text:
Laptime for infants up to 23 months and their caregivers meets at the Main Branch every Wednesday at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m.
Time for Twos for 2 year olds and their caregivers meets at the Main Branch every Thursday at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m.
Preschool Explorers meets every Tuesday at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. at the Main Library.
Preschool Storytime, for children ages 3 to 5 meets at the Sneads Ferry Branch every Tuesday at 10 a.m. and at the Richlands and Swansboro Branches every Thursday at 11 a.m.
Mother Goose Time for children up to age 3 and their caregivers meets at the Richlands Branch every Thursday at 10 a.m. and the Swansboro Branch every Wednesday and Thursday at 10 a.m.
Kids Creations, featuring theme-based stories and crafts for children in kindergarten through fifth grade, meets at the Richlands Branch the first Thursday of each month at 4:30 p.m.
Legos at the Library for children ages kindergarten through 12th grade meets at 10 a.m. the second Saturday of each month at the Main Library and the third Saturday of each month at the Swansboro Branch Library.
Free family film Friday
The Onslow County Public Library shows a free family-friendly movie the first Friday of each month at 4 p.m. at the Main Branch. Bring the family and enjoy an afternoon movie and free popcorn. For more information or to register, call 910-455-7350, ext. 231.
American Girl Club
American Girl Book Club for youth in grades two to five meets the third Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. at the Main Library. The group discusses a different American Girl each month with snacks, crafts and activities relevant to different periods in history. Next meeting at 4:30 p.m. Sept. 17 at the Main Library.
Friends� meeting
Jacksonville Friends of the Library meets at 4 p.m. Sept. 19 at the Main Library.
A year with Austen
In celebration of the 200th anniversary of Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, Richlands Branch Library will learn to traditional dances, crafting, and refreshments at 4:30 p.m. Sept. 19 at the Richlands Branch Library.
Jacksonville Friends of the Library hosts its fall three day used book sale Sept. 19-21 at the Main Library. Friends members only from 7 to 8 p.m. Sept. 19, sign up at the door for $5 and receive a free book. The sale opens to the public from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Sept. 20 and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 21. Saturday�s sale shoppers can fill a bag with books for $10. Book donations are being accepted until date of the sale. All proceeds benefit the library.
For more information on Onslow County Public Library services or programs, go to co.onslow.nc.us/library/ or call 910-455-7350.
Artist reception
Carteret Public Library hosts an artist reception for Nan Bowles at 4 p.m. Sept. 18 in the art gallery.
Let�s Talk About It series
Carteret Public Library hosts �Let�s Talk About It� at 7 p.m. Sept. 23 with Helena Feder of East Carolina University discussing a selection of poetry by famous poets such as Whitman, Dickinson, Sandburg and Pound. This is the second session of the series on �Picturing America: Making Tracks.�
Western Carteret Public Library also hosts a �Let�s Talk About It� series at 7 p.m. Sept. 24 with Willie Nelmsy discussing Lee Smith�s �Oral History.� This session is on Tar Heel Fiction: Stories of Home.
The library�s newsletter �The Library Log� is available as an eNewsletter. Visit Carteret.cpclib.org for details and to sign up.
Book wagon
Friends of the Carteret County Public Library�s book sales wagon is located at the corner of Turner and Front streets in Beaufort. Hardback books are $1 and paperbacks are 50 cents.
Carteret County Public Library�s storytime program for 3 to 5 year olds meets at 10 a.m. Wednesdays. Time for Toddlers, ages 18 months to 3 year olds meets at 10 a.m. Fridays.
The Western Carteret children�s storytime with Ms. Anna for ages 3 to 5 years meets at 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays. �Bookends� meets Tuesdays at 4 p.m. Anime Club meets Tuesdays at 5 p.m.
Z-Factor Productions meets at 4:15 p.m. Thursdays.
Gaming meets at 3 p.m. Fridays.
Newport Public Library children�s library Book Worms Book Club meets Mondays at 3:30 p.m. Preschool �Read-to-Me� Storytime for ages 3 to 5 years meets at 10 a.m. Tuesdays. Book Buddies Book Club for grades K-2 meets at 3:30 p.m. Wednesdays.
Bogue Banks Library�s preschool storytime �Play-doh Day� meets at 10 a.m. Thursdays.
For more information on Carteret County Library services or programs, call 252-728-2050 or go to carteret.cpclib.org.
Preschool Storytime meets every Wednesday at Tarawa Terrace Community Center at 10 a.m. and Midway Park Community Center at 10:30 a.m.
Storytime meets for theme-based stories and crafts on Thursdays at the base main library at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m.
For more information on events and programs at the base libraries, call 910-451-3026.


J. T. Peebles will be in town soon and is stopping by Fleet Feet!
While J.T. is in town, he will hold a Good Form Running Clinic for us on March 3, 2018.
Please meet at 3 Oaks Community Center to start at 9:30 am.
This will be very personalized so unfortunately this is limited to the first 25 to sign up in store.
Hurry! Spots are filling up fast.


In this article we will review several products from the Sumo Lounge. Do their products beat the competition? Read on to find out!
QAPete returns from his dormant state, providing this open letter to the BeyondUnreal community concerning the state of the site and himself in 2005, and a peek into what lies ahead in 2006.


text:
Q: Detect repeated CSS properties of a styled component in Vscode I would like to detect repeated CSS properties in my styled components.
Something like
const TextContents = styled.div`
  --> display: flex;
  justify-content: center;
  align-items: center;
  flex-direction: column;
  width: 100%;
  align-items: flex-start;
  --> display: flex;
`;

Is there anything you know of that could help, please?
Ideally inside of Vscode or even with a command line tool.

A: Stylelint can do this.
The rule that does the check is called declaration-block-no-duplicate-properties.
By installing the official VSCode extension, you'll be able to see inline errors, but you can also use the command-line tool to automatically fix this type of error, with the --fix flag.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Poland's parliamentary elections next Sunday could be a make-or-break test for Gen. Wojciech Jaruzelski. Polish reporters accompanying the government and party leader to the UN last month insist that he made a good impression among politicians and others, including bankers, that he met in New York. He was effective, they say, in changing some American opinions about Poland and Polish affairs in the last four years.
But for the general, the more important problem just now is whether his administration and its policies have become more accepted at home. Evidence of a less unhappy public would do as much as anything to create greater acceptance in the United States and among other Western nations of the general's claims to have brought Poland back to normality.
And Sunday's elections are the test of that public opinion. Poles are being asked to approve new members to parliament, a body that in the past five years has been increasingly drained of credibility and confidence.
The new Sejm (parliament) will have 460 seats. Fifty were alloted in advance to General Jaruzelski and other top communist or nonparty coalition figures. They will stand unopposed in the current election.
For the remaining 410 seats, two candidates must run for each seat. A built-in majority is ensured for the Communist (Polish United Workers) Party. In the last house there were 261 communists. Their compliant partners, the Peasant Party and the Democratic Party, had 113 and 37 respectively.
But the dual-candidate rule is only cosmetic -- it is not really a democratic choice. This election, like any in Eastern Europe, features a single ticket with no alternative to established Communist Party policy. Every candidate had to be confirmed by PRON, the government's so-called Patriotic Movement for National Rebirth, a grass-roots social and political organization.
The only real issue in this election, then, is: How many Poles will vote?
The government is not seeking to produce the manipulated votes of over 90 percent that are common to previous East-bloc elections, this country included.
``Seventy, perhaps 75 percent [of the] vote will be good,'' one top minister told the Monitor recently.
One reason for this lower expectation is that the dwindling remnants of Solidarity's underground have called for a boycott.
The banned trade union did the same for last year's local council elections as well. On that occasion, there was also official anxiety over the size of the vote in face of this opposition, rather than over who might be elected under a system of candidate plurality.
The authorities claimed 75 percent. Predictably, Solidarity said it was much less. But it was generally accepted that the government figure was nearer the mark.
On the parliamentary level public indifference can be a much more potent factor than any boycott call. So many Poles have ``had enough,'' after years of coping with martial law (1981-83) and then with the unremitting difficulties of everyday life under a weak economy.
While Poles are voting, Josef Cardinal Glemp will be conferring with the Polish Pope in Rome. There could scarcely be anything more significant than the Polish primate's absence from Poland this weekend.
Cardinal Glemp has neither counseled Poles against voting, nor urged them to do so, as the authorities obviously wish he would.
He did, however, decline an official offer of a few seats for Roman Catholic deputies and he also discourages some prominent laymen from standing on their own initiative. Thus, for the first time since 1957, there will be no Catholic group in parliament.
For the first time in 30 years, too, the independents will be missing when parliament reconvenes. Ostensibly there were 42 in the last chamber. But only a few counted as genuine independents.
Many Poles had hoped that PRON might prove an independent vehicle for reform: in particular, that it might persuade the government to make a new election law giving voters a genuine choice.
It has, however, proved in practice to be but another government instrument, and the Communist Party's proxy for control over all candidates. Almost all of Sunday's nominees belong to PRON. And those who do not had to make a formal endorsement of its program without reservation in order to get on the ticket.
According to a survey undertaken by the government's own public opinion research center, ``at least half of society'' remains critical of the handling of the economy, and of the government and politics in general.
Jaruzelski, however, says Solidarity is no longer a political factor, that his program of stabilization is on the right course, and that he remains firmly committed to reform. He seems himself convinced that all this is gaining increasing public recognition. ``The worst is behind us now,'' he said in his UN speech.
The size, then, of Sunday's poll will be as good a barometer as is available to show how right -- or how wrong -- he might be. His best hope is that many Poles are so tired of strife that they will vote simply to favor a compromise that falls somewhere between distrust of the government and active opposition to it.
A poor turnout could have serious political consequences for the General -- and for Poland too.


