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Erarnitox started following Multiplayer FPS Update #9
Multiplayer FPS Update #9so far its looks good
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The Sims 4 - Free on Origin
OneManArmy replied to randomrabbit's topic in OfftopicOmg, it's such a quest They give you game for "free", but only way to get is for free is to send it as gift? and you can't send it to yourself, right? I need tutorial...
The Sims 4 - Free on Origin
randomrabbit posted a topic in OfftopicYou can download The Sims 4 through the Origin store for free. Offer ends on 28th May https://www.origin.com/gbr/en-us/store/the-sims/the-sims-4/offer-selection Not an FPS i'm afraid, but I'm told it does have a first person mode
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Multiplayer FPS Update #9Subscribe for more updates!!
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PUN Classic Starter Kit
alex94i60 commented on OneManArmy's file in Free ProjectsHi this is a perfect kit,But I would like to ask how to change the character module, I download the character module and animation in the asset store or mixamo, but there are many complicated code in the original preset Player with FPSController. I don't know how to inherit it into the new character. ?
LAN Option?
geckoo replied to Chaenator's question in Need help?https://docs.unity3d.com/Manual/UNetManagerHUDLanMode.html
Chaenator started following LAN Option?
LAN Option?
Chaenator posted a question in Need help?Hi all, As the title suggests, is there a way to integrate lan option? Thanks in advance, C
PUN 2 Starter Kit
OneManArmy commented on OneManArmy's file in Free Projects
The SeveranceNew video that shows some things for the next update: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02fv24hR82A
Erarnitox started following [Java] Bulk Texture Creator
[Java] Bulk Texture Creatorhey i wrote a pretty simple tool so you can create seamless Textures from Photos in Bulk: Results are okay and the Script is in a very eraly stage but here you go: Would love it if you could help me to make it better I might upload this to GitHub soon but im not sure yet what to do with it. btw. Here are some results: input: Output: If you just want to use/test it you can download a compiled version from here: https://mega.nz/#!JcsknC5a!RU_le-qnE7Pded4pMnlHTu_87Ra1x5T1G9lnArFVT3Q Thanks for reading Would love to get feedback ^^
TopKing started following Fps Arms Pack *Updated*
alex94i60 started following OneManArmy
OcularCash replied to TRCGamez's question in Need help?look into replacement shaders
Do I need a privacy policy for this?
DeepWolf replied to DeepWolf's question in Need help?Thanks for the help I'll try to contact them and hopefully it won't take long for them to answer
drag rigidboies script help ..issue
OcularCash replied to fpsarmedunity's question in Need help?Good to hear you fixed it. Just wanted to say I believe the issue with the first script may have been caused by using the update function. I had a simple issue 3rd person follow cameras and it was bc I was using update which update is not called at the same time physics is called result in a jerking motion when moving
How to make damage script
OcularCash replied to raul21's question in Need help?TakeDamage needs to be an rpc bc all copies of the character on each client needs to know it's taking damage, at minimum, the the client that owns that's object does. the most common thing you see ppl doing is calling the damage rpc on all clients, checking if it isMine (the client owner), if it is, then deduct health and sync it to all clients. It's a hair less efficient, but it works. You can also (I believe) only call the rpc on the owner and then sync the health on all clients, that way only the owner receives the initial call. Don't know for sure but pretty sure you can it that way. But both approaches work just fine
Do I need a privacy policy for this?
geckoo replied to DeepWolf's question in Need help?Interesting question. At first, I would like to say that you have to inform players that your game collects some info during process. But in the same time, there is nothing inside these user data - it's like a leaderboard but anonymous. By consequence, I don't know... If you take a look at the request from GooglePlay, we read those lines : Google Play requires developers to provide a valid privacy policy when the app requests or handles sensitive user or device information. Your app requests sensitive permissions (e.g. camera, microphone, accounts, contacts, or phone) or user data, but does not include a valid privacy policy (bla bla bla)... According what I read I think that you have not to include a privacy policy because you are not collecting sensitive user information - only a winner/looser state. However, I am not an expert in laws. The best you can do - ask them directly ++
DeepWolf started following Do I need a privacy policy for this?
Do I need a privacy policy for this?
DeepWolf posted a question in Need help?Hi, I'm about to release my game to the Google Play Store. Just to make sure, do I need to create a privacy policy if I only use the events from the Google Play Game Services to track how many wins total there has been in each difficulty? The events are not specific to a player, it is just global data as far as I understand how events works. Like the total amount of wins and loses there has been for each difficulty
solved by myslef (using the second scirpt posted by me) setting kinematic to true on grab object, and use gravity to false and blocking object constraints by script when object held by player. and unfreezeing contraints and turn gravity in again when object is dropped by the player... now my grab script works fine as i want and as expected andi can integrate it in my main project template.. and have pickup, throw object rotation by button when held by the player and collision detection so when player held object and object collide with another static gameobject or with another ridigdbody gameobejct it falls.. this is to simulate contact between obejct and to prevent object flipping ,,, btw thanks again. ..for all help....
How to make damage script
raul21 posted a question in Need help?Hello,i'm kind a new in programing and i hope can someone help me to make a damage script on my game,cause i can t figure out how. Here is my health script,and hope someone can help. using UnityEngine; using UnityEngine.Networking; namespace S3 { public class PlayerHealth : NetworkBehaviour { public const int maxHealth = 100; [SyncVar(hook = "OnChangeHealth")] public int currentHealth = maxHealth; public RectTransform healthbar; public void TakeDamage(int ammount) { if(!isServer) { return; } currentHealth -= ammount; if(currentHealth <=0) { currentHealth = maxHealth; RpcRespawn(); } } void OnChangeHealth(int health) { healthbar.sizeDelta = new Vector2(health * 2, healthbar.sizeDelta.y); } [ClientRpc] void RpcRespawn() { if(isLocalPlayer) { transform.position = Vector3.zero; } } } }
PUN Classic Starter Kit
alex94i60 reviewed OneManArmy's file in Free Projects
I am from India..and love to develop games.
Hassanshin replied to satishghinaiya's topic in Introduce yourself2019
PUN 2 Starter Kit
lucasfera15 commented on OneManArmy's file in Free Projects
Hi and thanks for your help and script.. bte my script problem is that held obcjet seems to flip ahead and and back in really strange and rapid mode when player move and held.. you can see the issue after 20" on video i linked to first post.. btw i modidied even the standard GraObjects scirpt that comes with fpskit 1.6 to suit my needs adding rotation on held and max mass for objects to be held by the player butthis script has an issue related t othe kinematic state of the object when held so that obejct could penetrate static objects and meshes.. eventually even if you or someone else could tell me how make object to kinematic to collide wtih static object i can use this one eventually here the script using System.Collections; using System.Collections.Generic; using UnityEngine; using EasySurvivalScripts; public class GrabObjects : MonoBehaviour { //FPS KIT [www.armedunity.com] public float grabPower = 10.0f; public float throwPower = 25.0f; public float RayDistance = 3.0f; public LayerMask layerMask; private bool grab, drop = false; public Transform pos; public float adjust; Rigidbody obj; // UI Integration Start public GameObject InteractUIPickupExamine;//ADDON JC LEON public GameObject InteractUIExamine;//ADDON JC LEON public GameObject InteractUIPickupExamineCollectable;//ADDON JC LEON public GameObject InteractUIExamineCollectable;//ADDON JC LEON // UI Integration End //ADDon JC LEON public float maxMass = 10; private float mass, curthrowPower; public float rotateSpeed; public KeyCode rotateL; public KeyCode rotateR; // public bool setObjectRotation; public bool isGrabbing; //public float followSpeed; //Addon JC LEON public WeaponManager weaponManager; public ObjectExamineManager objectExamineManager; void Update () { if (Input.GetKeyDown(KeyCode.Mouse1)) { RaycastHit hit; if(Physics.Raycast(transform.position, transform.forward, out hit, RayDistance, layerMask.value)) { Pickable pickable = hit.collider.GetComponent<Pickable>(); if (/*pickable*/ hit.rigidbody && !hit.rigidbody.isKinematic && hit.rigidbody.mass <= maxMass) // Addon JCLEON { //ADDON JCLEON mass = hit.rigidbody.mass; if (mass < 2) mass = 2; curthrowPower = throwPower / mass; //ADDON JCLEON grab = true; obj = hit.rigidbody; obj.isKinematic = true; obj.GetComponent<Collider>().enabled = false; obj.transform.parent = pos; } } } //ADDON JCLEON START if (isGrabbing) { if (Input.GetKey(rotateL)) { obj.transform.Rotate(new Vector3(0, rotateSpeed * Time.deltaTime, 0)); } if (Input.GetKey(rotateR)) { /* obj.transform.Rotate(new Vector3(0, -(rotateSpeed * Time.deltaTime), 0));*/ obj.transform.Rotate(new Vector3(rotateSpeed * Time.deltaTime, 0, 0)); } } //ADDON JCLEON END if (Input.GetKeyUp(KeyCode.Mouse1)) { if(grab) { StartCoroutine(PrepareToDrop(0f)); } } if (Input.GetKeyDown(KeyCode.Mouse0)) { if(grab) { StartCoroutine(PrepareToDrop(curthrowPower));//ADDON JCLEON } } if (grab) { if (obj.GetComponent<Rigidbody>() == null) { return; } obj.transform.position = Vector3.Lerp(obj.transform.position, pos.position + (pos.transform.forward * adjust) - (pos.transform.up * 0.4f), Time.deltaTime * grabPower); //obj.transform.rotation = Quaternion.Lerp(obj.transform.rotation, pos.rotation, Time.deltaTime * 5f);//ADDON JCLEON obj.GetComponent<Collider>().enabled = true; // ADDON JCLEON ENABLE OBJECT COLLISION WHEN OBJECT IS GRABBED BY THE PLAYER InteractUIPickupExamine.SetActive(false);//ADDON JC LEON UI InteractUIExamine.SetActive(false);//ADDON JC LEON UI InteractUIPickupExamineCollectable.SetActive(false);//ADDON JC LEON UI InteractUIExamineCollectable.SetActive(false);//ADDON JC LEON UI isGrabbing = true;//ADDON JCLEON weaponManager.enabled = false; objectExamineManager.enabled = false; } } IEnumerator PrepareToDrop(float power) { RaycastHit hits; while(!drop) { if(Physics.Raycast(transform.position, transform.forward, out hits, 1.5f, layerMask.value)) drop = false; else drop = true; yield return null; } obj.transform.parent = null; obj.isKinematic = false; obj.GetComponent<Collider>().enabled = true; obj.velocity = transform.forward * power; drop = grab = false; // yield return new WaitForSeconds(0.1f); //InteractUIPickupExamine.SetActive(true);//ADDON JC LEON UI //InteractUIExamine.SetActive(true);//ADDON JC LEON UI //InteractUIPickupExamineCollectable.SetActive(true);//ADDON JC LEON UI isGrabbing = false; weaponManager.enabled = true; objectExamineManager.enabled = true; } } thanks again in advance...
- Earlier
drag rigidboies script help ..issue
geckoo replied to fpsarmedunity's question in Need help?I have no clue what goes wrong with your script, but take a look at mine which I share here - maybe it could work better ++ https://armedunity.com/topic/10181-gravitygun/?tab=comments#comment-90194
drag rigidboies script help ..issue
fpsarmedunity posted a question in Need help?Hi to all..I done some test with my drag rigidbody script that includes mass pickup and stop distance...all works fine but i have a weird issue on player movement with object picked ip.. as you cna see in the video attached.. https://streamable.com/han80 this is my script ..but i cannot figured to to solve this issue since i have this probem only on fpskit player( picked object seems to flip in front of the player camera when player move) and if i test it with standard unity fps controller all works as expecetd using UnityEngine; using System.Collections; public class DragRigidbody : MonoBehaviour { public float force = 50; public float sensitivity = 25; public float heightValue = 0.35f; public float heightValueMax = 2; public float heightValueMin = 1; public float distance = 10; public float maxMass = 10; public float stopDistance = 3; private Rigidbody body; private float mass, curHeight, curForce; private Transform clone, local; private static bool _get; public static bool isDrag { get{ return _get; } } void Update() { if(Input.GetMouseButtonDown(1)) { body = GetRigidbody(); } else if(Input.GetMouseButtonUp(1) && body) { Clear(); } else if(Input.GetMouseButtonDown(0) && body) { Rigidbody tmpBody = body; Clear(); tmpBody.velocity = Camera.main.transform.TransformDirection(Vector3.forward) * curForce; } if(Input.GetAxis("Mouse ScrollWheel") > 0 && body) { NewHeight(heightValue); } else if(Input.GetAxis("Mouse ScrollWheel") < 0 && body) { NewHeight(-heightValue); } } void NewHeight(float value) { curHeight += value; curHeight = Mathf.Clamp(curHeight, heightValueMin, heightValueMax); if(curHeight == heightValueMin || curHeight == heightValueMax) return; clone.position += new Vector3(0, value, 0); } Rigidbody GetRigidbody() { RaycastHit hit; Ray ray = Camera.main.ScreenPointToRay(new Vector2(Screen.width/2, Screen.height/2)); if(Physics.Raycast(ray, out hit, distance)) { if(hit.rigidbody && !hit.rigidbody.isKinematic && hit.rigidbody.mass <= maxMass) { mass = hit.rigidbody.mass; if(mass < 2) mass = 2; curForce = force / mass; hit.rigidbody.useGravity = false; hit.rigidbody.freezeRotation = true; clone.position = hit.point; return hit.rigidbody; } } return null; } void SetLocal() { if(_get) return; local.rotation = body.rotation; local.position = body.position; //local.transform.position = Vector3.Lerp(local.transform.position, local.position + (local.transform.forward * 2) - (local.transform.up * 0.4f), Time.deltaTime * force); _get = true; } float RoundTo(float f, int to) { return ((int)(f*to))/(float)to; } void FixedUpdate() { if(!body) return; Vector3 lookAt = Camera.main.transform.position; lookAt.y = clone.position.y; clone.LookAt(lookAt); //SetLocal(); body.velocity = (local.position - body.position) * sensitivity; body.rotation = local.rotation; float dist = Vector3.Distance(body.position, local.position); dist = RoundTo(dist, 100); if(dist > stopDistance) { body.velocity = Vector3.zero; Clear(); } } void CheckVelocity() { Vector3 velocity = body.velocity.normalized * curForce; if(body.velocity.sqrMagnitude > velocity.sqrMagnitude) { body.velocity = velocity; } } void Clear() { curHeight = 0; _get = false; clone.localPosition = Vector3.zero; local.localPosition = Vector3.zero; if(!body) return; CheckVelocity(); body.useGravity = true; body.freezeRotation = false; body = null; } void Start() { if(!clone) { local = new GameObject().transform; clone = new GameObject().transform; local.parent = clone; clone.parent = Camera.main.transform; } heightValueMin = -Mathf.Abs(heightValueMin); heightValueMax = Mathf.Abs(heightValueMax); Clear(); } }
Minecraft like with eventual open source
OcularCash replied to OcularCash's topic in ShowcaseI'm just generating the clouds using 2d simplex noise on a chunk by chunk basis. So when I chunk is generated, if that chunk is in a blob zone, build a cloud that covers the top of that chunk


