● Secor Metropark programs, 10001 W. Central Ave.: Evening Hike Group 6 p.m. Wednesday and Jan. 31, an invigorating evening hike with a naturalist; dress for the weather. Free Advanced Composition Techniques 1 p.m. Saturday; learn about origin of Rule of Thirds, other composition techniques including the Light Isolate Theory, positive space and negative space, Golden Spiral, leading lines, symmetrical and asymmetrical balance and how to create a three-dimensional volume in your images, (perfect for you left brain people out there!). For calendar of events: metroparkstoledo.com.
● The Wood County Chapter of Ohio Genealogical Society meeting at the Wood County District Public Library Meeting Room, 251 N. Main St., 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. Program: “How Do I Publish My Research and Find a Publisher” by Theresa Smith. Public is welcome.
● AARP Free Tax Preparation program for those 60 years and older offered at these locations: Wood County Senior Center, 305 N. Main St., 419-353-5661; Way Public Library, 101 E. Indiana Ave., Perrysburg, 419-874-3135; Sanger Branch Library, 3030 W. Central Ave., Toledo, 419-259-5370; and Washington Branch Library, 5560 Harvest Lane, Toledo, 419-259-5330. Appointments begin February to middle of April.
● Super Bowl Tasting at Schedel Arboretum and Gardens, 19255 W. Portage River South Rd., 6:30-8 p.m. Feb. 1. Beer tastings and Super Bowl themed appetizers. Cost: $30/person. Advanced registration required by 6 p.m. Jan. 30. Call 419-862-3182 or schedel-gardens.org.
● Birchard Public Library programs, 423 Croghan St.: Adult Coloring, 6:30-8:15 p.m. Monday, all supplies provided. Movie Classic Club, 1:30-4 p.m. Thursday, showing the animation of Pinocchio. Crazy 8’s Club (grades kindergarten to 2), 4:30-5:30 p.m. Jan. 29, after-school math club that helps kids learn the math behind their favorite activities. Register/details: 419-334-7101, ext. 209.
● Gibsonburg Public Library programs 100 N. Webster St.: Lego Challenge, 10 a.m. Saturday, build a snow fort. Adult Book Discussion, 6:30 p.m. Jan. 29, Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis by J.D. Vance. Register, 419-637-2173.
● Project iAm presents Acoustics For Autism at the Village Idiot and surrounding area, 309 Conant St., noon-2 a.m. March 4. Music performances by Arctic Clam, Dave Carpenter, Last Born Sons, Kyle White, Noisy Neighbors, Barile and May, Joe Woods, Distant Cousinz, Amelia Airharts, Jeff Stewart, Captin Sweet Shoes, Not Fast Enuff, and many more. Details: acousticsforautism.com or 419-514-9817.
● Maumee Senior Center events/programs: 2430 S. Detroit Ave., 8-10 a.m. The center offers fitness including Tai Chi, drumming/Zumba, chair yoga, lite Jazzercise, line dancing and a variety of other classes. For details: Mary Beth Danford, 419-893-1994, maumeeseniorcenter.com, or stop by the center.
● Chicks and Chocolate fund-raiser at the Armory Arts and Events Center, 127 E. Clinton St., 6:30-8:30 p.m. Feb. 1. Girls’ night out featuring wine, craft beers, tastings along with a wonderful chocolate buffet. Vendors for shopping, 50/50 raffle, and a gangster raffle! Admission is $10 per person at the door. Benefits the Napoleon Civic Center project.
● Area women are invited to “Be My Valentine” Toledo East Women’s Connection Luncheon and Program: Bayside, 2759 Seaman St., doors open at 11:30 a.m., lunch at noon Feb. 8. Special feature: Barb Weigel, Curtice, Ohio, Unique Paper Quilling and Beauty Behind Glass. Music: Jeanie Isles. Speaker: Theresa Herr of Sylvania “Victory Over Rejection.” Cost: $11.50. Reservations by Feb. 4: Dorothy, 419-691-9611 or Marilyn, 419-666-1633.
● VFW Post 9816 euchre tournaments, 1802 Ashcroft Drive, 2 p.m. Sundays. Details, 419-725-9916.
● Heartsaver CPR and AED Certification class at Way Public Library, 101 E. Indiana Ave., 6-9 p.m. Thursday. Conducted by the Perrysburg fire CPR Training Center, cost $40 includes a card for certification. For anyone with limited or no medical training who needs a course completion card for job, regulatory, or other requirements. Register: library, 419-874-3135 ext. 119 or Amy Vasko from the fire division, 419-872-8027 or email firstname.lastname@example.org.
● Way Public Library programs, 101 E. Indiana Ave.: Intro to Android Devices, 2 p.m. Monday. Good Grief of Northwest Ohio presented by Dorothy Mockensturm, 7 p.m. Monday, explains program model and the importance of support for grieving children/caregivers. Explore Ebook Apps, 6 p.m. Wednesday, OverDrive and Libby with Adam Marier. Home Landscaping Guidelines in Perrysburg by Judy Hagen, 7 p.m. Jan. 29. Details/Registration: 419-874-3135, ext. 119 or waylibrary.info.
● Sylvania Franciscan Village Wellness Luncheon Regina Hall Conference Room, 6832 Convent Blvd., noon-1 p.m. Tuesday, topic “Staying Positive in a Negative World” presented by Rachel Shields and Nancy Rank of the Sophia Center. Free. Details: Elizabeth Reiter, 419-824-3515.
● Global Climate Disruption: How Do We Know? What Can We Do? by Andy Jorgensen, of the University of Toledo in the Franciscan Center Theater, 6832 Convent Blvd., 7:30-9 p.m. Tuesday. Free.
● Sjogren’s Support Group meeting at ProMedica Flower Hospital, Conference Center Building, 5200 Harroun Rd., Sylvania, noon-2 p.m. Feb. 11. Speaker: Dr. Khader Mustafa, ProMedica’s newest Rheumatologist. Free. Reservations/information: 419-855-4082 or email@example.com.
● Birmingham Branch Library program, 203 Paine Ave.: Minecraft Mania for school aged children 4 p.m. Friday. Details: 419-259-5210.
● Snowflake fun (adults and family) offered at these libraries: Toledo Heights, 423 Shasta Dr., 6-7 p.m. Tuesday, 419-259-5220; King Road, 3900 King Rd., 11 a.m.-noon Saturday, 419-259-5380; and Point Place, 2727 117th St., 2-3 p.m. Saturday.
● The Washington Branch Library program, 5560 Harvest Lane: Animal Tracking (children) 4-5 p.m. Wednesday, learn about tracking wildlife. Details: 419-259-5330.
● Wildwood Metropark programs, 5100 W. Central Ave.: Tales and Trails 10 a.m. Thursday; preschoolers, toddlers, and their guardians enjoy story time, a nature walk, and a craft; dress for the weather. Art after Dark: Mosaic Madness 5 p.m. Thursday; get creative by making art, transform pieces of scrap glass into a snowflake mosaic; no art experience needed, all supplies included, cost $9. Travel Circle in the Ward Pavilion, 2:15 p.m. (optional walk/ski at 1 p.m.) Saturday, “Four of our Western National Parks – Their 100th Anniversary” by Ruth Rittichier, no registration needed. 1930s Game Night 3:30 p.m. Saturday, family or come alone and play like it’s 1939, “Game Room” at the Manor House, and enjoy an ice cream sundae, cost $5. Register: 419-407-9701.
● The Toledo Area Aboriginal Research Society (TAARS) meeting in the Manor House, Wildwood Metropark, 5100 W. Central Ave., 7 p.m. Thursday. Speaker: Ken Mohney, professor of sociology/anthropology at Monroe Community College, Monroe Michigan. Topic: A review of mounds and mound building in eastern North America. Refreshments. Free. Information: Kathi, 419-893-4213 or firstname.lastname@example.org.
● Euchre Tournament at Polish Roman Catholic Union of America Toledo Club, 5255 N. Detroit Ave., 7 p.m. Friday. Entry fee: $6. Questions: 419-470- 8710.
● Toledo Botanical Garden Park programs, 5403 Elmer Dr.: Adult Learning Series: Wildflowers in the Terrace Room is located in the Conference Center, 2 p.m. Sunday; learn the natural and cultural history of our region, featuring an indoor presentation followed by an optional, short naturalist-led hike. This week’s presenters are Chris and Randy Haar, Ohio certified volunteer naturalists, offering a preview of the wonderful wildflowers of the upcoming season. Invasive plants in the landscape – identification and management, 7 p.m. Jan. 29; learn about bad characters in plants and what you can do to help rid your landscape of invasive plants. Both are free. Register: 419-407-9700.
● First Thursday Luncheon Series at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 428 N. Erie St., noon-1:15 p.m. Feb. 1. Speaker: Chris Vickers, WTOL meteorologist, “Local Efforts to Keep the Paris Accord.” Cost: $15 (cash or check at the door). Reservations: FirstThursdayToledo@gmail.com, one week in advance.
● Toledo Dental Society sponsors “Give Kids a Smile” program at three locations from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 2: the Dental Center of Northwest Ohio, 2138 Madison Ave., appointments 419-241-6251; U.T.M.C. Dental Residency Program, Main Hospital second floor Clinic 2-A, 3000 Arlington Ave., appointments 419-383-3504; and the Owens Community College Dental Hygiene Clinic, second floor of Health Technology Hall (building with the big “O” sign at top), 30335 Oregon Rd., Perrysburg, Ohio, appointments, 567-661-7294. Providing dental care for children up to and including age 18. Simple teeth cleanings, fillings, and tooth extractions.
The Valentine Theatre in Toledo will host St. Ursula Academy’s production of ‘Peter Pan’ Feb. 2-4.
● St. Ursula Academy presents Peter Pan musical at the Valentine Theatre, 410 Adams St., 7:30 p.m. Feb. 2; 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Feb. 3, and 2 p.m. Feb. 4. Tickets are $18/adults and $12/students and can be purchased at www.toledosua.org or the Valentine Theatre, 419-242-2787.
● Celebrity Wait Night for Heart and Soul: Caring for our Community at Zia’s at the docks, 20 Main St., 6-9 p.m. Feb. 5. Cost: $35/person and prepaid, includes dinner and dessert. Silent auction and 50/50 raffle. Proceeds to patient facility upgrades for the wellness and recovery and education programs at Northwest Ohio Psychiatric Hospital; and programs and services for members of the Thomas M. Wernert Center. Register at heartandsoultoledo.com or contact Abbey Riley, 419-764-4387 or email@example.com.
● Rotary Scholarship applications available by the Rotary Club of Waterville, for graduating students residing in the Anthony Wayne or Otsego school districts. Applications can be obtained at both school districts and at watervilleohiorotary.org or contact David Myerholtz, 419-878-6906. Deadline is April 10.
● Waterville Branch Library programs, 800 Michigan Ave.: ACT/SAT Testing Resources for teens, 6:30-8 p.m. Monday. Snow Flake fun (pre-kindergarten to 5), 6:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday. Makerspace (grades 2-8) 6:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, projects in science, technology, invention, and art. Game Day (grades 3-8) 2-4 p.m. Saturday, play games like Wii, Playstation, and board games. Register at: 419-878-3055 or toledolibrary.org.
● Woodville Public Library programs, 101 E. Main St.: Crochet and More, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, bring current project, lessons available. Kidz and Canvas, 10:30 a.m. Saturday. Wine Cork Keychains, 7 p.m. Jan. 31, upcycle wine corks. Register: 419-849-2744.
● Jefferson Rule (1820-1902) Descendants 100th Reunion in the Poplar Shelter at Meadowbrook Park, 5430 W. Tiffin St., Bascom, Ohio, Aug. 12. If you are, or think you are, or know someone who may be related to the Rule family and for details contact firstname.lastname@example.org.