The U.S. Navy's first planned battle of WWII is told though the extraordinary, little-known story of U.S.S. DUNCAN, the first Allied warship to penetrate a Japanese battle-line.
From their first encounter with their celebrated captain and tyrannical executive officer to a deadly night in shark-infested waters to a homecoming turned into a PR campaign, THE GUN CLUB is a vivid, day-to-day account of life on a warship, told largely in the words of the survivors, and is one of the most detailed and compelling accounts of a war cruise ever written.
Robert Fowler, a documentary filmmaker, off-Broadway producer, screenwriter and director, is the son of DUNCAN's torpedo officer.
The Gun Club is now available from Amazon.com. Order now and be the first to receive your copy.
"One of the three best Pacific War books so far this century."
"An outstanding example of historical writing ... a uniquely well-informed impression of life aboard a ship ... Much new detail is added to the historical record ... A valuable and compellingly written account ... "
"This unusual war history artfully captures ... the vivid day-to-day account of the life of a warship, told largely in the words of survivors."
"Heartbreaking and superb ... "


text:
#ifndef TextTrackCue_h
#define TextTrackCue_h

#if ENABLE(VIDEO_TRACK)

#include "EventTarget.h"
#include "HTMLElement.h"
#include <wtf/RefCounted.h>

namespace WebCore {

class TextTrack;

class TextTrackCue : public RefCounted<TextTrackCue>, public EventTargetWithInlineData {
public:
    static PassRefPtr<TextTrackCue> create(ScriptExecutionContext&, double start, double end, const String& content);

    static const AtomicString& cueShadowPseudoId()
    {
        DEPRECATED_DEFINE_STATIC_LOCAL(const AtomicString, cue, ("cue", AtomicString::ConstructFromLiteral));
        return cue;
    }

    virtual ~TextTrackCue();

    TextTrack* track() const;
    void setTrack(TextTrack*);

    const String& id() const { return m_id; }
    void setId(const String&);

    double startTime() const { return m_startTime; }
    void setStartTime(double, ExceptionCode&);

    double endTime() const { return m_endTime; }
    void setEndTime(double, ExceptionCode&);

    bool pauseOnExit() const { return m_pauseOnExit; }
    void setPauseOnExit(bool);

    int cueIndex();
    void invalidateCueIndex();

    using EventTarget::dispatchEvent;
    virtual bool dispatchEvent(PassRefPtr<Event>) override;

    bool isActive();
    virtual void setIsActive(bool);

    virtual EventTargetInterface eventTargetInterface() const override final { return TextTrackCueEventTargetInterfaceType; }
    virtual ScriptExecutionContext* scriptExecutionContext() const override final { return &m_scriptExecutionContext; }

    virtual bool isOrderedBefore(const TextTrackCue*) const;
    virtual bool isPositionedAbove(const TextTrackCue* cue) const { return isOrderedBefore(cue); }

    bool hasEquivalentStartTime(const TextTrackCue&) const;

    enum CueType {
        Data,
        Generic,
        WebVTT
    };
    virtual CueType cueType() const = 0;
    virtual bool isRenderable() const { return false; }

    enum CueMatchRules {
        MatchAllFields,
        IgnoreDuration,
    };
    virtual bool isEqual(const TextTrackCue&, CueMatchRules) const;
    virtual bool cueContentsMatch(const TextTrackCue&) const;
    virtual bool doesExtendCue(const TextTrackCue&) const;

    void willChange();
    virtual void didChange();

    DEFINE_ATTRIBUTE_EVENT_LISTENER(enter);
    DEFINE_ATTRIBUTE_EVENT_LISTENER(exit);

    using RefCounted<TextTrackCue>::ref;
    using RefCounted<TextTrackCue>::deref;

protected:
    TextTrackCue(ScriptExecutionContext&, double start, double end);

    Document& ownerDocument() { return toDocument(m_scriptExecutionContext); }

private:

    virtual void refEventTarget() override final { ref(); }
    virtual void derefEventTarget() override final { deref(); }

    String m_id;
    double m_startTime;
    double m_endTime;
    int m_cueIndex;
    int m_processingCueChanges;

    TextTrack* m_track;

    ScriptExecutionContext& m_scriptExecutionContext;

    bool m_isActive : 1;
    bool m_pauseOnExit : 1;
};

} // namespace WebCore

#endif
#endif

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Diabetes is certainly not less than an epidemic in America. Many people including young and the old are equally traumatized because of the spread of this terrible disease. To curb this problem, one must start understanding the warning signs of diabetes and treat it at the earliest to lead a safe and healthy life. Human body has a general tendency of giving warning signs if you are about to get sick http://mycholestrol.com. Few understand these signs while a good many can't figure out what their body is communicating. Similarly both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes reveal warning signs to help you take helpful measures at the earliest. Unfortunately a number of the warning signs of diabetes are extremely minor that one can't figure out if he/she is struggling with it. Diabetes Type I will start supplying warning signs at an initial phase while Type II has few signs and one becomes aware of it at a much later stage.
Diabetes Type I is not hard to detect because it shows tremendous alterations in your body. Nevertheless, with the warning signs of diabetes being minor, we all overlook it unconsciously. Warning signs of diabetes include things like extreme thirst, regardless of drinking the normal volume of water. Your body keeps asking for more water to be able to quench the constant thirst. Together with thirst, your mouth feels dry then there is frequent urination from time to time with urine infection. Additionally you experience extreme tiredness and fatigue. No level of rest seems to help you feel good and you also may complain of headaches as well as dizziness.
At times diabetes type II diabetes can be cultivated without showing any early warning signs. Hence finding type II diabetes can be difficult more often than not. In contrast to type II, in type I diabetes it's also possible to experience severe weight loss despite proper intake of food. Often every one of these warning or early signs of diabetes are felt but overlooked until the condition worsens. Diabetes is a disease that can certainly be controlled and if detected at an early stage you find it easy to address its hazardous effects. If these signs and symptoms are considered genuine from the beginning, you save yourself from taking too much medications as well as strict diets to enjoy a healthy life.
Adults can speak and share their uneasiness while toddlers and growing kids might not be in a position to communicate their pain. Thus, it is advisable to have them examined on a regular basis to avoid additional complications. The truth that diabetes has engulfed thousands of people, it's a good idea not to disregard these warning signs of diabetes. If you can't take notice of the difference in your body, it is best to have a regular check up to make sure you are in the pink of your health click here. Diabetes hasn't even spared pregnant women that suffer from gestational diabetes due to release of certain hormones in pregnancy, there is a boost in blood sugar levels leaving would be mother to fight against gestational diabetes.
If you are able to discover these warning signs of diabetes at an initial phase, you would do yourself a favor which will save you from the upcoming side effects of this affliction.


SALTO Systems has appointed Michelle Johnson to the commercial sales team position of Western Regional Sales Manager.
Based in Southern California, Johnson oversees sales of SALTO products in Southern California, Southern Nevada, Arizona and Hawaii. She reports to SALTO Senior Vice President of Commercial Sales Michael J. Mahon.
Prior to joining SALTO, Johnson served in a variety of security industry sales leadership positions including Vice President of Operations and Director of Operations for Alert Alarm Hawaii; Business Development Manager with Tri-Ed Distribution/Anixter; Owner of Dynamic Integrated Solutions and as Area Manager for ADI Global Distribution.


