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Oh, how we loved ''The Amazing Race'''s small wonder, Charla Faddoul! She hauled a 50-pound side of beef, ate a vat of caviar, and had fans everywhere cheering her on. And cousin Mirna Hindoyan, well, she hugged host Phil Keoghan a lot. EW talked to the (now eliminated) duo about their ''Amazing'' appeal.
Charla, you destroyed that caviar while the other women bitched and wept. How?
Charla: I've been through a lot more obstacles than this race. I've had surgeries where my legs have been broken. How bad can eating caviar be compared to that?
Mirna, what was up with your making Charla do most of the show's Roadblocks?
Mirna: I'm a very picky eater. If that's Charla's strength, why would I sit there and take an extra hour?
C: Mirna did a lot of things you didn't see, like with the ticket agents. Those counters were above my head.
Did you know the Brothers were calling you Mirna and Shmirna?
C: If they had said it to my face, I would have tried to educate them -- that's not the proper way to respect a person.
M: Maybe it will land us a commercial with Smirnoff—and in that case, we should thank them.
What's next? ''Survivor''?
M: Our hair would be a mess! Doing a ''Laverne & Shirley''-type show sounds more like us.


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Federal Requirements for Procurement of Energy-Efficient Products
See: federal requirements for the procurement of energy-efficient products at U.S. Dept of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Federal Energy Management Program
Law: US Code (Search for Title 42, Chapter 91, Subchapter III, Part B, 8259b: Federal procurement of energy efficient products)
Regulations: US Code of Federal Regulations (Search for Title 10, Chapter II, Subchapter D, Part 436: Federal Energy Management and Planning Programs), Federal Register version (pdf) posted at US Dept of Energy.
Summary: The Federal Procurement of Energy Efficient Products Rule establishes guidelines for Federal agencies to procure ENERGY STAR labeled and Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) designated products in procurements involving energy consuming products and systems. These regulations promulgate the National Energy Conservation Policy Act (NECPA) as amended by the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007.
ALSO SEE: nyc energy efficient products procurement and usage law us epa final guidance on environmentally preferable purchasing
back to top | back to environmental purchasing laws | back to source reduction laws

subset: commoncrawl


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Selaginella bryopteris
Selaginella bryopteris | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Division: | Lycopodiophyta |
Class: | Isoetopsida |
Order: | Selaginellales |
Family: | Selaginellaceae |
Genus: | Selaginella |
Species: | S. bryopteris |
Binomial name | |
Selaginella bryopteris (L.) Baker |
This article may require cleanup to meet Wikipedia's quality standards. The specific problem is: the article is largely made up of copy-pasted material and is disconnected. (May 2013) |
Selaginella bryopteris, known commonly as sanjeevini and sanjivini booti (Devanagari:संजीवनी), is a lithophytic plant. It is used medicinally in India. The popular name sanjeevani which translates as "One that infuses life" derives from the medicinal properties. Sanjeevani grows on the hills of tropical areas, particularly the Arawali Mountain terrains from east to west in India. This plant is found in the "vadakunathan temple" in the state of kerala -"thrisur". The dry plants have traditionally been used as a remedy for several human health complications for centuries in India, particularly by tribal peoples.[citation needed] Traditional uses include relief from heat stroke, dysuria, irregular menstruation, and jaundice, but the effectiveness has not been scientifically validated.[1]
In Hindu mythology, Sanjeevani is a magical herb which has the power to cure any malady. It was believed that medicines prepared from this herb could revive a dead person. Herb is mentioned in the Ramayana when, Ravana's son Indrajit hurls a powerful weapon at Lakshmana. Lakshmana is badly wounded and is nearly killed by Indrajeet. Hanuman was called upon to fetch this herb from the mount Dunagiri (Mahodaya) in the Himalayas or Valley of Flowers.[citation needed] Upon reaching Mount Sumeru, Hanuman was unable to identify the herb and decided to lift the entire mountain and bring it to the battlefield.
499 Keywords. Apoptosis; Sanjeevani
Selaginella bryopteris
- thermal shock; UV
________________ Abbreviations used: FBS, Foetal bovine serum; PECS, peritoneal exudate cells; ROIs, reactive oxygen intermediates; SE, S e lagi nella extract; UV, ultra violet. http://www.ias.ac.in/jbiosci J. Biosci. 30(4), September 2005, 499 – 505, © Indian Academy of Sciences Indian herb 'Sanjeevani' (Selaginella bryopteris) can promote growth and protect against heat shock and apoptotic activities of ultra violet and oxidative stress. (ref: http://www.ias.ac.in/jbiosci/sep2005/499, retrieved on 13-03-2013)
Selaginella bryopteris, a resurrection spike moss species shows photosynthetic characteristics and the response of stomata to environmental determinants and ABA. (ref: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168945212000842, retrieved on 13-03-2013)
While some references in scientific literature list Selaginella bryopteris as the Sanjeevani mentioned in Hindu mythology, a search of ancient texts currently underway in CSIR laboratories has so far not revealed any plant that can be definitively confirmed as Sanjeevani. In certain texts it is written that Sanjeevani glows in the dark.[2][3]
- ^ Sah N K et al., 2005, Indian herb 'Sanjeevani' (Selaginella bryopteris) can promote growth and protect against very heat shock and apoptotic activities of ultra violet and oxidative stress. Journal of Bioscience, 30, 499–505.
- ^ Telegraph India
- ^ In search of Sanjeevani, Current Science, Vol. 97, No. 4, 25 August 2009


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Find records of Erskin Robison
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Find records of ErskinBiography & Family History Add details
Erskin C Robison (1878 - 1942) was born on December 28, 1878 in Limestone County, Alabama. Erskin was born into the Robison family.
Erskin died on April 5, 1942 in Athens, Limestone County, Alabama at 63 years old. Erskin was buried on April 10, 1942 in Thach Cemetery, Athens, Limestone County, AL.
Erskin C Robison's last known residence is at S Clinton St, Athens, Limestone County, Alabama.
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- Given name
- Erskin
- Surnames
- Robison family history
- Nationality
- United States
- Last Known Residence
- S Clinton St, Athens, Limestone County, Alabama
- Born
Limestone County, Alabama - Death
Athens, Limestone County, Alabama - Burial / Funeral
at Thach Cemetery,
Athens, Limestone County, AL - Professions
- Farmer, County Tax Collector, Bookkeeper, Inventor
Obituary Add details
Published in The Alabama Courier, April 9, 1942: An illness lasting over a period of several months, culminated in the death of Erskin C. Robison Sunday night at the Limestone Hospital, where he had been moved from his home on South Clinton Street. Mr. Robison was born in Limestone County, Dec. 28, 1878 and with the exception of a few years in South Alabama, spent his entire life here where he was prominent in political and business circles. For 40 years he was a loyal and faithful member of the Church of Christ and it was there his body was carried Monday, April 6, for the last service which was conducted by Bros. A. J. Rollings and M. A. Creel. Interment was made at Reunion Cemetery with McConnell Service directing. Surviving are the wife and eight children, Lee Robison, Anniston; Fred A. Robison of Alexander City; J. H. Robinson of Evergreen; Sam P. Robison of Mendin, La.; Mrs. Ruth Hadway, Athens, Ga.; Mrs. Lynn Nowak, New York; Mrs. Mary Johnson, Huntsville; and Miss Sarah Robison of Athens; four brothers, Foster, Hezzie, G. W. and Carl Robison; three sisters, Mrs. Eva Vickers, Mr. Nellie Jones and Mrs. Perry Daly; and a host of relatives and friends who mourn his passing. He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Rachel R. Robison, who died September 10, 1918.
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- Rose May Nixon Robison
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- Alice Irene Bunch Felder Robison
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- Daniel Robison
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ExxonMobil will settle its $100 million fine for the Exxon Valdez spill out of court with the federal and Alaskan state governments after being granted a reprieve from a US District Court Judge. This is despite State Governor Sean Parnell being a well-known ex-lobbyist for ExxonMobil.
The US judge responsible for levying record fines against ExxonMobil two decades ago has refused to reopen the case to seek further penalties for continuing damage to Alaskan fisheries and wildlife.
The Exxon Valdez oil spill in Prince William Sound, Alaska in 1989 was the worst oil spill in US waters until last year's Deepwater Horizon disaster. (Unsurprisingly, Exxon CEO Rex Tillerson has today condemned BP for its role in the April 2010 spill. Yesterday, BP's CEO Robert Dudley claimed that the incident was not a "one-in-a-million occurrence" and that industry-wide changes are needed.) The Valdez dumped 11 million gallons of oil into the sound and contaminated about 1,300 miles of coastline.
The settlement sought for nearly 20 years was $5 billion. By June 2009, ExxonMobil had paid $900 million including interest (Exxon only paid 75% of the $500 million punitive damages eventually awarded), less than one fifth of what was originally sought and after 20 percent of the plaintiffs were deceased. In the fine's clause was a further payment of $100 million for any lingering impacts of the spill.
