text:
using System;
using System.Collections.Generic;
using System.Diagnostics;
using System.IO;
using System.Linq;
using System.Net;
using System.Reflection;
using System.Text;
using System.Web;
using Microsoft.WindowsAzure.ServiceRuntime;

namespace Orleans.Runtime.Host
{
    ///
    /// Various utility functions to make it easier to access and handle Azure configuration information.
    ///
    public static class AzureConfigUtils
    {
        ///
        /// Try to determine the base location for the Azure app directory we are being run from
        ///
        /// <returns>App directory this library is being run from</returns>
        /// <exception cref="FileNotFoundException">If unable to determine our app directory location</exception>
        [Obsolete("Use the AppDirectoryLocations enumerable instead")]
        public static DirectoryInfo AzureAppDirectory
        {
            get
            {
                DirectoryInfo[] searchedLocations = AppDirectoryLocations;

                foreach (var dir in searchedLocations)
                    if (dir.Exists)
                        return dir;

                // Report error using first (expected) search location
                var sb = new StringBuilder();
                sb.Append("Cannot find Azure app directyory. Tried locations:");
                foreach (var loc in searchedLocations)
                    sb.Append(" ").Append(loc.FullName);

                Trace.TraceError(sb.ToString());
                throw new FileNotFoundException(sb.ToString(), "Azure AppRoot");
            }
        }

        ///
        /// Return the default file location for the Orleans client config file (ClientConfiguration.xml)
        ///
        ///<exception cref="FileNotFoundException">If client config file cannot be located</exception>
        public static FileInfo ClientConfigFileLocation
        {
            get
            {
                const string cfgFileName = "ClientConfiguration.xml";
                return FindConfigFile(cfgFileName, "Orleans client config");
            }
        }

        ///
        /// Return the default file location for the Orleans silo config file (OrleansConfiguration.xml)
        ///
        ///<exception cref="FileNotFoundException">If silo config file cannot be located</exception>
        public static FileInfo SiloConfigFileLocation
        {
            get
            {
                const string cfgFileName = "OrleansConfiguration.xml";
                return FindConfigFile(cfgFileName, "Orleans silo config");
            }
        }

        ///
        /// Search for the specified config file
        /// by checking each of the expected app directory locations used by Azure.
        ///
        /// <param name="cfgFileName">Name of the file to be found.</param>
        /// <param name="what">Short description of the file to be found.</param>
        /// <returns>Location if the file, if found, otherwise FileNotFound exeception will be thrown.</returns>
        /// <exception cref="FileNotFoundException">If the specified config file cannot be located</exception>
        internal static FileInfo FindConfigFile(string cfgFileName, string what)
        {
            DirectoryInfo[] searchedLocations = AppDirectoryLocations;

            foreach (var dir in searchedLocations)
            {
                var file = new FileInfo(Path.Combine(dir.FullName, cfgFileName));
                if (file.Exists)
                    return file;
            }

            // Report error using first (expected) search location
            var sb = new StringBuilder();
            sb.AppendFormat("Cannot find {0} file. Tried locations:", what);
            foreach (var loc in searchedLocations)
                sb.Append(" ").Append(loc.FullName);

            Trace.TraceError(sb.ToString());
            throw new FileNotFoundException(sb.ToString(), cfgFileName);
        }

        ///
        /// Return the expected possible base locations for the Azure app directory we are being run from
        ///
        /// <returns>Enererable list of app directory locations</returns>
        public static DirectoryInfo[] AppDirectoryLocations
        {
            get { return appDirectoryLocations ?? (appDirectoryLocations = FindAppDirectoryLocations().ToArray()); }
        }

        private static DirectoryInfo[] appDirectoryLocations;

        ///
        /// Return the expected possible base locations for the Azure app directory we are being run from
        ///
        /// <returns>Enererable list of app directory locations</returns>
        private static IEnumerable<DirectoryInfo> FindAppDirectoryLocations()
        {
            // App directory locations:
            // Worker Role code:            {RoleRoot}\approot
            // WebRole – Role startup code: {RoleRoot}\approot\bin
            // WebRole - IIS web app code:  {ServerRoot}
            // WebRole - IIS Express:       {ServerRoot}\bin

            string appRootPath;

            var roleRootDir = Environment.GetEnvironmentVariable("RoleRoot");
            if (roleRootDir != null)
            {
                // Being called from Role startup code - either Azure WorkerRole or WebRole
                Assembly assy = Assembly.GetExecutingAssembly();
                appRootPath = Path.GetDirectoryName(assy.Location);
                if (appRootPath != null)
                    yield return new DirectoryInfo(appRootPath);
            }

            // Try using Server.MapPath to resolve for web roles running in IIS web apps
            appRootPath = HttpContext.Current.Server.MapPath(@"~\");
            if (appRootPath != null)
                yield return new DirectoryInfo(appRootPath);

            // Try using HostingEnvironment.MapPath to resolve for web roles running in IIS Express
            // https://orleans.codeplex.com/discussions/547617
            appRootPath = System.Web.Hosting.HostingEnvironment.MapPath("~/bin/");
            if (appRootPath != null)
                yield return new DirectoryInfo(appRootPath);

            // Try current directory
            yield return new DirectoryInfo(".");

            // We have run out of ideas where to look!
            // Searched locations =
            //   RoleRoot
            //   HttpContext.Current.Server.MapPath
            //   System.Web.Hosting.HostingEnvironment.MapPath
            //   Current directory
        }

        ///
        /// Get the instance named for the specified Azure role instance
        ///
        /// <param name="deploymentId">Azure Deployment Id for this service</param>
        /// <param name="roleInstance">Azure role instance information</param>
        /// <returns>Instance name for this role</returns>
        public static string GetInstanceName(string deploymentId, RoleInstance roleInstance)
        {
            string instanceId = roleInstance.Id;
            return GetInstanceNameInternal(deploymentId, instanceId);
        }

        internal static string GetInstanceNameInternal(string deploymentId, string instanceId)
        {
            return instanceId.Length > deploymentId.Length && instanceId.StartsWith(deploymentId)
                ? instanceId.Substring(deploymentId.Length + 1)
                : instanceId;
        }

        ///
        /// Get the instance name for the current Azure role instance
        ///
        /// <returns>Instance name for the current role instance</returns>
        public static string GetMyInstanceName()
        {
            return GetInstanceName(RoleEnvironment.DeploymentId, RoleEnvironment.CurrentRoleInstance);
        }

        ///
        /// List instance details of the specified roles
        ///
        /// <param name="roles">Dictionary contining the roles to be listed, indexed by instance name</param>
        public static void ListAllRoleDetails(IDictionary<string, Role> roles)
        {
            if (roles == null) throw new ArgumentNullException("roles", "No roles dictionary provided");

            foreach (string name in roles.Keys)
            {
                Role r = roles[name];
                foreach (RoleInstance instance in r.Instances)
                    ListRoleInstanceDetails(instance);
            }
        }

        ///
        /// List details of the specified role instance
        ///
        /// <param name="instance">role instance to be listed</param>
        public static void ListRoleInstanceDetails(RoleInstance instance)
        {
            if (instance == null) throw new ArgumentNullException("instance", "No RoleInstance data provided");

            Trace.TraceInformation("Role={0} Instance: Id={1} FaultDomain={2} UpdateDomain={3}",
                instance.Role.Name, instance.Id, instance.FaultDomain, instance.UpdateDomain);

            ListRoleInstanceEndpoints(instance);
        }

        ///
        /// List endpoint details of the specified role instance
        ///
        /// <param name="instance">role instance to be listed</param>
        public static void ListRoleInstanceEndpoints(RoleInstance instance)
        {
            if (instance == null) throw new ArgumentNullException("instance", "No RoleInstance data provided");

            foreach (string endpointName in instance.InstanceEndpoints.Keys)
            {
                Trace.TraceInformation("Role={0} Instance={1} EndpointName={2}",
                    instance.Role.Name, instance.Id, endpointName);

                ListEndpointDetails(instance.InstanceEndpoints[endpointName]);
            }
        }

        internal static void ListEndpointDetails(RoleInstanceEndpoint endpoint)
        {
            if (endpoint == null) throw new ArgumentNullException("endpoint", "No RoleInstanceEndpoint data provided");

            Trace.TraceInformation("Role={0} Instance={1} Address={2} Port={3}",
                endpoint.RoleInstance.Role.Name, endpoint.RoleInstance.Id, endpoint.IPEndpoint.Address, endpoint.IPEndpoint.Port);
        }

        ///
        /// Get the endpoint details of the specified role
        ///
        /// <param name="role">role to be inspected</param>
        /// <returns>The list of <c>RoleInstanceEndpoint</c> data associated with the specified Azure role.</returns>
        public static List<RoleInstanceEndpoint> GetRoleEndpoints(Role role)
        {
            if (role == null) throw new ArgumentNullException("role", "No Role data provided");

            var endpoints = new List<RoleInstanceEndpoint>();
            foreach (RoleInstance instance in role.Instances)
                endpoints.AddRange(instance.InstanceEndpoints.Values);

            return endpoints;
        }

        ///
        /// Get the endpoint IP address details of the specified role
        ///
        /// <param name="roleName">Name of the role to be inspected</param>
        /// <param name="endpointName">Name of the endpoint to be inspected</param>
        /// <returns>The list of <c>IPEndPoint</c> data for the specified endpoint associated with the specified Azure role name.</returns>
        public static List<IPEndPoint> GetRoleInstanceEndpoints(string roleName, string endpointName)
        {
            var endpoints = new List<IPEndPoint>();

            if (RoleEnvironment.Roles.ContainsKey(roleName))
            {
                foreach (RoleInstance inst in RoleEnvironment.Roles[roleName].Instances)
                if (inst.InstanceEndpoints.ContainsKey(endpointName))
                {
                    RoleInstanceEndpoint instEndpoint = inst.InstanceEndpoints[endpointName];
                    if (instEndpoint != null)
                        endpoints.Add(instEndpoint.IPEndpoint);
                }
            }

            return endpoints;
        }

        ///
        /// Return <c>true</c> is this value is a reference to an setting value in the Azure service configuration for the current role,
        ///
        /// <param name="name"></param>
        /// <param name="val">Input value to be processed.</param>
        /// <returns>Return the original value if it was not a reference to </returns>
        public static string CheckServiceConfigurationSetting(string name, string val)
        {
            if (!val.StartsWith("@"))
                return val; // Use original value

            // Assume this is a reference to a setting in the Aazure service configuration file, so substitute.
            var settingName = val.Substring(1);
            var subsVal = RoleEnvironment.GetConfigurationSettingValue(settingName);
            Trace.TraceInformation("Config value {0} replaced with {1} setting value from role config settings", name, subsVal);
            return subsVal;
        }
    }
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


My husband and I are chocolate fiends and any excuse to get more of the stuff works. Ed said he'd like an Advent Calendar and I thought why buy when I can make one. I wanted to make something different and Ed suggested a Christmas Pudding theme. I bought 2 felt sets from John Lewis and went about planning the calendar. Unfortunately the felt squares were not big enough for the base of the calendar which meant I had to sew four bits together.


