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Installment #4 of the serialized novel, Cream & Sugar: a story of advertising, race, and one man's midlife quest to rein in his unruly testicles. In Chapter Four, Elton Pierce rushes home from a day of photo shoots for a lifestyle condominium project, and from there, he rushes out to an evening lecture by David Suzuki. As tempting as it is to persuade himself that he is going to the lecture to do his bit for a better world, Elton can't help but note in himself a more straight-forward motivation: the mere sight of Liane Gordon gives him a hard-on and he knows she will be at the lecture. Read more about the novel here. You can read chapter four online below, or download it to your favourite e-reader. Catch a new chapter every Tuesday afternoon.
Wednesday's presentation to the condo developer has gone better than expected. Mona demonstrated a diplomatic side I've never seen before. Len is our in-house photographer who would rather be shooting architectural photos and has no patience for bimbo models with IQ's smaller than their waist size. If Mona hadn't intervened, he would have hurled the talent through the window and onto the street below. Somehow, Mona interpreted Len's instructions to the talent who was able to give Len approximately what he asked for, while I got the art department to do the rest. The result was a series of decent "lifestyle" stills. The plan is to mount them on corner panels at the construction site, eight metres high, gazing down at passing motorists: a woman in a business suit standing over a knock-off Bauhaus desk and talking on her cell phone; the same woman in haut couture handing an envelope to a doorman while her rat of a dog waits at the end of a pink leash; a man lounging in a hot tub with a buff, hairless chest and square jaw that looks like it's been chiseled from a rock; a genteel matron, silver-haired, curled on a divan and reading a book. The life you know you deserve. From $2.5 million.
One of the client's founders has come for the presentation, a hairy-knuckled thug named Bruno whose family is using the construction industry as a front for a drug cartel. At least that's the speculation hanging like a toxic cloud over the water cooler. Then again, the water cooler crowd hasn't dealt with the man; that's been my job. His greasy palm squeezes my greasy palm. His pasted-on smile beams at my pasted-on smile. And we walk together down the hall in our suits, dreaming our separate dreams of places we'd rather be and people we'd rather be with.
At six, I rush home and change my clothes so I can go out again to the David Suzuki talk. Or is it Al Gore? I can't remember. The angry one. There are at least two things I ought to be doing instead. Now that Bruno has signed off on the print ads, we're supposed to be shifting the marketing machinery into high gear, launching it into media orbit, fast-tracking it to the moon, inflicting on the world a thousand more clichés than it deserves. I ought to be there at the office with all the others, ordering in Chinese and drinking Jolt® by the bucket. But I can't. I just can't. I've been at it for twenty years now. I feed the beast. That's what I do. I throw shovelfuls of its own excrement into its maw. It can live well enough without me and my shovel for one evening of the week.
The other thing I ought to be doing is spending time with my kids. Giselle can help them with their English homework, but when they pull out their math books, she starts to quake and says: Go get your father. But the truth is: they don't want my help. Katrine zones out when I'm talking, and Griff is downright hostile. He starts talking smack which makes me want to whack him on the side of the head. His voice changed in the spring and now there isn't a waking minute he doesn't remind the whole world dat he da man and what the hell do I know? If we were a pack of wild dogs or a band of mountain gorillas, Griff would be that skinny whelp or young grunt asserting itself for the first time and, as alpha male, I'd be the one to put him back in his place with a snarl or the sharp crack of knuckles across the jaw. But I can't be bothered with his smack. I just can't. So I wolf down re-reheated leftovers and throw on a jacket and move towards the front door.
Where you going? Giselle says it with a note of contempt as if it's impossible that I would have something of my own to do in an evening.
Where out?
To a lecture.
You taking a course?
It's David Suzuki.
At the Westin Theatre.
About the environment.
No shit.
Have fun.
Lately, I've been wondering what it would be like to walk away from everything, to close the door behind me, to step off the front porch, to disappear into the gloom of the approaching night. Let's be clear: I would never do such a thing. It's more a fantasy of mine. I wonder what it would be like to start fresh, alone, somewhere else, maybe in a different country, one where they don't speak English, one where they've never known the touch of ad copy that makes them feel empty in their lives and urges them through desire to fill their empty lives with products, beautiful shining products, in magazines, on radio and TV, on billboards eight metres high. I could give it all up: wife, kids, house, car, pension—the whole damned works—even my name.
Liane's environmental group rented the Westin Theatre for the evening. This is the biggest event they've ever hosted. There's his name in lights: David Suzuki splashed across the marquee. I park in a municipal lot on Beecroft, then (because I'm early) I walk over to Yonge Street and have a coffee at the Second Cup®. I start to feel self-conscious or squeamish or guilty or something. Is it right to drive to an environmental event? And what's the true cost for a cup of coffee? How far did the beans travel before they landed in the pot behind the counter? I look at my watch and realize I have to leave, so I gulp the last of the coffee and burn my tongue. But I have to finish it here. There's no way I could toss a disposable coffee cup in the theatre lobby with so many environmentalists staring at me. They're like dogs, you know—these environmentalists—like the dogs at the border that sniff out cocaine. Only these ones sniff out hypocrisy. With a single whiff, they can tell which guests are true environmentalists and which guests are suburban wannabes who like the movement in its broad strokes (who doesn't want to save the planet?) but not at the expense of a cushy middle-class life where bits of waste splash out one way and another like head from a fresh-drawn draught of lager.
I hand my ticket to a young man in a penguin suit—probably a senior from the high school on the other side of Yonge Street. He tears the ticket in two and lets his half flutter to the ground by his feet.
Enjoy the show, he says in a mechanical voice.
Actually, it's a lecture.
Whatever, and he takes the next person's ticket.
My seat is on the main floor two-thirds of the way back. Five minutes to go and still at least half the seats are empty. After a quick scan of the audience, I decide there are two kinds of people here. There are the real environmentalists, and there are the curious but uncommitted mostly middle-aged suburbanites. The real environmentalists divide into two subtypes: committed and hard-core. Both wear denim or hemp clothes and canvas high-top shoes, but the hard-cores also wear bandanas and have either one conspicuous tattoo or at least one piercing in an appendage other than an ear, and they carry beat up back packs covered in pins. The hard-cores gravitate towards the foot of the stage and the doorways to either side of the stage. Okay, I exaggerate. Not all the hard-cores are dressed in denim and hemp. Take Liane, for example. There she is, front row centre, wearing her black Lycra® cycling pants with reflective stripes down the side and matching jacket hanging open to reveal a mauve tank top underneath. She's holding a metal water bottle which she sometimes jerks from side to side to underscore whatever it is she's saying to the man standing in front of her. I'm too far from her to hear the precise words, but the exchange is animated and intense—the sort of exchange you'd expect from hard-core environmentalists.
The man behaves like the alpha male of the band. He carries himself with a take-charge manner. Other hard-cores approach with questions or greetings; he smiles or talks, then dismisses each in turn and returns his attention to Liane. He's younger than me—and he's hip in a way I could never be. For one thing, he wears faded no-name jeans and a black T-shirt. For another thing, he has those long wide sideburns like Wolverine from DC Comics® and dark-framed glasses like Buddy Holly. There's an obvious chemistry between Liane and him. He hoists himself onto the stage and walks to the wings, stage right, where he disappears from sight for a minute, then returns to the lectern and clears his throat into the mike.
Good evening.
The audience is excited and the talking continues.
Uh. Good evening everybody. There's a quaver in his voice. Ah, I think. So the alpha male isn't invulnerable. Can you all take your seats? We're ready to start. People shush one another into silence. He grips both sides of the lectern and leans heavily into the mike. My name is Luke Kidrun and I'm the director of ECO, the Environmental Coalition of Ontario. Tonight, we have a special guest who needs no introduction.
