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Joe McElderry is a singer/songwriter born in South Shields on 16th June 1991. He rose to prominence in 2009 when he won the sixth series of the television show X-Factor, beating Olly Murs in the final with 61% of the votes. His debut single, The Climb reached no.1 in both the UK and Irish charts and has sold over 800,000. copies. He headlined the 47 date nationwide X-Factor arena tour in Spring 2010. His debut album, Wide Awake, was released in September 2010 and reached no.3 in the UK charts.
In Summer 2011 Joe proved his talent and versatility by winning the second series of PopStar to OperaStar with over 80% of the vote. He subsequently signed to Universal Music and released his second album, Classic, which reached no.2 in the charts and achieved Gold status within two weeks of its release. Following the success of this album, Joe embarked on a UK tour in November 2011. He performed at 16 of Britain's finest concert halls, including London's Royal Festival Hall. Joe also performed to Her Majesty The Queen at the annual Festival of Remembrance at The Royal Albert Hall on 12th November. Joe's third album, Classic Christmas, was released at the end of an incredibly busy 2011 and also achieved Gold status, this time on release.
2012 saw the release of Joe's fourth album, Here's What I Believe, which marks the start of his songwriting career. The album features a combination of new collaborations with artists such as Marcella Detroit, Ludovico Einaudi and Beth Nielsen Chapman, and cover versions of classic love songs. Here's What I Believe was Joe's fourth top 15 album in the space of two years!
Joe's 64-date 'Set Your Soul Alive' tour spanned March to November 2014 and his 'Evolution' tour, currently standing at 70 dates, runs from February to November 2015. At Christmas 2013 he starred in Cinderella and 2014 in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. He has also made numerous television and radio appearances.
Joe has achieved wide-spread recognition from other artists. Sir Tim Rice said, "He's a fantastic singer ….. He has a great voice and he commands a stage very well."; Beverley Knight tweeted, "your control of your vibratto is wonderful, just had to let you know! Xxxxx"; Whitney Houston said, "Absolutely beautiful" when Joe sang her his version of Where Do Broken Hearts Go; Michael Buble commented, "I think he could probably give me some tips!"; and Rolando Villazon said, " I told him if you go to the conservatory you could become an opera singer. He still could if he wanted to."
Joe has also achieved recognition for his contributions to charity. He is a regional ambassador for the Teenage Cancer Trust and has run the Great North Run three times for them. He has also supported the World Hunger Project, participating in Dionne Warwick's World Hunger Day concert at the Royal Albert Hall in May 2012. Other charities he has performed for include Children In Need, Variety GB, Breast Cancer Care and AgeUK. In February 2013 he was the youngest ever recipient of Variety GB's Silver Heart, awarded for his contribution to charity and the entertainment industry.
In 2015, Joe proved his versatility once more, taking on the role of Tommy in The Who's Tommy: The Rock Opera at Blackpool Opera House. The show celebrated the 40th anniversary of director Ken Russell's memorable film during the Blackpool Illuminations season. Joe starred in the Bill Kenwright's production of the famous and much loved musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat the following year. Joe received rapturous reviews for his performance including the following from The Stage: "he may just be the best sung Joseph there's ever been, bringing a vocal flair to Joseph that's utterly ravishing.". As the successful run of the show continued in 2017, Joe released his 5th album, a recording of the unforgettable songs from the show, including the titles Close Every Door and Any Dream Will Do.
While performing 10 times a week on stage in the role of Joseph, Joe also sneaked in the recording of his 6th album. Saturday Night at the Movies is a compilation of famous songs from movies and musicals and will be released on Friday 14th July 2017. On this date, Joe will also start his 6th solo tour around the UK with The Gloria Tour, and will perform songs from his new as well as from previous albums, including his new single Gloria, released earlier this year.


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Ideas for Opening a Small Business
Business inspiration can come from many different sources. Some entrepreneurs have the strong desire to start their own small business, but they are just not sure what kind of business to start. Sometimes a small business idea can be related to something you have been doing for many years, and other times it can be something that you have always wanted to do but never took the time to learn.
In some cases, a hobby you have been doing for years could turn into your own small business. If you enjoy baking things such as cookies or pies, consider starting a small bakery. You do not need to limit yourself to just baking. You could start a cookie bouquet business or a gift basket service. If you have been collecting baseball cards for years, consider buying and selling collectibles such as sports cards, autographed pictures, pennants and sports bobble-head dolls. People who like to refinish furniture as a hobby could start their own furniture restoration business. Analyze your hobbies to see if you have a talent that could be turned into a business.
Previous Jobs
If you have been particularly good in a previous job, and wondered what it would be like to try it on your own and keep the profit for yourself, you may have the inspiration for your own small business. Careers such as being an accountant, lawyer or home inspector could be done as your own business instead of working for a firm. If you were a successful salesperson, consider becoming an independent sales representative for multiple companies. You could also start a sales consulting and training business. A former police officer could start her own private security firm, and a computer repair technician could strike out on his own and start his own computer repair company.
Some companies have your small business idea neatly packaged and waiting for you to get started. You can purchase a local, regional, national or international franchise license and start your small business with someone else's guidance. Some different kinds of franchises include fast food restaurants, tax preparation services, specialty retail stores such as candles or personalized gifts, an auto dealership, a cellular phone retail location and a retail musical instrument store.
Photo Credits
- Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images

subset: commoncrawl


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Get Your Congregation Ready Now for the November Gratitude Challenge!
In the United States when November comes along, many Americans will turn their thoughts to Thanksgiving and the things they are grateful for. We want to help people or groups prepare for Thanksgiving with 30 days of gratitude practices. The November Gratitude Challenge is offered as a free downloadable booklet. Each day of the week has a similar theme but a different focus. People will be invited to write thank-you cards, try different methods of journaling, and even watch TED Talks. We hope this resource will deepen people's experience of gratitude and will bring them to Thanksgiving full of gratitude for the good things God is doing in their lives and in the lives of their communities. Download the November Gratitude Challenge booklet here.
For those of you doing the Gratitude Challenge alone, each day the challenge will appear on the UTO Facebook page, so you can follow along, comment, and chat with others virtually who are in the challenge with you!


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I just finished setting up my home network (again) and thought to document what I did, why, and what needs to be fixed. It might help someone else who's kids are fiendishly clever about avoiding safe network endeavors.
My Perfect System
What I really want is a kind of proxy server that manages all our inbound/outbound network traffic and enforces schedules per user, per traffic-type (netflix vs web, etc), and can require a password for some users to access specific kinds of sites. Parents either don't need, or else know the password, kids don't, voila. But I don't have a computer running 24/7 to work as a proxy for my network, and don't want to learn a system like squid to set it up if I did. Oh, and I want it to be free, and easy to manage.
So I've tried other things…
Continue reading "Ridiculous, Kid-safe Network Setup Attempts"


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Just logging two thoughts here for the record...
UnLtd (http://www.unltd.org.uk/) funding may be right for the next PlayARK games event - contact is Gareth Bickerton and he's lovely.
Games in the Rain - seeing as we have so very much of it. Can we have outdoors games specifically devised for a rainy day? Making use of the rain - and making people look forward to a wet day.
N x
Why not come along to our meeting on Wednesday evenings and see how you can get involved! Click here to view our calendar.


