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UAE Labour Law Section 4 - The probation period
Full text of Article 4 of the UAE Labour Law
- Gulf News
- Published: 19:01 July 11, 2013
- Labour Law - Introduction
- Labour Law - Labour Application
- Labour Law - The employment contract
- Labour Law - Payment of Wages
- Labour Law - Employment of Juveniles
- Labour Law - Working hours
- Labour Law - Annual Leave
- Labour Law - Sick Leave
- Labour Law - Employee Records
- Labour Law - Safety Requirements
1. What is stipulations regarding the probation period?
During the probation period either the employer or the employee may terminate the employment contract with immediate effect without the employee being liable to pay end of service gratuity or the employee, compensation for damages. According to Article 37 of the Law, the probation period can be for a maximum period of six months. It is not permissible for the same employer to employ any person on probation, more than once.
2. Is the period of probation included for the purposes of calculation of gratuity and other terminal benefits?
The probation period, once completed, will be considered as employment with the employer. It will be taken into account in calculating gratuity and other terminal benefits.
3. Are employers liable to pay repatriation and other benefits for probationary termination?
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All wages and benefits occurring during the probation period must be paid along with the repatriation costs unless the termination of the employment contract had been at the behest of the employee. The employer is however not required to pay end-of-service gratuity or compensation in lieu of notice or damages should the employment contract be terminated without notice (during the probationary period).
4. Can the probationary period be waived?
The parties to the contract may agree to commence the employment without probation. Probation is not compulsory. Further it is left to the discretion of the parties to agree upon the actual term of the probationary period subject to a maximum of six months.


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Fettuccine with Escarole and Brie
From Food & Wine
Recipe By: Grace Parisi
F&W's Grace Parisi makes brilliant use of Brie here. After removing the rind from the cheese, she combines it with the pasta cooking water to make a rich, silky sauce for the fettuccine.
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Nutritional Information
(per serving)
Calories | 0 |
Total Fat | 0 |
Saturated Fat | 0 |
Cholesterol | 0 |
Sodium | 0 |
Total Carbohydrate | 0 |
Dietary Fiber | -- |
Sugars | -- |
Protein | 0 |
Calcium | 0 |
Serves: 4
Total Time: 30 min
U.S. | Metric | Conversion chart |
- 3/4 pound(s) fettuccine
- 2 tablespoon(s) extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 ounce(s) thinly sliced pancetta or bacon, coarsely chopped
- 1 clove(s) (large) garlic, minced
- 1 shallot, minced
- 1 pound(s) escarole, cut into 1-inch ribbons
- Salt and freshly ground pepper
- 1/2 pound(s) Brie (preferably a wedge), rind removed
- In a large pot of generously salted boiling water, cook the pasta until just al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 1/4 cups of the cooking water.
- Meanwhile, in a very large skillet, heat the olive oil. Add the pancetta and cook over high heat, stirring, until lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Add the garlic and shallot and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the escarole, season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring, just until wilted.
- Add the pasta to the skillet along with 1 cup of the reserved pasta cooking water. Tear the Brie into 1-inch pieces and add to the skillet. Cook the pasta over moderate heat, tossing, until the Brie is melted and the sauce is thick and creamy, about 4 minutes; add more of the pasta cooking water if the sauce is dry. Season the pasta with salt and pepper. Transfer the pasta to bowls and serve immediately.
- Wine Recommendation: Crisp, fruity Pinot Grigio: 2005 Bollini.
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"Give Me a Shot of Anything: House Calls to the Homeless" - Film Screening and Panel Discussion Give Me A Shot Of Anything: House Calls To The Homeless examines how we as a society treat our least fortunate. This is an exclusive look into the world of the homeless and the doctors who care for them. Those who are willing to look at the 'bum on the street' and see the person inside. A person who could be you or me. Dr. Jim O'Connell is the preeminent expert on health care for the homeless. He also happens to be a charismatic street doctor with unrivaled dedication to his patients. The film follows Dr. Jim and his extraordinary team as they make 'house calls' to the homeless, delivering life- saving medical care and offering their patients a chance to feel whole again. Bowl 2, Robertson Hall (lower level) · 4:30 p.m.– 6:00 p.m. |
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Global Health Colloquium: Public Health in Complex Emergencies: "Mistakes of the Past, Lessons for the Future" - Ron Waldman From Cambodia to Somalia, from Indonesia to Rwanda, from Haiti to Syria, the past forty years have seen one massive disaster after another. What has the relief community learned? What mistakes does it still make? What are the issues of the future? Drawing on numerous experiences from the field, this fast-paced presentation will highlight both the successes and the failures of humanitarian intervention in the health sector. Bowl 1, Robertson Hall (lower level) · 12:00 p.m.– 1:30 p.m. |
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The owner or operator of all vehicles, motor vehicles, trailers, or semi trailers normally garaged, stored or parked in the Town of Berryville is required to display a current Town decal.
Town decals go on sale January 1st and must be purchased and displayed by February 15th.
Annual fees for auto decals are $25 for a motor vehicle; $12 for motorcycles; and $8 for trailers. A transfer sticker may be purchased for $1 with return of the current years sticker and the new vehicle registration. All personal property taxes must be paid before an auto decal can be purchased.
Decals are placed on the passenger side of the inspection sticker.
Remember to report to the Clarke County Commissioner of Revenue, (540) 955-5108, the sale or purchase of any vehicle. Keeping the Commissioners office updated insures that personal property tax billing information is correct.
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As a publicly-traded company, our investors and strong corporate governance practices are vital. Mullen's Board of Directors is committed to a high standard of corporate governance, in particular following the highest standards of ethics and integrity. We have adopted a number of policies and processes to ensure effective governance by the Board and Mullen.
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- 24 hour access to Certified Nursing Assistants & Personal Care Staff
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We're excited to be bringing the best in assisted living and memory care to the Triangle. Chatham Ridge Assisted Living will be located in Polks Village in southern Chapel Hill, just south of the Orange County/Chatham County line.
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House votes to phase out energy loan guarantee program after Solyndra
From: Fox News | September 14, 2012
House Republicans have pushed through a bill shining a campaign-season light on the most conspicuous failure of President Obama's economic stimulus package.
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This is our top of the line FR Winter Liner. Comes with a zipper bottom. The Nomex material stays flame resistant for up to 50 washings
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This item is our Occonomix Proban® Flame Retardant hard hat liner. Comes with a small strap around the neck and also has Velcro® straps that can be attached to your hard hat
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I admit, my "office" at the moment is pretty darn pathetic. I would give anything to live in a two-bedroom apartment & have an entire room dedicated to an office/creative space. However, at the moment I must be satisfied with it being nestled into a corner of my already cramped bedroom. It consists of what you see in the picture above; a small rickety desk that I've haphazardly painted white, a filing cabinet filled with unorganized "semi-important" documents as well as other odds & ends I had no other place for, & a small bookshelf that houses a few books as well as my printer. If I could have any type of office I wanted, I would use the photos below for inspiration.
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{sources: great interior design + home office design + out in home + beautiful staged homes}


