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With Disney's 2013 D23 Expo only 23 days away, rumors are swirling as to what will be announced at the Expo. Since the announcements tend to leak out a few weeks before they're actually made, I thought I'd jump out ahead of any potential weeks and place our "bets" now while rumors are still just that. Of course, this is all just fun speculation, not in any way informed reporting, so don't go citing us for any of these rumors. I have no idea what's happening beyond rumors I read elsewhere. And right now, there are a lot of rumors!
Disney itself has done a bit to quash some of these rumors with Imagineer Dave Fisher stating in an interview with Micechat that Imagineering will "not be making any new product announcements at the Expo this year." Now, this is a bit troubling. Presumably, Fisher is "in the know" with regard to this, as the interview came across as something scheduled between D23 and Micechat, and not just a spontaneous conversation with a random Imagineer. It's very likely that the interview was given as a form of fan community outreach to spark ticket sales to the Expo. Given this, it seems unlikely that the statement would have been made to "throw fans off the scent," as many of those fans are less likely to purchase tickets if they know announcements aren't going to be made. That in itself would defeat the purpose of the interview in the first place. Further, D23 has confirmed that there will be no Parks & Resorts Arena presentation, which is the most likely venue for such announcements.
Despite this, in recent months, rumors from trusted insiders have become more and more frequent. Beyond these rumors, Micechat posted photos last week of a rare in-park meeting of Disney's Board of Directors, and CEO Bob Iger and Parks & Resort Chairmain Tom Staggs at Disneyland Resort. Since Board of Director-types generally don't have an intimate interest in theme parks (shocking, I know), it's very unlikely that this was just a fun venue for an normal meeting. There was likely a business purpose for meeting at Disneyland Resort, most likely to do with theme park capital expenditures. While ordinary spending (say, for the redo of Test Track) doesn't require Board of Director approval, substantial capital investments do trigger Board approval requirements. As such, it's unlikely that Iger and Staggs would have had to involve the Board if whatever being planned doesn't involve several new "product" additions for the parks. In fact, it's quite possible that it's a comprehensive vision similar to the Disney California Adventure extreme makeover of 2007-2012, with plans to continue that trajectory for Disneyland Resort, and plans to use a similar model for Disney's Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World. After all, the aggressive strategy employed for fixing Disney California Adventure proved incredibly successful, and Disney is facing increasing competition from competitors in Orlando.
That said, all of this is what I surmise based upon current rumblings. It's partly grounded in reality, it's partly (undoubtedly) grounded in best case scenario wishful thinking. As for how it jives with the statement that there wouldn't be any new announcements for the D23 Expo? Well, there's the chance that the expectation was that these plans wouldn't have Board approval in time for a D23 Expo announcement. This might very well might still be the case, in which case an announcement should be expected later in the year once approval has been secured, a la the Avatar Land shortly after the 2011 Expo (which is why the asterisk is in the title–our predictions are based upon the announcements being made by the end of 2013, not by the end of the Expo). It might also be the case that the plans have since been approved or will be approved in time for an announcement. There's also the chance that the statement was deceptive for some reason, and announcements were planned all along. Finally, there's the rather bleak possibility that no new attraction announcements were planned and none are seriously on the table…maybe several Board members just really like Heimlich's Chew Chew Train and wanted to take a spin on it!
Anyway, I could speculate as to what's going on in the halls of the Michael D. Eisner Building concerning the timing of announcements until the cows come home, but you get the idea. Things might be announced at the Expo, things might not be announced. Let's have some fun and speculate about the likelihood of the currently strong rumors being announced before the end of 2013.
1. Journey into Imagination Refurbishment (Epcot) – 70% – Cast Members working at Journey into Imagination have reportedly been told they are going to be trained on other attractions, the reason being that Journey into Imagination will be down for an extended amount of time in 2014. It's rumored that the reason for this is because the attraction will undergo a total overhaul of the ride and the removal of Captain EO. I suppose it's also possible that only minor changes are planned, but is scheduling extensive downtime for whatever reason, which is why this is "only" at 70%. This is one announcement that could be made at the D23 Expo without contradicting the "no new product" line. Presumably, even an extensively refurbished attraction isn't technically a new product.
5. New Fantasyland 2.0 (Disneyland) – 60% – No, not that New Fantasyland. The third incarnation of Disneyland's Fantasyland after 1983's New Fantasyland, which I guess would make this either be New New Fantasyland or New Fantasyland 2.0 (or how about just Fantasyland?). The rumor here is that Alice in Wonderland will finally go down to remove the temporary Cal OSHA safety "stuff" for a while in early 2014, and after it comes back up, each Fantasyland dark ride will close for several months for upgrades and renovations. This has been rumored to be for Disneyland's 60th anniversary marketing campaign. This sounds like a great idea to me, and those dark rides are showing their age. I think it's really only a question of whether others will follow Alice in Wonderland (which is way overdue for a permanent solution), and if so, whether the announcement will come this year. They have 2 years from today before Disneyland's 60th, so an announcement could fall into 2014.
3. Cars Land (DHS) – 51% – The next three are the "big three" that have everyone's attention. I think it would be very ambitious for Disney to announce all three this year, so I've separated them by single percentage points that are still significant. The differences mean that Cars Land is "more likely to be announced than not," Monstropolis is "equally likely to be announced or not," and Star Wars Land is "less likely to be announced than not." Lame of me? Most definitely. I'd love to see all three announced, but that's a lot of spending, and leaves little budgetary room for any surprises in the next 5 years. As far as Cars Land goes, this has been rumored since before Disney California Adventure's version opened, and the rumors keep changing here. If it does go to Walt Disney World, I'd expect Luigi's Flying Tires not to make it. There's also chatter of Radiator Springs Racers not being a thrill ride in the Florida version.
4. Monstropolis (DCA) – 50% – The rumor here is that the disjointed Hollywood Land in Disney California Adventure becomes Monstropolis, complete with an E-Ticket Door Coaster. There's already a Monsters, Inc. dark ride in this part of the park, so this makes some sense from that perspective. On the other hand, I sort of hope it doesn't happen. It would be the third land in DCA based entirely on Pixar (and having nothing to do with California). As long as it's still Disney CALIFORNIA Adventure, I'd like to see that theme strengthened, not weakened. I don't have a problem with Pixar in the parks in general, it's the continued degradation of theme that I don't like. The concept of a "California park" in California is not fatally flawed–as the demographics shift and more tourists visit, it's actually not a problem. That said, three years ago I would have told you that the idea of a land based upon Cars was a bad idea, and I'll now admit I was dead wrong on that one. Shoehorning in a Monstropolis won't be as easy as the vague, Route 66 setting of Cars (which could, but doesn't, take place in California), but I suppose it is possible.
5. Star Wars Land (DHS) – 49% – Fans have been speculating on a Star Wars Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios for years, but when it was announced that Disney purchased LucasFilm, the "rumors" really started to fly. Most of these were wishful thinking, as there's no way plans for such a land could have been prepared as quickly as some claimed. The supposed rumors have had appeal because they have made a lot of sense, even if false. However, with a little bit of time now having passed, and the rumors becoming more solid, a lot more people are taking notice. The latest rumors for Star Wars Land involve an Endor Speed Bike (using a ride system developed for Shanghai Disneyland), a Mos Eisley Cantina restaurant, an X-Wing attraction for kids, and possibly a 3D film. I think "go big or go home" is the approach to take with fixing Disney's Hollywood Studios (look at the success of DCA 2.0 as compared to the more modest New Fantasyland), and that it would be a mistake to not do both Cars Land and Star Wars Land together to generate the most buzz, but I think if one is less likely to be announced in 2013, it's Star Wars Land.
6. Soarin' Over The World (Shanghai Disneyland, ???) – 30% – With the exception of what was announced at the last D23 Expo in 2011, not much is known about Shanghai Disneyland. One version of a site-map has leaked, but even that requires serious speculation to understand. It has been rumored that Disney wants to finalize plans for Shanghai before announcing anything to avoid the Chinese government demanding changes to elements of the plans that don't garner a strong reception from fans. Whether or not this is true is anyone's guess, but watching how other parks have differed substantially from their initial designs to what was actually built, this doesn't sound like such a bad idea to avoid disappointment. The one attraction that keeps being mentioned for Shanghai is Soarin' Over the World, which would also (supposedly) be installed in Epcot and DCA. I don't expect an announcement on it–or any other Shanghai plans–this year.
7. Tomorrowland (Disneyland) – 25% – Tomorrowland is Disneyland's biggest problem, so naturally, it attracts a lot of rumors about an overhaul. The latest version involves Star Wars, which makes sense, and unsurprisingly involves the Innoventions building and the old Peoplemover track (it's pretty much carved in stone that any Tomorrowland rumor for Disneyland involves these two components). There has also been some chatter that Autopia would go. The strongest rumor here involves the Endor Speed Bike attraction, but everything seems to be fluid. Eventually, something will happen with Disneyland's Tomorrowland, but I don't think it'll be announced in 2013. I also think that using the Peoplemover track for an attraction again is unlikely. Let's consider this the dark horse contender in the even that Disneyland and Walt Disney World each get their own "Extreme Makeover" proposals greenlit–it would certainly make sense to greenlight two Star Wars proposals and clone elements of them to spread costs.
8. Avatar Land Attractions (DAK) – 20% – At this point, I've lost interest in speculating on whether this land will even happen. If it does happen, it seems like an idea of what attractions the land will contain would be on its way in 2013. We're coming up on the two-year anniversary of the announcement, and there have been 0 details since.
9. Cars Land (Tokyo Disneyland) – 15% – Tokyo Disney Resort has its own Expo this fall, and because of that, any announcements at the Anaheim Expo are highly unlikely. US fans don't really care about the international parks, and an announcement in Anaheim would steal thunder from the Tokyo Expo. However, the likelihood that this is announced before the end of 2013 is about 15%, I think.
10. Tomorrowland (Walt Disney World) – <10% – Tomorrowland at Walt Disney World also has a lot of problems, and is oft-rumored to be receiving replacements for a variety of its attractions, but with the exception of Carousel of Progress, they all just seem too new (or newly refurbished) to me (regardless of how much fans dislike them). Vague rumors call for more of a Star Wars presence here, but I suspect that would initially be confined to DHS.
It's impossible to keep track of every little rumor floating around (I'm sure there's currently one about a new country in the World Showcase, more new DVC, and a mythical creature land for Animal Kingdom…), but there's are the big ones, to my knowledge. It will be interesting to see how any announcements play out, as it does appear that something is brewing in Burbank! What, exactly, is anyone's guess…
Care to make it interesting by placing your own "bets"? Put down your own percentages for the likelihood of each of these announcements being made in 2013. Winner gets…bragging rights! 😉
I agree for the most part. I think the percentage on Monstropolis should be slightly higher given the recent floating of sight balloons. I expect this one to get announced this year along with the expected refurbishment of the DL Fantasyland rides. It's all speculation, though. Nicely written.
Sigh. I'm not naturally pessimistic, but I've lived in the deep, Stockholm-syndrome pit of WDW-fandom for, dunno, longer than you've been alive. I'm used to seeing the stuff rolled out in California and thinking, time and again, "why can't we have nice things?" I know the California people would probably neck-punch me, seeing as how I had four parks about which to complain.
So, my money is on converting Imagination into the world's largest DVC kiosk, and making it the first DVC kiosk with its own gift shop.
I laughed heartily when I saw the leaked plans for Disney Springs. The idea of WDW having a hideously-expensive parking deck at their "free" venue, when $600-per-night Grand Floridian guests frequently want for self-parking, made me laugh so hard I nearly spilled my martini. Color me pleasingly wrong when I saw Kevin Yee's post that a large swath of Downtown Disney parking is closing so that construction can start…on the Disney Springs parking deck.
Something of a snow-in-Hell moment.
I've ranted at no one for some time now that, if the economy really is turning around (and boy howdy an oil shock could surely torpedo that boat), labor, materials, and credit are only going to get more expensive, and Disney would be dumb not to lock in some capital expenditures now.
If they do a Cars Land in Tokyo, it should really just be Materland. Radi-Mater Springs Racers, Luigi's flying Maters, Cozy Mater Motel, you get the picture. It would be a smashing success.
I think that it is way too early for them to announce a Star Wars land. I believe a Cars land is all but certain. Everything is in place for that to happen at DHS. I'm with you on going big. With the new HP land under construction at Universal, and a train connecting the two parks – a two-day pass will be almost necessary now. That's two days away from WDW. Two days of not spending money on food, merch, tickets, tours, etc…I think they need to step it up in FL in order to keep the attention. New Fantasyland was 'nice,' but I don't think it has the mainstream appeal/excitement that Harry Potter creates. Star Wars could be the response they need. Cars land would tie-in the family appeal and Star Wars would bring the rest.
It will be interesting to see what all is announced! My guess prediction is most people will be disappointed by the lack of announcements. We shall see.
Before the Star Wars acquisition, it seemed like there was a lot of Hype around Marvel and possibly using that IP in California. Any current thoughts/rumors on that front?
I wonder if the Oz land for Disneyland appearing again (http://www.disneybymark.com/2013/07/17/oz-land-attraction-planned-disneyland/) will be announced too. Another big idea thrown into the mix, though I would count this one less than the other 3. Honestly, I think at this point I'd be happy with Imagination announcement alone for WDW. Still, I'm hoping for something big and jaw dropping for DHS, Star Wars, Cars, or something else. I guess we'll find out in just a few weeks. Actually going to be at this one too, so it'll be interesting.
I'm with Kevin on the Marvel front. Stark Expo definitely felt like a testing-the-waters scenario, and one that ended pretty well for Disney (in that people actually go to Innoventions). My twist: I actually think Cars Land East coast will go hand-in-hand with something big and Marvel westcoast. Disney has been pretty clear about wanting DL to be a destination as much as WDW…but now (if Carsland is announced) they're going and duplicating the big pull for DCA back into the east coast. And I know the innoventions rumor by this point is a given…but have you seen the state of the building? Chipped paint and rust everywhere (I've heard that third shift is explicitly told not to waste time on it). It looks like it's on its last legs (as does Autopia maintainence-wise. And if Innoventions goes, something Marvel would have to follow it.
Wholeheartedly agree re Avatarland… Never. Gonna. Happen. (and in the current state of affairs they will do nothing with the land earmarked for it)
This sentence is driving me crazy: " I suppose it's also possible that only minor changes are planned, but is scheduling extensive downtime for whatever reason, which is why this is "only" at 70%." Isn't there a word missing or something?
Anyway, I pretty much agree with your assessment. Now you need to put down the odds of where Cars Land or SW Land would GO in DHS. Are the Muppets safe? Is Gertie safe? We know what definitely isn't safe… cough*BLT*cough
I thought the Monstropolis rumor was that it would only take the back corner of Hollywood Land, the land now contained between the two arches that designate it as "Hollywood Studios", not the whole of the land…
Do refurbishments such as what's happening at Big Thunder Mountain in Disneyland get announced at expos in this way, or is that just a run-of-the-mill type thing that's announced outside of that? I guess I'm wondering if the current state of disrepair at Splash Mountain in DL, with several of the key animatronics having been broken or missing for a couple of months now without being fixed, is a sign that some major refurbishment of that ride is upcoming. Maybe they're waiting for Big Thunder to be back up first, so they don't have to major rides down at once?
*two major rides
what do you think the likelihood is of an announcement of a new country (brazil) at epcot?
I actually think Star Wars land should be a higher percentage since it would be on time with film releases.