Farmers Wifey: Country Eye Candy from my farm!
Country Eye Candy from my farm!
Great pics! Gotta love country living.
Love your farm Michelle. Gorgeous pics.
Looks like you have sunshine. Thats always nice.
I like how your house is high up on a hill.
The oranges on the tree look like little globes of sunshine.
Looks like a gorgeous farm, incredibly beautiful. I'd like to make some tasty lemon curd with those lemons..


text:
General Library Guides
24 Hour Opening
24 Hour Opening: Home
Find out which services are available during 24 hour opening at Stockwell Street Library
Services available during 24 hour opening
Services unavailable during 24 hour opening
Expected behaviour
Please remember!
After midnight only students and staff of the university with valid Greenwich Gateway cards will be allowed access.
Restricted access for ALUMNI, Reference card holders, SCONUL users, individual subscribers or clinical staff after midnight until 8.00am.
24 hour Opening at Stockwell Street Library, Greenwich Campus
Alumni and SCONUL Access Restrictions
Access restrictions will be implemented during certain times of the 24 hour opening period. Please ensure that you are aware of the following changes that may affect your access to Stockwell Street Library.
Throughout the entirety of the 24 hour opening period, Alumni users may enter Stockwell Street Library from 08:00 until 23:59 of each day. If you are still within the Library from midnight onwards, you are welcome to remain. However, if you leave at any time from midnight you will not be permitted to re-enter until 08:00 the next morning.
SCONUL Access
During the 24 hour opening period, there will be restricted access for SCONUL users at Stockwell Street Library. Applications may be submitted but no access will be granted in Stockwell Street Library. Both Avery Hill and Drill Hall libraries will continue to remain accessible (please see Avery Hill and Drill Hall opening hours).
Outside of this period, SCONUL users may enter the Library from 08:00 until 23:59 of each day. If you are still within the Library from midnight onwards, you are welcome to remain. However, if you leave at any time from midnight you will not be permitted to re-enter until 08:00 the next morning.
Today's opening hours across all sites
Next: Services available during 24 hour opening >>
URL: https://libguides.gre.ac.uk/24houropening
Tags: opening hours

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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You Have The Right To Offend People!
Don't read if you don't want your head to explode this early in the day.
Credit: kron4.com
By Susie Madrak — September 12, 2014
On behalf of sane Pennsylvanians everywhere, I apologize for the rest of my state. Do I think this kid is rude? A bit, yeah. Do I think he showed poor judgement putting the photo on his Facebook page when he lives in a small town? Indubitably. But criminalizing an offensive joke by a teenager is way over the line, of both the First Amendment and the separation of church and state.
Now he faces two years in juvie. Yoo hoo, ACLU!
EVERETT, Pennsylvania (KRON) — A Pennsylvania teenager is facing criminal charges after posting pictures to Facebook of him simulating a sex act with a statue of Jesus.
The young man posted that he took the pictures in late July at the statue of a kneeling Jesus in front of the "Love in the Name of Christ" Christian organization in his hometown of Everett.
The criminal charge, which will be heard in family court, consists of "Desecration of a Venerated Object."
Pennsylvania law defines desecration as "Defacing, damaging, polluting or otherwise, physically mistreating in a way that the actor knows will outrage the sensibilities of persons likely to observe or discover the action."
I never heard of this law, but it sounds like wingnut legislation written to get around SCOTUS rulings on flagburning. Whatever it is, it sounds unconstitutional to me.
Desecration of a Venerated Object, Everett, Love in the Name of Christ, Pennsylvania
Jim Acosta Blasts Sarah Sanders: 'Shouldn't You Have The Guts To Name The Enemy Of The People?'
Aliza Worthington — Oct 29th, 2018
Jesus Christ: 'Stop Using My Name To Hurt LGBT People!'
LeftOfCenter — Jun 11th, 2015
Bolling: Zero People Have Been Killed In The Name Of Any Religion But Islam
Heather — Feb 7th, 2015
Fox's Bolling: Zero People Have Been Killed In The Name Of Any Religion But Islam
Pennsylvania AG Tells Trump: 'Just Let The People Vote'
Susie Madrak — Nov 2nd, 2020
'Are You Kidding Me!': Dr. Oz Shocked Other People Don't Drink Their Pee
Conover Kennard — Oct 16th, 2022
Ingraham Flips Out: 'The Left' Will Force You To Use...Bike Lanes?
John Amato — Jan 31st, 2023
Loser Kari Lake To Be Investigated For Campaign Violation


text:
F1 – Australian GP – Qualifying
Posted on 9 April, 2022 by Marta SV Leave a comment
G'day, MiniFans! We're finally back to racing down under, but that's not the only news from the weekend. Vettel is back after missing the first two races due to testing positive for COVID, and the FIA did a brief run of 4 DRS zones before scrapping the idea, after the first free sessions and consulting the drivers.
Drivers seemed eager to kick of qualifying in Melbourne, as half the grid went out at the beginning of Q1. It was mostly the usual suspects, with Haas and Williams setting the first references on track, but Ferrari was also among them. A couple of brief yellow flags littered the session and, almost halfway through, Aston Martin had still not come out. The green team was still working on both cars throughout this first stint of qualifying. Stroll did manage to go out but he couldn't even set one lap, as an absurd incident between him and Latifi when neither of them was in a timed lap meant a red lap halted Q1 when only two minutes were left.
The session was resumed and one of Aston Martin's drivers' misfortune meant that the other, Vettel, had one chance at a timed lap. The fact that there were only 120 seconds left made it so that drivers were out for blood in the out lap, but only Schumacher managed to save himself after the battle. Williams' misfortune wasn't over yet, as Albon was asked to stop only two turns away from the pit entry. The eliminated drivers in Q1 were Albon (P16), Magnussen (P17), Vettel (P18), Latifi (P19) and Stroll (P20).
Red Bull and Ferrari went all out since the very beginning of Q2, but Alonso somehow split up both Red Bulls, who were in first and third. Mercedes, still not doing their best, prompted the first yellow flag and an investigation due to Pérez not slowing down in the second session on qualifying, but both had squeezed into the top 10 with half the time to go. The last two minutes saw enough changes of position in the timing tower to fear Hamilton not making it through, but the Brit eventually lowered his time and was safely into Q3. The eliminated drivers in Q2 were Gasly (P11), Bottas (P12), Tsunoda (P13), Zhou (P14) and Schumacher (P16).
Q3 saw the "natural" order somehow return, with a top ten not that different from the one we've been used to in previous seasons. Darker visors were required by drivers, as the sun starting to come down was hitting them in the eyes. The second red flag came courtesy of Alonso's hydraulics system, which didn't allow the Spanish driver to reduce gears and stop his car before he crashed into the wall.
The fight for pole was expected to go down between Ferrari and Red Bull, while Mercedes drivers were being notified that they were tight on time for their strategy. Leclerc managed to snag pole at the last second, taking it away from Verstappen, who had grabbed onto it for most of the session. Sainz, however, could only be ninth due to problems out of his hand, joining his friend Alonso in the fifth row.
Australia has welcomed F1 back with wide open arms, retouching Albert Park for the first racing weekend in Melbourne since the infamous 2020 GP, cancelled only at the last second possible, which ends the three-year drought without a race celebrated down under. McLaren and Mercedes are back in Q3, showing decent pace and blocking out positions between fourth and seventh. It was bittersweet for Ferrari, as the Italian team was both on pole and ninth, when they could have easily been together at the front, while Red Bull finished strong.


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Two planned Facebook transactions in Athens were set-ups for armed robberies
Athens-Clarke County police are warning residents to use caution when arranging to make transactions initiated over social media.
The warning comes in the wake of two armed robberies that occurred on Wednesday after victims tried to purchase cellphones that they learned supposedly were for sale from posts they saw on Facebook.
In the first incident, a victim at about noon saw a Facebook posting about a cellphone that was for sale, police said.
Upon arrival at the supposed transaction location in the 100 block of Pepperidge Lane, the victim was approached by a black male who pulled a gun and took the victim's wallet, according to police. The victim, who was not injured described the suspect as being very tall and with tattoos on both hands, police said.
The second incident Wednesday occurred at about 2:10 p.m. at Kathwood Townhomes off Kathwood Drive. The victim, who showed up with plans to buy a cellphone he saw advertised on Facebook was approached by multiple people, one of whom had a gun, police said.
The suspects stole multipole, unspecified, items from the victim, police said.to take the following precautions when arranging to make purchases online:
· Transactions should be scheduled for daytime hours
· Well-lit and frequented areas are the best locations for transactions
· Consider using the parking lot of a law enforcement agency
· Do not meet at a private residence
· Be wary if the buyer or seller agrees to a meeting location, then changes it
· Consider alternate forms of payment other than cash
This week's armed robberies are being actively investigated.
Police asked that anyone with information about the crimes to contact Detective Michael Carroll at (762) 400-7089 or michael.carroll@accgov.com.


