text:
This started out as a Labor dispute between myself and my former employer Nancy Packes of Feathered
Nest, Inc. whose connections include Halstead Property LLC, Brown Harris Stevens, Terra Holdings, LLC,
and Christie's Great Estates. Nancy Packes discriminated against me when she required me to get my
Real Estate License BEFORE hiring me, yet she hired unlicensed men who actively leased apartments.
This also violated 442e of the Real Property Law.
I worked for Nancy Packes just short of 1 year, when I began being openly harassed in front of
management by a male NON-Citizen. He was retaliating for being transferred out of the office we shared
into a vacant one all the way on the other side. The company procedure was to report the incident when it
occurred. Every time there was a problem, I reported it to the Manager or Assistant Manager. Nancy
Packes didn't want to deal with the problem because some of it was so bizzare in nature, so after a few
times of her, her son the Manager, and the Assistant Manager yelling at and demeaning me, she told me if
she heard one more word about it, I would be terminated, that she was putting a negative letter in my file for
future employers, and that it wasn't open for discussion......which is completely illegal. When I told the
Assistant Manager who overheard the whole conversation on a conference call, that what she said was
illegal and I was going to complain to the proper authorities, I was presented with a memo from her
erroneously stating I had a tirade in the office, that I was disruptive in a loud public manner, and
if it happened again, I would be terminated. At the hearing and every Court up the legal ladder, eventhough her own current Assistant
Managers testimony contradicted the employers, proving I did NOT have an outburst in front of clients but reported the incident as
required by the employer, the lie grew to I had an outburst in front of clients. Nancy Packes was trying to cover herself by serving me this
memo, while she put my career in some sick demented persons hands. She knew and my harasser knew, I would not remain silent
while being harassed nor does the Labor Law require it. All he had to do was decide when he wanted me gone, and act out again
because there was no consequence for him. Paperwork was also changed in a leasing contest to defraud me of the prize money.
It's important to note that a total of 5 women were fired from that site. When I
requested complaints other than my own against Nancy Packes/Feathered
Nest under the Freedom of Information Act, I received a letter stating the
report consisted of 119 pgs.
After exhausting all the proper channels and more, to get this resolved, because the harassment was escalating, I had no other
choice but to mail back my key with a note and leave the job I loved and the wonderful people I helped house in the beautiful new
building called River Place. When I sought employment elsewhere, I was ignored. I was out of work 1 year and seven months. Nancy
Packes/Feathered Nest/Brown Harris Stevens controls a large majority of the Real Estate Industry in NYC and LI. That's not the only
thing Nancy Packes controls. It's amazing the amount of Officials who cater to her.
I submitted 33 pg. color coded briefs to The EEOC, The Human Rights Commission, and The Dept. of State.
The EEOC at first claimed they didn't receive it. When I sent them a copy of a receipt signed by them, all of a sudden, my brief magically
appeared. There's a lot of magic throughout this case. A lot of things disappeared when it came to incriminating evidence against
Nancy Packes! Esther Gutierrez from the EEOC later called and wanted to know "What was the basis for my complaint." Meanwhile,
Discrimination, (Sexual) Harassment, Hostile Work Environment, and Retaliation with brief synopsis' were listed on the front page.
How do you deal with a mentality like this? When I asked to speak to the person in charge, she became very defensive. Her boss was
no better. They sent me an official form AFTER the time limit to file expired. To this day, they refuse to give me the answer of Nancy
Packes to my complaint. Is it because Nancy Packes also lied in writing to hinder the EEOC's investigation like she did with the Dept.
of State?
The Human Rights Commission took the complaint over for the EEOC. They were the ones who told me I was "Constructively
Terminated." Which means forced out of my employment. They were the ones who told me to contact the Unemployment Office for
benefits since I was forced out of my job because my employer created a Hostile Work Environment. They were actively pursuing the
case until they got a letter from Nancy Packes' Attorney. Then everything changed. Commissioner Gatelin, Jennifer K. Siegel
McNamara, Esq., Judith Garcia Quinonez, Esq. and Alemayehu Ayele never even investigated another female employee who was fired
from the same job, who claimed to have a lot of information on Nancy Packes' illegalities, and then had a sudden untimely death.
The Dept. of State Senior License Investigator, Cynthia Shapiro-Kane at first told me they were not going to investigate. When I told her
covering up for Nancy Packes' illegalities was conspiracy and that I wanted Nancy Packes' answer to my complaint, all of a sudden her
attitude changed and said she couldn't give it to me because it was an ongoing investigation. It took over 1 year to get the answer to my
complaint and for Chief Investigator Bernard Friend to push a computer button to find out that Nancy Packes did in fact, hire unlicensed
men. He even named a 4th man that I didn't know about. The men took the test in the same building that houses the Dept. of State.
How blatant an act of conspiracy to prevent that information being presented in a lawsuit. Even Under The Freedom of Information Act,
they refused to release it. This was all done with the full knowledge of Secretary of State Randy Daniels, Bruce Stuart Associate
Council, James P. King Esq., Mr. Delaney, Mr. Barker, Joe Amello, Aquil Qureshi, Mark Masterbuno ,former Governor George Pataki,
Present Governor Eliot Spitzer, Peter Drago who works /and /or used to work for Eliot Spitzer, Theresa Wescott and others. When I
finally received Nancy Packes answer to my complaint, it proved she was a liar who hindered a State Investigation and libeled my good
name. The date on a license had one of the men taking the exam on a Saturday when they are only given every Tuesday. They can do
anything they want....they are the law.
I called the Unemployment Office at the advice of the Human Rights Commission which was 10 months after being unemployed.
Katerin Rincon took the information over the phone. She had trouble comprehending English and I had to keep repeating myself.
When it got to the part of why I'm no longer employed, I told her I was "Constructively Terminated," a term she should know working in
the Dept. of Labor. She didn't know what it was so I explained what the Human Rights Commission explained to me. I told her the
whole story of what happened at the job and she told me I had to file to find out if I was eligible and that I would get a determination in
the mail. I gave her the information she asked for and shortly after I began receiving unemployment benefits.
All of a sudden, my benefits were stopped and no one would tell me why. In a letter from Robert Davision Director of UI Benefit
Operations dated Aug. 1, 2002, he said Linda Angello, the Commissioner of Labor asked him to respond to me which means she had
full knowledge of what went on. He actually states in the letter that I received benefits until the TCC received information from the
employer stating I quit my job. Labor Law states if the employer disagrees with a determination, they may request a hearing in writing
but benefits will be paid in the meantime. Nancy Packes never requested a hearing. They just stopped my benefits on her say so. I
had to request the hearing and deal with the rude DOL employees who hung up on me several times, told me the hearing is delayed
because people are on vacation, told me the person that was supposed to call me back that day had a life and won't be back for a
week.
At the hearing, I was represented by an unprepared law student because I was denied an appointed attorney. I was also denied
subpoenas for document s and witnesses for my defense. Even so, after two dragged out hearings(one of which Nancy Packes didn't
even show up) where myself, the DOL information taker, the employer and her current employees testified, the testimony was so
incriminating to the employer and DOL and proved my case beyond a shadow of a doubt, there was only one thing that could be done.
ALL THE WITNESS TESTIMONY DISAPPEARED! 4 hearing tapes of Nancy Packes committing 18 counts of perjury, proving Katerin
Rincon has trouble comprehending English. She admits she can't spell investigated and commission. She admits she doesn't know
what "Constructively Terminated" means. She admits she is confused. Judge Beverly Diego yells at her several times to listen to the
question and at one point even almost says herself, that she doesn't understand. Judge Beverly Diego admitted twice she didn't know
what "Constructively Terminated" means. Nancy Packes' own current employees admitted they witnessed The NON-Citizen repeatedly
harassing me. The Assistant Manager testified there was no outburst in the office, just reporting as in company procedure. The
Secretary described the situation as "HOSTILE." Mr. Rexford, Ms. Daniels and The Appeal Board tried to pass off 13 pages as a
complete transcript when they knew over 136 + pages were missing. I was told by an employee of the DOL that the transcribers were
contracted by the Dept. of State.
How do I know what was said and how many pages were missing? When I heard such incriminating testimony against the
employer by her own current employees, and the DOL, my gut told me that was the only thing that could save them. So I ran right
down and wanted the transcripts. They said they couldn't give them to me but they could give me copies of the tapes. They mailed
them to me and one was missing. I called up and they sent it to me...it was of Nancy Packes committing more Perjury. When I
transcribed the tapes for my defense, all of a sudden the DOL's were magically in working order and official transcripts that were still
missing testimony appeared. Hear Nancy Packes in her own words commit perjury on the Evidence page.
Judge Beverly Diego made her irresponsible and corrupt decision when all the testimony was missing. She perpetuated the lie that
Perjurer Nancy Packes told, and it continued through every Court up the ladder. Deane M. Cooke and Richard M. Rosenbaum
members of the Unemployment Insurance Appeal Board even noted in their decision that "a portion of the hearing of July 11, 2002,
consisting of the direct testimony and part of the cross examination of the employer's President Nancy Packs was not able to be
transcribed due to a defective cassette." Labor law states a verbatim record of the hearing must be made. My tapes worked fine. I
even offered to play them for them. Judges Spain, Mugglin, Rose, and Kane from the Appellate Division also covered for Judge Diego
and Nancy Packes. So did a lot of others.
This case went threw all the NY Courts including Judge Judith Kaye's where she closed her eyes to all the evidence before her. My
opponents were so sure they had nothing to worry about, they didn't even bother to submit a brief in response to my 2nd motion. A
3rd motion for default for them not responding was ignored. I took this case all the way to The Supreme Court of the U. S. in
Washington, DC by myself because no attorney or organization would touch it. After years of pursuit, thousands of dollars, and more
than 10,000 copies later, Chief Justice John Roberts and his buddies refused to hear the case. By their silence, they knowingly,
intentionally, and maliciously convicted an innocent person. Was it payback for requesting John Roberts to recuse himself because
he closed his eyes to blatant Official Corruption while in the Justice Dept? They all know what happened in this case is completely
illegal and unconstitutional, yet they protect their corrupt buddies at the expense of American Democracy.
Manhattan DA Robert Morgenthau, Leroy Frazer Jr. ADA, Former U. S. Attorney David Kelley, Inspector General Jill K. Levine, Bob
Warner, and 1st Deputy Thomas Brennan, Attorney General of the U. S. Alberto Gonzalez and the Dept. of Justice, Former Gov. Pataki,
Former Attorney General/Governor Eliot Spitzer , Former Secretary of State Randy Daniels, The FBI, CIA and others also had full
knowledge of this and refused to investigate. John Kearney investigated his own boss and found nothing wrong * SURPRISE!
DON'T FORGET TO VIEW THE EVIDENCE
CLICK ON THE ICONS FOR ACTUAL
TESTIMONY and HEAR NANCY PACKES
COMMIT PERJURY
SUMMARY OF CASE
UPDATE: Attorney General of the U. S. Alberto Gonzalez and NYAG/Gov. Eliot Spitzer both resigned in disgrace.
NY Secretary of State Randy Daniels snuck out of office protected by his crooked cronies.
Former U.S. Attorney David Kelley was promoted to the Justice Dept. for his silence.
Former Inspector General Jill K. Levine was promoted to the Supreme Court for her silence & The Court of Claims.
NY Gov. Pataki brazenly covered up crimes, wasted taxpayer money and retired with a nice pension.
So did President Bush, Manhattan District Attorney Robert Morgenthau, and Supreme Court Judge Judith Kaye.
The others continue their cover-ups without consequence.
****President Obama's Office said he's too busy to meet with me to view my evidence about the corrupt officials and the
terrorist information that disappeared from the FBI. If President Obama would have bothered to give me an appointment,
he would have known he was appointing some people to high positions that had full knowledge of the illegalities and closed
their eyes to it. The officials that are a huge part of the problem, he put in positions of ultimate power. Such a conscience
decision will ultimately be detrimental to the welfare of us all.
I find it appalling that Actor George Clooney can get an appointment with the President to speak about another Country,
when I can't get one to speak about important issues about our own. (Don't get me wrong, I love George as everyone does,
but quite honestly, United States issues should take preference over other countries problems. Obama even gave a young
school boy an appointment to talk about hamburgers and basketball which he thought to be more important than to view
evidence of corruption and terrorist info disappearing while in the hands of the FBI. When America starts putting it's own
people first, stops cutting our budgets to give billions to other countries, and starts holding our officials accountable, then
maybe The United States will re-establish being the Great Nation it once was.
For a citizen of this Country to be treated so Unconstitutionally, branded a liar when all the evidence proves otherwise, and
be ruined financially and credit wise for speaking out against the blatant illegalities of Public Officials, is inconceivable.
The crooks are running rampant in our Gov. and we are paying them very well to do so. Only when we ban together and hold
them accountable with prosecution, confiscation of their pensions, and personal gains while cheating the American People,
will we see some kind of "Honest Gov." They have a great racket going at our expense. They deprived all of us with their
budget cuts...but they still have their jobs, homes, benefits, expense accounts, and gym...don't they.
Nancy Packes' illegalities
NANCY PACKES PERJURY & U.S. TREASURY DEPT. FRAUD
Nancy Packes and the NY Department of Labor are using the United States Treasury for FRAUDULENT purposes. They are
trying to collect money outright lying to the US Treasury Dept. I have requested a Federal Investigation. Nancy Packes and every
Official that covered up for her belongs Federal Prison. 12/9/11
7/26/12 The Dept. of Treasury was given 9 pgs of absolute proof the DOL was lying with a request for an appt. to show them
more, and employee Jeff Schremeck "Doubts it's happening." without even viewing the evidence. He refused to tell me the
name of the person from the Dept. of Labor who "Certified" the Bogus information given to the Treasury Dept.. was true, thereby
making himself an accomplice to these crimes. AG Eric Holder forwarded my info to the FBI a month ago in June and they
refuse to return the 5 messages I left for them. I'm wondering why we're paying them when they are clearly working for the other
side.
So who is Nancy Packes besides a CRiMMINAL PERJURER who thinks the laws don't apply to her and who has the majority of
so called, "Officials" in her pocket covering up her crimes...making themselves accessories in the process. She's gotten away
for a lot of years...but it's all going to come out as one of her lacky's Gov. Andrew Cuomo, is under investigation now...although
he's under investigation by another of Nancy Packes' lacky's U. S. Attorney Preet Bharara who covered up for Cuomo previously.