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We have a slice of something delicious we'd like to share with you! Easter and Mother's Day are right around the corner! Here is a great, quick and easy gift idea for friends, family and hostesses. The LoveFeast Coffee Cake ~ a delicious cake that is made from scratch ~ sent with love from our table to yours! LoveFeast Coffee Cake ~ $29.95 Gift-boxed and available in 4 flavors! We have had rave reviews from everyone who has tasted these cakes! We taste tested these cakes with many LoveFeast friends and family. We … [Read more...]
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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia - View original article
American Akitas (left) and Japanese Akitas (right) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other names | Akita ken, Japanese Akita, American Akita, Great Japanese Dog (Obsolete) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Country of origin | Japan | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Notes | National dog of Japan, Prefecture animal of Akita | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dog (Canis lupus familiaris) |
American Akitas (left) and Japanese Akitas (right) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other names | Akita ken, Japanese Akita, American Akita, Great Japanese Dog (Obsolete) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Country of origin | Japan | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Notes | National dog of Japan, Prefecture animal of Akita | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dog (Canis lupus familiaris) |
The Akita (秋田犬 Akita-inu?) is a large spitz breed of dog originating from the mountainous northern regions of Japan. There are two separate varieties of Akita: a Japanese strain, known as the "Akita Inu" or "Japanese Akita"; and an American strain, known as the "Akita" or "American Akita".[2] The Japanese strain comes in a small choice of colors, with all other colors considered atypical of the breed, while the American strain comes in all dog colors.[2] The Akita has a short double coat, similar to that of many other northern spitz breeds such as the Siberian Husky, but long coated dogs can be found in many litters due to a recessive gene.
The Akita is a powerful, independent and dominant breed, commonly aloof with strangers but affectionate with family members. As a breed, Akitas are generally hardy, but they have been known to suffer from various genetic conditions and be sensitive to certain drugs.
In most countries, the American strain of Akita is now considered a separate breed. In the United States and Canada, however, the two strains are considered a single breed with differences in type. For a while, the American strain of Akita was known in some countries as the "Great Japanese Dog". Both forms of Akita are probably best known worldwide from the true story of Hachikō, a loyal Akita dog who lived in Japan before World War II.
There is debate among fanciers whether there are two separate breeds of Akita. To date, only the American Kennel Club,[3] and the Canadian Kennel Club[citation needed]consider American and Japanese Akitas to be two varieties of the same breed, allowing free breeding between the two. The Federation Cynologique Internationale,[4] The Kennel Club,[5][6] the Australian National Kennel Council,[7] the New Zealand Kennel Club,[8][9] and the Japan Kennel Club[citation needed] consider Japanese and American Akitas as separate breeds.[10] Some countries refer to the American Akita as simply the "Akita" and not the American Akita. The issue is especially controversial in Japan.[11] For the FCI's 84 countries, the breed split formally occurred June 1999, when the FCI decided that the American type would be called the Great Japanese Dog,[10] later renamed the American Akita in January 2006.[10]
Japanese history, both verbal and written, describe the ancestors of the Akita, the Matagi dog (Japanese:マタギ犬)(hunting dog, Bear hunting dog, Deer hunting dog),[12] as one of the oldest of the native dogs. Today's Akita developed primarily from dogs in the northernmost region of the island of Honshū in the Akita prefecture, thus providing the breed's name.[12] The Matagi's quarry included wild boar, Sika deer, and Asian black bear.[citation needed] This precursor dog tracked large game, holding it at bay until hunters arrived to make the kill. The breed is also influenced by crosses with larger breeds from Asia and Europe, including English Mastiffs,[citation needed] Great Danes,[12] St. Bernards,[12] and the Tosa Inu,[12] in the desire to develop a fighting dog for the burgeoning dog fighting industry in Odate in the early 20th century.[12] During World War II the Akita was also crossed with German Shepherd Dogs in an attempt to save them from the war time government order for all non-military dogs to be culled.[12] The ancestors of the American Akita were originally a variety of the Japanese Akita, a form that was not desired in Japan due to the markings, and which is not eligible for show competition.[10]
The story of Hachikō, one of the most revered Akitas of all time, helped push the Akita into the international dog world. Hachiko was born in 1923 and owned by Professor Hidesaburō Ueno of Tokyo.[13] Professor Ueno lived near the Shibuya Train Station in a suburb of the city and commuted to work every day on the train.[14] Hachikō accompanied his master to and from the station each day.[14] On May 25, 1925, when the dog was 18 months old, he waited for his master's arrival on the four o'clock train, but Professor Ueno had suffered a fatal brain haemorrhage at work.[14] Hachikō continued to wait for his master's return.[14] He travelled to and from the station each day for the next nine years.[14] He allowed the professor's relatives to care for him, but he never gave up the vigil at the station for his master.[14] His vigil became world renowned when, in 1934,[15] shortly before his death, a bronze statue was erected at the Shibuya train station in his honor.[14] This statue was melted down for munitions during the war and new one was commissioned once the war ended.[15] Each year on April 8 since 1936, Hachikō's devotion has been honoured with a solemn ceremony of remembrance at Tokyo's Shibuya railroad station.[16][17] Eventually, Hachikō's legendary faithfulness became a national symbol of loyalty, particularly to the person and institution of the Emperor.[18]
In 1931, the Akita was officially declared a Japanese Natural Monument. The Mayor of Odate City in Akita Prefecture organized the Akita Inu Hozankai to preserve the original Akita as a Japanese natural treasure through careful breeding.[14] In 1934 the first Japanese breed standard for the Akita Inu was listed, following the breeds declaration as a natural monument of Japan.[19] In 1967, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Akita Dog Preservation Society, the Akita Dog Museum was built to house information, documents and photos.[14]
In 1937, Helen Keller travelled to Japan.[citation needed] She expressed a keen interest in the breed and was presented with the first two Akitas to enter the US.[citation needed] The first dog, presented to her by Mr. Ogasawara and named Kamikaze-go, died at five months of age from distemper, one month after her return to the States.[citation needed] A second Akita was arranged to be sent to Miss Keller: Kamikaze's litter brother, Kenzan-go.[21] Kenzan-go died in the mid-1940s.[22] By 1939 a breed standard had been established and dog shows had been held, but such activities stopped after World War II began.[citation needed] Keller wrote in the Akita Journal:
" | If ever there was an angel in fur, it was Kamikaze. I know I shall never feel quite the same tenderness for any other pet. The Akita dog has all the qualities that appeal to me — he is gentle, companionable and trusty.[23][24] | " |
Just as the breed was stabilizing in its native land, World War II pushed the Akita to the brink of extinction. Early in the war the dogs suffered from lack of nutritious food. Then many were killed to be eaten by the starving populace, and their pelts were used as clothing. Finally, the government ordered all remaining dogs to be killed on sight to prevent the spread of disease. The only way concerned owners could save their beloved Akitas was to turn them loose in remote mountain areas, where they bred back with their ancestor dogs, the Matagi,[12] or conceal them from authorities by means of crossing with German Shepherd dogs, and naming them in the style of German Shepherd dogs of the time.[12] Morie Sawataishi and his efforts to breed the Akita is a major reason this breed exists today.[25]
During the occupation years following the war, the breed began to thrive again through the efforts of Sawataishi and others.[20] For the first time, Akitas were bred for a standardized appearance.[citation needed] Akita fanciers in Japan began gathering and exhibiting the remaining Akitas and producing litters in order to restore the breed to sustainable numbers and to accentuate the original characteristics of the breed muddied by crosses to other breeds.[26] U.S. servicemen fell in love with the Akita and imported many with them upon their return.
The Japanese Akita and American Akita began to diverge in type during the Post–World War II era.[citation needed] It was during this time, that US servicemen serving as part of the occupation force in Japan first came into contact with the Akita, the breed so impressed them that many soldiers chose to bring an Akita back home with them upon completion of their tour.[citation needed] American soldiers were typically more impressed with the larger more bear-like fighting Akita or German Shepherd type than they were with the smaller framed and fox-like Akita-Inu; the types of dogs they brought back with them to the US reflected this sentiment.[citation needed] Japanese Akita fanciers focused on restoring the breed as a work of Japanese art or to 'Natural Monument' status.[citation needed] American Akita fanciers chose to breed larger, heavier-boned and more intimidating dogs.[citation needed] Although, both types derive from a common ancestry, there are marked differences between the two.[citation needed] First, while American Akitas are acceptable in all colors, Japanese Akitas are only permitted to be red, fawn, sesame, white, or brindle.[citation needed] Additionally, American Akitas may be pinto and/or have black masks, unlike Japanese Akitas where it is considered a disqualification and not permitted in the breed standards.[citation needed] American Akitas generally are heavier boned and larger, with a more bear-like head, whereas Japanese Akitas tend to be lighter and more finely featured with a fox-like head.[10]
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1955, it was placed in the Miscellaneous class.[citation needed] It wasn't until the end of 1972 that the AKC approved the Akita standard and it was moved to the Working dog class, as such, the Akita is a rather new breed in the United States.[citation needed] Foundation stock in America continued to be imported from Japan until 1974 when the AKC cut off registration to any further Japanese imports until 1992 when it recognized the Japan Kennel Club.[citation needed] The decision by the AKC to disallow the registration of any further imported dogs in 1974, set the stage for the divergence in type between the American Akita and Japanese Akita Inu that is present today.[citation needed]
