text:
Calabria's Jews and Catholics Share Chanukah Together
December 2016 | Rabbi Barbara Aiello
Don Gigi Iuliano and Rabbi Barbara Aiello conduct an interfaith Chanukah service in Serrastretta, Italy, the first active synagogue in Calabria since Inquisition times. photo credit Domenico Pulice
Chanukkah è una festività ebraica nota anche come Festa delle Luci. In ebraico, il termine significa "inaugurazione" o "dedica" giacché la celebrazione commemora la consacrazione di un nuovo altare nel Tempio di Gerusalemme dopo la libertà conquistata dagli ellenici, il cui regno nel II secolo a.C. voleva distogliere gli ebrei dalla Torah e soprattutto da alcuni suoi precetti fondamentali. La festività dura otto giorni ed inizia al tramonto del 24 dicembre. È una festa gioiosa che si celebra in sinagoga ed in casa. Nella tradizione ebraica in Calabria, ogni membro della famiglia ha una propria menorah speciale.
"Rabbina, Rabbina," eight-year-old Manuele called to me. "Rabbina, Io so la festa di Chanukah. E' Natale per gli'ebrei!" "Rabbi, I know about Chanukah. It's Jewish Christmas!"
Here in Serrastretta, our tiny village in the Calabrian mountains, our Jewish community is open and welcoming, not only to Jews of all backgrounds, but to our Catholic neighbors as well. Throughout the year, we put into action the words of the late pope, John Paul II, when he said that we Jews are the older brothers and sisters of the Christians. And to that end, Serrastretta's Jews and Catholics celebrate Chanukah together.
Because Chanukah often falls close to the Christmas holiday (this year the first candle is kindled on Christmas Eve), many, like young Manuele, refer to Chanukah as "Jewish Christmas." We know that our children mean no disrespect so we take time to share the meaning of what many also believe is a major Jewish holiday.
Interestingly, Chanukah is a minor religious celebration; it is Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year and Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement that take precedence. But that doesn't mean that Chanukah isn't one of the most well-remembered and one of the most fun. Its signature ritual item is the Chanukah menorah with its beautiful lights – eight brightly colored candles that symbolize the miracle that is at the heart of the festival. But, there is a historical perspective to Chanukah that is important, too.
Chanukah is a December festival that commemorates the victory of the Jewish people over those who would attempt to force Jews to give up their Jewish practices and adopt a belief in pagan gods. Catholics read in the Book of Maccabees and Jews read in the Talmud that Judah Maccabee, along with his brothers and other Jewish rebels, waged a guerrilla war against their oppressors. In an upset victory, this tiny band of poorly equipped soldiers regained Jerusalem, cleansed the Temple and brought Jewish belief and practice back to life.
The story goes that when Judah and his men began their clean-up job they found one unopened container of sacred oil – only enough to light the Temple menorah for one day. Optimistically, they lit the menorah, expecting the light to die in a mere 24 hours. But, legend tells us that a miracle happened. The tiny cruse of oil burned brightly for eight days and eight nights, which is why Jews celebrate Chanukah for eight days.
The word, "Chanukah," derives from the Hebrew meaning of "dedication," as in the dedication of the Temple by the Maccabees. Interestingly, the same Hebrew root also gives us the word, "chinuch," which means "education." Chanukah is the time of the year when we parents educate our children in the traditions of our Jewish heritage and in the indomitable spirit of our ancestors. Lighting the "chanukiyah" (the correct Hebrew name for the Chanukah menorah) makes these traditions come alive.
Chanukah is a happy, joyous holiday that is celebrated in the synagogue and in the home. It is a lovely Calabria Jewish tradition for each member of the family to have her/his own special menorah. In fact, our family uses "chanukiyot" that we've made and collected over the years. When the lights are kindled, one candle on the first night, two candles on the second, etc., the menorah is placed in front of a window or near a door. This allows for the lights to be visible for all to see, reminding us that Chanukah is truly a holiday celebrating religious freedom and that we Jews are free to be who we are. The ninth branch of the menorah is reserved for a special helping candle, the "shammash," which is used to light all the other candles. Following the candle lighting, special blessings are said and Chanukah melodies fill the air as we thank God for keeping us alive and allowing us to reach this season.
In her book, "Simple Abundance," Sara Breathnach says that "Many who celebrate Christmas believe that Chanukah is a festival reserved solely for those who practice Judaism." Ms. Breathnach goes on to point out what Rabbi Harold Kushner says about the holiday. Kushner notes that if it weren't for Chanukah "there would have been no Jewish community for Jesus to have been born into a century and a half later. Without Chanukah there would have been no Christmas."
Here in Calabria we will continue a beautiful Chanukah tradition with dozens of "chanukyiot" placed on tables all around the sanctuary. As we do each year, we will invite our Catholic neighbors to join us for the lighting of the Chanukah menorahs. The candle glow will once again remind us of the joy and privilege of celebrating our Jewish traditions. And, in the Chanukah tradition, we dedicate ourselves anew to the spirit of religious freedom that makes Chanukah an important festival for Christians and Jews to share together.
Rabbi Barbara Aiello divides her time between Sarasota, FL and southern Italy where she is director of the Italian Jewish Cultural Center of Calabria (IJCCC), an organization that helps Italians discover their Jewish roots. She is the first woman rabbi and first non-orthodox rabbi in Italy. Prior to her ordination, Rabbi Barbara created The Kids on the Block international puppet program and currently is host of The Radio Rabbi program, 8:30-9:30 a.m. Sundays on AM 930 The Answer in Tampa, Florida and live streamed worldwide.
For more info: www.RabbiBarbara.com or write her at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
More in this category: « The Top Ten Little Italys in the World Holiday Italian Traditions, Casa DiBartolomeo Style »
Panettone Trifle
by Frank Alesci
Burnt Wheat Orecchiette
by Lauren Greco


Tilt-shift photography is a creative and unique type of photography in which the camera is manipulated so that a life-sized location or subject looks like a miniature-scale model.
Or you can create a fake one by manipulating a picture you've already taken in Photoshop. Directions on how to do that here.
Isn't it neat? They look like they're in a matchbox car.
Click here to see 50 awesome examples of tilt-shift photography.
I need to go out and get some good NYC street pics so I can create more!


text:
< Home Blog #120 June Status Report
#120 June Status Report
This article explores the details of a recently added feature in the Early Period logging area of the EnterTRAINment Junction (EJ) layout (Figure 1). It is what's called a "Tight Skyline Logging System." It's located across the EJ aisle from the lakeside town with the steamboat.
The purpose of the Skyline was to pick up harvested logs, preferably clear of the terrain, from near where they were cut, and move them to a location where they could be transported by other means or could be processed. The tight system uses a Skyline which is not adjusted to raise and lower the load. This is opposed to a similar system, called a "Slack Skyline" whose tension was released to lower the load and tightened to raise it.
Figure 1. Skyline Logging System
Figure 2. Tight Skyline System Schematic
Figure 2 is a schematic of the functional rigging of "Tight" system. It was operated from winches located where there was mechanical power to haul on the lines (at the time of the Early Period, this was usually a steam-driven donkey engine, seen in the foreground of Figure 1). Because of the high loads, the rigging was usually made of steel cable. And, to reduce the bending loads on the trees used to elevate the Skyline, static guy wires to the ground from near the top of the trees were used to keep the top in position. Also, sometimes guy wires were attached near the center of the trees as well, to keep the tree from buckling under the increased compressive loads applied by the rigging. (The guy wires are not shown in Figure 2.)
A Choker Sling (made of cable or chain) was wrapped around the log load and attached to the Fall Block, which hung from the Overhead Carriage. The Carriage would move along the Skyline driven by the tensions applied to the Fall Block by the Main Line and the Haulback. The block end of the Haulback line was fixed to the Fall Block. The Haulback was used to bring an empty Fall Block and sling back to the harvesting location and to control the position of the Carriage along the Skyline when the Fall Block was loaded. The Main Line was used to raise the load and to pull it toward the winch location. Because the Main Line ran around the Fall Block up to the Carriage, increasing the tension between the Main Line and the Haulback would raise the load relative to the Carriage, decreasing that tension would lower the load (this is the essence of the "Tight" system). That meant moving the load along the Skyline required good coordination between the release of the Haulback and the hauling in of the Main Line, or vice versa, in order to keep the load suspended above the terrain.
If the Haulback Tail Block was offset to the side of the Skyline (as in the schematic and in the EJ model), the tensions between the Main Line and Haulback could be used to reach and haul up logs that were not directly under the Skyline, but offset from it in the direction of the Tail Block. Additionally, if the tension on the Skyline was adjustable (it is not in the EJ model), farther offsets toward the side of the Tail Block would be possible, though this would make it more like a Slackline system.
Figure 3 repeats Figure 1, but this time with the details labeled, using the terminology from Figure 2 and the description above.
Figure 3. EJ's Skyline Logging System Labeled
Figure 4 provides a detailed view of the Skyline and the log load hanging from it. Unfortunately there is not a lot of contrast in the colors of the foreground and background items, making some difficult to see.
Figure 4. Details of the Skyline and Log Load
Figure 5 provides labels to help identify the significant items in Figure 4.
Figure 5. Skyline and Log Load Details Labeled
EJ's model provides a fascinating look at one of the many log transporting techniques used by the logging industry. Check it out the next time you visit EJ.
If you're interested in more details about these kinds of systems for your own modeling or to satisfy your curiosity, the following websites offer additional insights and information:
https://forestry.mosaictraining.ca/logging_diagrams.html
https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/logging/manual/yarding/example_systems.html.
© 2017 Tom Bartsch
MVGRS Big Train Project Coordinator