Missouri scenic drives showcase a variety of sights from the bluffs of the Mississippi, rare plant and animal life, and remnants of an ancient ocean. The links at the bottom of this page will take you to articles about two such drives -- Crowley's Ridge Parkway and Little Dixie Highway of the Great River Road (Little Dixie Highway) -- that contain photos, highlights, and detailed maps.
A route through the area's swamps and wetlands, Crowley's Ridge Parkway is characterized by sand, gravel, and deep gullies -- remnants of an ancient ocean. Explore this isolated area that is stocked with rare plant and animal life.
Decidedly Southern, this route along the Mississippi features Victorian streetscapes and old plantations, as well as majestic views from the bluffs of the Mississippi.
Missouri State Guide: Discover all of the things to do in Missouri, and learn about Mobil Travel Guide-rated hotels and restaurants in the state.
Scenic Drives: Are you interested in scenic drives in states other than Missouri? Here are more than 100 scenic drives throughout the United States.


It's not uncommon to hear that the cost of living in Australia – and Sydney in particular – is among the highest in the world. And in exploiting our fear of hip-pocket pain, politicians and the media have fuelled our sense that keeping up with day-to-day expenses is getting harder and harder.
Yet for many of us, increases in our incomes have counterbalanced increases in the cost of living. And having to cover the cost of additional 'essentials', or taking care of an unexpected expense can be dealt with by changing our spending patterns: we eat out less, don't buy that new outfit or forgo an expensive holiday. But for households who spend most – or even all – of their household budget on essential items, making such adjustments is not easy. For these households, cost of living pressures can mean difficult choices such as whether food, a school excursion or a visit to the doctor is more important.


text:
The George Centre
Address: High Street, Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG31 6LH
http://www.thegeorgecentre.com: www.thegeorgecentre.com
http://www.thegeorgecentre.com: Visit Website
Situated in the heart of Grantham, The George Centre is a stunning 'boutique' shopping and business centre that successfully mixes both smaller independent retail outlets with high street names. Retaining the Georgian façade of the former George Hotel, the Centre offers visitors highly distinctive and individual shopping in a traditional setting.
The George Centre stands on the site of the old George Hotel - once an impressive local hostelry built in 1780 - and still retains many of its fine features including the Oriel windows, carved staircase and cornices.
In 1990 the site was converted into an indoor shopping centre, using the architectural splendour of the former hotel, which is now a listed building. The Centre is now managed by Jones Lang LaSalle Ltd.
Although the George Hotel was built during the reign of George III - following a fire which wiped out many properties in that area - there had been a hostelry on the site for at least three centuries before that.
Show me directions to The George Centre


The IRS recommends that taxpayers keep a copy of tax returns for at least three years. Doing so can help taxpayers prepare future tax returns or even assist with amending a prior year's return. If a taxpayer is unable to locate copies of previous year tax returns, they should check with their software provider or tax preparer first. Tax returns are available from IRS for a fee.
Even though taxpayers may have a copy of their tax return, some taxpayers need a transcript. These are often necessary for a mortgage or college financial aid application.
Order online. They can use the Get Transcript tool on IRS.gov. Users must authenticate their identity with the Secure Access process.
Order by mail. Taxpayers can use Get Transcript by Mail or call 800-908-9946 to order a tax return transcripts and tax account transcripts.
Complete and send either 4506-T or 4506T-EZ to the IRS. They should use Form 4506-T to request other tax records, such as a tax account transcript, record of account, wage and income, and a verification of non-filing.
Transcripts are free and available for the current tax year and the past three years. A transcript usually displays most line items from the tax return. This includes marital status, the type of return filed, adjusted gross income and taxable income. It also includes items from any related forms and schedules filed. It doesn't reflect any changes the taxpayer or the IRS may have made to the original return.
Taxpayers needing a transcript should remember to plan ahead. Delivery times for online and phone orders typically take five to 10 days from the time the IRS receives the request. Taxpayers should allow 30 days to receive a transcript ordered by mail, and 75 days for copies of your tax return.
Taxpayers who need an actual copy of a tax return can get one for the current tax year and as far back as six years. The fee per copy is $50. A taxpayer will complete and mail Form 4506 to request a copy of a tax return. They should mail the request to the appropriate IRS office listed on the form.
Taxpayers who live in a federally declared disaster area can get a free copy of their tax return. More disaster relief information is available on IRS.gov.


5 acres of beautiful, wooded waterfront property with a high elevation. OCR Zoning (Office-Commercial-Residential up to 6 units per acre) offers a multitude of development possibilities. Adjacent to Sebastian River Medical Center. This unique parcel has a wonderful old Florida setting with a wide-water view and a high riverbank.


Some Type Of social media after is essential for the majority of companies. But, getting things moving beyond the starting blocks (and past a couple of followers who are mostly family and friends), may feel like an uphill battle.
CrowdFire came to my attention when I was looking For a way to develop my Twitter account. I have been using it myself now for several months, and I am really happy with the outcomes. I am therefore happy to eventually get around to sharing them with you. Let's get started.
CrowdFire Is a online utility that"plumbs from" to your social media accounts. Originally designed as a Twitter tool, it also has performance for Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook. CrowdFire helps you automate the repetitive tasks involved in gradually growing a subsequent on social media.
For example, when I set up the Twitter Accounts for this website, I would spend some time every day identifying people in the house freelancing and working markets, and follow them in the expectation they would accompany me back and socialize in the future. CrowdFire makes it possible to locate these individuals and makes it very fast to include them. Even more usefully, it makes it possible to keep track of those who don't follow you back or people who are inactive and not worth pursuing, which means that you may keep the record.
It will Plenty more besides; It finds relevant content you can share to assist you keep your account alive and busy, indicates tweaks to your own accounts to help them perform better, and does it all with an extremely contemporary"bot" style interface which takes just a few minutes each day to manage.
After Allowing CrowdFire permission to handle your desirable social media accounts (I mostly use it for Twitter), all you need to do is get into the support once per day and follow the directions it gives you.
For Example, on a day, it will give me a choice of content that is relevant to pick from to share in my deadline. Then it will suggest some accounts for me to squint since they've not reciprocated in after me. Next, I'll find a listing of new reports that are proposed to follow because they have been tweeting about keywords that are relevant, or since they're fans of similar people in my niches.
On some Days, I'll get additional jobs, like feeding in more relevant keyword phrases, checking my automated message to people who follow me, or checking that the info in my own"About" section remains relevant. Is that if the system finds I maintain dismissing a task, it is going to provide the option of suspending it so it doesn't bother me with it to me.
Everything's Performed with a very friendly interface, and it takes a couple of minutes a day to handle.
What CrowdFire essentially does for me is almost Fully automate a task that has been previously taking 20 minutes each day (and often not getting done because of other pressures). But I can always catch two minutes every day to do it.
Most Importantly, my follower rely on Twitter continues to rise at a rate, and rises with followers that are relevant they're people I already know are considering homeworking and freelancing.
It's also very important to reemphasize my Followers are. They're followers who retweet them socialize like them and click through to the website. This is important, if none of those people ever take a look at your content as there's no point using a follower number for vanity.
The amounts above prove that I can continue doing What I'm doing and steadily boost my Twitter after (at least until I am after 5000 individuals , if things get a little more difficult). I tipped on the 2000 mark, as you can see below!
These Numbers alone make CrowdFire worth each penny. And it's possible to do all this with the version that is free too — albeit in a slower rate unfollow constraints imposed.
Users that gave Crowdfire a Positive review stated that the program is a tool for scheduling articles. They also shared that it allows them add their competitors' followers and to track their community.
When I Sat down to write this, I knew downsides and I would fight, and in typing this up having attained this stage, that stuggle remains!
1 change that's bugged me is that you used To be able to bang down repeatedly on the mouse button to follow or unfollow individuals. CrowdFire lately changed so that you now have to scroll down and click each green"and" icon then (as shown in the screenshot below).
This is A fantastic thing, since it ensures you at least glance at who you are following. It stops you treating the whole thing as an exercise that is automatic and being idle. But it's made it all take a tiny bit.
Review of Crowdfire on Crowd said that the program is for managing the Twitter followers of his brand, his tool. He shared that his favorite feature is that the one which permits him to add their opponents' followers to their own list. In addition, he added that Crowdfire includes a great iPhone app.
Crowdfire also Offers annual pricing for its plans: Plus ($89.76/year or $7.48/month), Premium ($449.76/year or $37.48/month), and VIP ($899.76/year or $74.98/month). Annual plans are billed on lump sum each year.
Take a Look at the list under Some of Crowdfire's features.
The Way to Make a Facebook Company Page in 6 Steps — A Facebook company page is a free public profile you are able to create for your local business, brand, or product. Have a look at this article.
The Instagram Marketing Tips from the Experts — Businesses have to maximize Instagram's capacity to participate clients and attract new ones. In this article, find out what the pros think are the best ways.
There was no mention of a Free trial on Crowdfire's web site. However, users that are interested can subscribe to their plan and start using their services.
Yes. You can cancel your paid Subscription anytime and still continue with your program that is canceled until the end of the billing period. Following that, your accounts will be converted to the plan.
You Will Need to wait till The end of your current billing period before you may upgrade or downgrade your paid subscription. You might speak to the Crowdfire support team from inside the program if you need the account modification.
As I just Said, CrowdFire is available subject to some constraints, however there are a few premium choices available too.
It's Potential to test out what CrowdFire offers without spending any money in any way, but as you can see from the above, you're limited to one account per network. You are also restricted in suggested content you are given to discuss, and in terms of how a lot of people / unfollow each day can be followed by you.
Using CrowdFire is a bit of a"no brainer" if you are keen to build up your social media profile. It basically helps you do the kind of things a social media agency would bill you for, however all at a couple of minutes every day, at a low cost or at no cost.
It pays dividends to pay attention to Who you're after, and it is obviously crucial that you provide valuable content to your followers if you're likely to keep them interested. Using CrowdFire does not do everything for you!