text:
Part 14. Negligence versus Malpractice: The "Reasonable Man Rule"
LM SykesI; WG EvansII; HD DullabhIII
IBSc, BDS, MDent (Pros), Dip Res Ethics (Irensa), Dip Forensic Odont. Department of Prosthodontics, University of Pretoria
IIBDS, Dip Orth. Department of Orthodontics, University of Witwatersrand
IIIBChD, MSc (Dent), MDent (Pros), Department of Prosthodontics, University of Pretoria
Negligence refers to the breach of a duty of care which results in damage. It occurs when a person's conduct falls below the standards of behaviour established by law for the protection of others against unreasonable risk of harm. A person has acted negligently if he or she has departed from the conduct expected of a reasonably prudent person acting under similar circumstances. In a legal situation, in order to establish negligence it must be proven that the defendant had a duty to the claimant, the defendant breached that duty by failing to conform to the required standard of conduct, the defendant's negligent conduct was the cause of the harm incurred by the claimant, and the latter was, in fact, harmed or damaged.1
1. Negligence
Historically, English Common Law imposed liability for all wrongful acts. However, the concept of negligence only emerged as an independent entity in the eighteenth century, when the concept of legal liability for a "failure to act" emerged. This was originally imposed on those who undertook to perform a service, but failed to exercise care or skill in carrying out that service. This breach of promise to exercise care, whether overt or implied, formed the origins of the concept of "duty".1 These ideas spread and today negligence is one of the most wide-ranging misdemeanors, encompassing most forms of unintentional or wrongful conduct where others are injured. While the actual laws pertaining to negligence may differ throughout the world, the basic notions and values remain the same. One of the most important arguments used in negligence law is that of the "reasonable person," which provides the standard by which their conduct is judged.1
1.1 The "Reasonable Man Rule"
By definition, "a person has acted negligently if they have departed from the conduct expected of a reasonably prudent person acting under similar circumstances. The hypothetical reasonable person provides an objective by which the conduct of others is judged".1 This helps distinguish negligence from intentional wrongdoing such as assault and battery where the actions were deliberate and intended to cause harm. A negligence suit, however, seeks to establish that failure of the defendant to act as a reasonable person caused the plaintiff's injury. It considers many factors including the person's knowledge, experience, and perceptions, the activity they are engaging in, and the circumstances surrounding their actions.1
In the medical / dental context, when a clinician engages in an activity requiring special skills, education, training, or experience, the standard by which their conduct is measured is the conduct of a reasonably skilled, competent, and experienced person who is a qualified member of the group authorized to engage in that activity. They cannot deny personal knowledge of basic aspects of the profession that are commonly known and practiced by their peers. The law does not make a special allowance for beginners with regard to special skills, and holds everyone to the standard of conduct of persons who are reasonably skilled and experienced in the activity.1 In addition, a person's physical characteristics or impairments and mental capacity does not excuse them from acting according to the reasonable person standard. Similarly, voluntary intoxication will not excuse conduct that is otherwise negligent.1
In the case of emergencies, the law recognizes that "even a reasonable person can make errors in judgment in such situations, and their conduct will be evaluated in light of whether it was a reasonable response under the circumstances, even though, in hindsight, another course of action might have avoided the injury".1 In other circumstances failure to anticipate the emergency could constitute negligence, as a reasonable person would have anticipated, and taken precautions against, the foreseeable emergency.1 A further issue that is seldom considered is that a clinician could be held negligent by virtue of the patient's conduct. The law may consider that a trained professional should have taken into account the possible conduct of their patient, and regulated their own conduct accordingly. For example administering a double mandibular block to a child without anticipating that they would not understand the implications and damage they may inflict on themselves if they chewed while their mouths were still anaesthetized is negligent. Even adults given bilateral inferior alveolar nerve blocks experience loss of control of the tongue, collection of fluid in the oral cavity, weak bolus propulsion during swallowing and possible aspiration.2 A reasonable person must foresee the negligent conduct of others if the situation warrants.
1.2 Proof of Negligence
Proof of negligence is based on comparing the actions with those that a reasonable clinician, under the same circumstances, would have performed. To this end expert witnesses (colleagues) are often called upon to provide information beyond the common knowledge of the legal representatives, such as scientific evidence, interpretation of special investigations and test results, diagnosis, clinical procedures performed. They will also be asked to ascertain whether the accepted standard of care was given. To do this they may need to evaluate the conditions and circumstances, examine the patient if possible, and deliver a professional opinion. Note: it is easy to become emotional and accusatory when called upon to comment on the wrongdoings of others. However, one needs to remember that no third party can ever really know the full circumstances and details of what transpired during a clinical appointment. As such, findings should be presented in a clearly written document that reports on the current situation as observed clinically and radiographically. It should include a detailed description of the entire oral cavity, the tooth number, type of restorations present, and acceptability or problems associated with these, and may offer advice on possible solutions, including time and financial implications. Unless the expert witness has access to pre-operative records it will be impossible for he/she to report on the extent of damage caused by the accused colleague. As such the report should not include personal allegations accusations or assertions of guilt. Bear in mind that this document could be presented in a court of law, and all observations, opinions and deductions should be defensible and justifiable. Also consider that one never knows the exact circumstances, or issues that may have been beyond the clinician's control which could account for their actions.1,3 Circumstantial evidence is very difficult to prove and when used in medical situations, the principle of Res Ipsa Loquitur (the thing speaks for itself) is invoked. Res ipsa loquitor argues that the injury could not have occurred in the absence of the clinician's negligence, was due to instrumentation or management that was exclusively under their control and that the injury would not have occurred if the clinician had acted with reasonable care.1
1.3 Negligence and Duty
Negligence on the grounds of duty refers to those situations where a pre-existing relationship creates an obligation to exercise care and to protect another person from harm. "While a person generally has a duty to not endanger the safety of others, they don't have a duty to render aid or prevent harm if it is from some other independent cause". A doctor who witnesses an accident has no duty to offer emergency medical assistance to the accident victims. However they can voluntarily decide to help, but are then obliged to exercise reasonable care in rendering that aid. This has resulted in doctors who have given medical assistance to accident victims being sued for negligence, and led to the so called "good Samaritan" rule to relieve them from negligence liability.1
1.4 Patient Negligence
There are times when the patient could have acted negligently and thus adding to their own injury. This is called "contributory negligence" and often results in their being unable to claim for the damages caused by the clinician. To compensate for this they may seek restitution based on "comparative negligence" in which their own negligence will not completely bar them from claiming damages, however their damages will be reduced by whatever percentage their own fault contributed to the injury.1 The clinician and patient may also have contradictory accounts as to the mechanism and extent of injury, based on their subjective recollection and interpretation of the events.
1.5 Assumption of Risk
This rule would allow a clinician to avoid liability for his/her negligence by proving that the patient voluntarily consented to the procedure knowing its potential dangers and / or the dentist's limited capabilities. It is almost never used in a medical context.1
2. Malpractice
Reputation is a reflection of actions rather than words4
Malpractice is a legal term with a very specific definition. However in dentistry it can be defined as treatment provided by a dental care professional that is deemed to be below the acceptable standard of care expected from a dentist, that results in serious personal injuries to the patient.5 If a patient feels he/she have been injured by a dentist and wished to claim for malpractice there are four issues that need to be proven in the court of law: that the dentist was licensed, as this establishes that he/she had a duty to his/her patients to be professional and take care of them; that the dentist failed that duty through mistakes and poor treatment; that the mistake caused an injury; and that the injury resulted in damages.6 The damage may be physical harm such as scarring, injury to teeth or oral structures, or permanent loss of teeth, but could also include other costs such as lost time and wages, psychological trauma, incapacity, or extra medical or dental expenses. In a 12 year medico-legal survey of the most common dental malpractice claims in the USA, approximately one-quarter involved complications arising from extractions, including infections, sinus perforation and nerve damage. Twenty percent of claims resulted from endodontic procedures. Surgical errors included instruments left behind, air embolisms and nerve damage. Another quarter of the complaints involved injuries, fractures and infections resulting from implants, crowns and bridges. The rest of the cases included drug and anesthesia reactions, root resorption and other complications from orthodontics and braces, severe infections and failure to diagnose diseases.6 [This reference was purposefully inserted as an example to internet users to be wary and question information in web posts. In a follow up e-mail correspondence with the lawyer who published these results, it was established that the research had been conducted 20 years ago! Undoubtedly with the implant explosion, the figures would be different in 2017 than they were in the late nineties].7
Disgruntled patients often present to a different practitioner when they feel they have been mistreated. This puts the second person in a difficult position of trying to establish whether the actions were negligent or severe enough to constitute malpractice? The authors propose using a three-pronged approach to evaluate the situation. This entails consideration of the: Magnitude, Frequency, and Intent.
To paraphrase Charles Babbage: The fatigue produced on human muscles does not only depend on the magnitude of the force employed in each effort, but also on the frequency with which it is exerted,8 and the individual's motivations (Leanne Sykes).
2.1 Magnitude
There is a common misconception that the magnitude scale is itself some kind of instrument or apparatus. Visitors will frequently ask to 'see the scale.' Charles Francis Richter.9
This quotation with reference to earthquakes could quite easily also be applied to the difficulty one has determining the magnitude of a misdemeanor in the clinical context. A minor injury may be considered an adverse event in situations that were out of the clinician's hands, where a well justified decision turned out badly, where there may not be a universal agreement as to the best treatment option that should have been chose, or where the dentist displayed an isolated case of poor judgement or skills. These instances may be condoned if isolated, and are very often overlooked by the patients, whose memories fade as they heal or adapt. However more destructive damage that is detrimental to their oral health, function, appearance, psycho-social wellbeing, or puts their lives at risk could constitute negligence or malpractice. Very often the deciding factor between an adverse event, negligence and malpractice is determined by the magnitude.
Note: Informed consent is no protection against malpractice.
2.2 Frequency
Oscar Wilde said that "To err once is human, twice is careless."
In dentistry, an isolated adverse occurrence could be due to patient factors, the clinical situation, unavoidable damage or human error and negligence. However repeated injurious incidents, no matter how minor, may constitute carelessness at best and malpractice at worst. Arguably, if the latter is an isolated incident it should still only be considered negligent. However the practitioner should communicate with the patient immediately after the adverse event and offer to carry out all possible corrective measures or agree to some form of restitution.
2.3 Intent
"We judge others by their behaviour. We judge ourselves by our intentions" (Ian Percy).10
Intention can be defined as: an act or instance of determining mentally upon some action or result; the end or object intended; purpose or attitude toward the effect of one's actions or conduct.1
In legal terms (and alphabetically it seems) it refers to the aim, ambition, consilium, design, desire, destination, determination, direction, earnestness, end view, end intended, fixed direction, fixed purpose, goal, institutum, mark, object, objective, plan, propositum, purpose, resolution, resolve, set purpose, settled determination, target, ultimate purpose {Burton, 2010 #96}. Any dental intervention carries with it a risk of error or failure. Complications can and do occur. It's impossible to save every tooth, to fully restore every mouth to optimal health or to satisfy every patient's oral needs. However, in determining negligence or malpractice, one would need to analyze the dentist's intention in terms of whether the action was beneficent or not. Questions to ask include: was the aim to provide a therapeutic benefit, to protect the patient, to prevent harm, to remove conditions that could lead to future harm, and was the therapy aimed at promoting the patient's best interests?11
In light of the above arguments, it is proposed that a transgression in any one of the three points be considered negligence, while liability in two or all three aspects could constitute malpractice. However all detected incidents of negligence should still be reported, documented and followed by a warning. Repeated offenses could signify a trend which would warrant Council investigation and intervention in order to protect future patients. At the same time, in order to protect clinicians against malpractice suites, there needs to be a stronger emphasis on teaching and practicing "evidence-based" rather than "experience-based" dentistry. To this end the dental profession need to collectively develop more extensive best practice guidelines.
1. Legal Dictionary L. The free dictionary - Negligence. Accessed on: 10-05-2017; Accessed at: http://legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Negligence [ Links ]
2. Jabbar J, Shekar V, Mitchell DA, Brennan PA. Should we be giving bilateral inferior alveolar and lingual nerve blocks for third molar surgery? Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2014;52(1):16-7. [ Links ]
3. Reasonable Man Theory Law & Legal Definitions. definitions.uslegal.com/r/reasonable-man-theory. Accessed on: 01-05-2016; [ Links ]
4. Sonnenberg F. ACTIONS Speak Louder Than Words - Personal Values. Accessed on: 15-05-2017; Accessed at: www.franksonnenbergonline.com/blog/actions-speak-louder-than-words [ Links ]
5. Dental Medical Malpractice. Dental Medical Malpractice - Facts & Claims Accessed on: 16-05-2017; Accessed at: www.malpracticecenter.com/dental-malpractice [ Links ]
6. Legalbeagle.com. What Constitutes Dental Malpractice? Accessed on: 16-05-2017; legalbeagle.com/5446060-constitutes-dental-malpractice.html [ Links ]
7. Sykes LM, Harryparsad A, Evans W.G, Gani F. Social Media and Dentistry: Part 8: Ethical, legal, and professional concerns with the use of internet sites by health care professionals. SADJ. 2017;72(3):132-6. [ Links ]
8. Brainyquotes. Brainyquotes - Frequency. Accessed on: 12-05-2017; Accessed at:https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/c/charlesbab309736.html?src=t_frequency [ Links ]
9. Brainyquotes. Brainyquotes - Magnitude Accessed on: 12-05-2017; Accessed at:https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/c/charlesbab309736.html?src=t_magnitude [ Links ]
10. Percy I. Think Exist .com. We judge others by their behavior. We judge ourselves by our intentions. Accessed on: 15-05-2017; Accessed at: thinkexist.com/quotation/we_judge_others_by_their_behavior-we [ Links ]
11. Naidoo S, Moodley, K. Ethics and the Dental Team. Schaik V, editor. Hatfield, Pretoria: Van Schaik; 2009. 136 p. [ Links ]
Leanne M Sykes
Department of Prosthodontics
E-mail: leanne.sykes@up.ac.za

