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Rye – medieval gem of the Cinque Ports
One of the best preserved medieval towns in England, Rye is home to the enchanting cobbled Mermaid Street, the impressive Norman church of St Mary's, a rich selection of specialist shops and a thriving fishing fleet. The famous Mermaid Inn was once the haunt of notorious smugglers, the Hawkhurst Gang. Camber Castle, built by Henry VIII is located in the dramatic Rye Harbour Nature Reserve.
Rye was once surrounded on three sides by the sea and its maritime heritage dates back to Norman times. To defend it against frequent attacks from the French, Rye became an 'antient town' of the powerful Cinque Ports Confederation.
Take time to discover its architectural treasures and narrow passageways. Climb the tower of St Mary's Parish Church for fine views to Rye Harbour Nature Reserve and the beautiful hilltop town of Winchelsea, with its maze of medieval wine cellars.
Rye has always been a magnet for writers and artists. Lamb House, a National Trust property, was once the home of Henry James and later E.F.Benson, creator of the Mapp and Lucia books. The artists Paul Nash, Edward Burra and Captain Pugwash creator, John Ryan all lived in Rye. Today a wealth of art and photography galleries thrives in the town.


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John Mitchell says Saru's handling of the Southern Kings saga has been poor and unfair and believes a Cats merger will be the best way forward.
It's been four months and 14 days since Saru dropped the bomb that the Kings will play Super Rugby in 2013. While the decision is great news for the Eastern Cape region, the fact that the national union made this decision without a solution as to how all six franchises will be accommodated next season, and its delay in announcing one, has caused more harm than good.
Saru has asked Sanzar for permission to enter all six teams next year. But this request was declined because of Super Rugby's broadcasting commitment to the current 15-team conference format that only expires in 2015. Saru then planned a rescue mission trip to Australasia in March and put together a delegation that it believed could convince its partners to reconsider. However, this never materialised.
This lack of progress has caused a lot of speculation within the South African rugby fraternity and media. There have been talks of a relegation process, with the Lions picked as the likely option for the drop because of their poor Super Rugby record, while there also suggestions that the Lions and Cheetahs should play as the Cats again, like they did from 1998-2005.
Saru has set a date on 17 May to meet with all local franchises to discuss the Kings debacle. However, Lions head coach John Mitchell has criticised the union for their poor handling of the matter.
'As a national body, Saru should be more transparent about their thought process,' Mitchell told keo.co.za from New Zealand. 'It should have made a decision on how the Kings will be accommodated by now so that all the parties can plan ahead. It [the criticism] is not something one wants to talk about, but Saru needed to be clearer and it is being unfair on all the teams, players and management being speculated about.'
So what is the best way forward, from a Lions point of view? Mitchell believes the Cheetahs and Lions should merge to create a franchise that will boast quality depth and compete for the title.
'South African rugby should be entering teams into Super Rugby that have a strong chance of winning the competition. As separate franchises, the Cheetahs and Lions have struggled, especially when there are injuries. If we had to combine teams, we would have a squad strong enough to deal with issues and that will be capable of winning on a regular basis.'
The initial Cats initiative broke down because of financial and logistic issues. Both teams complained about living out of hotels, being away from their families, while the two unions had to share the profits accumulated. There is also the question about appointing a management team.
Mitchell argued that these issues can be resolved.
'The problems you mention are just hurdles in the way of the best solution. If the necessary input is given by both teams, we can build a strong community and culture, and appoint strong leaders to take this merger forward.
'We have a similar structure in New Zealand, where players from different provinces – sometimes five different teams – have to play as one Super Rugby franchise. This is what I experienced when playing for the Chiefs, and look how they're doing now. The Cats were also once successful, so there are no reasons why they can't achieve similar results if the necessary work is done.
'In terms of management, we have to offer the player the best resources to work with. So a management team that consists of coaches from both the Lions and Cheetahs will have to be drawn up. I won't mind working with the Cheetahs coaches.'
In the past, Cheetahs CEO Harold Verster and other management have argued strongly against the possibility of merging with the Lions. But considering the threat of relegation and Saru hosting a meeting with all South African franchise next week, Verster did not rule out the possibility of an amalgamation.
'We are joining Saru and the other franchises for a meeting on 17 May,' Verster also told this site. 'We will not comment on this matter until we have discussed the situation with the other parties. Once there is more clarity, we can speak about possible steps forward.'
By Gareth Duncan

subset: commoncrawl


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On 9th September 2013, 101 chicks arrived at the laboratory – they were just one day old. Within days of arriving, before the experiment even began, 15 chicks had died.
A second chicken experiment started during November 2013. This time the chicks were hatched from eggs on site. One hundred chicks were used in the experiment. They were killed in January 2014 at just 8 weeks old.
These poor chicks spent their short lives cooped up in the sterile environment of a laboratory. They never got to feel the sun on their feathers or scratch around in the ground.
But the BUAV was able to help a lucky few. Our investigator managed to rescue some of the chickens and the BUAV has placed them in safe forever homes where they can play under the sky, enjoy a dust bath, and forage in the earth.
During the BUAV investigation, thirty rabbits arrived on 1st November 2013. On 3rd November, three rabbits were found dead. Days later, a further rabbit was found dead and after one week on 13th November, another was unable to stand and was killed for welfare reasons.
During the experiment some of the rabbits suffered with swollen eyes, black tumours on their genitals, eyes and noses, swollen, lumpy ears and laboured breathing. They had to be killed due to the severity of their symptoms.
On 9th December, the remaining young rabbits were bled by cardiac puncture under anaesthetic and then killed by lethal injection.
Our investigation has uncovered that even calves were used in experiments.
The calves arrived at the laboratory at around 2 weeks old, and were shot to death around 6 months later. During their short lives they were kept for long periods in small stalls.
Calves, chicks and rabbits don't belong in laboratories. They should be able to enjoy a life of freedom outdoors.
Please help the BUAV end the appalling killing of the animals born to die in UK laboratories.


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At a Glance
Why Get Tested?
To screen for or diagnose infection with the herpes simplex virus (HSV)
When to Get Tested?
If you have symptoms of an infection with HSV, such as blisters in the genital area, or symptoms of viral meningitis; if you have certain risk factors
Sample Required?
A swab or scraping from a blister or sore in the infected area or a blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm; for meningitis or encephalitis, a sample of cerebrospinal fluid
Test Preparation Needed?
The Test Sample
What is being tested?
Herpes simplex virus testing is performed to identify an acute herpes infection or to detect herpes antibodies, an indication of a previous exposure to herpes. One of the most common viral infections, herpes simplex virus (HSV) exists as two main types, HSV-1 and HSV-2. Both types are contagious and periodically cause small fever blisters (vesicles) that break to form open lesions. HSV-1 primarily causes blisters or "cold sores" around the oral cavity and mouth, while HSV-2 usually causes lesions around the genital area; however, either one can affect the oral or genital area.
The herpes simplex virus can be passed from person to person through skin contact while the sores are open and healing and sometimes when there are no visible sores. HSV-2 is frequently a sexually transmitted disease, but HSV-1 also may be acquired during oral sex and found in the genital area. According to the American Sexual Health Association and its Herpes Resource Center, about 50% of adults in the U.S. have HSV-1 and about 17% have HSV-2. Because symptoms may be mild, however, 90% of those who have HSV-2 may be unaware that they have been infected.
When someone is first infected, the person may have obvious and painful blisters at the site of infection, which usually appear within two weeks after the virus is transmitted. The lesions generally heal within two to four weeks. The blisters can appear in the vaginal area, on the penis, around the anus, or on the buttocks or thighs. This primary episode can include a second outbreak of blisters and even flu-like symptoms such as fever and swollen glands. However, not everyone develops blisters, and sometimes symptoms are so mild that they are unnoticeable or mistaken for something else, such as insect bites or a rash.
Once someone is infected and the initial infection resolves, the person will harbor the HSV in a latent form. During periods of stress or illness, the virus may reactivate.
People with conditions that cause their immune system to be suppressed, such as those with HIV/AIDS or those who have had an organ transplant, may have more frequent and serious outbreaks of HSV. While there is no cure for herpes, antiviral medications can suppress outbreaks and shorten the duration of symptoms and active shedding of virus.
Rarely, the virus can cause neonatal herpes when a woman transmits the virus to her baby during a vaginal delivery. Neonatal herpes symptoms appear during the first month of life and, if left untreated, can cause long-term damage to a baby's health. A pregnant woman who has been diagnosed with herpes may be monitored regularly prior to delivery to identify a reactivation of her infection, which would indicate the necessity for a caesarean section to avoid infecting the baby.
The herpes simplex virus can be transmitted to the brain, causing encephalitis. This illness can be fatal or cause serious, permanent neurological problems in those who survive.