Elsewhere in the world, the American Akita was first introduced to the UK in 1937, he was a Canadian import, owned by a Mrs. Jenson, however the breed was not widely known until the early 1980s.[22] The breed was introduced in Australia in 1982 with an American Import and to New Zealand in 1986 with an import from the U.K.[22]
As a spitz breed, the appearance of the Akita reflects cold weather adaptations essential to their original function.[citation needed] The Akita is a substantial breed for its height with heavy bones.[citation needed] Characteristic physical traits of the breed include a large, bear-like head with erect, triangular ears set at a slight angle following the arch of the neck.[citation needed] Additionally, the eyes of the Akita are small, dark, deeply set and triangular in shape.[27] Akitas have thick double coats, and tight, well knuckled cat-like feet.[citation needed] Their tails are carried over the top of the back in a gentle or double curl down the loin.[28]
Mature American type males measure typically 26–28 inches (66–71 cm) at the withers and weigh between 100–130 lb (45–59 kg).[citation needed] Mature females typically measure 24–26 inches (61–66 cm) and weigh between 70–100 lb (32–45 kg).[29] The Japanese type, as stated in the breed standards, are a little smaller and lighter.[citation needed]
Breed standards state that all dog breed coat colors are allowable in the American Akita, including pinto, all types of brindle, solid white, black mask, white mask, self-colored mask, even differing colors of under coat and overlay (guard hairs).[30] This includes the common Shiba Inu coloring pattern known as Urajiro.[citation needed] The Japanese Akitas, as per the breed standards, are restricted to red, fawn, sesame, brindle, pure white, all with "Urajiro" markings i.e., whitish coat on the sides of the muzzle, on the cheeks, on the underside of jaw, neck, chest, body and tail and on the inside of the legs.[5]
There are two coat types in the Akita, the standard coat length and the long coat.[31] The long coat is considered a fault in the show ring, however, they still make good pets.[31] The long coat, also known as 'Moku' is the result of an autosomal recessive gene and may only occur phenotypically if both sire and dam are carriers. They have longer (about 3–4 inches in length) and softer coats[32] and are known to have sweeter temperaments.[31] It is believed that this gene comes from the now extinct Karafuto-Ken 樺太犬.[33]
It is territorial about its property, and can be reserved with strangers.[citation needed] It is feline in its actions; it is not unusual for an Akita to clean its face after eating, to preen its kennel mate, and to be fastidious in the house.[34] They are known to be intolerant of other dogs of the same gender, as stated in the AKC breed standard.[3]
Since it is a large, powerful dog, the Akita is not considered a breed for a first time dog owner.[citation needed] The breed has been targeted by some countries' breed-specific legislation as a dangerous dog.[35][36][37][38] The Akita is a large, strong, independent and dominant dog.[citation needed] A dog with the correct Akita temperament should be accepting of non-threatening strangers, yet protective of their family when faced with a threatening situation.[citation needed] They are usually docile, aloof and calm in new situations.[citation needed] As a breed they should be good with children; it is said that the breed has an affinity for children.[39] Not all Akitas, nor all dogs, will necessarily have the same temperament.[40]
The Akita was never bred to live or work in groups like many hound and sporting breeds.[citation needed] Instead, they lived and worked alone or in pairs, a preference reflected today.[citation needed] Akitas tend to take a socially dominant role with other dogs, and thus caution must be used in situations when Akitas are likely to be around other dogs, especially unfamiliar ones.[citation needed] In particular, Akitas tend to be less tolerant of dogs of the same sex.[citation needed] For this reason, Akitas, unless highly socialized, are not generally well-suited for off-leash dog parks.[34] The Akita is intelligent, courageous, fearless, and careful.[citation needed] Sometimes spontaneous, it needs a confident, consistent handler, without which the dog will be very wilful and may become very aggressive to other dogs and animals.[40]
There are many autoimmune diseases that are known to sometimes occur in the Akita. These include, but are not limited to:
In addition to these there are also the Immune-mediated endocrine diseases with a heritable factor, such as:
Other non-immune specific conditions known to have occurred in the Akita include:
There are two breed specific conditions mentioned in veterinary literature:
Predecessors of the modern Akita were used for hunting bear, wild boar and deer in Japan as late as 1957.[64] They would be used to flush out the bear and keep it at bay until the hunter could come and kill it. Today, the breed is used primarily as a companion dog. However, the breed is currently also known to be used as therapy dogs,[65] and compete in all dog competitions including: conformation showing, obedience trials, canine good citizen program, tracking trials and agility competition,[66] as well as weight pulling, hunting and schutzhund (i.e., personal protection dogs).[67]
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House Bill 3512, the so-called "Stone Bill," has been signed into law. The bill allows for breweries to sell food on premise and brewpubs to enter into distribution.
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[video] Jim Cramer: Moment of Truth for the Fed Obsessors
NEW YORK (Real Money) -- If it weren't for this week's Federal Reserve meeting, is there any doubt in your mind that the market wouldn't be appreciably higher? Think about what has happened in the last few days. We've had several terrific analyst meetings and presentations that have told us things were going well or improving in banking and in retail.
Remember that full-day Home Depot
(HD) meeting in which management indicated that things are much better than expected? Recall that sit-down I did with Macy's
(M) CEO Terry Lundgren, who said the holiday season's going well, something echoed by Manny Chirico at PVH
How about this? There isn't just one takeover in the air -- there are two. Reports say Charter Communications (CHTR) will soon make an offer on Time Warner Cable (TWC), and word also has it that Sprint (S) is considering a bid on T-Mobile (TMUS). For each of these, both the potential acquirer and the potential target have been climbing higher in the process.
Or how about that the biggest fear of January, the potential for a government shutdown, has been taken off the table? Isn't that huge? How about the idea that we won't be looking at a U.S. debt default because the ceiling might be raised by Republicans, who are giddy with the health care snafus and don't need to try to rein in costs in a losing effort that would only hurt sales, corporate profits and therefore the stock market? Nothing's a done deal in Washington, but there does seem to be a short-term cessation in rancor -- perhaps until the election?
But it really doesn't matter, does it? All that people really think they care about is the Federal Reserve's decision on Wednesday. If the central bank changes its tone -- if it says the Fed is getting close to slowing bond buying, and that it has accomplished much of what it thought it could accomplish -- then, to read the blogs and listen to the commentators, we will see an immediate decline of some magnitude. What magnitude? Judging by the chatter, it would seem to merit at least 5%, no? The real question is: How could it not? How could this most talked-about event when it comes to the stock market not produce that kind of decline? If it doesn't, can I ask you, what was the point of the whole dialogue?Select the service that is right for you!
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- Item Dimensions: 6.25" x 1.5" x 0.125"
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I have no problems with scrutinizing the Supreme Court nominee - in fact, it is incredibly neccessary. Her words, her speeches, her judgements should be combed through as much as possible so the American public knows exactly who and what we are getting for a lifetime appointment of Supreme Court Justice. Disclaimer: I am not convinced yet she's the right pick - I still want to see a whole lot more about her.
But enough already with the "She can't be unbiased because she's a Latina."
This strikes a very personal cord with me, and probably with a whole lot of minority populations, including women in professional settings. It is a common accusation to throw at someone who is not with the status quo of whatever position they are trying to get.
I heard this argument played out several years ago with regard to Native anthropologists. It was argued that Native people could not judge Native anthropology and archeology without bias, and therefore were not ideal to be working on Native anthropology and archeology projects. As if nearly the whole history of anthropology hadn't been based off of one race and gender's views and assertions, and that shouldn't be something we look at.
I'm fine with scrutinizing Sotomayors words about race, interviewing her about what she means, picking out the whole text of things she says (and not just the two second sound-byte) regarding, well, anything and everything. There are many basing their assertions of her prejudices on her words and judgemets. But to base the argument about however future judgements might go only based on her race is breathtaking in its weighty double standard.
For a few hundred years we haven't questioned at all whether a white male judge can fairly judge between a white male and anyone he is facing in court. For some reason, a latina, a Native person, a black man or Asian woman can't make those decisions objectively - only white men can? I think we would find, should we care to look not even that far back, that there are more than a few examples of just how biased white men can be. Correct me if I'm wrong, but we fought a pretty big war here in this country based on the biases and prejudices of white men.
I don't claim that minorities are more unbiased and fair - only that no race is more or less objective than the other. So get that part of the argument out of the whole deal, and unclutter the discussion for much more valid arguments.
And on a similar note, stay off the double standards for her now infamous statement in the first place! I've actually heard many, many times now, "If Alito made similar remarks, he would never have made it."
Uh... he DID make similar remarks. And he was praised for them.
"I heard this argument played out several years ago with regard to Native anthropologists." I got my Masters in Anthro, and I heard this way too often, sometimes outright and sometimes implied. The hypocrisy was so obvious that it usually left me speechless, which isn't easy.
Regarding Sotomayor, I also heard a Republican Senator ask the question whether she, "knew what America is all about?" Holy crap...are you kidding. The entire history of this country has been the struggle against oppression of minority groups. Maybe we need to start asking that quesiton seriously back at them...Do whites men really know what America is all about? I can't stand how minorities always have their knowledge of America or their patriotism questioned.
Jefferson said about slavery, "We have the wolf by the ears." Well, it seems many in power are still holding on, and they're scared to death of letting go.