text:
Latvia's contingent during the first week of Operation Resolute Support
Brand new operation, same old security concerns in Afghanistan
Authors: Ina Strazdiņa (Latvijas Radio Ziņu dienesta korespondente Briselē)
A week has passed since the kickoff (or – handoff) in Afghanistan of the international NATO-led support, training and consultation operation Resolute Support. This means that soldiers no longer take part in fighting operations, rather continue to train local Afghan army forces in their fight against the Taliban.
Despite a massive pullout of many soldiers from the participating allied national armed forces, more than 10,000 remain on the ground there. Latvia's National Armed Forces (NBS) soldiers continue their presence in the Afghanistan operation – but now under a changed mission, in their own words.
Offer advice and help, but no part in battle
The world is still trying to assess what these 13 years have demanded from the nations involved, whether for the soldiers themselves, or their families, and what happens next.
"It's started to rain and it's about 10 degrees. Rain is a rare thing here. Tomorrow the sun will be back…" says commander of Latvia's contingent in Mazari Sharif Lieutenant Colonel Arvis Zīle, reached by phone from contrastingly snowy Dom Square as seen from the Latvian Radio building's cozy window-side headquarters in Old Town.
Now NATO has officially folded its thirteen-year operation and launched Resolute Support as its follow-up, meant to train and consult Afghan forces without actually becoming involved in any actual fighting.
In recent years the number of international forces had grown to 130,000 soldiers from fifty nations, now there are 12,000 remaining to train Afganistan's approximately 350,000-strong national armed defense and law enforcement police force.
Thirty of these soldiers are from Latvia's NBS, based mostly in the north of the country at Mazari Sharif, with smaller numbers assigned to the capital Kabul.
Commander Zīle said the Latvian forces are already consulting local forces in their planning work. Despite the northern region being a hot zone for conflict, he added that "no direct attacks upon Latvian or other NATO forces have happened, but they do occur in this area though directed upon Afghan forces."
NBS commander Lieutenant General Raimonds Graube called it logical that it was time the international soldiers step back from fighting in the Afghans' place, but keep up their help from a distance. "We're now at the level of withdrawal where we no longer participate in any active operations to secure the integrity of the state, as the local forces now have the skills necessary on their part," he said, adding that the exception would be a direct attack upon their base.
Chaplain: Only four men lost, "thank God, perhaps"
Latvian soldiers served for eleven years in Afghanistan, beginning in 2003. During this time, four of them fell – corporal Dāvis Baltābols, sergeant Voldemārs Anševics, Privates First Class Andrejs Merkuševs and Edgars Ozoliņš. All received the Order of Viesturs for their valor.
"Soldiers don't ask themselves the question 'was it worth it?' That's what the family and journalists just want to know," said Chaplain Elmārs Pļaviņš, who admitted to having had to bring tragic news to an injured or fallen soldier's next-of-kin on several occasions. "He's prepared for the sometime-somewhere scenario of giving up his life," he pointed out. "Unfortunately we've carried some sacrifices, but perhaps, thank God, only four of our men fell, because the circumstances have been hard enough."
Soldier: "Time to concentrate more on our own defense"
Major Aivis Mirbahs has served twice in Afghanistan, on his second deployment in 2012 actually seeing the heat of battle.
"If I may compare, it's like a world championship in sports," he said. It's in Afghanistan where soldiers test their preparedness after training so hard to apply their demanding skills.
There will be changes to the daily life of the soldiers remaining now that the scope of the operation has been so drastically reduced and repurposed.
But for returning soldiers too, a new set of demands awaits them in the defense of their own homeland.
"We were like in a hamster's wheel with this Afghanistan operation," said Mirbahs. "As you know, this wasn't the only spot, there were Mali and the Central African Republic. Now it's time that we concentrate more on our own nation's defense."
Veteran journo: They've suffered terribly, but they are young and don't want perpetual war
Reached at home by phone in London, Christine Lamb, veteran British reporter on Afghanistan since the Soviet pullout in the late 1980s, told LR: "Afghanistan has suffered terribly. This war has lasted more than thirty years and touched every single person – through injury or death. Many children have seen the dead and wounded, so this is a very traumatized nation" she stressed.
"At the same time, they are also quite young. Seventy percent are younger than 30-year olds and they want all the same things as youth in other countries. They're on the social networks, the internet, watch satellite television and so they see how it is in other lands and they don't want this war forever and ever."
NATO: cautious optimism
At NATO headquarters in Brussels LR talked to Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs James Appathurai, a long-esteemed bridge between the organization and the world's media as its spokesperson for many years.
He said there reasons both for optimism and concern, when asked whether NATO was trying to spin Afghanistan as a success story when the real situation is far from it.
"As for the Afghani self-defense forces, all of our military and other sector experts are fairly convinced of their ability to continue what we've started, that is to avert the creation of terrorist training camps, defend the unity of the nation and its government. Now that they have to do this themselves without our support and we think they are capable," he affirmed.
"These are billions of euro invested and we retain more than ten thousand soldiers as a training operation we will pay around six billion for in the coming years, as well as ensuring a long-term partnership with Afghanistan. The new president Ghani has been very active so far and ready to found friendly relations with their neighbors as well. Of course there are many worries – the taliban's activities, the need to improve relations with Pakistan.
"I'm personally conerned about drugs and money. Opium poppy growing has swelled in the last three years and the UN warns it will only grow bigger," he cited.
"We are cautiously optimistic Afghanistan is on the right path," Appathurai told LR.
National Armed Forces
Latvian soldiers avoid injury in Iran attack on US military base in Iraq
Latgale independence centenary to be marked with celebrations
Polish soldier dies at Camp Ādaži
Saturday Night Live pokes fun at Latvian president
NATO summit "a success" says Defense Minister
Source of army information leak identified
Fireworks and processions mark 101st anniversary of Latvian independence
Study highlights fears around migration and terrorism

