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- Filed Under
A man claiming to the "King of the World" and also "Adam" from the Bible remains in a state prison after the Vermont Department of Mental Health said it had no room for him in their system.
Essex County State's Attorney Vince Illuzzi said Sunday he was miffed when Vermont mental health officials said the state had no hospital bed for the man, who claimed he was an alien, had been hearing voices in his head and was going to kill someone to get them to stop.
"There is a chronic shortage of secure beds in Vermont where individuals that are deemed dangerous to themselves or others can be securely held and ...


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Months and months (and months!) ago, Bug and Vi decided to enter the Reflections Contest at school. The theme this year was "Believe, Dream, Inspire." Vi wanted to take some photos, so I sent her outside in the backyard with my old iPhone and Bug wanted to make some visual art representing the clouds and how they can look like shapes with your imagination.
Well, about 6 weeks ago I got an email saying Vi's entry had won at the school in that category and was going on to the county level. Yay! I asked if there was going to be some kind of awards ceremony, and they said in April there would be one after the winning items were returned from the county judging. This was in like February, so I didn't even mention it to Vi cause I didn't want her to be asking and asking when the ceremony would be and the details seemed very fuzzy.
Eventually, it got to be April. And eventually, about three weeks ago, the ceremony was announced via email. They said the children would be getting a certificate. I finally let Vi know she had won, and she was of course thrilled to pieces!
Bug….not so much. Of course it is disappointing but I kept reminding her that LOTS more kids enter and don't win then the ones that DO win. Everyone can't win. In today's world where everyone gets a medal just for participating, this is a very difficult concept to grasp. We had to talk about it for a long time, and she was still incredibly sad and didn't really understand why she couldn't "win".
So, the morning of the ceremony arrives last Friday and I ask Bug if she wants to see Vi get her award and she says yes, but starts crying again and insisting "They just don't know how hard I worked on that project!!"
It was quite dramatic. Like Big Ol' Crocodile Tears.
I reminded her that she needed to be a good sport and be proud of her sister, and that if she was going to cry then she couldn't come to the ceremony. I told her when people do things like play baseball or football, one team has to win and one team has to lose. That is the way it works. Everyone can't win all the time. I told her the time for disappointment and tears had been WEEKS ago when I first told them Vi had won, this morning was only a time to celebrate her sister's accomplishment. She pulled herself together, but was clearly still very pouty on the way to the bus stop.
Imagine my surprise then when I arrive at the school and go to the office, only to see a line of kids in the hallway including Bug.
Her teacher greeted me and said "Oh yes, all the children who participated will be recognized."
This. Was. Not. In. The. Email.
Not in any of the emails actually, that I recall. My entire lecture on good sportsmanship and on the fact that we can't all get an award all the time had been wasted. Bug was in the hallway, practically glowing and bouncing up and down.
Vi was eying me suspiciously and slightly confused.
"Mama, you said she didn't win. I won. Why is she standing in the line?"
Well I guess they decided to give all the children something. "But don't worry," I said, "yours went to the county level and I am sure you will get something special for that. There will be something for participating, and something for winning. I'm sure of it!"
She half smiled. She was not sure of it.
And of course, about ten minutes later I was eating my words. They presented every single child who participated with a certificate AND a cute colored pen. Kids who entered more than one category got multiple pens and certificates.
Nothing extra or special was done for the kids who actually were selected to "Win" and move on to the next level.
Everyone was The Same.
I could rant about this. Seriously. How are our kids ever going to learn to be good sports and lose graciously if we always treat everyone the same regardless?!?!? GAH!
Thankfully, when it came down to it, Vi decided to be the gracious one and she accepted that her sister had also won without crying or pouting or carrying on about it. I was sure to make a point of this to Bug later. And of course I had to apologize for being wrong. Multiple times.
(Oh and it was "Sports Day" at school, hence the Broncos shirt and Red Sox hat. Both items courtesy of my brother and sister, since we don't actually have a sports team or watch any sports at our house! It was a desperate dig for something "sporty" the night before, we barely managed to find these!)
I left them to finish their day at school.
(If you look closely you can see that Bug was skipping back to class, both her feet are off the ground!)
It was an early release day from school anyways, so they were home just after lunch time and it was beautiful outside. Finally feeling like Spring!Since Little Man was at his cousin's house playing, I decided to run the girls out fora quick haircut. Bug has been harassing me for weeks about this, but it has just been to hectic to get around to it. Can I just say, being on break from school for me is so nice.
So. Nice.
Look how cute they are!
(Vi is trying to grow her hair out, and was very worried they were going to cut it too short)
(I forgot to take Bug's picture After in the salon, but here we are outside about an hour later)
When we got back home Vi wanted to ride bikes, as usual if it is any temperature above freezing (and sometimes even when it is below freezing!) So we headed out to enjoy some real sunlight, the blue sky, and time with each other. Being on a break from my school is So. Nice.
Vi is getting waaaaay to small for her bike with the training wheels. In fact her knees nearly hit the handlebars and she tipped over…..twice…..just from trying to turn the thing and weighing too much. She has had a HUGE growth spurt the last month or so, she eats more at dinner than either of the boys and considering Edo is now over 6 feet tall and a teenage boy that really is saying something!!!
(This is from a walk after dinner a few days earlier, but it is the most recent photo I have of her on the bike. You can see….she doesn't fit really. Good thing her birthday is on Saturday!!!!!!)
Daddy got home from school early and, since it was so beautiful out, decided it would be a fine time to teach the girls how to play ball.
I was the pitcher first, and they caught on really fast! I was impressed at how often they managed to actually hit the ball, even with my poor throwing skills. Then Daddy took a turn pitching, at which point the odds of them hitting the ball increased exponentially:
After awhile, Vi moved on to catching while Bug rode her bike a little more. Our neighbor, a little boy who is 6, also came over to play with us for awhile but I didn't get any photos of them all playing because my darn camera was FULL. We blew some bubbles too!
In fact, even the Big Kids even came out to join us for a little bit! They hit the ball around, but also tossed the football. No one in our little family are big "sports" people, but it was really great just to be outside and play.
I hope as the weather continues to improve that we can have more fun as a family outdoors. Now that Daddy is almost done with school he finally has a bit of free time as well. It was a beautiful, perfect afternoon.
And a very busy, full, beautiful, day.

subset: commoncrawl


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August 01, 2006 |
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TORONTO — Student Transportation of Canada (STC), an operating subsidiary of Student Transportation of America, has acquired Simcoe Coach Lines Ltd., a school bus operator in Sutton, Ontario.
The acquisition will add more than 110 vehicles and $5 million (Cdn) in annual revenue. "This is a strategic acquisition that marks our fourth in the province and builds regional density," said STC President David White. "It positions us to take advantage of the growth being experienced in the rural and suburban areas north of Toronto."
STC also has operations in Ontario in the Waterloo, York Region and Peterborough areas.
Murray Walker, owner of Simcoe Coach Lines, said, "We are pleased that Simcoe Coach Lines Ltd. has become part of this well-run family of companies. We have known the Student Transportation management team for many years, and we are confident they will continue the outstanding service we have provided to our communities for the past 45 years."
Student Transportation of America, headquartered in Wall, N.J., is the fifth-largest provider of school bus transportation services in North America. It currently operates more than 4,000 school vehicles in the U.S. and Canada.
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One Tomball area homeowner will soon have a newly renovated yard and will be featured on a TV show.
HGTV's Yard Crashers is coming to The Arbor Gate nursery in Tomball on Sept. 19 to give one shopper a yard makeover.
To win a makeover, shoppers need to explain to Yard Crashers' host Matt Blashaw why their yard is the most deserving of a makeover. Shoppers can bring in photos and dead plants or other objects to help explain the need for a new yard.
The event starts at 9:30 a.m. and after Blashaw decides on the yard, he and the Yard Crashers crew will go to the selected home to start the yard makeover.
The Arbor Gate is at 15635 FM 2920 Road, Tomball. 281-351-8851. www.arborgate.com.


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text: i4Siri had a late release February 3rd at 12AM easter. This release brings a variety of features as listed below. This is not a public beta but as promised we have opened this up to the donators. We have stopped taking donations for beta access. The reason being is that we do not want to… Read More


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Hey Everyone!
Did you all feel that love was in the air on Tuesday's episode of Glee? I sure did!
Here is a list of the love songs from the "Heart" episode:
- Chapel of Love
- Let Me Love You
- Stereo Hearts
- Home
- I Will Always Love You
- You're The Top
- Cherish/Cherish
- Love Shack
I was so excited for "Glee Project" winner Samuel Larson to make his debut into the show, as Joe Hart, and I must say that he did a great job especially with his voice in 'Stereo Hearts'. Do I sense a relationship between him and Quinn? I think so!
Now for the episode "Hearts".
I found that this episode, like the last, did not focus on too many issues, but the ones that they did focus on were very noticeable and brought into much depth. The issues were:
- Gay/Lesbian
- Religion
- Teen Marriage
- Cheating
I am only going to choose a few to focus on and discuss, but if you are interested in me discussing any other issues just comment at the bottom of this post or contact me (visit Contact Page).
- Bringing religion into a television show and expressing the controversies within it is a very risky thing to do but it did not stop Glee writers from bringing up this important issue. A big issue with the majority of religions is that they believe gay marriage should not be allowed and is a sin. What was great about this episode is that Mercedes, Sam, Quinn and Joe did not just state their opinions on gay relationships, but rather had a discussion about their feelings towards this matter from a religious point of view. Quinn even referenced the bible to support her point. I believe that this was very important to show because it is giving the audience factual evidence about how love is love. Forcing opinion onto people is one thing, but the writers of Glee wanted to show the audience religion is in place to bring us all together through love and give us faith. I believe that we will hear many things about this episode in the future from religious groups and am interested in what their opinions are about it. If this happens, I will re-open this matter with more discussion.
[Photo from Flickr Creative Commons: Created by gacabo]
- Yes everyone, it happened! Brittana finally had the lip-lock scene that everyone has been waiting for. What I respected about this part of the episode was the struggle that the writers created for Santana and Brittany to show their affection for each other. Society has a stigma that gay and lesbian people should hide their affection because it may not seem 'normal', but straight couples can do whatever they want to express their love. We need to break free from this stigma and create a society that is accepting of all kinds of love. I believe that there is going to be a lot more issues about the acceptance of gay/lesbians in future episodes of Glee and hopefully the society they show represents and evolving community. **This is not a familiar issue with me so if there are any members of the Gay'Lesbian community that would like me to expand on certain things, let me know and I will do as much as I can to make sure I provide you with all you want to know**
[Photo from Flickr Creative Commons: Created by Linzi Clark]
Next week is Regionals so don't forget to check back soon!
***If anyone wants me to expand on or discuss certain issues, just send a comment and I will be happy to write about it for you***