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Coastal Bend Business Datebook: 12.16.12
Texas CPAs host luncheon Jan. 11
Corpus Christi Chapter of the Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants will host a luncheon featuring the presentation, "Legislative Update" by Bob Owen, managing director of Regulation and Legislation for the Texas Society of CPAs.
Registration opens at noon Jan. 11 at Corpus Christi Town Club, 800 N. Shoreline Blvd., sixth floor.
Cost/registration: $22 if registered by Jan. 4, $24 at the door (includes lunch and one hour of CPE credit).
Information/registration: corpuschristi.tscpa.org or 800-428-0272, ext. 279.
World Affairs Council meet Jan. 16
World Affairs Council of South Texas meets at 11:30 a.m. Jan. 16 at the Congressman Solomon P. Ortiz International Center.
David Neipert will discuss "U.S.-Mexico Trade: Challenges and Prospects." Neipert is a renowned researcher specializing in international trade issues and the movement of goods prompted by the North American Free Trade Agreement, trade relations with the European Union and with the former Communist Bloc.
Cost: $25/members and active duty military in uniform; $32.50/non-members, $18/students. Reservations must be prepaid. A $5 fee will be charged for all reservations received after Jan. 14.
Send check to World Affairs Council of South Texas, P. O. Box 260096, Corpus Christi, TX 78426.
For reservations and/or membership information: 241-2018.
CPAs host annual tax conference
Corpus Christi Chapter of the Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants will host the 55th annual Tax Conference beginning with registration at 8 a.m.; conference begins at 8:30 a.m. Feb. 1 at the Holiday Inn Emerald Beach, 1102 S. Shoreline Blvd.
Cost/registration: $139 for TSCPA members and non-CPA staff of members, $194 for nonmembers (includes lunch and nine hours of CPE credit).
Information/registration: corpuschristi.tscpa.org or 800-428-0272, ext. 279.

