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Who would have known that an early morning dip in Lough Erne could have such an effect? The Prime Minister bounded into PMQS, leapt to the Despatch Box, and after that? Well, it all went swimmingly.
He broke protocol to reveal the smallest of reshuffles in the Commons – trade minister Lord Green is being replaced by BT CEO Ian Livingstone – before comfortably slapping down the Labour leader on banking reforms.
Ed Miliband's response? He wasn't going to "take lectures from the guy who was the adviser on Black Wednesday". That prompted Cameron to remind the House – again – that the two Eds once worked for Gordon Brown. "He cannot get over the fact that they presided over the collapse of the banks" the PM jeered as the pair of them traded blows on the merits of their CVs – and careers spent more or less entirely in and around Westminster. The exchange would have had Nigel Farage – no doubt nursing a pint of bitter – shaking his head as he continued to converse with inhabitants on the other side of the village walls.
Back in the Commons, however, Tory MPs were delighted with what they were hearing. Even the usually more awkward ones. Edward Leigh (C, Gainsborough) normally has something unhelpful – from Mr Cameron's perspective – to say at PMQs, but today he reeled off a list of Government achievements after grudgingly accepting that "one must be grateful on some occasions." Not least, of course, when acquiring – as the now Sir Edward recently has – a knighthood.
Even Bill Cash (C, Stone) clambered down from his Euro-baiting hobby horse to ask his first non-EU related question for as long as anyone could remember. "What's that got to do with Europe?" asked a Labour wag. Even the PM seemed baffled by Cash's new found interest in aid for women in the developing world – a most Cameroonian of subjects?
Graham Brady broke free of the cheering pack by asking the PM a question about the "worry" being caused by plans for HS2. It was a rare note of concern in a chorus of support – though Brady himself was left nodding as Mr Cameron promised some sort of compensation once the track was laid.
Over on the other side of the Chamber, Miliband looked increasingly fed up. The best question of the day had come from a Labour backbencher, with Kevin Barron (Rother Valley) asking about the business interests of Cameron's darks arts chief Lynton Crosby. But the PM also dealt with that one, boasting that Crosby was busily working out "how we destroy the credibility of Labour". But, he added, the two Eds were doing a good job of that themselves.
Judging by the scowls on their faces, Labour MPs seemed to agree. Their leader had frozen. He looked like a man in urgent need of a reinvigorating dip in bracing waters. If not, Ed Miliband might find himself dunked in a far less-edifying liquid.
Money laundering, forgery, fraud and corruption – if you do the crime, you do the time. It seems that's the case everywhere other than the banking industry.
That's one conclusion arrived at after a year on the Parliamentary Commission on Banking Standards examining the standards and culture of the industry.
Why is this industry an off-shore island, seemingly not subject to the normal rules of society? There are a number of reasons for this.
Firstly, these banking giants are too big to fail. They can take as much risk as they like in order to boost their profits and bonuses in the safe knowledge that the poor old taxpayer is there to pick up the bill.
Secondly, the first question Banks ask is – what level of short-term profit can be made? A sales-based culture pervaded, and the banks didn't consider the customer.
There is no individual accountability at the top of these organisations. Murky, occasionally illegal activities such as Libor rigging could be taking place, but when it comes to the top echelon there appears to exist a "no see, no tell" policy. When the Senior Executives were giving their evidence they seemed more content to come across as uninformed and ignorant of events than knowledgeable. Otherwise they would be admitting responsibility.
All the scandals of banking can be reduced to one – the customer's interests came last. So how can we ensure that an industry which is crucial to the economic well-being of citizens and communities is transformed?
The PCBS report has no magic prescription – but responsibility of those at the top, for a duty of care to customers, is essential if a proper ethos is to permeate the organisations.
Take the issue of Payment Protection Insurance (PPI). A product which can benefit a select few who find themselves financially covered if they become unemployed after taking out a loan – a very expensive one intentionally sold to the mass market despite repeated warnings. It became the banks profits and bonuses cornerstone until 2009.
The banks overcame the public outcry with their financial and lobbying muscle.
A mis-selling bill of £15bn pounds, with the likelihood of it more than doubling. An equivalent of over £500 for every individual in the UK. Incredibly, one of the Banks' Chief Executive told us that on PPI the banks were "on the side of the angels".
The banks needed to own up to this deceit, apologise by writing to their customers and settling the PPI claims quickly and efficiently. Instead we have seen delay, denial and a lobbying campaign from the banks for stricter limits on complaints.
As far as senior pay and rewards are concerned, the industry is way out of line. There is a delusional element to their thinking they are special and worth every million pounds received.
Individual accountability of chairmen, chief executives and boards is essential. This is where the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulator has to toughen up and ensure a named board/senior executive is responsible for each line of the Bank's activities.
By tackling the still to be resolved 'too big to fail' ethos and implicit subsidy from the taxpayer (up to £100bn a year to the banking industry, according to one Bank of England official), remuneration can eventually be brought down to more sensible levels.
The day when a chairman or chief executive receives a 'Thank you - I trust you' letter from a customer will be the day when banking has turned the corner.
From: Laura Sandys
Date: 16 June 2013 19:53
Dear Lord Steel,
I, like you, have stood on our party's manifestos that promised that the UK's constitution should adopt a similar shape to almost every other democracy – that all legislators should be elected. And I am sure that you still believe this to be the optimal outcome from any reform.
So would you join me in finding it remarkable that some are still arguing against the principle of direct elections, and that they appear to stand in the way of the electorate shaping their own properly representative Parliament? Others appear to be playing "long-grass" tactics – all too difficult. How about tinkering around the edges just to keep those democratic zealots happy?
I am happy to be described as a democratic zealot. I am also extremely pleased that my desire to have the House of Lords elected was supported by one of the largest majorities I have seen in the Commons.
Would it not be ironic that those who fear that the primacy of the Commons would be undermined by an elected House of Lords, are happy to deny the Commons their overwhelming will on establishing an elected Second Chamber? Is it not time to make the change and ensure that we have a democracy that is shaped and guided by the electorate and not the patronage of a succession of Prime Ministers?
From: Lord Steel
Date: 17 June 2013 18:54
Dear Laura,
We are not all that far apart. I agree that a nominated House is (apart from Canada) an oddity in this day and age, but I am not surprised that the Government's bill failed in the Commons because whoever drafted it had not done their homework.
My distinguished predecessor as Liberal leader, Mr Asquith, promised a chamber constituted on a "popular" basis, and he set up a large commission under Viscount Bryce which went into the whole subject at length, recommending basically election on a regional basis by the House of Commons. We could do better than that today by including, in addition, election by the Scottish Parliament, the Assemblies in Wales and Northern Ireland, and the MEPs. Such a democratic chamber would not threaten the supremacy of the Commons and indeed the Bryce commission in 1918 rehearsed all the familiar arguments: "it was forcibly argued that a Chamber elected on the same franchise as the House of Commons would inevitably be a rival....." My own objection to 15-year regionally elected Senators stemmed from my experience as the first Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, dealing with complaints from constituency MSPs and MPs about the activities of regional list Members interfering in their constituencies.
So now we have a chance to get things right, starting with the modest housekeeping measures which I proposed in the Lords and which have now been taken up by your colleague Dan Byles MP, who drew fifth place in Mr Speaker's ballot and so has a good chance of success.
From: Laura Sandys
Date: 17 June 2013 20:15
Dear David
Maybe I am wrong but I am not that worried about primacy of the Commons in relation to the second chamber. I am very excited by the fact that greater legitimacy of the second chamber would not take power from the Commons but strengthen Parliament as a whole in relation to Government, which is where the imbalance really lies. I see our Parliament as one place with two chambers, I also see too little co-operation and communication between the Houses, that if it functioned better would further enhance the powers of scrutiny.
I would however support your bill if we could add to it one key reform that would kill patronage and ensure that the House of Lords was full of committed legislators. Would you consider decoupling titles from membership of the legislature? I am sure that this singlehandedly would put a big break on patronage and would immediately separate the men from the boys and the ladies from the girls! We would ensure that those who wanted to be active members of the legislature would be clearly there to do a job, and those that wanted a "handle" wouldn't need to continue the charade of being a member of a Parliament. It might suit us all!
So how about lots of MLs rather than M'Lords...
All my best wishes
From: Lord Steel
Sent: 18 June 2013 10:10
Dear Laura,
Well you may not be troubled about the primacy of the Commons, but it was a recurring theme in the debates in both our Houses as well as in the joint committee which examined the Government bill, and in the 1918 commission. The second chamber should not have financial powers nor veto powers over the Commons. We are a revising chamber only. I agree with you that there should be more co-operation between the two Houses and perhaps more joint committees. The Steel Bill (now the Byles Bill in your House and the Hayman Bill in ours) contains clauses unanimously passed in the Lords to give us power over a retirement scheme and expulsion. I would like to have seen more powers to end cash for peerages scandals which have afflicted all three parties (possibly with more to come shortly!) and an end to hereditary peers' by-elections, which make the rotten boroughs like Old Sarum seem respectable in comparison. I hope you will back the bill pending more fundamental reform.
From: Laura Sandys
Date: 18 June 2013 18:08:14
Dear David
We must get to a fully or almost fully-elected House of Lords as soon as possible. While I know that your reforms are very worthy we cannot constantly duck the fundamental issue of elections and legitimacy through the ballot box. If we had an elected House, the two Houses would need to work much more closely together, doubling capacity rather than duplicating. We would have to develop complementary agendas and truly ensure that both chambers were effective at both revision and scrutiny of Government. Rather exciting in my view.
If we had elections we would not need a retirement process as the electorate would be the ultimate arbiter of whether someone was too old or too crooked to stand. So this bill, while well intentioned, seems to be unnecessary use of Parliamentary time if we are to properly reform the House of Lords in the next few years. This bill will not eradicate the fundamental and indefensible flaws of a legislature that is not democratically elected and is hobbled by not just the whiff of patronage.
I know that we share a similar ultimate goal. It is just that I am ambitious to reach that common goal sooner rather than later.
All my best wishes
From: Lord Steel
Date: 19 June 2013 11:49 AM
Dear Laura,
You say we must get to it as soon as possible, but both the 1968 and 2012 efforts came to grief and so next time they must get it right. After the Scottish referendum next year goes down (as I predict it will) – and bearing in mind Welsh Assembly demands for greater powers – there is a real chance to develop a democratic upper chamber which reflects the whole of the UK as I suggested earlier. One criticism of the present House is that it is too London-centric. Meantime we really need some tidying-up measures as my guess is that your "soon as possible" will be many years off. So do back the bill being promoted by your colleague Dan Byles. Far from being a waste of parliamentary time, it tackles two vital needs – our ability to draw up a retirement scheme within our own budget to get the numbers down from what will shortly be over 800, and to give us the same powers as you already have in the Commons to eject from Parliament those who have seriously misbehaved.
We must meet to discuss further!
Best wishes,
Liam Byrne hands over a plate of buttery shortbread cake, beaming with pride. "You're going to have to shove some down you, you know. It's totally delicious." The home-made Breton gateau is the product of his own fair hand, proof that the Great British Bake-Off has pervaded even the loftier heights of Westminster life.
But as he sits in his top-floor office in Portcullis House, the Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary looks surprisingly trim for someone who scoffs fattening French fancies. The clutch of sports medals on his coffee table reveals another new-found hobby that offers the explanation: as well as baking, he's also taken up triathlons. Last week he did the Stratford running-cycling-swimming event, next month he'll tackle the Birmingham race.
Whether it's creating calories or burning them off, it seems that even in his 'downtime' Liam Byrne just can't sit still. And aptly enough perhaps for the man who oversees his party's welfare policy, Byrne is a self-confessed workaholic.
The former Cabinet minister jokes that Ed Balls is not the only chef on his frontbench now. Yet he's deadly serious about how he and the Shadow Chancellor have to cook up the key policies needed to give Labour the credibility needed to win an outright majority in 2015.
Byrne's new book on China, Turning To Face The East, is a rough blueprint for how the UK can pull its socks up and trade its way to growth. Part travelogue, part manifesto, it's about harnessing British innovation with Chinese scale.
Yet how did he find time to write it? "I've been visiting China for about five years. Most of it has been done on weekends and holidays, but I write very fast," he explains. "There are big chunks of it written on a Blackberry."
"When you are not working 16 hours a day, which is what I used to do as a minister, then you have time. And I've always worked seven days a week." He smiles: "My wife says it keeps me quiet".
The Birmingham Hodge Hill MP once wrote an infamous 'Working With Liam Byrne' memo while at the Cabinet Office, a Maoist missive that also included the lovely line 'Never put anything to me unless you understand it and can explain it to me in 60 seconds'. So, can he sum up his new book in just a minute?