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Lead is a naturally occurring non-ferrous metal found in the earth's crust. It has been used in commercial and household products for thousands of years. In the past lead was used in paint, gasoline, pottery, water pipes and other products. Lead poisoning occurs when lead builds up in the body. Children and adults can get lead poisoning though ingesting (eating) or inhaling (breathing) materials or dusts that contain lead). There is no safe level of lead. When lead is absorbed, it has an adverse affect on your nervous systems. Animals are also adversely affected from inhaling or ingesting lead.
Medical research shows that lead can harm human health even at low exposure levels.
Lead poisoning is widespread and preventable. Some of the adverse effects of lead include learning abnormalities and behavioral problems in children. Kids are more vulnerable to lead than adults; but lead effects all human health and the environment. Lead, is one of the most hazardous, toxic metals because of its ability to accumulate as it is absorbed in a body. Lead also has a long life in the environment.
Alternatives to lead sinkers and jigs include steel, bismuth, tin, tungsten, alloys of these metals, and metal/plastic or metal/ceramic combinations. Caution: Avoid zinc fishing weights; they are sufficiently toxic to threaten aquatic birds. Every year over 60 tons of lead fishing weights are left in Washington State waters.
What You Can Do
- If you still use lead weights – do not let children handle lead weights and never put lead sinkers in your mouth.
- Stop using lead weights, including lead weighted jigs and lead-weighted lures.
- Buy lead-free tackle from retailers that stock lead-free tackle or ask your current retailer to stock lead-free tackle products.
- Recover snagged tackle – hooks, lures and monofilament are hazards to wildlife, whether or not they are made with lead.
- Encourage fellow anglers to follow your example.
Where else is lead is found?
- Paint - Many homes built before 1978 have lead-based paint.
- Toys and Toy Jewelry - Some toys and toy jewelry have been found to contain levels of lead that can pose a serious health risk to children.
- Drinking water - Your home may have plumbing which used lead or lead solder. Call Clark County Public Health (360-397-8428) or your local water supplier for information about testing your water.
- Soil around a home - Soil can pick up lead from exterior paint or other sources. Children playing in yards can ingest or inhale lead dust.
- On Your Job or at Home - You should shower and change clothes after working with lead on your job or at home with a hobby (e.g., pottery or stained glass). Also launder any lead contaminated clothes separately.
- Containers Food and liquids stored in lead glazed pottery or porcelain or lead crystal can become contaminated from lead leaching from these containers.
Recycling Options:
Lead acid batteries, lead shot, lead fishing weights and lead wheel weights may be taken to a Household Hazardous Waste disposal facility or event to be recycled.
Central Transfer & Recycling Center
West Van Materials Recovery Center
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Pancit Canton is a noodle dish that is of Chinese origin. This is prepared pretty much like the Pansit Bihon, though an obvious distinction would be the noodles used (rice sticks vs. flour sticks). This dish closely resembles the Chow Mein but preparation and some ingredients vary.
In a pan, heat the oil then sauté the garlic and onion
Add the pork and cook until the outer part turns light brown
Add the soy sauce and cook for 5 minutes
Put in the chorizo, oyster sauce, and chicken stock and simmer for 20 minutes
While simmering, blanch all the vegetables in a separate pot
Put in the parsley and shrimp on the pan where the pork, chorizo, and other ingredients are cooked
Add salt and pepper to taste then let cook for 2 minutes
Put in the Flour sticks and cook until the liquid has been absorbed by the noodles
Add all the blanched vegetables and mix with the rest of the ingredients
Serve hot.


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Usuarios en línea
5 usuarios en línea
The New Internal Electronic Distribution Mailing System
Among the initial user manuals I ever wrote was about a "new internal electronic distribution mailing system." The 1st draft was typed running an IBM Selectric II typewriter in 1978. This "new mailing system" wasn't belonging to the us . Postal Service. However, how to attract purchased at reasonable cost. It absolutely was promoted and sold for being an opportunity that could allow business people to efficiently and quickly draft, write and publish Company memoranda without wasting time or money and, simultaneously, save a tree.
Printing Costs
Printing and paper costs were utilized to calculate how much money the provider would save by ordering this "new electronic mailing system." The fee for creating these "electronic memos" was calculated and as opposed to annual costs to purchase paper to type on, the expense of the typewriter ribbons, the price copying an original printed on 8 ? bond paper if compared to the tariff of using copy paper in the copier, like cost to purchase or lease the copier, the prices of machine down-time, preventive maintenance and the price of ink. Salesmen achieved your place of work with facts-in-hand, hidden throughout their briefcases, all set to discuss the way the investment in this "new electronic mailing system" would save the corporation time, money which help save the community too. Customers or employees wouldn't even need to purchase a stamp.
Opponents to E-mail
Opponents within the newly developed "internal electronic mailing system" were on the awesome for most reasons. Some thought The government would understand and forgo the net income from immediately a stamp. Others disagreed. The opponents questioned the way the America could deliver mail without revenue or legal receipt. These executives considered it unconstitutional to email anything about business operations, corporate policies or any other legal papers inside an e-mail which could definitely be lost, stolen or destroyed with not a printed original which had been signed with the corporate president or marked while using the company seal. They thought a digital mailing system was somehow anti-American, even if you memoranda were for internal business-use only.
Many years Later
Remember that it is over Many years ever since i sat where you work of a executive who refused to invest in or lease the recently developed "internal electronic distribution mailing system." He argued while using the sales team regarding how this new system would open the threshold towards destruction of the United States Postal Service. He refused to become a some of it. He even refused for doing things totally free for a trial basis. He refused allowing it in office or on his mainframe computer. He considered it unconstitutional and bordering on mutiny.
States Postal Service versus Electronic message Systems
"The Postal Service is as a famous governmental agency," he was quoted saying, since he escorted the rep using his office. "I definitely won't be an integral part of it," he exclaimed, "I will just keep paying off the price a stamp plus the privilege to reside in the United States of America." Uncle Sam has to be paid too.
Now, over 3 decades later, the us Postal Service lost to electronic "emails" in addition to other varieties of electronic distribution. Saturday home deliveries has decided to be stopped. Just last year, as per online news reports, the USPS lost $2.4 billion dollars. So how does this rival corporate profits for the similar year?
To explore IMSC Rapid Mailer go to our website. We've got covered all the stuff you should consider about IMSC Rapid Mailer.
Creado por: groverfarley4590 última modificación: Sábado 05 of Abril, 2014 [06:17:02 UTC] por groverfarley4590


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Video: Megadeth's Dave Mustaine Performs with San Diego Symphony
Video: Megadeth's Dave Mustaine Performs with San Diego Symphony
This past Saturday, April 12, Megadeth's Dave Mustaine performed with the San Diego Symphony at San Diego's Copley Symphony Hall.
You can check out a bit of fan-filmed video from the event, which was titled "Symphony Interrupted," below.
"I love the challenge," Mustaine said in a press release last month. "I really admire this genre of music because of the level of skill required and there are great dark undertones in these incredible pieces.
"The marriage of two such distinctly different genres is one thing, but cross-pollinating different societies is a whole new level of badass! I'm used to them being before me, but it's a bit unnerving to know so many talented eyes will be on my back. It's a bit intimidating, and to be given the opportunity to interpret these melodies — to meld what I am best at with what they incredibly present, it is a great honor."
Starting at 8 p.m., Mustaine and the Symphony performed renditions of the "Summer" and "Winter" movements from Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons" and Bach's "Air" (on the G string). Richard Wagner's "Ride of the Valkyries" and Antonin Dvorak's "New World Symphony" also were performed by the symphony during the show.
For more information, visit SanDiegoSymphony.org.
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April 15, 2014 at 4:21pm
I am a huge Megadeth fan, but this just sounds horrendous, did Mustaine even warm up at all ? never mind practicing, that is the sloppiest thing I have ever heard.
April 14, 2014 at 1:47pm
Heavy Metal and Classical are two peas in a pod. The bombast of Wagner,the dexterity of Paganini and Harmonic adventure of Mozart. But played through Marshall's set on thermonuclear GIGGIDY!!!!!
Best Holiday Rock Song Poll: "The Chanukah Song" (Adam Sandler) Vs. "The 12 Days of Christmas" (Bob and Doug McKenzie)15 hours 8 min ago
Best Holiday Rock Song Poll: "Do They Know It's Christmas" (Band Aid) Vs. "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" (John Lennon)1 day 15 hours ago
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- Filed Under
The City Council Thursday will consider spending nearly $2.9 million to buy and equip three fire trucks to replace aging vehicles.
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. Thursday in Council Chambers on the first floor of City Hall, 111 W. Vine St.
Assistant Fire Chief Kaye Jernigan recommends that the council accept the the bid from Toyne Inc. of nearly $2 million for the trucks. Another $900,000 will be needed to install equipment for the trucks. ...


