added dimension to a doll because I'm truly meeting this spirit for the first time. When I'm searching for inspiration for a doll, the hunt is fun, there are many talented artists on Etsy but I have no problem choosing a face that resonates with me. They literally jump off the page and end up in my shopping cart seconds later. It can be a challenge, sometimes, to make a doll with someone else's face but it's stimulating to have a wide selection to get those creative juices flowing.
Right now, I have a good stash of Chris's faces and cabs/shields to choose from (not that I will stop collecting them!) I've already used many of Chris's wonderful faces and cabs for my dolls and her experience and history with the dolls and making faces shines through her work.
She's also very generous with her time and expertise answering questions quickly and thoroughly and she always packs a little extra in with your order. Many times I've used the ribbon or lovely material she uses to package my order with right away when I receive it incorporating it into the doll I'm making. It's always seems to be a bit of synchronicity at work in the universe!
If you don't want to make a spirit doll but love one-of-a-kind jewelry, her cabs and faces can be made into necklaces or talismans.
You can find Chris at her store myirishgypsy on Etsy.com and if you're at all interested in crafting a Spirit Doll yourself her ebook is invaluable, as well as her blog, Spirit Dolls by Chris!
Healing Spirit doll with Buddha Button adornment by Chris Flynn.
Hummingbird Goddess Pendant by Chris Flynn.
Artist Chris Flynn
Tree of Life Pendant by Chris Flynn
Joyful Essence Art opens on Etsy!
Just opened up shop on Etsy sharing my Spirit Dolls with the world and ready to push my babies from the nest so that they can fly into someone's open arms who needs happiness and healing.
The journey from songwriter to doll maker, prompted by the death of my beloved mother, marks the beginning of a new stage in the second half of my life. When she died, the music literally died with her. I couldn't pick up my guitar and sing my songs anymore--something was off.
It's been a tortuous two years climbing up the steep & mountainous path of grief to reach some semblance of normalcy, a new peak, somewhere I've never been before. It's exciting and scary and wonderful and the path before me stretches wide open, beckoning me to continue to develop myself as an artist, a friend, a mother and a wife.
Now, my sense of mortality rides shotgun reminding me of the precious wonder of each moment of life. I've learned to take more care in the physical realm, moving slower and warming up, checking not once but three times before I cross the road but this enables me to push myself in the creative realm where risks transform into benefits and freeing my process, in turn, frees my heart. Because I know that each moment could be my last, or your last helps put things in perspective.
Every Spirit doll finished represents a step toward creative freedom and personal healing. Every face sculpted gets me closer to some imagined ideal that matters only to me. Imperfections are not only okay but important chances to transform 'poison into medicine' and use mistakes as springboards for something more spectacular than it would have been had it been 'perfect'. This striving for an ideal is the beautiful path of being human and creating value.
Meet Goldy aka Wise Old Woman ©Lili McGovern 2014
Cinderella ©Lili McGovern 2014