In this resource library you’ll find examples of social enterprise policies, strategies, and studies that capture national, regional, and local action on social enterprise development. This list is not exhaustive, but is intended to capture the essence of the vast policy developments and research around the world that is advancing the social enterprise movement.
As highlighted by this research report from Social Enterprise Netherlands, social enterprises can lead the way toward a new economy. The report details wats social enterprises can fulfill their role as influencers of the broader business community.
Co-produced by social enterprises and social enterprise support agencies with the support of Welsh Government, ‘Transforming Wales through social enterprise’ outlines an ambitious vision which will see social enterprise become the business model of choice in Wales by 2030 for people and communities delivering solutions to social, economic, and environmental challenges.
Published by the Wales Co-operative Centre, this report highlights the effects of COVID-19 on social enterprises across Wales during the COVID-19 pandemic. The report identifies different ways in which social enterprises are responding including: survival, hibernation, diversification, transformation, and collaboration. Read a summary of the report on WCC’s website.
This research report from the Yunus Centre at Griffith University in Australia, is the first publication as part of a larger project that endeavours to chart a way forward in a post-pandemic world through collective engagement and envisioning. This report is not a blueprint for how innovators and decision makers must proceed to help us realise a global impact economy that works for all people and our planet, but rather it outlines a few approaches our communities may want to explore as we begin recovery and rebuilding together. Learn more about this project and report.
In this report, the Ākina Foundation outlines a path New Zealand can take to truly establish an impact economy. The report includes definitions and plans for how it is equally possible to recover from poverty, inequality, and focus on pressing issues like climate change while New Zealand’s economy recovers from lockdown. In fact, this more comprehensive approach might be more than just possible; it might be essential.


On this page you will find information on voting in the 2020 General Election and referendums in accessible formats.
For information on enrolling in the 2020 General Election and referendums go to Enrolment information in accessible formats
Check out the full guide to the 2020 General Election and referendums in the accessible formats below:
- Audio (MP3 2.6MB)
- Large print (PDF 216KB) or Large print (WORD 33KB)
- E-text (EPUB 365KB) an e-book file format supported by many e-readers
- Easy Read (PDF 15MB)
Information about the detail of the referendums is available in accessible formats on the referendums website:
- Referendum information in accessible formats (referendums.govt.nz)
Telephone Information Service
You can also call Blind Low Vision NZ’s Telephone Information Service (TIS) to find out more about the general election and referendums.
Visit Blind Low Vision NZ’s website to find the toll-free number in your area. Once connected, select the topic to listen to the audio:
- TIS Phone > Dial 731 > 2020 General Election Information
- TIS Phone > Dial 732 > End of Life Choice referendum
- TIS Phone > Dial 733 > Cannabis referendum
- TIS Phone > Dial 734 > Telephone Dictation Voting at the 2020 General Election
Easy Read guide to voting
Our Easy Read guide to voting has been developed together with People First New Zealand to support people with learning disabilities to better understand written information about the general election and referendums. Easy Read information uses words and pictures to present information in a way that’s easier to understand.
Find our 2020 Easy Read guide to voting here (PDF 15MB)
Our blind and low vision accessible formats below are currently being updated to reflect the changed election date. Check back soon!


A Brief History of Halloween
Have you ever wondered why we celebrate Halloween the way we do? A number of traditions and superstitions came together to make October 31st a uniquely odd and spooky holiday here in the United States. Below we take a look at some of the origins of this day.
Today's Halloween is a veritable hodgepodge of traditions originating from various cultures and people across the globe. According to the History Channel, the basis for "[Halloween] is thought to have originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people [wore costumes] to ward off roaming ghosts." In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III changed "All Saints Day" from May 13th to November 1st and incorporated some of the traditions of Samhain into the traditional Catholic holiday, hoping to replace popular pagan traditions with church-sanctioned behavior. Over time other traditions and holidays were absorbed into the mix, diluting the original purposes of each but culminating in the unique and convoluted day of celebration that we all know and love. Even the term "All Hallows' Eve," which referred to the night before the Catholic "All Saints Day," gave rise through linguistic shifts to our modern word 'Halloween.'1
(George Cruikshank - Herne's Oak)
Let's go back to the beginning, when the first known ancestor of today's Halloween was born roughly 2000 years ago. During the annual harvest celebration of Samhain, Celtic people known as Druids donned animal heads and skins as part of their ghost-dispeling ceremonies. They danced around massive bonfires, making food and animal sacrifices to keep dark, other-worldly spirits at bay. Such spirits were thought to roam freely among humans only during a few short days as summer faded into winter. The spectacle is easy to imagine. Just by picturing the event you can understand how the roots of Halloween can go so far back in time. Naturally, pagan behaviors such as these were unacceptable to the Church, which over several hundred years strategically moved several religious observances to the same time of year and encouraged missionaries to slowly replace old pagan traditions with new Christian ones.
(Pictured above: A gathering of Druids)
The Romans occupied Celtic lands for roughly 400 years, and the changing of seasons from summer to winter was celebrated in both traditions, often linked to—or interchangeable with—themes of life and death. According to The American Folklife Center, "The old beliefs associated with Samhain never died out entirely. The powerful symbolism of the traveling dead was too strong, and perhaps too basic to the human psyche, to be satisfied with the new, more abstract Catholic feast honoring saints. Recognizing that something that would subsume the original energy of Samhain was necessary, the church tried again to supplant it with a Christian feast day in the 9th century. This time it established November 2nd as All Souls Day—a day when the living prayed for the souls of all the dead. But, once again, the practice of retaining traditional customs while attempting to redefine them had a sustaining effect: the traditional beliefs and customs lived on, in new guises."2
The entwining of the various celebrations over centuries makes complete sense as cultures converged. Druidic Samhain merged with Feralia (traditionally celebrated in late October) when Romans commemorated the passing of the dead, along with Pomona which originally took place in early November to celebrate the harvest. All Saints Day was added around 741 AD, and then in the early second century the Roman Catholic Church declared November 2nd to be observed as All Souls’ Day, attempting to further dilute pagan traditions by shifting the focus away from Druidic spirits and toward honoring saints. Concepts of "Nature-and-Earth' evolved into 'Heaven-and-Earth' while polytheistic beliefs slowly merged and were largely replaced by monotheism and saints. Nonetheless, remnants of the original pagan traditions, such as wearing costume disguises and the belief that spirits temporarily walk among us, remain and continue to play a part in Halloween tradition.
(An original Jack O'Lantern, Carved Turnip c. 1890)
Other traditions along the way have also contributed to modern day Halloween. Why, for example, do we trick-or-treat for candy? There are a few possibilities. "Belsnickling, derived from the German mumming tradition of Peltznickel, was a Christmastime tradition in German-American communities where children would dress in costume and then call on their neighbors to see if the adults could guess the identities of the disguised guests.[The] children were rewarded with food or other treats if no one could identify them."2 Alternately, Mental Floss suggests that, "Going around the neighborhood for goodies may be an offshoot of souling, which started in the Middle Ages, also in the British Isles. Soulers, mostly children and some poor adults, would go to local homes during Hallowmas and collect food or money in return for prayers said for the dead on All Souls’ Day. A secular version of souling, called guising, eventually sprang up and is first recorded in Scotland in the 19th century. Guisers went door to door and earned food treats or money by offering a small performance, like telling a joke or singing a song. Some accounts of both these traditions make note of “fantastic costumes” that borrowed both from Samhain and British mummery. (They also mention soulers and guisers carrying vegetable lanterns, precursors to the jack-o’-lantern.)"3 Even bobbing for apples can be traced directly to the Roman invasion of Britain and their celebration of Pomona.5
Officially, "Trick-or-treating didn't start in the United States until World War II, but American kids were known to go out on Thanksgiving and ask for food—a practice known as Thanksgiving begging." Mental Floss reports that, "In 1927, a newspaper in Alberta makes the first recorded use of “trick or treat” (“The youthful tormentors were at back door and front demanding edible plunder by the word 'trick or treat' to which the inmates gladly responded and sent the robbers away rejoicing”), and the term and the practice spread throughout the 1930s. After a lull caused by WWII sugar rationing, trick-or-treating surged in popularity in the 1950s, and became enshrined in pop culture with appearances in national media like The Jack Benny Show and Peanuts comic strips."4
The American melting pot of European immigrant cultures appear to have contributed many disparate elements to this unique holiday, with documented contributions from English, Irish, Scottish, Druidic Celtic, Catholic Roman, Canadian, Scandinavian and German communities at the very least, and likely many others as well. According to author Ruth Edna Kelley's The Book of Hallowe'en (1919), "All Halloween customs in the United States are borrowed directly or adapted from those of other countries".5 And so it seems, once we delve into the history of each element. This Halloween we will participate in traditions passed down from thousands of ancestors, with hundreds of variations, from dozens of belief systems.


