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Mecha Knights Background & Character Bios
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Joined: 01 Jun 2008
Posts: 673
Location: 53°04'N 8°53'E
Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2008 4:42 pm
Post subject: Mecha Knights Background & Character Bios
The World
The world of Mecha Knights is firmly entrenched in the medieval system of Feudalism. Technically, the entire planet is a single huge Empire, but in reality there hasn't been an Emperor sitting on the throne for more than a century. In the absence of any central leadership, the various Kingdoms, Duchies and Principalities have assumed sovereignty as independent nations, competing with each other commercially, culturally and sometimes even in open warfare.
Each Realm is divided into several smaller fiefdoms, each under the command of a Count or Earl. These vassals are bound by oath to their respective liege, to provide service in both peace and war.
The technology used by the realms of Mecha Knights is advanced considerably beyond what we have today. The Counts and Princes reside in castles of steel and duracrete and enjoy such amenities as advanced computers, holographic communication and hoverlift vehicles. The peasants have to make do with only a fraction of these technological wonders, but even for them machine power has largely replaced animal power and greatly reduced the need of manpower.
Easily the most iconic piece of technology is, of course, the Mecha. These impressive war machines are the new symbol of chivalry. Standing over fifteen feet tall and armed with an array of devastating weapons, the Mecha easily surpass any other type of vehicle in terms of maneuverability and versatility.
Military Organization
The bulk of any Realm's military are large regiments conscripted from the peasants in times of need. Conscripts are clad in fatigues displaying the livery of their liege, protected by ceramic body armor and armed with Laser Rifles.
These conscripts are supported by a cadre of professional soldiers who form a duchy's standing army. In peacetime these soldiers act as palace guards and perform law enforcement duties. In times of war, they serve as regimental commanders as well as vehicle and artillery crews.
The position of a Knight is available only to those of noble blood. Knights stride into battle in their Mecha. In smaller conflicts a single Knight might act as the supreme commander over all forces present. In larger engagements Knights are usually grouped into units, often lead by the Prince, Duke or King himself. With their superior size and firepower, units of Knights can dominate entire sections of a battlefield and the outcome of entire battles with thousands of combatants on either side can be decided by the deeds of a dozen Knights.
The Story So Far
The Kingdom of Myrandria and the neighboring Duchy of Patroponne have been bitter rivals for many centuries. Since the beginning of the interregnum the two realms have stood at the brink of open war several times. Even though Patroponne is much smaller than Myrandria, it possesses valuable resources and good trade connections. In the case of open war, Patroponne's wealth would allow the duke to hire a great number of mercenaries to match or even outnumber the armies of Myrandria.
Several years ago, in an attempt to end the enmity between the two realms, the King and the Duke signed a treaty which included, among other points, the arranged marriage between the Patroponnean Prince Garren and Myrandria's Princess Ayneira as soon as both would be old enough (the Princess was only 10 years old when her father signed the treaty).
Since then, Princess Ayneira has grown into a smart and headstrong young woman. She has proven herself as a capable Mecha pilot and a resourceful tactician. She has also repeatedly expressed her resentment against having to marry Prince Garren.
A year ago, two months before the planned wedding of Ayneira and Garren, Ayneira's parents were tragically killed in a hoverlift crash, leaving Ayneira in charge of the Kingdom. Prince Garren immediately sent his condolences and courteously granted her the customary year of mourning before proceeding with the planned marriage.
That year is now over and Prince Garren has announced his imminent arrival in Myrandria to claim his promised wife. Ayneira's opinion on this matter does not seem to have changed in the past year, but there is a lot more at stake than her personal pride. A refusal would be a huge insult towards Patroponne, and may well be taken as a cause of war!
The young Queen seems to be aware of this as well, as she has summoned her most trusted Kmights to be present at her palace at the time of Prince Garren's visit
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Joined: 01 Jun 2008
Posts: 673
Location: 53°04'N 8°53'E
Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2008 4:44 pm
Post subject:
Mecha are typically custom built for each individual Knight. However, certain design aspects are pretty much standardized among all modern Mecha. All Mecha have a roughly humanoid shape and range between 15 and 20 feet in height. The Knight pilots the machine from his cockpit in the Mecha's torso. Each of the Mecha's arms carries a heavy weapon often a large type of Laser fed directly by the Mecha's reactor which would be far too large to move by infantry and too unwieldy if mounted on a hoverlift vehicle. Additionally, there are a number of optional systems that can be installed to improve the Mecha's battlefield performance. However, due to restrictions of space and weight, not every Mecha can have every system; and the exact configuration greatly depends on each individual Knight's personal preference.
All Mecha come with an outer skin of heavy armor plates and a basic Sensor/IFF suite.
Main Weapons
Each Mecha carries two of the following weapons, one mounted on each arm. It's absolutely possible to choose the same weapon twice.
By its very nature, a Flamthrower is only useful at short ranges. It has absolutely devastating effects against infantry and open vehicles. Other Mecha are largely immune to the flaming cloud, but if used at point blank range, the intense heat might cook the Knight inside his cockpit.
Gatling Laser:
A Gatling Laser is really just a bunch of heavy Laser emitters grouped together and fired in a periodic cycle. Gatling Lasers are less devastating than Laser Cannons, but provide a much higher rate of fire. Against another Mecha a Gatling Laser would have problems with breaching the outer armor plates, but if the armor has already been weakened the heavy fusillade of laser beams can cause significant interior damage.
Laser Cannon:
The Laser Cannon is the prime weapon for use against other Mecha and lightly fortified positions. The concentrated energy beam emitted from this weapon can punch though a Mecha's heavy armor plates and will all but obliterate lighter vehicles. However, due to its slow fire rate it would be wasted against numerous but weak targets such as infantry.
Melee Weapon:
Mecha-sized Melee Weapons are typically huge blades, longer than a man is tall, which can scythe though hordes of infantry and rend through the armor plates of Meccha and vehicles.
Support Systems
Each Mecha has six "slots" to mount various support systems. Unless specifically noted, each System can be installed multiple times. Note that some Systems take up multiple slots for a single mounting.
Ablative Armor:
Additional armor plates allow a Mecha to absorb more incoming fire before sustaining any serious damage. The more "slots" are dedicated to Ablative Armor, the longer the Mecha can survive.
This modificaton replaces the Mecha's humaniod hips and legs with a four-legged animal-shaped carriage. This greatly increases the Mecha's running speed at the cost of a slight reduction in maneuverability. This modification can only be taken once, takes up two "slots" and can not be combined with Jump Jets.
Defensive Weapon:
Defensive weapons are old fashioned mechanical weapons like Machine Guns, Grenade Launchers or lighter versions of Flamethrowers. Their main purpose is to give the pilot the means to defend himself against capture by enemy infantry in case his Mecha gets incapacitated.
For this reason these weapons are usually mounted directly in the cockpit so the pilot can aim and fire the weapon without the assistence of servoes or the targetting computer. The weapon can also be detached from the Mecha to become man-portable.
Defensive Weapons are all but useless against Mecha, but pose a serious threat to infantry and light vehicles.
Devastator Missile:
The huge Devastator Missiles can be mounted on a Mecha's shoulders or back. Each "slot" represents one missile. As can be expected,the destructive power of a Devastator Missile is considerably higher than that of the smaller missiles held inside Missile Pods.
ECM Suite:
An ECM Suite distorts the Mecha's electromagnetic signature and makes it more difficult for enemies to locate the Mecha with their sensors. A Mecha can only have one ECM Suite.
Improved Sensors:
Improved Sensors have a greater range than the normal sensor suite installed in every Mecha. They also have a better chance of locating targets protected by an ECM Suite. A Mecha can only have one set of Improved Sensors.
Jump Jets:
Jump Jets mounted in the lower torso serve to propel a Mecha into the air, allowing it to jump over obstacles and enemy formations. They are, however, not strong enough to keep the Mecha airborne for any extended period of time. A Mecha can only have one set of Jump Jets, which takes up two "slots".
Missile Pod:
Missile Pods are typically mounted in a Mecha's shoulders or integrated into its torso. Each Missile Pod holds six high explosive missiles, which can be fired independently or in groups. A single missile can scatter an infantry formation or cause serious damage to a light vehicle. A swarm of multiple missiles is required to make any serious impression on a Mecha. Missiles have a limited target-seeking capability.
A shield is simply a large piece of additional armor plating attached one of the Mecha's arms (in addition to the weapon mounted there). The Shield offers a great deal of protection against melee attacks by other Mecha. It also protects against ranged attacks, but its effectively in this function is greatly reduced. A Mecha can only have one Shield.
Shoulder Mounted Weapon:
A Shoulder Mount allows the Mecha to carry a third (or fourth) Main Weapon. These are normally used for Laser Cannons or Gatling Lasers, but Shoulder Mounted Flamethrowers are also possible (Shoulder Mounted Melee Weapons aren't particularly practical). Each Shoulder Mounted Weapon takes up three "slots".
Storage Space:
A Knight may also choose to keep a portion of the Mecha's interior empty to to store additional gear such as a First aid kit, survival gear, body armor or a large personal weapon. Many Knights think it's bad luck to carry such gear, however, because it won't become useful unless the Mecha is severely damaged in the field.