subset: commoncrawl


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Ancient EgyptPaperback
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- Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
- Format: Paperback | 256 pages
- Dimensions: 178mm x 234mm x 28mm | 839g
- Publication date: 5 June 2003
- Publication City/Country: New York, NY
- Sales rank: 343,374
Product description
The ancient Egyptians created some of the world's most beautiful art and architecture. To this day, this ancient civilization--which produced the great pyramids, the riddle of the Sphinx, and the riches of Tutankhamun--exerts a strong hold on our imaginations. Now, in Ancient Egypt, eminent Egyptologist David P. Silverman and a team of leading scholars explore the cultural wealth of this civilization in a series of intriguing and authoritative essays based on the latest theories and discoveries. Illustrated with more than 200 superb color photographs, maps, and charts, this book illuminates the vivid and powerful symbolic images of this fascinating culture--from pyramids and temples to priests and rituals; from hieroglyphic writing to daily life by the Nile; and from temple carvings to the cult of the dead. Correcting the popular misconception of the Egyptians as a death-obsessed people, the book uses the most recent historical research and archaeological finds to illuminate the routines of daily life in royal, elite, priestly circles, as well as at lower levels of society. We learn, for example, that despite the monochromatic appearance of most temple ruins today, in ancient times they would have been colorful, even gleaming structures; that the title "Pharaoh" derives from the Egyptian phrase per aa, which means "great house" and was originally a reference to the royal palace; that temples employed all manner of part-time and full-time personnel, from farmers and carpenters to scribes, jewelers, and keepers of livestock; and that Egyptian law viewed women as equal to men, and they could, in some cases, wield considerable influence.
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David P. Silverman is currently Curator-in-Charge of the Egyptian Section of the University of Pennsylvania Museum and Chairman of the university's Department of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies. His many previous books include Language and Writing in Ancient Egypt, Religion in Ancient Egypt, Ancient Egyptian Kingship, and Masterpieces of Tutankhamun. His fieldwork includes the co-directorship of the University of Pennsylvania/Boston Museum of Fine Arts expedition to record the tombs of the Old and Middle Kingdoms (ca. 2625-1530 BCE).
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"The writing is based on the latest historical research and archaeological finds, offering readers a penetrating look at the daily life of both royalty and commoner."


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Creative Production | Feature
As we approach the end of the school year, new tech tools are a great way to keep educators and students interested. And what's more engaging than animation? One animation website I love to use is GoAnimate. While the site offers options to purchase different plans, there is a free version that gives students a selection of characters and backgrounds that they can use to create an animated video.
Some ideas for lesson plans include having students recreate a historical event with modern-day characters, creating a political debate or using the characters to create a public service announcement. To get an idea of how easy GoAnimate is to use, check out the video above, then try it for yourself and create a video message to your students. Guaranteed fun!
When you talk about animation, most people think of cartoon-style movements. But you can also make animations using gifs (short for graphics interchange files). A gif is a lossless, small-size file, which is made with a compression method that uses math algorithms to recreate an image without eliminating parts of the image. In Earth terms, that means it's a small file with good quality.
What was I saying? Oh yeah, Babarosa gif animator is a free option for creating animations from individual images. Have you ever seen someone draw a stick figure on the edge of each page of a book and then flips the pages so it looks like the figure is moving? That's the idea. You can have students draw images, save them to upload to Babarosa and then play the animation.
Another great tool for animation is called Pencil. It is a free and open source option with a level of support that is not always available when you use free software. Students can draw using tools that are similar to those found in high-end software. Pencil can help students gain an understanding of graphic design basics. Don't be afraid dive in with your students and learn as you go. My students loved trying out the options and "teaching" me how to use them. Of course, it does help if the teacher is a few steps ahead of them.
About the Author
Ellen Zimmerman is a faculty member at Western Governors University, where she mentors students in the College of Information Technology. Her master's degree is in Educational Technology Leadership, and she has a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting. Currently, she is a doctoral student at the University of North Texas with a focus on learning cognition and curriculum.
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Paul VI Catholic School wanted to develop a laptop program that would equip its students and teachers with the right tools to increase classroom learning, prepare their students for college, and to develop the 21st Century skill sets required by today's employers. Download this White Paper to learn about their comprehensive selection process and how they are using their new laptops to revolutionize the learning process.
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Fostering Reflection in Health Professions Education and Practice: Focus on Interactive Reflective Writing
Monday, April 7, 2014 at 12:00pm to 1:00pm
Basic Science Building, 239 3900 Reservoir Road, N.W., Washington
The Graduate Program in Complementary and Alternative Meidicine Presents:
"Fostering Reflection in Health Professions Education and Practice: Focus on Interactive Reflective Writing" by Hedy Wald, PhD, Brown University School of Medicine, Providence RI
All CAM Weekly Seminars are held every Thursday from Noon to 1pm in room 239, Basic Science Building.
Visit cam.georgetown.edu for more information about our program and for a complete listing of seminars.
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Working in Game by day and a Disney Princess at night - meet Gloucester's Gemma Beard
Posted: April 24, 2014|
"KIDS just need to be kids – you see them walking down the road on iPhones and none of them look happy. I just want to bring happiness to them."
And what's happier than a Disney princess? Cynics look away now, because Gloucester is being sprinkled with a little fairy dust courtesy of its very own belle of the ball, Gemma Beard.
By day, 22-year-old Gemma, from Linden, works in the city's Game store – but come the weekend she is in hot demand as a real life Disney princess, hosting children's parties as any one of Snow White, Rapunzel, Cinderella, the Little Mermaid, Belle, Sleeping Beauty or countless others.
She's even been asked to help cheer up injured or poorly youngsters feeling sorry for themselves and has tapped into an apparently lucrative market.
"I only started doing it in October but this weekend I've got five children's parties to get to," said Gemma. I've always loved Disney, I've been to Disneyland Paris about six times and I wanted to be a performer there but I'm an inch too short."
But Gemma was determined to make her Disney dream a fairytale come true and has put her experience as a performer – she studied musical theatre at Gloucestershire College before hosting children's entertainment at a holiday park – to good use.
While her blossoming business is going well, she said it's not about making money.
"More than anything, I love putting smiles on children's faces," she said. "It depends a bit on the age group, but Disney is still a big deal for children now and I love bringing them a bit of magic.
"You see them on their iPhones and I just think 'you're supposed to be kids' and they don't look that happy. Quite often, the parents who book me are more excited than the children but they soon get into it."
Gemma stays in character throughout her visits, even when chatting to adults afterwards to keep the magic alive and is helped out by her mum, who does most of the background stuff at parties like making sure the music is right, and dad who drives her everywhere.
"They think it's great and my friends love it," said Gemma.
"They're always asking 'which one are you this weekend' and wanting to see pictures of me as Cinderella."
She's often asked to write letters to youngsters in character too and cheered up a little lad waiting for a heart operation at Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital by sending him a box full of messages and presents from princesses.
Her business – Enchanting Story Book Parties – is going from strength to strength and she's recently added characters from Disney's latest hit film Frozen to her repertoire. She hopes to do public performances in character too and is currently on the lookout for 'volunteer princesses' to help her manage her burgeoning workload. In summer, she's planning an event at Quedgeley Village Hall – Ariel's Summer Splash – with the Little Mermaid in a grotto-type experience, with crafts and gifts on sale there too.
Enchanting Storybook Parties on Facebook
Gemma was called into action last week as Frozen character Princess Anna to put the smile back on little Gracie Hewett's face.
Four-year-old Gracie spent nearly five hours in hospital on April 14 after being struck by a motorcyclist and dragged along Stroud Road.
She was lucky to escape with relatively minor injuries – scraped knees, a small puncture in her cheek and scuffs to her face - after the accident in the early evening.
Mum Leah Keohan, 25, said: "It was awful.
"We were on the centre island in the middle of Stroud Road.
"A bus had stopped to let us cross but the motorbike undertook him and caught Gracie. She got her leg stuck somehow and it how pulled her about two metres down the road.
"I was holding onto her and it was horrible.
"The motorbike rider realised quite quickly and stopped. I think he was just as much in shock as us."
Gracie was taken to hospital by ambulance and stayed there until almost 11pm that night before being allowed home, bandaged up.
Leah wanted to give her a surprise to help cheer her up and was recommended Gemma by a friend.
"She's really busy so she couldn't come straight away but she messaged me on Saturday and asked if we were free the next day," said Leah.
"She was amazing. Frozen is Gracie's favourite film and she came round with loads of presents, including a tiara and a bracelet just like the ones she was wearing as well as loads of Easter eggs.
"Gracie was just in awe of her.
"They sat and talked for ages and then sang Let it Go together.
"I asked how much Gemma wanted and she just said 'no, it's free'.
"What she's doing is brilliant."
Police were called to the scene after Gracie's accident and spoke to the motorbike rider, a 28-year-old man.
No further action has been taken.
What can Disney teach children today? Gemma writes in her own words about what lessons it can help us learn.
First of all I would like to note that my business is in no affiliation with Disney but I do look to them for inspiration and motivation.
I believe the classic fairytales have a lesson to teach and there are many strong characters which make good role models for children, especially the princesses.
Beauty and the Beast teaches us beauty is only skin deep, The Princess and the Frog teaches us to work hard to achieve our goals and the newest film, Frozen, teaches us the value of family love.
Each story has a lesson and creates characters we can all relate to. You may see qualities in a character that you can see in yourself; maybe you're a tomboy like Merida? Or you're rebellious and adventurous like Ariel? Or you have friction between yourself and a sibling like Anna and Elsa?
These characters are not just relatable for children but are relatable to adults too.
I love each of the stories and we have all curled up on the sofa with our favourite food and watched a Disney film. It creates a little escape filled with magic, laughter and love.