Testing Methods
HSV testing detects the virus itself, its viral DNA, or antibodies to the virus. During an acute primary infection or reactivation, the virus may be detected by:
- Herpes culture. A sample of fluid is collected via swab from an open sore and inoculated into cells that allow the virus to grow. Once the the virus is detected, it can be further Identified as HSV-1 or HSV-2, which may be useful for prognosis. This test is sensitive and specific, but it takes two or more days to complete. False negatives can occur if there is not enough active virus in the test sample, which can occur if the lesion is cultured more than 48 hours after the symptoms appear.
- HSV DNA testing or HSV PCR. This method detects HSV genetic material in a patient's sample from the blister, blood, or other fluid, such as spinal fluid. DNA testing is usually done only if the culture is negative but the practitioner still suspects herpes, or if the patient has received treatment for herpes. This method can detect the virus as well as identify the type of herpes virus. Because this test is more sensitive than culture, it is useful in circumstances where the virus is present in low numbers (such as viral encephalitis) or if the lesion is several days old. This is the best method to detect HSV meningitis, encephalitis, or keratitis (inflammation of the cornea).
- HSV antibody testing. Antibodies to HSV are specific proteins that the body creates and releases into the bloodstream to fight the infection. HSV IgM antibody production begins several days after a primary (initial) HSV infection and may be detectable in the blood for several weeks. HSV IgG antibody production begins after HSV IgM production. Concentrations rise for several weeks, slowly decline, and then stabilize in the blood. Once someone has been infected with HSV, they will continue to produce small quantities of HSV IgG. HSV antibody testing can detect both viral types (HSV-1 and HSV-2), and tests are available that can detect the early IgM antibodies as well as the IgG antibodies that remain forever in those who have been exposed.
How is the sample collected for testing?
Your health care practitioner will take a swab or scraping from a blister or sore in the genital area. A sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) may be collected from the spinal column when meningitis or encephalitis is suspected. For antibody testing, a blood sample is obtained by inserting a needle into a vein in the arm.
NOTE: If undergoing medical tests makes you or someone you care for anxious, embarrassed, or even difficult to manage, you might consider reading one or more of the following articles: Coping with Test Pain, Discomfort, and Anxiety, Tips on Blood Testing, Tips to Help Children through Their Medical Tests, and Tips to Help the Elderly through Their Medical Tests.
Another article, Follow That Sample, provides a glimpse at the collection and processing of a blood sample and throat culture.
Is any test preparation needed to ensure the quality of the sample?
No test preparation is needed.
The Test
Common Questions
Ask a Laboratory Scientist
Form temporarily unavailable
Due to a dramatic increase in the number of questions submitted to the volunteer laboratory scientists who respond to our users, we have had to limit the number of questions that can be submitted each day. Unfortunately, we have reached that limit today and are unable to accept your inquiry now. We understand that your questions are vital to your health and peace of mind, and recommend instead that you speak with your doctor or another healthcare professional. We apologize for this inconvenience.
This was not an easy step for us to take, as the volunteers on the response team are dedicated to the work they do and are often inspired by the help they can provide. We are actively seeking to expand our capability so that we can again accept and answer all user questions. We will accept and respond to the same limited number of questions tomorrow, but expect to resume the service, 24/7, as soon as possible.
Article Sources
NOTE: This article is based on research that utilizes the sources cited here as well as the collective experience of the Lab Tests Online Editorial Review Board. This article is periodically reviewed by the Editorial Board and may be updated as a result of the review. Any new sources cited will be added to the list and distinguished from the original sources used.
Sources Used in Current Review
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Genital Herpes - CDC Fact Sheet. Available online at http://www.cdc.gov/std/Herpes/STDFact-herpes-detailed.htm through http://www.cdc.gov. Page last reviewed September 6, 2012. Accessed January 2013.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sexually Transmitted Disease Treatment Guidelines: Diseases Characterized by Genital, Anal, or Perianal Ulcers. Available online at http://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment/2010/genital-ulcers.htm#hsv through http://www.cdc.gov. Page last reviewed January 28, 2011. Accessed January 2013.
American Sexual Health Association. Fast Facts. Available online at http://www.ashastd.org/std-sti/Herpes/learn-about-herpes.html through http://www.ashastd.org. Copyright 2012. Accessed January 2013.
Boston Children's Hospital. Neonatal Herpes Simplex. Available online at http://bostonchildrenshospital.org/az/Site3235/mainpageS3235P0.html through http://bostonchildrenshospital.org. Copyright 2005-2011. Accessed January 2013.
WebMD. Genital Herpes Health Center: Herpes Test. Available online at http://www.webmd.com/genital-herpes/herpes-tests through http://www.webmd.com. Last updated December 21, 2010. Accessed January 2013.
Sources Used in Previous Reviews
Thomas, Clayton L., Editor (1997). Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary. F.A. Davis Company, Philadelphia, PA [18th Edition].
Pagana, Kathleen D. & Pagana, Timothy J. (2001). Mosby's Diagnostic and Laboratory Test Reference 5th Edition: Mosby, Inc., Saint Louis, MO.
(2004 May 24, Updated). Genital Herpes. CDC, STD Facts & Information, National Center for HIV, STD and TB Prevention, Division of Sexually Transmitted Diseases [On-line information]. Available online at http://www.cdc.gov/std/Herpes/STDFact-Herpes.htm through http://www.cdc.gov.
Wener, K. (2004 February 3, Updated). Herpes genital (genital Herpes simplex). MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia [On-line information]. Available online at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000857.htm.
(2004 May, Updated). Herpes: What It Is and How to Deal With It. AAFP familydoctor.org [On-line information]. Available online at http://familydoctor.org/x5050.xml.
(2003 November 21, Updated). Genital Herpes. NIAID Fact Sheet [On-line information]. Available online at http://www.niaid.nih.gov/factsheets/stdherp.htm through http://www.niaid.nih.gov.
(2004). Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). ARUP's Guide to Clinical Laboratory Testing [On-line information]. Available online at http://www.arup-lab.com/guides/clt/tests/clt_a281.jsp#1151353 through http://www.arup-lab.com.
(2003 August 07). Mayo Clinic Staff. Genital herpes. MayoClinic.com [On-line information]. Available online at http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?id=DS00179 through http://www.mayoclinic.com.
(2000 May 17). Herpes Simplex Virus DNA UltraRapid 24 hr turn around. Specialty Laboratories [On-line test information]. PDF available for download at http://www.specialtylabs.com/education/download_PDF/tn_1106.pdf through http://www.specialtylabs.com.
(2004). Sevall, J. and Blum, R. Herpes Simplex Viruses. Specialty Laboratories, Use and Interpretation of Laboratory Tests Books [On-line information]. Available online at http://www.specialtylabs.com/books/display.asp?id=367 through http://www.specialtylabs.com.
(2001). Herpes: Get the Facts. ASHA National Herpes Resource Center [On-line information]. Available online at http://www.ashastd.org/hrc/educate.html through http://www.ashastd.org.
(2004 May 24). Herpes More Prevalent Than Thought. MedlinePlus by UPI [On-line News]. Available online (until June 23 2004) at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_17929.html.
Wu, A. (2006). Tietz Clinical Guide to Laboratory Tests, Fourth Edition. Saunders Elsevier, St. Louis, Missouri. Pp 1568-1569.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Genital Herpes - CDC Fact Sheet. Available online at http://www.cdc.gov/std/Herpes/STDFact-Herpes.htm through http://www.cdc.gov. Accessed July 2009.
Hunt, Richard. Virology: Herpes Viruses (Chapter 11). Microbiology and Immunology On-line. University of South Carolina School of Medicine. Available online at http://pathmicro.med.sc.edu/virol/herpes.htm through http://pathmicro.med.sc.edu. Accessed July 2009.
Lifestyle from Yahoo Canada. Herpes virus - 8 types. Available online at http://health.lifestyle.yahoo.ca/channel_section_details.asp?text_id=1364&channel_id=1028&relation_id=22614 through http://health.lifestyle.yahoo.ca. Accessed July 2009.
Deborah Fornstrom, M.T. (ASCP). The Children's Hospital, Aurora, CO.
Kristi Lookner, M.T. (ASCP). The Children's Hospital, Aurora, CO.


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While this story certainly has a premise with plety of potential, I'm sorry to say I found the writing a bit mediocre and uninspired, and even a littl..Show More »
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I enjoyed this novella and getting to peek into Puck's mind. I've always secretly been Team Puck.
Josh Hurley does a good job as Puck, and s..Show More »
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Electronic Handle set with Georgian Knob from the Camelot Collection
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Addison Disease Center - Gulfport, MS
Gulfport Endocrinologist Doctors for Addison Disease
Type of Physician: Endocrinologist
What is a Endocrinologist?
A subspecialty certification by the Board of Internal Medicine; practitioners treat disorders of the internal (endocrine) glands such as the thyroid and adrenal glands. Endocrinology also deals with disorders such as diabetes, metabolic and nutritional disorders, pituitary diseases, and menstrual and sexual problems.