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what?? Are you telling me that the medical and disability programs for the city of New York are inadequate?? $7.4B, you've got to be kidding.
Aren't they already protected by union health coverage?
How in God's name is this not pass of our own.ing 100-0. We have got to take care of our own.
I agree completely with you mike. This should not even be an issue it should pass unanimously. To anonymous, No they do not all have union health coverage. The average citizen has come to assume that all the workers down there were, civil servants but this is untrue. Many of the workers no longer have jobs let alone health insurance. Even the workers who do have union coverage have expenses above and beyond what insurance will cover due to multiple complex medical issues. This also is not just a new york city issue as many of the workers were from other states as many came from all around to help in the effort. These people are suffering for helping during a time of tragedy and not all were paid or compensated to do so but did so out of there kindness. So please get your facts straight before you make statements. Thank you
Great going GOP, start cutting those budget defs with 9/11 health care. Hopefully they'll die soon so they won't be an issue anymore. And we should start dole out more dough to those poor deprived oil and armament industries, now that we made these huge budget savings. That's why you've got ellected...
Ladies and Gentlemen, the issue is not whether or not establishing this fund is a good thing--materially, it's questionable, but politically it is very good, as these comments indicate--but a dispute over how we are to pay for it. The House proposed one revenue offset--but some key senators didn't like it. Sens. Schumer and Gillibrand proposed a shopping list of 5 other offsets (although some of them are merely apparent offsets), but it seems they can't find 60 votes, either. So be patient. Someone will cave somewhere. Just don't expect elegance. That's not what Senate negotiations are about.
I was a first responder at Ground Zero. I am not from New York; am not a union member, and was in management for an international engineering and construction company. I fell ill during my last week at GZ, but completed my tour. I developed severe asthma and lung damage, and underwent surgery several months later. I developed cancer, which also required surgery, in 2004. I have been disabled since the end of 2006. My COBRA ran out, and no insurance company will sell me a policy due to my many health conditions. Fortunately, I'm a veteran and can get lower cost care at the VA, but it all comes out of my pocket. There are many other first responders who are far worse off than I am. I would encourage you all to send a brief email to your Senators, asking them to support this bill. I have.
Shame on republicans in congress. politics as usual. For once do the right thing.
It's all that thermate, stuff is toxic.
I am a first responder and have several ailments and no insurance, thank you for nothing. These Republicans are the scum of the earth. Enjoy hell
No Jeff you are just another person who doesnt have aclue, they are not adequate. ALot of people are very sick, very sick. Do some research on the illnesses before you spew your mindless ignorance. It really is incredible.
What happened to all the money contributed to 9/11 victims? Is any left?
Why do we need the government to do this in this manner? Perhaps the government could lend us the resources to set up a new 9/11 fund, this time for the responders health needs. I for one will donate. No one need burn in hell.
A blog of reporting and news from New York City, Metropolis is produced by Carrie Melago and Sarah Crichton with contributions from the Wall Street Journal staff. Send tips and comments to firstname.lastname@example.com.


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Bedroom Jamming With Bent Jetty
A few bedroom jam sessions, late-night drunken guitar strumming and hourlong GarageBand recording sessions between bong rips: What started as hazy hangouts while guitarists Wyatt Strassner and Matt Wiste and vocalist Greg Gamarra were students at Tesoro High School and continued during their college days in San Diego eventually formed into the wave of folk, pop, funk, indie and rock that are Bent Jetty in 2012. The juxtaposition of the band's limitless structural sound coincides with the idea of warped wooden beach-pier planks, or jetties, that influences the group's name.
"We wanted a name and sound that evoked imagination and provided a wide range of times to listen to our songs," Strassner says. "Our folk songs are perfect for a sunny afternoon chilling in your back yard or out in nature; our rock songs will get you amped up when you're driving, and some are random stories we created out of the ether of our consciousness."
Bent Jetty's ethereal soundscapes mobilized their first recording effort, the Honey Be Wild EP, from the humble sanctuary of a bedroom. It wasn't until after its release that another high-school friend, bassist Christian Fleck, joined the Mission Viejo group.
Finding a solid drummer proved difficult, so Bent Jetty employed programmed drum loops during songwriting jam sessions. Strassner said the workflow perspective usually progressed with Gamarra humming a melody to the selected tempo before adding Fleck's bass line and Wiste's riffs and finally chord progressions.
"We're getting better at understanding where we are going in the songs," Gammara says. "We communicate with our own language and interrupt where we want to go with each song and look at the spectrum of emotions going with it."
Bent Jetty's chunky rock side is brought to life with Stassner's Gibson Les Paul; Wiste's finger-plucking on his Fender Jaguarillo provides warmth and muted sound to the opposing attack on the plastic strings, while Gamarra's ukulele appearances on songs such as "Favorite Few" and "Expectations" round out their Southern California ambiance.
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Aussie BB
Posted 29 September 2008 - 04:52 AM
One month on and where are the 2008 Big Brother housemates? What has happened to their dreams of further fame? What has happened to their in-house friendships? And what has happened to their deep tans and toned muscles? LIVENEWS.com.au gave them a call to see what they has to say for themselves, and more importantly what they said about each other…
Brigitte – The big news is Brigitte has moved to the Gold Coast to be with Cherry – and everyone thought that would last! The famously jobless one managed to squeeze her move away from the family home in between two Zoo shoots and one for Ralph. According to Terrance the 21-year-old called him recently at an appearance to get him to come down. He did and ended up compering a 'manpower' show, in which Brigitte was a judge. Apparently there's still no love lost between her and Saxon.
Terri - Terri won the show, but now seems to have disappeared. Apparently she's squirreled her money away in some high interest bank account and is tossing up whether to return to her job at Coles. News she was going to get a facelift with some of her money couldn't be confirmed – nor whether she has had a chance to catch up with her idol Pauline Hanson.
Rima – While not at the BB finale (apparently she was annoyed at professional vulgarian Kyle Sandilands referring to her as a midget) she certainly hasn't shunned her BB housemates. She was guest of honour in Dubbo for the party thrown for Dixie and Renee's return. She's apparently heading to Europe to further her performing career.
Terrance – Terrance can still talk you under the table. Your correspondent had a long mag with him – being careful to take regular breaks for rehydration. He's been soul searching. He's not sure he got what he wanted out of the show. He's wondering if he would have had a better chance as an original HM because as an intruder he knew he couldn't win and so just turned the Terrance nob up full bore rather than easing himself in strategically. He's stared his own corporate speaking business 'Star Presentations', which stands for 'Start Taking A Risk'. He'll be speaking on vision, purpose, making dreams become reality and stepping outside the circle of going nowhere. He's also writing a book called Get off your arse and stop whinging. And hoping to write another called Terrance's bad Dad joke book. He's happy to self publish if he has to. He's also been offered a slot on Dixie's Broken Hill radio show called 'Terrance's positive thinking tips for the Y Generation'.
Rory – Rory's been mondo busy on the appearance circuit - he reckons he's booked up until October the 4th. And of course he's been catching up with Rhianna – he claims "as friends" but she reckons she's spent the weekend down at his pad, but anyway. When asked about what everyone else is doing Rory said, "some are rockin' out, some are moochin' and some are rockin' out and moochin", how illuminating.
Travis – the squeaky voiced boy wonder is apparently doing a pilot for 'a princess sparkles show' with Brigitte – whatever that is. Otherwise he's loving the attention of being a BB housemate and messing around with some radio segment somewhere someplace.
Nobbi – The nob has been having a lot of fun with the girls on the appearance circuit and playing host to Ben and Rory. The kombi man is excited to be currently taking out a mystery woman from el Salvadore – who apparently has a bit more of a brain than some of the girls on the appearance circuit. The nob severed his contract with Harry M Miller and is looking to sign up with Max Markson. He's also writing about his Big Brother adventures.
Cherry – The ultimate player has managed to get himself a deal with a TV show comparing extreme sports. Or so they say.
Ben – Fresh from a week in Melbourne at Nobbi's house the Nineteen-year-old is up for anything. He's taken the semester off from law to explore possibilities. He's been speaking to modelling and acting agencies as well as radio stations in his hometown of Perth. He's thinking of moving to Melbourne. He's amazed at the chick situation – he reckons the girls that approach him now wouldn't have given him the time of day before BB.
Bianca – Apparently Bianca and Rory's best mate, someone called Kahil, are together. The buxom one apparently flew down to see him for his birthday, and Kahil has sent the eighteen-year-old roses in the mail.
Alice – No-one had heard much from the vet. Apparently she's a little scarred by the experience, disappointed all anyone ever talks to her about is the treadmill.
Renee – Good old Renee is back at the Abattoir and playing rugby. She's apparently on with one of Cherry's mates as well. The famously short-tempered one wants to travel and is saving up so she can take that trip to New York. Though she's been a bit sick of late she's still managing to organise a holiday for Rhianna's daughter Mia so she can visit the famous Dubbo Zoo.
David – The fire fighter just signed a book deal with New Holland for his book on his childhood experiences in that cult called Losing My Religion. You remember the one that meant, when he escaped at Nineteen, he was in a 'Bad Boy Bubby' situation – having never seen a movie, swum at the beach, kissed a girl, eaten in a restaurant or used a remote control. For a while he did a regular segment with Dixie on Hype FM but he's canned that. In between openings and the like he's fighting fires and promoting the fire fighter's calendar he's in.
Rhianna – Rhianna's been down to see Rory in Geelong. She's met his dog stubby, or 'stub-dog' as he's called and told LIVENEWS.com.au she cried when she had to go. The twenty-five-year-old had Rory up in Sydney for a week and did all the touristy things – Bondi Beach, Dinner at Centrepoint, and the Fishmarkets. And she says neither she nor Mia have had any backlash from the way she made Rory come in handy either. She's back working for the bank in Leichhardt.
Saxon – Apparently the inked one is back at work driving the cement truck and trying to kiss girls. It must be his enlightened views on the Cronulla riots that brings them in.
Rebecca – She did her Zoo shoot and said her ultimate fantasy was to have a threesome with a girl. Even though in the house she found girls trying to pick her up 'disgusting'.
Nathan – The virgin is apparently doing a radio show with a community radio station in his home town of Adelaide. He's busy getting back with his girlfriend abut is apparently still hung up on Renee. He wants to do public speaking and seminars at schools about goal setting – and he wants to get into Kids TV.
Michael – It's assumed he finished his tour with I Killed The Prom Queen.
Barney – Who knows.
So there you have it. A month after it all finished that's where they're up to. Now the only question you have to ask yourself is: Do you feel better for knowing?
Some more random news about Travis and Brigitte. Wellll....at least she's doing something..lol
Few people would nominate being trapped on a month long bus trip with Big Brother's
squeaky voiced Travis and pouting brat Brigitte as a dream holiday.
But that's OK. Only a hundred need to to make the 'Travis Does Europe' tour a success
with tickets going on sale in coming weeks.
The popular pair have teamed up with a local travel agent, Direct Holidays, to set up
the Contiki-style tour that begins in London and traverses France, Spain, Italy, Greece,
Germany, and Austria before finishing in the ever popular Amsterdam.
The reality TV pair will show off their skills as tour guides on the 27-day European tour
starting on May 9 next year.
They will be announcing sites on the two coach tour as well as running treasure hunts,
quizzes and mystery trips.
LIVENEWS.com.au will be giving away a ticket to the tour, worth $6995, in coming weeks.
So stay tuned in to our entertainment section for more details.
Those interested on taking the tour can call Direct Holidays on 9290 1698.
Travis and Brigitte to 'do' Europe
Tim Brunero interviews Travis about the Bus Tour
Posted 29 September 2008 - 09:35 AM
Posted 04 October 2008 - 10:26 AM
FNL host: Ryan Fitzgerard gave very sad news on a Radio show in Australia he co-hosts. Ryan told everyone that his finacee Belinda(who he prosposed on FNL a few years back) and him have lost their 1st child. Ryan said hs taking a week off the show. Ryan & Belinda named their child Kaylee Jay Fitzgerald, which means 'Brave Little Warrior'. He said they buried her in a private ceremony and they bought a star in the sky and named it after her. Ryan said "its very hard loosing your 1st child. Things happen for a reason, and I keep saying to myself, is this a form of payback for all the stupid ***** I did growing up down south? I don't know, but one thing I can say is that we've been very positive and we both know that one door is closed and it's only a matter of time before another one opens. We are blessed to even have the chance to experience the birth of a child, where a lot of women have been denied that gift, and we fully understand that."
Ryan said he amazed at how many friends he has and how awesome they have been to him & BJ during this time.
Ryan closed with asking everyone to sing "Use Somebody"
You can listen to the song here:
Friday Night Download hosted by: Mike Goldman,Bree Amer, & Ryan Fitzgereard starts 10/17 in Australia on Network Ten. It will have 10 episodes airing on friday nights. It was taped back in July-August
Friday Night Live won a Nickeldoden Australia Award on Saturday 10/11, i know Bree Amer & Mike Goldman accepted award, but im unsure if Ryan Fitzgerard was their.(I know Bree & Goldman were their via reports online)(from WWE.com pictures of co-Host of Nick AU awards WWE Wrestler John Cena was at Ryan Fitzy's radio station, NOVA, but Ryan was in none of the pictures
Posted 16 December 2008 - 06:20 PM
Posted 27 April 2009 - 02:14 PM
Posted 11 May 2009 - 01:33 PM
As it stand right now the person who 1st leaked BBAU will end, leaked that Network Ten is thinkin of pickin it back up, but with a changed format like BBUK Celeb Hijack, but the good ratings of BBAU replacement Masterchef may be the final nail in BBAU's coffin.
Posted 12 May 2009 - 01:23 AM
Posted 20 December 2011 - 03:01 PM
The article says that there will be an entirely new house and the show will be hosted by Sonia Kruger. I don't know the location of the new house but it would make sense to put it on the existing lot at Dreamland south of Brisbane. The have all of the existing production facilities in place. I will be posting more information as it becomes available.
The following is a quote from "if.com.au":
Big Brother reboot, new Underbelly and The Voice to
steer Nine in 2012 [Thu 24/11/2011 02:38:47]
By Sam Dallas
Channel Nine is strongly backing a new reboot of Big Brother to
grab viewers in 2012, the network has announced.
A new version of the reality show – hosted by Sonia Kruger who was just
announced as Kerri-Anne Kennerley's replacement – has been devised, which will
also see a new house, new twists and obviously new housemates.
Originally screening on Channel 10 for eight seasons before being cancelled
in 2008, Big Brother is often regarded as Australia's 'mother of all
reality shows'. A new version has been rumoured for years. The new show –
Big Brother: Secrets – is expected to air around August after Nine's
coverage of the London Olympics comes to a finish.
Posted 03 June 2012 - 09:01 AM
Posted 03 June 2012 - 01:42 PM
Posted 17 June 2012 - 04:47 AM
Posted 17 June 2012 - 09:23 AM
I am looking forward to this! Their down time from this show could make this restart very special.
Posted 14 July 2012 - 04:39 PM
Posted 17 July 2012 - 02:15 AM
Looking at those blue prints, it looks like they might not be doing the Friday Night games they had in the past. There's no specific games arena like before. Maybe they will still do them, but have them doing things in the backyard. Can't wait to start watching!
2012 Big Brother house blueprint:
Posted 12 June 2015 - 01:11 AM
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text: > View Product Details Please select the size of the product. Please enter valid quantity. BCBGMAXAZRIA plum berry silk 'Drea' ruffle neck blouse overview details Retail: $178.00 Reduced: $46.97 25% Off : $35.23 color : We're sorry. This style is sold out. Plum Berry (Purple) With BCBGMAXAZRIA's wide range of ultra-fashionable, trend-conscious styles, there really is something for everyone. Is it any wonder why the brand is loved by so many? Color: Plum Berry (Purple) Lightweight silk woven V-neck with ruffle placket; extends down center bodice Sleeveless with ruffle cap Unlined Blouson fit 100% Silk; Dry Clean; Imported; style#319988402


