WE DONT NEED TO LIKE THEM: Marine Gen. Frank McKenzie, the head of the U.S. Central Command told Congress yesterday that hell be carefully tracking the actions of the Taliban as the United States withdraws roughly 3,400 troops from Afghanistan in the coming months and will recommend ending the drawdown if he doesnt like what he sees.

We're going to go to 8,600 by the summer. Conditions on the ground will dictate if we go below that, McKenzie testified before the House Armed Services Committee. If conditions on the ground are not permissive, my advice would be not to continue that reduction.

That would not be my decision, that would be my advice, he stressed. That will be based on the performance of the Afghan military, their ability to incorporate the Taliban if the Taliban is going to be incorporated at all.

We dont need to trust them. We dont need to like them. We dont need to believe anything they say. We need to observe what they do, and we have the capability to do that, he said.

IT WAS THE PLAN ALL ALONG: At the hearing, Kathryn Wheelbarger, assistant secretary of defense for international security affairs, confirmed that the Pentagon decided months ago that it had several thousand more troops than needed in Afghanistan, and Defense Secretary Mark Esper was ready to order a drawdown, peace deal or no peace deal.

It was in October that Gen. Scott Miller, the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan, recommended the force reductions and began quietly sending hundreds of troops home. Based on Millers advice, we were prepared, and then planned, to go to 8,600, Wheelbarger said.

The secretary was prepared to adjust the force posture in the absence of an agreement, if that was in our national security interest, she said, but no decision had been made to do so.

THE SECRET ANNEXES: The Trump administration has provided the Congress side letters that lay out the specific provisions the Taliban have agreed to, including spelling out their responsibility to reduce the level of violence in the country and mitigate the threat from the remnants of al Qaeda.

But the Pentagon said there are legitimate reasons why the annexes, known as military implementation documents, must remain secret. We have some constraints on information we don't want to have out in the full public domain, said spokesman Jonathan Hoffman at yesterdays Pentagon briefing. That would include operationally sensitive information regarding troop movements, information that may be of interest to ISIS and al Qaeda and other entities that are operating in Afghanistan.

Some members of Congress whove reviewed the documents bristled at the classification, insisting theres nothing in them that puts U.S. troops in danger.

I've read the entire agreement, and I see no reason why they could not be released, said Democratic Rep. Jason Crow of Colorado. I believe, as do many people on this committee, that the American public deserves to know under what terms we are withdrawing from Afghanistan.

Twenty-four hundred Americans have given their lives in Afghanistan. Over 20,000 had been wounded. This is America's war, not any one administration's war, Crow said.

BUT THE TALIBAN CAN READ THEM: It's an agreement with the Taliban, it makes sense for them to read the documents, said Hoffman at the Pentagon when asked about debate. The agreement with them, it provides information on process and how we will be implementing these.

For example, Hoffman said, with our movement of forces, it's necessary to deconflict that with the Taliban. So there's information that is necessary to be provided, and it's perfectly normal to do that in a diplomatic negotiation.

Good Wednesday morning and welcome to Jamie McIntyres Daily on Defense, written and compiled by Washington Examiner National Security Senior Writer Jamie McIntyre (@jamiejmcintyre) and edited by David Sivak. Email here with tips, suggestions, calendar items, and anything else. Sign up or read current and back issues at DailyonDefense.com. If signing up doesnt work, shoot us an email, and well add you to our list. And be sure to follow us on Twitter: @dailyondefense.

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HAPPENING TODAY: Adm. Craig Faller, commander, U.S. Southern Command, is scheduled to brief reporters at the Pentagon at 2:30 this afternoon, while Esper delivers remarks at the National Defense University's President's Lecture Series at Ft. McNair.

Both events will be streamed live on the Pentagons website. https://www.defense.gov

CORONAVIRUS FENG SHUI: In accordance with the new social distancing protocols, the chairs in the spacious Pentagon briefing room were no longer arranged in rows, but rather spaced 6 feet apart as reporters were updated yesterday on the coronavirus threat.

One wag referred to the arrangement as business class seating.

THE LATEST NUMBERS: While nationwide, the number of people who have tested positive for COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the coronavirus, the numbers in the military remain low, according to Air Force Brig. Gen. Paul Friedrichs, joint staff surgeon.

Here are the numbers of people who have tested positive:

In addition, six people are currently being evaluated, and 143 have been tested at 13 Department of Defense laboratories.

MARINES IDD: The Pentagon has released the names of two Marine Raiders, who were killed in Iraq Sunday assisting Iraqi forces in clearing an ISIS cave complex.

The Marine Special Operations Forces were Gunnery Sgt. Diego D. Pongo, 34, of Simi Valley, California, and Capt. Moises A. Navas, 34, of Germantown, Maryland.