"Yes, very easily," he says, with the confidence of a former McKinsey consultant. "How is Britain going to pay its way in the Asian century? The balance of world power is shifting. Britain is in a difficult state right now. Just like after the Second World War, we've got to trade our way back. Given the difficulties in Europe and America, we've got to get on with turning East. And Britain could do really well in China but right now others are overtaking us. And so what we've got to do is think about what does China need to succeed over the next 10-20 years and we've got to think about how we can help make the China dream possible. I think we can play a big role and I think it can lift us back onto our feet in Britain." He beat even his own target: that summary took just 40 seconds.
Byrne also says that it's time to be crystal clear about Britain's colonial legacy, especially when young Chinese refer to episodes like the Opium Wars. When asked how exactly UK politicians should respond, he replies: "By being honest about it. And being careful about coming across as preachers who don't know enough about their own history."
"For example, we will be far more effective making the case for human rights, democracy and the rule of law in China, which need to improve dramatically, if we come across as a country that has made mistakes in the past but has kind of repented. Sometimes the Chinese have listened to us and said 'you know, you show too little awareness of your role in what we call our century of humiliation'. They know our history often much better than we do."
Byrne says that multi-party democracy will "one day" happen in China, though "I don't know when that day is". "If you look at what happened in Britain in the 19th century, real political pressure began to build once we became a country that on the whole lived in cities. And that's what's going to happen in China over the next 10-20 years. China will become an urban society and history tells us that's when pressure for political reform becomes unstoppable and China knows that. That's why the reformers in the system are beginning to put such a big emphasis now on the need for transparency and crucially the need for rule of law."
He stresses repeatedly that given China's clout, now is exactly the wrong time to be querying Britain's membership of the EU. If Labour won power in 2015, would it want to risk staging and losing an In-Out referendum? And wouldn't it give the Opposition a superb stick with which to beat a new Government? "It would all be very high risk, that's the point. At a point when our economy is in the tank, can it be a priority now? Surely it can't be. Putting our membership of a free trade club in jeopardy, that isn't going to help, it's going to hurt."
Byrne's book also reveals some more detail on his life in Government and it has a fascinating passage about how he and Treasury civil servants picked up in 2009 the real problem of the 'squeezed middle'.
Led by Simon Gallagher, now one of the economic team in the British embassy in Berlin, a special four-strong team of officials drafted a document that spotted that the rot had set in back in 2005, well before the financial crisis. "The Treasury had a secret name for it. It was called the Future of the English Working Class," Byrne reveals. For families on median incomes, real disposable income grew at a neglible 0.14%. The Treasury found that from 2001-2008, UK productivity rose 9%, but workers' share in national earnings fell 73% to 69%.
But although his Treasury wonks picked up the phenomenon of squeezed incomes, it's still unclear exactly what caused it back in 2005. "Nobody knows. This is the big mystery because it gets a lot worse in the States about the same time and it's something that hits Western Europe at about the same time. But for those of us on the left this is one of the great unanswered questions."
"A couple of odd things happen at about the same time. There is huge inward investment. Europe doubles in size. China really begins to pick up its growth rate. Lots of things are happening in the global economy at about this time. Quite why living standards begin to stagnate is hard to know."
He says one explanation came from Cambridge economist Peter Nolan, namely the huge increase in global company mergers that gathers pace after China joined the World Trade Organisation in 2000. "What they are doing is building their high tech stuff in Western countries and their low tech stuff in cheaper countries. That means an unskilled worker in Britain now competes with someone paid 90% less elsewhere. That means that if you are now an unskilled worker you are more likely than not to be out of a job. Some 52% of unskilled workers are out of work in Britain today. These things have got to be linked. I just think globalisation happened much faster than we expected."
Byrne presented the findings to Cabinet in 2010 just before the general election but it got buried. "We picked it up too late," he says. "It was very late in the day, is the truth. A number of us knew that it was too late to do anything about it before the election, but lots of us said 'we need to show that we get it, we need to be finding ways of speaking to this group of people that's been hit so hard'.
"And of course we didn't during the election campaign. We had the Gillian Duffy incident that was a kind of prism through which many of these debates were refracted – and when the results came in our vote amongst C2s had dropped by 20 points, the biggest fall in British political history. And those voters made up one in six of half of the seats we lost. I think this is absolutely one of the things that lost us the election.
"Which is why I was so pleased that Ed Miliband picked up the Squeezed Middle narrative. And since then has comprehensively rebuilt Labour's trust among this group so now C1s and C2s are now majority Labour voters. And crucially, at the last election, overwhelmingly this group of voters said Labour didn't know what it was like to be an ordinary working person and Ed Miliband has just turned those ratings around. It's an incredibly important achievement."
But isn't it true that Labour's soft poll lead shows it is not the only party to have picked up on voter unease and anger on this issue, and that parties like UKIP have made inroads where the Opposition should be?
Byrne replies: "As we move into the final straight towards the next election, people say 'ok we hear what you say about today, how would you be different after 2015?' And that's why last week [the announcements on welfare and the deficit] was so important."
"We are now shifting into an argument about the future not the present. We started to clear the ground last week, we've got a lot more to do over the next couple of years. Some of the fiscal decisions are going to have to come quite late in the day because every time we see George Osborne in the House of Commons, the budget picture gets worse and worse – it's like a bad movie on fast forward."
One Conservative attack line for 2015 is already clear as everyone from the PM down declares that the Labour Party is now 'the Welfare Party'. But Byrne insists: "I'm determined to make sure welfare reform is an election winner not an election loser for Labour at the next election."
Byrne says that much of Labour's policy stems from feedback on the ground as he toured the UK since the election. And the idea of a contributory system, with more for those who pay in more, has proved very popular.
"People right now are frustrated as hell because they feel they pay a shed load of tax and national insurance in and they get bugger all back out when they need it. What people say is 'look, if we stopped paying money to people who didn't need it, there would be more to help those who did need it'. So I'm afraid what we are going to have to do is to say 'well look there do have to be some tough edges'."
Those 'tough edges' now include what Byrne calls "Ed Miliband's triple lock on welfare": a cap on the amount of time you can spend on the dole, a household benefit cap and an overall cap on social security spending.
Byrne praises fellow Labour MP Simon Danczuk, who wrote recently of the need to admit that some people on the dole were 'swinging the lead' and some having children to maximise their benefits. "Simon Danczuk cut right through by giving a very honest and candid account not only of his own upbringing but what he sees in Rochdale. I represent the constituency in Britain, Hodge Hill up there [he points at a map on his wall], with the second highest unemployment in the country. All of our work in the constituency is in one way or another about getting people back to work.
"So what we see clearly is that there are a tiny minority who could be doing more and need to be confronted with some tough choices but there are far more people desperate for work, hungry for work and just shut out and let down by the system."
Ed Balls got into trouble when he said the welfare cap had to include a curb on pensioner spending. Does that show the pitfalls of trying to prove your economic credibility?
Byrne is unabashed: "We've got to show we can be radical with power and realistic about money. That's the absolute key. People are looking for both, that's the truth. The big mindshift is to get into long-term reform."
One Big Reform being run by Iain Duncan Smith is of course the Universal Credit. Ministers claimed in May 2011 that the IT system for the mammoth project would be complete by autumn 2013. But Byrne has just got back some answers to Parliamentary Questions that suggest the deadline of this year has been abandoned. The PQs state only that "plans continue to be developed to support [its] gradual rollout".
He also reveals that senior sources from amongst the five firms working on the half-a-billion pound contract to deliver the Universal Credit IT system have confided that work has been called to a halt and hundreds of IT staff stepped down. On 24 May, Universal Credit was given an "amber-red" rating by the Cabinet Office, a category designating a project in danger of failing and that "successful delivery of the project is in doubt".
Byrne says: "Universal Credit was supposed to be a flagship but it's becoming a car crash. It appears to be being operated with an abacus and a calculator and a quill in Thameside [where one pilot operates]. Every time we get answers back from a question about Universal Credit, it just recedes over the horizon.
"And we are now beginning the think about how do we put together the rescue plan for Universal Credit. We are talking to our colleagues in local government, we are talking to people in industry, we are gearing up to really get inside the implementation of Universal Credit because it's a good idea in principle but a dog's breakfast in practice and we know we are going to have to rescue it."
Byrne reveals he's also looking at how to 'rescue' another flagship IDS project.
"We are doing work on the Work Programme 2.0 now. We have just sent quite a big document out to Labour local government over the last couple of weeks asking them for their views on how we radically localise DWP, based on a lot of research we have done in Canada and Germany over the last few months. In Canada and Germany and Australia you have got back-to-work programmes which are far more localised and we think that's a good idea. We want to get inside how do we do that in Britain."
But IDS believes in localism doesn't he? "When he made his first speeches in Easterhouse, that's precisely what he said. He then drew up one of the most Stalinist contracts that we've got in central government. People in local government are getting tired of it now. Let's think about how we put schools, colleges, universities, councils and DWP on one team making a difference on the ground."
Would that involve private sector too? "Definitely, definitely. We have great relationships with the welfare to work industry, who are also frustrated. A lot of them are thinking of not re-competing for the Work Programme because it has just not worked. The point is we are getting into a lot of those detailed planning discussions now. We are determined to be ready for government."
Despite his optimism and enthusiasm, some Labour MPs have questioned Byrne's commitment to the front bench after he last year threw his hat into the ring to be Mayor of Birmingham. The voters rejected the idea of a directly elected Mayor but Byrne is unrepentant. He says that far from annoyed, Ed Miliband encouraged him.
"He was a huge supporter. The personal support that he gave me was hugely important and impressive and I will always be grateful to him for that."
Byrne also says the episode crystallised his own belief that you have to 'seize the day' when opportunity arises. He points out he grabbed the chance to become an MP largely because of his public service ethos.
"I had a great career in business, I was very happily running the dotcom I had set up after I came back from business school. I wanted to come into politics because I was taught by my parents that you had an obligation to make a difference. Both my parents were in public service: my dad was manager of a local council and my mum was a science teacher. They were the biggest influence on me."
He then adds a poignant note to underline why he believes in grabbing opportunities like the mayoralty. "When my mum died of cancer at the age of 52, as a family we were taught a very harsh and brutal lesson, which is that you don't know how long you've got and if there is something you want to do in life you need to get on and do it."
One suspects that Byrne's mother would have been proud of his baking skills and the way it binds his young family. "Baking is a big love," he says. He was given Annie Bell's Baking Bible for Christmas and has displayed the zealotry of a convert ever since. Despite his workaholic nature, Opposition means "having more time with my kids, so we bake together on Saturdays or Sundays".
And there's one other change that hints at a slightly more relaxed approach to life, thanks to a radical reform of his own personal 'work programme'. He admits he's dropped the infamously strict instructions to staff that involved getting him a soup by 1pm and an espresso at 3pm.
"I think people know the crash caused the deficit. The deficit didn't cause the crash. I think we can hold that line because it's the truth."
"Mandarin is not an easy language…It needs to be much earlier. Why wouldn't you start at primary school?"
"The idea that country of 60m can suddently wander into the mix and go to the front of the queue with special privilieges is fantasy frankly."
"It was a very foolish thing to do. [But] I felt disappointed that some very old conventions had been cast aside for political advantage."
"Let's be blunt. High speed rail is great for Birmingham but the plan to put the marshalling yard in Washwood Heath [in his constituency] is crackers."
Ask most MPs about their first experience of Westminster, and they'll recount a daunting affair; the majestic buildings, the grandeur, the labyrinthine estate, the sense of pride, or even the shattering weight of expectation. Nick Hurd remembers the biscuits.
But then again, Hurd's first walk through the corridors of power came earlier than most. He received his political baptism while still at school, after his father Douglas (now Lord) Hurd was appointed political secretary to Ted Heath. Four years later, the elder Hurd was elected MP for Mid Oxfordshire – the third generation of his family to sit in the Commons.
"I was dragged in. I remember sitting on the sofa in my dad's office, and the Prime Minister walking in being dumbstruck at me sort of rooted there. I was young, 10 or 11, eating biscuits on the sofa and in walks the Prime Minister. He didn't know what to do," Hurd the Younger recalls when asked about his earliest memories of Westminster.
"I remember the day dad was elected," he continues. "I remember elections, being dragged around with my dad, and eating all the biscuits in the branch of the constituency party."
But, biscuit access aside, growing up the son of an MP can be tough. Growing up the son, grandson and great-grandson of an MP is almost unprecedented.
