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Studying English literature
(Image Credit: Vinesh Rajpaul / Graduate Photography Competition)
HomeAdmissionsGraduateCoursesMSt in World Literatures in English
MSt in World Literatures in English
Funding and Costs
The English master's programmes are designed to serve both as an autonomous degree for students wishing to pursue more advanced studies in English literature, and as a solid foundation for doctoral research.
The MSt programme consists of four main components, through which you have the opportunity to pursue interests within your chosen MSt strand, as well as across period boundaries. In the first two terms, you will take a core course (A) tailored to your specific programme, a compulsory course in book history and theories of text (B) also tailored to your programme, and choose two courses from a wide range of options (C). Under the guidance of a specialist supervisor you will also research and write a dissertation, which is submitted in the final term.
The MSt programme is assessed via the submission of four pieces of coursework. In addition to the dissertation, you will submit three essays of 6,000 to 7,000 words – one at the end of the first term, and two at the end of the second term – relating to the B and C courses that have been taken.
All course work will be completed by the end of the second term (Hilary term), leaving the summer term (Trinity term) to complete the dissertation, which is submitted in June.
A. Core course: Literature, contexts and approaches
This is the core course for this MSt. It is formally non-assessed but compulsory. The general classes on literature, contexts and approaches introduce representative key texts and current debates on the literature and cultural history of the period. This course is designed to provide a solid foundation for advanced literary study.
B. Core course: Bibliography, theories of text, history of the book, manuscript studies
This is a compulsory, assessed course, taught via a range of lectures and seminars in each of the first two terms. It is designed to train you for research in English, through the study of bibliography, palaeography, book history and theories of text (appropriate to the relevant period).
C. Special options
The special option courses present an excellent opportunity for you to develop and pursue your research interests, whether related or unrelated to other work undertaken as part of the MSt degree. You are not constrained to follow option courses within the designated period, and indeed, option courses often traverse the boundaries of the broad periods. The courses are taught in weekly, small group seminars.
D. Dissertation
You will write a 10,000- to 11,000-word dissertation on a subject of your choice, but related to the work you have been doing over the year. You will be assigned to a member of academic staff who will act as your supervisor.
Many English taught-course students go onto doctoral research, both at Oxford and at other universities worldwide. Other graduates pursue careers in occupations including teaching, journalism, law, publishing and the civil service.
Other courses in this area
MSt in English (650-1550)
MSt in English (1550-1700)
MSt in English (1900-present)
MSt in English and American Studies
MPhil in English Studies (Medieval Period)
DPhil in English
Changes to the course
The University will seek to deliver this course in accordance with the description set out in this course page. However, there may be situations in which it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision, either before or after registration. For further information, please see our page on changes to courses.
Entry requirements for entry in 2019-20
Within equal opportunities principles and legislation, applications will be assessed in the light of an applicant's ability to meet the following entry requirements:
1. Academic ability
Proven and potential academic excellence
Applicants are normally expected to be predicted or have achieved a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours (or equivalent international qualifications), as a minimum, in English literature and/or English language, or exceptionally a related subject.
For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.75 (with at least 3.85 in the major) out of 4.0.
If you hold non-UK qualifications and wish to check how your qualifications match these requirements, you can contact the National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (UK NARIC).
No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.
Other appropriate indicators will include:
You will be required to supply supporting documents with your application, including references and an official transcript. See 'How to apply' for instructions on the documents you will need and how these will be assessed.
Performance at interview(s)
Interviews are not normally held as part of the admissions process.
Publications are not required.
2. English language requirement
Applicants whose first language is not English are usually required to provide evidence of proficiency in English at the higher level required by the University.
3. Availability of supervision, teaching, facilities and places
The following factors will govern whether candidates can be offered places:
The ability of the Faculty of English to provide the appropriate supervision, research opportunities, teaching and facilities for your chosen area of work.
Minimum and maximum limits to the numbers of students who may be admitted to Oxford's research and taught programmes.
The provision of supervision, where required, is subject to the following points:
The allocation of graduate supervision is the responsibility of the Faculty of English and it is not always possible to accommodate the preferences of incoming graduate students to work with a particular member of staff.
Under exceptional circumstances a supervisor may be found outside the Faculty of English.
Where possible your academic supervisor will not change for the duration of your course. However, it may be necessary to assign a new academic supervisor during the course of study or before registration for reasons which might include sabbatical leave, maternity leave or change in employment.
4. Disability, health conditions and specific learning difficulties
Students are selected for admission without regard to gender, marital or civil partnership status, disability, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age or social background.
Decisions on admission are based solely on the individual academic merits of each candidate and the application of the entry requirements appropriate to the course.
Further information on how these matters are supported during the admissions process is available in our guidance for applicants with disabilities.
5. Assessors
All recommendations to admit a student involve the judgment of at least two members of academic staff with relevant experience and expertise, and additionally must be approved by the Director of Graduate Studies or Admissions Committee (or equivalent departmental persons or bodies).
Admissions panels or committees will always include at least one member of academic staff who has undertaken appropriate training.
6. Other information
Whether you have yet secured funding is not taken into consideration in the decision to make an initial offer of a place, but please note that the initial offer of a place will not be confirmed until you have completed a Financial Declaration.
There is no automatic transfer from a taught to a research course. Current students wishing to be considered for the DPhil submit applications that are assessed and considered alongside applicants with master's degrees from other universities.
The facilities for English graduate students in Oxford are outstanding. In the faculty building you will find superb computing resources, a graduate common room, a café and an excellent discipline-specific library.
The English Faculty Library holds over 110,000 volumes and a wide range of print journals; it also provides regular information skills training to support teaching and research in English. Graduate students have access to all of Oxford's libraries, numbering over one hundred and including the world-famous collections of the Bodleian Library.
You will have the opportunity to hear lectures and papers by leading writers, critics, and theorists from inside and outside the University. You are encouraged to participate in the many research seminars and reading groups that run throughout term time, many of which are coordinated by graduates themselves.
There is an active and lively graduate organisation funded by the faculty, English Graduates at Oxford (EGO), that organises study skills, training and career development seminars, as well as social events and conferences.
The Faculty of English Language and Literature is by far the largest English Department in the UK and has a very distinguished research record, awarded top grades in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework. The department was voted the top university for English language and literature in the Independent's Complete University Guide 2011 and in the 2016 QS World University Rankings. Teaching has been graded 'excellent' in every quality assurance review.
The faculty currently has 80 permanent members of academic staff, including 9 statutory professors. This is in addition to a further 100 or so members teaching in the colleges and temporary members of staff. There are currently around 900 undergraduate students (with roughly 260 admitted each year to the single honours school and a further 20 to joint honours school programmes). The Oxford English Faculty has the largest graduate school in the country, with approximately 95 master's students, with a further 120 graduate research students. For the publications and research interests of particular faculty members, please consult their individual webpages.
There are over 1,000 full graduate scholarships available across the University, and these cover your course fees and provide a grant for living costs. If you apply by the relevant January deadline and fulfil the eligibility criteria you will be automatically considered. Over two thirds of Oxford scholarships require nothing more than the standard course application. Use the Fees, funding and scholarship search to find out which scholarships you are eligible for and if they require an additional application, full details of which are provided.
Applicants to this course may also be eligible to apply for other scholarship and funding opportunities, including the Ertegun Scholarship Programme. In order to be considered for this award you will need to complete the scholarships section of the course application form and submit additional supporting material. The programme's website provides more details about the application process as well as any eligibility criteria which apply.
Annual fees for entry in 2019-20
Fee status
Annual Course fees
Home/EU (including Islands) £11,160
Overseas £25,387
The fees shown above are the annual course fees for this course, for entry in the stated academic year.
Course fees cover your teaching as well as other academic services and facilities provided to support your studies. Unless specified in the additional information section below, course fees do not cover your accommodation, residential costs or other living costs. They also don't cover any additional costs and charges that are outlined in the additional information below. You may have seen separate figures in the past for tuition fees and college fees. We have now combined these into a single figure.
Course fees are payable each year, for the duration of your fee liability (your fee liability is the length of time for which you are required to pay course fees). For courses lasting longer than one year, please be aware that fees will usually increase annually. For details, please see our guidance on likely increases to fees and charges.
For more information about course fees and fee liability, please see the Fees section of this website. EU applicants should refer to our dedicated webpage for details of the implications of the UK's plans to leave the European Union.
There are no compulsory elements of this course that entail additional costs beyond fees and living costs. However, as part of your course requirements, you may need to choose a dissertation, a project or a thesis topic. Please note that, depending on your choice of topic and the research required to complete it, you may incur additional expenses, such as travel expenses, research expenses, and field trips. You will need to meet these additional costs, although you may be able to apply for small grants from your department and/or college to help you cover some of these expenses.
In addition to your course fees, you will need to ensure that you have adequate funds to support your living costs for the duration of your course.
For the 2019-20 academic year, the range of likely living costs for full-time study is between c. £1,058 and £1,643 for each month spent in Oxford. Full information, including a breakdown of likely living costs in Oxford for items such as food, accommodation and study costs, is available on our living costs page. When planning your finances for any future years of study in Oxford beyond 2019-20, you should allow for an estimated increase in living expenses of 3% each year.