Specialty: Endocrinology
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Endocrinologist Doctors in Gulfport *
Memorial Gulfport Endocrinology
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The WebMD 'Provider Directory' is provided by WebMD for use by the general public as a quick reference of information about Providers. The Provider Directory is not intended as a tool for verifying the credentials, qualifications, or abilities of any Provider contained therein. Inclusion in the Provider Directory does not imply recommendation or endorsement nor does omission in the Provider Directory imply WebMD disapproval.


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I feel sorry for Retribution paladins. Every beta, Blizzard overpowers Retribution, and ends up scaling it back for live, thus disappointing all the paladins who are watching eagerly.
WotLK appears to be continuing that trend. Retribution is sick right now. I'm testing on Quel'Danas, and level 70 mobs die instantly. Judgement, Crusader Strike, Divine Storm, dead mob. I'm not even in that amazing gear. I'm in T4 with a Gorehowl. I'd hate to see what the T6/Sunwell people are capable of.
So far, Ret is extremely good for soloing. Judgements of the Wise returns a fair bit of mana to the paladin. Basically, right now there is close to zero downtime with Retribution.
The biggest Retribution news out of beta are the massive 15K - 20K Judgement of Command crits Retribution is capable of. This is not an exaggeration. My best crit so far was 12.5K, and that was without trying. In better gear, pop Avenging Wrath and trinkets, and I can easily see coming close to 20K.
What's really weird about these crits is that they are somewhat controllable. The Art of War is procced off a Crusader Strike. So you wait for Art of War to proc, then stun and Judge Seal of Command. And since Fanaticism gives you +25% crit chance, that puts the chance for Command to crit at over 50%. Between the Art of War proc and Fanaticism, this burst is oddly reliable.
All in all, I think Retribution is headed for a nerf. And there will be much wailing and gnashing of teeth on the Paladin forums.
Monday, July 28, 2008
WotLK Beta - Retribution
I feel sorry for Retribution paladins. Every beta, Blizzard overpowers Retribution, and ends up scaling it back for live, thus disappointing all the paladins who are watching eagerly.
12 comments:
- puppybrother said...
Oh, almost certainly, which is really annoying.
I'd love for Ret to not have the mandatory lol in front of it.
- 4:39 PM, July 28, 2008
- Green Armadillo said...
It's funny, cause I've been playing with the Death Knight and I was thinking that it was grossly overpowered compared to my live characters (notably my similar-leveled DPS warrior). Did they launch the beta with high numbers across the board, planning to nerf stuff down to size later? Or is everyone really going to be that much better at killing? I guess we'll know in a few months....
- 5:15 PM, July 28, 2008
- Klepsacovic said...
Nerfing 20k judgements is reasonable. I wouldn't complain. I only hope that they don't nerf much else. Last time we got such a big buff the devs didn't look down the road to see that it would end up balancing out with the addition of resilience and extreme weakness against healers. Maybe now they will see that and not repeat their mistake.
- 5:19 PM, July 28, 2008
- Micah said...
If MMO-Champion is correct then there was a nerf but not that bad. Art of War doesn't cause Judgements to do double damage anymore but I actually like the new talent quite a lot.
I have been Ret since early 1.0 and have been on the roller-coaster you mentioned. My feeling is different this time. I didn't roll a paladin and spec ret to be the king of damage. I would have rolled a pure DPS class if that were the case. I rolled a paladin because I like the idea of a hybrid.
The problems with hybrids has been that they either have to spec into a role at the cost of gimping the others or be overpowered at everything (::cough:: druids ::cough::)
I think that some of the changes Blizzard is making in Wrath are finally making hybrids viable. Things like the combining of Crit/Spell Crit, Spl Dmg/Healing and so forth enables hybrids to shine.
For Ret in particular, in my current PVE gear I have 34% crit and 2300 AP. This is gonna translate into a 34% heal crit rate and about 700-800 SP (which from what i have read is going to be comparable to haveing about 1400 +heals in the live game.
Couple that with my crits triggering an HoT and suddenly it is worth my mana to throw out a heal.
- 7:50 PM, July 28, 2008
- Dazanna said...
Art of War got removed and Righteous Vengeance was nerfed to the floor, but ret is still looking strong. As this is beta I'm sure things will continue to change and I see no reason for people to jump on the QQboat because something was toned down in one build.
- 11:00 PM, July 28, 2008
- Josh said...
Yup, false hope, QQ and such.
My only hope for the beta is that the devs find *balance*. If rets land on the shores of Northrend overpowered, I'll be just as unhappy as if they gimp off the boats.
Because if they land overpowered, you KNOW the nerf bat will be a-swingin' soon.
It's amazing how difficult it is to balance paladins historically...
- 6:33 AM, July 29, 2008
- Dunk said...
If they would give Ret's a proper chance I would love to go back to mine.
But when wotlk goes live i bet it will be the same dead class!
- 6:49 AM, July 29, 2008
- Anonymous said...
Don't know if I'm just behind the curve or what, but I just looked at the latest changes to the talents for WotLK on Blizzard's site that were updated this afternoon at 12:30ish PST.
It looks like Art of War was changed to not do double damage, and then changed back again to have the double damage chance again with this latest modification to talents.
Like I said, I'm not sure if I'm just falling behind or what. Just thought you'd find it interesting.
-Dy, Turalyon, Alliance.
- 5:44 PM, July 30, 2008
- Anonymous said...
Yeah I just checked the WotLK talent calculator and the 'old' Art of War is there. Not sure if they changed it back...
- 9:41 AM, July 31, 2008
- Belisarius said...
Coriel, Im eager to know, what actual dps were you outputting whilst AoW was in it's original form, and what are you outputting now in that same gear? Are you running Recount or anything? I'm just hoping we are gonna be more than the 66% damage output coefficient we currently are at compared to dps classes such as rogues, hunter, warlock, mage. Rather hoping we are 80%+ come Wrath.
- 9:52 PM, July 31, 2008
- Rohan said...
I don't have recount or anything running yet. I really should find a damage meter that works in WotLK.
Regardless, the original Art of War didn't really add a great deal of sustained DPS. I estimated it at 1.5% of your total or so. Both versions were essentially PvP talents.
- 10:01 PM, July 31, 2008
- Anonymous said...
I think the art of war shouldn't be nerfed so bad because Mages can do relatively the same thing with pom/pyro which is bound to be much more powerful in wotlk and it's already a 6k shot minimum instantly. Imagine in WOTLK with geared out mages they'll be able to hit over 20k. There are videos of mages hitting over 10k currently even.
Is it so bad that paladins would have something similar?
- 8:34 PM, October 05, 2008


text:
When West Georgia Health CEO Jerry Fulks sums up how the Affordable Care Act is going to affect operations at the hospital, it's quick:
"I don't have a clue," he said, open palms in the air.
Fulks isn't ignorant of the health care act's provisions, and he isn't dismissing the coming regulation.
"I've talked to other hospital CEOs and executives, and no one else does either," Fulks said. "Nothing is finalized. We know what the law said, but that has to be translated into regulations. … The regulations are still being written, the rules are changing right in front of us."
Set to open Tuesday is one of the Affordable Care Act's biggest components – the insurance exchange. The exchange, set to provide a market for those currently uninsured an online source to buy insurance policies that are required to provide coverage for ambulatory patient services, emergency services, hospitalization, maternity and newborn care, mental health and treatment of substance abuse disorders, prescription drugs, rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices, laboratory service, preventive and wellness services and chronic disease management and pediatric services.
The marketplace also offers the assistance of subsidies and tax incentives for those at 400 percent or below the poverty rate. Starting Jan. 1, 2014, anyone without health insurance would be charged a fee on their year-end tax return.
The goal is to have more people insured and able to see primary care physicians, reducing the amount of people seeking care in emergency rooms or going untreated altogether.
How it affects local health care providers
As part of the health care act, providers already received a 2 percent cut in reimbursements for the largest block of patients the hospital has – medicare and medicaid patients. The compensation was that with the exchanges, more insured would mean more business for doctors, Fulks said.
However, the same effect may not be seen by outpatient facilities like Emory-Clark Holder Clinic.
"Initially, it probably will not have a huge impact" for Emory-Clark Holder Clinic, said Dr. David Howard, an associate professor in the department of health policy and management for Emory University. "One way that the the Affordable Care Act finances expansion of coverage is by reducing payments to hospitals. That could eventually take a big bite out of hospitals' revenue, but for an outpatient clinic, they should not see payments reduced."
In theory, if more people are insured, they would be less likely to crowd emergency rooms and more likely to see primary care physicians, which potentially could mean increased traffic to places like Clark Holder Clinic. Some reports even questioned whether there are enough primary-care physicians available to handle a potential inundation of newly insured patients.