The Hurd name ranks alongside the Benns and the Spencer-Churchills as one of the most prestigious and enduring in British politics. The eldest Hurd, Sir Percy, was first elected in 1918, with his son Anthony entering Parliament in 1945. Douglas completed the Hurd hat-trick in 1974.
For someone whose name was so entwined with the history of Parliament, surely it was only a matter of time before Nick entered the family business?
"When I was growing up I had no idea what I wanted to be, but I knew what I didn't want to be – a Conservative MP," he replies, when quizzed on his childhood ambitions.
The life of political progeny is "not particularly easy", he continues, with a hint of melancholy.
"You don't see as much of your mum or dad as you would like. It's not the ideal environment for bringing up a family.
"I guess in a way that led me into thinking I want something else."
Of course the Civil Society Minister did become a Conservative MP. So what transformed this one-time refusenik into a fully-signed up member of the Hurd dynasty?
"I turned 40 and the public service ethic kicked in," he explains. "I'd spent 18 years in business, five years of that building a business in Brazil, had a fantastic time, but actually just felt it was the right time to start working for other people.
"I guess that was always in me. I probably knew it was always going to get me in the end. But I wanted to go into politics having done something else."
He finally made the leap in 2005, successfully standing in the Tory safe seat of Ruislip-Northwood. While not seen as part of David Cameron's innermost circle, Hurd quickly came to be regarded as an ally of the Tory leader, and in late 2008 was handed responsibility for one of his most cherished projects – the Big Society.
Like the Prime Minister, Hurd was educated at Eton College before attending Oxford University and joining the exclusive and bibulous Bullingdon Club. Unlike David Cameron, who has previously expressed embarrassment over his membership of the controversial clan, Hurd remains tight-lipped. "It's not an issue I'm remotely interested in," he replies when asked about his education.
Accusations of a Downing Street Old Boys' Network, or 'chumocracy', have resurfaced in recent weeks after Cameron brought Jo Johnson and Jesse Norman, two fellow Eton and Oxford alumni, into his Number 10 operation. But Hurd scoffs at the idea of a unique Cameron cabal, pointing out that prime ministers have been promoting allies and like-minded souls for decades.
"Prime ministers, or leaders of parties, have always surrounded themselves with people that they trust. There's always that instinct. Whether it be Margaret Thatcher's 'one of us', or whatever," he says.
"I think that's human nature. I think every prime minister I've known has been accused of that. But I've seen no evidence in my dealings – I'm in and out of Number 10 a lot – and I've seen no evidence of that. I've seen no signs of a 'chumocracy'."
But does he think persistent speculation about a Cameron 'public school clique' is damaging the Conservatives' reputation? Even Tory MPs seem to be getting concerned, with David Davis using a Daily Telegraph interview last month to urge: "Please, no more Old Etonians."
"I don't judge anyone by where they went to school," Hurd replies. "I know our political opponents try to make something of it. But ultimately you're judged by what you do.
"The fundamental issue facing British politics is the public don't trust the politicians. The only way you might build trust is by what you get done – what you do and what you achieve. I think my experience of the British public is that that's much more important than where someone went to school."
The Charity Minister's approach to private schools has not been without its detractors, however. His defence of fee-paying schools, and the charitable status they receive, brought him into conflict with the former head of the Charity Commission, Dame Suzi Leather.
As commission boss, Leather was accused of pursuing a 'class war' against independent schools after demanding they provide more services to the poorest children or face losing their status – which is thought to bring them tax benefits worth more than £100m a year.
Hurd was instinctively uncomfortable with the campaign, he says, suggesting Leather had sought to politicise the commission.
"I thought they were too prescriptive in terms of the fences that independent schools needed to jump in order to get their approval. In my experience, a lot of independent schools do a lot of very good things that justify public benefit and it's best to do that in a not too prescriptive way.
"I thought it would be very difficult for the Charity Commission to sustain an approach that was proactive in picking targets – there was always the suspicion that it was politically motivated…which, whether or not it was, was a problem."
The minister envisages a smoother working relationship with Leather's replacement, the former journalist and writer William Shawcross. A fellow Old Etonian, Shawcross appears ideologically closer to Hurd on the issue, having used his first appearance before MPs to argue that it was up to the schools themselves to decide on the public benefit they offer.
The Royal biographer was a controversial appointment, with some Labour MPs questioning whether such an "outspoken figure" should be trusted in the sensitive role. He has certainly endured an eventful first few months – just last week Public Accounts Committee chair Margaret Hodge questioned whether the commission was even "fit for purpose" after the Cup Trust tax avoidance scandal. But, Hurd argues, the appointment could not have come at a better time.
"The poor guy, he's come into a baptism of fire. He's had Cup Trust, and the Plymouth Brethren issue. But sometimes you need these sort of big, external, catalytic events and situations to give you the space to look at things completely afresh, which is what I think he and the new board will do."
Hurd admits the Cup Trust scandal was a "shocker", which must act as a wakeup call for regulators. But the minister is quick to deny Hodge's claim that the revelations are simply the "tip of an iceberg" which could damage the entire charitable sector.
"I think it's an opportunity to look at things with fresh eyes. The Charity Commission has obviously got to review all its processes and make sure that it is fit for purpose, and is equipped to do the difficult job as well as it can," he explains.
"I've got no evidence that there is an iceberg underneath the water there. What I do see is we've got new leadership in the Charity Commission, we have a lot of faith in William, he's got a new board now.
"What we have said, right from the start, is we expect it to really hunker down on its core regulatory role. I think in the past it's been distracted by other work, and we want it to hunker down on the core regulatory role, and make sure it gets its relationship with the HMRC right so that we don't get any more Cup Trusts."
Hurd is optimistic about the state of Britain's charities, believing Shawcross and his new board have inherited a third sector in far better shape than anyone could have imagined just three years ago.
The minister admits he had some "private concerns" about the vulnerability of the sector when he entered Government in 2010, fearing the squeeze in public spending and living standards would hit charities hard. But, the impassioned Hurd says, the country has instead experienced a "magnificent human response" to difficult financial times.
"It was clear we were going to go through a period of austerity, not just in terms of public finances, but everyone's financial circumstances...No one knew how the public was going to respond," he recalls. "Actually what we've seen, according to the official statistics, is that giving is stable. Which is frankly magnificent, under the circumstances. And volunteering, rather than falling, has actually risen, quite sharply.
"There may be lots of reasons working underneath the surface – but I think actually those two things are just a magnificent human response to difficult times. I think lots of people out there are rolling their sleeves up and thinking 'how can I help? how can I get involved?'"
The minister, who has retained responsibility for David Cameron's Big Society idea since its infancy, is determined to help communities take advantage of this growing enthusiasm. He appeared alongside the Prime Minister at a social investment event last week, where they unveiled a new £250m fund to help communities take over facilities threatened with closure.
While Hurd denies this was another Big Society relaunch – "I know the press always love to call any Big Society event or speech a relaunch, but it wasn't" – he says it proves the Government is serious about the project and committed for the long-term.
"The Prime Minister, looking at the G8 opportunity, presumably had a long menu of options to choose from, and he decided that he wanted to put social investment on the agenda. Why? Because we're the world-leaders in developing this idea that you can mobilise capital behind a simple proposition – that you can invest for the common good, and get your money back.
"The flagship of that is Big Society Capital, the world's first social investment institution. It's investing, it's committing money. So this has moved beyond vision and pipe dream and speeches into investments of time and money and partnerships that are actually making a difference. It's early days, but I can see clear momentum."
He admits the Big Society has drawn "its fair share of flak" over the years, but says businesses are now champing at the bit to get involved as the project takes shape on the ground. So how big can the Big Society be? Will we see community-owned pubs in every town in Britain?
"We're seeing more and more community-owned shops, libraries, pubs, whatever it is. But it needs financing, and it needs financing on affordable terms. That's the gap that Big Society Capital and Big Lottery want to fill.
"The scope of that could be very big, but it's just one subsector of a much bigger opportunity if we can prove that you can invest, for a measurable social impact, and get a positive financial return. Because if you can do that, we will move a lot of money into the social sector and transform the funding environment."
Hurd retains his man-on-a-mission enthusiasm for the project, and his commitment is clear. But last month marked four-and-a-half years since he was first handed the charities brief in opposition. So with the Big Society idea firmly off the ground, and rumours of a summer reshuffle on the way, is he itching for a fresh challenge and a change of scenery?
"I'm feeling more enthusiastic about this brief than I did when I started. I've done it for a long time, in opposition and now in Government. I've always been a very strong supporter of the Big Society vision and would love the chance to see it through," he says, before adding: "But, when you've been exposed to politics as long as I have, you know the vagaries of these things."
The minister has indeed been exposed to politics longer than most. But with his father and grandfather both making the transition to The Other Place after long stints in the Commons, this is one Westminster dynasty we may be hearing from for some time yet.
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text:
didnt like oregon state win the championship
Oliver didn't throw yesterday, right? He was slated as the starter today.
didnt like oregon state win the championship
Maine actually threw in the bullpen yesterday during the game although they didn't use him in the game, it was at that time they decided to bring up Maine.Originally Posted by JumbalayaJet
He pitched a good 4 1/3 innings and then started to walk a lot of guys.
Maine was in AAA yesteday.Originally Posted by MrSFJFC
Oliver was throwing yesterday. Oliver has been one of the Mets best pitchers this year.
I saw he walked the P to load the bases. From the highlights, he's got a live fastball. Hopefully the meltdown won't effect him. It shouldn't, because they weren't exactly knocking him around. Rookie mistakes, that's all. Kid's got some stuff, and that's most welcome. I have a feeling he'll stick. Now what happened with Pelfrey? Recent start in the minors? Was caught hanging out w/ Keppinger?Originally Posted by MrSFJFC
I saw some cash go the wrong way on that one myself.Originally Posted by doggystyle
I think Pelfry started on Saturday and wasnt on track to pitch for Monday. I expect him to be up with the Mets after the All Star break as the fifth gu.Originally Posted by JumbalayaJet
Soler was sent down and Maine was brought up to start today.I think they are done with Soler for awhile.Originally Posted by JumbalayaJet
I've been hoping for that even before watching him in person the last 2 starts. Soler simply has no action on his pitches. Maine, on the other hand has some pop. Can't wait to see Pelfrey. Wouldn't mind a return of Royce Ring either.Originally Posted by george jetfan from miami
Originally Posted by Jason423
He'll probably be up this saturday.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Food with crab in it. Need Recs
- Tourettes Apr 21, 2009 12:03 PM
I am currently writing an article for Baltimore Metromix on crab related foods and would like to know of any restaurants/ bars/ cafes that have unique crab items on their menus (i.e crab ball, crab fluff, crab cakes, stuffed mushrooms etc.). Its a relatively open article and I would like to cover some interesting dishes. There are people who read this board that have been to place I haven't been yet. If anyone has any ideas, I would appreciate the suggestions.
Edgewater Restaurant on Mayo Rd., off Rt 2 a couple of miles south of Annapolis. Best crab cake anywhere. It's a throwback to Anne arundel Co. in the 50's and 60's, the recipe hasn't changed.
O'Donnell's Seafood Restaurant in Gaithersburg has Norfolk-style jumbo lump crab which is sauteed in butter and drizzled with tarragon vinegar.
The crab imperial at The Prime Rib in DC is an unbelievable way to start any meal there.
I remember some interesting crab items on the Carroll's Creek menu last summer. I can't remember exactly what we ordered but I think one dish had an almost latin and asian flavor to it.
Dutch's Daughter, Frederick, MD Sunday Brunch with various crab items on it (Crab Dip, Crab Soup, Crab Omelet's the last time I was there)
The Dogwood has crab stuffed-baked oysters, using Choptank Sweets oysters and Louisiana crabmeat.
re: Tourettes
There's the infamous crab pretzel at Bill Bateman's Bistros.
re: bordeauxfan
I thought Bill Bateman's just sells the Phillip's crab pretzel, but looking at their menu, I might be wrong. The Silver Spring Mining Company has a fantastic crab pretzel.
re: Tourettes
The MD Corn and Crab Dog at Diamondback Tavern
Of course there is the crab cakes at Faidley's in Lexington Market and at G and M in Linthicum.
the crab imperial stuffed rockfish at The Prime Rib is outstanding. Your next article should be the thousands of horrendous crab dishes that area restaurants put out. Being a native Baltimorean now in DC area I am extremely critical of the crab dishes most places serve. Also great is the crab bisque at the Olney Grille in Olney
So the article came out the other day. Here it is:
Thanks for all of the help everyone. Hope you enjoy it.
re: Tourettes
thanks... Pretty good article... one objection... what's with the picture of steamed crabs with PBR? Now I like PBR, and I would hate to admit to the amount of PBR consumed in my lifetime... BUT HEY! Natty Boh is the only beer that should be shown with crabs in an article about Bal'mer! (Even if Natty Boh hasn't been brewed here in decades). PS Gunther's or Arrow 77 would be even better.. hint to a marketteer.
re: JRCann
Well, that is what I was drinking at the time, so it went into a couple of the pics that I took. My editor chose that one. That same piece just ran today in B magazine as the main article. That was a nice surprise.


