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Ben Farrugia: Promising to ring-fence the international aid budget seems naive when you consider that 14% of DfID's budget never reaches those for whom it is intended
Ben Farrugia is Deputy Research Director at the TaxPayers' Alliance and author of Lost along the way: The cost of the UK's international development programme, which is published today by the TPA.
International development isn't some sort of luxury item. Although cuts in Government expenditure are inevitable, it would be wrong – and short sighted – to make drastic cuts in the UK's overseas assistance budget. Our contribution to the world's efforts can do some good, and not only in preventing catastrophes. If money is spent right, progress in even the most difficult countries is possible.
However Conservative promises to ring-fence the development budget are misconceived. The current approach to development – embodied by DfID – is not delivering the progress that many had hoped, and while the challenges are certainly great, for the money that's been invested over the past decades there are too few genuine success stories.
Nor is the current approach cheap. In the new TaxPayers' Alliance report, Lost along the way, we estimate that in 2007-08 over £729 million – 14% of DfID's total budget – never made it to the people and communities for whom it was intended. For the chain between UK taxpayer and aid recipient is complex. DfID itself only directly manages around half of its own budget (£2.4 billion in 2007-08), which is divided between humanitarian assistance (i.e. emergency relief), technical assistance and budget support.
Most of the other half of DfID's spending is directed towards – or through – its big multilateral partners: the EU, World Bank, UN. Such large bureaucratic structures enable better coordination of donor effort, but they also cost a bit to maintain. In 2007-08 (the most recent year for which data was available when the report was written) the average administrative cost of such multilateral organisations was 17.6% of their total budget.
It is a similar story with the NGOs through which DfID does a lot of its on-the-ground work, and through which it spends the remainder of its budget. These bodies received over £313 million in 2007-08, but again a significant proportion – 17% – went on costs not directly linked to their front-line activities.
Continue reading "Ben Farrugia: Promising to ring-fence the international aid budget seems naive when you consider that 14% of DfID's budget never reaches those for whom it is intended" »
November 14, 2009 in Ben Farrugia | Permalink | Comments (14)
Ben Farrugia: Cut £2bn from small business taxation by abolishing Regional Development Agencies
Ben Farrugia is a Policy Analyst at the TaxPayers' Alliance and is a co-author of the report "The Case for Abolishing the Regional Development Agencies" (PDF). You can join the TaxPayers' Alliance for free here.
Since they were set up in 1999, the Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) have spent a huge amount of money - £15.3 billion to be precise – but have they achieved anything?
The claimed achievements of the RDAs are notoriously difficult to pin down, with their own published figures for "jobs created" or "investment attracted" often involving them taking credit for the total exploits of businesses who may just have received a letter or two from the RDA and no more.
To properly assess the performance of these quangos it is necessary to look at the economic data over time. To that end, the TaxPayers' Alliance have studied in detail the official statistics for job numbers, employment levels, new businesses and economic growth for England's regions back to 1992, allowing us to compare regional performance in the seven years before RDAs were created and in the seven years after.
The findings are shocking: in the vast majority of measures, across the vast majority of regions, the English regions were developing faster before RDAs were introduced. In many areas, development and growth has slowed in 1999-2006 compared to 1992-1999. In some, the regions are actually worse off than before. Overall the gap between England's richest regions and the poorest has grown – hardly a testament to the success of the quango-based strategy.
Continue reading "Ben Farrugia: Cut £2bn from small business taxation by abolishing Regional Development Agencies" »
August 09, 2008 in Ben Farrugia | Permalink | Comments (15)
Ben Farrugia: Britain's unseen £64 billion state
Ben Farrugia is a Policy Analyst at the TaxPayers' Alliance. In this Platform piece he examines the dizzying scale and £64bn cost of Britain's 1,162 quangoes.
Five years ago, the Public Administration Select Committee strongly recommended that the Government compile and publish a list of all the quangos, agencies and other unelected bodies that exist in the UK. Given that the Government has chosen to ignore that recommendation, we at the TaxPayers' Alliance have produced that list (PDF) for them, to allow the public to truly appreciate the sheer size and scope of Government in Britain.
People have of course been aware for some years that quangos have been on the rise, with ever larger portions of taxpayers' money and public policy being passed out of democratic control and into the hands of a myriad of bodies. But most will still be shocked by the true extent of Britain's unseen government. Like an iceberg, whose vast mass lies hidden beneath the water line, the familiar quangos represent only a small part a whole unknown layer of government.
The full picture is staggering. Alongside the departments directly controlled by Westminster and the devolved assemblies, and those duties overseen by local government, there exists a convoluted hierarchy of agencies and quangos, hundreds of bodies existing to implement specific aspects of government policy. The TPA's research has uncovered no fewer than 1,162 of these bodies, in receipt of over £64 billion of taxpayers' money and employing almost 700,000 people. This is the most comprehensive survey of the quango industry ever compiled, but there are no doubt other bodies yet to be identified.
Continue reading "Ben Farrugia: Britain's unseen £64 billion state" »
May 19, 2008 in Ben Farrugia | Permalink | Comments (12)


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CNN anchor suggests 'election denialism' is becoming a 'U.S. export' because of what happened in Brazil
January 9, 2023 by admin 0 Comments
CNN anchor Jim Sciutto worked overtime on Monday to connect Donald Trump and Jan. 6 to chaos in Brazil.
What is the background?
On Sunday, supporters of Jair Bolsonaro, the now-former president of Brazil who narrowly lost reelection last year, stormed the National Congress of Brazil, the Supreme Court of Brazil, and the Brazilian presidential palace. Bolsonaro's supporters believe election fraud caused Bolsonaro to lose his reelection.
After hours of unrest, law enforcement finally gained control of the situation. The government said that at least 1,200 people were detained, according to the Associated Press.
What did Sciutto say?
Speaking with former Rep. Joe Walsh (R) on CNN about the unrest, Sciutto asked Walsh if the U.S. is becoming an exporter of "election denialism" where it used to export democracy.
"We used to talk about and many folks still imagine this, and perhaps it's true to some extent, the U.S. exports democracy," Sciutto began.
"But as you watch [what happened in Brazil] and how it was seeded by the losing candidate in that election, who had a lot of rapport, one might say, with Donald Trump, is election denialism a new U.S. export?" he asked
u201cCNNu2019s u2066@jimsciutto on the uprising in Brazil: u201cIs election denialism a new U.S. export?u201du201d
— Tom Elliott (@Tom Elliott)
Walsh appeared to agree with Sciutto's assessment and suggested other countries learned from Jan. 6.
"The rest of the world watches us. Clearly the rest of the world watched us on Jan. 6," Walsh responded. "I never would have thought that two years removed from a violent attempt to overthrow an American election that … Donald Trump would still be the leader of the Republican Party and he would be running for president again.
"The world watched what we did on Jan. 6, and Trump and the Republican Party really didn't pay a price," he claimed. "My fear is that this is something that fledgling democracies around the world are learning from us."
Democrats are calling on the U.S. government to "extradite" Bolsonaro back to Brazil from the U.S.
But the White House said on Monday the government cannot do that because it has not received a formal request from Brazil for Bolsonaro's return.
Bolsonaro was reportedly hospitalized in Florida on Monday. He has been in the U.S. for more than a week. He left his home country two days before the inauguration of his successor, Luiz Inácio "Lula" da Silva.
Are Conservatives Destined to Lose the Grooming Debate?
Majority of Americans support investigation into Anthony Fauci over pandemic management and inconsistent testimony, national study shows
Death certificate indicates Diamond died of heart disease

