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|Welcome to the other side.
|~ General Grillo
Grillo, also liked to be called himself General Grillo, is one of the antagonists of the 1997 Chinese-American fantasy film Warriors of Virtue.
He was portrayed by the late Tom Towles.
Long ago, Grillo is a human native of the magical Land of Tao who was a childhood friends of the 5 Rooz who are the Warriors of Virtue. He later serves the evil sorcerer Lord Komodo as a general to his army. He betrayed his former friends and the rest of Tao as he joins with Komodo's cohorts named Barbarocious, Dullard and Mantose, in mining all the magic realm's Life Springs and extracting Tao's precious resource, a special mineral called Zubrium which extend any living creature's lifespan for a very long time.
Later, the news of recently arrived newcomer who was the young Ryan Jeffers traveled to Komodo's palace along with the recovered Manuscript of Legend, a magical ancient book Grillo reconignized when he saw the the symbol of the Land of Tao on its front cover. Komodo ordered General Grillo and his lieutinants to capture Ryan alive.
After Komodo's demise, Grillo and his 2 lieutenants Dullard and Mantose along with the rest of the Dragoon Army returned to the invaded home village of the Rooz to see that only the Warriors of Virtue emerged victorious and offered them a chance to join them in peace now the war is over. Suddenly a humble and good version of Komodo in the form of a homeless man came, wandering around, searching for a way to find home. The Warriors gave him a home in their village. Then suddenly, all the Life Springs in all of Tao became fully restored and the rest of the Dragoon army including General Grillo and his 2 lieutinants, rejected their evil ways and released the prisoners.


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"This is a must read! You and your church should read this work, for it will bring health and hope to all…"
" It is not often that a manuscript seems to breathe grace, yet in this short but powerful book, Pastor Mark Leuning has managed just that. His 3 Circles analogy is as clear a guide to creating a culture of grace and health as i have ever seen…"
" Clear, concise and challenging… Every pastor should read this work, and then have their leaders and the church community read it. It will save them a lot of headaches and release great life."

subset: commoncrawl


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Are you fed up with trying to capture your product photos with your cell phone?
Then you are in the right place. Here at Vanessa Thurgood Photography, I can help you capture what is most important to you or your business. I perform portraiture for personal and business, as well as photographing commercial and food related products.
Based in Idaho, I serve the Treasure Valley and South East portions. I can provide you with a studio setting for professional headshots or any commercial photo needs.
Take your time looking around, and see you soon!


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Splendid Nickerie Womens Size 6 Black Suede Oxfords Shoes New/Display
Reference Price:$48.99
Size - 6 USBrand & Style - Splendid NickerieWidth - Medium (B, M)True Color - BlackUpper Material - Suede Outsole Material - Man-MadeHeel Height - 0.25 InchesDescription - Find high-quality Splendid shoes with great prices at our store. We carry the very best shoes, boots, and sandals ranging from dress to casual to athletic while offering fast shipping to almost anywhere in the world. Included in our selection are the excellent Splendid shoes. These feature the ideal combination of style, comfort, and lasting wear available anywhere. You can depend on us for exceptional footwear. 1394783
Notice:The articles, pictures, news, opinions, videos, or information posted on this webpage (excluding all intellectual properties owned by Alibaba Group in this webpage) are uploaded by registered members of Alibaba. If you are suspect of any unauthorized use of your intellectual property rights on this webpage, please report it to us at the following:firstname.lastname@example.com.


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Sunday, October 23, 2011
We and the Casita visit Mountain View Arkansas
12 comments:
- BarbCarol said...
I'm jealous and homesick! If I ever do get back to the Ozarks, I might not leave.
- October 23, 2011 at 10:55 PM
- Marge said...
You got there! Isn't it a fun little town? Have you been to the Folk Center yet? We stayed at the same RV park in 2006, and totally enjoyed it. Keep the pictures and reports on your trip coming so I can relive it again. Have fun!
- October 24, 2011 at 6:46 AM
- Lori said...
Sounds like a great time away. That country store looks like a whole lotta fun!
- October 24, 2011 at 8:11 AM
- StitchinByTheLake said...
I haven't been there in over 20 years but I remember loving it. I went to the Folk Center the first time the first year it was built....I think maybe 40 years ago! blessings, marlene
- October 24, 2011 at 8:12 AM
- Jackie said...
Hi Patti,
Thanks so much for your comment about Gracie...I really appreciated it. Mountain View looks like a really fun place...I'm going to have to add that to our list of places to go.
Thanks Again,
- October 24, 2011 at 9:46 AM
- tipper said...
What fun-looks like a great trip : )
- October 24, 2011 at 1:38 PM
- Cheryl @ TFD said...
This looks like a nice area to visit for a few days! I'd love browsing in that country store and the antique shops. Glad you had a good time!
- October 24, 2011 at 1:39 PM
- Donna S. said...
I did wonder about you. Glad you had a good time.
- October 24, 2011 at 5:40 PM
- Flat Creek Farm said...
Wow! A place we've actually been! LOL. Loved that place. We stayed at a (kinda run-down) rental cabin 10 yrs or so ago. Mellon's was perfect, huh? And I would have been right there w/ ya at the jam session. We did enjoy the Folk Center too, and the scenery as we enjoyed breakfast there most every morning. I remember they had the neatest bird feeders right out the windows of the restaurant too. Speaking of breakfasts... yours sounds delish! Great pics - Can't wait to see more :) -Tammy
- October 24, 2011 at 8:25 PM
- Stickhorsecowgirls said...
Oh, my hubby and I spent part of our honeymoon in Mt. View 38 yrs. ago! It was late January, very cold and like being in a ghost town! I think we ate at the Rainbow Cafe! I still like to visit Mt. View, but NOT in wintertime!
- October 25, 2011 at 8:16 AM
- Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...
I'm trilled ya'll had a great getaway. What a charmin' little place that looks like.
We drove in from Brownsville Tx Friday. ll45 miles down and ll45 miles back, no matter how ya go. I was our 'workcation' at Moms. :o)
Have yourself a terrifically blessed Tuesday sweetie! :o)
- October 25, 2011 at 3:04 PM
- Deanna said...
I would totally LOVE this place and have added it to our list of places to go. What fun! Great pictures.
- October 26, 2011 at 10:23 AM


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Plans to be unveiled by Sidmouth in Bloom for 2019
PUBLISHED: 06:54 09 April 2019
Spring is just about here and gardeners are being called on to help keep Sidmouth looking beautiful.
Sidmouth in Bloom (SIB) runs gardening groups and works in partnership with volunteers across the community, on the beach, in the Byes, in the Parks, streets and gardens.
On Saturday, April 13 is SIB's first meeting of the year for friends and acquaintances, in the small hall of the Methodist Church in the High Street, from 10am until 12.30pm.
The theme of the meeting is 'Water Wise and Gardening Wellbeing'. Attendees will be given an insight into SIB's plans for the town gardening this year.
Tea and cake will be available.
Organiser Cheryl Allen said: "I do so enjoy our meetings. People who love plants and growing, taking pride in making our environment a pleasure for everyone around, just enjoying each other's company whilst learning new ideas. Do come."
Contact 01395 577711 or 578081 or email firstname.lastname@example.com for more information.
If you value what this story gives you, please consider supporting the Sidmouth Herald. Click the link in the orange box above for details.


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Mobile exclusive price, Royal Orchid Suites, Royal Orchid Suites is a business-friendly hotel located in Bengaluru's Whitefield neighborhood, close to International Tech Park, Ascendas Park Square, and KTPO Convention Center. Additional area points of interest include Prestige Tech Park and Phoenix Marketcity. Hotel Features. Royal Orchid Suites features a restaurant and a bar/lounge. Room service is available. The hotel serves a complimentary buffet breakfast. Recreational ameni
Price: now only 61.53 (Originally ).
Availability: yes
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Taipei, reported by Hsieh, Tsung-Hsien
This year, Ministry of National Defense plans to provide 31 sessions of 16 summer battle camps for the improvement of national defense awareness. A number of activities, such as open day for military facilities, Nansha workshop camp and national defense in campus, are provided to help people understand how important national defense is and build a solid foundation for the overall defense energy.The summer battle camps have always been the hottest events ever since the first was made available for the public. With the careful planning of MND, young students have the chance to find out the importance of national defense in visits and hands-on practice. This year, MND plans to provide 31 sessions of 16 summer battle camps. This year's camps are combined with the recruitment policy of the Armed Force and focused on the integration of difference service features and school education resource. The camps include Kinmen camp, Matsu camp, Penghu camp, amphibious warrior challenge and air combat camp. The "hands-on workshop for national defense science and fundamental technology" is this year's new program that provides young student an alternative choice to enrich their summer life and improve the performance of national defense education.
For the Nansha camp, MND points out that there will still be 3 sessions this yea. In addition to faculty members and students related to studies in foreign language and information technology, schools that have participated in the camp in the past are eligible to sign in for a drawing. To make activities more interesting and rich, the study of Armed Force history in WWII and beach cleaning are added to the activity portfolio. Fan pages for these camps are established and connection to campus networks is developed for online lottery as part of the promotion of our policies for South China Sea, national defense information, concept of national defense education, thus improving the performance national defense. For the national defense in campus activity, MND says there will be 2 sessions every 6 months this year planned by the Army, Navy and Air Force Commands in each of northern, central, southern and eastern Taiwan provided that the schedules of military service and school life are not compromised. These sessions will be carried out with face-to-face interactions and performances to improve students' recognition and support for national defense.In addition, MND points out that this year is the 70th anniversary of victory over Japan in WWII. Apart from the memorial calendar of "spirits of national warriors" last year, there will be events of "international academic conference," "special exhibition for the 70th anniversary of WWII victory and return of Taiwan" and "memorial concert" to help people know more about the true history of WWII in China theater. The troops that fought valiantly in WWII are selected for the 5 open camp events this year.