"Some people have asked whether more people will flood the health care system, and if so, will they all be able to see a doctor," Howard said. "No one knows yet. In places where it's expanded, like Massachusetts, that largely hasn't been the case. The wait times go up, but not to a ridiculous degree."
Howard said Emory has been acquiring more physicians to increase the variety of health care services it provides.
"Emory traditionally been very specialty-focused organization, like academic medical centers," Howard said. "But primary care will be a bigger focus, partly because of the Affordable Care Act."
Fulks said West Georgia Health has focused on increasing its offerings, upgrading facilities, being more efficient and increasing customer satisfaction over the last several years, but none of those were spurred by the ACA. He said those strategic changes may help the hospital be better equipped for changing trends caused by the health care act.
Change with the exchange?
The health care exchange is a primary component of the Affordable Care Act designed to give residents of each state an online database and marketplace to find insurance policies and sign up for them, as well as qualify for tax credits and subsidies on policies for those eligible.
Fulks said last week he didn't believe the exchanges would make much of a difference in the number of people that are insured, at least in the short term.
"I will predict today that it won't make one bit of difference with the uninsured levels in the state of Georgia," Fulks said.
According to a report released by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Wednesday, a health insurance plan in Georgia will cost an average of $304 a month when purchased on an exchange run by the federal government.
Federal officials said the cheapest silver-level health plan in Georgia will average about $304. Consumers can pick from four levels of coverage, from bronze to platinum. While the plans cover the same benefits and cap out-of-pocket expenses, the lower-tier plans require that consumers pay more in deductibles and co-payments.
Prices can vary depending on where people live, the size of their families, age, tax credits and whether a consumer smokes. For example, a 27-year-old consumer living in Atlanta would pay $188 a month for the low-cost silver plan before a consumer receives tax credits to defray the cost.
If taxpayers do not have health insurance by Jan. 1, according to the Affordable Care Act, they will pay a penalty at the end of the year. The fee for 2014 is 1 percent the applicant's yearly income, or $95 per person - whichever is the higher amount. In 2016, when the act is to be in full effect, the fee is expected to increase to 2.5 percent or $695 – whichever is higher. Those for whom buying a plan would cost more than 8 percent of their household income, or do not make enough to file income taxes are exempt.
"There is no real compulsion for individual citizens to seek that and pay for that coverage today," Fulks said. "The penalty that they would have to pay for not being covered is significantly less than the cost of the premiums."
Fulks said people would likely continue to go uninsured and come to the emergency room when they're sick, because the hospital is required by law to provide emergency care. For those whom the hospital cannot collect from, it has to write off the expense.
The hospital's medical indigent care costs – the amount it loses for unpaid services – have risen significantly. Fulks said when he began at West Georgia Health in 2001, the annual indigent care budget was $12 million, and now it's around $30 million. And those numbers are unpredictable. Last month the hospital had $3 million in indigent charges, which was twice the amount it expected.
Although Fulks' outlook wasn't optimistic, he said he wants the Affordable Care Act to work.
"Anyone in the field wants to see people receive care and ensure patients receive the care they deserve," Fulks said. "In health care today, it's a unique thing, because you can't walk into a grocery store when you're hungry, and because you can't afford groceries, demand they give them to you. Yet in health care, if you come to the ER, we must, by law, attend to your emergency care and make sure you are taken care of."
'Unintended consequences'
According to an analysis by researchers at Stanford School of Medicine and published in the journal Health Affairs, as many as 37 million Americans covered by their employers may be better off with the exchange's government-subsidized insurance plans. However, employers also may choose to stop insuring employees, instead directing them to the exchanges.
"Currently, employers are bearing the cost and they've got to get it under control because it's hitting their bottom line," Fulks said. "So instead they go, 'here's the money, you go to the exchange and pick the policy that fits your needs.' So there's very likely to be a movement from employer-based insurance to employee-based insurance through the exchanges."
Sept. 20, Bloomberg News reported that retail chain Home Depot was dropping coverage for 20,000 part-time employees and directing them to the exchange. It followed similar moves by companies UPS and Trader Joe's.
Troup County has faced a similar problem with the act, which requires any employees who work more than 30 hours per week to be covered. Instead of dropping coverage, however, the county has decided to enforce a cap on part-time employee's hours to ensure they do not work more than 30 hours so they won't have to offer insurance.
County Manager Tod Tentler suggested the move to the County Commission, which approved the move, along with a proposal to hire more part time employees to cover shortages in duties the hourly cap will cause. Tentler said hiring more people to cover the additional hours will be cheaper in the long run than insuring many of the part-time workers, which mostly are in the county's Parks and Recreation and sanitation departments.
Many of the part-time employees are either retired and receive Medicare, or work primarily for another business that covers their insurance, Tentler said.
"Those are hourly positions that were never covered before and if we ended up having to pay for health insurance for those employees … then it would cost more," Tentler said.
Tentler didn't foresee any changes to full-time county employees' insurance with the onset of the Affordable Care Act.
If more employers do drop coverage and leave their employees to opt into the exchange, more people could end up going uninsured.
"The mechanics of the Affordable Care Act are just unfathomable," Fulks said. "We cannot begin to see the unintended consequences that flow out of the regulation."
However, with the current provisions of the Affordable Care Act, Fulks said there will likely be little to no noticeable difference in the immediate future.
"I think for Georgia in the next two to three years, it will be business as usual," Fulks said.
— The Associated Press, Raycom New Network and Reuters contributed to this report.


text:
We will adopt only drains laid for the sole purpose of discharging surface water from the highway. The developer will need to prove a right to discharge surface water from the highway to an existing sewer, a proposed sewer or a water course.
If the highway water discharges into sewers containing roof or yard water (or both) Severn Trent Water Ltd must approve the proposals and they must be included in a sewer Agreement (Section 104 Agreement of the Water Industry Act 1991). In these cases the Council will not adopt a new road until the water company has adopted the sewer.
Where surface water pipes are laid to drain proposed or existing public highways alone, they will remain highway drains and be part of the highway to be adopted. Road gullies and gully connections will be adopted by the Highway Authority as part of the road. No part of any highway drain, manhole, gully, etc., must be positioned closer than 3m from any structure without the prior approval of the Highway Authority.
Highway drains should be situated within the limits of the highway wherever possible. Where any part of a highway drain or gully connection is situated outside of these limits a formal Deed of Easement will be required to allow the Highway Authority to gain access to the land for maintenance and repairs.
The Flood and Water Management Act came into effect in April 2010. The Act takes forward a number of recommendations from the Pitt Review into the 2007 floods. This legislation will be a significant change to the way the industry undertakes adoption of sewers and lateral drains, requirements for bonding and much greater use of sustainable drainage systems. It is likely that the Council will become the SuDS Approval Body (SAB). This will lead to a fundamental shift in the adoption of surface water drainage systems. Further guidance can be obtained from bodies such as DEFRA, NHBC or the water company..
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teknix wrote:conebeckham wrote:So.......atoms have memories?
And the Tree and I are the same? I thought this essence was part of being human, but now you're telling me that it's also part of being a tree?
Dude, look....I am not a tree. A tree cannot post to the internet. Nor can I sprout leaves.
You need to develop discrimination.
I never said you are a tree or are anything for that matter. You are entangled atoms as is a tree. Tree's have energy as well, it is much more subtle and dense than any "qi" you may generate. You can even "draw upon" or "exchange with" the energy of a tree once you realize metta.
This is the kind of statement that will get you labelled as a New Ager. Cone has made some exceedingly cogent points and you would do well to examine them more closely. I don't know what you're into there bud, but it seems to me to have very little to do with Buddhism. If you keep making pronouncements as Truth without working from a Dharmic base, you are going to find all of your posts transferred to the "personal experience" forum.


text:
Long time since my last post....
Been busy lately prepping for this short film. In the process of casting, take a look at the casting breakdown below and if you see a fit, shoot us an email!
FILM TITLE: Shades of Rogue DURATION: 28 MINUTES (SHORT FILM)
DIRECTOR:Thomas Lo PRODUCER: Vincent Lam
CANTONESE SPEAKERS ONLY (no accents)
COMPENSATION: Honorarium offered, amount determined by roleCONTACT: Terence Li (email@example.com) or Mo Cheng (email@example.com)
Please reply with full name, CV, photos, and the role you are auditioning for
The daughter of HK's infamous rogue cop and aspiring private investigator, Mable, is at a loss when her father's old debts lead to the murder of her mother. With the help of a soon-to-be Inspector and the sage guidance of her God Grandfather, she uncovers a truth she never could've imagined,coloring her reality with .
MABLE is a smart kid and possesses an abundant of potential but lacks the drive to be great. Ever since she was a child, her parents encouraged her with problem solving games and activities. She proved time and time again that she indeed had a gift for it. When she lost her father to his own wrongdoing,she blamed everything that has gone wrong in her life on him. The good girl in her vanished after the death of her father. She was in full protection mode as everyone they knew instantly despised her and her mother.