Monday's ruling by US District Court Judge H. Russel Holland means that ExxonMobil will not be forced to pay the $100 million sought. A settlement between federal and state governments looks more likely and, if the record of the Alaskan Governor is any indicator, with yet another reduction of the fine on the cards.
Current Governor of Alaska, Sean Parnell, worked at law firm Patton Boggs between 2005-2006, representing ExxonMobil against plaintiffs including Alaskan state prosecutors. It was Patton Boggs who managed to reduce Exxon's original $5 billion punitive damages by more than $2 billion in December 2006. Before that, Mr. Parnell served as Director of Government Relations at ConocoPhillips.
Sean Parnell is not only a vocal critic of President Obama's 'red tape' against oil drilling in Alaska but served under Sarah Palin as Lieutenant Governor when the federal government reopened the settlement agreement seeking further funds from Exxon for remediation. Under both Sarah "Drill Baby Drill" Palin and Sean Parnell's leadership, Exxon's fines have withered away. Neither Alaskan administration has bothered to take the company to court or pressed for money.
Professor Rick Steiner, who has long campaigned against irresponsible oil and gas drilling in Alaska, had sought to re-open the original 1991 settlement. He was understandably disappointed with the ruling: ""He's the judge that approved this provision 20 years ago, and for him to disavow any responsibility for it now is pretty astonishing."


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Accessible cello modernism stunningly selected and played.
Alisa Weilerstein is everything you'd want in a cello soloist: powerful sound, dyamite technique, intelligent interpretive personality . . . Most cellists, even most virtuosos, sound deoxygenated at the top of their range. Weilerstein sounds urgent. The contrast with the rich full resonance of her lower notes is extreme, and she knows how to use it . . . [Kodály / Cello Sonata]: the rest of the CD could be filler and I'd still want it for this . . . [Golijov / "Omaramor"]: at once soulful and gymnastic, pushing the cello all over ist range and falling unexpectedly and turn to jagged shards of sound . . . The disc's jaw-droppingly good out-of-left-field clincher is "Seven Tunes Heard in China" by the Chinese-American composer Bright Sheng. Weilerstein's playing is authorative throughout these pieces, but in the Sheng, she's revelatory. She manages to evoke the soundscape of Chinese traditional music -- using a bare timbre, micro-variations in pitch, feathery bowing that scarcely grazes the strings, and a whole suite of non-standard techniques -- while also making the most of the deep, flowing sound that only a cello can produce . . . well-chosen music, lively and imaginative playing, full of passion and a sense of fun . . . Get hold of Weilerstein's "Solo" disc. That's the one you want.
. . . [Weilerstein] clambers energetically into music of the past 100 years with four highly physical works . . . [Kodály / Cello Sonata]: an arresting physicality . . . a formidable programme . . .
This is Weilerstein's first solo disc and it is spectacular from the opening of Kodaly's cello sonata to the final Tibetan dance of Chinese composer Bright Sheng's "Seven Tunes Heard in China" . . . Everything on this disc is impressive but her performance of the Kodaly solo cello sonata -- one of the greatest works in the form since the Bach unaccompanied cello suites -- is rather close to brain-boggling.
. . . the program here is not just original, but qualifies as daring . . . all the music has an ethnic flavor, and one might think that 75 minutes of solo cello music in this vein would be a tough slog. Nothing of the sort. Weilerstein chooses the program intelligently . . . Weilerstein keeps this large and potentially unwieldy enterprise under perfect control, and her reading of the Kodály, with intense forward momentum in the cello's high registers, is extraordinary. This still-developing cellist, aided by fine engineering work at Berlin's Teldex Studio, is decidedly one to watch.
All of these compositions demand a virtuoso technique that Weilerstein is a mistress of . . . She plays with accuracy and feeling . . . All of the works on this program are strong and expressed with passion . . . [Cassado / Suite]: an attractive and dramatically cogent reading. Her intensity is impressive . . .
Weilersteins Art zu spielen ist geprägt durch die Freude am Klang . . . [dass sie Musik als Ganzes liebt,] hat sie mit diesem Solo-Album hörenswert bewiesen . . . aus den Werken erklingt einfach das Selbstverständnis einer Künstlerin, die ergründen will, was den Komponisten bewegte.
. . . [cet album] rend le mieux justice ŕ son remarquable talent . . . ce disque est un juste autoportrait de la musicienne et du message musical qu'elle entend porter . . . Cet album donne ŕ entendre Alisa Weilerstein sans compromis, enfin, et offre un portrait pertinent du répertoire du violoncelle de notre temps, qui se nourrit de sources populaires et, dans sa recherche d'évolution, s'élargit au niveau planétaire.


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Like Us!
Steve 'Wildman' Wilson
We are proud to announce our featured guests at this year's expo are THE SWAMP PEOPLE from the History Channel.
Deep in the heart of Louisiana lies America's largest swamp–a million miles of inhospitable bayous, marshes and wetlands where nature rules and humans struggle to tame it. Many of its inhabitants are the hardened descendants of French refugees who were forced out of Canada in the 18th century and settled in this harsh yet majestic environment. Today, these people are known as the Cajuns, a group renowned throughout the world for their flavorful cuisine, distinctive music and vibrant culture. Resilient, self-reliant and fiercely independent, the Cajuns of the Atchafalaya Swamp still carry on many of their ancestors' trades and traditions.
Steve 'Wildman' Wilson wil be our emcee for the day, Saturday, Mar 29.
Steve Wilson, better known to Arkansans as "Wild Man," earned his nickname in 1984, when he became the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission's coordinator of Project WILD, a conservation education program.
He began his career with Game and Fish as a hunting safety training officer in 1978, and was named chief of the Information and Education Division in 1987. He now serves as AGFC Public Affairs Coordinator.
Along the way, Wild Man has earned the Game and Fish employee of the Year Award twice, and was the Arkansas wildlife Federation's.
Steve is the host and co-producer of "Talkin' Outdoors at the Corner Café," a 30-minute, weekly television program. He's also the host and producer of "Call of the Wild," a weekly,
statewide radio broadcast.
Jarad is guide, a tournament angler and the owner/founder of Roper Outdoors based out of Forrest City, AR. Roper Outdoors was created to organize events that promote and educate people of all ages about fishing and the great outdoors. The motto "Keeping The Great Outdoors Great" came from Jarad's deep passion for the outdoors. He also owns Crappie Academy a two day traveling school taught by today's top crappie tournament anglers and guides, CrappieNation.net an information website that showcases everything crappie and CrappieStation a YouTube Channel. Jarad's passion for the outdoors and the sport of crappie fishing can be felt in his seminars. His goal is to show you just how easy the sport of crappie fishing really is and how fun it could be. In his seminars participants will receive tips and techniques that has made him very successful on the tournament trail.
We are a young, passionate company that is committed to developing and distributing innovative hunting products to help you become more successful in the woods. We are determined to be successful and will do this while glorifying God.We officially launched DeadTek in August of 2012 and have steadily grown a presence in the regional market through tv, social media, and expo events.
Pull out your old fishing poles, lures and tackle because an ANTIQUE TACKLE ROAD SHOW is coming to ANGLERS EXPO in Heber Springs, Arkansas, March 28-29-2014.
Mr. David Stalnaker, President of the Tackle Collectors Of Arkansas, and lifetime member of the National Fishing Lure Collectors Club (NFLCC), along with other club members, will be on hand to identify and appraise old tackle brought in to the Expo free of charge. So bring yours or your Grandpa's old tackle box and let David and his crew take a look-----who knows you might have a lure worth thousands of dollars--it happens all the time!!
Cody S. Smith of FishGreersFerry.com is a Professional Independent Multi-Species Fishing Guide on Greers Ferry Lake and numerous other mid-western and south eastern lakes and reservoirs.
Cody will be discussing in great detail his methods of fishing and catching a variety of species we have to offer here on Greers Ferry. IE. Map Reading and Seasonal Patterns of our game fish, Presentations and types of lures and baits used for successful fishing here on Greers Ferry, Electronics and how to utilize them. There will also be a question and answer period to help clear up any rumors or misnomers about this precious jewel we call Greers Ferry Lake.
Chuck Farneth is the Executive Director of OUTDOOR LEGACY. Chuck is recognized nation wide for his teaching skills in developing people in life skills through fishing, conservation and the outdoors.
Chuck has been involved in ESPN--TV GREAT OUTDOOR GAMES where he was awarded the GOLD MEDAL for fly-fishing.
Chuck will demonstrate the art of fly-fishing.
Chuck currently operates DRIFTWOOD LODGE on the Little Red River -- www.outdoorlegacy.com.
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission's Mobile Aquarium displays many species of native fishes. The aquarium usually has about 20 different species of warm water fishes like Blue Catfish, Channel Catfish, Bigmouth Buffalo, Black Buffalo, Common Carp, Largemouth Bass, White Bass, Spotted Gar, Longnose Gar and others. We hope the display will teach people about fish species available in Arkansas and peek their interest in giving angling a try. The exhibit will be manned by an Aquatic Resources Education specialist that can handle most angling questions a visitor my have.