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


So now it is time. After several weeks of indefatigable tinkering, despair, but also a time when Marhu.net became almost my second family and Google my second boyfriend, I finally managed to present my first public map to everyone.
The map was created on the basis of the empty 4-fold map provided by Kastor. A few highlights have been used to breathe life into the map. There are 4 outer bearings, all of which can be seen as separate and independent bearings. Each tank has a tank. There is also a car farm and a tank on the farm.
There are 5 active and 4 usable train tracks installed. On two routes there is in each case a transfer station, where for technical reasons you can not immediately transfer to the train, but at least unload and immediately load with the train. You only have to change to the train.
The 5th route was planned for transporting animals from the cattle trader to the stables, but the project still failed due to a lack of livestock.
There are 57 fields, the smallest is about 2 hectares, the largest is 161 hectares. So all sizes are available and offer something for every taste. In the large field, I have switched off the missions, as the first fruit is always potatoes planted in the field. With the original potato harvester from Giants you need weeks until the field is empty. At field 37, possibly also 35 and 36 must be partly harvested or sown, since underneath the field (s) the Colli of the field mass is still and therefore the helper stops working.
According to the latest information, the card is MP-compatible. Minor errors are still fixed, but they do not affect the game experience.
A big thank you goes to sushidelic and Spieler11 for the grandiose support and advice with the Mapbau. Also a big thanks to my two test players, Mik and wegerenz. Without these 4 people I would never have come so far with the map.
For questions or support, I am available exclusively at Marhu.net. I ask everyone to take any problems from PN's distance.
Ein besonderer Dank geht an OldFrank für den Einbau der Multifrucht und an Holzmichel für das einzeichnen der Schneemaske sowie dem Einbau von choppedStraw.
Damit die Palettenproduktion Sinn macht, müssen jetzt bei allen Produktionen Leerpaletten angeliefert werden. Ausnahme bilden dabei die Mühle, die Bäckerei, das Salzwerk und die Weberei. Bei der Weberei werden nach wie vor die Gestelle benötigt.
Um die ganzen Produktionen mit Leerpaletten beliefern zu können, habe ich ein 2. Sägewerk verbaut. Dieses befindet sich unmittelbar neben den Palettenfabriken. Auf dem Platz der Kaviarproduktion wurde das Palettenlager eingerichtet.
Die Brauerei benötigt zur Produktion des Bieres zum einen Wasser, Leerpaletten, Gerste und Hopfen.
Der Hopfen kann unweit vom Zuckerwerk produziert werden. Die Produktion läuft über das Fabrikscript und daher ist kein Wachstum zu sehen. Um den Hopfen produzieren zu können, werden Dünger und Kompost benötigt.
Für die Weberei wurde eine andere Weberei verbaut. Sie benötigt Wolle, Gestelle und Diesel für die Produktion.
Des Weiteren wurden einige optische Fehler korrigiert. So wurden alle Anzeigetafeln an den Außenlagern nochmals angepasst.
Und nun wünsche ich Euch viel Spaß auf der endgültig finalen Version der Saxonia.
Brot kann am Hotel, Gemischtwarenhändler und am Restaurant verkauft werden.
Die zip-Datei muss entpackt werden. Der beiliegenden Mod MapSoundTrigger wird für die Sirene der Feuerwache benötigt. Einfach nur im Mod-Ordner ablegen. Die anderen Mods werden für den Transport von Mehl und Brot zwingend benötigt.
Des Weiteren gibt es nun ein Benutzerhandbuch. Ich Danke Trollhausen für seine hervorragende Arbeit.
Ein neuer Spielstand ist nicht zwingend erforderlich, wird aber empfohlen, wer die neuen Objekte nicht auf der Wiese stehen sehen möchte.
Hügel auf Feld 50 entfernt.
Ein neuer Spielstand sollte nicht nötig sein, ansonsten halt mal testen.
The map is prepared for season. A snow mask is available.
how do I load out disel on compost?
Try it with the Kotte-Universalpack. Please take the yellow trailer. Kastor his Vanhool trailer should also work.
there are a lot of particles error with last version (3.1 finale), game seem work fine, just logs very dirt, is there any wiki or forum to detail the issue?
I can not understand your question. The log is error-free and problems with particles could not be discovered. I can only recommend removing bad mods, and if available, remove other maps from the mod folder. If the error remains, then send me times the log too.
The flour is produced in the mill. The front part of the trigger in the passage is for production, the rear part is for storage. The two triggers share the bunker.
All right. Thank you for the tip.
Hi FalPos..... I like what you did with composter,i was tired pick the compost up my selfe,so thx for that... I have no problem on the map eccept this second liquedmanure tank at the cows that i not understand if work or not... is it a tank for overload from first tank when its full,or is there miss a tricker to it ? I could ofcourse fill it up and try see it my selfe,but now im here so why not ask :) Btw i have noticed building at the cheeps is not stand at the ground,same thing with building down at the seed maker station near "military airport" I also want to ask if you could be helpfull and give me a link to a sewwerk from marhu there is been testet on the map,cuz i tryed and download 2 differend versions (not remember what number) but when i close my game giant crash on both... I love marhus sew werk so it would be such a big help for me if you could help me... sry for long comment ..
I have no problems with long commentaries. However, Google has so its problems with translating. So I only understood half.
I look at the plants in the seed production. But which building at the mountains do you mean?
So we have an update. Having spent over 100 hours in version 1.2 Is it possible to transfer my save game to V2.0 multifrucht. Save me starting again or has to much changed.
Again thanks for the map I love it.
There is probably a possibility to transfer the score to the V2.0. However, I can not tell myself how it goes. Maybe you can help other users.
where the compost is the master?
Oh thank you for the praise. I hope all this works well with the new card. Otherwise please let me know.
Der Fehler ist bereits behoben und nach dem nächsten Update nicht mehr vorhanden.
The error has already been fixed and will no longer exist after the next update.
Was genau funktioniert denn nicht? Bitte immer nur eine Map im Ordner für Mods. Mehrere Maps können sich gegenseitig stören. Das scheint seit dem neuen Patch sehr extrem geworden zu sein.
What exactly does not work? Please always only one map in the folder for mods. Multiple maps can interfere with each other. This seems to have become very extreme since the new patch.
The card runs without problems. You probably did something wrong. Wrong folder? Perhaps was faulty on the download. This can happen. Generally the map has to be displayed.
Hi again :o) i tryed download this several times and wupti suddenly it worked,now i can play V1.2 ... I like very much that you reply a.s.a.p respect for that :o) I not know if you take request from us players,but if so,then personally i could use a sewwerk for make planks,and maby a bigger forrest with this forrest ground,and if you could implant a kotte Tank trailer for the milk-fuel-water with at least 30.000 Liters...i know there is differend mods for this out there,but i prefure not to download other things there aint been tested with the map.. Hope you will consider inplant my wishes in next update... Have a wonderfull day :o) and thx for make my game day cool by your nice work ..
The small hills have already been corrected. In the next update they have disappeared.
i love the map it is so big though, guess gotta learn course play. one thing though i see the straw storage by the tmr place leaks over when i placed straw in it.
Ah ok Schade kann man nichts machen.


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The Best Western Continental Inn is conveniently located near all attractions in the San Diego area. Less than 20 minutes away, guests will enjoy a relaxing day at the beach or a fun filled afternoon at SeaWorld. The San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park offer fun for all ages. Old Town San Diego presents a look back in time to the early days of the gold rush in southern California and the beginnings of San Diego. Guests will also enjoy gaming at nearby Viejas, Sycuan and Barona Casinos; shopping at Grossmont Center or Parkway Plaza which offer a wide variety of shops. San Diego State University is also only six miles away, making the hotel ideal for guests visiting students.
The friendly, helpful staff at the Best Western Continental Inn is ready to ensure a fun filled memorable stay in El Cajon, California. Make a reservation today and save.
Massive remodel, hotel in chaos nothing working.