LOK worked with Mable's father at the Tung Chung district for several months before the grizzly crime. After Tsui On died, he slowly made his presence felt in the family,helping them through the aftermath. They were struggling to fight off the scorn from family, friends, media, triad creditors, and strangers alike but Lok stood by them and helped out when and where he could. Unmarried with no children, he's finally being rewarded for years of hard work in the force with a promotion to Inspector,something he has worked for his entire life but not without sacrifices.
After her husband's death, JUN fell into a deep depression. She couldn't handle the bullying and scorn from everyone she knew and wanted to lean on during this difficult time. When Lok started to show up more often to help them out, she would lean on him for strength and advice while Mable started to rebel. Now her only hope is that Mable can find a good job and lead a better life on her own. Jun has given up on herself, still deeply entrenched in depression.
This old man was a father figure and mentor to Tsui On. He and On had a very good relationship that saw them training together when On was getting prepared to be a police officer. He is a very sensible person with a mysterious past. His wife passed on many years ago and has lived alone for the better part of his life. He kept away from the Tsui family as he felt guilty for what had happened to On, taking on the responsibility for what On ended up doing.
A private investigator who is good at what he does but doesn't have the look to go with his outstanding skills. He is overweight, scraggly, an organized mess. He is divorced, has two young children he doesn't care for but misses dearly. Looking for help, he places an ad in the newspaper for an intern who he can groom.
An old schoolmate of Mable's, Mun comes from a poor family and rough upbringing that forced him onto the street and hanging with thugs. He's a small-time criminal trying to make it up the triad ladder. Mun isn't the sharpest tool in the box.
TSUI ON was an introvert who didn't have many friends. His personality seem to hold him back in many instances and was to blame for his constant failure to secure a promotion up the ranks even though he was outstanding in several areas in his line of work. He was killed when he apparently tried to steal another officer's gun.
Tsui family relative that rudely tells Mable and Jun to leave the wedding
Tsui family relative that asks Mable and Jun nicely not to ruin his big day
Mun's gangster friends
FLASHBACK to Mable swinging back and forth photo, writing in notebook photo
FLASHBACK to playing chess, shooting paintball gun, trophy photos
FLASHBACK to crime scene; relatives;fighting with Jun; crying alone in the corner
Pointing and talking amongst themselves as Mable walks by; all in school uniform
I am grateful for the past two days spent with Jeanne Hartman in her class. It's always a joy to see her as she always seems to find a different way to challenge me. This time playing a suicidal Colonel and then tackling one of my weaker links in comedy. Thanks to her, I made a few ppl in class laugh! Ok, maybe it was that stupid look I had on my face but whatever the case, they laughed!Speaking of which, it was great to see the familiar faces and fun to engage with new ones in class. By the end of the two days of intensive teaching and scolding (okay, only Ulf got scolded, haha!) I thought everyone was able to lay it all out when challenged the most. Experienced or not, there were marked improvements in everyone's work under Jeanne's direction, so kudos to all my classmates! Some random thoughts on them:- Tammie showed her talents off again, extremely gifted!- Joe is getting better and better...impressive bro! Keep it up!- Jen...hmm...well there was that connection that she had with Max...- Ulf got his butt put in place a few times, which was really fun to watch because I don't get to see that often enough! haha- Raven was fun to work with in the sit-com scene, very engaging and put on a good show- Sandy, the big man, was absolutely hilarious with his impression of The Rock, it was so good!- Nicole just couldn't stop smiling during her scenes until Jeanne put her into a really dark place...that was interesting..and funny, of course...- Max outperformed my impersonation of Bruce Lee (which was sht, anyway) with his impersonation of Jackie Chan; that was gold!- Ines was incredible in her role opposite Joe, it was probably the toughest roles they both had to ever play and they really impressed!- Suzette did a phenomenal impression of Carrie form Sex in the City, great pleasure to have worked with you!- Betty the Vet was an actor the last two days, great job!- Cedrick probably has the best voice ever...but it was his persistence to improve in class that stood out the most- Ezra, even though just for one day, he rocked the effin' house with the last performance opposite Tammie!- And this is getting long...So to those who I missed, it's not that I don't want to give you my random thought, I'm just lazy...just know that everyone did very well! And maybe if I see you at Jeanne's farewell, I will share with you my "Final Thoughts" like Jerry Springer does. Hope to see you guys when we bid farewell to our coach and mentor, Jeanne, on Sunday! "Until next time, take care of yourself...and each other."A personal thanks to Jason Tobin for putting this together and making this possible for all of us to benefit from such a unique teacher and friend! The two of you have helped me tremendously through the past couple years in more ways than you can imagine. And you guys know what I'm talking about! *wink winkJeanne, you are such a wonderful human being, here's wishing you all the best, safe travels back home to LA, and we'll see you in December! Thanks again for everything! I look forward to the next challenge as I continue to ASK QUESTIONS!
I think I speak for most when I say that ever since I could remember, I thought I'd become some sort of superhero when I got older. You know, like if some really ugly looking insect bit me and I'd become one of them but like a human-sized one. Or if I got attacked by some beastly animal while I walked back home from school and through the woods, I'd lay there dead with my body torn to pieces while the power within me brings me back to life. That was what I thought.
One day, I'd be in the same league as the Ninja Turtles or Spiderman or even the Green Lantern with some ring-pop looking jewel on my finger or something like that. I thought maybe, just maybe, even if I didn't become one, I'd still be a hero and save the day, somehow, someway. Maybe I'd shoulder block the speeding truck that's about to hit the old lady that is stuck in the middle of the road, or I'd do a choke-hold like a sleeper on some thugs that just robbed someone, or heck, pull an Ip Man and fight off enemy after enemy for the sake of saving our culture.
But you know what? It didn't happen. And probably ain't happening.
My childhood dream came to a screeching halt one day.
Screw the bad guys, screw saving all these people who I didn't know just to be the "Hero", super or not. I couldn't even save the one I love the most.
As the world had its attention on Libya and its fight against the government and their senile-mental patient-looking dictator, Japan was hit with an ungodly earthquake and subsequent tsunami. Then its nuclear power plants were found to have been damaged so severely that it became the third crisis that has the nation crippled. The world stopped for a moment and immediately scrambled to aid them.
Now let me rewind to the day before.
My mom was in town for 7 weeks prior to visit my sister and I and the odd relatives and friends. I hadn't seen her in a while and spent a great deal of time with her. Anyway, it was her last night in town and we went out to dinner for her farewell. Earlier in the day, my sister visited a popular Japanese bakery and picked up a loaf of bread for my mom to take with her on her trip home. We all had a nice meal and took some pictures and stuff. But my phone for whatever reason, crapped out on me and didn't turn back on. Didn't think much of it, just that it was bullshit since I just got my iPhone mere months before this fateful evening.
So after dinner and dessert in Soho, and a big long hug, we parted ways.
Flash forward to the next day.
I had to go get my phone fixed so in order for my girlfriend, May, to get a hold of me throughout the day, she lent her phone to me to use. I kept getting a push notification on the phone about a devastating earthquake in Japan. Thought little of it and closed the note.
That morning, my mom was on a flight back to Toronto, and being the bad son that I am, was unaware that her flight was actually connecting in Tokyo.
So as I walked down a street in Mong Kok waiting for my phone to be fixed, I receive a phone call. It was my sister.
She told me that my mom's flight was scheduled to land at 2:45pm (HKT) in Tokyo. Earthquake was at 2:40pm. Unable to contain her worries and having already spent time on the phone with the airline and whoever she could get a hold of without getting any information about what happened, we shared a quivering silence over the phone.
After consoling each other with simple words and short sentences, we knew no matter what was said at this point could not curb our emotions, we hung up and desperately waited for a response from the airline.
First in. The airport was shut down.
I stood in the middle of nowhere and couldn't contain myself. All that was running through my head was that my mother was alone, in Japan, on a plane or something, with the biggest natural disaster in years happening beside where she was. She was just making strides in getting over her anxiety and depression and now this? I looked around as people scurried to my left and right but not so much in panic of what had just happened in Japan, rather it was just the bustling of the Hong Kong culture.
I couldn't imagine the chaos that was happening around my mother.
And my thoughts? One word: Useless.
Where the hell were my "super powers" I've been hoping for since I was a kid? I wanted to fly into Japan and take my mother out of there. Carry her home, save her life, save the day. Yeah, sure, I'm not sure I'd be cut out to be a superhero if I can't even think that I'd save the rest of Japan before saving my mother. You know, the ultimate sacrifice that superheroes make like seen in all those movies. Heck, Spiderman was good enough with his web slinging that he was able to hold on to both his love and the kids in the tram. But really? In every real life situation where a choice needs to be made, when the emotions are riding higher than the CN Tower, can you really lose your humanistic side and worry about the sake of everyone else and risk losing what's near and dear to your heart? Superhero or not, Peter Parker would give anything up to have stopped the douche that he let go and ended up killing his beloved uncle. To have that on your conscience is not easy.
