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Strength, Healing, Encouragement, Remembrance, Blessing and Faith are like the roots of a tree. Our inspiration comes from deep within and it is what keeps us grounded. Each Glass Ball Ornament is hand blown by one of Stephen Kitras Artisans and comes with its own unique gift message as follows:
"Strength is a powerful instrument we use to navigate the unexpected twists and turns of life. Just as a tree uses its trunk for support, we use our inner strength to hold us steady. The Tree of Strength reminds us of our resiliency and our unique ability to rise above adversity no matter what."
Mfg. SRP: $50.00
Usually ships the same business day


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The Highland distillery of Knockdhu have released three new limited edition whiskies in their AnCnoc single malt range. The Peaty Collection marks a new chapter in anCnoc's history as they are the first smoky whiskies to be released by the brand. The distillery has been making peated spirit in very limited runs for the last 10 years or so. The Rutter, Flaughter and Tushkar expressions are all named after traditional tools used to cut peat.
Knockdhu (pronounced nock-doo) lies deep in the rugged countryside of the eastern Highlands, with the closest town being Huntly. The distillery is one of the most traditional in the Scottish whisky industry with no computers to aid production. Knockdhu translates as 'black hill' from Gaelic and the name of the single malts were changed to AnCnoc (simply 'the hill' in Gaelic) in the 1990s, so as to avoid consumer confusion with the similarly named Speyside distillery of Knockando. Knockdhu was founded in 1893 by a company called Distillers Company Limited and is currently owned by Inver House Distillers. It produces approximately one million litres of spirit per year.
All three whiskies have been matured in ex-American oak casks, although the specifications and cask sizes differ. All are bottled at 46% ABV, are non chill-filtered and are of natural colour. The Rutter has a peating level of 11 PPM (Phenol Parts per Million) and the Flaughter is 14.8 PPM and is initially exclusive to the UK. They have a recommended retail price of £52 each. The Tushkar is 15 PPM and is exclusive to Sweden, with a recommended retail price of 449SEK (£41.50). All are available now.
The colour is pale lemon yellow and the nose has a distinct and immediate smokiness to it. This has a combination of aromas reminiscent of damp moss and oily rags. Underneath are further aromas of oat cakes, hay, malted cereals and vanilla with hints of green apple, burnt sugar and lemon zest.
On the palate this feels quite light and delicate, but the peaty aspect contradicts this and introduces a feisty, hot and spicy element. Initial notes of vanilla, syrupy honey and coconut are quickly joined by earthy malty characteristics, which again are most reminiscent of oat cakes as on the nose. Sharp and tangy crisp green apple and lemon zest notes add further freshness. It is not very long before the hot earthy peat smoke becomes increasingly obvious. It builds to a point where it threatens to take over but pulls itself in a the last moment. The smoke gives an intense drying and peppery edge, and this carries through to the finish. Here the sweeter and maltier notes attempt to redress the balance.
The colour is very pale lemon yellow and the nose is full of peat smoke, but this comes across as more bonfire-like and ashy than in the Rutter. Further aromas of vanilla, green apple and icing sugar poke through the dominant smokiness. There are also late hints of cooked bananas and something nutty.
On the palate it feels more viscous and oilier than Rutter and the initial notes are of burnt oatmeal cookies, malted cereals and brown sugar. However, it is not long before the peat smoke begins to make an impression. This is soft and ashy but builds in intensity. Underneath are lovely notes of golden syrup and toffee, along with the banana from the nose. The increasingly influential smoke carries much further in to the finish here, and becomes drier and spicier - the spices are much woodier and reminiscent of cinnamon. The malty and sugary notes lay the foundation of the finish and there is also a hint of toasted nuts as the smokiness slowly fades.
The colour is pale gold and the nose is immediately peaty. There is more smoke present than on the other two, but it seems softer and more rounded. There are other aromas than filter through - think of green apples, boiled fruit sweets, marshmallow and honey with hints of lemon, dried grass and coconut.
