A comprehensive assessment of the transcriptome of cork oak (Quercus suber) through EST sequencing.
|Title||A comprehensive assessment of the transcriptome of cork oak (Quercus suber) through EST sequencing.|
|Publication Type||Journal Article|
|Year of Publication||2014|
|Authors||Pereira-Leal, J. B., I. A. Abreu, C. S. Alabaça, M. Helena Almeida, P. Almeida, T. Almeida, M. Isabel Amorim, S. Araújo, H. Azevedo, A. Badia, D. Batista, A. Bohn, T. Capote, I. Carrasquinho, I. Chaves, A. Cristina Coelho, M. Manuela Ri Costa, R. Costa, A. Cravador, C. Egas, C. Faro, A. M. Fortes, A. S. Fortunato, M. João Gaspar, S. Gonçalves, J. Graça, M. Horta, V. Inácio, J. M. Leitão, T. Lino-Neto, L. Marum, J. Matos, D. Mendonça, A. Miguel, C. M. Miguel, L. Morais-Cecílio, I. Neves, F. Nóbrega, M. Margarida Oliveira, R. Oliveira, M. Salomé Pais, J. A. Paiva, O. S. Paulo, M. Pinheiro, J. A. P. Raimundo, J. C. Ramalho, A. I. Ribeiro, T. Ribeiro, M. Rocheta, A. Isabel Rodrigues, J. C. Rodrigues, N. J. M. Saibo, T. E. Santo, A. Margarida Santos, P. Sá-Pereira, M. Sebastiana, F. Simões, R. S. Sobral, R. Tavares, R. Teixeira, C. Varela, M. Manuela Veloso, and C. P. P. Ricardo|
|Keywords||DNA, Plant, Expressed Sequence Tags, Gene Library, Phylogeny, Quercus, Sequence Analysis, DNA, Transcriptome|
BACKGROUND: Cork oak (Quercus suber) is one of the rare trees with the ability to produce cork, a material widely used to make wine bottle stoppers, flooring and insulation materials, among many other uses. The molecular mechanisms of cork formation are still poorly understood, in great part due to the difficulty in studying a species with a long life-cycle and for which there is scarce molecular/genomic information. Cork oak forests are of great ecological importance and represent a major economic and social resource in Southern Europe and Northern Africa. However, global warming is threatening the cork oak forests by imposing thermal, hydric and many types of novel biotic stresses. Despite the economic and social value of the Q. suber species, few genomic resources have been developed, useful for biotechnological applications and improved forest management.RESULTS: We generated in excess of 7 million sequence reads, by pyrosequencing 21 normalized cDNA libraries derived from multiple Q. suber tissues and organs, developmental stages and physiological conditions. We deployed a stringent sequence processing and assembly pipeline that resulted in the identification of ~159,000 unigenes. These were annotated according to their similarity to known plant genes, to known Interpro domains, GO classes and E.C. numbers. The phylogenetic extent of this ESTs set was investigated, and we found that cork oak revealed a significant new gene space that is not covered by other model species or EST sequencing projects. The raw data, as well as the full annotated assembly, are now available to the community in a dedicated web portal at http://www.corkoakdb.org.CONCLUSIONS: This genomic resource represents the first trancriptome study in a cork producing species. It can be explored to develop new tools and approaches to understand stress responses and developmental processes in forest trees, as well as the molecular cascades underlying cork differentiation and disease response.
|Alternate Journal||BMC Genomics|
|PubMed Central ID||PMC4070548|


Written by Rajesh Anand
Vachaspati Mishra is a name which no serious scholar of Indian philosophy can afford to ignore.
Regarded as one of the greatest scholars and logicians of India of his time , Vachaspati Mishra wrote erudite commentaries on the important works of almost all the schools of Indian philosophy. Researchers place him in the league of Sankaracharya and Ramanujacharya and rightly so.
Vachaspati was was born in the Mithila region in Bihar in 10th century AD.
There is considerable debate among historians about his date and place of birth. Vachaspati himself gives the date 898 for one of his works, Nyayasuchinibandha. (न्यायसूचिनिबन्ध) . It is however not known if he means the Saka calander or the Vikrama one. If we assume the latter, then this work was written in AD 841. This date, however, is disputed among scholars . (1)
According to one view , Vachaspati lived in Tharhi village in Darbhanga district where " even today there is a tank associated with his wife's name, on the side of which, it is believed,he had his house". [Mishra]. Some other scholars are of the view that he belonged to Badgama which is now in Saharsa district bordering Darbhanga . There seems to be an agreement, however, that Vachaspati hailed from the Mithila region.
Vachaspati wrote a number of books and devised a number of formula but he is most famous for his book called Bhamati (भामति ). It is the commentary on Brahm sutras (also called Vedanta Sutra). Brahm Sutra, compiled by Ved Vyasa in pre-recorded history, has 555 aphorisms or sutra, its very first sutra "athato brahm jijgnasa" (one should inquire about Brahm or God) is a very famous line for a seeker on the path of spirituality. Vedanta is one of the six major streams of Hindu philosophy, the others being Nyay (Gautam), Vaisheshik (Kanad), Mimamnsa (Jaimini), Sankhya (Kapila) and Yoga (Patanjali).
The naming of his commentary on Brahma Sutras has a very interesting story which has become part of Mithila folklore.
Vachaspati's enlightened master asked him to write a commentary on Brahma Sutras. The master also married his daughter Bhamati to him and died soon afterwards.
Vachapati started work in the right earnest and soon it became an all encompassing endeavour for him. Time flew. Months turned into years and years into decades. For all these years, he thought about nothing else , saw nothing else and heard nothing else. Finally he finished the great work. Only the title remained to be given. He looked up and saw a lady, lighting a lamp next to him.
Vachaspati asked the woman, "Who are you? And why do you go on serving me like this?"
The lady replied, " Never mind, continue with your work. "
He said , " My work is over, but tell me who are you? "
"I am your wife !" , answered the lady.
Vachaspati was shocked to realize that for 30 years his wife had been serving him dutifully without he even being aware of it. Tears rolled down his cheeks but Bhamati had no complaints. She said she is proud to have a husband like him and has been very blessed to associate with him in letting him finish the great work.
Vachaspati expressed his immense gratitude for his wife and said ,"You are a rare woman". As a tribute to her wife's sacrifices he named his commentary on her, Bhamati.
Bhamati also used to make a rangoli on the floor. The geometric patterns used to help him discover a number of formulas.
The most famous of the works of Vachaspati Mishra are his books on the Smrti which earned him the title of Smarta Vachaspati in the learned society. Among his books on the smriti the ones that deserve special mention are: Acharachintamani, Dananirnaya, Dvaitanirnaya, Bibadachintamani ,Shuddhichintamani, Byabaharachintamani etc. Bangla treatises on the Smrti are found to have been influenced by these books. Apart from logic and smrti, Vachaspati wrote books on other subjects as well.
He wrote a treatise on hindu laws,Vivada Chintamani, where he defines and elaborates on inheritance of property, terms of lending and debt repayment, rules of profit sharing in a partnership , cattle ownership , gift resumption, resolution boundary disputes etc.
His other notable works include Sahasradhikarana written on the philosophical treatise called Mimangsa and a book of poems titled Pitrbhaktitarangi.
- Potter, Karl H. Encyclopedia of Indian Philosophies ,Vol 2. The tradition of Nyaya Vaisesika up to Ganesha. P 453-455
- Mishra, Umesh. History of Indian Philosophy ,Vol 2.
- Prossonno Coomar Tagore( (Trans.) . Vivada Chintamani: A Succinct Commentary on the Hindoo Law Prevalent in Mithila
- Mahāmahopadhyāya G. Jha (Trans. ) . The Tattva-Kaumudi. Vāchaspati Misra's Commentary on the Sānkhya-Kārikā
- Motilal Banarsidass Publication, ISBN 8120806514
A History of Early Vedānta Philosophy Vol-2. (p65 -66).


Wings of Change
Wings of Change
the book about change that changes lives
by Jim & Katharina Murdoch
My first book, written with my wife, Katharina. This is a non-fiction, self-help book with a daring fictional part to it. Each of the seven chapters ends with a fictionalized story of a family of geese. This story is a reflection of our own journey of change and the events we faced personally leading to that change.
What some readers say:
“On a universal note, a lot of people will resonate with this lovely book because when the awakening starts, it is always very hard to understand the rejection from “friends” and old institutions.”
“How good they were to share their journey in such a delightful way that would offend no one, and teach with such finesse you never feel judged, only grateful for the knowledge and experience.”
With a Forward by Bob Proctor
What holds you back? Why are you not successful? Do you find your habits getting in the way. What about your traditions? Are you able to express your true self? Are you finding the “normal” life full of frustration and anxiety? Are you struggling to make ends meet, financially and in health and relationships?
What if there was a better way? What if you could determine the outcome you desire? What if the old ways proved restrictive and releasing those set you free? What if you could live your own life and express your inner being through that which gives you joy and satisfaction?
These are the questions we were faced with in the transition of our lives and we share our experiences and how we became aware of the seven levels of awareness. We explain how our thinking changed and what actions we took in order to set the course of our own lives.
In Wings of Change you will find you associate with similar circumstances and challenges. Here you will read what helped us and what can help you too. Discover the seven levels of awareness for yourself.
A parallel parable of a family of geese is both entertaining and enlightening as they live out the same situations and make the same life changing decisions. Follow Jonathon and Connie as they lead you to discover your formation to success.
Jonathon, Connie, Adam and Angel are a family of geese. Read about their adventures, their discovery of a new way and their flight from fear. You can enjoy this parable in “Wings of Change –
Order yours today!
In their remarkable book, Jim and Katharina share their personal experiences and proven techniques for creating a life without limits. Inside Wings of Change you will find out how to:
- Reprogram your mind to let go of the past
- Raise your level of awareness
- Develop your intuition
- Find your purpose in life
3 thoughts on “Wings of Change”
Can you help me possess this book. I am a serious student of Bob Proctor. I am from Chennai India. I am unable to procure online as the book is out of circulation
Hi, thanks for asking. Wings of Change has been pulled by the publisher. However I will be self-publishing this book soon. Stay in touch to know when it will be available by joining the newsletter.
Hi, Wings of Change is now available in a fresh new independent release.