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Accountants in practice
Company administration
IRIS company administration software products are integrated with the IRIS Accountancy Suite for accounts, company administration and practice management, thereby offering maximum efficiencies and no data needs to be re-keyed. When used in conjunction with your free 1GB of storage with IRIS OpenSpace, our secure document exchange with e-approval, you can offer a full electronic end-to-end service to your clients.
Removes the stress of ensuring that you are up to date with the latest legislation due to regular updates to keep you compliant.
With 34 years' experience, our products have been designed with you in mind for simple navigation, comprehensive features and integrated data. All this means that our users save an average of 22 hours per person, per month by using IRIS.
Increase productivity and save time with our true-integration of products built around a centralised database. This means no re-keying of data, reducing errors and ensuring that your information is more accurate.
Overview – key features
- Free staff time for higher value work through automated, quick and simple incorporation of companies
- Ensure nothing is missed as updates for pending application status are detected direct from Companies House
Overview – key features
- Complete Companies House forms, including minutes, and file online
- Includes seamless access to Companies House online service (CHOS), giving you an e-file audit trail and status of each job
Overview – key features
- Take the effort out of completing company secretarial administration and forming new companies
- Time-consuming manual tasks are completely eliminated

subset: commoncrawl


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Here's a cautionary tale about the everyday risks of cash machine fraud. Hopefully we can all be a bit more vigilent following my unfortunate experiences.
I was defrauded early in the morning of 8th September at the Barclays Branch in Lingfield, Surrey.
I work in Crowborough as an electronics engineer - but live in Redhill. The cash machine at Barclays in Lingfield is conveniently on my route to work - so I often stop there before 7am to get some cash.
I pulled up at Barclays in Lingfield at almost 6:50 yesterday morning with the intention of getting £30 out and a mini-statement. Lingfield was quiet at that time, unusually no cars parked in the bays outside the bank. There was no sign of anyone around.
I put my card in as normal, keyed in my pin and selected Mini statement. This was printed out, and I checked my balance. I then selected the cash withdrawal option and keyed in £40 - as the tenners had run out.
The machine whirred and several times tried to return my card - beeping to remind me to take the card - which was thoroughly stuck inside the machine. After about 30 seconds, the machine brought up a screen saying that the machine was temporarily out of order - sorry for any inconvenience. I had a close look at the card slot and around the frame of the machine, didn't see anything out of the ordinary, and left in my car in a huff, wondering when Barclays would open and how and when I could get my card back - as I still had no cash.
I decided to go to the Crowborough Branch of Barclays, as I do most of my daytime transactions there and I am known to the staff. They would recognise me as a regular customer and be able to contact the Lingfield Branch on my behalf to arrange the card to be removed from the machine so that I could pick it up later.
I still was not suspecting ATM Fraud.
My Personal Banker at Crowborough Barclays, contacted the staff at Lingfield, only to be told that my card was not inside the machine - and I had visions of it being spat out when the next customer came along after me.
We then checked my balance, and found that within 15 minutes of me losing my card to the machine it had been used 3 times at the nearby HSBC cash machine at Lingfield Garage, and a total of £750 removed from my account - the maximum available in a day on that type of card.
I then called Barclays Fraud Division and went through a process of questions and form filling so that they would put an immediate stop on my card and could commence a fraud investigation.
I must add that by 10am, my account had been re-credited with the full £750 - courtesy of the Fraud Dept. At least that part was quick, efficient and helped to keep stress levels to a minimum.
It transpired that I was the next unwitting victim to a classic ATM fraud using a device known as a Lebanese Loop - but with a high-tech twist. It is a loop of thin plastic material inserted into the card slot of the ATM which prevents your card from being ejected by the machine, or being transferred into the card bin where it would be safely retained for the bank staff to find. The Lebanese Loop effectively leaves your card in limbo land, not safely in the secure card bin, but in the card slot - where only the thieves know how to retrieve it. In effect it is perfect device to hold your card safely within the cardslot until the fraudsters can come along and extract it. To the untrained, the device is virtually undetectable.
So they had my card - all they needed was my pin. Because it was so quiet at 7am in Lingfield - I was not considering taking any special precautions to obscure my pin. This is where this scam make the most of high-tech devices, including camera phones, wireless webcams and other everday consumer imaging devices. I believe that this was captured using a wireless video camera, placed somewhere on the ATM - or in the case of Lingfield - possibly above me - under the eaves of the overhanging roof.
Yesterday afternoon on the way home I returned to the ATM to look for any suspicious signs. I found what appeared to be the residue of double sided sticky tape on the frame of the ATM - probably where they secured the camera - disguised as part of the machine facia.
I spoke to a couple of locals - including a lady who's husband had the same experience at 10am on Wednesday night, at Barclays, Lingfield, - 9 hours before I was targeted. He lost £200 from his account - taken later from the HSBC in East Grinstead. The card was found nearby - dumped when it would no longer cough up cash. These crooks are local to Lingfield and East Grinstead or accessing the county rural towns via good links to the M25.
Subsequently I have advised the staff in the local newsagents to be vigilent about dubious characters hanging around in the very early morning and to warn their customers about the risks of using the ATM without looking for strange devices or protecting your PIN.
I also visited the Lingfield filling station to enquire whether their ATM was covered by the forecourt CCTV - as this is where the thieves went to access my account.
I have passed this information above to the Surrey Police. I'm out of my depth here - and don't wish to get further involved with highly organised, motivated, possibly violent crims. Leave it to the professionals.
I feel that this ATM crime is more widespread than the local banks would wish to have us believe. Targetting ATMs in the early morning and after dark gives the gangs maximum cover -and maximum opportunity to disappear - before the loss is reported.
Banks - how about a 24 hour hotline with the number on the front of the ATM - to advise you immediately what to do and who to call.
Or bring up an "ATM Crime Hotline" screen if the machine suspects it has gone into lockdown as a result of card mechanism tampering. You call thatnumber on the screen and get an immediate stop put on your card.
How about a special screen that allows you to cancel your card there and then if it gets retained - or at least put a temporary block on it so that it's worthless to the thieves?
None of the above is difficult and it would save a lot of grief, manpower and billions lost each year to ATM fraud.
I tweeted my experience to a couple of good friends who have 15,000 followers between them. This is the fastest way to warn people about this particular scam.
I'd like to thank the staff in the Crowborough Branch of Barclays for their support and assistance during this unsettling experience.
Update 1
This morning I called again at the Lingfield Barclays ATM - and the machine was again in "lock down". There is a high probability that the gang struck again earlier today and there are more innocent victims of this high-tech organised crime. It's time that the banks came clean about the extent of this, and issued clear warnings to their customers to be extra vigilent around outdoors cash machines.
Update 2
Those greedy and surprisingly stupid criminals left their camera device attached to the same ATM this morning. Surrey Police were called and the device handed over to the law.
They will now be looking at local garage forecourt CCTV footage from September 8th, to see if they see the criminals, or their vehicle, when they used my card at 07:03 am.
They may be smart and efficient at the Lebanese loop - but they forget that when tey cash in on your account they leave a timestamped trail of where they are. Sooner or later they will be caught on CCTV.
Having had a week in New York with no cash card has sharpened my focus on nailing those scumbags.