Both were assigned to 2nd Marine Raider Battalion, Marine Forces Special Operations Command, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

BEWARE THE BEAR: NORAD reports that the U.S. and Canada intercepted two Russian Tu-142 maritime reconnaissance aircraft Monday that were flying off the coast of Alaska and entered the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone over the Beaufort Sea.

Although the planes did not enter either U.S. or Canadian airspace, at one point, they came as close as 50 nautical miles to Alaskas coast. The aircraft were intercepted by U.S. F-22s and Canadian CF-18 fighters in addition to support aircraft. The Russian aircraft remained within the identification zone for about four hours, according to North American Aerospace Defense Command.

KEANE HONORED: President Trump has bestowed the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, on former Army Vice Chief of Staff retired Gen. Jack Keane, who he called a courageous warrior and fearless patriot.

In 2006, Jack helped engineer the surge that stabilized the deteriorating situation in Iraq and allowed Iraqis to finally take charge of their own future, Trump noted at a White House ceremony yesterday. In the years since, Jack has continued to offer his sage counsel to military and policy leaders, and to visit our troops on the frontiers. And Jack, I have to say, has given me a lot of good advice too.

Jack Keane is a visionary, a brilliant strategist, and an American hero, he said. General, you will be remembered as one of the finest and most dedicated soldiers in a long and storied history of the United States military. No question about it.

Washington Examiner: Taliban talks with Afghan government to move forward as US troop withdrawal hangs in the balance

New York Times: In a Reversal, Afghanistans Leader Agrees to a Phased Release of Taliban Fighters

Washington Examiner: UN calls on Iran to 'release all prisoners' during coronavirus outbreak

Washington Examiner: Nearly 200 North Korean soldiers dead from coronavirus: Report

Washington Examiner: Here's the 1-mile-radius coronavirus containment area Andrew Cuomo just erected around a synagogue in New Rochelle, New York

CNN.com: U.S. Military Expected To Announce Halt To Troop And Family Relocation Moves In Areas Impacted By Coronavirus

Stars and Stripes: Dont Panic, Says Naples-Based Admiral As Italy Shuts Down Over Coronavirus

Defense News: F-35 Work Continues In Italy Despite Coronavirus Lockdown

Breaking Defense: Coronavirus: AUSA Cancels Huntsville Conference

Defense One: Iran and Russian Media Push Bioweapon Conspiracies Amid COVID-19 Outbreak

Washington Post: Pentagon: Difficult Terrain Slowed Recovery Of Remains Of 2 Marines In Iraq

Wall Street Journal: After a Buildup to Counter Iran, U.S. Troops Begin Leaving Mideast

Asia Times: Chinas Navy Shipbuilders Are Outbuilding Everybody

Breaking Defense: Air, Space Force Leaders Near Missile Warning Plan

Task & Purpose: The Taliban is allowed to read classified documents related to the Afghan peace deal, but you cant

Bloomberg: U.S. Sees War-Zone Drones as New Improvised Explosive Devices

The Economist: A constitutional ploy may keep Vladimir Putin in power until 2036

WEDNESDAY | MARCH 11

7 a.m. 2425 Wilson Blvd,, Arl Association of the United States Army Breakfast series, with Lt. Gen. Scott Berrier, deputy chief of staff of the Army G-2 (intelligence). https://www.ausa.org/events/breakfast-series-berrier

8:30 a.m. 14th and F St. N.W. Woodrow Wilson Center's Africa Program, the Institute for Defense Analyses, and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence Africa Symposium: Advancing Africa's Governance, Peace, and Security, with Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for West Africa and Security Affairs Whitney Baird delivering remarks, Maj. Gen. Christopher Craige, director of strategy, engagement, and programs at U.S. Africa Command. https://www.wilsoncenter.org/event/africa-symposium

9 a.m. 801 Mt. Vernon Pl. N.W. Access Intelligence LLC Satellite Conference and Exhibition, with Air Force Lt. Gen. David Thompson, vice commander of the Air Force Space Command, Clare Grason, chief of the Air Force Space Command's Commercial Satellite Communications Office; and Derek Tournear, director of the Space Development Agency. https://www.satshow.com/

10 a.m. 214 Massachusetts Ave. N.E. Heritage Foundation discussion with White House national security adviser Robert O'Brien. https://www.heritage.org/defense/event

10 a.m. 2118 Rayburn House Armed Services Committee hearing National Security Challenges and U.S. Military Activity in North and South America, with Kenneth Rapuano, assistant secretary of defense for homeland defense and global security; Adm. Craig Faller, commander, U.S. Southern Command; Gen. Terrence OShaughnessy, commander, U.S. Northern Command. https://armedservices.house.gov/hearings

10 a.m. 138, Dirksen Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee hearing on the Navy and Marine Corpss FY 2021 budget request, with acting Navy Secretary Thomas Modly, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Michael Gilday, and Marine Corps Commandant Gen. David Berger. https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/hearings