I roll my eyes. Whenever an emcee says the speaker needs no introduction, you just know he's going to give one anyways. I bet he's the kind of guy who wraps up an introduction by saying: And without further ado, and sure enough, after an exhaustive and embarrassing cv, that's what he says: Without further ado. Only he says: adieu. To yieu, and yieu, and yieu.
Suzuki doesn't appear to have patience for long-winded self-aggrandizing introductions and has crept onto the stage, and even before the final words have left Luke's lips, Suzuki is thanking him and launching into his talk. Suzuki doesn't appear to have patience for much of anything that smacks of stupid. He wears a wireless headset and drifts back and forth across the stage, speaking without notes. We engage in certain activities that will have horrible consequences for the planet. If we continue to engage in those activities, then we are stupid. There is no argument, only censure. He reminds me of Len who was prepared to hurl the stupid bimbo models out the window.
I don't hear everything the man says. It's been a long and stressful day and I'm beginning to fade. But I hear a few phrases that I recognize, sayings that have become part of the movement's lore. He confirms E. O. Wilson's claim that if ants suddenly became extinct, then life on the planet would die, whereas if humans suddenly became extinct, then life on the planet would begin to heal. He says that eating meat leaves more of a carbon footprint than driving a Hummer. He says the eco-terrorist label is bullshit; the real terrorist is the corporate polluter who bullies the public with lawyers and then lies to the public with slick media PR people. I sink in my seat and hope no one notices the crimson rush to my cheeks.
Suzuki spends at least half his time in a heated Q & A. Emotions run high. There are catcalls and boos and hissing. And there's cheering and clapping, especially from the true believers. But at the two-hour mark, he announces that he's taking only one more question which he dispatches succinctly, then mutters something about getting to the airport to catch the red-eye to Vancouver, and he ambles off the stage to modest applause. Luke offers words of thanks while looking offstage, but you can tell by his hurt expression that Suzuki has already left the building.
While I'm waiting at the coat check, a man steps to the counter. He has a brusque manner but speaks to the attendant with humour. He's my age and not one of the hard-cores. I recognize him from somewhere. Usually I'm better at remembering names and faces, but the context is all wrong. I put on my non-descript, non-stylish, non-standoutish jacket, drop some change into the tip jar, and pause to stare at the man in profile. There he stands, mid-forties, coal-coloured stubble, strong jaw, full dark hair, well-trimmed hair, enviable hair. A client? Husband to one of Giselle's innumerable literary contacts? He pulls on a black full-length trench coat, as timeless as Casablanca, and after looking down to tie the belt, he lifts his head and our eyes meet. He reflects to me the same vague recognition, and together we hang suspended in an awkward pause.
Elton Pierce. I offer my hand. I know I've— When he reaches out his black arm and ruffles the hem of his black coat, it trips a switch in my brain, but I still can't remember his name. I was at St. George's on Sunday.
Ah yes. We spoke briefly after the service.
The priest spoke briefly to everybody after the service, so it's a comment that would be easy to fake, but his look of recognition seems authentic.
Did you enjoy the talk? he asks.
Well, I spent most of it wincing with guilt, so I wouldn't say I enjoyed it. But it was still a good talk.
I hear you, and he does. For me, guilt is an occupational hazard. But most people aren't willing to do anything with it. Well—and he snaps upright in an if-I-go-any-further-I'll-have-to-have-a-deep-conversation-with-a-stranger posture. Gotta go. Gotta get home to my kids.
Will I see you on Sunday?
Uh, sure. As soon as I say it, I want to kick myself. I have no desire to commit my weekend time to anything, least of all to religion. Yet I know I'll feel guilty now if I renege. I'm trapped.
I don't feel like walking out of the building with the priest because I still can't remember his name. So far, I've managed the awkward encounter with a certain adroitness but don't want to push it further. I solve the problem by saying I have to go to the bathroom—which is kind of true—and we go off in our different directions. After I've washed my hands, I reach into my jacket pocket and pull out the order of service from Sunday. There it is: Rev. Dr. Richard (Rick) Fellowes. I repeat the name ten times and commit it to memory with as much care as I'd give to a business contact.
As I walk back through the lobby, I see that someone has propped open the door to the theatre so ushers can move freely in and out as they pick up discarded programs and scraps of garbage. I peer inside. The house lights are up. Luke sits stage right on the steps that go down to the audience. If his head weren't propped on his hands, it would probably droop to his toes. Liane sits beside him, an arm across his shoulder, and draws him into her breast. She makes clucking sounds, then cooing sounds. I wonder if she's practising bird calls. Taken together, the two look like one of Michelangelo's pietas. They form a wretched tableau of despair.
Liane sees me standing just inside the doors. She waves and jumps to her feet and says: You made it. Her voice echoes from the bare walls and sounds too loud. She hunches a little, self-conscious at the sound of her own greeting. We move towards one another and meet at row L. So glad you could come.
I stand like a teenager, smitten, speechless.
So what'd you think?
Enjoyed it. Very. He was—
Isn't he amazing though? Sends my head spinning every time I hear him speak.
I point to Luke and ask what's wrong. Luke looks even more pathetic now that Liane has abandoned him. Things went well, I say. I think he'd be ecstatic.
Oh. Well. She shrugs and creases her brow into a worried expression as she looks back at Luke. Now, Luke is flat on his back, head downstage, feet dangling over the orchestra pit. He holds his forearm pressed against his eyes. All he needs to do is moan and I'll feel obliged to set a gun to his head and put him out of his misery. The event was great, but we only sold half the tickets. Luke's worried we won't cover our costs. And Suzuki left all in a huff because we'd promised a full house.
I look at Liane. Her eyes are luminous, filled with a deep empathy for Luke's pain. It makes her beautiful.
I want to help. Almost as a reflex, I want to make things better. But I'm like a dog, and not a clever dog either. I salivate when there's food, and do the one trick I know best. I reach into my pocket and pull out a business card. You know, I say as I finger the card, this is just a matter of marketing. I give her the card. Next time you throw a party like this, why don't you let me handle the promotion?
Liane stares at the card: Elton Pierce, Senior Vice-President, Feinman Marketing Inc. She looks up at me again as if she's a cop confirming my identity. The smile has vanished from her face. The eyes have chilled to hard inscrutable dots.
Thank you, she says.
She doesn't move. She doesn't say anything. She doesn't give me an opening to scoot the conversation along. I scrunch my shoulders and smile and mumble something about having to get home, then, as I turn to leave, I ask if I'll see her at church on Sunday.
Don't know, she says. I never know until five minutes beforehand.
When I get to the car, I slap my palms on the roof. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. She thinks I'm one more self-promoting douche bag; environmentalism is just a business opportunity. I slide behind the steering wheel and turn the key in the ignition. Christ. No wonder she gave me that cold stare.
I turn off the engine and get out of the car. I have to tell her. I have to set the record straight. When I gave her the business card, it wasn't because I wanted business, but only to give her a way to contact me. Time for some damage control—also an important skill in the marketing business. Christ. There I go again. If I go back and explain myself, that will only confirm that I'm a self-promoting douche bag whose first concern is his own image.
I get back into the car and turn the key in the ignition. Fuck it. She thinks I'm a douche bag. So what? I'm a married man. What's it to me what another woman thinks of me?
When I pull into the driveway, I turn off the engine but I don't get out of the car right away. Instead, I sit and think. The fall air is cool and feels good against my forehead. The windows fog up so that when I look through them, the whole world is a dark blur. I think of the story I've been trying to write. I think of a hollow world, one that's been traveling through space for two thousand years, one that's empty now, and useless, and irrelevant.