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"It broke my heart," the 33-year-old said. "I tried to explain it to them, but how do you explain that there are no presents on Christmas?"
Last fall, the single mom lost her job just before the holiday season. Without a steady paycheck, she was barely able to scrape by; her landlord was kind enough to put her on a payment plan.
Now, Christa is working and saving every penny to keep a roof over her children's heads. But as Christmas approaches, she knows her part-time pay won't be enough to provide the gifts they didn't have last year.
The first-time applicant found out about Operation Santa from a co-worker, who suggested that she sign up.
"I'm really relieved," Christa admitted. "You can't imagine what a relief this is for us."
Operation Santa, a Christmastime charity operated by the Lebanon Rescue Mission, Agape Family Shelter and the Lebanon Daily News, will provide cheer in the form of Christmas dinner and a week's worth of groceries, along with gifts of clothing and a toy for children, to 2,275 people who signed up this year. To cover the cost, donations totaling $35,000 are needed from individuals, families, organizations and businesses.
To donate money to Operation Santa, send checks to: Lebanon Rescue Mission, c/o Operation Santa, P.O. Box 5, Lebanon, PA 17042. All proceeds from the raffle of an Advent Train Garden, on display until Sunday at the west end of the Lebanon Valley Mall behind Santa's place, will benefit Operation Santa.
Previous total$27,366.48
St. Mark Lutheran Church Advent Train Garden$940.00
Harold P. Kissinger, in honor of one of 2 Ks$10.00
Cheryl & Rick French$50.00
Merry Christmas from Ed & Marie$25.00
Mr. and Mrs. Gary Amos$50.00
Mrs. Alfrieda Gardner$100.00
To honor the Christ Child$100.00
Jack & Rosie, in memory of Jim$100.00
V. Peter & Dolores Jurjevich$25.00
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas & Margaret Billett$30.00
Anonymous, in memory of our son Brian$50.00
Clara J. Grumbine, in memory of Lefty Grumbine$50.00
In honor of our grandchildren Aiden, Baron and Leah$50.00
George & Carol Hollich, in memory of Raymie Frey$25.00
J&L, in memory of "Edie"$100.00
Tyler & Kylie Metz, Merry Christmas$200.00
Today's total$2,065.00
Total so far$29,431.48


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Sammy shines in Windies winComment on this story
Dhaka – Darren Sammy hit a fighting half-century and then grabbed three early wickets to help the West Indies beat Bangladesh by 75 runs in the fourth one-day international in Dhaka on Friday.
The 28-year-old scored an unbeaten 60 to take the tourists, after they were put into bat, to 211-9, and his impressive bowling was central to an attack that saw the home team out for 136 in 34.1 overs at Shere Bangla stadium.
The victory meant the five-match series is now level at 2-2, setting up a high-stakes final showdown on Saturday.
Sammy rocked the home team by dismissing Anamul Haque (one) with the fourth delivery of the second over and then had Naeem Islam (nought) caught out on the next ball to leave the home team reeling at 3-2.
Pace partner Kemar Roach (2-29) then struck further blows on the home team by bowling Tamim Iqbal (one) and Nasir Hossain (two) in the third over.
Sammy then piled on the pain, taking the wicket of Mominul Haque (one) in the sixth over to leave the hosts at 13-5.
Mohammad Mahmudullah, who remained unbeaten on 56, added an invaluable 74 runs for the sixth wicket with skipper Mushfiqur Rahim (27) but once the partnership was broken by Sunil Narine all was lost for the home team.
Mahmudullah hit seven boundaries in his fighting 78-ball stay at the crease. Veerasammy Permaul and Dwayne Smith also chipped in with two wickets apiece.
Earlier, Bangladeshi spinners Mahmudullah (3-46), Elias Sunny (2-21) and Abdur Razzak (2-47) derailed the West Indian innings in the middle overs after the tourists were cruising along well at 71-1.
Dashing West Indian opener Chris Gayle once again failed, dismissed for 16 after he looked set for a big score when he hit paceman Mashrafe Mortaza for a six and four in the sixth over.
He fell in the same over, caught by Sohag Gazi.
Kieran Powell (26) and Marlon Samuels (27) took the score to 71 when the Bangladeshi spinners struck thrice in as many overs, with Sunny taking wickets of both the batsmen in his successive overs.
Off-spinner Mahmudullah then took over, dismissing Kieron Pollard (two), Devon Thomas (10) and Permaul (one) to derail the West Indies.
In between these three wickets, Sammy and Bravo added an invaluable 43 for the seventh wicket.
Bangladesh won the first two matches by seven wickets and 160 runs respectively -- both in Khulna -- while the West Indies clinched the third in Dhaka by four wickets. – AFP
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Should paper towels be placed in the trash or compost bin?
Posted on Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2010
We cannot compost paper towels from bathrooms, so they need to go in the trash.
Napkins (and paper towels other than those used in bathrooms) are compostable.
Posted by Office of Sustainability
Tags: Composting, Waste
The Basics:
Waste Diversion FAQ
Search past questions and answers.


