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Taylor County Libertarians in need of leader
Local Libertarians once were an active bunch, but now they find themselves without a leader and without a candidate running for state representative for the first time in more than a decade.
The Libertarian Party of Texas has lost contact with the current chair of the party's Taylor County branch, and soon the seat will be declared vacant so a new leader can step up to fill the role, LPT Chair Pat Dixon said Monday.
Thomas Anderson, who was appointed by Dixon to serve as chair in September 2011, has not returned phone calls or emails from state party leaders, Dixon said. The Reporter-News tried unsuccessfully to reach him through the contact information listed in the directory on the LPT website.
Once the seat is declared vacant, anyone interested in stepping in must contact Dixon, who will interview potential chairs and make an appointment. The chair will then have to run for that office in the next election.
A group of about a dozen local Libertarians used to meet monthly at restaurants around Abilene, said Fred Jones, who ran several unsuccessful campaigns for state and federal office as a Libertarian in the past decade.
When Jones wasn't running, other Libertarians stepped in. The party fielded a candidate for the District 71 seat in the Texas House every election between 2002 and 2010, according to state records.
This year, no Libertarians filed to run for the District 71 seat against Rep. Susan King, R-Abilene.
The party didn't even have a county convention to select delegates for the state convention, Dixon said. He has been the state chair since 2004 and believes this is the first year in that time that the Taylor County Libertarians didn't have a convention.
The state convention was last weekend in Fort Worth. If Taylor County Libertarians attended, they did not participate in the process as delegates, Dixon said.
Several of the most active local participants — including Jones and Steve Kirby, longtime chair of the local party — are not involved currently involved in the party.
Jones said he became disillusioned with the party in 2010 when he was running for the District 71 seat against King. In the final month of the campaign, Jones said he was "cut off" from communication with state party leaders and he felt like he was "floundering."
"I was highly disappointed at the lack of support I got," Jones said. "I talked to some of the other candidates and there were several others that had been cut off, too."
Jones now calls himself a Republican, though he's not happy about having to do so, he said.
Dixon said the staff of the Libertarian Party did not intend to cut Jones out of a communication loop when he was running for office in 2010. Dixon said Jones has been a loyal supporter of the party.
"Sometimes it's very difficult for candidates who are working very hard and have some expectations, but when we're setting records for the number of candidates we're putting on the ballot — 174 other candidates that we're trying to support — it may be that a candidate, especially an active one, expects more than we can deliver," Dixon said.
Kirby said he decided in 2010 not to run for the local party chair seat again because he wanted some younger leaders to fill the role.
A young man was elected chair, but he didn't have any transportation, Kirby said, and it was difficult for him to attend meetings.
The momentum fizzled, but Anderson was appointed to fill the role. He was an active participant until recently, Dixon said.
Kirby, who still considers himself a Libertarian, has wanted to attend Libertarian meetings, but said he hasn't found the time.
He ran unsuccessfully for Abilene City Council, a nonpartisan position, in 2008 and said he and other Libertarians always had a difficult time raising money for campaigns.
"If you don't get donations, you can't really get your name out there, and people don't know you," Kirby said. "Yeah, it's pretty frustrating."
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As a current High School student I know first hand how much kids are expected to plan their lives from a very early age. By 8th grade my home economics teacher had us do a presentation on what we wanted to be "when we grow up" and what college we…Continue
Started by Meg W in Debates, Intellectual Discourse, and Current Events. Last reply by Lily Fullford Sep 29.
So for February, I'd like to choose More Than This by Patrick Ness. 1. Read the book. 2. Come back to this forum and leave your thoughts about the book. You can write a sentence, you can write an essay, it doesn't matter, whatever you want. 3.…Continue
Started by Michelle in Books & The Blurbing Book Club. Last reply by Kate Jun 2.
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"A long time ago in a galaxy far far away" is a lot like saying "once upon a time." It signals to us that we are heading on a journey that takes place in a different place where we will need to suspend our belief in reality and accept a world of magic, sorcery, and even the belief that George Lucas can still write a Star Wars script. Yet, how much of the impossible must we accept? Is the Force real? Did Han really shoot first? Are we actually seeing the events of a different and distant galaxy? That last one just might be the most fantastical of the bunch. What is more likely is that Star Wars takes place in a different universe, one governed by physical laws that are completely different than our own.
There is nothing more exciting than Luke Skywalker screaming down that Death Star trench,…Continue
Posted by Adam J Brunner on August 19, 2015 at 6:59am
Change is not always a good thing, but there is little we can do about it other than embrace it and move on. I tried to convey that with something personal in this spoken letter. Felt like a good idea at the time. It is not all that often I make videos, be on The Nerdfightersinfo Colab channel (NFi) or on my own channel, let alone a serious one. But once in a while I fancy a change.
Posted by Dave Johnson on August 10, 2015 at 10:30am
I usually try to write pretty happy go lucky music, However do to recent tragic events I wanted to say some things about the uncomfortable topic of racism in America. It is my hope that by having this conversation we can make some desperately needed progress. Thanks for listening.
#BlackLivesMatter #TakeItDown
Posted by Ben Davila on July 1, 2015 at 12:36pm — 5 Comments
Let's get one thing clear. I'm a full fletched Atheist, agnostic/Atheist that is. I cannot claim that I know for certain that there isn't a God, but I lean towards the idea that no, there isn't. I can see the arguments people make in favour of God, I can see the supposed evidence, but again it is my own opinion that there is no solid argument in the case of god/gods/whatever. One thing that annoys the hell of out me, although, is this superiority complex both sides seem to enjoy.
For example, if a Fundie Christian were to come out, screaming bible quotes and trying to enforce his faith on me, I'd ruddy well bad mouth said person for thinking he has a higher deck than me. That his knowledge is greater, therefore he feels entitled to give me hell. But what some Atheists forget to remember is, they're in exactly the same boat. …Continue
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SUNNYVALE, Calif., Sept. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Pharmacyclics, Inc. (Nasdaq: PCYC), a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing innovative small molecule drugs for the treatment of cancer and mediated diseases, today announced that it will report financial results for the fourth fiscal quarter and fiscal year ended June 30, 2010 after the NASDAQ Market closes on Monday, September 13, 2010. The company will conduct a conference call and an audio webcast at 4:30 p.m. EDT on the same day.
Additionally, the company announced that Dr. Ahmed Hamdy, Chief Medical Officer, will provide a corporate and clinical overview at The Stifel Nicolaus Healthcare Conference. The presentation will take place at the Four Seasons Hotel in Boston, Thursday, September 16, 2010 at 1:30 p.m. EDT. A link to the live webcast of the presentation that can be found at: http://ir.pharmacyclics.com/events.cfm.Fiscal Year End Quarter 2010 Conference Call and Webcast DetailsDate: September 13, 2010Time: 4:30 PM EDTListen via Internet: http://ir.pharmacyclics.com/events.cfmToll-free: +1-877-407-8133International: +1-201-689-8040A webcast replay will be available on the Pharmacyclics website for 30 days.
About PharmacyclicsPharmacyclics® is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing innovative small-molecule drugs for the treatment of cancer and immune mediated diseases. Our mission and goal is to build a viable biopharmaceutical company that designs, develops and commercializes novel therapies intended to improve quality of life, increase duration of life and resolve serious unmet medial healthcare needs; and to identify promising product candidates based on exceptional scientific development expertise,
|SOURCE Pharmacyclics, Inc.
Copyright©2010 PR Newswire.
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[About Soze]: "Keaton always said, 'I don't believe in God, but I'm afraid of him.' Well I believe in God, and the only thing that scares me is Keyser Soze." Keyser Soze
Played By: Kevin Spacey
Film: The Usual Suspects
Why He's On The List: Interestingly, the only character from The Usual Suspects to make it onto the list is one who may not even exist. There's no conclusive proof, for example, that Kevin Spacey's Verbal Kint is actually Keyser Soze and not, say, a Soze goon. Still, that's the genius of Bryan Singer's film - that a character who remains unseen for at least 90% of the time dominates the action. And, with his tendrils of influence seemingly inescapable, Soze - whoever he is - is a truly great screen villain.
Finest Hour: Raining on Dean Keaton's parade, as he pisses out the flames that will blow up the boat.


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Jason Wheeler
I already dig Batman so I'm in. I didn't need the Zyrtec reference because the concept was so much fun. I'm dreaming of a web series with Batman conversations in this voice. More awkwardly personal Batman. Jason? Anyone?
Erin Foley
I was at this show in Aspen last year. Awesome set from start to finish. Major funny crush on this comic. But she's a Lesbian so no chance. My favorite part of the clip was her dealing with a sneeze in the crowd. Endearing move and we were totally along for the ride.
Mary Mack
I have watched a lot of Mary's clips. It was hard to decide because I really like her voice, and could listen to her do bits about her family over and over. But, for my money, which I didn't have to pay because these clips are free, you can't beat hearing her talk about accidentally doing squats, on sperm.