The following colleges accept students on the MSt in World Literatures in English:
Brasenose College
Campion Hall
Corpus Christi College
Harris Manchester College
Hertford College
Jesus College
Keble College
Kellogg College
Lady Margaret Hall
Linacre College
Lincoln College
Magdalen College
Mansfield College
Merton College
New College
Oriel College
Pembroke College
The Queen's College
Regent's Park College
St Anne's College
St Catherine's College
St Cross College
St Edmund Hall
St Hilda's College
St Hugh's College
St John's College
St Peter's College
Somerville College
Wadham College
Wolfson College
Worcester College
You are not expected to contact an academic member of staff before you apply.
The set of documents you should send with your application to this course comprises the following:
Official transcript(s)
Your transcripts should give detailed information of the individual grades received in your university-level qualifications to date. You should only upload official documents issued by your institution and any transcript not in English should be accompanied by a certified translation.
More information about the transcript requirement is available in the Application Guide.
CV/résumé
A CV/résumé is compulsory for all applications. Most applicants choose to submit a document of one to two pages highlighting their academic achievements and any relevant professional experience.
Statement of purpose/personal statement:
No more than one to two pages
Your statement should be written in English and explain your motivation for applying for the course at Oxford, your relevant experience and education, and the specific areas that interest you and/or you intend to specialise in.
Your statement will be assessed for evidence of motivation for and understanding of the proposed area of study and the nature of the course applied to; commitment to the subject; and evidence of a defined set of research interests.
Your statement should indicate your academic interests rather than personal interests, achievements and aspirations.
Written work:
Either one essay of up to 4,000 words or two essays of no more than 2,000 words each
Academic essays or other writing samples from your most recent qualification, written in English, are required. Extracts from longer pieces are welcome but should be prefaced by a note which puts them in context.
It is preferable for your work to be related to the subject area you intend to study. The word count does not need to include any bibliography or brief footnotes.
This will be assessed for:
analytical and critical acumen
ability to construct and defend an argument
powers of expression.
References/letters of recommendation:
Three overall, generally academic
Whilst you must register three referees, the department may start the assessment of your application if two of the three references are submitted by the course deadline and your application is otherwise complete. Please note that you may still be required to ensure your third referee supplies a reference for consideration.
The Faculty of English expects three academic references in all but exceptional cases, and never fewer than two academic references.
Your references will support intellectual ability, academic achievement and motivation.
Start or continue an application
Step 1: Carefully read the entry requirements on this course page to make sure you meet all the criteria.
Step 2: Check above what documents are required and prepare to apply by reading our Application Guide.
Step 3: Apply as soon as possible. Consult the Application Guide for more information about deadlines.
Application GuideApply
ADMISSION STATUS
Closed to applications for 2019-20 entry
The next admissions cycle, for entry to Oxford's graduate courses in 2020-21, will commence on 2 September 2019.
12 noon UK time (midday) on:
Friday 11 January 2019*
*Deadline for most Oxford scholarships and recommended if you need a student visa.
COURSE CODE: TS_VL1
MODE OF STUDY: FULL TIME
DEPARTMENT: ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE
Expected length of course
Residence requirements
Number of places available
c. 8 (2019-20)
Number of applicants
69 per year (three-year average, 2015-16 to 2017-18)
Higher level
Prospective graduates
Course webpage
Course-related enquiries
(INCLUDING ENTRY REQUIREMENTS)
graduate.studies@ell.ox.ac.uk
+44 (0) 1865 281140 / 271541
Application process enquiries
See the Application Guide
Postgraduate Applicant Privacy Policy


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Systems Technology
BINDERY matters
Printing Impressions' Bindery News for January 2009
Kevin Joyce—Eastman Kodak's managing director of the Graphic Communications Group (GCG) for the United States and Canada (US&C)—has been named a company vice president and chief marketing officer of the GCG. David Wigfield, who was the managing director of GCG's business in the United Kingdom, has been tapped to fill Joyce's former position. Elinor Midlik, president of Prime UV Systems, received the 2007 Harold W. Gegenheimer Award for industry service by an individual. Midlik was honored because of her active involvement on the association's Show Policy, Strategic Planning, and Programs and Meetings committees. The new vice president and general manager of xpedx Printing
Stackers/Palletizers — Safety Comes First
By Erik Cagle Senior Editor The recent, unfortunate death of a worker making repairs to a stacking machine brought to light the recurring theme of 'safety above all else.' We are fortunate to live in an age where automation has made life a lot easier in the printing plant. Much of the grunt work has been eradicated and, in some cases, the need for human intervention has been erased. Manufacturers have made great strides to enhance performance and ensure optimal operator safety. The pressroom is a much safer place than it was 20, 10, even five years ago. But safety doesn't end with the
Stackers and Palletizers — Making Perfect Piles
By Erik Cagle The workflow process of a commercial printer is a lot like a 4x400 relay team in track and field: all the components of the team must be equally strong in order to be successful, and the final step is as important, even more so, than any other. After all, you don't want the anchor leg dropping the baton. The world of stackers and palletizers is the equivalent of the anchor leg, as it prepares finished product for delivery. Thus while not as ballyhooed as the sexier prepress parts of printing operations, its customers demand the ultimate in reliability, durability and
"Webtoberfest" Has German Flair
By Mark Michelson SEWICKLEY, PA—The weather was warm and the leaves still green on trees blanketing the hills surrounding the headquarters of the Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (GATF), located just outside of Pittsburgh. But Christmas still came early with the official dedication of its recently donated four-color, 38˝ MAN Roland Rotoman heatset commercial web press equipped with auxiliaries gifted from several manufacturers. Held September 19th, the "Webtoberfest" celebration—complete with German fare, oompah music, and an assortment of German Octoberfest beers and wine—was attended by about 350 industry dignitaries, including GATF board members and staff, industry suppliers, association execs, as well as a special delegation from
Maynard Wins Slogan Contest ALEXANDRIA, VA—Michael Maynard, a head pressman for Glen Burnie, MD-based French Bray, was selected the winner of the Web Offset Association (WOA) Pride in Printing slogan contest, which was co-sponsored by Printing Impressions. His entry, "WOA: Making a Great Impression for 50 Years," was selected from more than 300 entries. He received, among other things, airfare and hotel accommodations for two people, as well as complimentary registration, at the WOA conference in Las Vegas from May 5-8. Lake Erie Acquires CTP System CLEVELAND—Lake Erie Graphics has installed an Agfa Galileo VS digital plate manufacturing system. The Galileo VS system, along with the addition
Williamson Institute Proves Its Value Once Again DALLAS—Williamson Printing hosted the third Williamson Institute in February. The educational seminar provided printing knowledge to college students to help enhance their education within the graphic communications industry. Fifty students representing Southern Methodist University, Texas Christian University, the University of North Texas and Baylor University attended the seminar. CALIFORNIA ANAHEIM—Pacific West Litho has installed a new six-color, 40˝ Komori Lithrone press equipped with a ColorCommand temperature control/cooling system from TriService. AZUSA—A Steinemann Topspot 102 blanket coater has replaced two silk screen UV coaters at Classic Coating & Laminating. COMMERCE—The transition to a computer-to-plate workflow is complete
PRINTER news
The Graphic Arts Technical Foundation's Society of Fellows has inducted Lisle T. Caldwell, Gerald A. Henseler, Lawrence M. Miller and Murray I. Suthons. The GATF society honors industry leaders who have made outstanding contributions to the progress of GATF, PIA and PGSF. Caldwell served as GATF pressroom manager during the foundation's move from Chicago to Pittsburgh in 1965. He also developed the GATF sheetfed operating workshop in 1969 and designed the first GATF test form. Henseler is presently executive vice president and CFO with Banta Corp. He has served as GATF secretary, treasurer, vice-chair and chairman. Miller is currently corporate vice president for sales

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Our normal approach to a leisurely trip around parts of France is to meander our way down south, stay as long as we can, then rush back north in as few days as possible. This time, hoping to see some early spring flowers in the Pyrenees, we reversed our approach and went south pretty quickly before taking a little longer to head back north. Our first week was good, weatherwise, then the jetstream seemed to get stuck over the English Channel and Europe's weather became at best unsettled. Back in northern France, like England, the weather was dreadful. Given the iffy spring, we seemed to be a little too early for Pyrenean flowers but Carol did add to her haul of wild flowers, including some particularly welcome orchids. We got a few touristy shots, too.
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Dr. Ray H. and Julie Cameron of Spread Eagle, Wis., are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Caroline K. Cameron, to Brendan J. Tuchowski. Brendan is the son of Mel and Michelle Tuchowski of Kingsford. Caroline is a 2008 graduate of Norway High School, a 2013 graduate of Central Michigan University and completed her education with a master of physician assistant degree from Central Michigan University in 2017. Caroline is currently employed by Dr. Michael Thakor's rheumatology practice. Brendan is a 2009 graduate of Kingsford High School, a 2014 graduate of Central Michigan University, and received his master's in prosthetics and orthotics from Baylor College of Medicine in December 2016. Brendan is currently employed at Quorum Prosthetics. The couple lives in Fort Collins, Colo. An Aug. 17, 2019, wedding is planned in Iron Mountain.