The CPEHS Library is home to thousands of books in myriad genres. You can visit the library to find reading material for school or for pleasure. You may also use one of the many computers to conduct research using some of the NYC DOE's free electronic resources such as Grolier, Gale, & ProQuest, which provide full text searches of academic journals, books, and primary sources. By special request, our students may also gain access to college databases.
Our Librarian, Bruce Griffith, can help you find what you need to get that research paper going, explore a topic in which you're interested, or to satisfy your appetite for good independent reading.


Past Lectures & visits22 MarchMaggie Campbell PedersonIvory and Tortoiseshell – Past Users and present bansIvory and tortoiseshell are two organic gem materials that have often been used together, and that today share very similar trade bans. This talk will look at the use of the two materials through the ages, the animals from which they are derived, some of the imitations that have been used, and how to recognise fakes. The talk is richly illustrated. An elephant is killed every 15 minutes for its ivory’ ... part of Zimbabwe’s ivory stockpile. Photograph: Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi/APGuardian article on recent ban changesWWF article on ivory banTelegraph article on Ivory salesStudy Day to be held on Thursday 15 March 2018Victoria Hall in Oakham, cost is £25 per person and members and guests are welcome.‘Iran – Land of Great Kings, Shahs and Ayatollahs’The study day will look at contemporary Iran following the revolution led by Ayatollah Khomeini, as well as the ancient palace of Persepolis, the brilliant architecture of the country’s mosques and palaces, and the delightful gardens of which the Iranians are so proud.John Osborne, an Arts Society lecturer who know the country well, will be our guide. He has lived and worked in Iran, speaks Farsi and has led travel groups there for many years. There can be few people better able to reveal the secrets of this fascinating country.Bas reliefs of Persian guards, Winter Palace of Darius (Tashara) Persepolis22 FebruaryJon CannonSacred Art of Ancient ChinaJoin me to tour the religious art and architecture of China. We will see examples of work of the great faiths that dominated the history of that great civilisation, including the ancient, indigenous Confucian and Taoist traditions; the image-rich Mahayana version of Buddhism that has been hugely influential in the country for two thousand years; and the distinctive Chinese responses to Christianity and Islam.At the heart of this rich, and often precociously humanistic culture lay a series of concerns of truly ancient origin: the maintenance of harmonious relations between men and Heaven; respect for one’s family, including the spirits of one's ancestors; and the role of the Emperor as the fulcrum of life in the ‘central Kingdom’, a role as much spiritual as secular.During the lecture we will visit mountain-tops decorated with Confucian calligraphy; some of the oldest wooden buildings in the world — the Buddhist temples of Wutaishan, built in the eighth century and with their decoration and sculpture intact — and Mandarin’s gardens, their design infused with symbolism from Taoist, Buddhist and Confucian traditions. These between them comprised the ‘three teachings’ (San Jiao) encouraged by the imperial Chinese state.Even today, Beijing’s layout is recognisably that of a sacred city designed around the palace and sacrificial altars associated with the imperial cult: we will see what remains of these, and ponder the role of religion in China’s modern, secular and rapidly developing state. By the end of the hour, you will have a clear and vivid idea of the enormous significance of religion for the Chinese arts.Beijing travel guide25 JanuaryAnthony PenroseThe Boy Who Bit PicassoAs a child Antony Penrose first met Picasso when he visited the Penrose family home of Farley Farm, in Chiddingly, East Sussex in 1950. They became instant friends and invented their own boisterous game of pretend bull fights. In the excitement Antony bit Picasso, and Picasso bit him right back, but it did not spoil the friendship and during the many visits he made to Picasso’s homes in France Antony felt very much at home. He loved the menagerie of pets – the live ones and those Picasso made as sculptures that seemed alive. Antony’s parents were Roland Penrose, the curator and biographer of Picasso, and Lee Miller, the photographer. Picasso painted her portrait six times and she photographed him more than 1,000 times and her images illustrate Antony’s entertaining and amusing account of life around Picasso. This lecture also covers the process of writing and the design of the book which has been very favourably reviewed and is a best seller.Link to the Penrose Farley Farm web siteGuardian article on Antony Penrose23 November 2017Hidden Treasures: The Fine Art of Book IllustrationJames RussellBy their very nature, book illustrations tend to be hidden, and the work of even well-known artists is rarely seen. In a broad survey we enter the secret world of the illustrated book, focusing mainly on popular titles such as Alice in Wonderland and Gilbert White's Selborne - showing the diverse ways in which artists have responded to the text. We look at wood engravings, line drawings, pochoir illustrations and lithographs by a diverse range of artists, including John Tenniel and EH Shepard, Barnett Freedman and Eric Ravilious, Kathleen Hale and Quentin Blake. A visual and literary treat. Click here for background on John Tenniel26 October 2017 AGMA Flawed Genius? The life and art of Amadeo Modigliani Frank WoodgateOpinions are divided about what would have become of Amadeo Modigliani, had he not died of tuberculosis (and excess) at the age of only 35. Some critics claim that he would have gone on to be a modern master, while many feel that he had already produced his greatest and most powerful works of both painting and sculpture before his untimely death. From an Italian/Jewish background (he was born in Livorno in 1884), he settled in Paris in 1906 and, while outside the prevailing movements (Fauvism, Cubism and Futurism), was friendly with other artists such as Picasso and absorbed influences from such varied sources as Botticelli and African tribal carving. Double portrait of Jacques Lipchitz and his wife, Berthe, 1916Click here for background on Modigliani28 September 2017Twentieth Century Sculpture Linda SmithThis lecture traces the development of sculpture in the twentieth century, from large lumps of marble at one end to unmade beds at the other, and explains how and why this trajectory happened. Key developments like Cubism, Primitivism, Surrealism and Pop Art all affected sculpture, and are carefully explained with a wide range of illustrations.Tracy Emin- My BedThe Bodleian Library, OxfordVisit on Tuesday 19 September 2017Despite motorway closures and huge traffic jams, forward planning ensured we arrived at the Bodleian Library for our prebooked tour at one minute before it was due to start. We missed our coffee break, but the very informative and interesting tour and atmosphere of the Library and its surrounds made up for this. A very pleasant lunch and time to visit exhibitions and walk around a beautifully sunny Oxford, alongside the film crews and cast of either Lewis or Endeavour contributed to a lovely afternoon before again, an elongated drive back. Thank you to Gay and Sue for the extremely well organised day and to our bus driver who avoided the M1 !Foreigners in London 1520 - 1677: Artists who changed the course of British ArtLeslie PrimoThursday 24 August 2017This lecture will be held at Greetham Valley Golf Club and will be followed by the Summer Lunch.The lecture will look at the various formats and uses of art, tracing foreign artists from the Tudor period through to the Renaissance and Baroque, looking at their origins and how they came to work in England. It will examine the contributions of artists such as Holbein, van Honthorst, Gheeraerts the younger, the Horenbouts, Isaac Oliver, van Somer, van Dyck, Lely, and Rubens. This lecture will consider how these artists influenced the British School of painting and assess their legacy.A visit was made in June 2017 to the Hokusai - Beyond the Great Wave Exhibition at the British Museum.
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BURIED ABOVE GROUND to Premiere June 28th @ 8pm on World Channel’s America ReFramed Series and Stream for free on PBS.org until August 27th
“Powerful. BURIED ABOVE GROUND will contribute to reshaping the way our society thinks about mental health issues. It will help move viewers and help dispel the myths and misconceptions about PTSD.”
– ROSALYNN CARTER, Former First Lady, The Carter Center
What would you do if the worst thing that ever happened to you felt like it kept happening? BURIED ABOVE GROUND explores this question through the eyes of three post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) survivors.
BURIED ABOVE GROUND goes on an inspirational journey with three people trying to recover from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – Luis, an Iraq War veteran, along with his service dog Tuesday; Erundina, a survivor of domestic violence; and Ashley, an evacuee from Hurricane Katrina. BURIED ABOVE GROUND explores its subjects’ lives over six years, gaining access to their home life, therapy sessions, and communities as they try to unburden themselves from the crippling lock of their past traumas. The personal battles fought by Luis, Ashley and Erundina illuminate a global health condition that is misunderstood, underreported and often left untreated.
USA | 78 Minutes | Color | 5.1 Surround Sound
Director | Producer | Writer: Ben Selkow