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Best of News
Best of News
Palabras clave
Standing in front of a row of plastic tents a young boy flashes the... Fotografía de noticiasCampo de refugiados,Ciudad,Civil,Conflicto,Crisis,Estar de pie,Fila,Frontera,Gesto de victoria,Guerra,Guerra Civil,Guerra civil en Siria,Horizontal,Luz brillante,Niño,Niños,Norte,Oriente Medio,Plástico,Política,Rebelión,Refugiado,Siria,Tienda de campaña,Vida domésticaPhotographer ODD ANDERSENCollection: AFP 2012 AFPStanding in front of a row of plastic tents a young boy flashes the V-sign in a refugee camp on the border between Syria and Turkey near the northern city of Azaz on December 5, 2012. The internally displaced faced further misery as heavy rain was followed by a drop in temperatures. The United Nations estimated late October that more than 2.5 million people have been affected by the fighting in Syria. There are more than 348,000 Syrian refugees registered in neighbouring countries, but many more are unregistered. AFP PHOTO / ODD ANDERSEN (Photo credit should read ODD ANDERSEN/AFP/Getty Images)


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Learn to 'go out' for treats/cheats, it breaks any and all associations with eating treats at home for good!! :)
Stay away from a lot or eating out cook at home
When you decide to get back on track first realize that this is not a diet but a way of life. Treat your home and your body as a shrine. No junk in the house no junk in your system. Outside of your home you can reward yourself for treating your body and house with love and treat yourself to a decadent sweet or drink. Good habits start at home. You are the keeper, provider and teacher to others.43
. . . keeps the doctor away, and it keeps the XL away, too! I eliminated my unhealthy snacking after work by eating an apple during my afternoon commute home. It works! Before I would eat everything and anything when I walked in the door at the end of the day. Now I eat an apple and my tummy is already full when I get home. No more unhealthy snacks!


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Superman (casting, rumors, pix till release)
View Single Post
January 31 2011, 12:10 AM
Jar Jar Binks
Location: Skywalker
Re: Superman (casting, rumors, pix till release)
KB24 wrote:
If Cavill is going to be Superman, I guess this means he won't follow up Daniel Craig as Bond. Now that can really be Fassbender.
I don't see why not. Cavill's only 27 right now; he probably needs a few more years on him before he'll really be right for the role, but the rumor is he was very close to getting the role in
Casino Royale
before the producers (wisely) decided to go with the older Daniel Craig. If
Bond 23
(for lack of an actual title) proves to be successful in 2012, I'm sure Craig will be back for at least one more outing. Given Craig's age by that time (he turns 43 in a few weeks), I can see him calling it quits after that.
So presumably we'll be looking at a new James Bond sometime around 2017 or 2018. Henry Cavill will be in his mid-thirties by then, and I don't see why he couldn't play both James Bond and Superman. Especially since (if this new take on the character becomes a trilogy, for example) by then, he might be done, or close to being done, playing the latter character.
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Technically Incorrect: Chris Roberts, recently banned by United from all its flights after a tweet, allegedly commandeered a plane's controls. He denies it.
Technically Incorrect: Chris Roberts says he sent his tweet because he's frustrated that a security flaw isn't being addressed.
The man is suspected of being the mastermind behind the GameOver Zeus botnet, which was used by cybercriminals to steal more than $100 million.
The head of the FBI says the hackers responsible for Sony's data breach "got sloppy," which enabled forensics teams to unmask the culpable country.
Technically Incorrect: Apple's CEO says that encryption is "a must" in today's world. He believes that everyone is coming around to that view. Except, perhaps, the FBI.
Nearly a year after a crippling hack, the studio's boss says he was distressed by how some people combed leaked emails for embarrassing information.
The FBI releases the findings of its four-week investigation into one of the most destructive cyberattacks of a company on US soil. Meanwhile, Sony now says it wants to find a 'different platform' for showing "The Interview" after theaters pulled out.
The notorious computer hacker and FBI informant is telling his side of the story. Join us for a discussion of his beginnings, his rise to power in the hacking community and his ultimate downfall.
Mulder and Scully are armed with more powerful technology than they had in the '90s as they search for the truth in today's America.
The FBI spills more details to US Senate on the hack that destroyed Sony's computers and leaked sensitive documents.


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Sluggo's Video Of The Day: Moby "Porcelain"
March 12, 2012 12:00 PM
This fella (and his little idiot friend) cranked out some of my favorite 90's music from the word GO! Having seen him last year at the Wiltern I can attest to the fact that he still puts on a better, louder, more well produced show than many people you'll see this year too.
He recently discovered and shared a cache of great obscure house records and it got me to thinking that I haven't yet played one of [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Moby[/lastfm]'s songs that KROQ got behind (in over a year and a half of doing these videos here on the site!). So…


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Traditional Ikebana containers such as suiban and nageire are used with kenzan flower pins and are designed to showcase your classic Japanese floral arrangements.
Ziji has offered meditation supplies, Asian home decor and Zen art essentials for over 25 years. Whether you're setting up a Buddhist altar or family meditation space, creating a contemplative garden, or simply looking for a new ikebana vase, tea ceremony set or calligraphy brush, we can help you find exactly the right item.
All prices are in USD
© 2015 Ziji. All Rights Reserved.


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Plum H.S. Amazing Pens Rally Video
April 12, 2011 11:46 AM
Our Pittsburgh Penguins begin their playoff run against the Tampa Bay Lightning at the Consol Energy Center tomorrow night. Before we get pumped up at the Courthouse "Black & Gold Day" Rally at noon tomorrow, let's join Plum High School for their "lipdub" rally video.


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April 19, 2014
Star Entertainment
It wasn't me
Vanessa Bling aka Gaza Slim - File
Vanessa Bling denies sending sex messages to Kartel
CURTIS CAMPBELL, STAR Writer
Dancehall artiste Vanessa Bling, formerly called Gaza Slim, has denied allegations that she and her former boss, Vybz Kartel, were sending each other messages alluding to sexual activities prior to his arrest.
The allegations started on Facebook last Thursday, after a Facebook page called 'Vybz Kartel pics exposed' shared BlackBerry messages allegedly sent from the Independent Ladies deejay to the self proclaimed 'World Boss'.
Vanessa Bling says she wants the culprits responsible for the controversial page to leave her name out of their garbage.
"I want you to kindly leave my name out of this madness and mixup. I am focused on myself right now, and I am not into this garbage. unno put Adidja through too much already, suh unno can stop now," Slim warned.
The artiste says she could not have sent those distasteful messages to anybody because she does not use Blackberry messenger or Facebook.
"Mi nuh use Facebook, and mi off a Blackberry for several years now. So whosoever a write dem things deh, please stop! I wouldn't write something like that, I don't know about that, and I am not into that," she continued. "People are always on Facebook and BBM pretending to be me," Vanessa Bling said.
The artiste is currently promoting her latest single called Touch Me Right.
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text: Energy Page 1 of 4 Next Page > Court's EPA rebuke is too little, too late for utilities By Daniel James DevinePosted June 30, 2015Supreme Court | The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday blocked a major set of environmental rules restricting toxic emissions from power plants. The ruling is a victory for states… [http://www.worldmag.com/2015/06/court_s_epa_rebuke_is_too_little_too_late_for_utilities] Hip-hop star works to bring solar energy training to Africa By Onize OhikerePosted June 5, 2015Africa | With songs like "Locked Up" and "Lonely," hip-hop artist Akon has climbed to the top of America's music industry. Born in Missouri and raised in… [http://www.worldmag.com/2015/06/hip_hop_star_works_to_bring_solar_energy_training_to_africa] Propelled by the sun around the world By Rob HolmesPosted March 13, 2015Technology | A mission to highlight human innovation and new technologies has launched two Swiss pilots on a flight around the world in a totally solar-powered… [http://www.worldmag.com/2015/03/propelled_by_the_sun_around_the_world] Coal's kill fee By Daniel James DevinePosted Feb. 6, 2015Energy | Electricity prices are rising as coal plants fall in the wake of Washington's anti-carbon agenda [http://www.worldmag.com/2015/02/coals_kill_fee] Keystone approval dies in the Senate By Leigh JonesPosted Nov. 18, 2014Politics | Louisiana Sen. Mary Landrieu fell one vote short of the 60 she needed to get her bill authorizing construction of the Keystone XL pipeline through the Senate… [http://www.worldmag.com/2014/11/keystone_approval_dies_in_the_senate] Keystone XL wins House approval, heads to the Senate By Leigh JonesPosted Nov. 14, 2014Government | The long debated, much studied Keystone XL pipeline may be the biggest beneficiary of the protracted battle for the Louisiana Senate seat. This afternoon, the… [http://www.worldmag.com/2014/11/keystone_xl_wins_house_approval_heads_to_the_senate] A conservative Texas town votes to kick out fracking By Michael CochranePosted Nov. 13, 2014Energy | Residents of Denton, Texas, a town about 45 minutes north of Dallas, voted last week to ban the oil extraction process known as fracking. Short for hydraulic… [http://www.worldmag.com/2014/11/a_conservative_texas_town_votes_to_kick_out_fracking] Are wind turbines making people sick? By Julie BorgPosted Nov. 6, 2014Science | The Brown County Health Board unanimously concluded last month that wind turbines, located on the Shirley Wind Farm in Glenmore, Wis., are a "human health… [http://www.worldmag.com/2014/11/are_wind_turbines_making_people_sick] U.S. ships could drink the ocean for fuel By Michael CochranePosted April 28, 2014Military | U.S. Navy researchers have been working for more than a decade on a way to tap an abundant and relatively inexpensive source of fuel. Earlier this month, the… [http://www.worldmag.com/2014/04/u_s_ships_could_drink_the_ocean_for_fuel] Could buried nuclear reactors be a safer energy solution? By Michael CochranePosted April 22, 2014Energy | Small underground nuclear power plants may herald the future for an energy industry under intense scrutiny after Japan's Fukushima disaster, but America may… [http://www.worldmag.com/2014/04/could_buried_nuclear_reactors_be_a_safer_energy_solution] State Department: Pipeline poses minimal environmental threat By Rob Holmes & Daniel James DevinePosted Jan. 31, 2014Energy | The U.S. State Department released a long-awaited environmental report today that will help determine the destiny of the TransCanada Keystone XL pipeline, a… [http://www.worldmag.com/2014/01/state_department_pipeline_poses_minimal_environmental_threat] When birds collide, wind power companies pay the price By Jesse YowPosted Nov. 29, 2013Energy | While government policies have supported wind energy for years, the energy source is less popular with the hundreds of unlucky eagles, owls, and hawks that… [http://www.worldmag.com/2013/11/when_birds_collide_wind_power_companies_pay_the_price] Page 1 of 4 Next Page >