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SHENZHEN, China, December 1, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — China Information Technology, Inc. (the "Company" or "CNIT") (Nasdaq GS: CNIT), a leading provider of integrated cloud-based platform, exchange, and big data solutions to the Chinese new media industry, today announced the execution of a five-year sales and service contract to install 300 units of its cloud-based new media terminals at premium residential communities in Wudang District of Guiyang City in the first quarter of 2015. Under the contract, the Company will receive one-time revenue from terminal sales as well as recurring monthly platform service fees.
Mr. Jianghuai Lin, Chairman and CEO of CNIT, stated, "With the introduction of our cloud-based new media terminals in Guiyang, we have expanded the application of our new media offerings to residential communities . Our community-oriented new media services now include indoor and outdoor terminals delivering high definition advertising and community public information announcements, as well as indoor terminals with elevator safety monitoring and operational supervision. CNIT cloud-based new media terminals will be installed throughout premium residential communities in the Wudang district encompassing 100,000 residents. We hope to build upon this recent success to innovate additional leading-edge technology solutions to support more residential communities."
Through the CNIT Cloud-App-Terminal (CAT) community platform, high-definition advertising and community information will be remotely managed and displayed on waterproof (at IP65 level) outdoor display terminals equipped with 55-inch vertical LCD screens.
Located in Guiyang City, the Wudang District was selected as one of the first pilot zones for the national Smart City project and has the highest concentration of high-tech and publicly traded companies within Guizhou Province.
About China Information Technology, Inc.
China Information Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: CNIT) is on a mission to make advertising accessible and affordable for businesses of all sizes. CNIT is a leading provider of integrated cloud-based platform, exchange, and big data solutions to the Chinese new media industry. Its Internet ecosystem enables all participants of the new media community to efficiently promote brands, disseminate knowledge, and exchange resources. Through continuous innovation, CNIT is leveraging its proprietary Cloud-Application-Terminal technology to level the competitive landscape in the new media industry and deliver value for its shareholders, employees, customers, and the community. To learn more, please visit http://www.chinacnit.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release may contain certain "forward-looking statements" relating to the business of China Information Technology, Inc., and its subsidiaries and other consolidated entities. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included herein, are "forward-looking statements" in nature within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements, often identified by the use of forward-looking terminologies such as "believes," "expects" or similar expressions, involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, they do involve assumptions, risks and uncertainties, and these expectations may prove to be incorrect. Investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors, including those discussed in the Company's periodic reports that are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and available on its website (http://www.sec.gov). All forward-looking statements attributable to the Company and its subsidiaries and other consolidated entities or persons acting on their behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these factors. Other than as required under the securities laws, the Company does not assume a duty to update these forward-looking statements.
For further information, please contact:
China Information Technology, Inc.
Tiffany Pan
Tel: +86 755 8370 4767
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Shiwei Yin
Investor Relations
Tel: +1.646.284.9474
Email: email@example.com
To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cnit-to-install-300-outdoor-cloud-based-new-media-terminals-in-guiyang-city-300002375.html


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Last week, Rebecca (Rachel Bloom) made a public confession to Josh of everything she had done. Now, it's time for damage control. Find out what happens in the episode airing October 27.
The episode is titled "Josh Is A Liar" Here is the synopsis from TV Guide: "Rebecca encounters a major setback in her plan to get even with Josh; Rebecca starts a smear campaign to discredit Josh before he can turn everyone against her."
Don't miss Crazy Ex-Girlfriend "Josh Is A Liar" airing Friday, October 27 at 9/8c on The CW.
Comments? Sound off below. Or tweet @thenerdygirlexp and @stacyamiller85 .


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Knife in the water
Knife in the water is a tale of three thrill seekers. Andrezej and Krystyna are middle aged, middle class, married couple who have in their day lead an adventurous life. But that was long ago. Time has caught up with them and they are reduced to the monotony of routine. Their ritual of travelling in an open lake is not an adventure that it used to be.
Within the first few scenes it becomes quite clear that Andrezej is a fellow who likes to be in control. He is the kind of guy who is not content letting his wife drive the car while he sits twiddling his thumbs listening to the same old song on the radio. His wife Krystyna is tired of Andrezej acting like a boss. She does not say much and when she does her replies are curt and her manner is stiff.
One day on their way to their yacht they encounter a young traveler on the road. They let him in when he asks for a lift. Their conversation reveals that the boy is a nomad. On reaching the yacht Andrezej invites the boy to come with them. He could use a helping hand. The boy has never been on water and he prefers to stay on his feet. Andrezej sensing his reluctance says that this will be an adventure for him and to tempt him he offers him a ride all the way to his destination if he agrees to come with them. The boy relents and joins the couple on their journey.
On the boat the characters get to know each other better. The young man is quite an enigma. He carries with him a big knife. He is haughty and rebellious. He resents the authority that Andrezej tires to assert on him but in the presence of his wife he is sheepish.
Andrezej sees himself in this nineteen year old kid. He thinks that he can teach him a thing or two about the way of life. He is a man after all. He has seen the world. He has everything that a man could ask for.
The young boy is infatuated with Krystyna. He steals glances of her. In a particular scene when all three of them are inside the cabin, Krystyna is undressing, she sees that the boy is looking at her and asks him to look elsewhere. While her husband is busy pouring a drink in the glass the boy can not resist the temptation of looking at her and catches a quick furtive glimpse of her body.
Andrezej himself is trying to win krystyna over. He is aware that she has been cold to him in the past. He wants to win back her love. Bringing this young boy on this ship is probably is way of showing to Krystyna who the real man is. He wants to prove it to her that she is a lucky girl.
Krystyna is the most interesting character of the three. She has little dialog in the film and while it seems that Andrezej is the driving force of the story it is actually her. Her casual manner is disarming. She has this very subtle way of withdrawing herself from Andrezej and at the same time keeping the young boy in the loop. She is the cause of the latent tension between the two males. Each of them fighting for the prize of her affection.
One of the things that stands out in the film is Roman Polanski's excellent camerawork. It is hard to believe that this is his debut film. He successfully manages to capture the vastness of the lake and the confinement of the boat in a single shot. He switches the angles in clever ways to give an impact to each and every scene.
For instance in one scene the boat gets stuck in shallow waters and Andrezej and the boy step out to drag it manually. The angle shifts behind their back depicting the effort that the two guys are putting in to drag the boat. The angle then shifts once again to the front bringing into view Krystyna who is comfortably stretching out on the boat. Nothing is said in between the scenes but the message is conveyed nonetheless.
The scenery is beautiful. Even though the film is black and white the environments look captivating. I can only imagine how good it would look in color.
While I was watching this movie I could not shake the feeling that I had seen it all before. I could not remember it back then but the plot of the movie is similar to The talented Mr. Ripley. But I guess it is all coincidental. One other thing that can be a deterrence to watching this film is that it is in polish, which is understandable since this was Polanski's first film and he is polish. The subtitles do a fine job but if you don't like hearing a foreign language you might not like it.
I can recommend this movie to any one who is looking for a tense drama. Just don't go expecting a heart racing thriller and you will enjoy it quite a lot.
- On November 04, 2013