Pond Pro is a concept for the small water angler. It is dedicated to the people who want to learn what it takes to catch fish in their own backyard. Here's a couple of questions/answers from Tim Shannon, The Pond Pro.
BC: What brought Tim Shannon into the world of bass fishing?
TS: Where I grew up you had a shotgun in one hand and a rod in the other. The outdoors is a way of life to everyone in my hometown. My dad got me into the sport of fishing when I was big enough to hold on for a piggy back ride. I can still remember his favorite fishing holes.
BC: Being the Pond Pro has been your calling card. Can you tell us more about where the idea for the Pond Pro came from?
TS: The whole idea came out of no where really. A group of guys were passing around their cell phones at break showing off their latest catches and when I threw mine in the mix a buddy of mine said " That doesn't count, it's out of a pond". He also went on to say " You will never make it as a pond angler, you're not Bill Dance". That ate at me pretty good for a few days so I decided to prove him wrong and started up the Facebook page. The rest is making history...
The First Annual "Oilman's Fishing Tournament" will be held on Saturday, March 29 on Greers Ferry Lake. Launch time will be 8:00 am at Dam Site Marina. Contact Josh Hall @ 501-691-0140.
Allen Goodwin, Champion of Catfishing will be on hand for a seminar on Saturday, Mar 29
Steve "Wildman" Wilson, AG&F along with the Mountain Man on a recent cat-fishing expedition. Both Steve and David will be at the expo to answer questions about fishing in Arkansas waters.


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Page 1 of 2: | [1] [2] |
Index | 16 reviews in total |
Who wouldn't jump at the chance to get off a gallows and take a chance at living? The motivation is, of course, gold...lot's of it. James Coburn does a very good job of portraying a soldier seeking justice for his murdered wife, and goes after Telly Sevallis with a vengance, using condemmed men as his team. Much like the Dirty Dozen, but without the military structure of WWII. Liked this movie but the sound track is typically Italian...overmodulated and scratchy. When I first saw this film I thought I was watching a Sergio Leone spaghetti western...even the music sounded the same. In spite of the similes and plagarised plots from other films in this genre, this one still turned out well. Good photography and special effects. Hope someday someone will remaster the sound and turn out a smashing DVD. Enjoy!
It is the American Civil War as envisioned by Italians, set apart from the main theaters of conflict, out in the southwestern desert. James Coburn is Col. Pembroke who has lost impregnable Ft. Holman to the Rebs and who has a private scheme to retrieve it along with his honor. He sets out on a commando expedition with a sergeant and a dirty half-dozen volunteers, scalawags freed from the gallows and kept in line (barely) with a promise of hidden gold. Telly Savalas is the Southern commander dreading Pembroke's reappearance. Some exciting action and tense situations, but credibility is strained when, with the Ft. Holman Gatling gun spraying shot into the parade ground, the Confederate troops show no interest in cover but keep milling in the open like ants from a hill goaded with a stick. Not a great or inspiring movie but a solid performance from Coburn. And for all the death there's not much blood.
Disgraced Union officer James Coburn saves himself and a few
degenerates, including Bud Spencer, from hanging by suggesting a daring
raid on the impregnable Fort Holman, currently being held by mad rebel
General Telly Savalas. As the introductory crawl suggests, Coburn has
greater motivations than that of simple patriotism.
Inspired by The Dirty Dozen with a bit of Where Eagles Dare and The
Wild Bunch thrown in, this is an entertaining Italian western/Civil War
movie that makes good use of the massive sets previously built for the
film El Condor.
Generally worth recommending, Massacre At Fort Holman (also widely
known as A Reason To Live, A Reason To Die, with Coburn dubbed by
someone else and Bud Spencer apparently by character actor R.G.
Armstrong!) sags some in the middle but things pick up and the final
battle is fairly exciting.
There's a great performance by the always cool James Coburn, while that
of the supposedly insane Telly Savalas is actually more subdued than
usual. He was much more zesty in Pancho Villa and A Town Called Hell,
though this is still a better movie.
A group of conscripted convicts formed by seven condemned , already
destined for death row, are drafted to go on a near-suicide mission and
attempt to recapture a Missouri fort called Fort Holzman . They must
carry out the objective and reconquest the keep with the understanding
that if the Confederate don't murder them, the Union Army won't, either
. A two-fisted U.S. ex-officer and the ambitious drifters , join forces
to rob a lot of gold located into an impressive fortress where is
supposedly hidden a treasure , 500.000 dollars in gold bars taken from
a Confederate bank . In the hands of hardboiled director Tonino Valeri
and a tough-as-leather cast headed by the commander James Coburn , as a
troublesome U.S. Army official , that's all the plot that's needed to
make one rip-roaring Spaghetti Western flick. Coburn's mission is
two-fold and in ¨Dirty dozen ¨ style : first turn his prisoners into a
fighting unit and then turn them loose on a Southern fortress occupied
by Confederate soldiers commanded by cruel Major Telly Savallas . His
crime-minded characters include Bud Spencer as a chronic malcontent,
Benito Stefanelli as a ready-to-blow psycho, Hugo Fangareggi as a
lame-brained convict , and Reinhard Kolldehoff as Union sergeant, among
others . The first half of the film allows the colorful cast of
character actors to have their fun as they get their tails whipped into
shape and develop shaky relationship with their leader. The final part
is all action, as the culprit commandos wreck havoc and then run for
their lives. Despite the fact that few of the "heroes" survive the
bloodbath, the message here isn't that war is hell. Rather, it seems to
be: war can be a hell of a good time... if you've got nothing to lose .
Pretty good S.W. about a relentless and exciting dangerous mission set
against spectacular scenery of Almeria. The relentless assignment is
set against strong environment, risked mountains and hazardous trails .
The dangerous pursuit includes a numerous group formed by a motley cast
. It will be a long and dangerous pursuit with continuous risks . This
Western is superior than subsequent entries because it displays
stirring adventures, shootouts, riding pursuits and is pretty amusing.
It's an exciting SW with breathtaking final showdown between the
protagonists and their enemies full of explosions , machine gun and
deaths . James Coburn is very fine, he ravages the screen, he steals
the show as Union colonel seeking revenge . Telly Savallas as a cruelly
baddie role as confederate officer is terrific , subsequently the would
play similar roles in other Spaghettis . Furthermore, appears usual
secondaries of Italian/Spanish Western as Benito Stefanelli , Francisco
Sanz , Jose Suarez and of course special mention to Bud Spencer in a
serious role . The film blends violence, blood, tension, high
body-count and though the first part is slow moving , however is quite
entertaining. There is plenty of action in the movie , guaranteeing a
shootout or stunt every few minutes. There are many fine technicians
and nice assistant direction and excellent production design with a
magnificent scenario plenty of barren outdoors, dirty landscapes under
a glimmer sun and a fine set on the final scenes . The musician Riz
Ortalani composes a nice Spaghetti soundtrack and well conducted ; it's
full of enjoyable sounds and emotive score . The film is well shot in
Texas Hollywood-Fort Bravo, Almeria, Spain with a breathtaking set
design at the impressive fortress which was made by Julio Molina for
¨the Condor ¨ movie , one of the best ever created and where were
posteriorly filmed several Spaghetti as ¨ Blind man ¨, ¨ A man called
Noon¨ and ¨Conan the Barbarian¨. Nevertheless, today the fort has been
partially crumbled and only remain some ruins .
Tonino Valeri's so-so direction is well crafted, here he's less cynical
and humorous and more inclined toward violence and too much action
especially on its ending part . Colorful and evocative cinematography
by Alejandro Ulloa , reflecting marvelously the habitual Almeria
outdoors . The picture is well directed by Tonio Valeri , an expert on
Western as proved in ¨The hired gun ¨ , ¨My name is nobody ¨ with Fonda
and Terence Hill , ¨The price of power ¨ with Giuliano Gemma and Van
Heflin , ¨The day of anger ¨with Lee van Cleef and ¨ Taste of Killing¨
with Craig Hill and George Martin .
Another western taking place during the Civil War.
Colonel Penbroke (James Coburn) is trying to redeem himself after
losing a fort to the rebs, and, like The Dirty Dozen, gathers condemned
men to take a fort. He only has six or eight, not a dozen, but they
manage to get to the fort anyway. Getting in is another matter.
This is where it changes from a western to a commando flick, a la WWII.
The condemned all die thinking they would be rich off the gold
supposedly buried in the fort, and Coburn gets his chance to once again
face Maj. Ward (Telly Savalas).
Lots of dead Rebs and only Pembroke and Eli (Bud Spencer) survive, but
his honor is restored.
"A Reason to Live, A Reason to Die" (1972) is a exciting, Civil War-set
Spaghetti Western, directed by Sergio Leone's protégé Tonino Valerii
and stars James Coburn, Telly Savalas and Bud Spencer.
