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The Global Intelligence Files
On Monday February 27th, 2012, WikiLeaks began publishing The Global Intelligence Files, over five million e-mails from the Texas headquartered "global intelligence" company Stratfor. The e-mails date between July 2004 and late December 2011. They reveal the inner workings of a company that fronts as an intelligence publisher, but provides confidential intelligence services to large corporations, such as Bhopal's Dow Chemical Co., Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon and government agencies, including the US Department of Homeland Security, the US Marines and the US Defence Intelligence Agency. The emails show Stratfor's web of informers, pay-off structure, payment laundering techniques and psychological methods.
Libya and Iraq: The Price of Success
Released on 2012-10-12 10:00 GMT
Email-ID | 402409 |
Date | 2011-10-25 11:12:44 |
From | email@example.com |
To | firstname.lastname@example.com |
October 25, 2011
By George Friedman
In a week when the European crisis continued building, the White House chos=
e publicly to focus on announcements about the end of wars. The death of Mo=
ammar Gadhafi was said to mark the end of the war in Libya, and excitement =
about a new democratic Libya abounded. Regarding Iraq, the White House tran=
sformed the refusal of the Iraqi government to permit U.S. troops to remain=
into a decision by Washington instead of an Iraqi rebuff.
Though in both cases there was an identical sense of "mission accomplished,=
" the matter was not nearly as clear-cut. The withdrawal from Iraq creates =
enormous strategic complexities rather than closure. While the complexities=
in Libya are real but hardly strategic, the two events share certain chara=
cteristics and are instructive.
Libya After Gadhafi
Let us begin with the lesser event, Gadhafi's death. After seven months of =
NATO intervention, Gadhafi was killed. That it took so long for this to hap=
pen stands out, given that the intervention involved far more than airstrik=
es, including special operations forces on the ground targeting for airstri=
kes, training Libyan troops, managing logistics, overseeing communications =
and both planning and at times organizing and leading the Libyan insurgents=
in battle.
Perhaps this length of time resulted from a strategy designed to minimize c=
asualties at the cost of prolonging the war. Alternatively, that it took se=
ven months to achieve this goal might reflect the extent of the insurgents'=
division, poor training and incompetence. Whatever the reason, the more i=
mportant question is what NATO thinks it has accomplished with Gadhafi's de=
ath, as satisfying as that death might be.
The National Transitional Council (NTC), the umbrella organization crafted =
to contain the insurgents, is in no position to govern Libya by any ideolog=
y, let alone through constitutional democracy. Gadhafi and his supporters r=
uled Libya for 42 years; the only people in the NTC with any experience wit=
h government gained that experience as ministers or lesser officials in Gad=
hafi's government. Some may have switched sides out of principle, but I sus=
pect that most defected to save themselves. While the media has portrayed m=
any of these ex-ministers as opponents of Gadhafi, anyone who served him wa=
s complicit in his crimes.
These individuals are the least likely to bring reform to Libya and the mos=
t likely to constitute the core of a new state, as they are the only Libyan=
s who know what it means to govern. Around them is an array of tribes livin=
g in varying degrees of tension and hostility with each other and radical I=
slamists whose number and capabilities are unknown, but whose access to wea=
pons can be assumed. It also is safe to assume that many of those weapons, =
of various types of lethality, will be on the black market in the region in=
short order, as they may already be.
Gadhafi did not rule for 42 years without substantial support, as the tenac=
ity of those who fought on his behalf suggests. (The defense of Sirte could=
well be described as fanatical.) Gadhafi is dead, but not all of his suppo=
rters are. And there are other elements within the country who may not be G=
adhafi supporters but are no less interested in resisting those who are now=
trying to take charge -- and resisting anyone perceived to be backed by We=
stern powers. As with the conquest of Baghdad in 2003, what was unanticipat=
ed -- but should not have been -- was that a variety of groups would resist=
the new leaders and wage guerrilla war.
Baghdad taught that overwhelming force must be brought to bear in any invas=
ion such that all opposition is eliminated. Otherwise, opponents of foreign=
occupation -- along with native elements with a grudge against other nativ=
es -- are quite capable of creating chaos. When we look at the list of NTC =
members and try to imagine them cooperating with each other and when we con=
sider the number of Gadhafi supporters who are now desperadoes with little =
to lose, the path to stable constitutional democracy runs either through NA=
TO occupation (unofficial, of course) or through a period of intense chaos.=
The most likely course ahead is a NATO presence sufficient to enrage the L=
ibyan people but insufficient to intimidate them.
And Libya is not a strategic country. It is neither large in population nor=
geographically pivotal. It does have oil, as everyone likes to point out, =
and that makes it appealing. But it is not clear that the presence of oil i=
ncreases the tendency toward stability. When we look back on Iraq, an oil-r=
ich country, oil simply became another contentious issue in a galaxy of con=
tentious issues.
The Lesson of Baghdad
Regarding Libya, I have a sense of Baghdad in April 2003. U.S. President Ba=
rack Obama's announcement of a complete U.S. withdrawal from Iraq gives us =
a sense of what lies at the end of the tunnel of the counterinsurgency. It =
must be understood that Obama did not want a total withdrawal. Until just a=
few weeks before the announcement, he was looking for ways to keep some tr=
oops in Iraq's Kurdish region. U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta went to =
Iraq wanting an agreement providing for a substantial number of U.S. troops=
in Iraq past the Dec. 31 deadline for withdrawal.
While the idea did appeal to some in Iraq, it ultimately failed. This is be=
cause the decision-making structure of the Iraqi government that emerged fr=
om U.S. occupation and the war is so fragmented it has failed even to craft=
a law on hydrocarbons, something critical to the future of Iraq. It was th=
erefore in no position to reach consensus, or even a simple majority, over =
the question of a continued presence of foreign troops. Many Iraqis did wan=
t a U.S. presence, particularly those concerned about their fate once the U=
nited States leaves, such as the Kurds and Sunnis. The most important point=
is not that the Iraqis decided they did not want troops; it is that the Ir=
aqi government was in the end too incoherent to reach any decision.
The strategic dimension to this is enormous. The Iranians have been develop=
ing their influence in Iraq since before 2003. They have not developed enou=
gh power to control Iraq outright. There are too many in Iraq, even among t=
he Shia, who distrust Iranian power. Nevertheless, the Iranians have substa=
ntial influence -- not enough to impose policies but enough to block any th=
ey strongly object to. The Iranians have a fundamental national security in=
terest in a weak Iraq and in the withdrawal of American forces, and they ha=
d sufficient influence in Baghdad to ensure American requests to stay were =
turned down.
Measuring Iranian influence in Iraq is not easy to do. Much of it consists =
of influence and relationships that are not visible or are not used except =
in urgent matters. The United States, too, has developed a network of relat=
ionships in Iraq, as have the Saudis. But the United States is not particul=
arly good at developing reliable grassroots supporters. The Iranians have d=
one better because they are more familiar with the terrain and because the =
price for double-crossing the Iranians is much higher than that imposed by =
the United States. This gives the Iranians a more stable platform from whic=
h to operate. While the Saudis have tried to have it both ways by seeking t=
o maintain influence without generating anti-Saudi feeling, the Iranian pos=
ition has been more straightforward, albeit in a complex and devious way.
Let us consider what is at stake here: Iran has enough influence to shape s=
ome Iraqi policies. With the U.S. withdrawal, U.S. allies will have to acco=
mmodate themselves both to Iran and Iran's supporters in the government bec=
ause there is little other choice. The withdrawal thus does not create a st=
able balance of power; it creates a dynamic in which Iranian influence incr=
eases if the Iranians want it to -- and they certainly want it to. Over tim=
e, the likelihood of Iraq needing to accommodate Iranian strategic interest=
s is most likely. The possibility of Iraq becoming a puppet of Iran cannot =
be ruled out. And this has especially wide regional consequences given Syri=
The Role of Syria
Consider the Libyan contrast with Syria. Over the past months, the Syrian o=
pposition has completely failed in bringing down the regime of Presiden Bas=
har al Assad. Many of the reports received about Syria originate from anti-=
Assad elements outside of Syria who draw a picture of the impending collaps=
e of the regime. This simply hasn't happened, in large part because al Assa=
d's military is loyal and well organized and the opposition is poorly organ=
ized and weak. The opposition might have widespread support, but sentiment =
does not defeat tanks. Just as Gadhafi was on the verge of victory when NAT=
O intervened, the Syrian regime does not appear close to collapse. It is ha=
rd to imagine NATO intervening in a country bordering Turkey, Iraq, Jordan,=
Israel and Lebanon given the substantial risk of creating regional chaos. =
In contrast, Gadhafi was isolated politically and geographically.
Syria was close to Iran before the uprising. Iran has been the most support=
ive of the Syrian regime. If al Assad survives this crisis, his willingness=
to collaborate with Iran will only intensify. In Lebanon, Hezbollah -- a g=
roup the Iranians have supported for decades -- is a major force. Therefore=
, if the U.S. withdrawal in Iraq results in substantial Iranian influence i=
n Iraq, and al Assad doesn't fall, then the balance of power in the region =
completely shifts.
This will give rise to a contiguous arc of Iranian influence stretching fro=
m the Persian Gulf to the Mediterranean Sea running along Saudi Arabia's no=
rthern border and along the length of Turkey's southern border. Iranian inf=
luence also will impact Israel's northern border directly for the first tim=
e. What the Saudis, Turks and Israelis will do about this is unclear. How t=
he Iranians would exploit their position is equally unclear. Contrary to th=
eir reputation, they are very cautious in their overt operations, even if t=
hey take risks in their covert operations. Full military deployment through=
this region is unlikely for logistical reasons if nothing else. Still, the=
potential for such a deployment, and the reality of increasingly effective=
political influence regardless of military movement, is strategically sign=
ificant. The fall of al Assad would create a firebreak for Iranian influenc=
e, though it could give rise to a Sunni Islamist regime.
The point here, of course, is that the decision to withdraw from Iraq and t=
he inability to persuade the Iraqi government to let U.S. forces remain has=
the potential to change the balance of power in the region. Rather than cl=
osing the book on Iraq, it simply opens a new chapter in what was always th=
e subtext of Iraq, namely Iranian power. The civil war in Iraq that followe=
d the fall of Saddam Hussein had many dimensions, but its most strategicall=
y important one was the duel between the United States and Iran. The Obama =
administration hopes it can maintain U.S. influence in Iraq without the pre=
sence of U.S. troops. Given that U.S. influence with the presence of troops=
was always constrained, this is a comforting, though doubtful, theory for =
Washington to consume.
The Libyan crisis is not in such a high-stakes region, but the lesson of Ir=
aq is useful. The NATO intervention has set the stage for a battle among gr=
oups that are not easily reconciled and who were held together by hostility=
to Gadhafi and then by NATO resources. If NATO simply leaves, chaos will e=
nsue. If NATO gives aid, someone will have to protect the aid workers. If N=
ATO sends troops, someone will attack them, and when they defend themselves=
, they will kill innocents. This is the nature of war. The idea of an immac=
ulate war is fantasy. It is not that war is not at times necessary, but a w=
ar that is delusional is always harmful. The war in Iraq was delusional in =
many ways, and perhaps nowhere more than in the manner in which the United =
States left. That is being repeated in Libya, although with smaller stakes.
In the meantime, the influence of Iran will grow in Iraq, and now the quest=
ion is Syria. Another NATO war in Syria is unlikely and would have unpredic=
table consequences. The survival of al Assad would create an unprecedented =
Iranian sphere of influence, while the fall of al Assad would open the door=
to regimes that could trigger an Israeli intervention.
World War II was nice in that it offered a clean end -- unless, of course, =
you consider that the Cold War and the fear of impending nuclear war immedi=
ately succeeded it. Wars rarely end cleanly, but rather fester or set the s=
tage for the next war. We can see that clearly in Iraq. The universal congr=
atulations on the death of Moammar Gadhafi are as ominous as all victory ce=
lebrations are, because they ignore the critical question: Now what?
This report may be forwarded or republished on your website with attributio=
n to www.stratfor.com.
Copyright 2011 STRATFOR.