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Data Sheet–Apple's Stock Price Rising, But for How Long?
Adam Lashinsky
Apple CEO Tim Cook speaks during a company product launch event. Michael Short Getty Images
This is the web version of Data Sheet, Fortune's daily newsletter on the top tech news. To get it delivered daily to your in-box, sign up here.
I sympathize with the average investor who isn't aware of the market's odd ways on days like Wednesday when it comes to Apple.
The once-again nearly trillion-dollar company reported late Tuesday what common sense would suggest was, in Wall Street parlance, a turd of an earnings report. iPhone sales dropped 17%, revenue fell 5%, and the company said matters would have been worse but for heavy iPhone price discounting, particularly in China. (Apple's smaller but growing services business shone.)
The market's response? Apple shares jumped almost 5% in heavier-than-average trading.
The reason, as it often is in the stock-trading game, had to with expectations. Investors who get paid to predict such stuff thought Apple's results would be worse. They also were heartened by Apple's forecasted range of next-quarter earnings.
Not all analysts were impressed. Toni Sacconaghi of Bernstein frets that the mild decline in predicted iPhone revenue "essentially implies the most benign sequential [third-quarter] iPhone revenue decline in history." He also worries that while Apple's valuation has raced back to the trillion-dollar mark the company hasn't resolved "the fundamental question of lengthening iPhone replacement cycles." In other words, like Maytag washer-dryers of days of old, consumers are holding on to their iPhones longer than before.
Investors won't tolerate that for long.
@adamlashinsky
adam_lashinsky@fortune.com
Peek-a-boo. Speaking of Apple, we were led to believe by Apple execs that financial details of the company's legal settlement with Qualcomm would not be disclosed. But on Wednesday, Qualcomm tipped a $4.5 billion to $4.7 billion revenue gain next quarter for the settlement. Qualcomm also reported revenue last quarter fell 5% to $5 billion and issued a tepid forecast for the "next couple of quarters." Its shares, up 51% since the April 16 settlement, were down 1% in premarket trading on Thursday. The forecast comes as worldwide smartphone shipments dropped 7% in the first quarter, "a clear sign that 2019 will be another down year," IDC reports.
Charge card. Elsewhere on Wall Street, Square failed to cash in with its outlook while Fitbit ran stronger. Payments processor Square said its gross payment volume rose 27% to $22.6 billion but it forecast less profit and revenue for the next quarter than analysts expected. Square's stock, up 31% this year, declined 6% in premarket trading. At wearable maker Fitbit, revenue rose 10% to $272 million as the number of devices sold rose 36% to 2.9 million. Fitbit shares, previously up 8% this year, gained 2%.
Uninvited guests. There may be a new privacy boss at Facebook soon, and one who doesn't exactly please the company. As part of settlement talks with the Federal Trade Commission, Facebook is considering appointing a "federally-approved privacy official," Politico reports. At Google, the company is voluntarily giving users more privacy control, promising a new tool to adjust how long it keeps location, search and other personal data. And on the flip side of its Duplex appointment-making A.I. assistant, Google announced CallJoy, an A.I. appointment-taking assistant for small businesses.
Don't cut me off. A new law in Russia will seek to create a "sovereign Internet" that the government could easily disconnect from the global Internet at any time. Internet service providers in the country will have to route all traffic through servers controlled by Roscomnadzor, the country's Internet censor.
Rocket ships. The venture capital investing superstars at Andreessen Horowitz reloaded, completing fundraising on two new funds with $2.75 billion of fresh dough. The bulk of the money will be for "late stage" startups. What's that? "New companies that are just hitting escape velocity, and that may need a more venture-like mindset to support their further company building and scaling," the firm explained in a blog post.
As noted in the newsletter last week, Hertz is suing Accenture for $32 million over a web and mobile app design project gone horribly wrong. James Blizzard, CTO at web app design firm Browser London, knows a few things about that sort of project. And he's delved into the lawsuit and come up with a few recommendations in a blog post. He finds plenty of blame to go around:
I don't intend to shift all the blame onto Hertz; it has clearly been wronged. However, in my opinion, the company's senior team were too trusting and didn't give the project the attention it deserved. Project owners need both their own internal expertise, as well as that brought in by a partner. It's only when these two pools of knowledge work together that you can plan an effective future roadmap, provide ongoing development services and constantly review your technical and strategic plans. This approach should be built into a relationship from day one.
Looked at from this perspective, it appears to me that the Hertz executives in charge simply didn't understand that the website project would inevitably continue beyond the initial build. If they'd have recognized this, they would have understood that they required at least some talent on their side of the arrangement that was focused on the project full time. The company should never have let that talent go, as it allegedly did.
When Artificial Intelligence Knows Too Much (or Too Little) About You By Michel Lev-Ram
Tesla Has a Lucrative—but Fleeting—Window in Europe By Geoffrey Smith
Twitter and Instagram Are Starting to Imagine a World Without 'Likes' By Alyssa Newcomb
A Women's New Deal? Supermajority Hopes to Create One By Natasha Bach
Aluminum Scam Results in Two NASA Mission Failures By Chris Morris
I think I probably read every single Encyclopedia Brown story ever published. But I certainly didn't know much about the author of the tales of the fifth grade detective, Donald J. Sobol. It's a bit of a mystery story, but you don't have read to the end to get the solution.
This edition of Data Sheet was curated by Aaron Pressman. Find past issues, and sign up for other Fortune newsletters.