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November 25, 2008
This quarterly e-newsletter gives you news and information about the Florida Branch of Screen Actors Guild. If you have any comments or suggestions with regard to The Sunshine Slate, please contact South Region Executive Julie Balter at (800) SAG-0767, option 5, ext 222, or via e-mail at email@example.com.
Florida Branch members enjoy a reception and movie screening with their annual membership meeting at Cinema Paradiso. At foreground table, clockwise from top: Vincent Locurto, Judith Epstein, Frances Mansfield and Julio Torresoto.
Membership meetings are always important resources for career information, but they're even more compelling when you're rewarded for your free time.
Thanks to the Florida Branch's sponsorship of the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival, members attended a reception and free festival film screening after our general meeting at Cinema Paradiso. Each attendee also received two complimentary tickets to FLIFF films, and our grand prize winner claimed all-expense passes to every festival film, event and party.
"We had our biggest turnout for our annual meeting in recent memory, and I can only attribute this to marrying our meeting to the film festival," said Branch President Steve Gladstone. "We will continue to blend facts with festivity wherever and whenever we can."
SAG returned to host all-day events for the Festival's Sunshine Celluloid Day, which features films made entirely in Florida. We started off with a Low Budget Contract Workshop, including a panel of SAG staff and the creative team of the feature film Patsy—Florida SAG member, lead actor and producer Brett Golov, writer-director Anton Jarvis and Florida cast member and SAG National Low Budget Committee member Rod Ball. A big thanks to them, as well all of the Los Angeles and Florida cast members who came out to encourage indie producers to go SAG.
"In spite of our small budget, it never even occurred to us to try to make this film without SAG actors," said Jarvis. "The staff at the local SAG office was great to work with and made this so much easier for us."
Cast and creative team of Patsy:
(bottom) SAG members Carmen Lopez
and Ryan Matthew, (top) SAG member
Judy Clayton, write-director Anton
Jarvis, casting director Ellen Jacoby,
producer and member Brett Golov and
SAG member Patrick Michael Buckley.
Patsy played to a packed house after the workshop, and was capped off by a SAG-sponsored networking mixer. Attendees included the Patsy team, as well as Florida Casting Director Ellen Jacoby, whose credits include the locally filmed television series Burn Notice and such films as The Hours and There's Something About Mary.
The 2008 Festival closed with SRO attendance for the Florida-based film Bart Got a Room, which also earned a Best Director Award for native Brian Heckler. We send huge shout-outs to both Heckler, who fought for Bart to film in Florida, and to the local SAG principal cast: Mike Benitez, Carrie Elizabeth Drazek, Elena Maria Garcia, Kate Karpinski, Betty Knowles, Lisset Deval Lao, Margot Moreland and Joan Turner.
We look forward to an ongoing partnership with FLIFF throughout the year and encourage members to support Cinema Paradiso's unique venue for SAG indie films.
By Steve Gladstone
Florida Branch President
I am buoyed by the wonderful member turnout at our last annual meeting held in the surroundings of the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival. Enthusiasm is high. Our recent surge in new e-mail signups (200-plus) and our iActor penetration of greater than 17 percent (our goal is 20 percent) is some blue sky I appreciate.
It's all about the value an actor places on his or her performance and the contracts born of that value. The longer a nonunion commercial runs, the less the actor makes. The objective of our contracts is to pay a fair wage and protect the future value of our performances.
It's worthwhile to remember that a nonunion shoot means higher agent commissions, slow and sometimes no payment, no overtime, no residuals, no pension and health, no FICA and unemployment contributions and compromised safety standards.
I will not attempt to expose "right to work" laws for what they are but simply will point out they are anti-union laws. They strike at the very heart of organizing, the foundation of any union, by encouraging workers not to join.
There are some sobering dots to connect. If you look at wages and conditions across the 50 states, in the 22 states with "right to work" laws, Florida and Texas being the largest, the average worker in a "right to work" state makes about $5,333 a year less than workers in other states ($35,500, compared with $30,167).
Weekly wages are $72 greater in union security states than in "right to work" states ($621, compared with $549). Where health insurance is concerned, 21 percent more people lack health insurance in "right to work" states compared with union security states. Moreover, the infant mortality rate is 16 percent higher in "right to work" states.
Safety is a huge issue for all workers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the rate of workplace deaths is 51 percent higher in "right to work" states. Such states also have a poverty rate of 12.5 percent, compared with 10.2 percent for other states. Maximum weekly worker compensation benefits are $30 higher in union security states also ($609, compared with $579 in "right to work" states).
It is difficult to organize when workers are willing to work for lower wages. We can't force an employer's hand to raise wages and working conditions when they have the workforce they need to get the job done for less.
It is up to each one of us to get the word out to the nonunion talent pool that being in the union is the good, right and healthy thing to do. We call this "internal organizing"—bringing them in one actor at a time. When that nonunion talent pool shrinks, the more union production grows, as do our wages, rights and conditions.
It's quite fitting that Florida SAG member Carlos Guerrero received California Next Gen Film Festival's Best Actor Award, considering that he comes from a family of actors. Guerrero, son of the late SAG member Jorge Guerrero, and the father of emerging actor Carlos Jr., was recognized by the festival for his leading role in Joel Rodriguez' film Undocumented.
Carlos first appeared on camera as a young child, cradled in his father's arms. As an adult, he's established himself as one of Florida's leading bilingual actors. Guerrero's credits include everything from Spanish soap operas to leading and supporting roles in more than 20 short films, as well as countless national commercials for both markets. However, he always returns to his father's advice: "to be happy in life, you must do what you love." Guerrero is passing these sage words along to his four children, including Carlos Jr., who is striving to earn his SAG card.
The Florida Branch congratulates Carlos on his auspicious award, and we look forward to representing the next generation of Guerrero Guild members.
By David Fazekas
South Region Executive
The Central Florida office held a new member orientation on July 30 at The Lisa Maile School in Winter Park. I conducted the orientation with the assistance of Florida Branch Councilor Rich Carey. The orientation program reviewed such important topics as the basic provisions relating to your employment from the audition process to how residuals work, your relationship with franchised agents, services and opportunities provided by the Guild and Screen Actors Guild Foundation and understanding the rules of being a member of Screen Actors Guild.
I thank Rich Carey for assisting with this important program and for providing the members with his personal experiences and insights. I also thank Debbie Wisner and Debby Tapia of The Lisa Maile School for providing a classroom for this orientation.
The Central Florida office held its second iActor training seminar for Guild members on October 30 at Strayer University in Maitland. Guild member Tom Hillmann and I conducted the training seminar to provide hands-on assistance to members in registering on the iActor site. Members also received help in uploading their résumés and headshots to the iActor site as well as advice regarding posting their video and voice clips on the site. I thank both Tom Hillmann for once again volunteering his time and expertise during this seminar. I also thank Dan Dominisac, campus director of Strayer University, for the use of the computer lab and for being so accommodating to all of our needs.
Central Florida Informational Meeting
When: Monday, December 8, 2008
6:30 p.m. Mixer with refreshments
7:30 p.m. Meeting commences
Where: Buena Vista Palace Hotel & Spa
1900 Buena Vista Drive
Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830
Please check your e-mail and the Florida Branch website in the near future for more information on these and other events. If you have any questions, please contact South Region Executive David Fazekas at (407) 788-3020, or (800) SAG-0767, option 7, or via e-mail at firstname.lastname@example.com.
Weekly On-Camera Cold Reading/Practice Workshop
Date: Tuesday evenings
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Casselberry, Fla. (Orlando area)
Details: Free, very small classes (1–3 actors). Bring your script, or select one from our library. Individual sessions can be arranged if you need to practice for an audition. Reservations for this ongoing workshop must be made one day in advance (Monday). Available to paid-up Florida Branch Members only. Please call Walter Nill at (407) 695-0049 or Dave Fazekas (SAG) at (407) 788-3020 for scheduling and information.
Check the back side of your Screen Actors Guild membership card, and you'll see the most important rule by which SAG members must abide. Rule 1 states that no member shall work for or agree to work for a producer who is not signatory to the appropriate SAG agreement. Starting January 1, 2009, Rule 1 will be vigorously enforced in new media.
New media means the Internet, cell phones, PDAs and any other technology that may be invented in the future. That means every time you work on a project intended for new media, you need to be covered by a union contract. Being covered by a SAG contract right from the start is a good thing because in new media, you never know where you'll find an audience or how successful a project may become.
Keep reading Guild communications for information about the SAG New Media Agreement and the opportunities and protections it provides to SAG members as well as general information about new media. You'll also find articles and ads that have appeared recently in Guild publications and in the trades discussing why the rule and the contract are so important.
Screen Actors Guild can provide more information and answer your specific questions at firstname.lastname@example.com or (323) 549-6777.
Marilyn Kirschen
South Region Business Representative
Whether you're attending an audition for a principal role or an interview as an extra, always remember to sign in and out at the casting session. It is a requirement for the producer to provide Audition Report Forms at all SAG commercial casting sessions.
These sheets are submitted to the union and assist us in gathering valuable data. They even could serve to generate some additional payment to you if there are violations at the audition or interview. Generally we cannot pursue a claim for you if you do not fill in the Audition Report completely and sign out.
The relevant sections of the Commercials Contract are as follows:
"If, at either a first or second audition, the principal performer is required to remain for more than 1 hour from the time of call or arrival, which is later, he/she shall be compensated for all time on said call in excess of 1 hour, at straight time, in ½-hour units, at the rate of $35.45 per unit."
"A third audition shall be not less than 2 hours, for which the principal performer shall be paid a minimum fee of $141.80. For all time in excess of 2 hours, the principal performer shall be paid at straight time in ½-hour units, at the rate of $35.45 per unit."
"Extra performers (other than hand models) may be called for the first interview which shall not exceed 1 hour without payment of an interview allowance. For the second hour of interview, extra performers shall be paid 1/8 of such extra performer's applicable minimum wage…"
In addition, in order to process any payment for overtime on a first or second audition or payment for a third or fourth audition, advertising agencies and payroll houses need an identification number. Some companies will not pay if there is no Social Security number or member ID written on the audition sheet. Writing "on file" or any other variation is not the same as writing an identification number and will not protect your contractual rights. We do not recommend that you use your SSN, but we ask you to always write down your Member ID. That way, if you are ever owed monies from an audition, you will be paid.
For clarification or additional information regarding commercial auditions, contact Marilyn Kirschen, business representative, at (800) SAG-0767, option 5, ext. 228, or via e-mail at firstname.lastname@example.com.
2009 Applications Available Now
Thanks to the SAG Foundation's John L. Dales Scholarship Fund, for the past three years Florida Member Henderson Gilleland received a $4,000 scholarship for his daughter's education at Appalachian State University. That's a $12,000 savings, all because Henderson is a SAG member. In 2007, another Florida member, Kaci Kennedy received $4,000 toward tuition for the College of William and Mary. "We are so grateful for their help," said Kaci's mom, Charlene, who also has another daughter in SAG. "This has made a huge difference for us in being able to pay for her education."
Apply today to find out whether the foundation can help you or a family member with education or career transition. The 2009 John L. Dales Scholarship application for eligible SAG members and children of members is available at the foundation website, SAGFoundation.org/scholarships. There are two types of scholarships, standard and transitional. The application deadline is March 16, 2009. For more information, contact Davidson Lloyd at