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Definitions for "offering"
That which is offered, esp. in divine service; that which is presented as an expiation or atonement for sin, or as a free gift; a sacrifice; an oblation; as, sin offering.
Personal tithes payable according to custom, either at certain seasons as Christmas or Easter, or on certain occasions as marriages or christenings.
A gift given from our own possessions or riches. "Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, In what way have we robbed You? In tithes and offerings" (Mal. 3:8).
Keywords: beatles, duo, ballad, breakthrough, carpenters
Offering is the first album by American music duo The Carpenters. At the time of its release in 1969 it was a commercial failure and produced only one minor hit single - "Ticket To Ride", a ballad version of a song made famous by The Beatles. After the Carpenters' breakthrough however, the album was re-issued internationally under the name Ticket To Ride and sold moderately.
Keywords: mafia, omniscient, chariots, couldn't, missionary
A sum of money offered, as in church service; as, a missionary offering.
money contributed to a religious organization
Protection money to the invisible, celestial, all powerful, and omniscient mafia don that couldn't handle primitive chariots on a level plain even with the battle plan because they were made of iron.
Keywords: warranties, ecommerce, proposition, tangible, satisfaction
the combination of what the marketer makes available to the consumer in an attempt to provide need-satisfying benefits; the products, services, information, as well as the experiences the consumer will gain from acquisition of the offering. See value proposition.
A product or service acquired by a customer and applied by users
What a company offers for sale to customers. An offering includes the product and its design, features, quality, packaging, distribution, etc., together with associated services such as financing, warranties and installation. The name and brand of the product are also part of the offering.
an exhibit of CONCERN for a NEED
an exhibit of LOVE
an exhibit of OBEDIENCE
Keywords: reliance, promulgated, exempt, underwriter, issuance
The making available of a new securities issue to the public through an underwriting. also called public offering.
An issue of SECURITIES offered for sale to the public or a private group. Generally, securities offerings are either primary (the proceeds to the company for some lawful purpose) or secondary (the proceeds to a person other than the company, i.e., selling stockholders). PRIMARY OFFERINGS are also termed "new issues" because they involve the issuance of securities not previously offered and sold.
All methods, private or public, by which companies offer or sell securities to investors.
Keywords: barometric, dictated, clarity, gear, hook
describes what is on or near your hook. It is your choice of gear that has been dictated by observing weather conditions, barometric pressure, water clarity, and human presence.
Keywords: proffering, verbal, act, assistance, generous
The act of an offerer; a proffering.
the verbal act of offering; "a generous offer of assistance"
Keywords: curriculums, learner, learning, variants, predetermined
An enrollable item made available through the offerings catalog. These include course offerings, curriculums, learning events, certificates. Back to top of glossary
Any learning event or service that is made available to a person. Variants include on-demand event (a learning event that is accessed and taken by the learner at any time they choose) and scheduled event (a learning event that occurs at a predetermined time.)
Keywords: noteworthy, bid, proposal, something, investors
something offered (as a proposal or bid); "noteworthy new offerings for investors included several index funds"
Keywords: centimeter, gsm, handset, rectangular, thick
Keywords: gameplay, visuals, regards, great, achievement


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Hankook Tire announced on Jan. 30, 2015 global annual revenue of KRW 6.68 trillion and operating profit of KRW 1.03 trillion for the fiscal year 2014.
According to Vice Chairman & CEO Seung-Hwa Suh of Hankook Tire, the company managed to secure an overall operating profit that was on par with its impressive 2013 results and a healthy profit to sales ratio of 15.4%. This, he said, was achieved in spite of adverse market conditions caused by the global economic recession.
Positive sales growth in the Ultra High Performance (UHP) tire segment and the premium Original Equipment (OE) business expansion contributed to the company's encouraging financial results, whereas global consolidated revenue saw a marginal decline from the previous year, he disclosed.
Revenue from UHP tire sales continued its consistent upward momentum to finish with an overall 6.8% increase YoY, accounting for approximately 30% of Hankook Tire's entire global sales. The company's advanced lines of runflat tires and racing tires also exhibited strong sales in 2014 with a solid 10.8% increase YoY.
In addition to the promising financial results from 2014, the company's advanced tire technology was recognized by leading global automakers who partnered with Hankook Tire in order to secure OE runflat tire contracts for premium German auto brands. The company's recent OE business growth is also highlighted by Hankook Tire's steady expansion into various market segments including sports cars, luxury SUVs, and commercial vehicles.
2014 also saw several of Hankook Tire's long-term strategic investments come to fruition with ground being broken on the Hankook Technodome ? the company's new R&D center in Korea ? and on the new Tennessee Plant in the United States. Hankook Tire also launched Laufenn; a new entry-level global brand to aid in the company's bid to become the global leader in top-tier tire production and sales.
Suh said, "Our strong performance in 2014 will serve as the foundation for Hankook Tire's plans to grow and expand its impact on the global tire market. Hankook Tire takes innovation seriously, and we will continue to act as leaders in the UHP tire segment. By targeting North America and the emerging markets, Hankook Tire's future-oriented growth strategy will place us on track to become the world's leading tire company."(By Linda Yoon)


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Project Runway Season 18 kicks off today and this is going to be such an exciting season for us. Not only do we have one, but we have two Latino designers from Texas!
We have been fans of the two designers since the launch of our publication, each with their own unique style and both are most definitely true representations of what it means to be Nobleza. Good luck to them!
'Alantude' Alan Gonzalez – 24 years old from Houston, TX. Gonzalez has been wowing audiences since he first hit the scene. His style is sleek, chic mixed with fun and flirty. His star is on the rise and there is no doubt he is one to watch in the world of fashion, regardless of the show.
Born in Mexico and raised in Texas since he was 3 years old, Alan's story represents many of us. Texas was once México, therefore many of our stories, our legacies, transcend current borders. To see him be a voice, as a DREAMer, Texan, Latinx, makes us beyond proud. We have been cheering him on before Project Runway and now we are thrilled to watch him compete on a national platform.
Also, fun fact, his hometown has officially proclaimed November 7th, 'Alan Gonzalez Day' in Houston!
Website: Alantude.com
Project Runway official bio: Alan Gonzalez
'Celestino' Sergio Guadarrama – 36 years old from Austin, TX. Celestino, perfectly describes how we feel about Guadarrama's style. His designs are ethereal, celestial; a place in fashion where regal grandeur intersects with modern sophistication.
View this post on Instagram
"The Finale" Sheer pink tulle gown with beaded neckline! #celestinomoments #womenofcelestino – Inspired by the Japanese warrior women known as Onna-Bugeisha, the fearless fighters of the Samurai time that have gone virtually unmentioned in the annals of time. Protecting their families, lands, and fighting for their beliefs, these warriors were a true display of the power of women; a quality that CELESTINO continuously strives to showcase and uphold. The strength of the onna-bugeisha combined with the elegance and beauty of the Japanese aesthetic found in the gardens, art, and fashions throughout history have been woven together to create the latest CELESTINO collection. Rich, eye-catching pastels and floral brocades play on the classical Japanese imagery and the common fabrications found in traditional kimonos. Shapes commonly found in kimonos such as elongated sleeves and flowing hemlines have been coupled and blended into the classical silhouettes for which CELESTINO has become known. The innate strength of women displayed through a regal elegance. The entire collection was developed with women of all sizes in mind. We want to say a massive thank you to the entire team that helped make this shoot possible each of you truly helped bring our vision to life! Designer: @celestinocouture Creative Director: @kadegjohnson Photographer: @haifaphotography Makeup: @thesandrasaenz Hair: @lorenzodiazhair Models: @statemgmt @cassidyroney Sketches: @kaylamaryly
We have fallen in love with so many of his looks, but more importantly we admire his use of fashion to engage in the conversation; the historical significance he brings forth in his designs, (ex. the Japanese warrior inspired design in the picture above) the fact that he is environmentally aware and exclusively uses upcycled materials and vegan fabrics, he also donates a portion of his profits to humanitarian organizations, like ending human trafficking. It is no surprise that some of the most iconic names in fashion have been graced by Celestino.
One of the biggest moments in pop culture this year was when Broadway star, Billy Porter, wore custom Celestino to the Tony Awards which had a uterus incorporated into the design, in order to bring awareness to the current attack on women's reproductive rights in legislation. Amazing!
Sergio Guadarrama, a gifted Mexican-American visionary, born and raised in Austin, TX; making us beam with pride as he represents the Latinx Texas community on Project Runway.
Website: CelestinoCouture.com
Project Runway official bio: Sergio Guadarrama