The script by Rafael Azcona, Ernesto Gastaldi, Jay Lynn and Tonino
Valerii is hardly original, amounting to nothing but a "Dirty Dozen"
rehash, but it is adequate: during the American Civil War, the
disgraced Colonel Pembroke (James Coburn) tries to retake a heavily
defended fort that was taken by the Confederates from him without a
shot fired, a mystery that helps drive his character, by using twelve
recruits who he has saved from death sentences.
Despite the lack of originality in the screenplay department, the
spirited direction makes the story rattle along at a breathless pace to
the expertly staged, wholesale carnage at the end. Throughout, the the
three leads fare remarkably well and are the only ones who are given
any sort of more than superficial examination of their past. The music
by Riz Ortolani, all powerful horns, is masterly, compensating for
uninteresting photography.
The fast pace and direction help raise this Spaghetti Western into a
higher plane, turning it into a very, very enjoyable film.
The spaghetti western sub-genre might have grown rancid by this period,
but there are no doubts their titles were striking and creative, when
which said simply rolled of your tongue. Tell me that this title isn't
a lyrical joy. No stranger to the sub-genre with "My Name is Nobody"
and "Day of Anger", director Tonino Valerii's 'A Reason to Live, A
Reason to Die!" would be a hardy old-fashion western variation of "The
Dirty Dozen". While it might be only half of that film, its remains an
amusing fare thanks largely to the three central performances of Bud
Spencer, James Coburn and Telly Savalas. The latter might not make an
appearance until the hour mark, but it's the combination between the
buoyant Spencer and low-key Coburn which drives it. The humour seems to
come off thanks to Spencer timing and presence. Even though the greying
Coburn and swaggering Savalas get top billing, it's Spencer who's
really the star.
Like most films of this ilk, it's systematic with its staples as the
theme of vengeance and redemption looms prominently. There's no real
change of route, as it keeps it gritty and the straight-forward
narrative never loses focuses, especially that of the character's
motivations with it to throw up a sudden revelation (which my DVD
synopsis' spoiled). The expandable characters are clichés, but workable
as they serve their purpose with it ending on a bang. It actually
starts with the end, to only retell the story from Spencer's
character's point of view. This gives it like a mythical tale-like
quality. It's well shot with a commendable music score. Valerii does a
serviceable job behind the camera letting it move at a fair pace while
constructing few intense scenes and cracking action sequences, like the
delirious climatic showdown at the hillside forte (with it vivid
locations), which had me thinking of "The Wild Bunch" (in which case
Coburn would star in Peckinpah's "Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid" the
following year), but in the end you feel like there just wasn't enough
going on. Some moments should have been much stronger than they were,
like the personal battle between Coburn and Savalas.
Contrived, but tough and dirty entertainment.
*** This review may contain spoilers ***
The fine quality of this comic and then very dramatic Coburn & B.
Spencer western was a surprise for me.
This heterogeneous and satisfying western is an odd proof that Valerii
was an underachiever and that he should of been one of the most
respected western directors ever. The movie is, as I said, very
heterogeneous; but it also shows a flawless gusto and an unfailing
taste for what an action film must be, and has an admirably pure line,
there is this purity of the narration that makes it especially likable.
In a few words, it is the Dirty Dozen set during another warin 1862, I
It has been noticed that there are some WW 2 action films that are
essentially westerns. Well, here we got the symmetrical situation: the
Coburn western is essentially a commando flick.
A commando of only eight men, all evildoers (Coburn and B. Spencer are
the most familiar faces
) is sent to conquer a fort; the fort is ruled
by Major Ward (i.e., Savallas). Savallas and his soldiers are
In a too small role, Savallas makes yet another of his outstanding
Coburn's character isn't a lowlife, but a Colonel that wants to conquer
the fort that he surrendered to Major Ward.
Most of the film is made in a humorous key. B. Spencer is the
protagonist of all sorts of bodily jokes, there are discussions about
buttocks, urinating and umbilical region. If you allow me an impious
thought, who could imagine Wayne, G. Cooper or Mitchum forcing
unsuccessfully to urinate, simulating vainly that they urinate, and
complaining about their asses being inflamed by horse-ride? I guess it
somehow depends on your particular sensibilities, yet this comic is
never displeasing or misplaced or disgusting. It is simply Gargantuan
The very long fight scene is particularly pleasingonce the commando
enters the fort, a long battle begins. The movie's end is somehow a
twistfor me, it was a twistI expected a duel, etc.. Anyway, Savallas
is very good. These three actorsCoburn, B. Spencer and Savallasgive
the film a particular charm.
The fight scene is indeed an interesting one, though on another level
than the rest of the movieit's like the film suddenly changesthe
feel, the style change suddenly, and we get one of the finest fight
scenes, like an ultracompact Dirty Dozen!
During this last part of the moviethe fightthe tone becomes intensely
and convincingly , seriously dramatic. One could define the film in its
entirety as a very funny, comical western, excellently played, and with
a long very dramatic fight scene. Coburn meeting Savallas is really
chilling and thrillingand Savallas indeed looks as if he was dying
when Coburn pierces him with the sword. I dislike disclosing here the
endyet Savallas' death was of course foreseeable and on the other hand
and much more important Savallas' death scene is so important and
finely done and interesting that it of course deserved to be explicitly
mentioned here.
A Reason to Live, a Reason to Die is rather short. B. Spencer has most
of the screen time. Everything seems to happen very quickly; Eli's (B.
Spencer's) sabotage techniques allow for many funny things to be
played. Eli and the Colonel are the only two good guys in the film; Eli
is as intelligent as the Colonel, and sides with him on every occasion.
The humor is of course manly and also very unsubtle; the naturalness
gives charm to the comic strips story, while B. Spencer's sometimes
aggressive humor is amusing in his usual buffoonish way. This '72
western comes towards the end of B. Spencer's career in the westernsin
'73 he'll launch his Piedone. He alternates placidity with
aggressiveness ,having already found the formula of his action roles.
On the other hand, I have to say that, with all its merits and
qualities, A Reason to Live
remains a modest thrilling funny likable
action western, and it's in no way the
equal of a film like The Dirty
Dozen (where everything was infinitely better, worked much better,
etc., there was plenty of action and suspense, the characters had their
individuality and the finest actors abounded!).
*** This review may contain spoilers ***
"A Reason to Live; A Reason to Die" is a American Civil War saga about
a cashiered Union colonel who commands twelve condemned men to carry
out a suicide mission. Initially, this do-or-die adventure epic opens
like a "Dirty Dozen" clone before it turns into quasi-"The Good, the
Bad, and the Ugly." Although Colonel Pembroke (James Coburn of "Duck,
You Sucker") wants to clear himself of being a traitor, he really wants
to appropriate a half-million dollars in gold from impregnable Fort
Holman. Pembroke's nemesis at Holman is none other than Telly Savalas!
Savalas' presence bolsters the allusion to "The Dirty Dozen." As the
commandant of Fort Holman, Savalas is not going to take the easy way
out. Tonino Valerii of "Day of Anger" helmed this standard-issue,
Spaghetti western. Rafael Azcona and Ernesto Gastaldi co-wrote the
screenplay about treacherous men with Valerii. Gastaldi had penned his
share of Spaghettis, including "My Name Is Nobody," "Man from Nowhere,"
"Arizona Colt Returns," and "10,000 Dollars for a Massacre."
Previously, Azcona and Gastaldi had co-written the Bud Spencer comedy
oater "I Can Be Done, Amigo." The splendid, sun-baked scenery of
Southern Spain; a seasoned cast headed up by Coburn and Savalas, and
Riz Ortolani's flavorful orchestral soundtrack are the chief assets of
"A Reason to Live; A Reason to Die." Actually, most of Ortolani's score
sounds like excerpts from his "Day of Anger" soundtrack. Valerii
creates some moments of suspense, particularly when they are stringing
a rope to themselves. Bud Spencer goes in undercover as a Confederate
soldier to help Pembroke and his men get into Fort Holman.
Interestingly, although neither the director nor the writers drew any
parallels to history, "A Reason to Live; A Reason to Die" sounds
something like the siege of Vicksburg. At Vicksburg, on the bluffs of
the Mississippi River, Pennsylvania born John Pemberton commanded the
city and forted themselves up against the Union Army and U.S. Grant.