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More New and Used
from Private Sellers
Exporting Perilous Pauline: Pearl White and Serial Film Crazeby Dahlquist, Marina
Univ of Illinois Pr
Questions About This Book?
What version or edition is this?
This is the edition with a publication date of 6/1/2013.
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- The New copy of this book will include any supplemental materials advertised. Please check the title of the book to determine if it should include any CDs, lab manuals, study guides, etc.


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Ascend Analytics
Home » Community » Jutila Center for Global Design and Business » Jutila Center Businesses » Ascend Analytics
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Ascend Analytics
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Ascend is an energy risk software and consulting company that provides economic and financial software solutions for portfolio risk management, energy procurement, and decision analysis. Our energy clients span the wholesale and retail links of the energy value chain, specifically asset-backed organizations, market operators and retail service providers. We take a team approach to each engagement and lend our experience and talent to maximize knowledge transfer to the client.
Ascend distinguishes itself by accurately modeling complex details from assets and contracts to core components such as the simulation of load and market prices. In addition, our data infrastructure solutions serve as the cornerstone to systematize the tedious task of harvesting, scrubbing, and analyzing market data. Our risk analytics add value to America's largest electric and gas utilities by providing the industry's most advanced and flexible applications to manage the uncertainty in future cash flows.


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Man trapped between trailer units on Flixborough Industrial Estate
Posted: January 17, 2014|
A MAN has been trapped between two trailer units on an industrial estate.
Humberside Fire and Rescue Service was called out shortly before 8am today (Thursday, January 16), to a business premises on Ninth Avenue on the Flixborough Industrial Estate.
Humberside Police and paramedics from East Midlands Ambulance Service also attended.
A Humberside Police spokeswoman said: "Concern was raised for the safety of a man, who had been reported as having become trapped in some equipment.
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"The man was safely released and taken to Hull Royal Infirmary hospital for treatment for minor injuries.
"The Health and Safety Executive is expected to be made aware of the incident."
The fire service said the man was released prior to their arrival and firefighters assisted paramedics with trauma care and stabilisation of the casualty, prior to his transportation to hospital.


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Theo James, the current star of CBS' Golden Boy, has just landed a big role in Divergent, Summit Entertainment's adaptation of Veronica Roth's best-selling novel.
According to Variety, James joins The Amazing Spider-Man 2's Shailene Woodley, Kate Winslet, Jai Courtney, Zoe Kravitz, Ansel Elgort and Maggie Q. The site notes that Miles Teller, Ray Stevenson and Aaron Eckhart are currently in negotiations for supporting roles.
The Hollywood Reporter confirms that Neil Burger (Limitless, The Illusionist) has been tapped to direct and Vanessa Taylor wrote the screenplay. Evan Daugherty wrote the first draft.
Woodley stars as Tris Prior, who lives in a society where people are put into groups based on personality traits. Tris is a 'divergent,' someone who doesn't fit in any of the groups. There's a conspiracy to kill all the divergents and it's up to Tris to find out why. James has been cast as Four, Tris' instructor and a divergent leader.
"Theo is not only an incredibly talented actor, he is also whom we envisioned as Four when reading Veronica's novel which has taken the world by storm," Lionsgate co-chairmen Rob Friedman and Patrick Wachsberger said in a statement. "As we continue to develop the film, the studio remains committed to providing fans with a movie adaptation that stays as true to the book as possible and we are confident that we have done so with our selection of Shailene and Theo in the leading roles."
Summit and Lionsgate are hoping that they have another Hunger Games hit on their hands and are releasing it on March 21, 2014, around the same time Hunger Games opened in 2012.
James, who briefly appeared on Downton Abbey, will have to make the film around his Golden Boy schedule. The series currently airs on Tuesdays at 10 p.m.
image: CBS


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The Kicker ZK500 Zune speaker system is both physically and sonically intimidating, but it doesn't come cheap.
The Kicker EB51 earbuds are easy on the wallet and offer several color options, but we're not convinced they're enough of a step up from stock earbuds.
When you need someone to walk around in a Ghostbusters jumpsuit, who ya gonna call? CNET guinea pig Danny Gallagher, who learned a lot about himself (and heat exhaustion) from the adventure.
A self-powering door handle that kills germs dead could make bathrooms less of a breeding ground for yuck, and it comes from the minds of two teenage inventors.
The next generation of the ThinkPad 10 business tablet taps into Intel's quad-core Atom processor to provide a work-focused Windows 10 experience.
We look ahead to the Samsung Galaxy S6 and HTC One M9 in our preview of MWC 2015, plus find out how Neill Blomkamp's new "Alien" movie will rewrite the series.
Director Neill Blomkamp has revealed his new "Alien" movie will overwrite "Alien 3" and "Alien: Resurrection".
Technically Incorrect: It seems one can never know enough about how temperature affects the air pressure in a football. As part of its investigation, the NFL team reportedly is researching gas physics. Really.
On "Jimmy Kimmel Live," Sir Patrick Stewart impersonates everyone you hate sitting next to on a plane, according to an Expedia study.
KiQplans promise to help you stay fit using the fitness tracker you already own and some digital coaching.


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Review: Hallé, Royal Concert Hall
Posted: May 28, 2014|
Mahler's 9th Symphony is a huge and daunting work, complex, emotionally ambiguous and intimately related to the composer's own deeply troubled life.
The Hallé's performance last week in Manchester was broadcast by Radio 3 - so listening live or via the iPlayer, the Nottingham audience had the opportunity to prepare themselves for the nearly 90 minutes over which this journey into the dark night of the soul unfolds.
In his pre-performance talk conductor Sir Mark Elder linked this death-laden piece to the composer's professional disputes, his strained marriage, the death of his daughter and the diagnosis of his terminal heart disease. Ideas of death and farewell are everywhere in the score.
Not surprisingly, Mahler's 9th is music taken to extremes. In Sir Mark's hands the orchestra conveyed both turbulence and deep nostalgia in the long opening movement. Then came much high voltage energy in the vividly and irresistibly characterised central sections (especially in the angry, brilliantly virtuosic Rondo Burlesque). The Hallé's playing was always sharply focused, equally adept at projecting vast power and tiny, subtle details.
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The finale seemed weighed down by as sense of loss - as if expressive of a grief too profound for words. It alternated between bleak emptiness and frenzied anguish until reaching the intensely moving conclusion which faded away into nothingness as it combined peace, reconciliation and deep serenity. There is nothing quite like it in the symphonic repertoire.
The audience's reaction to this profoundly moving performance was a long, awestruck and respectful silence before the inevitable ovation began.