text:
Recent and archived news stories on: Banks, Credit Unions, Mortgage Lending, SBA, Stocks/Bonds, Venture Capital, Wealth Management...OC Adds 9,000 Jobs, Unemployment Rate Steady at 5%
Orange County added 9,000 jobs in November, continuing a streak of monthly job gains since a dip in August.
Sanuk Founder Leaves for Tea Brand
Sanuk USA LLC founder Jeff Kelley said he will "transition from an active role" at the Irvine-based footwear brand by the end of the year.
Wet Seal Revises Loan Terms With BofA
Wet Seal Inc. said it amended its loan terms with Bank of America N.A. and will now provide reports on the value of its assets to the lender on a weekly basis instead of once a month as previously agreed.
Sanuk Founder Leaves for Tea Brand
Jeff Kelley, founder of Sanuk USA LLC, said he will "transition from an active role" at the Irvine-based footwear brand by the end of the year.
Wet Seal Revises Loan Terms With BofA
Wet Seal Inc. said it amended its contract with Bank of America N.A. and will now provide reports on the value of its assets to the lender on a weekly basis instead of once a month as previously agreed.
Brand Affinity in BK, Seeks Bidder
Brand Affinity Technologies Inc. has hired Irvine-based GlassRatner Advisory & Capital Group LLC to find potential bidders to acquire the cash-depleted advertising and social media company, according to a filing in bankruptcy court.
Device Maker Insightra Raises $12M
Irvine-based Insightra Medical Inc. has raised $12 million in a pair of fundings, according to a regulatory filing.
Yard House Sales Up 3.7%
Irvine-based Yard House saw quarterly same-store sales increase by 3.7% year-over-year according to the most recent report from its parent company, Darden Restaurants Inc., in Orlando, Fla.
Actavis to Trim Allergan Executive Ranks
Actavis PLC said today it plans to replace most of the top executives at Allergan Inc. with its own personnel when its $68 billion acquisition of the Irvine-based drug maker closes next year.
Juice It Up Taps VP for Growth
The parent company of Irvine-based Juice It Up said it hired Laina Sullivan as its first vice president of business development, with duties to include franchising, site selection and lease negotiation.
Versant Closes $305M Fund
Healthcare-focused venture capital firm Versant Ventures has raised $305 million for its latest fund.
WD's Former Hitachi Unit in Buy
A San Jose-based unit of Western Digital Corp. has acquired a maker of solid-state storage systems used in scaling cloud and enterprise data centers.
HK Buyer Adds Hotel at Gate of Disneyland Resort to OC Portfolio
REAL ESTATE: Renovation seen for 300-room Anaheim Plaza
A 300-room hotel across the street from the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim is expected to see a major renovation following its sale to a Hong Kong-based investor.
2014 in Review: Big Deals, Doings
My, how you've grown. What else to say about Orange County's business landscape over the past year?
Real Estate Deals
Sales and leases of offices, industrial buildings, retail space and apartments
CT Realty to Riverside for $25M Industrial Project
5-Building Project Part Of $120M JV With Prudential
CT Realty is moving ahead on a $25 million industrial project in Riverside in the first deal the Aliso Viejo-based developer has made with a large institutional investor it recently partnered with.
New Yorker's OC Junket Puts Jannard in YouTube Picture
Much of this week's issue is dedicated to a look back at 2014, which has proved to be a remarkable year in many respects for the community of business in Orange County (see overview, page 1; coverage by industry, pages 5 through 18).
Bixby Seeks Creative Gem at Jewelry Brand's Old HQ
REAL ESTATE: Plan for Tustin office continues trend
Bixby Land Co. is set to undertake its largest creative-office redevelopment project in Orange County to date at an industrial building in Tustin.
2014 Year in Review: Healthcare
We picked the veteran chief executive of Irvine-based Allergan Inc. as a the person to watch for a number of reasons, including the expectation of new products and his pick of a clear No. 2 executive in Douglas Ingram, Allergan's president.
2014 Year in Review: Real Estate
Orange County's biggest landlord grabbed more than its share of headlines this year, confirming our choice of Doug Holte, who heads the office properties division for Irvine Company, as 2014's person to watch for real estate.
2014 Year in Review: Finance
Gross made the biggest people-on-the-move news in the finance industry this year, leaving Pacific Investment Management Co. for much-smaller rival Janus Capital Group.
2014 Year in Review: Hospitality
Our prediction of a healthy year for local hotels proved accurate. Our person to watch was Ralph Grippo, president of Irvine Company Resort Properties.
2014 Year in Review: Retail
The Quiksilver Inc. boss continued to reshape the operations of the brand, which once again struggled despite its heritage as a pioneer of the surfwear sector.
2014 Year in Review: Restaurants
We said to keep an eye on Irvine-based Taco Bell Corp. Chief Executive Greg Creed as he began overseeing the brand worldwide in January.
Coastal Communities Boast Solid $10M+ Sales Year
2014 Appears To Eclipse Luxury Sales Last Year
Orange County's coastal region is as renowned for its sophisticated yet laid-back vibe as it is for its captivating scenery.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Trick or treat!
I'm not too neat.
I'm Baby Taz, you see.
If you give me lollipops,
I'll whirl around with glee.
The Baby Looney Tunes gang is ready to celebrate Halloween. They're dressed in colorful costumes and eager to knock on doors. Each character has a verse that reflects his or her unique personality. With a die-cut handle, eight colorful spreads, and a push button for sound effects, this book will provide hours of Halloween fun. Ages 3-5.


text:
1-6 Super Sneakylicious
Quick Level Clear Walkthrough
Walk forward (to the left) when the wall is up and grab the second clock. Drop down at the gap and turn around at the wall. Walk forward and drop through the retractable platform gap when the guard has his back turned. Walk forward and grab the level clock!
Optional Clocks Walkthrough
First Clock - Use the retractable wall to turn around and face the stairs. Walk up the stairs then turn around at the wall. Walk past the first spotlight when it's off, and grab the clock.
Second Clock - After grabbing the first clock, time the spotlights and the retractable platform on the top level so that you walk across the platform, turn around at the wall, and drop through the gap when the platform is retracted, all without getting hit by a spotlight. Take one step forward and grab the clock.
Third Clock - After grabbing the second clock, use the retractable wall to turn around. Drop through the gap, then use the wall to turn around. Walk across the retractable platform and grab the clock.
Fourth Clock - On the second level from the bottom, time the two spotlights so you can turn around at the right-side wall and position yourself just to the right of the retractable platform. As soon as the guard below starts walking left, drop down, follow him, use him to turn around, then grab the fourth clock, and the level clock.
What Links Here
You must be logged in to post a comment.
blog comments powered by DisqusTop Wiki Contributors
Need assistance with editing this wiki? Check out these resources:


text:
Stocks finished sharply lower Wednesday, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq falling 1 percent each, amid building worries over North Korea and after San Francisco Federal Reserve Bank President John Williams said the central bank could begin to taper purchases this summer if the economy continues to improve.
HOUSTON-- ConocoPhillips said Thursday that net income fell 30 percent in the third quarter as it sold assets and oil and natural gas prices fell. Houston- based ConocoPhillips made $1.8 billion, or $1.46 per share, compared with $2.6 billion, or $1.91 per share, a year earlier.


