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It's hard not to catch the excitement of what's going on at the Paramount Theatre in Aurora.
In just its second season of offering a Broadway Series — a compilation of four professionally produced musicals based on Broadway classics — the historical theater has seen a huge spike in subscribers, received a renewed audience appreciation for musical theater and created an intoxicating sense of impending greatness felt by directors and audience members alike.
Simply put, the theater is intentionally working its way toward becoming one of the biggest names in the industry.
"We believe we're creating the best musical theater in Chicago," says Tim Rater, president and chief executive officer of the Paramount.
From movie palace to Broadway In 1931, the Paramount Theatre opened as a nearly 2,000-seat palace showing first-run movies. For trivia lovers: it was the first movie palace outside of Chicago that had air conditioning, Rater says.
In the 1950s and '60s, the theater fell into disarray, but a decade later its Venetian-style decor was restored and the Paramount reopened as a live performance venue. In 2006, it received a facelift with a new grand lobby and art gallery, but the theater itself — located on Stolp Island in downtown Aurora — retains its historic look and feel, from the massive sea of burgundy seats and ornate ceiling design inside to the grand marquee outside. In fact, the Paramount has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1980.
Today, it has come alive again, this time as a venue for comedy tours, classic movie Mondays, A-list musical acts and, of course, the Broadway Series.
"When I got here, one of the first things I found was this community really supports the Paramount," says Rater, who took over two years ago. "There's a true affection for the Paramount. There's a history of supporting shows here."
The vibrant anchor of the Paramount's success is its dedication to bringing good shows and entertainment to the area, Rater says. And this season, the number of good shows is skyrocketing. Rater's No. 1 priority was to bring in new activity to the Paramount, and the numbers don't belie his intent. Last season, the theater offered roughly 175 performances to audiences. This year, it's hovering close to 175 again, with 117 performances coming from the Broadway Series.
The biggest difference between the inaugural Broadway Series and this season is that instead of offering just three or four showtimes for each musical, each play has expanded to include three to six weeks of performances, scheduled Wednesday through Sunday, Rater says.
And these aren't mom and pop plays, he notes. They're original productions - with a professional director, union actors and a full, live orchestra providing a one-of-a-kind experience — of Tony Award-winning shows that have seen significant time, and success, on Broadway.
"[In] the Broadway Series, all the shows have had a presence on Broadway," Rater says. "[They're] classics that have been followed sometimes for generations."
Last year's successful Broadway Series featured "My Fair Lady," "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," "A Chorus Line" and "Hair." Nearly 12,500 subscribers — those who purchased tickets to all four shows at a significantly reduced rate — witnessed the Paramount's first venture into Broadway. This season, the series has experienced a 90 percent renewal rate in subscriber sales, plus additional growth, with more than 19,000 subscribers grabbing up tickets, Rater says.
The Paramount just finished its opening musical, "Grease," and opened "Annie" on Nov. 21, which will run through the end of the year. The remaining two plays — "The Music Man" and "Fiddler on the Roof" — will conclude the family-friendly series in 2013.
Besides the appeal of traditional Broadway, the Paramount offers something else to local patrons — great location and affordable prices.
"It's become immensely difficult to afford Chicago downtown theater," Rater says. "I personally find it a little daunting to go downtown for theater. Here at the Paramount, you can see a show that critics agree are just as good or better, as cheap as $20."
Single ticket prices at the Paramount range from $34.90 to $46.90 for Broadway plays, but subscribers receive 40 to 50 percent off those prices. Plus, free parking lots are available for shows, free street parking is available in the evenings, and dining and entertainment — including Hollywood Casino — is just around the corner.
Still, beyond those perks, what people seem to appreciate most is the caliber of production they're able to view at such a close-to-home venue.
"The shows we're doing, people have seen before — these are classic shows," Rater says, noting that many have pre-conceived notions of how they'll like a Paramount live performance. "I've had people say … 'I didn't particularly like "My Fair Lady."' They came, and they loved the show [we put on].
"We make believers out of them."
"Annie" And Beyond For weeks leading up to opening night in late November, artistic director Jim Corti, Rater and countless others prepared for the opening of "Annie."
Even while costumes were still being made, the stage still being built, Rater predicted the success of the second Broadway performance in the 2012-13 season.
"The shows just keep getting better," Rater says. "'Annie' is shaping up to be the best performance we've offered yet."
The traditional storyline of a little girl faced with enormous challenges as she searches for a family to love her is one that audiences may have seen before, but they can now witness it through new eyes. "It's a story a lot of people can relate to," Rater says. "You may have had a difficult childhood; you may have known of someone else who had a difficult childhood. [You] can relate with Annie … and how a man's heart can be changed by the love of a little girl."
Showgoers will be presented with an adorable Annie and stern Daddy Warbucks, albeit not a curly-top redhead and bald businessman, as they may be accustomed to seeing.
"I think folks will be a little bit surprised," Rater says. "This is OUR production of 'Annie,' perhaps a more honest, heartwarming show."
Under the direction of Jim Corti — a Jeff Award winner for his acting, directing and choreography — the professionals in "Annie" and the other Broadway productions are experiencing a life-changing opportunity, he says.
"[We're able] to bring all these people together and do the best work of their careers here … because of the uniqueness of the Paramount venue," Corti says. "It's a rare national opportunity for anyone. Its size and its beauty, there's nothing to compare to it. And people can't believe how successful it's been since the first show opened."
Corti's enthusiasm isn't one-sided, however. Audiences are catching onto the excitement, too.
"I think there's a great wealth in musical theater content," he says. "People get a story enhanced by great music and great theatrical performances. We have an amazing log of emails and handwritten letters, voicemails from people that have to say thank you, have to say keep it up, have to say we can't wait to see the next one, and I think that's what theater was meant to do. It's an enhancement to our lives."
Rater agrees, predicting that with the Paramount's success thus far, and his and Corti's vision for the future, the theater soon will become the largest musical theater in the Chicago area, including the city itself. And then it will have opportunities many venues can only dream of — creating original musicals that will then be seen on Broadway, he says.
"It's only a matter of time before we're making our own impact on new creative work," Rater says. "If you take an idea that has merit and surround it by people who are going to nurture it, love it and are capable of doing that, I don't see why we can't do that." kc