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Tag: auto claims
Everything's bigger in Texas, including opportunities at GEICO
By Guest Blogger on December 3, 2013 at 1:43 PM
GEICO has a long history in Texas, dating all the way back to when we were founded there in 1936. Yesterday, we proudly announced the opening of our 15th major office location. Located 30 minutes from downtown Houston, our new office in Katy is already growing and hiring. Our goal is to hire up to […]
Posted in: Working at GEICO


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Returning To Baseball Pitching
By Steven Ellis, former Chicago Cubs pitching pro
Some people just can't let go of their favorite pastime. Are you considering getting back into the wonderful world of pitching? If so, there are a few things to consider before jumping back on the rubber.
Depending on how long you have been out of the game for, you may need to get back into athletic shape. This may take weeks, months, or even over a year depending on how old you are and your current athletic stamina.
To regain your youthful athleticism, sign up for a gym membership. Be sure to do some running, baseball lifting, flexibility work, and correct dieting. For a great source of baseball workout information, check out the TuffCuff baseball training manual. This book is extremely detailed and tells you exactly what you should be doing to get in prime baseball shape!
Your diet is very important. If you are not eating properly, it will be hard to get into good shape. You should try to consume a lot of protein, "good" carbs, and vitamins, and stay away from fatty junk food and soda. Your body is a machine, and giving it the proper fuel is necessary to keep it in optimal working condition.
Flexibility is also a factor you must consider. The older you get, the more prone to injury you are. If you have flexible joints and muscles, you will have a better chance of staying healthy and on the field. There are many types of flexibility programs out there, and the TuffCuff manual does a great job of describing some crucial flexibility exercises.
Once you are in better baseball shape, you will want to begin throwing the ball again. The important thing to remember here is to not rush into it. Doing so can cause injury which may jeopardize your playing career. Everyone will be able to get back into throwing at a different pace, and a lot of it depends on age as well as how long you have been out of the game.
To begin your throwing, you will want to start out only throwing a little bit at a time. It is advisable to skip 2 days in between throwing sessions, and keep the sessions to no more than 20-30 throws at first. These early sessions should just be casual catch…not a full bullpen.
As you start to get loosened up and the soreness wears away, you may want to throw more frequently with more throws per session. Eventually, you will be able to play catch nearly every day with 50+ throws each session.
Finally, you will be in good enough shape to start pitching again. You will want to start slow and work your way up. Begin with only fastballs at about 60% for 20 pitches, working on hitting your spots. You can steadily increase your pitch count and velocity as time goes by, and eventually throwing 100% for a full bull pen.
Getting back into the game takes time, but with the proper training, nutrition, and throwing program, you will be able to safely enjoy the wonderful game of baseball once again!
Related Pitching Materials
Want to learn more about youth baseball pitching? Arm yourself with the most innovative and up-to-date baseball pitching training available. These related pitching materials from former Chicago Cubs pitching pro Steven Ellis are guaranteed to help you or the players you coach pitch better and reach the next level faster!
» Discuss this baseball pitching article
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Heterochromia is different colored eyes in the same person.
Alternative Names
Differently colored eyes; Eyes - different colors
Heterochromia is uncommon in humans, but quite common in dogs (such as Dalmatians and Australian sheep dogs), cats, and horses.
Most cases of heterochromia are hereditary, caused by a disease or syndrome, or due to an injury. Sometimes one eye may change color following certain diseases or injuries.
Specific causes of eye color changes include:
- Bleeding (hemorrhage)
- Familial heterochromia
- Foreign object in the eye
- Glaucoma, or some medications used to treat it
- Injury
- Mild inflammation affecting only one eye
- Neurofibromatosis
- Waardenburg syndrome
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Consult your health care provider if you notice new changes in the color of one eye, or two differently colored eyes in your infant. A thorough eye examination is needed to be sure this isn't a symptom of a medical problem.
Some conditions and syndromes associated with heterochromia, such as pigmentary glaucoma, can only be detected by a thorough eye exam.
What to Expect at Your Office Visit
Your health care provider may ask the following questions to help evaluate the cause:
- Did you notice the two different eye colors when the child was born, shortly after the birth, or recently?
- Are any other symptoms present?
An infant with heterochromia should be examined by both a pediatrician and an ophthalmologist for other possible problems.
A complete eye examination can rule out most causes of heterochromia. If there doesn't seem to be an underlying disorder, no further testing may be necessary. If another disorder is suspected, diagnostic tests, such as blood tests or chromosome studies, may be done to confirm the diagnosis.
Olitsky SE, Hug D, Plummer LS, Stass-Isern M. Abnormalities of pupil and iris. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 19th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 614.
Last reviewed 12/4/2013 by Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
- The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition.
- A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.
- Call 911 for all medical emergencies.
- Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites.
©1997 - A.D.A.M., Inc.Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.


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15 posts tagged with Gift and card.
Displaying 1 through 15 of 15. Subscribe:
A USB key doesn't really lay right in an envelope, you know?
How do I gift a physical representation of an MP3 download? [more inside]
Valentine's day boxes for adults in the workplace
Do you have any suggestions for a group of graduate students doing Valentine's Day boxes at our desks at school (like we did for our elementary school Valentine's Day parties)? I need help with both box design, as well as suggestions for the Valentines themselves! [more inside]
Amazon Gift Cards
Can I use an Amazon Gift Card to pay for items on Amazon.com AND the Amazon App Store or do they each have their own gift card? [more inside]
Doesn't Apple want my business?
Can I really not use an Apple Store gift credit to buy an iTunes card? [more inside]
Books that would be best purchased in a print version?
I'm looking for books that would be best purchased in a print version, not borrowed from the library or bought on a Kindle. [more inside]
Dare I say what I want in a wedding card?
Wedding card sentiments - am I allowed to write more? What do you typically write? [more inside]
How to give cash gift?
A friend of ours is in deep financial (medical- wife died of cancer) trouble. Many friends have pooled money (cash and checks made to cash). What is the best way to give it? We are considering Cashier's check, Visa gift card, etc. Keep in mind, he is very proud, and we're afraid that he will not cash a pile of checks. (Also, avoiding tax implications would be nice.)
Morton's gift card for a frugal person
What's the best use of a Morton's Steakhouse gift card? [more inside]
Roses are red, Violets are blue, Why can't I think of something to give to you?
Need a cute "yay I'm glad we've been dating for 6 months!" gift or card idea. [more inside]
Thank you-now go buy groceries with this gift card
Is a gift card to a buy-in-bulk type store a tacky gift to give to hosts? [more inside]
Gift card and Chapter 7
I have a nontrivial balance on a gift card for a local retailer that has gone out of business and is filing Chapter 7. What are my options? [more inside]
Transaction Expired?
Should I be worried about this transaction? [more inside] [more inside]
Please turn my dollars into pounds using the magic of the internet
I'm in the US, and I'd like to buy an Amazon gift certificate for someone in the UK... [more inside]
Best Buy Gift Card Into Cash
How to convert $100 Best Buy gift card to cash? [more inside]
Swapping a Gift Card
I received a $50 gift card from my parents for Christmas. From Sears. I think the intention was that I would buy underwear and socks. I'd like to swap it for one from a book store, but all the gift card swapping sites seem suspicious or they take too big of a fee. Recommendations?
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Knowing that Fayetteville is a college town is like knowing a woman only by her measurements – you'll draw some conclusions from that information, but most of them will be wrong.
Robert Rhoads, a 38-year resident and Fayetteville's Commissioner of Advertising & Promotion says "the town has grown into a most remarkable city that never fails to shock newcomers and visitors alike." He adds, "I've heard repeatedly over the years the defining and universal comment, "it's nothing like I expected!"".
Standing in Fayetteville on a sunny Saturday, I can echo that sentiment. I'm struck by how similar the multitude of colorful images is to the childhood experience of traveling via my red Viewmaster. By loading a round reel of photographic images into the slot, a new scene flashed with every click of the lever.
Continue reading on soloroadtrip.com
Nice Pics! Road trip of Arkansas is truly amazing experience as you can able to see many interesting places comes on the way and nearby places.
Have you been on something similar yourself? I only ask 'cause I'm planning a trip.
I'm an explorer who happens to write and maintain a camera on my person at all times. Foreign travel is exotic but doesn't happ…
The first eight of these are about limiting risk
It's not really lost. Gone is more like it. There is a difference.
Upon boarding the plane we discover our window seat on the Chinese tin can we'd elbowed and leaned our way into, taken
Lots of scenarios could result in a disposable/single use film camera landing in your hands. The good news is great photos (even artistic photos) can be achieved with the simple equipment.
Hauntingly empty buildings of old Berlin...
I just spent 3 hours in the subway in Stockholm. No, it wasn't stuck. No, I didn't get lost. No, I wasn't held hostage. I actually spent 3 hours in the subway on purpose.
When you travel, you want to do as the locals do. Not only does it often lead to more fulfilling and illuminating experiences, but it usually saves you money too.
Our Expert Contributor, Sherry Ott has recently had some good news!


