The longer I make my way through this existence, the more clear things seem to me. I use to think a mistake meant that something was gone – that I had lost something I could never get back. But I am realizing that a mistake or bad decision often is simply a way of life telling you “not now” – or to take a different approach. And believe me; I have made some bad decisions.

But it seems more and more as I sit back and look at it, that life has a peculiar way of working in circles and always taking you back to the places, people and things that you are meant to be with. No matter how much you try and escape yourself – you simply cannot fight that power. But if you open yourself up to this, and look for the positive in this experience – it can be life changing.

As Albert Schweitzer said, “In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out.   It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being.  We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit.”

I have been fortunate to meet so many people over the last 6 months who have rekindled my fire – who have taught me about me – and about what it means to really, truly be alive. To love and long, to be open and honest with yourself, to hurt and heal, to be the person you were meant to become. My ends were eerily easy to see - a prison cell, a mental hospital, a ditch or dead. But a force more powerful than me gave me new people to learn from, as well as reacquainting me with old ones that I continue to learn from and who reignite the fires in my soul.

As I sit every morning and stare at this computer screen debating on what to write, and I can’t help but think about when I was trying to do this one year ago. My life was a blank slate – I couldn’t express my feelings or thoughts, they were smothered by my addiction, by my bad decisions and by my fears and misery. I was a slave to life and to the monotonous grind of working in a place you hate. Now when I look at that same screen the possibilities are endless and the opportunities are completely open. I guess the blog writing is simply a metaphor for my life.

So here I am, full circle back to the wide-eyed young man I was 12 years ago, albeit a little wiser for the times. I am full of energy, passion and zest for each day and breath I take. It was a strange lesson life gave me – what it took to get back to this place. But it was never more than I could handle. I was tested, and I passed. I have found the things, people and places that make me who I am and who I want to be. I am forever indebted to those trials and tribulations for taking me full circle – and helping me find the person I lost many years ago. I thank each and every one of you – you know who you are – for helping save me. I am forever in your debt.

Even today, as I popped into the bookstore to buy a new notebook (I always carry one in my bag wherever I go - for both musical and journalistic purposes, you just never know!) I ended up next to the music department and remembered that one of my co-writer and producer Billy Stein's record had hit the stores nationwide today. Linda Eder's much anticipated "americana" release, "The Other Side of Me".

Ever since I first got to Manhattan/EMI and did my showcase this spring, they've all been talking about the album that was already done but because of internal political reasons (nothing to do with the actual product, sadly - this is the reality of the music industry today: it's not about the music) the label couldn't commit to a definite release date and deliver. Same old story....

Anyway, many months later, the album is now in stores through Verve. And it was worthwhile.

I was first introduced to Linda's work when I came to the US in 2000 to do the Alan and Marilyn Bergman tribute show. Back then she was quite well known if you liked that kind of music - Broadway standards.

But today, I heard the record that she should've considered making even earlier. (Actually, I did hear bits of it at Billy's studio a few months ago - so I was already familiar with the material more or less, but hush-hush :-)

As I was unwrapping the CD, I couldn't help but feel nostalgic about the time when I, as a little girl, seized every opportunity to drive miles out of central Moscow with Dad to our favorite "Purple Legion" where they sold imported records from abroad...quite a luxury back then! A CD was 15.00 USD, but it was worth every penny - what a joy!

Nowadays, I barely even bother to walk into one of those mega record stores... Why? Because quite frankly, very few amazing albums are being made and released on regular basis these days - and it's no big deal if I just get a song or two off iTunes and ignore the artwork and credits included in the physical copy of the record....

It's just rarely worth the hassle and utter excitement like before.... Will it ever be the same again? Doubt it. But something else will surely come along - no doubt. That's the way it is...and always has been - a full circle!

Yup, majalah untuk komunitas pengguna dan pencinta Ubuntu edisi 17 sudah terbit dan bisa diunduh di sini.

The guy who showed me needles first, did Dilaudid with me. Or, I did it with him. And I did whatever he said, anyway.

