Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories
Health & Fitness>Alternative Health
Relax and fall asleep with Get Sleepy's unique combination of sleep meditation, followed by a calming story that lets you drift off to a peaceful slumber.
- 28 JUL 2021Stargazing in Joshua Tree45m 46s
Narrated by Arif Hodzic. Explore the natural landscape of Joshua Tree National Park before spending the night looking up at the stars.
- 26 JUL 2021Great Mistakes: A Microscopic Discovery46m 0s
Narrated by Thomas Jones. The remarkable discovery of penicillin begins with a bit of blundersome laboratory work.
- 21 JUL 2021Exploring Costa Brava44m 50s
Narrated by Maria Castro Couce. Hike along the northeastern coast of Spain on your way to a charming bed and breakfast where you'll spend the night.
- 19 JUL 2021Relax in the Desert Oasis41m 57s
Narrated by Thomas Jones. Float down a cool and comforting lazy river in a desert paradise that's just for you.
- 14 JUL 2021The Zen Garden44m 45s
Narrated by Thomas Jones. Sit and enjoy the quiet tranquility of a Zen garden on a beautiful day.
- 12 JUL 2021The Sleepy Bookshelf: Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Part 151m 24s
Fall asleep to the first episode of The Sleepy Bookshelf, a brand new podcast from the creators of Get Sleepy that's designed to send you to sleep with classic novels. Learn more: https://sleepybookshelf.com/
- 07 JUL 2021Walking with Vincent55m 57s
Narrated by Thomas Jones. Relax on a colourful evening stroll through the French town of Arles with legendary painter Vincent van Gogh.
- 05 JUL 2021Sea Glass at Sunset36m 39s
Narrated by John Gully. Wander along a secluded beach at sunset, picking up pieces of colorful sea glass.
- 30 JUN 2021A Day in the Garden City44m 33s
Narrated by Abbe Opher. Explore the sights, sounds, and flavors of the South Indian city of Bengaluru.
- 28 JUN 2021The Night Bus to Bengaluru43m 0s
Narrated by Abbe Opher. Travel through the mountains of South India by the light of the moon on your way to a beautiful city.
- 23 JUN 2021A Bed That's Just Right44m 42s
Narrated by Evie Brown. When a thunderstorm interrupts her morning jog, Goldilocks seeks shelter in a cozy little house whose unusual residents aren't at home.
- 21 JUN 2021A Ship on the Horizon37m 18s
Narrated by Thomas Jones. Our adaptation of a mythological love story, set on the shores of the Mediterranean, which tells of how the kingfisher bird came to be.
- 16 JUN 2021A Guest in a Strange City45m 34s
Narrated by Elizabeth Grace. Journey to the curious city of Callixenus and explore the wonders it has to offer.
- 14 JUN 2021From the Sea to the Stars41m 45s
Narrated by Thomas Jones. A princess encounters a jubilant procession on a secluded beach and takes an enchanting journey to the stars in this sleepy retelling of the classic Greek tale of Bacchus and Ariadne.
- 09 JUN 2021The Watch and the Garden40m 36s
Narrated by Arif Hodzic. Travel back in time to the ticking of a mysterious watch and visit a peaceful Victorian garden.
- 07 JUN 2021The Luthier's Workshop45m 54s
Narrated by Thomas Jones. Explore a guitar-maker's shop and learn how the instruments are designed and crafted.
- 02 JUN 2021Over the Blue Ridge Mountains35m 36s
Narrated by Heather Foster. Ease along winding mountain roads as you make your way to a peaceful wooded retreat in northern Georgia.
- 31 MAY 2021Walking the Waterton Trail51m 18s
Narrated by Thomas Jones. Discover the natural beauty and fascinating history of Yorkshire's Waterton Trail on a relaxing morning walk.
- 26 MAY 2021The Sleepy History of the Pony Express43m 44s
Narrated by TK Kellman. Explore the fascinating history of America's most famous horse-and-rider mail service.
- 24 MAY 2021The Magic Lake47m 17s
Narrated by Thomas Jones. Mysteries lay hidden beneath the surface of a magical lake, in this sleepy retelling of a family folktale.
- 19 MAY 2021The Island and the Sea Turtle55m 31s
Welcome back, sleepyheads. Tonight, Elizabeth narrates an old folktale, adapted for relaxation and rest, that tells of how the island of New Guinea came to be. 😴 Sound design: ocean waves. 🌊 Support our Sponsors - BetterHelp. We want you...
- 17 MAY 2021Agatha Christie's Countryside52m 32s
Narrated by Thomas Jones. Visit the charming Devon countryside that inspired the writing of England's "Queen of Crime."
- 12 MAY 2021An Autumn Hike in New Zealand44m 5s
Narrated by Thomas Jones. Visit the pristine glacial lakes and valleys of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park on a relaxing hike.
- 10 MAY 2021Exploring Pompeii41m 43s
Narrated by Nadine Brown. Wander the timeless paths of Pompeii in the shadow of Vesuvius on a winter day.
- 05 MAY 2021The Secret Room of Rest32m 16s
Narrated by Arif Hodzic. Kat discovers a magical room in her house that seems to be made just for relaxation.
- 03 MAY 2021A Day in Ancient Athens42m 3s
Narrated by Thomas Jones. Travel back in time and let your senses be delighted by the landscape and flavours of Ancient Greece.
- 28 APR 2021Mythology of the Moon41m 5s
Narrated by Abbe Opher. Explore timeless stories of the moon as you drift off to sleep under its glow.
- 26 APR 2021The Tree of Answers44m 49s
Narrated by Thomas Jones. Watch the seasons pass as Charlie learns a valuable lesson from a magical tree.
- 21 APR 2021Exploring Cape Breton43m 59s
Narrated by Thomas Jones. We continue our restful journey through Nova Scotia with a day trip to Cape Breton and go whale-watching at sunset.
- 19 APR 2021Touring Nova Scotia43m 4s
Narrated by Thomas Jones. Enjoy a taste of Nova Scotia on the first day of a relaxing road trip through this Maritime province.
- 14 APR 2021Around the Neighborhood36m 14s
Narrated by Heather Foster. Take a relaxing evening stroll around a peaceful neighborhood before heading home to bed.
- 12 APR 2021The Peacock House47m 23s
Narrated by Thomas Jones. The winding staircases and secret passages of this mysterious house will lead you to a peaceful sleep.
- 08 APR 2021⭐ As Winter Ends (preview)6m 51s
Narrated by Elizabeth Grace. This is a short preview episode. To hear the story in full, sign up to Get Sleepy Premium (details in the show notes). Welcome back, sleepyheads. Tonight, Elizabeth guides us on a cosy trip through a landscap...
- 07 APR 2021Up the Beanstalk49m 1s
Narrated by Thomas Jones. Jack makes a wish on a shooting star and finds a beanstalk in his garden the next morning in this sleepy retelling of the classic fairy tale.
- 05 APR 2021Beautiful Bovu Island42m 1s
Narrated by Abbe Opher. Take a boat ride down the Zambezi River and spend the night on a secluded island.
- 31 MAR 2021Relax at the Woodland Spa47m 9s
Narrated by Sam Jarvis. Relax and doze off during a bit of self-care with this spa day that's just for you.
- 29 MAR 2021Stargazing on Cantharus38m 6s
Narrated by Thomas Jones. Looking out at the stars from a distant planet, we watch a spellbinding celestial story unfold.
- 24 MAR 2021The Island of Presence Meditation43m 6s
Narrated by Thomas Jones. Quiet the mind and engage your senses on an island of tranquility that's just for you.
- 22 MAR 2021Evening on the Bayou40m 9s
Narrated by TK Kellman. Take a peaceful walk beneath the cypress trees to a Louisiana bayou at sunset.
- 17 MAR 2021Liam and the Leprechaun37m 44s
Narrated by Thomas Jones. Liam follows a curious sound into the countryside, where he finds a familiar little man sitting beneath a tree.
- 15 MAR 2021Walking with Ants47m 18s
Narrated by Thomas Jones. Follow Rosie the ant as she explores new territory and learns about life in her ant colony.
- 10 MAR 2021Night at the Aquarium47m 54s
Narrated by Nadine Brown. Wander through an aquarium after hours and explore the breathtaking exhibits.
- 08 MAR 2021Exploring Roman Castleford48m 23s
Narrated by Thomas Jones. Return to the Library of Time and journey back to 93 CE and the Roman settlement of Lagentium, in what is present day West Yorkshire, England.
- 03 MAR 2021The Blue Hour in Rome47m 19s
Narrated by Thomas Jones. Take a relaxing walk through the old streets of the Eternal City at dusk.
- 01 MAR 2021A Quiet Morning at Home42m 10s
Narrated by TK Kellman. Enjoy the simple pleasures of spending a relaxing morning at home.
- 24 FAB 2021The Sweet Dream Experiment50m 12s
Narrated by Abbe Opher. Vincent performs a sleepy experiment in his science lab to discover the secret of sweet dreams.
- 22 FAB 2021The Dream of Akinosuke43m 37s
Narrated by Thomas Jones. In this classic Japanese folktale, a farmer has a marvelous dream. But was it real, or just in his imagination?
- 17 FAB 2021The Dream of Morgan le Fay1h 2m 16s
Narrated by Sam Jarvis. A lover of myth and history, Morgan visits the ruins of King Arthur's castle and discovers something magical about herself.
- 15 FAB 2021Building the First Zeppelin41m 25s
Narrated by Thomas Jones. Take an imaginative journey back in time and follow along as a historic airship is designed and built.
- 10 FAB 2021The Sleepy History of Candy Hearts44m 18s
Narrated by Thomas Jones. Drift back through time and enjoy one of history's sweetest treats.
- 08 FAB 2021The Island Fox43m 5s
Narrated by Thomas Jones. Enjoy the sleepy morning of a lone fox on the Channel Islands.