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Aaron Peirsol
Mission Viejo, CA, USA
Fee: $##,###Get Pricing
Virtual Fee: $##,###Get Pricing
Three-time Olympic Gold Medalist Swimmer
Double time
Heading into Olympic Trials, Peirsol's only goal was to make the team. He did better than that, first winning the 100m back in one of the fastest fields in history and lowering his own world record to 52.89. The bigger test came in the 200m back, where he was facing world champion and world-record holder Ryan Lochte. The two were stroke for stroke at the finish, but Peirsol beat Lochte by .02 of a second and tied the world record, setting up another showdown in Beijing.
Peirsol was the heavy favorite in both backstroke races in Athens, owning both world records and having just set a new standard in the 200m backstroke at Olympic Trials. Michael Phelps finished second in that Trials race, and Peirsol's performance was enough to convince Phelps, who dropped the 200 back from his Olympic program. Peirsol went 3-for-3 in Athens, capturing gold in the 100m and 200m back, as well as the 4x100 medley relay, which set the world record that still stands.
DQ controversy
Peirsol also was at the center of one of the most bizarre incidents in Athens, when he was initially disqualified after winning the 200. Peirsol was leaving the pool deck when the scoreboard changed to reflect the DQ, bumping Austrian Markus Rogan up to first. The French judge who made the call stated that Peirsol had made an illegal turn, but Peirsol and the U.S. coaches immediately appealed. The decision was shortly overturned, after officials said the disqualification was improperly filed, and Peirsol was reinstated as the gold medalist. Despite all the confusion, Peirsol said he remained relaxed. "I knew I didn't do anything wrong," he said.
Not a sprinter?
Even though Peirsol holds the world record in the 100m back, he doesn't consider himself a 100 swimmer. Peirsol and his coach, Eddie Reese, say his style is much better suited for the 200, since he lacks the early speed of sprinters. Peirsol believes if a backstroker comes along who can duplicate what Ian Crocker does in the 100m butterfly, his record will be gone and he would no longer dominate the event.
Seven-year streak
Peirsol made his Olympic debut as a 17-year-old in Sydney, winning a silver medal in the 200m backstroke behind friend and teammate Lenny Krayzelburg. Peirsol didn't finish second again in that race at an international meet until 2007, when another teammate, Ryan Lochte, took gold at the World Championships in March. Lochte also took down Peirsol's world record, placing Peirsol in the unusual position of chasing a rival. Just a few days earlier at Worlds, Peirsol won the 100 back and broke the world record as the first man ever to break 53 seconds. Lochte finished second.
Back to the sea
Growing up in Southern California, Peirsol learned to swim in the ocean. Most of his swimming is now done in the pool, but Peirsol's connection with the ocean led him to join with the environmental group Oceana to raise awareness about environmental threats. As part of the effort, he launched racefortheoceans.com, where fans can sponsor Peirsol as he trains for Beijing, pledging a donation for every mile he swims. (He swims about 100 miles every month in training.) Peirsol also frequently blogs on the site, about training, racing and supporting the cause.
Texas transplant
Though Peirsol hails from Irvine, Calif., he has lived in Austin, Texas, since he enrolled at the University of Texas in 2002. He says leaving California, and longtime coach Dave Salo, was the hardest decision he ever had to make, but he enjoyed the college life and remains there even though he graduated in December 2007. Peirsol bought a house for himself in Austin, but he doesn't spend all his time there -- he also bought land in Costa Rica and built a house there.
Part of the gang Peirsol is one of several Olympians training in Austin. Every day, he swims alongside world-record holders Brendan Hansen (100m and 200m breaststroke) and Ian Crocker (100m butterfly) and they are coached by U.S. Olympic team coach Eddie Reese. All three attended Texas and have been together since before Athens -- where they were all on the podium, with Jason Lezak, after winning the 4x100m medley relay in world-record time.
Orlando Grand Prix 2014: Aaron Peirsol - YouTube
Olympic Sports, Swimming & Diving, Inspirational, Athlete, Sports Motivational, Sports Speakers,
100 Greatest U.S. Olympians Pictures - Aaron Peirsol | Rolling Stone
2004 Athens Games, 2008 Beijing GamesSwimmingMedal count: Five golds, two silvers Among Peirsol's five gold medals were earned in the 100-meter backs.
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Montreal Wado Ryu Karate Association
Wado Ryu Karate History
London Wado Ryu Association
MWRKA Summer Camp
montrealwadoryuassociation@gmail.com
Ohtsuka-Sensei began martial arts training in Shindo Yoshin-kai jujutsu at age six, and by 1921, at the young age of 29, he was awarded the coveted "Menkyo-Kaiden", designating him the successor as master of this style.
Ohtsuka founded World Wado Karate in 1939. For his outstanding contributions to karate, the Emperor of Japan awarded Ohtsuka the "Fifth Order of Merit of the Sacred Treasure" in 1967. He was the first karate master to receive this distinguished award. In 1972, he was the recipient of the "Hanshi Award", an even greater honor. Along with this award came the honor of being ranked at the head of all martial arts systems within the All Japan Karate-Do Federation. Just prior to his death, Mr. Ohtsuka requested that everything under his direction be put under his name as karate. His new organization would act as a guardian of the ancient martial arts while promoting the essence and practice of authentic karate.
Wado Ryu Karate
The 'Wado' story officially began in May 1934 when Hironori Ohtsuka registered his own style of Karate, which he called "Wado Ryu" and was recognized as an independent style. However, its origins were developed by Ohtsuka's continuous study of all martial arts, formulating the "Wado" techniques by combining his own innovations and natural movements found in the other martial arts.
The full "Wado" story began in June 1892 when Hironori Ohtsuka was born. He was born in Shimodate City, Ibaraji, Japan, the first son of Dr. Tokuiuro Ohtsuka, a Doctor of Medicine. Ohtsuka was first introduced to the Martial Arts by his great uncle Chojiro Ebashi who began teaching him Jujitsu. This marked the starting point of his life-long fascination and obsession with the Martial Arts.
In April 1897 Ohtsuka started school where he studied Shindo Yoshin Ryu Jujitsu, under the supervision of Shinzaburo Nakayama Sensei, the third Grand Master of this style of Jujitsu. The essence of this art lays emphasis upon the nature and the grace of movement. It was originally inspired by Yoshitoki Akiyama Sensei after observing how the willow tree laden with snow yielded to the elements of nature, yet maintained its versatility and flexibility to outside forces without damage. This study of movement impressed upon the young Ohtsuka the importance of natural flowing movements. These lessons play a major part in today's "Wado" karate. In defence and attacking techniques the use of the opponent's body and weight and movement play an equally significant role in defeating your enemy.
Ohtsuka continued his studies of Shindo Yoshin Ryu Jujitsu whilst at Waseda University from 1910 to 1917 reading commerce. Ohtsuka also studied different styles of Jujitsu, experimenting between styles concentrating on their "positive quality". During his period at University he was able to examine the techniques of most Martial Arts. He developed and improved certain techniques of the existing arts combining them with other "innovative" techniques. Whilst studying Ju-jitsu, Ohtsuka learned a great deal about the body's "vital points" both for attacking and healing purposes, he also studied the art of "bone setting".
In 1917 Ohtsuka joined the Kawasaki Bank, during the year he met Morihei Ueshiba Sensei, the founder of Aikido and this began a deep founded influential friendship. After two years at the bank Ohtsuka Sensei decided to become a full time Martial Artist. His mother, however, opposed this, wishing her son to continue his career in banking. Out of respect for this mother and family he postponed his ambitions, but continued to study Jujitsu.
Ohtsuka was awarded on 1st June 1920 the highest degree of Shindo Yoshin Ryu Jujitsu, which allowed him to succeed his master's position as fourth Grand Master.
The 1922 sports festival in Tokyo was to continue his obsession with all Martial Arts. For the first time Ohtsuka was to encounter Karate. Gichin Funakoshi Sensei was invited by the Japanese Education Department to demonstrate his style of Okinawan Karate (Tode). Kano Sensei, a renowned Martial Arts Instructor, accepted that the spirit behind karate was the same as Japanese Martial Arts, which served to promote its message and style.
Ohtsuka was impressed with this newly promoted Martial Art. He visited Funakoshi Sensei on numerous occasions during his stay, discussing techniques and other aspects of Karate. Funakoshi Sensei prolonged his visit by invitation from the Japanese Education department. He was "impressed" by Ohtsuka's enthusiasm and determination to understand Karate and agreed to teach him all he knew about Karate. Within the space of a year Ohtsuka Sensei had studied all the katas that Funakoshi had brought from Okinawa, although he found certain movements and techniques difficult to implement and understand. This led Ohtsuka in his search for a deeper understanding of Karate to practice kata with Mabuni Sensei the founder of Shuto-Ryu Karate.
In 1925 Ohtuska's mother died and he was left in a period of indecision about his career. After three years of deep philosophical thought, he left the Kawasaki Bank and set up a "bone setting" practice, similar to a small hospital. His prowess in the Martial Arts had led him to be the Chief Instructor of Shindo Yoshin Ryu Jujitsu and an assistant instructor at Funakoshi Sensei's dojo. By the year 1929 Ohtsuka was a registered member of the Japan Martial Arts Federation. At this time Okinawan Karate only concentrated upon kata, Ohtsuka thought that the full spirit of Budo, which concentrates both upon defence and attack, was missing. Ohtsuka Sensei meanwhile had been developing Yakusoko Kumite to compensate for the lack of attacking techniques. He thought there was a need for a more fluid type of Karate and decided to leave Funakoshi Sensei to concentrate on developing his own style of Karate, "Wado".
1934 proved to be a major year for Ohtsuka and "Wado" Karate. In February Ohtsuka the 2nd (who has recently become the leader of Wado-Ryu Karate) was born. It is uncanny that during this year Wado-Ryu Karate was also "born" and officially recognized to be an independent style. This recognition meant a departure for Ohtsuka from his hospital and a fulfillment of his life's ambition, to become a full time Martial Artist. In 1935 Karate received a further promotion upon Kano Sensei's recommendation to be accepted as a Martial Art, but at first only as an extension of Judo by the Japan Martial Arts Federation.
Ohtsuka Sensei's personalized style of Karate was officially registered in 1938 after he was awarded the rank of "Renshi-go". He presented a magnificent demonstration of "Wado" Karate for the Japan Martial Arts Federation who were impressed with his style and commitment and successfully acknowledged him as a high ranking instructor. The next year the Japan Martial Arts Federation asked all the different styles of Karate to register their names. Ohtsuka registered the name of "Wado"-Ryu". Other styles to register included Shotokan Ryu, Goju Ryu and Shito-Ryu. The next few years witnessed Wado Ryu karate growing from strength to strength, new dojos were opening and karate was being taught at the Universities. Ohtsuka himself was becoming a recognised figure within the World of Martial Arts. In 1942 he was awarded the title of Kyoshi-go. During that year a future great master Tatsuo Suzuki began training in Wado-Ryu Karate. In 1943 Ohtsuka the 2nd began his pursuits in the field of the Martial Arts. He began Kendo under the strict instruction of an army officer called Miyata Sensei. In 1944 Ohtsuka Sensei was appointed Japans Chief Karate instructor and in 1945 Ohtsuka the 2nd began to receive expert instruction from his father. In 1947 Teruo Kono began Karate but did not start training with Ohtsuka Sensei until 1951 and in 1955 the first all Japan Wado-Ryu Karate championships were held.
Until the 1960s Martial Arts and especially Wado-Ryu Karate remained upon the small islands of Japan. It was hardly recognised outside of the East. This was soon to change. In 1963 a three-man team left Japan to conquer America and Europe. The team was composed of Mr. Arakawa, Mr Takashima and Mr T Suzuki. The impressions they left upon America and Europe were tremendous, Wado-Ryu Karate became recognised world-wide for its true merits.
Back in Japan in 1966 Ohtsuka Sensei was awarded the title "Kun Goto Suokuo Kyoku jujitsu Shou" by the late Emperor Horohito. It was presented by the Emperor for his dedication to the introduction and teaching of karate.
By the early 1970s karate had become truly established worldwide Ohtsuka continued to train and instruct in Japan, whilst a tam of highly qualified Japanese Sensei's continued to spread the doctrines of Wado-Ryu Karate worldwide
1972 saw Ohtsuka Sensei historically awarded with an honor never before bestowed upon any Karate master, the president of the International Martial Arts Federation, a member of the Japanese royal family, presented Ohtsuka with the title of "Meijin" – the first excellent Marital Artist in Karate (10th Dan) it was the greatest title possible and bestowed upon him.
In 1980 Ohtsuka Meijin began to think about retirement as the head of Wado Karate and wanted his son to succeed him as Grand Master. However other high level Wado Karateka were not in favour of this and wished for a different leader to be appointed. Although many negotiations took place no agreement could be reached and some of these Wado Karateka broke away and formed their own association (Wado-Kai).
Ohtsuka Meijin continued to lead the World of Wado-Ryu Karate until the 20th November 1981, when he finally decided to abdicate his possession as Grand Master of Wado-Ryu Karate and nominated his son Hironori Ohtsuka 2nd as his successor. Hironori Ohtsuka Meijin peacefully passed away on 19th January 1982, two months later. Throughout the entire world where Marital Arts are practiced he will always be remembered for his enormous contribution and individual devotion to Wado Karate.
It is said Hironori Ohtsuka chose the dove encircling the fist as the symbol of his style, representing that peace contains strength. He believed that one who possesses genuine inner strength cannot be provoked to violence, hence will live in harmony with others. He named his style Wado-Ryu, Way of Peace. The inspiration of what he created, and the ideas that he stood for, still lives on today… And his teaching will continue to be passed from instructor to student.
© International Wado Ryu Association 2010
©2022 by Montreal Wado Ryu Karate Association.