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Located at one of the busiest spot of Sydney CBD. This cafe enjoy consistent trading all day long 7 days a week. The selling price included a fitout prior hand over to new buyers.
On offer is a licenced cafe located close to Circular Quay. Enjoy exposure to tourist as well as office customers. With in house seatings and out door seatings. Great potential for owner operator to drive the business to a higher level.
A very busy sandwich bar located at the food court of a popular shopping centre close to the city. Same owner for 10 years. well trained staff in place. Inspection a must.
Conveniently located at a shopping village, this seafood, fish and chips business cater for local residents as well as industrial workers in the area. Currently run under management. Owner operator will be able to drive this business to it's full potential.
On offer is an Asian takeaway business selling Malaysian and Chinese fast food. It is a popular place for Laksa and and various exotic Asian dishes. Seatings around 38 under a office tower. Suits a owner chef to improve the sales to a higher level.
A unique trendy fast food operation selling European cuisine located at the Sydney International Airport. Trendy professionally fitout aiming at providing quality food at a very efficient speed. Suits someone with experience in the hospitality industry.
Located at one of the Sydney CBD busiest food court. Selling gourmet fresh cut sandwiches and coffee. Same owner for many years. loyal office customers. Offering catering to surrounding corporates.
Well established Takeaway food, Selling kababs, BBQ chickens & Salads. Open 7 days and nights. Street corner exposure. Suitable for someone who is willing to work hard to earn good return.
Epresso Bar right next to high traffic flow location of High rise Office complex. No cooking just cakes and coffee selling 30kg bean pw. Simple operation with potential to increase the sell of coffee.
A Licensed Seafood cafe situated under a high rise corporate building. Serving business lunch as well as takeaway. The quality food and friendly service make this business an ideal dining place for corporate workers.
Trading only 5 days, cloth alteration shop located within the small arcade with entrance from busy main street of Sydney CBD. Same owner operated for 10 years. Establish long term clients.
On offer is a trendy licensed cafe at a prestigious retail and office complex. selling 35kg coffee and extensive range of delicious meals. Full team of well trained staff in place.
What a wonderful location for a cafe. Situated at a Million dollar view water front Residential & Office development. Selling 45kg coffee and a selective range of light meals.
East meets West. The takeaway food serve oriental food as well as BBQ Chicken and pre-wrapped sandwiches. It is located within one of the busiest food court in CBD and renown for fast service and high quality food.
On offer is a sandwich & coffee take away shop situated in the food court ajoining a railway station. The high quality delicious food attract mass customers from the surrounding offices.
Serving Sandwiches, coffee, salads and hot meals, the trendy takeaway food bar is situated in a busy CBD food court. There are always a large numbers of customer queuing up for their food. It is a very well run business.
Licensed Cafe tastefully decorated located on the ground level of a financial institute. There is a takeaway section serving fresh cut gourmet sandwiches. A la carte menu provided selections of popular meal for casual business lunch.
Nestled next to the escalator, this 60 seats cafe is located in one of the leading shopping Centre on the North Shore. At present under management. Owner operator would have the potential to improve the taking of this business.
BBQ Chicken & Salad shop with lots of seatings situated at the prime location of a shopping centre. Trendy fitout and attractive food display ensure gradual increase in takings.
Small modern design cafe close to court house with busy foot traffic. Customers comprises with office workers, residents and tradsman. Serve healthy meals, cakes and coffee.


To be an excellent listener.
To be motivated to help children be the best they can be.
To have patience, understanding, resillience and a good sense of humor!
You need to have a spare bedroom in your home.
You will be expected to support a child in their day-to-day life, whether fun social activities such as sports and after school clubs, or helping them with their homework.


text:
New Criminal Justice Reform Clinic Opens
Executive Bobbin Singh '11 and Professor Aliza Kaplan
Students working at CJRC
Serving Students and the Community
by Chelsea Sandbloom '17
This fall a new legal clinic welcomes Lewis & Clark Law School students interested in the intersection of integrative advocacy and criminal justice reform. Launched by Professor Aliza Kaplan in collaboration with the Oregon Justice Resource Center (OJRC), the Criminal Justice Reform Clinic is the first law clinic of its kind in the state and is funded through grants, individual contributions and donations. It will take a holistic approach to criminal justice reform.
OJRC is an independent 501(3)(c) not-for-profit organization that works on criminal justice issues, including the Oregon Innocence Project.
"The idea for the new clinic felt organic because law students have been involved in OJRC and the Oregon Innocence Project since the beginning, volunteering hundreds of hours per year and doing amazing work," says Kaplan. "Providing our students with a clinical setting and a corresponding seminar in which to gain supervised legal and professional experience is a win-win for everyone. Partnering with the law school seemed to be the next logical step."
According to Bobbin Singh '11, executive director of OJRC, Lewis & Clark law students have contributed nearly 2,300 pro bono hours this past year to OJRC and the Oregon Innocence Project, and have volunteered over 14,000 hours since 2011. The new clinic will allow students to gain even more legal experience, with participants spending the entire academic year delving into relevant issues.
"The clinic is a structured outlet for students who are interested in criminal law and social justice," says Singh. "Hands-on learning will emphasize criminal justice reform and advocacy, allowing students to feel that they are a part of something a little bit bigger."
Students who participate in the clinic make a yearlong commitment and will earn three credits each semester. They will take a weekly seminar taught by Kaplan on topics such as race and policing, mass incarceration, causes of wrongful convictions, prison issues, and the death penalty. Participants will also report to supervisors and other students about their work. Local attorneys, former clients, and allied professionals will provide guest lectures.
"Students will conduct research, help write reports and briefs, and interact directly with clients, lawyers, and experts around the state and country on various criminal justice issues," says Kaplan. "These opportunities will give students practical knowledge and experience in the criminal law and social justice arenas."
Zachary Winston '16 has been volunteering with OJRC since the spring of 2014 and with the Oregon Innocence Project since its inception in the fall of 2014. His story is one of the more unusual. "My experience with the law started with an arrest and felony conviction. After spending seven months in jail, where I witnessed many injustices within the system, I promised those around me that I would do something to help cure those injustices," says Winston. "When I first arrived at Lewis & Clark, I was concerned there would not be a lot of criminal law clinical opportunities. The emergence of OJRC and the clinic make Lewis & Clark a major contender for prospective students interested in the criminal justice field. This clinic will allow the school and students to serve the community and work on reforming Oregon's criminal justice system."
"The Criminal Justice Reform Clinic is a great fit for the law school, because our students have a real interest in learning more about and participating in the criminal justice system. It will provide students with opportunities to be on the ground working on numerous issues and directly with different types of clients and in different contexts," says Kaplan.
Upper-division students who participate in the new legal clinic will choose to work with one of three projects:
The Oregon Innocence Project provides direct and advisory legal services to individuals claiming innocence, as well as to their attorneys. It also promotes local and statewide legal reforms aimed at preventing wrongful convictions.
The Criminal Justice Project focuses on OJRC's Eighth Amendment, death penalty, and amicus work. It considers an array of strategies under the Eighth Amendment (and state equivalent provisions) for qualified prisoners, including identifying legal grounds for sentencing reductions, clemency petitions, and compassionate release applications based on serious medical conditions. The project coordinates and conducts research on the administration of the death penalty in Oregon that supports litigation and policy reform. It also provides amicus assistance on the state level in cases that present significant social justice issues related to criminal defense, juvenile justice, or innocence.
The Reentry Law Project supports Mercy Corps' Reentry Transition Center by filling the unmet legal needs of individuals returning to the community from incarceration, with the goal of reducing recidivism and improving public safety. In coordination with existing Reentry Transition Center programming, this new OJRC project will provide pro bono legal assistance directly to clients.
Dana Goetz '17 started working at OJRC in May 2015. Although Goetz came to Lewis & Clark for its prestigious environmental law program, she is passionate about criminal law and wanted to spend her first summer researching Oregon's death penalty. "OJRC addresses pressing and important legal issues. Professor Kaplan is great at working with students to facilitate research on specific topics and providing feedback," says Goetz. "I'm excited to participate in the clinic to continue the work I'm doing this summer and to learn about more issues in the criminal justice system from Oregon's top criminal law attorneys and experts."
OJRC opened the doors of its own space in in the Barn Nonprofit Center in June 2015. The OJRC is one of several nonprofit organizations housed in the "Barn" which is located at the corner of Northwest 6th Avenue and Glisan Street in the historic Old Town district of Portland. Previously, Singh had an office at Lewis & Clark, while the Oregon Innocence Project had an office at the Metro Public Defenders. The new space allows students, professors, attorneys, and volunteers to now work in close proximity. Furnishings were donated by Gevurtz Manashe; Perkins Coie; Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt; and Wieden & Kennedy. The space can accommodate approximately 15 students and includes six private offices for the attorneys and other staff members. It also incorporates a large boardroom-style table and a small kitchen.
"My goal is to work with Professor Kaplan and Oregon Innocence Project/OJRC staff attorneys Steve Wax and Julia Yashimoto '13 to make sure that the students have the tools and support they need to do the work," says Singh. "We will continue to build out the impact of the clinic and refine it to make sure it's a great learning experience for students."
law courses public interest law alumni