text:
Bladeless is More
Fluid flow simulation advances acclaimed new fan design.
Cost-Effective Innovation
Best-in-class companies systematically integrate simulation with design processes to succeed in a turbulent economy.
Taming the Cost of Respiratory Drug Development
Computer modeling and simulation help researchers to better visualize pulmonary functions for faster, less expensive clinical testing of innovative respiratory drugs.
Making the Switch
Optimizing a seemingly simple electrical switch device assembly through simulation saves time and reduces costs.
A New Spin on Appliances
A leading manufacturer reduces time in the development of innovative ovens, washing machines and other appliances through engineering simulation.
Leveraging the Full Power of Simulation
An industry expert looks at changes in engineering analysis and ways that companies can maximize benefits of the technology.
Cutting Extrusion Die Design Costs
By reducing the number of trial-and-error prototypes, simulation can save hundreds of thousands of dollars annually in designing PVC extrusion dies.
Star Light
Engineering simulation will save $5 million in construction costs for a massive telescope that will allow astronomers to peer back into the formation of galaxies.
Steaming Ahead with Turbomachinery Simulation
Engineers gain valuable insight into design of a complex steam turbine by employing simulation.
Avoiding Excess Heat in TSV-Based 3-D IC Designs
Engineers use coupled simulation tools to resolve thermal issues at through-silicon vias (TSVs) early in development of high-density 3-D IC modules.
Ship-Shape Simulation
Designers use structural and hydrodynamic analyses to ensure that working vessels meet challenging demands in harbor and at sea.
Performance under Pressure
CCI substantially reduced warranty repair costs by using fluids simulation to upgrade the design of its control valves.
Drilling into the Heart of Direct Modeling
Direct modeling enhances engineering analysis throughput at a hydraulic drilling rig manufacturer.
Getting Connected
ANSYS EKM helps engineering teams improve productivity by organizing simulation data locally and worldwide.
HPC Options for HFSS
HFSS offers options for high-performance computing that deliver fast and efficient simulation for complex problems.
Turning to Rotordynamics
Tools from ANSYS work together to optimize rotating parts.
Speed Up Simulation with a GPU
A new feature in ANSYS Mechanical leverages graphics processing units to significantly lower solution times for large analysis problem sizes.
Riding the Waves
Computer simulation helps design a more stable, better-draining surfski with less drag.
Robots Race to the Moon
Engineering simulation plays key role in developing a robot for a $20 million international lunar competition.


text:
November 29, 2015
A Los Angeles judge has refused to throw out part of a lawsuit claiming Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Dennis Northcutt arranged the beating of his pregnant ex-girlfriend.
Northcutt's attorneys lost their bid Friday to have a Superior
Court judge dismiss a claim of negligent hiring - one of several
allegations made in the suit by Sharri Henry.
She contends Northcutt sent his cousin to a Hollywood club last
May to hit her in the face and disfigure her. Her attorney says she
was four months pregnant at the time.
Henry's suit, which also names the Sunset Boulevard club,
alleges battery, assault, conspiracy and negligent hiring.
The 31-year-old Northcutt has denied wrongdoing. He was not in
court for the hearing.
Copyright 2015 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Click Here to access the online Public Inspection File
Viewers with disabilities can get assistance accessing this station's FCC Public Inspection File by contacting the station with the information listed below. Questions or concerns relating to the accessibility of the FCC's online public file system should be directed to the FCC at 888-225-5322, 888-835-5322 (TTY), or firstname.lastname@example.com.


text:
As the wettest place in one of the most notoriously rainy regions of the country, Olympic National Park doesn't necessarily have a "dry" season, though summer can be considered "less wet." In general, most visitors will want to come sometime between May and October. The peak of summer—July to September—offers the driest, warmest conditions, with temperatures topping out in the mid 70s. Near the coasts and in the lower forests, winters (November through March) are perpetually wet, with relatively mild temperatures in the 30s or 40s. Heavy winter snowfall is the norm among the interior mountains.
Outdoors-people with a penchant for fishing won't want to miss out on catching massive salmon and steelhead. Fall not only brings new leaf colors, but also marks the return of salmon to the Olympic Peninsula rivers, while steelhead season starts about a month later. You don't need a license to fish the catch-and-release rivers in Olympic National Park, but you do need a state record card (available at most ranger stations or tackle shops, and online with the Department of Fish and Wildlife).
Another worthy seasonal attraction in Olympic National Park is its prolific alpine wildflower bloom, perfect for photographers. July is the best time to see tiger lilies, red columbine, and other blooms in high-country areas like Hurricane Ridge.


text:
Rx Bandits' Proggier New Prescription
By Adam Lovinus
Ska Superheroes The Aquabats! Turn 20
By Lilledeshan Bose
Hip-Hop's Effect on Gentrification in SanTana
By Gabriel San Roman
Suicide Silence Goes On After Singer Death
By Rachel Mattice
50 Years On, A Hard Day's Night Is Still Revelatory
By Stephanie Zacharek
Animals as Leaders are the Pride of the Prog Metal Pack
By Daniel Kohn
Rikk Agnew: Adolescent No More
By Nate Jackson
The 10 Biggest Douchebags in Country Music
By Mike Seeley
The Real Douches of OC
Heard Mentality: The best of the music blog for the week of July 6-July 12
You learn something new wherever you go. July 8 was my first trip to Sutra Lounge in Costa Mesa, a place that several folks told me was, well, pretty douche-y. I went because Unwritten Law, a mostly forgotten San Diego band who have been around forever and had a big hit in 2002 with "Seein' Red," were playing an acoustic set. This may not sound like the typical learning environment, but I felt like I exited the evening a more educated person.
Though I wouldn't necessarily classify Sutra as "douche-y" (at least not in public), it definitely fit more of the stereotypical perceptions of Orange County that mass media has created and repeatedly reinforced. Guys in Affliction T-shirts tucked in so you can see their belt buckles, for instance. (To paraphrase Tim Gunn, that worries me.) It was probably the first time since moving that I've really felt like I was at a place that resembled the OC of reality TV, but the more I considered it, the dumber I realized that thought was. Sutra also reminded me of multiple places back home in Arizona (specifically downtown Scottsdale—if you've been there, you know what I'm talking about). And if I had come from any other state, it probably would have reminded me of someplace there. There are douches everywhere, regardless of geography. We shouldn't be ashamed of our douches. We should celebrate them.
On a similar note, I rediscovered that people are judgmental about some really silly things. When talking to Sutra booker Ashley Eckenweiler after the show, I asked her how the crowd for Unwritten Law compared with the acoustic Hoobastank show she booked at the venue last month. She told me she got "so much shit" for booking them.
Sure, I snickered when I got the e-mail announcing the show (I mean, c'mon, it's Hoobastank), but beyond that, what type of boorish snob (that would never be at Sutra to begin with) would actually care if that show gets booked or give anyone grief for making it happen? They definitely have fans ("The Reason" was huge and not that long ago), and shouldn't those people, uh, get a chance to see them? Whether or not you're into it, Eckenweiler was doing her job and booked an act who fit the venue. It was packed for Unwritten Law, and she told me it was only a little less so for the 'Stank. If that bugs people, they need to get lives.
It made me ponder my own snobbiness (cf. the first couple of paragraphs of this column). It's just music, ultimately, and it should be fun. And, for the fans at Sutra that night, that Unwritten Law show was fun. And I learned I knew more of their songs than I thought I did ("Save Me," "Rest of My Life") or would have admitted beforehand.
Sponsor Content


text:
Updated 07/30/2014
At this bustling, veteran café, city dwellers of all sorts—struggling writers, musicians, street-smart bohemians, bureaucrats, businessmen, and busy moms and dads—enjoy Wi-Fi and some of the city's best coffee, croque-monsieurs (open-face French-bread sandwiches with ham, tomato, and broiled cheese), gazpacho, chili, tuna sandwiches, and soups. Good, modestly priced beer and wine are also served. Some patrons start their day here with croissants and coffee at 8 am and then return shortly before the place closes at 10 pm.
25 rue Couillard, Québec City, Québec, G1R 3T4, Canada
Restaurant Details:
Updated 07/30/2014
By AndyandDanny
Dec 23, 2014
This place was a disappointment. Went for breakfast and had some talentless hack make us the worst cappucinos we ever drank. You know you're in trouble when there is no brown ring around the edge of your cup...no crema. No crema means badly pulled espresso. She also scalded the milk which burnt our tongues. The croissant ham and cheese thing we ordered was uninspiring and only the dijon made it taste like anything. Did not see any locals here, only
other tourists. Place is run down and dirty around the edges. Overpriced for what it is. BTW, good coffee is just down the hill at les Cafés du Soleil on St-Paul. They also have better food.
No Thanks


text:
Updated 05/08/2015
Long considered one of Naples's best ethnic restaurants, loyal fans of Bha! Bha! have flocked to a tiny north Naples strip mall year in and year out to indulge in the restaurant's chic Persian atmosphere and cuisine. On the eve of its 15th birthday came a well-deserved present: a brand-new location on bustling Fifth Avenue South. But the move didn't spoil the cooking or the following. All of the old favorites still garner loyal reviews, including plum lamb with tomato-pomegranate sauce, mango-garlic shrimp (which was featured in Bon Appétit), and spicy beef in saffron sauce with cucumber yogurt—all made completely from scratch on premises.
865 Fifth Ave. S, Naples, Florida, 34102, United States
Website: www.bhabhapersianbistro.com
Restaurant Details:
Updated 05/08/2015
No Thanks