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Regions:Dover/Somersworth -Great Bay - Rochester - Southern Maine | |||||
Exeter Greenland Portsmouth New Castle Newington Stratham Rye | |||||
Go Mobile: http://mobile.fosters.com Middleton Harvest Dinner gathers community
Sunday, November 17, 2013
MIDDLETON — The sense of community was running strong at the second annual Harvest Dinner on Saturday afternoon, as over 130 residents were served turkey dinners on fine china, complete with all the trimmings and dessert, throughout the day.
"There was great spirit here today," said volunteer Parker Pruett. His wife Mary agreed. "We do it as a way to bring the community together and as a way for people to meet members of the community they may not know," said Linda Adamo of the Recreation Committee. She said she was thankful for all of the volunteers, which included members of the fire and police departments, among others. Bruce and Rachel Hunter brought their family along to enjoy the dinner. "The food is excellent," said Rachel. "We're enjoying getting out as a family and giving the kids a sense of community." The family, like many volunteers, was bringing a meal to a neighbor who couldn't venture out. During the dinner, the library held a raffle for a homemade afghan and a Christmas basket. June Brown, who also enjoyed the meal, while helping out with the library fundraiser, said, "they filled my plate and it was great."
Joe Bailey said that many of the people enjoying the meal were those that had served or volunteered at events like it in the past. "It's our turn to pay them back and let them sit back and enjoy it," he said. "We just wanted people to come out and have a good meal, see some neighbors they haven't seen in a while, and get to know everyone who lives in town," said Tammy Bailey. The Recreation Committee will next hold a children's Christmas party on December 8. |

subset: commoncrawl


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Volunteer in Europe
We aim to engage Europeans in the fight against extreme poverty through education and exchange. Volunteer opportunities include representing us as a regional or country representative, attending community events on behalf of our organization, or helping to develop wholesale partnerships.
Community Event Volunteers | If you enjoy telling our story and encouraging others to get involved in poverty eradication, becoming a Community Event volunteer may be for you! You'll sell our jewelry, answer questions, and spread the word about who we are by attending fair trade and international solidarity events across Europe. |
Host a Bead Party | If you'd like to raise awareness about extreme poverty and sell our hand-made jewelry at the same time, consider hosting a Bead Party at your home, office, community or shop. |
Become a Community Partner | If you've already hosted one or more successful Bead Parties, becoming a Community Partner may be for you! Community Partners are a mobile force of educated and inspired volunteers located throughout North America and Europe. Their purpose is to expand our Bead Circle and to promote us by attending community events, giving presentations about extreme poverty, gaining local media attention, hosting or encouraging others to host Bead Parties, and raising at least 3000 Euros each year. |
Become a Wholesale Partner | Are you a store or boutique owner interested in partnering with us? Become a BeadforLife Wholesale Partner and carry our products in your shop. |
Jennifer Rowell-Gastard, European Program Manager