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It's been just about two years since I had the opportunity to visit the set of Chris Wedge's Monster Trucks in Vancouver, but the movie finally has a trailer to go along with its official release date. When the project was first announced, it was set to debut in May 2015, but then it was pushed back to March 2016 and then finally settled down in the January 13, 2017 slot.
I'm sure Wedge and producer Mary Parent are eager for everyone to see the film, but as someone who spent a mere two days on set, I'm especially excited to get to share some of the material from the visit, one, because there's so little information out there on the project and, two, it's a rare opportunity to go on a set visit that isn't for a sequel, reboot, prequel or a feature film adaptation that's connected to robust source material.
Monster Trucks is a completely original project with some fun lore that the filmmakers hope will spark a series of films. Check out what Wedge and Parent had to say about the project during our on-set roundtable interview below.
Question: What initially attracted you to this whole thing?
CHRIS WEDGE: A few things. I've wanted to make a live-action movie for a while, that was part of it. But also Adam [Goodman]'s enthusiasm for this idea. I thought about it for a couple of weeks and came up with a take for it that really appealed to me. It's a big adventure movie, I don't know how much you guys have seen.
For me, you know, it's a crazy concept. It's a fun, crazy concept, but to get inside of it, I wanted a grounded story. And I know from animation that you can throw all the crazy color and design and motion you want at it, but at the end of the day all the audience really wants is character. So we found a great character story at the center of this thing. It's basically the story of this kid and a monster, which may be the first and only friend he's had. It's just got a lot of heart, a lot of comedy, and a lot of great surprising action.
PARENT: In wish fulfillment, as they say, I want one of these trucks when I go back to LA. Oh, the traffic's pretty bad here too. The idea of being able to leap over and cut in front of line is hugely appealing. [Laughs]
Some of the comparisons made earlier is that it's like E.T., and it does kind of feel like a return to those 80s movies about a lost kid who discovers some sort of supernatural thing.
WEDGE: Yeah. No apologies. It's an update on that feeling of, 'I'm an alienated kid that trips into a kind of supernatural set of circumstances,' and it takes off from there.
When you first started and decided you wanted Trip's truck to emote, did you realize how much you were asking them to do with hydraulics and those things, especially compared to tradition animation?
WEDGE: They did it happily. Nobody said, 'That's impossible.'
PARENT: It surprised me. I didn't think they'd actually be able to pull that off. [Chris] did, but I was surprised at what they were able to do.
WEDGE: I was pleased and surprised at what they were able to do because I knew we could switch off from the real trucks to CG trucks whenever we had to. But that thing, you saw it doing it's little acting. When it's in the movie, I swear it looks animated already. It just moves with that kind of purpose. Just the design of it and the way it sticks out from the rest of the environment and the rest of the trucks, it already looks like a character, which is what I was after.
PARENT: It has a lot of personality.
Seeing the truck move really sold a lot of us on the concept.
WEDGE: It's alive. You'll feel that it's alive. You're not really gonna see it moving until you're in the middle of the movie, once everything's come together for the Act II.
PARENT: And the sound design. We had a meeting two weeks ago, we sat down with Skywalker who's gonna do the sound, and so creating the creature's voice – I don't mean a voice literally because it doesn't talk, but how it sounds and an engine and all of the above. It's gonna be really cool, but it's a big job, you know?
How is it bringing the creature into the real world? 'Cartoonish' is probably the wrong word, but how well is it going to fit with living, breathing humans versus something like Alvin and the Chipmunks?
WEDGE: No, it doesn't feel like it came from a different style world. We're being very careful. It's a very, very, specific looking creature and it does very specific things, but it looks like it came plausibly form our world.
PARENT: It's photo real. That's a good question though. The idea is not …
WEDGE: It's more Jurassic Park than Alvin and the Chipmunks.
That's a very good answer. [Laughs]
PARENT: We were talking about it this morning, it should feel real and there's a mastery and a challenge in wish fulfillment to being able to tame this creature. If it's too easy and fuzzy right out of the gate, there's no sort of challenge, you know?
WEDGE: The fun thing for kids will be that, you know, 'I've got a giant secret that I have to hide from everybody. I've got a dragon in my basement that I can't let anybody know about.' That's part of it.
Earlier we were talking to Lucas [Till] and he said that on set Jane [Levy] caught something in the script that didn't make sense. Is that a behind-the-scenes thing you can tell us about?
WEDGE: That couldn't have happened. [Laughs] No, that must've been…
PARENT: What was it? Do you remember?
WEDGE: I don't know what it was specifically. In animation we can make anything. As long as it sticks in the same style as the rest of the movie, we can make anything. And here we're creating a very specific fantasy and from a bunch of different character perspectives and a bunch of plot logic perspectives and settings. It could've been anything. Jane's very good at catching that stuff.
PARENT: Smart.
WEDGE: In fact, that's her character in the movie. She's very kind of Type A, focused and driven towards her kind of academic career, so she's all over this stuff.
A lot of animators have been making the transition to directing very successfully like Brad Bird and Phil Lord and Chris Miller. I'm wondering what you learned from those examples and what was the learning curve for you?
WEDGE: That animators have made live-action movies hasn't been part of it for me. That's other people's careers and paths. It has nothing to do with what you do. I've always wanted to make live-action movies when I was a student. My path was through animation and I got an opportunity to do this. I finished a movie last year that I'd been working on for six or eight years, and I felt, you know, I've been at Blue Sky for 27 years and I thought before I could still do it I wanted to try it! [Laughs] I got this opportunity to do this and I jumped right in and this movie's gonna be done before our next animated movie from Blue Sky is done.
Did anything throw you for a loop or surprise you about the process?
WEDGE: Yeah, I'll tell you a few things did. I mean, I had a lot of apprehension going in that I wouldn't know what I was doing, but when I got in the whole process of working with the actors – all the prep is the same, developing the script is the same and all the pre-production is pretty much all the same. You're dealing with people that are making giant electric cars that can act, but so many people bring all their excellent work from their disciplines that you count on that. What surprised me was how much I loved working the scenes out with actors on the set. Once the cameras are set you get about 15 minutes or a half an hour to really kind of focus a scene, and then just play it and shoot it so that's fun.
Is it still tightly storyboarded?
WEDGE: No, no. I did a lot of storyboards that I threw out, because you walk on to a set and it's like, the camera can't go there or who knows? You walk on to a set and you figure it out when you get there. I mean, you know what you want. The storyboards can help with details. It's a lot different than animation. [Laughs]
Are there any parallels with coverage? Do you find yourself using the same style of shots you did in animation here?
WEDGE: That's a lot different, that's a lot different. I think in a different process or if we had more time to shoot the movie, I might do it differently. But I never think about coverage in animation because you move into the sequence the way you wanna move and you put the camera wherever you want. Here there are economies you have to take advantage of because it moves very quickly, so you've gotta shoot the master and then you have to push in for coverage.
PARENT: When you're lighting in one direction, you've gotta shoot everything that way. And if you have an idea and you've already turned around, it's not as convenient.
WEDGE: There are all sorts of variables. 'How long is this actor gonna last? Is this actor gonna peak at a certain point? This one's really solid so we can do their coverage last.' It's a big puzzle.
PARENT: I think you get wonderful surprises, too. That's the medium.
What's your interaction with the second unit?
WEDGE: We interact as much as we have time to. We've done a lot of previsualization for the second unit. We talk it over quite a bit, but they're out there doing the same thing we're doing, it's all happening in real time. And speaking of coverage, they're just all over it.
PARENT: It was all prepped under his vision and then you guys speak multiple times a day and we meet again tonight. Try to meet a couple of times a week.
WEDGE: And as you have material to look at, you have things to talk about, 'We'll do this this way, we'll do that that way,' or, 'Put more cameras on this side when you do that,' or, 'I like those shots when blah, blah, blah.' Building Blue Sky and making those feature films, I know a lot about delegation. I'm about the people that really enjoy having somebody do something better than you could've done it [laughs], and it's in your movie anyway. I like that, so I like trusting people and giving them as much creative latitude as you'd want for yourself.
Did you utilize the brain trust at Blue Sky at all for this project?
WEDGE: No, no. I'm on a little sabbatical from Blue Sky.
Have you thought about voicing the monster yourself?
WEDGE: We've been voicing it on set …
PARENT: He does, Chris does a lot to help the actors. [Laughs]
Can you do it for us?
WEDGE: [Laughs] No, no. We should save that for the movie.
PARENT: His performance for the family reunion was incredibly emotional. [Laughs] It was late at night, it was like two in the morning. You did a really good job though because you're good with voices.
WEDGE: We'll see. The voices for the creatures are gonna be fun. They're gonna be very distinct.
Can you say anything about what you're basing the voices off of, like animals or …
WEDGE: They're animals, they're animals.
I didn't know if you were like, 'It's kind of like a whale mixed with dubstep.'
WEDGE: Well, that's a good idea. [Laughs]
PARENT: He sounded like a whale – at first I thought there was an animal that had been hurt outside [laughs], then I realized what you were doing.
They don't communicate with humans with speech, do they?
PARENT: Not speech.
WEDGE: Well, their own – they're very intelligent animals.
PARENT: They have a hive mentality.
WEDGE: They've evolved separately from us unbeknownst to us, isolated from us.
Are they as intelligent as humans?
WEDGE: No, but they're very soulful. They understand but they don't have the same kind of – oh, let's see – they're very adaptable. They have what we're calling a hive mentality where it's kind of a collective consciousness where once one nearby them learns something the other one picks it up very quickly.
PARENT: Like ants or bees.
What does the creature bring to Trip's life? How does the creature help him?
WEDGE: Can we tell story stuff here?
PARENT: Go for it.
WEDGE: Trip's got issues. He's kind of an alienated, kind of emotionally isolated 17-year-old, he kind of feels like a loner in his own town, the place he grew up.
PARENT: Never got over his dad leaving.
WEDGE: His town's been transformed by all this oil money and friends have sold land leases and their parents moved across town and built bigger houses and he doesn't have any of that, so he acts out. He wants to get out of town so he's been building a truck at a junk yard out of parts. He thinks he's about to finish it and then this thing comes.
PARENT: It gets him into trouble.
WEDGE: Yeah, it gets him into trouble and even into worse trouble, makes him wanna leave even more, but then he kind of befriends this thing and he hides it, he hides it in his truck. The creatures in our world are like an octopus on a beach. They're completely vulnerable and awkward. This giant thing can hardly move, but once it gets in the truck, it's like a paraplegic in a wheelchair that can do a marathon faster than you can. So it's a super suit for the creature and it's a super car for Trip.
What's the transformation going on emotionally?
PARENT: He needs to connect again. He's so emotional. For me that's been so resonant in this movie and you really feel the character's yearning and you feel his isolation literally and emotionally, and for him learning to have empathy and to connect again and actually being able to trust something, you know?
WEDGE: It's the first thing he's ever really cared about. He has a penchant for defending underdogs anyway. That's one of the principles that makes him kind of interesting.
PARENT: It's like what I talked about, how he and Meredith first meet is in detention where he's actually been defending other kids, standing up for another kid.
WEDGE: But he won't take credit for it.
PARENT: Yeah.
WEDGE: And it's just something that he naturally does, fights for people that he feels are going through the same thing that he is. He can't fix anything in his own life so he helps little things in other peoples' lives, and the creature's one of the things he feels an early empathy for. So he wants to figure out where it came from, why these other people are chasing it, he's just in between trying to figure out what's best for it. It doesn't come easy for him, but he gets there. [Laughs] It comes into his life and kind of fixes his life.
PARENT: In some ways he becomes a father figure to that creature, or sort of what he didn't have, he's able to bring to that creature. And the family that he finds, there's more of an unlikely group of people that come together to form a family in his life as he begins to reunite that family. And it's a disparate group of people, as I mentioned before, that wouldn't ordinarily cross paths but this creature and this event brings these people together, Trip and Meredith being an example of people who wouldn't ordinarily socialize or hang out together.
If they're hive minds, if Big Ugly teaches them to drive trucks, does this mean they're gonna go home and teach all the other squid monsters to drive trucks?
PARENT: [Laughs] Exactly.
WEDGE: [Laughs] That's Act IV.
Earlier we were talking about this setting up a franchise. Do you guys have ideas for sequels yet?
PARENT: Like I said, just trying to make a good movie first and if that happens then hopefully other things will organically unfold.
Lucas was joking about planes and stuff like that.
PARENT: I must say, he's got a very creative mind. [Laughs] I love that he's thinking ahead.
WEDGE: He just wants to drive an airplane.
PARENT: Exactly. That's what it really boils down to.
Why North Dakota? Why that location?
WEDGE: Well, that's where I wanted to ground it. That's where they're doing all of this drilling into the back and shale.
PARENT: These towns have been taken over.
WEDGE: Towns are just taken over. I went to visit Williston, North Dakota and it was a boom there in the 80s that died and now this boom is here because part of it is the technology where the deep-well drilling and the fracturing of the rock down there, that's how we get to these creatures. We've never drilled deeper, and I looked at that town and I thought the oil companies are moving in and transforming the towns, and the people that are involved in our story are going through the same things they're going through in those towns.
PARENT: There's a whole culture with it. Restaurants pop up, housing pops up. There's positives and negatives to it.
WEDGE: It's nothing but trucks there, nothing but trucks.
Can you talk a little bit about casting? Why Lucas and Jane?
WEDGE: Actually, they were the toughest ones to cast because we were so specific about what we wanted, and a lot of it is first what you want and then meeting people, because I didn't know a lot of the kids we were talking to in the beginning, and then getting one of them, the chemistry between them, so it took us months to cast those two. But then I was very fortunate on a lot of the other casting. A lot of my first picks lined up or were very close.
PARENT: We had a great casting director, John Papsidera, who does all of Chris Nolan's movies and he just did a Jason Reitman movie. There's a lot of young kids in this age range that are cast. He really sort of had his fingers on the pulse in terms of who the stars of tomorrow are, you know? And Lucas, as I'm sure you've met him, he's got all of those qualities. He's got humanity, he's got this heartthrob kind of tough guy thing to him even though he's a big softy. Jane has impeccable comic timing.
WEDGE: The camera loves both of them.
PARENT: Yeah, it really does. And they're both on the precipice. He's obviously working his way up, and Havoc in X-Men, a small role but hopefully leading to other things. And Jane's really just started with Suburgatory, if you guys saw it or not, she was quite good on. She's pretty and has comic timing. It's an interesting combination.
What was the biggest challenge bringing your vision of the film to life?
WEDGE: Bringing my vision of the film to life has been the biggest challenge. [Laughs] I mean, you take it a step at a time. You come with a big fuzzy ambition and you do it a step at a time, what fits. You have to learn, I think, to be instinctive and just say what you think and not think too deep at every moment because it's easy to get caught in logic loops.
PARENT: He's done a great job. These movies are a marathon, as we talked about a little earlier. The amount of days that you shoot and the hours and after four weeks of nights we kept saying, 'You realize there's a lot of nights?' And he's like, 'No, junk yard, I want it to be night,' and he's held up. And that's the challenge which is not to compromise when you start to get tired. So you haven't so far unless you're gonna break down in a week. [Laughs]
WEDGE: We're so close! We're so close!
How are you feeling right now? Are you ready to go back to animation after this or do you wanna stick to live-action?
WEDGE: I'm ready to get the shoot done. I'm ready to cut the movie together. I can't wait to see it cut together. I mean, we have a whole long post process that's mostly animation, which I know how to do but fortunately somebody else is gonna do it. I'm sitting on the other side of the table. I'm anxious to get – we have a couple more meaty scenes to shoot and a lot of – we've got about three weeks left so I'm anxious to get into the cutting room and get home. I live in New York.
For more from my Monster Trucks set visit, click here to check out the roundtable interview with Lucas Till. Monster Trucks is set to hit theaters January 2017.