July 11-14, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
To celebrate the anniversary of As Long As Your Eyes Are Wide, the band launches a song-by-song podcast. But first, St. Patrick's Day in Halifax.
The artist follows up her popular Hand Drawn Halifax with Sketch by Sketch: Along Nova Scotia's South Shore.
Skratch Bastid tells you what to dab his personal line of BBQ sauces all over—and what to listen to while you're eating.
Keep your premature festive feels at bay with these 12 excuses to buy local, handmade gifts, decorations and stationery.


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Viz Licenses Venus in the Blind Spot, Splatoon Squid Kids Comedy Show Manga
posted on 2019-11-17 19:09 EST by Alex Mateo
Viz to release Venus In The Blind Spot manga in fall 2020, Splatoon Squid Kids Comedy Show in summer 2020
Viz Media announced during its panel at Anime NYC on Sunday that it has licensed Junji Ito's Venus in the Blind Spot manga collection and Hideki Gotō's Splatoon Squid Kids Comedy Show manga.
Viz will release Venus in the Blind Spot ( Ito Junji Ni Tanpenshū BEST OF BEST ) in fall 2020. The company describes the manga collection:
This ultimate collection presents the most remarkable short works of Junji Ito's career, featuring an adaptation of Rampo Edogawa's classic horror story "Human Chair" and fan favorite "The Enigma of Amigara Fault." In a deluxe presentation with special color pages and color illustrations from his most recent long-form manga NO LONGER HUMAN, every page invites readers to revel in a world of terror.
Shogakukan released the collection in Japan on February 28.
The company will release Splatoon Squid Kids Comedy Show ( Splatoon Ikasu Kids 4-Koma Fes ) in summer 2020. Viz describes the manga:
New Inklings take center stage as they and their friends embark on hilarious escapades in the world of Splatoon, the hit video game series from Nintendo!
Gotō launched the manga in the April 2017 issue of Shogakukan's Bessatsu Coro Coro Comic Special magazine. The series' third compiled book volume shipped on May 28.
Hinodeya initially published a Splatoon one-shot manga in Shogakukan's Coro Coro Comics magazine in May 2015. Hinodeya's manga series then began in Bessatsu Coro Coro Comic Special in February 2016, and also launched in Coro Coro Comics in May 2017. The manga has inspired a voiced motion comic and a full-color version. Shogakukan published the 10th compiled volume on October 28. Viz Media is releasing the manga in North America.
Nintendo released the first Splatoon game for the Wii U in May 2015, and the Splatoon 2 sequel launched for the Nintendo Switch in July 2017. The first game also inspired Kino Takahashi's Honobono Ika 4-Koma manga and the Play Manga story collection by various artists. Hinodeya also drew a one-shot for Splatoon 2 .
Source: Email correspondence
discuss this in the forum (3 posts) |


How much of a Torontonian are you?
There are many people who live and work in Toronto - but how much do you really know about the city? This short Quiz will find out how much of a Torontonain you are!
Have you been to Toronto? Do you Work in Toronto? do you live in Toronto? Well how much do you know about the city? After this short Quiz we will find out just how much you do know!
What is the Longest Street in Toronto?
there are three main phone area codes for Toronto - what are they?
If you were on the 501 Street Car, What street would you be on?
Toronto hosts the largest underground pedestrian system in North America but what is it called?
How many outdoor skating rinks are there in Toronto?
How many Hotel Rooms are there in Toronto?
The CN Tower is the tallest free standing structure in Toronto but what is the 2nd largest Building?
Casa Loma has been used as a setting in many films however which of the following was NOT filmed there?
What year was the CN Tower completed?
Quiz topic: How much of a Torontonian am I?


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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


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HomeLatest NewsCardiff Council's Transport White Paper: A 10 Year Vision
Cardiff Council's Transport White Paper: A 10 Year Vision
This week Cardiff Council announced its ambitious plans to invest £2bn to transform Cardiff and South East Wales' transport network.
The White Paper lists a series of projects which could revolutionise public transport options in Cardiff and the region, including:
?Expanding current Metro plans to deliver more new tram/train routes and stations in Cardiff and the region
?Introducing new Bus Rapid Transit services and Park & Ride sites;
?Lowering the cost of bus travel significantly
?Delivering safer walking and cycling routes
?Offering real travel options designed to get people out of their cars and onto public transport.
The plans will create a fully integrated public transport network, it will include light rail, buses and link with active travel – walking and cycling.
The £2bn cost could be part-funded by a daily £2 road-user-charging scheme, which could include an exemption for Cardiff residents, the council has revealed.
More details on the plans can be found by clicking here


In catalogues, malls, and books, we often see Grants of Arms attributed to the Keating family. Many of us have at least one copy of these "traditional" arms somewhere in our house. Are we entitled to them, however? In Irish heraldry, Arms are granted to an individual and his or her descendants. (Traditionally, only the male line can bear the arms, but more recently the female line as well, providing that they retain their last name.) This means that unless you can prove descent from the individual who was originally granted the arms by the College or Heraldry in Dublin, Ireland, you are (by Irish tradition and law) not entitled to carry those arms.
Although a bit of a traditionalist, I've never felt completely comfortable using the "traditional" arms, as I'm not sure that I'm (by tradition) entitled to them. And, while I've toyed with the idea of creating a set of arms unique to myself or to my family, I would feel more comfortable if it was "official". A quick check of the web gave me the address of the Office of The Chief Herald of Ireland. Lo and behold, for a fee, anyone with the proper credentials can obtain an official Grant of Arms.
Once you've proven descent, a Herald of Arms will contact you to discuss possible designs. This is where things get fun. What elements will go into your official arms?
I'm in the process of obtaining a Grant of Arms, either for myself, or for my father. As I gain more details from the process, I'll add to this page.