text: As if Nov 17 isn't far enough way, the mystery of the reserve date is killing me. But what's worst is all of those PS3 HD videos IGN has. I watch them everyday just to satisfy my need (it's like i'm a PS3 junkie and theres no ps3 yet).Sponsored Links


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Grizzly Football Boosters Seek Movement Over Call to Action in NCAA Sanctions [AUDIO]
In December of 2013, a group of Montana Grizzly football boosters sent a letter to University of Montana President Royce Engstrom asking him to seek review of NCAA sanctions imposed on the football program.
Families and Friends of Grizzly Football Program Seek Reduction in NCAA Sanctions [AUDIO] [DOCUMENT]
Johnson – Coyle Chosen Most Valuable Players on Montana Grizzly Football Team [AUDIO]
The 2013 Montana Grizzly football season may have ended in disappointing fashion, but one after another, speakers at the Sunday December 8th football awards banquet encouraged players, parents and fans to consider how remarkable a season it was.
Grizzly Football Game Home Opener Officially Sold Out [AUDIO]
University of Montana officials are expecting a sold-out record crowd at the Saturday night August 31 opening game, as the Montana Grizzlies host the Appalachian State Mountaineers at 7 p.m.
Fall Practice Begins Tuesday for The University of Montana Grizzly Football Team
After a long, hot summer, and an NCAA report in the rear-view mirror, the University of Montana football team prepares for the 2013 season, as players report on Sunday, with the first practice on Tuesday, August 6.
NCAA Report – University of Montana President Responds [AUDIO]
The NCAA report involving the Montana Grizzly football program was released on Friday. University of Montana President Royce Engstrom said the university's self-imposed sanctions were instrumental in the NCAA's findings, and that the university sought legal experts to help in that effort.
NCAA Report – Montana Failed to Monitor Football Program – Three Years Probation
On Friday, July 26, the NCAA released its long-awaited report regarding the University of Montana football program. The report states that the university, and its former head coach, failed to monitor the football program.
As NCAA Decision Looms, University of Montana Athletic Director Encourages a 'Culture of Compliance' [AUDIO]
In January of 2012, University of Montana President Royce Engstrom revealed that the NCAA was conducting an investigation into the Grizzly football program.
Visiting Professor to Address Issues of Sexual Assault in Missoula [AUDIO]
It's an issue that Missoulians have been dealing with for almost two years now, sexual assault.
Time to Complete Your NCAA Tournament Bracket – You Could Win a Million Dollars
2nd Annual State of The Community Event is Thursday Night at The University of Montana [AUDIO]
Thursday night at 7 p.m. representatives of the city and county, along with the University of Montana will present a forum on the State of the Community.


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PIIGS Are Coddled
There was a time, not so long ago, when smaller countries with narrow and less stable economies had to pay high interest rates for their debt. This higher financing floor forced their governments to be more prudent and conservative. If free markets are anything, they are strict disciplinarians in this regard.
Then the euro happened.
Now, PIIGS and periphery nations—coddled to the point of being spoiled on the coattails of low interest rates due to association with Germany and the like—can't survive unless they can garner a super-developed nation interest rate. Said differently, the euro coddled these nations into losing fiscal discipline and assuming they could finance themselves long-term like Germany.
This was always a fantasy—and one of the inherent problems with linking monetary policy but not fiscal policy.


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Fifteen - Chapter OneFirst chapter everyone! I know some of you have been dying to read this. Anyway, first chapter is dedicated to ~AnimeCrazyNet because she helped me think up of my Rosalie had to move to Harrow, and because she is such a sweet girl!!! Please read the description (:~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~I sighed and looked around the bedroom I'd always called home. The room I'd always called my own. Kind of depressing really, that this was the last time I'd be standing here in our house, or at least the house that used to be ours. I whipped my camera out of my handbag and took a quick shot of my now empty bedroom. "Rosalie Jessica McIntosh! We are leaving NOW!" my mother screamed from downstairs. She was using my full name, so I seriously had to be in the car in the next five seconds or they would drive off without me. 'They' being my mum, dad and 12-year-old brother Charlie. I bolted down that stairs and into the car. Mum locked the door behind me and we were
.:1DDH:. IntroductionSummer walked out onto the balcony and stared down the long, dirt driveway. This whole thing had been her idea, and now she was wondering if she would regret living in a mansion with 31 other people she had never met. Would anyone actually come? A couple of weeks ago, she had sent invitations to 31 people inviting them to come to a house she had recently bought, which happened to be a mansion. These people all had one thing in common, a dedication to the British-Irish boy band, One Direction. She had found these people by looking up YouTube videos, reading One Direction fanfiction and looking at amazing 1D drawings. Each person had been selected especially for this, and it was also their chance to meet the five boys. But they didn't know that yet, all they knew was that the house was called the 1D Directioner House, and that they were invited to stay there.Sitting down in her baby blue chair, Summer picked up her novel which was 'The Secret Garden' and began to read it. Lost in the wo
'One Theme' ContestI had been waiting all week for today, and now it was finally here. It is the grand opening of the new water park in the countryside of England, and my parents are letting me go, alone. That is huge, my parents have never let me go anywhere by myself before, but now that I am 16 there are letting go of the ropes a little. It took a while to get through the massive line, but now I was finally in. I took a look around and finally decided to line up for a huge white water slide known as 'Mammoth Falls'. I had been lined up for about five minutes when I realised I had a problem. You needed at least 1 other person to go on the ride with you. Behind me I could hear people whispering "She's cute, isn't she?" and some boys laughing but I assumed they were talking about someone else. I turned around to get out of the line and saw five very familiar faces. Those faces belonged to Liam Payne, Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson, also known as the boy band, One Direction. My
.:1DDH:. Room Allocation"First things first everyone, it's time for you guys to see your rooms!" Summer said excitedly and everyone stood up. "On every door is one name, whoever's name that is, that's whose room it is!" the 31 directioners ran to the stairs and rushed up them .~Elena was as keen as the others to find out where her room was but after searching the first, second and third floors without luck, she started to wonder is she was really supposed to be here. Deciding to start from the 5th floor (for some reason no one was sleeping on the 6th floor), she got in the elevator next to the staircase. Once she reached the fifth floor, she walked past each door scanning the post-it notes for her name. That's when she saw it. On the door of a room at the front of the house was her name. Slowly opening the door, she was amazed to see a huge room with a big silver bed. The wall behind her bed was pink and matched her pink and white floral doona cover perfectly. To the side was a desk with a laptop, iPod
The Saddest ThingOkay, so please understand that this video isn't real. The event that occurred didn't actually happen.But oh my gosh this is the saddest thing I have ever seen. It really shows how much hate the boys get. This could happen! Please, all of you need to keep your opinions to yourself. Liam and Danielle, Louis and Eleanor, Zayn and Perrie. They love each other and don't go saying they don't and that they don't deserve each other. It's not up to you, and don't say those things because you are jealous that it's not you. And also, directionators need to keep their opinions to themselves also, you don't realise how much they hurt the boys and us, the directioners. I cried so much watching this video! All directioners simply must watch it.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16IiGRDLET0&safe=activeWatch it. Share it. Spread it. Let everyone know what the boys are going through. It might not get this serious or drastic but there is always a possibility. Bullying and hating. Just because you don't l
.:1DDH:. Today's UpdatesHey peeps! How are you all? I'd love to know!Just a quick update with the first challenge, could you upload your outfits on here so I can put it in my folder for the story please? Thanks!And guess what guys! I have started writing the introduction for our story! How we all come to the house! :iconexcitedplz: Yay! Look forward to it. I'm also going to begin working on a group picture and the house floor plan soon. If there is a specific pose you would like your character to have please send me a reference picture.Thanks everyone. I don't have much to say today sorry. Apart from that I have a very boring day at school today. Lunch is next and then only two periods before drawing and writing time!!!!!!!!!!! Oh, and my Italian and Science homework ):Love always, Summer xo
1D Challenge: Day 1: Favourite Liam Payne Quote"The worst thing a boy can do to a girl? Personally, I think it's ignore her for a while whilst she's loving you with all her heart"~Liam James Payne


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These Winter Holiday words are all mixed up and players race to unscramble them! Build up the excitement and put the pressure on the older kids and adults to unscramble the words faster! Answer key included.
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The NT Gardens website has been set up to promote and link remote community gardens and gardeners in the NT. Community and school gardeners can quickly and easily add their own garden page to the site with photos and video, see what other gardeners are doing, and contact one another. It is free and there is no advertising.
Promoting community and school gardens and horticulture in the NT http://ntgardens.org/
The page remains yours to keep free of charge.
The website is part of a Menzies School of Health Research project funded through a GPET Academic Post.
For further information contact Andy Hume at firstname.lastname@example.com.
To add your garden please


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Mary C. Wissehr
Mary C. Wissehr, born in Belleville, IL, on 4/20/1952, and passed away on 6/9/2013 in Colorado Springs, Colorado, after a battle with cancer. She is survived by her brother Frank, sister-in-law Darla, niece Jasmine Moran (Allan), nephews Carlos and Tony Raimundi, Duncan and Aidan. Memorials can be made to the American Cancer Society or the Humane Society. Memorial celebration of her life will be at a later date.


