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Use of PocketMaker Microkeratome for Creation of Corneal Pocket for Foldable Keratoprosthesis KeraKlear Implantation – Case Series
Pavel Studeny, Deli Krizova*, Pavel Kuchynka
Department of Ophthalmology of 3rd Medical Faculty and University Hospital Kralovske Vinohrady, Prague, Czech Republic
Identifiers and Pagination:
First Page: 126
Last Page: 130
Publisher Id: TOOPHTJ-9-126
DOI: 10.2174/1874364101509010126
Article History:
Received Date: 3/3/2015
Revision Received Date: 9/4/2015
Acceptance Date: 10/4/2015
Electronic publication date: 26/6/2015
Collection year: 2015
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© Studeny et al.; Licensee Bentham Open.
open-access license: This is an open access article licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/) which permits unrestricted, non-commercial use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the work is properly cited.
* Address correspondence to this author at the Department of Ophthalmology of 3rd Medical Faculty and University Hospital Kralovske Vinohrady, Srobarova 50, 10034 Prague, Czech Republic; Tel: +420267162835; E-mail: deli.krizova@fnkv.cz
To describe a surgical method for corneal pocket creation for KeraKlear keratoprosthesis implantation by PocketMaker microkeratome.
Methods :
We implanted keratoprosthesis KeraKlear in 3 patients. In all cases, we used a microkeratome PocketMaker to create a corneal pocket, where the incision was made at a depth of 300 µm with a vibrating diamond blade.
Results :
Although corneas have been extensively opaque and vascularized, in all three cases we successfully performed suction of the microkeratome system and created a corneal pocket without any difficulties. Subsequent keratoprosthesis implantations were performed without any problems.
The technique is simple, relatively cheap, and the creation of the corneal pocket is possible even in patients with vascularized and opaque cornea.
Keywords: Corneal pocket, keratoprosthesis KeraKlear, PocketMaker.
View Abstract Download PDF
The KeraKlear (Keramed, USA) artificial cornea is a medical device employed in the treatment of corneal blindness. It is a non-perforating foldable corneal prosthesis which is implanted into a partial thickness corneal pocket made with a femtosecond laser through an opening of 3.5 mm in diameter. The recommended depth of the pocket is 300 µm. The deeper part of corneal stroma, the Descemet´s membrane and endothelium are left in place. The superior part of the cornea is cut in the central 3.5 mm region and removed. The optical part of keratoprosthesis is placed in this opening. The main function of the peripheral part is to fixate and stabilize the keratoprosthesis in the correct position. It is inserted between the superior and the deep lamellae of the corneal pocket. The femtosecond laser is recommended for corneal pocket creation. This technique has some limitations. The main disadvantages are the difficulties experienced in vacuum creation between the cornea and the suction ring of the femtosecond laser, especially in cases of corneal and conjunctival scaring or an irregular corneal surface. Laser discision of the tissue in completely white cornea may be a further problem. Unfortunately, irregular surfaces as well as a white cornea are very frequent in patients indicated for keratoprosthesis implantation.
An alternative technique for creating a corneal pocket involves the PocketMaker microkeratome (Dioptex GmbH, Austria). This equipment was originally used in the creation of a corneal pocket and the implantation of a MyoRing (Dioptex GmbH, Austria). MyoRing is an intracorneal continuous ring (ICCR) and was designed by Daxer for the treatment of myopia [1] and keratokonus [2,3]. The discision of a cornea and the creation of a pocket in this technique is performed by using a vibrating diamond blade after the previous applanation of the cornea using a plastic applanator. The depth of the corneal pocket created by a PocketMaker microkeratome is 300 µm, so we tried to use this method to create a corneal pocket for our keratoprosthesis KeraKlear implantation.
MATERIALS AND METHODS - SURGICAL TECHNIQUE
The surgical procedure starts with the creation of a pocket in the corneal stroma using the PocketMaker microkeratome. It consists of a suction ring; an applicator with a guiding mean for the handpiece; a disposable transparent applanator; a handpiece containing a motor-driven diamond blade that vibrates in the cutting plane; and a control unit. The first step of the procedure is to fixate the applicator to the eye using the suction ring. The cornea is applanated using an applanator, inserted into the applicator (Fig. 1). After inserting the handpiece into the guiding mean, the cornea is dissected into 2 lamellae with a vibrating diamond blade. The depth of the corneal pocket is 300 µm and the diameter is approximately 9.0 mm. Apart from a 3-4 mm wide incision tunnel, the pocket is closed along the entire circumference. The suction ring is removed from the eye. A plastic glide is inserted into the pocket via the incision tunnel. In the central part, the superior 300 µm of the cornea is cut over the glide, using a 3.5 mm disposable corneal punch (Biopsy punch, Kai Medical, Japan). The part of the cornea cut from the center is removed, as is the glide. KeraKlear keratoprosthesis is made of a soft and foldable material so it can be implanted using forceps into the corneal pocket through the 4 mm incision. The forceps are released after the implantation into the pocket and the prosthesis unfolds spontaneously. The central optical part fills the 3.5 mm hole in the center of the cornea and the thinner peripheral part of the prosthesis is inserted between the superficial and deep lamellae of the corneal pocket in the periphery. The position of the keratoprosthesis can be controlled or corrected using a cyclospatula. The main function of the peripheral rim is to fixate and stabilize the keratoprosthesis in the correct position (Fig. 2). This part of the prosthesis contains 12 holes and allows for fixation with a suture. We always used 4 single sutures, one in each quadrant. The incision tunnel is self-sealing and does not require suturing. A contact lens is applied at the end of the surgery. The whole surgery is fast and relatively easy. It is possible to perform this surgery under topical anesthesia.
Fig. (1).
Fixation of the applicator to the eye using a suction ring and applanation of the cornea using an applanator.
Anterior segment OCT scan of the implanted KeraKlear.
Patient 1. (a) Cornea before surgery and (b) 6 months after surgery.
The KeraKlear keratoprosthesis and PocketMaker microkeratome are both CE certified and are approved for use in surgery in the European Union.
62 years old female, suffered from an attack of Lyell´s syndrome 30 years ago. She underwent penetrating keratoplasty 5 times in her left eye. The last surgery was performed 6 years ago. There was no keratoplasty performed in the right eye. The visual acuity of the right eye was initially slightly better, but gradually also deteriorated. The best corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) measured on Snellen optotypes preoperatively was 0.01 decimal in the right eye and 0.05 in the left eye. In June 2011 we implanted the KeraKlear keratoprosthesis into the corneal pocket created with the PocketMaker microkeratome. The implant was fixed with 4 single stitches (Fig. 3a, b). The surgery was performed under general anesthesia. One week after surgery, the CDVA was 0.2. At 6, 12 and 24 months after surgery, the CDVA was 0.4. The patient is wearing myopic contact lens (-12 sphD) and she is permanently using topical antibiotics.
82 years old female, underwent two penetrating keratoplasties for corneal leucoma after herpetic keratitis in her left eye. The right eye was severely amblyopic with no other ocular disease. The CDVA before surgery was hand motion in both eyes. The surgery was performed under topical anesthesia. The surgical procedure was the same as that described in case 1. On the first postoperative day, the keratoprosthesis was slightly loose. There was a tiny gap between the edge of the cornea and the optical part of the keratoprosthesis. We resutured the keratoprosthesis with continuous suture. All other postoperative care was the same as that in the previous case. The visual acuity was 0.1 week after surgery. At 6, 12 and 18 months after surgery, the visual acuity was 0.1, 0.25 and 0.1 respectively. The reason for the minor decrease in visual functions in the 18th month is probably a fine fibrosis of the posterior corneal lamellae under the keratoprosthesis.
77 years old male, suffered alkali burns to both eyes 40 years ago. In the past, he underwent repeated penetrating keratoplasty and cataract surgery in both eyes. Keratoplasty was performed twice on the right eye and 3 times on the left eye. The CDVA before surgery was hand motion in both eyes. We implanted the keratoprosthesis KeraKlear into the patient's right eye (Fig. 4a, b). The surgical procedure was the same as that in the previous cases. Surgery was performed under topical anesthesia. 1 week, 1 month and 6 months after surgery, the CDVA was 0.1; the patient wore myopic contact lens (-13 sphD) after surgery. Unfortunately the patient died 8 months after surgery.
Currently, the most widely used keratoprostheses are Boston keratoprosthesis, osteoodontokeratoprosthesis and Alphacor. They are used primarily in patients with bilateral corneal blindness and in cases of high risk for penetrating keratoplasties. Despite the relatively promising results in some patients, keratoprostheses are associated with many risks, including peroperative and postoperative complications. The main postoperative complications in patients with implanted keratoprosthesis are glaucoma, a retroprosthetic membrane, chronic hypotony, dehiscence between the artificial material and the recipient´s corneal tissue, and the consequent risk of endophthalmitis [4-9]. These complications often cause deterioration of visual functions and failure of the surgery. In comparison with standard keratoprostheses, KeraKlear has a great advantage, since the surgery is non-penetrating. The artificial cornea is placed on a thin layer of the recipient´s posterior cornea. The risk of severe complications is theoretically greatly reduced. Since the retained layer of the cornea is thin, it allows a patient with implanted artificial cornea a relatively good visual acuity. The prosthesis is fixed in the correct position using a peripheral rim implanted into the corneal pocket. In our experience, when fixing the rim, 4 single sutures are sufficient to ensure the long-term stability of the implant.
An important step in the prosthesis implantation procedure is to create a corneal pocket. The recommended use of the femtosecond laser has some disadvantages, especially when creating the vacuum in cases of a scarred and irregular corneal surface, as it is problematic to cut on a clouded and vascularized cornea. One particular disadvantage is the high cost of the device (femtosecond laser) and the relatively expensive procedure. When using the PocketMaker, the corneal pocket is created by a vibrating diamond knife. Suction of the microkeratome head is possible even in relatively opaque cornea. Corneal opacification or vascularization does not present any complication when creating a corneal pocket. All parts of the PocketMaker are reusable, therefore the device is relatively cheap. In addition, all parts of the PockerMaker, including the control panel, can be put into a small suitcase and easily transported. This makes it possible to perform the surgery at a clinic where no femtosecond laser is available. Regarding the surgical procedure, it is very simple and fast, and it can be performed under topical anesthesia.
The artificial cornea KeraKlear is potentially a very useful medical device in the treatment of corneal blindness. Unlike other types of keratoprostheses, the implantation of a KeraKlear is a non-perforating surgery. This theoretically lowers the risk of serious intraoperative and postoperative complications, such as endophthalmitis, bleeding, damage of intraocular tissue and secondary glaucoma. According to our experience, the PocketMaker, a vibrating diamond knife used to create a corneal pocket for the implantation of a keratoprosthesis, is an advisable, simple and cheap alternative to the recommended use of the femtosecond laser.
The authors confirm that this article content has no conflict of interest.
Declared none.
[1] Daxer A. Corneal intrastromal implantation surgery for the treatment of moderate and high myopia J Cataract Refract Surg 2008; 34: 194-8.
[2] Daxer A, Mahmoud H, Venkateswaran RS. Intracorneal continuous ring implantation for keratoconus One-year follow-up J Cataract Refract Surg 2010; 36: 1296-302.
[3] Mahmoud H, Venkateswaran RS, Daxer A. Implantation of complete corneal ring in an intrastromal pocket for keratoconus J Refract Surg 2011; 27: 63-8.
[4] Munoz-Gutierrez G, Alvarez de Toledo J, Barraquer RI , et al. Post-surgical visual outcome and complications in Boston type 1 keratoprosthesis Arch Soc Esp Oftalmol 2013; 88: 56-63.
[5] Dokey A, Ramulu PY, Utine CA , et al. Chronic hypotony associated with the Boston typ 1 keratoprosthesis Am J Opththalmol 2012; 154: 266-71.
[6] Aldave AJ, Snagwan VS, Basu S , et al. International results with the Boston typ I keratoprosthesis Ophthalmology 2012; 119: 1530-8.
[7] Tan A, Tan DT, Tan XW, Mehta JS. Osteo-odonto keratopros-thesis systematic rewiew of surgical outcomes and complication rates Ocul Surf 2012; 10: 15-25.
[8] Cahn CC, Holland EJ. Infectious endophthalmitis after Boston typ 1 keratoprosthesis implantation Cornea 2012; 31: 346-9.
[9] Hicks CR, Crawford GJ, Lou X , et al. Corneal replacement using a synthetic hydrogel cornea, alphacor device, preliminary outcomes and complications Eye (Lond) 2003; 17: 385-92.
The Open Ophthalmology Journal
Jorge Alio
Department of Cornea and Refractive Surgery
University Miguel Hernandez
Biography of Jorge Alio
Professor and Chairman of Ophthalmology since 1986, Alicante University and Miguel Hernandez University, Spain. Founder and Scientific Director of Vissum Corporation. Author or editor of 89 books, 328 chapters, 500 articles in peer review journals and 36 patents. 95 national and international clinical and research awards. LXIII chair the Academia Ophthalmologica Internationalis and XLIX chair of the European Academy of Ophthalmology, past President of the ISRS/AAO and editorial board member of many peer review journals. The Hirsch factor (h-factor) of Dr Alio is 56 (Scopus). He is the creator and Director of the first online course in refractive surgery from the Miguel Hernandez University entitled Scientific Methodology in Refractive, Cataract and Cornea Surgery.
Department of Cornea and Refractive Surgery, University Miguel Hernandez, Alicante, Spain
Virtual Eye Simulation: An Aid in Evaluation of Capsular Block Syndrome
Same-Site Deep Sclerectomy Re-Operation with Subconjunctival and Subscleral Collagen Matrix (Ologen™) and Minimal use of Mitomycin C
Topical Cyclosporine (0.05%) for Management of Dry Eyes in Patients Undergoing Cataract Surgery-A Comparative Study
Low Efficacy of Hypochlorous Acid Solution Compared to Povidone-iodine in Cataract Surgery Antisepsis
The Thiol-Disulfide Homeostasis and Coenzyme Q10 in Conjunction with Vitamin E Effect on Retinopathy Prematurity
The Open Ophthalmology Journal is an Open Access online journal, which publishes research articles, reviews, letters, case reports and guest-edited single topic issues in all areas of experimental and clinical research in ophthalmology. Bentham Open ensures speedy peer review process and accepted papers are published within 2 weeks of final acceptance.
The Open Ophthalmology Journal is committed to ensuring high quality of research published. We believe that a dedicated and committed team of editors and reviewers make it possible to ensure the quality of the research papers. The overall standing of a journal is in a way, reflective of the quality of its Editor(s) and Editorial Board and its members.
The Open Ophthalmology Journal is seeking energetic and qualified researchers to join its editorial board team as Editorial Board Members or reviewers.
The essential criteria to become Editorial Board Members of The Open Ophthalmology Journal are as follows:
Experience in experimental and clinical research in ophthalmology with an academic degree.
At least 20 publication records of articles and /or books related to the field of experimental and clinical research in ophthalmology or in a specific research field.