2 p.m. 2212 Rayburn House Armed Services Subcommittee on Intelligence and Emerging Threats and Capabilities Hearing: Reviewing Department of Defense Science and Technology Strategy, Policy, and Programs for Fiscal Year 2021: Maintaining a Robust Ecosystem for Our Technological Edge, with Michael Griffin, under secretary of defense for research and engineering; Bruce Jette, assistant secretary of the Army for acquisition, logistics, and technology; James Geurts, assistant secretary of the Navy for research, development, and acquisition; William Roper, assistant secretary of the Air Force for acquisition, technology, and logistics. https://armedservices.house.gov/hearings

2:30 p.m. Pentagon Briefing Rm. 2D972 Navy Adm. Craig Faller, commander, U.S. Southern Command, briefs reporters at the Pentagon. Streamed live on https://www.defense.gov/Watch/Live

2:30 p.m. 2118 Rayburn House Armed Services Subcommittees on Seapower and Projection Forces and Readiness Joint Hearing: Sealift and Mobility Requirements in Support of the National Defense Strategy, with Gen. Steve Lyons, commander, U.S. Transportation Command; Mark Buzby, U.S. Maritime Administration; Vice Adm. Ricky Williamson, deputy Chief of Naval Operations, Lt. Gen. David Nahom, Air Force deputy chief of staff for plans and programs. https://armedservices.house.gov/hearings

2:30 p.m. 106 Dirksen Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel hearing on programs in the Department of Defense, with Matthew Donovan, performing the duties of the under secretary of defense for personnel and readiness; Virginia Penrod, acting assistant secretary of defense for manpower and reserve affairs; Thomas McCaffery, assistant secretary of defense for health affairs; Thomas Constable, acting assistant secretary of defense for readiness; Elizabeth Van Winkle, executive director, office of force resiliency. https://www.armed-services.senate.gov/hearings

3 p.m. Ft. McNair Defense Secretary Mark Esper delivers remarks at the National Defense University's President's Lecture Series. Streamed live on https://www.defense.gov/Watch/Live

6 p.m. 1957 E St. N.W. George Washington University Elliott School of International Affairs discussion on "The State of the Transatlantic Alliance, with former NATO Deputy Secretary-General Rose Gottemoeller. http://elliott.gwu.edu

THURSDAY | MARCH 12

9 a.m. 2118 Rayburn House Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness Hearing: FY21 Navy and Marine Corps Readiness Posture, with James Geurts, assistant secretary of the Navy, research, development, and acquisition; Adm. Robert Burke, Vice Chief of Naval Operations; Gen. Gary Thomas, Assistant Marine Corps Commandant. https://armedservices.house.gov/hearings

9:30 a.m. 2212 Rayburn House Armed Services Subcommittee Strategic Forces hearing: FY21 Priorities for Missile Defense and Missile Defeat Programs, with Gen. Terrence OShaughnessy, commander, U.S. Northern Command; Vice Adm. Jon Hill, director, Missile Defense Agency; Lt. Gen. Daniel Karbler, commanding general, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command; Rob Soofer, deputy assistant secretary of defense for nuclear and missile defense policy; Cristina Chaplain, director, contracting and national security acquisitions team, Government Accountability Office. https://armedservices.house.gov/hearings

10 a.m. 2301 Constitution Ave. N.W. United States Institute of Peace discussion on "A Peace Regime for the Korean Peninsula, with Scott Snyder, director of the Council on Foreign Relations Program on U.S.-Korea Policy; Kathleen Stephens, president and CEO of the Korea Economic Institute; Jacob Stokes, senior policy analyst at USIP; Joseph Yun, senior adviser at USIP; Frank Aum, senior expert on North Korea at USIP; and Patricia Kim, senior policy analyst at USIP. https://www.usip.org/index.php/events/peace-regime-korean-peninsula

2 p.m. 214 Massachusetts Ave. N.E. Heritage Foundation discussion on "Shining a Spotlight on Human Rights in North Korea, with Kwang Cheol-Hwan, founder and chairman of the North Korea Strategy Center; Eiko Kawasaki, chairwoman of Action for Korea United; and Greg Scarlatoiu, executive director of the Committee for Human Rights in North Korea. http://www.heritage.org

4 p.m. 1521 16th St. N.W. Institute of World Politics lecture on "The Role of the U.S. Military Under the NDS (National Defense Strategy) Over the Next Decade, with Col. Jon Duke, deputy director of operations at the Marine Corps Headquarters. https://www.iwp.edu/events

FRIDAY | MARCH 13

8 a.m. 1135 16th St. N.W. American Bar Association Standing Committee on Law and National Security breakfast, with Special Inspector General John Sopko discussing Corruption: A Threat to Rule of Law and Sustainable Peace in Afghanistan. https://www.americanbar.org/news

9:30 a.m. 1616 Rhode Island Ave. N.W. Center for Strategic and International Studies discussion on "Army Air and Missile Defense," with Maj. Gen. Robert Rasch, program executive officer for Army Missiles and Space; Brig. Gen. Brian Gibson, director of the Army Air and Missile Defense Cross-Functional Team; Barbara Treharne, senior analyst at the Joint Integrated Air and Missile Defense Organization; Brian Green, nonresident senior associate at CSIS; and Thomas Karako, director of the CSIS Missile Defense Project. http://www.csis.org

10:30 a.m. Carnegie Endowment for International Peace discussion on "France's Defense Strategy, with French Ambassador to the U.S. Philippe Etienne; and former Deputy Secretary of State William Burns, president of CEIP. http://carnegieendowment.org/

We dont need to trust them. We dont need to like them. We dont need to believe anything they say. We need to observe what they do, and we have the capability to do that.