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Read this tip to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Crochet Gifts and other Crochet topics.
Sometimes, going back to the basics is the way to go! A crocheted washcloth can be a great gift for a new mom, and you can whip one up in one sitting usually. Check out this beautiful but easy pattern at http://crochetme.com/media/p/110569/showcontent.aspx
|Guru Spotlight
|Phyllis Serbes


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Dear followers,
You're now numerous to come and follow the activity of that blog 🙂
Thanks a lot for that !
We're really impatient to come and visit friends in Iceland, and fullfill all the questions i have about your incredible island.
But it's without thinking about the project. This last one is really turning me mad, everyday new peoples help me to bring new informations and i already have many answers from many peoples that are kind enough to take on their time and help me !
To Ragnheidur, Michel, Snorri, Estrid, Oddny, Mathildur, Sylvie, Jean Jacques, etc….
You really bring me a lot !
Thanks a lot !
Impatient to see you !


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The last day of school before the summer holidays. Much anticipated, has finally arrived.
Two months of little boys and their little friends running rampant here and at the beach. Wet towels, grassy feet, and endless rounds of discarded clothing.
So pink peonies it is.
On my desk, and in my morning coffee spot. I think I deserve two rounds of pink as they could be the last 'girlish' thing I see for months!


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Conflict is everywhere. Fortunately, skilled, fair-minded mediators can play a powerful role in the resolution of disputes between people and organizations.
Mediators work in courts, government, education, health care, human resources, project management, customer service, politics, insurance and sales. Common employers include corporations, educational institutions, health care organizations, insurance companies and banks. The degree can also enhance a professional's ability to manage conflict in their current organization. Professionals in the fields of organizational development, human resources, law and criminal justice can make ready use of the variety of skills learned in this program.
The MA in Conflict and Mediation prepares students to work as mediators or conciliators in a variety of industries. The program includes Mediation Certification from the Chicago Center for Conflict Resolution, a non-profit partner of Roosevelt, and real-world mediation experience. Coursework includes the full range of societal conflict, from familial and interpersonal conflict to public and community conflict.
* Conflict & Mediation is an interdisciplinary field that involves certain legal skills and concepts. However, Roosevelt University does not seek or receive approval from the American Bar Association for the Master of Arts in Conflict & Mediation program. Roosevelt's Paralegal Studies Program is the only program at Roosevelt that is approved by the American Bar Association.


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Have your kids always wanted to visit the Nick Hotel in Orlando, Florida? If getting doused with a bucket of slime is on your kids' travel bucket list, find out why you need to book and stay before May 31, 2016.
For the past 10 years, the Nick Hotel has been a staple in Orlando, Florida. Families have flocked to the hotel to have breakfast with Dora and pizza dinner with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles while enjoying 2 incredible water parks. In the past few years, the hotel has been showing some wear and tear and recently a $30 million renovation began to update the property.
The property has also begun a transition that will transform the Nick Hotel into the Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites, a completely updated property. What this also means is that all Nickelodeon experiences will cease May 31st, 2016. The renovations will include new furniture, fixtures and equipment with fresh coats of paint on every building. The Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites will include newly renovated suites, a laser maze, a 4-D theatre and live entertainment in both the studios spaces and poolside.
Between now and the launch of the Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites guests staying at the property will see some major changes. The elimination of hotel staple Sponge Bob and his Nickelodeon pals is set to take place a few weeks later on May 31, 2016. If you want one last chance to get slimed by the pool, play the Nickelodeon games at night or simply say goodbye to your Nickelodeon favourites, make sure to book now and stay before May 31, 2016.
I for one will miss the Nickelodeon Experiences at the hotel but am excited to check out the new renovations. If you need a Nick fix after May 31, 2016, don't forget that the Nickelodeon Resort in Punta Cana will be opening May 15, 2016. Make sure to check out the current promotions to save up to 45% off for stays between May 15, 2016 and December 18, 2016.


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Drinking Tea for Diabetes According to the American Diabetes Association, over 25 million American children and adults have diabetes and another 79 million are in the pre-diabetes stage. To help reduce symptoms associated with diabetes, such as frequent urination, increased thirst, hunger, fatigue and irritability, try incorporating a few of these medicinal herbs into your […] Read more »
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo Biloba and Health Today's consumers have a heightened awareness of diet and lifestyle and are more health conscious than ever. Supplements fly off the shelves, as men and women struggle to improve their health and longevity. Across the planet, vitamin A, selenium, zinc, and lycopene sell like lemonade in the Sahara. There are a […] Read more »


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It seems the days are gone when we trust easily. From individuals to organizations, our trust seems to be declining with each passing year.
And yet organizations build their brands on trust.
In his newly released book, The Post-Truth Business: How to Rebuild Brand Authenticity in a Distrusting World, researcher and strategist Sean Pillot de Chenecey shares what brands need to do to have authentic, long-lasting relationships with their consumers in an age of fake news, privacy issues, and the search for truth.
The Number One Issue Facing Brands
Your view on the importance of trust is clear from the very first page where you say, "Trust is the number one issue facing brands on a global basis." What leads you to this conclusion? How is this different than years ago?
Around the world, brand foundations are being shaken. It's apparent that many brand-consumer relationships are on rocky ground, and something fundamental needs to change.
According to The Economist, "Consumer trust is the basis of all brand values, and therefore brands have an immense incentive to retain it." And as that immensely powerful business-figurehead Jack Ma, CEO of Alibaba, stated so succinctly, "Once you have trust, the rest is easy." However, these statements are set against a harsh reality illuminated by a much-cited industry report from the Havas agency, which noted that, "Much of the trust, respect and loyalty people had for many brands has disintegrated. You see it in the level of cynicism, skepticism and indifference that people have towards them."
Company strategists are finally realizing that consumers are increasingly judging brands by how they actually behave, as opposed to simply believing the stories they tell. Thus, their brand credibility needs to be based on fact, not fiction. Businesses want to have strong and long-lasting relationships with their consumers. That brand-consumer relationship is built on trust, but in a post-truth world, brands are faced with a serious challenge: so much of modern life is defined by mistrust. So, for brands today, trust and truth are the most important games in town.
"Once you have trust, the rest is easy." -Jack Ma
How to Build Trust
Share a few of the principles organizations should use to build trust.
To act as a reference guide for the leaders of 'good businesses,' I've collated the key learnings into a 'Post-Truth Brand Manifesto.' Here is a very brief summary of it…
Be authentic.
Truly authentic companies that want to earn and keep our trust have to 'live it like they say it' and dovetail brand intentions with the consumer reality. Because from a customer point of view, behavior is what builds brand credibility and corporate integrity, not merely the advertising stories that a brand may choose to tell.


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Certified Nursing Assistant
Job Description
- Requisition ID
- 2019-3308
- # of Openings
- 1
- Category
- Nursing
Parkmoor Village Healthcare Center
Our management company, VIVAGE SENIOR LIVING, is a nationally recognized leader and innovator in the long-term care industry. VIVAGE SENIOR LIVING is dedicated to person-centered care and we embrace the Eden Alternative™ philosophy. We bring "quality of life in aging" and "living well" to Long Term Care!
Currently, Parkmoor Village is seeking a Full Time 6:30 pm - 6:30 am CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT (CNA) at their 125 bed skilled nursing community located in Colorado Springs, CO.
The primary responsibility of the CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT (CNA) is to provide all assigned residents with routine daily nursing care and services. A successful CNA in our community has these traits and attributes:
- Receive and report resident status at the beginning and end of each shift and as needed.
- Provide personal care to residents per their individualized plan of care.
- Document all pertinent information regarding care as assigned.
- Report all changes in residents' conditions to the Nursing Supervisor as soon as practical.
- Prepare residents for meals and assist to and from the dining areas.
- Record residents' fluid/food intake.
- Assist residents with toilet, dental, hair, and bath care.
- Keep residents dry and clean.
- Make room checks and verify resident location.
In addition, a CNA must have the following:
- A valid and unrestricted Driver's License.
- A current, unencumbered, active license to practice in the state.
- Demonstrated skills that result in excellence resident care, as appropriate to the age-related needs of the residents served.
- The ability to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.
- An ability to deal professionally handle personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel, and the general public.
- Demonstrated knowledge of laws, regulations, and guidelines pertaining to hospital and nursing facility administrative procedures.
Parkmoor Village is proudly a managed facility of
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, Gender/Minority/Veterans/Disabled
No Agencies or Affiliates, please!
Application Instructions
Please click on the link below to apply for this position. A new window will open and direct you to apply at our corporate careers page. We look forward to hearing from you!Apply Online
Posted: 5/6/2019
Job Reference #: 3308