text:
HARTFORD, Conn. — Marquette will get out of February with back-to-back wins.
Taking two in a row hasn't been easy for the Golden Eagles this season. The last time Buzz Williams' team did it was Jan. 5, a two-game winning streak after it knocked off West Virginia at home and Rutgers at the RAC. That's hardly an impressive double dip of Ws in the eyes of the Selection Committee.
Needing a worthwhile win in the worst of ways Thursday night, the Golden Eagles went into the XL Center and got one, dramatically and unexpectedly, given Marquette's pattern of recent behavior, taking down Connecticut in overtime, 74-67. Now Marquette, after beating mediocre Seton Hall at home last Saturday, finally knows again what it feels like to win two in a row. It's small, but it's a winning streak. And it's got to continue, for there are no more statement games left in the Golden Eagles' regular season — only pitfalls amid a brief trek through a transparent minefield.
Golden Eagles Forward Jimmy Butler sported a smile and welcomed a pelting of questions from a small pool of reporters outside the Marquette locker room in the wake of the win. He was honest and casual about his team's improved tournament chances — however slim the improvement may be.
"I have no idea," Butler said. "I don't know what it takes to get into the tournament; I hear you've got to win 10 games in the Big East. So we're on our way to that, and we're now worrying about Providence next."
Butler and his teammates are motivated by things beyond what's rumored to be a water mark for Big Dance inclusion. Again, with gusto: For as nice and needed a victory as this was, a streak must put compiled for posterity's sake. Williams' team is looking at Providence and Cincinnati at home in the next week before finishing up at Seton Hall on March 5. Then the Big East tournament comes, and surely a win or two over shoo-in tournament teams needs to happen for the 17-11 Golden Eagles to feel secure entering Selection Sunday on March 12.
"This is a start. This is a start to win out," Marquette forward Jae Crowder (above) said. "We need to win out to be ready for the Big East tournament."
After struggling this season with close games (Marquette's record prior to Thursday night in games decided by less than five points: 3-6), the Golden Eagles won the first one that was forced to be decided in 45 minutes. UConn had 28 offensive rebounds ... and yet shot a miserable 36 percent from the field.
"I don't know if I've ever seen that before, to be honest with you," UConn assistant George Blaney said. Blaney was subbing, as he's done on many occasions, for head coach Jim Calhoun, who tended to his family in New Hampshire in the wake of the death of his sister-in-law.
The UConn assistant was echoed by his counterpart, who didn't try to qualify with logic or reason why his team pulled out a tough, close win on the road against a tournament team — something it hasn't shown it can do to this point.
"I don't know that there's necessarily any way statistically you can explain how we won," Williams said. "We couldn't make a shot. They got every 50-50 ball in the second half. They absolutely hammered us on the offensive glass. But our guys hung in there."
Marquette was able to put itself into the conversation of making the tournament once again (if it did, we could be looking at 11 Big East teams going, a new record by a margin of two) because of the clutch late play of one guy (Golden Eagle Darius Johnson-Odom) and the lack of it from another (Connecticut's Kemba Walker). Johnson-Odom had 17 points, 11 of which came in the final seconds of regulation and in overtime.
"It was me trying to force the issue too much," Walker said.Blaney said the team was "commanding" Walker do it by himself.
Walker had two turnovers in regulation and forced about seven bad shots down the stretch. He's a Player of the Year candidate no more. Jae Crowder said he and his teammates anticipated Walker to try and take the responsibility when the Huskies trailed 34-23 at the half.
"We knew — we knew — especially at halftime we talked about it, that he was going to try and take over at some point," Crowder said. "We didn't know when that point was going to be, but he would try to ... jack up a lot of balls."
Crowder had a couple of really important rebounds in the second half, ironic because UConn grabbed 54 percent of its missed shots. Coming off the bench, Crowder had a team-high 11 of the 43 Marquette snares.
"As you can see, the shooting percentages were down in both halves," Crowder said of his group's overall 37.1-percent effort from the field. "We had to play great defense because the shots weren't falling."
Crowder, Butler, Johnson-Odom, they all were of one mind when it came to the final three games of the schedule: being mentally strong and putting off thoughts of the Big East tournament, which looms large over their team's tournament chances, is of the utmost importance. But the mind wanders, naturally. If Marquette were to lose to Providence or Seton Hall, the impact of the UConn win would most likely dwindle in the eyes of the Selection Committee.
"We're aware of that," Crowder said. "This is what can start it for us. It must."
The head coach does not and will not pretend to gauge where his team stands.
"I don't know what the appropriate response is (to winning) because I think that college basketball has come ... there's so many people who are covering, and everybody has an opinion," Williams said. "You can really get lost in the numbers of it — the bubble and the teams. ... We had to be consumed with tonight's game, not relative to winning or losing [and] how it impacts us two weeks from now."
But the impact can and must start with what happened Thursday night. A winning streak began, and it can't end any time soon if Marquette wants to join more than half of its conference brethren in the NCAA tournament, which begins less than three weeks from now.
Photo: AP


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Civilians and security forces gather at the site of a car bomb attack near the Technology University in Sinaa Street in downtown Baghdad, Iraq, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2014. A wave of bombings across Iraq striking busy markets and a funeral north of Baghdad killed tens of people Wednesday, authorities said, as the country remains gripped by violence after al-Qaida-linked militants took control of two cities in western Anbar province. (AP Photo/Karim Kadim)
- Filed Under
Start your day by quickly catching up on the latest news from around the Shore and the world.
Bomb scare at CVS: A CVS store in Brick was evacuated and police used dogs to search for an explosive device Tuesday night after a threat was received, but no bomb was found.
Springsteen takes on Bridgegate: It's hard to be "Born to Run" when you're stuck in a George Washington Bridge traffic jam. So says Bruce Springsteen, who sang a parody of his hit with Jimmy Fallon on NBC's "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon" early Wednesday morning. ...


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New Xirrus XR Wireless Array Debuts At Interop New York
Setting up a wireless network in a home is simple, just plug a single WiFi access point into your Internet connection and you're done. But when it comes to wireless in a large company or in large venues, setting up a wireless network is a complex and often expensive task involving connecting and managing multiple access points across the complex, not to mention the work of running Ethernet cables to every AP.
However, with Xirrus XR Wireless Arrays, a single array can take the place of multiple access points and provide a wide area wireless network (and the array only needs a single Ethernet connection). At Intereop New York, Xirrus CEO Dirk Gates demonstrated the latest version of the XR Wireless Array to TechWeb's Jim Rapoza (see video below).
With the latest version of the Array, the device now has a modular nature that makes it possible to use as many access points in each array as required and to even mix and match different wireless radio's within each array, making it possible to support both legacy and cutting edge wireless technologies as they become available. More information on the Xirrus XR Wireless Array's can be found at www.xirrus.com.


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While the United States hemorrhages financially, it continues to give Israel about $3 billion a year in military aid.
U.S. Sen. Rand Paul on Monday called for a gradual reduction of American foreign aid. Paul, a Republican from Kentucky, told reporters that the U.S. can't afford to keep borrowing money and then handing it out to others, even to allies like Israel.
"It will harder to be a friend of Israel if we are out of money. It will be harder to defend Israel if we destroy our country in the process," he told the Jerusalem Institute for Market Studies.
Do you agree or disagree with Senator Paul? Join us and express yourself on Facebook and Twitter.


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Stewart-Haas Racing owner/driver Tony Stewart qualified the No. 14 Office Depot/Mobil 1 Chevrolet Impala seventh for the TUMS Fast Relief 500, following a fast lap at 97.257 mph (19.470 seconds). His teammate Ryan Newman, working with "new" crew chief Matt Borland, qualified 17th in the No. 39 Quicken Loans Chevrolet with a speed of 96.835 mph (19.555 seconds). Borland, who served as Newman's crew chief at Penske Racing from 2002 to 2006, takes over for Tony Gibson, who will be serving as Danica Patrick's Sprint Cup Series crew chief for her final two races of 2012 and onward.
Stewart had a rough day at best at Martinsville, fighting an ill-handling car throughout the race as no adjustments could give him what he needed to get around the track. Stewart finished 27th, two laps down to the leaders.
"No matter what we did to the car – and we made a lot of adjustments – it didn't do anything to make it better," said Stewart on the SHR website.
|Credit: Katy Lindamood/Skirts and Scuffs
"It was a good rebound by our Quicken Loans team," said Newman after the race on the website. "Our car was entirely too tight, and it wasn't working from about the second run of the race on. We made wedge and track bar changes, and it didn't help. We made air-pressure changes, and it didn't change anything. Nothing was working, but we kept taking big swings at it, and we kept trying to fix it. We got two laps down, but we were able to use the wave-around to our advantage and get back on the lead lap and drive up to 11th there at the end. It would have been nice to have gotten a top-10 in my first race back with Borland, but I'm proud of what we did as a team today. It's a good start for us."
Stewart's rough day cost him spots and points in the Chase for the Sprint Cup, falling from seventh to 10th in the standings; Stewart is now 71 points behind new points leader and Martinsville race winner Jimmie Johnson. Newman remains 15th in points, 70 points back of Kyle Busch.