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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First Look: Jim Carrey in "Kidding"!
You are here: Home > Recent > News > First Look: Jim Carrey in "Kidding"!
Jim Carrey's Showtime Series "Kidding" has been in production for a while and today the first pictures of Jim Carrey filming an external scene have surface.
"Kidding" centers on Jeff, aka Mr. Pickles (Jim Carrey), an icon of children's television, a beacon of kindness and wisdom to America's impressionable young minds and the parents who grew up with him - who also anchors a multimillion dollar branding empire. But when this beloved personality's family - wife, two sons, sister and father - begins to implode, Jeff finds no fairy tale or fable or puppet will guide him through this crisis, which advances faster than his means to cope. The result: A kind man in a cruel world faces a slow leak of sanity as hilarious as it is heartbreaking."
Jim Carrey was looking very good with long hair, plaid shirt, black jacket and blue pants.
We can't wait to watch this series!
-- With thanks to Nick. Click to comment this article.


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MP3 stands for MPEG-1 Audio Layer III and is a music compression format that reduces the amount of space needed to store songs digitally.
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With the jukebox and HDD type of MP3 players the music is stored on a small hard disk drive, just like a PC, an example of this type of player is very popular Apple iPod.
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There are many CD players both personal and in-car players along with a number of DVD players which will playback MP3 tracks. The benefits of this are being able to burn up to 10 hours of MP3 music to a CD and over a 1000 MP3 tracks to a DVD.
DRM or Digital Rights Management Copyright protection has been put in place to prevent unauthorised users from freely distributing content.
Digital Rights Management is important to publishers of electronic media since it helps ensure they will receive the appropriate revenue for their products. By controlling the trading, protection, monitoring, and tracking of digital media, DRM helps publishers limit the illegal propagation of copyrighted works. This can be accomplished by using digital watermarks or proprietary file encryption on the media they distribute. Whatever method publishers choose to employ, DRM helps them to make sure that their digital content is only used by those who have paid for it. Do not forget you can not record music to a CD that has been encoded with DRM. i.e. those from iTunes or Napster etc unless they have been paid for.


The next generation sequencing (NGS) era has seen a reduction of sequencing costs by orders of magnitude; this in combination with the consistent development of the technologies to selectively capture sequences, has allowed for high throughput sequencing of large and specific genomic regions.
The ThromboGenomics platform is a single and affordable DNA-based test for genes involved in coagulation, platelet and thrombotic disorders. As well as simultaneously screening multiple genes, the ThromboGenomics platform test will scan most of the possible mutations in those regions, from just a single blood sample.


text:
Clickhouse monitoring
---
ClickHouse is a fast open-source OLAP database management system. For more details, refer their website: https://clickhouse.tech

### Prerequisites
Clickhouse Python Driver
https://clickhouse-driver.readthedocs.io/en/latest/installation.html

To install the driver, execute the command :

	pip install clickhouse-driver

### Configurations
hostname
port
database
user
password
timeout

### Metrics Captured
    CompiledExpressionCacheCount
    MarkCacheBytes
    MarkCacheFiles
    MaxPartCountForPartition
    MemoryCode
    MemoryDataAndStack
    MemoryResident
    MemoryShared
    MemoryVirtual
    NumberOfDatabases
    NumberOfTables
    ReplicasMaxAbsoluteDelay
    ReplicasMaxInsertsInQueue
    ReplicasMaxMergesInQueue
    ReplicasMaxQueueSize
    ReplicasMaxRelativeDelay
    ReplicasSumInsertsInQueue
    ReplicasSumMergesInQueue
    ReplicasSumQueueSize
    UncompressedCacheBytes
    UncompressedCacheCells
    Uptime
    jemalloc.active
    jemalloc.allocated
    jemalloc.arenas.all.dirty_purged
    jemalloc.arenas.all.muzzy_purged
    jemalloc.arenas.all.pactive
    jemalloc.arenas.all.pdirty
    jemalloc.arenas.all.pmuzzy
    jemalloc.background_thread.num_runs
    jemalloc.background_thread.num_threads
    jemalloc.background_thread.run_intervals
    jemalloc.epoch
    jemalloc.mapped
    jemalloc.metadata
    jemalloc.metadata_thp
    jemalloc.resident
    jemalloc.retained

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
สินค้า -> BLU RAY ซอง TV series -> BLU RAY ซอง - Game Of Thrones Season 6 4Disc (มีเสียงไทย)
BLU RAY ซอง - Game Of Thrones Season 6 4Disc (มีเสียงไทย)
Language: English Dolby TrueHD 7.1,Thai Dolby Digital 2.0
เรื่องย่อ: Language : English Dolby TrueHD 7.1,Thai Dolby Digital 2.0
Game of Thrones: The Complete Sixth Season (2016)
Game of Thrones: The Complete Sixth Season Blu-ray delivers stunning video and reference-quality audio in this exceptional Blu-ray release
Summers span decades. Winters can last a lifetime. And the struggle for the Iron Throne has begun. It will stretch from the south, where heat breeds plots, lusts and intrigues; to the vast and savage eastern lands; and all the way to the frozen north, where an 800-foot wall of ice protects the kingdom from the dark forces that lie beyond. Kings and queens, knights and renegades, liars, lords, and honest men...all will play the "Game of Thrones."
Directors: David Nutter, Alan Taylor, Alex Graves, Daniel Minahan, Alik Sakharov, Michelle MacLaren
Writers: David Benioff, George R. R. Martin, D.B. Weiss, Vanessa Taylor, Jane Espenson, Dave Hill
Starring: Peter Dinklage, Lena Headey, Emilia Clarke, Kit Harington, Sophie Turner, Maisie Williams


text:
Scytodes albiapicalis is een spinnensoort in de taxonomische indeling van de lijmspuiters (Scytodidae).

Het dier behoort tot het geslacht Scytodes. De wetenschappelijke naam van de soort werd voor het eerst geldig gepubliceerd in 1907 door Embrik Strand.