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Joined: 01 Jun 2008
Posts: 673
Location: 53°04'N 8°53'E
Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2008 4:46 pm
Post subject:
Feudal Data
Name: Ayneira
County: None - Queen of Myrandria
Coat of Arms: Azure, a Dragon passant, reguardant Or
Livery: Blue and Gold
Personal Melee Weapon: Scimitar
Personal Data
Age: 17
Gender: Female
Height: 5'8"
Weight: 138 lb.
Hair Color: Brown
Eye Color: Green
Skin Color: Tan
Mecha Data
Name: Boadicea
Main Weapon (right): Melee Weapon
Main Weapon (left): Flametrower
Support Systems:
- Shield (left)
- Shoulder Mounted Laser Cannon (right)
- Improved Sensors
- Ablative Armor
Feudal Data
Name: Garran
County: Crown Prince of Patroponne
Coat of Arms: Or, a unicorn sable armed and crined gules, on a chief of the second three fleurs-de-lis of the first
Livery: Red and Gold
Personal Melee Weapon: Two Broadswords
Personal Data
Age: 22
Gender: Male
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 180 lb.
Hair Color: Pale Blonde
Eye Color: Grey
Skin Color: White
Mecha Data
Name: Cossack
Main Weapon (right): Melee Weapon
Main Weapon (left): Melee Weapon
Support Systems:
- Centauroid
- Devastator Missile (x2)
- Ablative Armor (x2)
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Joined: 10 Apr 2008
Posts: 227
Location: Walking through the woods on a snowy evening
Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2008 4:56 pm
Post subject:
Feudal Data
Name: Jon
Fiefdom: Kleas
Coat of Arms: Sable, a Gemstone Gules (
Red Jewel on a Black field
Livery: Black and silver
Personal Melee Weapon: Gysandir, a longsword
Personal Data
Age: 40
Gender: Male
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 210 lb.
Hair Color: Dark Brown
Eye Color: Blue
Skin Color: Tan
Mecha Data
Name: HLM-01
Main Weapon (right): Gatling Laser
Main Weapon (left): Gatling Laser
Support Systems: Jump Jets, Improved Sensors, ECM Suite, Ablative Armor, Storage Space
Personality & Background: Calm, methodical, and unswervingly loyal to his adopted realm, Lord Kleas is an illegitimate son of the former lord by a foreign woman. Raised knowing of his birth but unable to take advantage of it, Jon served in the military of his birth country Ambria as an officer and later took up Mech-Craft as a trade. When his father was forced by the death of his only legitimate son to recognize Jon as heir, Jon moved to Myrandria and adopted their customs and rulers as his own. His history has given him a healthy respect for the common soldier and worker, but he is uncomfortable exercising his rights as a noble, and spends much of his time home in Kleas with his people.
While working in the Mecha Design industry, Jon gradually grew disgusted by the battle-behemoths that were continually brought in for repair and redesign after attracting the fire of every enemy on the field. He began to turn his attentions to more specialized and stylized Mechas. When he was unexpectedly presented with lordship and and the opportunity to design his own mecha, he correspondingly built the HLM-01
. Small, stealthy, with relatively low damage capacity, the
is a highly capable scout Mecha designed to gather intel with its sensors while hiding in its ECM cloak, then using its small size and high mobility to return to base. Virtually useless in combat alone, it serves best aiding a larger unit and capitalizing on damages inflicted.
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Joined: 14 Apr 2008
Posts: 883
Location: Beneath a vast mound of curly hair
Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2008 6:41 pm
Post subject:
Feudal Data
Name: Henry
County: Lauderdale
Coat of Arms: Argent, a bend cotised Purpure
Livery: Blue and Gold
Personal Melee Weapon: Spiked shield
Personal Data
Age: 26
Gender: Male
Height: 1 fathom (183 cm)
Weight: 165 lb. (75 kg)
Hair Color: Black
Eye Color: Brown
Skin Color: White (mildly tanned)
Mecha Data
Main Weapon (right): Gatling laser
Main Weapon (left): Mêlée weapon
Support Systems: Centauroid, ECM Suite, Improved Sensors, Shield (right), Storage Space
Personality & Background
Sir Henry is the third-born child and second son of Robert, the eighth Earl Lauderdale. As the third child, he was something of a family appendix, and was apprenticed off to Sir Isaiah of Beurling as his squire and subsequently forgotten about. After completing his training he was granted the rank of Knight. However, he does not fight with the Lauderdale troops - they are commanded by his older brother, Viscount Charles, as the heir apparent to the Earl Lauderdale title. Instead, he is a Knight of Myrandria, sworn only to Queen Ayneira. He bears little loyalty to his blood family, preferentially using his first name, though he will answer to "Sir Lauderdale" as well.
While Sir Henry pays lip service to honour and chivalry so long as doing so is not a hindrance, in battle he sees them as being secondary to the goal of winning - and even that only so long as it is parallel to the goal of staying alive. His personal mecha is a perfect reflection of this philosophy. Built for maximum speed with only light weapons and armour, it suits well his preferred strategy of dashing into battle, striking and dashing away again. The
relies on speed and its ECM suite in order to avoid damage instead of weathering it. Ironically enough, Sir Henry's tactics have earned him a reputation for bravery among the royal troops as he is the first to charge into battle. They don't seem to have noticed that he is also the first to charge
of it.
Outside of battle, Sir Henry switches between jovial and deadly serious, depending on whether the Queen is within earshot. There is some disagreement among those who know him as to which is the mask.
You can't look dignified when you're having fun.
Dubbed "Tetris" by Asa... apparently.
Keeper of Nanashi's ghostly blue visage and Felucca's hypothetical ejecting nose-cone.
"It's a sad thing when a man loses his cookie." - Nem
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Joined: 09 Apr 2008
Posts: 257
Location: The pink Vortex of Doom (aka Victoria, BC)
Posted: Thu Jun 26, 2008 1:48 am
Post subject:
Feudal Data
Name: Kára
Country: Völuspá
Coat of Arms: Azure, a Phoenix displayed, head dexter (colour silver)
Livery: blue and silver
Personal Melee Weapon: Katana and Wakizashi
Personal Data
Age: 23
Gender: Female
Height: 183cm
Weight: 165lb
Hair Color: black
Eye Color: LH eye Green RH eye ice blue
Skin Color: ebony
Mecha Data
Name: Brynhildr
Main Weapon (Left): Melee Weapon
Main Weapon (Right): Gatling laser
Support Systems: Shield (RHS), Jump Jets, Improved Sensors, Ablative Armor, EMC suit.
Personality & Background
She's relatively serious when around others and while performing her duties, but "lets her hair down" when around just the Queen, or occasionally in small groups.
Her mother, Princess Akkadian of Ninhursag, was taken as wife by one of the Kings knights who was the ruler of the fiefdom Völuspá. He pledged his first born child, as is tradition in his lands, before birth to protect the King's child.
Kára's mother died in child birth and her father died when she was 9. Before he died he remarried and had 2 more children a girl and a boy. The girl Sigrún would inherit the Kingdom.
Up until the time of his death her father had impressed upon her the importance of her duties and how the protection of Ayneira came above all else, including her own life.
Upon her father's death Kára moved to live in the room next to Ayneira's so that the two girls could get to know one another and so that Kára could learn to fulfill her sworn duties.
From a young child she has been trained in various forms of fighting, her specialty is close quarters fighting and she is just as proficient with her own personal blades as with the handling of her Mecha in melee situations.
In some ways Kára and Ayneira are like sisters, as they've grown up together however Kára is always quick to remember what her duty is.
Coat of Arms:
"A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort." - Herm Albright
Thieli WIP
Apparently I missed finding the new keepership thread and thus missed out on what i was origionaly keeper of [Willow's Journal and K'Thonya's new made sword [old itteration of Earthsong's archive]]
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Joined: 18 Apr 2008
Posts: 2594
Location: Star Stuff
Posted: Thu Jun 26, 2008 2:08 am
Post subject:
Feudal Data
Coat of Arms:
Purpure, a cross argent, in dexter chief a raven sable orbed celeste.
Purple and Silver
Personal Melee Weapon:
Personal Data
Hair Color:
Black (light purple sheen, kept in ponytail)
Eye Color:
Skin Color:
Mecha Data
Main Weapon (right):
Laser Cannon
Main Weapon (left):
Gatling Laser
Support Systems:
Devastator Missile (x2)
Advanced Sensor Platform
Ablative Armor (x2)
Defensive M-Gun
Personality & Background:
A quiet child, Davion was not well suited for being bartered for land or advantage. With a generally "dark" demeanor, and little desire to speak his mind on most matters, he was considered to be nearly worthless in that regard. He was still given the same education and training as his siblings, where he excelled in both. Other than being quiet and normally considered to be hiding within himself, Davion has proven to be quick thinking in a critical situation. Also, he has shown compassion toward his fellow man (so long as he is not reminded of their ignorance).
Davion was born, like many knights, into a royal bloodline. He was the seventh of ten children by his mother, and the sixth of nine by his father. While the county was, in truth, bound to his mother and not his father, his eldest brother on his father's lineage found this unacceptable, and posed a coup. Davion had, being further on down the lineage, been sent away to train as a Knight.
Upon returning one year to celebrate holidays with his family, he found his home in the midst of a rather brutal civil war. His eldest brother had chosen to slay his eldest sister, and in the aftermath claimed himself the rightful heir. This infuriated their mother, who had the boy beheaded for treason. This did not sit well with the father, who then declared his wife unfit to lead and attempted to take her throne by force. The children were divided quite equally, and before even a peacekeeping force could be sent from anywhere else, they had destroyed nearly their entire county.
