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One-Day/Two-Parks; A Universal Orlando Trip Report
…in which our intrepid couple travels outside the Disney bubble and lives to tell about it.
Step 1 – Transportation from Walt Disney World to Universal and Park Tickets
While planning for a particularly long vacation to Walt Disney World, my husband and I decided to squeeze in a day over at Universal Orlando Resort to try out a one-day / two-park touring plan of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Instantly we were faced with the question, "How do we get there?" We were planning on taking Disney's Magical Express from the airport and would not have a car while on vacation. Would we dare to use the public transportation and hop a bus? We had seen a harrowing,(although hilarious) YouTube video of a British couple who took this route. It didn't work out so well for them, and they splurged for a cab ride on the way back. Yes, busing was out of the question. We were on a time limit and didn't have the three hours it took these poor folks just to get to the park. Well, with rental car and busing out of the question, that left us with a taxi.
We did our homework and priced up the fares using the Mears Transportation website. It didn't seem too terrible, and this is really what we were leaning towards, until I read in the fine print that even if stuck in traffic, the meter is running. We wanted to be on the roadways during rush hour traffic. This probably was not a good plan either. Well, what to do? Do we just forget about Universal? No! Where there is a will, there is a way. And after more research we discovered that some of the travel agencies that sell tickets also sell transportation packages. Now we're talking!
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Disneyland Paris Wrap Up #Everywhere
TouringPlans #Everywhere wrapped up a month ago, but as the lucky person chosen to head to Disneyland Paris, I just returned home 2 weeks ago. (Ed. – yes, I'm late running this.) Since it was my first trip to Europe, I was able to spend 3 weeks visiting Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, London, and Dublin. There aren't enough adjectives to describe this trip, but the two best are probably "Amazing" and "Exhausting." It's a weird dichotomy, in that I dont think I would ever suggest that anyone ever take a 3 week vacation to 6 cities in 5 countries, but I also can't think of anything I would have willingly removed from our itinerary – it was such a great trip and I wouldn't change a thing.
What I learned about Disneyland Paris – The Good
I thought Disneyland Park in Paris was beautiful. Excellently themed, with great attractions. The level of detail in this park equaled that of the Magic Kingdom in my opinion, as it felt like each land and each attraction would have fit perfectly in Orlando. The roller coasters in Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios were also the best Disney roller coasters I've been on. Space Mountain: Mission 2, Crush's Coaster, and Indiana Jones were all more intense and more fun than anything at Walt Disney World. The Paris versions of Space Mountain, Haunted Mansion (called Phantom Manor) and Pirates were different enough to warrant several rides without ever feeling like you were just wasting time by re-hashing Disney World copies. There are attractions unique to Disneyland Paris's two parks that at the very least could be considered interesting (The Alice in Wonderland Hedge Maze, a Snow White-style Pinocchio ride, The Dragon under the castle, Cinemagique), or at the very best, superior to attractions we have in Orlando (Crush's Coaster, Ratatouille).
#Everywhere – A Review of the Anaheim Camelot Inn & Suites
On my recent trip to Disneyland we stayed at the Anaheim Camelot Inn & Suites, which is outside the resort area, but by only a little bit. We chose this particular hotel because we were told it was clean and that it was definitely close to the parks. We found both of those things to be true and were, for the most part, impressed with the property. Of course, there is a little more to it than that, which is good because this would be a very short post otherwise.
The Price
For many travelers, the cost of the hotel is the largest single expense. The Camelot cost us an average of $150.93 per night, which meant our 6 night stay cost $905.58 (including tax). Here is how that number compares to some of the Disney hotels in both California and Florida for the same dates (Prices found on MouseSavers.com):
- Camelot Inn – $151 per night
- Disneyland Hotel – $455 per night
- Paradise Pier Hotel (Disneyland) – $342 per night
- Grand Californian Hotel (Disneyland) – $526 per night
- All-Star Sports (Walt Disney World Value Resort) – $124 per night
- Caribbean Beach (Walt Disney World Moderate Resort) – $217 per night
- Beach Club (Walt Disney World Deluxe Resort) – $494 per night
Now all of those are the full price rate, most of which can be discounted with various promotions, but it is still illuminating. The cost for the Camelot was less than half the price of the closest Disneyland on-property hotel (Paradise Pier) and right in between the cost for a Walt Disney World Value and Moderate.
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#Everywhere – 3 Reasons To Give Hong Kong Disneyland A Chance
I love Disney. (Big surprise there.) I love Disney parks. But like I suspect many Disney fans, Hong Kong Disneyland has never really been on my radar. I live in Tokyo, so I visit Tokyo Disneyland/DisneySea every chance I get, and I grew up with the parks in the US, but when I was first told that I was heading to Hong Kong for my TouringPlans Everywhere trip, my first response was: "Oh that's right, they have a Disney too." I didn't know much about it, so I did what I always do when confronted with the unexpected – lots of internet research!
Before long I felt I knew what to expect from my Hong Kong Disneyland trip…and what I expected was to be kinda bored. I had discovered the following:
- Hong Kong Disneyland Resort is one park. One castle park. There are so few rides that the map lists a garden area with benches and a few classic optical illusions as a major attraction for one area.
- Classic attractions such as Pirates and the Haunted Mansion are missing, to the point that Fantasyland has only one dark ride. Yeah, that's right.
- There are only two – count 'em – TWO rides in the whole park that even offer FastPass. (Space Mountain and Winnie the Pooh, in case you were wondering) Which you can only get one of at a time.
Sure, Mystic Manor looked great, and Toy Story Land was interesting though I didn't plan on riding any of the surely nausea-inducing rides. But after I'd looked around, I wasn't sure what else I'd end up doing. Maybe hanging out at the hotel pool? (And isn't the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel just a copy of the Grand Floridian anyway?)
But it turns out that while all of the above facts are true, they don't really sum up the resort, which was a lovely, thoroughly entertaining surprise. I don't have room to do everything justice, but here are the three main reasons why Hong Kong Disneyland Resort ended up being a great vacation getaway for our family:
It's beautiful. We were there during the protests and so didn't venture off property too much, and I have to say the part of the city where the airport is isn't the most impressive sight. However, the landscape of the island…well, here's the "bad, cheap view" from my hotel room:
Surprises #Everywhere On The Disney Dream
I had never boarded a cruise ship prior to the TouringPlans #Everywhere event in October, which tasked my family with sailing on the Disney Dream. I had knowledge of Disney Cruise Line from colleagues, relatives, podcasts, and random people in theme parks. Plus, I did the technical work for the Disney Cruise Line portion of the TouringPlans.com website, so I've been exposed to plenty of facts about sailing with Disney. Still, Disney Cruise Line (and cruising, in general) was full of surprises for me, some good and some bad. I share some observations as a cruise novice below, well aware of the fact that what surprised me would not have shocked someone more familiar with cruises.
Pools are boring.
There's a pool in the shape of Mickey's head! Doesn't swimming in his ear sound great? Well, the pools are tiny and crowded, so you won't do more than sit or stand. It's neat that you can watch a movie on the giant Funnel Vision screen while wading, and my kid enjoyed splashing around in the Mickey Pool, but the pools are not at all like the pools at Disney Resort Hotels. That said, the slides are fun, and there are plenty of great swimming opportunities on Castaway Cay and on many shore excursions.
Disney Cruise Line: RunDisney Castaway Cay 5K Photo Report
My recent sailing on the Disney Wonder brought with it several surprises, the biggest of which – for me – was biting the bullet and signing up for my first official runDisney event, the Castaway Cay 5k. I had no plans to participate in the event before the cruise, as it would clearly cut into my buffet time, but when researching a Castaway Cay 5k question from a TouringPlans reader, I temporarily lost my mind and signed up for the race. I will now present a gripping tale of human triumph and the 100% totally true story of how one man overcame all obstacles, including Mother Nature herself, to take home the elusive Castaway Cay 5k medal.
SATURDAY SIX: Six Surprises of the Disney Cruise Line
This week's SATURDAY SIX takes a look at Six Surprises of the Disney Cruise Line. Several weeks ago we posted an article on Six Reasons To Go On a Disney Cruise, which covered the "big picture" of why you should consider setting sail with The Mouse, but this week we'll take a look some of the smaller details that made a significant impact on my vacation. Leading up to the cruise, I had done a decent amount of research on TouringPlans, the Disney Cruise Line Blog, and reading Erin Foster's numerous DCL posts on the blog, but once I stepped onto the deck of the Disney Wonder I still had one surprise after another. Here are my six favorite surprises of the trip (remember, you can click on any picture to see it in full size)…
# 6 – DCL Beer Mug Card
I'm a big fan of souvenir glasses (and we covered several of options available in the photo reports of the DCL gift shops and Castaway Cay) so I was definitely drawn to the DCL Beer Mug. Aside from being a neat souvenir, the mug has two benefits that come along with it. The first benefit is the fact that each time you get a beer in the mug you are given a 22 oz serving, but only charged for 16 oz. Secondly, the mug itself has a good amount of weight to it, so it was a nice surprise to find out you don't have to carry it around with you during the cruise. When you are done drinking, you hand the mug back to your server/bartender, and they will give you a card which you can then exchange for another mug when you are ready to drink again. This option became so handy and convenient throughout the trip, that I began to wish there was some practical way the theme parks could incorporate it into their day-to-day operations.
Disney Cruise Line: Merchandise Photo Report of Castaway Cay (iPhone Cases, Shirts, Letters In a Bottle)
Earlier this week we covered the exclusive merchandise on the Disney Cruise Line, and today we will take a gander at the products on Disney's private island, Castaway Cay. Much like the gift shops on the Disney Wonder, it was amazing to see the wide variety of merchandise available on the island, and how much of it was actually good. I knew that I was in for a treat when the first thing I came across was the refillable mugs, and not only did they have a style similar to ones we see at the Disney resorts, but they also had plastic coconut shaped cups. Now, these coconut cups are completely impractical, as you have to separate them almost in half to put in your soda, but I absolutely loved them. There are several soda machines on the island where you can refill your mugs for free, and then you can use them on the ship as well.
#Everywhere: The Disneyland Results Are In!
As many of you probably know, I recently made my first trip to the Disneyland Resort in California as part of TouringPlans #Everywhere. A few months back, I wrote a post here about what I expected to find when I traveled to Disneyland. Well, now I'm back and will attempt to address all of my previous impressions, which were almost all made from a position of ignorance (as most of my impressions are). If you are planning a trip out west and do not want to be spoiled (like I didn't) please read no further.
I'm sure I'll have a lot to say, so let's just get right into it:
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SATURDAY SIX: Six Reasons To Go On a Disney Cruise
This week's SATURDAY SIX takes a look at Six Reasons To Go On a Disney Cruise. Earlier this month I was fortunate to be able to take my first ever Disney Cruise aboard the Disney Wonder as part of TouringPlans #Everywhere promotion. The experience was pretty amazing overall, and while before the trip I had a hard time understanding why people would pay so much for a Disney Cruise when there are some great alternatives (such as Royal Caribbean) for a fraction of the price, I now see exactly what draws people back again and again to DCL. In fact, I think for many Disney fans a sailing on the DCL is a must-do, as it provides an overall immersion in the Disney brand that even many on-site WDW vacations can't compete with. Today we are going to look at six of the reasons you should consider popping a Dramamine and sailing the high seas with Mickey and the gang. Remember that clicking on any picture will bring it up in full size, so grab that life jacket and let's start counting down…
# 6 – The Characters
We knew that there were going to be characters on board the Disney ships that you could meet, but we were not prepared for how many. There were the Fab 5 of Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto. The ubiquitous Chip and Dale. Daisy Duck. Frozen's Anna and Elsa. Disney Jr. characters such as Sofia the First and Jake. Disney princesses including Ariel, Tiana, Rapunzel, Snow White, Aurora, Belle, and Cinderella. Lastly, there were miscellaneous characters such as Peter Pan, Captain Hook, and Stitch. These were just the ones that I personally saw throughout the cruise, as we never looked to see where the characters would be, or at what time, which leads me to believe that there are even more that I didn't see.