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The Carolina Cabin – 5BR Slp12
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subset: commoncrawl


text:
BALTIMORE, MD, October 11, 2011- Anderson Cooper on CNN's 360 with Anderson Cooper recently broadcast a piece on the site Reddit where he highlighted some of the more despicable posts on the site.
He seemed particularly upset about a subreddit titled r/jailbait.
Based on that post, the journalist seemed to take the pedophile brush and paint all Redditors with it.
With all due respect to esteemed newsman, 20 million Redditors (as the site users are called) would like to tell you "You missed the point."
This isn't to dismiss the issues Anderson Cooper brought up in his piece or to deny that some of those postings are certainly an example of the worst what the internet has to offer. However, those posts are not the whole of what Reddit is about.
Reddit is community of users who more often than not bring out the very best in each other.
Reddit is not a site for everyone. Certainly some of the subreddits (subreddits are indiviual community pages centered around one subject, i.e. Vancouver, Star Trek, Tattoos, etc) are distasteful, the jokes over the line, the humor not to everyone's taste.
But it is a site driven by participation and user submissions.
Reddit administrators take a very 'hands-off' approach to the site. The site is structured so those stories that the community deems worthy rise to the top and those that are thought useless are regulated to the bottom.
Reddit is the very definition of community. Yes, you have your town drunks and physically and emotionally ill people and those that like to stir up trouble just for trouble's sake, but that is only a small portion what goes on every day.
Reddit is the quintessential internet community.
It is the site that every other community site should strive to be. Almost any city, area or town has their own subreddit (here is an example of Baltimore's). People who visit the site can help someone look for an apartment, legal help, a drummer for a band, or find a local restaurant. New people in town look for information on where to live and where to work. Other Redditors answer the queries and questions. It isn't one administrator doling out advice and instructions; it is a community helping out other people.
This isn't to dismiss that are some disturbing parts to the Reddit site. Yes, there is subreddit for r/deadchildren and r/beating women. However, most of the posts on those subreddits contain posts of censure or outrage that there is even a board promoting such despicable subjects.
So why don't the administrators shut down those subreddits? Again, it goes back to the nature of community and free speech that Reddit is famous for. One, when Reddit administrators start censuring any users – even those most in need of censure - the site will lose its credibility. Those users on the site revel in the fact that they can say anything about any subject. It is what makes the debate viable and lively.
Second, the administrators rely on the users to police themselves. If there is a subreddit that is horrible, illegal, or despicable the majority of users will stay away from it and warn other people to do the same.
You cannot have free speech without some horrible things being said; about you, about children, about things that should not be joked about. When you accept that this will happen, then you can truly have a debate about anything and everything.
As an internet user, you know how to block out the things you do not want to see. Also, Anderson Cooper, you kind of asked for this.
Baltimore based, Amy Phillips is a columnist, blogger, public speaker, twitter addict and all around nerd.
Follow Amy on Twitter @amydpp.
Amy Phillips is an independent writer for the Communities. Read more from Amy at her Accidental Musings blog.
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2011 Nebula Awards Shortlist
The SFWA was 'founded in 1965 by the late Damon Knight, Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America brings together the most successful and daring writers of speculative fiction throughout the world.'
The 2011 Nebula Awards Shortlist has been released by the SFWA and the awards will be announced in a ceremony to be held on 21 May 2011. I have included the shortlist for the Novel category, for the rest of the categories and their shortlisted authors click here.
The Native Star by M.K. Hobson
The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by N.K. Jemisin
Shades of Milk and Honey by Mary Robinette Kowal
Echo by Jack McDevitt
Who Fears Death by Nnedi Okorafor
Blackout/All Clear by Connie Willis
Posted on 2 March 2011, in Literary Awards & their Winners and tagged 2011 Nebula Awards shortlist, Blackout by Connie Willis, Connie Willis, Echo by Jack McDevitt, Fantasy, Fiction, Jack McDevitt, M K Hobson, Mary Robinette Kowal, N K Jemisin, Native Star by M K Hobson, Nebula Awards, Nnedi Okorafor, Novel, SFWA, Shades of Milk and Honey by Mary R Kowal, Shortlist, The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by N K Jemisin, Who Fears Death by Nnedi Okorafor. Bookmark the permalink. Leave a comment.


text: Description Facilities Map Comfortable and private accommodation in fully equipped single, double and family units. We are conveniently situated in a quiet residential neighborhood, close to the famous Big Hole and other tourist attractions. Breakfast is self-catering or available on request. Visitors mainly consist of national and international tourists, business travelers and family groups. Hadida Guest House is also a popular sleepover when traveling between Cape Town and Johannesburg. All our self-contained units are unique and individually decorated to provide a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere where visitors will feel immediately at home. The en-suite bathrooms, self-catering facilities and own outside entrances of each unit provide complete privacy for guests. Units are serviced daily and our friendly personnel are always available for assistance. Facilities includes tuck shop, television with M-net or DStv in each unit, all units have self-catering facilities with microwave oven, refrigerator, kettle and more, breakfast is available on request and disabled friendly only some units. Children of all ages are welcome in a single/double and family units. Private self-contained units with en-suite bathrooms and own outside entrances. Type: Self-cateringSleeps: 61 Check-in: 02:00 PM Check-out: 10:00 AM Reviews: 94 Parking AvailableSatellite TV*Braai/BarbecueSwimming PoolCredit Card FacilitiesPets Permitted*On-site ParkingLanguages SpokenEnglishAfrikaansGrading3 Stars - Tourism Grading Council of South Africa* Please enquire for further details. Toggle Street View * We rely on Google's mapping service, and the location information supplied to us to show street view images. Please use street view as a guide only as we cannot guarantee its accuracy.


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Formula 1 bans TV crews from pit lanes at all race sessions
Formula 1 has banned television reporters and cameramen from the pit lane throughout all on-track sessions at grands prix.
The move comes in the wake of an incident at Sunday's German Grand Prix, in which a cameraman was injured by a loose wheel from Mark Webber's Red Bull.
Rights holder FOM has told broadcasters that on "safety" grounds it would "no longer allow personnel, including camera crews, pit-lane access during any session".
Written journalists, over whom FOM has no control, will still be permitted.
The move will prevent reporters, such as the BBC's Gary Anderson, Tom Clarkson and Jennie Gow, from reporting from the pit lane during practice sessions, and cameramen from filming at the same time.
But it will not stop other journalists and stills photographers from being in the pit lane during the sessions.
Cameraman Paul Allen suffered a broken collarbone and cracked ribs after being knocked by the wheel. The following day governing body the FIA banned anyone other than marshals and team personnel from the pit lane during qualifying and the race, with "approved media" to be confined to the pit wall.
The FIA is studying the situation and looking at what the best way to proceed beyond its initial response, imposed as the simplest way to increase safety in the short term.
The FIA's decision to ban the media from pit lanes during qualifying and race has been questioned on the basis that it is reacting to the effect of the incident in Germany and not the cause.
The cameraman who was hit by Mark Webber's loose wheel, Paul Allen, suffered a broken collarbone and cracked ribs.
But critics of the decision have pointed out that the wheel could just as easily have hit a mechanic from another team, or even one of the team bosses and senior engineers on the pit wall, all of whom will still be in the pit lane at the next race.
No protective gear is being required of the personnel on the pit wall; only those working in the pit lane are being required to wear head protection.
A senior F1 insider described FOM's decision to ban television companies from the pit lane during practices sessions, when the atmosphere is less frenetic and teams are generally working on their cars only in their garages, as "unnecessary, as long as we do other things as well [to improve safety]".