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


SUMMARY: Puja is an ancient cultural tradition that has unknown roots. Some scholars believe that the practice began during Vedic times (1500 – 600 BCE) where the word puja has been found in the Sutras (which were composed to describe domestic rites, prayers, rituals). In these years, it appears that puja mostly referred to the time when a priest was visiting a home to offer a ritual to the family. A deity was being honored and was considered an invited guest.The puja ritual helped the family embrace the god/goddess' spiritual essence so that it permeated the home and the people in it.


What does that mean? This year has the potential for great forward motion in all your endeavors. Will it come easily and effortlessly? Not necessarily. But if you work for it, it will come.
In Feng Shui, an "8" year is associated with the element Earth. Specifically, earth in the form of a great mountain, which is ultimately positive. Earth can take many forms. For example, it can be like mud, which feels slow and slogging. Or it can be like solid earth, which serves as a strong foundation for building a grand palace. The earth of this year is steady and still.
This is a big improvement over last year, which was the Fire element. That explosive energy lead to lots of conflict, as well as a record year of destructive forest fires (as I predicted in last year's tips newsletter). Unfortunately this prophecy hit a bit too close to home for me, as my mother's lovely house was a victim of the horrific fire in Paradise, California which destroyed the entire town in November 2018. Thankfully, she made it out safely.
This year will be calmer (although that is a relative term, given our political climate) and because of the abundance associated with the "8-Earth" energy, it will gradually prove to be a better financial year for many.
So, how do you make the most of 2019? By launching new endeavors!
Push yourself beyond your comfort zone. If you've been toying with the idea for a new business, a unique product, or your first book, start the process now. Although at first you might feel like you're trudging uphill (this is one aspect of the mountain energy) by later in the year, you'll see your efforts paying off.
Another great way the strength of the mountain serves us this year is in our spiritual practices. This steady stillness of the earth element permeates not only our environment, but also ourselves. Take a little more time to get connected to your inner strength through meditation, yoga, prayer, or whatever practice resonates with you. From that space of tranquility, clarify your vision for yourself. It could be a life vision or a goal for just the year ahead.
Then, go forward into your days, making choices large and small that support your vision. The energy of this year will help you manifest your dreams in powerful ways.
To make the most of the tips, determine where each direction falls in your home or office, then place the recommended natural element in that area. Ideally, add the actual element. If you cannot, then add the color that corresponds to that element.
EAST: Good for money. Add Water.
The East section of the home or office can be very good for generating wealth in 2019 if you add a WATER feature. Possible water features could be a small water fountain, a nice little gold fish in a bowl, or at least a fresh bowl of water with some floating flowers. Best colors in this area are blue and black.
You can use this area to attract or strengthen your relationships. If the SE falls in your bedroom, you're doubly lucky! Adding WATER will support you further. See water suggestions in the East section.
The South section can be strong for business and growing your reputation if you add the FIRE element (a fireplace, lit candles, or the color red, hot pink or purple). If this is your office, just be careful of possible theft and take common sense precautions both in your physical space (have a good lock on your door, etc) and online (update your passwords, etc).
This area is particularly weak for heath in 2019. There is a chance of illness or accidents. If your front door or bedroom is in this area, make sure to add the remedy right away. You can protect health by adding MOVING METAL. Some examples are a clock with a swinging metal pendulum. A hanging metal mobile, or a metal wind chime. Also consider adding furnishings and accessories made of metal (chrome, brass, iron, stainless steel, etc.) Good colors are gold, silver, white or gray.
WEST: Good for finance and romance. No remedy needed.
Overall, the West has a wonderful energy for all activities. You can use this space to work, to play, or to be with your sweetheart. No remedy is needed.
NORTHWEST: Great for power and money. A risk of conflict. Add Earth/Plant.
This is a powerful area. A great space for launching new ventures, requesting money, negotiating contracts, etc. Just keep in mind it is also a highly charged area, so there is the possibility of arguments or push-back from others. Add soothing energy with EARTH and PLANT elements. Earth can be crystals, items made of marble, stone, etc. Plant can be living plant or fresh cut flowers. Good colors are earth tones of tan, brown, orange or yellow and green.
NORTH: Best area for creativity. Good for all artists. Also strong for finding/developing new romance. Add Plant and Water.
This year the North is the strongest zone for all artistic activities (writing, painting, making music, etc.) Enhance it with a WATER element like a fountain (see the East area for ideas) and a PLANT element like living plants and flowers enhance the creative vibes. The best colors are blue and green.
NORTHEAST: Good for investments and real estate. Might be a bit weak for health. Add Metal.
The NE is a mix of energies. It's a nice area for work around finances, so a great place to trade stocks or research real estate. Just be careful of health. If you find that you feel drained or are getting run down, add some METAL element (furniture or decor made of iron, chrome, brass, stainless steel). Good colors are gold, silver, gray or white.
CENTER: Great for abundance of all kinds. Add Earth or Fire.
The center of your space is particularly auspicious this year. Use it for any or all key activities (work, play, sleep, etc.). The best element here is EARTH or FIRE. Earth can be crystals, items made of marble or stone, and colors tan, brown, orange or yellow. FIRE element can be a fireplace, lit candles, or the color red, hot pink or purple.
"Everything in your life is a reflection of a choice you have made.
Wishing you a productive and prosperous year of the Pig!
Welcome to the Year of the Dog! A dog year represents intelligence, protection, and loyalty. Since this year is technically an "Earth Dog" year, tendencies towards stubbornness can also dominate. For people with determination, this can be a positive aspect, since the year will be supportive of a "never quit" attitude.
In the political arena, we may see stubbornness manifesting as strong conservative elements resisting change. However, this is likely to lead to rebellious countering forces, demanding balance and equality. Therefore, it will probably be a turbulent year politically, but one that ultimately allows our country, and the world, to clarify what it needs to move forward.
Financially, we may see a setback. There could be an economic crisis or, at the very least, money luck will be up and down. Be very careful with risky speculation, such as cryptocurrencies and other related investments.
On the positive side, because of the intelligence and protection of the dog year, we are likely to see some significant scientific breakthroughs. Most of these developments will help humankind, with major medical progress possible.
All in all, the Year of the Dog is forecast to be a tumultuous time, but one filled with opportunity for advancement. If you apply good Feng Shui remedies, it will help you to come out ahead.
Getting a little more specific about our physical space, this year the Feng Shui energy in the center of our homes and offices is that of Fire. Like all the elements, fire can be positive or negative. A crackling fire in the hearth on a cold winter night is warm and nurturing. But a wind-driven wildfire can cause untold harm to forests, homes and communities.
So, how do you make the most of this year? The key: handle with care. This year can be productive, but it must be approached with caution and preparation. This will mean different things based on the situation, however as a governing principle, do your due diligence. Check documents twice, sleep on an important email before you send it. Weigh all the pros and cons of a big decision before you make it.
Economically, a Fire year can hint at inflation, which affects every home. We'll see how it unfolds.
Socially, this is a great year for parties and celebrations. Important contacts and powerful connections can come from going out and being seen. It's a year for getting back in touch with friends from your past.
Feng Shui is based on the different directions of the compass, which corresponds to the energy in your home or workplace. In order to make the most of the following recommendations, try to determine where the various compass directions fall in your space.
This is the weakest area in 2018. There is the potential for legal issues, as well as some health challenges.
Remedy: METAL element. Metal can be made from materials such as brass, chrome, steel or iron. Or colors silver, gold, gray or white.
This zone can be good for wealth and real estate, but only if the remedy is added: FIRE.
Remedy: FIRE element. Candles, stove, fireplace, red lamp. Or colors red, purple or fuschia.
The East area can be good for making powerful career moves in 2018, but only if you add the remedy. In this case: WATER.
If you have a door in the East part of your home or office, be careful of possible theft in this area. Place the water element (fountain, etc) near the door.
Remedy: Water element. Such as a fountain, aquarium, images of water in artwork. Or colors blue or black.
A great area for all activities! Use this space for career, creativity, and money. Add FIRE element (a red candle, a lamp with a red shade, etc) to take it to the next level.
A wonderful area for romance. If you have a bedroom in the south, you're doubly lucky.
Enhance with: Wood element. Such as living plants or flowers, images of forests in artwork, or the color green.
Good for career and money. Nice area for a desk or home office this year. Especially good for small business owners and freelancers. Enhance with METAL items. Also electronics, which are considered metal.
Enhance with: Metal element (see North for suggestions).
A bit weak for health, and possible legal issues or arguments. Protect health with METAL.
Remedy with: Metal element (see North for suggestions).