text: Viral meningitis tends to get better on its own in seven to 10 days. In contrast, if bacterial meningitis is not diagnosed and treated early, it can cause permanent disability or death. The length of time that medication is needed for bacterial meningitis depends on the person's age, response to the medication and other factors.

subset: commoncrawl


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Would you like to be more involved in the "American Idol" show? If you answered yes, then you are in luck, according to FOX10 tv on Jan. 31, 2014. For the thirteenth season of "American Idol," fans will be able to vote in real-time for their favorite finalists. Facebook and Google have partnered together. enabling viewers to vote during select live shows and watch the results in real-time East Coast data of the votes being cast.
To vote with Google, wait until you see the Idol vote-window open. This will happen as each performance begins. Then simply do a Google search for any Idol-related terms. Like magic, they will open to a page where you can cast your vote. The Google search option is available on computers, phones or tablets.
Then if you go on Facebook, you can watch the updates to see how your favorite star is doing. You can leave a comment on Facebook and they may feature your comment and profile picture during the "American Idol" show.
Bill Bradford, Fox executive said, "This season of American Idol is all about re-connecting fans with what they love most about the show -- the journey of the contestants from hopefuls to stardom. With the help of innovators like Google and Facebook, this season, we're deepening that connection by making it easy for fans to make a bigger impact and be a bigger part of the show than ever before."
Justin Osofsky, Facebook's Vice President of Media Partnerships and Global Operations said, "Integrating content from Facebook into American Idol's live broadcast brings a new dimension to the viewing experience and enhances the connection fans have with the show and its contestants."
This should be an exciting time for viewers and fans of "American Idol." They can help their favorite contestant become the winner.


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Monkey's Bizness
Pattern repeats every 6 inches parallel the fabric selvage
Monkey's Bizness Little Blaggards Cotton Fabric in Black from Alexander Henry Fabrics
This is a fabulous coordinate covered in skull and crossbones designs; a perfect print to use on endless future pirate projects. Little Blaggards will work wonderfully in kids quilts, a little boys bedroom, and plenty of other nautical creations. All in all, we are happy to have such a charming novelty pattern at our online fabric store.


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It was supposed to be the stiffest test of Adrien Broner's career at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City on Saturday night, and on HBO, and the "The Problem" didn't have one in passing the hurdle. The end for Antonio Demarco, game but defensively deficient, came at 1:49 of the eighth, by TKO, as his corner waved a white towel to signify their concession.
Broner, who really got cooking after a few rounds of scoping out the Mexican, went 241-451 overall, power, 216-373 to 93-351 overall, 80-253 power for the loser.
After, Broner said that yes, he does love to fight, but all in all, he wants to be a playboy. He said he knew Demarco was in over his head. He said that he wanted to send the message that if you fight Broner, you won't get that doodoo off your shoe. And next? Bigger game? He said it's up to Hayon and Golden Boy. He plugged his Instagram and Twitter as well. There was nothing as memorable as hairbrushing or a mock proposal, but his ring work didn the job better than any pub stunt. "I was going to do exactly what I did, shake him up, shake him, bake him, cook him and eat him, no homo," he said of his plan entering this scrap, with I'm pretty certain that last reference flying right over our man Larry's head.
Broner (24-0 with 20 Kos entering; from Cincinnati; age 23) weighed 134 1/2, while Demarco (28-2-1 with 21 KOs; from Mexico; age 26) was 134 1/2 pounds. Broner was five pounds heavier than Demarco, on the unofficial scale, on Saturday.
Broner in his last bout drew some scorn for not making weight, and not trying to make weight versus Vicente Escovedo. Larry Merchant mentioned before the bout that his late colleague Manny Steward met Broner a little while back, and told him he might do well to be more aggressive than Floyd Mayweather and a bit less aggressive verbally than "Money." He has emerged as a "love him or hate him" sort, similar to Mayweather, to a lesser degree of course, but it seems like he borrowed an old Floyd playbook.
The WBC lightweight titlist Demarco fought on Sept. 8, and barely broke a sweat, blasting out John Molina in the first. His sole loss came to the late bomber Edwin Valero in Feb. 2010, and he has matured much since then. He grew up tough, on the streets of Tijuana, a homeless kid in rags who had to forage to eat.
In the first, the ex junior lightweight champ came out gunning. His handspeed stood out, but only after the lefty Demarco sent notice that his hands were there to do damage. Broner had luck with left hooks, scuffing up the right eye a tiny bit. Rom Quirarte his trainer, told Demarco to be a bit busier. "Keep stalking, stay behind your jab," said Broner trainer Mike Stafford.
In the second, Broner stayed focused. It was not a busy pace, but Broner's quick hands impressed the crowd. Stafford noted that Demarco doesn't move his head.
In the third, Demarco went to the body. He was backing up Broner, or Broner was letting him back him up. The Mexican got busier.
In the fourth, we saw a cut on Demarco's right eye. Broner worked inside. His uppercuts scored time and again.
In the fifth, he hurt Demarco. "Underneath," his corner yelled. He complied...and threw in some of everything to boot. A slice looked a little nasty under Demarco's left eye. In the sixth, Broner didn't work as hard. Then he hurt him with a body shot.
In round seven, the ref warned Broner not to go low. Two rounds before, he warned him for holding behind the head. The corner told Demarco Broner had slowed down. Er, not so much...In the eighth, Broner did solid work again and a left hook put Demarco down and his corner threw in the towel.
In the TV opener on HBO, Seth Mitchell, the latest hope for a boxing public which craves an American player at heavyweight, took on Johnathon Banks, a protege and pal of the Kronk sage, Emanuel Steward. Banks was busy last week, breaking training to sub in for Manny, cornering Wladimir Klitschko for his bout against Mariusz Wach. We wondered if his head was screwed on straight?
Mitchell, a footballer at Michigan State who took up boxing at age 25, after he finally decided his knees couldn't handle football, is one to look up to. His mom raised him, as dad was nowhere to be found. A win would put him a step closer to a crack at a Klitschko, or at least a Povetkin.
Mitchell was seen as raw, but with power to burn. Raw won out, as Banks hurt him in round two. He sent him down twice, and then on the third occasion, the ref halted it. Banks landed 25 of 42 power shots in the fateful seconds, and his tutor, who always wanted his guys to be the aggressor, go for the stoppage, was somewhere, smiling.
After, Banks said after that he dedicated the win to Manny, because Manny loved knockouts. The winner said he knew he had a strong foe in front of him. He said the loser made a mistake not grabbing his arms when he was hurt. Larry Merchant said that he'd seen Banks before and he didn't act like a tiger. The winner said maybe turning 30 kicked it into a gear for him. Will he fight a Klitschko now? He said he's just thankful for meeting Manny. Banks, who has been fighting since age 15, said he wasn't scared of the bigger man. He said he knows how to fight Wladimir Klitschko, and in fact, made half a living figuring out Klitschko, so yes, we might see that fight in the future.
Mitchell after the fight said he reached on Banks, and was caught by a counter. He admitted he grabbed at the waist, not the arms. Are his dreams crushed? "Not at all," he said. "It set me back a little bit...Don't be sorry for me, be sorry for my next opponent."
The Michiganer Banks, at 28-1-1, was 218 pounds. Mitchell, 25-0-1, from Brandywine, Maryland, was 242. Both men are 30 years old.
In the first, a right cross tagged Banks. A right had Banks holding at 1:30. Trainer Andre Hunter told Mitch not to fall in after throwing. Javan Hill told Banks to "let his damn hands go."
In the second, he did; Mitchell went down, with 1:52 left. He held on, and Banks flurried. He went down again, with 46 seconds to go. Down Mitchell went again, and ref Eddie Cotton waved it off. "An amazing upset, Steward magic," said Jim Lampley.
I am officially convince that Broner is the the truth. I still haven't seen him hurt but I expect him to handle it like a G.
DeMarco is like Howard Cosell used to say, devoid of boxing skills but we all knew that. This fight answered some of the questions about Broner. Could he deal with a heavier, taller, harder puncher than he had fought before? What would happen we he didn't have the size advantage? How would he do against a tough fighter who was going to fight tough until the end? How would he do against a southpaw? This fight answered those questions. Broner has amazing hand speed, a tight defense, a good chin, and good ring intelligence. DeMarco knows nothing about angles or head movement and only know one way to fight which is to come forward, press the action and hope that he can out tough his opponent. Broner was too fast, too accurate, and hit too hard. It is going to be exciting watching who he fights next. Too bad most of his good fights are with Arum. Broner put up and shut up, at least for tonight.
DeMarco is like Howard Cosell used to say, devoid of boxing skills but we all knew that. This fight answered some of the questions about Broner. Could he deal with a heavier, taller, harder puncher than he had fought before? What would happen we he didn't have the size advantage? How would he do against a tough fighter who was going to fight tough until the end? How would he do against a southpaw? This fight answered those questions. Broner has amazing hand speed, a tight defense, a good chin, and good ring intelligence. DeMarco knows nothing about angles or head movement and only know one way to fight which is to come forward, press the action and hope that he can out tough his opponent. Broner was too fast, too accurate, and hit too hard. It is going to be exciting watching who he fights next. Too bad most of his good fights are with Arum. Broner put up and shut up, at least for tonight.
Broner, with the arms crossed-arms defense and that leaning to the right on his back foot, fights more like the prime Ken Norton than like Money May. And Broner has truth, real power and speed, not phony trying-to-be jive remindful of Gary Russell. Holla!
Russell is the truth and he gonna show Broner someday!
I've got your crow sandwich for you Caveman Lee! Demarco got destroyedo! I thought it would go the distance,117-113 but damn Broner is a tough problem to solve for any fighter. The first commandment of boxing is speed kills. 23 year old Broner has speed to burn. He will be hard to handle until he gets older.
Hats off to J Banks for knocking out big Seth Mitchell on the undercard. Way to come through for Manny.
That was a flawless beat down by broner , good job. Did demarco try anything from the outside? I didn't see because I was watching broner . Props to banks. He went for it and spoiled plans and shut people up and had the ko of the night. He is stewards most exciting heavyweight. Banks was with steward for half his life and was raised a man by manny . It's good that he made manny happy by giving what he likes a brutal knockout.
Demarco nailed him a couple times in the beginning and he took it so I would say he has a good chin. Bodywork might be the best weapon to use against him.
Broner needs a good beatdown.
SRD you was right on point big ups to u..Hey Broner fights just like Mayweather fights does now he spends most of the fighting in the pocket.
broner has the physical goods that is for sure...
demarco may be a tough sob but is limited skill wise...
broner did what he should have and i expected him to do..
if he could get the jive, and self celebration out of him he could be the american peoples champion down the road...
i am excited to see him mature mentally and take on some 140 lb fighters who are an actual threat...
very happy to see banks and wlad K dominate in the wake of losing Manny,
it sure was empty listening to the hbo commentary without him last night...
Don't go overboard, SRD. Broner is a process in work. And he doesn't have the speed or savvy of a young Money May. And unlike Money May, the kid takes too many chances with his mean skills and hotdogness. I still say that he is a dexterous bully. And that ain't a bad thang 'cause it works fo' him -- thus far. And now that I got a clear sweet science look at him -- no coconut wine or inattention because of dame fever -- the kid fights like Money May. NYET! Broner's style is more cross armed like Ken Norton and the late, great Archie Moore.
The kid isn't bootlegging a form of the Philly Shell/Crab style, as the Pops Joy May-taught one to Money May. SCLA Ali start band wagon jumping. Broner is more of a fighter than Money May. Money May is a safety-first arse kicker. Broner is a speed-demon, bullying whup@$$. Holla!
I'm not gonna git in a G war wif none of Russell's homesuckas. Let Russell step up and dance with a live body, then we will see the joker behind the drape. Only da know nothings, he can rape. I'm reminded of the O-Game of 2008, Russell was not so great. OMFG! He was outta sight! He didn't even fight. The thought of fighting reality and making weight to get there, made him passout like a bytch. It was not a "LUV T-K-O, but an O-Game's ditch!
When his humbuggery is revealed, I wonder if he is going to fly off in an air balloon. He won't be in the dream of cons and scams anymore, but in dat squared jungle where the truth will ease out. The place of little doubt. Holla!
Broner is better than Mayweather.
Broner is better than Mayweather.
Radam stop saying he fights like Ken Norton no he fuc$king don't. Give Broner his props the boi put tips on the top guy @135 he's the truth period.
Save Broner for another time! On the undercard! Seth Mitchell The Great Black Hope! Why did people believe his sh.... to begin with! The dude has no amatuer pedigree, was a football jock all his formative years, had to rely on people watching his back! Thats a way of life! Nothing like Boxing, just you and me and the ring! Butt holes like Atlas and Kellerman saying the US Champ is in the NBA or NFL! Champ of Monopoly maybe! Dude spends 2 rounds with a Cruiserweight and gets knocked from here to Maryland! Dont Assume, Dont Listen, and Dont Stereotype!
That was props, SCLA Ali. Apparently you don't have a good opinion of "The Jawbreaker" aka "Mandingo Warrior/Black Super Man" Kenny Norton. Double fudge you, dude! Uncle Kenny could FIGHT.
Go holla at him on Youtube. Broner-DeMarco Bout closely resembles Kenny Norton-Jerry Quarry Bout. Broner does not fight like Money May. Broner is a fighter-boxer-banger and has the Kenny Norton's leaning on the back foot and a crossed-arms style. Money May is strickly a boksing fool. And will take your arse to safety-first school. Holla!
Broner vs Mathysse would be similar to Leonard Vs Duran
Broner looked really good against as the writer says " a defensively deficient opponent" who also didn't put in enough volume punch wise to fight the style of fight he decided to fight ...Broner had all the time in the world to hit him ..actually pretty hard to miss him....especially with that wicked hand speed advantage...looked very comfortable ...hope we get to see him pushed a little harder next time ....lots of strong guys at 135 and 140 to physically match up with ....would love to see another Duran Leonard like match up to but Matthyse is no Duran and Broner though fast isn't the combination puncher that made Leonard so dangerous and exciting to see...now that's not saying it wouldn't be a good fight
Broner would cut Matthyse into swiss cheese and serve him as a sandwich to the canvas. Enough keyboard BANG, BANG, banging fo' now. Holla!
Broner would cut Matthyse into swiss cheese and serve him as a sandwich to the canvas. Enough keyboard BANG, BANG, banging fo' now. Holla!
Okay! Good that bout won't ever happen, any time soon, if ever. Broner will have an easy, short night. Holla!
Broner is better than Mayweather at 23, better than Mayweather right now, and better than Mayweather will ever be.
Broner is better than Mayweather at 23, better than Mayweather right now, and better than Mayweather will ever be.
Who will win the Sergey Kovalev vs Andre Ward fight?