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Petit Chateau LaBurague
Gite | 8 bedrooms | sleeps 20
|Key Info
Once installed in Petit chateau Laburague, daily excursions to explore the magnificent sites, morning and evening markets, canoeing, golfing, horse riding, hicking and cycling are a definite option. Relaxing in the garden or by the pool, swimming by day and night are all wellcome breaks. The kitchen facilities invite home cooking and the BBQ eating out in the garden. The supermarket Shoppie is just 500m away and Cenac has a good bulangerie, butcher and wine shops. If one choses to eat out, there are nearby good restaurants, some of them Michelin reccomended, which offer gourme food dining. Children can swim, play on the premises and enjoy exploring theme parks and caves.
|Sleeps up to 20, 8 bedrooms
|Nearest beach
|Will consider
|Short breaks (1-4 days)
|Car essential, Wheelchair users
|Nearest Amenities
|500 m
|Nearest travel links
|Nearest airport: Toulouse (170 km.), Bergerac (70),Brive-Souillac(5, Nearest railway: Sarlat (12 km), Gourdon (24) Souillac (35) Brive
|Family friendly
|Great for children of all ages, Suitable for people with restricted mobility
|No pets allowed, No smoking at this property
Features and Facilities
|Log fire, Internet access, DVD player
|Central heating, TV, Video player, CD player, Satellite TV, Wi-Fi available
|Kettle, Toaster, Iron, Hair dryer
|Dishwasher, Cooker, Microwave, Fridge, Washing machine
|8 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms of which 2 Family bathrooms and 6 En suites
|Single beds (6), Double beds (15), Cots (1), Dining seats for 20
|Linen provided, Towels provided
|Private garden, BBQ
|Parking, Wheelchair users
|Further details outdoors
The large grange can serve as a gathering place for lectures, for children to play or BBQ cooking on a rainy day,
|Further details
The garden has garden furniture, barbeque, and trees to provide shade. The tenants are welcom to enjoy the fruits in season.
The large pool on the property is fully secluded with beautiful views of the countryside and is shared by the two gîtes only. At night the pool is lit from below as well as above. The pool is large (14x6 m.) and shaded
There is no lifeguard on premises and children are not alowed in without parental supervision!
The Aquitaine/Dordogne region
"Périgord Noir" (Black Périgord) surrounding the administrative center of Sarlat, overlooks the valleys of the Vézère and the Dordogne, where the woods of oak and pine give it its name.
In addition to its castles, chateaux, churches, bastides and cave fortresses, the Périgord region has preserved from centuries past, a number of wonderful villages which still have their market halls, dovecotes, tories (stone huts), churches, abbeys and castles.
" Les plus beaux villages" of France : Domme, Beynac, La Roque Gageac, are within 10 min. drive from the gite.
Numerous castels and bastides, seen along the Dordogne river, impart a fairytale like sensation . They can also be visited.
.Michael Crichton's filmed novel, Timeline, is placed in mediaval times of the Dordogne, with Castelnaud as the main site of the plot.
The region is famous for its extremely well preserved prehistoric caves with expressive wall paintings,dating up to 40 000 years ago/
Dordogne is considered to be the capital of culinary pleasures.
Tourists from all over the world flock in summer months touring , canoeing, trecking, byking, horse riding, golfing,swimming and simply relaxing in one of this most beautiful parts of the world.
Cenac et Saint Julien lies in the center of Perigord Noire along the Dordogne river, in a close proximity to the houses of Domme.
The mediaval city of Sarlat Le Caneda- a world heritage- is within 10 min drive from the gite.
La Roque Gageac and the Chateaux de Beynac,de Castelnaud, de Milandes (of Josephine Baker), de Monfort- are all near by.
Prehistoric caves, famous gardens, the village of Rocamadour and all other famous tourist attractions are within an easy driving distance
. Day markets and evening markets during the summer are held on specific days of the week in most villages, with the famous market of Sarlat held on each Saturday. The market in Cenac is held every Tuesday.
Bathing in the Dordogne , swimming and relaxing in the superb privet pooll with its surrounding greenery have been regularily praised.
Cenac has a supermarket, book shop, restaurants, boulangeries, pharmacy , doctors , etc.
Availability Your dates are available
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8 Sep 2013
"great place to stay for large group ( 10 people )"
we have stayed a group of 15 people in "petit chateau laburague" ( Glycine and laurier ) and found excellent place to stay for large group of people.It is large and spacious with very large … More
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The First Presbyterian Church and First United Method Church have once again partnered to sponsor a pumpkin patch in Cuero. The patch is at the Presbyterian church courtyard. About 650 students from Cuero, Yorktown, Yoakum and Runge will tour the pumpkin patch through Oct. 31. Students also participated in games and storytime. Diane Westmoreland, church volunteer, said 1,248 large pumpkins were ordered for the patch. Each student was given a free small pumpkin before returning to school. Photos by Elizabeth Rodriguez/CueroRecord.
Cuero ISD parents and family members are invited and encouraged to enjoy guest speaker Ruben Perez at the Victoria Community Center at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30. Perez will present a program titled, "Help! My Child Came Without an Owner's Manual." Parent/teacher/child relationships will be discussed and Perez will share parenting tips.
Habitat for Humanity of DeWitt County hosted a home dedication celebration today. The home on 400 W. Hamilton St. was presented to Tierney McKaine.
The City of Cuero collected electronic waste Sept. 28 at the city park basketball pavilion. Computers, printers, monitors, TVs, microwaves, and copiers were collected. The total amount collected was 16,994 pounds. The hosted collected 10,440 pounds of electronic waste in March. Following is a report of environment savings according to a report from Cooperative Teamwork & Recycling Assistance: 144 trees saved; 34,383 kilowatt hours saved; 59,479 gallons of water saved; 25 cubic yards of landfill saved; 510 pounds of air pollution saved; and $297.40 of landfill fees saved. Shown with some of the waste collected is city employee Val Hopkins. Contributed photo.
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The Cuero Record
P.O. Box 351
Cuero, TX 77954
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133 E. Main
Yorktown, TX 78164-0398
Copyright 2012 | Dewitt County Today | All Rights Reserved