Marine Gen. Frank McKenzie, head of the U.S. Central Command testifying before Congress on the withdrawal agreement between the U.S. and the Taliban.

Link:
Top commander says Afghanistan withdrawal plan does not rely on trusting the Taliban - Washington Examiner

Feng Shui (literally means wind-water or geomancy) is a traditional Chinese art dedicated to furnishing, building, and arranging homes in a calculated manner.

The reason this is done is because it is believed that by practicing this ancient art, a positive and healthy energy will be projected, helped by the balance of the natural forces of Yin; and Yang.

HistoryFeng Shui dates back 6,000 years, back to the time when people believed in it as a method to build prosperous villages. It was initially used to create farms in a way that would protect farmers from dangerous energies and ensure that they prospered within the protective guard of mountains. This negative energy was discovered to be harsh winds that could topple houses and blow away produce. Despite that, the art of Feng Shui continued to grow, being passed down from father to son then eventually producing learned scholars and ending up inside the Imperial Court. Feng Shui masters were forced to keep their methods secret.

MethodsAs a general rule of thumb, Feng Shui discourages, and even outright refuses in certain cases to use harsh angles in furniture. Their furnishings must match each other, whether they are of the same colour or same style. It is very much suggested that furniture must contain solid wood to ensure a balance of being tied to the five elements; wood, water, fire, metal, and earth.

Living Room Welcoming and AccommodatingLet us begin with the first room of a typical house or apartment the living room. The front door must be sturdy and made of wood. In addition, it must open inwards to provide a welcoming and friendly sense. After all, guests must be treated with the utmost respect. The pathway to the entrance itself must always be clear of debris and other obstacles to create an open, clear path for positive Chi to flow through.

Bedroom Happiness, Assurances, and PositivityFor positive energy to flow freely in the bedroom, one must do the following. First, you must use a solid, wooden bedframe for the sole purpose of spiritual and physical stability. One must also have a clear, open space under the bed for an open flow of energy that will create inner happiness and health within the room. Next, allow for symmetry by having a wooden, identical nightstand by each bedside to bring peace and reassurance to ones mind.

Hang pictures of nature such as a landscape image of the mountains and views of plant life in order to project a sense of serenity and relaxation. An inspirational quote is a good option too; it can create courage and positivity in ones mind.

Warm colours such as creams and browns must be used. These hues can ensure that a soothing, calm, and positive atmosphere is achieved. This priority on order with colours is once again used when organising books. Books that are organised by colour, rather than other traits, are believed to bring both order and purpose.

Kitchen The Heart of the HomeThe kitchen is believed to be an integral part of ones home, mainly because it is believed to be the heart of the home. As a result, much care has been put into ensuring everything goes smoothly within the kitchen, starting with the use of dark, earthy tones in furniture whenever possible. Masters of Feng Shui believe that these colours have a grounding effect to ensure stability.

The stove should never face the door because this force users to cook with their backs facing the door. This is considered taboo since it is said to invite negative energy, causing bad luck throughout the persons day. The fridge, stove, and sink should also form a triangle for good luck. Feng Shui masters suggest that the kitchen table must be surrounded by chairs in order to create a sense of community. And finally, corners must always be illuminated because it is believed that dark spirits hide in the shadows, especially in corners.

Typically, lists of chores or work are pasted on the refrigerator door. However, Feng Shui masters encourage using positive images. These include pictures of family, nature, and quotes. Finally, adding vases of flowers or a bowl of fresh fruits is believed to help balance the five elements.

Why use Feng Shui?The main reason why Feng Shui has remained an important centrepiece for many families is that it is believed to work magnificently; it truly creates a strong sense of peace, positivity, and prosperity in the household. As a bonus, their homes are beautifully decorated, shown by how neat and well planned everything is. Whether youre choosing to partake in Feng Shui for the promise of positive energy or for its aesthetically pleasing style of dcor, theres absolutely no doubt that this art is one you must try.

More here:
The Art of Feng Shui - Indonesia Expat

The second half of Thursday nights Dallas Symphony Orchestra concert, devoted to Tchaikovskys Manfred Symphony, was stunning.