Doris Day and Gordon Macrae
Doris Day was a singer and actress most popular in the 1950s and early-
Doris Day was born on April 3, 1922, in Cincinnati, Ohio. She sang with several big bands before going solo in 1947. In the 1950s, she made a series of popular film musicals, including Calamity Jane (1953) and The Pajama Game (1957). Day is an advocate for animal welfare and founded several organizations devoted to the cause.
A top film star of the 1950s and 1960s, Doris Day is best known for her work in such films as The Pajama Game (1957), Pillow Talk (1959) and That Touch of Mink (1962). The Hollywood star started out as a dancer and turned to singing after injuring her leg in a car accident as a young teen.
Born Doris von Kappelhoff, Day studied ballet and tap dance growing up. She even won a local dance contest with her partner Jerry Doherty in her early teens. But her dreams of dancing professionally were shattered along with her leg in a 1937 car accident. The daughter of a music teacher, Day started taking voice lessons during her recovery. Ella Fitzgerald was one of her early inspirations as she developed her own vocal style.
Day's first singing performances were on local radio programs. She also sang with bandleader Barney Rapp and his group for a time. Rapp encouraged her to adopt a stage name, and she changed her last name to Day after the song "Day After Day."
In 1940, Day landed a spot as a vocalist with the band led by Bob Crosby-
Even during her acting career, Day found time for music projects as a solo artist. She scored another hit in 1948 with "Love Somebody," a duet with Buddy Clark. In the 1950s, Day reached the charts with such songs as "My Love and Devotion" (1952) and "Let's Walk That-
Albert Gordon MacRae was born on March 12, 1921, in East Orange, NJ. During his early years, he resided in Syracuse, NY, and, while in high school, spent much of his time singing and acting in the Drama Club. It was also during this time that he learned to play the piano, clarinet and the saxophone. At 19, he entered a singing contest and won a two-
He made his Broadway debut in a show called "Junior Miss", as a replacement in the role of "Tommy Arbuckle". Next, he appeared, again on Broadway, in Ray Bolger's 1946 revue, "Three To Make Ready". It was here that he was spotted by Capitol Records and signed to a long-
What followed was a string of hit musicals, starting with Look for the Silver Lining (1949), in which MacRae had a featured role opposite June Haver and Ray Bolger, and five fondly remembered films with Doris Day, beginning with Tea for Two (1950). Perhaps his two best and well-
MacRae began to suffer, in the late 1950s and early 1960s, from bouts of heavy drinking and, by his own admission, developed into an alcoholic. He revealed that he had been "picked up for drunk driving" during the filming of "Carousel". He conquered the disease in the 1970s and went on to counsel other alcoholics. He continued recording and performing on dozens of television shows. He and his wife, Sheila MacRae, appeared together frequently and even released an album together. His daughters, Meredith MacRae and Heather MacRae, acted in films and on TV. On September 22, 1974, he appeared as a sheriff on an episode of McCloud (1970), starring Dennis Weaver, entitled "The Barefoot Girls of Bleeker Street". His final film came in 1979, a fine dramatic role in The Pilot (1980), which starred Cliff Robertson.
He suffered a stroke in 1982. He continued on with the support of his second wife, Elizabeth, and his five children. This brilliant performer continued to tour, when his health would permit, allowing audiences to relive some of his biggest film hits. On January 24, 1986, Gordon MacRae died at the age of 64, at his home in Lincoln, NE, of pneumonia, the result of complications from cancer of the mouth and jaw.


Vitruvius, whose full name was Marcus Vitruvius Pollio, was a Roman architect and engineer who lived during the 1st century BC. He is best known as the author of De Architectura, also known as The Ten Books on Architecture, which is the only surviving architectural treatise from ancient Rome.
In this work, Vitruvius covers various aspects of architecture, including the principles of design, building materials, construction techniques, and the roles of architects and engineers. He also discusses the relationship between architecture and other disciplines such as geometry, mathematics, astronomy, and philosophy.
Vitruvius drew inspiration from Greek architecture and emphasized the importance of rationality, functionality, and beauty in design. He believed that architecture should reflect the harmony of the natural world and the human body, and he famously described this concept in his idea of the Vitruvian Man.
While Vitruvius work primarily focuses on architecture, he also touches on other topics such as city planning, water supply, and the use of machinery in construction. His treatise had a significant influence on later architects, and many of his ideas and principles were adopted and developed throughout the Renaissance and beyond.
Vitruvius work provides valuable insights into Roman architectural practices and serves as a significant source of knowledge about ancient Roman engineering and construction techniques. His writings continue to be studied and referenced by architects and historians of architecture today, making him one of the most important figures in the history of architecture.


12th Annual Walking Weekend coming very soon!
Join us for a walk in our beautiful Upperchurch Countryside and experience our hospitality with a hot meal following each walk.
10th Anniversary Walking Weekend
The 10th Anniversary Walking Weekend in on this weekend 6th, 7th, 8th November. Family and fitness cycling events for all. Charity Poker Classic in Kinnane’s Pub Sunday 8th November starting at 6pm
Launch of Upperchurch-Drombane Historical Journal
The new Tipperary Senior Hurling manager, Michael Ryan, will officially launch the 2015 Upperchurch-Drombane Historical Journal this Saturday night Nov. 7th in Upperchurch Hall, starting at 8.00 p.m. This sixth publication in the very successful series has stories, poems and photographs dealing with many aspects of the history and heritage of the parish and the frequent and continuous demand for back numbers proves the lasting value of the publication.
There will also be a short talk about the history of local emigration by a regular contributor to the Journal, Eugene Shortt. This will be followed by a discussion and question and answer session. Stories and accounts from the floor are welcome.
While G.A.A. sports have historically been the most prominent locally, the book this year puts the spotlight on other sports where there were local connections. American Gerry Britt, a frequent visitor whose ancestors came from the area and who has published an account of his travels in Ireland, writes about the famous baseball player and manager John McGraw, who dominated the game in the USA in the early years of the last century. McGraw’s father had parents who emigrated from the parish.
The victory of locally owned Rugged Lucy in the 1981 Galway Plate is recalled by John Ryan (C). Tom Quinlan writes about the three Irish senior soccer internationals, Shane Long, Seamus McDonagh and Mike Milligan who had local ancestors. One of the greatest ever scandals in greyhound racing occurred sixty five years ago and involved a greyhound from Upperchurch which now has a street in England named after it. Billy Clancy writes about this episode.
Sports including handball and racquetball also feature in Paddy Dwyer’s reminiscences entitled Gortahoola Memories, along with the story of Gortahoola school which operated for only nineteen years. Courting might be considered a type of sport by some and in verse Ned Harrington describes the goings on at the Metal Bridge platform in more innocent times.
A hundred years ago Ned’s grandfather John wrote a stirring patriotic ode to the green flag of Ireland, which demonstrated an encyclopaedic knowledge of Irish history, and the poem is given in full. Also on a patriotic theme, Thomas Fogarty tells of a few local connections with the 1916 rising and also included is the first half of Paddy Kinnane’s statement to the Bureau of Military History concerning his involvement in the War of Independence. The final part of the Eamon an Chnoic play is also in the book as well as a continuation of the local burial records.
Andy Byrne completes his list of local musicians and reproduces the happenings of a hundred years ago from the newspaper archives. Among the hundreds of religious and missionaries the parish produced were seven priests from the O’Rourke family and Joan Ryan gives a short account of each of them.
Nowadays we take for granted and frequently complain about our road network, failing to appreciate the hardships suffered by our ancestors in putting them there in the first place with pick and shovel and horse and cart. Eugene Shortt has researched the subject and gives the details of the various roads, fences, bridges and gullets and who put them there and when. There is also an account of the legal case concerning the Mulgrave Bridge at Drombane Creamery, which was built on a disputed site, and which had a tragic aftermath.
Like the roads, it took centuries of work and nurturing to bring our agricultural land to its present state of fertility. One of the big breakthroughs was the introduction of lime from kilns and Frankie Shortt describes the process of burning lime in the various local kilns. Eamonn Ryan also deals with the subject in later years when lime from Killough quarry became available. He also recounts early drivers and their cars and the impact of Hogan’s bus service and wartime shortages.
All are welcome to the launch on Saturday night and the book will be available from the usual outlets from Sunday onwards. Overseas buyers can order online from www.upperchurch.ie
The Gathering 2013
As part of the Gathering 2013, we’re running a number of events in Upperchurch and Drombane. Invite your friends and family to come and join us for a memorable year.
March 5th – 10th – International Foot Hunt, view as local and international packs of hounds hunt around the area.
March 31st – Sunrise Walk, watch the sun rise as we walk through the hills of Upperchurch.
May 31st – 1st June – Euro Pub Soccer League where international teams take on our local soccer team.
July 20th – 6th August – Our Gathering Fortnight. Numerous events are planned including:
- BBQ and music in Upperchurch Village 26th July
- Bushcraft Day 20th July – learn how to survive in the Upperchurch hills!
- Ceili Night in Jim O the Mills 1st August
- “Where do you come from Forum” – hear from the locals who have studied the genealogy of the area
- Tours of local Historical Sites – you’ll be amazed at what is around
Nov 8th – 10th – Our 8th Annual Walking Weekend. As well as walks and cycles, we’ll be running Fishing workshops and “Where do you come from?” Forum
December 15th – Our much anticipated Christmas night hike
Mark the dates in your diary and let your friends and family from near and far know what is planned and that we’d love to see them again!