Eight Views of Omi: Ishiyamadera Temple
(Omi hakkei no uchi: Omi Hakkei no uchi Ishiyamadera)
signed, dated and titled at lower left corner, Omi hakkei no uchi Ishiyamadera Taisho rokunen junigatsu Shinsui (Eight views of Omi, Ishiyamadera, Taisho 6 , December, Shinsui), with limited edition publisher's seal on verso, Ito Shinsui ga, Omi hakkei Ishiyama, shusatsu nihyaku mai kagiri no uchi dai - ban (picture by Ito Shinsui, Eight Views of Omi, limited edition of 200, not numbered), and with large oval Kintei (with compliments) seal
aiban tate-e 12 5/8 by 8 5/8 in., 32.2 by 21.8
With the exception of the first print he published with Watanabe in 1916, Before the Mirror (Taikyo), which was based on a painting, in the early years of their collaboration, Shinsui worked in the old style of print production, submitting a hanashita (preparatory drawing) or sketch which was used to make a keyblock. In the introduction to the catalogue raisonné, Ito Shinsui: All the Woodblock Prints, Watanabe Shozaburo's son Tadasu describes the cooperation between artist and publisher, recounting how Shinsui was eager to utilize printing techniques to bring out his design, and Watanabe's role of pushing the printers to improve the prints with their own skills (pp. 6-11).
Kato Junzo, comp., Kindai Nihon hanga taikei, 1975-76, 1975-76, Vol. 1, pl. 173
Tadasu Watanabe, Ito Shinsui: All the Woodblock Prints, 1992, pp. 6-11; and p. 35 pl. 15
Amy Reigle Stephens, gen. ed., The New Wave: Twentieth-century Japanese Prints from the Robert O. Muller Collection, 1993, p. 185, pl. 238
Amy Reigle Newland, ed., Printed to Perfection: Twentieth-century Japanese Prints from the Robert O. Muller Collection, 2004, p. 108 pl. 97
Andreas Marks, Seven Masters: 20th Century Japanese Woodblock Prints from the Wells Collection, 2015, p. 108 cat. no. 53
(inv. no. 10-5029)
Scholten Japanese Art is open Monday - Friday, and some Saturdays by appointment only
Contact Katherine Martin at
(212) 585-0474 or email
to schedule a visit between 11am and 4pm preferably for no more than two individuals at a time.
Visitors are asked to wear face masks and practice social distancing at their discretion.
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Slightly over one billion people on the planet live on a dollar a day. While the reasons for their poverty may be different across geographic regions and political circumstances, the results are much the same. Extreme poverty robs people of options in life, and the cycle is nearly impossible to break without help. While the poor often work very hard at jobs many of us would not even consider doing, not having access to basic health care and education keeps them at the bottom of the economic ladder, usually for generations.
Living on a Dollar a Day shares the personal stories of some of the poorest of the poor, honoring their lives, their struggles, and encouraging action in those who can help. In making this beautiful and moving book a team traveled to four continents, took thousands of photographs, conducted numerous interviews, and researched information on the agencies around the world that strive to help the destitute. The resulting stories and photographs offer a heartrending glimpse into the everyday realities of individuals and families facing extreme poverty. Personal profiles give voice to their experience, and research about the root causes of global poverty is shared along with information on how those in more fortunate circumstances can get involved.
Living on a Dollar a Day gives the largely invisible poor a face and a voice. In a world that grows more and more connected and interdependent, the issues that affect one person eventually affect us all. This important book is a powerful call to action for anyone who wishes to help alleviate human suffering.
Also, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in his tribute to the book, wrote on the back cover of the dust jacket:
“Too often those of us who live comfortable lives miss the entire spectrum of humanity who share our planet in lives of desperate poverty. This book brings all of us closer.” – Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.


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World Book Day
Today is World Book Day. In normal times we would all be school, dressed up in our favourite book characters today. This year we can't do that but we can still celebrate books and the importance of reading. Mrs Lambert has organised a Rushy Meadow Masked Reader competition for everyone to take part in, whether at home or in school. Your child's teacher will explain all about it. Here is the link if you wish to have a look:
Also, every child in school has also been given a book which has been donated by Sutton Libraries. This is fantastic. I hope your children enjoy reading their new book.


The museum is currently open by appointment and during festivals.
The Delta Blues Museum was established in 1979. This internationally-acclaimed museum showcases the history and significance of the Blues in this region. It features a wax figure of Blues great Muddy Waters and the famous Muddywood Guitar, videotape and slide-and-sound programs, photographs, recordings, books, memorabilia, archives, and much more. Stovall Plantation was the original home of the Muddy Waters Cabin, which is now located in its new home at the renovated Freight Depot on Blues Alley.
#1 Blues Alley
Tel: (662) 627-6820
Children $5.00 (ages 6-12)
Under 6 – Free
Cat Head Story
Cat Head is named after three things (in reverse order): "cat head biscuits" (a Southern biscuit the size of a cat's head), animal-themed blues record labels (Alligator, Fat Possum, Rooster, etc.) and the "cat head" drawings of Leland, Mississippi, bluesman/folk artist Pat Thomas.
A deejay here once labeled me "Clarksdale's Blues Ambassador." Kinda nice. I'll take it.
Hi. I’m Roger Stolle. Cat Head is my place.
Cat Head is Mississippi's Blues Store, but honestly, I never set out to own a record store or art gallery or souvenir stand (or whatever the heck this thing is). I set out to fulfill a mission.
In 2002, I moved to what some called a “dying” town to organize and promote from within.
How did I end up in Clarksdale, and what am I “organizing and promoting,” exactly? Well, I’m glad you asked.
Much of what follows is excerpted from the Introduction to my book, Hidden History of Mississippi Blues (The History Press/Arcadia Publishing). You really should treat yourself to a copy. Just sayin'...
I grew up in a family that didn’t really listen to much music. My dad loved talk radio. My mom had a few dusty albums we rarely played. And my older sister mostly kept her pop records hidden from her less cool, younger brother.
This all changed on the morning of August 17th, 1977.
Web Page: https://www.cathead.biz/
Carnegie Public Library Archeology Collection
Collection of Mississippi pottery, artifacts and archaeological research materials.
114 Delta Avenue
Open Year Round Hours:
Sun 1p.m.-4 p.m. (subject to change)
Closed national holidays


Interrelated stories of love, friendship, and the struggle to survive show the tragic and comic sides of life in a Puerto Rican community on New York’s Lower East Side.
Winner of the School Library Journal’s Best Book for Young Adults (1977) and the Notable Trade Book Award (1977).
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Mound Builder Native Americans
The area's prehistoric Native American origins can be traced through artifacts excavated from this land. There are few sites remaining from the Nation's colonial days, most of which are in desperate need of attention. With the increase of new housing and commercial developments, special attention must be given to the preservation of barns and houses which remain from the old farmsteads along with buildings which housed local businesses of the past.
The area's rich natural resources and close proximity to the Monongahela River led to the development of a unique blend of industries. Coal mining, glass fabrication, brick manufacturing, steelmaking, and distilling of liquor are but a few of the industries enmeshed in the fabric of this community's history. The WJHHS strives to document the businesses and organizations which have built this community through the years.
Also unique to this region's history is the Whiskey Rebellion. Many early settlers of the region were active participants in this short-lived insurrection, but men and women from this community have served as early militiamen of the frontier, as soldiers in Afghanistan, and in every U.S. military conflict of this country. The stories of these brave men and women must be preserved.
Early Jefferson Methodist Episcopal Church
The West Jefferson Hills area is a community peppered with churches of different faiths and denominations. Some of these local churches were established as early as the mid-nineteenth century. Early congregations often held their first services in small clapboard structures or even in local one-room schoolhouses; but, as the area's population increased, church congregations grew and early church buildings expanded into more substantial brick edifices. Uncovering the history and development of the area's religious institutions is yet another area of interest for the historical society.
The neighborhoods of West Elizabeth, Jefferson Hills, and Pleasant Hills are filled with families whose ancestors have lived here for centuries; the names of their numerous generations can be found on gravestones throughout local cemeteries. Their surnames can be found on area streets and buildings.
Thus, another goal of this Society must be to collect the genealogies of local residents along with photographs, documents, and artifacts to show their importance in the growth and development of the area. By collecting verbal narratives of community elders, the Society creates an understanding of how things have evolved through the years and establish a vital connection from the past through the present and into the future.
West Elizabeth History
Jefferson Hills History
Pleasant Hills History


Best books: author`s picks for 2021
See our ultimate review on the best books to read in 2021
Raymond Harold Sawkins (14 July 1923 – 23 August 2006) was a British novelist, who mainly published under the pseudonym Colin Forbes, but also as Richard Raine, Jay Bernard and Harold English. He published only three of his first books under his own name. Sawkins wrote over 40 books, mostly as Colin Forbes. He was most famousfor his long-running series of thriller novels in which the principal character is Tweed, Deputy Director of the Secret Intelligence Service.
Deadlock by Colin Forbes
Deadlock by Colin Forbes. Deadlock. Colin Forbes Prologue. Breckland. Shrouded by dense fir forest on three sides, The Bluebell pub seemed like a haven from the April storm to the seven villagers drinking inside...
Battle For Empire by Sam Baron
Battle For Empire by Sam Baron. About the book "Rise of the Empire". The great pyramids of Egypt, the beautiful palaces of Crete and Babylon have not yet been built ... There are still no chronicles or historical chronicles. There is not even the very concept of "history" ...
Transit by Ben Aharonovich
Transit by Ben Aharonovich. Transit is an original novel written by Ben Aaronovitch and based on the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who. It features the Seventh Doctor, Bernice and the first appearance of Kadiatu Lethbridge-Stewart.
The Divide by Robert Wilson
The Divide by Robert Wilson. The book "The Divide" by Wilson Robert Charles (EN) will make a decent impression on the fan of this genre. The well-chosen timing of the events helped the author delve into the subject matter and raise a number of vital issues that are worth pondering. Light and sophisticated humor is served in moderate ..
Mogworld by Ben Croshaw
Mogworld by Ben Croshaw. Mogworld is the debut fantasy novel from video game icon Ben "Yatji" Kroshaw (Zero Punctuation), written in the best traditions of Terry Pratchett and Douglas Adams and closely intertwined with the world of video games - the main character, in fact, is only a minor character in MMORPG.
The Daring Exploits of a Runaway Heiress
The Daring Exploits of a Runaway Heiress. An American heiress running rampant between Millworth Manor and Mayfair is the perfect subject. ... And extremely kissable. And if Lucy believes he’s a detective? Well, the truth should never get in the way of a good story—or hinder delicious, impetuous passion…
Restoration by Rose Tremaine
Restoration by Rose Tremaine. Robert Merivel, who has studied to be a physician, is appointed, ironically, to be veterinarian for the spaniels of King Charles II, who has recently been restored to the throne following the death of Oliver Cromwell. Merivel enjoys the gaiety and frivolity of court life, and, a bit of a fool, he entertains the king. The king's decision to placate one of his lovers by marrying off his favorite mistress to Robert Merivel, spells the beginning of the end for Merivel's tenuous fortunes. Warned not to fall in love with his wife, Celia Clemence, since the king intends to continue seeing her, Merivel cannot help himself, and he is cast out, losing not only the king's affection, but also his house and, of course his wife
Destined by Eprilynn Pike
Destined by Eprilynn Pike. Laurel faces the fight of her life to save everything , and everyone, she loves. This is the final part of the extraordinary faerie tale which began in the bestselling novel WINGS described by Stephenie Meyer...
Vowed by Morgan Rice
Lime`s Photograph by Leif Davidsen
Lime`s Photograph by Leif Davidsen. Davidsen’s book Lime’s Photograph was in truth less of a Scandinavian book and more of one concerned with Spain, both during ... Leif Davidsen (f. 1950) er uddannet journalist og fra 1984-1988 DR´s korrespondent i Moskva.