text:
The Dirty, Deadly Secrets of Apartheid South Africa's Powerful Pedophiles
Days after publication of his book about government ministers in the 1980s systematically raping young black men and boys, author Mark Minnie supposedly took his own life.
Amanda Sperber
Published Aug. 28, 2018 4:44AM ET
Photo Illustration by The Daily Beast
Mark Minnie always knew he could be killed for writing about the pedophile ring that he said he and journalist Chris Steyn discovered when he was a policeman and she a reporter under the apartheid regime. And if it happened, he expected, it would look like he took his own life.
His body was found two weeks ago, on August 13, on a small farm in Port Elizabeth, a city in South Africa's Eastern Cape region. And his death did look like a suicide. There was even a note. But people who knew him don't believe for a moment that he shot himself.
Rocco Rodriquez, who met Minnie in 2012 and worked with him across China auditing English language tests, remembers Minnie saying explicitly on more than one occasion, "They will kill me and make it look like a suicide."
Over the years, Minnie sent drafts of the manuscript he was working on to Rodriquez to read as a friend. The material was sensational and deeply disturbing, implicating some very powerful South Africans in some very ugly crimes. "You can see why I can't believe this nonsense that he shot himself," Rodriguez told the Daily Beast.
The book Minnie was working on all those years, The Lost Boys of Bird Island, co-authored with Steyn, had been published 10 days earlier. It broke a previously untold story alleging there was a massive pedophile network under South Africa's apartheid government.
In the mid-1980's, the book alleges, at least three politicians, including the then minister of defense, and one well-connected businessman were flying and boating young black boys to Bird Island off the coast of the Eastern Cape and raping them violently. Among the hideous events recounted in the book: "One child was maimed when a gun was thrust up his anus and the trigger pulled."
Because it appeared that two of the other perpetrators Minnie names in The Lost Boys also died by their own hand, Minnie's death has reignited conversations about the lingering presence of a "suicide ring" within the South African police force under apartheid that was deployed to murder people and make it look like they killed themselves. His death has prompted a lot of discussion about violence and homophobia in the country.
Minnie writes that he uncovered the pedophile network when he was a policeman on the narcotics beat in the Eastern Cape in the 1980's, and he felt he had to follow up—despite immense pressure to stop—because he himself had been raped as a young boy.
"This book isn't simply a cop and a journalist's exposé of a pedophile ring," wrote Eusebius McKaiser, in an op-ed in South Africa's Mail & Guardian newspaper. "That would be too understated and might lead to it being read too quickly. It is best understood as a text that documents an orgy of everyday violence in our society, violence that was embedded in the very social and political structures of the colonial and apartheid states."
One of the politicians named in The Lost Boys is the late Magnus Malan, who at the time was the minister of defense. Malan was considered one of former President P.W. Botha's most influential advisors and is known for his expansion and concentration of the security and intelligence sectors, the impacts of which are still felt in South Africa's highly militarized police.
Thirty years after the events in question, Minnie took an unpaid leave of absence from his job in China and connected with Steyn to write The Lost Boys. Steyn had also been trying to cover the case decades ago, but was similarly silenced. Their editor, Marianne Thamm, has been outspoken in the press and on social media, tweeting "something is amiss," when she posted the news about Minnie's death, and joining calls for a private forensic team to investigate.
Although the book would detail shocking revelations from the apartheid regime, there is a lot of missing information: the number of young men abused, exactly what happened on the island and how the network operated. The Lost Boys is more about Minnie and Steyn's personal missions than the explicit crimes themselves, largely because few have talked, fearing retribution.
At the end of the book, the co-authors make a plea for survivors to come forward, and the publisher has promised that more information is coming.
"We are still working on new leads," Steyn wrote in an email to The Daily Beast. "And I am still doing so. In his last letter Mark urged me not to give up. And I won't."
Though three of the alleged perpetrators in the book are dead (two by suicide, one naturally), one is still alive, but goes unnamed in the story. The person widely suspected and in some cases named in the local press has denied the allegations and threatened to sue anyone who attaches his name to them.
Some black South Africans have expressed frustration that this man goes unnamed in the book, and that there's no talk of investigation into his past. As one tweeted, "Why is the surviving apartheid minister implicated in the Island Boys case not exposed?… Black politicians get exposed on mere suspicions/allegations all the time by the media… Why not with this one?"
A few days after the book came out, Minnie was reported dead by suicide, a gunshot wound to the head near a friend's house in the eastern Cape. Minnie left a note, but the gun belonged to his friend. Minnie's family, colleagues and friends are adamant that he did not kill himself, and they've said as much to the press. They think Minnie was forced to write the note. Steyn posits a related theory, "I would be prepared to accept an official finding of suicide. However I do believe he was coerced into killing himself." Eerily, even before he died, Minnie's son posted on Facebook that he thought his father might die for his work.
Rodriquez, his colleague conducting English language exams, knew Minnie because the two "spent a lot of time stuck in airports flying around China." Of Minnie, his friend said, "I've known a lot of combat veterans (Mark fought in The Bush Wars) ex-cops, bikers, and other assorted tough guys and he wasn't the type to go out like this. He suffered from PTSD and like many used alcohol to cope. He had his demons, but suicidal depression was not one of them."
Steyn echoed Rodriguez, "He was worried about people looking for him, but that alone would not have made him end his life, because he was not a coward."
"Many people will say he was paranoid," commented Rodriquez. "I say he should have been. The years of violence in that country would change anyone. And here is a person who was at the epicenter of it."
Col. Priscilla Naidu, the spokesperson for the South African Police Service in Eastern Cape, said in a statement that "at this stage, no foul play is suspected." The autopsy report is not yet ready and Naidu said an inquest is continuing.
Minnie's funeral was on Friday. Steyn described it as "traumatic" but she said, "His family mourned him with pride. He died a legend."
Steyn is now more motivated than ever to forge ahead. "I am feeling determined to keep going. Mark died haunted by the pitiful cries of the lost boys. They still need justice."


text:
ה׳ במרחשון ה׳תשע״ה (October 29, 2014)
Yevamot 25a-b: In That Case, We Accept The Testimony
If a man reports to the beit din (the Jewish court) that a certain man has died, based on that testimony the beit din will act to allow the dead man's wife to marry. The Mishna on our daf teaches that if the man testified that a man had died, or if he said that he had killed a certain person, or that he was involved in the murder, the beit din will accept his testimony and permit the wife to marry. Nevertheless, the witness (or, perhaps, the murderer) will not be allowed to marry the widow himself. Rabbi Yehuda disagrees in the case where the man testifies that he was the murderer, and says that in such a case we cannot accept his testimony at all, since we do not allow a person to incriminate himself. Therefore the woman cannot marry him or anyone else, since we must assume that her husband is still alive.
According to the Gemara, the Tanna Kamma of the Mishna also agrees that we cannot allow a person to incriminate themselves. The opinion is presented in the name of Rava that adam karov etzel atzmo, ve-ein adam masim atzmo rasha – just as a person cannot testify against a close relative in beit din similarly he cannot testify against himself, incriminating himself. Apparently, however, the Tanna Kamma relies on an often discussed Talmudic idea – palginan diburei – we split up his statement. In this case that means that we reject his self-incriminating statement, but we accept his testimony that the man had actually been killed.
The mechanism behind the concept of palginan diburei is subject to a disagreement among the rishonim. The Rashba argues that we can only apply it in cases where we can interpret the testimony in a way that will allow his entire statement to be understood as being truthful. For example, in our case, we could say that the witness who says "I killed him" actually means "I killed him…accidentally." If it is impossible to interpret his testimony in such a way, we would not apply the principle of palginan diburei, and we would reject his testimony entirely. Others, however, explain that the concept of palginan diburei is powerful enough to allow us to accept the conclusion of his testimony (that the man is dead) even as we reject the incriminating aspect of it (that the witness murdered him).
Yevamot 26a-b: Suspecting the Witness
Previous Mishnayot have taught that a person whose testimony allows a woman to marry (e.g. a person who brings a…
Yevamot 24a-b: Converting From a Desire to Marry
It is well-known that Judaism does not actively proselytize, and even when prospective converts approach the beit din (the Jewish…


text:
11 Mischievous Artists Arrested On Stage (Or Just After)
Emily Barker Nov 19, 2014 4:02 pm GMT
Image credit: Jenn Five/NME
DDMMYYYY – HEADLINE – © 2013 Jenn Five
Mac DeMarco was arrested at his own show last year in California. After a spot of crowd surfing, the cheeky scamp climbed the venue's ceiling beams and was arrested upon returning to the stage. He's not alone: there's a florid list of musicians who've found themselves cuffed on stage or just afterwards.
On December 10, 1967, Jim Morrison was arrested on stage during a concert at New Haven. Before the show he'd been told by a cop – who didn't realise who he was - to leave the backstage area. Morrison mocked 'the little blue man, in the little blue cap' and the police carted him off.
GG Allin
You could say GG Allin was close to being arrested every day of his life to be honest. The notorious naked poo-throwing rascal made a habit of assaulting willing fans at his shows and covering himself in shit. He was arrested a whopping 52 times for indecent exposure, assault and battery and endangering the lives of his audience.
Marilyn Manson was accused of rubbing his crotch on a man's head in 2001. The act took place during a concert in at a venue called 'Pine Knob' in Michigan. The God Of Fuck paid a $4K dollar fine and later joked about the logistics of having sex with a man's head.
Bobby Brown has a history of run-ins with the police for various things, usually drug-related. At the height of his career he was regularly booked for simulating sex onstage with audience members. Good thing there were no cops out and about at Miley Cyrus' 'Bangerz' tour.
Wendy O. Williams
Speaking of Cyrus, perhaps she's been inspired by Wendy O. Williams. The punk singer was arrested in 1981 on an obscenity charge for allegedly simulating a sexual act with a sledge hammer. "Using sex to create the law is so stupid, and I'm not the kind of person who walks the middle of the line," Williams told Rolling Stone that year.
Good old Axl Rose, causing another commotion. This time in St Louis. He went bananas after seeing a fan with a camera and started throwing punches. A riot ensued and tear gas and fire hoses were pulled out. Rose was booked later on for causing the fuss. What a hooligan.
Ol' Dirty Bastard of the Wu Tang Clan, was arrested at a concert in West Hollywood in 1998. ODB apparently became rowdy inside the venue and was ejected by security for being "drunk, disorderly, and annoying other patrons." When outside, he threatened the door staff by saying he would return with his homies and kill them. The weirdest detail? It was a Des'Ree concert.
Image credit: Press
OK, so this one came close: During Madonna's Blond Ambition Tour she was warned by police in Toronto that they would arrest her if she simulated masturbation on stage, according to the the Madonna:Truth Or Dare documentary. "Last time I was on tour, Sean [Penn] was in jail. I guess it's my turn," she said - but the controversial singer got away with it in the end.
Animals As Leaders guitarists Javier Reyes and Dustin Boudreau were arrested by Boston police following a show in 2012. Eyewitness accounts differ but the two seem to have been involved in an almighty fracas which led to the band missing shows that week.
This might be testing your memory a bit. Remember one-hit wonder Stevie B? The scallywag was arrested while performing on stage, having been accused of not paying $420,000 for child support. TBF if you're on the run, you probably shouldn't appear in public, even if there's only a few people in the audience.