Davion set to work immediately, using his absence as a ploy to gain access to both camps at different intervals. From this ability he gleaned the locations of both forces, and relayed this to inbound "support" knights. As the knights purged the Vayne stock, for charges varying from murder to treason, they chose to spare the one Vayne who had been absent from his home, and had shown loyalty to the queen above his own blood.
From there, Davion was granted a place at the Queen's side. He has served as a heavy weapons specialist and fire support for the Queen since.
. Dubbed "Usagi" by AsA .
Keeper of the Siderean Swords
"If by chance some day you're not feeling well, and you should remember some silly thing I've said or done, and it brings back a smile to your face or a chuckle to your heart, then my purpose as your clown has been fulfilled."
Red Skelton
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Joined: 14 Apr 2008
Posts: 2141
Location: England
Posted: Thu Jun 26, 2008 8:55 am
Post subject:
Feudal Data
Name: Alana
County: Hashriel
Coat of Arms:
"Argent, a human skull cendree, a bordure sable."
(White shield rimed with black, grey skull emblazoned thereon.)
Livery: Black and grey
Personal Melee Weapon: alloy staff
Personal Data
Age: 24
Gender: Female
Height: 5'3"
Weight: 9 stone
Hair Color: Mousey brown
Eye Color: Greyish blue
Skin Color: White
Mecha Data
Name: Archer
Main Weapon (right): Laser Cannon
Main Weapon (left): Melee Weapon
Support Systems:
ECM Suite
Improved Sensors
Shield (Right arm)
Gatling Laser (Left shoulder)
Personality & Background
Alana was born into petty nobility who made the majority of their income on the strength of the vast reactor complex housed on their lands. She was raised with a classical education with the intention to be married into a more powerful family upon turning twenty one. This plan went somewhat awry when, while touring one of the reactors at the age of twenty, a minor radiation leak rendered her and everyone else in the room at the time sterile. Fortunately everyone else in the room was a peasant; unfortunately it made her unsuitable for the terms of the marriage. Equipped with a mecha and some basic combat training Alana was sent to win her family's fortune on the edge of a blade, or at least to die where she would no longer represent such a disgrace.
Given her comparatively limited battle training Alana tends to approach engagements with other mecha from extreme range using her mecha's ECM suite in conjunction with the range to remain undetected and give the improved sensor suite time to pick out enemies for the Laser cannon. While this is perhaps not as honourable as ridding enemies down on the field Alana has no real illusions that following any code of honour or purpose improves her worth after failing the traditional purpose of her existence. It is a skill she has become quite adept at though, however dishonourable it might be. When engaged with enemy infantry or light vehicles she tends to simply immolate them with broad sweeps of her suit's shoulder mounted Gatling Laser using the reasoning that death will spare them the dishonour of defeat, a situation she compares all too readily in soldiers to own her lack of real purpose. Heavier vehicles and emplacements are granted the tender attentions of either the mecha's sword or a blast from the Laser cannon. In a command role Alana capitalises on her studies of historical battles enabling her to integrate tactical battle plans and strategic logistics if needed.
Somewhat distant though not without a sense of humour Alana would describe her life as somewhat adrift, contented for the most part to let events turn out as they will around her and to draw pleasure from the simple practice of her skills. Those who know her tend to find her dispassionate attitude somewhat off putting at times including her ability to remain completely calm even when under heavy fire. Few realise that this ability is not so much courage as a lack of caring.
Never forget,
We stroll along the roof of hell
Gazing at flowers.
- Issa
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Haha some people are either delusional or just trying to start shit. Pretty sad either way...
Glad Britney's getting her ish together (by the looks of it).
The Candies commercial does look pretty good. Go gurl!
Go Britney! It makes me really happy to see her smile.
And to the "fag hag" commenter, its comments like 'fag hag' that perpetuate negative sterotypes in the gay community. Shame on you.
lol in the commercial, I thought it said 'bitches' but turned out, it was her signature.
LOL really now? I highly doubt she really beats her kids. There would be more evidence of this I'm sure. This again is coming from someone who used to work for her and is probably looking for some kind of compensation or chance to get his name out there. Shameful.
She has yes, quite a few times. All of which ranged from terrible to unbearable.
Firstly she looks stunning in the commercial!...
& secondly..to whoever believes the crap that The Sun writes...it's a shame that they get away with it...but this story is totally not true...the Child Welfare who had to visit even for outlandish claims...seems like they seen no signs of any abuse...
anyways....theres alot of bullshit news....about Britney...I advise u to read this site..it's official ..
First of all
My girl looks AMAZING
All those allegations were made by a man that never even worked inside her home.
All of those allegations have been thrown out.
love her, hate her, say what you want about her - but all of the boys & all of the girls are beggin' to f.u.c.k her. well, let's say a LOT of people probably would - but that's not what i want to talk about here.
BRITNEY SPEARS - the best selling and overall most fascinating female artist of the decade. in 12 years she worked herself up to the royalty of pop, performing with both madonna and michael jackson, selling more than 130 million records, soldout tours worldwide, best-selling celebrity fragrances of ALL time (beating j.lo, s. j. parker, kylie etc), pretty much won every award possible (from the grammies to the vma's to american music awards to billboard awards, ema's, teen choice awards etc), she was the youngest musician EVER to get her own star on the hollywood walk of fame in 2003 (7 years ago! beyoncé, christina, j.lo and all those other names still don't have one) and there's plenty to come this year.
as of now, she's working hard on her new album (rumored release is NOVEMBER this year, single probably next month or so)
08/16/2010: BRITNEY leaving the westlake recording studios in L.A.
and is shooting a tribute BRITNEY SPEARS glee-episode that airs september 28th.
08/19/2010: BRITNEY on the set of GLEE
i personally LOVE her. for 12 years now. i think she's the biggest and overall most fascinating pop artist of my time. there's something about her stage presence, the way she comes across and everything else that just blows me off whenever i watch her - whether it's live or not. i think she's underrated when it comes to her voice because she does use a lot of autotune in her music people tend to believe she can't sing, which is not the case. almost every producer or songwriter she has ever worked with always said in interviews that people should give her more credit for her voice because it's not as weak as some may think.
btw, this is my favorite vocal performance of hers in a song:
what do YOU think about her?
I fucking love her. I'm also following like a crazy stan I can't wait for the single to drop soon even more excited for the glee episode (only watching because she will appear) and her new album.
She is looking hot as hell.
I love Britney!...huge fan....& Glee is an awesome program..u can imagine how excited I am that she is gonna be on it ....can't wait for this & the looming album...
Thanks for this thread.
Now the Entertainment Forum doesn't have to be polluted with Britney postings. They can all be collected right here.
sad enough you feel the need to click a topic that seems to annoy the shit out of you.
i'll keep you in my prayers
btw, there are new pictures of britney and her boy toy (jason trawick) going for some shopping...
dayyyyyum, those legs!!! *speechless*
and another one for the haters, haha
YESSSSS I saw those candids and her fucking legs drove me crazy. She seriously has amazing legs. If all the rumors are true her new single should be released any day now!
P.S. look at the fans in the background all smiley haha
I'm actually an online friend for a few years wud one of those fans in the background....damn lucky her!....she was so near...Britney lookin good!!
Didn't she get sued again this past week?
Love her to death!
Can't wait for the new album and the Glee episode.
Bow to the Queen!!!
I love this mash up
I adore "Unusual You".
I have been addicted to this mash up of "Telephone" since her demo leaked. This would have made a good VMA performance.
Another former bodyguard gave a completely drama-free account to E! about working with Britney from '07-'08. Hell she even has Federline's pit bull of a lawyer dismissing these allegations as transparent. There are also reports Britney plans on countering-suing Flores. It was a fun story to believe for a good 4 hours. Heh.
Just when you thought it couldn't get any worse:
"Glee" rose in the ratings to a series high thanks to its eagerly anticipated tribute to Britney Spears.
"Glee" drew 13.3 million viewers and a 5.8 preliminary adults 18-49 rating -- dominating the night, rising 4% from its mammoth premiere last week and scoring the Fox pop-drama's biggest rating ever (yes, higher than the show's Madonna-themed episode).
Among those millions of viewers was Spears herself, who posted her thoughts on the episode in real time on Twitter, as "Glee" aired on the West coast. "Watching 'Baby' brings back so many memories! Feels like yesterday," Spears tweeted, later adding, "The 'Glee' version of 'Toxic' is amazing!"
"I loved it!" Spears wrote at the show's conclusion. "Thank you guys SO much for making this happen!"
Thank you for posting this EvilTwinTwo. She gave Glee it's highest rated episode ever among 18-49, the most important demographic.
Icon. Legend. Britney.
New album drops in March !
First single drops in January !
Who's excited ?
If you don't like her, don't comment !
<3<3<3 When I crack that whip everybody gon trip just like a Circus <3<3<3
Im so excited ya
Haha yaaaaaay !
<3<3<3 When I crack that whip everybody gon trip just like a Circus <3<3<3
When will the single drop exactly? I was hoping for a early jan release
I am not a huge fan of her.. Her music is catchy.. but to be honest I do not think alot of the buzz about her is about her.. She is a mediocre dancer and singer... Christina is 100% better singer, and lady gaga is much more creative than her.
The Glee episode was amazing. but I believe it was amazing because brittany s peers on the show is an amazing character who hadnt been featured alot...
like i said I am far from a hater just wouldnt consider her legendary.