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We've covered the bikini, the coverup and we already know how I feel about poolside footwear. Another not so obvious sunbathing accessory… that could potentially lead to some awkward tan lines, but you're wearing enough SPF as to avoid that… is body jewelry. Specifically body chains. I have a couple of necklaces I next to never take off, but catapulting bling to the next level is the body chain worn with your bikini bod. It's not as if you're going to be doing laps like an Olympic swimmer and I'm willing to bet that if you're anything like me, the only time you'll subject your skin to a chlorinated public pool is when your dermis has actually reached the temperature right before incineration. Should you not be bold enough to bare your belly, another iteration is the hand chain which is another celebrity favorite at this very moment… and don't you wanna be just like Beyonce?
1. Jennifer Fisher Rose Gold Plated Finger Bracelet, 2. Jacquie Aiche JA Disco Body Chain, 3. Noir Jewelry Double Ring Hand Chain, 4. Vanessa Mooney My Melody Body Chain, 5. Lioness Body Chain, 6. Vanessa Mooney The Noir Shoulder Body Chain, 7. Gold Tone Tiny Stud Body Chain, 8. Arme De L'Amour Gold Plated Finger Bracelet, 9. Lacey Ryan Ombre Stone Hand Chain, 10. Jennifer Zeuner Raquel Evil Eye Hand Chain


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Wednesday Links
Top iPhone and Technology Related Storief from across the web
Will include in-App subscriptions feature and a number of bug fixes. Apple iOS 4.3 Update Rumored to Hit in Mid-Dec
Long before Apple Inc. started selling trendy applications to iPhone users, there were online stores where consumers could download apps for their cellphones. Indie App Stores Struggle
Users who are dumb enough to put iPhones onto their company network are paying the price, although the tame Apple press appears to be trying to pin the blame on Microsoft. Apple's iPhone business use is questioned
Apple is tech royalty. But it achieved success through innovations such as the iPad, iPhone and the new iOS 4.2, which have made the company an industry benchmark. iPad, iPhone, iOS 4.2: 10 Ways Apple Outperforms the Competition
The Thanksgiving holiday is upon us, and while it would be nice to think that we'll all put down our iPhones, iPads, and other Internet-connected devices in favor of some quality family time, we'll probably be just as connected as ever. The Top Free Thanksgiving Survival iPhone Apps
If someone had told me a while back that I would be playing a first person shooter on the iPhone I would have told them to shove it. A Hardcore Shooter On The iPhone? Get Out Of Here!
Just one day after Apple's release of the iOS 4.2 firmware update, iPhone Dev-Team has made public the first updated jailbreaking tool for Mac OS X and Windows. Dev-Team Releases First iPhone iOS 4.2.1 Jailbreak
The Verizon iPhone 4 will give Apple the opportunity to massively expand the size of the iPhone user base, but it's far from the only string in Apple's 2011 banjo when it comes to boosting iOS marketshare. Verizon iPhone 4 not the only string in Apple's 2011 banjo
Back when iOS 4 was first detailed, the potential for iPad users was clear. However, while iPhone and iPod Touch owners got to flaunt multitasking, the delay until the final release of iOS 4.2 on the iPad was agonizing. Things iOS 4.2 still can't do on the iPad (but we wish it did)
The next Apple iPhone won't have a SIM card, Apple has reportedly assured untrusting European carriers that are worried such a development would damage their bottom lines. Apple iPhone 5 Won't Have SIM, Apple Tells Carriers: Report
Categorized as: Daily Links


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13 years of experience
LIberty and Emotion with Security
Barra da Tijuca - Rio de Janeiro - Brazil
The Barra Jumping Skydiving Club has been working with skydiving (tandem and courses) for 13 years in Rio de Janeiro.
We have our own aircraft, totally legalized for the sport, and authorized by ANAC, the Brazilian Agency for Aviation.
Our professionals are all experienced and our equipments are maintained by agents from the Brazilian Skydiving Confederation, affiliated with the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale - FAI.
Due to our professionalism, several TV shows have made interviews with us, like SporTV, ESPN, and Multishow.
Feel the thrill of the liberty during the free fall, and, if you want, you can control the canopy, under the supervision of our professionals.
Let's Jump !!!!
Our professionals are all affiliated with the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale - FAI


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AJ's Backflow Testing LLC Offers Water Surveying,
Backflow Testing & Backflow Preventers In Greeley, CO
Your Cross Connection Connection!
Welcome to AJ's Backflow Testing where we offer backflow preventers and parts at great prices in Greeley, Colorado. With over 9 years of experience in the industry we are positive that you will be impressed with our services and materials. We use only top of the line products and all our technicians are ASSE certified. We will install your new backflow preventer and repair it as well. Here at AJ's Backflow Testing we complete each project to the highest standards of excellence and most projects are done in the same day. Our technicians are fully aware of the fact that these systems can leak at any time we offer emergency services along with extended hours for your convenience. We offer fair prices and honest services with references available upon request. If you have any question feel free to call AJ's Backflow Testing…we are always on hand to answer your questions and concerns.
BBB Accredited Business with an A+ rating. We have a certified Cross-Connection Control Specialist on our team to help with your surveying and consulting needs.
We have effectively completed many surveys with different water purveyors with outstanding results.
Please call or contact us today for references and price quote.


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Tech3 garage has done exceptionally well in giving the best possible bike for cal,, he too has improved a lot but not only in single fast lap,, still struggling with consistency and battling... He is 98% ok but the remaining 2% is the most toughest to perfect... So for now he needs to improve not the bike, can't say that factory satellite comparison,, he seriously lacks something... Best example is despite having more poisons he got beaten by Rossi on ducati last year at final championship standings...


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6 pope-inspired beers to mark the pontiff's visit
September 21, 2015, 5:03 p.m. by Robin Shreeves
Philadelphia welcomes Pope Francis as only Philly can — with kegs of blessed beer.
Shopping under the influence at Target
September 8, 2015, 12:59 p.m. by Robin Shreeves
Soon, customers may be able to shop and sip at a Target store in Chicago.
'Wine o'clock' is officially a thing, says Oxford
August 27, 2015, 7:07 p.m. by Robin Shreeves
So is 'beer o'clock,' 'hangry,' 'cakeage' and the very gross 'fatberg.'
Craft beer cashes in on kid breakfast memories
August 26, 2015, 12:48 p.m. by Robin Shreeves
Would you be moved to sip some brew inspired by Pop-Tarts or Wheaties?
Beer maker donates big bucks to water-saving toilet brick startup
August 20, 2015, 11:11 a.m. by Matt Hickman
Shock Top saves cheeky/ingenious conservation startup Drop-A-Brick from sinking.
'The Walking Dead' beer is staggering our way
July 29, 2015, 3:44 p.m. by Michael d'Estries
Terrapin Brew Co. in Athens, Ga., announces an official Blood Orange Red IPA in honor of the zombie franchise.
Cherry-Lemon Shandy
July 17, 2015, 1 p.m. by Robin Shreeves
This beer cocktail just may win over non-beer drinkers.
Raise a glass to beer made from festival urine
July 17, 2015, 9:37 a.m. by Robin Shreeves
With 'beercycling,' urine from Denmark's Roskilde Festival will help the environment.
Pistachio cocktails? Try a Pistachio Ginger Mule
June 23, 2015, 3:29 p.m. by Robin Shreeves
Vodka infused with pistachio shells adds nutty savoriness to the kick of a classic mule.
3 beer myths that may be costing you money
June 12, 2015, 7:55 a.m. by Robin Shreeves
Is bottled beer better than canned and what does 'skunked' really mean, anyway?
Shiner Ruby Redbird: Summer beer with a hint of citrus
June 5, 2015, 4:57 p.m. by Robin Shreeves
With a low ABV and its citrus and ginger flavors, this beer is easy drinking for the warm weather.
Beer brewed from Chilean desert fog
May 31, 2015, 9:33 p.m. by Bryan Nelson
Brewery in Chile makes its beer using water captured by fog nets in one of the driest places on Earth.