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Our ultimate destination was the New River Gorge area in the south central part of West Virginia; after that, we weren't sure of the itinerary exactly. This was to be primarily a road trip, which would preclude extended camping stays – and you can't really get a feel for how a campground is run unless you stay a while. But I still hoped to find a nice spot where we could stop for at least two nights all the same.
The morning of the third day of the trip was spent around Lake Arthur north of Pittsburgh, doing a mini-tour of the small town where my dad spent part of his childhood. This was nice, but the day got stressful after we were almost involved in what would have been a serious highway accident (some imbecile missed their exit and decided to stop dead in the middle of the road and back up… without hazard lights… thank God we were able to avoid rearending them at the last moment!) Then we got stuck in a Pittsburgh area traffic jam.
This is the sort of day when finding a cool green oasis to hide in becomes an imperative.
We reached Morgantown late in the afternoon, and really the only public camping choice was Coopers Rock State Forest (which, despite the name, is basically a state park with all the amenities thereof). The attendant wasn't there on a Sunday afternoon, so we chose a site and paid via envelope. This is a small campground of about 25 sites — surprisingly, all electric — in an extremely attractive woodland setting. By the time I got back from paying for the site I had already decided I wanted this place to be the multiple-night stay.
I'm not sure if these were WV State Park system things, or just specific to this campground, but there were three things of note. First, a blanket no-alcohol policy, which you'll never see in New York OPR or DEC campgrounds, though it's not unusual elsewhere. Second, this campground had no dumpster, but provided an individual metal trash can for each site. Third, park staff were almost never at the check-in station, but were a constant presence on patrol, making the rounds no less than once an hour.
As for the campsites themselves, they couldn't have been laid out any more thoughtfully. Even the most claustrophobic tent-snob couldn't have found fault with the site spacing, and all sites were slightly built up for good drainage. I was pretty impressed with the place. West Virginia isn't a wealthy state, but they seemed to be making the best use of what must be limited resources. (I understand that WV has branded some of their state campgrounds as "RV Resorts," so I have a feeling that this attention to detail wasn't just at Coopers Rock.)
Here's a 360 panorama of the Coopers Rock campground. From what little I saw and experienced during the two days I stayed there, I have to say that WV made New York's state campgrounds look… well, a little shabby.
As for the lack of a dumpster, it turns out that this particular campground is horribly "plagued" by raccoons (nothing else, just raccoons). We learned this from one of the park rangers who came by on an hourly round to say hello — something else you don't get in New York. He had a raccoon in a trap back in his truck (sadly, it was marked for doom) and apparently the individual trash-can strategy works best for keeping the critters away, in their view. We also asked him about the frequent patrols. Coopers Rock is just outside of WVU-Morgantown (aka Party Central) and this is part of the reason why they do it, but I also had to wonder if the patrols were to keep non-collegiate drug users out as well, since WV like many other poor states has had a problem with meth.
In New York, you ordinarily just wouldn't have an opportunity to chat with a park ranger. I know why that is, but I guess I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the opportunity. We also discussed Mountaineers football (obligatory discussion topic when in WV), bear problems, and upstate New York vs. West Virginia accents.
A backcountry camper would no doubt find Coopers Rock to be unacceptably suburban. But it pretty much fulfilled every criterion of "the perfect campground" for me, which shows my own lack of "wildness" I suppose. (I would have liked it just fine without electric service, though.) By the next morning I was wandering around mumbling things like "Damn, this is the nicest campground I have ever been to." It certainly was the perfect place to recover from three days on the road.
I supposed that this would be the nicest place we would encounter for the rest of the trip – but I was mistaken (or was I?)…


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Changes in circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D according to vitamin D binding protein genotypes after vitamin D3 or D2 supplementation
Author affiliations
Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Rama 6 Rd, Rajthevi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
Citation and License
Nutrition Journal 2013, 12:39 doi:10.1186/1475-2891-12-39Published: 4 April 2013
It is not known whether genetic variation in the vitamin D binding protein (DBP) influences 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels [25(OH)D] after vitamin D supplementation. We aimed to investigate the changes of total 25(OH)D, 25(OH)D3 and 25(OH)D2 in a Thai cohort, according to type of vitamin D supplement (vitamin D3 or D2) and DBP genotype, after receiving vitamin D3 or D2 for 3 months.
Thirty-nine healthy subjects completed the study. All subjects received 400 IU of either vitamin D3 or D2, plus a calcium supplement, every day for 3 months. Total serum 25(OH)D, 25(OH)D3 and 25(OH)D2 were measured by LC-MS/MS. Individual genotyping of rs4588 in the DBP gene was performed using real-time PCR.
Vitamin D3 supplementation of 400 IU/d increased 25(OH)D3 significantly (+16.2 ± 4.2 nmol/L, p <0.001). Vitamin D2 (400 IU/d) caused increased 25(OH)D2 levels (+22.0 ± 2.11 nmol/L, p <0.001), together with a decrease of 25(OH)D3 (−14.2 ± 2.0 nmol/L, p <0.001). At 3 month, subjects in vitamin D3 group tended to have higher total 25(OH)D levels than those in vitamin D2 (67.8 ± 3.9 vs. 61.0 ± 3.0 nmol/L; p = 0.08). Subjects were then classified into two subgroups: homozygous for the DBP rs4588 C allele (CC), and the rest (CA or AA). With D3 supplementation, subjects with CA or AA alleles had significantly less increase in 25(OH)D3 and total 25(OH)D when compared with those with the CC allele. However, no difference was found when the supplement was vitamin D2.
Genetic variation in DBP (rs4588 SNP) influences responsiveness to vitamin D3 but not vitamin D2.


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A place for atheists with cats to exchange pictures and anecdotes and even ask for advice regarding our feline friends.
Members: 31
Latest Activity: Nov 21
This group does not have any discussions yet.
Fuck yeah, first cat!
@ Patricia - One of the few times she's quiet.....
Oh, is that one a talker like Squeaky? She talks to herself frequently. Meows a lot. If she wants to play, she'll grab the toy and drop it nearby and meow at me. She chuckles, chortles, mumbles. When she sees a prey item (like a house fly...LOL), she'll cackle quietly. Quite the personality. Luckily, she's quiet at night.
That's great! Ever visited Cats That Look Like Hitler?
Squeaky is regal :)
picked her out at the animal shelter when I went into the cat room and she sat up on her haunches and reached out to me with her paws. "Hold me! Hold me!" So I picked her up and she purred. "I want this one!"
Yeah. She's a tuxedo cat. White bib, white paws, some white on her tummy. Otherwise, jet black. She's a teenager now and so can be a little hard to get along with. She hasn't accepted my authority yet and so she's very disobedient. LOL
Wow, beautiful cat!


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POSTED: 9:07 p.m. HST, Apr 30, 2012
LAST UPDATED: 5:22 a.m. HST, May 1, 2012
Surfers told lifeguards Sunday that they spotted a 10- to 12-foot tiger shark "flopping around" at the break known as Courts off Ala Moana Beach.
No further sightings were reported Monday.
Ocean Safety Operations Chief Jim Howe said the surfers saw the shark about 2:20 p.m. Sunday.
Lifeguards on personal watercraft and on the beach warned beachgoers and posted signs.
The Ocean Safety Division also contacted the Coast Guard to check for a shark in the area during normal flights.
Lifeguards on personal watercraft continued to check for the animal, but no further sightings were made Sunday.
The break is outside the reef from the tennis courts at the Ala Moana Park, between Big Lefts and Concessions.


text: Tagged: header, logo, small fixed header Viewing 3 posts - 1 through 3 (of 3 total) Author Posts June 18, 2013 at 9:00 pm #24996 calexanderParticipant I have the header set to "Small fixed Header". The logo transitions from real size to shrunked size just fine when I scroll down. However, when I scroll up to the very top of the page using Chrome or Safari on a mac, and the browser does its "rubberband" type of effect, the logo responds by getting even larger. Is there a way to prevent the logo from getting any larger than it's regular size? June 19, 2013 at 4:29 pm #125419 IsmaelModerator Hi, Let me tag Kriesi and Devin, they can test this on MAC. Regards, Ismael June 19, 2013 at 10:39 pm #125420 KriesiKeymaster Hey! No not really sorry. I noticed that too but actually I think it looks quite nice ;D Best regards, Kriesi Author Posts Viewing 3 posts - 1 through 3 (of 3 total) The topic 'Prevent Logo From Getting Larger on Safari/Chrome on Mac' is closed to new replies.


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Subscribe to the Weathertight Homes Resolution Service (WHRS) claim updates
As at 31 October 2015, MBIE received 7,291 WHRS claims lodged for 12,481 properties.
The Weathertight Service has completed 15,033 property assessments (some owners request more than one assessment).
Under the WHRS Act 2006 we accept applications for multi-unit properties as single claims.
16 claims pursuing alternate dispute resolution option (4%)
271 claims in FAP process (65%)3
63 claims in the WHRS resolution process (15%)
67 claims repairing outside FAP process (16%)
1. Claims can be closed for a number of reasons including the following: claim discontinued by a claimant; claim being ineligible; property changed ownership; claim withdrawn under the WHRS 2006 Act; claim not progressing; claim transferred to another jurisdiction by the Weathertight Homes Tribunal (WHT) or claim terminated by the WHT.
2. After the claim is decided eligible, claimants can decide to proceed with FAP assisted repairs, repair on their own and then seek to resolve their claim or resolve first and then proceed with repairs.
3. Claims pursuing the Financial Assistance Package (FAP) are allowed to proceed with other resolution options at the same time. This number includes claims that proceed with FAP and also those that proceed with FAP and one other resolution option.