On the palate this has a mouth coating quality and three elements work well together - sweetness, fruitiness and smokiness. The sweetness has notes of honey, vanilla, boiled sweets and hard toffee, while the fruitiness consists of green apples, crisp pears and an almost 'fake' note that is most reminiscent of red fruit jelly. The soft smokiness weaves itself around these and seems to compliment and enhance them more than in Rutter and Flaughter. The smoke has an ashy bonfire-like feel to it, along with something that can best be described as damp, earthy and leafy. The finish is lovely and the smoke lingers for a long time, which creates a pleasant dryness as the sweet and fruity notes fade.
What's the verdict?
These are a very interesting set of whiskies that take Knockdhu in a different direction and back to a time when their whisky (and most of those in Speyside and the Highlands) was mildly smoky as the norm. Distilleries that are not known for peaty/smoky whisky in the current market are reaching back to this heritage when peat was the main fuel source at a distillery and we are seeing more and more experimentation.
What is our favourite? Easy - the Tushkar. Lucky Swedes, we say. Despite being the peatiest of the three, it is the most rounded and has all of the elements within it complimenting each other well. It feels like a classy whisky. The others are slightly 'rougher round the edges' and they are both clearly quite young. The Rutter in particular is pretty feisty with the peat dominating most other characteristics and in danger of overpowering the delicate nature of Knockdhu's spirit. It will be interesting to see how they develop with further maturation.

subset: commoncrawl


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2009-12-19 44 -92
Sat 19 Dec 2009 in 44,-92:
In Afton State Park, Minnesota. Near a group campsite, about 500 feet from the roadway, and probably over the embankment toward the river.
Nathan came within 500 feet, but due to lack of a GPS and unpreparedness, went off in the wrong direction.
I'd looked up the location Friday night, and it looked potentially reachable, though without a GPS, I'd only be able to approximate the location. It's a 30 minute drive from home, but there's a shop along the way that I wanted to check out.
Saturday morning, I checked to see if my phone and internet had been installed (scheduled to be done by Friday evening) but no dial tone. I called the company, between what they told me and what I learned by talking to my neighbor, I determined that they had mistakenly connected the service to the other unit at my address. Another phone call to the company resulted in a technician visit scheduled between 12 and 4pm. Well, if the phone company lives up the the stereotype, there's no way I'll make it by 4pm.
About five minutes to noon, my cell phone rings, and the tech is about five minutes away. He arrives, moves a few wires, and I have dialtone/DSL sync. Yay, now I can stop stealing the neighbor's wireless! Ten minutes after he arrives, he's gone. Guess I'll make it after all.
I grokked this event about 3:20 PM on Saturday while I was at work in Minneapolis. I hopped in the car and gave my Garmin the closest intersection to the site. I had no boots, hat, or gloves.
I set out, stopped by the shop and discovered that they looked suspiciously out of business, and proceeded on my way. I arrived at the park without incident, and discovered that there was a $5 day use fee. After stopping in and buying my pass, during which I was trying to decide how I'd explain what I was planing on doing, if the lady asked (she didn't) I was once again on my way. It was probably 3:45 when I got to the park.
I found my way to the nearest approach by road quite easily, and discovered that the area was a group campsite--quite vacant due to the snow, but surprisingly, the loop around it had been plowed out. It was then that I realized what I forgot: I'd looked at the map several times, and printed directions to the end of the road, but apparently I neglected to print a page that showed the hashpoint in relation to the road.
I set out in my best guess of the correct direction, and as I left the clearing and entered the trees, I spotted a deer dashing away from me. Unfortunately, I wasn't quick enough with the camera to catch it. The area was fairly easy to traverse, about 4" of snow, and very little underbrush, so I just picked a direction and headed out. I went what felt like the right distance, and up to the point where the grade of the slope became much more steep, and decided that I was as close as I was going to get. I took several photos, including several through the trees of the St. Croix River, which is mostly covered with a thin layer of ice. I nearly forgot to take a picture of myself, but remembered at the last second.
I stuck around for a few more minutes, and headed out--the return trip was entirely uneventful.