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The story begins in a remote valley accessible only over boggy, marshy mountain passes in 1900. The small dwelling at the head of the long winding stretch of shallow water named Loch Leven consists of two shooting lodges, their cottages and one farm.
At this time, aluminium was in great demand and the Brittish Aluminium Company started looking for a suitable site for the construction of a dam. An act of parliament was obtained in 1901 by the Loch Leven Water and Electricity Power Company to utilize the great water power of the two areas known as the Blackwater and Loch Eilde baisins. Construction was postponed for a few years and in 1904 a revised scheme was submitted to parliament and accepted.
Between 1904 and 1909 there were between two and three thousand employees working on building the dam. The majority of these were Irish 'navvies' and 'haddies' from the highlands & islands who would travel to wherever they could find work. They were used to hard work and living in difficult conditions. They lived on the work site in wooden huts of various sizes. They were good quality huts, a better quality than the majority of workers were used to. They had a living room and sleeping quarters and the hot plate for their cooking was commonly outside, under a separate roof. They slept in their clothes and boots as anything left lying around soon disappeared.
One such Irish 'navvie' was a man named Patrick MacGill who in 1914 at the age of 24 published a book telling of his travels from his home in Donegal, Ireland to Glasgow and on foot eventually to Kinlochleven where he worked on the building of the dam with such friends as Carroty Dan and Moleskin Joe. The book, 'Children of the Dead End' is an amazing story and well worth a read!
The workers were paid a 'tanner' an hour (2.5p). Many borrowed against their wages as soon as they arrived to start work and therefore were never out of debt. Most of the money earned was spent on drink. They would walk over the hill to The Kingshouse Inn, in Glencoe, which was the nearest pub, when they finished work. A few were lost on the hills returning after a night out and were not found until the following spring, when the snow had thawed.
The dam was built using large blocks of granite embedded in an ordinary concrete. Its construction was started near its centre on the south side of the river and worked out both ways. The valve house is made of sandstone with a domed roof of reinforced concrete. Inside the house there are six valves, together with telephones and equipment which records on weekly charts the differences in the water level of the dam.
Transport at the time was non existent, there were no roads and the river was too shallow for anything other than the smallest of boats until it was dredged. Supplies and provisions were transported from the jetty to the dam by the use of the blondin line, which was in the form of an ariel railway, it ran for 5 miles.
The factory was ready for production in March 1909, but there had been a temporary factory producing aluminium before then. It was built just below where the Penstalk is now but on the other side of the river. This opened on Christmas Day 1907 and produced its first aluminium 1 week later on Hogmanay.
Because only a few families lived in the area before the British Aluminium Company built the smelter and most of the navvies moved away when the construction work was completed, a work force had to be brought into the area. Most of them were from the Slate Quarries at Ballachulish who were tempted by better wages and the islands where work was hard to find. The rest were the few navvies who stayed, and men from England and Wales, who came looking for work.
The earliest village shops were not ready until 1908. There were four of these and were occupied by a butcher, baker, grocer and draper. These along with accommodation were on the south side of the river in Kinlochleven but later (after the 1st world war) spread across to the north of the water to Kinlochmore and a bridge was built to join the two. However the bridge which stands today is not the original and followed to accommodate a growing amount of traffic which was coming round the loch to avoid the long queues for the Ballachulish Ferry crossing before the building of the Ballachulish Bridge.
The population continued to grow and Kinlochleven evolved into a fully functioning community. And so to the present day.
Conceived in the 1960's but finally opened in 1980, the 95 mile West Highland Way is Scotland's first official long distance route. This wonderfully scenic route has been in existence for over 25 years. The West Highland Way links Milngavie, just outside Glasgow, to Fort William in the Highlands as a final stop over point for the last stage of the walk. This has been a major boost to the economy of Kinlochleven in recent years.
The Factory ceased production in June 2000 and many jobs were steadily lost in the years leading up to the closure. Morale was low and many locals were forced to leave the area in search of work.
However, there has been an impressive £10m regeneration of the village and the factory site. Incorporating an Ice Climbing Wall, this is the largest of its kind in Europe
In August 2008, Kinlochleven welcomed children back to a new term in a lovely £11m upgraded High School a fantastic learning environment for pupils of all ages; a brand new 21st Century facility offering education to approximately 239 pupils.
Thank you for taking the time to look at Kinlochleven as it was and will be. We hope you enjoy your time here and remember when walking through the streets, the people who paved the way for you.
Highland Getaway are proud to announce as of May 2014 we have been awarded 4* rating from the Scottish Tourist Board. To check availibility or make a booking please contact us.