Can be good for power, money and raising status this year. Also good for new romance. However, there can be a power struggle or issues with authority figures. Be careful to maintain good relationships with supervisors and others in a position to help you. Enhance power and promote harmony with WATER.
Enhance with: Water element (see East for suggestions).
If you make the above adjustments to your home or office, you will have done a lot to help the Feng Shui energy. Of course, if you would like a more advanced and personalized analysis of your space, please feel free to contact me. I wish you all a wonderful New Year. May the Year of the Dog bring you boundless prosperity, inspiration and joy!
So I just have to ask, are you a little spooked right now? Does the world seem particularly scary? While I know there are always disconcerting events happening at all times, this exact moment does feel a bit creepier than usual.
Perhaps it's the nasty US political situation, or maybe the biblical-scale natural disasters, or (and this is an old favorite from years gone by) the threat of thermonuclear war, that has many of us on edge. But no matter how you slice it, there is a lot one can find nerve-wracking in the world at present.
That said, there are different ways that we can be with this. One option is to inundate ourselves with the scary info, and then discuss it with friends and basically magnify the sense that everything is falling apart. But I don't recommend this. In fact, I'd like to offer a better alternative.
We can start by asking ourselves a simple question: "how many of these scary/disturbing stories being blasted out of the cable news shows are actually affecting me personally?" No doubt some people reading this live in the vicinity of the wildfires, or in the path of recent storms, and to them I offer my prayers and deepest sympathies. I hope the damage was not too great to your property, and of course to your health and that of your loved ones.
However, I would wager that the majority of people reading this are not being directly affected by the natural disasters. Nor are they likely being impacted directly by politics. The same goes for the bellicose war language we are hearing from several corners of the globe. Again, all scary stuff, but little of this is actually affecting us on a daily basis. And while I heartily encourage people to donate to relief efforts, or to call a member of congress to voice their opinion on an important piece of legislation, I also encourage people to retract their attention from events that can't be controlled, and instead place their focus on the things that can be controlled.
One of the places where we have a lot of power is our own personal space. The world at large may feel unmanageable, but we can generate a tremendous feeling of personal well-being and empowerment in our home or office. This is ultimately what Feng Shui is all about.
By turning our home or work space into our own command center, a personal power zone, we begin to override the effects of broader world on our psyche, and by extension, our life.
In addition to our space, I'd also like to share some tips for mind, body, and spirit that have helped me reclaim my power through this period.
For those of you who've worked with me, you'll know that I like to place the desk in a position so that your back is to a wall, and never a door. In fact, it's ideal to sit so that you are facing the door, which is usually achievable in an office if you make some effort. Try to position your desk so you look out a window at a lovely view, or at least towards a pleasant piece of artwork.
Custom built wood paneled home office by Reiko Design.
In your home: The same holds true for that favorite chair you sit in while watching TV. Make sure it's in a very secure spot in the room, without a door behind you, or a lot of foot traffic from other members of the household. This also applies to the kitchen. While it's best to have a kitchen layout that allows the cook to face out into the room while standing at the stove, many kitchens aren't designed this way. This is okay. The alternative is to place a reflective surface on the stove wall, which allows the cook to see behind them. In the below photo you'll notice that I used a glass tile on the stove wall of this custom home. The surface is reflective enough for the cook to see behind them, while still being aesthetically appealing.
New custom kitchen with mirror tile backsplash by Reiko Design.
In your bedroom, the power position is where you can see the door from the bed. Ideally, you can see people coming into the room before they see you. A door that lines up with the head of a bed should be avoided. The power position for a bed can help with sleep, and is especially good for children's rooms, since they can feel extra sensitive to having a safe sleeping environment.
Loft with sleeping alcove design and construction by Reiko Design.
Make sure you feel private in your space. Especially the bedroom, but it can apply to any room of your house, or your office.
I'll confess, I was actually guilty of a faux pas on this one for some time, and I really felt the effects. I found some great linen curtains for my living room windows, but the only problem was that I really needed six panels to make them comfortably fill the space, and the seller only had 4. So I bought them anyway, thinking I'd eventually find another 2 somewhere else. But I got kinda lazy, and lived for a long time with the 4 panels. The curtains mostly covered the windows, but as the months wore on, my husband and I both found ourselves feeling subtly uncomfortable at night when we'd walk past the gaps in the curtains. The joke is that we live adjoining a nature preserve, and there's basically nobody out there. Still, it's amazing how this effected our psyches, and created this slight sense of insecurity in us.
When I finally tracked down two more panels of the same curtain and had them installed, the extra sense of coziness and privacy at night was palpable. It really made a difference, and my husband and I both noted how much more secure we felt in our own home. So, if you are living with less-than-perfect coverage or opacity in your window treatments, make sure to remedy this. You deserve to feel protected and private.
Lounge designed by Reiko Design.
This first one may seem very basic, and well-covered by a whole host of other specialists and authors, but it doesn't make it any less relevant. Keep your space neat and organized. Seriously. This is far more important than many people realize, despite all the books and studies out there to this effect. It's visceral. When the space is messy and unclean, with an overabundance of clutter, this has a powerful negative effect on our subconscious. It actually leads to anxiety, and it's anxiety that I'm tackling in this newsletter. Why put yourself at a disadvantage right from the get-go?
By contrast, a clean and orderly space creates a sense of calm and empowerment. True story: I have a client who was really feeling traumatized by his messy office. He was slowly working his way through all the unprocessed papers, but in the meantime the sight of the clutter on a daily basis was really harming his serenity. So I had him purchase a bunch of the nicest, top-of-the line banker's boxes on the market. These are not your usual ugly white affairs, but sleek, dark boxes with cool gray pinstripes. I had him put the unprocessed papers in these boxes, stacked neatly next to his printer table where they were out of the way. They actually looked kind of nice there. Then I told him to keep one box empty, under his desk. Each night, when he's ready to leave his office, he now sweeps all the excess items on the desk into this box, so that he comes into his office the next day with a spotless desk. As his first action of the day he can look into the box and pull out whatever is relevant.
He has subsequently shared that this has absolutely transformed his experience of the space. He now feels motivated to process the pretty banker's boxes one at a time in his down moments. And he feels far more invigorated and powerful when he first sits at his desk each morning, seeing the shiny clean surface in front of him.
Here are a few other empowering tips that have kept me going during this tumultuous time.
What is your body position communicating not only to others, but to YOU? It's been proven that standing for two minutes in a victory position (arms overhead, in a wide "V") will literally change ones testosterone and cortisol levels, leading to a different more assertive mental outlook. Harvard psychologist Amy Cuddy states that "Power-Posing" actually causes people to become more powerful.
You've probably seen her famous Ted talk on the power of body language, but it's always worth another watch – so fascinating!
The power of apple cider vinegar is legendary. This morning tea invigorates, purifies, heals, and helps decrease the urge for quite so much coffee through the day (although I'm far from breaking that habit). It's pretty delicious too.
I know meditation is daunting for most people (I've practiced daily for 25 years and I still feel I've only scratched the surface of what's possible).
But there's a wonderful app that I find a great inspiration, and friends of mine who are new to meditation swear by it: Insight Timer Meditation App.
So, hopefully you will find these tips helpful or inspiring. Please let me know how they work for you, or if you have other practices that have helped you move from panic to power.


New visitor? Visit the main grammar pages or read about get/have passives first.
Change these sentences from active to passive, using the word in brackets - do not change this word! Make sure you don't change the tense, either.
I paid someone to pierce my ears when I was 6. (HAD) I when I was 6.
I'm paying a mechanic to fix my car at the moment. (GETTING) I at the moment.
Have doctors removed your appendix? (HAD). Have ?
The supermarket delivers my shopping every week. (GET) I every week.
I'm going to pay someone to redecorate my kitchen. (HAVE) I'm redecorated.
The Mafia paid someone to kill the policeman. (HAD) The Mafia .
A painter has painted a picture of me and my family. (HAD) I of me and my family.
I need an optician to test my eyes.(GET) I need .


Heaton Harriers: Running club in the North East of England of which I am a member.
Croquet Association: Governing body of croquet in England and Wales.
British Minigolf Association official site.
UK Transplant: Information on organ transplantation in the UK and signing up to the Organ Donor Register.
Sunderland Women's FC: Premier League club.
Women Soccerway: Includes results and fixtures for leagues down to the Combination.
North East Regional Women's League on the FA's website.
Northumberland County Women's Football League.