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Bozell & Graham Column: Trolling the Fourth of July
By Brent Bozell and Tim Graham | July 4, 2019 4:34 PM EDT
Liberals are loudly denouncing President Trump for his plans to insert himself into Fourth of July festivities in the nation's capital, He's announced he'll deliver a speech, as if that is unique, and provide tanks for the parade, as if that's controversial. And so they compare Trump to Kim Jong Un.
But then there are others who are using this anniversary to take it in the opposite direction. Those same leftists are using the celebration of our nation to attack her. Their actions are deliberately designed to offend…to grab everyone's attention...to please the people who really can't stand the thought of American exceptionalism. This nation needs to be diminished. Why not do so on her birthday? Here's some evidence.
1. Nike's announcement it's scrapping an athletic shoe featuring the Betsy Ross flag because apparently former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick objected to it. The cable and broadcast networks jumped on this story – and supported it. You read Nike's statement in disbelief. It claimed it pulled the flag shoe "based on concerns that it could unintentionally offend and detract from the nation's patriotic holiday."
Poppycock. They succumbed to leftist pressure for the worst possible reason: greed. When Nike signed up Kaepernick, the reaction was overwhelmingly negative, and Nike's stock plunged. But the radical left is united and resilient. They bought and bought and bought. Now sales are up. This only fuels that kind of marketing.
2. The New York Times Opinion section yanked at the flag-wavers by tweeting a video opinion piece proclaiming "The myth of America as the greatest nation on earth is at best outdated and at worst, wildly inaccurate. If you look at data, the U.S. is really just O.K."
The Times video declared America is certainly #1 in some things: said sure, America is number one in things, including civilian gun ownership, mass shootings, TV watching, prescription drug abuse, prison population, and we're "almost number one in environmental damage, edged out by China." The narrator also claimed "you can confuse America for a developing country," like Pakistan or Nigeria, because "how great America is really depends on how rich you are."
It also included a picture of President Trump as the narrator insisted "while a bit of patriotism is great, jingoism is dangerous, especially when it's built on old or fake news." The video has drawn 1.7 million views and more than 7,000 likes as we write. It's a perfect match for the liberal subscriber base of The New York Times.
This seemed designed for people to shoot back, as one did: "Millions of people are desperately trying to get into the US. If New York Times reporters don't appreciate our country, they should move out and make room for immigrants who do."
3. The city council of Charlottesville voted on July 1 that the city will no longer celebrate Thomas Jefferson's birthday on April 13 as an official city holiday and instead will observe a day recognizing the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans. They could mark both, of course, but Jefferson has to be pulled down off a pedestal, just as they voted to remove Confederate monuments. This unanimous council of five liberals wants to make a statement that Jefferson is embarrassing, and seemingly timed it for maximum national publicity.
George Washington, you're next.
This decision might not seem as business-oriented as Nike or The New York Times, but these liberals may believe that looking "woke" is politically correct and economically correct for this college town.
All this just underlines that being divisive can be very effective politics – and business. But it also underlines that the Left is totally disingenuous when it talks about tolerance and unity while its actions betray the opposite. Antifa is fascist, and the "patriotic" protesters burn American flags....even on our nation's birthday.
Column New York Times Thomas Jefferson George Washington
Brent Bozell is the Founder and President of the Media Research Center
Tim Graham is Executive Editor of NewsBusters and is the Media Research Center's Director of Media Analysis


The Outline Circles Stencil is ideal for creating subtle abstract style murals, fantastic for contemporary feature walls in living and working spaces alike – its delicate lines make for stylish and understated simplicity. The thin circular Outline Circles Stencil comes in three sizes on three sheets – diameters 35cm, 30cm and 25cm. See size and layout specifications below.
Circle shapes allow for great decorative versatility and simple creativity, allowing you to develop your own style statement with great ease! Stencil the Outline Circles motifs in overlapping and interlocking sequences, placed at random distances apart, or used concentrically inside each other. Use these stencils on their own or with the Circles Theme Pack Stencil and Dotty Circles Stencil.
Above top – the 3 circles of this theme pack stencil repeated in an interlocking and random pattern. Shown in Harvest Gold, Evening Primrose, Very Berry, Cerise, Orchid, English Rose, Verbena and Persian Blue Stencil Paints on a turquoise-green coloured background.
The Outline Circles Stencil can be applied in bold, striking colours for impact or in subtle, muted hues for a softer more ambient feel – see examples on this page. The circles work equally well in multi-coloured palettes as well as single colour schemes, such as white on contrasting backgrounds.
Above – the three circles of the Outline Circle Stencil repeated in an interlocking and concentric pattern, in Ice White Stencil Paint on cerise coloured background.
The three circles of this stencil – left in Ice White and Harvest Gold; right in Ice White Stencil Paint.
The three circles of this stencil arranged in an interlocking pattern. Left in Harvest Gold, Seville Orange, Indian Purple, French Lavender and Chinoiserie Stencil Paints on a pink background. Right in Harvest Gold, Raspberry and Oasis Stencil Paints.
Above – the three circles of the Outline Circle Stencil repeated in an interlocking and concentric pattern, in Ice White Stencil Paint on lilac pink and grey coloured backgrounds.
The Circles Stencil Range includes a range of circle designs to be used on their own or together, giving a diverse range of contemporary design options.
The outline circles can be stencilled using stencil sponges, stencil rollers, or stencil brushes in our range of different Stencil, Metallic, Glitter and Fabrc Paints.
Use in conjunction with the Circles Theme Pack Stencil, Dotty Circles Stencil (which all have similar diameter measurements so they can be combined easily). Other repeated circle motifs include the Large Polka Dot Repeat and Small Polka Dot Stencil from our range of different circles stencil options.
Above – the three circles of the Outline Circles Stencil arranged in a random interlocking pattern. Stencilled in Vanilla Stencil Paint on a French grey background.
Above – the three circles of the Outline Circles Stencil arranged in a random sequence stencilled in Evening Primrose, Ice White, Ash Green and English Rose Stencil paints on a pale blue background.
Above – the three circles of the Outline Circles Stencil arranged in a random sequence with some circles stencilled in an interlocking pattern. Stencilled in Spearmint, Verbena, Orchid and Cerise Stencil Paints on bright turquoise background.
Above – the three circles of the Outline Circles Stencil arranged in a random sequence with some circles stencilled in an interlocking pattern. Stencilled in Ice White Stencil Paint on a charcoal grey background.
Above and below – the Outline Circles stencilled in, around and in interlocking patterns with the different sized circles of the Circles Theme Pack Stencil. Outline Circles stencilled in Shoreline, Arctic Grey and Coffee Bean Stencil Paints. Circles stencilled in Latte, Mocha and Arctic Grey Stencil Paints.
Above – these two illustrations show the different effects that can be achieved by using the Outline Circles Stencil in two different formations around the same layout of the Circles Stencil. Colours as above.
Above – Outline Circles and Dotty Circles Stencil stencilled in a concentric pattern in Indian Purple, Agapanthus, Very Berry, Cerise, Seville Orange and Harvest Gold Stencil Paints.
Left the three sheets of this stencil pack.


Students experience a bit of college life as supervised dorm residents. Enrichment can include myriad subjects such as psychology, architecture, business, creative writing, debate, health care, law, sports management, and high tech. Many programs offer hands-on learning in experiential environments.
Students obtain instruction in acting, drawing, film making, musical instruments, painting, photography and more, often from industry professionals who strive to mentor children. A number of programs offer the opportunity to create portfolio pieces which can be used for advanced placement and college applications.
Teens serve local communities throughout the world with meaningful volunteer efforts. Experiences cultivate a global perspective and inspire students to seek positive change in their own communities.
Postponing college for a year or a semester or taking time off during college can be a big advantage and can help students be better prepared for college or a career. Gap years are gaining popularity across the globe with the "sky is the limit" on what can be accomplished during the time away from the formal college environment.
Teens explore the outdoors with activities such as backpacking, camping, canoeing, hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, rock climbing, surfing, and white water rafting in destinations nearby to exotic and far reaching. Many programs teach wilderness, leadership and environmental protection skills.
Internships offer hands-on experience in a career or field of interest. Company mentors teach and engage the student in meaningful work. Internships also allow teens to begin collecting a network of business contacts for the future.
Athletes specialize in their chosen sport or sports and receive intensive instruction and opportunities to compete at a higher or more intense level than available during the school year. Offerings include; golf, tennis, diving, sailing, SCUBA, skiing, soccer, lacrosse, surfing.
Students are immersed in a language, expand their cultural knowledge and improve fluency through intensive instruction most often by native speakers. Many programs offer the opportunity to live with a host family for an authentic experience.
Students can explore STEM topics such as 3D design and printing, bioscience, computer science, engineering, geosciences, neuroscience, technology. Some options offer university level STEM research.
Teen aged campers explore and learn in a traditional camp environment. Teen camps offer advanced instruction and activities to foster independence and leadership skills, develop strong friendships and allow kids to experiment with new skills. Teens can participate in watersports, adventure activities, land sports, and creative arts in a safe and supportive environment.
Teens can travel through the U.S. and all over the world with other teens on fun, well-supervised, active, sightseeing trips with exciting day time activities and interesting and engaging evening entertainment. Kids make friends for life.
This is a chance for a student to volunteer with local non-profit agencies in various areas of interest. Give back, feel good, and meet community service requirements. There is no charge to participate in these opportunities.