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Naturism and the Police
The College of Policing have just published a briefing note to help frontline police officers with incidents involving public nudity and naturism.
The Public Nudity Advice and Decision-making Aid from the College of Policing has come some years after the CPS published its own guidance: Nudity in Public, guidance on handling cases of naturism, even so NAG's Treasurer Duncan Heenan said: 'It is a welcome addition and should greatly help with educating frontline police officers.'
In the briefing note, officers are told that naturism is 'a philosophical belief' and 'naturists have a right to freedom of expression, which only engages [the] criminal law if they commit sexual offences or use disorderly behaviour' and they 'should consider every situation according to its own circumstances'.
While it explained the wide


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Five, count'em five, players from Rutgers are headed to the Super Bowl in two Sundays, a program on the wrong end of so many headlines for 148 years of college football now has something to celebrate and point to. The five representatives from Rutgers are the most of any college football program in the nation.
That four members of the New England Patriots and one Atlanta Falcon who all at one time donned scarlet will square-off in two weeks time in Houston is something not lost in the college football world, a place where Rutgers endured a 49-0 loss last year and it was just their third worst shutout of the season. But this program that started college football in 1869 with a win over Princeton has something to finally cheer about again and it is a point that can resonate as they close out the recruiting cycle.
All five players hail from the 'State of Rutgers' – that mythical recruiting turf birthed by former head coach Greg Schiano as he tried to fend off the likes of Penn State, Boston College, Syracuse and Miami from raiding the Garden State for top talent. This geographic turf coined by Schiano extended beyond New Jersey's borders to include parts of New York (both city and state) as well as southeeastern Pennsylvania, Delaware and Florida.
The New England Patriots four representatives from Rutgers: Safety Duron Harmon (Delaware), cornerback Devin McCourty (Nyack, New York), cornerback Logan Ryan (south Jersey) and linebacker Jonathan Freeny (south Florida) represent the touchstones for this program's recruiting success over the years. That the Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Mohamed Sanu, who had five catches and a touchdown in helping his team get to the Super Bowl, hails just minutes away from Rutgers in central New Jersey underscores that the program can be a national contender if the best from the state stays home.
And herein lies the formula for head coach Chris Ash as he enters his second year with the program.
Rutgers can win some Big Ten games and consistently make bowl appearances by recruiting this 'State of Rutgers.' Some of the best high school talent in the nation plays in New Jersey, not to mention the surrounding areas that comprised the core of Schiano's recruiting turf. Win the recruiting war in this area and they can start winning some games.
But selling Rutgers football this year for a program that finished 2-8 hasn't been easy and Ash has seen a few decommittments after a strong start to the recruiting season. There is, however, reason for hope.
According to NJVarsity.com, a Rivals.com affiliate site, Rutgers has grabbed 10 of the top 35 players in New Jersey including an impressive four of the top 10 players. They potentially could be adding another player or two or maybe three from this list when it is all said and done, a recruiting class that is currently No. 39 in the nation and could close out strong over the next two wees until National Signing Day. The vast majority of these blue-chippers come from Schiano's 'State of Rutgers.'
All of which means that there might be no letting up in Rutgers sending players to the Super Bowl. In fact, it might start becoming a tradition.