Meanwhile, the FIA has received a report from Red Bull explaining the cause of the incident which was blamed on human error.
Red Bull said the individual using the wheel gun's finger slipped on to the button he should press to indicate he is finished. That signals to the mechanics operating the jacks that they can lower the car, which triggers the driver to go.
As a consequence of the incident, Red Bull will introduce a safeguard on the technology in an attempt to prevent a repeat. Their report has been circulated to the other teams so they can instigate similar changes if they have similar systems.
The FIA has also introduced rule changes that will require personnel working on a car during a pit stop to wear head protection and reduce the pit lane speed limit from 100km/h (62mph) to 80km/h (49.7mph).
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Comment number 161.Blades of Steel
13th July 2013 - 23:11
Welcome to modern F1, where watching a traffic in every day life is more eventful.
Relax! its just a phase you' ll grow out of it...
Comment number 160.MikeyH
13th July 2013 - 21:41
So lets get this right. Red Bull mess up and so the Media are banned, meaning even less exciting for the Fans!
Comment number 159.Alexander Beynon
13th July 2013 - 20:00
We can't bring refuelling back because of economical reasons and f1 is also about looking into the future as well.
Comment number 158.LittleIain
13th July 2013 - 19:28
Bring back refuelling, and thus slow the overall pitstop time giving the mechanics time to fully do their job, and see and correct any mistakes made as stops would be around 8 seconds not 2.5 seconds.
Comment number 157.alcuinbjp
13th July 2013 - 19:25
Fi to become Scrapheap Challenge on radio?
Comment number 156.Oliver
13th July 2013 - 15:04
If they did want to do anything about it then they could just put the gantry on a hinge or make it telescopic in order to reduce the distance that it protrudes out. Not that it's a major issue...
Comment number 155.bonobos
13th July 2013 - 13:33
@154 a complete over reaction from you, ban everyone are you mad! The solution is clearly to ban the wheels themselves. I'm sure the FIA will have that on the next agenda. Straight to the heart of the matter.
Comment number 154.weneedanewway
13th July 2013 - 11:50
Total over reaction. There's hundreds of people in the pit lane the wheel could've hit but because it was a cameraman they're banning them? Pathetic, by that reckoning, every one should be banned as the wheel could've hit anyone.
What next scrap pit stops altogether?
Comment number 153.Valjean24601
13th July 2013 - 11:35
Crazy decision by FOM. OK safety first, but there must be other ways of making it safer. Don't they realise that they are reducing the spectacle of F1 by the ban. We're only left now with the on track action, which on come circuits, is boring. What about the tactical stops, which tyres, nose changes, etc. Crazy decision and over cautious.
Comment number 152.Blades of Steel
13th July 2013 - 10:52
Hard to go into detail, about with only 349 letters.
Yes they hubs already have a saftey pin that has a major design flaw as it has to be engaged again by the wheel gun and nut.
It is not a automatic un like a detent system (as I mentioned) which might slow the pit stop down a little, but should the nut not be fitted the wheel will still be secured by the automatic detent.
150. Cordless?
Comment number 151.GoodnightIrene
13th July 2013 - 10:50
So still photographers can still be in the pit lane, but it's too dangerous for video/TV cameramen? How does the type of camera you are holding protect you from loose wheels?
Comment number 150.smittymenston
13th July 2013 - 8:37
One thing I felt that should have been banned are the overhead gantries for the air guns. Whenever a car pits, a mechanic from the neighbouring garage has to come out to pull the lines in so the car doesn't run into them, putting another person at risk. A few times they have run into these lines.
Mandate air guns with their own canisters, and that they must be returned to the garage after use.
Comment number 149.frogtop
13th July 2013 - 6:12
@98. Politically correct? Nanny state? Which state exactly, or is that your stock answer for anything you don't agree with, as it avoids you have to give a reasoned argument?
Comment number 148.rainman
12th July 2013 - 22:44
@122 Blades of Steel.Thanks here is some more info from F1 Tech.
So not only was the wheel not fitted correctly (nut put on) also safety pin failed.
Since 2010 there is a tendency to create advanced wheel nuts that can lock the wheels in place (by means of a pneumatic fastener) while at the same time apply the safety pin to prevent the wheels from running off when not securely fastened.
Comment number 147.laurie
12th July 2013 - 19:29
There should be a set time of 10sec or so for everybody's pit-stop, this would provide enough time for a tyre change plus quick car check/wing adjust.If teams reduced the pit crew there would still be a race to do it quickly and the chance of errors.....
Comment number 146.daveh
12th July 2013 - 19:27
also I reckon RB deliberately sabotaged MW's pit stop so he wouldn't come in front of SV
Comment number 145.daveh
12th July 2013 - 19:17
I'm sick of watching pit stops just as 2 cars are about to overtake on the main straight! They've spent millions trying create overtaking and just as we're about about to witness the fruits of their labour we cut to Charles Pic up on a jack - genius
Comment number 144.Dont have your say
12th July 2013 - 18:42
Never mind the pit lane, the BBC should get rid of Suzi Perry.
Comment number 143.U14334741
12th July 2013 - 18:05
They don't need to be there. There are other ways to film the pit stop, journalists can get their scoops without being in the middle of a pitstop. Pitlanes are far too crowded, the alternative is sooner or later someone gets killed necessarily.
Comment number 142.Col
12th July 2013 - 17:33
With the overhead camera shots and a long view of the entrance and exit of the pits, do we really need extra personnel in possible danger? Admittedly it is good seeing the action close up but not at the risk of another humans health.
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I bought a bottle of non homogenized milk, drank a couple cups last night and ate some of the cream from it too, and today I woke up with awful diarrhea and I feel terrible! Is this normal?
Eating and drinking can be beneficial for both colds and fevers. more...
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Homogenized milk refers to a type of milk that is treated to prevent the cream from separating away from the milk. Some of the positive aspects of homogenizing include a longer shelf life, more pleasant color, and lighter taste. It is also considered easier to digest than non-homogenized dairy products. The negatives of this version of milk include less flavor, possible hormone content, and the formation of possibly damaging free radicals. Homogenization also destroys many nutrients and beneficial organisms in the milk.
During the process of homogenization, in order to achieve a uniform fat content throughout the entire product, the milk is run through a series of small tubes. This causes the large fat molecules to break into smaller ones, which spread throughout the milk easier and will not form a layer on the top of the liquid.
The beneficial fat in milk is broken up when milk is homogenized, and smaller molecules of cholesterol and fat are generally believed to produce free radicals in the body. Free radicals are thought to be partially responsible for premature aging and can be damaging to the heart and organs, and they have also been found to cause rancidity. This problem can be prevented by pasteurizing the milk during or after the homogenization process.
Homogenization also destroys proteins, vitamins, and bacteria considered good for the body. Most bacteria in diary products helps the digestive tract function properly. The vitamins in milk are important for bone development and strength, and milk must be fortified to make up for the loss.
When tasted side by side, homogenized milk is often considered blander than milk that is not homogenized. The process does create a creamier feel and taste, as the fat content is consistent throughout every mouthful. The consistent fat content also prevents unpleasant odors from forming.
Advantages of homogenization are most obvious when the pasteurization process is finished: it gets rid of the dead bacteria that is left. It also makes the milk whiter, which is often very appealing to the consumer.
Ultra-homogenized milk, or milk that is put through a high pressure version of homogenization, has a much longer shelf life than typical milk. It tends to last longer, while the nutrient levels and quality remain unchanged. Researchers have attributed this extension of life to the uniform size of the smaller fat globules.