2. I do love that vintage camera. And her idea of asking five questions ... hmmmm ... maybe you could leave questions here that you'd like answered on future fresh friday fives? That might be interesting!
3. Adorable, sleepy, loving, so-cuddly-he-doesn't-want-mommy-to-put-him-down ;) little baby boy Tristan. Some favorites that I needed to share from his newborn session a little bit ago.
4. I also love his mama's elated joy here. Seriously, she just radiates happiness through the page, doesn't she?!
5. Another favorite of mine ... Tristan, you are a sweetheart!


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OPINION: Domestic Terrorists, Not Protestors
U.S. Capitol Stormed by Violent Protestors as Congress Counts Electoral Votes
Getting Info From Graphics
The Ultimate Fondue Experience
A Couple's Mistletoe
All content, unless otherwise stated, is copyright of The Banner Newspaper. All rights reserved.
President Trump, Time is Ticking
His Campaign Could be Going Under Due to Americans' Growing Concern of COVID
By: Sammy Quarrato
Trump has been repeatedly slammed for 'not wanting to cause a panic.' Photo Credit: imgflip.com
With the election less than 50 days away, the following weeks are going to be crucial for both former Vice President Joe Biden and President Donald Trump. COVID has also been a growing issue for the president and he has been lackluster on the issue, at best.
A bombshell was revealed from Bob Woodward's audio recordings where the president was describing how serious COVID was on February 7: "It goes through air, Bob. That's always tougher than the touch. The touch, you don't have to touch things, right? But the air, you just breathe the air and that's how it's passed. And so that's a very tricky one. That's a very delicate one. It's also more deadly than even your strenuous flus…This is more deadly. This is 5% versus 1%, and less than 1%. So this is deadly stuff…Young people too. Plenty of young people. We're looking at what's going on."
This is already a bombshell of a revelation due to Trump in public giving quite an opposing rhetoric when the virus entered the country and Americans went into lockdown with the rest of the world.
He stated that this was like the flu and that it was going to 'disappear' when it becomes summer and that only the elderly and people with pre-existing conditions had to worry about the virus.
The worst part about this was that this wasn't due to basic science denial or ignorance for which the president is infamous for such as on the subject of climate change.
He also stated in the same audio file, "I wanted to always play it down. I still like playing it down because I don't want to create a panic."
He's essentially stating that he was lying to the American people by not informing them about how serious the situation is and he didn't want to 'cause a panic' due to his worries of the stock market going down and that this could hurt his reelection bid.
This is a case of extreme hypocrisy due to his rightful criticism of Hillary stating in emails released by Wikileaks that she held public and private positions, but then he goes ahead and does the same thing.
This without a question shows intent to downplay a pandemic that has killed 200,000 Americans, so far.
That is about 66 9/11's, 45 Iraq Wars and about half of U.S. casualties of World War 2, and it gets worse.
Recently, according to The Washington Post, the USPS had a plan to send out about 5 medical masks to every household in America (which totals to 650 million masks). A press release was also prepared for this.
The plan was blocked by the White House due to concern that this would also create a panic.
This would have saved tens of thousands of lives, at the very least. This shows just how sociopathic the Trump administration has been with it's response to COVID.
The United States has also passed Italy in deaths per capita, alongside France, Sweden, Canada, South Africa, Denmark, and Germany.
About 58% of Americans are uneasy about the president's handling of the virus as opposed to 36% of Amercians confident in his approach.
The president hasn't been reeling back in his destructive rhetoric about COVID despite being exposed of knowingly putting Americans' lives at risk for electoral politics.
He stated recently in a rally that this pandemic "Affects virtually nobody," which just goes against the reality of the situation.
He is also attempting to distract Americans from the virus by focusing on the violence on the streets where he also loses.
According to the second most recent YouGov poll, 52% of Americans are cautious about Trump's handling of crime compared to 41% of Amercians confident in him.
Biden's polling is more down the line, 42% to 46%, which is better within the margin of error unlike Trump's poll numbers.
The pandemic is voter's number one issue at play, about 31% of Americans number one issue is healthcare alongside the economy being the second with 20% of Americans. Only 3% of Americans have crime as a top priority.
Despite Biden's flaws (and he has many), people are looking for a steady hand of leadership, not a bomb thrower that has proven to be inadequate in his handling of the pandemic.
This election will most likely be a referendum of his handling of the coronavirus. His poll numbers are similar to those of H.W. Bush and Carter in their reelection bids in which they lost.
We're less than 40 days away from the election and the time is ticking for the president.
Categories: Opinion
Socially Distanced Dancing Show
Transfer Window Officially Closed
"My 74 year old husband would like to have a partner to throw the ball with." A callout on social media for a game… twitter.com/i/web/status/1… 16 minutes ago
'I want to see my grandchildren . . . ' Mary gets her first Covid vaccine at RUMC — and she's 98. silive.com/news/2021/01/i… 13 hours ago
BREAKING: The Justice Department's internal watchdog says it will investigate how the department and its agencies p… twitter.com/i/web/status/1… 21 minutes ago


Reeling from a vicious attack by two akatas, the crew of the Hippocampus continue their exploration of the Acreon.
The crew reaches the quarantine zone where the derelict mining ship and mysterious Drift Rock float ominously in space. Hoping to discover what happened to the missing crew, they hesitantly board the Acreon.
MaCullen "Mac" Donovan makes an impulsive and reckless decision to enter the backroom of a notorious gang-run nightclub…alone!


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Q: iOS show alert controller object I have more page will show the UIAlertController.
So I need write the alert code in a method and class in one page.
I want to use the class and call the method can show the alert on the any Viewcontroller .
How can I write presentviewcontroller in the class.
my header file is below:
 #import <Foundation/Foundation.h>
 #import "VisionAPI.h"

 @interface VisionAPI : NSObject

 +(void) showMessageAlert:(NSString *) title andMessage:(NSString*) msg andDoneMsg:(NSString*) done;

 @end

My implement file is below:
 #import "VisionAPI.h"
 #import <UIKit/UIKit.h>
 @implementation VisionAPI

 +(void) showMessageAlert:(NSString *) title andMessage:(NSString*) msg andDoneMsg:(NSString*) done{

     UIAlertController *showMsgAlertController = [UIAlertController alertControllerWithTitle: title message: msg preferredStyle: UIAlertControllerStyleAlert];
UIAlertAction *showMsgAlertControllerOkAction = [UIAlertAction actionWithTitle:done  style:UIAlertActionStyleDefault
                                                       handler:nil];
       [showMsgAlertController addAction:showMsgAlertControllerOkAction];
dispatch_async(dispatch_get_main_queue(), ^{

       [self presentViewController:showMsgAlertController animated:YES completion:nil];
     });
 }
 @end

But upper code will show the error in this line:
 [self presentViewController:showMsgAlertController animated:YES completion:nil];

How can I presentViewController in the NSObject, or how to fix the problem.

A:
Add view controller as a parameter argument in your function and pass
  the 'self' (instance/object of view controller) from which view
  controller, you want to present your alert controller.

+(void) showMessageAlert:(NSString *) title andMessage:(NSString*) msg andDoneMsg:(NSString*) done fromViewController: (UIViewController)viewController{

     UIAlertController *showMsgAlertController = [UIAlertController alertControllerWithTitle: title message: msg preferredStyle: UIAlertControllerStyleAlert];
UIAlertAction *showMsgAlertControllerOkAction = [UIAlertAction actionWithTitle:done  style:UIAlertActionStyleDefault
                                                       handler:nil];
       [showMsgAlertController addAction:showMsgAlertControllerOkAction];
dispatch_async(dispatch_get_main_queue(), ^{

       [viewController presentViewController:showMsgAlertController animated:YES completion:nil];
     });
 }
 @end

You can also use, root view controller of your application, if you don't want to pass view controller as a parameter argument of this function each time. As follows:
+(void) showMessageAlert:(NSString *) title andMessage:(NSString*) msg andDoneMsg:(NSString*) done{

         UIAlertController *showMsgAlertController = [UIAlertController alertControllerWithTitle: title message: msg preferredStyle: UIAlertControllerStyleAlert];
    UIAlertAction *showMsgAlertControllerOkAction = [UIAlertAction actionWithTitle:done  style:UIAlertActionStyleDefault
                                                           handler:nil];
           [showMsgAlertController addAction:showMsgAlertControllerOkAction];
    dispatch_async(dispatch_get_main_queue(), ^{

RootViewController *rootController = (RootViewController*)[[(AppDelegate*)
                                   [[UIApplication sharedApplication]delegate] window] rootViewController];

           [rootController presentViewController:showMsgAlertController animated:YES completion:nil];
         });
     }
@end

A: You can get the topmost view controller in NSObject as shown below:
- (UIViewController*)topMostController
        {
            UIViewController *topController = [self rootViewController];

            while ([topController presentedViewController]) topController = [topController presentedViewController];

            //  Returning topMost ViewController
            return topController;
        }

+(void) showMessageAlert:(NSString *) title andMessage:(NSString*) msg andDoneMsg:(NSString*) done{

         UIAlertController *showMsgAlertController = [UIAlertController alertControllerWithTitle: title message: msg preferredStyle: UIAlertControllerStyleAlert];
    UIAlertAction *showMsgAlertControllerOkAction = [UIAlertAction actionWithTitle:done  style:UIAlertActionStyleDefault
                                                           handler:nil];
           [showMsgAlertController addAction:showMsgAlertControllerOkAction];
    dispatch_async(dispatch_get_main_queue(), ^{

           [[self topMostController] presentViewController:showMsgAlertController animated:YES completion:nil];
         });
     }

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Just what the heck is a light novel anyway? A light novel or "ranobe" is usually a short novel containing manga-style illustrations (especially on the cover!). Many light novels are either adapted into or adaptations of anime and manga works, with similar genres and themes found in both anime and manga.
Konosuba, God's Blessing on this Wonderful World!