Once I got home, I consulted the map, and determined that while I had correctly identified the end of the road, I had set off from the wrong point in the campground loop, and in the wrong compass direction, and so while I was on foot I was moving away from the hash. That means that my closest approach was about 450 feet, and by car.
The wording is unclear, but I'm claiming the Admit One Achievement despite my lack of actually reaching the hash, since I paid for access to the point I reached anyway.
I made it to the park at 4:08. I passed the group campground entrance and went directly to the visitors center. I met 3 people walking their dogs, roamed around a bit on the trail. Looked high and low for Nathan, but to no avail. Given my horrible state of unpreparedness, I opted not to try slogging around in the snow. I returned to my car and drove home.
Had I turned right at the group campground entrance I would have most assuredly found Nathan, but it was not meant to be.
All in all, a good time seeing a very nice park (even saw a couple deer crossing the road in front of me).
| Nathan earned the Blinded by Science Consolation Prize
| Nathan earned the Admit One Achievement


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Worcestershire England
Current local time now in Worcestershire England
Current daylight saving dates for Europe
- Daylight Saving Time began: Sunday 31 March 2019 01:00 GMT. Clocks went forward one hour.
- Daylight Saving Time ends: Sunday 27 October 2019 01:00 GMT. Clocks go back one hour.
UK and Europe Clock Change Rules
Towns and Villages of Worcestershire England
Abberley, Abberton, Ab Lench, Abbots Morton, Aldington, Alton, Alvechurch, Ashborough, Ashton under Hill, Astley, Aston Fields, Aston Somerville, Atch Lench, Baddington, Badsey, Barley, Bastwood, Bayton, Beckford, Bellbroughton, Bell Hall, Bellington, Bengeworth, Bentley, Beoley, Berrington, Besford, Bickmarsh, Birlingham, Bishampton, Bockleton, Bradley Green, Bransford, Bredicot, Bredon, Bredons Norton, Bretforton, Bricklehampton, Broad Marston, Broadwas, Broadway, Bromsgrove, Broughton Hackett, Burcot, Bushley,Carton, Chaddesley Corbett, Chadwich, Chawson, Childswickham, Chevington, Church Honeybourne, Churchill (Kidderminster), Churchill (Worcester), Church Lench, Cleeve Prior, Clent, Clifton upon Teme, Clopton, Cofton Hackett, Comberton, Comble, Conningswick, Cookhill, Cooksey Green, Cotheridge, Cow Honeybourne, Cradley, Croome d'Abitot, Cropthorne, Crowle, Cudley, Defford, Doddenham, Dormston, Doverdale, Drake's Broughton, Droitwich, Dudley, Dunclent, Eardiston, Earls Croome, Eastbury, Eastham, Eckington, Eldersfield, Elmbridge, Elmley Lovett, Evesham, Feckenham, Fladbury, Fockbury, Franche Alia, Frankley, Glasshampton, Grafton (nr Bromsgrove), Grafton Flyford, Greenhill, Grimley, Habberley, Hadzor, Hagley, Halesowen, Hallow, Hampton (nr Evesham), Hampton Lovett, Hanbury, Hanley (nr Stockton on Teme), Hanley Castle, Hartlebury, Harvington, Helpridge, Hill, Hill Croome, Himbleton, Hindlip, Hinton on the Green, Holdfast, Hollin, Hollow Court, Holt, Homme Castle, Horton, Houndsfield, Huddington, Hurcott, Inkberrow, Ipsley, Kemerton, Kempsey, Kenswick, Kidderminster, Kington, Knighton on Teme, Knightwick, Kyre, Laugherne, Lea Green, Leigh, Lenchwick, Lindon, Littleton, Little Witley, Longdon, Lower Sapey, Lutley, Lyppard, Malvern Chase, Mamble, Martin Hussingtree, Martley, Middlewich, Mitton (in Bredon), Mitton (in Stourport on Severn), Moor (nr Pershore), Morton Underhill, Mucknell, Nafford, Naunton Beauchamp, Netherton, North Piddle, Northwick, Norton (nr Evesham), Oddingley, Offenham, Offerton, Oldington, Old Swinford, Ombersley, Orleton, Osmerley, Overbury, Pebworth, Pedmore, Pendock, Pensham, Peopleton, Perry, Pershore, Phepson, Pirton, Powick, Pull