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Material: Old World Christmas Glass


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Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions:
- When will I receive my tour documents from Perillo?
- What are optional tours?
- What are the airline restrictions on bottles and containers?
- Is smoking allowed on the Perillo Tours buses?
- How many pieces of luggage can I bring with me?
- Can I request special dietary meals?
- Can I travel with a wheelchair?
- Can I request certain seats on the plane?
- Are tips included?
Reservations and Travel Documentation:
Traveling to Hawaii
Traveling to Italy:
You will receive final instructions, hotel lists, e-tickets and information approximately 2-3 weeks prior to departure. The detailed daily itinerary will be given to you upon arrival by your tour guide.
series of optional tours will be available for purchase from your tour guide while on the tour - they cannot be purchased before the tour starts. You are under no obligation to take any, they are strictly optional.For an updated list of optional tours, please select your tour on our website and then click on the optional tours link. Depending on the tour, if you avail yourself of all optionals, the total cost will be about $200 to $600. Please note that on Italy tours, payment can only be made in Euros, no credit cards can be accepted.
All containers for gels, liquids and aerosols must be 3-oz. or smaller and placed in a clear plastic bag. Each traveler is limited to one quart-size plastic bag which must be placed in your carry-on baggage. For a more in-depth description of these and other travel restrictions (including prescription medications), please visit www.tsa.gov.
There is a no smoking policy on our buses but there are plenty of opportunities to smoke during the frequent stops.
Each tour member is limited to one large suitcase and small carry-on bag due to limited space on our buses. The airlines are charging extra fees for checked luggage exceeding 60" (calculated by adding the width + height + depth). The luggage should not weigh more than 44 lbs. Carry on bag should not exceed 45 inches total and no more than 11 lbs.
Yes, please advise at time of booking if you require special meals.
We allow collapsible wheelchairs on our tours. We regret that we cannot provide individual assistance to a tour member for walking or getting on and off motorcoaches or other transportation vehicles. Travelers who need such assistance must be accompanied by a qualified companion.
Seats are assigned by Perillo Tours as a courtesy at time of ticketing. If you have special requests, please call the airline directly after receiving your airline tickets. Please note that the airline can change your seats at any time.
Tips for luggage handling, doormen, housekeepers & restaurant personnel are included; tips for tour guides, local guides and bus drivers are not. Such gratuities should be extended on a voluntary, individual basis. The SUGGESTED tip for a tour guide is $3.00-4.00 per day per person and for a bus driver and local guide is $1.00-2.00 per day.
We accept checks, Visa, Mastercard, Discover & American Express.
Final Payment is due 60 days prior to departure.
A $350.00 per person deposit is required within 10 business days of booking. If obtaining the $199.00 p/p optional insurance, it must be purchased at the time of deposit.
United States citizens require a valid passport. Non-citizens have other requirements which should be checked immediately. Most non U.S. citizens require visas for entry into Italy. Non-citizens are urged to contact the Italian consulate for entry requirements (http://www.consnewyork.esteri.it ).
Vaccinations are not required by anyone.
Your first and last name must appear on your airline ticket exactly as it appears on your passport.
We strongly suggest that you purchase our traveler's insurance for $249 per person payable with deposit. It is very important that you protect yourself in case of trip cancellation/interruption, travel/baggage delay or loss of baggage and medical expenses.
United States citizens require a government issued picture I.D., including a driver's license.
United States security procedures state that all passengers 18 years and older must present official photo identification, such as a driver's license, at the airport. Your first and last name must appear on your airline ticket exactly as it appears on your documentation.
Yes, you may extend your stay before the tour up to 3 nights in Honolulu or after your tour in Maiu or Kauai at very special discounted room rates. Please call Perillo Tours for more information.
You may also stop-over, pre or post, in Las Vegas, San Francisco or Los Angeles for $75.00 per person airfare stopover fee. You must make your own arrangements during your stopover in these three cities.
Comfortable casual clothing and shoes are recommended; the same as you would wear on a sightseeing trip in the continental U.S.
The electrical current in Italy is 220 volts. Wall outlets take plugs with two rounded prongs. If you plan to use U.S. electrical appliances you will need to bring a converter/adapter. It is suggested that you purchase these items before you leave on your trip or at the airport.
All hotels in Italy supply a hair dryer in each room.
Irons are not supplied in hotel rooms in Italy due to safety precautions. Hotels offer ironing, dry cleaning and laundering services for a fee
The Euro is the official currency in Italy. Notes are in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500. Coins are in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50.
The best place to exchange money is through an ATM machine in Italy. Be sure to bring your pin number with you. You should also advise your bank or credit card company so that they don't freeze your account due to abnormal charges.
Cirrus and PLUS are widely accepted ATM cards. Before departure, check with your bank about using your ATM card in Italy and about any fees that might be assessed. Traveler's checks are extremely difficult to exchange. Most banks in Italy will not provide a cash service for travelers checks in any currency due to the high number of forged travelers checks being circulated.
It is a wise idea to purchase at least 200 Euro prior to leaving the U.S.
Comfortable casual clothing is recommended; the same as you would wear on a sightseeing trip in the U.S.
Please note that there are dress codes in most churches in Italy: no bare shoulders or knees.
The weather in Italy is mild in the South and colder up North in the winter. Summers are hot all over Italy. There is no rainy season in Italy. For average city temperatures in Italy, please visit the following website: www.italiantourism.com/temperature2.html
VAT is a value added tax that is included in the sale price of most goods. As a tourist, you are entitled to reimbursement of this tax.
If you see a "Euro Tax Free" sign on a store window or door this means that the store participates in the "Tax Free Italy" program. When making a purchase at a tax free store, present your passport at the cash register and ask the store clerk to issue you a "Tax Free Shopping Cheque" along with a receipt. The store will charge you tax at the time of sale. The Tax Free Shopping form will indicate the amount of VAT (IVA) refund that you are eligible to receive at the Global Refund desk at the airport.
Keep the merchandise that you purchased with you at the airport (if possible) when submitting your refund form as Customs sometimes inspects the merchandise before stamping the Tax Refund Forms. Remember not to wrap gifts to be carried on board the aircraft.
Allow plenty of time at the airport to process your claim!
Please note that the refund can only be given at the airport in Italy. Once you have returned to the United States, it is not possible to obtain it.
For further information, please visit the following website: http://www.globalrefund.com/
The present duty free allowance for persons returning to the U.S. is $800.00 worth of goods per person.
To call the United States from Italy, you must dial 001 + area code + phone number.
It is recommended that you take advantage of the Perillo Tours Global Phonecard for tremendous savings in international calls. Application will be sent with your final documents 30 days prior to departure.
To call Italy from the United States, you must dial 011+ 39 (which is Italy's country code) + area code + phone number.