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'Oneness': How One Army Vet Found Community After Leaving the Military
Hirepurpose
Ask any veteran what he or she misses most about the military and the answer will more than likely be "community." Trying to find footing in a new way of life can make for a lonely and solitary transition period.
Branden Farley, a West Point graduate and experienced reconnaissance troop commander who deployed to hot spots all over the world, asked himself just that after separation: "How do I move to the next chapter?"
Farley knew that in order to enter the civilian world, he needed a bit more perspective, and to learn how to best leverage his military skills. "Academics weren't the value" while in business school, he said.
Instead, surrounding himself with fellow students and professors who could advise him on translating his military experience into the business world was worth the long nights of studying, writing papers and group projects.
The perspective that he gained, coupled with leadership skills developed in the Army and his drive for mission accomplishment, set him up for a career in general management and landed him a position with the esteemed company Aon.
Throughout the interview process, Farley knew he was looking for an organization that offered not only a good job with benefits but a company that was more than just a job. He felt that while Aon needed his critical thinking and people skills, the company itself was a good fit for him, thanks to its strong emphasis on community. Aon's immense respect for military service made Farley and his wife completely at ease: Instead of the Army family supporting them, it would be the Aon family.
Now, as a cyber-risk reinsurance broker, Farley develops, expands, and enhances Aon's global cyber advisory practice with a team of more than 20 colleagues around the world, consisting of risk advisers, brokers, lawyers, actuaries, and marketers. Farley loves what he does, but it's Aon's "oneness" — a core tenet of company philosophy — that makes him feel most at home, much like the Army.
"As a military leader, you assume risk, and a big part of the job is constantly assessing the risk of your mission," Farley said. At Aon, he applies the skills he developed as an Army officer, then fine-tuned in business school. Because of this correlation, risk assessment is a rich field for veterans seeking employment.
The loss of community after leaving the military can be filled with the support of a strong veterans' network. "The support group keeps you in the game," Farley said. "Rely on your fellow veterans to rehearse and practice for interviews and meetings. Ask someone to review your resume, and show up to an interview ready to show your future employer you're ready for any task."
"Hiring is a pragmatic decision," he added. "The civilian world is looking for employees who can think critically and connect. Vets have so much to offer — get after it."
Aon career Hirepurpose jobs transition
Courtesy of Branden Farley


On Ferries.co.uk you can find ferries from Heraklion to Anafi with some of the leading ferry operators.
Ferries.co.uk make the process of finding and booking cheap Heraklion Anafi Ferries stress free, just select your ferry route, the number of passengers travelling and hit search! You will find all available ferry timetables, Heraklion Anafi ferry prices and information on how to book your ferry ticket.
For an alternative route, please see the Heraklion Anafi substitutes below.


Sand Storm is a classic game on www.flash-game.net in which your mission is to win the desert racing competition. There are no certain rules, and the only thing you should do is to speed up. Don't underestimate your opponents. After all, they are controlled by the computer. Pay attention to the corners—don't let them waste your time. Keep your sport car on your track otherwise you will lose your opportunity to win. Try your best to speed up, raising the sand and running on the ground like a lion. Have fun!


Positive attitude and self talk to give stuff a go!
It is with regret that I am cancelling the Prep Readiness Groups. Unfortunately I was unable to get a quorum of three in each group for them to run. I will be posting groups next year in January for the whole year with the hope extensive lead up will grow interest in group intervention.
Prior to this group a 30 min. $40 screen assessment to determine if your child is ready for this group is required.
Please ring to book into a group. Must commit to all sessions of the group and full payment is made at start of group. Can claim on Private health fund with adequate allied health occupational therapy cover, Enhanced Primary Medicare Plan, ECEI, NDIS funding. All groups are run by an Occupational Therapist.
Discuss with Fiona whether a $40.00 pre-screen is needed to determine which group would be appropraite for your child. Must conduct a pre-screen for Group 2, Power Up To Prep.
One caregiver should accompany to support your child. It is also education and learning for the caregiver, to understand your child's strengths and challenges. Minimum of three children for the group to go ahead.
As a group, if members would like one 'catch-up' session (in the event they have missed a session) this can be arranged one week same time after group is finished (exception friday 20th October groups 'catch-up' would be an early or later time on the following week).
Our groups are creative & positive experiences for kids.
We give kids the best possible environment to learn.
Teach self talk so kids use positive self talk when needing courage to give something a go.
Groups are like very mini classrooms because there is only a few kids there.
Small groups of 6-8, help kids be brave, ask questions & be involved in conversations.
In the school classroom, often kids have difficult putting their 'hand up'. They don't want to be the only one out of 20-30 kids that doesn't understand.
In a group setting kids are more likely to take the skills they learn and use them in the kindy/ school environment.


About ten years later, I began to change on a more important theological subject. I had learned the doctrine of the Trinity from Thieme and thus that Jesus is God. That is what almost all Christians believed. Again, it happened due to my interest in Bible prophecy.
In 1980, I became troubled about what I had been taught about something Jesus taught in his Olivet Discourse. He said concerning his yet future and literal second coming, "But of that day and/or hour no one knows, not even the angels of/in heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone" (Matt. 24.36/Mark 13.32 NASB). I also had been taught the corollary to the Trinity doctrine—the hypostatic union of Christ. This means that Jesus has two natures: a human nature and a divine nature. Church fathers had made this teaching official at the Council of Chalcedon in 451 to explain how Jesus could be both God and man. And I had learned further from Thieme, as taught at DTS, that when we read of the sayings and deeds of Jesus in the four NT gospels, in each case Jesus either spoke or acted from the perspective one of his two natures. In the case of this saying of Jesus about his return, Thieme claimed Jesus said that out of his human nature. That is, he did not know the time of his return in his human nature, but he did know it in his divine nature. All of what I'm saying here is very orthodox Christian teaching.
But for the first time in my life, as I was reading that saying of Jesus in my study room, I thought it made Jesus look like a liar. That is, he said he didn't know, but he really did know in his divine nature, since being God he had to know everything about the future. I then decided that I had to make a concerted effort to find out the truth about this matter. So, when I had time I was checking out books at libraries and doing much more reading than normal.
In June, 1982, I decided that the doctrine of the Trinity is not a biblical teaching. I decided this while I was playing in my favorite golf tournament, the U.S. Open, at my favorite golf course, Pebble Beach Golf Links. I was doing something unusual that week by staying in a private home, owned by a Christian couple. There was a theological library in the bedroom where I was staying. Even though ten years earlier, in 1972, I had led the U.S. Open here at Pebble Beach with only twelve holes to go on the final round, and finished sixth, I was now distracted. I was playing my round each day and returning to my room to read theological books along with the Bible. My attention was not focused sharply on the tournament as it should have been. I had something on my mind that I thought was even more important, so I couldn't lay it aside.
I shot a good round on Friday to easily make the 36-hole cut. So, I was still there to finish the tournament. That night, I asked God what difference does it make whether or not we believe Jesus is God. I told God maybe it would be better for me to forget this study and keep quiet about what I was thinking. I was well aware of the trouble it would cause me with my Christian friends and church at home if I became non-trinitarian. And I was considering becoming an author of Christian books. Being non-trinitarian would end it for me with Christian publishers.
Back at my room on Saturday night, I read the writings of two theologians in this home library. The main one for me was Lewis Sperry Chafer, the co-founder of DTS. I was reading his four-volume set entitled Systematic Theology. I read where he expressed his strong objection to the allegations by Muslims and religious Jews that Christians worship three gods. Thus, they allege that Christianity is polytheistic, not monotheistic, because of its doctrine of the Trinity. Chafer also wrote that Judaism and Islam insisted the Trinity doctrine is the greatest theological barrier that divides Christians from both Jews and Muslims. Chafer further said that some Muslims claimed that the easiest way for Christians to convert Muslims to a biblical faith in Jesus would be for Christians to abandon their trinity doctrine.
I kept reading way past the midnight hour. I should have been asleep to prepare for the final round that Sunday. But I was so obsessed. In much prayer and inner trembling, I made my decision before God that the Bible does not expressly state that Jesus is equal in deity to that of God the Father. Thus, I was changing my belief to believing that God the Father was greater in essence and sovereignty than Jesus, making Jesus subordinate in essence to God. Yet I still clung to belief that Jesus was a lesser God. It was mainly due to two Bible verses: John 1.1c ("and the Word was God," referring to Jesus in v. 14) and John 20.28 (Thomas confesses to Jesus, "my Lord and my God"). I was forty years old when I made this change of belief in Christology.