This spacious two-story townhome is bathed in natural light and features three private patios. Recently installed central AC and double-pane windows! Updated kitchen and baths, and hardwood floors throughout the main level. One bedroom and bath on the main level, and two bedrooms, one bath upstairs. The main floor bedroom makes a perfect home office. Ideal, flexible floor plan where every room feels private. Combination washer/dryer in unit. Outdoor storage shed. This end unit is located at the back of the complex and shares only one wall. The owners have always entered through the side gate on La Salle Drive, which feels like your own private entrance. The Gardens is a gated community with three pools, a hot tub, a fitness room, a library, and a rec room. Don't miss this rare and wonderful opportunity for a 3 bedroom/2bath, in a great westside San Mateo location.


In the annals of mathematical history, few stories are as compelling as that of S. Ramanujan, a self-taught mathematician from India. Despite facing numerous challenges, including a lackluster education, cultural differences, and limited resources, Ramanujan made groundbreaking contributions to the field of mathematics. His story is a testament to the power of passion, determination, and raw talent.
The Unlikely Genius
In 1913, Cambridge professor G.H. Hardy received an unusual letter. It was from a man named Srinivasa Ramanujan, a lowly clerk from the port of Madras in India. The letter contained 120 mathematical theorems, all of which were original and groundbreaking. Despite initial skepticism, Hardy was impressed by the brilliance of Ramanujan’s work and recognized him as one of the greatest mathematicians of the time.
Born in 1887, Ramanujan had to overcome numerous obstacles to pursue his passion for mathematics. His education was far from ideal, and he faced health challenges from a young age. However, his love for mathematics was ignited in high school, and by the age of 16, he was independently studying complex mathematical concepts in preparation for Cambridge University.
Ramanujan’s genius was awakened by a difficult mathematical book he found in high school. This book sparked a lifelong obsession with mathematics, leading him to dedicate his life to the field. Despite struggling academically in college, Ramanujan committed himself to independent research. He lived in poverty, got married, and continued to work on advanced mathematics.
Making a Mark in England
Ramanujan’s journey took him to England, where he faced new challenges. His unconventional methods and cultural differences made it difficult for him to fit in. However, his work gained recognition and support, and he made significant contributions to mathematics despite these obstacles.
Ramanujan’s time at Cambridge was marked by challenges, including the outbreak of World War I and difficulty maintaining his vegetarian diet. However, he persevered and continued to make groundbreaking discoveries in the field of mathematics.
A Legacy Cut Short
Tragically, Ramanujan’s life was cut short at the age of 32 due to an undiagnosed liver infection. He left behind a wealth of undiscovered mathematical breakthroughs. His work was initially overlooked due to the lack of explanation and proofs, but his mathematical formulas are now recognized as groundbreaking.
Ramanujan’s genius was initially neglected after his death. However, his formulas have since been proven and linked to important mathematical principles. Today, his work continues to be applied in various fields, including string theory and the study of black holes.
Ramanujan’s story is a testament to the power of passion and determination. Despite facing numerous challenges, he made significant contributions to the field of mathematics. His work continues to inspire mathematicians around the world, reminding us that genius can be found in the most unlikely of places.


Industrial Training Centers are training institute which provide training in technical field and constituted under Directorate General of Employment & Training (DGET) Ministry of Labor & Employment, Union Government of India. Normally a person who has passed 8th or 10th standard (SSLC) is eligible for admission to ITC, The objective of opening of ITI is provide technical manpower to industries. The Name Basant Kumar Birla ITC is famous due to Birla Ji. He was very famous in Country. It is also establishment by Sh. Birla Ji .
A library is a treasure-house of knowledge. Our Library is equipped with more than 800 books on different Trades/subjects -Electrician, Mechanical Diesel, Fitter, Welder etc.. It has sufficient to all students of institute and sitting capacity where students as well as staff members read the books. 5 daily news papers and five different magazines (India Today, Rojgar Samachar, kadmbini, kronical and competition books etc...) are available in library. Books are kept and arranged properly which makes the reader look for a particular book easily. A Trainee of institute can borrow a few books for a particular period and take them home. A library is a place where not only books but also magazines, journals and newspapers are well-stocked for the benefit of the students and staff members. New books are added from time to time. All the books are kept systematically. They are classified and indexed according to their subjects. The readers can keep themselves equipped with his Subject, current events and the latest developments in various fields.
Every Saturday is sports day after 12:30 PM. There are various games played by trainees. Cricket, Volleyball, Badminton, chess & Kerm Board etc... Games are conducted by Institute. Trainees teams are taking part in the intercollegiate Tournaments with Students of H.p.Kabra College of Computer Sci., Kuchaman College etc..


Once your paper is accepted
New To have your paper published, you need to complete a Non-Exclusive Publication Agreement Form. Please read the document carefully and then complete all sections that are between sqare brackets (do not forget the paper number, see programme, and the paper title) including the names and institutional addresses of all the authors. One of the authors can sign on behalf of all the authors (if you prefer, all authors can sign too). Please send the completed form to the General Chair. If your paper was presented at the conference, we will then commence the publication process.
Papers can be submitted by one of the authors using our
(before submitting your paper you need to create an account, if you have not done so already, (please note that passwords are stored in plain
text). Submissions are accepted on PDF format with a maximum file size of 10 MBytes (not 2MB as stated on the system). You are allowed to modify your submission until the final deadline date.
Contact us if you have problems/questions about the paper submission process.
For a pdf version of the conference call for papers, please click here (we also have an A3 and an A2 version).
To prepare your camera-ready paper please use this Word template or LaTeX template and then submit it in PDF. Please note that you need to submit the paper in its final format including names of authors and institutions, as the review is single-blind (not double blind).
All accepted papers (orals/posters) will be published by the IET (IET Digital Library) and indexed by INSPEC and, normally through it, by IEEE Xplore and Scopus, provided that at least one of the authors registers AND presents the work.


Bastien Hery was given a whistle-stop tour of Rochdale town centre on Tuesday and made the day for young fans when he popped into the library at No1 Riverside.
The 22-year-old midfielder was keen to show his appreciation of the town after being misquoted in national and local media and readily accepted an invitation from the Borough Council to come and visit.
The young Frenchman was shown some of the town’s highlights and told about the on-going plans for regeneration by Councillor Janet Emsley, who commented:
“He is a lovely lad. He was horrified to have been misquoted so badly and took a great interest in the town and the buildings, a well as their plans for the future.
“It was lovely for him to come along - he is obviously committed to the club and the town.”
Bastien’s tour included the Grade II listed town hall, scene of Dale's victory reception when they got promoted to League One last year.
He said: “That was a very happy occasion in a wonderful building.”
This time a regular tea-dance was in full swing, and while the shy midfielder couldn't be persuaded to join in, he was given a brief history of the magnificent rooms and ornate stained glass windows by Dorothy Johnstone.
He strolled across town passed the new bus interchange and the Metrolink and was updated on plans for re-opening the river and for the new shopping centre development.
From No1 Riverside he headed to Rochdale Sixth Form College – officially the best in the country for adding value to students learning for the second year running.
Deputy Principal Ruth Szolkowska showed him round the brand new facility with its roof top coffee shop, state of the art labs and inspiring art rooms. He chatted with one of the students who has been offered a place at Oxford to read French.
"I was very impressed," commented Bastien. “It looks like a wonderful place to study."
Last stop was the Pioneer Museum where a group of school pupils from Middleton were just completing their educational visit. Bastien was given a brief history of the Pioneer movement and understood the significance of Rochdale being the birthplace of the Co-operative.
He said: “I was very moved by the Museum. That every co-op in the world started from this point in this very building is very interesting to see.
“I have really enjoyed seeing the buildings, both the old and the new, they are very impressive. And learning about the history of the town.
“I would never say anything bad about it, before the weekend I did not even know what the word dump meant. I am proud to be associated with the town.”


Review - "The Zero Know" by K.Z Snow
A beautifully crafted look at young love
"The scales will always tip in favor of what enriches your life. That's the thing you'll end up choosing."
Jess, a young man ready to start his college life away from his small hometown, friends with a group of young people who are "different" - sexually ambiguous, finds himself suddenly looking at one of his oldest friends in a totally new light.
Dylan, "Mig" to his buds, has been friends with Jess, has secrets of his own. He is gay, not bi, working as a welder, closeted, the only son of conservative parents, and looking for love not another one night stand.
As these two young men discover how love works, they will be tested in in ways boys their age should not be. From the first tentative kiss, to the realization that the hardest choice may be to trust each other and their hearts, Ms. Snow crafts an intelligent, beautifully written tale. Her prose is so well written, and her characterizations full and real.
"So Jess likely knew that books were often the best friends of shy boys who didn't quite fit in."
She gets it all right.
Such a good book. Read this one and SAVOR it!