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by WEX Health
While many of us are already planning how we'll spend our tax refund, we have to get our returns filed first. Before you decide to spend it on a vacation or your next remodel project, how can you invest your money to go further and help you tackle the rising cost of healthcare? In this post, we offer a suggestion along with a few other things that health-savings accountholders should keep in mind during tax season:
HSA contributions and distributions are non-taxable—unless you withdraw money to pay for something other than a qualified medical expense. If this is the case, you will have to pay an additional tax of 20 percent on the taxable portion of your distribution. You will calculate this tax amount using Form 8889 and will need to report the taxable amount on the "other income" line of your tax return, writing "HSA" beside it.
You can direct-deposit your refund into your HSA.
The average tax return last year was $3,120. By directing your refund to deposit directly into your HSA account, you'll be ahead of the game for saving for medical expenses in 2018—or for healthcare expenses during retirement. (The annual HSA contribution limit for individuals with single medical coverage in 2018 is $3,450.) While this may not be the most exciting use of your tax refund, it may be among the wisest, especially when planning for retirement, as retirees who take money out of an IRA or 401(k) to pay for medical expenses will be taxed on these withdrawals. When they pay medical bills from an HSA, however, they will never be taxed. E-filing and selecting the direct deposit option is also the quickest way to get your return. Ninety percent of returns that are filed this way are received within a few weeks, while mailing in a paper return can require a six- to eight-week wait.
You will need to file a Form 1099-SA if you've taken money out of your HSA for any reason.
To report distributions from an HSA, you must file this form, which the custodian of your HSA is required to file and send to you. The form essentially notifies the IRS that money has left your HSA account. Because the government will also want to be sure you've spent any money you've withdrawn from your account on qualified medical expenses, this is the form where you will note whether or not you've held up your end up the HSA bargain with the government, so to speak.
You will also need to file Form 8889 to verify that you spent your distributions on qualified medical expenses.
If you made contributions to, or received distributions from, an HSA in 2017, you will also need to attach Form 8889 to your tax return. On this form, you will report these deposits and withdrawals (including those made on your behalf or by an employer) and determine your HSA deduction and the amounts you must include in income. Form 8889 will also help you figure the tax you will owe if you withdrew money from your HSA to pay for things other than qualified medical expenses.
On the subject of tax returns, the Internal Revenue Service urged taxpayers again this week to watch out for erroneous deposits from the IRS in their accounts. Following a breach of tax practitioners' computer files, scammers have now filed several thousand false returns, using taxpayers' real bank accounts for the deposits. The taxpayers who receive the deposit then receive an automated call purported to be from the IRS. According to the IRS, "Thieves are then using various tactics to reclaim the refund from the taxpayers, and their versions of the scam may continue to evolve."
Americans have until April 17, 2018, to file their 2017 tax returns—this year, we get two extra days because April 15 falls on a weekend and April 16 is Emancipation Day, a legal holiday recognized in Washington, D.C.
To determine how much you should contribute to your HSA each month, read this post by Jason Cook, WEX Health's vice president of healthcare emerging market sales.


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Hi! Looking for some fun app for learning numbers? Well, FUN WITH NUMBERS is just that app. Preschool kids and toddlers will enjoy the experience of interacting with the app while exploring the world of numbers.
1. Counting Numbers: Helps to evaluate and enhance the auditory and counting skills of the child.
2. Number Sequence: An activity that requires the child to recall and tap numbers in sequence 1-10.
3. Missing Numbers: As the name suggests, this shooting game is about Missing Numbers.
There are five more, namely,
* Numbers Climb.
* Sweet Numbers.
* Fishy Numbers.
* Odd/Even Numbers.
* Numbers Maze.
Have fun while you learn!!
Preschool Consultant: SAJEDA JAMAL


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| 7.9°C Belfast
Australia prop James Slipper has responded to England's vow to play 'Bodyline' rugby in their upcoming series by reminding them of which pack suffered at last autumn's World Cup.
Eight months ago the Wallabies departed Twickenham with a record 33-13 victory that knocked the hosts out of their own tournament and Saturday's opening Test in Brisbane will be the first meeting between the rivals since that grim evening.
England expected to dominate up-front - a traditional feature of the fixture - only to be overwhelmed by Australia, who surprisingly were also in the ascendency at the scrum.
When asked about Eddie Jones' men planning to outmuscle the Wallabies, Slipper said: "They say that every year. We want to do the same thing to them.
"It was the same sort of chat before the World Cup, but at the end of the day you have to go out there and do it. I'm sure both teams will be trying to do it. It's setting up to be a good series."
Slipper's presence in the front row partly explains Australia's revival at the scrum, as does the emergence of tighthead Sekope Kepu, who cancelled his contract at Bordeaux in order to take part in the three-Test series.
"I think we've come a long way in the last couple of years. We're confident, but we understand that we still have to work pretty hard on our scrum," Slipper said.
"We're happy with where we are but we know that we'll be coming up against a strong England pack and it's going to be a tough series.
"This is a different England team to the one we played at the World Cup. They played really well in the Six Nations with a new coach and some new players.
"They are a proud rugby nation and are coming down here to play Australia and there's a lot of history there."


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Bravertek offers a wide variety of merchant account and payment processing services to businesses throughout the United States and Canada. Bravertek will customize a payments processing solution with the needs of your growing business in mind. Contact us today to speak with a payments professional!
Easily create "Buy Now" and "Donate" buttons for your site. Let our team of experts set up your online store or do it yourself. Get access to in depth transaction reporting, manage refunds and recurring billing online in your virtual terminal. Our eCommerce merchant accounts are fully compatible with all major shopping cart and gateway applications. We love working with developers!
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The Victim: Dorothy Ferguson
Date: Friday, Nov. 30
Time: 11:40 a.m.
Location: 1700 block of Illinois
The thief put the pedal to the metal.
The 1993 Cadillac sat in front of Dorothy Ferguson's house with a "for sale" sign on it. It was an older model, but in nice condition. And with only 69,000 miles on it, she thought it would be a nice buy for someone. Her asking price was $3,000.
Soon after putting the car up for sale, a man came by and asked to check it out. He looked inside and asked if he could look at the title. Ferguson let him read over it while he inspected the interior. The man then asked if she would let him start the engine and remove the steering wheel lock so he could check the power steering.
As soon as she disconnected the device, the supposed buyer hit the gas and took off. Luckily, Ferguson wasn't hurt, but her car was gone.
Things then grew stranger.
The thief apparently had driven to her house with another friend. The friend called police himself after witnessing the theft, saying he had no idea what his friend had planned. He told police his friend was in the car at a nearby wrecking yard. And that's just where police found him — ready to sell the car for $250 cash, Ferguson says. Police even gave her a ride to the junkyard to pick up her Cadillac.
"He was real slick, he knew what he was doing," she says of the thief. "The police got it back right quick. They couldn't have been any nicer to me. I was so stupid, but real lucky."
Maj. Edwin Ruiz-Diaz of the Southwest Patrol Division says when selling a vehicle, the seller should take as many safety precautions as possible.
"Meeting a buyer in a public place is advisable, as well as having someone with you at the time of the meeting," he says. "The seller should also get as much information about the buyer as possible. Safety first."
Although not a common occurrence, Ruiz-Diaz says, this type of offense is not unheard of, and Dallas Police as well as police departments nationwide also target businesses and individuals that buy stolen vehicles in cases like these.
| crime numbers |
amount a bank robber demanded in a note he gave a teller at the Bank of Texas on Zang at 12th
11 a.m.
on Nov. 28 is when the crime occurred; the robber, who is 5-foot-6, weighs 200 pounds and has a pencil-thin mustache and chin hair, got away with $5,265
call the FBI Dallas Field Office with tips
SOURCE: Dallas Police Department


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Fresh off being voted the Most Innovative Insights Company in North America by Clients, Hotspex to speak about what keeps CMO's up at night.
Shane's talk at the MRIA will cover.
With CMO tenure shrinkage a near constant, what does the future of the marketing function hold?
- Will the CMO go extinct, being replaced by Chief Growth Officers?
- What is the impact of this on long-term brand building?
- What is the impact on the career trajectories for marketers?
- What does all this mean for the insights business?
- How do current CMOs want their insights served up?
- How will the requirements for successful insights leaders change in the coming years?
- Where are the emergent opportunities in insights going to reveal themselves?
Shane has had the privilege of interviewing many sitting and recently-departed CMOs to find answers to these questions. Shane will give a provocative talk that will help all stakeholders of the insights industry understand what the future holds.
Three Takeaways from Shane's Talk:
- The future of marketing straight from the CMO's lips.
- What is keeping CMOs up at night that insights professionals can help with.
- How CMOs are looking for insights professionals to evolve in the future.
Speaker Bio:
Founder and CEO, Hotspex
Former Chair of the MRIA
As founder and CEO of Hotspex, Shane has surrounded himself with talented marketing and behavioural scientists to build innovative award-winning methodologies, while working with 15 of the top 20 global advertisers in over 30 countries.
In recent years, Shane and his team have launched cutting-edge implicit measurement tools, and Hotspex has been voted among the top 20 global most innovative insights consultancies for three years in a row.
With over 11,20 followers on LinkedIn, Shane's opinion of the future of marketing, insights, and advertising is sought after by senior marketers around the world. His passions are for super-cool, tech-driven new ideas, the future of MR, and his wife and three young sons.