The City Rehearsed offers an entirely new perspective on printed architecture in early modern Europe through the lens of Hans Vredeman de Vries. It probes the geographical encounters of dozens of engravings with contemporary texts on architecture, theatre, urbanism, art collecting, even ethnography.
The Netherlandish polymath Hans Vredeman de Vries (1526-1609) devoted his entire career to the production of imaginary architecture. Painter, architect, rhetorician, perspective theorist, festival designer, and draughtsman, Vredeman was active in Antwerp, Amsterdam, and Prague, where he designed a mysterious body of architectural prints, works which by the seventeenth century had influenced buildings from Tallinn to Peru. Including Scenographiae (1560), and Perspective (1604-5), Vredeman's strange publications were among the most widely-distributed "Renaissance" books on building and vision, shipped to England, Spain and even Mexico by 1600.
This book, the first sustained study of Vredeman in English, shifts the focus of inquiry to look at the active role his prints played in the life of urban readers outside of a narrowly-defined "Flemish" architectural history. This is a study with clear interest for historians of art and the built environment, and one with broader contemporary resonances for changing definitions of "European" culture and identity in the present day.


text:
Still not back: Boko Haram insurgency uproots 800,000 children, says UNICEF
A new report details the misery of civilians caught in the crisis. Tuesday marks one year since the abduction of more than 200 schoolchildren from the town of Chibok in northeast Nigeria.
Edwin Kindzeka Moki/AP
In this file photo taken on Feb. 25, 2015, a family of refugees that fled their homes due to violence from the Islamic extremist group Boko Haram sit inside a refugee camp in Minawao, Cameroon.
By Arthur Bright Staff writer
@NominallyBright
Around 800,000 children have been driven from their homes as a result of fighting between Nigerian forces and Boko Haram, according to a report released today by UNICEF. Its publication comes amid new reports of the brutality of the Islamist militants' rule in areas under their control.
The UNICEF report estimates that more than 1.5 million people have been displaced by the fight with Boko Haram, including 1.2 million in Nigeria and another 200,000 in neighboring Cameroon, Chad, and Niger. UNICEF says that many of those are "staying with host communities with little access to humanitarian support, putting additional strains on already stretched health, education and social services."
Children in particular have been victimized by Boko Haram: UNICEF estimates that the number of displaced children has doubled over the past year to 800,000.
Children as young as four years old are being used within the ranks of Boko Haram – as cooks, porters and look-outs. According to accounts by escapees, young women and girls who have been abducted have been subjected to forced marriage, forcible religious conversion, physical and psychological abuse, forced labour and rape. In addition, children have reportedly been recruited by vigilante groups fighting against Boko Haram in northeast Nigeria.
As people flee their homes, a large and growing number of children have been separated from their parents. An assessment conducted in 33 locations in Borno and Yobe States in Nigeria found nearly 2,400 separated and unaccompanied children among a population of nearly 150,000 displaced persons.
The report's publication comes a day before the anniversary of the kidnapping by Boko Haram of more than 200 girls from the town of Chibok, an incident which drew international attention and outrage (#Bringbackourgirls" was briefly a social media sensation). UNICEF's regional director for West and Central Africa, Manuel Fontaine, said in a statement that the Chibok abduction "is only one of endless tragedies being replicated on an epic scale across Nigeria and the region."
The fate of the Chibok girls remains unknown. The Globe and Mail reports that many in the region around Gwoza, a one-time Boko Haram stronghold that the Nigerian government recaptured at the end of March, believe that they were taken into the mountains near the border with Cameroon after the town fell. Liatu Andrawus, a young mother who escaped from Gwoza in December, told The Globe and Mail that she had met some of the girls during her captivity.
"They told me they were the Chibok girls," she said, recalling snatched conversations with the students when the male guards had sent them away to do their ablutions and Islamic prayers. "We always talked about how we could escape. Sometimes we sat down and prayed together and hugged and cried. They were remembering their good moments with their parents and loved ones."
At least one other former captive in Gwoza also said the Chibok girls had been there, The Globe and Mail reports.
While the Chibok girls remain missing, the liberation of Gwoza has opened another window onto the brutality of Boko Haram's reign, including the near absence of governance. Kevin Seiff, the Nairobi bureau chief for The Washington Post, writes that "almost every building [in the town] has been bombed or burned or looted."
Now, the once-bustling city of 275,000 looks as if it has been racked by a series of natural disasters. Homes have been burned and ransacked. Boko Haram has become known for its indiscriminate campaigns of burning and looting in the towns it seizes. In Gwoza, even the radio tower was somehow destroyed, so it droops downward like a dying plant. It was clear to the troops that although they had won the city, it was uninhabitable.
In a separate essay, Mr. Seiff, who has reported from Afghanistan, writes that while "Boko Haram, like the Taliban, has presented itself as a religious alternative to a dysfunctional, irreligious government," the group – unlike the Taliban – made no effort to govern in Gwoza.
In Gwoza, no one seemed to long for the days of Boko Haram. When people who had been displaced began to return, they told of unspeakable horrors — their husbands killed, their wives raped, their children gunned down.
I thought of the relics of a Taliban court I once saw — a symbol of an archaic and inhumane system of justice, but nonetheless evidence of an attempt to govern. Gwoza appeared to have had nothing like this.
Seiff notes that in Afghanistan, government forces struggled to hold onto territory captured from the Taliban, as Afghans found life under the group's governance to be tolerable, even desirable. But with Boko Haram apparently disinterested in anything other than destruction, Seiff found no similar sentiments among the Nigerians the group ruled in Gwoza. "This fact seemed to me a reason to be hopeful" that the fight would go better, he writes.
Test your knowledge How much do you know about Africa's most populous country? Take our quiz.
Another massacre? Why Nigeria struggles to stop Boko Haram
Boko Haram's pledge to Islamic State will boost both groups, for now
How a Nigerian school girl escaped Boko Haram: Is Washington still concerned?


Barber MF, Lee EM, Griffin H, Elde NC. Rapid evolution of primate type 2 immune response factors linked to asthma susceptibility. Genome Biology & Evolution. doi:10.1093/gbe/evx120.
Pilla-Moffett D, Barber MF, Taylor GA, Coers J. Interferon-inducible GTPases in host resistance, inflammation, and disease. Journal of Molecular Biology. doi:10.1016/j.jmb.2016.04.032.
Barber MF, Kronenberg Z, Yandell M, Elde NC. Antimicrobial functions of lactoferrin promote genetic conflicts in ancient primates and modern humans. PLoS Genetics. 12(5): e1006063. doi:10.1371/journal.pgen.1006063.
Barber MF, Elde NC. Buried Treasure: Evolutionary Perspectives on Microbial Iron Piracy. Trends in Genetics. 31(11):627–636.
Barber MF, Elde NC. Escape from bacterial iron piracy through rapid evolution of transferrin. Science. 346(6215):1362-1366.
Carl Zimmer, New York Times: An evolutionary battle against bacteria.
Ed Yong, National Geographic: The long war against the iron pirates.
Perspective: The battle for iron. Science. 346(6215):1299-1300.
Research Highlight: How bacteria and host fight for iron. Nature. 516: 290-291.
Barber MF, Elde NC. Evolutionary genetics: Mimicry all the way down. Nature (News & Views). 501(7465):38-9.
Research Highlight: Cell Res. 23(1):10-2.
Michishita E, McCord RA, Boxer LD, Barber MF, Hong T, Gozani O, Chua KF. Cell cycle-dependent deacetylation of telomeric histone H3 lysine K56 by human SIRT6. Cell Cycle. 8(16):2664-6.