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Video technology company Brightcove has now proposed the latest idea to monetize network TV content online: creating paywalls on each major TV network's own site. Building on the cable industry's TV Everywhere idea, they've tilted it toward "TV Here" at the content owners' websites — all, of course, powered by Brightcove technology.
This is a crafty move, as it appeals to the TV content owners' goals of increasing their relationship with the consumer. And on the surface it might make sense to the networks since Brightcove is in a behind-the-scenes technology role, solving a real potential problem for the content providers — authentication — real quickly.
But this idea probably won't go anywhere.
The reason is clear: This is a case where the business proposition for the content owner is strong, but there's not enough in it for the consumer. Let's face it – consumers don't have a relationship with the content owners. They don't have accounts and passwords; they don't have email subscriptions; and they don't have affinity to the network.
What do consumers like in TV? They like their shows, and they like lots and lots of choice — as demonstrated by the more than 153 hours per month that the average American watches; and the 14 to 15 pages YouTube viewers look at on a daily basis in their browser. Consumers like to consume – and they like to consume a lot of variety.
But it's just a small number of consumers that wants to establish a deep relationship with the networks — and that means this TV Here strategy won't get the masses registering.
Here at Wetpaint, we run some of the largest and most successful communities for a variety of network shows, with many of these sites sponsored by major networks, such as Fox, HBO, and Showtime. On many of these sites, tens of thousands of registered users have signed up for accounts so they can chat with each other, receive email updates, and comment on and create content about the show they love. And while that is significant, these tens of thousands pale in comparison to the hundreds of thousands who come each month to passively consume the content that is there — without registering.
The irony is that that just a couple percent of any given audience are interested enough to give their email address to a typical show online, while an impressive half of all households are willing to reach into their wallets to pay a cable TV bill each month.
The difference is the experience. That cable subscription fee is a direct enabler one of the most important entertainment experiences we have: sitting on the sofa with the remote control. But individual network-driven access portals to particular shows? That's the opposite of the control experience that consumers crave — it would be the online equivalent of asking consumers to buy a different remote control for every channel they want to watch. What a hassle.
That's why this would be the wrong model for the networks: it doesn't serve the experience that consumers want. And further, it undermines the whole promise of what TV Everywhere could do to create a destination with the access and choice that consumers want.
In this new product offering, it's clear see what Brightcove gets out of it: it's an appealing and opportunistic move for the technology provider to win some stopgap business by playing to every content owner's dream of being a destination. It's an easy seduction for the networks to imagine building that relationship directly right on their own sites.
But it is fraught. By ignoring the consumer experience, they're bound to be creating a destination that nobody comes to — a "TV Nowhere" in the end.


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Montana Secretary of State Corey Stapleton was so excited to announce VOTER FRAUD in Montana that he leaped to Twitter today before the huge story could break in the Missoulian that one ballot may have been incorrectly sent in during the Montana Special Election.
About nine this morning Stapleton's office posted this tweet before going silent:
Sec. of State Stapleton has referred a case of mail-ballot voter fraud to Missoula Co. attorney #MTPOL #MTAL
— Corey Stapleton (@Stapleton_MT) June 16, 2017
The actual damage from this moment of "voter fraud" is hard to calculate, as later reporting from Jayme Fraser on Twitter indicates that the system worked and the vote was not counted:
Not counted. Voter was issued new provisional.
— Jayme Fraser (@JaymeKFraser) June 16, 2017
And Missoula County quickly put Stapleton in his place, issuing this response:
Missoula County takes allegations of voter fraud very seriously. However, Secretary of State Corey Stapleton's implication that there are pervasive ballot security issues in Missoula County is misleading. In the May 2017 Special Election, there were 47,159 ballots cast in Missoula County. There were 381,416 votes cast statewide. To the best of Missoula County's knowledge there was only one report of a voting irregularity involving a single absentee ballot. The elections office investigated the matter as soon as it came to light and notified the Secretary of State. To suggest that there are serious ballot security issues based upon an isolated incident is simply inaccurate and a disservice to the public.
Massively concerned as he was about the potential threat posed by one ballot cast inappropriately, Stapleton was conspicuously silent about real voter suppression in Montana that keeps Indians from the polls. Yesterday, Montana Public Radio reported that voters in Browning had to wait as long as sixty minutes outside to cast their ballots. Stapleton had nothing to say about that, nor the fact that many traditional polling places on the reservation were closed during the special election, making it much more difficult for voters to get to the polls.
Stapleton's lack of concern for the real threat of voter suppression on reservations should come as no surprise, given his opposition to satellite offices on reservations that help voters get to the polls.
Stapleton also, as you might recall, made a fool of himself during legislative testimony about an all-mail election that would have saved Montana counties hundreds of thousands of dollars. After admitting that he regularly voted by mail himself, Stapleton told the legislature that Montana should resist mail voting to prevent the scourge of MARIJUANA:
"If you look at the three states that have done it, you can see that populism and direct democracy at its best, all three states – Oregon, Washington and Colorado – they do all-mail-in ballots and they're all marijuana-all-the-time states too. Is that what you want? Because that's what you're going to get."
There is real election fraud going on in the United States, but it's not the trumped up, hyperbolic claims about individuals breaking the law that Republicans like to talk about but never prove. The real fraud? Systematic efforts to disenfranchise people of color and the poor.
If Secretary Stapleton were truly concerned about the integrity of elections, he'd be out fighting for the right of Montana's Indian people to have their voices heard in a timely, equal fashion, not blowing one vote entirely out of proportion before an investigation is completed.


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House Representative
Wray, John
Rep. John Wray Sworn In as State Representative House District 10
Austin, TEXAS – Tuesday, January 13, John Wray took the oath of office and was sworn in as the Texas State Representative of House District 10 for the 84th Texas Legislature. Dozens of family members, friends, constituents and well-wishers watched as Secretary of State Nandita Berry administered the oath to Wray and his colleagues.
The occasion carried added significance, as it was the first time Rep. John Wray was sworn in to serve his community in the Texas House of Representatives. "It's exciting; it's an honor," Wray said. "I'm a history buff and I've always been a political observer, so it's thrilling now to be a part of this." Wray further explained, "Since the election, I've had the opportunity to meet with colleagues and study up on the issues affecting House District 10. I look forward to advancing the priorities of our community and ensuring that our values are represented before the legislature."
Rep. Wray, a life-long resident of Ellis County, anticipates a productive session and one that will improve the wellbeing and prosperity of all Texans. Members of the House have already filed several bills that will have a direct impact on the House District 10. In support of strong regional economic development, Rep. Wray is focused on bolstering transportation infrastructure and ensuring the review of restrictive policies such as the Margins Tax. He also stated that he would look to uphold personal liberties by supporting measures protecting 2nd Amendment rights. Rep. Wray added that he was intent on securing the border: "Immigration and border security are the top concerns of Texans and as a legislature, we must resolve to secure our border."
The Texas Legislature meets for 140 days every two years. The 84th Legislature will close on June 1, 2015.
Constituents may reach Rep. Wray via telephone at 512-463-0516 and email at firstname.lastname@example.com. Furthermore, all visitors are encouraged to stop by the Capitol Office, Room E1.220. Please refer to the aforementioned contact details while our district office location is pending review.
John Wray is a principled conservative serving in his first term as Texas State Representative, House District 10, the area encompassing Ellis County and part of Henderson County. John currently resides in Waxahachie with his wife, Michele, and their two children, Morgan and Patrick.
Tabatha Vasquez


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The only thing more painful than losing at baccarat is losing and then having to pay a large accumulated vig. Winning bank wagers are recorded by the dealer and the vig is usually collected at the end of the shoe, but there's no rule that says you can't settle up sooner.
Some players pay after every winning wager. Whatever you choose to do, just remember that properly accounting for the vig as you play will help you avoid an unpleasant surprise.
Baccarat's price for fun and money management
Baccarat is a negative expectation game. There is no strategy to get around this. Happily, the maximum price for fun is a slim 1.24 percent if you avoid betting tie and you have average luck. A $500 bankroll will turn into about $490 after fifty $10 wagers.
That's approximately thirty minutes of mini-baccarat action. Regular baccarat moves at half that speed. Of course, your luck will probably be better or worse than average, so be prepared to will or lose more. If you hit a losing streak, don't stick it out.
Stop after four or five bad hands. Yes it's tough to walk away, especially if you just started, but the alternative is possibly blowing your session bankroll in about twenty minutes. If that's an acceptable price for fun then go ahead, but otherwise go for coffee.…