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PLATO Featured in NASA Tech Briefs
September 1, 2014: The Partition Level Application Test for Orion (PLATO) software tool was recently featured in NASA Tech Briefs: PLATO Tech Brief. PLATO is a software tool developed by NASA Johnson Space Center's ER6 branch that allows sending of data and [...]
By Jeff Morris|2016-05-18T22:04:09-06:00September 1st, 2014|Projects, Research & Development|
May 31, 2013: The NASA JSC Software Awards Selection Committee has chosen the Partition Level Application Test for Orion (PLATO) development team for the 2013 JSC Exceptional Software Award. PLATO is a software tool developed by NASA ER6 with a development team [...]
By Jeff Morris|2016-05-18T22:05:31-06:00May 31st, 2013|Awards, Projects, Research & Development|
Introducing SpaceLab for iOS
June 9, 2011: Odyssey Space Research, L.L.C., has announced a space-based, experimental app, dubbed SpaceLab for iOS, which will be used for space research aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The SpaceLab for iOS app will make its way to the ISS [...]
By Jeff Morris|2016-05-18T22:05:32-06:00June 9th, 2011|Research & Development|
Featured Update
Guidance, Navigation & Control
ISS Visiting Vehicles


This painting sold for $750 on Saatchi over the weekend.
'Stand and Stare' (100x100cm Acrylic) is from the Groyne Series which is an evolving body of work, with 22 paintings now sold, there's actually not many of the initial pieces left! View all pieces in the Groyne Series here on my website where artworks are also available as prints.
Stand and Stare Jacqueline Hammond 100x100cm Acrylics. The artwork has now sold on the Saatchi Gallery website.
This was closely followed by 'The Lads' which sold on Monday.
It was selected for a collection Affordable Original Art for $500 and Under by Rebecca Wilson, Chief Curator of Saatchi Online and Director of the Saatchi Gallery.
Have you missed out on all the affordable art fairs lately? You're in luck – we've got a collection of great, new originals that won't break the bank.
'The Lads' original painting by British artist Jacqueline Hammond. The artwork has now sold on the Saatchi Gallery website.
Rebecca Wilson is Chief Curator of Saatchi Online and has been a Director of the Saatchi Gallery in London for the past 7 years. Prior to joining the Saatchi Gallery, Rebecca was editor of ArtReview magazine, and before that deputy editor of Modern Painters. She has over 10 years' of experience working with emerging artists and curating exhibitions.
Saatchi Online was established by the Saatchi Gallery in London, which over the last 25 years has been supporting emerging artists and helping to establish many of them as household names in the art world. Saatchi Online gives collectors the chance to discover new artists from around the world whose works are reasonably priced.
This entry was posted in Art, Exhibited, Painting, Sold Paintings and tagged affordable art, Art, artist, collection, collector, commission, curator, exhibition, gallery, paint, painter, Painting, Rebecca Wilson, saatchi, Saatchi Gallery, saatchi online. Bookmark the permalink.


I'm an Intuitive, a Revealer, Life Shaping Coach and Vibrational Therapist!
Basically, I use my Psychic abilities to help people get in touch with and discover (REVEAL) what's really going on in their life and why, then assist them (Coach them) in getting more of what they want using a set of tools, techniques and programs I call Life Shaping.
You see Everything is made of Energy, all those particles of Energy are moving around, vibrating. Different rates of movement create different Vibrational Patterns (Signals/Frequencies). Those patterns give us the different experiences of matter like water versus a rock.Those different Vibrational patterns also give us the situations and conditions that show up in our lives.
We all have things that are missing in our lives, or things that frustrate us, patterns or situations that keep showing up that we don't want, as well as things that we desire that don't show up.
We all have things that are missing in our lives, or things that frustrate us, patterns or situations that keep showing up.
I teach people how to work with Vibration and Frequencies to create Breakthroughs and retrain their Vibration so they can shape life and get more of what they want out of life.
I basically help people design, create and experience a deeper fuller richer life.
I'm an Intuitive, Vibrational Therapist, Life Shaping Coach, Crystal Singing Bowl Player, Hypnotherapist, Psychic Reader, Healer, Speaker, Teacher, Author, Artist,…(the list goes on) in the Denver Colorado area. The labels don't matter as much as the integrity, experience, skill and caring! That's what I am all about and wish to offer you.
Help you find Clarity and Understanding so you can feel better about the decisions you're making and the actions you are taking.
Assist you in getting a really good handle on your life.
Work with you through your Blockages or repeated Unwanted Patterns and give you new Insight with a strong supportive Follow Up Program to integrate positive change.
Get you in touch and very familiar with your Inner Wisdom which is the Smart You!
Help you develop and Sharpen your Intuitive Senses so it's easier for you to navigate your life on a day to day basis.
Get you Tuned In, Tapped In and Turned On to Shaping your Life!
My passion is to share what Life Shaping is all about!
I have been working in the field of body, mind and soul since I was a teenager. I grew up in a home where the supernatural was natural so I found myself immersed in metaphysics at a young age. At the age of 18 I was doing professional Intuitive Readings and had my Hypnotherapy certification by the time I was 22. I was hooked and have been ever since. It is my joy to continue to serve people doing Intuitive Readings and sharing many other methods of healing mentally, emotionally and physically with my clients.
Through the years I have studied Reiki, Nutritional Microscopy, Sound Healing, NLP…and the list goes on. I developed a very special course that delivers the most important keys to creating your reality and designing your future called the Life Shaping Program. It is my gem to share with all who are interested in shaping their lives.
I began to receive messages and images about shifting some of my healing techniques to include tuning forks. Divinely led I ended up in a store in Sedona that sold fusion crystal singing bowls and fell in love with them. I walked out of that store with my first set of tuning forks and a new calling to the sound of crystal singing bowls.
Within six months of my first encounter, the Universe led me to my second encounter with crystal singing bowls and this time there was no turning back. I was battling some severe health issues and discovered the bowls and forks improved my condition by 50% in the first week of working with them. I procured 9 bowls within six weeks.
Adding sound healing to my private practice opened up incredible doors. When I work with clients our private sessions include imagery and sound to create transformation and real positive change with lasting results. I found that my Life Shaping Bowls shape lives!!
Next I started to really investigate Vibration and it's effects considering what i was seeing for results working with sound vibration and healing. My discoveries were profound and have enhanced my manifesting by 50-60%. I now bring what I have learned to my clientele through the Vibrational Intelligence Webinar and in my private practice methods.
Everyday continues to be a platform for learning and understanding more about the incredible Universe of possibility we live in and the amazing power we have as spiritual beings to design, create and experience our reality!


Former Carolina Panther Mike Minter is leaving his high school football head coaching job at Concord First Assembly to take a position at Johnson C. Smith University.
Minter, 37, said he wants to be a college head coach someday and is making this move - to be co-defensive coordinator and defensive backs and special teams coach - to build his resume.
Minter coached at First Assembly for three seasons, leading the team to a 33-4 record and two straight N.C. Independent Schools state championships in 2009 and 2010. He said the 2011 team will average about 280 pounds on the offensive and defensive lines and feature defensive ends who stand 6-foot-6 and 6-4.
His son, star tailback Mike Jr., has moved to Nebraska, where he will live with his grandparents and attend a 4A public school. Minter and his son hope for Mike Jr. to play for Nebraska, where Minter played.
Even without Mike Jr., Minter says First Assembly will be strong again this season.
Aren't they supposed to be really good every year, but get absolutely blown out anytime they play a team like Country Day or Latin?
They have shied away from CCDS and Latin in the past, but yes, they will get blown out. I think they play CCDS this year.
Latin had them scheduled last year then First Assembly backed out. Minter was quoted saying they were trying to play both them and Country Day. Both of those coaches said they have open dates and are good to go (McNulty even said he had them lined up for week 1 last year).
Loved Minter with the Panthers, but as far as high school coaching goes, he has no prayer against these two teams, regardless of his players.
Does anyone care other than CCDS or Latin?
Bill Walsh would get blown out vs Country Day if he had First Assembly's players.
How dumb are some people here?
First Assembly will be fine without him. He will be missed but the current staff will still be in place. They have young fresh talent while rebuilding with one of the largest freshman classes in years. They also have a 6'6 tight end and a speedy 6'1 freshman wide receiver Dominique Geter.
I wish he would have gotten hired at UNC-Charlotte. He could have been a defensive coordinator with Chuck Amato! What an awesome combination that would be!