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Often used to describe artists who use Tape loops or Loop pedals to repeat certain musical lines. This is common in bands with few members to include multiple musical parts by looping parts and adding onto those looped sections (e.g. duo Giraffes? Giraffes! and solo act Girlfriends).
Juan Stewart
Tagged: Ambient Post-rock Experimental Argentina Indietronica
Andrés Correa
Tagged: Under 2000 Listeners Colombian Rock Indie Pop Rock Latinoamericano Mugre
Tagged: Instrumental Epic Depressing Game Angry
Fairly Smashed (Chris Lange)
Tagged: Pink Floyd Hangzou China Ufo China Ufo Fairly Under 2000 Listeners
Futures Passed
Tagged: Redheaded Musicians Youtube Poop Music Video Virally Yours Fpfm Under 2000 Listeners


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Linux happenings in '06
As we return to work this first week of 2006, Linux users with the post-holiday blahs, cabin fever or seasonal affective disorder should be glad to know there is a lot to look forward to this year.
Here is a rundown of expected Linux happenings in 2006.
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The following tags matches your search terms: Waraku, Pasta de Waraku
We found 7 results in our internal search. The following list displays all posts that have prices, sales, events or other happenings related to Waraku in Singapore, with the latest (November 2014) first.
1-for 1 Dining Treats and more this Great Singapore Sale... MORE >>
That Special Christmas Feeling. Now to Wed 25 Dec 2013 at Interior Department, B1, Takashimaya Department Store... MORE >>
Changi Airport is offering you to enjoy delicious lunches at fantastic prices at Changi Airport public areas. With widespread selections ranging from delectable Asian cuisines to quick and yummy burgers, your favourite F&B outlets have just given you more reasons to dine out with family and friends. ... MORE >>
Shop and dine at The Heeren with savings of 40% off with these shopping vouchers which can be used at any store in the building. Only $6 instead of $10. Learn how to get this offer before it expires soon... MORE >>
Enjoy a special offer of $19 for $38 worth of Japanese Cuisine at Waraku or Pasta De Waraku at The Heeren, that's 50% off the usual price. Learn how to get this offer before it expires soon... MORE >>
Enjoy 50% off, that's $12.50 for $25 worth of Japanese Cuisine at Pasta De Waraku at Marina Square. Learn how to get this deal before it expires soon.... MORE >>
Enjoy 50% off, that's $20 for $40 worth of Japanese cuisine at Waraku Marina Square. Learn how to get this deal before it expires soon.... MORE >>
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Or try more general queries or lesser keywords:
Amazon has started their Black Friday deals and offers from 21 November through 29 November 2014
Sign up & receive a FREE a Delsey Helium 28" luggage (worth S$529) plus an additional Delsey Helium 23.5" luggage (worth S$449) with an additional supplementary card sign up.