Post 9
I bought a bottle of non homogenized milk, drank a couple cups last night and ate some of the cream from it too, and today I woke up with awful diarrhea and I feel terrible! Is this normal?
Post 7
I bought the non homogenized bottle of milk today. I haven't tried it yet, but I will most likely continue to purchase it. I believe the more you process something, the more toxic it is for your body.
Our bodies are filled with bacteria. So why is there so much hype about the bacteria? In fact we want more in yogurt, but want to take it out of our milk? Hmm.
I hope it tastes good, but even if it doesn't, I will still likely continue to buy. Besides, why strip out any of the few vitamins we get out of our food? Funny how people worry nowadays, but back in the 50s before this process started, people drank it and never thought twice about it. Just something to think about.
I find it odd that it is actually higher priced than the homogenized version. It's a shorter process to make, but a higher price. Guess it is because of the shorter shelf life.
The person who asked if you can by non homogenized but still pasteurized, the answer is yes you can. That is what I bought!
Post 6
Non homogenized milk is so good and healthy! I love it!
Post 5
Women who have pumped breastmilk for a baby know what non-homogenized milk looks like. The fat rises to the top; I guess it's lighter or less dense than the rest of the milk.
Experienced pumpers can even tell whether a particular sample is fatty hindmilk or leaner, thirst-quenching foremilk. The fat then has to be swirled or stirred back in before stirring.
I've never tried raw milk or non-homogenized. Is all non-homogenized milk raw (i.e., not pasteurized)?
Post 4
I grew up out in the country with a bunch of brothers, and we were raised on non-homogenized milk. We expect a creamy, fattening flavor in our milk, and anything else would be a disappointment.
I remember ordering a glass of milk from a restaurant once. The only kind they had was homogenized and reduced fat. It did not taste like milk at all. It tasted more like water, and it was so white that it looked artificial!
Though it would go bad rather quickly, we don't have to worry about that around our house. It will be long gone before that has a chance to happen.
Post 3
I actually prefer the light taste of homogenized milk. My boyfriend drinks non-homogenized milk, and he made me taste it. It was just too rich for me, and I kept thinking about all the bacteria in it.
I don't enjoy milk by itself. I will never sit down with a glass of pure milk. I only use it in other things, and this is probably why I like it light.
I pour just a splash of milk in my coffee to counter the bitter taste. I eat my cereal with milk, but I don't drink the milk at the bottom of the bowl when I'm done. I only use it to moisten the grains.
I will drink low fat chocolate milk by itself, but only the homogenized kind. It has a good flavor without being too creamy.
Post 2
That's sad that homogenization gets rid of so many good elements of milk. I never knew that it had to be fortified afterward.
All this time that I have been drinking it, I thought it was doing wonderful things for my body. Maybe the added vitamins were, but the natural ones probably were removed.
However, I'm glad that the process gets rid of dead bacteria and makes the milk stay fresh longer. It takes me about two weeks to go through a gallon of milk by myself, and non-homogenized milk would likely go bad before I could finish it.
Post 1
I suppose I have been drinking homogenized milk for years without even knowing it. I always buy the low fat kind with the most distant expiration date without considering other factors.
I guess I just thought that the fat was distributed evenly in all milk. I didn't know it was even possible to have some swallows with more fat than others.
I have gotten used to the bland taste of my milk, so I will continue to buy it. It's hard to change tastes once you have become accustomed to a certain thing having a specific flavor. I would probably hate non-homogenized milk now.
One of our editors will review your suggestion and make changes if warranted. Note that depending on the number of suggestions we receive, this can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days. Thank you for helping to improve wiseGEEK!


text:
Disclosure: I received the 3 items above for review purposes. All opinions are my own and may vary from others who use the same products.
LOTS OF THINGS! For instance, love and laughter are musts for me! This is the blog where I try to distinguish between needs and mere wants! There is, I realize, a fine line between the two. As part of my search, I love to do reviews for great companies and giveaways. I also talk about my experiences at venues, businesses and events in my state!
Monday, May 21, 2012
Muscle Soak by Aromafloria #Review
Disclosure: I received the 3 items above for review purposes. All opinions are my own and may vary from others who use the same products.
13 comments :
This product sounds wonderful. I love that it's so pure!
- May 25, 2012 at 8:33 PM
- Dianna said...
Sounds like pure Heaven-- you lucky girl--I love the sounds of the bath salts
- May 25, 2012 at 8:53 PM
- Kayla @ TheEclecticElement said...
It's so hard finding truly natural and organic bath stuffs for me to use when I like to pamper myself, but this company sounds incredible!
I love the fact that they were founded on such holistic beliefs :)
Great review! And I agree with Dianna-Lucky, lucky girl ^.^
- May 26, 2012 at 3:19 PM
- Marti Parks said...
These sound really nice. When will some technological person create an internet connection that you can smell? :)
- May 27, 2012 at 2:53 PM
- Barbara Montag said...
Fantastic review!
I use several aromatherapy products.
Thank you.
barbara dot montyj at gmail dot com
- June 3, 2012 at 12:05 AM
- Rebecca said...
I love eucalyptus, sounds like it would be great in a bath salt!
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Selling through an antique mall or co-op is a type of consignment. You place your items in the mall, which sells the items, paying you only after a customer buys something.
With most consignment deals, the store owner takes from 25 to 50 percent of the selling price. With an antique mall, however, you rent a booth or case and pay a commission (usually between three and 10 percent of your gross sales). The cost of case and booth rentals vary by mall, with most malls charging between $50 and $200 per month. Some will require a lease, though many allow you to rent from month to month.
By selling this way, independent antique dealers reap the benefits of their knowledge and experience without taking big risks. Your cash outlay is relatively small, at least in comparison to the costs of opening your own private shop.
Malls also provide a full-time staff to run the shop, leaving you free to hunt for more merchandise or keep your regular job. Another type of mall, the co-op, requires each participating dealer to work several days per month in addition to paying rent. If you are employed, be sure time slots are available to suit your schedule.
Like this article? Get this issue right now on iPad, Nook or Kindle Fire.
This article was originally published in the April 1997 print edition of Entrepreneur with the headline: Something Old/Something New.


text:
The Oscars: What Just Happened?
By S.T. VanAirsdale
As the host of a hopping annual Oscar party in Manhattan, I rarely have an optimal chance to view or listen to the awards show while bumping around the room. That's the bad news. It's also the good news, because between the total lack of surprise in virtually every category, Jon Stewart laughing at his own jokes, and overwrought filler montages exploiting 79 spotty years' worth of previous winners, I never had the sense I was really missing anything. Some might disagree, but if it wasn't for the Oscar pool I was losing on account of those dodgy technical awards (did Kevin O'Connell really come up short again?) and my ill-advised side bet that Tilda Swinton would not give her award to her agent, then I'd have had absolutely no horse in the race and would likely still be napping in coat check.
So what happened? Was the writer's strike just too much to overcome? Was the extinguished beacon of Vanity Fair's Oscar party an insurmountable psychic burden for all involved? Was it just an off year? Indeed, I'm putting last night together one minute at a time—literally, in fact, thanks to Mahalo Daily, which offers this short, handy highlight reel for delicate memories:
I'll have more as the day after rolls on—send clues if you've got them!
S.T. VanAirsdale is the editor of the New York film culture site The Reeler.


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Citibank is the latest to cut its workforce, announcing plans today to lay off 900 banking and securities workers soon and as many as 3,000 altogether, reports the Wall Street Journal (subscription required).
"As part of our ongoing efforts to control expenses, we are making targeted headcount reductions in certain businesses and functions across Citi," Citigroup said in a statement on Wednesday.