Ruby, Sapphire & Emerald Buying Guide: ThIrd Edition
How to evaluate, Identify, Select & Care For these gemstones
Written for professionals and serious gem buyers, this book discusses in detail how color, shape, cut, clarity, transparency, treatments and geographic origin affect the value of rubies, sapphires and emeralds. This full-color guide also explains how to document and care for these gems and how to distinguish imitation and synthetic stones from those that are real and natural. Each concept is illustrated with either close-up photos or line drawings.
This 3rd edition has 173 new photos, 16 new tables, two new chapters and expanded chapters on ruby & sapphire treatments and clarity grading. Overall, it updates gem professionals on new jewelry styles, grading systems, treatments and geographic sources of rubies, sapphires and emeralds.
by Renée Newman
ISBN 9780929975412 / 6" x 9" (18 x 23 cm) / 187 pages
280 photos (267 in color) plus diagrams and tables
International Jewelry Publications / $19.95 / Paperback
Currently out of print, but copies are still available at JTV and HS Walsh.
Click to buy from JTV (Jewelry Television)
Click to Buy from HS Walsh.com
"The best produced book on gemstones I have yet seen in this price range (how is it done?) This is the book for anyone who buys, sells or studies gemstones and also for the casual reader. Such a reader may begin a lifelong friendship with gemstones, and for an author to have achieved this is a rare prize. This style of book (and similar ones by the same author) is the only one I know which introduces actual trade conditions and successfully combines a good deal of gemology with them. Especially good are remarks on the influence of local lighting conditions – hardly ever mentioned elsewhere but profoundly affecting display and sales: color, taste, and preference are considered too and the purpose and effect of different cutting styles. As well as all this are all the details any gemologist would want. Last of all, the pictures are very good, and no Internet reproductions have achieved this quality so far. Buy it, read it and keep it."
Journal of Gemmology, Michael O'Donoghue
"A useful resource for both the experienced gemologist as well as the serious collector . . . The book simplifies terms and explains concepts like cut, color treatments and lab reports clearly. The photographs, particularly in the sections of judging color, treatments, and clarity, are clear and true to life. The sections on enhancements as well as the section on natural characteristics are always convenient to have on hand for comparison and could be considered a pocket version of The Photo Atlas. All of the charts are clear and easily found and the book is well organized for quick reference. It is a handy, well organized and factually correct compilation of information with photographs that one will find themselves referencing on a regular basis."
Kindra Lovejoy, GG, The Jewelry Appraiser
"Solid, informative, and comprehensive...dissects each aspect of ruby and sapphire value in detail...a wealth of grading information...No doubt it can fill a niche as a basic training tool for jewelry firms that would like to expand their horizons in the colored stone marketplace...a definite thumbs up. There is something here for everyone."
Jeweler’s Circular Keystone, C.R. Beesley, President, American
"Enjoyable reading...Newman continues her tradition of user-friendly texts that are technical enough to help consumers make wise purchases. Like her other well-regarded guides, this book is profusely illustrated with color photographs showing not only the beauty of finished jewelry but close-ups and magnifications of details such as finish, cut, clarity, flaws, and fakes. Sections on testing and judging the real from the fake are sophisticated enough for professionals to use. Highly recommended for both academic and public libraries of all sizes."
"An up-to-date, illustrated, reliable guide on how to purchase a ruby, sapphire or emerald. Reader’s familiar with this author’s successful format will not be disappointed with this book. Of particular value are chapters devoted to the assessment of colour and clarity of ruby, sapphire and emerald, value enhancing treatments, synthetics and imitations, simple tests and observations the lay person can use to discriminate these coloured stones from their look-alikes, and useful information on the desirable features of star ruby and sapphire. The accuracy and clarity of this guide’s information sets a standard to be emulated. "
"Considering the frequent lack of technical training given to sales-people, this book fills a much-needed void. Newman does an excellent job teaching privates how to judge the color of a gemstone, about the effect of lighting on a gemstone’s appearance and how to care for gemstones and jewelry
What impresses me most about Newman is theat she presents both sides of the disagreements in the trade concerning what contributes to a fine gemstone...The vast majority of the gem photographs presented in this book , especially the inclusion photographs, are worth its price many times over.
I recommend this book as an excellent primer. Jewelers who want to educate their clients or consumers who want to educate themselves will find it to be an informative starting point. This publication can also be useful in training salespeople in the proper way to market colored gemstones."
"Can a book capture the romance and beauty of gemstones while offering practical information on how to make the right buying decision? If the gemstones we’re referring to are rubies sapphires and emeralds, then this book does a terrific job of achieving both.
This buying guide discusses several value factors, with separate chapters on color, plus combined chapters on shape/cut, carat weight, and clarity/transparency. Each factor is explained using numerous photographs, charts, and line drawings. Also covered in these chapters are grading systems, characteristics of stones by origin, and a discussion of how different types of lighting can affect ruby color. Additional chapters cover simulants, synthetics, treatments, care, and cleaning, as well as star ruby and sapphire.
The Buying Guide does an excellent job of showing consumers how different grading factors affect beauty and value...Newman has created an extremely helpful reference guide and product knowledge manual. It should be on the shelf of every jeweler whose customers want to know more–often much more–than "How much does it cost?"
Gems & Gemology
"Well written – not so technical that you would need a dictionary to understand what is written and, most important, the information is pertinent to anyone who wants to buy and sell colored gemstones. I have recommended this book to all my students and I enthusiastically recommend it to anyone interested in colored gemstones. Well done!"
H. B. Leith, teacher, gemologist, master goldsmith
Newman Gem & Jewelry Series and Osteoporosis Book Links


So today is the beginning of Banned Books Week. Apparently the American Library Association supports the First Amendment by calling attention to books that are banned or challenged at libraries and schools around the country. I will have to find out if my local library is participating, and if not, encourage them to do so.
To the best of my knowledge I have never suggested that a book be banned. I've read a few that were stupid. I've read a few that are offensive in some ways. I've read many books that I wouldn't recommend to people who are extremely fastidious about what they read. I've read some absolutely fabulous books. And I have read a good portion of the books on the banned books list.
Some of the reasons that books are banned or challenged do make some sense. But some others don't make sense at all. I'm sorry, but the Harry Potter books do not promote Satanism, are not anti-family, and if you have ever tried any of the spells you know they don't work. What the Potter books do is get people to read them. My brother Mike, who doesn't read anything, not only read all 7 of the Potter books, he also read the entire Lord of the Rings series. You will never find me agreeing with anyone that these books should be banned.
R.L. Stine, author of the "Goosebumps" series, and other creepy books that I used to read in junior high and high school has been banned for being Satanic. Those books get kids to read. I don't care what the content is, other than step-by-step instructions for bomb making, anything that gets kids to read is good.
The Twilight Series has been challenged for being too sexy—the book promotes abstinence until marriage. The only reason I could think of to challenge Twilight is for the poor editing job.
The Kite Runner was challenged for sexual content and being age inappropriate. That book was written for adults. If adults can't handle reading a book that accurately depicts life in Afghanistan under the Taliban, including a traumatic rape of an 11-year-old boy, then they shouldn't be reading anything that's on the adult shelf, other than Christian lit.
Some of my favorite books were on the list, including The Fountainhead, Atlas Shrugged, Catcher in the Rye, Gone With the Wind, a Wrinkle in Time. A lot of books I had to read in school are on the list, including Of Mice and Men, Grapes of Wrath, As I Lay Dying, Fahrenheit 451. Why? I'm not sure, although language is often cited. The Grapes of Wrath was banned in California because of how it depicted migrant workers during the Great Depression.
In high school I had to get a signed note saying it was okay if I read Catcher in the Rye. It's got some swear words in it. Whoopie freaking do. It's a fantastic book and I feel it should be required reading.
My personal philosophy on books is that I can read whatever I want, my husband can read what he wants, and if my daughter wants to read something I am going to let her—unless it's the Kama Sutra. I do have my limits, after all.


Huber F(1), Ridder L(1), Verhoeven S(1), Spaaks JH(1), Diblen F(1), Rogers S(2), van der Hooft JJJ(3). Author information:
(1)Netherlands eScience Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
(2)School of Computing Science, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom.
(3)Bioinformatics Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen, the Netherlands.
Spectral similarity is used as a proxy for structural similarity in many tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) based metabolomics analyses such as library matching and molecular networking. Although weaknesses in the relationship between spectral similarity scores and the true structural similarities have been described, little development of alternative scores has been undertaken. Here, we introduce Spec2Vec, a novel spectral similarity score inspired by a natural language processing algorithm-Word2Vec. Spec2Vec learns fragmental relationships within a large set of spectral data to derive abstract spectral embeddings that can be used to assess spectral similarities. Using data derived from GNPS MS/MS libraries including spectra for nearly 13,000 unique molecules, we show how Spec2Vec scores correlate better with structural similarity than cosine-based scores. We demonstrate the advantages of Spec2Vec in library matching and molecular networking. Spec2Vec is computationally more scalable allowing structural analogue searches in large databases within seconds.
Having over 250 Research scholars worldwide and more than 400 articles online with open access.


Scope and objectives of the Journal
Rehman Journal of Health Sciences is the official journal of Rehman Medical Institute and is published from Rehman College of Rehabilitation Sciences. It is a peer-reviewed journal published biannually in the months of June and December. Rehman Journal of Health Sciences follows guidelines of uniform requirements for manuscripts submission recommended by International Committee of Medical Journals Editors available on www.icmje.org. The journal is open to researches carried out in medical, dental, nursing, rehabilitation, paramedical and health sciences.
Types of manuscripts accepted in this journal included original research papers, short communications, review articles, case reports, editorials, book reviews, biographical notes and conference reports.
The aims of the journal are
- To provide a platform to researchers for dissemination high quality research conducted in the field of health sciences
- To provide readers information about new researches conducted
- To be a valid source of scientific communication
- To encourage and share good publication practices


First up, these aren't as good as the cards they represent. Mainly because a lot of these have tap abilities that can't be used on the first turn like the originals, but also because creatures are more vulnerable than artifacts/enchantments/lands. Second, due to the large size and repeated general comments, I'm just going to make a quick list of pros and cons and mention which cards they apply to.
Pro: Good power/toughness for cost. These cards are good enough as creatures for their costs.
Cards: Abyss, Arena, Candelabra, Coffers, Moon, Scroll, Vineyard
Pro: Costs the same as the original. These cards, while usually being slower than the cards they represent, at least cost the same as the original.
Cards: Abyss, Candelabra, Disk, Future, Jar (sort of), Mirror (sort of), Moon, Scroll, Vineyard
Con: Overcosted. These cards cost more than their originals, sometimes a lot more.
Cards: Arena, Bazaar, Coffers, Library, Tabernacle
Con: It can be affected by its own effect. These cards can be destroyed by using their own effects.
Cards: Abyss, Arena, Tabernacle
Con: Weak. These cards don't have a good power/toughness ratio for their cost.
Cards: Bazaar, Disk, Future, Jar, Library, Mirror, Moat, Tabernacle
Cards: Abyss, Candelabra, Moat, Moon, Scroll
Cards: Arena, Coffers, Disk, Future, Tabernacle, Vineyard
Cards: Bazaar, Jar, Library, Mirror


The 50 Healthiest 10-Minute Recipes
By Dr. Anne Fleck, former head of department of Internal Medicine at the LANS Medicum, known for her German television series "Die Ernährungsdocs” (The Nutritional Docs). Eating healthy and delicious diet is that easy! The dishes in this book are not only very good for you, but also taste fantastic. All recipes can be prepared within just 10 minutes - a true blessing for those who like it uncomplicated and healthy.
Su Vössing, formerly Germany's youngest star chef, has developed over 50 unique recipes according to the nutritional advice from Dr. Anne Fleck. In accordance with the renowned LANS Med Concept and the latest findings of nutritional medicine, Dr. Anne Fleck has chosen the ingredients for this book in such a way, that one healthy meal a day is sufficient to provide the body with all the vitamins, trace elements, fatty acids and secondary plant substances it requires. Many of the dishes are also suitable for traveling or for the office.
In addition, the book offers six exclusive recipes from the chef of Lanserhof Tegernsee, Karsten Wolf, as well as tips and recipes for breakfast, snacks, main dishes and many more. Short texts inform the reader about the food and its particular effect on the body.
Editor of "The 50 healthiest 10-minute recipes" and pioneer of the LANS Med Concept is Lanserhof owner Dr. Christian Harisch.