Court, Queenhill, Radley, Redmarley, Ribbesford, Ripple, Rochford, Rockmoor, Rous Lench, Rushock, Salwarpe, Sedgeberrow, Severn Stoke, Shell, Shelsley, Sheriffs Lench, Shurvenhill, Sodington, Spetchley, Stanford on Teme, Stildon, Stockton on Teme, Stoke Bliss, Stoke Prior, Stone, Stoulton, Suckley, Sutton, Tardebigge, Tenbury, Wells, Thickenappletree, Tibberton, Timberhanger, Tonge, Trimpley, Tutnall, Tynsall, Ullington, Upper Arley, Upton on Severn, Upton Snodsbury, Upton Warren, Upwich, Wadborough, Wannerton, Warley, Warndon, Wast Hills, Westmancote, White Ladies Aston, Whittington, Wick (nr Pershore), Wick Episcopi, Wickhamford, Willingwick, Witton in Droitwich, Wolverley, Wolverton, Woodcote Green, Worcester, Worsley, Wribbenhall, Wychbold ,Wyre Piddle, Wythall


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Salty Shockers! 10 Foods Surprisingly High In Sodium
Did you know that most Americans eat one and a half times more salt than the recommended limit for sodium each day? Excessive sodium intake is a serious health issue, and one that needs to be remedied. One of the biggest problems with high sodium intake is that the foods we eat already contain high levels of salt. Contrary to popular belief, it's the sodium already in food that's the bigger culprit, not the salt we add during cooking or at the table.
We all know processed meats, cheeses and restaurants foods contain tons of sodium. But some of the worst offenders for high sodium content may come as a surprise. We've put together a list of the high-sodium foods that may surprise you. Make sure you limit how much of these foods you consume or avoid them altogether to help protect your health.
Blended Coffee Drinks
Your iced coffee drink may taste sweet, but it's actually packed with lots of sodium. One 16 oz. Coffee Frappuccino at Starbucks has a whopping 220 mg of sodium. Go for less complicated drinks with fewer ingredients, like a simple iced coffee with milk, to knock down your sodium intake.
Chocolate Milk
Like blended coffee drinks, chocolate milk is another sweet treat that's actually sodium-rich. The salt is there to preserve the shelf life of the product, but it's bad for your health. Read labels to choose a healthier option or make your own chocolate milk at home with low-sodium products.
Tomato Sauce
Many of the tomato sauces you find on the shelves may make great claims on their labels about their health benefits. Despite how good tomatoes are for you, these sauces also tend to have way too much sodium. Just ¼ cup of Hunt's Canned Tomato Sauce has 410 mg of sodium. Look for no-salt-added version of your favorite brands to cut back on the sodium in your sauce.
Related: How A Low Sodium Diet Can Save You
Canned Vegetables
Like tomato sauce, getting canned veggies seems like a healthy choice but can contain hidden high sodium levels. Just ½ cup of canned Green Giant green beans has 400 mg of sodium. If possible, pick up frozen veggies instead – Green Giant's Fresh Steamers frozen green beans have 0 mg of sodium.
This breakfast treat may seem like a healthy option, especially if you make sure to get one without lots of sugar. However, many people overlook the fact that even some of the healthy cereals contain lots of sodium. For example, one cup of Fiber One's Honey Clusters cereal contains 230 mg of sodium. There are low-sodium options available if you take time to read the label. Get this – Fiber One's Frosted Shredded Wheat doesn't contain any sodium at all!
You though the reason bagels weren't the healthiest choice had to do with carbs, didn't you? However, the typical plain bagel (no cream cheese and no flavoring) also has 500 mg of sodium. If you want some kind of bread for breakfast, grab and English muffin instead – it has just 180 mg of sodium.