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by Bill Hartley
Down in the permanent blackness, an organism retains a memory of a food source untasted for many centuries...
'Wrapped in mist and fog'
– Homer, the Odyssey Book 11
Threads of opaqueness rolled back, maintaining the distance. Ahead of the car it was relentless, a heavy grey scarf which masked the surrounding country. Selwyn was forced to rely on guesswork. He knew or thought he knew that he was in the vicinity. A semi circle of cinders came into view by the roadside and this made the decision for him. He touched the brakes and pulled over. Immediately moisture began to settle and run down the windscreen.
In the stationary car doubts began to return. Selwyn sought to suppress these with activity. He went to the boot, located his rucksack and fumbled for the map and compass. The map gave a guide to how far he'd travelled since the last junction but that was all. Carefully distancing himself from the car he translated grid to magnetic, aware that this was merely a guestimate; at best a means of finding his way back here if visibility remained this bad.
He shouldered the rucksack, then with compass to hand set off. Behind the road was soon absorbed as the curtain closed shut behind him. He began to climb and as the gradient grew steeper had to scramble over loose rock. This was a good indicator and provided a clue to what he sought. Selwyn had entered an industrial landscape. Here was a man-made scree slope consisting of waste hewn from an exposed rock face, carelessly abandoned to crash down as far as the gradient would take it. Today the low and insidious mist masked scars of copper mining which once made this narrow valley clang with industry. He knew what must lie near him but Selwyn's world was reduced to a circle of moist greyness, hovering over dirty brown grass.
Again the doubts came back to him. He should be accompanied. That was basic and what he'd planned for. The message cancelling arrived en route, an impersonal few words from a friend who hadn't troubled to explain why. Selwyn was frustrated but having travelled most of the way, felt reluctant to give up. He made compromises with himself. It would be just a reconnaissance; a way to prove his theory and an incentive for another visit.
Selwyn had brought a stick which he used to assist himself on this steeper part of the climb. His compass bearing was now a tenuous link to the world, the mist anechoic, muffling his approach. He must have been only a few yards away when abruptly some visibility was ceded and he halted at a sheer rock face. Although this wasn't unexpected the barrier still came as a surprise. The rock face, vanguard of the invisible mountain above, rendered his compass bearing redundant. He turned and began a traverse, hoping once more that he would prove to have guessed correctly.
It ran like a great fissure some thirty feet up the rock face before disappearing into the mist. Years of weathering had made this lesion appear a natural part of the mountain, yet the red smears down the country rock gave a different impression to the initiated. Selwyn had covered a further quarter mile and now stood looking upwards with something close to awe, aware that human action had made this. It was a stope, cut high into the rock by free miners who had found this precarious foothold to be the easiest way to work a vein of copper. It would have been both hard and dangerous, standing upon makeshift platforms, often on worse days than this.
He felt a fine drizzle moistening his face which also left minute droplets on his waterproofs. Selwyn dropped his rucksack and looked carefully at the foot of the stope, noticing how the place seemed to be its own ecosystem. Lurid green mosses sheltered inside, protected from the worst of the mountain climate. Whilst the grass around his feet had deteriorated into a monochrome brown, a variety of unfamiliar plants prospered among the rocks. Selwyn couldn't get any closer; he was separated from the base of the stope by a pool about fifteen feet across, which created a protective moat. It was fed by water dripping incessantly from above and must have begun to form as soon as the miners ceased working the site. To Selwyn it appeared as a self-contained micro world, abandoned but guarded. Water had been a regular problem for Selwyn and his absent friend on earlier expeditions. Hence he had expected to encounter it at some point but finding a pool in this spot was something unusual. He knew he could leave now and return again when accompanied, which was the wisest thing to do. Instead he reached into the rucksack bending to retrieve a flask and then stood contemplating the pool as he drank some coffee. No vegetation grew or even skirted the edges, probably because the water was acidic and sterile. This was confirmed by the lack of animal droppings. Not even a sheep could drink here.
He finished his coffee and shouldered the rucksack once more. Selwyn decided to test the pool. Its surface was opaque: mist absorbed the limited light. He took a first tentative step, using the stick as a probe. Immediately cold water soaked his feet. Beneath he could feel chunks of loose rock; more waste which had fallen from the workings above. As he continued the water reached his knees. Each step was taken with care to be sure one foot was securely down before trying another. Even across such a short stretch of water it was slow progress. Selwyn told himself that if the water deepened he would go no further but it remained constant, just above his knees. He stabbed downwards irrationally afraid that the stick would disappear to a depth which it couldn't plumb.
The crossing must have taken the best part of five slow minutes. Selwyn had become used to discomfort and getting wet was no deterrent. He looked into the depths of the recess made by the stope. A short reconnaissance he told himself: enough to show his absent companion that he'd made the preliminary effort. He anticipated appropriate signs of embarrassment and a proper apology. At some future point they could return together but this depended on what he next hoped to discover.
He scrambled out of the pool, water dripping from his legs and immediately felt an airflow stroking his face. Up to this point the mist-laden air had been without any movement. The light, poor already, was even weaker in the shadow of the stope though Selwyn supposed that even on a sunny day it would be no different. He walked closer, allowing himself to be lured by the breath of cool air. There was a high wrench of rock, split and resembling a giant serrated knife blade. Passing round it Selwyn paused and looked carefully into the gloom. It was what he had hoped for. In a deep right angle the stope concealed a portal, hidden from a casual observer deterred by the pool. The stope had been just a first working. To minimise the effort of burrowing into the country rock the miners had driven a coffin level, an aperture little larger than the outline of a man. Each step into the mountain would have taken days of labour with primitive iron tools. Selwyn went and stood at the mouth of the portal. The breeze on his face felt a little stronger. The presence of this airflow meant that somewhere within lay another aperture, creating natural ventilation around the recesses of a mine. Perhaps at some stage the miners chased a vein of ore upwards and realising they were close to the surface had broken through.
Selwyn knew this was enough. Previous visits to the district had convinced him that some deep mining must have taken place here. High on the side of the valley any opening would be harder to spot, hence the idea of a close traverse, to see if a portal could be found. He paused enjoying the feeling of success. To enter would be a task for another day when accompanied. Still, he'd come equipped and going in a short distance presented little challenge for someone of his experience. There was the possibility, hardly tenable given the airflow, that the portal led no further than a blank drive; an exploratory tunnel abandoned when no vein of ore was found. Checking this faint possibility provided the excuse.
He loosened his rucksack, dropping it to the ground to fish for helmet, lamp and torch, then with a sigh of frustration realised that water was pooling about his feet. He moved the rucksack to a dry spot hoping that moisture hadn't penetrated the canvas. Then he fitted the lamp to his helmet and checked the light.
The coffin level proved to be a featureless tube. Only the occasional gleam of red wetness from the rock broke the monotony. Selwyn soon realised the level led somewhere, easily disproving the notion of a blank drive and therefore he should by now have abandoned what was supposed to be just a brief sortie. He convinced himself that there ought to be something of interest which he could use as an incentive for a second visit. Persuaded he carried on, the beam from his headlamp alternately hitting the roof and then the floor. There was an inevitable sense of constriction, since the floor was little more than a narrow path. The miners had probably moved ore stuff along here in barrows, before it was taken to be crushed and smelted. Selwyn's vision and indeed his whole world were shaped by this tunnel, with a roof that lay just a few inches above his head. Over that stood the mountain whose riches had prompted men to burrow into her depths.
The monotony of travelling through this tube was beginning to invade his mind. He started to appreciate the value of having a companion who could share a conversation and help suppress dark thoughts. Down here was a quantum world where things worked differently. He paused for a moment, took a step to one side and watched as perspiration from his body formed a wraith-like companion which hung next to him. Then as a sense of infinity was beginning to invade his imagination, the tunnel widened. His lamp reflected off a circle of water, level with the tunnel floor. He stopped immediately. It was a winze: a vertical shaft from one level down to another. Dry, it represented a lethal trap for the unwary. Wet it was still a barrier. This one had flooded up and over the collar. A century and more of idleness in the mine had allowed the water table to reassert itself. He approached carefully. The lamplight was making it difficult to discern where the shaft began. Pulling out his hand torch Selwyn shone it into the depths. A few feet beneath the surface hung a black and sagging timber bridge, still resisting the forces of erosion. The water was brilliantly clear and had risen unseen and undisturbed, fed by secret aquifers within the mountain.