text:
Fulfil Your Destiny in Treasure Heroes Slot
Microgaming has been extremely busy collaborating with its independent studio partners on new projects this year. Alongside Rabcat, the online casino software developer has proudly revealed that a new slot will soon be on the way. Treasure Heroes is an action-packed title set thousands of years ago. It boasts kings, armies, hidden riches, and awesome heroes that are determined to score those royal riches for themselves. Are you willing to help them out for a portion of this incredible wealth?
Treasure Heroes revolves around a story of an ancient treasure chamber. The hidden room was built far beyond human reach in the centre of an endless maze of dungeons. Most thieves and treasure-seekers have been driven insane trying to navigate the halls, and few ever made their way out. It's up to you and a hoard of heroes to be the first to lay your hands on the mysterious riches.
Adventure Awaits on March 5
Treasure Heroes will be landing at River Belle on 5 March 2020. The heroic new video slot will play out over an extended 5×5 reel set with a Cluster Win mechanism in place to add extra thrills to the mix. It boasts medium volatility gameplay, which is perfect for those players who want a game with both big wins and relatively frequent payouts.
The graphics of the new Microgaming and Rabcat release are out of this world. The action is set in the middle of the dark dungeon maze, with massive doors and skull-laden locks visible in every corner. You will need to navigate this dangerous terrain by torchlight while matching winning symbol clusters across the grid. Be careful – there are plenty of hidden hazards to avoid if you want to make it out of the maze alive!
One of the most striking features of the slot is its range of symbols. There is only one set of symbols, and all of them perfectly match the theme. They include our male and female Treasure Heroes, a dragon sigil, a torch, a treasure chest, and a glowing blue gemstone. There are also 2 golden keys, as well as 2 different Wild symbols; a classic Wild and a Fixed Wild.
Cataclysmic Cluster Pays
To match wins across the reels, you will need to land at least 6 adjacent matching symbols. Landing 2 Free Spins Scatters will trigger 10 free spins in the Treasure Chamber Free Spins Feature, where even more tempting treasures await. The Wild symbols can fill in for all others on the reels, and appear in both the base game and the Free Spins bonus.
If you can land any winning combination on the reels, the Moving Wall Feature will also be triggered. All symbols involved in the win will stick in place on the screen, while vertical and horizontal movements occur. In the vertical phase, reels 1 and 5 are moved either up or down by 2 fields while reel 3 will move in the opposite direction. Empty fields will fill up with random symbols to boost your winning chances.
Then in the horizontal phase, rows 1 and 5 will move left or right by 2 fields, while row 2 moves in an opposite direction and the spaces left are filled with symbols. This process will repeat itself as long as at least 1 winning combination is produced during the feature.
Enter the Treasure Chamber
The Treasure Chamber Free Spins feature can be triggered with 2+ Free Spins Scatters. The warrior and magician symbols may randomly turn into Fixed Wilds during this feature, and will stay in place until it is over. The feature cannot be retriggered from within, but it is so packed with winning potential that you'll hardly notice!
Treasure Heroes has an RTP of 96.12% and a total hit frequency of 17.03%. Players can join in the adventure by betting just 0.20 per spin, and the maximum bet limit is set at 10.00 per spin. The top base game jackpot in this feisty new casino game is a handsome 19,253.50 coins. Players who are itching for adventure will love exploring mysterious mazes with the Treasure Heroes. Microgaming's upcoming slot release promises plenty of fun, royal conflict, magic, and a touch of danger to keep you on your toes. Will you be able to conquer the maze and reap the rewards that lie at its heart?
← Atlantean Treasures Mega Moolah Slot Makes a Splash Save the Day in the Attack On Retro Slot →