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Pride Poise Perfection
I am an Honor Guardsman.
I will Proudly stand beside my shipmates despite the discomforting elements;
I will maintain Poise on and off the parade field;
I will exceed the standards and accept nothing but Perfection.
I will Honor all Coast Guard men and women both living and dead.
I will Respect the Honor Guard Mission and my Seniors.
I will Devote my maximum effort unto this sacred duty.
By wearing this rope I have accepted a commitment to Excellence as a way of life.


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May 27, 2016
Our Opinion: One way or another, fund the fair
It's a bit like Groundhog Day. The Crow Wing County Fair Board seeks a license to sell beer at the annual Crow Wing County Fair, only to be denied. In years past it was the Oak Lawn Township board shooting down the proposal. The past two years, however, it's been the Crow Wing County...
opinion / our opinion
May 27, 2016 - 8:10pm
May 26, 2016
Our Opinion: A failure to legislate
While Gov. Mark Dayton considers calling the Legislature for a special session, we still are at a loss as to how our elected state senators and representatives failed in their jobs this session. And there is no other description that fits—it was a failure on all sides. There...
opinion / our opinion
May 26, 2016 - 10:28pm
May 13, 2016
Our Opinion: Bonding for Cuyuna trails is a good area investment
May 23 is approaching fast. That's the date that the Minnesota Legislature is set to adjourn, presumably with its work for the session completed. It's looking more and more like that won't be happening. Numerous important issues still need to be resolved, including a bonding bill...
opinion / our opinion
May 13, 2016 - 7:24pm
April 15, 2016
Our Opinion: Still time to do the right thing with Mississippi River Northwoods
There is a lesson to be learned from the controversy surrounding a proposed multi-use trail system within the Mississippi River Northwoods property. And, we hope, there is a compromise that will serve the interests of everyone.
opinion / our opinion
April 15, 2016 - 10:11pm
April 3, 2016
Our Opinion: More pressing issues at hand
Minnesota is among at least 13 states, according to a count by Reuters, considering bills that would prevent transgender people from using public bathrooms that don't respond to their birth sex. North Carolina last week became the first state to enact a law requiring transgender people...
opinion / our opinion
April 3, 2016 - 5:38pm
April 1, 2016
Our Opinion: State job training program a good use of tax dollars
We've been hearing it for a while now—the jobs are there, all that's missing are people qualified to fill them. That problem may have a solution. The news last week that Pequot Tool & Manufacturing was awarded a $109,670 grant to train employees in advanced manufacturing is...
opinion / our opinion
April 1, 2016 - 8:36pm
March 25, 2016
Our Opinion: Mille Lacs walleye decision a step in the right direction
The DNR's decision last week to restrict walleye fishing on Mille Lacs Lake this upcoming open water season to catch-and-release only, and to ban the use of live bait to catch the lake's signature fish, illustrates the fine line state officials walk in trying to resurrect the species...
opinion / our opinion
March 25, 2016 - 9:34pm
March 18, 2016
Our Opinion: Drive with care on Highway 371
Anyone driving on Highway 371 between Nisswa and Pequot Lakes in the past month has noticed the rapidly changing landscape in preparation for a four-lane highway. It's brighter—even on a gray day or at night—and it's more expansive. We see houses we never knew existed....
opinion / our opinion
March 18, 2016 - 7:48pm
February 19, 2016
Our Opinion: Superintendent candidate interviews lacked transparency
When it comes to transparency, the Brainerd School Board, in its process to interview finalists for the school district's superintendent position, appears to have missed the mark. The school board on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday conducted interviews with the three finalists for...
opinion / our opinion
February 19, 2016 - 11:21pm
December 31, 2015
Our Opinion: New rules for reader submission
The ability of people to freely express opinion is part of the foundation of the country, and the Brainerd Dispatch has always valued printing the opinions of its readers. However, over the past several years, the rules of our Opinion Page have become unclear and, in some cases, lax....
opinion / our opinion
December 31, 2015 - 10:29pm
December 4, 2015
Our Opinion: A sales tax is the best way to fund county road maintenance
It's a difficult situation the Crow Wing County Board finds itself in. What should be done to address the issue of how to pay to maintain its miles and miles of paved roads? We support the idea of a half-cent sales tax currently being considered by the county board. It's a support...
opinion / our opinion
December 4, 2015 - 8:22pm
December 3, 2015
Our Opinion: Menk a good choice
We commend the Brainerd City Council for its appointment of Ed Menk as mayor. Menk, who fills the vacancy left by the Sept. 26 death of long-time mayor James Wallin, has an impressive resume, one which will serve him well in the mayor's post. He served on the Brainerd Planning and...
opinion / our opinion
December 3, 2015 - 5:09pm
November 6, 2015
Our Opinion: Crow Wing County should stay with Central Minnesota Community Corrections
On Tuesday, the Crow Wing County Board potentially could make a decision to leave Central Minnesota Community Corrections, the partnership for probation services it has been in for more than 40 years. We hope the board will stay partners, along with Aitkin and Morrison counties,...
opinion / our opinion
November 6, 2015 - 8:22pm
October 1, 2015
Our Opinion: Wallin's passing a sad day for Brainerd
With Mayor James Wallin's passing, the city of Brainerd lost perhaps its biggest supporter, cheerleader and genuinely one of the nicest people to call this city home. We join the chorus in mourning his unexpected death Saturday at the age of 73. Wallin, who was first elected to...
opinion / our opinion
October 1, 2015 - 9:09pm
July 13, 2015
Our Opinion: Weathering the storm
Sunday's thunderstorm was an awesome and frightening display of the power of nature. And like thousands of others in the Brainerd lakes area, the Dispatch was not immune to its effects. About 7:30 p.m., west Brainerd - including the Dispatch building on James Street - went dark,...
opinion / our opinion
July 13, 2015 - 6:05pm
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ORONO, Maine -- The University of Maine men's basketball team travels to take on Stony Brook on Saturday afternoon. Fans can catch all the action on the Black Bear Sports Network.
The University of Maine men's basketball team (8-11, 3-3) travels to take on defending America East Regular Season Champion Stony Brook.
The Black Bears are coming off a 71-68 win over defending America East Champion Vermont.
Maine was led by Alasdair Fraser who just missed a triple-double with 20 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists while Justin Edwards added a game-high 22 points.
Stony Brook is coming off an 81-73 loss to Vermont and will play UMBC on Wednesday before taking on the Black Bears.
Against the Catamounts, Stony Brook was led by freshman phenom Jameel Warney who had 15 points and 10 rebounds.
The Black Bears fell to the Seawolves twice last season in a pair of close contests, falling 58-52 in Orono and 55-48 in Stony Brook.
Edwards averaged 13.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists in the games while Fraser added 10.0 points and 7.0 rebounds.
The game features two of the top-3 rebounding players in the league with Maine's Alasdair Fraser (2nd-8.7 rpg) and Stony Brook's Tommy Brenton (4th-8.4 rpg).
Maine's Mike Allison currently has 109 blocks which put him fifth in program history, and also has 442 rebounds; should he grab 500 rebounds he would be just the second player in program history to notch 500 rebounds and 100 blocks (Jeff Cross, 1981-84).