I just cant and refuse to reply to that last post
I feel lil bit bad for Christiana A. cuz her Album bombed but Britney's album didnt bombed
Dorothy: Look, fluffhead. Why should I deny being in denial? I never said I was in denial, YOU are the one who said I was in denial, and don't you deny it.
Andrew ummm yeah its gonna be early January I think
<3<3<3 When I crack that whip everybody gon trip just like a Circus <3<3<3
January 7th.....lyrics have leaked online...but Dr. Luke tweeted late last night that they are fake.
Yup Jive Records have officially confirmed the single "Hold It Against Me" will be released on the 7th. They confirmed on their twitter
Finally confirmation!! From people who have heard Hold It Against Me they are saying it ranks up there with Toxic and Slave, saying it has an epic bass line etc... I can't fucking wait!!
Britney will perform at the Grammys on Feb. 23
the grammys.... where did u hear this
Okay so now Adam Leber is saying that we shouldn't believe everything we read and that the single is coming in January, which means that it could be any day in January !
Grrr the excitement is killing me ! I can't take it anymore !
<3<3<3 When I crack that whip everybody gon trip just like a Circus <3<3<3
On Monday, January 10th Britney fans worldwide will be encouraged to share a message on Facebook 2 million times.
Once this is accomplished, her new single, Hold It Against Me is unlocked for radio & for immediate sale on i-Tunes.
Sony Music Canada is offering the opportunity to Canadian stations to have their listeners participate through a customized Facebook widget that listeners can then forward.
I can't wait!!!!
Its been over two years since Britney Spears released her sixth studio album Circus, and with the welcoming of 2011, the reigning princess of pop is set to take back the music scene. Tuesday, Spears is set to release her first single Hold It Against Me from her forthcoming album slated to hit stores and iTunes in March.
Spears managers Larry Rudolph and Adam Leber gave Ryan a first listen to the high-energy single on Thursday, which blew away the demo that leaked online earlier this morning. Leber played the song off of his trusted iPod Classic in Ryans radio studio (see photo below). Britneys managing team also played a second song for Ryan, I I I Wanna Go another powerhouse single from the new album.
Rudolph and Leber explained to Ryan that the creative process for Hold It Against Me music video is well underway and are nothing short of spectacular. Spears has been rehearsing choreography for the video for a month now, and will shoot in two weeks.
Check back to RyanSeacrest.com Tuesday for the premiere of Hold It Against Me!


text:
"The Power of Collaboration" - 4th European Grid Conference on Energy and Democracy
27 January 2015, 12am – 8pm, Atomium, Square de l'Atomium, 1020 Brussels
Ban veterinary diclofenac now - Take action!
Diclofenac is an anti-inflammatory drug extremely toxic to vultures which is used for veterinary purposes in at least two EU countries; Italy and Spain. Find more information on our campaign page calling for an EU ban of veterinary diclofenac.
SAVE THE DATE: Sustainable Future for EU Farming ?
Conference, 4 March 2015, European Parliament, Brussels
BirdLife Europe is a Partnership of 49 national conservation organisations and one of six regional secretariats that compose BirdLife International.
Our Partners are present in 48 European and Central Asian countries including all EU Member States.
BirdLife Europe's unique local to global approach enables it to deliver high impact and long-term conservation for the benefit of nature and people.
In Brussels, the BirdLife Europe team works mainly on EU policy issues and aims at improving EU legislation relating to the environment and biodiversity.
Tweets by @BirdLifeEurope
The BirdLife Partnership is building a growing network of people and organisations who are working together to look after migrant birds in the Mediterranean.
Europe and Central Asia Montenegro Migratory Birds and Flyways - Europe and Central Asia
This announcement is the first step in banning the use of veterinary diclofenac in Europe
Europe and Central Asia Preventing Extinctions
When watching this video it is hard to believe that Ulcinj Salina was set to be drained and converted into a complex of hotels and golf courses.
Europe and Central Asia Montenegro Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs)
The migration of millions of birds across the face of the planet is one of nature's greatest annual events. Every spring some...
Europe and Central Asia United Kingdom Migratory Birds and Flyways
"Won't protecting nature just slow down getting the investments we need? Are our renewables targets realistic if we have to follow your...
Europe and Central Asia Climate Change
Spain has officially established 39 new marine protection areas. The new sites are 'Special Protection Areas for Birds' (SPAs), designated under the European Birds Directive. The SPAs will offer protection to seabirds whilst they are at sea, complementing the existing network of sites on land.
Europe and Central Asia Spain Seabirds and Marine - Europe and Central Asia
"The EU failed to stand to the promises of greening the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)": these are the conclusions of the academic...
Europe and Central Asia Advocating for sustainable agriculture
One of the world's smallest lizards, a 'spiky' yellow woodlouse, a blue iguana, a flightless moth, a seabird thought to be extinct...
On 21 May, the EU will celebrate the Natura 2000 Day for the 2 nd year. Natura 2000 is the network of...
Europe and Central Asia
Diclofenac is an anti-inflammatory drug whose veterinary use has been the main cause of the catastrophic 99% decline of several species of...
Europe and Central Asia Preventing Extinctions - Europe and Central Asia
Fourteen teams of adrenalin charged birders will step boldly into the Israeli night at midnight on 31 March, as they cross the...
Europe and Central Asia Georgia Migratory Birds and Flyways - Africa
Diclofenac is a powerful anti-inflammatory drug that has wiped out vulture populations in India, Pakistan and Nepal. Now, a repeat of this...
BirdLife's UK Partner, the RSPB, is launching a new initiative, the RSPB Centre for Conservation Science dedicated to discovering solutions to 21st century conservation problems, reinforcing the BirdLife Partnership as a world leader in conservation.
Europe and Central Asia United Kingdom


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Owner Operator Truck Driver Jobs at Celadon Canada
Celadon Canada has truck driving jobs available for owner operators. If you have an AZ class 1 license we want to talk to you. If you are not already an owner operator you may be able to participate in our lease purchase program to become one.
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Base Rate:
$1.05 per mile on all loaded and dispatched empty miles. Paid weekly via direct-deposit.
Fuel Surcharge:
Calculated weekly. This week it is: $0.385 U.S. per mile converted to Canadian funds. (Rate as at 2/01/13).
Company Paid Expenses:
Base-plate; Licensing and Permits; Fleet Insurance; Fuel Tax; Authorized Tolls; Border Crossings; Scales; Drug Testing; PrePass/EZ Pass (Deposit Required); and Business Faxes.
Detention Pay:
After 2-hrs of waiting for loading/unloading, $30 CDN per hr. Capped limit per event is $250 / 24-hrs.
Extra Stop Pay:
While the LTL portion of our business is low, all extra stops between the initial pick-up and delivery are paid as: Stop 1: $45; Stop 2: $60; Stop 3: $75 and Stop 4: $90 (CDN funds).
$75 Cdn paid after 24 hrs. Spin times are very good.
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Heavy Vehicle Tax; Satellite fee of $14 CDN+HST weekly; and Accident Deductible up to $5,000.
$1,500 CDN – payable at $150 per week for first 10 weeks.
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We recommend 1 day off for every 7 days running. Stopping by the house for 1/2 a day or taking your legal rest-break at home is not your day off! With 7 days notice, you schedule your own home time.
Days Out:
7-10 days out is all that is required, however for the best productivity results 10-14 days — the choice is yours.
While we do go everywhere, our main lanes are between Southwestern Ontario and Southwestern and Southeastern USA. No New York City! Solos average 2,500 – 3,200 miles per week and Teams average 4,500 – 5,700 per week.
Celadon Owner Operators enjoy driver-friendly freight — NO Hazmat; NO Reefers and NO Flat-beds.
We haul quality general freight, largely from Fortune 500 companies in vans. Our freight is 95% NO touch and 75% drop & hook. Safety focused; C-TPAT, ACE & FAST certified; satellite communications; assigned Driver Managers; strategically placed terminals across North America; consistent traffic lanes; high frequency of interplant moves; and the highest frequency of trailers to tractors in the industry (over 3 trailers per tractor).
Fuel Discounts; Reduced Labour Rates at O.E. Dealers; On-Road Breakdown Assistance; Rider Policy; and No Paint Code.
Celadon Canada has operated its popular Lease Purchase Program for well over 15 years and we're very proud to assist drivers with their career advancement. Our No Money Down Lease Program is an excellent way to blend your experience in trucking with managing your own business and being your own boss.
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Currently, we have seated all available lease units. A new lease program is planned for March 1st. Contact us today and put your name on the interest list. These trucks go fast!
As at Jan 2013. Rates & Information subject to change.
Call us today! 855.818.7982


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First dispensary opens in McMinnville
May 2, 2014 | 33 Comments
By Nicole Montesano
Of the News-Register
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It is located at: 2046 NE Hwy 99E suite #A.
Assuming you mean Highway 99W, which actually passes through McMinnville, and not Highway 99E — GOOD LORD GET YOUR INFO CORRECT!!!!!! — I have fixed both elements.
We do not include Inc., LLC, PC and such when we identify businesses, by the way. We use their assumed business names, not their legal or corporate ownerships. We do try to get them right, though.
I will also get the archived version corrected for you.
Steve Bagwell, Managing Editor
I would expect a more professional response from someone of your position.
Jeb Bladine
Lack of regulation as implied by the NR is a sham in my mind. There is far to much regulation already. I'm not talking about medical cannabis, but in general.