David Williams | Assistant Editor of Humanities
Six hundred years ago, on October 25th, 1415, the Battle of Agincourt was fought between the English and French armies. One of the most famous speeches in English literature is the one that Henry V makes before this battle in Shakespeare’s Henry V. In it, Henry raises his army’s morale by imagining how the future will remember that day. “His promise is partially that 600 years from now people will still be celebrating it. That bigger, grander claim that you can live beyond your lifetime is articulated in so many ways in this period and probably most periods,” Professor J. K. Barret says. “But what strikes my interest is the more modest claim that you’ll be able to remember this and celebrate it yourself a little later.”
Professor J. K. Barret’s research focuses on temporality in early modern literature. She is a professor here at The University of Texas, and has published articles in English Literary History and English Literary Renaissance, with a forthcoming article in Shakespeare Quarterly. Next year, Cornell University Press will publish her first book, Untold Futures: Time and Literary Culture in Renaissance England.
Much has been written about temporality in Renaissance literature, but, as Professor Barret has written, scholars typically “privilege Renaissance England’s artistic engagement with the past” (Barret “My Promise Sent Unto Myself” 44) over its engagement with the future. Two scholars, Lucian Hölscher and Reinhart Koselleck, argue that “before the eighteenth century, a sense of the future was lacking” (Burke ix). William E. Engel describes what he calls an “overriding Aesthetic of Decline” (Engel 6) in Renaissance England, characterized by the view that everything is in a state of decline, and that the end of history was approaching. J. K. Barret, however, has focused on texts that look towards the future. “One of the things that my book is trying to explain is to point out that we haven’t really talked about the future very extensively when thinking about these texts,” she says. “One of the reasons for that is we assume either that there really wasn’t that much to say, when people thought about the future there wasn’t going to be one. They thought the apocalypse was around the corner, or else people have assumed that the seeds of modernity were always there and if we followed things like scientific progress or the valuation of empiricism, then we see the future that came to pass after the early modern period. My study is suggesting that if we approach the period without those two ends already in mind, then we can get access, or unique access, in this imaginative writing to a whole array of conceptions of the future that we haven’t talked about before.”
Professor Barret began studying temporality in early modern literature after she started noticing passages which interested her because of their sensitivity to differing views of temporality. “I think the first one that really caught my eye was in Shakespeare’s Cymbeline, where there’s two brothers who are displaced, kidnapped princes, though they don’t know that, who are out in the pastoral, while being raised by their disgruntled foster father,” Professor Barret says. “They’re complaining to him that they want to do something meaningful with their time, and the way they articulate their complaint is by asking what they’ll be able to say or talk about when they reach old age, when they’re as old as he is. And I was really struck by that argument that they’re making, that the reason they want to do something now is because they want something good to remember later.” Professor Barret calls this view of time “anticipatory nostalgia.” She has used this term to describe the aforementioned speech from Henry V, calling it “[p]robably the most obvious and celebrated Shakespearean example of anticipatory nostalgia” (Barret Poetics of Futurity 121).
Professor Barret’s first published article, “‘My Promise Sent Onto Myself’: Futurity and the Language of Obligation in Sidney’s Old Arcadia,” appeared in The Uses of the Future in Early Modern Europe in 2010. In it she discusses how the first book of Old Arcadia opens with a prophecy about the future, while the final two books are about a criminal trial that passes judgment upon the past. Therefore, the text’s beginning looks to a future which will in turn look back to the past. Professor Barret further examines how characters in Old Arcadia imagine a future characterized by the act of looking back and evaluating the past. For example, she identifies how one character, Philoclea, attempts to control her future with a promise she makes to herself.
“Chained Allusions, Patterned Futures, and the Dangers of Interpretation in Titus Andronicus” is one of two articles by Professor Barret published last year, along with “Vacant Time in The Faerie Queene.” In the former, she looks at how characters in Shakespeare’s Titus Andronicus attempt to fashion their actions after Ovid’s Metamorphoses, and consequently limit their futures to the endings of the stories upon which they have modeled their present. The characters in Titus Andronicus fail to remember the bloody consequences in Ovid’s stories, and fall victim to similar consequences after imitating Ovid’s characters. Professor Barret explores how the play therefore exposes the dangers of reducing the present to an imitation of the past. She also pinpoints how the text reveals the danger that comes from the characters’ type of interpretation, which causes “a confusion of the literal and the metaphorical” (Barret “Chained Allusions” 472). The article ends with an analysis of a minor character, the Clown, who seems anachronistically Elizabethan rather than Roman. Contrary to the other characters in the play, the Clown is not doomed by classical allusion, of which he is wholly ignorant, as is shown during the abundant miscommunications when he speaks to other Romans. The Clown therefore offers an alternative to the dangerous imitation pervading the rest of the play, but that still isn’t enough to save him in the end.
In “Vacant Time in The Faerie Queene,” Professor Barret shows how The Faerie Queene, written by Edmund Spenser, uses “vacant time,” which isn’t already determined by obligation. While early modern writings seem to frequently condemn unassigned time as idle and dangerous, Spenser experiments with vacant time to show the possibility present within it. Spenser’s vacant time emphasizes what might happen instead of what should happen, what is possible rather than what is obligatory. This article is another product of one short part that caught Professor Barret’s eye. “I was reading book 5 of The Faerie Queene, and I came across the part where Artegall is talking to the dwarf, and the dwarf is saying what’s going on with Florimell, and it turns out Florimell is getting married, and Artegall says “if time he had, he would be there.” And I was so struck by that,” she says. “What do you mean if time he had? He’s a knight on an allegorical quest with a very clear mission. This shouldn’t be a question, of whether or not he has extra time to spend, going to weddings. So I started working on the idea for that paper, and as it turned out I don’t get to talk about that moment in the text until page 20 of the article. There was so much I needed to say and recover and set up to even be able to analyze that particular part, but it was always where that idea started.”
When asked if she has any advice for someone hoping to get started with literary research, Professor Barret said, “I think you need two core research skills to get started on any sustained project, even if it’s like a five page paper to something longer and more complex: just to be curious and to be attentive. Those are the two things needed to get any project started. I guess I wouldn’t say that you have to write about something you love, or research something you’re passionate about, but I do think you need to write about something you’re curious about.”
Barret, J. K., “Chained Allusions, Patterned Futures, and the Dangers of Interpretation in Titus Andronicus,” English Literary Renaissance 44 (2014): 452-485.
Barret, J. K., “‘My Promise Sent Onto Myself’: Futurity and the Language of Obligation in Sidney’s Old Arcadia,” in The Uses of the Future in Early Modern Europe, edited by Andrea Brady and Emily Butterworth (New York: Routledge 2010) 54-73.
Barret, J. K., “So Written to Aftertimes”: Renaissance England’s Poetics of Futurity (PhD diss., Princeton University 2008).
Barret, J. K., “Vacant Time in The Faerie Queene,” ELH 81 (2014): 1-27.
Burke, Peter, “Foreward,” in The Uses of the Future in Early Modern Europe, edited by Andrea Brady and Emily Butterworth (New York: Routledge 2010) ix-xx.
Engel, William E., Death and Drama in Renaissance England (Oxford: Oxford University Press 2002).
Featured photo from The Drunken Odyssey.


Tim is an experienced trial lawyer. He has led trials in the District Court, High Court and Māori Land Court, for private parties and both as a prosecutor and as defence counsel. His experience includes acting for insurers and local councils, conducting jury trials and being appointed by the Court as amicus curiae. At appellate level he has appeared in the High Court, the Court of Appeal, and the Māori Appellate Court.
Tim’s litigation practice is split between public and local government matters and property law disputes. This work includes providing advice on ongoing compliance and conducting regulatory prosecution work on behalf of councils and insurers as well as a range of property and construction cases. Tim is based in the firms Tauranga office but also spends time in the Whakatāne and Ōpōtiki offices.
Tim started his career as a Judge’s Clerk at the Auckland High Court. In 2018 he also graduated with a Master in Laws (First Class Honours). His academic articles have been published in national legal journals including the New Zealand Law Review and Te Wharenga - the New Zealand Criminal Law Review, and have been cited by both the High Court and the Court of Appeal.
- LLB(Hons), BSc, DipLang University of Auckland 2014
- Admitted to the Bar in New Zealand in 2015
- LLM(First Class Hons) 2018
- Member New Zealand Law Librarians' Association
- Member Law Commission's Expert Advisory Group on Declaratory Judgments


Arkham Horror LCG: The Dream-Eaters
|Mängu aeg:||2 tundi|
kirjeldus on inglise keeles:
There is a hidden realm outside the world of the waking: a realm of wonder, imagination, and nightmares. After occult author Virgil Gray writes about his adventures ... in these ?Dreamlands,? you decide to set forth and learn the truth for yourself. What is real, and what is fiction? And what secrets await in the dark, forbidden places beyond the gates of sleep? The Dream-Eaters is the fifth deluxe expansion for Arkham Horror: The Card Game. In this expansion, 1?4 players take on the roles of either a group of investigators venturing into the Dreamlands or their companions who have been left in the waking world. This expansion contains the first two scenarios of The Dream-Eaters cycle one scenario for each of these two groups. This expansion also contains new investigator and player cards that increase the customization options for the game. This is not a standalone product. A copy of the Arkham Horror: The Card Game Core Set is required to play.
Tähelepanu! Tegu on laiendiga ja seda ei saa mängida ilma põhimänguta.