I was 16, he was 34. He scooped me up, a runaway. He had the perfect cocktail of dope designed just for me, kept me in a perfect stupor. Then I was in love; I thought it must be what that feeling it brought was. I wanted more. Nothing else had ever made me feel that way. I thought it came from him somehow. And it was like peace.

I remember the first time, sitting on the floor, slumped face first against the couch. His face inches from mine, now and then aware of his, in this with me. It felt like love, it felt like trust, it felt like home, heaven, warmth, sleep, and what I imagined happiness felt like.

I remember laughing now and then. But mostly a deep velvety soft place I was.

I never wanted to leave it.

He made sure I knew, he knew what he was doing. I trusted him, knew he wouldn't hurt me. He was in control, of everything. I was so young, shapeable.

His place like a haven--quiet, dark, always the music playing that transported me to this place in the velvetness. He paid attention to what I liked. I just thought he had good taste.

He referred to me as clean, because I wasn't strung out, tracked arms, dirty. He scorned that--women with habits that were showing.

Of course. Damaged goods.

One night, he tried to sell me. Me. Not just part of me.

His guy felt my arms and legs like a horse. Handled me, checked my eyes, ears, teeth, nose, blood pressure, everything.

Even dosed to the degree I was, I got balky when he really tried to examine me further. I was so wasted I didn't even know what was going on, and Jack had done it that way on purpose. Even still, I guess I got a little strong, because I blew it for Jack. I wasn't supposed to have been a "problem".

The cocktail mix of the day was a mistake, on his part. A stupid stroke of luck on mine.

Things went bad for me because of that. But I'm quite sure it also saved my life. Being a "problem".

Now it really pisses me off, to think of him.

He knew exactly what he was doing. 34. He spent time with me, won my trust. Cultivated obedience in me, though I wouldn't know to name it that then.

No one wants to know these things. At one time, I tried to tell a few. The response was predictable. People are actually hurt, their disappointment, my doing. The stories seem in such opposition to a way I have always looked, that I imagine it confuses them.

I learned to just let people think I was whatever they saw. Much easier.

The most curious reaction I have observed, is outright anger, with a belief, even accusation, that I must be lying. I never found it to my benefit to convince anyone of my past. People go to a lot of effort to conceal these things about themselves, why would I cram it down someone’s throat?

Still, the necessity of letting others decide I was and am someone else, has caused me my own confusion. My own loss of self. If I have parts that were better left behind, well, they were still mine. I grew a kind of amnesia for my own life experience.

What exactly was I, and what did I know, if you could not know who I have been?

That leaves the her you think you see, and all the expectations you have for her.

I never could quite hold her up. Not really my fault, I didn’t create her. After all, I did try to tell you.

A wise one gave me a promise. That one day I would no longer wish to shut the door on the past.

I’m almost there. In fact, I cherish that girl like I was never able to. She’s finding her way back to me, slowly, although I have beckoned her for so long.

See, she does still know the pain of those reactions I told you about. Your disappointment, your anger, your accusations. The way that anything good and strong she did glean from her path, was discounted. Tainted by your contempt for what she did, where she went, for how she let the ones that preyed on her take away little pieces of her.

They got pieces. But you couldn’t see me at all.

I want to wrap her in my arms, tell her how proud I am of her, tell her what an amazing survivor she is. She didn’t ride down the road she did by herself, but she did find a place on the road to rest and read a map, all by herself. Herself, and whatever was left of her—not much.

Something was still left, the same something that brings her to me now. I recognize her, I love her. I didn’t realize she needed that, maybe because no one else ever realized it either. They only wanted not to see.

Alone, just as I found myself then, I will remind her of who she is, who she will be. I will remind her of all she knows, and all she has taught me. And it will be alright, because no one can stop me now. No one will ask me not to tell, for she knows my stories. We know the same truths. We hold the keys to each others hearts, after all.

Most of us get Sodexo/full circle meal coupon as part of the salary because of tax redemption from government. And trust me if you do not work or live near Hi-tech city its real pain to spend these specially if u get 2600 Rs. Worth of them every month.