text:
Alta Mere FDD Summary
Three franchises are offered: A franchise is offered to establish and operate a business specializing in the sales and installation of automobile, window tint, alarms and other accessories operated under the service mark "Alta Mere®"; a franchise is offered to establish and operate an Alta Mere business that also offers automotive tune-ups, vehicle maintenance, brakes and air conditioning service and repair under the service mark "Milex Complete Auto Care®"; and a franchise is offered to establish and operate Alta Mere business that also specializes in flat glass window film and treatment services under the service mark "SmartView®. Franchises can be established in two ways: as a start-up business or by conversion of an independent business specializing in the sales and installation of automobile window tint, alarms and other accessories to a franchised business.
Moran Industries, Inc is an Illinois corporation incorporated on July 27, 1990. They maintain their principal address at 4444 West 147th Street, Midlothian, Illinois 60445. They do business under the names "Moran Industries, Inc." and "Moran Family of Brands." They offer franchises for the retail sale and installation of automobile tint, alarms and other accessories under the service marks "Alta Mere®", and "Alta Mere Toys For Your Car! ®."
The total investment necessary to begin operation of an "Alta Mere" store ranges from $136,507 to $205,096. The total investment necessary to begin operation of an Alta Mere/Milex Co-branded franchise ranges from $201,289 to $296,827. The total investment necessary to begin operation of an Alta Mere/SmartView Co-branded franchise ranges from $156,728 to $226,229.
View the Alta Mere FDD


From 1798 charities were set up for clothing and educating sons of needy Freemasons. They originally provided education by sending them to schools near to their homes. A specific masonic boys' school was set up at Wood Green in North London in 1857 following amalgamation of the charities in 1852. A new school was built in Bushey, Hertfordshire in 1903 and a Junior School was added on the other side of The Avenue in 1929. By 1939 there were 800 boys at the school. Fee paying pupils were admitted from 1958 and day boys from 1966. Following a decline in pupil numbers the junior school closed in 1970; the site is now occupied by Bushey Hall School. Numbers continued to fall, and the senior school closed in 1977. For a time, the buildings housed the United States International University (Europe), and later became a film set. They have now been redeveloped as luxury housing.
"It is inteniled to erect new schools at Bushey, Herts, as a memorial of the centenary of this institution, the requirements having outgrown the existing huildings at Wood Green. With the general approval of the subscribers, the board of management purchased the Bushey Grove Park Estate of about 67 acres in extent, and has devoted much labour to its development. The site is an admirable one, having an area of 6.5 acres, with roads on all sides, the general soil being loam with pebbles therein, and possesses a level plateau, standing high, upon which it is proposed to erect the buildings. Having given full consideration to the future requirements as well as the immediate necessities of the institution, with the valuable assistance of W. Bro. Rowland Plumbe, F.R.I.B.A., P.G. Supt. of Works, the board prepared a schedule of conditions and accommodation required, and invited six firms of architects to submit designs in a limited competition. The designs were most carefully adjudicated upon by the assessor, whose award met with the unanimous approval of the board, and the plans placed first in order of merit were submitted to the Quarterly Court in .January last. The authors of the designs were found to be Messrs. Gordon, Lowther, and Gunton, of Finsbury House, London, E.G., and these brethren are now engaged in preparing the working drawings and quantities. It is expected to have these completed and the work on the buildings commenced in the autumn. The designs show a complete arrangement for a school of 500 boys ; but it is proposed to build dormitory accommodation for 400 only at present.
The administrative offices, halls, &c., will be adapted for the greater number, so as to avoid expense in alterations, &c., in the future. It will be seen from the accompanying plan that the general scheme is quadrangular, placed so as to secure the best possible aspects, the administrative block, with its central tower, occupying the principal or south-west side and facing the main road and entrance. This block contains the museum and library. The Educational block, with its separate quadrangle, containing the assembly -hall, the music-school, the various arts and physics schools, classrooms, together with the chapel and head-master's residence adjoining, are placed on the north-west side. The north-east side is occupied by the dining-hall, the kitchen and service department, with its separate courtyard ; and beyond this the technical schools, swimming-bath, gymnasium, and fives-courts, ire, are placed. The south-east side is left partially open for the present, with a view to the erection in the future, if necessary, of an additional residential block. The residential blocks are placed at each corner of the main quadrangle, and arranged to accommodate 100 boys, each block comprising two houses with day-schools, dormitories, and masters' and service-rooms, complete .\ main feature of the design is that all the principal blocks are connected by cloisters and subways, and are provided for dome.stic service. It is proposed ultimately to erect a sanatorium for 6O boys, as well as an infirmary for 2.5 cases, the former at the extreme north corner of the site, so as to be placed as far as possible from the school building, and the latter at the extreme south, each having separate approaches from the main roads. The playing-fields" and tennis-courts are placed to the south and west of the site, and the former are overlooked from the master's residence. The heating to the buildings will be by means of hot water on the low-pre.=sure system, with ventilating radiators for the admission of warm, fresh air, in conjunction with Tobin's tubes, the exhaust ventilation being effected by means of fans placed in the turrets, and connected with horizontal trunks in the floors and ceilings, and rising flues in the walls, fitted with automatic valves.


text:
Zuata peut désigner :

Toponymes

Zuata : capitale de la paroisse civile de Zuata de la municipalité de José Félix Ribas dans l'État d'Aragua ;
 Zuata : capitale de la paroisse civile de Zuata de la municipalité de José Gregorio Monagas dans l'État d'Anzoátegui ;
 Boca de Zuata : une localité de la paroisse civile de San Casimiro de la municipalité de San Casimiro, dans l'État d'Aragua.

Subdivisions
 Zuata : l'une des cinq paroisses civiles de la municipalité de José Félix Ribas dans l'État d'Aragua ;
 Zuata : l'une des six divisions territoriales et statistiques dont l'une des cinq paroisses civiles de la municipalité de José Gregorio Monagas dans l'État d'Anzoátegui.

Autres
 Réservoir de Zuata : un réservoir d'eau du nord de la paroisse civile de Zuata de la municipalité de José Félix Ribas dans l'État d'Aragua.

Homonymie de toponyme

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
Q: Is it possible to fetch data on graph move, plotly js? I have thousands of different timestamp and value record and it is not possible to fetch all of them and show in the time series graph. Is there a way to fetch data when user move the graph to the left or right?
For example in first ss, I can see the data between 8:25 and 9:00, when I move graph to the right I want to fetch data again and see the data between 9:00 and 9:20. Is there any way to do it? I'm using plotly.js.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Рабат-и Мали́к (Rabat-i Mâlik от араб.:رباط ribāṭ — рибат, араб.ملك malik — малик, букв. — «Царская Крепость») — бывшая степная резиденция тюркских правителей из династии Караханидов, владевших землями среднеазиатского Двуречья в XI—XII веках, на позднем этапе функционирования (XII—XVIII века) превращённый в караван-сарай, от которого сохранился один лишь входной портал.

Остатки Рабат-и Малика расположены на трассе Великого шёлкового пути, в степи, вблизи старого города Кермине (Узбекистан), на современной главной трассе между двумя древними культурными центрами региона — Самаркандом и Бухарой.

Дворцовый комплекс возведён в эпохе мусульманского Ренессанса для Средней Азии по приказу Караханида Шамс аль мулька, сына Ибрахима, правившего в Самарканде в 1068—1080 годах. С XIII века, после монгольского завоевания Средней Азии, вплоть до начала XVIII века Рабат-и Малик выполнял роль караван-сарая для остановки торговых караванов.

Рабат-и Малик является одним из древнейших памятников среднеазиатского монументального зодчества и памятником зодчества мирового значения. В настоящее время Рабат-и Малик является единственным археологически исследованным памятником дворцового типа на территории средневекового Мавераннахра.

По данным исследователя, Рабат-и Малик является ярким выразителем особенностей синкретической строительной культуры Средней Азии XI—XII веков, который представлял собой крупное сооружение с много-дворовой планировочной структурой и не имеющий ничего общего с хорошо известными караван-сараями Средней Азии с одним или реже с двумя дворами на продольной оси.

География
Рабат-и Малик расположен на главной магистрали M37 между двумя древними культурными центрами региона — Самаркандом и Бухарой. В настоящее время поблизости Рабат-и Малика находится международный аэропорт Навои, поселок городского типа Маликрабат и в десяти километрах к востоку город Навои. Рядом через дорогу стоит второй памятник истории и культуры той же эпохи, гидротехническое сооружение XI—XII веков — Сардоба Малик.

История
Возведение «Царской крепости» в степи, как установлено по комплексу данных, относится к концу XI века, реконструкция к XII веку, функционирование продолжалось вплоть до начала XVIII века. Политическая история региона XI—XII веков, была связана с тремя тюркскими Империями и династиями Караханидов, Газневидов и Сельджукидов, которые правили здесь с переменным успехом и изменением государственных границ на протяжении всего означенного времени.

Рабат-и Малик в полном соответствии с названием «Царская крепость» был уникальным, сложным по архитектурному замыслу и роскошным по декоративному оформлению сооружением дворцового типа со всеми атрибутами комфортабельной крепости-резиденции, правительственной ставкой Караханидов, но отнюдь не караван-сараем, как это принято было считать.

Только столетия спустя, после того, как династия Караханидов сошла с исторической арены в начале XIII века, а по землям Средней Азии пронеслись татаро-монгольские полчища со всеми последствиями иноземного завоевания, эта благоустроенная «Царская крепость», сначала перестала быть династической резиденцией, а затем постепенно превращена в придорожный караван-сарай, стоявший на главной трассе Самарканд — Бухара.

За время своего существования памятник пережил два крупных строительных периода с полной реконструкцией отдельных частей крепости и множеством мелких ремонтов.

Во время советской власти, в 1940-е годы были разобраны на кирпич последние остатки главного фасада, а в 1950-е годы при строительстве города Навои, прямо по середине внутренней части Рабат-и Малика было проложено асфальтовое шоссе. Прилегающая к дороге территория с остатками стен была «благоустроена» — сравнена с землёю с помощью бульдозера. Это была последняя капля в уничтожении шедевра средневекового зодчества Мавераннахра до-монгольской поры.

История изучения
Бухарский историк Хафиз-и Таныш Бухари сообщает о Рабат-и Малике, построенном караханидом Шамс аддином.