The primary problem is that the service is abused by many and tarnishes the needs of a few. The abuse overshadows the need.
What is being abused in your mind? People like to smoke or ingest cannabis. It is in our genetic make up.
The Endocannabinoid System is one reason why.
In my mind what is being abused is the peoples rights or lack of rights to choose what they want to consume or not consume. Your morals are no better then mine my friend. My heart is kind and my work ethic is all out. I consume cannabis for therapeutic reasons myself. I have no problem sharing that with anyone. I don't feel any less of a person for doing so. Even though you may feel my reason for doing so is abuse and you look at me as a "stoner."
I know your days in the war have made a bad impression of cannabis on you. You have said it a few times. Even though I am too young to know, I'm sure what you experienced over there was horrific and you dealt with it the best that you could. I also would have to say that many others had other coping mechanisms and weather you agree or not, it makes you know better then the KID that was next to you who smoked a joint. If I recall, most soldiers were drafted and had no choice. If I had to guess, it was the heroin not the cannabis that was the issue.
My two cents.
You said, "In my mind what is being abused is the peoples rights or lack of rights to choose what they want to consume or not consume."
That is important. Do you draw the line at any point? Age? Substance? Do you have the same feelings for meth, heroin etc.? I will say that I agree with your suggestion as long as no one else is involved when an individual consumes. I have no problem if you are a "stoner" as long as no one else is affected, either directly or indirectly, by your actions.
I do have a line drawn. In my mind, meth has zero place in our society. Heroin neither. People wither away when consumed for long periods of time. Just as they do when consuming large quantities of alcohol for long periods of time. Or Tabaco.
The law says at the age of 18 we are to be tried as an adult. So I guess that is where I draw my line for age. Even though, in the state of Oregon, I was told by a doctor who set my son"s arm, at the age of 15, a youth can consent for their own medical care. Does this mean a doctor would prescribe a narcotic pain killer to a child? I don't understand. I know that's a little off subject, but it's an interesting point.
"Indirectly", is far to vague. I agree with you 100% about directly.
So when you say, "In my mind what is being abused is the peoples rights or lack of rights to choose what they want to consume or not consume." That is meant primarily for marijuana and not products you (and most people) don't approve? Are rights of those who want to "consume" meth, heroin etc. abused? Should those rights be abused?
I am just under the opinion that cannabis has been made out to be a villain so some philanthropist could cash in. It's just unfortunate that law enforcement jumped on the revenue generating sham as well.
I sent you a link a couple of years ago for a report put together by the global drug commission, highlighting the impact of the war on drugs. After reading that, I'm still in disbelief that people who have read the report are not considering a new position. The rest of the world is not buying what the US has been selling when it comes to cannabis. Oppressive.
Can you describe the feeling that you get from the effects of marijuana? Is it always the same effect? Do you ever feel impaired? Are you always in control of the effects, or have you ever been in a weakened mental/physical state?
The use of cannabis relaxes me and I would have to say I am always in control. I understand the effects from cannabis and make sure I am in a position to use cannabis in a responsible manner. I don't become weakened. For myself, I often times become clearer. It depends on what I am doing. I don't smoke myself into a stupor. Just like over drinking, people can over smoke.
Different people have different needs. Needs are as vast a people themselves.
My friends level of anxiety rises expediently if she is not used cannabis for a few hours. You can see her become more fidgety and watch her jaw start to flex. It looks uncomfortable. Like I said the level of use for some may be to much or not enough for others.
Medically and mind altering can be one and the same.
I agree that people have that responsibility. That responsibility is too often abused. While I am in agreement with you if no one else is involved, but leaving the use up to each individual generally does not seem acceptable. That would be like letting all people using mind altering drugs decide what is appropriate. It just doesn't work well. I think that is the primary reason that marijuana use is not endorsed by so many people.
Everybody I talk to about cannabis and uses medical cannabis is complaining about the high amounts of meth and heroin in McMinnville. Just because people use cannabis doesn't mean they condone schedule 1 drug use. I use cannabis and I don't condone the use of meth and heroin. In fact, I would make it a priority to bring down any A-hole who approached a child with any drug.
If you think banning a dispensary is going to solve what you perceive as a problem, think again. If you don't think that cannabis has been are McMinnville until the opening of a dispensary, your living in a dream world. Where was the cannabis coming from in 60's 70's 80,s and so on. You couldn't be any farther from the truth. Old propaganda.
While your banning dispensaries, why don't you ban all the large windowed wine tasting areas propping up there patrons for all to see including our children who play up and down 3'rd street. Lets get high on fermented grape juice and put them all on display on 3'rd street. People love watching other people getting high on grape juice through windows on third street. Sounds crazy to the people who like to go get high on grape juice on third street I bet.
If you don't think that cannabis has been are McMinnville until the opening of a dispensary,
If you don't think cannabis has been in McMinnville until the opening of a dispensary,
You said, "I would have to say that you are in the minority on the subject."
What did I say that would put me in "the minority on the subject"?
National polls show that the people are now in favor of full legalization, even though I read your comment as otherwise.
Kona, you already do. Coffee, nicotine any anti depression medications are being used by millions. People who use these drugs are certainly making appropriate decisions...
I don't understand this comment. Please elaborate.
People do not always make responsible decisions. It is like asking an alcoholic to make a responsible decision about drinking alcohol, the responsible decision "is too often abused". Not much differently than a "stoner" applying for medical marijuana (without a medical need) abusing the system.
No, those "appropriate decisions" are too often abused. They are often inappropriate decisions if those decisions affect anyone else, and many times those decisions do affect others.
Again, I have no issue with a person willfully destroying their own life as long as they don't take others with them. I think it is sad, but I think it is their right.
Are you implying that if one drinks or smokes or takes an anti depressant, that individual is not capable making any valid decisions?
Where do you draw the line between abuse and casual consumption?
You are inferring something different than I am implying.
I said, "those "appropriate decisions" are too often abused". I don't think there is anything about that statement that is controversial. It doesn't mean that " if one drinks or smokes or takes an anti depressant, that individual is not capable making any valid decisions".
I would guess that all decisions are "valid decisions". Not all decisions are good decisions. I will suggest that labeling any decision as "good" or "bad" is debatable depending on a person's perspective. I think it is less debatable when people are harmed from a decision.
This is what I said, "People do not always make responsible decisions. It is like asking an alcoholic to make a responsible decision about drinking alcohol, the responsible decision "is too often abused". Not much differently than a "stoner" applying for medical marijuana (without a medical need) abusing the system."
Additionally, those poor decisions could apply to abused prescription drugs and many other vices in our society.
This is Fletch's wife.
If your kids are inspired to go and get high simply because there is a dispensary in town, you have not done your job as a parent. Do not blame that on the dispensary. It is YOUR job as a parent to educate your kids about the danger of drugs, not the government's. It is up to the mother trying to raise a drug free child to make sure she has a drug free child. If you do not need to go to a dispensary then it will have no impact on either your life or your children's lives. It is narrow views like yours that keep misinformation and discrimination alive. And no, I don't use marijuana. Neither does my kid.
• Over 100 attend vigil for McGraw (4546)
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• Bank files aircraft foreclosure motion (3284)
• County commissioners discuss goals (2616)
• All-Valley Soccer Athletes of the Year (2588)
• Letters to the Editor - Jan. 23, 2015 (2343)
• Legal marijuana still a mind-altering drug (2263)
• Gun rights advocates pack meeting (55)
• Bank files aircraft foreclosure motion (9)
• Letters to the Editor - Jan. 23, 2015 (8)
• All the sound and fury much ado about nothing (7)
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• Legal marijuana still a mind-altering drug (4)


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Things to do in New York
From the 102nd floor, the Empire State Building gives panoramic views of Manhattan's skyscrapers. Midtown is home to ornate Grand Central Terminal and Downtown has crowded Canal Street in Chinatown. On the Upper East Side, locals rollerblade through Central Park, browse art at the white-spiralled Guggenheim and heritage at the Jewish Museum. Walk over Brooklyn Bridge to Brooklyn, home to Egyptian statues at Brooklyn Museum. Most museums open daily, with free entry on Friday evening. Some close on Monday.
Museums and Galleries
Expand all-
1. International Center of Photography - Museums & Galleries
Show moreThe ICP is one of the world's premier educators, collectors, and exhibitors of photographic art. The state-of-the-art gallery space is ideal for viewing rotating exhibitions of the museum's 50,000-plus prints as well as visiting shows. The emphasis is on contemporary photographic works, but historically important photographers aren't ignored. This is a must-see on any photography buff's list.
Admission $12 adults, $8 seniors and students, 11 and under free
Opening hours
Tues–Thurs and Sat–Sun 10am–6pm; Fri 10am–8pm
1133 Sixth Ave, New York, USA
2. The Jewish Museum - Museums & Galleries
Show moreHoused in a Gothic-style mansion renovated in 1993 by AIA Gold Medal winner Kevin Roche, this wonderful museum now has the world-class space it deserves to showcase its remarkable collections, which chronicle 4,000 years of Jewish history. The two-floor permanent exhibit, "Culture and Continuity: The Jewish Journey," tells the story of the Jewish experience from ancient times through today, and is the museum's centerpiece.