Reuters said Citi's Chief Financial Officer John Gerspach indicated during a Bank of America Merrill Lynch financial services conference that the cutbacks could be ongoing. Gerspach told the group that every Citi unit will be expected to find 3% to 5% in cost savings every year.
The bank's plans just add to the pain among workers in the banking industry, which has announced 54,510 layoffs so far this year, according to Challenger, Gray & Christmas, the international outplacement firm that tracks hirings and firings.
So far this year, Bank of America has announced the biggest job cuts among financial institutions. In September, BofA said it plans to lay off 30,000 workers worldwide over the next few years. That was in addition to 3,500 previous announced cuts.
"Banks are still in bad shape following the recession and there are still a mountain of problems they must navigate, including the European debt crisis, the millions of foreclosed-on homes sitting on their books and record low interest rates," said John A. Challenger, CEO of the outplacement firm. "While many industries can say, 'the worst is over,' the banking industry is still waiting for the other shoe to drop."
Banks cut 400 jobs in Orange County from September 2010 to this September, according to the state Employment Development Department.
|Financial institution
|Bank of America
|Bank of America
|Bank of America
|Wells Fargo
|Synovus Financial Corp.
|Goldman Sachs
Source: Challenger, Gray & Christmas
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Santa Monica is known as much for its social and civic programs as for its beautiful beaches. Accordingly, the city expects businesses to pay their dues through license and permit fees. Santa Monica statutes allow the city to not only fine non-compliant businesses, but to also criminally prosecute business owners – even after they pay delinquent fees. The city requires licenses for a broad variety of business types and in many cases, county and state licenses are required in addition to Santa Monica permits. Santa Monica houses the headquarters and regional offices for a number of major companies -- particularly in the entertainment and technology sectors. These include Universal Music Group, Lions Gate Films, the RAND Corporation, Beachbody, Macerich, COR Capital LLC, Entravision Communications, Demand Media, Docstoc Inc. Anworth Mortgage, Business.com, The Playtone Company, Activision, ET Whitehall, Fatburger, Microsoft, Yahoo!, MTV and Edmunds.com.


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How to Avoid Common Business Mistakes
It is not uncommon for business owners to become so involved with their day-to-day operations that they overlook some important issues associated with being in business. Here are some tips to help you avoid making costly mistakes and to ensure that your business runs smoothly.
- This section includes frequently encountered topics relating to small businesses. It discusses business deductions, how to avoid underpayment penalties, 1099s and much more. ...
- Year End Tax Planning Moves for Businesses
- As the end of the year approaches, many are looking for ways to reduce their business profits before year's end. Here are some possible moves that might apply to your situation.
- Small Business Expenses 101
- For small business owners, tax breaks often come in the form of tax deductions – which can offer a nice little instant cash savings – if you know how to navigate tax law and claim the deductions you deserve (not what you believe you are entitled to).
- Employers Must Stop Advance Earned Income Credit Payments in 2011
- Advance earned income credit has been repealed for 2011. This credit allowed certain low-income employees to receive an advance payment of the earned income credit in their paychecks. Their withholding was lowered to take into account the payment. However,...
- New Breaks for Small Businesses
The 2010 Small Business Jobs Act, enacted September 27, 2010, and the Tax Reform Act of 2010, signed into law December 17, 2010, include an assortment of incentives and tax breaks for small businesses. The following is a brief overview of some of the key provisions included in these new laws.
- Is Now The Time To Consider a Real Estate Rental Property?
- Does the decline in real estate values present a business opportunity? Real estate rentals historically have been a popular long-term investment, and if you believe that this market eventually will rebound from its current slump, this may be the time to consider such an investment.
- Determining Vehicle Business Use
- How does a taxpayer who uses his or her vehicle partly for business determine what portion of the vehicle's operating expenses can be deducted for business use? According to tax regulations, business use is determined by the number of miles traveled between two business locations.
- Plan for Auto Deductions
- When you use a vehicle for business purposes, the business portion of the operating expenses can be deducted on your self-employed business or, if you are an employee as a miscellaneous itemized deduction. (If you are an employee, you may claim the deduction only if using your own vehicle is a condition of your employment and doing so is for your employer's convenience.) The tax code provides two possible options for computing the deduction: using the standard mileage rate or using actual expenses.
- Husband and Wife Joint Ventures
- A married couple that owns a joint business venture in which they both participate can elect to file two self-employed business schedules (Schedule C or Schedule F) on their personal income tax return, dividing the income and expenses instead of filing a partnership return.
- Lunch as a Business Expense
- Many individuals spend time away from their offices while calling on customers and vendors. As a result, they end up having to buy their lunch and want to deduct the cost of that lunch as a business expense.
- Use Like-Kind Exchanges to Defer Taxes
- Whenever you sell business or investment property and you have a gain, you generally have to pay tax on the gain at the time of sale. However, the tax code provides an exception and allows you to postpone paying tax on the gain if you reinvest the proceeds in similar property as part of a qualifying like-kind exchange. These type of exchanges are commonly referred to as Sec. 1031 exchanges (referring to the tax code section that allows them), but it is important to understand that the tax on the gain is deferred and is not tax-free.
- Disposing of Business Assets
- Many taxpayers fail to understand the tax ramifications of disposing of personal property such as equipment, furniture and autos used in business and end up with unpleasant surprises at tax time. The tax consequences depend upon how the property was used, how long it was owned and the method of disposition. There are numerous ways of disposing of an asset, such as selling, scrapping, converting to personal use, contributing to a charity, exchanging for another like business item, or even giving it away. We cannot cover all of the aspects of dispositions here but we can give you an overview.
- Employers Beware Misclassifying Workers
- The Internal Revenue Service has developed a new form for employees who have been misclassified as independent contractors by their employers. Form 8919, Uncollected Social Security and Medicare Tax on Wages, will now be used to figure and report the employee's share of uncollected social security and Medicare taxes due on their compensation.
- Charitable Contributions in a Self-Employed Business
- Generally, for self-employed individuals, charitable contributions are not deductible on Schedule C as a business expense and can only be deducted as an itemized deduction on Schedule A. However, tax regulations state that transfers to a charity that are directly related to a taxpayer's business and are made with a "reasonable expectation of financial return commensurate with" the amount transferred may be deductible as a business expense.
- Life After the Real Estate Bubble Burst
- With lenders becoming more conservative, money tightening up, and the real estate market in decline, many homeowners and speculators find themselves faced with some unpleasant choices. One strategy is to wait until home prices rebound, but that could be some time and probably too far off for the owner with a variable rate or short-term introductory rate loan and increasing mortgage payments.
- How to Avoid Common Business Mistakes
- It is not uncommon for business owners to become so involved with their day-to-day operations that they overlook some important issues associated with being in business. Here are some tips to help you avoid making costly mistakes and to ensure that your business runs smoothly.


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VMware vSphere 5.1 now supports VMware View 5.1.x
The wait is over! VMware has just published a new knowledge base article which points to an update for ESXi. This patch closes the gap between vSphere 5.1 and View 5.1.x. The update for ESXi requires a host reboot as of the release notes which you can find here. (Release Notes for ESXi510-20121001)
I guess the fixed issue in regards to View is: http://kb.vmware.com/selfservice/microsites/search.do?language=en_US&cmd=displayKC&externalId=2034550
PR923756: When the View Storage Accelerator feature is enabled in View, Multiple Content-Based Read Cache (CBRC) disable requests issued from View to hostd might cause View to lose connectivity to an ESXi host.