Eventually, Grant starved the Confederates out of Vickburg and
Pemberton was branded as a traitor for surrendering the city. When the
Union Army captured Vicksburg, they cut the Confederacy in half,
severing the Eastern Theater from the Western Theater. The officers in
"A Reason to Live; A Reason to Die" depicts Fort Holman as a stronghold
for the Union. When Pembroke gave up the fort, he was branded as a
traitor like Pemberton for losing Vicksbug. Of course, events have been
changed throughout the film, but you can see the dregs of history
percolate up to the surface. In this respect, "A Reason to Live; A
Reason to Die" isn't strictly a western
*** This review may contain spoilers ***
Two men, Colonel Pembroke(JAMES COBURN)and Eli Sampson(BUD
SPENCER),stand in the middle of a fortress, Fort Holman, littered with
dead bodies, in the aftermath of a bloody battle. The story is told in
flashback and as the two men leave the deserted and destroyed fortress,
the film begins from the start and depicts the events leading up to the
massacre. During the American Civil war, a disgraced Colonel Pembroke
is brought back to his union superiors after having escaped from a
Confederate prisoner of war camp and been arrested for looting. It
turns out that Pembroke was in charge of the garrison at Fort Holman,
but surrendered to Confederate Major Ward(TELLY SAVALAS)and his rebel
forces without a single shot being fired, which allowed Ward to take
over the Fort without a fight. Although branded a coward and a traitor,
Pembroke's superior officer gives him the chance top redeem himself, by
re-taking Fort Holman. Pembroke selects 6 men to take with him on his
mission,4 convicts, a dubious army Sergeant and Eli, whom he met
shortly after his escape from the POW camp. As the men set out on their
mission, we soon find out Pembroke's personal motivation for giving up
the fort, and wanting to take it back...
A REASON TO LIVE,A REASON TO DIE is one of my favourite Spaghetti
Westerns,the highlight of the whole film has got to be the climatic
battle inside Fort Holman.The whole sequence was spectacular,
exhilarating,absolutely riveting and shot in a fun, exciting way.As
with every other Spaghetti western, the stunts in this sequence are
awesome, the shots of masses of soldiers being gunned down by Gatling
Guns and pistols and furiously flinching, falling down steps and off of
walls as they got shot were fantastic and sent my pulse pounding and
adrenaline surging through my veins. The massive explosions were mind
blowing and the shots of the wagon sheds angrily exploding with flames
tearing them apart blew me away, I was completely awestruck by how I
could feel the thundering impact of every explosion as the camera shook
violently every time something was blown apart. Pembroke and his men
kick ass and raise hell in rollicking Spaghetti western fashion as they
throw packs of Dynamite over the fort walls and into the fort,
destroying the entire place and taking out dozens of men and tearing up
buildings. One part in this sequence which made me laugh was when Eli
grabs two soldiers manning a Gatling Gun, bashes their heads together
and throws them off of the fort wall. I was extremely impressed by the
Fort Holman set and awestruck just by how vast and huge it was and how
expertly designed and built it was.This final battle is the only action
scene in the whole film and the director does a great job in building
up to this explosive, ear shattering, all-guns-blazing finale.
The cinematography was incredible, with stunning shots of the rocky,
sun baked mountains, as I've already stated, the excitement and energy
of the final battle is captured magnificently. The shots of the Steam
Engine chuntering down the track early in the film were also excellent.
I thought Colonel Pembroke was a strong character and was portrayed
excellently by James Coburn, even though he gets very little screen
time, Telly Savalas absolutely superb as the crazed Major ward, I loved
the part during the battle in which he shoots a deserting soldier
before screaming "There'll be no time for court martials, EXECUTION ON
THE SPOT". Bud Spencer was magnificent and the guy who played the
brutal union Sergeant also gave a decent performance, I also thought
the dubbing was terrific, although the voices of James Coburn and Telly
Savalas sounded genuine, I thought the rough, deep voices of the
characters were cool/The storyline was appealing, interesting and
marvellously gritty and the pacing was satisfactory with the men
constantly getting closer to the fortress. The final scene between
Colonel Pembroke and Major Ward was chilling, taut and really nail
biting and shot in a mind blowing, gut wrenching way, I sensed a brief
anti war comment at the end of the film when Colonel Pembroke cuts down
the confederate flag, then throws down his sword and takes off his gun
belt and throwing it on the ground. I had no fingers left after the men
scaled the cliff face, the shots here were amazing too.Riz Ortolani's
score was exceptional, the title music was beautiful, it reminded me of
the music in the American westerns of the 40s and 50s.The hairs on the
back of my neck stood up prior to the battle as Pembroke and his men
emerge on a ridge and shoot two guys before Pembroke screams "GO GET
EM" and the men charge towards the fortress and begin hurling dynamite
over it's walls as the epic soundtrack plays in the background.
A REASON TO LIVE,A REASON TO DIE is a flawless Spaghetti Western,it has
an engrossing, intriguing and intelligent civil war storyline,fantastic
script and characters, stupendous and brisk camera-work, a tremendous
soundtrack which sounds magnificent in the film, dozens of intense and
exciting scenes which are well directed, shot and paced and an
electrifying,out-of-this-world action sequence to top it all off.10/10.
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text:
The GED tests are required to be awarded the State of Florida High School Diploma. Students who desire to take the GED test at South Florida State College must first take the Test of Adult Basic Education test (TABE) and achieve 9.0 grade level on all sub-tests before they can enroll in the GED preparation program. After achieving TABE scores at the 11.0 grade level from the GED Preparation program, students take the Pre-GED test as necessary. All scores of 450 or above and the total score of at least 2300 permits a student to take the GED. Having completed these requirements, students may then request permission to register for the GED test. Students must attain standard scores of 410 or above on each of the five GED sub-tests and a total of 2250 or greater. The five tests are Writing, Mathematics, Social Studies, Reading, and Science.
The test is given once a month in the SFSC Testing Center. It is a two-day test consisting of approximately four hours at each sitting. Cost is $70 for the complete battery. To sign up for the GED test, stop by the Testing Center at least one week prior to the test date, as seating is limited and slots are scheduled on a first-come basis. Bring the $70 test fee and either a current Florida driver's license, state issued photo ID, or current passport.
Students with disabilities may request GED test accommodations by contacting the SFSC Testing Center.
To enroll in the GED program at SFSC, please contact Sylvia Turner at 863-784-7422.
A copy of your GED transcripts and State of Florida High School Diploma is sent to each student upon passing the GED test. If your transcripts are misplaced, a request for them can be accessed by going to the following link. Please be advised that a fee is charged for the transcript and diploma.
To contact us:Phone: 863-784-7214Fax: firstname.lastname@example.com


text:
Green | Technology | Smart | Versatility |
Technologically Advanced
The C-MAX Hybrid and the C-MAX Energi Plug-In Hybrid maximize technology to help you get the most out of your vehicle experience. Available SYNC® with MyFord Touch® keeps you engaged with the world – and still lets you keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.27 The fun begins with an available push-button start and available active park assist. The available MyFord® Mobile smartphone app and website (MyFordMobile.com)* feature a charging station locator powered by PlugShare,® making it easy to monitor and schedule recharging for your C-MAX Energi from just about anywhere.
*MyFord Mobile subscription complimentary for five years from the vehicle sale date as recorded by the dealer. Subscription fees apply after five years. MyFord Mobile requires a compatible 2G independent cellular network. Evolving technology and cellular networks may affect future availability and functionality.
Available SYNC® with MyFord Touch® with Unique EV Content
Available voice-activated technology that helps you keep your eyes on the road and stay connected to your world. 27
MyFord® Mobile App and Website
Your smartphone and computer just got even smarter.
Illuminated Charge Port
You'll always know when your C-MAX Energi is fully charged and ready to go.
Active Park Assist
Parallel parking is easier than ever with active park assist.*
Intelligent Access with Push-Button Start
Get in and go.
Available HD Radio™ Technology
More choices in crystal clear sound.
Available Rain-Sensing Wipers
Technology that's there when you need it most.
Navigation System with SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link
Get the navigational guidance you need — and a lot more.


text:
Wanted Palestinian reported killed in US airstrike in North Waziristan
Jamal Saeed Abdul Rahim |
The US may have killed a wanted Palestinian terrorist during an airstrike in Pakistan's Taliban-controlled tribal agency of North Waziristan on Jan. 9.
Jamal Saeed Abdul Rahim, a member of the Abu Nidal Organization who was wanted by the US for his role in the 1986 hijacking of Pan Am flight 73 in Karachi, Pakistan, and subsequent murder of 22 hostages, is said to have been killed in the US airstrike in the village of Tappi in North Waziristan.
Rahim, who was released from prison in January 2008 after serving 22 years in a Pakistani prison, was reported to have been killed, Pakistani intelligence officials told The Associated Press.
US intelligence officials contacted by The Long War Journal would not comment on reports of Rahim's death, nor would they disclose if he was the target of the strike.
North Waziristan remains a nexus for al Qaeda, the Taliban, the Haqqani Network, and a host of Pakistan and South and Central Asian terror groups. The Jan. 9 strike took place in a region run by Taliban leader Hafiz Gul Bahadar, who is considered 'good Taliban' by the Pakistani state as he does not advocate attacks against the Pakistani military and government. Yet a host of terror groups who conduct attacks in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and against the West shelter in Bahadar's territory.
The US government has offered $5 million rewards for information leading to the arrests of Rahim and of Wadoud Muhammad Hafiz al Turki, Muhammad Abdullah Khalil Hussain ar Rahayyal, and Muhammad Ahmed al Munawar, the three other members still at large of the Abu Nidal terror cell responsible for the Pan Am flight 73 hijacking and subsequent murder. Turki, Rahayyal, and Munawar were also released by Pakistan in January 2008; their whereabouts are unknown.