I didn't think a day like this would ever happen. I wouldn't need to use my "super powers" to save the world…if I had any, of course. But seriously, even if I did, I'd be the first to tell you, I would save my mother first, and I don't care for the backlash.
Well, whatever the case, I don't have any powers or even the faintest idea how my mother was doing or the extent of the devastation happening mere flying-hours away.
Helpless. Powerless. Useless. Those were the only things within my grasp at that time. I wanted to be there with my mom. I wanted to hug her and tell her everything was going to be alright, even if it wasn't. I wanted to protect her. To get her on the first flight out of there. Line-up for her for food. Talk to her to calm her down.
But what did I do? Nothing.
Second thing in, her flight landed safely.
An hour later, my girlfriend rushed out of work and came to my side. I got my phone back and forwarded my calls to her phone because there was something else wrong with it, at her urging nonetheless.
About twenty minutes later, she gets a call on her phone. It's my mom!
I rip the phone away (okay, not literally but for dramatic effect, I will say I ripped it away) from her grasp and put it to my ear. I waited to hear her voice.
She very quickly told me what her situation was. She was stuck in the airplane, nobody was working in the airport, they were running out of food, and aftershocks were rocking the plane every now and then. Being the nice woman that she always is, she hung up swiftly so that others could use the phone to call their loved ones.
And just as quickly as she hung up, tears swelled my eyes and I couldn't help but to let it go.
After crying like a baby without a nipple to suck on, I called my brother and sister to give them the update. It was relieving for all of us to know that she landed safely BUT still anxious to find a way to get her the hell out of there.
After 20+ hours sleeping on the floors and chairs in the airport, watching all of her fellow passengers on the same flight leave, and chatting with us over the phone, my mother was running low on food and medicine. She was physically and mentally exhausted as anyone can imagine. She stayed strong, she insisted that our support was keeping her going as strong as she could be. But was that enough?
Luckily, the loaf of bread that my sister bought her kept her from starving as food was scarce, banks were closed, money was low, and lines were long. But now, she was running precariously low on medication. So she did what everyone does in desperation, beg.
She pleaded with the counter person and the manager about her condition, state, and situation.
At this point in time, I hadn't heard from her in a while so I tried calling her cell phone of which was a crapshoot since it was not always connecting. But I did indeed get through. Thank God.
And talk about timing. I caught her as she was entering the tunnel to the airplane! Relieved and assured of my mom's safety, I was the baby looking for his nipple again. But this was definitely more joyous than the first. And I didn't care that I was standing in the middle of a busy intersection where everyone looked at me with a curious eye. My mom was going home. That's all that mattered.
You know what else didn't matter? That I didn't have super powers and I wasn't a superhero. Sure, I couldn't save the day. I couldn't help my mom get out of Japan. I questioned my usefulness on a number of occasions through this. But I did what I needed to do as a son, brother, and friend. I showed my support. I gave my support. And sometimes, just sometimes, I reckon that's enough. As my mom assured me of it as well.
Sure, in hindsight, I wish I did do more. But when a world catastrophe as gigantic as this hits this close to home, it's tough. And fortunate or not, I've never had to deal with something of this magnitude before so there's no protocol that I innately proceed with. I would never wish this on anyone and I am sure that there are several people, families, and friends that went through something even more devastating because of this triple-crisis and my prayers are with them through their tragic times. But having said that, I thank God for making sure my mother wasn't going to be just another number.
What happened was brutal. And those affected more greatly than it has for me and my family, I sincerely hope that they will have better days ahead. And they have my support. I just hope that it's enough as well since it's already been determined that I can't save anyone and not a superhero…
Now, I can't wait to go home and see my mom again. Big hugs and kisses. Maybe even a high five.
But the best part? Yeah, there is a "best" part to this.
Shortly after this fiasco and my mom's safe arrival in Toronto, my brother and sister-in-law brought home a sweet, cute, and adorable baby girl. I can't wait to meet my niece, Addison. She's already brought so much joy to our family and has definitely helped my mother get past this whole thing a little easier.
Of all the roles that I've played in life, in films, and in my imagination, I am about to embark on a new one that I have never had any experience in. An uncle. Yeah, I know, Uncle Tom. Not a fan of people calling me Tom and am definitely not an "Uncle Tom", especially not the ones that Jalen Rose so aptly described in his documentary BUT for my niece, anything. I think I'm ready. But we'll see.
I'll be home in July.
Signing off.
Thomas. Just normal. And human. And no qualms about it.
PSI know it's been almost a year since my last blog so I'll make sure I blog again soon to give you an update on the happenings of the past year!!
It's been a while, huh? I'm sorry for not boring you with my BLOGGING in the recent months…it's been pretty crazy and soooooooo much to do…
Anyway, a quick recap on what you've been missing and I've been experiencing…
• Got my website up (not completely done but it's something…); check it out if you have a chance but don't expect to be blown away, alright? Promise? Cool. Here's the link: www.i-kandyproductions.com
• Brought onboard a local vet in the HK film industry to help me produce my baby, Love Hurts.
• Lost my virginity…PHEW!
• Wrote six short films (hoping to shoot one of them in the coming months!)
• Prepared a couple of biz plans for some things me and my partners want to pursue
• Joined a gym to shed some extra poundage
• Basketball practice (about to start a new season!)
• Wrote new draft of my baby, Love Hurts.
• Shot another roadshow commercial
• Watched my beloved Raptors collapse amidst a run to the playoffs…and the upcoming off-season may alter the direction of the team with the impending FA Chris Bosh, likely to seek greener pastures
• Finally coaxed my best friend from Toronto to call me…after a year and a half…I know, what a prick! That's what I said…
• and a few more things that I can't tell you about...you know, things...
And finally…
JEANNE HARTMAN's workshop! Although I was only able to attend the one-day class, I walked away a better man…well, okay, maybe not that far but close enough…I certainly walked away feeling more confident about my abilities as an actor as I took risks that I would NOT take otherwise if it wasn't within the safety of her classroom.
Jeannie is a phenomenal teacher, to say the least, but the best thing about her is that she is an even better human being. The little chats we've had and the intimate advices she's offered ever since our first encounter has been uplifting and motivating. And sure, it was a beginner's class and all but I was given the hefty task of acting opposite of a beautiful singer/actress Celina Jade (who btw kicked ass, and just to clarify, she's not a beginner as you may already know, she was doing a make-up class b/c she apparently missed one due to a sked conflict). And MAN…was that a tall task or what? And that was to start the class…seriously, Jeannie, why do you always have to challenge me like that…first time around, I tell you that I can't seem to figure out body movement in acting and you make me act out a scene paralyzed from the neck down, and this time, I get Ms Jade in my first workout in a year!?! (It was because I was late, huh?)
Anyway, it was a great class. Got to work with a couple first-timers and a couple of familiar faces. It was a good class to be in and certainly appreciate Jason Tobin's efforts in making this happen for me…oh, and for everyone else, I guess, with the whole Jeannie-in-HK thing but he knows what I'm talking about…thanks dude!
So beyond that, I'm helping my boss out with his short film, URGE. You may have seen me post up a casting call for this film and just to clarify, I am NOT directing it.
My boss, TK, is a well-regarded TVC director in HK and he's got an itch to make a short film. So here I am helping him make this happen. And feel free to ask me about it, I'd love to see more ppl from AnD come out for the auditions. It'll be an interesting shoot and aimed for festival circulation so if you want exposure as an actor, here's another one of those opps!
Cool? Cool.
Alright, back to my job. Hope you enjoyed wasting your time with my life…at least it's not on my dime.
And a quick shoutout to Derek and Kate, I know they are working on SUPERCAPITALIST right now…GOOD LUCK with everything!
And to Jen Thym with her new gig! Look forward to watching it!
Alright, I'm out-skis…
Til next time, and god knows when that'll be…
I didn't lose my virginity…wait…did I? I'll get back to you on this.
It's been about a year now...
Wow, how time has just flown by...just like that and Jeanne Hartman is back!
I remember last year, her workshop opened so many doors for me both figuratively and creatively speaking. Her encouragement after her workshop was what gave me more confidence in my "pursuit of happyness". First off, the workshop itself, although blogged about before, is such an incredible experience and a great tool that artists within the film/TV industry should take advantage of.
Jeanne's a great lady who knows how to personalize her approach to make you understand. Her classes are forever-challenging but educational and definitely worth your time. She is on her way back to do another round of these workshops and I do hope that there's enough space for everyone, 'cause they fill up quickly!
My plan was to join the pro class this year since I joined the "Newbies" class last time and encouraged to upgrade next time she comes back. But because she was so damn good, and her support so strong, I've been busying myself with my film, Love Hurts. I'm not sure if I'm able to but will definitely try to make it and embarrass myself in front of the real "Pros"...