The guest conductor was Ukrainian Kirill Karabits, principal conductor of the Bournemouth Symphony in England (where one of his predecessors was former DSO music director Andrew Litton).

Nearly an hour long, Tchaikovskys symphonic interpretation of Lord Byrons dramatic poem is a major challenge for both conductor and orchestra. As with the Berlioz Symphonie fantastique, composed 55 years earlier, it evokes a traumatic love, with a turbulent first movement, a contrasting pastoral evocation and finale imagining an infernal orgy. (Berlioz turned down a proposal to compose a Manfred symphony.)

Tchaikovskys second movement depicts a waterfall in sonic burbles and cascades worthy of Berlioz. In general, though, sounds here are laid on with a much heavier hand, working up massive climaxes in each movement.

Holding all this together is no simple matter, but Karabits did so, brilliantly. This was the musical equivalent of feng shui, the Chinese concept of controlling energy through space, but in this case through time. Timing and shaping the music most expressively, Karabits sustained tension as powerfully through romantic hushes as through great explosions of sound.

Aside from a couple of fuzzy spots for violins, the orchestra played gloriously, producing quite a sonic extravaganza. Special praise goes to solos by Gregory Raden and Andrew Sandwick (clarinets), Erin Hannigan (oboe) and Kevin Haseltine (horn). Cameron Carpenter played the harmonium part near the end on the organ; its hard to imagine how a lowly reed organ could manage that climactic moment.

Carpenter was the featured soloist in the first-half performance of Belgian composer Joseph Jongens Symphonie concertante. With the Meyerson Symphony Centers massive and indeed famous Fisk organ, its a disgrace that the DSO so rarely programs major organ-and-orchestra works. The Jongen, a splashy, tuneful, Hollywood-meets-Brussels affair from 1926, has been on my wish list for years.

There are at least half a dozen Dallas organists, starting with the DSOs own Bradley Welch, who could have given superb performances of the piece. But the DSO tapped Carpenter, a touring showman with a formidable technique but little respect for composers intentions.

Carpenter thrills rabid fans who know nothing about the organ or its music, and mostly appalls professional organists. He distorts compositions in ways that would be permitted from no other instrumentalist.

Performing from memory, he mostly played what Jongen wrote. At other times he arbitrarily pecked at what should have been legato lines, arpeggiated chords and added silly little decorations. Some registrations were fine, others grotesquely out of scale.

Grabbing stops by hand, seemingly making it up as he went, he resorted too much to the loudest reed stops and most thunderous pedal registers. Crescendos and decrescendos were overdone.

Karabits and the orchestra did what they could under the circumstances, and there were some lovely and exciting moments; but the opening fugue nearly came unglued. There was a rousing ovation at the end.

Repeats at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 29 and 2:30 p.m. March 1 no Friday performance at Meyerson Symphony Center, 2301 Flora St., Dallas. $24 to $139. 214-849-4376. mydso.com.

View original post here:
Conductor Kirill Karabits led a stunning half of a Dallas Symphony concert. The other half, well... - The Dallas Morning News

The artist David Capra with his sausage dog, Teena, looking at the artwork Puppy by Jeff Koons. James D. Morgan/Getty Images

Giving voice to the silenced has long been a concern of art, from the Realist movement of post-revolution France and the 20th century muralists of Mexico, to body politics in performance art and video art from the last few decades. Chicago-based artist Adrian Wong, however, has been interested in communicating with those silenced in biological sense, connecting with peoples deceased or, for his most recent project, their living pets. Emerging from an urge to discover the non-linguistic state beyond our physical and communicative realm, Wong initially began working with young children as a social scientist after receiving a graduate degree in psychology from Stanford University in 2003. Realizing, as he explained to Observer, that human affect is something poorly-suited for examination through a scientific lens, he changed gears, getting his MFA from Yale University.

My studio practice focuses on fields that operate outside of the empirical sciences, such as feng shui and geomancy, energy manipulation, astral projection, sound healing, cromniomancy, and most recently alchemy, he explained ahead of a solo presentation at Chicago-based Carrie Secrist Gallerys booth at the Armory Show. His project will be part of the fairs Focus section, organized by Jamillah James, a curator at the Institute of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles. Presented during the 25th edition of New Yorks quintessential art fair, Wongs installation will center around his collaboration with telepathic animal communicator Lynn Schuster, who will sit down for half-hour readings with fairgoers to communicate with their pets, based on their photos.

SEE ALSO: Lower East Sides Best Art Exhibitions Bring Us Brave New Subgenres of Abstraction

Self-representation and personal truths, revisionism and projecting other possibilities into the world, are the sections main threads, James explained Observerand Wongs psychic collaboration certainly fits. The idea of animal communication and telepathically communing with a non-verbal entity connects to this idea of wanting to believe in something and manifesting it, materially, psychically, and emotionally, she said. Though she admitted The idea of it may be met with skepticism.