text:
Natalie Portman's Wedding Pictures
Natalie Portman's Wedding Pictures
Natalie Portman's Wedding Pictures
Natalie Portman married Benjamin Millepied over the weekend in Big Sur, CA. The couple, who met back in 2009 on the set of Black Swan, gathered their loved ones at the coastal town for an intimate outdoor celebration. Along with their families, friends like Ivanka Trump, her husband Jared Kushner, and Macaulay Culkin gathered to see Natalie and Benjamin exchange vows in a Jewish ceremony. Natalie and Benjamin's 14-month-old son, Aleph Millepied, was also present for the nuptials, and he was able to stay up late enough to see some of the dancing during the reception. Natalie's dress was reportedly designed by her friends Laura and Kate Mulleavy from the label Rodarte.
Celebrity Weddings
Natalie Portman
2 years
@jaan_black lol that's the kind of respond I expected. I regretted responding to your insult as soon as I posted it cause I do not want to fight at all. But my point, which I am sorry you didn't get, is that veganism is so NOT about what you want to stuff your face with. The end.
Ps. When you get married, I am sure you will serve the food you hate to eat. And you will enjoy ppl calling you selfish or anal on the day that is not about them, for your choice of food/music/dress/anything really.
2 years
@GirlinTheRaw @jaan_black again, I'm not selfish or anal so I would've given the option for other food besides what I personally like to stuff my face with - the end
2 years
@jaan_black Selfish or anal? Come on...we are in 2012! It's like saying "a gay wedding - so inconsiderate to their Republican/Christian/conservative/etc. guests". Speaking of tolerance and equality - color, gender, sexual orientation, we are all equal, but not ethical orientation? If you think meat is murder (meaning you have real ethical, spiritual, not fad reasons), you would be a sell out to serve it at "the most important day of your life", the day you share yourself with the ones you love. I'm sure she didn't mean to "torture" her guests. What, can't stand ONE meal without meat?? Anyways, you could complain about any type of food served at a wedding if it wasn't in your taste, be it Mexican, Thai, Indian, or whatever (and in my experience, most ppl do complain about it no matter what). The whole wedding industry sells the "it's your (brides) day" and we even have reality shows proving what a bridezzila is, and it definitely isn't someone freaking vegan! Sorry but c'mon. It's a Jweish wedding, I wonder what non-Jewish guest though - "no consideration for me"?
2 years
was the dress short or long? and I hear she had an all Vegan menu with zero consideration for her non Vegan guests...personally, I would've offered a fish entree b/c I'm not that selfish or anal...congrats either way
Link Love
- Eli Manning's wife, Abby, gives birth to a baby girl — Us Weekly
- Kim Kardashian has really mastered one kind of selfie — HuffPost Celebrity
- Who is Rachel McAdams's mystery dinner date? — Lainey Gossip
- Iggy Azalea backtracks after a social media rant — Dlisted
- Rihanna strips down for a sexy spread — ET
- Why Reese Witherspoon dressed up as a guy — JustJared
- Hilary Duff is one hot mom — Hollywood Tuna
- Eddie Murphy shares exciting SNL news — Pink Is the New Blog
- Why Suge Knight is under arrest — The Superficial
Latest Celebrity


text:
The Window Cleaner
A short muisc video based on the classic song "The Window Cleaner" sung by George Formby
4.39 / 5.00 5,852 ViewsPertaining to the subject of theft:
If this file is seen at any site other than Shiftlimits.com, Fluidanims.com, or Newgrounds.com, please report the problem to administrators of the website. This video is NOT to be released anywhere else other than the previously listed websites. kthx
Thanks for the daily 2nd and OMG WEEKLY 5TH
The long awaited collaborations among collaborations (literally) is finally showing it's first face upon the world. Prepare yourselves as 5 amazing sticks move about firmly through your face, ears, and many other human body parts. There will be action... KAPOW There will be drama... [tear] And there will be a lot more onomonopias. Witness first ever 5-man Collaboration (And the never before seen S.T.X.D.F.H.T.K.S.): JCTLM
Well played men
Hahaha 5-way, ass whoopin mayhem! And Miccool with the scream point and drool, priceless. Great job fellas.
Is JCamelo really dead?
I was wondering if he was dead or not tho but surely he is alive anyway so great teamwork and nice animation
would be better with a quality button
because the video lags on my pc. has anyone the same problem?
Choice of music was absolutely perfect. Fast paced, with a demon and a pink stick in it. WHAT MORE COULD YOU ASK FOR.


text:
Updated: January 2014
Item | Quantity | Low | High |
Standing Seam Metal Roof Cost Non-discounted retail cost for common, mid-grade standing seam metal roof. Quantity includes typical installation waste, fabrication overage, material for future repairs and delivery within 25 miles | 107 square feet | $532.68 | $570.05 |
Standing Seam Metal Roof Labor Direct labor expenses to install seam metal roof. | 6.5 hours | $194.08 | $386.99 |
Standing Seam Metal Roof Job Materials and Supplies Cost of supplies that may be required to install seam metal roof including: fasteners, underlayment, drip edges and basic flashing. | 100 square feet | $26.54 | $28.74 |
Standing Seam Metal Roof Equipment Allowance Job related costs of specialty equipment used for job quality and efficiency, including: roof jacks, pneumatic roofing nailer, shingle cutting tools. | $52.50 | $86.25 | |
Totals - Cost to Install Seam Metal Roof | 100 square feet | $805.80 | $1,072.03 |
| Average cost per square foot | $8.06 | $10.72 |
The cost to Install a Seam Metal Roof averages $8.06 - $10.72 per square foot in 2014. This Seam Metal Roofing Installation cost estimate is calculated from average material costs, unit labor producitivity rates and national average hourly labor wages. To refine the estimate for your Seam Metal Roofing Installation project:
1. Set Project Location Enter the location is where labor is hired and materials purchased.
2. Specify Project Size Enter the number of "square feet" required for the project.
3. Re-calculate Click the "Update" button.
Expect to pay in the high end of the $8.06 - $10.72 per square foot range for a licensed, bonded and insured contractor and for complex or rush projects. Hire carefully, only after verifying prior work quality.
For the best value on Seam Metal Roofing Installation: combine related projects; get bids from several pros; and be flexible about project scheduling.
The cost estimate includes:
The cost estimate does not include:


text:
#5 hit single by Miami Sound Machine in 1986
"1-2-3" (sometimes listed as "1, 2, 3") is the title of a popular song by Gloria Estefan and her former band, Miami Sound Machine. It was written by Estefan and former band member Enrique "Kiki" Garcia and appears on the album, Let It Loose.
Released as the fifth and final single from their multi-platinum album Let It Loose in the summer of 1988, "1-2-3" peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, the band's seventh Top 10 hit.[1] In addition, the song became their fourth #1 hit on the Billboard adult contemporary chart.[2] On the Billboard R&B chart, "1-2-3" peaked at 54.[2] The single was essentially the same as the album version of the song, only it was slightly remixed to add more horns to the music.
By the time "1-2-3" was released a single in 1988, the song's co-writer Kiki Garcia had acrimoniously departed Miami Sound Machine. Garcia was quoted describing the situation in the band: "There is no Miami Sound Machine. There is Gloria and Emilio telling a bunch of hired musicians what to do."[2]
The lyrics of "1-2-3" detail the singer's desire to have a shy suitor approach her.


text:
Loudoun County News
A bill introduced by Sen. Mark Obenshain, R-Harrisonburg, would create new laws against sex trafficking in Virginia, Republican officials said Wednesday.More Loudoun County News:
- Senate bill targets sex trafficking
- Loudoun under Winter Weather Advisory from 10 p.m. today to 6 p.m. Monday
- Broad Run carries gridiron success onto the court
- Sterling man arrested in murder-for-hire plot
- Turning ice into art
Prince William County News
LETTER:Who's to blame?
I read the article entitled "Residential development is still out of control in PW" with interest. I drew two conclusions from this article and others regarding county, state and federal politicians. 1. They should stop using the word "politician" and replace it with the words "Tax Raisers and Big Spenders."More Prince William County News:
- LETTER:Who's to blame?
- Police Reports; 01-16-15
- LETTER:Dominion has a grip on General Assembly
- COLUMN:Horse Country - Teddy's rough ride
- Voting page open in "Snow Day" photo contest
Fauquier County News
Highland upsets Wakefield in girls basketball with late offensive revival
Hawks win 41-38 despite scoring only 13 points in the first halfMore Fauquier County News:
- Highland upsets Wakefield in girls basketball with late offensive revival
- County officials taken into custody as part of fundraiser
- Fauquier chooses Kentucky Coach of the Year as its new head man in football
- Snow and rain mix expected this weekend
- Virginia helps veterans receive medical care
Culpeper County News
Snow will affect Central Virginia travel through Tuesday
Motorists asked to prepare for extended winter weather, consider alternate plansMore Culpeper County News:


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Red Dead Cleans Up At AIAS Awards
Rockstar's western takes five awards; Mass Effect 2 named Game Of The Year.
Red Dead Redemption was the most-honoured game at last night's Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences (AIAS) Interactive Achievement Awards.
Rockstar's western epic sauntered off into the sunset with five gongs, winning Best Action Game and awards for art direction, gameplay engineering, character performance and game direction.
BioWare's sprawling sci-fi RPG Mass Effect 2 was named Game Of The Year at the expense of fellow nominees Angry Birds, Call Of Duty: Black Ops, God Of War III and Red Dead Redemption. It also won the award for best story and was named RPG of the year.
Quantic Dream's Heavy Rain also picked up three awards, taking the honours for visual engineering, innovation in gaming and original music. Blizzard's Starcraft II took two awards, as did XBLA hit Limbo.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to erstwhile EA chief creative officer Bing Gordon, and the Pioneer Award was given to industry veteran Bill Budge.
The ceremony was held last night at the Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas, hosted by actor Jay Mohr.


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Star Trek Plot Holes We Just Dont Discuss
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Archived Post
Lt. Commander
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 120
# 23
Complaining about it is pure nitpicking at it's finest.
It's not actually a real plot hole. "A plot hole, or plothole, is a gap or inconsistency in a storyline that goes against the flow of logic established by the story's plot, or constitutes a blatant omission of relevant information regarding the plot."
1) It's not inconsistent.
2) The gap isn't important and can be explained any number of ways even if you don't like the official way. If you go purely by the movie then he waited for 25 years. He was that hellbent on screwing with Spock. So what? That's not a plot hole. His world was destroyed and family killed. People have gone more insane for much much less. There's ZERO plot hole here no matter how you look at it unless you want to nitpick the movie pointlessly.
3) It doesn't go against the flow or logic.
4) Its not a blatant omission of relevant information because even if you're told exactly WHY he waited for 25 years (whether it be because he's just THAT angry and patient or because he was captured by Klingons) it's STILL not relevant, doesn't advance the plot, isn't important to the plot and just in the end isn't important to the plot at all. Heck, that's why they took it out. The thing felt forced and even as a real explanation added absolutely nothing to the plot.
There's ZERO plot holes. It's a great movie. It's not perfect but is the most well received Star Trek movie ever. It's made the most. Obviously the VAST MAJORITY of people don't agree that leaving out why he waiting for 25 years was important.
It doesn't fit any definition of a plot hole.