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California I 794.
Adam Johnston
Mercede Indian Reservation
San Joaquin Valley Oct 8 '51
Alludes to informed negotiations by him and his actions without authority of special instructions--all such are left for final decision of Dept. States what has been done towards getting [miners?] off the Indian reservations & enclose copy correspondence with the military. Difficulties have occured between miners & Indians-many of the latter have gone to the mountains &c. Has allowed the property of the former to be approved &c. Employed Dr. W. M. Ryer to vaccinate the Indians--enclose his application, contract, reports & acclaimed for troops rendered.
Recd 1 Dec 1851.
Ack: 4th Dec, 1851
Copied for Sup Beale
[Letter P. 1]
Valley of the San Joaquin, Cal
Mercede Indian Reservation
Oct 8th, 1851.
In my report of June 24, I referred to several matters wherein I had acted without special instrucions from the department. In every instance where I have thus acted, I beg you will consider it the result of necessity under existing circumstances, or in view of effecting some object for the best interest of the government. I believe, however, that I have done nothing beyond my instrutions which is at all binding upon the government, until after the action and confirmation of such matters by her legislative branch. In all cases where my duties were not clear, or specifically pointed out, I have made it known to other parties, and always expressed, in any document from me, that my acts could only be binding, "the government concurring therein." If power, either civil or military, could have been readily afforded me to carry out what had been promised the Indians, and to enforce the "laws and regulations of the Indian bureau," I perhaps should not have done some things in the manner I did. In the absence of such power, or any beyond my own personal influence and arguments, I was obliged, among other things, to make some informal negotiations with individuals, or abandon all hope of retaining the Indians in their reservations. In all such cases, however, I have expressly left the final conclusion and confirmation to the action of the gpvernment at Washington.
The greatest trouble I have had was with miners, and persons who were located on the reservations for the purposes of trading with the Indians, and smuggling intoxicating drinks to them. I first visited all such persons along the rivers within each of the reservations, and told them in person the law, and what the government expected of them. In this way I succeeded in getting many to leave, and in other respects to regard the law. A few, however, were inclined there, as at almost every place, to obey the law only if they must, and remained, increasing evil if possible. I venture to say that, with the slightest military force at such time, as a mere dempmstration, not a single person would have objected to leaving the reservations and fully complying with the law. It became the interest of the few who would
not comply with the law, to represent the "diggings" around them as remarlably rich. The consequence was that their numbers rapidly increased from day to day, and with them the Indians complained more earnestly to me. Anticipating this to some extent, I had requestcd Lieut. Moore, in command at Fort Miller, on the San Joaquin river, to aid me with his influence in getting the intruders off the Indian lands, and preventing
others from coming upon them. They were ordered off, and, as his letter to me of the 20th of August shows. (a copy of which I herewith transmit) they all left without the necessity of using any force whatever. This would have been the result in every reservation within the valley of the San Joaquin, could I have made the same demonstration with a few United States troops. When they were but beginning to mine and take possession of the Indians' lands, I am sure, that with ten men in United States uniform to accompany me as a mere demonstration on the side and the government, I could have cleared every reservation of objectionable persons without the least trouble on my part, and little or no dissatisfaction on theirs. After that, I am also sure, subsequent orders of my own would have been more promptly regarded. The miners were generally Americans, intelligent and law-abiding men; but they had a curiosity to see what was contained in the forbidden ground. Thinking the commandant of the United States Pacific forces possessed a discretionary power in such cases, I wrote to him in regard to the matter on the 3d of July and the 4th of August, (copies of which I herewith transmit) for a small force at once- not to drive off the miners by force-not to arrest any one, or with the expectation that the troops could get into conflict with any persons whatever, but, as I have before said, for the purpose alone of making a demonstration to show that the govermnent intended to perform what she had undertaken. The general in command wrote me that under the law of 1832 it would be necessary to obtain an order from the President in such cases. To obtain that would require a delay of over two months, and by that time the probabilities were, the obstacles to be removed would become a hundred-fold greater. I was therefore obliged to resort to other means, and do the best I could in the premises.
In regard to the matters which I have taken the responsibility to do when I could do nothing else, the first is, allowing the miners on the reservations to have their claims appraised for the purpose of having them set forth to Congress. To such appraisements I have certified that such persons had mining claims on the lands of the Indians, and were ordered off by me. These claims will come up before Congress. What view they may take of such claims is with that body alone, and on its action depends all appropriation for the liquidation of such claims. In acting upon such clams, it should be with a considerable degree of caution, as they are, in many cases, appraised far beyond their actual value. Others have no merit whatever; aS the persons making such claims did not comply with their agreements after having had their claims estimated. If the mining claims upon the Indian reserves are to be estimated, and the claimants paid, perhaps the mode of estimating them should be pointed out by a law of Congress.
Another class of claimants is of persons owning tents or houses upon the reservations, who refused to leave them until they were appraised. Almost every one so located was keeping a tavern or grog-shop, and trading establishment. Such places usually harbored many other persons than their occupants about them. By removing the estahlishment, I knew we could get rid of a large number of persons not well calculated to be in an Indian country.
Several small difficulties had happened between the Indians and others at such places. In August last, many of the Indians left their reserves and went to the mountains. Since that time I have succeeded in getting as many of them whites off the reservations as possible, by allowing their property to be appraised, and having their claims submitted to Congress. Five days ago I saw several of the chief men of the Indians who had left, who promised me their people should return to
to their reservations in ten days from that date. It was for these reasons, and the hope of keeping the Indians satisfied in their reservations, that I took the "responsibility" of acting in such cases. I am not sure that there is a general feeling of satisfaction among the Indians of the valley at this time. As I came down from the Fresno, some days since, I found them scattered over the country, without any reason known to me. They have been putting up a few acorns and food in the valley, but quite as much in the mountains. The whole of the Indians on the San Joaquin river had gone to a great council on the Four creeks, or on the border of Tulare lake. Those Indians are said to have been quite impudent and independent recently. These matters may or may not indicate a bad feeling among them generally. Should they again break out and commence another predatory war of anything like a general character, it must necessarily cause great trouble to the government, and cost both blood and treasure to subdue them. Their intimate knowledge of the mountain passes gives them a great advantage over the whites. There are but few Unitd States troops in the country, and this State has paid her volunteers so poorly heretofore, that few, if any, could be mustered into service by her. I intend returning up the valley a short time, and hope there may be no cause for suspicion of their intentions.
Another matter which I alluded to heretofore, and which I now desire to lay before the department, is the appointing or employing Dr. W.M. Ryer to vaccinate the Indians. I looked upon this as an important matter, inasmuch as several cases of small-pox were reported in San Francisco at the time. The Indians had come from the mountains and settled upon their reservations in rancherias or villages, by which they were thrown closely together, and in places where such diseases were more likely to be communicated to them. A few of the Indians had been vaccinated when at the missions, and consequently understood the object of it. I believe it was in
the year 1841 that the then governor of California is said to have introduced the small-pox among the Indians, by which many thousands were destroyed in the valley of the Sacramento. The Indians. were greatly gratified at what they esteemed the goodness of the Great American Father in sending among them a medicine-man to protect them from that fearful disease. I have seen them gathered around Dr. Ryer in crowds, holding out their arms, eager to be vaccinated. I am satisfied that great good will result from it, even should no actual necessity then have existed. They must receive good impressions of the Americans, in contradistinction to that of their former oppressive governors.
The claims of Doct Ryer for sevices from tbe 4th June to the 26th September, together with his reports to me, are herewith forwarded. Knowing that much good must result from his labors in several points of view, I hope his accounts may be favorably considered.
I have the honor to be
very respectfully
your obdt servant,
Adam Johnston
Sub Ind Agent
Valley of San Joaquin.
[Hon. Luke Lea]
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Letter: Affordable-housing law is dismal
Last week's forum on affordable housing at Pequot Library was quite informative and enlightening. An explanation of state Statute 8-30g painted a dismal picture of what Fairfield faces in its attempt to meet the requirement that 10 percent of its housing stock be afforable.
State Reps. Brenda Kupchick, R-132nd District, and Tony Hwang, R-134th District, were precise and pragmatic in their overview of Fairfield's limited flexibility to comply.
Our elected planning and zoning officials can no longer represent Fairfield residents because they will be overruled by Hartford's solution to our limited housing stock. Upon reflection, it struck me as over-reaching, official incoherence.
Where are Fairfield's and its residents' interests in quality of life being met? It has been shown that the recent plan presented by developers and already implemented development will exacerbate unanticipated consequences economically and socially. Traffic, congestion and increased municipal infrastructure costs will result.
Fairfield is a terrific community. Let's be cautious before we spoil the recipe. Hartford's cooking from a distance could ruin the mix.


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My post on Kelly Sutton and his minimalist lifestyle (August 16) has aroused a lot of interest and it's clear there's a lot of interest in cutting down on the clutter of modern life. Yet not everything can be digitised and we still need a few plates and pots and pans, not to mention clothes. I admit, clothes are my achilles heel because I hoard stuff without let or favour. I hoard minute waited pants that might just fit again (but never will) and my hangers contain jackets that amuse the neighbours no end if I ever dares wear them again. The fact is, my wardrobes are bulging with useless stuff that out to go.
So, encouraged by digital minimalism, I've embarked on the well-tried three-strikes-and-it's-out system of wardrobe management. Anything that hasn't been worn in the current year goes to Stage Two. And Stage Two garments that remain unworn at the end of year two go to Oxfam. I've discovered that for every 100 items of clothing (including socks, that is) only ten are worn in any given year. The rest is clutter that should have been cleared out years ago.
It's an abiding shame that we can't digitise our clothes and conjure up a shirt or pair of socks from iWardrobe every morning. Until that time comes, my rigorous closet shuffling to oblivion will be enforced.


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Jane Greer was born Bettejane Greer on Sept. 9 1924 in Washington DC and she came into this world destined for success.
Groomed from childhood to feel at home in the spotlight, she took part in childhood beauty contests and talent shows. At 15 she was afflicted with Bell's Palsy, which paralyzed one side of her face. But Jane worked tirelessly on facial exercises and was able to overcome her disability. She was a very determined young lady! Left high school in her senior year to sing in club bands, continued to model and dreamed of a career in acting. At age 18 she was chosen to model the army's new WAC uniform which was featured in Life Magazine. There she caught the eye of Howard Hughes. Hughes was captivated and had little trouble convincing the aspiring actress to come to Los Angeles. There her screen career began. Hughes was an unbalanced man, emboldened by wealth and driven by jealous obsession. When Greer made it clear to him that she intended to have a life of her own he retaliated both emotionally and professionally. Their struggle was bitter and it hindered her career but she was eventually able to sever the ties.
Despite the road blocks that Hughes threw her way, Jane Greer managed to become an accomplished actress. The 1940s brought us some of Hollywood's most powerful female screen characters and none is more riveting than the part she played as Kathie Moffat in Out of the Past (1947). In this acclaimed film noir, Greer masterfully reveals the cold dark heart of her character while the audience remains mesmerized by her beguiling beauty and poised demeanor. Greer was a dedicated professional who understood the nuances of facial expression. RKO promoted her as "the woman with the Mona Lisa smile."
Her Kathie was never over the top… a whisper of a smile as she worked her charms, soft beseeching eyes while she boldly lied and, most frightening of all, that cold glint of excitement just before she pulls the trigger. Pure genius! The camera loved her polished glamour. She had a drop dead figure that made everything she wore seem fit for a fashion magazine. Edward Stevenson, Hollywood costume designer for films such as Citizen Cane, It's a Wonderful Life and a favorite designer of Lucille Ball, created Greer's wardrobe for Out of the Past and The Big Steal.
Her opening scene outfit for Out of the Past was elegant innocence… The cut of the dress skimmed the actresses form, modestly highlighting every curve. It had a sweetheart decollete and youthful capped sleeves. She wore a matching portrait hat set back on the head. No hint of the lethal character to come. In The Big Steal (1949), Greer plays Joan Graham, a gutsy gal in pursuit of a thieving boyfriend. On the theater poster she wields a pistol, dressed in a bombshell halter gown which Stevenson designed to show off her pin up curves. Certainly not a dame to be messed with!
Greer is best known for her 1940s film characters. However her acting career, although not prolific, continued into the 90s. Outside of her profession she lead a full life. In 1942 she married Rudy Vallee but they divorced just one year later. In 1947 she married Edward Lasker. With him she had three sons. She found great joy in raising her children and later became dedicated to charity work. Time was kind to Ms. Greer, she remained a beauty all her days and will forever hold a place of honor in film noir.