How to Survive Foreclosure
The Foreclosure Survival Guide: Keep Your House or Walk Away With Money in Your Pocket is a timely - and surprisingly good book - at the right time. Written for homeowners, this is one of very few books
written for debtors (as in "real people") rather than for legal eagles or investors.
Sadly, many families who have received one or more notices of foreclosure are in denial. They dream of coming up
with the money they need, they hope "something" will save them, they wait for a miracle....yet they do nothing. You know if you are making
the payment on your house - or not. Do you know at what point lenders file for foreclosure? Do you understand the timeline
and how the process works? Thousands of homeowners are hitting the harsh wall of reality this year. The majority of them never
thought foreclosure would become part of their reality.
Smart homeowners know it's best to be prepared in case the worst happens. If your job disappears next month, will you be
receiving foreclosure notices five months from now? Do you know what to do if that happens? One of the best sections in this survival guide
explains how to recognize and avoid scams that prey on desperate homeowners. These scams have exploded with the avalanche of foreclosure in
the past year and homeowners have not only lost their homes but lost thousands of dollars to these scams as well.
If you are facing foreclosure now you need the information in this book. Can you save your home? Can
you delay foreclosure for months to give yourself time to find the money to bring payments up to date? In truth, the best time to learn
what to do if facing foreclosure is before you recieve that first notice from your lender. Know what steps to take if your job is lost or a
medical emergency causes a financial crisis.
This book tells you what your rights are and what you can to to prevent, delay or survive the financial turmoil of foreclosure
in terms real peple can understand. The glossary of legal terms explained will help if you have to meet with your lender or foreclosure
attorney. A worksheet helps you decide if fighting foreclosure, or allowing it to proceed, is the best path for you to take.
Each State has different foreclosure rules - did you know that? I didn't! The State laws on both foreclosure and
bankruptcy vary widely from state to state and dictate what options you have. The comparison of State foreclosure laws in this book is an
The Foreclosure Survival Guide covers how to dispute your foreclosure, whether bankruptcy should be considered, how to
negotiate with lenders and the possibility of selling your property. It covers the topics without useless detail and, surprisingly, is
interesting to read.
The book is not perfect and won't replace hiring a good attorney if your foreclosure goes to court but it's the best
source of practical information and resources I've seen on the subject. Because it's published by Nolo Press, updates keep this Guide
current with new laws.
The Foreclosure Survival Guide: Keep Your House or Walk Away With Money in Your


That Opening Day Feeling by Mike Trout
A Special Day for Baseball Fans
The new MLB season brings a sense of excitement and anticipation for baseball enthusiasts around the world. Opening Day is undoubtedly one of the most cherished moments for players and fans alike. In an article titled “That Opening Day Feeling” by Mike Trout, the celebrated baseball player, he eloquently captures the essence of this remarkable occasion.
A Fresh Start, A Blank Canvas
Trout emphasizes that Opening Day represents a fresh start for every team. Like a blank canvas, the season holds countless possibilities and opportunities for success. The hope and optimism radiating from the players and fans bring an energy unlike any other. With enthusiastic cheers and passionate chants, the stadium becomes an electric atmosphere, brimming with support for their beloved teams.
Reflecting on Past Memories
For Trout, Opening Day is not just about looking forward but also about reminiscing on past experiences. He recalls the nostalgia of his early days as a baseball fan, attending Opening Day games with his family. These cherished memories created a bond between him, the game, and the tradition associated with it.
The Joyous Rituals
Trout mentions the rituals and customs that have become synonymous with Opening Day. The ceremonial first pitch, the presentation of team flags, the national anthem, and the ever-exciting player introductions form an integral part of this grand spectacle. These traditions build a sense of unity and foster a deep connection between the players and their dedicated fans.
As the first pitch is thrown, excitement reaches its peak. The season unfolds before everyone’s eyes, showering baseball enthusiasts with thrilling moments, unexpected victories, and heartwarming stories. It is a time when dreams become reality, and anything is possible. The love for the game transcends boundaries, while camaraderie and sportsmanship prevail on the field.
The Opening Day Experience
Trout concludes with a heartfelt sentiment, emphasizing that the Opening Day feeling is something that cannot be adequately described but needs to be experienced firsthand. It is a magical sensation that unites fans, players, and the entire baseball community. The unmistakable energy and pure joy in the air make it a day that will forever hold a special place in the hearts of all who love the game.
This unique text is a personal adaptation based on the underlying article by Mike Trout. It emphasizes the excitement and significance of Opening Day in Major League Baseball, capturing the essence of this cherished tradition. With emphasis on specific details and Trout’s perspective, it weaves a narrative surrounding the rituals, memories, and boundless possibilities that make this day so special.
Nikodem Nowak is a recognized expert in the field of sports betting with over a decade of experience in the industry. He began his journey in betting at a young age, analyzing matches and closely following team statistics. His passion quickly turned into a profession when he started publishing his picks on various betting forums, gaining recognition among other bettors.
Over the years of working in the industry, Nikodem has gained invaluable experience, which allowed him to develop a unique betting strategy, combining statistical analysis with intuition. His predictions often proved accurate, earning him a reputation among players and betting experts.
Experience: Nowak is also the author of numerous articles and guides on betting strategies, capital management, and the psychology of gaming. His knowledge and experience are invaluable to anyone wanting to succeed in the world of sports betting.
Today, Nikodem Nowak is one of the most recognizable experts in Poland, regularly appearing in the media and running his own YouTube channel, where he shares his picks and analyses of upcoming matches.


Visibly Pushdown Automata (VPA), recently introduced by Alur and Madhusudan , are special pushdown automata which operate over input alphabets that are partitioned into three disjoint sets of calls, returns and local symbols. The corresponding class of visibly pushdown languages (VPL) has been shown to have many of the desirable properties that regular languages have. VPL is closed under union, intersection, complementation, concatenation and Kleene star. We can also construct a deterministic visibly pushdown automaton from a non-deterministic one.
We have implemented a prototype VPA library (VPAlib) to provide basic operations on VPA to support experimentation of VPA for component protocols. The library has been written using Java 5 and is still under testing and development. The current version VPAlib 0.1 provides the following VPA operations:
The (LGPL-licensed) distribution is available through the following link:
It contains the complete source code, examples for all closure and determinization operations, and an API documentation.


Overview of the United States of America from 1890 to 1950
1890 to 1950 was a great time period for the United States. It gained a good deal of military power after immerging victorious from World Wars I and II. The wars during this time also spurred on the invention of many things such as the tank and nylon. This period was also the beginning of the civil rights movement. It was during this time period that Thomas A. Edison was working in his laboratory in New Jersey. Air planes where flow and quickly grew a lot faster, safer, and generally more efficient. Also ship travel time from the coast to coast of the US was almost cut in half by the building of the Panama Canal. Movies became very popular and the fist awards ceremony in held in 1929. But some parts of our history are not so great. The atom bomb was invented and used in World War II. In the military there was still a separate colored regiment and segregation was still prevalent. But through the good and bad the United States becomes a great, if not the greatest, nation during this time period.


Limited Wired Network Connection in OTI Building
UPDATE 5.00 pm: Our Engineers have undertaken some remedial work to resolve this issue. If you are still experiencing issues connecting to the network in the OTI Building please try a reboot of your machine in the first instance. If however, this does not resolve the issue – please report this to the IT Service Desk in the Main Library.
We are aware of an issue connecting to the wired network in the OTI Building (wireless connection is not affected). If you are affected by this issue over the weekend, please use the facilities in the Library until a resolution is found and make the staff at the IT Service Desk in the Library aware.
UPDATE: This issue is now resolved.


If you’ve found this site, you are probably thinking you are in the wrong place. That’s the first thing you’ve been right about all day. There’s no going back for you. There’s only one thing you can do about it. Have I got your attention?
My name is Clinton A. Harris. I tell stories. Not much else I could tell you about myself is of consequence. But in my writing, there is a place that haunts me. World not unlike our own. What if I told you that in a not-so-different place, there was a time where creatures of the Other world, known in some circles as the Sidhe, Faerie, the Shadowlands, or a dozen other names.
This story, Song of the Cinder, takes place in the year 1918. The world is at war. On the border of Gaul and the Holy Roman Empire, armies of the undead rise from the trenches to fight against clockwork automatons. Storms are summoned against artillery and aircraft instilled with the souls of warhorses rule the skies over Europe.
In this world, the Americas were never conquered by the royal houses of Europe. Colonies are held in trust by the Seven Nations, a confederacy of tribal states, which lease the lands of the New World to European immigrants. Instead of mastery of the horse, these indigenous people became masters of the sky. In Europe, the purging of the Other during a bloody war of 30 years spawned an industrial revolution, placing mechanization over the Folk, all but driving them out of the world. But there are remnants. Magic and automation are fused into terrifying machines of war. Ancient beings and curses are used in the theatre of war alongside bombs and bullets. Poisonous gas that brings the dead to life and nations to their knees. Witchcraft, legend, and heroes vying for power in a world turned upside down. A crossroads of myth and industry at the dawn of the 20th Century.
The first story takes place in the middle of the Great War. American ace, John Lightfoot, witnesses an airship materialize and explode over no-man’s-land. As cities fall to ash, he and his comrades must stop a madman from severing the ties binding the Beast at the Center of Five Worlds before it can return and create Hell on earth.
This is only the first in a series of tales about this world. The settings and players might be familiar as all worlds echo and resonate in the spaces between them.