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Being a mother is a tough job of course. Both a stay at home mom and a working mother have to do their best to manage time for their baby as they have a lot of other responsibilities along with taking care of their baby! For working moms, it's a challenge to strike a balance between work and family. No more after being a mom, you can enjoy a cup of coffee with the newspaper in the morning as you have to give all that time to your kid. You can't afford to give an extra hour to your office work even if it's important. You want to run back to home as soon as possible. Moreover, you constantly feel that 'Guilt' of not being with your kid all the time.
Working moms have to very cleverly manage their home and work pressure. However, there are some common challenges that every working mom faces. Here are a few of them and tips to face them efficiently.
You Can Do it
The first and foremost thing that you have to do is having complete trust in yourself. Have faith in yourself that you can be a good mom along with being a smart career woman. Don't ever let your confidence shiver. Never feel bad about not being a Perfect Mom or a Perfect Employee. Remember, Nobody on earth is Perfect! You just have to give your best to both your roles.; that's it!
Stop Feeling Guilty
Women often have this strong guilty conscience of not being a good mommy. This guilt is far bigger than that of being a not so good employee. 'Mommy guilt' can break down a woman emotionally. It's good if you ask yourself "Am I doing something wrong by being a career woman?" When you find the answer is negative, it makes you feel better. Whatever time you get to spend with your kid, put all your energy in that.
Set Your Priorities
Being a working mother obviously mean, you run short of time for even the very important tasks of your day. You have to manage well whatever time you have to fulfill all your duties and responsibilities. So, you set your priorities for how and with whom you want to invest your energy. Don't feel sorry for not being able to catch up with some friends or relatives whom you can not afford to give precious hours of your day.
Stop Worrying
We worry about everything. We worry what people will say when we have to take too many leaves or short leaves from office for our child. We worry whether our kid would be still crying after we dropped him/her school? We worry what our family will say when we are not able to fulfil our promises to our promises to them. All this worry is a waste of our precious energy. We should therefore, focus this energy on thinking positively about what we have achieved as a mom and as a career woman.
No harm in telling lies for kid's sake
Sometimes, we take sick leave not because we are sick, but because our child is sick and we have to take care of him/her. There's nothing wrong with it. No need to feel you did anything wrong. Sometimes, 3 days' leave may become 6 days' leave as after looking after the kid, we too fall ill. But It's okay. No worries about it.
Don't Believe in Convenient Timing
You may have to rush to pick your sick child up from school in the middle of a meeting or any important discussion. Don't blame yourself for either leaving the work suddenly or not being with your kid when he/she is ill all the time. Don't hope for a perfect timing for things to happen in your life. Things happen suddenly and may be simultaneously and you to manage all.
Self-care is very important
Since you are taking care of everything in your life work, home, kids so it becomes extremely important that you don't overlook your own needs. You too need care, love, rest and peace. Taking a good sleep and relaxing is very important whenever you can.
Utilise Your Time
Most working moms reach office early not because they want to but because they want to leave early. They want to pick up the kid from school and spend quality time with him/her. So, while you are at the office early, make the most of your time. Utilise it to finish all your pending works.
Plan things but don't expect them to happen accordingly
Give yourself extra 45 minutes on the days when you have something big ahead of you because the uncertainty of the morning routine (e.g. kid spitting, vomiting or peeing on your dress) may leave you feeling frustrated all before 6 a.m. Murphy's Law always works for working moms–best to leave time in your plan for unanticipated problems.
Be Prepared for being late
The morning routine may not be as smooth as you expect it to be. A process that should take 5 minutes often lasts 20 because your little kid would prefer to wear his white shoes with dirty black trousers than whatever you planned for him/ her to wear. Keep a few minutes in your schedule for these type of unplanned things.
I know, all working moms are Super Moms 'cause they are giving their best to both their workplace and their kid. No need to feel guilty or worry about anything. Stay positive because this positivity will keep you energised and going on in life. When you are happy (even after being tired only then you can keep others happy.


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OneVote2014: Europe-wide anti-poverty campaign
By Michelle Appeah, UK ONE Youth Ambassador
Earlier this year, the ONE Campaign launched its very first European-wide anti-poverty campaign. Co-founded by Bono, ONE is a non-partisan campaigning and advocacy organisation of around 6 million members worldwide taking action to end extreme poverty, particularly in Africa. ONE raises public awareness and work with political leaders to combat AIDS and preventable diseases, increase investments in agriculture and nutrition, and demand greater transparency so that governments are accountable to their citizens.
The Youth Ambassador scheme aimed to target MEPs, asking them to sign the OneVote2014 pledge which demonstrates their commitment to ending extreme poverty by 2030.
The pledge reads:
"Ending extreme poverty is in our hands. Together, we can make sure it is virtually eliminated by 2030. In the next 5 years, we need to build support for the poorest countries, especially through investments in agriculture, healthcare and access to energy, and to make governments and businesses transparent and accountable. As a representative of the British people, I will make sure we keep our promises in the fight against extreme poverty, and help ensure that our laws make it easier for the world's poor to lift themselves out of poverty."
The aim was to get over half of the European Parliament committed to the pledge.
Including myself, over 120 were selected for the scheme across Europe. The UK ambassadors received training on different aspects of campaigning, went on a tour of Downing Street, and to the DFID headquarters in London. Meetings were held with a range of influential people, such as International Development minister Lynne Featherstone, who said:
"I am particularly pleased they are focusing on some of my priority areas such as health, access to energy and governance. I'm sure in the future international development will benefit from their exceptional talents."
The UK ambassadors also met with Shadow Secretary of State Jim Murphy at an event arranged by ONE, where he set out his vision for the future of international development. Some of the UK ambassadors also met Nick Clegg, and heard his views on development aid, whilst the French ambassadors met with Bill Gates at the launch in Paris. He said:
"Those of us who see the phenomenal results of aid have a responsibility to speak up to ensure this work continues despite tough economic times. That is why I am excited to see the young people…stepping up as "factivists" to help spread the truth. With continued focus and investment, I believe this can be the generation to end extreme poverty".
After working autonomously and in groups to get MEPs signed up through face to face meetings, tweets, calls, emails, local campaigns, and lobbying, all the European ambassadors came together for the One Summit in Brussels in June. All the ambassadors received motivational speaking and talks by various entrepreneurs, ONE members, and MPs. On the last day, the ambassadors went to the European Parliament and met with a range of MEPs who delivered motivational talks, question and answer sessions, and signed the pledge. The images and inspirational quotes received throughout the ambassador scheme were tweeted constantly with the trending hashtag '#onevote2014'.
However, the ambassadors didn't stop after the summit. The UK ambassadors campaigned to get at least 100 MPs to attend the Second Reading of the International Development Bill in September 2014, which was successful, and also campaigned about the Trillion Dollar scandal at the Conservative Party Conference. The French, German, Italian, Belgian, and Dutch ambassadors also continued to meet with MEPs, as well as campaign on a range of issues such as the Trillion Dollar scandal.
The support of the public was gained through urging them to sign a petition which would in turn persuade MEPs to sign the pledge. Some ambassadors even got the support of musicians. However, there is now no need to add to the 70,000+ signatures gained as over half of the European Parliament has committed to the pledge – the target has been met! Despite this, the more MEPs signed up, the greater the chance of getting the conditions of the pledge met. Therefore, I am asking you to urge the remaining of the MEPs to sign the pledge. You can see who has and hasn't signed through the OneVote2014 Tracker.
You can tweet, call, email, or write a letter to any of the MEPs. Working together, with the Millennium Development Goals, we have achieved the following:
- 18.3 million children under the age of one have been immunised against measles
- 13.7 million more children are benefiting from primary education
- 24.5 million people have access to sanitation facilities
- 46.5 million people assisted through social transfers for food security
Extreme poverty has roughly halved in the last 20 years from 46% to 21%, we can get it to 0% with your help. Thank you.