Lijmspuiters

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Exhibition Of Paintings By A M Murali is an event that took place between 19-Feb-2007 and 04-Mar-2007 in Hyderabad.
One of the paintings here is called Understanding Universe. That's all there was to it, really. Wisecracks aside, however, it's easy to talk to Murali. Just by looking at his paintings.
An exhibition of abstract paintings by A M Murali is on from 19th February at the Shrishti Art Gallery. This collection of Murali comprises his recent works numbering 21 paintings, most done on his favorite medium of acrylic paints on canvas, and some with water colors on paper, using oil and dry pastels.
Most of the works are untitled, but some of them have interesting titles like Den, Eye Of The Needle, Waves, The Destination, Sword And Century and Understanding Universe, and are aimed at showcasing the sensitive approach of the artist and his color combination contrasts.
Murali was born in 1964 in Kerala, and is an MFA from the University Of Hyderabad. He received the Junior Fellowship from the Ministry of HRD for two years. He has participated in various exhibitions, like the DRDO Artists & Scientists Camp at Hyderabad, the ABC Art Gallery at Varanasi, the Silver Jubilee Exhibition at Cymroza Art Gallery Bombay, the Alliance Francaise at Hyderabad and Goa, and the Daira Art Gallery at Hyderabad.
The exhibition is on till 4th of March. For further details, please contact the art gallery at 2354-0023/2360-7151.
Be the first to comment on Exhibition Of Paintings By A M Murali! Just use the simple form below.
fullhyd.com has 700,000+ monthly visits. Tell Hyderabad what you feel about Exhibition Of Paintings By A M Murali!


text:
Jenny Vyas 'ROOTS' Scarf
3 comments · May 07, 2020
Leela Banerjee Morrow
At BHAV, we believe in empowering women to find unique ways to embrace their cultural heritage. We started 'The Culture Connection' to explore the impact (both good and bad) of heritage on a variety of incredible women, and understand how it continues to play an influential role in their lives. We invite you to join us on this journey, with the hope that you find value in these conversations.
Leela is a Child Psychologist and Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatry in Philadelphia. She's also a proud mother of 3 (including a 10-month old!), and loves dancing, art and traveling. Read on to learn about Leela's South Asian heritage, her blended family, and her go-to drink when she needs to kick back.
On Her Heritage & Multicultural Family:
What's your background?
I'm South Asian American, specifically Bengali!
How has, or currently does your heritage play a role in your life?
I take great pride in identifying as a woman of color, which informs my conversations, relationships, and parenting. I feel strongly about incorporating the South Asian values and traditions I grew up with into my immediate family. Along with a group of friends, it was important to us to expose our daughters to classical Indian dance. We were all fortunate to find a parent who had experience teaching Kathak to adults and was willing to volunteer her time each Sunday to teach our daughters (which isn't always easy to find depending upon where you live).
Overall, I feel like I've really solidified my cultural identity over time, and come to fully appreciate and understand the importance of community and a sense of belonging.
Can you speak on your experience being in two multicultural marriages?
I'm married to a Caucasian man and have two children from a prior marriage. My ex-husband is African-American, so our household is quite the blended family. We intentionally decided to live in a neighborhood in Philadelphia where our children would feel accepted. We often go to the neighborhood school playground, and there are certainly curious neighbors wondering who the childrens' father is and if I'm the nanny of my half-white, 10-month old daughter.
Within our families, our parents fully embrace all their grandchildren. My husband treats his step-children as if they are his own. We certainly have discussions around the dinner table about race, culture, and privilege. It's honestly amazing to see our eldest children (9 and 6 years old) talk about these topics and hear how they view the world!
How has your heritage influenced your career as a child psychologist?
I believe my diverse background has served me well in my career by allowing me to inform cultural humility in my interactions with colleagues, patients and their families. I am very passionate about recruiting and retaining women of color in pediatric psychology. To this point, I currently serve as a co-leader of our department's Diversity and Inclusion committee, and I'm very proud of that. Our entire department and clinical team benefits from the diverse perspectives we're able to share with each other.
On Fashion:
What do you love most about South Asian fashion?
I love the vibrant colors of Indian clothing! The material makes our clothing look so fancy compared to some Western clothing. When I dress up for an Indian event, I truly feel like a princess!
Rapid Fire!
What's your go-to cocktail, spirit or drink?
Hennessy with a splash of cranberry juice and lime ;)
What are you currently watching?
Taylor Swift's documentary, 'Miss Americana'.
Name of the best book you've read in a while?
Hands down, Michelle Obama's book, 'Becoming'.
Morning person or night owl?
I've become a morning person now since I have three children who have changed my physiology to not allow me to sleep in even if I tried!
What's 1 small thing you couldn't give up (daily ritual, accessory/personal item, etc.)?
My morning cup of coffee!
Kenisha Campbell May 11, 2020
Beautiful personal story, great concept and well crafted website.
Natasha May 11, 2020
What a lovely lovely write up! Leela has taught us all how to bring up a blended family with grace and how to embrace a multi cultural identity in all it's facets. She has always been an inspiration to me!
Sujata Banerjee May 11, 2020
Amazing insight to Leela's life! I understand it's very rewarding and also challenging at times, but I know as Leela's Mom, she has a big heart and the uniqueness to draw the best of people. I feel very thankful that Michael Is always there to extend his love love and stability to Nayan and Sahana. And, I feel Nayan and Sahana understand the love that surrounds them, not just with Michael but with Michael's parents, his sister and family. And, little Mishka soon to be a beautiful one year old has added more love and affection to the family! I feel truly blessed with Leela being surrounded by love and support! Also, she has to step aside as there are two little princesses in the Morrow house. How about Queen Leela from now on? One think I didn't know about Hennessy… I thought she enjoyed margaritas! Cheers! 🏡💃🏾
Back to The Culture Connection
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© 2022 BHAV


text:
Q: AngularJS: Error in my global function of $rootscope not defined, $scope not defined Actually,I'm new in angularJS, My scenario is:
$rootScope.synchronization = function($scope, $rootScope, $window, $http)
{
    if(localStorage.getItem('job_id') != "" && localStorage.getItem('job_id') > 0)
    {
        alert("found job id!");
        console.log(localStorage.getItem('job_id'));
        if(localStorage.getItem('job_id.done_tasks') != "" && localStorage.getItem('job_id.done_tasks') > 0)
        {
            alert("found done tasks ids!");
            console.log(localStorage.getItem('job_id.done_tasks'));

            $scope.done_tasks = {};
            $scope.done_tasks = localStorage.getItem('job_id.done_tasks');
            $scope.job_id = localStorage.getItem('job_id');
            console.log($scope.done_tasks);
            var userData = $http(
            {
                method: "post",
                url: "http://localhost/t-app/mobile-data/update-tasks.php",
                data: {
                        done_tasks : $scope.done_tasks,
                        job_id: $scope.job_id,
                    },
                headers: { 'Content-Type': 'application/x-www-form-urlencoded' }
            });
            userData.success(function (userdataobject)
            {
                $rootScope.status_id = userdataobject["status_id"];
                $rootScope.message = userdataobject["message"];

                localStorage.setItem('job_id', '');
                localStorage.setItem('job_id.done_tasks', '');

            })
        }

        console.log(localStorage.getItem('job_id'));
        console.log(localStorage.getItem('job_id'));
    }

};

and in my controller im using this:
$interval( $rootScope.synchronization, 2000 , 1);

Now I'm getting this error:
Error: [$rootScope:inprog] http://errors.angularjs.org/undefined/$rootScope/inprog?p0=%24digest

and
app.js (line 48)
Error: $http is not a function
$rootScope.synchronization@http://localhost/task-app/js/app.js:52:20

Please help me out to sort this problem out... I have added the $scope, $rootScope, $window, $http but still not worked for me. Have a look on my scenario please.

A: You can define this synchronization function in your controller, I dont think you need to use rootscope at all. You can use this controller;
yourApp.controller("yourController", ['$scope', '$http', '$timeout', 'localStorage',
    function ($scope, $http, $timeout, localStorage) {

        var synchronization = function () {
            if (localStorage.getItem('job_id') != "" && localStorage.getItem('job_id') > 0) {

                if (localStorage.getItem('job_id.done_tasks') != "" && localStorage.getItem('job_id.done_tasks') > 0) {
                    $scope.done_tasks = {};
                    $scope.done_tasks = localStorage.getItem('job_id.done_tasks');
                    $scope.job_id = localStorage.getItem('job_id');

                    var userData = $http({
                        method: "post",
                        url: "http://localhost/t-app/mobile-data/update-tasks.php",
                        data: {
                            done_tasks: $scope.done_tasks,
                            job_id: $scope.job_id
                        },
                        headers: {'Content-Type': 'application/x-www-form-urlencoded'}
                    });
                    userData.success(function (userdataobject) {
                        //* I added response to $scope *//
                        $scope.status_id = userdataobject["status_id"];
                        $scope.message = userdataobject["message"];

                        localStorage.setItem('job_id', '');
                        localStorage.setItem('job_id.done_tasks', '');

                        $timeout(synchronization, 2000);
                    });
                }
            }
        };

    }]);

Just copied your function to controller and arrenged injections..
Note: I used timeout service to recall this function every 2 sec instead of interval, you can tweak that according to your need, carrying the line out of synchronization function will call it once after 2 sec.

A: You're not passing the correct values into the function as I can see from your call:
$interval( $rootScope.synchronization, 2000 , 1);
Interval calls your function, and the synchronization function requires  four parameters:
$rootScope.synchronization = function($scope, $rootScope, $window, $http){/**/}
You can pass the parameters like this:
$interval( $rootScope.synchronization, 2000 , 1, false, $scope, $rootScope, $window, $http);
Note the false in the above call to $interval. This will ensure that you're out of the $apply cycle which solves the Error: [$rootScope:inprog].
Docs for $interval are here.
Also I would suggest changing this code to $timeout as you're doing it only once. Besides, that you should use $window.localStorage instead of localStorage.
Edit 2:
Based on OP's comment a service would be the best solution:
myApp.factory('SynchronizationService', ['$scope', '$rootScope',
    '$window', '$location', '$interval', '$http',
    function ($scope, $rootScope, $window, $location, $interval, $http) {
        return {
            synchronization: function () { /*your code here*/}
        };
    }]);

Then you can call this from a controller by injecting the service, and calling the exposed method:
controller('mainCtrl', ['SynchronizationService', function(SyncService) {
    SyncService.synchronization();
});

A: You should change the function ($interval) call
This is my suggestion:
$interval($rootScope.synchronization, 2000 , 1, false, $scope, $rootScope, $window, $http);
$inverval API
Better solution for your problem:
$timeout($rootScope.synchronization, 2000, false, $scope, $rootScope, $window, $http);
$timeout API

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Lagunillas es una localidad perteneciente a la ciudad y comuna de Ovalle, en la Región de Coquimbo, ubicada a unos pocos kilómetros de ésta, por la carretera que se dirige a La Serena, a la salida norte.