(323) 549-6649 or firstname.lastname@example.com.
The Screen Actors Guild Foundation is a humanitarian, educational and philanthropic organization that offers substantive programs to Guild members and the greater community through its programs. For more information, or to make a charitable donation, please visit SAGFoundation.org.
The 2008–09 school year marks the 10-year anniversary of the inception of Florida BookPALS. In that time we've achieved many great things. More than 300 volunteers have touched the lives of more than 15,000 children across the state each year. We've put 25,000 brand new books into the hands of children who most need them. We've raised more than $70,000 in grants and fund-raisers to expand our commitment to early literacy through programs like We the Children, Family Reading, Storyline and PencilPALS. More than anything else, the people we call BookPALS and PencilPALS have changed lives and made a real difference to the children they serve.
Special acknowledgement goes to a handful of Super Stellar BookPALS who've not only been with us for the long haul, but who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to serve. Their enthusiasm and passion for this cause are indeed what keeps us alive and thriving in these uncertain times. They are the stars of countless shows and the reasons for so many smiles. My heartfelt thanks to each of you for the part you play in advancing children's literacy: Judy Babcock, Sondra Barrett, Angela Bomford, Bill Cordell, Dan Fitzgerald, Peter Haig, Taylor Mathews, Wendy Michaels, LeRoy Mitchell and Diane Shaheen.
If you're not a BookPAL or PencilPAL yet, it's never too late to join our fold! Contact Natalie Rogers at (321) 229-0638 or email@example.com to sign up. Visit www.bookpals.net or SAGFoundation.org to learn more about the SAG Foundation's literacy projects.
The Performers With Disabilities Tri-Union Committee of Screen Actors Guild, the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists and Actors' Equity Association announced the launch of a major disability rights campaign to increase the visibility and equal employment opportunities for actors, broadcasters and sound recording artists with disabilities throughout the entertainment and news media—I AM PWD (Inclusion in the Arts & Media of People With Disabilities). The announcement was made October 6 at news conferences in Los Angeles, New York and Washington, D.C., to coincide with National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
Florida Branch president and co-chair of the Guild's National Performers with Disabilities Committee Steve Gladstone observed, "The struggle for inclusion for performers with disabilities is not unlike the struggle for civil rights in the 1960s. Because we exist on our sidewalks, in our grocery stores, back alleys, court rooms, dance halls and in lover's triangles, we belong on our big and small screens. We are ordinary folks who are assumed different, but indeed the same as anyone else."
Robert David Hall, national chair of the Tri-Union Performers with Disabilities Committee, said, "I'm fortunate to have a good career as an actor and creative artist. The normal struggles any performer faces, however, are complicated tenfold by our industry's reluctance to include people with disabilities in the full landscape of entertainment. In the 21st century, media is the world's common cultural environment. Society's values and priorities are expressed and reflected in film, television, theatre, news and music. If you aren't seen and heard, you are invisible. People with disabilities are largely invisible within the arts and media landscape. I AM PWD will awaken the general public to the lack of inclusion and universal access for people with disabilities by uniting with a network of industry, labor, community and government allies."
SAG's National President Alan Rosenberg said, "Screen Actors Guild is committed to inclusion of all actors, and will work tirelessly to advocate and seek visibility and equal employment opportunities for performers with disabilities, as they are an integral part of the diverse landscape of the Guild membership and the American Scene."
AEA President Mark Zimmerman said, "Actors' Equity acknowledges that the growth and vitality of our collective industry is dependent upon the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion, and wholeheartedly endorses the I AM PWD campaign. The theatre should, and must, reflect the true diversity of our society."
"Our responsibility as union members is to challenge any and all roadblocks to inclusion and access in the workplace," said AFTRA President Roberta Reardon. "AFTRA has led the fight against all forms of discrimination on so many fronts throughout our history and I am proud to be part of this important day in announcing this landmark disability rights campaign. Now is the time to stand together to combat discrimination and truly integrate our brothers and sisters with disabilities into the promise of the American Scene."
The mission of the Tri-Union PWD Committee is to serve as the means to enhance the status and promote the advancement of performers with disabilities; nurture members' knowledge and skills; improve members' professional careers through the sharing and dispersing of information; promote the profession as a whole; further the understanding of the profession and foster understanding and respect for the disabled performers within; develop and improve working standards; and assist in the continuing development of ethical standards for practitioners in the industry.
Over the course of the three-year I AM PWD campaign, the group will reach out to the entertainment and media industries, the general public, political and legislative leaders and to national and global civil rights, labor and community allies in an effort to urge the entertainment industry to open up equal opportunities for disabled performers.
Interested allies are urged to join the I AM PWD network of supporters by signing up at IAMPWD.org.
iActor: ONE CLICK COULD CHANGE YOUR CAREER
Simple, functional, convenient and free, iActor—SAG's revolutionary online casting directory—is an essential career and production tool. iActor is the only online casting directory that exclusively features SAG members and automated Station 12 cast clearance.
Available to all casting directors working on signatory productions, iActor allows casting professionals to search through members' headshots, résumés and media by any combination of terms, such as gender, ethnicity, special skills or credits.
By creating their résumés and adding their headshots, SAG members will be at the fingertips of the industry's top casting professionals. Members also can use the service to e-mail résumés to casting directors directly, any time of the day or night. To sign up, simply log on to SAG.org. It could change your career.
The Guild has been contacted by the following productions about becoming signatory to one of the Screen Actors Guild's collective bargaining agreements. Please be advised these producers may not have completed the signatory process at this time. It is the responsibility of each member to confirm that each producer has signed the applicable contract before making an agreement to render services. Failure to confirm the signatory status before rendering services may lead to disciplinary charges being filed. If you have any questions, please contact the office at
(800) SAG-0767, option 5.
Central/North Florida
Prime of Your Life
Prime of Your Life Pictures, LLC
Location: Tampa
Start Date: November 24, 2008
Contact: Nicole Abisinio at firstname.lastname@example.com
FWC Pictures, LLC
Location: Orlando, Fla.
Start: November 4, 2008
Contact: Tim Powell at (407) 595-0749
South Florida
Miami Guns—Ultra Low Budget
Supersonic Entertainment
Location: Miami
Start: August 8, 2008
The World is Ours, LLC
Location: Miami
Start Date: September 28, 2008
For the complete listings of productions across the Southeast, click here. (This is for members only and you must log in.)
Because access to our update is restricted to SAG members in good standing only, we ask your continued cooperation in maintaining the confidentiality of its contents. Therefore, please refrain from sharing this update, or forwarding e-mailed updates to anyone.
The Florida Branch welcomes the following members:
New Members
Kirsten Banka, Jose Antonio Beltran, Tamar T. Berk, Javier Carrasquillo, Georgia Chris, Peter Corrdova, Angelo Paul Costa, Carlos Michael Diaz, Oscar A. Diaz, Elise Girardin, Catherine Hayden, Kate J. Holliday, Natacha Itzel, Courtney Paige Kramer, Lindsey Erin Krom, Euriamis Losada, Larry Milby, Brandon Perry, Tania Pilar, Avery Kristen Pohl, David Perez Ribada, Janmarco Santiago, Jaynee Silvers, Montana Tucker and Ricky Wayne
Afa Anoai-Somoan, Ian Aronson,Tammy Bass, Matthew Bergen, Patrick Brody, Patrick Michael Buckley, John Paul Campbell, Tommy Canary, Steve Carnahan, Dennis Creaghan, James Charles Curkenm, C.J. Davis, Robert DeFrank, Iake, Eissinmann, Paul John Ennis, Lai-Si Fernandez, Danielle Ferretti, Christopher Field, Tabitha Field, Shannon Franklin, Zach Franklin, Richard A. Haitz, L.A. Hardy, Victoria Hester, Channing Humphries, Gregory Iseminger, Lawrence Johansen, Michael H. King, Daniel Ladmirault, Rachel Shelle Littman, Devlin Mann, Amy Elizabeth McKenna, Matthew McKerrow, Richard James Neilan, Philip Edward Olivas, Mariam Pearlman, Daniel Petcovic, Laura Pinner, Clay Rivers, Olivia D. Robinson, Joy Rosenthal, Desiree Russo, Dianna Scott, Michael H. Small, Mella Varos, Craig Lee Watson, Fred Weinberg, Jerry Winkowski, Donald Wolfe and Crystina Wyler
Screen Actors Guild is facing a dilemma: getting performers or their heirs to collect their unclaimed residuals. A surplus of unclaimed residuals sits unable to be sent out. Although the Guild knows to whom these funds belong, it can't send the checks to these performers, in most cases because the Guild doesn't have the correct mailing information for the residuals recipients. Some residuals checks belong to nonmembers or one-time actors, many of whom aren't even aware that they have residuals coming to them. In an effort to reduce this surplus, the Finance Committee is embarking on a marketing campaign to get the word out to possible residuals recipients. The campaign, called "Get Your Money," will reach out to SAG members and non-SAG members through internal publications and online campaigns. If you would like to see whether you have residuals owed to you, visit www.SAG.org/GetYourMoney. Enter your name and "Get Your Money!" Have questions or want to speak with a residuals representative? E-mail email@example.com, or call (800) 205-7716 or (323) 549-6535.
Since 1985, the Screen Actors Guild Foundation has embraced its mission to assist, educate and inspire actors to their fullest career potential and to give back to the communities in which they live. While we are not a part of Screen Actors Guild, we are dedicated to serving its members.
From board of directors to staff to volunteers, the foundation's diverse makeup is a large component of this non-profit 501(c)3 organization's success. Governed independently of the Guild, the non-political, non-partisan foundation is a collective body bringing different personalities, attitudes and opinions together in service of actors who, like us, come from all walks of life.
Chances are that we've already helped you, or someone you know, with financial assistance in a time of crisis, scholarship monies, efforts we make toward children's literacy, time spent in the Actors Center (the only resource center of its kind in Los Angeles), or seminars, workshops and other career-informing events. In any case, please visit our website at www.sagfoundation.org to find out more about us.
Our work is rewarding, but not easy. Our programs and benefits are supported not by your Guild membership dues or fees but by grants, donations and our own fundraising efforts. Resources are limited, and times have been exceptionally hard. Our Emergency Assistance program, overtaxed by economic blows such as the recent Writers Guild strike which put countless actors out of work, has far exceeded its budget and the livelihood of the foundation as a whole is in delicate balance.
It takes an actor to understand an actor's struggle. Most of us at the foundation are actors, and by learning more about the Screen Actors Guild Foundation, we hope that you will gain a greater understanding of our work and what it takes to keep us going. Your tax-deductible donation can make a huge difference in the life of a fellow actor. You can donate online whenever you wish, make automatic monthly donations, or send us a check made payable to Screen Actors Guild Foundation. You can also think about residual checks, no matter what their size, which might benefit your peers by signing them over to the foundation as a charitable contribution.
Meanwhile, we also encourage you, as a SAG member, to think about the services we make available in support of your own career. Knowing, understanding and giving to the SAG Foundation is an investment not just in the foundation's livelihood, but in yours.
Screen Actors Guild Foundation
5757 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 124
Los Angeles, CA 90036
phone: (323) 549-6708
fax: (323) 549-6710
SAG HOLIDAY GIFT SHOPPING — thesagshop.com
Visit thesagshop.com for the latest in must-have, union-made merchandise. Buy gifts and accessories that demonstrate your good taste and your union pride.
The Florida Branch Web page of SAG.org is an important resource for the membership. Visit http://florida.sag.org to stay updated on the latest Branch news.
Have a question about contracts, talent agents, your dues status? Need to file a claim? The Florida Branch Office is here to answer your questions and assist.
Telephone: (800) SAG-0767, extension 5
E-mail: email@example.com
Fax: (800) 844-5439
Mail: 7300 North Kendall Drive
Suite 620
Miami, FL 33156-7840