Wheat Crackers
These are often touted as a healthy snack option, but wheat crackers aren't much better than potato chips when it comes to sodium content. One serving can have over 300 mg of sodium. Choose a low-sodium cracker for snacking instead.
Flavored Rice
Watch out for those prepackaged rice products and packets of rice seasoning. Both tend to be laden with tons of sodium. Some of the heat-and-eat rice products have over 700 mg of sodium per cup. It's always healthier to make your own rice at home and season it with herbs and spices.
Salad Dressing
You've made a great healthy choice by getting a salad – don't spoil it by adding a sodium-heavy dressing on top. Many salad dressings have over 150 mg of sodium in a single tablespoon. Make your own dressings at home for a healthier option, or read labels to find a low-sodium alternative.
Instant Noodles
Not many people realize, but instant noodles are terrible as far as nutritional value is concerned. In fact, many experts consider them junk food. But what's so bad about them? For that answer, just take one look at the sodium on the package's nutrition label. Many of these instant noodle cups and packages contain around 1,000mg of sodium! That's almost an entire day's worth in a measly little meal.
Related: 8 Ways To Reduce Sodium Intake In Your Daily Diet
Start paying more attention to how much sodium is in your food and you'll be doing great things for your health. And don't forget to check the nutritional values of everything you eat – you may find that some of your favorites are also surprisingly high in sodium just like the foods listed above.


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Amidst the headlines of the Zika virus spreading in Brazil, other infectious diseases have received little attention. This holds true also for Chikungunya – a mosquito born virus that few have even heard of. But in fact, the virus has much in common with Zika.
What is Chikungunya?
Chikungunya (Makonde for "that which bends up") is an infection caused by the Chikungunya virus. It causes an illness with an acute febrile phase lasting 2 to 5 days, followed by a longer period of joint pain in the extremities. The disease is transmitted to humans by the Aedes mosquitoes, the same mosquito that transmits both dengue and zika virus. The similarities between Zika, Chikungunya and Dengue don't stop there – in fact the symptoms of all three diseases are so similar that misdiagnosis often occurs, and you might need a laboratory test to be be absolutely sure which disease you actually have.
There has been an outbreak of Chikungunya in North and South America and the Caribbean since December 2013. So far, Chikungunya has been confirmed in over 40 countries and territories in the Americas. Before 2016 there were no confirmed cases of Chikungunya in Brazil, but they are currently increasing.
Cases have been identified in Rio de Janeiro among other places. So far, the outbreak is not classified as an epidemic in Brazil but it has the potential of increasing in scope. However during the cooler winter months in Brazil (May- September), the mosquito population usually decreases, lowering the risk of infection.
The most common symptoms of chikungunya are fever and joint pain. Other symptoms may include headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, nausea, fatigue and rashes. The incubation period of chikungunya disease ranges from 2 to 12 days, but is typically 2 to 3 days.
The majority of those infected will develop symptoms. Most recover completely from the infection, but joint pain can in some cases persist for several months, and even years.
In rare cases complications can occur, such as eye, neurological and heart complications, as well as acute myositis. Complications like these can eventually be a cause of death, particularly in older patients.
The symptoms are similar to both Dengue and Zika, which are also transmitted through Aedes mosquitoes. Misdiagnosis therefore sometimes occurs.
The mosquito that carries chikungunya virus bites primarily during the daytime, both indoors and outdoors, and often lives around buildings in urban areas. Aedes mosquitoes are present in virtually all of Brazil, however usually not above altitudes of 4,500 feet (1,500 meters).
How can you avoid Chikungunya fever?
The only way to prevent chikungunya is to avoid mosquito bites. Preventing bites can be difficult, but it is important as you can get sick after just one bite. People can prevent mosquito bites by wearing clothing that fully covers their skin, using mosquito netting while resting, and/or through the application of insect repellent (DEET being the most effective).
There is no vaccine or medicine to prevent chikungunya.