text:
During one of his media sessions at the Winter Meetings in San Diego, Giants president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi was asked about the team being in a rebuild. Zaidi turned the question around, asking the reporter how he would define a rebuild.
This. This is a rebuild.
Madison Bumgarner reportedly agreeing to a contract with a division rival for $85 million at the end of a week where the only team he has ever known spent $12 million to buy a first-round pick and $9 million on a pitcher who has never had sustained big league success but might turn into a back-end starter and might turn into a trade chip in July. That's a pretty good definition of a rebuild.
To be clear, there's nothing wrong with this plan.
The Giants brought Zaidi in because they were in an unmanageable situation. The big league team had hit new lows on the field, the farm system wasn't producing, and far too much money had been given out to declining veterans. Zaidi was given a blank slate, and he has proven to be creative and unwavering in his commitment to making the roster better.
He will do it, too. Executives around the league believe the Giants will be a powerhouse again in a few years, the kind of sustainable winner Zaidi helped build in Los Angeles.
But that process takes time and brings pain, and today is the most hurtful day yet for a fan base that has taken one hit after another over the last year. A rebuild is energizing when you're behind the scenes, but it's not easy on those actually paying for the tickets and swallowing $18 sandwiches and $13 beers.
The Giants know that, Zaidi included. Despite what many in the fan base might think, he is well-aware of how difficult this is to watch. Ownership is, too. The Giants know their fans won't show up next year, but they're also confident they'll return when the rebuild is over.
Whenever that is, we'll see just how much damage has been done. This is not as bad as it would have been had Bumgarner signed with the Dodgers, but this is still a crushing blow for a fan base that showed its displeasure last season by simply not showing up to the ballpark.
It is fair to ask if there would have been space in a rebuild for Bumgarner. It doesn't always have to be about stats and future budgets. Sometimes it's simple. He's Madison Bumgarner, a player who dragged a third title back to San Francisco and might have a statue outside the ballpark one day. And now he's no longer a Giant.
Sure, there's a vision for the future, but fans just want to be entertained, and even the last three years, most Bumgarner starts remained an event.
[RELATED: Vogt reacts to Bumgarner joining D-backs]
The Giants could have done both. They are a behemoth with plenty of bad contracts coming off their books in the next two years. They could have signed Bumgarner and continued to build, but that's not the path they will follow.
This is a rebuild, a significant one. The Giants are tearing it down with the hopes that they'll soon build another winner and perhaps find a player as beloved as the one who walked out the door Sunday.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


I'd like to know more about sinking the windshield. The dash is going to be bitchen painted body color. Do you know what the paint is going to be?
The dash is looking amazing Brian. You are such an inspiration, your photo journal and stories have inspired me to the point of wanting to take on a project like this for myself. Hats off my friend!
Thanks Craig. It makes me want to get rid of the stupid 90's digital gauges in my '48 Pontiac convert, and further, wish I had saved the original pieces I took out!
The domino theory/effect is alive and well. The end result of all this attention to detail will be a custom where all the modifications will meld together nicely into an eyecatching build. Can hardly wait to see the finished product. Hats off to you!


Cognac Vinegar for sale. Buy online at Zingerman's Mail Order. Gourmet Gifts. Food Gifts.
It's not too often you see the French taking a page from the Italians when it comes to cuisine, but they did just that in crafting this intense, complex vinegar. It's made from the same grapes (Trebbiano) balsamic vinegar makers use in Modena, Italy. Just like the Italians, they reduce the fresh pressed juice in copper kettles, then age the concentrated juice in oak barrels—in this case, ones formerly used to age Cognac, which gives it a French twist.
Like its Italian cousin, this vinegar is smooth, complex, a little sweet with a finish that seems to linger for hours. Unlike its cousin, it's light on the tongue (not thick and syrupy). Incredibly versatile in the kitchen. My favorite new vinegar in years.