But the good part is other than restaurants many super markets do accept them but all of them have their own rules and based on them I’ve classified them in 4 categories…

1. Best friend of Coupon holder :- The Super market which accept meal coupons for anything they sell and the best of all, even returns currency note as change in return of coupons. So far only Aditya Birla Group’s More (formerly Trinetra) falls in this category.

2. Will do (Kaam chalaau): - Well, these guys are strict about the money in return policy but they you can still buy anything they sell with your coupons. Heritage’s Fresh@ is the only place in this category I’ve found so far.

3. Last resort (Majboori):- Saar!! Food items only. And even if you actually eat detergent? They won’t give it on meal coupons. Reliance fresh, Food Bazzar and all fall in this category.

4. Strict no no(Bhagvaan na kere):- Almost all big brand supermarkets accept these meal coupons but there are few private one like Max fresh, suvidha and all in my locality who doesn’t. For the simple reason that they have to pay tax for it …

Now, there are many other places like Spencer’s, ITC Choupal fresh, Magna super market n all I have not tried using these coupons.

PS: - Ultimately it’s all about saving the tax.

PS: -- There are also trendy options like Meal Cards… which look just like the debit or credit cards and works at swap machines and ATM’s too.

PS: --- A total goodie-goodie post after last blast.

PS: ---- EOP(Exit);

There were simply too many good mixtapes that have dropped in the last couple days so we decided to make sure that you get them all.  Wow these are some beasts...all links and and tracklistings after the jump.

Via: 2DopeBoyz

Download: Termanology - 50 Bodies 2

01 Rapper’s Delight f. Chaundon (prod. Nottz)
02 Reality Check f. Big Dho, D. Black & Mykestro (prod. Khrysis)
03 Respect It f. Illa J & Bishop Lamont (prod. J. Dilla)
04 Hands Up f. Chaundon & Roc C (prod. Khrysis)
05 Text Me (Tha Bizness Alllstar Remix) w/ Talib Kweli, Parker Brothaz & Naledge (prod. Tha Bizness)
06 Oh Yeah f. Roscoe Umali & Stylistic Jones (prod. Focus…)
07 Roll Call f. Jozeemo, Chaundon & Joe Scudda (prod. The Co-Op)
08 Dusty f. O-Dash (prod. Nick Speed)
09 Crazy (prod. Khrysis)
10 Geez Like Deez f. Quan (prod. Illmind)
11 Regular Nigga w/ Ab Soul
12 Plastic Cups f. Chaundon & Joe Scudda (prod. J. Dilla)
13 Money f. Frank (of Frank-N-Dank) & O-Dash (prod. Young RJ)
14 Dumb It Down
15 On The Real f. E. Ness & Jozeemo (prod. Khrysis)

Download: Rapper Big Pooh - Rapper's Delight

01 Half A Million
02 Get It f. Roscoe
03 Shootin’ Freestyle
04 Cheat
05 Dip Drop Stop Dip f. Keak Da Sneak
06 Really Wanna Change f. Dion & Sean Kingston
07 They Don’t Want It f. Soopafly
08 DPG Speaks
09 Rollin’ In A Droptop f. Snoop Dogg
10 Lollipop Freestyle f. Roscoe
11 I’m A Str8 G
12 They Know Freestyle
13 True Stories
14 Thiz Weekend f. Soopafly
15 Da Dopeman
16 Yessir
17 Mystic River
18 Hood In Ya Life f. Roscoe
19 Bounce Rock Rolla Skatin f. Snoop Dogg, Terrace Martin & DJ Quik
20 Who I Be
21 Willie The Kid - Love for Money f. Trey Songz, Gucci Mane, La The Darkman, Young Joc, Bun B & Flo-Rida

Download: DJ Drama and DPG - Full Circle

Full Circle has created some fabulous classic designs for Autumn/Winter. The traditional and considered shapes are given a contemporary twist. Full Circle show their ability to work outside the box creating trend leading fashions with unique detailing.