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New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung (Newspaper) - November 18, 2000, New Braunfels, Texas fiage 2A HBRALDZBITUNO Saturday November HEUTE TODAY HovDfA Overflow NBU Pumping COfIMN MWf 327 Canyon Dam Inflow 974 cfs matongaflons i ianyon Dam outflow ds Well water Canyon Dam late tort rnflon ft above mean sea level POLLEN COUNTS Molds WATER 701 Provktod courtmy of Dr Frank Hemps Moon First 4 Full 11 Last 18 New 25 WEATHER TODAY Cloudy High mid 40s Rain 90 percent North wind 1520 TONIGHT Cloudy Low mid 30s Rain 50 percent North wind 1520 rtr Extended forecast Sunday chance of show few thunderstorms decreasing cloudiness dur irjjg the afternoon highs in the 50s Monday and Tuesday mostly dear lows near 30 highs 50s t ELSEWHERE ii By The Associated Press Friday Temperatures indicate Fridays high and overnight Idw to 8 Eastern Time 5 Hi Lo Prc Otik Atlanta 49 45 27 m Boston 54 45 dr Chicago 32 28 cdy 29 10 cdy 84 73 cdy 51 34 dr 69 46 dr 87 67 clr 54 47 cdy 56 43 dr 59 32 dr 34 26 dr 29 17 01 dr 68 48 dr 58 41 dr 87 74 cdy 39 20 cdy 32 25 11 sno 46 28 dr 50 42 m 19 e cdy 29 11 cdy 46 42 02 sno 82 66 10 cdy 38 16 cdy 60 34 cdy Twtea 41 21 cdy 58 42 01 cdy Vftehita 39 18 cdy V HkesBarre 43 33 cdy V 56 42 dr ft rttonal Temperature extremes for Friday High 87 at Miami R L m 17 below Zero At Craig Co n indicates missing information riulu Vegas LffS Angeles Miami Beach New York City Philadelphia Sacramento SfLouis Sp Lake City t Diego Francisco Sjfb SfintaFe SfcSte Marie Ptrsbg Nesters From left JACK Simmons of Boeme M Ben Rawllns Jamie Hill of Canyon Lake as EmHy BrothweH and Mona Klein of San Antonio as Caddy Haefen rehearse In this scene from Nesters currently being performed by Burverde Final performances are Saturday and Sunday For infor mation call 830 4382339 piunijL rnuu ROAD CONSTRUCTION Through June One lane each way of FarmtoMarket Road 725 will be closed for onequarter mile north and south of Interstate 35 and traffic will be shifted to the south side of the road while workers construct an overpass for FM 725 Gruene River Bridge will be closed until further notice Currently a total of cfs is released from the dam at Canyon Lake Due to inclement weather the lane clo sure scheduled for Sunday Nov 19 has been rescheduled for Tuesday Nov 21 so the Dean Word Company can set con crete beams lor the new bridge structure at Walnut Avinue in the median area Because ttfe beams will be swung over Walnut Avenue it will be intermittently closed The closure will only be at the IH 35 bridge overpass Expect 20 to 30 minute delays On Interstate 35 the northbound inside or fast lane will be closed from 10 to 2 from one mile south of Walnut Avenue to 5 miles north of Walnut Ave COMMUNITY Clubs Smokefree Legion Post No 35 early birds at and regular bingo at 2 on Saturday at the post home 4210 Farm toMarket Road 482 The New Braunfels Elks Lodge a garage sate from to 4 today Proceeds from the sale will go to the Elks charities which include the drug awareness program youth scholarships and 1he Comal County Youth Fair For information call 625 5217 Sign Up The Alamo Coin Show sponsored by the Alamo Coin Club of San Antonio takes place from to today at the Live Oak Civic Center Parking and admission are free For Information call 210 3416587 Trade Daya takes place 9 to 5 today as part of the Seguin Area Chamber Convention and Visitor Bureau Pecan Fest that takes place at Starcke Pavilion Vendor will sell arts crafts antiques and food The fee to participate Is per booth space There is a additional fee per booth If additional electricity is required For Information caH 830 The Ctooto Nature Center hosts the seminar Biology and Management of Mountain Cedar in the Texas Hit Country from 9 to noon today at the Cibok Nature Center located off State Highway 46 in Boeme Cost is per person for Cibok Nature Center members per cou ple for nonmembers and for nonmember couples For information Ott 830 2494616 The Canyon Lake Community Blood Drive takes place from 9 to 3 today at Franks Supermarket For information call 830 8997198 Frank Koeub and the Sounds of Country play from 9 to 1 today at the Country Cabaret 839 Highway 467 in Seguin For information call 830 3792995 An Ice skating rink will be temporari ly set up for the holidays today through Dec 31 in Nacogdoches The rink will be located in the Nacogdoches County Annex just west of the courthouse on West Main St For information call 936 5608377 or 936 5608267 The New Braunfels High School Class of IMS meets at today at Ryans Family Steakhouse For information call 6255352 Support Groups Alcohollce Anonymous Womens Solution Group wUI hold an open non smoking meeting from to today at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church 138 W Austin CCD building The Womens Solution Group meets each Saturday McKerma Memorial Hospital is offering a free class for motherstobe who expect to deliver at McKennas Maternity Center For Information caH 6099111 ext 3254 to leave a message and a nurse wiH return your caM The New Braunfels Crtele Pregnancy Center Is open six days a Praam week I Monday Wednesday and Thursday from 10 to 4 Tuesday and Friday from 10 to 1 and Saturday from 9 to noon The center also is open on Thursday evenings from 68 Call 6297565 for an appointment The CPC offers free pregnancy tests confidential counseling material assis tance and referrals For KMa Sake offered at Family Outreach every month is a workshop for divorcing or divorced parents Family Outreach can help the parent focus on the needs of their child Call for information The next class will be from 6 to 10 the fourth Thursday of each month The class Is sponsored by the county com missioners court ARCH of San Marcos provides advocacy information and referral peer support for Inclusion Into the community for persons with disabilities It also provides Independent life skills training to assist people with disabilities to become empowered and Integrated Into the community For information caH 512 3965790 The Comal County Womens Center offers a group for women who are victims or survivors of family vio lence Women who are or have been in abusive relationships are welcome to participate Call 6807520 for information AH counseling at CCWC is free and confi dential McKonna Health Centers offer con venient costefficient treatment for your familys heaNh The SmMhson Valley HeaNh Center is located at 6098 FarmtoMarket Road 311 The Health Center m Sitter is locat ed at 1386 FamvtoMarket Road 2673 HEADS UP KlNNItptl The Northwest Comal County Environmental Coalition conducts Its monthly public meeting at Tuesday in the auditorium of Guadalupe Valley Telephone Cooperative Quest speaker wM be Texas Represen tative Edmund Kuempel who win discuss property rights and legislative authority for counties The meeting Is open to the public For information call 8852292 Adobe Caf6 and 11 other sponsors host their 11th annual Hot Meals for the Holidays at 5 to 8 Monday at the New Braunfels Civic Center The event is designed to give a special holiday meal to those who would not normally receive one Everyone is invited but a special invitation is extended to the areas senior citizens More than participants have dined on a TexMex menu of beef enchiladas rice beans fresh tortillas and tea or soft drink Seguin JROTC drill meet The Seguin High School Naval JROTC hosts its annual Veterans Day Classic Drill Meet from 8 to 5 Nov 18 at Seguin High School Cadets from 28 schools will be competing in athletics color guards armed and unarmed drill teams For information call 830 3796530 Childrens books for adults Childrens Books for Grownups is the topic of a program to be held at 3 Sunday at the New Braunfels Public Library Dr Matthias Schubnell of the University of the Incarnate Word will speak on two titles The Secret Garden and The Giver Wettinachtsmarkt open Weihnachtsmarfct a German Christmas shopping market takes place today and Sunday at the New Braunfels Civic Center The event features gifts decorations and antiques Sophies Kaffee Haus will serve food New this year are classes on creating German Christmas traditions and memo ries The event benefits the Sophienburg Museum and Archives Admission is good for all three days Call 6291572 LIVE Music GRUENE HALL 1281 Gruene Road 6061281 Tonight Bret Graham 1 no cover Clay Blaker and Tracie Lynn 9 cover Sunday Jeff Plankenthom noon no cover Ponty Bone and the Squeezetones 4 no cover HUISACHE GRILL 303D W San Antonio 6209001 Tonight Fore no cover Sunday Fore no cover SAENGERHALLE 255 Saengeitialle Road 625HALL 4255 Tonight Max Stalling Americana 9 cover Sunday Music in the Round Hammack 6 no cover RILEYS TAVERN 8894 FM 1102 Tonight Buck Jones The Haggards 9 no cover Sunday Flying Zippers 9 no cover ANNIVERSARIES Happy Birthday to Michael Decker Jean Kreux Guadalupe Pulldo 1 Brooke Brotae and Madison Brotze twins 1 year belated and Leroy Brotie Happy Anniversary to and Sandra Martinez 28
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Gree and DeNa stock slumps amid regulation fears
More than $2.5 billion was wiped off the value of DeNa and Gree today after fears that Japanese regulators were preparing to outlaw one of the most lucrative mechanisms in Japanese social games.
Serkantoto brings word from the Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper that Japan's national consumer affairs agency is casting a stern eye over "complete gacha", a popular component of social games in Japan. Taking its name from the Gashapon capsule toys, gacha is essentially a slot machine, with players paying a nominal fee per turn for a chance at winning an in-game item.
Gacha itself is not be outlawed, but complete gacha – in which, for example, a highly rare item can only be unlocked by first obtaining three or four other items through gacha – might just be. The agency is reportedly to request that the mechanism be removed from all Japanese social games.
The report had an immediate effect on the share price of Japanese social game companies, which made up eight of the 11 biggest losers on the Tokyo Stock Exchange today, losing a combined $3.8 billion. Gree's share price fell 23.25 per cent, with rival DeNa's down 20 per cent.
Gree and DeNa are set to report their latest financial results this week, and investors will need some good news if the slide in share prices is to be reversed. Last month both companies introduced caps which placed limits on the amount teenagers could spend on in-game items.