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Home Newswire YouTube 'anti-progressive troll' & Assange supporter runs for MEP from UKIP —...
YouTube 'anti-progressive troll' & Assange supporter runs for MEP from UKIP — RT UK News
Apr 13, 2019: 6:34 pm
The UK Independence Party picked popular YouTuber and political commentator Carl Benjamin ('Sargon of Akkad') for its MEP ticket. If he wins the seat, he vows to fight for Brexit and expose shady workings of the EU establishment.
Benjamin, better known under his YouTube moniker, will be campaigning for Britain's seat at the European Parliament from South West England, he told his near-million subscribers on Friday. The self-described "office worker and amateur game developer turned successful political commentator" is running for UKIP, the Eurosceptic nationalist party that took a rightwing turn last year under the leadership of Gerard Batten.
If he wins the election, Sargon of Akkad promises to use his seat in the European Parliament to finally give Britain what it voted for in the 2016 referendum – an exit from the EU. He also pledged to fight the controversial Article 13 of the Copyright Directive – which critics say makes online memes illegal – undermine EU's influence over national governments of member states, fight "all manifestations of radical leftism" and expose them to the audience of his YouTube channel. He also plans to oppose mass immigration into Europe.
Benjamin is among the more controversial figures on YouTube, having a years-long record of actions, which critics call harassment of his opponents. In the past, he mocked people like activist Anita Sarkeesian, who promotes feminist ideas and in particular fights perceived exploitation of female characters in video games. Critics call him a women-hating "anti-progressive." He and his supporters view such advocacy as "political correctness gone mad" and trolling as a legitimate mode of debate.
In 2016, Benjamin was noticed by the general British public after getting involved in a scandal while arguing with Labour MP Jess Phillips. Phillips and Benjamin sparred online over her campaign against misogyny on social media. At one point the MP complained about receiving rape threats, to which Benjamin responded: "I wouldn't even rape you." This set off an avalanche of rape-related tweets targeting Phillips.
Last year, Benjamin got involved in a stand-off with Antifa protesters, who disrupted a scheduled discussion at King's College's Libertarian Society. They set off smoke bombs, broke windows and otherwise acted out to stop the event. Benjamin came out of the confrontation with a torn Antifa flag, a trophy that he later displayed proudly in one of his videos.
Among the latest videos on his channel is a message of support for WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, who was arrested this week by the British authorities, a sarcastic remark on the decision of videogame giant Blizzard to ban the OK sign over its alleged link with white supremacist ideology, and a critique of identity politics.
Via RT. This piece was reprinted by RINF Alternative News with permission or license.


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Pride for Sepp Kuss at Tour de France swells in Durango streets
Professional College High School Youth Outdoors Living Sports
Friends, family soak in special moments
By John Livingston Regional sports editor
Friday, Sept. 18, 2020 9:39 PM
Updated: Friday, Sept. 18, 2020 9:46 PM
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Maria's Bookshop on Main Avenue sports a "Go Sepp Go!" banner in front of the store on Wednesday in support of Durango local Sepp Kuss, who is riding in the Tour de France.
Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
Sweat dripped down the face of Sepp Kuss during his shining moment at the Tour de France. It was tears that streamed down the faces of his friends and family back home in Durango.
The 26-year-old professional road cyclist from Durango has had fans in his hometown waking up as early as 3:30 a.m. to tune into live coverage of his first ride at the world's most prestigious cycling event. The three-week, 21-stage race will conclude Sunday in Paris, and Kuss is expected to deliver Team Jumbo-Visma teammate Primož Roglic onto the Champs-Élysées in the yellow jersey as the race's new champion.
"I've emphasized it before, but I can't do that enough. They were fantastic, and although I am the one who's wearing it, this yellow jersey really belongs to all of us," Roglic said Friday of the work of his teammates.
And while those in Durango have cheered on Roglic to support the fine work of Kuss, it will be the arrival of their own as the top American in the 107th Tour de France that will bring a flood of emotions over a Southwest Colorado mountain town more famous for its mountain biking legacy than accomplishments on the road. Kuss could change that dynamic in the coming years.
"It's been just incredible to realize he has so many fans," said Kuss' father, Dolph, a two-time Olympic coach for the U.S. ski team. "We've been getting clippings from France and the Wall Street Journal and all kinds of places. It's been a really exciting couple of weeks."
A banner has adorned downtown Durango outside Maria's Bookshop since the Tour de France began reading "Go Sepp Go!" Though Kuss doesn't post much to his social media, he has reposted support from those in Durango to his Instagram page throughout the last three weeks.
Kuss' parents, Dolph and Sabina, have watched each stage live. At times, Dolph has met up with his "man friends" where he feels he can cheer on his son with no restraints. Sabina never holds back, willing her son up the steep mountain passes of the French Alps from more than 5,000 miles away.
"I get so tense and excited watching it that I need to go back every day and watch it again and read about it so I can really appreciate everything," said Sabina, who first inspired her son in the world of cycling during her multiple top age-group finishes at the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic from Durango to Silverton. "I have to keep telling myself, 'This is the Tour de France. Not the Tour of Utah. This is the Tour de France.'"
It was only two years ago that Kuss had his breakthrough success with a win at the week-long Tour of Utah. That came only 15 months after he graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a degree in advertising.
While Kuss had previously competed in three Grand Tour races – once at the Giro d'Italia and twice at the Vuelta a España, including a stage win in 2019 – it has been his ride at the Tour de France that has captivated his hometown and given them a first-hand look at how fast he has gone from a collegiate mountain bike national champion to road cycling star in a matter of five short years.
"The kid is going to be, already is, a superstar," said professional mountain biker Payson McElveen, who once was a mountain bike teammate with Kuss on the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Durango Devo Sweet Elite team in Durango. "He is going to make a crazy amount of money over the next few years after this performance. Even so, he stays so grounded. The fact he has already had so much success but it's not all going to his head bodes really well. Sepp has always been a great guy, and now you see he might legitimately be the best climber in the entire world. The world knows now, and he's only been doing this a handful of years. He's going to blow the roof off of it."
It was Kuss' performance Wednesday as he surged to the front during a climb at a 24% grade up the newly paved Col de la Loze that brought tears to the eyes of McElveen. Though he would eventually drop back to complete his role as a support rider for Roglic to help the 30-year-old Slovenian build his lead, Kuss' move at the most difficult segment of the entire race showed that he will be contender in the race for years to come.
Sepp Kuss of Durango has made the toughest climbs of the Tour de France look easy. "The terrain is more demanding than I can ever recall, and there's just a lot of stress because of COVID-19. Sepp could not have participated under more difficult circumstances and he's showing all of us what he's made of," said Durango's Debra Van Winegarden.
Christophe Petit-Tesson/Pool
"Honestly, it's hard to put into words. I got choked up (Wednesday) morning when Sepp started rolling away from the lead group looking so comfortable while the commentators were bewildered and losing their marbles about how well Sepp was riding," McElveen said. "Phil Liggett and Bob Roll are the voices I had in my head as I was riding around my neighborhood in Austin, Texas, as a kid impersonating Lance Armstrong winning Tours. It solidified that bike racing was what I wanted to do. To hear those same voices announce Sepp – a friend, a teammate, someone I care about – I lost it ... straight up crying. It was super special, and there is really no one I'd rather see have the success, either."
Kuss has been featured on an almost daily basis on the NBC Sports broadcast. Commentator Bob Roll, also of Durango, has refereed to him as "The Durango Kid," on multiple occasions, talking about his upbringing in the Durango Devo youth cycling program started by Chad Cheeney and Sarah Tescher.
"Imagine being a young kid from Durango watching Sepp Kuss absolutely crush the Tour de France, thinking, 'That could be me,'" said Durango's Meghan Wells, wife of three-time mountain bike Olympian Todd Wells and mother of young Durango cyclist Cooper Wells, who watches Kuss in admiration each morning. "Sepp, you are an inspiration and, more than that, such a humble and nice person. I had tears in my eyes watching you (Wednesday)."
Cheeney, who Kuss has credited with teaching him how to ride a bike, has visited the Kuss home to watch a few stages. Sabina swells with pride every time she hears "Durango" uttered during the broadcast. She believes it was his upbringing in the San Juan Mountains that shaped him not only as an athlete but as a humble young man and as a willing and eager teammate.
"He had a real special childhood here playing hockey, skiing and living an outdoor life," Sabina said. "Backpacking with our burros every summer in the mountains, I feel like that's a huge part of who he is and who he became. He always was in the mountains, enjoying life and the natural flow of things. You see that in who he is today."
Kuss' calm demeanor, at times with a smile on his face while others are grimacing in pain, has captivated American cycling fans. For those who know Kuss best, it's not surprising to see him perform so valiantly.
From left, Australia's Richie Porte, Colombia's Miguel Angel Lopez, Durango's Sepp Kuss ,Slovenia's Primoz Roglic and Slovenia's Tadej Pogacar climb the Col de la Loze pass during Stage 17 of the Tour de France on Wednesday.
Christophe Ena/Associated Press
"It's been sweet watching Sepp crush it the last couple of weeks, especially in such a classic Sepp, Devo and Durango fashion," said 2016 mountain bike Olympian Howard Grotts, who is one year older and grew up with Kuss in Durango. "I'm sure it's incredibly tough, but Sepp has a way of making those climbs look somewhat effortless. Just pure bike stoke, which is what it's all about."
Kuss' top finishes at this year's Tour, which was postponed two months because of the COVID-19 pandemic, include a sixth place on Stage 15 on his 26th birthday and his fourth place on the queen stage Wednesday. Going into a tough uphill individual time trial Saturday, which Kuss admits he is nervous about, he is in 15th place overall and easily the top American, with former Jumbo-Visma teammate Neilson Powless of California in 57th more than two hours behind Kuss.
His performance hasn't only captured the awe of Durango, it has further motivated even some of the top current professionals in town.
"It is so rad to see him taking cycling as far as he has," said longtime friend and professional mountain biker Stephan Davoust, who wakes up each morning with roommates Levi Kurlander, Henry Nadell and Sam Vickery to watch the Tour. "It's honestly such an inspiration. It makes me want to have more drive in training and dig for a little bit more. Growing up in Durango, Sepp and I were always into mountain biking. He went off to college in Boulder, and a couple of years later he was into this road racing stuff. It's just crazy to see he's taken the road all the way to the top. I thought we would be mountain bikers forever, and now here is Sepp at the literal pinnacle of cycling. Not only is he there, he's destroying everyone there."
The entire cycling world now knows the name Kuss. In Durango, he is still "Seppy," the fun-loving, selfless individual who would rather catch up and talk about what he has missed in Durango than his accomplishments at one of the biggest events in all of sports.
Kuss hopes to return for the holiday season after a summer of quarantine in Spain. First, he might get a chance to have a team leadership at the Vuelta in November. Whenever he is able to return to his hometown, a hero's welcome will await. And for Kuss, the best parade will be a chance to ride a mountain bike on his hometown trails with his friends.
"It's a real intimate feeling we have right now," Sabina said. "So many people care in a special way about our Seppy. It's a real tender feeling for us. We have absolutely loved it these past few weeks."
jlivingston@durangoherald.com
Recent Professional Sports
Patrick Mahomes goes down, Chad Henne leads Chiefs past Browns