Either way, if I make it or not, whoever is reading this, should definitely look into signing up because it will help you get to where you want to get to in more ways than you could ever think of. She's the real deal. Check her out and she'll do the rest of the impressing in her classes.
Wish you all the best Jeanne and I do hope to see you before you leave if I am unfortunate enough to miss your workshops!!
TLo is outtie.
Well, well, well...that subject line worked pretty well didn't it?
I've finally got the video online for your viewing pleasure...and I do mean viewing pleasure because the sound is not worth talking about...just turn it up just in case you miss a line or two...
A reminder, just in case you were unaware, this was the 48 hour film project.
Elements given:
Character: Edwin or Eva Lai, hairdresser
Prop: Lychee martini
Line of dialogue: "What's tomorrow's weather going to be?"
Genre: Buddy Film/Dark Humor
This is Cocktail Definition:
Hope that was bearable...
Keep well.
Just got the news...
Spontaneous Combustion just won a few awards with our film, "Cocktail Definition"!!
Unfortunately we didn't get any one of the top prizes but did for the following:
Best Directing
Best Acting
Best Screenplay
Not bad for a team with a bunch of first time filmmakers and actors! This is a great way for us to close the book on a great adventure...a 48 hour one...well, 60-something if include the before and after stuff...
Anyways, congrats to my lovely team!! And congratulations to the winners of this inaugural year for 48 HFP! It was a pleasure meeting and competing!!
Keep well.
As some of you already know, I have been working on my project Love Hurts for a while now and I am happy to announce that we will be beginning our casting process in the coming weeks!!!
Below is the posting for the roles I am looking to fill. Please have a read through and respond through the following email along with your headshot and resume:
I want to find diamonds in the rough so if you think you have talent but haven't had the opportunity, this is your chance to prove yourself...I welcome all interested parties to come and blow me away with your performance! I am open to re-writing roles if you show me that you're worth it!
Look forward to seeing you in the audition room!
SYNOPSIS: Jack, a sex addict who fantasizes about his wife all the time, is duped into a threesome with a young colleague of his and her fiancée. In order to keep his marriage together, Jack sacrifices everything he has to make it up to his love. He is out to prove to her that their love is powerful enough to keep them together, especially when it hurts.
JACK (lead) Male, mid-late 30's, English speaker, Any Race
Not a particularly good or strong looking guy; mild introvert, quirky and energetic. His world revolves only around him and his wife Annie. In his mind, sex is a big part of his relationship with her. Annie finds out about his infidelity and leaves him. But it is his fight and desire to keep his marriage together that defines his value as a husband, and it is his sacrifice that portrays how selfless he is in the face of love. In terms of character, Caveh Zahedi in "I'm a Sex Addict" is comparable, especially with the quirkiness.
ANNIE (lead) Female, Bi-Racial, Early to mid 30's, Bi-lingual in English and Cantonese
A strong woman, high on values, morals, and routine; anything out of the ordinary of her routine makes her uncomfortable. Possesses a lot of motherly qualities in terms of her relationship with Jack.
ALEXIS (lead) Female, Asian, 20's, Bi-lingual in English and Cantonese
Young, attractive, naïve and selfish in nature; adventurous in many ways but more so sexually. Alexis has been spoiled all her life, she can be ignorant of other's feelings when she wants something. Her personality pales in comparison to her physical attributes.
MARK (lead) Male, Asian, 20's, Cantonese Speaker
Young, handsome; a genuine being that is often seen as the quiet guy. Mark is also a passive individual; he makes most of his decisions based on his emotion. But because of his obedient nature, his decisions are often pushed by someone else, hence constantly being pushed around by his girlfriend Alexis.
NATHAN (supporting) Male, Caucasian, mid-late 30's, English Speaker
Witty and humorous. He was roommate of Jack's in university in the UK, and now is boss in Hong Kong. A very easy going, responsible, and caring person, which he chooses to hide with his sarcasm.
CATHY (supporting) Female, Asian or Eurasian, 20's, Bi-lingual in Cantonese and English
A classic good girl, young, and sometimes passive. Cathy is Annie's cousin on her mother's side, and a close friend and coworker of Alexis. Her choices and decisions, although logical, are not always considered the right one to make. Through the mistakes she makes, Cathy learn to take her share of responsibility, but not until everything has gone out of control.
GEORGE (Minor) Male, Caucasian, 50's-60's, Bi-lingual in Cantonese and English
A grumpy old man who dislikes his son-in-law. Has a strained relationship with his daughter, Annie. He is an educated man who has been working in China his entire professional career and married a Chinese woman, Stella. Has been living in Shanghai for past several years.
STELLA (Minor) Female, Asian, 50's-60's, Cantonese Speaker
A stereotypical mother who cares more about her child than anything else, including her husband. She has been a perfect role model for Annie throughout her life and is always supportive no matter the situation. She keeps the family together.
JACKIE (Minor) Female, Caucasian, 50's-60's, English Speaker
Jack's mom. She never stayed in touch with Jack since his first year in university. She pays a visit when she finds out Jack is in the hospital.
THERAPIST (Minor) Male, Any race, 40's-50's, English Speaker
A marriage and sex therapist who counsels Jack.
DOCTORS (3) (Minor) Male, Asian, 40's, Cantonese Speaker
Doctor #1 – Performs surgery
Doctor #2 – Physician that Annie visits
Doctor #3 – Dr. Lau, a doctor at a hospital
WOMAN (minor) Female, Any race, 20's, English Speaker
A sexy woman who has a one-night stand with Jack.
EXTRAS Any race, 20's-30's
Nurse (3) – 2x Performs surgery; 1x Working at clinic
Jill (30's-40's)- Nathan's wife
Colleagues (3) – walking into work; one has a line of dialogue
Club-goers (10-15) – Dancing on the dance floor
Hey people...it's been a long f-ing time since my last blog...and I apologize for that...although it's been for good reasons but I should not neglect my blog for as long as I did...so here goes with the days that have gone by without a word from me...
I have done absolutely nothing.
I hope you enjoyed that...
Come again.
Okay, seriously, here we go...
For the past month or so, after my big birthday party that my GF threw for me, things have been moving in the right direction. I've been able to stay busy doing a plethora of things.
Quick hits:
incorporated i-Kandy productions with a couple of partners
developed business plan for film
treatment and script polished and ready for use
directed two commercials, both for Wellcome and both shown on Roadshow and cable
played beach volleyball for the first time and was on the WINNING team (yeah, I kick ass!)
brought two trusted key crew members onto Love Hurts team
prepping for film; locations, contracts, casting, equipment deals, film stock deals, etc.
sending out Buck Wild out to film festivals
playing basketball every week to stay in shape although I still feel round around the edges!
writing an intro for my work (wowwowtank) to be used in the demo reels that are sent out
gathering information and designing the website
watched the Toronto Raptors season opening win over the Cavs, live! (online, of course...)
That's the gist of it...in between I still found time to talk with Momma Lo, who has been going through some tough times back in Toronto, spent time with my lady, forged some friendships along the way, and eat whenever time permitted!
And now, this past weekend, I participated in the 48 hours film project. And what an experience!
My team consisted of the following lovely people:
Yung Yung Yu
Simon Young
May Lee
Andrew Lang
Stephanie Fodor
Sean Tierney
Lara Dangerfield
and ME!
One thing to note here, we had a lot of first time filmmakers on the team:
Yung Yung, first time working behind the scene;
May Lee, first time doing anything in filmmaking;
Andrew Lang, first time acting in a film;
Stephanie Fodor, first time working behind the scene as well;
Sean Tierney, first time acting in a film as well;
and Lara Dangerfield, first time working with any of us (and I'm not sure what her background is but very grateful for her thoughts and opinions throughout the weekend!)
This team really needed the 48 hr-winning experience of Simon and he delivered on his end to the best of his ability.
So we all got together after receiving our package and hashed out a story according to our elements.
What the 48HFP peeps gave us to work with:
Genre: Buddy Film
Prop: Lychee Martini
Character: Edwin or Eva Lai, Hairdresser
Line of dialogue: "what's tomorrow's weather going to be?"
Once we got the story down, May got us two locations to work with at last minute since the ones that we did secure prior to the kickoff (one of which was the alivenotdead Halloween party! Thanks to Patrick, Raffi, and Kate Sullivan for all their support and cooperation!), didn't quite work out since the story didn't call for it. So anyway, off the team went to my warehouse and started to look for wardrobe and props while I stayed in the office to write the script. Once that was done, it was about 3am, I think....well, got back with the team and did a quick script read.
After that, we packed our stuff and off we went to our first location.
We finished shooting by 12pm and then off to lunch. After feeding our aching bellies, we set off to Central to do some landmark shots with the ladies. When we got the first one, we sent most of the team back to the warehouse (home base) to get some rest. Simon and I continued on to shoot the next one and then back to home we went...