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Forecast more >
No big changes in our weather pattern with more sunshine and mild temperatures. Clouds will likely increase by the end of the week with scattered showers in our forecast this weekend.
Lakes Area Forecast.....
Tonight......Mostly ...
Search Results
Man arrested and charged with aggravated assault with serious bodily injury
A 27-year-old man was arrested by Nederland police Thursday on a warrant signed by Justice of the Peace Marc DeRouen charging him with aggravated assault with serious bodily injury, according to a news release from the Nederland Police Department.
Micah Distefano's arrest stems from the December 28th, 2013 incident where 29-year-old Zachary Bailey of Port Arthur was doused with gasoline and then ignited, Nederland police stated.
Bailey suffered third degree burns over 67 percent of his body and is currently undergoing treatment at UTMB in Galveston, Texas, Nederland police stated.
Distefano is currently in the Jefferson County Jail and Judge DeRouen has set his bond at $125,000, Nederland police stated.


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In 1994, one year shy of its 100th anniversary, Sonoma's Seghesio Winery was an old dog in desperate need of new tricks. Its low-end portfolio of wines, mostly mediocre Cabernet and Chardonnay made with purchased grapes and outdated equipment, generated feeble profits.
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Bands and Events!
Monthly Pub Quiz! February 4th
Monthly Pub Quiz, Hosted by Mike D. Wednesday, February 4th
The Good, the Bad, and the Passed Out: Two Bartenders Spill on What it's Like to Work Behind the Bar on St. Patrick's Day
Take a look at this article with our bartenders Doug and Adam!