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Buying a motorcycle?
Who hasn't daydreamed about cruising the open road, wind whipping through your hair, on top of a powerful, purring motorcycle? It's a fantasy as classic as James Dean himself.
But the reality of the situation isn't quite as carefree. Buying the right motorcycle for you is an important process, with several major aspects to take into consideration.
Getting the Right Bike
Before you purchase a motorcycle, you should take a minute to think about why and whenyou'll use it.
There are several different types of motorcycles, all of which come with their own benefits and setbacks, depending on your priorities. The general designs include:
- Sport bikes.
- Street bikes.
- Standard/traditional motorcycles.
- Dual-purpose bikes.
- Off-road bikes.
Other factors to keep in mind include:
- Motorcycle CCs.
- Engine size and power.
- Seat structure and comfort.
Make sure you do your research before proceeding to a dealership or private sale. The more you understand about the bike you buy, the more likely it is that you will be happy with your purchase.
Budgeting for a Bike
For most people, a motorcycle is a discretionary purchase. That being said, you can choose to spend small or splurge on your new bike. Prices vary hugely—anywhere from under R15,000 to R525,000 or more!
Once you've determined the type of bike you want, do your research to figure out its typical going rate. With that information in mind, decide the highest amount you feel comfortable paying before you begin shopping.
NOTE: If you're able to pay for your entire purchase in cash, you may be able to get a discount from the dealership. This opportunity is not always available, so make sure to check with the dealer before making this decision.
"Hidden" Motorcycle Costs
Aside from the base price, there are a variety of other cost factors to keep in mind, including:
- Various fees.
- Setup/dealer-prep fees and delivery-transportation fees are commonly applied at dealerships.
- Maintenance expenses (especially when buying a used motorcycle).
- VAT (especially on used motorcycles – make sure the price includes VAT).
- Registration costs.
If this is your first motorcycle, you will also have to budget for all the proper safety and riding equipment, such as:
- Helmets.
- Protective gear.
You may also want to consider enrolling in a motorcycle safety or training course, whether you're a new rider or an experienced cyclist looking to refresh your knowledge.
Motorcycle Insurance
Insurance can be another major cost factor of a motorcycle. Insurance rates vary, depending on:
- Bike type.
- Engine size.
Different insurance companies may also classify motorcycles differently. For example, one insurance provider may consider a Ducati Monster a standard bike, while another may classify it as a sport bike. The difference can make a big impact on your insurance bill.
Make sure to check up on motorcycle insurance when determining your budget.
You may also want to investigate different theft prevention measures to ensure your investment is as safe as possible.
Financing Your Bike
When you think about your budget, you will also have to decide how you will pay for the motorcycle. There's a good chance you will need to finance your bike.
Typically you can purchase a motorcycle for little to no money down. Although this would depend on your particular risk rating.
In general, though, the more cash you can bring to the table, the better the deal you will be able to negotiate. However, this is not always the case, and there are many factors that go into negotiating.
If you decide to go the financing route, it's generally a good idea to walk into the dealership with a pre-approved loan. This will not only help in the negotiating process, but also give you a solid number to keep in mind when determining how much you will pay for the bike.
Interest rates on your loan will vary, depending on:
- Your credit history.
- Your down payment.
- The length of the loan.
Buying a New Motorcycle
Much like cars, houses, and other major purchases, there are some prominent differences between buying new or buying used when it comes to motorcycles.
Which direction you go in depends largely on your personal preferences, but, in general, buying a new bike may be a good idea if you:
- Are a new motorcycle rider.
- Are not particularly mechanically inclined.
- Are interested in a specific type of bike.
- Want the newest technology/model available.
Buying a Used Motorcycle
Purchasing a used bike may be a good idea if you:
- Are an experienced rider.
- Have at least some understanding of motorcycle mechanics.
- Are looking for a good deal.
Arguably the biggest advantage of buying a used bike is the price difference. Most of the time, used motorcycles will be cheaper, due to natural depreciation rates. You will also not have to pay the setup, delivery and dealer fees.
Potential Problems
Still, you will have to be vigilant about the condition of the motorcycle before pulling the purchasing trigger. Some major issues to look out for include:
- Rust or scratches on the body, tank, and fenders.
- Wear/cracks on the foot pegs and seat.
- Oxidized paint.
- Seepage, weeping, or leaks in the engine or transmission.
- Blue brake discs.
- They should be smooth and clean.
- Too much/billowing smoke when the bike is started.
- A rusty or gunky chain.
- It should be clean and tight, with about 20mm of slack.
Dealerships vs. Private Sales
You will also need to decide which type of seller you would like to buy your motorcycle from. Again, depending on your personal preferences, there will be benefits and disadvantages to both.
In general, a dealer may be able to offer you more options when making your decision. A dealership will likely have:
- A wide variety of bikes.
- A service department.
- Financing options.
- NOTE: You may be able to trade in your old bike as part of the negotiation process.
- At some locations, certified pre-owned motorcycles, which should come with:
- A full service and vehicle history.
- A guarantee or warranty.
Many dealers will also allow you to take a test drive, which is a great opportunity to get to know the bike—and ensure it's the right one for you—before you buy it.
Private Sellers
As with buying a used motorcycle, the big advantage with buying from a private seller is the chance to pay much less for your purchase.
However, aside from having the bike inspected for any potential problems, you should ask for a vehicle history report from the seller. This will likely reveal any issues the seller may not disclose or even know of themselves, such as:
- Accident history.
- The number of owners a bike has had.
- Odometer readings.
- Service history.
No matter which path you choose, it's a great idea to be as informed as possible before buying your bike.


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The Red Queen Costume
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The Red Queen Costume
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|Costumes for Women
This homemade costume for women entered our 2010 Halloween Costume Contest.
A word from the 'The Red Queen' costume creator:
Well earlier this year myself and a few friends went to go see Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland. I loved how they did the Red Queen Iracebeth. I knew after I saw the movie I wanted to be her for Halloween! So I defiantly wanted to do a HUGE head, like she had in the movie.. But was pretty clueless on how to make it. I first thought I could use a Helmet of some sort and build off of it. But After some thought I decided to go with Paper Mache for the Head.
1. I bought a Heart Shaped balloon and started adding the Paper Mache. Shaping and adding a mixture of Flour and Water. It took about 3 days or so to complete.
2. I went to a Fabric store looking for some fabric I could use to make the top part of the dress. I found some really neat fabric I wanted to use for the top. So I cut the pieces of fabric to size, and Hot Glue Gunned the fabric on top of an existing shirt I had. Just being creative I started to make the costume.
3. Then I found some photos of the Red Queen on a website. It was the complete dress with very good photos. Detailing of the dress, colors etc.
4. So with the photos I went to the Fabric store and searched out the closest patterns that I could find for the dress. Finding a Black on one side, Gold on the other fabric pattern was a really good find. Then finding a really cool shade of Red in the bargain bin helped out. I Sewed a little of the dress together, but again had an old pair of shorts that I was able to hot glue gun the fabric too.
5. I was going to use Yarn for the Hair, but it would have taken me forever to attach it to the head dress. So I was lucky enough to find Fabric that looked like hair. And it was in a shade of Red that was just perfect!
So here is my costume. The Red Queen from Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland 2010!
Similar costumes:


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When scheduling airport car service from the airport, depending on the airport, you may have the option to choose a curbside or a meet and greet pickup. Given the choice, how do you know which option is best for you?
A curbside pickup is the most common way to connect with your driver when you have scheduled car service from the airport. In a curbside pickup scenario, your driver will pick you up at a specified location right outside your arriving terminal – usually near the baggage claim area.
Curbside pickups are beneficial for customers who are traveling light and are on a tight schedule and need to get to their destination as soon as possible.
Should you need help finding the curbside pickup area, the airport information desk can usually point you in the right direction.
Another thing to note is that vehicles are not permitted to wait for you at the curb for security reasons. Therefore, it is usually a good idea to call your driver once you have collected your bags and made your way to the pickup area. The driver may ask for your location to coordinate a smooth pick-up.
Just like your luggage, many of the companies that offer car service from the airport have identical vehicles. It is always a good idea to confirm you have connected with the correct driver.
What about Meet-and-Greet Service?
In a meet-and-greet pickup scenario, the driver parks his or her vehicle and then meets the passenger inside the terminal, usually at or near the baggage claim area. The driver will have a sign with the passenger's name on it. This is an easy way to find your driver – especially if you are arriving at an unfamiliar airport. Choosing meet and greet is particularly helpful if you require assistance with your luggage.
Please be aware that with a meet-and-greet pickup there is usually an additional parking fee along with an additional fee for the time the vehicle is left unattended by the driver.
Not sure what to do if you need to contact your driver? If you booked through Limos.com, you will always receive a "know before you" go email or text message with your driver's contact information.
Regardless of whether you choose a curbside pickup or meet and greet, your reservation already includes a gratuity for the driver if you booked your car service through the Limos.com marketplace.


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A lot of cosmetology training programs are available. With the large number of the programs to help you in your cosmetology career, finding the best one is always the trickiest one. However, if you take your time to know what's out there and you know what you really want, you can be a lot more prepared to select the best program for you.
To help you with your cosmetology training, here are some tips when choosing your program.
1.) Don't go for a training program that is too cheap. With times like these, it is essential that you go for something within the budget. But, you should never compromise the quality with the cost. In terms of career, think of the training as your investment and not an expense. Even though the programs are expensive, it can give you the best training that you needed for your job.
2.) There are online programs that you may find, but you must check on the program carefully. Yes, there are a lot of good cosmetology programs in the Internet, but there are programs that are not good enough and can be scams. You should pay attention to these programs. If you have chosen a training program already, you need to ask everything that you should know as a student and they must willingly tell you everything about them.
3.) If it is possible, look for a job that can give you an apprenticeship. However, this kind of job is very rare, though there are still salons that will offer them. If they have seen how great you are and to be an asset for them, they will willingly pay for your training. However, there is still an agreement that you need to agree with. You need to stay with them in certain length of time once you got your license.
4.) Never settle for the first program that you will see. It is best that you check on other options before you make up your mind. You may say that you have found the best program, but you don't have your basis if you never compared it with other programs. Take some time to look for a few options and you can make a list for the best programs you may see. From that list, you can weigh the pros and cons of every program and be able to make your choice.
These tips can make you choose the best programs for cosmetology training that you may take. Through that, choosing the best program is not as hard as before. Remember that there is no right or wrong choices, as long as it is something that you want.
Taking your time will make a big difference when it comes to your program of choice. But what matters is what you really wanted to do and what suits your needs. Always go for the cosmetology training program that suits you best. But if you are still clueless with what you can take, don't be afraid to ask. Don't give up your dream just because you lack information.


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Websearch "make an electromagnet" if you need to.
Look at toy cranes. See how they've arranged the strings which operate them. Replicate that, using the motors to wind or unwind the strings.
Attach electromagnet to working end of crane. Figure out how you're going to get power to it while having enough slack to move the magnet but not enough slack to tangle.
How do you make an electromagnetic crane? Answered
I need to make it with the help of 2 motors of DC 9V each and batteries which can range from 3V - 9V which can move about its axis and pick up a small amount of weight.
Need it fast!!!
Websearch "make an electromagnet" if you need to.


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Hi! I'm Brian, most common online handle
betaveros. I like programming and designing user interfaces, as well as puzzles.
About Me
As of summer 2020, I just finished a Masters of Engineering at MIT in computational music. Previously, I graduated from MIT (undergrad) with a double major in mathematics and computer science in 2019, and spent that summer and the one before it interning at MemSQL.
I have many other interests. Computers-wise, they include cybersecurity, functional programming, and programming language design. Math-wise, I enjoy complexity theory and combinatorics. I have also been known to sing/rap/play instruments inside or outside the shower, and graphic design is, as they say, my passion.
Personal Links
Things I've made:
- bcodex: a command-line utility in Haskell (as well as tiny JS app) for flexibly converting between puzzlehunt/CTF-y "encodings". 4861707079 cHV6emxpbmc=!
paradoc: a stack-based programming language that can be golfed or written "literately". Let's solve a small Google Code Jam problem solution with 22 bytes:
vo"Case #%: "oJ{S$p}^P
- See more projects...
Tech I've been involved with:
- Mavo, a tool for creating web applications using only HTML and CSS; I implemented server-side rendering.
- MemSQL: I worked on MemSQL Studio, a visual interface for managing clusters. In particular, I co-created and blogged about Visual Explain, a visualizer of the operations used to perform database queries.
- See more tech experience...
Groups I'm part of:
- 6.004, MIT's "Computation Structures": I was a lab assistant for the 2018–2019 school year and am now a teaching assistant.
- SIPB, MIT's (oldest) student computing group. We run many services, like scripts.mit.edu, which is currently serving this website.
- ESP, a student group that runs educational programs for middle- and high-school students. I've worked a lot on the open-source ESP website, a custom Django site we manage our programs with.
- Galactic Puzzle Hunt, an annual puzzle event held by ✈✈✈ Galactic Trendsetters ✈✈✈ since 2017.
- See more groups...
Puzzles I've written:
If you aren't familiar with puzzlehunt puzzles, I also wrote a fairly comprehensive Introduction to Puzzlehunts.
- Unsafe (2019 GPH, with Jakob Weisblat): A text adventure.
- The Answer to This Puzzle Is... (2018 GPH, with many other members of Galactic): A puzzle in a single sentence. Or is it?
- Puzzle of the Day (2017 GPH): The first, easiest puzzle of the first GPH.
- A Puzzle Consisting Entirely of Random Anagrams (2015 MIT Mystery Hunt): As described. Possibly my first externally published puzzle; I'm still fairly proud of it.
- See more puzzles...
More about me:
I also like Vim, RSS, sushi, fish (shell), Pentatonix, Ace Attorney, and lots more things.
Through my elementary to high school years, I lived on a small East Asia island whose political status is complicated enough to get its own Wikipedia article.
In my spare time, I improve my mostly irrelevant FAQ; randomly link to TVTropes in order to enhance others' lives; insert hyperbole into literally every sentence; politely encourage people to use dashes instead of hyphens when appropriate; and fly my dragon companion.
Links of Whenever
I have a large collection of links. Here is a sample that is updated when I feel like it.
- African American Vernacular English Is Not Standard English with Mistakes (PDF)
- Dragon Tax Return Simulator 2015
- Five-Paragraph Essays
- If programming languages were cars
- If programming languages were weapons
- If programming languages were Harry Potter characters
- (programming languages drawn as people)
- The days are long but the decades are short
- On competitive Bay Area high schools and their rippling effects


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Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Ah the sweet sound of the Vespa SS 180
Ah the sweet sound of an SS:
Some close up an SS:
I can't wait for our SS to be complete.
5 comments:
- Unknown said...
Hello Jeremy,
I came from the Vespa sports.
One question for you.
Do you prefer the ``back to the original restoration" or ``better than its factory specification"?
The vector you need is really depends upon it.
Good luck,
- December 27, 2006 at 10:31 AM
- Scooter Couple said...
I personally prefer to be as a close to manufacture's specs as financially possible, but I am growing more and more "snobby" towards this as I move through this process. Our SS will not be museum quality. Though, it will be exactly what the rider, my wife, wants and that's what counts for this specific bike. This SS will reuse as much of the original components as possible.
I may buy a TV 175 this weekend and I would restore it to spec.
- December 27, 2006 at 12:25 PM
- Scooter Couple said...
- This comment has been removed by the author.
- December 27, 2006 at 12:27 PM
- Scooter Couple said...
To expand . . . I would like this Blog to lean towards "original" so folks who reference it can use to restore their SS180 as the Vespa created it.
- December 27, 2006 at 1:36 PM
- roy said...
hola jeremy, esa es my vespa ss 180!! jajaja,cool video !!
te invito a conocer nuestro sitio web
- April 5, 2007 at 6:58 AM