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22. Frodo's Birthday
Sam went to the door when Fosco Boffin and Fatty came – Mr. Fosco and Mr. Fredegar, as Sam reminded me at least four times that afternoon.
"You sound just like Da," I told him at last, more than half annoyed. "You nag me about it one more time, Sam, and I'll call him Fatty to his face – which is what he told me to call him, after all, so I doubt he'll take exception!"
"When he was three parts stewed, remember," he said in that quiet voice of his. "You wouldn't do that, Rosie – make it look like Mr. Frodo had some half-trained tween waiting table for his guests, not the prettiest, best lass in the Shire." And left me not knowing whether to kiss him for the compliment, or not speak to him the rest of the day for the part about the "half-trained tween". Before I could decide one way or the other, the doorbell rang and he went to let them in.
The dinner went like clockwork, from the grilled mushrooms in the parlor to whet their appetites, to the birthday cake with its mounds of whipped cream and glasses of sherry at the end. Sam's roast was cooked to perfection, and the pudding rose to heights of glory and collapsed in golden tenderness, exactly as it should.
"No more sherry for me, thank you, Mari – er, Sam," Fatty said, covering his glass with one broad hand. "I believe I've had enough." He winked at me, and I grinned. Sam's mouth was twitching and his shoulders shaking as he tried to hold in his laughter, and just then Pippin caught sight of him.
"What's the matter, Sam? You look as if you're about to have a fit – does he have fits, Rose? He never did in all our journey – must be married life brings them on!"
Sam turned away to hide his face, but the laugh burst out of him anyway, and that set Fatty and me off as well. Fatty leaned back in his chair, the very image of well-fed good humour, and laughed aloud, and Sam set down the decanter and kept his face turned toward the wall, trying to regain a straight face. I hung on his arm, giggling helplessly, and the others looked at the three of us with such expressions of bafflement that it started us off all over again.
"I'd say it must've been the mushrooms, Frodo, only it doesn't seem to have affected the rest of us," Merry observed conversationally. "It can't be marriage, Pippin – Fatty is still single, you know."
"I don't think it's the mushrooms, and if it's marriage, I have to say Sam's shown no signs of it until now." said Mr. Frodo. "I think they have some private joke, and it's time they let us in on it. Sam?"
Sam shook his head. "S'not my story," he said, still struggling with laughter. "You'll have to get Mr. Fredegar to tell you, if he's willing. Wouldn't be fitting for no one else."
Frodo looked at Fatty under his brows. "All right, Fredegar, time to come clean. You've only been out and about since Mid-summer; I'd hardly think you've had time to get in any scrapes, and you never did get in many, even as a tween. Of course, I wouldn't have named you as the hobbit most likely to lead the Shire in rebellion against the ruffians, either, so it just shows how mistaken we can be in our friends."
Fatty pulled himself together and began telling the story of our visit to him, Mari and me, the mushroom pie and the ale, and the sherry – and the secrets we had wormed out of him. By the end of the tale, the others were laughing as heartily as we had been. Sam poured a last round of wine, and they toasted Mr. Frodo and Mr. Bilbo, away in Rivendell, before they got up from the table and headed into the parlor for the present-giving.
"Can you just put everything to soak now, Rose, and come join us? Otherwise we'll wait until you've finished cleaning up." Frodo met Sam's look. "Dinner's over, Sam, and you served us beautifully, you and Rose. Now it's presents, and I want all my friends to keep my birthday with me."
"All right, Mr. Frodo. Just leave everything, Rosie; I'll help you with it later."
Frodo poked his head in the kitchen door as he passed. "Come along, Fosco lad, I've got a present for you as well. You'd better come join us." He held out his hand and Fos ran to him, and they led the rest of us into the parlor.
"Youngest first," he said, when the fire was blown up bright on the hearth and we were all settled round it. Fosco was sitting on the floor by his feet, and Frodo handed him a small wooden box of some beautiful wood, highly polished. Fos opened it carefully and took out a small golden ring with an opaque black stone, an ornate letter F deeply carved into it. He looked up at Mr. Frodo with eyes of wonder – I'm sure he'd never in his life thought of owning such a thing.
"It was mine when I was a lad – a signet ring for you, Fosco, to seal your letters, now that you know how to write." He smiled a little. "I almost hesitate to give a ring, on my birthday, but I promise there's no magic attached to this one! Try it on, Fos, see if it fits."
It did, and it warmed my heart to see Fosco turning his hand this way and that to admire it on his hand. It might have looked better on the young Frodo's scholarly hand – Fosco's hands were stubby-fingered and chapped from outdoor work – but the lad's delight in the beautiful thing was a joy to see. I thought, not for the first time, what a difference the master had made in this child's life.
I came out of my thoughts to find that Pippin had received a black velvet waistcoat with the White Tree of Gondor embroidered in silver thread on the pocket, very neat and elegant. There was a like one in deep forest green for Merry, with an embroidered golden horse.
"So you can wear the emblems of your knighthood, even in ordinary hobbit attire," Mr. Frodo said, and you could hear in his voice how proud he was of his cousins.
Folco received a graceful pipe of Elven make, bound with silver, and a soft leather pouch of the best Longbottom Leaf, and he lit up immediately and sat smoking with a smile of perfect contentment.
"I had a time thinking what to give you, Fatty," Frodo said seriously. "There's not much you need, unless it's another fast pony for your stables, and that's a bit above my touch! But I think this will show you what I think of your activities during the Troubles, though I hope you'll never have occasion to use it."
Fatty gave him a questioning look and accepted a bulky package wrapped in soft cloth. He opened it to reveal a scabbard and belt of worked leather, the scabbard decorated with Elven letters that shone like silver. Fatty traced them with his finger, saying,
"You'll have to translate for me, Frodo. I'm afraid I don't read Elvish."
"It says 'Defender'. A proper title for the one who led the fight for freedom, when he could have sat home in safety." He bit his lip and continued in a low voice, "I was so terribly ashamed to find my own cousin had caused so much suffering and ruin to the Shire. I hardly felt I could hold up my head, and then I heard another cousin – you, Fatty – had been leading the resistance, and that was some consolation. Thank you, Fredegar."
"Only doing what you would have done yourself, Frodo. What you were doing, at the ends of the earth! Don't think about Lotho – there's a few bad apples in every family."
"Even among the Elves," Sam said somberly. "No need to be ashamed of your kin, Mr. Frodo. Your family's been the salvation of the Shire, taken all in all."
Frodo reddened, but he looked pleased. "Enough, Sam! At least maybe enough of us worked for the good of the Shire, to outweigh Lotho's mischief. And I couldn't have done my part without a certain Gamgee. This is for you."
Sam's gift was wrapped in fabric as Fatty's had been, and I wondered for a moment what had become of the carved wooden bird from the Fair. Maybe Mr. Frodo hadn't been able to buy it after all. But when Sam opened his gift, the little bird was there, perched on the edge of her nest, and he broke into a wide smile.
"There now, I know who put you up to this, Mr. Frodo! Rosie and me looked at it together, me just wishing I could carve such a thing! I'll set it on my chest of drawers to see first thing every morning – it's good luck, too, to have a nesting bird in the house, did you know that?"
Frodo laughed. "I've already got more luck that any hobbit needs or deserves, with friends like all of you here. Now, Rosie."
"Wait, Mr. Frodo – I don't think Sam saw the rest of his present." I reached into the rumpled fabric that had held the wooden bird, and shook out the extra padding that had protected it. "Look, Sam!" It was a vest, the same style as Sam always wore on holidays, but made of fine, soft suede. It had a little watch pocket, and embroidered on it was a tiny silver tree with golden blossoms – a mallorn.
"Now Mr. Frodo, that's too much, you know, two presents!" Sam began, but Frodo cut him off.
"No, the bird is your present, Sam. This is just a return, you might say – thanks for the loan of your cloak in Mordor." He held up his hand as Sam started to protest again. "I wouldn't be here celebrating this birthday, if not for you, Sam Gamgee. I can't repay you, but let me at least say thank you!"
He stretched out his hand to Sam, and Sam gripped it tight for a moment. "Now, Rosie!" Mr. Frodo said, turning to me.
My gift was the book with the golden dragon on the cover, that I had seen him buying at Overlithe Fair. I hadn't really looked at it then – well, it was none of my business, after all – but now I looked close at it, I marveled. The cover was real leather, and when I opened it up I found that among the pages of print were at least a dozen pictures in full, glowing color. A dragon, like the one on the cover, and a knight in armor confronting it with a sword. A man leading a blindfolded woman through what looked like an underground cavern. A city of many buildings about to be engulfed by a monstrous wave. I looked again at the cover. "Hero Tales for Young Folk," was printed in gold letters under the dragon.
"Can you read it, Rosie? Try the first page," Frodo said.
I turned to the first story. "There was an island that stood high above the Sea, and its king was a Man both good and wise. And the king had a son, noble and proud of face, who loved the Sea.' I can, Mr. Frodo! I can read this!"
"Good for you, Rosie! Here, let me see." Sam leaned over my shoulder, turning pages and looking at the pictures.
"Sam has a book of Elven tales, so I got you stories of Men, Rosie. You can read them now, and someday you can share them with your children."
"I will, Mr. Frodo. But aren't there any books about hobbits?"
He laughed. "I think we will have to write those ourselves, Rose. And they'll be tales of home and field, for the most part, not of war and high adventure. Something we can all be thankful for – the perilous deeds are good to read about, before a warm fire on a stormy night, but no pleasure to live through."
This is a work of fan fiction, written because the author has an abiding love for the works of J R R Tolkien. The characters, settings, places, and languages used in this work are the property of the Tolkien Estate, Tolkien Enterprises, and possibly New Line Cinema, except for certain original characters who belong to the author of the said work. The author will not receive any money or other remuneration for presenting the work on this archive site. The work is the intellectual property of the author, is available solely for the enjoyment of Henneth Annûn Story Archive readers, and may not be copied or redistributed by any means without the explicit written consent of the author.