text:
arcticisms
"The boundaries one has to break are no longer geographical, but literary."
The Fictional Arctic
Science/Natural History
Owl Ambassadors
In a recent course I assisted, several of my students chose to write on this article in the New York Times: "Getting Wise to the Owl, a Charismatic Sentry in Climate Change" by Jim Robbins (May 23, 2011). Below is a student paper that I was given permission to publish that deals thoughtfully with the aims of the course (to think critically about the nature of humanism when confronted with "the animal") as well as considering climate, humans and nonhuman animals in the Arctic.
The argument of "Getting Wise to the Owl, a Charismatic Sentry in Climate Change", by Jim Robbins, is that there is a relation between the snowy owl's general well-being and the owl's ecosystem and that relation can be exploited by humans. By studying the snowy owl and its well being, researchers are able to discern also the well being of lemmings, who encompass 90% of the owl's diet. Because of the role they can play in helping detect changes in ecosystems, owls have been called "ecological ambassadors" in this article and represent hope in the adversity represented by extreme changes in climate. While this is the main point of the article, it continues by stressing the (non-scientific) importance that owls play in human society. The author mentions their prominence in literature and folklore, and the similarity between the human face and an owl's. The communication skills of owls are also mentioned and, although crudely referenced, their sounds are described through onomatopoeia as "hooting" and "tooting" along with other the variability in their sounds and clicks.
The article devolves into a description of owl characteristics, like their "natural night-vision-goggles", body structure, and aerial ability. Interestingly enough, there is a mention of short-eared and long-eared owls; however, their names do not describe actual anatomical parts, rather they describe their appearance in its similarity to human and other animal ears.
Finally, the author notes the importance of studying owls for the detection of changes in the ecosystems they inhabit, although the time it takes for these studies to develop a context (the system part of ecosystem that the owl inhabits) and a viable established pattern (that can be correlated through time) is long and the work tedious.
The title of the article immediately reminds me of the problem with anthropomorphizing animals and valuing their beings only in relation to human life or as a symbol of an aspect of human character. According to the animal ethicist James Serpell in his essay "Anthropomorphism and Anthropomorphic Selection—Beyond the 'Cute response'" (Society & Animals 11: 83-100, 2003), anthropomorphism is defined as "the attributions of human mental states (thoughts, feelings, motivations and beliefs) to nonhuman animals," and although his article is specifically rendered to the domestic animal realm, his assertion that anthropomorphism functions to benefit humans and human ideals is applicable to this article and its usage of owls as practical markers of ecology (Serpell 85). In Robbin's article, using animals as practical devices or instruments is clear when describing owls as a "key" through the study of their dietary well being, and rendering the observed owl life as simply data that would help "flag changes in the global arctic system region—even without other indicators". In this last instance, owls have been entirely replaced by the word "indicator", this move implies the rendering of the animal as a tool for reading the environment, but not necessarily as a living animal. The practicality of the owl for human understanding (as "tool") is further noted by their study being considered financially cheap as well as the quick nature of gathering data or information of the ecosystem through owls. The following is used to describe the unscientific reasons behind studying owls that underpin the scientific necessity of studying owls: "People pay attention to owls more than other birds because they look like us," said researcher Denver Holt. "They have a symmetrical face, eyes facing forward, a round, flat face and a round head with feathers that look like hair."
This potentially explains why some kinds of owls are named by their similarity to human traits, such as the before mentioned short and long-eared owls. It also assimilates the owl into a hierarchy of proximity to human likeliness or relationship, much like dogs and cats, or even apes. In a reversal of roles Mr. Holt, the director of the nonprofit Owl Research Group, is referred to as "Mr. Owl". It seems that he has been given owl attributes based on his knowledge and perceived understanding of owl behavior.
That owls are associated with wisdom, a positive and highly valued human attribute, and charisma places the owl in a category not unlike werewolves, who are able to almost seamlessly breach human and non-human animal levels of being and simultaneously inhabit both and neither. The owl is then not only an animal who is similar to humans, it is an animal that approaches a human ideal of knowledge superior to that of most humans. In the New York Times article, the owl not only represents human wisdom, but also knowledge not easily attainable through human inference in its ability as a natural marker and indicator of ecology. Its proximity to nature, that humans are perceived to lack or have lost along the evolutionary path, combined with its wisdom make the owl into an idealized creature; as a caption under a photograph suggests, it makes the owl an "ecological ambassador", something that Mr. Holt can only approximate.
Finally, that in investigating owls, scientists hope to detect, prevent, and explain climate phenomena or global warming, not only speaks to looking toward non-human nature for knowledge, but that the knowledge sought is to counteract a climate concern believed to have been created by humans themselves. In other words, humans created an ecological disaster through their furthering away from nature-being but our neighboring owls can provide the solution we as humans are unable to approach due to our separation and lack of sensitivity.
From → Guest Writers, Science/Natural History
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Just read your eye-opening series When the Great Day Dawns, now am getting to all the archives. Your blog is rapidly becoming one of my top three favorites.
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A Bridge to Somewhere
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Trip Add Ons: Music Festivals in Africa
August 24, 2018 Global Basecamps
"Music is the universal language of mankind." - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
When we travel, we have the opportunity to experience other cultures in so many ways. We can meet the locals and learn from them about their culture and language, take in the scenery and wildlife, experience the food … the chances for our hearts being transformed are endless. And of course, music! Traditional music everywhere we look across human cultures, and few places are as synonymous with rich musical heritage of song and dance than Africa. The continent of Africa is home to a vast array of devotional, classical, folk and popular musical traditions which come together to create vibrant music festivals, a perfect add-on to your trip with Global Basecamps. There are many of these festivals that take place throughout the year in the countries we serve, including South Africa, Zimbabwe, Tanzania and Morocco.
Splashy Fen is named after the farm it is held on, and what began as a few friends playing songs around campfires has grown immensely since it officially started in 1990. Being South Africa's longest-running music festival, it's held amongst gorgeous mountain scenery in the KwaZulu-Natal area around the end of March/beginning of April. Many pop music acts have performed alongside traditional South African artists, including the famous Ladysmith Black Mambazo.
Live musical acts from all over Africa converge on Zanzibar for the famed Sauti za Busara Festival, held annually in February in Stone Town.
Many of Africa's music festivals feature international performers. Southern California's Ben Harper put on a mesmerizing performance at Morocco's Fes Festival of Sacred Music in 2011.
Zimbabwe is a country more known for a memorable Zimbabwe Safari and natural splendor than festivals and events, but HIFA (Harare Festival of the Arts) stands out as a top national event. This diverse gathering offers opportunities to see live music, theatre and poetry, attend workshops, and take part in crafts and design. It is held in late April or early May in Zimbabwe's capital city, Harare.
Msafiri Zawose, a charismatic performer, prolific songwriter and multi-instrumentalist coming from a lineage of iconic Tanzanian musicians, has performed frequently at Zanzibar's Sauti Za Busara. Photo by Sauti Za Busara.
The most recent promo video of the incredible Sauti za Busara Festival, typically featuring upwards of 400 artists from across the continent.
Perhaps the most unique of Africa's music festivals is held February on Tanzania's Zanzibar Island. Sauti za Busara is special in that it takes place at a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Stone Town) and features only live acts, with no electronic music permitted. This is a festival where you will see traditional music from across Africa, with fewer international performers.
Traditional instruments from across Africa. Photo by @colinhrichard with special thanks to the Chase and Harper families and their Folk Music Center.
At the northwest corner of Africa lies Arab-influenced Morocco, an increasingly popular destination for Global Basecamps tours. The Fes Sacred Music Festival is rich in tradition and culture, exploring the transcendent dimensions of music. From their website: "Over the last twenty four years, the Fez Festival of Sacred Music has contributed to maintaining dialogue with the sacred through its most famous forum, and highlighting of arts and music." The most recent festival took place in late June, and focused on ancestral knowledge.
Whatever it is that might bring you to Africa - a safari, a Kilimanjaro climb, or exploring deserts or islands - there are plenty of ways to add to your trip through culturally and regionally distinct music experiences. Planning well in advance to secure your tickets and accommodations is wise, as these events draw crowds from all over Africa and the world due to their unparalleled experience! Festivals abound on this amazing continent, and making a point to attend one will only add to your already outstanding Global Basecamps trip.


There have been untold hundreds, yea, thousands of books written about ministry from the perspective of a pastor, or perhaps even a missionary. However, it is uncommon to find a book about church ministry from the perspective of the church pianist. This is actually somewhat surprising to me; almost every church has one (if not many), and they indeed have a unique perspective on ministry that many don't get to see.
I love to write, talk, preach, and teach. I have done all of the above many times in the past, and I've written about some of those things before. However, I also love church piano! Something I've found is that you don't have to be a pastor to learn lessons about ministry – serving in nursery or Sunday school or custodial or music ministries can be just as much of a growth experience. With that in mind, I want to list some lessons I've learned (and that I'm still learning) through the music ministry.
A couple of things to note: 1) these will not be in any discernable order, 2) they may not even be all at the same level of profundity or importance, 3) there's a lot of overlap between them, but most importantly, 4) they are universal truths about ministry – every truth below applies to the pastor and the church janitor just as much as it applies to the pianist. So wherever you serve and in whatever capacity, I hope you take them to heart and that they're a blessing.
1. Ministry is not all about you.
This is a hard lesson to learn, and God continues to work on me about it. As musicians, we love to perform. We're natural born showmen. However, God calls us to glorify Him, not ourselves through ministry. This goes for all types of ministry – do you preach, teach, clean the church, etc., for your glory or for His?
2. You can still learn.
As I said, I've been doing this for about twenty years now, and I'm still learning new chords, progressions, fills, songs, styles, and more. It can be easy once you reach a certain level of skill at anything to "plateau" because you're "good enough" – a.k.a. "better than everyone else." This type of thinking leads to a stagnant skill that you never cultivate or grow any further, and it will soon lose its effectiveness. Whatever your "gift" of ministry, are you developing it or letting it stagnate?
3. You must be flexible.
I've been asked to accompany specials last minute, play offertories last minute, play for congregationals last minute, and more. I simply cannot set my own schedule as a church musician. Anyone in ministry quickly learns that this is the case. If you're a stickler for schedule, and everything has to be done your way, ministry is not for you!
In conjunction with number 3 above, when those last-minute opportunities come to "bless" you, you'll be glad if you've taken time to prepare. Because I'd put in the time learning how to accompany, improvise, and transpose, the Lord was able to use me to meet those needs. In every facet of ministry, take time to prepare well, even for something you don't think you'll ever have to do – because, trust me, you will!
5. Your ministry is for the primary purpose of worshiping and praising God.
This goes with number 1 above, but I'll never forget learning at Bible college the important lesson that the music service is not primarily about preparing the hearts for the preaching, but about praising God and God alone! Your preaching also is not primarily done for people, but to please God and glorify Him by proclaiming His Word. Whatever your ministry, it's not mainly for the church or for visitors or for the unsaved or for the pastor – it's to glorify God. Are you giving it that level of attention?
6. You should be training your replacement.
1. Ministry is not all about you!
These things aren't easy to practice, but they're true principles of ministry that apply across the board. Ministry is a blessing, but it must be done with the right heart. These principles are important if you wish to minister in the right spirit, for God's glory!
I also have the same burden about training young pianists! It is sad that many no longer have an interest in playing for church.


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Torvalds tells Microsoft to put up or shut up
By Iain Thomson on May 17, 2007 6:38AM
Microsoft may have patent problems of its own, claims Linux kernel creator.
Linus Torvalds has hit back at Microsoft's claims that it holds 42 patents that are infringed by the Linux kernel.
Torvalds, the leader of the project to create the Linux kernel, was contemptuous of Microsoft's claims and has asked Redmond to name the infringements so that their veracity can be challenged and workarounds found.
"Naming them would either make it clear that Linux is not infringing at all (which is quite possible, especially if the patents are bad), or would make it possible to avoid infringing by coding around whatever silly thing they claim," he said in an email exchange with Information Week.
"So the whole 'We have a list and we're not telling you' should tell you something. Don't you think that if Microsoft actually had some really foolproof patent, they'd just tell us and go, 'nyaah, nyaah, nyaah!'?"
Torvalds added that Microsoft might have patent problems of its own if the company was to expose its software to public scrutiny in the same way as Linux.
He said that operating system procedures have not changed much since the 1960s, and many companies, including IBM, have patents of which Microsoft could well find itself in breach.
Torvalds was sanguine over the possibility of legal action and believes it unlikely that anyone would get sued.
"Microsoft would have to name the patents then, and they are probably happier with the [fear, uncertainty, doubt] than with any lawsuit," he predicted.
Copyright ©v3.co.uk
microsoft or put shut software tells to torvalds up
By Iain Thomson
New Internet Explorer zero-day exploited in the wild
Microsoft ends Windows 7 support
Macquarie Uni races tech giants to build AI medical scribe