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As of January 1, 2016, Gapers Block has ceased publication. The site will remain up in archive form. Please visit Third Coast Review, a new site by several GB alumni.
✶ Thank you for your readership and contributions over the past 12-plus years. ✶
Saturday, September 26
Two promising events hosted by the Chicago Beer Society: Big Brew Day on May 12 -- a day of brewing and BBQing, and the Blues & Brews Cruise on July 7, an evening of craft beer and live music off Navy Pier.
by Robyn NisiA/C
by Steve ProkopyA/C
by Nancy BishopMechanics
by Jeff SmithDrive Thru
by Brandy GonsoulinTransmission
by Sarah BrooksBook Club
by Emma TerhaarMechanics
by Phil HuckelberryA/C
by Nancy BishopA/C
by Steve Prokopy
GB T-Shirt $12
I ✶ Chi T-Shirts $15


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Natascha Sadr Haghighian's research-based work is concerned with the socio- and geopolitical implications of modes of world-making. Carbon Theater (2016–ongoing) is the artist's long-term collaboration with writer and artistic researcher Ashkan Sepahvand, whose work traces associations between histories of the body and the sensory as well as imagination, celebration, transformation and futurity. Together, Haghighian and Sepahvand founded the institute for incongruous translation in order to investigate the productive discrepancies between sensing and knowing. Most recently, they have focused on planetary transformations through the study of chemistry.
Act II (2017) of Carbon Theater takes place in an abandoned planetarium scheduled for demolition. The work includes this found site as well as a four-channel sound installation, a wall drawing and a free booklet. Entering the planetarium, visitors are immersed in soundscapes recorded at various sites of energy extraction––from open pit mines and oil refineries to wind farms and ancient watermills. Sensing out the sonic properties and non-visible topographies of each site, these acoustic projections give voice to formations challenging anthropocentric narratives around life and non-life. The question of 'what formations are we keeping in existence or extinguishing?' requires attunement to a 'we' that is not self-evident. In the booklet, the artists list the recording sites and include texts, photographs and drawings. One drawing has been applied to the back exterior wall of the planetarium. This blurry yellow line cutting horizontally across the dome's hemicycle mirrors its form, suggesting the suspension of gravity, the disorientation of cardinal direction and displacement of human perspective.
This project was part of Sharjah Biennial 13.
Carbon Theater
Natascha Sadr Haghighian with Ashkan Sepahvand
Sharjah Edition, 2017
Installation view
Produced by Sharjah Art Foundation
Courtesy of the artists
Natascha Sadr Haghighian with Ashkan Sepahvand
Sharjah Edition, 2017
Detail view
Produced by Sharjah Art Foundation
Courtesy of the artists
Sharjah Biennial 13
Sharjah Biennial 13
Sepahvand, Ashkan
The practice of writer and artistic researcher Ashkan Sepahvand traces associations from within the histories of the body and the sensory as well as imagination, celebration, transformation and futurity.


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Description: Statement earrings in the shape of a cross. This is a tolerable, lightweight earring.
Materials: -custom made, high quality plexiglass with celluloid effect
- real pearls
-silver hooks
Broaden your HORIZONS: Let you hair tangle with your statement earrings and enjoy styling them in a daring way. Should you have faith in yourself, and you can do anything you want.


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How Education Can Come in the Form of a Wreath
Any form of philanthropy can be a learning experience, if you pay attention. When you're opting to give up a piece of yourself, your time, a possession, or your money it is important to pay attention to the effort involved and the potential takeaways. Back when I was in high school philanthropy during the holidays meant giving a new unwrapped toy, or donating cans to a food drive. Paying homage to soldiers that have served our country never came to mind as a way to give back during the season of giving. For me, the meaning of seasonal giving changed this year. In my attendance this year at the annual Wreaths Across America event, with American Military University, my perception on seasonal philanthropy completely changed.
Symbolically we're programmed to see certain shapes as representative for the holiday season. There's gingerbread men, Christmas trees, stars, Santa Claus, snowflakes, and wreaths all made to represent one or more holidays in the winter. These symbols have their own meaning to different people. For example, a wreath for many is representative of a Christian adornment to mark the Christmas season. For those that have participated in Wreaths Across America it means something entirely different. This year the WAA organization was able to place a wreath on all 230,000 graves in Arlington National Cemetery, and that's a small drop in the bucket of more than 700,000 wreaths placed worldwide. In respect to the Jewish soldiers that served our country the stones marked with the Star of David did not get a wreath, but they were honored nonetheless.
On that Saturday, December 13, 2014 I, along with more than 500 AMU wreath volunteers, learned numerous things about the tradition and honor of wreath laying. One of the things we all learned that day was that there was a great possibility that many of the graves had not been visited in years, if not longer than that. So it was an opportunity for those attending to connect with, and pay their respects to the graves they garnished a wreath with. The education didn't end there, several AMU staff members spoke to the volunteers about some of the famous names buried in Section 3. For example, two Tuskegee airmen were buried in the section covered by AMU volunteers. We also came across the stones belonging to two of the three Apollo 1 astronauts, Gus Grissom, and Roger Chaffee .
It was a great history lesson for those in attendance, as well as a sobering sight seeing so many stones honoring the fallen. George's history lesson also included a bit of trivia. Did you know that there are only two presidents buried in Arlington? Can you guess the two? They are President John F. Kennedy and President William Howard Taft. Some other great nuggets of wisdom came in the form of showing respect for one another, as well as the proper way to place the wreath on the stone; at a 45 degree angle with the bow at the top.
Education comes in many different forms. For this special event it was somberly represented by a wreath. Even though the event made you stop and pause to reflect on the lives of these soldiers and their families, there were plenty of smiling faces that were more than thrilled to be there. Most takeaways from the event include the breadth of history surrounding the cemetery, and the fact that there were more than 1,000 other cemeteries participating in the event. Our learning is never done, and it's nice to have an event with this type of significance to remind us of that fact. To keep in the good spirit of educating one another take a moment to review additional insights from fellow AMU staff and students below.
- Wreaths Across America Honors All in Arlington National Cemetery
- Celebrating Family, Freedom and Fitness
- Corporate Philanthropy: How Wreaths Brought Thousands Together
- Ray of Light Shines Down on Grave During Wreaths Across America
- The War Experience and the Importance of "Wreaths Across America"
- Wreaths Across America 2014: A Volunteer's Story
- Honoring Those Who Sacrificed Everything, One Wreath at a Time
By J. Mason
Online Learning Tips Editor
Ready When You Are
At American Public University, students are priority one. We are committed to providing quality education, superior student resources, and affordable tuition. In fact, while post-secondary tuition has risen sharply nationwide, the university continues to offer affordable tuition without sacrificing academic quality.


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From 12 to 17 February 2018, the British Council is bringing a delegation of six professionals from the performing arts sector in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales to Japan. By developing new and existing artistic connections between the UK and Japan, the visit aims to promote further exchange and collaboration between artists, arts professionals and arts organisations in the two countries. During their visit the delegation will take part in TPAM (Performing Arts Meeting in Yokohama) to engage in discussions and network with performing arts professionals in Japan.
Northern Ireland
- Simon Magill, Creative Director
The MAC Belfast
- Richard Wakely, Artistic Director
Belfast International Arts Festival
- Callum Smith, Showroom
Independent theatre producer
- Hannah Firth, Director of Artistic Programme
Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff, Wales
- Paul Kaynes, Chief Executive
National Dance Company Wales
- Kully Thiarai, Artistic Director
National Theatre Wales
TPAM Exchange Programme
The delegates will host the following TPAM (Performing Arts Meeting in Yokohama) Exchange Programmes on Tuesday 13 and Wednesday 14 February 2018.
Tuesday 13 February: Group Meeting
10.40 - 11.10
[Table] Northern Ireland: Theatre and Dance in Post-conflict Societies
12.40 - 13.10
[Table] Scotland: The Edinburgh Festivals and Beyond
13.20 - 13.50
[Salon] Wales: International Programmes and Collaborative and Co-production Opportunities
14.40 - 15.10
[Table] Wales: Current Opportunities in Performing Arts. Potential Collaborations, Co-productions and Festivals.
Wednesday 14 February: Speed Networking
10.00 - 12.00
[Speed Networking] Hannah Firth, Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff, Wales
[Speed Networking] Richard Wakely, Belfast International Arts Festival
12.30 - 14.30
[Speed Networking] Paul Kaynes, National Dance Company Wales
[Speed Networking] Kully Thiarai, National Theatre Wales


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Soren has started a new club called The Imaginators. Their motto is "Use imagination, Fight evil!"
So, if you happen to be available on Saturday after lunch, feel free to sign up! Remember to bring your bouncy ball, blanket and imagination. Oh, and don't forget your ID card and pocket (instructions above). The more the merrier! :)