The Enlightened Apothecary UK
Moonology Oracle Cards
The phases of the moon and the position of the stars have a powerful effect on our everyday lives. Astrologer Yasmin Boland is an expert on the moon's influence on our lives and knows the tricks of working with its phases to yield positive results. Following the popularity of her book Moonology, she has created this oracle deck to bring more answers and guidance for those who feel a connection or are drawn to working with the moon's natural magic.
The cards in the deck provide answers to the user's questions about their life as well as offering teachings on moon phases and moon positions. The cards will be named after a moon phase (full moon, new moon, quarter moon, crescent moon, super moon), or moon positions in the starsigns or houses. Each card will show how the energy of this moon position relates to an area of life, including life goals, communication, relationships, new beginnings, health, love, work, dreams, healing, success, family, home, money, travel, and friends. The cards will also offer guidance on action to take or things to reflect on. With magical and mystical illustrations, this deck is a beautiful and wise companion for those wishing to harness the moon's power!
- Discover the magic of the moon + how to harness it's energy for your highest good.
- How you can predict the weeks ahead based on the Moon - Powerful rituals and ceremonies for working with the Moon
- How to work with each New Moon to create Magic in every part of your life
- Why the high point of the Lunar Cycle - the Full Moon - is a powerful time for shifting blocks and practising forgiveness
- The benefits of working with the energy of the Moon on any given day
- Affirmations, visualizations and chants to use
- discover the role of Archangels, Goddesses and Ascended Masters.


The ICA Group Resource Library
ICA believes that training and education can make a significant difference to employee owned companies & social enterprises. A critical element are resources democratic firms can use to help their business succeed. ICA’s resource library is the best place to look for materials to help your co-op or social enterprise. ICA’s materials have been time tested and refined, continually reflecting the latest thinking on key topics. Our curated selection of materials has been built over our 38 year history and includes introductory & intermediary guides on topics critical to democratic firms; model legal documents (article of incorporation, by-laws, membership agreements, etc.); case studies; business advice; and the thinking from other key leaders in the field of democratic ownership.
Using a mobile device? You may not be able to sort by category or topic, in which case you can download our Publications Catalog to find the materials you need.


A New Children's Book is on the way!
"Red the Cow" the true story of a boy and his dairy cow is a book I've been illustrating the last few months. It's a beautiful story about a young boy who was given an older dairy cow to milk. Written as a rhyming Alphabet book, "Red the Cow" is an easy read for young children, but it also contains sidebars with lots of additional information about how farming was done in the 1950's.
The illustrations were all done using models. I did the book this way because the characters ran all the way through the book and I wanted to maintain their likeness from illustration to illustration. The paintings are very realistic, but I took great license with the colors, pumping up the warms for a beautiful sunlit look. To be honest, this was done mostly to brighten my own mood during those long grey winter days in 2018.
My favorite illustration is one of the saddest ones in the book. The main character discovers that his cow is no longer producing milk, and that makes her a candidate for the family's beef supply. When my young model was posing for this illustration, I asked him to look sad. But to my surprise, he said he didn't know how to be sad. So I tried several sad scenarios on him, like "What if I had a nice chocolate ice cream cone for you and just as I was going to hand it to you...it dropped on the floor." And he responded, "I think you would probably get me another one." Finally, I said "I can't believe you don't know how to be said!" And because he realized that he didn't know how to be sad, he suddenly became sad about it. So I got my photo.
It's really a charming book. And I can't wait to get it published and out in the public. I am hoping to have it up for sale by the end of May 2019. Look for it on my website, and I'll post it here.
Now...it's back to painting a lush garden scene in which Ricky, the main character, discovers that he prefers vegetables and fruits to eating beef.


If students require a quiet place to get caught up on some school work or need access to technology, they are welcome to enter the school with the morning or afternoon cohort and use the Library/Learning Commons for the time they are not in class. Please note: Masks must be worn at all times and students must sanitize hands and sign in upon entry and exit.
Our Library collection is open via Destiny Discover; we encourage you to browse using our online library catalogue, sign in (SD62 Login) and select your next great read by putting a hold on it. We will have your books ready for pick up the next day.
Questions? Stop by the Library/Learning Commons before or after your class.


Campus gains access to Gartner
In June 2019, ITS partnered with UNC Libraries to provide campus-wide access to Gartner research and business insights, advice and tools.
This was the first time that staff, faculty and students had access at this level to Gartner resources.
Campus individuals can leverage Gartner resources for their own professional development and for research on a range of subjects.
Gartner also provides peer insights, practical tools and conferences. Campus users, for example, can research Gartner to gain insights on cloud essentials or for recommended collaboration tools for tracking projects.


Teen Writing Society
Every Wednesday 6-8 PM
Teen Underground, 2nd floor, Loussac Library, Anchorage
Are you a creative writer?
Join our Teen Writing Society! Meet other
writers, share your work, and develop your
craft. Expect world building, novel writing,
poetry, and word wars.
Just bring your imagination!
Current project: Literature and Life Mini-Mag... We’re making a mini-magazine with flash fiction, news articles, comics, art, poetry, and stuff about your lives. Like how to throw a good party, talk to a girl/boy, earn money, or celebrate a birthday; top ten lists of what not to say to boy/girl, favorite music, good games or books; what is a fandom? what is a meme? a good college? summer camp? We’ll share our mini-mag with other teen groups from around the state, and other states, or even other countries, with groups who are producing similar mini-mags.
Programs from last year (2011-12)
WILD LIFE! NATURE WRITING (free!)
Spring Break: Tuesday, March 13 - Thursday, March 15, 1:00—3:00 pm, 2012
First thing we’ll do is get outside and take some notes in our write-in-the-rain pads. You’ll receive instruction on nature journaling, using all your senses, recording both inner and outer stuff, things to get your creative juices flowing. Then we’ll head back inside and see what kind of essay or poem or story you can create from your nature journal.
Ages 12-15. Class size limited to ten. FREE! at Teen Underground, Loussac Library.
With Marybeth Holleman, 2012 Artist-in-Residence at Denali National Park
And author of The Heart of the Sound: An Alaskan Paradise Found and Nearly Lost
Monday, March 5, 6:30–8:00 pm, 2012
Ages 15-18 At Teen Underground Loussac Library
Bring your poems, stories, and other writing to share. Practice writing on paper and collaborating on Facebook. Find out about contests and publishing opportunities for young writers.
Flash Fiction: how to write a quick story.
Friday, Feb 17 and Saturday Feb. 18, 1-4 PM, 2012
Ages 15-18 IT'S FREE! At Loussace Library, Teen Underground space, upstairs
Class size limited to ten so register at: www.49writers.org.
Learn to focus on the 4 S's – sensory detail, simile, setting, and shift. Find out what makes a story "work" and why. There will be plenty of time to write your own flash fiction, and share it, if you like. You will leave knowing how to find interesting things to write about and how to give voice to your ideas.
Led by Katey Schultz, editor of Trachodon Magazine