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Home > Sex Tech > The Future of Sex Toys for Men
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The Future of Sex Toys for Men
By Sponsored Post
They say the future is now. By the looks of the modern-day sex toy industry, they couldn't be more accurate.
Today's self-pleasure options are not only more prevalent than ever and more precise in the way they function. They're also considered less taboo by mainstream society and have been given some huge upgrades in the last few years. If we're living in an imminent domain, then this is where most men want to stay.
Just a couple of decades ago, however, men could only dream of the items they can now run out and buy at the store. There were a bunch of "Wouldn't it be nice…" conversations flying around until one fateful day, the market's best sex toy innovators began walking the walk.
By creatively utilizing society's collective technological advancements, the end result has become an entire industry filled with superior, futuristic pleasure devices that come in all shapes and sizes.They also say that girls just want to have fun, but guys are looking for some excitement, too (especially when it comes to sex and masturbation).
Apparently, the high-tech sex toy makers of the world have heard their desperate mating calls.
In just the last 10 years alone, innovators have started coming out with products that rival the real thing while being extremely easy to use and maintain.
At first glance, one might think that dildos and vibrators still reign supreme. But upon closer inspection, anyone can see that technology is revolutionizing the way men (and women) enjoy getting off.
The top 6 futuristic sex toys for men
The possibilities seem to change at the speed of light, with new and exciting machines being introduced to the market almost every week. Yesterday's top-notch toy has become today's laughingstock.
It's a bit more difficult to find something suitable with so many choices to sift through, but at least it's a lot more fun. So far, nobody is complaining about what the future of the male sex toy looks like.
Here are the top 6 future-inspired options currently available:
Automated masturbation machines
You can stop pumping your penis with your bare hands until your shoulder is on fire thanks to this remarkably user-friendly innovation. Now serving as baseline technology, these fully automatic masturbators were once the pinnacle of mankind's imagination because of their integrated motors and powerfully convenient, hands-free functionality.
Of course, men had to start adding their own unique customizations to the idea and eventually, we ended up inventing even more crazy stuff.
Interactive VR portals
Thanks to the opened doors created by the collaboration between perversion and ingenuity, today's man is no longer limited to using his imagination for inspiration during sex or masturbation. Instead, he can now quickly hook up his automatic machine to an interactive, online adult portal that transports him and his penis into another dimension.
Like modern-day ass-tronauts, untrained erotica explorers are experiencing delicious levels of real-time, real-feel missions without ever leaving the comfort of their own home.
On top of that, many of today's best self-pleasure devices actually function better when they're used as the couples-friendly sex toy they were designed to be.
The best options often come complete with high-tech features such as Bluetooth connectivity, mobile app controllability, motion sensing technologies, live chat room or cam access, and (of course) entry into a huge library of 2D and/or 3D virtual reality porn videos.
Most of these machines can be used with a partner from anywhere in the world and some can even be enjoyed with pre-programmed experiences or linked up with a device from another brand entirely.
Virtual reality gloves
Just recently, industry big dogs introduced a revolutionary sex product that demonstrates just how far we've come since the first days of self-gratification.
By harnessing a curious combination of motion sensors, electro-stimulation (e-stim) and other applied sciences, our sex toy market now features the world's first pair of virtual reality gloves–a particularly perverted innovation that allows users to "feel" their favorite partners and/or performers in real time.
And when combined with an automatic or interactive masturbation machine and some good VR goggles, the experience is difficult to differentiate from the real McCoy.
Full-sized sexbots
Back in the day, the closest thing men had to enjoying a genuinely "realistic" session was to use a sex doll. Unfortunately, old-school models were almost laughable. But then things started getting super accurate sometime around the mid-2000s, and now we have a remarkable selection of extremely life-life sex bots at our fingertips.
Features such as skin-like materials, self-warming orifices, full-body detailing, texturized canals and internal pulsations are only the tip of the iceberg. Some of today's most futuristic dolls can learn whatever names you give them and even hold their own during erotic conversations.
Plus, they don't require cab fare when you're done (or a romantic dinner before you begin).
Slutbot sexting tutors
Controversy has sprung up around the invention of such high-functioning sex bots, with people arguing that such machines will make interpersonal interactions a thing of the past.
However, the world's first Slutbot Sexting Tutor has entered the scene and it's definitely making the conversation more interesting (in more ways than one).
This intuitive robot helps users express their sexy, seductive side in a more efficient and flirty way, which serves as not only a relationship booster but also a terrific add-on to any interactive sex toy you might be using.
As if things couldn't get any more exciting in and around the male sex toy industry, it appears as though many of the big-name manufacturers are contemplating new ways to improve a man's sexual experience (with or without a partner).
Teledildonic technology is apparently the inspiration for most of the coming innovations, although some rather interesting concepts have been recently discussed by brands such as LELO, Kiiroo, Fleshlight, and Lovense. One such concept–a full-sized erotica sleeping bag – started as an advertising joke but then went viral as the ideal made its way to BDSM enthusiasts.
Meanwhile, we're enjoying vast improvements on the overall appearance, ergonomics and functionality of our existing devices, with enhancements made to everything from the basic shape and size of the machine to the way it stimulates the male anatomy.
There seems to be no end in sight when it comes to the kinky creations of man, but some people are questioning whether that's a good thing or not. One simple fact is certain, however, the future of sex toys for men is coming and it's coming like never before.
Tips for going back to the future safely
When using any new or high-tech sex toy for men, be sure to:
Read the manufacturer's instructions and warnings very carefully.
Always keep plenty of water-based personal lubricant on deck.
Never forget to clean up after yourself when you're done using your device.
Talk to your partner about his or her wants and needs before selecting or using an interactive machine.
Remember, even products that look and function similarly aren't always made the exact same, so try not to assume anything.
Only purchase your products from a well-known or well-respected merchant to avoid getting ripped off.
Image Sources: practicalowl, Eugene Capon
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Oh Crystal + Abe, where do we begin!? Anyone can see that these two love each other SO. STINKIN. MUCH. Also, not only are they gorgeous people, but they are so incredibly sweet - and talented! Truly beautiful on the inside and out! Music was such a huge element on this day as both are musicians (cute, right!?). We were lucky enough to hear Crystal's father sing a song to her, personalized with lyrics he wrote himself. Are you crying yet?
When Crystal came to us, it was clear to us that she wanted something classic and romantic - but still on trend. She wanted to pay homage to their new last name they'd soon be sharing together - so we took the letter "O" and ran with it! Circles would be an element that inspired a lot of the big day! From our circular moongate, to the miscellaneous custom signage (ring bearer signs, welcome sign, seating chart display), and all the way down to the late-night snacks (doughnuts, of course), circles were subtly everywhere!
A few fun personal touches we created for their big day included custom gold-foiled table numbers with photos from Crystal + Abe's engagement shoot and a personalized doughnut wall repping their hashtag! Our favorite creation though has to be the seating chart install. It was created with large natural wood circles (similar to the ring bearer signs and welcome sigh) suspended from our copper arbor and adorned in flowers.
Sydonie Mansion is a historic estate and museum in Mt. Dora, Florida, and it makes for a breathtaking backdrop for a wedding. Lumiere + Love did a lovely job as always capturing every detail. Cheers to Crystal + Abe!
Some featured pieces from our collection: moongate arbor, minimal modern easel, copper arbor for seating display, assorted hurricane candle holders, mercury votives, rose glass votives, wood card blocks.