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Threatens Obama, Japanese And Jordanian Hostages In New Online Messages
A new, grisly beheading video from ISIS includes a direct threat against
President Obama and is one of at least three new warnings from the terror
organization, including pledges to kill Jordanian and Japanese hostages
if a hostage held by Jordan is not freed. In a new online video discovered
by the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI) on Tuesday, three Islamic
State fighters stand behind a kneeling Kurdish fighter as one of the extremists
launches into a diatribe against the U.S. and other Western nations. "Know,
oh Obama, that will reach America," says one of the fighters, clad in black
and wearing a balaclava, in a translation from Arabic provided by MEMRI.
"Know also that we will cut off your head in the White House, and transform
America into a Muslim Province." Fox
And Trump Up To Their Old Tricks
Just when you thought it was safe to go back on the Republican campaign
trail, Sarah Palin and Donald Trump are back. All it took to set Twitter
abuzz at the first big GOP campaign bash at the weekend was for The Donald
and the 2008 vice presidential nominee to clear their throats and muse,
yet again, about presidential campaigns. But the idea that they're both
seriously searching their souls and considering a run for the White House
doesn't pass the smell test. Trump and Palin are now more at the reality
show end of the political spectrum than serious contenders -- but they
sure know how to get a headline. CNN
Not Among Top Nations For Economic Freedom
The United States does not rank among the Top 10 countries in the world
for economic freedom, according to the Heritage Foundation's 2015 Index
of Economic Freedom. Instead, the U..S. ranked only 12th--after Hong Kong,
Singapore, New Zealand, Australia, Switzerland, Canada, Chile, Estonia,
Ireland, Mauritius, and Denmark. Estonia was formerly a part of the Soviet
Union. The Index rates economic freedom for countries on 10 quantitative
and qualitative factors that are based on four pillars of freedom: rule
of law, limited government, regulatory efficiency and open markets. CNS
Says 9.5 Million People Enroll For 2015 Insurance, Beating Goal
More than 9.5 million people have signed up for 2015 individual health
insurance on the new exchanges created under the national healthcare reform
law, the U.S. government said on Tuesday, beating its enrollment target
weeks before the deadline. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
said that it had signed up or automatically enrolled more than 7.1 million
people on its HealthCare.gov website through Jan. 16. The federally run
site covers 37 states. Another 2.4 million people selected a plan or were
automatically enrolled in the other 13 states plus Washington D.C., which
run their own websites. That data is through Jan. 18 for California and
through Jan. 17 for the District and the other states. Reuters
Disease Fighters Tell Supreme Court Not To Strike Down Obamacare Subsidies
The American Cancer Society and other anti-disease groups told the
Supreme Court Tuesday there is no evidence that Congress wanted to limit
Obamacare's subsidies to states with their own health exchanges. In a friend-of-the-court
brief, the groups said a decision this term to yank the subsidies from
states that rely on the federal HealthCare.gov portal would put 9.6 million
people at risk of losing coverage, and make them more susceptible to chronic
disease. Washington
"Internet Of Things" Poses Consumer Risks
For consumers, the advent of "smart" TVs, home automation gear and
other web-enabled products offers a wealth of new capabilities. But the
"Internet of Things," as this emerging technological ecosystem is known,
also poses serious security risks. In a new report, the Federal Trade Commission
lays out just how vulnerable that makes us, urging consumers and businesses
to make safe use and design of the gadgets a priority. Although there is
no single, uniform definition of the The Internet of Things, it generally
refers to physical objects -- from home thermostat and lighting controls
to baby monitors and wearable fitness gadgets -- that can connect to the
Internet and each other. Not counting computers and smartphones, such devices
are estimated to number 25 billion worldwide, including health monitoring,
home security, vehicle, power usage and many other products. CBS
Obama Talks Religion, Race In India Farewell
On his final day in India, President Obama declared U.S. relations
with the world's largest democracy "one of the defining partnerships of
this century," while nudging his Indian counterpart, Narenda Modi, to pursue
greater economic equality, women's rights, and religious tolerance. In
a speech to New Delhi youth, Obama sought to leverage three days of back-slapping
and bonhomie into a subtle challenge to the right-wing, Hindu nationalist
government of his host. One Indian media outlet went so far to describe
Obama's words as a "snub." "India will succeed as long as it's not splintered
along religious lines," Obama declared, a message some viewed as direct
reference to the anti-Muslim policies of Modi's ruling party and their
efforts to constrain Muslim and Christian groups that do evangelization
and religious conversion. ABC
To Request Big Pentagon Budget Hike
President Barack Obama will ask Congress for a hefty, almost 8 percent
boost for the Pentagon, including $5.3 billion to equip and train Iraqi
soldiers and moderate Syrian rebels to fight Islamic State militants in
the Middle East. Obama will ask for $534 billion for the core budget of
the Defense Department — a $38 billion increase — according to "pre-decisional"
Pentagon documents obtained by The Associated Press on Tuesday. That means
there could be some slight changes when the budget actually comes out Monday.
City Star
Express Says Sí To Cuba
American Express is the latest U.S. company to throw its hat into the
ring and say it plans to do business in Cuba under new regulations outlined
by the Obama administration. The world's largest credit card issuer by
purchase volume and operator of the world's largest travel network provided
few details. "I can't tell you when our cards will be working in Cuba,
but we are planning to do business in Cuba," Marina H. Norville, an American
Express vice president, said Tuesday.
MasterCard announced last week that it intended to stop blocking Cuban
transactions on its cards issued by U.S. banks on March 1. It already has
infrastructure set up because MasterCards issued by non-U.S. banks are
accepted in Cuba, generally at state-run hotels and for other tourist-oriented
activities. Miami
Refuses To Toss Perry Case On Constitutional Grounds
A Texas judge has refused to throw out a felony abuse-of-power case
against former Gov. Rick Perry on constitutional grounds, ruling that the
case against the possible 2016 presidential hopeful should continue. District
Judge Bert Richardson, who like Perry is a Republican, ruled Tuesday that
the case should proceed. Perry's defense team had sought to have the proceedings
dismissed. They say he was acting within his constitutional rights as governor
when he threatened, then carried out, a veto of funding for public corruption
prosecutors after the Democrat leading the unit refused to resign following
a drunken-driving conviction. Perry was indicted in August. He says he'll
announce whether he'll run for president again as soon as May. Las
Vegas Sun
Could Bring Cuban Teams To Play In Biloxi This Year
The owner of the minor league Biloxi Shuckers is planning to bring
a Cuban baseball team in to play some exhibition games. Team owner Tim
Bennett said he is meeting with delegates from Cuba on Thursday to discuss
the games. "The goal would be to get one or two teams to come to Biloxi
to play baseball," he said. They will discuss the best time to play — possibly
late summer or early fall when the Shuckers' season is over, he said. "We'll
be spending the next few days with them finalizing the deal," Bennett said.
Bennett said the trip won't be all business though. He plans on taking
the group to MGM Stadium to do a site check, take them to dinner and show
off what the coast has to offer. Tampa
Cholesterol Raises Risk Of Heart Problems In Future
Many folks in their 30s and 40s chow down on burgers, fried chicken
and other fatty foods without fear, figuring they have years before they
need to worry about their cholesterol levels. But new research reveals
that long-term exposure to even slightly higher cholesterol levels can
damage a person's future heart health. People at age 55 who've lived with
11 to 20 years of high cholesterol showed double the risk of heart disease
compared to people that age with only one to 10 years of high cholesterol,
and quadruple the risk of people who had low cholesterol levels, researchers
report online Jan. 26 in the journal Circulation. CBS
Speaker John Boehner Threatens Second Lawsuit Against Obama On Immigration
Speaker John Boehner told House Republicans in a closed-door meeting
that a lawsuit might be the best –- or only –- option to try and overturn
President Obama's executive action on immigration, ABC News has learned.
"We are finalizing a plan to authorize litigation on this issue, one we
believe gives us the best chance of success," Boehner told GOP lawmakers
at their weekly conference meeting, according to a Republican official
in the room. One month before the Homeland Security Department runs out
of funding, Republican leaders are scrambling to find alternative ways
to express their displeasure over the president's decision last year to
grant work visas to up to five million undocumented immigrants. ABC
Stocks Drop As Microsoft To P&G Results Disappoint
U.S. stocks tumbled, with the Nasdaq 100 Index falling the most since
April, as a drop in durable-goods orders and disappointing results from
Caterpillar Inc. to Microsoft Corp. heightened concern about the economy's
strength. Technology shares in the Standard & Poor's 500 Index (SPX)
plunged 3.3 percent for the biggest drop since November 2011. Microsoft
lost 9.3 percent, the most in 18 months, as software-license sales to businesses
were below forecasts. Caterpillar plunged 7.2 percent after forecasting
2015 results that trailed estimates as plunging oil prices signal lower
demand from energy companies. Procter & Gamble Co. slid 3.5 percent
as a surging U.S. dollar cut into its earnings. Bloomberg
Drops Proposal To Cut Tax Benefits Of 529 College Savings Plans
President Obama on Tuesday abandoned a proposal to end a major tax
benefit of popular college savings accounts used by millions of American
families after the White House faced mounting criticism from lawmakers
and parents. White House officials said the backlash against the president's
plan became "such a distraction" that it was best to drop the proposal,
which would have removed the ability of families to withdraw money tax-free
from the savings plans, known as 529s. The administration had tried to
frame the elimination of the tax break as a way to redirect more money
to middle-class families, arguing that the savings plans were being used
disproportionately by wealthy families. Washington
Claims Responsibility For Attack On Israeli Convoy
The Lebanese Hezbollah group claimed responsibility for firing a missile
that targeted an Israeli military convoy on Wednesday, an attack that prompted
Israel to fire at least 50 artillery shells into Lebanon in a significant
escalation along the volatile border. In a statement, Hezbollah said its
fighters destroyed a number of Israeli vehicles that were carrying Israeli
officers and soldiers and caused casualties among "enemy ranks." It said
the attack was carried out by a group calling itself the "heroic martyrs
of Quneitra," — suggesting it was retaliation for an Israeli airstrike
on the Golan Heights on Jan. 18 that killed six-Hezbollah fighters and
an Iranian general. Washington
Ready To Swap Prisoner For Pilot Held By Islamic State
Jordan's information minister says his government is ready to swap
an Iraqi woman held in Jordan for a Jordanian pilot captured in December
by extremists from the Islamic State group. Mohammed al-Momani made no
mention in his statement Wednesday of Japanese journalist Kenji Goto, who
is also being held by the Islamic State group. Al-Momani's comments were
carried by Jordan's state Petra news agency. The minister says that "Jordan
is ready to release the Iraqi prisoner" if the Jordanian pilot, Lt. Mu'ath
al-Kaseasbeh, is released unharmed. A purported message Tuesday threatened
to kill both Goto and the pilot within 24 hours. Houston
Tells Agents To ID Which Immigrants Not To Deport
The Obama administration has ordered immigration agents to ask immigrants
they encounter living in the country illegally whether they might qualify
under President Barack Obama's plans to avoid deporting them, according
to internal training materials obtained by The Associated Press. Agents
also have been told to review government files to identify any jailed immigrants
they might be able to release under the program. The directives from the
Homeland Security Department mark an unusual change for U.S. immigration
enforcement, placing the obligation on the government for identifying immigrants
who might qualify for lenient treatment. Previously, it was the responsibility
of immigrants or their lawyers to assert that they might qualify under
rules that could keep them out of jail and inside the United States. SF
Students Helped Or Hurt By Higher Math Requirements In High School?
Speaking at a panel last year, Anthony P. Carnevale, director of the
Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, described
a growing disconnect between our education system and our economy. Citing
the fervor after the 1983 "Nation at Risk" report to overhaul our schools,
Carnevale said, "We made great progress on that. It has been a good thing.
We are at the point where it may be too much of a good thing." Carnevale
said schools teach an increasingly abstract math curriculum under the premise
all students ought to be prepared for Harvard. What's missing today, he
said, is "a more applied education, something that students can sell in
the labor market." That was the rationale of Jobs for Texas, an industry
coalition that told the Texas Board of Education algebra II was not as
important as vocational training for many of the good jobs in the state
for which a college degree wasn't necessary. Atlanta
To Cast Herself As Departure From Holder In Bid To Be Attorney General
Loretta E. Lynch on Wednesday will cast herself as an apolitical career
prosecutor who is a departure from Eric H. Holder Jr. when she faces a
new Republican-controlled Judiciary Committee that includes some of the
administration's fiercest critics in Congress. If she is confirmed, Ms.
Lynch would be the nation's first African-American woman to serve as attorney
general. Her allies have sought to differentiate her from Mr. Holder, an
outspoken liberal voice in the administration who clashed frequently with
Republicans who accused him of politicizing the office. In particular,
Ms. Lynch is expected to face tough questioning about her opinion of the
president's decision to unilaterally ease the threat of deportation for
millions of unauthorized immigrants. Mr. Holder approved the legal justification
for that action, enraging some Republicans. NY
Wants To Drill, Baby, Drill!
The Obama administration proposed Tuesday to open the Atlantic coast
to offshore drilling from Virginia to Georgia while moving to declare portions
of Alaska and the West Coast off-limits to energy exploration. The proposed
offshore plan probably wouldn't open up the Atlantic coast to drilling
for at least another 10 years, and it faces vehement opposition from environmental
groups. It's the second time Mr. Obama has made the proposal for offshore
drilling in the Atlantic, following similar action in 2010. Washington
Dollar Punishes U.S. Earnings From P&G To DuPont
The dollar's surge is reducing earnings at American companies from
Procter & Gamble Co. (PG) to Pfizer Inc. (PFE) and DuPont Co. that
make a large portion of their revenue abroad. P&G, the world's biggest
consumer-products maker, Tuesay reported profit that missed analysts' estimates
in the quarter ended Dec. 31 after what Chief Executive Officer A.G. Lafley
called "unprecedented" foreign-exchange rate fluctuations reduced sales
by 5 percentage points. DuPont and drugmakers Pfizer and Bristol-Myers
Squibb Co. (BMY) all posted annual forecasts that trailed predictions,
in part because of the dollar. While 75 percent of Standard & Poor's
500 Index companies have beaten analysts' estimates so far this earnings
season as the U.S. economy weathers a slowdown in global growth, the dollar's
advance is making American goods and services more expensive overseas,
eroding sales. Bloomberg
Look To Fed Meeting
Wall Street stock futures rose and Asia markets diverged Wednesday
ahead of the first monetary policy meeting of the Federal Reserve in 2015.
Dow futures added 0.1%, Nasdaq futures climbed 0.9% and S&P 500 futures
were up 0.3% several hours ahead of the opening bell. "Having rallied to
record highs over the past ten days on the ECB stimulus announcement, global
markets have finally become concerned about the currency wars and the effect
it has on corporate earnings — particularly in the U.S.," said IG Markets,
in a report. "The question (for the Fed) now becomes when will we
see a rate rise?" The Fed indicated previously that rates could rise in
coming meetings as the economy has improved. USA
Setting IPhone Record, What Does Apple Do Next?
Apple CEO Tim Cook says consumer demand for new iPhones has been "staggering"
and "hard to comprehend." That helped the company report record-smashing
earnings for its latest quarter and primed its stock for a rally Wednesday.
But after selling a record 74.5 million iPhones in three months that ended
in December, what can Apple do next? Some analysts worry that Apple depends
too much on the iPhone, which contributes two-thirds of its sizable revenue
— leaving the company vulnerable if some other gadget comes along to replace
the iPhone in popularity. San
Diego Union
Associations Top List Of Biggest State-Race Donors
The Republican Governors Association and its Democratic counterpart
were the dominant players in making donations to pay for state-level elections
in 2014. The two groups often served as pass-throughs for billionaires,
unions and corporations seeking influence in statehouses nationwide. The
RGA, which helped the GOP grow its roster of governors to 31, donated almost
$69 million to candidates and others spending money on campaigns. The Democratic
Governors Association gave nearly $32 million, according to a new analysis
from the Washington-based Center for Public Integrity. Those totals account
for more than a fifth of the $440 million the top 50 donors spread around
during the two-year cycle leading up to the November elections in races
for state legislatures, as well as executive office, such as governor,
and seats on state boards, commissions and courts that are elected statewide.
Flare At Benghazi Committee Hearing
Republicans and Democrats on the House Select Committee on Benghazi
are at odds about how the panel is handling the investigation into the
2012 terrorist attacks -- and the conflict was on full display at a hearing
Tuesday. The committee's top Democrat, Rep. Elijah Cummings of Maryland,
charged at the group's third public hearing that Republicans, led by Chairman
Trey Gowdy (R-SC), have been withholding key information from Democrats.
"I am saddened to report today that there are major, major problems with
this Committee and its work," Cummings said in his opening statement Tuesday