Mojtaba Mahdavi interviewed by Ehsan Kashfi
Interview with Prof. Mojtaba Mahdavi Discussing His Recent Publication:
Mojtaba Mahdavi. Ed. The Myth of Middle East Exceptionalism: Unfinished Social Movements (Syracuse; NY: Syracuse University Press, 2023.
Ehsan Kashfi (EK): I am delighted to have with us a distinguished scholar, Prof. Mojtaba Mahdavi. Prof. Mojtaba Mahdavi, is a Professor of Political Science, and the ECMC Chair in Islamic Studies at the University of Alberta. He has an impressive academic portfolio, boasting numerous works on post-Islamism, contemporary social movements, and democratization in the Middle East and North Africa, post revolutionary Iran, and modern Islamic political thought. He is the co-editor of “Rethinking China, the Middle East and Asia in a ‘Multiplex World'” (Brill 2022), and “Towards the Dignity of Difference: Neither ‘End of History’ nor ‘Clash of Civilizations’” (Routledge 2012). Currently, Prof. Mahdavi is working on several intriguing book projects, including “Ali Shariati and Beyond: Imagining Ethical Democratic Socialism in Muslim Contexts”, “Towards a Progressive Post-Islamism: Neo-Shariati Discourse in Postrevolutionary Iran”, and “Iran: Is a Post-Islamist Democracy Possible?”
Prof Mahdavi is here to discuss his thought-provoking new edited volume, The Myth of Middle East Exceptionalism: Unfinished Social Movements, recently published by Syracuse University Press.
Let’s start with the significance of the book. Tell us about the relevance of this book.
MM: More than a decade after the birth of contemporary social movements in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) we are witnessing both the new waves of democratic movements, as well as the consolidation of counter-revolutionary forces in the region. This phenomenon has contributed to the revival of an old Orientalist discourse of “Middle East Exceptionalism”. Inspired by critical postcolonial studies and an interdisciplinary approach, this book— in 16 chapters, an extensive introduction, a foreword and an afterword – challenges this discourse.
EK: The book seems to argue that the contemporary MENA societies have experienced “profound socio structural transformations.” Could you elaborate on this?
Mojtaba Mahdavi (MM): Certainly. The MENA region has seen an intense period of social activism and movement, especially since 2009. Despite setbacks and what might seem like stagnation, these movements have sparked considerable changes in the socio-political landscapes of the involved countries. They’ve challenged prevailing norms, demanded socio-political change, and provoked a reassessment of what democracy and freedom mean in these societies.
EK: The title of the book suggests that the MENA social movements are “unfinished endeavors.” Can you elaborate on this concept?
MM: Yes, these movements may seem unsuccessful on the surface, especially when considering the immediate political goals. However, these movements have played a significant role in raising awareness, shifting public discourse, and driving change in societal structures. They are “unfinished” because their impact is ongoing and their goals are yet to be fully realized.
EK: This seems to be another central theme in the book as there are several chapters on the “unfinished projects” of MENA social movements; right?
MM: That is right. These chapters in the second section of the book examine several cases in the Arab World, Iran and Turkey to showcase the unfinished and evolving dynamics of these movements. Despite some setbacks and challenges, the spirit and principles of these movements persist, often re-emerging stronger in subsequent waves. Women rights, student and other subaltern movements are an intrinsic part of the sociopolitical transformation of the MENA region, and they are far from completion.
EK: You argue against the “cultural exceptionalism” of the MENA region. Can you explain why?
MM: The Orientalist idea of “cultural exceptionalism” is inherently flawed as it implies a static, unchanging nature to cultures. It paints the MENA region as immune to democratic movements due to its cultural fabric. However, we’ve witnessed numerous movements demanding social justice and democracy, showing that culture isn’t the limiting factor here. What is often ignored is the influence of geopolitical forces and historical contexts that contribute to the current crises.
EK: The book mentions “post-Islamist” social conditions in the MENA region. What do you mean by that?
Author: The term post-Islamism, coined and developed by Asef Bayat, is partially used to describe a social condition where society seeks to move beyond the limitations of the Islamist discourse, to explore new paradigms for democracy and social justice that combine Islamic values with contemporary ideas. The term signifies the ongoing processes of democratic social movements that strive to create a society where religion is one aspect of identity and does not necessarily dictate the structure of the state.
EK: Your book seems to challenge the view that modernity, rationalism, and democracy are uniquely Western and incompatible with non-Western contexts. Can you expand on this?
MM: This belief is grounded in Orientalist views, which sees Western culture as the standard and other cultures as deviations from that norm. The book challenges this notion, arguing that modernity isn’t a strictly Western concept and democracy isn’t inherently incompatible with Muslim contexts. It is crucial to understand that there are multiple paths to modernity and multiple modernities, and each culture adapts it in its unique way.
EK: And how do you respond to the argument that Muslim societies are different in that they resist secularization?
Author: While it’s true that many Muslim societies have a strong religious presence, it’s erroneous to say they resist democratic secularization, meaning a democratic/civil/urfi state. It’s more accurate to say these societies are grappling with how to balance democratic governance with religious and other local traditions. Furthermore, the argument overlooks the fact that there are diverse interpretations of Islamic and other local traditions, with many advocating for democratic interpretations.
EK: Your book addresses the myth of Muslim Exceptionalism. Could you elaborate on what you see as the root of this idea and how it has been perpetuated?
Author: The myth of Muslim Exceptionalism stems from a combination of Orientalist thought, persistent authoritarian rule in the MENA region, and the reality of Islamist movements. The perception has been further perpetuated by observers who view these societies through a lens of cultural essentialism. However, this perspective oversimplifies the complexities of these societies and fails to acknowledge the significant socio-structural transformations taking place.
EK: In your extensive introduction of the book, you critique the discourse of Islamic exceptionalism, especially in Shadi Hamid’s work. Can you briefly explain what you mean by “Islamic exceptionalism”?
MM: “Islamic exceptionalism,” as used by Hamid and others, refers to the idea that Islam’s relationship with politics is unique and fundamentally different from that of other religions. This discourse suggests that a secular democratic state is unlikely in Muslim-majority societies. I challenge this notion in the book, arguing it’s overly simplistic and essentialist.
EK: What is your main argument against Hamid’s idea of “Islamic exceptionalism”?
MM: The problem with the idea of Islamic exceptionalism is its potential to reiterate the Orientalist stereotype of “Muslim exceptionalism”. It neglects to consider the complex realities of the MENA region, which has been affected by “geopolitical exceptionalism”, influenced by geography, oil, and international rivalry. Hamid’s notions overlook the impact of geopolitical and postcolonial contexts on the region’s present crises.
EK: In your book, you challenge the concept of “Islamism without Islamists.” Can you explain what this means and how it’s problematic?
MM:Hamid’s idea of “Islamism without Islamists” posits that many Muslims sympathize with Islamist politics without being Islamists. However, this concept, in my view, is vague and suffers from a conceptual confusion. The majority of citizens in Muslim-majority states aren’t Islamists, and Islamism isn’t purely a religious phenomenon. It’s also shaped by political, socioeconomic, and cultural factors.
EK: How does the idea of “post-Islamism” challenge concepts of “Islamic exceptionalism” and “Islamism without Islamists”?
MM: “Post-Islamism” is a socio-historical transformation in the MENA region and other Muslim-majority societies. This discourse promotes a critical dialogue between tradition and modernity, faith and freedom, religiosity and rights. It discards the privatization of Islam, welcoming civil/public religion at the societal level. But it sees the state as a neutral entity. It’s a “universalism from below” that synthesizes global and local paradigms of social justice, freedom, human rights, and Islamic values. In a post-Islamist condition, Islam is neither the solution nor the problem, but it actively contributes to the socio-political life of Muslims.
EK: You critique Hamid’s ideas and present your own, suggesting that the people’s movements in the region reject Islamic exceptionalism. Can you elaborate on this?
MM: Indeed, if we examine the slogans and the goals of recent popular movements across the MENA region, we find that they have largely been devoid of any quest for an Islamic state. The demands are often for social justice, freedom, and dignity, and the overthrow of the current regimes, rather than a desire for an Islamic caliphate or state. These movements show the complex identities held by people in the region, rejecting both Western-centric modernity and the essentialist vision of Islamism. This is what I argue is the spirit of post-Islamism.
EK: How does this book address gender issues in the region, specifically the Orientalist view of gender passivity?
MM: The third part of the book devotes several chapters to “gendering the MENA movements.” This section problematizes the idea of cultural exceptionalism, which reduces the reality of gender injustice to some eternal and essentialized discourse of Muslim/Middle East mindset. Such a common stereotype sees women in the MENA region as passive or subservient, and attributes the alleged passivity to cultural or religious norms. This idea overlooks the active role many women (and sexual minorities) play in social movements and their ongoing struggle for rights and recognition. The third section, in sum, provides socio-political contexts to the cases of gender injustice in the region, and challenges simplistic and culturalist assumptions.
EK: You’ve also mentioned “Epistemic Disobedience”, could you elaborate on this concept and how it relates to the MENA social movements?
MM: “Epistemic disobedience”, a concept from Walter Mignolo, refers to a rejection of dominant ways of understanding or knowing the world, and instead, celebrating our differences and proposing alternative ways. In the context of MENA, these social movements resist the hegemonic narratives of the West, such as Samuel Huntington’s “clash of civilizations” and Francis Fukuyama’s “end of history”, and propose a “universalism from below” where universal values of freedom and social justice are formulated and implemented through local, homegrown institutions.
EK: What role do external and internal forces play in shaping these social movements, and how can these obstacles be overcome?
MM: External and internal regressive forces present significant challenges to these movements. However, the power of people’s agency and the force of hope are pivotal in overcoming these constraints. Antonio Gramsci’s idea of the “pessimism of the intellect” versus the “optimism of the will” encapsulates this perfectly. Despite the challenges, people have shown creativity and courage in asserting their collective will, circumventing constraints and discovering new spaces to make their voices heard.
EK: Lastly, what would be the long-term impact of these social movements in the MENA region?
MM: The long-term impact of these social movements, I believe, is the enduring quest for social justice, freedom, and human dignity. They are helping to reshape the sociopolitical fabric of the region and herald in a new era of democracy and social justice. They are also reshaping our understanding of the East-West dynamics and challenging the notion of “Middle East exceptionalism”. In September 2022, Iranian society demonstrated one of the most progressive and women-friendly social movements in Muslim contexts; its popular and post-Islamist motto of “Zan, Zendegi, Azadi” (Woman, Life, Freedom) truly demystified the myth of Muslim and Middle East Exceptionalism. These movements signify a deep-seated sociocultural and structural transformation in the region. The MENA social movements, therefore, represent not just a moment in history but a new era of change.
EK: Prof Mahdavi, I want to sincerely thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to speak with me today.


This Knowledge Hub offers a comprehensive compilation of the existing scientific and practical knowledge about clay pot irrigation. Clay pot irrigation is used in agriculture, horticulture, afforestation and vegetable gardening. Due to its water use efficiency it is especially valuable in arid and semi-arid regions.
The Hub is provided by the Amatek Institute and currently under development. Step by step new scientific studies and field projects will be added, outlined, reviewed and discussed.
It is possible to look for studies specifically in terms of country, crop types and individual research parameters, e.g., yield, costs, soil characteristics, clay pot characteristics, weather … In addition it is possible to look for individual search terms by using the search box in the top menu.
The Hub will also provide two extensive bibliographies: the first one is a Bibliography of Studies introduced and reviewed in this Blog. The other is an Extensive Bibliography including publications that were not accessible for a review.
This scientific knowledge hub is listed under the ISSN 2702-1599.
If you are missing a publication or a project you are welcome to send us an email and we will look to add them to the Hub.


Dear Parents and Guardians,
Did you know… over 15 million Canadian adults will have low literacy by 2031? We at LBS know the importance of learning to love reading and all kinds of books! We also want to share that passion with others!
Literacy week is coming and the Students in Action are organizing a BOOK DRIVE/EXCHANGE!
Please donate any books you don’t want anymore to our book drive. For every 2 books donated, your child will receive one book ticket.
YES that means that if you donate 40 books, your child will receive 20 tickets and be able to choose 20 books to take home from all our collected books!
We will be collecting and organizing all the donated books in the gym for selection on Thursday March 22nd from 10:30 to 11:30.
So, what will happen to all the extra books collected and not chosen? We are so glad you asked that! The extra books will be donated to a school or organization in need. Students in Action are very excited to be able to give back to our community as well as offer a book exchange for the students of LBS.
Please help us to make a difference by sending in your gently used children’s books for the book drive. We kindly ask that the books are in good condition and do not have any significant damage. The books donated need to be appropriate for children aged 2 to 14. This would include: fiction, non-fiction, comic books, graphic novels, chapter books and picture books.
Thank your your support!
Student’s in Action.