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Matchbox Twenty and Goo Goo Dolls at Jiffy Lube Live
* Additional fees apply.
The last date listed for Matchbox Twenty and Goo Goo Dolls was Saturday August 10, 2013 / 7:00pm.
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Danny Elfman's Music From the Films of Tim Burton: National Symphony Orchestra
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Original sketches by director Tim Burton (Batman, Alice in Wonderland) provide ...Learn More
Venue Details
Be prepared to spend time waiting to exit Jiffy Lube Live!Matchbox Twenty and Goo Goo Dolls travel • Aug 14 2013 star this tip starred
Large beer, many brands, available for $11Rihanna: Last Girl on Earth Tour info • Aug 26 2010 star this tip starred
Reviews & Ratings
Featured review from Goldstar MemberRed Velvet
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Best concert experience to date. Matchbox 20 and the Goo Goo Dolls both gave outstanding performances. Seats through Gold Star were fabulous. Will be back when they come through next year!
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Rob Thomas is amazing!
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The view from my seat was great. Loved both groups & there was a great mix between the old favorites and the new songs. I do wish the Goo Goo Dolls could have played longer..an hour just was not long enough.
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Very happy with our seats! Both bands were awesome. Would definitely go see them again!


text:
A growing number of Windows Store and Windows Phone Store apps are websites wrapped inside app wrappers. That's not a good thing.Read More
OneDrive announces a new free tier of 15GB, reduces prices for storage purchase and increases storage included with Office 365 to 1TB.Read More
Microsoft's Power BI team did an Ask Me Anything and provided good responses to questions asked. Here is a summary.Read More
The Windows Phone Podcasts app has a lot to like but some key features and annoyances need to be in place to make it a slam dunk winner.Read More
The Surface Pro 3 is a great laptop replacement. What does the Surface Family of devices say about Microsoft's plans?Read More
Several updates, including external storage support, are coming to Xbox One in the June update.Read More
If you bought Xbox LIVE Gold and don't need it after June, you can request a refund after the update rolls out.Read More
Microsoft has announced Advanced Rules and few other features for Outlook.com to help keep your inbox in shape and make it easier to see the email that matters to you.Read More
Two big cost-cutting moves made by Microsoft: Xbox One will be sold without Kinect and entertainment apps will now be free and not require Xbox LIVE Gold.Read More
Joe Belfiore revealed that a Windows Phone File Manager app is coming, hopefully by the end of May. It is needed, but not for what you may be thinking.Read More
Windows 8 introduced Smart Search and starting this week, that gets natural language support making it smarter.Read More
Microsoft announced several updates to OneDrive for Business including storage bump to 1TB per user. It is a serious contender for businesses of any size.Read More
Among the most anticipated features in Windows Phone, Action Center is a winner because it takes the best of Android and iOS implementation and delights us.Read More
Microsoft Ventures in India has announced the launch of JumpStart, a hotline to provide startups and entrepreneurs with a resource to ask business and technical questions.Read More
Many of the changes made in Windows 8.1 Update are directly for simplifying mouse users' lives in Windows 8.1.Read More


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EKU 28 Beer: Urinal
To highlight the 11% alcohol content of EKU 28 – one of the strongest beers in the world – this campaign warns drinkers about the potential dangers of going overboard.
Advertising Agency: Grey Hong Kong/Itect
Creative Directors: Paul Chan
Copywriter: Paul Chan
Art Director: Joe Harris
Animator: Billy Wai
5 comments
xerecOct 08, 2007 - 14:54
Why do you need the first part of the commercial?
Why do you have to tell people how to enjoy the beer?


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Wednesday, 26 November 2014
Last updated 9 hours ago
May 23 2012 | 3:21am ET
Master limited partnerships specialist Swank Capital has opened its first hedge fund to outside capital.
The $2 billion Dallas-based firm launched the Cushing GP Strategies Fund six years ago. But with increasing interest and increasing opportunities in the energy space, Swank has decided to market the vehicle, hoping to increase its assets from $105 million to several hundred million dollars.
In addition, the decade-old firm is mulling a second hedge fund launch.
"This is a great time for the MLP sector because of the large growth in oil and gas production in this country," Managing director Terry Beneke, a recent hire, told HFMWeek.
Beneke joined Swank from Putnam Investments to bolster its fundraising drive. The firm also hired family office veteran Adam Evans to that end.
Cushing GP returned 15.8% last year and is up 5.9% this year.
Nov 24 2014 | 12:41pm ET
Neil Azous is the founder and managing member of Rareview Macro, an advisory firm...
Nov 25 2014 | 5:52pm ET
Steve Schwarzman had a granddaughter yesterday morning. Last night he sat one table...
Nov 14 2014 | 6:03am ET
Peer-to-peer lending was invented with the individual investor in mind. But despite...
Nov 4 2014 | 9:45am ET
Data management is important to every business, but for hedge funds, it is critical. FINalternatives recently asked Peter Sanchez, CEO of Northern Trust Hedge Fund Services, how fund managers can deal with the demands of managing data while at the same time remain transparent and abide by operational best practices. Read more…
Oct 22 2014 | 9:46am ET
We are always looking for guest articles from hedge fund managers and buy-side firms.
If you are interested in submitting a contributed piece for possible publication on FINalternatives, please take a look at the specs. Read more…
Reg NMS created a huge bifurcation in equity markets and while much of what has followed has been positive, in terms of lower fees and greater liquidity, many traders would like to see the market come...
Senator Paul sat down in the debut series of the Alpha Pages Interview to discuss the broken tax code, regulation surrounding Bitcoin, and his plans for the 2016 Presidential election.


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My baby is already 17 months old! I don't know where the time went!! All anyone asks me lately is when I'm having another and I feel like I just had her, its insane. I haven't really done a shoot with her in a while because she's been so difficult to photograph since she started walking!! Well, today I got my new studio light and figured I should test it out and I'm loving it!! Now all I need is a studio and I'm set!! lol. One day hopefully. Anyway, here's my Talia!!
I resorted to bribing her with a cookie, hey whatever works!!
she loves these ugly rain boots we bought at Target, I love this shot.
my crazy lady!
her hair is at an in between stage so its usually a big mess. I can just put it into pigtails but she usually pulls them out within minutes!
a natural!
Daddy's home! (and needs a haircut desperately!! lol)


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King stays hot, routs Henry Ford 78-11
Martin Luther King, the defending Detroit PSL Girls' Basketball Champion, is on a quest to capture another PSL Title, and possibly a state championship. The Crusaders (4-0, 2-0 PSL Div.1 East) routed Henry Ford 78-11 in a Dec. 14 PSL Division I matchup to remain unbeaten. ...Read more ›


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Xbox 360
This page contains Fallout 3: Operation Anchorage Unlockables for Xbox 360 called "Normal Achievements" and has been posted or updated on Feb 10, 2009 by E-ANASTA. Let us know what you think of this Unlockable by thumbs voting.
- Developer: Bethesda Game Studios
- Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
- Genre: Role-Playing First-Person
- Release Date: Jan 27, 2009
- ESRB: Mature
Normal Achievements
Complete one of the following achievements to collect their Xbox Gamerscore points:
|How to Unlock:
|Aiding the Outcasts (20)
|Completed "Aiding the Outcasts"
|Operation: Anchorage (40)
|Completed "Operation: Anchorage"
|Paving the Way (20)
|Completed "Paving the Way"
|The Guns of Anchorage (20)
|Completed "The Guns of Anchorage"
More Unlockables
Back to all Cheats
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Story: Nov 24, 2014
Artist-in-residence Chi-Yu Liao appreciates CIA reception
CIA Exhibition: Nov 07, 2014
Fall 2014 Exhibitions
Story: Nov 15, 2014
Students capture two of the top prizes in museum's surreal d...
Events: Dec 01, 2014
The Art of Designing Everything
Social: about 15 hours ago via Facebook
Complete your application by Dec. 1 to ensure consideration for all scholarships and grants offered by CIA. For more information, visit: http://ow.ly/EW2BR.
Story: Nov 04, 2014
New CIA building taking shape; set for December completion
Events: Dec 05, 2014
Student Holiday Craft Sale
Story: Aug 18, 2014
CIA again named to "Best in the Midwest" list
News . Feature Stories . The 2008 Faculty Show in The Plain Dealer
September 22, 2008
Steven Litt, Art Critic for the Cleveland Plain Dealer, reviews the 2008 Faculty Exhibit.
For Immediate Release: September 22, 2008
Steven Litt, The Plain Dealer Art Critic, recently visited the 2008 Faculty Exhibit and liked what he saw. "This year's faculty show represents the art institute at its best," Litt writes.
Read the full article here.
For more information about this or other CIA news, contact us here.


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Police Department victim advocate position reinstated
Date: February 1, 2013
by: Roger Drouin | City Editor
The Sarasota Police Department has named Jude Castro, formerly of Crescent City, as the department's new victim advocate.
According to a press release, Castro has relocated to Sarasota and in her first few weeks of getting oriented, has already reached out to numerous victims of crimes offering assistance.
The Victim Advocate position was eliminated two years ago due to budget constraints; however, after receiving a report from the Independent Police Advisory Panel emphasizing the community-wide need for such a position, the City Commission reinstated it for the 2012-2013 budget, which began October 1.
The Victim Advocate provides services and support for crime victims, and is also the liaison between the Sarasota Police Department, the State Attorney's Office and various community support groups, which work to protect crime victims' rights.
"This position is an essential component in maintaining continuity so that difficult cases can be brought to a successful and timely resolution," said Mayor Suzanne Atwell. "The report really highlighted the critical need to support victims and for one staff person to keep tabs on a case as it winds its way through the process."
In 2012, the Sarasota Police Department investigated 237 domestic violence incidents resulting in 165 arrests.
If you are a victim of a crime committed in the City of Sarasota and are in need of assistance, you may reach Jude Castro at (941) 954-7021
Currently 0 Responses
- Nov
29 Light Up Siesta Village and Holiday Parade
5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
- Nov
30 Advent Procession
6:00 pm
- Dec
3 Rachel's Challenge Anti-Bullying Event hosted by The Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
- Dec
4 Ringling Holiday Splendor
5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
The gift of music
Riverview High School received a donation of $5,000 during a break in the Kiltie Band Fall concert on Nov. 20.
Coming together for the community
All Faiths Food Bank called on volunteers to help distribute 7,000 Thanksgiving dinners Saturday.
Observer on the hunt for displays
We're making our list of the best holiday lights displays in Sarasota and checking it twice.