Join Ash Ketchum, accompanied by his partner Pikachu, as he travels through many regions, meets new friends and faces new challenges on his quest to become a Pokémon Master.
Natsuo is a high school boy who is experiencing the crushing despair of unrequited love. To make matters worse, the person he is in love with is his teacher, Hina. In an attempt to lift his spirits, he attends a mixer where he meets a girl named Rui. The two sleep together, expecting never to see one another again, but fate has other plans. His life suddenly becomes more complicated when his father comes home and announces he has remarried a woman with two daughters whom Natsuo has met before: Hina and Rui!
Avatar Korra, a headstrong, rebellious, feisty young woman who continually challenges and breaks with tradition, is on her quest to become a fully realized Avatar. In this story, the Avatar struggles to find balance within herself.
Sesame Street is a long-running American children's television series created by Joan Ganz Cooney and Lloyd Morrisett. The program is known for its educational content, and creativity communicated through the use of Jim Henson's Muppets, animation, short films, humor, and cultural references. The series premiered on stations on November 10, 1969 to positive reviews, some controversy, and high ratings.
Classic Saturday-morning cartoon series featuring magical blue elf-like creatures called Smurfs. The Smurfs, named for their personalities, inhabit a village of mushroom houses in an enchanted forest. These loveable creatures are led by Papa Smurf and live carefree... except for one major threat to their existance: Gargamel, an evil but inept wizard who lives in a stone-built house in the forest; and his feline companion, the equally nasty Azrael.
After the death of his wife, Danny enlists his best friend and his brother-in-law to help raise his three daughters, D.J., Stephanie, and Michelle.
Basara Toujou met his two cute little sisters, Mio Naruse and Maria Naruse. The two sisters revealed themselves as a member of the demon clan and Basara as a member of hero clan, demon clan's enemy, and is not related by family. Mio is the future Demon Lord and since Mio's power is not fully awakened, Basara will protect her from the demons who are after the power she inherited from her deceased father, Demon Lord Wilbert.
Watch Carly, Sam, and Freddie, as they try to balance their everyday 8th grade lives with their newfound fame managing and starring in the most awesome show on the web.
A group of six rescue dogs, led by a tech-savvy boy named Ryder, has adventures in "PAW Patrol." The heroic pups, who believe "no job is too big, no pup is too small," work together to protect the community. Among the members of the group are firedog Marshall, police pup Chase, and fearless Skye. All of the animals have special skills, gadgets and vehicles that help them on their rescue missions. Whether rescuing a kitten or saving a train from a rockslide, the PAW Patrol is always up for the challenge while also making sure there's time for a game or a laugh.
"Get your muzzle out of those books and make some friends!" That's what Princess Celestia tells Twilight Sparkle. She may be the smartest unicorn in Equestria, but Twilight Sparkle gets an "incomplete" in friendship. There's more to life than learning magic, after all -- so she goes to Ponyville on a mission to make friends. There she meets five special ponies who take her on exciting adventures and teach her the most powerful magic of all ... the magic of friendship!
Scrooge McDuck finds his hands full at home when nephews Huey, Dewey and Louie move to Duckburg. Joined by their loyal pals Launchpad McQuack, Gyro Gearloose and Mrs. Beakley, the DuckTales gang never fails to deliver a wealth of adventure. Get ready for a fortune of fun with DuckTales!
Normal high school kids by day, protectors of Paris by night! Miraculous follows the heroic adventures of Marinette and Adrien as they transform into Ladybug and Cat Noir and set out to capture akumas, creatures responsible for turning the people of Paris into villains. But neither hero knows the other’s true identity – or that they’re classmates!
Dexter's Laboratory is an American comic science fiction animated children's television series created by Genndy Tartakovsky for Cartoon Network. The series follows Dexter, a boy-genius with a secret laboratory filled with his collection of inventions. He constantly battles his sister Dee Dee, who always gains access despite his best efforts to keep her out, as well as his arch-rival and neighbor, Mandark. The series' first two seasons contain additional segments: Dial M for Monkey, which focuses on Dexter's pet lab monkey-turned-superhero, and The Justice Friends, about a trio of superheroes who share an apartment. Tartakovsky first pitched the series to Hanna-Barbera's animated shorts showcase World Premiere Toons, basing it on student films he produced while attending the California Institute of the Arts. Four shorts were created and broadcast on Cartoon Network in 1995 and 1996 before viewer approval ratings convinced the network to order a 13-episode first season, which premiered on April 28, 1996. By 1999, 52 episodes and a television movie had been produced, and Tartakovsky then left the series to begin work on his other projects, Samurai Jack and Star Wars: Clone Wars. In 2001, the network revived the series under a different production team at Cartoon Network Studios, and after 26 more episodes, the series ended on November 20, 2003.
An extraordinary discovery inspires two human princes and an elven assassin to team up on an epic quest to bring peace to their warring lands.
Aspiring singer Tori Vega navigates life while attending a performing arts high school called Hollywood Arts.
Sister Hanna is a spirited, witty, resolute, warm-hearted, and - attractive nun. With her wit and street cred, she takes charge of Kaltenthal Cloister, transforming it into a popular refuge for all those seeking help of one kind or another. She also brings new life to the sleepy provincial community, proving herself quite a match for her great rival and opponent, the mayor Wolfgang Wöller.
Rugrats is an American animated television series created by Arlene Klasky, Gábor Csupó, and Paul Germain for Nickelodeon. The show focuses on a group of toddlers, most prominently Tommy, Chuckie, Phil, Lil, and Angelica, and their day-to-day lives, usually involving common life experiences that become adventures in the babies' imaginations. Adults in the series are almost always unaware of what the children are up to; however, this only provides more room for the babies to explore and discover their surroundings.
The orphaned Baudelaire children face trials, tribulations and the evil Count Olaf, all in their quest to uncover the secret of their parents' death.
The misadventures of two modern-day Stone Age families, the Flintstones and the Rubbles.
The story of a group of teenager in high school in Utrecht, The Netherlands in their search for friendship, love, their own identity and overcoming fears.


Rome, Italy, July 13, 2016 –Alberto Mantovani, an Italian immunologist, and Helen Macdonald, a British writer, historian and naturalist, were awarded the Premio Letterario of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany literature prize on Tuesday evening in Rome. The jury of 18 international scientists, literature experts and journalists based its decision on the ability of both authors to combine “scientific expertise with a superb literary writing style.” The prize is worth € 10,000 for each recipient. Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, a science and technology company, has sponsored the prestigious literature prize for the 14th time.
Since 2003, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany has awarded the Premio Letterario of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany to recognize authors who build a bridge between literature and science with their works and further the understanding of science among the general public. In a speech to about 400 guests from art, culture, business and science in Rome, Johannes Baillou, Chairman of the Board of Partners and Vice Chairman of the Executive Board of E. Merck KG, Darmstadt, Germany also emphasized the essential role of science and literature for society: “Anyone who sees with just one eye has a one-dimensional view of the world. We do not have a broad view of events until we bring science and literature together.”
Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany sees the promotion of literature as part of its social responsibility. In addition to health and the environment, culture is a strategic sphere of activity of the company’s sustainability efforts. The Premio Letterario of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany is one of five literature prizes that Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany currently awards or promotes worldwide. In Germany, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany sponsors the Johann Heinrich Merck Award for Literary Critique and Essay of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, which builds bridges between literature and empathetic understanding. By contrast, building bridges between cultures is at the forefront of the literature awards in Japan (Kakehashi Prize of Merck Ltd. Japan, a subsidiary of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany) and India (Tagore Award of Merck India, a subsidiary of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany) and Russia, which Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany grants in cooperation with the Goethe Institut.
Alberto Mantovani was born in Milan, Italy, in 1948. Today he teaches as a professor of General Pathology at the Humanitas University in Milan and directs the university’s research center. Mantovani has received numerous awards for his scientific work in the field of immunology, including this year alone the Oncology Award of the European Cancer Institutes (OECI) and the Robert Koch Award. The physician regularly authors medical articles for daily newspapers and magazines and is one of Italy’s most quoted scientists. Mantovani is receiving the Premio Letterario Merck of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany for his paper titled “Immunity and vaccines” (ImmunitÓ e vaccini, 2016). In the jury’s opinion, this is a balanced, clear and scientifically founded contribution to the vaccines debate, which is so often conducted in a purely ideological manner. Mantovani takes the readers on a “journey of discovery through the advances in research”.
Helen Macdonald, a British writer, historian and naturalist, teaches at the University of Cambridge in the Department of History and Philosophy of Science. At the age of 12, she received her first hawk and decided to become a falconer. When her father died in 2007, Macdonald resolved to train a goshawk herself. She described her experiences in her novel “H is for Hawk” (2014), combining “strongly naturalistic abilities with literary imagination,” said the jury. In 2014, Macdonald won the Samuel Johnson Prize and the Costa Book Award for “H is for Hawk”.


To make an order you can use one of the following methods:
1) contact the Friends at email address:
2) mail a check made out to “ Friends of Hopewell Furnace NHS” to
Friends of Hopewell Furnace NHS
2 Mark Bird Lane, Elverson, PA 19520
3) use the PayPal button below.
William Bird Book
This book is available for $13 for one book, $23 for two books, $33 for three books.
Note: Shipping and handling is included in the price.
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The Friends of Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site
This 80-page full color biographical sketch includes photos, maps, and documents detailing the legacy of an extraordinary pioneer ironmaster William Bird, the first settler of Birdsboro and the father of Mark Bird who built Hopewell Furnace. The author is Daniel Graham.
William Bird started in America as an indentured servant and a woodcutter for another ironmaster and rose quickly through hard work and intelligence to become an ironmaster in his own right. He built three refinery forges and a cold blast charcoal furnace. Bird was instrumental in the founding of Berks County, becoming one of the county’s first Justices of the Peace and was one of the richest men of the county at his death, leaving an iron production and distribution system that would be enhanced by his son Mark, the developer of the Hopewell Furnace tract.
Version 3 Uploaded 2023 Nov 3 Appearance Improvments