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Import/Export Kit for DummiesBook - 2015
From the critics
Community Activity
CommentAdd a Comment
If this is John Capela's idea of a book for DUMMIES then his idea of a book for Genius would have to be truly encyclopedic. It is not an easy to follow primer as the inaccurate description says; it is intended for advanced college business students and college graduates already operating a large wholesale business of some kind. If this is you then you will find the book useful I suspect.
It is a text book and a reference book. It is 342 pages of highly technical material. No one that would qualify as a DUMMY in my understanding of the word would ever be able to comprehend it.
I was highly disappointed in this book for DUMMIES I was looking for something with easy to understand specific instructions on how to go about starting on a small scale with low investment(under $5000) an Import Export business as the word "Kit" in the title implies.
I am giving it a high rating because from what I can tell it is well written and seems to be exhaustive on the subject.
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To Change your life, don't look within.
Instead of step outside in our City.
Come to Discovery City where inspiration abounds.Here neon lights give way to sunlight, Noisy streets to gently rustling trees, and hectic schedules are replaced by holistic living. As Hyderabad first true satellite city. Discovery City is an oasis of calm where people will come together from different cultures to thrive more, achieve more, Unwind more in harmony. All this is possible because of Discovery City is the unique layout that includes easily accessible world-class Housing, Entertainment Zones, Offices, Colleges, Malls, and Hospitals. Discovery City Promises to totally change the way you live. So if you would like to restart your life in our Revolutionary new City, Step in Our City of Happiness is now Open to the World.


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I attribute my strong carniverous tendencies to my grandfather. He raised his 4 children on pork, and his grandkids were no exception to the rule. Most parents urge their kids to drink plenty of milk, to eat all their veggies and fruit, even resorting to tricks of the parental trade in order to get these things down their child's unobliging throat. My grandfather, my yeye, in stark but delicious contrast, force fed me braised chicken dishes, glazed spareribs, steamed fish...much to my heart's delight. Greens, to him, were an afterthought, something to add a bit of color and texture to, you guessed it, meat. And we never ate fruit since both he and my grandmother were both diabetic. Thus I grew up knowing my repertoire of meat, meat-products, and on the occasion, by-products.
There are some dishes that to this day, I still crave from my yeye's kitchen. His edamame (we called it mao dou) always came steaming hot and salted, studded with peppercorn and star anise, in a huge gigantic metal bowl for me to pick through. For my birthdays, he would make me jiao zhi yu, a whole fish fried and smothered in a sweet and tangy garlic sauce. He would set the dish so that the head faced me, a portent of good fortune. Mostly I remember the very simplest dishes he made, for a weekday dinner, or a quick lunch on his break between work. Noodles with gravy, scrambled eggs with fresh tomato, a bowl of noodle soup. But mostly, he was famous for his meat dishes (and I mean famous, since he owned two successful restaurants).One dish that was always a hit with my aunts, uncles and cousins was his Tang Cu Pai Gu, otherwise known as sweet and sour spareribs. Don't let the seemingly mundane name, nor the overly sweet flavors those words conjure, scare you. "Sweet and sour" has become bastardized, a once tangy and savory dish in its native state, has been doused with pounds and pounds of granulated sugar, not to mention bright orange dyes, here in the U.S. throughout take-out joints and large Chinese restaurants.
The real deal uses fresh, small and tender pork spareribs, about 2-3 inches in length. Most of the fat is rendered out in the cooking process, leaving a truly lean and savory portion of meat. The sauce is what ties this dish together, a tour de force of glazes, if you will. It is reminiscent of those rich, caramelized sauces found in Vietnamese clay pot dishes, but with more vinegar, reduced down to a thick and syrupy tang.
More memorable than the taste was the way that Yeye served his spareribs to the family- piled up high in a large metal mixing bowl, set on the diningroom table, which was laid over with old newspapers. No need to say it was all a bit of a messy affair. But nonetheless, finger-licking delicious. When I visited him this year, he was once again busy in the kitchen, peeling garlic, rattling woks...this is how he keeps busy now at age 83. A little before dinnertime, the scent of vinegar and garlic lured me into his kitchen, and to my surprise, a wokful of ribs was braising on the stove. I remember asking him for the recipe, but he just threw out a listing of spices and herbs, and promised to let me watch in a few days as he recreated the dish again.
Just like when I was little, I laid out the newspaper on the table, in preparation for dinner with my grandparents. This dish will always be known as "Yeye's Spareribs" because no one else can make them like he does. I always eat them with such intensity and gusto, letting my little pile of bones build up, never fully realizing just how much satisfaction and pleasure is written over Yeye's face, as he looks on.
Tang Cu Pai Gu - "Yeye's Sweet and Sour Spareribs"
Look for smaller ribs, as these will be more tender. Cut them up, between the rib bones, then across the bone again, to get small "riblet" pieces.
Chinkiang vinegar is a black Chinese rice vinegar that's readily available at all Asian food stores.
1 1/2 - 2 lb pork ribs, cut into 2-3" in length
Braising Liquid:
1 1/2 cups beef stock or broth
1" piece ginger, sliced into rounds
1/2 water, optional
1/2 tsp ground white pepper
2 whole star anise
1 tsp chicken stock granules or MSG, optional
2 Tbsp dark Chinkiang vinegar
3 Tbsp soy sauce
1/4 cup Shaoxing cooking wine
1/4 cup sugar
2 cloves garlic, smashed
1 scallion, cut into thirds
1. Place the ribs in a large pot, fill with water, and set over high heat. Let the water come to a boil, then turn down the heat to simmer for 1 hour (lid on of off). Drain ribs and lay them out on a large dish to dry up some more.
2. Heat the oil in a wok to about 350F. In small batches, fry the ribs, about 1 minute. Drain any excess oil on paper towels.
3. Pour the hot oil out from your wok, and give it a quick wipedown. To the wok, add all the ingredients for the Braising Liquid, except for the sugar. (You can add the optional 1/2 cup water, if you prefer more sauce.) Bring to a gentle boil, add the ribs, stir to coat, and turn the heat down to a simmer. Cover, and cook for about 10 minutes.
4. Stir in the sugar, cover again, and cook over low heat for another 10-15 minutes until the liquid has turned thick and glossy, like a glaze. Turn the heat off and transfer the ribs to a serving dish.


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For my sins I have been working in and around the web since before the days of boo.com and Lastminute started. I once worked for an Internet Service Provider, long since swallowed up and re-branded, and got excited about valuations of the business based on the numbers of subscribers. I honestly thought that my share option at the time would allow me to retire before I was 30. Of course now I know I will be working until I am 70. It never occurred to many of us that the real value of the business is not how many people use it but how much profit it generates. A couple of years later and the dot com crash happened and valuations crashed, and investments from individuals who should have known better stopped.
A lot has changed since then but valuations of pure-play internet companies have started to rise again. You might think that the Google bid for Groupon, the daily deal website, of $6bn was an incredible figure. However Groupon made a reported $760m in revenue in 2010 which put that number into perspective. Rightmove the property site has recently been valued at £1bn helped by the fact that it made pre-tax profits of £52.2m last year from selling listing on its site to estate agents. Against those numbers you can see where the valuations come from.
However there are other examples which don't make sense. The online music service Spotify has just managed to get $100m funding to try to compete with Apple's iTunes service. That funding means that the business is valued at $1bn despite the fact that it is currently loss making. Compare that to HMV the high street and now also online music store, whose market capitalisation is currently $150m or about a seventh of the loss making online only Spotify.
Also last month AOL bought the American news website the Huffington Post for $315m. That is almost the same price as the current valuation for Trinity Mirror. That has 5 national newspapers, including the Daily Mirror, 160 regional newspapers and over 500 websites let alone 6,500 staff. Trinity is not helped by its borrowings of £260m and a pension fund deficit of £161m. By the way that means that Rightmove and its one site is worth 6 times Trinity Mirror according to the City.
As you can tell by the number of $ signs in the column most of these valuations are being driven by American companies. However there now definitely seems to be a trend of upwards valuations of internet companies. This time around however on the whole the lessons from the last bust have been learnt and they are mainly being valued on the cold hard reality of how much cash is being generated by the business. History teaches much and I hope that those who are now responsible for valuing who then were probably at high school look back at the last boom. That may keep the lesson to Boo who rather than Boo hoo.
Tim Youngman is head of digital marketing for Archant follow him on Twitter @timyoungman