Ottawa family ordered to move Little Library on front lawn
An Ottawa woman says it was a “sad day” when Bylaw Services told her to move her Little Library back from the curb on her front lawn or risk being charged.
Wendy Chaytor set up the Little Library on the lawn of her Amethyst Crescent home in Stittsville last August, welcoming neighbors to pick a book to read or leave a book for someone else to enjoy.
This spring, Chaytor received a registered letter from the city stating there was a complaint about the small library on her property, and she had to move it back beyond the city’s road allowance of 4.3 metres.
“I’m saddened by the fact that someone would choose to complain to By-law rather than talk with us directly to let us know they had a problem with our library,” Chaytor said in a post in a neighborhood Facebook group.
The letter from Ottawa Bylaw and Regulatory Services told Chaytor the library had to move back 14 feet from the curb by June 6.
Chaytor tells CTV News Ottawa the Little Library, which consists of an enclosed case for books on a wooden pole, which is set up about four feet from the street.
“We don’t quite see how this is damaging a ‘highway’ as it was set back 1.25 meters from the curb,” Chaytor said.
“Far enough that it was not in the way of traffic, or snow plows, but close enough for people to easily access it.”
In a statement to CTV News Ottawa, Ottawa Bylaw Services says it received a complaint on May 9 about the small library erected on the front lawn of the home.
“A Notice of Violation (written warning) was sent to the owner informing them of the complaint that the library was not permitted on City property, and that it should be moved further back onto the owner’s property,” Bylaw Services Director Roger Chapman said .
“BLRS responds to these types of violations on a complaint basis and applies a progressive enforcement model, which includes warnings and working with the defendants to obtain voluntary compliance before a fine is issued.”
Chapman says the city’s Use and Care of Roads Bylaw prohibits people from “encumbering a highway by any means.”
“This includes erecting a library, leaving sporting equipment (basketball and hockey nets), or building raised gardens on the City right-of-way (the portion of City-owned land at the end of one’s property),” Chapman said Saturday evening .
Chaytor said the request to move the library stand 14 feet from the curb “completely befuddles me”.
“How are basketball nets that hang directly over the road allowed, but our harmless library that was already set back from the curb be considered to ‘Encumber/Damage highway,” Chaytor asked in the Facebook post.
The Little Library stayed up through the fall and winter, “and was not in the way of the snowplows,” Chaytor said, adding the area in front of it was cleared of snow for easy access.
“We have never received any complaints from the neighbors about our library,” she said on Sunday. “In fact, we often have people stop and thank us for doing such a wonderful thing for our community.”
The Little Library offers everything from children’s books to easy readers for elementary students to adult books.
“We created our little library to share our love of books with the neighborhood. We have so many books of our own it seemed a shame for them to be gathering dust tucked away on a bookshelf,” Chaytor said. “It makes my heart happy to see people stop by and take a book or two – or leave some!”
count Glen Gower tells CTV News Ottawa he will speak with Bylaw officials on Monday to make sure Chaytor can continue to run the library.
“These little libraries are great additions to our Stittsville communities. We have more and more popping up in the city,” Gower said. “There’s even a mini art gallery on West Ridge in Stittsville. It’s something we should be encouraging and not restricting.”
Chaytor is hoping to work out a compromise to keep the Little Library near the curb. In the meantime, it is set up on the front porch, with a welcome sign inviting people to still borrow a book, or leave a book for others to read.
“It is my hope that a solution can be found so the library can be returned to its original spot near the end of our driveway, or at least kept close enough to the curb so people won’t feel intimidated using it.”
With files from CTV News Ottawa’s Ted Raymond and Colton Praill


The Dairy Free Outfit: An Italian Cookbook
Coming from an Italian family it is all about traditions, so it was important for Christina and her family to have a home cooked meal every day. In many popular Italian dishes such as: Lasagna, Chicken Parmesan, Vodka Sauce, Cannolis, and Cheesecake dairy products such as: milk, cheese, and butter are the most used ingredients in creating these delicious Italian meals. In this dairy free traditional Italian food cookbook you will see it is possible to enjoy Italian cuisine without compromising the look or taste. No longer will you have to call ahead to the host of a party to find out what is being served, feel left out, or have to bring your own food to an event due to this very common food allergy. Those days are over. The biggest challenge in dairy free recipes is finding the right ingredients. Inside the pages of this book you will find a plethora of easy dairy free recipes to some of your favorite Italian dishes. This cookbook will save you time and many hours of researching to find that perfect ingredient to create the dairy free version of these exciting and delicious Italian recipes. In this book, you will find traditional family recipes that incorporate the use of dairy free comparable ingredients to have the dishes look and taste the authentic. Enjoy the words within the pages of the Dairy Free Outfit, key ingredients to living a dairy free Italian-style.


In 'From Gloom to Glory', Womack pours hope, faith and light into some of the darkest valleys we'll ever walk through. Using his own testimony, with suicide and depression as a reference point, the author structures the book into three parts: daily reminders that lift our spirits, a beacon call to not give up, and a positive note that brightens the gloomy clouds that sometimes hover over life. With 50 poems each centered on the theme of hope and faith against the odds, this is a book of inspiration that speaks to the soul of the reader, and a perfect gift for yourself or someone you love who is dealing with darkness or passing through a valley experience. God turns gloom into glory.
"This accessible book of poems is a great read for anyone struggling with depression or feelings of despair. It offers powerful encouragement and hope through God’s truth and is written by a guy who understands the struggle first hand. Reading this is like having a good friend speak hope and truth into your life when you’re too spent to muster the strength on your own. Reviving to the soul".
- Jessie Mattis, Author of Power Up
"This collection of free verses contains so many keys to restoration and hope. The author has experienced deep depression and misery. He understands what so many people cope with daily. He offers Christ as the true beacon of life. He offers encouragement for dealing with daily discouragements, promising that God's desire is to restore the lost.
Especially rich is the poem called "A Better Me," because God used the rough patches in his life to turn him around. If you struggle with depression and bad life choices, these short pieces will be a blessing. If you know someone who's lost, poet Michael Lee Womack offers so much support and the "God of the Turnaround." Highly recommended".
- Joy Neal Kidney, Author of Leora's Letters: The Story of Love and Loss for an Iowa Family During World War II and Leora's Dexter Stories: The Scarcity Years of the Great Depression
As soldiers who have just returned from war, we fight a separate war daily in an attempt to leave the war behind. Many soldiers, just like myself, come home from war only to fight a separate internal battle, with debilitating illnesses such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. It was important for me to share my story not only for myself but for those who have fought, for those who have fallen, and for those who continue to wage war in order for the United States of America to continue to remain free. The price of freedom is not free.
War is chaos, and many soldiers bear the scars from it for the rest of our lives.
"The poems in this book took me beyond my surface level knowledge of what a soldier goes through and opened my eyes to the grim realities, sacrifice, and hope involved in the high calling of a soldier. At times these poems were reminiscent of the Psalms--raw and despairing, but wrapped in hope. Definitely recommend this quick, eye-opening read to anyone craving a deeper view inside the mind of a soldier!".
- Jessie Mattis, Author of Power Up"
"Trauma happens in moments (strung together) and yet lives on in wounds, in scars, and in memories. We go through the motions of daily life while our minds are fighting trauma's aftermath. In this book Michael has painted a portrait of the war he fights every day. I live with CPTSD and its lingering damage from chronic childhood abuse.. and I connected with something in every poem in this book. His descriptions of what soldiers endure is raw and often hard to read, but so powerful and insightful. Michael's poems are well crafted, heartfelt, and painful. He shares the atrocities of war in a unique way while interlacing hope throughout the pages".
- Enola Ton, Author of The Pain of Reality and the Reality of Pain"


In a pivotal moment at the International Data Week 2023 (IDW 2023) in Salzburg, Austria, a diverse global community of data scientists, researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers witnessed the unveiling of the Africa PID Alliance (APA) by Joy Owango, Executive Director of TCC Africa. This initiative, introduced under the overarching theme of “A Festival of Data,” marked a significant event at IDW 2023, emphasizing the collective commitment to advancing data science, innovation, and collaboration worldwide.
IDW 2023 served as the ideal platform for this announcement, providing an opportunity for visionaries shaping the future of global data science to come together and engage in discussions on the latest advancements, challenges, and opportunities in the dynamic landscape of data. The launch of the Africa PID Alliance (APA) at this prestigious event emphasizes its importance in addressing the pressing need for Persistent Identifiers (PIDs) tailored specifically to the African context.
Digitizing research outputs in Africa has long been a formidable challenge, limiting access to valuable knowledge and obstructing the dissemination of indigenous knowledge, cultural heritage, and patent data. With only 10% of African patents currently accessible globally, it became evident at IDW 2023 that solutions were urgently needed to enhance accessibility and promote equity.
Ms. Owango, in her presentation, shed light on APA’s mission to secure the future of African innovation, indigenous knowledge, and cultural heritage. The Africa PID Alliance aims to provide persistent identifiers for often overlooked areas, such as indigenous knowledge, cultural heritage, and patent data, making this information globally accessible. Through a dedicated infrastructure hosted in Africa, APA seeks to collate and disseminate knowledge, ultimately benefiting African researchers and innovators.
APA’s approach to addressing the challenges posed by the lack of digitization of research outputs is multifaceted. Central to their strategy is the establishment of a robust Digital Object Identifier Container (DOCID) system, proposed as a hybrid digital object identification model. This system serves as a centralized hub connecting diverse digital objects, providing a structured and accessible platform for consolidating information and promoting equity in the dissemination of knowledge. The initiative also places significant emphasis on partnerships and collaborations to ensure seamless integration into the broader scholarly ecosystem.
The launch of the Africa PID Alliance at IDW 2023 signifies a shared commitment to dismantling barriers in global research. As the global community continues to strive for open science, collaboration, and inclusivity, initiatives like APA represent a significant step forward in promoting equity, accessibility, and the preservation of African knowledge and heritage on a global scale. These efforts play a crucial role in addressing disparities within the African scholarly landscape, fostering a more interconnected and inclusive future.
To access Joy Owango’s presentation at IDW 2023, click here:


C h i n e s e M e d i c i n e B o o k s
Chinese Medicine for Aging Eyes
This book presents the Chinese and Western diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma, cataract, ptosis, macular degeneration, dry eye, floaters, diabetic retinopathy, hypertensive retinopathy and more common eye diseases of seniors along with a wealth of self-care techniques.
For Practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Specialty training using Chinese herbs and acupuncture for the treatment of common eye diseases seen in seniors
- Eye disease from a Western medical viewpoint
- When referral to Western medicine is critical
- When and how to integrate tradition Chinese medicine and Western treatment for best results
- A wealth of self-care methods to share with patients
For Proactive Seniors
- What happens to your eyes as you age
- Supplements and self-massage to slow or halt the progression of eye disease
- Awareness of both the strengths and weaknesses of Western and traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of eye disease
For Ophthalmologists, Optometrists and Western Medical Practitioners
- Learn how Chinese medicine can help your senior patients in the prevention and treatment of eye disease and how an integrated healing approach can be the most effective.
Full general index, plus herbal formula, differential diagnosis and treatment principles indices.
- Authors: Hoy Ping Yee Chan and Carole Conlon
- ISBN 978-0-9907550-0-5
- Publisher: AyniWrite Press, NM
- Language: English
- 7 x 10"
- 228 pages, black and white
- Soft cover
Chinese Ocular Diagnosis and Periocular Acupuncture
This book is intended as an expanded guide to the clinical application of ocular diagnosis and periocular acupuncture. It includes the original information presented in the book Window of Health---Ocular Diagnosis and Periocular Acupuncture, compiled by Hoy Ping Yee Chan, OMD, in 1996 as well as current clinical information on this method from Y. M. Chen, PhD (OM), L.Ac. Ocular Therapy, developed in China over 45 years ago by Dr. Peng Jingshan, utilizes the microsystem which encircles the eyes.
This system of diagnosis and treatment has gained international recognition as a simple and effective means employing acupuncture to assist the entire body in its healing process. Chinese Ocular Diagnosis and Periocular Acupuncture is designed for practicing acupuncturists wanting to expand their therapeutic options.
- Authors: Hoy Ping Yee Chan and Y. M.Chen
- ISBN-10: 0990755010
- ISBN-13: 978-0990755012
- Publisher: AyniWrite Press (February 12, 2015)
- Language: English
- Paperback: 7 x 10", 124 pages, B&W and Color
Available from Amazon.com