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Lindsay Lohan"s bail bondsman David Perez has said that the judge"s decision to put the star behind bars was unfair.
Perez, who posted the 300,000-dollar bail to spring LiLo from behind bar, said that Judge Elden Fox"s decision to remand the actress in custody, without bail, was unprecedented.
"I think what Judge Fox did to her, putting her behind bars was unfair. It was a misdemeanor, and she was entitled to bail. I have never seen a judge deny someone bail because of a misdemeanor, ever," RadarOnline.com quoted him as saying.
Perez said Lohan had no trouble coming up the whopping bail.
"There was absolutely no problem whatsoever in securing her bail, period.
"Lindsay has never had financial problems securing bail," he added.
« Mel Gibson 'never thought domestic violence was even an issue' Pixie Lott puts designer clothes and handbags on sale for charity »


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|Quantum Steve
If a Half-Orc with the Toothy Racial Trait were to make a single bite attack (and no other attacks), would the bite get the benefit of 1.5x STR since it's her only natural weapon or would her iterative attacks count as "multiple attacks"?
PRD wrote:
If a creature has only one natural attack, it is always made using the creature's full base attack bonus and adds 1-1/2 times the creature's Strength bonus on damage rolls. This increase does not apply if the creature has multiple attacks but only takes one. If a creature has only one type of attack, but has multiple attacks per round, that attack is treated as a primary attack, regardless of its type.
What if she was under the effects of haste? Would the second bite attack make both of her attacks 1x STR?


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Laan Van Diepenvoorde 3
Waalre, Noord-Brabant, 5582 LA The Netherlands
Whether you're garbing a car seat, yourself, or a conveyor belt, Gamma Holding probably made the cloth. The textile maker offers an array of goods through two units. Industrial Solutions makes industrial textiles, such as coated conveyor belts and process belts; filters and screens; coatings, anti-ballistic materials, and industrial knitted cloth; and high-tech sailcloth. Lifestyle Fabrics makes patterned fabrics for mattress ticking, automobile upholstery, and African-print cloth. Gamma has operations in about 40 countries (including the US) and makes more than half of its sales outside Europe. In 2011 two Dutch private equity firms acquired a the company; Gamma subsequently delisted from the Amsterdam market.


text:
- Final Fantasy XII - The Zodiac Age
Announcement Trailer
- Hard Reset Redux
Gameplay Video
- Yooka-Laylee
E3 Trailer
- Horizon Zero Dawn
Aloy\'s Journey Trailer
- Agents of Mayhem
Announcement Trailer
- LEGO Star Wars: The Force Awakens
BB-8 Gameplay Trailer
- Dangerous Golf
Launch Trailer
Alan Wake Review
|ON OTHER PLATFORMS: Xbox360, PC
publisher: Microsoft
developer: Remedy Entertainment
genre: Action
|ESRB rating: T
release date: Feb 16, 12
|» All About Alan Wake on ActionTrip
Uros "Vader" Pavlovic
It's the year 2012 and PC gamers will now get a chance to play Alan Wake. Remember, Alan Wake was a five-year-long development process, during which Remedy Entertainment repeatedly showcased the game on the PC platform. At some point, Microsoft stepped in and the title was turned into an Xbox 360-exclusive. When the 360 edition of Alan Wake hit shelves in 2010, this made a bit of a dent in the game's fan base. So, the game was restricted to one platform and several delays did not help either. Not a good start, one would assume. There is an upside though. At least PC gamers now have a chance to get both DLC packs from the 360 version -- 'The Signal' and 'The Writer' -- adding a few extra hours to the experience. Still, we're getting ahead of ourselves.
Daylight, as last. It's time to go to sleep.
Evading such attacks is key. You could get hurt, you know?
This psychological thriller tells the tale of a writer named Alan Wake who travels to the remote town of Bright Falls, in the hope of finding some measure of peace and relaxation, away from his stressful city existence. Having arrived to Bright Falls, his wife Alice vanishes and Alan starts to search for her frantically. As Alan struggles to solve his wife's mysterious disappearance, he'll constantly have to battle a powerful dark presence, as well as his own fears. The dark remains a powerful theme throughout the entire narrative. Alice has a fear of darkness and every foe in the game is manifested through some form of darkness. With each passing moment, Alan finds it more and more difficult to discern what's real and what isn't. Pretty soon he discovers he represents the central character of a story which he can't even remember writing. Then again, writing is his greatest skill and he intends to use it in order end this nightmare and save Alice.
This game focuses on two key elements: action-packed combat and story presentation. Remedy wanted to deliver an exciting horror themed story, with emphasis on pure shooter-style action. For the most part, you could say they succeeded. Playing Alan Wake for the first time is a pretty solid ride. You get an intense action game, with some elements of horror and suspense thrown in. Still, they didn't quite grasp the point of a great horror storu, in which the idea is to actually scare people with subtle details. In an attempt to stick to its own form, the game forces components like the main character's narration and looking for missing pages of Alan's script. Both of these are cool additions, except they do tend to spoil the fun and ruin the horror-flavored suspense. Instead of surprising you, the game just hurls plot spoilers and warnings before the scary part even begins - you know, when shadowy figures creep up behind you, the camera quickly pans around and zooms in on the danger, and that just kills the horror experience right there. Also, be warned that this is not a survival horror game reminiscent of titles like Konami's Silent Hill. While there are sporadic moments where you have to escape swarms of enemies with nothing in your hands but a small torchlight, the game doesn't hurl you into any mechanics that involve planning, strategy or surviving against difficult odds. The surroundings are well-stocked with weapons (shotguns, hunting rifles, hand guns, flares, flashbangs and so on), and your pockets will always be stuffed with tons of ammo. Again, as far as the gameplay goes, it's mostly about the action.
Happily, the narrative slows down from time to time, switching from tense night-time chases and narrow escapes to leisurely day-time exploration where Alan usually gets to travel around the environment and the players can have a breather. These pauses are important and they help create the appropriate build up for the next inevitable confrontation with the dark presence.
8.2 Very Good
A great adventure with a compelling dark ambiance, packed with intense action, and yes, the PC version of Alan Wake provides the expected graphical improvements;
Story's not as engaging as we hoped, the action gets a bit dreary and repetitive after a while, it's still not the kind of top-notch entertainment we've been promised all those years ago.


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This Week for the Wildcats: The No. 42 Arizona women's tennis team will host No. 7 Southern California and No. 10 UCLA in Pac-10 play. The Wildcats will face the Women of Troy at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, April 6, and will take on the Bruins at noon on Saturday, April 7. Both matches will be held at the
Last week: The Wildcats struggled against two other top 10 teams on the road last weekend.
Scouting the Women of
Against UCLA: This is the 46th all-time meeting between the Bruins and Wildcats. UCLA leads the series 38-7.
Scouting the Bruins: UCLA is 12-5, 3-0 in the Pac-10 on the season. The Bruins have won seven out of their last eight including their recent four-match winning streak. Their last loss came against USC, 4-3. The Bruins are led by freshman Riza Zalameda, ranked No. 22 in singles. UCLA also has two other players ranked in singles along with two ranked doubles pairs. Head coach Stella Sampras Webster returns for her 11th year at UCLA. The team returns seven players and adds five freshmen.
Double Trouble:
Ranked Rivals: The Wildcats have played their last 15 of 16 matches against ranked opponents since opening the season against unranked
Wildcats in the Rankings: The Wildcats remained at No. 42 in the poll this week. Danielle Steinberg moved up to No. 91 in the individual rankings.
Fall Action:
Pac-10 Elite:
Next Week:


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Also, the post-apocalyptic 7 Seeds 16, which continues to pose the question:
To what lengths will someone go to survive?
Otomen © Kanno Aya/Hakusensha
[Serialized in Bessatsu Hana to Yume]
Published in Indonesia by Elex Media
Ouji Suzaku—Kasuga's ultimate "otomen-assassin"—turns on the lethal charm and bets on his principle of love in the battle to reform Asuka-chan in Otomen 11, this Elex sked's Most Wanted.
Elsewhere, in another Japanese high school, it's the third year in the light music club for Yui and gal pals. The number of new members remains at five, which ain't at all bad, considering everyone's getting along just fine. And even without new blood, there's still lotsa fun stuff to look forward to like the Mio fan club, the study tour, summer holidays and a band festival. Of course, you know Imma refer to K-ON!, specifically volume 3 that streets this 23rd. (This K-ON! tank also contains the extra story of how Mio became buddy-buddy with Ritsu.)
Seven new titles street this Wednesday, over half of which made it to the Top 10 DO WANT! I refer to the "slightly-creepy" shoujo Boy Dolls 1 by Hibiki Wataru, Kaneko Shinya's video game-based Culdcept 1, Hikawa Kyoko's classic Harmoni — the Deluxe edition, and the Royalty and Robbers Princess and The 3 Beasts 1 by Miyuki Mitsubachi.
Harmoni (Deluxe) is the bunko edition of Hikawa Kyoko's Harmoni (Hoshi no Harmony), first published by Elex in the 1990s. It follows the romance of two couples: Wada × Yukiko and Sugikake × Mayuko. Tuff guy Wada has never pretended to be patient, and the 0.00001% patience he can lay claim to is stretched by Yukiko who can't say "No" to save her life. (I think this doormat channeling is why
Weak Female Lead was slapped onto this It Started With a Misunderstanding love story.)
Meanwhile, Sugikake is the hyperactive, outspoken type; Mayuko is cute, even if she is given to slapping random hapless. Can Sugikake heal Mayuko's heartache?
Fujiko F. Fujio's Doraemon Movie: The Doraemons - Kerajaan Kue Okashinana yang Aneh, Kirihara Idumi's Penyihir Hutan Kokonoka and Inumura Koroku- & Ogawa Maiko's Recollection of a Certain Pilot 1 complete the newbies list. [Previews continued below the manga list]
Mangazines: Shonen Star 4/2011 ☆ Yakitate!! Japan by Hashiguchi Takashi
Kirisaki's condition worsens and he falls completely under the control of the bread bent on world domination. To prevent this weirdness from happening and restore Kirisaki to his senses, Azuma challenges him to a bake-off, pulling off what could be the Ja-pan to beat all Ja-pan.
Yakitate!! Japan vol. 20 also releases on 2.23
Aside from Hashiguchi Takashi's Yakitate!! Japan, the latest Indonesian Shonen Sunday—Shonen Star 4/2011—also serializes ARAGO by Arai Takahiro; Defense Devil by Youn InWan & Yang KyungIl; Detektif Conan by Aoyama Gosho; D-LIVE!! by Minagawa Ryouji; Dr. Koto by Yamada Takatoshi; Inuyasha by Takahashi Rumiko; Kekkaishi by Tanabe Yellow; Magical Iroha by Inoue Kazurou; My First Mr. Akuno by Fujiki Syun; Takkoku!!! by Fukuchi Tsubasa; and Wild Life by Fujisaki Masato.
Elex Media manga (2011.02.23)
- 7 Seeds 16 of 19+ by Tamura Yumi
- [Series Premiere] Boy Dolls (Shounen Dolls) 1 of 3+ by Hibiki Wataru
- Crayon Shinchan 3 of 50 by Usui Yoshito
- [Series Premiere] Culdcept 1 of 6+ by Kaneko Shinya and OMIYA Soft
- Doraemon 3 of 45 by Fujiko F. Fujio (Japanese binding re-release)
- [Premiere] Doraemon Movie: The Doraemons - Kerajaan Kue Okashinana yang Aneh (The Doraemons: Strange, Sweets, Strange?) by Fujiko F. Fujio
- [Premiere] Harmoni (Deluxe) (Hoshi no Harmony) by Hikawa Kyoko
- Kariage kun 39 of 49+ by Ueda Masashi
- K-ON! 3 of 4+ by Kakifly
- Otoboke Section Chief (Otoboke Kachou) 8 of 22+ by Ueda Masashi
- Otomen 11 of 12+ by Kanno Aya
- [Premiere] Penyihir Hutan Kokonoka (Kokonoka no Majo) by Kirihara Idumi
- [Series Premiere] Princess & The 3 Beasts (Himegimi to Sanbiki no Kemono) 1 of 3+ by Miyuki Mitsubachi
- [Series Premiere] Recollection of a Certain Pilot (To Aru Hikuushi e no Tsuioku) 1 of 3 by Inumura Koroku & Ogawa Maiko
- Welcome to Host Detective Agency (Host-tan e Youkoso) 2 of 5 by Tateno Makoto
- Yakitate!! Japan 20 of 26 by Hashiguchi Takashi
7SEEDS 「7SEEDS」 by Tamura Yumi
Best Shoujo Manga, 2007 Shogakukan Manga Awards
Broadcast as a radio drama from December 2003 to February 2004. Nine episodes compiled into three drama CDs: 7 Seeds 1 (JP release: 2004.03.26; based on events in manga volume 1), 7 Seeds 2 (2004.04.23; dramatizes events in manga volume 4) and 7 Seeds 3 (2004.05.21; adapts volumes 2 and 3).
Shounen Dolls 「少年ドールズ」 by Hibiki Wataru
Crayon Shin-chan 「クレヨンしんちゃん」
Other languages
English (partially translated by ComicsOne and CMX), French (J'ai Lu, then, Casterman), Spanish and Catalan (Planeta DeAgostini Comics Spain), German (EMA), Italian ( Panini Comics) and traditional Chinese (Tong Li Taiwan)
Shin'ei Doga's anime adaptation, starring seiyuu Yajima Akiko (Shin-chan), ran from April 1992 to December 2010. At least 18 movie sequels have been released between July 1993 and April 2010.
Culdcept 「Culdcept」
Based on the Culdcept video game
Other languages
English Culdcept (TOKYOPOP, five volumes per 2006.06), Italian (Star Comics), Spanish (Norma Editorial Spain: volume 6 per 2009.02.23)
Doraemon 「ドラえもん」 by Fujiko F. Fujio
Best Children's Manga, 27th Shogakukan Manga Awards, Grand Prize, the first Osamu Tezuka Culture Award (1997) and the Excellence Award, Japan Cartoonists Association Awards (1973)
Related series
Doraemon Plus (sequel; 5 of 5 volumes), Daichouhen Doraemon (side story; 24 of 24 volumes); Dorabase: Doraemon Chouyakyuu Gaiden (spin-off; 21 volumes, ongoing) and The Doraemon's Special (spin-off; 12 volumes)
A 52-episode anime adaptation by Nippon TV (1973.04 - 1973.09), a 1,787-episode series by Shin-Ei Animation (broadcast on TV Asahi from 1979.04 - 2005.03), a 2005 adaptation by Shin-Ei Animation and Studio Pierrot (premiered 2005.04.15; 300+ episodes) and numerous movies
The Doraemons: Strange, Sweets, Strange?
Based on The Doraemons movie Strange, Sweets, Strange? (Japan premiere: 1999.03.06)
Hoshi no Harmony 「星のハーモニー」
Related series
My Milky Way Railroad (one-shot sequel that appeared in Miriam)
Kariage-kun 「かりあげクン」 by Ueda Masashi
Recipient, 28th Bungeishunjū Manga Award (1982), along with Ueda Masashi's other series Furiten-kun and Masashi-kun and Suzuki Yamato's Ai MY Tenrankai
Related series
Kariage-kun: Chinan dake no Kuchikara Otoko! Hen, Kariage-kun: Itazura Meichin Bamenhen and Kariage-kun: Makenai Onnatachihen (sequels)
K-ON! 「けいおん!」 by Kakifly
Other languages
English K-ON! (Yen Press: volume 1 per 2010.11; volume 2 street date: 2011.03.29), traditional Chinese (Sharp Point Press Taiwan)
The Kyoto Animation anime adaptation, starring seiyuu Toyosaki Aki (Hirasawa Yui), Satou Satomi (Tainaka Ritsu), Hikasa Yōko (Akiyama Mio) and Kotobuki Minako (Kotobuki Tsumugi), aired in Japan from April to June 2009; additional OVA episodes released with the DVD and BD volumes on 20 January 2010 and 16 March 2011; and a second K-ON!! season aired between April and September 2010. An anime movie has been announced.
Otoboke Kachou 「おとぼけ課長」
Otomen 「オトメン(乙男) 」by Kanno Aya
Other languages
English Otomen (VIZ Media: volume 9 per 2011.02.01 • volume 10 street date: 2011.05.03 and Chuang Yi: volume 10 per 2010.09), French (Akata/Delcourt: tome 11 street date: 2011.03.09), German (Carlsen Verlag: Band 3 ships 2011.02.25), Spanish (Planeta DeAgostini) and traditional Chinese (Tong Li: 乙男 -粉紅系男孩 10 per 2010.02)
Live-action adaptation starring Okada Masaki (Asuka) and Kaho (Ryo) aired on Fuji TV from 1 August to 3 November 2009.
Kokonoka no Majo 「ココノカの魔女」
Himegimi to Sanbiki no Kemono
To Aru Hikuushi e no Tsuioku
Host-tan e Youkoso 「ホス探へようこそ」
Yakitate!! Japan 「焼きたて!!ジャぱん」
Best Shounen Manga, 49th Shogakukan Manga Awards (tied with Arakawa Hiromu's Fullmetal Alchemist)
Other languages/serializations
Serialized in the Indonesian Shonen Star (ongoing)
English Yakitate!! Japan (VIZ Media: volume 25 per 2011.01.11), French (Delcourt/Akata; Yakitate Ja-Pan !! un pain c'est tout tome 26 released 2010.01), Spanish (Editorial Ivréa Spain), German (EMA) and traditional Chinese (Tong Li: 新鮮出爐﹗日式麵包王 26 per 2007.06)
Sunrise's 69-episode anime adaptation starring seiyuu Kobayashi Yumiko as Azuma Kazuma aired from October 2004 to March 2006 on TV Tokyo.
[Release links are hide/unhide. Click for more details.]
Elex Media mangazines (2011.02.23)
- Shonen Star 4/2011 (Indonesian Shonen Sunday)
¹ Sources: Elex STO 23 February 2011 (release schedule) and Komikologi and/or Gramedia Shop (synopses, unless indicated otherwise)
² Manga are priced at IDR 16,500 each, except Crayon Shinchan 3 (IDR 21,800), Culdcept 1 (SRP: IDR 18,500), Doraemon Movie: The Doraemons - Kerajaan Kue Okashinana yang Aneh and Harmoni (Deluxe) (IDR 24,000 each), and Kariage Kun 39 and Otoboke Section Chief 8 (IDR 15,000/volume). Shonen Star 4/2011 retails for IDR 30,000/issue.
³ Links like this are commercial Amazon search and/or product links (other language versions).
Previews continued
New titles
Boy Dolls 1 of 3+ by Hibiki Wataru
Descended from a long line of "doll masters," Etou Ageha can hear dolls speak. It falls to her to restoring errant doll spirits back to the path of righteousness, and in this task, she is aided by Leo, the guardian doll that has been in her family for generations who can take human form at night. More importantly, Leo helps Ageha search for the other long-lost guardian doll Yuki, so that she can be acknowledged as the head of the family and the true doll master.
In addition to
Dolls, Doll Maker, Baka-Updates Manga users also file this ongoing LaLa/LaLa DX serial under
Possessive Lover and
Fanservice. If those tags don't make you drool, then how about this: Leo looks like Vampire Knight's Kuran Kaname. (Sits back and grins at the eruption of fangirl squees.)
Earlier, Elex published another of Hibiki Wataru-sensei's supernatural shoujo series, Lys Lily AKA Hanatsukihime (concluded December 2010).
Culdcept 1 of 6+ by Kaneko Shinya and OMIYA Soft
Borrowing TOKYOPOP's Culdcept description (excerpted by Baka-Updates Manga) for backgrounder:
Najaran is a young woman who just happens to be an apprentice Cepter. Cepters have the power to summon creatures from magical cards. Once, these cards were collected in a book called the 'Culdcept.' During an ancient battle, the book was destroyed — its cards scattered far and wide. Najaran's master gives her a dangerous mission — she must obtain information about the Black Cepters and their nefarious plans. If the Black Cepters rebuild the Culdcept, the arcane book of ages past will grant them unspeakable God-like powers!
Elex's addition: the first card Najaran plays —
This Magazine Z seinen manga, which adapts the original Culdcept video game, is reportedly on hiatus at volume 6 (released in Japan 2007.09).
Doraemon Movie: The Doraemons - Kerajaan Kue Okashinana yang Aneh by Fujiko F. Fujio
If my research serves me right, this is the mangafication of the 16-minute Doraemon movie, The Doraemons: Strange, Sweets, Strange?. Here is the Elex preview:
The Doraemons adventure into the Okashinana Cake kingdom and participate in a contest to see who can bake the yummiest cake to make depressed Princess Honey smile again. The problem: their efforts are obstructed by Niganiga.
Elex's most recent Doraemon Movie manga prior to this was Nobita & Kerajaan Robot, double-launched in the first week of February.
Penyihir Hutan Kokonoka by Kirihara Idumi
In the Kokonoka forest dwells a witch. Not your hag or evil crone type witch, but a carefree girl who strongly resembles Salami, the daughter of the village healer.
Where does the the witch Nanoka come from, and what mysteries lie in her past?
Aside from the one-volume Kokonoka no Majo, Kirihara Idumi-sensei also created the recently released Hitohira.
Princess & The 3 Beasts 1 of 3+ by Miyuki Mitsubachi
One day, a threatening letter arrives at the Alba Forest royal palace: "We will steal the treasure left by the late king to his beloved daughter, Violet." A group calling itself Three Beasts claims responsibility. Violet's Because Destiny sed so! encounter with one of the thieves, Karasu, causes her life to change in ways only that D-word knows.
I assume the major upheaval Destiny has planned for Princess Violet is the
Kidnapping that appears among the tags for Himegimi to Sanbiki no Kemono, the original Hana to Yume title. The series appears to be Miyuki Mitsubachi-sensei's first, at least, going by his/her backlist here (only contains one-shots, save for Himegimi to Sanbiki no Kemono).
Recollection of a Certain Pilot 1 of 3 by Inumura Koroku & Ogawa Maiko
As war escalates between the kingdoms of Levam and Amatsukami, Fana del Morale, Levam's next queen, is ordered to escape to a family stronghold outside the capital. Her only companion: mercenary pilot Charlee Karino. But to get to the sanctuary that lies close to enemy territory, the pair must cross an ocean and run the gauntlet of unfriendly fire. Can they reach their destination safely?
Recollection of a Certain Pilot, originally To Aru Hikuushi e no Tsuioku, was first serialized in Gessan AKA Monthly Shonen Sunday.
The rest of the ongoing series at a glance
- Crayon Shinchan 3 by Usui Yoshito: Shinchan joins a marathon, but instead of heading towards the finish line, he detours to the...pharmacy?
- Doraemon 3 by Fujiko F. Fujio: Nobita wants his Christmas gift NOW!, but December 25 is still three days away. As usual, Doraemon has the solution: a magic calendar.
- Welcome to Host Detective Agency 2 by Tateno Makoto: Kobayashi learns that the Aketomo detectives by day are Lady Killer hosts by night, and that their detecting clientele comes from the host club guests. The client this time: Aketomo's sister, a senior high teacher, who wants them to figure out the code her runaway pupil mailed her.
- Yakitate!! Japan 20 by Hashiguchi Takashi: Guess who should appear this time before the Pantasia team? Kawachi's former rival, Katsuwo, now the most formidable pig man in history!
UP NEXT: Level Comics and m&c! 23 February 2011 manga and manhua
Level Comics: Until Death Do Us Part 4 · Team Medical Dragon 15 · Red River 4 · Half an Apple 7 · Fight!! Ippo 80 · Happy Hello Work at Age 21 V4 · Jormungand 2 · K2 V5 · New Comic Bomber 6 · Over Rev 17 · The Ravages of Time 7 · Michel Vaillant - Kairo!
m&c!: My Sweet Kaicho 9 · Bleach 37 · Oresama Teacher 4 · How To Be A Man 6 · The Impeccable Twins Final Chapters 15 · Long Hu Men 175 · Lovely Make-Up - Myon & Fuku-chan's Beauty Learning 2 of 2 · Momokan 7 · Shanaou Yoshitsune Genpei War 10 · Together in Love 1 by Sakamoto Miku · B.O.C.A.H. 2 · Seer - The Genchildren 2
Iamque opus exegi,
~niki DBA 30uɐlnɯɐnɥ (花木蘭03)
Mistress of Adoxography
Cover images and source summaries used here for reference are © their respective intellectual rights holders. No infringement intended.
other invaluable resources
Wikipedia · Baka-Updates Manga · 7net Shopping · ANN
Technorati tags
Elex Media · manga · shoujo · shounen · seinen · 7SEEDS · Boy Dolls (Shounen Dolls) · Crayon Shinchan · Culdcept · Doraemon · Doraemon Movie: The Doraemons - Kerajaan Kue Okashinana yang Aneh (The Doraemons: Strange, Sweets, Strange?) · Harmoni Deluxe (Hoshi no Harmony) · Kariage-kun · K-ON! · Otoboke Section Chief (Otoboke Kachou) · Otomen · Penyihir Hutan Kokonoka (Kokonoka no Majo) · Princess & The 3 Beasts (Himegimi to Sanbiki no Kemono) · Recollection of a Certain Pilot (To Aru Hikuushi e no Tsuioku) · Welcome to Host Detective Agency (Host-tan e Youkoso) · Yakitate!! Japan | Shonen Star