“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”
Total number of books read: 98+
My 5 best reads of 2017
1. Reasons to Stay Alive – Matt Haig
Non-Fiction | Aged 24, Matt Haig’s world caved in. He could see no way to go on living. This is the true story of how he came through crisis, triumphed over an illness that almost destroyed him and learned to live again. A moving, funny and joyous exploration of how to live better, love better and feel more alive, Reasons to Stay Alive is more than a memoir. It is a book about making the most of your time on earth.
If you suffer from, have ever suffered from, or know anybody suffering from depression, read this book. It’s short, wonderfully written, and informative without being boring. Despite a title that seems bleak, it’s a positive, touching and uplifting book.
“I want life. I want to read it and write it and feel it and live it. I want, for as much of the time as possible in this blink-of-an-eye existence we have, to feel all that can be felt.”
2. A Little Life – Hanya Yanagihara
Fiction |A coming of age story, the novel follows the lives of four friends in New York City after they have graduated from college.
A depressing story, beautifully told. Plus, I always think that any book/film/song that moves me to tears can congratulate itself on a job well done. This is a long book, and the 720 pages are perfectly utilised in creating touching, authentic, human characters. I watched (well, read) them age; some flourish, some deteriorate, and I reflected on the polarity of life. Isn’t it both terrifying and wonderful that there is so much joy in the world, but also so much misery and pain? That these extremes can exist not just in the same universe, but also within a single human?
“…things get broken, and sometimes they get repaired, and in most cases, you realize that no matter what gets damaged, life rearranges itself to compensate for your loss, sometimes wonderfully.”
3. Fingersmith – Sarah Waters
Fiction |London 1862. Sue Trinder, orphaned at birth, grows up among petty thieves – fingersmiths – under the rough but loving care of Mrs Sucksby and her ‘family’. But from the moment she draws breath, Sue’s fate is linked to that of another orphan growing up in a gloomy mansion not too many miles away.
I loved this. The writing was so brilliantly descriptive that the characters, settings, storyline seized my attention (and imagination) completely. It’s different from anything I have read in a long while, and the plot took an unexpected turn that had me hooked. I honestly didn’t want it to end.
“She was like milk – too pale, too pure, too simple. She was made to be spoiled.”
4. Livia Lone – Barry Eisler
Fiction | Seattle PD sex-crimes detective Livia Lone knows the monsters she hunts. Sold by her Thai parents along with her little sister, Nason; marooned in America; abused by the men who trafficked them…the only thing that kept Livia alive as a teenager was her determination to find Nason. (read full synopsis here)
I have fond memories of reading this by the pool in Greece while sipping strawberry daiquiris! Normally I read slowly in the sun, my attention span as lethargic as the rest of me in the heat. However, I flew through this book. The plot was original and fast moving. Basically, it’s a great thriller.
“Most people are like sheep. Nice, harmless creatures who want nothing more than to be left alone so they can graze. But then of course there are wolves. Who want nothing more than to eat the sheep.
But there’s a third kind of person. The sheepdog. Sheepdogs have fangs like wolves. But their instinct isn’t predation. It’s protection. All they want, what they live for, is to protect the flock.”
5. Jane Eyre – Charlotte Bronte
Fiction |Orphaned into the household of her Aunt Reed at Gateshead and subject to the cruel regime at Lowood charity school, Jane Eyre nonetheless emerges unbroken in spirit and integrity. She takes up the post of governess at Thornfield, falls in love with Mr. Rochester, and discovers the impediment to their lawful marriage in a story that transcends melodrama to portray a woman’s passionate search for a wider and richer life than Victorian society traditionally allowed.
I’m very off/on with classics. I loved The Picture of Dorian Grey and Lolita is one my favourite books. However, I hated the tedious final chapters of Dracula, I barely got a third of the way through Wuthering Heights before giving up… you get the idea. I wasn’t that sold on the plot of Jane Eyre, but I tried anyway, and I loved it. It’s one of those books where the beautiful, ‘flowery’ writing works in harmony with the plot, rather than it spiraling into pages of utter waffle (technical term.)
“There is no happiness like that of being loved by your fellow creatures, and feeling that your presence is an addition to their comfort.”
My 5 most disappointing reads of 2017
1. The Lost Continent – Bill Bryson
Non-Fiction |The Lost Continent: Travels in Small-Town America is a book by travel writer Bill Bryson, chronicling his 13,978 mile trip around the United States in the autumn of 1987 and spring 1988.
I actually read/struggled through three different books by Bill Bryson this year: I love travel (obv) and Bryson’s travel books are heavily lauded, so I gave him more than one chance. Sadly, three books down and I still find him snarky, arrogant and utterly unlikable as a narrator. I enjoy dry humour and comical irreverence, but I found his books to be lacking in any form of wit or warmth. Instead I just found them negative, derogatory and not informative at all. Bleugh.
2. Never Let Me Go – Kazuo Ishiguro
Fiction | As children Kathy, Ruth, and Tommy were students at Hailsham, an exclusive boarding school secluded in the English countryside. It was a place of mercurial cliques and mysterious rules where teachers were constantly reminding their charges of how special they were. Now, years later, Kathy is a young woman. Ruth and Tommy have reentered her life. And for the first time she is beginning to look back at their shared past and understand just what it is that makes them special—and how that gift will shape the rest of their time together.
I wanted to love this (and I can see why it is loved.) The plot is interesting and saddening, always a gentle prodding reminder of the delicacy of life and the inevitability of death. I wanted to get lost in their world, to be taken in by the sombre tone and be heartbroken for the main characters… but I just wasn’t. The atmosphere of the book is carefully crafted, so I’m at a loss as to why I didn’t connect with it.
3. Hard Girls – Martina Cole
Fiction | Kate Burrows might be a retired DCI, but she never could stay away from the law for long. And now Grantley appears to have a new serial killer on its hands, Kate is the only one with the expertise to catch him. The case bears striking similarities to the Grantley Ripper. But this time the victims are prostitutes, and even hard girls deserve protection and justice. Kate Burrows caught the Ladykiller. She’s just the woman for this job.
This is a third book in the series, written 9 years after the last. I had read the earlier 2 books when I was in my teens, and really enjoyed them at the time. So, I re-read them before reading Hard Girls, and although I didn’t love them as much as I did when I was younger, I didn’t dislike them. This book, however, was awful. The main plot was barely touched upon, the writing was ridiculously repetitive (I’m not even slightly exaggerating) and there wasn’t a single likable character. I gave up about 60% through. I now remember why I long ago stopped reading Martina Cole’s books.
4. All the Missing Girls – Megan Miranda
Fiction | It’s been ten years since Nicolette Farrell left her rural hometown after her best friend, Corinne, disappeared from Cooley Ridge without a trace. Back again to tie up loose ends and care for her ailing father, Nic is soon plunged into a shocking drama that reawakens Corinne’s case and breaks open old wounds long since stitched. (read full synopsis here)
I‘ve read a fair few books in this genre (so many that the plots all seem to blur into one) and this one was a disappointment. The plot sounded interesting, albeit a slight variation of ones I have read in the past. The problem for me was how the book was written, it was told in reverse chronological order, and it just didn’t work for me at all. I could never remember if what was written was new information, whether it was important, whether it has already been revealed. It didn’t flow, and I lost interest in the plot very quickly because of this. Another one I quit at around 60% through.
5. Beloved – Tony Morrison
Fiction | Sethe was born a slave and escaped to Ohio, but eighteen years later she is still not free. She has too many memories of Sweet Home, the beautiful farm where so many hideous things happened. Her new home is haunted by the ghost of her baby, who died nameless and whose tombstone is engraved with a single word: Beloved.
I really wanted to like this, and I’m so sad that I didn’t this time round. Morrison has a unique way of writing and I couldn’t quite get to grips with it, which is a shame because I loved some of the imagery and phrasing (“They were not holding hands, but their shadows were.”) This is the only book of my ‘most disappointing reads’ I’d like to try read again. I read it in ebook form this year, so I think I’ll retry next year with a good ol paperback.


The “Wild West” period has a special place in the history of America. While this time period spanned from 1607-1912, the “Wild West” in particular broadly applies to the second half of the 19th century. While this time period led to a lot of innovation (such as the creation of the Pacific Railroad), it was also known for its fair share of negatives as well (such as the widespread violence towards Native Americans). Whatever your view on the Wild West is, these next 12 photos you are about to see will give you a little glimpse into how America was like during this incredible time period. Number 9 is a rarely-seen look at a group of shady wild west characters!
#12 George Armstrong Custer
In the 1800s, Custer was an officer in the U.S. Army and was also a cavalry commander. He was heavily involved in both the Civil War and the Indian War in America. However, all his accomplishments were erased when he was defeated by Native Americans in what was known as “Custer’s Last Stand.”


edited by Christine Draeger, Jocelyn Fazzone and Lamorna Nightingale, this progressive collection of solos and studies for the beginner to advanced flute player are stylistically diverse and fun to play.
From the thousands of studies and solo pieces written in the past four centuries, we have selected the 99 of the most enjoyable pieces for both teacher and student. Collated in a broadly progressive order from approximately AMEB 2nd grade to Diploma Level, the pieces cover all areas of technique; tone, articulation, dynamics, finger dexterity etc. Metronome speeds, articulation, dynamics and breaths are suggested but as the level of difficulty increases these editorial marks are phased out to encourage the advanced student to make technical and musical decisions.
I recently received this wonderful and useful etude book in the mail from Australia that arrived within a week! How entirely excellent a book it is! (and I'm not related to the flute teachers who created this study book, of course.) Usually, when you buy a book of flute etudes, you find two to three great etudes, and all the rest are uphill work, unattractive to the ear, or diabolically difficult for no apparent reason. Well the Australian flute teachers who compiled this lovely new book of etudes have finally ended that reign of terrible (or as we say "terri-blech!") etude books... Canadian Flautist and Teacher - Jen Cluff reviews 99 Solos and Studies for Flute.


PARENTING WEBINAR:RAISING HAPPIER AND MORE RESILIENT CHILDREN
Tomorrow 8th November 8 pm
This special webinar will explore five key themes and offer scientifically-validated strategies that parents can apply to influence their children in a positive way. It offers information that will benefit all ages.
The webinar will be delivered ‘live’ but a recording of it will be made available to those who are unable to attend at the specified time. An online library of resources and reading material on all five themes will be made available to participants.
The cost of the webinar is only €30 (plus Eventbrite booking fee).
Click here to learn more and/or to register.