There are countless texts available for students of the history of Nazi Germany and the Holocaust. However of all the books on the market the series edited by J. Noakes and G. Pridham have been my most regular source of primary material for A level classes over the last ten years. The documents and commentaries are first class. Always on the lookout for alternative materials I was pleased recently to come across a similarly formatted and, in my opinion, equally impressive book devoted entirely to the Jewish Holocaust (1939-1945). Sources of the Holocaust edited by Steve Hochstadt is rapidly becoming my first stop when looking for documents that provide a clear insight into the chilling events of the 30s and 40s. Particularly interesting are the sections on ‘The Context of Christian Antisemitism’ and ‘The Creation of Monsters in Germany: Jews and Others’. In twenty eight pages of fascinating documents the reader is guided through the development of antisemitism from the writing of the Gospel According to St. Matthew to the murder of a Polish labourer named Konrad Pietzuch in August 1932. A gripping introduction to an excellent study that should be on the shelves of every history department.
Hochstadt, Steve. Sources of the Holocaust. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan, 2004. Print. (£19.99)


|Everything Everything - Nicola Yoon|
This weeks book - Everything Everything
Author - Nicola Yoon
My Score out of 10 - 8/10
Blurb - Live life in a bubble? Or risk everything for love? Maddy is allergic to the world. She hasn't left her room in seventeen years. Olly is the boy next door. He's determined to find a way to reach her. Everything Everything is about the crazy risks we take for love.
This book is another from Zoellas WH Smith book club, I started reading this book the end of last week and finished it less than 24 hours later, it would of been even less than that if work and sleep didn't matter. I love that the book is written in 1st person from Maddys point of view, as it really helps the reader understand exactly how Maddy is feeling and realise how much we can take for granted. I absolutely loved the story both reading about Maddys illness and her and Ollys relationship developing. I didn't want to put it down as I just needed to know what happened next. The story was another that tugs on the heart strings and so many times I felt sorry for both Maddy and her Mother. I would recommend this book to anyone of any age if you want a easy to read, but something a little different to the usual love story!


Putah Creek Reports and Documents
The Putah Creek Accord
Putah Creek Nestbox Survey Annual Report 2021 UC Davis Museum of Wildlife and Fish Biology.
Results of October 2020 Lower Putah Creek Fish Surveys by TRPA Fish Biologists
Geographical Distribution of Fish Species Found in Putah Creek – March 16, 1992
Compilation and Graphic Plots of Available Lower Putah Creek Water Temperature Data, Water Years 1992-2016
Long-term rehabilitation of a native freshwater fish assemblage in California. Author Emily Jacinto 2020.
Photo Time Series from Railroad bridge 2011-2018 Winters Putah Creek Park. Ken Davis 2018
Putah Creek Terrestrial Wildlife Monitoring Report 1997-2009. UC Davis.
Putah Creek Library and Bibliography. Links and abstracts to more than 150 reports and journal articles related to Putah Creek.
Putah Creek Nestbox Highway 2020 Annual Report – UC Davis Museum of Wildlife and Fish Biology
Results of October 2019 lower Putah Creek fish surveys (FINAL) by TRA Fish Biologists. Author Tim Salamunovich.
Putah Creek Electrofishing Report 2018 Salamunovich.
2020 Lower Putah Creek Gravel Bed Scarification. Final Report (Amended). Author Ken W. Davis.
Late Winter and Spring 2018 Juvenile Chinook Salmon Snorkel Surveys on Lower Putah Creek – Final Report. by Normandeau Associates. Author Tim Salamunovich.
2021 Pleasant Creek Rock Vane Stabilization/Revegetation Project Final Report. Author Brian Keeley.
Pleasants Creek 2013 report
2017 Normandeau Electrofishing Report for LPCCC
APDX-D.WPCP Phase III Permits_02192015
L8AD.WPCP-Plans.PHASE 1 6-13-11
L8AD.WPCP-Plans.PHASE 2 6-13-11
WPCP – Temp (1-year)
Water Temp Study
FINAL REPORT_Putah Ck Terrestrial Wildlife Monitoring Pgm 1997-2009_9-1-10
MAP VOL_Putah Ck Terr Wildlife Mntg Pgm 1997-2009_7-11-11
1600-2011-0100-R2 Final Winters Putah Creek Park
1600-2015-0130-R3 Final NAWCA3 (ID 233908)
1600-2014-0265-R3 RMA – As Executed (ID 185140)
1600-2013-0258-R3 LPC 2 NAWCA Draft (ID 233910)
LPCCC Annual Report 2017-2018
2018 Lower Putah Memo_Final_12 April 2019
2017 Nestbox Report
2017 Wildlife Monitoring Report
Keirnan, et al. Restoring native fish assemblages to a regulated California stream
using the natural flow regime concept. Ecological Applications, 22(5), 2012, pp. 1472–1482
Form and Fluvial Processes of Dry Creek Near Winters CA
Final Tech Memo Lower PC Regional Groundwater Influence Study
Scarification and Velocity – Report 6704
Winters Perc as fish barrier-CDFG 2007
USCOE Recon Survey Dry Creek w highlights
S12A-1.LSolano Sed Study 2013 Update (ID 66265)
S-12A-2.UCD_Peffer.SP Veg Report (ID 66279)
Ken Davis Reports
2006 Design Chanel Report 2040C. Author Ken W. Davis.
2008 Design Chanel Report 2614 Upper Dry Creek. Author Ken W. Davis.2008 Design Chanel Report 2636 – Enos Creek. Author Ken W. Davis.
2008 Design Chanel Report 2636 – Enos Creek. Author Ken W. Davis.
2008 Report 2651 :Review of current procedures used to decontaminate wading boot and equipment. Author Ken W. Davis.
2010 Visit : Comparison between old and new Putah Creek channel – effects on invertebrate population. Author Ken W. Davis.
2008 Thompson Creek (Thompson Canyon) sediment load. Author Ken W. Davis.
2764-Pickerel2008 Loss of invertebrate Community at Pickerel after ponding : Report 2764. Author Ken W. Davis.
2008 Quagga / Zebra Mussel “Boat Inspection” Report 2800. Author Ken W. Davis.
EmergerAdult Aquatic Insects / Avian predation 2008 Report 2977. Author Ken W. Davis.
Advanced Watercraft Decontamination (Lake Mead – October 6-7, 2008). Author Ken W. Davis.
2008 Update: Dreissenid Mussel Surveillance Monitoring in Solano System Report 2990. Author Ken W. Davis.
Impact of Dewatering in the Interdam Reach on Glossosoma, a Common Caddisfly.Author Ken W. Davis 2008.
2009 Range extension for sensitive caddisfly in two Putah Creek restoration Sites.Report 3085A. Author Ken W. Davis.
2009 Cyanobacteria at Mace Blvd. – Putah Creek Report 3339-22MAC. Author Ken W. Davis.
2010 Solano Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) Brochure and Poster.Report 3523. Author Ken W. Davis.
2010 Callippe (butterfly) observations and images. Report 3567. Author Ken W. Davis.
2011 General Update – Solano System. Report 3720. Author Ken W. Davis.
2012 Invertebrate colonization – Winters River Parkway Restoration Section of Putah Creek. Report 4124. Author Ken W. Davis.
2012 Wild Trout in Putah Creek – Interderm Reach – Proposal to make films. Report 4317. Author Ken W. Davis.
2013 Putah Creek Fish (trout) Video Project. Report 4563-22. Author Ken W. Davis
2013 Images in the NAWCA Work Area. Report 4596-22CM-NAWCA. Author Ken W. Davis.
2016 Response to PEIR Comments from Mr. Jeff Tenpas. Report 5360. Author Ken W. Davis.
Post 2017 Floods – Scarification Still Necessary. Report 5554. Author Ken W. Davis.
Update – Monitoring Lake Berryessa for Dreissenid Mussels. AS OF 8/28/08, ALL MUSSEL SURVEYS IN LAKE BERRYESSA HAVE BEEN NEGATIVE.Report 2899-17A2. Author Ken W. Davis.
Flows in Putah, Thompson and Dry Creeks after the storms during the week of March 12th, 2012. Report 4080. Author Ken W. Davis.
General Field Update – regional. Report 4987. Author Ken W. Davis.
Davis_ Fish Video_Report_2013
DavisK Surveys-2016 Eurasian Mussel – Solano Project
Davis-Salmon Monitoring 2017 – Feb
Interim 2015 Salmon Spawning Report – WPCP
KDavis – Pleasants Creek BMI Schedule and Info
KDavis_5906-Los Rios Dam Update
KDavis_6673-Post2019 High Water
KDavis_Dry Creek_Report 2009 – FINALUP
KDavis_LB Monitoring-2018-Q1 – FINAL
KDavis_6573-Undate Scarification & Salmon
KDavis_Report 4554_Project Update
KDavis_Report 6580_Salmon Update 3
KDavis_Report 6600_Miller Creek
KDavis_Update 5045_Aug 2015
Ken Davis – Report 4190 – General Update
Lower Putah Salmon – 2016 Salmon Run
Mussel Surveys – Lake Berryessa
Pickerel Weir – Report 4262
Putah Cementation Study – Report 4382
Sequential Field Presentation – SMw
Thompson Creek – 4074


This is a place to exchange views and information on an exciting new venture at Boston University: the study of Jewish history, culture, and religion from a secular point of view. Supported by a grant from the Center for Cultural Judaism, BU faculty Adam Seligman, Abigail Gillman, and Michael Zank are planning programs and courses to be offered through the Department of Religion. For program information, please contact Katie Light, Program Assistant..
Faculty and students at BU are encouraged to participate, share ideas and information, and spread the word about this new venture at Boston University.
Plague of the First Born: A Short Story for Passover by Etgar Keret - *Ever since he was a child, Etgar Keret has always found it hard not to sympathize with the Egyptians in the telling of the Passover story. This came up ...
7 hours ago


A comedy-adventure saga spanning the decades, in the style of pulp entertainment from the 30s, 50s and more.
The Radio Adventures of Matt & AAlgar, season 1
Enjoy the exciting flyboy adventures of Matt, AAlgar and their sidekick Dottie in this 1930s-style pulp serial.
The Radio Adventures of Matt & AAlgar, season 2
Matt, AAlgar and Dottie have been rocketed to the far-off future year of 2014 in this 1950s-style pulp serial.
Agent Dottie: Invasion of the Duplitroids
A one-off (non-serial) adventure following everyone's favorite sidekick-turned-main character, Dottie, in a 1960s-style pulp "audio cartoon."
The Alien Ultimatum
A 14-page comic featuring Matt, AAlgar and Dottie in a silver-age-style space adventure!