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Weddings By SML an, Orange County based video production house, shared a few hints on how to hire a Videographer. Along with the photographer this has been a popular purchase among brides. Your big day goes by so quickly, capturing all of the activities, your ceremony and reception, on video will mean your wedding will be preserved for you and your family forever.
This video is no longer available to view. Please visit Weddings by SML on their website.
Hiring A Videographer!
– When getting started on your search, before you make any phone calls, check online for samples of work. Any reputable company will be more than happy to either provide you with a DVD sample via mail, or send you a link to where samples can be viewed online
– Once you've seen footage you love, give that company a call to setup an in-studio appointment. It is imperative that you meet the person who will be shooting your wedding in person so that you can get a feel as to how you are going to interact with them on your wedding day. The NUMBER TWO complaint I hear from Brides who have used other companies is that their videographer was overbearing at their wedding. Make sure you "click" with the company you are interviewing. Also, check to see if they have worked with any of your vendors. If you can book a videographer and photographer who work well together, it will give you more time to enjoy the company of your guests and it will amplify the quality of the final product you receive.
– So you have found the company you love, time to figure out the cost. You'll notice I didn't put cost up at the top because this is the NUMBER ONE mistake brides make. If you simply choose your videographer on the cost of their packages, I can personally guarantee you will be unhappy with the final product. While there is a bottom line to your budget, and you probably have a price range in mind, don't let it be the end-all be-all in choosing who is going to capture your special day. If it comes down to a couple hundred dollars difference between two companies, and you really like the work of the more expensive company, spring for the extra bucks. I promise, twenty years from now, when you watch your wedding day sitting next to your significant other and your children, you won't regret it.


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How can I show $F:\mathbb{R}^2\rightarrow \mathbb{R}^2$ given by $F(x,y)=(x^3-3xy^2, 3x^2y-y^3)$ is surjective? I've tried solving for $(u,v)=(x^3-3xy^2, 3x^2y-y^3)$ (not solving explicitly, just trying to show solutions exist) but I end up with some square roots that I don't know are real.
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Rewriting in polar (suggested by gary) or complex (suggested by user177622) form is the way to go. I'll use the polar coordinates $(r,\theta)$. Observing that $F: (r,\theta)\mapsto (r^3,3\theta)$, one easily concludes that the image of the circle of radius $r$ under $F$ is the circle of radius $r^3$. Since $r\mapsto r^3$ is a surjection of $[0,\infty)$ onto itself, $F$ is surjective.