There has been an outbreak of Chikungunya in North and South America and the Caribbean since December 2013. So far, Chikungunya has been confirmed in over 40 countries and territories in the Americas.
Decrease the symptoms:
- Get plenty of rest.
- Drink fluids to prevent dehydration.
- Take medicines such as ibuprofen, naproxen, acetaminophen or paracetamol to relieve fever and pain.


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Friday, December 16, 2016
A little Christmas cheer
6 comments:
- Linda said...
WOW!!! Inside looks warm and cozy! Outside looks really COLD!!!
Merry Christmas from Texas! It is going to drop 50 degrees here tomorrow......
- December 16, 2016 at 9:19 PM
- Betsy said...
Love these photos. Your outside looks like ours does. -6F right now and expected to be -12F by morning...without the wind chill factored in. Too cold for me, I'm staying inside.
- December 16, 2016 at 10:35 PM
- Julia said...
You look ready for Christmas, inside and out. We have lots of snow and it's cold outside but it was a lot colder yesterday with the polar vortex everyone is talking about.
Merry Christmas.
- December 17, 2016 at 4:56 AM
- Cozy Little House said...
And your little world is beautiful!
- December 17, 2016 at 2:02 PM
- Susie said...
Hi Debby, Thank you for such wonderful pictures. I love your city shots. Plus it is nice to see your very own decorations. Wishing you and yours and very safe and Merry Christmas. Use care if going out. xoxo, Susie
- December 17, 2016 at 3:44 PM
- Karen Mortensen said...
Wonderful pictures. Merry Christmas.
- December 18, 2016 at 7:51 AM


text: At 07:59 PM 11/17/2011, Luc Leblanc wrote:\ >I just got a flash is it possible the moon bounce signal where >reflected on this "ionosphere" instead of the moon surface or both or is it >the moon libration signal often reported by moon bouncer a kind of >signal mix the one reflected over the surface and the one reflected by >the ionosphere back to the moon surface working against each other? This could be one of many interesting questions to try and answer. :) 73 de VK3JED / VK3IRL http://vkradio.com


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Big Red Strawberry Farm at Brinchang town
Big Red Strawberry Farm at Brinchang town
Big Red Strawberry Farm is a must for all visitor to Cameron Highlands. Located just walking distance from Brinchang town. It's an ideal place to visit come rain or shine. With all it has to offer visitors. Big Red Strawberry Farm is more than just another farm. It's a destination of its own! Come and spend your time walking around the grounds and have some local snacks and drinks at Big Red Strawberry's cafe.
Big Red Strawberry Farm is suitable for all ages to visit and the children will be sure to enjoy the games and rides that they have there. They also have a variety of products on sale from hydroponically grown strawberries and hydroponic lettuces to a selection of tea related products.
Free Admission
Open Daily: 8:30am ~ 6:00pm
Tel: +605-4913327


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QUICK TIP: BECCA Cosmetics Shimmering Skin Perfector Highlights Every Skin Shade
With the release of their new Shimmering Skin Perfector shade, Chocolate Geode, a rich brown highlighter with a golden pearl finish, BECCA Cosmetics has cemented their position on the top shelf. In a beauty world abuzz with tips and tricks for getting-the-glow, BECCA now boasts the largest and most inclusive highlighter-shade range of any cosmetics brand, with 10 unique hues for any and every skin tone. "BECCA is about believable, achievable beauty," says Executive Director of Global Brand Development and Global Style Director Kerry Cole. "Our focus is on the skin and getting a flawless, radiant complexion with shades that are perfectly matched to your skin tone."


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Updated: As EMI Auction Hits Home Stretch, Who's in the Lead? Depends Who's Talking ...
By Ed Christman
UPDATE Friday 6 p.m. ET: While it was widely speculated that there would be news about the status of EMI's auction today (October 28), the week is closing with negotiations still ongoing, sources tell Billboard.biz.
The biggest hold-up revolves around the 400 million pound ($640 million) pension-fund liability.