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You will need to do a lot of work before you go. You will need the county and townland where your family came from. You'll have to trace back from here. If you're lucky, someone else in your family will have the information you need. Check out my genealogical pages on http://www.isd.net/bconlan
Who knows?
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|© 2007 The Generations Network


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Boston Red Sox vs. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Boston Red Sox Battle it Out With Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Full Price
$25.00 - $75.00
Our Price
$14.00 - $67.00*
Get ready for an exciting evening of baseball as East Coast meets West Coast in this important three-game series pitting the Boston Red Sox against hosts Angels of Anaheim. The Angels made a big splash with their signing of Albert Pujols in the offseason, a move that is now paying dividends as they race toward another playoff appearance. The Red Sox also shook things up this year by hiring controversial skipper Bobby Valentine to oversee a talented roster that includes the powerful Adrian Gonzalez and scrappy Dustin Pedroia.
* Additional fees apply.
All offers for Boston Red Sox vs. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim have expired.
The last date listed for Boston Red Sox vs. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim was Thursday August 30, 2012 / 7:05pm.
Most Popular Sports Event Nearby
Enjoy the Clippers in Style With Suite Tickets
- Full Price:
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Now's your chance to watch the high-flying Los Angeles Clippers in luxury with STAPLES Center eve...Learn More
Venue Details
Melissa Carol Gomez
Get to tge game early! You can go to field level and try to fet autographs and catch some balls from batting practice!Baltimore Orioles vs. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim info • Jul 24 2014 star this tip starred
food is expensive eat before you go!!! $$ for hot dog and drinkTampa Bay Rays vs. Los Angeles Angels dining • Jul 23 2014 star this tip starred
Reviews & Ratings
Featured review from Sharon Perlmuter
view more less of this review
Loved seeing the Angels play so well....
The seats could have been better....
The food is terribly expensive at Anaheim Stadium...
attended Aug 30 2012
star this review starred report as inappropriate
Golstar provided excellent seats in the section that i purchased and couldn't have been any better seats.
attended Aug 28 2012
star this review starred report as inappropriate
Great seats. Front row. That was a big surprise.
More Information
Major League Baseball trademarks and copyrights are used with permission of MLB.com. All rights reserved.
About the Ticket Supplier: Angels BaseballThe Angels were founded by former actor Gene Autry in 1961 and played their first five seasons in Los Angeles. After the 1965 season the club moved to Anaheim and began playing in their new stadium.
In 1972 the Angels acquired right-handed pitcher Nolan Ryan from the New York Mets. In his eight seasons with the team, Ryan led the league in strikeouts seven times and in shutouts twice; he also threw four of his all-time-record seven no-hitters.
California won its first division title in 1979 under manager Jim Fregosi, a former Angels shortstop. Don Baylor, who led the league in runs batted in (RBIs) and runs scored that year, became the first designated hitter to be named the AL most valuable player (MVP).
Superstar outfielder and designated hitter Reggie Jackson joined the Angels in 1982 and led the league in home runs to power California to its second division championship.
Manager Gene Mauch guided the team to a 93-69 win-loss record before the Milwaukee Brewers defeated the Angels in the AL Championship Series.
Mauch retired in 1983 but returned as manager two years later. In 1986 he directed the Angels to their third division crown with a team that featured veterans Jackson, third baseman Doug DeCinces, pitcher Don Sutton, and rookie first baseman Wally Joyner. The Angels again lost the AL Championship Series, this time to the Boston Red Sox.
The Angels came close to a division title in 1995, ending the season in a first-place tie with the Seattle Mariners, but they lost in a one-game playoff.
Their four decade long quest was finally realized when the Angels won the World Series in 2002, with a team led by former Dodgers catcher Mike Scioscia.


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Giveaway Alert: Michael Franti & Spearhead Album and T-Shirt
Celebuzz is giving away the brand-new Michael Franti & Spearhead album -- plus a cool t-shirt!
The band is famous for blending hip hop with many more music styles, including funk, reggae, jazz, folk, and rock. Their latest album, The Sound of Sunshine, features their hit "Hey, Hey, Hey" and the new single "I'll Be Waiting."
To enter, simply tell Celebuzz your favorite musical genre in the comments below! Giveaway ends April 7, 2011.


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Bosnia and Herzegovina was the most surprising country to visit on my entire six-month trip around the Balkans. I really knew nothing about the place, but since I'd have to drive through there on my way from Montenegro to Croatia, I thought, why not? It's now one of my favourite countries.
Where to Go in August: 20 Great Summer Travel Spots
Summer is almost over and if you haven't had a vacation yet, it's time to start planning. August is the prime time to visit many cities around the world, plus many festivals and fairs occur in August. Take your pick from this compilation of some of the top spots to visit in August and start planning – it's not too late for a last minute summer getaway.
August 4, 2014 by Gina Douglas Tarnacki
2 Comments
How to Snack Like a Local in Europe
With so much food in the world to try, every traveler needs an excuse to snack between meals. Happily, many European countries build snacking right in to their culinary culture.
Top Photos of the Month: August Beach Party
Top Photos of the Month: August Beaches
Announcing Our July Instagram Photo Contest Winners!
Here are our Top Ten photos from the July "America the Beautiful" Instagram photo contest!
The Big Five and Beyond: Going on Safari in the Serengeti
Big Five hunting has waned in popularity, but there's still a good deal of status associated with bagging a lion or an elephant for sport. How much better to go on a safari with only the intent of seeing, not diminishing these populations?
July 28, 2014 by Viator Travel Team
0 Comments
Not Your Typical Viator Deal Alert! Viator Joins the TripAdvisor Family
It's official, and we're thrilled – Viator has signed an agreement to be acquired by TripAdvisor. Let's let that sink in a little bit… When Viator was founded as a travel technology company in 1995, airlines, hotel companies and even car rental companies had already brought their products online. But there was no one-stop […]
July 24, 2014 by Barrie Seidenberg
0 Comments
Independent Stonehenge and Bath Afternoon Tour from London
As one of the world's most fascinating architectural sites, Stonehenge has long been on my travel 'to do' list. When the opportunity finally arose this spring, I was more than a little excited. Figuring that the 90 minute trip from London warranted a full day out, I opted to include the charming town of Bath – famous for its ancient Roman Baths and Jane Austen Centre – to the itinerary.
July 23, 2014 by Viator Travel Team
0 Comments
Festivals Happening Around the World in July
The summery (at least for the Northern Hemisphere) month of July is host to a number of exciting festivals around the globe. From America's Independence Day to the Darwin Beer Can Regatta, here are some of the month's most fascinating festivals.
July 16, 2014 by David Jennings
4 Comments
Nairobi in One Day
Most people find themselves in Nairobi on either end of a safari trip. The city is Kenya's capital and main area of business in the region. Aside from the few favorite restaurants in the downtown area, the city itself doesn't offer a lot of action for tourists. The best way we found to spend a day in Nairobi is to explore the many attractions outside of the city limits. We toured the Nairobi National park, Langata Giraffe Center, and the home of one of Kenya's most famous past resident Karen Blixen.
July 14, 2014 by Viator Travel Team
0 Comments


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Select () or exclude () categories to narrow your recipe search.
As you select categories, the number of matching recipes will update.
Find exactly what you're looking for with the web's most powerful recipe filtering tool.
1/2 Photos of Wild Rice Salad
Prep Time:
Cook Time:
15 mins
0 mins
Lovely crunchy summer salad, Compliments any grilled dinner.
Units: US | Metric
Serving Size: 1 (227 g)
Servings Per Recipe: 8
Every recipe, menu, tip and how-to is right here, at your service.


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Review Summary
philosophy take a deep breath energizing oxygen gel cream moisturizer
Price $35.00
Shipping your purchase is easy on belk.com. Depending on the destination of your package, you can expect it to arrive within 4-7 business days. Shipping Information
Returns are easy on belk.com. Easy returns
More from: philosophy


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Find commute times to your work, school, gym and more.
Village Green
Contact this property
Floor Plans
Move In Special
For value, convenient living, and exceptional customer service, look no further than Village Green.
Prices, specials, features and availability subject to change.
Property Features
- Security
- Controlled Access
- Gated Access
- Convenience
- Extra Storage
- High Speed Internet Access
- On Site Maintenance
- On Site Management
- Leisure
- Fitness Center
- Swimming Pool
- Tennis Court(s)
- Laundry
- Laundry Facility
- Utilities Included
- Some Paid Utilities
- Other
- Beautiful Landscaping
- Custom accent walls
- Emergency Maintenance
- Heat or hot water included*
- Landscaping
- Patio
- Renovated kitchens
Units may feature
- Amenities
- Air Conditioning
- Carpeting
- Garbage Disposal
- Outdoor
- Balcony
Property Details
For value, convenient living, and exceptional customer service, look no further than Village Green.
Welcome home to Village Green Apartments! For value, convenient living, and exceptional customer service, look no further than Village Green. Located in the heart of Plainville, MA, apartment rentals. A few of the features and amenities we offer are swimming pool, fitness center, sauna, pet friendly, tennis court, computer cafe, controlled access, extra storage, air conditioning...and so much more!! Plainville, MA is approximately located in relation to: 5 miles North of North Attleborough, MA; 6 miles West of Mansfield, MA; 6 miles Southwest of Foxboro, MA; 4 miles South of Wrentham, MA; 6 miles Southeast of Franklin, MA and 10 miles South of Walpole, MA.
Leasing Information
Pet Policy
Dogs Allowed. Cats Allowed. Pets Accepted. Call for service animal policy.
Lease terms are variable. Please inquire with property staff.
Pet Policy: Maximum 2 pets per apartment. Restrictions: Dog and Cats allowed
For more information, please
or check availability.
Office Hours
Monday-Friday: 9:00am-6:00pm
Saturday: 10:00am-5:00pm
Sunday: 11:00am-3:00pm
Managed by
Chestnut Hill Realty
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Similar Properties
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Neighborhood Info
Ratings & Reviews
5 stars
4 stars
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1 stars
debra m.
Maintenance and Office staff are amazing, The grounds here are kept in perfect condition. Office staff is alwa Read Moreys very helpful and pleasant to deal with and they go to great lengths to bring residents together with the holiday parties and all the charitable events they do through out the year. Its great being part of a apartment community and not just a apartment complex.
January 17, 2014
Pamela C.
Great location, responsive staff, very quiet and comfortable place to live, other residents are very friendly.
January 18, 2014
Leah V.
Affordable, nice grounds, low utility prices, ample parking.
January 21, 2014
Nicole S.
It was a clean, quiet, and friendly atmosphere to live in. Never had any problems with neighbors, or with the Read More staff. Whenever we had a problem or question, the office staff responded very quickly. I really enjoyed the gym and pool at the complex; they were well cared-for facilities. The only thing I would have liked more of was community-building activities that could connect my partner & I with our neighbors. It was hard to meet people while living there, especially without having kids.
January 18, 2014
Village Green Resident
great location, but overpriced considering it's electric heat and the renter pays electric. management was qui Read Moreck to respond to any issues we had.
January 15, 2014