Show this on mapE-mail this itemCost
Admission $12 adults, $10 seniors, $7.50 students, free for children 11 and under; free for all Sat
Opening hours
Fri–Tues and Sat 11am–5:45pm; Thurs 11am–8pm
1109 Fifth Ave, New York, USA
3. Museum of Modern Art - Museums & Galleries
Show moreAfter a two-year renovation completed in 2004, MoMA grew to almost twice its original size. The renovation, designed by Yoshio Taniguchi, highlights space and light, with open rooms, high ceilings, and gardens—a beautiful work of architecture and a perfect complement to the art within. Exhibits include van Gogh's Starry Night, Cezanne's Bather, Picasso's Les Demoiselles d'Avignon, and the great sculpture by Rodin, Monument to Balzac.
Show this on mapE-mail this itemCost
Admission $20 adults, $16 seniors, $12 students, children 16 and under free if accompanied by an adult
Opening hours
Sat–Mon and Wed–Thurs 10:30am–5:30pm; Fri 10:30am–8pm
11 W. 53rd St, New York, USA
4. Brooklyn Museum of Art - Museums & Galleries
Show moreOne of the nation's premier art institutions, the Brooklyn Museum of Art rocketed into public consciousness in 1999 with the controversial "Sensation: Young British Artists from the Saatchi Collection," which drew international media attention and record crowds who came to see just what an artist—and a few conservative politicians—could make out of a little elephant dung.
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Suggested admission $10 adults, $6 seniors and students, free for children 11 and under; free to all 1st Sat of the month 11am–11pm
Opening hours
Wed and Sat–Sun 11am–6pm, 1st Sat of the month 11am–11pm, Thurs–Fri 11am–10pm
200 Eastern Pkwy, Brooklyn, USA
5. Ellis Island - Museums & Galleries
Show moreOne of New York's most moving sights, the restored Ellis Island opened in 1990, slightly north of Liberty Island. Roughly 40% of Americans can trace their heritage back to an ancestor who came through here. For the 62 years when it was America's main entry point for immigrants (1892–1954), Ellis Island processed some 12 million people.
Show this on mapE-mail this itemCost
Free admission (ferry ticket charge)
Opening hours
Daily 9:30am–5pm (last ferry departs around 2pm), with extended hours in the summer
, New York, USA
212/363-3200 (general info)
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6. Central Park - Attractions
Show moreWithout the miracle of civic planning that is Central Park, Manhattan would be a virtual unbroken block of buildings. Instead, smack in the middle of Gotham, an 843-acre natural retreat provides a daily escape valve and tranquilizer for millions of New Yorkers. While you're in the city, be sure to take advantage of the park's many charms—not the least of which is its sublime layout.
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7. Brooklyn Bridge - Attractions
Show moreIts Gothic-inspired stone pylons and intricate steel-cable webs have moved poets such as Walt Whitman and Hart Crane to sing the praises of this great span, the first to cross the East River and connect Manhattan to Brooklyn. Begun in 1867 and completed in 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge is the city's best-known symbol of the age of growth that began in the late 19th century.
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, Brooklyn, USA
8. New York Public Library - Attractions
Show moreThe New York Public Library, adjacent to Bryant Park, is one of the country's finest examples of Beaux Arts architecture, a majestic structure of white Vermont marble with Corinthian columns and allegorical statues. The interior has high-arched marble ceilings and grand staircases, and the main Reading Rooms have been returned to their stately glory and moved into the computer age. There's a full calendar of lecture programs and excellent rotating exhibitions.
Show this on mapE-mail this itemCost
Free admission to all exhibitions
Opening hours
Mon and Thurs–Sat 10am–6pm; Tues–Wed 10am–8pm; Sun 1–5pm
455 5th Avenue, New York, USA
917/275-6975 (exhibits and events)
9. Grand Central Terminal - Attractions
Show moreNew York's Grand Central Terminal counts among the most magnificent public spaces in the country. Its high windows allow sunlight to penetrate the space, glinting off the Tennessee marble floor. The brass clock over the central kiosk gleams, as do the gold- and nickel-plated chandeliers piercing the side archways. And the masterful green-blue sky ceiling depicts the constellations of the winter sky above New York.
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10. Empire State Building - Attractions
Show moreIt took 60,000 tons of steel and 10 million bricks to build. King Kong climbed it in 1933. Tragically, on September 11, 2001, it regained its status as New York City's tallest building. Through it all, the Empire State Building has remained one of the city's favorite landmarks and its signature high-rise.
The best views are from the 86th-floor observatory. Walk out on the windy deck to look through coin-operated viewers over a magnificent citywide panorama. Dusk brings the biggest crowds and starry nights are pure magic.
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Observatory admission $23 adults, $20 seniors, $17 children 6–11, free for children 5 and under
Opening hours
Daily 8am–2am (last elevator at 1:15am)
350 Fifth Ave, New York, USA
By Subway: 1, 2, 3 or 9 (7th Avenue Lines), A, C or E (8th Avenue Subway) to 34th Street/Penn Station. Also B, D, F, N, Q, R or Path to 34th Street/Avenue of the Americas.
Special things to do
Expand all-
11. Mother A.M.E. Zion Church - Special Things to Do
Show moreOne of Harlem's great gospel churches, this African Methodist Episcopal house of worship was the first black church to be founded in New York State. Established in 1796, Mother A.M.E. was known as the "Freedom Church" for the central role it played in the Underground Railroad. Among the escaped slaves the church hid was Frederick Douglass; Paul Robeson was another of its famous congregant.
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12. Statue of Liberty - Special Things to Do
Show moreFor the millions who came by ship to America in the last century, Lady Liberty was their first glimpse of America. No monument so embodies the nation's notion of political freedom and economic potential. Even if you don't make it out to Liberty Island, you can glimpse it from Battery Park, the New Jersey side of the bay, or from the Staten Island Ferry.
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Free admission; ferry ticket to Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island $13 adults, $10 seniors 62 and older, $5 children 4–12
Opening hours
Daily 8:30am–4:30pm (last ferry departs around 2pm); extended hours in summer
Liberty Island, New York City, USA
212/363-3200 (general info)
Walk south through Battery Park to Castle Clinton, the fort housing the ferry ticket booth
13. Staten Island Ferry - Special Things to Do
Show moreIn 2006, the Staten Island Ferry celebrated its 100th anniversary. Over the years it has been one of New York's best bargains—sometimes costing a nickel and most of the time, like now, a free ride. It's New York's best freebie—especially if you just want to glimpse the Statue of Liberty and not climb her steps. You get an hour-long round-trip into the world's biggest harbor.
Show this on mapE-mail this itemCost
Free admission
Opening hours
24 hr.; every 15 min. during rush hour, every half hour or hour during nights and weekends
1 Whitehall Street, New York, USA
14. The High Line - Special Things to Do
Show moreThe High Line, Manhattan's newest and most inventive park, runs 30 feet above street level on a former freight rail line. Where milk, meat and raw materials once trundled by, trendy New York now chats and chills, enjoying marvelous views over the Hudson River. The High Line's lush landscaping of wildflowers, shrubs, sculpture and trees winds its way through two of Manhattan's most creative and vibrant neighborhoods; gallery-rich Chelsea and the fashionista-filled Meatpacking District.
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Free admission
Opening hours
7am-7pm daily; open later during summer
, New York, USA


text:
Cody Hoyt
Epic, massively-layered mixed media work by Cody Hoyt.
Epic, massively-layered mixed media work by Cody Hoyt.
Annie Descôteaux's work is confident, engaging and straight-forwardly slapstick. The Montreal-based artist works with installation, drawing and collage and has seen her work exhibited and discussed at conferences on colour theory. In equally impressive outings, it's also appeared in Bloomberg and Pica magazines, among other publications. Annie's collage work is well-balanced with clean lines, sharp colours and discreet humour; each piece littered with raw steak, fried eggs and shuttlecocks.
Olivier Vrancken is a graphic designer and artist based in Holland. Painting and drawing his way through commissions and personal work, he is inspired by everything from primitive art to the great lyricists that are Black Sabbath. Olivier has exhibited all over Europe, his Cubist aesthetic and visual references laden with nods to cut-outs, still life, architecture and the human form. There's a great colour palette to his work and some nice titles like Bad Hair Day and Wanderlust. Olivier's work reminds me of the prints that appeared all over the T-shirts of the 1980s, in a good way.
Me nut nut nut was one of Jason Murphy's daughter's first utterances, and is now the name for his drawings of awkward stories of fear and incompetence. Inspired by the physical comedy of The Young Ones and The Ren & Stimpy Show, Jason's drawings rely on comic intuition and references to real-life moments, like dropping a potato on his cat.
While we wait to take our turn to become a sort of strangely sanctioned voyeur as PJ Harvey records her ninth album, thinking about what's ahead feels peculiar. Essentially, we're going to see PJ (Polly Jean) Harvey, her band, producers Flood and John Parish, a photographer and two engineers making an album in a Something & Son-designed box, formed of glass that allows visitors to see in, while the musicians can't see out.
Up to the point when I opened Atelier Bingo's new zine Wogoo Zoogi I'd never wondered what two aliens in heated conversation might look like. Having had a read I can now confirm that the answer is "they are speaking, singing very strangely, and they have a hair on their tongues." The newest bout of work from French illustration and surface design duo Adèle Favreau and Maxime Prou is a wonderful celebration of playful, dynamic, abstract art; blending shapes, colours and patterns in a glorious puddle of chaos thinly disguised as alien chat. In fact, it's everything we've been led to expect from the pair, who we've dolloped praise on in the past.