For more information on this great collection please visit www.fullcircleuk.com

• Command and Conquer: Create and move files
• HowTo's: Create your own Ubuntu (make your own customized LiveCD), the final part of the series on creating your own server, part 5 on their tutorial on using the GiMP Image Editor, and using GNOME-Look.org to change everything from wallpapers to themes to splash screens and screensavers and more.
• My Story: Out with the old, in with the new
• My Opinion: Ubuntu and Kubuntu Themes
• MOTU Interview: Jamie Strandboge
• Ubuntu Women by Elizabeth Bevilacqua, someone I post links to from time to time
• Top 5 Twitter Clients
• and even more

Even if you don't usually read Full Circle you'll miss out on some good stuff if you don't get this month's issue.

THE OUTLAWS

Extraído de real.com

Formada en Florida en 1972, The Outlaws lanzaron su debut homónimo en 1972 con Arista con el Top 40 "There Goes Another Love Song". En 1978 la banda editó el concierto "Bring It Back Alive" y el LP de estudio "Playin' to Win". Tras la muerte del bajista Frank O'Keefe y el guitarrista Billy Jones en 1985, la banda continuó lanzando álbumes con distintas formaciones. Hughie Thomasson y Henry Paul, voces y guitarras, lanzaron el LP de la banda "Soldiers of Fortune" (1986). Su último trabajo hasta la fecha ha sido el del 2000, "So-Low".

The Outlaws. Full circle

The Outlaws. Hurry sundown

The Outlaws. Song for you

The Outlaws. Green Grass High Tides. Part I

The Outlaws.Green Grass High Tides. Part II

9:00pm: Most of the guests have arrived and either begin the 8-minute walk up the hill, or climb into the car shuttling guests to the field. Each guest received a flashlight before heading up the hill, and many make use of the spray-bottles of OFF! on the ticket desk before heading up.

9:20pm: I get in the car for its final shuttle up to the field. It’s dark at the performance space, except for the tiki torches (which will soon be extinguished) ringing the perimeter of wooden folding chairs arranged in a circle. Two percussionists are on opposite sides of the circle. Between them and the crickets and the frogs (and the distant rumbling of thunder that we’re not trying to hear), the performance is in surround sound.

The dancers begin. Each holds a flashlight; sometimes they place the flashlights in the grass, and the light beams projecting across the circle show the lines of their bodies through their white skirts. Sometimes their movements are smooth and flowing, synchronized. Sometimes they are herky-jerkey, the dancer closest to me is pawing at the wet grass with her sneakers and she reminds me of a horse pawing at the ground. There are flashes of lightning in the distance; they seem to be getting closer as the performance goes on. Thunder adds its voice to the show, louder and closer. The dancers are so close that I can hear them breathing, hear their bodies as they hit the ground, the rubber soles of their sneakers squeaking on the wet grass. They lie sprawled on the grass and as they move it’s as if the earth itself is moving, breathing. Aynsley and Kristen are doing a duet. One encircles a part of the other, and the encircled dancer slips through the loop like liquid. They trade off, one encircling the other, one slipping through the circle. I didn’t know that bodies could move like liquid.

Finally a bolt of lightning strikes startlingly close, the thunder right behind it, and now it’s raining. Everyone grabs their flashlight and moves up to the shelter of the cabin. The rain passes quickly and everyone is game to pick up where we left off.

I’m back in my chair and when I turn around, I see a long string of flashlights bobbing down the hill back to the field. The dancers pick up the performance, running around the outside of the circle with their flashlights. It is a performance of incredible endurance—50 minutes of hard work that looks graceful and effortless. The four dancers sit in the center of the circle, each with two flashlights. They push the lights across the distance to each other, and this simple movement—someone pushing a flashlight through the grass to the woman across from her, flashlights crisscrossing through the grass—seems of another world. The stars have come out, the crickets and frogs are still at it, lightning bugs sparkle in the trees.

10:15pm: We’re sitting around the firepit roasting marshmallows for s’mores, talking about the performance and other things. The fire brings us all together and it seems right to say anything, or to say nothing. Another one-of-a-kind evening at Mount Tremper Arts. Thanks Matt & Aynsley!

the more things change the more they stay the same?