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I have always loved Disneyland. I first went there on my first visit to the US, at age 7, and the magic has stayed with me. I have dreamed of taking my children there for a long time, but we haven't gone yet. My daughter is almost 7; sadly, this seems to be an age nowadays when kids are declaring themselves too cool to be seen with Minnie and Mickey, too grownup to dress up like Ariel, ready to move on to Hannah Montana and High School Musical. So I want that first visit to happen soon, very soon. What's stopping us?
First and foremost is money. A trip to Disneyland is not cheap, and there always seems to be something depleting our "Fun Fund" that sneaks in ahead -- a trip to see the grandparents overseas, a brother's wedding overseas, a new driveway, a new TV.
The second factor is my husband, who probably would not care, for his own sake, if he never visited Disneyland in his lifetime (note to husband: Sorry dear, but for purposes of this post I am casting you as Jafar/Gaston/Scar. If you don't know who these characters are, then let's go to Disneyland so you can find out). I need to get him on board before we go, not just because it's our money we're spending. I really believe that having two committed and enthusiastic parents vastly increases the chance for a memorable Disney experience for the whole family -- it can mean the difference between a long, tiring, stressful day and a long, tiring, fun day.
The thing is, my husband was not raised in the Disney culture and doesn't know the difference between Briar Rose and Brer Rabbit. So he doesn't understand why I am so excited at the prospect of paying twice the price of a ticket to Great America and the possibility of waiting in lines twice as long. I try to tell him that it's got to be seen firsthand to be believed, like Las Vegas or Yosemite; descriptions don't do it justice.
The Disney Party we went to yesterday could not have come at a better time. Hosted by Disneyland Resort and the Silicon Valley Moms Blog, it was the perfect example of how a touch of Disney Magic makes everything a little extra-special:
Dress code, regular party: Casual.
Dress code, Disney party: Casual -- Disney style. Instead of write-on sticker name tags, adults received Disney Guest of Honor pins with their names printed on them. Everyone got a pair of mouse ears to wear, including Disney people and staff. Kids were encouraged to arrive dressed in costume, and many did. This one was a no-brainer for my kids; 3Po came dressed up as Buzz Lightyear and was thrilled to bits when he met and high-fived the "real" Buzz Lightyear.
Food, regular party: "Afternoon munchies", i.e. Fruit plate, veggies, chips & dip, sandwiches if we're lucky. Chocolate-chip cookies for dessert.
Food, Disney party: "Honey, I don't think we'll be needing that take-out menu tonight", i.e. Grilled satay skewers and mini grilled cheese sandwich for appetizers. Lamb, roast beef, pasta cooked to order. Mickey-shaped pasta, veggie sticks, chicken tenders and applesauce for kids (served on Mickey-shaped plates). An extravagant dessert buffet, including mini cheesecakes, Disney logo cookies and chocolate-dipped strawberries. Boy, I wish I had the guts to nibble on the white chocolate Cinderella castle!
Crafts and entertainment, regular party: Coloring pages, cookie decorating. Face painting and/or a clown if we're lucky.
Crafts and entertainment, Disney party: Coloring pages, cookie decorating, face painting, tattoos, assemble-your-own Disney-themed Mr. PotatoHead, Disney sketch artist, a videogame corner with the latest Disney releases. Oh, and did I mention the kids got to meet Minnie, Mickey, Cinderella and Buzz?
Goody bags, regular party: stickers, candy and a bunch of small toys that kids love but adults yearn to throw away at the earliest opportunity
Goody bags, Disney party: Disney autograph books for each child, mouse ears for each guest, Disney pens for each adult. Not to mention that each child got to take a Mr. PotatoHead with all the Disney-themed accessories they could fit into Mr. PotatoHead's body.
Not that there's anything "wrong" with a regular party, of course -- we love going to them and will continue to do so -- this is just an illustration of how Disney's attention to detail can elevate a simple get-together to something way beyond the ordinary. (note to husband: sort of like how Disneyland goes way beyond other theme parks.....)
He said he had a lot of fun; after all that, how could he not leave with a smile on his face? Now that he's gotten to experience a little taste of the Disney magic, I'm hoping I can keep chipping away at the man and discover a Mouseketeer underneath.
For more recaps of the Disney Party, go to the Silicon Valley Moms Blog.
Bonggamom welcomes comments and suggestions on how to turn her husband into a true Mouseketeer; she looks forward to the day when he finally comes around and she can blog about her family's first trip to Disneyland, on this blog and over at the Silicon Valley Moms Blog.
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STRATEGY 840 - Emerging Markets Strategy
Course Description
The course focuses on strategies that firms based in emerging market economies around the world are adopting in order to compete in their home markets and, increasingly, in regional and global markets beyond their boundaries. By emerging market economies, we mean countries that have established a moderate degree of market-based commercial infrastructure such as labour markets, legal transparency, capital markets, and external supply chains. These markets – ranging from the BRIC countries of Brasil, Russia, India, and China, to myriad countries in Africa, Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East – are now the most dynamic economies in the world. Firms based in these countries are adopting strategies that partly reflect what we have come to think of as traditional business strategy, but also incorporate important elements of strategy that arise from the distinct conditions of their home countries. The course explores similarities and key differences of business strategy in these emerging market environments.
We will explore multiple factors that create differences in both kind and intensity of strategies in emerging markets. Three dominant issues arise at the centre of the factors: Internalisation incentives, political strategies, and rapid transitions of complementary and competitive strategies. In turn, these issues lead to a range of questions involving supply chains and human resources, cost structure pressures, flexibility and uncertainty, and other dimensions of strategy. We will explore how firms based in emerging markets around the world have developed strategies to deal with these issues, sometimes successfully, other times struggling to compete effectively at home and abroad.
We approach the issues from the perspective of firms based in the emerging market economies. Of course, the issues are also relevant for firms based in established market economies that are competing with emerging markets firms, either in their home markets or as they expand around the world. The core point, from whichever perspective, is to understand the nature of competitive strategy in contemporary emerging markets.
Most generally, the course adopts the perspective of managers within the corporation, business, division, plant, or other operating unit who must mesh their individual actions and responsibilities with the overall objectives of the firm. During the course, we will focus on the perspectives and skills required to diagnose and find realistic solutions for critical problems in complex business situations. In doing so, he course deals with issues of both managerial effectiveness and business efficiency, with "doing the right things" as well as "doing things right."
The course is aimed at all managers, whether you have general management responsibilities or work within a specialist position. Due to increasing complexity and specialization, it is critically important that specialists acquire the capability to perceive the company as a whole, to understand its mission, and to work effectively with specialists in other functions within the company or within the company's business partners. You need to know the general purposes that you serve as a specialist in order to manage well.
The course has several core premises. Strategic management involves decisions that require long-term commitments of resources that influence firm-wide actions and performance. Strategic management is integrative, in that it draws on multiple people and resources within and across firms. Strategy often requires quick responses to short-lived opportunities. Strategy is often ambiguous, but requires that you act in the face of the ambiguity.
In order to capture the pragmatic, action-oriented nature of strategic management, we teach this course through the case method, supplemented with readings, lectures, and discussions. Our objective is for you to develop your personal synthesis and approaches for identifying and solving the key problems that you face as business managers.


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Electric Hellride: Charged
25/01/11 || revenant
Since joining GD as a writer I have become something I never expected to be: familiar with the Danish metal scene (I guess it puts me in great stead if I ever travel there and want to see a show). First there was Mordax, then Raunchy and now my third Danish release in six months in Electric Hellride.
Yeah, Electric Hellride (from this point on referred to EH). Pretty lame name, I know. I guess "Sonic Rollercoaster" was already taken and "Audio Rough Trip" was out of the question for being complete shit, but the alternative they took is steeped in crapness if ever a band's name was. But hey, it's not the name that matters, it's the music, right?
From the opening moments of this demo one thing is clear: this is one rocking release. Big crunching riffs blast from the speakers, sounding a little Swedish in their guitar tone (and backed by some fucken beautiful sounding production I might add) and laden with wicked groove, with ace bass and drumming to match. The music is hard rock, though with the odd thrash or death metal flourish to give it added edge. It's quite an ace sounding record, and I'd raving further about it if it wasn't for the crap vocals.
Yep, sadly these guys are brought down by what is essentially a shitty vocal performance. These vocals are the worst thing I've heard since… well, since I heard the name of the band (ha!). Half yelled, half growled and really awful sounding voice, the best thing this band can do from here is look for a proper full time vocalist, because musically they are in a pretty good place.
All in all this is a pretty solid release despite the shitty vocals, and if future work from these here fuckos found its way to GD I would again put my hand up for it. EH have demonstrated enough talent and strong songwriting (check out "Unleash", one of the most rockingest hook laden tracks you're likely to hear this year) in this demo to be a band to keep on your radar.
Now if I may borrow from Altmer to close this review off:
Recommendation: Get a new vocalist. Everything else is sounding great.
- Information
- Released: 2010
- Website: Electric Hellride MySpace
- Band
- Caper Wild: vocals, bass
- Nick Damn: guitars
- Ancent Van Rock: guitars
- Bryan Idol: drums
- Tracklist
- 01. Obsessive Aggression
- 02. Installing the Virus
- 03. Unleash
- 04. Fighting Alone


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Flame-Retardant Alternatives for DecaBDE Partnership
About This Project | Milestones | Participants
DfE has convened a multi-stakeholder partnership to explore the human health and environmental profiles of functional and viable alternatives to decabromodiphenyl ether (decaBDE), a chemical of potential concern. Participation of all interest groups is aimed at ensuring that the full range of views are considered from the start of the project and that they are incorporated appropriately into the project objective and methodology. The goal is for the resulting information to help inform the process of substituting to safer alternatives, with reduced health and environmental concerns, for decaBDE.
DecaBDE is a flame retardant used widely in a number of materials to meet flammability standards. Uses of DecaBDE include electronics, wire and cable, building materials, automotive and aviation parts, shipping pallets, and textile coatings.
Why is DfE conducting an alternatives assessment?
EPA is concerned that certain polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), are persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic to both humans and the environment. This concern extends to decaBDE, which breaks down into other PBDE congeners. Various PBDEs have been studied for ecotoxicity in mammals, birds, fish, and invertebrates. In some cases, current levels of PBDE exposure for wildlife may be at or near adverse effect levels. Human exposure to decaBDE can occur through the diet, at the workplace, and in the home. In December 2009, the largest commercial producers and suppliers of decaBDE in the United States agreed to phase out use of the chemical by 2012.
How do I get more information?
If you are interested in participating in this partnership, or if you would like more information, please contact Emma Lavoie of DfE at 202-564-0951 or firstname.lastname@example.com.