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|Summary of 2 reviews :
|Room :
|Facilities :
|Service :
|Location :
|Hotel room status:
|The La Flora Resort Patong has a modern unique style.
It is only the boutique resort in the central Patong Beach area that offers pool villas.
This trendy resort showcases a high-end lifestyle, complete with two sparkling swimming pools,
stylishly designed accommodation, distinctive dining and spectacular panoramic views.
The resort is ideal for those who seek an amazing honeymoon or romantic getaway to a luxurious tropical paradise,
and then discover a unique Phuket beach resort where sleek style and gorgeous scenery converge in the most appealing of ways.
|A boutique resort with blissful beachfront getaway
With beachfront setting and close to all actions of Patong, La Flora Resort Patong provides a selection of 67 new rooms, suites and pool villas with a modern unique style - for your luxury vacation, getaway, weekend and special occasion. The accommodations offer many features of modern comfortable furnishings, stylish decor and amenities including spacious bathrooms, private balconies and free Wi-Fi.
Deluxe Pool View
Located on the second floor, offering 42-51 sq.m. of living space - with a large balcony and overlooking the parallel lap pool, the room is fully decorated in teak wood - with a touch of stylish design. Other features are a bathroom with separate walk in shower, a bathtub and high standard amenities.
Deluxe Pool Access
This accommodation offers 42-51 sq.m., is on the ground floor and has direct access to the swimming pool. A generous terrace is the ideal place for a relaxing afternoon tea.
Sea View Suite
Set on the second floor and offering breathtaking ocean views, the 44 sq. meters suites are decorated in a trendy style embracing a casual elegance, enhanced by a modern, luxurious bathroom looking out onto the room and the Andaman Sea.
Pool Villa
The Pool Villa is the honeymooner's favorite. It features 65 sq. meters of well designed space and incorporates a private swimming pool, a home theatre and DVD player. The bathroom has a Jacuzzi and separate walk in shower.
Pool Villa with Loft
The Pool Villa with Loft provides 81 sq. meters of exclusive space and features a private pool as well as a bathroom with a jacuzzi and a separate walk in shower. This villa, the premium place to relax in privacy and comfort, additionally features a 'day bed'. The living space incorporates a home theatre and DVD player.
Beachfront Pool Villa
Just steps away to the beach from your private accommodation, the Beachfront Pool Villas provide a generous 87 sq. meters of living space, a private swimming pool on the beach and a separate furnished living room with a home theatre and DVD player.
Beachfront Grand Pool Villa
The one bedroom villa is ideal for your honeymoon or a romantic getaway. It provides a massive 169 square meters of space, a private sundeck and a dining area with a panoramic view of Patong Bay. The one bed villa is ideal for friends traveling together or for families. It provides 159 sq. meters of living space and a generous dining area adjacent to the swimming pool. The bathroom has a separate walk in shower and bathtub, complete with full amenities.
|The Current of the Sea Restaurant
Rows of tables seating along the edge of the open-air restaurant that offers a perfect spot to plot the busy lane of Taweewong or inside the cozy venue to dine.Cool yourself beside the pool while knocking back punchy, refreshing cocktail or wine. View from our menus listed with the finest and sumptuous cuisine from International to authentic Thai cook by our skilled Chef.
Open daily from 6.30 am until 12 pm (midnight)
|The Surface Restaurant & bar
Enjoy the real beauty of Patong beach from the Surface a rooftop open air restaurant & bar. We serve a wide selection of cocktails, wines and slow grill dishes. Let soothing music to help you relax as you marvel at breathing sunset.
Open daily from 5.30 a.m. until 12.00 p.m. (midnight)
|The Flora Spa relaxation area overlooks the scenic beauty of the Andaman Sea and sparkling clear swimming pool.
Discover the secret of achieving and physical relaxation with the flora spa which have been designed with 2 twin treatment rooms,
2 single treatment rooms, Steam and Sauna.
Treatment based on nature botanical herbs and aromatherapy and including state of meditative relaxation by way of appropriate ambience and environment which are a combination of various techniques and signature methods.
After an enjoyable day exploring Phuket, guests can benefit from friendly,
professional and personalized service.
The facilities includes two parallel lap pools overlooking the scenic beauty of the Andaman Sea,
smart dining venues serving international cuisine,
seafood specialties and exotic drinks, the Flora Spa and the reading corner.
At La Flora Resort Patong, it is easy to get connected as Wi-Fi is available throughout the resort,
in the business center and in every room, making it a breeze to stay in touch with family and friends.
For those who like to keep active on holiday, there is a fitness center at the resort.
|Lap Pool
|Lap Pool Side
|Fitness Center
|Reading Corner
|Meeting Room
|Business Center
|The La Flora Resort Patong is ideally set on Phuket's southwest shoreline,
in the heart of Patong Beach. It is only a 45 minute drive from Phuket Int'l Airport (25 miles / 40 km)
and 20 minutes from Phuket Town (9.3 miles / 15 km).
This extraordinary site fronts Patong Bay, making it a perfect choice for those who enjoy privacy and relaxation.


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Follow Us
What We Can All Learn From Navy SEALs
Just as SEALs dedicate themselves to service, the same is required of all Americans, says Eric Greitens.
When President Obama met with SEAL Team 6, the elite counter-terrorism unit that killed Osama bin Laden, the president asked which member of the team pulled the trigger. According to Mark Owen, which is a pseudonym for the former SEAL who authored the book, No Easy Day: The Firsthand Account of the Mission That Killed Osama Bin Laden, the SEALs refused to tell Obama.
As Owen told 60 Minutes:
Pulling a trigger is easy. A couple pounds of pressure on your trigger finger and I've done it millions of times. It's not that hard. It's not about who that one person was, it's about the team, or the helicopter pilots, or the intel folks that teed this whole thing up. Who cares who the one person is? Doesn't matter.
What's the Big Idea?
At a time of national healing, it is only natural for the public to want to assign heroic status to a single individual. And yet, heroic individualism goes against the very notion of what it means to be a SEAL. SEAL teams are composed of specialists, who each possess certain core skills. These soldiers fill roles such as sniper, maritime engineer, heavy weapons specialist, diver, navigator, interrogator, explosives expert, etc. It is based on their collective strength that the team is invincible.
When Big Think interviewed former Navy SEAL Eric Greitens about the legacy of 9/11, he said the lesson for ordinary Americans is no different. Greitens says America demonstrated its great strength by coming together as a nation following the terrorist attacks. And just as SEALs dedicate themselves to service, the same is required of all Americans. In other words, individuals may be able to excel on their own, but ultimate success will only come through teamwork.
Watch the video here:
What does kindness look like? It wears a mask.
Northwell Health CEO Michael Dowling has an important favor to ask of the American people.
- Michael Dowling is president and CEO of Northwell Health, the largest health care system in New York state. In this PSA, speaking as someone whose company has seen more COVID-19 patients than any other in the country, Dowling implores Americans to wear masks—not only for their own health, but for the health of those around them.
- The CDC reports that there have been close to 7.9 million cases of coronavirus reported in the United States since January. Around 216,000 people have died from the virus so far with hundreds more added to the tally every day. Several labs around the world are working on solutions, but there is currently no vaccine for COVID-19.
- The most basic thing that everyone can do to help slow the spread is to practice social distancing, wash your hands, and to wear a mask. The CDC recommends that everyone ages two and up wear a mask that is two or more layers of material and that covers the nose, mouth, and chin. Gaiters and face shields have been shown to be less effective at blocking droplets. Homemade face coverings are acceptable, but wearers should make sure they are constructed out of the proper materials and that they are washed between uses. Wearing a mask is the most important thing you can do to save lives in your community.
Science confirms: Earth has more than one 'moon'
Two massive clouds of dust in orbit around the Earth have been discussed for years and finally proven to exist.
- Hungarian astronomers have proven the existence of two "pseudo-satellites" in orbit around the earth.
- These dust clouds were first discovered in the sixties, but are so difficult to spot that scientists have debated their existence since then.
- The findings may be used to decide where to put satellites in the future and will have to be considered when interplanetary space missions are undertaken.
What are they?
Artist's impression of the Kordylewski cloud in the night sky (with its brightness greatly enhanced) at the time of the observations.
G. Horváth
The Kordylewski clouds are two dust clouds first observed by Polish astronomer Kazimierz Kordylewski in 1961. They are situated at two of the Lagrange points in Earth's orbit. These points are locations where the gravity of two objects, such as the Earth and the Moon or a planet and the Sun, equals the centripetal required to orbit the objects while staying in the same relative position. There are five of these spots between the Earth and Moon. The clouds rest at what are called points four and five, forming a triangle with the clouds and the Earth at the three corners.