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A story of a whale in Haiti
By Courtney Vail | 15th January 2015
Over the course of the past several days, the news of a humpback whale and his ultimately short journey in Haitian waters began to surface and received with great interest by whale researchers and enthusiasts worldwide. However, this interest escalated quickly to concern when the news broke that the whale was in poor condition, had been harassed and harpooned by locals, and eventually stranded and died.
Reports of a whale lingering in the shallow Fort Liberté Bay surfaced on Saturday, January 10th, although other accounts suggest the whale may have been in the area for several days prior. This bay on Haiti's northern coast has a narrow entrance to the Atlantic Ocean, which may have resulted in the whale becoming disoriented or sequestered in the area and unable to find his way out. During his time in the bay, he was reportedly harassed and eventually harpooned by local fishermen, potentially out of fear or as an opportunistic and unfamiliar food source.
The injured and exhausted whale eventually did find his way out and subsequently stranded approximately 27 kilometers (17 miles) west of Fort Liberté off the coast of the small fishing village of Caracol. There, through the intervention of FoProBim (Fondation pour la Protection de la Biodiversité Marine), a conservation organization operating in Haiti, authorities attempted to halt any further injury or destruction of the whale, and coordinated efforts to push the whale back to sea with the rising tides. However, the whale—injured and already in compromised health—died just hours later and did not make it through Saturday evening.
We have few details about the whale, and even fewer details about the circumstances that brought him to the northern coast of Haiti. Images shared with WDC indicate that the whale was already in poor condition prior to entering the bay. The whale was grayish in color, appeared thin, and had a significant infestation of cyamids (whale lice)–all signs that the whale's health was compromised. What we do know is that humpback whale appeared to be a juvenile male that has not been identified as a known individual in the North Atlantic or Gulf of Maine humpback whale catalogs. Understanding that the whale may have been ill also raises concerns for human health had the locals attempted to consume the meat after his demise.
We also know very little about the reception of the whale in Fort Liberté, one of the oldest cities in the country and located close to Haiti's border with the Dominican Republic. Fort Liberte Bay is relatively narrow and shallow, and it is quite possible that the whale was disoriented and stuck within the bay where he was met by locals who were unfamiliar with such a large animal. The injured whale may have been received similarly in Caracol, the small fishing village even further west of the border where the whale finally stranded and died.
Through the coordination of FoProBim representatives in Caracol and with the cooperation of the Ministry of Environment in Haiti, the carcass was buried. The bones will eventually be retrieved for educational and scientific purposes so as not to encourage the illegal targeting of whales for food.
Despite Haiti's close proximity to Hispaniola, where thousands of North Atlantic humpbacks winter in the warmer waters of the Dominican Republic each winter, marine mammals are relatively unstudied and unknown in Haitian waters. Whales and dolphins may be legally protected from capture and harm under Haiti's fisheries laws, but they are uncommon in Haitian culture or daily life.
Newborn humpbacks often take their first breath in the safe haven of the Sanctuario de Mamiferos Marinos de la Republica Dominicana, a humpback whale sanctuary off the northern coast of the Dominican Republic. Established in 1986, this Sanctuary serves as a stronghold for the species, and protects an important primary migratory corridor for these magnificent creatures. The rest of the year, these whales migrate to colder, fish-rich waters of the North Atlantic between New England, Canada, Iceland and Greenland.
Although this story of a whale in Haiti had an unfortunate ending, it is reflective of a greater need to raise global awareness to the value and importance of protecting marine mammals and other marine resources. It is crucial to remember that Haiti remains a country that is struggling under the burdens of socioeconomic, environmental and political sufferings. But it is also important to note that there are other, more hopeful, stories about whales and their emerging relationships with local communities in Haiti.
WDC's interest and involvement with Haiti started from a vision inspired by Ms. Jamie Aquino, an educator in Florida. Motivated by both the Haitian community and marine environment that surrounded her, she first collaborated with WDC to develop an outreach program to connect her students with youth in Haiti. With a focus on supporting local communities within Haiti and the marine environment, Jamie launched the Pier2Pier project in 2007 which has now grown into the Haiti Ocean Project.
This project has grown into a coalition that represents over seven years of exploratory and collaborative work between educators, marine mammal specialists, non-profit organizations, and members of the Haitian community. The collective interested in the protection of Haiti's marine environment and development of economic and educational opportunities both promotes Haiti's natural beauty and provides alternative incomes to local communities.
In working with the local fishermen and youth in places like Petite Riviere de Nippes and Petit Goave, there is a growing and inspired appreciation of whales, dolphins and other marine creatures such as sea turtles and sharks. The result is a change from fear of these creatures to one of growing fascination. Through outreach, children in these villages now conduct beach cleans and fishermen have been known to release sea turtles from their nets.
Furthermore, almost nothing is known about marine mammals in Haitian waters. A review of scientific literature reveals scant information regarding marine mammal populations in Haiti. However, based on field information from local fishermen, WDC and collaborators have documented the consistent presence of sperm whales in the Gulf of Gonave. As marine mammals are migratory animals and the North Atlantic humpback whale population continues to recover, it is clear there is a necessity to expand the focus on marine mammals in Haiti to assess populations and extend protections to populations across their ranges.
In light of this recent and most unfortunate incident with a whale in Haiti, it naturally turns our focus towards identifying possible solutions and outcomes that might result from this challenging event. Haiti can benefit from focused attention on cross-border collaboration with authorities, organizations and whale researchers both in the Dominican Republic, and worldwide. The Dominican Republic harbors useful models in protecting both whales and their habitat, while developing an economy based tourism centered upon the appreciation and protection of whales, dolphins, and the marine environment.
The Haiti Ocean Project and its partners, including WDC, have laid the foundation for a marine mammal sanctuary in Haiti, and have presented this concept to government authorities. Indeed, these discussions may now be timelier than ever. With the involvement of local communities and the assistance of worldwide collaborators, including experts from the Dominican Republic, this concept can become a reality.
We hope that the tale of this whale in Haiti, and the legacy it leaves behind becomes one of optimism and hope—hope for an increased awareness of the importance of protecting whales and for the people of Haiti to benefit from protecting their magnificent natural resources.
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Schools will not be allowed to screen out exam questions which contradict their religious ethos, says England's exams watchdog. Ofqual says blocking out questions on exam papers will count as "malpractice". It follows reports of a Jewish school redacting questions about evolution in a GCSE science exam. The OCR exam board, which set the science paper, says schools must not "tamper with question papers". Earlier this month, Yesodey Hatorah Senior Girls' School in Hackney, east London, was criticised for blacking out questions about evolution in a GCSE science paper.


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text:
"Fahd Al Otaibi"
The poet Fahd Al Otaibi stands in the Katara Theatre (the Roman Amphitheater) and reads his poem "Al Theka Be Allah" from the cultural quarter which was a source of inspiration for him.
In every episode, we ride with a poet to one of his favorite places, a source of inspiration for him. He will talk about poetry, and share with us a poem of his choice.
EPISODE 1: "Saud Bin Munzer"
EPISODE 2: "Abdullah Bin Nasser Al-Nuaimi"
EPISODE 3: "Mansour Ben Areej"
EPISODE 4: "Jaber Al-Quraisi"
EPISODE 5: "Bader Al Maqati"
EPISODE 6: "Saeed Al-Dahabeeb"
EPISODE 7: "Nawaf Al-Mudahka"
EPISODE 8: "Fahd Al Otaibi"
EPISODE 9: "Mohammed Nader Al Abdullah"
EPISODE 10: "Issa Al Khalifa"
EPISODE 11: "Mohammed Al-Hajri"
EPISODE 12: "Fayih Al Otaibi"
EPISODE 13: "Khalifa Bader Abdullah Al-Sada"
EPISODE 14: "Bakhit Al Twijer Al-Marri"
EPISODE 15: "Fahid Rihan Al-Marri"
EPISODE 16: "Abdulrahman Al-Hajri"


text:
Health-care reform was designed by people who describe themselves as babbling fools. UPDATED with even more "speak-o" fun!
Our Forgotten Statesman
George Washington, our first president, is probably our greatest and most decent statesman. We celebrate Washington's Birthday each February. But March 16th marks the birthday of probably the second-most important and decent American, James Madison.
Madison became our fourth president, but his presidency is not the chief source of his greatness. There would have been an entirely different America without Madison's enormous input and foresight at the contentious 1787 Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. There were 55 delegates to the convention. Like Madison, some had a formal college education, while others did not. From Madison's notes about the quality of the debates and discourse, one could not tell who was college-educated and who was not. Their ages ranged from 26 (Jonathan Dayton) to 81 (Benjamin Franklin), with the average age being 42.
Alexander Hamilton was a key figure at the convention. He called for a president for life with total veto power over the legislature. Most other delegates, led by Madison along with John Adams, wanted a republic; none wanted a democracy. Madison, who would become known as the "Father of the Constitution," argued that in a pure democracy, "there is nothing to check the inducement to sacrifice the weaker party or an obnoxious individual." Delegate Edmund Randolph agreed, saying, "In tracing these evils to their origin, every man had found it in the turbulence and follies of democracy." Adams added: "Remember, democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes, exhausts and murders itself. There never was a democracy yet that did not commit suicide." Eleven years earlier, Madison had helped to develop the Virginia Constitution, and it was his Virginia Plan that served as the basis for debate in the development of the U.S. Constitution. Madison, along with Hamilton, argued for a strong but limited central government that could unify the country.
During the Constitutional Convention, a proposal was made that would have allowed the federal government to suppress a seceding state. Madison rejected it by saying, as summarized by the transcript: "A union of the states containing such an ingredient (would seem) to provide for its own destruction. The use of force against a state would look more like a declaration of war than an infliction of punishment and would probably be considered by the party attacked as a dissolution of all previous compacts by which it might be bound." This vision of a state's independence and right to secede was expressed at Virginia's ratification convention, which held, "The powers granted under the Constitution being derived from the People of the United States may be resumed by them whensoever the same shall be perverted to their injury or oppression." Rhode Island's and New York's ratification documents made similar statements. By the way, Rhode Island anti-federalist resistance against the Constitution was so strong that civil war almost broke out July 4, 1788.
Madison's political genius is mostly seen in his contribution to The Federalist Papers, which were co-authored with Hamilton and John Jay. The papers were written to persuade the citizens of New York — and secondarily other states — to ratify the Constitution. Ratification was no easy task. The 1783 Treaty of Paris, which ended our war with Great Britain, held that each state was a sovereign nation. As such, each feared giving up its rights to a powerful central government. Anti-federalists wanted some sort of guarantee that states would remain sovereign and that the power of the federal government would be limited and it would be recognized as a creation of, an agent of and a servant of the states. They said their votes to ratify could only be obtained if the Constitution contained a bill of rights guaranteeing the rights of the people and their states. The most notable and influential anti-federalists were Patrick Henry, Samuel Adams, George Mason and Richard Henry Lee.
These few words here do little justice to James Madison's greatness as one of our Founding Fathers, but a day honoring his birth would help us learn more about his contribution and, as well, learn how much we have betrayed his vision of what constitutes a free people.
Voters Deliver Subtle Message: Die Donor Scum
Look to Cities, Not Countries for Global Economic Impact
Written By Walter Williams
Dr. Williams is a nationally syndicated columnist, former chairman of the economics department at George Mason University, and author of More Liberty Means Less Government