Zayd Safarini, the leader of the Flight 73 hijacking cell, was captured by the US in Malaysia on Sept. 28, 2001, shortly after his release from a Pakistani prison. In May of 2004, Safarini was convicted of murdering two US citizens and sentenced to 160 years in prison.
Safarini brutally executed Rajesh Kumar, a US citizen, by shooting him in the head in front of the passengers after Safarini's demands for a new flight crew were not met. The other 21 passengers were killed as Pakistani commandos prepared to board the plane. The terror cell opened fire on the passengers and lobbed hand grenades into the seats.
READER COMMENTS: "Wanted Palestinian reported killed in US airstrike in North Waziristan"
Posted by Tyler at January 15, 2010 11:06 PM ET:
If its true that Rahim (and potentially other members of the Flight 73 cell) joined Al Qaeda and the Taliban upon their release, I'll take an educated guess that the recruitment process began in prison.
But the big question would be in what capacity might he have been serving with the jihadists. Trainer? Obviously he'd have learned skills on weapons, explosives, infiltration he could impart. Poster Boy? Ideological differences aside, he has been actively fighting the US & Israel longer than almost any other member of Al Qaeda.
Or more insidiously, Al Qaeda was using him as a mercenary of sorts. Either to gain influence in the Palestinian territories or coordinate new attacks against the West.
But hey, in the same day we've learned of the death of one guy who attacked an American airliner 25 years ago and another, Qasim, who helped attack another American airliner just three weeks ago.
Posted by Civy at January 15, 2010 11:26 PM ET:
From the KIA list, it sure looks like N Waziristan is home base for terrorists all over the globe.
Posted by Tyler at January 16, 2010 10:08 AM ET:
A thought: If Rahim was killed on January 9, that would be around the time that the family of Mansur al Shami, a fellow Palestinian, got news that he was killed in a drone strike in North Waziristan. Last Sunday was when they say they got the word, which would be January 10.
There aren't that many Palestinians in Al Qaeda, and even fewer living in the mountains of Pakistan. To kill two in the same weekend in the same general area would be quite the coincidence.
Might we have tagged both Rahim and al-Shami as they reminisced around the campfire about the squalor of the refugee camps? If so, might that mean Rahim, the Libyan-trained infiltrator, helped coach Barawi the CIA bomber?
Posted by Rhyno327 at January 16, 2010 12:02 PM ET:
I gotta give you ur props Bill&Co, you do an outstanding job. Your info is very accurate, other news agencies quote you, the praise is deserved. Like CIVY said, N Waziristan looks like "Terror Central" i wish we could carpet bomb the whole area, but we won't. One thing i do know: REVENGE is a dish best served cold. This one is like karma, you do bad-you GET bad..maybe 10x over. I hope we get OBL before Obama's term ends, i will surely break out the good stuff that day..down the hatch, BZ guys..
Posted by DANNY at January 16, 2010 1:12 PM ET:
Yeah don't we wish we could drop the bombs that end wars in this spot. But alas it wouldn't end this war, it's going to go all the way to the plain of Meggdio. real close to where Abu Nidal group is supposed to come from.
Posted by Sashland at January 16, 2010 6:34 PM ET:
Those wacky palestinian freedom fighters... maybe they should get a state of there own and then they wouldn't be fighting us, right? Just ask Pat B, its all justified by Amerika's imperialism and invasion of Their lands. They have no other agenda.
Free sirhan sirhan... what did he do anyway??? Whatever is was, I'm sure it was Bush's fault; he created osama, you know...
All America needs to do is turn its back on the zionists, embrace islan, submit to the proper authorities, and there will be peace for all (all that are left)
On the other hand, when did predators become so beautiful?
Posted by Rhyno327 at January 16, 2010 9:06 PM ET:
Danny, bible prophecy is some scary stuff..Har Megiddo, where the plain has been drenched in blood over the centuries, a place where its said to come to a head. The combatants? Good vs Evil? I pay more attention to WHEN the 3rd TEMPLE is built, that would surely set it off. Mao may have been right about religion, but as time goes by, the Israeli's take more and more..the "Dome of the Rock?" Well, i guess set the demo charges and run like hell!! No, wait.HELL will be upon us at that time..tick tock tick tock..


text:
The Italia-Independent and ic! berlin "fraternity
This new collaboration has led to the birth of Lapo Anderl and Ralph Elkann models
A new collaboration project between Italia Independent and ic! berlin was presented in Munich last weekend.
"One of the objectives for 2013 is to increase the presence of our brand in strategic European markets. Germany has extremely high commercial potential and a strong tradition of design. We decided to enter this important market by joining forces with an avant-garde partner who is already established in the country. Therefore it was inevitable for us to use a prestigious platform like Opti Munich to present this new collaboration", stated Italia Independent President and CEO Andrea Tessitore.
"Collaboration between two brands that are active in the same competitive arena is not common in the eyewear world. This underscores our aptitude and that of ic! berlin to pursue innovative marketing, communication and product activities within the logic of the market. This collaboration marks the important moment of our entry in the German market with a dedicated sales team", said Giovanni Accongiagioco, Founder and Managing Director of Italia Independent.
"I met this man a few years ago at our stand. A man with innate style and 54% more handsome than I am. It's strange...I was very pleased and realized that this man was not the usual client from Dusseldorf, Oldenurg or Berlin. So I said "Ciao" and he responded to my greeting by saying that he liked my glasses very much...he spoke English with a slight Italian accent: stylish Italian. Then it dawned on me: he was Lapo Elkann, the founder of Italia Independent. A year later we met again and after only 5 minutes I remembered that this stylish man was Lapo Elkann!! Wow! He said again how much he liked our glasses and talking to him was even more productive. He is a very intelligent man with visions just like mine. To cut a long story short, last year he came to see me in Berlin, we cycled round the city on a tandem, had a yoga session and played soccer with my kids. A few weeks later I went to see him in Milan and we concretized our idea. The result is our collaboration: Italia Independent and ic! berlin; Germany- Italy! I just wanted to say that it is now a fraternity, in fact we have called the eyewear "Lapo Anderl" and "Ralph Elkann", said Ralph Anderl, founder of ic! berlin.
Ic! berlin soon became known for its originality, the absolutely clean formality of its creations and the intuition to use the famous "duck bill hair clips" for the eyewear hinges. The frames are all made from harmonic steel sheet without screws or soldering, which makes them extremely strong and comfortable.
One of the historic ic! berlin models was reinterpreted by Italia Independent by applying its characteristic and distinctive velvet effect to the front. The "Lapo Anderl" and "Ralph Elkann" models are available in eight different colors, four for the German market and four for the Italian market: Italia Independent will distribute eyewear in sand, electric blue, light blue and black, and ic! berlin in black, brown, dark green and dark blue.
Distributed through both brands' retail channels, the eyewear will be available from May 2013 at a retail price of 357 euros. Italia Independent took part in Opti Munich with I-I's entire new collection at a stand with a new design by Changedesign, the multicultural and multidisciplinary company founded by Renato Montagner.


text:
Easy to set up and use, GFI LanGuard® acts as a virtual security consultant to provide you with a comprehensive overview of your business's network security status through vulnerability assessments, patch management, as well as network and software auditing.
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Furthermore, GFI LanGuard automatically checks that supported security applications, such as antivirus and anti-spyware software, are updated with the latest definition files and are functioning correctly. It integrates with over 2,500 security applications and can also automatically rectify issues, such as triggering antivirus/antispyware updates.
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text:
The Blogosphere is the Newsroom of Today, Not Tomorrow–Kansas Senate Passes Legislation to Expand Journalists' Shield to Online Journalists
In a debate that is both broad in opinion and heavy with sometimes leaden rhetoric, Kansas (not CA, not NY) has today taken a powerful step in legitimizing the efforts of bloggers and other forms of online journalism. While other states have some form of protection for online journalists (sometimes hinging on whether or not income is derived from the reporting), Kansas is the first to provide the most aggressive form of protection, by making the definition of "journalists" very expansive.
As Lucy Dalglish, executive director of The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, states:
"It's as good as you're ever going to get. . . It describes the function of journalism as best as it can and then it tries to incorporate people who do journalism regularly in any form — whether it be print, broadcast, Internet or posting a sheet of toilet paper to a bulletin board."
According to the Citizen's Media Project, this shield legislation is a direct response to the Kansas Supreme Court order in the O'Brien case, which can be read here.
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text:
2011 Benchmarking Presentations
The 2011 National Benchmarking Conference and Best Practices in Higher Education concluded on June 16, 2011.
To view the (PDF) presentations from the speakers, please select from the titles listed below.