text:
Q: How do you change the hover text on a pinned taskbar item in Windows 7? I have two versions of SQL installed and I would like the hover text to show the different versions instead of just SQL Server Management Studio and SQL Server Management Studio (2).
I tried to right click on the pinned icon, this gives me a context menu with the program and the ability to unpin.  If I right click on the program and select properties I see the properties for the shortcut, but not the pinned icon.  I can rename the shortcut in the General tab.  This changes the name of the shortcut in the context menu, but it does not change the text on the hover for the pinned item.  I also could not find the current hover text in the registry with a basic search.
Does anyone know where to modify the properties of an item pinned to the taskbar for Windows 7?
This question is pretty close to what I am describing and shows another way to modify the shortcut.  However, I still do not see the hover text change.

A: The shortcuts for pinned items can be found in:
%AppData%\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\User Pinned\TaskBar

You should be able to open that folder in Windows Explorer and rename them from there.
The icons pinned to the taskbar are just the shortcuts that are found in this folder.  You can just modify the exisitng shortcuts, without deleting anything to update them.  Windows does, however, cache the data from those shortcuts, so you may need to kill explorer and restart it in order to see the updates immediately.

A: First you need to unpin the icon from the taskbar. Now rename the shortcut and after that pin it again to the taskbar. Now when you hover you will see the new text, the one you named your shortcut.


text:
package agent

import (
	"runtime"
	"time"

	"github.com/juju/loggo"
)

//
// Pulls together the bridge, a cached state configuration and the bus.
//
type Agent struct {
	conf     *Config
	bridge   *Bridge
	memstats *runtime.MemStats
	metrics  *MetricService
	eventCh  chan statusEvent
	log      loggo.Logger
}

func createAgent(conf *Config) *Agent {
	return &Agent{
		conf:     conf,
		bridge:   createBridge(conf),
		memstats: &runtime.MemStats{},
		metrics:  CreateMetricService(),
		log:      loggo.GetLogger("agent"),
	}
}

// TODO load the existing configuration on startup and start the bridge if needed
func (a *Agent) start() error {

	return nil
}

// stop all the things.
func (a *Agent) stop() error {

	return nil
}

func (a *Agent) startBridge(connect *connectRequest) error {
	return a.bridge.start(connect.Url, connect.Token)
}

// save the state of the bridge then disconnect it
func (a *Agent) stopBridge(disconnect *disconnectRequest) error {
	return a.bridge.stop()
}

func (a *Agent) getMetrics() *metricsEvent {
	return a.metrics.buildMetricsRequest()
}

func (a *Agent) getStatus() statsEvent {

	var lastError string

	if a.bridge.LastError != nil {
		lastError = a.bridge.LastError.Error()
	}

	runtime.ReadMemStats(a.memstats)