Using MicroDAQ with Python
The Microdaq library is a Python programming interface for programming analog input, analog output, digital I/O, on MicroDAQ DAQ devices. The library can be used on Windows and Linux operating systems. The user can use Microdaq library to create data acquisition applications and control applications with real-time processing on MicroDAQ DSP core. Microdaq provides DSP management functions allowing the user to embed real-time processing on dedicated hardware in standard Python application.
Microdaq (1.4.0) function reference
More information you can find in __doc__ section of these methods.
To install microdaq package:
>> pip install microdaq
>> pip install microdaq --upgrade
This example show how to use MicroDAQ library to read analog input with 100ksps rate:
For more examples visit Microdaq repository on GitHub.


book review by Bob Cannon
I can't say that I read author
Lon Rombough’s new grape book.
it is closer to what happened. I’ve done this before, but with authors
as Robert Heinlein, John D. MacDoanld and most recently Ben Bova; all
which write (or wrote) fiction. Many of our readers may know Lon
Grapes have always been an elusive crop for me. Coastal Florida is
generally thought to be too hot and humid for ‘real’ grapes. Of course
we do have
native grapes but most are a bit strong for nibbling out of hand. With
in mind I was truly surprised at how much I enjoyed Lon’s book.
The reader can tell that not only is The Grape Grower written
by someone with experience but by an author who can share what they
have learned. Subtitled: A Guide to Organic Viticulture readers
are presented with clear and concise information and methods – not
The opening three chapters; Structure of the Vine, Getting Started and
Pruning and Training do much to prepare the prospective
most seasoned rarefruiters can plant properly, gaining an understanding
vine structure as related to producing a healthy, fruiting plant is
for this crop. I went back and reread the information on training and
that I comprehend the how and why involved in what has always been a
Following chapters on problems (disease, insect, birds…) prepare the
grower for success. I found the disease information clear and it helped
me to understand what is a complex subject. Fortunately many of the
diseases are regional
and there are an increasing number of resistant varieties of plants
The book finishes with information on propagation, varieties and
species and specialized information for both cool and warm climates.
There is also a chapter on breeding and a very useful glossary and
There are illustrations by Elayne Sears and some excellent photographs
by the author. The Grape Grower, Winner of the 2003 award for "Best
In Writing" from the Garden Writer's Association.
The Grape Grower
by Lon Rombough.
2002 by the author. ISBN 189013282-9 Chelsea Green Publishing Company.
Soft bound, 8x10, ixv, 289 pages, index, $35.00.
I highly recommend this book to
anyone who is
serious about growing grapes, be it one plant or many. If you buy
through the link below the proceeds help us bring you more articles and
Rombaugh also provides a wealth of information on hardy but
little-known grapes that are native to North America, and on a wide
range of topics, including:
- pruning neglected or overgrown vines
- growing grapes on arbors and in greenhouses
- controlling animal pests in the vineyard
- bunch grapes and muscadine grapes for the South
- winter protection, and how to increase the hardiness of
- creating your own new varieties
You can follow this link for your own copy of The
Back to Botany Selections
Back to Opening Page
Honest Disclosure: If you purchase a copy of The Grape Grower by
from this page we receive a small reward, this does not add to your
cost. Help support our rare fruit and web efforts, book mark this page
and shop from here. If you want us to receive our reward you MUST enter
AbeBooks from one of our pages.


Books are always gems for our family and they always end up as gift options for a lot of occasions! Story time is one of the few times when we can turn off electronics and sit together and read – sometimes before bed, but often at random times throughout the day. I grew up being a book nerd, and am always encouraging the love of books for my children. While, H is a bit young to actually sit still, with the addition of him this year, I now have more of an audience when I read. I love all sorts of books for my kids, but obviously, the educational ones will rank high! National Geographic Kids has a huge selection of informational, yet fun books, and I was sent 5 of them to share with my readers! With the Holidays, the following books are appropriate for many different age ranges!
Although, it may seem too late to receive the Weird but True! Christmas Edition book as a gift, but it’s really not! This book is jammed pack full of interesting facts that make for great conversation starters each year. Chances are you are bound to forget the factoids in this book anyways by next year! Suitable best for ages 8-12, Truman is a bit young to read this on his own, but reading the facts together, accompanied by the fun, bright photos is the best way to go with someone who doesn’t know how to read yet! The size of the book also makes for a good stocking stuffer!
Just Joking Jumbo – Another good stocking stuff book that contains 1,000 jokes and funny photos! Jokes include knock-knocks, puns, riddles, tongue-twisters, photos of silly situations and some ‘crazy’ information about the history of funny business! My son has been into knock knock jokes lately – I don’t think he really gets them, but he tries!
Ultimate Dinopedia – Is for all Dinosaur fanatics! The book is a big, gift-worthy hardcover that is the most complete and comprehensive dinosaur reference ever! There are more than 600 dinos featured, including profiles on 10 recently discovered dinosaurs and new entries to the Dino Dictonary. Ever Dino profile is colorfully illustrated and features descriptions of when they roamed the Earth, how they lived, what they ate, and much more! This 2nd edition includes favorites, and new finds!
Bet You Didn’t Know: Fascination, Far-Out, Fun-tastic Facts – Ideal for ages 9-12, this book is packed with beautiful photos and guaranteed to keep kids occupied for hours with facts! Based on a favorite department in Nat Geo Kids magazine, this book is overflowing with fascinating facts, silly stats and catchy little knowledge factors in all kinds of categories like astronomy, sea creatures to revolutions and breakfast. Special features include Extreme Weirdness, Strange Place, Wacky World and more!
Hey, Baby! – If you love to look at baby animals, this book is for you! This collection has stunning photography of wee ones in the wild world that will make you saw awww. With profiles, clever poems, time-tested folktales, amazing rescue stories and unlikely animal friendships, this book will be a favorite for all ages, new parents and moms-to-be.
I’m happy to say, too, that I get to give away a set of all FIVE BOOKS to one of YOU in time for gift giving!


Would You Feel Better About the Laws of Prosperity
If You Knew They Were Scripturally Based?
Ever wonder if the Bible has anything to say about The Law of Attraction and other natural laws?
Curious as to where Wallace Wattles (The Science of Getting Rich) and James Allen (As A Man Thinketh) sourced the material for their books?
Wondering if all of these self-help books and speakers are just yanking your chain or if the things they are teaching are really founded in the scriptures?
Does God really operate by these laws and principles?
Do the scriptures contain all the answers to our struggles, finances, and relationships?
Marnie Pehrson and Denise Webster Explore the Laws of Prosperity from a Scriptural Perspective
For the last 3 years, Denise Webster has repeatedly scoured the Bible cover to cover and found impressive backup for not only the law of attraction but also other natural laws that govern prosperity and abundant living.
Please join us as Marnie Pehrson, founder of SheLovesGod.com and Ideamarketers.com, interviews Denise about her insights and “mysteries of God” that she has unfolded in her studies.