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Fitch Rates Petrobras' Euro3.05B and GBP600MM Proposed Notes 'BBB' Business Wire CHICAGO -- January 7, 2014 Fitch Ratings has assigned a 'BBB' rating to Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.'s (Petrobras) proposed senior unsecured notes with aggregate amounts of Euro3.05 billion and GPB600 million. The notes, which will have tenures between 4 and 20 years, will be issued through its wholly owned subsidiary, Petrobras Global Finance B.V. (PGF), and will be unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed by Petrobras. Proceeds will be used to refinance upcoming maturities and for general corporate purposes. The expected note issuances are as follows: --Euro1.5 billion due Jan. 15, 2018; --Euro750 million due Jan. 14, 2021; --Euro800 million due Jan. 14, 2025; --GBP600 million due Jan. 16, 2034. KEY RATING DRIVERS Petrobras' ratings are supported by its leadership position in the Brazilian domestic energy market, its recognized expertise in offshore exploration and production (E&P), and its strategic importance to Brazil (Fitch long-term Issuer Default Rating [IDR] of 'BBB' with a Stable Outlook). Petrobras' ratings are tempered by its aggressive capex program; exposure to local political interference; and vulnerability to fluctuations in international commodity prices, currency risk and domestic market revenue concentration. Petrobras' credit metrics are expected to deteriorate over the next two to three years as a result of this aggressive capex program in combination with its current trade deficit. SIGNIFICANT GROWTH POTENTIAL & HIGH CAPEX Petrobras has significant growth potential in both production and reserves, backed by an ambitious capital investment program of USD236.7 billion between 2013 and 2017, and recent offshore discoveries. The company has recently affirmed its stated production targets of 3.4 billion barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd) in 2017 and 5.2 million boepd in 2020. Fitch expects the company to face various challenges to achieve these targets on time, such as securing critical equipment, complying with local content commitments and obtaining significant external financing. During the first nine months of 2013, Petrobras' production was relatively unchanged from 2012 at an average of 2,542 thousand (m) boepd, and was consistent with Fitch's expectations. Petrobras expects production to vary by +/- 2% in 2013, which will be influenced by the concentration of scheduled maintenance on several platforms, and to increase by 4%-6% per annum in 2014 to 2017 as new platforms begin operations. The company enjoys a solid asset base reflected in proved oil and gas reserves of 12.9 billion barrels of oil equivalent (boe) under the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission definition. In 2012, its three-year reserve replacement ratio (RRR) was 126% and its reserve life was 14.6 years. LEVERAGE TO INCREASE, METRICS TO DETERIORATE Fitch expects the company to have negative free cash flow over the next five years, and to increase leverage as it continues to implement sizable capital investments. The magnitude of such a cash flow deficit will also be affected by domestic pricing policies for refined products, which are currently below international prices. Considering Fitch's price deck, Fitch expects Petrobras' borrowing needs to be above the USD12 billion per year included in the company's business plan. Fitch's Brent price deck is USD96 per barrel for 2014, USD88.5 per barrel in 2015, and USD80 per barrel over the long term. The company's downstream segment continues to report losses. Although down from those reported during 2012, the refining, transportation and marketing segment reported losses of USD8.5 billion for the last 12 months (LTM) ended Sept. 30, 2013. In 2012, Petrobras' metrics were negatively affected by its growing need to import refined products which were sold at prices below its international parity, increasing the company's financing needs. As a result, the company's trade deficit (including refined products and crude oil) grew to USD10.7 billion in 2012, and its refined segment registered a loss before interest and taxes of USD17.5 billion in 2012. The trade imbalance is expected to persist over the medium term due to the growing domestic demand for refined products, but will be partially mitigated with the expansion of Petrobras' refining capacity. Although positive, recent refined product price increases are not enough to align domestic and international prices and eliminate losses in the refining segment. Petrobras could withstand a moderate deterioration of its credit protection measures provided the RRR and reserve-to-production ratio remain strong and the regulatory environment does not weaken. Should the Brent price be above Fitch's price deck, credit metrics could recover before 2017. During the LTM ended Sept. 30, 2013, Petrobras' consolidated EBITDA reached approximately USD28.3 billion, relatively flat from the USD27.5 billion reported during 2012. As of Sept. 30, 2013, Petrobras' total adjusted debt, including adjustments for rental expenses and pension obligations and other employee benefits, was USD198.1 billion. During the LTM ended September 2013, the total adjusted net-debt-to-EBITDAR ratio was 4.2x, net debt-to-EBITDA ratio was 3.1x, and EBITDA-to-interest expense coverage ratio was 8.7x. Although credit metrics deteriorated, they remain consistent with Fitch expectations. Fitch believes Petrobras will face challenges to achieving its production growth targets while maintaining its stated credit metrics targets, including a maximum net debt-to-capitalization ratio of 35% and a net debt-to-EBITDA ratio of 2.5x. Credit metrics are expected to recover once the company further monetizes its large oil reserve base and as domestic and refined products prices are aligned with international prices. In addition, the company's initiatives to reduce and control costs are expected to have a positive impact on its cash generation. STRONG LIQUIDITY Petrobras' strong liquidity provides some comfort in a temporary scenario of deteriorating credit metrics. As of September 2013, Petrobras maintained ample liquidity reflected in USD26 billion of cash. This liquidity compares with a short-term debt of USD8.2 billion. Liquidity is enhanced by the company's cash generation of USD28.2 billion in funds from operations (FFO). In 2012, FFO was affected negatively by Petrobras' trade deficit of approximately USD10 billion which was due to the increase in the demand for imported products, particularly refined products. LINKAGE TO THE SOVEREIGN Over the last few years, changes in oil and gas regulation highlight the increased participation of the government in the sector through Petrobras, which reinforces the linkage between them. This is reflected in the production sharing agreements (PSA) for the pre-salt areas and in the increase in the government's voting rights in Petrobras. In the new pre-salt areas, Petrobras is obliged to be the sole operator with a minimum 30% participation in every field, a change from the previous concession regime. The first PSA bidding round took place during the month of October 2013 and a single area, the Libra block, was awarded to a consortium of companies in which Petrobras has a 40% interest. The government's support of Petrobras is reflected in the role of state-owned banks in providing sources of financing for Petrobras. As of December 2012, Petrobras' debt with BNDES represented approximately 25% of its total debt. By law, the federal government must hold at least a majority of Petrobras' voting stock. The government currently owns 63.2% of Petrobras' voting rights and has an overall economic stake in the company of 47.6%. RATING SENSITIVITIES A negative rating action could result from the downgrade of the sovereign, the perception of a lower linkage between Petrobras and the government, and / or a significant weakening of the standalone credit quality of the company absent government support. A positive rating action on Brazil could lead to a positive rating action on Petrobras. Additional information is available at www.fitchratings.com. Applicable Criteria and Related Research: --'Corporate Rating Methodology' (Aug. 2013); --'Rating Oil and Gas Production Companies' (Aug. 2012). Applicable Criteria and Related Research: Corporate Rating Methodology: Including Short-Term Ratings and Parent and Subsidiary Linkage http://www.fitchratings.com/creditdesk/reports/report_frame.cfm?rpt_id=715139 Rating Oil and Gas Production Companies http://www.fitchratings.com/creditdesk/reports/report_frame.cfm?rpt_id=682334 Additional Disclosure Solicitation Status http://www.fitchratings.com/gws/en/disclosure/solicitation?pr_id=813546 ALL FITCH CREDIT RATINGS ARE SUBJECT TO CERTAIN LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMERS. PLEASE READ THESE LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMERS BY FOLLOWING THIS LINK: HTTP://FITCHRATINGS.COM/UNDERSTANDINGCREDITRATINGS. IN ADDITION, RATING DEFINITIONS AND THE TERMS OF USE OF SUCH RATINGS ARE AVAILABLE ON THE AGENCY'S PUBLIC WEBSITE WWW.FITCHRATINGS.COM. PUBLISHED RATINGS, CRITERIA AND METHODOLOGIES ARE AVAILABLE FROM THIS SITE AT ALL TIMES. FITCH'S CODE OF CONDUCT, CONFIDENTIALITY, CONFLICTS OF INTEREST, AFFILIATE FIREWALL, COMPLIANCE AND OTHER RELEVANT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FROM THE 'CODE OF CONDUCT' SECTION OF THIS SITE. FITCH MAY HAVE PROVIDED ANOTHER PERMISSIBLE SERVICE TO THE RATED ENTITY OR ITS RELATED THIRD PARTIES. DETAILS OF THIS SERVICE FOR RATINGS FOR WHICH THE LEAD ANALYST IS BASED IN AN EU-REGISTERED ENTITY CAN BE FOUND ON THE ENTITY SUMMARY PAGE FOR THIS ISSUER ON THE FITCH WEBSITE. Contact: Fitch Ratings Primary Analyst: Lucas Aristizabal, +1-312-368-3260 Director Fitch Ratings, Inc. 70 West Madison Street Chicago, IL 60602 or Secondary Analyst: Mauro Storino, +55-11-4504-2625 Senior Director or Committee Chairman: Daniel Kastholm, +1-312-368-2070 Managing Director or Media Relations: Elizabeth Fogerty, +1-212-908-0526 email@example.com
Fitch Rates Petrobras' Euro3.05B and GBP600MM Proposed Notes 'BBB'
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'Kabul Express' promises to be a thriller
13th Dec 2006 09.01 IST
By Agencies
Kabul Express , the first international feature film to have been shot entirely in Kabul after the end of the Taliban, promises to be a thriller with John Abraham playing a war documentary journalist.
Speaking of his complete off beat, de-glam role, John addressing media persons in Mumbai on Tuesday said, ''I do not believe in falling prey to the commercial dikhtats and I choose my role after looking at the complete story.''
''It was the most outstanding script I have ever read. Today when I see the final product, I am proud to be a part of the film,'' he said.
The film is inspired by director Kabir Khan 's own experiences in Afghanistan as a documentary filmmaker. His encounters with Taliban prisoners were the starting point of the script.
''The cast and crew were sent death threats by the Taliban to stop shooting but the Afghan government provided tight security and enabled the shoot to be completed. On some days, there were more armed soldiers than crew on the location,'' Khan said.
It was shot over a period of 45 days from October to December 2005.
Speaking about Arshad Warsi , Khan said ''For years he was the most under-rated actor in the Indian film industry. Today all filmmakers want to cast him, to be honest even I did so, as I wanted to capture Arshad's subtle but hilarious off screen sense of humour. One of the strongest elements of the film is the underlying humor even as horrific events unfold.''
Set in post-9/11 war-torn Afghanistan, 'Kabul Express' is a kidnap drama that is alternately funny and horrifying. ''This is the story of a unique reluctant bond that develops between people who are otherwise hostile towards each other but are compelled to understand one another in the hour of need,'' Khan said.
Warsi said, ''Afghans are just like us. I did not see much difference. They listen to the same Hindi songs we do and there are a lot of other similarities.''
Produced by Yashraj Films , 'Kabul Express' marks a departure from their usual mainstream larger than life extravaganza, Aditya Chopra said.
''I wanted to come out of my comfort zone of creating popular blockbusters and create a film that connects to a wider, international audience. When I read the script of Kabul Express I knew I had to make this film, and make it now,'' he added.
Kabul Express
John Abraham
Kabir Khan
Arshad Warsi
Yashraj Films
Aditya Chopra
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