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10 Reasons Why You Need To Drink Apple Cider Vinegar Every Morning
We did some research around and discovered some science-backed, valid benefits of apple cider vinegar which are worth sharing. Actually, the research discovered that it contains antioxidants that slow down premature aging and are able to reduce the risk of cancer. – Dr. Oz.
A lot of people say that the medicinal benefits of vinegar are "ancient folk remedy."
However, many published medical research demonstrated that apple cider vinegar is very effective for alleviating different health conditions – such as high blood pressure, obesity and others.
Apple cider vinegar is the most popular type of vinegar and it is made from the cider of apples. To be more specific, by crushing apples and squeezing its liquid content you can get apple cider. You can use it for marinade, food preservatives, vinaigrettes, marinades and chutneys (an Indian side dish).
To produce apple cider vinegar, in the liquid made of batch of apples bacteria and yeast are added. This starts up the fermentation process, where the sugar transforms in alcohol. Afterwards the product is converted in vinegar through healthy acid-forming bacteria – this is the process that gives vinegar the sour taste.
Now that you now its basics you can learn more about its benefits:
1. A Lot Of Potassium
We need potassium for proper growth, normal heart activity, proper muscle functioning and transmission of nerve.
2. Stronger And Whiter Teeth
Apply a little bit of apple cider vinegar on your teeth and rinse them. This is very simple procedure that will strengthen and whiten your teeth.
3. Powerful Antiviral Effects
It has potent antiviral properties and it can fight against many infections. It is also able to break down the mucus in the body and to decrease the susceptibility to allergies.
4. PH Balance
Apple cider vinegar can help you to restore the internal pH balance, because it contains a lot of malice and acetic acid.
5. Regulates Blood Sugar And Blood Pressure
By adding apple cider vinegar to your meals you can prevent blood sugar spikes and you can increase the blood concentration of insulin which typically happens after you eat something.
6. Eliminates Toxins And Promotes Digestion
It can effectively detoxify your body. It will eliminate the toxins that are built up in the liver.
7. It Relieves Blemishes And Skin Conditions
You can rub a little bit of vinegar on the age spots and skin blemishes. This can reduce their appearance. You can do this with a cotton cloth or a cotton ball. The perfect way is to do this before bed time.
8. Supports Weight Loss
As we mentioned above, apple cider vinegar is ideal for losing weight because it can break down the fat cells in the body. Drink a glass of water with apple cider vinegar every morning.
9. It Heals Painful Sunburn And Bruises
Take a clean towel and soak it in apple cider vinegar. Afterwards apply it on the sunburn. The skin is going to absorb the vinegar and the discomfort and pain will soon lessen.
10. Shiny And Voluminous Hair
If you want your hair to be shinier and voluminous just use apple cider vinegar to wash it. Apply the vinegar after your shampoo.


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Review of Marilyn Martin's "Trust, Love, Pray" Album
Madonna has written a song specifically for her. Phil Collins has had a number one duet with her. Stalwart producer David Foster, who produced Whitney Houston's iconic "I Will Always Love You," has worked with her. Fleetwood Mac's Steve Nicks was her touring partner. Kenny Loggins, Tom Petty, Joe Walsh have all shared the stage with her. Her name is none other than Marilyn Martin. Most noted for scoring a hit duet with Phil Collins, "Separate Lives" is arguably one of those immortal love songs from the 80s that we can all hum with our eyes closed. After her runaway success with Collins, Martin recorded two pop albums and an unreleased country collection for Atlantic Records. Madonna, in fact, was so impressed by Martin that she even co-penned a song for her. Though Madonna writes the bulk of her own body of work, she rarely (or almost never) writes for other people. But with Martin, the Vogue superstar made an exception. She offered to Martin a brand new cut "Possessive Love" which became Martin's lead single from her sophomore record "This is Serious." Later, Martin was even invited to sing backing vocals for Madonna on her multi-platinum "Like a Prayer" album. As a result, Martin's popularity spread, her voice has since appeared on some of music's most monumental albums. Albums such as Richard Marx's "Paid Vacation," Gary Allan's 'Smoke Rings in the Dark" and Eagles' Timothy B. Schmit's "Tell Me the Truth." Despite all her success in the secular music industry, Martin is also a Christian. She grew up hearing her grandma sing the eternal hymns on her front porch. After all the detours and distractions, Martin is back with her brand new record "Trust, Love, Pray" in 25 years!
"Trust, Love, Pray" as the title suggests is a Christian record that goes back to Martin's roots. This is essentially Martin's only third (released) record in a career that spans for more than thirty years. This time around instead of being surrounded by a legion of songwriters and producers, this record is very much in house. Helmed by her hubby and guitarist Greg Droman, Martin herself penned 9 of the 10 cuts. With the opener "In God's Arms" being co-written by Martin herself and famed scribe Eric Kaz (who has written for Linda Ronstadt, George Strait and Kenny Rogers). Over the years, Martin has donned quite a number of musical personas. After her bubbly girlish pop image on "Possessive Love," her leather slick rock chick look on "Night Moves" or her girl-next- door country gal vulnerability on "Through His Eyes," what is the musical direction of this new record? She answers it in the title of one of her songs, "every way and always." Like a buffet of styles, there is much to enjoy here: from string-laden big balladry to jaunty soul-filled funk to straight ahead vintage pop.
As far as single potential goes "More than a Dream" is the prime candidate. With its Britt Nicole-like dance loops over a persistent percussion line, "More than a Dream" is a contemporary hook laden pop piece finding Martin rejoicing in the ever present love of God. Martin indulges in some Gospel funk ala Salvador in "Stop and Listen;" while she has never sounded more relaxed in the bluesy title cut "Trust, Love, Pray" that boasts a twangy Americana underlining. If you are into cinematic big dramatic productions, "The Arms of God" (co-written by Eric Kaz) with its sweeping strings is a Psalm-like praise to God that is lyrically poetic yet sincerely delivered. Don't let the busy twirl of electric guitars or the layered sounds of the keyboard scaffold you from the confessional honesty of Martin as she echoes many of our struggles with temptations before God. And just when you think Martin has run out of styles, she goes into Gospel with a slight R&B polish on the rowdy "Every Way and Always."
Though the songs are deftly written but some of them lack defining hooks that could grab the listener with greater immediacy. If only Martin could polish up the hooks and make them more prominent, the album would be even greater. Also, the central ideas of some of the songs are not strong enough; for example, "In My Father's House" utilizes a rich Biblical imagery, it would be greater served if the imagery could be expounded more in the song. Other than these quibbles, it is such a joy to have Marilyn Martin back. Though she was great singing about heartbreak with Phil Collins in "Separate Lives," when she sings for the Lord, she sounds even better.


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Where to begin with this book?
I love Manuel Manello. Manny is intense but I like that he's a smart ass. He also doesn't take crap from anyone. Payne is just kick-ass, plain and simple. I felt their relationship was…interesting. Maybe it had to do with the fact that they spent most of the book in the recovery rooms of the Brotherhood's place. Once they were outside the walls of the mansion, things got better. I finally got to see them as a couple…carefree and in love.
At first, I don't think V or Payne knew how to act around each other. Their moments together were frustrating and heartbreaking at the same time. Payne has always loved her brother, so I think the fact that V wasn't instantly affectionate with her, might have hurt her a little. I was glad to see that Vishous felt instantly protective over her, though, and he did love her instantly! He just didn't know how to show her.
I have to say that my favorite part of this book was the fact that Vishous finally got more story. I read somewhere that JR Ward had said his book was the hardest one to write and that she wasn't completely happy with its ending. Well, she certainly makes up for it in this book! She put V and Jane through the wringer. To me, no other couple in this series has ever felt more real than theirs. I don't know why, but it just does. Vishous is one tortured male who has never dealt with what happened to him. In Lover Unleashed, he does it and it is completely heart-wrenching. He comes out of it a better male though, so it's worth it. I hope he can be truly happy now.
Butch and Vishous have one of the most intense bonds in this series. After Jane and V have their fallout, Butch is the one to reign him in. No one knows V better than Jane and Butch and since Jane couldn't be there for him, Butch stepped in. He stepped in in a huge way! I had no idea what was going to happen and was a little nervous. What transpired in that penthouse was very much needed but my heart broke for both Butch and V.
Manny has a smart mouth, and thanks to that, some of the funniest moments are when he and Butch are talking to one another, because as we all know, Butch ALSO has a smart mouth. There were a few things, even from previous books, that clued us into the big reveal, or connection, at the end that once it was out, all I could think was, "I KNEW IT!!" I love how JR Ward does this. I'm actually kind of hoping she will write more about John Matthew and Darius's deal because I don't think Lover Mine really explained any of it.
Ah, Qhuinn and Blaylock. I certainly didn't get enough Qhuay in this book. The things we did get were heart-wrenching, though! The longing and angst between Qhuinn and Blay breaks my heart…but I wouldn't change it for the world. I just know this is building up to be one tear-fest of a book! Maybe. Hopefully? PLEASE, JR Ward!! We need a Qhuay book!
Let me tell you how elated I was to see The Brothers together and having a good time in this book. I missed them!! It wasn't too much, maybe twice altogether in this whole book, but it was fantastic. One very absent character was Tohr, which surprised me as I heard his book is next. Usually, we get hints or some story about the upcoming character's book…but with Tohr? Nothing. I'm eager to find out more of what's to come for him. He deserves a HEA.
Lessers. I'm not going to lie. The Lessers have never interested me much. Mostly, they bore me and when they got their own chapters, like in Dark Lover, I skimmed through them…as fast as I could. They are not the primary villain in this book though…which I totally loved.
Our "new" villains are a ring of warriors from the Old Country who are led by Xcor. Xcor took over the group after the Bloodletter, his supposed father, was killed in front of him. These warriors hunt lessers as well, but they are all outcasts. Xcor has also been in search of the female who killed his father for centuries with no luck. Yes, that would be Payne, who killed her father for what he did to Vishous. They travel to America for the first time with plans to take down the Brotherhood. These guys are waaay more interesting than the Lessers. No skimming through their chapters. They have a particularly steamy scene toward the end of the book involving a ménage à trois. That was a new one for this series. Can't complain though. *blushes*
We also get to see Jose de la Cruz again. In this book, he begins to work with a new partner, Thomas 'Veck' DelVecchio. Veck turns out to be one sketchy individual…and it doesn't escape notice with De la Cruz. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens with these two.
Lover Unleashed was another great installment to this series. It had all the elements we love to read in these books. I savored it and didn't rush through it because I knew that as soon as I finished it, I would want more. Guess who wants the next book…NOW? :)
Book Info
Lover Unleashed by J.R. Ward
Series: Black Dagger Brotherhood #9
Published by NAL
Pub Date: March 29th 2011
Pages: 489
Format: Hardcover | Source: Purchased
Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance
Buy the book! | Goodreads
Payne, twin sister of Vishous, is cut from the same dark, warrior cloth as her brother: A fighter by nature, and a maverick when it comes to the traditional role of Chosen females, there is no place for her on the Far Side… and no role for her on the front lines of the war, either.
When she suffers a paralyzing injury, human surgeon Dr. Manuel Manello is called in to treat her as only he can- and he soon gets sucked into her dangerous, secret world. Although he never before believed in things that go bump in the night- like vampires- he finds himself more than willing to be seduced by the powerful female who marks both his body and his soul.
As the two find so much more than an erotic connection, the human and vampire worlds collide … just as a centuries old score catches up with Payne and puts both her love and her life in deadly jeopardy.