morning. Cummings has released previously private emails from the five
Democrats on the select committee to Gowdy in order to air their concerns.
To Hold Confirmation Hearing For Defense Secretary
The Senate Armed Services Committee is holding a confirmation hearing
next week to consider Ashton Carter to be the next secretary of defense.
President Barack Obama nominated Carter to succeed Chuck Hagel, who resigned
under pressure from Obama. The nomination of Carter, a physicist who has
served two Democratic presidents at the Pentagon, was welcomed by some
Republicans as well as Democrats. He is expected to be easily confirmed
by the new GOP-controlled Senate.
Still, Republicans are expected to use the hearing next Wednesday as
a chance to challenge Obama's foreign policy. Las
Vegas Sun
A Cautious Approval Of U.S.-Cuba Thaw
Former Cuban leader Fidel Castro's first public comments on the restoration
of U.S.-Cuba relations indicate his cautious approval. "I do not trust
the policy of the United States nor have I exchanged a word with them,"
he wrote. "This does not mean, however, that I would oppose a peaceful
solution to conflicts or threats of war," Castro, 88, wrote in a letter
published Monday in Granma, the state-run newspaper. "We will always defend
the cooperation and friendship with all peoples of the world, including
our political opponents," he added, saying President Raul Castro, his brother,
took "the appropriate steps, according to his prerogatives." UPI
Leader: A Storm Of Anti-Semitism Is Gathering
A Jewish leader stood before 300 survivors of the Nazis' most notorious
death camp yesterday and asked world leaders to prevent another Auschwitz,
warning of a rise of anti-Semitism that has made many Jews fearful of walking
the streets, and is causing many to flee Europe. Ronald Lauder, the president
of the World Jewish Congress, made his bleak assessment on the 70th anniversary
of the liberation of Auschwitz, speaking next to the gate and the railroad
tracks that marked the last journey for more than a million people murdered
at Auschwitz-Birkenau. He said his speech was shaped by the recent terrorist
attacks in France that targeted Jews and newspaper satirists. Philadelphia
Would Grant War Powers To Fight Islamic State
The top Democrat on the House intelligence panel is introducing a bill
Wednesday to authorize President Barack Obama's war against Islamic State
militants, saying Congress should not wait to see if the White House sends
over its blueprint of what the legislation should say. Rep. Adam Schiff,
D-Calif., said he wants to spark the debate in the Republican-controlled
Congress over a new authorization to fight IS, which has been fighting
for territory in Iraq and Syria. "We're in what it seems is a never-ending
game of who goes first in terms of putting a draft out there — the White
House or Congress?" Schiff said. "It's time we moved past this. … I think
the administration is reluctant to put something out there that's going
to be shut down by House and Senate leadership." Detroit
Saudi King Greets Obama, But Ignores First Lady
First lady Michelle Obama accompanied the president during his four-hour
visit to Riyadh. She dressed conservatively in black pants and a long jacket,
but did not cover her head, which is often standard for Western women visiting
the kingdom but forbidden for Saudi women. Some members of the all-male
Saudi delegation shook her hand as they greeted the Obamas, while others
simply nodded to her as they passed by. Earlier Tuesday, Obama told an
audience of young people in New Delhi that every woman should "be safe
and be treated with the respect and dignity that she deserves." A senior
administration official said Obama raised the issue of human rights broadly
in his discussions with the king, but did not tackle specific matters,
including the case of a Saudi blogger who was convicted of insulting Islam
and sentenced to 10 years in prison and 1,000 lashes. NY
Begin Digging Out From Storm In Northeastern US
Lingering snow and subfreezing temperatures mean that travel delays
in the Northeast will extend through Wednesday, even if the storm wasn't
as bad as expected.
Airlines have already cancelled more than 500 flights for Wednesday,
according to FlightAware.com. But that's a reprieve after 7,600 U.S. flights
got scrubbed and another 3,200 ran late on Monday and Tuesday, mostly in
the blizzard's path. New York was spared the worst of the blizzard, but
Boston was hit with more than two feet of snow. By Tuesday afternoon, airlines
had already canceled one-fourth of the flights that would normally depart
from Boston's Logan Airport on Wednesday, and subfreezing temperatures
will mean tedious de-icing of the planes that do take off. United Airlines
canceled all flights through Wednesday in Boston and other New England
airports, said spokeswoman Mary Ryan. Seattle
ATTENTION TALK SHOW HOSTS:We are honored that many radio talk show hosts use our Web Portal for their "show prep." We would appreciate your occasional mention of our site to your audience. Thanks!
$6B Debt To Americans For Seized Properties Hangs Over US Talks
A $6 billion sticking point could create headaches for the U.S.-Cuba
talks. Though concerns over human rights, press freedoms and U.S. fugitives
living free on the island have dominated debate over the Obama administration's
negotiations on restoring diplomatic ties, the Castro regime also still
owes Americans that eye-popping sum. The $6 billion figure represents the
value of all the assets seized from thousands of U.S. citizens and businesses
after the Cuban revolution in 1959. With the United States pressing forward
on normalizing relations with the communist country, some say the talks
must resolve these claims. Fox
Moon Seen During Earth Flyby
The asteroid that flew close to Earth Monday didn't come alone. NASA
images released Monday reveal the asteroid, officially known as 2004 BL86,
has its own small moon. The grainy, black and white photos show the asteroid,
about a third of a mile in size, spinning through space, with its 230-foot-wide
moon trailing behind. Asteroid 2004 BL86 came about 745,000 miles (1.2
million kilometers) from Earth, or about three times as far away as the
moon, just after 11 a.m. ET Monday, according to NASA. It was far enough
that it didn't pose a threat to Earth, but close enough to give scientists
and amateurs a chance to observe a large asteroid up close. CNN
Gitmo Detainees 'Are There For A Reason'
Outgoing Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel wants to close the U.S. detention
center at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, but he admits it "is going to be difficult."
"This isn't a simple, easy matter of let's just move 122 detainees," Hagel
told National Public Radio's "Morning Edition" on Monday. "These people
are there for a reason. And as you draw down into the last numbers there,
these are the most difficult cases." As CNSNews.com reported, of the 122
detainees remaining at Gitmo, 54 have been approved for transfer to countries
that are willing to monitor them. Forty-seven of those 54 are from Yemen,
White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough said on Sunday. McDonough also
said the United States is at war with al Qaeda in Yemen and everywhere
else where the terrorists hide. CNS
Speaker Boehner Acknowledges 'Stumbles'
Republicans in the House of Representatives, whose ranks swelled as
a result of last November's elections, have gotten off to a clumsy start
this year, House Speaker John Boehner said on Tuesday, as legislative initiatives
have been derailed by attacks from inside the party. "There have been a
couple of stumbles," Boehner told reporters after meeting in a closed session
with his rank-and-file. The latest Republican casualty was a border security
bill aimed at demonstrating a tough law-and-order approach toward stopping
illegal immigration, mostly along the southern border with Mexico. Reuters
Meets New Saudi King For Strategic Talks And To Strengthen Ties
President Barack Obama and a large American delegation visiting Saudi
Arabia on Tuesday were greeted with calls for a revamped relationship between
the important allies. The whistle-stop tour allowed the Americans to pay
their respects to the family of the recently deceased King Abdullah and
meet with new King Salman. The visit, however, should not be seen as a
condolence visit but instead a chance to start again, said Jamal Khashoggi,
general manager of AlArab News Channel and a prominent commentator. "The
Saudis, the Americans, need a new start in the Middle East because whatever
policies we have can be described as failed policies," Khashoggi said.
Chief among the concerns, he added, is ISIS, which has overtaken swathes
of Syria and Iraq. MSNBC
Show DEA Tracking Millions Of Vehicles
The Drug Enforcement Administration uses roadside cameras and license
plate readers to track millions of vehicles in the United States, documents
show. The American Civil Liberties Union obtained documents the group describes
as "heavily redacted and incomplete" through a Freedom of Information Act
request. The documents, "undated" and "years old," show information sharing
with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies that use license
plate readers to track vehicles.
"This story highlights yet another way government security agencies
are seeking to quietly amplify their powers using new technologies," Jay
Stanley, an ACLU senior policy analyst, told the British Guardian newspaper.
"On this as on so many surveillance issues, we can take action, put in
place some common sense limits or sit back and let our society be transformed
into a place we won't recognize -- or probably much like." UPI
To Respond, Iran Says Israel Crossed 'Red Lines' With Syria Attack
Iran has told the United States that an Israeli air strike which killed
an Iranian general in Syria last week had crossed "red lines" and the Islamic
Republic will respond, a senior official was quoted as saying by IRNA news
agency on Tuesday. "We told the Americans that the leaders of the Zionist
regime should await the consequences of their act," deputy foreign minister
Hossein Amir Abdollahian said. Iranian Revolutionary Guard General Mohammed
Allahdadi was killed with a Hezbollah commander and the son of the group's
late military leader, Imad Moughniyeh, in a Jan. 18 attack on a Hezbollah
convoy on the Syrian side of the Golan Heights. Jerusalem
After Rocket Fire From Syria: Those Who Play With Fire Get Burned
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reacted to the firing of two rockets
from Syria into the Golan Heights on Tuesday, saying that whoever tries
to challenge Israel on its borders "will find out that we are ready to
react with force." "Israel regards with severity the attack today from
Syrian territory. Those who play with fire get burned," the prime minister
said. A senior security source said Hezbollah was behind Tuesday's rocket
attacks. The source added that the IDF continues to be in high preparation
mode for potential further events. "Syria is responsible for what happens
on Syrian territory," the source said. "We will see how further events
Visits Saudi Arabia's New King Salman
US President Barack Obama has led a large, bipartisan US delegation
to Saudi Arabia following the death of King Abdullah. Mr Obama cut short
a trip to India to make time for the brief visit, during which he met new
ruler King Salman. He was accompanied by prominent Republican officials,
including former Secretaries of State James Baker and Condoleezza Rice.
Saudi Arabia is a key US ally in a region riven by war and rivalries. President
Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama were met at the airport in Riyadh by
King Salman and then driven to Erga Palace, the king's private residence,
for dinner. BBC
World Tourism
Numbers Top 1.1 Billion
Global international tourist numbers exceeded 1.1 billion in 2014,
an increase of 4.7% on the previous year, according to the UN. The Americas
and Asia saw the strongest growth in international visitor numbers. Europe
continued to be the most visited region, according to the UN World Tourism
Barometer. Visitor numbers to sub-Saharan Africa appear not to have been
affected by the Ebola disease outbreak, the UN said. Similarly, the number
of international tourists visiting the Middle East also appear to have
risen, despite unrest in some countries in the region. However, the UN
warned that data for these areas was "volatile". BBC
Condemns Arrest Of 'Spy' Yevgeny Buryakov As 'Anti-Russian Move'
Moscow has condemned the arrest of a Russian man in New York on espionage
charges as yet another instance of unfair persecution by the US. Yevgeny
Buryakov, an employee of state-owned VEB bank, was arrested on Monday and
charged with gathering "economic intelligence" along with two other Russian
men who had already left the United States. In remarks carried by Russia's
state-owned television channels, foreign ministry spokesman Alexander Lukashevich
accused the United States of detaining Russian citizens without presenting
evidence and warned that this "anti-Russian campaign" would "undermine"
cooperation between the Washington and Moscow. Guardian
Army Denies Reports It Has Decided To Charge Bowe Bergdahl With Desertion
As speculation builds that desertion charges are looming against the
US military's longest-held prisoner of war since 9/11, the US army is insisting
it has made no decisions on the fate of a soldier freed last year from
Taliban captivity. Despite several reports that Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl
would face desertion charges – the subject of persistent speculation since
the controversial 2014 prisoner swap that set five Taliban members free
from detention at Guantánamo Bay – the army said on Tuesday that
"there have been no actions or decisions" emerging from its investigation.
"The investigation is still with the Commanding General of US Army Forces
Command who will determine appropriate action – which ranges from no further
action to convening a court martial," Major General Ronald F Lewis said
in a statement. Lewis called stories from Fox and NBC about imminent desertion
charges for Bergdahl "patently false". Guardian
Brothers To Spend $899m To Help Republicans Win 2016 Election
A network of Right-wing political groups headed by a pair of conservative
billionaire brothers plans to spend the equivalent of $1.4 million (£922,000)
a day helping Republicans to win the 2016 election. Charles and David Koch,
two of the wealthiest men in America, plan to marshal an $899 million war
chest to defeat Hillary Clinton and retain Republican control of Congress.
The staggering figure is more than twice what they spent in the 2012 presidential
election and puts their spending power on par with the Democratic and Republican
parties. The spending plan, which was unveiled at a California retreat
for conservative millionaires, highlights the extraordinary role of private
money in US elections. Telegraph
Jolie Warns World Against Turning Blind Eye To Crimes In Syria
Angelina Jolie has made a heartfelt appeal for the international community
to do more to end the conflict in Syria after touring refugee camps in
Iraq, where millions of people are seeking aid. The actress, who is a special
envoy of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, said she had
been visiting Iraq since 2007 but had never never witnessed such suffering.
Writing in The New York Times, she describes how she was left speechless
by accounts of children being snatched by violent jihadists of the Islamic
State in Iraq and the Levant. "Stories of terror, barrel bombs and massacres
have acquired an awful familiarity. There is a great temptation to turn
inward, to focus on our own troubles," she writes. Telegraph
Council Strongly Condemns Terrorist Attack On Hotel In Libyan Capital
The United Nations Security Council today condemned in the strongest
terms the deadly terrorist attack against the Corinthia Hotel in Tripoli,
Libya, and underlined the need to bring the perpetrators, financiers and
sponsors of such "reprehensible" acts to justice. In a statement issued
to the press in New York, members of the Security Council strongly condemned
the incident and expressed deep sympathy and condolences to the families
of the victims of this heinous act, and wished a speedy recovery to those
injured. Press reports suggest that at least three people were killed and
half a dozen or more were injured today in a car bomb explosion and gun
attack against the Corinthia Hotel, which is located in the heart of Libya's
capital, Tripoli. UN
Of Funds Forces UN Agency To Halt Gaza Programme For Repairs To Destroyed
The United Nations agency tasked with assisting Palestinian refugees
across the Middle East announced today that a major funding shortfall has
forced the suspension of its cash assistance programme that would have
helped families in Gaza repair their homes and provide rental subsidies
to people left homeless after last year's conflict in the enclave. Announcing
the suspension, the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) said in a press
release "virtually none" of the funds pledged by donors at an international
conference in Cairo last year has reached Gaza, and that it will need some
$100 million in the first quarter of 2015. UN
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You can add "Mike Tyson: Undisputed Truth" to Spike Lee's legendary resumé because TMZ has learned the director will helm the one-man show when it comes to Broadway later this year.
You can add "Mike Tyson: Undisputed Truth" to Spike Lee's legendary resumé because TMZ has learned the director will helm the one-man show when it comes to Broadway later this year.
Yes, you read the title right. After all the beefing, the shot-sending, the tweets, the boycotts, the rants…Nicki Minaj will be calling into Funk Flex's show tonight to address it ALL head-on. After the jump, I'll break down the ENTIRE beef for you guys, from start to [what may be] finish.
A Libyan security official says disgruntled militiamen have taken over the country's main airport, storming it with heavy machine guns and armored vehicles and forcing airport authorities to divert flights. click below to read the rest of the story.
Weather is getting nicer and you are probably looking forward if you haven't already started hitting the beach to catch some sun. Well no one wants to put in an insurance claim and pay an deductible for a damaged phone. Well how can you avoid getting sand in your phone? Hit the jump to find out.
Check out Chris Brown and John Wall connecting on a play at the LA Drew League yesterday for Team Money Gang. DeMar DeRozan, The Game, Paul George, and Metta World Peace were also on the squad.
Clippers baller Nick Young aka Swaggy P celebrated his birthday this past Saturday (turned 27 on June 1st). Â He shared what he was rocking for his birthday on Twitter and Instagram. Â Of course some people liked it and others had a lot to say about it. Â Check it out & let us know what you think…
…pineapple print, that is. RiRi got fruity for Vita Coco's latest campaign, "Vita Viva", set to kick off later this month. More pics from her cute shoot below.
Canadian conservation officers have euthanized a black bear which they think ate the remains of a convicted murderer. British Columbia Environment Minister Terry Lake said the bear's description matched that of one seen guarding a cache that contained human remains. Click below to read the rest of the story.
These samples look like they are ready to if you ask me. The 40oz NY team will be hitting the streets with the navy blue version of their Balmain inspired 'NY' Snapback. The release date is unclear as of now but is sure to be available in the coming weeks. Click below to check it out.