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Inside the PLO: Covert Units, Secret Funds, and the War Against Israel and the United States
by Neil C. Livingstone and David Halevy
There is a whole genre of books on the Middle East written by journalists and full of unsubstantiated claims about military activities, intelligence work, and terrorism-subjects where confidentiality looms large. Mohamed Heikal, the Egyptian journalist, has written several books of this sort (The Sphinx and the Commissar, Iran: The Untold Story, Autumn of Fury), as have Jonathan Randal of The Washington Post (Going All the Way) and the Iranian Amir Taheri (The Spirit of Allah, Holy Terror, Nest of Spies).
Inside the PLO fits this category. The authors make any number of sensational assertions. One chapter, for example, provides a blow-by-blow account of the April 1988 execution of Khalil al-Wazir (Abu Jihad), the PLO military chief. Livingstone and Halevy finger the Israelis and tell a story that reads like a thriller:
[The] A Team assembled momentarily outside the door to Abu Jihad's bedroom. Alerted by the muffled sounds coming from downstairs, he groggily raised his head from the pillow. But it was too late. In a split second the commandos were in the bedroom. Abu Jihad's wife was lying next to him. The darkness was punctuated by staccato bursts from the silenced sub-machine guns, which illuminated the room like the flashes of a strobe light, as the commandos riddled Abu Jihad's body, leaving his terrified wife unharmed.
Another example concerns PLO finances. The authors hold that Lufthansa, the West German airline, paid protection money to keep PLO hijackers away from its planes between 1972 and 1977; that, for similar reasons, OPEC has paid $120 million since 1977 to Yasir Arafat's private fund; that the PLO has a majority share in the French station, Radio Monte Carlo; and that it owns an (unnamed) American motel chain. Livingstone and Halevy total up the organization's assets and come up with a sum of no less than $8 to $14 billion. Its annual revenues, they reckon, exceed the gross national product of some Third World countries. This wealth so impresses them, they conclude that "money is the source of Yasir Arafat's power."
What is one to do with such information? There are virtually no references; journalists see a book as not much different from a newspaper page, and rarely provide the sort of footnotes that can be verified. It ends up being a matter of faith in the authors; either one believes in them or one does not. And this decision boils down to two matters: the authors' good name and their accuracy when reporting familiar information. If both of these are good, then the book stands a chance of being accurate; if not, it is best to ignore their claims.
Applying these two criteria to Inside the PLO produces fairly startling results. The work of one of the co-authors, Neil Livingstone, has been subject to quite a bit of doubt. For example, in the current issue of Orbis, Steven Emerson writes that Livingstone's recent book, The Cult of Counterterrorism, contains "serious errors, errors which render the whole work suspect." The other co-author, David Halevy, was the Time reporter who provoked Ariel Sharon's libel case against Time in 1985. The verdict, as read by the jury's foreman was that Halevy "acted negligently and carelessly in both reporting and verifying . . . information."
A close analysis of information in Inside the PLO shows that it too is replete with errors, small and big. The Institute for Palestine Studies (IPS) turns into the "Center for Palestinian Studies (CPS)." Contrarily, the Jaffee Center for Strategic Studies turns into the "Jaffe Institute for Strategic Studies." James Adams's The Financing of Terror is once cited correctly, once as The Funding of Terror.
Mistakes on the grand scale also abound. One will have to suffice. On pages 189-90, when discussing the fanatics, led by Juhayman al-'Utaybi, who seized the Grand Mosque in Mecca in 1979, the authors ascribe to them the phrase Allah wa-Akbar wa-Khomeini Rasual Allah ("God is great and Khomeini is the Prophet of God"). This is a stunner. It is one of Islam's most basic tenet that Muhammad was the last prophet. No Muslim, and certainly not Khomeini himself, has ever substituted the ayatollah's name for Muhammad's as the Prophet of God. And even if some of Khomeini's crazier partisans were to make this change, every writer on the Mecca mosque seizure has concluded that the assailants were in no way connected to Khomeini. For example, David Lacey wrote in his 1981 book, The Kingdom: "In no way were Juhayman and his followers adherents of the Ayatollah." The phrase quoted by Livingstone and Halevy would require a total re-interpretation of the Mecca incident.
But, who knows? Maybe these two authors-who announce proudly on the first page of their book that they have "relied heavily on information developed in cooperation with six intelligence services: three in the West and three in the Middle East"-know something the rest of us don't.
Not so. Even a first-year student of Arabic can tell that the phrase they quote is false, and for two reasons. First, Livingstone and Halevy's rendering contains the most elementary spelling errors. When added to the many other mistakes in Arabic throughout the book, this suggests that the authors relied on dubious sources, perhaps even disinformation. Second, they have the Islamic formula all wrong. The basic assertion of faith-what a person says, for example, on converting to Islam-is "There is no divinity but God and Muhammad is his prophet." To substitute "God is great" in the first half of this statement is to betray a complete ignorance of Islam.
All these mistakes lead this reader to conclude that Livingstone and Halevy's whole account of the Mecca mosque incident has to be thrown out. Better yet, discard the whole book. And if you want to learn about the world's most successful terrorist group, refer instead to Jillian Becker's The PLO or Yonah Alexander and Joshua Sinai's Terrorism: The PLO Connection.
Nov. 1, 2012 update: All these years later, we finally have a verified first-hand account of the assassination of Khalil al-Wazir – and, no surprise, it differs from the Livingstone and Halevy account above, which describes Wazir having "groggily raised his head from the pillow." Here is a summary of the interview the expedition's leader, Nahum Lev, gave to journalist Ronen Bergman in 2000, before his own death in a traffic accident, and only just permitted to be published by Israeli censors:
Comment: No grogginess here, just another reason to distrust the work of Livingstone and Halevy.
Related Topics: Arab-Israel conflict & diplomacy, Palestinians, Terrorism
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Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Secretary of State
Remarks at White House Briefing
Washington, DC
SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you, Robert. You know, I successfully avoided this room for eight years. (Laughter.) But I'm very pleased to be here to discuss the series of meetings that we had this morning as part of our second trilateral with delegations from Afghanistan and Pakistan, and this time led by their respective Presidents.
As you know, earlier we met in a bilateral with both President Zardari and President Karzai, and then we had the large delegations meeting. So let me just quickly run through some of what occurred and then I'd be glad to take your questions.
I met early this morning at the Willard Hotel with President Zardari and had a chance to see for the first time in 10 years his son, Bilawal Zardari -- actually, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. I had not seen him since he was a young boy. And so it was really a personal call that I wanted to make on both of them.
At the formal bilateral that I held with President Zardari at the State Department, I reaffirmed our government's strong support for him as the democratically elected President. Being able to say "democratically elected President of Pakistan" is not a common phrase, and I think it's imperative that we support President Zardari and work with him as he extends the reach of the government not only on security, as essential as that is, but also on the range of needs of the Pakistani people.
With President Karzai, it was a very future-oriented conversation. We talked about the necessity to take real, concrete actions to make the kind of progress that Afghanistan desperately needs to see to really deliver for the people of the country.
In both meetings, I thought each President was very forthcoming. We discussed a range of issues that are important going forward, but we kept the focus on what we're actually going to do. I told each that coming out of this trilateral meeting, we will basically have work plans. We're going to be very specific. We don't want any misunderstanding; we don't want any mixed signals; we want to know what we have agreed to, what they have agreed to, how we're going to proceed toward meeting those goals and objectives and timetables that will be utilized to keep all of us focused on the job ahead.
At the trilateral meeting, we had very distinguished delegations from both countries; in addition, Secretary Vilsack, Director Panetta, Director Mueller, Deputy Secretary Jack Lew, Ambassador Holbrooke, Ambassador Anne Patterson, Under Secretary Flournoy, Acting Administrator of USAID Fulgham, and General Petraeus.
The format of the meetings were to hear from our Obama administration officials what the specifics of what the next day's meetings, tomorrow, will focus on in each instance. So, for example, Secretary Vilsack kicked it off because, as you know from our strategic review, we think it's imperative to focus on the agricultural sector. We certainly intend to provide assistance with issues ranging from water rights to anti-erosion measures, to specific seeds that can grow alternative crops in Afghanistan, to continue to help the agricultural sector in Pakistan, as well.
I thought it was a very significant meeting, in some ways a breakthrough meeting. The high-level participation from our government was very important, and the high-level participation from each of the delegations. A number of the comparable ministers had never met each other. They may have talked on the phone about border security or police training or intelligence sharing, but they hadn't actually met in several instances.
I was extremely impressed by the candor that was really evidenced throughout the meeting. And it was a physical manifestation of our strategy, of viewing Afghanistan and Pakistan as a regional challenge but also a regional opportunity.
The Trade Transit Agreement memorandum of understanding that was signed today commits both countries to finalizing a trade transit agreement that deals with all of the obstacles and problems of goods and people crossing borders. It was started 43 years ago, and we're determined to bring it to a resolution. The kind of economic development that will spring up if we see increased trade and commerce between the two countries is one of the best ways that we can provide alternatives for those who might otherwise be dragged into this conflict.
We will continue these meetings at the ministerial level. When, tomorrow, the people of both delegations meet with their counterparts in our government, they will be setting up very specific follow-on planning.
I'm very optimistic that this process is making a difference. I'm realistic enough to know that two meetings does not necessarily turn around the many difficult and complex challenges that confront these two countries and us and our relationship to them. One of the comments that was made struck me, that geography binds us, but we were not connected before. They basically stood on both sides of a border that neither agrees to because it was imposed on them; it was not ever reached by the governments of either country. And yet they have so much both in common and they face this common threat, and they have to make common cause to reach a common objective.
Both Presidents spoke very movingly about the threat and dangers of terrorism. I think that they are committed to this conflict being resolved and their being able to produce more peace and security.
An ancient Afghan proverb says, "Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet." I think that patience is not always in great supply inside our own government, or even inside our own country. But I think in this instance, the kind of patient strategy that the President has adopted and the steps that we are all taking to implement this strategy is the only way forward. It may not give you a story every day, but hopefully it will give us all a better story next year and the years to come.
So I'm very pleased to have this opportunity to make these short comments, and I'd be glad to answer your questions.
MR. GIBBS: Jennifer.
QUESTION: Thank you, Madam Secretary. You talked about this being a breakthrough and about the focus being on what you can do, what you will do -- specific things. Can you list any specific things that either leader agreed to go back to their country and do to make the kinds of changes that are so desperately needed?