В русской печати сведения о Рабат-и Малике впервые появились ещё в первой половине XIX века. Участники официальной дипломатической русской миссии под руководством К. Ф. Бутенева, отправленной в 1841—42 годы ко двору бухарского эмира, были поражены величественными руинами средневековой крепости, расположенной в степи на подходе к Бухаре. Руины заброшенного, но всё ещё сохранившего обаяние древности степного укрепления, оставили неизгладимое впечатление у путешественников. Участник экспедиции Н. В. Ханыков ограничился малоинформативным свидетельством наличия памятника в степи, в то время как натуралист А. А. Леман оставил схематичную зарисовку его главного фасада и, что очень важно, довольно подробное описание интерьеров Рабат-и Малика. А. А. Леман собрал также бытующие вокруг памятника предания, отражавшие в значительной степени его реальной истории, отметил, что руины укреплённого замка, который процветал 700—800 лет тому назад, являлось жилищем хана и его наследников, был выстроен одним из кочующих вождей Мавераннахра — Мелик-ханом.

После миссии К. Ф. Бутенева памятник посещали различные представители российских ведомств и иностранные путешественники: Н. Ф. Ситняковский, Н. А. Маев, А. Вамбери, Э. С. Скайлер и другие, которые ничего не прибавили к информации А. Лемана. Западной науке этот памятник оставался неизвестным на том этапе.

В 1920-х годах был поставлен вопрос о заказчике строительства Рабат-и Малика, который приписывался караханидскому правителю Шамс аль мульку (1068—1080). Основанием для такой атрибуции явились приписки на полях «Китаби-Мулло-Заде» (XVI в.) о строительстве Шамс аль мульком рабата в 471 г.х. Позже А. А. Семёнов, изучив дополнительные письменные данные, доказал, что это не так.

По настоящему Рабат-и Малик стал изучатся только в советское время. Первые археологические исследования начались проводится начиная с 1970-годов. В 1973—1975, 1977 и 1997—2001 годах были проведены раскопки (руководитель Н. Б. Немцева), в результате которых была исследована планировка укрепления и которые впервые дали представление об архитектуре не дошедших до нас дворцов Караханидов под Бухарой, известных по письменным данным.

Большой научный интерес представляют артефакты, полученные в процессе археологических работ — коллекция керамики, торевтика, ювелирные изделия, нумизматический материал. Особенно выжен самый массовый индикатор уровня развития ремесла и искусства — бытовая керамика, прослеженная в Рабат-и Малике в большом хронологическом диапазоне. Впервые на одном объекте Бухарского оазиса получена столовая и кухонная посуда с конца XI до начала XVIII веков, составлена сквозная хронологическая колонка, отражающая стадии развития этого вида ремесла на протяжении более 6—и столетий.

В рабат-и малике представлены самые передовые инженерные идеи XI—XII веков, основанный на двойных спаренных колоннах по углам октогона не имеет равных в синхронной архитектуре. Это чудо инженерной техники, входило в число крупнейщих куполов средневекового Востока. И не только размеры купола поражают воображение, но и точно рассчитанная конструкция — основание купола на двойных спаренных колоннах разного диаметра — инженерная идея, которая не повторилась больше нигде в Средней Азии. Синхронные купола, основанные на колоннах одинакового диаметра, в основном октагоне или квадрата, по северному Хорасану и Ирану (Мечеть Джами в Исфахане, мечети в Завваре и Дахистане). Та же композиция позже развивалась в Турции XV веке.

Архитектура и планировка
До наших дней дошла только часть южного фасада с башней, но о планировке крепости можно судить по результатам раскопок: крепость представляла собой прямоугольное в плане сооружение со стороной в 100 метров, по углам которого стояли башни высотой более 15-ти метров, которые, если судить по рисункам Лемана, были в сохранности в середине XIX века. Снаружи стены крепости украшены плоскими полуколоннами, сгруппированым попарно.

Вход в укрепление был один — через сохранившийся южный портал. Сам портал несколько выступает из стены, он прямоуголен в плане, прорезан стрельчатой аркой и украшен кирпичным орнаментом. От портала вглубь ведет галерея, изолированная от находившихся в южной части хозяйственных помещений (жилье для прислуги, конюшни, кухни с тандырами). Галерея ведет в восьмиугольную ротонду, арки в которой, как и вся галерея, были отделаны резным ганчем. Из ротонды, служившей центральным залом, ходы в ведут в северную жилую часть комплекса. Посередине комплекса при входе в северную часть находилась небольшая мечеть с михрабом на западной стене и минбаром слева. Стены и минбар были украшены резным ганчем с синей подкраской. Во время раскопок были найдены множество человеческих костей, что свидетельствует существование вокруг караван сарая кладбища.

По свидетельству того же Лемана, снаружи комплекс был обнесен еще одной стеной.

Фото

Примечания

Литература

Ссылки
 Немцева Н. Б. Рабат-и Малик.  — ссылка на doc-файл статьи, проиллюстрированной фотографиями Рабат-и Малик.

Всемирное наследие в Узбекистане
Архитектура Караханидов
Дворцы Узбекистана
Караван-сараи Узбекистана
Здания и сооружения Навоийской области
Дворцы, построенные в XI веке


text:
Tranhumanism
SHOCKING!!! Sweden Micro-Chipping Humans At An Alarming Rate!
SGT - July 15, 2019
Wayne McRoy Jr. | The Autism Epidemic, Transhumanism, & The A.I. Agenda
Scientists Getting Closer to "Smart Dust" Brain Implants That Communicate Via Wireless Network
Deep State Technology is Decades Ahead of Commercial Technology
MANY PEOPLE TRAPPED IN THEIR "SMART HOMES" WHEN GOOGLE APPS HAVE MAJOR OUTAGE. TECHNOCRACY
Technology Is Becoming Indistinguishable From Reality
from Truthstream Media:
Genetically Modified Babies. The Genetic Editing of Human Life is "Big Business"
by Arjun Walia, Collective Evolution:
The Facts:Despite government regulations and ethical issues, there are powerful corporate interests involved in the development and patenting of genetic editing of life forms.
Reflect On:Human advancements in biotechnology as well as technology will only be plausible and useful when they are used for the good of humanity in service to others, without any other use or intention behind their development.
SCIENTISTS SAY BABIES WILL GROW IN ARTIFICIAL WOMBS WITHIN TEN YEARS
by John Vibes, Waking Times:
The abortion debate is once again taking center stage in US politics, and the prospect of artificial wombs is slowly becoming a part of the conversation, as the technology is actually starting to become a reality. According to some experts in the field, we are just a decade away from this type of technology reaching the public.
Dr. Carlo Bulletti, associate professor at Yale University's obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive science department, has predicted that a fully functioning artificial womb could be used in the medical field in the next ten years.
FDA Approves Device To Shock Your Child's Brain…For Eight Hours A Night!
from WeAreChange:
IBM, the same company that provided punch card computing systems to the Nazis, lays groundwork for global "Mark of the Beast" cryptocurrency network
by Ethan Huff, Natural News:
The world is moving increasingly closer towards the type of single global currency system that was prophesied about in the Biblical book of Revelation. And leading the charge with its full-scale implementation is none other than multinational tech corporation IBM, which recently introduced a new financial transaction technology known as IBM Blockchain World Wire that has "Mark of the Beast" written all over it.
The Coming Wave Of High-Tech Authoritarianism
by John Rubino, Dollar Collapse:
One of history's hard lessons is that collapsing financial systems beget authoritarian politics.
Today's world, alas, is following this script, as rising debts lead to wrenching political changes in nearly every country that holds free elections, while fascism and socialism are once again being taken seriously by people who in normal times would inhabit the political center.
But there's one big difference this time around: the advanced state of social control technology. Past governments, when trying to tamp down dissent, were limited to blunt-instrument policies like curfews, phone taps and press shutdowns. Today's would-be Big Brothers can do vastly more, and in many cases will use the coming financial/political emergency as an excuse to place Orwell's proverbial boot on their citizens' necks.
Shoot Before This Happens, Or Never
by Karl Denninger, Market Ticker:
Sadly history is littered with examples where people either issued a strong warning to some entity that was ignored, resulting in war (e.g. 1776) or worse, the people didn't issue such a warning and really, really bad things happened (e.g. Auschwitz.)
This is one of those times at which such a warning must be issued, and the issue is not just what it appears folks.
LOS ANGELES — You will get chipped. It's just a matter of time.
In the aftermath of a Wisconsin firm embedding microchips in employees last week to ditch company badges and corporate logons, the Internet has entered into full-throated debate.
Religious activists are so appalled, they've been penning nasty 1-star reviews of the company, Three Square Market, on Google, Glassdoor and social media.
On the flip side, seemingly everyone else wants to know: Is this what real life is going to be like soon at work? Will I be chipped?
"It will happen to everybody," says Noelle Chesley, 49, associate professor of sociology at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. "But not this year, and not in 2018. Maybe not my generation, but certainly that of my kids."
Scientists Want You To Get A Brain Chip To Make You Smarter; And Intelligence Agencies Absolutely Won't Abuse This Technology Implanted In Humans
by Aaron Kesel, Activist Post:
The next big evolutionary Orwellian technology is coming. Soon you will be able to implant yourself with a brain chip to be super smart, CBS Chicago reported.
Elon Musk has previously criticized humans at a conference in Dubai. He expressed that artificial intelligence would surpass human beings and that we would be irrelevant if we didn't merge with machines. Musk plans to do this with his "Neuralink" product that can make anyone superhuman by connecting their brain to a computer chip.
Mark of the Beast Warning: GSMA, Banco Sabadell Promote Human Microchipping For Payment Transfers
from TruNews:
Smart Phones, Smart Appliances…Smart People? Brain Chip Will Create Super-Intelligent Humans
by Dagny Taggart, The Organic Prepper:
What if you could have a chip installed in your brain that would increase your intelligence? Would you be interested?
While this kind of brain-computer interface technology might sound like something out of a dystopian science fiction novel, scientists are working hard to develop it, and it will likely be available in the near future.
This gives a whole new meaning to the phrase "smart person."
HUMAN TRAFFICKING AND THE RFID CHIP
by Joseph P. Farrell, Giza Death Star:
This story was spotted by Mr. S.D., and while it is long on some details, but short on those types of details that one can check the story for veracity, I nonetheless believe it, for reasons we'll get into. The story itself is simple enough: a young woman who was admitted to a hospital emergency room gave her doctor a note stating she had a chip in her body, and that she had been shipped because she was part of a sex-trafficking ring:
Doctor Extracts RFID Chip From Sex Trafficking Victim Everyone Called Crazy
And she had an incision. So an x-ray was performed, and medical personnel gathered to view the results.
MAN RECEIVES A MICROCHIP IMPLANT LIVE ON STAGE AT THE MOBILE WORLD CONGRESS TECHNOLOGY EVENT IN BARCELONA SPAIN
by Geoffrey Grinder, Now The End Begins:
Today we bring you the news of Edgar Pons, the man who to great fanfare was chipped live at the Mobile World Congress of technology in Spain. Remember back in 2006 how nobody had an iPhone because it was not released yet? Then in 2007 millions of people bought an iPhone, then Android released a super-popular competing product? As of 2017 over 5 billion people, two thirds of the global population have one. Now take that same model and lay it over the top of the implantable microchip.
CRISPR twins who had their genes edited also had their brains altered to make them smarter, scientists believe
from Government Slaves:
Scientists believe that the "CRISPR twins," who had their genes edited last year before birth, will now have an easier time learning and memorizing. Apparently, the gene alteration, which was meant to make the girls immune to HIV, also altered their brains.
According to Technology Review:
Now, new research shows that the same alteration introduced into the girls' DNA, to a gene called CCR5, not only makes mice smarter but also improves human brain recovery after stroke, and could be linked to greater success in school.
Arkansas Anti-Microchipping Bill Author Asks "Do we wait until after the snake bites"?
by Daniel Taylor, Old Thinker News:
Rep. Stephen Meeks of Arkansas introduced a bill last month that would prevent employers from forcibly microchipping employees.
Meeks introduced House Bill 1177 in January. He stated regarding the bill "Do we wait until after the snake bites and then try to come up with solutions for it?… I believe there's great wisdom in doing it beforehand."
The bill would allow employers to use chips, but prevent a chip implant as a condition of employment.
Science FACT: Mind-Reading Technology Is Now Reality
It sounds like something out of a Philip K. Dick science fiction novel: a system that uses artificial intelligence to translate people's thoughts into intelligible, recognizable speech.
But fiction it is not: a team of neuro-engineers at Columbia University did, in fact, develop such a system. Information on the technology was published yesterday in Scientific Reports.
In a press release, Columbia University explained how the system works:


text:
Tag: Sunrise Movement Bay Area
The Left Gets More Unhinged Every Day
Teachers brought "coached" students to confront Senator Feinstein in her California office about AOC's "Green New Deal". It was obvious that the students had been brain washed to the point of being frightened about what is going to happen to them in 12 years. One young girl holding a protest sign said to the Senator that, "scientist have said that we have 12 years to deal with this" When Senator Feinstein pushed back in a reasonable way the adults with the group, I assume they were teachers, became indignant. As expected the MSM has "selectively" released parts of the student's visit to make the Senator look bad about her position on the "Green New Deal". The trip was organized by the "Sunrise Movement Bay Area" and is being used by them to put pressure on elected officials like Feinstein. The students appeared to me to be elementary and middle school students, but the organizers claim that they are middle school and high school students. Either way this is an improper way to use students.
Kamala Harris' family owned a large farm in Jamaica and used slaves to work it! Per a number of unrelated articles posted on the internet, "While Democratic 2020 hopeful Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif) is making calls for some form of reparations for slavery, her father revealed that their family has a history of being violent slave owners". No surprise, I have not seen any of the MSM reporting on this?
Kamala Harris openly admitted in a live interview on a talk radio show to smoking marijuana in the past. When the host seemed surprised about this open admission by a sitting Senator and active Presidential candidate, she laughed it off and said, "I am Jamaican". Her father did not respond well to her "I am Jamaican" comment. When the, still surprised, show host asked if she supported the legalization of recreational marijuana, she did not hesitate to say that she did. The MSM is burying this one too.
Recently the MSM began to obsess about how much time the President spends on "twitter". One major station, I believe it was CBS, announced that they had assigned staff to monitor President Trump's time on twitter and keep detailed records of how much time he spent on twitter every day.
With Washington grinding to a halt Nancy Pelosi got rock star treatment at Clive Davis' pre-Grammy's party. She got a standing ovation and a long line of "stars" stood in line to get pictures with her recreating her "mocking Trump clap' during his SOTU speech.
Disgraced and fired FBI Deputy Director, and Acting Director briefly, Andrew McCabe has been on a mind-boggling media tour promoting his new book and blaming everyone but himself for his firing. He has even named Rod Rosenstein, Deputy Director of the DOJ as being the person who suggested they use the 25th amendment to remove Trump from the White House, the person that said at least two cabinet members would support this and that he "would wear a wire to the White House to record President Trump". When asked who the cabinet members were McCabe "could not remember". He has repeatedly insisted that Trump "colluded" with the Russians to "fix the election". Based on several articles posted on various internet sites, and reports on Fox News, McCabe is guilty of lying under oath on at least three occasions during recorded testimony.
McCabe failed to report a $700,000 campaign contribution from Terry McAuliffe, a high-ranking Clinton operative, to his wife for a failed run for political office in Virginia. He was required by law to report this on his financial disclosure forms at the time, but somehow this is not an issue for a career Democrat in the "Washington Cesspool"? Remember the "Washington Cesspool Double Standard of Justice" I wrote about last week?
Special Council Mueller continues to spend millions of taxpayer dollars and destroy families' lives, General Flynn, Manafort, Stone, while he searches for "crimes that the Trump family may have committed". This is how things are done in ruthless dictatorships, not in America. Stalin actually bragged about doing this. When Mueller could not find anything that he could prosecute Trump for he widened his investigation way beyond his original Justice Department mandate. Mueller did this with the full support of the leadership of the FBI and DOJ (who have all been forced to resign or were fired)!
Recently it was made public that in 1996 the IRS began issuing ITIN (Individual Tax Identification Numbers) to foreigners working in the U.S. who could not get Social Security numbers. This was intended for them to be able to legally file tax returns for money earned in the U.S. Somewhere along the way it became a way for illegals to file bogus tax returns with under reported incomes and inflated claims for child care credits. This has resulted in the IRS issuing huge tax refunds for bogus claims, and they are still doing it! In one case that was reported by a "whistle blower" in Detroit $28,000 was paid out in tax refunds to multiple illegals who were supposed to be living in a mobile home and claimed excessive child care credits for nieces and nephews. When reporters visited the mobile home only one couple with one child lived there.
A number of people in the MSM have started monitoring President Trumps "Executive Time" and gleefully reporting it as excessive and unproductive. From what I have seen, and I am a news junky, this President works more and harder than any President in my memory and has accomplished more in two years than I believed possible. He has done this with more open opposition to everything he tries to do than any President that I am aware of. Who else in the White House had the leadership of the FBI and DOJ openly plotting to remove him from office using the 25th Amendment, with ranking members of the Left in Washington eagerly supporting them?
Schiff, Blumenthal, and a number of other hard Left Democrats are plotting with Mueller and State AG's to make sure Manafort and Stone are charged with serious crimes at the state level. They are loudly bragging about this being done because the President cannot pardon people for crimes they are charged with in State Courts.
Schiff, Nadler and other ranking Democrats are opening new and very expensive investigations into "everything Trump". They are also issuing press releases and giving interviews to anyone in the MSM that will give them camera time insisting that they will subpoena Mueller if he does not immediately publicly release all the records from his investigations, as soon as he completes the investigations (which would be a serious violation of a number of Federal laws), and if he does not bring criminal charges against Trump. Various "Washington and New York insiders" are all saying that this is an indication that the Mueller investigations are winding down and no criminal collision has been found.
Obviously I could write a long book with examples like these, all easily documented, but I think the ones I listed here make it clear how bad things have gotten in Washington.
Up until now I have avoided using the word "treason" in any of my articles. I have tried to label everything the Left is doing as a new level of dishonest and nasty national politics. However, I am ending this article with the Merriam Webster definition of Treason: "the offense of attempting to overthrow the government of one's country or of assisting its enemies in war; specifically: the act of levying war against the United States or adhering to or giving aid and comfort to its enemies by one who owes it allegiance". If the leadership of multiple Federal Government departments and ranking elected officials plotting to remove a sitting president simply because they do like him is not Treason, it is sure getting close to being!
Author Simple ManPosted on February 27, 2019 February 27, 2019 Categories Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, AOC, Business, Civil War, Clinton, Conservatives, Coup, Current Events, Democrats, Double Standard of Justice, FBI, Flynn, FOX NEWS, Harris, Hillary, John Podesta, Liberals, Main Stream Media, Michael Cohen, MSM, News, Obama, One World Order, Pelosi, Politics, Republicans, RINO Republicans, Rod Rosenstein, Roger Stone, The Constitution, The Left, The Washington Cesspool, Trump, U.S. EconomyTags Andrew McCabe, AOC, Business, Civil War, Clinton, Conservatives, Coup, Current Events, Democrats, Double Standard of Justice, Fox News, General Flynn, Green New Deal, Hillary, ITIN, Kamala Harris, Liberals, MSM, Mueller, Obama, Paul Manafort, Pme World Order, Politics, Rep Nadler, Rep. Schiff. Bluementhal, Republicans, RINO Republicans, Rod Rosenstein, Roger Stone, Senator Feinstein, Sunrise Movement Bay Area, Terry McAluiffe, The Consitution, The Washington Cesspool, Treason, Treson, TrumpLeave a comment on The Left Gets More Unhinged Every Day