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Welcome to CWU SHRM!
Are you interested in meeting fellow HR students at Central? Would you like to know more about the HR profession? Join CWU SHRM!
- Monthly Meeting:
- Matt Johnson from Johnson HR Consulting will be discussing job evaluation and market pricing for compensation on Jan 13 at 5:45PM in Shaw 101. See the events page for a full list of dates and topics.
- Company Tour:
- CWU SHRM will be touring Swiftwater Cellars on Friday, Jan 16th for any who are interested. We are meeting at CWU Starbucks at 2PM and departing at 2:15PM.
- Jobs
- New jobs were listed on Jan 20. See our jobs page for details
Tweets by @cwushrm
SHRM Student Awards & Scholarships


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Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
Start: 7:00 pm
In this artful new novel by Northeastern Professor B.A. Shapiro, struggling artist Claire Roth makes her living creating reproductions of famous paintings. But when a powerful gallery owner asks her to reproduce a Degas that was stolen from the Gardner Museum, she finds that there is more to the famous heist than meets the eye. | 23
Start: 7:00 pm
This witty, yet moving memoir, which Mira Bartok (The Memory Palace) calls "a soulful story about two unlikely companions...and their complicated, hilarious and extraordinary friendship," and Carlos Eire (Waiting for Snow in Havana) deems "a rare gem," is about Susan Kushner Resnick's struggle to find a Boston-area Holocaust survivor dignified end-of-life care, the challenges they both faced and how they changed each others' lives. | 24
Start: 7:00 pm
Dr. John J. Ross is a physician at Brigham and Women's and an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School. In his fascinating new book, he examines the effects of illnesses on the works of literature's greatest writers, from Milton's blindness to the sickness that wiped out the Brontës and the treatment that may have killed Yeats. | 25
Start: 7:00 pm
Bestselling modern master of horror Mark Danielewski (House of Leaves, Only Revolutions) returns to share a shiver-worthy new tale. On Halloween Night, a dark-hearted storyteller entertains 5 children with a story of violence and vengeance and a terrible item sealed in a long, narrow box. Start: 7:00 pm
Join us for a night of new stories, essays, and poems by MFA candidates from Emerson, BU, and UMass Boston. For more information, visit breakwaterreadingseries.blogspot.com. | 26
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Start: 11:00 am
Summer Ink is a writing and adventure camp for Boston-area 5th-10th graders. The camp, based at Simmons College. Over 50% of the campers who attend Summer Ink receive scholarships to attend. The diversity of the camp thoroughly enriches each camper's learning experience: different voices and backgrounds leads to more exciting writing from everyone. |


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byCRN Staff on
EMC takes the top spot in the volatile Enterprise Network Storage category this year, soundly defeating Dell, last year's winner, and NetApp, which took the top prize two years ago. EMC can thank its astounding increase in technical satisfaction scores, from 75.2 last year to 87.1, for its win. It also significantly improved its support and financial satisfaction ratings.
EMC has enjoyed the fastest overall growth rate of its peers in the past couple years, meaning it almost singlehandedly accounts for the market's growth. And that growth isn't coming through direct sales. The company has become a model on how to transform an aggressive direct-sales-only organization into one that brings the channel into nearly every sale.
The 100 Coolest Cloud Computing Vendors Of 2015
The 2015 installment of the 100 Coolest Cloud Computing Vendors highlights the best of the best in platforms and development, security, infrastructure, storage and software.
Here are 10 recent searches by CRN visitors.


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Marlow & Sons
By day the general store in front doubles as a coffee house. After 5 p.m., locals gather at communal tables in back from pomegranate side cars and artisanal cheese plates at this funky oyster bar/tapas joint/épicerie.
From Food & Wine , JUN 2008
I pass through its general store into the busy dining room and feel like I've been let into some backroom hipsterdom. I order the earthy sliced beef heart on heavily salted toast to start, then lemony brick chicken...MORE
From Food & Wine , JAN 2011
Marlow's chicken-liver pâté makes the offal trend seem completely comprehensible...MORE
Tune in on Wednesdays at 10PM ET for Top Chef: Boston, the 12th season of Bravo's Emmy-Award winning, hit reality series.