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Schools and communities invite veterans of all backgrounds to share their stories and receive thanks for their years of service.
Click here to register and receive 30 wristbands, while supplies last! Questions? Email us at email@example.com
Teacher Resources
- Suggested Questions for Take a Veteran to School Visits
- New Generation of Veterans: Fact Sheet
- Take a Veteran to School "How-To" Guide
- Thank a Veteran at Work "How-To" Guide
- True Story of Veterans Day Study Guide
- Department of Veterans Affairs Teacher Resources
- Promoting History Preservation in the Classroom
Supporting Veterans
Team Rubicon
Team Rubicon unites the skills and experiences of military veterans with first responders to rapidly deploy emergency response teams.
America's VetDogs
Helping those who have served our country honorably to live with dignity and independence whether they are visually impaired or have other special needs.
American Airlines Military and Veterans Initiatives
American Airlines and its people support the military, veterans and their families year-round. Learn more about these programs.
Email Updates
Keep up with the latest History shows, online features, special offers and more.Sign up


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Release Date: Thursday, November 4, 2010
Since its release in 2001, the story of Siemens Soarian has been one of ups and downs. When the solution was first introduced to the market, it generated quite a bit of excitement, and expectations were high. But in the early years, Siemens was unable to meet those high expectations. Early adopters complained of system instability, and Siemens failed to meet development deadlines.
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I thank the Director of Business Communications Programs at Rutgers for his "fair and balanced" comments. He is the one and only Rutgers offical that has looked at this correctly. We need more like him on the Academic Integritee Committee at Rutgers.
As her father, I may be biased, but I have also read every document and experienced the the frustration of dealing with Rutgers and their Academic Intgrity Policy and process, which was disfunctional at best. None of you know the facts and are also rushing to judgement and agree with Rutgers and you are guilty of assuming guilt without examining the evidence.They appeared to be predisposed at her guilt, relying on Turnitin, without reviewing the evidence and her appeal. At no point were we allowed to speak with the Integrity Commitee or attend the hearing on her appeal. They are judge and jury.
First, let state that I am Amanda's father so I am biased in my opinion but I don't think she is innnocent just because she is my daughter.
As mentioned by more than one of you, all the facts of this case are not in the article. None of you read Amanda's paper, or her appeal or reviewed the documents. Some of you are very quick to judge and while I can understand this to some degree, you cannot possibly feel as we do as you have not experienced what we have. What is not mentioned in the article is the confusion and frustration we experienced dealing with the Rutgers administration all during this process. They failed to follow their own processes outlined in their Academic Integrity Policy. There is also on one at the University who is an advocate for the student. When we were referred to their Student Ombusperson, she know less of the process than we did and offered no help or guidance for us. While their "committee" included Professors, Administrators and Students, we were never given an opportunity to defend our case or for Amanda to explain her appeal letter. Her appeal letter was over 8 pages long. The accusations by the professor was about 3 sentences. While we may admit that her paper should have had better citation of her sources, it was not plagiarism. Furthermore, the grade of a 0 for the paper seemed overly severe. All we have been asking for was a fair and just answer to our inquiries over this process. Over the last 9 months Rutgers has continued to stonewall us and our attorney. We are moving on with our lives, but it is the principle of the issue and that Rutgers appears to answer to no one. They can say they are right and they dont have to explain themselves to those they have accused and judged in the matter. They are judge and jury, despite the"students" on the Intgrity Committee. Plagiarism is a very serious accusation and not a clear cut answer. We have felt Amanda was unfarily judged and we have asked Rutgers and their attorny time and time again to address Amanda's appeal letter and tell us where she is incorrect in her defense. We were never allowed that opportunity. Rutgers is a beaucratic bully and someone needed to stand up to them and tell them they cant treat their students this way.