Review: Past Pleasures anthology
This review was sponsored by the kind people at Xcite Books, who sent me a copy to test.
Rating: ★★★☆☆ 3/5
“I was pleased when this anthology arrived, because both Daddy and I are into Victorian settings and values. I really liked the cover because it looks Victorian to me, and I was eager to read it. Some of the stories are not as good as others though.
Sarah Ann Davies designed this cover. She has also designed the cover for the Crimes of Passion anthology and other books in the Xcite range. It features a young blonde woman hiding behind a mask with a smile on her face as if she is Victorian. Though it is not fully convincing it is nice to look at.
As with all Xcite books, this is the same: It’s Times New Roman and there is no superfluous spacing between paragraphs. Personally, I prefer spaces between them as I find it easier to read but I do think it looks okay without. It’s easy enough to read, in any case. ⏎
This book has all sorts of content though all stories are set in the past (hence the title). The stories are set in all sorts of time periods; from Victorian times to after World War 2, Shakespearian times to the American Civil War. The stories also take place in various parts of the globe and feature BDSM, slavery and crossdressing as well as vanilla pastimes.
Story 1: Cherry Ripe by Maria Lloyd (pages 1-11)
When 18-year-old Georgette is sent to yet another finishing school, she is surprised by an erotic encounter with the handsome local aristocrat during her carriage journey. Soon she is eager to continue their liaison and leaps at the risqué opportunity which the powerful Lord Roxby arranges – one which permits her to explore just how far she is willing to submit to his tastes, and how enjoyable that can be…
Story 2: Late One Night at the Tourist Court by Michael Bracken (pages 12-17)
Johnny had big plans when he came back from the war in Europe, but nothing was going his way until he robbed the bank in Lufkin, Texas, and hightailed it out of town with his girlfriend. He didn’t realise how much she had learnt while he was away, but she had several lessons to teach Johnny. Some of them were in the bedroom, and he learned them all late one night at the Tourist Court.
Story 3: The Day the Sun Stands Still by Toni Sands (pages 18-32)
Persian slave-girl Zuleika makes her way to market. The highest bid will secure her, body and soul. She is purchased by Saeed, on behalf of his master the Sultan Amir. Zuleika joins the harem and discovers Amir mourns his first true love, a woman who can only be Zuleika’s sister. Amir, aroused and intrigued by his beautiful concubine, questions her background, resulting in a poignant discovery that fuels passionate lovemaking and the possibility of mutual happiness.
Story 4: As You Like It by Tilly Hunter (pages 33-41)
Beatrice’s dearest ambition is to perform on the stage with Will, the greatest playwright and actor ever known and a favourite of the queen’s court. But women are forbidden from appearing in plays. Beatrice seduces Will and teaches him the ecstasy of submitting to her riding crop and her dildo up his arse until he pledges to help her realise her dream. But the main performance is a thorough fisting for the renowned wordsmith on stage after the theatre has emptied.
Story 5: Days of Moloch by Lara Kairos (pages 42-54)
In the gloom of the Third Reich’s decline, a passionate romance blooms between a young German woman and a Polish forced labourer. If others learn about their deviant affair, they will face a cruel punishment. But nights are dark and windows are blacked out when the clandestine lovers escape into their act of love, submission, dominance and defiance.
Story 6: Revenge of the Dixie Devil by Sylvia Lowry (pages 55-64)
The American Civil War, 1865. As Sherman’s northern army rolls across the embattled south, an elusive Confederate spy and raider known as the ‘Dixie Devil’ has plagued the Yankee invasion. In search of the notorious secret agent, a Union officer approaches an isolated manor house on the outskirts of Atlanta, where he meets a headstrong, independent southern belle who may have some knowledge of the mysterious criminal. She is willing to reveal her secrets – at an enticingly erotic price.
Story 7: The Gift by Clarice Clique (pages 65-76)
When Asdern and Theodine married it was for political reasons to join their royal houses, but they quickly discovered a true affection for each other. The only possible blight on their happiness was the clash of their sexual desires. What solution can there be for a man and woman who both yearn for the other to dominate them? Theodine believes she can solve the problem by purchasing and training a slave to fulfil their conflicting needs. But can an unknown outlander really be trusted with their most private secrets?
Story 8: Sex in Sin City by Chris Westlake (pages 77-87)
In the heat of 1930s Las Vegas, Virginia, a sweet and homely ranch owner’s daughter, secures a job cleaning in one of the casinos, and her eyes are opened to a completely new world full of lust and extravagance. A chance encounter shows that all is not how it seems, and the reality is so much more exciting. And when a worker from the Boulder Dam makes Virginia a proposition, her own blossoming desires depend on the roll of a ball.
Story 9: Bed of Glass by Alexandra Thomas (pages 88-94)
While flat-hunting she walks into a bedroom with a bed of glass. It is amazingly special. Seven foot by seven with a canopy of twinkling glass, made by a carpenter from way back in the past. But the past still inhabits the bed and she sees flashes of the courtesan who ordered the bed for her master. And the same courtesan is not averse to helping today’s celibate woman find a new excitement in the same bed.
Story 10: Pages From the Records of Doctor Helena Hopfl by Kin Fallon (pages 95-102)
Broken-hearted Doctor Helena Hopfl fled to her castle and pulled up the drawbridge a long time ago, swearing that no man would cross her moat again. Deep inside her isolated sanctuary she begins to feel life breaking through the cracks. Can she reawaken past pleasures creating her new project? Can her new project breathe life back into her?
Story 11: La Contessa’s Game by Slave Nano (pages 103-114)
Renowned for her cruelty and for the bizarre sexual tasks she uses her household servants for La Contessa’s reputation is well established in 18th century Venice. Made to dress as an elegant Venetian noblewoman her male servant is paraded through the canals and alleyways of the city for an encounter with Francesca, an enthusiastic courtesan, in which both are party to her twisted and perverted game.
Story 12: The Raid by Kitty Mouser (pages 115-122)
During the latter years of World War Two, a young couple are preparing for married life together: they have a home and she is pregnant with their first child, but neither is in any rush to marry quite yet. They are busy enjoying the strange freedom of sex during pregnancy – there’s no need to worry about being able to pull out quickly when she’s already pregnant! – and taking advantage of the time they have together before the baby arrives.
Story 13: Garver by Landon Dixon (pages 123-131)
Raw Garver. He shifted his hips, feeling a tightening in his dusty jeans, a warmth down below that had nothing to do with the hot sun or the hard ride he’d endured. He was known for his fast guns, and his big gun; the tall, lean man with the deathhead’s grin.
Story 14: Yoni Puja by Honey Falls (pages 132-142)
Leila is a young, collared slave girl in 19th century Persia. Given to Jalil as payment for her father’s gambling debts, he delights in teaching the headstrong young virgin that obedience leads to ecstasy and fulfilment. Her ultimate test is the act of Yoni Puja, the tantric worship of the vagina and the ultimate celebration of womanhood.
Story 15: The Duchess and the Highwayman by Kitti Bernetti (pages 143-155)
“Stand and deliver” – except the lusty highwayman forgets the quest for jewels and gold on capturing voluptuous and virginal Lady Henrietta. My Lady is quivering more with passion than fear after their encounter in a steamy coach on a lonely road. She finds herself pining for the highwayman, especially when it’s such a crime the young pearl of a girl is betrothed to the odious Duke of Lansdowne. But the resourceful, masked highwayman has plans that will overcome all obstacles and a secret which is revealed only to Lady Henrietta.
Story 16: Punished for the Pharaoh’s Pleasure by Demelza Hart (pages 156-168)
It is a stiflingly hot night in ancient Thebes. Beautiful temple servant, Mayamenti, is caught out of her chamber by the stunning High Priest, Amunnakht. For many long days she has stood in the temple, watching him silently and lusting secretly. Now he drags her before the Pharaoh for chastisement, and Mayamenti finds she craves her punishment. The pleasure and pain it brings her lead to a night of intense erotic fulfilment, and more.
Story 17: The Invader by Jayne Wheatley (pages 169-176)
A young Scottish woman watches invaders approach, and joins with the ranks of the men to ward off the marauding Viking warriors. When battle commences, a huge warrior carries her away to a disused roundhouse, where she struggles with him, but soon her body gives in to his demands. Will she find satisfaction in the heat of battle?
Story 18: A Cure for the Immoral Young Lady by Emma Lydia Bates (pages 177-188)
It’s the late 1890s, but Marianne and Penelope are far from being proper Victorian young ladies, despite the impression they might give. So when Penelope shows Marianne a newspaper column about an aristocrat who claims he can cure a girl’s morality with a single touch, she can’t help but be tempted to find out more.
Story 19: Pretty Tied Up by Elizabeth Coldwell (pages 189-198)
Tired of the restrictions of small-town life, Lucille is carving out a career for herself as a successful glamour model in New York. She jumps at the chance to work with famous but reclusive photographer Dusty Woods. But Dusty isn’t like any other photographer Lucille has ever met – and persuading her to pose for bondage shots is only the start of her education…
Story 20: Midsummer Madness by Rowan Owen (pages 199-211)
In the world of a Celtic chieftain, marriage is a political tool rather than a question of love or romance. Elinor, the chieftain’s beautiful red-headed daughter, could enjoy the pick of the young men in her tribe – but her marriage to another tribal leader has already been decided. Although her marriage fate is in the hands of her father, where she takes her sexual pleasure is still very much within her own power. And power is its own aphrodisiac, as Elinor soon discovers in the midsummer revels which mark her coming of age… ⏎
Though not all of the stories in this anthology are amazing, I would recommend it for the range of settings alone. There are so many different types of relationships and various types of sex as well, so there is bound to be something you will like.
Of course, depending on your preferences there may not be much you’d enjoy. It depends on whether you’re into any BDSM aspects or not.”
You can buy the Past Pleasures anthology from Lovehoney by clicking the image in the comments or directly from the publisher at Xcite Books.
About SubReiSkyeMOwner of Thoughts of a Growing Sub. I've been blogging for a year now and still loving it! Check my blog for reviews, blogger memes and BDSM talk!
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History - Wars, Warfare & the Armed Forces - Great Ships: Vietnam Gunboats
Great Ships: Vietnam Gunboats
Products are currently unavailable outside of the U.S. and Canada
Among the many problems America faced in Vietnam was how to control the over 3,000 miles of rivers, canals and waterways the enemy used as vital supply and transportation links. The most important weapon in this battle was the gunboat—fiberglass-hulled, fast and maneuverable, they were perfect for patrolling the dangerous waters.
The Great ShipsÔ tells the story of these unique weapons, from their origins as pleasure craft to their thousands of vital missions in the war. Relive the night-time penetration missions that were their specialty, and hear incredible stories from the men who served aboard them. Tour restored ships for an up-close look at their weapons and construction, and see footage of the boats in action during the war.
Featuring a revealing interview with Admiral Jerome King, the commander of all naval forces in Vietnam, this is the definitive story of one of the few success stories from the only conflict America has ever lost.
Place your secure online order here, or call 800-408-4842 to order
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A digital library, like any library, is a service which is based on principles of selection, acquisition, access, management and preservation, related to a specific client community. This paper examines some of the key challenges which these processes encounter when dealing with digital collections, with particular attention to the issues which are raised for national libraries. Examples are the challenge of selecting significant national
digital publications, the challenge of how to acquire efficiently those digital publications which are selected, the challenge of integrating access to digital and traditional information resources, the challenge of ensuring reliable delivery of digital publications given their changeable physical location, and the enormous challenge of how to preserve digital publications. The paper refers to the National Library of Australia’s Digital Services
Project, which has developed system requirements in the light of these issues and challenges.
The Development of the Digital Library The term “digital library” began to be heard in the early 1990s, as universities and other institutions began to build discipline-based collections of information resources in digital form, and to provide access to these collections through local and wide area networks. Today, hundreds of services which might qualify for the
description “digital library” have been developed, and it is possible to survey what has been achieved by such services and what challenges have been identified.
Definition of “digital library”
The Digital Library Federation has proposed the following definition :
Digital libraries are organizations that provide the resources, including the specialized staff, to select, structure, offer intellectual access to, interpret, distribute, preserve the integrity of, and ensure the persistence over time of collections of digital works so that they are readily and economically available for use a by a defined community or set of communities.
to be continued to http://www.ziddu.com/download/9236848/Digital-Libraries-a-National-Library-Perspective.pdf.html


Beloved long-time Yale faculty Aldo Parisot dies at 100
December 29, 2018
Click here for complete announcement
Click here for complete video of the Yale School of Music's tribute to Aldo Parisot on April 17, 2019.
Aldo Parisot biography now available!
"Aldo Parisot, The Cellist," by Susan Hawkshaw
Published June, 2018 by Pendragon Press
7 color illustrations • 130 pages, 9x6 in • Hardback
For more information or to purchase, call Karen Zigmand
at Pendragon Press, 877-656 6381, or write to: email@example.com
The only extant biography of renowned cellist Aldo Parisot, this book includes extensive interviews with him as well as contributions from established colleagues that give a first-hand explanation of his performing and teaching style. It is a serious work of scholarship, yet written in a lively and engaging style that captures the drama of Parisot’s life as well as his colorful personality and extraordinary talent. The book takes a chronological and complete approach, focusing on his extraordinary solo career, and is based on newspaper and magazine articles, reviews, and concert programs from all over the world.
Click on image to read article
Parisot featured in Strad article
about Villa-Lobos and the Cello
The article explores at length Parisot's pivotal role in the creation of Villa Lobos's Cello Concerto No. 2, dedicated to Aldo Parisot.
Aldo Parisot retires after 60 years on the Yale School of Music faculty
July 19, 2018
"Today, we celebrate and honor a teacher, a colleague, and a friend for his decades of service to our students, to our School, and to music. At 99, Parisot’s retirement from teaching in June 2018 is a momentous occasion that merits reflection."
Robert Blocker, Dean
Click here for complete announcement by the Yale School of Music
His extensive repertoire included demanding modern works such as the Schoenberg/Monn Cello Concerto and Martino’s Parisonatina, named and written in Parisot’s honor, as well as revival of older music. With regard to his teaching, one critic has termed his master classes an “object of pilgrimage.” Encounters with famous contemporaries such as Janos Starker, Heitor Villa-Lobos, Paul Hindemith, and Dave Brubeck are found throughout the book. Starker wrote, “I consider Aldo to be the best cello teacher of our time.” Prominent composers comment about works they dedicated to Parisot. A separate chapter describes his career as an abstract painter working in a sometimes whimsical style with vibrant color, and there are many photographs that highlight his collaboration with well-known colleagues.


Author: Martin Redfern
Title: The Earth: A Very Short IntroductionThe Earth_ A Very Short Introduction_Bookshareng.com.epub - 1.3 MB
Around 30 years ago, two things happened that were to revolutionize the understanding of our home planet. First, geologists realized that the continents themselves were drifting across the surface of the globe and that oceans were being created and destroyed. Secondly, pictures of the entire planet were returned from space. Suddenly, the Earth began to be viewed as a single entity; a dynamic, interacting whole, controlled by complex processes we scarcely understood.
This Introduction explores emerging geological research and explains how new advances in the understanding of plate tectonics, seismology, and satellite imagery have enabled us to begin to see the Earth as it actually is: dynamic and ever changing.