For more than 50 years Wharfside have been bringing the very best Danish designed furniture to UK and the world. These very special retro-influenced cabinets are our latest collection.
We have created a wonderfully retro collection of Danish dining tables that combine modern techniques and materials like Corian with classic design features from the 40s, 50s and 60s. The Danes virtually 'invented' modern furniture - so this collection is very special.


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Home > Where We Stand
The Authors Guild exists to support working writers and their ability to earn a living from authorship. We work to protect free speech, honor copyright, and ensure fair compensation practices in the changing publishing landscape.
Our Top Legislative Priorities
Our legislative priorities aim to restore some of the imbalances that have allowed major corporations to grow their profits at the expense of authors' work.
Effective copyright protection is the linchpin of professional authorship: it enables authors to make a living writing. The Authors Guild is dedicated to ensuring this remains possible in the twenty-first century. But we also recognize that copyright is not absolute.
In the interest of bolstering the First Amendment's protection of freedom of expression, the Authors Guild opposes censorship and lends its support to legislation protecting free speech, most recently by urging Congress to pass a federal reporter's shield law.
Controlled Digital Lending (CDL)
"Controlled Digital Lending" or "CDL" is a recently invented legal theory that allows libraries to justify the scanning (or obtaining of scans) of print books and e-lending those digital copies to users without obtaining authorization from the copyright owners.
Fair Contract Initiative
Our new advocacy campaign aims to restore balance to the author-publisher relationship and help authors achieve a fair return for their contributions to the joint venture of book publication.
The Authors Guild has been working with legislators and private companies for years to develop a more comprehensive solution to Internet piracy. We advocate a balanced approach that protects the creative marketplace without standing in the way of digital innovation.
Copyright Office Modernization
A twenty-first century Copyright Office is central to a properly functioning copyright LAW. The Copyright Office has been providing important, effective services to authors with the resources it has, but its infrastructure, funding, and status within the U.S. government are relics of the analog era.
The Publishing Industry
Writing is both a craft and a business. Here you'll find news and analysis about the state of the publishing industry, as well as updates about what we're doing to ensure that writing remains a viable profession in a period of great challenges for working authors.
Authors Guild v. Google
On October 16, 2015, the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit reached a decision in our copyright infringement lawsuit Authors Guild v. Google. In holding that Google's wholesale copying of millions of copyrighted books to develop its profitable Google Books program was fair use, the court failed to see the damaging effect that uses such as Google can have on copyright incentives and on authors' potential income.
Amazon's Anticompetitive Conduct
From time to time we've opposed Amazon's more ruthless tactics, not because we're anti-Amazon, but because we believe the company has threatened the publishing ecosystem in ways that jeopardize both our individual livelihoods and the future of authorship itself.
Multimillion Dollar Freelance Settlement
We've received final approval of our multimillion class action lawsuit, filed on behalf of thousands of freelance writers who had been paid by major newspapers and magazines for one-time use of their articles, only to see their work swept into electronic databases without further compensation.


So, this was it, the end.
How and when had life taken such a dramatic turn, to lead him here, to now?
He'd made mistakes throughout his life, far too many, but right or wrong he'd always had his family's best interests at heart. Protecting them from his fate had always been his goal.
It was true, Richard thought sadly. Your life really does flash before your eyes in your final moments. The conglomeration of memories, regrets and accomplishments blended into one. A mélange of emotions sent his heart racing, adrenaline pumping through his veins.
He was the most powerful druid on the planet, but for all his power and determination, his fate remained the same.
His mind wandered back. Back to his daughter, Debra. He'd been harsh with her, some might say even cruel, with his strictness and relentless druid education. How he'd wished he could've been like other fathers, could have allowed her to make her own choices in life, but by the mere chance of being born his daughter, choice was a non-existent prospect.
She would have been next in line to receive his family's curse, had she lived long enough.
Richard's thoughts swung to his granddaughters with another pang of guilt. The four girls whom his daughter had left behind. He'd raised them all as strictly as he had Debra, particularly Teagan who had inherited the curse's impending yoke after her mother's death.
He couldn't take any of that harshness back now.
He could only hope the letter he'd posted that afternoon would reach Teagan safely. If she was lucky, the information contained in it might help her break their family's curse. That had been his singular goal in life for the past three years. Ever since he'd discovered Morganna le Fey had once again returned to Earth.
Leaving the older three girls to fend for themselves, he'd abandoned the youngest, Elise, to the care of a lycan family. It had been a huge risk and went against everything he believed in, leaving her with supernaturals. However, Oliver Harlow had proven himself a good and trustworthy man in the past, and Richard knew she would be well cared for and protected.
The arrangement was only supposed to be temporary. He hadn't expected to be gone for so long.
It had been nearly two years since he'd last seen any of his granddaughters. Yet another regret to add to his long and protracted list. He hadn't dared make contact with them though, fearing it might draw Morganna's attention to them and thereby put them in danger.
Unfortunately protecting them from Morganna had been complicated by a new problem.
Richard had put an end to the budding relationship between Teagan and Saladin, her vampire suitor, saving her from becoming mated to a supernatural. An accomplishment he was quite proud of. In his family, any such pairing was not likely to end well. However, he hadn't been there to save his second granddaughter, Kaitlyn, who was now mated to Raif, a wyvern leader in Fey.
Because of this mating, it was more critical than ever to find a way to release his family from the curse of carrying Morganna's immortality spell.
That responsibility was now to fall to Teagan, Richard thought sadly as he turned slowly to face his enemy.
Guild mercenaries surrounded him, but kept a wary distance. Their presence was merely a distraction, their automatic weapons ineffectual against him. Even if they could kill him, their leader would not permit it.
It was their leader who made Richard's mouth dry with fear.
The bright light from the florescent globes flickered as Morganna's power began to grow. Dust rained down from the overhead steel beams of the multilevel car park, as Richard too brought his power to life.
Morganna chuckled. Her cold and callous laugh sent a shiver through Richard's bones.
Victory was hers at long last.
She had waited fifteen hundred years for this day. Envisioned the glory of it. The satisfaction of killing the only one to stand in the way of obtaining her goal.
Dark energy grew between Morganna's hands, an impenetrable ball of malicious intent, straining between her fingers. She had come upon this druid once before, but regrettably things hadn't gone to plan. Conjuring a very powerful binding spell she'd wanted to kill him slowly, eager to savour her vengeful moment. That plan had gone awry when a wyvern had shielded the druid with his body, taking the blow instead. The spell wasted, she was left drained, unable to produce another as powerful that could kill the old man.
She would not make the same mistake twice.
"Prepare to meet your death, druid," Morganna snarled, her cold eyes gleaming with hatred.
She would have her prize and nothing was going to stop her this time.
The concrete pillars around Richard began to crack and groan as he silently chanted his spell.
Richard's hands began to shake as he continued to build his power. A cry bursting from his lips under the strain of his effort, he raised his outstretched hands above him. An aura of pulsing blue light enveloped him as his chant became audible.
"You're mine druid. That spell is mine." Morganna screeched out viciously as the parking building began to shake and crack beneath them from the combined force of their intensifying power.
"Only if you kill me," he smiled back, inciting her fury even more. "You're not getting your spell back today, Morganna." A bead of sweat trickled down his jaw, his whole body shaking uncontrollably from the effort of building his spell.
"I didn't say I expected to leave here alive. I said you wouldn't be getting your spell back," he countered.
Morganna's top lip lifted into a contemptuous snarl, her soulless eyes narrowing into slits as she let loose the ball of murderous power from her fingers.
Simultaneously, Richard released his own power.
The world went into slow motion as the pillars all about him exploded.
He watched the black ball of energy hurtling toward him. He watched too as the ceiling began to crumble, crushing the Guild's soldiers beneath tonnes of concrete and twisted metal. He wondered which would claim him first, Morganna's spell or the collapsing building. He prayed for the latter.
The consequences of the first option were too great to contemplate.
© Copyright 2019 Dreamerwaking. All rights reserved.