The clouds are enormous, taking up the same space in the night sky as twenty lunar discs; covering an area of 45,000 miles. They are roughly 250,000 miles away, about the same distance from us as the Moon. They are entirely comprised of specks of dust which reflect the light of the sun so faintly most astronomers that looked for them were unable to see them at all.

The clouds themselves are probably ancient, but the model that the scientists created to learn about them suggests that the individual dust particles that comprise them can be blown away by solar wind and replaced by the dust from other cosmic sources like comet tails. This means that the clouds hardly move but are eternally changing.

How did they discover this?
"In this picture the central region of the Kordylewski dust cloud is visible (bright red pixels). The straight tilted lines are traces of satellites."
J. Slíz-Balogh
In their study published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, Hungarian astronomers Judit Slíz-Balogh, András Barta, and Gábor Horváth described how they were able to find the dust clouds using polarized lenses.

Since the clouds were expected to polarize the light that bounces off of them, by configuring the telescopes to look for this kind of light the clouds were much easier to spot. What the scientists observed, polarized light in patterns that extended outside the view of the telescope lens, was in line with the predictions of their mathematical model and ruled out other possible sources.

Why are we just learning this now?
"Mosaic pattern of the angle of polarization around the L5 point (white dot) of the Earth-Moon system. The five rectangular windows correspond to the imaging telescope with which the patterns of the Kordylewski cloud were measured."
J. Slíz-Balogh
The objects, being dust clouds, are very faint and hard to see. While Kordylewski observed them in 1961, other astronomers have looked there and given mixed reports over the following decades. This discouraged many astronomers from joining the search, as study co-author Judit Slíz-Balogh explained, "The Kordylewski clouds are two of the toughest objects to find, and though they are as close to Earth as the Moon are largely overlooked by researchers in astronomy. It is intriguing to confirm that our planet has dusty pseudo-satellites in orbit alongside our lunar neighbor."

Will this have any impact on space travel?
Lagrange points have been put forward as excellent locations for a space station or satellites like the James Webb Telescope to be put into orbit, as they would require little fuel to stay in place. Knowing about a massive dust cloud that could damage sensitive equipment already being there could save money and lives in the future. While we only know about the clouds at Lagrange points four and five right now, the study's authors suggest there could be more at the other points.

While the discovery of a couple of dust clouds might not seem all that impressive, it is the result of a half-century of astronomical and mathematical work and reminds us that wonders are still hidden in our cosmic backyard. While you might never need to worry about these clouds again, there is nothing wrong with looking at the sky with wonder at the strange and fantastic things we can discover.

How do pandemics end? History suggests diseases fade but are almost never truly gone
Instead of looking forward, we should be consulting the past.
When will the pandemic end? All these months in, with over 37 million COVID-19 cases and more than 1 million deaths globally, you may be wondering, with increasing exasperation, how long this will continue.
Scientists stumble across new organs in the human head
New cancer-scanning technology reveals a previously unknown detail of human anatomy.
- Scientists using new scanning technology and hunting for prostate tumors get a surprise.
- Behind the nasopharynx is a set of salivary glands that no one knew about.
- Finding the glands may allow for more complication-free radiation therapies.
PSMA PET/CT technology
PSMA PET/CT is a new combination of PET scans and CT scans that is believed to offer a more reliable means of locating prostate cancer metastasis. A study published last spring suggests it may be the most accurate way to diagnose prostate cancer metastasis than any method previously available.

Prior to PSMA PET/CT, the primary way to look for metastatic prostate cancer was to image the body using x-ray-based CT scans and to perform bone scans, since bone is where prostate cancer often spreads. CT scans, however, often miss small tumors, and bone scans can generate false positives as a result of other damage or abnormalities that have nothing to do with prostate cancer.

PSMA PET/CT scans track the travels of an intravenously administered radioactive glucose tracer throughout the body. For hunting down prostate cancer, this tracer contains a molecule that binds to the PSMA protein that's present in large amounts in prostate tumors. The molecule is linked to a radioisotope, gallium-68 (Ga-68).

In last spring's research, PSAM PET/CT was shown to be 27 percent more accurate than previous methods at finding metastases (92 percent accuracy as opposed to 65 percent). In addition, it was found to be much less likely to produce false positives, and it was particularly good at detecting tumors far removed from the prostate.

A good kind of avoidance behavior
"Radiation therapy can damage the salivary glands," says Vogel, "which may lead to complications. Patients may have trouble eating, swallowing, or speaking, which can be a real burden."

The researchers looked back through the cases of 723 patients who had undergone radiation treatment, interested in seeing if inadvertent radiation of the tubarial glands was associated with the complications experienced by the patients. It turned out that this was the case: In cases where more radiation had been delivered to this area, patients did indeed report more in the way of complications of the type one would expect when salivary glands are radiated.

Now that we know the tubarial salivary glands exist, therapists can stay out of their way. Vogel says, "For most patients, it should technically be possible to avoid delivering radiation to this newly discovered location of the salivary gland system in the same way we try to spare known glands."

He's hopeful that that things may be about to get at least a bit better for cancer patients: "Our next step is to find out how we can best spare these new glands and in which patients. If we can do this, patients may experience less side effects which will benefit their overall quality of life after treatment."

Millennials reconsidering finances and future under COVID-19
A new survey found that 27 percent of millennials are saving more money due to the pandemic, but most can't stay within their budgets.


text: How did George Takei get so good at the internet, let alone at real life? His Facebook page, a sustainable hilarity generator, might be the last good reason not to quit Facebook. Jennifer Kroot's doc delves gaily into the backstory, finding clues in speeches he's made: Takei talks a lot about looking out at life from behind barbed-wire fences; eventually, in that same super-smooth baritone, he sings "Don't Fence Me In." So this is what it means to be the Japanese-American boy whose family was interned during World War II; the TV starship helmsman who worked his way up to movies and to captain; and the once-closeted gay man who came out to rebuke Arnold Schwarzenegger's 2005 same-sex-marriage veto — with dignity, optimism, impish good humor, and essential help from Howard Stern. Kroot's film, co-directed and edited by Bill Weber, gathers telling moments with Takei's husband, Brad, and with his best-known co-stars. Shatner seems like the jackass Takei takes him for; Nimoy seems supportive, if not wholly effusive; other colleagues seem proud of their friend for doing so much more with his post-Trek years than anyone could have thought possible. Those curious enough to watch a whole movie about Takei may well be familiar already with the ground this one covers, but why not have a fond monument and fan-appreciation keepsake, aside from the one that's already on Facebook?