	return statsEvent{
		LastError:      lastError,
		Alloc:          a.memstats.Alloc,
		HeapAlloc:      a.memstats.HeapAlloc,
		TotalAlloc:     a.memstats.TotalAlloc,
		Connected:      a.bridge.IsConnected(),
		Configured:     a.bridge.Configured,
		Timestamp:      time.Now().Unix(),
		IngressCounter: a.bridge.IngressCounter,
		IngressBytes:   a.bridge.IngressBytes,
		EgressCounter:  a.bridge.EgressCounter,
		EgressBytes:    a.bridge.EgressBytes,
	}
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
The Cape Mentelle Team
Experienced and Innovative
The experienced and innovative team at Cape Mentelle are always progressing with forward looking ideas, handcrafted wines and an international perspective. Emphasis on fruit quality, sustainable viticulture and innovative technology in the winery are all an integral part of the quality control and vision in the pursuit of excellence.
Cameron Murphy
Estate Director
Frederique Perrin
Coralie Lewis
David Moulton
Viticulturist
A regular visitor to Margaret River since 2000, Cameron joined Cape Mentelle as Estate Director in July 2014. Now living in idyllic Margaret River, he has a long-held passion for Cape Mentelle and the region's wines as Australia's finest.
Following 10 years in various wine industry distribution & business roles based in Australia and the UK, Cameron joined the Moët Hennessy group in 2005 in Sydney and then moved to Brisbane as Queensland State Manager. In 2008 Cameron took on the role of Business Development- Asia Pacific with the Moët Hennessy Estates & Wines portfolio.
Cameron is responsible for Cape Mentelle's overall business and strategy, with a focus on communicating Margaret River's unique wine proposition around the world and ensuring that Cape Mentelle continues to be at the leading edge of Australia's best estates.
Download the bio of Cameron Murphy
Frederique joined Cape Mentelle in September 2014 from Champagne Krug where she was Oenology and Production Manager. Frederique has been part of the Moët Hennessy Estates & Wines Division since 2007. Along with Krug, she has crafted wines at Domaine Chandon and Newton Vineyard in the Napa Valley, Moët & Chandon in Epernay, and Terrazas De Los Andes in Mendoza.
Born in France, Frederique has an Agricultural Engineering Diploma, a Winemaking Degree and a Master of Science in Oenology, Viticulture & Wine Marketing from ENSAM-SupAgro in Montpellier. Frederique's winemaking career has taken her around the world with the 2015 vintage at Cape Mentelle a return to Margaret River since her first overseas vintage in 1999 at Leeuwin Estate.
With responsibility across the Winemaking, Viticulture and Production teams, Frederique's passion and international experience ensure the Cape Mentelle wine portfolio continues to strengthen its reputation of outstanding quality, consistency and excellence.
Download the bio of Frederique Perrin
A referral to Pierro winery in 2008 led Coralie to Margaret River and provided a platform for her to discover the incredible diversity of whites and reds in this region, with its ideal climate and maritime influence.
Coralie commenced her winemaking internship in Bordeaux at Chateau Cheval Blanc in Saint Emilion & Chateau Beychevelle in St Julien in Medoc, after studying a Masters of Oenology and Viticulture with a National Degree of Oenology at Agro-Montpellier. This pursuit of world-class Cabernet Sauvignon eventually led her to Cape Mentelle in 2015. Married to an Australian, Coralie has now settled in Margaret River and is conducting her twelfth local vintage and fifth with Cape Mentelle. When not in the cellar or vineyard Coralie likes to spend time with her young family and enjoys running her dog and riding her horse.
Download the bio of Coralie Lewis
A true local, born in Busselton a small coastal town just 30 minutes from Margaret River, David began working in vineyards at 18 which sparked a passion for wine and viticulture. He continued to work for local wineries while completing his Bachelor of Science in Viticulture and Oenology at Curtin University. Aside from his experience in Margaret River, David has also worked in the Rutherglen and Great Western regions of Victoria and in the Rhone Valley, France. Joining Cape Mentelle in April 2014, David shares our dedication to sustainability and innovation. With over 15 years wine experience under his belt, David is focused on creating a strong, proud and passionate team.
David's ongoing ambition is to ensure that the Cape Mentelle vineyards provide our winemakers with grapes of the highest quality and unlocking the secrets of growing premium Cabernet Sauvignon. When he is not in the vineyards he enjoys spending time with his young family and exploring the beautiful remote coastlines of the region.
Download the bio of David Moulton
BEN CANE
Ben Cane joined Cape Mentelle in December 2018, combining hands-on winemaking responsibilities with travel to share the winery's ethos of exploration and exceptional wines with the world.
After completing a Bachelor of Science at the University of Adelaide, Ben obtained a post-graduate diploma in Oenology and has worked in prestigious wineries in Australia, California, France and Italy for 22 years.
Ben moved to the United States in 2006 and worked in Sonoma, California for 12 years, first at Freestone Winery and later at Twomey Cellars where he developed the Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc program from estate vineyards and independent growers and oversaw the production of premium Cabernet and Bordeaux variety blends.
As head winemaker at boutique winery Westwood Estate from 2014 to 2018, Ben focused on making wine from multiple small parcels of fruit and embarking on a three-year biodynamic conversion of the vineyards.
After working in California's cool climate regions, Ben was keen to continue his passion for wines of elegance, brightness and freshness. Margaret River has always been a stand out for Ben as amongst Australia's most significant wine regions and being beside the ocean was an added drawcard.
Download the bio of Ben Cane