- Dreaming vs. Doing: Achieving Successful and Replicable Action Through Assessment. - John Cosgrove, St. Louis Community College
- Using IDEA to Assess Programs for Accreditation and Program Review - Bill Pallett, the IDEA Center
- Using the IPEDS State Data Center for Peer Comparison of Community College Systems - John Milam, Lord Fairfax Community College
- Six Year Tracking of Student Outcomes: Issues and Prospects for Community College Benchmarking - Keith Guerin, Raritan Valley Community College
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i didnt hate it, didnt love it, it was just there.. and who cares... i was in disney!!!Quote:
Originally Posted by disneydreamer98
i didnt hate it, didnt love it, it was just there.. and who cares... i was in disney!!!Quote:
Originally Posted by disneydreamer98
Yay! They're going to redo the castle about a month before I get to WDW! And yes , for the people who won't be going until later - I'll take you some pictures!!
I've gotta go with Melis' answer about the pepto colored castle. I liked it it was cool to see when I was a little kid. I wanted to eat the castle, but the parents wouldn't let me, although my mom made a cake like that for my birthday, it was GOOOOOOOOD! lol Anyways, I will be sad when they take the Golden Disney Characters down for the Year of a Million Dreams or whatever promotion. It would look awesome with the characters off of it, just take that changing castle picture thing off. It would look BEAUTIFUL! I wonder if they're going to close the restaurant in the castle while the construction is taking place.....
doubt itQuote:
Originally Posted by Minnie_Mouse007
I saw a crane behind the Castle in Feb 2005 when they were still working on the Hundred Acre Wood playland in Fantasyland. I complained to a CM...suppose someone was there for the very first time, and they had their Castle view ruined by this ridiculous crane??? He assured me that it was VERY temporary, and the crane was gone by 11 AM....but it was still very disconcerting. Call me corny.
I'm excited about the royal bedchamber... it should be interesting. I hope someone gets in it. :-)
I liked the PINK castle too! I wouldn't have wanted it to stay forever but was a great novelty!!
I can't wait to see what they do for this new celebration, but I'm going to miss the gold decorations, they were truely beautiful. Could do without that sign on front though...
What do you all think it will look like?
I think it's going to look very heavenly speaking. Like covered in clouds or something rather. That's what the website represents
Yeah, the Mickey Monitor I got has it's top turrets into the clouds and covered in gold...the inside cover said the motif will be like this. I'm excited!
well i am back as most of you know and i figured i posta few pics
they did paint some parts on the castle a light pink but it is hardly noticeable
here is the "pink"
Yeah, you can barely tell. I just hope it doesnt get any more extreme than that! Thats pink enough for me!
I'm with ya nicks. As long as it doesn't end up a "birthday cake" again. YIKES!!!


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SkillELECTRIC 2011 crowns a winner23 Sep 2011 Eighteen-year-old Adrian Canning from RMG Electrics has been crowned the 2011 SkillELECTRIC UK national champion after three days of intense practical competition at Leeds College of Building. The finalists had to install a complicated set of four circuits with various components and equipment, simulated motors and fire protection cabling. Adrian, a student at North West Regional College in Northern Ireland, beat nine other competitors to take the gold medal after judges scored him most highly against strict criteria including positioning of equipment, functionality, installation quality, wiring and termination, inspection and testing, and health and safety. A silver medal was awarded to Aston Baker of DPL Electrical, Otley College and JTL. Martina Waberseck of Bristol City Council and On Site Bristol took the bronze medal. Also ranking highly were Josh Day of CW Electrical Services and Ross Borland of Claud Hamilton Electrical Services, who both received special Highly Commended medals for an excellent performance. All the finalists received a framed certificate, a medallion of participation, a selection of tools from sponsors Wiha and a training voucher from the National Skills Academy for Environmental Technologies. Adrian won various specialist tools from sponsor Wiha, tools and a tool bag from sponsor Monument and also received £300 cash, a trophy from SummitSkills and a gold medal from WorldSkills UK. Adrian will receive the coveted SummitSkills Award for Excellence for the Electrotechnical Operative of the Year category, which will be presented at WorldSkills London at ExCeL London on 7 October 2011. Speaking after his win, Adrian said: "When I heard my name read out I almost couldn't believe it – the timing was very close but I was relieved to finish the task in time, and to know that I was judged the best is great. Taking part has really helped me learn about working more efficiently and under pressure. I'd recommend anyone to take part as I've definitely developed some new skills."
Neil Collishaw of SummitSkills, organiser of the competition, said: "Just watching these talented people compete has been fantastic. Aside from their obvious technical skills I have been particularly impressed by the conduct and professionalism of the competitors – they are a credit to their families and an asset to their employers.
"Adrian particularly impressed judges with his methodical approach and quality of work. His finished installation was fully functional which demonstrated his correct interpretation of the circuit requirements and ability to install them correctly."
Next year's SkillELECTRIC competition will open for entries in November 2011. For more information contact SummitSkills on 01908 303972 or visit www.skillelectric.org.uk.
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Hi! I have a question: my daughter was at a horse barn where she bought a jacket embroidered with that company's logo. We have since changed barns, and I would like to remove that embroidery and hand sew or machine satin stitch (I do not have an embroidery machine) another barn's name over it. I attempted to remove the embroidery, but it is nearly impossible, very tight. Any suggestions on the best way to re-embroider? SHOULD I remove the old embroidery no matter how long it takes? CAN I embroider over it? If so, how? Thank you. Marilyn |
Follow-Up Postings:
There is a little device that looks like an electric razor. It shaves off the stitches. I haven't been able to find the name of it, but I have seen it in sewing catalogs. |
There are a couple of brands of the razors - Peggy's Stitch Eraser is one. They're pretty expensive for one use! Do you have access to a moustache trimmer? They are the same thing, just use it upside down. I think that removing embroidery from nylon is going to tear up the fabric, or at least leave a really noticeable place where it was. I think the patch over the current embroidery will be the best solution. Why not make a patch from obviously different material and applique it? You could make it oval or rectangular and center the new logo on it. |
peggy's stitch eraser is a highly price beard trimmer. buy an ordinary beard trimmer at walmart and trim the wrong side. eventually all the stitching will come off. if the jacket was embroidered a while back the cloth underneath might be a brighter color. |
I have not yet tried it but Wahl's Peanut was the clipper/trimmer that was recommended to me by embroidery people. Good Luck, Stasia |
there's probably a fabric (stabilizer) on the back of the embroidery portion. cut the stitches from the backside with sharp exacto and use tweezers. yeh, time consuming but works. usually if you can grab the bobbin thread part it comes undone quickly. then using a damp press cloth, iron over the place where you need to re-embroider, pulling gently to realign the threads of the fabric. print what you want to embroider on a piece of paper, computer fonts!!! using temp bonding to hold in place, put on jacket and satin stitch slowly. I do a straight stitch to stabilize and then satin over it. you will also probably need the stabilizer fabric on the back. then trim the paper away, wash and there it is. And don't forget you will need a fine needle for working on nylon. |
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Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2013 Milwaukee's Leading Anti-gun Violence Advocate Invited to White House to Advise Vice President Biden By Lisa Kaiser Jeri Bonavia, founder of the Wisconsin Anti-Violence Effort (WAVE), wasn't sure why she, along with 14 others, was selected to meet with Vice President Joe Biden and Attorney General Eric Holder to discuss gun violence
Sunday, May 17, 2009 Sports Fans By Rip Tenor Most would agree that surgery, auto repair and law enforcement are best left to professionals. Some might choose to add sports to this list, and for those who prefer to watch rather than do, Milwaukee serves up professional spectator sports year round. Enjoy a brat bedaubed in Secret Stadium Sauce along with a beer or two and cheer on the Major League Baseball Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park, one of the finest places to view a ballgame in the nation. Even if the weather outside is frightful, with Miller's retractable roof, every day's a great day for a ballgame...
Saturday, Jan. 10, 2009 Wave vs. Detroit Ignition Tonight @ the U.S. Cellular Arena - 6 p.m. By Shepherd Express Staff The Milwaukee Wave takes on the Detroit Ignition today at a 6 p.m. match at the U.S. Cellular Arena.
Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2008 More Bark Than Bite from the NRA This Year Candidates backed by the gun-rights group lose in Wisconsin and By Lisa Kaiser "I'm the NRA and I vote,"read the campaign buttons. But on Nov. 4, the progun-rights voters fired up by the National Rifle Association (NRA) were in the minority. In fact, a slew of NRA-backed candidates were defeated across the country— including the Republican presidential ticket, lawmakers on the national...
Tuesday, July 1, 2008 In Sports, Moderation and Perspective Are Key Jim Cryns on Sports By Jim Cryns Everything in moderation. The way we eat, drink, and even consume sports. It's critical to how we live our lives, to our ultimate happiness. Going out to dinner with friends and enjoying a bottle of wine. That's great. Keeping it all in perspective. Going to a ball game, spewing venom at opposing teams and others while swilling and spilling copious amounts of beer upon everyone and everything is probably a little askew. If you find yourself in the latter situation, it may be a good time to take a step back, look at the totality of things, and regain perspective, assess your priorities in life.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008 Issue of the Week: Protecting the Great Lakes By Shepherd Express Staff The state Legislature overwhelmingly passed the Great Lakes Water Compact last week, which creates new rules regarding water taken out of the Great Lakes basin. The agreement was years in the making, and for lengthy, highly technical bill, it provided plenty of drama.