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Did you get to the Chicago Comics and Entertainment Expo this weekend? Well, neither did we. Fortunately, the internet has provided all the C2E2 cosplay that we could ever want to look at. So let's look at it! Read More
Community Report Season 5 Episode 11 "G.I. Jeff"
Imaginary Britta is right, and only imaginary Britta.
Community was back this week after a one week hiatus, and it was worth the wait. They did another animated episode, and this one was an incredible G.I. Joe homage. It mixed hilarious, loving critique on classic cartoon shows (did Cobra really walk around saying "Cobra" like they're Pokémon?) with some pretty great metaphors for growing up.
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Episode 24 of The Geekosystem Podcast "Expletive Not Deleted" Is Here!
Wherein we really earn our iTunes "Explicit" label.
On this week's podcast, we try to carry on without Victoria to talk about RiffTrax, Fateful Findings, and we swear a bunch to talk about why people don't swear on The Walking Dead and most other television. Of course, we also have your Editors' Picks for this week.
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Get Back To Basics With This Pop Culture Alphabet
This charming series is the work of Jeff Victor, whose art we've featured previously. If you have young ones this might benefit -- or an empty spot on your grown-up wall -- he's got a poster print available for sale. The V, W, and X panel makes for an interesting discussion piece on the signature outfits of female characters, wouldn't you say?
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Cobra Commander, Drop the Bass! Here's a G.I. Joe Rap About Cobra
It's the first track off an entire Cobra album, and we're so happy right now.
Meet Wordburglar. He's put together an album of G.I. Joe/Cobra-themed rap songs called Welcome to Cobra Island. The first single is called "Rap Viper," and it's pretty great. It tells the story of Cobra's in-house rapper, because of course they have an in-house rapper. Well done, Wordburglar. We're looking forward to the album.
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Want To Live At G.I. Joe Headquarters? You'll Have To Move to Staten Island [Infographic]
General Hawk just got a lot less cooler.
Normally we love it when Movoto calculates where and how expensive our favorite fictional real estate will be. Except this time around, they're totally compromising government secrets -- don't publish the exact location of the G.I. Joe command center, guys! What if Cobra Commander finds out?
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G.I. Joe: Retaliation Meets The Artist in This Trailer
The trailer for G.I. Joe: Retaliation doesn't exactly fill me with joy, but I suppose a G.I. Joe movie is better than no G.I. Joe movie. To make the world a better place to live in, if only for three minutes, YouTube user Kidd Jahmann recut the trailer to make it look like Retaliation is more like The Artist than the first G.I. Joe movie. It probably won't help the final product any, but at least it makes the trailer watchable.
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Hollywood Is Still Developing Hasbro's Hungry Hungry Hippos, Monopoly Into Films
Oh Hollywood
Yes, I created a meme just for this story. Deal with it. Read More -
Hollywood Weirdness of the Day: Imminent G.I. Joe Sequel Pushed Back Nine Months
Oh Hollywood
We haven't done a lot of coverage of G.I. Joe: Retaliation here, for a number of reasons. None of the editors are huge fans of G.I. Joe, so it's difficult to write about it with knowledge. The first movie... uh... was not considered to be that great. And while I found the trailer really amusing, with its transparent excitement over having Bruce Willis in the movie, it wasn't amusing enough to get me interested in the movie. But now G.I. Joe: Retaliation has done something really interesting, really inexplicable, and quite possibly really stupid. Yesterday, Retaliation was one month and five days from release. Today, it is ten months and four days from release.
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Interview: Christy Marx, Creator of Jem and the Holograms
Christy Marx has made a name for herself in the writing field. Working on animated series from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to G.I. Joe, video games, comics and more, Ms. Marx proves to be both a talented writer and visionary. Winner of the AWC-WGA Animation Writing Award, affiliated member of Women in Animation, author of her own 'how-to' book Writing for Animation, Comics, and Games as well as guest lecturer and workshop instructor on several occasions, Marx's list of achievements seems endless. As some should know, Marx's greatest and best known achievement has been being the creator/writer of the popular 80's animated series Jem and the Holograms. Since its recent re-airing on The Hub, speculation of a possible Jem reboot and movie have surfaced. In order to put some of these rumors to rest it was only right to go to the source: Christy herself. She was kind enough to answer a few questions for The Mary Sue including her affinity for comics, her take on working on Jem and the Holograms, if Hasbro will ever turn it into a movie and some wise words of wisdom to you budding writers. Theresa Romano: How did the concept of Jem and the Holograms come about? Was it a collaborative effort with Hasbro, or was it solely your creation? Read More


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For generations, marketing has been hypocritical. We've been taught to market to others in ways we hate being marketed to (cold-calling, flyers, ads, etc.). So why do we still keep trying the same stale marketing moves?
UnMarketing shows you how to unlearn the old ways and consistently attract and engage the right customers. You'll stop just pushing out your message and praying that it sticks somewhere. Potential and current customers want to be listened to, validated, and have a platform to be heard-especially online. With UnMarketing, you'll create such a relationship with your customers, and make yourself the logical choice for their needs.
Traditional marketing methods are leading to diminishing returns and disaffected customers. The answer? Stop marketing, start UnMarketing!
Amazon.com Review
From one of the leading experts in viral and social marketing-market your business effectively to today's customers
Seven Deadly Social Media Sins to Avoid Amazon-exclusive content from author Scott Stratten
The thing that makes me shake my head the most in the world of social media is the fact that we try to over-complicate it. Although the tools may be new and virtual, nothing has changed.
People do business first with those they like, know and trust. Social media is as simple as looking at it as a networking event without the need to drive there or the chance of getting cornered by the "creepy guy with scotch." It's about connection and conversation. Even if you don't believe that, it's a heck of a listening tool to see what your target marketing/customers/competitors are talking about. If I offered you a tool 10 years ago that allowed you to do what social media does today, you would have paid $20,000 a month to access it and today it's free.
So just try to avoid these seven deadly social media sins, and you'll do just fine:
Gluttony Everyone wants a truckload of followers, a mass-amount of Facebook fans, and a LinkedIn rolodex of thousands. But, especially if you're just starting out, trying to be everything everywhere at once will only dilute your presence and not allow for any momentum. Pick one social media platform and live there first. Build up your presence. Once you get comfortable and feel you have a good audience, then expand to a second one.
Sloth Checking your Twitter account once a month won't cut it. Trying to have presence on Facebook without being present is a surefire way of having your page taken over by spammers. If you're going to jump into the social media pool, you need to have consistent presence. If you only can commit five hours a week to it, it's better to spend it 45 minutes every day than 5 hours once a week. If it takes you longer to reply to a tweet than it would to mail a letter, you're doing it wrong.
Greed Social media isn't a new medium to try to push ineffective old marketing messages. It truly is a different world. People are there to build relationships, not buy your stuff (initially). Setting up an automated Twitter program to tweet for you and automatically add followers is a great way to say to people "We don't actually care what you're saying, just buy from us." It would be like sending a mannequin to a networking event with your company logo on it. Yeah, creepy.
Wrath One of the nice things about social media is its casual, conversational nature. The problem is sometimes people let their guard down and remove their filter. Never say anything in social media that you don't want to see on a billboard with your name, logo, face, and phone number attached, with your client/boss/mother driving by. Google never forgets and social media updates are indexed rather quickly. This has nothing to do with "free speech" but more "what do I want my brand to be associated with."
Lust I know last weekend in Vegas was "the bomb" because you made out with a "hottie" and you were "so drunk" you threw up in your shoes, but I'm not sure we all need to know that. And inviting me to your Facebook group on how to tone my buns is flattering and all, but remember to try and be professional, at least when it comes to a topic like this. Being human is awesome, being perverted isn't.
Envy Looking at Lady GaGa having millions of Twitter followers is not going to help your self-esteem when you only have 40. Don't compare your fans/followers/connections count to other organizations. You don't know how engaged they are with them (the more important trait) and you don't know how they got to that number. Focus on creating quality connections, make great content, and your audience will grow organically.
Pride There is nothing wrong with being proud of your upcoming teleseminar that may be a disguise for a pitch fest. There is something wrong when you post the notice about it on my Facebook wall, my company wall, and send it as a direct message. It's social media spam and it needs to stop. Even worse is tagging people just so they'll think it's about them and they will come look, or inviting your entire Facebook network to your event in San Jose tomorrow night when most live so far away, they would never come. Take a little bit of time and target event invites.


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The general debate of the 64th session of the General Assembly started on September 23, 2009, with the participation of over one hundred Heads of State and Government. It was preceded on September 22 by the largest summit ever held on climate change.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy participated in both events. He was accompanied by Bernard Kouchner, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs.
22 September 2009 - Speech delivered by French President Nicolas Sarkozy at the United Nations Summit on Climate Change
(translation of statement made in French)
Today, we have only 87 days left to succeed or fail. From the unanimous scientists, we know that global warming is a reality. No one can dispute this reality.
We know that we have to limit it to 2


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@anon88017 No, an annuity is just a fixed set of payments set over a period of time (often the remainder of someone's life). An indexed annuity is tied so some outside index, say the S&P500. If the market goes up significantly, the annuitant can receive increased payments, but there is often a cap. Similarly, there is often a floor, usually set at zero, which means that the annuitant cannot lose money.
When you invest in an equity index fund, there is no cap and no floor so the potential for gain is higher, but the potential for loss is greater as well. With an indexed annuity, your upside and downside risks are contained.