text:
Oscars to Begin Earlier in 2018
by Laughing Place Disney Newsdesk | Dec 4, 2017 9:34 AM Pacific Time
Tags: ABC, Oscars
ABC and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced today the 90th Oscars telecast on Sunday, March 4, 2018, will now begin at 8:00 p.m. EST/5:00 p.m. PST, a half-hour earlier than prior telecasts. As previously announced, Jimmy Kimmel will return to host, and Michael De Luca and Jennifer Todd will return to produce.
Additionally, starting at 6:30 p.m. EST/3:30 p.m. PST, the Oscars Pre-Show returns to give fans exclusive, insider access to all the excitement of the red carpet. The 90-minute special features interviews with nominees, presenters and performers, and brings viewers the best behind-the-scenes moments. ABC and the Academy also released a first look at the 90th Oscars with a promo celebrating the season.
The 90th Oscars will be held on Sunday, March 4, 2018, at the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center in Hollywood, and will be televised live on ABC. The Oscars also will be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.
Read Related Articles
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text:
Caroline Bell Foster is a Derby born author of Caribbean parentage. She visited Jamaica on what should have been a six week holiday but stayed for eighteen years!
An Amazon Top 10, The Cat Café is the authors sixth novel(April 2015)
Other titles include: Saffron's Choice (LMH), Caribbean Whispers(LMH), Ladies Jamaican (LMH)and the Amazon best selling call centre novels Call Me Royal and Call Me Lucky (Sunshine Publications)
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/cbellfoster-author1
Website: http://www.carolinebellfoster.com/
Facebook: Caroline Bell Foster
Twitter: @cbellfoster
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/
Trinity Peters has three great loves in her life; books, cake, and mostly cats - her CAT CAFÉ in Nottingham allows her to indulge in all three. Amiable, attractive and ambitious, she knows what she wants in life and sets about making it happen. Everything is going nicely for her until a handsome city slicker, with the suits to match, enters her café by mistake one evening. Nothing would ever be the same for her again.
Blake Lawrence is the well heeled city boy who loves to play big city games. He wouldn't normally venture too far from the bright lights of London, but business interests direct him to the East Midlands. He meets, and is captivated by, the sexy, mad cat woman Trinity Peters.
As much as Blake liked seeing his friend Becca, being at her house, her stomach swollen with baby number two, whilst baby number one was still in nappies was not his idea of dinner party bliss. He'd escaped as soon as he could, not missing the look of mischief on his dear friend's face.
He and Becca went way back, she was the only female friend he hadn't slept with. They'd been at boarding school together in France, or was it Italy? He couldn't remember, but they'd been friends. He was Godfather to baby number one, Dominick and he did all his Godfatherly duties like be there at the Christening, buying bonds in the little boys name and generally asking how he was once a month. Yes he was a good Godfather.
Too early to go home, well to the flat he used whilst in Nottingham, Blake decided to walk around. It was barely nine o'clock, all the shoppers had gone as Nottingham still operated by the antiquated five o'clock shop closure system that was a pain for busy people like his PA when he needed him to get him something. He always grumbled about the early closing times.