Saturday, April 5, 2008 Wave vs. La Raza Tonight @ the U.S. Cellular Arena By Shepherd Express Staff The Milwaukee Wave ends its 2007/2008 season tonight with a 6 p.m. match against the Monterrey La Raza at the U.S. Cellular Arena.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008 April 1 - April 6 Local Team Schedules By Shepherd Express Staff Bucks, Brewers, Badger Region Volleyball, Admirals, Wave, Bonecrushers
Sunday, March 16, 2008 Wave vs. Ironmen Today @ the U.S. Cellular Arena By Shepherd Express Staff The Milwaukee Wave face off against the New Jersey Ironmen at 2 p.m. today at the U.S. Cellular Arena.
Sunday, March 9, 2008 Wave vs. Sharks Today @ the U.S. Cellular Arena By Shepherd Express Staff Looking for a little afternoon delight, soccer fans? The Milwaukee Wave can scratch that itch. They play the Orlando Sharks this afternoon at 2 p.m. at the U.S. Cellular Arena.


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Before rushing to crown her the new hope of Africa – a list that includes such leading lights as Robert Mugabe, Yoweri Musevini, and Meles Zenawi – it's probably a good idea to do a background check on her as well as considering what goals she s trying to pursue and what incentives she faces. I'm not disagreeing with you, Josh. I just think we need to do our homework on her.
When Conditional Aid Produces Reform: A Look at Malawi
Reform, itself a rather nebulous concept, is sometimes difficult to define in the context of political behavior. It begs the questions, "Reform in what area, for whom, and to what social, political, or economic end?" Many African countries for years, under pressure from international donors, have adopted policy rhetoric infused with promises of western-style "reform" in all the areas one might expect: democratic pluralism, economic liberalization, anti-corruption, institutional development, constitutional protections for human rights, and so on.
Actual progress beyond rhetoric has been slow. But not always for lack of effort from major donors and other international actors. Conditions are often placed on large aid packages that flow to governments in developing countries. The logic is that these conditional packages can be used as both a positive and negative incentive, prompting governments to embark on recommended changes in policy, while also deterring them from more destructive and parochial uses of power due to the explicit threat of losing international funds — which often account for large portions of a developing country's budget. Predictably, many of these governments — run by powerful elites who may stand to lose under a system of vibrant pluralism and broadly distributed economic growth — nod politely and give credence to the value of reform, but do little else to codify or fundamentally institutionalize real change.
A possible exception may be Malawi. New President Joyce Banda, southern Africa's first female head of state who rose to power last April after the sudden death of former President Bingu wa Mutharika, has used her brief three months in office to shake up Malawian politics. Some of her actions have been largely symbolic — selling a controversial private jet purchased by her predecessor only two years earlier, to name one example — but others have been more substantive. For better or for worse, she is initiating an austerity campaign throughout the country, headlined by a 40 percent devaluation of the Malawian Kwacha that has since created a minor spike in inflation. But Ms. Banda appears willing to accept the immediate domestic consequences of this campaign in the hope that it will create a more solid economic foundation for growth and also repair relations with donors that were nearly severed in recent years.
Yet Ms. Banda's surprising behavior isn't confined to economic policy. In a dramatic break with both her Malawian predecessor and the leadership of the Africa Union, she refused to grant Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir entrance into Malawi for the July AU Summit her government was hosting, on account of his outstanding arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes in Sudan. Withstanding tremendous pressure from the AU, Sudan, and other countries in the region, Ms. Banda eventually refused to host the summit with Mr. Bashir in attendance, forcing organizers to move the entire event to Ethiopia.
It was quite a remarkable stance for a small country, particularly in a region of much larger countries that have repeatedly avoided or sought to obfuscate their obligations to the ICC, and to human rights more generally. Ms. Banda is likely to incur significant consequences for her uncompromising position, primarily in the form of political or economic alienation by the AU when it negotiates new policies to govern regional trade and commerce.
What is equally clear, however, is that international donors are taking notice of Ms. Banda's streak of independent and, by their view, necessary political behavior. The Millenium Challenge Corporation (MCC) recently released a $350 million package it had suspended in 2011 after accusing Malawi's previous president of malfeasance and poor governance. The MCC's initial freeze was also in response to Sudanese President Bashir's attendance at a conference in Malawi's capitol, Lilongwe, last fall. In another significant event, Ms. Banda's administration released a reconfigured annual budget proposal that built upon the direction set by their previous currency devaluation, prompting the International Monetary Fund to sign off on a $157 million aid agreement.
Movement toward reform, in the areas of human rights and economic policy, can indeed be seen in the recent behavior of Malawi's government. And the carrot provided by large aid packages, compounded, of course, by Malawi's own desperate need for economic growth, appears to be the primary motivator behind these changes.
I wrote last week that we should not wait for, nor expect, enlightened leaders to bring altruism into systems otherwise dominated by corruption, identity politics, and the narrow interests of elites. Though Ms. Banda appears determined to challenge this notion, far be it from me to declare her behavior as anything close to altruistic. Time will tell how effective her policies will be, as well as the degree to which she can generate a broader political movement in favor of her approach. But it does seem clear that she, more than her predecessor and many other African leaders, is displaying the courage and foresight to make tough, painful choices at the possible expense of her own domestic favorability. Austerity is likely to hurt many Malawians in the short-run, and her face-off with the more powerful AU may enrage many Malawi politicians who see little political gain in return for possible alienation. Further still, there is no guarantee that international aid will propel Malawi's economy forward in a sustainable way, since much of its impact will depend upon the incentives of existing institutions and political actors.
Yet years from now, assuming Ms. Banda continues on her current path, Malawi may be an interesting case study to assess the ultimate impact of a leader that goes against powerful regional forces, as well as institutionalized interests, to enact reforms and collect the corresponding aid that those reforms release.
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I completely agree. Many are probably thinking they've seen this song and dance before. And it's certainly too early to make long-term judgments. But her history is an interesting one. Just a couple years ago as vice president she apparently left her own party because she wouldn't give in to pressure to support a male candidate for president rather than herself. Her pre-political career also included a rare divorce, followed by a business start-up, the creation of the National Association of Business Women, and the Joyce Banda Foundation (a school and nonprofit for disadvantaged youth).
None of this makes her a savior of sorts. But it might indicate that she is more prone to political independence than others who have held her position before. Though you're right, in that Malawi's underlying political system hasn't changed. She only has 3 months in office, so we may have yet to see how internal incentives will shape her behavior. But so far, external incentives clearly have, and it's interesting to see how she's basically given the cold shoulder many entrenched actors in favor of warmer relations with international donors.
Now we are getting somewhere. From what you wrote, it seems to me that she is an ambitious politician. Her independence doesn't allow us to say much about how she intends to wield political power, however. It could be that aligning with donors at this point in time allows her to sideline her political rivals. None of this suggests she is committed to good governance. Musevini did the exact same thing in the late 1980s and early 1990s. When he managed to marginalize all his rivals, the corruption machine to fund his own patronage network took off and governance has deteriorated in Uganda ever since. I think we need to go back to the point you made in a previous post about Kenya. Don't look for her altruism. Rather, what institutions is she putting in place to institutionalize better governance? What is she doing to constrain her own behavior? Marginalizing opposition doesn't institutionalize better governance. In fact, a strong opposition is often the catalyst for such changes.
Speaking from the ground perspective, there is definitely a feeling of hope and optimism in Malawi about Joyce Banda. I've talked with quite a few people from professionals to villagers about how they feel about her as the new president and everyone agrees it is an improvement from the past president. Perhaps this is respectful lip service, but considering that there was some unrest immediately preceding the death of Bingu wa Mutharika, I'd say social acceptance for her corruption-reducing attitude is part of the way forward.
I certainly agree thus far she is a major improvement over Mutharika. My simple point is that I have seen such "donor darlings" many times in the past. All of them failed to live up to the expectations outsiders had for them. Certainly, we should support the good work she is doing. What we should not do is have unrealistic expectations of what she can do or will be willing to do to improve governance in Malawi.
[…] summer, I posted a short piece about Malawi's Joyce Banda. Southern Africa's first female president had only been in […]
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Va. Judge Overturns Gay Marriage Ban
NORFOLK, Va. (AP) -- A federal judge has ruled that Virginia's ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional.
U.S. District Judge Arenda L. Wright Allen's decision Thursday makes Virginia the second state in the South to have a ban on gay marriages overturned. It comes the day after a similar ruling in Kentucky and following similar rulings in federal courts in Utah and Oklahoma.
Wright stayed her decision until an appeals court rules, meaning that gay couples will not be able to marry in the state immediately.
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