Faig Ahmed is an Azerbaijani artist doing remarkable things with carpets. He takes traditional Azerbaijani rugs – enormous, beautiful intricate creations – un-weaves them, and reconstructs them to create new patterns and shapes, subverting traditional usage of rugs as domestic objects to be walked all over, and rejuvenating them with optical illusions and techniques reminiscent of contemporary internet art.
The work of Slavs & Tatars is awash with unlikely cultural references, balloons, archives and carpets. Identifying "the area east of the former Berlin Wall and west of the Great Wall of China" as the focus of their work, their projects are generous, engaging and genre-crossing. Starting as a reading group before shifting into making their own work, Slavs & Tatars have recently been working on a continuation of their Long Legged Linguistics project, a multi-faceted study of language as a source of emancipation. The somewhat secretive collective were kind enough to tell us more about this and their "bazaar" approach to making work.
If you go down to the Whitechapel Gallery anytime between now and early April you'll be sure to come across a huge breadth of work chronicling the adventures of the black square, from 1915 all the way up to the present day. It's fairly monochromatic, as you might expect. Upstairs, however, things get drastically more colourful – especially once you come to David Batchelor's specially "disrupted" issue of October, one of the most respected art journals out there, first published in 1976 and edited by esteemed writers Michel Foucault, Richard Foreman and Noël Burch.
Perennial student artist Alex Da Corte has qualifications, residencies and awards coming up to his eyeballs having studied Film, Animation and Fine Arts at New York's School of Visual Arts, Printmaking and Fine Arts at The University of the Arts, Philadelphia and then a cheeky MFA in Sculpture at Yale. Busy guy!
Karma Books have just published a catalogue of Duane Hanson's post-humous exhibition Flea Market Lady. Shown at New York's Gagosian Gallery, Duane's flea market ladies are taken from real-life characters and cast in bronze. An incredible feat of observation and skill, his work captures the character of his models and creates a very real atmosphere of flea-ing. Karma have kindly let us publish an extract from the imaginary conversation Maurizio Cattelan has with the artist in the foreword to the book:
Hubert de Lartigue paints photo-realistic portraits that "serve the beauty" of his models, and his muse. He considers "emotion and soul" the most important part of a painting and spoke to us about his working process, inspiration and the impact of his muse, Octavie.
If I won the lottery I'd open a gallery, and when I opened my gallery I'd totally rip off everything that David Kordansky Gallery does. From the big stuff like the very well-curated, cool list of artists they represent, to the impeccable printed matter they produce, to the matter of their easily navigable and well designed website – these guys are celebrating people's work in the best way possible.
For all its simplicity – the limited use of colour, the seemingly straightforward shapes – there's something about the work of Jens Wolf that's undeniably intriguing and complex. Bringing to mind the likes of Josef Albers and Frank Stella, his abstract pieces set off their precise geometry with deliberate imperfections that add a human element to its formality. With his first London show opening in March, we had a chat with him about the creative process, the evolution of his work and why his London is forever foggy.


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I think he has had some kind of deep spiritual enlightenment or something. Has that calm look on his face like the world all makes perfect sense now.
I think he has had some kind of deep spiritual enlightenment or something. Has that calm look on his face like the world all makes perfect sense now.
yeah, I don't think I've ever seen him celebrate a catch with outstretched arms and the works. Sort of chap who'd make you think twice before acting your usual, silly self in his company.
Based on the statistically insignificant sample size of one inning Quiney is a fool. His technique looked ok - just his judgement. Perhaps he had too much adrenaline pumping for this inning being his debut.
likes to hit 666666
Indians can't bowl - Where has the rumour come from as I myself and many indian friends arwe competent fast bowlers ?
With the English bid I said: Let us be brief. If you give back the Falkland Islands, which belong to us, you will get my vote. They then became sad and left
First impression of kleinveldt... not vry impressive based on that first over... maybe im being a bit harsh, cud just be nerves on debut but that first over was bad.
Lets see how he goes
My first impression of Kleinveldt is that he is dire. Perhaps that will change, perhaps not... but
SA have plenty of bowlers who look better than him.
Somebody has to...
First impressions:
'If they take offence that's their choice:' Greg Ritchie defends accusations of racism
well he's a queenslander
Mahatma Cote's most egregious crimes are and always have been against funny, tbh.
Last edited by Top_Cat; 11-11-2012 at 02:36 AM.
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text:
Cast a spell over the party in these enchanting gowns.
Black Halo dress, $328, L. Boutique; cuff bracelet, $450, Saks Fifth Avenue; pink, white and yellow diamond earrings, $12,500, milky quartz ring, $1,120, both from Diamond Vault. Shot at Ivory Lounge.
Diane von Furstenberg Menaro dress, $545, The Met; 14K rose gold bracelet set with 3.27 ct. white and black diamonds, wide square diamond ring set in 18K rose gold with 2.91 ct. natural pink diamonds, diamond drop earrings, 18K rose gold set with 5.50 ct. diamonds, prices upon request, all from June Simmons Jewelry inside The Met; metallic gold clutch, Bette's Vintage Closet, $75. Shot at Shore Diner on St. Armands.
Pamella Roland dress, $2,860, Saks Fifth Avenue; rose gold and pavé diamond square ring, $9,475, rose gold and pavé diamond necklace, $45,875, white gold and diamond wide cuff bracelet, $21,850, and white gold tear-shaped diamond drop earrings, $11,050, all from McCarver & Moser. Shot at 1350 Main.
Marchesa gown, $7,995, Saks Fifth Avenue; diamond and platinum Riviera necklace, $48,600, flowing diamond mesh bracelet, $59,900, diamond earrings, $9,760, all from Diamond Vault. Shot poolside at Lido Key residence.
Diane von Furstenberg Mikera dress, $645, The Met; June Simmons Jewelry "Triple V" black Swarovski crystal necklace, bone bangle set with purple Swarovski crystals designed for Zac Posen runway, multicolor sapphire drop earrings set in 18K white gold with black rhodium, prices upon request, all from June Simmons Jewelry inside The Met. Shot at Shore Diner on St. Armands.
Armani stretch silk gown, $1,595, and Adrienne Landau fur coat, $1,295, both from The Met; multi-sapphire and diamond necklace, $41,400, multi-sapphire and diamond bracelet, $48,300, sapphire drop earrings, $4,025, all from McCarver & Moser; Jimmy Choo platform pumps, $745, Jimmy Choo evening bag, $1,325, both from Saks Fifth Avenue. Shot at 1350 Main.
Monique Lhuillier gown, $10,999, Saks Fifth Avenue; yellow and pink diamond drop earrings, price upon request, Diamond Vault. Shot at Lido Key residence.
Diane von Furstenberg Crista dress, $2,000, The Met; Erickson Beamon black starburst ring with Swarovski crystals, sterling silver black rhodium crystal necklace with freshwater pearls, prices upon request, from June Simmons Jewelry inside The Met; Pomellato 67 loop earrings, $755, Saks Fifth Avenue. Shot at Shore Diner on St. Armands.
Monique Lhuillier strapless dress, $5,290, Saks Fifth Avenue; "Bette Davis Eyes" necklace by Erickson Beamon and "knot" ring set with marquis Swarovski crystals from June Simmons Jewelry, inside The Met, price upon request. Shot at Lido Key residence.
Photography: Mark Farmwald
Stylist: Jackie Rogers, Style Matters SRQ
Production Assistant: Cat Pennenga
Make-Up: Eri Vincent, Molinari Model & Talent
Hair Stylist: Fredrique McCrary, Molinari Model & Talent
Special thanks to Pottery Barn at Southgate Mall, Ivory Lounge, Shore Diner, John Pellegrino, Doug Libertore and Cheryl Loeffler of Premier Sotheby's International Realty


text:
EPA is now soliciting applications for the FY 2015 EJ Small Grant Program. Read more about EJ Small Grants. |
The recipients of the FY 2014 EJ CPS Cooperative Agreements have been announced. Read more about the projects. |
EPA is celebrating 20 years of working towards environmental Justice. Learn more. |
Get up-to-date information about upcoming meetings, grants, and other environmental justice topics and activities. Sign up for the EPA-EJ Listserv |
What is Environmental Justice?
Environmental Justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. EPA has this goal for all communities and persons across this Nation. It will be achieved when everyone enjoys the same degree of protection from environmental and health hazards and equal access to the decision-making process to have a healthy environment in which to live, learn, and work.
20th Anniversary of Environmental Justice At EPA
February 11, 2014 marks the 20th anniversary of the signing of Executive Order 12898 (6 pp, 140K, About PDF).
A Federal committee providing recommendations to EPA on environmental justice matters
Meetings | Recommendations
Plan EJ 2014
Plan EJ 2014 is EPA's road map for advancing environmental justice across the agency and federal government.
Environmental Justice Grants & Programs
Providing financial assistance to for projects to address local environmental concerns
Small Grants | Collaborative Problem Solving Cooperative Agreements
Federal Interagency Working Group on Environmental Justice (IWG)
Various Federal agencies and White House offices working to integrate environmental justice into its individual programs
Environmental Justice Achievement Awards
Recognizing the achievements of organizations that undertake environmental justice initiatives which make a positive impact in the community
Community Outreach Teleconferences
Provides information to participants about the Agency's EJ activities and maintain an open dialogue with EJ advocates
EPA Policy on Environmental Justice for Tribes and Indigenous Peoples
A policy to provide clarity and consistency in how EPA works with federally-recognized tribes and indigenous peoples throughout the United States, and others living in Indian country to address their environmental justice issues.