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Student Loans
Loans can be part of a package of financial aid that a student receives.
Nearly 60 percent of all aid is in the form of educational loans.
Student Loans: Most students must finance their education through student loans. The Federal Stafford Loan is the largest aid program. Students are offered either one of two types of loans under this program – subsidized or unsubsidized. Subsidized means that the government will pay the interest as log as the student is enrolled at least half-time in a school that participates in the Stafford Loan program. In addition, interest does not accrue and payments are not required until six months after the student ceases to be at least a half-time student. The unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan is not based on need and students must pay all accrued interest. Note: There are no pre-penalties on any federal loan. For more information on the Federal Stafford Loan go to: www.staffordloan.com |
Parent Loans: Parents may opt to borrow money for their child's education under the Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) program. Parents can borrow up to the total cost of education or budget of their student's school, less any financial aid received. The PLUS is not a need-based program so a parent's income and assets are not taken into consideration. However, this is the only federal educational loan where a minimal credit check or evaluation is completed before the loan is approved. |


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- Better Roads - http://www.betterroads.com -
Kenworth Expands Award-Winning Product Line with Introduction of Kenworth T470
Posted By admin On November 30, -0001 @ 12:00 am In Boomerang | No Comments
KIRKLAND, Wash., June 11, 2009 Kenworth Truck Company significantly expanded its product range in the vocational and municipal markets with the introduction of the new Kenworth T470 model. Kenworth is expanding its product line while other truck manufacturers are exiting the market, said Gary Moore, Kenworth assistant general manager for marketing and sales. The T470 offers Kenworth durability and performance that is serviced by our World™s Best dealer organization for snowplow, dump, mixer, winch, refuse, and other heavy front-axle vocational and municipal applications. The Kenworth T470 is powered by a 9-liter Cummins ISL engine with 345 hp and 1,150 lb-ft of torque. Other features include a range of manual and automatic transmissions; and 12,000 to 22,000 lb. rated front axles, 21,000 to 26,000 lb. rated single rear axles, and 40,000 to 46,000 lb. rated tandem rear axles.
The fixed grille hood has a 50.5 inch bumper setting for convenient installation of a front engine PTO. The hood allows for full extended frame rails for a heat-treated, 120,000 psi steel frame without the need for cutouts. Halogen projector headlamps are standard equipment.
The interior of the Kenworth T470 features the same, high-quality multiplexed dash installed in Kenworth™s Class 8 product line with a large panel for convenient installation of body controls and gauges. The Kenworth Driver Information Center is standard in the T470. The popular Kenworth Extended Day Cab is available as an option. The spacious cab enhances driver comfort with an additional six inches of length and five inches of cab height compared to Kenworth™s traditional day cab.
The Kenworth T470 is now available for order and initial production is scheduled to begin in July.
Kenworth Truck Company is the manufacturer of The World™s Best(R) heavy and medium duty trucks. Kenworth is the recipient of the 2008 J.D. Power and Associates awards for Highest in Customer Satisfaction for Over the Road and Vocational Segment Class 8 trucks. Kenworth is an industry leader in providing fuel-saving technology solutions that help increase fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. The company™s dedication to the green fleet includes aerodynamic trucks, medium duty diesel-electric hybrids, liquefied natural gas trucks, and the Kenworth Clean Power(R) no-idle system. In addition, Kenworth™s Internet home page is at www.kenworth.com. Kenworth. A PACCAR Company.
Article printed from Better Roads: http://www.betterroads.com
URL to article: http://www.betterroads.com/kenworth-expands-awardwinning-product-line-with-introduction-of-kenworth-t/
Click here to print.
Copyright © 2009 Better Roads. All rights reserved.