The effect of submersion on the copper traces lining the winze had been to change its colour. Down the deep vent the walls glowed an eau de Nil green in the torchlight. Following the beam, he noted the mesmerising effect as it probed at random into the flooded fathoms. Drowned beneath was the effort of hundreds of man hours: a mine within a mine. He kicked a piece of rock from the edge and watched as it plunged downwards, bouncing off pinnacles and buttresses which briefly slowed its descent until the lamplight could penetrate no further and it was absorbed into the grasp of opaqueness.
Once more Selwyn made an attempt to persuade himself that this was the point to turn back. He'd already travelled some hundreds of yards. However closer inspection revealed the flooded winze was a barrier that could with care be circumvented. Around the collar was a submerged ledge on which the bridge had once rested. His boots and lower legs were again immersed in water. This time he sensed slight warmth, suggesting that the water was thermal. Deep below the geological pressures which had created the metallic ores were at work and the mountain still sudated these.
Trying to avoid directing his headlamp into the green depths he moved around the submerged ledge, hoping that it would maintain its firmness. Edging forwards he could feel his heart beating erratically. It seemed interminable but finally he reached the other side. Beyond was extensive evidence of the productivity of the mine. A whole working face had been hacked out of the rock. To one side rotting timbers held back tons of deads or waste rock. It took enough energy extracting the ore and taking it back to the portal. The deads had simply been pushed out of the way. Selwyn looked upwards, his headlamp beam taking in the sight of collapsing ore chutes high in the man-made cavern. He wondered if this huge subterranean effort had been the last attempt to extract ore from the mine. Despite the primitive methods such a mine unless it yielded a good supply of copper, could be ruination for unwary investors in distant London or Cardiff.
He felt reluctant to admit to himself that a return back across the flooded winze was something to be deferred but wondered if there was more to be found here. As if to encourage this a finger of air returned to brush his face. The tunnel led away from the workings but only caught the beam of his headlamp for a short distance. Unlike the earlier stretch leading to the winze it corkscrewed crazily. Instead of penetrating, the beam danced along identical walls. Where water bled from these an acrid smell suggested the acidicity he'd first noticed in the pool outside.
Selwyn halted. Facing him was a wall smeared with weeping redness. It was a blank drive, going nowhere. The crazy angles of the tunnel had probably been cut that way to increase the prospects of locating a new vein. Then perhaps the money had run out and the miners told to give up their drilling and chiselling. Selwyn's emotions fluctuated between disappointment and relief. He had dangerously exceeded a sensible distance for solo travel underground, although there probably was no such thing as sensible. Retracing his steps Selwyn paused to look once more at the abandoned ore chutes, and then went to the winze, an irrational feeling of relief growing in his mind.
Something had changed. It took a moment to realise what. The surface of the water had fallen, exposing to the air the black and greasy timbers of the collapsed bridge which hung like a parody of its original purpose. Deep below something had affected the water table. This might be a regular event. The quantum chemistry had made its presence felt. Selwyn moved closer allowing his headlamp to shine downwards, hoping that it was an illusion. This reality remained. Walking back along the ledge now presented too much of a risk since the water had sunk well below the collar of the shaft. To fall in would leave him trapped.
The elusive airflow touched him, a reminder that the workings must be ventilated. He returned to the chutes trying to locate the source. Previously he'd given the wall opposite no attention but now he noticed a low arched aperture only a couple of feet high and mostly obscured by debris. It was the source of the airflow, or at least Selwyn persuaded himself this must be so. He switched on his torch to augment his headlamp.
This was no coffin level. It had been cut with tools much more primitive. Squirming in and allowing his headlamp to curvet across the walls, Selwyn realised how different this was to his past underground experiences. In a half crawl he edged forwards, intrigued and for a moment forgetting the reason for entering. He moved on and began to marvel at the shades of red interspersed with green, where water had attacked the ore. He could see tiny leaf-shaped flakes of brown native copper, smelted in the subterranean heat then forced upwards and fused to the rock. This was the prize for the prehistoric miners who had worked here. Selwyn went on, still half crouching. He knew it likely the men who worked the mine he had just left would have avoided the place. Superstition was a very real thing among those who risked their lives underground.
He began to hear sounds, vague and distant. Sounds he thought to be running water. Perhaps a stream had widened a hole from the surface, large enough to admit those first miners. The airflow was now less precise in its direction. Selwyn imagined it being winnowed through water descending from a surface vent. The passage twisted, wedging him in to the mountain. At one stage he was forced to half turn to ease his body through a particularly tight right angle. His next sensation was one of being enveloped. He gasped, thrashed out with his arms and ignored the pain of an elbow connecting sharply with a rock. The light from his headlamp struggled to penetrate a mucoid curtain which was wrapped around him. Drawing short panicky breaths Selwyn struggled to free himself. Even brief contact with this substance was sufficient to be overwhelming. With blind urgency he fought free, throwing off globules of the stuff which hit the walls and slid downwards.
Afterwards he lay on the tunnel floor, conscious of moisture soaking into his clothing. Above his face and absorbing the light like a filthy cloth was what he recognised as Acidithiobacillus. He'd heard of it but this was his first encounter. Its effluent had spread everywhere, virtually blocking the narrow passage; anchored as pseudo stalactites from each protuberance above the rough-hewn tunnel. Selwyn was wiping away the by-products of an extremophilic bacteria. A living thing, hanging there in the darkness, synthesising sulphur compounds to draw sustenance from the volcanic rock. He felt the astringency on the skin of his hands and face. The bacteria secreted sulphuric acid. Acidithiobacillus and he were now two living things sharing this space.
Suppressing his revulsion Selwyn struggled through the mucoid curtain and crawled onwards. The air was much heavier yet he felt reluctant to take the deep breaths he craved. The bacilli still hung close to his face, quivering as the acid sweated out. Ahead were the same muffled sounds, distorted but still sufficient for Selwyn to convince himself that it was falling water. His watch was no longer working and he struggled to make an estimate of how long he'd been underground. The beam from his headlamp had faded. He checked the torch but that seemed no better. Both needed their batteries replacing and the prospect of completing this simple task brought a renewal of purpose.
In the confined space it was difficult to remove his rucksack. After several attempts Selwyn finally managed to do so, then groped inside and at the bottom found spare batteries. Their touch felt different, instead of a waxy sheen something crumbled in his fingers. He brought the batteries into the fuzzy beam of his torch. A recollection came of wetness after placing the rucksack on the ground. Acid-laden water had soaked through and eaten into the batteries rendering them useless. From each extruded a white crystalline mess, like dirty snowflakes. He looked at the fading torch light, its weakness already calling back the shadows. The headlamp was no better. Selwyn moved on, urgency competing with the first tendrils of despair.
The sounds were closer now, mixed with the shades near him. Gone was the reassurance of falling water. Shadows in the fast-fading light worked the rock. The Acidotholobacillus bacteria leached its sustenance and in return its vitriolic effluent helped mine the rock. All around the curtain of mucus had expanded and inside it the shadows continued to labour. The sounds had now clarified as rhythmic hammering. It was a fusion of effort, human sweat and the bacilli, both on a mission to derive sustenance from the country rock. Selwyn's headlamp had shrunk to a faint circle. His energy gone he remained staring brokenly as the light from his torch retreated across a few inches of the tunnel floor then went out. He could smell the sulphur which had been excreted from above. Mucus fell on his hand but he failed to react. When the last light from the headlamp vanished, the bacteria would return to its perpetual darkness. Eventually it would reach out to a source of nutrients it had not known for centuries.
Bill Hartley
Bill Hartley is a former soldier who currently works as an archivist for the Mining Institute in Newcastle. He is the author of Hezbollah Wishes You a Safe and Peaceful Journey and From Contention City to Stalingrad. He lives in North Yorkshire.
Photo by CDC on Unsplash


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text:
Q: Warning(Window already focused, ignoring focus gain).Starting Facebook App from external Activity Starting External FaceBook activity to share data causes a warning
WARN/InputManagerService(52): Window already focused, ignoring focus gain of: com.android.internal.view.IInputMethodClient$Stub$Proxy@438edb68

and the FB activity is not seen on Foreground.
The Code i used is
Intent sendShareIntent = new Intent("com.facebook.katana");
sendShareIntent.setComponent(new ComponentName("com.facebook.katana", "com.facebook.katana.ShareLinkActivity"));
startActivity(sendShareIntent);

My emulator has FaceBook Application in it.When getting Applications installed with ACTION_SEND as action filter i'm getting "com.facebook.katana.ShareLinkActivity".
So Please suggest me solution ASAP
Thanks & Regards,
Sha

A: I resolved my problem by using this piece of code.
    Intent sendShareIntent = new Intent(Intent.ACTION_SEND);
sendShareIntent.setClassName("com.facebook.katana", "com.facebook.katana.ShareLinkActivity");
    sendShareIntent.setType("text/*");
    sendShareIntent.putExtra(android.content.Intent.EXTRA_TEXT, "http://www.google.com/");
startActivity(sendShareIntent);

This started my Share facebook activity.
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