I’m currently reading the book “Tools of Titans: The Tactics, Routines, and Habits of Billionaires, Icons, and World-Class Performers” by Tim Ferriss. The book is a distilled account of some of the interviews that Tim Ferriss has performed on his podcast. He has what I would consider many interesting guests (such as Arnold Schwarzenegger) and provides short quotes from the longer interviews that he performed.
Before finding this book I’d never heard of Tim Ferriss – but now I’ve listened to several of his podcasts and will probably continue in the future. The book itself is pretty poorly organized. Some “chapters” are short and provide very little information or insight while others go on for pages and provide so much information that it’s quite difficult to distill without re-reading. But, considering the quantity of interviews performed and the length of a normal interview I appreciate the convenience of having a condensed version.
I don’t want to review the book in detail – as I think it would devolve into a summary of the quotes I found the most interesting. I would recommend this book to anyone who has not heard a significant portion of Tim Ferriss’ podcasts.


Book Review on Redeem All: How Digital Life is Changing Evangelical Culture
Redeem All, released on December 21st in 2021, was the first book I read during 2022. My reading plan this year is to successfully complete 50 books. My hope is that the additional 49 books are much better than this book. The title and subtitle — How Digital Life is Changing Evangelical Culture — were appealing to me as an evangelical denominational staff person. I seek to engage in forthtelling innovational, so I felt this book would add to my body of knowledge and suggest various innovations I could share and attribute to this book.
It did not.
I would say that the introduction and first two chapters that focus on congregations and parachurch movement in evangelicalism and their use of digital approaches were informative. Primary research for these chapters, however, did not reflect a diverse inquiry into varying approaches. There was a lot about Life.Church, and that was interesting. But the research was not broad enough to reflect on sustaining principles but was more anecdotal insights.
By the time I got to chapter three I realized the author was beyond the initial focus of the earlier parts of the book and was writing chapters to have a full length book. From a sales perspective I felt a sense of “bait and switch.” While chapters four and five, make important points readers need to understand, these were insufficient to redeem the book.
Being a Southern Baptist I worried about the accuracy of the book when in one place Russell Moore was named as the head of the Southern Baptist Convention, and in another that Albert Mohler was so named. Neither has ever had a formal role like this. They may have aspired to the presidency but have never achieved it and are unlikely to do so in the future for several reasons.
While a small point, this led me to wonder about the accuracy of other research and attributions. This showed that the author is not deeply knowledgeable enough about the evangelical church to have authored this book.
You will need to judge the value of this book for yourself.
Copyright 2022 by George W. Bullard Jr.


Janice Norine Thomas (nee: Ragon), age 87, of Portage Lakes passed away Wednesday, January 31, 2018 while at home surrounded by her family. She was born November 19, 1930 in Fort Wayne Indiana; the daughter of Rev. Leroy and Nora (Nall) Ragon.
Janice was a 1948 graduate of Ohio City Liberty High School, graduated from Marion College in 1953 with a BA & BS, and received her masters degree (MLS) from Kent State University in 1960. Janice married Larry C Thomas of Akron on February 14, 1959 in Massillon. She retired from Manchester Schools in 1992 as librarian and media coordinator. During her 32 years at Manchester, she served terms as president of SCSMS, MEA, Delta Kappa Gamma, and the Ohio Education Library Media Association (OELMA). In 1988, Janice was selected as Ohio education librarian of the year by OELMA. Janice also served on the Coventry Local Schools Board of Education for 12 years.
Janice was an active and devoted member of the Apostolic Church of Barberton. She served as AIB and 60+ leader for many years. Janice and Larry are charter members of the Creation Museum and Ark Encounter. She also enjoyed reading, cruising, and planning church and family trips.
Survivors include her husband of 59 years, Larry; son, Lyndon (Barb) of New Franklin; daughter, Lori (Joe) Hall of Coventry; three grandchildren, Richard (Sarah) Thomas, Victoria Hall, and Grace Hall; brother, John (Barb) Ragon and sister, Cynthia Gibson. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Pam Griffee.
Funeral Services will be held on Monday, February 5, 2018 at 7:00 pm at the Apostolic Church of Barberton located at 1717 West Turkeyfoot Lake Rd. with the Rev. Paul Pamer officiating. Visitation will be held before the funeral from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Apostolic Church. Burial will be at Holy Cross cemetery on Tuesday, February 6, 2018 at 10:00 a.m.
Special thanks to the staff at Summa Hospice.


Centre of Queer Memory
Our non-profit mission is to preserve records of and raise awareness about Czech LGBT history. What you can find at the Centre of Queer Memory:
- a provisional exhibition about LGBT history and memory
- a library of historical literature on homosexuality
- an archival collection of written documents and a artefacts about LGBT past in the Czech context*
- a collection of transcripts of biographical interviews with LGBT seniors*
* accessible subject to Regulations for Researchers
The Centre is operated by Společnost pro queer paměť, z. s. (Society for Queer Memory). It has been kindly supported by the City of Prague, the District of Praha 4, and private donors.
WHEN? Opening hours: Monday 6–8 PM
Guided tours outside the opening hours are available for organized groups by request.
WHERE? A three minutes’ walk from Pankrác metro station (C line), the Centre of Queer Memory is located at the following address: Na Strži 40, Praha 4.
website: www.queerpamet.cz e-mail: firstname.lastname@example.org


>>Gake no ue no Ponyo 2008 MULTi 1080p BluRay x264 FHD<<
IMDB Rating: 7.8/ 10 | 19,599 votes | Top 250: # None
Download Links:http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0876563/ Ponyo (2008) Genre.: Animation, Adventure, Family, Fantasy Stars.: Cate Blanchett, Matt Damon, Liam Neeson Video.: 1920x1040 | 23.976 fps | 6 294 Kbps Audio.: French DTS | 1 510 KbpsAudio.: Japanese DTS | 1 510 Kbps
The son of a sailor, 5-year old Sosuke lives a quiet life on an oceanside cliff with his mother Lisa. One fateful day, he finds a beautiful goldfish trapped in a bottle on the beach and upon rescuing her, names her Ponyo. But she is no ordinary goldfish. The daughter of a masterful wizard and a sea goddess, Ponyo uses her father's magic to transform herself into a young girl and quickly falls in love with Sosuke, but the use of such powerful sorcery causes a dangerous imbalance in the world. As the moon steadily draws nearer to the earth and Ponyo's father sends the ocean's mighty waves to find his daughter, the two children embark on an adventure of a lifetime to save the world and fulfill Ponyo's dreams of becoming human.
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September 14 – 30
He’s black, she’s white. He’s Christian, she’s Jewish. Best friends since they were nine, they are now exploring a more intimate relationship. What that means can be extremely complicated- for them, as well as for her parents, who have issues of their own. Hilarious, shocking, and heartfelt, The Mystery of Love and Sex is an explosive look at secrets, race, the fluidity of identity, and family dynamics.
“Perfectly wonderful! A tender and funny exploration of the lives of two couples from two generations.” - NY Times
“Original [and] refreshing! An critical look at young friendships…ideal for different generations of a family.” - Chicago Tribune
THE MYSTERY OF LOVE AND SEX
Playwright: Bathsheba Doran
Director: Melisa Annis


Among the unsettling list of serial killers caught in America during the late ’70s and early ’80s is a man named William Bonin. As a discharged soldier, Bonin went on to assault young boys and drop them at the sides of freeways in Southern California, thus he received the nickname, “Freeway Killer.” Watch this video to learn more about the next man on the Wrongful Death Serial Series list.
Wrongful Death Serial Series: William Bonin — Freeway Killer
By Robert J. DeBry|2019-07-15T18:20:40-07:00July 5th, 2019|Uncategorized|0 Comments
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This Rust Tutorial Series covers the basics of how the Rust language works. From strings to integers, to explaining Rust's immutability by default as well as Cargo's build system. Rust is a very powerful low level systems language, built for multi-threaded concurrency.
Click on the icon in the top left portion of the video to view all the videos in the playlist.
If you pass the quiz at the end of this tutorial series you will be given an option of downloading an official Certificate of Achievement for your records.


"Blood, Salt and Tears"
29 Jul 2003|Darrel Rhea
After almost 50 years of keeping his World War II experiences close to his chest, my Dad has written a book about his Navy adventures in the South Pacific. He does a great job of creating context and providing the history of the war, and provides personal sea stories that range from humorous coming-of-age events to moving accounts of the pain and horrors of war. (“Blood, Salt and Tears” has not been published yet.)
We see the war through the eyes of a teenager who comes-of-age driving landing craft in the first-wave assaults on islands. If you saw “Saving Private Ryan,” you’ve got a vivid picture of the frightening experience of dropping the front loading ramp to a barrage of bullets. Because of his heroism and skill, he was plucked from this duty with its very short life expectancy, and made skipper of the personal launch for the Admiral Turner who commanded the whole shootin match in the Pacific. Many important meetings of the war between the generals, admirals and Washington brass took place on his small boat as it circled off the islands for privacy, while my father silently stood stone-faced at the wheel. He saw history being made — the petty power politics between powerful old men, the blunders that cost thousands of lives, the hard realities and loneliness of leadership.
The world he experienced is impossible for us punks to comprehend. For example, I watched the movie “The Pianist” last night, but the horror of that world is so far away from my idealistic cushy life that, while emotionally moving to me, it feels like a movie about the middle ages. (And yet, at the end of the movie, it tells us that the German General died in a prisoner of war camp… on the year I was born. You and I are products of that horrible world.)
I’m so proud of my Dad for giving his all in this effort, and thankful that he survived to give me life.
If you know a vet, please, stop and take the time to acknowledge their sacrifices. Most of the WW II vets won’t be around long. Many still awake in terror or suffer the pain and sadness of loss from their ordeal. What they and their generation accomplished changed the world — and for most of you reading this — made it a safe place for you to grow up to be who you are, and have what you have today. 50 million people died for this imperfect but purged world. Just say thanks.
My neighbor is Erik Jendresen, the Emmy winning screen writer that was lead writer for the acclaimed series “Band of Brothers” and many major movies and plays. He is currently working on a series for Spielberg and Tom Hanks on the war in the Pacific, and is looking over Dad’s book for material. How exciting it is to have the possibility of Dad’s stories being included in a $100 million dollar Hollywood production is so exciting, and would be such an appropriate tribute for the man I admire so much. The same team did “Saving Private Ryan” too. I’m keeping my fingers crossed, and I think I’ll take a six pack to Eric this weekend…prev next