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> > > > So page tables are stored in memory and there are TLBs to manage those tables currently being used it seems.
> > > the Page Table Entry in memory (again not all architectures handle such in hardware).
> > > > Just to clarify, this explanation is only for the TLB for the main memory, right?
> > > I am not certain what you mean by "the TLB for the main memory". The TLB is a cache of the page table(s).
> > > reduces the cost of look-ups which would ordinarily occur for every memory access.
> > > > The L1DTLB or L3 TLB have no knowledge of whats going on in main memory, correct?
> > > that if a page table entry is changed by software (or by a memory management unit updating its "accessed"
> > > (This non-coherence is becoming more of a concern with the increasing commonness of multiprocessor systems.
> > > > Also, if the TLB is on-die; where is it? Is it integrated into the IMC or another location?
> > > the presenter does not confuse the reader with digressions and extraneous detail!).
> > taking one step forward and two steps back. There's just so much to learn. Thanks again.
> > So accessing, reading, and writing to the TLB is done by the table walker, correct?
> > context, meaning, the table of translations and permissions) itself, correct?
> > think that either L1 or L2 cache would be too small to make use of multiple page tables.
> > By the "The L1DTLB or L3 TLB have no knowledge of whats going on in main memory, correct?"
> > either of those two units themselves will access the main memory (RAM), correct?
> > close to the RAM as it has to be on-die; where is it located?
> > Thank you again for your informative answers!
> logically looked up in the page tables, and is then used to check the cache(s) and/or access memory as needed.
> The TLB is a cache of translations which speeds up the process of producing that translation.
> can be cached, but that's just an "L2 TLB" and is not in any way associated with (say) the L2 cache.
> two TLBs share access to a single L2-TLB. Or there could be two L2-TLBs.
> leads to the common restriction on L1 cache size being the associativity times the page size).
> invalidations and page sharing get more complicated), but doesn't really change the nature of the TLB.
> of virtual addresses, and the top of the memory hierarchy that each address generator accesses.
> there's often hidden structure underneath the architecturally visible stuff).
> sharing memory - doing that efficiently can get very complicated.
> Things like multiple levels of virtual memory (as introduced by virtualization), also complicate things.
> happen), vs. purging a bunch of individual entries.
- There is not multiple TLBs (like I thought) unless they are tertiary TLBs to the primary TLB, or a microTLB to help sort out the primary TLB.
- The TLB is just a cache of the last acceses to information; their translations and permissions.
- The TLB uses these page tables to track what is inside a cache/RAM and uses the table to translate virtual addresses to physical addresses.
Did I... Get it right? I really hope so, this is going in a completely different direction than I thought it would.
Nonetheless, thank you again for all your help guys!
Sebastian Soeiro (sebastian_2896.delete@this.hotmail.com) on July 31, 2013 2:15 pm wrote: > rwessel (robertwessel.delete@this.yahoo.com) on July 30, 2013 7:01 pm wrote: > > Sebastian Soeiro (sebastian_2896.delete@this.hotmail.com) on July 30, 2013 5:27 pm wrote: > > > Paul A. Clayton (paaronclayton.delete@this.gmail.com) on July 30, 2013 3:59 pm wrote: > > > > Sebastian Soeiro (sebastian_2896.delete@this.hotmail.com) on July 30, 2013 1:18 pm wrote: > > > > [snip] > > > > > So page tables are stored in memory and there are TLBs to manage those tables currently being used it seems. > > > > > > > > The term "Translation Lookaside Buffer" is used in a more technical sense as only referring to the > > > > cache of translation and permission information with the term "Memory Management Unit" including > > > > the TLB and (in some cases) hardware to load TLB entries from the in-memory page table (or a software > > > > TLB)--this is called a hardware page table walker--and to update "accessed" and "dirty" bits in > > > > the Page Table Entry in memory (again not all architectures handle such in hardware). > > > > > > > > In modern high performance processors, memory accesses by the hardware page table walker are cached, > > > > so such accesses do not necessarily have to read or write the actual main memory directly. This data > > > > may be cached in specialized structures (which Intel calls Paging-Structure Caches) and/or in the caches > > > > uses by processor memory accesses. (Avoiding the use of L1 caches by the hardware page table walker > > > > reduces contention with the processing core for its more timing critical L1 cache resources.) > > > > > > > > Software (the operating system or hypervisor) fills the page table with data. Typically > > > > software will also clear "accessed" bits occasionally to provide a measure of how recently > > > > (and frequently) a page of memory is used. (This information can be used to choose a good > > > > victim if a page needs to be swapped out.) Software may also clear "dirty" bits if > > > > > > > > > Just to clarify, this explanation is only for the TLB for the main memory, right? > > > > > > > > I am not certain what you mean by "the TLB for the main memory". The TLB is a cache of the page table(s). > > > > A page table provides translations (and permissions) for a virtual address space; caching this information > > > > reduces the cost of look-ups which would ordinarily occur for every memory access. > > > > > > > > > The L1DTLB or L3 TLB have no knowledge of whats going on in main memory, correct? > > > > > > > > TLBs are traditionally not coherent (or, more accurately, coherence is managed by software). This means > > > > that if a page table entry is changed by software (or by a memory management unit updating its "accessed" > > > > or "dirty" bit), the system's TLBs can contain stale data > > > > until the old entry is either invalidated by software > > > > or is naturally evicted from the TLB by other PTEs being > > > > loaded into the TLB. (In the case of "accessed" and > > > > "dirty" bit updating, this is not a major problem because > > > > the hardware only updates in one direction--so there > > > > is no way to inconsistently order the actions of different > > > > MMUs--and other than updating these bits the hardware > > > > does not act on this information--so at worst a few extraneous updates might occur.) > > > > > > > > (This non-coherence is becoming more of a concern with the increasing commonness of multiprocessor systems. > > > > Forcing every processor in the system to take an interrupt > > > > to run a software routine to invalidate a (possibly > > > > not present) TLB entry introduces more overhead as the number of processors increases.) > > > > > > > > > Also, if the TLB is on-die; where is it? Is it integrated into the IMC or another location? > > > > > > > > In a typical processor, a TLB access is needed for every memory access to provide translation and > > > > permission information (caches are typically tagged based on physical memory addresses rather than > > > > virtual addresses, so translation information would be needed before a cache hit or miss could be > > > > determined). This means that the L1 TLB tends to be tightly coupled to the L1 caches. (In some cases, > > > > a very small TLB--usually called a microTLB--for instruction pages is provided with a single L1 TLB > > > > for both instruction and data accesses. Instruction accesses have very high locality of reference, > > > > so even a two-entry microTLB can greatly reduce access contention for a shared L1 TLB.) > > > > > > > > L2 TLBs are often less tightly connected to the processing core (Itanium implementations being something of > > > > an exception; these access the L2 TLBs for every store and > > > > for all floating-point memory operations.). A more > > > > typical L2 TLB is only accessed on a miss in the L1 TLB, > > > > so its connection to the core is more indirect. (Note > > > > that an processor could be designed to use L2 TLBs to provide translations for prefetch engines.) > > > > > > > > There are many variations on how (primarily non-L1) TLB resources can be shared. Some implementations > > > > provide separate instruction and data L2 TLBs while others use a unified L2 TLB. TLB sharing across > > > > multiple cores have been proposed. (This is very similar to the sharing considerations for ordinary > > > > caches. Sharing reduces the commonness of underutilized resources but increases contention for those > > > > resources and reduces optimization opportunities from tighter binding or specialized use.) > > > > > > > > (Unlike ordinary caches, TLBs also have issues of different page sizes. This introduces another > > > > area where separate vs. shared trade-offs must be considered. For multi-level page tables > > > > and linear page tables, the caching of page table node entries is another concern that ordinary > > > > caches do not need to consider with respect to sharing vs. specializing.) > > > > > > > > This subject can get very complex, but the basic principles are fairly accessible (if > > > > the presenter does not confuse the reader with digressions and extraneous detail!). > > > > > > Thanks again for your answer! I find it funny how this is basic to you; definitely impressive > > > as I'm trying very hard to wrap my head around it, and the more I uncover, it seems like I'm > > > taking one step forward and two steps back. There's just so much to learn. Thanks again. > > > > > > So accessing, reading, and writing to the TLB is done by the table walker, correct? > > > The store/load units of the core itself do not interact directly with the TLB (in this > > > context, meaning, the table of translations and permissions) itself, correct? > > > > > > By "TLB for the main memory", I am referring to the TLB for the RAM. I refer to RAM by the > > > common term "memory" and to the caches as "caches." Sorry for the confusion. Though what I > > > meant by the question was; do multiple page tables on apply to the main memory (RAM) due to > > > the sheer size of it; or do all caches (L1,L2,L3,etc.) have multiple page tables? I would > > > think that either L1 or L2 cache would be too small to make use of multiple page tables. > > > > > > By the "The L1DTLB or L3 TLB have no knowledge of whats going on in main memory, correct?" > > > question, I meant; the L1DTLB or L1DTLB page walker will never have a situation where > > > either of those two units themselves will access the main memory (RAM), correct? > > > > > > I dont believe I understood the answer to my last question. By "location", I meant > > > that if the L1DTLB is geographically close to the L1 Dcache, and the L2 TLB is geographically > > > close to the L2 cache, and since the TLB for the main memory (RAM) CANNOT be geographically > > > close to