Participants are made aware that Schusters observations have the potential to provide a basis for artworks by Wong, similar to those which will be on view across the booth, including photographs, sculptures and paintings that stem from the duos recent collaborative work. Wong responds to Schusters readings by creating a customized pet furniture, such as a dog house or cat tree, a portrait of the animals previous life, or a cosmic geometry wall installation in tune with the animals spirit, in an attempt to reconcile the mediums conversation with the pet in form. At his Chicago studio, the artist creates the artwork in house, using software programs Sketchup and Rhino for his furniture sculptures and pet portraitists from across the country for the paintings.

Wong initially connected with Wisconsin-based Schuster when the artist heard about a three-legged missing dog, named George, which eventually became more of a spiritual guide than a subject. Wongs next encounter with the medium was a personal, and heartbreaking, occasion, after the unexpected passing of his pet rabbit, Omar. The shock and following grief after a sudden loss prompted the artist to reconnect with the medium, whose communication with Omar revealed that the rabbit was a reincarnation of Snoopy, the childhood pet cat belonging to Wongs wife

Adrian Wong, The House That Snoopy Built, 2019. Annotated Sketch. Adrian Wong

There is so much joy and excitement that my eyes are tearing up, says Schuster, when I ask about her first reaction looking at a picture of my five-year old rescue dog, Bagel, who I adopted from Tennessee with my ex-partner when he was a two-month old puppy. Bagels feelings about our separation and loss of an important person in his canine life have been a curiosity of mine for over a year.

Was he happy living with me? How would he react if he saw his former co-parent? Schusters eyes closed, He would hide behind you if he saw him in a crowd, says Schuster, elevated by the emotional intensity she felt through communicating with Bagel, whose behavioral range has always been dependent on the amount of attention and physical connection hes given. He is a happy dog who is healing himself and you, she observed, laughing a little as she felt my four-legged companions impassioned energy.

When I ask Schuster about Bagels feelings about my current partner, she positively responds: There is a conversation on telepathic level between themthey see through each others eyes and souls. Wong joins the conversation to ask Schuster to draw a picture of our current life through the dogs perspective. What appears is a white light surrounding Bagel standing in our living room, where my current partner seems to be standing on his one side, me perched on a couch. There are pastel shades of pink and minty green, the medium adds. The artist begins to describe an abstracted image drawing on the aesthetics of cosmic geometry that could represent the balance of pet- human relationships, and our unique one in particular. Schuster, then, catches blobby shapes above Bagels head, which she regards as symbols of nurturing with their soft shapes, round on the edges, without any rough corners.

Wong notes that the fair setting, populated by collectors, enthusiasts and art world fixtures fiercely roaming over hundreds of booths, will be quite different than his typical work environment marked by calmness and serenity. Both the artist and Schuster are up for the challenge, ready for the unbelievable stories New Yorkers have to share through their pets.

The Armory Show is open to public from March 5 to 8 at Piers 90 and 94.

Link:
An Animal Psychic Will Communicate With Fairgoers Pets at the Armory Show - Observer

When you cannot find peace and happiness in your relationship, there must be some bad energy affecting your bonding. Check out how you can ward off bad effect using Feng Shui remedies.

A strong and healthy relationship needs a lot of positive energy and harmony. If you two are surrounded by a lot of improper objects and clutter, then it will affect your relationship with bad energy. So, it's always necessary to have a balance and harmony in your love and marriage life to strengthen the bonding. So, here we provide some Feng Shui remedies to strengthen your love life. Check them out.

An unbalanced relationshipAccording to Feng Shui, the southwest area of our home is associated with love, relationship and marriage. So, you have to use Feng Shui curing symbols in this area to bring positivity in your love life. South area represents the earth element, so you should use something that symbolises the earth element. But if the south-west area is occupied by the bathroom, closet, laundry room or garage, then this will affect your relationship.

Feng Shui remedy for unbalanced relationshipPlace some Feng Shui earth and fire elements on the south-west area to bring harmony in your disturbed relationship. Using fire elements with the earth ones will strengthen the effects. But avoid using water, wood or metal Feng Shui elements. Decorate your house with objects that are in pair like two candlesticks or lamps. Remove all objects that you don't have any reason to keep in your room.

Bad energy in the bedroomGood energy brings a positive vibe to bind your relationship with happiness and harmony. To avoid bad energy, watch out on the natural light, overflowing closets, improper bed placement, dirt, etc.

Feng Shui remedy for bad energy in the bedroomOpen windows and curtains for the bright light and air enter into your room. Keep the bedroom door closed while sleeping. Don't allow clutter under the bed, this can prevent good energy from flowing freely. Place nightstands on each side of the bed to create balance in your love life.