Working with their Social Studies teachers, Mrs. Kardos and Mrs. McLean, as well as in library with Mrs. Elfeky on the True Flix online region books, students gathered research on each region's natural resources, climate, history, monuments, major cities, landforms, culture, food, animals, people and any other topics of interest!
Using the share feature on Google Presentations, students worked simultaneously and collaboratively to demonstrate their knowledge. This included planning their vision and making decisions as a team on which topics each would cover, how to display the research, formatting the slides and organizing the presentation.
Each student then chose a focus in which to write a script and use the Doink app to film a scene from their region on the green screen, reporting on their chosen area. The students were tasked with filming each other, and then exporting their videos and inserting them into the final presentations.
The result: A class presentation on each region of the United States!
The skills these fourth graders demonstrated through this project are too numerous to list. I am incredibly proud of their collaboration and willingness to help each other produce their best work as they held each other accountable.
Enjoy! Each one is so unique, feel free to check out all four!


Anyway, I had a good old browse and a listen to some of Miriam's work, which is really interesting and has earned her a good reputation.
I then wondered if there was any of my work on there, as I and Enda Coyle Greene had launched books in No Alibis bookshop (a great place to browse and buy books, as well as music and other events) back in March 2008. Well, I found a few (use the search facility and enter author's name) - a bit cringeworthy for me to listen to - but there they are in all their glory.
If you get a chance to browse this amazing digital archive, you won't be disappointed. In there you will find poets as diverse as Sinead Morrissey, Medbh McGuckian, Ciaran Carson, Michael Longley, Seamus Heaney (of course!) and many, many more. I was really tickled to see and hear Billy Collins' work on the website, as I actually attended this reading in Armagh in July 2008 (and wrote about it here), so it's nice to re-hear the work again.
There's a lot to be said for 'hearing' poetry - after all, it is an oral/aural art.


Inclusive Church Sunday is nearly here!
Taking place on (or around!) Sunday 15th September 2013.
The resources that have been drawn together to mark Inclusive Church Sunday are available to download.
The liturgical material has been specially drawn together by Steven Shakespeare (Prayers for an Inclusive Church etc) and the children and young adult material by Phil Greig (an experienced youth and children’s worker who has recently published Moving Images, Changing Lives: Exploring the Christian Life and Confirmation with Young People Through Film Published by Church House Publishing
There are other resources and ideas, and a selection of hymns that you might want to consider using.
We really would love to know how you plan to celebrate with us. Liverpool has the National Coordinator preaching and leading a workshop on inclusion, special events are taking place in Ludlow and Leeds. What will you be doing???


Welcome to the ILLiad electronic document delivery and interlibrary loan system. Please enter your USM ID number and your USM password (the same as SOAR)
Attention ILLiad Users: All
Login to ILLIad, and then use the left side navigation menu, under Tools, to click Change Personal Information. Change your e-mail address and then click the Submit Information button at the bottom of the screen. Be advised that USM emails can be forwarded to any other outside email account via the outside email account settings.
Please note that the ILLiad service will only recognize you if you are a current student, staff member, or faculty. Members of the Alumni Association at Southern Miss need to contact the interlibrary loan office using the information below.
For Interlibrary Loan Policies, see the Interlibrary Loan's home page here.
Please direct any questions you may have to contact firstname.lastname@example.org.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Cook Library Telephone:
GC Library Telephone:


Explore the coast of Alaska,
the Pacific Northwest,
CoastView provides pictures and stories about beautiful and interesting places along the coast to help you explore. The goal of CoastView is to provide a moment of appreciation for the magnificent Pacific coastline of North America, and to leave a lasting impression. Click this button to start exploring:
Our library has over a half-million images from California to the Alaskan Arctic. Join our newsletter and don’t miss the daily articles that highlight stunning close-up pictures and tell stories about interesting places along the coast. Each story has links to more in-depth articles. Use the CoastView iOS app to explore more of the same area and keep track of where you are with an interactive map. The app can also be used for exploring the coast on your own without using any links from the articles. Now you can sightsee along the coast – whether you’re traveling by care, bike, boat or airplane, or traveling “virtually” from a comfy chair at home. Click this button to download the mobile app:
CoastView is an easy-to-use and fascinating way to learn about the history, nature, and geography of the west coast of North America. Let CoastView help you plan an adventure (an Alaska cruise, or fishing, kayaking, or flightseeing trip) or take a stress-free virtual trip anywhere along the coast.


Location: Cliff Wright Library (1635 McKercher Dr)From 2023-09-12 to 2023-10-24, Tuesday every week
10:30 am - 12:30 pm
1, 2 Buckle my Shoe is a family learning program for parents/caregivers and their preschoolers ages 3-5. This 6-week program focuses on early math skills for daily use.
Each week, a numeracy skill is explored; for example:
- and many more!
Each 2-hour session includes a circle time, literacy activities, and a separate parent session. Foundations provides resources for parents and caregivers to support literacy and learning at home and in the community. We offer a relaxed and inclusive learning environment; a snack and take-home book are also provided each week.
This event is fully booked.
Please fill the below form, we will put you on the waiting list.


1- “Born to Run” by Christopher McDougall
This best-selling book delves into the world of the Tarahumara people, an indigenous tribe in Mexico known for their incredible endurance and ability to run long distances without injury. Through his research and interviews with members of the tribe, McDougall uncovers the secrets of their running success and how they can be applied to modern runners.
2- “Eat and Run: My Unlikely Journey to Ultramarathon Greatness” by Scott Jurek, Steve Friedman“Eat and Run: My Unlikely Journey to Ultramarathon Greatness” is a memoir by ultramarathon runner Scott Jurek and co-author Steve Friedman. The book tells the story of Jurek’s journey from a small town in Minnesota to becoming one of the most successful ultramarathon runners in the world, and his transition to a plant-based diet. Throughout the book, Jurek shares his personal story and the lessons he learned along the way, including the physical and mental challenges of ultramarathon running, the importance of proper nutrition, and the power of determination and perseverance. He also shares his training regimen and strategies for maintaining a plant-based diet. The book serves as an inspiration to anyone looking to push their limits and achieve their goals, whether in running or in life.’
3- “Finding Ultra: Rejecting Middle Age, Becoming One of the World’s Fittest Men, and Discovering Myself” by Rich Roll“Finding Ultra: Rejecting Middle Age, Becoming One of the World’s Fittest Men, and Discovering Myself” is a memoir by endurance athlete Rich Roll. The book tells the story of Roll’s transformation from a sedentary, middle-aged man to one of the world’s top ultramarathon runners. Roll details his journey, which includes overcoming addiction, adopting a plant-based diet, and undertaking intense physical training. The book also explores the mental and emotional challenges he faced, and the lessons he learned along the way. Throughout the book, Roll shares his personal story and the strategies he used to achieve success, including the importance of setting goals, developing a positive mindset, and embracing a holistic approach to health and fitness. The book serves as an inspiration to anyone looking to make a major life change and achieve their goals, and to those who want to learn more about the benefits of a plant-based diet and endurance sports.
4- “Advanced Marathoning” by Pete Pfitzinger and Scott Douglas
This book is designed for experienced runners who are looking to take their marathon training to the next level. It provides detailed training plans, advice on race strategy and nutrition, and information on dealing with injuries and other challenges.


This guidebook includes a range of day-walks and multi-day treks throughout the Dinaric Alps of Montenegro. These mountains are some of the wildest, most spectacular, and least visited in Europe. Nevertheless they are easily accessible, and many areas have well-marked trails. They present an opportunity to travel through outstandingly beautiful and remarkably unspoilt natural scenery, which sees few visitors. The guide covers the most spectacular mountain areas in Montenegro, with a selection of circular and linear routes, with variants and extensions.
The guide also includes generous background information, including mountain huts and shelters, travel to and within the country, history and language, as well as what to expect in the various mountains and National Parks the routes explore. This is the first comprehensive English-language guide to walking in this beautiful area, and provides and ideal gateway into Montenegrin adventures.


My most fond memory of reading happened way back in either grade 4, 5, or 6 -- I can't remember. I was introduced to the world of Narnia by a teacher who obviously felt it was important to read and explore books, because I have no other recollection of such an experience.
The story The Magician's Nephew, by C.S. Lewis, still echoes in my ears as if it had been read to me yesterday. Having re-read the story several times since then, it somehow pales in comparison to having it read aloud.
Why? The story hasn't changed. The characters are all the same. It's the same length and the same author. But with the obvious addition of sound now accompanying the words, a whole different experience takes place.
When you read, not only is your brain forming a picture in your mind's eye of what's happening, but you're also concentrating on the act of reading itself. And for those of us who have always found the act of reading - dare I say - tiresome (ahem), sometimes our focus shifts in and out from actually reading the words, to letting our imagination have free reign within the tale being told.
When my teacher was reading the book to us, all my senses where left to freely enjoy the story and let my imagination run wild. Maybe it's because I've always been an audiophile -- I don't know, but when I don't have to concentrate on anything other than simply listening to a story, I tend to enjoy the whole story experience a lot more.
Plus, it didn't hurt that my teacher had a wonderful reading voice. Maybe that's my problem: I can't stand my inner voice. It's terrible dull, come to think of it. I wonder what my wife would say if I asked her to read my books to me from now on...


|The Jewish Center of Northwest Jersey dedicated our building on September 22, 1946. Learn more about our heritage on the pages linked below.
- A Memoir by Sallye Klein - Founding member and Hebrew School teacher Sallye Klein recalls the earliest days of the JCNWJ, written in 2001 for a presentation canceled by the events of 9/11.
the beginning - Explore a very important piece of congregational history by browsing
a copy of the original Dedication Program for our Temple. Also, read some interesting history about the Temple and the land it was built on.
- September 22, 1946 Dedication Program.
- A picture
from Purim, 1955. Anyone know anything about this?
Copyright © 2007 Jewish Center of Northwest Jersey
Last updated: November 8, 2007


Did you know that the world’s first Ferris Wheel was invented and built by a Pittsburgher in 1893?
Walking by Caliban Books the other day I spotted this little gem in the window: PittburGraphics: Graphic Studies in Paragraphs and Pictures Pertaining to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania by Samuel R. Ohler. Published in 1983, this book is packed with fascinating (if a bit outdated) tid-bits of information about our Steel City, including a history of Pittsburgh’s inclines, tunnels, and bridges, as well as its Greatest Tragedies, Worst Floods, and the mysterious “Underground River.” Also covered are exciting topics such as “Fighting Ships Named USS Pittsburgh” and “Living Downtown” in the city Ohler describes as having “everything but salt air and a beach.” This book is so full of PGH-pride that the cover features a typeface called “Pittsburgh Black,” first manufactured in PGH in the early 1900s.
See the gallery below to peek between the covers. There is even a little lesson in Pittsburguese!