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From the New York Times:
As Israeli bombs fell over Lebanon for a second week in July, the Reverend John Hagee of San Antonio arrived in Washington with 3,500 evangelicals for the first annual conference of his newly founded organization, Christians United For Israel.Tags: Evangelicals, Israel, Foreign Policy.At a dinner addressed by the Israeli ambassador, a handful of Republican senators and the chairman of the Republican Party, Hagee read letters of greetings from President George W. Bush and Prime Minister Ehud Olmert of Israel and dispatched the crowd with a message for their congressmen.
Tell them to "to let Israel do their job" of destroying the Lebanese militia, Hezbollah, Hagee said. He called the conflict "a battle between good and evil" and said support for Israel was "God's foreign policy." The next day he took the message to the White House.
"Every time there has been a fight like this over the last 50 years, the State Department would send someone over in a jet to call for a cease-fire," Hagee said in an interview. "The terrorists would rest, rearm and retaliate," he continued. "Appeasement has never helped the Jewish people."
Crossposted at The Walrus Speaks.


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CBS 2 - Search Results
Evansdale Honors Lyric and Elizabeth
EVANSDALE, IA (CBS2/FOX28)--Hundreds of motorcyclists rode for a good cause Saturday.
Its the second annual "Memorial Ride and Drive for the Girls, an event in memory of Lyric Cook and Elizabeth Collins.
Two cousins from Evansdale who disappeared July 13th 2012.
Their bodies were found in early December 2012 by hunters in Bremer County.
Today motorcyclists rode their bikes through several cities in Iowa to honor them.
It's a ride to remember.
Our friends put it on, said rider Dawn Drinlbsky.
A ride to cherish.
"We have a hundred and forty bikes and I think they are six cars, said organizer and rider Chris Webb, and its in memory of two little girls gone too soon.
"We had a great guy talk in there. Just about awareness and we both have kids and it was a big eye opener as far as everybody needs to realize it can happen to anyone, said rider Bridget Walker.
That's why the deaths of lyric cook and Elizabeth Collins will never be forgotten.
This community has turned a tragic and chilling event into something brighter.
"It's to actually help the community come together so we'll heal a little bit and hope for justice and hoping to find the person or persons that did the terrible things to Elizabeth and Lyric Collins, Webb.
The ride began at 11 this morning and riders made stops at Waverly, Reinbeck and Laporte City.
The hope is to raise awareness and funds to help fight future similar crimes.
"They've got you know things going on since the girls have disappeared that have saved other kids everywhere the crime stoppers, the Amber alerts, said Drinlbsky.
It's been a community effort
"We have so many sponsors that believe in what we are doing and help me out every year. They contact me Before I even contact them to be a part of this organization, said Webb,
To be part of a "Memorial Ride and Drive" for Lyric and Elizabeth, angels some say have helped build a tighter knit community.
"You know those girls are gone but there are not forgotten and the bond that they've put between this town today, it's unspoken. It's amazing."
Proceeds from the event go to the Cedar Valley Crime stoppers and the Angels Memorial Park in Evansdale.


text: Shirakawa T et al. – Although they failed to detect any association between these E–selectin gene (SELE) polymorphisms and the prevalence of Kawasaki disease (KD) or the development of CAL, these study had limitations including a low frequency of the minor alleles and a small sample size. A larger–scale association study is needed to draw a conclusion whether these single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are associated with the susceptibility to KD or not.