Once we got back, I saw several bodies laying in every which way possible. Simon and I started to do the transferring of files from camera to editing system. Then, time came to shoot the next location in CWB. I woke everyone up, which was everyone except for me and Simon, and off we went to location #2.
Things went fairly smooth and that was a wrap!! So we thought...
The band split, the keys went back home and we continued to do the transfer. 5 hours of transferring HD files and converting to SD, we were finding different ways to stay up and stay in tune and have some sense of sanity. When it was complete, we checked the footage. And therein laid the problem...
Our location #2 files all had a sound problem, none of the dialogue was audible and we didn't have a sound guy...by this time, it was 10am on delivery day...
The remaining parts that were up, Simon, Yung Yung, Andrew, and myself, started to brainstorm solutions. We went from dubbing the dialogue, to building a set, to re-writing the scene, to finding another location for a re-shoot, thanks to YY!
So off we went to re-shoot the scene in Central. Got it done in 40 minutes, in and out! Great job by the actors to show up and help us through this tough time because they all thought we were done and they didn't have much rest either so I truly am grateful for their resiliency.
Back to the editing desk where I started picking out the good takes and lined up the assembly cut. During this long process my eyes were giving up on me but I pulled myself up long enough to complete and handed it over to Simon to cut the assembly down to the first cut. He was such a huge help! I downed my eleventeenth coffee and we were ready to move...
After Simon put the first cut together, it was my turn to do the final cut. I put the music I selected from rumblefish and also Sean's own music into the film, cut the film down to the required limit of 7 minutes because our first cut was over 3 minutes over the limit.
I rushed through the credit sequence, Simon played with the audio to make sure that the levels were good and to fix up the ones with really loud background noise.
By this time, everyone was working on the final paperwork and questionnaires in the other room while SImon and I used whatever fumes we had left in our systems to complete the film to its final form.
We called for a taxi to wait downstairs as we pushed the eject button from the camera and delivered the mini DV to Central from Chai Wan just in time to beat the deadline...by about two minutes or so...
The final product? Title: Cocktail Definition The screening is on Friday and most of us will be attending. I'm happy with what we ended up with and proud of my team's efforts in making this film so whatever happens on Friday would be icing on the cake.
In reality, we were actually able to shoot the entire film in 24 hours but because of some equipment problems wihtout a go-to guy to help us, we had to do a re-shoot. I knew at some point we would be facing adversity but didn't know to what degree...well, we found out and not only did we not panic, we thrived and succeeded under the pressure. This was a total team effort and thank you to all who were involved as it couldn't have been completed without your input!
I will put up some pictures when I receive them from one of our team members and will link the film if it gets any airtime on 48.tv!
Thank you to all my teammates, phenomenal job, and look forward to working with all of you again!!
I hope that their first time was as good as they had hoped for and I truly wish them all the best!
Thanks again to the following:
JP Concept Salon, The One bar, Wowwowtank, e.v.e.n.t., alivenotdead, xenter jut, Zuma Restaurant and Bar, Yellow frog media, Ivy Lam, Spencer Douglass, and the rest of the 48HFP family!
Anyway, back to reality and back to my project...my next blog post will be for casting for Love Hurts. Stay posted!
Keep well.
Hey guys and gals, people of all ages and races…it's been a while since my last blog, so many things have happened and not sure where to begin…
Okay, let's start with a posting on AnD I did about a month or so ago. I had just finished writing a short film and wanted to direct it but I needed more resources than I had at my disposal so I decided to use this site to find some helpful hands. But to my chagrin, my posting received approximately three responses from two different people. I was not impressed, to say the least.
So I did what any other person with a passion would do…persist.
I found another posting that was up prior to mine, looking for actors, directors, producers, and such to come together and do a project together. It was posted by an aspiring actress Yung Yung Yu, but more importantly, it had about fifty responses from about ten different people. At that point, I knew it was more appealing to respond to this thread rather than mine…and needless to say, I was jealous…
So I did what any other person with a passion would do…get involved.
And on I went and reluctantly responded to my (silent) enemy's thread. And fortunate for her, she was nice…'cause if she wasn't, oh man, I would've terrorized her thread…okay maybe not, but I would've written something in her guestbook…something…something that would've made a mark on it…like, YO! Or something like that…
So she responded to my message and we had a quick chat about her reasoning behind the thread she posted. Then I rebutted with my reasoning behind my thread and how it was absolutely ludicrous that I didn't get as many responses to my thread as she did hers. Then I calmed myself down, went to the toilet, wiped my bum, popped some pimples, and continued chatting.
She told me about a meeting she was holding the following weekend with a few of the people that responded to her thread and invited ME to join them.
So I did what any other person with a passion would do…reject them.
For good reason though, since I had to visit my god-grandmother. I'm a family kind-a-guy, and not having too many fam clans here, I treasure the opportunity to spend time with those who are related to me.
I told YY (Yung Yung), that I had scripts I wanted to shoot already and that it would be "awesome" if the group that was meeting up could take a look at a couple of my scripts and see if it was interesting enough to be utilized. Well, oddly enough, she agreed.
When we spoke again, she asked if I could expand the story of one of the scripts. I was hesitant but convinced myself that it would be better to have some people interested (like now) than no one wanting to even read my writing (like my thread). So I agreed. And I started writing…with some notes of ideas that YY and her group came up with…
And then an epiphany…sort of…I started to tell a story worth telling, and it was getting stronger and stronger with each passing day until I decided it would be worth making this into a feature.
So I did what any other person with a passion would do…pursue.
I did just that and next thing I knew, YY became one of my Producers, along with my Jeanne Hatrman alums, Chung Tsang and Jane Wong. The four of us teamed to make this thing go…well, kind of…
We're still in the midst of getting things rolling…
We just held a script-read over the past weekend and MANY THANKS TO THOSE WHO CAME OUT AND GAVE THEIR TWO CENTS!! It went pretty good, had a great discussion afterwards, and best of all, the questionnaires that the participants were asked to fill out, really gave me honest opinions and feedback on what they thought.
Thanks to my team for assembling a group of talented individuals with varying backgrounds to come out and share their thoughts with us. It really was a great experience…and at an even better location, SPECIAL THANKS TO MY MAN, SPENCER! The bean bag chairs were friggin' awesome!
Although we came out of that session quite optimistic, there are still things that need to be fixed up. I'm on a re-write mission at the moment trying to figure things out. So I'll get back to that soonish…when my thoughts gather properly…
Besides that, work has been great, just put together a treatment to shoot a six-part documentary series for a local grocery store, so hopefully I get that opportunity to strut my butt, I mean stuff…
Other than my arms and shoulders peeling from too much sun during a recent boat trip, things have been good. I also had the opportunity to meet some great people including those at the script-read, potential investors, and some that I don't want to smell again because they smell different…jus sayin'…deodorant is always on sale…that's all I'm saying…
Alright enough of that…a few last words before I leave, I miss my momma, I miss my home…
So I'm going to do what any other person with passion should do…I am going to bust my ass so I can build a new home and bring my Momma to me…
PLUR (so 90's, I know…),
**Thanks to Jen Thym for this lovely picture!!
Anybody that reads this and wants to know more about the script (synopsis is below) or would like to get involved, feel free to contact me or my team!
If you needed to prove to the one you love how far you are willing to go for the sake of your union, would you decide to go so far that it hurts you? "Love hurts." explores the intricacies of the power of love in the lives of two couples, who somehow get intertwined together through their own decisions to sacrifice for the one that they love. This film details several instances of sacrifice and other elements of love in any relationship between man and woman, separated by title in three parts, through Promises, Trust, and Responsibility.
Mark is on a knee in a fancy restaurant, with a beautiful diamond ring in his palm, in front of his longtime girlfriend, Alexis, proposing to her to spend the rest of their lives together. But she unexpectedly stops him from putting the ring on her finger unless he can promise her three things. First, no lies. Second, lots of sex. And the last? To have a threesome with another guy. Now Mark has to decide whether this is something he can do for the sake of love, to share the one he loves and to commit to her fantasy before committing to her reality. Jack is addicted to sex and has been in therapy to deal with his problem. His wife, Annie, has been supporting him through his ups and downs, even through his infidelity. But when Jack makes another mistake, Annie is tempted to end her suffering by leaving the only man she has ever loved. The trust that she had in him after he began therapy is no longer there and now he has to find a way to save his marriage. The extent of which he takes to regain her trust is a sacrifice that few men would submit to.
The aftermath of the decisions that each person makes is a responsibility that they must take on but it's not always something they are willing to do. But in dealing with the consequences of their actions, only the true power of love can give them the strength to move on…or succumb to the realization that where there is love, there is usually pain.
"If dreaming is a sin, I'm going straight to hell..." - Thomas Lo Are you a Twit?? Follow me on Twitter: www.twitter.com/breaking_rice ...Read more
|Languages Spoken
|english, cantonese
|Toronto, Canada
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