Naturally, Citigroup wants the recorded-music buyer to assume that liability, and naturally, the buyers want to deduct that liability from the purchase price. With bidding for the recorded music company standing at $1.5 billion-$1.6 billion, if Citigroup had its way, the buyer would pay, say, $1.6 billion and assume the $640 million -- in effect, paying $2.24 billion. Whoever wins the bidding -- and sources say the front runner is the Warner Music Group -- probably is insisting the payment be made to the tune of $960 million, plus the assumption of the $640 million liability, in effect paying $1.6 billion.
But that scenario is a simplified version of what is probably going on behind the closed doors. After the two sides agree on a number, then they would discuss how to word it in the purchase agreement, with the buyer no doubt jockeying about its wording to protect themselves against any other unforeseen pension-fund liabilities.
We should know more early next week, if not sooner. Stay tuned …
(Original article:)
As the bidding for EMI comes into the home stretch, most sources involved in the auction believe the major will be sold in two pieces and that Len Blavatnik's Access Industries -- which acquired Warner Music Group earlier this year -- and the Bertelsmann/Kohlberg Kravis Roberts joint venture BMG Rights Management are in the lead to buy the company's recorded music operation and EMI Music Publishing, respectively.
Moreover, some of the bidders believe that Citigroup, which took control of EMI from Terra Firma in February, will make a decision tomorrow (October 27) and end the auction.
EMI: With Bids Low, Company Considers Whether to Split Up or Postpone Sale
But other insiders aren't so sure that's the case. They suggest instead that the auction process will have produced a lead bidder for each piece of EMI, and that exclusive negotiations to conclude the deals for recording music and publishing will begin. As one source said, "If the auction is over tomorrow then we are out, because we still have a lot of issues left to negotiate" that could take a few more weeks to hammer out.
EMI Auction: Second-Round Bids Are In, Questions Still Looming
In the meantime, other sources say that Access Industries -- with financing from UBS AG, Credit Suisse Group, Nomura Holdings and Macquarie Group, according to the Wall Street Journal -- and Ron Perelman's MacAndrews & Forbes are still going toe-to-toe in the auction to buy the recorded-music operation; and all sources term as ballpark a Bloomberg report that said bids are in the $1.5 billion-$1.6 billion range. The Wall Street Journal is reporting that the other bidder for the recorded music operation, Vivendi's Universal Music Group, has dropped out of the auction -- while some sources say that report is accurate, other sources suggest the move may be 11th-hour posturing by UMG.
EMI And Warner Music: Destined To Be Together?
Over at the other side of the auction, most press reports say that EMI Music Publishing will go for $2 billion, but sources tell Billboard.biz that figure is slightly high and that the bidding is actually in the range of $1.7-$1.9 billion. Other sources suggest that BMG Rights Management has come in with a bid in the $1.7 billion-$1.8 billion range, and the Sony bid is slightly higher. However, the BMG bid is considered more secure because its financing is in place, while Sony is said to be still trying to nail down all the details behind its financing, which the Financial Times has reported is coming from Mubadala Development Co., the Abu Dhabi fund, and investment bank the Raine Group.
EMI bidding in the first round began in the $4 billion range, but that price was waylaid when credit markets got tighter and the stock markets dropped due to concerns about the European economies; and when EMI's pension fund issue turned out that it may be costlier than first thought. Late last year, pension fund the U.K Pension Regulator hammered out an agreement for the major to make 197 million pounds in payments spread out through April 2016. But the sale triggered a re-evaluation of the pension-fund liabilities and by some estimates it could be as much as 400 million pounds, which is currently about $640 million. Moreover, most of the liabilities are being assigned to EMI recorded music operation, sources say.
Exclusive: EMI CEO Roger Faxon Talks Citigroup Takeover
When EMI was thought to carry a $4 billion price range, sources then said that broke out to about $2.5 billion or even slightly higher for the publishing unit, with $1.5 billion or slightly less for the recorded music operation. Surprisingly, the recorded music operation, which is where the troubling pension fund liabilities are assigned, appears to have appreciated since the beginning of the auction, while publishing pricing appears to have depreciated.