text:
Health.com Health.com
Explore Health.com
Is Your Doctor Gaslighting You? Here's What to Do
How to handle a physician who doubts or dismisses your symptoms. Read More Next
11 Signs It's More Serious Than the Common Cold
Is it just a head cold, or something else? Doctors explain how to tell if you have the common cold or something more serious that requires medical attention, such as the flu, strep throat, meningitis, or mono. Read More Next
How Your Period Changes During Your 20s, 30s, and 40s
From easier cramps to a heavier flow to more PMS mood swings, here's a guide on what to expect decade by decade—and when a change to your cycle might be a sign of something serious. Read More Next
See all Health A-Z
Cold, Flu, and Sinus
Diabetes (Type 2)
6 Things This Nutritionist Wishes She Knew About Food Years Ago
One registered dietitian shares the core principles she's learned over 20 years in the field.
These 13 Women Prove Every Body Is a Bikini Body
We're loving their inspirational, body-positive messages.
How Topical Treatments Can Help Your Psoriasis
A guide to finding one that will work for you
By Lead writer: Nora Isaacs
Getty ImagesAlthough there is no cure for psoriasis, topical medications are an invaluable tool for many people in managing the disease. Topicals—which are applied directly to the skin—can reduce itching and inflammation, improve the skins appearance, and normalize abnormal cell production, which is thought to be one of the causes of psoriasis.
If your condition is isolated to a few areas, topicals are the first line of defense, says Steven Feldman, MD, PhD, professor of dermatology at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, N.C. "I divide patients into two groups: Those with a few spots where I use topicals, and those with so many spots that you cant possibly put topicals on all of them." For those with psoriasis that covers many areas, oral medications and biologics might be a better fit.
Your dermatologist may also decide to use topicals in combination with other medications. Make sure to apply them only to the part of the body directed by your doctor to avoid unwanted side effects.
Your topical tool kit
Moisturizing creams. A key to treating psoriasis is keeping your skin moisturized. Patients recommend ointments such as Vaseline and lotions to minimize itching and redness; finding the right product is a process of trial and error. Whatever you choose, slather the affected parts of your body immediately after a bath or shower.
Coal tar. How this age-old remedy helps psoriasis sufferers remains something of a mystery. "We have no idea how it works," says Robert E. Kalb, MD, clinical associate professor of dermatology at the University at Buffalo School of Medicine in Buffalo, N.Y. Doctors presume that it reduces the overproduction of skin cells. The upside to tar products is that they dont cause side effects. The downside is that theyre smelly and messy, and can stain fabric.
Topical steroids. "Steroids are the mainstay of topical treatments," says Dr. Kalb. Also known as topical corticosteroids, topical steroids are one of the most popular topical solutions and come in a wide range of potencies, from mild formulas available over the counter to heavy-duty prescriptions. Steroids decrease inflammation, relieve itching, and slow the development of new psoriasis patches. Although effective, aggressive topical steroids can cause skin thinning (which can lead to stretch marks), so many dermatologists recommend using them only for a short period of time. "The challenge is to maintain the benefits without using them too much," says Dr. Kalb.
Vitamin D analogues. Synthetic versions of vitamin D, these medications control the overproduction of skin cells, decreasing scaling and itching. They are not as fast acting as topical steroid products, but the upside is that they dont have the skin-thinning side effects of steroids. Many doctors use them as a complement to steroids; once the psoriasis is under control with steroids, Dr. Kalb often switches his patients to a popular vitamin D derivative called Dovonex (also known by its generic name calcipotriene), or uses it in conjunction with lower doses of steroids. Another product called Taclonex combines calcipotriene with a steroid. "Of the patients that I treat who are candidates for topicals, 90% are treated with topical steroids or vitamin D derivatives," says Neil Korman, MD, PhD, clinical director of the Murdough Family Center for Psoriasis in Cleveland.
Vitamin A derivatives. Vitamin A derivatives such as Tazorac (also known as tazarotene) slow down the growth of skin cells and reduce inflammation. They are commonly used on areas such as the face, scalp, and nails, although they sometimes can cause skin irritation.
Salicylic acid. This treatment, often used in conjunction with other topical remedies, reduces inflammation and helps remove scales that appear on psoriasis patches. Salicylic acid is available both over the counter and by prescription in lotions, soaps, shampoos, and other forms.
Next Page: Finding a topical that works [ pagebreak ]Finding one that works: Its personal
Choosing the right treatment is a process of trial and error. You and your doctor should consider factors such as side effects, lifestyle choices, and cosmetic preferences to help you decide where to start. Once you begin experimenting, you will find out which approaches work best for you.
Researchers are not sure why success is so variable, but they speculate that some people respond better to certain treatments because of the genetic side to psoriasis. If this is true, says Dr. Kalb, understanding how different people react could greatly advance treatment options someday. "In the future, we might be able to do a blood or skin test to predict what will help them," he says.
Until then, patients should work closely with their doctors to monitor and switch treatments when necessary. "If you use a topical medication for three to four weeks you should definitely see an improvement," says Dr. Kalb. If not, your dermatologist will probably try something else.
Although topicals can be very effective, doctors say there is a high rate of noncompliance when it comes to applying them. "Its a chronic disease, and sometimes people just use them for awhile, get tired of them, and then stop using them," says Dr. Korman. For the best results, follow the directions from your doctor on how often to apply and, even though it can be bothersome, stick with it.
Health.com is part of the Meredith Health Group. ©, Copyright 2019 Meredith Corporation. All rights reserved. The material in this site is intended to be of general informational use and is not intended to constitute medical advice, probable diagnosis, or recommended treatments. All products and services featured are selected by our editors. Health.com may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Data Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab Your California Privacy Rightsthis link opens in a new tab EU Data Subject Requeststhis link opens in a new tab Cookie Preferencesthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
© Copyright . All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.health.com


We met Ramera after a few weeks on the course to find out what the Visa application process was like.
Hi Ramera, can you tell us how you found the application process for the Youth Mobility Scheme (Tier 5) Visa?
Applying from Canada was relatively easy, but required me to go through a third party visa application center. Upon completion of my online application, I had to make an appointment to go to the centre with all of my required documents. So they could verify them, take my biometrics (fingerprints and a photograph), and send off the documents along with a printed application to the closest British Consulate General. The closest one to me was in New York. After sending the documents and my application to the Consulate General, you are expected to wait a period no longer than three weeks to receive an outcome via traditional post.The application process will differ depending on the country you are applying from. Some may require you apply through a third party company like VHS Global, and some may allow you to send your application yourself.
When did you apply and when did you find out the outcome?
I applied for my Tier 5 (Youth Mobility Scheme) visa during the first week of August. I received my successful decision and temporary visa with my passport after two weeks! There was a time limit since I had only just discovered I was accepted to the Abbey Road Institute programme, so I was either going to quickly plan a flight to London or request to begin the course in March instead.
How did the visa application process work for you?
Overall, visa applications are very administrative and require a lot of time, proper documentation, and financial investment. My experience was smooth, despite the stress of waiting! You are not able to track your package or application. So the most difficult part is waiting for a decision, especially if you are under a time limit. Be prepared to put lots of time into your application and be sure you have all the right documentation before sending it out.
Ask someone else to review your application before you submit it – they may spot something you've missed!
To be part of our Advanced Diploma in Music Production and Sound Engineering start your application now for our next course starting in March 2018.