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Burj Khalifa
Experience the best of what Dubai has to offer with The Community's guide…
Appreciate the striking views, take a tour of the highest building in the world and ride on high-speed elevators – a trip to the Burj Khalifa will be an unforgettable journey. Whether you are living in Dubai or just on vacation, you must visit the proud symbol and iconic landmark of the city. Words cannot describe the breath-taking views that the highest observation deck in the world offers. See Dubai like never before from the height of 555m above ground and be taken away by the serene views. The iconic tower actually has two observation decks, At the Top on … Read more
Humidity: 57
Wind: 8.05 km/h
19 25
24 Mar 2016
21 27
25 Mar 2016


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Network system or component availability affects the overall bottom line. Every minute servers, printers or other equipment is down could be translated into a dollar amount lost.
At Blue Light IT our goal is to eliminate computerized resources' down time. By constantly monitoring your network our technicians can detect and solve problems in the background before they affect network users. Our monitoring service can detect overall or single device health, compatibility and productivity.
How does the service work?
The setup for the service is very easy. Blue Light IT installs an agent on the main server and the agent monitors every network device that supports SNMP protocol, which includes most devices. Immediately after the installation our system and technicians monitor the network 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. When trends or events that require attention occur our technicians either solve the issue or report it to the designated company representative.
Commonly monitored devices:
- Server
- Desktops
- Printers
- Switches
- Firewalls
- Telephony systems
How much does 10 minutes of no technology cost? Eliminate them; call us today at 561-282-2225!
Need to monitor an industrial or manufacturing process? click here
Server Monitoring
When companies experience server downtime, costs begin to rise. Many times companies are not aware their production servers are down for hours on end. Blue Light IT offers comprehensive, fully managed Server Monitoring Services for businesses of any size. Whether your company has one server or a server farm our monitoring services can provide fully integrated solution to ensure minimal downtime.
The service monitors all servers, applications and databases in real time. The monitoring creates a proactive stance for business owners to discover problems ahead of time. By constantly monitoring your servers and network, our technicians can evaluate system resources, availability and shortcomings. In addition, it is a great tool to forecast future expansion and procurement needs.
Active Notifications
Because server uptime is so critical to the bottom line, Blue Light IT has developed an active notification system that informs designated personnel specific benchmarks. Our service is custom tailored to each customer where the notification parameters can be set in accordance to each business's operational needs. As soon as an event occurs our monitoring agents contacts the company's designated representatives by the method chosen by the customer:
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Know whether your servers are up or down, get Server Monitoring from Blue Light IT Today!
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The right investments in IT increase your productivity, reduce your downtime, and let you respond better to your customers' needs.
Increase productivity, reduce downtime AND control IT costs.
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Experience, expertise, and a commitment to producing results for your business – not just your technology.


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Spoiler alert: This recap contains the results of this year's glee club sectionals competition.
And the winner is...New Directions. Obviously. Seriously, who did you think was going to win? We wouldn't have much of a season if our star glee kids didn't take home the first place trophy. But did they deserve to win? That, my friends, is the question.
I, for one, was not impressed by their Jackson family mash-up of the Jackson 5's "ABC," Janet Jackson's "Control," and MJ's "Man in the Mirror." And, quite frankly, the Jacksons are the only ones who should sing those songs. Otherwise, it loses some of its effect. I mean, Michael Jackson is the King of Pop. Hellooo.
Personally, I preferred the Troubletones' "Survivor" mash-up of Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive" and Destiny's Child "Survivor." Their voices were nice, their dresses were sparkly (I love sparkles!) and they had moves like Jagger. Okay, maybe not Jagger. But their choreography was much better than New Directions. No offense, Mike Chang. (side note: I don't know why I always feel the need to use his whole name.)
Speaking of Mike, his father surprised him and came to sectionals (after some coaxing from Mike's girlfriend, Tina). After the performance, Senior Chang gave Junior Chang his blessing and encouraged him to apply to dance schools. Yay, I'm so glad he finally came around!
And guess who's back at William McKinley High. Rachel and Finn tracked down Sam (remember him?) at a strip club in Kentucky. Sam aka White Chocolate agrees to come back to Lima and perform with New Directions. And is just me or does he look wayyy better this season?
And Sam's not stopping at glee club. He's on a one-man mission to win Mercedes back. Mercedes, however, kindly reminds him her boyfriend is a football player. But I think she wants White Chocolate back. I saw that smile Mercedes, you're not fooling anyone!
Quinn was on a mission of her own to tell everyone Shelby was sleeping with Puck so that she would get fired and Quinn could get Beth back. But, thankfully, Rachel (who, if you recall was banned from performing at sectionals for rigging the student body president election) saved the day and talked her out of it.
Mercedes, Brittany and Santana have rejoined New Directions. Unfortunately, Sugar had to come, too. Regionals, here we come! But first...a very gleeful Christmas special is in store next week.
'Glee' Fashion Gold Star: Absolutely loved the white tuxedo jackets. Where can I get one? No, seriously. I really want one.
Spoiler alert: This recap contains the results of this year's glee club sectionals competition.


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Join us for an inspiring and thought provoking artist talk by
Lynn Benson as she share details about making the
2018 Beach Museum of Art Gift Print and other recent projects.
About the Exhibition
The Beach Museum of Art exhibition unveils the acquisition of Benson's Waterplaces, a suite of 101 drawings on vellum paper. The exhibition will also present the artist's 2018 Friends of the Beach Museum of Art Gift Print, Dancing on the Table. This work reflects Benson's interest in water sources that flow under the ground such as the Ogallala Aquifer in parts of Western Kansas and surrounding states. Benson brings attention to this hidden natural treasure in a chine collé lithograph with gold leaf and coloring applied by hand.
The new gift print is available for purchase. For more information on supporting the museum as a Friend or purchasing a gift print contact Robin Lonborg at 785-532-7718 or email@example.com
Related events:
At the Beach Museum of Art
Water Stories School Tour:
Students will investigate works from the Beach Museum of Art permanent collection related to water by various artists, including Lynn Benson, Herschel Logan, and photographer Jim Richardson. Students will think about Kansas water issues and the environment and learn more about Kansas waterways above and below ground. Discussions will address environmental science standard K-ESS3.
At The Volland Store Gallery, Alma, Kansas
River Compositions by Lynn Benson
May 5-July 15, 2018
Curator's talk by Aileen June Wang on the art of Lynn Benson
May 20, 2018, 2 p.m.


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3 Night GRANITE CITY ABERDEEN
3 Night Granite City Aberdeen Ref: 3AGC
Package Includes:
3 nights Skene House Holburn 4* or similar, Aberdeen
1 x One Bedroom Classic Apartment
Breakfast Daily
Start Time: Between 10:30am - 17:00pm
Open Dates: Daily 01 April to 30 September
Duration: Flexible
Close by Aberdeen and on Scotland's famous castle and whisky trails, it's a magical 16th century turreted castle with resident ghost, the Green Lady. Extraordinary interiors, fine antiques and painted ceilings, as well as wonderful grounds and its famous walled garden.
You'll find a labyrinth of cultural history here. The Burnett family lived in the castle for over 350 years and turrets and towers, winding staircases, ornate ceilings and ancient sculpted yew trees combine to make a visit to Crathes Castle, Garden and Estate, a great day out for the whole family.
One of the best features of the castle is the grounds. The walled garden is a magical jungle of history with 8 different sections and an abundance of exotic blooms, and something of interest throughout the seasons. Crathes also holds one of just two National Collections of the rare Malmaison Carnation. As well as the walled garden there are many way marked trails through the estate and an abundance of wildlife.
Aberdeen Airport - Hotel or v.v AUD $129.00 Each Way
Aberdeen Station - Hotel or v.v Best by Taxi 1.5 kms - Duration: 5 Mins.
Why not add one of our tours below to make your package something really special.
Monday: Castle Bagging Tour AUD $109.00 per person
Tuesday: Glamis Castle & Glenshee Tour AUD $125.00 per person
Wednesday: Buchan Coastal Tour AUD $109.00 per person
Thursday & Saturday: Balmoral Castle Tour AUD $109.00 per person
Friday: Hidden Castles Tour AUD $109.00 per person
Sunday: Loch Ness Tour AUD $135.00 per person
Prices From: AUD $329.00 per person (Based on Twin/Double Share)
* Local City Tax not included. Prices and availability subject to seasonality.
Package Information
- Tour Duration: 3 Nights
- Price From: $ 329