Creating Equitable, Healthy and Sustainable Communities
The Partnership for Sustainable Communities has composed a guide to EPA, HUD, and DOT resources on sustainability and EJ.


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Asia and the Pacific
Asia and the Pacific
Recent Activity
In a highly selective way, flows of internal migrants within Taiwan have responded quickly to political, economic, and social changes throughout the nation's history, and have spurred development of the country's industrial, services, and technological industries. In the past 20 years, however, international migration has reemerged in relevance and now includes the immigration of foreign workers and wives and the emigration of some of Taiwan's best and brightest.
Most of China's roughly 145 million rural-to-urban migrants were born after 1980, making this population the "new generation" of internal migrant workers. Having been directly influenced by China's rapid economic growth and recent sociodemographic policy changes, this cohort of rural-urban migrants offers much to learn with respect to their motivations. This article discusses survey data indicating that new-generation migrants have somewhat different motivations and expectations than their more traditional counterparts, such as the desire for excitement, fun, and career development independent of the needs of the family back home.
Public backlash against the detention systems of Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States mounted in 2011 with allegations of unacceptable living conditions, abuse, prolonged detention, and government waste.
The realities of poverty, underemployment, and a large working-age population mean that international labor migration is an expected and necessary part of life for many Bangladeshi men and women. Nazli Kibria of Boston University explains the challenges and opportunities facing Bangladesh as the small nation struggles to balance the need for economic migration and its resulting remittances with the protection of its citizens abroad.
Ronald Skeldon of the University of Sussex maps out the past and present migration patterns of China — the source of tens of millions of migrants around the globe — and discusses the country's budding status as an immigrant-receiving nation.
Recent Activity
This joint Migration Policy Institute and International Organization for Migration event marks the Issue brief launch of Regulating Private Recruitment in the Asia-Middle East Labour Migration Corridor.
This issue brief examines Asian labor migration to the Middle East—a region distinguished by its major dependence on migrant workers, the overwhelming majority from Asia. The author focuses on the role of private recruiting agencies as key facilitators of temporary labor migration and perpetrators of exploitative practices.
A discussion with Dr. Noppawan Tanpipat, Vice President, National Science and Technology Development Agency; Frank Laczko, Head, Migration Research Division, IOM; Dovelyn Rannveig Agunias, Regional Research Officer, IOM, and Policy Analyst, Migration Policy Institute (MPI); and Kathleen Newland, Director of Migrants, Migration, and Development, Migration Policy Institute (MPI).
This discussion highlights the best practices and experiences of different countries in engaging and maximizing the contributions that diasporas can and do make to the development of their country of origin, and more broadly the experience of policymakers in both sending and receiving countries and the related challenges and opportunities they face.
This discussion includes a status of preparation of the 2012 GFMD summit, including a discussion on the possible ideas and projects presently being contemplated that would fully integrate migration into the development framework, with a special focus on Africa.
This practical handbook highlights policies and programs that can magnify the resources, both human and financial, that emigrants and their descendants contribute to development. It gives concrete examples of policies and programs that have been effective, and pulls out both useful lessons and common challenges associated with the topics at hand.
This brief outlines the key policy challenges governments and other stakeholders face in addressing the health needs of Asian labor migrants. It highlights the obstacles migrant workers face in accessing health facilities and services at various stages of migration, before proposing five key steps for translating the growing interest in migrant health issues to visible changes on the ground.
The launch in Bangkok of an issue brief series on labor migration in Asia undertaken by MPI and IOM with speakers H.E. Phadermchai Sasomsub, H.E. Kazi Imtiaz Hossain, H.E. Linglingay Lacanlale, Andrew Bruce, and Dovelyn Rannveig Agunias.


text:
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text:
though brand-created content is not novel, the practice fully bloomed in social-media-saturated 2012. (A salute to the "Brands" that did Branded Content Campaigns right in 2012.
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Miklos Szilagyi's curator insight,
October 10, 2014 11:56 AM
Curation within curation... clever...:-)))
Russell R. Roberts, Jr.'s curator insight,
January 30, 12:12 AM
Comprehensive slideshare presentation on "The New Advertising" from business consultant and master storyteller Karen Dietz. Dietz and her associates argue that advertising is caught up in approaches that no longer are efficient and effective. Dietz believes storytelling that encourages active engagement between seller and customer will do more to secure loyal buyers than outdated methods such as direct mail, tv/radio advertising, and outdoor displays, such as billboards. This storytelling approach is a natural for social media and well-designed company websites. Companies must address customers where they are, namely on their home and business computers and their mobile media. Aloha, Russ.
donhornsby's curator insight,
January 8, 9:11 AM
(From the article) As a leader, the way you frame your stories affects more than just you. "You have to understand the importance of narrative," Bolman says. "A great leader tells a great story. The story serves as an intellectual framework, but it's also emotional and even spiritual. Typically, it's a story of great challenge, adventure, and achievement. A great story orients the leader, but also everyone around the leader. That helps them understand what the business is about and where you are trying to go."
Debra Walker's curator insight,
January 17, 10:59 PM
Just like the beginning of an older, yet beloved TV show - 'here's the story...." it sticks in our minds and helps us differentiate between all of the noise that we hear on a daily, hour and minute by minute basis.
José Antônio Carlos - O Professor Pepe's curator insight,
January 13, 7:13 AM
Storytelling levada a sério, por quem leva a inovação a sério. Vale a pena assistir com atenção.
Miklos Szilagyi's curator insight,
January 13, 10:07 AM
Excellente model (even an ad) for storytelling...:-)))
Ken Dickens's curator insight,
January 7, 1:47 PM
Bottom line, add video and visuals to your PR messages and get a ton more exposure. Nice survey and stats included here. Self-serving for PR newswire of course, but, it tells the story. Get it? - Ken |
Jeremy Pollard's curator insight,
January 29, 5:56 PM
Icebergs are a great metaphor. We use an iceberg in Shipley win-work sessions to highlight that deals are often won under the iceberg around unstated issues, then justified on the stated requirements. Later, when client agree they could make some powerful changes to their process for winning work, this iceberg about the hidden barriers to making that change comes into play. The ratio of people and organisations that want to changes, but struggle to make it stick, is very high. We are fast approaching the point where effective change management becomes a bigger issue to work on with clients than the specifics of the solution being considered. I recommend this article, and the powerful visual as a starting point for you own conversations with your team about making things happen. I suggest starting with examples of projects or changes of significance that HAVE worked for you. Talk through why you think they worked. Compare them to the projects or changes that stalled or ran late. What was different? Talk to colleagues about their success and failures in change. Leading a team, helping a customer - change is the foundation skill. Where would you rank your ability to drive, lead and make change happen?
María Dolores Díaz Noguera's curator insight,
January 27, 8:02 AM
Líderes comprometidos..Leadership Courage: Creating A Culture Where People Feel Safe To Take Risks | @scoopit via @eddebainbridge http://sco.lt/...
Andrea Payne's curator insight,
January 27, 3:23 PM
I've been reading "Real Influence" by Robert Ullman and John Goulston (http://www.amazon.ca/Real-Influence-Persuade-Without-Pushing/dp/081442015X), and they talk about the importance of connecting authentically. In Real Influence, Ullman and Goulston refer to this authenticity as "Connected Influence".
W. Bradley Gooderham's curator insight,
January 28, 4:38 PM
The future need innovators and the present needs innovative teachers to nurture them. Creativity and the ability to innovate are natural characteristics but they must be built up and encouraged in our students, colleagues, and selves. IteratED is committed to bringing out and nurturing the best in all of our faculty and students. We understand that this requires greater autonomy to make decisions and more trust in the natural ability to learn through exploration. Are you a teacher who wants to reach for your highest potential? We are here to help you get there. Contact IteratED for more information on how together we can provide exceptional 21st-century education.
Art Jones's curator insight,
January 22, 12:29 PM
The author provides an orderly thought process for telling a brands stories.
Jane Dunnewold's comment,
January 13, 5:24 PM
I find even students in an adult workshop setting remember information better and longer if it is tied to a story. I meet people who were in classes with my ten years ago and the things they remember from the experience almost always begin with "I loved that story you told when....." Which of course makes an good teacher want to gather more good stories! It's a delicious cycle.
Jane Dunnewold's comment,
January 14, 3:16 PM
I love reading such great tips on incorporating stories - but my take is definitely how I am going to segue the advice into my workshop setting. I'm positive adding stories will help my students remember the all-important parts of what they're learning because of the opportunity I have to provide frames of reference that will make the information "real!"
Charlotte Catteeuw's curator insight,
January 8, 3:24 AM
Good tips for captivating and engaging your audience, the old skool way
Javier Arana's curator insight,
January 10, 9:26 PM
Muy buen artículo sobre 8 técnicas de storytellin para atrapar a una audiencia.
Debra Walker's curator insight,
January 20, 3:38 PM
These techniques are not just great for structuring presentations but are very helpful with a lot of writing projects as well.
Jeff Domansky's curator insight,
January 3, 10:30 AM
Karen Dietz shares a valuable article on brand storytelling. Recommended reading. 9/10
Venkatesh Iyer (venkyiyer.com)'s curator insight,
January 4, 12:48 AM
Interesting read. Interesting examples.
Miklos Szilagyi's curator insight,
January 4, 4:10 PM
You know what? The less arty and artificial is it, the better... |