No, not that kind of pusher. Let me explain.
Years ago, I came across a collection of science fiction stories, one of my favorite literary genres.
One story really grabbed me. It's stayed with me for decades.
An alien ship is stranded in space. Its crew is an assortment of life forms, all serving in extremely specific roles: There is a Brain, who oversees the mission; the Eye who charts their course, the Ear that listens for messages from other ships and planets, and so forth.
It turns out its Pusher–the life form that actually makes the ship go–has died in an unfortunate accident. Unless they can find another Pusher–fast–they will all die, too.
Fortunately, they discover they are very close to a planet of rogue Pushers–Pushers who have cut off for so long from their fellow Pushers, they don't even realize they ARE Pushers. Having no knowledge of their true place in life, they vent their frustration and and anxiety by waging war on one another. This horrifies the crew. But they know they have no choice but to try to enlist one of them to Push.
They find a lone Pusher and somehow get him on the ship. He's a human being (of course) from Earth.
He's terrified of the strange creatures on board. He's angry he's been kidnapped. He can't believe what the aliens are telling him–that his true calling–humanity's true calling in life–is to "make spaceships go". He can't believe that war, conflict, murder, violence among his people are all because they are not able to do what they are meant to do. That humans are deeply unhappy and feel misplaced and unbalanced, because their purpose in life has been untapped for ages.
The aliens beg him to consider their offer. Turns out there isn't much keeping him on earth-no family, few friends, hates his work. It might be an amazing adventure! They can even bring him back to Earth, if he desires. Or he can explore the universe with them. They assure him that there are many other planets of (ushers, so he will have lots of company. They will reward him if he signs on.
He begins to feel at ease with them. He sympathizes with their plight. He wishes he could help.
But he still protests. He has no idea how to "push" a spaceship.
They guide him to his post. "Just try," they plead.
I've never found that story since, and I have no idea who wrote, or when. But every time I think of it, a little shiver goes through my heart.
But I love the concept that there are reasons for us to be here, even if we cannot always see the reasons, or understand them.
I love that this story is one way of explaining that.
And I love that even if we don't think we know how to Push, it is in our nature to recognize when we need to Push.
I know when I finally stepped up to being an artist, something in my life began to move.
I know when I overcame my fears and became a martial artist, something in my life shook loose.
I know when I realized I was not too old to learn how to ride a horse, something in my life became richer.
I know when I became a hospice volunteer, something in my heart expanded.
Now it's California. I don't know what that's about yet. I think I know, but I really don't.
But I know when it's time to Push, I will.
P.S. I just found the story! (I love the interweb….) It's called "Specialist" by Robert Sheckely, and was published in 1953–one year after I was born!
We're still moving to California. But things have slowed down.
Well. Not really. Jon originally said we would be gone by winter. We got a little carried away by the thought we might make it much, much sooner. Then life through us a few hiccups which I won't go into because I'll start whining again. Some of the hiccups are major. Some are wicked hard. But none have changed our original goal–to be outta here before the snow flies and the ice slides again.
In our initial enthusiasm, we blabbed and bubbled a lit-tul too much. So now, when people see us here in Keene, they exclaim, "You're still here?!".
It's embarrassing, but inevitable. We feel perhaps we've outstayed our welcome.
And of course, now I'm working my way through my studio, picking things to keep, slowly sorting things to sell or donate or give away. Couches are replaceable. A printer's type tray chest is not easily replaced. But it's not easily moved either.
One of my TWO chests of printer's type tray/drawers. And the box of creepy doll heads.
And slowly, understandably, our dream of California is fading. It's hard to remember what set us on fire to move, as the reality sets in: living in a stripped-down home, packing up box after box of books, winter clothing, art supplies and sorting through a lifetime's collection of wonderful knickknacks.
Last Friday, I wrote Hero's Journey, sharing how a friend's words of wisdom got me back on track. A few days ago, I found my own words of wisdom to describe where we're at.
We went to California, as we had so many times before. We've always enjoyed it. But we never felt we could live there. We had so many reasons why it wasn't possible: The traffic, the density of people, the sky-high cost of housing.
This time, it was different. It created a powerful sense of yearning that I couldn't ignore, and couldn't forget.
Weeks later, when Jon shared he felt the same way as I did, I felt a rush of joy. I realized we had BOTH heard the call. And we could both choose to answer it.
That's it. That's what all this life upheaval is about.
Only afterwards did we layer our choice with explanations and rationalizations. Yes, it's the chance of a lifetime for both of us to reboot–professionally, physically, emotionally.
And we are answering it.
The first time I heard the Call in my life, I felt like a great wave had engulfed me (in a good way.) It was a clarion call to take up my art, and assume my place in the world. I answered with my full intention, with my heart and soul.
The times I've heard it since, I've done the same. I answered. I acted, with my full intention.
I have never, EVER regretted it.
Each time it has opened a door in my life. When I walk through, everything falls into place. When I look back, I see miracles and angels. Sometimes, I have to "lie down in a dark room" for a bit, because it is so powerful.
We heard the Call. And all our intentions are focused on answering it.
I don't know what to tell you. Except that maybe vacations are trying to tell us something, and we've simply gotten used to ignoring them.
We didn't want to come home.
Because suddenly, wonderfully, we already were.
I'm struggling with a lot of issues and thoughts lately. This big move is unsettling. We know more than ever that we need to move. And we know we WANT to move. But when, and where, and what to do with a very few but oh-so-precious companions and fragile, vulnerable loved ones, confound and confuse us.
Layer that with questions about how to keep our hearts open and loving, while protecting ourselves from the people who would destroy us by gentle nibbling or explosive bites….
With the feeling that it's truly time to dig deep into issues of compassion and forgiving, while still protecting ourselves….
Well, it's been a bit of a jumble.
As always, listening and writing help. And actually sitting down and making things helps, too. In the midst of donating, selling, giving stuff away, it's even more important than ever to honor my creative spirit. That's easy to forget while working on the ever-growing to-do list.
As always, someone speaks magic words. And for a brief moment, there is clarity. Clarity that gets me through another day.
Last week, I complained to a friend that she and a very few people were helping me a lot, more than I felt comfortable with. While other people were doing very little, if anything at all. It felt out of whack, unbalanced. "But it's your turn!" she said. I still didn't get it, so she explained. When we reach out and help others, whether it's helping them move, helping them with information they need, helping them by simply listening, we will "get it back". But not necessarily from that person.
Well. That just shut me right up. I had to stop and think about it. It made so much sense. I am getting everything I need right now. And it's coming from all over the map of my friendships, some from very old places and much from very new places.
Of course, being human, this heart of mine, trying to be so gentle, soon got all gritchy again. Last night, over a glass of wine, I complained to another friend that all the joy seems to have drained out of our decision to move.
When I try to remember what moved us to do this, it feels like a dream. Now, we feel dominated by the harsh realities of a job search, determining the actual destination, recognizing the costs involved, dealing with the disruption to our lives.
At the same time, I'm highly sensitive to the fact that this isn't "awful, hard stuff"–no one is dying, no one is injured, no one is forcing us to do this. I'm embarrassed to complain so much. And our dream of California, which made so much sense a year ago, now seems a bit frivolous.
She said that when we're in a state with so much upheaval and confusion, it can feel awful. Because it IS unsettling.
It's not possible, nor even advisable, to think logically about the move right now. We'll make assumptions based on information that isn't certain–perhaps even wrong.
And it's even more important to remember the dream.
"I think of 'dreaming' as light-hearted," she said. "There's no attachment. It's…creative. And deeply spiritual." She commented that all the aspects of the dream that mean so much to me–the light, the ocean, the big sky, the climate–all speak of deep connections to nature. She believes that connection is fundamental to all people, but especially creative people.
Assumptions, on the other hand, are heavy, and negative, and too attached to outcome. It is the antithesis of 'the call'.
I realize that is exactly what this desire feels like. A call, for something we couldn't even articulate at first. As we tried to define it, we attached certain aspects to it that made sense: More sunshine and richer professional connections for Jon. I don't know what for me. I hesitate to even name it for myself.
But we both felt that call, before we even had words for it. Despite us trying to nail it down, make it concrete, apply logic and reason to it, it remains largely indescribable. In many ways, not logical.
And we both still yearn for it deeply, in a way that's still hard to articulate. That moment of us discovering the other felt exactly the same way still astonishes me when I think of it.
I've felt this call a handful of times in my life. I answered it, every time except once. Each time I responded, my heart has grown larger, my life has grown richer.
My only regret? The time I didn't answer.
She gave me just what I needed right now.
I've decided to take a mental vacation as I work on my giant to-do list. I'm indulging in a little "California Dreamin'". Oh, I'm still here, packing up winter clothes, clearing out a box or two, running to the library to donate yet more books. Trying to clear a space in my studio to work.
But last night, as I drifted off to sleep, I would not let myself worry. Or plan. Or even think about my to-do list. I set aside my thoughts of Doug, and Robin, and Bunster.
Instead, I thought of huge rolling waves.
A beach filled with shiny pebbles.
Golden light from a big, big sky.
A sense of coming home.
My friend and co-Keene Art Tour founder Kristina Wentell teaches painting classes–the kind where she walks you through the steps and you go home with a painting that same day. It was fun, I enjoyed it very much, and I like my painting enough that I took it in to Creative Encounters to be framed. I'll post the finished piece when I get it back.
In the meantime, read about my experiences here on Kristina's blog.
I realize I've never taken a painting class before because they're always a long, drawn-out affair–you learning to paint. Kristina shows you how to paint a replica of her painting. No, it doesn't make you an artist. But you get a sense of what it looks like, and what it feels like, to create a painting. And that's what just might pull you in to pursue it more.
Plus you go home with your own little "masterpiece" that night. Near-instant gratification!
I can has a painting!
I love it when it's so crowded in my booth, you can't even see me!
Yesterday I wrote this column for Fine Art Views. It's about the excuses we make when it comes to selling our art. (It's part of a series I've written about why you should do open studios.
It may seem that way. Many artists believe it.
But actually, no. It really isn't different.
Art-making is a circle: You make the art, you get your art into the world in all kinds of ways and manner…to connect your to an audience.
Selling is simply one way of connecting your work to an audience. It's part of the creative process.
As artists, we think of the "making" as the creative part–often our favorite part! We've learned to see what others may not see. By capturing a moment, a trick of the light, a feeling, we urge others to look more closely. By sharing an image that sparks a memory, an idea, an insight, we connect that spark to others.
Yes, we may make art for what it does for us. Perhaps we feel more human, or more whole, or simply happier.
But art is bigger than us. Art is bigger when it connects to others.
When I create work inspired by ancient cave paintings, there is a deepening in myself I can actually feel. But what really breaks my heart wide open is when others see what I see, feel what I feel. For a brief moment, the "I" inside me connects to the "I" inside you.
When our world was much smaller, it was pretty easy for others to see what we made. We knew who the artist/shaman was in our little community. We knew who made the most beautiful weavings, or carvings, whether functional or pure adornment.
The difference now is, the world is a lot bigger, our communities more diverse. We just have to work a little harder.
And so we do exhibitions and shows. We have websites. We send out postcards, and catalogs, and mailings. We create publicity with press releases and events like art receptions, open studios and installations.
Some of us hate this entire connection process, especially the selling part. Others find it just as creative as the actual making. I do! I love how much people enjoy my postcards. I like welcoming people into my studio. I enjoy reading people's reactions to a post I've made or an image I've shared on Facebook.
Where most of us get stuck is getting people to actually buy the stuff.
But if you look at selling as a creative process, too, it becomes a logical outcome of our entire creativity circle. Hopefully, recognizing it will make it more enjoyable–or at least less frustrating!
"Selling? Creative?!", I can almost hear you say. "What the….?!!!" Bear with me again!
For me, the "why" creates more power: Why do I get inspiration from this cave? Why does making this work bring me joy? Why do I use the techniques and materials I use?
But that may not be enough. So here's where the next creative process comes into play….
We create ways for our audience to make their own connections.
They are the ones who will assign new meaning to what we've made. They will fit it into their lives, their homes.
This is where we let our audience tell their story.
Now it's time for us to ask them questions. Now we ask them the "why".
Ask your buyer: What attracted you to my work? Why does it bring joy to you? What do you see? What does it remind you of? What does it say to you? And why do you desire to have it for yourself? What place in your home would you hang it, and why? If it's a gift, why did you select this piece for that person? Who is this person to you, that you are giving them such an amazing gift?
And when they come back to you next year for more, they will have even more to tell you. What else they've noticed. How it's influenced, or even changed them. What other people have said about it. How much the friend enjoyed it.
These are the foundation blocks of the selling process. We establish a way for our audience to connect emotionally, spiritually, to us, and to our work.
When I first started getting my work out into the world, it took me awhile to get this concept. I thought it was all about me, the artist. And so I talked as much as people let me. I sold quite a bit of my work, so I figured it was what worked.
But one day I realized something was missing.
I was focused totally on my experience. I was not giving attention to my customer's experience.
When I stopped talking and started actively listening, I was astonished by what I heard.
People saw things I hadn't seen. They told stories I hadn't thought of. Their connection to what I'd made was just as powerful as the connection I had through making it.
People always ask me what the markings mean on my artifacts. I had my thoughts. But I was astonished what other people saw–sometimes with profound possibilities. Some folks saw musical notation–and now we know how important sound was to ancient people. Some saw a map. A child saw constellations.
None of these had ever occurred to me. Yet now I can't see those markings without a ginormous sense of wonder. A miracle has occurred….
My world was changed and enriched by their connection.
The satisfaction comes from my feeling the circle is complete.
So why did I mention miracles earlier?
Because miracles are a shift in perspective, from fear to love.
We can lose the fear of selling. And instead, we can embrace the deep, powerful connection with the world, it represents.