Continued here:
Feng Shui: HERE's how you can strengthen your love life with Feng Shui - PINKVILLA

In first grade, my diminutive and adorable teacher, Mrs. Eyre, introduced us to punctuation. Before this, every story was one long, emotionless, run-on sentence. I was so excited to use these tiny fetus-like marks that I voluntarily wrote an entire page of story describing my summer and added a comma to the end of each word. I eagerly gave it to my teacher so that she would know that I had fully grasped this new concept. Within minutes she had given it back with the following written in red ink at the top of the page; The comma rule: When in doubt, leave it out! That day, I learned a great lesson; the comma is fun, but an exclamation point, now that is something!

Frankly, these six words; when in doubt, throw it out, have become a lifetime mantra for me and one I share frequently with clients. In fact, just yesterday I had a client text me about a small dining room table. We are getting his home ready to put on the market and he asked if he should keep the table for the purpose of staging. Knowing that his kitchen has approximately enough room for perhaps one 6-year-old, but certainly not two, to turn around in, I recited my mantra. He took my advice. The room appears larger now than it did.

Realizing that this is not the first time I have preached on this subject, nor will it be the last, Im going to say it anyway. Here it is in a nutshell; throw out the clutter. Your children dont want to do it after youre gone. Just get rid of it now. They will be so happy.

More specifically, there are a number of things you can do to stage your home to sell. The most important of which is, take your Realtors advice. Most experienced professionals have seen enough homes that we develop an eye for the Feng Shui. Those of us who do not seem to have a propensity toward ever developing that eye (namely, myself), have a home stager on their team to refer to. That being said, I feel compelled to review some basics.

1) The front lawn is not a driveway, nor a mechanics garage.

2) English Ivy, the beautiful vivacious tendrilled plant, should not be cultivated near an exterior wall. It will soon become an interior plant as it seeps into the brick or concrete and tends to pull it apart at the seams. Also, it is unsightly when dormant.

3) Sheets are not curtains.

4) Hello Kitty is not a decorating theme, nor are puzzles, flags or swimsuit editions of Sports Illustrated.

5) Your living room carpet is not a litter box. Please provide one for your cats. As a side note, the dog should be using the outside facilities, since I have yet to see one use the ones inside.

6) Speaking of animals, your dead, stuffed ones should not be staring at myself or any potential buyer as we walk in the door. Its creepy and distracting.

7) Please, for the love of everything that is holy, do not paint your home (interior or exterior) the most discounted color at the home improvement store. Its discounted for a reason.

8) Let the sunshine in. If it feels like a dungeon, nobody is going to pay money to willingly stay there.

9) Dont paint a blue Y on the roof of your home. Not only is the proper letter U, but not everyone concedes that it holds meaning as anything other than a letter in which Sesame Street is brought to you by.

This list is clearly not all inclusive. However, it can go a very long way in getting a home ready to market and sell for the most money in the least amount of time. Meantime, its only $5.00 to take a load to the dump. Too many commas can become very distracting very quickly and then all meaning is lost.

Jen Fischer is an associate broker and Realtor. She can be reached at 801-645-2134 or jen@jen-fischer.com.

More:
Fischer: When in doubt, leave it out | Lifestyle - Standard-Examiner

Check out the meaning of different Feng Shui symbols before keeping them in your house to get results.

Feng Shui aka Chinese geomancy is a traditional practice of using energy forces to bring prosperity in an individual's life. Originated from ancient China, Feng Shui means 'wind-water'. Feng Shui uses different objects or living things to bring positivity in our life. They all represent different aspects of life which are needed to be placed in the right corner of a room to get results. The area needs to be decided from the Bagua map in Feng Shui. But before that you need to have knowledge of the symbols and their meanings and representations for the different aspects of life. Check them out below.

Objects of Feng ShuiTraditional Feng Shui concept is associated with several objects and each of them symbolises a different meaning. For example, mandarin ducks represent love and marriage, tortoise for protection and stability, koi fish stand for abundance of wealth, etc. Several other objects of Feng Shui are representing different things in this world. Get a proper Feng Shui guide before using any symbol for your home.

FlowersFlowers symbolise flourishing, beauty, grace and good luck. Feng Shui prefers peonies, lotus, orchid, chrysanthemums flowers for home as they bring positivity and healing energy.

FruitsFruits especially apples, pomegranate and oranges are considered to bring longevity, prosperity, wealth and fertility in our family. Mainly Feng Shui pays attention to the colours of the fruits.

BirdsBirds are the representation of inspiration, freedom and unity. So, putting photos of birds brings a positive vibe in one's life.

ButterfliesFeng Shui uses butterfly symbols as a cure for love and romance. A butterfly is the best Feng Shui element to use as a love cure mainly for single people.

HorsesThe application of horses in Feng Shui is considered to bring success, fame, freedom and speed. According to Bagua map, South is fame area and North is for career. The horse is to be placed in these two places.

FishArowana or Dragon Fish is the most powerful fish in Feng Shui for wealth. Goldfish or Koi fish can also be used instead of the Dragon ones. Take 8 or 9 fishes and one of them should be black.