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Swiss hospitals: Sharp increase in the number of Covid patients in intensive care
Helena Bachmann in Geneva
Covid-19pandemic
Geneva's HUG is seeing a spike in Covid cases. Photo by Fabrici Coffrini / AFP
While there have been relatively few coronavirus-related hospital admissions in Switzerland in the past weeks, doctors now warn that the situation is rapidly deteriorating.
"In recent days, intensive care units in Switzerland have recorded a very strong increase in seriously ill Covid-19 patients", the Swiss Society of Intensive Medicine (SSMI) said in a statement released on Thursday.
This means that "health and intensive care sector is again exposed to increased pressure" SSMI noted.
It added that the vast majority of these people "have not been vaccinated. In addition, critically ill Covid patients who are treated in Swiss intensive care units are getting younger and younger".
SSMI's message echoes the research by public broadcaster RTS, which showed that the number of coronavirus hospitalisations of fully vaccinated people in Switzerland is approximately 12 times lower than that of the unvaccinated.
For the period RTS analysed — July 1st to August 15th, there were 8.3 hospitalisations per million among those who had both shots. In contrast, this number 105.9 per million for the unvaccinated patients.
These numbers are confirmed by the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH), which found that hospital admissions of vaccinated people remain relatively rare.
READ MORE: UPDATE: What is the risk of catching Covid and getting sick in Switzerland if you are vaccinated?
But as the highly contagious Delta variant now accounts for over 98 percent of cases and attacks primarily those who have not been immunised, the number of hospital admissions is growing.
For instance, while there were fewer than 10 coronavirus patients in Geneva's University Hospitals (HUG) until the middle of July, the number now stands at 52.
Les HUG ont repris la publication en ligne de l'évolution des patients Covid hospitalisés.
52 patients aujourd'hui.https://t.co/uwS4CKh5rI pic.twitter.com/opRJIsXfu7
— Laurent Cimasoni (@LCimasoni) August 18, 2021
The same upward trend in seen in other medical facilities as well.
At the cantonal hospital in St. Gallen, the number of coronavirus patients is also climbing.
"On Wednesday morning, 28 Covid patients were hospitalised, including ten in intensive care unit", said hospital spokesperson Philipp Lutz.
"Most of them are returning travellers who have not been vaccinated".
"If the number of severe cases continues to increase sharply, there will soon be bottlenecks in the intensive care units", Lutz warned, adding that "it is important and essential to vaccinate as many people as possible as quickly as possible".
The cases are also increasing at the Inselspital in Bern.
"This includes critically ill patients who require intensive medical treatment," said Petra Ming, hospital spokesperson. "These are mostly unvaccinated people in the 40 to 60 age group".
How many people are in intensive care in Switzerland due to Covid?
In Switzerland as a whole, the numbers increased as well.
This FOPH chart shows the difference in admission rates between the week starting on August 2nd (light blue) and August 9th (dark blue), along with the most impacted age groups.
The figures — last to be published — are 10 days old, so the numbers are higher now.
In all, 183 intensive care beds are taken up by patients.
To avoid the overcrowding of medical facilities, as was the case during the first and second waves in the spring and fall of 2020, SSMI is urging the holdouts to get vaccinated.
"It is a crucial measure in order to effectively manage the pandemic. Therefore, all people who can be vaccinated are encouraged to do so as soon as possible. People who get vaccinated protect themselves against serious illness from the coronavirus and help prevent it from spreading to others", it said.
READ MORE: Covid infections in Switzerland skyrocket
The Local is not responsible for content posted by users.
mycatnev - 26 October 2021 at 12:35 CEST
Why is this article on the homepage if it dates back to August? Clickbait?
Become a Member to leave a comment.Or login here.
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2016 30 Gram Silver Chinese Panda Coins (Gilded, BU)
The latest Silver Chinese Panda coin is now available from the Chinese Mint. Produced on an annual basis, the Silver Chinese Panda is noted for its changing design on the obverse face each year. In fact, only once in its history has the panda design been the same, in 2001 and 2002. Right now, the 2016 30 Gram Silver Chinese Panda coin is available with a gilded finish on Silver.com.
Each coin features a layer of 24-karat gold on the obverse design set.
Consists of 30 Grams, or .9645 ounces, of .999 fine silver.
Face value of ¥10 (Yuan) is fully backed by China's government.
Bears the latest panda design from the Chinese Mint.
Available in Brilliant Uncirculated condition.
Silver Chinese Panda coins originated in 1982 as a proof specimen available in a 1 oz weight. The program was available as such through 1985, with a one-year hiatus in 1986. The coins returned in 1987 with a ½ oz bullion version also available, and regular production of bullion coins resumed in full in 1988.
These 2016 Silver Chinese Panda coins feature a unique 24-karat gold gilded finish on the obverse face. The image of the panda bears a layer of the gold to create a stark contrast between the coin's traditional silver blank and the gilded layer of gold, helping the panda standout more to the eye of the beholder.
Each Silver Chinese Panda available from Silver.com in this product listing has a Brilliant Uncirculated grade. Coins in this condition show no signs of wear and tear, though you may notice imperfections such as breaks in the luster, spotted surfaces, or contact marks.
On the obverse face is the image of a panda crawling along the trunk of a fallen tree. This is the latest design from the Chinese Mint, and is available only on the 2016 Silver Chinese Panda. The reverse side of the coin features the Temple of Heaven from central Beijing, which has featured on coins in the series since 1982.
The Chinese Mint operates numerous facilities throughout the country under the oversight of the People's Bank of China. Silver Chinese Panda coins are struck without mint marks, making it difficult to determine the origin of any individual coin.
Please direct your questions to a Silver.com associate at 888-989-7223, connect with us online using our live chat, or send us an email.
Brand: Chinese Mint
Condition: Brilliant Uncirculated w/ Gilded Finish
Mint: Chinese Mint
Silver Content: 30 grams
Lowest Price: $60.9
2016 1 oz Silver Somalian Elephant Coins (Gilded, BU)
As Low As $50.99 Details


Built in 2000, the main Foundation of Light building has several diverse rooms available, depending on your group size and needs. Ideal for workshops, study groups, meditation groups, reiki shares, yoga classes, day long retreats, etc.
This fully equipped kitchen is available for your next event as an adjunct to your use of the gathering room.
This spacious light-filled room seats up to 150 and holds up to 240. It is ideal for concerts, weddings, or other large events.
This Greek Revival one-room schoolhouse, called Hibbard's Corners, was built about 1840 and functioned as a public school until 1936. Many members remember with fondness the years we met at the schoolhouse. Currently, it houses the Lantern School for homeschoolers and is used for workshops on weekends and when the school is not in session. It seats up to 50.


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For your next special occasion why not consider donations in lieu of gifts?
Weddings, engagements, birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, graduations. All celebrations that leave us with memories to cherish throughout our lives. Alzheimer's disease cruelly takes those memories from too many. Your support of the research of the Australian Alzheimer's Research Foundation will help save those memories. Donations in lieu of gifts could be applied to any celebration.
Why not ask your family and friends to make a donation to the Australian Alzheimer's Research Foundation.
Create your personalised 'In Celebration' fundraising page today!
For further information on donations in lieu of gifts please contact us on 08 6457 0253 or email info@alzheimers.com.au.
Australian Alzheimer's Research Foundation
Join the fight to save memories today! Supporters of the Australian Alzheimer's Research Foundation are joining a team of dedicated researchers determined to make a real difference to people all over the world.
Our mission is to support research into understanding, preventing, diagnosing and treating Alzheimer's disease.
Dementia is the second leading cause of death in Australia and caused primarily by Alzheimer's disease.
Our research is focused on reducing the significant impact this disease has on those diagnosed with the condition, their families and the community as a whole. We also provide the opportunity for West Australians to be involved in clinical trials with international pharmaceutical companies developing therapies that may slow or stop the progression of the disease
Your donation will help us realise our vision of a world in which Alzheimer's disease no longer exists.
Follow Australian Alzheimer's Research Foundation


Cube squash, peppers, garlic, and onion and toss in a bowl with olive oil and seasonings. Roast in oven at 350 until tender. Add to chicken broth. Put in food processor or blend in batches. Warm on stove.
I have a lot of butternut squash from the garden in the Fall. This is always a favorite! You could also use carrots or parsnips or acorn squash instead of butternut squash. You can use whatever spices you enjoy.