Since 2019 our agency has been working on various projects for the Austrian National Library:
The flagship of digital innovation within the library sector, önb.digital is the unified search engine where all databases are integrated to allow users to search elements across millions of entries.
For the development of this portal, our agency has been on board from the beginning. While the internal at the library is in charge of unifying the search engines into a SOLR database, we are developing the user interface based on a long term roadmap and on a strategy that we developed together with an interdisciplinary team.
The portal grows with functions every quarter, currently entitling the following functionalities, all developed by us:
- Basic, multi-facet search
- Shareable search queries over social media
- Automated "discovery" landing page based on thematic searches
- Favourites and list creation for customers and researchers
- Integration of a "full-text search" for enhanced search
Digital Ticket Shop
An important project for the ÖNB was the new creation and launch of an online ticket shop. The shop we have designed and implemented serves tickets across all houses of the museum and allows the booking of guided tours and events.
It is connected to the internal booking systems, entry control system and bookkeeping system to automate all related processes.
Yearly ticket owners can also prolong, manage, and create digital tickets, easing thousands of customers.
The ÖNB is a central point (by Austrian law) in collecting any sort of publication published within Austria. For this, our agency was commissioned to develop a comprehensive upload tool where registered users can submit their PDF or EPUB publications with a large set of metadata that can be automatically imported to the databases of the national library.
Such a digitized ecosystem creates an easy upload process for all publishers while also reducing the workload on the library's side.
In addition to all the above tasks, we also created a light relaunch and skinning to the library's newspaper and juridical documents archive (https://anno.onb.ac.at and https://alex.onb.ac.at) with millions of entries to be searched for. We have set up the content portals on Drupal to fit the overall IT landscape of the library.


CIFOR paper: Timber legality verification system and the VPA in Indonesia
In this co-authored CIFOR paper, Emily and Lucy researched the Indonesian timber legality verification system and the Voluntary Partnership Agreement, with particular reference to challenges of the small-scale forestry sector.
The overall objective of this paper is to analyze the potential implications of the mandatory implementation of SVLK on the small-scale forestry sector of Indonesia. In doing so, the paper also assesses whether a mandatory approach to legality verification will achieve a greater impact in terms of assuring legality, than voluntary approaches, such as certification. Analysis was undertaken through desk-based analysis of government statistics and field surveys in three provinces of Indonesia — Central Java, East Kalimantan and Papua.


Lesson: The Federalist Paper #10
Author: Barbara Amburgey
Subject Area: Social Studies
Grade Level: 10 - 12
Ever wonder about the events and climate cf the period following the American Revolution ?
In this lesson, we will: 1. See what was happening in the colonies immediately following the Revolution. 2. Listen to the opinions of the colonists about how the new government should be set up. 3. Look at the Federalist Papers and see what techniques the authors used to convince the citizens that a strong central government was needed.
After reading these Primary documents, write a letter to the editor of the newspaper supporting one of the points made by the Federalist Papers.
Directions: Primary Document


Custom home libraries have gained popularity in Tampa due to their numerous benefits. These personalized libraries, also known as bespoke reading spaces, offer a unique space for book lovers to indulge in their passion and create a tailored home library.
When designing your custom home library in Tampa, it’s essential to consider the available space in your home.
Choose custom bookshelves and personalized libraries that maximize the use of space while providing an aesthetically pleasing look.
Incorporating personalized elements and themes adds a touch of individuality to your library.
Maximizing natural light and creating a cozy reading nook can enhance the ambiance of the space.
In Tampa’s sunny climate, ample natural light can be harnessed to create a bright and inviting environment. Consider installing large windows or skylights to bring natural light into your custom bookshelves, personalized libraries, bespoke reading spaces, and tailored home libraries.
Crafting Custom Home Libraries in Tampa Your Personalized Literary Haven
Crafting custom home libraries in Tampa allows you to create unique study rooms that can serve as your personalized literary havens. These handcrafted book nooks are more than just collections of books; they are individualized spaces designed for relaxation, reflection, and intellectual growth.
Not only do they enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home, but they also add value to your property.
When designing your Tampa custom home library, there are key elements to consider.
Firstly, think about the ideal location within your Tampa home. Choose a space that can accommodate the size and layout requirements for your library, ensuring ample room for bookshelves and storage solutions.
Create a cozy reading nook with comfortable furniture and adequate lighting. This will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the world of literature.
To make your Tampa custom home library truly yours, add personal touches and decorations. This could include items that reflect your literary tastes, such as Tampa literary havens, unique study rooms, handcrafted book nooks, individualized book collections, or literary-themed artwork.
The Art of Designing Custom Bookshelves
Custom bookshelves are an essential part of home design, adding both functionality and aesthetic appeal to any space. They provide a personalized space for displaying books and other items, creating a unique and inviting atmosphere.
In Tampa, specialized reading retreats and made-to-order bookcases are becoming increasingly popular, with homeowners seeking Tampa bookworm sanctuaries or customized study areas.
These areas offer a sanctuary for bookworms, allowing them to showcase their collections and create a cozy reading nook.
When designing custom bookshelves, it’s important to consider the dimensions and layout of your room, utilizing vertical space to maximize storage. Incorporating unique architectural features can also enhance the overall design.
Selecting the right materials and finishes, such as different types of wood and complementary finishes, is crucial. Custom bookshelves can be tailored to specific needs, with adjustable shelves, specialized compartments, or even specialized reading retreats, made-to-order bookcases, Tampa bookworm sanctuaries, customized study areas.
- Custom bookshelves add functionality and aesthetic appeal to any space.
- They provide a personalized space for displaying books and other items.
- Custom bookshelves can be tailored to specific needs, with adjustable shelves and specialized compartments.
- Made-to-order bookcases and customized study areas are becoming increasingly popular in Tampa.
Creating Bespoke Reading Spaces in Tampa
Creating bespoke reading is an art, and at Florida Construction Specialists, we specialize in designing personalized environments that cater to book lovers’ unique tastes and preferences. We understand the importance of a well-designed reading space and its impact on the reading experience.
Our goal is to create distinctive book cabinets, personalized reading corners, bespoke literary hideaways, and tailored book storage solutions that truly reflect the individual’s personality and interests.
In envisioning a dream reading space, we take inspiration from Tampa’s unique architectural elements, incorporating them into the design to create a literary haven.
We explore various design styles and themes, ensuring an ambiance that inspires literary escapism.
To curate the perfect ambiance, we carefully select furniture pieces that combine comfort and functionality.
We explore lighting options that create an inviting and cozy atmosphere. We incorporate decor elements that reflect the reader’s personality and interests, making the space truly their own. Utilizing distinctive book cabinets, personalized reading corners, bespoke literary hideaways, and tailored book storage creates a truly immersive reading experience.
Tailored Home Libraries for Book Lovers
A personalized home library, specifically tailored to the needs and preferences of book lovers, holds immense value. It not only serves as a serene space for relaxation but also acts as an endless source of inspiration and intellectual growth.
When designing a custom home library, it is crucial to consider various factors such as available space, storage optimization, comfortable seating options, and creating a cozy ambiance.
One of the essential aspects of a tailored home library is selecting suitable furniture and shelving.
Exploring options for bookshelves and display units is key. Custom-designed bookshelves, and made-to-measure reading spaces, can create a seamless and cohesive look.
It is important to choose high-quality materials and finishes for durability and to add an elegant touch.
Proper lighting is essential for reading comfort, and incorporating smart lighting solutions can greatly enhance the overall ambiance of the library.
Climate control should be considered to protect the books from any potential damage. Implementing efficient organization methods, such as categorization systems and utilizing technology, are essential for Tampa academic libraries, made-to-measure reading spaces, custom-designed bookshelves, and individualized study zones.
Tampa Literary Havens Unique Study Rooms for Academics
Tampa is a haven for academics seeking specialized book displays and personalized reading sanctuaries tailored to their needs. With the growing trend of bespoke book organization and tailored study nooks, students and scholars in Tampa have a range of options to choose from.
These unique study rooms not only provide a conducive environment for focused learning but also showcase different design ideas and themes that can be incorporated into their study spaces.
Effective space utilization is crucial in study rooms, and Tampa offers innovative storage solutions for books and study materials.
Customizing furniture and fixtures to maximize space is also beneficial for academics in Tampa. Tampa’s rich literary heritage adds character to these study rooms.
Exploring the city’s local authors, poets, and literary landmarks can inspire and celebrate its literary history, creating an immersive study environment.
One of the key aspects of these study rooms is curating a personalized collection. Students can tailor their book and resource collection to include specialized book displays, personalized reading sanctuaries, bespoke book organization, and tailored study nooks.
Handcrafted Book Nooks A Haven for Bookworms in Tampa
In Tampa, bookworms are discovering their haven in handcrafted book nooks. These meticulously designed spaces provide a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for immersing oneself in literature.
Having a dedicated reading space offers numerous benefits to book lovers in Tampa.
It allows individuals to create a peaceful oasis, customized to their liking.
With customized literary rooms and unique academic reading spaces, bookworms have the opportunity to tailor their environment to their specific tastes and preferences, enhancing their reading experience.
The importance of personalized touches cannot be overstated when it comes to book nooks.
These spaces are meant to be an extension of oneself, reflecting individual interests and passions. By incorporating personalized elements such as made-to-order book arrangements and specialized book collections, bookworms in Tampa can truly make their reading nook their own.
Handcrafted book nooks in Tampa embrace the growing trend of creating unique reading spaces. The possibilities are endless with customized literary rooms, unique academic reading spaces, made-to-order book arrangements, and specialized book collections.
Benefits of Handcrafted Book Nooks in Tampa
- Customized Reading Spaces
- Personalized Elements
- Enhanced Reading Experience
- Reflect Individual Interests and Passions
Individualized Book Collections Showcasing Your Love for Reading
In this section, we will delve into the beauty and benefits of personalized book showcases that truly showcase an individual’s love for reading. Crafting tailored reading areas can transform a simple collection of books into a personalized book showcase, reflecting one’s unique passion and interests.
For Tampa book enthusiasts, creating custom-designed study spaces or home libraries can provide a haven for indulging in their love for books.
The act of curating a personalized book collection is an art in itself.
It involves carefully selecting books that resonate with your interests, values, and aspirations. By choosing books that hold personal significance, your collection becomes a reflection of your unique reading journey.
Organizing your books by genre, author, or theme not only enhances the visual appeal but also improves the accessibility of your collection, making it easier to find and enjoy your favorite reads. When it comes to displaying your book collection, the design and arrangement can be enhanced with personalized book showcases, tailored reading areas, Tampa book enthusiasts’ haven, and custom-designed study spaces.
Specialized Reading Retreats in Tampa A Book Lovers Paradise
Specialized reading retreats in Tampa, a book lovers’ paradise, are gaining popularity among avid readers. These retreats are designed to cater to the unique needs of book enthusiasts, providing them with an unforgettable experience.
With Tampa’s vibrant literary scene, it is the perfect location for these retreats.
The city boasts numerous bookstores, libraries, and literary events, all catering to the literary community.
One of the main advantages of these specialized reading retreats is the dedicated time and space they offer for reading. Participants can fully immerse themselves in their favorite books without any distractions.
These retreats provide amenities such as individualized home libraries, specialized book nooks, personalized academic collections, and tailored book storage solutions. These ensure that participants have everything they need to enjoy a comfortable and uninterrupted reading experience.
In Tampa, there are a variety of specialized reading retreats to choose from, each with its own unique features and offerings. When selecting an individualized home library, specialized book nook, personalized academic collection, or tailored book storage solution, it’s important to consider your unique preferences and needs.
MadetoOrder Bookcases Customizing Your Reading Experience
Importance of customizing the reading experience with MadetoOrder bookcases: MadetoOrder bookcases offer the perfect solution for creating unique study retreats and bespoke reading areas in your home. With their Tampa book corner for intellectuals and functionality, these customized literary hideouts can transform any space into a cozy and personalized reading sanctuary.
Whether you’re a bookworm or someone who enjoys occasional reads, having a dedicated book nook that aligns with your individual preferences and style can greatly enhance your reading experience.
Designing a Custom Home Library
When designing a custom home library, it is crucial to consider the space and layout of your home.
Understanding these factors will help you maximize the available space and create a truly customized and optimized reading area. Taking into account your personal reading habits and preferences will ensure that the design caters to your specific needs and creates the perfect ambiance for your reading sessions. Choosing the Right Bookcase
Assess the Tampa book corner for intellectuals, customized literary hideouts, unique study retreats, and bespoke reading areas before making a final decision.
Distinctive Book Cabinets Organizing Your Personal Library
Distinctive book cabinets are essential for organizing your personal library. They not only serve as functional storage solutions for your books but also enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of your home library.
Custom-made book cabinets offer numerous benefits, including tailored designs that perfectly complement your existing decor and personalized reading nooks that create cozy and inviting spaces.
With specialized book organization systems, you can effectively categorize your books based on genres, authors, or themes, maximizing accessibility and functionality.
Consider incorporating individualized book displays with personal mementos or artwork to reflect your unique style, adding a personal touch to your library. Tampa customized study spaces can be transformed into havens of organization and beauty with distinctive book cabinets.
These personalized reading nooks, specialized book organization systems, Tampa customized study spaces, and individualized book displays truly elevate the functionality and aesthetic of your personal library
|Distinctive Book Cabinets
|Enhanced Aesthetic Appeal
|Specialized Book Organization
|No Specific Organization