El lugar es poco conocido por las personas, pero siempre destacándose por ser un pueblo minero, agricultor, religioso y de gente esforzada.  Lagunillas a pesar de ser un pequeño poblado tiene partes turísticas como: canchas, bosque, santuario y cerros.

Santuario y Fiesta Religiosa

Años atrás esta comunidad contaba con una capilla que estaba un poco retirada del pueblo, escondida entre los cerros, cerca de la minera que fue lugar de trabajo de los lugareños en tiempos de antaño, pero esta se derrumbó con un terremoto. Tiempo más tarde un miembro de la comunidad donó un terreno donde comenzaron a construir una nueva capilla, pero al morir la dueña del terreno, sus hijos pidieron la devolución del sitio. La comunidad logró recuperar los materiales que se habían usado hasta ese momento, pero ya habían perdido tiempo y recursos. El sueño de tener una iglesia católica parecía derrumbarse.

La fe no decayó y las oraciones fueron escuchadas. La señora Nilda González Maldonado, tenía un sitio y decidió donar una parte del terreno para construir el primer santuario del pueblo. Ella misma llevó a cabo los trámites para que la escritura quedara en nombre del obispado de La Serena y evitar así problemas posteriores.

La comunidad se puso nuevamente en marcha para recaudar fondos organizando varias actividades como bingos, rifas, y completadas. Así comenzaron a construir, trabajando los fines de semana y los tiempos libres, lograron levantar los cementos y los cuatro muros de la iglesia. Pero los recursos eran escasos, para enero de 2007 las ganas de construir seguían pero no había con qué hacerlo. Fue así como Hildegard Cubillos, quien trabaja en el sector, supo del esfuerzo de la comunidad y los contactó con ayuda de la campaña capillas para Chile.

A fines de enero, Christiane Raczynski, directora de AIS Chile, visitó la comunidad y quedó impactada por el ejemplo de fe y constancia: "Por años se reunieron en la sede social del pueblo y aun así lograron mantener viva la fe, hay un gran compromiso de las familias en su totalidad; los adultos, tanto hombres como mujeres participan activamente e incentivan la fe de los jóvenes y niños. AIS no podía quedar indiferente ante esta extraordinaria muestra de amor a Dios". Sólo el 2006 trece niños y cuatro mamás hicieron la Primera Comunión, además el 2007 doce adultos se prepararon para la confirmación. Se decidió entonces ayudarlos de inmediato y sólo dos semanas después, el 7 de febrero, se dio inició a la segunda etapa de construcción, que finalizó a finales de abril.

Actualmente el santuario venera a las sagradas imágenes de Santa Teresa de Los Andes, a quien debe su nombre, y a Nuestra Señora del Rosario de Andacollo. Fecha exacta de celebraciones religiosas no tiene, a pesar de que lleva años con sus festividades en honor a la virgen, siempre se llevan a cabo en el mes de julio, fin de semana próximo a la celebración de Nuestra Señora del Carmen en la localidad de Huamalata. Esta pequeña pero acogedora fiesta se celebra solamente una vez al año y participan principalmente los mismos lugareños del pueblo acompañando durante la solemne procesión por las calles del pueblo a las santísimas imágenes.

La organización de la capilla de Lagunillas se vió en la obligación, como tantas otras, de no llevar a cabo por más de dos años la celebración, producto de la pandemia que perjudicó a nivel mundial y en obediencia a los requisitos del país en aquél entonces.

Iglesia evangélica

Lagunillas cuenta también con una Iglesia Evangélica Pentecostal, donde cada tarde se reúnen "los hermanos" como son llamados todas las personas que tienen esa religión. Los días domingo se realiza una escuela dominical en la misma iglesia. Para el fallecimiento de una persona evangélica perteneciente a esa iglesia, los hermanos le realizan una especie de misa llamado "responso" ya sea en la casa de la persona o en las dependencias de la iglesia, dependiendo donde lo decida la familia. También a raíz de la pandemia, debieron suspender sus reuniones por un tiempo.

Cerro de La Cruz

Lagunillas se ubica a los pies de este cerro, cerro principal del pueblo en el cual se enclava en la cima una cruz. La cruz blanca fue en un principio hecha de madera, hasta el año 2022 en que fue instalada una cruz luminosa que se ve desde todo el pueblo en las noches. Este cerro es causal de caminatas que los mismos lugareños suben hasta la cima para contemplar el pueblo.

Localidades de la Provincia de Limarí


If you are a pastor or lay person who wants to use this to preach in church – that is why I posted it. I don't care about credit, I only care that God's word is preached and Christ is glorified. I pray He uses this sermon in a mighty way through you. You have my permission to alter it (it's longer than usual) and use it however God leads you. God bless you in your ministry. You can bookmark this to check out the other free written sermons on my blog.
Yet when the time comes, no room for them and the King of Creation, the Savior of the World is born in the midst of animals and the shepherds, the lowest members of society come to give testimony to His birth.
And it seemed like that stone was never going to move. We sat there all through Friday night, watching and praying, but we didn't expect it then. And when the sun came up on Saturday, we kept saying to each other, tomorrow…. tomorrow… tomorrow…. And talk about a day dragging on. On Saturday the sun would just not go down. We watched and waited and prayed, but man, that was the longest day ever. And then the sun went down. And then it must have been after midnight. And Peter thought he saw the stone move, but no. A false alarm. We couldn't stay awake when Jesus asked us to stay awake and pray in the garden, but do you think anyone was able to sleep this night? Not on your life. Every cricket chirp Peter thought it was the stone moving. He was driving us nuts. But then…. but then… the stone moved. No angels. No nothing. The stone just rolled uphill, out of the rut it was in. It was a miracle. And then Jesus walked right out, right there, right before our eyes… Just like He said. And He said, Hey guys….what's up? Peace to you. I'm so glad you knew what I was talking about, that you believed me, and that you had the faith to be here to greet me.
But we know that is not how it went down. We know how it went down – they gave up on Him.
And we are not so unlike the disciples. Because He has told us that He is coming back. And He told us how to live until He does. And in spite of what He told us, we go on living life as if He is not coming back. We go on living life as if we can care only about ourselves. We are not living how He told us to live. And if any of us think we are, we are deceiving ourselves.
What does it mean to be a follower of Jesus? I have 300 "followers" on my blog – other writers who have followed me. Of those 300 followers, there are about 3 who regularly read my blog. The other 297 just followed my blog so that I will follow them back. They are not really interested in my writing, but they want to gain followers. So they are interested in what their "following" me gets them. They are not in it for following me. They are not really following me.
I almost titled today's sermon, roll away the stone and follow me. And by that I mean, too many of us think church is the goal – the destination. When the church is actually the means to accomplish the goal – which is to love Jesus. And we know we are his when we show God's love to a lost and dying world. And we are each responsible only for following Jesus ourselves.
I end here, to let you know I am not judging any of you for how you are following Jesus. But I know from the Scripture from Matthew that people are going to be surprised. Even people who do a lot of good works will be surprised. And people have always been surprised, even when they have been warned.
But unlike all the people who lived through the other surprises, they still had a chance after the surprise. When the final surprise comes for each of us, it is indeed finished. When He says, "Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world." That's final. And when He says, "Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels." That's also final.
This morning you and I have a chance to examine your relationship with Jesus Christ.
If you are lost, it's better to be way lost, because at least you know where you stand. Is there anyone here who would readily admit they are not saved? If that is you, count today a blessing, because you can change that.
For the rest of us…..
Do I justify my own lukewarm life by comparing myself to others?
Do I love Him or do I love what He can do for me?
Am I truly following Him or am I just trying to impress others?
Will He put me in line with the sheep or the goats?
The most dangerous place to be is to believe without following.
Today, I invite you to recommit your life to Him and pray for the Spirit to help you follow and serve Him.


Named By: Friedrich von Huene - 1960.
Classification: Chordata, Reptilia, Archosauromorpha, Archosauriformes, Erythrosuchidae.
Known locations: Russia - Petropavlovka Formation.
A significantly larger relative to the more famous Euparkeria, Vjushkovia was a mid-sized Triassic aged archosauromorph that hunted in ecosystems in what is now Russia. One former species of Vjushkovia named V. sinensia has now been renamed as Youngosuchus.
 - Ein grosser Pseudosuchier aus der Orenburger Trias [A large pseudosuchian from the Orenburg Trias]. Palaeontographica Abteilung A 114:105-111. - Friedrich von Huene - 1960.