Singaporean Ambassador Heng Chee Chan has spent eight years in Washington as a diplomat and has been an integral part of Washington society. As honorary chair of the Choral Arts Society's annual benefit, Ambassador Chan has proven that she is a patron of the arts as well. The ambassador sat down with Washington Life's editor in chief, Nancy Bagley, to talk about Singapore and her time in D.C.
Washington Life: You are this year's honorary chair of the Choral Arts Society's annual benefit, "Christmas in Singapore," and you have been extremely generous with the flowers, gift bags and VIP reception as well as with auction items, a dinner for 27 and a trip to Singapore. Are you a great fan of the arts? Do you sing?
H.E. the Ambassador of Singapore Heng Chee Chan: I love music and the arts generally. I have always thought a person is not complete without this dimension. I grew up going to Cantonese opera with my family. The first time I heard the Choral Arts Society was when they sang Fauré's "Requiem." They are very good.
WL: What do you wish to achieve while in Washington?
HCC: I have been in Washington for 8 years. When I arrived in Washington, there was still an issue between the United States and Singapore over the caning of a young American. We have gone past that issue now and I have been able to focus on more productive projects. We have enormous shared interests in security, political and economic cooperation. Singapore and the U.S. completed the U.S.-Singapore Free Trade Agreement in 2003. We are supportive of the U.S. as a member of the coalition for the immediate disarmament of Iraq and we are working together on counter-terrorism. We are also negotiating a Strategic Framework Agreement on defense cooperation. I think the U.S.-Singapore relationship has never been better. I am glad this has happened during my stint.
WL: There is much ethnic diversity in Singapore, although Chinese are the predominant majority. Can you provide a bit of a background of the religious and cultural mosaic for our readers?
HCC: The Chinese make up 75% of the population, Malays 15% and Indians 8%. Singapore's population is 4 million, of which about 800,000 are residents and expatriate workers. Singapore is multi-religious. Most Singaporeans are of a Buddhist/Chinese adherence, which is a mixture of Taoism, Confucianism and Buddhism. The Malays are Muslims and the Indians are generally Hindus with some Muslims and Christians. The Christians make up about 15% of the population and they are primarily Chinese and Indians. Because Singapore is an immigrant society of ethnic groups, we have a great pragmatism to accommodate other cultures. Singapore has four languages – Malay, English, Chinese, and Tamil. English is the common language. It is the language of the Civil Service, the schools, the universities, and of the commercial and corporate sectors.
WL: In countries such as Saudi Arabia and Egypt, the government supports the U.S. but the majority of the populations are far more critical. Do the people of Singapore support the U.S.?
HCC: Singapore is located in the third largest Muslim region [in the world], with 250 million Muslims. Fifteen percent of our population is Muslim, so certainly at the street level the Muslims are not happy and there are some non-Muslims, too, who are critical of the U.S. But overall I would say the United States is well received in Singapore. Despite those criticisms, we see the United States as the country to study in and do business with.
WL: What about the North Korea situation?
WL: It sometimes seems that the extremist minority on all sides are controlling the agenda and pulling us all in.
HCC: Definitely. In Southeast Asia most of the Muslims are moderate. Our greatest chance of winning the hearts and minds of Muslims is in Southeast Asia. Southeast Asia will be a bridge to other Muslims. Southeast Asia is a very relaxed region but increasingly the Muslims are getting radicalized. The point is, if you have a [small] core of dedicated militant Jihadists it can create a great deal of trouble for everyone.
WL: Can you highlight some reasons why American tourists should visit Singapore?
HCC: Singapore is one of a kind. It is worth a visit and is the most modernized and westernized country in Asia. The ethnic groups live in harmony and it is a fascinating experiment. Singapore is also efficient, yet people are warm and friendly. We offer a clean, green environment and the best food [in the area] at a reasonable cost.
WL: Are there a lot of women in the government?
HCC: They do well here [but] I was the first woman from East Asia to be the permanent representative at the United Nations when I went in 1989. When I arrived [in Washington] I was the first woman ambassador appointed from East Asia.
WL: What did you do before becoming a diplomat?
HCC: I was a professor at a University. I'm antiestablishment and was a bit of a dissident before I was appointed ambassador. It came as something of a shock to me when I was offered the ambassadorship because I was highly critical of government in a society that is not used to being critiqued.
WL: Do you think they gave you a position to keep you quiet?
HCC: I don't know, but I don't think so. I think my government realized that the pieces I wrote were never personal against any leader. It was always policy.
WL: Where do you see Singapore's economy going in the next ten years?
HCC: Singapore has been pushing the envelope for a small state. Our economy is based on manufacturing, services, communications and commerce. We are strong in pharmaceuticals and are developing the biotech industry. I think services will still be our strong point because of our transparency and rule of law.
WL: Is there anything we should be mindful of while traveling there?
HCC: You can be quite relaxed in Singapore but you have to be careful not to spit and drug use has a mandatory [jail] sentence. Drug trafficking has a death penalty sentence.
WL: You've been here for eight years, a lot longer than ambassadors usually stay. Do you think you're going to stay much longer?
HCC: Probably not. I love living here but it's important to have renewal [new energy] and I have said that to my government.
WL: What will you miss the most?
HCC: America is easy to adjust to, which I think is why so many immigrants find it inviting—that's your greatest strength for a prosperous America. What I will miss most are the conversations, the tone of the conversations, and the quality of the conversations [in Washington]. When you go to dinner parties, the conversations are about issues and ideas. I most admire the American spirit of philanthropy, volunteerism and caring about a cause [whether it be] helping the arts, the poor, or abused women. I'm resolved to bring the philanthropic spirit and ideas back to Singapore.


Glock G19x. Glock gets it right, not wrong.
375 H&H as a prepper gun?
Femin radical disrupts Vatican Christmas display.
Rumor is Robinson M96 is coming back.
Wilson buys Chip McCormick out.
A fire pit on the rifle range.


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Military history.
A Well-Tested Eye in the Sky: What U-2 Spy Planes Do over Iraq that Satellites Don't
One of the most important pieces of technology being used to search Iraq for evidence of weapons is a 48-year old spy plane. The U-2, which was first flown in the beginnings of the Cold War, has withstood the test of time and continues to be widely used by the US. This site provides details about the history of the U-2. It also describes many technical aspects involved in flights, such as the...
https://www.globalsecurity.org/org/news/2003/030221-u2.htm
Women in Military Service
American women have participated in and made significant contributions to the defense of this nation during both war and peace times. Their contributions, however, have gone largely unacknowledged and unrewarded. The history of women serving in defense of our nation began more than 220 years ago with women who served in the American Revolution and continues with those who serve today. The Women's...
https://womensmemorial.org/
Australian War Memorial
The online presence of the Australian War Memorial, located in Canberra, Australia, this site contains dozens of valuable resources for those with a penchant either for Australian military history or merely for finding the military unit in which a relative may have served during the past 100 years. With numerous sectional headings, the Web site has an effective long-form essay that serves as a...
https://www.awm.gov.au/
Air Force Historical Research Agency
This Website from the US Air Force provides a brief description of the overall holdings of the agency, which are comprised of over "70,000,000 pages devoted to the history of the service, and represent the world's largest and most valuable organized collection of documents on US military aviation." The site also supplies detailed descriptions of the personal papers of Air Force members held by the...
https://www.afhra.af.mil/
Arlington National Cemetery Website
Despite the overly loud version of the Irish ditty, Kathleen Mavourneen, which greets visitors to this homepage, this site is an important resource of information about the Arlington National Cemetery. Developed and maintained by Michael Patterson (the son of a former United States Army officer), the site contains dozens of links to a number of thematic sections, including those that offer a...
http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/homepage.htm
Military Campaign Maps
Created as part of the American Memory Collection at the Library of Congress, this fine digital archive brings together thousands of maps that offer great detail about major military conflicts, including such information as troop movements, defensive structures and groundworks, campsites, local buildings, topography and vegetation. On the site, visitors can also learn about how the maps were...
https://www.loc.gov/collections/military-battles-and-campaig...


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If you wanna have it as yours, please click the wallpaper and you will go to page download, so you just choose the size above the wallpaper that you want in "Download Size", Click it and download the Mamparas De Ba O Y Mamparas De Ducha Zaragoza La Muela Y Mar A De Dise O Moderno Lo Nuevo En Mamparas De Bano wallpaper.


What do you think makes a rapport work? Physical attraction? Emotional bond? You see perfect partners in Hollywood, right? Do you think that they didn't try and make their relationships work out? But these celebrity couples have got good tips to share to all of us. Want to know what they are? Here are two love instructional classes from Hollywood's couples.
By means of paparazzi tracking their moves, and essentially, just lots of "crazy couple" headlines appearing thrown at them. But did they let poor press stop them? Simply no. Their happiness as a couple outlived the bad write-ups that the press and also the other people had about the together of them.
Despite the general bad press, the two of them stayed together and held on tight. That they got on with their world had two kids and lived a happy existence as a couple. Now, fifteen years later, they are even now going strong, and the press tired of writing crap approximately them. So see? It is actually just the matter of vacationing strong despite the odds.
Sian got sad, heartbroken and hurt. But the girl taught us a valuable golfing lessons: never take your partner meant for granted if you want your rapport to work. But as they say, all's well that ends well. Sian moved on and identified herself a millionaire guru husband.
Cater to say, Sian didn't have the relationship that seriously, convinced that Lembit would stick to her. But things didn't training that way because Opik left her for Romanian double performers, the Cheeky girls.
Quite often, the people that we choose to day, are frowned upon by our friends and the entire family. Take for example, when skilled actress, Helena Bonham Carter decided to date Batman movie director, Tim Burton; they attracted a lot of bad media.
The thing is, if you confirm that you are happy and thrilled in your relationship as a couple, then the bad mouthing might really stop. But accomplish make sure that you are really both proud each other and are willing to make the relationship work.
Just what is a "down-date"? A down-date is usually when you date someone exactly who you think is less eye-catching than yourself. The theory in back of down-dating is that less attractive men or much less attractive women would be even more grateful that someone better than them is actually dating them. Thus, they give spare effort to make the other person happy. Awful in principle, best? Then again, don't confuse all of them with your everyday users.
Let's take a look at another couple; additionally, there are gossip-hounded yet highly acknowledged director, Woody Allen exactly who received a lot of heat when ever he started to date his ex-girlfriend's daughter, Soon-Yin Previn. He was 57 years of age. She was just twenty-two.
If you both are just putting up a happy couple facade to shut up the haters but are certainly not really happy in reality, after that it defeats the purpose fails to it? Thus, make the relationship work for both of you, if the other truly makes you happy.
Good now, as awful as it could appear; there are many people who try this. Let's take a look at what occured to beautiful Sian Lloyd, a popular Welsh weather wonderwoman, who down-dated British Open-handed Democrat politician, Lembit Opik. He was considerably less attractive than Sian.