text:
Theo gave Jacques a serious look accompanied with a small shake of the head, in what I could only surmise as apprehension of the highest order.
"Too risky." He said.
"We are left with few options."
"But at what cost?" Theo said.
Bili looked at me with confusion and I was glad I wasn't the only one in the dark for a change. The fact that there was a being out there that gave Jacques and Theo pause like this said a lot. I was also curious if that was a nickname, or if she was a real witch. If I learned anything, it was that anything was possible.
"What if I took Bili with me?" Jacques said.
Theo thought about this for a moment, and though his look said that the idea had merit he was not okay with it.
"I don't think that would be wise. I see the wisdom in the idea, but…" Theo said.
Bili looked back and forth from Theo to Jacques reading the unspoken words.
"If this woman can help us I want to go." She said as if it was a done deal.
"That's because you don't know anything about her." Theo said. This was the first time I saw him give Bili a more fatherly look with a stern tone. Bili didn't like it.
"I appreciate your concern, but look at us. We are falling apart and holding the shit end of the stick once again. Can this woman help us?" She asked.
"Maybe." Theo said.
"Then it's settled." Bili said.
Theo was not happy at all, but considering our position it was hard for him to argue the point. We were indeed at the end of our rope and someone had just greased it. We needed any advantage we could get.
"Okay." Theo said relenting. Then he stood directly in front of Bili to get her full and undivided attention. Then he continued.
"Don't underestimate this woman. She will talk in riddles and you will get the impression that she is full of nonsense or even mentally unbalanced. She is not. She will be drawn to you for several reasons, which may help in retrieving information, but let Jacques do the talking."
"I got it. Don't worry. It will be fine." Bili said.
"Do not get baited." Theo added. "She will try to tempt and taunt you."
"Best behavior. Promise." Bili said as she patted Theo on his shoulder. Even though it was done somewhat mockingly it made Theo smile.
They were on the road right away while Theo and I dealt with the mess of Mr. Hendricks' home. With time not being as much of a factor we were able to properly dispose of the deceased, as well as eliminate the evidence within. Graceland north was no longer.
Jacques and Bili drove for ten straight hours before they arrived at their destination. It had been over a century since Jacques had seen her and now that he was on her door step he realized that a hundred years may not have been long enough.
Amalasuintha was one of the few of his kind who was far and away above the norm on the intellectual scale. She was old and powerful, which is why some feared her, but those who knew better feared her for her intelligence and irrational behavior. If she chose to help you, you would get quality information. If.
Information was her business, and how she obtained it was one of much uncertainty. She rarely left her little neck of the woods, but was always on top of current events. Her fascination with modern technology kept her connected to most of the modern world, as well as some not so modern. Though unconfirmed, it had been long rumored that she is a billionaire, which would explain her ability to get information no one else can.
She was the only one of a handful of his kind still alive that Jacques was sure was older than him. She was one of the first to migrate to the United States. She landed in Massachusetts, fell in love with it and never left, even during the era of the Salem witch hunts, which some speculate she played more than a small part in.
Jacques gave Bili strict instructions regarding their visit and she agreed to tread lightly.
The house was set back among a seemingly small orchard of willow trees that danced on the wind. The best way to describe her place would be to imagine a stereotypical haunted house amongst a graveyard, now just update the home and remove the grave stones. What remains would be her home and plot of land.
They walked up to the door just as the porch light went on. Within seconds of the light going on someone approached them from behind. Not that he was trying, but no one could sneak up on Amalasuintha. Not even him.
"Comment avez-vous ete Jacques?" A voice said in perfect French, then spoke English. "Do my eyes deceive me?"
Amalasuintha appeared from nowhere and neither of them had heard a thing.
Though relatively young looking, maybe early thirties, she had the demeanor and mannerisms of someone much older. She was wearing a black evening gown and had her dark hair professionally done.
"Pour mieux Amalasuintha. How are you?" Jacques said in his usual serious tone.
"I'm fine, as no one is trying to kill me. Call me Cynthia please. We are old friends are we not?" She said casually. "You brought me a guest I see." She said as she walked past them both.
Her movements were graceful, and almost dance like. The muscles in her shoulders and back were like those of a gymnast. She exuded power and confidence.
She opened the door to her home and walked in, leaving it open for Jacques and Bili to follow.
They walked in and Bili shut the door behind her. When Bili turned back around Cynthia was standing in front of her. Cynthia was a few inches taller, but her face was kind and gentle.
They were face to face and Bili stared right back. She was never one to be intimidated, even if she should have been. The short but intense stand-off made Jacques uneasy.
"You and I are a lot alike young one." She said, running the back of her hand along Bili's shoulder, arm, and then all too close to Bili's breast. To say that this made Bili uncomfortable was an understatement. To her credit she held still and kept quiet.
"I know things that may be of interest to you Bilinda." Cynthia said, bringing her eyes back up to Bili's.
Bili was about to say something, but Jacques didn't let her. The last thing he wanted was for Bili to get in over her head. Any lengthy conversation with Cynthia would almost certainly fit that category.
"Another time Cynthia. We're here on other business."
Cynthia looked disappointed and made no bones about showing her disapproval, but she didn't push the matter.
"Yes, I guess you are." She said.
She moved over to the sofa in the living room and sat down as smoothly as a ballerina.
"Who's bankrolling the initiative against us?" Jacques said.
Jacques didn't waste time explaining the details, as he was more than optimistic that she was well aware of the issues at hand.
"That is one question, but hardly the most important." She said.
"Why are they?" Bili said curtly.
Cynthia's eyes lit up with enthusiasm.
"Ahh, yes. And smart too. I knew I liked this one." Cynthia said with a grin. "Please, sit down you two."
Jacques walked around to the side of the fireplace and faced her, but remained standing. Bili plopped down in the loveseat adjacent to the couch as if she was testing the durability of the cushion.
Cynthia put her hand to the side of her mouth and spoke to Bili in a mock attempt to keep Jacques from hearing her.
"He never likes to sit. Been that way forever." She said, almost at a whisper.
This made Bili smile. This woman was seemed very nice, but Bili knew better than anyone that you never judge a book by the thin leathery cover.
"Why then?" Jacques said.
Jacques was not much on patience, but even he knew better than to rush Cynthia. If they could get any information and leave without a future problem he would consider it a victory.
"What does the big bad wolf have to offer?" She said flippantly.
"A pint of Jacks blood." Cynthia said without a hint of hesitation.
"Why?" Bili asked incredulously.
"Not the right question this time sweetie." Cynthia said as if she was talking to a young child.
Bili was seething inside, but she remained quiet. She made a promise to Jacques and she would keep it. If she could.
She will compliment you, berate you, mock you, and tempt you with knowledge you would trade your soul for. Do not get sucked into debate, or ask for anything other than what we are here for. The cost will be too high.
"He's an anomaly, but not an unprecedented one." Jacques said.
It was no accident that Jacques worded his statement this way.
"No?" She said.
Her answer was clear.
"What makes him so special." Bili said.
Cynthia ignored her, but spoke to Jacques as if he had asked the question himself.
"Do you know who Ayla is?" Cynthia said.
"Of course. Rieger's wife long ago."
"Yes, but do you who she is?"
Jacques thought hard trying to figure out where she was going with this and couldn't. As far as he knew she was human of humble origins. He shook his head.
"Hers is the bloodline you might want to research. That is all I will say on that. Now, about the blood."
"No blood. What else?" Jacques asked succinctly.
Cynthia's brows furled in disappointment. Then quick as blink she smiled and looked at Jacques.
"A favor then." Cynthia said simply.
Jacques had traded this item before and it nearly cost him his life. Though he knew the stakes it was an easy decision.
"Done." He said.
"Not from you. Her." Cynthia said, slowly turning to look at Bili.
Bili didn't see why it was such a big deal. It seemed like a break. Getting what they came for and the only thing she had to do was a favor to be named later?
"Sure." Bili said.
"No." Jacques said abruptly, almost talking over her.
Bili looked at Jacques with a confused look. She would do anything to help Theo and Jack, and this couldn't have been a better deal in her eyes. A simple favor for something that could save lives? It was a no-brainer.
"Jacques, let me do this. We have lost too many friends already. If this information can help us end this..?" She said, knowing she was right.
Jacques thought hard. He knew Bili was right of course, but would Theo understand. Theo only suggested Bili come along to help soften Cynthia, as well as help Jacques negotiate, but not to use her as collateral. He felt the weight of the world on him at that moment.
"No. I will offer two favor's." Jacques said.
"Sorry honey bunny, but that is not an option. It's her or no deal. Take it or leave it." Cynthia said apologetically.
"I agree." Bili said, not giving Jacques a chance to answer for her.
Cynthia smiled wide and gave a minor bow.
Jacques was about object again when Bili stopped him. She stepped close to Jacques and spoke.
"This is my choice. Theo will understand." She said unwaveringly.
Jacques shook his head, but knowing their current position he knew that they could all end up dead if they didn't an upper hand soon.
He then relented with a small nod.
"Now that is settled. I believe that I have some information that may be of use to you."
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Katrina Lenk is a Tony winner! The Broadway alum took home the prize in the Best Leading Actress in a Musical category for her performance as Dina in The Band's Visit. The win was announced at the 72nd Annual Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall on June 10. The other nominees in the category were Lauren Ambrose for My Fair Lady, Hailey Kilgore for Once On This Island, LaChanze for Summer: The Donna Summer Musical, Taylor Louderman for Mean Girls and Jessie Mueller for Carousel.
In her acceptance speech, Lenk said, "Every moment working on The Band's Visit is a privilege and a thrill and has filled my stupid little heart with so much joy—this moment ain't so bad either."
The Band's Visit marks Lenk's first Tony nomination and win. She has also been seen on Broadway in Once, Indecent, Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark and The Miracle Worker.
Congrats to Lenk on her first Tony win! Check out luminous show clips from The Band's Visit below.
Give a watch to Broadway.com Editor-in-Chief Paul Wontorek's sitdown with Katrina Lenk on Show People.