One of the really big jobs to get done prior to building the house is the septic field. I would really have preferred not to have had to put one in. I believe that on an island that sets a priority of conserving water that it is time to seriously consider alternatives to demanding the use of septic fields as the only means of sewage treatment. It seems a shame to use so much water in order to flush the sewage into a septic tank and field. There is now well documented evidence of communities that use advanced composting toilet systems and these communities manage to protect their water shed as a result. It would be nice to hope that in the future such alternatives will be available to home builders on Mayne Island.
In order to put in a septic field on Mayne Island, you have to have a design engineered and approved by the Islands Trust/Health Authority. Andrew Money designed and got permission from the powers that be for my septic field and tanks to be installed. He lives on Saturna Island and works with Matt Taylor of Mayne Island. Matt has all the heavy equipment you see in these pictures. He was unable to put my septic in himself due to a broken wrist that needed time to heal properly.
Luckily Andrew was available to do the work and I so appreciate the job he did for me. It is great when island folk pull together to help get the job done in this way. Andrew was excellent and I am so happy with the work done.
Ready for the pipes to be laid.
The actual septic field extends below the site where the house will sit. My lot is on a slope so we stepped down for the septic field. It is set on a terrace that will be accessible by stairs from the patio.
Here you can see the drop off from the building site.
Lots of care taken to smooth off the field.
Lots of sand in the septic field with upright pipes.
The tanks were first placed up on the top of the site while the excavation was completed.
Tank waiting to be installed.
There were two tanks with three chambers. These had to be buried in the ground below where the house is being constructed.
Front view of the tank.
The side view of the double tank.
In position and being filled in.
Andrew was so skilled at filling in around the tanks with the back hoe.
So now I have my tanks and septic field installed I can heave a huge sigh as it was one of the major steps towards beginning the actual building of the cob house. A very important part of the infra-structure.


I know more than most that family estrangement never occurs without very good reason.
Cutting ties with mother and the (half) siblings I grew up with had been a long time coming. There was a lot of bad blood. Too many lies had been told. Too much drama brought to my doorstep. Too many situations which had left me broken hearted.
Although highly dysfunctional, my family are not evil people, which made walking away from them hard.
In fact scrap that, what a ridiculous understatement. It was the toughest decision I have made to date. And I sincerely hope I'll never face a decision as soul destroyingly difficult ever again.
You see, they had always been takers. Ever since leaving home at fifteen, I'd been bailing them out in some way or another. I was the fixer upper. The shoulder to cry on. The ATM. I had tried so hard to help them, and I learned the hardest way that no one can save you but you.
In the end it came down to a heart wrenching choice. Allow these toxic relationships to continue, and sign myself up for all the associated fallout. Or walk away.
So I told my mother she wasn't welcome anymore, and I never saw her again. My half brother and sister didn't seem to care too much about my absence.
I didn't have the capacity for more drama and heartbreak. It was time I started saving myself. In the year that followed I experienced full mental breakdown and rock bottom. Forced to look at every single aspect of my life and the way I was living it, I massively re-evaluated so I could become a better person.
I firmly believe I would not have been able to go through this process had my family still had as much power over me as they once had.
I am also convinced my experience as a mother would have been better had I had a great mum by my side. Oh how I've wept for the fairytale superhero mama I have desperately needed over the years. When autism and sleep deprivation and agonising education decisions have had me on my knees with despair. When childcare might have been the magic bullet, but was as non-existent as unicorn dust.
Fairytales aren't real, and in the end we have to do what we think is best.
Before you brand Meghan Markle a "social climber" who has "forgotten her roots", take it from me; she would have agonised over her own family estrangement before walking away.
Can We Please Talk About the C Word?


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Stygichthys é um género de peixe da família Characidae.

Este género contém a seguinte espécie:

 Stygichthys typhlops

Caracídeos


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Adam Howe on Writing and Black Cat Mojo
Thanks for having me, Adam. Before I start plugging my book like a motherfucker – Black Cat Mojo: available now, folks; it's awesome – I'd like to tell you how I got here. I won't start from my birth. The year 2000 ought to do it.
Back then, Hodder & Stoughton and The Observer newspaper ran an international writing competition to coincide with the hardcover release of Stephen King's non-fiction book, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft. Unpublished writers were invited to write a Stephen King-style story. The winning story would be chosen by Stephen King, and published in the UK paperback edition of On Writing. The winner would also be granted an audience with The King.
Pretty big fucking deal, I'm sure you'll agree, and I imagine every unpublished horror scribe worth their salt subbed a story; maybe even one or two of you reading this?
The story I submitted – Jumper – follows a mentally unstable shop worker's reaction to the suicide of a colleague. It was inspired by a suicide that occurred at the shopping mall where I was wage-slaving at an HMV store.
One afternoon, a man leapt to his death from the mall's top floor, narrowly avoiding squishing one of my workmates. On the ground floor was a bank opposite a McDonald's. My friend was leaving the bank when she stopped to check her purse to see if she had change for a cheeseburger. Stopping when she did saved her life; or the cheeseburger did, up to you. The man hit the deck directly in front of her. My friend quickly lost her appetite.
The mall was closed early that day – for the cleaning crew to get to work – and shoppers asked to leave. They did so grudgingly, pissed off that they weren't allowed to ogle the smeared remains of the selfish sod who'd spoiled their shopping experience. I wrote the story in reaction to the crowd that day, and my own dissatisfaction with my job in retail.
For some time, I'd had a gag: Suicidal man threatens to jump from building; crowd gathers below, urging him to jump; man drops bomb onto crowd. Boom-boom, literally. It got a few laughs when I told it.
Now I knew what to do with it.
I'd been writing for years, mostly lame Stephen King knockoffs – funny how things turn out – but Jumper was the first thing I'd written that seemed to really click. This was due largely to what I'd learned from On Writing, especially King's crash course in rewriting and editing. I followed his advice; hacked away at the story till it was lean and mean and more importantly, under the 3k word limit the competition required.
I was pleased with my effort – it felt like a step up for me – but I had no expectations of winning the competition, and in fact, the morning I got the good news, I'd forgotten I'd even submitted a story.
On learning I'd won – well, as you'd expect, I lost my shit. (Remember Goodfellas? Ray Liotta learns De Niro's pulled off the Lufthansa heist and he's pounding the walls of the shower, screaming "Jiiiiimy!" Like that.)
In recent months, I'd been doing a lot of soul-searching, racking up rejection slips and wondering if I was chasing a fool's dream with this writing malarkey. Just to be published would have been a huge encouragement. It was mind-blowing to think that Stephen King had read something I'd written, let alone that he'd liked it enough to judge me the competition winner. I couldn't comprehend that I'd actually get to meet the man; years later, and it still seems surreal.
I know I'm not alone here: Stephen King was the first writer whose work really spoke to me. As a kid, I was a sick puppy – sicker dog these days – and I was naturally drawn to the gruesome covers on my mum's bookshelf. I can vividly recall the illustration of a bug-eyed, blood-soaked Sissy Spacek on the cover of Carrie; and the nightmares that book gave me, when I snuck it from mum's shelf.
(King likes to hear he gave you nightmares as a kid, by the way.)
Despite the nightmares, I kept on reading, and soon I was compelled to write my own stories – in crayon, at first – filled with vampires and werewolves, killer clowns and rabid dogs. Over the years, as I graduated from crayon to pen to typewriter to computer, I remained a Constant Reader and Stephen King the biggest influence on my work. So to meet the man; to be published in his book…
It couldn't happen fast enough.
And it didn't.
It was another year before On Writing was published in paperback, and my story appeared. Seeing something I'd written in print for the first time, and in Stephen King's book, no less, and with his endorsement: "Stephen King found the raw, punky style of this story appealing, and said that the surprise ending did, in fact, surprise him." (I'd punked the King!) It was hard to believe that I hadn't gone crazy. That this wasn't just the fever dream of a madman.
It was another year before I'd meet King.
At this time, I was working at a crime bookstore called Murder One. We'd often host author signings. One of them was Peter Straub – in London with his great collection, Magic Terror – whose work I admired as much as King's. Peter was kind enough to sign my 'lucky' copy of On Writing. I hoped it'd be a nice icebreaker for when I met Steve. (Years later, I met Joe Hill at a signing for NOS4A2, and asked him to sign the same lucky book. He politely refused, and I realised in hindsight he probably gets that shit all the time: schmucks asking him to sign his dad's books. Ha-ha. Sorry, Joe.)
In 2002, the day finally arrived, and I jetted out to New York City. (Insert Nilsson's Everybody's Talkin' here.) The meeting was held at a writer-run bar and grill called The Half King. I was chaperoned by two lovely ladies from Hodder & Stoughton. Nervous as hell, but managing to keep my cool – at least until he arrived.
First impressions: King's a big dude. He towered above me, lunging forwards for the handshake. "Steve King," he said. When I introduced myself – stammered some sort of reply – it caused a moment of confusion, because of course I'd used a pseudonym for the story. (My reasons for using the pseudonym are now lost to me; chances are it'd seemed like a good idea when I was drunk.)
My hour with King was over in a heartbeat, and I was so star-struck, it's hard for me to recall exactly what was said. I made a lame wisecrack about being his biggest fan; that he was having lunch with Annie Wilkes. I remember he was furious with Dubya Bush, whom he said had stolen the presidency; he was delighted when I compared Bush to Greg Stillson. The release of 28 Days Later was on the horizon, and we debated the merits of slow versus fast zombies. I'm a slow-zombie man myself. "What about The Return of the Living Dead?" he argued for the other side. "Those fuckers were fast, man!" Conversation moved to the notorious Milgram Experiment. Eyes twinkling mischievously, he asked if I would have pressed the buzzer on command. When I admitted I wouldn't have needed to be told twice, he gave a knowing laugh.
After lunch – fish and chips for me; macaroni cheese for Steve – he signed a box of books for me. (Man, this was just getting better and better!) He also signed my lucky copy of On Writing, now replete with a hello to him from Peter Straub. He congratulated me on winning the competition, but seemed disappointed to learn that I planned to embark on a screenwriting career. With a groan and a roll of the eyes, he told me: "Write a fucking novel." (Good advice, it turned out.)
And with that, our hour was pretty much up. He wished me a good stay in New York, and suggested a nice midnight stroll in Central Park. "Isn't that dangerous?" I asked. He laughed, said: "Duh, yeah." King was in town to plug his latest novel, From a Buick 8, and to announce his retirement from writing. "It's time to hand it over to the younger guys," he told us, horrifying the ladies from Hodder, and putting absolutely no pressure on myself whatsoever. Fortunately his retirement was a bluff. And of course, no one knew then he was hiding a pair of aces up his sleeve, namely his super-talented sons, Joe and Owen. Before he left, we had our picture taken. And then – like Keyser Soze – he was gone.
In one of the books Steve signed to me, he wrote: Don't give up!
Good advice any young writer should take to heart.
It was ten years before I was published again.
Having turned my hand to screenwriting, I had several original feature film scripts optioned; rewrote, doctored, and edited other people's projects; took a whole bunch of meetings with a whole bunch of industry folk; but nothing I wrote ever made it to the screen, and I had precious little to show for all my hard work. I began to understand why King had rolled his eyes when I told him I planned to write screenplays.
Added to this, a drinking problem had progressed to alcoholism. My work suffered. If I was able to write anything at all, it was invariably shit. "Write sober; edit drunk," Hemingway wrote; who also blew off his head with a shotgun when those lines blurred irreparably. Not to mention my life had became a real horror story. In my experience, the romantic clichés of the drunken writer are quite different to the squalid reality. It was a long time coming, but with the support of my partner, and my family, I finally got help for my problem.
2015 marks my fourth year of sobriety.
Within six months of rehabbing, having returned to writing prose fiction, I sold my first short story since Jumper was published; and my second in the same week. Since then I've sold a bunch more, and slowly but surely I'm building towards writing the "fucking novel" Stephen King advised me to write all those years ago. I'm not quite there yet. But my novella collection, Black Cat Mojo, is a step in the right direction.
The book contains three offbeat, darkly humorous crime/horror novellas.
Of Badgers & Porn Dwarfs:
To pay back a gambling debt and avoid being castrated, washed-up dwarf porn star Rummy Rumsfeld (of Snow White spoof Hi-Ho, Hi-Ho, It's Up Your Ass We Go) must overcome a geriatric pederast, redneck pornographers, a morbidly obese nymphomaniac with serious personal hygiene issues, the ghost of his religious zealot mother, a dwarf-eating badger, and George Lucas.
Jesus in a Dog's Ass:
Dumbass desperadoes Hootie and Poke incur the wrath of a trailer trash church group, not to mention God, when they kidnap a Jack Russell terrier with the figure of Christ in its butt.
Frank, the Snake, & the Snake:
After testifying against notorious mob boss 'Snake' Cobretti, embittered ex-wiseguy Frank 'The Tin Man' Piscopo emerges from Witness Protection to embark on a disastrous drug deal that leaves him fighting for his life against a giant Burmese python with a taste for Italian-American.
PLUS the bonus short story,
The Mad Butcher of Plainfield's Chariot of Death:
Carny barker Bunny Gibbons buys serial killer Ed Gein's car with plans to exhibit the infamous 'Ghoul Mobile'…only to realise he's bought more than he bargained for.
I don't know quite how it happened, but it took me getting sober and sane to write the craziest fucking book of my life.
Writing this stuff, in a new 'voice' for me, I had no idea what response I would get. Thankfully the advance reviews have been better than I could have hoped.
Walt Hicks for Hellnotes writes: "It's almost as if someone smashed Dashiell Hammett's seamless noir patter, Elmore Leonard's pitch-perfect ear for hapless characters, Quentin Tarantino's sardonic sense of irony and Clive Barker's unflinching portrayal of sexual pain/pleasure into a blender, mixing in a heaping helping of Stephen King's pop culture mise-en-scene framing. Howe bobs and weaves, pulling it all together in a denouement that is as satisfying as it is completely unexpected."
David James Keaton says: "Like tuning in to Irvine Welsh's Animal Planet, Adam Howe has conjured up something pulpy and hysterical here… If you're tired of all that respectable, snooze-worthy shit with silhouettes on the cover, try something like this, a book best consumed on the subway in a paper bag, or at the zoo."
And no greater authority than Adam Millard weighs in with: "Utterly compelling, uniquely twisted, and funny as hell, Black Cat Mojo is simply magnificent!"
But don't take their word for it; check it out for yourself.
Stephen King will always cast a long shadow over my work, but so many other great writers have inspired me, and influenced the writing of this book: Elmore Leonard, Raymond Chandler, Jim Thompson, Lawrence Block – just to mention a few – and perhaps mostly notably, Joe R. Lansdale, whose work I only recently discovered and whose humour and mastery of tone I found to be a revelation.
On the rare occasions I re-read Jumper – and it's been a looooong time – I see the work of a young rookie writer with so much still to learn. But that story won me the opportunity of a lifetime, and has opened so many doors for me. It also marked a notable improvement in my work, and was the first step towards me finding my 'voice,' albeit a 'voice' that was still yet to break. I'll always be proud of it. But Black Cat Mojo is where I'm at now, and I hope folks will enjoy reading the book as much as I did writing it.
Coming up next in October is the novella Die Dog or Eat the Hatchet (thanks to Joe Lansdale for that badass title). This Southern Gothic kidnap thriller is Jack Ketchum/Richard Laymon DARK. Then it's Damn Dirty Apes – an insane mix of Jaws, Roadhouse, and Scooby Doo – another novella that might've fit alongside the stories in Black Cat Mojo. I'm also between drafts on my first novel, One Tough Bastard, in which you'll meet washed-up 80s action movie star Shane Moxie, and his hyper-intelligent chimpanzee sidekick, Duke, and follow their misadventures through the Hollywood underbelly as they butt heads with Bulgarian Mafia.
I hope you'll come along for the ride!
Click the image below for more information. Black Cat Mojo is out now from Comet Press.


The finleap Berlin team took a company trip - affectionately dubbed our finaway - to Milan, Italy, where we met our Milan team, saw the sights and danced the night away.
After celebrating a very special Christmas party last year, with our own traditional Christmas Market at H:32 and an after-party, it was time again for the finleap universe to come together and toast to a successful year.
Die Bundesliga ist gestartet und bereits ab der ersten Woche kann jeder Fan des BVB mitverdienen! Denn jedes Tor des BVB in der Bundesliga wird mit 09 Cent entlohnt.
The whole finleap team came together for our team offsite: A full programme for the day was planned with a lot of fun, excitement and relaxation.


We are very excited about the four keynote presentations given by Bob McDonald, Bill Cleveland, Alexios Ghalanos, and Luke Tierney. The main agenda (currently) includes 16 full presentations and 21 shorter "lightning talks". We are also excited to offer four optional pre-conference seminars on Friday morning.