the RAM as it has to be on-die; where is it located? > > > > > > Thank you again for your informative answers! > > > > > > You're making this too complicated. In the generic form, > > there's a single TLB for a CPU, and it's logically > > located on the path between the load/store units and the *entire* memory subsystem (caches, and RAM). The > > CPU, in the process of executing instructions, generates an address for accessing memory. That address is > > logically looked up in the page tables, and is then used > > to check the cache(s) and/or access memory as needed. > > The TLB is a cache of translations which speeds up the process of producing that translation. > > > > The most common design has only a single TLB for the core, and it's very tightly integrated to the > > load/store units. Some systems have a second level of TLB, to increase the amount of TLB data that > > can be cached, but that's just an "L2 TLB" and is not in any way associated with (say) the L2 cache. > > Some processors have multiple TLBs, because of different access paths for memory items (for example, > > you might have one for instruction fetches, one for integer memory accesses, and one for FP memory > > accesses if those nominally go to a different cache level). Those can be combined in various ways > > too - for example a core might have a TLB on the L1I, and a TLB on the L1D, and then have those > > two TLBs share access to a single L2-TLB. Or there could be two L2-TLBs. > > > > Performance considerations often dictate that the TLB is accessed in parallel with the L1 cache (which > > leads to the common restriction on L1 cache size being the associativity times the page size). > > > > Other designs actually use virtual addresses in some levels of the cache hierarchy, which allows some cache > > lookups to proceed without needing to generate a translation. > > That complicates things a bit (namely page table > > invalidations and page sharing get more complicated), but doesn't really change the nature of the TLB. > > > > But you don't generally need TLBs past the innermost cache levels, because the further out caches tend > > to use physical addresses (as does RAM), and once you've done the translation (which you'd normally have > > to do before you can finish the L1 cache lookup), you've got, by definition, the physical address, so you > > just keep using that. So there's no TLB associated with the L3 cache or with main memory, rather the TLBs > > are associated with the address generation process, and have to exist in the path between the generation > > of virtual addresses, and the top of the memory hierarchy that each address generator accesses. > > > > How TLBs are managed, and seen by the OS, varies widely. > > In some systems, there's a defined format of the page > > tables, and when the required translation is not in the TLB, the hardware walks the page tables looking for > > the correct entry (which is then placed in the TLB). Other > > systems delegate much of the translation process > > to software, and the hardware provides some mechanism to allow the software to place a translation into the > > TLB. Various combinations and modification of those schemes > > exist. Exactly how visible the actual implementation > > of the TLB is, also varies widely. On some systems (x86, > > for example), the visible model of the TLB is fairly > > simple, and the OS can mostly* ignore the internal details > > (IOW, the OS doesn't really care if there are multiple > > TLBs or multiple levels of TLBs). On x86, an OS that correctly > > managed the TLB on a 386 has an excellent chance > > of working on the latest core from Intel or AMD. On other > > systems (IPF, in some modes, for example), the OS > > may need to know about each separate TLB, and details about each TLB (number of entries, etc.), and changes > > in those structures may require modifications to the OS's > > TLB handling. And even if there are multiple TLBs, > > there's often hidden structure underneath the architecturally visible stuff). > > > > In a sense, you can think about the TLBs imposing two requirements > > on the rest of the system. First, entries > > need to get put into the TLB in order to allow memory accesses > > to happen (note that many systems that support > > address translation allow address translation to be turned off, which usually eliminates the need for the > > TLBs to be doing anything - but we're ignoring that mode here). As mentioned above, how entries get put > > in varies quite a bit, from the hardware automatically walking > > the page tables, to the OS handling an exception > > for a missing translation and modifying a TLB entry itself. > > Second, and in many ways much more interesting, > > is the utterly critical process of getting stale entries *out* of the TLB, especially across multiple cores > > sharing memory - doing that efficiently can get very complicated. > > > > Many schemes have been proposed, and implemented, to get all of that done > > > > Things like multiple levels of virtual memory (as introduced by virtualization), also complicate things. > > > > Wait, did I say *you* were making things to complicated? ;-) > > > > > > > > *There may well be performance implications for ignoring the internals. For example, some systems have > > different capacities (or even different TLBs) for normal sized pages and large pages. On a system who's > > TLBs can only cache a small number of large page entries, over-aggressively using large pages can result > > in a substantial performance hit as the large page TLB thrashes. Similarly, understanding the TLB purge > > process may allow an OS to do substantially less work than required by the generic architecture, or to > > optimize the process considerably. For example, there is > > often an instruction to purge TLB entries associated > > with a particular address (in addition to an instruction to purge the entire TLB), although those often > > (may) purge more entries than are strictly required. Depending on how big the TLB is, and how the specific > > TLB-entry purge instruction works (performance, actual specificity), there's some crossover point where > > it's faster to just purge the entire TLB (which is usually pretty quick, but you pay when all the reloads > > happen), vs. purging a bunch of individual entries. > > > > Wow thanks! That is definitely a lot of information, I wonder if I can wrap my head around that... > > So if I got this correctly... > > - The TLB lies in the store components of a core. (I know you said one TLB per CPU... but then > you said that the TLB lies in the store components, so you must've meant core, correct?) > > - There is not multiple TLBs (like I thought) unless they are tertiary TLBs > to the primary TLB, or a microTLB to help sort out the primary TLB. > > - The TLB is just a cache of the last acceses to information; their translations and permissions. > > - NO caches have a TLB solely for them; though all caches have a page table or multiple in them > > - The TLB uses these page tables to track what is inside a cache/RAM and > uses the table to translate virtual addresses to physical addresses. > > Did I... Get it right? I really hope so, this is going in > a completely different direction than I thought it would. > > Nonetheless, thank you again for all your help guys!


AFTER the longest possible interval since last Pesach, it is now upon us — starting tomorrow evening (Friday). For the next two weeks, we take a break in the normal weekly cycle of sedras as Pesach begins on Shabbat and ends next Shabbat (except, of course, in Israel where Pesach ends on Friday).
In fact, this constitutes the longest possible gap without reading a sedra!
On each day of Pesach — including Chol Hamoed — a second sefer is taken and the maftir is read. This is from the sedra Pinchas and discusses the sacrifices offered on Pesach. Unlike Succot, an identical sacrifice is offered every day.
On Shabbat, we read from sedra Bo. This tells of the tenth and final plague — the smiting of the first-born — which took place at midnight on the 15th of Nissan.
Pharaoh finally allows the Children of Israel to leave — albeit subject to Terms and Conditions! We are told about the ritual of the Paschal lamb.
On the second day (Sunday), the reading from the first sefer is taken from the sedra Emor and discusses the festival cycle. The Chol Hamoed readings all concern Pesach in some way. On the fourth day, we read from Beha'alotcha and discuss "Pesach Sheni" — the second Passover held in Iyar for those who were unable to celebrate Pesach in the Temple.
This was not an option merely because the second date was more convenient, rather it was only offered to someone who was ritually "tamei" — impure — or who was too far away to reach Jerusalem in time for Pesach.
Whole Hallel is recited on the first two days, but only half-Hallel on Chol Hamoed and the last days' yomtov.
We recite Tefillat Tal on the first day and from then on we no longer recite "Mashiv Haruach" till Shemini Atzeret and we no longer insert "Tal Umotor" in the weekday Amida.
The Counting of the Omer commences on Saturday evening — the second seder night.


Discover the Mazarin wine produced by Clos Guérin.
Discover the world of Pineaus with Pineau François 1ER!
A Bordeaux winery, Châteaux des Mille Anges, was originally a convent that grew grapes for Mass while also protecting and educating children.
Mas des Combes is located in Appellation Gaillac Contrôlee.
Domaine Collet at the APVSA wine tasting in Washington DC, January 2019.
Enjoy an elegant evening in January by attending the Maryland Winter Wine event.


The administrator of this internet presentation (www.grau-stanzwerk.de etc.), Erich Grau GmbH, makes no guarantee that the information provided on this website is complete, correct and always up to date. This also applies for all links to which this website references directly or indirectly. Erich Grau GmbH is not responsible for the content of pages which are reached via such links. Erich Grau GmbH retains the right to make changes or additions to the information provided without prior notification.


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Review, part 2: The Civil Wars and civil unrest
In which I say authentic too many times
Last week, I began my review of the Civil War's new album, The Civil Wars, by giving a brief history of country music, with a lens on what makes music authentic. I need to make one clarification: I didn't want to insinuate that the Civil Wars are "authentic"; only that by making their inauthentic image more transparent (as a Southern gentleman and lady from the 19th century), they set themselves apart from other country music acts, and in comparison seem more honest. We saw this inauthentic transparency in their version of "I Want You Back," in which they take a known music item and reflect it through their own lens. It's a bit like cosplay (perhaps steampunk style) at a comic-con—inauthentically cool. And in all honesty, their distance from working class voices appeals to me, as I'm a college-educated middle-class white guy.