TortoiseThe black tortoise is one of the four most powerful guardians of Feng Shui. The tortoise symbolises north side and winter season. Other three animals are Dragon (represents east/spring); Red Phoenix (South/summer); White Tiger (West/Fall).

BatsBats are the symbol of good fortune and prosperity. Bats are considered to have medicinal properties which associate them with prosperity.

Mystic KnotThe mystic knot symbolises happiness in life with a good fortune. It is also called an endless knot. In Buddhism, it is one of the eight magical auspicious objects.

Fu DogsFeng Shui Fu Dogs or imperial guardian lions are the representation of protection. Fu dogs are often seen in temples. In Feng Shui, they also symbolise wealthy family and social status.

Chi LinChi Lin is a mystical creature in Feng Shui. It has the head of a dragon, body of a horse and scales of a carp fish. It is also called dragon horse or Chinese unicorn which brings good health, prosperity, energy and positivity. It has a higher royal status than other Feng Shui objects.

Originally posted here:
Feng Shui Symbols: Here are the meanings of different Feng Shui symbols - PINKVILLA

By Alberta Barron for The Island Connection

Christopher Burtt

Master Gardener Christopher Burtt will speak to the Seabrook Island Garden Club March 13. The meeting gets underway at 9:30 a.m. at the Oyster Catcher Community Center.

Burtt, who serves as the urban horticulture extension agent and the master gardener coordinator for Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties, attended Clemson University and graduated in 2015 with a bachelor of science degree. He worked for the Clemson University Research Farm for two years before moving to Clemson Extension in April 2019. He is an avid gardener with extensive experience in both horticulture and agriculture and looks forward to sharing his talent and expertise through his presentation on pruning, grafting and propagation.

Thanks to SIGC membership and guests for a great turnout at the February meeting, which featured Karen Babb and her fascinating presentation on feng shui. It was witty, lively and thought-provoking.

This month we also want to continue with a shout out to the Seabrook Island Garden Club officers and committee chairs for their focus, creativity and hard work throughout the year. A special thank you to Lynne Madison and Dianne Thompson Cain, the ladies who have the hard job of coordinating the hospitality efforts at each meeting and ensuring that all are welcomed. Needless to say, the wonderful treats are provided by our generous membership. In the words of Helen Keller, Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.

Soon it will be time to elect new officers and chairs. Wont you consider filling in the blanks and sharing your talents as we move forward?

As always, all members and guests are welcome to attend our March 13 meeting. The agenda includes light refreshments at 9:30 a.m. and a brief business report at 10, followed by the guest speaker. The meetings usually conclude between 11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Unless otherwise noted, the meetings take place on the second Friday of each month at the Oyster Catcher Community Center.

For membership information, contact carollstclair@gmail.com. Attendance is free for members. Guests are welcome, but a $5 donation is appreciated.

See more here:
Master Gardener - The Island Connection

Clocks not solely inform us time, but additionally assist us in our good and unhealthy instances. In addition, sure, the clock held on the wall within the residence or workplace says loads about your time. For your info, inform them that if theyre positioned in the best course, then it brings good time, whereas the clock within the flawed course can deliver unhealthy time for you.

->Learn what Vastu says about watches.

Along with this, the south face is taken into account inauspicious to do all of the work. Also, the clock ought to by no means be positioned on the southern wall. Because the course of Dakshin Yama is claimed. At the identical time, it has been stated in Feng Shui that by placing a clock on this course, there are obstacles in the best way. This additionally has a nasty impact on the job. Negativity comes from the south course, so besides this course, set the clock in some other course.

For your info, tell us that no door needs to be put in on any door of the home. Do not put a clock on the wall above the principle door of the home. This will increase household affliction. If the clock hanging on the wall has been closed for too lengthy, then both get it performed or take away it. Closed watches have an effect on progress in life. Stopping the clock means stopping of your time.

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The home ought to at all times be stored clockwise on this course, all is nice - Sahiwal Tv

the Actress of the Moscow art theatre named after A. P. Chekhov Darya Jurassic reported that in the United States died at the age of 97 years Soviet, American and Russian actor Boris Leskin. He managed to play in many popular Soviet films, and in the U.S. managed to play the first part of the movie Men in black.

a Big loss for us. Boris Leskin, Bob lifelong friends with the Pope, wrote the Jurassic. She added that she knew from her father many legends and incredibly funny stories about Boris Leskin.

the life of Boris Leskin, long, different, amazing and incredible. Good-bye, said the Jurassic.

Lesquin long played in the Bolshoi drama theater in Leningrad. In 1980 he moved to the United States, where he became an actor in the theater. About the reasons for departure, he said in an interview on channel RTVI: Im just tired to live a lie, live a lie, when everything isnt true.

His best movies are considered to be Feng Shui, Republic SHKID, Maxim Perepelitsa, the Old, old story, Single, Strogovy, Intervention.

Continued here:
Died of Soviet and American actor Boris Leskin - The KXAN 36 News