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Has Vardy done Arsenal a favour?
EPL Index > Arsenal > Has Vardy done Arsenal a favour?
I'll admit, when I was first told of Arsenal's bid for Jamie Vardy, I laughed out loud, presuming it to be another one of those ludicrous fantasy transfer stories that populate the tabloid press. You know the ones: "Lionel Messi could sign for Manchester United" or "Liverpool ready to bid for Robert Lewandowski". That was how ludicrous I envisaged a link between Arsenal and Jamie Vardy, it just didn't seem right.
Imagine my surprise when it transpired that Arsene Wenger actually had decided a move for Vardy was the right move, especially for the €38m (£29.4m) release fee that Claudio Ranieri admitted to an Italian newspaper was "all true".
Just the paying £30m for a 29 year old in itself is such an un-Wenger like move, though is perhaps a sign of intent from the Arsenal manager. I'm sure Arsenal fans will be encouraged and enthused that Wenger is appears to be relaxing his principles of buying younger players to develop. Although Mesut Özil and Alexis Sanchez were established players when they were signed for a considerable amount of money, but they were also yet to reach their peak. The signing of Petr Cech last summer was the only real exception to the rule and that was a unique opportunity that Wenger rightly took advantage of.
For all his effectiveness in the Leicester attack, I'm not fully convinced by Vardy. His movement, technique and first touch are not great or suited to Arsenal. That, I feel, is the key element here; Vardy was effective in the particular style that Leicester employed. The end-to-end, fast transition football is very different to the style Arsenal employ. Leicester thrive on the break, the counter attack and being more direct than Arsenal, whose slower, more intricate build up and passing game relies on intelligent movement against what is normally a deeper block defence than what Leicester usually come up against.
It's reminiscent of the Christian Benteke transfer to Liverpool last summer, an over inflated fee for a Premier League striker who, on paper, had a good record, but didn't suit the style of players he was moving to play with. Similarly, Benteke was used to a more direct, counter attack style that suited his particular attributes, but at Liverpool, the style was more possession based passing football, where the creative players look for smart interplay and intelligent movement. So, whilst many pundits insisted Benteke's Premier League goal record meant he would be a success, those who looked a little deeper could see the clash of styles would not be fruitful for either party.
Like Benteke, it's not to say Vardy is a bad player because he's not; I don't think he is top quality, but he is effective in a certain style. It just so happens that that style is not the one Arsenal play or one that suits Arsenal's creative players. If the alternative is for Arsenal to change their style to accommodate Vardy, then that would negate the influence of Mesut Özil and Alexis Sanchez. Would Wenger really sacrifice his two star players in order to utilise Vardy?
Leicester average possession in Premier League 2015/16 = 45%
Leicester average pass completion in Premier League = 70%
Arsenal average possession in Premier League 2015/16 = 57%
Arsenal average pass completion in Premier League = 84%
The above stats emphasise the difference between the approach of Leicester and Arsenal. Claudio Ranieri has been very smart in his utilisation of the Leicester team, they do not win by dominating possession, they play the quick transition counter-attack and take chances. It's why they have significantly lower average possession and pass completion than Arsenal. Leicester are set up to draw teams in, Arsenal are not and have a squad ingrained in and suited to playing a possession based game. There are few opponents that allow Arsenal the opportunity to play a more counter attacking game. Some Arsenal fans may point to playing Manchester United this past season and employing this tactic, but Louis Van Gaal's approach invited such a tactic and those opportunities for Arsenal are few and far between.
To try and alter playing style for a largely unproven striker who turns 30 years of age midway through next season would be a very risky tactic. To continue the same style, but sign a striker not suited to it is also risky, as seen with Benteke at Liverpool. So, if reports of Vardy ready to turn the move down and remain at Leicester are true, Arsenal may have just unwittingly dodged a bullet.
by Andy Wales
Football writer and podcaster. Family man and Liverpool fan.
Follow @@AndyArmchair
4 responses to "Has Vardy done Arsenal a favour?"
Comment:Giroud slow up Arsenal attack not that we are naturally building from the back is because of the nature of the striker we have there so Vardy will make our game look more pacey going front instead just imaging we having Vady and playing Barcelona. Man. United and Arsenal don't play the same type of possessional football but VanPersie did well why would Vady be different then you've been reading our nature of play, we started the season well with Theo until he got injured and he tried talk more of Vady common….
It is £20m, not £30m. Make your facts right.
Andy Wales says:
€38m, as reported by Gazzetta Dello Sport in Italy and confirmed by Claudio Ranieri
Ah well if it is nearer to £30 million, then let the mugs have him.
We will probably have scouted a new 25 goal hero they can buy for £50 million next year when Vardys legs go
Categories: Arsenal, Arsenal (NN), EPL Index Featured Article, and EPL Index Opinion.' 'Tags: AFC, Alexis Sanchez, Benteke, Cech, Claudio Ranieri, Jamie Vardy, Lewandowski, Lionel Messi]Arsenal, Ranieri, Sanchez, and Vardy.
Permalink: https://eplindex.com/76879/vardy-done-arsenal-favour.html
Why Vardy's Suarez-Like Style Is Perfect For Arsenal
Early this season in a piece I named The English Luis Suarez, I drew comparisons between the playing styles of Luis Suarez and Jamie Vardy. Since publishing that article, both Vardy and Suarez progressed to fire their respected teams to league glory, with the former winning the Pachichi (top scorer in La Liga) and making a case for next season's Ballon Dor, and the latter scoring 24 goals, including a record breaking 11 goals in 11 games, which helped Leicester …
Can Arsenal Take the Next Step?
Even as a rival fan, I can appreciate the contribution Arsene Wenger has made not only to Arsenal, but to the Premier League as a whole. Some may disagree, but I feel the Frenchman somewhat revolutionised football in this country when he arrived. From diet and preparation, to philosophy and style of play, to simply being a successful foreign coach, despite most people having never heard of him when he was appointed, Wenger made an impact that will stand the …
Vardy to Arsenal - A Ridiculous Transfer Story, Surely?
Leicester City experienced the most astonishing of seasons and were crowned Premier League champions. It was a fairytale enjoyed by most people. Who doesn't love an underdog? Claudio Ranieri has been extremely smart ever since his appointment and isn't carried away by his side's unbelievable success. He knows that competition is going to be crazy this season with all the money that will kick in with the new TV deal and the array of managers extraordinaire present. He has been realistic in …
Analysing Lucas Perez's Move to Arsenal
On August 30th, Arsenal finally confirmed the signing of Deportivo La Coruna striker Lucas Perez. The 27 year-old has signed for a reported 17.1m from Deportivo. After multiple summers of Arsenal fans begging Arsene Wenger to sign another striker, Wenger has finally given in and brought in the Spaniard. The signing of Perez gives this Arsenal squad some much needed striker depth. The long term injury to Danny Welbeck made striker a position of priority this summer. With Welbeck's injury, …
Who Would Fit Arsenal Better - Mauro Icardi or Alexandre Lacazette?
Arsenal have been struggling with signing top-class strikers ever since the days of Thierry Henry, and although RvP seemed like the answer, he was signed on to play at Manchester United. This season, Wenger seems keen on changing that, and it is about time. He made a relentless pursuit of Jamie Vardy, but the striker chose to stay back at Leicester City. Undaunted, Wenger has been making moves for both Mauro Icardi and Alexandre Lacazette. Here's taking a look at which …


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All the Queen's Men by S. J. Bennett
July 11, 2022 July 11, 2022 by Carol2 Comments
All the Queen's Men by SJ Bennett
Narrator: Jane Copland
Series: Her Majesty the Queen Investigates #2
Published by Harper Audio, HarperAudio on March 1, 2022
Genres: Cozy Mystery
Length: 10 hrs 16 mins
Purchase at Bookshop.org or Audible
Amateur detective Queen Elizabeth II is back in this hugely entertaining follow-up to The Windsor Knot, in which Her Majesty must determine how a missing painting is connected to the shocking death of a staff member inside Buckingham Palace.
It's the height of summer 2016, and the Queen has pressing duties to attend to, such as meeting with the new prime minister, keeping an eye on a tumultuous election in the States, and the smaller but perhaps more frustrating matter of recovering a beloved painting that has unexpectedly turned up in the wrong place. She relies on her Assistant Private Secretary, Rozie Oshodi, to make sure she's fully apprised of the goings on in the palace and to help solve any issues that arise.
Rozie holds Her Majesty in the highest esteem and does everything in her power not to disappoint "the Boss." But she has recently become aware of a spate of disturbing letters some staff have received, and though her first instinct is to inform the Queen, more senior members of the household assure her they have everything in hand. When one of the targets of the letters is found dead in the pool house at Buckingham Palace, however, Rozie decides it's time to alert the Queen. After all, though the rest of the staff and public may not realize it, Elizabeth is the keenest sleuth among them. Sometimes, it takes a Queen's eye to see connections where no one else can.
The Queen is disconcerted to see one of her favorite paintings at an exhibition of maritime art in Portsmouth. The painting, given to her by the artist, is of the retired Britannia yacht and once hung outside her bedroom. She enlists Rozie to discover when it left her collection and why it has never been returned, a task that turns out to be not as easy as it sounds. Then, a housekeeper is found beside the Palace swimming pool and it turns out several of the staff, including the dead woman, had received nasty, threatening anonymous letters.
The mystery is a bit convoluted. The clues and cases all tie together, but it meanders a bit getting to the conclusion. I do enjoy the characters though. They give the book its charm. The Queen is sharp and charming. Rozie is super competent and we get to see a bit more of the personal side of her life. Prince Philip steals every scene he's in with his mixture of humor and caring.
In the end, the Queen's men get credit for solving the mysteries, but we know who the real credit goes to.
About SJ Bennett
SJ Bennett wrote several award-winning books for teenagers before turning to adult mysteries. She lives in London and has been a royal watcher for years, but is keen to stress that these are works of fiction: the Queen, to the best of her knowledge, does not secretly solve crimes.
Website | Twitter | Goodreads | Instagram
Good characters that I like will get me through an otherwise okay book. 🙂
I totally agree.


After planting, water cryptomeria regularly, keeping its soil moist to 1 inch deep during the first growing season. In the summer, water at least once a week. You should also prune in the summer so that the tree remains healthy and keeps its pyramidal shape.
I had my trees turn a slight brown tinge and they promptly shipped out replacements. I appreciate the helpful information! Will buy again from them.
I ordered 4 trees in March, to plant to screen utility poles. They arrived pretty quickly and we planted them within a couple of days of arrival. I was concerned that one had a "crushed" side, that looked like it had been mashed or mishandled. As I expected, it turned brown and dropped all branches and growth for about 12-18 inches on that side, but 4 months later, it has pretty much healed and all four trees look good and are growing nicely.


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