In another move of authenticity (or perhaps more correctly self-fulfilling prophesy), the duo seems to be having a fight. In November 2012, Joy and John Paul cancelled the rest of their tour dates in the middle of their tour, citing "internal discord and irreconcilable differences of ambition." Sounds kind of like a divorce, doesn't it? Despite the success of their new album, they still haven't appeared together. You can read more about it here.
I don't think that their musical break-up was a publicity stunt, but perhaps the story did give the album sales a boost. Their tension may have contributed another way to the album, in the music and its performance. Says Joy: "The Civil Wars feels to me more emotional and more raw and more honest then even anything we did on Barton Hollow [their previous album]." This statement sounds like a self-plug for authenticity, but I also agree with her characterization of the album.
Smoke on the water...and everywhere else, too
The album art is a good window into the album's character—it's smoke, smoke, and more smoke. Smoke is usually a signal of something being damaged, but it also hides things. I think in the case of these songs, not only are emotions being damaged, but the voices of those damaged people are trying to disguise these feelings from each other. This is true in most of the tracks: "Same Old Same Old," "Eavesdrop," "Devil's Backbone," "Tell Mama," "Oh Henry," and "Disarm."
Image can only take a group so far without good music, though. Musically, The Civil Wars is for the most part less acoustic than Barton Hollow, more about using an ensemble to tell a story instead of a small, intimate performance. I think the production is great; instruments are used with surgical precision, only when they are needed. For example, while "The One that Got Away" is bombastic, they know how to bring the volume down, and also when to mix the dobro more prominently. Also speaking of surgical precision, the addition of dulcimer in "Eavesdrop" is genius, especially in this final chorus; the song gives the appearance of a normal electric-guitar-to-the-end until that dulcimer appears on top of the texture.
While the ensemble approach is a big change, another important change from the previous album is in the vocals—instead of an even division, this album is more about Joy's voice than Jean Paul's. And Joy's voice is great; even the a little-too-stereotypical-country "From this Valley," with its predictable backbeat and chorus, is made palatable by Joy's vibrant, emotional voice. The Civil Wars is by no means Joy's show, however; Jean Paul still makes his mark with his versatile guitar playing and warm back-up vocals. And, as the previous album, they are both given songwriting credit for all but two tracks on the album.
The final track, "D'Arline" was recorded on Joy's iPhone 4S, with crows (which they named Edgar, Allen, and Poe) cawing in the background. Maybe this is another call to authenticity—if we can make music with only an iPhone, with everything stripped away, then we must be authentic. And finally, how can the song in French ("Sacred Heart") not be inauthentic in a honest sort of way?
I had one complaint: "I Had Me a Girl" sounds a bit too much like the Beatles' "Norwegian Wood," as you might be able to tell from just the song title. With their eclectic palate, maybe the song was meant as a tribute, but I'm not so sure.
What did you think of the album?
Vocab: dobro, dulcimer
Posted by Peter Shirts at 10:53 AM
Sting, The Last Ship: an album, or a musical?
"The Fox" and "Gangnam Style"
What makes "The Fox" work?
Review, part 1: A short history of country music


Though others have tried, and continue to try, the direct to consumer approach when it comes to golf balls, no-one has done it with the vim and vigor of Snell Golf. Not only have they established a foothold as possibly the best value in golf balls, they haven't stopped in their quest to continue growing on their terms. Unlike so many companies out there, when consumers speak, Snell listens, and for 2018 Dean Snell and company are evolving their tour caliber golf balls by taking the MTB (My Tour Ball) and splitting it into the new MTB-Black and MTB-Red.
Though the Black is very much akin to the original MTB, the new Red is something else altogether and THP was able to get them in hand, and on the course.
Our Dual-Feel Technology, providing a bit firmer feel on longer shots while continuing MTB's soft feel on short shots.
Basically, the Red is everything that the golfers out there, like this reviewer, who prefer golf balls like the B330-S/Tour B-XS or ProV1x have asked for. While it isn't going to be a golf ball that fits everyone, neither was the MTB so now Snell has hedged their bets by giving golfers options to find what does work for them under the ingenious and affordable D2C umbrella that has cemented the company on the map.
Getting the new MTB-Red in for review was exciting because as someone who has played the MTB, this new ball on paper addresses all of the things he hoped it would. To see what translated from paper to performance testing was done in practice and on course with the Foresight GC2 launch monitor in use throughout the review process.
Before getting into the data, first it's important to touch on the self-perceptible aspect of the MTB-Red: Feel. Snell discusses the Red being a bit firmer in feel with the driver and long irons, and when hit next to the original MTB this was accurate. It isn't anything harsh, but just that sensation of a little more resistance to compress. Where the shorter part of the bag goes, the firmness wasn't as perceptible which when one thinks about it is a bit confusing. But, really getting down and into a full wedge or even playing a delicate little chip there was nothing in the feel of the Red that would cause any concern or hesitation.
The ball-flight seen in testing was a touch higher in all areas, not just the scoring and short irons. How much higher? Compared to the OG MTB off the tee there was on average of 0.8° launch and 215 RPM increase for this reviewer. Additionally, the approach game saw a 0.4° and 200 RPM increase. Some will inevitably look at the 200+ RPM's and think that it is far too high spin, in reality it won't have as much of an effect as most will believe and was less than anticipated entering the review. The more telling, and potentially exciting data recorded was the average increase in spin within short game shots of 380 RPM over the MTB, putting it right in the wheelhouse of what Snell claimed it to be. Keep in mind, swings matter, and these are simply the baseline performance traits seen in this review, your mileage, and needs, may vary.
For distance, it is important to remember that it will be a byproduct of fit and needs, for this reviewer the MTB-Red were on par with other golf balls of this spin/launch class. What this meant was very good distance for this lower launch and spin player, but those on that opposite end might look more towards the MTB-Black. Durability during the review period was also solid, the same ball was put through two complete rounds and looked no worse for wear. Two things to note about the cover though, it is a bit different in sheen than the original MTB and the MTB-Black, and perhaps most importantly for many who asked, it is available in yellow as well.
Options are always good, but for a company like Snell the key was always to introduce and maintain momentum with intent on increasing it. By providing two different tour level choices, Snell has done just that. More than having options though, where Snell has excelled is in explaining the differences to their customers. Just as their direct to consumer sales model cuts out the fat, their dedication to making sure the consumer is picking the best ball for their game through their website, as well as the golf media circles, has been impeccable. Add in the $31.99 price point (or $163.99 for six dozen) and you have a golf ball that will compete with anything out there, in wallet and on the course.
More information on the MTB Red, Black, and all of Snell's other options can be found at www.SnellGolf.com.
Looking forward to putting this through it's oaces myself.
Excellent write up, and it looks like you got yourself another excellent ball for your game! I love what Snell is doing and the direction the fompany continues on.
I'm gonna have to try the Red as well. I loved the original MTB black & already have the new black's in hand. Gotta see a difference maybe in the short game area.
Outstanding review James. Been waiting for detailed reviews on the new Snell MTBs. Sounds like this ball could address some of my needs and help my game.
Nicely done James! I need to try one of these, thanks for the information!!
that's a really impressive increase around the greens. mtb has been my ball for awhile, but i'm very intrigued by more spin around the greens which is the only area of performance in the og mtb that for me needed an improvement. great writeup james!
Nice work James. It looks like they have added another winner to their lineup.
Absolutely a stand up review James. The value of the Snell MTB cannot be ignored and has proved the DtC model works! I like that they listened to people and split into Red and Black and we were provided with great statistical data as evidence that it actually does what it says!
Nice review. I have the combo pack and will be trying both balls this weekend. I am a big fan of the original MTB and still have 4 dozen. I am looking forward to testing these and determining which new MTB will be my new go to ball.
This has me even more curious about MTB Black versus MTB Red. I might have to remedy that by trying both.
Great info in this review, James! I'm taking the MTB Red out for another spin my next round for sure.
Fantastic review James! 380 spin increase in wedges. And .4 launch increase is solid.
Good to hear about the durability, looking forward to getting these on the course.
Both the new Snell balls are great. I have been testing them for 2 months now and I want to play both. on courses that are firm and fast the Red was the way to go for me. If you haven't tried these yet you should get the trial pack and test them for yourself.


We all hear about the benefits of physical activity beyond weight management. According to the Centers for Disease Control, exercise helps to improve your ability to do daily activities, mental health and mood. This is especially important later in life to improve cognitive function protecting against the onset of dementia. However, as the CDC estimates, only 14 percent of adults aged 65 to 74 years and 7 percent of those over 75 years exercise regularly.
Health Games Research grantee Dr. Cay Anderson-Hanley and her fellow researchers from the Healthy Aging and Neuropsychology Lab at Union College, New York set, out to find new interventions motivating older adults to exercise and promote good brain health. They tested the impact of virtual reality-enhanced exercise, or exergames, that combine pedaling a stationary bike with an interactive video game compared to traditional exercise. Researchers evaluated participants' executive cognitive function such as their ability to multi-task, problem-solve, and working memory and attention.
What they found was that adults ages 58 to 99 who participated in 'cybercycling' two to three times a week for three months had significantly better executive functioning than those using a traditional stationary bike. This is the first study to quantitatively evaluate the benefits of exergames.