People were heading out to restaurants, no doubt filling up before dancing off the excess of calories he thought, as he walked through Hockley. He could see his building in the distance and knew he only needed to walk for another fifteen minutes and he'd be there.
A group of women dressed in a haze of fluorescent pink and white surged out of a pub and surrounded him like a swarm of angry bees.
"Oi, here's a nice one," one of them said.
Smiling tightly Blake tried to extricate himself, but two looped their arms through his stopping him.
"She's getting married next week," one with spiky black hair explained. "See?" She pointed to a blonde wearing a pink tutu and white sash and a gleaming plastic crown.
"Congratulations." Blake murmured, trying to hustle the women along up the narrow lane.
"Would you like to come for a drink? Her last hurrah and all that?" another one asked hopefully, batting her overly long false eyelashes at him.
"Aww please," spiky black-haired woman pouted up at him. "You're a nice looking bloke, tall and handsome. What colour are your eyes?" she moved in closer to look into his eyes. "Blue or green?"
Blake gritted his teeth. What was it with these northerners and harassment? Sexual harassment worked both ways.
Peeling himself away as firmly as he could he quickly walked around them and into the nearest shop. Then stopped.
He couldn't believe what he was seeing.
There were cats everywhere. He blinked just to see if the curry he'd had for dinner wasn't playing with his brain cells.
Yes, there were cats of all different sizes all different colours on the other side of the glass wall.
He turned to go, but a girl with a red rose in her hair caught and held his attention.
She'd changed. It was criminal to hide what she'd been hiding in that boxy suit she'd worn earlier at the bank.
Now, as she was bent over a cat, he could see her cute derrière and slender legs in a pair of blue faded jeans. The fabric was worn and faded where it cupped her bottom.
The door opened behind him.
"Go on in please mate, before that hen party change their minds and find me." A man, not much younger than Blake said taking off his shoes.
"Take your shoes off or Trinity will eat you alive," the man advised. "You don't bring outside dirt near the cats."
"What is this place?" Blake asked, puzzled.
The man grinned.
"The Cat Café, I come here every chance I get," the man explained. "My girlfriend is allergic to cats but I like to come here and chill out and watch some football if I can wrangle the remote off Trinity."
"Cat café?"
"Yes mate," the man stuck his hand out. "I'm Travis,"
"Blake."
They shook hands.
"Take your shoes off and stick 'em in there," Travis advised, pointing to a row of wooden lockers with keys, watching as Blake followed his instruction with obvious reluctance. "Use this."
After placing his shoes in the locker he palmed the key the young man gave him, then following his example Blake put on a pair of disposable socks. Travis then pumped hand sanitiser on his hands and indicated for Blake to follow his example
"Are you ready?" Travis asked, practically bursting with excitement.
"What for exactly?"
Travis grinned, wriggling his pale eyebrow. "To fall in love of course." He pushed open the glass door.
Blake looked at the girl with the red rose in her hair and perfect golden brown skin, he exhaled and went in.