SECRETARY CLINTON: There were such commitments, but I think we would rather talk about those after conferring with each of the Presidents and probably at the end of this two-day process, because there have been commitments made, there will be much more in-depth work done tomorrow to see how we're going to realize the way forward on those commitments. And I think it would be more appropriate to wait to talk specifically.
QUESTION: -- that on behalf of this country, and perhaps --
SECRETARY CLINTON: Yes.
QUESTION: -- what the administration is committing to that we haven't already seen in these plans?
SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, some of it is very specific. If you look at agriculture, we're going to establish a training program, the Borlaug Fellows Training Program. You remember, Norm Borlaug was one of the architects of the Green Revolution, which transformed life in India and in other places. And we're going to do intensive training with Pakistani and Afghani agricultural experts and researchers and policymakers. We're going to establish a trilateral body to identify the cross-border water issues, one of the critical issues as to whether agriculture can be revitalized, particularly in Afghanistan.
With respect to economic commitments, both Afghanistan and Pakistan confirmed their commitment to the Central Asia/South Asia energy agreement. We're going to press ahead to try to help alleviate some of the blockades that exist for both countries getting reliable sources of energy, particularly electricity.
The Trade Transit Agreement is a commitment to a time line to adopt customs harmonization strategy, pass legislation and create the institutions necessary to prevent illegal transshipments, finalize the reconstruction opportunity zones that are part of the Kerry-Lugar legislation.
We are also looking to deepen our work on the cross-border issues, joint parliamentary exchanges and military training, border coordination centers. We want broader based law enforcement reform, a vigorous anti-corruption agenda that removes the impunity that too often has existed in the past. And they committed to vigorous judicial reform and counterterrorism legislation and improving prison conditions. Those are just some of the things that are part of our dialogue going forward that they've already committed to working with us on.
QUESTION: Madam Secretary, senior administration officials in recent weeks have swung between fairly sharp criticism and praise of the Afghan and Pakistani governments. You, yourself, said that the Pakistani government was at risk of abdicating to the Taliban. First, do you still believe that is the case? And do you see a risk of sending a mixed message to these partners at a time when both their cooperation are needed in combating the resurgent Taliban?
SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, I'm actually quite impressed by the actions that the Pakistani government is now taking. I think that action was called for and action has been forthcoming.
This is a long, difficult struggle. And the leadership of Pakistan, both civilian and military, really had to work on significant paradigm shifts in order to be able to see this threat as those of us on the outside perceived it. And I think that has occurred, and I think that there is a resolve going forward. There are still some challenges in terms of assets and resources and approach toward dealing with not a standing army across a border, but the kind of insurgency and guerrilla warfare that is being waged against the legitimate authority of the Pakistani state.
I think that our resolve and our commitment to the democratically elected government is very, very firm. But we are also working to create an atmosphere and a reality of candor and openness between us. I think that is way overdue. A lot of lip service was paid in the past that did not translate into better lives, more safety, more security, economic development for the people of Pakistan.
So I think that we are very supportive. We are engaged in this process. We are committed to the strategy the President outlined, but we're also going to have a very open and honest relationship.
QUESTION: The administration has recognized that part of -- a big part of the problem for Pakistan in its fight against the Taliban is that it remains militarily focused on its traditional enemy, India. What, if anything -- or why hasn't the administration taken greater action to help to normalize, improve relations between India and Pakistan?
SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, everything in due time.
MR. GIBBS: Jake.
QUESTION: Madam Secretary, as this plan was being developed, the U.S. believed that a lot of the insurgency issues were going to be in eastern Afghanistan. Obviously the problem has now emerged more heatedly in Pakistan. How has that affected this strategy of the U.S. as this summit came together?
SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, Jake, I think that the wisdom of the approach that we took even before the President was inaugurated has been borne out by the events of the last months. We were determined to see Afghanistan and Pakistan as a region, as two countries that were dependent upon each other, influenced each other, and needed to figure out a way forward together. So, if anything, the fast-moving conflict and, frankly, the adaptability of the enemy that we are all fighting has demonstrated clearly the wisdom of that approach.
One of the other comments that was made today is that Afghanistan and Pakistan are conjoined twins -- and, in effect, they are. But they were never treated that way. They were kind of one-off: What are we going to do about Afghanistan, and, oh, by the way, what are we going to do about Pakistan? And we have a history there, as you know. We have a history of having been deeply involved and then having withdrawn. And so I think seeing the two countries as connected geographically as they are, and in this common struggle against al Qaeda and the Taliban and their allies, has given us the flexibility to be able to move more agilely than we did before.
QUESTION: Madam Secretary, President Zardari said the following yesterday. He said -- on the U.S. relationship -- "I think it needs more effort; I think it needs more understanding on both sides." What is your understanding of his greatest concerns, from his point of view, that you picked up on in these meetings today -- on the U.S. relationship?
SECRETARY CLINTON: You know, Chuck, I think that's a very fair statement. I think that it does require more understanding on both sides. One size does not fit all. You don't take a strategy from one part of the world and impose it on another part. You don't look at each country just through the prism of the terrorist threat and expect to really understand what's the best way to combat that, and also to begin removing conditions that gave rise to it.
And I think that in my conversations with President Zardari -- whom I've known a very long time and was a great admirer and friend of his wife -- if you talk with him, as I have, about what he faced coming into office -- he's been President for less than eight months, and he inherited a very difficult and unmanageable situation. We have a pretty well functioning government. We've changed directions policy-wise, but you don't have to start from scratch -- and so I think a little more understanding on our part about what he confronted.
You know, he has successfully navigated some real crises. He made a very brave decision when he first came in to raise the price of wheat. Might not sound like a big deal, but it was a huge political challenge. But by doing so, Pakistan is now self-sufficient in wheat again. You know, you have to look at what he was facing: an economic crisis, a military-terrorist crisis, a legitimacy crisis -- just an enormous array of challenges. And I think if you're more understanding of both the history and the conditions, you not only can perhaps empathize a little bit, but be smarter in the suggestions you make, understanding what the consequences will be. And that's what we are trying to do through this process.
QUESTION: What are his asks? What are his asks specifically of us?
SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, you know. They're very public: more economic aid; more assistance with the military and police in terms of what they need to now go after this new enemy; what I just sort of read off in response to an earlier question about the sort of assistance we're going to offer, from agriculture to the economy to intelligence. That's what they're looking for.
QUESTION: Madam Secretary, a couple of questions. One, the Zardari government said it wanted time to have this negotiated arrangement in Swat Valley to see what would happen. They've now seen what has happened and are responding militarily. There are some reports in the region that the civilians on the ground now see the government in a different light, and saw that they tried to negotiate, saw what the Taliban did, and there's a backlash against the Taliban. Do you believe that was an inherent wisdom that maybe the U.S. did not detect before in the strategy?
And number two, with the sense that the refugee crisis in that area -- now that the Pakistan government has asked civilians to try to leave -- is that going to be something the U.S. and both these nations are going to have to confront in the very near term?
SECRETARY CLINTON: I'm sorry, say that again.
QUESTION: Well, the military's advice being to try to exit parts of the Swat Valley because of a assumed military offensive -- will that create a humanitarian issue that all three of these countries are going to have to deal with in a very near term?
SECRETARY CLINTON: You know, Major, I'm not going to second-guess the approach that was taken by the government of Pakistan vis-à-vis the Taliban in Swat Valley. Whatever the motive behind it might have been, the reality on the ground soon proved otherwise; that one had to confront the increasing influence and geographic spread of the Taliban. There aren't that many Taliban fighters, but they are so intimidating and they are so ruthless that a very few can control a large swath of territory, which is something that I think everybody learned in watching this unfold.
So the other point to remember -- it goes back to Chuck's earlier question -- is there have been areas of Pakistan that have been ungoverned for a very long time. The British Empire did not govern them; no Pakistani government, civilian or military, attempted to govern them; and they were basically left alone, and they left the central government alone -- it was kind of a unspoken agreement.
But what nobody bargained for was foreign fighters and foreign money and a foreign ideology that would in some way link up disparate elements within these regions into a network, a syndicate, if you will, of extremist groups. And I think that has changed -- that's another one of the paradigm shifts. You know, you could leave those folks alone and they took care of their own business, but that was fine, we were okay in Lahore and Islamabad and Karachi and other places. But as they became more aggressive, and as they kind of broke out of the traditional model of how they had stayed close to home and basically controlled their own surroundings, that produced a new challenge.
And I think that it's part of the change in attitude that we're seeing in the Pakistani military and intelligence services, and in the civilian government.
QUESTION: And the issue --
SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, we're obviously concerned about that. We're going to watch it and see what we can do to help.
MR. GIBBS: She's got a couple of important meetings she's got to get to, so we're going to let her go.
SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you, Robert.
[This is a mobile copy of Remarks on Trilateral Consultations With Afghanistan and Pakistan]
Short URL: http://m.state.gov/md122705.htm
Short URL: http://m.state.gov/md122705.htm


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What's On This Week
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Friday, October 9, 2015
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From All Movie Guide: Diminutive William Sidney Stanton enjoyed an acting career that took him from London to Los Angeles. After honing his craft in the theater, Stanton made his motion-picture debut in 1927 and continued with a busy schedule of bit parts and character roles (specializing in comic drunks) into the 1930s and early 1940s. Raoul Walsh, for one, used him in nearly identical drunk roles in two films from 1932, Me And My Gal and Sailor's Luck. Often availing himself of his Cockney accent, Stanton's range also allowed him to play parts such as menacing thugs, crowd members, valets and butlers. His last screen role was in Adam's Rib (1949), in the uncredited part of a taxi driver. ~ Bruce Eder, Rovi