You can also check more about the research featured in The Atlantic's "Study of the Day," CNN's The Chart Blog, MedpageToday.com and The Los Angeles Times Booster Shot Blog.
To learn more, see the article in the February issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, or check out Pioneer's national program Health Games Research to see what they are doing to explore ways to advance the research, design, and effectiveness of digital games and game technologies that promote health.


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Real Hedoines | Interviews With Hedoines | Julia Brouwers
"I Went To Stand Up & I Couldn't" Julia Brouwers on Redefining Her Future And Creating Inclusive Workplaces
Julia was headed toward a career in swimming until she suddenly couldn't walk. An interview of courage found through chaos, packed with positive energy and important insight into inclusivity.
Julia Brouwers is based in Amsterdam where she is a key part of the diversion & inclusivity team for Home & Body brand Rituals - and on a mission to create more inclusion and honesty in the business world. As a teenager she describes feeling stuck when deciding what direction to take, she was already in the top tier of candidates for the Dutch Olympic Swimming Team and lived each day boldly for her sport.
One day at school, however, her life changed significantly, throwing a cloud over her swimming career and putting just about everything else on hold too. She went to stand up during class and she couldn't. Put simply, her legs just would not move.
Seven years of pain, struggle and uncertainty followed, with not a single doctor able to figure out what was causing this sudden paralysis. That was until her father discovered an article that detailed similar symptoms; soon after specialists confirmed that it was a connective tissue disorder called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, and Julia began to push forward.
For Julia her condition means that some days the feeling in her legs returns, others she can only move with the aid of her wheelchair. Julia has courageously learned to find strength in both the ups and the downs that come from living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, and most importantly how to continue enjoying the things that make her happy.
Julia and Alexandra were connected through Hedoine's Board Advisor Tom Meggle. When Julia shared her story, her positive energy was thrilling. She is an absolute powerhouse, an inspiration and a Real Hedoine.
Losing the feeling in both your legs so suddenly completely changed your life. How did you feel in the beginning vs when you later learned to accept, and even embrace it?
When you are an athlete, you live for your sport. All you think about is how to get better and achieve your goals. You need a certain mindset and focus to succeed. Swimming was something I lived for. When I lost feeling in both of my legs, I learned the hard way never to take your health for granted. A long path of finding out what was happening with my body followed. It made me insecure and angry. I lost the capacity to do what I loved doing the most. I remember having so much energy left in the night, because I couldn't work out anymore, I would spend hours and hours watching TV - sometimes until 4am - just to fall asleep. My body wasn't used to not exercising. So, to be honest, in the beginning I didn't know how to handle it, I couldn't handle it.
Because I didn't know what was going on, there was no view of how the future would look for me. The ironic thing though is nobody knows what the future holds, do they? Somehow, I never fully understood that before my body fell apart. Of course, as a kid you never really think of how blessed you are with good health. Until there is a reason that makes you realise, it doesn't come into focus. I came to realise all of this very early in my life. And not much later, I realised that this was a huge life lesson and in a way a blessing. Being aware of not taking every day and everything for granted has been a huge advantage in my life now. I still cannot embrace every part of the disease that I have. But I do embrace the lessons it teaches me.
What was the most difficult challenge during that time and what helped you cope with it?
The biggest challenge was finding out what exactly was going on in my body. It took me 7 years to find out. And in these 7 years a whole lot of doctors and psychologists told me that I was healthy and that nothing was going on. They doubted me. And that made me, sadly enough, doubt myself. This is what I found the hardest part of it all. My family and friends, who helped me through it, helped me to cope. But also, the strength that I had to keep fighting for the truth. To keep fighting for my future. To never give up and stay close to myself, even when it was so easy to lose myself in it.
Some days you can feel your legs and others you can't, something you only find out in the morning when you wake up. How do you deal with this each day?
Planning indeed becomes a lot harder and I quickly came to realise that it is especially hard in the current climate - where timing and planning is everything. I have found that the key to dealing with not knowing each day's fate is surrounding yourself with understanding and compassionate people. It gives me so much less stress to be surrounded by friends and family that may not understand me or my body fully, but still try to. I believe it all lies in understanding anyway. In every situation and relationship. A little bit of understanding can make life so much easier and more beautiful, in every way.
What helps me get through everyday life is reading other's inspirational stories - those that have been through difficulties in their lives as well. This inspiration comes in all sorts of ways: through reading books, listening to podcasts, watching TedTalks or listening to music.
The most important lesson I have learnt from being uncomfortable in my own body, is being real with others and yourself.
But mostly from the people that I have randomly met in my life along the way. Other patients in the hospitals and rehabilitation centres. The people I met during our Flowers For project Bloemen Voor, a project where we give away flowers to strangers, just as a random act of kindness. Most of the times the most amazing conversations followed. Also, dinners and hour-long phone calls with my friends helped me gain a lot of insight about not only them and the way they think, but also in the way that I think and how and why I am the person that I am today.
I think the most important lesson I have learnt from being uncomfortable in my own body, is that being real with others and yourself is something that has become so important to me. To spend your valuable time doing things that make you happy and I just love to get new insights every day. I try to take things one day at a time and that helps me to cope with anything that goes on at that moment - whether I am in pain that day or not.
What is your advice to those in a similar situation?
Never give up on yourself. Try to find things in every day life that make you happy and look forward to them. Try to understand yourself and the way your body and your mind work. Being happy and thankful inside your head can help so much on the harder days. And being happy is a choice, I learned. So, try to wake up every day being happy for the little things in life. Don't rely on others to make you happy but make yourself happy!
You flew to Ghana by yourself at the age of 22 to volunteer in a shelter with orphans, teaching them English and setting up better learning environments for them. What was your biggest takeaway from that experience?
I stayed there for 4.5 months. The greatest lesson I learned from living there is perspective. Even when you believe or think that you are having the hardest time, knowing that you are still privileged in so many ways is very important. I know that nowadays it's easy to think that you are behind or not where you should be because of social media, comparing yourself to people you follow, whom you consider idols, could make you feel like your life is less special or outstanding. The opposite is true. In this world there are so many people that are in much worse situations than you. And realizing that and feeling grateful for what you do have is, I believe, very important. To gain perspective. Being in Ghana, working with kids that have way less than myself, but still were smiling every day and thankful made me realize how lucky I am.
Even though my situation isn't the easiest, it's most definitely also not the hardest. And the one thing that makes everyone happy is, coming back to my favourite quote, helping someone else. When you put a smile on someone else's face, it instantly puts a smile on your own. And the best part: it's free and so easy.
You are a bundle of joy and positivity, but you mentioned that you face a lot of dark days as well. What gives you the energy to overcome the mentally challenging times?
Haha, well… maybe when you talk to my partner or family, they would tell you differently (winks). I am certainly not always a bundle of joy and positivity. However, I certainly do try my best to be most of the time. I try to always keep that perspective. Indeed, there has been a very dark time where I lost it, when the pain became unbearable. Not only physically, but mostly mentally. I felt alone and did not see the perspective of my situation. I think it mostly came from situations where I'd compare my own life with others – 'why can't I still do everything I want?'
When I stop the comparing and replace it with being grateful, looking at everything that I still have and can do, it makes it so much easier to overcome these darker moments.
What's your favourite indulgence?
Food. Without a doubt: Food. Haha! I always eat sushi when I'm feeling down, that's my go-to. But basically, I just love eating, dining, cooking, baking, going to restaurants, trying new recipes, a cheeky take away, watching cooking programs; simply all of it! And always in the company of my loved ones.
When you returned to Europe, you studied and started a career in HR to bring more inclusion, diversity, and honesty into the business world. What inspired you and what do you mean by 'honesty in the business world'?
My own experience with job interviews inspired me, especially knowing that for me it was even relatively easy to find a job. It made me realize that despite that I don't feel much different walking behind a walker, other people see me differently.
We are all just humans with our own quirky habits. In the business world it sometimes feels like you must be a certain way, which, in some situations, is good. But it can become a little much after a while. I mean, people already apply for a job and sometimes they must lie about their studies or experiences, because it makes it all look 'better'. We often pretend like everything is always fine when we are at the office, yet the number of burnouts is increasing every day. I believe that being a little more honest in the business world could make a huge difference for a lot of people that struggle with their feelings, emotions, or acceptance when it comes to work.
How do you tackle the challenge of bringing more inclusion, diversity, and honesty in the business world?
I believe it's a whole process. And it has so many factors. When I started this project, I thought it was something that I was 'just going to do and change'. But it is more than that! It is a constant process of learning, teaching yourself and unlearning habits and thinking patterns. You must be open and willing to change the way you think about something, and for most people, that is the hardest thing there is. The key is to have a very diverse team, so that every aspect is tackled. For me, for example, it is very logical to think of an elevator when you would open a shop. For a person without a disability, it might be the last think they would think about. Another example is a prayer room, for me that wouldn't necessarily come to mind straight away, however, a person with a Muslim background might be more likely to consider this. How much easier it gets when everyone is considered!
What are the top 3 things that we can all do or change for better equality in the business world or other workplaces?
1. Unlearning unconscious bias is a very important one, more conversations.
2. Surround yourself personally and professionally with people that don't look like you, in all possible ways.
3. Create a welcoming environment for everyone within the company.
What does authenticity / being authentic mean to you?