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Metformin Delayed-Release (DR)
The investigational new drug, a delayed-release metformin, is a low‑dose tablet formulation of the foundational treatment for type 2 diabetes. By reducing systemic exposure, Metformin DR may allow for metformin use in type 2 patients with moderate to severe renal impairment and may decrease metformin's gastro-intestinal side effects.
Elcelyx has not changed the way metformin works but instead, has discovered how metformin works and leverages this understanding to develop an innovative product that may meet the needs of patients who currently cannot use metformin. Rather than acting through the circulation, Elcelyx has demonstrated that metformin acts at the lower bowel to activate signals leading to glucose regulation.
Metformin DR is delivered to the distal small intestine, maintaining metformin's effect on glucose, but significantly reducing systemic exposure. This reduction in systemic exposure may allow for metformin use in type 2 patients with moderate to severe renal impairment, a population that is presently contraindicated for metformin use. Also, because metformin is not wasted to circulation, lower doses can be used and with bypassing the upper GI, improvements in tolerance can be realized without titration.
A potentially improved safety and tolerability profile could make Metformin DR appropriate for patients who are currently contraindicated for metformin and those who would benefit from the glucose control provided by metformin but who cannot tolerate currently available formulations, both significant sub-populations of type 2 diabetes patients. Because Metformin DR can deliver an effective dose of metformin, it is an ideal candidate for fixed-dose combinations with other oral antidiabetic agents. Metformin DR offers the potential to be the only metformin/DPP4i FDC with an effective metformin dose in a once-daily formulation that may not require titration.
In a completed 12-week Phase 2b clinical study in 240 subjects with type 2 diabetes, multiple doses of Metformin DR demonstrated statistically significant reductions in fasting plasma glucose at four weeks as compared to placebo. The 12-week data confirm the durability of the effect observed at 4 weeks.


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DIRTY LETTERS CHRISTY CANYON – Open it up and find out what awaits. Someone's been sending Christy dirty letters, and they're making her juices run. Can she overcome her filthy desires, or will she succumb to the will of her admirers? This classic film is sure to get you busting your nut in no time when you watch the lovely Christy Canyon live out her secret dirty letters. WATCH DIRTY LETTERS AT THE NO.1 CLASSIC FAN SITE PORNSTARCLASSICS.COM
STARRING: Sue Lion, Christy Canyon, Ali Moore, Pamela Jennings, Nicole West, Josephine Carrington, Marc Wallice, Greg Derek, Craig Roberts
Studio: Caballero Video
Director: Michael Carpenter
Approximate Running Time: 01:21:17


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ASHRAE has published a new guideline to facilitate improved indoor environments by considering interactions of air quality, thermal conditions, lighting, and acoustics.
ASHRAE Guideline 10-2011, Interactions Affecting the Achievement of Acceptable Indoor Environments, contains an assembly of knowledge on the complexity of indoor environments and the impact they have on building occupants. Guideline 10 is especially significant in the design of low-energy buildings.
"The guideline summarizes what research and experience have taught us about the complex interplay of the wide range of factors that determine occupants' reactions to the buildings they inhabit," says Hal Levin, chair of the committee writing the guideline.
The guideline is intended to help users understand existing documents dealing with indoor environments, including all applicable ASHRAE standards related to energy, ventilation, IAQ, and thermal conditions with a focus on the effect of these systems on occupants.
"It can provide assistance to building design professionals and building operators by making them aware of the major interactions that have the potential to impact the indoor environment," says Levin. "We believe the guideline will help draw attention to the narrowly-defined scopes of the widely-used standards and the significance of combined or interactive effects in determining the acceptability of an indoor environment."
Guideline 10-2011, Interactions Affecting the Achievement of Acceptable Indoor Environments, is $54 ($46, ASHRAE members), visit www.ashrae.org/bookstore for more information.
ASHRAE Adopted by the Army
ASHRAE's New Thermal Comfort Standard
ASHRAE Funds Buildings Maintenance Research
Xcel Energy's Data Center Efficiency program can help data centers and large-scale IT operations improve reliability and energy efficiency.
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BRISTOL TRAFFIC: Delays on M4 near Bristol
Posted: December 17, 2012|
Bristol traffic report at 8.45am
•M4 Bristol - Delays on M4 westbound between J19, M32 (Bristol) and J20, M5 J15 (Almondsbury Interchange). Average speed 20 mph. Travel time is ten minutes.
•M4 Bristol - Delays on M4 eastbound between J21 M48 and J19, M32 (Bristol). Average speed 25 mph. Travel time is ten minutes
•Reports of accident on A303 between Priddles Lane and Forest Mill Lane.
•A361 New Road / Main Road both ways closed due to flooding between Riverside (Burrowbridge) and Northmoor Lane (Lyng).
•B3223 both ways blocked, delays expected due to overturned van and recovery work between Barton Steep (Lynton) and B3358 (Simonsbath).