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This Cherished Moments Zoe bracelet is an beautiful keepsake. The Zoe bracelet is sterling silver with genuine soft white freshwater pearls which is a gorgeous sight. Your child's first set of pearls as a baby! You will love Cherished Moments adjustable sizing! When you purchase a keepsake piece of jewelry for your child you want them to be able to enjoy it for a while. Cherished Moments grow-with-me extension chain allows you to move to the next ring on the chain as your child grows for a perfect fit.
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What is the difference between Homecoming and Reunion?
Homecoming is a community-wide event where alumni, parents and students can connect with the university and Forest Grove. Reunions take place during Homecoming and are a specific opportunity for groups of alumni (usually class years or affinity groups) to gather.
When will the Homecoming weekend schedule be available?
The weekend schedule will be available this summer. For making travel arrangements, plan to be around from Friday morning to Sunday afternoon, October 14-16.
How do I find out who will be there?
Visit the Who's Coming page to see who has registered for Homecoming. Registration will open this summer.
Can my Pacific University student attend events with me?
Pacific University Students are welcome to attend most events. Students with meal plans can use their meal credit to pay for meals during Homecoming. Please note use of a meal card for a Homecoming meal means forfeiting the regular meal offered in the dining commons at that time. Please mark students attending on the registration form, even if they will use meal cards. All Pacific students receive one free ticket to the football game, which they may pick up from the Athletic Department during designated times. Pacific student tickets will not be distributed through Homecoming registration.
Do I need to register?
Yes! Registrations help us know how much food to order and how many seats to provide. Even if an event is free, it is greatly helpful for the event planners to know how many guests to expect.
Why do I have to pay to attend Homecoming events?
The registration fees help pay for student staff, postage, printing, rental of tables, chairs, china, table linens, mementos, nametags and catering. The university greatly subsidizes Homecoming in an attempt to make the event affordable for all guests.
How does Reunion Giving make a difference?
Donations show support for the exceptional education received at Pacific University. While steeped in tradition, Pacific must continually expand programs, increase opportunities for students and faculty, and respond to the escalating cost of education. Tuition only covers 80 percent of the cost of educating each student at Pacific, and over 98 percent of our undergraduates receive additional financial aid.
Donations can be made online or sent to:
Pacific University
UC Box A162
2043 College Way
Forest Grove, OR 97116.
What should I wear?
All Homecoming events require casual fall attire.
I have a dietary restriction; will there be food for me?
The catering staff can accommodate most dietary restrictions and allergies, (vegetarian, vegan, gluten intolerance, lactose intolerance, etc.) but it must be noted on your reservation.
Are there any local hotels?
Yes. See our accommodations page for hotels that have offered special rates in the past and for a list of local hotels.
Can I bring my kids?
Yes! Children are welcome at all events except the wine tour, though parents are required to look after them for their safety.
Is there a late fee?
There is no late fee, though reservations are appreciated in advance.
Can I receive a refund if necessary?
The Office of Alumni Relations provides refunds one week prior to the event, except in the case of group ticketing events (i.e. sporting and theater events) when two weeks are required. All refunds require notification via phone or written statement cancelation. In all instances refunds will not be offered after the applicable time period, regardless of circumstance. Refunds will be issued up until a week prior. Cancelations received after that time cannot be refunded.
Are there tickets for Homecoming?
A confirmation will be sent within one week of registration. Nametags are required to gain entry to all events. Additionally tickets are required for some events. Nametags can be picked up at the Welcome Center area during the weekend.
Is there a way for me to get from the airport to Forest Grove/my hotel?
Pacific University has partnered with the Hillsboro Airporter to provide guests with exclusive service between Forest Grove and PDX. Homecoming guests can enjoy shuttle service for $70 one way (up to 3 guests, a $10 savings) and $75 (4-5 guests, a $15 savings). Gate fee will also be waived. To make a reservation, please call (503) 888-9199 or visit their website. Please mention "Pacific University Alumni Relations" when reserving.


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Chris La Putt (yes, there is a space between "la" and "putt" ) is a regular contributor to BrooklynVegan
as a concert photographer covering the indie music scene in the greater New York City area.
my pictures have appeared in the following : Associated Press, Boston Globe, European Pressphoto Agency,
LA Times, Miami Herald, NPR, NY Times, PBS, Rolling Stone, Spin, Texas Monthly, Time Out, the Washington Post,
and many others.
My work has been part of the New York Photo Festival's Fall Invitational at the Powerhouse Arena in DUMBO
and has been selected as one of the winner's for PDN's Ultimate Music Moment series as well as a participant
in a number of other hoity-toity galleries.
folio 1


text: Happy Tail: Marigold is a merry addition to the family Posted on Jan 28 , 2014 by Joan, staff writer Print Home > Blog > Adoption stories > Happy Tail: Marigold is a merry addition to the family Tags: cat adoption Marigold's family think she's quite special – and funny, too. This cat, whom the family adopted from 4 Paws With a Cause in Medford, NJ, after seeing her photo on Petfinder, has a curl in her tail that would make a Spitz dog proud. Not only does she have the curl, but from time to time, she seems improbably surprised to find it perched there on her rear end and gives it a swift chase. Marigold positions herself to play. "We think she doesn't know she has a tail … or maybe she just brings along a toy wherever she goes," says her adopter, Sarah Trust of Moorestown, NJ. We have our smartphones; Marigold has her tail — nice things to have with you to keep from getting bored. Marigold has fit right into her new family, which includes two other oats, Hercules and Mr. Bentley. But her favorite family member is undoubtedly Sarah, whom she shadows everywhere. "She follows me around to see what I do, and when I sit down, she has to get behind me on the chair." A cat around the house is a great companion – and Marigold is as merry as they come. Learn why Petfinder believes all cats should wear collars and tags. Share this Article: Print


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Hotel on the outskirts of Gravesend
The Granby Hotel
Book Online / Location
The Granby Hotel is a privately owned hotel ideally situated in North West Kent,easily accessible from major motorway links and roads,rail and air connections. The hotel offers the contrast of a Inn Style hotel setting whilst being only minutes away from the Historic Towns of Gravesend, Maidstone, Chatham(historic dockyard), Northfleet(Ebbsfleet Eurostar link), London(City),Brandshatch and The Kent County Show Grounds, Restaurant/Bar with Free Wi-Fi.Our team chefs are one of the key ingredients at The Granby Hotel. Consistently preparing culinary delights of homemade Traditional English & Modern European dishes normally associated with the kitchens of only the finest restaurants. Using fresh, local ingredients they create a variety of appetising signature dishes, comfort food and vegetarian.
Official Rating: N/A
Located on the outskirts of Gravesend
For room and pricing information, please use the 'Availability / Book Online' function at the top right of this page.
Hotel Non-Smoking ThroughoutDisabled Facilities24 Hour ReceptionCots availableCar parking available onsiteWi-Fi AvailableMeeting FacilitiesRestaurantTVTea/Coffee making facilities in each roomWake Up Call AvailablePets AllowedGround floor bedroomsDisabled Access Public AreasDisabled toilets on ground floorWheelchair Access
Wheelchair Access To ReceptionWheelchair Access To RestaurantWheelchair Access To BarWheelchair Access To Conference RoomsWheelchair Access To Disabled Car Parking SpacesIn-room BroadbandWi-Fi Available In Public AreasWi-Fi Available In RoomsBusiness CentrePrivate dining servicesLounge MenuBar[Channels] News[Channels] Music[Channels] ChildrensRadio


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It's become a common trend that when the pink puffball known as Kirby hits the shelves of North America, that his attitude takes a turn for the worst. In an interview with GameSpot, Kirby: Triple Deluxe director Shinya Kumazaki explained why.
"For the Japanese versions we are, at [Kirby series developer] HAL, involved in everything throughout development, including the package design. The most powerful image of Kirby is that cute image, we think that's the one that appeals to the widest audience."
In Japan the regular old cute Kirby does more than enough to appeal to fans. But once things move out west, the design choice takes a big turn.
"What we have heard is that strong, tough Kirby that's really battling hard is a more appealing sign of Kirby, so that's what we feature in the US."
There's a lot up for conversation with this topic. Gamers in North America seem to lean more towards the war games like Call of Duty rather than the kiddy looking Kirby game. But is putting angry eyes on Kirby really enough to sway somebody into buying the game?
The whole concept seems pretty silly. No matter how enraged you make Kirby look, it's still a tiny pink ball. The art is colorful and fun and the gameplay is what really makes Kirby shine. Once you start playing you wont be looking at the box the game came in, and at that point it doesn't really matter.
Maybe it is just a cultural difference. The genre of games played in Japan are different from that of the USA, you can find that just by looking at a sales chart. But that's not to say gamers in the west don't still enjoy Kirby, the lovable version or the battle tested one.
With that being said, there are cases where the art is the same in both the east and west. The Japanese art for Triple Deluxe also features the agitated version of the circular mascot.
When it comes down to it, the box-art wont have any effect on somebody buying the game who is already a Kirby fan. It's possible though that a younger kid would find that angry Kirby to be "cooler," and as a result they are more likely to buy the game.


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Rihanna Tweets Prayers, Support to Chris Brown on Day of Court Hearing
Chris Brown was due to appear in court on Monday for a probation hearing, and the performer got some very public support from an old friend — Rihanna.
Rihanna tweeted words of encouragement to her onetime boyfriend, writing, "@chrisbrown I'm praying for you and wishing u the best today!"
Brown then retweeted Rihanna's message, adding, "thank u so much."
RELATED – Rihanna: Chris Brown "Was Love of My Life" — But We're Just "Friends" (VIDEO)
Earlier on Monday, Rihanna tweeted, "Praying for you baby, my best wishes are with you today! Remember that whatever God does in our lives, it is WELL DONE!!! #1Love."
Brown had been scheduled to make his first court appearance in more than a year last week, but a judge delayed the hearing after prosecutors raised questions about Brown's community service.
To date, Brown has received positive feedback on his probation obligations, which came in the wake of his 2009 assault of then-girlfriend Rihanna.