Link: http://kb.vmware.com/selfservice/microsites/search.do?language=en_US&cmd=displayKC&externalId=2035268
Similar Posts:
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- Thinapp: PermittedComputers for Active Directory KB article
- Performance/Stability issues when using View 5.1.2 Agent on physical machine based desktops
- Any questions about the VMware View Enterprise Bundle & Add-On EOL?
- Enabling Smart Card authentication with a ThinApp Internet Explorer application


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US production of biodiesel reached 111 million gal in May, according to the US Energy Information Administration. This was an increase from production of 106 million gal in April.
Biodiesel production from the Midwest region (Petroleum Administration for Defense District 2) was 67% of the US total, EIA said. Production came from 116 operating biodiesel plants with operable capacity of 2.2 billion gal/year.
Feedstocks consumed for biodiesel production were 3.4 billion lb during January-May, with a ratio of 7.6 lb of feedstock per gallon of biodiesel produced. Soybean oil accounted for 54% of the total biodiesel feedstocks.
Under the Renewable Fuel Standard program, the US Environmental Protection Agency sets annual targets for the use of biodiesel and other biofuel categories, such as advanced and total biofuels, which can also be satisfied through additional biodiesel use.
Contact Conglin Xu at email@example.com.


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Great lens for the money!
This review is from: Canon 6310B002 EF 40mm f/2.8 STM Lens Black
Pros: Small and lightweight
Cons: None that I can think of at this price.
Other Thoughts: For the money, this lens is great. I use it on a 5D Mk 2 and it works really well for product photography.
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A little gem
This review is from: Canon 6310B002 EF 40mm f/2.8 STM Lens Black
Pros: Small, light and very sharp
Cons: Would have been nice if it were F/2...but I'm not sure that's really a "con"...
Other Thoughts: For the IQ this thing delivers at the selling price it's an amazing bargain.
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Conventions and Conferences
Business meetings in Vienna
All real life is an encounter. Martin Buber.
In Erzherzog Rainer Hotel we can reserve an elegant salon which can be completely adapted according to your requirements for your business meetings, your seminar or your conference in Vienna.
- Surface: 60 m2
- Dimensions: 12 x 5 m
- Location: Ground floor
- Daylight from one side
- Lighting/dimming possibilities
Of course the room is equipped with modern seminar technology but thanks to its elegant furnishings, it is also perfectly suitable for a mutual company dinner.
Seminars & Conferences 2014 with SCHICK at Hotel Erzherzog Rainer
The room is equipped with air conditioning and also provides you with sufficient daylight. We will gladly inform you of the other meeting alternatives in the Schick-Hotels in Vienna: in the sister hotels Stefanie and Am Parkring rooms for a maximum of 10 to 120 persons are available.
Please contact the team at the Schick Hotel Erzherzog Rainer with your enquiry:
Mr. Martin Findner
Mr. Pavel Bris
Tel. +43 1 22 111
Fax +43 1 22 111 350
Email: email@example.com


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Gear Review
Le Freaky Bone
Member since
I just got this jacket and it is awesome! Very warm and waterproof. It's a slim fit so it isn't super baggy. I am 6' 1" and I almost got the XL but decided to go with the Large and I am glad because it does fit a bit longer.
View More Details on Airblaster My Grandpa's Jacket - Men's


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EU Receives Nobel Peace Prize
By BJOERN H. AMLAND
OSLO, Norway (AP) â¿¿ The EU received the Nobel Peace Prize on Monday for promoting peace and human rights in Europe following the devastation of World War II, and the bloc was urged to use that unity in its battle with an economic crisis that is causing suffering for many of its citizens.
About 20 European government leaders, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Francois Hollande and Italian Premier Mario Monti, attended the ceremony in the capital of Norway, an oil-rich country that has twice rejected joining the European Union.
Not everyone approved the decision to give the prize to the EU, created 60 years ago as Europe was struggling to recover from a war that killed millions of people.Three Peace Prize laureates â¿¿ South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Mairead Maguire of Northern Ireland and Adolfo Perez Esquivel from Argentina â¿¿ have demanded that the prize money of $1.2 million not be paid this year. They said the bloc contradicts the values associated with the prize because it relies on military force to ensure security. Amnesty International said Monday that EU leaders should not "bask in the glow of the prize," warning that xenophobia and intolerance are now on the rise in the continent of 500 million people. Prize committee Chairman Thorbjoern Jagland handed out the Nobel diplomas and medals to EU Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, EU Council President Herman Van Rompuy and president of the EU Parliament Martin Schulz before at a ceremony in Oslo's City Hall attended by heads of state, royalty and international dignitaries. In his awarding speech, Jagland said the EU had been instrumental in turning "a continent of war" into one of peace. "In this process the European Union has figured most prominently," he told an applauding gathering of several hundred people.
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Nothing to fear! Go ahead and jump...off the fiscal cliffon December 4, 2012 @ 8:12 am (Updated: 8:29 am - 12/4/12 )
Neither party wants the middle class tax increase, so that's going to go away. But what about the tax increase on the rich? This threat that investors will go Galt? America's Atlases will shrug, and the stock market will tank? That would be scary.
But now a few economists and at least one hedge fund manager are saying, wait. Let's think about this.
The higher taxes on investments only affect taxable investment accounts. But today, most Americans who invest have their money in 401Ks, which aren't taxed.
Today, less than 15 percent of American households have taxable investment accounts. So if taxes on investments go up, that means 85 percent of American households will see an effect of approximately zero.
Then you have foreign investors who don't pay taxes in the US, and insurance companies and pension funds which also don't pay taxes. As a result, there is at least one hedge fund manager who is saying the maximum effect on the stock market of just doing nothing might be around one percent.
Which would explain the the small but growing "Skyfall" caucus, and their pop metal theme, Van Halen's "Jump."
Where else are you going to put your money? Do you even bother to look at the rate on your savings account anymore?
As David Lee Roth sang, "go ahead and jump."
Dave Ross hosts the Morning News on KIRO Radio weekdays from 5-9 a.m. Dave has won the national Edward R. Murrow Award for writing five times since he started at KIRO Radio in 1978.
Sordid Tale
Tom Tangney found himself asking whether 'Foxcatcher' was worth it
Turnaround Underway
The state's first charter school is on probation, but the director promises improvements
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Rev. Dr. R. Mark Giuliano, Senior Pastor
Worship & Preaching, Head of Staff, Moderator of Session
email: Office of the Senior Pastor
blog: Faith ConneXions
Follow @mark_giuliano
One of Cleveland's preeminent preachers, Dr. Mark Giuliano is a speaker, writer and community leader. He has been called "One of the best preachers in the Presbyterian Church (USA) today." He speaks Sunday mornings at the Old Stone Church, Thursday mornings on Power2ools during New Day Cleveland on Fox 8 and regularly throughout the region.
His early studies in Urban Planning and Humanities, as well as his graduate work in theology and preaching communication (S.T.M., McGill; D.Min., Vanderbilt) make Mark a good fit with the mission of the Old Stone Church and its commitment to the region, and with the dynamic work of the city. Mark is an elected board member of the Historic Gateway Neighborhood Corporation, the Downtown Cleveland Improvement Corporation and serves on a variety of civic committees and task forces, as well as the Mission Council of the Presbytery of the Western Reserve. Mark is also the immediate past-President of the Downtown Cleveland Residents Association and continues to serve on the DCRA Advisory Board.