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Location Durban, South Africa
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This Stadium got the rights to host the opening ceremony and the athletic events of the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
The Moses Mabhida Stadium has been named in honor of the former General Secretary of the South African Communist Party, Moses Mabhida.
The Moses Mabhida Stadium, located in Durban, South Africa is a multi-use stadium, used for hosting sports events such as cricket, football, golf practice, motorsports, bungee jumping, concerts, rugby union, etc. The construction work to build the arena commenced in 2006 and took three years to complete. It finally opened its gate to the spectators on 28th November 2009. An estimated amount of R 3.4 billion (US$ 450 million) was spent on building this magnificent arena designed by chief architects Gerkan, Marg and Partners Theunissen Jankowitz Durban, Ambro-Afrique Consultants, Osmond Lange Architects & Planners, NSM Designs and Mthulisi Msimang. The Moses Mabhida Stadium has been the home of the South Africa national cricket team and the AmaZulu F.C. The stadium is owned by the eThekwini (Durban Metropolitan UniCity). The crowd capacity is 54,000 (which can be expanded up to 80,000). The stadium has 120 corporate hospitality suites as well.
Six Group matches and a semi-final match of the 2010 FIFA World Cup were held in this stadium.
The stadium has also hosted some local football events such as the 2010 MTN 8, the 2013 MTN 8 and the 2013 and 2014 Nedbank Cup.
On 9th January 2011, the stadium witnessed the T20 International cricket match between India and South Africa.
During the years 2012 and 2013, the stadium organized the Top Gear Festival live stadium shows.
It has hosted three Group A matches, one Group B match, a Quarterfinal match and a semi final match of the 2013 African Cup of Nations.
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Dominican Sisters of Adrian: 'Second Building of Dominican School of Angeles Blessed on Feast of St. Rose of Lima'
Cutting the ribbon for the new school building are, from left: Sister Zenaida Nacpil, OP, Chapter Prioress; Most Rev. Paciano B. Aniceto, DD, Archbishop Emeritus of the Archdiocese of San Fernando; and Allan and Maricel Gatpolintan.
By Sister Zenaida Nacpil, OP (Chapter Prioress, Our Lady of Remedies Mission Chapter)
August 28, 2017, Angeles City, the Philippines – The Adrian Dominican Sisters of Our Lady of Remedies Mission Chapter blessed a second school building of Dominican School of Angeles City – the Virgin de los Remedies Building – on August 23, the Feast of St. Rose of Lima.
Participating in the blessing of the school are, from left, Deacon Herwyn Bulaun, Sister Michelle Salalila, OP; and Father John Tordera.
Most Rev. Paciano B. Aniceto, DD, Archbishop Emeritus of the Archdiocese of San Fernando, presided over the joyful event, assisted by Father John Tordera, Deacon Herwyn Bulaun, and Sister Michelle Salalila, OP.
Dominican School of Angeles City, located in the impoverished Barangay (village) of Mining, Angeles City, opened six years ago with three kindergarten students. At the time of the construction of the new building, the enrollment stood at 238 students in grades kindergarten through 10. The new building was constructed to house six more classrooms and spaces large enough for school Masses and physical education, to allow the school to add grades 11 and 12.
Sister Gudelia Kabigting, OP, plays the guitar with Sister Antonette Lumbang, OP, and students from ninth and 10th grades.
The blessing of the new building included ribbon-cutting ceremonies in various areas of the building. The ribbon for the main entrance to the lobby was cut by Sister Zenaida S. Nacpil, OP, Chapter Prioress and Engineer Allan and Maricel Gatpolintan. Leilani Samson-Cunanan, Deputy Superintendent of Education for Angeles City, cut the ribbon for the right staircase while the ribbon for the left staircase was cut by Teresita Celis. The ribbon for the Business Office was cut by Sister Rosita Yaya, OP. Sister Liberty Mendoza, OP, cut the ribbon for the chapel.
Sisters, special guests, friends and benefactors shared in joy and gratitude for the occasion. Sister Gudelia Kabigting, OP, and students in grades 9 and 10 led the choir in the festive singing.
The new building, supported in part with a grant from the Adrian Dominican Sisters, is a concrete way to implement the Enactment from the 2016 Adrian Dominican General Chapter, calling on the Congregation to "create resilient communities with people who are relegated to the margins, valuing their faith, wisdom and integrity."
From left, Sisters Gudelia Kabigting, OP, Zenaida Nacpil, OP, and Michelle Salalila, OP, with members of the construction crew.
The Dominican School of Angeles City is located in the Clark Freeport Zone – the former U.S. Clark Air Force Base – where the young are at risk of becoming involved in the sex trade, human trafficking, or drugs. The school provides affordable Catholic education to children from low-income families. Academic training in accountancy, business, and management, in tandem with eco-faming, care of creation, and training in culinary vocational skills, are being built up for the senior high school students in the new building.
Members of the Our Lady of Remedies Mission Chapter express their deepest gratitude to our Congregational leaders, Sisters, friends, and families, benefactors, and all who supported this project financially and through prayer.
« Meeting of the International Dominican Commission for Justice and Peace 2017	» Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa Baptist Stohrer, OP and Marie Sullivan, OP Interviewed for the Story Corps Oral History Project


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Foreign Policy Watch: India-South Korea
International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India
Deepening ties with South Korea
South Korea's technological advancement and manufacturing capabilities can be helpful in India's economic growth and human resource development. Seoul's successful development story of the last few decades can complement Modi's vision of making a "New India" by 2022.
Why did North Korea blow up a joint liaison office with Seoul?
International Relations | Mains Paper 2: India & Its Neighborhood - Relations
Prelims level : DMZ, Armstice Agreement
Mains level : Read the attached story
North Korea blew up the joint liaison office with South Korea in Kaesong, an industrial township on its side of the border, becoming one of the most serious incidents to have occurred between the two countries, without them actually going to war.
What is the Korean Armistice Agreement?
Practice question for mains:
Q. What is the Korean Armstice Agreement? Discuss the concept of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)?
What is this liaison office?
In 2003, North Korea and South Korea jointly set up a liaison office at Kaesong in North Korea.
It was set up in 2018 to facilitate communication between North Korea and South Korea.
The Kaesong Industrial Complex is a joint industrial zone where factories are operated and run by both North Koreans and South Koreans.
At its height, approximately 120 factories were operating in this industrial zone with more than 50,000 North Korean employees and several hundred managers.
Why did Pyongyang demolish it?
Since the past week, tensions between the two countries had increased after Pyongyang objected to activists and defectors in South Korea sending anti-North Korean propaganda leaflets, rice and Bibles using balloons.
Experts believe that these moves come after North Korea's frustrations at South Korea's inability to revive inter-Korean economic projects under pressure from the US, along with UN sanctions.
The demolition occurred just days after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's sister Kim Yo Jong had threatened to destroy the liaison office.
Following the demolition, North Korean said that it would be deploying troops in demilitarized areas, including in the Kaesong industrial zone.
Are they heading towards war?
Observers say that these actions by North Korea have been the most provocative in recent years.
Experts believe these provocations may have occurred because Pyongyang is hoping to pressure Seoul into giving it more concessions that would be economically beneficial for North Korea that has been hit hard by sanctions.
Experts believe these actions, however provocative, are not severe enough for Seoul to contemplate military aggression in retaliation.
Post date The Times Of India
Prelims level : Korean Armstice Agreement
Mains level : Korean Armstice Agreement
A United Nations investigation into a recent exchange of gunfire between North Korea and South Korea inside the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) has determined that both countries violated the armistice that ended the 1950-53 Korean War.
The Korean Armstice Agreement
The Korean Armstice Agreement signed on 27 July 1953 is the armistice that brought about a complete cessation of hostilities of the Korean War.
It was not the end of a war, but only a cessation of hostilities in an attempt to negotiate a lasting peace.
Military commanders from China and North Korea signed the agreement on one side, with the US-led United Nations Command signing on behalf of the international community.
What is the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)?
The DMZ marks where the 1950-53 Korean War — when China and North Korea battled UN forces led by the United States — ended with an armistice, not a treaty.
It is a 2 km-wide buffer, stretching coast to coast across the peninsula, lined by both sides with razor wire, heavy armaments and tank traps.
It is 60 km from Seoul and 210 km from the North Korean capital of Pyongyang. Inside the DMZ is a Joint Security Area (JSA).
The so-called 'peace village' of Panmunjom, where the armistice that halted the Korean War was signed in 1953, is located in the 800-metre-wide and 400-metre-long JSA zone.
A Military Demarcation Line (MDL) marks the boundary between the two Koreas.
Why it is significant?
Vast stretches of the DMZ have been no man's land for more than 60 years, where wildlife has flourished undisturbed.
Last year, US President Donald Trump met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at the demilitarized zone separating the two Koreas, in Panmunjom.
← Indian Ocean Power Competition → Forest Conservation Efforts – NFP, Western Ghats, etc.


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2)Select the account that you want to sign up for Evercontact, and then click "Allow" to give Evercontact the necessary permissions.
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Then click on the button or tab marked "Multi-Account", and in the page that appears, click "Activate Multi-Account"
4) Add this account as a "secondary account" (this will eventually be your main account, but to transfer it, you need to make it secondary first). It is a simple process within the Multi-Account tab you see below, and if you'd like the step-by-step explanation, visit this post.
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Walking along one of the many lanes around Chipping, in Lancashire.
Again, as usual, wonderful, Sue. Thank you so much for the way you capture your lovely area for us.
I'm sure I commented on this before. I have it on my iPod Touch even. Superb picture Sue. It's a real stunner.
Been down this road many times love it i'm glad you captured its beauty Sue, unfortunatley with my hubby at the wheel i only get a backward glance.thank you.
really nice picture sue. love the area myself.