The first witness we have scheduled today is Page Putnam Miller from the National Coordinating Committee for the Promotion of History in Washington.
We have a table up here, Page. Good morning, and welcome.
On behalf of the 50 historical and archival organizations that compose the National Coordinating Committee for the Promotion of History, I thank you for this opportunity to be with you today.
I have four issues that I would like to address. The first is the significance of this legislation for the historical profession, and we are very pleased, both with your work and with the documents that have already been opened, we see this as a beginning. I would like to just mention a couple of the specific kinds of records that have been opened thus far, and I hope that there will be more of this kind of record to be opened.
The first are 60 boxes of communication between CIA and the Station Chiefs in Mexico and in Miami. As you probably know, under Executive Order 12356, which basically governs our declassification policy, these kinds of records have not been transferred or opened at the National Archives, and as of legislation that was passed in 1983, these kinds of operational records from the CIA are not available under FOIA request. So historians have really not had a chance to look at this kind of record.
I was at a meeting recently where a researcher who had carefully gone through all the records in the 60 boxes told me that this was one of the richest treasure troves of records that he had seen in a very long time. So for the historical profession, we are certainly interested in the very specific substance records that lead us to a better understanding of the assassination itself, but we are also very interested in the broader context of how the government was operating, and you are able to glean from these kinds of records how the CIA was operating and the kinds of activities and messages that were going back and forth.
Secondly, another specific that I would mention also relates to the CIA, but it is records that were recently opened regarding the relationship between the CIA and the anti-Castro and the Cuba activities. Phillip Brenner, an international relations professor at American University said, after looking at these, we had the outlines that the CIA was doing this by 1975, but what you have now are the meat and potatoes of the plan showing the details of how they put it into effect.
I just mentioned these specifics at the beginning to let you know that we appreciate a broad approach to records and the kinds of records that are now coming out are very important to the historical profession.
Secondly, a point I would like to make is the important precedent that this legislation establishes for involving in varying substantive ways outside specialists, such as yourselves, in an oversight role on declassification.
Again, Executive Order 12356, which defines our declassification policy has no provision for outside oversight, and we feel that we have, under the Cold War years, developed in the Federal government a kind of culture of secrecy and a bureaucracy that has not allowed many important records that are no longer sensitive to be opened. There are literally trillions of classified records that are historical, over 30 years old, that are still classified. So we see you and your outside Review Board as important for reviewing these records.
We want you to also review the 2 percent of the Warren Commission records that are still being closed. We are also interested in the Robert Kennedy telephone logs for the period before and after the assassination. They are very specific records that are certainly sensitive and we, as historians, recognize that there are sensitive records here, that not all of them will be opened, but we certainly hope that there will be a minimum that will be kept closed.
I remember as I am sure you do, at your confirmation hearing, that the point was made that there would be a presumption of openness, and we are glad that there is an outside review body to consider this.
Third, the historical profession seeks the broadest definition possible in determining what is an assassination record. We hope that the Board will actively pursue records even though agencies may not have labelled those records as assassination-related records, and you may even need, and we hope you will, to pursue records that are not in agency files now.
For example, I was talking to one researcher recently, and he told me that he had inquired about the existence of some Labor Department records that Robert Kennedy had been concerned about the way in which the Mafia may have had some relationship in the assassination, and he had asked some folks at the Labor Department to work on this investigation. That while there is evidence that this happened at the Labor Department, there are no longer any records existing that have been in the agency or have been transferred to the National Archives, and yet there are individuals that worked on this project that have some records in their private possession to indicate this activity. So I think some of the records that we are interested in will not be labelled by agencies and will not be in the National Archives, or in agency records.
A fourth point, and one related to that, is the importance of providing forums for researchers to have an ongoing input into the work of the Review Board. When I was talking to some people about making this presentation today and asking them what did they see as the work of this Board, and they said, well, this Board is going to need to fine-tune that skill called "follow your nose" skill, and I think there will be an investigative, active pursuing aspect to this work that we are calling upon you to undertake. We do not expect what we would consider as an assassination record to all be just delivered to you by agencies. So we wish you well and urge you to undertake this investigative work.
In closing, I will again say it is the view of the historical profession that our current declassification policy is very much broken, and we see this Board as an opportunity to provide really a model of how declassification policy could proceed.
CHAIRMAN TUNHEIM: Thank you, Ms. Miller.
Members of the Board, are there questions?
DR. GRAFF: I have a question for Ms. Miller.
In looking for the records that are not labelled assassination records in the agencies, shall we follow merely our hunches, and I speak to you as a fellow historian? Should we go by published theories that contravene some of the establishment theories? What do you suggest we do to find those records? Should we come to you?
DR. MILLER: Well, I suggest this kind of forum, and I am very grateful that you are having this, and I think you indicated in your opening remarks that this was the first, but I think that you will find in testimony and comments from these kinds of open forums the kinds of leads that will be very useful to you. I think that as you begin this sort of tactic of follow your nose is when you start asking one question and then you find out more. I think that you will find many avenues fairly easily.
CHAIRMAN TUNHEIM: Questions for Dr. Miller?
I have one brief question, Dr. Miller. Do you believe it is necessary for us to, in defining assassination record, to define particular record groups in order to be specific enough to provide the kind of guidance that would be necessary for agencies?
DR. MILLER: Well, there is always that problem that if you define the specific records then anything that is not in that group will not be searched. I think that you are going to have to depend on some broad categories. You may suggest specific record groups, but I think that indicating types of records and maybe giving some examples of assassination-related. We believe very much that the Cold War, for instance, was the context for the assassination, and so much of what the Federal government was doing before and after regarding its foreign policy relates to this.
So I think -- I am concerned that a very specific statement may be seen as an opportunity to cut off some records. So I think you are going to have to go a fine line between giving suggestions, indicating the broad scope, and specific ways, but yet leaving it open.
Anything further from the members?