But sources tell Billboard.biz that the $1.5-$1.6 billion price being bandied about for the recorded music operation is "probably the headline price." They suggest that the final negotiations for recorded music will involve how deductions are calculated to account for the pension-fund liabilities.
Regulatory risk is the other area of uncertainty surrounding the final disposition of EMI's assets. The Wall Street Journal reports that Citigroup is insisting that the buyers take on the regulatory risk when a deal is struck. That means that if the buyers and seller agree on all other issues and strike a deal, the sale will happen. And if either the U.S. or European regulatory agencies object to the deal, it will be up to the buyer to deal with the issues. That's what happened when Universal Music Group bought BMG's publishing assets in 2006. When the European Commission regulators objected, Universal had to sell off parts of its publishing assets to accommodate those objections.


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Putting in a hard day's work doesn't always mean you'll have a hefty paycheck to show for it, especially if you work in the food service industry. In America, workers in this field earn the least amount of money, from the fast food cook and server to the dishwasher and counter attendant. Not only are these jobs far from glamorous, most pay less than $20,000 per year, making it virtually impossible to rise above poverty.
5 Counter Attendants
For those who work as counter attendants in cafeterias, food concessions and coffee shops, the pay is a bit better than other food service work, but not by much. On average, counter attendants make $9.34 an hour or $19,430 yearly. Although this work may be more pleasant than working in the kitchen and back areas of the restaurant preparing and cooking food, this is the only perk of the job, because it isn't the paycheck.
4 Dishwashers
Dishwashers are the workers we don't see when venturing into the neighborhood fast food joint or restaurant for a bite to eat, yet their work is important nonetheless. Every customer that walks in the door represents a food tray, dish, utensil or glass the dishwasher must clean. If that restaurant is in a popular location or hit by a massive rush, the dishwasher's job becomes especially demanding. This food industry worker remains one of the lowest paid in America, earning $9.10 per hour, which amounts to approximately $18,930 yearly for full-time work.
3 Fast Food Cooks
Continuing to dominate the low-wage list is another food industry worker: the fast food cook. Ever wonder what your local McDonald's or Burger King cook makes? An average of $9.03 per hour, or $18,780 if he works full-time. For all the discomfort, sweating and long hours slaving over hot ovens and stoves, your average fast food cook still brings home less than $20,000 per year. In real world terms, this is barely enough money to clothe and feed oneself, let alone a family if the cook has one, which many do.
2 Food Preparation and Serving Workers
The second lowest wage earners in this country are those who work in the field of food preparation and service. Requiring little to no education, these jobs pay only $9 per hour or on average $18,720 yearly for full-time workers. Adding insult to injury is the fact that workers in this field often work long hours while performing backbreaking work. These jobs also tend to be dead-end, so there's rarely much room for job growth.
1 Shampooers
From consultation to final cut and style, visiting the local hair salon is an experience, and one for which we often pay a pretty penny. However, not everyone providing a service at your local hair establishment is making out like a bandit. In fact, the gal or guy who just shampooed your hair is probably struggling to make ends meet. Shampooers earn on average just under $9 an hour, making them the lowest paid workers in America. Their full-time salary usually amounts to a measly $18,600 per year. For many of us, this amount represents what we spend on rent or mortgage alone each year. You may want to keep this in mind during your next salon visit and give your shampooer a hefty tip in thanks. She needs it.


text: June 22, 2017June 22, 2017 A Bite From This Tick Could Make You Allergic To Meat By Riot Fest / Chicago, News, Random / lone star tick, allergic to meat, meat allergy If you're a meat-eater, be warned. A tick is spreading across the United States that could you make you allergic to meat and dairy. Yes,… Read more


text: Sony Ericsson has certainly remembered that we love videos for the Xperia Play marketing campaign, and while there is no dismemberment and cyborg thumb-bots in these, they are every bit as good. They are also a little NSFW (you've been warned). There is nothing more that needs said -- see them after the break. [SonyEricsson YouTube via 9to5Mac] Thanks, Rene!