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Joe Pernice's varied musical personalities didn't always coexist as peacefully as they do today.On the phone from his home in Toronto, where the U.S. musician has lived for the past couple of years, Pernice says he is planning to release two albums in the near future. One will be from his old alt-country band the Scud Mountain Boys, the first since 1996's Massachusetts. The other will be under the banner the Pernice Brothers, which the songwriter has now decided will be the catch-all name for all future guitar-pop, non-Scud outings.
"I have this crazy Moby Grape idea to put them both out on the same day," Pernice said. "And maybe, if it's at all possible, to do a double tour with both bands at once."
The release date for both records likely won't be until January. But Pernice could very well trot out a few new songs on Wednesday when he plays a solo show at the Ironwood Stage and Grill as part of Sled Island.
Of course, he has an eclectic back catalogue to draw from. Alongside stints with the Scud Mountain Boys and the Pernice Brothers, he also briefly led chamber-pop side project Chappaquiddick Skyline and has had two solo albums out as well.
As is often the case with the artistically restless, Pernice's decision to move on from the alt-country leanings of his first outfit stemmed from his frustration with the genre's limitations. The split was not without acrimony, but Pernice says the reunion has been surprisingly smooth.
"We hadn't spoken in probably 15 years, literally not a word between me and some of the guys," Pernice said. "A good friend of ours died. He was one of our fans and a close friend. There was a memorial for him and I just started thinking 'This is stupid.' I don't even remember what grudges or what kind of problems were between us, but I really wanted to get everyone back together."
A few shows turned into a full-fledged reunion. None of this stopped Pernice from continuing down his own path as well.
The new Pernice Brothers album, which follows the guitar-pop glory of 2010's Goodbye, Killer, will feature guest shots from Old 97's Rhett Miller and Neko Case.
"It's pretty heavy," he said. "It's a rock record for sure."
SpotlightJoe Pernice plays the Ironwood Stage and Grill Wednesday as part of Sled Island. Pernice's set starts at 10:30 p.m. Info: firstname.lastname@example.com


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SIX premieres on January 18th at 10PM on HISTORY Channel.
The eight episode first season of "SIX" imagines the lives of the members of Navy SEAL Team Six, modern American warriors, whose covert mission to eliminate a Taliban leader in Afghanistan goes awry when they uncover a U.S. citizen working with terrorists. Inspired by real missions, the series authentically captures the inside world of America's elite Special Operations unit.