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When I crossed over, I was gone for quite some time, and my experience was very extensive. The thing that many have such a difficult time believing — even comprehending — is the fact that all of your senses are very much a part of heaven. You not only see the beautiful flowers, you actually hear the music they are singing. The flowers greet you, and you are a part of them — they are your brothers and sisters. The smells are so unbelievably and euphorically fragrant.
Love is experienced through vision, smell, sound … it is through vibration that everything on the other side is alive — everything! Plants just seem to grow out of nowhere, with no soil needed, and beautiful buildings hover as if they are standing on air. The vibration, through color, love, music and smell, is very much a part of everything that exists on the other side.
I know it is hard to comprehend this, but it's true. You can't just look at something, and see it the way you see it. Here, when you look at something, you see it in 3-D. The colors are so much purer, deeper, and richer … You don't only look at a color of something, you experience it — you experience all that it has to offer.
Everything there has energy, so in return, when you look at something, it knows that you are looking at it, so it responds to you looking at it by sharing with you all the love that it has, as if a ray of light is being thrown at you. Everything there is a part of you. You are all on the same vibration and energy level, so you help them, and they in return give to you.
Heaven is a place of trees, flowers, streams, and rivers flowing everywhere. There is so much space that there is no crowding – it's not like here, where you can walk across the street to get to another place. There, you simply think where you want to go, and you are there. It's like every building or place has its own city, and there are no crowds, no schedules, just pure peace and joy. You are able to be with loved ones, relive past experiences, as well as share what you want to do next.
Heaven is such a beautiful place. It is full of loving love, no anger, no harsh thoughts — just utter complete bliss. It is a place that feeds the soul.
I've had many paranormal/spiritual experiences since my 19 yr. old son was in a fatal vehicle accident. After praying almost an hour in agony and tears from losing him I had a vision of seeing him go through the tunnel into the light and right after that my spirit was lifted up into the most beautiful white light and the love I felt from it just saturated my soul. I felt part of that loving light and I knew that my son, Tony was alright. I saw plush rolling green hills and beautiful leaves on trees. I long to feel that love again and I miss it so much. A few weeks later I woke up one morning and my son was standing at the foot of my bed surrounded by a glowing white light. He was more handsome and radiant looking than I had ever seen him. He smiled the most beautiful smile and stretched out his arms to me like I'd always done for him whenever I wanted a hug and kiss. He has communicated with me many times through the years and I know he still listens to his mama.
He still makes certain lights come on by them self letting me know when he's around. There is no death, we are only here to learn to love each other and help this world become a better place. We are all light beings but unfortunately, many of us have forgotten why we came here and do horrible things to one another and because of that we will have many lessons to learn over and over again. When it is my time I have no doubt my wonderful son will come to take his mama's hand and guide me home. I have many beloved pets that are waiting for me there too. The world is getting to be a scary place so it is very important to let our light shine as bright as possible to attract God's angels to watch over us. No matter what, love never dies, we can never truly be separated from those we love.
I totally believe my Mom is in heaven and my other relatives and others. I can't wait to be with her I talk to her everyday and read every book and everything on the internet about where my Mom is,I love her so much, more than anyone,I wonder why there are only 17 posts here,there should be a lot more.
There are animals in Heaven. Our dogs that have passed over have often come back to visit us. When my Mother was passing over she could not speak, only write. She seemed desperate to tell us something and wrote Princess came and poked me on the arm. Princess was our beloved beagle who had passed over about a year before my Mom did. Princess came to get her to say come on Grandma, come with me. My Mom passed over shortly after this. It gave her so much peace to have seen Princess.
Thank you very much for this post! This post makes me feel not alone in this. Reading the comments also reinforces the fact that there are people all over this place that experience the things that I experience. 🙂 That I am not crazy!
I find solace in knowing that I am not alone. 🙂 I am happy to know that there are people who can also remember things that happened to them when they were still very very young. In my case, I can remember things that happened when I was 5 months old. 🙂 And remembered my past lives when I was 6 years old and started to see spirits after that. Love this website!
I see lots of people reunite with their pets, as well as loved ones, on the other side. Thanks!
i have no children just dogs that have passed away i loved then all so much did you see any familar animals greet you?
In 1989, I had the wonderful experience to "cross over" to visit my father just 4 days after he was buried. I was lying on my bed crying and thinking that I just couldn't live without him. Suddenly, my fiance who died in 1975 was standing with his hand reaching toward me (I am a medium, psychic) and said, "Come on I will take you to see him." I had "crossed over" before and wasn't afraid and just smiled and the next thing, instantly. I was standing in the most beautiful place of marble buildings, streets, trees, flowers and my father was standing beside a huge tree, so green that it hurt my eyes with its beauty. I was shocked that my father looked as I remembered him when I was 3-4 years old and he was 27 years "young". He had been very ill for several years and bedridden and died from lung cancer, heart attack. He said to me by thought message, "You were right and I was wrong." I laughed and said, "I knew I was because I have been here before but in a different area." I had visited a beautiful meadow with small brooks and foot bridges, etc. and have been there 2 times since. He was a Baptist minister and did not believe in psychics, mediums, etc. I have been very strong (psychically) since I was about 22 months of age because I can remember the day my brother was born like it was yesterday and I am 22 months older than him. I can remember playing in my playhouse and serving tea to a lady and talking to her and my mother would tell me to stop talking to myself. When I was about 7 years of age, I saw a picture of a woman and recognized her clothes, I'd never did see her face. I said to my mother, "That's her, that's who I used to play with." She got mad and said, "You didn't see her because that is my mother and she died when I was 5 years old." I didn't say anymore because I had learned that they didn't understand me and my gift because I was always predicting things. I learned to just not say a lot. I didn't even know about psychics until I was 18 years old and married my husband who was also a psychic and medium. "People come into your life for a reason or season" is a true statement. I saw him when I was 14 years old and told my aunt that I was going to marry him. I had never seen him before but he was so handsome. I never saw him or thought about him again until about 3 days after I graduated from high school in 1959. A friend of mine (graduated together) ask me to play a prank on his friend from another school that he had grown up with. I called him as a prank and about a week later "our" friend said that he wanted to meet me. I said, "OK". I almost fainted when he stepped out of the car. He was my "prediction" 4 years earlier. We got married 3 months later, had 4 beautiful children (psychics). He taught me that "my weirdness" that my family said I was going to hell for because it was evil was a great gift. I began learning and cultivating it and love my precious gift and have helped a lot of people over the years. He was sent to me to teach me and it was the "reason" but for a "season" not a lifetime. We divorced after 9 years and he is on the "OTHER SIDE" but we are still connected.
My parents are both on the "OTHER SIDE" now . I've lived in their home for 16 months now and they visit at least 3-4 times a week and know that they can do everything that I had told them all these years. I LOVE THEIR VISITS. I always acknowledge them a talk to them all the time as well as my Angels and Guide.
I love reading others experiences. I love this site. I've learned from all you wonderful people. Life is always a learning experience.
Lovely article Jacqueline. I only know of what you speak from a dream I had a few years back. My mother who passed on over 25 years ago, came to me playing the most incredible, peaceful, harmonious music I have ever heard. I could not identify all of the musical instruments I was hearing even though she was sitting at a piano. Nothing on this earth compares to what I was hearing in that dream. It certainly was from a glorious place!
Thank you for reminding me of that beautiful experience.
I love your experience, I must say this is your last visit here.
Glad to see it got posted on here. Thanks!
I am sorry I am having tech issues with the blog. Been getting booted this morning on it and somehow my post for this ended up in the "how do you know your guy is bi" blog.
I do apologize not sure how that happened.
Wow! I can't wait to go to heaven!!
What a beautiful beautiful story. Thank you so much for sharing your amazing experience.
oops…must've been visiting when I posted THAT one!
Some call that the 4th Dimensio, as I understand it. Every once in awhile, I experience it. It is SOOOOO Peacefl!


text:
At the USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future, we bring together top Republicans and Democrats to transcend partisan divisions and explore solutions to our most pressing national and global challenges. Join veteran strategists Bob Shrum and Mike Murphy along with other Center staff and major voices in the Bully Pulpit for fun conversations that advance civil dialogue and practical politics. When President Theodore Roosevelt coined the phrase bully pulpit, bully meant "wonderful"; and Roosevelt, according to the Oxford Dictionary, was envisioning "an outstanding opportunity to speak out on any issue." Hear from famous people who've known success and setbacks, whether they worked for Donald Trump or Barack Obama, G.W. Bush or Bill Clinton, the Republican Party or the Democratic Party. The conversations go behind the curtain with elected officials, campaign staff, journalists, academics, pundits, and political operatives. Every exchange is guided by standards central to the Center's mission: Respect each other and respect the truth. Opponents are adversaries, not enemies. And if you lose, don't burn down the stadium. The Bully Pulpit was formerly called Election R&D.
Winter Is Coming: Campaign 2024
CPF Co-Director Mike Murphy joins political insiders and strategists for a discussion on the 2024 presidential election. The panelists also talk about how candidates and campaigns are shaping up for the upcoming election, the possibility of a Joe Biden 2024 campaign, and Donald Trump's 2024 campaign.
Tad Devine: President, Devine Mulvey Longabaugh Media; Chief Strategist, Bernie Sanders' 2016 presidential campaign
Jon Favreau: Co-Founder of Crooked Media; Former Head Speechwriter for President Barack Obama
Shaniqua McClendon: Vice President of Politics, Crooked Media; Former Fellow, USC Center for the Political Future
Corrin Rankin: California Republican Party's Central Valley Vice Chair
John Thomas: Republican Strategist, President of Thomas Partners Strategies
Mike Murphy: Co-Director, USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future; NBC Political Analyst
At the USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future, we bring together top Republicans and Democrats to transcend partisan divisions and explore solutions to our most pressing national and global challenges. Join veteran strategists Bob Shrum and Mike Murphy along with other Center staff and major voices in the Bully Pulpit for fun conversations that advance civil dialogue and practical politics. When President Theodore Roosevelt coined the phrase bully pulpit, bully meant "wonderful"; and Roosevelt, according to the Oxford Dictionary, was envisioning "an outstanding opportunity to speak out on any issue." Hear from famous people who've known success and setbacks, whether they worked for Donald Trump or Barack Obama, G.W. Bush or Bill Clinton, the Republican Party or the Democratic Party. The conversations go behind the curtain with elected officials, campaign staff, journalists, academics, pundits, and political operatives. Every exchange is guided by standards central to the Center's mission: Respect each other and respect the truth. Opponents are adversaries, not enemies. And if you lose, don't burn down the stadium. The Bully Pulpit was formerly called Election R&D. All our podcast episodes are available at https://electionrd.libsyn.com/website. The Bully Pulpit is a member of the Democracy Group network of top political podcasts about democracy, civic engagement, and civil discourse. https://www.democracygroup.org/
© USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future