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They're in development, wrapped in super-secrecy... and Xbox World 360 magazine knows exactly what they are. Read below for insight and details on eight games that will rock your 360, starting next year...
Gears of War 2
We loved Epic's system seller as much as the next gamer. Probably EVEN MORE. But, come on, after the neverending hype it had... it patently wasn't finished, was it? The whole 'leaping into a jeep and roaring off just as the long-awaited Brumak tottered into view' reeked of a stitch-up, and when it was announced at E3 that PC owners would be getting a shedload of extra content... that was a ripe fart in the face for 360 owners.
Except, if you really believe those naysayers then you're missing the bigger picture. As critically acclaimed as it was, Gears ended up being a sacrificial lamb to some extent. Why? So that the true blockbuster - Gears 2 - a bigger, better, ballsier and markedly more ambitious outing could shine even brighter. Epic are already well into development with their Halo 3 killer; in fact, by the time it's announced to widespread gasps and hollers at the climax of the Microsoft presentation at E3 '08 in the summer, Gears 2 may even be at a stage where it's on course for a 'shock' Christmas 2008 release.
Don't believe it's possible given Epic's tradition of not releasing games until they're done? How about this: the hard work has been done already in Gears 1; the world, the characters, the engine, animations, multiplayer, it's all already in place. Gears 2 is all about refinement and spectacle. Certainly, the additional content in the PC version of Gears 1 is going to be highly symp-tomatic of what we can expect in Gears 2. You can bet too that Epic'll be gauging its critical and commercial reception as a dry run for their sequel.
At this moment, the Unreal Engine 3 is being tweaked so that monstrosities like the Brumak can now be brought to life and battlefields are far more expansive - more bosses, tides of larger enemies and a nippier frame rate.
If Epic are confident enough to give their Unreal editor toolset to Joe Public, just imagine what kind of wonderlands their designers are whipping up. The five fresh chapters exclusive to the PC version, all featuring large-scale out-door 'trench warfare' style mash-ups, are a taste of what we'll be playing in the sequel. Put your mortgage on tidied up vehicle sections (the Krill escape was clever, but fatally flawed), and - whisper it! - taking to the skies for an on-rails airborne encounter as Epic attempt to mix gameplay up a bit.
Interestingly, President of Epic Games Mike Capps mentioned in an interview this month that Gears' super-popular multiplayer mode was almost given the chop because he "thought it wasn't coming together fast enough". Yet now that CoD4 has come along with its near-flawless matchmaking and multilayered levels of customisation, Epic are going have to raise their game to compete.
Again, while the PC version boasts a new multiplayer mode and refined lobby system, the coding team will be looking demonstrate more ingenuity in multiplayer Gears 2. Like, one player becoming a Berserker and chasing down rival humans or Locusts; and a survival face-off to see who can stay alive as wave after wave of Krill bear down on you. Other things on Epic's 'To Do' List: a longer, deeper Campaign; new weapons, including a flamethrower; four player co-op; a class system; new executions; more choice in the branching level design; true destructible cover; enhanced squad AI and - finally! - a half-decent grenade tossing system. Oh, and a story which kicks things on - but also looks back. That means a playable prologue mission detailing exactly what Fenix did to wind up in the slammer. Exciting stuff.


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Semi-retired pharmacist, interested in computers, hacks, building projects. Love to read, especially Science Fiction, watch movies ( classics and new i.e. "Casablanca", ""The Maltese Falcon", "Things to Come", "Blade Runner", etc.
Also love to cook, and save recipes, it's one of my biggest hobbies. My wife loves my cooking !
Veronica Belmont - about.me user since 2010
"First, customize your page. It's easy and fun to design!"
Hi! I'm currently living in (City), where I work at (Work Place) doing (Job Title). When I'm not working I like to (Hobby), (Interest) and (Passion). Connect with me!
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"That's it! Let about.me do all of the work for you."
Showcase a 360 degree view of who you are
Help people find and follow you on your social networks
Be found for new opportunities


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Gisborne Accommodation
Room types
The Quality Hotel Emerald and Conference Centre's executive suites and apartments feature contemporary layouts and are equipped with air-conditioning, quality leather furnishings, an LCD flat screen TV, Sky TV, free high speed broadband, mini bar, tea and coffee making facilities, bath robes, iron and ironing board, and hair dryers.
Executive Suite Accommodation
These spacious one bedroom suites (approximately 60m2), most with large sun decks are located around the pool courtyard on the first and second level of the hotel. River view rooms are also available. Executive suites feature a king size bed, ensuite bathroom and single, twin and double bed variations in the lounge room to accommodate additional guests.
Executive Apartment Accommodation
Situated on the fourth floor, our fully serviced apartments are available for those looking for more luxurious Gisborne accommodation or for larger groups wishing to have their own kitchen. The apartments feature a modern fully-equipped kitchen, laundry, two bedrooms and lots of space.
If payment is to be made using the credit card supplied for a booking, the card must be present on check out. The card may be also used if a signed authority is provided by the cardholder. Credit card processing fees apply. |
Complimentary off street & on-site carparking is always available subject to availability on the day. |


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Pictures | Life & Style
Mooch ado about nothing
Mooch represents the dreams, aspirations, troubles and, sometimes, even the foibles of the average Dubaiite.
Picture editor's choice
Obama takes in India's Republic Day parade
Obama takes in grand Republic Day parade in show of solidarity between US and India
Obama pays tribute to Gandhi, plants sapling
Barack Obama laid a wreath at Mahatma Gandhi's memorial at Rajghat and planted a sapling in the complex.
In pics: late King Abdullah funeral procession
Funeral for Saudi King Abdullah got under way in a cavernous mosque in the capital.
Miss Universe beauties wow in national costume
Contestants present a colourful spectacle as they take part in the national costume show