When I taught f2f every semester included at least one trip to Cabell Library for a class taught by a librarian. It is very important for first year graduate students to be clear about the fact that we live in the information age and it is librarians who have the expertise to connect us to the information that we need. I have excellent information retrieval skills. When I encounter a search problem that I cannot solve, I contact Dr. Nita Bryant the research librarian for sociology. Her information retrieval skills exceed mine.
The research guide created by Dr. Bryant includes links to resources on APA Style
I make a point of introducing students to RefWorks because it is supported by the Virginia Commonwealth University Libraries. If there is any question that students need answered about RefWorks, there is a librarian with the expertise to answer it. In Cabell, that librarian is Marilyn Scott. In Tompkins that librarian is Jennifer McDaniel. Graduate students should introduce themselves to the librarians and take the courses that they teach on using the resources provided by the Libraries. The failure to do this is to throw away an extremely valuable resource.
One of the most important facts about RefWorks is that you have access to your account for the rest of your life. Anything that you save in your RefWorks account will be available to you as long as you keep your account active.
Refworks was created when we relied on fewer forms of electronic information. It works best with the databases to which the library subscribes and with journal articles and the other items that such databases store. When it comes to the dealing with the dynamics of the web, RefWorks seems a tad old fashioned and more than a little bit clunky. I have used RefGrab-It in the past. When I set out to install RefGrab-It on my new computers, the language sounded so archaic to me that I gave up. I knew a faster way to get the job done.
ProQuest, the parents of RefWorks have already produced a new child, ProQuest Flow. You can sign up for a free version or for a version through your university connection. The difference is in how much storage you are allowed. I was impressed by the way that Flow identified my publications and pulled them all into one folder. However, when I tried to save web based references, I was once again disappointed. You can try it for yourself or you can read some reviews.
Reviews of ProQuest Flow
This is what I consider to be most telling. Proquest has redesigned the interface to their databases to be more user friendly. The export options include RefWorls but not Flow. When the Flow option was there, it never worked correctly for me. It appears to have been systemically problematic and is now not included in the export to list.
I am a, “Ride til you Die” kind of academic (Yes, not only do I switch code, I also mix code). I expect appropriate in-text citations, followed up by a References Cited list. I have demonstrated my flexibility through my willingness to accept APA rather than demanding ASR (and somewhere Diana Scully is still unhappy about my interdisciplinary tendencies). However, I am not lax enough to say that electronic sources do not need in text citations. They most definitely do need them.
I expect them from myself and I hate to type, therefore, I need a system that can pull appropriate citation information from the web .The system with which I am currently working is called Zotero. Zotero gives you many options. I prefer to work with Zotero for Firefox. I also enjoy the Zotero bar code scanner on my phone. Now that I am retired most of my meetings are with doctoral students. We meet in the coffee shops of bookstores. The bar code scanner allows me to collect all of the bibliographic information on a book before I have purchased it. It creates my wish list.
Zotero also collects all of the bibliographic information that I need to add am electronic resource to a list. I am, for example, looking for a set of readings for my seminar in Food and Nutrition that connects both the ecological and the systems approach back to sociology. I am only going to ask students to read one of each. In preparation, I must read many. These are a few of the websites that Zotero has captured for me.
Center for Spatially Integrated Social Science (CSISS). (n.d.). Retrieved November 11, 2015, from http://csiss.org/classics/content/26/
Debra Marshall. (2013). Talcott Parsons’ Systems Levels. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nd8dzEg4c2s
Ecology. | POPLINE.org. (n.d.). Retrieved November 11, 2015, from http://www.popline.org/node/389760
Hawley, A. H. (1944). Ecology and Human Ecology. Social Forces, 22(4), 398–405. http://doi.org/10.2307/2571805
Hawley, A. H., & Duncan, O. D. (1957). Social Area Analysis: A Critical Appraisal. Land Economics, 33(4), 337–345. http://doi.org/10.2307/3144311
Social, Ecological and Environmental Theories of Crime. (n.d.). Retrieved November 11, 2015, from /default.aspx?page=637&calcTitle=1&isbn=9780754628972&lang=cy-GB
Social Research Glossary. (n.d.). Retrieved November 11, 2015, from http://www.qualityresearchinternational.com/socialresearch/socialecology.htm
Talcott Parsons: Action Systems and Social Systems. (n.d.). Retrieved November 11, 2015, from http://www.csun.edu/~snk1966/Talcott%20Parsons%20-%20Action%20Systems%20and%20Social%20Systems.htm
Talcott Parsons – An Outline of the Social System.pdf. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.csun.edu/~snk1966/Talcott%20Parsons%20-%20An%20Outline%20of%20the%20Social%20System.pdf
Talcott Parsons, the Social System Talcott Parsons, Social Thinkers, Sociology Guide. (n.d.). Retrieved November 11, 2015, from http://www.sociologyguide.com/thinkers/Talcott-Parsons.php
THE SOCIAL SYSTEM – TalcottParsonsSocialSystem.pdf. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://home.ku.edu.tr/~mbaker/CSHS503/TalcottParsonsSocialSystem.pdf
With Zotero providing the list, I can copy and paste the information required for an in text citation. I am sure that some of the other bibliographic software packages that pushed Proquest into trying to design Flow so that it integrates with the databases handle this more efficiently. I just have not tried them all yet. What can I say, there are so many references and so little time. Now here is where you get to understand that I am really old and stuck in my ways. I will export the reference information that Zotero saves for me into Refworks.
So yes, I do understand that in text citations of web based materials can be tedious. From my perspective a little tedium reduces inflated reference lists. If a reference is not important enough for you to figure out how to do the in text citation, then it is not important enough to be included in the list of references.