Welcome to my stop on the Turnabout Patchwork blog hop! I'm excited to share this book with you. If you like what you see, be sure to enter the giveaway at the bottom of this post.
Turnabout Patchwork is a new book by Teresa Mairal Barreu of Sewn Up. The whole book is based around "disappearing" blocks (like a disappearing nine patch). You sew a block, cut it up, and spin the parts to create something new. The result is a stunning quilt that's much easier than it looks.
I was absolutely thrilled when Teresa allowed me the opportunity to participate in her blog hop. Upon receiving a digital copy of the book, I quickly decided I would make the Stepping Stones quilt.
Like all of the quilts in Turnabout Patchwork, Stepping Stones is based on sewing, slicing, and rearranging a quilt block. It's such a clever way to quickly achieve intricate results.
For my quilt, I started with just four charm packs. The foreground is Soul Song by Island Batik, and the background is Cashmere by Timeless Treasures.
My first task was to sew the charm squares into a slew of nine-patches.
Once my nine-patches were finished, I was ready to slice them up. This is when the process starts to feel a little bit like magic.
Since my quilt is pretty scrappy, I matched all of my blocks before I started sewing. That way I could make sure I didn't end up stuck with the same fabrics right next to each other.
Once they were matched, the blocks were ready to transport to the sewing machine on my handy dandy baking sheet. A baking sheet is such a great way to keep pieces organized as you move about your sewing space. They stack well, too!
My quilt top went together so quickly! Once it was finished, I took it to the longarm to quilt. I decided to quilt it with Feather Vines. I used a lovely light blue and green variegated thread (OMNI-V 9061 Skyscraper).
I found the perfect batik in my stash for the binding. I sewed both sides by machine for a quick finish (and because I backed it with minky, and I really don't like hand stitching with minky).
For the backing, I used lilac minky. I always label my quilts, and this one is no exception. The label is in place, so it's just waiting for me to write on it. Since this quilt is intended for a baby that hasn't arrived yet, I'll wait to write the label. I like to include the child's name, and that has a way of changing up until the time they're born.
I really had so much fun with this project, and I couldn't be any happier with how it turned out. It's just perfect for a little girl.
It's always amazing to me how much changing the fabrics can change the look of the quilt. Teresa's version uses just four fabrics in a planned arrangement. It looks quite different from my quilt with its many fabrics and random color placement. Both quilts are lovely in their own ways.
Now I just need to wait for my friend to have her little girl so I can give her the quilt. It feels pretty amazing to have a quilt finished before the baby arrives instead of after. I do hope she likes it.
I'm really excited about this hop, because all of the participants made a project from the book. Check out their posts to see their individual approaches to the patterns.
EDIT - Giveaway is now closed.
Would you like to win your very own copy of Turnabout Patchwork? You're in luck! Martingale is giving away a digital copy to one lucky reader. To enter to win, just leave a comment on this post telling me whether you're more drawn to scrappy quilts or controlled quilts.
I really like scrappy quilts with a controlled colorway. I love the variety of fabrics (the more the better!), but I really like to stick to a specific color pallet for a given quilt.
Make sure you enter your email address in the comment form so I can contact you if you win. The giveaway ends at 11:59pm Eastern on February 15, 2019.
Posted on February 7, 2019 by Bobbi Bridgeman and filed under Blog Hops, Quilting, Finished Projects and tagged turnabout patchwork book review batik quilt charm pack quilt.
I'm excited to share a new book with you - Learn How to English Paper Piece by Carolina Moore. It's available exclusively through Nancy's Notions, and they kindly provided me with a copy to review. Whether you are brand new to paper piecing, or an old hand, this book has something for everyone.
I've enjoyed paper piecing for a long time, but this book is really something special. Carolina walks you through the process step-by-step and shares some excellent tips along the way. I certainly learned some new things!
While I love the slow stitching of EPP (English Paper Piecing), sometimes it's just that: S-L-O-W. I've been plodding along with my latest hexie project for a couple of years, and I'm still nowhere near a finish. But Carolina's book has 10 projects that can each be completed in a day or two! I've already finished one, and I'm excited to start another (more on that in a bit).
I've done a fair amount of EPP in the past, but only with hexies. When I received Carolina's book, I decided this was the perfect time to try my hand at diamonds. I went for the adorable little diamond coaster. The tips in the book made it go together like a dream.
I tried out a few new tools this time, in addition to using my old standbys. The diamond templates came from Paper Pieces. I was thrilled with their service and the exceptional variety of papers they have available.
It was also my first time using the Sewline fabric glue pen. It was amazing! It's filled with a long tube of washable glue. The small tip made it exceptionally easy to use on these tiny pieces. It even came with a refill, though I didn't go through much glue at all on this project.
My old standbys include Thread Magic. You run your thread through it, and it keeps it from getting tangled and knotted as you sew. My favorite hand-stitching thread is 50wt Aurifil. I used the green 2890 to sew the pieces together, and the grey 5004 to attach the star to the felt. Not pictured are my favorite needles for hand sewing - number 9 sharps.
I love that this acrylic template includes a line for the seam allowance, so you could easily use it to line up fussy cut pieces. Since I chose not to fussy cut my fabric, I simply cut a 1 3/8" strip, and used the template to cut it into perfectly sized diamonds.
I had never tried glue basting before, but it didn't take long to get into the swing of things. I think I might actually like it better than thread basting. The fine tip on the Sewline Fabric Glue Pen kept it from becoming a sticky mess, and the cap fit right on the end to keep it from rolling away.
Here's a look at the back of my star with all of the papers still in place. Carolina's book made sure I knew how to get all those seams in the middle to spin just right. There's no bulk at all where the center comes together.
And the glue didn't make the papers too hard to remove! I did press my block first, which I think made it harder, but I'm glad I did. Pressing made the block more willing to resume the appropriate shape after tugging to get the papers out. Next time I would remove all the inside papers first, press, then remove the outside papers. I think that would be the best of both worlds.
Here's the front of my star! I'm really happy with how the center came together.
Once the star was sewn and the papers removed, I just had to attach it to the felt. It took no time at all to zip it on by machine, and now I have an adorable little coaster. It's particularly satisfying to finish a hand-pieced project so quickly.
I had so much fun making my coaster, that I started flipping through the book looking for what I could do next. There are two projects in particular that I really love.
First, these hexie place mats. I don't really want any place mats for my table, but I just love the stripe of hexies on one side.
Second was this little pouch. I've wanted to try my hand at zippers for a while, and the instructions for this pouch are fabulous. I think I'm going to combine the ideas to make a pouch just this size with a stripe of hexies down one side like the place mats. I already bought a zipper, so I'm committed now!
Saturday, February 2nd: Beth from Garland Girl Quilts and Bobbi from Snowy Days Quilting <— That's me!
If you haven't heard, there's a giveaway happening on Instagram! Nancy's Notions is giving away their complete EPP starter set, complete with everything you see below. For details on how to enter, check out my Instagram post. The giveaway will be open through Friday, February 8, 2019.
What do you think of English paper piecing? Is it something you're curious about, something you love, or not your favorite? Do you have any favorite EPP projects? There are so many amazing designs available now! ! I would love to hear your experiences.
Posted on February 1, 2019 by Bobbi Bridgeman and filed under Blog Hops and tagged book review English paper piecing small projects coasters.
Welcome to Snowy Days Quilting! I am so excited to be participating in week one of the New Quilt Bloggers Blog Hop. My name is Bobbi Bridgeman, and I have been quilting for about five years. I started blogging here two years ago when I decided to make a business longarm quilting.
Why Snowy Days Quilting? For one, I'm kind of enamored with snow. I love everything about it, from sitting by the fire with a book while it falls, to cruising through the forest on cross country skis. Nothing beats seeing the mountains freshly capped with a layer of white. And I am fascinated by the uniqueness of the individual snowflakes - each one so beautiful, and so different from the thousands of others surrounding it - just like quilters and their wonderful, one-of-a-kind quilts.
Snowy Days Quilting is also fitting since I live in Montana, where we have more days with snow than without. Summers are short here, so we make the most of them. Sewing machines sit idle while quilters garden, hike, camp, and fish. When winter returns, we make up for lost time, sewing like mad while the snow drifts outside.
I have wanted to quilt ever since I was a little girl. Once I finally tried my hand at it, I quickly fell in love. Now I just can't get enough! I would like to share a bit of my journey with you by showing my favorite quilts from each of the last few years.
One of my earlier quilts that is still one of my favorites is Diamond Sky. I designed it myself and gave it to my sister for Christmas of 2014. I love the bold colors and off-center design. One of my goals for this year is to write a pattern for this quilt.
My 2015 favorite is my Gemstones baby quilt. I designed this for a wonderful lady who has been my friend since we were 13 years old. I had a lot of fun with this one because her favorite colors are also my favorite colors. I still haven't gotten to meet her baby girl, but it makes me happy to know she is wrapped in the love of a quilt.
This next quilt was a little out of the box for me. I love modern quilts, but I don't often find myself making anything quite as modern as this. It was a uniquely challenging experience, and I love the result. I had some scraps that I pieced improvisationally, then I figured out how to put the blocks together. The final design is completely worth the number of Y-seams I had to sew to pull it off. I finished this one last summer.
My favorite tip for quilting is to spin your seams. I personally spin my seams whenever possible. It allows pieces and blocks to nest nicely together, and it keeps the top flat.
Here is an example of one of my current projects. Where the hourglasses meet, 8 different fabrics come to a point. Since I spun the seams, there isn't any bulk at those points. They won't cause me any trouble when I quilt them, and the finished piece will lay nice and flat.
What is your favorite quilting tip? I always love to learn new things.
Of course, we can't forget our fearless hive leader, Yvonne of Quilting Jetgirl. You'll want to check out her post to see all of the great giveaways going on this week.
I hope you enjoyed this brief tour of my quilting. I have lots more planned for this week. I will be taking a look at some quilts that I enjoyed custom quilting, edge to edge designs that I love, a recent finish, and one of my favorite easy slow cooker recipes. I would be thrilled if you stuck around for the fun.
Did you share your favorite quilting tip in the comments? I would love to hear what it is! If you leave your email address when you comment, I will be sure to send you a note to thank you personally.
Posted on April 9, 2017 by Bobbi Bridgeman and filed under Quilting, Blog Hops and tagged favorites new quilt bloggers tips and tricks.