In addition to his work as the writer and host of the television show, Power2ools: 2 minute tools for life!, Dr. Giuliano is also a regular guest columnist with Cleveland's Plain Dealer, and is the author of dozens of articles, commentaries and the book, Speak Easy: The Survival Guide to Speech and Public Speaking. He is also an accomplished singer/songwriter, having garnered a Golden Viking for "Americana Album of the Year" in 2006, and received a letter of thanks from NYC Mayor Rudolph Giuliani and a Presidential Citation from President George W. Bush for his 2001 9-11 tribute song, Shoulder to Shoulder. His most recent single is called, This is the Place, This is the Time.
Mark and his wife, Beth, live in and enjoy contributing to the health and vitality of the city and, particularly, to the vibrant life of downtown Cleveland.
Rev. June W. Begany, Associate Pastor
Pastoral Care, Christian Education, Mission
email: firstname.lastname@example.com
June Begany has served as the Associate Pastor of Old Stone Church for the past 20 years. Currently she works in the areas of Mission/Urban Wellness, Christian Education, Pastoral Care and with the Board of Deacons. Before entering the ministry, June taught American History in the Cleveland Public Schools for eight years. She also trained tellers for a bank in New Jersey and served on the staff of another Presbyterian church in the city. Becoming an ordained minister was a second career.
June graduated from Allegheny College with a BA in history. She received a Masters in Urban Studies from Cleveland State University and a Masters of Divinity from McCormick Seminary in Chicago. In addition she has an LSW in Social Work and is certified to administer the Myers-Briggs Personality Inventory. Beyond her work at Old Stone, June served as Moderator of The Presbytery of the Western Reserve and as Moderator of the Mission Council. She has also served on committees at the Synod and General Assembly levels of the church. She completed two years as President of the Board of InterAct Cleveland (Interreligious Partners in Action in Cleveland).
When not involved with some aspect of the life of the church, June enjoys reading mystery novels, cooking, knitting and sharing a cup of coffee or tea with friends. She and her husband Paul recently celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary.
Beth Giuliano, Director of Operations
email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Beth provides pastoral leadership and empowerment for individuals and small groups within the congregation and the community at large. She supports many of Old Stone's growing programs such as Young Singles, 20/30 adults, men's and women's events, home studies, and Dining Out/Friendship social group.
Reaching out to the broader community, Beth is responsible for many innovative outreach programs including the Old Stone Marriage Program, Open Doors, Yoga, Hope for the City leadership series, Sanctuary and Gallery tours, St. Patrick's Day parade festivities, Celebrity Chef, Winterfest and partners with many organizations such as the Mayor's Office (Cleveland), Renee Jones Empowerment Center, Downtown Cleveland Alliance, Public Square Preservation Committee, Historic Warehouse Neighborhood, Presbytery of the Western Reserve's Vital Congregations Committee and many of the over 70 outside groups who hold meetings, workshops and special services at the Old Stone Church.
Beth has also developed and oversees a thriving arts program at Old Stone which includes special concerts, a docent program, historic artifacts and archives, and rotating shows and openings of local, national and international artists in the Gallery at Old Stone.
Beth holds a B.F.A. from Concordia University in Montreal, and a B.Ed. from the University of Windsor, Canada and brings over two decades of experience in education and ministry to her work at the Old Stone Church.
Rev. Donald C. Oglesby, Parish Associate
Home & Hospital Visitation
e-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
Don Oglesby is a retired minister who is serving as part- time Parish Associate and provides pastoral care to the elderly and home bound members. Don has a long history with Old Stone Church dating back to 1963 when he was an Associate Pastor for seven years. In the mid 1980s he was asked to return to serve as the Interim Pastor during the search for a new pastor. After he retired he was invited in 2007 to be one of the ministers to officiate in Old Stone's Wedding Program. Don's work in ministry brings years of experience working with people both as a minister within the church and as one who has worked in business for a number of years. He brings a unique understanding of our faith to people in all their circumstances of life.
Dr. JR Fralick, Director of Music
e-mail: email@example.com
In addition to serving as Director of Music at Old Stone, Dr. JR Fralick is also an active teacher and performer. He teaches voice at the Baldwin Wallace University Conservatory and the Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival. His students have been accepted to prestigious graduate institutions like Manhattan School of Music, San Francisco Conservatory, Indiana University, Florida State University, Westminster Choir College and the Maryland Opera Studio among others and have gone on to star in Broadway and West End (London) productions as well as with opera companies across the country. As a performer, JR has appeared as soloist with the Jerusalem Symphony, the Kansas City Symphony, The Toledo Symphony and the Russian Philharmonic Orchestra. He has performed his favorite operatic roles (Rudolfo in La Boheme, Alfredo in La Traviata and Don Ottavio in Don Giovanni) in the United States and Italy. An avid recitalist, he has been featured with Music of the Western Reserve, The Cleveland Musart Series, Austin's classical band REVEL, numerous recital series and Lieder Recitals in Austria. While his specialty is Russian music and the music of Benjamin Britten, he has also ventured into cabaret and related styles, headlining at the Cleveland Playhouse, Cleveland Fusion-Fest, Cleveland Public Theater (in dance & cabaret concerts!) and other contemporary and pop venues.
Jason Lorenzon, Organist
Jason Lorenzon is originally from Windsor Ontario Canada. He received his first organ post at the age of nine. He went on to the University of Western Ontario and served as Music Director of Hyatt Avenue United Church. While at Western, he was the only freshman to have won the concerto competition and he has played with the University of Western Symphony Orchestra and the Windsor Symphony Orchestra. After graduating from the University of Western Ontario with a Bachelor of Music Degree and Political Science Degree, he came to Cleveland for his master's degree. After graduation from the Cleveland Institute of Music in 1995, he served as Music Director and Organist of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, Macedonia, Ohio, The Hudson Community Chorus, and Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, St. Petersburg Florida. In 2001. Jason placed second in the Marcello Galanti International Organ Competition in Italy. He was invited back in 2008 to serve as a judge.
In 2007 he graduated law school and currently practices immigration and aviation law. He is also a FAA commercially licensed pilot along with instructors and instrument ratings. Most importantly, he lives with his wife Heather and three children, Victoria, Todd and Emily in Richfield Ohio.
Darren Gartrell, sundays@six Worship Leader
Darren Gartrell is originally from Carrollton, Ohio. Raised in the Presbyterian Church USA, he comes to Old Stone with a background in Pulpit Supply, Youth Ministry, and Music Ministry. Darren has worked with junior and senior high school students as a Youth Minister for the Carrollton First Presbyterian Church and as Assistant Director of the Carrollton One Way Youth Center. Darren's background in building youth programs includes: Vacation Bible School, elementary youth, children's drama and music direction. Darren served as a pulpit supply for United Presbyterian Church Parish at age 20 and went on to develop a contemporary worship service called T-Shirt & Jeans Worship. He is currently Old Stone's Worship leader for sundays@six and lead singer of the praise team The Living Stones. Recognized by The National Forensic League for public speaking, he was given the honor of addressing the Ohio Supreme Court swearing-in ceremony for the late Chief Justice Thomas J. Moyer. You can find him every Sunday night singing or even delivering an inspirational message at 6pm. Join us every Sunday night for worship and celebration. It is an amazing time of fellowship and spirit. We hope to see you there soon.
Abraham Augustus, sundays@six Music Leader
Greetings! I'm Abe, an undergraduate college student at Cleveland State University studying Biology. Although biology is my interest, serving Christ with my musical skill is my passion. I play the acoustic guitar and occasionally the piano every Sunday evening at sundays@six — Old Stone's contemporary evening service. My goal, as the music leader, is to help establish a power-packed and rich worship experience every Sunday that will carry into our lives throughout the week too! I am also honored to be leading the distinctly talented Living Stones Praise Team worship band. Please come and join us in worship every Sunday evening at six o' clock. Satisfaction guaranteed … or your troubles back!