AI Music Improvisation by Franziska Schroeder (sax/AI art) and Federico Reuben (ML/live coding).
This a 20-30mins duo live improvised music performance set, using machine listening and AI generated music materials. The PRISM SampleRNN / neural network has been trained, using original saxophone input by Franziska Schroeder.
In this duo we incorporate live improvised music, with AI generated source material (i.e. some of the input from the PRISM neural network training data set), combined in a live coding setup.
In terms of AI techniques for audio generation, we will be using two approaches:
We've generated audio material (with different settings, e.g. temperature) using PRiSM SampleRNN (https://github.com/rncm-prism/prism-samplernn. implemented by Christopher Melen) trained on a large dataset of recordings of Franziska playing the saxophone. We will be using the pre-rendered audio files of the generated audio, in combination with the original recordings in the dataset, during the live performance as material that will be intuitively remixed through live coding - the live coder will be making decisions during the performance, selecting between different files and using the live analysis of Franziska's input (through a microphone) to match it (by selecting different audio features/parameters during the performance) to different segments of the different audio files.
We've trained a RAVE model (https://github.com/acids-ircam/RAVE, Caillon and Esling) using Franziska's recordings and we will use the RAVE UGen in SuperCollider (https://github.com/victor-shepardson/rave-supercollider, implemented by Victor Shepardson from the IIL in Iceland) for real-time processing (latent representation and autonomous generation).
Both of these approaches will be used within the context of the improvisation, and the live coder will co-create with the live performer and computer by intuitively accessing these AI-generated materials, and mix them with other effects, algorithmic processes, analysis and samples, depending on what is happening during the improvisation. We will be using SuperCollider with some live coding libraries by Reuben (https://github.com/freuben/Radicles) as well as other well known libraries such as JITLib.
Visuals using #StableDiffusion will be projected. The visuals are based on a prompting technique developed by Franziska, and that connect intimately to the performance, the specific performers and their instruments.
The duo explored similar AI ideas in a performance as part of the AI and Music conference, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden, Stockholm, 2022.
Youtube Links to previous Improvisations, using AI generated visuals:
#AiArt, #StableDiffusion #Deforum - improvised materials using saxophone and live coding. Live recording in Stockholm, Sweden, 21 November 2022.
A triptych representation of an AI generated architectural model with processed saxophone sounds.
Franziska Schroeder is a saxophonist and improviser, originally from Berlin.
She has recorded her music on diverse labels (pfMentum, Creativesources, Bandcamp). Her research on ethnographies of improvisation cultures in Brazil (2013) and Portugal (2016) are published online. Franziska works as a Professor of Music and Cultures at the Sonic Arts Research Centre, at Queen’s University Belfast, where she also leads the research team “Performance without Barriers” - a group dedicated to researching more accessible and inclusive ways to designing music technologies for and with disabled musicians. The group’s agenda-setting research in designing virtual reality instruments was recognised by the Queen’s Vice Chancellor’s 2020 Prize for Research Innovation.
Federico Reuben is a composer, sound artist and live-electronics performer. His work includes compositions for acoustic, electroacoustic and mixed ensembles, laptop improvisations, computer-mediated performances, fixed media, hybrid works, installations, collaborations and computer programs. As a laptop improviser he has performed with improvisers such as Elliott Sharp, John Edwards, Steve Noble, Mark Sanders, London Improvisers Orchestra, Tony Marsh, Alekander Kolkowski, Ingrid Laubrock, Alexander Hawkins, Dominic Lash, Rachel Musson, Javier Carmona, Mark Hanslip and Paul Hession. He is also co-founder of netlabel and artist collective squib-box with Adam de la Cour and Neil Luck. Currently, he is Associate Professor at the School of Arts and Creative Technologies, University of York, where he is director of research. Federico is Co-I in the AHRC-funded network ‘Datasounds, Datasets and Datasense: Unboxing the hidden layers between musical data, knowledge and creativity’.
This is a duo of live improvised music using AI-generated music materials and ML techniques. We trained PRiSM SampleRNN model using a dataset of original saxophone recordings by Franzisksa to generate new audio materials. The original dataset, as well as the pre-rendered audio materials, are accessed during the improvisation through stochastic and MIR techniques. We also trained the RAVE model using Franziska’s saxophone input and we use the RAVE UGen (ported by Victor Shepardson) in SuperCollider for real-time processing. Both of these approaches will be used in the improvisation, and the laptop improviser will interact with the saxophonist by intuitively accessing these AI-generated materials and techniques, as well as mixing them with other effects, sample and algorithmic processes, depending on what is happening during the improvisation. We will be using Supercollider with libraries by Federico, as well as other well known love coding libraries such as JITLib. Visuals using StableDiffusion will be projected. The visuals are based on a prompting technique developed by Franziska, and that connect intimately to the performance, the specific performers and their instruments.


Simon Moore’s The Magnificent Monopostos: Alfa Romeo Grand Prix Cars 1923-1951, took more than a decade to produce, and saw the author travel the world to investigate and verify every fact for the two-volume book, which is published by Parkside Publications. It is the most exhaustive study into Alfa Romeo’s single-seater Grand Prix and Formula 1 cars ever seen.
The Award was presented to Mr Moore at the ceremony on Wednesday 28 October in Pall Mall, London by Tom Purves, Chairman of the Royal Automobile Club. The Club initiated its Motoring Book of the Year award in 2014, with the event forming one part of its mission to foster interest in all aspects of cars and motoring in Britain – a role it has played for over 110 years – through a series of events during London Motor Week.
‘Our Library here already contains some exceptional works, but Simon’s book shows a staggering depth of research which has impressed everyone who has seen it’, said Tom Purves. ‘Our highly experienced judges, who are completely independent of the Club itself, were united in their praise for what he has achieved.’
A new book on the life of British motor racing legend Sir Stirling Moss OBE, also impressed the judging panel. Stirling Moss: My Racing Life, written with Simon Taylor and published by Evro, received their special commendation. Other books that were in close contention included Porsche 917 – Autobiography of 917-023 by Ian Wagstaff, Jaguar Lightweight E-type 4 WPD by Philip Porter (both from Porter Press), and Jim Clark: Racing Hero by Graham Gauld (McKlein).
Some 40 titles were nominated by the judges, all of which were published between July 2014 and June 2015. Books from publisher Veloce were nominated six times, with three each from Dalton Watson, McKlein, Motorbooks and Porter Press.
Besides the overall winner, they all had their own personal favourites. For example, Keith Adams, of Classic Car Weekly, rated Saving Jaguar by Sir John Egan, while Henry Willis of Auto Express liked The Porsche 924 Carrera: An Evolution To Excellence by Roy Smith.
The other judges included Mick Walsh of Classic & Sports Car magazine, Henry Hope-Frost of Autosport and Goodwood, Gordon Cruickshank of Motor Sport magazine, and independent reviewer and Octane writer Richard Heseltine.
On Magnificent Monopostos, Gordon Cruickshank commented: ‘This is a rare case of the term ‘definitive’ being truly appropriate – it’s deeply researched by a pre-eminent Alfa Romeo historian.’ Mick Walsh added: ‘This is the final book in Moore’s trilogy of Alfa Romeo books, and it has fanatical research and a stunning selection of historic photographs, all beautifully presented.’
Peter Read, Chairman of the Club’s Motoring Committee, said: ‘With books of the high calibre evident in this year’s nominations, it was always going to be hard to choose one, overall winner. But Simon Moore’s book truly stood out for its excellence. Only a genuine enthusiast could consider such an undertaking, and we heartily applaud that.’
Source. Newspress/Royal Automobile Club


I am so jealous. I’ve been waiting and waiting to read The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan so I could join the discussion in the book world. Wouldn’t you know that my teen reviewer got to it first? AND her review just makes me anticipate the book even more!
If you like Percy Jackson and the Lightening Thief, then you have got to check out The Heroes of Olympus series. The Mark of Athena is the third in the series, and so far we’ve met Jason, Piper and Leo, demi gods from a completely different world (Roman, that is) and watched Percy go through amnesia, then ban up with Hazel and Frank to hopefully not start a war with the Greek demi gods (which Percy just happens to be.) The Mark of Athena pits the six heroes, plus Annabeth, against all odds as they venture on a quest to fulfill the prophecy of Seven
Author:Rick Riordan | Website
Release Date: October 2nd, 2012
Publisher: Hyperion Books
Age Group | Genre: YA | mythology, adventure, romance
Series: Yes, The Heroes of Olympus
The little half-blood, Percy, we know and love has come a long way since we first met him. (I know he’s not technically the main character in this series. Whatever! I still think of The Heroes of Olympus as The Percy Jackson series. No one loves you, Jason! Just kidding, Piper loves you. She talks about it 24/7. Let me tell you, it is a joy to read. *HEAVY SARCASM ALERT*)
Let me give you a few samples of the delightful Piper who is supposedly not a stereotypical Aphrodite child:
‘What if he’d [Jason] lost his memory again – but this time his memories of her [Piper]?’
‘We could contact Reyna,’ Jason suggested. ‘She would believe us.’
Hearing the way Jason say her name, like it was a life line to his past made Piper’s heart sink.
‘I’ll come back to you.’ He kissed her on the cheek. ‘Promise.’
They were so easy together, it made Piper’s heart ache.
Jason was great, of course. But sometimes he acted so distant, like last night, when he’d been reluctant to talk about that old Roman legend. So often he seemed to be thinking about his old life at Camp Jupiter. Piper wondered if she would ever be able to break through that barrier.
The trip to camp Jupiter, seeing Reyna in person, hadn’t helped. Neither did the fact that he had chosen to wear a purple shirt today, the color of the Romans.
Mainly, though, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. That’s not just my post-book euphoria talking either. The plot was majorly complicated in the last two books. But now we know the rules, and we understand the Greek-Roman relationship. This book was full of action, as usual, but I felt like we had fewer times where he had to stop and figure out why suddenly everyone is talking about the “orange and purple ones” and why random demigods keep popping out of the ground.
I’ve heard a lot of complaining about how confusing it was to have seven different main characters and four different perspectives. Honestly, it never bothered me. He had relationships starting to develop very early on. Annabeth’s analyzing mind was nearly omniscient. Piper’s mind was consumed with Jason, even more than the last book. Leo was a great character in this book. He had depth. He is a strange mix of social ignorance and class clown. From the other character’s point of view he was light hearted, if a little insensitive. From his perspective, he is baffled by his own feelings and unsure of his role in the group. This was further complicated by a certain not-really-a-love-triangle. Percy has developed a more serious and contemplative side.
Gaea’s (mother Earth’s) psychological manipulation requires all of the characters to develop an ability to reflect, so that they are not swayed by her constant attacks. This was slightly different from the format of prior formula where the whole series was a bit like a video game, i.e.: travel, fight, travel, fight, boss, travel, Big Boss. There was a bit more focus on relationships and romance in the latest books. It got darker and I think characters have become more to readers who started the book in middle school and are now in high school.
I thought that this was a worthwhile read and an excellent addition to the series. I give it 4 out of 5. I had a few issues with it, but it had many redeeming qualities.