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Antique Engine Rebuilding
A machine shop in Skokie, IL specializing in custom rebuilding of Model A and B engines.
Ford Garage
An online archive of articles on the history and authentic restoration of Model As and Bs.
Bratton's Antique Auto Parts
A comprehensive Model A parts catalogue including descriptions, illustrations, and schematics.
Model A Ford Club of America
The Model A Ford Club of America, Inc. (MAFCA) is a not-for-profit corporation and a national historical society dedicated to the restoration and preservation of Model A Ford vehicles as manufactured from 1928 through 1931.
Snyder's Antique Auto Parts
An extensive Model A parts catalogue including a restoration guide, project demonstration video series, and antique auto books.


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The Himalayas (Movie)
Based on true events, renowned mountaineer UM Hong-gil sets out on a mission to Everest to retrieve his late junior climber's body and faces the greatest challenge of his life.
Category: Korean Movie
Status: Completed
Released: 2015
Rating: 8.78 (9 Votes) Rate it!
Genres: Drama
Drama Stars:
The Himalayas (Movie) Online
- The Himalayas (2015) Jul 12, 2016
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Learn about the revolutionary ToughLie 360 unit and how it can help your teaching facility achieve it's mission...Click here to learn more.
Listen to what influential PGA Teaching Professionals from around the country are saying about ToughLie 360 and how the units have helped their businesses and careers...Click here to listen to what PGA Professionals are saying.
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American Idol 2016 Semi-Final Schedule Revealed
With Hollywood Week nearing its end, we're now learning what the schedule will be for American Idol 2016 Semi-Final Rounds. To put it simply, it's going to be unlike any other Semi-Final in American Idol history.
For one thing, it looks like the Top 24 will be split randomly into two groups of 12 rather than being split by gender (anyone who's read the spoilers for the Top 24 will know why this is the case). One group will perform on Wednesday, February 10th, with the judges deciding which singers stay and which singers leave on Thursday, February 11th. In total, FIVE singers will be eliminated from the first group. Then, the process repeats itself the next week, with the other 12 singers performing on Wednesday, February 17th, and the judges sending home another five singers on Thursday, February 18th, leaving us with a Top 14. From there, the finalists will be joined by "Favorite former Idols" on Wednesday, February 24th, as the alums "will return to mentor and sing with the contestants." While it's unknown whether or not this show will be live or taped, we do know that the episode will be two-hours long, which would seem to suggest a live show (the first two Wednesday performance episodes of the month are an hour apiece, so much like last year, there's pretty much no way those episodes aren't going to be taped ahead of time). This all culminates with the final Semi-Final show on Thursday, February 25th, as the Top 10 is revealed. Again, we have yet another mystery on our hands, since it's not confirmed just who will be picking the Top 10, the judges or the fans. Regardless, this episode will also be two hours long, as the Top 10 will also have their first performances.
For a more detailed look at the schedule, check it out below:
Wednesday February 10 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) – Semi-Final Round – Twelve of the Top 24 perform
Thursday February 11 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) – Semi-Final Round – "Fan Favorite" Idols return to mentor and sing with the Top 24. The judges vote on who will stay in the competition. FIVE contestants leave the competition.
Wednesday February 17 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) – Semi-Final Round – Twelve of the Top 24 perform
Thursday February 18 – (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) – Semi-Final Round – "Fan Favorite" Idols return to mentor and sing with the Top 24. The judges vote on who will stay in the competition. FIVE contestants leave the competition. The Top 14 are revealed.
Wednesday February 24 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) – Semi-Final Round – "Fan Favorite" Idols return to mentor and sing with the Top 14 (presumably).
Thursday February 25 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) – Top 10 announced and their first performances.
This sounds like a hot mess express. I really have no idea why this season is accelerated. Is Idol really so much of a money-sink for FOX that they want to get the farewell season over with already? You'd think they'd milk this whole farewell season thing, and build it up right, make it really feel momentous. But instead, it feels like FOX just wants to burn the episodes off before May sweeps. For the show to end on schedule, we'll need to be ditching two singers a week, Voice-style, for at least two weeks of the competition, in order to have a final two by the April 6th final performance show.
In my scenario, it'd go like this:
Thursday February 25 – We go from 14 singers to 10.
Thursday March 3 – 10 to 8
Thursday March 10 – 8 to 6
Thursday March 17 – 6 to 5
Thursday March 24 – 5 to 4
Thursday March 31 – 4 to 3
Wednesday April 6 – 3 to 2
Thursday April 7 – Winner revealed
Of course, you could have the double eliminations at the start, or do it like they did on The Voice last season, and get rid of one person a week before a semifinal bloodbath gets rid of a ton of people. But that was an awful idea then, and it's an awful idea now. This whole schedule gets even more muddled if the Judges' Save is back. Granted, I'm not even sure a Judges' Save is necessary this season. Do the judges really need more power when they're already calling all the shots in the Semi-Final Rounds? I guess we'll find out.
What do you think of the schedule for this season? Is shorter better, or would you have liked to see a fuller season? Sound off in the comments!
And for more on American Idol, relive all the drama of the final Group Rounds in American Idol history with our live blog and recap of Hollywood Week!


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Internship Opportunities
These positions are filled as of Spring 2015, but we are accepting applications on a rolling basis. Thank you!
Intern (New York, NY)
The Norman Mailer Center and Writers Colony is seeking an energetic, friendly and hardworking intern to learn from and assist our administrative and fundraising offices in New York City. The intern will work closely with NMC staff as we prepare for our Annual Benefit Gala to be held in the fall of 2016. This event raises funds for our year-round literary programming, and celebrates the accomplished literary talents of today. (See our website for more information.)
Interns receive a stipend, the opportunity to attend literary events in New York City, and a priceless, hands-on introduction to the literary world and non-profit growth and management.
Responsibilities include administrative work (scanning, filing), making calls to supporters, tracking RSVPs, gift bag materials and more. You will also participate in the Center's other projects as needed (such as other NYC literary or cultivation events, support for our Provincetown writers colony staff, etc. Note that this internship will focus mainly on the development aspects (fundraising, event planning, etc) of a non-profit, rather than directly handling the literary elements of our programming!
The ideal applicant has experience in administrative/office work and a strong interest in the non-profit sector.
To apply: Please send your resume, a cover letter that explains why you are interested in this position, and two references (at least one from a previous employer or supervisor) to email@example.com.
Location: 1841 Broadway, Suite 911, New York, NY 10023
Posting Date: 11/03/2015; will remain up until position is filled
Internship dates: May/June – August, preference to continue into fall
Hours and Compensation: $1,000/month stipend for full time work (40 hours/week); $350/month stipend for part-time work (20 hours/week)


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http://www.SarcasticSam.com Twitter's Smarmy Wiseacre... Makes no apologies for anything, unless you're hot! and have poptarts... probably not even then
Saturday, January 29, 2011
turn blizzards into chalet brunch
well that's what milerd filmore said, or was that dr. spock? no it was grover from sesame street. well whoever said it never ate pate' ...highly overrated.
this just in: ann from ann arbor: "sam, if this is one of those stories where you get off on tangents, then i'm gonna have to get a cup of coffee" me: ann, make mine sweet, unlike you.
well whoever said it, also said:
"turn problems into profits" and the equally famous saying,
"when life hands you lemons, make Long Island Iced Teas"
obviously, Piper and Bella heard these axioms, because they set out to turn things around.
a two day blizzard had cast a pale over my already dwindling supply of sunshine. the power was out, fallen trees in roadways were causing complete and utter chaos, people were without power, and i was forced to sit down and write. my somber mood could not have been more disinclined to put paper to pen. i had heard of the passing of TracyLynnP via twitter, and well with no laptop, i was forced to write long paw.
who does mother nature think she is, anyway? UKProgressive had written to me to cheer me up: "ferrets are forever childlike" and i took those words to heart.
ann again: "sam, i'm on my second cup, get on with the story"
ann, when i don't want to make changes in my life, do not wish to face the truth, i should do what other mature species do: unfollow and block you.
humans can get depressed, moody, cranky, bi polar, we ferrets rarely do. well, i guess some ferrets can get bi polar, my uncle freddie drinks pretty steady - he tries to make sense out of life by delivering snuggles while simultaneously contemplating the odds that he can steal your socks.
i received a text from my publicist, Bella. "Sam, Piper and I are taking you skiing"
only half way through a manic frenzied outfit selection process did the thought dawn on me: she hadn't asked me, she basically told me. like i had no choice in this.
i went with the navy cashmere scarf which sets off my white fur nicely. headset and goggles loosely hanging round my neck cast that nonchalant "imma rugged yet casual mountaineering type ferret" look.
some things are certain: death, taxes, and i dress appropriately
3 comments:
While I appreciate you acknowledging my status as a secret contact for the Mayans I'm a little afraid that the "secret" part of the contact list has been compromised by your post. Furthermore I can no longer call out "sick" from work when the first Mayan spaceship happens by, seeing as you also posted my departure plans. I know for a fact that I will be welcomed with open arms when the Mayans come, as my conscience is clean and I have ample supplies of both bosoms and brau. You however, my adorable friend, may need to consider a plan B in the event that your disclosure of the list is frowned upon. Good luck my friend, when the time comes I will put in a good word for you :)ReplyDelete
- AnonymousFebruary 1, 2011 at 8:50 AM
When you go to the council meeting on sleeping at work, make sure you mention my technique...although it takes incredible skill and forethought, when wakened, one has to remember to say, "Amen..." before giving the waker a look of complete innocence and questioning as if they truly have interrupted your personal prayer session. Of course, if you're a drooler, this approach hardly ever works more than once.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousApril 9, 2013 at 7:24 AM
This is the perfect site for anyone who would like to find outReplyDelete
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