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The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia posted an update today on its joint #unblockbikelanes Twitter campaign with the Philadelphia Parking Authority. Between January and March, the campaign, which launched in December, generated 55 complaints, and PPA reports that it doled out 264 tickets to cars illegally parked in bike lanes; the bulk of the tickets were issued on Spruce and Pine streets.
Here's a Map Showing PPA Cars Parked Where You're Not Allowed to Park
Hating the PPA is as Philadelphian as cheesesteaks, Rocky, and being thoroughly unsurprised at political corruption. But online presence PPAWatch does more than just hate the PPA. PPAWatch also catalogs all of the things that the PPA does to make Philadelphians hate it so very much. Read more »
PPA to Eliminate Smart Cards by Year's End
The Philadelphia Parking Authority announced today it is phasing out Smart Cards by the end of 2014. It will stop selling them May 30th, and meters will no longer accept them starting January 1, 2015.
Philadelphia Parking Authority Boots Widow's Car Over 23-Year-Old Tickets
Bucks County's Judi Space had to come to Center City last week to meet with her estate attorney, since her husband passed away suddenly in December.
She decided to make a day of it.
Space met her cousin for lunch near Washington Square. She visited with her daughter. And when she returned to her car, parked perfectly legally at 21st Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Space was shocked to find that it had been booted by the Philadelphia Parking Authority. Read more »
A Photo of a PPA Truck Towing a PPA Car
Either a PPA car was not following parking laws. (Not entirely unusual.) Or a PPA car was, more boringly, broken down. Either way, we love this photo.
PPA Turns to Twitter to Ticket Cars Parked in Bike Lanes
If you're a driver who frequently parks in bike lanes (tsk tsk), take note: The Philadelphia Parking Authority has taken to Twitter to stop bike-lane-blocking drivers everywhere. According to the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, in an effort to stop drivers from parking in bike lanes, the PPA is now monitoring the Twitter hashtag #unblockbikelanes to find and ticket offenders.
Here's how it works: If you see a car parked in a bike lane, just tweet the location of the car to @PhilaParking along with #unblockbikelanes. If a PPA officer happens to be in the area, they'll teach that driver a lesson by slapping a ticket on their windshield. As the PPA stated on their blog, "While we can't promise that enforcement can be dispatched to every single tweet we receive…we are committed to working closely with the cycling community on this issue."
The War on Scooters Has Begun
Starting this month, the PPA has begun cracking down on illegally parked scooters. (I.E. Vespas. Not to be confused with Mopeds. They are different things, OK? Geez.) There are a select few places where you can park your scooter–at half the rate of normal parking–in Center City.
Street Artist Kid Hazo Gets Giant Cardboard Revenge on the PPA
First, he went after the vampire squirrels in LOVE Park. Then, it was the fist-pumping bros of Drexel. Now, Phillly street artist Kid Hazo has set his satirical sites squarely on the PPA with the largest parking ticket ever:
Starting out Sunday morning, when most hip city dwellers were still staking out tables at cafes, Hazo parked his car (legally), disguised himself in sunglasses and a cap, and walked quickly toward South Street, carrying a big, black plastic garbage bag.
Inside was an enormous mock parking ticket with an exact replica of the dreaded "VIOLATION" along one end. The upper right corner read, "Place Giant Stamp Here Absurdly Large Postage Required Post Office will most likely not deliver this." The address: KID HAZO Street Art Division PO BOX 092013.
His mission? Slip it under the wipers of a parking authority traffic enforcement car.
Slip it he did, right onto the windshield of PPA officer T. Free's patrol car at Sixth and South. Then, of course, Kid Hazo ran like hell. The guy, after all, is in his 30s with a full-time job—not exactly your average graffiti artist.
But, then, the PPA isn't your average scoundrel. Hopefully, the message was big enough this time. [Philly.com]
@PPAwatch Is the PPA's Worst Social Media Nightmare
We've all seen it: PPA sedans making their own parking spots, vans stationed in front of fire hydrants, handicapped spots occupied by regrettably un-handicapped PPA officials—the list goes on. One twitter user, though, is doing something about it and suffering the consequences.
@PhilaParking like this? pic.twitter.com/0nN47CHQCM
— PPAwatch (@PPAwatch) September 9, 2013
For those of you who don't know, @PPAwatch posts driver-submitted photos of PPA vehicles breaking their own strictly enforced rules, serving as the ultimate example of the organization's "do as I say, not as I do" attitude. Naturally, the account's founder, who remains anonymous, got the PPA's attention.
Which is why over the weekend the increasingly popular @PPAwatch account was suspended—ostensibly for using the PPA's new trademarked logo, causing confusing for people wanting to contact the real outfit. Riiiiiiiight.
Yesterday, though, @PPAwatch removed the official PPA logo and had their account restored. Today, they're up to almost 900 followers and counting, dishing out PPA-themed justice to wrongdoers on the organization's inside.
So remember the next time you're out: if you see something, tweet something. The PPA can't get away with it forever. [NBC]
The PPA Has Started Rolling Out Its New $5,000 Logo
If you ponied up for street parking over the weekend, you may have noticed something besides the usual hatred every good Philadelphian feels when dealing with anything related to our city's parking enforcement: a new logo for the Philadelphia Parking Authority. The first image update for the agency in decades, the PPA's new look is a sleek update on the chunky '80s logo, and it only ran the parking cops a cool $5,000 and nine months of lead-time thanks to JLT Design's Jenna Teodoro. Some 18 designs later, we have the current logo: lowercase red and blue letters atop of a stylized skyline shot.
Expect to see the new logo somewhere in Philly over the next few months as the PPA ramps up its implementation. As for when to expect the promised change in the "customer service approach" the PPA has promised? Don't hold your breath. [NBC]


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Select () or exclude () categories to narrow your recipe search.
As you select categories, the number of matching recipes will update.
Find exactly what you're looking for with the web's most powerful recipe filtering tool.
1/1 Photo of Quick Fettuccine Cacciatore, Italian
Prep Time:
Cook Time:
5 mins
20 mins
An easy combination of tomatoes and chicken makes for a fast super- tasty dish.
Units: US | Metric
Serving Size: 1 (364 g)
Servings Per Recipe: 4
Make this season merry, bright and manageable with our easy ideas.


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Microsoft Now Serving Digg's Ads
Chris Winfield reports that Digg is now featuring ads from Microsoft adCenter.
Digg and Microsoft announced a partnership back in July 2007 and this is one of the first visible steps of that partnership. We expected then that the switch over from Google AdSense ads to Microsoft ContentAds would be in early August, but it seems like that took a bit longer. Some are still seeing Google ads, but I personally see Microsoft ads (via referral links of msn.com). Jennifer Slegg has additional details at JenSense.com.
DON'T MISS OUT! The agenda for Search Engine Land's SMX West search marketing show is now up. Search marketing is the biggest area of digital marketing. You can't afford to get it wrong! SMX has practical tips & techniques for those experienced with SEO & SEM plus a welcoming environment for beginners. Learn more!
(Some images used under license from Shutterstock.com.)
No fluff - just the best news in paid search marketing every week.


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The short form of "fuck up". Can also be used in a plural form: "Fups" or in the past tense "Fupped".
Can also be understood as "screwed up".
Can also be understood as "screwed up".
With all the fups in my life, I don't know how I can still be standing here.
I fupped on my math test.
I am such a fup.
I fupped on my math test.
I am such a fup.
by sleepinghorror August 15, 2011
To "Fuck up" or mess up badly
Okay, the pressure's on.....dont f up
by HlfAznHlfWhtie February 12, 2006
Fat Upper Pussy, usually causing an unsitely fat bulge just above the pubic region.
Her fup is so big, she has to sit an extra foot away from her desk because her fup is in the way.
by Dirk Diggler January 14, 2003
short for "fuck up"... Australian for: make a mistake, cause a problem. Usually used by women who like to appear "cooth" or "cultured"
"Struth you idiot! What a f up you did on that job". Past tense, f'd up: "You really f'd up this time, Mate!"
by Linda Murdoch February 10, 2006
Fake Underwear Pants
Leggings worn as pants, with a long shirt that barely covers the ass
Leggings worn as pants, with a long shirt that barely covers the ass
That girl is wearing some ugly ass FUPs, I can see her butt cheaks!
by The Discoteque Queen January 26, 2010


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If Altmar Parish Williamstown Schools are closed due to bad weather, the Parish Public Library will also be closed. If there are no after school activities due to bad weather, the Library will be closed in the evening. The Library may also be closed at the discretion of the library director.
Download emagazines FREE from the Library!
More than 60 popular magazines. Get new issues ASAP. No waiting. Keep it forever. Download right to your device.
All you need is a valid card from the North Country Library System and Zinio. Go the NorthCountryLibraries.com and click on the Zinio logo!
The library is decorated for the fall! Stop and and see!
The Friends of Parish Library is a vital and active organization supporting the Library. Their purpose is to promote knowledge, function and services and needs of the library. They support the library through fund raising and promoting the library through community services. Anyone in the ninth grade and older is invited to join. Their activities include the Christmas open house and the Easter Egg hunt.
The group meets the first Thursday of the the following months; March, April, May, June, September, October, November and December. Meetings are held at Library at 7:00 pm. Come and join them!
The Parish Writers Group began their fall semester on Tuesday, September 23. They will continue to meet for 6 weeks at the library. It is a casual group and each member brings a piece they have written to share with the others. The members write on topics of interest to themself to share so many interests are covered; poetry, local history, mystery. If you would like to join with them just be at the library at 6:00 pm on Tuesdays.
The group originated about 15 years ago and continues each year with a fall and spring session.
The summer reading program, Fizz, Boom, Read, has come to an end. Congratulations to all our participants, and we hope you continue to read throughout the entire year. All participants should bring their lists to the library and pick up their coupon for a free sundae from the Grist Mill.
Several children enjoyed the Wednesday story hour hosted by Karen Oakes. Thank you to Karen for leading the story hour.