Daring to be yourself.
What has been the biggest lesson you've learned professionally?
That everyone is human. When I first started working, I really looked up to people higher in the company. It made me insecure about myself and I doubted whether I was good enough. But quickly, I came to realise that it is not the position you have that makes you a good person. It's your willingness to see everyone around you as your equal - despite the background, education, religion, ambition, level, or age. We are all just trying to deliver work the best we can, why not make it easier by being kind to the people around you.
Nobody knows what the future holds, do they? Somehow, I never fully understood that before my body fell apart
You say your biggest motivation is to inspire others by sharing your story. You've even started your own blog What are your future plans for it?
I want to reach out to as many people as I can, especially those facing hardship both mentally and physically. With the situation around Covid-19 that we're all in now, I think that's more important than ever. I'm hoping to spread kindness by sharing my story and experiences in a transparent and relatable way. I hope to encourage people, and to help them through difficult times.
What is the boldest decision you've ever made?
I think going to Ghana for 4.5 months by myself (against my doctors' advice) was one of the boldest decisions I've made to date.
What's good advice, that sounds like bad advice?
Always keep smiling. My dad used to always say this to me and it's something I started to live by, which is great. But also, quite hard if you feel like you are wearing a mask to cover up the pain you are in or whenever you feel just a little sad. So I guess, I would change it to: "Smile as often as you can, and if you can't that's ok, just be honest with how you are feeling"
Could you share a favourite quote or saying that you relate most to as well as what it means to you?
This is a hard question for me - only because it's difficult to choose just one! I love quotes a lot, they always give me a lot of inspiration and beautiful insight. If I have to pick, I will go for: "When 'I' is replaced by 'we' even illness becomes wellness'', by Malcolm X
I truly love this quote because it is something that I experience every day through being loved by my family and friends. I try to live by this. I am always willing to help others because I understand how lonely it can feel when you're going through tough times by yourself. If everyone would live by this quote, even people in the worst situations wouldn't be alone. How lovely would that be?
What makes you a Hedoine?
I think your description says it alll: Bold. Passionate. Inappropriate. I think I don't (and no one really does) fit into any particular box. And I just love that - and the fact that this is what you stand for as a brand supporting women.
You can support Julia Brouwers and her mission to voice inclusivity via her her blog or over on her instagram. While you're here, share this article with someone who inspires you and sign up to our newsletter below to have the latest Real Hedoines in your inbox.
Picture courtesy: Kalen Hayman and Désirée Hofland.


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Quiver of the Pure Heart
by Burnita BluittBurnita Bluitt
$10.95 View All Available Formats & Editions
Quiver of the Pure Heart: Love, Corruption & Gentrification Collide; as New Novel Uncovers Family 'Secrets' During Heroine's San Francisco Displacement.
Burnita Bluitt's 'Quiver of the Pure Heart' is one of the few novels on the market to shine a very urgent real-world spotlight on the topic of gentrification and urban displacement. However, heroine Blis Dumas quickly learns that she faces things that are far more complicated than just relocation. The discovery of family secrets reveals that the problems being created by the San Francisco Redevelopment Agency are chillingly personal, with forgiveness and compassion about to become her weapons of choice.
In 1948, San Francisco's Fillmore District was designated a redevelopment area, sparking tumultuous decades in which, according to city officials, 883 businesses were shuttered, 4,729 households were forced out, and roughly 2,500 Victorian homes were demolished. While this unfortunate gentrification may sound like a historical mistake, metro cities across the nation are currently facing similar fates. It's a subject that rarely makes it into fiction, but one Burnita Bluitt tackles with gusto in her latest novel.
'Quiver of the Pure Heart' is intimately told through the eyes of Blis Dumas, a young San Francisco woman who discovers she is forced to sell her home to the San Francisco Redevelopment Agency. But all isn't as it seems; and emotions are about to run higher than she could ever have expected as her family's past comes back to haunt her.
Twenty-eight year old Blis Dumas' peaceful life and sense of security becomes the target of a well-crafted scheme. The setting is 1989 San Francisco, and Blis fears a repeat of the 1950-60s, redevelopment that took place displacing primarily African-American residents from the Western Addition's Fillmore District, their "Harlem of the West." Her world crumbles as she is notified that her own Victorian home, inherited from her grandfather, is in jeopardy of demolition by the San Francisco Redevelopment Agency and she must sell to them...or so she thinks. She uncovers family secrets that reveal her problem is much closer to home.
Blis fights to save the home she adores; fights the temptation of an incorrigible former lover; and fights the threat to a tender, new, budding romance. Blis loves San Francisco, but like any love relationship, it is where her emotions will be tested, where passions will live and die, and where people are not always as they seem. QUIVER OF THE PURE HEART will appeal to readers that appreciate domestic settings to illuminate the universal themes of forgiveness, compassion, and letting go.
"Blis is a microcosm of the fear, pain and love that exists in everyone, along with their innate ability to overcome it," explains Bluitt. "These emotions and coping strategies are called on by everyone falling victim to gentrification, and I believe my novel is the first to depict love and loss from this unique perspective."
Continuing, "It's a historical and present epidemic in many areas and presents a huge test to each individuals' tenacity and strength. Those who thought they had neither often discover that they are incredibly strong and resilient. But I'm not saying it's easy; far from it. I hope my work raises awareness of the grassroots struggles faced by those being displaced. It's a toxic issue rarely addressed."
Burnita Bluitt writes and resides in the San Francisco Bay Area. Now retired from working in the administration of Silicon Valley companies such as McKinsey & Co., Merrill Lynch, and Google, she indulges her love for, and curiosity about, San Francisco's rich history and architecture. Her debut novel, Quiver of the Pure Heart, began as a love-letter to San Francisco's painted ladies. However, after uncovering the Western Addition Victorian's dark history, she felt compelled to shine a light on their tragic past. Her book's story is fiction, but the history is not. Corrupt officials left an indelible impact on the Fillmore community, which is still felt today.
Bluitt spins a tale of intrigue set in San Francisco during 1989. Blis Dumas faces eviction from the Victorian home she inherited from her grandfather. Determined not to go down without a fight, Blis finds herself not only fighting the development board, and its insensitive director, but also dodging a mysterious stranger hell-bent on scaring her into selling the house. With friends willing to cross the lines of legality to help her, Blis discovers a conspiracy involving corrupt government officials that puts her in imminent danger. Still, she forges ahead, even after her elderly neighbor is murdered. Bluitt provides a few interesting history lessons, and she touches on the social disparities that have checkered San Francisco's past. She also does a commendable job of keeping much of the dramatic plot revelations secret until the final chapters. The diverse cast of characters is notably one-dimensional, but the sheer number of plot twists makes this an engaging read for those who enjoy suspense. (BookLife)
Quiver of the Pure Heart 5 out of 5 based on 0 ratings. 2 reviews.
EDL85 More than 1 year ago
"Quiver of the Pure Heart" is suspense novel that does an excellent job of evoking a San Francisco community in danger of being destroyed by mercenary development; it's a tense read that also has heart. Blis Dumas works for city planning and loves her old Victorian home; when a man knocks on her door trying to get her to sell, she doesn't hesitate to send him away. But he won't take no for an answer, and soon Blis is dealing with threats, something shocking under her house, and the pain of seeing others in the neighborhood forced out. She also is torn between an old passion with the smooth, sexy Rex and the possibility of a love that a might a little more selfless and true…. I really enjoyed how the author made the Fillmore District come alive, both in her descriptions of the area and the people she populates it with; you feel the suspense on two levels, both for Blis's personal safety and that of the area she loves. Blis herself is a likeable heroine who is both strong and vulnerable—you relate to how she's drawn toward Rex and care about her shock as she finds out more about her family, which was not so picture-perfect. I'd recommend "Quiver of the Pure Heart" to readers who like contemporary fiction and suspense novels.
First, all I can say is that I cannot wait until this author writes her next book. Her voice is fresh, the pace is fast, and she leaves you wanting more. Actually, I'm not a romance novel fan, but I think I've been reformed. I loved the San Francisco setting and how she weaves the city's history into the storyline in an interesting way. I thought a sub-plot about gentrification would be heavy, but it made sense, is important, and I could relate. The heroine, Blis, is strong quirky, funny and real. This novel is sexy, fun, and enlightening. Honestly, I hated to put it down.
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text:
Clippers owner Steve Ballmer outshines his team with halftime dunk during lackluster win over Nets [Video]
By Ben Bolch
Feb. 29, 2016 11:01 PM PT
Jamal Crawford juked, Chris Paul orchestrated, Steve Ballmer dunked . . .
Wait, what? It's true.
There was a massive twist on the usual highlights Monday night at Staples Center. The Clippers might have become the first professional sports team to have its owner dunk as part of the halftime entertainment while unveiling a new mascot, Chuck the Condor.
Ballmer's team took it from there, the Clippers using a spirited fourth-quarter push to hold off the Brooklyn Nets, 105-95, during an otherwise flaccid showing.
Jamal Crawford scored 26 points off the bench and DeAndre Jordan soared for three dunks in the final 2:09 to help the Clippers (39-20) avoid having a worse record at home than on the road, where they are 19-10.