I'm a good cook.  Actually I'm a very good cook.  I like food and I like to fix it - it's really quite simple.  Mother was always fond of telling people she taught me everything I knew.  I was always quite fond of not correcting her.  Basically I was raised on a catch-as-catch-can schedule of processed and fast foods.

The saving grace to that is I don't really care for processed foods.  So ... as soon as I could, I learned to do things to make Campbells Chicken Noodle Soup or Rice A Roni taste a bit better.   I also found you can do nearly anything with an egg.  Great stuff that.  Soon I learned so long as you could read, you could follow a recipe and have at least a 90% success rate.  Experience brought that up to about a 99%.

Fast forward to adulthood in Kansas.  Family dinners always happened at my house.  Big birthday celebrations and Christmas dinners and even just-because dinners were always at Stephanie's.  Whenever - rare cases that they were - we were invited somewhere, there was usually a list of things to bring.  I was once asked for jars of homemade bread and butter pickles to be gifted for Christmas. 

Fast forward to life in Maryland.  Ahhhh the land of convenience.  The land of restaurants.  Here there were (are) dozens of places that fix food as good as I -- often even better.  Indulgence.  OVER indulgence.

oops.

The very thing that kept the weight off of me over the years -- my disdain for processed foods -- came back to bite me.  An overabundance of rather tasty convenience and restaurant foods combined with a successful end to smoking (over 5 years now) and a bit more sedentary lifestyle conspired to put the weight on - FAST. 

So ... full circle.  I am back to cooking nearly every meal.  It makes sense from a Parkinson's standpoint as it takes a delicate juggle of protein to maximize the medications.  It makes sense from my personal belief that many of today's health woes are laid at the feet of additives and preservatives and growth hormones.  It makes sense from a weight standpoint as I can control the caloric content and still keep the flavor without extra salt and additives.  It also makes sense from a financial standpoint.

It just makes sense.

*****

The photo above is from our trip to Geneva, Ohio this summer.  As much as I love to cook and Jon loves my cooking, sometimes it's nice to go out someplace lovely for the unusual food and atmosphere.  However, I'm quite careful to limit it now to twice a month.

Among the new content this month is

• Command and Conquer: The Ins and Outs of Directories
• HowTos: How to create a separate /home partition (I wished I had this when I did it myself last year); part 7 of their series on creating your own server; part 4 of their series on using GIMP; and working with GRUB, the bootloader that lets you select which operating system or kernel version you want to use.
• My Story: Ubuntu Saves the Day and From Mickey's ABCs to Kubuntu
• A review of the HP Photosmart C3180 printer
• much more

My article about Mac4Lin 0.4 still isn't included, but Full Circle editor Ronnie Tucker tells me "It very nearly was! :D" It's actually a good thing, because Mac4Lin 1.0 is getting so close to getting released that I asked him to hold my article back until I can get him a new version that reflects the version currently in development.

Even without my article this issue is packed with some great information, so go get your own copy today.

On July 22, 2008, Miley Cyrus released a new CD titled Breakout. The Album was released by Hollywood Records – a subsidiary of the Walt Disney Corporation. The CD has 10 original songs, 1 remix and 1 remake, with a length of about 40 minutes.

Songs:
#1 Breakout
#2 7 Things
#3 The Driveway
#4 Girls Just Wanna Have Fun
#5 Full Circle
#6 Fly on the Wall
#7 Bottom of the Ocean
#8 Wake Up America
#9 These Four Walls
#10 Simple Song
#11 Goodbye
#12 See You Again (Rock Mafia Remix)

Read The Rest Of This Article

AVMG in Full Circle

Tommy Be who'll be a guest percussionist for Full Circle, joining percussionist John Wieczorek. (This is his winning video for the IKEA kitchen rhythms contest:-))

Eric Haze: Full Circle
July 24th – August 8, 2008
Opening Reception: Wednesday, July 23
(3-5pm: Press Session / 9-11pm: General Reception)
Delay No Mall
Causeway Bay, Hong Kong

[dailymotion id=x84g6]

Video Clip : Full Circle

Singer : Aerosmith