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Tryall attractions are listed below. Find things to do in or near Tryall, Jamaica for your upcoming individual or group travel for Tryall visitors. We also offer the great discounts on Tryall hotel and motel rooms.
Attractions + Things To See in Tryall
Next 3 Things to see > [1 - 3 of 10]


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I feel terrible, in my anger fr the kids, I forgot such an important person, her own Mother! hen called to the scene, no one has reported that the grand daughter asked if anyone checked on Grandma and hen they entered the house, she as found in only a shirt sitting in filth and urine with bed sores and a blood clot in a diabetic coma. Her paid care giver? None other then her own daughter, the dog killer! Grandma is still in the hospital!
And yet again the whole truth doesn't come out! No mention of her being a drug addict, no mention of all the farming equipment she stole from her neices and nephews that their father left them when he died that was on that same property, no mention of the truck that belonged to those same kids that she stole and sold! When they called the police they were told it was a civil matter and they have to file a civil case against her although I was raised to think stealing was a crime and you go to jail for that. It appears to me this psycho has a vendetta against this family of siblings and I worry what's next. WTG Thompson, don't take her seriously and the blood will be on your hands!


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By K.L. VantranAmerican Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Nov. 16, 2003 U.S. military forces may remain in Iraq when full sovereignty is given to the Iraqi people in June and the Coalition Provisional Authority dissolves, Ambassador L. Paul Bremer III, CPA administrator, said in interviews from Baghdad, Iraq, today on Sunday television talk shows.
"Every indication we have in our discussions with the governing council (and) with the ministers suggests a strong desire from the majority of the Iraqi people to have the coalition forces stay until the situation is stabilized," he said on "Fox News Sunday." "We're in a war against terrorism here, and a low- intensity conflict against former Baathists. We want to help the Iraqis win both of these wars."
With recent attacks on coalition forces, the ambassador said it's important to remember that 95 percent of these attacks are being conducted by a few thousand men in a small part of the country, posing no strategic threat to operations.
"They do obviously and unfortunately have the ability to impose casualties," he added. Though he acknowledged that some witness reports indicate ground fire was involved in the apparent collision of two Army helicopters in Mosul on Nov. 15, the ambassador said it's too early to be sure about a cause.
"It's hard to know at this point what happened," he added. "The investigation is ongoing. It's obviously a very great tragedy." Seventeen U.S. soldiers were killed and five others were injured when the helicopters went down.
The ambassador said every precaution to protect coalition forces will be taken. "Looking after the welfare of the men and women in the armed forces is 'Job One,'" he said on ABC's "This Week With George Stephanopoulos."
Better intelligence, necessary to protecting coalition forces, is one advantage of having Iraqis involved in their own security, Bremer told Fox viewers. "When we get Iraqi policemen and soldiers out there, we get a knowledge of the local terrain, landscape, the customs, the rhythm of life," he said. "We're getting more information on the enemy (from the Iraqi people)."
Despite the attention commanded by attacks on coalition forces, the rebuilding of Iraq continues. With more than 15,000 projects completed in six months, the reconstruction is well under way, said Bremer. "There is a lot of good news," he added. "As reconstruction efforts move forward, and as we give Iraqis more responsibilities in political and military fields, I think we'll find our security in a better place."
The ambassador said he believes it would be a mistake to pull out of Iraq too soon. "We have to find the right balance," he said. "As the president has said, we will not cut and run. We're here to get the job done, and we will stay until the job is done.
"It would be a mistake to rush turnover until Iraq has some kind of constitutional framework that guarantees individual liberties, guarantees the bill of rights, guarantees freedom of worship," he added.
The answer is an interim constitution that guarantees rights that didn't exist for the Iraqi people under Saddam Hussein, said Bremer on ABC. "We will write into that exactly the kinds of guarantees that were not in Saddam's constitution. We'll have a bill of rights. We'll recognize equality for all citizens. We'll recognize an independent judiciary. We'll talk about a federal government."
The interim constitution, said Bremer, also will provide time for a permanent constitution to be written, a process Bremer said probably would take two years.
"What we've found here is a way to go forward (that is) consistent with the president's objectives, but also allows the Iraqis to have their full independence in a reasonable time period -- seven or eight months," he said.
Bremer added he supports the negotiations with the new Iraqi government for continued U.S. presence in Iraq to help stabilize the country and keep it at peace with its neighbors.
"They have some pretty rough neighbors, and they're going to need our support for quite some time," he said on Fox.


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Posts Tagged «max planck»
Organic molecules found in the galactic core: Are stellar nurseries spitting out building blocks of life, as well as stars? September 26, 2014 at 11:21 am
Researchers at the Max Planck institute in Germany have discovered large quantities of organic molecules at the center of the Milky Way that resemble life-bearing amino acids in their complexity. The new-found presence of this complex organic molecule, iso-propyl cyanide, is a good indicator that amino acids themselves are floating throughout the interstellar medium. If this is indeed the case, it in turn suggests that these wandering amino acids may have played a vital role in the synthesis of life on other planets in the galaxy.
How will spacecraft navigate between the stars? Intergalactic pulsar-based GPS May 24, 2013 at 9:03 am
At the next nebula, take a right. Here's a good one for you: When we eventually launch a spacecraft that's capable of exploring the Milky Way, how will we navigate between the stars? According to some German researchers at the Max Planck Institute, we'll use intergalactic pulsar-based GPS.
Pushing computers towards petahertz, with femtosecond lasers and weird dielectrics December 18, 2012 at 7:48 am
New findings published by quantum scientists in Germany could pave the way towards computer chips that use light instead of electricity to control their internal logic. Where today's silicon-based electrical computer chips are capable of speeds in the gigahertz range, the German light-based chips would be some 1,000,000 times faster, operating in the petahertz range.
Sick of smudges on your screen? Get a candle December 7, 2011 at 9:25 am
German researchers have finally found a way to keep the screens of mobile devices smudge free. Their weapon of choice? Soot.


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Argentine Court Blocks Google 'Suggested' Searches
Fellow Ryan Calo is quoted in a story on CNN.com about an injunction which blocks Google from "suggesting" searches in Argentina that lead to websites deemed as anti-Semitic, and the effect it will have on people in the country.
An Argentine court this week granted an injunction that blocks internet giant Google from "suggesting" searches that lead to certain sites that have been deemed anti-Semitic, and removes the sites from the search engine's index.
The injunction, filed by DAIA, an umbrella organization of Argentina's Jewish community, also prohibits Google from advertising on the stated websites.
"It's a slippery slope. I don't think that the people of Argentina are harmed by the inability to see anti-Semitic content, but I think that the best answer is counter-speech,"said Ryan Calo, a researcher at the Stanford Center for Internet and Society.


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Quantity Available:
Vibia, headquartered in Barcelona, Spain, designs and manufactures modern and contemporary lighting and living accessories. The entire Vibia line features works by prominent designers known for superb European lighting.
The Alpha Rectangle Wall Sconce is available with the following:
- One rectangle-shaped, acrylic shade
- ETL Listed
- ADA Compliant
- Designed by Ramos and Bassols
Finish: Chrome with Soft Black Lacquer, Chrome with Soft White Lacquer, Satin Nickel with Soft Black Lacquer, Satin Nickel with Soft White Lacquer
- Two 3 Watt 120 Volt LEDs (integrated).
- Fixture: Height 5.25", Width 4.25", Depth 1.25"
Manufacturer IDs: view
7935-03, 7935-04, 7936-03, 7936-04
Need help with some of our terminology? Check out Lumens' Lighting & Design Glossary.


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PIERCETON — Whitko's Board of Trustees were updated on several important areas within the district.
Superintendent Steve Clason had spring testing results to report. According to Clason, the goal was for a 70 percent passing rate in the math competency.
However, Pierceton Elementary School scored well over 80 percent in English, reading and math.
"Kudos to Pierceton," Clason said. "They really focused in hard on this, and we are really pleased with the results. If we ever get clear results from the ISTEP+ testing, I expect the scores will be the same."
Clason gave board member a run down of class offerings at Whitko High School.
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