Paul added 23 points and 12 assists and J.J. Redick had 19 points for the Clippers, who won three of four games during a stretch against teams with losing records. Their schedule gets considerably tougher Wednesday with the Oklahoma City Thunder coming into town.
Ballmer dunked as part of a skit in which the team's mascot challenged him to do so. He jumped off a trampoline, held the ball aloft with two hands and cleared the rim as the crowd roared. His effort won every fan in attendance a free pair of Chuck Taylor sneakers.
The Clippers were in the locker room at the time and did not see the dunk, though they were aware Ballmer had been working on it at the team's practice facility.
"He's a brilliant guy and when he told me he was doing that, I had to question him for one second," Clippers Coach Doc Rivers said. "It went off well. I'm glad he did it."
Said Paul: "I caught the end of a replay. When I heard he did it, I didn't believe it. I want to see how many other owners in our league could do that. Put them out there on All-Star Saturday night, get the ratings up."
Clippers forward Jeff Green (8) passes ahead as Nets forward Thaddeus Young (30) chases after him in the second half.
(Paul Buck / EPA)
Clippers forward Paul Pierce, left, is fouled as he drives to the basket on Nets guard Shane Larkin (0) in the second half.
New Clippers mascot, a California Condor named Chuck, left, gestures as Clippers owner Steve Ballmer watches during halftime.
(Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press)
Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) talks with singer Jay Z after the Clippers beat the Nets, 105-95.
Clippers owner Steve Ballmer dunks a basketball after introducing the team's new mascot, a California Condor named Chuck, below, during halftime.
Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) drives and shoots as Nets guard Shane Larkin, middle, and center Brook Lopez, right, defend during the second half.
Clippers point guard Pablo Prigioni (9) dishes the basketball while defended by Nets forward Chris McCullough (1) in the first half.
Musical artists Jay Z, left, and Beyonce watch during the second half as the Clippers play the Nets at Staples Center.
Nets center Brook Lopez, left, tangles with Clippers center DeAndre Jordan as he passes during the first half.
Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) goes after a rebound over Nets forward Thaddeus Young in the first half.
Clippers owner Steve Ballmer introduces the team's new mascot, a California Condor named Chuck, during halftime.
Clippers forward Jeff Green, right, and Nets forward Chris McCullough (1) reach for a rebound during the first half.
Nets center Brook Lopez, left, tries to block a shot by Clippers forward Luc Mbah a Moute on Feb. 29. (Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press)
Clippers owner Steve Ballmer dunks a basketball after introducing the team's new mascot, a California Condor named Chuck, during halftime.
Singer Beyonce and husband Jay Z watch from courtside during the first half.
Ballmer wasn't the only person not competing in the game to wow the crowd. One fan made a halfcourt shot during a fourth-quarter timeout to win a car.
Crawford continued his ascent up the NBA's all-time scoring list. He surpassed former Clipper Elton Brand on Friday and now owns 90th place with 16,786 points after edging past Buck Williams (16,784).
"It's pretty cool, especially when you hear the names and hear some legends," Crawford said.
It was hardly a perfect night for the Clippers. Forward Luc Mbah a Moute suffered a left eyelid laceration in the second quarter and did not return. Rivers said he did not think Mbah a Moute, one of the team's top defenders, would be able to play Wednesday.
Brooklyn also was short-handed after guard Wayne Ellington left because of a possible concussion. Brook Lopez had 25 points and 10 rebounds for the Nets, who led by six points late in the third quarter before the Clippers went on an 8-0 run capped by Crawford's buzzer-beating jumper.
"I didn't like our offense tonight," Rivers said, "but Jamal was good during that stretch."
The crowd didn't seem quite sure how to react at halftime upon the presentation of the Clippers' new mascot, representing the endangered California condor.
"It's just like us," Rivers said. "It used to be extinct and now it's coming back."
Ballmer also appeared to be on the rise with his basketball skills.
"I thought Vanilla Ice had done another halftime show or something, but it was Ballmer dunking," Redick said. "It was pretty good."
ben.bolch@latimes.com
Twitter: @latbbolch
MORE CLIPPERS NEWS
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Ben Bolch
Ben Bolch has been a Los Angeles Times staff writer since 1999. He is serving his second stint as the UCLA beat writer, which seems fitting since he has covered almost every sports beat except hockey and horse racing. Bolch is also the author of the recently released book "100 Things UCLA Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die." He previously covered UCLA basketball from 2010-11 before going on to cover the NBA and the Clippers for five years. He happily traded in gobs of hotel points and airline miles to return to cover UCLA basketball and football in the summer of 2016. Bolch was once selected by NBA TV's "The Starters" as the "Worst of the Week" after questioning their celebrity journalism-style questions at an NBA All-Star game and considers it one of his finer moments.
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Thurs., Dec. 31, 2015 Changed the copyright notice on all pages to reflect the new year.
Thurs., Nov. 26 Added to our page about personalized plates an image of a 1978 base of this type.
Sun., Nov. 15, 2015 Added to our dealer plate page information provided by Brad Gallagher about the 2015-16 plate just introduced.
Sat., Aug. 15 Added to our page about taxi plates images of a 2001 base and a second low-number H-suffix base, both photographed in use by J. Reid Williamson.
Mon., Aug. 10, 2015 Added to our coverage of trailer plates a photo of a concession trailer with a close-up of its plate, validated at different times with both plate and window stickers, courtesy of David Wilson.
Sun., June 28 Added to our page about Annual Special Hauling Permits a photo of a 2015-16 truck crane permit in use along with a close-up image of the permit, both provided by Charlie Gauthier, as well as a photo of a 2015-16 Truck Tractor permit photographed by David Wilson; added the color scheme of 2015 OFM plate validation stickers to our page dedicated to that type, courtesy of Johnny Miles.
Sat., June 6, 2015 Added to our page about motorcycle plates an image of a new style of plate recently introduced, courtesy of David Wilson; updated trailer and apportioned plate data in the table in which the shift from WASHINGTON, D.C. to DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA is documented based upon information received from Brad Gallagher; added at the bottom of our page about validation stickers information about stickers issued for the past several years, including links to images provided by Johnny Miles and David Wilson.
Tue., May 5, 2015 Added to our page about current baseplate a second, recent image of the first plate of the series courtesy of Brad Gallagher; added to our page about dealer plates an image of the current issue provided by Johnny Miles.
Sun., Apr. 12 Added images of a 1970 (3-31-71) bus plate to our page dedicated to that type and a 1978 base diplomatic staff plate to our coverage of that type and our 1978 base page.
Sat., Apr. 4, 2015 Added to our home page and near the bottom of our page about reserved-number plates an image of the recently introduced 2015-16 annual plate, courtesy of Johnny Miles; added to our Office of Foreign Missions plates page color schemes of several 1990s validation stickers provided by Jeff Ellis that had previously been unknown.
Sun., Mar. 8, 2015 Added to our table in which the shift from WASHINGTON, D.C. to DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA is documented information received from Johnny Miles about the change having been made to trailer plates.
Tue., Jan. 20 Added to our pages about diplomatic and Office of Foreign Missions plates information about the timing of the elimination of the earlier type and the introduction of the newer one.
Mon., Jan. 19 Made additions and corrections to our list of late 1980s Office of Foreign Missions registration number prefix codes and updated the introductory comments to the page upon which it appears.
Sun., Jan. 11 Modified our 2000 Baseplate and E-series passenger plates pages to reflect the approximate year-end 2014 general-issue passenger registration number cutoff point reported by Brad Gallagher; added to our coverage of D.C. Government plates an image taken and submitted by Johnny Miles of a recent plate with DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA instead of WASHINGTON, D.C.
Changed the copyright notice on all pages to reflect the new year.


In short, old age can and really should be considered one's "Golden Years," and care homes allow us to enjoy them in comfort and dignity. Still, there's a lot that goes into selecting the right rest home for the elderly, a process we'll examine here.
The most important thing in selecting the best Bristol care homes (or anywhere else, for that matter) has to offer is by checking to see the kind of care options the place provides. You do not, under any circumstances, want to suggest an ill-equipped home to your beloved mother or grandmother, and as an elder you certainly don't want to live in such a place yourself. As such, you'll need to see if the services they offer are in keeping with those of your family members. Common considerations and services offered include assistance for patients with dementia, Alzheimer's, or other memory-related illnesses; cancer care; assistance for various physical disabilities; and specialised support for those 65 and over.
One thing that's always a good idea to check into is to see if the place has a 24-hour live-in support staff. It's always a good idea to have someone on hand in a care home, whether to provide assistance or deal with emergencies or simply as company.
Another thing you'll want to look into when selecting a proper care home for your loved ones is the distance said home is from you and other relatives. While the distance between you and your loved one in this respect is naturally of your own choosing, and will vary from person to person, chances are you'll want to live within visiting range at least. As such, you'll want to check to see how far away a care home might be, and also what traffic is generally like to and from the area.
Finally, selecting care homes with special features can make the process feel more like finding a new luxury club. Everything from spas to golf courses to scenic vistas can all make for a wonderful rest home, and the kind of place to which one might well wish to retire in style and comfort.
Ensure your loved ones' Golden Years are truly golden with a quality care home today.