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When the Phoenix Community ToolBank opened its doors in January 2014, the Phoenix Collegiate Academy was among the first organizations to borrow tools. Serving grades two through eight, the elementary/middle school didn't have a playground at that time. The school partnered with KaBOOM!, a national nonprofit that builds playgrounds, to bring the joy.
In one chilly weekend, 300 volunteers, many of whom were Phoenix Collegiate Academy parents and staff, transformed an empty lot into a colorful and vibrant playground. Now the students' favorite part of the day is recess when they get to play on the playground. The playground is also available for kids in the community to use.
"Our build wouldn't have happened without the tools we borrowed from the Phoenix Community ToolBank, because we need tools to make things happen," says Rachel Yanof, CEO, Phoenix Collegiate Academy.
YouthWorks is Baltimore City's summer jobs program, which places young people age 14 to 21 in six-week summer work experiences throughout Baltimore. A group of six to eight students volunteered at the Baltimore Community ToolBank for six hours each week, maintaining the rain garden, helping with light landscaping and branding ToolBank tools with the signature ToolBank blue paint. Participating youths learned basic job skills, while learning the value of helping their community.
Beds for Kids provides beds and other essential furniture to families with children who are transitioning out of homelessness. Individuals, furniture companies, hotels and colleges donate used or scratch and dent furniture and Beds for Kids volunteers use tools from the Charlotte Community ToolBank to clean and repair the furniture. They borrow sanders to refurbish college bunk beds, and drills and socket sets to assemble furniture. When Beds for Kids moved into their new building, they borrowed ToolBank tools to renovate the offices and landscape.
"When you have a strong ToolBank, you have stronger organizations. The ToolBank makes everyone more efficient, makes the dollars go farther and ends up with less waste, because no organization needs 25 sanders, if you only need them once a year," says Beds For Kids Founder Daniel Fogarty.
Hands On Greater Portland partners with over 300 nonprofits, schools and government agencies to identify the needs of community and connect volunteers with projects. In April, Hands On co-hosted Comcast Cares Day matching 2,200 volunteers with projects at 16 sites. The flagship project was at Glenfair Elementary, a low-income school where 96% of the students are on reduced lunch. 400 volunteers installed a jogging path, spruced up the learning garden, performed landscaping, cleaned classrooms, painted the gym and cafeteria, and painted a US map and labyrinth on the exterior grounds. Volunteers also helped teachers with special projects in their classrooms.
"Hands On has a small tool supply for painting and landscaping projects in our basement, but it's a hassle to get them out and they are not in the best shape, "says Breden Butler of Hands On Greater Portland. "For this project, we didn't have nearly enough tools to accomplish everything, so the timing of the Portland Community ToolBank opening was just perfect. The ToolBank has significantly more tools, both quantity and selection, than we have. We would not have been able to do everything we wanted to do without the Portland Community ToolBank."
The Mayerson High School Service Learning Program inspires teachers to get creative with their lesson plans by creating tangible items to benefit nonprofit organizations. Sophomores recently competed to design a handicap accessible picnic table using Popsicle sticks. The winning design was a table that allows wheelchairs to pull up on one side and folds into two park benches. With help from The Home Depot and tools from the Cincinnati Community ToolBank, students constructed the winning design for a local nonprofit that creates pathways to independence for people with disabilities. Not only did the students learn applied skills through tools, but they also learned about accessibility issues and had an impact on their community.
"It felt good to get out of school and do something for people that are less fortunate than myself," says Eric, a sophomore. "I learned that it feels great to do small things, such as build picnic tables for children with disabilities. It really does show that even little things can make a huge difference in someone else's life."
Art on the BeltLine is the largest art exhibit in Atlanta. In 2014, Art on the BeltLine consisted of 62 visual exhibits and 50 performances within a 3 month period. Almost every artist used tools from the Atlanta Community ToolBank. Visual artists used tools to clear foliage to install their work. Performance artists borrowed generators, tables, safety equipment and other tools for set fabrication.
"Art on the Atlanta Beltline couldn't happen without the support of organizations like the Atlanta ToolBank," says Elan Buchen, Art and Culture Project Coordinator for Atlanta BeltLine. "Almost every sculpture, mural, and performance utilizes the resources that the organization and staff provide. From generators, tables, and water coolers for events, to extension ladders and augers for installation, the Atlanta ToolBank has it all."
InLight Richmond is an annual one-night exhibition of light-based artwork featuring both national and international artists. It encompasses sculptures, performances, video, and more. Before the Richmond ToolBank opened, InLight Richmond organizers had to scramble to find tools to install and power the artwork.
"InLight is a huge undertaking, and requires many tools that we would only use once a year, says Erin Willet of InLight Richmond. "The ToolBank allowed us access to ladders, drills, extension cords, etc. that we would have either had trouble borrowing or had to dip into our very tight budget. There was also an ample amount of the tools we needed so the artists did not have to wait on each other and share a limited tool selection while they installed the work."
In 2014, a disabled senior couple was faced with the specter of losing their most prized possession: their home. A 40' wheelchair ramp and extensive interior repairs were needed to maintain their independence, and luckily a strong community partner was there to help. Through the use of volunteers, skilled leadership and LOTS of ToolBank tools, HouseProud Atlanta was able to complete the project at a very low expense - and at no cost to the homeowners.
For nearly 25 years, HouseProud has provided free home repairs to low-income seniors and the disabled to keep them 'warm, safe and dry'. Each year, hundreds of HouseProud volunteers use ToolBank drills, saws, and hammers to build wheelchair ramps, install handrails, replace doors, and much more. Less experienced volunteers use painting tools such as paint roller cages, paint trays, ladders as well as landscaping items such as hand trowels, rakes and shovels. In 2014, HouseProud borrowed over $64,000 in tools - and paid less than $1,300.
"We could not fulfill our mission without the thousands of dollars worth of ToolBank tools we borrow each year," says HouseProud Executive Director Lisa Jones. "As a small nonprofit, it is imperative that we keep our overhead low and that as many dollars as possible are used to directly serve our senior clients. We often leverage the ToolBank's name and strong reputation as our partner as we are seeking more and bigger grant dollars."
Every summer, hundreds of student and adult volunteers converge for a week-long home repair blitz week with Supports to Encourage Low-Income Families (SELF). Volunteers use ToolBank tools to complete critical maintenance and mobility modifications that enable residents to build ramps, rebuild rotting porches, and perform repairs that allow residents to stay safely in their homes. Other SELF programs programs focus on helping people learn new skills, find employment, save money or start a small business. SELF dramatically enhances the quality of life for residents of Butler County, Ohio by empowering individuals to achieve, sustain and advocate self-sufficiency.
"The Cincinnati ToolBank is an invaluable community partner," says SELF Executive Director Beth Race. "With the availability of tools for every work site, the ToolBank ensures that our volunteers can start working right away and stay busy. The ToolBank saves small non-profits like us time, space and money-- so that we can focus on coordinating hundreds of community volunteers and on the project at hand."
Every summer, the South Baltimore Partnership hires students for their Clean and Green Team, where they learn about environmental stewardship while cleaning and beautifying the streets of Sharp-Leadenhall, a low-income neighborhood of Baltimore.
Budget restrictions in 2014 nearly forced the South Baltimore Partnership to reduce the number of students in the program. When they learned they could borrow needed equipment (brooms, dustpans, trash grabbers, etc) from the Baltimore Community ToolBank, they were able to retain a full class of students. That summer program made a lasting, positive impact - both in the Sharp-Leadenhall community, and on the students who were able to participate.
"People out here are looking at us and saying Thank you and Good job", reports Will, a Clean and Green Team member. "It changes their life too, because now they feel like, 'Young people are out here cleaning up our streets. I can do that, too!' "
Team Rubicon is a national disaster response organization that unites the skills and experiences of military veterans with first responders to rapidly deploy emergency response teams.
In late May of 2015, central Texas were hit by more than 20 inches of rain, breaking records in several areas and causing widespread flooding. On June 1, the ToolBank Disaster Services mobile unit deployed to Wimberley, Texas to assist Team Rubicon with the flood response. Over the next 28 days, ToolBank Disaster Services equipped over 2,685 volunteers with tools. Volunteers demolished dozens of houses, sawed up hundreds of fallen trees, and cleared untold miles of debris.
All Hands Volunteers provides immediate, effective and sustainable support to communities in need by harnessing the energy and commitment of dedicated volunteers after a disaster.
In June 2014, ToolBank Disaster Services partnered with All Hands Volunteers' to respond to two tornadoes that hit Pilger, Nebraska. All Hands coordinated all of the volunteer efforts on the ground, running both the volunteer reception center and leading teams comprised of organizations and volunteers. Over the next two weeks, ToolBank Disaster Services equipped 2,943 volunteers with the tools needed to complete over 100 different projects, expediting that community's return to normal life.
"Working with the ToolBank in Pilger was one of the most valuable partnerships that I've seen on a domestic project," says Jen Weinstein, Director of Marketing and Communications for All Hands Volunteers. "Because of the resources that ToolBank provides, we were able to coordinate almost 3,000 volunteers to help clean up over 85% of the village in just over two weeks, helping homeowners on their road to recovery after the devastating tornadoes."
The Mill Creek Watershed Council works to identify the causes and sources of watershed impairment and prioritizes activities to improve water quality. In 2014, Mill Creek volunteers used ToolBank shovels to mulch and plant over 400 wetland shrubs and trees, ToolBank trash grabbers to remove litter from the creek and along its banks, and ToolBank wheelbarrows, loppers, and bow saws to remove invasive plants.
"We operate on a lean budget with a streamlined staff," says Kara Scheerhorn, the Council's Watershed Coordinator, "so the Cincinnati Community ToolBank is an excellent resource for us! The team at ToolBank make it extremely easy to pick-up and drop-off the tools and are very good at working with our schedule. Many of our volunteer events would not be as successful without the help of the ToolBank. We are extremely lucky to have a resource like this in the Greater Cincinnati area."
Park Pride works with volunteers to tackle a variety of projects in support of Atlanta's parks, including landscaping and beautification; stream clean-ups; plantings; painting; completing erosion control projects; building community gardens, benches and picnic tables; and removing invasive plants. Park Pride has enough tools to outfit 30 volunteers at a time, yet they regularly host groups of 200 or more volunteers. For these projects, they borrow tools from the Atlanta Community ToolBank. In fact, they borrow tools for almost 50% of their projects.
"Working with the Atlanta Community ToolBank is easy, efficient, affordable and fun!", says John Ahern, Park Pride's Volunteer Manager. "The staff is incredibly welcoming, knowledgeable and supportive. Without the Atlanta Community ToolBank, Park Pride would have to significantly scale back our programming. The ToolBank is an invaluable resource for the communities and non-profit organizations it serves. It would be impossible for us (and impractical) to purchase, house and maintain all the tools we need for our volunteer stewardship projects in parks throughout the year."
The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay finds collaborative-solutions that benefit the land, waters and residents of the Chesapeake Bay. The Alliance has completed over 400 projects using ToolBank tools valued at almost $200,000.
The Alliance's READY program provides green jobs for young adults. These young people work in crews to install dozens of rain gardens on institutional properties such as schools, congregational grounds and large non-profits. The program teaches job skills in an applied environment that focuses on storm water management. Meanwhile, the rain gardens filter runoff pollution, recharge local groundwater, conserve water, protect rivers and streams and create a habitat for birds and butterflies.
"The tools provided by the ToolBank allow us to equip all of our teams and control cost at the same time," says Rain Garden Program Director Don Tsusaki. "Our program would not make nearly the same positive impact if we didn't have the Baltimore Community ToolBank."
The Mission Continues empowers veterans facing the challenge of adjusting to life at home to find a new mission in volunteering for their community. The veterans are split into platoons that conduct monthly service products around the Houston area.
"When we come out, we feel an urge to keep serving," says Mission Continues Fellow Eusebio Collazo. "If I can't serve my country, then I want to serve my community."
Eusebio is a member of Houston's 2nd Platoon which focuses on health and fitness. Recently, the platoon spent a day volunteering at the Urban Harvest community garden. The veterans used tools from the Houston Community ToolBank to weed garden beds, spread fresh dirt and mulch, plant vegetables and pressure wash and paint the gazebo.
"The ToolBank allows us to go out there and complete our mission in the community," says Eusebio. "Without the ToolBank we would have to purchase the tools, and like most nonprofits, we don't have a big budget."
The 6th Branch utilizes the leadership and organizational skills of military veterans to execute aggressive community service initiatives at the local level. The Baltimore Community ToolBank supplies the 6th Branch with tools and equipment every week of the year, allowing them to engage over 3000 unique volunteers in rebuilding of parks and maintenance of a 2-acre community farm in the middle of East Baltimore (popularly known as the "streets of The Wire"—but not for long). For less than $4,000, the 6th Branch was able to borrow $64,000 worth of tools and equip 3,700 volunteers.
"If we had to survive on our own tools, there's no way we could afford it, "says Sixth Brnach Executive Director Dave Landymore. "As currently structured, the ToolBank makes our work possible."
Team Depot seeks to ensure that every veteran has a safe place to call home. In Charlotte, Team Depot works with the United Way, Red Cross and VFW to identify veterans who need help. Although the Home Depot Foundation provides gift cards to buy materials for the projects, Team Depot uses ToolBank tools to make their budgets go farther.
In 2014, Team Depot executed five projects in a single day. They renovated the courtyard for a transitional home for veterans, landscaped, and planted trees. They also renovated a kitchen performed repairs, installed gutters, fixed a deck, and installed a new shower. For one veteran, Team Depot built a fence so she could have a service dog.
"It's very convenient and easy for us to coordinate through the ToolBank," says Home Depot Store Manager Andy Conrad. "If we need 50 rakes, a chain saw and 10 wheelbarrows, it's all centrally located. We can use more of our money to purchase materials, instead of tools." Store Manager John Reinke dispels a myth about Home Depot having access to tools: "You'd think that because we're Home Depot we should be able to tackle a big project. But we don't have a lot of tools to rent or use [in community projects]. The ToolBank helps us facilitate what we do. It's a win/win."