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Alaska e-Post online
Arctic Wolves ride wave of change at NTC
Click image to enlarge
As an axiom, "shoot, move and communicate" captures the essence of Army operations and the always-changing and evolving nature of war. If there was ever a conflict defined by a refusal to stay static, it would be Operation Iraqi Freedom.
The 2003 invasion was aimed at accomplishing a regime change. Less than a year later, coalition forces battled a massive insurgency. Nation building has been constant, and now the U.S. military's main focus is establishing relationships and training the Iraqi army and police to take over security of their nation.
The 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, will join this latest phase of OIF in a few months.
"One of the most dramatic challenges for us as an Army, for officers and NCOs who were in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom in the beginning … that was a completely different environment, a different war," said Lt. Col. Jim DeMoss, commander of 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment. "Those Soldiers and their experiences, their ways of dealing with things and the Iraqi people, were radically different than they are now. We're now in a much different environment."
In the heart of the Mojave Desert, The National Training Center at Fort Irwin, Calif., has adapted about as often as the 5-year-old Iraqi conflict. Four years ago, what was a dusty intersection five miles from the garrison area is now the four-street mock village of Medina Wasl, which is filled with Iraqi-Americans and other role players. Forward operating bases are positioned far beyond the village as they would be in an Iraq province. Mock villages lay outside the FOBs, housing hostile and friendly role players.
As the OIF mission changes, so do the preparatory missions waged at NTC and the Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Polk, La., where the 1-25th, in its previous incarnation as the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, trained in May 2005. For veterans of that trip and the current NTC mission, the training has taken a quantum leap.
"The training value here is 100 percent different. At that time, JRTC was not set up well for a Stryker unit to train there," said Sgt. 1st Class Ronnie Taylor, B Company, 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment. "Here you've got the wide-open desert, all these little mock cities, all the IA (Iraqi Army). This is very realistic."
The more than 100-degree heat and the operational tempo add additional realism. A squad or a platoon will be up past 2 a.m. on a live-fire mission, get back to the FOB, do the after action review, take care of their Stryker vehicle, grab some chow, and find a cot, all after being warned their next operation will begin after lunch. Then they may get the call to action as early as 8 a.m.
"We're getting high-quality, challenging training here at NTC," said Lt. Col. Michael Smith, 1-25th SBCT deputy commanding officer. "There are great role players, excellent trainers here, and we're getting teaching and mentoring from the observer controllers. We've got a realistic environment as far as the heat, the sand, and they've done a great job replicating the villages."
It is in those villages where the Stryker Soldiers rally for training operations. After Soldiers dismount their Strykers in Medina Wasl, role playing villagers flock to them. Personal interaction as mock roadside bombs explode and casualties drop ratchet up tension and confusion. Spinning through a Soldier's mind are a hundred thoughts: Is that guy friend or foe? Where is the medic? Is that a wire running into that box over there? I can't see around that traffic jam….
"They've got a realistic setup; I like it a lot. They've got live animals, goats and stuff, so it's been good training," said Spc. Nicholas Blust, B/1-24th, who was deployed to Iraq with the 172nd. "We've got a bunch of new guys who are pretty motivated to go over there and do their job. I'm pretty confident; we've got some pretty good leadership."
"The situational training exercise lanes we are going through here are phenomenal," said Lt. Col. Chris Wolney, executive officer, 1-25th SBCT. "The opportunities our Soldiers have here in the villages interacting with local nationals along with the heat are just topnotch."
For all its realism, NTC trainers plant deliberate potholes. Scenarios evolve as missions play out, ensuring a certain level of failure. The philosophy is better fake blood at NTC than real blood in Iraq.
"The Soldiers are improving every day, which is just what you want here," DeMoss said. "That is the phrase we use, 'get better every day.' They are exposed to those choices. Sometimes we make less than perfect choices, but this is exactly the place to make those mistakes. This is where we want to learn."
Learning how to handle a conflict that defies definition is why the 1-25th SBCT spent nearly a month at NTC. As the Arctic Wolves depart the training area this week, their leaders hope the lessons learned here will penetrate the minds of the 4,000 Soldiers like the desert sun and sand did the past four weeks.


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On Thursday, a substantive proceeding was held in Amsterdam in regards to the issuing of an event license for last years "Sinterklaas" [Saint Nicholas] parade, by Mayor Eberthardt van der Laan. The mayor issues the event license to the Sinterklaas Parade Foundation of Amsterdam, every year. After issuing the event license last year, around twenty petitioners filed complaints with the city, claiming that Black Pete is a racist element within the Dutch Sinterklaas holiday. A judge dismissed there complaints, claiming that they lacked merit. The petitioners weren't satisfied with the judges decision and filed a motion for a substantive proceeding.
Black Pete is portrayed with big red lips, wears big gold loped earrings and has nappy hair. Text in a popular Saint Nicholas song has also raised a number of eyebrows, "Even though I am as black as soot, I mean it good". Dutch documentary maker, Sunny Bergman mentioned during her testimony the pain that she feels when hearing those words. Bergman is one of the petitioners, involved in the ongoing court proceedings.
Sunny Bergman, Perez Jongloy and Barryl Biekman were allowed too restate the reason why they felt they're complaints did have merit. They were represented by legal adviser Frank King. "We wouldn't be here if Black Pete had blond hair and blue eyes," said King during the hearing. King believes that Black Pete is a racist caricature, that acts out negative black stereotypes. King stated that the Netherlands Institute for Human Rights has also released a statement where they say that: "Black Pete is a racist element within the Sinterklaas tradition". The legal adviser for Mayor van de Laan, A.J. Wildschut claimed that the statement from the institute didn't have any merit because it was sent to one individual by email and not announced publicly.
Representatives of the Sinterklaas Parade Foundation of Amsterdam, were also present. Representing the foundation were Jules Vos and Martine Willekens. Vos said that it is the foundations goal to organize an event that can be enjoyed by all Dutch citizens. They realize that there is a lot of controversy surrounding Black Pete and are open for dialog. Wildschut and the foundation believe that progress is being made, but it will take more time to find a resolution that everyone will be happy with.
King stated that Mayor van de Laan violated the Dutch and European Constitutions, when looking at articles that pertain to discrimination and racism. The reason why King feels that these articles were violated is because Black Pete demoralizes people of African descent, creating stigmas within these groups. King pointed out that Mayor van de Laan claims that he has spoken with all of the petitioners involved in the case, but this is far from the truth. Bergman, Jongloy and Biekman all confirmed that they haven't been involved with the so-called secret Black Pete talks that have been taking place. Wildschut stated that Mayor van de Laan did not violate any constitutional articles when issuing the event license. He believes that the mayor followed the rules and that the parade presents no danger when it comes to public safety.
Wildschut believes that the goal of the petitioners is to have Mayor van de Laan give his personal opinion of what he thinks about Black Pete. As a publicly elected official it is impossible for Mayor van de Laan to do this. Earlier this year, during an Anti-discrimination demonstration, Mayor van de Laan held up a anti-Black Pete t-shirt designed by Patrick Mathurin. The text on the t-shirt reads: "War No More Zwarte Piet," which is actually paying homage to the great Bob Marley. "I did not force the shirt into his hands. He was also willing to take a picture holding the t-shirt in front of him. His press secretary was standing right by him. The mayor then promised me that he would wear the t-shirt when the opportunity presented itself," said Mathurin.
The judges explained that they will review the case in its entirety and announce their verdict in 6 weeks, on July 3rd.


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Teddy bears could help socially excluded
Feeling as though we belong is important for our mental and physical wellbeing. Social exclusion hurts and it darkens our mood.
Unfortunately, this sets up a vicious circle because we're then less likely to engage in friendly, prosocial acts, and so less likely to form new bonds with others.
A new study documents an effective way to break this cycle - excluded people should touch a teddy bear.
Read more on our Research Digest.
Recommended content


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Educating Disability Care Professionals
Oak Hill is committed to maintaining and enhancing professional development for healthcare professionals. We continuously raise awareness in the community about living and working with people with disabilities. Training is provided by experienced, compassionate professionals dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.
We offer programs for:
Our Hartford training center is a modern training facility with all the necessary amentities for our courses as well as customized programs for your group. Some programs can be delivered at your location as well.
Continuing Education Units (CEUs), Re-certification and State Licensing
The following Oak Hill programs offer CEU-eligible courses for professionals in disability-related careers.
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Call us at (860) 242-2274 or email: email@example.com
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Or Search our Job Opportunities


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What prompted Testo set up its establishment in India and how has been your experience doing business here?We had several reasons to set up our own subsidiary in India. The main point is to make fully use of the potential in India, as a fast growing developing market. Testo India was established in 2006 and is growing rapidly, as planned. The entry to the Indian market was not easy, as bureaucracy is strong and one needs to build up a lot of relationships. It is important to have the right infrastructure to establish appropriate sales and services, as well as dealers.
How mature is the Indian market today?
The Indian market is very interesting and developing. The mindset of Indian people is changing more and more - to not just procure the cheapest low tech instruments. People are getting more conscious on the quality aspect. We try to educate customers with high quality, reliability, durability products 'Made in Germany', which is a quality symbol itself. In India one obstacle is the bureaucratic procurement process, seeking for the cheapest, which is a pretty difficult and long-term process. I think that India needs a lot of improvement in this area. Especially with the objective to be a main player in export, Indian companies need to proof and provide best technology to the world market - in the right time, right quality. And industry does not have time! It is not possible to provide a high-end output with low-end technology. The mentality needs to change.
Tell us about Testo's presence in other Asian markets.
Testo already has subsidiaries in the other main Asian markets like China, Korea, Japan; they all have started earlier than us in India. Testo is more established there compared to Testo in India. The Testo brand name is already settled in these countries. However, they also had more time; we are working very hard to get the same position in India, in a much shorter period of time. Testo has distributors in all other major markets in Asia.
How do you walk your talk - "We have partners, not customers?"
We believe in long-term partnership with customers. We do not only sell, but also consult and find solutions for our customers. We are application specialists providing solutions for all key applications. Our customers see us as reliable partners, even after sales. We are well-equipped with experts in the field of sales and service.
How has the market responded to your products?
The market was touched by a few competitors before our entry, and we had to prove our state-of-the-art instruments. We are confident to deliver the best instruments and services in India. The response rate is tremendous. There are lots of industrial customers who want to have our devices. At times budgetary processes takes longer time, but we have a lot of good orders in hand from some very popular companies. And this is multiplying very rapidly. Whenever our sales experts demonstrate the benefits and features of our products to prospective customers, they do simply recognise – 'it's a Testo'.
Talking about Testo's motive, 'Committing to the future' can you share its future plans to increase its footprint in India?
India is a strategic and potential market for Testo. We have considerable growth and investment plans for India. We are currently building the necessary sales & service infrastructure for penetrating our target groups and cover the main industry centers. We have already considerable capacities to serve our customers directly as well as to build up distributors; however, we will definitely need many more people in the future. We have committed to India – it will be very soon one of the highly industrialised countries, with huge demands of high tech equipment.
How would you describe the competition in your field?
Of course, we are not alone in India. But we believe in looking at ourselves, rather than looking at competition. Testo has a wide range of unique instruments and solutions, for many applications. But we don't just rely on our products. We focus on our relationship with customers and build partnerships with them. We want to give confidence - a Testo instrument is the best choice!
• more@click-Code: ADI02011


text: Give even a simple outfit a bit of flair when you decorate your lobes with these bold blooming beauties. The classic dangle and girlish femininity combo will add a kick to any nine-to-five dress, while the shiny spiked studs and textured shape can polish up even a graphic-tee-and-denim day. For ultra impact, pair them with a classic red lipstick, a retro blouse, or a strapless dress for a timeless look thats sure to doll you up. Style: accessories-earrings-bien-me12447pink


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I wonder if there are proper $9\times9$ Sudokus having $7$ or less different clues. I know that $17$ is the minimum number of clues. In most Sudokus there are $1$ to $4$ clues of every number. Sometimes I found a Sudoku with only $8$ different clues.
In this example the number $9$ is missing, but the Sudoku was very well solvable. Is it possible to have a $9\times9$ Sudoku with less than $8$ different clues?


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LeBron James continues his summer of giving (Video)
Argue the merits of the player, and perhaps even the ego, all you want. But LeBron James is getting work done this summer, good work.
Debate what went down a year ago amid "The Decision," but appreciate all the good that came out of it for so many.
Of course, this kind of stuff doesn't get nearly as much attention. Instead, it's become about appearance fees and the like.
But the good work continues. And that deserves to be noted, as well.
Such as: